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  • What to know about the NYE concert in Philly

    What to know about the NYE concert in Philly

    Philadelphia, get ready to party in 2026.

    City officials want New Year’s Eve to set the tone for what’s slated to be a year of blockbuster celebrations for the country’s 250th birthday.

    “We want the city to feel the excitement, and quite frankly, the potential of 2026 from the very beginning,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker in a Monday news conference that laid out the details of the New Year’s festivities and hyped up the public for other events such as the FIFA World Cup and the 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

    The city will host its first-ever New Year’s Eve concert featuring LL Cool J, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Los Angeles rock band Dorothy, and Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts graduate Adam Blackstone — no tickets required and free.

    An image of New Year’s Eve concert headliner LL Cool J is under portraits of former mayors in the Mayor’s Reception Room at City Hall.

    The Ben Franklin Parkway will open at 6 p.m. so people can have enough time to get through security scanners before the concert kicks off at 8 p.m. In all, some 25,000 people are expected to fit in the secure perimeter, according to event planners.

    Blackstone will premiere his new song, “Brotherly Love,” and the music will keep going until the countdown and fireworks.

    The Delaware River Waterfront Corp., which has operated a barge full of fireworks for approximately 30 years, will be kicking up the pyrotechnics a notch with three barges. As usual, there will be two fireworks shows along the river, one at 6 p.m. and another at midnight.

    “From Spruce Street Harbor Park to Cherry Street Pier, from Pennsport to Port Richmond, from the Parkway to the waterfront, we are going to light up the Philly sky for 2026,” said DRWC president and CEO Joseph Forkin.

    People can take part in an assortment of family-friendly activities at Cherry Street Pier and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, which are ticketed experiences. A replica of the Liberty Bell will leave the National Liberty Museum for the night to ring in the new year at the pier.

    Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said police will be out in full force — as is the norm, specific numbers of officers deployed were not disclosed — and reminded the public to celebrate safely, and leave the weapons at home if they’re going to the concert. Bethel also encouraged people to ditch the dangerous tradition of celebratory gunfire.

    Bethel noted the 1999 case of Joe Jaskolka, only 11 years old at the time, who was struck in the head by so-called celebratory fire.

    “Get your pots and pans and bang the pans,” Bethel said, reminding residents that what goes up must come down.

    Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson offered a similar safety warning regarding fireworks: Leave it to the professionals. Even sparklers aren’t safe, he said. Though often seen as a safe alternative for young people, Thompson said they are not, burning at 1,500 degrees.

    Still, officials feel confident that New Year’s Eve celebrations will be a boon for Philadelphia’s spirits and ideally the economy, though Parker said the final price tag was not yet available — a report on the cost and return on investment will be available after the event is done, she said.

    Yet New Year’s Eve is only the beginning and a bit of a test run for the rest of the year.

    The very next day, the Mummers strut on Broad Street with plumes and satin with a brass accompaniment.

    After that, it’ll be a spate of sporting events and conventions, on top of already scheduled events like Wawa Welcome America.

    Jennifer Nagle, with the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the year is already looking to be a busy one for hotels and that new traditions, such as the New Year’s Eve concert, along with external recognition from places like the Michelin Guide, are placing the city on the “national and global stage.”

    Nagle said 1.5 million room nights are set to be booked in Philadelphia. Visitors are additionally projected to spend $950 million, which will result in $1 billion in economic impact.

    The Quaker City String Band performs before a news conference where city officials shared details on how Philadelphians and visitors can ring in the New Year and celebrate the official kickoff of the nation’s 250th anniversary,
  • Handing out credit for the Eagles’ record playoff run, also what NFL refs got right and DK Metcalf did wrong in Week 16

    Handing out credit for the Eagles’ record playoff run, also what NFL refs got right and DK Metcalf did wrong in Week 16

    Eagles GM Howie Roseman and owner Jeffrey Lurie make the big decisions, and most of their decisions in the past five years turned out to be sound. But they didn’t take a single snap, run a meeting, or call a play during the Eagles’ five consecutive playoff runs, culminating Saturday in the first back-to-back NFC East championships since Andy Reid’s Eagles did it four times from 2001-04.

    Eagles use big second half to overwhelm Commanders, become first repeat NFC East champs since 2004

    Five straight postseason runs ties those Reid-era Eagles for most consecutive playoff appearances. It also is the longest active streak, technically, but Buffalo (six straight from 2019-24) and Tampa Bay (five straight) both have a chance to extend theirs. Kansas City’s 10-year run, which is second only to the Patriots’ 11-year run, just ended; the Eagles’ win in KC on Sept. 14 helped to exclude Reid and his Chiefs.

    In all cases, consistent excellence and dedication have pushed a wealth of talent to accomplish what is every NFL team’s goal at the start of every season. These are the front line people who were a part of it in Philly for all of the last five years:

    Nick Sirianni, whose coaching ability far outstripped anyone’s expectations. On Saturday, he tied George Seifert as the coach with the most regular-season and playoff wins in his first five seasons as a head coach in the Super Bowl era, but Sirianni’s 64 wins are much more impressive than Seifert’s. Seifert inherited a Super Bowl team with legends all over the 49ers roster. Sirianni inherited Jalen Reagor.

    Jalen Hurts, whose quarterbacking ability far outstripped anyone’s expectations. His 61 wins, including playoffs, rank third behind the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and the Bills’ Josh Allen.

    Lane Johnson, right tackle, who might be the best Eagle ever.

    DeVonta Smith, wide receiver, who already is the Eagles’ all-time leader in playoff receiving yards with 595.

    Landon Dickerson, left guard, part of the best left side in Eagles offensive line history.

    Jordan Mailata, left tackle, the other part of the best left side in Eagles offensive line history.

    Brandon Graham, defensive lineman, who was drafted in 2010, retired after 2024, unretired in mid-2025, changed positions from end to tackle two weeks ago, and has three sacks since.

    Jake Elliott, who has missed five of his last 11 kicks, but who set a Super Bowl record in February with 16 points when he made four field goals in New Orleans.

    Dallas Goedert, tight end, whose 52 postseason catches are a franchise record.

    Jeff Stoutland, the offensive line coach and the best assistant in the history of Philadelphia.

    Michael Clay, special teams coordinator, who entered the NFL coaching ranks in 2014 thanks to former Eagles coach Chip Kelly, who should be credited for a lot of changes in Eagles culture.

    Kevin Patullo, first-year offensive coordinator, former passing game coordinator, and Sirianni’s longtime majordomo. Currently, he is unpopular.

    Jemal Singleton, running backs coach and current assistant head coach who has overseen the best seasons of Saquon Barkley, D’Andre Swift, and Miles Sanders.

    Jason Michael, the tight ends coach who made Goedert a top-five tight end and helped sixth-rounder Grant Calcaterra last for four years in the NFL.

    Aaron Moorehead, the receivers coach tasked with keeping A.J. Brown in line.

    Jeremiah Washburn, who has coached edge rushers including Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Jaelan Phillips, and Josh Sweat. Also Bryce Huff and Joshua Uche.

    “Big” Dom DiSandro, security chief, Howie’s adviser, game-day and sideline sheriff, whose basic job it is to keep everybody safe and out of trouble.

    Honorable mention: Lurie and Roseman delegate liberally, and their scouts and support staff are remarkably loyal and proficient.

    DK Metcalf’s swing at fan costs Steelers

    Late in the second quarter of their game in Detroit, Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf approached a blue-wigged Lions fan in the stands and exchanged words. He then grabbed the fan’s shirt, pulled the fan down closer to him, then appeared to try and strike the fan as he released the fan’s shirt and walked away. Metcalf, through reported sources, claimed the fan, with whom he interacted during last year’s game, used a racial slur and also insulted Metcalf’s mother.

    Metcalf remained in the game — officials afterward said they didn’t see it happen. The league apparently did not believe Metcalf’s explanation of provocation or didn’t believe it warranted his action.

    He was suspended (as always, without pay, in this case $555,556) for the Steelers’ last two games, which could be devastating. The Steelers, 9-6 and atop the AFC North, face the Browns, then the 7-8 Ravens to finish the year. Metcalf plans to appeal the decision.

    Refs got it right

    Social media, Rams fans, and Lions fans nearly shared a group embolism after several unusual plays with intricate rules applications affected the outcomes of games with significant playoff implications — plays on which officials ultimately landed on the correct calls, with no room for argument.

    On Thursday night, the Seahawks were granted a two-point conversion that tied their game with the Rams, 30-30, on a bizarre sequence:

    Sam Darnold threw a backward pass to Zach Charbonnet, which deflected off Rams linebacker Jared Verse’s hand, then his helmet. The second deflection sent the ball forward, just over the goal line. As Charbonnet dejectedly retrieved the ball, a whistle blew.

    Officials gathered to discuss the play and they ruled that, even though the whistle blew, the ball remained live. Further, since there is a distinction between a backward pass and a fumble — the offense cannot advance a fumble on a two-point conversion — Charbonnet’s recovery was valid.

    Not only did the refs get this right, TV rules analyst Terry McAulay immediately explained why officials were discussing the play and he accurately predicted a reversal. Minutes later, the Football Zebras account took to Twitter/X and explained the intricacies of the determination.

    If you’re interested, early Friday morning McAulay used his own entertaining Twitter/X account to further explain and defend his comments and opinion, including a quote-tweet of one of his posts from 2023, which explains the rules and emphasizes the confusion regarding the whistle. This includes a reply to an esteemed, retired Inquirer writer who covered the Eagles.

    You might not agree with the rules enforced here, but they have existed for a long time, and they were appropriately applied. That said, I understand the outrage. I’ve been covering the NFL for 35 years and I’ll admit that I wasn’t sure what I was watching. I am sure, however, that, between the nuances of the backward pass and the whistle, I would have gotten at least part of it wrong.

    The refs, in the end, did not.

    Notably, this all happened with more than six minutes to play in regulation. Each team had three more possessions before overtime, so the conversion didn’t directly determine the winner. Each team scored a touchdown in overtime, and after the Seahawks scored the answering TD they were successful with a bold, if benign, two-point conversion. The win put them at 12-3, gave them the current top seed in the NFC, and the lead in the NFC West over the 11-4 Rams.

    On Sunday evening, another bizarre play did determine the winner of the Steelers-Lions game, with possibly even greater playoff consequences that included a third team.

    The Lions drove to the Steelers’ 1-yard line with 25 seconds to play, trailing by five points. They scored a touchdown on the next play, but it was nullified by offensive pass interference on Jameson Williams, called for an illegal pick on a Steelers defender. Good call.

    Two plays later, the final play of the game, Jared Goff hit Amon-Ra St. Brown near the goal line. St. Brown was stopped but not declared down; instead, he lateraled to Goff, who vaulted into the end zone for a touchdown after time expired.

    Unfortunately, Goff had vaulted past two flags on the ground. Brown had clearly pushed his defender away to get open.

    A lengthy discussion determined that St. Brown had indeed committed offensive pass interference before the catch. The penalty nullified the touchdown. Since time had expired, the game was over.

    The fallout: The Steelers clinched a playoff spot for the 49ers and essentially ended the Lions’ season, since, due to tiebreaker rules, the 8-7 Lions now cannot catch the 10-4 49ers in the wild-card race. The Steelers, now 9-6, also greatly improved their own postseason hopes with a crazy 29-24 win in Detroit, where they were seven-point underdogs.

    Anyway, kudos, refs.

    Then, on Sunday Night Football, as if to spite their few supporters, officials failed to call a blatant pass interference penalty against the Ravens late in the Patriots’ comeback win at Baltimore, probably the worst missed call of the year. The Pats still scored on that drive and won the game, but come on, fellas.

    Extra points

    The Bears’ comeback win over the Packers on Saturday night virtually locked the Eagles into the No. 3 seed behind the Seahawks (12-3) and the Bears (11-4). … The Chiefs could be moving from Missouri to Kansas to secure a new stadium, with an announcement coming as soon as Monday afternoon. … The Patriots’ win not only locked in their first playoff berth since 2021, it gave them a 12-3 record, same as the Broncos, who lost in Jacksonville (11-4), though the Patriots lose the top-seed tiebreaker against the Broncos (common opponents). … The Jags have won six in a row.

  • Eagles open as underdogs against the Bills, but their Super Bowl odds improve

    Eagles open as underdogs against the Bills, but their Super Bowl odds improve

    Been there, won that.

    The Eagles clinched the NFC East and secured a spot in the playoffs Saturday with a 29-18 win over the Washington Commanders. With two games left in the regular season, the Eagles will face the Bills in Buffalo on Sunday.

    From the Birds’ chances this weekend to updates on year-end awards, here are some of the latest odds at two of the biggest sportsbooks …

    Eagles-Bills odds

    The last time these teams met was in Week 12 of the 2023 season in a game that saw the Birds pull out a 37-34 overtime win at Lincoln Financial Field.

    The 10-5 Birds are the third seed in the NFC behind the No. 1 Seattle Seahawks and the No. 2 Chicago Bears. However, they could claim the second seed if the Bears lose their last two games and the Birds win their last two. Meanwhile, Sunday is a must-win game for the 11-4 Bills to keep their AFC East title hopes alive.

    Heading into the Week 17 matchup, the Bills opened as 2.5-point favorites over the NFC East champions.

    FanDuel

    • Spread: Bills -2.5 (-110); Eagles +2.5 (-110)
    • Moneyline: Bills (-134); Eagles (+114)
    • Total: Over 45.5 (-104); Under 45.5 (-118)

    DraftKings

    • Spread: Bills -2.5 (-112); Eagles +2.5 (-108)
    • Moneyline: Bills (-142); Eagles (+120)
    • Total: Over 44.5 (-115); Under 44.5 (-105)
    Josh Allen and the Bills lost to the Eagles in overtime in their last meeting, in 2023.

    NFC odds update

    At both sportsbooks, the Eagles remain as the team with the third-best odds to win the NFC. They continue to trail the Los Angeles Rams and the Seahawks.

    FanDuel

    DraftKings

    Super Bowl odds

    The defending champions have worked their way back into FanDuel’s top three favorites to win the Super Bowl, trailing the Rams and the Seahawks. However, they have fallen outside DraftKings’ top five favorites.

    FanDuel

    DraftKings

    Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is the betting favorite to win the MVP award.

    MVP odds

    Closing in on the end of the regular season, the MVP race is between Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye. Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, and Justin Herbert trail both quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Jalen Hurts is essentially out of the running.

    FanDuel

    DraftKings

  • Traveling this holiday? Here’s the weather and travel forecast for the week.

    Traveling this holiday? Here’s the weather and travel forecast for the week.

    Philadelphia might have mild weather this holiday week, with light rain showers and likely no snow on Christmas. However, more people will be on the roads and in the sky, traveling to holiday destinations, than in recent years.

    Holiday weather should be much milder this week, despite earlier forecasts calling for snow Monday evening, said Ray Martin, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Mount Holly. Monday and Tuesday have a chance for light rain showers, and if temperatures drop, maybe snow, but there should be little to no snow accumulation.

    Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Northeast will be warmer, drier days for travel, according to AccuWeather. Millions across the South and Midwest will experience the warmest holiday on record, though.

    Whether it’s the expected good weather or people getting their post-COVID travel confidence back, roads and airports are expected to be packed this week, according to data from Philadelphia International Airport and INRIX, a national travel analytics firm.

    Winter coats are out on a cold morning at a bus stop at 15th and Market Streets on Dec. 15.

    Holiday weather this week in Philadelphia

    While no snow will likely fall on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in the Philadelphia region, Tuesday and Friday have chances for precipitation that could bring rain and ice to Philadelphia, and possibly snow north of the city, said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys.

    • Monday: The best weather this week. Warmer, drier, and less windy.
    • Tuesday: Rain showers in Philadelphia during the morning commute, but no snow. Possible rain, sleet, or snow in Montgomery and Bucks Counties. Lehigh Valley could receive an inch or more of snow.
    • Wednesday: No precipitation, but expect wind gusts up to 30 mph. The evening is expected to bring lots of cloud coverage. “Rudolph will definitely need his red nose out and about,” Roys said.
    • Thursday: Misty weather or light rain scattered across the region throughout the day.
    • Friday: Stormy weather with precipitation. Philadelphia has a chance for rain and possible ice, but Upper Bucks County and the Lehigh Valley could get snow.
    • The weekend: On Saturday and Sunday temperatures are forecast to range from the mid-30s to 50 degrees, with a slight wind. Rain is possible Sunday.
    The scene at the TSA checkpoint line in Terminal B at Philadelphia International Airport on Nov. 9.

    Holiday travel in the Philadelphia region

    Expect longer travel times this year as more people hit the road and sky to get to their holiday destinations.

    Airports and flying

    Philadelphia International Airport will see a 5% increase in the number of travelers this week compared to the same period last year, with more than 1 million people expected to come through the airport from Wednesday to Sunday, Jan. 4.

    PHL’s heaviest traveling days:

    1. Friday, Dec. 26: 94,028 expected passengers
    2. Monday, Dec. 29: 93,096 expected passengers
    3. Saturday, Dec. 27: 92,954 expected passengers

    Travelers should arrive two hours before their flight to ensure they get to their gate on time, said Heather Redfern, an airport spokesperson. PHL also has an online travel tips guide for more guidance on easier travel.

    The Inquirer operates a year-end PHL tracker for up-to-date information on airport delays and airline performance.

    Traffic on the Schuylkill Expressway on Oct. 26.

    Driving and peak travel times

    A large portion of the holiday travel already occurred this past weekend, but the increased holiday traffic continues.

    Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve historically see lower vehicle traffic as people have reached their holiday destinations, according to INRIX. However, Friday is expected to be busy as travelers make their post-Christmas Day moves. “But, remember, crashes or severe weather could create unexpected delays,“ their year-end report warns.

    Best travel times for driving in Philadelphia

    Most of the traffic congestion this week will come after Christmas Day, with Friday being the busiest, INRIX reports.

    To avoid peak traffic, drivers should steer clear of the roads on Monday and Tuesday, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The best time to travel on those days is before 10 a.m.

    Wednesday, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day will have minimal traffic impact, according to INRIX.

    The following days will have some of the busiest roads all year: From Friday to Sunday, the worst travel times will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. To avoid congestion, drivers should leave for their destinations before 11 a.m.

  • Late-night dining is back in Philly

    Late-night dining is back in Philly

    “Last week, I went to Philadelphia, but it was closed,” is the sardonic line by comedian W.C. Fields that my husband, chef Ari Miller, has frequently referenced through the years. He has brought it up when sitting down with me for a 6 p.m. dinner (eating early is a habit I picked up sometime during the pandemic, when I left the restaurant industry), or designing his own menus. But most recently, used when debuting his own late-night menu at Post Haste, to even his own surprise.

    New late-night menus have been proliferating again in Philly. (Also, let’s define “late” as after 10 p.m.)

    What’s on these menus? There are burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, and hot dogs, but designed and dressed up by chefs using the same premium ingredients that go onto their dinner menus.

    The Wagyu hot dog at Almanac in Old City, topped with tonkatsu sauce, Japanese slaw, bonito flakes, and nori.

    Upstairs from Ogawa’s elegant, brightly lit omakase counter, you can let down your hair and ascend into Almanac’s semi-anonymous dark. Come January, the cocktail bar will extend its surprisingly voluminous late-night menu, featuring yuzu and miso glazed wings, an ethereally crispy karaage chicken sandwich, Wagyu hot dog, and barbecued eel donabe, among other refined Japanese comfort foods, until 12:30 a.m.

    “Almanac’s food menu is crafted using the same high-quality ingredients chef Carlos Wills sources for Ogawa’s omakase counter, reimagined with a fun, casual twist. Designed for grazing and sharing, the dishes are snack-sized—perfect for enjoying alongside a drink,” said owner Vy To.

    Rittenhouse’s dancerobot, a collaboration between chefs Jesse Ito and Justin Bacharach, just debuted a late-night menu last week, served Fridays and Saturdays from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., with hot dog-stuffed buns, and spicy fried chicken, and some quick-serve baos off the regular dinner menu.

    The just-opened Pine Street Grill is serving its usually $22 burger for $20 between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m., paired with a 20-oz. beer.

    The burger at Pine Street Grill, 2227 Pine St.

    At Messina Social Club, Eddie Konrad makes a roast pork sandwich ($12) that’s only available late night. It’s served on a Martin’s Big Marty seeded roll and served 10 p.m. until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Make it a Messina Happy Meal, where you get a shot, a can of Coors Banquet beer or wine, and the sandwich for $18.

    The pork sandwich at Messina Social Club is only available on the late-night menu, served with potato chips.

    The pork is dry-cured overnight with salt and brown sugar, roasted low between 275 and 300 degrees for six to eight hours, then pulled apart with tongs.

    It’s then chopped up and “its drippings are emulsified with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and MSG,” said Konrad. “This mixture coats the pork, then we adjust the seasoning and top it with a tablespoon of chopped giardiniera, horseradish, and roasted garlic aioli.”

    The assembly then takes eight minutes, a crucial number, according to Konrad. “It has to be turned out by the front-of-house staff, and it has to be perfect. They’re busy.”

    There have always been a few late-night options, of course. But many in post-pandemic years have dwindled. Nationwide data by reservation platform OpenTable, compiled at the end of November, also reflect the continued growth of early dinner trends and the waning of eating out late.

    When I polled chefs and other restaurant workers for where they went post-dinner shift, everyone inevitably named gas stations, restaurants in Chinatown that have since shuttered, and Taqueria La Prima (a fine option but proffered by five different stumped chefs).

    Among the restaurant industry crowd, workers have long descended upon Fountain Porter for its excellent cheeseburger, which tastes like someone’s dad grilled it in the backyard, served until 2 a.m. Through closing and reopenings, Sonny’s Cocktail Joint, open until 1 a.m. or midnight, depending on the day of the week, also courts a post-dinner shift crowd, with cracker-thin pies and buffalo chicken dip.

    So why the turn to late night? At Post Haste, anyway, it just makes sense.

    “The bar is already open those hours, until midnight Wednesday through Saturday. It made sense to have food available while the bar is serving drinks. Last call for food is now 11:45 p.m.,” said Miller. Post Haste’s late-night menu is served Wednesday through Saturday, but its regular dinner menu is pay-as-you-can on Sunday, an option designed with “our industry colleagues in mind. Industry people work all days of the week.”

    The accompanying late-night drink specials are bait for industry folks, fueled by Negronis and fernet.

    “We wanted to have an option for people to get off their shifts at those hours to get some decent food as opposed to a short-order sandwich,” said Miller.

    The late-night menu is simpler than their dinner menu, which features a long list of delicate, handwrought pastas. “It’s crafted so that one person in the kitchen can execute it. We took the fussy dishes off.” It may be 11 p.m., but hey W.C. Fields, Philadelphia is still open.

  • What they’re saying: The Eagles are NFC East champs but ‘still have a lot to prove’

    What they’re saying: The Eagles are NFC East champs but ‘still have a lot to prove’

    Christmas came early for Eagles fans on Saturday.

    After a slow start that saw them trail 10-7 at halftime, the Eagles managed to take over in the final 30 minutes — securing a 29-18 win over the Washington Commanders and punching their ticket to the playoffs, becoming the first repeat NFC East champions since 2004.

    Eagles use big second half to overwhelm Commanders, become first repeat NFC East champs since 2004

    Now, the 10-5 Eagles will prepare to travel to Highmark Stadium to play the 11-4 Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Most of the discourse surrounding the division champs has been centered on Nick Sirianni’s decision to go for two late in the game, whether the Birds are the best team in the NFC, or if they still have to prove themselves ahead of the postseason.

    Here’s what they’re saying about the Birds ahead of their game with the Bills …

    Nick Sirianni cited math in his decision to go for two late in the win over the Commanders.

    ‘I thought it was the wrong call’

    One of the biggest storylines centered on Sirianni’s decision to go for two late in the Commanders game to give the Eagles a 19-point lead. At the end of the two-point conversion, a fight broke out between Washington and Philadelphia players, resulting in three ejections.

    Former Eagles linebacker Seth Joyner reacted to the play call and the aftermath on 94WIP.

    “Let me say this,” Joyner said. “I thought it was the wrong call. But, [Sirianni’s] the head coach, he can do what he wants to do. But, isn’t it amazing? Isn’t it amazing that biggest whiners, the biggest criers, are the losers? Shut the [expletive] up and take the L. OK. Because y’all was like dancing around last year like y’all was really going to do something because you knocked our quarterback out, you know, with a cheap shot. That wasn’t bush league?

    “Then you bring your [expletive] here in the NFC championship game and you get run out of here. You run out of here like little church mice. You don’t say nothing. Now, all of a sudden you’re chiming in again. Shut the [expletive] up.”

    ‘The championship runs through Philly’

    On The Speakeasy podcast, former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy and former Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho were asked the question: Are the Eagles the best team in the NFC?

    “When did we let it go,” McCoy said. “We were the defending champs last year. We were the NFC champs. See, y’all forget a lot, though. I don’t forget. Last year, we won the whole NFC East. Last year we won the whole NFC. Last year we won the whole league, the Super Bowl. Why y’all forgot? Because we had a couple bad games. Because our Super Bowl quarterback had a couple of bad moments. We’re still the Eagles and we still put on a show. And the championship runs through Philly.”

    To Acho, Saturday’s game showed the complete package of what the Eagles could be. Jalen Hurts completed 22 of 30 throws for 185 yards with A.J. Brown as his favorite target, and gained 40 rushing yards on seven carries. Meanwhile, Saquon Barkley finished with 132 yards on 21 carries to contribute to the team’s 207 total rushing yards.

    “I think the Eagles are who we thought they were supposed to be all season,” Acho said. “Saquon [Barkley] really got active today. And then on top of that, A.J. Brown, he finally got active today. … This was maybe one of two or three complete games the Eagles have played all season. … The Eagles checked every single box you could hope and expect that they check.”

    After a three-game skid, the Eagles have managed to bounce back with two consecutive wins over the 2-13 Las Vegas Raiders and the 4-11 Commanders, two teams that have struggled throughout the season.

    “These games are momentum,” McCoy said. “It’s not about the opponent. It’s about getting us back in that groove. Getting us back with that motivation. Because when we get to the playoffs, we’re going to be rolling baby. … Resumés matter, playoff experience matters. And the way the offense is kind of clicking, the defense is making plays, I’m ready to roll.”

    Philadelphia ‘still has a lot to prove’

    McCoy and Acho may have faith in the Eagles’ chances in the postseason, but former NFL quarterback Cam Newton may need some more convincing.

    “They ain’t close [to reaching their potential],” said Newton on ESPN’s First Take. “They played the league’s worst team and that’s what you’re supposed to do. … I don’t want to hear Saquon Barkley talk about the woes in Philadelphia. If you want to hear something, put the camera in front of A.J. Brown. Because A.J. Brown is going to tell us the truth, the gospel. He was telling us everything we knew and we needed to know in Philadelphia before it even happened. And he was being painted as the villain.

    “But if you’re playing against the league’s worst team — a homecoming game, as we obviously know that to be — why would we believe that Philadelphia’s issues are fixed all of a sudden? So, at the end of the day, I’m looking at a dynamic to say hey, I need to see way more people [saying] ‘We don’t believe you, we need more people.’ And in that type of dynamic, Philadelphia is a team that still has a lot to prove, not only to the world but to themselves as well.”

  • A former West Chester and Temple basketball coach placed hundreds of bets for more than $175,000

    A former West Chester and Temple basketball coach placed hundreds of bets for more than $175,000

    A former Temple guard who worked on coaching staffs at two Philadelphia universities placed hundreds of bets on professional and collegiate games while he was a volunteer coach, the NCAA revealed.

    Khalif Wyatt, who served as an assistant volunteer coach for the men’s basketball team at West Chester University from July 2022 to spring 2023, placed 498 bets on professional and collegiate games between July and November 2022, totaling $176,326, according to the report released Thursday.

    None involved West Chester teams.

    Wyatt, who worked as a director of player development at his alma mater Temple before moving to the Long Island Nets in the NBA’s G League in September, declined to comment.

    As part of the NCAA’s penalty, Wyatt was suspended from 15% of the regular season during the first season of his employment if hired by any other NCAA member. He would not be able to participate in coaching activities during that period.

    What does the violation mean for West Chester?

    The NCAA began its investigation in 2024, when it was investigating another men’s basketball team. During that inquiry, sportsbook operator FanDuel reported Wyatt’s gambling. West Chester did not provide sports betting education to Wyatt, a volunteer coach, until 2023, according to the report. The NCAA found the university also responsible for Wyatt’s gambling.

    The university was fined $2,500 and is on NCAA probation until December 2026.

    A spokesperson for West Chester said, “Though the infraction was committed by a former short-term volunteer,” the school complied with the NCAA’s sanctions. It has further strengthened its compliance education, the spokesperson said.

    Temple did not respond to a message seeking comment.

    Khalif Wyatt was a standout player at Temple.

    Who is Khalif Wyatt?

    Wyatt, 34, grew up in Norristown and attended Norristown Area High School. He was a standout guard at Temple, where he helped the Owls earn two Atlantic 10 titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in four consecutive seasons.

    He finished his career with 1,576 points, 295 assists, and 273 rebounds and was named Atlantic 10 and Big 5 Player of the Year. He remains the program’s all-time leader for most 30-point games (seven) and is one of three Temple players to score more than 30 points in two NCAA Tournament games.

    After his college career, Wyatt spent nearly a decade playing overseas in China (2013-14), Israel (2014-19), and the Philippines (2019-20).

    Where has he coached?

    Wyatt was named to Temple’s staff as its director of player development in July 2023, after previously having served as an assistant coach at West Chester.

    Wyatt spent two seasons with the Owls before leaving for a job with the Brooklyn Nets’ G League team as a video coordinator this offseason.

    Wyatt told The Inquirer in 2023 that he had hoped to be a Division I head coach or work in the NBA.

    What is the NCAA gambling policy?

    The NCAA bans student-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff members from participating in all sports betting activities, regardless of sport or division — including professional sports.

    In late November — after six college men’s basketball players had their eligibility revoked over allegations of sports betting — the NCAA rescinded a rule change that would have allowed student athletes to bet on professional sports.

    Are there other local college betting incidents?

    Former Temple guard Hysier Miller, who overlapped one year with Wyatt on the Owls’ staff, is permanently ineligible to compete in the NCAA after having placed dozens of bets, including some against his team, during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

    The Neumann Goretti graduate placed 42 parlay bets totaling $473 on Temple games, and three of those were against his team.

    Former Temple special assistant coach Camren Wynter and former graduate assistant Jaylen Bond also violated NCAA rules by betting on professional and collegiate sports. Their bets did not involve Temple.

    According to the NCAA, both coaches received one-year, show-cause orders, a penalty in which any new hiring school would have to appear before the NCAA Committee on Infractions to state why it shouldn’t face discipline for hiring the coach, and a suspension of 10% of regular-season contests during his first year of employment.

    In late November, Temple president John Fry and athletic director Arthur Johnson wrote in a statement that the NCAA found no evidence of point shaving or wrongdoing by the university.

  • Two men were shot at the Frankford Transportation Center

    Two men were shot at the Frankford Transportation Center

    Two men were shot on Monday morning inside the Frankford Transportation Center, police said.

    The shooting occurred at 8:51 a.m. inside the building at 5223 Frankford Ave. Two men got into a fight, and one man took out a gun and shot the other in the shoulder, according to SEPTA spokesperson John Golden. The fight continued over the gun, and the original shooter was shot in the hand by the man with the wounded shoulder, Golden said.

    Both men were hospitalized and taken into police custody. SEPTA police transported one man to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, and the other to Temple University Hospital. Both men are in stable condition.

    Police are investigating the incident, but no charges have been announced.

    In November, another man was shot in the leg around the same time of morning on the same block near the Frankford Transportation Center.

  • Taco-Yote is the new taqueria in Moorestown from Conshohocken’s Coyote Crossing

    Taco-Yote is the new taqueria in Moorestown from Conshohocken’s Coyote Crossing

    In late 1996, Carlos Melendez took a chance on a watering hole off the beaten path in Conshohocken and created Coyote Crossing, still one of the suburbs’ most popular Mexican restaurants. Ten years later, he opened what proved to be a short-lived outpost in West Chester before deciding to double down by expanding the original restaurant.

    And that seemed to be enough until one night last year when he and his wife, Steffany, were out to dinner at Maurizio’s Bistro, near their home in Moorestown. Melendez struck up a conversation with owner Maurizio Randazzo.

    “He told me, ‘You know what, Carlos? I’m tired. I’m having knee surgery, and I just don’t want to do this anymore. I’d like to sell it,’” Melendez said.

    Melendez initially was reluctant to open another restaurant, but his wife urged him to look at it as a creative exercise. “And she was right,” he said.

    At Coyote Crossing, it’s life off the beaten path

    Taco-Yote — a mashup of “taco” and “coyote” — opened Dec. 12. It’s a deliberate shift from Coyote Crossing. Moorestown is dry, so there is no bar. It’s also much smaller, with a lower price point and a menu engineered for takeout and delivery as much as for dine-in.

    The al pastor pizza at Taco-Yote in Moorestown.

    The food reflects Melendez’s upbringing in Mexico City and his decades in restaurants — he worked with Tequilas founder David Suro at the Carlos ‘n Charlie’s chain many years ago. The design is bold with hand-painted artwork and an intimate feel.

    His mother-in-law, Ada Marina Estela, painted several pieces in the restaurant, including a prominent Frida Kahlo-inspired portrait in the main dining room. Steffany Melendez, a fashion designer, is behind “everything you see — the colors, the artwork, the aesthetic — that’s all her,” Carlos Melendez said.

    Dining room at Taco-Yote in Moorestown. The portrait of Frida Kahlo was painted by Ada Marina Estela, mother of Steffany Melendez.

    Central to chef Oscar Velasquez’s menu is a custom grill designed by Melendez and built by a fabricator in Tennessee, similar to one at Coyote Crossing. Fueled by charcoal and wood, it allows for live-fire cooking.

    Maurizio’s pizza oven is now pumping out pizzas inspired by Mexican street food: tacos al pastor, mole poblano, shrimp, birria (with consommé on the side), and rajas poblanas.

    Dining room at Taco-Yote in Moorestown.

    “One of the biggest challenges with Mexican food is how it travels,” Melendez said. “If you order tacos, no matter where they’re from, by the time they arrive the tortillas are soggy, so we package it differently. We separate the protein from the tortillas. You get the protein, you get the fixings, and you get freshly made corn tortillas. That way, when you assemble the taco yourself, the tortilla hasn’t had time to absorb moisture.”

    He said they apply similar thinking to pizza. “If you put sauce directly on the dough, it eventually makes the pizza soggy during transport,” he said. “We put the cheese down first. That way, the sauce isn’t in direct contact with the dough, and the pizza travels much better.”

    The Cuban sandwich at Taco-Yote in Moorestown.

    The menu also includes family-style meals — fajitas and similar dishes — where everything is packaged separately so customers can assemble them at home.

    And then there is a Cuban sandwich.

    “When I was a kid, my father [the actor Carlos Duran] would visit occasionally. My mom would drop me off at this sandwich place in Mexico [Tortas Don Polo] while we waited for him, because he was always one or two hours late. I’d sit at the counter and watch them make Cuban sandwiches for hours. I memorized the whole routine. That sandwich stayed with me. It has American cheese, Oaxaca, queso fresco, and Chihuahua cheese, pulled pork, chipotle dressing, avocado, and — very important — pickled jalapeños.” The bread is lightly buttered and heated so it’s soft.

    “We put that sandwich on the menu because it’s personal,” Melendez said. “I’ve been making it for myself for years.”

    Taco-Yote, 33 E. Main St., Moorestown, 856-323-5500. Hours: noon to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

  • 13 ways to celebrate the new year in and around Media

    13 ways to celebrate the new year in and around Media

    The countdown to 2026 is on, and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the end of one year and the start of another. From New Year’s Eve dinner specials to adults-only celebrations and family-friendly gatherings, here’s how to ring in the new year in and around Media.

    New Year’s Eve Events for Adults

    Ship Bottom Brewery will host a “keg drop” to usher in the new year.
    Ship Bottom Brewery’s Keg Drop

    Now in its third year, the Swarthmore location of the brewery will usher in the new year with a keg drop. Festivities kick off around 3 p.m. and there will be live music from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., followed by a DJ from 9 p.m. until midnight, as well as food trucks.

    ⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 3 p.m.-midnight 💵 Pay as you go 📍Ship Bottom Brewery, 5 Park Ave., Swarthmore

    New Year’s Eve with Jawn of the Dead

    Ring in the new year by listening to local Grateful Dead tribute band Jawn of the Dead perform at Shere-E-Punjab. Tickets are for the standing-room-only show. Separate reservations are needed for dinner.

    ⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 💵 $40 📍Shere-E-Punjab, 210 W. State St., Media

    Springfield Country Club is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve bash.
    Ring in 2026 at Springfield Country Club

    Springfield Country Club’s 21-and-over celebration includes a dinner buffet, dancing, music, an open bar, and a champagne toast.

    ⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 💵 $129.89 📍Springfield Country Club, 400 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield

    State Street Pub’s New Year’s Eve Party

    There will be à la carte dining throughout the night, and starting at 9:30 p.m., DJ Josh Jamz will be spinning tunes. Families are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older.

    ⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍State Street Pub, 37 E. State St., Media

    Family-Friendly New Year’s Events

    Countdown to Noon at the Rocky Run YMCA

    This event includes crafts, games, music, and a countdown to noon, complete with a ball drop. There will also be hot chocolate available for purchase.

    ⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-noon. 💵 Free 📍Rocky Run YMCA, 1299 W. Baltimore Pike, Media

    Swarthmore Public Library’s Noon Year’s Eve

    There will be games, activities, and a countdown to noon at this drop-in event for young kids who can’t make it to midnight.

    ⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Swarthmore Public Library, 121 Park Ave., Swarthmore

    Media-Upper Providence Free Library’s Noon Year’s Eve

    Families with preschool and elementary age kids can listen to music and a story, craft a disco ball, and count down to noon at this event. Registration is required.

    ⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Media-Upper Providence Free Library, 1 E. Front St., Media

    Global Noon Year’s Eve Celebration

    Helen Kate Furness Free Library will ring in the new year by showcasing several traditions from around the world, including making a Japanese craft and eating a snack that’s meant to bring luck for the year ahead. Registration is required.

    ⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, noon-1 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Helen Kate Furness Free Library, 100 N. Providence Rd., Wallingford

    Media’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

    Watch the ball drop from over 100 feet above Spasso Italian Grill in the borough as 2025 turns to 2026. There will be a DJ performing near Jackson and State Streets, as well.

    ⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 💵 Free 📍Spasso Italian Grill, 1 W. State St., Media

    New Year’s Day 5K Race

    Kick off the year with a brisk 5K race through Swarthmore. There will also be a free race for kids ages 2 to 13 and their families.

    ⏰ Thursday, Jan. 1, 10:30 a.m. 💵 $40-$45 📍Swarthmore College Field House, 500 Fieldhouse Lane, Swarthmore

    New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Dining

    Broad Table Tavern is offering a prix fixe menu for New Year’s Eve.
    Broad Table Tavern

    The restaurant at the Inn at Swarthmore will serve a special prix fixe menu for New Year’s Eve that gives comfort food a spice-forward twist. The three-course menu includes starter options like roasted cauliflower soup, cider-braised pork belly, fennel-crusted yellowfin tuna, and truffle mushroom arancini. Entrée options include filet mignon, sea bass, stuffed pork loin, and winter squash gnocchi. The meal will be capped with a poached pear tart or gingerbread truffles. Dinner will be served from 4 to 9 p.m., and the bar will be open until midnight.

    ⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 4-9 p.m. 💵 $75 📍Inn at Swarthmore, 12 S. Chester Rd., Swarthmore

    Fond

    The Wallingford BYOB is offering a five-course meal for New Year’s Eve that includes a first course soup; a salad, tuna tartare, or foie gras second course; scallops for the third course; entrées like pork belly, Scottish salmon, and filet and shrimp; and a dessert of hazelnut chocolate mousse. A half-dozen oysters are also available to add to the meal for $21.

    ⏰ Wednesday, Dec. 31, 4:30-9 p.m. 💵 $135 📍Fond, 21 N. Providence Rd., Wallingford

    White Dog Cafe is hosting a New Year’s Day “pajama brunch,” where attendees are encouraged to where their PJs.
    Pajama Brunch at White Dog Cafe

    On New Year’s Day, White Dog Cafe is again hosting its Pajama Brunch, which encourages attendees to wear their PJs to the restaurant, where an à la carte menu will be available. Reservations are encouraged.

    ⏰ Thursday, Jan. 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 💵 Prices vary 📍White Dog Cafe, 981 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.