Opinion | Ending drug tourism in Kensington starts with calling the drugs what they are: poison
Real progress starts with branding Kensington’s drug supply for what it is: a source of brutal withdrawal and suffering.
Board of health delays vote on Kensington mobile service rules amid legal, equity concerns
The Philadelphia Board of Health postponed a vote on Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s mobile service regulations, citing legal, policy and equity concerns about a district-specific law affecting Kensington.
A first look at McPherson Square renovation plans, city to continue gathering input
After seeing the redesign plans for McPherson Square Park and Library, residents asked for more shade, and requested the library stay open during construction.
McPherson Square Library to remain closed, with virtual Rebuild community engagement meeting scheduled
McPherson Square Library, which has been closed since June 21st due to a broken air conditioning system, may reopen by next Tuesday in time for a meeting with the City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild program.
Latest city opioid prevention program awards funds to select Kensington groups, leaves some past grantees out
A new batch of organizations will receive $2.2 million in grants from the city’s 2025 Opioid Prevention and Community Healing Fund (OPCH), after what some groups called delayed and unclear communication.
Kensington News, Events, & Resources, Every Monday Morning
Stay informed with community-driven reporting, local events, and neighborhood updates — every week, free to your inbox.
Latest Stories
Opinion | Ending drug tourism in Kensington starts with calling the drugs what they are: poison
Real progress starts with branding Kensington’s drug supply for what it is: a source of brutal withdrawal and suffering.
Board of health delays vote on Kensington mobile service rules amid legal, equity concerns
The Philadelphia Board of Health postponed a vote on Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s mobile service regulations, citing legal, policy and equity concerns about a district-specific law affecting Kensington.
A first look at McPherson Square renovation plans, city to continue gathering input
After seeing the redesign plans for McPherson Square Park and Library, residents asked for more shade, and requested the library stay open during construction.
McPherson Square Library to remain closed, with virtual Rebuild community engagement meeting scheduled
McPherson Square Library, which has been closed since June 21st due to a broken air conditioning system, may reopen by next Tuesday in time for a meeting with the City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild program.
Norris Square Resource List: Where to find jobs, health, housing support
The Norris Square Neighborhood Profile, released in July, explored rising housing costs and other shifts in the neighborhood. This resource list points residents to support.
Latest city opioid prevention program awards funds to select Kensington groups, leaves some past grantees out
A new batch of organizations will receive $2.2 million in grants from the city’s 2025 Opioid Prevention and Community Healing Fund (OPCH), after what some groups called delayed and unclear communication.
A mother's fight to save her son shows the tragic consequences of Pa.'s failure to build a better mental health system
A Spotlight PA investigation found Pennsylvania politicians and local officials broke promises to replace institutionalized care with community options — despite knowing the devastating consequences.
New outdoor art installation brings hope, healing for families of gun violence victims
A new public art installation “A Better World Is Possible," repurposes firearms and aims to foster resilience and healing for Kensington residents impacted by gun violence.
Weekly Newsletter
Kensington news: More back-to-school events, business loan workshop and more.
Hi there, neighbors. We’re about a week away from the start of the school season for some students. We’
Kensington news: backpack giveaways, a water gun fight and more
Backpack season is underway! We’ve got lots of places for you to scoop up new school supplies before classes start – plus a few opportunities to get wet and cool off on hot days.
Kensington news: Back-to-school events, Rock the Block annual block party and more
Happy August, neighbors. There’s a lot of fun to be had on the first full week of the month.
Kensington news: Free Hepatitis-C Testing, wellness resource fair and more
Hi there, neighbors. We’ve got a lighter list of events for you this time around, but no shortage of
Accountability
Board of health delays vote on Kensington mobile service rules amid legal, equity concerns
The Philadelphia Board of Health postponed a vote on Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s mobile service regulations, citing legal, policy and equity concerns about a district-specific law affecting Kensington.
A first look at McPherson Square renovation plans, city to continue gathering input
After seeing the redesign plans for McPherson Square Park and Library, residents asked for more shade, and requested the library stay open during construction.
Latest city opioid prevention program awards funds to select Kensington groups, leaves some past grantees out
A new batch of organizations will receive $2.2 million in grants from the city’s 2025 Opioid Prevention and Community Healing Fund (OPCH), after what some groups called delayed and unclear communication.
Mobile services ban enforcement delayed, city still creating permit process
Council member Quetcy Lozada’s bill that bans mobile service units from most of Kensington’s 7th District will not take effect on the expected date — Sunday, July 27.
Community
Rising costs threaten Latino cultural fabric in Norris Square, new community survey finds
The 2025 Norris Square Neighborhood Profile sought to capture information on the area’s population, quality of life, and economic status and spark dialogue among community leaders and residents.
Local artist creates new mural at the Love Lot: “Reciprosity is a mutual exchange”
Puerto-Rico-born artist Paula Rivera Calderon creates the third Love Lot mural in dedication to Prevention Point, with the theme of reciprocation.
Creating Sanctuary: Kensington cooking and leadership program lowers stress, opens doors for teens
PB&J’s Wednesday Leadership program incentivizes teens to build communication skills while cooking together.
Photos of Kensington: Peacemakers Win Cure Violence Basketball Championship
Cure Violence and Esperanza Health Center wrap up winter league with food, music, and a Peacemakers championship win.
Solutions
Creating Sanctuary: Kensington cooking and leadership program lowers stress, opens doors for teens
PB&J’s Wednesday Leadership program incentivizes teens to build communication skills while cooking together.
Community gardens build neighborhood connections. So why is it so hard to acquire land?
Access to green spaces have been shown to improve mental health and decrease neighborhood violence.
Washington state has one-stop shops for addiction care and recovery. Could they work in Kensington?
The “health hub” model creates locations where anyone, regardless of insurance status, can walk in and access primary care, infectious disease care, mental health assessments and opioid use disorder treatments such as methadone and buprenorphine.
‘Bring them to Ride Free’: Kensington nonprofit says Philly leaders should look to former drug dealers to address open-air sales
Engaging with people who deal drugs is key to breaking up Kensington’s open-air drug market, but city leaders have overlooked this population while creating new law enforcement strategies for the neighborhood, says Ride Free.
Voices
Opinion | Ending drug tourism in Kensington starts with calling the drugs what they are: poison
Real progress starts with branding Kensington’s drug supply for what it is: a source of brutal withdrawal and suffering.
Kensington teen shares poem 'Forgotten Nature' about the Earth and the environment
We never seem to look at the sun and how it illuminates the Earth and creates different hues of colors depending on the place.
'Coming to the United States changed me': KCAPA highschooler reflects on growth and future
Editor’s note: This essay was submitted by a student at Kensington Creative and Performing Arts High School through a
Mastbaum High School student shares poem ‘Dream Mom’
Editor’s note: This poem was submitted by a student at Jules E. Mastbaum High School through a community partnership
Our journalists
