Top 8 stories of the week in NW Philly

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

1. Tensions mount between Manayunk cheerleading academy and Baker St. neighbors who want noise toned down

Two couples are sick and tired of the noise that regularly flows out of a cheerleading academy that sits directly across the street. The business’ owner is weary of their related complaints and demands. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more about this ongoing struggle and if there’s any end in sight.

2. Motorcyclist killed in East Falls crash identified as Phila U. student Matthew Glass [Updated]

A Philadelphia University student was killed this week in a tragic motorcycle accident not far from campus on West School House Lane. The death is the second fatal accident in the area in the last year. Check out Megan Pinto’s story for more details.

3. New cheating concerns at Philly school met with ‘baffling’ response

In light of new cheating allegations at Wagner Middle School in West Oak Lane, the School District of Philadelphia responded in a way that some found troubling, including denying a request by an administrator for a full investigation. The administrator was later fired. Check out Benjamin Herold’s story to learn more details about the allegations, the District’s probe and the aftermath of it all.

4. U.S. Rep. candidate Robert Mansfield aims to break ‘the cycle of low expectations’

The Republican candidate has had a tough life and will likely have a tough time knocking off incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah in the Second Congressional District race. But motivated by a desire to help the district’s poorest residents, the hopeful from North Philadelphia is working hard to get his message out to constituents. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more.

5. Chestnut Hill Hospital staff celebrates completion of new emergency department

After two years of construction, the hospital’s new $40 million wing is ready to serve the community. Staff and elected officials celebrated the finished project during a ribbon-cutting ceremony that featured remarks and tours of the new facility which includes a new emergency room, intensive care unit and operating rooms. Check out Tyler Dougherty’s story for more details.

6. Archaeological dig planned for Germantown Potter’s Field site

The African-American burial ground was discovered as the Philadelphia Housing Authority moved towards demolishing one of its high-rise buildings. The exact boundaries of it are still unknown, prompting additional exploration of the area. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more about what’s planned.

7. Pleasant Playground to receive multi-million dollar upgrade

The recreation center in East Mt. Airy will finally be renovated after years of advocacy from the community and elected officials. The Boyer Street site will have a new recreation center and playground when the project is complete. Check out Matthew Grady’s story to learn more about a recent groundbreaking ceremony.

8. Status of Germantown Settlement probe questioned at corruption-hotline launch event

Local newspaperman and Second Congressional District candidate Jim Foster didn’t miss an opportunity this week to ask about an ongoing investigation into Germantown Settlement. Foster asked about the now bankrupt social service and housing agency, which mismanaged its vast real estate holdings with taxpayer dollars on the line, during a press conference about an anti-corruption hotline. Check out Brian Hickey’s story to learn more.