A new audit from the Citizens Police Oversight Commission finds Philadelphia police officers aren’t always keeping their body worn cameras on during vehicle stops. The commission calls the finding a “major concern”.
Owner Gally Lee holds a fresh platter of peanut noodles with shrimp while preparing a takeout order at Lee’s Dumplings and Stuff on Sept. 18, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)
The leaves are falling, the cafes smell like pumpkin spice and the retail stores are selling Halloween merch. Autumn is in full swing. Here’s what’s going on this week, featuring a hat knitting workshop and a community kickback event.
Also, check out our Facebook and Instagram profiles to find anything that doesn’t make it in this newsletter this week.
Recent News
Most of Philly’s opioid settlement money to go to Riverview Wellness Village recovery housing facility
Philadelphia plans to spend nearly two-thirds of its opioid settlement funds — $167 million — on Riverview Wellness Village and related programs over the next five years, according to city data obtained by Kensington Voice through a right-to-know request.
Riverview is a long-term recovery housing facility that opened in January in Northeast Philadelphia for people who have completed at least 30 days of inpatient drug treatment.
Police often fail to keep body cameras on during Kensington stops, audit reveals
A Citizens Police Oversight Commission review of body-worn camera footage from the 24th police district shows that Philadelphia Police Department officers are consistently complying with some department directives and commonly ignoring others.
The audit, released today, analyzed a random sample of 119 recordings taken during 64 vehicle stops in January 2025.
The Small Business Storytelling Project is a collaborative initiative produced by Kensington Voice in partnership with the New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) and funded by LISC Philadelphia. The project aims to highlight and support local entrepreneurs and small businesses in Kensington through original reporting and photography.
Last week, we published a story about Lee’s Dumplings and Stuff, an Asian Fusion restaurant that combines traditional dishes with a twist. Check out this story and our other Small Business Spotlights here.
News Tips
Do you have a story idea or free activity we should share with our readers? Email editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
Want to write an op-ed? Hit up that same email with your ideas!
Free Activities & Events
Sep. 30
Hat making workshop at Richmond Library (2987 Almond St.) at 4 p.m. Attendees can learn how to make knitted hats for children and families in need. All supplies are provided.
Oct. 2
Small business Information session hosted by Finata from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit this link to register for this week’s session and future ones.
Oct. 3
“Oxford Soju Club” book launch event hosted by H&H Books at 2230 Frankford Ave. from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Author Jinwoo Park will do a Q&A with audience members for his debut novel, “Oxford Soju Club,” a thriller that examines the experience of immigrants in their adoptive countries and the challenges they face. Visit this link to register and learn more.
“Bouffon” performance hosted by Pig Iron Theatre Company at 1417 N. 2nd St. at 7:30 p.m. “Bouffon” is a performance that explores tragedy and the grotesque. It is intended for mature audiences. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Oct. 4
“¡Nuestra Comunidad No Se Vende!” film screening hosted by PhillyBoricuas and NKCDC at 3000 Kensington Ave. from 12 to 3 p.m. “¡Nuestra Comunidad No Se Vende!”, a film made by journalist Bianca Graulau, is about how Puerto Rican residents are resisting gentrification in the archipelago. This event is part of the NKCDC’s Kensington Engagement Center exhibit and People-First Housing Workshop series.
Community kickback hosted by HACE CDC at Jose Manuel Collazo Park (3200 N. Mascher St.) from 12 to 4 p.m. There will be music, raffles and more.
Weekly Events
Mondays and Fridays
Mothers Helping Mothers Women of Power Group supported by Mural Arts and NKCDCmeets at the CORE at Esperanza Health Center (3222 H Street)) from 12:30-2:30 p.m. to heal from trauma related to gun violence and overdose. Email Brenda Mosley at byfaithenternal@gmail.com to learn more.
Wednesdays
Free writing group hosted by new board game cafe BUBS at 102 W. Berks St. from 6 to 8 p.m. The writing group is for individuals who require a space to write without distractions. Attendees set a goal, focus for 45 minutes, and then engage in peer-to-peer conversation about their writing.
Thursdays
Teen mentorship program hosted by Timoteo Sports at The CORE (3222 H St.) from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The program is for teens ages 12 to 18 and provides participants with goal setting, character development and confidence building. Food will be provided. Visit this link to register your teen and learn more.
Monthly Community Meetings
East Kensington Neighbors Association meets every third Monday in person at the Philadelphia Brewing Co. (2440 Frankford Ave.) at 7 p.m. Contact info@ekna.org for more information.
Friends of McPherson meets every first Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at McPherson Square Library at 601 E. Indiana Ave. Contact chalmerst@freelibrary.org for more information.
Harrowgate Civic Association meets every first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Heitzman Recreation Center at 3631 Amber St. Contact harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com for more information.
Kensington Independent Civic Association (KICA) meets every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Harrowgate PAL Center at 851 E. Tioga St.
Port Richmond Neighborhood Action (PRNA) meets every third Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Block Church, 2537 E. Monmouth St. For more information, email portrichmondna@gmail.com. *There are no monthly PRNA meetings in January, November or December
Somerset Neighbors For Better Living meets every first Monday of the month (except holidays, when it meets the following Monday) online via Zoom. Contact phillysnbl@gmail.com.
South Port Richmond Civic Association meets every second Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Veteran Boxers Association Ring at 2733 E. Clearfield Street. Click here for more information.
Jobs
The Office of Human Resources is hiring for skilled trades jobs like plumbers and electricians. Visit this link to apply and learn more. The applications are open from now until October 12.
Khysir Carter is a multimedia journalist, writer, and editor from Kensington who covers community stories, builds local partnerships, and engages youth in finding their creative voice through writing and multimedia.
