Arts & Culture
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.
Schools & Education
School news in Kensington, Philadelphia — K-12 schools, the school district, libraries, graduation and the issues that affect students and families.
Neighborhood Voices
Motherhood in Philadelphia, a decision without public guarantees
Families in Philadelphia who decide to have children have something in common. They must choose whether to support their baby or find the money to support its growth. The strategies are up to them because their situation is not a public priority.
Arts & Culture
Accountability
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.
Public Space
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.
Kids in Kensington
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.
Arts & Culture
New library opens in Kensington: 'You can never have too many books'
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
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.
Arts & Culture
A queer circus comes to Kensington
Kensington’s first Queer Circus brought neighbors together for a day of queer joy, performance, and self-expression to close out Pride month.
Accountability
Amid praise and pushback, Philly mayor signs bill restricting Kensington mobile services
The bill imposes strict permitting, time, and location limits on medical providers offering wound care and addiction treatment as well as any organization offering basic necessities like food, water, and clothes.
Immigration
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.
Accountability
Mobile units banned from most of 7th District after testimony from Kensington kids: “They shouldn’t be rotting in the streets”
Students from Gloria Casarez Elementary School in Kensington lined up to testify in support of the legislation, carrying handmade signs that read: “No needles,” “Don’t sell drugs,” “I just want to be a kid,” “We want to be able to play outside,” and “I want to feel safe.”
Accountability
City Council advances bill banning mobile services providers from most of Kensington and 7th District
The amendments, approved in a 12-3 vote, would require mobile providers to obtain permits while also imposing strict location and time limits on their operations.
Kids in Kensington
Philly teens are building foundations for the future through this free Kensington carpentry program
The Building a Brighter Future through the Art of Construction program draws young people from across the city.
Clean Streets
Here's how East Kensington's Arcadia Commons came together to protect vacant lots that were being stewarded by the community
An abandoned lot in East Kensington sparked a community-led movement to reclaim green space.
Kids in Kensington
Preserving Puerto Rican culture: Los Bomberos de la Calle bomba and plena group finds a new home in Kensington
Los Bomberos de la Calle’s new center in North Philly serves as a cultural hub, where bomba and plena rhythms unite the community and teach the next generation.
Public Space
Eagles pride in Kensington: McPherson Square Library hosts party ahead of Super Bowl Sunday
Kensington residents gather at McPherson Library for an early celebration to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
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.
Community Life
Puertorriqueños de Filadelfia luchan contra la desigualdad histórica en los servicios de salud
Por más de 80 años, expertos en salud, académicos y líderes comunitarios han enfatizado la necesidad de mejorar el acceso a médicos y centros de salud para los boricuas en Filadelfia.
Arts & Culture
NKCDC opens new community engagement center on Kensington Avenue
The Kensington Engagement Center is a hub for community connection and better resource access as part of the organization’s “Co-Creating Kensington” process.
Community Life
Autobuses a pie, un parque infantil, una verja a prueba de balas: Cómo las escuelas usan fondos del acuerdo por opioides
La crisis que enfrentan las escuelas del vecindario y que intentan corregir está traumatizando a los estudiantes.
Clean Streets
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.
Arts & Culture
Kensington’s 2024 holiday gift guide: Toy giveaways, gourmet gifts, and last-minute local finds
This year’s gift guide features a mix of new and returning businesses, plus local toy drives and organizations you can support this season.
Accountability
Opponents tell Mayor Parker 76ers arena will destabilize Chinatown like Kensington: “I’ve seen it in my community”
The $1.3 billion proposal, which would move the team from South Philadelphia’s Stadium District to Center City, is scheduled for a third City Council committee vote on Wednesday afternoon.