A Jobs Program that Works

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative helped nearly 2,000 Philadelphians find work. Now, with a large grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the organization is expanding and rebranding to connect more Philadelphians with skills, jobs and career opportunities

By Courtney DuChene

Mystery Shopper Fixing A Voting Envelope That is Sealed Shut

I planned to vote early, by mail or drop box. But like hundreds of Philadephians, I received a pristine ballot — and stuck-closed secrecy and mailing envelopes. City Commissioners’ Office to the rescue!

By Citizen Mystery Shopper

The Citizen Recommends Attorney General Ultimate Job Interview … in Pittsburgh!

For the first time ever, The Citizen is crossing the Commonwealth to interview Eugene DePasquale, Dave Sunday and Eric Settle, candidates running to be “the people’s lawyer” of PA

By Courtney DuChene

And What Does a State Treasurer Do?

Pennsylvania’s elected CFO manages the sixth largest economy in the U.S — and a few other things. See who's on the ballot this election season. The next in our Your City (and Commonwealth) Defined series.

By J.P. Romney

Business for Good Update Mom Your Business

Tanya Morris’s incubator for women entrepreneurs is thriving in its new brick-and-mortar home — for now

By Raymond Jones and Lauren McCutcheon

Ideas We Should Steal Automatic Voter Registration for Returning Citizens

Local social justice advocates and a University City state rep want to follow Michigan’s lead and register people convicted of felonies upon release from incarceration. Such legislation could swing elections.

By Courtney DuChene

How to Watch the Presidential Debate in Philadelphia

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump meet on September 10 at the National Constitution Center in the heart of Philadelphia. Here’s how you can get in on the historic event

By Lauren McCutcheon

What Even Is an Auditor General?

The state’s chief fiscal watchdog is on the ballot in November. Here’s why that matters, the next in our Your City (Commonwealth) Defined series

By J.P. Romney

Public Speaking Can Win (or Lose) the Presidency

The ability to deliver a message effectively could determine our next POTUS — and is a skill, a long-time university president argues, that all students should learn

By Elaine Maimon

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