CitizenCast: Recent Episodes
The Philadelphia Citizen
The Philadelphia Citizen podcast offers spoken versions of articles, deeper dives into the political, social and cultural workings of our city, explainers on the issues of our day, interviews, conversations and solutions. Lots of solutions. All to help you become a better citizen of your city.
One restaurant in Kensington is participating in the Pay-What-You-Can movement that lets customers decide how much they want to pay for their meal. It's a no-judgment way of making finer dining accessible to anyone.
Donald Trump keeps telling Americans we're in a "golden age" of economic prosperity. Ali Velshi breaks down the reality.
The highly contagious disease is sweeping the United States. Philly currently has zero confirmed cases — a stark difference from the city's major outbreak 30 years ago. Are we more prepared this time around?
A long-time university president calls for a constitutional convention on higher education in the city known for revolutions. Penn, et al, are you listening?
Thirty percent of all breast cancer patients experience a potentially deadly recurrence. Scientists at Penn are finding ways to prevent dormant cells from waking up.
In this episode of Guest Commentary, a local political activist has an idea we should steal to bring power back to the people
Take in the most notable changes to Mayor Parker's FY27 budget in this lightning episode.
In court documents, the Trump administration admitted to terminating federal clean energy grants "to states that awarded electoral votes to Kamala Harris in the 2024 election." Ali Velshi weighs in.
"The problems we have as a country don't go away because the federal government leaves the stage," says Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, CEO of Accelerator for America, on the latest episode of How To Really Run A City. "All this stuff lands on the front steps of City Hall."
And then what? That's what hosts Kasim Reed (former mayor of Atlanta) and Michael Nutter (former mayor of Philadelphia), along with Citizen Co-founder Larry Platt, explore with Brown University Professor Marc Dunkelman, author of the new book, Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress — and How to Bring It Back.
"We need to rethink the balance between our impulse to empower central authority and the attempts to ensure that power doesn't do damage," says Dunkelman.
Dunkelman highlights the push and pull of centralized power in U.S. politics, tracing a line from the Progressive Era of the late 19th century to the destructive anger of modern MAGAism.
Reed weighed in with his experience. "Fair is harder," he says. "I believe in action-oriented leadership. Move faster. Be decisive. Be more inclusive, yes, but by god, do something."
Join us for an unvarnished discussion about why trust in both politics and infrastructure continues to be broken in this country, along with steps we can take to actually make things work.
As Dunkelman says, "There's a fantasy that if you just get everyone around a table, they will eventually come to an agreement. The truth is, we need deciders. That's why we have elections."
As cities go, so goes the nation!
Research shows Americans are spending less time with the folks next door than just a decade ago. Roxanne Patel Shepelavy joined the hosts of WHYY's Studio Two to discuss ways we can turn this trend around.
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, the city's favorite entrepreneur, brand marketer, chef and photographer caught up with fashion and artistic icon Bariq Cobbs who's dressed the Fresh Prince, TLC and LeBron James. Cobbs collabed with Nike and Nordstrom and toured the world exhibiting his paintings.
Donald Trump's ICE crackdown is increasingly violent, provoking widespread backlash after two traffic stop killings in one month. This is how a president with a private police force and "acting with total impunity" behaves.
The City's former Litter Czar bemoans a missed opportunity for real environmental and sanitation changes in Philly. Here's how we can do better.
Police can legally question citizens without reasonable suspicion or probable cause in what are called "mere encounters." Do citizens know they're free to just walk away?
If you've experienced a mere encounter with Philadelphia police, CPOC would like to hear about it. You can access a survey here.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, one former Philadelphia Mayor pulled a few political and life lessons from the NBA Finals
On this episode of Citizen Recommends, we all know Philadelphia is the mural capital of the world, but did you know we're also a Playful Learning capital?
Sandra Shachar Scotch-taped a sign to the area surrounding the President's House, where the Trump administration controversially replaced a slavery exhibit. She's been threatened with arrest if she does it again.
On a very special episode of How To Really Run A City, our hosts soak up the wisdom of renowned 92-year-old former California Speaker of the House and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, a player still at the top of his political game.
From jelly bean power plays in front of Ronald Reagan to pressure campaigns to free Nelson Mandela to candid thoughts on how to navigate the Trumpian circus in Washington, D.C., Brown is a well of bipartisan optimism and moral clarity.
"I was the guy," Brown told former Atlanta mayor and mentee Kasim Reed, "who could tell you what your bill would do if enacted. And I would support it because it was the right thing to do. And in government, you must always do what is right."
"You've laid out so many different examples of doing the right thing," said former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter. "We seem to be somewhat, nationally, dysfunctional these days."
"But when you think about Willie Brown," said Citizen Co-Founder Larry Platt, "you think of a happy warrior … someone who fights with a smile on their face. That's what people want."
"There's no question, that is my approach," Brown said with a smile. "And besides that, I like to party. No matter where I am, if a party can happen, I'm a participant in that effort."
Join us for one of the most memorable and smile-inducing episodes of the podcast, a true masterclass in the art of politics.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
On this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, a partnership of organizations has made Baltimore Harbor swimmable again. Could Philly do the same with the Delaware and the Schuylkill?
"Big Rube" Reuben Harley grabbed a microphone and headed to Dough Heads Pizza on iconic 9th Street. He chatted with owners Joe Betzala and Justin Camardo about their genre-busting flavors and what it's like to operate a modern classic pizza shop in the heart of cheesesteak land.
What's worse than getting your fender blown off by a distracted driver? Trying to get your car back from the company that towed it. (And, a NE Philly Senator has just pulled off a solution)
Remembering the life and activism of the artist Danny Simmons Jr. He was an advocate for creatives across Philadelphia and a voice for the underrepresented.
Across nearly half a million service requests, residents in lower-income ZIP codes wait roughly twice as long for routine 311 service. The pattern is too clear to be an accident.
Find the full 311 Research Series here.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, a Southwest Philadelphia educator offers a most patriotic defense of birthright citizenship
Malcolm Burnley joined WURD host James Peterson to talk about the research and interviews that went into his recent article about why Rochelle Bilal enjoys such high levels of support in the city despite missing firearms, a no-bid contract and a slate of stalled reforms.
Former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham devolved his city to greatness, and would like to do the same for the whole U.K. Should Philly defy other U.S. cities to do the same?
Because Donald Trump was never held responsible for his attempts to illegally overturn the 2020 elections, his administration has been preparing for another attempt -- this time to alter the upcoming midterms. Is this a traitorous act against American democracy? Ali Velshi takes on the question.
Celebrating the founding of our country when it feels like everything is falling apart? Really hard. Celebrating the Philadelphia that's been hosting the World Cup? Easy!
On this episode of Guest Commentary, one Columbia University vice president argues that to properly celebrate the 250th, we must be like Hungary and do our duty on November 3 in order to save a democracy on the brink.
In a special interview edition, Olivia Kram checks in with Media's own Auston Trusty, Team USA's newest World Cup superstar, on bringing his Philly-ness to the world stage.
Ali Velshi breaks down the attempts by the Trump administration to undermine the upcoming midterm elections, and the forces within our democracy that have blocked their subversions. So far.
The re-opening of a new rail bridge in Southwest Philadelphia will connect one of the city's poorest neighborhoods to jobs and green space downtown. Will local residents be the ones who benefit?
A year from reelection, the mayor has taken big swings, sustained political losses, and faces progressive backlash. Here, a job performance review — and a challenge.
... including cities. One urbanist believes the recent successes of FIFA Fan Fests, the NBA Finals, even Toy Story 5 prove synchronous watching is the new placemaking.
Reporting from The Trace revealed first-responder relatives whose health insurance and benefits were cut when their family member died by suicide. A new City Council bill aims to remedy this. Mayor Parker's administration opposes the cost.
Lesbian bars are on the decline, but the fact that two have popped up in this South Street's micro-hood is not only bold, but feels like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Dr. James Peterson says the miracle of Black life — despite centuries of alienation from our American experiment — is our insistence on finding kinship with each other. That is what we celebrate this weekend.
A recent report by Harvard University's Opportunity Insights revealed a sorry statistic for Philadelphia: We are last in the nation for economic mobility. In other words, we have a lot to learn from other American cities.
On this special episode of How To Really Run A City, Citizen Co-Founder Larry Platt and former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter and former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed pull out their favorite moments from the last year of the podcast that take on just this issue.
From housing availability in Detroit to help for small business owners in Scranton, PA to 15-minute cities and unexpected employment programs in Cleveland, the mayors and changemakers from this episode are demonstrating how cities can unlock their immense power, and how city leaders can become facilitators while spreading goodwill along the way.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
On this episode of Evening WURDs with Dr. James Peterson, Emily Rizzo is invited onto the Citizen segment of the show to discuss her Citizen article about South Philly's Sharswood K-8 that saw a dramatic rise in reading scores
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Reuben Harley catches up with friend Jamele Ransom, who became a viral sensation for saving kids and eating Mr. Softees.
As Ali Velshi moves on to The 11th Hour, he looks back at the last six years of American book bans and has some final thoughts.
What does Pat Croce--Zen guru, Philly cheerleader, rabid pirate enthusiast and former Sixers owner--do when diagnosed with terminal cancer? Climb the world's most famous mountain in order to conquer his mind and spirit.
A Northern Liberties-based refillery and a city-wide door-to-door composting service are teaming up to bring Philly one step close to sustainability
On this episode of Guest Commentary, an advocate for people with disabilities sees Pennsylvanians losing their independence because of PA's gaunt reimbursement rates
This year we heralded city workers in fields ranging from sanitation to violence prevention. Hundreds of attendees left the night's celebration feeling inspired and empowered to uplift our beloved Philadelphia. Hear it for yourself.
You can read up on all these award-winning public servants here.
Ali Velshi is taking over The 11th Hour on MS Now. After six years on Velshi, he gives a final word on the vitally important role of journalists bearing witness to the people.
For a decade, political leaders and media elites haven't known how to respond to Trumpism. Last week in a South Philly patriotic tent show revival, Bruce Springsteen provided a script.
Instead of taking the ordinary route, declare independence from the crowds and check out these six Revolutionary sites instead.
For more information on these sites and events, visit this story on the web.
Milwaukee, WI Mayor Cavalier Johnson won reelection in 2024 with 80 percent of the vote. "Those are Vladimir Putin levels," joked Larry Platt.
"The difference is, Putin's still looking for the other 20 percent!" said Michael Nutter.
Asked why he decided to devote his life to public service, Johnson said, "I fell in love with helping people in my community. I mean, the key word in 'progressive' is progress. And mayors get stuff done. It's truly where the rubber meets the road in cities."
From youth workforce development programs ("Ten-year-olds were being recruited to steal cars, here") to rejecting partisanship for the good of the city ("Bringing the RNC to Milwaukee in 2024 was a purely business decision") to his efforts to grow the population of Milwaukee to a million people, Johnson is out earning that 80 percent each day.
"We have an awful lot of people who listen to this podcast that we hope will one day run for office," said Kasim Reed.
"Right, I think it's important for the people to see their reflection in this office," said Johnson. "It's a powerful thing. It's all about service."
As cities go, so goes the nation!
On this episode of Citizen WURDs with Dr. James Peterson, Kerry Woodward joins the show to chat with Peterson about the new law that mandates every PA student take personal financial courses in high school.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, City Council has one chance to get rideshare taxation right, says an urbanist and strategist. His solution combines the ideas of Parker, Uber and economics 101.
Utilities are outpacing inflation. Governor Josh Shapiro has launched a new watchdog in PA to scrutinize the spiraling prices. Ali Velshi explains.
When two Bucks County teenagers leaped to their deaths from a quarry cliff in 1983, they left a quiet suburban community in shock. "That kind of thing doesn't happen here," people thought. Then it happened again.
On a special episode, we talk with the author of the original 1984 Philadelphia magazine article Over the Edge. We talk about the details of this forty-year-old story, about mental health issues and how journalists can write about the topic responsibly.
On this episode of Integrity Icon, Faith Harris is the Director of Social Service and Operations at the City's Division of Criminal Justice. She advocates for young people to get the justice and care they need. Come celebrate her and her fellow Integrity Icon winners on June 3. RSVP here.
Missing firearms, a no-bid contract, stalled reforms: Why are Rochelle Bilal's fellow pols still standing by her?
Partisan tension, pandemic learning loss, cell phones everywhere, and the AI takeover of everything. On this special episode we dive into the modern challenges of teaching in Philadelphia in this award-nominated story by Ben Seal.
This bill in Hawaii (which embraces a strategy known as "Corporate Power Reset") is meant to sidestep Citizens United and the dark money it injected into our democracy. Other states are taking notice. Ali Velshi explains.
Is the now inevitable election of Democratic Socialist Chris Rabb to Congress part of a trend that should have us asking: Where have all the serious people gone?
Nashville, TN Mayor Freddie O'Connell was compelled to run for office on a simple principle. For too long, transit and infrastructure had been neglected by city officials.
"I don't know of a greater transit evangelist among the mayor fraternity than Mayor O'Connell," said Larry Platt on this week's episode of How To Really Run A City.
"My mom remembers a Nashville that still had streetcar lines," O'Connell told our podcast hosts, former Mayors Kasim Reed of Atlanta and Michael Nutter of Philly. "And then we ripped that all out. If you look at our old streetcar maps, we had a good transit system."
Join us for a discussion during this year's Infrastructure Week centered on a blue city in a red state pulling every lever to reestablish customer-focused government and proper infrastructure investment.
But Mayor O'Connell isn't all work and no play down there in Nashville. He also moonlights as DJ Stay (he chose this nom de vinyl because "I want you to stay" in Nashville).
"Our man says he's on the ones and twos," laughed Nutter, who knows a few things himself about spinning records.
"I didn't have this on the bingo card for today," Reed said with a grin.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
On this episode of Citizen of the Week, we highlight the work of Karen Sandone whose husband was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer's. This Doylestown woman chose to speak out and create a national community of support.
He's a 25-year-old councilmember, she's a 66-year-old (vocal) critic in this odd story of insults, conspiracies and illegal record disclosures.
Republicans may be winning the redistricting fight, but they may be overlooking a few important factors. Ali Velshi explains.
On Tuesday, voters can approve or reject two ballot measures in the primary election. We break them both down.
Staff writer Malcolm Burnley recently visited City Cast Philly to chat with host Trenae Nuri about his recent story Fix the Sidewalks!
Listen in on the conversation and then check out City Cast Philly for yourself.
On this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, Vienna and Maryland have invested in innovative, income diverse public housing to much acclaim. Could they work in Philly too?
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has changed dramatically since 2024, not just detaining and holding more people, but also making it harder for them to get help. Here, a Temple law professor lays out what you can do about it.
Visit this story on the web for helpful links.
"This is the most urgent problem facing every one of us today, no matter where in the country we live." Ali Velshi explains.
Local debates around Gaza, school closings, and ICE all raise the same question: Does anyone care about actual governing, or has Philly fully entered the age of the political grandstand?
When Republican Stephen Goldsmith was Mayor of Indianapolis, IN, he ran his city by "devolving" decisions down to the grassroots level. He created partnerships with the movers and shakers of local areas – community-based organizations, small businesses, faith leaders — to decide together how best to spend money in their neighborhoods.
"Government had neglected those neighborhoods," he told our podcast hosts, former Mayors Kasim Reed of Atlanta and Michael Nutter of Philly. "And no amount of expenditures would have been sufficient if we couldn't lift up the civic infrastructure of the neighborhoods themselves."
This, said Goldsmith, who was a deputy mayor under Mike Bloomberg in New York and is now a professor of urban policy at Harvard University's Kennedy School, is the true power of mayors: the ability to convene and inspire a city to greatness. Despite the circus coming from Washington, D.C., Goldsmith told our hosts that he has great hope for cities. "This is the time to be mayor, because if you want to lead, you can really make a difference."
Goldsmith also garnered some unexpected praise from our hosts. "I was struck by your book, Putting Faith in Neighborhoods: Making Cities Work through Grassroots Citizenship," Citizen Co-Founder Larry Platt told him. "I remember thinking it was a model for cities to follow."
"This is exciting," Goldsmith replied, "You're one of five people who read that book. What sort of life do you live?"
"We're working on it, Mayor Goldsmith," laughed Nutter and Reed. "We're trying to help him!"
As cities go, so goes the nation!
There are only two options for generating more money to fund schools and city services, writes former City Councilmember Allan Domb. One way is clearly better than the other.
When the world is a lonely mess around you, sometimes you need to step out and build bridges.
If you have a question for Kimberly, fill out this form and we'll do our best to feature it in an upcoming episode.
Spain's capital may be centuries older than Philadelphia, but the vibrant city offers a forward-thinking, growth mindset idea that our comparatively smaller (and younger) hometown should steal
In the wake of another scene of politically-motivated gun violence, the Trump administration points the finger unequivocally at the opposition party. Ali Velshi clarifies who is actually responsible for overt calls to violence.
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Reuben Harley takes deputy editor Lauren McCutcheon on a Gordon Parks-style journey through the streets of Philadelphia using his most iconic photographs of neighborhood life.
To see the photographs behind the conversation, visit this story on the web.
In the fourth installment of the Ultimate Job Interview, three candidates vying to represent the 3rd Congressional District (Center City, North and South Philly and a large area of West Philly) sit with 6abc's Matt O'Donnell and a panel of interviewers to answer some of the most pressing questions of the race as the May 19 primary draws closer.
In order of appearance:
(2:30) Dr. Ala Stanford
(23:30) State Representative Chris Rabb
(43:30) State Senator Sharif Street
This Mother's Day, one West Philly woman wants to help the suffering of mothers and children through "grief weaving."
During this semiquincentennial season, Dr. James Peterson looks at the story of a woman enslaved at Stenton in 1776, which brings up more questions than answers. And that is as it should be.
Come November, the House and Senate may flip. Increasingly, the Supreme Court is being viewed as the last bastion of power. Ali Velshi explains.
Amid the ongoing conversation about free speech, democracy-loving Americans should be paying attention to — and exercising — their First Amendment right to … show up, together
When it feels like the world is without hope, how do we move forward each day? Kimberly McGlonn has some advice for you.
Do you have a question for Kimberly? Follow the link below to submit a question and we'll do our best to feature it in an upcoming episode.
Fill out the form here
On this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, Denver just became the latest major city to launch a comprehensive plan for repairing and expanding its sidewalk networks. What is Philly waiting for?
Inspired by his own medical crisis, Al Dashiell is bringing registered nurses into his Center City barber shop to administer health care to his clients while they're in a familiar place.
Chopped P.H.D. will hold its next screening this week, on Thursday, April 23rd, from noon until about 2 p.m. For more information, visit this story on the web.
Ronnie Polaneczky is a senior editor at Philadelphia magazine who recently wrote the article "Why Philly Needs an Ona Judge Day." She joins Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDS, accompanied by Carl Singley who co-founded the Ona Judge Coalition, to talk about a major push to commemorate Judge with her own day.
... there's hope for other democracies that are backsliding into illiberalism. Ali Velshi explains.
In this episode of Philadelphia Promise, Christine Speer Lejeune, editor-in-chief of Philadelphia magazine, sits down with author, political thinker and all-around Renaissance man Richard Vague.
In his new book, The Banker Who Made America, Vague shines a spotlight on Thomas Willing, a highly influential Philadelphian who leveraged the power of American banking to help the country win its independence.
Join us for a fascinating conversation about a nearly forgotten but extremely important Founding Father.
What if your primary care physician gave you a script for more time outdoors? Prescribe Outside, a program from CHOP, is doing just that. Writer Courtney DuChene visited just such a nature gathering with doctors, patients and a whole lot of kids.
On this episode of Gardening For Good, The Woodlands runs a volunteer-staffed program to restore flowers to cradle graves and build community in the process.
For more information on volunteering, visit this story on the web.
On this episode, Dr. James Peterson argues that at the root of the shootings and violence and poverty cycles that plague our society sits literacy--quietly creating an architecture of inequality
... starts with dehumanizing your enemies. Ali Velshi makes the case that Donald Trump's threats to destroy an entire country are much more than bluster.
In the final episode of this award-nominated essay, Tom McGrath asks what it would take to set Philly on the right path and protect the city from the whims of Washington D.C.
People aren't leaving cities. They're pulling into their own remote work spaces and eschewing the civic reasons they chose urban living in the first place.
The effects of Trump's cuts are broad and deep. In this essay, nominated for an NCRM award, Tom McGrath explains how Philadelphia got so hooked on federal assistance and what it means for our future.
One of the 2025 Erinda Sheno Memorial Prize winners, a junior at the Academy at Palumbo makes a beautiful argument for a multi-lingual, multicultural city and nation. Our differences don't just make us stronger — they're also worth fighting for.
Trump's cuts are hitting Philly hard. In this story, nominated for an NCRM award, Tom McGrath explains why the city is uniquely vulnerable to the president's economic rampage ... and how Philadelphia can (maybe) fortify itself for the future.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, Philadelphia is last in economic mobility among the 50 largest U.S. metros and stagnant in job creation. A chamber of commerce chair and a former U.S. ambassador, unite to say there's a better way.
"Trump's off-the-cuff musings of the war perplexes even his own advisors," Ali Velshi reports. Even our allies are being left confused. As French President Emmanuel Macron declared, "When you want to be serious, you don't say everyday the opposite of what you said the day before."
The CHOP physician and voice of the pro-vaccine, pro-health science movement stands in stark opposition to RFK Jr. Hear his story and why he was chosen as the 2026 Citizen of the Year.
Developed by Penn Engineering grads, Sonura is a high-tech beanie that protects preemies' ears by blocking out the loud sounds of an intensive care nursery and supporting parent-baby connections.
Recently nominated for a National Magazine Award, this story by Sandy Hingston suggests that despite political name-calling, social media meltdowns and public life feeling more hostile than ever, quiet acts of kindness might just reveal a growing civility--one small moment at a time.
After publishing his story, Don't Look Now ... But Philly is Safe, Larry Platt joined Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs to discuss one of the biggest crime turnarounds in modern history
Ali Velshi explains that the war in Iran has gone on long enough ... 4 weeks ... that Donald Trump has just lost interest
Budget cuts. School closures. Structural deficit. Scant academic progress. Spin from District headquarters. Larry Platt asks: Is Superintendent Watlington up to being a transformational leader?
For the past six years, Bloomberg Philanthropies has held the Mayors Challenge, a competition that awards cities $1 million prizes to spur innovative solutions to ingrained urban problems.
This week's guests are Challenge leader Aparna Ramanan and Challenge grantee, Lafayette, LA Mayor Monique Blanco Boulet. Join former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Citizen Co-Founder Larry Platt for an eye-opening conversation about what it takes to innovate in a city. (Lafayette's problem might sound familiarly stinky to Philadelphians: old, failing, sewers.)
Blanco Boulet believes true innovation must start with a change of mindset. "Critical thinking is just not natural in government. If I don't know where we're having flood issues, I could just choose anywhere [to put the money]. That happens. That's not abnormal for government in the absence of real decision-making."
Join us for an episode about cities tackling entrenched problems and the public-private partnerships like Bloomberg Philanthropies that support them.
When it comes to facing these intractable issues, as Nutter said, "You have to deal with the consequences of not."
As cities go, so goes the nation!
Kimberly McGlonn is back, this time answering a listener question about moving on. Sometimes it's a job, a city, a relationship, or a dream, but how does a person know when it's time to go?
If you have a question for Kimberly, go here to ask and we'll do our best to feature it in an upcoming episode.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, a former City Council and School Reform Commission member weighs in on what a $300 million budget deficit says about School District leadership
Right out of the pages of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, Republicans in Ohio proposed a bill that would "allow the government to track every pregnancy, beginning to end." Ali Velshi explains.
If you have unwanted rodent visitors, there are two docs from Drexel who are asking Philadelphians to put them in the freezer. For science. They even have a few pointers for catching the elusive pests.
On this episode of The Citizen Recommends, Roxanne Patel Shepelavy asks why pay Silicon Valley tech companies for your ride when locally-owned taxi cabs are faster, cost less and put money back into Philadelphia's economy?
Pups are everywhere these days, thanks to indulgent owners and business proprietors. Guess what else is everywhere -- sidewalks, street corners, soles of shoes?
In all the talk over closing and fixing up Philly schools, there is no mention of building new ones that might serve the community better. Can we look to New York City and Boston for solutions we should steal?
Picture more than a dozen pregnant teenage girls crammed into a single building, Ali Velshi explains. They're scared. They're alone. They don't know what's going to happen to them and they don't have access to adequate healthcare.
On this episode of How To Really Run A City, Michael Smerconish joins the show.
Smerconish is a Sirius XM and CNN host, a prolific political commentator, a nationally recognized author — and leader of the fight for a political center in the U.S., which means having a robust media.
"I think the press is being hollowed out," said former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. Local outlets are disappearing, the press is "functionally gutted; there's no longer a paper on your porch … and there's been a conservative effort to buy up local media because [it] still has credibility with folks."
Smerconish is also an activist for voters who refuse to align with either of the two major parties. "I became so disenchanted with the Bush administration (W.) for their inability to go kill bin Laden," he said. He then swam against the tide of his own listener base by announcing his support for Barack Obama's presidential run in 2008.
"How do you feel about that vote today?" asked former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.
"Oh my god, I feel great about it," Smerconish said. "[My listeners] went crazy, but it was a breaking point and a wake-up call for me."
Join us for a thoroughly entertaining and important conversation about what local leaders and citizens alike can do to break through the partisanship of the moment and start meeting each other on neutral ground.
"Use the remote, mix it up," Smerconish said. "Don't rely on [others] to do it — do it yourself."
As cities go, so goes the nation!
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Lauren McCutcheon discusses with Reuben Harley the most iconic musicians he's ever photographed. Jay-Z, Usher, Snoop Dog, Meek Mill, Rube tells some of his favorite personal stories.
Kimberly McGlonn is back with gentle wisdom to help you navigate life's tough situations. One listener asks how to manage shifting work identities. Kimberly advises recognizing your fears — and using your excitement to motivate change.
If you have a question for Kimberly, submit it here. We'll do our best to feature it in an upcoming episode.
Ahead of the country's 250th anniversary, the historic tall ship Gazela celebrates getting to 125 — with a little help from her friends in Philadelphia
Donald Trump nonchalantly dropped this line about American casualties in a widening Middle East conflict. "The way he was talking about it," says Ali Velshi, "you'd think he was talking about the weather." More worrisome, military commanders are framing the war within Christian ideology. "To the extent that you turn this into a religious war, you almost guarantee your own defeat."
How the hell did that happen? Larry Platt asks this week. And why is the mayor not taking more credit for it? On this episode, the anatomy of a stunning turnaround for the city.
On this episode of How To Really Run A City, our hosts, former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Citizen Co-founder Larry Platt, invite onto the show a guest well-known to our mayors.
Jannet Walker-Ford is a nationally recognized transportation expert who worked on the recently released Special Event Transportation — Guidance and Opportunities Playbook (SetGo) to help transit agencies navigate "mega-events" like the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the many semiquincentennial celebrations across the country.
Join us for a timely conversation about how the United States needs to prepare for this blockbuster year when millions of visitors and celebrants will enter our cities and transportation systems.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
On a special interview edition, Luke Mickelson comes onto the show to talk about his crusade against child bedlessness. Mickelson is the founder of Sleep In Heavenly Peace (SHP), whose local chapters have made and delivered more than 350,000 beds to kids that had formerly been sleeping on floors, couch cushions, etc.
To find out more, visit shpbeds.org.
Episode correction: SHP does not have a Philadelphia chapter yet. There is a New Jersey chapter. Those interested in contacting the closest local chapter can reach out to Sarah Fulton at sarah.fulton@shpbeds.org, or 844-432-2337 x5977
On this episode of Dear Kimberly, one reader asks how jealousy can be tamed. Kimberly McGlonn suggests recognizing the feeling and then honestly interrogating it.
After U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, Ali Velshi weighs in with Pennsylvania Rep. Chrissy Houlahan
Google's Waymo taxibots are quickly learning Philly roads, while lawmakers — and the rest of us — grapple with what to do next
Under RFK Jr.'s leadership, the CDC is withholding critical information about vaccine-preventable diseases from the American public. One of the most renowned immunologist in country explains why.
The Citizen's Malcolm Burnley joins Philly Unpacked host, Jordana Rubenstein to discuss the realities of Mayor Parker's H.O.M.E. Initiative.
"Housing policy isn't just about units and budgets -- it's about whether Philadelphians can stay safe, healthy and rooted in their communities."
You can watch the extended episode at PhillyCAM's YouTube page.
In this episode of Business for Good, local social media app Playdate encourages IRL gatherings by telling Philadelphians what events are happening in town — and encouraging them to invite their friends
The Supreme Court recently ruled against the Trump administration's liberal use of tariffs on imports. Ali Velshi breaks down the ruling as well as the impact on American consumers.
Last year, Philadelphians got $19 million back in government refunds. This year, take advantage of a free city program to get yours.
Visit this story on the web, or call (215) 454-6483 for more information on Claim Your Money Philadelphia.
From Terrence Howard to Michael K. Williams to Zendaya, Big Rube has a unique ability to get personable with celebrities and create longstanding relationships
Posting "all lives splatter" and other offensive Internet memes in a Facebook comment section got one conservative columnist banned from Fergie's Pub. "Things are too serious for that kind of stuff," the owner says. "Unfollow. Unfriend. Fuck off."
Instead of a win, though, it has become a political football used by the Trump administration to punish Canada. Ali Velshi explains, "[The bridge] is financed by Canada and built with American labor and materials. It's not a prop. It is the circulatory system of a shared economy."
On this Presidents' Day, it's important to remember that while the federal government may have removed the memorial to slavery on Independence Mall, the history of African Americans exceeds the limits of historic comfort.
Larry Platt convened his podcast co-hosts for a special episode about recent crises plaguing the leaders of prominent cities.
"We are in a constitutional crisis," Platt said. "You have federal troops — masked law enforcement — doing these surges. The question is: Who's in charge?"
"Folks should remember," Kasim Reed said, "almost always, the mayor controls the biggest police department. There is an incentive to make sure the people policing your communities are … people you control, by virtue of you being elected CEO of the city."
Join us for a special edition of How To Really Run A City that examines the challenges of dealing with ICE ("To ICE, get the fuck out of Minneapolis," — Minneapolis Mayor John Frey) as well as snow and ice ("[Mayor] Cherelle Parker better not fucking forget about us!" — viral Redditor from North Philly).
Mayors Reed and Nutter have weathered crises before, and they don't pull their punches on this episode.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
On this episode of Evening WURDs, Dr. James Peterson invites the Citizen's own Larry Platt onto the show to talk about his recent story about the Constitution Center and its moral responsibility. "The Constitution is under attack," Platt told Peterson, "and the non-partisan Constitution Center should take that on."
In this special interview episode, Bradford Pearson, Executive Editor of Philadelphia magazine, comes onto the show to discuss his recent article about lessons Philly can learn from ICE's aggressive operations in Minneapolis.
On this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, a longtime university president suggests the city's library system follow Chicago and Baltimore, and add food pantries to its community services
For darker-skinned women, face recognition tools employed by ICE have an error rate of 34.7%. Ali Velshi digs into the apps and tech ICE is using to create surveillance states in the cities they enter.
It's been 10 days since snowmageddon. Snow and ice are still everywhere. Let's have a chat about how Cherelle Parker is actually doing.
Preeminent Philadelphia boosters Angela Val of Visit Philadelphia, and Kathryn Ott Lovell of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, talk semiquincentennial with The Citizen Media Group's Roxanne Patel Shepelavy. Together, the "Laverne & Shirley" of 2026 have taken up the mantle of generating funds, ideas and excitement for a year to remember. They're creating a legacy to preserve, as Ott Lovell puts it, "democracy, democracy, democracy."
On this episode of Guest Commentary, the head of one independent school in Southwest Philly says the fallout from the District's plan to transform the city's school buildings will be personal.
Way before the NFL and NBA started posting game-day fits, the iconic photographer, marketing guru and gourmet chef Reuben Harley snapped Philadelphia's most stylish athletes off the field and on the streets
ICE and Border Patrol may be the faces of these immigration crackdowns, but they don't operate alone. Ali Velshi takes a deep dive into the corporations that are supporting ICE operations and encourages all Americans to protest with their wallets.
Jeffrey Rosen is out. Now, the NCC must decide if it will remain a genteel place of scholarship or become the antidote to recent threats to democracy.
Matthew Tuerk is a wicked skater. He's a tattoo connoisseur. He's a marathoner, and the popular second-term mayor of Allentown, PA who has made it his mission to bring back his city's manufacturing success.
On the latest episode of How To Really Run A City, our hosts invite this punk-rocking mayor to join them on the show.
"This guy is a fanatic about economic development," said Platt. "He's turned Allentown into Pennsylvania's third-fastest growing city."
"We had this idea that you could still make stuff in cities," Tuerk replied. "Soot and smog-filled cities are not what the future of manufacturing looks like. Manufacturing needs people. It needs good, high-paying jobs. There are a lot of folks that came to Allentown looking to tap into the American Dream. Empowering people should be our motivation."
Then Platt prompted Tuerk to show off his unique Allentown flair. "I have the city seal tattooed on my chest," Tuerk declared, unfastening a few buttons on his shirt.
"That's commitment," Nutter said with a laugh.
Join us for an entertaining and informative episode about a city with its first Latino mayor "restoring a little bit of faith in the power of government to actually meet people's needs."
As cities go, so goes the nation!
From dating rumors to charitable donations to slapping his son around for ... improper attire, unravel the ten greatest mysteries of Donald Trump and Wharton
The iconic photographer, chef and marketing guru is facing worrisome health diagnoses this year, but is keeping his spirits up. Deputy Editor Lauren McCutcheon called up Big Rube to talk about his contributions to Philadelphia and his most memorable photo subjects.
Ali Velshi invites presidential historian Jon Meacham onto the show to discuss the many moments in American history where our ancestors struggled to establish our natural rights. "Every measure of progress has been met with pushback by those in power."
Progressives cheered, but Larry Platt argues that Sheriff Rochelle Bilal's viral press conference about Trump and ICE were a spectacle Philly can ill afford on the national stage right now
… but is it willing to do what it takes? Today is the time to weigh in on what trash and recycling services will look like for the next four years. We can do better.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, the Secretary of Health doesn't apologize — even when he is proven completely wrong about the link between Tylenol and autism
Conversations about what it means to be a neighbor, and what it means to be a citizen, will be happening in Philly throughout the semiquincentennial in the form of free dinners and guided conversations. Roxanne Patel Shepelavy spoke with Anuj Gupta of The Welcoming Center.
For more details visit Breaking Bread for Citizenship at thephiladelphiacitizen.org
Ali Velshi invites Martin Luther King Jr.'s son, Martin Luther King III, onto the show to talk about his father's legacy. "Every year, we felt like we were advancing," King told Velshi. "Now it feels like we're going backward."
Freedom does not ring on its own, declares Dr. James Peterson as we head into Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The bell of liberty must be struck repeatedly. Deliberately. And at any cost.
In the wake of the horrific murders of the Reiners, J.P. Romney chats with Kim Porter, Executive Director and Co-founder of Be a Part of the Conversation, about substance use disorder and why so many parents think "this could happen in our home."
20 young teens were asked to imagine Philadelphia in 50 years. How they responded may surprise you.
In light of a recent Hollywood tragedy, a Main Line recovery specialist says people who love people with mental health disorders are quietly asking: Could this happen to us?
In the wake of the horrific shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis, Ali Velshi sits down with MN State Rep Aisha Gomez to talk about the state's reaction.
The nation was birthed in Philly, and we do have some great parties — and soccer! — planned. But, as democracy teeters, are we really owning the semiquincentennial?
On this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, we look at junk fees that stack up on rental leases and threaten to upend affordable housing in Philly. Seattle and other cities have begun to put a stop to the practice.
The annual convening of Black male educators late last year was a reminder of what can happen when Black men show up for the future
"What's your sense of where this goes?" Ali Velshi asks the former Deputy Director of the International Monetary Fund. It all depends on which of two courses the U.S. takes next, he replies.
For some jurors, the hardest part of a trial comes after it ends. A free West Chester University program helps citizens who've served recover from stress and PTSD.
More than a dozen years ago, this South Jersey resident decided to join suited-up pals in a Mummers comics club. And she has never looked back.
A history lesson, including some scholarly conjecture, about Philadelphia's New Year's Day parade. You know, the Mummers. Wait. You don't?
"I made my business because I was out every night," says Jennifer Sherlock of the PR firm Jenna's Communications. Big Rube swung by the Rittenhouse Hotel to chat with Sherlock about her rise from TV reporter to the queen of Philly PR.
On this episode of Velshi Banned Book Club, Ali Velshi invites authors Joanna Ho and Caroline Kusin Pritchard onto the show to discuss their children's book and why they were suddenly banned from a California stop on their book tour.
With so much chaos in the world around, some Philadelphians find comfort in the darker side of the holiday season
At a time when Washington, D.C. is in hot debate over the Affordable Care Act, Maryland is using an ACA provision to fund safe, legal abortions for Medicaid recipients — without costing taxpayers. On this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, we look at whether Pennsylvania should follow suit.
Is Donald Trump trying to gaslight the country about affordability in this country? Ali Velshi breaks it down.
Anti-vaccine activists, including the country's top health official, offered renowned CHOP immunologist and RFK target $1 million to debate them on vaccine safety
As mayor of Baltimore and then governor of Maryland, Martin O'Malley used transparency and statistics to drive his city and state forward into the Information Age. And then he — literally — wrote the book on the subject.
His conclusion after more than a decade in public office? "We live in a time of enormous opportunity," O'Malley said on the latest episode of How To Really Run A City. "It's the dawning of the Third Industrial Revolution. People want to believe that tomorrow can be better than today."
O'Malley, a former Social Security Administration Commissioner and Irish clan chieftain, knows the stakes of the current political moment. Yes, you have to lead with joy. But to get people back from the brink of political despair, you've got to get shit done at the local level, because if we can't deliver the goods of a republic – the services that make a republic worth having — then we can't blame people for not following us.
"Over the last 20 years," O'Malley said, "trust in the federal government has fallen to an all-time low. But trust in local government – in city government – has held steady."
Join us for a no-nonsense episode with a no-nonsense leader who knows how to get shit done at multiple governing levels.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
The City law requiring elected officials to quit before running for another office makes elections less competitive. Council's new proposal won't fix it — at least not without a change.
Research has found that fixing up abandoned homes can make a city safer. Is Mayor Parker's H.O.M.E Plan reaching its full potential?
"Would-be U.S. citizens are now scared that their own naturalization ceremony is just another trap," Ali Velshi says. What we're seeing is "an assault on legal immigration."
On this episode of Guest Commentary, CHOP's renowned immunologist on why following recent recommendations by RFK Jr.'s vaccine advisory committee is a terrible idea
With the closing of Bryn Mawr's Lifecycle Wellness and Birth Center, women have lost yet another important maternity option
On this episode of Business for Good, we look at a new online coaching tool from former Vertex CEO Jeff Westphal that promises professional mentorship — without the mentor
Recently, Roxanne Patel Shepelavy moderated a panel on violence prevention and how to keep Philly's progress moving forward. The event was hosted by The Trace and the discussion was insightful and impassioned. Listen in.
The Director of the FBI. The Secretary of Homeland Security. The Secretary of War. Ali Velshi breaks down the most recent string of scandals to show why basic ineptitude is preventing Donald Trump from enacting his agenda.
Hurling eggs at an Eagles coach's house isn't gritty — it's bullying. It's time to retire the mean routine, and not just in sports.
Jigar Mehta led an effort to spare small businesses from a shocking tax increase next year wrought by Mayor Parker's new tax plan. Will it become law?
Visit this story on the web for more details.
On this episode of Citizen of the Week, a 33-year-old Philadelphian has spent the last decade connecting with his fellow humans. So far, he's met 7,000 people for one-on-one conversations. Doing so helped him uncover the true crisis of our era.
On this episode of Business For Good, we look at Baby Gear Group which was named a Time magazine invention of the year because they let families rent strollers and other childcare essentials for a fraction of the cost and environmental impact
Ali Velshi breaks down the numbers and shows which group is suffering the most under Trump's economic policies
Philadelphia has the country's second-highest rate of package theft. Kristen Demilio joins Dr. James Peterson for an episode of Citizen WURD that looks at whose fault porch piracy is, as well as potential solutions.
On this episode of Velshi Banned Book Club, YA author Kim Johnson joins the show to talk about her novel, "This Is My America," which explores themes of racism, equality and the prison industrial complex. "Media is so powerful," Johnson said, "because it can be a voice to the voiceless and also a beacon to emphasizing injustice."
This special episode of How To Really Run a City was recorded live at The Philadelphia Citizen's eighth annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival presented by Comcast NBCUniversal. Our hosts were joined on stage by a return guest, five-term Rochester Hills, Michigan Mayor Bryan Barnett, a Republican.
Barnett is a consummate showman, as evidenced by his increasingly elaborate State of the City addresses (full-scale musical productions). Here, Barnett and the hosts discuss the importance of leading a city with joy and finesse, and how the Democratic party is fumbling the ball — in messaging and in the recent government shutdown. As Mayor Barnett points out, there really is no Republican or Democrat way to fill a pothole. You just fill the pothole.
"The moment you put your foot on the sidewalk," Nutter responded, "people are looking to see how's the mayor doing? Is the city upbeat? Is it grumpy? There's a public impact to this job."
Join us as we dive back into Rochester Hills with Mayor Barnett and explore how to really run a city with style and good humor.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
It's hard to serve others these days. That's why the United Way's Bill Golderer, along with former Big Brothers CEO Marcus Allen, is giving thanks this week to Philly's nonprofit leaders.
"This is, in a sentence, the authoritarian mindset," Ali Velshi says, addressing inflammatory statements made by Trump that critical members of Congress should be arrested, tried, and even executed.
... and the world. There's been a lot of talk about why Michelin would be bad for Philly's food scene. But it's not the existential threat you think it is.
The Philly fave band will be back at Johnny Brenda's in December for a three-night-only fundraiser to benefit Philly schools. "It seems like a no-brainer to support educating our youth," says frontman Adam Granduciel.
Visit this story on the web for ticket information.
New York's Mayor-elect proved that affordability is a top priority for voters. Can American cities make rents lower and also build more housing?
"Housing isn't unaffordable because of low supply and high demand, it's unaffordable by design." Ali Velshi breaks down the real causes of the housing crisis.
On this episode of CitizenCast, we're bringing you an episode of The Signal, a podcast about insight, solutions and sanity produced by The Bucks County Beacon. The Citizen's own Malcolm Burnley joins host Cyril Mychalejko to discuss the Blue Wave that washed away so many Republican officeholders in Bucks County on Election Day, and what this may signal for the midterms in 2026.
A local politician lays out the reasons why it might be the right time to reconsider an old argument
Trailblazer Elaine McGuire is leading the charge to attract and train more electricians like her: Black women.
Last week at the Weitzman Museum of Jewish History, the former Penn president and US Ambassador to Germany reminded us what it takes to repair the breach in our country today.
... especially when they tell you that you can't. Ali Velshi reflects on the importance of civic engagement, even when the chances of success are slim.
The Art Museum sacking of Sasha Suda is the latest story to raise questions about nonprofit governance in Philly
Caryn Kunkle lives in a "micro-museum" on South Broad. Legendary photographer and chef, Big Rube, caught up with this born-and-bred Philly gal who works behind the scenes to help our local art scene thrive.
Terrill Haigler, aka Ya Fav Trashman, has given North Philly residents new and easy places to put their litter. Sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference.
On this episode of Citizen WURD, Jason Ray joins James Peterson on the show. Ray is President and CIO of Zenith Wealth Partners, who founded his company "on the vision of creating a society where race and gender don't predetermine wealth."
"The day that the federal courts of the United States of America acquiesce to the rewriting of truth, is the day America falls." Ali Velshi explains.
Can a challenger in a Bucks County's election have the formula for how Democrats can win on public safety?
"I don't care if you live in urban America or rural America, everyone wants the same thing," Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said on the latest episode of How To Really Run A City. "They want a job they can get to in 15 minutes, they want a hospital or pharmacy within 15 minutes, they want a park or a grocery store or bars or restaurants, all within 15 minutes."
Bibb went on to explain to our hosts, former Philly mayor Michael Nutter and former Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed, how he is turning his Ohio city into a convenient, accessible, bona fide 15-minute city — and what is needed to sustain that work.
"People really want walkability," Bibb said. "They want safety and thriving neighborhoods and overall thriving cities. But we as mayors can't do this by ourselves. We need a federal government that's actually working. It has to be working with our governors and mayors."
Bibb, a charismatic 38-year-old (and cousin to the first Black primetime newscaster in Ohio), will almost certainly be reelected next week, and both Reed and Nutter quickly picked up on his "get sh*t done" vibe.
"A mayor is a reflection of their city," Reed said, "how it feels and how it will be there [for its people]."
Join us for an episode about a mayor who is laser-focused on making the lives of his constituents better in ways that anyone taking a stroll to the park can feel.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
On this episode of Lane Johnson's Season of Strong Mental Health, the two-time Super Bowl champ checks in on CHOP's Behavioral Health and Crisis Center, which is meeting the overwhelming demand for mental health support for young people
On this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, we look at 15 universities in 10 states — including Yale and University of Texas — that have launched academic programs and majors focused on thinking and citizenship. We could use more of that here, too.
This Republic was founded on dissent, says Ali Velshi. It has been the catalyst of progress for generations. If they tell you otherwise, they are afraid of the power of your voice.
In the aftermath of the tragic Kada Scott murder, the D.A. has said the buck stops with him. Or was he actually passing it?
On this edition of James Peterson's Citizen-WURD segment, A.J. Adams of The Skills Initiative, joins the show to discuss his workforce development organization that serves as a bridge between local employers and Philadelphia job seekers. The Skills Initiative provides customized training programs to connect residents to meaningful employment, and it's an idea we should steal.
An award-winning MSNBC contributor and author remembers his first mentor, legendary former Daily News Editor Michael Days, who died last weekend
Jason Ray launched Zenith Wealth Partners in Philadelphia with this singular mission. So far, it's generated $100 million for its clients.
... become unstoppable. Ali Velshi uses the peaceful civil disobedience protests of 1952 South Africa (of which his father took part) as context for the No Kings protests across this country this weekend.
Mudslinging. False advertising. The state's most popular politician. Just what the hell is going on with judicial elections in Pennsylvania?
A Manayunk bar brings back the cutest animal fundraiser in the city, with a Super Bowl-level pressing question: Will long-haired Odie defend his title?
The race starts at 5:30 p.m. at 7 Lock Street on Thursday, October 16.
For more information, visit this story on the web.
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, the legendary photographer and chef checks in with a Delco kid-turned-Philly teacher about producing "A Summer In West," which taught kids to speak their truth
On this episode of Evening WURDs, attorney Alex Bomstein joins host James Peterson for an in-depth conversation about hotter summers, more severe allergies and worsening air quality. Bomstein is the Executive Director of the Clean Air Council and he's on a mission to protect everyone's right to a healthy environment.
"If everything from a court decision to a protest sign is insurrection, than any use of force against it -- including military force -- can be justified." This week, Ali Velshi takes on the Trump administration's signals that it may invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807.
Our guest on this episode of How To Really Run A City: Joe Walsh, a former Representative from Illinois. He was a self-described Tea Party arsonist, right-wing radio provocateur and mentor to Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk. All of that changed when Donald Trump completely captured the Republican Party.
“I helped to divide this country,” Walsh said. “People like me helped put us on this road. I have to live with that.”
Listen to this episode for a passionate conversation about a return to civility and the true stakes of our national debate with a public figure who describes himself as a former “political asshole” trying to make amends.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
CHOP’s renowned immunologist responds to RFK Jr.’s shocking — or maybe not so shocking — untruths about vaccines.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, we hear from a committed Phillies fan ... considering his options
Since the pandemic forced people outside, birding is having a moment. In Philadelphia, it’s helping residents see their city anew.
The late senator and presidential candidate John McCain campaigned against "Obamacare." But in the end, he saved it with a single vote in 2017 -- all because his party was bucking the "regular order" of the legislative process. Ali Velshi believes there are lessons to be learned from that dramatic moment that apply to the government shutdown of 2025.
Mayor Cherelle Parker’s signature program, H.O.M.E., will build far fewer dwellings than she once promised. Will this solve the problems that actually need solving?
What is it like to be targeted by the nation’s highest health official for … trying to keep kids healthy? And what does it mean for America that RFK Jr. is that health official? Citizen staff writer Malcolm Burnley talks with Dr. Paul Offit, Director of CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center, about his career in science and public health.
This annual music event presents nine shows over seven days in venues all over town to raise money for music education in schools. Come for the bands you don’t yet but will love to discover.
In this episode of Guest Commentary, a Temple professor speaks to the shameful statistic that a third of Philadelphia schools have no play area in place, let alone green spaces that allow students to really thrive.
"In 1983, fifty companies controlled 90% of America's media. Today, five companies control 90%." Ali Velshi points to the temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! to demonstrate how an oppressive administration uses mergers to control free speech. "But Kimmel is back on the air," he says. Boycotts, sit-ins, petitions -- "these are the tools that break authoritarian power."
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, the iconic chef, brand marketer and photographer talks with the owner of O’Jung’s — a South Philly bar that’s changed with the times but also … hasn’t
When Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan took office in 2013, his city had just filed for the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.
Today, business is booming, crime has fallen to a 60-year low and it’s no understatement to say that Detroit is back.
Mayor Duggan, now running for governor of his state as an Independent, joins former Mayors Michael Nutter and Kasim Reed, along with Citizen Co-founder Larry Platt on this episode of How To Really Run A City to roll up their sleeves and lift the hood of Detroit’s success.
Join us for a powerful conversation about turning an entire city around, despite the challenges and barriers that had entrenched decades of decline.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
Citizen writer Courtney Duchene joins Dr. James Peterson for his regular Citizen WURD segment to discuss her Ideas We Should Steal article about Richmond's dramatic success in cutting the city's poverty rates. Can Philly follow suit?
A Philadelphia-born mentor and longtime engineer wanted to see more young people of color enter STEM fields. He started a program in his garage — and ended up with a generation of confident scholars.
Ali Velshi takes on the web of mergers and federal threats that led to Jimmy Kimmel's show being pulled from the air.
A Temple Law professor who studies comedy and democracy explains why both are imperiled in the wake of Kimmel's suspension
This is the message from two-time Super Bowl Champ Lane Johnson -- one passed on to him by his friend, trainer and fellow mental health advocate, Jay Glazer
Or at least, that's the Republicans hope. State Treasurer Stacy Garrity received the most votes of any PA candidate ever during her reelection bid last year. She may already be the Commonwealth’s most successful female politician. But is that enough?
A Germantown nonprofit offers Philadelphia students who’ve experienced gun violence the chance to tell their stories on the big screen. The result: healing.
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons." Ali Velshi explains that American colonists lived in a world where the British crown policed every aspect of their lives. The Fourth Amendment was the Founders answer to those abuses. Last week, the Supreme Court undermined that constitutional answer. "Once the Fourth Amendment is considered negotiable for one group," Velshi says, "it becomes weaker for all of us."
A local vet, former U.S. Rep and Undersecretary of the Army, reveals what 9/11 and Charlie Kirk’s assassination tell us about the America we live in. Could this become a roadmap to unity?
As the Birds head to Kansas City to play the Chiefs on Sunday, the Eagles’ five-time All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowler shares the city's innovative approach to get children the mental healthcare they deserve
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Reuben Harley visits Kevin Gregg, Phillies' Vice President of Communications to discuss his day-to-day secrets for success and how the Phillies are helping local kids through "baseball clinics."
The Citizen just turned 10! Here are 10 ways you have helped us make an impact in the last decade.
"The danger isn't in losing, the danger is in doing nothing." Ali Velshi highlights ways that citizens across the country are taking a stand for American democracy.
... Philly could do it, too. In 2011, Richmond, VA’s mayor set an ambitious citywide goal to reduce its dismal poverty rate. Two successors later, the city is showing remarkable success. Here in Philly, mayors are more likely to dismantle their predecessors' programs. Perhaps that should change.
On this episode of Citizen WURD, former state Rep. Donna Bullock joins James Peterson. Bullock is now the President and CEO of Project HOME, which is working to move Philadelphians from the streets to shelters to stable living.
"Democratic leaders are simply not rising to this moment," says Ali Velshi in this passionate rebuke. "If you are a political leader in this country and you're not prepared to fight with both hands? Then perhaps you should step aside."
The Trump Administration will be ending the Corporation for Public Broadcasting this year. In some classrooms, educational programing like PBS Kids is being replaced with videos from PragerU, an unaccredited media organization that "promotes American values" to children. Ali Velshi breaks down the replacement and plays a few of their disturbing clips.
Compromise may finally be in the air. Some thoughts on the politics behind our budgetary fiasco — and why a win/win has been so elusive
On this episode of Guest Commentary, a Penn alumna and Philadelphia City Councilmember urges the Ivy to take a stand and restore its focus on DEI
President Trump is rescinding loan forgiveness for people who he thinks flout his politics — including possibly Philly public school teachers. A longtime university president takes a stand.
It takes a village to raise a child. On this episode of Guest Commentary, a Southwest Philly school principal urges people to stop asking Philly schools to take on every role of that village.
Donald Trump thinks Smithsonian museums focus too much on "how bad slavery was," so he sicced his attorneys on the Smithsonian Institution in the same way he targeted universities. Ali Velshi breaks the controversy down.
The debate over SEPTA funding has led at least one local legislator to suggest a radical approach to state governance - give our money back
On this episode of The New Urban Order, Diana Lind says Center City residents who object to designated paths for cyclists aren't seeing the full picture
A City-run coalition of lenders has distributed $2 million in grants to microbusinesses in Philly. It’s a game changer for entrepreneurs from underserved communities.
The Mayor has been silent. The Governor is rallying the already converted. Whatever happened to preventing a crisis before it starts?
"Foreign companies are paying zero tariffs." It's the American companies, and soon, the American consumers who will pay the taxes. Ali Velshi breaks down the latest inflation numbers and explains what lies ahead for tariffs and the American pocketbook.
Fifty years ago, veterans made up 80 percent of Congress. Now it’s less than 20 percent. One U.S. Rep says: If you want bipartisanship, vote in more vets. Former Representative and Under Secretary of the Army, Patrick Murphy, joins Dr. James Peterson on this week's CitizenWURD segment to discuss the issue.
... build a smarter, safer health system. Potent THC products are flooding stores and sending children to the ER. In this Guest Commentary, a Penn ethicist says legalization isn’t really the question anymore. It's safety.
How will prices rise now that Trump's tariffs have been enacted? Ali Velshi breaks it down, from price increases at the grocery store to a predicted 40% jump in tennis shoes.
Public transit funds are being held up by Republicans who also want money to fix and build new roads throughout the state — even in unpopulated areas with no traffic woes. How is that good governance?
The deep canvassers of Changing the Conversation Together have been able to turn out the vote before big elections. Doing their work year-round may very well boost civic engagement and voter turnout in the long term.
Isaac Saul is a South Philly journalist who reaches 400,000 readers everyday with Tangle’s blend of media roundup, analysis and self-reflection. His goal? To help Americans see past their own biases. Listen to Roxanne chat with Saul about media independence, consumption bias and the impressive success of his newsletter platform.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, Philadelphia can't wait until 2068 to compensate women for the same work done by their male counterparts. The President & CEO of the Forum of Executive Women explains why.
This week, Ali Velshi takes on the Epstein files and explains why Donald Trump has been calling some of his most ardent supporters "stupid," "foolish" and "weaklings."
The Phillies owner’s emotional speech during the Dick Allen Hall of Fame Induction weekend was about forgiveness, redemption and a city coming to terms with its past. It was also a master class in civic leadership.
When Denver, Colorado Mayor Mike Johnston isn’t sparring with congressional Republicans over immigration (and being threatened with jail time), he’s pushing his city to eliminate homelessness, continuing his crusade for high-quality, affordable education and inspiring Denverites to give five hours of volunteer service each month.
“I love the Give5 Mile High program,” said Citizen co-founder Larry Platt. “It’s kind of the answer to Trumpism, right? All of us coming together in common purpose?”
On this episode of How To Really Run A City, former Mayor Michael Nutter and former Mayor Kasim Reed, with Platt, join Mayor Johnston to dissect the initiatives that are making Denver a prosperous and communitarian city for all its citizens.
“What I try to do is bind people,” Johnston says. “I bind together people that are broken. I bind together people who have been pulled apart from each other. I feel like this is the work mayors are called to do.”
“And that’s why we do this podcast,” Reed says. “It is so important for people who care about this country to hear stories like yours.”
Join us for an energizing conversation about everyday citizens rising to meet the expectations of their city.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
A trio of real estate pros calling themselves the WEALTH Collective plans to solve Philadelphia’s race-based $57 billion gap in housing values. Hear their story.
The PA House has voted to reinstate the teaching of old-fashioned penmanship in public schools. In the age of AI, is this the answer to our literacy crisis?
George M. Johnson (All Boys Aren't Blue, Flamboyants) was the very first guest on the Velshi Banned Books Club. He returns to talk with Ali Velshi about the 133 bills across the US that seek to ban books and punish librarians. "The more that you speak with these challengers," Johnson says, "the more that you realize they haven't read any of these books."
Trump’s so-called Big Beautiful Bill contains a free money, opt-in school choice program for governors. Will ours redefine the politics of education for Democrats by taking advantage of it?
On this episode of Overheard at Fitler, legendary concert promoter and genre originator Larry Magid steps back in time with Citizen Co-creator Larry Platt to relive iconic shows — Magid built music institution the Electric Factory and was behind Live Aid — and meet the artists — David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Mick Jagger — that made Philly music history. Join us for a fascinating and entertaining walk down a rock-fueled memory lane.
The average credit score for Philadelphians is 669, just above the minimum to qualify as "prime," or good enough to receive a loan. Alba Fernandez of Finanta joins James Peterson on this week's WURD Citizen segment to discuss why this is and what can be done about it.
Big Rube talks with an up-and-coming Northwest Philly carpenter and small business owner about what it means to turn your life around and build something that lasts
Trump's Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, figured the administration could kill two birds with one stone: deport the immigrant workers upon which the country depends for food and replace them with able-bodied, lazy Medicaid recipients. Hear Ali Velshi break down the absurdity of this plan.
On this episode, Courtney DuChene reports on a new master's program that will train members of the Philadelphia Police Department to become better managers and problem-solvers.
Donald Trump's signature legislation passed with only Republican votes and threatens to upend healthcare for America's most vulnerable. Ali Velshi, born and raised in Canada, breaks down the Canadian healthcare system and points out worrisome signs for the direction America is heading.
On this episode of Philly Under Fire, we hear from from Melany Nelson of Northwest Victim Services. “I've spoken to many youth and they said to me, ‘Ms. Nelson, either you're going to be the predator or the prey. So you have to pick one.’ So nine times out of 10, they're going to be the predator. They told me that they expect to die young.”
But as we'll hear in this episode of the Citizen's acclaimed audio series, Philadelphia’s youth are also choosing to fight back against the violence.
On this episode, Dr. James Peterson invites Citizen writer Malcolm Burnley onto EveningWURDs to discuss his story about the origins, impact and meaning of Juneteenth
With half a year under our collective belts, Ali Velshi breaks down the good, the bad and the ugly of Donald Trump's economy. "There are a lot of good things for people at the top, but they're not necessarily reaching most people in this country."
On this episode, Citizen co-founder Larry Platt draws insight from the drama of the eight-day trash strike by DC 33. The strike has left the city with not only a lingering stench but also open questions about City leadership.
“Just keep doing the next right thing, even though it’s hard.”
This mantra has become a political north star for Scranton mayor and recurring How To Really Run A City guest (and sometimes host), Paige Cognetti. She knows that what drives a city forward is everyone doing their parts at all levels.
“It’s the colleges and universities,” former Mayor Michael Nutter interjects. “It’s the corporate communities. It’s the committee people. It’s the block captains. Cities are living, breathing entities.”
Cognetti and Nutter recently joined Citizen co-founder Larry Platt for a special live taping of the podcast at Philadelphia’s OpportUNITY Summit hosted by United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. It was a rousing conversation that included a lot of teasing of Nutter by Cognetti, but also included some high-minded reminders that the future of cities depends on practical local government reformers.
“What can all of us do to move the [political] needle back to sanity?” Platt asked.
“Tell the stories that reflect your reality,” Cognetti said.
“Vote,” Nutter immediately answered. “Put down the phone, go to the voting booth and do your thing. Then you can get back to TikTok. Better yet, make a video about how you voted!”
Join us for an uplifting live conversation about civic duty and the motivations of true city changemakers.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
On this episode, WURD Radio host James Peterson shares his love for the band Gangstagrass. Before Beyoncé became Cowboy Carter, this Philadelphia- and Brooklyn-based band fused sounds that you didn’t know needed to go together.
What is your representative in Congress up to? One of Congress’ most bipartisan problem-solvers is Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, who joins Citizen co-founder Larry Platt on the latest episode of Overheard at Fitler. The four-term Chester County incumbent gets into her iconoclastic background, her record of service, her efforts to resist autocracy while still getting stuff done, and just how the country can get back to at least arguing over the same set of underlying facts.
"[World War Z] shows the cracks in our society and our government. It remains more relevant than ever," says Ali Velshi in this episode of Velshi Banned Books Club. Max Brooks' novel was first banned in China, and then in Florida and Wisconsin. Velshi invites Brooks onto the show to discuss why.
A local resident has had it with the constant, torturous ice cream truck jingle in her neighborhood, not to mention the lack of food safety licenses. Hear her story for yourself.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, the former director of the local Anti-Defamation League talks about his experience meeting a neo-Nazi moving toward redemption. Here’s why Tom Martinez, who died last month after years spent in hiding, mattered.
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Reuben Harley meets up at the gym with Sam Wood, CEO of the creative marketing agency, Inzpire. Hear why this body-building chief executive says, "You can do anything you want, as long as you don't let your mind get in the way."
The second annual Philly Youth Music Fest is on July 15. It's organized by youth, features youth bands and is geared towards a youth audience--all to provide mentorship and true connection.
Visit this story for free tickets.
... but not anymore. Ali Velshi breaks down the monumental ruling to undermine "nationwide injunctions" and explains why we now need to look elsewhere for checks and balances on presidents.
Ahead of the 2023 mayoral election, we asked citizens to play the role of employer. Now we're once again inviting Mayor Parker to appear before you, her employers. Here's how you can participate.
The AI revolution is upon us, and it will certainly have an impact on local governance.
“Let’s have an open conversation about its use,” says this week’s podcast guest, Rochelle Haynes, Managing Director of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ What Works Cities initiative at Results for America.
“A lot of fears out there are about losing jobs,” she continued. “But we need to show people that this is about making your job more effective. The human touch is still needed. AI is just the tool to [streamline] the data and priorities for cities.”
Join us for an episode of How To Really Run A City about what local leaders are doing to take advantage of the coming technology and, as Mayor Reed says, “really move the needle” on focused, effective governing.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
On this episode of Guest Commentary, we look at Trump’s health secretary purging the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee (including a renowned CHOP immunologist). He claimed they were in the pocket of the pharmaceutical industry. But who is really conflicted?
On this episode of Guest Commentary, a Philly-born scientist explains what is actually at stake for the town she loves
The US makes up 80% of the entire world's biomedical research. Donald Trump's slashing of NIH funding is setting the country on track for a "lost generation of scientists." The amount of money being taken from cancer research alone, is 18x smaller than the proposed tax breaks for the top .001% in Trump's budget bill. Ali Velshi explains.
The winds of Philadelphia politics often follow those of the Big Apple. Will the showdown between the old pol Cuomo and the socialist Mamdani foreshadow change here?
Almost no Black people on No Kings Day. Almost no White people on Juneteenth. Citizen writer Malcolm Burnley asks, can we show up together before it’s too late?
On this episode of Guest Commentary, we hear from the president of The Community Grocer, who says the fed’s proposed $300 billion SNAP rollback would hurt hungry Pennsylvanians and erase $5.3 billion in economic benefit
Crime and poverty have plagued Philadelphia since William Penn’s day. Philly gun violence interrupter Mazzie Casher has historic yet modern solutions. He visits with Citizen writer Malcolm Burnley to discuss some of them.
A South Carolina woman is held in jail without bond for 22 days following a natural miscarriage. It took 13 months for her to finally be cleared by a jury. Ali Velshi breaks down why this moment is "the most dangerous chapter of the post-Roe era."
Cherelle Parker’s budget boiled down to jobs versus housing. Did she and City Council make the right bet?
Philadelphia’s first “school street” pilot closed its dropoff and pickup street to vehicular traffic. It was as great as you might imagine. Diana Lind tells us why.
On a special interview edition of Big Rube's Philly, Reuben Harley visits with the iconic Bumi Fernandez-West about the event that has started summer in the city for the last fifty years: Odunde.
Legendary law professor, Temple dean and First Deputy City Solicitor Carl Singley joins James Peterson for a special CitizenWURD episode about the enormous amount of executive orders coming from Donald Trump.
Ali Velshi breaks down the escalating situation in Los Angeles and details the dangers of federalizing a state's National Guard.
For the second time in three years, the School District of Philadelphia was defrauded out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. What’s really going on?
While Washington implodes and other cities resist, Riverside, CA Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson is moving ahead with an ambitious tech agenda — and battling youth homelessness in her city.
“I feel positive about the direction California is taking,” says Riverside, CA Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, our guest this week on How To Really Run A City. In the wake of reduced support from Washington, D.C., she optimistically declares, “We’ll find our way forward. We’ll keep fighting.”
In this episode, former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed joins guest host Scranton, PA Mayor Paige Cognetti, fresh off a stunning primary win.
“I think a local leader’s superpower is empathy,” Reed says. “You have to feel what they feel.”
“You can’t ever lose that feeling of being a constituent yourself,” Lock Dawson concurred.
Join us for a special episode about being a woman in office, mirroring the best qualities of your citizens and building a vibrant, growing city despite the politics in Washington.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
Grammy award-winning Philadelphia guitarist Randy Bowland shaped Hollywood’s next breakout star in his iconic Sinners role
What can you do to preserve democracy? Ali Velshi draws on the history of resistance and civil disobedience to demonstrate the small things anyone can do to resist the backslide into authoritarianism.
On this episode of Citizen WURDs, James Peterson sits down with Jennifer Boisseau and Theresa Byrd, the Hair Nerds, who use their hairstylist skills to restore dignity and bring joy to patients at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Immigrant small businesses help power Philadelphia. But tariffs — and deportations — could devastate many of them
The fallout from SEPTA's budget deficit will impact the entire state. On this episode of Guest Commentary, the CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust wants every Pennsylvanian to see that SETPTA doesn't just survive, it thrives.
Join us for part two of the fascinating conversation between Ambassador David Cohen, now back from Canada, and Citizen co-founder Larry Platt. They talk about real diplomacy on the world stage and why diversity is so important for our city, state and nation.
In a post-Roe world, Ali Velshi explains, choices around pregnancy in America can now be criminalized and life-threatening.
Political reform is bubbling up in other cities. Here? Maybe not so much. An election post-mortem
Philly punk rocker Ron Gallo once avoided social media. Now he’s made it the stage for his most unseriously serious music yet, attracting both worldwide fans and MAGA haters
Just what does an ambassador do, anyway? Back from Canada, join legendary civic force David Cohen and Citizen co-founder Larry Platt for a candid conversation about the embattled art of diplomacy, the power of diversity, and the state of our city. The first of a monthly live podcast recording series.
It's time for Democrats to lead on education again. The CEO of an education reform group has an idea for just how to do that.
... gets dark very quickly. "When the federal government prioritizes profit over people," Ali Velshi says, "middle-class families suffer first."
The U.S. Senator has come under fire by his own staffers and media alike, despite Republican Senator Dave McCormick’s call to lay off. What’s really going on?
“Traditional license plate readers were developed in the 1950s and 60s,” says Garrett Langley of Flock Safety. “But you can go into Flock and say I’m looking for a black Sedan with after-market tires and a dent on the left corner, and we will find that car.”
On this episode of How To Really Run A City, our hosts chat with Langley about his innovative and cost-saving approach to public safety, which made national headlines last year by promptly apprehending a would-be Trump assassin and an Atlanta mass shooter. After being the victim of a robbery in his own neighborhood, Langley reimagined vehicle surveillance and built a company that operates alongside thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country.
“I love citizen entrepreneurs who are in the civic problem-solving business,” Larry Platt told former mayors Kasim Reed and Michael Nutter. “That’s who this guy is.”
Join us for a deep dive into an idea that keeps cities safer while avoiding the typical pitfalls of street surveillance.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
Forty years after the City bombed a house, killed 11 MOVE members and destroyed a neighborhood, Philadelphia still has not reckoned with what it says about us
A nonprofit that recruits volunteers to repair homes is strengthening the physical, social and economic infrastructure of Philly’s neighborhoods.
The austerity mindset Donald Trump is asking of the American people is not the result of a wartime economy or a natural disaster. "No," says Ali Velshi, "we're not buying the idea that Americans need to give up the things that keep our lives running, just because you lit the house on fire."
Jew hate in a Center City bar. A cop shot during a brawl outside Overbrook High. An assassination attempt on our Governor. Maybe it’s time for a rally that reminds us to refocus on shared values and seeing ourselves in one another?
This week the Citizen screened a powerful documentary featuring witnesses of the MOVE bombing, one of the darkest moments of Philadelphia’s racial history.
Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s latest film in theaters now, is a tribute to Black people, their music, and their American experience. Dr. James Peterson argues this is more than a film -- it's a crossroads at its own cultural crossroads.
As a candidate, Donald Trump constantly distanced himself from from the hyper-conservative agenda of Project 2025. As the President, has he changed his tune and embraced it? Ali Velshi explains.
As this budget season reminds us, Democrats had better stop celebrating what they spend — and instead focus on what they actually build and deliver for real people. It was for this reason that I purchased copies of Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson and sent them to our city's leaders.
Join us for a rare behind-the-scenes look into the Citizen's newsroom and a friendly debate about athletes and what political responsibilities they may have.
Donald Trump’s tariff policies pose an economic threat to Rochester Hills, Michigan — and Republican Mayor Bryan Barnett has not been shy about speaking out.
“More robots are made in my city than in any other city in North America,” Barnett told Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter, along with Citizen Co-founder Larry Platt, in the latest episode of How To Really Run A City. “Our two biggest trading partners — and it’s not even close — are Canada and Mexico.”
Barnett has held onto the mayoral office for an astounding 18 years — in no small part because of his unique style of “governtainment,” as well as the realization that cities are firmly in the business of customer service.
“Our competition isn’t who you think: It’s Amazon,” Barnett says. “If you can get something delivered to your house from across the world in 24 hours, but it takes four or five visits to city hall to get a dog license, people say this just doesn’t make any sense."
Join us for a conversation about getting shit done, all while entertaining your city along the way.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
Citizen writer Malcolm Burnley sat down with the author of a new nonfiction book about his epic attempt to learn the identity of Bitcoin’s fabled inventor, one of the world’s richest people
Trees provide documented health benefits and even reduce crime, but two years into the City's first-ever Tree Plan, our leafy coverage has remained pretty much static. Why is that, and what happens next?
"I don't remember Trump campaigning on the promise to cut local library funding, but there were warnings," says Ali Velshi on this episode of the Banned Book Club. He brings onto the show Jon Yaged, CEO of Macmillan Publishers to discuss the effects of book banning and the slashing of federal funding to the little-known federal agency, the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
After the assassination attempt, Governor Shapiro's principled call for moral clarity might be better served by retiring the phrase “antisemitism" and calling it what it is: Jew Hate.
Iconic fashion designer and renowned chef Big Rube invites Jim Buck of Made By Buck down to his kitchen at Pitchers Pub in Manayunk. Buck tells Rube his story of pulling himself up by his literal bootstraps.
On this week's episode of Citizen WURDs, James Peterson is joined by Dr. Kevana Nixon, whose mission is to "eradicate the stigma of mental health in the Black community."
Layoffs, vacant labs and NIH cuts are diminishing the once-booming biotech sector that promised an economic windfall in the region. Is it time to write off biotech?
Private companies are increasingly profiting from state-sponsored surveillance aimed at immigrants. Ali Velshi brings the practice into the light and asks what this all means since "the true mark of any society is how it treats its most vulnerable."
The latest push for a ban on egregious gifts to legislators is the 38th attempt at a gift ban in the last 25 years ...
On this second part of Ultimate Job Interview, three panelists put tough questions to District Attorney hopeful Paul Dugan. Listen and prepare to vote in the May 20th primary.
On this episode of our two-part Ultimate Job Interview, three panelists are assembled to put the tough questions to District Attorney hopeful Paul Dugan. Listen and prepare to vote in the May 20th primary.
Our Citizen of the Week is a century-old Galápagos tortoise at the Philadelphia Zoo. She's a new mother and she's helping to save her species from extinction.
Ali Velshi brings out "Betty" to once again demonstrate how tariff pause or no, everything in her life just got more expensive. Reach for that glass of wine. On second thought, don't.
New Temple President John Fry doubled down on Enlightenment values, modeling a new course for would-be leaders in this age of autocracy
In this episode of How To Really Run A City, our hosts bring Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti onto the show.
Cognetti is demonstrating how cities are blazing a way forward amidst the daily chaos spilling out of Washington, D.C.
“This is where local matters,” Cognetti says. “At the local level, we’re nimble, we’re able to try things that are harder at the state level, and definitely at the national level.”
As cities go, so goes the nation!
Citizen writer Malcolm Burnley explores the burning question of whether or not legal use of recreational marijuana really is in our future.
Let’s ensure it's the American people who are the winners by preserving and teaching the stories that form our democracy
Journalist Melissa Chan and cartoonist Badiucao created a highly accessible dystopian graphic novel that takes place in 2035. America has become proto-fascist and is at war with a techno-authoritarian regime in China. Chan and Badiucao join Ali Velshi for his latest installment of the Velshi Banned Book Club. "Serious topics about human rights and social issues needs to break into gamers, the geeks and the readers of comics," says Badiucao.
U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle recently expressed his outrage over Trump inviting the Kansas City Chiefs to the White House. Lauren McCutcheon asked him why.
On this episode of Evening WURDs, James Peterson is joined by Kenyatta James, executive director of the Economy League. They discuss how small and minority-owned businesses can get ahead in Philly and what "human-centered design" means.
There is a literary crisis in Philadelphia. Percival Everett’s National Book Award-winning novel James might just be the way forward.
The remade Gallery is constantly roasted for its lack of personality. But maybe that's just what makes our Fashion District a hidden gem. Maybe.
In 2013, a teenage boy lit the skirt of an agender teen asleep nearby on fire. They sustained major burns to their legs and the offending teen was charged as an adult -- over the wishes of the victim and their family. This true story is detailed in The 57 Bus by journalist Dashka Slater. With discrimination against trans persons becoming openly accepted in the U.S., Ali Velshi sits down with Slater in this episode of Velshi Banned Book Club.
DA Larry Krasner says he’s a “democracy advocate” and his real opponent is Donald Trump. Is there actually something to it?
In our latest episode of How To Really Run A City, our hosts invite an “elusive wizard” onto the show.
Bruce Katz is the Founding Director of the Nowak Metro Finance Lab at Drexel University, and an architect of the National Housing Crisis Task Force at Accelerator For America. “Bruce has forgotten more about cities than I’ll ever know,” Larry tells our mayors before referencing the Trump Administration’s gutting of federal agencies and funding. “Given your experience, Bruce, how scared should we be?”
“This is a war on the poor,” Katz says. “This is a war on science. This is abandoning our allies and the dismantling of the federal government. We should be very scared.”
That doesn’t mean there is no hope, though.
“The U.S. has always shown the power of the local,” Katz tells the hosts. “We are really unlike any other place in the world. We have a long tradition of volunteerism, philanthropy and corporate engagement. It’s local. People are committed to place. This will be our salvation.”
As cities go, so goes the nation!
In this episode of Citizen of the Week, we highlight FDR Park volunteer coordinator Tara Anastasi. From reclaiming lakes from "phrags" to organizing an army of volunteers, Anastasi gets stuff done.
The Economy League’s latest pitch competition is looking for ideas on how to close the racial wealth gap, with $50,000 going to the winner
During the red scare of the Cold War, American politicians discriminated against and began deporting Chinese-Americans. This included the scientist who would become the father of China's ballistic missile program. Ali Velshi explains why the overreactions to immigrant scares only ends up hurting the country.
A Philadelphia urbanist and working parent tried to go car free. She learned how that's a hard thing to do, even in a 15-minute neighborhood.
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Rube visits with Candace Johnson, the Philly creator of TOUCHY/FEELY, the card game of intimate connection.
... with Dr. James Peterson of Evening WURDs. This week, Larry Platt calls into the show to discuss his recent Citizen article and throw around ideas for a set of truly progressive tax reforms Philly could enact.
Inspired by his own journey as a father, a Temple University police officer has become a vital support for hundreds of students in North Philadelphia
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi focuses on a recent arrest in Louisiana for abortion and connects it to other rights directly threatened: contraception, consensual gay sexual relationships, and same-sex marriage.
Congressmembers Chrissy Houlahan, Brendan Boyle and Brian Fitzpatrick all recently exhibited something voters rarely reward: Integrity
A new nonprofit called Live Work Philadelphia thinks that by diversifying our middle-income earners, we can create a path to prosperity for all Philadelphians. Hear Malcolm's conversation with executive director Javier Suarez.
Michelle Angela Ortiz doubles down on Our Market — a public art project honoring the diverse stories of the S. 9th Street Market. The sense of community Ortiz's art inspires is helping residents and businesses stand against the twin threats of gentrification and anti-immigrant sentiment.
Louis King, the CEO of OIC of America, ran a successful program to open high-paying construction jobs to more people in Minnesota. Now, he’s doing the same in Pennsylvania.
Larry recently sat down with teacher and author Kimberly McGlonn to talk about her upbringing, her struggles against racial injustice and about her new book, Build It Boldly: How Daring Business Leaders Can Gain Influence and Create Impact. McGlonn's message was an inspirational clarion call to the citizen leaders in our midst.
The Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission just released a new report. What are they proposing? Is this plan something even a progressive could get behind?
Mical Jeanlys-White, creator of the app WealthMore, is the latest Citizen guest on Evening WURDs. Dr. James Peterson explores the reasoning behind the app and how it helps people build their financial futures.
Main Line OB-GYN Karen Tang has almost 700,000 followers for her science-based and hilarious TikToks and IG posts on reproductive health. Roxanne sat down with Tang to discuss her social media rise and what it means.
David Dylan Thomas explores what would happen if enslaved people in Washington Square rose from the dead in the upcoming zombie film, White Meat
Governor Josh Shapiro introduced Superbowl MVP Jalen Hurts to receive his 2025 Citizen of the Year award. Hear what Shapiro and Hurts had to say.
Jeff Bezos may own the Washington Post, but attacks on Enlightenment values know no borders. This is how we can stand against media surrender.
Years of acrimony and conflict in our national politics has unfortunately trickled down to cities, where disdain for civil servants — and each other — has had a chilling effect on the work needed to get things done. So what can we do about it?
On this episode of How To Really Run A City, former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter sat down with Diane Kalen-Sukra, a former city manager, current evangelist for political civility and author of Save Your City: How Toxic Culture Kills Community & What To Do About It — the perfect guest to explain how we can bring down the temperature of our political conversations … and what happens if we don’t.
“Incivility exists on a spectrum,” Kalen-Sukra said, “but it leads to mobbing, harassment, then threats, then violence, and ultimately civil war.”
“Has there been an inflection point over the last 10, 15 years, where you saw an uptick in incivility?” Nutter asked.
“And when we have a conversation about what happened,” Reed interjected, “The President of the United States has traditionally been the exemplar of behavior and decorum. Donald Trump opened up a tear in the fabric of our society.”
“There’s no question that our social fabric is unraveling right now,” Kalen-Sukra responded. “And unless we address incivility intentionally, it is only going to escalate. It spreads like a contagion. Because civility is not about being nice. It's about having the backbone to boldly speak the truth, even in difficult situations."
As cities go, so goes the nation.
Atlanta, Georgia recently turned 40 giant steel boxes into temporary studio apartments. Could this be a solution to our affordability crisis?
Leon King, former commissioner of the Philadelphia prison system, is seeking a seat on the Court of Common Pleas — for a fifth time. Empathy is what he's campaigning on. Hear this special audio edition with a reading by Malcolm Burnley.
Volodymyr Vakulenko hid his journal beneath a tree in his yard. The pages detailed the Russian invasion of his home country, Ukraine. Vakulenko was afraid he would not live to see the manuscript published -- a fear that tragically came true. On this week's Velshi Banned Book Club, Ali Velshi speaks with Ukrainian author and journalist Yaruslov Trofimov, who wrote No Country For Love, which explores Russia's attempts to wipe out Ukrainian literature and history.
While DOGE slashes and burns the federal government, what’s the way forward for local Democrats? Larry Platt suggests let's make government really work efficiently.
Panelists Patrick Murphy (former congressman and Army Under-Secretary) and Batya Ungar Sargon (author of Second Class: How the Elites Betrayed America's Working Men and Women) are joined by moderator Ali Velshi for an insightful conversation into how things went so wrong with working class voters in 2024.
Part 2
Let’s clap for each other. Because the country is on fire and the bucket brigade needs to start somewhere, right? Why not random applause?
Panelists Patrick Murphy (former congressman and Army Under-Secretary) and Batya Ungar Sargon (author of Second Class: How the Elites Betrayed America's Working Men and Women) are joined by moderator Ali Velshi for an insightful conversation into how things went so wrong with working class voters in 2024.
Unhurried and authentic, Tio Pepe Portuguese restaurant has gotten more popular even as Portuguese folks leave Northeast Philly. One Portuguese Philadelphian recorded what she loves most about this authentic slice of home.
District Attorney Krasner has a shifting zeitgeist and a credible challenger in former Judge Pat Dugan. On this interview special, Larry and Dugan chat about what he sees wrong in the city, and what he would do to change things as Philly's new DA.
IWSS Festival panelist Piper Stege Nelson accomplished just such a feat for local nonprofits during Amplify Austin Day. And she thinks it's an idea that Philly really should steal.
Wharton’s new foray into studying Artificial Intelligence is Accountability AI Lab. Malcolm sits down with Kevin Werbach, a Wharton professor (and fellow podcaster) who leads the lab, to ask exactly what is accountable AI?
The financial planning app WealthMore aims to advise non-affluent investors — especially women and people of color. "This is the one area of our lives, where we ask the average American to be both the 'patient' and the 'doctor,'" its founder says. WealthMore is trying to change that.
Donald "The Conqueror" Trump has set his eyes on land expansions that nobody asked for and nobody wants. Canadian-born Ali Velshi breaks down what it would actually mean for Canada to join the United States. "Canada wouldn't be the 51st state, it would be states 51 through 60, at the very least." And if you think those states would be conservative-leaning, you don't know Canada.
On the podcast this week, our hosts welcome Tom Henkey, who served for six years as Chicago's Senior Emergency Management Coordinator. His recounting of the Chicago 2011 blizzard that trapped hundreds of cars on a major thoroughfare is harrowing.
In the wake of weather-related emergencies all across the country, Henkey is a timely and knowledgeable guest to join our hosts. And remember, as cities go, so goes the nation!
WURD Radio's Dr. James Peterson sits down with Citizen staff writer Courtney DuChene to discuss the complicated history of, and thorny solutions to, the infamous Roundhouse.
In this Guest Commentary, the former Dean of Temple Law School worries that it may be too late to save what is great about America. But we must persevere if we want to keep what is left.
How do we celebrate Black History Month when our government is seeking to erase everything it stands for? Dr. James Peterson of WURD Radio takes on the issue.
This past weekend, Donald Trump's tariffs targeting Mexico and Canada began. Both countries promised to retaliate with tariffs of their own. This is how it will cost you.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation grilling makes you wonder whether his iconoclastic father would have voted for his own son.
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Reuben Harley visits with Kevin Harris, aka K.Vaughn, to explore his journey from coming up in West Philly to joining the Navy to becoming a fashion guru whose scarves are nationally renowned.
Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round is a documentary about a little-known milestone in the Civil Rights Movement that centered on an amusement park in Glen Echo, Maryland. The film will be screened here in Philly on February 6.
Should PA become the tenth state to opt into the Restaurant Meals Program, offering SNAP beneficiaries access to restaurant meals? We think this is definitely an idea to steal.
... they start carrying out law enforcement functions. "This is important," Ali Velshi explains this week as he discusses the role and limitations of the U.S. Posse Comitatus Act.
With Trump targeting cities, how should Philly respond? By lessening our dependence on D.C. through innovative growth policies. This way, we'll stand a fighting chance.
On another episode of Evening WURDs, Dr. James Peterson sits down with Nicholas Esposito to dig deeper into a Citizen article he wrote titled, Is Another Trash Day The Best Way To Clean Philly?
Connor Barwin’s City-funded $21 million revamp of Vare Recreation Center shows what Rebuild could accomplish. So why did ReBuild fall so short of its overall target?
The Washington Post is experimenting with a new slogan. Rather than "Democracy Dies in Darkness," it would be "Riveting Storytelling for All of America." Ali Velshi's guest this week is Nobel Prize winner Maria Ressa. "Without journalism, you have no democracy," she says of this precarious new stage for American journalists.
Commitment to excellence, human dignity, and an unwavering pursuit of justice are how we live up to the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, explains Dr. James Peterson.
A feminist NFL star who loves to do good for Philly kids out of the limelight? Yup. Listen to why Jalen Hurts is our 2024 Citizen of the Year.
On the latest episode of our How To Really Run A City podcast with esteemed former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter, we are joined by two special guests. First, Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, President and CEO of Accelerator for America, the nation's preeminent city "do tank," and our dynamic new partner on this podcast. Second, Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas, known affectionately to Kansas Citians as "Mayor Q." Lucas rose from experiencing homelessness to running Kansas City and he came into office with ambitious, fresh ideas.
"I think good mayors find a way to remove barriers," Lucas told our hosts.
Join us for this episode of hope that American cities can move the needle on economic mobility forward. And also a little discussion about the age-old rivalries of sports teams and BBQ recipes.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Reuben Harley visits with Jamar Blackshear of Halal Fitness LLC to talk about his rise as a fitness star after paying his debt to society, about his pro bono work with kids, and of course, about his world-famous burpees.
With the 76 Place debate behind us, let's get down to actual neighborhood and city planning and make a decision about the Roundhouse. It has a lot of potential.
Third-party fact checkers were axed from Meta for being "biased and overly politically correct." Ali Velshi speaks with two of those fact-checkers about the real threats facing social media in this new era.
In this interview special, Elijah Wald, South Philly author of the book behind "A Complete Unknown" discusses what the film missed, compares Bob Dylan and Taylor Swift and makes thought-provoking points about today's pop antiheros.
A lifelong Eagles fan asked the NFL to open the stadium for away games for years, but the plan to open the Linc to everyone for the Super Bowl is a fail
Meet our Youth Citizen of the Year, who at just 15, has given 79,000 pairs of socks to vulnerable Philadelphians through his 501(c)(3) Socks for the Streets.
... but remember diversity, equity and inclusion. Longtime university president Elaine Maimon mourns the attack on the ideas — and very words — that are so vital to our democracy.
Birthright citizenship is "an integral part of repudiating this nation's history of slavery," Ali Velshi explains. "To undermine [it], would be a return to some of our nation's darkest days." From slavery to the Chinese Exclusion Act of the nineteenth century, the 14th Amendment has been a remedy to our most discriminatory impulses.
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia made concessions radically affordable. Another miss by Mayor Parker and City Council in the run-up to 76 Place ...
"There's a writer for the Atlantic in 1894 who said, 'Every two years one party is obliterated, and then two years later, the other party is obliterated,' so I'm not saying this isn't the beginning of some grand realignment, but it might [simply] be the peak of a new cycle." Author Jon Grinspan put forward this observation in the second part of our opening panel at the 2024 Ideas We Should Steal Festival.
When it comes to deeply polarized politics in America, we've been here before. In this two-part event from our Ideas We Should Steal Festival 2024, Larry chats with MSNBC's Ali Velshi and author Jon Grinspan, who wrote "Age of Acrimony." Velshi and Grinspan explain that the solutions to our acrimonious future can be found in our past.
Citizen contributor and Evening WURDs host Dr. James Peterson starts a new segment called Evening Stories. On this episode, he and guest Ann Smith discuss the importance of "The Danger Of A Single Story," by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
This book is a "clear commentary on how society pushes women to their breaking point, pits them against one another, and then abandons them," Velshi says as he invites author Paula Hawkins onto the show to discuss the banning of her novel in Ron DeSantis's Florida.
On this year's final episode of How To Really Run A City, we thought listeners could use a good laugh. Larry Platt takes us through the year's funniest moments, from how former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed gets his gangsta lean on to former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter's "drugged up" call-in from his car. This year we had randy guests, mayors incognito and a dead tree in Wilmington, Delaware that just won't be removed.
"It's all good! This is the podcast, this is what we do," Larry said, chuckling after guest Devin Cotten of Cleveland's Universal Basic Employment pilot called our hosts..."old." Join us for this special episode that tries not to take 2024 too seriously.
The seven principles of this weeklong celebration, which starts today, are good guides for how to live all year round. Citizen contributor and WURD host Dr. James Peterson reflects on the ideal that means the most to him.
On this collaboration with Evening WURDs, Dr. James Peterson chats with Julian Plotnick of 4 Day Philly who explains why we should actually be working less.
The Citizen is not abandoning X despite — actually, because of — the divisiveness and disinformation that abounds. Olivia Kram explains why.
"The FDIC has a perfect record of protecting insured bank deposits for over ninety years." Ali Velshi breaks down the role of the FDIC and explains why the Trump transition team asking if it can be eliminated is a really bad idea.
Can 5-term Congressman Brendan Boyle offer an object lesson in getting back to common purpose? Or is he the last of a dying breed? Larry chats with him to find out.
We are proud to introduce our annual group of all-stars who are making Philadelphia better — and inspiring us all to do the same.
A former Parks and Recreation Sustainability Manager argues the $11 million dollars being spent on a second trash day for parts of South Philly and Center City could be better spent.
Philadelphia’s status as the nation’s poorest big city is a major cause of its gunfire. In collaboration with The Trace, CitizenCast brings Mensah M. Dean's examination of race and gun violence to listeners as a three-part audio series.
Part 3 unearths the stories of two Philadelphians who were trapped in the devastating cycle of poverty and violence, but found their way out.
The first Trump administration has a "history of attacking journalists, of calling for violence against journalists, of suing and surveilling journalists, and trying to legislate against [them]." Ali Velshi's guest host, Charles Coleman Jr. invites onto the show Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer-prize-winning author and founder of the Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University. They discuss some of the most vital battles journalists will face in the next four years.
Last week’s musings about corruption in City Hall raises a lot of questions, including: What's illegal, and what’s just … kinda gross?
The work of Temple researcher Dr. Anjali Rajadhyaksha is on track to radically change pain management and the opioid crisis. Citizen writer Malcolm Burnley sits down with her for a special interview.
Philadelphia gunfire has taken grandfathers, brothers, cousins, children. Intergenerational loss reflects the roots of the shooting epidemic. In collaboration with The Trace, CitizenCast brings Mensah Dean's examination of race and gun violence to listeners as a three-part audio series.
Part 2 considers the traumatic cases of former State Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell.
Black Philadelphians have died at disproportionately high rates for more than a century. In collaboration with The Trace, CitizenCast brings Mensah Dean's examination of race and gun violence to listeners as a three-part audio series. Part 1 looks at the origins of the crisis through the heartbreaking story of ten-year-old Faheem Thomas-Childs.
Becky Albertalli's YA novel has been challenged and banned in several conservative states, including Florida, Texas and Utah. Ali Velshi invites Albertalli onto the Velshi Banned Book Club to talk about why her book was banned, and how so many LGBTQ stories are being target right now.
On this episode of The Fix, Larry looks at Mayor Parker’s City Hall and asks, is anything being done to clean up the city's corruption problem?
Chicago’s late, legendary first African-American mayor, Harold Washington propelled his charisma and grassroots support to topple his city’s legendary machine and remake its government — a story brilliantly told in Punch 9 For Harold Washington, which The Citizen screened on the opening night of the Ideas We Should Steal Festival last month.
What can Philadelphia today take away from Washington’s political courage in decades past?
On this episode of How to Really Run A City, hosts former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter, along with The Citizen’s Larry Platt, spoke with filmmaker Joe Winston and New Yorker writer/Macarthur “genius” Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor explored that question in a live taping of the podcast.
“Fairer is harder,” Reed told the audience, “if you want a bold, inclusive form of politics, it’s just harder…all of us have got to show up.”
As cities go, so goes the nation!
On this Citizen edition of Evening WURDs with Dr. James Peterson, Cait Garozzo sits down with Peterson to discuss job placement strategies for both job seekers and employers in the city. Garozzo is the executive director of The Skills Initiative at University City District.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi highlights efforts by Christian Nationalists to break down the protective barriers of church and state separation, including in Oklahoma public schools.
Listen to the epic second part of this song-by-song review of "A Philly Special Christmas Party" by resident seasonal grinch Olivia Kram.
Can the Philly Specials’ third holiday record — featuring Stevie Nicks and Mt. Joy — sway a seasonal music grinch? Listen to the first part of this song-by-song review of "A Philly Special Christmas Party."
Larry Platt joins WURD host Dr. James Peterson to discuss his breakdown of the presidential election results in "What The F Just Happened?"
A recent Temple study found that gun violence surged as the Covid-19 pandemic worsened poverty, unemployment, and structural racism.
Documentarian and author Jo Piazza heard over and over again that a key part of driving down gun violence is increasing job opportunities for the men most likely to fall into the "illegal economy." On this episode of Philly Under Fire, Piazza looks at one organization that is trying to provide just those kinds of job opportunities.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi invites Nobel laureate Maria Ressa onto the show to discuss how journalists and everyday citizens can stand against a dictator seeking to collapse democracy. More than Germany or Italy, Velshi says, it's the Philippines we should be looking to right now. "It took about 6 months," Ressa tells him, "before our democratic institutions crumbled." Hear Ressa's inspiring advice about what to do after "illiberal leaders" are voted into office.
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, the iconic chef, photographer and brand maker chats with Jon Metz, a local wood-burning artist known for his portraits of dogs, athletes, and occasionally, beer.
Local progressives take aim at Bob Brady and the Democratic machine. But this week's book tour stop by Bill Clinton suggests another way ...
The 2024 election highlighted a problem with education "elitism." Colleges and universities must work together together to bring Americans together.
A monument to civil rights icon Sadie Alexander is replacing the Rizzo statue, joining a small handful of public statues of Black Philadelphians. Listen to her story.
Senator Bob Casey’s desperate attempt to keep his seat and his silence while supporters mimic Trump-like rationale is not a good look
Soybeans, electric cars and trade wars--MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi breaks down the reality of tariffs and who ultimately ends up footing the bill.
"Well, guys,” Citizen Co-founder Larry Platt starts, “let’s have a little therapy session. What the hell just happened?”
On this special episode of How To Really Run A City, former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter get together just days after the election to hash out how they’re feeling and what they think turned the tide to President-elect Donald Trump.
Despite a “painful, painful map” and impending federal policies that target vulnerable communities, Reed and Nutter offer a few rays of hope.
“Presidents have very little power to reach into cities,” Nutter observed.
“Make [the president] staff these efforts,” Reed agreed. “It would take four years just to staff up.”
Join us for this episode about the power of good leaders in our cities — something needed with increasing urgency in this country. Remember to subscribe to keep up on all the latest episodes. You can even watch the conversation play out on YouTube.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
Citizen writer Malcolm Burnley recently joined Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs to discuss an article published just before the election that dispels many of the myths and handwringing surrounding a demographic that, despite a slight shift, still voted for Kamala Harris in overwhelming numbers. Hear Malcolm's breakdown of the article and his thoughts on what we know now.
... but hard to do, says the filmmakers of the new documentary Beyond the Bridge: A Solution To Homelessness. A special "impact screening" will be held at the Philadelphia Film Center on November 21.
One Pittsburgh historian on how last week’s election results may require a permanent realignment in a state Dems once considered a safe bet.
Explains Ali Velshi: "Today's setbacks are tomorrow's comebacks. And the comeback is our work."
Larry Platt casts a spotlight on the fall of progressivism, the rise of Joe Rogan, the autumn of Bob Brady--all to try and make sense of Tuesday’s Great Realignment.
In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, Courtney DuChene looks at our persistent issue of potholes and how vialytics (a user-friendly app that quickly identifies and maps roadway problems) could be an important key in fixing Philly streets.
Documentarian Jo Piazza asks, are there actually proven solutions to gun violence in this city? In the third episode of the Citizen's flagship series, Jo introduces listeners to organizations in Philly that have made meaningful progress, even if it isn’t easy. Underlying these programs are strategies like using data to identify who’s most likely to be shot, and mediating and de-escalating “beefs” before they get too hot.
Much has been made about polls showing a number of Black men might not vote for Harris. But is that maybe the Democrats' fault, not theirs?
Just ahead of the election, hear directly from the candidates for Attorney General about their motivations, goals and what separates them from their fellow aspirants for this vitally important state office.
You can jump ahead to each candidate to evaluate their responses.
Dave Sunday (R) -- 3:30
Eugene DePasquale (D) -- 33:30
Eric Settle (FP) -- 57:30
In this hectic time, take a moment to remember that behind every vote is a story about civic engagement. Olivia Kram, Courtney Duchene and Naahv Nair approached their fellow Philadelphians to ask where they were, who they chose and what it felt like the first time they voted.
On this episode of How To Really Run A City, former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter speak with Delaware Governor John Carney. Carney is doing something that almost no other governor has done--turned his sights from the highest executive office in the state to the role of mayor (in this case, the mayoralty of Wilmington, DE).
Reed and Nutter offer some sage advice and everyone on the show reminisces about what it really takes to get shit done in a city. There's a dead tree that soon-to-be Mayor Carney has been obsessing over that illustrates this point perfectly.
"Be impatient," Nutter told Carney. "Everyday. Be impatient in doing good for your constituents."
"Here, here," Reed responded.
Join us for this episode about the power of good leaders in our cities--something needed with increasing urgency in this country. Remember to subscribe to the podcast to keep up on all the latest episodes. You can even watch the conversation play out on YouTube.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
Latinos are among the most important voting blocs and are most concerned with the economy. How would the policies of Donald Trump or Kamala Harris affect them? Cristian Salazar explains. And on this special episode, Salazar's story is read in Spanish and then in English.
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Reuben Harley chats with PR dynamo and fashion maven, Binh Nguyen, whose parents immigrated to Lebanon, PA from Saigon when she was young. Nguyen rose from humble beginnings to become the Senior Director of Communications at Visit Philadelphia. She's shaping how the country sees Philadelphia — and how other Asian American girls and women see their futures.
Emily M. Danforth's 2012 YA novel, and current entry into #velshibannedbookclub, explores "sexuality, family dynamics, religion, friendship and love." And yet, it ended up on conservative book bans. Danforth joins Velshi to discuss why.
Amid boycotts of the Main Line deli for a new pro-Trump commercial, the bigger question: Does the ad perpetuate an awful Jewish caricature?
Maleda Brehane is an Ethiopian immigrant who saw lives transformed through real estate in east Africa. After becoming CEO of AR Spruce, she has championed civic engagement and "diversity design" here in Philadelphia. Brehane joins Dr. James Peterson for his regular Citizen segment on Evening WURDs.
In this interview special, Malcolm speaks with Moody’s Chief Economist Mark Zandi, a Malvern resident, about which presidential candidate bodes better for the economy and our financial future
Most voters say the economy will play a major role in deciding their choice for president. How do the records of Trump and Harris stack up? We'll answer with just the facts.
Harris and Trump campaigns are panicking about their PA messaging. What would local political strategists do to capture Philadelphia voters?
In the second episode of Jo Piazza's acclaimed docuseries, Philly Under Fire, we tell the story of trauma nurse Rhonda Browning, who has been treating shooting victims for two decades. She has held the hands of countless young men, who in their most painful moments, beg for their mothers. Browning fills that role temporarily, "whispering in their ears that they need to hold on." Follow this gripping episode as Piazza brings the reality of Browning's work into focus.
Like all Americans, Black men are not a monolith. Why they might choose to vote for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris is important to understand. Dr. James Peterson of Evening WURDs takes us through a few reasons.
On this episode of Citizen of the Week, we highlight Arash Singh, an Indian citizen living in Fishtown. He can’t vote in the U.S., but that hasn’t stopped him from helping others cast their ballots by November 5.
Iconic chef, brand marketer and photographer, Big Rube, talks business, blueberries and perseverance with local produce scion Marcello Giordano
When Donald Trump declares the U.S. to be "occupied" by immigrants and promises a "Liberation Day" of mass deportation, Ali Velshi reminds us that Trump has made good on extremely cruel immigration policies before.
Did Curtis Bashaw — pro-choice, pro-growth, gay hotelier — offer a glimpse of what a return to reasonableness might look like, post-Trumpism?
On the latest episode of How To Really Run A City, former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter chat with Devin Cotten, the Founder and CEO of The Universal Basic Employment and Opportunity Initiative in Cleveland, Ohio. Cotten is helping to extend universal basic employment to one hundred Clevelanders through a pilot that guarantees a living wage of $50,000 a year. This initiative bypasses the common criticism about universal basic income being just a financial handout.
"I think this is a more effective tool, politically," Reed said on the podcast, "because you've got somebody getting up and going to work, just like the rest of us. It's hard for people to hate on someone who's doing the very best they can."
Join us for this episode about an idea we should be stealing from Cleveland. For more from Cotten, see him at The Citizen’s 7th annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival presented by Comcast NBC Universal on November 15th.
As cities go, so goes the nation!
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative helped nearly 2,000 Philadelphians find work. Now, the organization is expanding and rebranding to connect more Philadelphians with skills, jobs and career opportunities.
Philadelphia experienced a tragic surge in gun violence in 2020, with 500 of our fellow residents killed and another 2,200 shot. Today we look back at that dramatic and heartbreaking moment in time with Roadmap To Nowhere, the first episode of Jo Piazza's acclaimed docuseries, Philly Under Fire.
What is on ultra-conservatives' wish list for disaster relief? MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi details disturbing plans for gutting FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, thereby making Americans in disaster-prone areas less secure.
Tim Walz’s debate performance should have Democratic insiders wondering what could have been had Gov. Shapiro been on that stage
"... in Black political reality." At a recent Citizen event, aired live on WURD, host James Peterson interviewed Dr. Michael Eric Dyson about his new book "Represent: The Unfinished Fight for the Vote." Dr. Dyson stated that the real goal of American politics "was not the acquisition of democracy, but the establishment of white supremacy."
Pennsylvania’s state treasurer manages the sixth largest economy in the U.S — and a few other things. Next up in Your City Defined.
Five million people died last year from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. One Penn scientist is looking deep into the past for a solution.
Abortions bans undermine women's basic reproductive health, explains MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi. And among no group is that threat more acutely felt than Black women, who's lives are at greater risk because of the racism stubbornly entrenched in our healthcare system.
Nine months in, Mayor Cherelle Parker has shown impeccable public-facing skills. But how is she on implementation and transparency?
What’s happening to people in cities since the pandemic is more worrisome than the fate of office buildings. This urbanist has a few city-centric solutions to pull us out of the "doom loop."
On this episode of Evening WURDs, host Dr. James Peterson sits down with Roxanne to discuss Pennsylvania's vital role in the upcoming election and what techniques have proved most effective in getting people to the polls.
Temple grad student Deesarine Ballayan has ongoing reservations about Kamala Harris. In this episode of Guest Commentary, she explains how these reservations linger, even after personally attending the candidate’s NABJ interview in Philadelphia.
Citizenship Day and Constitution Day are both celebrated on September 17th. This is a bold statement about the importance of immigrants, as well as their contributions and responsibilities to their new country. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi recounts his own experience becoming a US citizen and declares the importance of exercising your citizenship "muscles."
PA legislators struggle to legalize recreational marijuana and create economic opportunities. Can they do something before the year's end?
On this episode of our acclaimed podcast, former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter sit down with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, one of the youngest mayors in the country. In March, a cargo ship lost power and smashed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, thrusting Mayor Scott into the national spotlight amidst ugly insinuations that the tragedy was a result of Scott being a "D.E.I. mayor.”
Find out how he creatively shut down the criticisms, as Mayor Scott takes our hosts through the tragedy of that night, as well as detailing his city's stunning success in reversing the trend of shooting victims and fatalities in Baltimore. He even digs into the hilarious bet he has with the youth of his city as they try to unearth the mayor's D.J. alias. (Hint: he ain't worried.)
As cities go, so goes the nation!
On this episode of Art For Change, we examine a new interactive installation at the Fabric Workshop and Museum by Bearded Ladies Cabaret founder John Jarboe. The exhibition puts on full display "earnest, absurd queer selfhood."
On this episode of Citizen(s) of the Week, we look at Penn Medicine Votes, which motivates healthcare workers to help patients who are unexpectedly hospitalized on election day cast an absentee ballot
Donald Trump and his Republican allies are doubling down on "abortion after birth" (also known as "murder.") MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi breaks down this lie and explains why it's so dangerous.
There’s only one major metro region in the nation without a strategic plan for inclusive growth — Philadelphia. Where's our job growth plan?
Longtime higher education executive, Elaine Maimon, shines a light on how the U.S. Constitution was talked about (and referenced) in the debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
Artist Sonya Clark has created a video installation called The Descendants of Monticello. It fills the historical Declaration House with unblinking windows into our shared history.
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Reuben Harley chats with Shaw Lewis of Expect Lace, a lingerie shop in Manayunk. Shaw explains how, as a successful Black entrepreneur, she is helping lift women around her, and how she's making both women and men feel comfortable about buying intimates.
Besides hunting down instances of "woke agendas," MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi explains the intense favoritism that would be shown to private religious schools under Project 2025. "Families who already pay for tuition [to private schools], get a break, while those who can't, are forced back into public schools where they are now receiving even fewer resources."
A former Philadelphia mayor asks ABC's David Muir and Linsey Davis to ask presidential debate questions about basic knowledge...and do some fact-checking
On this special episode of How To Really Run A City, former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter and former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed catch up with the Republican mayor whose speech supporting Kamala Harris ignited the Democratic National Convention. Why'd he do it? To honor the ideals and memory of Senator John McCain. "There is no longer loyalty to principles," Mayor John Giles of Mesa, AZ, told us. "It's all loyalty to Donald Trump. It's been heartbreaking for not just me, but millions and millions of Americans who are now politically homeless."
Subscribe to the podcast to keep up on all the latest episodes. And you can even watch the conversation play out on YouTube. As cities go, so goes the nation!
... the CEO of Shift Capital, an urban real estate business in Kensington, lays out how
Center City has 45 alleys. Most are dumps. Center City District President/CEO sees the potential for beauty, greenery and art instead.
Recently, Donald Trump met with Moms For Liberty, a group that some civil rights watchdogs have branded "extremists." MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi lays out what Project 2025 says about "manufactured extremism" and details how the Department of Justice would be sent to dismantle "D.E.I." and other social justice movements.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, a local public elementary school teacher of more than two decades shares what Philly-based Abbott Elementary misses — and what teachers really need
On this episode of #velshibannedbookclub, Kiese Laymon joins MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi to discuss his banned book "Heavy." Because of its unflinching look at the messiness and weight of love, Laymon's book was banned in Mississippi (right alongside Toni Morrison's work).
On this episode of Your City (Commonwealth) Defined, the state’s chief fiscal watchdog is on the ballot in November. Whether it's rooting out grift and fraud, or moving the ball forward on progressive issues, this overlooked office is actually quite important.
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Reuben Harley chats with Tyson Devore and Nikki Moore, the owners of Chubby's Fantastic Flavors. They talk real ice cream, opportunities for Black-owned businesses to thrive and how to really come together as a community.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi explains what Project 2025 defines as the only family unit that should be accepted by the U.S. government: a biblically-based, social science-reinforced definition of marriage and family. "How's that for limited government?" Velshi asks.
Dr. Ala Stanford became a household name during Covid. In this interview with Courtney DuChene, she shares her thoughts about equity in medicine and her healthcare vision for a Harris presidency.
On this week's Citizen WURD segment, Malcolm Burnley joined Evening WURDs host Dr. James Peterson to discuss his recent story, "Fear of a Biracial President," and how he came to embrace his own racial identity.
What happened when our Gen Z Mystery Shopper reached out to each member of City Council to ask what they are doing about climate change? Let's just say it didn't go well.
With the Democratic National Convention this week, Malcolm Burnley explains how Kamala Harris will have to talk about race in order to communicate with and connect multiracial Americans to a biracial president
The treatment for sepsis in the uterus is abortion. The treatment for ectopic pregnancy is abortion. The treatment for miscarriage that won't be expelled is abortion. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi explains why abortion bans pose life-threatening risks to "anyone with a uterus."
Philanthropist and Hostage Release Advocate, Liz Hirsh Naftali, shares with Larry her heartbreaking family hostage story of Oct 7 and how it forever changed the trajectory of her life and work.
U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey never expected to find herself paired policy-wise with a world famous standup comedian. Yet, that’s exactly what happened when she and Chris Rock — an unlikely policy wonk — came up with the same solution for curbing gun violence in America: Making bullets prohibitively expensive.
Elsewhere in this episode of How To Really Run A City, our mayors mull over “ultimate retail politics,” and enlighten the audience on the vital role of a call time manager. “I’ve got no patience for politicians who don’t like [raising money],” Reed says. “It’s a manifestation of people believing in you.”
As cities go, so goes the nation!
How does a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about resistance to Nazism in World War II Europe end up on banned book lists in Cambria County, PA? Ali Velshi convenes his #velshibannedbookclub to put that question to the book's author, Anthony Doerr.
On the flagship episode of The People Left Behind, a new Citizen podcast about the survivors and co-victims of gun violence, audio documentarian Julien Suaudeau introduces us to Laura Madeleine, who transformed her brush with gun violence into the Soul Shots Portrait Project. This new podcast explores what happens to those left behind when the police tape comes down and the news cameras file away.
What is Donald Trump's "Schedule F," and how does he intend to use it to make federal employees loyal only to him? MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi explains.
A Pennsylvania history professor on how Minnesota coach-turned-governor Tim Walz could be the key to making America nice again
Progressives targeted Josh Shapiro in the VP sweepstakes. What does that mean for Pennsylvania and what does that say about the Democratic Party?
In this episode of Guest Commentary, a North Philly high school teacher implores charitable donors to choose quality over quantity when donating school supplies
Philadelphia is getting hotter. We need to start planning for it now with shademaking and green spaces to make warm weather bearable.
"What could go wrong," asks Citizen board member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi, "when a criminal is put in charge of the Justice Department?" Velshi returns to the pages of the highly conservative Project 2025 to show how reform centered around revenge poses a dire threat to our system of checks and balances.
Trump’s MO is to retire conventional wisdom and turn politics into pop culture spectacle. Does our Josh Shapiro help Harris answer in kind?
James Baldwin said, "Love each other and raise our children." In time for what would have been Baldwin's 100th birthday, writer and WURD radio host James Peterson reflects on the power of Baldwin's legacy and focuses on the asinine ideology of using children as political talking points.
Answering for his ambition, Shapiro told Larry Platt, "I'm ambitious to get shit done every day. Why would you hire me if you didn't want me to get stuff done for you?" Part two of Shapiro's discussion with Platt and LaSalle University basketball coach Fran Dunphy digs deep into the motivations of a governor suddenly thrust into the national spotlight.
In the wake of several high-profile pedestrian and cycling deaths, Roxanne joins WURD's Tonya Pendleton for a special episode of Reality Check that explores what ideas we can steal to stop these needless fatalities
What designs on the free press do conservative minds in America have? The same minds who hope to influence a Trump second term? Citizen board member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi exposes this important section of Project 2025.
First-term governor Josh Shapiro is rumored to be on the shortlist for VP candidate on a Kamala Harris ticket. Here’s how he could help or hurt.
Governor Shapiro joined us at the Citizen's Ideas We Should Steal Festival and spoke about personal lessons in leadership. Joining him on the stage were LaSalle University basketball coach Fran Dunphy and the Citizen's Larry Platt. Here, part one of that inspiring conversation.
In this latest episode of How To Really Run A City, former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed talk to education reformer and former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza on what students really need … now.
Once upon a time, Democrats were the party trusted with directing education in America. But, as Democrats for Education Reform Executive Director Jorge Elorza says, that ended in the waning days of the Obama administration. Now? Democrats have lost the language, ideas, policy and vision around education.
This does create an opportunity moving forward. “We’re no longer just armed with the policy case or the moral case for reform, there’s also political self-interest,” he says.
Elorza is a former Providence, Rhode Island, mayor inspired to go into politics to ensure other children had the same educational opportunities he had, as the child of immigrants looking for American success. He's now on a mission to help design an education system that is innovative, accountable and offers choice.
On this episode of Citizen of the Week, every neighborhood should be as lucky to have a “non-leader” like Steve Stroiman, who serves Cresheim Valley Neighbors in Mount Airy. He is a shining example of how to bring a neighborhood together and how to get things done.
On this episode of #velshibannedbooks, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi sits down with the authors of "And Tango Makes Three," to discuss why their children's book has been banned in 32 states.
Philly is lagging behind peer cities in adjusting to work from home. Is now the time to invest in a broad economic revival plan?
What does the conservative Project 2025 call for when it comes to abortion and reproductive rights? MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi breaks it down.
In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, Philly has a great candidate to replace our shuttered bus station with a transportation hub. We even have a model for how to make that happen.
A national retail expert and futurist visited Philadelphia's premier shopping district. This is what he learned
The Poet X is a National Book Award-winner about a tenth-grader growing up in Harlem. It was banned for not being Christian enough, and therefore, against the Constitution. "Wow," says MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi. He interviews Poet Laureate Elizabeth Acevedo on this episode of #velshibannedbooks.
The appointment of John Fry, preeminent change maker, to lead Temple University has the potential to disrupt Philadelphia’s status quo. Listen to find out how.
As hand wringing over the state of our democracy has become a national pastime, we here at How To Really Run A City decided to air a special edition of our podcast.
We highlight moments from previous episodes which demonstrate that high-minded civic virtues like tolerance and pluralism and communitarianism don’t only belong to the past.
From Mayor Libby Schaaf’s guide to public action – “Mayors belong to one party–the party of getting shit done,” to Mayor Nutter’s stirring recounting of the Athenian Oath, to Mayor Reed’s somber assessment of the importance of the upcoming election – “We all love to think about what we would have done if we’d been around with Martin or Lincoln. Well, this is it.”
Join us for a few reminders that citizenship and good governance also lie in our present and future.
"...about the fundamental evil of people killing other people," Tim O'Brien, author of the banned book "The Things They Carried," said to MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi on #velshibannedbookclub. O'Brien's banning came from his realistic depictions of war (including the language soldiers use) which contrasts strongly with romantic fantasies of the nobility of soldiers some Americans hold.
Turning the University of the Arts' Center City buildings into an arts community would make the city a destination for practicing artists. Elaine Maimon lays out how this could be done.
Whether you believe President Biden should stay in the race or step aside, any Democratic candidate would be better than Donald Trump, explains MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi.
Vilas Dahr (Patrick J. McGovern Foundation), Beth Simone Noveck (Northeastern University) and Dalila Wilson Scott (Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation) come together at our Ideas We Should Steal Festival for a blunt talk about A.I. in the workplace and how companies can use this powerful new technology ethically.
Champions of workplace justice and sustainability argue it’s high time for our state to raise the minimum wage -- something that hasn't been done in 15 years.
The recent collapse of several local nonprofit organizations like UArts, leaves us with questions about whether we're in a "nonprofit bubble" and whether that bubble is popping.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, the co-founder of PHILLY TRUCE expresses no surprise at the recent drop in gun violence. He attributes it to the work of concerned citizens and marvels at why there isn't more support from the city.
... when the public stops believing in its legitimacy, it will cease to legitimately function, argues MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi.
Is there a better way to address our racially-driven wealth gap? Larry spoke to one social entrepreneur who says yes. And has a plan.
In part two of our latest episode of How to Really Run a City podcast, former Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed and former Philly mayor Michael Nutter hear more rhetorical gems from bestselling author and public intellectual Michael Eric Dyson ... who has some, uh, soulful theories about how to win elections and govern cities. Let's call it the Bobby Womack school of governance.
Elaine Maimon joins Dr. James Peterson, host of Evening WURDs, to discuss her recent Citizen article about the head-scratching closing of UArts.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, the director of Drexel’s Wealth and Work Futures Lab explains why minimum wage hasn’t budged in fifteen years and what needs to happen
... it did not go well. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi breaks down the 1924 National Origins Act and explains the long-term damage that resulted.
In advance of the presidential debate next week, former mayor Michael Nutter shares some thoughts on the answers we really need to hear from the candidates
Where can the country look when federal courts begin to falter? We've been here before, explains MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi. It is no surprise that state courts held Donald Trump accountable and preserved rights that SCOTUS stripped away.
Two deep canvassers from "Changing the Conversation Together" joined Solomon Jones on "Wake Up with WURD" to discuss one of the most effective techniques for getting reluctant voters to the polls.
University of the Arts’ former CFO wants answers about the suddenly-closed school’s $40 million funding gap
On this episode of #velshibannedbookclub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi brings Laurence Yep onto the show to talk about his banned book: Dragonwings.
Critics have scoured Yep's book about Chinese immigrants for evidence of "anti-American sentiments." This is a dangerous practice.
Progressive members of City Council protested them. Jay-Z supported them. Mayor Parker tried to unite everyone. You have entered the frontlines of school choice.
What is behind the surprising levels of Black support for (now felon) Donald J. Trump? According to bestselling author, public intellectual and “hip hop” professor Michael Eric Dyson, it's the result of a slew of misconceptions, as well as folks not understanding how government actually works in our lives. "It's an indictment of our side," Dyson said.
On this episode, Dyson and our mayors have a few words of advice for President Biden on how to really beat Donald Trump. Check out the first of a special two-part series with the ever insightful, ever entertaining Dr. Michael Eric Dyson.
On this episode of Citizen WURD, Dr. James Peterson, host of "Evening WURDs" speaks with Citizen writer Courtney DuChene about her Ideas We Should Steal article: "Free Childcare for Women's Health."
The legendary Reuben Harley meets up with Black Dragon's Kurt Evans, a chef after his own heart who supports the community through an inspiring fusion of Black and Chinese cuisine.
A longtime university president calls for an independent investigation into what happened at the 150-year-old University of the Arts / UArts
Public intellectual Michael Eric Dyson on how Black women are once again getting overlooked in the Caitlin Clark narrative
The founder of Hoop Dreams, Inc. has figured out how to help Philly kids make friends, be confident and focus on opportunities, using basketball as bait
We return to Ali Velshi in conversation with The Welcome Party co-founder Lauren Harper, PA State Senator Nikil Saval, and former Republican Congressman Charlie Dent.
Velshi begins by asking Nikil Saval at our most recent Ideas We Should Steal Festival if candidates on the left are making it harder for moderates to vote for Democrats.
Women’s Way recently honored philanthropist and Citizen board member Jen Rice for her support of women’s empowerment programs. Listen to her inspiring acceptance speech.
On this episode of #velshibannedbookclub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi interviews Jeannette Walls, author of "The Glass Castle." The main reason this book has been banned in schools? Frank and vivid descriptions of challenging situations like alcoholism and abuse. "Our children deserve better," wrote one parent. Velshi and Walls contend that children are better served by exposure to reality.
A confluence of factors and political talents explains the governor's astounding popularity in the polls, even among the MAGA crowd
The City's Turn The Key program is building homes affordable to middle income families. Can it be the centerpiece of Philly's housing plan?
It’s not enough to cast your own ballot in 2024. To get all eligible Philadelphians to vote, we need to engage in deep canvassing. Here, a sample of that deep canvassing with Roxanne and Adam Barbanel-Fried.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi sits down with "one of the greatest threats to the Republic" -- a history teacher. Randi Weingarten is now the President of the American Federation of Teachers and she is accused of spreading "filth" to American children in the form of banned books.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, James Peterson of "Evening WURDs" on WURD highlights the watermelon flag and what it says about symbols, extreme national distress and the regressive swing of the pendulum
One of the 120,000 living members of the Greatest Generation turns 99 this year. For Memorial Day, he talks to Larry Platt about saving America then and now.
"The more time one spends living in a distressed neighborhood during childhood, the worse are the chances of achieving economic stability." At our Ideas We Should Steal Festival, Carol Coletta of Memphis River Parks Partnership took the stage with a novel idea for bringing diverse communities together.
Two years ago a cultural revolution was sparked in Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi explains how and why the fruits of that revolution have been rolled back.
The Citizen is partnering with the original rad girl, Leah Kauffman, to bring back her annual celebration of kick-ass Philadelphia women. This week, Roxanne caught up with Kauffman to talk all things rad.
Hope Chicago ensures family scholarships for graduates of five public high schools. Elaine Maimon suggests we invest in Philadelphia families the same way.
Author, radio host and public intellectual, Michael Eric Dyson, contends this rap battle is really about race, identity and Black/Jewish relations.
Balancing free speech rights with public safety and order requires a deft touch. On our latest episode of "How to Really Run a City," Mayors Nutter and Reed are joined by one of their protégés: Richmond, Virginia Mayor Levar Stoney.
From protests to economic growth to Mayor Stoney's history-making removal of Confederate monuments, we dig into the successes and challenges Richmond has recently faced.
True leadership is a lonely venture, Nutter says. But Mayor Stoney is leading with joy, Reed reminds us, and that may be the secret sauce to really running a city.
DA Larry Krasner just won his second historic conviction of an on-duty police officer. Here’s why House Republicans are using that against him.
A new cohort of Spanish-speaking peer mental health specialists is ready to provide real-time support for the Philadelphia population who most needs it
"Jesus would be ashamed," wrote one critic of Lois Lowry's seminal work of children's literature, "The Giver." MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi invites Lowry onto the show to discuss her opinions about the flood of negative (and positive) reactions to her 1993 YA novel.
Ali Velshi's "Small Acts of Courage," just released at a launch party in Philadelphia. Join Roxanne Patel Shepelavy for an insightful and moving interview with Ali about his family's journey as immigrants and the true meaning of being an American.
During this panel from our most recent Ideas We Should Steal Festival, MSNBC host and IWSS moderator Ali Velshi sits down with co-founder of The Welcome Party, Lauren Harper, former Republican congressman Charlie Dent, and State Senator Nikil Saval for an enlightening discussion about the true state of politics today
During this panel from our most recent Ideas We Should Steal Festival, MSNBC host and IWSS moderator Ali Velshi sits down with co-founder of The Welcome Party, Lauren Harper, former Republican congressman Charlie Dent, and State Senator Nikil Saval for an enlightening discussion about the true state of politics today
...made Ali Velshi a true American. Here, an excerpt from MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi's new book "Small Acts of Courage."
...made Ali Velshi a true American. Here, an excerpt from MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi's new book "Small Acts of Courage."
Roxanne Patel Shepelavy chats with Ethan Young, a former Citizen intern and current photojournalist at The Daily Pennsylvanian, Penn's student-run newspaper. "What has the general media gotten wrong with their coverage of the protests?" Roxanne asks. Young's answer might surprise you.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi looks back at his parents' homeland and puts the struggle against South African apartheid in modern context
Does the support of pro-Palestinian protestors by local professors and pols turn a moral blind eye to what's really happening?
The Citizen's J.P. Romney sits down with Nick Hand, current technologist and former director of Rebecca Rhynhart's Finance, Policy and Data Unit to discuss Mayor Parker's budget proposal and how her first year will change from Mayor Kenney's last.
Killing puppies? Linking Native American tribes to Mexican cartels? MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi explains why South Dakota governor Kristi Noem is banned from entering one-fifth of her own state.
It seems counterintuitive, but a C+ public school works for students, teachers, and communities, and strengthens those schools over time
Some schoolboards in the country are banning this iconic Newberry-award-winning children's novel on charges that it deals with death and glorifies foul language and witchcraft. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi sits down to discuss this acclaimed book with its author, Katherine Paterson.
On this episode, we look at the per-resident cost of Mayor Parker’s proposed budget—and how it’s changed from last year. Let's explore five overlooked, but important shifts.
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Big Rube breaks bread with former NBA player and current Sixers TV analyst, world traveler, fitness devotee, fashion plate, and native Philadelphian Marc Jackson. They discuss his career before and after the 76ers, as well as the keys to living a long and fulfilling life.
A GYO program is bringing new teachers of color to a suburban district. Here’s why a local educator thinks it’s an idea worth stealing.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi invited our very own Block Captain of the Year, Michelle Belser, to chat about her life of civic engagement and how her ward has become the highest voting ward in the Philly. "She sets an example for the rest of the nation," Velshi says.
On this episode of Your City Defined, we take a look at the city budget. In March, Mayor Parker proposed a $6 billion budget to Philadelphia City Council. Here’s what that means, what's next, what you can do
Marijuana's official holiday is upon us. Here are a few ways to celebrate, as well as an update on where recreational legalization stands in the state.
On this episode of For Fact's Sake, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi shines a light on the question of crime and immigration. Politicians who traffic in fearmongering love to beat this drum, but the reality about crime statistics and immigrants is much different.
On this episode, 6abc's Matt O'Donnell introduces our fifth and final candidate for attorney general: Northeast Philly State Representative, Jared Solomon
It has been six months since the brutal attack by Hamas that resulted in 254 Israeli hostages. 134 are still unaccounted for. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi makes sure we don't forget about these innocent men, women and children who half a year later are still enduring daily terror and trauma. "Hope is mandatory."
Dynamic pricing — aka surge pricing, but also discounted pricing — works for Uber and Amtrak. Can it work for other larger Philly systems?
Fort Worth, Texas mayor Mattie Parker won her second term with a whopping 70 percent of the vote. On this episode of "How To Really Run A City," our hosts--former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and The Citizen's co-founder Larry Platt--talk with this superstar mayor about managing a city-wide boom while maintaining a small-town feel.
Mayor Parker believes that what sets her apart is not actually needing this gig, which frees her up to pass commonsense policies. "If it costs me my job, great. I just want to live in Fort Worth and raise my family." It's an attitude and drive that has earned her overwhelming support from her city.
What lessons can Philly learn? Listen and find out. And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Roxanne sits down with the Forman Arts Initiative's Adjoa Jones de Aleida to discuss her appointment as the FAI's first executive director. From de Aleida's unique trajectory as an educator to innovative programs that embed artists inside city agencies, Roxanne and de Aleida outline how local artists can develop their own voices while simultaneously serving the citizens of Philadelphia.
On this episode, 6abc's Matt O'Donnell introduces our fourth candidate for attorney general: former Philadelphia Chief Public Defender, Keir Bradford-Grey
On this episode, 6abc's Matt O'Donnell introduces our third candidate for attorney general: former Bucks County Solicitor, Joe Khan
"I've never read a book that so radically demands empathy and change," says MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi. "Hunger" by Roxanne Gay is about body image and the trauma of being a rape survivor. Florida schools decided to ban it.
Is billionaire, political donor and part TikTok owner Jeff Yass the only person who doesn’t want to shut everybody else up?
On this episode, 6abc's Matt O'Donnell introduces our second candidate for attorney general: Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware County District Attorney.
On April 23, Pennsylvanians will cast their vote for one of the most important positions in the state: attorney general. On this episode of Ultimate Job Interview: AG Edition, we put our questions to former PA auditor general and current candidate, Eugene DePasquale.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, the president/CEO of the Welcoming Center explains why the fear of immigrants and the reality of immigrant contributions to America just don't line up.
Ignoring racial bias in practicing medicine has led to disastrous results in this country, especially for women of color. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi explains how in America, women and people of color are 20-30% more likely to experience a misdiagnosis than White men. The need for diversity training is real.
Candidates for state attorney general gathered for our latest Ultimate Job Interview. Malcolm Burnley introduces you to the candidates and gives you the highlights you may have missed.
On this episode of How To Really Run A City, our hosts bring on two esteemed guests for an in-depth conversation about one of the most important topics of our time: wealth inequality.
After chatting about the recent State of the Union address, as well as the stakes for cities in the upcoming election, Della Clarke, CEO of Philadelphia’s Enterprise Center and JP Morgan Chase’s Michele Lawrence join our hosts to discuss the power of investing in Black and Brown entrepreneurs and getting past safety net politics in order to really grow into the future.
On this episode from our Ideas We Should Steal Festival, Booker T. Washington, real estate developer and CEO of South Park Cottages, takes the stage to talk about his vision for "micro-communities," increasing home ownership and supporting the urban dream.
Philly is at the forefront of a rapidly growing, remarkably diverse community of gaming enthusiasts. It’s welcoming, wonderful, and weird.
Philly is not only the birthplace of American libraries, but as MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi explains, it's also an epicenter for resisting book bans through the use of "Little Freedom Libraries."
The progressive prosecutor movement is losing momentum. Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner may have to adjust to a new political zeitgeist.
Malcolm Burnley interviews councilperson Mark Squilla about the fate of the 76ers arena, his views on councilmanic prerogative and how computer science can benefit politics.
Last week, Vice President Harris visited an abortion clinic in Minnesota. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi explains why this visit was so important, using the historical context of Roe v. Wade.
On this episode of Citizen of the Week, we spotlight Tonnetta Graham, president of the Strawberry Mansion CDC. She champions the neighborhood’s history while looking toward a future inclusive of smart development.
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Reuben Harley sits down with Deborah Mayfield of Admirations Hair It Iz to discuss the secrets of her rise through Philadelphia's entrepreneurial ranks.
Tom Corbett spent 10 years as attorney general. Larry calls up the former governor to ask him about the position of attorney general and what question he would ask the men and women currently running to become our next A.G.
On this episode of Development For Good, we join urban policy specialist and writer Diana Lind as she moderates a discussion about using development to build bridges within all communities. She is joined by Leslie Smallwood-Lewis, co-founder of Mosaic Development Partners; Mo Rushdy, head of the Building Industry Association and member of Mayor Cherelle Parker's transition team; and then prolific author Richard Kahlenberg.
On this episode of How To Really Run A City, we join Larry Platt, Kasim Reed and Michael Nutter as they sit down with Charles Blow, columnist for The New York Times and author of the 2021 book The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto and last year’s companion HBO documentary, South to Black Power.
Blow makes the case for a type of new Black Power movement by calling for a Black migration to the South. The mayors and their guest dive deep into the risks run when politicians focus on philosophical debates over day-to-day issues like jobs and the economy.
On this episode of Your City Defined, we look at a 1957 state law requiring elected bodies to hold all meetings in public. This is so we know what the government is doing. But...is it working?
"Elections are decided not only by those who cast votes, but also by those who don't." MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi uses the historical context of Bush v. Gore to demonstrate that withholding a vote, or casting a protest vote, in a general election is a dangerous endeavor.
The office of Attorney General might be PA's last line of defense against autocracy. So why aren't we paying attention to the candidates?
A diversion program through the District Attorney's office offers to work around a state law that treats Philadelphians more harshly than the rest of PA for illegal gun possession
We don't need to imagine what a second Trump presidency would be like. MSNBC host and Citizen board member reminds us of the dark history that lies behind us and the future chaos that would ensue.
The pandemic decimated in-person audiences for cultural institutions nationwide. Can Philly’s arts establishment reverse its downfall?
Does Josh Shapiro have a winning argument for Biden and the Dems in the fall? Judging by how many are borrowing "freedom" from him, yes.
On the cusp of Black History and Women’s History months, what Erasure and American Fiction say about erasure and Black women
Sheriff Rochelle Bilal showcased how public officials should not be using Artificial Intelligence. On this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, Malcolm Burnley contends that, like other cities, Philly can harness this new technology for good.
Eighteen months after Philly’s first Nighttime Economy Director started, what has actually changed?
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi spotlights the civil war raging in the Michigan GOP. "States have become laboratories of autocracy," and what's happening right now in Michigan is a "giant mess."
On this episode of The Fix, Larry Platt looks at Judge Jeffrey Schmehl’s lax sentencing of John Dougherty’s co-conspirators, which shows that corruption flourishes when punishment meets the Philly Shrug
Noise pollution adversely affects marginalized communities in Philly and other cities. Is there a way to find peace and quiet here?
On this episode of Citizen Of The Week, Roxanne Patel Shepelavy spotlights Vivek Babu, the Drexel undergraduate student president who worked to ensure his classmates are granted a day off in order to cast their ballot this year
At our Ideas We Should Steal Festival, Pulitzer Prize winning MSNBC reporter Trymaine Lee spoke with Damon Packwood, executive director of Gameheads, about Black and Brown youth using game design as a form of therapy for themselves and those around them.
On this episode of #velshibannedbookclub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi highlights the documentary "The ABCs of Book Banning." He brings on two past guests featured prominently in the film, author George M. Johnson and the 101-year-old Grace Linn.
Philly is blowing its chance to use American Rescue Plan funds on intractable problems. Will Parker follow Shapiro's “invest and grow" plan?
On this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, lots of kids feel socially isolated — especially at lunchtime. A nonprofit called Beyond Differences is working to change that with No One Eats Alone.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, a former orthopedic surgeon and lung transplant recipient tells his story. Thousands of Americans are waiting for organ donors to save their lives. You can help.
Will the push to unionize small local coffee shops in Philly signal the death knell of the neighborhood cafe?
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi brings us the history of Ralph Bunche, the first Black recipient of the Nobel Prize and a champion for peace in the Middle East.
Neither Mayor Parker, Council President Johnson nor Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson have CEO experience. How will they learn leadership?
On the third and final installment of our conversation with legendary Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, our How To Really Run A City co-hosts hit him with the questions we all have on our minds: What separates good technology from dangerous tech? What role can data play? And has the power of police unions gone too far?
The iconic Philadelphia brand-maker, photographer, chef talks to Italian American father and son shop owners Big Nick and Lil' Nick
The Point in Time (PIT) count of people living on the streets or in shelters helps determine federal funding. It turns out to be fairly inaccurate.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi reminds us that we used to have diplomatic talks with Iran that could address the conflicts bursting out across the Middle East. After Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Iran nuclear deal, however, those avenues slammed shut.
Voter turnout in Philly, the biggest city in our key swing state, is way down. Are we about to end democracy after saving it four years ago?
Do you know an amazing city worker? Nominate them for our 4th annual Integrity Icon Awards. This is what qualifies them.
Penn alums and a Grays Ferry organization partner to open a community grocer that will provide healthy cooked meals to SNAP recipients--something that couldn't be done before.
Heart disease kills one in three women every year. Temple cardiologist Deborah Crabbe is on a mission to change that.
...is "putting unity over justice," says Kermit Roosevelt, constitutional law professor at Penn. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi asks him to explain.
Student protestors and bullying Trustees at Penn shed far more heat than light. It's a different story at neighbor Drexel. Why?
On this episode of #velshibannedbookclub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi shines a light on North Dakota, home to some of the most draconian attempts to ban books. He speaks with Taylor Brorby, North Dakotan and author of "Boys and Oil," about the importance of keeping libraries free of censorship.
During our Ideas We Should Steal Festival, Pulitzer Prize winning MSNBC reporter Trymaine Lee spoke with Damon Packwood, executive director of Gameheads, about using game production as a pathway to tech industry success for Black and Brown youth.
Forget kid-friendly cities. A city that answers to the needs of parents helps all residents, young and old.
On the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, a local Democratic Congresswoman warns of what’s at stake in 2024 when it comes to abortion rights
A finance CEO and a labor leader are determined to make Philadelphia the most equitable, growing big city in America. This makes Michael Forman and Ryan Boyer our Disruptor Citizens of the Year.
Chef/photographer Big Rube reconnects with an old muse, and finds a kindred spirit in Brielle Kimmins, a fellow artist with deep Philly roots
Gay's resignation after accusations of plagiarism doesn't tell the whole story. Or even half of it. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi dissects the removal of this Harvard president and reveals the ugly truth.
Migrant asylum seekers can solve our labor shortage. But only, the head of a Philadelphia refugee support group says, if Congress lets them.
Hope may be infinite, Martin Luther King, Jr. told us. But it requires action to keep hope alive — and make meaningful change happen
Alan Horwitz, the Sixth Man, is a lifelong 76ers fan, the philanthropist behind a new $38 million Philly Youth Basketball facility and an NBA technical foul recipient
On this episode of How To Really Run a City, Legendary Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey -- who served in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, where he oversaw a 28 percent drop in homicides -- returns for a powerful conversation about public safety, and how keeping cities safe is a job that goes beyond fire and police departments.
Roxanne sits down with Princeton professor Majora Carter and Randall Wyatt of Taking Ownership PDX to discuss gentrification and what local communities can do to manage the encroachment
And Hungary's Victor Orban? And Kim Jong Un? MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi breaks down one of the most absurd comparisons in modern political history.
Indrayudh “Indy” Shome is inspiring students across the city to make their voices heard. For this, we have chosen him as the Citizen's 2023 Educator of the Year.
Is Kenyatta Johnson, the new President of Philadelphia City Council a new boss, or is he same as the old boss?
Molly Baldwin is the founder and CEO of Roca, an organization fighting violence, racism and poverty. "If we want to help people who are at elevated risk," Baldwin said at our 2023 Ideas We Should Steal Festival, "we need to give them skills to address their trauma and take a pause when considering their next actions."
Paul Levy is receiving the Citizen of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long commitment to making Center City welcoming to all
Philadelphians invented a whole bunch of stuff. Here are ways to celebrate Philly firsts — on the first of this new year.
"Donald Trump will not be having a relaxing holiday season," says MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi. The former president says he is immune to any criminal acts done while he was president. Colorado, and an increasing number of state courts, are telling him no.
A dozen years ago, a South Jersey resident decided to join suited-up pals in a Mummers comics club. And she has never looked back.
The Mummers Parade started with Fancy Divisions. Only one such club remains. Golden Sunrise plans to survive through inclusiveness.
We heard from the best of 'em this year. From thought-provoking policy proposals to gut-busting anecdotes, check out host Larry Platt's hand-selected highlights in this special end-of-the-year edition of "How To Really Run A City." Then catch up on any episodes you might have missed to get more of former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter and the civic leaders that really shape our lives. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a single episode in 2024.
Roxanne Patel Shepelavy sits down with Richard Vague, a modern Benjamin Franklin (though more gentlemanly) to discuss the connections between the accumulation of wealth in America and the issue of debt. In the 1970s, the cost of a home was 3x a worker's annual income. Today, it is more than 7x. Why the growing disparity? Richard Vague explains.
And yet, it's still banned. On this episode of #velshibannedbookclub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi sits down with Stephen Chbosky, author of the highly popular "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." Chbosky shares stories of how books that deal with tough subjects actually do save lives.
Natalie Pompilio reads her touching story about the local installation that allows the grief-stricken to call deceased loved ones and convey thoughts “carried by the wind.”
A conventional wisdom is taking hold on the legacy of outgoing Mayor Jim Kenney. Did Covid and factors beyond his control really do him in?
Congratulations to Michelle Belser, the Citizen's Block Captain of the Year. Belser gets her neighbors to vote and makes sure the neighborhood is beautiful.
On this episode of Art For Change, we spotlight Galen Gibson-Cornell, who weaves trippy mash-ups that mix brands, colors and patterns from across the world into something entirely his own
In this episode of Business for Good, we look at a Main Line company that stocks rugged, classic apparel made in the U.S.A. The garments are made to grow jobs — and made to last.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi dissect a 2020 study that found many Millennial and Gen Z Americans don't know even the most basic facts about the Holocaust.
South Philly's Sarahi Franco-Morales: feeder of families, volunteer translator, fair housing and employment advocate, reading tutor, age 18
For 10 years, ARTZ Philadelphia has enabled people with dementia and their loved ones to experience, and connect over, our city’s rich arts
On this episode of IWSS 2023, Molly Baldwin of Roca addresses the crowd. She doesn't pull punches on the ugliness of urban violence, but says a simple pause can save lives.
Since 2016, Philadelphia’s volunteer-based Community Advisory Council has helped the City reduce its jail population and recidivism rates.
Donald Trump recently doubled down on his assertion that he would be a dictator, but only on the first day of a second presidency. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi dissects the statement.
Last Sunday's protest in front of Michael Solomonov’s falafel shop Goldie revealed more than know-nothingism.
In the most recent episode of How to Really Run a City, former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey shares how he helped oversee a record low crime rate – and how more leaders can do the same.
In the second part of Banking For Good, we return to Kenneth L. Shropshire, Senior Advisor to the Dean for the Wharton Coalition for Equity and Opportunity, who finishes his discussion with Priscilla Sims Brown, president and CEO of Amalgamated Bank. Brown says banks can be a force for good in the community by flagging suspicious purchases like a card used to buy guns in multiple states.
What do Parker's pick for Police Commissioner, the embattled Sheriff, and SEPTA and Temple Police struggles say about Philly law enforcement?
On this episode of #velshibannedbookclub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi invites Emily Van Duyne, an associate professor and author of the upcoming book, "Loving Sylvia Plath." They discuss Plath's 1963 seminal novel "The Bell Jar," which, despite being an objectively humorous book, has been banned for depictions of depression and suicide.
On this episode of Memo to Madame Mayor, Larry Platt points out that Philadelphia government is in love with pilot programs. With a $6.2 billion budget, how about deploying the pilots that work best — citywide?
One in four women leave the workforce because of symptoms related to menopause. Help may, finally, be on the way
To kick off the 6th annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival, Kenneth L. Shropshire, Senior Advisor to the Dean for the Wharton Coalition for Equity and Opportunity sits down with Priscilla Sims Brown, president and CEO of Amalgamated Bank. "People don't usually think of banks being a force for good," Brown says. Shropshire asks her what Amalgamated Bank is and how it differs from the run-of-the-mill banks we all know.
Partners for Justice has saved more than a million hours of incarceration and millions of taxpayer dollars nationwide. Can they help Philly?
On this episode of #velshibannedbookclub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi starts off with a sobering statistic: Every 45 seconds, an LGBT young person attempts suicide. Books about LGBTQ issues can help mitigate these tragedies. Brian Bond of PFLAG joins Velshi to discuss the dangers of removing these books from our libraries.
The Citizen’s music reviewer (OK, social media manager), reviews Kelce and co.’s latest holiday album, A Philly Special Christmas Special
Kevin Bethel, Mayor-elect Parker’s choice for Police Commissioner, transformed the school-to-prison pipeline. What will he do for Philly?
Philly's own legendary photographer and chef recalls how his family gatherings went down and offers a few personal tips for making your turkey moist and tasty
Even when it seems impossible, expressing gratitude and gratefulness is a powerful celebratory and healing act. Try it this Thanksgiving
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi shines a spotlight on Donald Trump's use of the word "vermin" at a recent rally. It's only a little surprising that Trump has difficulty remembering who is in office or what city he is in, but can pull up white nationalist vocabulary with pinpoint accuracy.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi takes a look at the track record for wins and losses when it comes to abortion rights. How many statewide abortion races have Republicans won since the fall of Roe? Zero.
On this episode of Business for Good, CJ Wolfe’s Kensington studio has become a creative hub for anyone who wants to learn photography — thanks to a photographer who taught himself the trade
In her signature style, Philly-based composer Bree Lowdermilk introduces gender-expansive casts to high schools and takes feedback from 4-year-olds
Reuben Harley documents the South Street finale to Hug the Block, honoring Jamal Johnson, who says he's retiring from anti-violence activism
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi invites Dorit Rabinyan to the show to discuss her novel "All The Rivers," a love story that examines what it means to be "other." Join us for this moving episode of #velshibannedbookclub.
Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker's election night speech heralds new energy. Plus: Shapiro wasn’t on the ballot, but was a winner nonetheless
On this latest episode of How To Really Run A City, Brian Elms joins our two mayors to discuss how he's been able to revolutionize the way governments deliver services to their cities. And also to chat about Mayor Nutter helping the Phillies win the '08 World Series.
Moving forward, by adding term limits we could cycle out politicians who’ve overstayed their welcome — and regularly invite new, younger leaders into the legislative mix
In this special edition of CitizenCast, J.P. Romney speaks with representatives from the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Rich Lazer (Executive Director), Corrinne O'Connor (Deputy Executive Director) and Gabe Roberts (Deputy Executive Director) tout the successes of the Automated Speed Enforcement pilot program which resulted in a plummeting of violations and injuries along dangerous corridors like Roosevelt Boulevard.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi digs into the meaning of recent polls showing Trump leading Biden in most key states. He invites onto the show Norman Ornstein and Jennifer Rubin, one of our popular panelists from last year's Ideas We Should Steal Festival. As a reminder, our 6th annual IWSS Festival will be held on Nov. 13th this year. We'll be bringing in urban innovators from all over the country to take center stage. Visit thephiladelphiacitizen.org for tickets.
School choice mega-billionaire Jeff Yass is spending lavishly on judicial elections and City Council races. Cue the wringing of hands.
A Painted Bride project combines urban farming, art and education to empower Black and Brown Philadelphians to grow their own futures
On this episode of Your City Defined, we look at what a Register of Wills actually does, and what Register Tracey Gordon may have done to help herself out of a job
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi breaks down the reality of gas prices and demonstrates that the President doesn't have much control over the effects of global fluctuations
On this episode of #velshibannedbookclub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi takes on the Sunshine State, where a huge number of book bannings are occurring. He speaks with literary giants Michael Connelly and David Baldacci about their experiences with Florida and this disturbing, anti-democratic trend.
Hours of debate on Israel/Hamas? Championing councilmanic prerogative? In an era desperate for change, we have to start with City Council
On this episode of Development for Good, two Center City brothers expand their luxury real estate portfolio with low-profit, high-satisfaction working-class housing
We must take this opportunity to demonstrate moral courage in the Israel-Hamas war, says a local leader of the B Corps movement
A Shippensburg politics professor has an important message for anyone who cares about American democracy: Stop feeding the polarization beast
On this episode of #velshibannedbookclub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi speaks with Meg Cabot, author of "Ready or Not." Her novel was published 20 years ago, but since it addresses the question of teens and access to birth control, it has newly landed on banned book lists.
Wealthy Jewish donors revolt. Pro-Palestinian students shout. A university President embattled. The war has come to the Penn boardroom.
On the final installment of our ultimate job interview with Cherelle Parker, our soon-to-be mayor faces our former mayor, Michael Nutter, who puts her through a "lightning round" of tough questions. How does Parker fare? She asks the listeners to decide.
In our latest installment of How to Really Run a City, Kathryn Wylde, CEO of Partnership for New York, joins us to share the secrets to – and power of – harnessing a city's business sector for good.
More than 60% of people incarcerated in the U.S. suffer from addiction. Philadelphia jails could offer a model for helping them recover.
On this episode of #velshibannedbookclub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi speaks with Shirley Robinson, Executive Director of the Texas Library Association. In the wake of shameless online attacks, Robinson argues forcefully that librarians are trained professionals who understand better than anyone how to provide the correct reading material to children.
Amid handwringing over the Council candidacies of Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O'Rourke, what's the rationale for their insurgency?
On the ballot this fall, voters will decide on a Charter amendment to create a permanent Office for People with Disabilities. It's a no-brainer.
The terror attack on Israel this Saturday ought to prompt in us the moral clarity of 9/11 and Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine.
In the third installment of our ultimate job interview with Cherelle Parker, our soon-to-be mayor takes questions from Keith Leaphart, philanthropist, physician and Chair of the Lenfest Foundation. Leaphart asks Parker how she proposes unifying a city so riven with divisions.
On this episode of #velshibannedbookclub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi speaks with Safran Foer. His book, "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" was banned in public schools for "lewd references." In a world where students hold the Internet in the palm of their hands, Foer finds the ban on his book absurd.
A Montco state senator has proposed a ban on all book bans in Pennsylvania. This should be something everyone agrees on.
This week, Larry sat down with David Adelman to discuss his philanthropic work in the city. Adelman is CEO of Campus Apartments, Chairman of 76ers Place and FS Investments. He sits on the boards of Penn Medicine and is the Vice Chairman of University City Board of Directors, as well as the Chair of the Holocaust Memorial Plaza.
Josh Kruger, a Citizen journalist, who was tragically killed Monday morning, was a passionate advocate for those who most needed it
On this episode of How To Really Run A City, Tech expert/author Jennifer Pahlka and Little Rock, AR, Mayor Frank Scott Jr., caution those in power that leadership is about more than having great ideas. Learn how to provide those who are tasked with executing policy with the right training, tools, or decision-making power to make it happen.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi breaks down the messaging and hypocrisy of claiming to be pro-worker, while historically taking steps to weaken or dismantle unions
Looting. Shoplifting. ATVs. Killer cops. Drag racing. Can we reverse the message that rules no longer apply?
Temple University's Board of Trustees should select a successor who embodies the best of late President JoAnne Epps. Here's how they can do it.
On the second part of our ultimate job interview with Cherelle Parker, our next mayor is asked how she intends to bring jobs to the city, and how she will build the kinds of alliances that invite real change.
A collaboration in West Philly brings cancer screenings directly to the neighborhood. Can this be a model for better health?
On this episode of #velshibannedbookclub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi speaks with David Polonsky, one of the illustrators of "Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation." Last week, a teacher in Texas was fired for assigning the book to her 8th grade class. Banning books about the holocaust, and especially Anne Frank's deeply personal account, should anger us all.
Rich Thau is the sole conductor of monthly swing voter focus groups in presidential battleground states. He has advice for both Biden and Trump.
Leading up to the general election, we'll be broadcasting portions of the Citizen's Ultimate Job Interview live event. In this episode, Cherelle Parker opens the night by telling the attendees why she wants to be the next mayor of Philadelphia.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, Black men are suffering from a nationwide mental health emergency. A Philly social worker, who is also a Black man, calls for help.
Elaine Maimon made a guest appearance on the PA Humanities podcast mini-series "Re-vision: Conversations About Our Constitution." For CitizenCast listeners, a special preview of the episode with a foreword by Maimon. The full episode can be found at https://pahumanities.org/revision/
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi reminds us that nepotism, influence peddling and quid pro quo were par for the course during the last president's administration
All but lost in the breathless account of escaped murderer Danilo Cavalcante was the reason he was in jail in the first place
Highly successful speed cameras pilot program slowed traffic and saved lives on Roosevelt Boulevard. How to sustain + track these studies?
Donald Trump has made the absurd claim that the country is currently operating as a Banana Republic. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi breaks down where the term actually comes from, and the irony of someone like Trump weaponizing the term.
In this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Big Rube reconnects with longtime West Philly friend MaryAnn Morris, creator of The Dreamsleeve. Fabolous is a fan.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi invites Jonathan Evison onto #velshibannedbookclub to discuss his book, "Lawn Boy." Evison grapples with whether America has delivered on its grand promises - a theme that not only saw his book banned in several school districts, but brought death threats and cyber attacks to his front door.
Radical reform made simple? Changing the way we elect our City Council president could return your city government to you.
On this episode of How To Really Run A City, our hosts invite L.A.'s mayor, Karen Bass, to the show. Within the first six months of her term, Mayor Bass faced the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strike and the teachers’ strike. She moved more than 14,000 unhoused Angelenos inside, relocating people from encampment tents into motels.
She’s also taken the helm of the city’s Metro system, and she pledges to make the 2028 Olympics car-free. We ask her how she's been so productive – and remained so passionate?
Trump is capitalizing immensely from his grievances and arrests. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi puts this martyr mindset in the context of Lenin, religious icons and the Soviet Union.
On this episode of Guest Commentary, Philadelphia once led the country on keeping rents down. The director of our city’s Rent Control Coalition says we can do it again.
Last Friday, Citizen co-founder Larry Platt was inspired to write an article, in part, due to the banning of "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" by an Iowa school district. On this episode of #velshibannedbookclub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi speaks with Imani Perry, author and professor of African American Studies at Harvard. They discuss the legacy of Maya Angelou's seminal novel and dig into some of its most impactful scenes. It's little wonder that in certain areas of the country, this book ends up on banned lists.
The canceling of books by Elizabeth Gilbert and Buzz Bissinger are examples of a new American mantra: Free speech for me, but not for thee
Ahead of the premiere of KELCE on September 12, we hear from the filmmakers and listen to the film's new trailer
On this episode of Guest Commentary, Center City businesses return to the office and vacant spaces become residences. Branding us an "urban doom loop" just isn't accurate.
On this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, a group called Taking Ownership PDX is preserving Black wealth in Portland through housing reparations by helping Black homeowners repair their homes
In light of Donald Trump and his co-defendants being booked (and then released) in Atlanta last week, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi dissects how the bail system spares the wealthy while heavily disadvantaging the poorest of Americans
A Philadelphia police shooting has left a young man dead and exposed a false narrative from officials. How long do we wait for justice?
What are the arguments FOR banning books in America? MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi sits down with Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America, a nonprofit dedicated to the freedom to read and write. They dissect some of the most prevalent arguments for banning books and demonstrate why the pros of free ideas vastly outweigh the costs.
On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Big Rube chats with Liz Bench of Penny Wise Thrift Shop. Big Rube is a fashion forerunner and through-and-through Philadelphian revealing the best spot for thrifting in the city. Hint: It’s outside city limits.
In an excerpt of Live to See the Day, a new book about surviving poverty in Kensington, a teenager pleads for his high school to stay open
Very few texts have been such a lighting rod for interpretation, counter-interpretation and misinterpretation as the American Constitution. This week, MSNBC host and Citizen board member sits down to discuss this polarizing document with professors and authors Akhil Reed Amar and Jeffrey Rosen.
On this episode of Memo to Madam Mayor, Larry asks do you want to create a pathway to the middle class? Then forget student loans. Medical debt is where it’s at.
With George Santos in the news again, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi reviews his scandalous rise and how it represents one more lethal blow to shame in politics.
Benefits Data Trust’s CEO — an AI advisor to the president — on what we must remember when using machines to deliver human services
On this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, Mini on-street parks called parklets in cities like Chicago build community and help businesses thrive. So why doesn’t Philly have more?
On this edition of #velshibannedbookclub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi invites to the show Marjane Satrapi, author of "Persepolis." This bestselling graphic novel explores revolution in Iran and comes to the conclusion that being brainwashed is a choice. Many Iranians, Satrapi observes, are now choosing freedom.
Hip Hop culture officially turns 50 today. Here, a longtime fan and scholar commemorates the occasion with physics
In this episode of Citizen of the Week, Pastor Buddy offers local kids a safe haven and a path to hope through boxing and prayer. His annual “Rock the Block” party is on Saturday
On this episode of #velshibannedbookclub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi chats with Benjamin Alire Saenz, author of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe." This book is one of Time Magazine's 100 Best Young Adult Novels Of All Time and has landed on several banned book lists for its portrayal of LGBT+ issues in the Hispanic community.
I spoke with Dena Driscoll, volunteer chair of Fifth Square Political Action Committee and a member of the Citizen's Generation Change Philly. I asked her if some of the more effective strategies from Oslo, Norway could be used to combat traffic deaths here in Philly. Her answers surprised me.
In the wake of Donald Trump's third indictment and his position as leading Republican nominee, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi begs the listeners to help him understand just what the hell is going on here.
A Meek Mill-inspired bipartisan bill in Harrisburg revisits state probation reform. The progressive ACLU prefers enduring, not solving, the problem.
In our next episode of How To Really Run a City, Mayor Michael Nutter asks, “You know about the handshake, right? You gotta get up in that web. You gotta own the handshake.” Mayor Kasim Reed agrees, saying that Nutter once also taught him an ancillary move: One hand on the shoulder while the other clasps the hand.
Get insider tips, like the anatomy of the mayoral handshake, from these former two-term mayors. They also compare notes on how to lead with swagger, and on the mentors who convinced them they really could lead their respective cities.
Your hosts then welcome current third-term D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser who shares what it takes to navigate the many obstacles to smart policy and governing in a city that is also (effectively) a county and state — and how she keeps focused on her goal of fueling economic prosperity without leaving anyone behind.
What a change a couple of years make. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi ponders the hypocrisy of the Republican Party's new approach to mail-in ballots. Once demonized as the reason for Trump's election loss, Republicans are now pinning their hopes on voting by mail.
To our presumptive Mayor-elect, Cherelle Parker: appointing a sanitation commissioner like NYC has done could help solve our trash problem
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi talks with Maulik Pancholy, whose book, "The Best At It," landed on banned book lists for examining the mental and sexual health of middle schoolers.
Vivek Ramaswamy penned an op-ed on the dystopia in Kensington. It was full of laughable political pablum. But he was also kinda right.
A bipartisan bill in the state senate would legalize the sale and use of recreational marijuana. Here’s why PA should do it
Elaine Maimon reflects on what it would take for selective colleges and universities to diversify their campuses.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi traces what the fossil fuel industries knew about climate change and when they knew it. Over the past forty years we've been living in a consolidated effort to recast the climate crisis as naturally occurring.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi demonstrates that third-party candidates tend to siphon off moderate voters from the two main parties. This could actually help Trump in his bid for the White House.
In the budget fight over school vouchers, House Dems have overplayed their hand politically and invited a mega-donor to flip their majority
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi talks with Angie Thomas about her young adult novel telling the story of a girl who witnessed a childhood friend killed in front of her at the hands of a police officer. The powerful themes landed this book on banned lists across the country.
Join our Mystery Shopper in the frustratingly difficult task of just trying to pay the PPA for their residential parking permit
A research study at SCI Chester is looking at how Scandinavian conditions could make U.S. prisons safer and reduce recidivism
"Bidenomics" is working, explains MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi. Red state senators are taking credit for successes in their states. Despite their opposing votes to Biden's infrastructure bill.
The Philadelphia Plan was the first federal affirmative action program. It was defended and implemented by Black Republican Arthur Fletcher, who argued that diversity was good for business.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi demonstrates that in the House of Representatives, loyalty to Donald Trump holds greater sway than actually governing. "This is Trump's House," Velshi says, "Speaker Kevin McCarthy is just living there."
Six years ago, the City adopted Vision Zero to eliminate pedestrian and cyclist deaths. Instead, they’ve gone up. Can we learn from Hoboken, New Jersey?
In the wake of this week’s mass shooting in Southwest Philly, bullet control makes much more sense than the same-old gun control rhetoric
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi looks at the intense heat waves roiling the country and places the crisis in the context of the massively destructive Dust Bowl from almost a century ago. Climate change is here.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi digs into the presidential pardon of Richard Nixon by Gerald Ford to show the poor precedent it set. If Ford had let the investigations play out a little longer, it might not have signaled to future presidents that criminality would be tolerated in our chief executives.
The Students for Fair Admissions’ Supreme Court case that struck down affirmative action was not about fairness, it was about race.
Philly's Sustainable Business Network on how our next mayor and elected leaders can support values-driven small businesses in Philadelphia
Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter says last week’s Supreme Court rulings should remind us of the power of elections—and voting in them
On this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi invites Art Spiegelman on the show to discuss his Pulitzer-winning graphic novel, "Maus." Spiegelman's father survived the Holocaust and "Maus" is part memoir, part exploration of generational trauma. "How," Velshi asks, "is a man whose father survived the Holocaust seeing his book about the Holocaust banned in 2023?"
Does Josh Shapiro's budget-time support of school vouchers show he's got political game to match his inspiring I-95 crisis management?
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi highlights some of the most damning evidence from Trump's latest indictment, and shows how claiming the "weaponization of everything," from the National Archives to the FBI, has become the last refuge of Republican defenders.
On this episode of our acclaimed podcast, "How To Really Run A City," recorded live at the National Conference of Black Mayors, we ask: Have you ever thrown up your hands over gentrification, convinced there's no way to avoid ousting long-time residents? Take heart. Have you ever thought redlining, while technically illegal, will invariably continue to permeate societies without penalty? Take heart. Have you felt defeated by the uphill battle of growing Black business density? Take heart. Our panel of experts shares wisdom and actionable tips for combating these and other challenges facing today's cities.
Rainbow capitalism and crosswalks are nice, but let’s not forget LGBTQ+ people are defending their very right to exist
On this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi speaks with Professor Hassan Abbas about his book "Return of the Taliban." Professor Abbas says that tarnishing the image of Taliban leaders (including reporting stories of alcohol and drug use and prostitution) produced death threats from the regime in Afghanistan.
On this episode, Larry gives a bit of advice to presumptive Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker: Don't wait to put together a public safety team. Announce your presence with authority.
The I-95 overpass collapse last week was not the first catastrophe associated with Philly’s stretch of interstate. In fact, it's old news.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi invites Juno Dawson onto the show to discuss her book, which was written to elevate LGBT+ youth. After a successful reception, things turned sour around the time Sarah Palin hit the national stage. Now her book sits on the list of most banned books.
Roxanne Patel Shepelavy returns to her interview with Devi Ramkissoon, head of the Sustainable Business Network. In this episode they discuss which international city stands out for its success in social impact business, and what lessons Philly can learn from poorer, enterprising countries around the world. Join us for part 2 of this enlightening interview.
In 1921, 300 Black Americans were massacred, and a city razed to the ground in Tulsa, Oklahoma. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi explains what sparked the massacre and how Oklahoma politicians are still trying to keep the history hidden.
I-95 has splintered neighborhoods and magnified inequities since 1957. Amanda Steinberg proposes a solution: transportation reparations
The collapse of I-95 is a symptom of a larger problem, says Charles Ellison. Philadelphia is addicted to fossil fuels.
In this episode of Business For Good, we look at Wharton WORKS, a new program that teaches incarcerated men and women valuable skills while teaching future MBAs the value of employing returning citizens.
On a recent episode of City Cast Philly, host Trenae Nuri talked with Citizen editor Christina Griffith about Police Assisted Diversion (PAD) which refers people to social services instead of jail. This program was started in Kensington in 2017 and boasts impressive statistics. Only 8.5% of participants commit another crime. PAD is set to expand to the entire city this summer. Nuri chatted with Griffith about who qualifies for the program and if Philly is ready for a city-wide expansion.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi breaks down the meaning and historical context of the 1917 Espionage Act, and explains how it could take down a former President.
We should call it what it is: drag racing isn't a hobby, it's antisocial disorder, and this week it resulted in death.
Ellen Hopkins is not only the prolific author of "Crank," but she holds the...distinction...of her book being the most banned on the #VelshiBannedBookClub list. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi interviews Hopkins about a book that confronts meth addiction head on.
Alarmingly, in a city that is 44 percent Black, Black-owned businesses with payroll represent less than 3 percent of the businesses in our ecosystem. In our 5th episode, hosts Larry Platt, Michael Nutter and Kasim Reed come to you with a live episode as they sit down with Newark, NJ, Mayor Ras Baraka and Nowak Metro Finance Lab’s Bruce Katz – two experts who have a litany of solutions to one of the most pressing issues facing cities today: closing the wealth gap by creating and supporting Black businesses.
In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, we look to Scranton, which is using federal rescue money to help small businesses give their employees a pay raise. Could a wage boost plan benefit Philly?
Fighting against LGBT+ rights is an obvious losing strategy when it comes to politics. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi explains how social conservatives are making a new round of attacks, and why it's not winning them any favors.
Is ageism the last acceptable prejudice? What progressives who fixate on the U.S. President's age miss about Joe Biden’s political chops.
Roxanne catches up with Devi Ramkissoon, head of the Sustainable Business Network, to discuss her endeavors to build up healthy, local businesses overseas and what lessons she's brought back to Philadelphia. Join us for part 1 of this enlightening interview.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi examines a report by the World Meteorological Organization stating 1.5 degrees of global warming is inevitable in the next five years. Velshi breaks down what those 1.5 degrees would actually do to the planet.
Year-round schooling is the School District of Philadelphia's most talked-about plan. Cherelle Parker seems into it. But will it actually change anything?
On this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi sits down with George Takei to discuss his graphic novel "They Called Us Enemy." Takei's book draws from his experiences as a victim of the Japanese-American internment camps.
John Fetterman dresses like he’s at an Eagles game while doing his job for you in the U.S. Senate. Are you down with that?
On this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi interviews Lauren Groff, award-winning author of "Fates and Furies." Groff tells Velshi, "Every story has a hundred different ways of telling it." One of those ways landed her on banned book lists.
Good ideas don't always pop out first. Character Lab's experts say persistence is key when it comes to creative pursuits
In his third episode, guest writer LuQman Abdullah, a shooting survivor and anti-violence advocate, suggests we apply the spirit of our sports teams to conquer the violence in our city. Read by the author.
This fall, SCOTUS will take up a case regarding fisheries and regulators, but hidden in this benign-looking case is an attempt by conservatives to dissolve the "administrative state."
After this past Tuesday, Ryan Boyer and Bob Brady exulted. For progressives, David Oh, and democracy — it was not a great night.
The 2023 primary lacked the buzz or turnout of recent elections. But Philadelphians who voted showed intention, optimism — and Philly swagger. You can hear it in their voices.
College Together is a program that's making higher education accessible and affordable. Could this be the answer to our nation’s higher education woes?
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi looks at the subversive movement known as "constitutional sheriffs." These sheriffs believe their interpretation of the law supersedes even the authority of the President. In reality, they are only eroding the very democracy they think they're protecting.
In this episode, some final thoughts on the mayor’s race as it comes to a close. Are we about to meet a new boss who is the same as the old boss? Or are things a-changing?
On this episode of Guest Commentary, Philadelphia's next mayor needs to capitalize on the city's successes to bring us out of poverty, improve quality of life, and more
This business empowers Black and Brown real estate developers and small businesses by helping them access resources and support. It is the latest entry in our Development For Good series.
In this final episode from our esteemed panel, Citizen board member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi takes questions from the audience about the fate of our American experiment. Former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin, and former RNC Chair Michael Steele lend their insight. Ya Fav Trashman steps to the mic.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi digs into the shifty practice of "judge shopping," which has made Amarillo, Texas the epicenter of conservative lawsuits. Any time judgments or policies flow through just a single person, abuses can easily occur.
Who was the best mayor of Philadelphia? Who was the worst? We asked 15 historians. The results could impact your vote on Election Day.
In this panel from our Ideas We Should Steal Festival, Citizen board member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi discusses the fate of American democracy with former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin, and former RNC Chair Michael Steele.
In this panel from our Ideas We Should Steal Festival, Citizen board member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi discusses the fate of American democracy with former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin, and former RNC Chair Michael Steele.
Eryn Santamoor is a practical policy nerd running for City Council-at-large with big ideas for solving problems and because it seems...fun!
With so many conservative states passing anti-transgender bills, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi explains what gender-affirming care is and how it leads to a 73% reduction in suicide ideation.
Cherelle Parker spent three days behind bars after a DUI conviction over a decade ago. Here are some details to help you decide if that matters
In this guest commentary, the former mayor and governor endorses Rebecca Rhynhart for Mayor of Philadelphia. He also offers advice and a challenge on how she should govern.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi draws our attention to the rise in number and severity of wildfires. Could this be the year that we begin turning things around?
In democracies, citizens ought not to idolize their electeds — even if they're people we really like. Philadelphia's mayoral race is no exception.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi explains what the founders were trying to do with the House of Representatives and why it's failing to live up to their designs. When a single representative is responsible for close to a million citizens, how can this be government by and for the people?
In last week's debate, Jeff Brown took heat for what he said about our Delco neighbor. But the problem is really about regionalism.
NBC10 Investigative Reporter Claudia Vargas sits down to talk tech and the future of Philly with Michael Ellison, CEO/founder of CodePath.org, a nonprofit transforming computer science education for underrepresented minorities at over 50 colleges and universities.
In this special interview edition, Citizen writer J.P. Romney sits down with David Thornburgh, Chair of Ballot PA (a campaign to repeal the closed primary system in Pennsylvania), to discuss why we need Unaffiliated, Independent and third-party voters so badly in this state.
Center City District’s President/CEO Paul Levy R. on how the city is rebounding from the last three years — and what new leaders must do
On this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi speaks with Julissa Arce about reclaiming her Mexican roots and writing her banned memoir "You Sound Like A White Girl."
What value is a true believer if they put ideology over reason and practical solutions?
City Bright Philadelphia is a neighborhood cleanup that's also about creating jobs and a path to financial stability — and you’re invited
On this episode of Your City Defined, we look at why we have primaries, how they came to disenfranchise 1.2 million Pennsylvanians, and how they might change to allow everyone to vote.
On this episode of Your City Defined, we look at why we have primaries, how they came to disenfranchise 1.2 million Pennsylvanians, and how they might change to allow everyone to vote.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi gives us a rundown of how long we've known human action has been changing the climate. We thought it would still take centuries for humanity to irreparably damage the planet. It may have taken just forty years.
On this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi talks with Julia Alvarez, the award-winning author whose book, "How The Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents," has been on banned lists for almost 30 years.
There's only one candidate for Philadelphia mayor who has a clean, non-transactional style of governing
In this presentation from our Ideas We Should Steal Festival, Erin Harkey, Chicago’s arts commissioner, talks about that city’s Arts 77 program which uses city government to push public art
Looking at the election math, candidate messaging and campaign skills, the winner according to Katz will be...
Elaine Maimon believes Temple's next president must transform Temple into a model of 21st-century reform. Here's what needs to be done.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi points out what is really causing American children harm. It's not books or photos of Michelangelo's David. Velshi looks to Japan as an example of adults taking an active role in protecting children in schools.
In this episode of the Ultimate Job Interview, 6abc anchor Jim Gardner mediates a Q&A between the mayoral candidates where the candidates themselves (and a couple of audience members) ask the questions.
Many Americans must fight cancer and their health insurance at the same time. One of our editors passionately explains how there is a cutting-edge treatment for glioblastoma, but insurance companies are prioritizing profit over healthcare.
Join us for part 2 of this emotional panel from our Ideas We Should Steal Festival. Hosted by Emily Bazelon, criminal justice reporter for the New York Times, we hear stories of hardship and redemption and a light at the end of the tunnel. Bazelon speaks with Marc Howard (director of Georgetown's Prisons and Justice Initiative) and Cherri Greg (co-founder of the Law and Justice Journalism Project).
Dice Raw's New Freedom Theatre tells stories of Black Americans which are critical to understanding the American experience
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi breaks down the fundamentals of our banking system and suggests one policy change that would prevent banks from taking risks and collapsing.
The race for mayor is heating up ... on TV. Rebecca Rhynhart, Allan Domb, Jeff Brown, Cherelle Parker and Helen Gym leap into the fray.
In this guest commentary, a North Philly native who was shot, spent time in prison, and now works in schools offers ways to engage local youth to end gun violence
In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, we look at Columbus, Ohio and Memphis, Tennessee, where their sports teams encouraged citizens to get out and pick up litter. Could a similar contest help clean up Philly streets?
Join us for part 1 of this emotional panel from our Ideas We Should Steal Festival. Hosted by Emily Bazelon, criminal justice reporter for the New York Times, we hear stories of hardship and redemption and a light at the end of the tunnel. Bazelon speaks with Marc Howard (director of Georgetown's Prisons and Justice Initiative) and Cherri Greg (co-founder of the Law and Justice Journalism Project).
On this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi interviews Meg Cabot about her book, "Ready or Not," which addresses the sex life of teenagers. "Teens are having sex," Cabot said, "whether we teach abstinence or not."
Rendell and Street say the next mayor and Council should determine the fate of a new Sixers arena. Mayoral candidates, however, say ... ?
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi reveals the history of Walgreens up and through its strange kowtowing to conservative pro-life groups by refusing to offer safe and effective abortion pills. Even in states where it's still legal.
For all of the seeming division in our country, there are leaders out there who are committed to bringing people together to achieve real change. Helming that charge? Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, who joined co-hosts Reed, Nutter, and Platt to talk about bipartisan collaboration and good ol' pragmatism.
On this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, we look at Pay It Forward, a job training program in New Jersey that provides free or low-cost access to training in fields that need skilled workers
Women's rights are declining everywhere. The UN Secretary General estimates it would take three centuries of progress to bring about real equality. And leading the charge in the opposite direction? America.
Paul Vallas’ primary defeat of incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot — Paul Vallas! — holds many object lessons for candidates here in Philadelphia
After an announcement about our 2023 Integrity Icon Awards, Roxanne Patel Shepelavy continues her discussion with the movers and shakers of Chester, PA, which saw a dramatic drop in its gun violence.
Each year this Black-led nonprofit provides 400 teens and young adults with a safe space and opportunities to remake themselves and their community.
In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, Roxanne Patel Shepelavy hosts a discussion with the movers and shakers of Chester, PA, which saw a dramatic drop in its gun violence. Panelists include Jack Stollsteimer (Delaware County DA), Steven Gretsky (Chester Police Commissioner) and Thaddeus Kirkland (Mayor of Chester).
In this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi speaks with Grace Lin, who is as surprised as anyone that her children's book, "A Big Mooncake For Little Star," landed her on banned lists.
Is retiring City Council President Darrell Clarke a statesman … or has he been a guardian of the status quo?
In this panel from our Ideas We Should Steal Festival, Kenneth Shropshire (Senior Advisor to the Dean at Wharton's Coalition for Equity and Opportunity) interviews author and co-host of The Big Brunch, Will Guidara, about his novel approach to business and solving the social ills in our city: unreasonable hospitality
In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, we look at Philadelphia schools' diversion program. It's a national model for youth restorative justice, but doesn't go quite far enough. San Francisco's Make It Right program is the next step.
On this episode of Mystery Shopper, an East Kensington resident was a victim of the new car theft trend. Here’s what happened when they tried to get their car back
On this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi speaks with Andrey Kurkov, a Ukrainian writer who publishes prolifically in Russian. When Russia invaded his country, Kurkov was placed on a black list for his writings. Velshi and Kurkov discuss the echoes of war found in his satirical novel, Grey Bees.
The Citizen's Ultimate Job Interview series has crystallized just what the qualities of the next Mayor of Philadelphia need to be
LuQman Abdullah has seen loss, prison, and promise in our youth. Here is his prescription for ending Philadelphia's gun violence culture
In this presentation from our annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival, Ian Harris, business development lead at BlocPower, takes us through the practical steps to creating a healthier and greener city.
Donald Trump bears some direct responsibility for the invasion of Ukraine. He tried to manipulate President Zelensky into manufacturing dirt on his political opponent, and in the process made Zelensky look weak and isolated on the international stage.
In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, we look to Berlin, where thanks to a convenient transportation app, travel is a comparative breeze. Can we do the same here in Philly?
13 weeks from Philadelphia's Election Day, where are the mayoral candidates' innovative plans that could alter the direction of the city?
13 weeks from Philadelphia's Election Day, where are the mayoral candidates' innovative plans that could alter the direction of the city?
Citizens of the Week Mazzie Casher and Steven Pickens, are the creators of the Philly Truce App. They joined WURD host and Citizen contributor Charles Ellison to discuss what the app is and their efforts to reduce violence in Philadelphia.
With a focus on gun violence reduction strategies, hosts Michael Nutter, Kasim Reed, and Larry Platt welcome David Muhammad, Executive Director of the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform, for an alternately heart-wrenching and heartwarming episode.
Is there a better, healthier way to grapple with our monument issues? They did it in Franklin, Tennessee.
In this special one-year anniversary edition of #VelshiBannedBookClub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi reviews a year in banned books and sits down for a followup interview with Nikole Hannah-Jones of The 1619 Project.
In a new commercial, former Philadelphia City Councilmember Allan Domb becomes the first mayoral candidate to take on sitting Mayor Kenney.
Elaine Maimon advises against banning the AI language bot ChatGPT — and instead, use it to teach more effective thinking that is purely human
What happened to Tyre Nichols echoes the 1977 Philadelphia police beating of a Black driver. Journalist Bill Marimow on how it was different
In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, former Mayor Michael Nutter sits down with current Illinois Mayor Daniel Biss to talk about the case for novel housing reparations in his city of Evanston. Join us for an enlightening discussion about creating equity in America.
MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi explains "qualified immunity," which has shielded police from unlawful and dubious actions for decades.
It's our City constitution, the framework for how Philly is run. But it's also ... complicated.
On this special episode of CitizenCast, author James Peterson explains that Tyre Nichols's murder is another blotch on America’s history of racist policing, and a troubling symptom of our toxic masculinity
Poor people aren't wearing dirty sneakers because they look cool. Instead of making it fashionable, give kids the means to avoid poverty.
Sue Wasserkrug is the Director of Mediation at CORA Services. She joined WURD host and Citizen contributor Charles Ellison to discuss the nationally recognized Eviction Diversion Program.
On this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi sits down with David Levithan, author of Two Boys Kissing. Levithan knew that everything about his book would land him on this list. He's okay with that.
The Philadelphia Mayor’s race is underway. We assess the early campaigns of Jeff Brown, Cherelle parker, and Helen Gym.
Pastor Aaron Campbell’s after-school program Level Up offers young people the security, skills and confidence to live and thrive
Join us for a fascinating discussion about the role of religious communities in raising the standard of living for all. This panel included Father Greg Boyle of Homeboy Industries; Rev. Chaz Howard, Chaplain of the University of Pennsylvania; and Rev Bill Golderer of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.
What Does a Black QB have to do to get love? The Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts may be showing us the way
We're on track to set new records for fossil fuel consumption in 2024. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi explains that despite all the warnings, our gas guzzling is still sending us in the wrong direction.
Opposition to the proposed Sixers arena, UC Townhomes, and other potential developments has been uncivil. Is the art of activism dead?
We don’t need to “democratize” news through platforms like Facebook and Twitter. We need media literacy, including right here in Pennsylvania.
In this episode of Business For Good, B Corp fashion house Grant Blvd launches a men’s clothing line and vintage clothing store Blk Ivy for Civil Rights era fashion and activism
WURD host and Citizen contributor Charles Ellison spoke with Dan Rhoton, executive director of Camden-based nonprofit Hopeworks. They discussed Rhoton's novel approach to skill development and job training for young people who are normally overlooked and dismissed by society.
On this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, MSNBC Host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi talks to Jason Reynolds and Kiely Brendan, the authors of the commonly banned "All American Boys," which unflinchingly explores white privilege and police brutality.
Well, we’ve got a crowdsourced job description from the citizens of Philadelphia…and some serious questions for y’all
Todd Shepherd, chief investigative reporter for Broad + Liberty continues his interview with Philadelphia City Commissioner Seth Bluestein about the security of elections in the city, specifically mail-in ballots. Join us for part 2 of this important and revealing discussion.
Reed and Nutter reveal the unexpected relationships that made them stronger candidates -- and more effective leaders. Mayor Gallego talks about her city's innovations -- and success -- when it comes to meaningful environmental change.
Todd Shepherd, chief investigative reporter for Broad + Liberty, talks with Philadelphia City Commissioner Seth Bluestein about the security of elections in the city, specifically mail-in ballots. Join us for part 1 of this important and revealing discussion.
Democrats established the independent Office of Congressional Ethics in 2008 after a flood of corruption scandals and resignations. Republicans are now trying to gut it. MSNBC Host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi takes us through the history of the OCE and why it's such a bad idea to weaken it.
Pennsylvania voters have spoken: We want Josh Shapiro to not be crazy. Here's what else the new governor should do
The CEO of a Delaware-based startup hub calls for Philadelphia and its surrounding cities and states to work together to help companies — and the region — thrive
Longtime advocate Mark Gleason calls for facts, not fiction, in responding to a Philadelphia Citizen column about education funding.
Larry talks about the saving power of art with Black Thought of The Roots and Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia.
In this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, MSNBC Host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi talks with Sarah Smarsh ("Heartland") and Stephanie Land ("Maid") about "Nickel And Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich. Books about the reality of poverty in the U.S. are being banned by people who want to ignore the issue.
House Democrats voting for the Bucks County Republican may be a way to calm the raging culture wars in Washington D.C. — and the nation
A history lesson, including some scholarly conjecture, about Philadelphia’s New Year’s Day parade. You know, the Mummers. Wait. You don't?
Welcome to the second half of our opening panel during the 2022 Ideas We Should Steal Festival. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi moderated a fascinating discussion about democracy and local journalists. He was joined by Erinn Haines, editor-at-large of The 19th*; Jill Abramson, former executive editor (and first woman executive editor) of The New York Times; Emily Bazelon, staff writer for The New York Times Magazine; and Chris Baxter, editor-in-chief of Spotlight PA.
With the federal government in disarray, cities will be the key to economic growth next year.
When Volodymyr Zelenskyy stood before Congress, he likened the situation in Ukraine to two well-known battles fought by Americans: the Battles of Saratoga (Revolutionary War) and the Battle of the Bulge (WWII). MSNBC Host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi explains that both of these were turning points against an autocratic regime. The latter happened on Christmas Day.
Amen Brown's recent interview reminds us that there ought to be standards for becoming mayor. Can his mistake change how we think about the job?
Expanding artificial intelligence technology can make life easier. But at what cost to our livelihoods — and culture?
Welcome to the first night of this year's Ideas We Should Steal Festival. MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi moderated a fascinating discussion about democracy and local journalists. He was joined by Erinn Haines, editor-at-large of The 19th*; Jill Abramson, former executive editor (and first woman executive editor) of The New York Times; Emily Bazelon, staff writer for The New York Times Magazine; and Chris Baxter, editor-in-chief of Spotlight PA.
At the opening night of our 5th annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival, renowned journalists from Ali Velshi to Jill Abramson offered solutions to what plagues distrust of the media
For the first time, scientists were able to produce an excess of energy from nuclear fusion. This can forever change how we power our civilization.
WURD host and Citizen contributor Charles Ellison speaks with Adriana Abizadeh, Executive Director of Kensington Corridor Trust. They discuss the Neighborhood Trust development model which was created by and for those living and working in the Kensington Avenue corridor.
MSNBC Host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi reminds us of the horrible plight of Paul Whelan who still languishes in a Russian penal colony
In this episode of Generation Change Philly, we spotlight political insider Kellan White, a third-generation civic leader who is all-in for Philadelphia.
Philly 3.0’s engagement director on where the mayoral candidates fall on the Democratic spectrum, and who might vote for them
On this episode of #VelshiBannedBooksClub, Ali spotlights the Girls Who Code book series. He speaks with the CEO and co-founder of Girls Who Code: Reshma Saujani. Temporarily banned by the Central York Pennsylvania School District, Saujani describes the district's actions as caving in to an insidious culture war.
Civic Coalition to Save Lives plan to combat gun violence is a new type of problem-solving collaboration. Can it work in Philadelphia?
Join us for part 2 of the dedication of Judge Higginbotham's mural on the MercyLIFE West building. The concluding speaker is Theodore W. Ruger, Dean of the Law School at Penn. Just as things wrap up, a surprise speaker takes the stage (State Senator Vincent Hughes).
The Citizen shares a new Lenfest Institute grant to make sure Philadelphia’s new elected leaders address the priorities of Philly communities.
Quon Brinkley's Thinker Makers Society, makes space for Philadelphia artists of color and Philadelphia LGBTQIA artists in Old City
MSNBC host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi breaks down the policy of hospitalizing mentally ill persons against their will. Politicians have been wrestling with solutions for decades.
Reed, Nutter, and Platt delve into the surprising skill all good leaders really need, then welcome Mayor Schaaf to talk about her secrets to successfully moving Oakland forward.
Former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter, former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Larry Platt will dive into the mastery of urban leadership
Can a four-year residency model ensure new teachers stay in the district? A Baltimore-based program new in Philly is betting on it.
Join us for part 1 of the dedication of Judge Higginbotham's mural on the MercyLIFE West building. Speakers include The Citizen Executive Editor Larry Platt, the artist Shawn Theodore and Judge Higginbotham's nephew, law professor Michael Higginbotham.
Elaine Maimon asks us to consider the many thousands of DREAMers who arrived in the U.S. as children and need legal status to thrive.
After giving his last press conference, Anthony Fauci is stepping down. MSNBC host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi reviews the life and accomplishments of "America's Doctor."
The World Cup is one of the most high-profile events in the world. MSNBC host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi explains how Palestinian citizens are bringing international attention to their cause--and what the Biden administration should be doing.
WURD host and Citizen contributor Charles Ellison talks with Monica Miraglilo, the entrepreneur and real estate developer behind Girlbuild. This initiative is empowering women in the development and construction industry.
Hosted by Larry Platt, former Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter and former Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed, this podcast answers the age-old question: How does a city really get shit done
A Philadelphia educator reflects on the power of young people to accept the world as it is
MSNBC host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi chats with Donald Trump's former attorney, Michael Cohen, about Trump, the Republican Party and lessons learned (or not)
Being surrounded by Black leaders he admires during two Philadelphia events reminded Jemille Duncan of what it means to see Black excellence
The promised red wave never happened. What should Philadelphia — and all — Republicans take away from midterm defeats?
On this episode of Your City Defined, we look at the city's information and reporting hotline. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas has gone a step further and introduced a bill to pay Philadelphians for filing complaints. Just what is 311 all about?
Keith Leaphart is a physician, entrepreneur, and founder of Philanthropos. He joined WURD host and Citizen contributor Charles Ellison to discuss the app Philanthropi, which helps people focus their volunteering and charitable donations.
MSNBC host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi breaks down the effect of overturning Roe v. Wade on the midterm elections nationwide
We learned many things about Pennsylvania after the midterm election. One of them: We should have a better way to vote
Just before the unveiling of his uncle's mural on November 2nd, Michael Higginbotham sat down with Andrea Lawful-Sanders from The Source about the pioneering life and legacy of Judge A. Leon Higginbotham
It's Election Day in Philadelphia. Whether you have voted already or not, there is still more to do after you've cast your ballot.
MSNBC Host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi takes us through the strange history of gaslighting--and explains how the term applies to our day
Philadelphia's District Attorney may deserve criticism. But he doesn't deserve what Harrisburg is dishing out.
Philadelphia's District Attorney may deserve criticism. But he doesn't deserve what Harrisburg is dishing out.
On this episode of Generation Change Philly, we spotlight local tech entrepreneur Chris Cera, who advocates for tax policies that allow small businesses to thrive, and creates model work environments
On this episode of Generation Change Philly, we spotlight local tech entrepreneur Chris Cera, who advocates for tax policies that allow small businesses to thrive, and creates model work environments
In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, Jessica looks at an Oklahoma program saving police resources while providing better care for residents in mental health crises. Could Philly do the same?
In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, Jessica looks at an Oklahoma program saving police resources while providing better care for residents in mental health crises. Could Philly do the same?
J.P. Romney sits down for an interview on Radio Times, going into greater detail about the varied and extraordinary sports superstitions that put Philly fans head and shoulders (and a very large Billy Penn hat) above the competition.
J.P. Romney sits down for an interview on Radio Times, going into greater detail about the varied and extraordinary sports superstitions that put Philly fans head and shoulders (and a very large Billy Penn hat) above the competition.
MSNBC host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi chats with AZ State Representative Daniel Hernandez, a fierce opponent of a new bill banning books from public schools that address sexuality in any form (most especially LGBT depictions).
MSNBC host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi chats with AZ State Representative Daniel Hernandez, a fierce opponent of a new bill banning books from public schools that address sexuality in any form (most especially LGBT depictions).
Penn Professor (and diehard Yankees fan) Sarah Gronningsater teaches that baseball reveals America to itself. She also picks the Phils in 5.
Penn Professor (and diehard Yankees fan) Sarah Gronningsater teaches that baseball reveals America to itself. She also picks the Phils in 5.
The debate was a mess—not just because of Fetterman’s post-stroke symptoms or Oz’s smarminess. But because we learned nothing from it.
The debate was a mess—not just because of Fetterman’s post-stroke symptoms or Oz’s smarminess. But because we learned nothing from it.
WURD host and Citizen contributor Charles Ellison speaks with Rosalind Pichardo, a nurse and incredible citizen who started a gun violence survivor support organization. She does outreach for Prevention Point, having administered 900 doses of Narcan in Kensington alone.
WURD host and Citizen contributor Charles Ellison speaks with Rosalind Pichardo, a nurse and incredible citizen who started a gun violence survivor support organization. She does outreach for Prevention Point, having administered 900 doses of Narcan in Kensington alone.
Rebecca Rhynhart’s detailed analysis of the department’s budget included several dozen recommendations. The most important one never got a mention.
Rebecca Rhynhart’s detailed analysis of the department’s budget included several dozen recommendations. The most important one never got a mention.
MSNBC host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi breaks down inflation numbers worldwide. The Right likes to hurl criticisms, but they have no actual solutions.
The Republican us senate nominee won’t flat-out acknowledge that Turkey annihilated 1.5 million Armenians in the 20th century. Is denial of genocide smart campaign strategy?
On its fifth anniversary, MSNBC host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi gives a passionate telling of the history of #MeToo
Wanna win another World Series or Super Bowl, Philadelphia? Don’t plan a parade, build a William Penn-less skyscraper, or turn the economy around
When parents themselves are disadvantaged — single, impoverished, young — a community of adults must step up to help children
In this episode of #VelshiBannedBooksClub, MSNBC host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi interviews Alex Gino about their ground-breaking book, MELISSA, which broaches transgender issues in elementary school.
When a city’s sports teams kick ass, it actually reminds us of the power of citizenship … countering the public missteps of elected leaders like Kenyatta Johnson and Cherelle Parker
Sometimes, you really, really need to go. That’s why in this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, we look to Portland to adopt a successful model of free public restrooms.
In this final panel episode, we round out the night with an in-depth Q&A session about our new normal in the workplace. Panelists include Kimberly Smith of JLL, Crystal Ashby of Independence Blue Cross, and Angela Val of Visit Philadelphia.
In this episode of Generation Change Philly, we put the spotlight on Penn Medicine’s Shreya Kangovi, who has created a community health model that has worked with 16,000 Philadelphians and been replicated in 18 states. The key? Listening.
In the spirit of Halloween (and the eroding of democracy), here's something scary from MSNBC host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi: Independent State Legislature Theory. This would essentially allow state legislatures to overturn popular votes. It should horrify every American.
Citizen contributor and WURD host Charles Ellison talks with Ira Goldstein of Reinvestment Fund about the impact this housing market is having on tenants, long-time residents, and potential homeowners.
In this episode of Generation Change Philly, we look to South Philly Barbacoa’s Cristina Martínez who has earned the highest honors for chefs in America. But that’s just the start of her most important work.
A Philadelphia rabbi’s Yom Kippur message: Your ballot could be the one that preserves the fundamental ideals of America
In this panel episode, we continue on to our real estate section, examining how Center City thrives in our new norm, and the ways companies can balance the needs of their business and the needs of their workers. Panelists include Kimberly Smith of JLL, Crystal Ashby of Independence Blue Cross, and Angela Val of Visit Philadelphia.
On this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, MSNBC host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi interviews historian Rutger Bregman about Lord Of The Flies by William Golding. Bregman found a real-world example of 6 boys being shipwrecked and stranded on an island. Turns out truth is stranger (and more optimistic) than fiction.
Okay. You hate journalists. But the war Doug Mastriano is waging against the news media is not normal--it's a harbinger of autocracy.
In this episode of Generation Change Philly, we induct Penn physician-scientist Kit Delgado, who applies what he learns from treating injured patients in the ER to changing the behavior that gets us there in the first place.
In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, are you outraged that more than 50 percent of Americans (and at least one Senator) cannot name the three branches of government? California and several other states are working to literally certify good citizenship for high school grads.
In this panel episode, we continue our exploration of Center City thriving in our new norm, and the ways companies can balance the needs of their business and the needs of their workers. Panelists include Kimberly Smith of JLL, Crystal Ashby of Independence Blue Cross, and Angela Val of Visit Philadelphia.
MSNBC host and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi breaks down the pivotal PA races and interviews gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro.
It features a wealthy, easy-to-blame institution; fact-challenged protestors; an elected official who may be in over her head, and a compromise solution everybody seems hell bent on ignoring
WURD host and Citizen contributor Charles Ellison chats with Kai Englisch about his moving story on Suffolk Park and the African communities that gather to play soccer there.
Councilmembers’ attempts to legislate national politics distract from the local issues only they can solve. They should do better.
PA Youth Vote and activist theater company Just Act are using drama to activate the newest generation of voters. What can we learn from them on Voter Registration Day?
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi reminds us that despite the lavish trappings of the British Empire (on full display this week), we cannot forget the inhumanity it promoted around the world.
By all accounts she was a lovely woman. But why is mourning her passing the only thing Americans agree on? Didn’t we kinda fight a war to escape the trappings of royalty?
Philly’s most talented African soccer players play in Suffolk Park. City Hall touts their successes in the Unity Cup. So why can’t Philly give this park a little help?
In this panel episode, we explore how Center City can thrive in our new norm, and the ways companies balance the needs of their business and the needs of their workers. Panelists include Kimberly Smith of JLL, Crystal Ashby of Independence Blue Cross, and Angela Val of Visit Philadelphia.
In this episode of Future Ready, future of work expert, Anne Gemmell gives us 5 tips she's learned in 20 years of navigating schools in and around Philly
In this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi was supposed to speak with Salman Rushdie about his "most famous book you've never read." In the wake of Rushdie's assassination attempt, Ali speaks with his friend and colleague, Homi Bhabha.
Progressives who dismiss the lingering speech issues from the candidate’s stroke run the risk of embodying what they decry
Higher education as a public good is on the ballot this November. A longtime college president highlights the stark choices.
A precocious young professional and scholar has a message for Philly employers: Equitable treatment for your youngest colleagues means giving them the respect — and pay — they deserve.
WURD host and Citizen contributor Charles Ellison talks with Karla Ballard, founder of YING. She describes her app as an attempt to monetize time banking by turning members into a tight-knit community bound by helping one another.
In this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi speaks with legendary author Margaret Atwood about the frightening versions of American autocracy that threaten us all.
In this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi speaks with legendary author Margaret Atwood about the frightening versions of American autocracy that threaten us all.
Jim Kenney can still reverse his legacy as a mayor who quit on his city. Here, the “Quality of Life” speech to Philadelphians he needs to make now.
Jim Kenney can still reverse his legacy as a mayor who quit on his city. Here, the “Quality of Life” speech to Philadelphians he needs to make now.
In this episode we look at a California-based organization, now working with Penn, that asks: Does a successful American experiment depend on empathy?
WURD host and Citizen contributor Charles Ellison speaks with Dr. Tyra Bryant-Stephens, director of CHOP's Community Asthma Prevention Program about their endeavors to eliminate asthma triggers. CAPP has completed renovations in 125+ homes, changing the lives of Philly families.
Twelve U.S. states allow school kids to take excused days off for emotional well-being. PA should too
Twelve U.S. states allow school kids to take excused days off for emotional well-being. PA should too
Margins for the control of the Senate are razor thin, Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi details why Republicans are losing confidence
Media needs to cover the values underpinning the gubernatorial campaign of Doug Mastriano, because business as usual “objectivity” won’t capture the looming threat
At a recent Citizen event, MSNBC anchor and Citizen Board Member Ali Velshi talks Ukraine, democracy, empathy — and what we all need to do to save our country
In this episode of Guest Commentary, the Political Director of Republicans4Shapiro on supporting vs. avoiding the subject of our state's Republican gubernatorial candidate
In this episode of Generation Change Philly, engineer-turned-angel investor John Moore helped launch ImpactPHL with the goal of making Philly the social impact investment capital of the country. Five years later, he may be succeeding.
What is the difference between a democracy and a constitutional republic? Are the two terms mutually exclusive? Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi walks us through the definitions and explains why the more conservative members of our body politic fear your vote.
In this episode of Business For Good, we highlight Karla Ballard who raised over $1 million for her app, YING, seeking to replicate the community of helpful neighbors she grew up with in Philadelphia--one task at a time
Damaris Alvarado-Rodriguez is on a mission to provide opportunities for children and adults — including through a new teacher apprenticeship program starting this week
In 1953, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed for espionage against the United States. Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi explains the strange link between the Rosenbergs and Donald Trump.
Does the Biden administration’s recent winning streak, including the Inflation Reduction and CHIPS and Science Acts, contain an object lesson for Philly?
In this episode of Guest Commentary, Philly’s former district attorney has a three-step plan to get guns off the street — and reduce the record shootings — in Philly
One of the most famous — and famously attacked — climatologists in America is now the founding director of Penn’s new climate change institute. He has a few things to say to those who doubt we can still save the earth
In this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi talks to Laurie Halse Anderson about her book: Speak (one of the most banned books in the country). Labeled by its critics as pornographic, Speak explores assault and consent-based sexuality in a young adult setting. "You would think people would find the educational system...the right place to talk about these things," Anderson said.
There’s been a lot of handwringing over Democrats like Josh Shapiro trying to choose their MAGA general election opponents. But maybe we need a nationwide referendum on Trumpism, once and for all?
The City’s disorganization around Philly’s illegal dumping crisis is as messy as the dumping itself. A reporter who has spent months delving into the disaster calls for a leader we can count on
In a groundbreaking new report, the head of Center City District starkly lays out the problem — and calls for Philadelphia’s next mayor to fully invest in growth
In this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi speaks with Mark Twain scholar, Matthew Seybold, about this iconic (and banned) work of American literature. Seybold says Twain's use of the N-word was not just a product of his time, but purposeful commentary about dehumanization.
Senate candidate John Fetterman’s heckling of Mehmet Oz may entertain the already converted, but it might work against persuading independent voters
A morning commute turned (slightly) tragic for one Philadelphian. She responds with…poetry
On this episode, we profile Suzanne Sheer--the singer, songwriter and Khemist collaborator whose new album, The Blue Hour, is dominating the city's music scene.
In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, Paris, Portland, Houston and even Detroit are planning neighborhoods where residents can walk or bike to everything they need for a healthy and vibrant life. Is now the time to do the same in Philly?
In this episode of #VelshiBannedBookClub, Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi speaks with MacArthur Fellow and renowned author Jacqueline Woodson about her multi-award-winning (and banned) book: Brown Girl Dreaming.
The prospect of a $1.3 billion Center City arena can spur equitable growth — if done right. Here, a playbook for an intentional and inclusive deal
In this episode of Generation Change Philly, Laura Boyce doesn’t just advocate for educators in Philadelphia public schools. She teaches them to advocate for themselves, for their students, and for the Philadelphia School District
In this guest commentary, a bystander of the Fourth of July shooting points out a fact of gun violence episodes in America: Most are not mass shootings--they are the everyday terror that plagues communities.
It may seem that our rights have been expanding over the last twenty years, but Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi explains why this isn't so. The recent Supreme Court rulings are an exclamation point on a long running sentence.
The debate, floated by Council President Darrell Clarke and engaged by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, is proof that, when it comes to combatting gun violence in Philadelphia, our leaders live in a fact-free zone
Philly’s former District Attorney shows how Larry Krasner’s progressive policies fail to prevent crime — and what we should be doing differently
Recently we at the Citizen held a workshop focused on using personal stories to increase voter turnout. Adam Barbanel-Fried of Changing the Conversation for Progress (CTC) led our group with all the power of an inspirational speaker and showed us how to turn empathy into actual votes. Listen in and learn with us.
In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, we look to Seattle, which is giving residents cash vouchers to support political candidates. This has increased participation from both voters and candidates. Could we do the same in Philly?
Donald Trump isn't alone in turning the IRS against his political enemies. Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi sheds light on Nixon's attempt to use tax audits to punish his opponents.
The mayor’s white flag-waving comments this week created a storm of controversy. But did he say anything we didn't already know? And, what of it?
WURD host Charles Ellison chats with Peter Gonzales and Nicole Marcote of The Welcoming Center about Brightly, a co-op franchise expanding to Philadelphia that provides living wages and opportunities to its worker/owners.
In this episode of Generation Change Philly, we highlight Christa Barfield of FarmerJawn and Viva Leaf Tea. She's an irrepressible leader of today’s urban farming movement in the city and builds individual and community health from the ground up.
A letter about a past abortion by Jay Coen Gilbert. Until the leaked draft decision that would eventually overturn Roe v. Wade, he writes, I had never told anyone — except my wife.
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi reveals a letter by Abigail Adams to her husband, John, imploring him to remember women's rights when forming this country.
Philly has more illegal dumping surveillance cameras than other major cities, but far fewer arrests and convictions. Here’s what we know about illegal dumpers — and the system that rarely stops them.
Logan-born poet/musician Khemist is spectacularly gifted. He's one of the most talented artists Philly has produced this century--we just don’t know it yet.
In the second installment of Business For Good, Larry moderates a conversation between a businessman (FS Investments' Michael Forman), a union leader (Ryan Boyer) and a politician (Maria Quiñones-Sánchez) about setting up Philadelphians for success. "It's time for our city to send a message of optimism and hope." Join us.
Why are Josh Shapiro and Doug Mastriano neck and neck? Is Dr. Oz underwater? Is PA going red? Catching up with legendary political consultant Neil Oxman to understand the polling.
That 6-week fetal "heartbeat" you hear is actually coming from the ultrasound machine. Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi breaks down some of the most pervasive lies used by anti-abortion activists.
Council’s passage last week of modest business tax cuts was more than a rebuke of progressives. It also might suggest that reasonableness is trending again.
Mary Summer is a Penn professor who co-created a documentary about illegal abortion in 1970. With Roe poised to be overturned, she looks back in order to see a way forward.
This 1971 documentary by Catha Maslow, Jane Pincus, Mary Summers and Karen Weinstein tells the story of two women in pre-Roe Massachusetts seeking out and obtaining illegal abortions. Their journeys are harrowing and represent a past that could once again darken our present.
In this episode of Business For Good, Brightly, an immigrant-owned cleaning service co-operative opening in Philly next spring, offers workers a pathway to the American middle class
Former City Commissioner Al Schmidt’s testimony this week before the Jan. 6 committee was a reminder that maybe integrity isn’t dead after all
WURD host Charles Ellison talks with Tasnim Sulaiman of Black Men Heal about her success pairing Black men and therapists of color to find a pathway to healing trauma
Two recent podcasts: Stronger Every Day (Kouvenda Media) and Philly Under Fire (Philadelphia Citizen) get behind the statistics and tell the stories of the people (and solutions) surrounding the epidemic of gun violence in our city
Philly’s selective schools are not enough to ensure every child receives the education they deserve. A longtime Philly educator on what more we must do.
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi walks us through the Trump Administration's Middle Eastern "Abraham Fund." Spoiler: It was just another scheme to line Jared Kushner's pockets.
While Mayor Kenney, DA Krasner and police commissioner Outlaw point fingers and demonstrate the Philly Shrug, State Sen. Art Haywood rejects the politics of helplessness
WURD host and Citizen contributor Charles Ellison chats with Camille Boggan of 5th Square about the idea to extend free anywhere SEPTA passes to 15,000 Philly workers
In this episode of Generation Change Philly, we induct Greg Seltzer, founder of Philly Music Fest, who uses his business savvy and personal passion to help current and future generations of local musicians thrive.
Yasmine Mustafa is answering the call to expand her innovations and keep healthcare workers safer, too
The Second Amendment is only one sentence long. And it didn't mean in 1791 what gun advocates claim it means today. Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi breaks down what the Second Amendment actually says...and meant.
A riveting HBO documentary on the philosopher comic prompts some warm memories — and reminds us of what’s missing from today’s public conversation
The president of Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) challenges local partners to join their efforts to address escalating depression and anxiety in Philly’s neighborhoods
WURD host and Citizen contributor, Charles Ellison, chats with Lisa Wise of Flock, a Washington D.C.-based family of real estate companies. Lisa discusses her work helping to provide grants for first-time Black and Brown families who are purchasing homes.
In this episode of Citizen of the Week, Rev. Michelle Simmons heads a Germantown nonprofit called Why Not Prosper. It helps recently incarcerated women get back on their feet and avoid reentering the penal system.
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi breaks down Germany's dependence on Russian fossil fuels and highlights a way forward, not only for Germany, but for the rest of the world
WURD host Charles Ellison chats with Adam Barbanel-Fried, director of Changing The Conversation Together in PA. By making a deeper connection to infrenquent voters, Barbanel-Fried hopes to convince them to get out and exercise their right to vote.
The murder of 19 young children in Texas yesterday is a reminder of the violence children experience in America everyday — in and out of schools. Here, some ways to help
A long-time college president recommends ways to affirm democracy — through libraries and schools — in these troubled times
One Portland neighborhood reduced gun violence 60 percent by changing traffic patterns and reviving a park. In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, we ask if Philly can do the same.
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi explains what it means to have one political party actively fighting against democracy. Pennsylvania is held to the light.
An insurrectionist, a stroke patient, a TV doctor, a newspaper that’s anti-vote, and warring progressive and establishment factions walk into an election. Is the joke on us?
Welcome to the resistance. We need newer blood in politics and we've put together a panel to do just that. Speakers include Amanda Litman (founder of Run For Something), City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, State Rep. Joanna McClinton and Paige Cognetti, mayor of Scranton. "I tell young people who want to run," Litman says, "You can do this!"
Philly’s “deep-canvassers” are using a startling — and potent — blend of vulnerable emotion to get people to the polls. Join us to become one of them before the November general election.
Founded by women, Philly-based Black Men Heal is helping to address the emotional pain of African American men around the country
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi takes us inside a new report detailing the abuses of Indigenous children in government-run boarding schools. They were systematically stripped of their identity in order to acquire tribal lands.
Legendary media consultant Neil Oxman takes us inside politics — and throws some righteous shade
The Supreme Court’s expected overturning of Roe v. Wade brings the fight over abortion to the states. Here’s what that means for Pennsylvanians.
A program in Massachusetts and Baltimore trains shooters to refrain from shooting by literally changing their minds
WURD host Charles Ellison and Larry Platt square off over councilmanic prerogative--its underlying principles and whether or not a tool that is anti-democratic can be used to altruistic ends
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi declares if freedoms are being stripped away from some of us, then none of us truly live in a free country
On the cusp on his Twitter takeover, a Constitution Center event this week reframed the plutocrat for your consideration — and reminded us of the First Amendment's magic
Philly already has two easy, inexpensive ways to deal with our city’s trash crisis. Will Philly’s leaders finally step up?
As part of our Development for Good series, listen in on this live event at the Fitler Club moderated by Martha Cross from the city's Department of Planning and Development. On the panel: Diana Lind, vice president of Community & Culture at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia; Gregory Reaves, founder of Mosaic Development Partners, LLC; and Julie Donofrio, managing director at PennPraxis.
In this Guest Commentary, the city's anti-litter evangelist plans to donate a big portion of sales of his new children’s book to schools — in a very Ya Fav way
We have reached that point, argues Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi, when Jewish space lasers and claims of cocaine-fueled orgies cross no red lines. Because for one party in America, there are no red lines.
The Democratic establishment may have lined up against him, but John Fetterman maintains a gargantuan lead in the polls. What’s going on here?
In our ongoing Ideas We Should Steal, we ask what would it look like if public defenders in Pennsylvania — like progressive prosecutors — had the resources to be reformers?
From our first live event in the Business For Good series, we pull three power guests to explore a tangible fix to Philly's stubborn poverty problem.
Featuring Jasmine Sessoms of Hilco Redevelopment Partners, Jerry Sweeney of Brandywine Realty Trust and Sharmain Matlock-Turner from the Urban Affairs Coalition. Moderated by Larry Platt.
In this episode of Generation Change Philly, Laura Keane has dedicated her career to closing the gap between being accepted to college, and being a college graduate
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi explains that every dollar going toward Russian oil is funding Vladimir Putin"s assault on innocent Ukrainians. We must do better.
Mayor Kenney has been an inveterate spender. So why doesn’t his newest budget proposal invest more in working class growth, like mayors are doing in cities from Newark to Dayton?
In honor of Earth Day this week, clean Philly advocate Ya Fav Trashman shares his cures for our city’s litter epidemic
Emmy award-winning documentarian Glenn Holsten talks about his four decades of weaving together our city’s tales of community, creativity and civic potential
Vicki Miller, who runs Indivisible Philadelphia, joins Charles Ellison to discuss the 35 Doors Project, a get out the vote program launched earlier this year.
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi files his last report from Ukraine, using their national anthem to highlight the true spirit of freedom.
In Batesville, Arkansas, a high school’s solar panels saved the district enough money to raise teacher salaries. A similar program in Philly could save as much as $20,000 per school.
Covid has been rough on everyone--especially moms. WURD host Charles Ellison talks with Christine Speer Lejeune about her article on the pandemic titled: "Save The Moms."
A longtime college president urges Pennsylvania to learn from states like Illinois and Louisiana, which are increasing college attendance by requiring high schoolers to submit a free student aid application
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi opens our eyes to the historical context of what's actually happening in Ukraine
Let's explore how capitalism can lessen inequality and create opportunity. Fire away, Twitterverse!
How, the state’s former environmental protection chief wonders, can Philadelphia achieve its carbon output goals while also favoring its own city-owned gas utility?
WURD host Charles Ellison talks with Dave Hardy, former CEO and Co-Founder of Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia charter school about what he describes as unreasonable demands by teacher unions in Chicago. What does this mean for Philly?
Geoff Gross’s wildly successful company, Medical Guardian, is built on simple, affordable at-home tech that gives seniors security, connectedness—and self respect.
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi explains how the air raid siren is the sound that defines modern warfare.
Councilmembers Kendra Brooks, Helen Gym and Jamie Gauthier, with an assist from Senator Elizabeth Warren, have proposed a wealth tax for Philly. But are they unwittingly harming the middle class?
From computer programmers in the 1940s to a seminal gospel singer in the 1920s, join us for the final episode of Women's History Month All-stars
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi describes how democracy is backsliding all over the world. So he was proud when President Biden took a stand and said Vladimir Putin had to go.
On this episode of The Fix, a public corruption trial of Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and a lawsuit against Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier puts the practice of councilmanic prerogative on trial
WURD host Charles Ellison speaks with Josh Staub, Director of Restorative Programming at the School District of Philadelphia about innovative ways to counteract the cycle of conflict between students
America’s hottest city—Phoenix—lowered surface temperatures of a neighborhood by more than 10 degrees with a new water-based surface on its streets. Could Philly be next?
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi takes us through the Laws of Armed Conflict and how they relate to both the Holocaust and Ukraine
The three finalists for Philly’s new schools superintendent might very well be solid educators. But has anyone asked if that’s really what we need?
The Philadelphia School Board is on the verge of hiring a new superintendent. But, a former Temple education professor warns, it will take more than one person to transform our schools
From a rousing singer and actress to the Philadelphia Ten artists, enjoy a few stories about bad-ass women told by bad-ass women
Through wicked smart tweets and on-the-ground organizing, Dena Driscoll is the persistent activist we need to make a more livable Philadelphia
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi is in Hungary speaking with one woman who describes her harrowing escape from Russian forces
The world is getting an inspiring crash course in leadership from a former comic in Ukraine. Is anyone who aspires to lead Philadelphia paying attention?
In our second week of Women's History Month All-Stars, hear a selection of five influential historical figures read by bad-ass women of today
Could the answer to our disconnect be a program in 80 countries that allows you to borrow a person—a refugee, a sex worker, a police officer—and ask them anything you want?
The Delaware County DA, a child of a Ukrainian refugee, on being inspired by those “fearlessly carrying the torch of liberty” in his mother’s homeland
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi breaks down the SWIFT banking system and what weaponizing it really means
The Kenney administration’s stealth regulations on streateries shows yet more disdain for restaurateurs and their employees. Why is he vilifying frontline workers?
A longtime college president urges educators—and anyone who cares about public schools—to watch and learn from the popular Philly-based sitcom
Introducing Women's History Month All-stars: a special series about women often overlooked in history read by bad-ass women of today
Protecting both pedestrians and traffic flow is at the crux of the debate over redesigning Washington Avenue, which gets a hearing Tuesday. The answer may lie in a compromise used by cities around the world.
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi reveals the three countries that are keeping an eye on the war in Ukraine and what it means for their ambitions.
Will the pandemic be a wake-up call about the weaknesses in emergency care? Or will it be a death blow? The answer is in what we do next.
With his Navy Yard-based company, Ecosave, Marcelo Rouco is providing the kind of win-win solution that’s good for businesses, the city and the planet.
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi breaks down the effects of climate change and how they hit minority communities faster and harder
Since The Citizen wrote about First Step Staffing in 2018, the nonprofit has placed thousands of Philadelphians in entry level jobs around the region. Now, it’s launching Second Step to create even better opportunities for all.
WURD host Charles Ellison talks to Lynette Medley, one of the partners of SPOT period hub in Germantown, who is trying her best to stamp out menstrual poverty in the city
Councilman Derek Green’s bill putting you—the taxpayer—in the banking business is expected to pass Council tomorrow. What problems does it solve? What problems does it create?
In this episode from the Ideas We Should Steal Festival, Aqeela Sherrills (Director, Newark Community Streets Team) lays out a plan for initiating peace and redefining safety in the city
In this Ideas We Should Steal, we look at the Working Farms Fund which has helped small, organic farmers preserve and cultivate hundreds of acres of farmland around Atlanta. Could Philly be next?
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi applauds a recent victory for the ACLU, but wants to know why it was necessary when we already have a First Amendment
Philly’s Democratic Socialists tried to upend the appointment of democracy-saving Republican Seth Bluestein to city commissioner. But two local pols demonstrated the real progressive ideals we need from our leaders.
Andrea “Philly” Walls’ photos of Black joy can be seen as a visual act of ongoing resistance. They're also the exact antidote to the time we live in.
Since 2014, Food Connect has tackled the problems of rampant food waste and hunger with a logistical solution: connecting people in need of food with people who have excess food
In this Ideas We Should Steal episode, Ali Velshi chats with Peter Georgescu, former CEO of Young & Rubicam, about rethinking capitalism and how businesses were created to make life better for everyone in society
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi has been watching the recent book bans and is worried this trend will make for a stupider society that reverses the social progress we've made
Invest. Illegal dumping sites like the one Ya Fav Trashman tried to clean up last month are a product of longtime disinvestment in Black neighborhoods. WURD’s mid-day host challenges the city to match Ya Fav’s commitment.
Could a new behavioral health model from Girard College and CHOP be the solution our children need in these overwhelming times?
In this episode from our Ideas We Should Steal Festival, Russ Stark, St. Paul's Chief Resilience Officer, lays out a path to combat the climate crisis through car sharing.
In this episode of Generation Change Philly, we spotlight Michelle Freeman, Founder of event management company Witty Gritty. To both locals and those outside our city, she is one of the region's biggest cheerleaders.
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi soberly assesses the "tsunami of hunger" now breaking over Afghanistan. Their desperation is appalling. America must act.
For progressives, it's the ultimate inconvenient truth: We need better, smarter policing and prosecution to combat gun violence. Eric Adams is saying that in NY. Anyone here care to agree?
Author Piper Kerman joins Reform Alliance CEO Robert Rooks to discuss achieving what is achievable: safety and reform in our prison system
Katherine catches up with Dr. David Rubin, director of PolicyLab at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), who has been blanketing the airwaves arguing that it’s time to rethink our Covid risk management strategies
In the Age of Self-Care, a Stanford psychologist suggests a better antidote to what ails us right now is focusing on other people
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi discusses new intervention requirements for police officers in the wake of George Floyd's murder--including one disturbing case from Florida caught on tape.
Amid a tsunami of crises, Jim Kenney should become a quality-of-life mayor. It's how he'd bring the city back.
In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal: the benefits of trees. They go beyond health, heat and raised property values. Here, a few ways other cities are increasing their tree canopies, and how we can follow suit.
What's the long game to breaking the cycle of generational poverty in Philly? We invited Terri Sorenson of Friends of the Children, THRIVE CEO Omalara Fatiregun and Bill Golderer, President of United Way of Greater Philadelphia to outline the steps we need to be taking. Join us for this important brainstorming.
In the eight years since co-founding the Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project, Joanna Visser Adjoian and Lauren Fine have helped dozens of young people stay out of adult prisons—and get the support they need to lead productive lives
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi breaks down the meaning and history behind seditious conspiracy, and why the recent charges by the Justice Department are so important
Carpetbaggers, 2020 election result deniers, candidates—including a celebrity TV doc—spending personal fortunes, and connections to Communist China and the Turkish army. Welcome to democracy, PA-style.
In this Ideas We Should Steal episode, we look to Vienna, ranked the most livable city in the world for 10 years. This is in part due to rethinking urban design with women and children in mind. Could a similar approach in Philly make our city more livable for all?
WURD host Charles Ellison speaks with Melissa Ostroff, Pennsylvania Field Advocate at Earthworks, about PGA and its gas leak failures.
Online beefs are behind an increasing amount of violence in Philly. A local resident and teacher wonders what police can do to stop it—and what responsibility social media giants should face
During our Ideas We Should Steal Festival, Ali Velshi moderated a conversation about American writer and activist James Baldwin. Professor Eddie Glaude and musician / playwright Stew joined Ali on stage. "It's weird how relevant [Baldwin] is now. He was writing about an America in which there were truths and there were lies. And the lies were prevalent."
Mayor Kenney ended 2021 complaining that he’s responsible for things that are out of his control. Council President Darrell Clarke, however, ended the year seeing a power vacuum.
Something as simple as walking every day can help lessen one of the biggest risk factors for severe illness or death from Covid-19: obesity. That's why we need to encourage more of it in Philly.
In this episode of Generation Change Philly, we highlight Raheem “King” Saladeen who has unlocked opportunities around the world with his artwork—including his ubiquitous “JP The Money Bear.” But his heart belongs to the city that raised him and the late friend who believed in him.
In this Ideas We Should Steal: Canada. Eight years ago, Edmonton, started a citywide effort to celebrate its intense cold, rather than hide from it. Would doing the same here make winter more bearable?
Democracy is crumbling, murder is on the rise, and Philly corruption reigns supreme. But there are still examples of hope all around us.
This year was another marked by tragedy and hardship—but also hope and resilience. In other words: It was Philly.
From the 2021 Ideas We Should Steal Festival, Larry Platt invites former Philly mayor Michael Nutter to take the stage with former Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed to discuss real-world problem solving sans all the political tribalism
In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, we look at fixing Philly's abysmal potholes. Maybe planting flowers in them will help.
Some big city mayors are saying enough is enough and are—finally—doubling down on smart policing and prosecution. Here in Philly? Not so much.
As we end a year with almost 550 homicides, an expert on the future of work offers five ways Philadelphia can help survivors move forward and live healthy, prosperous lives
How Terrill Haigler, a former Philly sanitation worker with a gift for organizing—and for social media—became one of Filthadelphia’s most beloved and recognizable change-makers
In this episode of Business for Good, a lab accident inspired one entrepreneur to create a line of women-friendly protective equipment. Covid-19 pushed the idea further--into eco-friendly sustainability.
No, says Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi. If we did that, we'd go to jail.
A transgender swimmer at Penn is setting NCAA records. So why haven’t we read about it in the Inquirer?
Last month’s SEPTA attack on Asian-American high school students was another symptom of the broken systems in our city. In this Ideas We Should Steal we ask if restorative justice holds the key to healing our collective pain?
In the next installment of our Development For Good series, Larry Platt invites Matt Pestronk of Post Brothers Apartments; Bruce Crawley (former communications director for Mayor John Street); Laura Slutsky from the Urban Land Institute; and Charles Lomax of Lomax Real Estate Partners to discuss how Philly can leverage a booming economy against historic inequality to make our city a better place for all its citizens.
Ideas We Should Steal | Pittsburgh is seeing stars by mandating dimmer, warmer and more environmentally-friendly light fixtures in public streets and buildings. Don’t we want to see stars, too?
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi explains why abortion is not a constitutionally protected right. And how we can change that.
D.A. Larry Krasner is in denial, the mayor has thrown up his hands, and the police commissioner is MIA. But maybe the ultimate solution to our historic scourge of violence lies beyond them--in the way we tell our stories.
Last year, Seer Interactive founder Wil Reynolds turned down a $50 million offer for his internet search firm. Instead, he’s investing his company’s wealth in his employees and his community
"Rewilding" Philadelphia would improve our environment, and re-ignite a sense of wildness that many of us urban creatures have lost. Also, goats. We will need goats.
In this Ideas We Should Steal, we look at Orange County and other communities using a Social Progress Index to measure success and happiness beyond economics.
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi points to the post-war era of 1947 to understand inflation in 2021--and predict when it will end
In the aftermath of the Dougherty conviction, State Rep. Jared Solomon and Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez have spoken out. But where, oh where are the others?
With hundreds of refugees from Afghanistan arriving in Philadelphia—they need our support now more than ever. Here, Katherine Rapin and Said Hashimi explain how.
The Guild House in Philly, a boutique hotel, honors a cadre of "dangerous" Philly feminists who initially occupied the property.
With his De-Carceration Fund, Chris Bentley plans to invest up to $20 million to radically change our unjust criminal justice system. He is our newest entry in Generation Change Philly.
Citizen Board Member, MSNBC host and immigrant himself Ali Velshi reminds us that the inscription on the Statue of Liberty should apply (but hasn't always) to all immigrants.
Join Larry Platt for an anti-corruption conversation with the only two elected officials who have long spoken out against the practices that landed John Dougherty and Bobby Henon in the federal indictment hot seat: State Representative Jared Solomon and City Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez.
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi explains why fossil fuel profits are through the roof. Even with climate disaster banging at the door.
WURD host Charles Ellison interviews Katherine Epps Roberson about PropelPHL, a new app connecting employers and workers with the click of a button
As the founder and thought leader behind the design-strategy firm Humanature, Michael O’Bryan is creating more equitable, inclusive and better organizations by reframing everything through a humanitarian lens.
After the convictions of John Dougherty and Bobby Henon, Larry Platt interviews documentarian and three-time Republican mayoral candidate Sam Katz about the history of corruption in our city
Democrats’ gigantic reconciliation bill invites Big Brother into local journalism. Why does no one see a problem with that?
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi takes you on a guided tour of the insane rabbit hole that is QAnon--including indications that this cult has become too crazy for its own leader.
Join our panel for an innovative discussion about University City as a blueprint for making Philadelphia a world class city. Moderated by Center City District's Prema Katari Gupta, panelists include John Fry (President, Drexel University), David Adelman (CEO, Campus Apartments), Jeff Marrazzo (CEO, Sparks Therapeutics) and Della Clark (CEO, Enterprise Center).
WURD host Charles Ellison chats with Jo Piazza and Christine Pride about their groundbreaking novel "We Are Not Like Them."
We love athletes speaking out on social issues. But what do you do when the athlete turns out to be...not so bright?
Citizen Board Member and MSNBC host Ali Velshi explains how paid family leave benefits the economy and asks why the U.S. is dead last for extending these rights. If our electeds in Congress get paid family leave, why can't you?
This Salvadoran immigrant is a “social worker without a title” to a community often invisible to city government. Zulma Guzman is our Citizen of the Week.
The city controller's new report on trash pickup during the pandemic finds that even our collection is uneven, declining and varies by neighborhood. Welcome to Filthadelphia...
Progressives got shellacked. Will Philly Dems double-down on democratic socialism—or finally embrace being a governing party?
The District’s new magnet schools policy is putting the progressive push for equity under an uncomfortable lens. Does it even solve the real problems?
In this episode of Generation Change Philly we discover Tanya Morris and her nonprofit Mom Your Business coaching Black and Brown female entrepreneurs to be the city’s next business leaders
WURD host Charles Ellison interviews Ya Fav Trashman (Terrill Haigler) and app developer Morgan Berman about using our phones to tackle filthy streets
Board member Ali Velshi explains what a billionaire tax is and how the country can be collectively lifted by it.
While Democrats tear down statues of Thomas Jefferson and deride parents’ involvement in schools, can Josh Shapiro’s campaign for governor point the way forward for his often bumbling party?
Ali Velshi, a Citizen board member, reminds us that ignoring the climate change crisis will have multi-generational impacts
As cities around the country work to protect residents from traffic accidents, a new bill passed by Council in the name of equity does exactly the opposite.
Less than 30 percent of Philadelphia residents have a bachelor's degree. This college president argues one way to change that is better access to high-quality childcare on campus.
Does a rape in front of silent witnesses on the El signify that, amid rampant disorder, citizens have given up on that which keeps us all together: citizenship itself?
This fight in South Philly is a proxy for the divide that threatens to engulf all of us. Have we lost all sense of nuance and complexity?
City Council’s proposal for “inclusionary housing” will only make it harder to get affordable homes for the people who need them. But there is a simple solution: unlock public lands.
Ali Velshi takes us through a day in the life of a typical consumer and shows how supply chain issues are impacting us all.
An interview with Independence Blue Cross CEO Greg Deavens on the benefits of diversity hiring—for business and otherwise—and the importance of tackling health inequality.
Sudan Green brings community-based yoga, mindfulness and peace to Black Philadelphians, who are still underserved by the wellness community. It is a revolutionary act for our times, which makes him part of Generation Change Philly.
Immigrants and refugees remind us that, at its best, America is a place where, if you work hard, and get a fair shot at an education, you can become anything you want to be.
Chicago’s Urban Growers Collective grows fresh produce on a teaching farm and then brings it directly to citizens living in food deserts, a full-service program that goes beyond anything in Philly. Let's steal the idea.
Another day, another trial of Philly’s once-powerful. This time, maybe there are some lessons to be learned for cleaning up our politics
Melanie Cataldi, the next in our series of Philadelphians working to change the status quo, turned her masters thesis into the poverty-fighting culinary school at Philabundance. Her goal: ending hunger for good.
How was it that, within a decade after the nation’s founding, America’s economy dwarfed those of European countries? What does our history of ingenuity and economic diversity tell us about our future?
Ali Velshi does a breakfast chat with Richard Vague, author of "An Illustrated Business History of the United States," to compare notes.
Roxanne sits with Jo Piazza and Christine Pride to discuss their new Philly-based novel about a cross-racial friendship tested by the police shooting of a young Black teen.
This is the history you probably didn't read about in grade school: We didn't cross the border, the border crossed us
Steve Klasko, Jefferson Health CEO, is rethinking the very delivery of medicine, taking on the racial health gap, trying to get our eds and meds to focus on equity...oh, and also deejaying
Superintendent Hite announced that he's not returning to his post at the end of the school year. Here, a wish list of possible replacements.
Jen Devor, a one-time candidate who promised to improve the way Philly votes is a true agent for change. She lost her political race—but is still working to build a base of informed, capable citizens.
Larry Platt chats with Andrew Sullivan about liberal democracy, pluralism, free speech and his new book: Out On A Limb. Sullivan's impassioned defense of democracy is needed now more than ever.
Ali Velshi, a Citizen board member, is one of the smartest thinkers on TV. In this short weekly segment, he let's us know what he's thinking.
It’s so hard to be optimistic these days. But look closely and you’ll find reasons for hope all around us. Take a tour with us, CitizenCast listeners.
Chekemma Fulmore-Townsend is the president and CEO of Philadelphia Youth Network. She has devoted her life to preparing Philly's young people for lives beyond poverty.
City Council is trying to cripple Philly’s housing goals on affordability and climate. Where on earth is Mayor Kenney?
WURD host Charles Ellison chats with our very own Roxanne Patel Shepelavy about how Philly fumbled school reopenings this fall
The City may have a solution to the problems ailing Kensington—the homelessness, the encampments, the opioid crisis.
Social Venture Partners Philly is working to fight local poverty with a unique "engaged philanthropy" model that goes beyond mere check-writing.
The rage-inducing start of the new school year in Philly illustrates why good management matters—and how our leaders are failing us.
This alliance of pro-business leaders has an audacious goal. They want to make Philadelphia the most equitable big city in America.
A Philly school teacher and veteran who helped create literacy programs in Afghanistan reflects on the incredible people he encountered—and urges help for those who are arriving in our city
Ali Velshi, a Citizen board member, is one of the smartest thinkers on TV. In the wake of the latest hurricane devastation (and our refusal to change how we live), Ali warns of the impending doom to our planet.
We are at a pivotal moment of career reevaluations in Philly. Your labor has never been more valuable. Here, a future-of-work expert lays out how to know if you’re ready.
A new report commissioned by Penn puts the horrifying spectacle in full context—and offers ideas on how to fix what’s broken.
In the wake of last year’s racial awakening, a group of engaged residents sought to shed the racist history of Taney Street and its connection to the disastrous Dred Scott case. It's been tougher than you think.
We round up over a dozen ways every citizen can do their part to help students and educators thrive during this school year.
The sniping and pettiness among Mayor Kenney, Larry Krasner and Darrell Clarke demonstrates how badly they’re failing us on gun violence
WURD host Charles Ellison speaks with Shannon Morales about her new business that's taking a novel approach to the hiring process
State law requires that caseworkers place children who were removed from their parents with kin—but Philly lags behind Los Angeles and Lackawanna County in getting the job done.
Philly is still the only big city without widespread street cleaning. A new app from MilkCrate and Ya Fav Trashman is stepping in to pay individuals to help.
As Mayors around the country have shown, real problem-solving is more popular than both Woke and MAGA politics
The City and Reinvestment Fund’s Food Justice Initiative is looking for community-driven solutions to historic food injustice in Philly.
The city and state saw huge population gains, according to the 2020 Census. Now the fight over legislative districts begins.
There’s been a lot of talk in the last year about systemic racism. Congressman Dwight Evans has an idea to actually do something about it.
We reached out to Dear Pandemic to find out what we can do to get through this wave (and the next) of Covid. Here’s some advice they shared.
The speed at which the fight for same-sex marriage cropped up, and was settled, was startling—and inspiring. Here's what we can learn.
Kári Skin is a day spa in Old City built around a surprisingly rare notion in the beauty world--making clients and employees feel great about themselves.
Delco DA Jack Stollsteimer and City Council members Isaiah Thomas and Allan Domb speak with a no-nonsense sense of urgency. That’s a start.
An intergenerational therapy program for formerly incarcerated men with violent pasts strives to reduce gun violence and increase success rates after prison
WURD host Charles Ellison talks with professor and author Elaine Maimon about how we encourage the 36 million Americans who never finished college to go back and get their degrees
Half the Phillies are unvaccinated. Here's why manager Joe Girardi has failed the test of leadership by saying it's a "personal choice."
Philly pastor and activist Rev. Nicolas O’Rourke urges legislators to make affordable high speed internet available to every American.
Shannon Morales' Tribaja vets equity-minded employers in the tech industry, and connects them to a pool of qualified Black and Latinx workers.
Rebecca Rhynhart, Jamie Gauthier and other elected leaders blasted Mayor Kenney for his inaction on gun violence. So what do they propose we do about it?
Residents of one South Philly block tried for months to get the City to take action against businesses piling garbage on their street. We break it down.
A former schools leader warns that, in a city that can't even reliably pick up residents' trash, change begins with expecting more from its leaders
After a history of management snafus under Superintendent Bill Hite, will we be able to seize this potentially transformative moment?
In Akron and elsewhere, city governments are rewarding shoppers for spending money at mom-and-pop shops. Why shouldn’t Philly do the same?
Here are some ways schools can take action and demonstrate a commitment to anti-racism that is essential for reducing pandemic learning loss.
Larry Platt weighs in on an Inquirer news story that raises questions about the sunken state of our public conversation.
In his new book, Penn professor Joseph Turow warns about a growing smart tech industry that he says is using your own voice against you.
WURD host Charles Ellison interviews James Peterson about the legacy of Juneteenth and how we tell our stories
July 4th is more than BBQs and mattress sales. Here, a roundup of Independence Day perspectives throughout our history.
Philly’s modern-day renaissance man has published the first-ever definitive history of U.S. business—and it's actually uplifting.
Two Philly entrepreneurs launched a new platform that rethinks what wellness looks like, who it’s for, and how it can be accessed by everyone: Nalaverse
Penn and West Philly faith leaders joined together to bring vaccines directly to Black residents. What are the lessons learned?
Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils CEO Scott O’Neil gives himself until noon the day after a loss to be miserable—and then he flips a switch.
A prominent pastor has called for Mayor Kenney to step down. The Citizen's co-founder doesn't think that's the right move.
Philly tech startup Ctrl M Health is on a mission to bring migraine relief to everyone through a handy app and digital resources.
Residents should be able to expect the highest quality public spaces and services from their government. Here's how the city can offer that.
Alex Kotlowitz, bestselling author of An American Summer: Love and Death in Chicago, joins Citizen co-founder Larry Platt along with journalist Jo Piazza, producer of Philly Under Fire, for a recent virtual conversation to explore the book, and what it means for the gun violence epidemic today.
Sports teams can make or break a city’s soul. There’s one way the Sixers can save us from our angst tonight in Atlanta.
As we honor Juneteenth in 2021, let’s also remember the storytellers who are local heroes of the Black experience in America.
WURD host Charles Ellison talks with Regina Hairston, President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce, about the Tulsa Massacre and how we can help build back the Black economy.
The Parkway was a bold idea a century ago. As the city embarks on a redesign, a local urbanist has ideas for making it grand again.
City Council is pushing the mayor to spend $100 million on gun violence prevention programs. Is that bold policy-making or just the appearance of it?
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is embedding the arts right into many city agencies. They have a goal Philly should be emulating: supporting art in every neighborhood in the city.
A former city official wonders if Philadelphia leaders can rise to the occasion and capitalize on city growth in the wake of Covid.
Legendary urbanist and Citizen columnist Bruce Katz chats with two infrastructure trailblazers—Oklahoma City mayor David Holt and Shalini Vajjhala, founder/CEO of re:Focus, a California social venture—about how best to use the trillions of dollars from the American Relief Plan.
Here's how we should use our American Rescue Plan windfall to grow jobs in Philly. Do our leaders understand this?
The North Broad Street corridor will never be the Avenue of the Arts—and that's a good thing. It's redeveloping to the beat of its own drum.
It's been a hundred years since the Black Wall Street massacre. Philly’s African American Chamber head says we must all help Black-owned businesses thrive
WURD host Charles Ellison talks with Citizen writer Christine Speer Lejeune about vaccination rates in Philly and some creative ways of boosting our numbers.
The former mayor, troubled by the problems tearing Philly apart, urges all of us to work together to revive the city he’s loved for 55 years.
States and cities across the U.S. are giving away big prizes for people who get vaccinated. It would be a great way to boost the rates in Philly, too.
Reason to Run is helping incarcerated women with their mental and physical health, while giving them the tools that discourage recidivism.
The modern-day retelling of MOVE has ignored a particular group that has been victimized time and again by both MOVE and the city.
Less than half of the murderers who committed crimes in Philadelphia in 2020 were brought to justice. There are Instagram and YouTube accounts dedicated to unsolved murders in Philadelphia. The mothers of the victims are fed the hell up and they have taken to the streets to solve the murders on their own. They’ve had no choice but to switch into detective mode.
Hassan Abdellah scored a check for $1,000 just for casting a ballot in West Philly. Hear what he had to say.
We saw an unprecedented push to make living, working and participating in our civic life easier for Philly residents during the pandemic. Let's not slide backwards.
MSNBC anchor and Citizen board member Ali Velshi chats with Larry Platt and Roxanne Shepelavy about trillion-dollar deals, the broken Republican party and a new hope for bipartisanship.
Robert Rooks, CEO of Michael Rubin and Meek Mill’s REFORM Alliance, explains his new campaign to fix our failing parole and probation system.
The hours and days after a shooting are often called the golden hour for survivors of gun violence and for their families. This is a time when support, outreach and services can redirect anger and potentially stop a retaliatory shooting.
In this podcast we have talked a lot about the number of homicides caused by gun violence. The number of people murdered by guns makes headlines. What isn’t talked about nearly as often are the survivors of violent crime and what happens to them.
In this Idea We Should Steal, a volunteer chaperone service called Compassion in Oakland is helping to fight anti-Asian hate crimes. Philly should follow suit.
In this "Ideas We Should Steal" we look to New Jersey and the two cities that have made real progress in reducing gun violence by adopting smart policing techniques.
Larry Platt chats with author Jill Filopovic (Ok Boomer, Let's Talk: How My Generation Got Left Behind) about Millennials not being a bunch of avocado-toast eating snowflakes, but rather America's most educated, most engaged yet least wealthy generation. City Councilmember-at-large Katherine Gilmore Richardson stops by.
Philadelphia is the nation’s first startup. So, in this budget season, why not put old talking points behind us…and pivot?
One of the quotes that stayed with us the most while reporting Philly Under Fire came from Melany Nelson of Northwest Victim Services: “I've spoken to many youth and they said to me, ‘Ms. Nelson, either you're going to be the predator or the prey. So you have to pick one.’ So nine times out of 10, they're going to be the predator. They told me that they expect to die young.”
But as we'll hear in this episode, Philadelphia’s youth are also choosing to fight back against the violence.
We're not likely to lose the corruption-prone Sheriff's Office anytime soon, but adding this office to its rank would go a long way towards fixing it.
WURD host Charles Ellison talks with award-winning author & podcaster Jo Piazza about her new investigative audio series about gun violence in the city--Philly Under Fire, co-produced by The Philadelphia Citizen
Center City’s Tria Cafe brought back its beloved Fermentation School (virtually) to help it survive the pandemic. Who needs tables anyway?
At The Citizen’s most recent event, we talked with author/entrepreneur Brad Aronson and Dr. Vera Ludwig, neuroscientist, about the science and stories behind doing good for others
On the heels of the PA primary, we wonder: Has Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner reformed prosecution, or just not prosecuted?
A recent Temple study found that gun violence surged as the Covid-19 pandemic worsened poverty, unemployment, and structural racism. Poverty and a lack of jobs leads to desperation; desperation can lead to gun violence.
Over the course of our reporting, we heard this over and over again, that a key part of driving down gun violence is increasing job opportunities for the men most likely to fall into the illegal economy. We spent the past year talking to one organization that is trying to do exactly that.
For 33 years Sojourner House has been a haven for women who have been abused. Its necessity has changed little since then. Especially since the lockdowns of Covid-19.
The award-winning Unscripted Project is making an impact for teens in Philly’s public schools that's no laughing matter.
After six years on an intense spiritual quest, Pat Croce is back with a new mission: kickstarting HEALED, a wellness movement for cancer patients
So, are there any proven solutions to gun violence? In this episode, Jo introduces listeners to organizations in Philly and elsewhere—Chicago, Oakland—that have made meaningful progress even if it isn’t easy. Underlying these programs are strategies like using data to identify who’s most likely to be shot—and to shoot; talking to shooters; mediating and de-escalating “beefs” before they get too hot.
The Philadelphia Citizen’s 2021 Municipal Primary Voter Lottery will give three Philly citizens $1,000 each just for voting. It could be you.
Law students in India are working to rewrite the country’s laws using everyday language. What if we stole the idea?
The new podcast series from The Philadelphia Citizen and Jo Piazza examines Philly's gun violence epidemic—and searches for ways to fix it.
Remote work for Philadelphia employees is not one-size-fits-all. Even after the pandemic subsides, here’s how to plan for a technological future that benefits everyone.
On an average night Penn Presbyterian trauma nurse Rhonda Browning will see one or two shooting victims, usually young black men who are getting younger and younger each year.
When Browning began working as a trauma nurse nearly twenty years ago the shooting victims were adults in their twenties and thirties and now they’re mostly teenagers. A lot of them are still in braces and the first thing they all do is ask for their mom.
A single mother of five boys, Browning becomes a de facto parent to countless teenagers in her trauma bay, until their real family arrives. She holds their hands and whispers in their ear that they need to hold on. Browning recorded an audio diary for Philly Under Fire as she tried to save the life of one gunshot victim. As someone who bears witness to the effects of violence nearly every night, Browning has her own scars and wonders how she can help to solve this epidemic. Because make no mistake, the explosion of gun violence in Philadelphia in 2020 was absolutely a public health crisis.
As our reporting makes clear in this episode, calling out the crisis as a public health issue only gets cities so far—to really move the needle, we need the kind of urgency that accompanies an epidemic, the kind we have seen mobilized for COVID-19 this year. We need more data, a sustained investment in programs with proven effectiveness and a true willingness from city officials to regularly bring all stakeholders to the table and cooperate across agencies.
Philadelphia experienced a tragic surge in gun violence in 2020, with 499 of our fellow residents killed and another 2,200 shot. Like other cities across the country, there were several factors for the uptick in violence, including the Covid-19 pandemic, which devastated some neighborhoods and many residents physically and economically. But Philadelphia was already experiencing an uptick in shootings, even before the pandemic hit. And that violence continues unabated today.
In February 2020, The Citizen commissioned bestselling author/journalist/podcaster Jo Piazza to try to understand the causes, effects and fixes for gun violence. A month later, Covid-19 came to Philly. Piazza spent the ensuing months navigating the twin epidemics, recognizing the parallels in who was affected and how the afflictions manifested in certain neighborhoods—and the differences in how we as a city reacted. Her seven-episode podcast tells the stories of Philadelphians intimately affected by the city’s gun violence, those working to end it, those who have found solutions here and elsewhere—and those who have failed to step up to this moment when we most need them.
Philly Under Fire is a podcast of stories and solutions. You can’t solve a problem you can’t see. This first episode takes us behind the scenes of the city's ongoing meetings to address the current gun violence crisis. We highlight the work of the Philadelphia Obituary Project, a nonprofit organization that seeks to memorialize the lives of Philadelphians killed by gun violence. We also speak to Kimberly Kamara, an activist, a mother and a children’s book author who published a children’s book called “Where’s My Daddy?” to explain her son’s death by gun violence to the little boy he left behind.
Nearly 500 public buildings in Philly present barriers for people in wheelchairs. Let's help by stealing this brightly-colored idea from the "LEGO Granny."
With the primary election looming and body bags piling up at an alarming rate, can District Attorney Larry Krasner skirt accountability?
Yes you, says The Committee of 70's CEO. Apply right now to be the deciding vote on what new political districts look like.
Roxanne talks with director Ricky Staub and actor/activist OG Law about paying tribute to Philly's Black riders and what it's like having Idris Elba on your side.
WURD host Charles Ellison chats with Meg Kalafsky of the Penn Memory Center and Dr. Patience Lehrman from Temple about a unique approach to combating the effects of isolation in older adults.
This time of crisis is actually an opportunity: the city and surrounding counties should join forces to form an economic behemoth. Southeastern Pennsylvania unite!
Grace writes that it is imperative to share survivors’ stories and reveal how the current system is failing us.
The city stands to receive $1.4 billion of government stimulus. How confident are you that the Kenney administration will put it to good use? We've got 3 important tips.
Studies show that adopting quality universal health care in PA would bring women back to the workplace and invigorate the local economy
You don’t have to spend your hard-earned dough on an overpriced tax-prep service. Instead, follow these tips to file on the cheap.
WURD host Charles Ellison interviews Amina Whittaker and Stormy Kelsey about this youth-led public access media program helping young Philadelphians cover issues important to, and about, them.
White workers at Penn were three times more likely to sign up for a vaccine than Black workers. Dr. Florencia Polite chats with Katherine Rapin about how she's changing that.
Saxbys has been training socially-conscious entrepreneurs and uplifting communities for years. Now, it’s “walking the talk” with B Corp cred.
Philadelphia City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. lays out a dozen steps we need to take to help stop the rise in shootings in Philly.
Philly's elected officials all mouth the same platitudes we’ve heard before—fiddling, in other words, while Philadelphia burns. But here are a couple of reasons to be hopeful.
Philadelphia ad agency Truth & Consequences has an effective blueprint for company culture: taking care—great care—of its employees.
Emily Yates, Smart City Director at the Office of Information & Technology, chats with WURD host Ralph Ellison about diverting tons of old electronics and clothing away from landfills and helping place refurbished computers in homes that need them.
Former Pennsylvania governor and Philly mayor Ed Rendell and Congressman Dwight Evans say yes--we should be supporting Mayor Kenney. This is their conversation with Larry Platt.
Wharton student David Newell launched findashort.org to help Americans reserve vaccine appointments. Because we need all the help we can get.
WURD host Charles Ellison chats with Aleks Martray & Nasya Jenkins about Big Picture Alliance and the screening of youth-created films that explore the pandemic.
Yet another scandal prompts a former city official—and one-time candidate for the job—to call for getting rid of the Sheriff's Office altogether
Philly has started planning for ways to help students make up for Covid-related learning loss. But do we really want to get back to normal?
Some amount of debt forgiveness will help students and the economy. But the best way to eliminate student debt: prevent it.
Desegregate CT is fighting housing discrimination, and its effects, by taking on a little-understood piece of bureaucracy: zoning laws.
In this disruptor edition, Larry Platt names 8 bold, talented, unconventional picks for the 2023 mayoral race
A local's encounter with rodents sent her on an odyssey to get city action. Here’s what happened.
Penn’s Orphan Disease Center turns 10 this year. Its promise for Philadelphia, writes Ajay Raju, goes well beyond science.
Larry Platt offers pros and cons about eight Philadelphians likely to throw their hat in the mayoral ring.
Oat Foundry's commitment to using recyclable plastic in their hip split-flap signs was both a mission-driven and practical decision.
Contributing writer Malcolm Burnley talks with WURD host Charles Ellison about Philly’s once-in-a-generation turnout that helped give Joe Biden the presidency, and how North Philly’s Hunting Park voters mostly stayed home.
Philly has signed on to give unrestricted cash payments to some residents this year. Is it a progressive fad or the way to fix what ails us?
The BULB initiative aims to help Philadelphians secure solid careers in high-growth STEM industries
Jay S. Feldstein explains why we should mobilize medical students to jumpstart the coronavirus vaccination rollout.
After a terrible week, it's no wonder Mayor Kenney has floated the idea of cutting bait and running for Senate. But is that the right way to go?
A business owner and civic leader argues that pulling off the 2020 election should make us rethink calls to eliminate the city commissioners.
A volunteer team of women scientists launched Dear Pandemic last year to spread real and clear information about Covid-19.
WURD host Charles Ellison speaks with Dr. George Dalembert, practicing pediatrician, about the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia initiative to tackle poverty by helping families recoup tax money owed to them
The race for district attorney is off to an all too-familiar start. Here’s hoping it will include a debate over what smart reform actually looks like.
Now is the time to capitalize on the greatest civic engagement in a generation. Former city official John Kromer lays out a plan to do that.
Is the BalletX Beyond subscription service a new lifeline to the beleaguered arts community in Philly, and elsewhere?
What can you say when there is nothing to say? A poem about listening and healing by writer, director and social activist Marc Erlbaum may grant insight.
Feeling alienated from your government at all levels? Larry Platt says maybe we should change our relationship to it.
WURD host Charles Ellison talks with Jacinda Arellano, Program Coordinator at the Philadelphia Lullaby Project, about the six-week program that pairs babies and their caregivers with local professional musicians to create intimate lullabies
Our Drexel class tried to rewrite Philly’s constitution. Here are some of the best ways to change the relationship between the governed and the government.
A day after thugs waving confederate flags breached the Capitol, Sen. Gene Yaw provides a glimpse of courage and decency
Theater director David Bradley on how Trump’s post-election enablers have thrust us into a real-life version of Arthur Miller's seminal work.
Getting skeptical Philadelphians to receive their Covid-19 vaccine will take trust-building—and ample creativity. These locals are on it.
Kenneth Bourne of Boys' Latin chats with WURD host Charles Ellison about how we approach the problem of low attendance in Philly schools.
After the worst year ever, Larry Platt offers three new year's resolutions for Mayor Jim Kenney. Hope springs eternal, right?
Philly high school teacher Maureen Boland pens an ode to something we miss most this year: faces and smelling and community in general
Local civic leader Richard Phillips says the coronavirus pandemic can be an opportunity to reinvent Philadelphia.
Philly Superintendent William Hite has taken some hits lately. Does he have what it takes to manage—and tame—a $3.5 billion bureaucracy? The evidence is...conflicting.
TerraVida Holistic Centers and the Urban League team up to secure rights--and jobs--for people with previous cannabis-related convictions.
Josh Shapiro and his take-no-prisoners Supreme Court brief helped expose the fraud that is Donald Trump’s claims of election rigging.
In the wake of a Black Lives Matter banner being vandalized in Center City, author and lecturer Lorene Cary reflects on the human capacity to see the sacredness in each other.
Boys’ Latin social worker Kenneth Bourne II explains how boosting attendance in school means changing how we approach the problem.
Kenny Holdsman, President of Philadelphia Youth Basketball, and Aaron Crump chat with WURD host Charles Ellison about how basketball leagues can keep kids off the streets.
She was the best hope for reform in Philly politics. But now Martina White has sided with the crazies who deny the results of the election.
Six years in, the Bok has overcome neighborhood skeptics to become so much more than a mere space for Philadelphia's creative set.
Dr. Phillip Atiba Goff uncovers the fact that the racism that underpins outcomes in the pandemic, also drives the spread of the pandemic.
"Beethoven in Beijing", a fascinating new documentary, recounts the Philadelphia Orchestra’s role in breaking through Mao's Cultural Revolution and bringing classical music to the People's Republic of China.
We catch up with Philadelphia Youth Basketball, a local youth organization that uses hoops to keep kids off the streets and away from guns.
WURD host Charles Ellison chats with Ezechial Thurman, music technology teacher at Hill-Freedman World Academy, as well as David Bradley, producer at World Cafe Live about a new album by local students that has become one of the most poignant soundtracks of 2020.
With The People's Kitchen, local chefs are serving food to those in need, while fueling awareness and action around social justice.
Author John Kromer writes that we can't depend on our committee people to boost election turnout. The power to do that lies in our hands.
Thomas Koenig writes that the insights on government penned in the city centuries ago point a way forward for America.
The 2020 election results reveal the potential for a transformative new coalition—if Joe Biden can channel his inner RFK
Professor Katy Milkman is leading groundbreaking research to uncover why we make the decisions we do (about what we eat, when we exercise and even whether or not we'd take the Coronavirus vaccine) and then tells us how we can make better choices.
Give back during Thanksgiving this year—deliver turkeys, assemble care packages, donate clothing and more. We'll show you how.
WURD host Charles Ellison talks to South Jersey teacher Larry Abrams of BookSmiles who lets teachers load up on books to give to their students. The cost? Free.
Delaware Rabbi Michael Beals talks about his optimistic view of the world now that Joe Biden, "a mensch," is president-elect.
Germ Hero launched its proprietary cleaning product in Philly last week to keep businesses clean and customers safe in the age of Covid.
With Hill-Freedman World Academy’s fourth album, "Things That Matter," students weave the anguish of 2020 into powerful new music.
A look at the winners and losers on election night 2020, and is there a path forward for a President Biden to change the tone of our politics?
Chicago invited citizens to come up with solutions to the challenges of outdoor winter dining. Philly should put out the same call.
Some cities have deployed Racial Equity Rapid Response teams to combat the disparities exacerbated by Covid-19. Listen to what happened.
Barbara Chandler Allen of Fresh Artists chats with WURD host Charles Ellison about tapping an army of kiddos to turn out the parent vote.
In the wake of Walter Wallace Jr.'s death, Philly should look at some of these successful mental health police reforms from around the world.
The founders of Better Civics share key takeaways from their experience hosting in-person, get-out-the-vote events during the pandemic.
Voter turnout dropped when secret ballots were introduced. To boost turnout, let's create a climate that outwardly celebrates those who vote.
"Out Of Love" host Dan Casarella speaks with WURD's Charles Ellison about a new album from Philly musicians and how it's raising money to fight intimate partner violence during the pandemic
Well before this summer’s racial awakening, civic leaders in Buffalo came together to not only talk about race, but work on real systemic change. Is it a model for other cities?
A growing body of research suggests that the leadership we need right now could—quite literally—be all around us
A veteran political consultant warns that by not adjusting for new pandemic voting patterns, pollsters may be missing worrisome drop-offs in Black and Latino voting
The ascension of Wharton’s Erika James, IBX’s Gregory Deavens and Comcast’s Dalila Wilson-Scott points to refreshing change among the city’s leadership class
A new album featuring Philly musicians is raising money for Women Against Abuse and the survivors of intimate partner violence who rely on the organization’s life-saving services
Citizen writer Jessica Blatt Press talks trash with WURD host Charles Ellison. Don't worry, fixing Filthadelphia isn't as hopeless as it seems.
Philly DA hosts a special collection of 10 portraits by their first-ever artist-in-residence spotlighting those impacted by, and impacting, our justice system
We are nearly three years in. Is there any data to suggest D.A. Larry Krasner's progressiveness is working?
Former Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s anti-violence program has helped reduce shootings in Chicago’s South Side by 33 percent—while citywide, violence has spiked. The key? Economic opportunity
State Rep. Jared Solomon spent a day picking up city trash to understand just how bad Philly is at waste. Here, some ways to do better
Jen Devor, co-founder of Better Civics, chats with WURD host Charles Ellison about our electoral system and how it's constantly putting up barriers to voting
Larry chats with bestselling author, professor, preacher and public intellectual Michael Eric Dyson, whose much-anticipated forthcoming book provides a roadmap from racial reckoning to reconciliation
The Sixers may be struggling. But through their support of NBA Math Hoops, Philly-area kids get the all-star treatment for excelling—in the classroom
Could the proposed Healthy Town Tioga Project be the solution to the disparities that plague Philly?
In this exchange between Council President Clarke and a constituent, not even a murder epidemic can prompt an empathetic response. This is your tax dollars at work?
Larry Platt chats with Chrissy Houlahan about heroes, hats & coalition building (mostly the latter).
Missing from the NBA players’ historic wildcat strike last month was a call for bold action on economic justice. If only they’d heard of Philly nonprofit B Lab
Pat Christmas, Policy Director at the Committee of Seventy, talks to WURD host Charles Ellison about the dire need to find enough poll workers for this once-in-a-century election.
The four-year-old Philly company—started by a millennial and a boomer—takes on social isolation by providing an easy platform for 50,000 older adults worldwide to connect
The Democratic lieutenant governor and his former Republican rival have the kind of bromance that proves politics can be friendly and forward-thinking
Center City venture capitalist and philanthropist Richard Vague has a stimulus plan that will boost the economy and address inequality. Will the political class listen?
Portland, Oregon, just passed the most revolutionary urban zoning reform in recent history to keep residents from being displaced. In Philly, that could bring housing relief to tens of thousands
The city needs to recruit another 4,000 people to work the polls to ensure voting goes smoothly on November 3. Here’s why it matters—and some ways we can prevent this last minute scramble in the future
Jakeema Burton and Brianna Banks speak with WURD host, Charles Ellison, about empowering youth through their work with Up2Us Sports and Kensington Soccer Club.
A virtual panel discussion last week was full of talk of reform. But you wouldn’t have known we’re in the midst of a tragic murder epidemic
Patrice Banks and Erikka Wells, co-founders of Women of Color Automotive Network, speak with WURD host Charles Ellison about opportunities for women of color in the world of auto repair.
Thanks to the pandemic, chef and native Philadelphian Omar Tate brought his lauded pop-up home. Now, he’s working on its reinvention: a Mantua food and community center
Innovations like learning pods do not cause inequity. Instead, a Philly dad and schools advocate contends, it’s access to that innovation that is the real problem we need to solve
What last week's meeting between Black and Jewish leaders tells us, now that the local head of the NAACP has been jettisoned for an anti-Semitic posting
Under PA State Treasurer Joe Torsella’s newest plan, Pennsylvania would join 26 other states in offering tuition-free skills training and associates degrees to all residents
The USPS is in the news these days for its (potential) election-related failings. But a novelist and Penn professor remembers it for its beauty
Chef Lou Farrell of Welcome Bread talks with WURD host Charles Ellison about how he's fed thousands of hungry Philadelphians during the pandemic. And how everyday citizens can help.
The RESTAURANTS Act—co-sponsored by local Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick—would bail out an industry we all love. If it’s good enough for American Airlines, why are we not backstopping Ellen Yin’s Fork?
Patrice Banks has plans for another car repair shop, post-Covid. First, though, she’s launched a program aimed at getting more women of color into the car repair biz.
WURD host Charles Ellison talks with Caleb Jones and Andre Wright of Give and Go Athletics about serving kids through sports camps and after-school programs.
Catching up with the Philly lawyer who used to chair the Postal Service’s board of governors. How did we get here?
Russel Zerbo of the Clean Air Council and Christina D. Rosan, an associate professor of Geography and Urban Studies at Temple University, discuss with WURD host Charles Ellison the hot weather crisis in Philly and steps we can take to mitigate it.
Kristen Houser, PA's deputy secretary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services talks with WURD host Charles Ellison about the helpline that helps Pennsylvanians cope with the Covid-19 crisis.
The volunteer peanut butter and jelly brigade is helping to feed thousands of people throughout the region during the pandemic
Rashanda Perryman, founding member of Philadelphia Black Giving Circle talks with WURD host Charles Ellison about philanthropy during the pandemic and getting grants to Black communities in need.
It’s great that Columbus and Rizzo statues are coming down and Lady Antebellum is now Lady A, but how about agitating for substantive systemic reform?
A political consultant and Broad & Liberty co-founder warns that the state of our public discourse comforts the woke—but stifles solutions
Basic mental health first aid training is de rigueur in many police forces. Tucson, Arizona, takes its approach further.
Professor and activist Stephanie Sena talks with WURD host Charles Ellison about SREHUP and Philadelphians in need.
A longtime political mad genius has an answer to Trump’s challenge to the legitimacy of November’s election. Oh yeah, and he just got out of prison.
A deep dive into understanding the rise of Covid-19 conspiracy thinking in the Black community. Ever hear of the "King Alfred Plan"?
Author and The Philadelphia Citizen co-founder Larry Platt discusses anti-Semitism, race relations and cancel culture with WURD host Charles Ellison.
Other cities are capitalizing on the disruptions caused by the pandemic to rebrand themselves as innovation hubs. Can Philly do the same?
Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw on her crime fighting plan, which is full of state-of-the-art reforms. So here’s a novel thought…why not fund it?
An update on professor and activist Stephanie Sena, who is still working to uplift Philadelphians in need of food, shelter and dignity
At our virtual town hall, we learned how the millennial mayor is revamping government, including doing something revolutionary in politics: putting citizens first
New York and Baltimore are handing out free air conditioners to low-income seniors most at risk of heat-related illness and Covid-19. Why isn’t Philly doing the same?
Murders raging. Trash piling up. Police both running amok and turning a blind eye to enforcing laws. How’d we get here?
A federal self-employment fund used by five states—but shut down by Pennsylvania—can help would-be entrepreneurs make a go of it. How about it, Congress?
While the City and advocates continue negotiations over the homeless encampment on the Parkway, Denver and New Jersey demonstrate some much-needed new thinking
In Chicago, Lori Lightfoot is out with a visionary post-Covid plan. A group of Philly civic leaders are working on doing the same. Here’s hoping it’s a first step.
Critical thinking, empathy and kindness are saving lives from Scotland to Florida. Why not in Philly?
What the NFL star (and former Citizen columnist) doesn’t get about DeSean Jackson’s anti-Semitic posts
The Presidential candidate wants to make Housing Choice Vouchers an entitlement. Philly 3.0’s engagement director on what that means here
The reaction to the NFL star’s anti-Semitic postings flips the usual script … and may just offer a constructive way forward in Black / Jewish relations
The Black-owned real estate company provides affordable housing and wealth-generating opportunities for oft-overlooked Philadelphians
The Radnor-based firm invests in companies that address inequity, like Reconnect, whose interview with Rayshard Brooks was released just after his death at the hands of Atlanta police
A third of Americans have medical bills they cannot pay. A New York nonprofit has helped eliminate $2 billion of that debt for the poorest of them
Recent events at The Inquirer and The New York Times raise questions both about racial hierarchy and the commitment to open discourse
In 1967, thousands of students marched to protest inadequate schooling for Black Philadelphians. In this new moment of racial uprising, a group of high schoolers won the right to honor them.
Heat and Covid-19 could make this the most dangerous summer on record. Two urban environmentalists with ways to make a more sustainable, resilient and just city.
Juneteenth, celebrating the end of slavery, is a City holiday for the first time today—but Black Americans’ fight for freedom is long and enduring
Less police funding wouldn’t have spared George Floyd’s life or upended systemic racism. But real reform of police unions might.
Less police funding wouldn’t have spared George Floyd’s life or upended systemic racism. But real reform of police unions might.
The first in a series exploring Covid-19’s effects on Black Philadelphians asks: What else is lost when someone dies?
Cities like New York and Pittsburgh allow the public to view every local government expenditure online. City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart wants to make that happen here, too
The veteran entrepreneur and founder of the Satell Institute is going all out to help nonprofits during Covid-19
Three years ago, Mayor Kenney “reestablished” the department’s civilian oversight board. So, WURD’s afternoon host wonders, what’s so different this time?
The pandemic has survivors of domestic violence trapped at home with their abusers. France, Spain and others have figured out how to reach them
The New Orleans Police Department has been remade thanks to an innovative peer intervention program. Can the Philly PD undergo a similar culture change?
The Citizen’s new columnist reflects on what today’s media coverage glosses over: the long, wrenching story of black people in this country
A white suburban father of three young black men on whom is really responsible for the injustice of our criminal justice system
Catching up with Nikil Saval during the homestretch of his primary challenge to State Senator Larry Farnese
A group of bold-face name Philly business leaders are funding loans to small businesses left out of PPP and, in the process, providing all of us with an object lesson
Women’s Way is set to expand a financial coaching program that has already helped 250 low- and moderate-income women save $115,000. Could it be the key to getting them through the pandemic?
A ballot question amends the charter’s ban on political activity. Is there evidence that, left to their own devices, our political players will make good government choices?
Penn’s resident climate wonk co-wrote a letter urging Congress to green its pandemic response. Could the public investments he supports help solve Philly’s poverty epidemic, too?
City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart released an alternative to Mayor Kenney’s revised tax-and-cut budget. Will City Council listen?
Mayor Kenney has proposed cutting almost all the City’s arts funding. A local theater professional explains why that’s a bad idea, for all of us
California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered ballots be sent to all his state’s registered voters for the general election. Why don’t we do that here?
Compared to other cities, does Jim Kenney’s budget redo qualify as a plan for recovery?
A New Jersey landlord waived the rent for his tenants over the next three months—something most property owners probably can’t afford. How can both sides get relief?
Philly’s homicide rate continues to rise, even during the quarantine. Where, WURD’s mid-day host wonders, is Danielle Outlaw in all this?
Catching up with the billionaire who has raised in excess of $26 million to combat food insecurity during the pandemic. Now, about those ABCs…
Covid-19 is a catastrophe. Here, six ways to turn it into an opportunity for Philadelphia
This week, Mayor Kenney, promising pain, will announce a revamped budget. Are you confident it will include a vision for smart recovery?
Virtual Tip Jar Helps Philly Out - Of - Work Food Industry Employees During The Coronavirus
It’s nearly 50 days into the pandemic and thousands of school kids still aren’t able to access online learning. WURD’s midday host wonders, why can’t we be more like Detroit?
The Covid-19 pandemic is teaching us a lot of lessons in fighting climate change. For one, that rapid, large-scale mobilization is possible.
The grassroots campaign raises funds for businesses in New York's Chinatowns and fights coronavirus-related racism. A local activist hopes to bring it here.
Even though Bernie Sanders has endorsed Joe Biden, questions remain about how supportive Democratic Socialists will ultimately be
Penn Medicine and Code for Philly have developed a tool that predicts local hospital surges due to Covid-19. Its ultimate accuracy depends on you
Covid-19, and Mayor Kenney’s response to its economic impact, continues to reveal who’s leading, who’s reacting and who’s pandering
Philly’s population grew by just 472 residents last year, possibly marking the end of our growth. We can’t afford that. Here’s what we should do about it.
Four Penn alums put their startups on hold to 3D-print face shields for Covid-19 frontline workers in Philly, and beyond
People are being shot while the Mayor Jim Kenney and the D.A. Larry Krasner snipe at each other. Where, WURD’s midday host wonders, are the leaders we need?
$2.2 trillion in federal dollars will help. But it’s local institutions, Drexel’s Metro Finance Director notes, that will make the difference on the ground
The founder of a community-building storytelling nonprofit explains why now is the time to fight the growing scourge of loneliness in America.
Elected official press conferences suddenly make for great TV. Are any of our guys at all Churchillian?
WURD’s midday host Charles D. Ellison warns that coronavirus-inspired primary delays could lead to voter suppression and a win for Donald Trump in November, but suggests that mail-in voting could be a way to prohibit that.
As coronavirus upends our lives, community organizers aren’t waiting for the government to help us—supporting each other is the only way through
North Philly’s Serenity Soular is training workers and installing solar panels in communities hardest hit by climate change
Will Center City’s Biomeme, and other local medical research facilities, be part of the national solution to the coronavirus?
Will Center City’s Biomeme, and other local medical research facilities, be part of the national solution to the coronavirus?
The highest risk to the city might be the scourge that lives with us constantly: poverty
Slam poetry changed the Youth Poet Laureate’s young life. Now she wants to give other Philly teens a chance to be heard.
WURD’s midday host praises the boldness of City Council's poverty proposal, with caveats
In another black mark on public integrity, former Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, now an employee of the register of wills, applied for DROP. Will Tracey Gordon step in?
Democratic Lt. Governor John Fetterman and his erstwhile Republican opponent Jeff Bartos will talk about their friendship next week. Are they modeling a way forward for Democracy?
Help us name the city worker who does the best to help Philadelphians. Prove what we know is true: Integrity is something we care about.
On the eve of budget season, a new report by Controller Rebecca Rhynhart looks at Mayor Jim Kenney's historic spending spree. Do you trust him with your money?
Thirty-eight states—but not Pennsylvania—operate programs that recycle surplus prescription drugs, eliminating waste and providing them to residents who couldn’t otherwise afford them
D.C.-based Black Girl Ventures is planting roots in Philly to empower black and brown female-identifying entrepreneurs with the resources they need most
Legendary educator and activist Geoffrey Canada on how to move the needle on poverty and equity, and why he’s with Bloomberg
Cincinnati has an ecosystem for nurturing, growing and capitalizing minority-owned businesses. Drexel’s Metro Finance Lab director on why it’s time to pay attention to that.
The local entrepreneur has found a niche that’s poised to change lives and—finally—turn a profit
Villanova basketball coach Jay Wright’s Zen coaching may be the only antidote to the Sixers’ dysfunction
The governor has proposed funds for education and transportation. Philly 3.0’s engagement director on why that’s good for the city.
Two student advocates launched Free Food @ Temple to decrease campus waste and help hungry students find a meal
City Council is entertaining amending the Home Rule Charter … again. Why does this matter?
Philly-based Strella Biotech aims to eliminate food waste, a major factor in climate change—and save food distributors hundreds of thousands of dollars
An option for a security deposit insurance program is helping landlords and tenants fill 400,000 apartments nationwide, including some in Philly. Should it become law here, as it is in Cincinnati?
The indictment of Councilman Kenyatta Johnson is just the latest example of Philly’s most pressing political problem: Transactionalism
A Philly native in L.A. reflects on the personal growth and complexity of the late NBA star
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit program puts money back in the pockets of working Americans. The City’s tax collectors want to help you claim it.
The Columbus, OH, nonprofit connects people across lines of difference to sing and to serve more than 60,000 volunteer hours per year. Is there room in Philly for something similar?
The City installed speed cameras along a deadly stretch of Roosevelt Boulevard this week. Is it Black and Brown Philadelphians, WURD’s afternoon host wonders, who will pay for them?
The Pittsburgh-based startup has expanded to Philly with a crowdfunding model to help small businesses with one of their toughest challenges: getting loans
The Roxborough woman wanted to help animals affected by the Australian fires. So she turned to what she often does when she wants to give to others: Crocheting
Just a week after his inspiring police commissioner choice, the new boss seems a lot like the old boss
City Council and Mayor Kenney began their new terms this week. WURD's afternoon host wonders if that will matter at all for Philadelphians.
This is the spoken edition of Charles D. Ellison's story.
The music incubator has a new membership model and a new hub at Fashion District. We talk to co-founder Will Toms about the future of creative work in Philly and beyond.
With his selection of Danielle Outlaw as police commissioner, the Mayor showed vision and guts. Now comes the hard part: Making sure reform succeeds.
This is the spoken edition of Larry Platt's story.
Philly Schools are toxic, underperforming and mismanaged. When, WURD's afternoon host wonders, is someone going to take responsibility?
This is the spoken edition of Charles D. Ellison's story.
Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw, Penn professor and the first woman to be senior historian of the National Portrait Gallery, curated the groundbreaking exhibit at the Barnes. Here she talks about the importance of art to tell everyone’s story.
This is the spoken edition of Jessica Press' interview with Shaw. The text version can be read here.
In 2019, our Nowak Fellow explored the intersection of food and culture in Philly. What he discovered was a city rich in both.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Wilson's story.
Philly boasts one of the oldest and most vibrant celebrations of the African-inspired holiday that starts today. The latest episode of our food history podcast explores what it means.
Our local constitution hasn’t been updated for nearly 70 years. The Citizen and Drexel University are partnering on a course that asks: Isn’t it about time for a refresh?
This is the spoken edition of Larry Platt's story. The text version can be read here.
This week, the Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman compares Philly schools to those of Washington, D.C.—and celebrates a local education innovation.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Kelce's story. The text version can be read here.
What bills passed—and didn’t—in City Council’s final session of the year.
This is the spoken edition of Jon Geeting's story. The text version can be read here.
Two Campbell’s alums have struck out on their own to create healthy, delicious oatmeal—with a purpose.
This is the spoken edition of Jessica Press' story. The text version can be read here.
How Mom-Mom’s Kitchen is working to spread the good word on Polish food in Philadelphia.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Wilson's story. The text version can be read here.
The political left seems to want jobs but without the employers to provide them. So what are you going to do about that, job creators?
This is the spoken edition of Larry Platt's story. The text version can be read here.
This week, the Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman compares Philly schools to those of Washington, D.C.—and celebrates a local education innovation.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Kelce's story. The text version can be read here.
The co-founder of environmental B Corp rePurpose demands a seat at the table for those most affected by climate change: young people of color.
This is the spoken edition of Peter Wang Hjemdahl's story. The text version can be read here.
The hunger-fighting organization has partnered with a Philly restaurant vet to train people who desperately need jobs: those experiencing homelessness.
This is the spoken edition of Jessica Press' story. The text version can be read here.
… is running the kitchen, despite restaurants still being mostly male-dominated. Philly proves that’s true at an event with influential food magazine Cherry Bombe.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Wilson's story. The text version can be read here.
Police say returning citizen Taylor Paul’s inner-city league for young adults and cops in Richmond, Virginia, has markedly reduced the gun violence rate.
This is the spoken edition of Larry Platt's story. The text version can be read here.
This week, the Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman compares Philly schools to those of New York City—and celebrates a local education innovation.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Kelce's story. The text version can be read here.
The Boston-area nonprofit builds indoor pop-up community spaces in vacant storefronts, spurring foot traffic and connections. Can a group of intrigued Philadelphians successfully bring it here?
This is the spoken edition of Jill Harkins' story. The text version can be read here.
Catching up with writer Tom Junod, the real protagonist of the new movie A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood.
This is the spoken edition of Larry Platt's story. The text version can be read here.
This week, the Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman compares Philly schools to those of Miami—and celebrates a local education innovation.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Kelce's story. The text version can be read here.
In Chicago and D.C., residents and government came together to close polluting plants in their community. In Philly, City Hall won’t even take real action on the PES Refinery site.
This is the spoken edition of Charles Ellison's story. The text version can be read here.
In 2013, a Cherry Hill family launched a teen-led initiative to get school supplies to kids who needed them. Today, it distributes backpacks to thousands of kids in the area.
This is the spoken edition of Jill Harkins' story. The text version can be read here.
The Citizen co-founder talked with the former Eagle, whose new book chronicles his journey from tragedy to triumph
Charles sat down with the Director of Museum Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts to discuss PAFA leading the country in acquiring works of art by women, and being among the best at acquiring works by African American artists—an effort towards making the museum better reflect the city and world it is a part of.
This week, the Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman compares Philly schools to those of Seattle—and celebrates a local education innovation.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Kelce's story. The text version can be read here.
Had your fill of incompetent local government? In Chicago, pro-bono civic leaders help implement smart policy.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Kelce's story. The text version can be read here.
Philadelphians dump 400,000 tons of food and yard scraps into the landfill every year. A city community composting pilot is working to put that waste to good use.
This is the spoken edition of Katherine Rapin's story. The text version can be read here.
As City Council considers banning plastic bags, Green Philly highlights a Collingswood program that could make going bag-free easier for consumers and businesses.
This is the spoken edition of Brianna Baker's story. The text version can be read here.
This week, the Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman compares Philly schools to those of Boston--and celebrates a local education innovation.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Kelce's story.
Independent Paige Cognetti's upset win in Scranton's mayor's race offers an object lesson for Philly.
This is the spoken edition of Larry Platt's story.
Dining around the world on the "Ethnic Food Tour" of North 5th Street, where revitalization means something unexpected.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Wilson's story.
A team at Penn Medicine has built a system of care that might revolutionize the treatment of patients with Opioid Use Disorder. Could it be the answer we need?
This is the spoken edition of Jill Harkins' story.
New York City is now the biggest jurisdiction that will let voters rank their favorite candidates in municipal elections. Could a similar change bring better elections to Philly?
This is the spoken edition of Roxanne Patel Shepelavy's story. The text version can be read here.
Up for a vote mid-November in Philadelphia, Helen Gym's proposed legislation would provide free lawyers to all Philly tenants at risk of being kicked out of their homes—similar to how defendants are guaranteed counsel in criminal court. Could it help even the playing field here, as it has in New York City?
This is the spoken edition of Steve Volk's story. The text version can be read here.
Turnout is expected to be low on Tuesday, but, as Philly 3.0’s engagement director explains, the state’s new election reforms may make it easier to cast a ballot starting next year.
This is the spoken edition of Jon Geeting's story. The text version can be read here.
This week, the Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman compares Philly schools to those of Chicago—and celebrates a local education innovation.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Kelce's story. The text version can be read here.
Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez models how to get stuff done while speaking truth to power … and slamming Stellas.
This is the spoken edition of Larry Platt's story. The text version can be read here.
The framing of Porngate—especially as it concerns Kathleen Kane—would have been different had the scandal played out during #MeToo.
The article also touches on the fact that Christylee Peck, one of the previously unnamed judges tagged for sending offensive emails in the 2015 scandal, is running for Superior Court.
This is the spoken edition of Malcolm Burnley's story. The text version can be read here.
Penn alum Arianna Armeli created Dorothy, a start-up that uses machine learning, artificial intelligence and satellite imagery to create maps of flood zones which, can help people know if a house is in a flood zone before they purchase it. The technology will come in especially as climate change continues to take effect.
This is the spoken edition of Courtney DuChene's story. The text version can be read here.
This week, the Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman compares Philly schools to those of Buffalo—and celebrates a local education innovation.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Kelce's story. The text version can be read here.
Kendra Brooks’ Working Families Party council candidacy has ruffled feathers. But does she represent real change?
This is the spoken edition of Larry Platt's story. The text version can be read here.
A West Philly neighborhood wants to turn vacant land into solar farms that low-income residents can share. Why is Pennsylvania law standing in their way?
This is the spoken edition of Brianna Baker's story. The text version can be read here.
Shift Capital’s newest project will offer residents a rent break to volunteer in Kensington. Could it solve the problem of gentrification?
This is the spoken edition of Roxanne Patel Shepelavy's story. The text version can be read here.
This week, the Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman compares Philly schools to those of Dallas—and celebrates a local education innovation.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Kelce's story. The text version can be read here.
Charles Ellison interviews Sam Wachs, the Sixers fan who was thrown out of the game last week for protesting China’s treatment of Hong Kong protesters.
Sam was also interviewed by Philadelphia Citizen editor Larry Platt, which can be accessed here.
Protecting bees is critical to preserving our food supply. Some 50,000 rooftop bees, including ones in the evolving Spring Arts District, are doing a small part of what Philly needs.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Wilson's story. The text version can be read here.
A closer look at an age-old rivalry, on the eve of the Eagles beating Dallas (right?) this weekend.
This is the spoken edition of Dave Kyu's story. The text version can be read here.
Larry Platt talks to Sixers fan Sam Wachs, who was kicked out of a game in Philadelphia for protesting China’s crackdown on Hong Kong. Wachs details the experience leading up to the game, what happened when he was finally approached by guards and why he decided to take on the NBA in this way.
This is the spoken edition of Larry Platt's story. The text version can be read here.
The small city of Sandusky, Ohio, cancelled the out-of-step holiday in favor of one much needed. We should do that in Philly, too.
This is the spoken edition of Roxanne Patel Shepelavy's story. The text version can be read here.
Larry is the publisher of the Philadelphia Citizen and joined Charles to talk about his story on the new poverty numbers, Mayor Kenney’s reaction, and some ideas for how the City could be moving forward.
This live Reality Check episode was a discussion of Larry Platt's recent story, which can be read here.
Eagles offensive lineman and education advocate Jason Kelce spotlights Furness High School and its game-changing ESL program, which sets immigrant students up to succeed.
This is the spoken edition of Jason Kelce's story. The text version can be read here.
Jobs, housing and economic mobility all rely on good public transportation. Can Philly rise to the occasion before it’s too late?
This is the spoken edition of Diana Lind's story. The text version can be read here.
The only gun bills the state legislature will consider this year take us backwards, not forwards. Is there anything Philly can do?
This the spoken edition of Roxanne Patel Shepelavy's story. The text version can be read here.
On the heels of the birth of his first child, Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jason Kelce writes about Philly's Foster Grandparent Program—the oldest and largest of its kind in the nation—which places seniors in classrooms across the city.
This is the audio version of Jason Kelce's story. The text version can be read here.
The latest Philly poverty numbers should be a call to arms and not cause for a victory lap. Did it wake up Mayor Kenney?
This is the podcast version of Larry Platt's story. Find the text version here.
Chef Chris Cho hopes to expand his family's business into a new Philadelphia restaurant empire, starting with Center City Korean spot Seorabol. Find the text version of the story here.
Jill and Keith joined Charles to discuss a program called Bridges to Wealth, that is bringing financial empowerment training to students and adults in Philadelphia, as a way to lessen the wealth gap in the city.
The Citizen's Alyssa Biederman recently wrote an article about Bridges to Wealth which can be read here.
Description: University of Pennsylvania-based nonprofit Bridges to Wealth—which has partnered with Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation—works to decrease the wealth gap in Philly by providing underserved communities the education and tools they need to start businesses and invest to build a sound financial future. Find the text version of Alyssa Biederman’s story here.
Mike McLively of the Giffords Law Center to Reduce Gun Violence, studied those efforts in Oakland for a report that came out earlier this year. The Citizen's Roxanne Patel Shepelavy wrote about the study and how it could be applied to Philadelphia in an article that can be read here.
Candidates in the Working Families Party would have you believe that the impediment to progress in the city has been two Republican at-large members of Council. But is that really true? Larry Platt looks at candidates Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O’Rourke’s campaigns and wonders where’s the substance? Find the text version of the story here.
Eagles coaches have long mirrored the Philly political eras in which they worked. Dave Kyu asks, what does that mean today? Read the original article here.
The Eagles offensive lineman talks about the importance of nutritional programming for youth, and spotlights Philabundance’s BackPack program, which removes the stigma surrounding need by delivering nutritious food to every kid at 27 participating sites. Find the full text version of the story here.
Angela Beale-Tawfeeq, a Rowan University professor and former competitive swimmer who created a program to teach city kids how to swim—something particularly relevant for African Americans, whose rate of unintentional drowning is more than 5 times that of white children. She has done some pretty great work, partnering with Masjidullah and with Brannon Johnson, who owns the only all-female African American boathouse in the country.
This week, the Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman spotlights cool music programs for youth in Philadelphia and talks about why they're so important. He also shares stories about his own experience with music as a child, including an obsession with the baritone sax. Read the text version here
Oakland cut its gun violence rate in half by using a version of programs Philly abandoned in 2015. Roxanne Patel Shepelavy asks: With shootings on the rise, isn’t it time we embraced Ceasefire?
Violence in the West Philadelphia community of Overbrook might be what makes the news. But Nick Fiorellini writes that it’s not the whole—or even the most important—story to those who live there
Writer Jason Wilson visits W.B. Saul, the largest agricultural high school in the country, to see how it trains students in the Philadelphia region in the art of urban farming. Read the text version of the story here.
Eagles offensive lineman Jason Kelce compares schools in Philadelphia and Atlanta, and spotlights cool youth voting initiatives like Philly Youth Vote. Find the text version of the story—complete with a handy graphic—here.
Writer Larry Platt takes a look at the Philadelphia mayor's recent feud with Philadelphia magazine, which, he says, is the latest in a string of disturbing actions that recall President Donald Trump.
In the latest story by Sarah Jordan, the arts writer spotlights the way in which Opera Philadelphia has reimagined itself for a younger, edgier audience—including starting the edgy—and successful—Festival 019, which celebrates its third anniversary in 2019. Find the text version of the story here.
The West Laurel Hill Cemetery and Funeral Home has the greenest burial practices in the country. Courtney DuChene writes about how you can care for the earth even after you leave it.
Jessica Press wrote a piece with tips from experts on how to help kids succeed in school this year.
Each week this season, the Super Bowl-winning center compares Philly schools to those of our on-field competitors—and celebrates a local education innovation. This week, he looks at D.C.
Larry Platt writes that the case against him may be over, but Amazon’s Free Meek docuseries raises serious systemic questions—and a reconsideration of the rapper
Jessica Press shares experts' back to school tips on what students really need to thrive this year—and how we can all do our part to provide it
The next episode in a new podcast examines the roots of pepper pot soup, sold by Campbell’s Soup for 110 years. No, it was not invented in Camden
In an excerpt from his new book, Jason Wilson celebrates the burgeoning world of apple ciders. They are not what you think they are
DA Krasner. NJ Governor Murphy. Pres. Trump … Larry Platt wonders just how are politicians who have never done politics working out for us?
Black voters—and Democrats—worry about the environment’s effect on their lives. All the more reason, Charles Ellison argues, the DNC should not have nixed a climate debate
Philly is ground zero for bed bugs, and the only big city without a policy to help fight them. Sarah Jordan spoke with local pest educator Michelle Niedermeier, who wants to change that
The Philadelphia Citizen publisher Larry Platt joined Charles to discuss the breaking news of Police Commissioner Richard Ross' resignation.
Charles Ellison on how the Mayor’s response to Commissioner Ross’s resignation this week misses the pointv
Larry Platt writes that the resignation of Richard Ross highlights a department in dire need of culture change
Despite the mediocrity of the current presidential campaigns, Ajay Raju writes that it is important to remember the essential truth about America: It’s only great when it includes everyone
The DA’s Trump-like pugilism makes Larry Platt wonder just who he can get along with in order to make Philly safer
Seattle gives every voter $25 to donate to the candidate of their choice. Jon Geeting wonders if the popular idea could work here
The shootout with city police yesterday was in a struggling stretch of North Philly that has too often seen violence. Charles Ellison wonders if now the neighborhood will get some help
Trees—which nourish the earth, beautify the city, lower temperatures and increase good health—are disappearing from Philly. Roxanne Patel Shepelavy provides some ideas to fix that
According to Dave Kyu, the WIP sports shock-jock just might be the unlikely civil rights advocate our city needs right now
A ban on “battlefield weapons” could keep casualties from mass shootings down. That, Charles Ellison contends, should be the sole message from gun control advocates
Jason Wilson visited Michael Schulson’s fabulous new Alpen Rose, which puts steak back on the menu. Can we find a way to make peace with meat?
Richard Dillworth, Drexel’s Politics Department chair, on how his city—and all cities—are leading the charge against climate disaster
Seven independent candidates for At-Large seats are on the ballot in November. Jon Geeting, Philly 3.0’s engagement director, explains that should make this election one of the most entertaining in recent memory
Larry Platt asked Honorary Philadelphian Billie Jean King—whose Freedoms played the New York Empire in the World Team Tennis semifinals last week—how simple citizenship led her to change America
Larry Platt writes that Wednesday’s Democratic presidential debate was really a scripted performance, particularly when it came to Booker, Biden and criminal justice reform.
A group of Drexel doctors have launched a social media campaign to learn, and share, stories about healing from trauma. Roxanne Patel Shepelavy writes that it’s something we need now more than ever
Mark is the former policy director at the defender's association. He joined Charles to discuss Who's The Culprit For Philly's Murder Rate?
Larry Platt writes about how Philly Congressman Brendan Boyle has signed onto Elizabeth Warren’s plan to make capitalism accountable again
Larry Platt writes about how Philly Congressman Brendan Boyle has signed onto Elizabeth Warren’s plan to make capitalism accountable again
The 150-year-old organization gives help to small businesses when they need it, $10,000 at a time, writes Patrick Bilow.
It was African American chefs who created the summertime treat we consume by the gallons. A new podcast by Tonya Hopkins describes how we did it right here where America was born
Nick Fiorellini finds that decades after having photos from their same-sex Philly-area ceremony confiscated, a search is on for the owners of a historic set of prints. Can they be found before it’s too late?
What’s even better than a farm-to-table dinner? A farm-to-farm table dinner, that also helps keep small, sustainable farms afloat, writes Katherine Rapin.
In Minneapolis, neighbors joined together to develop property in their community. Jessica Press wonders if that approach could ensure Philly residents benefit from their changing neighborhoods too?
Ali Velshi and Richard Vague sat down to discuss Vague's new book, A Brief History of Doom: Two Hundred Years of Financial Crises.
EDIT: The audio from the Q&A was salvaged, so this episode has been updated to include it.
Despite the rhetoric of Mayor Kenney, Helen Gym, and Bernie Sanders, the hospital’s fiscal woes are not new. Larry Platt wants to know: what did they know and when did they know it?
Mark Houldin, a former public defender, argues that it's not criminal justice reformers. One thing that would help? Solving crimes
Jason Wilson describes how a Fishtown restaurant is on a culinary journey into Pennsylvania’s past. Waffles and catfish, anyone?
Larry Platt writes that the Democratic candidates ought to get beyond their bubble of consultants and learn from the soccer star and her “love more, hate less” message
Charles Ellison and Abbe Stern, hospitality manager at the Rittenhouse Hotel, discuss how she started a food rescue operation to bring restaurant excess to food banks and other organizations that could use it.
An upstate New York college helps reduce its community’s carbon footprint by giving students a way to recycle used clothes and textiles. Nick Fiorellini thinks it could be huge in Philly
In the next in our series on food and culture, Jason Wilson looks at a Rittenhouse Square nonprofit helping restaurants do the right thing: Donating their food waste
Larry Platt thinks the flare-up between Joe Biden—Philly’s third senator—and Kamala Harris is a window into why people hate politics
Charles Ellison and David Bradley, Founding Director of LiveConnections, sit down to discuss the music program at Hill-Freedman World Academy. Its students recorded an album inspired by the Sound of Philadelphia (including a cover of "Wake Up Everybody").
Helen Gym, Allan Domb, the Chamber and other stakeholders are all talking about “inclusive growth.” What might that look like here?
The PES refinery fire, WURD’s Charles Ellison argues, proves our embrace of gas plants doesn’t square with Mayor Kenney’s green rhetoric
While Mayor Kenney hides and Police Commissioner Richard Ross and DA Krasner point fingers, the chalk outlines accumulate
WURD host Charles D. Ellison and the Philadelphia Citizen's Executive Editor Roxanne Patel Shepelavy discuss Canada's plan to reduce poverty.
WURD host Charles D. Ellison and the Philadelphia Citizen's Executive Director Larry Platt discuss his article following the Plain View Project's report about Philadelphia police officers' use of Facebook to bash immigrants, make racist comments, promote police brutality, and align themselves with militia groups.
A new study shows that congestion costs us millions of dollars, pollutes our air, and is a hassle. Can we be more like Paris?
The first-time Council candidate is a true outsider who turned her own life around and now wants to do the same for her native Northeast
Our series on the nexus of food and culture explores the flavors of the South Philly area around Mifflin Square Park, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city
In Canada, communities lifted more than 200,000 families out of poverty in seven years. Why don’t we do what they did?
B Lab’s co-founder notes that knowing a system is broken doesn't automatically catalyze a system change. Who has a viable alternative? Farmers.
Three companies in Philly offer cheap, fresh produce they say also helps our planet. But, as the next in our series on food and culture uncovers, it's more complicated than that
Barbara Allen founded Fresh Artists to help keep art in schools by turning student works into valuable collectibles. Now she’s helping them plan for the future
It’s the last day of public school in Philly. Let’s give teachers a hand as they embark on their much-deserved summer break
The Citizen's Executive Editor Roxanne Patel Shepelavy reports on how Philly won $1 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies for a Juvenile Justice Hub proposed by city cops. Could it become a national model of reform?
WURD host Charles D. Ellison and the Philadelphia Citizen's Executive Editor Roxanne Patel Shepelavy talk about the recent City Council primary election—and what it says about Philadelphia's electoral culture and voter turnout.
This week, co-founder Larry Platt answered just that question at the Athenaeum. Hint: It has something to do with reinvigorating democracy
WURD Host Charles D. Ellison and food historian Tonya Hopkins talk about the importance of her work and the influence of African Americans on American food
Jessica Press reports on how Ithaca just eliminated the biggest barrier to civic engagement among parents. Could babysitting bring more voices into the conversation in Philly, too?
The device, by a Philly-area engineer, is helping poor women around the world check for breast cancer earlier and cheaper. It could save lives here, as well
There's no perfect way to talk about race. But four friends are igniting conversations among a group that could use more of them: white women
A global nonprofit making its way across the U.S. is fighting loneliness and depression in older men by bringing them together to build things. Could the next shed be here in Philly?
WURD Host Charles D. Ellison writes in his column for the citizen about how in some towns, Americans as young as 16 can vote. Why not here?
The Mayor’s new street sweeping pilot may cause more pollution in our already polluted city. Is this really a solution worth celebrating?
WURD host Charles D. Ellison and the Citizen's Larry Platt talk about how property taxes are going up again in Philadelphia, and what this means for Philly's middle class taxpayer
WURD host Charles D. Ellison speaks with Upstream founder Mark Edwards about the nonprofit's work to break down barriers women face in getting effective birth control, which could also help lift them out of poverty
The South Philly artist activist works to empower immigrants and galvanize the public and lawmakers into action through compassion
Our series on the nexus of food and culture explores the natural wine trend that has finally caught on in Philly. Will drinking it make you a better person?
By putting employees and community first—and offering elite investment opportunities to the middle class—the Navy Yard company is modeling a new way to think about financial firms
The Mayor’s office and board appointees are overwhelmingly white. WURD’s afternoon host wonders: Has he delivered on what he promised to Black voters?
The Philly startup provides companies the tools to save energy costs—and preserve the planet. So far, 120,000 building clients have signed on
Two women, both African American, are running to unseat accused sexual harasser Sheriff Jewell Williams this year. Did you even know?
The Councilman says his opponent is responsible for soaring home prices in South Philly. But as Philly 3.0's engagement director notes, he's the one with the power
Can the Windy City’s stunning mayoral election results serve as an object lesson for Philly?
Two years after the presidential election galvanized mostly progressive technologists, their innovations brought more voters to the polls in 2018. Expect more of that in Philly, too
The City Commissioners are charged with managing elections so more people can vote. Philly 3.0’s engagement director lays out a five-point platform for choosing the best commissioner candidates this year
Philly-based Wearwell is a clothing delivery service that will have you looking—and doing—good
Districts around the country—including University City in Philly—saw a huge uptick in young voters during the midterms. Harnessing that citywide could sway elections
The Citizen's Jeremy Nowak Fellow Jason Wilson and Chef Elijah Mulligan speak with WURD host Charles D Ellison about Mulligan's pop up dinners, which are highlighting black chefs in Philadelphia
WURD Host Charles D Ellison talks about Philadelphia's culture of corruption with State Representative Jared Solomon
Today State Rep. Jared Solomon is announcing a bill to give voters recall power. Why is he seemingly the only person worked up about Philly’s culture of corruption?
Christian Crosby and Ashley Kane are making kindness cool with a booming social media platform and an apparel line supported by the Sixers Innovation Lab
Food critic Jason Wilson writes about how Philly is late to the national food trend. The latest in a series on the nexus of food and culture wonders: Will we embrace the Bourse’s new effort?
Intensely local investments rescued a Louisville neighborhood from the brink. Could it be a new way to think about economic development?
As Lt. Governor John Fetterman continues his statewide marijuana tour, WURD’s afternoon host contends there are more pressing issues to consider
Mayor Kenney says there’s no alternative to the soda tax to fund pre-K and Rebuild. Guess who disagrees? Candidate Kenney in 2015
In Cumberland County, NJ, a competition among cities helped to boost 2018 turnout by 13 percent. Could Philly’s competitive spirit be the key to more votes here, too?
Chef Elijah Milligan’s pop-up dinners showcase the talents of Philly-based African American chefs. It’s a start to equalizing the restaurant industry
The former Council staffer and lobbyist is challenging Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. Her slogan? “Expect more and demand better.”
...is still a City Council problem. Philly 3.0’s engagement director on a new report that puts Councilmanic Prerogative in the cross hairs
Philly is one of the least charitable regions in the country. Could a local version of Giving Tuesday, like they have in Austin, be the answer?
WURD host Charles D. Ellison talks with Distributing Dignity founder Joanie Baldertsone about her organization, which provides women in need with bras and other goods that often go overlooked
Mayor Kenney is replacing his chief property assessor. But will he fix the broken assessment system?
D3 Developers is replicating its teacher-centric Oxford Mills model with housing for another group of city do-gooders: health and wellness workers
The city is banning cashless stores while the state cuts investment in tech startups. Remember when progressives used to believe in creating jobs?
The City announced its new sexual harassment policies this month, and two state legislators proposed a new way to review harassment claims in Harrisburg. They are a start anyway
The next in a series on the nexus of food and urban culture takes us on a journey—to the heart of Eurasia's Georgian cuisine in the far Northeast
Philly 3.0’s Engagement Director on two reforms that could make local elections more competitive—and make for better outcomes
In the wake of the recent Instagram threat against 10 Philly schools, here are some ideas for actually keeping our kids safe
It’s unlikely we’ll get a subway extension to the Navy Yard soon. Philly 3.0’s engagement director suggests instead focusing development at the current end of the line
In a series on potential presidential candidates who served as mayors, The Citizen hosted South Bend’s Pete Buttigieg. Listen here for his vision of America’s future
The series on the nexus of food and culture looks at satay, a window into Philly’s substantial Indonesian community
WURD host Charles D. Ellison and Roxanne Patel Shepelavy talk about how to keep kids safe in the wake of an Instagram violence threat against 10 Philly schools
Philly 3.0's Engagement Director talks Philly corruption and the recent Local 98 scandal with WURD host Charles D. Ellison
Philly is facing a hunger crisis. An idea from three North Carolina moms could offer a solution we can all take part in
John Dougherty and Bobby Henon may go to jail for embezzlement and other crimes. But as Philly 3.0’s engagement director notes, it’s the rest that should really worry us
The reaction to the federal indictment of the union leader and his acolyte, Councilman Bobby Henon, raises two questions: Where’s the outrage? And: Is corruption now on the ballot?
Philly-based startup Fellow may have created the solution to one of healthcare’s biggest crises
Christine Cotton, from hunger-fighting nonprofit PORCH, talks with WURD host Charles D. Ellison about how PORCH's model could work to combat food insecurity in Philadelphia
The co-founder of Berwyn-based B Lab interviews Australian B Corps Small Giants on why empathy and understanding are vital to business success
After Controller Rebecca Rhynhart’s report showing that properties in poor areas are the most unfairly taxed in the city, WURD’s afternoon host calls for a political reckoning
In Arlington, Texas and across the nation, term limits are gaining steam. Would they make Council more responsive…to us?
WURD host Charles D. Ellison and Temple sociologist Sara Goldbrick-Rab talk about the financial struggles many college students face that leave them food and housing insecure
Could a Baltimore nonprofit hold the answer to turning around the lives of Philly’s most at-risk teens—and our city at-large?
The Citizen's own Larry Platt and WURD host Charles D. Ellison talk about the closing of a West Philadelphia grocery in what will now be a food desert due to the soda tax and Mayor Kenney’s response to the situation
The Nowak Metro Finance Lab Director introduces his big idea for 2019: Using local wealth to grow local wealth in cities like Philadelphia
WURD host Charles D. Ellison and the Citizen's own Jordan Schwartz talk about the top three ideas from the Ideas We Should Steal Festival that we are looking to bring to Philadelphia
This podcast is sponsored by Houwzer. Stephanie Sena’s latest project to help the homeless would create villages of small houses on lots around the city. Is community the solution to one of our biggest ills?
As Philly 3.0's engagement director notes, reform is hampered by Council's refusal to grapple with its own worst impulses
In the wake of a land sale scandal, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson has tried to take attention off himself. As Philly 3.0’s engagement director notes, that’s part of the problem
The controversy over the Temple professor’s comments about Israel raises the question: Why is banishment from the public square so often the first choice of the offended?
WURD host Charles D. Ellison and good government advocate Brett Mandel talk on how putting an end to the Councilmanic Prerogative requires electing new Councilmembers
WURD host Charles D. Ellison and Economy League Executive Director Jeff Hornstein talk about the organizations plan to keep millions of dollars in purchases from Penn and other institutions from leaving the city every year
NYU professor Eric Klinenberg on how public spaces can keep communities healthy. Hear about his homegrown idea
Oregon Native and founder of Right 2 Root Cat Goughnour talked about her work combating gentrification in Portland
Moderated by United Way's Rev. Bill Golderer, Professor and author Rev. Michael Eric Dyson and Cincinnati-based Pastor Rev. Chuck Mingo about repairing the role of church, faith, and community in repairing race relations
Moderated by Philadelphia 3.0's Ali Perelman, Kansas City Mayor Sly James and Director of Nowak Metro Finance Lab Bruce Kats discuss the role of local politicians
CEO of Brooklyn's Ascend Charter Schools Steven Wilson talked about the space and place of joy in education, and what it's doing for his schools
Accountability Lab's Cheri-Leigh Erasmus talked about the contests in developing countries that are turning honest public officials into celebrities
Bartram's High School students spoke of how they plan to use the power of art to keep youth out of prison
MSNBC's Ali Velshi moderated Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes and author Anand Giridharadas in a talk about leveling the economic playing field. Listen for their idea
New America's Afua Bruce on using technology and data to combat the country's opioid epidemic
Detroit's Cornetta Lane, Executive Director of Pedal to Porch, on bridging new and old communities. Vote to bring her idea here
In a discussion moderated by MSNBC's Ali Velshi, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman talked about compromise and unity in times of extreme partisanship
How’s that for a new Philly marketing slogan? The latest example: All the high-fiving over our Amazon participation trophy
Black men are among the most traumatized people in the country, and also the least likely to seek help. That’s why an Arkansas man is bringing mental health help to where they are: barbershops
WURD Host Charles D. Ellison speaks with the Commonwealth Foundation Vice-President about corporate welfare and Philly's failed Amazon HQ2 pitch
A team at Penn is trying to balance the scales of gender representation in urban planning—through Wikipedia
WURD host Charles Ellison speaks with bestselling novelist and SafeKids Stories founder Lorene Cary about the power of youth and Vote that Jawn, a citywide effort to get young people to the polls
In Oregon and 12 other states, voters are automatically registered to vote. In 16, they can register on election day. In several counties and states, voting is done by mail. All have higher turnouts than in PA
In an excerpt from his memoir, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper writes of working with politicians on both sides of the aisle. He’ll talk about bringing reason to politics at our Ideas We Should Steal Festival on the 30th
A design project seeks to save threatened religious spaces by reimagining their use as community hubs—for neighbors new and old
At next month’s Ideas We Should Steal Festival, the CEO of Brooklyn’s Ascend Charter Schools will talk about turning away from “No Excuses” and toward what may be the key to education: Joy
Our own James Meadows and WURD host Charles Ellison discuss a local design project that seeks to save threatened religious spaces by reimagining their use as community hubs—for neighbors new and old
Penn Medicine’s guru of innovation may be the smartest person in Philly you haven’t heard of
As the president of Center City District notes, poverty is not fate. But it will remain stubborn as long as the city still lags in jobs and housing
Turning Points CEO Dawn Holden and WURD's afternoon host Charles Ellison discuss the local child welfare agency,which is proving that youths who struggle after foster care can lead stable lives.
The mayor has increased the spending of your taxpayer dollars by a whopping 17 percent since taking office. What is our return on that investment?
A local child welfare agency is proving that youths who struggle after foster care can lead stable lives. And you won't believe how little its intervention costs
WURD's afternoon host and Philadelphia lawyer Alex Braden discuss Braden's latest column on ending ending our expensive culture of incarceration—and instead spending money to help prevent many crimes in the first place
Nationwide contests in developing countries turn honest public officials into celebrities. Let’s convince the DC-based group behind the project to bring it here
And trash cans reduce litter, according to a new city report. So when, Philly 3.0’s Engagement Director wonders, is Mayor Kenney going to do something about it?
Reality Check host Charles D. Ellison talks with an Integrity Idol officer about the nationwide contests in developing countries which turn honest public officials into celebrities.
Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden teaches teens to grow the food they eat. But the lesson is really about so much more
Hear what you missed at the sold out Citizen event with author Anand Giridharadas and B Lab’s Jay Coen Gilbert
Charles Ellison and Larry Platt talk about poverty in Philadelphia -- and what Kenney and City Hall should do about it.
Trees increase health, safety, and air quality. So why doesn’t the city insist on planting more of them?
Bestselling novelist and SafeKids Stories founder discusses her citywide effort to get young people to the polls.
When it comes to poverty, Philly remains in last place. So why does the Mayor sound like he’s satisfied?
The mayor’s new plan for housing could be a tool for growth. So Philly 3.0's engagement director wonders why is he aiming so low
The district attorney is at the forefront of a social justice movement among prosecutors. He may want to consider adding some humility to his game
In St. Paul—where voter turnout is already an enviable 75 percent—landlords must give new tenants voter registration info. Could something similar help get more residents to the polls in Philly too?
On Sunday, HBO re-airs a documentary highlighting a volunteer Philly health clinic for immigrants. On September 15th, join area restaurants in supporting the work of Puentes de Salud that is more vital than ever
With Charles Ellison, a high school teacher talks about finding hope and inspiration from the “speak-truth-to-power” generation
Charles E. Ellison discusses a trip that the Economy League's executive director Jeff Hornstein took to Detroit — and Hornstein's reflections on how far Philly has come
Philly is the biggest city in the nation with no street cleaning. Instead we have a litter survey. Herein, some actionable ideas
By reacting to Trump like Trump, Mayor Kenney has shed more heat than light in the sanctuary debate. Maybe he should follow Jerry Brown’s lead and look for a solution
Philly is the biggest city in the nation with no street cleaning. Instead we have a litter survey. Herein, some actionable ideas
Reality Check on WURD catches up with Kait Bowdler, the deputy director of sustainability for Philabundance, to discuss the organizations new program, Abundantly Good.
Larry Platt and Charles Ellison discuss the life and legacy of Jeremy Nowak on last week's episode of Reality Check
In a follow-up to a Citizen piece on statewide sexual harassment laws, Philly proves that even having the best employment laws in the state don’t keep city workers from being harassed
Philly hunger nonprofit Philabundance has launched an innovative program to benefit farmers, retailers, the environment, and the hungry. Its secret weapon? Cheese.
Finding it hard to celebrate America this week? Here are some ways to make it the place you love again
Two newly-elected committee people call for an open process to fill the surprise opening in the 175th State House race—instead of the same-old Philly politics
Charles Ellison interviews Maurice Jones about his work with PAR-Recycle Works, a local nonprofit that teaches returning citizens to break down electronics—and sells the resulting scrap metal.
The Philadelphia Citizen, in partnership with B Lab and ImpactPHL, hosted a discussion with four dynamic entrepreneurs who are proving that doing well and doing good can go hand in hand.
This panel featured social innovators who have built financially successful businesses while also spurring opportunity, increasing access and promoting economic fairness—from boardroom to storefront—in the service of a triple bottom line: Profits, people and planet.
Roxanne Patel Shepelavy discusses DemocracyNYC, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio's 10-point plan for increasing civic engagement across, and how it could be applied to Philadelphia.
While other cultural organizations struggle to stay relevant, Christine Cox’s BalletX keeps growing, spreading the joy of dance to more people
Larry Platt discusses his new series with Charles D. Ellison, "The Fix," in which he delves into the city's transactional culture of influences - and looks at strategies for promoting public integrity.
Fairhill’s Lillian Marrero library branch brings the poorest Philadelphians services that expand the definition of literacy far beyond the stacks. It’s a model for the future of libraries.
The NJ-based startup makes getting power easier and greener in the areas where it matters most: disaster sites, high risk situations, and of course, food trucks
We spoke with a panel of journalists from the frontlines to talk about why a free press matters
Thousands of illegal guns from Pennsylvania are used in violent crimes every year. Why don’t we track them like they do in New York?
…In Los Angeles. But a new face on the Philly school board provides hope that private sector expertise might be on its way
Masterman students honored for placing 1st in the Odyssey of the Mind competition and a proposed "Stinky House" amendment.
An event at the Rosenbach with The Citizen’s Larry Platt asks a question of our time: How can we live in the age of Facebook?
The volunteer at W.B. Saul High School’s on-campus farm is taking what was once seen as troublesome and expensive animal waste and transforming it from poo to profit
Have you gone to the polls yet? There’s still time to make your choices known—and plenty of reasons to do so
The Millenial from Forgotten Bottom realized he had to be the change he wanted to see in his neighborhood. So he jumped all in
L&I head David Perri is right—co-living may be the best way to create affordable housing in a city that desperately needs it
Philly native Pat Cunnane’s Obama White House memoir takes us back to what feels like decades ago.
Madeleine Dean is among a spate of women and newcomers hoping to ride an anti-Trump wave into office. Will the same old PA politics stop them?
Larry Platt visits Charles D Ellison's Reality Check on WURD to discuss Meek Mill and criminal justice reform.
The City misplaced $27 million of your money, didn’t reconcile its bank accounts for 7 years, and now wants to raise taxes again. Where does the buck stop?
It's National Police Week and Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. would like to dredge the Schuykill River.
In the wake of HUD chief Ben Carson’s proposal to triple public housing rent, WURD’s afternoon host calls on the City to find a real solution to our rental woes
Philly lags behind other cities in putting city-owned electric cars on the street. Might SEPTA, of all places, be the model for how to turn that around?
Philadelphia's bustling nightlife draws many of the best and brightest to our region. Will poor handling of a night mayor initiative turn them away?
City Council recognizes the 50 year anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and a resolution to decriminalize marijuana hit the floor.
As it turns out, the moniker "Filthadelphia" stretches all the way back to the 1800s. CitizenCast takes a look back at our storied history of keeping Philadelphia streets clean
At The Citizen’s Solutions Open Mic Happy Hour, we heard from residents like you about their ideas for fixing what ails Philly. It gave us reason to hope
Finally, a business leader has a plan to bring jobs to Philadelphia. is anyone going to follow Jerry Sweeney's lead?
Philadelphia City Council President, Darrell L. Clarke, deescalates a tense situation and Councilman David Oh's intent to amend Pa's Post Conviction Relief Act
The jobs are in the suburbs, but many Philadelphians have no way to get there. The Philadelphia Unemployment Project has the answer: Car pooling
Larry Platt discusses Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner's first three months on the job with WURD Reality Check host Charles D. Ellison
By appointing his first school board, Philadelphia's Mayor Kenney has taken responsibility for schools. How can we know if he’s succeeded?
As the number of Philadelphia citizens who identify as Independent increases, should the city finally consider open primaries?
In a cautionary tale, a Philly entrepreneur with big dreams runs afoul of the Philadelphia Water Department
WURD's Charles D. Ellison speaks with Jumpstart Germantown developer Ken Weinstein on his program that trains local residents to be their own community developers.
A very very very very...very special guest and "Deep State" accusations in this week's City Council meeting
The DA’s first three months have revealed incompetency. But is there something more troubling at play?
The 29-year-old organization sends promising high school grads in groups to 56 colleges across the nation. How about getting Philly in on that pipeline?
Philadelphia Theater Company's new artistic director came in and did the unthinkable: Cancelled everything. Tonight, she launches a second act
In a monumental move District Attorney Larry Krasner announces an end to cash bail in Philadelphia. Or has he?
In the latest in a series about Puerto Rican evacuees, a young family braves a new world—but struggles to see a bright future
Officials will tell you Pennsylvania elections are secure because our machines aren’t connected to the internet. They’re wrong.
The best way to stop a school shooting has nothing to do with guns, or locks, or school police. It’s to prevent them from happening beforehand
Mayors around the country are launching city-wide efforts to get all stakeholders thinking about what’s best for kids. Can it work here?
The Florida teen activists prove that young people are as politically savvy as any adult. We should let them vote earlier.
This week, a "Very Special" prayer from Stefen Wisniewski and the Earned Income Tax Credit hit Room 400
Mayors around the country are launching city-wide efforts to get all stakeholders thinking about what’s best for kids. Can it work here?
Last Thursday, panelists discussed the recent coverage of gun violence after the Parkland, Fl., shooting and what real solutions look like for Philadelphia and the country.
The city is owed hundreds of millions in delinquent real estate taxes. With the proposal of yet another tax hike, why are some on Council standing in the way of collection?
Thousands of high schoolers from around the region will walked out of class Wednesday to protest inaction on gun control. And we should thank them.
A Citizen and Free Library event on Monday explored the perennial urban question: How do we make communities everyone can live in?
Listen to your tax dollars at work in our (brief) rundown of this week’s City Council meeting.
La Colombe’s Todd Carmichael has become one of the nation’s most politically outspoken CEOs. A visit inside his world reveals he’s just getting started.
Mayor Kenney is set to choose his new school board from 27 candidates. Here are four things we need to know from them.
An innovative Juvenile Justice Hub proposed by two Philly cops is a finalist for a Bloomberg Philanthropies grant. It’s time, they say, for smarter policing
Jim Kenney may have grown up in South Philly, but one ward there is all about the president
Partisans like civil rights icon Ryan Costello might disagree, but the PA Supreme Court’s redrawn congressional map may be a rarity: A solution.
A new program by the Welcoming Center teaches new immigrants to be civically-engaged—so they can become citizens who make a difference
In the wake of the latest school shooting, there is a common measure on the books in four states that acts as a temporary restraining order, but for guns. Can we at least agree on that?
As the transit agency prepares to phase out the token, we look into the important questions. Like, why??
Philly’s on the top 20 list for Amazon’s HQ2, but without the right preparation, could the results be disastrous?
A former Wharton prof, now head of the Global Sport Institute at Arizona State University, says college stadiums can benefit communities—if done right
After the Amazon pitch and Super Bowl win, now's the time to tell a new story about who we are. Maybe Doug Pederson can help.
WURD Radio's afternoon host urges the socially-good NFL champion Philadelphia Eagles to make its stadium affordable—so Temple doesn’t have to build a new one.
A Philadelphia principal points to an increasingly familiar culprit in the struggle to teach hard-to-reach students: Mental health issues
Philly’s ambitious Rail Park project breaks ground in the spring. Can we learn from New York’s experience and use it to help build affordable housing?
PA’s 7th District is up for grabs—but not that kind of grabbing. Can we elect a woman, please?
Mastery high school principal Sharif El-Mekki says the civil rights leader may have begun with integration—but that’s not where he landed. As dictated by Josh Romney.
Join the movement! The new Philadelphia Citizen podcast offers stories of activism, deep-dives into the political workings of our local government and challenges listeners to become more civically engaged.