Citizen Must Reads

Your Weekly Guide to Surviving the News

“Board of Peace,” states’ rights, election polling, Greenland and more smart stories that explain what happened this week

By The Philadelphia Citizen Staff
Guest Commentary

What PA’s Double Budget Crisis Means for Us

When a federal government shutdown coincides with an unapproved state budget, the hardest hit will be the Pennsylvanians who need help the most

By Daniel J. Mallinson

The Key To PA’s Power in D.C.?

The state is on track to lose another Congressional seat in 2030 if we don’t stanch our population drain. Could the solution be … more housing?

By Jon Geeting
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Ali Velshi on John McCain’s Lessons for the Government Shutdown

The MSNBC host and Citizen board member recounts how the late U.S. Senator from Arizona stood for regular order in 2017, and how his example applies to our government shutdown today

By Ali Velshi
Guest Commentary

Who Suffers When Both PA and D.C. Grind to a Halt?

It’s not legislators, anyway. A local political consultant weighs in on our twin crises, and how we can hold electeds accountable.

By Mustafa Rashed
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Ali Velshi, “And The People Won.”

The MSNBC host and Citizen board member explains how media consolidation led to Jimmy Kimmel's suspension — and how ordinary Americans used the tools of democracy to fight for freedom of speech

By Ali Velshi

In College Admissions, Bullies Win

A longtime university president urges the College Board to restore a tool that helped universities like Swarthmore and Haverford admit more low-income students

By Elaine Maimon
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Ali Velshi Reminds Us Strongmen Can’t Stand Being Mocked

The MSNBC host and Citizen board member examines the firing of Jimmy Kimmel as a direct threat to free speech and democracy coming from corporate capitulation

By Ali Velshi
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Ali Velshi Explains The New Hole in The Fourth Amendment

The MSNBC host and Citizen board member covers how the Supreme Court gutted constitutional rights by green-lighting racial profiling

By Ali Velshi
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Ali Velshi On How Everyday Citizens are Defending Democracy

The MSNBC host and Citizen board member highlights ordinary Americans displaying civic courage and engaging in small acts of resistance

By Ali Velshi