Top 5 stories of the week in NW Philly

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

1. Historical parallels to today’s education worries at Germantown’s Fourth of July celebration

When it comes to the historical significance of the Fourth of July, nobody beats Philadelphia. Germantown is among the reasons why. On Thursday, a number of residents took in the neighborhood’s historical sites, many of which have ties to that era. Check out Trenae McDuffie’s story to learn more.

2. A night with a 14th District lieutenant: Theft, gambling and the Craigslist homicide

Philadelphia’s 14th District is among the city’s largest and most violent. It’s also one of the most varied in terms of crimes committed. Matthew Grady recently rode around with one of the district’s lieutenant’s for a first-hand look at what can come up on any shift of week. Check out his story to learn more.

3. Dry-cleaner’s delivery-drone gimmick carries marketing clout

Harry Vartanian will soon launch an unusual dry-cleaning delivery method that will have pedestrians on Main Street looking skyward. He’s not sure yet if delivery by drone will catch on, but he and his friend are having a lot of fun testing it out. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details.

4. Phila U. cyclists complete Atlantic coast MS awareness ride

Maine to Florida via bike. That was the goal for a group of college students raising money for multiple-sclerosis. The young cyclists recently crossed the finish line. Carrie Hagen caught up with them to learn more about their successful, 2,000-mile-plus ride. Check out her story for more details.

5. ‘Garden Railway Circus Week’ at Morris Arboretum pays tribute to Philadelphia’s circus history

The history of the American circus is deeply rooted in trains. To that end, the Morris Arboretum has combined the two for a new exhibit that travels around the grounds its Chestnut Hill grounds. Check out Michelle Zei’s story to learn more.