Top 7 stories of the week in NW Philly

Here at NewsWorks, we know busy schedules sometimes get in the way of staying up to date on the latest neighborhood news in Northwest Philadelphia. So, we decided to start a new Saturday series which sums up the top five stories of the week for this section of the city. Feel free to weigh in on any of the stories in the comment section below or suggest a follow up story for our reporters to tackle.

1. Students present plans to revamp Roxborough’s Gorgas Park

Landscape architecture students at Philadelphia University were recently tasked with re-imaging the outdoor space along Ridge Avenue. Check out Kristen Mosbrucker’s story to learn what they came up with and what community members thought of their designs.

2. St. Bridget alumna says school closure would put neighborhood demography ‘in jeopardy’

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The St. Bridget community is still pushing hard to keep their beloved East Falls school open next year. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to see what organizers told parents, parishioners and alumni as the clock to save the Midvale Avenue site continues to tick.

3. Twelve of 56 city schools in state achievement-test cheating probe are in the Northwest

Allegations of cheating on standardized tests continue to swirl around a number of public schools across the city. Check out Matthew Grady’s story to learn which schools in Northwest Philadelphia are under investigation.

4. Robots face off on the basketball court in Philadelphia

Students from across the country descended on Chestnut Hill last weekend for a unique robotics competition. Check out Kimberly Paynter’s video for a close-up look at how the local team fared.

5. Councilwoman Bass on the Voter ID bill: ‘ Let the lawsuits begin’

Philadelphia City Council passed a resolution this week in opposition to the state measure that requires voters to present a photo ID at the polls. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn what Councilmembers had to say now that the bill has become law.

6. Bail reduced to $750,000 and house arrest for ‘Black Madam’

Padge-Victoria Windslowe appeared in court this week for the first time since her late-February arrest in Germantown. Check out Brian Hickey’s story to learn what lawyers on both sides of the case had to say about the woman brought in for allegedly hosting a buttocks-enhancement “pumping party.”

7. 14th District Captain: Mt. Airy has more police presence not less

The head of the neighborhood’s Business Improvement District recently met with police after two bike cops were reassigned to Germantown. Check out Jana Shea’s story to learn what was gleaned from the conversation.

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