Malcolm Burnley Writer

Malcolm Burnley has been a journalist in Philadelphia since 2013. Before joining the masthead as a staff writer, he was a longtime freelancer for several outlets in the city, including the Citizen (some of his all-time favorite stories were pieces for the Citizen, like one about Philly’s voting-machine fiasco and a contribution in the Higginbotham series), Philly Mag, and WHYY. He’s also contributed work to Time, POLITICO magazine, The Atlantic, iHeartRadio and other outlets.

A native of Staten Island, NY, he is passionate about telling overlooked stories throughout Philadelphia. He’s also a podcast host and adjunct professor at Temple University’s Klein School of Communications. He wants to see Philadelphia at its best. And he wants a Dion Waiter statue.

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Stories by Malcolm Burnley:

Are We Overthinking Recreational Weed?

PA legislators are trying to legalize recreational marijuana and create industry opportunities for Pennsyvanians affected by the war on drugs. Is there an easy first step they could pass before the end of the year?

By Malcolm Burnley

Fear of a Biracial President

Amidst last week’s rally of 14,000 people featuring Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, there was something missing: Any mention of race from the Dems’ presidential ticket

By Malcolm Burnley

Business for Good: BioPhy Uses AI to Predict Life-Saving Medicines

The Philly company supported by Chelsea Clinton's venture capital firm offers a “GPS for Drug Development” that can boost the success rate of clinical trials and get treatments in the hands of patients who need them faster

By Malcolm Burnley

Anuj Gupta Wants Your Immigrants. Now.

Amid a toxic political environment, the new CEO of Philadelphia’s Welcoming Center is urging leaders throughout the state to recognize the importance of wooing immigrants — before it’s too late

By Malcolm Burnley

Ideas We Should Steal: Incentivize Child Care in any Redevelopment of UArts Real Estate

Several states and New York City offer tax relief to landlords who create child-care facilities. Could a similar policy help bring workers back to Center City?

By Malcolm Burnley

PA’s Fair Funding Champion

Deborah Gordon Klehr oversaw the Education Law Center’s successful case mandating better funding of public schools throughout the state. But it’s her work outside the courtroom that has been indispensable for Pennsylvania students

By Malcolm Burnley

Is Mayor Parker’s Favorite Housing Program Ready for a Glow-up?

The City’s Turn The Key workforce housing program has gained admirers for building homes affordable to middle income families. But can it really be the centerpiece of the city’s housing plan?

By Malcolm Burnley

2024 Integrity Icon: Tracey T. Williams

The deputy commissioner for the Department of Records is a career civil servant who’s fighting to protect homeowners and advocate for those in need of recognition

By Malcolm Burnley

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