Disney's free speech lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis dismissed but second lawsuit still pending - CBS Miami

Disney's free speech lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis dismissed but second lawsuit still pending

Disney's free speech lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis dismissed but second lawsuit still pending 00:53

TALLAHASSEE -- A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed Disney's free speech lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, leaving the company's remaining hopes of regaining control of the district that governs Walt Disney World to a separate state court challenge.

Gov. Ron DeSantis

U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor in Tallahassee said in his decision that Disney lacked standing in its First Amendment lawsuit against the Republican governor and his appointees to the Disney World governing district. 

The separate lawsuit is still pending in state court in Orlando.

In a written statement released by the governor's office, DeSantis praised the judge's ruling.

"This ruling finally ends Disney's futile attempts to control its own special government and receive benefits not available to other businesses throughout the state," the governor's statement said. 

The feud between DeSantis and Disney started in 2022 after the company publicly opposed the state's so-called don't say gay law, which banned classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades.

The law was championed by DeSantis, who recently suspended his campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. In retaliation for Disney objecting to the law, DeSantis and Republican legislators took over the district Disney had controlled for more than five decades and installed five board members loyal to the governor.

The state and its largest employer are also locked in another battle.

Disney has filed a lawsuit claiming that the oversight government for Walt Disney World, which was taken over by appointees of Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this year, has failed to release documents and properly preserve records in violation of Florida public records law.

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Margaret Mbitu murder: Court detains suspect pending extradition to the US - Nation

A man who allegedly murdered his girlfriend in the United States of America in October 2023 and fled to Kenya has appeared in court and will be held in police custody for 30 days as the Director of Public Prosecutions prepares extradition proceedings.

Pending his extradition 

Mr Kevin Adam Kinyanjui Kang'ethe alias Kevin A Kang'ethe, who was arraigned at Milimani Law Courts, will cool his heels at Muthaiga Police Station pending his extradition to the US.

The suspect is accused of killing Margaret Mbitu, 31, in October last year. 

Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Zainabu Abdul remanded the suspect and said that the charges he faces are serious. She said the police need to be given time to complete investigations.

"The application by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for 30 days to carry out investigations has merit and, is hereby allowed," said the magistrate.

First-degree murder 

While applying for the detention of the suspect, the DPP said Mr Kang'ethe is being investigated for first-degree murder which violates Massachusetts general law (GL), Chapter (C) 265 section (1) under the laws of the US.

Stabbed her severally

The suspect is alleged to have murdered Ms Mbitu by stabbing her several times on the face and neck.
He is then alleged to have locked her up in a vehicle parked at a garage at Boston Logan International Airport before he fled to Kenya.

The suspect was arrested on January 30 in Parklands, Nairobi County, and detained at Gigiri Police Station before being taken to court.

The prosecutor said that on November 2 last year, the Chelsea District Court received an application for a criminal complaint charging Mr Kang'ethe with murder. A warrant of arrest was issued against him.

Face justice 

The American court directed that upon his arrest, the suspect should be extradited to the US to face justice.

The investigating officer in Kenya, Patrick Wachira, told the court that the homicide division of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) received a Diplomatic Note No. 0095 from the US Embassy in Nairobi requesting the Kenyan Government through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to have Mr Kang'ethe arrested and extradited to the US to face prosecution.

As a result, Mr Wachira told Mrs Abdul that the DCI and the Inspector General of Police began looking for Mr Kang'ethe.

"The respondent was arrested on January 30 in Parklands, Nairobi County and booked at Gigiri Police Station vide OB No. 02/30/01/2024 at 12:37am in connection with the ongoing investigation in the murder of Margaret Mbitu in Lowell, Massachusetts on October 31, 2023," said Mr Wachira.

Residents of Massachusetts

The officer told the court that both the respondent and the deceased were residents of Massachusetts and were in a relationship.

Ms Mbitu was a home healthcare aid in the town of Halifax, Massachusetts.

The deceased went missing on October 30, 2023, after leaving her place of work, and efforts by her family to trace her were futile.

Missing person

The family made a report of a missing person at Whitman Police Department, which later enlisted the assistance of Massachusetts State Police.

Preliminary investigations found that the deceased left her place of work and travelled to Lowell with Mr Kang'ethe. 

The US police found that the deceased and Mr Kang'ethe travelled to Lowell in a white Toyota Venza on the morning of October 31, 2023.

“The suspect violently attacked and repeatedly stabbed Ms Mbitu on the face and neck, causing catastrophic injuries, which led to her death," Mr Wachira told the court.

Disposed the deceased's cell phone

After allegedly killing Ms Mbitu, the suspect is reported to have driven the vehicle to a different location and disposed the deceased’s cellphone in a trash dumpster. He is then alleged to have driven to Logan International Airport and parked the vehicle in a garage with the body of Ms Mbitu concealed under a bag and other items.

On November 1, 2023, police discovered the body of Ms Mbitu in the front passenger seat of Mr Kang'ethe’s Toyota Venza.

Gone into hiding

The suspect returned to Kenya through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and is reported to have gone into hiding until the police arrested him.

The police said that Mr  Kang'ethe used various phone numbers to call his friends, family members and relatives in the US as well as his friends in Kenya.

Flight risk

Inspector Wachira said that the suspect is a flight risk since he had allegedly run away from the US to avoid prosecution for the murder of his girlfriend.

"He has no fixed abode. Since he fled to Kenya from the US he has not been seen at his home in Thogoto, Kiambu County. He has been hiding from his family and the authorities," said Mr Wachira in his affidavit to the court.

He said that Mr Kang'ethe’s security is at risk because the death of Ms Mbitu overseas has elicited negative public emotions.

He urged the court to allow the police’s request to the suspect detained for 30 days.
 

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Charges pending following 100 mph pursuit in Hampton - WJHL-TV News Channel 11

HAMPTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — Charges are pending against a man after he reportedly led police on a pursuit through Carter County Tuesday morning that reached speeds of nearly 100 mph.

According to a news release from the Carter County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), numerous calls came in regarding an elderly man who was behaving oddly and driving recklessly in Hampton. The CCSO said callers stated the man was cutting drivers off, illegally passing vehicles, making lewd gestures and yelling at other motorists.

THP: Two injured in Highway 19E crash

CCSO deputies located a vehicle matching the description given by callers near Main Street in Hampton and attempted a traffic stop. The release said the suspect fled from the stop and turned onto Highway 19E northbound heading toward Elizabethton.

According to the CCSO, the suspect reached speeds up to 90 mph on Highway 19E before turning onto River Road, then Jenkins Hollow Road, and eventually making his way back to Hwy 19E.

The release states the driver then reached speeds up to 100 mph, and once the pursuit reached a clear area where no other cars were around, officers conducted a PIT maneuver on the suspect’s vehicle, bringing the pursuit to an end.

The CCSO reports that once the suspect’s vehicle came to a stop, the male driver “exited the vehicle wielding a pair of scissors aggressively.” The release said deputies were able to get the suspect to the ground and restrain him.

The man was taken into custody and transported to a local medical center for evaluation, according to the sheriff’s office. Charges in connection to the pursuit are pending, the CCSO said.

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Colorado police chief on leave pending criminal case after reported rapes during party at his house - Yahoo News

OURAY, Colo. (AP) — A southwestern Colorado police chief has been placed on paid administrative leave after charges were filed against three men in the case of a 17-year-old girl who reported being raped by more than one person during a party at the chief's house.

The city of Ouray announced Monday that Police Chief Jeff Wood would remain on leave "pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.” Wood does not have a listed personal phone number, and there was no immediate response to a message seeking comment left at a number given for him on the city's website.

Felony sexual assault charges were filed against the men, including a relative of the chief, for alleged actions during the May 2023 party at Wood's house where drugs and alcohol were used, according to court records. Wood was reportedly asleep during the party.

The defendants were ages 17, 18 and 19 at the time, records said.

The charges became widely known when a man stole nearly every copy of the Ouray County Plaindealer from newspaper racks on Jan. 18, the day it published a story about the case.

The man, who is not related to anyone in law enforcement or the defendants, was cited for the thefts. In social media posts, he said he was trying to protect the victim.

Sgt. Gary Ray has been named acting police chief, the city said.

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Pending FSIS petitions continue to generate new comments - Food Safety News

Without naming his company or town, Mr. Chris Jenkins became the first to ask USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service to “strike down” Petition 23-07 from Animal Partisan last week.

“I feel these requests would only add greater confusion to an industry that has become riddled with gray areas and misinterpretations due to these requests,” Jenkins wrote.

Animal Partisan, one of the nation’s many animal activist organizations, last September petitioned  FSIS to issue a notice to convey that: 

1) State government officials are not categorically preempted from enforcing state anti-cruelty laws by the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, or the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and 

2) FSIS personnel should cooperate with state government officials to enforce state anti-cruelty laws and improve clarity and frequency of communication with those officials.

Jenkins, however, points out that FSIS regulations already exist for cooperation between state and Federal in meat and poultry processing.

“I feel there is plenty of clarity already, “ he added. “Any additional notices or directives could create greater confusion or misinterpretation.”

The petition has been pending since it was filed on September 2, 2023. It mainly asks FSIS to publish a notice clarifying that federal law does not necessarily prevent state government officials from bringing animal cruelty charges when farmed animals are abused in slaughter plants.

The Animal Welfare Institute filed comments in support of the petition just ahead of Jenkins.     It said the Animal Partisan petition “ is a  simple request and would require relatively little of the agency; yet, it could significantly improve the welfare of animals at slaughter.”

Petition 23-07 is pending at the FSIS Office of Policy and Program Development for review.

Meanwhile, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), another animal activist organization,  submitted comments in support of an Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) petition to prohibit the use of “climate-friendly” claims or similar claims on beef products or in the

alternative, to require independent third-party verification of such claims and a numerical carbon disclosure whenever such claims are made on beef product packaging.

In Petition 23-04, EWG asks FSIS to:

●  Prohibit the “Low-Carbon Beef” Claim recently approved by USDA. 

●  Require third-party verification for similar carbon claims. 

●  Require a numerical on-pack carbon disclosure when such claims are made. 

ALDF comments run 154 pages.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)

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Patrick Queen Talks About His Pending Free Agency - BaltimoreRavens.com

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Patrick Queen Talks About His Pending Free Agency  BaltimoreRavens.com
Patrick Queen Talks About His Pending Free Agency - BaltimoreRavens.com
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Patrick Queen Talks About His Pending Free Agency - BaltimoreRavens.com

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Patrick Queen Talks About His Pending Free Agency  BaltimoreRavens.com
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Judge Sued for Working Too Slowly: Hundreds of Motions Pending | Daily Report - Law.com

DuBose Miller, LLC

01/23/2024
Daily Report

TO: ALL MEMBERS OF THE BAR AND ALL CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF ATLANTA The Atlanta Judicial Commission is now accepting nominations for the position of Municipal Court Judge for the City of Atlanta Municipal Court. Members of the bar may nominate themselves or others, and the public is invited to submit nominations. Nominations in writing must be received by February 10, 2024, and should be addressed to: The Atlanta Judicial Commission c/o Von A. DuBose, Esq. 75 14th Street, NE, Suite 2110, Atlanta, GA 30309 A nominee must be at least 25 years of age, a resident of the City of Atlanta for one year prior to appointment and shall have been admitted to practice law in the State of Georgia for at least five years. The Commission will send an application and letter outlining its schedules and procedures to each nominee. The list of nominees is public information and is available upon request. The Commission welcomes communications from organizations or persons familiar with the specific qualifications, experience and ability of any nominee but discourages general endorsement letter-writing campaigns in support of a nominee. A copy of any communication regarding a nominee should be sent to all members of the Commission. FOR THE COMMISSION Von A. DuBose, Esq. Chair Members of The Commission Von A. DuBose, Esq. 75 14th Street NE, Suite 2110 Atlanta, Georgia 30309 [email protected] (404) 720 -8111 William A. Morrison, Esq. 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 1110 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 [email protected] (404) 290-4628 Seth David Kirschenbaum, Esq. 918 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, Georgia 30306 [email protected] (404) 471-3177 David Coleman [email protected] (404) 626-1726 Cheryl Turner, Esq. 83 Richmond Street Atlanta, Georgia 30312 [email protected] Jeffery E. Tompkins, Esq. 3355 Main Street Atlanta, Georgia 30337 [email protected] (404) 688-4503 Steven K. Weiner, Esq. 730 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 600 Atlanta, Georgia 30308 [email protected] (404) 525-0992 Jan Bryson [email protected] (404) 944-0034

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Steelers veteran CB Levi Wallace takes pending free agency in stride - TribLIVE

In the hours between the end of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff loss in Buffalo and when Levi Wallace went to bed the night of Jan. 15, Wallace already had turned his attention to non-football matters.

“Now that it’s over,” Wallace said Jan. 16, “I was already sending out messages yesterday and getting ready for this golf tournament that my foundation has.

“You, obviously, want to keep playing and make it to the Super Bowl, but that’s, unfortunately, not our reality. So I turn my attention to where I can help in the community and how I can be there with my family.”

Wallace planned to return to the Tucson, Ariz., area where he grew up and still makes his home. Also there are the headquarters for The Levi Wallace Foundation, an organization started three years ago for which his mother serves as president and a board of directors can run while Wallace is busy in the Northeast plying his trade as an NFL cornerback.

“We give away scholarships, but we also pour into the community,” Wallace said, lighting up at the opportunity to discuss his philanthropic endeavor in lieu of discussing the end of the Steelers season. “Just try to help kids go to college that are less fortunate than most people are, especially coming from Tucson where it’s just low-level income all around. We try to just make as many opportunities to send kids to college and get them experiences.”

The foundation and its fund-raising Levi Wallace Golf For Good outing will take Wallace’s focus away from football until it is staged March 2 in Phoenix.

Nine days after that — unless he and the Steelers agree to a contract extension prior — Wallace will become an unrestricted free agent for the second time in his career. The 6-foot, 179-pound Wallace just completed a two-year, $8 million contract.

He takes pending free agency in stride.

“It’s just the business, you know what I mean?” Wallace said. “You sign a contract, the contract ends, free agency comes up.”

A lot has changed in Wallace’s position room since he signed in Pittsburgh. Gone are then-starters Cameron Sutton and Ahkello Witherspoon, replaced in 2023 by Patrick Peterson and Joey Porter Jr. And with Porter’s ascension this past season came Wallace’s demotion from every-down starter at outside cornerback to subpackage defender by December.

Wallace, though, showed value when he again became an every-down outside CB over a regular season-ending three-game winning streak after Peterson moved to safety to address attrition at that position.

Peterson will be 34 next season, and he might be moving to safety on a permanent basis. If he does, the Steelers have no plug-in replacement at starting outside corner opposite Porter.

They could do a lot worse than Wallace, who will be 29 in June and has started 70 of the 82 games he has played over a six-year career that began with the Buffalo Bills.

Wallace actually had more interceptions and passes defended than Porter, tying for the team lead in each with two and 11, respectively, though Wallace being targeted more often than Porter (per Pro Football Focus) likely contributed to that and does not necessarily reflect well on Wallace.

But the Steelers don’t need someone to be better than Porter, their now-unquestioned CB1. What they need is a veteran to serve as insurance in case the likes of 2023 rookies Darius Rush or Cory Trice isn’t ready to step up.

Of course, just like coach Mike Tomlin said of Mason Rudolph, Wallace is a free agent, so he might find a better opportunity elsewhere for 2024.

If so, the Steelers got plenty for their $8 million over the 2022 and ‘23 seasons: a team-most six interceptions, 86 tackles, 24 passes defended in 31 games.

“The last two years with the Steelers have been really good under Coach T,” Wallace said. “It’s been a blessing to be in this locker room, and if I am on another team next year, I will be blessed in that way. If I am back here, I will be blessed in the same way to be able to play professional football.”

Chris Adamski is a TribLive reporter who has covered primarily the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 following two seasons on the Penn State football beat. A Western Pennsylvania native, he joined the Trib in 2012 after spending a decade covering Pittsburgh sports for other outlets. He can be reached at cadamski@triblive.com.

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Pending Home Sales Climbed 8.3% in December - NAR.realtor

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Pending Home Sales Climbed 8.3% in December  NAR.realtor
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Pending home sales post biggest jump in 3 years, but remain historically low - Yahoo Finance

US pending home sales, a measure of contract signings on existing homes, rebounded in December as softer mortgage rates lured more buyers back to their purchase plans.

The index for pending home sales increased just over 8% to 77.3 in December, according to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released Friday. The month-over-month uptick was the largest registered since June 2020. A reading under 100 indicates a weaker pace of pending contracts.

The reading exceeded the 2% uptick that economists polled by Bloomberg had previously estimated. Still, December’s pending transactions were the lowest for that month, dating back to 2001. And while contract signings were up just over 1% year over year, they were 25% lower than those recorded in December 2019.

Read more: How to buy a house: 13 steps to getting the keys to your new home

The uptick in the index, an early indicator of the housing market’s health, came as mortgage rates continued to pull back from multi-decade highs in October. The softening of rates, in combination with an influx of new listings last month, was the break some sidelined buyers were waiting for.

Still, any gains in affordability remain fragile, economists warned. The shortage of existing homes on the market, combined with climbing demand, could push home prices higher in the near term.

"The housing market is off to a good start this year, as consumers benefit from falling mortgage rates and stable home prices," Lawrence Yun, chief economist at NAR, said in a press statement. "Job additions and income growth will further help with housing affordability, but increased supply will be essential to satisfy all potential demand."

A home for sale in San Anselmo, Calif., on Nov. 30, 2023. (Credit: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images) (Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)

'A small win for affordability'

Rate-sensitive homebuyers finally got some relief in December as mortgage rates continued to pull away from recent peaks.

After climbing to its peak of 7.79% in October, the average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell from 7.03% in the first week of December to 6.69% in the past week, according to Freddie Mac. Overall, rates have dropped more than a percentage point — giving buyers a sense of renewed optimism in the market.

Read more: Mortgage rates below 7% — is this a good time to buy a house?

That much was reflected across the country, as pending transactions picked up in three of the four major regions last month, the NAR found.

Pending sales in the South jumped 12% in December, rising 1.5% from the previous year. Meanwhile, the West recorded a 14% uptick in pending transactions, up 1.5% from December 2022.

In the Midwest, pending home sales increased almost 6%, up 4% from a year earlier. The Northeast was the only outlier, which recorded a drop of 3% in pending transactions last month, a decline of 4% from December 2022.

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, average mortgage applications for existing home sales in December increased 8% from the previous month, and so far in January, have improved 10%.

Some of that boost in pending transactions could have stemmed from an influx of new listings hitting the market last month. Softening rates in December likely contributed to more active home sellers, a separate report from Realtor.com noted, providing buyers with more options.

There were 9% more newly listed homes in the market last month compared to last year. That uptick in listings marked the second month of inventory increases after a 17-month streak of declines.

"Recovering pending home sales activity emphasizes the impact of a small win in affordability, namely lower mortgage rates," Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com, said in an emailed statement. "Buyers who are currently priced out of the market are eagerly awaiting progress, which could come in the form of lower mortgage rates, more for-sale options, or lower prices."

Home sales expected to rise in 2024

While lower mortgage rates have improved affordability for some buyers, they are only part of the equation. Any notable improvements to buyers’ budgets will depend on whether inventory levels improve this year, economists said.

"Though an uptick in buyer activity is promising, seller activity may not respond as quickly," Jones said. "If for-sale inventory isn’t able to soak up buyer demand, it is possible that prices will start to climb once again."

While rates are certainly lower than October’s peak, they are nowhere near the rates some homeowners are holding on to.

Approximately two-thirds of homeowners with outstanding mortgages have rates under 4% — much lower than this week’s average rate of 6.69%. As of December, more than 90% of homeowners had a rate of less than 6%.

A real estate agent leaves an open house in San Francisco. (Credit: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images) (Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)

While rates are projected to ease throughout 2024, they are likely to exceed 6.5% for the majority of the calendar year, Realtor.com projected. That could keep homeowners locked-in to their homes, keeping the inventory of previously owned homes tight.

"Inventory is likely to remain low, which will keep home prices high, underlining the importance of mortgage rate improvement for increasing home sales," Jones said.

The National Association of Realtors, however, released an updated forecast on existing home sales on Friday, anticipating a 13% increase to 4.62 million in 2024.

Under the new projection, the annual median home price is expected to rise 1.4% to $395,100 in 2024.

"The housing market is showing signs of recovery, a trend that is likely to persist if mortgage rates keep on their downward trajectory," Odeta Kushi, deputy chief economist at First American said. "While the level of sales activity remains low, the observed positive growth is a welcome and promising sign for the housing market."

Gabriella is a personal finance and housing reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X @__gabriellacruz.

Click here for real estate and housing market news, reports, and analysis to inform your investing decisions.

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Ranking the Patriots' 24 pending free agents - WEEI

6 rings and football things: ranking the patriots' pending free agents

The Patriots have 24 pending free agents heading into the 2024 season and, after Jerod Mayo told WEEI's The Greg Hill Show on Monday that he's ready to "burn some cash" on the market, it's safe to assume that some of that money will be going to internal players whose contracts are set to expire.

In our inaugural "Wednesday One-Off" episode on the 6 Rings and Football Things podcast, Andy Hart and I ranked all 24 in priority order from least to most important. Here's a peek:

Me and @JumboHart **collaborated** like the #Patriots are going to this offseason and ranked their 24 pending free agents in order of priority.

Thoughts? ⤵️⤵️⤵️ @6RingsPod https://t.co/cJ9sgnp4zW pic.twitter.com/3YWVqKEMor

— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) January 24, 2024

I took it a step further, sans collaboration, for the website. Here's a look at my priority order of Patriots pending free agents, with a snippet on each:

24. QB Nathan Rourke (ERFA)

The Patriots claimed Rourke after his release from the Jacksonville Jaguars in December. He served as the team’s emergency third QB on several occasions and was Bailey Zappe’s backup in their Week 18 season finale versus the Jets.

With New England likely set for a quarterback room reset, Rourke is last on the priority list this offseason.

23. ST Matthew Slater (UFA)

All signs point to the long-time special teamer retiring after 16 NFL seasons but, if he does decide to continue playing, it’d most certainly be in New England.

22. WR Tre Nixon (ERFA)

A former training camp hero, Nixon spend the 2023-24 season on IR after suffering a shoulder injury in the Patriots’ preseason game vs. the Packers this summer.

Given his inability to shine outside of preseason play, I don’t see Nixon being re-signed this spring.

21. LB Terez Hall (RFA)

Like Nixon, Terez Hall spent the entire 2023 season on injured reserve after being released this past summer.

I don’t see New England prioritizing keeping the linebacker around for 2024.

20. OT Riley Reiff (UFA)

After signing a one-year, $5 million contract with the Patriots this offseason, the now-35-year-old journeyman was placed on injured reserve twice in 2023 and played in just one game.

19. LB Christian Elliss (ERFA)

Over the course of putting together their worst season in 20+ years, the Patriots took advantage of their high position on the NFL’s waiver wire, claming four players over the course of the season.

One of which was linebacker Christian Elliss, who five other teams put in claims for. New England’s high priority got them the special teamer.

Perhaps he returns as clearly he was a prized possession, but I wouldn’t expect Jerod Mayo and co. to be pouding the table to keep him.

18. ST Cody Davis (UFA)

Speaking of special teamers, Cody Davis has been a core special teamer with the Patriots since 2020 despite being listed as a safety on the roster.

The former Texas Tech Red Raider started 2023 on the reserve/PUP list after tearing his ACL in 2022. Now 34 years old, you wonder if he’ll return to football at all in ‘24.

17. IOL James Ferentz (UFA)

Ferentz spent the majority of 2023-24 on the practice squad but was elevated to the Patriots active roster for depth purposes for the final three games of the season.

According to the Boston Herald, Ferentz also served as a de facto coaching assistant this season after offensive line coach Adrian Klemm took a medical leave of absence. Perhaps the 34-year-old takes the full-time coaching route moving forward.

16. OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (ERFA)

The Patriots 2022 fourth-round pick Pierre Strong Jr. to the Browns this past summer in exchange for Tyrone Wheatley Jr.

Wheatley, a 6-foot-6 tackle who went undrafted out of Stony Brook in 2020, projected as a developmental depth-piece along the offensive line. He dressed in just two games for the Patriots in 2023 and spent the majority of the season on injured reserve.

15. WR Jalen Reagor (UFA)

A former first round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, Reagor caught just six passes for 105 yards (and a career high 17.5 YPC) for the Patriots in 2023.

He was also used as a kick returner towards the end of the season, and took the opening kickoff of their penultimate game of the season vs. the Bills to the house for a touchdown. Perhaps his return ability can keep him around Foxborough for another year.

14. CB Myles Bryant (UFA)

He may not be a fan favorite, but Myles Bryant has been an important piece of the Patriots roster over the last four seasons.

The former Washington Huskie is also a Bill Belichick and cornerbacks coach Mike Pelligrino favorite. I would expect him to wind up with the Falcons rather than Foxborough in 2024.

13. RB Ezekiel Elliott (UFA)

Arguably the best free agent signing the Patriots made, Ezekiel Elliott was a consummate pro for New England in 2023. The former Cowboy ran for 642 yards and three touchdowns on 184 carries, added 51 receptions for 313 yards and two touchdowns, and stepped up when it mattered most after Rhamondre Stevenson’s season ended with an ankle injury.

He’s a running back, though. Their shelf lives are small and someone will likely overpay for his services this spring.

12. CB Alex Austin (ERFA)

Like they did with Christian Elliss, New England used their high priority to claim cornerback Alex Austin off waivers in early November.

The 2023 seventh round pick didn’t make his Patriots debut until over a month later, but made his chance count. He tallied nine tackles and his first career interception throughout the team’s final five games.

Austin is an exclusive rights free agent, and can return to the team on the league minimum if they choose. He’s deserving of the opportunity.

11. S Jalen Mills (UFA)

Jalen Mills started just eight games in 2023, his lowest as a Patriot, and played just 40% of the team’s snaps with the  emergence of Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers.

Depending on what they do with Dugger, which will get to, Mills’ status on the team could range from ‘very’ to ‘hardly’ important.

10. OT Trent Brown (UFA)

While Trent Brown’s season ended disastrously with several injuries, a “healthy” scratch, and plenty of rumors swirling about his work ethic, it’s hard to argue against his ability as a player when he’s 100% and ready to go.

For the right price and the approval of team leaders in the locker room, a reunion with Brown could make sense, especially if they need to protect a rookie quarterback.

9. TE Mike Gesicki (UFA)

After signing Gesicki to a one-year, $10 million contract this offseason, the Patriots got just 29 catches for 244 yards and two touchdowns from the thought-to-be redzone machine.

The problem? They currently have no tight end under contract for 2024. That’s why he cracks the top ten.

8. TE Pharaoh Brown (UFA)

Like Gesicki, Pharaoh Brown makes the top ten given the need at the position. The former Houston Texan and Indianapolis Colt exceeded expectations this season, given that he didn’t arrive in Foxborough until late August.

7. LB Mack Wilson Sr. (UFA)

Likebacker Mack Wilson Sr. impressed in 2023 after the Patriots adjusted his role a bit and used him as a pass rusher as much as they did a true linebacker. He tallied a career high 3.5 sacks.

The former fifth round pick out of Alabama is also a massive fan of the Jerod Mayo hiring, which could help getting him to return to Foxborough.

6. WR Kendrick Bourne (UFA)

Kendrick Bourne was on his way to a career season in 2023 before tearing his ACL in October. The wide receiver who packs all of the energy, something head coach Jerod Mayo said New England needs, caught 37 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns in the team’s first eight games.

Given his return from injury, Bourne likely warrants a “prove it” year in 2024. The Patriots should be all over it.

5. OLB Josh Uche (UFA)

Uche came into 2023, a contract year, off of a 27 tackle, 11.5 sack season and ready to get himself paid.

Unfortunately an injury and, honestly, some poor play could keep the Brinks truck from backing into his driveway. The 2020 second round pick has plenty of potential though and his down season could help the Patriots bring him back at a good price.

4. OLB Anfernee Jennings (UFA)

After beginning the 2023-24 season as a healthy scratch in Week 1 vs. the Eagles, Patriots outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings came on strong to finish the year.

The 2020 third round pick out of Alabama tallied 66 tackles, 15 run stuffs, and 1.5 sacks in 2023 (all career highs) and has set himself up for a solid payday this March. His versatility puts him one spot higher than Uche on my list.

3. TE Hunter Henry (UFA)

As mentioned above, the Patriots are in dire need for tight ends and not only was Hunter Henry their best one last season, but he was also named a captain.

Jerod Mayo cited Henry when talking about New England’s leadership on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show on Monday, telling me that he’s at least in their plans. Perhaps a franchise tag is in order for the 29-year-old.

2. S Kyle Dugger (UFA)

After finishing 2023 with 71 tackles, two interceptions, and 1.5 sacks, Kyle Dugger projects to be one of the highest paid safeties on the free agent market this offseason.

The Patriots should make him one.

The 2020 second round pick out of Lenoir-Rhyne has blown his draft day projections out of the water and while his knock is his below average pass-coverage ability, he’s continued to make improvements in the department year after year.

There isn’t an excuse for Dugger to not be playing football in Foxborough in 2024.

1. OL Mike Onwenu (UFA)

The most important re-signing the Patriots have to make this offseason is of Mike Onwenu.

Onwenu is expected to be one of the top available offensive lineman in free agency this spring and according to a piece from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler last weekend, New England, “essentially know [he’s] not coming back.”

NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry refuted Fowler’s claim on Tuesday, saying that, “one team source indicated that there is a real affinity for Onwenu's game in the building and that they'd like to have him back in Foxboro for 2024 and beyond.”

Onwenu has been a godsend for the Patriots since they selected him in the sixth round of the 2020 draft. He started all 16 games at right tackle as a rookie, and has started 40 games since at both guard and tackle over the last three seasons. The 26-year-old is widely considered one of the better young linemen in football.

Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!

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Julius Randle out indefinitely with dislocated shoulder pending MRI results - Posting and Toasting

New York Knicks forward and two-time All-Star Julius Randle suffered a dislocated right shoulder in the game against the Miami Heat on Saturday at Madison Square Garden and for now he's out indefinitely pending more conclusive results off an upcoming MRI.

The injury took place in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, following a collision with rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. in the first game played by the latter after missing six straight.

The Knicks won the game 125-109, but the impact of this injury can end up amounting to an ugly loss in grand scheme of things.

Randle was unable to continue the game nor shoot the freebies he earned on that play. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, when asked about the injury, said he was “Very” concerned about it. Thibodeau also mentioned, “[Randle] is a warrior. And so, any time someone walks back, you know it’s something. I don’t wanna speculate until we have the information.”

An MRI is scheduled for Randle on Saturday to assess the injury’s severity, with results expected through Sunday.

Jalen Brunson commented on the injury, saying, “You don’t want to see that from anybody, especially (with) the way he’s been playing. He means a lot to us.”

Randle has yet to miss a game this season. The Knicks are in sole possession of the no. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 29-17 record following Saturday's slate of games.

We'll update this story as it develops and when more information about the injury gets released by the Knicks.

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Julius Randle out indefinitely with dislocated shoulder pending MRI results - Posting and Toasting
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2024 NFL Free Agency Guide: Pending UFAs, dates to know - Giants.com

DATES TO KNOW

Feb. 20: Beginning this date through 4:00 p.m., New York time on March 5, clubs may designate Franchise or Transition Players.

Feb. 27-March 4: NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

March 5: Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 11-13: During the period beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, on March 11 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2023 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 13.

During the above two-day negotiating period, a prospective UFA who is not represented by an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor ("Unrepresented Player") is permitted to communicate directly with a new club's front office officials (excluding the head coach and other members of the club's coaching staff) regarding contract negotiations. The club is responsible for confirming the player's status as an Unrepresented Player.

No prospective unrestricted free agent is permitted to execute a contract with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 13.

March 13: The 2024 League Year and Free Agency signing period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.

Trading period for 2024 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2023 contracts.

The first day of the 2024 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13. Clubs will receive a Personnel Notice that will include all transactions submitted to the League office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13.

March 24-27: Annual League Meeting, Orlando, FL

April 15: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.

April 17: Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview or conduct a physical examination with a draft- eligible player at its club facility.

April 19: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.

April 24: Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to restricted free agents who signed offer sheets.

Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview (including video and phone calls) or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at any location.

April 25-27: NFL Draft, Detroit

May 2: Deadline for Clubs to exercise Fifth-Year Option for players selected in the first round of the 2021 Draft.

May 3-6 or May 10-13: Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday on one of the two weekends following the Draft.

May 13: Rookie Football Development Programs begin.

May 20-22: Spring League Meeting/Coach Accelerator, Nashville, TN

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3 pending free agents the Saints should not re-sign - Saints Wire

The New Orleans Saints have 16 expiring contracts this offseason with a few notable names on the list. And 13 of those players are unrestricted free agents while Jameis Winston, Andrus Peat and Jameis Winston are all on contracts that void in March.

The majority of the pending free agents are depth pieces the Saints could bring back at a low figure. They also wouldn’t generate much attention if the Saints let them walk in free agency. Andrus Peat doesn’t make the list due to looming question marks on the offensive line. He could be retained to avoid too many new starters on the unit. Which noteworthy players should the Saints decline to re-sign?

Michael Thomas

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

It feels like Thomas’ time in New Orleans has run its course. Thomas failed to end the season once again and we’re now 4 years from the last time Michael Thomas didn’t spend time on injured reserve. That will likely mark the last time he puts on a Saints jersey.

Jameis Winston

Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints should re-sign Winston but likely won’t. There was tension between Dennis Allen and Winston in 2022 due to Winston feeling he incorrectly lost his job to injury. That made his return surprising this season. 2023 ended with Winston defying Allen’s decision to take a knee against the Falcons becoming a national story. Winston did it for his teammate, and that will endear him to his teammates, but it likely will put the nail in the coffin of his hopes of returning.

Zack Baun

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Zack Baun showed promise, but he isn’t the type of player the Saints like at this position. The Saints need to bolster the position which would likely result in Baun still being sparingly used. New Orleans should decline to re-sign Baun.

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Pending home sales jumped in December as mortgage rates fell - MarketWatch

The numbers: U.S. pending home sales shot up in December as falling mortgage rates brought buyers back into the market.

Pending home sales rose 8.3% in December from the previous month, according to the monthly index released Friday by the National Association of Realtors.

Pending home sales reflect transactions where the contract has been signed for a the sale of an existing home, but the sale has not yet closed. Economists view it as an indicator of the direction of existing-home sales in subsequent months.

The jump in pending-home sales was the largest since June 2020, when it rose by 14.9%.

The sales pace exceeded expectations on Wall Street. Economists were expecting pending home sales to increase by 2% in December.

Transactions were up 1.3% from last year.

The NAR also released an updated forecast for existing-home sales on Friday. The group expects existing-home sales to increase in 2024 by 13% from last year, to a 4.62 million pace. 

They expect the U.S. Federal Reserve to cut interest rates four times in 2024 and the 30-year mortgage to “bounce along” in the 6% to 7% range for most of the year.

Big picture: The increases in contract signings and in mortgage applications, reported earlier in the week, indicate that there is pent-up demand from buyers who are motivated by falling mortgage rates.

But the housing market’s recovery is still limited by supply. Unless the so-called lock-in effect fades and more homeowners decide to sell their homes, sales will not be able to increase significantly.

What the realtors said: “The housing market is off to a good start this year, as consumers benefit from falling mortgage rates and stable home prices,” Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the NAR, said in a statement. 

“Job additions and income growth will further help with housing affordability, but increased supply will be essential to satisfying all potential demand,” he added. 

Market reaction: Stocks DJIA SPX were up in early trading on Friday. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note BX:TMUBMUSD10Y rose above 4.1%.

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2024 NFL Free Agency Guide: Pending UFAs, dates to know - Giants.com

DATES TO KNOW

Feb. 20: Beginning this date through 4:00 p.m., New York time on March 5, clubs may designate Franchise or Transition Players.

Feb. 27-March 4: NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

March 5: Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 11-13: During the period beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, on March 11 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2023 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 13.

During the above two-day negotiating period, a prospective UFA who is not represented by an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor ("Unrepresented Player") is permitted to communicate directly with a new club's front office officials (excluding the head coach and other members of the club's coaching staff) regarding contract negotiations. The club is responsible for confirming the player's status as an Unrepresented Player.

No prospective unrestricted free agent is permitted to execute a contract with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 13.

March 13: The 2024 League Year and Free Agency signing period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.

Trading period for 2024 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2023 contracts.

The first day of the 2024 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13. Clubs will receive a Personnel Notice that will include all transactions submitted to the League office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 13.

March 24-27: Annual League Meeting, Orlando, FL

April 15: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.

April 17: Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview or conduct a physical examination with a draft- eligible player at its club facility.

April 19: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.

April 24: Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to restricted free agents who signed offer sheets.

Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview (including video and phone calls) or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at any location.

April 25-27: NFL Draft, Detroit

May 2: Deadline for Clubs to exercise Fifth-Year Option for players selected in the first round of the 2021 Draft.

May 3-6 or May 10-13: Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday on one of the two weekends following the Draft.

May 13: Rookie Football Development Programs begin.

May 20-22: Spring League Meeting/Coach Accelerator, Nashville, TN

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Colts' pending free-agent RB Zack Moss open to return - Colts Wire

Through the first month of the season, the Indianapolis Colts relied on running back Zack Moss to fill the shoes of a superstar, and now he’s set to hit the free-agent market during the 2024 offseason.

As the early-season drama surrounding Jonathan Taylor and the Colts front office raged on, Moss stepped up in a big way for the first five weeks as the starting running back.

Even following Taylor’s return to his normal role as the starter during the second half of the season, Moss is open to a return to the Colts.

“If I do come back here,” Moss said via Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star. “It would be great.”

Entering Week 6 of the regular season, Moss’ 466 rushing yards trailed only Christian McCaffrey (553) for the league lead. In fact, Moss ranked second in the NFL in rushing yards (615) through the first nine weeks of the season, which was done despite Taylor having returned in Week 5.

Whether Moss will be looking for a bigger paycheck on his second NFL contract is likely what will be the difference in him staying or leaving with the Colts.

The contract extension Taylor signed during the regular season is a fair deal for both sides, and the fact that Anthony Richardson is on a rookie deal makes contracts a bit more flexible. But it remains to be seen how much the Colts want to invest in the running back room.

Moss also will be entering a free-agent market that is full of top-tier names such as Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, Austin Ekeler and D’Andre Swift to name a few. Finding a starting role may not be so easy.

With that said, Moss certainly has earned a role either with the Colts or another team. He worked extremely well in the Colts’ RPO system and proved to be a capable one-cut back in a zone-blocking scheme.

Spotrac currently has Moss’ market value projected at $4.6 million per year on a two-year deal. In 2023, that would have ranked 17th among all NFL running backs.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Moss, but a return to the Colts wouldn’t be a bad move as long as the money is right for both sides.

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