Top 8 stories of the week in NW Philly

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

1. Scenes from the voter ID protests in Harrisburg [Video]

The controversial measure’s constitutionality is currently being challenged in Commonwealth Court. A day before those proceedings kicked off, hundreds of people rallied outside of the State Capitol to rail on a law, they argue, will disenfranchise thousands. Many in the crowd were from Northwest Philadelphia. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details on the Tuesday afternoon event.

2. LaSalle instructor killed in West Virginia car crash wanted others to ‘dream big’

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

A beloved biology instructor died with three others on I-79 last weekend in a tragic car crash. Check out Meg Frankowski’s story to learn more about the accident and Steven Ranjo.

3. New restaurant planned for the former Wired Beans space in Mt. Airy

Jimmie Reed, co-owner of Little Jimmie’s Bakery Café, will soon open up a new food venture where the independent coffee house once stood. Check out Alan Tu’s story to learn more about the restaurant and what style cuisine Reed plans on serving.

4. Map and photos of Mt. Airy’s painted rain barrels

The Mt. Airy Business Improvement District recently secured 20 rain barrels from the Philadelphia Water Department as part of an effort to make Germantown Avenue more eco-friendly. A neighborhood-based arts nonprofit then went to work sprucing up the barrels. Check out Jana Shea’s story to learn where you can find the cylindrical works of art.

5. Attorney: East Germantown teen suspect didn’t open fire at Fourth of July event.

The 16-year-old who allegedly shot two other teens in Center City was scheduled to appear in Family Court this week. The preliminary hearing was rescheduled, but his lawyer did declare that his client was not the shooter in the Independence Day incident. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details.

6. Philadelphia architect Robert Venturi retires at age 87

The Manayunk-based architect behind some of the city’s most recognizable buildings called it quits this week after more than 50 years on the job. Check out Meg Frankowski’s story to learn more about the legend and what others had to say about him.

7. ‘Black Madam’ now faces third-degree murder charges in ‘pumping party’ death

District Attorney Seth Williams this week announced the charges in connection to the 2011 death of a young woman who died after Padge Victoria Windslowe allegedly injected silicone into her posterior. Windslowe was arrested in late February for allegedly performing a similar procedure inside a Germantown home. Check out Brian Hickey’s story for more details.

8. Manayunk’s new Bikram Yoga studio aims for Aug. 1 opening

Schuyler and Ammie Ferguson are gearing up to open a brand new yoga studio inside part of the former Propper Bros. furniture store building on Levering Street. Check out Amy Z. Quinn’s story to learn more about Bikram Yoga, the exercise and the business.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal