CitizenCast

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....

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...

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