Top 5 stories of the week in Northwest Philadelphia

Here’s a look at what you might have missed this week:

1. Neighbor: Explosions heard often at Germantown home where alleged bombmaker blew fingers off

Queen Lane resident Douglas Ferrin is no stranger to explosives. In 2011, he pleaded guilty to igniting a stick of dynamite inside the bathroom of a Phoenixville restaurant. On Wednesday morning, the 54-year-old lost part of his right hand after an M-80 went off. He’s now expected to face criminal charges. Check out Brian Hickey’s story to learn more.

2. Weinstein ‘seriously interested’ in bidding on GHS, Fulton properties

Staring down another financial crisis, the Philadelphia School District announced this week that 20 closed properties are now for sale. Two of them are across the street from one another in Germantown and have drawn the attention of a noteworthy developer. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details and Brian Hickey’s story for more info on this week’s big announcement.

3. Following a year of growing pains, Germantown elementary school looks forward

Last school year, Roosevelt Elementary had roughly 300 seventh and eighth graders. Now a K-8 elementary, the student population has more than doubled. It’s part of the reason why the Germantown school has struggled in the school culture department. Staffers are hoping a new program will help turn things around. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more.

4. Lone Republican candidate for 194th District state Rep. seat outlines campaign

Bill Pounds knows he’ll face an uphill battle this November when he takes on the district’s Democratic nominee but the Manayunk resident still sees sense in trying. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details.

5. New date set for ‘Black Madam’ third-degree murder trial

Padge-Victoria Windslowe was scheduled this week to stand trial on charges that a 20-year-old woman died after silicone was voluntarily injected into her rear-end. The proceedings are now scheduled to start in 2015. Windslowe was arrested at a 2012 “pumping party” in Germantown. Check out Brian Hickey’s story to learn more.