Top 5 stories of the week in NW Philly

Here’s a lot at what you might have missed:

1. They learned how to eat fire, swallow swords and lie on beds of nails in Germantown

Classes teaching students how to use a trapeze and do other aerial maneuvers are the bread and butter of The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. But the Germantown outfit also offers residents a chance to walk on the wilder side of the circus spectrum. Check out Alaina Mabaso’s story for more details.

2. Residency issue settled, DeLissio and Henderson discuss looming state-rep primary

Democrats in Roxborough, Manayunk and East Falls will have a choice on May 20 when they head to the polls for the Pennsylvania primary. State Rep. Pam DeLissio is seeking her third term in office, while army-vet Dave Henderson is hoping to secure his first. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more.

3. Greene Street Friends works to unite congregation and extended school family

Students and faculty at the private Quaker school spend a morning each week in relative silence when they gather for meeting for worship. One Sunday a month, the members of the meeting house on the school’s Germantown grounds does the same. Greene Friends. The two groups never interact with one another. Greene Street’s principal wants to change that. Check out Queen Muse’s story for more details.

4. Chestnut Hill health care workers rally for better wages, benefits

On Wednesday, City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown joined more than a 100 members of a newly formed union under the SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania banner. Transporters, nurse aids, secretaries and others say they deserve better from the community hospital. Check out Neema Roshania’s story to learn more.

5. Culture Fund grants bolster Northwest Philly groups with day-to-day (and life-or-death) support

Arts and culture organizations in city’s Eighth Councilmatic District made a strong showing during the Philadelphia Cultural Fund’s annual awards ceremony. More than 30 groups were awarded a piece of a $1.63 million grant pie. Check out Alaina Mabaso’s story for more details.