Top 6 stories of the week in Northwest Philly

Here’s a look at what you may have missed this week:

1. Meet the ‘Yunker who ripped off the FBI and made history (without anyone knowing)

Long before Edward Snowden, a band of activists broke into an FBI office in suburban Philadelphia and took nearly everything inside. They later passed along the top-secret documents to reporters. Keith Forsyth, a Manayunk resident, was part of the caper. Check out Janis Chakars’ story to learn more.

2. Pa. Rep. J.P. Miranda, sister charged in alleged ghost-work plot

On Monday, a Philadelphia grand jury indicted the first-term lawmaker and his sister, charging the pair with conspiracy and perjury. Miranda, who represents East Falls and beyond, allegedly hired an auto mechanic to help funnel taxpayer dollars to his sister, Michelle Wilson. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details.

3. ZBA denies drive-thru at proposed Bunting House-site Wendy’s, appeal likely

A group of Roxborough residents were outraged when they learned that the historic property was not only being razed, but also that the fast-food franchise may take its place. At least some of that ire came from the idea of having a drive-thru on Ridge Avenue. On Tuesday, the ZBA sided with the community … and the developer. Check out Matthew Grady’s story for more details.

4. Kelly House cat hoarder appeals conviction, hearing scheduled

On Halloween, police and investigators with the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals pulled up to the childhood home of movie star Grace Kelly. A tip to the PSPCA’s animal-cruelty hotline led them to Marjorie Bamont’s allegedly flea- and feces-filled home in East Falls. The 82-year-old woman was later convicted of animal cruelty, but is now appealing. Check out Grady’s story for more details.

5. Grassroots effort looks to establish police mini-station in Germantown

Yvonne Haskins and Lisa Hopkins are tired of the crime they hear, see or read about in their swath of the neighborhood. Armed with a fighting spirit, they’re asking city officials to open a small station above a high-traffic train station. They say they’ve done everything else they can to help. Check out Moselle’s story to learn more.

6. One of the city’s last video-rental stores to close its Germantown Ave. doors

After more than two decades, Mt. Airy “institution” Video Library is shutting down. Owner David Fellner gave a couple of reasons why – one business-related and one personal. Check out Moselle’s story to learn more.