People, events and everyday life in Kensington, Philadelphia. Profiles of neighbors, local traditions and the organizations that bring the community together.
After an August 18 reopening, the library held a ribbon-cutting event to shed light on the building’s importance to the lives of the Port Richmond community.
Small Business
Lua Vietnamese Restaurant is a new addition to Kensington Avenue. Owner Jasmine Phan spent years delivering homemade meals before launching her first physical space.
Housing & Shelter
The ongoing story of one mother's agonizing journey with Pa.'s mental health care system
Community Life
Daisie Cardon'a performance 'Ashes and Iron' is part of the 2025 Philadelphia Fringe Festival and portrays both the struggle and resilience of Kensington.
Small Business
Longtime Kensington resident Ligia Rodriguez runs San Expedito Botánica — a neighborhood shop offering spiritual healing, warm meals and community care.
Arts & Culture
Organizers and community members marched from Huntingdon Station to Prevention Point Thursday in memory of those who have died from overdose. The annual event is part of International Overdose Awareness Day.
Small Business
Born and raised in Kensington, Austin Wright launched Ava’s Farm — a local produce market and nonprofit that offers free meals and youth programs to residents.
Community Life
City crews say they’re taking care to preserve trees during road repairs, but advocates argue that the canopy is still under threat.
Public Space
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.
Community Life
A Spotlight PA investigation found Pennsylvania politicians and local officials broke promises to replace institutionalized care with community options — despite knowing the devastating consequences.
Public Space
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.
Public Space
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is charging 35-year-old Edgardo Rivera with felony drug possession with intent to deliver, among other crimes – including 11 counts of misdemeanor weapons offense.
Immigration
A judge sentenced former Philadelphia Police Officer Mark Dial on Thursday to no further prison time after he was convicted of voluntary manslaughter for his role in the 2023 killing of Eddie “Junito” Irizarry Jr.
Arts & Culture
Closing the distance between families and their favorite books, The Simple Library gives kids and adults a place to relax and read without traveling too far.
Housing & Shelter
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.
Clean Streets
In Kensington, a neighborhood already grappling with public health challenges related to the decades-old open-air drug market and opioid crisis, residents say the AFSCME District Council 33 strike exposes longstanding problems including illegal dumping, homelessness and a lack of city support.
Arts & Culture
Kensington’s first Queer Circus brought neighbors together for a day of queer joy, performance, and self-expression to close out Pride month.
Arts & Culture
Puerto-Rico-born artist Paula Rivera Calderon creates the third Love Lot mural in dedication to Prevention Point, with the theme of reciprocation.
Health & Wellness
The budget – totaling about $13.4 billion across operating and capital expenses – invests in establishing a “wellness” system to address Kensington’s opioid crisis.
Immigration
PB&J’s Wednesday Leadership program incentivizes teens to build communication skills while cooking together.
Community Life
Cure Violence and Esperanza Health Center wrap up winter league with food, music, and a Peacemakers championship win.
Arts & Culture
Artists and neighbors unveil mural honoring Norris Square’s Caribbean roots.
Clean Streets
Community members lead a spring cleanup at Trenton and Auburn Playground, followed by a visit from Mayor Cherelle Parker in support of revitalization efforts.
Public Space
Rivera Recreation Center and Mann Older Adult Center celebrated their renovation and reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling the community-created mural “El Ritmo del Centro".
