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  • New Jersey’s new minimum wage will be more than double Pennsylvania’s

    New Jersey’s new minimum wage will be more than double Pennsylvania’s

    New Jersey’s minimum wage will increase on Thursday.

    The new rate of $15.92 an hour is a $0.43 increase from the previous standard, which was set in 2025.

    “Eight years ago, Governor Murphy pledged a stronger, fairer economy, and we’re delivering on this commitment by raising New Jersey’s minimum wage again,” Robert Asaro-Angelo, commissioner of the state’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development, said in October. “This increase will provide vital support to all Garden State workers by making the dream of a livable wage reality.”

    New Jersey is among 19 states that will set new minimum wages Jan. 1, because of scheduled increases or adjustments for inflation.

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    In 2019, New Jersey lawmakers passed legislation to increase the standard to $15 by 2024, joining California, Massachusetts, New York, and the District of Columbia which were also progressively introducing the new standard. At the time, the minimum wage in New Jersey was $8.85 per hour.

    A single adult without a child needs to make $26.20 per hour in New Jersey to afford their basic needs as of February 2025, according to a living wage calculator developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    Agricultural workers in New Jersey have a separate wage standard and will see an increase from $13.40 to $14.20 in January.

    For tipped workers, the minimum hourly wage will increase from $5.62 to $6.05. But when combined with their tips, these workers should have a total hourly wage of at least $15.92.

    Employees at seasonal and small businesses will see wages rise from $14.53 to $15.23. The state has a different scale for these employers to lessen the impact of the raises.

    What’s the minimum wage in Pennsylvania?

    Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has gone unchanged since 2009, despite efforts to increase it. The federal minimum wage was last increased in 2009 to $7.25.

    In Pennsylvania, a single adult without a child needs to make $22.91 per hour to afford their basic needs, according to the MIT calculator.

    As of July, other states following the federal minimum wage were: Idaho, Utah, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, North Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and New Hampshire.

    Advocates have also sought legislation to allow Philadelphia to set its own minimum wage separate from the state’s. That’s currently prohibited by law.

    Gov. Josh Shapiro has supported raising the minimum wage in Pennsylvania, and Rep. G. Roni Green (D., Philadelphia) and Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D., Philadelphia) introduced state legislation this year to raise the minimum wage. Both bills were referred to legislative committees in April.

  • Recycle your Christmas tree into goat food or wood chips for playgrounds at these local orgs

    Recycle your Christmas tree into goat food or wood chips for playgrounds at these local orgs

    Your once-glorious live Christmas tree is likely starting to lose its magic. While still covered in sparkling lights and ornaments, the beginnings of brown and bald spots may be appearing. Your floor is filled with needles. And you know it’s time to say goodbye.

    Tossing your tree — the last symbol of holiday cheer — is never an easy or fun task. But you can make it a tradition that benefits others, and in return, perhaps brings you a little post-holiday joy. How? Repurpose or recycle your tree.

    While most municipalities, including Philadelphia, will pick up your tree with your curbside trash, there are ways to put it to better use, such as feeding it to goats and helping preserve Jersey Shore parks. Here’s where to recycle your tree in the area.

    Philly Goat Project Tree-Cycling

    Furry friends at the Philly Goat Project are ready to munch on your holiday leftovers. The community-based program is hosting tree-cycling on Jan. 10, from noon to 3 p.m. (Rain date: Jan. 11) at the Farm at Awbury Arboretum, 6336 Ardleigh St., Philadelphia 19138. On Jan. 17, trees will be accepted from noon to 3 p.m. (no rain date) at Laurel Hill West Cemetery, 215 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd, 19004. The final event will be at the Awbury Arboretum on Jan. 24, from noon to 3 p.m. (Rain date: Jan. 25)

    At the Awbury Arboretum, it’s not just a tree drop-off, either. Get cozy by the fire pit with free hot cocoa or enjoy goat cuddles — awesome for the whole family. A suggested donation of $20 per tree is requested. All proceeds support the Philly Goat Project’s free year-round programming, like goat walks and children’s literacy events. PGP can provide a tax receipt.

    🕑 Jan. 10 and 24, noon-3 p.m., 📍 6336 Ardleigh St.; Jan. 17, from noon to 3 p.m.,📍 225 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd, 📞 ‪215-703-8057, 🌐 phillygoatproject.org, 📷 @phillygoatproject

    Ocean County Christmas tree recycling

    Recycle your Christmas tree at one of several locations in Ocean County through Jan. 31. Locations can be found here. Your tree will get turned into woodchips and used for landscaping projects at park facilities. Recycled trees have also been used to line sand dunes to help prevent erosion, which has become more common as development increases. Drop-off times are Monday-Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    🕑 Through Jan. 31, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 📍 Multiple locations, 🌐 co.ocean.nj.us

    City of Philadelphia Christmas tree drop-off

    For the 37th year, the Streets Department will be accepting Christmas trees for recycling for two weeks, from Jan. 5 through Jan. 17. While the program is running, you may bring your Christmas tree to one of several designated locations or to a sanitation convenience center at no cost. All trees should be untied and free of decorations, lights, and ornaments.

    Drop off trees at any Streets Department Sanitation Convenience Center, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

    1. 3033 S. 63rd St.
    2. Domino Lane and Umbria St.
    3. State Road and Ashburner St.
    4. 2601 W. Glenwood Ave.
    5. 5100 Grays Ave.
    6. 3901 Delaware Ave.

    You can also drop off a tree at a city-designated location. Find these locations by going to https://www.phila.gov/services/trash-recycling-city-upkeep/dispose-of-christmas-trees/

    A car with a Christmas tree that ended up at the Philly Goat Project’s 2025 Tree-Cycle Festival at the Farm at Awbury in Philadelphia in 2025.

    Philadelphia neighborhood Christmas tree recycling

    Neighborhood associations and community groups host tree-cycling events throughout Philadelphia, including:

    1. Lower Moyamensing Civic Association is accepting trees on Jan. 3-4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at South Philadelphia High School, 2101 S. Broad St. A $5 donation is required per tree.
    2. Passyunk Square Civic Association is accepting trees on Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Columbus Square Park (corner of 13th and Wharton Sts.) for a $5 donation.

    Christmas tree recycling curbside pickup

    Too busy to deliver your tree yourself?

    Circle Compost offers $20 curbside pickup on the weekends for the following dates: Jan. 3-4, Jan. 10-11, and Jan. 17-18. Sign up online, and put your tree outside your house the night before pickup. Pickup days will be assigned two days in advance. Maximum tree height allowed is 14 feet. Trees are turned into woodchips to be used as mulch or compost for Philly’s nonprofit urban farms. Questions? Call 267-388-1493 or visit circlecompost.com. To sign up for pickup, visit accounts.circlecompost.com/shop/christmas-tree

    Bennett Compost will pick up your tree on the weekends of Dec. 28-29, Jan. 3-4, Jan. 10-11, or Jan. 17-18 for a fee of $20. Sign up online. Trees will either be taken to the Fishtown Neighbors Association site where Bennet Compost will donate $5 to them on your behalf. Trees that can’t go to the tree-cyclers will be chipped at Bennet Compost and used in its composting process. Questions? Call 215-520-2406 or visit bennettcompost.com. To sign up for pickup, visit bennettcompost.com/seasonal.

    This article has been updated since it first published. Grace Dickinson and Steven White contributed to this article.

  • Northwestern hires Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator

    Northwestern hires Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator

    It’s back to the college ranks for Chip Kelly. Northwestern announced the hiring of the 62-year-old former Eagles coach as its offensive coordinator on Tuesday.

    Kelly served in the same role for the Las Vegas Raiders this season, but he was fired on Nov. 23 after a 2-9 start. He has been a head coach with the Eagles (2013-15) and the San Francisco 49ers (2016). In the college game, he was head coach at Oregon (2009-12) and UCLA (2018-23).

    He also was offensive coordinator at Ohio State last season as the Buckeyes captured the national championship.

    “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Chip and his wife, Jill, to our university,” Wildcats head coach David Braun said. “His innovative approach to offense using systems that focus on varying tempo, efficiency and smart decision-making, his track record of developing quarterbacks, and his ability to maximize talent are exactly what our program needs at this moment. …

    “Make no mistake: this is a program-defining change and is reflective of our long-term commitment to the pursuit of championships.”

    Kelly replaces Zach Lujan, the Wildcats’ offensive coordinator for two seasons. Northwestern went 7-6 this season, 4-5 in the Big Ten.

    “I am honored to join the Northwestern Football program,” Kelly said. “This program and university are clearly on the rise, and the values of the people and this place align with my own. I am grateful for the opportunity. There is tremendous potential under Coach Braun’s leadership, and I’m ready to contribute to this team.”

  • Luxury homes in the Philadelphia area sell faster than in most other markets

    Luxury homes in the Philadelphia area sell faster than in most other markets

    The typical luxury home in the Philadelphia region sold faster in November than in most other places, according to an analysis by Realtor.com.

    Luxury homes in the Philadelphia metropolitan area sold in about two months — 64 days. That’s about a week quicker than at the same time last year.

    And it puts the Philadelphia area in the top 10 fastest-moving luxury markets.

    The Philadelphia region has both a strong demand for luxury homes and a housing supply that hasn’t kept up, which means homes on the market sell relatively quickly.

    The number of Philly-area homes worth at least $1 million has almost quadrupled over the last five years

    Realtor.com labeled homes as luxury if their listing price was in the most expensive 10% of listings for their market. The company analyzed markets that had an average of at least 500 million-dollar listings over the 12 months through November.

    The country’s fastest-moving luxury markets span regions and price points. The fastest was the San Jose, Calif., metro area, where luxury homes sold in November in a median of 56 days. And of the 10 fastest-selling markets, the Philadelphia metro area had the second-lowest threshold for luxury homes: $898,989.

    Nationally, the luxury threshold in November was about $1.2 million. And homes listed at this price and above stayed on the market for a median of 78 days.

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    The slowest-moving metropolitan area in November was Bend, Ore., where luxury homes sold in a median of 146 days. Its luxury market started at $1.85 million.

    The Heber, Utah, metropolitan area had the second-slowest market last month. Luxury homes there sold in a median of 136 days.

    But this area outside Salt Lake City also had the most expensive luxury market in November. Its luxury threshold was about $6.6 million, which was roughly 10% higher than at the same time last year.

    Falling luxury prices

    Nationally, the threshold for what constitutes a luxury listing — roughly $1.2 million — was down 2.3% in November from the same time last year.

    Luxury prices in November dropped from last year in eight of the 10 most-expensive metro areas.

    In the region of Kahului and Wailuku on Hawaii’s Maui island, the luxury price threshold of roughly $3.66 million was down 21% from last year — the steepest price drop of the markets Realtor.com analyzed.

  • Khaleda Zia, former Bangladeshi prime minister and archrival of a previous premier, dies at 80

    Khaleda Zia, former Bangladeshi prime minister and archrival of a previous premier, dies at 80

    DHAKA, Bangladesh — Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, 80, whose archrivalry with another former premier defined the country’s politics for a generation, has died, her Bangladesh Nationalist Party said in a statement Tuesday.

    Ms. Zia was the first woman elected prime minister of Bangladesh.

    Bangladesh’s interim government announced a three-day mourning period. A general holiday also was announced for Wednesday, when Ms. Zia’s funeral prayers are scheduled be held in front of the country’s national Parliament building in Dhaka.

    Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, issued a statement Tuesday citing Ms. Zia’s contributions to the country.

    “Her role in the struggle to establish democracy, a multi-party political culture, and the rights of the people in Bangladesh will be remembered forever,” Yunus said.

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a statement Tuesday, noting that “as the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her important contributions toward the development of Bangladesh, as well as India-Bangladesh relations, will always be remembered.”

    Sajeeb Wazed, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said in a statement Tuesday that Ms. Zia’s demise “will leave a deep impact on the country’s [democratic] transition.”

    “She will be remembered for her contributions in nation building but her death is a blow to stabilize Bangladesh,” said Wazed, whose mother was Ms. Zia’s greatest political rival.

    Hasina issued a statement from exile in India saying Ms. Zia’s death was “an irreparable loss” for politics in Bangladesh and recalling her contributions in establishing the nation’s democracy.

    Ms. Zia had faced corruption cases she said were politically motivated, but in January 2025 the Supreme Court acquitted Ms. Zia in the last corruption case against her, which would have let her run in February’s general election.

    The BNP said that after she was released from prison due to illness in 2020, her family sought permission for treatment abroad at least 18 times from Hasina’s administration, but the requests were rejected.

    Following Hasina’s ouster in 2024, the Yunus-led interim government finally allowed her to go. She went to London in January and returned to Bangladesh in May.

    Fighting military dictatorship

    Bangladesh’s early years of independence, gained in a bloody 1971 war against Pakistan, were marked by assassinations, coups, and countercoups as military figures and secular and Islamic leaders jockeyed for power.

    Ms. Zia’s husband, President Ziaur Rahman, had grabbed power as a military chief in 1977 and a year later formed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. He was credited with opening democracy in the country but was killed in a 1981 military coup. Ms. Zia’s uncompromising stance against the military dictatorship helped build a mass movement against it, culminating with the ousting of dictator and former army chief H.M. Ershad in 1990.

    Ms. Zia’s opponent when she won her first term in 1991 and in several elections after that was Hasina, the daughter of independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was assassinated in a 1975 coup.

    Ms. Zia was criticized over an early 1996 election in which her party won 278 of the 300 parliamentary seats during a wide boycott by other leading parties, including Hasina’s Awami League, which demanded an election-time caretaker government. Ms. Zia’s government lasted only 12 days before a nonpartisan caretaker government was installed, and the new election was held that June.

    Ms. Zia returned to power in 2001 in a government shared with the country’s main Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, which had a dark past involving Bangladesh’s independence war.

    Ms. Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party was previously closely allied with the party and her government maintained the confidence of the business community by following pro-investment, open-market policies. Ms. Zia was known to have a soft spot for Pakistan and used to deliver anti-Indian political speeches. India alleged insurgents were allowed to use Bangladesh’s soil to destabilize India’s northeastern states under Ms. Zia, especially during her term from 2001 to 2006.

    During that term, Ms. Zia also was tainted by allegations that her elder son, Tarique Rahman, was running a parallel government and was involved in widespread corruption.

    A rivalry with Hasina

    In 2004, Hasina blamed Ms. Zia’s government and Rahman for grenade attacks in Dhaka that killed 24 members of her Awami League party and wounded hundreds of people. Hasina narrowly escaped the attack, which she characterized as an assassination attempt, and subsequently won the 2008 general election.

    Ms. Zia’s party and its partners boycotted the 2014 election in a dispute over a caretaker government, giving a one-sided victory to the increasingly authoritarian regime of Hasina. Her party joined the national elections in 2018 but boycotted again in 2024, allowing Hasina to return to power for a fourth consecutive time through controversial elections.

    Ms. Zia was sentenced to 17 years in jail in two separate corruption cases for misuse of power in embezzling funds meant for a charity named after her late husband. Her party said the charges were politically motivated to weaken the opposition, but the Hasina government said it did not interfere and the case was a matter for the courts.

    Hasina was bitterly criticized by both her opponents and independent critics for sending Ms. Zia to jail.

    Health concerns placed over politics

    Ms. Zia was released from jail by Hasina’s government in 2020 and was moved to a rented home, from which she regularly visited a private hospital. Her family repeatedly requested that Hasina’s administration allow Ms. Zia to travel abroad for medical treatment, but was refused.

    After 15 years in power, Hasina was ousted in a mass uprising in August 2024 and fled the country. Ms. Zia was given permission to travel abroad by an interim government led by Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

    Ms. Zia was silent about politics for years and did not attend political rallies, but she remained the BNP chairperson until her death. Rahman has been the party’s acting chair since 2018.

    She was last seen at an annual function of the Bangladesh military in Dhaka Cantonment on Nov. 21, when Yunus and other political leaders met her. She was in a wheelchair and appeared pale and tired.

    She is survived by Rahman, her elder son and heir apparent in the political dynasty. Her younger son, Arafat, died in 2015.

  • Week 18 NFL power rankings roundup: Eagles move up in some ratings, fall three spots in another

    Week 18 NFL power rankings roundup: Eagles move up in some ratings, fall three spots in another

    The Eagles escaped Highmark Stadium with a 13-12 win over the Buffalo Bills, extending their winning streak as they head into the last game of the regular season.

    After the win, the Birds have moved up in some of the national power rankings and have fallen three spots in another. As they prepare to host the Washington Commanders, here’s where they stand in the latest batch …

    The Ringer: Sixth

    The Eagles remain in the sixth spot in The Ringer’s power rankings. The outlet praised the Birds’ physicality but raised one big concern coming out of Sunday: “Can this team stop turtling in big games?”

    “The Eagles were clearly the more physical and better-prepared team in Sunday’s game against Buffalo, and were crushing the Bills late in the first half,” Diante Lee wrote. “If this team really was returning to its dominant 2024 form, the second half of that game would’ve been a perfect time to show it.

    “Instead, the Eagles sat on their 13-point lead, made predictable calls and hoped its offensive line would bully its way to a win — something that hasn’t happened all season — and Philadelphia only managed to escape with a one-point win because Josh Allen missed an open receiver on a two-point conversion attempt. Head coach Nick Sirianni says he needs to be ‘more involved’ in important moments, and I’m wondering why he would ever take his eye off the offense in the first place.”

    The Eagles rank behind the No. 5 New England Patriots and No. 4 Jacksonville Jaguars. The Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos remain at Nos. 1 and 2, respectively.

    ESPN: Seventh

    The Eagles have moved up in ESPN’s power rankings — jumping up three spots from last week’s No. 10 ranking. As the regular season comes to an end, ESPN has learned “the Eagles have a Super Bowl-caliber defense, again.”

    Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio continues to earn national praise.

    “Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has been downright dominant since being hired by the Eagles in 2024,” Tim McManus wrote. “He orchestrated the No. 1 defense in football last season en route to Philadelphia’s second Lombardi Trophy and will deserve much of the credit should it snag a third this season. The unit ranks third in points allowed (18.8 per game) and ninth against the pass (193.4 yards per game). The Eagles showed against the Bills that they’re capable of quieting the best quarterbacks in the business.”

    The Eagles sit behind the No. 6 Jaguars, the No. 5 Los Angeles Rams, and the No. 4 San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks remain in the top spot. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots have moved up two spots to the No. 2 ranking.

    Yahoo! Sports: Ninth

    Despite the win over the Bills, the Eagles have fallen in Yahoo! Sports’ power rankings. A poor offensive showing from the Birds in the second half was enough for the NFC East champs to fall three spots from last week’s No. 6 ranking.

    “In the second half at Buffalo, the Eagles did not complete a pass and had just 16 yards,” Frank Schwab wrote. “Maybe Philly shouldn’t move down three spots after a win at Buffalo, but the problems with its offense aren’t going away. The Eagles might be getting worse. Their defense was fantastic, keeping Buffalo off the scoreboard for the Bills’ first eight drives (not counting kneel downs) but it’s hard to go on a playoff run when you can’t crack 20 yards of offense in a half of football.”

    The Eagles trail the No. 8 Houston Texans and the No. 7 Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, the Seahawks remain at the No. 1 spot and the Broncos moved up to No. 2.

    CBS Sports: 10th

    The Eagles haven’t moved in CBS Sports’ power rankings, remaining at the No. 10 spot. The team sits below the No. 9 Bills, a team it just defeated, and the No. 8 Texans.

    “The defense is great. The offense isn’t,” Pete Prisco wrote. “Can they turn that offense around come playoff time?”

    Similar to last week, the Seahawks (No. 1) and the Patriots (No. 2) top the list.

    The Athletic: Ninth

    The Eagles moved up two spots from last week’s No. 11 ranking, trailing the No. 8 Bears and the No. 7 Texans. Despite their offensive inconsistencies, The Athletic praised Sirianni.

    “Philadelphia had 17 yards of offense in the second half Sunday and still won,” Josh Kendall and Chad Graff wrote. “It feels like something only Nick Sirianni could pull off. The Eagles’ sometimes embattled head coach has a .702 winning percentage in nearly five seasons at the helm, the highest in the league among active head coaches. He may have to retool his entire offensive staff in the offseason, but Sirianni probably will be coaching this team (and aggravating Eagles fans) for another decade.”

  • Nick Sirianni defends taunting Bills fans: ‘We had fun winning that game’

    Nick Sirianni defends taunting Bills fans: ‘We had fun winning that game’

    During the 2023 season, an emotional Nick Sirianni taunted Kansas City Chiefs fans following a narrow win by the Eagles.

    “Hey! I don’t hear any [expletive] anymore Chiefs fans!” Sirianni yelled as he left the field. “See ya!”

    Things went downhill from there. The Eagles went on to lose five of their next six games in an epic collapse that cost them an NFC East title, followed by an early playoff exit.

    That trash-talking Sirianni was back following Sunday’s win against Buffalo, where the Birds coach offered a similar-sounding taunt aimed at Bills fans.

    “There was a lot of talking by those Buffalo fans coming in. Not so much anymore!” Sirianni shouted as he exited the field. “Not so much anymore.”

    Wide receiver A.J. Brown, who was walking in next to Sirianni, didn’t appear too impressed by his coach’s outburst. Neither was 94.1 WIP morning show host Joe DeCamara.

    “Can he just not help himself?” DeCamara said during Monday’s broadcast. “I think he’s a great coach. This is an aspect of his thing I could do without.”

    So what got Sirianni so worked up? During an interview Tuesday morning on WIP, Sirianni said it didn’t have anything to do with growing up in nearby Jamestown, N.Y., or having friends and family in the stands. Instead, he offered a simpler explanation.

    “Football is fun,” Sirianni said. “It’s OK to show emotion. It’s fun to show emotion. Like, it’s OK to be excited.”

    Sirianni certainly hasn’t been shy showing his emotion during his five-year tenure as Eagles coach. It has led to some awkward moments, like when he yelled at Birds fans in the stands last season or was caught mugging for the camera after the Eagles went up 14-0 on the New York Giants during a 2023 playoff game.

    The outbursts might cause some fans to cringe, but you can’t question the results. Since Sirianni took over as head coach in 2021, the Eagles have advanced to the playoffs five straight seasons, played in two Super Bowls, and took home a Lombardi Trophy last season. Sirianni already ranks second in wins in franchise history (including the playoffs), and is just one of five head coaches in NFL history with a career winning percentage above .700.

    Even during Sunday’s game, Sirianni was seen on the sideline jawing with Bills players and celebrating following a first-quarter touchdown pass to Dallas Goedert.

    “We had fun winning that game,” Sirianni said. “And, yeah, you’re going to be emotional after the game and you’re going to be emotional in the game.”

    “I love seeing our guys show emotion after they make a big play, and I show emotion after they make a big play,” Sirianni added. “That’s one of the reasons why you get into coaching. You can’t make plays anymore, and you want to help other people make plays.”

    No update on whether Eagles starters will play

    If Sirianni has made a decision on whether to play or rest his starters Sunday against the Washington Commanders, he didn’t open up about it Tuesday morning.

    “We still have time,” Sirianni said. “There’s benefits to rest, there’s benefits to play, and we’ve just got to do what we think is best for the football team.”

    The Eagles will likely enter the playoffs as the No. 3 seed and face either the San Francisco 49ers or Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round. But the Birds could move up to the No. 2 seed and face the Green Bay Packers with a win Sunday and a loss by the Chicago Bears against the Detroit Lions.

    Rams loss eliminates one Eagles wild-card opponent as playoffs approach

    Columnist David Murphy thinks Sirianni’s lack of a straight answer is a signal he’s giving serious thought to resting his starters.

    “If the Eagles punt on Week 18, it will allow the coaching staff and front office to spend an extra week preparing for the playoffs. It will give Jalen Hurts and the rest of the starters the ability to participate in that scouting and game-planning process,” Murphy wrote. “That’s a big, big deal.”

  • Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald lead Pro Football Hall of Fame modern era finalists

    Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald lead Pro Football Hall of Fame modern era finalists

    Quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald headlined a group of four modern era finalists in their first year of eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

    Tight end Jason Witten and running back Frank Gore were the two other first-year eligible players who were also announced Tuesday among the 15 finalists.

    Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri were guaranteed spots after advancing to the final seven in voting for the 2025 class. There are six other returning finalists with Eli Manning, Reggie Wayne, Jahri Evans, Marshall Yanda, Terrell Suggs and Darren Woodson all making it back to this stage.

    Defensive tackle Kevin Williams made it to the finalist stage for the first time in his sixth year of eligibility.

    The Eagles are going to keep driving you crazy with their passive offense. Get used to it.

    The 50-person selection committee will vote on the 15 finalists next month with the results announced Feb. 5 at “NFL Honors.” Between three and five of the finalists will be inducted in the second year of this current format.

    In addition to the modern era finalists, the selection committee will also consider seniors candidates Ken Anderson, Roger Craig and L.C. Greenwood, coaching candidate Bill Belichick and contributor Robert Kraft. Between one and three of those finalists will make it into the Hall.

    Only four people got in last year for the smallest class in 20 years.

    Brees and Fitzgerald are the top new candidates this year.

    Brees is second all time to Tom Brady with 80,358 yards passing and 571 touchdown passes. He spent the first five seasons of his career with the San Diego Chargers before signing as a free agent with the Saints in 2006, where his career took off as he helped lift a city still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

    Brees delivered to New Orleans its first Super Bowl title following the 2009 season, when he won MVP of the game after beating Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Brees made the Pro Bowl 13 times in his career, won AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2008 and 2011, was an All-Pro in 2006 and was a second-team All-Pro four times.

    Fitzgerald spent his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals after being drafted third overall in 2004. His 1,432 catches and 17,492 yards receiving in 17 seasons rank second all time to Jerry Rice.

    Fitzgerald topped 1,000 yards receiving nine times — tied for the fourth most ever — and helped the Cardinals reach their only Super Bowl following the 2008 season. Fitzgerald set single-season records that postseason with 546 yards receiving and seven TD catches, including a go-ahead 64-yard score with 2:37 to play in the Super Bowl before Pittsburgh rallied for a 27-23 win over Arizona.

    Witten was one of the most prolific tight ends with his 1,228 catches and 13,046 yards ranking second best all time. Witten was a two-time All-Pro for Dallas and was a second-team All-Pro two other times.

    Gore ranks third all time with 16,000 yards rushing with nine 1,000-yard seasons and five Pro Bowl honors.

    The Eagles wouldn’t be foolish to rest their starters in Week 18. But they’d better be right.

    Kuechly’s career was brief but impactful. The first-round pick by Carolina in 2012 was an All-Pro five times, with seven Pro Bowl nods and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

    Over his eight-year career, Kuechly led all linebackers in the NFL in tackles (1,090), takeaways (26), interceptions (18) and passes defensed (66).

    Vinatieri was one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, making the game-winning field goals in the first two Super Bowl victories during New England’s dynasty.

    He helped launch the run with one of the game’s greatest kicks — a 45-yarder in the snow to force overtime in the “Tuck Rule” game against the Raiders in the 2001 divisional round. He made the game-winning kick in OT to win that game and then hit a 48-yarder on the final play of a 20-17 win in the Super Bowl against the Rams.

    Vinatieri is the NFL’s career leader in points (2,673) and made field goals (599) over a 24-year career with New England and Indianapolis. He also leads all players with 56 field goals and 238 points in the postseason.

    Holt was a key part of the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf,” helping the team win the Super Bowl in his rookie season in 1999 and getting back there two years later. Holt led the NFL in yards receiving in 2000 and in catches and yards in 2003 when he made his only All-Pro team.

    Holt finished his career with 920 catches for 13,382 yards and 74 TDs.

    Anderson was considered one of the top right tackles in his era after being a first-round pick by Cincinnati in 1996. He spent nearly his entire career with the Bengals and made three straight All-Pro teams from 2004-06.

    Among the candidates who didn’t advance from the 26 semifinalists were quarterback Philip Rivers, who was taken off the ballot when he came out of retirement, and offensive lineman Steve Wisniewski, who was in his final year of eligibility as a modern era candidate.

    Two finalists from last year also didn’t advance with running back Fred Taylor and receiver Steve Smith Sr. falling short.

  • Rams loss eliminates one Eagles wild-card opponent as playoffs approach

    Rams loss eliminates one Eagles wild-card opponent as playoffs approach

    The Eagles will host a playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field during the first round of the NFL playoffs, and got a clearer sense of who their opponent will be Monday night.

    The Los Angeles Rams (11-5) lost to the Atlanta Falcons (7-9) Monday night, a surprising outcome that could have a big impact on the NFC playoff picture, not to mention which team the Birds (11-5) will face in their wild-card game.

    Eagles news: Updated playoff picture; Nick Sirianni taunts Bills fans; injury report

    Here’s everything on the line and how it could impact the Eagles:

    NFC playoff picture

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    NFC West playoff scenarios

    The math is pretty easy here. The winner of Week 18’s matchup between the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) and the Seattle Seahawks (13-3) will end up deciding the NFC West champion and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

    The Rams had an outside chance at claiming the division, but they were officially eliminated from contention by the 49ers’ win Sunday night. Now the best Los Angeles can do is the No. 5 seed.

    Who will the Eagles play in the wild-card round?

    Which team the Eagles face in the first round of the playoffs will ultimately be decided by what happens in Week 18. The Rams loss Monday night eliminates the possibility the Eagles will face the Seahawks first in the postseason.

    It also makes it most likely the Eagles will face the Rams in the wild-card round.

    Here is a breakdown of the Eagles’ potential wild-card opponents, excluding ties:

    • No. 2 Eagles vs. No. 7 Packers: Eagles win vs. Commanders AND Bears loss to the Detroit Lions (8-8)
    • No. 3 Eagles vs. No. 6 Rams: Eagles loss or Bears win
    • No. 3 Eagles vs. No. 6 49ers: Rams win vs. Cardinals AND Seahawks win vs. 49ers

    The Falcons can ruin the NFC South’s win-and-you’re-in game

    With both teams losing Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) and Carolina Panthers (8-8) will face off in a Week 18 win-and-you’re-in game for the NFC South title.

    The winner will claim the division crown and the NFC’s No. 4 seed, which means it will host a game against the No. 5 seed.

    Unless the Falcons and Buccaneers win in Week 18, which would force a three-way tie at 8-9 atop the NFC South.

    In that unlikely case, the first tiebreaker would be head-to-head among the three teams, which the Panthers would win.

    Two AFC divisions will be decided in Week 18

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    • AFC North: The Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) and Baltimore Ravens (8-8) will meet with a playoff berth on the line. The winner becomes the AFC’s No. 4 seed and claims the conference’s final postseason spot, while the loser watches the playoffs from the couch.
    • AFC South: The Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4) will claim their first division crown since 2022 with a win against the Tennessee Titans (3-13) or a Houston Texans (11-5) loss to the Indianapolis Colts (8-8). The Texans need a win and a Jaguars loss to win the AFC South.
  • The doctor is always in | Expert Opinion

    The doctor is always in | Expert Opinion

    It’s reassuring to have a doctor around when an unexpected medical emergency occurs.

    “Is there a doctor in the house?” is the infamous call when someone has chest pain on an aircraft, falls in the grocery store, faints in the theater, or experiences any sudden physical ailment or mishap. Recently, a physician colleague shared a story that illustrated the value of a foundational doctoring skill — empathetic communication — even in a situation that wouldn’t ordinarily call for a doctor’s expertise.

    My colleague was in a crowded pharmacy, and a number of customers were growing irritated by the slow progress at the photo station. A part required replacement, which slowed the processing of print orders. When one customer approached the store manager to air his frustration, the manager appeared to ignore him. Then the manager abruptly turned to the customer and shouted, “You can leave my store!”

    By now, lines were also getting longer at another checkout area, since the manager was too preoccupied with the photo problem to address the cashier’s issue. When he finally made it over, a customer expressed his frustration that so few checkout lanes were open.

    “You can leave my store!” the manager responded.

    My friend is a seasoned medical specialist who had been in line for a half hour himself. He observed the commotion and the manager’s dismissive retorts.

    He decided to approach the manager, but with a different opener. “You seem to be having a really awful day.”

    The manager looked up in surprise and replied, “You’re right. It’s been a horrendous day.”

    “You know,” my friend whispered with a half smile, “if you keep telling everyone to leave your store, that might not be so great for business.”

    They both chuckled a bit, and the tension in the room eased. The manager continued moving from task to task without much enthusiasm but my friend did not hear him invite anyone else to “leave my store.”

    Compassionate communication is not unique to medicine, but it is the skill that I consider most essential to ensuring that patients leave feeling relieved and reassured after a doctor’s visit.

    In the pharmacy, my friend never identified himself as a doctor, nor was he recognized as one. He didn’t need to. At the time, doctoring was not on his mind.

    As I listened to his story, it was clear that his ability to notice someone’s distress and convey empathy is now so professionally innate as to be just part of the way he exists in the world.

    Like the store manager, many of us may have been helped by a doctor in a nonclinical setting without realizing it. It’s nice to know those interpersonal skills don’t shut down at the conclusion of office hours.

    Jeffrey Millstein is an internist and regional medical director for Penn Primary and Specialty Care.