Top 4 stories to watch in NW Philly this week

Here’s a look at what’s to come this week:

1. Three candidates are competing to lead the country’s Second Congressional District, which includes parts of Roxborough, Mt. Airy and Germantown. Incumbent Democrat Chaka Fattah, who has held the post for nearly 20 years, is among them. NewsWorks caught up with the longtime lawmaker to get his thoughts on the upcoming election for a piece scheduled to post on Monday. If you haven’t already, check out our profiles on independent candidate Jim Foster and Republican candidate Robert Mansfield.

2. The second insallment of our web-based series ‘Street Level Conversations’ will roll out next week. With the Presidential Election quickly approaching, we asked Northwest Philadelphia residents to tell us what issues will be on their brain when they stare down at President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney’s names inside the voting booth.

3. State Rep. Cherelle Parker was arrested last April for allegedly driving drunk in Germantown. More than a year later, her case is still active after a judge reinstated charges that were dropped after a previous judge threw out all evidence connected to the proceedings. Check back this week to learn where the case stands. Most recently, Parker’s attorney appealed the decision to Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

4. A number of Halloween and fall-focused festivals are taking place this weekend in Northwest Philadelphia. The Pretzel Park Fall Fest in Manayunk will feature a costumed pet parade, pumpkin painting and a kids Halloween parade. A group of bike riders will pedal from Temple University to Laurel Hill near East Falls to promote sustainability. And Chestnut Hill will host Harry Potter Weekend. Check back next week for photos and stories on all three events.