Top 5 stories of the week in NW Philly

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

1.’We Could Be King’ documentary draws standing ovation for MLK High and $250K donation

Football players from archrival high schools must play on the same team after school district finances force it to downsize. The merged team goes on to win the school’s first-ever public-league title. Sounds like a Hollywood movie, right? Except it happened for real in Philadelphia. And it’s documented in a new film about Germantown High School students coming to Martin Luther King High School. Check out Brian Hickey’s story for more details.

2. State Rep. candidates face off at East Falls civic-group meeting

Democrats in Roxborough, Manayunk and East Falls will have a choice this May during the Pennsylvania Primary. State Rep. Pamela DeLissio is hoping for a third term in office, while army-vet Dave Henderson is aiming for his first. The two squared off this week during a candidates’ forum in East Falls. Check out Matthew Grady’s story to learn more.

3. Gentrification’s ‘winds of change’ the focus of weekend forum in Germantown

In Philadelphia, gentrification is typically a sticky subject. The folks over at Germantown United CDC know that, but decided that it’s also one that residents may find less foreboding if they knew more about it and how communities can manage it. To that end, the nonprofit organized a free, all-day forum dedicated to the topic. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details.

4. Community members imagine a different future for Gorgas Park

On Tuesday, students from Philadelphia University met with Roxborough residents to present and discuss their visions for the long-standing Ridge Avenue park. Ideas from the community-organized charrette may be incorporated into a long-term beautification project. Check out Emily Brooks’ story to learn more.

5. Historic sliver of Germantown Avenue now home to new yoga studio

Tracy McNeil recently opened Sandalwood Yoga inside a historic building on Germantown Avenue not far from the Grumbelthorpe site. At Sandalwood, McNeil hopes to provide a place that makes yoga accessible and affordable for everyone. Check out Queen Muse’s story for more details.