Guest Commentary

Are Voters Ready for a “Politics of Joy?”

Is Kamala Harris's presidential campaign more 1980 or 1968? That depends

By Kevin Sunday
Ideas We Should Steal

Safer, Cleaner, Greener Public Spaces

New York City and Paris both have leaders who care about making shared urban spaces for every resident. Philadelphians deserve the same

By Katrina Johnston-Zimmerman
Mystery Shopper

Does City Council Answer Residents, Like, Literally?

Our Gen Z Mystery Shopper reached out to each member of Philadelphia City Council via email and phone to ask what they are doing about climate change. Here’s what happened

By Citizen Mystery Shopper
Listen

Ali Velshi Explains Abortion is a Life-saving Medical Treatment

The MSNBC host and Citizen board member on why every American with the potential to get pregnant is in grave danger

By Ali Velshi
The Fix

How to Really End the Reign of Johnny Doc

Labor leader and convicted felon John Dougherty has been sentenced to prison, but the corrupt culture he dominated still lives, abetted by a judge’s soft sentences, an ethically blind Councilmember, and a shrugging citizenry.

By Larry Platt
LISTEN

Note to Self — There Are Still Hostages

Activist Liz Hirsh Naftali was in Philly this week to speak at a screening of Sheryl Sandberg’s October 7 documentary Screams Before Silence. Her gripping family story and her fight to keep the hostages front of mind reminds us that human rights transcend politics

By Larry Platt

POTUS as Teacher-In-Chief

The best U. S. presidents exemplify the traits of good teachers. Here’s what to look for, from a longtime university president

By Elaine Maimon

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
New Urban Order

The Best Housing Bill on the East Coast?

Is Massachusetts’ new housing package an idea Pennsylvania should steal?

By Diana Lind
Listen

Ali Velshi Inside Project 2025 and Schedule F

The MSNBC host and Citizen board member outlines how Schedule F dismantles the civil service system and hands the president unprecedented power

By Ali Velshi