North Korea Fires 2 Missiles Group Called on Fighters to Attack Soldiers Wearing Afghan Forces, but Not U.S

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Volume 78, No. 227 ©SS 2020 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 50¢/Free to Deployed Areas Taliban attacks on Afghans could continue despite US peace deal

BY J.P. LAWRENCE Stars and Stripes KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban said they will resume attacks against Afghan government forces, just two days after signing a deal with the U.S. meant to end the war in Afghanistan. The group also kidnapped dozens of civilians in a province southwest of Kabul during the weekend, Afghan government officials said Monday. The hostilities resumed after the signing of a U.S.-Taliban deal Saturday that would start a phased 14-month withdrawal of U.S. and allied troops, in exchange for Taliban promises to prevent terrorists from operating in the country, to stop waging war on the U.S. and its partners, and to initiate peace talks with the Kabul government. The signing was conditioned on a seven-day partial cease-fire. North Korean A Taliban letter shared Mon- leader Kim Jong day with Stars and Stripes by a Un, center, person with links to the militant surrounded by North Korea fires 2 missiles group called on fighters to attack soldiers wearing Afghan forces, but not U.S. or for- face masks, eign forces. watches units of “After signing the agreement, the North Korean Move done in challenge to US, once again the Mujahedeen army take part (fighters) of the Islamic Emirate in a drill in North South amid COVID-19 struggle are advised to start their attacks Korea on Friday . against the puppet Kabul administration,” said the Taliban letter, Independent BY KIM GAMEL AND YOO KYONG CHANG journalists were which the person provided on Stars and Stripes not given access condition of anonymity. The Taliban did not return to cover the SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea fired two short- calls Monday seeking comment, event depicted range missiles into the sea off its eastern coast Monday, but news service AFP reported in this image South Korea’s military said, in a new challenge to Seoul a spokesman for the militants distributed by and Washington amid the growing coronavirus crisis. said the group would resume the North Korean The ballistic missiles were fired from a mobile launch- “operations.” government. er in a 20-second interval from an area near the city of KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS Wonsan, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. SEE TALIBAN ON PAGE 5 AGENCY, KOREA NEWS SERVICE/AP They flew about 150 miles and reached an altitude of 22 miles, the JCS said. LEE JIN-MAN/AP The launch, the first in more than three months, and an artillery drill conducted Friday appeared to be part People watch a news report Monday at Seoul Railway A Taliban letter shared of the North’s annual winter exercises, a JCS official told Station in Seoul, South Korea, on North Korea’s firing Monday with Stars reporters. of projectiles into its eastern sea. It also occurred as South Korea, the U.S. and other and Stripes called governments are focused on fighting the rapid spread of antining foreign diplomats. Analysts said Pyongyang is on fighters to attack the deadly new virus. likely seeking to project continued military strength. North Korea also has implemented strict measures SEE MISSILES ON PAGE 4 Afghan forces, but not against the virus, including sealing its borders and quar- U.S. or foreign forces. PAGE 2 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Tuesday, March 3, 2020 BUSINESS/WEATHER EXCHANGE RATES Military rates Switzerland (Franc)...... 0.9562 Struggling AT&T launches new TV service Euro costs (March 3)...... $1.1440 Thailand (Baht) ...... 31.42 Dollar buys (March 3) ...... €0.8741 Turkey (Lira) ...... 6.2301 British pound (March 3) ...... $1.31 (Military exchange rates are those Associated Press Japanese yen (March 3) ...... 106.00 available to customers at military banking an Android streaming-TV box to started as a cheaper service with South Korean won (March 3) ...... 1,172.00 Commercial rates facilities in the country of issuance use the service. The free device fewer channels than a traditional for Japan, South Korea, Germany, the NEW YORK — AT&T is launch- Bahrain (Dinar) ...... 0.3767 will also come with Netflix and Netherlands and the United Kingdom. For bundle, but it is shedding custom- British pound ...... $1.2774 ing a new internet-delivered TV nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., other streaming apps, the way Canada (Dollar) ...... 1.3365 ers after price increases. purchasing British pounds in Germany), service Monday as it struggles China (Yuan) ...... 7.0009 Comcast’s X1 cable box does. Ad- check with your local military banking Customers don’t need to be Denmark (Krone) ...... 6.7165 with a shrinking DirecTV satel- facility. Commercial rates are interbank ditional boxes cost $120. AT&T internet or wireless cus- Egypt (Pound) ...... 15.6495 lite business. The channel lineups and prices Euro ...... $1.1127/0.8987 rates provided for reference when buying The new service, AT&T TV, will tomers to sign up, although there Hong Kong (Dollar) ...... 7.7810 currency. All figures are foreign currencies are comparable with what’s avail- to one dollar, except for the British pound, have most of the same channels are discounted packages avail- Hungary (Forint) ...... 302.85 able from DirecTV, but AT&T TV Israel (Shekel) ...... 3.4800 which is represented in dollars-to-pound, able. And the company is promot- and the euro, which is dollars-to-euro.) offered on DirecTV, but it’ll come doesn’t have NFL Sunday Ticket . Japan (Yen) ...... 107.56 over the internet rather than a sat- The company is trying to adapt ing the service by saying it won’t Kuwait (Dinar) ...... 0.3064 INTEREST RATES count against AT&T data caps. Norway (Krone) ...... 9.3552 ellite dish. AT&T has been testing to the shift to streaming video, as Philippines (Peso)...... 50.85 Prime rate ...... 4.75 the service and is now making it subscribers to traditional cable By itself, AT&T TV starts at Poland (Zloty) ...... 3.89 Discount rate ...... 2.25 $50 a month for a year with a two- Saudi Arabia (Riyal) ...... 3.7512 Federal funds market rate ...... 1.58 available to anyone. and satellite TV services fall. Singapore (Dollar) ...... 1.3883 3-month bill ...... 1.26 AT&T will send subscribers AT&T has an online package that year contract. South Korea (Won) ...... 1,191.46 30-year bond ...... 1.67 WEATHER OUTLOOK TUESDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY IN EUROPE WEDNESDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 41/33 Kabul 63/36 Seoul 39/35 Baghdad 68/45 Kandahar 74/48 Osan Tokyo Mildenhall/ Drawsko 40/34 42/39 Lakenheath Pomorskie Busan 46/35 41/38 48/43 Iwakuni 48/45 Kuwait Bahrain Zagan Sasebo City 67/64 Brussels 43/38 Guam 70/55 44/34 Ramstein 51/48 80/77 Lajes, 41/36 Riyadh Doha Azores Stuttgart Pápa 71/46 71/60 64/61 42/37 54/50 Aviano/ Vicenza 45/40

Naples 54/51 Okinawa Morón 68/65 62/46 Sigonella Rota 59/53 The weather is provided by the Djibouti Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 83/73 61/51 62/54 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. T O D A Y IN STRIPES American Roundup ..... 10 Classified ...... 13 Comics ...... 16 Crossword ...... 16 Faces ...... 11 Opinion ...... 14-15 Sports ...... 17-24 Tuesday, March 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 3 MILITARY US soldier accused in beating jailed in Italy

BY NANCY MONTGOMERY case against Pvt. John Badger,” Maj. Chris daily. it began sending military police out with Stars and Stripes Bradley, a 173rd Brigade spokesman, said Badger and the other troops may have Carabinieri on late-night presence patrols in a statement Friday, adding that the mili- been responding to a racial slur, U.S. mili- to local nightspots. VICENZA, Italy — In a rare move, Ital- tary “will assist and cooperate with the tary officials have said. But Bocchi said her Badger had been assigned legal counsel, ian authorities jailed a U.S. soldier before Italian authorities.” client did not say anything to the soldiers. the brigade’s statement said, and the unit his trial on aggravated assault charges. Alessandra Bocchi, a lawyer for the in- Another Italian man was also beaten in “will continue to provide care and welfare Carabinieri who work on Caserma Ed- jured man, said Badger’s arrest was or- the Nov. 29 incident outside a bar in the checks on him as per agreements with the erle arrested Pvt. John Badger at his bar- dered by the local prosecutor due to the city’s old town. Italian media reported that host nation.” Bradley declined to answer racks last week for what local authorities violence of the attacks, and was intended Badger and several other troops are also further questions on the matter. said were violent and unprovoked attacks to prevent the suspect from fleeing Italy. alleged to have attacked a group of young Italy frequently allows defendants to re- on Italian civilians and U.S. soldiers. They “We think jail is the right place for him,” men on Nov. 28, and two fellow U.S. sol- main free — or under house arrest — while included one in November that left a 21- Bocchi said. “In light of the events, I con- diers on Nov. 30. year-old man with a shattered jaw and lost sider it the only adequate measure. My cli- The incidents capped off a year that a case works its way through the justice teeth. ent is facing delicate surgery on his face began with U.S. authorities looking to system, a process that can take five years Five other 173rd Airborne Brigade sol- and teeth, and it is very likely that he’ll tamp down soldier misbehavior, “driven or more for criminal cases. diers remain under investigation but are never be the same.” by a number of incidents involving U.S. No trial dates have been scheduled yet, not in custody. The man has been traumatized by the personnel that reflected negatively on the Bocchi said. “The U.S. Army respects the host na- “ruthless and unmotivated” violence, Boc- Vicenza Military Community,” U.S. Army [email protected] tion’s primary criminal jurisdiction in the chi said, and memories of it resurface Garrison Italy said in January 2019, when Twitter:@montgomerynance US SEALs Navy security officer dies train with during Thailand port visit BY CAITLIN DOORNBOS and Busan, South Korea, Keiley Serbian Stars and Stripes said. Platt “represented the very YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, best of 7th Fleet,” 7th Fleet com- police force Japan — A U.S. Navy officer of the mander Vice Adm. Bill Merz said 7th Fleet died suddenly last week in a statement to Stars and Stripes while on liberty from the com- BY JOHN VANDIVER on Monday. mand ship USS Blue Ridge during Stars and Stripes “As our security officer, Ryan its recent port visit to Laem Cha- was a true professional and ex- bang, Thailand, officials said. BELGRADE, Serbia — The ceedingly passionate regarding Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Platt, the secu- Navy SEALs kicked in doors and the safety of the Fleet,” Merz said rity officer on the 7th Fleet staff, stormed into rooms as Serbian in the statement. “He will be sore- VIPs watched the operators ma- was playing golf at the Laem Cha- ly missed.” neuver alongside their own spe- bang International Golf Course Security officers lead “force cial police in a demonstration of on Feb. 24 when he suddenly died, protection efforts, antiterrorism counterterrorism force. U.S. Special Operations Command Europe 7th Fleet spokesman Lt. Joe Kei- At the Serbian Special Anti-Ter- ley said Monday in an email to training and predeployment certi- rorist Unit’s Belgrade compound, A Navy SEAL prepares to clear a room during counterterrorism Stars and Stripes. fication programs” on vessels, ac- a mock hostage taker was quickly drills Feb. 28 in Belgrade, Serbia, where U.S. Special Operations “CPR was performed, and cording to a Navy job description. eliminated as the troops show- Command Europe conducted exercises with local forces. The SEAL’s emergency medical services “Our thoughts and prayers go cased close-combat skills. face is blurred for security reasons. transported him to the Vibharam out to Ryan’s family and friends,” The exercise Friday capped a Laem Chabang Hospital, but he Merz added. nearly monthlong training effort forward with a plan to acquire interview. “If the Serbians stop it could not be revived,” he said. The 7th Fleet oversees all Navy by U.S. Special Operations Com- Russian air defenses, which here then that’s good for us.” Officials are investigating the vessels from the International mand Europe, which aims to make Washington has warned could re- Bringing in the SEALs for cause of death, Keiley added. Date Line to the India-Pakistan inroads in a region where Russian sult in sanctions. training also is a way to send a Platt, of Pritchette, Colo., ar- border and from the Kuril Islands influence remains strong. At the police compound in Bel- larger message of cooperation, he rived in Thailand on Feb. 23 to the Antarctic. Its leadership “It’s a key strategic region in grade where the SEALs were said. aboard the Blue Ridge, which is is based aboard its flagship, the Europe and the U.S. has a lot of in- assembled, U.S. officials offered “They work with Russia and homeported in Yokosuka. Since Blue Ridge. terests out here,” the SEAL team warm words about the ties be- they work with us,” Smith said. “If deploying in January, the ship has leader said following the demon- tween the two countries, but hint- we show them more opportunities [email protected] also made port visits to Okinawa Twitter: @CaitlinDoornbos stration, on condition of anonym- ed at the political discord to be to work with us as well and give ity for security reasons. overcome. them some options, that’s building The team of Stuttgart, Ger- Maj. Gen. Kirk Smith, speaking security. That’s building stability many-based Special Warfare Unit during a ceremony attended by and it’s building opportunities to Two SEALs trained with Serbian Serbian military and government work together. It just gives them Power restored on Yongsan anti-terrorism forces as part of an officials, said the countries are options.” effort to bolster ties. working “toward a friendship.” Col. Spasoje Vulevic, com- Army Garrison in S. Korea But on Monday, shortly after the Friendship comes when both mander of Serbia’s counterterror- SEALs left, defense officials from sides are willing to “take risks for ism police, said training with the Moscow were slated to arrive Stars and Stripes “Kudos to the USAG Yong- each other,” he said. SEALs was a way to improve his in Belgrade for high-level talks, san-Casey Department of Public “I look very forward to con- team’s fighting and mission-plan- YONGSAN GARRISON, South underscoring Serbia’s desire to tinuing the partnership … to de- Works for restoring the power at ning skill set in a crisis. Korea — Power was restored on strike a balance between the West veloping that in the future into a “We can react immediately,” Yongsan Army Garrison in Seoul Yongsan Main Post!,” the garri- and Russia, a historical ally. friendship,” Smith said. Vulevic said. “It’s one of the rea- on Monday after half of the base son said Monday on its Facebook Western officials remain con- Gabriel Escobar, deputy chief sons for this kind of combined page. It did not say what caused cerned about Russia’s influence of mission at the U.S. Embassy went dark over the weekend. training.” The blackout, which began Sat- the outage. in the region. In neighboring Belgrade, called Serbia a histori- Yongsan, which was the main NATO ally Montenegro, the gov- cally close partner dating back to For the SEALs, working with urday, was on the portion of the nonmilitary security forces also garrison known as main post. U.S. base in South Korea for de- ernment blames Russian and World War I. cades, is in the process of closing. Serbian agents for destabilization “We want that friendship. We offered a rare opportunity. It did not affect the other half, Most military personnel have re- campaigns under the guise of re- want that partnership again,” Es- “They have a very strong urban known as south post, where most located to Camp Humphreys and ligious protests, which Russia and cobar said. “I think through these police skill set, which is some- residents and services are now Serbia have denied. engagements we can start to re- thing different than what the located. other southern hubs as part of a U.S. European Command’s build that traditional friendship.” SEALs are traditionally involved Critical facilities were powered consolidation plan. Gen. Tod Wolters, in testimony to For the U.S., working with Ser- with,” said the SEAL team leader. by back-up generators as techni- Some 28,500 American service Congress last month, said coun- bia in areas such as counterter- “They have a strong reputation in cians worked to fix the problem. members are stationed in South tries in the Balkans continue to rorism serves mutual interests, Europe as a premier force. I found Soldiers who live in barracks on Korea, which remains technically be “primary targets of persistent Smith said. them extremely professional.” the main post were provided tem- at war with the North after their Russian malign influence.” “Terrorism doesn’t recognize [email protected] porary housing on the south post, 1950-53 conflict ended in an ar- Last month, Serbia moved borders,” Smith said in a brief Twitter @john_vandiver officials said. mistice instead of a peace treaty. PAGE 4 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Tuesday, March 3, 2020 MILITARY Slain Yokota airman’s family wants life sentence for killer

BY SETH ROBSON family, his friends he grew up son.” AND HANA KUSUMOTO with and his military family,” she Nicholas Vollweiler loved life, Stars and Stripes told Saito, who had bowed and his friends and his career in the apologized to the couple before Air Force, Laura Vollweiler said. TACHIKAWA, Japan — The they addressed the court. “He worked his way up the family of a slain American air- Saito, who said she had been ladder and became a master ser- man wants harsh punishment for dating Vollweiler and helped geant. We were very proud,” she a Japanese woman who confessed him find his off-base home, ad- said. to stabbing him to death at his mitted under questioning that Her son’s tour in Japan would home near Yokota Air Base. she stabbed him with one of two have been his last in the military Aria Saito, 28, of Tokyo, is kitchen knives she had brought. since he was approaching retire- charged with murder in the Nov. She told the court she was upset ment after 20 years of service, 9, 2018, death of Air Force Mas- after finding out that he was mar- she said. ter Sgt. Nicholas Vollweiler, 35, ried and that she meant to kill “He chose to come back to who served as the security forces Vollweiler the day he died. Others Japan because he loved the Japa- squadron’s chief of standards and had testified that she was aware nese culture and the peaceful- DIANA QUINLAN/U.S. Navy evaluation at Yokota. She is also of his marital status all along. ness and kindness of the people charged with violation of Japan’s Laura Vollweiler said that Saito here,” she said. “Who would have Nicholas Vollweiler, then an Air Force staff sergeant, works with a Swords and Firearms Control beat her son, broke his posses- thought that my beautiful son military working dog during controlled aggression training at Joint Law. sions and released his old, retired would have been murdered in Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, in 2013. On Monday, the fifth day of military working dog in a park this peaceful country?” Saito’s jury trial in western after removing its identification Saito doesn’t tell the truth, 60-70 years since Nicholas might Saito suffers from attention defi- Tokyo, Vollweiler’s mother, Laura collar. Laura Vollweiler added. have lived that much longer, she cit hyperactivity disorder and Vollweiler, supported by her hus- “You told him if he pressed “Thank God his comrades were said. acted on impulse, argued for a band, Bernard, of Saylorsburg, charges on the police you would called to his home that horrible Prosecutors, however, asked sentence of 10 years. Pa., read a statement about the tell them he was holding you hos- night, because who knows what the court for a 16-year sentence The verdict and sentence are impact of their son’s death on tage and raping you,” she said. “I she would have done or said,” she based on past cases with similar their family. believe it was you who left a mes- said. facts such as premeditation and expected on Friday. “You have stolen my son’s life. sage on my answering machine The couple wants the court to breaking into the victim’s home. [email protected] You have stolen him from his saying you were going to bury my impose a life sentence or at least Defense lawyers, saying that Twitter: @SethRobson1 Missiles: Coronavirus will likely stall N. Korean nuclear diplomacy efforts

FROM FRONT PAGE pealed for cross-border coopera- The U.S. and South Korea have tion as the number of confirmed decided to postpone joint mili- COVID-19 cases in South Korea tary exercises that had been due rose past 4,000. to begin this week because of the North Korea, which sealed its rapid spread of COVID-19. borders shortly after the virus “North Korea might have car- first appeared in China in late ried out the launches in order to December, claims that it doesn’t show they’re maintaining their have a single case. military capabilities in spite Aid groups have expressed of the coronavirus crisis,” Lee concern about the ill-equipped, Ho Ryung, a research fellow at impoverished nation’s suscepti- the Korea Institute for Defense bility to the virus, however, and Analyses. the situation has been difficult to South Korea raised the total confirm. number of COVID-19 cases to The State Department said ear- 4,335 on Monday, the biggest out- lier this month that it supported break outside China, where the efforts to contain the spread in virus first appeared in Decem- the North by working to approve ber before spreading to dozens exceptions needed to overcome of other countries, including the U.S.-led economic sanctions U.S. aimed at punishing the nuclear Duyeon Kim, an adviser with program. the International Crisis Group, Leif-Eric Easley, a profes- said that the North’s message was sor at Ewha University in Seoul, likely two-pronged — to show said that the North appeared de- order on the domestic front, and termined to raise the stakes as “foreshadowing more provoca- South Korea and the U.S. face key tions” in preparation for an ex- elections. KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY, KOREAN NEWS SERVICE/AP pected “long confrontation” with He said that the U.S. and South Washington. State media KCNA said Saturday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised a military drill that Korean decisions to postpone “COVID-19 will likely put nu- simulated an attack on an island target. their defense drills and to offer clear diplomacy and Korean Pen- humanitarian assistance had insular security issues on hold USFK spokesman Col. Lee Pe- broke down Feb. 28, 2019, after try would unveil a “new strategic “earned no goodwill from a Kim for a while until it’s contained,” ters said that the command was the two sides failed to reach an weapon” soon. regime that sees little benefit in she said. “But the concern is if aware of the missile launch and agreement. He said that the communist restarting diplomacy. Pyongyang tries to take advan- would continue to monitor the “This behavior from the North state was no longer bound by a “Yet, these tests are less pro- tage of a vulnerable time for ev- situation while consulting with is not helpful to efforts to ease self-imposed moratorium on nu- vocative than what North Korea eryone, and COVID-19 already its South Korean and Japanese tension on the Korean Peninsula, clear or long-range missile tests. is capable of,” Easley added. “In seems to be fueling geopolitical allies. and we call upon Pyongyang to The North launched two rock- the short-term, the worsening rifts in this region.” “Additionally, USFK remains stop such actions immediately,” ets from a large-caliber launcher COVID-19 crisis will preoccupy U.S. Forces Korea, which com- ready to defend [South Korea] the South Korean military said Nov. 28, but has so far avoided fir- all relevant governments, leaving mands some 28,500 American against adversary or threat … in- Monday. ing an intercontinental ballistic little bandwidth for either mili- troops on the divided peninsula, cluding COVID-19,” he said. North Korean leader Kim Jong missile, which President Donald tary escalation or productive de- has restricted access to bases and The renewed military activ- Un expressed frustration with Trump has signaled would be a nuclearization diplomacy.” banned nonessential travel for ity also coincided with the an- deadlocked nuclear talks with red line. [email protected] service members after a soldier niversary of the last U.S.-North the U.S. during a New Year’s ad- The launch also was a slap to Twitter: @kimgamel and his wife were infected. Korean nuclear summit, which dress and warned that his coun- President Moon Jae-in, who ap- [email protected] Tuesday, March 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 5 WAR ON TERRORISM Turkish president hopes to broker Syria truce in Moscow

BY BASSEM MROUE largest cities, Damascus and Aleppo, also known as Associated Press the M5, making it key to who controls the country. Nearby fighting continued, however, and as a re- BEIRUT — Turkey’s president Monday said he porter for Syrian state TV was speaking live from J.P. LAWRENCE/Stars and Stripes hopes to broker a cease-fire in Syria later this week inside Saraqeb, a shell exploded behind him caus- in Moscow when he meets with his Russian coun- An Afghan soldier guards a highway checkpoint in Logar province ing a mushroom cloud of dust. The journalist and his terpart, after growing alarm over direct clashes in crew rushed for cover in a nearby building. last May. The Taliban have resumed offensives against Afghan northwest Syria between Turkish troops and Syrian government forces, days after the signing of an accord with the U.S. Later Monday, Russia said its military police forces backed by Russia. units deployed to Saraqeb “given its importance for The Syrian government’s monthslong offensive ensuring security and uninterrupted transit of ve- into Idlib province, the last rebel-held area in the hicles and civilians.” The move appeared to be an Taliban: Deal does not country, has sparked one of the war’s worst humani- attempt to secure control of the town once and for tarian crises. Almost one million Syrian civilians all. have fled north toward the sealed Turkish border. Fighting has worsened over the past few days, require group to stop fighting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has after Syrian shelling killed more than 30 Turkish sent thousands of troops into Idlib to support the op- soldiers in Idlib. Turkey responded with drone at- position fighters holed up there, but hasn’t been able tacks and shelling that killed more than 90 Syrian Afghan security forces to stop the government offensive. troops and allied gunmen. The Turkish air force Erdogan, speaking Monday to a gathering of his also shot down two Syrian warplanes after Syria’s ruling party in the Turkish capital, said he hoped air defenses shot down one of its drones. The Syrian FROM FRONT PAGE leases should be discussed dur- to reach a cease-fire deal for Idlib when he meets pilots ejected safely. Top officials at the Pentagon on ing intra-Afghan talks planned Vladimir Putin on Thursday to “prevent further Turkey lost 54 soldiers in Syria in February, in- Monday indicated they were not for next week. bloodshed.“ He did not elaborate. In Moscow, Krem- cluding 33 killed Thursday in a single airstrike. surprised the Taliban would re- The Taliban is also being lin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Thurs- Outraged, Erdogan then announced his country’s turn to attacking Afghan forces, blamed for kidnapping peace day’s meeting. western borders with Europe were open Saturday but they called on the group to advocate Nazar Jan Nazari on Direct combat between Turkish and Syrian forces for thousands of migrants and refugees wanting to gradually reduce violence across Sunday in southern Uruzgan had been rare throughout the nine-year civil war. cross, as he sought to pressure the EU to help Tur- province, said Bismillah Watand- Afghanistan as measures in the Russia tipped balance in Syrian President Bashar key handle the fallout from the war in Syria. Thou- ost, spokesman for the People’s new agreement are implemented. Assad’s favor after it joined the conflict on his side sands of migrants have since converged to Turkey’s Peace Movement. It was unclear Defense Secretary Mark Esper in September 2015. Turkey and Russia have been land and sea borders with Greece, trying to enter whether the United States viewed and Army Gen. Mark Milley, closely coordinating over the situation in Syria in the Taliban’s actions as contrary Europe. the chairman of the Joint Chiefs recent years, even as Turkey continues to heavily Syria’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that of Staff, signaled cautious opti- to the agreement. Esper said Army Gen. Scott back the Syrian opposition. the international community should prevent Erdo- mism about the agreement, while Russia remained largely on the sidelines over the gan from taking advantage of the “suffering of Syr- stressing an end to the nearly Miller, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, would be largely weekend, even as a Turkish-led counter-offensive ians in order to blackmail European countries by two-decade war remained in the in Idlib blunted and in some cases reversed Syrian releasing waves of migrants toward Europe.“ distant future. responsible for such decisions on the agreement’s status. The ac- government advances. On the southern edge of Idlib, intense fighting “This is going to be a long, However, on Monday, Syrian government forces was reported near the village of Kafranbel, which winding, bumpy road,” Esper cord calls for permanent cease- fire talks but does not explicitly and their allies retook the key northwestern town of Syrian troops captured last week, opposition activ- told reporters. “There will be ups Saraqeb, just days after taking it — and then losing ists said. and downs. We’ll stop and start. require the Taliban to stop fight- it again — to rebel forces, according to pro-govern- The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human That’s going to be the nature of ing the Afghan security forces. ment media and an opposition war monitor. The Rights said troops captured the town under the this over the next days, weeks and Miller said Monday that the town lies on the main highway linking Syria’s two cover of Russian airstrikes. months.” U.S. expects the Taliban to be Afghan officials in Maidan War- “serious” about their obligations dak province, which neighbors in the deal. Kabul province, said 55 civilians “The United States has been were kidnapped by the Taliban in very clear about our expectations connection to the deal’s provision — the violence must remain low,” Officials: Yemen rebels have seized pledging a large-scale prisoner Miller said on Twitter through a exchange ahead of intra-Afghan spokesman. talks. U.S. military officials in Kabul control of strategic northern city “The reports we got from the referred questions to the Afghan district suggest that the Taliban Interior Ministry, which was not BY MAGGIE MICHAEL Yemen, the war has ground to a The rebels earlier this year a party to the agreement signed abducted these people to swap AND SAMY MAGDY stalemate. seized a key supply line linking Saturday. them in the coming days for The conflict has killed over Secretary of State Mike Pom- Associated Press Marib with Jawf provinces, lo- their prisoners,” said Muhibullah 10,000 people and created the peo did not say what level of vio- cated along the border with Saudi Sharifzai, spokesman for the pro- CAIRO — Yemen’s Houthi reb- world’s worst humanitarian crisis, Arabia. They also took control vincial governor. lence would constitute a violation els wrested control of the strategic of the agreement while being leaving millions suffering from of the strategic district of Nehm, Milley said the United States northern city of Hazm, officials food and medical care shortages some 37 miles northeast of the was evaluating the reports of questioned Sunday by Marga- on both sides of the conflict said ret Brennan on CBS’s “Face the and pushing the country to the rebel-held capital Sanaa. that incident, telling reporters Sunday, a major blow to the in- Nation.” brink of famine last year. “With the seizure of Hazm, that he was not certain who was ternationally recognized govern- “Look, we can’t get into hypo- A Houthi official said Sunday the entire Jawf (province) is now responsible. He also described ment backed by Saudi Arabia. theticals about what it would take that the Shiite group had pushed considered in their hands, and expectations that violence would Capturing the capital of Jawf exactly, but there is a detailed set government forces out of Hazm this would enable them to expand suddenly end across Afghanistan province after weeks of fighting of commitments that the Taliban and were “now chasing them in to Marib and even try to take over after the agreement Saturday as could pave the way for the rebels its outskirts.” unreasonable. have made about the levels of vio- the south,” said Fatima al-Asrar, to move toward the central prov- Two government officials con- “This is a significant step for- lence that can occur, the nature of a non-resident scholar at the what’s got to take place,” Pompeo ince of Marib, one of the shrink- firmed the city had fallen, but ward — this agreement. And it’s ing safe spots for those opposing Washington-based Middle East going to lead to inter-Afghanistan said. “It’s going to be rocky and said government forces aided by the Houthis in northern Yemen. Institute. dialogue that ultimately leads to bumpy.” Saudi coalition airstrikes were at- There is a “deep, complex, It also could cause a new wave tempting to push back. She said Houthi advances a peace agreement,” Milley said. would increase the vulnerability “But to think that’s it’s going to well-thought-out, multi-month- of displacement in the war-torn All the officials spoke on condi- negotiated verification complex country. tion of anonymity because they of both civilians, including tribes, go to zero [violence] immediately allied with the Saudi-backed gov- — that probably is not going to be and mechanism by which we can Yemen, the Arab world’s poor- were not authorized to brief the ernment of Yemen’s president, the case.” observe and hold every member est nation, has been convulsed by media. Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. The U.S.-Taliban agreement of the agreement accountable,” civil war since 2014. That’s when The coalition spokesman’s of- calls for up to 5,000 Taliban pris- Pompeo said, though officials the Iran-backed Houthis took fice said their “operations” in At least 1,400 families, who oners and up to 1,000 pro-gov- have not disclosed the details of control of the country’s north Jawf “are still ongoing,” but did were displaced into the district ernment prisoners to be released that mechanism. including the capital, Sanaa. A not elaborate. of Gail in Jawf province had by March 10. Afghan President Stars and Stripes reporters Corey Saudi-led military coalition in- The Houthi-run al-Masirah moved to Hazm last month. “Now Dickstein, Phillip Walter Wellman and tervened against the Houthis the satellite TV reported that the co- thousands more are expected to Ashraf Ghani, who was excluded Zubair Babakarkhail contributed to this from the deal negotiations at the report. following year. Despite relentless alition carried out at least three leave their homes“ because of the Taliban’s insistence, said any re- [email protected] Saudi airstrikes and a blockade of airstrikes in Jawf on Sunday. Houthi advance, she said. PAGE 6 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Tuesday, March 3, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK Virus spreads in West; crisis eases in China

BY HYUNG-JIN KIM Wuhan, said 2,570 patients were AND MATT SEDENSKY released. Associated Press But in other places, problems continued to multiply. SEOUL, South Korea — The “Just about everywhere, the coronavirus appeared for the first cases are rising quite quickly in time in New York, Moscow and a number of countries,” said Ian Berlin and clusters of the disease Mackey, who studies viruses at surged around the world, even the University of Queensland in as new cases in China dropped Australia. to their lowest level in six weeks South Korea, with the worst Monday and hundreds of patients outbreak outside of China, said it were released from hospitals at recorded 599 new cases Monday, the epicenter of the outbreak. bringing the total to 4,335. The Almost nine times more cases death toll rose to 26. were reported outside China than South Korea extended the inside the country in the past 24 shutdown of its schools two more hours, according to the head of weeks to March 23. And the the World Health Organization, leader of a church that has been Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. blamed for being the source of Amid the good-news, bad-news the country’s largest cluster of in- developments, the global death fections bowed in apology. toll from COVID-19 pushed past “We also did our best but

3,000, and the number of people JAE C. HONG/AP weren’t able to contain it fully,” infected topped 89,000, with fast- said Lee Man-hee, 88, the leader expanding outbreaks in South Commuters wearing masks sit on a train in Tokyo, on Monday. of the Shincheonji church, which Korea, Italy and Iran. some mainstream Christian Around the world, the virus re- ic Cooperation and Development In the United States, infections tect the virus. More than 60 coun- groups reject as a cult. shaped people’s routines, both at warned that the world economy ticked upward to over 90 and tries — including nine of the 10 In the Middle East, a worsening home and at work, from the mil- could contract this quarter for the country recorded its second most populous — have reported situation in Iran was accompa- lions of Japanese schoolchildren the first time since the interna- death, both of them in Washing- infections. nied by concern for its top leaders facing four weeks without class to tional financial crisis more than ton state. Health officials said the Even as alarms grew louder after a member of the council that special voting booths for Israelis a decade ago. latest victim was a man in his 70s in much of the world, Monday advises the Islamic republic’s su- under quarantine. Mobile hos- “Global economic prospects from a nursing facility near Seat- brought positive signs from China, preme leader died of COVID-19. pitals were planned in Iran, and remain subdued and very uncer- tle, in a region where researchers where the outbreak started two Iran has confirmed 1,501 cases the “Mona Lisa” hung in a vacant tain,” the agency said. believe the virus may have been months ago. China reported 202 and 66 deaths, but many believe room of the shuttered Louvre in Wall Street nevertheless opened circulating for weeks undetected. new cases of the virus, its low- the true number is larger. Its Paris. higher after the worst week for Malaysia and Portugal were est daily count since Jan. 21, and caseload surged more than 250% The Organization for Econom- stocks since the 2008 crisis. among the newest places to de- the city at the heart of the crisis, in just 24 hours. Closures at US bases in Italy continue as cases increase

BY NANCY MONTGOMERY northern regions of Lombardy, Emilia Ro- President Donald Trump tweeted Sun- the week, said 1st Lt. Danielle Lucero, a AND KENT HARRIS magna and Veneto. U.S. Army Garrison day that those arriving to the U.S. from spokeswoman for the 31st Fighter Wing. Stars and Stripes Italy and more than 7,000 U.S. troops are Veneto, among other places, would be “We’re in line with the local [Italian] based in the Veneto region. screened at U.S. airports. community,” Lucero said. VICENZA, Italy — U.S. bases in north- So far, neither soldiers nor civilians asso- Base and U.S. European Command offi- The Friuli Venezia-Giulia region’s first ern Italy entered a second week of school, ciated with the garrison — or with any Eu- cials said Monday they were closely moni- six cases were reported over the weekend day care and gym closures as the country’s rope-based U.S. military unit — have been toring conditions but that so far there had in Udine, Trieste and Gorizia, all in the cases of the new coronavirus doubled over diagnosed with the virus, officials said. Vi- been no changes for troops leaving Italy region’s east, not far from Italy’s borders the weekend. cenza officials said that they plan to isolate to change assignments. They also said with Slovenia, Croatia and Austria. The number of confirmed cases jumped any sick troops on base, if necessary. that operations in Europe have not been The virus has also spread to other parts in Italy to 1,694, the country’s Civil Protec- The State Department has designated affected. of Italy, though not as quickly. There are tion Agency reported Sunday. The death Veneto among its do-not-travel areas due Aviano Air Base, about 90 miles north- 17 cases in Campania, where Naples and toll also rose to 34, up from 29 the previous to the highly contagious virus, for which east of Vicenza in the Friuli Venezia-Giu- the Navy’s 6th Fleet is located. There are day. there is no treatment other than support- lia region, also closed its schools and day nine cases in Sicily, home to Naval Air Sta- Around 90% of all infections are in the ive care. care centers through at least the end of tion Sigonella, and 13 in Tuscany, home to Florida confirms its first 2 virus cases

BY TAMARA LUSH a news conference Monday in surgeon general, said the man in AND BOBBY CAINA CALVAN Tampa that the state was doing his 60s had not traveled in any of Associated Press all it could to respond to the grow- the countries currently identified ing health crisis, and that he was for restricted travel by federal au- TAMPA, Fla. — Florida offi- seeking emergency funding from thorities, including South Korea, cials tried to reassure residents state lawmakers to help com- Iran, Italy and China, where the Monday that the risk posed by bat the spread of the COVID-19 virus originated. a new strain of coronavirus re- virus. “It is not known how this indi- mained low, despite revelations “Despite these cases, the over- vidual was exposed to COVID- that two people had become the all threat to the public remains 19,” Rivkees said at the news first in the state to test positive low,” the governor said. “With conference. “This is a rapidly for the virus. that said, we do anticipate that evolving situation.” Florida officials said Sunday more will test positive.” U.S. health officials updated they were declaring a public State health officials said they the nation’s count of coronavirus health emergency after announc- were identifying people who had cases to 91 on Monday. ing two cases, a woman in her 20s contact with the two patients now The Centers for Disease Con- who recently returned from Italy under isolation. The governor said trol and Prevention said the count CHRIS O’MEARA/AP and a man in his 60s who had Monday that at least 795 people in includes 45 infections among not traveled to any countries of Florida have been monitored for people who were on the Diamond Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gestures as he stands with State Surgeon concern. the virus, but did not elaborate. Princess cruise ship, which is one General Dr. Scott Rivkees during a news conference Monday Gov. Ron DeSantis said at Dr. Scott Rivkees, Florida’s more than previously reported. regarding two residents testing positive for the virus in Tampa, Fla. Tuesday, March 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 7 VIRUS OUTBREAK Japan bases see run on sanitizer and toilet paper

BY JAMES BOLINGER for stockpiling toilet paper, The Stars and Stripes Japan Times report said. “In 1973, after Arab countries MARINE CORPS AIR embargoed oil exports to Japan, STATION IWAKUNI, Japan there were sometimes violent — Shelves at commissaries on scenes of panicked buyers grab- military bases across Japan ran bing toilet paper,” the report said. short of toilet paper over the “There were also buying sprees weekend as service members after the March 11, 2011, mega- prepared for possible quarantines quake and tsunami.” due to COVID-19. Hand sanitizer has also been Shoppers in Japan faced long in short supply both in Japanese DODEA students in S. Korea adapt lines over online rumors that Chi- stores and at base exchanges and nese-made toilet paper wouldn’t commissaries. be exported, The Japan Times re- Sanitizer was scarce on ex- to online study, address pros, cons ported Saturday, in spite of indus- change shelves at bases in South try and official assurances that Korea, where the Army garri- enough toilet paper for everyone son at Daegu is under a self-im- BY MATTHEW KEELER AND DAVE ORNAUER is made in Japan. posed quarantine. Sanitizer was Stars and Stripes Lauren Ignaffo, spouse of Petty restocked at Osan Air Base and Officer 2nd Class Austin Ignaffo Camp Humphreys, home of U.S. OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea — Students at from Fighter Attack Squadron Forces Korea headquarters, over some Defense Department schools in South Korea 102, said that by Saturday the the weekend. face another week, at least, of online instruction as shelves at the MCAS Iwakuni At the MCAS Iwakuni ex- concern over spread of COVID-19 has temporarily commissary had been stripped change, bottles of a Japanese- closed eight schools there. of toilet paper and, oddly enough, made hand sanitizer were being Department of Defense Education Activity last pasta and spaghetti sauce. sold for $18.99, sparking com- week closed those schools for the children of U.S. “In the States the joke is like mentary on social media pages. military parents but ordered teachers to report to bread and milk and now it’s toilet “I first thought that’s insane, and work Wednesday to issue assignments via email. paper and paper towels,” Ignaffo I don’t know why they couldn’t Students are expected to complete and submit the said Monday, after she shared somehow get a hold of American assignments online daily. several photos on social media hand sanitizer,” Ignaffo said. “It’s an experiment,” Michelle Pell, a language of empty shelves. “I thought the The exchange paid that price to arts and literature instructor at Daegu Middle-High pasta was really funny, though.” a local supplier, Parker told Stars School, told Stars and Stripes on Friday via Face- Yokosuka Naval Base, home of and Stripes in an email Monday. book Messenger. the Navy’s 7th Fleet, reported on “The hand sanitizer avail- “We’re all working through it together. The kids a base-affiliated Facebook page able at the MCX is passed to the are doing a really good job of following instructions that its commissary shelves were consumer at cost and was pur- and communicating,” she said. “We are working being restocked Monday after the chased from a Japanese supplier on perfecting the process. The military command weekend run on toilet paper. on our post is making really good decisions in this Lisa Lyons The post asked consumers to to ensure the demand for hand situation.” limit themselves to one item per sanitizer is met in response to the Lexie Berry, a junior at Daegu Middle-High School DODEA officials in South Korea and military family per day of several items COVID-19 virus,” Parker said. in South Korea, says she prefers the immediacy of commanders plan to reassess the school closures including toilet paper, cleaning “The (Marine Corps Community a classroom over virtual study. and other measures imposed to prevent the new products, disinfecting wipes and Service) works to keep prices as coronavirus from spreading. rice in order to prevent hoarding. low as possible for SOFA-status some cool opportunities for creativity.” “We’re hoping to be able to resume normal school A shipment of toilet paper ar- personnel aboard the station.” For some parents, having their children home operations as soon as it’s possible,” DODEA com- rived Monday at MCAS Iwakuni, Stars and Stripes reporters Matthew from school is a challenge. munications chief Frank O’Gara said in an email said 2nd Lt. Phillip Parker, a base Keeler, Christian Lopez and Caitlin “It adds some stress at home because it makes us Doornbos contributed to this report. Wednesday. “But we’ve made plans in the event that spokesman. into the enforcers making sure they are getting done [email protected] students are required to stay home for a longer pe- There is historical precedent Twitter: bollingerj2004 what they would normally do during the school day,” riod of time. Our education and curriculum subject military spouse Dana DeLuca said Friday. “But for matter experts are looking at a number of options in the most part I think it’s a blessing.” case of longer-term closures.” DeLuca teams up with her husband, Army chap- Meanwhile, remote learning is showing its wrin- lain (Capt.) Marc DeLuca, of the 35th Air Defense kles. Online interviews with a handful of high-school Artillery Brigade, to ensure their two high-school students and teachers revealed advantages and dis- students and two elementary students attending advantages to learning online. Osan Air Base schools stay on task. One advantage, said Humphreys High School ju- Dana DeLuca said the concept is a good idea if nior Jake Thomas, is being able to work at his own the kids are going to be out of school for an extended pace “as long as I get the assignments in on time.” period, but questions if it is a sustainable model. The main disadvantage is not always having a She said her 17-year-old is capable of a self-taught, teacher on hand to give an instant answer to a ques- online environment, but her 15-year-old needs face- tion, Thomas and other students said. to-face interaction. For some, the classroom setting itself is conducive Molly Austinson said Camp Humphreys and DO- to learning. DEA’s Korea district leadership have been “fantas- “I would rather be in class because I’m a more tic” about communicating with the schools and the hands-on, in-person learner than an online learn- community. er,” said Humphreys High School senior Lily “Students are at the heart of everything we do,” Austinson. O’Gara said. “Maintaining a safe place for them to Austinson’s mother, Molly Austinson, teaches go to school and maintaining continuity of education Kiersten Winnegar world regions and is also the high school yearbook is all part of the support that we provide to military sponsor. Her students make liberal use of Google families.” Shelves that usually hold toilet paper are empty at Marine Corps Hangouts to communicate about the yearbook out- Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, on Sunday, as coronavirus quarantine side of the classroom. [email protected] concerns prompted some to stock up. A new shipment arrived Twitter: @MattKeeler1231 “This is creating a unique challenge,” Molly Aus- [email protected] Monday at Iwakuni, said 2nd Lt. Phillip Parker, a base spokesman. tinson said of working on the yearbook, “but also Twitter: @DaveOrnauer PAGE 8 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Tuesday, March 3, 2020 NATION Klobuchar set to back Biden after ending bid

Associated Press Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobu- char ended her Democratic presidential campaign on Monday and plans to endorse rival Joe Biden in an effort to unify moderate voters behind the former vice president’s White House bid. She is flying to Dallas and plans to join Biden at his rally PATRICK SEMANSKY/AP Monday night, according to her campaign. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Klobuchar was the second pres- ended her presidential campaign idential candidate to exit the race on Monday and plans to endorse in less than 24 hours, following rival Joe Biden . SANTIAGO FLORES, SOUTH BEND (IND.) TRIBUNE/AP Pete Buttigieg’s departure late Sunday. Their decisions reflect er when Biden joined the race in Sunday, Pete Buttigieg announced he was suspending his White House bid in South Bend, Ind. an urgent push among moderates April, starting as a front-runner to consolidate behind Biden as a and remaining there. Klobuchar counter to progressive rival Ber- also was quickly overshadowed nie Sanders. by Buttigieg, a fellow Midwest- Inside the final month of Pete Klobuchar outlasted several erner who shot from being the better-known and better-funded largely unknown mayor of South Democrats, thanks to a better- Bend, Ind., to a top contender on a than-expected third-place fin- mix of intelligence, strong oratory Buttigieg’s historic campaign and youthful optimism. Buttigieg ish in New Hampshire. But she couldn’t turn that into success dropped out on Sunday, saying he BY STEVE PEOPLES voters in overlooked rural com- painfully exposed. elsewhere, as she struggled to no longer had a viable path to the AND THOMAS BEAUMONT munities. And if not for the state’s He failed to hit double digits in build out a campaign that could nomination. He has not endorsed Associated Press chaotic struggle to report its re- the first-in-the-South contest Sat- compete across the country and anyone. sults, the Feb. 3 contest could have urday, scoring a distant fourth in had poor showings in the next Klobuchar entered the race WASHINGTON — He opened vaulted him to further heights. a state where more than half of contests. with low name recognition com- February by sharing victory with Buttigieg and his competitors Democratic primary voters were The three-term senator had pared with many of her rivals, a one of the Democratic Party’s pivoted quickly to New Hamp- not white. Less than two hours one of this cycle’s more memora- disadvantage she was still citing best-known figures and ended shire, where he was an underdog after holding what would be his ble campaign launches, standing a year into her campaign. Outside it with a humbling defeat at the in a field that featured two neigh- final rally in Raleigh, N.C., But- outside in a Minnesota snow- Minnesota, the lawyer and for- hands of another. Yet Pete But- boring senators and a former vice tigieg was hunkered on the phone storm last February to tout her mer prosecutor was best known tigieg’s unlikely path over the president. Yet the mayor from in a hotel near Americus, Ga., “grit” and Midwestern sensibili- for her questioning of Supreme last 30 days exceeded virtually nearly 1,000 miles away showed working out the details of end- ties. Klobuchar argued that her Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh everyone’s expectations of his surprising strength again. ing his campaign, people familiar record of getting things done in during a 2018 Senate Judiciary presidential ambitions, except, He nearly tripled Massachu- with the conversation said. Washington and winning even Committee hearing. perhaps, his own. setts Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s Having laid out a narrow but in Republican parts of her state Even before she got into the The former mayor of Indiana’s vote total and finished just one viable path to the nomination would help her win traditionally race, Klobuchar was hit with news fourth largest city, an openly gay percentage point behind Sanders, through an uncertain state-by- Democratic heartland states like stories claiming she mistreated 38-year-old whose name most vot- the winner. state fight, advisers painted a pic- Wisconsin and Michigan that her Senate staff, and she had a ers still can’t pronounce, formally “You know, he very nearly ture of a difficult road ahead. flipped in 2016 to give Donald higher-than-usual turnover rate suspended his White House bid pulled it off,” said David Axel- After someone interjected that Trump the presidency. in her office. Klobuchar said she Sunday night. He did so acknowl- rod, who served as the senior ad- Buttigieg should speak, the can- She was hoping to own the mod- is a “tough boss” but countered edging that he no longer had a viser to former President Barack didate, known for an understated, erate lane of a Democratic field that she has several longtime em- viable path to the Democratic Obama and was at times an unof- deliberative style, noted effec- that grew to some two dozen can- ployees, including the manager of Party’s presidential nomination, ficial Buttigieg booster. tively that if the conversation had didates. But that got much tough- her presidential campaign. even after finishing in the top four Axelrod cited Iowa’s reporting reached that point, the decision in each of the first four contests of fiasco and Minnesota Sen. Amy was pretty clear. the 2020 primary season. Klobuchar’s New Hampshire “By every historical measure, surge as key factors that limited Buttigieg’s decision reflected we were never supposed to get Buttigieg’s rise. the urgency of the moment, as Trump campaign looks to anywhere at all,” Buttigieg re- “If those two things would have establishment Democrats feared minded his hometown crowd, been different, we would be hav- that Sanders’ rise might be un- which was disappointed and ing a different conversation now,” stoppable unless party moderates the skies to reach voters hopeful at the same time. The he said. united behind Biden’s candidacy. crowd interrupted his speech Questions about Buttigieg’s ap- It also reflected the no-time-to- Associated Press reported by Politico. waste analytical nature of But- The unconventional strategy with chants of “2024.” peal with voters of color loomed WASHINGTON — President Buttigieg began the month ef- tigieg himself, a former Rhodes is borne in part out of the cam- over strong finishes in over- Donald Trump’s campaign is fectively in a first-place tie with whelmingly white Iowa and New scholar who worked for the McK- paign’s record fundraising, which planning to fly a blimp over swing progressive powerhouse Bernie Hampshire, however. And as insey & Co. management consult- has given aides the freedom to states to get its message out — and Sanders in Iowa’s presidential soon as the race shifted into more ing firm soon after finishing his explore novel ways to reach vot- caucuses. The mayor made his- diverse terrain, Buttigieg’s star Ivy League education. to collect reams of data. ers. Last week, the campaign tory as the first openly gay can- began to fade. “The truth is the path has nar- The blimp with Trump logos is unveiled plans to open 15 “Black didate to earn a presidential In Nevada, he finished in third rowed to a close for our candidacy, set to fly between May and July, Voices for Trump Community delegate, never mind becoming place behind Sanders and former if not for our cause,” Buttigieg told and will encourage Trump sup- Centers” in urban areas to try to the first to finish on top in any Vice President Joe Biden, even as supporters in South Bend. “We porters to text the campaign, a make inroads with the tradition- presidential primary contest. he bested two senators and a bil- must recognize that at this point move aimed at helping to refine ally Democratic voting bloc. He won over Iowa as a fresh- lionaire. And by the time the race in the race, the best way to keep the campaign’s already volumi- The campaign is also discuss- faced Democrat with a pragmatic moved to South Carolina a week faith with those goals and ideals nous data on voters in key states, ing the possibility of a fundrais- Midwestern message backed by later, Buttigieg’s weakness with is to step aside and help bring our the campaign confirmed Sunday. ing contest to give supporters the an aggressive strategy to reach African American voters was party and country together.” The plans for the blimp were first opportunity to fly in the blimp. Tuesday, March 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 9 NATION High court: Judge cites hire, Appeal on bump stock annuls asylum ban denied

BY MARK SHERMAN Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Su- directive on 5 preme Court on Monday rejected an appeal of the federal ban on BY ELLIOT SPAGAT appeal the ruling and that his bump stocks, devices that allow Associated Press agency would take steps to try to semi-automatic firearms to fire prevent the invalidation of other rapidly like machine guns. SAN DIEGO — A federal judge decisions made under his tenure. The justices did not comment in has ruled that Ken Cuccinelli was The ruling, issued Sunday, was declining to review a lower court unlawfully appointed to lead the at odds with Trump’s penchant ruling that upheld the ban, which U.S. Citizenship and Immigration for temporary appointments. At took effect nearly a year ago. Services agency and, as a result, Homeland Security, Chad Wolf lacked authority to give asylum is acting secretary, and the heads President Donald Trump said seekers less time to prepare for of Customs and Border Protec- that the government would move initial screening interviews. tion, Immigration and Customs to ban bump stocks, following Cuccinelli, a former Virginia Enforcement and Citizenship and a 2017 shooting in Las Vegas in attorney general and an immi- Immigration Services are also in which a gunman attached bump gration hardliner, was named to a acting roles. stocks to assault-style rifles he new position of “principal deputy The judge wrote that Cuccinelli used to shoot concertgoers from director” in June, which imme- didn’t qualify for exceptions for his hotel room, killing 58 and in- diately made him acting director juring hundreds. officials who won Senate approv- JOSE LUIS MAGANA/AP because Lee Francis Cissna had al for other positions or spent 90 The Trump administration’s just resigned. The agency grants days in the previous year at the A federal judge has ruled that Ken Cuccinelli, acting director for the move was an about-face for the green cards and other visas and agency. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, seen here on Oct. 30, federal Bureau of Alcohol, To- also oversees asylum officers. The administration’s reading was unlawfully appointed to lead the agency. bacco, Firearms and Explosives. U.S. District Judge Randolph of the law “would decimate this In 2010, under the Obama admin- Moss in Washington found Cuc- carefully crafted framework,” cinelli directive to give asylum the court’s opinion and are look- istration, the ATF found that the cinelli’s appointment violated the Moss wrote in his 55-page ruling. seekers less time to consult attor- ing more closely at it.” devices were legal. But under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, a “The President would be relieved neys before an initial screening Cuccinelli is now acting deputy Trump administration, officials 1998 law governing who is eligi- of responsibility and accountabil- interview, but his decision applies Homeland Security secretary, the revisited that determination and ble to lead federal agencies in an ity for selecting acting officials, only to the five Hondurans who department’s No. 2 position. Jo- found it incorrect. The revised acting capacity. and the universe of those eligible sued. He did not address other seph Edlow, a longtime congres- regulation requires owners either Cuccinelli, in an interview to serve in an acting capacity Cuccinelli actions. sional aide who joined Citizenship to destroy their bump stocks or with Fox News Channel on Mon- would be vastly expanded.” Department of Homeland Secu- and Immigration Services in July, surrender them. The government day, said that President Donald Moss, an appointee of President rity spokeswoman Heather Swift was named last month to run the estimates hundreds of thousands Trump’s administration would Barack Obama, set aside a Cuc- said, “We obviously disagree with agency’s day-to-day operations. of the devices have been sold. Charges dropped against man shot by police

Associated Press “While we will not rush to judgment, the ing from one car to another in violation of level of concern over the tactics used in CHICAGO — A man shot and seriously a city ordinance called for backup and two this incident is significant.” officers chased and grabbed the man. wounded by a Chicago police officer in a The Civilian Office of Police Account- downtown train station won’t face charg- The video shows a male officer on top ability was investigating the use of force, of the suspect at the base of an escalator, es, as prosecutors on Sunday dropped the while the state’s attorney and FBI con- struggling to keep the man still. The sus- criminal case stemming from an incident ducted the underlying criminal review. pect can be heard saying, “I didn’t do noth- captured on bystander video and shared Guglielmi said the department was coop- widely. erating fully. ing to you,” as the officer trying to hold Cook County prosecutors moved to drop Foxx’s office said they agreed with Chi- him down says, “stop resisting,” several resisting arrest and criminal narcotics cago police’s request to drop the charges. times. They stand up, and a female officer charges against Ariel Roman at the re- Roman’s attorney, Gloria Schmidt Ro- appears to try to pepper spray the man’s quest of Chicago police, which was ap- driguez, has said he underwent surgery face before telling him to show his hands. proved Sunday by a judge, according to the after he was shot in the abdomen and but- The man refuses to be handcuffed. Stun Chicago Tribune. tocks and that he will likely need more op- guns can be seen on the floor. With the Interim Police Superintendent Charlie erations. He remained hospitalized Sunday man still struggling to get away, the female Beck said he asked Cook County State’s but was no longer in critical condition. officer shouts, “Give him your hands,” and Attorney Kim Foxx to drop the charges, Roman’s family was pleased with the de- a gunshot rings out. As the man flees up which were initiated by police, according cision to dismiss all charges, said Schmidt MICHAEL MCDUNNAH/AP the escalator with the officers in pursuit, a to a statement. Rodriguez. In a statement, she said Roman Chicago police officers try to apprehend “Given the totality of circumstances “remembers everything about the incident second shot is fired. a suspect inside a train station on Friday. and the department’s significant level of that took place and is fully committed to co- Police have said only one officer fired The charges against the suspect, who concern around this incident, it would be operating with the various investigations.” a weapon, striking Roman twice, but the was shot twice by one of the officers, insensitive to advocate for these charges,” The shooting happened Friday after- department has not named either of the of- have been dropped. police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said. noon. An officer who spotted a man jump- ficers involved. Man with gun killed by police during incident at Catholic church

Associated Press place shortly after the officers the shooting took place shortly tagna told the Register. “We’re not side the church, who had arrived were flagged down at 4:20 p.m. thereafter, Bertagna said. sure if that’s why he was here.” for a 5 p.m. service, that another SANTA ANA, Calif. — Santa and was told someone inside Im- The man ran outside with the Police Chief David Valentin person may have been with the Ana police officers fatally shot maculate Heart of Mary Church gun and collapsed on a nearby said witnesses reported the man suspect. Officers searched the an armed man Sunday afternoon had a gun, police Cpl. Anthony street, Bertagna said. He was was distraught and possibly sui- church and a nearby school, but inside a Catholic church, the Or- Bertagna said. pronounced dead at the scene. cidal, and it didn’t appear he was by early Sunday evening had not ange County Register reported. The officers found the man with “We understand he was dis- planning a mass shooting. yet found another suspect, Ber- The shooting at the altar took a gun inside the church, and then traught over a relationship,” Ber- Officers were told by people in- tagna told the Register. PAGE 10 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Tuesday, March 3, 2020 AMERICAN ROUNDUP Spring break town says no booze on beach

PANAMA CITY FL — Spring breakers be forewarned: you still can’t drink booze in March on the beach in a Florida town seeking to curb rowdy parties. The Panama City News Herald reported that the monthlong ban is paired with a 2 a.m. deadline to buy alcohol anywhere within city limits. Panama City Police Chief Drew Whitman said the zero tol- erance policy originally enacted in 2015 has helped the city transi- tion from a national spring break hot-spot to a more family-friendly destination all year long. Man accused of leaving son in car at casino

LINCOLN — A Rhode RI Island father who wanted to gamble was charged with leaving his 3-year-old autistic son alone outside in a car while he placed bets in a casino. The Rhode Island State Police said Mitchell Cuevas, 38, of Prov- idence was arrested and charged with cruelty to or neglect of a child, and obstructing an officer in the execution of duty. Patrons of the Twin River Casi- no alerted the State Police Gam- DENISE CATHEY, THE BROWNSVILLE (TEXAS) HERALD/AP ing Enforcement Unit they saw the child abandoned in a vehicle parked in the casino hotel lot. Police said the child had been Celebration of border bonds left unattended in the locked ve- Doves fly out of delegates’ hands Friday as a symbol of unity and friendship between the United States and Mexico at the Hands Across the hicle with no heat, in 35-degree Border event on Gateway International Bridge between Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Mexico. The annual event held by the Mr. Amigo weather, for approximately a half Association celebrates the close relationship between the cities with an event on the midway point between the United States and Mexico on hour. the bridge. Woman saved, man dies with three adults and pay for their THE CENSUS er lost control of his vehicle and in attempt to save truck own meals and water. slammed into both of the troop- Floyd, who lives in Indianapo- The number of African American graves found under a Florida ers’ police vehicles as they were HOLTON — An at- lis, was initially charged with parking lot by a private archaeology firm. The Tampa Bay Times standing outside. KS tempt to pull a truck misdemeanor counts of endan- reported that the firm, Cardno, used ground-penetrating radar A state police dog inside one of found dangling over a culvert gering minors in the summer of 44 to find the suspected graves. The firm was hired by the city of the cruisers was taken to a vet- from the brink ended with the 2019, but a grand jury returned Clearwater and the Pinellas County School Board to conduct the erinary hospital for an examina- vehicle flipping over and landing more serious charges. search. Officials say Cardno will get permission to validate the radar’s findings by tion but did not suffer any serious upside down in a full ditch, killing digging just close enough to confirm their existence without touching them. injuries. a man inside, officials in north- Police: Teen led police The driver of the Subaru was eastern Kansas said. on 90 mph pursuit identified as Ryan Churilo, 29, of The incident happened on state dangerment after she was found during a hurricane off the coast East Windsor, Conn. Highway 116 about four miles east AUBURN — A 15- passed out at the wheel. of Florida. of Holton, station KSNT report- year-old boy led police Manchester Police responded Stolen cremains found ed. Jackson County Sheriff Tim ME on a high-speed chase in a stolen to a report of an unconscious Roadside attraction Morse said a passerby who came by jogger on a trail vehicle before crashing into a woman at the steering wheel Oliver the camel dies upon the stranded truck tried to while her 4-year-old son cried in get it back on the road when it convenience store , police said. DIKE — A wooden box the backseat, New England Cable flipped over into the ditch. The pursuit reached speeds up FERRISBURGH — Ol- IA containing the cremated News reported. A woman in the truck was to 90 mph and police abandoned iver the camel, a quirky remains of a Dike man that was Police said when they arrived VT pulled to safety, but Morse said the pursuit in downtown Auburn roadside attraction and social stolen in a home burglary was re- Kristie Moulton was awake but the man in the truck could not be before the car crashed, police media darling, died at age 17 in covered, authorities said . spoke slowly, slurred her words, saved. said. Vermont. Grundy County sheriff’s depu- The driver was evaluated and had bloodshot eyes. “Ollie” delighted travelers ties had reported that the cre- Man accused of hiring at Maine Medical Center and along Route 7 in Ferrisburgh for mains of Daniel Evanson, 65, transported to Long Creek Youth Trove of Spanish coins children to sell candy nearly two decades. Many motor- were stolen during a break-in Development Center for an unre- dating to 1715 found ists stopped for photos and selfies at his rural home sometime late lated warrant. The passenger was with the friendly creature, which Feb. 14 or early Feb. 15. Evanson BOWLING GREEN not charged and was returned to INDIAN RIVER sported two humps. died Feb. 6. — Kentucky is seeking his parents. KY SHORES — A trove of Oliver Camel’s Facebook page Evanson’s family members had $45,000 in fines from an Indi- The chase began when a Cum- FL Spanish coins dating back to a announced that he died on Feb. taken to social media to plead for ana man who is accused of using berland County deputy headed to 1715 shipwreck during a storm 21. It did not cite the cause of his the public’s help in finding the re- children to sell candy in Bowling an unrelated emergency in Gray death. mains and the ornate wooden box Green. were found along a beach in noticed a car that was being oper- The Facebook post noted that holding them. Shawn Floyd, 55, also faces 12 Florida. ated erratically and learned that “Ollie” was loved and spoiled, and A jogger found the box of cre- felony charges of human traffick- TC Palm newspapers reported it was stolen. looking forward to an afterlife. mains on a trail in Cedar Falls, ing, The Lexington Herald-Lead- that treasure hunter Jonah Mar- the Grundy County Sheriff’s De- er reported. tinez, 43, located the coins using a According to the state attorney Mom with 4-year-old in metal detector. He was able to dig Drunken driver hits partment told WOI. general’s office, Floyd brought 12 car charged with DUI out 22 silver coins he estimates 2 state trooper cars “I assume they took the box children to Kentucky with him in are worth about $7,000. thinking it was something spe- July 2019 to sell candy by knock- MANCHESTER — Twelve Spanish galleons laden CHICOPEE — Two cial and didn’t know what it con- ing on doors. NH New Hampshire police with treasures from the New MA Massachusetts State tained,” Chief Deputy Sheriff Kirk Investigators said Floyd made charged a mother with driving World were bound for Spain on Troopers escaped serious injury Dolleslager told The Courier. the juveniles share a motel room under the influence and child en- July 31, 1715, but 11 were lost after a suspected drunken driv- From wire reports Tuesday, March 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 11 FACES Duff asks Disney to allow reboot of Convincingly ‘Lizzie McGuire’ to move to Hulu

BY LYNN ELBER Associated Press Hilary Duff is asking Disney CANINE to find a TV home that’s more ap- propriate to the grown-up “Lizzie Movement coach Notary helps CGI 20th Century Fox McGuire.” In an Instagram post, the ac- Terry Notary, below, provided movements for Buck the dog tress who’s reprising the title dog in ‘Call of the Wild’ come to life in “The Call of the Wild,” starring Harrison Ford. character for Dis- ney Plus, said the BY BETHONIE BUTLER gotten a kick out of GIFs highlighting Notary’s transi- streaming ser- The Washington Post tion into the doe-eyed St. Bernard mix. But Notary vice isn’t the best said playing man’s best friend to a man played by fit, suggesting erry Notary didn’t fall into the film industry so much Harrison Ford wasn’t awkward at all. “We just got Hulu instead. The as he glided into it like the Cirque du Soleil acrobat super comfortable being really close to each other original series, he was. Notary had just left the circus entertainment all the time.” about a girl whose Tcompany when Ron Howard spotted him teaching ex- That doesn’t mean it wasn’t challenging. “I had to thoughts are ex- Duff tras how to move like the Whos in Whoville on the set of the look into his soul, you know, without any judgment, pressed by her 2000 comedy “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” without any human thought,” Notary said. “You just animated doppelganger, aired Notary had never worked on a film set before — he and sev- have to be this sort of open, spongy receiver.” from 2001 to 2004 on the Disney eral other Cirque alums had been recruited by the film’s stunt The Los Angeles-based actor used his own dogs Channel. coordinator to create acrobatic gags for the Whos — and it — one, he said, is “dumber than a doornail,” and “Was incredibly excited to seemed obvious to him that all of Whoville’s residents should the other is “just the smartest thing you’ve ever launch ‘Lizzie’ on D+ and my move like they were from the same, however fictional, met in your life” — as inspiration while get- passion remains,” Duff said in species. It hadn’t occurred to him that he had bro- ting into character. He filmed them in the Feb. 28 post. “However, I feel ken an unwritten rule of set decorum by taking slow motion in their natural habitat: it upon himself to teach them until the famed a huge responsibility to honor the front yard. “It was interesting ... the fans’ relationship with Lizzie director called Notary into his office. watching it back and really just see- Luckily for Notary, Howard was impressed who, like me, grew up seeing ing how they moved and the little nu- themselves in her. I’d be doing a by what he had seen. The director asked if ances that they have,” Notary said. he would teach everybody. Within a week disservice to everyone by limit- “They read everything; they read ing the realities of a 30-year-old’s Notary had a sound stage and equipment, tone, inflection, expression and ranging from trampolines to unicycles, at journey to live under the ceiling energy all at the same time. So it’s his disposal. He also landed a job title he of a PG rating.” like this wave of everything com- hadn’t previously known existed: move- The original series was an au- ing at them.” ment choreographer. thentic portrayal of Lizzie as a Notary has also studied apes Twenty years after Howard’s Dr. preteen and teenager, Duff said, — his favorite animal to play. He Seuss adaptation hit theaters, Notary and her next chapters should be learned a great deal about them is still teaching actors how to move. “as real and relatable.” after getting acquainted with two He’s been a movement choreogra- Production on the reboot was chimpanzees on the set of Tim pher on the sets of the “Planet of the suspended in January after the Burton’s “Planet of the Apes.” Apes,” “Avengers” and “Hobbit” fran- exit of showrunner and original chises, among other films. “It’s about Notary has done 10 films with series creator Terri Minsky, trade undoing effort and getting back to our Andy Serkis, the London-born publication Variety has reported. roots,” Notary explained . He can cur- actor known for playing Gollum “We paused production on rently be seen in theaters playing Buck, in “Lord of the Rings” and for ‘Lizzie McGuire’ a few weeks ago the canine protagonist in the adaptation generating Oscar buzz as Caesar to allow time for some creative of Jack London’s “The Call of the Wild,” in “War for the Planet of the Apes.” re-development,” Disney said in opposite Harrison Ford. Notary, who has called Serkis “one a statement provided Saturday. Notary’s career has become a hybrid of of the greatest actors ever,” is set “Our goal is to resume produc- movement choreography, stunt coordina- to direct the actor in “The Last Ne- tion and to tell an authentic story tion and motion-capture acting. He’s lent anderthal” this year. The film will that connects to the millions who his carefully studied movements to apes, mark Notary’s directorial debut . are emotionally invested in the hobbits and the Na’vi humanoids of James character, and a new generation Cameron’s “Avatar.” Social media users have ALBERTO E. RODRIGUEZ/Getty Images of viewers too.” Green Day, ‘The Amazing Race’ change plans due to virus fears

From wire reports New Order put off shows with Pet Shop production team on the 10-time Emmy- place in its third weekend in theaters add- Boys on March 3-4 in Tokyo and March 6 winning show have contracted or shown ing $16 million and bringing its domestic Green Day and BTS have joined the list in Osaka, Japan. symptoms of the virus, the network said, total to $128.3 million. “The Call of the of music acts postponing or axing shows R&B singer Khalid made the decision nor were they known to be exposed. CBS Wild,” with Harrison Ford, placed third in around the world due to coronavirus earlier than most, two weeks ago, when he promised that all involved would continue its second weekend with $13.2 million. concerns. postponed the entire Asian leg of his tour, to be monitored after returning home. “We have unfortunately made the difficult decision to postpone our upcoming which was to have hit Bangkok, Singapore, No new production start date has been America Ferrera to depart shows in Asia due to the health + travel Jakarta, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, set. NBC comedy ‘Superstore’ concerns with coronavirus,” the “Ameri- Seoul, Mumbai and Bangalore between can Idiot” rockers tweeted Feb. 27. “We March 24 and April 14. ‘The Invisible Man’ tops “Superstore” is losing its manager — know it sucks, as we were looking forward Meanwhile, in Italy, which as of Sunday box office with $29 million star America Ferrera says she’s departing to seeing you all, but hold on to your tick- had the largest coronavirus outbreak out- the NBC sitcom after its current season. ets we’ll be announcing the new dates very side of Asia, the thrash-metal band Testa- The Elisabeth Moss-led thriller “The In- Ferrera plays the manager of a big box soon.” ment canceled a Milan show. visible Man” rode a wave of good reviews store in the show, which has already been Green Day was to have played a total of Production on world-travel competition to a very visible spot atop the box office this renewed for a sixth season. The actress nine dates in March in Singapore, Thai- television series “The Amazing Race” has weekend. Universal Pictures on Sunday es- also serves as an executive producer on the land, the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, been halted, the network said Feb. 28. timated that the film from writer-director series and has directed several episodes. South Korea and Japan. “CBS and the producers of ‘The Amaz- Leigh Whannell earned $29 million from The actress became the first Latina ac- K-pop stars BTS also canceled four ing Race’ have taken the precautionary North American theaters. Internationally, tress to win the top comedy actress Emmy hometown shows set for April 11, 12, 18 measure of temporarily suspending pro- the Blumhouse production picked up an Award for her the title role in the series and 19 in Seoul, South Korea, last week duction on the 33rd season of the series. additional $20.2 million. “Ugly Betty” in 2007. due to coronavirus concerns. All contestants and production staff are in “The Invisible Man” carried a relatively She announced on New Year’s Eve that British rapper Stormzy has, per his web- the process of returning home,” the net- modest budget, costing under $10 million she is expecting her second child. site, canceled a March 28 date in Hong work said in a statement. to produce. “Superstore” airs Fridays on Kong and a March 29 show in Seoul, and No racers or members of the traveling “Sonic the Hedgehog” slid to second AFN-Prime. PAGE 12 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Tuesday, March 3, 2020 WORLD Hostage crisis in Philippines ends peacefully

BY JIM GOMEZ grenades. AND AARON FAVILA Instead of being immediately Associated Press arrested, the suspect was allowed to speak for several minutes to MANILA, Philippines — A re- journalists and authorities to de- cently dismissed security guard scribe his grievances against his freed dozens of hostages and was former bosses, whom he accused subdued by police after walking of corruption and abuse before out of a shopping mall in the Phil- police approached and subdued ippine capital on Monday, ending him. a daylong hostage crisis in an up- “I’m very thankful that every- scale commercial district near the police and military headquar- thing ended up peacefully,” said ters, officials said. the mayor, who negotiated with The former guard at the Green- the hostage-taker to give up his hills shopping center, identi- weapons and guaranteed his fied by police as Archie Paray, safety shortly before the crisis left the mall in San Juan City in ended. metropolitan Manila with the re- The gunman shot and wounded maining hostages, who were then a security officer at the V-Mall, secured by police. Several others part of the Greenhills complex had managed to escape earlier, before he rushed to the sec- police said. ond floor and took the hostages, “Everyone is in shock, very Zamora said. The mall officer traumatized. We’ll have to give was in stable condition at a near- them time to recover,” said San by hospital. Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, who The hostage taker was dis- AARON FAVILA/AP ordered an investigation, includ- missed after abandoning his job ing into how the suspect was able in recent weeks without notifying Former security guard Archie Paray, right, talks to media shortly after releasing all his hostages at the to enter the mall with a pistol and management, Zamora said. V-mall in Manila, Philippines, on Monday. Iraq’s PM-designate Putin boasts about new withdraws from post weapons for BY QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA “If I agreed to offer conces- Associated Press sions, I would be prime minister defense plan now, but I tried everything pos- BAGHDAD — Iraq’s prime sible to save the country from Associated Press minister-designate announced sliding toward the unknown and his withdrawal from the post Sun- resolve the current crisis. But the MOSCOW — President Vladi- KHALID MOHAMMED/AP day night after failing to secure negotiations hit repeated snags,” mir Putin says that Russia has de- parliamentary support for his he said in a short address to the Anti-government protesters hold Iraqi flags during a rally in Baghdad veloped unique offense weapons Cabinet selection, prolonging the nation, explaining his decision on Sunday. without the intention of starting a political deadlock in the country to withdraw. He accused some war with anyone but to maintain amid multiple economic, health parties of negotiating “purely for Shortly after he spoke, two against the country’s corrupt po- “strategic balance” and “strate- and security challenges. narrow interests.” mortar shells landed in Iraq’s litical class erupted in Baghdad gic stability” in the world. Prime Minister-designate Mo- Allawi’s withdrawal a month Green Zone where the U.S. Em- and southern provinces. Iraqis “We are not going to fight hammed Allawi blamed political after he was selected for the post bassy and government offices took to the streets in the thou- against anyone. We are going to parties he did not name, say- plunges the country in more un- are located, without causing any sands on Oct. 1 to decry ram- create conditions so that nobody ing they “were not serious about certainty at a critical time and injuries, two security officials pant government corruption, wants to fight against us,” Putin implementing reforms that they as the country weathers troubled said. The officials spoke on con- unemployment and poor servic- promised to the people” and ac- times, including ongoing anti- dition of anonymity in line with es. Demonstrators rejected Al- said in an interview with the state- cusing them of placing obstacles government protests and the con- regulations. lawi’s candidacy outright, saying run Tass news agency, a part of in the way of a new and indepen- stant threat of being ensnared by Iraq on Sunday marked five he was the choice of the political which was released Monday. dent government. festering U.S.-Iran tensions. months since a popular uprising elite and not the street. The three-hour-long interview marks Putin’s 20 years in power and is being divided into 20 parts being released over a period of weeks and each dedicated to a Child dies as migrants rush Greek-Turkish border separate issue. In episodes that have already been released, Associated Press grants in Turkey. Erdogan apparently aims Russia’s leader talked about the to pressure Europe into offering Turkey more recent government reshuffle, KASTANIES, Greece — Greek police support in dealing with the fallout from the Ukraine, mass protests in Mos- fired tear gas at migrants trying to push into Syrian war to its south. cow this summer and the use of Greece from Turkey through the land border Erdogan said Monday that Western leaders modern technology. Monday, and a child died when a dinghy boat had started to call him urging him to reverse Russia has created “offensive capsized during a sea crossing after Turkey the border opening. He said he told them, “It’s strike systems the world has opened its frontier for migrants and refugees done, the doors are open now. You will have to enter Europe. never seen,” and which are forc- your share of this burden now.” He added that ing the U.S. to try to catch up, The child’s death, reported by the Greek soon “the number of people going to the bor- Putin told Tass. coast guard, was the first since thousands der will be expressed in millions.” Having these systems in place of migrants began massing at the frontiers Thousands of migrants on Monday tried to with Greece over the weekend after Turkish find a way across Turkey’s land border into allows the Kremlin to “maintain President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Greece, which has made clear its borders strategic stability and strategic an easing of restrictions on those wishing to will remain closed. Dozens managing to pass balance” that the U.S. tried to MICHAEL VARAKLAS/AP cross to Europe. through either border fences or fording the “upset” with their missile defense Migrants arrive at the village of Skala Turkey’s announcement, initially by an of- river. As Greek police fired tear gas, several systems, the president added. Sikaminias, on the Greek island of Lesbos, ficial on Thursday, marked a dramatic depar- hundred migrants holding white flags shouted “It is essential not only for us after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey ture from a previous policy of containing the “peace, peace.” Others were trying to reach but also for global security,” Putin on Monday. hundreds of thousands of refugees and mi- Greek islands from the Turkish coast. concluded. Tuesday, March 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 13 WORLD Friends say Tijuana woman was stalked even after death

BY M ARK STEVENSON wanted to kill him,” Messick said. Associated Press “And we’re getting thrown under the bus. In the media, people are like, ‘Oh my God, why did they let MEXICO CITY — The man was obsessed with him go to the funeral?’ We had no choice, we had to ECKEHARD SCHULZ/AP Marbella Valdez. He sent her gifts, bought food for play along otherwise he would have fled or he would her friends. Prosecutors say he even planted a track- A warm winter means that for the first time Germany’s vineyards will have killed Brenda (Villarreal, Valdez’s adoptive produce no ice wine. ing device on her car. And when the 20-year-old law student’s body was sister)” he said. found beaten, bound and strangled , he approached Juan had started pursuing Valdez since mid-2019, police to demand the case be solved. He even turned targeting her mainly at her day job as a pump atten- Warm winter nixes up at her funeral bearing a floral arrangement and dant at an all-female gas station in Tijuana. wearing a T-shirt with her photograph and the femi- He had been trying to win Valdez’s trust for special German ice wine nist slogan “Not One More Woman” printed on it. months, giving her chocolate, flowers, stuffed ani- A week later, he was arrested and charged with mals and other gifts. her murder. But a more sinister side gradually emerged. Mes- Associated Press have cut into ice wine production The man — identified by Mexican rules only by sick said that Juan seemed always to know where recently, the institute said, noting his first namve, Juan — has insisted he is innocent. FRANKFURT, Germany — A that in 2017, only seven producers Valdez was. After his arrest, police found a GPS lo- But friends and family say that Valdez was stalked warm winter means that, for ap- managed to make it. cating device to her car, and Messick said that he in life and even after death. parently the first time in the his- “If warm winters become more believed the man may have taken a copy of the keys tory of German winemaking, the frequent over the coming years, By the time he came to her funeral, Valdez’s fam- to her apartment. ily already believed he was the one who killed her, country’s vineyards will produce ice wines from Germany’s re- For three days after her disappearance, relatives no ice wine — a pricey nectar but they couldn’t say a word. gions will soon become an even had been telling police they suspected Juan of tak- made from grapes that have been “And the guy showed up at the funeral and we more expensive rarity than they ing her. Villarreal believes that if they had searched left to freeze on the vine. had to shut our mouths, which was the hardest thing already are,” said wine institute Juan’s house, they could have found her alive. “I The German Wine Institute spokesman Ernst Buescher. in the world,” said William H. Messick, a software said Sunday that none of the Freezing the grapes before executive who has run a self-funded nonprofit to told them, ‘If you had acted, my sister might still be country’s wine regions saw the they are crushed concentrates the help kids like Valdez as they age out of orphanages. alive,’” Villarreal said necessary low temperature of 19 sugar and leads to an intensely While he never legally adopted her, she considered “The level of suffering is so many degrees, it’s so degrees Fahrenheit. sweet, golden wine often served him a father. painful,” Messick said, days after the initial arraign- A succession of warm winters with dessert. “I wanted to throw up every time I saw him, I ment. “The guy was smiling at the hearing.” PAGE 14 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Tuesday, March 3, 2020 OPINION Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Sean Klimek, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander Our chance to end the Afghanistan War Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations Joshua M. Lashbrook, Pacific Chief of Staff BY MARK ESPER to President Donald Trump’s leadership, it right of self-defense. Special to The Washington Post is the best chance we have ever had to end While we look forward with cautious this conflict, to ensure Afghanistan never optimism, we are prepared for every out- EDITORIAL n Sept. 11, 2001, as many of us again becomes a safe haven for terrorists come. Should the Taliban renege on their remember too well, al-Qaida per- who want to attack America and to bring obligations, they will bear full responsibil- Terry Leonard, Editor petrated its murderous attacks [email protected] our troops home. ity for forfeiting a chance for peace, eco- Oagainst the United States that Over the past week, we observed a nomic opportunity and a role in deciding Senior Managing Editor Robert H. Reid, resulted in the tragic loss of life in New significant reduction in violence in Af- the future of the country. Given this pos- [email protected] York, at the Pentagon and an empty field in ghanistan. This set the stage to approve a sibility, we will retain the necessary capa- Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content Pennsylvania. Soon after, the U.S. military conditions-based agreement composed of bilities to respond with decisive military [email protected] deployed to Afghanistan to defeat these four main parts: guarantees and mecha- force to protect our service members, sup- terrorists and remove the safe haven that nisms by the Taliban that will ensure Af- port the Afghan security forces or restart Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation the Taliban offered them. For more than 18 offensive operations. [email protected] ghanistan will never be used by terrorists years, America has been protected. to launch attacks against the United States Ultimately, the success of this agree- Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital But this success has come at a high price. and its allies; a timeline for the withdrawal ment will be up to the Afghan people. They [email protected] Nearly 3,000 U.S. and allied troops have of U.S. and allied forces that commences have suffered too much for too long; they been killed in action, thousands more have in the next two weeks; the start of intra-Af- are a proud people who deserve better. been wounded, and we have spent more ghan negotiations within 10 days; and, the That said, no one has any illusions that BUREAU STAFF than $1 trillion to keep us safe and help the pursuit of a permanent and comprehensive the road ahead will be easy. Afghanistan people of Afghanistan. The U.S. military Europe/Mideast cease-fire. Throughout this process, as I remains a complex country in a challeng- Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief and our allies have performed remark- ing region, and there are still many — in- ably; progress has been made. And while announced Saturday in Kabul alongside [email protected] President Ashraf Ghani, the United States cluding people from outside nations — who +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 the conflict is not over, our Afghan part- will continue its financial and military want the conflict to continue indefinitely ners have rightly taken the lead and borne for a variety of nefarious reasons. As I told Pacific the brunt of the fight in recent years. support to the Afghan government and its Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief security forces. There are other details to our troops on Saturday: Remain vigilant; [email protected] The best guarantee of America’s contin- we still have a long and difficult mission ued safety, however, is not continuing along the plan’s implementation, and the admin- +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 istration looks forward to briefing them to ahead of us. this path. Peace will not come through Thanks to the bravery, skill and commit- Washington military means; rather, safety and secu- Congress in the coming days. Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief As this is a conditions-based agreement, ment of U.S. service members and their al- rity for the United States, our allies and lies, we are now at a point where a stable, [email protected] Afghanistan will be won when all Afghans if we assess that the Taliban is honoring the (+1)(202)886-0033 secure and unified Afghanistan could be- lay down their arms, sit beside one another terms of the deal, the United States will re- Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News come a reality. The almost 800,000 U.S. and decide their future together. A politi- duce its military presence to 8,600 troops [email protected] troops who have deployed there over the cal solution is the best way forward. within a matter of months. This drawdown past 18 years should take pride in knowing We are now in the early days of such an will be part of a NATO-approved plan for CIRCULATION their efforts kept America safe. And the opportunity. On Saturday, we achieved a commensurate reductions by other troop- more than 2,400 heroes who never made it Mideast promising milestone to bring the war in contributing nations. If progress on the home did not die in vain. Because of their Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager Afghanistan to a responsible end with the political front between the Taliban and [email protected] sacrifice, America has not faced a terrorist signing of an agreement between the Unit- the current Afghan government contin- [email protected] attack from Afghanistan since 9/11. This DSN (314)583-9111 ed States and the Taliban. It is a road map ues, then the United States and its partners to peace, security and stability that, while will further reduce our presence toward a agreement is now the best chance we have Europe fraught with many imperfections and un- goal of zero in 2021. If progress stalls, then to ensuring it never does again, while safe- Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager certainties, is supported by the Afghan our drawdown likely will be suspended, ly bringing our troops home. [email protected] [email protected] government and our NATO allies. Thanks as well. At no time will we relinquish the Mark Esper is U.S. defense secretary. +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 Pacific Mari Mori, [email protected] +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 Biden’s moment in the sun likely won’t last CONTACT US BY HUGH HEWITT a race against Sanders, which the presi- Saturday in a deep-red state came too late, Washington Special to The Washington Post dent interpreted as their estimate of who in a too-crowded field. Many hopefuls are tel: (+1)202.886.0003 would be easier to beat. That’s their error. likely to soldier on, hoping to arrive at the 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 ormer Vice President Joe Biden Though I favor a Trump-Sanders race, it Milwaukee convention with enough del- Reader letters handily won the South Carolina isn’t because the Vermont senator is the egates to use as leverage. [email protected] Democratic primary, but take a easiest Democrat to beat. Far from it. Biden may hang on too, amid a never- Fstep back and the victory wasn’t But a contest between Trump and Sand- ending stream of gaffes. He was obliged Additional contacts nearly as promising as his campaign might ers would be clarifying. The debate is even by the most supportive of his media stripes.com/contactus like to believe. Biden took a victory lap on overdue. Trump is the unlikely tribune of accomplices to admit on Friday that, con- OMBUDSMAN the Sunday-morning talk shows — he’s free-market policies and a peace-through- trary to his claims three times in recent desperate to close the gap with Sen. Bernie strength military buildup, and he has weeks, he had never been arrested while Ernie Gates Sanders, I-Vt., quickly — but look beyond surprised by crafting, along with Senate visiting South Africa in the 1970s to visit his self-congratulations. It’s not the win Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Nelson Mandela. Then last week there was Biden needed. The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow a federal judiciary committed to the Con- the one in a Biden speech about meeting of news and information, reporting any attempts by the What Biden had to have was a smash- stitution as intended by the framers, with with Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, who military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s ing repudiation of Sanders — not just of subsequent amendments especially those died in 1997, to hammer out an agreement independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns Sanders but of the entire field, dealing a and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for fair- that followed the Civil War. Sanders would on the Paris climate accord, which was crushing blow to the hopes of every other ness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman represent a radical turning away from signed in 2016, and his assertion in the welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted would-be nominee and prompting several market economics, a vast expansion of Democratic debate that 150 million Ameri- by email at [email protected], or by phone at to drop out. That didn’t happen. Drawing 202.886.0003. cans had died of gun violence since 2007. well over 50% of the vote might have sent an already towering federal debt and the embrace of class politics that America has Yes, Trump engages in “truthful hy- that message, but Biden fell short, with perbole,” as former media mogul Conrad 48.4%. So he can chalk up a win in a state always rejected. Then there would be his Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- foreign policy. Trump has criticized U.S. Black has branded it. But Biden’s serial days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday heavily tilted toward him in primary de- allies, but Sanders would abandon them flops must disquiet Democrats: With Biden through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and mographics but one that won’t be in play in the gaffe machine, they would lose one of Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals November. By contrast, Iowa, New Hamp- completely as he surrenders American postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send leadership in the world. The U.S. military their best lines of attack on the president. address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, shire and Nevada all could be up for grabs Yet Trump enjoys jousting with reporters, APO AP 96301-5002. would simply be slashed and burned. this fall, and Biden lost them badly. while Biden hides from them. That doesn’t This newspaper is authorized by the Department of The Manhattan-Beltway elites of both Defense for members of the military services overseas. Though heavily favored because of the bode well for Biden clearing the hurdles parties and the mainstream media don’t However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, Palmetto State’s large African American between now and November . and are not to be considered as the official views of, or want to see that confrontation. They fear population, Biden gained only 61% of that Super Tuesday is likely to put Sanders endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspaper, further repudiation of their cloistered Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official chan- demographic, according to exit polls. At clearly back on top with many wins . No nels and use appropriated funds for distribution to remote first glance, that might seem more impres- world view and disintermediation of their matter how Biden tries to spin it, if Sand- locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. sive than Sanders’ 43% of the youth vote, authority . A President Biden would restore The appearance of advertising in this publication does ers arrives in Milwaukee with a delegate not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense but think about this: The black vote will ac- order; elite influence would be revived. A lead, and with Pete Buttigieg (now out of or Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. count for only 12% of the November 2020 President Mike Bloomberg would accom- the race) or Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Products or services advertised shall be made available for electorate; the youth vote (millennials and plish the same. Both of them know and purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, Warren holding enough delegates to put religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical Gen Z combined) come in at 37%, accord- court the elites that first Trump and now Sanders over the top, the deal will be done handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor ing to Pew Research Center. Sanders so vocally spurn. Thus throughout on the first ballot. of the purchaser, user or patron. When President Donald Trump asked 2019 did Biden rally the talking heads and his Friday night rally to indicate by ap- the old elites of the Democratic Party. But Hugh Hewitt, a Washington Post contributing © Stars and Stripes 2020 columnist, hosts a nationally syndicated radio plause whether they’d rather he face Sand- after three losses in a row in the first con- show and is author of “The Fourth Way: The stripes.com ers or Biden, the crowd clearly preferred tests of the new year, his plurality win on Conservative Playbook for a Lasting GOP Majority.” Tuesday, March 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 15 Looking at the news A weekly sampling of U.S. editorial cartoons

JEFF DANZIGER/Washington Post News Service

TIM CAMPBELL/Washington Post News Service

WALT HANDELSMAN/Tribune Content Agency WALT HANDELSMAN/Tribune Content Agency

TIM CAMPBELL/Washington Post News Service PAGE 16 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Tuesday, March 3, 2020 Tuesday, March 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 17 SCOREBOARD

Sports College basketball Golf Mountain West Conference Oregon 92, Washington 56 Sunday’s men’s scores At Las Vegas Oregon St. 73, Washington St. 58 Honda Classic on AFN EAST First Round Southern Cal 66, Colorado 55 PGA Tour Coast Guard 89, Worcester Tech 86, OT Wednesday, March 4 Stanford 55, Arizona St. 44 Sunday Franklin Pierce 76, Adelphi 74 Fresno St. vs. Air Force UCLA 77, Utah 54 At PGA National (Champions) Ithaca 80, RPI 69, OT New Mexico vs. San Jose St. Utah St. 81, San Diego St. 79, OT Palm Beach Gardens Fla. Go to the American Forces Monmouth (NJ) 80, Manhattan 60 Colorado St. vs. Wyoming Purse: $7 million NYIT 85, Daemen 82, OT Quarterfinals Yardage: 7,125; Par: 70 Network website for the most New Haven 75, Le Moyne 73 Thursday, March 5 Women’s conference Final Round up-to-date TV schedules. Quinnipiac 71, Marist 52 San Diego St. vs. Fresno St.-Air Force tournaments Sungjae Im, $1,260,000 72-66-70-66—274 -6 Rider 65, Fairfield 51 winner M. Hughes, $763,000 71-72-66-66—275 -5 myafn.net Roberts Wesleyan 106, Molloy 96 UNLV vs. Boise State America East Conference T. Fleetwood, $483,000 70-68-67-71—276 -4 SUNY Delhi 94, Pine Manor 42 Utah St. vs. New Mexico-San Jose St. First Round Byeong H. An, $280,000 76-66-68-67—277 -3 Saint Louis 72, Rhode Island 62 winner Wednesday, March 4 Daniel Berger, $280,000 69-70-69-69—277 -3 South Florida 64, Temple 58 Nevada vs. Colo. St.-Wyoming winner Stony Brook vs. Albany (NY) B. Steele, $280,000 68-67-71-71—277 -3 St. Anselm 82, Pace 77 Northeast Conference Maine vs. Vermont L. Westwood, $280,000 67-69-71-70—277 -3 Auto racing St. John’s 91, Creighton 71 First Round Mass.-Lowell vs. UMBC C. Davis, $204,750 70-67-73-68—278 -2 St. Joseph (Conn.) 88, Albertus Mag- Wednesday, March 4 Binghamton vs. New Hampshire R. Henley, $204,750 70-69-70-69—278 -2 nus 84 Robert Morris vs. St. Francis (NY) Atlantic 10 Conference G. Woodland, $204,750 70-67-74-67—278 -2 Auto Club 400 Stonehill 86, S. Connecticut 71 Saint Francis (Pa.) vs. Bryant First Round W. Clark, $145,250 68-74-71-66—279 -1 Towson 75, Northeastern 72 Sacred Heart vs. Mount St. Mary’s Tuesday, March 3 Luke Donald, $145,250 70-66-71-72—279 -1 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Tufts 102, Colby 94, 2OT LIU Brooklyn vs. Fairleigh Dickinson Fordham vs. St. Joseph (NY) Brice Garnett, $145,250 72-69-72-66—279 -1 Sunday Xavier 66, Georgetown 63 Ohio Valley Conference Saint Louis vs. George Mason M. Hubbard, $145,250 69-71-69-70—279 -1 At Auto Club Speedway Yeshiva 86, Purchase 74 At Evansville, Ind. UMass vs. St. Bonaventure M. McNealy, $145,250 70-69-71-69—279 -1 Fontana, Calif. SOUTH First Round Duquesne vs. Rhode Island R. Shelton, $145,250 70-69-70-70—279 -1 Lap length: 2.00 miles Centenary 77, Texas Lutheran 56 Wednesday, March 4 Davidson vs. La Salle H. English, $103,250 66-74-72-68—280 E (Start position in parentheses) Centre 72, Berry 69 Tennessee St. vs. Morehead St. George Washington vs. Richmond Ryan Palmer, $103,250 70-72-68-70—280 E 1. (3) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet, 200 FIU 67, Charlotte 52 E. Illinois vs. Jacksonville St. At Dayton, Ohio C. Schwartzel, $103,250 69-69-70-72—280 E laps, 59 points. Louisville 68, Virginia Tech 52 Second Round Quarterfinals R. Werenski, $103,250 70-68-73-69—280 E 2. (17) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 200, 40. Old Dominion 85, FAU 80, OT Thursday, March 5 Friday, March 6 P.k Rodgers, $70,583 69-71-72-69—281 +1 3. (4) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, 200, 40. Randolph Macon 72, Va. Wesleyan 57 E. Kentucky vs. Tennessee St.-More- Dayton vs. GW-Richmond winner H. Swafford, $70,583 70-69-73-69—281 +1 4. (13) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet, 200, 40. Transylvania 49, Rose Hulman 48 head St. winner Saint Louis-George Mason winner vs Brandon Hagy, $70,583 70-71-69-71—281 +1 5. (15) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 200, 44. Austin Peay vs. E. Illinois-Jacksonville UMass-St. Bonaventure winner Kramer Hickok, $70,583 73-70-69-69—281 +1 UNC-Pembroke 88, Georgia South- St. winner 6. (28) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 200, 34. western 65 VCU vs. Davidson-La Salle winner Shane Lowry, $70,583 69-69-73-70—281 +1 7. (2) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 200, Patriot League Fordham-St. Joseph (NY) winner vs. Jimmy Walker, $70,583 72-69-70-70—281 +1 MIDWEST At Higher-Seeded Schools 46. Illinois 67, Indiana 66 Duquesne-Rhode Island winner Jason Dufner, $46,944 70-72-68-72—282 +2 8. (6) Aric Almirola, Ford, 200, 36. First Round Horizon League Northwestern 81, Nebraska 76, OT Tuesday, March 3 Adam Long, $46,944 71-68-74-69—282 +2 9. (5) Kevin Harvick, Ford, 200, 29. Ohio St. 77, Michigan 63 At Detroit J. Lovemark, $46,944 69-69-73-71—282 +2 10. (29) Erik Jones, Toyota, 200, 29. Bucknell vs. Holy Cross First Round Wisconsin 71, Minnesota 69 Lehigh vs. Loyola Marymount Ian Poulter, $46,944 70-70-72-70—282 +2 11. (19) Tyler Reddick, Chevrolet, 200, SOUTHWEST Tuesday, March 3 Sepp Straka, $46,944 70-67-74-71—282 +2 Quarterfinals Wright St. vs. Ill.-Chicago 26. Houston 68, Cincinnati 55 Thursday, March 5 C. Tringale, $46,944 67-72-72-71—282 +2 12. (7) Joey Logano, Ford, 200, 29. North Texas 78, W. Kentucky 72, OT N. Kentucky vs. Detroit J. Vegas, $46,944 70-71-69-72—282 +2 Colgate vs. Lehigh-Loyola Marymount Cleveland St. vs. Youngstown St. 13. (12) Matt DiBenedetto, Ford, 200, Rice 77, Middle Tennessee 66 winner Nick Watney, $46,944 71-66-73-72—282 +2 27. UTEP 75, Southern Miss. 56 Milwaukee vs. Oakland American U. vs. Bucknell-Holy Cross Mountain West Conference 14. (38) Martin Truex Jr, Toyota, 200, 29. UTSA 66, UAB 59 winner 15. (21) William Byron, Chevrolet, 200, Wichita St. 66, SMU 62 At Las Vegas Cologuard Classic Boston U. vs. Navy First Round 22. FAR WEST Army West Point vs. Lafayette PGA Tour Champions 16. (11) Chris Buescher, Ford, 200, 21. Stanford 72, Colorado 64 Sunday, March 1 Sunday West Coast Conference Nevada 74, New Mexico 64 17. (27) Ross Chastain, Ford, 200, 0. UC Riverside 49, Hawaii 43 At Las Vegas At Omni Tucson National Air Force 60, Colorado St. 48 Tucson, Ariz. 18. (18) Cole Custer, Ford, 199, 19. First Round Utah St. 81, San Diego St 79, OT 19. (16) Ryan Blaney, Ford, 199, 37. Thursday, March 5 Purse: $1.7 million Men’s conference tournaments Quarterfinals Yardage: 7,218; Par: 73 20. (10) Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Chevrolet, Loyola Marymount vs. San Diego Monday, March 2 199, 7. Atlantic Sun Conference Santa Clara vs. Portland Final Round Fresno State vs. Nevada Bernhard Langer, $255,000 68-68-65—201 -18 21. (9) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 199, 16. First Round Second Round San Jose State vs. UNLV 22. (8) Michael McDowell, Ford, 199, 15. Tuesday, March 3 Friday, March 6 Woody Austin, $149,600 69-68-66—203 -16 Liberty vs. NJIT Boise State vs. Air Force 23. (1) Clint Bowyer, Ford, 199, 14. San Francisco vs. Loyola Marymount- Wyoming vs. Utah St. Rod Pampling, $112,200 67-68-70—205 -14 Stetson vs. North Alabama Brett Quigley, $112,200 64-68-73—205 -14 24. (25) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 199, San Diego winner Semifinals 13. Lipscomb vs. Florida Gulf Coast Pepperdine vs. Santa Clara-Portland Fred Couples, $70,267 68-66-72—206 -13 North Florida vs. Jacksonville Tuesday, March 3 25. (23) John H. Nemechek, Ford, 199, winner Fresno State-Nevada winner vs. San Steve Stricker, $70,267 67-71-68—206 -13 12. Semifinals M. Angel Jimenez, $70,267 69-66-71—206 -13 Thursday, March 5 Jose State-UNLV winner 26. (24) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet, 199, 11. Sunday’s women’s scores Boise State-Air Force winner vs. Wyo- Robert Karlsson, $54,400 65-71-71—207 -12 27. (14) Bubba Wallace, Chevrolet, 198, Liberty-NJIT winner vs. Stetson-North John Daly, $36,975 67-71-70—208 -11 Alabama winner ming-Utah St. winner 10. EAST Championship Glen Day, $36,975 67-70-71—208 -11 North Florida-Jacksonville winner vs. Boston College 88, Syracuse 81 Ken Duke, $36,975 73-68-67—208 -11 28. (31) Daniel Suarez, Toyota, 198, 9. Lipscomb-Florida Gulf Coast winner Wednesday, March 4 29. (26) Corey Lajoie, Ford, 197, 8. Drexel 63, Towson 60 Semifinal winners Lee Janzen, $36,975 69-71-68—208 -11 Big South Conference Lehigh 82, Loyola (Md.) 64 Stephen Leaney, $36,975 69-70-69—208 -11 30. (20) Ryan Preece, Chevrolet, 197, -3. First Round Ohio Valley Conference 31. (30) JJ Yeley, Ford, 197, 0. Rutgers 78, Iowa 74, OT At Evansville, Ind. Larry Mize, $36,975 72-67-69—208 -11 Tuesday, March 3 Seton Hall 66, Butler 53 Kevin Sutherland, $36,975 72-67-69—208 -11 32. (32) Brennan Poole, Chevrolet, 195, SC-Upstate vs. High Point First Round 5. St. John’s 74, Xavier 37 Wednesday, March 4 Scott Verplank, $36,975 70-68-70—208 -11 UNC-Asheville vs. Campbell Mark O’Meara, $27,200 69-69-71—209 -10 33. (34) Joey Gase, Ford, 193, 0. Villanova 74, Providence 63 UT-Martin vs. Murray St. Charleston Southern vs. Presbyterian SOUTH 34. (36) Garrett Smithley, Ford, 193, 3. Quarterfinals Belmont vs. Austin Peay 35. (35) Quin Houff, Chevrolet, 192, 2. Alabama 73, Missouri 61 Thursday, March 5 Thursday, March 5 Coll. of Charleston 66, Northeastern 36. (33) Reed Sorenson, Chevrolet, 191, Winthrop vs. SC-Upstate-High Point E. Illinois vs. Jacksonville St. 1. winner 61, OT SE Missouri vs. Tennessee Tech Pro soccer 37. (37) Timmy Hill, Ford, 184, 0. Gardner-Webb vs. UNC-Asheville- Duke 73, North Carolina 54 Southern Conference 38. (22) Christopher Bell, Toyota, en- Campbell winner Georgia 65, Florida 59 At Asheville, N.C. gine, 80, 1. Radford vs. Charleston Southern-Pres- Georgia Tech 56, Clemson 44 First Round MLS James Madison 69, Delaware 64 Thursday, March 5 Race Statistics byterian winner Eastern Conference Longwood vs. Hampton Louisville 70, Virginia Tech 53 Samford vs. W. Carolina Average Speed of Race Winner: Miami 73, Pittsburgh 54 W L T Pts GF GA 152.745 mph. Colonial Athletic Association Furman vs. Wofford At Washington Mississippi St. 84, Mississippi 59 Chattanooga vs. Mercer New York 1 0 0 3 3 2 Time of Race: 2 hours, 37 minutes, 7 NC State 75, Virginia 64 Montreal 1 0 0 3 2 1 seconds. First Round UNC-Greensboro vs. ETSU Saturday, March 7 Notre Dame 70, Florida St. 67 Summit League Atlanta 1 0 0 3 2 1 Margin of Victory: 8.904 seconds. South Carolina 60, Texas A&M 52 Columbus 1 0 0 3 1 0 Caution Flags: 3 for 13 laps. Drexel vs. UNC-Wilmington At Sioux Falls, S.D. Tennessee 56, Auburn 55 First Round Toronto FC 0 0 1 1 2 2 Lead Changes: 16 among 8 drivers. Elon vs. James Madison Horizon League UNC-Wilmington 56, Hofstra 43 Saturday, March 7 Orlando City 0 0 1 1 0 0 Lap Leaders: C.Bowyer 0-10; A.Bowman Vanderbilt 70, Kentucky 64 South Dakota vs. Nebraska-Omaha Cincinnati 0 1 0 0 2 3 11-29; R.Stenhouse 30-35; A.Bowman First Round Tuesday, March 3 MIDWEST S. Dakota St. vs. North Dakota Chicago 0 1 0 0 1 2 36-63; J.Johnson 64-68; R.Blaney 69-70; Creighton 95, Georgetown 78 Sunday, March 8 New England 0 1 0 0 1 2 J.Johnson 71; R.Blaney 72-91; W.Byron Ill.-Chicago vs. IUPUI Youngstown State vs. Milwaukee Drake 83, Valparaiso 79 Oral Roberts vs. W. Illinois D.C. United 0 1 0 0 1 2 92; R.Blaney 93-123; J.Johnson 124-127; Oakland vs. Cleveland St. Illinois St. 66, S. Illinois 56 Denver vs. N. Dakota St. New York City FC 0 1 0 0 0 1 R.Blaney 128; A.Bowman 129; M.Truex Missouri Valley Conference Indiana 78, Michigan 60 West Coast Conference Inter Miami CF 0 1 0 0 0 1 130-132; A.Bowman 133-160; B.Keselowski At St. Louis Marquette 90, DePaul 83 At Las Vegas Philadelphia 0 1 0 0 0 2 161-166; A.Bowman 167-200 First Round Maryland 99, Minnesota 44 First Round Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Western Conference Thursday, March 5 Michigan St. 99, Penn St. 80 Thursday, March 5 W L T Pts GF GA Led, Laps Led): A.Bowman, 5 times for Drake vs. Illinois St. Missouri St. 69, Bradley 66 Santa Clara vs. San Francisco 110 laps; R.Blaney, 4 times for 54 laps; Sporting KC 1 0 0 3 3 1 Valparaiso vs. Evansville N. Iowa 73, Loyola of Chicago 70 Saint Mary’s (Cal) vs. Loyola Mary- Minnesota United 1 0 0 3 3 1 J.Johnson, 3 times for 10 laps; C.Bowyer, Quarterfinals SOUTHWEST mount 1 time for 10 laps; B.Keselowski, 1 time FC Dallas 1 0 0 3 2 0 Friday, March 6 Arkansas 75, LSU 71 Second Round Colorado 1 0 0 3 2 1 for 6 laps; R.Stenhouse, 1 time for 6 laps; N. Iowa vs Drake-Illinois St. winner Texas Tech 87, TCU 83 Friday, March 6 M.Truex, 1 time for 3 laps; W.Byron, 1 Seattle 1 0 0 3 2 1 Bradley vs. S. Illinois FAR WEST Pacific vs. Santa Clara—San Francisco Los Angeles FC 1 0 0 3 1 0 time for 1 lap. Loyola of Chicago vs. Valparaiso- Air Force 60, Colorado St. 48 winner Wins: J.Logano, 1; A.Bowman, 1; Evansville winner California 55, Arizona 54 Pepperdine vs. Saint Mary’s (Cal)— San Jose 0 0 1 1 2 2 D.Hamlin, 1. Indiana St. vs. Missouri St. Nevada 74, New Mexico 64 Loyola Marymount winner LA Galaxy 0 0 1 1 1 1 Top 16 in Points: 1. R.Blaney, 122; Houston 0 0 1 1 1 1 2. J.Logano, 111; 3. A.Bowman, 110; 4. Real Salt Lake 0 0 1 1 0 0 K.Harvick, 110; 5. J.Johnson, 106; 6. C.Elliott, Nashville SC 0 1 0 0 1 2 105; 7. D.Hamlin, 94; 8. M.DiBenedetto, Pro baseball Pro football Portland 0 1 0 0 1 3 87; 9. K.Larson, 86; 10. A.Almirola, 84; Vancouver 0 1 0 0 1 3 11. C.Buescher, 82; 12. B.Keselowski, Note: Three points for victory, one point for tie. 82; 13. M.Truex, 79; 14. A.Dillon, 76; 15. MLB Glendale, Ariz. XFL R.Stenhouse, 73; 16. C.Bowyer, 70. Spring training L.A. Dodgers vs. Cincinnati at Good- Saturday’s games Colorado 2, D.C. United 1 NASCAR Driver Rating Formula Sunday’s games year, Ariz. Eastern Conference Houston 5, St. Louis 4 Colorado vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz. W L Pct PF PA Montreal 2, New England 1 A maximum of 150 points can be at- LA Galaxy 1, Houston 1, tie tained in a race. Boston 4, Atlanta 2 San Francisco vs. Arizona at Scotts- St. Louis 3 1 .750 91 62 Miami 7, N.Y. Mets (ss) 1 dale, Ariz. DC 2 1 .667 67 58 Toronto FC 2, San Jose 2, tie The formula combines the following Baltimore 3, Philadelphia 2 Philadelphia vs. Atlanta at North Port, Real Salt Lake 0, Orlando City 0, tie categories: Wins, Finishes, Top-15 Fin- Tampa Bay 8, Minnesota 2 Fla. New York 2 2 .500 49 73 FC Dallas 2, Philadelphia 0 ishes, Average Running Position While Pittsburgh 13, Toronto 9 Chicago Cubs (ss) vs. Oakland at Tampa Bay 0 3 .000 39 74 Atlanta 2, Nashville 1 on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Detroit 10, N.Y. Yankees 4 Mesa, Ariz. Western Conference Sporting Kansas City 3, Vancouver 1 Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead- N.Y. Mets (ss) 3, Washington 1 Tuesday’s games W L Pct PF PA Sunday’s games Lap Finish. Chicago Cubs 7, Seattle 3 Baltimore vs. Washington at West Houston 3 0 1.000 99 68 Columbus 1, New York City FC 0 Texas 8, L.A. Dodgers 6 Palm Beach, Fla. Dallas 2 1 .667 58 45 New York 3, Cincinnati 2 Oakland (ss) 10, Kansas City 6 Boston vs. N.Y. Yankees at Tampa, Fla. Los Angeles 1 3 .250 88 88 Seattle 2, Chicago 1 Deals Cleveland (ss) 10, Arizona 6 Houston vs. St. Louis at Jupiter, Fla. Seattle 1 3 .250 64 87 Los Angeles FC 1, Miami 0 Milwaukee 5, Cincinnati 4 Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta at North Port, Minnesota 3, Portland 1 San Diego 7, San Francisco 5 Fla. Saturday’s games New York 17, Los Angeles 14 Saturday, March 7 Chicago White Sox 8, L.A. Angels (ss) 7 Detroit vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Chicago at New England Sunday’s transactions Colorado 6, L.A. Angels (ss) 3 Fla. St. Louis 23, Seattle 16 Oakland (ss) 8, Cleveland (ss) 5 Miami vs. N.Y. Mets at Port St. Lucie, Sunday’s games New York at Real Salt Lake BASEBALL Monday’s games Fla.Texas vs. San Francisco at Scotts- Houston 27, Dallas 20 Montreal at FC Dallas Major League Baseball Miami vs. Washington at West Palm dale, Ariz. Tampa Bay 25, DC 0 Miami at D.C. United BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Re-assigned Beach, Fla. Oakland vs. Chicago White Sox at Saturday, March 7 New York City FC at Toronto FC INF Rylan Bannon, Malquin Canelo and Minnesota vs. St. Louis at Jupiter, Fla. Glendale, Ariz. Cincinnati at Atlanta Seattle at Houston Minnesota at San Jose Mason McCoy and LHP Zac Lowther and Tampa Bay vs. Baltimore at Sarasota, L.A. Angels vs. Cleveland at Goodyear, New York at Dallas Alexander Wells to Minor League Camp Houston at Sporting Kansas City Fla. Ariz. Sunday, March 8 SEATTLE MARINERS — Re-assigned Boston vs. Detroit at Lakeland, Fla. Milwaukee vs. San Diego at Peoria, Orlando City at Colorado RHP Matt Festa to Minor League Camp. Pittsburgh vs. Toronto at Dunedin, Fla. Ariz. St. Louis at DC Vancouver at LA Galaxy HOCKEY Cleveland vs. Texas at Surprise, Ariz. Chicago Cubs vs. Colorado at Scotts- Tampa Bay at Los Angeles Columbus at Seattle National Hockey League L.A. Angels vs. Chicago Cubs (ss) at dale, Ariz. Saturday, March 14 Sunday, March 8 DALLAS STARS — Recalled F Justin Mesa, Ariz. Arizona vs. Kansas City at Surprise, Houston at New York Nashville at Portland Dowling from Texas (AHL). San Diego vs. Chicago White Sox at Ariz. St. Louis at Tampa Bay Philadelphia at Los Angeles FC PAGE 18 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Tuesday, March 3, 2020 NFL Speed thrills on final day of scouting combine

DB Guidry’s 4.29-second DID YOU KNOW ?

40-yard dash sets pace Combine organizers adopted 16 new drills this year, while ditching a few old ones to BY MICHAEL MAROT keep up with the evolution of football. Those Associated Press who watched and participated appreciated the new look and the hope is it might INDIANAPOLIS — College football’s encourage more players to participate in top players turned the NFL’s annual scout- future years. meanwhile, the combine’s ing combine into speed week. revamped schedule got mixed reviews. While Running back Jonathan Taylor promised to run the 40-yard dash in under 4.4 the early mornings and late nights have been seconds. He did. Receiver Henry Ruggs part of the process for years, the long gap III came, literally, a few ticks away from between media interviews and workouts did matching the fastest time recorded in the not make for compelling afternoon television. event’s 35-year history. Linebacker Isaiah SOURCE: Associated Press Simmons showed he had receiver-type speed on Saturday, and even the big men and 4.51, good enough to stay among the turned heads with their fleet feet. top-rated safeties. Plus, he had a 42-inch On Sunday, the trend continued with vertical jump, the best among defensive cornerback Javelin Guidry of Utah clock- backs, and the third-best broad jump at 11- CHARLIE NEIBERGALL/AP ing a 4.29 — the best on the final day of fee, 2-inches. workouts in Indianapolis and tied for Utah defensive back Javelin K. Guidry clocked a 4.29 time in the 40-yard dash on third-best among defensive backs since Sunday at the NFL scourting combine, tops on the final day of workouts in Indianapolis Sliders 2003. Only Jalen Myrick of Minnesota in and tied for third-best among defensive backs since 2003. Zack Moss: Of the 28 running backs 2017 and Stanford Routt in 2005 posted who competed in the vertical jump, the faster times. inches and a 41-inch vertical jump. Jonathan Taylor: The fastest running former Utah player had the seventh worst “It was a 4.28 at a Texas camp my sopho- “ It’s always going to be risk-reward,” back in Indianapolis also measured in big- mark at 33 inches. Worse yet, he hurt his more year,“ Guidry said earlier this week he said before working out. “You chose if ger than his two nearest competitors, J.K. hamstring. Though Moss showed tough- when asked what his fastest 40 was. “I re- you’re going to get the reward or if you’re Dobbins of Ohio State and D’Andre Swift ness by continuing, he probably should ally focused on it (track) when we moved going to get the risk.“ of Georgia, to be the first runner selected. have stopped rather than run a 4.65-sec- to Texas. Coach Larry Weathers in Austin, He outran Swift in the 40 (4.48) with a 4.39, ond 40, tied for fourth-slowest in the posi- he really put it on me to focus on track and Risers and posted better numbers in the vertical tion group. running and DB drills as well. He’s a DB Tristan Wirfs: At 6-foot-5, 322 pounds, jump and broad jump than Swift, too. An Laviska Shenault Jr.: The 6-foot-1, 227- coach, but running was the main thing.“ Iowa’s former offensive tackle might not injured ankle, meanwhile, limited Dobbins pound former Colorado receiver played Guidry did more than that in Indy. look like the most athletically gifted player. to only the bench press. Dobbins had 23 most of last season with a core muscle inju- He also posted 21 reps on the 225-pound But he posted a better vertical jump (36.5 reps compared with 17 for Taylor. ry. Only Shenault really knows how much bench press, tied for fifth among defensive inches) than two of the draft’s top receivers Mekhi Becton. A massive 364-pound it hurt him at the combine. After posting backs. — Jerry Jeudy (35) and CeeDee Lamb (34- offensive tackle from Louisville raised a less-than-scintillating 4.58-second run Jeff Okudah, widely considered the best 5). He also won three prep state champion- eyebrows with a stunning 5.11 in the 40 Thursday, NFL Network reported he in- cornerback in April’s draft, didn’t have the ships in the discus, two in the shot put and but may have raised questions with only tended to have surgery. The recovery time kind of day he expected. was an elite swimmer by age 6. 23 reps. He tied for 25th among the 39 of- is expected to be four to eight weeks. The former Ohio State player did only 11 Isaiah Simmons: The former Clemson fensive linemen who lifted — and had two Mitchell Wilcox: Everyone saw the Flor- reps on the bench press and posted a 4.48 linebacker started this week as a potential fewer than punter Michael Turk of Ari- ida Atlantic tight end get hit in the face by in the 40 before hitting the Lucas Oil Sta- top-10 pick. He helped himself by running zona State. Next up: Perhaps seeing Bec- a ball in the gauntlet drill. He never com- dium turf while trying to make a spinning a 4.39-second in the 40, matching Taylor’s ton board a boat at the Bellagio on draft pletely recovered from that embarrassing catch during one drill. He complained of time and finishing ahead of all but six re- weekend. moment, struggling to make catches in head and neck soreness, sat out some of ceivers. He also had the second-best broad Kyle Dugger. The only Division II player other drills, running the third-slowest 40 the workout, before returning to deliver jump (11 feet) and tied for third-best verti- in Indy thought he would run in the 4.3’s. among tight ends (4.88) and the second the best broad jump of the day at 11 feet, 3 cal jump (39 inches) among linebackers. Instead, his two attempts came in at 4.50 worst vertical jump (31). Disgruntled pass rusher Ngakoue wants out of Jacksonville

BY MARK LONG ‘ Associated Press We’re going to try to get him here and keep him here one way or another. So I think I’ll leave it at that. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — ’ Standout defensive end Yannick Dave Caldwell Ngakoue no longer wants to sign Jaguars general manager, on 24-year-old defensive end Yannick Ngakoue a long-term deal with the Jack- sonville Jaguars. Ngakoue announced his de- position. guys know how we feel about him were traded in separate deals to sire to play elsewhere via social He had been seeking around and we want him here,” Jaguars the Los Angeles Rams. Safety media Monday, a move that could $22 million a year to remain in general manager Dave Caldwell Tashaun Gipson and defensive force Jacksonville to place the Jacksonville, but the Jaguars said at the NFL combine last tackle Malik Jackson were re- franchise tag on the 24-year-old don’t seem to consider him a com- week. “We’re going to try to get leased before the 2019 season in disgruntled defender and trade plete or elite defensive end worthy him here and keep him here one a cost-saving move. him. of that much annually. Jackson- way or another. So I think I’ll Linebacker Telvin Smith “The Jaguars are aware I no ville also selected Ngakoue’s po- leave it at that.” abruptly quit the team last May to longer have interest in signing tential replacement, Josh Allen If the Jaguars end up trading “get my world in order” and even- a long term contract in Jackson- from Kentucky, with the seventh Ngakoue, they would be left with tually filed retirement paperwork ville,” Ngakoue posted on Twitter overall pick in the 2019 NFL few pieces from their dynamic to avoid mounting fines. and Instagram. “Duval, I love you draft. Allen had 44 tackles, 10 ½ defense that carried the team to And Jacksonville recently de- and gave you guys everything I sacks and two forced fumbles as a the AFC championship game in clined to pick up a team option in JOHN RAOUX/AP got. I’m thankful for the journey rookie and made the Pro Bowl as January 2018. defensive tackle Marcell Dareus’ and look forward to continuing Jacksonville Jaguars defensive an alternate. Defensive end Calais Campbell, contract, saving $19.5 million my career elsewhere.” end Yannick Ngakoue announced Jacksonville is expected to cornerback A.J. Bouye and line- against the cap in 2020. Dareus Ngakoue has 37 ½ sacks and 14 on social media Monday that he place the franchise tag on Ngak- backer Myles Jack remain. But will still count $2.5 million against forced fumbles in four seasons. no longer wants to sign a long- oue, a move that would guaran- there are no guarantees Camp- the cap in dead money. The speedy strip-sack special- term deal with the team. tee him more than $19 million in bell and Bouye will stick around “He would still be a guy that ist made the Pro Bowl in 2017 2020. But he also could refuse to since they would count nearly we would have interest in bring- and was an alternate the last two clearly outplayed his $3.84 mil- sign the tender, essentially forc- $33 million combined against the ing back at some point in time,” seasons. lion rookie contract. He made ing a trade. salary cap next season. Caldwell said last week. A third-round draft pick from $2.025 million in 2019 — far less “There’s still a process that Cornerback Jalen Ramsey More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL Maryland in 2016, Ngakoue than other top playmakers at his needs to be played, but I think you and defensive end Dante Fowler and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL Tuesday, March 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 19 NHL Scoreboard Ovechkin, Caps shut door on slump Eastern Conference Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 66 41 13 12 94 218 167 Tampa Bay 65 41 19 5 87 230 183 Toronto 66 35 23 8 78 233 218 He scores twice in Florida 66 33 26 7 73 224 224 Montreal 67 30 28 9 69 203 207 Buffalo 65 29 28 8 66 188 205 4-3 win over Wild Ottawa 66 23 31 12 58 178 224 Detroit 67 15 47 5 35 135 255 Metropolitan Division Washington 65 40 19 6 86 226 199 BY MIKE COOK Philadelphia 65 38 20 7 83 220 190 Associated Press Pittsburgh 64 37 21 6 80 204 178 N.Y. Islanders 64 35 21 8 78 181 175 Columbus 67 32 21 14 78 175 179 ST. PAUL, Minn — Alex Carolina 64 35 24 5 75 207 183 N.Y. Rangers 65 35 26 4 74 217 203 Ovechkin scored twice as part New Jersey 65 26 27 12 64 177 216 of a three-point night and the Western Conference Washington Capitals ended a season-high four-game road slide by Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA holding off the Minnesota Wild 4- St. Louis 66 39 17 10 88 213 184 Colorado 64 39 18 7 85 221 172 3 on Sunday night. Dallas 65 37 21 7 81 177 168 Richard Panik and Tom Wilson Nashville 64 32 24 8 72 204 204 Winnipeg 67 33 28 6 72 201 198 also scored, Evgeny Kuznetsov Minnesota 65 32 26 7 71 206 206 had two assists, and Braden Chicago 65 29 28 8 66 195 207 Pacific Division Holtby stopped 37 shots for his Vegas 67 36 23 8 80 216 202 fourth straight victory. Washing- Edmonton 65 34 23 8 76 204 201 Calgary 67 34 26 7 75 201 206 ton moved into a tie with Colorado Vancouver 65 34 25 6 74 214 204 for the league lead with 22 road Arizona 67 32 27 8 72 187 178 San Jose 65 28 33 4 60 169 209 wins. Anaheim 65 26 31 8 60 168 205 Los Angeles 66 25 35 6 56 164 206 “Lots of good things happened Note: Two points for a win, one point tonight, and we’ll take the two for overtime loss. Top three teams in each division and two wild cards per points on the road,” Capitals conference advance to playoffs. coach Todd Reirden said. “We’re Saturday’s games Boston 4, N.Y. Islanders 0 definitely a work in progress.” Los Angeles 2, New Jersey 1, OT Washington has won six HANNAH FOSLIEN/AP Tampa Bay 4, Calgary 3 Chicago 3, Florida 2, SO straight games at Xcel Energy Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin of Russia, left, shoots the puck as Minnesota Wild Colorado 3, Nashville 2 Toronto 4, Vancouver 2 Center since March 19, 2013. defenseman Jared Spurgeon, right, defends during the Capitals’ 4-3 win Sunday in St. Paul, Minn. Ottawa 4, Detroit 3, SO “I don’t know, I think guys get Montreal 4, Carolina 3, OT Arizona 5, Buffalo 2 emotional here because lots of believe, and we know we’re a high-sticking penalty gave Wash- kin also passed Phil Esposito for St. Louis 4, Dallas 3, SO guys from here,” Ovechkin said. Edmonton 3, Winnipeg 2 good hockey club, and if we bring ington a 5-on-3 for 78 seconds. fifth all-time with his 144th ca- San Jose 5, Pittsburgh 0 “You can feel it in the locker it every night, then, yeah, we can “They got a guy that has over 700 reer multi-goal game. Sunday’s games room. Everybody gets excited Philadelphia 5, N.Y. Rangers 3 play with anybody.” goals and when he gets the puck, Fiala got the Wild within 3-2 Calgary 3, Florida 0 and you take the energy from It certainly would help to have he gets chances. He’s going to before the period ended. He is on Columbus 5, Vancouver 3 your teammates.” New Jersey 3, Anaheim 0 one of the best players ever. make good shots.” an Ovechkin-like run with goals Washington 4, Minnesota 3 Ryan Donato, Kevin Fiala and Ovechkin, who has seven Panik beat Stalock with a wrist in four straight games and 11 in Los Angeles 4, Vegas 1 Monday’s games Zach Parise scored for the Wild. games of at least three points this shot 3 minutes later, and Ovech- 14. Colorado at Detroit Alex Stalock made 26 saves, but season, scored twice in a first-pe- kin hammered home a feed from Wilson made it 4-2 for Wash- Edmonton at Nashville Tuesday’s games Minnesota lost for the first time riod surge that saw the Capitals Kuznetsov 31 seconds after that, ington 40 seconds into the third Montreal at N.Y. Islanders in four games and remains one turn a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 lead in leading to a chant of “Ovi, Ovi” period on a feed from Ovechkin Ottawa at Pittsburgh St. Louis at N.Y. Rangers point behind Nashville, Winni- 3 minutes, 38 seconds. from the contingent of lower- after Kuznetsov thwarted an at- Boston at Tampa Bay peg and Arizona for the second With a two-man advantage, deck fans at that end of the arena tempted clear by Ryan Suter. Wil- Buffalo at Winnipeg Nashville at Minnesota wild-card spot in the Western Ovechkin ripped home a slap shot wearing red. son has four goals in six games. Anaheim at Chicago Conference. Edmonton at Dallas from the top of the left circle, the Ovechkin now has 356 career “It’s a great play from O,” Wil- New Jersey at Vegas “It was really quiet after the first power-play goal allowed by regular-season road goals, sur- son said. “I think it shows what Toronto at San Jose Wednesday’s games game, really disappointed, obvi- the Wild in 10 games, a span of 21 passing Jaromir Jagr for third- type of teammate he is. He’s got Philadelphia at Washington ously, that we didn’t get the out- straight kills. most in league history. Only the puck right in the slot, chance Columbus at Calgary Anaheim at Colorado come,” Minnesota interim coach “They capitalized on their Wayne Gretzky (402) and Steve for a hat trick and he dishes it Arizona at Vancouver Dean Evason said. “I think we chances,” said Stalock, whose Yzerman (362) had more. Ovech- off.“ Roundup Flyers’ win streak hits six with victory over Rangers

Associated Press The Kings, in last place in the Pacific Blue Jackets 5, Canucks 3: Zach We- Division, snapped the Golden Knights’ renski and Emil Bemstrom scored on NEW YORK — Carter Hart made 23 franchise record-tying win streak at eight- power plays during host Columbus’ four- saves and the surging Philadelphia Flyers games. Vegas hadn’t lost since a 4-0 defeat goal, third-period rally and the slumping extended their winning streak to a season- high six games with a 5-3 victory over the in Minnesota on Feb. 11. Blue Jackets stunned Vancouver. New York Rangers on Sunday. Petersen, who improved to 2-0-0 against Riley Nash and Gustav Nyquist also Matt Niskanen, Sean Couturier and the Golden Knights, was brilliant in stifling scored in the third period for Columbus, Travis Konecny each scored power-play a normally potent offense that clearly was which ended a two-game skid and moved goals. Michael Raffl scored short-handed missing Mark Stone, who is week-to-week three points ahead of Carolina for the and Derek Grant also tallied for the Fly- with a lower-body injury. Of his 42 stops, 19 second Eastern Conference wild card. It ers, who swept a home-and-home series came in the third period. was the Blue Jackets’ first regulation win against the Rangers after winning 5-2 on Devils 3, Ducks 0: Pavel Zacha scored since Feb. 7 and their second victory in 11 Friday night. two power-play goals and Cory Schneider games. “We knew they were going to come out made 34 saves for his first shutout in more Bo Horvat, Elias Pettersson and J.T. SETH WENIG/AP hard and try and respond here to the game than a year to lift New Jersey to the win at Miller scored for the Canucks, and Louis on Friday,” Hart said. “We just had to stick Flyers goaltender Carter Hart keeps an Anaheim. Domingue stopped 30 shots in his first ap- to our plan, stick to the way we play and eye on the puck during the second period Nico Hischier had a goal, Nikita Gusev pearance since being acquired from New just compete.” against the Rangers on Sunday. had an assist to extend his point streak to Jersey at the trade deadline. Vancouver has Philadelphia’s run combined with the six games, and the Devils extended their dropped three in a row and six of its last Penguins’ six-game slide has moved the on the man advantage for the Rangers. streak of games earning a point to six. New seven games on the road. Flyers into second place in the Metropoli- Zibanejad has a career-high 32 goals on Jersey is 4-0-2 in that span. Flames 3, Panthers 0: Cam Talbot tan Division. the season. Schneider’s shutout was the 26th of his made 38 saves, and Johnny Gaudreau had Henrik Lundqvist made his first start Kings 4, Golden Knights 1: Anze Ko- career, and his first since Feb. 21, 2019, a goal and an assist to lead Calgary to a win since Feb. 3 and made 21 saves for New pitar scored twice, rookie Calvin Petersen against Ottawa. at Florida. York. made 42 saves and Los Angeles improved John Gibson made 31 saves for the Ducks, TJ Brodie and Milan Lucic also scored Mika Zibanejad scored two power-play to 6-2-1 in its last nine games with a win at who could not put together their second for the Flames, and Mark Giordano had goals and Pavel Buchnevich also tallied Vegas. three-game winning streak of the season. three assists. PAGE 20 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Tuesday, March 3, 2020 NBA Roundup Porzingis steps up, lifts Mavs past Timberwolves

Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS — Being without All-Star guard Luka Doncic for 13 games this season, the Dallas Mavericks have dis- covered how to stay successful without their leading scorer and assist man. Lean on Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis tied a season high with 38 points, Seth Curry scored 27 and Dallas rolled to a 111-91 victory over the Minnesota Tim- berwolves on Sunday afternoon with Doncic sitting out with a left thumb sprain. Porzingis added 13 rebounds and five assists, while also con- necting on a career high-tying six three-pointers. He’s the only player in NBA history with at STACY BENGS/AP least 35 points, 10 rebounds, five Dallas Mavericks forward blocks and five made threes in a Kristaps Porzingis shoots game, according to Basketball over Minnesota Timberwolves Reference. It’s the second time forward Juancho Hernangómez. he’s accomplished the feat. RUSTY COSTANZA/AP Porzingis had a season-high 38 “The 38 points tells about a points in a 111-91 win Sunday Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, reaches for the ball as New Orleans Pelicans forward quarter of the story of what he did in Minneapolis. Zion Williamson drives to the basket. Williamson had 35 points and seven rebounds and James had 34 in this game,” Mavericks coach points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds in the Lakers’ 122-114 win Sunday in New Orleans. Rick Carlisle said. “Defensively, he was phenomenal. Changing The Clippers — who shot 59.2% Scoreboard shots, blocking shots, rebounding from the field — trailed by two at the ball, deflecting, saving balls. halftime but took control in the It was a defensive clinic.” third quarter, outscoring the Six- LeBron too much Porzingis scored 22 points in ers 38-24. Eastern Conference the first half as Dallas led by 20 Shake Milton led Philadelphia Atlantic Division points and never looked back. Tim with 39 points, hitting seven W L Pct GB three-pointers. The first-year Toronto 42 18 .700 — Hardaway Jr. added 19 points as Boston 41 18 .695 ½ the Mavericks won for the third guard had 26 points in the first Philadelphia 37 24 .607 5½ half, which tied a team season for Pelicans, Zion Brooklyn 26 33 .441 15½ time in four games. New York 18 42 .300 24 D’Angelo Russell had 16 points, high. Former Clippers forward Southeast Division Miami 38 22 .633 — nine rebounds and seven assists, Tobias Harris had 25 points and Orlando 27 33 .450 11 but Minnesota lost for the 20th Alec Burks 15. BY BRETT MARTEL ible player,” Williamson said of Washington 22 37 .373 15½ Charlotte 21 39 .350 17 time in 22 games. Nuggets 133, Raptors 118: Associated Press James. “I give respect when it’s Atlanta 19 43 .306 20 Nikola Jokic had 23 points, 18 re- Central Division “Where we are, we’ve got to due. He hit a big shot and it helped x-Milwaukee 52 8 .867 — come out with a more competi- bounds and 11 assists for his 12th NEW ORLEANS — LeBron them seal the game.” Indiana 36 24 .600 16 triple-double of the season to lead James keeps finding ways to as- Chicago 20 40 .333 32 tive mindset early on, especially Davis, who spent the first seven Detroit 20 42 .323 33 host Denver past short-handed sert his supremacy over the up- against these teams like Dallas, of his eight seasons with the Peli- Cleveland 17 43 .283 35 who’s an execution-based team Toronto. start New Orleans Pelicans and cans, sat out with a sore right who’s been together,” Timber- Jokic has 43 triple-doubles in rookie sensation Zion William- Western Conference knee, one night after playing in wolves coach Ryan Saunders said his short career, completing his son — with or without the help of Southwest Division Los Angeles’ 105-88 loss at Mem- W L Pct GB Minnesota missed 10 of its latest by feeding Jerami Grant on fellow Lakers All-Star Anthony Houston 39 20 .661 — phis. His injury did not appear first 11 shots, while Porzingis got a dunk that helped the Nuggets Davis. Dallas 37 24 .607 3 too serious; he was on the bench Memphis 29 31 .483 10½ started early. He scored 10 of the hand the defending champion James had 34 points, 13 assists New Orleans 26 34 .433 13½ in street clothes and routinely Mavericks’ first 19 points and had Raptors their third straight loss. and 12 rebounds, and Los Ange- San Antonio 25 33 .431 13½ reacted to the action on the court Northwest Division three blocks in the first half. Grant finished with 16 points, les overcame both Davis’ absence Denver 41 19 .683 — by springing out of his seat and Utah 37 22 .627 3½ Bucks 93, Hornets 85: Gi- Toronto played without Serge and Williamson’s highest-scoring standing on the sideline. Oklahoma City 37 23 .617 4 annis Antetokounmpo had 41 Ibaka and Fred VanVleet for a game to beat New Orleans 122- Portland 26 35 .426 15½ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Minnesota 17 42 .288 23½ points, 20 rebounds and six as- second straight game, but got a 114 on Sunday night. Pacific Division scored 13 and JaVale McGee assists and Milwaukee won at Char- career night from OG Anunoby. “Obviously, spectacular perfor- L.A. Lakers 46 13 .780 — serted himself inside with six L.A. Clippers 41 19 .683 5½ lotte for its sixth straight victory. He had 32 points on 12-for-16 mance by LeBron James,” Lak- Sacramento 26 34 .433 20½ blocked shots and eight points, Phoenix 24 37 .393 23 Brook Lopez added 16 points shooting. ers coach Frank Vogel said. “His Golden State 13 48 .213 34 and seven rebounds for the NBA- Wizards 124, Warriors 110: shot-making was ridiculous from including his layup in the final Saturday’s games minute that made it 120-112. New York 125, Chicago 115 leading Bucks. They’ve won 20 Bradley Beal had 34 points, eight both in the post, with turnaround Atlanta 129, Portland 117 “We had one of the best play- of their last 22 games and to im- assists and a season-best five jump shots, and at the three-point Miami 116, Brooklyn 113 steals and Washington won at ers in the league out tonight; that Indiana 113, Cleveland 104 prove to 52-8. line. Memphis 105, L.A. Lakers 88 Antetokounmpo scored in al- Golden State for the first time in is what makes the win feel that San Antonio 114, Orlando 113 “When they brought double- six years. much better,” Vogel said. “Kuz Houston 111, Boston 110, OT most every way imaginable — on teams, he is one of the best pass- Golden State 115, Phoenix 99 pick-and-rolls, fast-break dunks, Beal has scored at least 25 was great and our bigs were Sunday’s games ers in the league,” Vogel added. Milwaukee 93, Charlotte 85 fadeaway jumpers and from the points in a franchise-record 18 great. A lot of guys contributed “He showed it tonight and picked Dallas 111, Minnesota 91 foul line. straight games. on the perimeter, in particular on L.A. Clippers 136, Philadelphia 130 their defense apart.” Sacramento 106, Detroit 100 Antetokounmpo finished a re- Andrew Wiggins scored 27 Williamson finished with 35 the defensive end. ... Just a heck Denver 133, Toronto 118 L.A. Lakers 122, New Orleans 114 bound short of his career high. points for the Warriors, who have points, but his largely produc- of a win for us.” Washington 124, Golden State 110 The Bucks outrebounded the lost nine straight at home. James punished New Orleans Monday’s games tive and highlight-filled night Houston at New York Hornets 61-47. Kings 106, Pistons 100: was marred somewhat by six on consecutive possessions in Portland at Orlando Devonte Graham had 17 points De’Aaron Fox scored 11 of his 23 the fourth quarter when double- Utah at Cleveland turnovers. Memphis at Atlanta for Charlotte. points in the fourth quarter and Kyle Kuzma scored 20, includ- teams arrived late, beating guard Milwaukee at Miami Clippers 136, 76ers 130: host Sacramento overcame a 17- Dallas at Chicago ing a corner three-pointer set up and former teammate Josh Hart Indiana at San Antonio Kawhi Leonard scored 30 points, point deficit to beat Detroit. by James that put Los Angeles up with explosive dribble drives for Tuesday’s games Buddy Hield added 19 points, San Antonio at Charlotte Paul George added 24 and host 113-109 with 3:40 to go. The Lak- a dunk and a layup. His domi- Brooklyn at Boston Los Angeles beat Philadelphia Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 15 nance served as an emphatic en- L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City ers gradually pulled away after Minnesota at New Orleans to extended its winning streak to and Harrison Barnes had 10 that, aided by James’ three with core to his season-high 40 points Golden State at Denver four. points and eight rebounds for the Toronto at Phoenix 2:27 left. in a victory over the Pelicans six Philadelphia at L.A. Lakers Reserves Montrezl Harrell and Kings. Sacramento has won four “He is who he is — incred- days earlier in Los Angeles. Washington at Sacramento Lou Williams also had 24 points. of five since the All-Star break. Tuesday, March 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 21 AUTO RACING/GOLF With virus on mind, Korea’s Im wins at the Honda Classic

BY TIM REYNOLDS Associated Press PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Moments after getting his first career PGA Tour win, Sung- jae Im took a moment to reflect on what it means. Not for himself — for his homeland, and for those dealing with a virus that has the world on edge. The 21-year-old South Korean started fast and finished stron- ger Sunday, winning the Honda Classic by one shot over Macken- zie Hughes and two over Tommy PHOTOS BY WILL LESTER/AP Fleetwood for his first victory Above: Alex Bowman pits under yellow during the second stage of a NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday in in 50 tries on tour. But before Fontana, Calif. Below: Bowman celebrates with the checkered flag after winning the race. he could be whisked back to the course to collect the trophy, Im made sure to speak out about the coronavirus and tell those Bowman holds off Busches in South Korea — where nearly LYNNE SLADKY/AP 4,000 cases have been confirmed Sungjae Im of South Korea won — that he was thinking of them. the Honda Classic in Palm Beach at Fontana for second Cup win “Over in Korea right now, I Gardens, Fla., by one shot know a lot of people are dealing Sunday over Mackenzie Hughes. with the coronavirus,” Im said. BY GREG BEACHAM Jimmie’s farewell “And it’s kind of a huge deal with Associated Press up $1.26 million this week and everybody. But I’m just glad as a Six-time Fontana champion becoming the Honda’s 10th inter- FONTANA, Calif. — Before Jimmie Johnson finished seventh Korean player that I can deliver some good news to the country- national champion in the last 16 Alex Bowman started looking for after running near the front for seasons. tattoo shops somewhere between men back home ... to do some- most of his final race as a full-time Im birdied four of his first five Los Angeles and Phoenix, he cel- thing for the country and make driver at the NASCAR track clos- holes, then birdied two of the final ebrated a win that suggested even everybody proud.” est to his native El Cajon, Calif., four to finish off the victory. more permanent success ahead Im shot a 4-under 66 on Sun- about 100 miles away. His win- Hughes, a Canadian who made for the hard-working driver and less streak is at a career-worst 98 day, finishing at 6 under to match his resurgent team. the second-highest winning score the cut on the number Friday, races, but he showed impressive shot his second consecutive 66. Bowman raced to his second pace before his Hendrick team- since the Honda moved to PGA Playing alongside Im, he was part career NASCAR Cup Series vic- mate took charge of the race. National in 2007. He was the of some serious fireworks on the tory Sunday, holding off Kyle and “Our team is going in the right tour’s rookie of the year last sea- Kurt Busch at Fontana. direction,” Johnson said. “We son, plus has played more tour- last two holes and missed a birdie The win was the culmination just faded too much at the end. I naments and more rounds than putt at the par-5 finishing hole of a tremendously encouraging thought I was going to blow a tire, anyone since the 2018-19 season that would have gotten him into a weekend for Bowman, who has but we salvaged a top 10 out of it. began nearly a year and a half tie for the top spot. run 156 Cup races without ex- It’s a huge thing for us out here ago. “I love being in the mix,” traordinary success. He is in the in California. There’s been great And now, he’s a winner, picking Hughes said. final year of his contract with vibes the whole weekend.” Hendrick Motorsports. wanted to be. It is a contract year, Johnson started on the front But his No. 88 Chevrolet felt like row at the track where he has won the fastest car on this weathered, but every year of my career has Langer rallies to win 41st been a contract year.” more than any other driver, start- wide asphalt from the moment ing with his first career Cup win The 26-year-old Arizonan grew they unloaded — and Bowman in 2002. PGA Tour Champions title up racing almost weekly in nearby decisively proved he knew what The weekend featured several Pomona. He collected the track’s to do with it. tributes to the seven-time series Associated Press “I feel if I can play my best, I oversized surfboard trophy and “ We’ve been so good to star t this champion, including a five-wide can win out there,” Langer said. partied with his team — but he TUCSON, Ariz. — Bernhard season,” Bowman said. “We’ve salute during the warmup laps. “I can’t play at 80%. There’s too also thought ahead with trepida- Langer took another step closer to got to go win a bunch more, but Johnson’s wife and daughters many good players nowadays tion to the “88” tattoo he’ll have the PGA Tour Champions victory man, it feels good to have one this waved the green flag to start the to get soon because of a pact with record by closing with an 8-under that will lap me if I don’t play my early.” race. 65 to turn a four-shot deficit into best.” Bowman’s future might be Aaron Gillespie, a friend who is “It was super special for me,” the drummer for metalcore band at two-shot win in the Cologuard He was good enough at Tucson uncertain, but he’s fine with it Johnson said. National. Is he good enough to after this dominant performance Underoath. Classic. catch Irwin? at Fontana. He led 110 laps and “We made a bet at Daytona,” Langer was flawless until the Misbehavior “I don’t think about it,” Langer managed to stay out front after Bowman said with a grimace. the final hole at Tucson National. said with a smile. “But I get re- the final pit stops before cruising “We’ve been talking about it for Daytona 500 champion Denny He made nine birdies in 17 holes to the checkered flag in a smooth, the last two weeks. Apparently I Hamlin finished sixth after start- to seize control Sunday, and he minded of it just about every fairly uneventful race featuring have to get a neck tattoo, which ing at the back when he changed wound up two shots ahead of week. One closer. We don’t live only one caution outside of the I’m not real sure if that’s going a shock absorber before the start. Woody Austin. and die for records, but it’s fun to stage breaks. to happen or not. But yeah, next Hamlin then put Kyle Larson into Langer won for the 41st time have a couple of them.” “There’s never a situation that time we’re all together, I guess the wall during the first stage with on the 50-and-older circuit. Hale Langer finished at 18-under I feel completely comfortable in,” we’re all going to get tattoos.” a bump from behind, and Larson Irwin holds the PGA Tour Cham- 201, and moved to the top of the Bowman said. “I feel like if some- Defending Fontana champion needed significant repairs. pions record with 45 victories, the Charles Schwab Cup standings. body doesn’t want you driving Kyle Busch was 8.9 seconds be- The crew chiefs of Ricky Sten- last one coming in 2007. Brett Quigley began the final their race car, you’re not going hind in second place in his Joe house Jr. and Ryan Preece were That was the year Langer was round with a three-shot lead and to be driving it. Hendrick Motor- Gibbs Racing Toyota. His older ejected after NASCAR found il- eligible for the senior circuit. The was still in the mix until a double sports is where I want to be. It’s brother Kurt was third, and Bow- legal body modifications on the 62-year-old German now has bogey on the par-5 12th hole. He where I want to stay for the rest of man teammate Chase Elliott cars, which had to drop to the gone 14 consecutive seasons with closed with a 73 and tied for third my career. It’s where I’ve always came in fourth. rear on the pace laps. at least one victory. with Rod Pampling. PAGE 22 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Tuesday, March 3, 2020 BASEBALL Pitchers return to the mound after being on the mend

Associated Press final two spots. A 26-year-old righty, McCullers Lance McCullers struck out has started 22 games three times Paul Goldschmidt on a curveball, during his four MLB seasons, but then looked toward the Houston dugout. never more than that. He posted That was enough on this day. a 7-4 record with a 4.25 ERA dur- After being out of the game for ing Houston’s 2017 championship more than a year, 16 pitches were season, a title tainted by the As- plenty Sunday. tros’ sign-stealing scheme. McCullers, an Astros starter, McCullers’ previous outing and Corey Kluber of the Texas against big league hitters was in Rangers pitched Sunday after a relief on Oct. 17, 2018, in the AL Championship Series against long absence because of injuries. GREGORY BULL/AP New York Mets ace Jacob de- Boston. Grom, another key starter, albeit “He was smooth with his deliv- Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell, picked 10th overall in the 2017 draft, played 21 games in one who was healthy last season, ery,” manager Dusty Baker said Triple-A last season and hit .321. He doesn’t turn 21 until April 8. also made his spring debut. following Houston’s 5-4 victory. Sidelined since having Tommy “He wasn’t overthrowing, which John surgery in November 2018, I thought he might do from not McCullers started in a spring being out there.” New Angel in the outfield: training game against St. Louis and faced three batters. He re- Kluber goes 3 innings tired leadoff man Kolten Wong on a soft comebacker, gave up Texas newcomer Kluber faced hitters for the first time since a Adell’s prospects growing a double to Paul DeJong and fanned Goldschmidt with an 84 line drive broke his pitching arm mph curve. last May with Cleveland, working BY THERESA SMITH “Out of the 16 pitches I threw, three innings and allowing two Associated Press ‘ Whether it is running, hitting, hitting with really only maybe one or two that runs on two hits and two walks I didn’t execute the way I was and striking our four. Kluber, 25, SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A power, the whole defensive gig, he’s got it hoping to pre-pitch,” McCullers said he didn’t feel any differently. sprint down the line and a laser all going on and he’s really young. said. “Really happy with just the “Maybe a little bit beforehand,“ throw home hinted at the promise ’ Joe Maddon way I felt overall and just being the right-hander said Sunday after of Jo Adell. Two strikeouts against out there with the guys.” throwing three innings against veteran Colorado Rockies pitch- Angels manager on prospect Jo Adell McCullers’ fastball reached 94 the Los Angeles Dodgers. “But ers on Sunday underscored the mph on the scoreboard radar gun. once you get out there and start learning curve the Los Angeles His signature pitch is the curve. stretching, playing catch, getting Angels’ top prospect embraces. game,” Adell said. “That’s what fouled back a 97 mph fastball and “It’s been the easiest to get the loose in the bullpen, all that stuff “I’m just working hard every I’ve gotten out of the past two was frozen on an 87 mph slider feel back for,” he said. “I’m still kinda goes away. day to try and play in the big years being in camp with these for a called strike three. working on my four-seam, trying “It just turns into another start, leagues anywhere I can,” said the guys.” Next time up, Adell swung and to get the four-seam back. I was whether it’s the regular season 6-foot-3, 215-pound right-handed New Angels manager Joe Mad- missed at two curveballs while happy with the way I was moving or spring training. That’s kind of hitter. don is pleased with the progress striking out against right-hand- it around today in the zone.” how everything usually goes for Picked 10th overall in the 2017 of a youngster who won’t turn 21 ed veteran Wade Davis. Adell McCullers’ healthy return to me.” draft, Adell has a combined .273 until next month. grounded out to third base on the the starting rotation is a priority batting average with a .351 on- “Whether it is running, hitting, first pitch of his final at-bat and for the Astros, so they’re being deGrom solid in return base percentage and .444 slug- hitting with power, the whole de- his blazing speed was evident as cautious. ging percentage in three minor fensive gig, he’s got it all going on he got down the line. Justin Verlander and Zack Gre- Two-time reigning NL Cy league seasons. He played 21 and he’s really young,” Maddon In the fifth, Adell made a catch inke provide a formidable duo at Young Award winner deGrom games in Triple-A last season and said. “When you look at him, you in right field and fired home, the top of the rotation. With the was sharp in his spring training hit .321. don’t realize that. He’s 20? Maybe nearly cutting down Chris Ow- departure of free agents Gerrit debut, giving up a hit and striking In his second spring training, 21? He’s going to keep getting bet- ings, who had tagged up from Cole (New York Yankees) and out two in three innings. The 31- he is soaking up the wisdom from ter. He’s really eager. He wants third. Wade Miley (Cincinnati), McCull- year-old right-hander retired the veteran outfielders, including to learn. He’s got a lot of great A natural leadoff hitter. In Sun- ers figures to fill the third spot in side on seven pitches in his first three-time AL MVP Mike Trout. qualities. The sky’s the limit, day’s split squad game, a 6-3 loss the rotation. inning and his fastball touched 98 “With Trout and a lot of the absolutely.” to the Rockies, he batted third. Several candidates, none of mph. Edwin Diaz worked a clean guys who are veteran players, you In his first at-bat Sunday, “Every position in the lineup whom have started more than inning of relief and Justin Wilson watch and you learn and you try against German Marquez, Adell has its own tasks,” Adell said. “It eight major league games in a struck out the side in his inning to pick up on things they do well took a high fastball, whiffed on is pretty cool to bounce around season, are competing for the of work. and try to add them to your own a slider, took a slider in the dirt, and try to figure that out.” With season in doubt, Japanese baseball taps virus experts

BY YURI KAGEYAMA regular season can begin as scheduled on panel, to be up and running by Tuesday, Reporters at the news briefing were re- Associated Press March 20. will include representatives from each of quired to wear masks, although Saito and But Saito acknowledged assessing wheth- the 12 professional baseball clubs, as well Murai did not wear masks. They also shook TOKYO — The opening of the Japanese er the regular season can open — with or as J-League representatives. It will come hands afterward. baseball season is in doubt because of the without fans — is a delicate decision, not- up with recommendations by the middle of The Japanese government has indicated outbreak of the new virus, officials said ing the virus outbreak wasn’t expected to this month, officials said. it sees the next couple of weeks as crucial Monday, as the nation’s baseball and soc- subside soon. The J-League had begun, but has sus- to containing the spread of COVID-19, cer leagues tapped three medical experts “That is the difficult part,” Saito said. pended play. It hopes to resume on March which began in China late last year. as advisers. “At this point, we still can’t say what action 18. J-League chairman Mitsuru Murai The virus has sickened more than 89,000 Baseball commissioner Atsushi Saito we will take under what conditions.” said matches attract crowds and unexpect- people worldwide, mostly in China, but said protecting fans, players and coaches The J-League soccer competition joined ed problems. also Italy, Iran and South Korea. Japan was critical. Preseason games are being Nippon Professional Baseball in forming “We must realize we have a responsibil- has about a dozen deaths and about 1,000 played in empty stadiums, with a hope the the panel to assess the virus outbreak. The ity for people’s health,” Murai said. cases. Tuesday, March 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 23 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Top 25 roundup Hot-shooting St. John’s sinks No. 10 Creighton

Associated Press won five straight and nine of 10. Ohio State swept the season se- Creighton could have captured ries against rival Michigan. NEW YORK — Greg Williams its first Big East title by winning Franz Wagner had 18 points Jr. made seven three-pointers and its final three regular-season and 10 rebounds for the Wolver- scored a career-high 21 points as games, but now needs help after ines (19-10, 10-8). They lost their St. John’s routed No. 10 Creighton falling two games behind first- second straight after winning 91-71 on Sunday. place Seton Hall with two to play. five in a row. Rasheem Dunn had 19 points, No. 11 Louisville 68, Virginia Stanford 72, No. 21 Colorado a career-high 10 assists and six Tech 52: Jordan Nwora had 20 64: Bryce Wills scored 19 points, rebounds for the Red Storm (15- points and 12 rebounds, and the including a key layup in the final 14, 4-12 Big East), who stopped host Cardinals beat the Hokies to minute, and the host Cardinal a three-game skid. LJ Figueroa move into first place in the Atlan- beat the Buffaloes. added 16 points and 12 rebounds, tic Coast Conference. Oscar da Silva added 16 points, and Julian Champagnie scored Louisville (24-6, 15-4 ACC) and Deajon Davis and Tyrell 13. rebounded from last week’s loss Terry each had 12 for the Cardi- One of the worst three-point at No. 6 Florida State and took nal (20-9, 10-7 Pac-12), who won shooting teams in the country, a half-game lead over the Semi- their fourth straight. St. John’s went a season-best noles, who swept the season se- Tyler Bey scored 17 points to 14-for-22 from long range in its ries and hold the tiebreaker with lead the Buffaloes (21-9, 10-7), biggest victory under first-year two games to play. Louisville has who lost a third consecutive game coach Mike Anderson. It was one game remaining, at third- for the first time this season. the school’s first win over a top- place Virginia on Saturday. McKinley Wright had 13 points 10 team at Carnesecca Arena on Jalen Cone scored 15 points off and 11 rebounds . campus since beating Bernard the bench and Nahiem Alleyne No. 25 Houston 68, Cincin- King and No. 7 Tennessee in De- had 12 for Virginia Tech (15-14, nati 55: Marcus Sasser scored cember 1975. 6-12), which lost its fourth in a 21 points, Nate Hinton had 16 and “St. John’s was terrific,” row and ninth in 10 games. Houston beat Cincinnati. Creighton coach Greg McDer- No. 23 Ohio State 77, No. Sasser, who scored 12 points in mott said. “When you get out- 19 Michigan 63: Duane Wash- the second half, shot 8-for-16, in- scored by 30 on the three-point ington Jr. tied a career high cluding 5-for-12 on threes. Caleb line in somebody else’s building, with 20 points and the Buckeyes Mills added 15 points for Hous- it’s hard to win.” surged late to beat the visiting ton (22-7, 12-4 American Athletic Over the years, St. John’s has Wolverines. Conference), which shot 36%. played many of its big-time games CJ Walker had 15 points, and The Cougars moved back into a KATHY WILLENS/AP at Madison Square Garden. brothers Andre and Kaleb Wes- tie atop the American with Tulsa, Damien Jefferson equaled a son each added 14 for Ohio State one game ahead of Cincinnati Red Storm guard Greg Williams Jr. shoots a wide open three-pointer career best with 20 points and (20-9, 10-8 Big Ten). The Buck- (18-10, 11-5). as Bluejays guard Denzel Mahoney, left, reacts during the second Ty-Shon Alexander scored 19 for eyes have won three straight and Tre Scott had 17 points and 11 half of Sunday’s game in New York. Williams led all scorers with 21 the Bluejays (22-7, 11-5), who had eight of their last 10. rebounds for the Bearcats. points, including seven threes, as St. John’s upset Creighton 91-71. Gain: Longhorns, Friars among teams on the rise entering tournament season

FROM BACK PAGE Virginia: The reigning national champi- 113 tournament projections, appearing ons looked shaky as of mid-January, but in 83 mock brackets for the 68-team field the Cavaliers (21-7, 13-5 Atlantic Coast ahead of home games against Xavier and Conference, No. 51 NET) have won six DePaul to close the regular season. straight and nine of 10 to look on firm foot- “They’re definitely an NCAA Tourna- ing. Saturday’s win against seventh-ranked ment team,” Villanova coach Jay Wright Duke is Virginia’s best of the season. said after Saturday’s loss. Sliding The Longhorns (18-11, 8-8 Big 12) lack Arkansas: A great start through mid- the same certainty, yet they’ve at least January has fizzled for the Razorbacks put themselves back in contention enter- (18-11, 6-10 Southeastern Conference, No. ing Tuesday’s trip to fellow bubble team 46 NET), whose loss to Georgia on Satur- Oklahoma. day was their sixth in eight games. Texas earned Quadrant 1 wins against Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish (18- No. 20 West Virginia and No. 22 Texas 11, 9-9 Atlantic Coast Conference, No. 57 Tech in the past week, and has no resume- NET) looked like a longshot, and that was wounding losses in lower-tier Quadrant 3 before Saturday’s loss at Wake Forest (13- or Quadrant 4 games. That has helped the 15. 6-12). Longhorns climb from No. 71 in the NET Purdue: The Boilermakers (15-14, 8- in late January to No. 58. 10 Big Ten, No. 34 NET) beat Indiana on They appear in only two tournament Thursday, but that followed four straight projections on BracketMatrix while ESPN losses to Quadrant 1 opponents to miss big and NBC Sports each listed them among chances to help their resume. the top eight teams on the wrong side of BRAD TOLLEFSON/AP Rutgers: The push to return to the the bubble. NCAAs for the first time since 1991 has hit Texas coach Shaka Smart celebrates with his team during the second half of Still, it’s a better spot than a month ago. a snag for the Scarlet Knights (18-11, 9-9 Saturday’s game against Texas Tech. The Longhorns have won four straight. Rising Big Ten, No. 35 NET), who have lost three straight entering March for an uncertain East Tennessee State: Patrick Good’s had an at-large bid, though ETSU — which UCLA: Mick Cronin’s Bruins (19-11, late three-pointer to beat Western Carolina beat 20-win LSU on the road — has a shot 12-5 Pac-12) are just 75th in the NET. But future. on Saturday helped the Buccaneers (27-4, if its stumbles in the league tournament. they’re 6-6 against Quadrant 1 opponents More AP college basketball: 16-2 Southern Conference, No. 41 NET) Richmond: The Spiders (22-7, 12-4 At- and have won seven straight, the last being http://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25 earn the league’s regular-season title out- lantic 10, No. 48 NET) have won seven of Saturday’s second win this season against Follow Aaron Beard on Twitter at right. The Southern Conference has never eight since the start of February. Arizona (11th in NET). http://www.twitter.com/aaronbeardap S TARS AND STRIPES Tuesday, March 3, 2020 F3HIJKLM Back on track? Capitals end season-worst SPORTS four-game road skid » Page 19

COLLEGE BASKETBALL NET gain Providence, Texas climbing rankings

BY AARON BEARD Associated Press rovidence and Texas are headed into March with wins, momentum and improving résumés for the PNCAA Tournament. The Friars and Longhorns have spent significant stretches looking little like teams that would earn a bid. But they have each won four straight games, the last coming Saturday on the road against a ranked opponent. And they’ve been climbing the NCAA’s NET rankings since late ‘ It’s late in January. the season “It’s late in the season — we’re playing — we’re for our lives,” Provi- playing for dence coach Ed Cooley our lives. said after Saturday’s ’ win at 12th-ranked Ed Cooley Villanova, saying his Providence team was “as desper- head coach ate as anybody could possibly imagine.” The Friars (17-12, 10-6 Big East) suffered Quadrant 3 losses to Northwestern, Penn and College of Charleston in Novem- ber. They stood at No. 146 in the mid-De- cember debut of the season NET rankings and 80th after a Jan. 25 home loss to Vil- lanova left them at 11-10. But Providence claimed six Quadrant 1 wins to top their résumé in February, including five straight wins against AP Top 25 teams, and now sit at No. 44 in the NET. As of midday Sunday, Providence looked to be on the right side of the bubble as a No. 11 seed in BracketMatrix.com’s average of

SEE GAIN ON PAGE 23

Inside: No. 10 Creighton sunk

LAURENCE KESTERSON/AP by St. John’s three-point Providence’s Kalif Young is embraced by teammate Emmitt Holt after the Friars knocked off No. 12 Villanova 58-54 Saturday in barrage, Page 23 Philadelphia. After five straight wins against AP Top 25 teams, Providence now sits at No. 44 in the NCAA’s NET rankings.

Scouting combine’s ‘speed week’ wraps up » NFL, Page 18