Top 5 stories to watch for in Northwest Philly

Here’s a look at what’s to come:

1. Ping pong enthusiasts and serious competitors descended on East Falls this weekend for the state’s table tennis state championships. It’s the second year the big competition was held in Philadelphia at the home of the Trolley Car Table Tennis Club. Check back next week for more details.

2. Some Germantown residents think that the neighborhood is slowly, but surely creeping towards becoming an in-demand swath of the city. That’s turned up the volume on long-standing whispers about gentrification and inspired Germantown United CDC to hold a Saturday forum on the touchy subject and what it might mean for the historic neighborhood down the line. Check back next week to learn more.

3. On May 20, democratic voters in Roxborough, Manayunk and East Falls will have a choice between incumbent state Rep. Pam DeLissio and newcomer David Henderson. The winner of the Pennsylvania Primary will take on Bill Pounds, who is trying to become the rare Republican who wins a Philadelphia seat in the state legislature. Check back next week for more details.

4. On Sept. 10, 2012, Atiya Perry was found dead inside a one-bedroom efficiency on the 800 block of E. Chelten Ave. in Germantown. Investigators believe that Perry, 24 and pregnant, had been fatally strangled during an argument earlier that day. Her boyfriend, Roysce Haynes, was later arrested and charged with murder. Haynes’ trial is scheduled to begin next week. Check back then to learn more.

5. On Feb. 29, 2012, Padge-Victoria Windslowe – better known as the ‘Black Madam’ – was arrested in a Germantown home where a buttocks-enhancement “pumping party” was allegedly occurring. Participants allegedly paid to have silicone injected into their rear ends. It was not the first time Windslowe had allegedly organized such a gathering. The ‘Black Madam’ will stand trial in early May. Check back next week for more details.