Top 6 stories of the week in Northwest Philly

Here’s a look at the stories you may have missed this week in Northwest Philadelphia:

1. Judge drops assisted-suicide charge filed against Roxborough nurse

Roxborough resident Barbara Mancini was charged last summer with giving her father enough morphine to help him end his life. On Tuesday, a judge dropped the felony charge. The next day, the veteran nurse spoke with reporters inside her living home. Needless to say, she’s pleased with the ruling. Check out Neema Roshania’s story for more details.

2. Farah Jimenez talks school funding, teacher contracts and appointment to SRC

Before becoming CEO of the People’s Emergency Center in West Philadelphia, Farah Jimenez spent a number of years working to improve Mt. Airy as executive director of Mt. Airy USA, a community development corporation. Now, she’ll sit on the city’s School Reform Commission as the body continues its efforts to help move the School District of Philadelphia to a better place. Check out Kevin McCorry’s interview with Jimenez to learn more.

3. Rev. Dr. Nancy E. Muth retires as First Presbyterian Church of Germantown senior minister

In early January, Muth decided to step down from the post she’s held for more than a decade. The congregation was understandably upset by the decision. During her tenure, Muth has not only led First Presbyterian congregants, but helped transform the church into a hub of civic dialogue and social action. Check out Carrie Hagen’s story for more details.

4. Repair work and fiscal recovery continues one month after Bakers Centre water-main break

Businesses inside the brand-new shopping center are still reeling weeks after a massive water main unexpectedly burst beneath the parking lot. The gaping crater left behind is still around as water department officials continue to investigate the rupture. It’s unclear when the massive hole will be sealed. Check out Alan Jaffe’s story to learn more.

5. IBEW protests use of non-union workers at Weinstein project in Germantown

Developer Ken Weinstein has dealt with union protesters before, but said he’s never understood why. The way he sees it, his projects are community builders and, ultimately, he can hire whomever he wants to help him complete them. The city’s electrician’s union, on the other hand, thinks Weinstein’s decision only “helps destroy” wages and benefits for Philadelphians. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details.

6. Friends of Vernon Park win community greening award

On Monday, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society honored the tireless volunteer group for its work installing a rain garden inside the Germantown park. Friends of Vernon Park has also received a new sign from the National Wildlife Federation that states that the park is Certified Wildlife Habitat. Check out Alaina Mabaso’s story to learn more.