President Trump outlined some recent accomplishments at a combined meeting on June 12. (The Washington Post)

President Trump on Monday used his first full-fledged Cabinet meeting to try to make a case that, despite the Russian investigation and other distractions, his administration is racking up accomplishments at a record clip.

Never has there been a president, with few exceptions case of FDR, he had a major depression to handle who has passed more legislation and who has done more things than what weve done, Trump, referring to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, said during the meeting at the White House.

I think weve been about as active as you can possibly be at a just about record-setting pace, Trump said.

The meeting was also notable in that Trump allowed his Cabinet members, in full view of the media, to take turns praising him and his policy agenda.

We thank you for the opportunity and blessing . . . to serve your agenda, White House chief of staff Reince Priebus said in remarks that were echoed by other senior members of the administration.

Tom Price, the secretary of health and human services, also lavished Trump with praise, saying what an incredible honor it is to lead his department at this pivotal time under your leadership.

I can't thank you enough for the privileges you've given me and the leadership that you've shown, Price said.

While Trump has issued a flurry of executive orders, Congress has yet to pass any of his marquee agenda items, including a revamp of the Affordable Care Act, a tax-code overhaul or an infrastructure package. Most bills that Trump has signed have been modest in nature, including several rolling back regulations adopted in the closing stretch of President Barack Obamas tenure.

Conservatives have also touted the confirmation of Trumps first pick forSupreme Court justice, Neil M. Gorsuch.

[Analysis: Trump is blaming Democrats for his own failure on nominations]

Trump began the meeting by berating Democrats for taking longer than he wanted to confirm his Cabinet picks and accused them of being obstructionists on his high-profile agenda items.

If we had the greatest bill in the history of the world on health care, we wouldn't get one vote from the Democrats, because they're obstructionists, Trump said. That's what they want to do. That's the game. They think that's their best political gain.

During the meeting, Trump also announced that he would hold a news conference in two weeks to lay out his administrations plan to fight the Islamic State terrorist group.

He said his administration had already taken steps to cut off funding for terrorist groups.

We are stopping the funding of terrorism, Trump said. You have to starve the beast, and were going to starve the beast.

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Trump touts 'amazing' progress, basks in praise of his Cabinet - The ... - Washington Post

Author Sheryll Cashin believes that the future holds the hope for better race relations in the United States. But her optimism isnt merely dependent on population trends. What will matter, she told Salon in a recent phone interview, is how well we can adapt to being culturally dexterous that is, more willing to learn about and accommodate cultural differences and accepting of the notion that diversity requires negotiation and compromise.

Cashin discussed this concept at length in her new book Loving: Interracial Intimacy in America and the Threat to White Supremacy, published by Beacon Press. The nonfiction book hit shelves on June 6, a few day before the 50thanniversary of the 1967 Supreme Court ruling in Loving v. Virginia that struck down laws banning mixed-race marriages in 16states.

That decision and the relationship between Mildred and Richard Loving is at the center of Cashins book, but it doesnt comprise the entirety of its message. I really want to underscore this:You dont have to marry or sleep with or adopt a child of another race to acquire dexterity, Cashin said. Friendship, I think, an authentic friendship is enough for people to acquire insight. Thats a form of intimacy that I think has as much potential to have impact as anything else because increasingly people have someone of a different race ethnicity in their life, even if its at work, your co-worker. Thats powerful, and its radically different.

Even as socially polarized as we seem to be now, the concept of spending time with people of other races, whether in a platonic sense or romantically, is not as unusual as it was in the 1950s or the 60s. Cashin, for her part, noticed that interracial couples have become more visible in public in recent years as well. She began contemplating writing Loving, she said, a few years ago, although she originally envisioned it as fiction. I had this idea of representing some of the things that interracial couples have to get over, she said.

In the culture at large, the share of newlyweds in interracial marriages has grown sharply. A recent report by the Pew Research Centerhas indicated that 1out of every 6 U.S. newlyweds today is married to someone of a different race or ethnicity. The report further indicates that in 2015, 1out of every 10 married Americanshad a spouse of a different race or ethnicity amounting to about11 million people.

And this is reflected in the latest U.S. Census Bureau statistics indicating that ethnic minorities will become the majority of the U.S. population in 2044. More than half of the births in the U.S. since 2013 have been to people of color.

The Georgetown University Law professor, however, is under no illusion that interracial romances and marriages will overcome the anxiety and tension surrounding race relations. Loving, in fact, looks much further backwardinto our nations history all the way back to the 1600s.

Looking at the whole history of interracial marriage, regulation of it, banning of it, I didnt realize that it has a longer history than anything else and a more formidable role in constructing white supremacy, Cashin said. People have been obsessed with this idea for a very long time.

Anti-miscegenation law was created to solve a class conflict between wealthy planters and poor, white indentured servants, she continued. They created whiteness. What they wanted to do is divide poor white people from potentially being allies with other struggling people, with bonded black people. That political function, this dog-whistling divide and conquer it continues to this day. We no longer have anti-miscegenation laws, but we still have that kind of politics.

In a sense, Cashin is hoping that calling attention to this aspect of interracial relationships will help further the cause of Americans moving toward more harmony intheir social and political lives. My hope is that as with each passing decade its just going to get easier and easier for a center-left coalition of culturally dexterous whites and people of color to become a political majority, she said. My hope is that that political majority starts to dismantle the structures of supremacy, one of which is ghetto isolation.

Added Cashin: I wanted to make that clear. If we dont have an intentional effort to dismantle mass incarceration, to really tackle these enduring structures, some of that stuff and the othering is going to continue.

And there will still be pus back, even as Americans make strides. This is a country whereMildred and Richard Lovings story was made into a film, Loving, widely released in November 2016. These days television and film productions are expected to feature racially diverse casts as a matter of course. This season, in fact, is featuringthe first African-American Bachelorette on ABC and an interracial teen romance Everything, Everything in movie theaters.

Nevertheless it wasnt so long ago that internet trolls created a furor over seeing an interracial couple featured in a Cheerios commercial. And yet, that example helps Cashin make her case. In authentic friendships, when we like someone and spend time with them, were probably going to sit down and eat with them. That can be very powerful. So yes, invite someone over for a meal.

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Loving author on how slow racial equality progress can be: We still have that kind of politics - Salon

Jun 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) celebrates after hitting a walk-off two-run homer against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Mariners: 2017 MLB Draft preview by Nick Lee

Cue the Bee Gees, the Mariners continue to stay alive.

Seattle just wrapped up a successful 7-4 homestand. They did drop two out of three to the hated Toronto Blue Jays but that was preceded by a sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays and a series win over the Minnesota Twins.

The Mariners finished 3-3 in the six games this week against two surging teams. The Ms are surging themselves as they are 6-4 in June and are now just two games under .500. They are just two games back of the Rays and Indians for the second Wild Card spot.

Jun 10, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager (15) hits an RBI-single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The week started off perfectly with a 12-3 drubbing of Minnesota which included home runs by Robinson Cano and Kyle Seager as well as a three-RBI day from Danny Valencia. It trended downward from there, leading to an eventual shutout by the hands of the Blue Jays on Sunday.

Ben Gamel stayed hot and wants to stay in the lineup despite the return of Mitch Haniger. He hit .348 in the six games this week.

Mike Zunino continued to show improvement. He had one of the best games of his career on Wednesday night. He homered in the third inning and then came up to bat with a runner on and two outs down by one in the bottom of the ninth. He swatted an opposite-field walk-off home run, the first of his career. He also scored three runs in that game.

Valencia cooled off in a big way this week, hitting .105 with just two hits and eight strikeouts. Another cooling bat has been Taylor Motter, who hit just .136 with zero extra base hits this week.

Jun 9, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) reacts after getting a strikeout to end a 4-2 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

As a staff, the Mariners had a 3.00 ERA this week. That is surprising with only winning three of the six games and having the strong lineup of Toronto in town. James Paxton came back down to earth as he allowed seven earned runs in his two starts this week and was pulled after four innings on Sunday.

The best start of the week came from Sam Gaviglio on Friday night. The Mariners stifled the Blue Jays and won the first game of the series 4-2 thanks to his six strong innings. He allowed just one run, walked three and struck out five. Edwin Diaz came in and pitched like a madman, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning to secure his 10th save of the year.

Another highlight of the bullpen came in Sundays loss. After Paxton was pulled after four innings, Emilio Pagan came in long relief and gave the Mariners exactly what they needed. He went four shutout innings and struck out five, giving the Mariners opportunities to get back in the game.

Felix Hernandez made his second rehab start over the weekend and even took a no-hitter into the fifth in Tacoma. He could hasten his comeback with that performance and maybe take the mound again for the Ms this coming weekend in Texas.

According to MLB.com, the Mariners won Bullpen of the Week after allowing just two earned runs in 20 2/3 innings.

Jun 11, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Ben Gamel (16) steals second base against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Defense/Baserunning: B

Robinson Cano committed the only two errors of the week on one play in Thursdays 2-1 loss to the Twins. Other than that, the Ms were solid as they have been most of this season. They are up to +8 Defensive Runs Saved as their athletic outfield continues to pay dividends.

Seattle stole five bases this week, two coming from the ultra-speedy Jarrod Dyson, who is second in the AL in stolen bases. Gamel, Motter and even Seager got into the mix as well. Seattle needs to continue to put pressure on opposing defenses with this weapon.

Player of the Week: Kyle Seager (2 HR, 7 RBI, .364 avg, 1.122 OPS)

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Mariners Progress Report: Stayin' Alive - Emerald City Swagger

The Sports Editor of the Claremore Progress received statewide recognition on Saturday night at the Oklahoma Press Association's Better Newspaper Contest Awards ceremony.

For the second year in a row, Rick Heaton's work was recognized as the best written and produced sports section among newspapers of similar size throughout the state.

Heaton received recognition along with a first place award plaque during the association's annual convention held on Saturday night at the the Skirvin Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City.

Heaton is also an award winning photographer, taking top honors of the OG&E Oklahoma Press Association Photo of the Month 15 times. He has been with the Claremore Progress since June of 2015, having previously spent 11 years at the Owasso Reporter. In his 27 years in the field, Heaton worked at three newspapers in Kansas before coming to Oklahoma the Andover Journal-Advocate, the Arkansas City Traveler and the Goodland Daily News. He is married to wife Pam of 18 years. They have two sons, Chase (wife Kayla) and Dustin, and a granddaughter Alexis Blake (5).

In the daily divisions, three of Community Newspaper Holdings papers, The Norman Transcript, Stillwater News Press and the Tahlequah Daily Press, claimed the Sequoyah Award, which is the highest honor in the OPA Better Newspaper Contest.

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Progress Sports Editor honored at OPA awards - Claremore Daily Progress

The march Sunday was vibrant, in attire and color.

There were rainbow pride flags, trans pride flags, even American and Puerto Rican flags with rainbows as their stripes.

The energy was palpable, even as they lined up; sporadic cheers would overtake the crowd, interrupting percussive protest chants.

And then it suddenly got quiet. Soft singing soon overtook the soft fluttered of flags in the breeze

"Oh, say can you see..." The national anthem.

More and more joined the chorus as the song neared its apex, roaring towards the final lines.

As it concluded, the crowds let up a thunderous cheer. The march had begun.

Wayne Pawlowski and Ted carried one of those bright rainbow pride flags near the front of the parade. Ted declined to give CNN his full name; he knows that his marriage and his sexual orientation could get him fired.

Wayne and Ted have been together for 35 years, married for nine of them.

"There's a lot of basic rights that we as gay people don't have that a lot of Americans do and take for granted," said Ted. "We need to change that."

But Ted, 62, and Pawlowski, 71, have a unique historical artifact their rainbow pride flag.

They flew it at the capital's first ever LGBT protest on October 14, 1979. And they've brought it to every single Pride celebration and protest they've ever gone to since.

Jasmine and Nette Archangel made the trip North from Louisiana to be here they brought their whole family. For them, the march was about being visible.

"We want our family to be normalized, not just tolerated," said Nette, 32. "Our family's made out of love."

Last year, the couple made a big move from rural Louisiana into New Orleans, a place they feel "more accepted."

Jasmine, 33, is a bit more shy.

"I want my sons to know no matter what they decide to do, we love them regardless," she says through a smile.

The Archangels weren't the only family to travel from Louisiana. Erin Crisham and Monica Herbert brought their 3-year-old son Cullen to the march.

"We want to make sure that voices are still being heard," said Crisham. "Legislation continues to progress and not stall."

Crisham, like many in the community, saw a number of LGBT rights victories. Now, with a new President at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, they want to maintain that progress.

"We don't want to see anything stay stagnant," she said. "We don't want to see anything take steps back. We really want to see things continue to move forward."

The community won those hard-fought victories by the grassroots organizing of their organizations. They rapidly and fundamentally shifted American public thought on a variety of LGBT issues by coming out to their families, friends and coworkers and pressuring their politicians.

So how will the community pressure continued progress on LGBT issues in President Donald Trump's America?

They'll stay involved and start at home, just like they always did.

Crisham and Herbet are going to work with local LGBT family organizations just like the Archangels. And they agree with the Archangels; their family needs to be treated like anyone else's.

She says sometimes people just aren't used to having different types of families around them. It's a matter of getting them used to it.

"Sometimes, we're the educators for that," she said.

For Ted, it's simple. He's going to make sure he's at the ballot box each election voting for pro-gay candidates, "whenever we can."

His husband Wayne is going to support the organizations that helped make marriage equality the law of the land.

"We are going to go back to Florida tomorrow," he said. "The first thing we're going to do is send more donations (supportive organizations including Human Rights Campaign and the American Civil Liberties Union) ... the organizations that fight for us in ways that we can't individually."

Clayton Whitehead, 29, agrees. He sprained his ankle playing flag football earlier in the week but did not let that, or the crutch he has to walk with, stop him from marching.

The march was, "only the beginning."

"We have to get involved at the local level," he says. "Have the courage to speak up. Go to your community meetings. Your council meetings. Vote in your local elections. Those are just as important as our national elections."

Lou and John Thompson, both 69, came to Washington from Conway, Arkansas, for their first Pride and their first political protest.

They held a sign that reads, "We love our (single) gay son!" Their son Brock's sign read, "I love my (annoying but well-meaning) straight parents!"

"We need to make a stand at times," said Thompson, who thinks now is not the time to be silent. "In our churches. City council. Just every little opportunity that you get to make a stand, I think you need to say something."

Brock Thompson agrees.

"We're going to march every day if we need to," he says, beaming.

CNN's John Bena contributed to this report.

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'Equality' marchers push for progress on LGBT rights - CNN International

Dear Editor,

The Landmark Place Senior and Supportive Housing residences advocated by RUPCO is an important opportunity to modernize a historic building, generate revenue for Kingston, help the citys revitalization and assist those in need.

Hudson Valley Pattern For Progress is a regional planning and policy organization. Our highest priority is our Urban Action Agenda, which assists in the transformation of urban centers, including Kingston.

It is clear this recognizable structure will not return to commercial use.

So, an alternative use is not only appropriate, but needed. RUPCO cites that by 2020, Kingston will be short 2,300 units of affordable housing. This project proposes 66, a small but important step.

Advertisement

Pattern For Progress supports the zoning change and RUPCO, a reputable community-first organization. We believe discussion would be more constructive if opponents worked with RUPCO to craft a project that addresses their concerns, be they security, supervision or other concepts. RUPCO will listen. RUPCO cares. Thats why it has undertaken this project in the first place.

Kingston has impressively taken many strides. Its vibrancy is appealing; its tech and arts centers are alluring. But poverty and other concerns still exist. You cannot wish them away. There is a moral obligation to say, There are residents of Kingston that need our help. That is what strong cities do.

The community should consider the zoning change and invest its time not in a contentious, possibly legal battle, but instead working to achieve the best project possible.

Jonathan Drapkin

President and chief executive officer, Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress

Newburgh, N.Y.

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LETTER: Pattern for Progress supports RUPCO project - The Daily Freeman

Adam Eaton is moving around better. He can place some weight on his left leg. Most of the time he is still using crutches to help carry the burden during his rehabilitation from ACL reconstruction surgery.

Eaton was placed on the disabled list April 29 with what was initially called a left knee strain. He actually had tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Eaton chose the patellar tendon graft to fix the injury.

Washington announced the timeline for his return to be 6-9 months. Among the early steps in the recovery process are reactivating the quadriceps muscle, re-establishing full extension of the leg or hyperextension, if it was in place prior to the injury then building quad strength and harmony for the muscle to fire when asked. After that, its a strengthening progression that allows the leg to carry more weight, move faster and, usually in what has become a commonplace surgery, return to its normal state.

Eaton said he is ahead of schedule to some degree. He already has full extension and has found it odd that he had to retrain his quad to do what was always a normal function because of muscle memory.

Ive never had an experience where Ive told my leg to lift and it doesnt lift, Eaton said Sunday. Its really a surreal feeling. I have to tell my quad to contract to hold me knee in place. Its definitely a grind.

When asked if there was damage to the knee beyond the ACL tear, Eaton declined to comment. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo had said previously that surgeons repaired other ligament damage and the meniscus in addition to the ACL.

Eaton chose to do his rehabilitation work around the team. He said he watches a lot of baseball he doesnt have much of a choice, at this point and hopes his presence around the team can be beneficial.

Just in the sense that Im dedicated to them, just as theyve been dedicated to me, Eaton said. The trade this offseason probably wasnt the most popular one. I love the city. I love the people within the organization. I love everyone that was involved.

When the team goes on the road, Eaton continues his rehabilitation work. He said physical therapy and occupational therapy combine to take about 3-4 hours per day, six day per week.

I think I do a very good job of focusing every single day, Eaton said. But, at times my mind wanders about big picture. Not even just this year. Not even just next year. But, the longevity of my career and how it may be shaped with my injury.

Prior to the injury, Eaton helped create a formidable duo atop the Nationals order where he hit in front of Trea Turner. Eaton had a .393 on-base percentage when he was injured. He has been replaced by Michael A. Taylor, who hits at the bottom of the lineup.

Sitting around has been a new experience for Eaton after being a fleet athlete throughout his life.

Its been the experience of a lifetime, hopefully I dont have to go through it again, Eaton said.

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Adam Eaton says he is making progress following ACL surgery ... - Washington Times

England have won their first major trophy since 1966, after Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Venezuela.

Three points from England's 1-0 win over Venezuela in the U20 World Cup final.

England are world champions

For the first time since 1966, England are champions of the world, albeit at youth level, after a 1-0 win over Venezuela in the Under-20 World Cup final in South Korea. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the scorer, and Freddie Woodman, the goalkeeper who saved a second-half penalty, were England's heroes in a pulsating final against an exciting Venezuelan team who have defied expectations even more than Paul Simpson's Young Lions.

This tournament has captured the imagination of the English public, and the jubilant scenes at the final whistle, when England's bench sprinted onto the pitch for a mass embrace, and the beaming trophy presentation, showed what it meant. This is not just youth football; it could prove hugely significant for English football.

England went into the game as favourites and had the best of the opening exchanges but Venezuela nearly took the lead after 25 minutes with an effort that would have gone down as one of the great World Cup final goals at any level. Mimicking a technique made famous by his namesake, Ronaldo Lucena thumped a dipping, swerving free kick against the post from a full 40 yards. Woodman was not alone in expecting a cross, but he would have struggled to save the effort even if he hadn't been 6 yards off his line.

The Venezuelan defence was having difficulty in dealing with England's two Dominics -- Solanke and Calvert-Lewin -- at the other end, and the latter opened the scoring with a goal that demonstrated England's superior strength and composure in the final third. The Everton forward won a high ball against his man and, although his first effort was saved one-handed by Wailer Farinez, he tucked in the rebound for England's first World Cup final goal since Geoff Hurst scored with "some people on the pitch."

England sensed blood before the half was finished as Calvert-Lewin got in behind again, only for Farinez to save with his legs.

On 52 minutes, Venezuela made a significant change, with Yeferson Soteldo replacing the ineffective Ronaldo Chacon, and with his very first touch, he dissected England's defence with a pass, leaving Sergio Cordova one-on-one with Woodman. His tame finish was smothered by the goalkeeper, who also held on to a header shortly afterward. The diminutive Soteldo helped put Venezuela on top and on 72 minutes came Woodman's moment, saving Adalberto Penaranda's penalty brilliantly after Jake Clarke-Salter was penalised. Venezuela pushed for a leveller, with even Farinez trying his luck in the dying seconds when up for a corner, but England held on to claim a historic victory.

VAR works

The most high-profile incident in the short history of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) trials was another positive advert for the technology. On 72 minutes and with Venezuela on top, Clarke-Salter clipped the heels of Penaranda and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. England's players implored him to consult the video assistants and he did, but replays showed it was the correct the decision. Woodman dived the wrong way but brilliantly kept out Penaranda's spot kick with a firm hand, and the Malaga forward seemed so stunned he failed to react to the rebound.

While Penaranda can hardly have savoured the extra wait, consulting the video assistants took barely a minute and ensured the correct decision at a pivotal moment in a World Cup final. There will always be detractors, people who fear further interference by a faceless official behind the scenes, and the questionable decision to uphold a red card in Italy's quarterfinal win over Zambia proves that there are still problems to be ironed out.

But this tournament has gone a long way towards suggesting that VAR works. It's time to have the conversation about introducing it to men's football -- and Serie A is leading the way by applying for FIFA approval for the start of the upcoming season.

England must translate success to senior team

This was England's first World Cup final appearance at any level since 1966 and the achievement of Paul Simpson's squad should not be underestimated. England have enjoyed relative success at youth level before, however, notably losing to Germany in the final of the European Under-21 Championship in 2009, but failed to build on these at senior level.

While Germany's youth team from that final went on to form the core of their World Cup winning team in 2014, England's stars from that tournament -- Theo Walcott, Micah Richards, Kieran Gibbs et al -- have largely failed to live up to their potential. A huge challenge for the Football Association, and English clubs, is to ensure the same fate does not befall this U20 team.

Key to that will be opportunities at club level and England's heroes will hope to use this triumph as a springboard. The closest thing to a Premier League regular in England's World Cup winning squad is captain Lewis Cook, who may have made more than six appearances for Bournemouth last season were it not for injury.

Cook's midfield partner Joshua Onomah, England's most impressive player in the final, is a good example. The Tottenham player made just four substitute appearances in the Premier League last season but this experience can only be a positive for him. He and his teammates will hope to use it and play more next term.

Dominic Solanke, who won the Golden Ball for the Player of the Tournament in South Korea, will jump ship from Chelsea due to a lack of first-team opportunities. It has to be hoped he will find more of a home when he completes his switch to Liverpool on July 1.

Dan is ESPN FC's Tottenham correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @Dan_KP.

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England's young stars rule the world, but must progress to senior team - ESPN FC (blog)

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During the 2016 offseason, we explained that nothing in the labor deal prevents players from getting paid a percentage of the salary cap. This approach would protect great players against significant jumps in the spending limit (and, in turn, the market) creating the impression that the player is being underpaid in the latter years of the contract.

Some have tried to get there, starting with former Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis in 2010 and, more recently, continuing with Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins last year. To date, no player has gotten that sort of term.

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report recently noted that [s]ome agents and people within [the] NFLPA are increasingly suggesting that star players tie their contracts to a percentage of the cap. Itll happen only when a great player has maximum leverage, presumably upon hitting the open market and creating a land rush for his services. It probably also needs to be a franchise quarterback.

While most big-money, long-term deals are meaningless beyond the first couple of years, a franchise quarterback tends to continue to play every year of his contract, until its time for another. To date, however, no true franchise quarterback has tried to get the out-year protection that comes from tying compensation to cap percentage. Not Aaron Rodgers (who refuses to admit hes underpaid because to do so would be to admit he did a subpar deal four years ago), not Peyton Manning in 2012 (when teams were lining up to get him), not Tom Brady at any time, not Ben Roethsliberger, not Drew Brees, not Russell Wilson, not Andrew Luck (who may not be a true franchise quarterback yet, but who had plenty of leverage when he did his second deal), not anyone.

Theres still no guarantee that a player would get that term. Its believed that the highly-influential Management Council has encouraged teams to resist, which makes the refusal to tie wages to cap percentage arguably collusion, if there were ever a paper trail to prove it.

Cole mentions Odell Beckham Jr. and Derek Carr as current star players who potentially could get a piece of the cap to account for future spikes, but Beckham is two years away from having his best leverage (unless hes willing to hold out from mandatory activities and ultimately skip games) and Carr has one more year before he can put the Raiders on the verge of the Cousins-style year-to-year franchise-tag dance.

Its really not all that controversial of a term, which makes the refusal of teams to do it even more confusing. The team and the player would set the salaries and guarantees for the first two or three years of the contract, and then starting in the third or fourth year of the deal hell have a set salary along with a roster bonus or some other payment aimed at bringing his total pay for the year to a certain percentage.

For example, if the Raiders were to sign Carr to a contract worth $25 million per year (which would represent 14.9 percent of the 2017 salary cap of $167 million), Carrs contract would ensure that, come 2019 or 2020 (and beyond) hed always be making 14.9 percent of the total cap.

If Rodgers had included such a term in his 2013 contract worth $22 million per year, which represented 17.8 percent of the $123 million salary cap in the year it was signed, hed be making $29.72 million this year. Instead, hes making $13.65 million.

Accounting for his signing bonus, Rodgers actually is at $20.3 million this year. Still, thats nearly $10 million lower than where he could have been if the deal had fully accounted for what has become a 35.7-percent hike in the cap since Rodgers signed.

Of course, a term like that could make a team more likely to squeeze a player to take less or to simply cut him in latter years of the deal, given his overall cash and cap burden. But getting a crack at the open market because the team thinks the player is making too much is always better than being tied to a team by a contract that doesnt pay nearly enough, and having no way to improve the situation without alienating fans who always applaud owners for trying to make more money and consistently chastise players for doing the same.

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Is progress being made toward paying players a percentage of the ... - NBCSports.com

Tigers outfield prospect Cam Gibson is in his second season at Single-A West Michigan.(Photo: Robin Buckson / Detroit News)

Maybe because they had learned earlier lessons about rushing players think of big-bonus outfielder Daniel Fields the Tigers these days are taking their time with promotions and upgrades.

It might have paid off in the 2017 rise of Cam Gibson, a 23-year-old outfielder who was asked to repeat a second season at Single-A West Michigan.

Gibson is batting .275 in his last 10 games and has nine home runs for the Whitecaps. On the year he has a .331 on-base average and .786 OPS. He tracks balls in the outfield with range reminiscent of his dad, Kirk, who three decades ago was a Tigers centerpiece on some elite teams that in 1984 won Detroits last world championship.

This progress Cam Gibson has made in 2017 is not, say his bosses, the product of a one-time Michigan State baseball star overmatching his pitching competition. Its simple development that, perhaps within a month, will see Gibson heading for a stiffer challenge at Single-A Lakeland.

Gibson ripped a double and had another hard-hit out in Fridays game against a starting pitcher from Daytona, Tony Santillan, who was firing a 99-mph fastball during Fridays game at Comstock Park. He had another single and a pair of RBIs in Saturday nights Whitecaps triumph.

This can happen when swing adjustments and simple maturation move a player from so-so prospect to a youngster the Tigers could eventually see in the big leagues, even as a fourth outfielder.

Hes adjusted his stance, and his hands set-up, and hes trying to limit excess movement trying to be more direct to contact, which hes doing better, said Bruce Fields, the Tigers roving batting instructor who was taking in the Whitecaps-Dayton series this weekend, and whos been monitoring Gibson for two years.

Hes hitting the ball hard and more consistently. His swing hasnt been in and out like it was last year. Last year, hed show you a couple of good swings, then lose it for a while, then show you another good swing.

Now you see that hes hitting the ball harder. With a little air under it. Hes improved his swing greatly from last year.

Gibson was a fifth-round pick in 2015 following his junior year at East Lansing. He batted only .221 last year at West Michigan, his first full season of professional baseball. It was not the start Gibson or the Tigers had in mind.

Rather than push him reflexively to high Single-A Lakeland in 2017, the Tigers decided to cool the timetable, not only with Gibson, but with one of his old Spartan teammates, first baseman Blaise Salter, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound, right-handed batting first baseman who last season worked at Single-A Connecticut. Salter is batting .319 for the Whitecaps, with an .859 OPS, five home runs and 48 RBIs in 60 games.

Put it this way, Fields said, speaking of Gibsons follow-up at West Michigan. When you repeat a league you expect better results. What Cam has shown is what was expected. Hes given us better results, been more consistent with his swing. Hes added the bunt (for base hits) game, as have some of the other young guys there.

Numbers dont lie, Fields continued. Let me ask you this: If this were another organization, any other organization, and you had a couple of kids one hitting .325, .330, another with a league-lead in RBIs what would you say?

Fields was speaking here of Salters RBIs, as well as another of manager Mike Rabelos outfield colts, Jacob Robson, an eight-rounder (Mississippi State) from last Junes draft, who is batting .321 for the Whitecaps and alternating outfield spots with Gibson and with Danny Woodrow, a 12th-round pick (Creighton) last June.

All of the outfielders have speed. All can and do play anywhere in the outfield.

A little fireplug, Fields said of Robson, an Ontario native who grew up in London and now lives in Windsor. He gets after it. Plays hard. I just love the way he goes after it.

Woodrow after watching him last night his swing is definitely improving. You see a better plane and path. Hes hitting hard, firm ground balls and using the whole field. And hes repeating his swing. At least he did last night.

Gibson, of course, is a left-handed batter, 6-1, 195, with an arm similar to his fathers (a bit beneath average) and defensive range that could help push him to Comerica Park

The Tigers hope for obvious reasons Gibson can make the cut. A defender with his range could be of immense help in a home ballpark that has surplus acreage. He also could decongest basepaths the 2017 Tigers too often tend to clog.

Gibson had 26 steals in 2016. He has 12 swipes in 2017. The Tigers would prefer seeing 30-plus by the time he wraps up his 2017 venture. Speed and power theyre difficult to ignore in a Tigers system hurting for position options.

I would say Gibby, if you were to grade his power, probably is slightly below average but hes got pop, Fields said. Its mostly pull power, but he has hit a couple of deep balls to right-center and center, and if hes doing that, hes making progress.

Obviously, the next step is you want to see it at the next level (Single-A Lakeland). You want to see if he can repeat his swing at that level. Well see where it goes.

This is where the Tigers are perhaps taking different tacks from some older, less strategic days when the likes of Daniel Fields, who had gotten a $1.6 million bonus from the Tigers, was rushed to high Single A and never spent a day getting a base at West Michigan.

The Tigers have different approaches these days. Gibson might be an eventual salute to more prudent development and patience.

lynn.henning@detroitnews.com

twitter.com/Lynn_Henning

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Cam Gibson rewards Tigers' patience with progress - The Detroit News

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Decades-long American chestnut restoration efforts show progress Pittsburgh Post-Gazette In the late 1980s, after more than 20 years of inactivity, another wave of restoration efforts began, and a recently published paper offers positive signs on the progress. It's a cautious optimism, said co-author Sara Fitzsimmons, the director of ...

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Decades-long American chestnut restoration efforts show progress - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Jacoby Ellsbury again is making progress in his recovery from a concussion, but not to the point that hes game-ready.

Joe Girardi said the centerfielder, who has been on the disabled list with a concussion and neck sprain since May 25, will not travel with the Yankees on Sunday night when they head to the West Coast for the start of a seven-game trip that begins Monday night in Anaheim. Instead, Ellsbury will go to Double-A Trenton, where he will work out with the club but not play in games.

That is not to say Ellsbury isnt feeling better. The headaches that had started to go away returned June 2 in Toronto, and he has been restricted to light exercise since then. That activity has been moderately increased in recent days because the headaches have not been as frequent.

He has been riding the bike, he has run on the treadmill, he is not sprinting yet, Girardi said. But hes played catch, so were starting to see progress.

Though Ellsbury certainly helps the Yankees outfield depth, all signs are that he will not be put back into the starting lineup immediately after he returns. Thats because Aaron Hicks entered Saturday nights game with a .318/.426/.584 slash line, 10 homers and 34 RBIs.

After watching Hicks hit two home runs Friday night, Girardi said his playing time wont decrease significantly when Ellsbury returns. Hes going to play a lot, thats the bottom line, Girardi said of Hicks. Hes going to continue to get a ton of at-bats.

Greg Bird (right ankle bone bruise) entered Saturday night hitting .280/.438/.360 in eight rehab games but still could be a little ways from returning.

I dont have a timetable on when hes coming back, Girardi said. Looking at the numbers, hes doing OK. Our people have determined hes not ready to come back yet. Could it be sometime soon? I guess it could be, but I dont have a date yet. Hes been off for a while and needs some at-bats.

Aroldis Chapman threw 18 pitches in a simulated game Saturday in Tampa with his fastball sitting at 97-98 mph, according to Girardi. He said Chapman will pitch for high Class A Tampa on Tuesday and Double-A Trenton on Friday and perhaps be back Saturday with the Yankees.

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Jacoby Ellsbury making some progress - Newsday

Fort Worth Star Telegram

Injured Texas Rangers pitchers making progress | Fort Worth Star ... Fort Worth Star Telegram Cole Hamels threw a bullpen session Saturday during the Rangers' game at Nationals Park, and A.J. Griffin played catch before the game. and more »

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Injured Texas Rangers pitchers making progress | Fort Worth Star ... - Fort Worth Star Telegram

It was great to be at the homestead again. After nearly six months of very little progress, Saturday was spent putting up siding. I think that we made some great progress and am super excited with what we accomplished.

My Dad has been plugging away on the siding for a month now. He took a little tumble near the end of May, so my Mom and I were adamant that he needed to rest for a bit. It scared me and filled me with all kinds of emotions. My initial reaction was he was not going to be working on my house ever again. After talking with my parents and knowing my Dad as I do, there is no way he could ever sit still. If he wasnt working on my house, hed be doing something else on the Farm. Possibly something more dangerous.

Today was spent working on the siding. My Dad found the most amazing little clamps. They fit on the piece of siding that we just installed and then we sit the next piece right onto the clamps. You dont have to measure or level the pieces at all. Its amazing. I cant imagine putting the Hardie plank on without them. (Ill have to get a photo of installing a piece). Were using screws to put it up, which I highly recommend.

The pieces of siding are 12 feet long and made of cement. They are hard to move as they break easily. I learned the hard way that there is pretty much just one way to move them. Oops.

We worked on the back side first and got up to about the window. Then we moved to the front of the house when it was in the shade. We got just about to the bottom of the window on the front as well. We are still able to do a bit more with the staging. I think that we will probably end up renting a lift to do above the windows near the peak.

There are times that it seems like we still have so far to go, but then I think of what weve accomplished in the last year. It was funny. My Dad was on the staging thinking about the best way to approach the windows and I was sitting on the ground next to my Mom. My Mom said remember when we were inside sitting on the slab, trying to find a bit of shade under one of the few beams that we had up? Now, the exterior is nearing completion.

I had a big frustration with my townhouse, but I am just trying to roll with the punches and not get down. I know that Gods sovereign plan is perfect and that He is teaching me lessons every day in this journey. My friend Elizabeth is in a similar situation so I know that I am not alone. Maybe Im supposed to be renting my current place?

Over the past few months, Ive been able to save a bit of money so I am going to proceed with what I am able to afford. Im on vacation this upcoming week so I am hoping to make up for lost time and make lots of progress.

After 15 years in college athletics, the last seven as an assistant athletics director, I was burned out with 70-hour work weeks and extensive travel. I resigned my position and accepted a position in marketing at a small, vibrant college in my hometown of Unity, Maine. In the process I wanted to go back to my childhood where we raised polled Herefords, had a Christmas Tree Farm and spent many hours outside. I decided I wanted to build my own home on beautiful farmland that my family owns. With help from my Dad, the most talented person Ive ever met, we are building my home together. I have decided to blog my experience the ups and downs, the joys and frustrations. What was once an open field will one day be my home! The dream in my head is becoming reality. I can just see the lambs frolicking in the field, chickens in the barnyard and going running with my Alaskan Malamute!

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Progress to report at last - Bangor Daily News

The Alaska Capitol Building in Juneau on Tuesday. There was little progress on reaching budget agreements this week, three weeks ahead of a potential government shutdown. (Photo by Jeremy Hsieh/KTOO)

Despite a looming deadline, lawmakers made no major progress this week on reaching agreement on a state budget and a plan to balance the budget in future years.

Gov. Bill Walker tried to make progress on Monday by putting out his own compromise proposal. He didnt get very far.

He took the Senates side on how to handle oil and gas taxes and the Permanent Fund, and the Houses side on this years state budget and the need for a broad-based tax.

But no one embraced all of his package of proposals.

Senate President Pete Kelly welcomed it, but he continued to express opposition to the elements that differ from the Senate majoritys positions.

The mostly Democratic House majority was much stronger in rejecting it, although some members signaled a willingness to work with what Walker proposed.

Kelly wants lawmakers to focus on the budget first, he said. The Republican-led Senate majority may be willing to live with just passing the budget putting off a decision on the Permanent Fund until later.

House members dont want to do that but they only want to reduce PFDs if the state also has higher oil taxes and/or a broad-based tax like an income tax. They have saidthats fairer.

Senators have saideveryone agrees on the need for Permanent Fund changes, but they differ on taxes and spending.

House members have been hoping that the Senate would be swayed by public pressure over budget cuts. That hasnt happened yet.

Theres one thing thats certain to put pressure on both chambers the state government shutting down in the eventthat they dont pass a budget.

Theres a conference committee thats making slow progress on the budget. But it hasnt taken on the biggest differences between the chambers such as cuts to education and university funding, and how much to draw from Permanent Fund earnings.

Theconference committee on House Bill 111, which would makechanges to oil and gas taxes, met Friday. The two chambers are still far apart.

Anchorage Democratic Rep. Geran Tarr saidthe House majority wants to change the system so that oil and gas companies effectively pay more in taxes.

Weve said its unsustainable, Tarr said. We need to reduce the burden to the state treasury because its not affordable going forward and we hope to find a compromise on that.

While the Senate version of the bill eliminates the tax credits that are paid out to oil companies, Tarr saidit allows them under a different name.

Anchorage Republican Sen.Cathy Giessel saidwhat the Senate has proposed is significant: Companies would no longer be able to receive tax credits before they enter production.

It will be applicable when youve reached production, versus simply handing out cash for performing certain activities, she said. Thats a big change. The other big change, of course, is were no longer jeopardizing our treasury by handing out this cash.

Giessel saidthe Senate didnt have time to assess the overall effect of the Houses overhaul to oil and gas taxes.

Anchorage Democratic Rep. Les Gara has notedthe projected reduction in oil and gas taxes in the Senate bill as compared with the House bill is equal to the Senates proposed cuts to school and university spending over 10 years.

Republicans reject the comparison, saying that encouraging oil production is necessary for the economy.

Legislators have a week to work out their differences. If they dont, then Walker will likely call another special session. Then there will be two more weeks to prevent a shutdown July 1.

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Major progress eludes Alaska Legislature this week - KTOO - KTOO

The Department of Veterans Affairs is checking off a list of recommendations to improve the wait time for payments to veterans trying to attend school through the G.I. bill, but lawmakers are still unhappy with the progress.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill gives student veterans direct payments for things like housing and books, but tuition is still paid directly to universities. But the complexities of the bill have left some veterans out to dry when it comes to making payments to their schools.

VA Director of the Education Service Veterans Benefits Administration Robert Worley told Congress the VA cut its processing time for claims down to 21 days and to six days for supplemental claims for things like books and housing.

The use of the Long Term Solution (LTS) IT system has been partly to thank for that. The system processes an average of 5,200 claims a day without human intervention. A 2015 GAO report gave VA recommendations to improve the system and other issues, which VA is acting on.

But House Veterans Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) says thats not good enough.

Im not satisfied. I think in this case youve got system LTS that was implemented that made some significant headway but they didnt go all the way, Arrington told Federal News Radio after a June 8 hearing. It just doesnt seem like its as strategic and well organized as it should be. So we are not yielding all the benefits that I think we could and should be getting from IT systems. Every organization deals with this, but I think the VA has more challenges in pulling all this together.

Worley said additional functionality is needed for the LTS system to get it working better. Features that could get it working faster include automated certificates of eligibility for original claims, electronically generated letters, expanded automation of supplemental claims, issuance of advanced payments, monthly certification of attendance and improved business analytics for reporting purposes.

Other IT systems dealing with claims and benefits need much more work. The Benefits Delivery Network (BDN), which is a claims processing, payment, tracking and disposition system for education is in need of a total replacement.

Support and maintenance are difficult or impossible to find for 70s-era systems like BDN. Warranties have expired, security best practices that are common on newer systems cannot be used, integration with newer systems is increasingly difficult to support and the knowledge pool for ongoing support and maintenance is becoming nonexistent as experts retire, Worley said in his opening statement to Arringtons committee.

Those IT issues are leaving some decisions pending, which sometimes keeps students from attending class because of outstanding debts.

Compounding the problem is Defense Department assistance in providing electronic records to the VA when requested.

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Lernes Hebert told the committee it takes about 10 days for DoD to get VA the information it needs on veterans.

Overall, taking the VA claim average and the DoD delivery time together it would take more than a month students to get a claim if everything runs smoothly.

VA is also struggling with overpayments to schools and beneficiaries. The 2015 GAO report stated the VA made $416 million in overpayments in 2014.

The VA hasnt made overpayments that large since, but the problem still persists. VA has $106 million in outstanding overpayments from 2016. It also has $49.5 million outstanding from 2015, $31 million still uncollected from 2014 and $47 million from 2013 and before.

One major issue is that only $6.9 million of that is in the hands of schools. The rest is spread out to individual students across the nation.

Somebody has got to be held accountable for not being able to manage [the debt] and now its getting away from us. Theres some management issues there, Arrington told Federal News Radio.

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VA making progress on student payments, lawmakers still not satisfied - FederalNewsRadio.com

by KATIE DAVIS, NBC 10 NEWS

Rhode Islands troubled Department of Human Services is making progress in clearing a backlog of social service cases, state officials said Friday, June 9, 2017. (WJAR)

Rhode Islands troubled Department of Human Services is making progress in clearing a backlog of social service cases, state officials said Friday.

The total number of pending cases now stands at 8,117, which is down from a high of more than 14,000 earlier this year, DHS spokesperson Alisha Pina told the NBC 10 I-Team.

Each case represents a person or family waiting for services like food stamps, healthcare, child care subsidies or income assistance.

The problems began in September, when the state launched the new computer system, known as UHIP, which was created by vendor Deloitte Consulting. Thousands of Rhode Islanders saw benefits cut off or delayed for months following the botched roll-out.

Gov. Gina Raimondo subsequently replaced the department heads responsible for the transition and withheld millions in payments from Deloitte.

Weve made significant progress, said Eric Beane, who took over as Secretary of Health and Human Services following the resignation of Elizabeth Roberts earlier this year amid the UHIP debacle.

A closer look at the data released Friday by DHS shows more than half of the 8,000-plus pending cases 4,143 in all -- are overdue and awaiting action from DHS. Another 919 overdue cases are waiting on clients.

The NBC 10 I-Team continues to hear from viewers who say theyre still stuck in the system. One woman said she was on hold with DHS for more than five hours this week, without getting a response.

I cant get in touch with a person for the life of me, she wrote in an email.

Another woman said she turned in all of her paperwork but is still waiting for help on her case.

Im almost out of food for my family, she wrote in an email. These wait times are ridiculous.

New managers said they expect to have the backlog of cases under control by September, marking a full year after the new computer system was first launched. Pina, the DHS spokesperson, said the department would release updated numbers once a month.

We know there is much more work to be done, and the Turnaround Team and staff remain committed to getting timely benefits to our neighbors in need, Beane said.

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NBC 10 I-Team: DHS points to progress after months of problems ... - Turn to 10

KENYA HAS been exhibiting some conspicuous signs of dynamism in recent days. Last week it inaugurated a $3.2 billion, 290-mile railroad between Nairobi and the port city of Mombasa, the biggest infrastructure project in the countrys 53 years of independence. That followed the groundbreaking on a $220 million complex in the capital that will include what is billed as Africas tallest building. Construction is booming elsewhere as the economy continues to grow at a healthy pace of about 6 percent. While Kenyans complain about crime and the cost of living, the country is thriving compared with most of its East African neighbors.

Unfortunately, that progress is threatened by a specter that has haunted Kenya for the past decade: political violence. An election campaign that got underway recently pits incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta against Raila Odinga in an Aug. 8 vote, with each candidate backed by tribal alliances. Mr.Odinga has run three previous times and claims, plausibly, that his losses in 2007 and 2013 were due to fraud. The 2007 vote triggered a wave of violence in Nairobi and across the Rift Valley in which more than 1,300 people were killed ; a similar tragedy in 2013 was narrowly averted.

This year the warning signs of a violent outcome are abundant. Seven people have already died in incidents linked to primary campaigns. Kenyas National Security Council reports that more than half a million illegal arms are in circulation around the country, and that politicians are forming militias to protect themselves or intimidate others. In Mombasa, police death squads have allegedly been assassinating suspected Muslim militants even as a local governor allied with Mr. Odinga campaigns to hold his own seat. Human Rights Watch released a report on Kenya last week and charged that numerous journalists have faced intimidation, beatings, and job loss.

Mr. Kenyatta and his vice president, William Ruto, are all too familiar with the mechanics of thuggery and incitement: Both were charged by the International Criminal Court with crimes against humanity for their roles in the 2007 violence. The cases were eventually dropped after a concerted campaign of obstruction by their government. Kenya did adopt reforms, including a new constitution that decentralized power and an independent electoral commission and Supreme Court which in 2013 rejected Mr. Odingas appeals of his last electoral loss.

Whether bloodshed can be avoided this year will depend on whether the loser of what polls show as a neck-and-neck race will be ready to concede defeat. That in turn will require a quick and transparent vote count by the electoral authorities. Kenyas international donors should press the government to hold a fair vote and opposition parties to abide by the result. All sides know from painful experience that Kenya has much to lose if its leaders fail to act responsibly. The sheen of progress that the country showed off recently could be quickly wiped out.

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The specter of political violence looms over Kenya's progress - Washington Post

The process of turning Patrick Mahomes II into an NFL-ready quarterback could be a long one.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Chiefs started in a place so basic with rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes II when he arrived as their first-round draft pick that they had to teach him how to call plays in the huddle.

That was a new experience for Mahomes, who wasnt asked to relay the playcall to teammates in college at Texas Tech. At first, even that didnt go well.

Day 1, when he got here, he was yelling the play out so loud in the huddle that the whole defense could hear him," said Matt Nagy, the Chiefs quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator. They could hear the play call, too.

Now he knows to get in the huddle, be calm and speak only to the people hes supposed to be talking to."

The Chiefs will take progress where they can get it. Thats a victory when it comes to their rookie quarterback, and there have been others.

But the process of turning him into an NFL-ready player is a long one, and the Chiefs and Mahomes are still in the early stages. Mahomes remains the third quarterback into the lineup in practice behind starter Alex Smith and Tyler Bray, and that doesnt figure to change anytime soon.

Mahomes is frequently the last player off the field after practice. He generally stays late to work on his footwork. The Chiefs are trying to cram in as much with Mahomes as they can before the end of offseason practice next week.

Nagy indicated the work with Mahomes is showing, and not just when it comes to calling plays in the huddle. He said the Chiefs are encouraged because theyre not seeing the same mistakes twice from Mahomes.

The first pass of Mahomes first two-minute drill last week resulted in an interception when he was trying to unload the ball out of bounds on a play that was broken. He underestimated the ability of linebacker Reshard Cliett, who tipped the ball into the air and caught it.

Mahomes hasnt made that mistake again.

Hes able to see the play," Nagy said. He can go into the huddle, call the play with confidence, visualize it. He identifies the [middle] linebacker, tries to work with the protections. Were still not yet at the part where he sees the defense and understands where theyre coming from. Its still a little fast, but its coming."

The lessons will come even faster for Mahomes at training camp when it begins next month. The Chiefs will be able to practice in pads for the first time and move at a much faster pace than in the offseason.

Right now, were doing a lot of stuff," Nagy said. He knew nothing about the offense at first. He went from basic plays, but it was very fast for him. Now he knows the offense, but were doing a lot. At training camp, well get back to that part where things are basic again and hes going to know the offense and the things hes supposed to do, so we can let his talent go a little bit."

Mahomes said last week that he didnt feel he was far from being ready to play in a game. Asked what the expectations would be today for Mahomes if he had to quarterback the Chiefs for real, Nagy said, Youd still see some mistakes. Thats only fair to expect. Wed have to pull back. We know wed have to be patient with the plays wed call.

But hes really grown a lot from the first day of rookie camp until now. Were really encouraged by his progress."

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Chiefs see slow but steady progress from QB Patrick Mahomes II ... - ESPN (blog)

Thirteen members of the Egyptian parliament will visit Washington D.C. during the week of June 12 in an effort to build the country's relationship with the United States. With members of Congress and representatives from think tanks and the business community, the delegation will discuss modernizing reforms of the Egyptian government and progress made to date.

The MP delegation, led by Dr. Ahmed Said, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, includes key voices in foreign affairs and economic policy. Delegates are representative of the diverse makeup of Egypts parliament, including members of various political parties, several committees within the parliament, and seniority balance and gender diversity.

Civil issues

The members of parliament intend to discuss human rights issues for which the Egyptian government is often criticized, for what is a very delicate balance in fighting ongoing terror inspired by the underground Muslim Brotherhood network and carried out by ISIS through their affiliates based in Sinai, Ansar Bait al-Maqdis (supporters of Jerusalem), and Wilayet Sayna (Sinai Province). These groups also support arms with Hamas in Gaza.

The MPs are also expected to address at length a law on non-governmental organizations that has steered a great deal of controversy. It was approved by parliament last November, but not signed into law by el-Sisi until last Monday. The law restricts NGOs to developmental and social activities, and introduces jail time for non-compliance. The Egyptian parliament defended the law as a needed step in strengthening the national security of the country.

Economic partnership

The bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Egypt has always been robust. The U.S. continues to be one of Egypts key trading partners with nearly 5 billion dollars worth of goods and services exchange in 2016. American FDI into Egypt totaled 2.3 billion dollars, representing 32 percent of its total FDI on the African continent. More than 1,100 U.S. companies currently operate in Egypt.

AmCham Egypt is one of the most active overseas affiliates of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, connecting almost 2,000 senior executives representing 950 companies; Egyptian companies with business interests in the United States and multinational companies doing business in Egypt.AmCham serves its members by advocating on their behalf for a favorable business environment, promoting trade and investment, and fostering a socially responsible business environment. Business missions between the U.S. and Egypt have become tradition. These are organized in conjunction with the U.S. ChambersU.S. Egypt Business Council (USEBC)and the Egypt-U.S. Business Council (EUSBC) have been instrumental to shedding light on opportunities available in the Egyptian market. Last October, executives from nearly 50 major U.S. companies visitedEgypt and this May, 35 members from Egypt visited Washington D.C. for the annual Doorknock Mission.

Fighting terror

The visit overlaps with the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan. It also comes after the Islamic States December attack on Coptic Christians in Minya, which killed 29 and injured 25 (including many children), and two attacks on Christians during Palm Sunday ceremonies in the cities of Tanta and Alexandria, which killed 45 Christians and wounded over 100.

The Muslim Brotherhood, an organization banned in Egypt (as well as in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates), is not directly responsible for the latest attacks. But their ongoing rhetoric on social media does incite and inspire terrorist groups. Among other threats, lies, and deceptions, Muslim Brotherhood leader Abdul Mawgoud el-Dardery blamed Christians for the crisis, indicating that violence will end only when Christians align themselves with Muslims, by which he means radical Islamists.

The upcoming visit is timely and represents an opportunity to further constructive dialogue between U.S. and Egyptian leaders, strengthen cooperation, and address issues of concern.

Since taking office, President Trump has affirmed Americas unwavering commitment to the eradication of ISIS, and to jumpstarting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. He has also displayed a desire to continue Americas strong alliance with Egypt, hosting President el-Sisi at the White House and visiting the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh. That is fortunate, because the alliance will be crucial to realizing each countrys goals for the region.

Dr. Sasha Toperich is a senior fellow and director of theMediterranean Basin initiativeat The Center for Transatlantic Relations, SAIS, at The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University in Washington D.C.

The views expressed by contributors are their own and are not the views of The Hill.

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US-Egyptian alliance is key to progress in the Middle East - The Hill (blog)