Top 5 stories to watch for in Northwest Philly

Here’s a look at what we’ll be covering in Northwest Philadelphia this week:

1. On Monday, state Rep. J.P. Miranda (D-197) and his sister were indicted on conspiracy and perjury charges. The first-year lawmaker allegedly hired a “ghost worker” to funnel taxpayer dollars to his sister, Michelle Wilson. The pair’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday. Check back then to learn more.

2. For the past two years, students at Henry Houston Elementary School in Mt. Airy have gone without a library. After the school’s librarian was laid off, the position wasn’t filled and the library was shut down. A local Town Watch group and others, however, have now banded together to change that. Check back next week for more details.

3. In 2011, Jimmie Reed opened a bakery inside a small, stone building along Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy. Residents soon embraced the sweets spot and the man behind it. Now, Reed is expanding. His latest venture will be in Germantown and feature an in-house coffee grinding operation. Check back next week to learn more.

4. On Wednesday, high school sports stars across the country will formally commit to competing on a college campus. In Northwest Philadelphia, National Signing Day will produce several proud moments for students at, among others, Martin Luther King High in West Oak Lane and Imhotep Institute Charter High School in East Germantown. Check back next week for more details.

5. In 2012, iMPeRFeCT Gallery opened on Greene Street in Germantown with “no money, no support, no backing.” Though it’s been a struggle, the gallery/community center is still standing thanks to the tireless efforts of its owners, Renny Moleenar and Rocio Cabello. The husband-and-wife duo recently sat down with WHYY’s Artblog to talk about the gallery, their journey from New York to Philadelphia, and the space’s latest exhibit. Check back next week to learn more.