An Extraordinary Feat of Sesame Street Compassion

A Philly native and former media bad boy-turned-recovery writer on a classic TV-inspired lesson in humanity

By A.J. Daulerio

How to Get Low-Cost (and Free) Mental Health Services in Philadelphia

Mental health in the U.S. is worsening and barriers to care abound. But help is out there—here’s where to find it in Philly

By Sarah Miller and Shaheer Naveed
Ideas We Should Steal

7 Ways to Solve Gun Violence

This week's shooting in Kingsessing is another sign that Philadelphia is failing to staunch its rampant gun violence — despite evidence about what works. Here are some ideas.

By The Philadelphia Citizen Staff
Character Lab

Know Thyself

MacArthur "Genius" Penn Professor and co-founder of Character Lab explains why your values are your compass

By Angela Duckworth
Guest Commentary

Celebrating Juneteenth Amid the Trauma of Gun Violence

A Philadelphian who witnessed a murder in his neighborhood reflects on the collective trauma that we must overcome to have true freedom

By Robert L. Parker
CHARACTER LAB

Everyone’s an Artist

The next edition of our partnership with Penn's Character Lab, co-founded by MacArthur Award-winner Angela Duckworth, explains why we should all embrace our inner artist.

By Susan Magsamen
Listen

Ali Velshi on Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Youth

MSNBC anchor and Citizen Board member says most Americans don't know anyone who's trans, yet many oppose the most common and life-saving healthcare for trans youth — because they don't know what it is

By Ali Velshi
Guest Commentary

Applause for CCP Teachers

Community College teachers are opening minds and changing lives. It's time, a former Temple professor urges, we treated them with the respect they deserve

By Christina Hasaan and Sara Goldrick-Rab

Bucks County vs. Big Tech

Studies show TikTok and other social media apps cause mental harm to teens and pose a danger to the rest of us. Can action by a group of local officials curb their influence?

By Andy Bloom
Guest Commentary

How will the Next Mayor Address Mental Illness?

Local mental health advocates call on mayoral candidates to address the underlying issue that affects, crime, drugs, homelessness and growth

By Marc Pomper and Elizabeth Sinclair Hancq