Updated look at Chiefs' pending free agents for 2022 - Chiefs Wire

The 2021 NFL postseason has come to a close for the Kansas City Chiefs after a disappointing loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC championship game. That also means it’s the perfect time to review the team’s pending free agents for the 2022 NFL offseason.

Brett Veach and the front office will have some difficult decisions to make, with several players slated to hit unrestricted free agency. Some of those players will receive extensions, while others have played their last snap for the team. Kansas City won’t be able to keep everyone, with two dozen contributors scheduled to become unrestricted free agents, plus more as exclusive rights and restricted free agents.

Below you’ll find a look at all of the 2022 free agents for the Chiefs and our thoughts their outlooks for the future:

S Tyrann Mathieu

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Mathieu has made it clear that he wants to stay with the Chiefs beyond the conclusion of the 2021 NFL season. In closing comments to the media after the loss to the Bengals, Mathieu got emotional when asked about his future with the team. Some have speculated it’s because he already knows what will transpire this offseason, but from his comments, it seems more to be about the fact that returning is out of his control. The last word from general manager Brett Veach was that they wanted to bring Mathieu back and that a contract extension would have to come in the 2022 offseason. If Kansas City can get their salary cap to a more amicable position, expect the team to at least make an attempt to bring Mathieu back.

LT Orlando Brown Jr.

AP Photo/Colin E. Braley

The Chiefs traded multiple draft picks, including last year’s first-rounder, to acquire Orlando Brown Jr. in April. They’re unlikely to let him walk in free agency after making such an investment. The question now is whether he will be signed to a long-term extension in the offseason or will he be franchise tagged? It was reported shortly after the trade that the Chiefs were willing to use the franchise tag on him in 2022. Given what he’s likely looking for in terms of a long-term deal, the franchise tag seems to be the most likely solution.

DE Melvin Ingram

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Ingram will be an interesting case study for Kansas City. The Chiefs traded to acquire him ahead of the trade deadline and he’s since helped to completely transform the defense this offseason. The team had shown interest in signing him during the 2021 free agency period, but he chose to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers instead. Ingram said he has aspirations to win a Super Bowl and return to Kansas City in 2022. We know that one of those things won’t be happening now, but will the other?

DT Jarran Reed

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Reed wasn’t very productive early on in his tenure in Kansas City, but he seemed to settle into things later on. It’s tough to tell if he’s done enough to warrant a contract extension with the team, but he certainly contributed to some winning moments down the stretch, including a sack in the divisional round against the Buffalo Bills. At the right price, I think the Chiefs would like to bring Reed back, but they could also let him walk and hope to fetch a compensatory pick in 2023.

CB Charvarius Ward

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Ward has been the Chiefs’ best cover corner this season. They’ve invested a lot of development time in him after acquiring him from the Dallas Cowboys in 2018. Typically, those are guys you want to keep around, but Ward’s performance might price him out of Kansas City. Valuations still have Ward set to earn upwards of $13 million per year on average with his next contract. Can the Chiefs afford to sign him long-term at that price? I’m not so certain.

RT Mike Remmers

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

Red beard finished the season on injured reserve for the Chiefs with back and knee injuries. It felt surprisingly similar to what happened with Mitchell Schwartz a season ago. While he’s proven to be a solid player at right tackle as a spot starter and depth, it seems like this might be the end of the line for Remmers in Kansas City.

WR Byron Pringle

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Pringle signed a restricted free agent contract with the Chiefs in 2021. He currently is the closest thing to a No. 3 receiver on the roster. If they improve their depth at the position in 2022, it could bump him down the depth chart. At his age (28) it’s hard to see him going out and starting fresh with a new team. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Kansas City extend Pringle on a one-year veteran salary benefit deal.

CB Mike Hughes

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The Chiefs have wanted Hughes since he was coming out as a draft prospect at UCF, so they traded for him ahead of the 2021 NFL season. Hughes established himself as key depth on both defense and special teams, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors back in Week 14. I get the feeling that this is a player the team would like to continue to develop in 2022. At worst, he’s solid depth. At best, he competes for a starting gig.

DB Daniel Sorensen

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Sorensen signed a one-year veteran salary benefit to return to Kansas City this past offseason. The former undrafted free agent out of BYU is coming off of one of the worst seasons of his career. He’s beloved by his teammates and the coaching staff, but the team would be wise to go their separate ways this offseason.

QB Chad Henne

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The Chiefs have been grooming Shane Buechele to take over as the No. 2 quarterback. Henne has been the backup to Patrick Mahomes for a few seasons now and his heroics in the divisional round against the Browns will always be remembered. That said, he’s unlikely to return to Kansas City as the backup in 2022.

RB Darrel Williams

AP Photo/David Dermer

Williams is going to be an interesting case study for this team as well. They’ve invested a ton of development time and that paid off when he filled in for Clyde Edwards-Helaire as a starter this season. He amassed over 1,000 scrimmage yards before suffering a toe injury that limited him in the postseason. Does Kansas City decide to bring him back for another run in 2022? They might have to make a decision between Williams and. . .

RB Jerick McKinnon

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McKinnon’s early-season performance had me thinking the team wouldn’t go out of their way to re-sign him. However, when the injuries mounted at the running back position, he stepped up in the postseason. If the Chiefs can re-sign him on a similar one-year deal as they did in 2021, I think they’d be wise to consider bringing McKinnon back.

OL Kyle Long

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Long returned from retirement to play for the Chiefs this season, but he didn’t actually end up playing at all.  An injury landed him on the PUP list to start the season and he was only active for a handful of games late in the year. I’d be surprised if Long was back with Kansas City next season.

LB Ben Niemann

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Niemann performed better than Chiefs fans will give him credit for in his sub-package role this season. As the season went on, his role began to be diminished with more Willie Gay Jr. and Nick Bolton in the lineup. The team should be looking to upgrade their depth at this position during the offseason.

WR Demarcus Robinson

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Robinson re-signed with the Chiefs on a one-year veteran salary benefit in 2021. It was the second year where he was expected to have a large market in free agency and he ultimately ended up returning to Kansas City. Upgrading the receiver position should be a big focus for Brett Veach this offseason, but I wouldn’t be shocked if there is a situation where Robinson is brought back to compete during the offseason.

WR Josh Gordon

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

Josh Gordon was waived after failing to make an impact on the 53-man roster this season. He was re-signed to the practice squad, signaling the Chiefs might not be done with Gordon yet. It’s possible he is re-signed on another one-year deal to come in and get a better grasp of the system this offseason.

TE Blake Bell

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Chiefs have a lot of depth at the tight end position behind Travis Kelce. It seems unlikely that Bell would be back in 2022, but he’s also been a very solid piece for the team this year (as he was in 2019). At the right number, Bell could easily be someone that the team brings back. He’s well-liked by the coaching staff and seems to play an important role on offense and special teams.

DE Alex Okafor

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

Okafor was a pleasant surprise as rotational depth, returning to Kansas City after his contract was voided. Expect Brett Veach to look for upgrades all-around at the defensive end position this offseason. With young players like Mike Danna, Joshua Kaindoh and Malik Herring under contract, Okafor could be pushed out this season.

C Austin Blythe

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

Blythe has roots in the area and he’s solid and affordable depth. I’d be surprised if the team didn’t bring him back on a similar one-year deal to continue working as a backup on the offensive interior.

FB Michael Burton

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Burton lived up to his reputation coming into Kansas City on a one-year deal in 2021. He’s a solid blocker on offense, a great receiver and he can get some tough yards in short-yardage situations. There are probably cheaper options in the draft or free agency, but if the team continues to roster a fullback, it’s probably best not to skimp and instead go all-out to make sure you have the best one.

DT Derrick Nnadi

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Nnadi was the Chiefs’ most impactful draft pick of the 2018 NFL draft. He’s been a solid run-stuffing defensive tackle for several seasons now and hasn’t missed much time due to injury. The Chiefs signed DL Darius Stills and DL Lorenzo Neal Jr. to reserve/future contracts, signaling that they’re expecting some departures at the position in 2022 and a need for depth.

OL Andrew Wylie

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Wylie was probably the biggest surprise for Kansas City in 2021. After a Super Bowl LV disaster, Wylie became one of the most valuable offensive linemen for the team and a solid backup right tackle. He was the top performance-based pay earner in 2020 because of the number of snaps that he played. Don’t be shocked if he tops the league in performance-based pay again this season after starting a number of games at right tackle. I’d be surprised if the Chiefs didn’t seek to retain Wylie in 2022, especially with the torn patellar tendon injury to Lucas Niang.

LB Dorian O'Daniel

AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn

It’s very hard to justify a roster spot for a player who only sees the field on special teams. He had some opportunities as a QB spy late in the season, which is more than in previous years. It feels like it’s time for Kansas City to move on from the former third-round pick unless he’s interested in signing a non-guaranteed one-year deal.

S Armani Watts

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Watts played his role this season for Kansas City. In the few chances that he’s had to play this season, he’s performed well. He locked up Raiders TE Darren Waller in coverage, almost securing an interception against him. He also played some deep safety looks against the Bills in the divisional round. As a four-phase special teams player and a solid backup, the Chiefs should look to bring him back.

WR Marcus Kemp

AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

Kemp has been one of the best special teamers in Kansas City since joining the team as an undrafted free agent back in 2017. This is his first season as an unrestricted free agent and I’d expect him to explore his options. He could ultimately rejoin the Chiefs if there is nothing better out there.

Restricted and exclusive rights free agents:

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Restricted free agents: RFAs are players with three accrued seasons. They are allowed to negotiate with other teams even if they’re offered a contract tender. Those other teams can sign the restricted free agent to an offer sheet, but the Chiefs would then have the right to match the offer. If they don’t match the offer, depending on the tender type, they can receive draft compensation for the player.

CB Chris Lammons is the lone restricted free agent for the Chiefs in 2021. He’s one of the team’s best special teamers, so it’s likely that he returns in 2022 on an original round tender.

Exclusive right free agents: ERFAs are players on expiring contracts who have fewer than three accrued seasons. They can only negotiate with their original team ahead of the new league year, and if they’re not tendered a contract, they become unrestricted free agents.

Here are the Chiefs’ ERFAs for 2022:

CB Deandre Baker TE Jody Fortson RB Derrick Gore

Each of these players contributed in 2021 and should be tendered ERFA contract offers in 2022. It’s not good business to let affordable talent walk out the door.

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Updated look at Chiefs' pending free agents for 2022 - Chiefs Wire
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Brian Daboll: Patrick Graham to remain DC pending head coach interviews - Giants.com

Coach Brian Daboll, who was hired on Friday, confirmed during Monday's introductory press conference that he will retain Patrick Graham as the Giants' defensive coordinator if he does not take a head coach role with another team.

It would be Graham's third season in his second stint with the team. He also served as the Giants' defensive line coach from 2016-2017.

Graham has received much praise for his work game-planning and calling the defensive signals the last two seasons.

In 2021, the defense kept the Giants competitive in several games when the offense struggled to score points, despite the short or long-term loss of Blake Martinez, Jabrill Peppers, Logan Ryan, Adoree' Jackson and Lorenzo Carter due to injuries or COVID-19. Although the Giants finished 21st in the NFL by allowing 354.8 yards a game, they were 11th after giving up an average of 5.3 yards-per-play.

Tae Crowder, the 255th and final selection of the 2020 NFL Draft, stepped in for Martinez to call plays in the huddle and led the Giants with 130 tackles. Second-year safety Xavier McKinney had a team-high five interceptions and won an NFC Defensive Player of the Week Award. Azeez Ojulari led the team and finished second among NFL rookies with 8.0 sacks.

The Giants' defense improved significantly in Graham's debut season as coordinator. The unit ranked ninth by allowing 357 points, 94 fewer than their total in 2019.

The defense was 12th in the NFL by allowing 349.3 yards-per-game after finishing 27th at 377.3 yards the previous season. It was their best defensive finish since 2016, when they were 10th in the league by allowing 339.7 yards a game. Giants opponents averaged just 5.3 yards a play, the NFL's ninth-lowest figure.

One year after placing 20th in the NFL, the rushing defense ranked 10th, allowing 111.4 yards a game. That was also their best figure since 2016 (when they were tied for third at 88.6 rushing yards a game). The pass defense jumped from 28th in the league in 2019 to a tie for 16th by giving up 237.9 yards game, the team's lowest figure since 2013, when the Giants allowed 223.3 yards a game through the air and were 10th in the league.

Graham has 13 years of NFL coaching experience with four teams. He has coached in the playoffs in eight of those seasons and has been part of teams that have won seven division titles, two conference championships and one Super Bowl (XLIX with New England).

Graham was the Miami Dolphins' defensive coordinator in 2019.

Prior to joining the Dolphins, Graham spent the 2018 season as the Green Bay Packers' inside linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator. Under his tutelage, Martinez totaled 144 tackles (91 solo) and a career-high 5.0 sacks. Green Bay's defense limited opponents to 4.3 yards per rush, which was 13th in the league.

Graham's line was instrumental in the Giants fielding the NFL's most improved defense in 2016. The team allowed 158 fewer points and 1,290 fewer yards than it did in 2015. Their 17.8 points per game allowed was second in the NFL and the team's best since 2002.

Graham began his NFL coaching career in New England, where he spent seven seasons with the Patriots (2009-15). He was a coaching assistant in 2009 before being promoted to defensive assistant in 2010 and linebackers coach in 2011. Graham moved to defensive line from 2012-13 before returning to the linebackers in 2014-15.

During his tenure with New England, the Patriots won the AFC East title all seven seasons, the conference championship twice and Super Bowl XLIX. In his five years as a position coach (2011-15), New England led the NFL in takeaways (150) and was tied for fourth in sacks (214).

Graham played collegiately at Yale, where he was a defensive lineman for the 1999 team that shared an Ivy League title with Brown. He earned his bachelor's degree in sociology with a concentration in economics and African American studies.

A native of Waterbury, Conn. (born in Des Plaines, Ill.), Graham and his wife, Pamela, have two children, Morgan and Silas.

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Archdiocese of Baltimore removes priest from ministry pending investigation - Catholic Review of Baltimore

The Archdiocese of Baltimore issued the following news release concerning the ministry of Father Samuel Lupico:

The Archdiocese of Baltimore is investigating an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor involving Reverend Samuel Lupico. Father Lupico is retired but had been assisting at St. Mary of the Assumption in Govans (Baltimore) and St. Pius X (Rodgers Forge).

Pursuant to Archdiocesan policy, the Archdiocese has removed Father Lupico’s faculties to function as a priest and suspended him from ministry, pending the results of a full investigation. Father Lupico denies the allegation.

Upon receiving the allegation, the Archdiocese immediately reported it to law enforcement. Archdiocesan policy requires the Archdiocese to cooperate with any investigation by law enforcement and also to conduct its own investigation.

After receiving permission to proceed from law enforcement authorities, the Archdiocese has now commenced its own investigation. In accordance with Archdiocesan policy, counseling assistance is available to those affected by child sexual abuse.

The abuse allegedly occurred in the mid-1970s, while Father Lupico was serving at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Baltimore. This matter is in an early stage of investigation, and thus no determination of credibility has been made by the Archdiocese at this time. However, the Archdiocese is making this communication in order to solicit any relevant information as part of its investigation and in order to fulfill its commitment to open communication with affected communities.

Father Lupico served in the following locations in the Archdiocese of Baltimore: St. Mary’s Seminary (1972-1974); St. Ann Catholic Church, Baltimore (1974-82); St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (1974-78); Holy Family Catholic Church, Davidsonville (1982-86); Stella Maris, Timonium (1986-89); Loyola University Maryland (taught courses 1984-1993); Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and St. Ann Catholic Church, Baltimore (1989-94); St. Joseph Medical Center, Towson (1996-99); St. Edward Catholic Church, Baltimore (1999-2005); St. Pius X (Rodgers Forge) and St. Mary of the Assumption in Govans, Baltimore (2005 to present).

The Archdiocese of Baltimore is committed to protecting children and helping to heal victims of abuse. We urge anyone who has any knowledge of any child sexual abuse to come forward, and to report it immediately to law enforcement. If clergy or other church personnel is suspected of committing the abuse, we ask that you also call the Archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection Victims’ Assistance Hotline at 1-866-417-7469. If you have any other information relevant to this matter, please contact the Archdiocese Office of Child and Youth Protection at 410-547-5348.

Copyright © 2022 Catholic Review Media

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Archdiocese of Baltimore removes priest from ministry pending investigation - Catholic Review of Baltimore
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Charges pending in shooting death of 16-year-old Valley teen - WRBL

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Charges pending in shooting death of 16-year-old Valley teen  WRBL
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Kansas City Chiefs 2022 Offseason Preview: Pending free agents, team needs, draft picks, and more - Pro Football Network

The Kansas City Chiefs will continue on their successful path regardless of their pending free agents, team needs, draft picks, and salary cap space. Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid won’t allow a complete fall from grace. That said, they’re actually in a pretty comfortable spot after last season’s trip to free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft. It was indeed a “rich get richer” situation.

Kansas City Chiefs 2022 Offseason Preview

The Chiefs struck gold during the 2021 offseason. First, they cut Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher, sending every national media pundit into a tizzy over Mahomes’ lucrative contract. Surely, that was the reason Kansas City cut the two veterans, right?

Well, they ended up paying big money to Joe Thuney in free agency and then traded for Orlando Brown. With the selections of Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith, the offensive line rebuild was complete, all in a matter of two months. And it came back in 2021 better than in 2020.

The Chiefs have $15.4 million in projected cap space

Source: Spotrac (as of Jan. 30)

The Chiefs currently have the 17th-most cap space heading into next season. However, they can free up nearly $22 million by cutting Frank Clark and Anthony Hitchens. Additionally, they can use the flexibility built into Mahomes’ contract to convert his roster bonus to a signing bonus if they want to free up more space.

Kansas City owns a top-heavy roster. There is no denying that fact — their top-five player contracts for 2022 account for 61.41% of the total cap for next year. Luckily for them, they shouldn’t have to fight too hard to re-sign most of their contributors.

Chiefs’ pending free agents

Tyrann Mathieu and Orlando Brown are the two biggest names looking for long-term financial support during the offseason, but they’re two of a slew of pending free agents for the Chiefs.

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Jarran Reed, Charvarius Ward, Mike Hughes, Melvin Ingram, and Derrick Nnadi are all defenders looking for new contracts in 2022. Daniel Sorensen is also a free agent, which isn’t necessarily bad for the Chiefs but does add a need for them, especially if they struggle to retain the Honey Badger. Josh Gordon, Demarcus Robinson, and Byron Pringle are all pending free agents on offense, adding to Kansas City’s possible team needs.

Chiefs’ team needs

Unlike a few of the other top teams that won’t need much to retool in the offseason, the Chiefs once again have a list of positions to address heading into 2022. They have at least the possibility of losing their left tackle, game-breaking safety, two starting cornerbacks (Rashad Fenton can replace one), three wide receivers, a defensive tackle, and two edge rushers. They can use their cap space to pay some of them, but they can’t have it all.

If they allow Brown to leave, which seems unlikely, then left tackle immediately becomes their most pressing need. If not then, defense will rightly be the focus, with wide receiver a nice-to-have focus.

Chiefs’ top five needs in the 2022 NFL offseason

• Defensive tackle
• Edge rusher
• Cornerback
• Safety
• Wide receiver

Chiefs’ 2022 NFL Draft picks

The Chiefs traded away their first-round pick for Brown a year ago, so they didn’t lose any high-end picks from 2022. They didn’t miss their first-rounder in 2021 much because they had two late seconds. One of them turned into an All-Pro as a rookie, and the other was quite good also. Here is how the Chiefs’ 2022 picks look based on the current NFL Draft order.

• Round 1
• Round 2
• Round 3
• Round 4
• Round 6
• Round 7 x 5

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Kansas City Chiefs 2022 Offseason Preview: Pending free agents, team needs, draft picks, and more - Pro Football Network
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Animal Charity: Charges pending in death of dog in Mahoning County - WKBN.com

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UF pays Dr. Joseph Ladapo over 260k with duties still pending - mycbs4.com

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Arrests pending in Murfreesboro shooting - The Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald - Roanoke Chowan News Herald

MURFREESBORO – No charges have been filed yet in the aftermath of a shooting at the Dollar General on Tuesday, Jan. 25, but Murfreesboro Police Chief David Griffith said they would be forthcoming in the near future.

Griffith told the News Herald on Friday that they’ve interviewed multiple witnesses and are wrapping up their investigation. He also reported that the sole person injured in the shooting remains in the hospital.

The incident occurred around 4:53 p.m. on Tuesday at the Dollar General located on Main Street in Murfreesboro, adjacent to the Food Lion. Officers responded to the scene approximately two minutes after they received the “shots fired” call.

“We were able to find two individuals that had been involved in the shooting,” Griffith said on Tuesday.

Two weapons, which were the property of both individuals, were also recovered at the scene.

A third person involved fled the scene in an unidentified vehicle to Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital to be treated for gunshot wounds. That person was later airlifted to another hospital.

It is not known yet if this incident is related to any other recent crimes in Murfreesboro, which includes an armed robbery which took place on Chowan University’s campus on Jan. 23.

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Allentown bridge to remain closed for a few more weeks pending state, federal approval - KING5.com

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Allentown bridge to remain closed for a few more weeks pending state, federal approval  KING5.com
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US judge may suspend mustang roundup in Nevada; suit pending - FOX31 Denver

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US judge may suspend mustang roundup in Nevada; suit pending  FOX31 Denver
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10 pending free agents in NFL conference championship games to watch for the Detroit Lions - MLive.com

The Detroit Lions are watching the NFL’s conference championship round from home like the rest of the world. That means it’s once again time to identify 10 pending free agents worth watching for the team as four teams play for a berth in the Super Bowl.

It’s the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC. And Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers representing the NFC this weekend. Detroit’s ties to the Rams are well documented. Brad Holmes spent the better part of the last decade leading LA’s college scouting department before landing the general manager job around these parts.

And while most eyes have turned to the draft with two first-round picks on the books. It’s worth tracking pending free agents since the Lions will have more cap space in Year 2 of the Holmes regime, not to mention a growing NFL salary cap. The league’s cap is projected at $208.2 million for 2022. That’s $25.7 million more than last year’s number. With that said, let’s dig into those 10 names to track:

Bengals S Jessie Bates III

Jessie Bates is one of the top free agents heading into the offseason. The 2018 second-round pick is on the last leg of his rookie contract. The safety has started 63 of 65 games since entering the league. Bates has 10 interceptions and 35 pass deflections in that span. He was a second-team All-Pro in 2020. Bates would certainly fit what the Lions should be looking for on the market. He’s a ball-hawking safety that would pair nicely with fellow pending free agent safety Tracy Walker. Bates makes his living with the ball in the air. Walker has struggled to flip the field, serving as one of the better tackling safeties on Detroit’s defense in recent years, though. With that said, Bates is an obvious candidate for the franchise tag after a slightly down showing after last year’s breakout campaign. Spotrac estimates Bates could get a deal in the five-year, $72 million range.

Rams WR Odell Beckham Jr.

Since landing in Los Angeles, Odell Beckham Jr. has looked like Odell Beckham Jr. He’s been a key cog in the team’s postseason success while developing a connection with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Beckham has 10 catches for 123 yards and one touchdown in those two playoff wins. He even added a 40-yard touchdown pass in the wild-card victory. Beckham had 17 catches for 232 yards and no scores in six games in Cleveland. Through eight games with the Rams? He has 27 catches for 305 yards and five touchdowns. While the Lions didn’t have much interest in the receiver when he became available during the season. It’s hard to ignore his revival while looking like a problem in the open field. He’s fast. He’s a great route-runner. He would add a layer of playmaking ability desperately needed. PFF ranks him 36th among pending free agents ahead of the offseason.

Rams EDGE Von Miller

Speaking of stars looking like themselves again. Von Miller remains an athletic marvel off the edge while bringing an impressive all-around game. The Rams traded a second-and third-round pick for Miller’s services, with some help paying the tab from the Denver Broncos. Miller had five sacks in eight games in LA. He had 4.5 sacks in seven games while still in Denver while making his return from missing all of 2020. His injury history and age are factors to watch. Still, the veteran is doing his best to erase all doubts ahead of this crucial offseason. He finished the season as PFF’s fourth-ranked edge defender. The main question in Detroit for an edge defender of this caliber revolves around what happens in-house with Trey Flowers and Charles Harris. The Lions also hold Pick 2, with edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux heavily in the mix. PFF estimated Miller’s next deal in the two-year, $34 million range.

49ers CB K’Waun Williams

The Lions could very well be set at cornerback heading into 2022. Jeff Okudah is expected back following a lengthy recovery from his year-ending Achilles injury suffered in the opener. Amani Oruwariye posted a career-high six interceptions and has another season on his rookie deal. Ifeatu Melifonwu showed flashes after returning from injury. The lanky corner was a third-round pick last year. Detroit also has Jerry Jacobs, A.J. Parker and Will Harris in the mix.

And while there is more than enough on paper heading into next season. Okudah and Jacobs are making their way back from serious injuries, and a little experienced depth wouldn’t be the worst idea. K’Waun Williams would bring that, likely without breaking the bank too. Williams would also provide experience from the slot, something the Lions could need depending on how they feel about Jacobs, Parker or Harris. The seven-year pro intercepted Dak Prescott in the wild-card round, then knocked away two passes in last week’s win against the Packers. Williams isn’t a star. But he’s been a consistent performer for the 49ers who could bring valuable depth or as a rock-solid starter wherever he lands.

Rams CB Darious Williams

Darious Williams is someone Brad Holmes is likely very familiar with through his time in LA. The Rams claimed Williams after the Ravens waived him during his rookie season. He’s appeared in 43 games while earning 26 starts since 2018. He’s started 23 of those games over the previous two seasons while developing into a dependable hand for the Rams. He didn’t intercept any passes this year after notching a career-high four in 2020. PFF reports Williams ranks 20th among cornerbacks over the last two seasons. During that span, he’s forced 21 forced incompletions, the 10th most in the NFL.

Chiefs EDGE Melvin Ingram

Melvin Ingram remains an experienced, powerful pass rusher despite lacking production amid a weird campaign in 2021. He had one sack across six games with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ingram then added one sack across nine games and six starts for the Chiefs. Still, Ingram ranked 16th overall among edge players per PFF. He was 27th in the pass-rushing department with 42 quarterback pressures. Ingram feels destined for a short-term deal as a key part of a team’s rotation at edge rusher. Depending on the cost and who’s back in Detroit. That could work around here if the shoe fits.

Rams DL Sebastian Joseph-Day

Holmes went to the Rams for Michael Brockers when he needed to bolster his defensive trenches around this time last year. Sebastian Joseph-Day was designated to return from injured reserve last week. He had been out since Week 7 with a pectoral injury. Before the injury, the interior defender had three sacks and 38 tackles in seven starts. The 2018 sixth-round pick has 38 starts in three years for the Rams, highlighting another quality find by Holmes and LA’s front office. Joseph-Day’s combo of speed and power shows up best against the run. The Lions have Alim McNeill and John Penisini at nose tackle. McNeill made the PFF and PFWA all-rookie teams. He should be the starting nose moving forward, without question. Joseph-Day could provide the team with a dependable run-stopper and decent pass rusher to throw in the mix.

“Joseph-Day hasn’t had the hardest job in the NFL, given that he’s been playing next to Aaron Donald, but he provides positive value to any run defense,” PFF writes. “If he’s blocked one-on-one, expect him to win most of those reps.”

49ers WR Trent Sherfield

The pending free agents in this weekend’s games at wide receiver aren’t overwhelming. That doesn’t mean there isn’t worthwhile talent or depth worth tracking. Trent Sherfield doesn’t have a ton of reps to his name, with offensive snaps hard to come by in San Francisco. He caught nine passes on 20 targets for 87 yards and one touchdown while seeing time in all 17 games. Sherfield had that score against the Lions in Week 1. He played three seasons in Arizona before landing with the 49ers. He’s an impressive athlete at 6-foot-2. Sherfield ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash coming out of Vanderbilt in 2018, rocking solid 20- and 10-yard split times too.

Chiefs WR Demarcus Robinson

Demarcus Robinson has been a steady hand in Kansas City over the last six seasons. Robinson doesn’t light the world on fire by any means but could do more in a less-crowded receiver room. The 27-year-old hasn’t missed a game since landing with the Chiefs in 2016′s fourth round. Robinson caught 25 passes on 41 targets for 264 yards and three touchdowns. His most productive campaign was in 2020. He had 45 catches for 466 yards and three touchdowns that year. The Lions have an obvious need at receiver heading into next season. Rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown showed eye-popping flashes in a multi-faceted role down the stretch. He needs some more help on the outside, though. Robinson, or any of the other names on this list, might not fit that mold. But there is still something to offer, especially with all that experience in Kansas City’s passing attack.

49ers WR Jauan Jennings

Jauan Jennings has continued to do the most with whatever Kyle Shanahan throws his way. The exclusive-rights free agent had 24 receptions for 282 yards and five touchdowns. Jennings popped in the regular-season finale. He had six catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns against the Cardinals that day. He’s caught four passes on seven looks for 35 yards in two playoff games. The 2020 seventh-round pick out of Tennessee isn’t the best athlete but offers some intriguing size at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds.

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10 pending free agents in NFL conference championship games to watch for the Detroit Lions - MLive.com
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US judge may suspend mustang roundup in Nevada; suit pending - The Seattle Times

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US judge may suspend mustang roundup in Nevada; suit pending  The Seattle Times
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Penguins GM Ron Hextall hopeful to keep team's other pending free agents - TribLIVE

Signing a 37-year-old to a multi-year contract extension is a pretty good signal a rebuilding project is not looming.

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ decision to keep veteran forward Jeff Carter around for two more seasons beyond this one is a pretty good indicator of what they think their chances of contending for the Stanley Cup will be beyond this summer.

They still view themselves as a legit threat to win the NHL’s ultimate prize this year and beyond.

If some of their foundational players will be part of “beyond,” that remains to be seen.

On Thursday, one day after Carter’s contract extension was announced, Penguins general manager Ron Hextall held court with local reporters to discuss the state of the franchise. He addressed the future of his team’s other pending unrestricted free agents, most notably forward Evgeni Malkin and defenseman Kris Letang.

Each franchise icon is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

“We’ve had discussions (about potential contract extensions),” Hextall said. “I don’t negotiate publicly. We’ve had discussions with those guys. Certainly, they’re a top priority for us. We have a limited amount of (salary) cap space. So to squeeze everybody in, it’s certainly our goal. Whether that’s possible or not, I don’t know. With every player, you have a certain number you feel like you can go to. That’s where you draw the line. But negotiations have been fine and we’ll continue on.

“(Malkin and Letang), they’ve been here for, I think, 16 years. I know they’ve done a lot for the city, and the city has been good to them. It’s certainly a match that we’d like to continue on with, but, obviously, the players have choices, too. We’ll see where they go.”

Malkin and Letang are the two most prominent pending unrestricted free agents the Penguins will have to address at some point.

Forwards Bryan Rust, Evan Rodrigues and Zach Aston-Reese and defenseman Chad Ruhwedel also are viable contributors who are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents after this season.

“They certainly proved to us that this is a group that wants to move forward and wants to try to win. That’s where we’re at right now,” Hextall said. “I like our group. I think our record speaks for itself. We’d like to sign some of our (pending unrestricted free agents). We have a hard salary cap so they’re going to have to, obviously, work with us. Certain players, if they want the most money, they’re probably going to go elsewhere. But I think you could say that about every team. We’re hoping that our guys are comfortable here, which I believe they are. Hopefully, we can find a deal that satisfies both sides.”

Hextall spoke on a variety of subjects:

• Carter’s contact had been in the works for some time.

“I had initially reached out to (agent) Ricky Curran, I want to say, a couple of months ago and just said, ‘Talk to Jeff and see what his thoughts are. We’d like to keep him in (Pittsburgh),’ ” Hextall said. “He came back to me — this is probably a month ago — and said, ‘Yeah, Jeff would like to stay in (Pittsburgh). He wants to play.’ Then actually probably the last week or so, I guess it got serious and it actually came together pretty quickly.

“We’re happy to have him. Jeff has been a big part of our group since he came in. He gives us another veteran leader. He gives us a lot of versatility. He is just a real presence around the room, around the younger players. He can play the right side, he can play the middle, he can take faceoffs, he can play on the power play, penalty kill. He does a lot of good things for us. He’s been a good guy. We’re happy to have him for the next two years.”

AP

Penguins forward Jeff Carter.

• Hextall professed support for backup goaltender Casey DeSmith, who has struggled most of the season.

“Casey is very capable,” Hextall said. “He played terrific for us last (season). He had a couple of games before Christmas there where he played very well. We believe in Casey. … We’re looking forward to Casey getting back to the level that he’s capable of playing at.”

• The strong play of all-star goaltender Tristan Jarry certainly has sated management.

“You look at every goaltender, they’re going to go through times where things don’t go their way,” said Hextall, himself an all-star goaltender during his playing career. “It can be a little bit of a lonely feeling, certainly. Been there, done that. But it’s all how you bounce back from it.

“Tristan’s got a lot of ability, and he’s bounced back extremely well. That’s a testament to his mental strength. I think I used the example last year, Patrick Roy, playing in the playoffs and he didn’t finish (a) series. One of the greatest goaltenders of all time. So, if you’re in that position, you’re going to have your ups and downs. Obviously, Tristan had a little bit of a down there. He’s come back with his chest out and obviously done a real good job for us. We couldn’t be happier with him.”

• Hextall lamented the loss of a handful of his team’s forwards to injuries — namely Teddy Blueger, Drew O’Connor and Jason Zucker — but lauded the team’s depth.

“I was actually looking forward about a week ago to seeing our team healthy,” Hextall quipped. “Then all of a sudden, bang, bang, bang. I guess we’re not going to see us as healthy for a while here. I really like our depth up front. We’ve had a lot of guys out. We had, I think, our top three centers out there for a while. And (Evan) Rodrigues stepped up and Teddy stepped up and Drew O’Connor stepped up. I really like the job our group has done filling in, playing higher in the lineup. We seem to have a really good chemistry this year. … I think the group has had a really good attitude. It’s hats off to our leadership and the coaching staff.

“On defense, I think Chad Ruhwedel has played extremely well. I think Mark Friedman can play. We have a couple of guys (with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton), Jusso (Riikola), P.O (Joseph) that can certainly play games for us. I feel pretty comfortable with our team right now and our depth. But certainly, as we get towards the deadline, you refine things and see which way things go — injuries and whatnot — and make decisions as we have more information. But I’m happy with our club right now.”

AP

Penguins forward Teddy Blueger.

• There is no time frame to find a replacement for former assistant general manager Patrik Allvin. On Wednesday, Allvin formally was hired by the Vancouver Canucks as general manager and reunited with former Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford, now the Canucks’ president of hockey operations.

“Patrik did a lot of things,” Hextall said. “First of all, I’ve got a ton of respect for him. I’ve only known him, I guess, for a year now. He did a terrific job for us. My hat is off to him. He’s ready for the job he’s going to take on. Obviously, the relationship with (Rutherford) worked well here, and it will work well there. … You don’t want to lose people, and we certainly didn’t want to lose him. On the other hand, you want your people to do well. Happy to see Patrik get an opportunity. As far as around here, he did a lot of the minor-league stuff. He’s done a lot of the amateur stuff in the past. But we put him more on the pros so he knew the pros more this year. I mean, he was my right-hand man, bottom line. We’ll miss him.

“As far as replacements, we’re in pro (scouting) meetings right now. We’ve been doing that for the last couple of days. Once we get through that, we’ll start to get a list together and figure out which direction to go. I don’t have a timeline, whether it’s in the few weeks here or at the end of the year. I don’t know. We’ll start to chip away at it though in the next few days.”

Notes:

• Jarry is slated to be in net for the Penguins’ home game against the expansion Seattle Kraken at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday.

He has appeared in 34 games this season — second-most in the NHL among goaltenders — and has a 23-7-4 record, a 2.12 goals-against average, a .926 save percentage and three shutouts.

• The Kraken are expected to start goaltender Philip Grubauer. In 31 games this season, Grubauer has a 10-16-4 record, a 3.28 GAA and an .883 save percentage.

• This will be the Kraken’s first game in Pittsburgh. In the first meeting between the franchises Dec. 6, the Penguins came away with a 6-1 road victory.

Follow the Penguins all season long.

Seth Rorabaugh is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Seth by email at srorabaugh@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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Lake Geneva reduces short-term rental license fee again because of pending litigation - Lake Geneva Regional News

Lake Geneva’s annual short-term rental license fee has been reduced for the second time in about two years because of pending litigation.

Members of the city council narrowly approved, Jan. 10, to reduce Lake Geneva’s short-term rental license fee from $750 a year to $400 a year. The reduced fee was approved by a 4-3 vote with aldermen Tim Dunn, Mary Jo Fesenmaier and Cindy Flower voting “no.”

City Attorney Dan Draper said the reason for reducing the fee is because of pending litigation regarding the previous $750 annual fee.

Representatives from the nonprofit law firm Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty had filed a petition in July 2021 with the Wisconsin Tax Appeals Commission claiming that Lake Geneva’s short-term rental license fee is too high compared to other municipalities in Wisconsin.

The petition was filed on behalf of short-term rental property owners Mary Black, Todd Huemann and Erin Huemann.

Draper announced in August 2021 that the city had planned to contest the challenge.

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Lake Geneva officials have based the city’s short-term rental license fee on the cost to administer the licenses and enforce local rules and regulations regarding short-term rental properties.

“We were involved in some litigation and based on that litigation, we found our fees are probably high based on what is a reasonable fee for the services that we provide,” Draper said. “In speaking with our legal counsel in lowering our fee to $400 and reimbursing the few plaintiffs for the overage that they paid last year, that will settle the lawsuit.”

Attorney Luke Berg, deputy counsel for the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, said he is pleased that the city has reduced its short-term rental license fee, and that the challenge now will most likely be dropped after he meets with his clients.

“We view this as a win,” Berg said. “The city told us they were planning to lower the fee in response to our challenge. The case was put on hold pending the change and the change has happened, so we’re now working with the city’s attorney to settle the case.”

Berg said the challenge was only filed with the Wisconsin Tax Appeals Commission and not in court. He said the challenge was only related to the short-term rental license fee and not any other rules or regulations regrading the city’s short-term rental properties.

“It was a lawsuit, but it was filed with the tax appeals commission. It was not filed in court,” Berg said. “You have to start with the tax appeals commission, so we filed that this summer.”

Alderwoman Cindy Flower questioned whether Lake Geneva’s short-term rental license fee is now too low and if city officials are keeping track of the number of short-term rental properties in the community.

“I think we’re short-sighting ourselves with this fee and many others by the fact that we don’t dig into it a little deeper,” Flower said.

Alderwoman Mary Jo Fesenmaier said she also feels the city needs to conduct a more in-depth study regarding the number of short-term rental properties in the City of Lake Geneva before reducing the fee.

“We’ve had bids from a company that would help us do that, to have that added value, to justify the higher fee,” Fesenmaier said. “I think we’re doing it too quickly.”

Berg said he feels the $400 annual license fee is fair and will most likely prevent any further litigation against the city.

“I think, most likely, it will resolve the case,” Berg said.

Draper said part of the reason the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty filed the challenge is because they feel since the number of short-term rental properties has increased in the City of Lake Geneva, the license fee should decrease.

He said he is not certain if the fee will continue to decrease if the number of short-term rental properties continues to increase.

“I’m not sure where the diminishing returns ends,” Draper said. “I’m not sure if there’s more rentals if the amount of work that will need to be done by the building and zoning department will increase.”

Representatives from the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty had filed a similar lawsuit against the city in 2020 claiming that its short-term rental license fee was too high.

The lawsuit was dropped in July 2020 when the city council approved to decrease the fee from $2,000 a year to $750 a year. The $2,000 fee was implemented in 2018.

Draper said the city now plans to review its short-term rental license fee each year.

“I would suggest we do that unless we want to continue to go through a lawsuit,” Draper said.

Wisconsin lawmakers approved a measure in 2017, which was signed by former Gov. Scott Walker, requiring municipalities to allow homeowners to use their properties as short-term rentals for tourists.

Members of the Lake Geneva City Council adopted an ordinance in 2018 to make sure short-term rental properties are properly managed and do not become a nuisance in city neighborhoods.

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Oxford Hills Superintendent placed on paid leave pending investigation - WABI

PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - Oxford Hills Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation by the district board of directors into a September incident, the board announced Wednesday.

The alleged incident happened Sept. 9 at Agnes Grey Elementary School, where Henson was filling in as principal for the day. She is alleged to have attempted to pull the student by both arms into her office after an incident in the school cafeteria. Dr. Henson has denied any improper conduct.

The board met for over three hours Wednesday to come to the decision. It released a statement following the meeting.

“Over the last few weeks, we have heard the many voices, the many different perspectives about issues concerning Superintendent Henson’s leadership of our school administrative district,” the statement read. “We continue to receive texts, emails, and calls, and we are sorting through all the varied communications. This effort requires time to conduct a proper and complete investigation, a thorough consideration of the issues presented, consultation with our legal advisers, and careful deliberation of all that we have learned. We ask for your understanding as we gather and evaluate all the relevant information.

“As the school board, we are accountable to you and committed to resolving the matters before us with integrity. In fairness to all parties involved, including Dr. Henson, she will be on paid administrative leave while the board works to a resolution.

“Please know that we take very seriously our responsibility to place the best interest of our students at the center of this process. We promise this mission is first and foremost in our minds.

The Oxford Hills Education Association hailed the decision in a statement to WMTW News 8.

“We believe the board made the correct decision this evening to put the superintendent on paid leave,” the OHEA executive team wrote. “Everyone in our community, but most importantly our kids, need to know that schools are safe places. Everyone in our schools, including students and staff, deserve to be treated with care and respect.”

School board chair Natalie Andrews told WMTW News 8 after the board meeting Monday that the board would defer to the DHHS when it came to investigating Dr. Henson. The DHHS and Oxford County Sheriff’s Office began their investigations yesterday.

“We’re always looking at all the information that comes into us,” said board vice chair Jared Cash on why the board has now decided to take up their own investigation. “And that’s what we do. We gave you our best response that day, and this is the action that the board has processed and decided to put together the statement you’ve seen. So we’re a board of 22 people and we had an opportunity to work through everything that you see included in our statement. And that stands as our statement for tonight.”

There is no word yet on the timetable of the investigation, or who will serve as superintendent in Dr. Henson’s absence.

Copyright 2022 WMTW. All rights reserved.

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Pending Home Sales Fell in December - dshort - advisorperspectives.com

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Pending Home Sales Fell in December - dshort  advisorperspectives.com
Pending Home Sales Fell in December - dshort - advisorperspectives.com
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U.S. pending home sales fall for second straight month in December - Reuters

New townhomes are seen under construction while building material supplies are in high demand in Tampa, Florida, U.S., May 5, 2021. REUTERS/Octavio Jones

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WASHINGTON, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Contracts to buy U.S. previously owned homes fell for a second straight month in December amid record low inventory.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) said on Thursday its Pending Home Sales Index, based on signed contracts, dropped 3.8% last month to 117.7. Pending home sales fell in all four regions.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast contracts, which become sales after a month or two, dipping 0.2%. Pending home sales decreased 6.9% in December on a year-on-year basis.

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"Pending home sales faded toward the end of 2021, as a diminished housing supply offered consumers very few options," said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist.

An acute shortage of previously owned homes is hampering sales. Despite rising mortgage rates, which together with high home prices are reducing affordability, demand for housing is likely to remain strong this year.

"The market will likely endure a minor reduction in sales as mortgage rates continue to edge higher," said Yun.

A total of 6.12 million previously owned homes were sold in 2021, the most since 2006 and up 8.5% from 2020.

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday said it is likely to start raising interest rates in March to tame high inflation. read more

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Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Andrea Ricci

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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US Supreme Court declines to halt pending Oklahoma execution - ABC News

The U.S. Supreme Court has denied a request from a death row inmate in Oklahoma to stop his upcoming lethal injection

ByThe Associated Press

January 26, 2022, 9:29 PM

• 1 min read

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday denied a request from a death row inmate in Oklahoma to stop his upcoming lethal injection.

In a brief order, the court indicated 46-year-old Donald Grant’s application for a temporary stay of execution was denied. The decision paves the way for Grant to receive a lethal injection at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.

Grant’s attorneys had argued that Oklahoma’s three-drug protocol exposes him to a constitutionally unacceptable risk of severe pain, and they had asked the court to reinstate him as a plaintiff in a separate lawsuit challenging Oklahoma's protocol. But a federal judge denied that request, a decision that was upheld by both an appellate court and now the U.S. Supreme Court.

Grant was convicted and sentenced to die for killing two Del City hotel workers during a robbery in 2001.

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Washington: Slate of Anti-Gun Measures Pending Consideration in the Legislature - NRA ILA

Your Second Amendment rights are under attack in Washington state. This week, the Washington House and Senate could consider and pass seven different anti-gun measures that could lead to the most restrictive gun laws in the country, and your lawmakers need to hear from you now!  Please contact your State Senator and Representative, and ask them to OPPOSE the below gun control measures.

SEMI-AUTOMATIC FIREARMS BAN - Senate Bill 5217 arbitrarily classifies many popularly-owned semi-automatic firearms as so-called “assault weapons” and bans their possession, manufacture, transfer, etc.  These firearms are widely used for self-defense, recreational shooting, and hunting, and have now been vilified due to cosmetic features.  It is extremely important that NRA Members and Second Amendment supporters contact their lawmakers in opposition to SB 5217.

MAGAZINE BAN - Senate Bill 5078, bans the manufacture, possession, sale, transfer, etc., of magazines that “are capable of holding,” or hold more than, 17 rounds of ammunition. Amendments to the bill are expected to lower this to 12 or even 10 rounds. This includes conversion kits or parts from which any such magazine may be assembled.  These so-called “high capacity” magazines are, in fact, standard equipment for commonly-owned firearms that many Americans legally and effectively use for an entire range of legitimate purposes, such as self-defense or competition.  Those who own non-compliant magazines prior to the ban are only allowed to possess them on their own property and in other limited instances, such as at licensed shooting ranges or while hunting.  Prohibited magazines have to be transported unloaded and locked separately from firearms, and must be stored locked at home, making them unavailable for self-defense.  Any violation of this measure is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000. ​

ANTI-PREEMPTION - Senate Bill 5568 guts the state’s preemption laws.  SB 5568 will expand gun free zones and permit municipalities to ban the open carry of firearms.  These types of measures result in a complex patchwork of gun laws across the state that ensnare otherwise law-abiding gun owners, turning them into criminals.

GHOST GUNS BAN - HB 1705 further restricts the centuries-old practice of manufacturing firearms for personal use ​and self-defense by imposing requirements that far exceed those in federal law.  It seeks to prohibit private individuals from possessing certain unregulated components commonly-used by hobbyists to make their own firearms, as well as possessing currently legal firearms that don’t have serial numbers.

BAN FIREARMS FROM ELECTION-RELATED PLACES - HB 1618 prohibits the carrying of any firearm, whether open or concealed, into an “election related office or facility” including polling places, voter registration centers, and more.  Violation would be a gross misdemeanor and revocation of a concealed pistol license for at least three years.

BAN FIREARMS FROM SCHOOL BOARD AND MUNICIPAL MEETINGS - HB 1630 prohibits the carrying of firearms at school board or local municipality meetings. Violation may also result in revocation of a concealed pistol license for at least three years.

EXPAND CIVIL PROTECTION ORDERS FOR CLEANING, STORING OR CARRYING FIREARMS - House Bill 1901 would allow petitioners for civil protection orders to assert that another has “coercive control” over them, leading to an unconstitutional revocation of firearm rights.  Examples of coercive control listed in the bill include “cleaning, accessing, displaying, using, or wearing a firearm in an intimidating or threatening manner” – even within one’s own home. This is ripe for abuse.

Again, please contact your state lawmakers and ask them to OPPOSE all of the above anti-gun measures.

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Washington: Slate of Anti-Gun Measures Pending Consideration in the Legislature - NRA ILA
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Earlier Releases for Repeat Offenders Halted Pending Appeal - U.S. News & World Report

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Earlier Releases for Repeat Offenders Halted Pending Appeal  U.S. News & World Report
Earlier Releases for Repeat Offenders Halted Pending Appeal - U.S. News & World Report
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Employment-Based Preference Visa: Transfer Underlying Basis for Pending Green Card Application - JD Supra

For the first time, USCIS has advised people with a pending green card application of its documentary requirements for transfers between employment-based classifications and issued an alert regarding the process.

The “exceptionally high number of employment-based [immigrant] visas available this fiscal year” has prompted USCIS to encourage U.S. employers petitioning for employees to utilize either the first or second employment-based preference categories. This is a big change from one-and-a-half years ago.

In October 2020, the government inverted the availability of immigrant visas, making several hundred thousand, mainly Indian, employees in the U.S. eligible to apply for a green card based on the employment-based third preference category. For this blog, the focus is on the second and third employment-based visa classifications. The second employment-based preference category (EB-2) is for employees with an advanced degree or a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of progressive experience in their profession, or those with “exceptional ability.” The third employment-based preference category (EB-3) is for employees with at least a bachelor’s degree (as well as certain skilled or unskilled workers).

USCIS also strongly encourages people with a pending green card application in the EB-3 category to transfer the underlying basis of their pending green card (adjustment of status) application to the EB-2 category if they are eligible to do so — meaning they have an approved or pending Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker in the EB-2 classification (USCIS Form I-140). This process of transferring the underlying basis of a green card application, also called “interfiling,” has been misunderstood. Although USCIS lays out guidelines for an interfile request in its Policy Manual, the agency has not previously provided specific documentary requirements for transfers between employment-based classifications. Now, USCIS clearly declares that an interfile request must be made in writing and must include USCIS Form I-485 Supplement J.

Form I-485 Supplement J has two uses: one is for “Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer,” the other is “Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j).” When an applicant files an I-485 J to change the underlying basis of a green card application or interfile, they are using the I-485 J as a Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer. What is the job offered? That is the one in the PERM labor certification that was the basis of the employer’s petition for an immigrant worker, Form I-140.

This means that if someone has changed employers after applying for their green card (and followed regulations regarding portability of the permanent job offer), their new employer cannot file an I-485 J to change the underlying basis to a prior employer’s I-140 petition in EB-2 classification. Interfiling is not an option for this employee, as their new employer did not file their EB-2 petition; a prior employer did. There are other circumstances when interfiling is not an option, and other cases when an I-485 J may be required for a different purpose.

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Charges pending after crash in Eldred | News | bradfordera.com - Bradford Era

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Charges pending after crash in Eldred | News | bradfordera.com  Bradford Era
Charges pending after crash in Eldred | News | bradfordera.com - Bradford Era
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New owner needed to fix Skyline Apartments, sale pending, Syracuse mayor says - syracuse.com

Syracuse, N.Y — The city has done everything it can do to try to force the owners of Skyline Apartments to fix problems that have plagued the building, Mayor Ben Walsh said Monday.

It has two lawsuits pending against Green National, the owners of the property, has sent code enforcement officials to the property every week over the last year and has added off-duty security by Syracuse police officers.

The city won an additional lawsuit against the owners and twice declared the property unfit for occupancy.

“I think the bottom line is that we need a new owner,” Walsh said at a Monday morning news conference.

Walsh said he believes a sale of the property is pending.

The mayor and Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner called the news conference after a 31-year-old woman, Ebony Sanders, was shot in the stomach early Sunday in the building. Her injuries are not life threatening, police said.

The 12-story building on James Street has been troubled by crime, drugs and what tenants have said is mismanagement for several years. It is owned by Tim and Troy Green’s real estate company, Green National.

Last year, 93-year-old Connie Tuori was murdered in her apartment at Skyline. In the ensuing weeks, reports by Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard exposed the dangerous and unclean conditions within the building.

On Monday, Walsh and Buckner said the building has incrementally improved. It now has 24-7 private security, which is paid for by Green National, and the off-duty security from Syracuse police officers.

Officers responded to about 81 police calls each month at the end of 2020 and beginning of 2021, according to data obtained by Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard.

That’s dropped to about 61 calls per month based on data from March 1, 2021 through Jan. 15, 2022 provided by Buckner.

The city has used code enforcement to make sure the Greens improve the property. In the last year, officials have found 79 code violations in the building, though only 11 remain open. The building has twice been deemed unfit for human occupancy and then had enough improvements made to be deemed fit to be occupied.

“While the current owners have certainly shown improvement over the last year,” Walsh said, “I think the best outcome is to have a different owner at that property.”

More on Syracuse.com about the Skyline Apartments

Inside Tim Green’s Skyline Apartments: Murder, drugs and filth. Tenants, cops say enough is enough

Connie Tuori, 93, survived Afghanistan, Antarctica and African safari, only to be killed in her Syracuse apartment

Family IDs 93-year-old woman murdered in Skyline Apartments

Accused Skyline killer tortured 93-year-old Connie Tuori in ‘especially cruel and wanton manner,’ prosecutors say

Elderly murder victim’s family on Skyline squalor: ‘Did they get away with this because who owns it?’

Walsh says he’s exploring legal action against Skyline owners: ‘It’s public nuisance No. 1′

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