Ximena Conde

3 days ago | inquirer.com | Ximena Conde

The morning after a powerful thunderstorm ripped through the Philadelphia region, felling trees on power lines, PECO had restored power to more than half of the 250,000 customers who’d lost it Thursday. Still, some customers won’t be getting their power back until well into the weekend, said utility spokesperson Tom Brubaker. “Unlike other storms, this one has impacted communities throughout our service territory, so it’s fairly widespread,” he said.

5 days ago | centredaily.com | Ximena Conde

Two major Venezuelan groups have withdrawn from participating in two of Philadelphia's Fourth of July events, citing immigration enforcement fears during the annual celebrations of American patriotism. "This is not a protest action, this is simply an action to safeguard our community and respect the genuine personal fear that they face," said Alex Moreno, executive director of Gente de Venezuela Philadelphia, which dropped out along with Casa de Venezuela.

6 days ago | inquirer.com | Ximena Conde

Two major Venezuelan groups have withdrawn from participating in two of Philadelphia’s July 4th events, citing immigration enforcement fears during the annual celebrations of American patriotism. “This is not a protest action, this is simply an action to safeguard our community and respect the genuine personal fear that they face,” said Alex Moreno, executive director of Gente de Venezuela Philadelphia, which dropped out along with Casa de Venezuela.

1 week ago | inquirer.com | Ximena Conde

The people behind a $250 million FDR Park renovation are aware of how unpopular the plan is among some Philadelphians. But they hope to build enthusiasm this weekend, even among skeptics, as they unveil a new park entrance. New seating, wayfinding signage, 12 bike rack slots, a flashy new “FDR” sign, updated grasses and plants, and misters are among the latest tweaks to the 348-acre park.

1 week ago | dailygazette.com | Ximena Conde

The Rev. Robin Hynicka, pastor of United Methodist Church, wants to know how committed Philadelphia officials are to undocumented immigrants. Hynicka and several prominent clergy, who see President Donald Trump’s immigration policies as cruel and antithetical to what their faiths dictate, were already worried City Hall was not forcefully speaking out against ICE activity in the city, even as immigrant communities remain on edge amid a surge in rumored and actual arrests.