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The Philadelphia Citizen
@thephilacitizen.bsky.social
The Philadelphia Citizen is an independent news outlet focusing on solutions to make Philly a better city and ways to inspire locals to be more engaged.
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Every day, the owners of a Rittenhouse Square cafe practice gratitude for their journey through addiction and homelessness by caring for Philadelphians going through the same.
Business for Good: Hart of Catering & Cafe, a Haven for Healing
Hart of Catering & Cafe owners practice gratitude through addiction and homelessness by caring for others going through addiction and hunger
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 4, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Want to get a drink that you can feel good about? Check out these awesome distilleries in Philly serving up good spirits, from vodka to bourbon to inventively flavored bitters, and good causes for the community. 
7 awesome Philadelphia distilleries with great cocktails and good missions
Check out these Philly distilleries serving up good spirits—from vodka to whiskey to gin—and good causes for the community.
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December 3, 2025 at 11:02 PM
In 2015, the 34-year-old Philadelphian made it his goal to have 10,000 one-on-one conversations with strangers. He's now created over 7,000 friendships and counting. 
Citizen of the Week: Rob Lawless and his 10,000 Friends
33-year-old Philadelphian Rob Lawless has spent the last decade connecting with his fellow humans. So far, he’s met 7,000 — and counting
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 3, 2025 at 8:02 PM
In Philly, there's an estimated 170,723 Independent voters, all unable to participate in our primary elections. The city's AFL-CIO President urges for the right for Independents to cast their ballots.
Guest Commentary: Let All Workers Vote in Open Primaries
Many of Philly's 150,000 union members are registered independents. The AFL-CIO President wants open primaries in which these workers can vote
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 3, 2025 at 7:03 PM
The supply of commercial activity needed to fill Market East far exceeds the demand that currently exists. Local housing advocate @jongeeting.bsky.social argues for more residents, workers, tourists and everyone in between. 
Market East Needs More … Everybody
Philly's struggling Market East corridor needs more residents, more workers, and more tourists, according to a local housing advocate
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 3, 2025 at 1:02 AM
We are passionate about journalism that serves Philadelphia. And we know, now more than ever, that local journalism is vital. Make this #GivingNewsDay impactful by helping us reach our goal.
https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/newsmatch-2025/
December 2, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Founded by a Wharton grad and former engineer, Baby Gear Group has revolutionized the way soon-to-be parents can prepare for their child. It's grown from a local business to a Time magazine's invention of the year. 
Business for Good: The Baby Gear Revolution Launched in Philly
Baby Gear Group, now a B Corp and a Time magazine invention of the year, lets families rent strollers and other childcare essentials
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 2, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Preparing for the wintery weather that's heading our way? Take a look back at the cities that beat the cold with spectacle and sport last year. 
New Urban Order: Which City Did Winter Best?
Here are 10 cities in the U.S. and world with great ideas for beating back the cold of winter with spectacle and sport.
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 2, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Citizen Media Group CEO/President on why what we do matters now more than ever, and how you can keep us going. 
Local News Matters. On Giving Tuesday and Beyond
Citizen Media Group CEO/President Larry Platt on why what we do matters now more than ever and how you can keep us going this giving Tuesday
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 2, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Nonprofit news is a vital public service. If you agree, will you show The Citizen some love today, on #GivingNewsDay? Help us meet our goal by donating here: 
https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/newsmatch-2025/
December 2, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Here is The Citizen's December 2025 Good Citizen Calendar! Learn all the dates this month and beyond where you can have fun and support your city.
2025 Good Things to Do (Philadelphia) Citizen Calendar
There are so many good things to do in 2025 to make this year in Philadelphia your civic best, from volunteering to celebrating!
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December 2, 2025 at 2:02 AM
This week in Philly we have neighborhood tree lightings, Fishtown Freeze, Science After Hours and Krampusnacht Festival. Plus Hadestown and a Wrinkle in Time premiering on stage, and so much more! 
Things to Do in Philly This Week and Weekend
Things to do in Philly this week: Krampusnacht Festival, tree lightings, Science After Hours, Fishtown Freeze, Raekwon & Mobb Deep, and more
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 2, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Employment is the highest it's been in four years. MS NOW host and Citizen board member @velshi.com joins economists @justinwolfers.bsky.social and Caleb Silver to discuss Trump's current economy. 
Listen: Ali Velshi Breaks Down Who Trump's Economy Hurts Most
Ali Velshi is joined by Justin Wolfers and Caleb Silver to talk about Trump's economy, the job market, manufacturing, and cost of living
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 1, 2025 at 11:02 PM
A new book by Isaac Getz and Laurent Marbacher argues that corporations shouldn't focus on profits if they want to survive during this moment in time. Read an excerpt here. 
Book Excerpt: The Caring Company
The Caring Company argues that corporations must orient their core activities away from profits if capitalism is to survive and thrive.
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 1, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Supportive housing is a proven-effective solution for those facing homelessness. But, Philly's need greatly outnumbers the supply. An assistant professor argues for an improvement to the system. 
Guest Commentary: Supportive Housing Shouldn’t Be Competitive
Automated systems decide which homeless Philadelphians get housing and who doesn't, often in ways that feel arbitrary to those waiting
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 1, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Workers like this one at the Amazon-owned grocery in Fairmount voted to unionize this yea. They are still waiting for a contract, and a living wage. 
Guest Commentary: Whole Foods Workers and Your Thanksgiving
Workers at the Amazon-owned grocery in Fairmount voted to unionize this year. They are still waiting for a contract and a living wage
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 1, 2025 at 12:02 AM
After this turbulent year, it’s more important than ever to share what we have, show that we care and be with each other in community.
10+ ways to give back this holiday season in Philly
Want to spread cheer to all Philadelphians in this time of joy — and need? Our guide covers toy drives, food and clothing donations, and more
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
November 30, 2025 at 10:35 PM
It's hard to serve others these days. That's why the United Way's Billy Golderer, along with former Big Brothers CEO Marcus Allen, is giving thanks this week to Philly's nonprofit leaders. 
“To Be On Someone’s Mind Is To Be Loved”
The United Way’s Bill Golderer, along with former Big Brothers CEO Marcus Allen, is giving thanks this week to Philly’s nonprofit leaders at The Lift
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
November 30, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Eagles’ legend Lane Johnson expresses gratitude for three colleagues-turned-lifelong friends — and a support system for his mental well-being.
Lane Johnson's Season of Strong Mental Health: Giving Thanks For My Trio
This Thanksgiving, lane is especially grateful for three men who have become family, and keys to his mental health and wellbeing.
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
November 30, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Renowned CHOP immunologist @pauloffit.bsky.social on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. weaponizing the CDC to promote his anti-vaccine views. 
Guest Commentary: R.I.P. CDC, 1946-2025
A renowned CHOP immunologist on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. weaponizing the CDC to promote his anti-vaccine views
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
November 29, 2025 at 9:02 PM
The @ms.now host and Citizen board member @velshi.com warns that Trump's threats against Congresspeople who legally called for the military to ignore unlawful orders are a dangerous authoritarian call for violence. 
Listen: Ali Velshi On The Dangers of Unlawful Orders
Ali Velshi warns that Trump's call for the execution of lawmakers who rightly cited the military duty to refuse unlawful orders is a dangerous sign
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
November 29, 2025 at 5:02 PM
It's Small Business Saturday! Here are just some of the shops, cafés, pizza and water ice joints, beauty boutiques, bookstores, and mechanics whose Black owners are committed to making our city better. 
20 great Black-owned businesses in Philadelphia that do good
Cafés, pizza and water ice joints, shop, bookstores, and even an auto mechanic whose Black owners are committed to making our city better.
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
November 29, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Shop local this holiday season! Philly is full of great, independently owned stores, in brilliant neighborhood corridors, to shop all year long. 
Shop Small in Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Your guide to Philadelphia's independent shops in brilliant neighborhood corridors, starting with Fishtown, Chestnut Hill & East Passyunk
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
November 29, 2025 at 1:02 PM
The holidays can be hard. Support is out there. Here's how to find it in Philly.
Free and Low Cost Mental Health Services in Philadelphia
Mental health in the U.S. is worsening and barriers to care abound. Here, ways to get low-cost and free mental health services in Philly.
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
November 29, 2025 at 3:02 AM
Unpacking Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation, the culture war around your food, changing the anti-vax narrative and more staff picks to get you through this week’s news cycle.
Weekly News Roundup - Citizen Staff Must-Reads
Citizen Must Reads: Climate policy, food politics, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and more to help you make sense of the news this week
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
November 28, 2025 at 9:02 PM