World

Training for WrestleMania; Parker school board appointments; SEPTA stabbing arrest

ADMIN 04/04/2024

Future WrestleMania headliners could be training in Philadelphia

Philly will be a hotbed of wrestling this week leading up to two nights of WrestleMania at the Linc.

Our area has a long and rich history with the sport that intertwines athleticism and showmanship. WHYY’s Cory Sharber got a look at the people training to make it to the big stage at wrestling schools, where hopefuls learn to safely create magical moments in the ring. Continue reading…

Wrestler Christian Darling smiles while upside down in the ring at Monster Factory in Paulsboro, N.J. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

Eagles again pair arts and sports: for a cause

The Eagles are bringing together two of the city’s biggest loves — sports and art — to take action for autism.

BP’s Nick Kariuki talked to some of the 35 artists behind the “Green is the Heart Inspired” exhibit that opens next week, highlighting the team’s relationship with Philly. The exhibition and auction will benefit the Eagles Autism Foundation. Continue reading…

An oil painting of Jason Kelce, titled “Greatest,” by Maria Teicher will be on display and auction at Arch Enemy Arts, with the money going to the Eagles Autism Foundation. (Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Deja vu hits Philly drivers as PennDOT shuts I-95 northbound for several days after an oversized truck hit a train overpass near the Betsy Ross Bridge. [BP]

• Mayor Parker nominated nine members to the Philadelphia Board of Education, five of them new and two with strong ties to charter schools. [Chalkbeat]

• Antisemitic vandalism has “no place” in Pennsylvania, said Gov. Josh Shapiro after a Wynnewood synagogue was spray-painted with a red swastika Saturday night. [The Hill]

• A man accused of a fatal stabbing at SEPTA’s Somerset station Monday morning is now in police custody. [WHYY via 6ABC]

• Kensington’s existing police-assisted diversion program is looking to expand, even as the mayor seeks to increase police presence and enact a new public safety strategy in the neighborhood. [Kensington Voice]

• WrestleMania’s marketing campaign kicks (or punches or slams?) into high gear ahead of this weekend’s two-day event at the Linc. [WHYY]

• It’s time to re-focus on those “no parking” signs related to street sweeping. Sweeping season is back in session.

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker nominated nine candidates for Board of Education Monday including Sarah-Ashley Andrews, Crystal Cubbage, Cheryl Harper, Whitney Jones, ChauWing Lam, Wanda Novales, Joan Stern, Reginald Streater, and Joyce Wilkerson.

Parker also appointed Melissa Scott to be the city’s Chief Information Officer.

ON THE CALENDAR

🐾 Four talented rescue cats Dorito, Pocket, Frankie and Acheron are having their art exhibit launch alongside fellow local artists at the Plays & Players theater. Donations encouraged. (7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 3)

😋 The intersection of food, community, and identity are explored in a new Free Library Special Collections exhibit, “We Are What We Eat.” Free. (Through Aug. 31)

🍽️ Weigh in on the future of streeteries at CM Rue Landau’s public hearing at City Hall. Last month, Landau told Billy Penn she wanted the hearings to ascertain “what’s working, and what needs to be changed.” (10 a.m. Friday, April 5)

☕ There’s still time to sign up for the hottest run in Philly, the Hot Chocolate Run. Virtual runners are also welcome and receive a goodie bag and medal. Entrance is $59-79. (11 a.m. Expo Friday, April 5; Run: 7:15 a.m. Saturday, April 6)