Category Archives: Progress

President Donald Trump campaigned, and won, on larger-than-life promises.

From the bold (create 25 million jobs) to the specific (he won't eat another Oreo until Nabisco moves production back to the United States) to the wildly aspirational ("I will give you everything"), Trump offered up so many promises during his presidential bid that it was hard to know at times where bravado ended and his policy agenda began.

NBC News found that Trump took 141 distinct stances on 23 major issues. From this roving platform, a set of bold goals emerged. As president, Trump vowed to curb immigration, repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, create jobs for Americans, defeat "radical Islamic terror" and rebuild American infrastructure, to name just a few.

Follow along as we track his progress here.

Trump's core campaign promises defied party-line politics as much as they stuck to them, and united a surprising coalition of voters that drew historically white, working-class Democrats into a conservative coalition that fueled the reality television star to a surprising victory in November.

In the hands of an outsider candidate bent on shaking up Washington, D.C., it was a triumphant strategy. Now, they are the test of his presidency.

He will have to tackle broad catchphrase pledges "build the wall" and "so much winning" with policy while he working with a Republican-led Congress filled with the "establishment" politicians he derided throughout his campaign and Democratic lawmakers intent on opposing much of his agenda.

Can Trump fulfill his promises when confronted with the realities of first-ever elected office, a complex global economy, and a divided nation?

With this tracking tool, we'll chart the success of his presidency using 10 core goals as a lens, examining how Trump's goals collide with the realities of governing.

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Donald Trump's Campaign Promises: Tracking His Progress and Fact Checking His Claims - NBCNews.com

Forbes

Leaders Need To Take A Tip From LBJ And Stand Up For Progress Forbes Few would disagree that we are in the midst of a political crisis. The situation is, of course, most acute in the U.S., the U.K., and continental Europe, where "ordinary people" have either already or are threatening to rise up against the consensus ...

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Leaders Need To Take A Tip From LBJ And Stand Up For Progress - Forbes

DailyFX.com -

Talking Points:

Gold prices are consolidating to start the week, and have failed to put in a daily high since February 8th. In the absence of a new high above $1,244.71, Golds 2017 uptrend remains in jeopardy. Technically the commodity remains supported in the short term above its 10 Day EMA (exponential moving average) at $1,232.42. If the commodity closes below this point, it may signal a bearish shift in the market for the first time in Februarys trading. Traders should note that a bearish move would also place gold prices back in the direction of its longer term downtrend. The commodity has remained below its 200 day MVA (simple moving average) since November of 2016.

Gold, Daily Chart with Averages

Gold Prices Uptrend Fails to Progress

(Created Using IG Charts)

Intraday market analysis has the price of gold trading near todays central pivot at $1,236.64. If gold prices are to resume trending higher, the commodity must first trade through todays R1 and R2 pivot, found at $1,237.91 and $1,239.56. A move to this point would expose a breakout above the R3 pivot at $1,240.85. A move above this value should be seen as significant, as golds next point of significant resistance would be the previously mentioned 2017 high at $1,244.71.

In the event of a bearish reversal, initial values of support may be found at the R1 and R2 pivots found at, $1,235.02 and $1,233.33. So far prices have tested support at R2 twice in todays trading, but have failed to make significant progress below this point. If prices begin to turn lower, todays last value of intraday support may be found at $1,232.11. A breakout below this point would place gold prices back below the previously mentioned EMA, and open the commodity to trade towards new lower lows in the short term.

Gold Price 30 Minute Chart & Pivots

Gold Prices Uptrend Fails to Progress

(Created Using IG Charts)

--- Written by Walker, Analyst for DailyFX.com

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See Walkers most recent articles at his Bio Page.

Contact and Follow Walker on Twitter @WEnglandFX.

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DailyFX provides forex news and technical analysis on the trends that influence the global currency markets. Learn forex trading with a free practice account and trading charts from IG.

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Gold Prices Uptrend Fails to Progress - Yahoo Finance - Yahoo Finance

UM's roots in sustainability highlighted in 2016 Progress Report U of M News Service In 2015, the university invested $100 million toward efforts to accelerate progress in the areas of waste reduction, greenhouse gas reduction and campus sustainability culture. Significant work is underway, including: Conversion of Michigan Stadium ... and more »

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UM's roots in sustainability highlighted in 2016 Progress Report - U of M News Service

MIDDLETOWN

Middletown detectives are continuing to make progress to find the killer of a woman gunned down while a passenger in a car early Jan. 1.

Teresa Shields, 26, of Middletown, was one of two people killed during the early morning hours of New Years Day after incidents outside the 513 Lounge and a shooting at Roosevelt Boulevard and Wicoff Street. Two weeks ago, detectives traveled to Chicago where they seized a vehicle and evidence believed to be involved in Shields homicide.

Steven Waldon, 34, of Middletown was the driver of the 2010 Audi that was sprayed with gun shots at Roosevelt and Wicoff. Both Waldon and Shields, his girlfriend, suffered gunshot wounds and Waldon drove them and two other passengers to Atrium Medical Center emergency room. Shields died at the hospital.

Lt. Jim Cunningham said Waldon has identified the Jeep seized in Chicago as the vehicle that shots came from, but says he does not know the identity of the shooter.

The owner of the vehicle is a person of interest, Cunningham said, noting that person lives in Chicago, but has ties to Middletown.

Middletown Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw said he and detectives met with Shields parents last week to talk about leads in the case.

We have a number of leads and have seized evidence while in Chicago (and) working with the Chicago Police Department. But we still need more information. We are working 24/7 on this case and it is paying dividends, Muterspaw said in a Facebook post. Dont forget this girl or this family. They need you to remember and stand for her. Say something if you know something.

The Ohio Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the fatal car crash early on Jan. 1 that killed Mariama-Maria Richlen, 24, West Chester Twp.

Richlen was a passenger in a car driven by Deshawn Rippey, 22, of Hamilton, that flel from the parking lot of the 513 Lounge on North Verity Parkway when shots were fired in the parking lot area behind the bar. Before officers could stop Rippeys Buick, it had crashed into a wall at the rear of St. Johns Church.

Waldon and Shields also attended the New Years party at the 513 Lounge, but it is not known if the shooting incidents are connected.

Anyone with information regarding the Shields homicide can:

Call the anonymous hotline at 513-425-7749

Send police a private message via Facebook

Call Detective Steve Winters or Detective Sam Allen at 513-425-7737

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Progress continues in Middletown Jan. 1 drive-by fatal shooting - Hamilton Journal News

fox8.com

St. Jude Dream Home construction making progress fox8.com AVON, Ohio - It's almost time for the 2017 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway ticket sell-a-thon. This Thursday, Feb. 23, at 6 a.m., tickets for the dream home giveaway will go on sale. Here is the number to call beginning Thursday morning: 1-800-834-5786. and more »

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St. Jude Dream Home construction making progress - fox8.com

The South Carolina football team opens spring practice in 5days. With Saturday looming, here are 5storylines to watch.

Moore is arguably the most important player for South Carolina this spring as he continues rehabfrom neck fusion surgery that cost himthe 2016 season. South Carolina enters the spring with 3relevant linebackers on its roster and Moores progress is key for the position group.

RELATED: 5 players to watch in spring football

Bentley entershis first spring at South Carolina, just as he would be had he not enrolled a full year in advance. But instead of getting his first reps, hewill be the established starting quarterback. Bentleycomes off a strong freshman seasonin which he threw for 1,420 yards and 9touchdowns in 7starts. Bentley can launch himself toward an even better 2017 with a strong spring.

South Carolina willhave an ongoing battle this spring between Rico Dowdle and A.J. Turner as it is. Williams a transfer from North Carolina, will get in the mix and make it more colorful. Gamecocks coacheswill have the 3running backs compete to start spring ball, inat what could be a heated competition all the way into the fall.

South Carolina returns 4starters on the offensive line, but things can always change with a new position coach. Wolford inherits a decent chunk of experience in his return to coach South Carolina football.Left tackle is a question mark, while better play is needed at center and right guard. Spring ball gives Wolford his first opportunity to get hands on with his new players.

South Carolina played a large portion of its 2016 recruiting class immediately, but there are redshirt freshmenthat could play key roles in 2017. Offensive tackle Sadarius Hutcherson draws plenty of buzz and merits watching atthe open left tackle position. Defensive tackle Stephon Taylor was highly recruited and could be a remedy to run-stopping issues. They will getopportunities to make their statement for playing time.

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Skai Moore's progress leads South Carolina football spring storylines - SECcountry.com

When the season was young, the Nets ranked as one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. A team widely panned as the leagues worst was 4-5, and two of those wins came after Jeremy Lin suffered his first hamstring injury in the fifth game.

That initial surge of optimism faded long ago as the Nets without Lin for all but 12 games have struggled. It turns out they are exactly what the critics forecast, a 9-47 team that is 8 12 games worse than the 29th-best team in the NBA at the All-Star break.

The Nets rank 30th in points allowed (114.2), plus-minus (-8.8) and turnovers (17). They are fourth in three-pointers attempted (32.4) but only 26th in three-point field-goal percentage (34.0).

In short, with the NBAs weakest roster, general manager Sean Marks and coach Kenny Atkinson havent found any way to stem the tide of losing. The Nets have lost a franchise-record 16 straight home games and 25 of their past 26 games overall. Yet, as tough as it may be to sell to the fans, Atkinson maintains that his team has made incremental progress as the franchise overhauls the playing style and creates a new culture.

Describing the rays of hope he sees, Atkinson said: I think the intangibles are: Whats your teams work ethic? Whats their spirit like? How are they coming into practice every day? How are they approaching the games? Hows their focus? Those are the things were looking at, and we cast an eye towards our young players. How are they doing? How are they improving?

Considering the depth of their problems, the most amazing part of the Nets season is how hard they still are playing. Their past 11 straight losses all have come by 10 or fewer points. There was one brief locker-room flareup, but the Nets have held together despite constant lineup changes.

This is the most positive group Ive been around in my three years with three teams, said Spencer Dinwiddie, who was claimed out of the D-League and has been starting at point guard in Lins long absence. Its just a great group of guys. Spirits are always high even through the losses.

I think I was a little bit shocked at first, having been on other teams. Nobody can like losing or tolerate losing, but to be able to have that collective buy-in and stick to the program, I think it talks to the character of the guys. We have that belief in the coaching staff and the GM, the whole regime.

The most obvious area of progress is the development of the Nets three young core players, second-year forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, rookie wing man Caris LeVert and rookie Isaiah Whitehead. Atkinson credits the Nets recent defensive improvement to the decision to make Hollis-Jefferson the starting power forward. LeVerts athleticism and defensive prowess are eye-opening, and second-round pick Whitehead has surprised with his toughness and grasp of the system.

The major question as the Nets approach Thursdays NBA trade deadline is whether to take what they can get for long-time franchise center Brook Lopez or to give Lopez and Lin a chance to play together when Lin returns for the start of an eight-game road trip Friday in Denver.

That decision ultimately belongs to Marks, who has said he will listen to all trade offers. According to multiple reports, the Nets are asking for two first-round picks for Lopez, a high price that means theres a strong chance he will survive the trade deadline.

Id love to see them together, see how they mix, how they work, Atkinson said of the Brook-Lin pairing. I reminisce about those first games when Jeremy was throwing to Brook in the post and cutting off the post and all that kind of action that looked really good in the beginning. The post stuff I was surprised because Jeremys never really played with a pure post-up guy. So it was great seeing that. Id like to see more. Cant wait til Denver.

Lin, for one, is eager for the opportunity.

Im realistic enough to understand that we havent had a fair look at what this team is really going to look like, Lin said after returning to practice last Tuesday. I played like five games and then another [seven] games, which is just such a small sample size.

Right now, we have guys playing a little bit out of position and guys being asked to do certain things that maybe they havent had to do in their career. So thats not really fair to them. When I come back, I want to be able to help this team and be what they envision me to be. I think post-All-Star break is enough games to see that.

Atkinson has praised Lopez for all the adjustments he has made, from developing his three-point shot to fit in the spread offense and working harder to improve his defense to the positive attitude he has maintained. Missing out on the chance to show how effective he might be with Lin on the floor has been the biggest disappointment of the season.

I think we did a great job of jelling in the offseason through our workouts, Lopez said. Hes such a smart player, such a gifted point guard, and he elevates whoever he plays with. Were obviously missing him. Hes such a great player and great leader, hell improve a lot of players, including me.

Thats what Marks, Atkinson and the rest of the Nets organization need to find out.

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Kenny Atkinson sees hope and progress for his Nets at All-Star break - Newsday

With MLB spring training underway, there's plenty to talk about. USA TODAY Sports

Mike Trout has more MVP awards than postseason appearances, two-to-one.(Photo: Chris Carlson, AP)

TEMPE, Ariz. The worlds best baseball player has a new teammate on each side of his locker in the Los Angeles Angels clubhouse, corner infielder Luis Valbuena to the left, second baseman Danny Espinosa to the right. Yet another newcomer, outfielder Cameron Maybin, is just a couple of stalls away.

Theyre part of a makeover intended to help the Angels bounce back from a 74-88 finish, their worst since 1999, and ideally get Mike Trout back to the playoffs.

Entering his sixth full season at 25, Trout has more MVP awards than postseason appearances, two-to-one. He has five times as many All-Star Game invites and three times as many runner-up finishes in the MVP race as trips to the playoffs.

Mike Trout's intense offseason training consisted of running with a barbell on his back

The personal achievements are great, but the lack of team success must be getting old.

Its frustrating, for sure, said Trout, pointing to a rash of injuries to the pitching staff as a prime reason for last years pratfall. You want to get to the playoffs. Its fun. Youve seen the World Series last year. You want to be in that atmosphere.

Several things would have to go right for Trout to experience the playoff vibe again this season. Years of neglecting the farm system while spending lavishly and often unwisely on free agents Josh Hamilton didnt pan out, and C.J. Wilson only in his first two seasons have put the Angels in a bind.

They dont have much help coming from the minors, and only enough room in the budget for modest additions.

Second-year general manager Billy Eppler made some opportunistic moves in the offseason, trading for Maybin, Espinosa and catcher Martin Maldonado. He also signed free agents Ben Revere, Jesse Chavez and Valbuena, the latter costing the most at $15 million over two years.

Its debatable whether that will be enough to contend in a division where the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers loom as favorites. Los Angeles likely will need starting pitchers Garrett Richards, Tyler Skaggs and Matt Shoemaker to make strong comebacks from serious injuries to have a fighting chance.

We feel like were going to be competitive and need to stay healthy, and we have to play well in our division, owner Arte Moreno said. The Astros should be better, Seattles Seattle, and Texas won a lot of one-run games, thirtysomething one-run games. Its pretty hard to repeat that.

Regardless of whether the odds are stacked in their favor or against, the Angels can count on Trout maintaining an optimistic outlook, at least publicly.

In his first media session of the spring Saturday, the reigning AL MVP expressed a desire to steal 40 bases, revealed slightly longer hair Some of my teammates complained that I had the same buzz cut since third grade and confirmed he would not play in the World Baseball Classic, although he would not discuss why.

He also gave a hearty approval to the Epplers additions, especially Maybin, who will play alongside him in left.

Cams obviously fast, Trout said. I got to see him play when he was with Detroit. He brings a lot to the table. Last year we were trying to fill some holes in left field. Its going to be fun. The outfields going to be fast.

After his stolen-base total dwindled from a career-best of 49 as a rookie in 2012 to 11 in 2015, Trout returned to his aggressive ways on the basepaths last season, swiping 30. He also led the league with 116 walks and a .441 on-base percentage while batting .315 with 29 homers and 100 RBI on the way to his second MVP award in three years.

In addition, Trout cut down his strikeouts from 184 in 2014 to 137 last year, an indication of his ability to keep improving even when hes at the games top echelon. Teammates marvel at the way Trout answers the bell night after night he has played at least 157 games in each of the last four seasons while remaining remarkably consistent. In that four-year span, Trout has produced an on-base-plus slugging percentage of between .988 and .991 three times.

Hes the best player in the game and it shows on an everyday basis, thats the thing thats most important and special about him, right fielder Kole Calhoun said. He doesnt take it for granted. He tries to win, hes there to work every day and he wants to be in the lineup every day. Thats the making of one of the all-time greats in this game.

Now, if only fans could see him in the postseason.

Gallery: Best pictures from Spring Training

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Mike Trout stays humble, but frustrated with Angels' progress - USA TODAY

VENTURA, Calif. The LA Galaxy bagged their first win of 2017 on Saturday afternoon when they defeated Alashkert FC 2-0 in a closed-door scrimmage at Ventura College.

Giovani dos Santos and Jack McBean provided the goals in opposite halves as Los Angeles controlled the tempo against the reigning Armenian league champions. The victory gives the Galaxy a 1-1-1 record this preseason as they sit less than two weeks away from the start of the regular season campaign.

There was major progress on our shape on both sides of the ball, Onalfo told LA Galaxy Insider. "We moved the ball against an opponent that competed real hard. When youre playing on turf on a narrow field, it becomes more difficult, but I was encouraged by the progress we made from last game.

Overall, mission accomplished.

Onalfos starting group dominated the first half, stringing together repeated opportunities that were denied by Alashkert goalkeeper Gevorg Kasparov. However, the Galaxy broke through in the 40thminute when Joo Pedro, who was making his first start of the preseason, found Dos Santos for the finish from the doorstep.

The game opened up in the second half as Onalfo afforded nine of his starters 75 minutes. Just minutes after widespread changes, the Galaxy doubled their lead in the 85thminute when McBean headed a Jose Villarreal cross into the net.

For McBean who was consigned to the bench for the first time this preseason, the goal was an important confidence booster.

I really focused well this week in training after the Las Vegas match. Theres a lot of good competition up top between myself, Ari [Lassiter], and Jose [Villarreal]. I thought I went out there today and showed well, McBean said. The season is in the back of everyones mind, and I want to be able to help the team in any capacity that Curt has me.

With the Home Opener against FC Dallas on March 4 inching closer, Onalfo could not be more pleased with his squads growth this preseason.

With each minute were growing. Thats all part of the preseason. If you look at the first group thats out there, theyve played 45, 60, and then 75 minutes, and they have not conceded a goal, Onalfo said. Now we just have to synchronize better and get more precise in front of the goal because we created some good opportunities. Thats why you play those games because you can assess those things and make a game plan for moving forward.

Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com

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Curt Onalfo says LA Galaxy showing "major progress" with 2017 home opener looming - LA Galaxy