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.
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
Baby Gear Group was named a Time magazine invention of the year by letting families rent strolled and other childcare essentials for a fraction of the cost and environmental impact.
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 7, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Baby Gear Group was named a Time magazine invention of the year by letting families rent strolled and other childcare essentials for a fraction of the cost and environmental impact.
More residents, more workers, more tourists, according to local housing advocate @jongeeting.bsky.social.
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 7, 2025 at 12:02 AM
More residents, more workers, more tourists, according to local housing advocate @jongeeting.bsky.social.
Automated systems decide which homeless Philadelphians get housing and who stays on the street — often in ways that feel arbitrary to those waiting
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 6, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Automated systems decide which homeless Philadelphians get housing and who stays on the street — often in ways that feel arbitrary to those waiting
This weekend in Philly, we have the Fishtown Freeze, the closing weekend of Hadestown, Science After Hours, Krampusnacht Festival, and so much more!
December 6, 2025 at 8:01 PM
This weekend in Philly, we have the Fishtown Freeze, the closing weekend of Hadestown, Science After Hours, Krampusnacht Festival, and so much more!
A Conestoga High student launched New Voters to register her peers in 2017. Now her nonprofit is challenging young people to claim ownership over America’s next 250 years.
New Voters For America’s Future
Jahnavi Rao launched New Voters to register her peers in 2017. Her nonprofit challenges young people to own America’s next 250 years.
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 6, 2025 at 6:01 PM
A Conestoga High student launched New Voters to register her peers in 2017. Now her nonprofit is challenging young people to claim ownership over America’s next 250 years.
Your guide to civic action in Philadelphia this month
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!
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 6, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Your guide to civic action in Philadelphia this month
@ms.now host and Citizen board member @velshi.com is joined by @justinwolfers.bsky.social and Caleb Silver to discuss how Trump's policies are harming American prosperity
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 6, 2025 at 4:02 PM
@ms.now host and Citizen board member @velshi.com is joined by @justinwolfers.bsky.social and Caleb Silver to discuss how Trump's policies are harming American prosperity
Instead of buying your gifts from big, corporate chains, support these Black-owned businesses in Philly. Their 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
December 6, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Instead of buying your gifts from big, corporate chains, support these Black-owned businesses in Philly. Their owners are committed to making our city better.
We've thrown snowballs at Santa, thrown batteries at opposing teams, and now we've thrown eggs at a coach's house. Philly fans, can't we just be a little less mean?
Yo, Eagles Fans, Cut It Out
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
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 5, 2025 at 11:31 PM
We've thrown snowballs at Santa, thrown batteries at opposing teams, and now we've thrown eggs at a coach's house. Philly fans, can't we just be a little less mean?
In 2017, a Conestoga High student started New Voters, a club that registered 85 percent of eligible voters at her school. Now, it's a state-wide nonprofit looking to recruit young people to take ownership of their country.
New Voters For America’s Future
Jahnavi Rao launched New Voters to register her peers in 2017. Her nonprofit challenges young people to own America’s next 250 years.
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 5, 2025 at 10:01 PM
In 2017, a Conestoga High student started New Voters, a club that registered 85 percent of eligible voters at her school. Now, it's a state-wide nonprofit looking to recruit young people to take ownership of their country.
Tucked away in the Senate bill to fund the U.S. government is a provision that would ban all hemp products. In PA, that threatens more than 9,000 jobs and $50 million in tax revenue.
Say Goodbye To Your (Almost) Weed Seltzer
The the U.S. government just banned all hemp products, threatening more than 9,000 jobs — and $50 million in tax revenue.
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 5, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Tucked away in the Senate bill to fund the U.S. government is a provision that would ban all hemp products. In PA, that threatens more than 9,000 jobs and $50 million in tax revenue.
It's hard to keep up with everything during the holidays. That's why we've compiled a guide to help you understand what's happening in national news.
Weekly News Roundup - Citizen Staff Must-Reads
Citizen Must Reads: Political violence, opportunity zones, re-illegalizing weed (but not cocaine traffickers) and more news from this week.
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 5, 2025 at 6:04 PM
It's hard to keep up with everything during the holidays. That's why we've compiled a guide to help you understand what's happening in national news.
“I ran the numbers 100 times and I still thought, this can’t be right. This is a systemwide crisis for small businesses. Why is nobody talking about it?” A small-business advocate's efforts may soon become a law.
Citizen of the Week: Jigar Mehta
Jigar Mehta led an effort to spare small businesses from a shocking tax increase wrought by the Mayor's new tax plan. Will it become law?
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 4, 2025 at 11:02 PM
“I ran the numbers 100 times and I still thought, this can’t be right. This is a systemwide crisis for small businesses. Why is nobody talking about it?” A small-business advocate's efforts may soon become a law.
How to spread cheer to all Philadelphians in this time of joy, and need.
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
December 4, 2025 at 10:01 PM
How to spread cheer to all Philadelphians in this time of joy, and need.
Stuck on what to get your in-laws this holiday season? We've curated the perfect gift guide list that gives back to the community!
The 2025 Do Good Gift Guide
Just in time for Black Friday shopping, we present our annual roundup of great gifts that give back. Happy everything!
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 4, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Stuck on what to get your in-laws this holiday season? We've curated the perfect gift guide list that gives back to the community!
A local tech innovator and former refugee had no place to call home for 30 years. Here's how she suggests helping our immigrant neighbors.
Guest Commentary: I Was an Undocumented Immigrant …
A local tech innovator and former refugee had no place to call home for 30 years. Here’s how she suggests helping our undocumented immigrants
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 4, 2025 at 7:03 PM
A local tech innovator and former refugee had no place to call home for 30 years. Here's how she suggests helping our immigrant neighbors.
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
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.
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.
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 3, 2025 at 11:02 PM
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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/
https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/newsmatch-2025/
December 2, 2025 at 10:31 PM
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/
https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/newsmatch-2025/
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
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.
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
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.
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
Citizen Media Group CEO/President on why what we do matters now more than ever, and how you can keep us going.