Top 6 stories to watch for in Northwest Philly

Here’s a look at stories NewsWorks will cover in Northwest Philadelphia this upcoming week:

1. State Rep. J.P. Miranda is in deep water after investigators learned he was allegedly using a “ghost employee” to funnel taxpayer dollars to his sister, Michelle Williams. Williams and Miranda are both facing felony charges as a result. On Friday, the pair is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing. Check back then for more details.

2. Martin Luther King High School’s basketball team has a chance to make history on Sunday when they compete for the public-league title. If the Cougars win, MLK will be the city champs of basketball and football. It’d be the first time that’s happened at the West Oak Lane school in the same academic year. Check back Monday to learn more.

3. Southwest Germantown is the newest neighborhood to become part of the Philly Rising family. For nearly two years, residents have worked to strike a partnership with a program aimed at empowering residents and improving the neighborhood along the way. Check back next week for more details and to learn more about Thursday’s launch party.

4. Parking in East Falls has long been problematic for residents and visitors. In an effort to address that reality and discuss possible remedies, Fourth District City Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. has organized a summit with other city officials. His office hopes it’ll be the first of several conversations around the issue. Check back next week to learn more.

5. Next Saturday, residents will celebrate a made-over McDevitt Recreational Center in East Falls. After years of neglect, the neighborhood playground got a $300,000 face-lift thanks to Fourth District City Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. Check back next week for more details.

6. Lisa Miccolis is on a mission to help get jobs for foster youth in the city. Until recently, The Monkey & The Elephant, her nonprofit café, has run out a few bakeries. Miccolis now works out of the Transfer Station in Manayunk. Check back next week for more details.