Category Archives: Progress

The Bears are diving deeper into their offseason program at Halas Hall, in their first week of organized team activities at Halas Hall. Here's what we learned from Tuesday's session, the only one this week open to the media.

White was in attendance Tuesday, but the Bears' media policy prohibits reporting on how much White participated. The third-year receiver continues working back from the season-ending spiral fracture he suffered in his left fibula last October.

Asked for his early impressions of White, starting quarterback Mike Glennon lit up.

"I've really enjoyed getting to know Kevin on the field and off the field," Glennon said. "He's a great guy. He works his butt off. And he made some really good plays (Monday) that got me excited. He's really eager to learn. I know he's eager to get back out on that field."

Bears coach John Fox was asked about White's status but offered an intentionally vague response.

"We're just trying to make sure we get guys ready for camp, and even more precisely, for Game 1 against Atlanta," Fox said. "So we're going to do anything necessary to make that happen."

Pressed on whether White would be participating extensively on the field in the OTAs over the next three weeks, Fox dodged the question.

"We're not really going to get much into that, as far as who's in and who's out," Fox said. "It's just realizing that we're not lining up to play just yet."

There have been no indications that White has suffered any sort of setback in his recovery. White, the No. 7 pick in 2015, has missed 28 games over his first two seasons and has totaled 19 catches for 187 yards in the four games he has played.

White will be under escalating pressure this season to remain healthy and produce. And Fox did him few favors Tuesday by refusing to shed light on the receiver's status. The Bears coach certainly didn't reduce any outside worry about White's ability to stay healthy.

The veteran quarterback acknowledged feeling surprised when the Bears drafted Mitch Trubisky with the No. 2 overall pick last month. And if he initially felt jilted, Glennon found reassurance in general manager Ryan Pace's persistent pledge that he will be the Bears' starter heading into 2017.

"The 2017 season is my year," Glennon said. "That's all I can worry about. I'm not worried about the future. I'm not worried about the past."

Publicly anyway, Glennon expressed confidence that he and Trubisky would be able to coexist harmoniously. He also reiterated his comfort in his role as the starter.

"This is my year, and the meetings are geared around me," Glennon said. "Am I going to help Mitch as much as I can? Definitely. I'm going to be a great teammate. But my job is to win football games for the Chicago Bears. And that's where my head's at."

Among those not present at Tuesday's practice were inside linebacker Danny Trevathan, outside linebacker Willie Young, offensive lineman Kyle Long, tight end Zach Miller and center Hroniss Grasu. All five of those players are still rehabilitating from surgeries after suffering season-ending injuries in 2016.

In addition, outside linebacker Pernell McPhee is gradually working back from shoulder surgery and was on the field Tuesday.

New outside linebackers coach Brandon Staley praised McPhee's "infectious spirit" and said, in studying the Bears' film from the last two seasons, he noticed a difference when McPhee was on the field.

"You saw this difference when 92 is out there," Staley said. "From the second I got here and we went out one-on-one to eat, I just said, 'It's got to be your mission to get back out there at the beginning. Because this team is going to be different with you at the beginning.' That's what he has been working for every day. I think he's going to allow us to be a lot more complete defense.

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Kevin White's progress a mystery as Bears begin OTAs - Chicago Tribune

FRISCO, Texas It wont be seen by the public, but Tuesday marks the arrival of something the Cowboys have been working toward for quite some time.

Yes, Organized Team Activities begin Tuesday at The Star, and the coming weeks will offer the Cowboys their first true look at the 2017 roster. Thats an exciting prospect across the board.

But specifically, OTAs mark an opportunity for Jaylon Smith to take the field for the first time in his NFL career more than a year after he was drafted. To say thats been an anticipated event would be a massive understatement.

As would have it, I was talking with Dr. Cooper today, and were certainly very pleased with his progress and have every reason to believe hell have a good camp here OTA camp, said Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones last week.

A quick refresher, for those that need it: Smith suffered a horrific injury in his final college game, a Fiesta Bowl loss to Ohio State on Jan. 1, 2016. The Notre Dame linebacker tore both his ACL and his LCL, and he suffered damage to the peroneal nerve in his left leg.

Dr. Dan Cooper, who is the Cowboys team physician, performed Smiths surgery back before the 2016 NFL Draft, and his familiarity with the situation contributed to the teams decision to draft the All-American with the No. 34 overall pick.

Smith was unavailable for his entire rookie season while he recovered from the injury -- specifically the nerve damage, which has limited his ability to move his left foot. But in the time since the 2016 season ended, Smith has steadily increased his workload, with the Cowboys often-repeated goal that hed be ready to participate in OTAs.

Its going to be a process, said Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones. I know everybody is going to want to analyze each practice, each practice he misses, each exercise he does out there Ive got a little of that in me too, looking at a guy like that and what he can do for us. But at the end of the day weve just got to see how he progresses and not overdo it with him.

To that end, Smith will undoubtedly be working on a specified timetable during the next few weeks. The Cowboys want him to be as fresh as possible, and they dont want him to overwork himself. Because of that, its a good bet that Smith have a set schedule of practice days and off days.

What we want to do is the term is fresh, Jerry Jones said. We want him to do his things, probably on alternative days, so that at all times when hes moving, hes moving around fresh.

Regardless of how much work hes doing, having Smith in the huddle for a Cowboys practice would be a step in the right direction. Smith and Jerry Jones both noted for their remarkable optimism have long expressed confidence about the future. Jones has repeated numerous times that he thought Smith might have been able to play in the playoffs last season, if not for the NFL rules keeping him on injured reserve.

For everyone else, though, seeing is believing. And from the sounds of it, Smith just might offer the outside world a glimpse of what the Cowboys have been seeing for the past few months.

I know everybody is curious as to how this is going to work, Stephen Jones said. I just think we feel very optimistic about him, very optimistic that hes going to be playing football for the Cowboys this year and making a difference.

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Start Of OTAs Offers Cowboys A Good Look At Jaylon Smith's Progress - DallasCowboys.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota has progressed through his rehabilitation from only taking snaps from his center, to dropping back and then moving on to handing the ball off.

Now he is throwing passes in 7-on-7 drills as the Titans started the next phase of their offseason program Tuesday. But the Titans are taking great care to protect their franchise quarterback, who broke his right leg five months ago.

I know hed like to do more, he looks like he can do more, Titans coach Mike Mularkey said of Mariota. Again, its May still. We got time.

When Mariota broke his leg on Dec. 24 in a loss at Jacksonville , the Titans estimated the quarterbacks recovery taking up to five months. But team officials have made it very clear since February that their goal is making sure Mariota is completely ready Sept. 10 when the Titans open the season hosting Oakland and Derek Carr, who also broke his right leg hours after Mariotas injury.

Mularkey said he didnt know two months ago if Mariota would be able to throw in a 7-on-7 drill in these sessions. But the coach said Mariota is ready for what the Titans are giving him. Mariota threw all of the 7-on-7 drills, ensuring he threw passes to Tennessees new wide receivers like top draft pick Corey Davis and third-round selection Taywan Taylor.

The more he can do the better, Mularkey said. Thats why were giving him more reps, even in 7-on-7, is because of the timing in the passing game.

Mariota, the No. 2 pick overall in 2015 and the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner, was just happy to be on the field with his teammates and practicing football after months of rehabilitation. His recovery from surgery included not being able to put weight on his right leg until late February. He still has yet to run full speed, though Mariota said hes getting close.

I was like a little kid again to be able to go out there and be able to play, Mariota said. Its crazy. You kind of take some of those things for granted. For me, I was really just thankful to be out there.

Whether or not the Titans are able to improve on their 9-7 record last season and end an eight-year playoff drought depends on Mariotas health and complete recovery.

The quarterback has put up impressive numbers through his first two seasons and has yet to be intercepted inside an opponents 20-yard line. Inside the red zone, he has a 114.6 passer rating with 33 touchdowns in that span. For 2016, Mariota threw for 3,426 yards with 26 TDs and nine interceptions with a 95.6 passer rating.

Mariota already has 16 games with at least 2 TD passes, which ties him with Russell Wilson and Peyton Manning for third all-time through a quarterbacks first two NFL seasons. He trails only Dan Marino (22) and Carr (17).

Its why Mularkey emphatically told the Titans to stay away from Mariota and all the quarterbacks on the field. When Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Orakpo closed in on Mariota, the veteran exaggerated a bit as he avoided contact with the quarterback.

It was way over-exaggerated, Mariota said. But its fun to be out there with the guy, and I enjoyed it.

The Titans liked seeing their quarterback, even if he is limited right now.

Wish he could do more, but it is what it is and weve just got to make sure he stays safe and is ready to go Week 1, Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Lewan said.

Notes: Mularkey said LB Kevin Dodd isnt likely to take part in the remaining on-field sessions. The Titans believe Dodd, the No. 33 pick overall in 2016, can be completely recovered from a foot injury by the start of training camp. Defensive lineman Sylvester Williams also is limited as he recovers from ankle surgery.

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Mariota making progress, Titans being careful with their QB - FOXSports.com

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Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park, Sunday, May 21, 2017.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park, Sunday, May 21, 2017.

Astros catcher Brian McCann takes in Monday's game from the dugout while on the seven-day disabled list due to a concussion.

Astros catcher Brian McCann takes in Monday's game from the dugout while on the seven-day disabled list due to a concussion.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) in the dugout during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park, Sunday, May 21, 2017.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) in the dugout during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park, Sunday, May 21, 2017.

Entering Saturday, the Astros' Dallas Keuchel had the best ERA among major league starters at 1.84.

Entering Saturday, the Astros' Dallas Keuchel had the best ERA among major league starters at 1.84.

Astros' Dallas Keuchel, Brian McCann both making progress

Pitcher Dallas Keuchel and catcher Brian McCann continue to make progress toward returning to the active roster Saturday, Astros manager A.J. Hinch said

"Both are progressing nicely," Hinch said. "Dallas is going to play catch, Brian is going to play catch in the next couple of days. Once that hurdle is made, we'll be able to assess exactly when their availability will be later in the week."

McCann, who is on the seven-day concussion disabled list, still must pass several on- and off-field tests dictated by Major League Baseball's concussion recovery protocol before he can return to play.

Keuchel was placed on the 10-day disabled list last Saturday, retroactive to May 17, with a pinched nerve in his neck. He missed a scheduled start Monday.

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Astros' Dallas Keuchel, Brian McCann both making progress - Chron.com

Xilinx Drops 6%: Look Past Expenses to Progress, Says Morgan Stanley Barron's Qualitative progress vs. 12 months ago is exceptional in our view. "We talked to numerous investors who expressed frustration after the meeting, he writes, "that the company had promised to deliver 30% operating margins 'relatively soon', vs ...

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Xilinx Drops 6%: Look Past Expenses to Progress, Says Morgan Stanley - Barron's

Nico Hulkenberg says he is optimistic about Renault's chances at next weekend's Monaco Grand Prix as he targets extending his run of points finishes in the 2017 Formula One season.

The German has taken points in the last three races, including his best result of the year -- and Renault's best finish since returning to the sport as a full works team in 2016 -- with sixth place at the Spanish Grand Prix. Hulkenberg has scored all 14 of Renault's points so far in 2017, six more than the total achieved throughout the whole of last season.

"The track should suit us, especially with the super-soft and ultra-soft tyres," Hulkenberg said. "I am looking forward to race day and obviously I'm aiming for a good result. Last year I performed there quite well and with the new cars it will feel even quicker.

"You need a good rhythm and a good harmony with yourself and the car and feel comfortable. Lap times can be tricky to find, but in recent years I have done well, so hopefully we can have another strong performance.

"You have to build it up step by step, session by session. The last thing you want to do is touch a wall as that will take all your confidence away. In qualifying you peak and take more risks and get closer to the barriers and really get on the limits. But it is a street circuit, we know what they entail and you have to be sensible and totally focused on the task."

Renault chief Cyril Abiteboul echoed Hulkenberg's comments and hopes the Enstone-based team can seal a strong result around the streets of Monte Carlo.

"As a constructor, Renault has won twice in Monaco, with Jarno Trulli in 2004 and in 2006 with Fernando Alonso," he said. "As an engine supplier, we have tasted the top step a further four times. Our expectation is not to add to this statistic in 2017, but we are making progress and we are ambitious for this new challenge.

"In Monaco we will start our celebrations of the 40 year anniversary of Renault first entering Formula One. We hope we can harness the force of our 40 year history for a strong result this weekend."

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Nico Hulkenberg hopes to build on Renault progress in Monaco - ESPN

While traveling with President Trump on his trip to Saudi Arabia, his daughter, Ivanka Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump reportedly decided not to wear headscarves. Veuer's Aaron Dickens has more. Buzz60

Ivanka Trump appears at a ceremony where her father, President Trump, received the Order of Abdulaziz al-Saud medal from Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh Saturday.(Photo: MANDEL NGAN, AFP/Getty Images)

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia Ivanka Trump advocated for the greater inclusion of women in theSaudi Arabian workforceon Sunday as the World Bank announced that Arab countries had contributed $100 million toward a global women's initiative she has championed.

Saudi Arabias progress, especially in recent years, is very encouraging but theres still a lot of work to be done and freedoms and opportunities to continue to fight for," Trump said at a women's roundtable in Riyadh as her father, President Trump, met separately with Arab leaders.

In every country around the world women and girls continue to face unique systematic, institutional, cultural barriers, which hinder us from fully engaging in and achieving true parity of opportunity within our communities," she said."Each of you know this to be true. And yet the stories of Saudi women, such as yourselves, catalyzing change, inspire me to believe in the possibility of global womens empowerment.

Women in Saudi Arabia are prohibited from driving or travelling alone, and society imposes strict segregation of the sexes in public places. Reporters were escorted out of the event before those issues could come up.

But there have also been reforms, including curbs on the enforcement power of religious police and the king's grant of voting rights in local elections.

Headlining the discussion with prominent Saudi women,Ivanka Trump showcased her position as a distinctly female voice in a White House wheremen outnumber womentwo-to-one in top policy positions.As a female leader within the Trump administration, my focus is to help empower women in the United States and around the globe, she said Sunday.

Among the issues she's advocated to her father: More generous child care and family leave policies, which she said would be included in the budget that Trump will propose to Congress this week.

"The need to empower and engage women transcends borders and cultures. Whether in the United States or in Saudi Arabia, women play a critical role in a movement that unites us all," she said.

Trump was invited to the event by SaudiPrincess Reema bint Bandar, a retail executive, women's sports promoter, divorced mother and social activist who has emerged as a leading voice for women's rights in the socially conservative country. It's through the retail industry that Reema and Ivanka first met. "That life in retail took us through to various journeys and exposed us actually to what other womens experiences in the workplace were," Reema said.

Ivanka Trump's comments came at a forum at whichWorld Bank President Jim Yong Kim announced that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have pledged a combined$100 million towards a proposed $1 billionglobal women's entrepreneurship fund an initiative pushed by Ivanka Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

We thought it was a fantastic idea," Kimsaid.But we had no idea how quickly this would build. This is really a stunning achievement. Ive never seen anything come together so quickly, and I really have to say that Ivankas leadership has been tremendous.

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Ivanka Trump praises Saudi Arabia's progress on women's rights - USA TODAY

May 21, 2017 7:58 PM

JAMUL, Calif. (AP) Firefighters reported making progress against a wildfire that forced hundreds of people to evacuate a popular campground and small community southeast of San Diego.

The state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Sunday that an overnight rise in humidity allowed firefighters to advance on the blaze near Pio Pico RV Resort and Campground.

Authorities reported it was 30 percent contained after burning across more than two square miles.

The blaze broke out Saturday south of Jamul and spread rapidly through grass and brush.

Campers and residents of nearby Dulzura were evacuated.

An evacuation warning remained in effect, but residents were allowed to return.

Authorities say the campground remains under evacuation because of infrastructure damage.

They did not reveal the extent of the damage.

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Firefighters Make Progress On Fire Southeast Of San Diego - CBS Sacramento

Montpelier The Vermont Legislature has adjourned for the year and while Republican Gov. Phil Scott has vowed to veto the state budget, guaranteeing lawmakers will return next month for a veto session, lawmakers had a number of notable accomplishments this session.

A list of some of those accomplishments:

Scotts promised veto of the state budget and a proposal on the best way to save money on teacher health care costs looms over the proceedings.

He has said he plans to veto both the budget and the separate legislation because lawmakers didnt pass a bill to his liking that would save the states property taxes an estimated $26 million a year by changing the way the states 14,000 teachers get health insurance.

The next fiscal year starts July 1 and no one seems to know what would happen if the state doesnt have a budget in place by then.

Scott argues that by negotiating a statewide benefit rather than having each school district negotiate separate health care deals it can save property tax payers $26 million a year.

Democrats counter the savings is only an estimate and they put forth proposals that would guarantee the savings that the governor was uninterested in while ensuring all the health care plans are negotiated local by teachers unions.

Earlier this month, the Vermont Legislature became the first such body in the country to vote to legalize marijuana. The other eight states and District of Colombia all legalized it through citizen referenda. But it remains to be seen if the legislation will become law next year as planned.

Under the Vermont legislation, small amounts of marijuana would be legal to possess and grow for anyone over 21. Larger amounts would remain illegal. A commission would develop a proposal to tax and regulate marijuana that would be ready for the Legislature to consider next year, ahead of the implementation date.

Scotts office has officially received the legislation and he must decide what to do by Wednesday.

He said Friday hed take the weekend study it.

Its a bit of a struggle, admittedly, he said. Again, its my own libertarian streak. What somebody does in their own home, behind closed doors as long as doesnt affect the innocent, thats their right and Im fine with that.

But he has concerns about public safety on the states roadways and keeping it away from children.

Separately, the Legislature expanded access to medical marijuana.

With broad bipartisan support, Vermont lawmakers passed a law that limits police involvement with the federal government and gives the governor the power to sign off on agreements for officers to do federal immigration duties.

Scott, one of the backers of the proposal, called it a response to federal overreach by the Trump administration.

Under the law, state and local police officers are prohibited from collecting personal information on residents beyond whats needed to carry out their law enforcement duties.

It also bars police in some instances from providing information on residents to federal agents. Before signing the bill in March, Scott addressed concerns that Vermonts law would conflict with federal immigration laws.

I want to be very clear. This law has been carefully crafted through a consensus-building process to confirm Vermont remains compliant with federal law, that we would not be establishing a sanctuary state, Scott said.

Vermont has become the latest state to enact a law that protects journalists and their sources. Earlier this month, Scott signed a new law that creates a legal protection for information given to journalists by confidential sources or for conversations that take place off the record.

That means that the identity of anonymous sources is out of the reach of Vermonts legal system, even if those sources are government employees leaking privileged information. At a Statehouse signing ceremony, Scott said he supported the law because it helps reporters preserve their independence.

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Vt. Lawmakers Made Progress In a Few Areas - Valley News

Injured Wichita Police Department Officer Brian Arterburn is continuing progress on his road to recovery, a little more than three months since he was run over by a stolen vehicle.

Saturday night, a family spokesman provided an update on Arterburn's recovery at a Colorado rehabilitation hospital.

"Brian has been making incredible progress," the spokesman says. "Brian began talking again after going to Craig Hospital (in the Denver area), and is talking quite well now."

A week after a second surgery in April, the spokesman says Arterburn was able to stand up and, using parallel bars and help from a therapist, was able to walk about 45 feet in one session. Arterburn has also worked to build strength in a weakened left side and is working on getting back to a solid-food diet.

In the past few weeks, he has progressed from needing a walker to walking mostly on his own with assistance from a therapist there if he needs it.

"Although this is remarkable progress in only 3 1/2 months, there is still a very long journey ahead," the family spokesman says. "Recovery from a severe (traumatic brain injury) is measured in years, not months, and he still utilizes a wheelchair for mobility."

The spokesman says Arterburn has memory issues still, but his awareness has increased and he is asking more questions about what happened the day he was injured. Arterburn is also becoming more aware of the severity of his injuries and talks about family, friend and co-workers a lot, motivated to return to Wichita.

Arterburn has received cards from all over the world and is said to be overwhelmed by all of the support.

The family spokesman points out that two years ago, Arterburn had a liver transplant and was back to full duty within four months of that. He says Arterburn's liver was not damaged when he was injured in February, but his current liver enzyme levels are not where doctors would like them to be. The spokesman says doctors are doing more testing to determine the cause for the fluctuation.

"They hope to get it figured out, and leveled off with adjustments in medication, so the family would appreciate additional prayers for the situation with Brian's liver to resolve itself," the spokesman says.

He says Brian, his wife, Claudale and their family appreciate the thoughts, concerns and prayers from everyone, "but especially the strong support from the local (Wichita) community."

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Family spokesman: Injured WPD officer 'making incredible progress' - KWCH