Public Space
‘Basketball is the medium’: Kensington nonprofits launch free league to prevent violence among young men
The basketball league teaches men about teamwork while also helping them improve their game, coaches and players say.
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
City Council presses for data on Kensington Wellness Court, city leaves key questions unanswered
Public Space
Accountability
Mayor Parker spotlights Kensington, proposes major police spending, Riverview recovery house expansion in budget address
Parker’s spending plan includes $216 million over five years on the “wellness ecosystem,” mostly for the Riverview Wellness Village, a 336-bed recovery housing facility for people who have completed between 30 and 90 days of substance use treatment.
Accountability
Kensington committee scrutinizes cost, impact of Philly’s diversion programs at City Council hearing
The committee wanted to know three things: how the city-funded programs are spending their money, how effective those programs have been, and whether they need to change.
Accountability
Empathy, common concerns break through tensions over Kensington mobile services ban bill
While there was some tension, there were also moments of empathy, vulnerability, and shared struggle. The conversation was not black and white, with many landing somewhere in the middle.
Schools & Education
Estudiantes y padres expresan ansiedad por posibles redadas de ICE en Kensington
La eliminación de protecciones para las escuelas frente a las autoridades migratorias por parte de la administración de Trump ha generado temores entre educadores en toda la ciudad.
Community Life
Students, parents express anxiety over potential ICE arrests in Kensington
Although no ICE arrests have occurred at Kensington schools, the Trump administration’s decision to revoke school protections from immigration enforcement has stoked fears among students and parents.
Accountability
Six more arrested through Kensington “wellness court,” judge issues warrants for two who left treatment
The city’s new Kensington “wellness court” has led to nine arrests since its launch last week, but questions about its effectiveness remain as two participants left treatment and outreach workers are now searching for them.
Accountability
Three arrested during Kensington “wellness court” launch; two diverted to treatment, one jailed
The fast-track court initiative targets people who use drugs by arresting them for summary offenses.
Accountability
Philly launches Kensington “wellness court,” summary offense arrests to begin Wednesday
Mayor Cherelle Parker signed an executive order Tuesday allowing police to take people into custody for certain summary offenses that were decriminalized under former Mayor Jim Kenney.
Accountability
Why gun violence dropped in Philadelphia last year — and what happens next
Why Gun Violence Dropped in Philadelphia Last Year — And What Happens Next
Accountability
Mayor Parker announces new addiction aftercare center, hundreds of recovery home beds for people completing treatment
The multiphase plan for opening Riverview will begin by offering 336 beds for people leaving short-term inpatient treatment programs.
Accountability
Kensington “wellness court” to launch in coming weeks, will offer treatment or criminal consequences
Those arrested will face same-day adjudication and be given a choice between entering a drug treatment program or facing criminal penalties.
Accountability
Family of Fishtown man who died in police custody after Kensington arrest demands answers from City Council
As of Dec. 19, Joey Gabor's family said the city has shared little information about his death.
Accountability
Philly correctional officers arrested for selling cell phones, Suboxone inside Curran-Fromhold jail
The arrests come as Philadelphia jails face increased scrutiny over staffing shortages, healthcare delays, and unsafe conditions.
Accountability
Lifelong Fishtown resident dies in police custody after Kensington narcotics arrest, family wants answers
This marks at least the second death this year of a person arrested for drug possession in Kensington and held in a Philadelphia jail.
Arts & Culture
How this North Philly nonprofit is using collaboration to uplift youth through free music, mentorship
Through non-profit organizations Rock to the Future and As I Plant This Seed, youth build production skills and community.
Accountability
As Kensington narcotics arrests increase, residents wonder “who the hell is engaging them?”
Residents are questioning whether the increased enforcement has improved quality of life in their neighborhood.
Accountability
Walking buses, a playground, a bullet-resistant fence: How Kensington schools are using opioid settlement funds
Educators hope money from a legal settlement will provide students and families more support and opportunities.
Accountability
Philly police, former Kensington cop sued over sex abuse, imprisonment of girls ages 9 and 11
The civil suit, filed Wednesday, claims the city’s “blatant, conscious, and reckless disregard for the safety of the public” allowed Heron to harm the two plaintiffs, identified as Jane Doe and Jane Smith, as well as dozens of other women and girls.
Community Life
On Election Day, Port Richmond sees multigenerational voters, police visit
Voters arrived at the Tomaszewski Funeral Home in Port Richmond with concerns about various issues Tuesday morning, including public safety, immigration, and health care.
Accountability
Philly police to launch drone program in Kensington, cameras to fly beyond line of sight
The drones will respond to 911 calls and can arrive at a scene faster to give officers perspective, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
Accountability
Philly family sues city for wrongful death, medical neglect inside prison after Diabetic Ketoacidosis death
Louis Jung Jr. died after he was allegedly denied insulin inside a Philly prison. His family claims the city and its prison healthcare company showed “deliberate indifference” to his need for emergency medical care.
Accountability
City Council members push for prison oversight committee, housing-centered solutions to homelessness, addiction
The Office of Prison Oversight would amend Philadelphia’s Home Rule Charter, which is like the city’s constitution.