Top 6 stories of the week in NW Philly

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

1. Councilman Jones laughs, claps and reacts to debate with constituents at Manayunk watch party

The first of three Presidential debates unfolded in Denver on Wednesday night. Among many watch parties organized across the city was one organized by Fourth District City Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. Check out Francis Hilario and Hope Janelle Berninghausen’s story to see what Jones and residents thought of the faceoff between President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Also be sure to check out what happened at a similar event held at a restuarant in West Oak Lane.

2. Discussing guns, violence and gun violence in Northwest Philadelphia

NewsWorks introduced a new series this week that we’re calling Street-Level Conversations. The discussion-based, civic-engagement project is based in Northwest Philadelphia. For its inaugural edition, correspondent Meg Frankowski and videographer Kimberly Paynter hit the streets to talk with residents about gun violence.

3. Courtroom outburst leads to further delay in SEPTA-bus assault case

NewsWorks‘ freelance photographer Bas Slabbers was allegedly assaulted on a Route 23 bus in late May. Cassie Darby, his alleged attacker, appeared in court this week for the case’s second trial date. The proceedings, though, never got underway. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more.

4. Ramsey: ‘Difficult to justify the actions’ in Josey viral video

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey stopped by the 14th District in Germantown this week to field questions from reporters about the fate of Lt. Jonathan Josey, who was videotaped punching a woman in the face twice before arresting her after this year’s Puerto Rican Day Parade. Check out Brian Hickey’s story to learn more about the visit.

5. Defense attorney: Collision that killed Philly police officer ‘a scenario of chicken

In July, Officer Marc Brady was fatally struck by a car while riding his bike in East Mount Airy. Kareem Alleyne, the alleged doer, appeared in Municipal Court this week to see if he would stand trial. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more about Tuesday’s proceedings.

6. A major transformation for Mt. Airy Transit Village Plan

A revitalization effort aimed at an area along the border of East Mount Airy and Germantown has been discussed for the last seven years. While it’s not off the table, its scope has changed considerably. Check out Amy Z. Quinn’s story to learn more about that and other projects in pipeline for Mount Airy USA, the commercial development corporation behind the Transit Village initiative.