Top 5 stories to watch in NW Philly

Here’s a look at what’s to come in Northwest Philadelphia this week:

1. U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.) coasted to a 10th term in Congress during November’s general election. On Monday, the veteran lawmaker will meet with reporters in Germantown to discuss his plans for the next two years. When NewsWorks spoke to Fattah following the election, he mentioned manufacturing, neuroscience, co-op and employee-owned businesses.

2. On Wednesday, high school football players from across the country will officially commit to the college or university for which they’ve chosen to compete. In Northwest Philadelphia, National Signing Day will be a particularly special moment for members of the Imhotep Institute Charter High School. The team, which battled for a state championship this season, has several players who are moving on to big-time collegiate programs.

3. Jef Lee Johnson was one of the most well-respected and revered guitar players in the industry, but never became a household name. The 53-year-old Germantown resident, who played with stars like McCoy Tyner and the Roots, died this week from complications of pneumonia and diabetes. Check back next week for a NewsWorks rememberance.

4. Just hours into 2013, Patrick Coyle was struck by a vehicle on City Avenue. The driver took off. The 50-year-old died from the injuries he sustained during the collision. Following the fatal hit-and-run, the Citizens Crime Commission offered up a $ 5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver. On Saturday, a fundraiser will be held to contribute to that reward.

5. On Saturday, Feb. 9, Manayunk on Ice will return to Main Street. The winter festival will feature several works by professional ice artists. The festival will also feature live ice sculpting demonstrations, giving participants a chance to see how a block of ice can be transformed into a work of art.