Top 5 stories of the week in NW Philly

Here’s what you may have missed in Northwest Philadelphia this week. 

1. ‘Black Madam’ held for trial on murder charge in botched buttocks-enhancement procedure

Padge Victoria Windslowe appeared in Philadelphia Municipal Court this week for her preliminary hearing. The 40-year-old is facing murder charges in connection to the death of a young Londoner who Windslowe allegedly injected with silicone. She was arrested earlier this year after she allegedly held a “pumping party” in Germantown. Check out Yasmein James’ story to learn more about the case and what Windslowe’s lawyer had to say about Wednesday’s ruling.

2. Jim Foster hopes ‘anyone but Fattah’ dynamic helps him win longshot bid for Congress

For nearly 20 years, U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah has lead the nation’s 2nd Congressional District. Jim Foster, a semi-perrenial candidate and newspaperman, wants to change that and bring the district, which includes parts of Germantown, Roxborough and Mount Airy, a fresh face. Check out Brian Hickey’s story to learn more about Foster’s general election push.

3. History unraveling as Wayne Junction silk yarn mill comes down

Demolition crews are in the process of tearing down the 50,000 square-foot building on Wayne Avenue. The property dates back to the late 1920s, when the area was filled with mills, factories and technology companies. Check out Amy Z. Quinn’s story to learn why the Van Straaten and Harvey silk mill building’s time is nearly up.

4. The Simons of Roxborough: For two lifelong Democrats, politics is a cherished ‘indoor sport’

Don and Susan have always had a passion for politics and, in particular, the right to vote. With less than a month to go before the Presidential Election, Megan Pinto sat down with the Roxborough couple to get their take on, among other things, this year’s contest and the state’s voter ID saga. Be sure to also check out Jana Shea’s interview with a Mount Airy couple and Holly Otterbein’s interview with an East Falls family who share the Simons’ enthusiasm for political discourse. 

5. Henry Got Crops! program yields White House award for Saul High teacher

Jessica McAtamney’s efforts in establishing a community supported agriculture program at the Roxborough-based high school are well-known throughout the city. The White House now knows about them too. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more about McAtamney’s national recognition.