Top 5 stories of the week in NW Philly

Here’s a look at what you may have missed on NewsWorks this week:

1. Northwest Philadelphia reacts to Pope Francis being selected to lead Catholics worldwide

On Wednesday, white smoke finally rose from the Vatican’s chimney. Shortly thereafter, Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio emerged as the next pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Check out our story to learn what your neighbors think of Pope Francis I’s big appointment.

2. Safety takes top priority at Abbotsford ‘Candidates Night’

The public housing project near East Falls has been the site of three shootings in the past year. One, which occurred last week, was deadly. Against that backdrop, four residents made pitches Wednesday night to be the one to help make Abbotsford a safer place. Check out Ted Bordelon’s story to learn more about the event.

3. Green Soul to open second location at closing Jonathan Best site in Chestnut Hill

The gourmet grocer will wrap up its 30-year stint at the end of the month. Green Soul, a healthy soul-food restauarant with West Oak Lane roots, will rise in its place. The eatery’s owners already run a fine-dining operation in the neighborhood. Check out Kiera Smalls’ story for more details.

4. Greene Street Friends seventh graders sent off to Costa Rice with advice (and hugs)

For the past decade, the private school in Germantown has been sending students to Central America for a 10-day educational trip. On Tuesday, the entire school gathered for a send-off ceremony for the latest batch of travelers. Check out Olivia Jane Winters’ story to learn more about the event the unique advice imparted by past trip-goers.

5. Former Main St. Pottery Barn to become Harvest restaurant

Manayunk’s main commercial corridor will soon be adding another restaurant. Harvest, an “upscale, casual” eatery, has neighborhood support to move into the large Main Street space. Check out Matthew Grady’s story to learn more about the restaurant’s fourth location.