Top five stories of the week in NW Philly

Here at NewsWorks, we know busy schedules sometimes get in the way of staying up to date on the latest neighborhood news in Northwest Philadelphia. So, we decided to start a new Saturday series which sums up the top five stories of the week for this section of the city. Feel free to weigh in on any of the stories in the comment section below or suggest a follow up story for our reporters to tackle.  

 

1. St. Bridget parents, neighbors and alumni rally for neighborhood school

The St. Bridget community was hit hard by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s decision to move forward with its plan to close the East Falls elementary school.

Now, members are fighting back to save their beloved school. Check out Matt Grady’s story about Thursday’s rally to keep St. Bridget in the community.

 

2. Northwest Philly homeless-outreach groups react to City’s permit proposal

Feeding the homeless outdoors may soon require a permit and food safety training.

The city Board of Health proposal has triggered some controversy among organizations that hand out food to the hungry on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and elsewhere.

Read Aaron Moselle’s story to find out how officials with homeless outreach programs in Northwest Philadelphia feel about the plan.

 

3. Protesters target non-union workers at Chestnut Hill construction site

News that a daycare center was moving into Chestnut Hill’s premiere retail space did not garner an outpouring of excitement from residents. Union electricians in the city, apparently, are also less than enthused.

Check out Alan Tu’s story about IBEW Local 98’s mid-week protest in the neighborhood.

 

4. East Falls resident seeks support for neighborhood dog park

Why can’t dog-friendly East Falls have a dog park? It’s a question one resident has been digging into with support from her relatively new community.

Check out Matt Grady’s story on Kelly Grieco’s quest to have a place closer to home for her and fellow residents to take their canine companions.

 

5. Commonwealth: Despite federal judge’s recommendation, William Barnes should not be freed

The twisted saga of the “East Germantown Cowboy” continues.

A federal judge recently recommended that William Barnes – in prison on technical parole after a jury acquitted him of murdering a Philadelphia police officer – be freed.

Attorneys with the Commonwealth have now fired back with disapproval. Read Brian Hickey’s story to learn more about the newest wrinkle in the case.