Looking back at 2025: A year in photos from Kensington
A year in photographs from the neighborhood, made close and over time.
Policing & Jails
Policing, courts and jails in Kensington, Philadelphia. Coverage of law enforcement, reentry programs, the justice system and how it affects the neighborhood.
Accountability
Experts cite ‘systemic’ lapses in Philly jail care as jury finds city liable in diabetes death
After a four-day trial in federal court, a jury found the city violated Louis Jung Jr.’s constitutional right to medical care while incarcerated and awarded the family $1.67 million in damages.
New nonprofit promises paid, yearslong mentors for kids in Kensington and North Philly
Friends of the Children offers families a commitment that the program will be there in a child’s life from kindergarten through high school graduation — “12+ no matter what,” they say.
Arts & Culture
Kensington voters trickle out for judges, SNAP cuts, and inspiration from the NYC mayoral election
Voters turned out with the hopes of retaining Pennsylvania's Supreme Court Justices, and some were inspired by New York’s history-making mayoral election.
Guides & Resources
Election 2025: What you need to know about your Election Day voting rights in Pennsylvania
Voting in Pennsylvania? Here’s everything you need to know about your rights.
Kids in Kensington
Fab Youth Philly gives teens first-time job experiences otherwise in short supply
Fab Youth Philly’s Play Captains program empowers Kensington teens by paying them to lead educational play for younger children and helping them build job skills for the future, despite challenges like neighborhood safety.
Guides & Resources
Housing workshops aim to empower Kensington owners and renters
A free series includes weekly workshops running through December 13th, covering a range of housing topics–from local organizing to statewide housing policy–focused on creating “affordable and accessible” housing. All workshops are held at the Kensington Engagement Center.
Community Life
What does the future hold for the next Latine generation in Philadelphia?
From South to North Philadelphia, resilient residents shared the hopes and fears of the Latine community. Their concerns range from gun violence and economic disparities to aspirations for education and the pursuit of a better future.
Accountability
New Kensington ‘fast-track court’ lands most with warrants, back into the cycle of addiction and homelessness
Kensington Voice collected and verified data on 87 people who were arrested during the first months of the program and tracked their journeys through the court. Most ended up with Wellness Court bench warrants after the city lost contact with them.
Neighborhood Voices
You can rise again: Recovery is possible for those who are ready
September was National Recovery Month. Luis Soto shares his journey to sobriety and how working with others has helped him heal.
Small Business
Neighborhood staple Martin's Deli serves up sandwiches and a little support
At Martin's Deli, staff maintains the community feel established by family owners who came before.
Immigration
Police often fail to keep body cameras on during Kensington stops, audit reveals
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”.
Accountability
Most of Philly’s opioid settlement money to go to Riverview Wellness Village recovery housing facility
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration plans to allocate more to Riverview than to all other opioid settlement money initiatives combined.
Housing & Shelter
A mother told us about her agonizing journey with Pa.'s mental health care system. What happened next?
The ongoing story of one mother's agonizing journey with Pa.'s mental health care system
Public Space
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.
Public Space
Philadelphia DA announces charges against man allegedly running Kensington drug trafficking ring
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
Outcry after ex-cop in Irizarry killing gets no additional prison time
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.
Housing & Shelter
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.
Accountability
City budget including housing plan, Kensington Wellness Court expansion, set for final passage
Funding is allocated to expand the administration’s Kensington Wellness Court pilot from one to five days a week.
Arts & Culture
Kensington committee members suggest “removing” people who use drugs, SEPTA pauses social service contracts
The Special Committee on Kensington, made up of council members Quetcy Lozada, Mark Squilla, Mike Driscoll, Nina Ahmad, Curtis Jones
Accountability
Eddie Irizarry supporters call for harsher consequences following verdict for Philly PD officer who killed him
Philadelphia Police Department officer Mark Dial, who shot and killed 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry during a traffic stop in Kensington in
Accountability
Pa. Senate bill to allow involuntary addiction treatment introduced at Philly mayor’s request
The bill would authorize police and crisis lines to initiate a 302 — an involuntary psychiatric hold of up to 120 hours for people considered a danger to themselves or others.
Accountability
As Kensington mobile service vote approaches, opponents warn ban adds barriers to lifesaving care
The bill, which would ban mobile services from most of the 7th District, is up for a final vote on Thursday.
Accountability
‘Kind of a heartbreaker’: Kensington gun violence prevention group takes funding hit following federal cuts
The national loss of funding for violence intervention programs will drastically impact local anti-violence initiatives and the communities they serve.