Force Protection SEE JOBLESS on PAGE 10

MILITARY FACES Russian fighter Iranian craft Athletes, celebrities endangered US harass US ships going ‘All In’ to feed plane, Navy says in Persian Gulf families in need Page 3 Page 3 Page 16

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Volume 78, No. 260 ©SS 2020 CONTINGENCY EDITION FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 stripes.com Free to Deployed Areas

VIRUS OUTBREAK Claims for jobless aid in US reach 22 million

BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER Associated Press WASHINGTON — The wave of layoffs that has engulfed the U.S. economy since the coronavirus struck forced 5.2 million more people to seek unemployment benefits last week, the government reported Thursday. Roughly 22 million have sought jobless benefits in the past month — the worst stretch of U.S. job losses on record. It means that roughly one in seven workers have lost their jobs in that time. The grim figures point to an economy that is tumbling into what appears to be a calamitous recession, the worst in decades. The nation’s output could shrink by roughly 10.5% before it starts to rebound, according to Ryan Sweet, an economist at Moody’s Analytics. Force protection SEE JOBLESS ON PAGE 10

Army parachute riggers, civilians in Kaiserslautern improvise face masks

BY JENNIFER H. SVAN livery Company soldiers have produced about Spc. Robert Walker, a Stars and Stripes 150 a day since Monday, as part of an effort to parachute rigger with the 5th contain the spread of the coronavirus. Quartermaster-Theater Aerial KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — Sewing The first batches of masks have been distrib- Delivery Company at Rhine RICK BOWMER/AP machines continue to hum inside the work- uted to cooks, gate guards, postal workers and Ordnance Barracks, Germany, A sign reflecting the bleak state of shop at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, where U.S. finance specialists — essential workers in jobs holds up one of the masks he business hangs in the window of Army parachute riggers who normally mend where social distancing is difficult, soldiers and fellow parachute riggers Locust Tattoo on Tuesday in Salt Lake torn canopies have taken up a new project: face said this week. made this week from bed sheets City. Millions of Americans are newly masks. and parachute rigging. unemployed because of coronavirus- The 5th Quartermaster-Theater Aerial De- SEE PROTECTION ON PAGE 8 JENNIFER H. SVAN/Stars and Stripes related shutdowns. RELATED Esper says USS Theodore Roosevelt Base in South Korea Get the latest news Millions of relief checks STORIES could return to sea in matter of weeks aims to ease restrictions on the virus outbreak delayed by glitches Page 6 Page 7 stripes.com/coronavirus Page 10 PAGE 2 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, April 17, 2020 BUSINESS/WEATHER EXCHANGE RATES Military rates Switzerland (Franc)...... 0.9666 Tech firms step up fight against bad virus info Euro costs (April 17)...... $1.06 Thailand (Baht) ...... 32.63 Dollar buys (April 17) ...... €0.895 Turkey (Lira) ...... 6.9402 British pound (April 17) ...... $1.22 (Military exchange rates are those Associated Press regularly crop up. be a remedy on social media. An Japanese yen (April 17) ...... 104.00 available to customers at military banking South Korean won (April 17) ...... 1,196.00 Health officials, critics and Arizona man also died after tak- Commercial rates facilities in the country of issuance for Japan, South Korea, Germany, the CHICAGO — Potentially dan- Bahrain (Dinar) ...... 0.3773 others who have long implored ing chloroquine phosphate — a Netherlands and the United Kingdom. For gerous coronavirus misinforma- British pound ...... $1.2507 nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., the tech companies to step up product that some mistake for the Canada (Dollar) ...... 1.4108 tion has spread from continent to purchasing British pounds in Germany), their response to viral false- anti-malaria drug chloroquine, China (Yuan) ...... 7.0734 check with your local military banking continent like the pandemic itself, Denmark (Krone) ...... 6.8590 hoods have welcomed the new which President Donald Trump facility. Commercial rates are interbank Egypt (Pound) ...... 15.7842 forcing the world’s largest tech rates provided for reference when buying effort, saying the platforms are and conservative pundits have Euro ...... $1.0879/0.9192 companies to take unprecedented now working faster than ever to touted as a treatment for COVID- Hong Kong (Dollar) ...... 7.7506 currency. All figures are foreign currencies action to protect public health. Hungary (Forint) ...... 322.06 to one dollar, except for the British pound, scrub their sites of coronavirus 19. Health officials have warned Israel (Shekel) ...... 3.5870 which is represented in dollars-to-pound, Facebook, Google and others misinformation. the drug hasn’t been proven safe Japan (Yen) ...... 107.45 and the euro, which is dollars-to-euro.) have begun using algorithms, Last month, Iranian media re- or effective as a virus therapy. Kuwait (Dinar) ...... 0.3114 INTEREST RATES new rules and factual warnings to Norway (Krone) ...... 10.4563 ported more than 300 people had Bogus ads for masks, hand Philippines (Peso)...... 51.07 Prime rate ...... 3.25 knock down harmful coronavirus died and 1,000 were sickened in sanitizer and unregulated blood Poland (Zloty) ...... 4.17 Discount rate ...... 0.25 Saudi Arabia (Riyal) ...... 3.7571 Federal funds market rate ...... 0.05 conspiracy theories, questionable the country after ingesting meth- tests for COVID-19 still appear Singapore (Dollar) ...... 1.4279 3-month bill ...... 0.15 ads and unproven remedies that anol, a toxic alcohol rumored to on Facebook and Google. South Korea (Won) ...... 1,226.38 30-year bond ...... 1.27 WEATHER OUTLOOK FRIDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY IN EUROPE SATURDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 54/38 Kabul 55/50 Seoul 59/46 Baghdad 85/60 Kandahar 63/57 Osan Tokyo Mildenhall/ Drawsko 57/46 57/49 Lakenheath Pomorskie Busan 53/44 52/37 60/51 Iwakuni 59/56 Kuwait Bahrain Zagan Sasebo City 76/71 Brussels 55/40 Guam 83/64 69/48 Ramstein 58/54 82/79 Lajes, 67/37 Riyadh Doha Azores Stuttgart Pápa 85/63 82/62 61/58 68/48 71/46 Aviano/ Vicenza 62/41

Naples 63/50 Okinawa Morón 71/67 69/54 Sigonella Rota 70/44 The weather is provided by the Djibouti Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 85/80 65/55 59/54 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

T O D A Y IN STRIPES American Roundup ..... 14 Comics ...... 17 Crossword ...... 17 Faces ...... 16 Opinion ...... 18-19 Sports ...... 20-24 Friday, April 17, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 3 MILITARY Navy: Russian jet maneuver risked collision

BY JOHN VANDIVER “Unsafe actions increase the risk of mis- The latest incident with the Russians if you will, at a time of crisis,” Milley said. Stars and Stripes calculation and potential for midair colli- comes one week after U.S. Air Force F-22 “That would be a terrible and tragic missions,” NAVEUR said. “The U.S. aircraft fighter jets intercepted a pair of Russian take if they thought that.” STUTTGART, Germany — A Russian was operating consistent with interna- maritime patrol planes 50 miles off the Navy crews operating in Europe are fighter jet risked a midair collision when it tional law and did not provoke this Russian western coast of the Aleutian Islands, in taking precautionary measures to guard intercepted a Navy aircraft at close range activity.” what military officials said at the time was against the coronavirus, the service said. over the Mediterranean Sea on Wednes- In Europe, risky encounters with Rus- a test of U.S. capabilities amid the corona- This week, Rota, Spain-based destroyers day, U.S. military officials said. sian military aircraft have occurred on virus pandemic. maneuvered in the Black and Baltic seas, A U.S. P-8A Poseidon aircraft, used for occasion in recent years, most notably in And on Wednesday, 11 Iranian military while the P-8A Poseidon flew its Mediter- tracking submarines, was flying in inter- the Black Sea. But the latest action also vessels moved dangerously close to several ranean mission. national airspace when a Russian SU-35 comes as the U.S. military contends with American ships conducting operations in “U.S. 6th Fleet remains at sea, ensuring performed a high-speed, inverted maneu- the coronavirus. the northern Persian Gulf, the Navy said. maritime security and demonstrating our ver 25 feet in front of the Navy plane, U.S. The U.S. has been forced to cancel nu- Last week, as coronavirus cases surged continued ability to operate in concert with Naval Forces Europe-Africa said in a merous military exercises and training in the ranks, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. allies and partners across the European statement. plans because of the virus, raising con- Mark Milley issued a warning to rivals. theater,” Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti said in The encounter with the Russian fighter, cerns that adversaries could use the crisis “I wouldn’t want any mixed messages a statement Tuesday. which caused turbulence aboard the P-8A, as an opportunity to test American mili- going out there to any adversaries that [email protected] lasted for 42 minutes. tary readiness. they can take advantage of an opportunity, Twitter: @john_vandiver Navy says 11 Iranian ships harass 6 US ships in Persian Gulf

BY CAITLIN M. KENNEY vessels at extremely close range Stars and Stripes and high speeds, including multiple crossings of the Puller with a WASHINGTON — Eleven Ira- 50-yard closest point of approach nian military ships on Wednesday and within 10 yards of Maui’s maneuvered dangerously close to bow,” the Navy said. several American ships conduct- The American ships were ing operations in the northern conducting joint-integration op- Persian Gulf, according to the erations in international waters Navy. with Army AH-64E Apache at- The Iranian ships “repeatedly tack helicopters, according to the conducted dangerous and harass- Navy statement. The joint opera- ing approaches” of six U.S. ships: tions have been conducted in the the USS Lewis B. Puller, an ex- northern Persian Gulf since late peditionary mobile base platform March. The Navy also conduct- ship; the USS Paul Hamilton, an ed operations with an Air Force Arleigh Burke-class destroyer; special operations gunship last the USS Firebolt and the USS Si- month as part of stepped up U.S. rocco, cyclone-class coastal patrol and allied efforts to deter what ships, and the USCGC Wrangell American officials have said are U.S. Navy and the USCGC Maui, U.S. Coast mounting Iranian threats in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard ships conducted unsafe and unprofessional actions against U.S. military Guard island-class cutters. region. ships operating in international waters of the North Arabian Gulf on Wednesday. The ships were identified as Images posted by the 5th Fleet Iranian Islamic Revolutionary of the incident show what look radio, five short horn blasts and radio messages and moved away collision,” the Navy said, adding Guard Corps Navy vessels in a like speed boats conducting close “long-range acoustic noise mark- from the American ships. their actions were not in accor- statement Wednesday by U.S. passes and tight turns around the er devices,” the Navy said, receiv- “The [Islamic Revolutionary dance with maritime customs or Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. ships. international law for ship safety. U.S. 5th Fleet. The American sailors gave ing no response for an hour. Guard Corps Navy’s] dangerous Stars and Stripes staff writer Chad “The vessels repeatedly crossed multiple warnings to the Iranian The Iranian ships eventually and provocative actions increased Garland contributed to this story. the bows and sterns of the U.S. ships through bridge-to-bridge responded to the bridge-to-bridge the risk of miscalculation and [email protected] Guard units in Wisconsin, Alabama awarded F-35 fighter jets

Associated Press the state and community over the past three Madison’s City Council passed a reso- called placing them in a Madison an “un- years, with many people who live near the lution opposing the jets, but the Greater fortunate and harmful decision“ that will MADISON, Wis. — Air National Guard airport saying noise and pollution from Madison Chamber of Commerce has been hurt people’s health, quality of life and units based in Wisconsin and Alabama the jets will lessen their quality of life and a vocal supporter. The chamber, which lower property values. have been awarded squadrons of F-35 value of their homes. The Air Force said represents businesses in Madison, said the “Instead of listening to our community, fighter jets, the U.S. Air Force announced in a preliminary report that noise from the Air National Guard wing has a $100 mil- the Air Force is intent on foisting these jets Wednesday, overcoming vocal opposition F-35s could make more than 1,000 homes lion annual economic impact on the com- on a place they are not wanted,” she said. from people who live near the base in Wis- “incompatible for residential use.” munity. There was also bipartisan support Maj. Gen Paul Knapp, leader of the consin’s capital city. But there was a broad base of support that from Wisconsin politicians, including Wisconsin National Guard, praised the The jets will be placed with the Wis- included businesses, communities, eco- both its Democratic and Republican U.S. awarding of the jets to the base in Madison consin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter nomic developers, office holders, veterans senators. and said he looked forward to working in Wing at Truax Field in Madison and with and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, a Democrat partnership with the city and surrounding the 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field Supporters argued that concerns over who represents Madison, said Wednesday communities. in Montgomery, Ala . The first jets are ex- the noise are overblown and there won’t be that the Air Force never sufficiently ad- “Through collaboration, I’m confident pected to arrive in late 2023. much difference from the current F-16s. dressed his request that the Air Force pay we will continue to be good stewards of the The jets will replace older F-16 aircraft Advocates said having the next generation for soundproofing or any financial losses communities in which we work and live,” and will allow the Air Force to meet other of jets will be an economic development those who live near the base may suffer he said. requirements for readiness and training, boost, ensuring the future of the base due to reduced property values. Three other bases considered for the jets the Air Force said in a statement. in Madison, which employs about 1,200 And Democratic state Rep. Chris Tay- were in Boise, Idaho; Harrison Township, Locating the jets in Madison has divided people. lor, one of the most vocal critics of the jets, Mich.; and Jacksonville, Fla. PAGE 4 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, April 17, 2020 WAR/MILITARY SIGAR: Recommendations going unheeded

BY J.P. LAWRENCE the report said. ment does not concur or only gon implemented more than 75% dress, defense officials said in the Stars and Stripes In one case, after finding that partially concurs in SIGAR’s pre- of SIGAR’s recommendations, an SIGAR report. the Pentagon funded, trained and scribed solutions,” said an April 7 earlier report said. Institutional inertia and an The Pentagon has followed less equipped Afghan military units DOD memo in response to the re- Less than 40% have been adopt- unwillingness to challenge allies than half of recent recommen- linked to human rights violations port. “In other cases, the Depart- ed since 2014, the latest SIGAR and contractors may also be a dations made by the Special In- and child sexual assault, SIGAR ment takes action, but does not report said. factor in how the military reacts spector General for Afghanistan issued seven recommendations always receive a response from The Pentagon recently ad- to some recommendations, said Reconstruction, a report by the for how the military could avoid SIGAR about whether the action dressed 10 of its pending rec- Andrew Watkins, a senior Af- watchdog group released Thurs- running afoul of the “Leahy Law,” taken was sufficient to close the ommendations since SIGAR ghanistan analyst at Internation- day said. which bars assisting groups if recommendation.” highlighted the disconnect, deal Crisis Group, a nonprofit think SIGAR has issued more than credible evidence exists of gross Congress established SIGAR fense officials said in their re- tank based in Brussels. 200 recommendations since 2014 human rights violations. in 2008 to audit government sponse to the report. “For the Pentagon to follow a on how to improve oversight and The Pentagon did take action projects, such as the Pentagon’s The Pentagon concurred with recommendation that a certain prevent fraud, waste and abuse in but as of January hadn’t fully ad- efforts to develop the Afghan the latest report’s recommenda- Afghanistan, with the Pentagon dressed the recommendations, military. tions calling for a top-level audit contractor be pressured to cor- implementing 84 of them, the re- including one requiring contrac- Federal law gives agencies like official to ensure timely respons- rect a payment scheme or address port said. tors to report human rights viola- DOD one year after an audit to ei- es to recommendations, and a new some oversight would essentially Some have languished for 20 tions, the SIGAR report said. ther submit a plan on how they’re system that documents progress. invite potential scandal, which months or more without being The Defense Department thor- making fixes identified by an IG, Military staff come and go the Pentagon is institutionally addressed and others are so over- oughly reviews SIGAR recom- or state that they don’t plan to do from Afghanistan so frequently averse to,” Watkins said. due that SIGAR has determined mendations, officials said. so. that people might not be familiar [email protected] the Pentagon will never respond, “In some cases, the Depart- From 2009 to 2014, the Penta- with what issues they need to ad- Twitter: @jplawrence3 Medical intelligence sleuths tracked, warned of new virus

BY DEB RIECHMANN “We start wondering. We look at researchers glean information Associated Press things with a jaundice eye.” from the local level, not Beijing. They don’t collect intelligence. “Researchers, in some cases, WASHINGTON — In late Feb- They analyze it and produce have more success in learning in- ruary when President Donald medical intelligence assess- formation from the bottom up — Trump was urging Americans ments, forecasts and databases not from the central communist not to panic over the novel coro- on infectious disease and health government, but from localities,” navirus, alarms were sounding risks from natural disasters, toxic he said. “That’s where some guy at a little-known intelligence materials, bioterrorism as well in Wuhan might be saying ‘I can’t unit situated on a U.S. Army as certain countries’ capacity to report this because I don’t want base an hour’s drive north of handle them. Their reports are to look bad to my boss’ or there’s Washington. written for military command- a guy who says he can’t talk about Intelligence, science and medi- ers, defense health officials and avian flu because his cousin runs cal professionals at the National researchers as well as policymak- the bird market and doesn’t want Center for Medical Intelligence ers at the Defense Department, to hurt his business.” were quietly doing what they White House and federal agen- have done for decades — moni- cies, especially the Department toring and tracking global health of Health and Human Services. threats that could endanger U.S. The center was originally in troops abroad and Americans at ANDREW HARNIK/AP the U.S. Army Surgeon General’s home. office during World War II, but On Feb. 25, the medical intelli- Biosafety protective suits for handling viral diseases are hung up military leaders throughout his- gence unit raised its warning that outside a chemical decontamination room in a biosafety level 4 tory have learned the hard way the coronavirus would become training facility at U.S. Army Medical Research and Development about the danger that disease a pandemic within 30 days from Command at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Md., in March. poses to troops. WATCHCON 2 — a probable cri- “In the Spanish-American sis — to WATCHCON 1 — an im- in briefing materials since early the other side of the country. A War, there were major epidemics minent one, according to a U.S. January, according to the official, doctor in the Middle East might of typhoid fever and dysentery,” official. That was 15 days before who spoke only on condition of post concerns about a virus on according to a report written in the World Health Organization anonymity because he was not social media. But unlike orga- 1951 at Brooke Army Medical declared the rapidly spreading authorized to confirm details nizations such as the WHO, the Center at Fort Sam Houston in coronavirus outbreak a global about the alert. medical intelligence team, part of Texas. “World War I saw wide- pandemic. At least 100 epidemiologists, vi- the Defense Intelligence Agency, spread outbreaks of influenza At the time of the warning, few rologists, chemical engineers, tox- also has access to classified intel- and malaria. In World War II, coronavirus infections had been icologists, biologists and military ligence collected by the 17 U.S. there was a high incidence of reported in the United States. medical experts — all schooled in spy agencies. malaria and infectious hepatitis. That same day, Trump, who was intelligence trade craft — work The medical unit can dig into … In all wars prior to World War in New Delhi, India, tweeted: at the medical intelligence unit, signals intelligence and intercepts II, losses from disease exceeded “The Coronavirus is very much located at Fort Detrick in Fred- of communications collected by losses from battle injury.” under control in the USA.” Soon, erick, M d. Requests to interview the National Security Agency. It Today, the team’s success however, the coronavirus spread current workers were denied, but can read information that CIA of- comes in providing early warn- across the world, sickening more former employees described how ficers pick up in the field overseas. ings that prevent illness. That can than 2 million people with the dis- they go through massive amounts The National Geospatial-Intel- be difficult if a country doesn’t ease COVID-19 and killing more of information, looking for clues ligence Agency can share satel- report or share information out than 26,000 people in the United about global health events. lite imagery and terrain maps to of fear that the news will affect States. “You feel like you’re looking help assess how a disease, like its economy or tourism. Some The center’s work typically is for needles in a stack of needles,“ Ebola or avian flu, might spread undeveloped countries with poor shared with defense and health said Denis Kaufman, who worked through a population. health systems might not com- officials, including the secretary in the medical intelligence unit “Every day, all of us would pile good data. Information from of health and human services. Its from 1990 to 2005 and again later come into work and read and countries trying to play down the Feb. 25 warning, first reported before retiring. research our area for anything seriousness of an epidemic can’t last month by Newsweek, was Most of the information they that’s different — anything that be trusted. included in an intelligence brief- study is public, called “open doesn’t make sense, whether it’s Kaufman said massive amounts ing provided to the Joint Chiefs of source” material. A local news- about disease, health care, earth- of information come out of China, Staff, but it’s unknown whether paper in Africa might publish a quakes, national disaster — anywhere the first reports of the new Trump or other White House of- story about an increasing num- thing that would affect the health coronavirus surfaced in the city ficials saw it. Various intelligence ber of people getting sick, and of a nation,” said Martha “Rain- of Wuhan. But because the coun- agencies had been including in- that raises a flag because there’s ie” Dasche, a specialist on Africa try is run by an authoritarian gov- formation about the coronavirus no mention of any such illness on who retired from the DIA in 2018. ernment, the medical intelligence Friday, April 17, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 5 VIRUS OUTBREAK Soldiers deploy to NJ Army offers guidance on housing for aid effort BY COREY DICKSTEIN quite some time. one additional year, canceling given a choice, she said. Stars and Stripes Defense Secretary Mark Esper their planned permanent-change- For soldiers who have already Associated Press said Tuesday that he would ex- of-station orders. signed leases for their next as- WASHINGTON — Soldiers tend the orders halting nearly all Federal law protects active- signments, Halsey said they also FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — stopped by the coronavirus pan- official international and domes- duty service members from fac- should attempt to resolve it with More soldiers from Fort Camp- demic from moving to new loca- tic movements for service mem- ing penalties for breaking their their landlord or property man- bell have deployed to help with tions should attempt to work with bers, their families and Defense leases to move to a new duty sta- agers before seeking Army legal coronavirus relief efforts. their landlords to remain in their Department civilians past May tion or deploy for more than 90 assistance. About 10 soldiers with the 101st housing through the outbreak, 11, when they were initially set to days. But it does not require land- “We are suggesting service Airborne Division’s sustainment Army officials said. expire. lords to extend leases or reinstate members contact their landlords brigade deployed this week to Service officials acknowledged The Pentagon has not an- previous agreements for troops directly and explain their situa- New Jersey to help with coor- Wednesday that, in some cases, dinating and supporting Army nounced a new target date for whose plans change — including tion,” she said. “They should then soldiers might run into problems logistical efforts in the region, the travel restrictions to end, but under unusual circumstances ask the landlord to end their lease with housing and the Army is according to a statement from the some military leaders have ac- such as the stop-movement orders voluntarily.” working to help troops mitigate Army post on the Kentucky-Ten- knowledged they could remain in meant to help thwart the corona- Ultimately, Army lawyers issues that they could face with nessee line. place well into the summer. virus pandemic. could work with Human Resourc- landlords at either the current “I am incredibly proud of our Gabram said Wednesday that The guidance issued April 7 on es Command to issue new orders location or their planned next he expected the opening of travel lease issues caused by the stop- sustainment Soldiers from the with a delayed PCS date, which duty station. Army lawyers have and other activities at American movement orders instructs a sol- Lifeliner brigade, and I know they could allow soldiers to terminate drafted letters that soldiers can military bases worldwide would dier who cannot come to terms are going to have a big impact to those leases through the federal provide to landlords in an effort occur gradually, based on the with a landlord to contact their our nation’s response against Service Member Civil Relief Act, to solve any lease-agreement outbreak’s impacts in their local chain of command and Army at- COVID,” said Maj. Gen. Brian she said. disputes, said Lt. Gen. Doug Ga- areas. torneys at their installation. Winski, commanding general, Gabram said installation com- bram, the chief of Army Installa- “It’s not a cookie cutter [solu- If a soldier cannot reach an 101st Airborne Division and Fort manders across the service tion Management Command. tion],” he said. “I’d like to wave a agreement with a landlord to re- Campbell. “Sustainment is abso- were engaged with soldiers and “We’re kind of in the process to wand and it’s all going to be the main in their current housing, the lutely critical to ensure front line community leaders in the areas work through that, quite frankly,” same on one day. I don’t believe soldier could request the Army medical personnel are well sup- around their posts to work to help the general said during a tele- it’s going to go like that.” pay for them to move to a nearby plied and able to continue their phone news briefing from his The Army had taken some location, said Melissa Halsey, the soldiers dealing with the crisis. vital work.” headquarters at Joint Base San steps to help the thousands of legal assistance policy division “They understand that folks The troops are ready to con- Antonio. “The housing aspect of soldiers stuck in place amid the chief for the Army’s judge advo- may have a problem financially duct operations in more locations this whole crisis is emotional with pandemic. cate general. … or housing-wise,” he said. “We if necessary, he said. the stop-move [orders]. We’ve had Among the new measures, the The Army can authorize such have to work through that. We Fort Campbell also deployed people moving here, now they’re Army is allowing soldiers who short-distance moves when sol- have to do the right thing.” around 300 soldiers last month not moving, they’re staying.” like their current assignment to diers are forced to stay at their [email protected] from the 531st Hospital Center to And they could be staying for request to remain in it for up to current assignment without being Twitter: @CDickstein New York. PAGE 6 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, April 17, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK Esper suggests Roosevelt return to sea in weeks Inquiry into ex-commander set for review

BY CAITLIN M. KENNEY an outbreak of the virus aboard Stars and Stripes the nuclear-powered carrier diverted it during a scheduled WASHINGTON— Defense Sec- deployment. retary Mark Esper said Wednes- Capt. Brett Crozier, the former day that the USS Theodore commander of the Roosevelt, was Roosevelt could be back at sea fired April 2 after his emailed let- in weeks as the Navy announced ter about the ship’s virus outbreak coronavirus cases among the was leaked to the media. Then crew increased to more than 600 MARK J. TERRILL/AP sailors. acting Navy Secretary Thomas Esper said during an interview Modly, who resigned amid the The USNS Mercy hospital ship enters the Port of Los Angeles, on March 27. Mercy may scale back its with Fox News that once the air- Roosevelt controversy, initiated mission as the workload stabilizes at area hospitals. craft carrier has been cleaned as an investigation into Crozier’s ac- a result of the virus outbreak, the tions and the climate of Pacific ship will return to sea in a few Fleet “to help determine what weeks for patrols. may have contributed to this LA hospital ship might scale back The defense secretary’s com- breakdown in the chain of comments followed a Navy announce- mand,” he said at the time. BY LOLITA C. BALDOR ber of available hospital beds on facilities, and some are having ment Wednesday that a fifth Esper said Wednesday that the Associated Press the Navy ship from 1,000 to 250. staffing issues as workers are in- sailor assigned to the Roosevelt investigation was completed last Documents reviewed by the AP fected or stay home. has been hospitalized due to the week and it will be reviewed by WASHINGTON — The USNS said the plan could free up medi- Rotruck said there has been no coronavirus as illnesses continue new acting Navy Secretary James Mercy hospital ship docked in cal staff that could then go on to final decision, but 250 beds would to increase among the crew. McPherson this week. Esper said Los Angeles may be able to scale other missions. be a reasonable size to maintain. The sailor is being treated he will see the report sometime back its medical operation a bit Two weeks ago, California of- He said that “probably in the at U.S. Naval Hospital Guam, after that. over the next week as the corona- ficials were planning for a poten- neighborhood of 100 or more peo- virus workload at area hospitals where four other sailors were As of Wednesday, there are 615 tial crush of coronavirus cases ple” could be made available for stabilizes, according to the ship’s transferred Tuesday. One sailor Roosevelt sailors with positive that by mid-May that could re- other missions, as a result of the captain and military documents. remains in intensive care for tests for the virus. Most of the quire adding up to 66,000 addi- reduction in beds. He said no de- observation due to shortness of The Mercy will also send about tional hospital beds. The Mercy cisions have been made on where about 4,800 member crew have breath. 40 medical staff to a regional was part of the ramp-up effort, medical staff may go. been tested, with 3,958 receiving The hospitalizations this week skilled nursing facility on Mon- but since then, hospitalizations “I’m not surprised if it hap- a negative test result. About 4,026 follow the death Monday of one day, Navy Capt. John Rotruck, the have leveled off and ample rooms pens,” he said, adding that 51 Roosevelt sailor who had been in sailors have been transferred ship’s commander, said Wednes- are available. patients have been treated on the intensive care after being found from the ship to Guam. day in an interview with The As- The ship left San Diego on ship since it arrived and 17 were unresponsive April 9 while in The Navy has 951 positive cases sociated Press. He said elderly March 23 and arrived in Los An- on board as of Wednesday. The quarantine on Guam. The sailor of the virus among its military patients will not be brought to the geles four days later to provide ship has seen an average of 20 to has not yet been identified, pend- personnel, the highest number of ship, despite earlier suggestions relief by taking patients who were 21 people a day. ing notification of next of kin. cases of the military services. that could happen. not infected with the virus. Reducing the Mercy’s capacity, The Roosevelt has been in port [email protected] Rotruck said a plan under dis- Many of the worst outbreaks he said, won’t hurt its ability to re- in Guam since March 27 after Twitter: @caitlinmkenney cussion would reduce the num- now occurring are in nursing lieve local hospitals. 2 American sailors among 668 in French strike group to test positive

BY CAITLIN DOORNBOS from last week, when France’s Gaulle is the only non-U.S. nucle- Stars and Stripes Armed Forces Ministry in a tweet ar-powered aircraft carrier in the April 10 announced 50 de Gaulle world. Two U.S. sailors are among the sailors had tested positive for the All de Gaulle sailors are un- 668 crewmembers assigned to coronavirus. Three of those sail- dergoing a 14-day quarantine at a French navy strike group who ors were evacuated “as a precau- the French naval bases in Tou- have tested positive for coronavi- tion, by plane, and transferred to lon, according to the French navy rus, the French and U.S. navies a hospital in France,” according statement. announced Wednesday. to a translation of the message. The U.S. Navy in its Wednes- The two were part of a team The outbreak prompted the day coronavirus update said it is of four U.S. sailors embedded on de Gaulle and its strike group “working closely with our NATO the French aircraft carrier FS to return early to their Toulon, Ally to fight against the virus.” Charles de Gaulle as part of the France, homeport April 13, the “We look forward to continued JOSHUA LEONARD/U.S. Navy Navy’s personnel exchange pro- ministry said in a tweet Thurs- operations with the Charles de gram, according to the Navy’s Two U.S. sailors have tested positive for the coronavirus while day. The ship had been deployed Gaulle and the French Navy in most recent daily coronavirus assigned to the French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle, seen since January and “had already the future,” it said. update. here in 2019. achieved its operation objectives” The de Gaulle outbreak mim- The de Gaulle leads the strike when the decision was made to icked that of the USS Theodore group, which includes multiple medical care, if needed,” accord- great majority” of the 668 positive return to port, according to a Roosevelt, which was sidelined frigates, a command and refuel- ing to the U.S. Navy update. tests for the virus were among translation of the message. at Guam on March 26 after eight ing vessel and a nuclear-powered The ill U.S. sailors are being sailors aboard the de Gaulle, ac- Teams are working to disinfect sailors on the ship tested posi- attack submarine, according to a treated with “excellent host na- cording to a statement Thursday. the ships and aircraft, and the re- tive for the coronavirus. As of Jan. 23 USNI News report. tion medical care at French facil- Of the sailors who tested positive, maining sailors are being tested, Wednesday, that number had “As part of the [personnel ex- ities,” according to the update. 31 are hospitalized. The statement the ministry said in the Thursday grown to 615 positive cases, ac- change program], sailors are in- “We are confident that our Sail- did not specify the other French tweet. cording to the Navy update. tegrated into the French crew in ors are in good hands,” it added. ships affected by the virus. About 2,000 sailors are as- [email protected] all daily operations, which include The French navy said, “the The 668 number is a stark jump signed to the carrier. The de Twitter: @CaitlinDoornbos Friday, April 17, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 7 VIRUS OUTBREAK Airmen boost academics during pandemic

BY JAMES BOLINGER The group’s decentralized nature makes improving leadership qualities, Kopec said choose their own adventure and focus on Stars and Stripes it one of the best ideas to stem from the there are webinars, training and meetups their development, he said. lockdown, said Tech. Sgt. Cam Kopec, on a variety of topics. It’s fascinating to see “We have Airmen across the base who At an Air Force base in California fa- the noncommissioned officer in charge of how everyone bought in quickly and is fo- are training to augment security forces, mous for pushing the envelope, senior en- cyber systems support for the 18th Intel- cused on helping others, he said. command post, medical and other critical listed leaders have devised a social media ligence Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Quarantine University has hosted speak- jobs,” he said. “We also have Airmen with method of keeping work-at-home airmen Force Base, Ohio, in an email to Stars and ers from outside of the Air Force, too. varying backgrounds who are learning it- around the world connected and learning Stripes on Monday. For example, on Wednesday, award-win- erative design and fundamentals of proto- during the coronavirus pandemic. “This is not something that was directed ning author Whitney Johnson, a frequent Ian Eishen, the command chief master by the chief of staff of the Air Force or the lecturer at Harvard Business School, spoke typing who are now building robots to help sergeant of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards command chief master sergeant of the Air about her book: “Disrupt Yourself: Put the disinfect rooms and various surfaces.” Air Force Base, Calif., conceived the idea Force,” he said. “This was born out of a Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work.” The group’s success has hinged on the along with, Master Sgt. Chad Hardesty desire to help others and better our force. Several of the live training sessions, dynamic communication of social media and Tech. Sgt. Fabian Guzman. We’re all in unfamiliar situations right such as “Hybrid Airmen” and “The Future platforms like Facebook, Zoom and Meet- “We built this group with the idea of now, and we don’t have all the specifics as of the Enlisted Force,” were attended by up, Eishen said, although the Defense De- crowdsourcing education across the Air to when we may return back to a sense of more than 9,000 people, Eishen said. partment recently directed all personnel Force,” Eishen said in an April 7 email to normalcy. Personal and professional de- Hybrid airmen, a concept unveiled in to stop using Zoom for security reasons. Stars and Stripes. “We have leaders at all velopment is one of the biggest things we 2018 by Chief Master Sergeant of the Air “Social media has been key to this proj- levels with knowledge to give, and Airmen can take from this ‘downtime.’ It’s amaz- Force Kaleth Wright, calls for creating ect, and it would not have grown this fast at all levels with time and a desire to learn ing how the group is doing it.” service members able to take on multiple without it. We launched and had 2,000 users but we needed a place that would allow Kopec said he discovered Quarantine roles during a major conflict. within 24 hours,” he said. “It is easy for these two groups to find each other.” University through others in his unit al- “In the future, especially against a near- anyone to provide content because we are The group has more than 18,000 mem- ready taking advantage of it. peer adversary, we will need hybrid air- able to live-stream from a smartphone.” bers and has hosted multiple video chats “I attended one of the leadership work- men who have more skills than the ones with enlisted leaders from across the Air shops that was put on shortly after the they learned through their career field,” Those interested in checking out Quar- Force. Topics discussed have included quarantine started, promptly joined the Eishen said. “The current COVID-19 situ- antine University can find it at www.face- mental health, bullet writing for evalua- Facebook group, and since then it has been ation is an excellent-use case to test this book.com/groups/574695376589462/. tions and emotional intelligence. All the an absolute trove of information,” he said. hypothesis.” [email protected] videos created are available on the page. Although many of the classes focus on Quarantine University allows airmen to Twitter: @bolingerj2004 Camp Humphreys to slowly reopen gyms, barbershops

BY KIM GAMEL have tested positive for the virus, On-post bus services will re- Food courts will remain take- although with every other lane Stars and Stripes including two soldiers. sume with soldiers as drivers, but out-only, but a new service allow- closed for social distancing. Sev- But the overall pace of infec- taxis will remain halted for the ing food to be ordered in advance eral administrative services will SEOUL, South Korea — As the tions across South Korea has time being. and picked up curbside will be resume activities on Monday. daily count of coronavirus cases slowed, with only 22 new infec- The barbershops and hair and implemented. A similar service Restrictions on access and declines in South Korea, Camp tions logged on Wednesday, the nonessential activities outside all Humphreys will take a step to- nail salons will reopen, and some has been launched by the PX. eighth day that the daily count bases will remain in place. ward normalcy this weekend was below 50. restaurants will resume sit-down The theater will reopen Sat- by reopening On Thurs- service, he said. urday, as will the bowling alley, [email protected] gyms, barber- day, USFK shops and some ‘ We know commander other services, Gen. Robert the commander you’re all shaggy Abrams au- said Thursday. out there and thorized Camp Anticipating Humphreys crowds, garri- that’s fine. and Osan Air son command- ’ Col. Michael Tremblay Base to return er Col. Michael Camp Humphreys garrison to Health Pro- Tremblay said commander tection Condi- military stan- tion C from dards for hair- C+, meaning cuts would be they can lift phased back in some restric- slowly. tions on a limited basis, begin- “What we don’t want to have ning Saturday. is a rush on the barbershop,” he Abrams planned to address the said in a community update via community via Facebook live on Facebook live. “We know you’re Friday, USFK officials said. all shaggy out there and that’s Even as some restrictions fine. begin to be lifted, social distanc- “We’re going to do this delib- ing standards and requirements erately. So you’re going to get at to wear face masks, frequently least a week before there’s going wash hands and disinfect gym to be any type of haircut inspec- equipment will continue to be en- tion,” he said. forced, Tremblay said. U.S. service members have The number of people allowed been largely holed up in barracks into the commissary and post ex- or off-base residences for about change also will continue to be three weeks after a soldier and limited, often meaning long lines several American contractors at of people standing several feet Camp Humphreys tested positive apart. for the virus, which can cause se- “We are on to the next evolution vere lung illness. and the establishment of a new The largest overseas Army normal,” Tremblay said. “We’re garrison, which is home to the not going away from all the hard military headquarters on the di- lessons we’ve learned as we re- vided peninsula and a population ally beat this thing down.” of more than 37,000, closed sever- The gyms and the 18-hole golf al services and restricted on-base course will be open for active- movement in response. Nearby duty service members and their Osan Air Base followed suit after dependents only in the beginning, it reported three cases. he said. In all, 24 people linked to USFK PAGE 8 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, April 17, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK Protection: Supply crunch leads to use of bedsheets to make masks

FROM FRONT PAGE German workforce. “Obviously, we don’t want to The unit has had a few con- have those essential operations firmed cases of the virus, includ- shut down,” said Capt. Tom Bar- ing a longtime German employee comb, 5th QM-TADC command- who died after contracting the er. “We want people to be as little virus last month. exposed as possible.” “We thought (to do this for) The Pentagon this month or- preservation of the workforce dered troops to wear masks when and support of the soldiers,” said they’re unable to maintain 6 feet David Little, the operational di- of social distance, following a vision chief of Supply Activity sharp rise in coronavirus infec- Europe. tions among the ranks. On Wednesday, his employees The Centers for Disease Con- turned out 240 face masks cut trol and Prevention, which ini- from green fabric used to make tially didn’t recommend wearing coveralls. masks, changed its guidance this The riggers at Rhine Ordnance month to lower the risk of people Barracks had to be creative in with mild or no symptoms from finding fabric. T-shirts didn’t spreading the virus. work; the thicker cotton bunched At the riggers’ workshop, 14 in the sewing machines. With soldiers work on alternating days: fabric stores closed locally due to five operate sewing machines at the virus, the soldiers purchased a time while two soldiers stencil bedsheets in subdued colors at and cut fabric. One mask takes up the Ramstein and Baumholder to about 10 minutes to produce. exchange stores, Vaquero said. Stitching together face cover- Each sheet set yields 59 dou- ings on commercial sewing ma- ble-layered masks wide enough chines is easier than repairing to cover the mouth and nose, he parachutes and rigging on the said. PHOTOS BY JENNIFER H. SVAN/Stars and Stripes industrial-size machines the sol- The masks tie in the back with diers typically use, they said, and straps the shop uses for rigging. Sgt. Nicholas August, a parachute rigger with the 5th Quartermaster-Theater Aerial Delivery Company at they’re easier to repair when they Velcro was the first choice but Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Germany, sews a face mask together Wednesday. go down. Vaquero bought it all from the BX “There have been some guys last week and the shop quickly who have not sewn in a couple of ran out. years and they’re sitting down They’re issuing two masks to and using the machines,” said each soldier and don’t know how Warrant Officer Alejandro Va- many they’ll end up making. quero, an air drop systems tech- “We’re kind of treating this nician with the 5th Parachute like indefinite demand, indefinite Company. quantity,” Barcomb said. The soldiers use a combination The Army on Wednesday said of straight and locking stitches. units could start ordering more “I’m enjoying it. Every single face coverings through the De- one gets a little better,” said fense Logistics Agency, said Spc. Robert Walker, a parachute Master Sgt. Dan Bailey, 21st rigger. Theater Sustainment Command Across town at the Kaiserslaut- spokesman. ern Army Depot, a similar assem- The locally made masks are bly line is producing masks for “a temporary solution” until the the 1,300 civilians in the Theater DLA-issued masks arrive at an Elastic bands are sewn on Logistics Support Center Europe, undetermined date, Bailey said. face masks at a workshop at Sgt. Jonathan Camacho, left, and Staff Sgt. Kyle Shields, parachute including mechanics, truck driv- [email protected] Kaiserslautern Army Depot in riggers with the 5th Quartermaster-Theater Aerial Delivery Company, ers and craftsmen in the mostly Twitter: @stripesktown Germany. cut out fabric to be sewed into face masks. DODEA College Board cancels SAT exams slated for June

Stars and Stripes The board plans instead to administer May 5. Naval Base; and E.J. King High School at the SAT on one day each month from Au- The announcements that admissions Sasebo Naval Base. Almost as soon as students at Defense exams had been rescheduled for June In the Pacific South district, the ACT Department high schools overseas could gust through December, according to the came with a caveat that continuing con- test is scheduled at Kadena High School at crack a book, the College Board has can- SAT website. However, the ACT admissions tests are cerns over coronavirus could change those Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, and at Guam celed all the SAT tests scheduled for June plans. 6. still scheduled for June 13 at Defense De- High School in Agana Heights. Pacific East schools, all in Japan, that Information on what schools in Europe The June date was set to replace dates partment schools in Japan and Guam, said plan to offer the ACT are Yokota High were still planning to administer the ACT in March canceled due to concerns over Miranda Ferguson, a spokeswoman for School at Yokota Air Base; Zama Ameri- before the end of this school year was not the coronavirus. The SAT is one of the two Department of Defense Education Activ- can Middle/High School at Camp Zama; college admissions exams taken by high ity-Pacific, in an email Thursday. Eligible Edgren Middle/High School at Misawa Air immediately available. school seniors and rising juniors. students may register for that test until Base; Kinnick High School at Yokosuka [email protected] Japanese prime minister broadens stay-at-home order to whole country

Associated Press in order to stem new infections, this year’s Golden Week holidays ters of coronavirus cases instead tion, many people still went to Abe urged, as the number of cases that start in late April, Yasutoshi of testing as many people as work in major cities in the seven TOKYO — Japan’s state of climbed to nearly 10,000, includ- Nishimura, the country’s eco- possible. prefectures. emergency has been expanded ing 712 on a cruise ship quaran- nomic minister, told a govern- The declaration requests — not The government and local lead- to the whole country from seven tined near Tokyo in February. ment meeting. orders — residents to stay at ers urged people to work from prefectures, Prime Minister About 180 people in Japan have Abe’s government has been home, meaning there will be no home, but many Japanese compa- Shinzo Abe said on Thursday, died of COVID-19, the respiratory criticized for hiding the true punishment for those who do not nies still do not allow telework. as the novel coronavirus crisis disease caused by the virus. number of coronavirus cases by comply with the measures aimed On Thursday, Abe also said the deepens. The government “needs to limiting tests. at containing the spread of the government will provide cash Everyone in Japan needs to re- take measures to keep the flow The Ministry of Health, Labor coronavirus. handouts of 925 dollars to all duce their social contacts by 80% of people to minimum” before and Welfare had focused on clus- So, even after the declara- citizens. Friday, April 17, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 9 VIRUS OUTBREAK Veterans homes in 16 states report positive virus cases

BY NIKKI WENTLING “This thing is going so quick,” care homes nationwide. The New Stars and Stripes Bowman said. “When it strikes York Times reported Tuesday a state veterans home, their sole that about 3,800 residents and WASHINGTON — The corona- purpose is making sure residents employees at U.S. nursing homes virus has taken hold in long-term are safe. Other communication had died — a likely undercount, care facilities across the country doesn’t come as quick.” the report said. VA and caused thousands of deaths At the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home The Centers for Disease Con- — including state-run homes for in Massachusetts, 36 residents trol and Prevention issued spe- The Paramus Veterans Memorial Home in New Jersey has been aging veterans and their family had died of the virus as of Tues- cial guidance for nursing homes. among the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with more than members. day. The state government and It advised restricting all visitors, two dozen deaths. Veterans homes in 16 states had the U.S. Justice Department are canceling group activities and reported at least one case of the investigating whether leadership communal dining, and actively of cloth masks made by local vet- and the federal government for virus as of Tuesday, said Mark failed in its response. screening residents and employ- erans organizations. support. Bowman, president of the Nation- According to local news re- ees for signs of the virus. Bowman, the executive direc- The payment rate from the VA al Association of State Veterans ports Wednesday, there were 45 While state veterans homes are tor of the Kentucky VA, said there increases every October to ac- Homes. The association, with 157 positive cases of the coronavirus always prepared and stocked for were no cases of the virus in the count for inflation. Early in the members, provides support for in two of Alabama’s four veterans an infectious outbreak, such as four veterans homes he oversees. pandemic, the VA moved up the state veterans homes, which re- homes, as well as two deaths. In the flu, they never accounted for His and other veterans homes October increase to April, raising ceive payments from the Depart- New Jersey, the Paramus Veter- a pandemic of this magnitude, across the country — regardless the per diem rate by nearly 3%, ment of Veterans Affairs based ans Memorial Home was over- Bowman said. of whether they have found posi- Bowman said. on the number of residents. whelmed with sick residents, and Some veterans homes have tive cases — have prohibited visi- For fiscal 2020, nursing homes Bowman said it was hard to get more than two dozen had died as reported shortages of personal tors, canceled group activities and received slightly more than $112 a full accounting of the positive of Tuesday. protective equipment, he said. dining, and implemented regular a day per veteran. That increased cases among residents and staff National Guard members and Through “town hall” meetings temperature checks on residents to about $115. of veterans homes, which have medical staff from the Depart- arranged by the National Asso- and employees, he said. While it won’t mitigate the proved to be ideal places for the ment of Veterans Affairs had been ciation of State Veterans Homes, Most facilities have stopped ad- entire cost of the pandemic, virus to spread. While he’s asked sent to help residents of veterans facility leaders have shared mitting new residents. The lack Bowman said, the boost was an members to alert him to cases in homes in multiple states, includ- ideas. One home was using sani- of new residents, combined with “immediate infusion of cash” their facilities, Bowman believes ing Massachusetts and Rhode tizer made by a local distillery the cost of protective gear and that started going to facilities this some have not yet reported be- Island. until they could get more through overtime pay, has come at a tre- month. cause they’re busy responding to That’s just a snapshot of the regular channels, Bowman said. mendous cost, Bowman said. The [email protected] crises. coronavirus clusters in long-term Another was accepting donations association was looking to states Twitter: @nikkiwentling PAGE 10 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, April 17, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK Glitches prevent aid checks from reaching millions

BY HEATHER LONG from getting the payments and AND MICHELLE SINGLETARY what steps the IRS recommends The Washington Post to rectify them. Millions of H&R Block, Tur- Many Americans woke up boTax and Jackson Hewitt cus- Wednesday expecting to find a tomers didn’t get their payments payment of $1,200 or more from Customers who use popular the U.S. government in their bank tax preparation services such account, but instead they realized as H&R Block, TurboTax and nothing had arrived yet — or the Jackson Hewitt complained on wrong amount was deposited. Twitter and to The Post that they Parents of young children com- didn’t get their stimulus payment NAM Y. HUH/AP plained they did not receive the on Wednesday. A man looks at the closed sign in front of Illinois Department of Employment Security in Chicago, promised $500 check for their de- Up to 21 million tax filers could Wednesday. Illinois’ unemployment safety net has been stretched to the limit because of the pandemic. pendent children. be affected, said consumer law U.S. Treasury Secretary Ste- expert Vijay Raghavan, because ven Mnuchin has instructed the the IRS does not have these Internal Revenue Service to get people’s direct deposit informa- Jobless: payments out as fast as possible to tion on file if they received an Layoffs deepening and broadening help offset the pain of losing jobs advance on their tax refund from and shutting down businesses, these companies or had the fee FROM FRONT PAGE Great Recession officially ended. month. but numerous glitches — affect- for tax preparation taken out of That figure is less than the num- Retailers and other service ing filers who used tax preparers, That would be more than dou- their tax refund. ble the contraction that occurred ber of applicants in part because companies keep cutting jobs. The parents of dependent children and The tax preparation companies it lags behind the number of first- electronics chain Best Buy said people with 2019 tax returns still during the 2008-2009 recession, received these people’s tax re- which was the worst downturn time jobless claims figure by this week that it will furlough to be processed — are delaying fund first, deducted their fees and a week. And many people who 51,000 of its hourly employees, payments and causing confusion. since the Great Depression of the then distributed the remaining 1930s. apply for unemployment aid are including nearly all its part-time Several million people who filed refund to the customers. Because turned down and don’t actually workers. Royal Caribbean Cruis- their taxes via H&R Block, Tur- All businesses deemed nones- of that, the IRS had a “temporary sential have been closed in nearly receive checks. es will cut one-quarter of its 5,000 boTax and other popular services bank account” on file that the tax Many of the jobless whose ap- corporate employees. were unable to get their payments every state. Deep job losses have preparer created for the 2019 tax been inflicted across nearly plications for unemployment aid But now, job losses are not only because the IRS did not have their season, Raghavan said. haven’t been accepted are likely deepening but also broadening, direct deposit information on file, every industry. Some economists ‘Payment Status Not say the unemployment rate could self-employed and gig workers. a trend that is sure to continue according to the Treasury, com- The government’s $2.2 trillion the longer the economic down- Available’ reach as high as 20% in April, panies and experts. economic relief package provides turn lasts. The software company Frustrated taxpayers also which would be the highest rate The IRS launched a “Get My jobless benefits to those groups Toast, which works with the res- took to Twitter to vent about since the Depression. By compar- Payment” tool Wednesday for for the first time. But most states taurant industry, last week cut their inability to track when and ison, unemployment never topped people to track the status of their have to set up new computer sys- half its workforce — 1,300 people how they would be getting their 10% during the Great Recession. payment and enter direct de- tems to process those claims — a — citing a dizzying drop in res- money. Some posted an image of Layoffs are spreading well be- posit information, but many who process that could take weeks in taurant sales. Yelp, the customer the message they received after yond service industries like ho- used it said they received a mes- some cases. review site, cut 1,000 jobs. Grou- entering their information: “Pay- tels, restaurants, retail stores and sage saying “Payment Status Not The rescue package also es- pon, the online discount company, Available,” a frustration that left ment Status Not Available.” entertainment, which have ab- There are a number of reasons tablished a $350 billion loan pro- shed 2,800. them without answers. sorbed the brunt of the job cuts, gram to small businesses, with Employee discussions of layoffs Some parents told The Wash- the tool can’t check the status of a into white collar professional stimulus payment, the IRS said. the loans forgiven if companies on Zhao’s website have jumped ington Post that they received a occupations, including software retain or rehire their workers. 47% among information technol- You aren’t eligible for a $1,200 payment for a single head programmers, legal assistants But Michelle Meyer, chief U.S. ogy firms and 64% in finance, he payment. of household or a $2,400 check for and sales people. Workers in economist at Bank of America, said. Such discussions have nearly Your payment is based on your a married couple but that the IRS other occupations, like construc- said that so far there’s little doubled among workers in health status as a Social Security, dis- left out the $500-per-child-under- tion, are also suffering. evidence that the program has care. That’s no longer surprising: ability or railroad retirement ben- 17 payments. Up to 50 million jobs are vul- stemmed job losses. Meyer said Many doctors’ offices and other eficiary. In this case, the IRS will IRS and Treasury officials ac- nerable to coronavirus-related she thought some companies may health providers have cut back knowledged they are aware of use your SSA or RRB Form 1099 layoffs, economists say — about feel that laying off workers is a on nonessential procedures, and these issues and are working to payment information. Your pay- one-third of all positions in the better option, given that the gov- some are cutting staff. fix them. A Treasury spokeswom- ment information isn’t available United States. That figure is ernment has added $600 to the The delays in many states in an noted that the IRS processed on the Get My Payment website. based on a calculation of jobs that weekly unemployment aid that processing applications for con- nearly 80 million payments in You have not filed a 2018 or are deemed non-essential by state states provide. The total jobless tractors and gig workers is a prob- less than three weeks. That’s just 2019 federal tax return. and federal governments and that benefit could replace all or even lem for people like Celia Rocha, over half the 150 million pay- You filed your 2019 return, but cannot be done from home. more than a low-income worker’s 44, who lost what she called her ments expected to go out under it hasn’t been fully processed. It’s unlikely that all those work- normal paycheck. “dream job” as a studio assistant the Economic Impact Payment You used the non-filers tool, ers will be laid off or file for unem- On Thursday, the small-busi- to an artist in Los Angeles after program. but the information you entered ployment benefits. But it suggests ness aid program ran out of California ordered all non-essen- Social Security recipients will is still being processed. the extraordinary magnitude of money after more than 1.6 million tial businesses to close last month. automatically receive the pay- There’s a problem verifying unemployment that could result loans were approved, though it Rocha, who had worked as a con- ments later this month. Paper your identity when answering the from the pandemic. isn’t clear that much of the money tractor for three years, said she checks will have President Don- security questions. “This crisis combines the scale has yet been disbursed. Members applied for benefits but was inex- ald Trump’s name on them and Information on the site is up- of a national economic downturn of Congress are seeking a deal for plicably turned down. When she are expected to start going out dated only once a day, so check- with the pace of a natural disas- additional funding. has called the state’s phone line in the coming days. Low-income ing more than once in a 24-hour ter,” said Daniel Zhao, senior In recent days, economic re- to ask questions, she has received Americans who do not normally period won’t yield a different economist at Glassdoor. “And ports have contributed to a bleak only a recording directing her to file a tax return, including the result. that’s really unprecedented in economic picture. Sales at stores the website. homeless, are also eligible to re- Receiving the wrong pay- American economic history.” and restaurants fell by the most “It’s really frustrating that you ceive the $1,200 check, but only if ment amount or no money for de- All told, nearly 12 million on record in March, the govern- can’t talk to someone and have they enter their information in a pendent children people are now receiving un- ment said Wednesday. U.S. indus- your questions answered,” Rocha new non-filers tool on IRS.gov. A number of people indicated employment checks, essentially trial output fell by the most since said. “There’s no information Below is some of the most com- that they received the incorrect matching the peak reached in 1946. And home building plunged about when we can apply for this” mon issues preventing people payment amount. January 2010, shortly after the 22% in March from the previous on the state’s website. Friday, April 17, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 11 VIRUS OUTBREAK Economic fallout from pandemic worsens

Associated Press PARIS — Economic pain from the coronavirus pandemic deepened Thursday, as health authorities warned that returning to normal is a distant goal despite many leaders’ hopes of reopening stores, factories, airplanes and schools quickly and safely. Fallout from the virus spread in ways both predictable and devastating, from police torching an illicit food market in Zimbabwe, to emergency flights carry- ing foreign farm workers to Britain and Germany, to protests at U.S. state capitols against millions of job losses. The U.S. government reported Thursday that 5.2 million more people applied for unemployment benefits last week, bringing the running total to about 22 million out of a U.S. work force of roughly 159 million — easily the worst stretch of U.S. job losses on record. In France, Amazon suspended operations after a court ruled it wasn’t doing enough to protect its workers in the country. The online retailer, which has six warehouses in France, said it would evaluate the court decision. In Britain, a government survey found that a quarter of companies have suspended business. Cargo traffic at Europe’s massive port of Rotterdam in the Nether- lands sank 9.3% in the first quarter from the same period a year ago and its CEO warned of worse to come. MARTIN MEISSNER/AP The World Health Organization’s Euro- Fan portraits are set on the supporters tribune of German Bundesliga soccer club Borussia Moenchengladbach at the stadium in pean chief said optimism that the spread of Moenchengladbach, Germany, on Thursday. The Bundesliga suspended all matches until April 30. the virus was declining in Italy, Spain and France was tempered by the knowledge confusion among citizens and businesses,” 27-nation bloc’s next trillion-euro budget Guterres urged stepped-up efforts to pre- that it was rising or sustained at a high Buffagni said. will have to be re-imagined as “the moth- pare Africa for the virus, warning that level in Britain, Russia and Turkey. In China, where the virus first emerged er-ship of our recovery.” the continent “could end up suffering the “The storm clouds of this pandemic still in December, even people who still have Troubling data indicate the worst may greatest impacts.” hang heavily over the European region,” jobs have been wary of spending much or still be to come in many parts of the world. In Zimbabwe, where food was scarce Dr. Hans Kluge said. going out. Some Chinese cities tried reas- Japan’s prime minister announced he even before the pandemic, police raided a The International Monetary Fund says suring consumers by showing officials eat- would expand a state of emergency to the market, torching 3 tons of fresh fruit and fallout from what it calls the “Great Lock- ing in restaurants. entire country, rather than just urban vegetables and scattering farmers who had down” will be the most devastating since the Great Depression in the 1930s. The U.S. began issuing one-time pay- areas, as the virus continued to spread. broken travel restrictions to try to sell their That has made leaders all the more anx- ments this week to tens of millions of peo- Britain, with over 13,700 dead, extended wares. ious to send people back to work and school ple as part of its $2.2 trillion coronavirus its nationwide lockdown on schools, pubs, Singapore scrambled to react after see- and to rebuild economies devastated by relief package. restaurants and most stores for at least ing more than 1,100 cases since Monday. the pandemic that has infected more than The U.S. has seen nearly 640,000 infec- three more weeks as health officials said It had successfully contained a first wave 2 million people and claimed more than tions — more than the next four countries the outbreak was nearing its peak, and the of infections, but new cases are occurring 137,000 lives, according to a tally by Johns put together — and leads the world with move appeared to have wide public sup- among workers from poorer Asian coun- Hopkins University. nearly 31,000 deaths, according to Johns port. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab tries who live in crowded dormitories in Italy’s hardest-hit region of Lombardy Hopkins University. Experts say, however, said, “Any change to our social distancing the tiny city-state. is pushing to relaunch manufacturing on the true toll of the pandemic is much high- measures now would risk a significant in- In Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro’s May 4, the day that the national lockdown er due to limited testing, uneven counting crease in the spread of the virus.” lackadaisical approach to the virus came is set to lift. Regional officials are consider- of deaths and some governments’ attempts Swiss authorities announced a staggered under increased pressure for the dangers ing ordering companies to stagger opening to downplay their outbreaks. series of reopenings, starting April 27 with it placed Brazilians in. “We’re fighting hours to avoid cramming public transport. In Brussels, the pandemic was making medical and dental offices, hair salons and against the coronavirus and against the But Italy’s deputy economic develop- the European Union redraw all of its bud- other select businesses, followed in May ‘Bolsonaro-virus,’” Sao Paulo state Gov. ment minister, Stefan Buffagni, called the get plans to focus on tackling the corona- and June by other stores, schools, zoos, li- Joao Doria told the AP, adding that he be- plan premature. virus pandemic. European Commission braries and museums. lieves the president has adopted “incorrect, “Going in a random order risks fueling President Ursula von der Leyen said the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio irresponsible positions.” Some smaller stores in Germany to reopen amid ‘fragile’ success

BY MARCUS KLOECKNER A ban on gatherings of more than two Frankfurt, will require anyone in a store said. Stars and Stripes people in public who are not part of the to wear a mask beginning Monday, Ger- The latest measures will take effect same household, and a social distancing many’s Focus Online reported. Monday through May 3, and will be re- KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — policy of at least 1.5 meters, or about 5 feet, The health care system has kept up with viewed April 30. Smaller stores can reopen soon and masks will remain in place, Merkel said. the pace of coronavirus infection, “some- Borders with neighboring countries also are now recommended while shopping as The U.S. military in Germany’s policies thing that was not at all certain from the will remain closed, officials said. Germany tries to maintain its “fragile” are slightly more stringent than the nation- beginning,” said Merkel, who called the Germany had about 130,000 confirmed success in containing the coronavirus, al standard. The military calls for at least country’s containment efforts a “fragile coronavirus cases and 3,569 deaths as of German Chancellor Angela Merkel said. 6 feet of social distance, in line with U.S. and intermediate success.” Thursday, the country’s Robert Koch In- Stores up to 800 square meters, or about Centers for Disease Control and Preven- “We do not have much leeway,” she said. stitute reported. The coronavirus-related 8,600 square feet, will be allowed to do tion guidelines. The military also requires Schools, which have been closed for death toll is substantially lower than in business starting Monday if they can personnel to wear masks in public when 6 about a month, will reopen in phases start- neighboring France, which had more than maintain hygiene precautions, Merkel said feet of social distance can’t be maintained. ing May 4, with students about to graduate 1 7,000 deaths, and nearby Italy, which in a televised address Wednesday night. Merkel on Wednesday said masks are high school returning first. Elementary has suffered more than 21,000 deaths, Bookstores, bicycle shops and auto dealers recommended in stores and on public schools, kindergartens and preschools will may also open again, regardless of size. transportation, though cities and states remain closed, Merkel said. the World Health Organization reported Bars, restaurants and cafes may continue can declare additional measures. Barber shops and salons should expect Thursday. to offer takeout or delivery only. Hanau, a city of about 100,000 near to be able to reopen beginning May 4, she [email protected] PAGE 12 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, April 17, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK ROUNDUP Thousands protest restrictions

Associated Press LANSING — Thousands of flag-waving, honking protesters drove past the Michi- gan Capitol on Wednesday to show their displeasure with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s orders to keep people at home and businesses locked during the coronavirus outbreak. As snow fell, others got out of their vehicles and raised signs, one of which read, “Gov. Whitmer We Are Not Prison- ers.” Another said, “Michigander Against Gretchens Abuses.” Hours later, Whitmer shot back, telling reporters that the rally put health at risk. Whitmer, a Democrat, extended a stayhome order through April 30 and has shut down schools and businesses deemed non- PAUL SANCYA/AP essential. The governor acknowledged the pain but said that the restrictions were Steve Polet holds a sign during a protest at the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., on Wednesday. necessary to stop the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 1,900 immigrants living in the country illegally, He noted that the state has essentially company make up part of the 50 busi- Michigan residents and overwhelmed hos- the most of any state, according to the Pew shut down the tourism industry to slow the nesses that were fully denied their appeal. pitals in the Detroit area. Research Center. spread of the virus, which has hammered Debi Creech, who owns a fitness company State officials won’t decide who gets two major sources of state income: the called “Zumba with Debi,” has started A rizona the money. Instead, the state will give the hotel tax and the general excise tax. hosting online classes to keep her business money to a network of regional nonprofits He said that tax increases weren’t under afloat under the closure. PHOENIX — Public health officials in to find and vet potential recipients. consideration “at this point in time.” The The state also denied appeal to 533 other Arizona’s largest county said that they’re governor said that he and members of his businesses, including a gun range and a seeing improvements in the number of Hawaii cabinet would take a similar pay cut to any vape shop, unless they put in place more people hospitalized for the coronavirus. taken by employees. social distancing efforts. Some of these The Maricopa County Department of HONOLULU — Hawaii state worker businesses have since partially opened. Public Health said Wednesday that the unions on Wednesday pushed back at what Mississippi rate of growth in hospitalizations is slow- they said was a proposal from Gov. David North Dakota ing. Officials said that’s likely due to the Ige to cut employee pay by 20% to cope JACKSON — Facing two freedom-of-re- social distancing measures which have with a sharp drop in tax revenue brought ligion lawsuits and pushback from the U.S. BISMARCK — Bismarck city commis- closed businesses and left people avoiding on by the coronavirus pandemic. attorney general, a Mississippi mayor said sioners have rejected a request by local large gatherings. Ige said at a news conference that he was Wednesday that people may attend drive- restaurant owners to temporarily allow The county also released data showing in discussions with unions and lawmakers in church services during the coronavirus the businesses to sell alcohol with takeout that people with high blood pressure, dia- about potential cuts, but no decision has pandemic, but they must keep their win- orders. been made. He said that the tax shortfalls betes or heart, kidney, lung or liver disease dows up. Several North Dakota cities have made meant the state needed to cut $1.5 billion are more likely to be hospitalized. People Greenville Mayor Errick D. Simmons such adjustments to help restaurants deal from the state budget over the next 15 with high blood pressure, for example, also said that local churches may allow with a reduction in business because of the months. make up 35% of hospitalizations but only up to 10 people at a time in a building for coronavirus stay-at-home order. 17% of the total group of people with cases worship services that are shown online or Mandan is one city allowing restaurants of COVID-19, the disease caused by the carried on TV or radio, as long as those in- to sell sealed cans or bottles of alcohol with coronavirus. side the church follow public health guide- takeout meals. Meanwhile, state health officials said that lines to maintain a safe distance from one The Bismarck Tribune reported that 11 more people in Arizona have died from another. Mayor Steve Bakken said restaurants have complications of the coronavirus, bring- A conservative legal group called Alli- typically told the city that alcohol is an adding the total number of deaths since the ance Defending Freedom filed a federal on and that food is their primary source of start of the outbreak to 142. The 11 deaths lawsuit Friday challenging the Greenville revenue. reported Wednesday were in Maricopa, order as unconstitutional. On Tuesday, U.S. Pima, Coconino and Navajo counties. Attorney General William Barr took the New York rare step of filing papers to side with those California suing the city. Gov. Tate Reeves tweeted New York residents will be required to thanks to Barr “for this strong stand in wear face coverings anytime they come SACRAMENTO — California will be support of religious liberty.” into close contact with other people out- the first state to give cash to immigrants side their homes, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said living in the country illegally who are hurt North Carolina Wednesday. by the coronavirus, offering $500 apiece The mandate will require a mask or face to 150,000 adults who were left out of the RALEIGH — The North Carolina De- covering, like a bandanna, on busy streets, $2.2 trillion stimulus package approved by partment of Revenue granted permission public transit or any situation where people Congress. to over 3,400 business to be recognized as cannot maintain 6 feet of social distanc- People living in the country illegally essential entities, and denied more than ing, even if it is passing a person briefly are not eligible for any of that money, and 500 other companies who filed a similar on a wooded trail. The order takes effect advocates have been pushing for states to appeal during the coronavirus outbreak. Friday. fill in the gap. On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s stay- The governor, who has himself eschewed Newsom announced that he would spend at-home order on March 27 had set a broad masks during his daily news briefings, $75 million of taxpayer money to create a definition of essential businesses, and the though he comes within six feet of his staff, Disaster Relief Fund for immigrants living ones that were granted appeal Wednesday said that there will initially be no civil pen- in the country illegally. were mostly listed in the original executive alties for noncompliance, but he’s urging Senate Republican Leader Shannon order, WRAL-TV reported. The permission merchants to enforce it among customers. Grove said that Newsom should spend the granted by the state’s revenue department Though hospitalizations from the out- money instead on food banks, equipment was a confirmation for most businesses, in- break have leveled off, New York officials for students to continue their education on- cluding landscapers, dog groomers, carpet are still trying to reduce the rising death line and local governments struggling with cleaners and many more. toll. New York recorded 752 deaths Tues- revenue losses. Others were not so lucky. Barber shops, day for a total of nearly 11,600 since the California has an estimated 2.2 million salons and a bounce house party rental outbreak began. Friday, April 17, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 13 NATION Trump threatens to bypass rules to get nominees

BY KEVIN FREKING and Senate. Such a disagreement AND LISA MASCARO does not now exist, nor is it likely Associated Press to arise. Constitutional scholar Jonathan WASHINGTON — Citing the Turley said on Twitter the Consti- coronavirus, Donald Trump is tution gives a president authority threatening unprecedented ac- in “extraordinary occasions” to tion — adjourning both houses of convene or adjourn Congress. Congress — to entice the Senate However, he said, “This power to approve more of his nominees. has never been used and should In recent years, Congress has not be used now.” ROBERT F. B UKATY/AP refused to fully adjourn during It would be an extraordinary most breaks precisely to prevent showdown between the two Wreckage smolders at the Androscoggin Mill after an explosion Wednesday in Jay, Maine. the president from making recess branches of government that appointments. Little or no busi- have engaged in repeated tests ness is conducted in such “pro- of constitutional powers in the forma sessions,” but they give Trump era. No injuries in paper mill blast members of both chambers of “The current practice of leav- Congress the chance to go back ing town while conducting phony Associated Press after the explosion showed exten- impact. home without going into recess. pro-forma sessions is a derelic- sive damage to the mill, which The explosion released a mix- It’s a process lawmakers also tion of duty that the American PORTLAND, Maine — An ex- employs about 500 people and ture of wood fiber, water and employed to thwart President plosion at a paper mill in Maine people cannot afford during this Barack Obama’s nominees. shook the ground Wednesday is a key piece of rural Maine’s chemicals, and the company is crisis,” Trump said Wednesday at Trump says he’s had enough and produced a plume of black economy. taking steps to restore order to the White House. and warns that he will seek to ad- smoke that was visible for miles Emergency responders rushed the mill site, Lassetter said. The Doug Andres, a spokesman for around, but it appeared no one to the mill, and the state fire mar- most important thing is no one journ both chambers of Congress Senate Majority Leader Mitch was injured. shal planned an investigation. was hurt, Lassetter said. if lawmakers don’t formally de- McConnell, said the senator The blast rocked the Andro- The cause wasn’t clear to investi- “It’s nothing short of a miracle, clare a proper recess. That way, talked with Trump and shared scoggin Mill in Jay, in central gators, and the investigation will and we are grateful,” Lassetter he could appoint some nominees his frustration about the pro- Maine, around noon, state police likely begin in earnest on Thurs- said. without the Senate’s approval. cess, but Andres also indicated spokesman Steve McCausland day, as the scene was still being Gov. Janet Mills urged resi- Trump said, “Perhaps it’s never the current rules regarding ad- said. Mill personnel told po- secured, police said. dents to stay far from the Jay been done before, nobody’s even journments will remain. He said lice no one was injured, though The explosion left significant scene. She also said during a sure if it has, but we’re going to McConnell “pledged to find ways some people suffered respiratory damage in the area of the mill’s news conference that the state is do it.” to confirm nominees considered distress. digester, which is used to process “breathing a deep sigh of relief” The Constitution does not spell mission-critical to the COVID-19 A rising cloud of smoke that raw materials. Mill spokesperson that the explosion wasn’t a bigger out a unilateral power for the pandemic. was recorded by a bystander was Roxie Lassetter said the company disaster. president to adjourn Congress. Under Senate rules, Andres followed by raining debris that was in the preliminary stages of “I just want to say, if ever there It states only that he can decide said, that will require consent made bullet-like noise as it struck assessing what happened and was a day when we should believe on adjournment if there is a dis- from Minority Leader Chuck cars in the area. Video recorded evaluating the environmental in miracles, today is it,” she said. pute over it between the House Schumer. Progressives weigh backing Biden to avoid second Trump win

BY SARA BURNETT posals intended to appeal to pro- electorate conducted before Sand- figure increased to 17%. In Mich- my supporters but to do every- AND WILL WEISSERT gressives and won endorsements ers dropped out of the race show igan, which flipped to support thing I can to bring the party to- Associated Press this week from Sanders and Mas- skepticism among his support- Trump in 2016 and is now a key gether to see that (Trump) is not sachusetts Sen. Elizabeth War- ers about Biden. Across 17 states 2020 battleground, 19% of Demo- elected president,” Sanders said. CHICAGO — When Bernie ren, another liberal rival during where the survey was conducted, cratic primary voters said their The future of the progressive Sanders didn’t win the Demo- the Democratic primary. 54% of Sanders backers said they vote in November depended on movement may rest with leaders cratic presidential nomination in But the tensions that have would be dissatisfied if Biden which candidate the party nomi- such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio- 2016, Silvia Machado and Patrick weighed on Democrats for years were the nominee. Just 28% of all nated. That figure climbed to 26% Cortez. The New York Democrat Gibbons voted for Green Party aren’t suddenly evaporating. Democratic primary voters said among Sanders voters. has long said she would back the candidate Jill Stein in protest. While some voters are making the same. There are factors working in ultimate Democratic nominee. Four years later, the couple is a practical calculation to beat In the three states that voted on Biden’s favor. For one, he’s con- She told Politico on Wednes- still passionate about the Vermont Trump by supporting Biden, March 17 — Florida, Arizona and solidating support in the party day that she supports Biden “in senator’s progressive agenda. But Illinois — some Sanders support- other leaders of the movement much earlier than nominee Hill- solidarity with the families I they’re open to voting for the rel- are urging caution until Biden ers went further, vowing not to ary Clinton did in 2016. That represent.” atively centrist Joe Biden if that’s embraces priorities such as the support Biden. Thirteen percent year, Sanders waited until just Prospects for reconciliation what it takes to defeat President universal health care plan known said they would definitely not vote Donald Trump. as “Medicare for All.” for Biden, and an additional 10% before the party’s July conven- between Biden and progressives “It’s like hold your nose and “The Biden that exists now said they probably would not. tion to endorse Clinton. Warren may not all be bleak, however, vote,” said Gibbons, 59. will not get a lot of votes from A slim majority, 54%, indicated also waited until the primary was especially with the election still A week after Sanders’ exit left progressives currently inclined that they definitely would support over to back Clinton. more than six months away. Biden as the presumptive Demo- to not vote at all or to vote third the Democrat against Trump, In 2020, they are backing Biden Jorge Trejo-Ibarra, a Las Vegas cratic nominee, the former vice party,” said Norman Solomon, co- while 23% said they probably sooner, and more aggressively. high school senior who will turn president is working to win over founder of the activist organiza- would. Sanders told The Associated 18 in July, said he flirted with the voters such as Machado and Gib- tion Roots Action. “The only tool In Arizona, a state that Demo- Press on Tuesday that it would be idea of not backing Biden. But bons. The party is desperate to now to defeat Trump is Joe Biden, crats are hoping to flip in Novem- “irresponsible” for his support- with the economy largely shut- avoid a repeat of 2016 when ideo- and the only way to sharpen that ber, 8% of Democratic primary ers to sit back and see “the most tered amid the coronavirus out- logical divides helped Trump win tool is to move him in a more pro- voters overall said they would not dangerous president in modern break, he said he doesn’t think the White House. gressive direction.” vote for Biden in November. But American history” reelected. the U.S. can survive another four Biden has made a series of pro- AP VoteCast surveys of the among Sanders supporters, that “My job now is to not only rally years of Trump. PAGE 14 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, April 17, 2020 AMERICAN ROUNDUP A rrest made in theft of Arboretum bronze gates

SEATTLE — Seattle WA police on Monday ar- rested a 47-year-old man who is allegedly behind the theft of two ornamental bronze gates that stood since the 1970s at the en- trance to the Washington State Arboretum . The gates, which were com- missioned in 1971 and designed by renowned sculptor George Tsutakawa, were reported stolen March 19 after gardeners discovered the gates missing and bolt cutters on the ground . Two people tried to sell the gates to a recycling center on March 20, but the business refused to buy them, according to police. Police questioned a man who said he drove the suspect to the recycling center and later dropped him off at a homeless encampment, according to the probable cause statement. Detec- tives found remnants of one gate under a box truck in the encampment, the statement says. Police have also located the second gate, which was largely intact. W oman gives stimulus check to food pantry

BAY ST. LOUIS — A MS woman donated the $1,200 relief check she received from the federal government to a Mississippi food pantry amid the coronavirus pandemic. LYNNE SLADKY/AP Sheron Lambert gave the one- time stimulus payment to the Hancock County Food Pantry, Home workout not a stretch WLOX-TV reported Tuesday. People work out on their balcony in a high-rise during the coronavirus pandemic Tuesday in Miami. People who have been cooped up inside The checks are part of the $2.2 as their companies mandate work-at-home policies and have seen their fitness centers shut down are getting creative with their workouts. trillion economic recovery bill that will give $1,200 to individu- los Campos said Steed was try- als and $2,400 to married couples. Ice on expressway leads THE CENSUS ing to go to the bank when she Parents are also set to receive an to 50-vehicle pileup ignored orders from Officer Joel additional $500 per child. The amount Colorado regulators on Monday Paul Curtis Richardson, who was Lambert said she doesn’t need fined an Occidental Petroleum Corp. subsid- CHICAGO — Portions of working an off-duty job assisting the money and gifted it to the iary for a fatal 2017 house explosion linked to IL a Chicago expressway left with traffic. pantry to help feed hungry people $18M a severed oil and gas well flowline. The fine for icy by a wintry blast that brought Kerr-McGee Corp. was the largest ever levied by Richardson tried to remove in the county. “That’s what we all overnight snowfall led to a pileup the state against an energy company, The Denver Post reported. Federal investiga- Steed from the car after she hit need to do,” she said. “Open our involving dozens of vehicles early tors said the explosion in Firestone happened after lines then owned by Anadarko him, but she bit him on the hand, hearts first.” Wednesday, sending 14 people to Petroleum likely were severed during the home’s construction. Kerr-McGee was a Campos said . hospitals, officials said. Suit: Overturned bounce subsidiary of Anadarko Petroleum, which was later purchased by Occidental. The About 50 vehicles were in- blast killed Mark Martinez and Joey Irwin. Erin Martinez, Mark Martinez’ wife and Authorities help replace house trapped kids volved in the 5 a.m. pileup along Irwin’s sister, was badly burned. the Kennedy Expressway, the girl’s alpaca on Easter SANTA FE — A Chicago Fire Department said. PATRIOT — A young Santa Fe woman is The crash prompted Illinois State NM from an unknown passing truck, hicle back to Flagstaff and was girl who lost her pet al- suing Meow Wolf after she says Police to temporarily close all OH investigators said . Officials didn’t seen driving erratically and caus- paca after the animal was killed her children were injured when of the expressway’s southbound immediately say what would hap- ing damage to property, authori- during a drive-by shooting in wind overturned the arts and lanes near Chicago’s North Av- pen to the injured cows. ties said. Ohio was gifted another one from entertainment company’s rented enue, and multiple northbound Sheriff’s deputies were called local authorities. bounce house. lanes were also closed . when the dump truck got stuck Josie Blazer, 5, of Patriot, was The Santa Fe New Mexican Man charged in theft of in the mud. Littlefield barricaded surprised to find a 6-month-old reported that attorneys for Anita Police: Highway closed dump truck, standoff inside for about an hour and then alpaca Easter morning, the Gal- Vargas didn’t say in court docu- after cows fell off truck was taken into custody . lipolis Daily Tribune reported ments how the children were hurt FLAGSTAFF — A Monday. The alpaca that died had at the 2018 block party but alleged Flagstaff man is facing DADE CITY — Inter- AZ been given to Josie as a present that the children were trapped multiple charges after stealing a Supervisor accused of FL state 75 in Florida was following her battle with cancer. underneath the bounce house. dump truck and then barricad- hitting officer with car shut down for about two hours Four Season Veterinary Clin- The case was filed in state dis- ing himself inside the vehicle, au- after six cows, three dead and ic found a replacement alpaca trict court this week. thorities said. ATLANTA — An At- three injured, were found along for Josie, and the Gallia County After the episode, Vargas the highway, authorities said. Coconino County Sheriff’s of- lanta police supervisor GA Sheriff’s Office delivered the pet. posted a picture on Facebook of Troopers responded just be- ficials said Tyler Littlefield, 27, hit a fellow officer with her car The sheriff’s office had re- her son, showing his bruised and fore 11 a.m. Tuesday to a call of has been booked into jail on sus- while he was directing traffic and sponded to a call on April 7. A bloody face. several cows near the north and picion of theft, criminal damage then bit him, authorities said. pickup truck had reportedly Amazing Jumps LLC, the Al- southbound lanes of I-75, just and resisting arrest. Littlefield Lt. Sharonne Annette Steed stopped along a road , and some- buquerque business that owned north of Tampa, according to a is accused of stealing the dump was charged last Friday with one fatally shot one of the two the bounce house, also is named Florida Highway Patrol news re- truck from a Flagstaff landscape obstruction, aggravated assault, alpacas belonging to the Blazer as a defendant in the lawsuit. The lease. The Pasco County Sheriff’s company last Saturday. battery and violation of oath by a family. The sheriff’s office said company declined to comment on Office and the Florida Fish and Authorities say he then drove it public officer, The Atlanta Jour- the shooter or shooters have been the pending litigation Monday. Wildlife Conservation Commis- to Grey Mountain, where he stole nal-Constitution reported. Steed identified and will be charged. A spokesperson for Meow Wolf sion also responded. items from a convenience store. turned herself in Tuesday. also didn’t respond to emails. The cows appear to have fallen Littlefield then drove the ve- Atlanta police spokesman Car- From wire reports Friday, April 17, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 15 PAGE 16 • S TARS AND STRIPES• Friday, April 17, 2020 FACES Celebs ‘All In’ Athletes, entertainers donating prizes for raffle to help needy

BY TOM CANAVAN This list is growing, said Rubin, Associated Press who came up with the idea two weeks ago. With factories closed, tens of “I had two goals from the sec- millions out of work and a re- ond this popped in my mind,” cession looming because of the Rubin told The Associated Press coronavirus pandemic, athletes, on Wednesday. “The first was to teams, entertainers and business feed as many people as possible. leaders are donating prized pos- It was such an important cause sessions in response to a chal- and need. The second thing was, lenge to feed families suddenly in I love a good come together ... to need. have every athlete and actor come The “All In Challenge” was together, the sports and entertain- started by Philadelphia 76ers ment worlds coming together. To partner Michael Rubin on Tues- me, that is incredibly special.” TONY AVELAR/AP day, and some of the biggest Rubin said all the money raised Peyton Manning, left, tees off Feb. 7 as his brother Eli Manning, right, stands nearby during a golf tour- names in sports and entertain- will go directly to one of four or- nament in Pebble Beach, Calif. Peyton Manning plans to play a round of golf and have dinner with an All ment have answered the call. ganizations that feed the hun- In Challenge raffle winner . His recently retired brother, Eli, offered a Corvette to the raffle. After 24 hours, there was al- gry: Feeding America, Meals On ready an impressive roster of A- Wheels, World Central Kitchen by computer. game jersey and shoes, and din- his idea past and his response listers offering prizes. and No Kid Hungry. Other prizes are being ner with him. That package is in was, “I’m in.” They include quarterbacks Tom A billionaire who made his auctioned. the auction with the opening bid Rubin asked him if he was Brady and Peyton and Eli Man- money with an e-commerce com- Those who answered the chal- at $50,000. serious. ning; musicians Justin Bieber, pany he started in 2011, Rubin has lenge were required to post a Peyton Manning plans to play a “He said: ‘I don’t need the car. Meek Mill and Robin Thicke; ac- donated what might be the big- video about their donation and ex- round of golf with the winner and I need to do what helps people tors Robert De Niro, Leonardo gest prize. The winner of a digital plain why they chose their prize. two guests, and then go to a res- eat,’ ” said Rubin, whose job DiCaprio, Kevin Hart and Mat- raffle will receive a Super Bowl Rubin said donations topped $4 taurant for dinner with the win- brings him in contact with people thew McConaughey; director experience with 20 friends, along million by midday Wednesday. ner and 10 guests. His recently in the sports and entertainment Martin Scorsese; TV hosts Ellen with tickets to the NBA Finals, His goal is to collect donations retired brother, Eli, offered the industries on a daily basis. DeGeneres and Ryan Seacrest; Stanley Cup Final, World Series, in the tens of millions of dollars, Corvette he received as the MVP Hart is offering a speaking role TikTok stars Charli and Dixie Masters, Final Four, tennis’ U.S. and his dream objective is $100 of the New York Giants’ Super in his next movie. DeGeneres and D’Amelio; basketball Hall of Open, the Daytona 500 and the million. Bowl win over the Patriots in Seacrest plan to have their win- Famer Magic Johnson; Chicago Olympic opening ceremonies. Brady, who left New England to February 2012. ners as co-hosts on their shows. Cubs infielder Anthony Rizzo and Entries for Rubin’s prize can sign with Tampa Bay after win- Meek Mill is auctioning his Longhorns superfan McCo- retired baseball star Alex Rodri- be purchased in amounts of $10, ning six Super Bowls with the 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom. Bid- naughey is offering a sideline ex- guez; and several NFL, NHL and $25, $50 and $100. The winning Patriots, offered tickets to the ding starts at $200,000. perience at a University of Texas NBA teams. ticket will be selected randomly Buccaneers’ home opener, his Mill was the person Rubin ran football game.

Tower of Power’s Castillo Rachael Ray still cooking up suggests 6 hidden gems Since cutting its first record 50 years contributions from her home ago, Tower of Power has released such clas- BY KELLI KENNEDY funds for laid off restaurant workers, say- sic cuts as “You’re Still a Young Man,” “So Associated Press ing she wanted to “help people more than Very Hard to Go,” “Don’t Change Horses just, ‘hey, here’s three things you can do (in the Middle of a Stream)” and “What Is Rachael Ray had big plans for the quar- with canned tuna’.” Hip?” Yet the famed Oakland, Calif., soul- antine break at her home in upstate New Half the money will go to animal res- funk act also has many hidden gems. York. She envisioned “a Renaissance cue. The animal lover says “a lot of the We asked Tower of Power bandleader time,” rereading the classics, resuming shelters can’t afford to keep going; there’s Emilio Castillo to name some of his favorite her Danish lessons and studying Italian. no workers. Animals are in crisis too.” lesser-known tunes from the band’s song- “I was going to get more serious about “The more you earn in life, the more book. Here are his picks and comments: my painting. I had all these lofty goals ... you owe in service and the more you owe “Of the Earth” (from “Bump City,” and none of that’s happening,” the popu- to your community,” said Ray. “It is our 1972) lar daytime talk show host told The Asso- absolute responsibility to take care of “I just love the vibe, the vocals, and the ciated Press in a phone interview. each other.” message of this tune!” “We have never worked this hard in That’s the answer she gives when asked “Both Sorry Over Nothin’ ” (from our entire lives,” said Ray, who is taping why she’s donating so much — and also “Tower of Power,” 1973) “#STAYHOME With Rachael” two days that she’s afraid of her mother. “To me, this song has the Memphis a week from her home. No, she’s not afraid that she might con- sound that we always loved with an Oak- Her husband, John Cusimano, is now tract the virus, she’s “absolutely scared to land bump to it on the ride out.” the cameraman, producer, cocktail maker death” of the 85-year-old tough Sicilian “Just When We Start Makin’ It” (from and musical guest. Their beloved pit bull who lives across the street. “Back to Oakland,” 1974) Isaboo accounts for the entire studio audi- “I’m scared because she’s tough,” Ray “To this day, still one of my most favorite ence, she jokes. said. “She wants a daily update of what ballads Tower ever did.” She wears sweats and no makeup, cook- you’re doing to help the world. In detail.” “I Believe In Myself” (from “Urban Re- RACHAEL RAY SHOW/AP ing low-budget meals based around pantry Ray grew up cleaning shrimp and help- newal,” 1975) staples like chickpeas and pasta, offering ing out in her mother’s restaurant kitch- Rachael Ray cooks in her home kitchen “A great positive message, groovin’ a refreshing peek into her kitchen — she en. They spent holidays alongside police in upstate New York. Ray is taping rhythm track and soulful vocals.” misplaces the garlic sometimes — and a and firefighters feeding hungry families. “#STAYHOME With Rachael” two days a “It’s So Nice” (from “Ain’t Nothin’ Stop- comforting smile. Their family celebrated the following week from her home. pin’ Us Now,” 1976) “This is a weird time. I can’t say there’s day. “Vocally one of my faves. Good song to a silver lining ... but there are found mo- “Every holiday was like that. You had to parsley. Her husband plays a mini banjo cruise in your car to on summer night.” ments every day,” she said at the start of be of service.” concert for Isaboo a few times a day. “You Can’t Fall Up (You Just Fall Down)” the first at home show. In rare down moments, Ray catches up “It feels so good to get on the phone and (from “Monster on a Leash,” 1991) She recently announced that her orga- with friends by phone and cooks Moroc- kibitz and share,” she said. “I just like “I just love the crafty lyrics ... and the nizations will donate $4 million to several can couscous in bone stock for her dog, how much we’re using the old-fashioned horn arrangement is world-class.” charities including food banks and relief garnishing it with carrot tops, mint and telephone.” — The Mercury News Friday, April 17, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 17 PAGE 18 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, April 17, 2020 OPINION Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Sean Klimek, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander Put Americans back to work fighting the virus Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations BY TRACY WALSH contact tracers to contain the coronavirus. Eradicating the coronavirus would require Joshua M. Lashbrook, Pacific Chief of Staff Bloomberg Opinion That’s a lot of manpower. fewer workers, but the employment situa- Digital tools, such as apps used in Singa- tion is, for now, no less dire. And impor- EDITORIAL illions of Americans have lost pore and South Korea to automatically alert tantly, containing the virus would allow their jobs since mid-March, people who have been exposed to the coro- the U.S. economy to return to normal as Terry Leonard, Editor when the coronavirus started navirus, can augment human labor — but scientists work on a vaccine. [email protected] Mspreading around the country. they can’t replace it. This is especially true Many temporary contact tracers could Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor Many won’t be able to return to work until in the U.S., where stronger privacy pro- return to their jobs once the crisis abates. [email protected] the outbreak is contained. Meanwhile, tections and weaker quarantine authority For others, it could be a stepping stone to a there’s a proven strategy for contain- limit technology’s reach. The high-profile career in public health, where workers are Managing Editor for Content Tina Croley, ing infectious diseases, which is notori- contact-tracing program under develop- desperately needed, because more than [email protected] ously difficult to carry out because it’s so ment by Apple and Google will operate on 50,000 public-health jobs evaporated dur- Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation labor-intensive. an opt-in basis — which could limit its use ing the Great Recession. By one estimate [email protected] Why don’t we solve both problems at substantially. As Dr. Farzad Mostashari the U.S. is short a quarter-million such once? put it , “How do you get virtually everyone workers — who will need to be hired if we Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital With “contact tracing,” a mainstay of want to avoid future pandemics. [email protected] to put an always-on app on their phones infectious disease control, health workers that tracks their contacts, eats battery, and Expanding contact tracing is one of many identify people who have been infected, doesn’t do anything to delight them?” ways to shore up the public-health work- BUREAU STAFF contact them, learn who they may have ex- So state and local health departments force. Lawmakers from both parties have posed, and reach out to those people to limit should start thinking about how they can called for a Public Health Infrastructure Europe/Mideast the spread. Right now, the coronavirus is scale up their work forces. A pilot pro- Fund, which would raise $13 per person to Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief ensure that the public-health system can [email protected] too widespread and testing too limited for gram in Massachusetts could serve as +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 such a targeted approach to work. But once a model for others. The state is working meet its “foundational capacities.” That case numbers become more manageable, with Partners in Health — the Boston- would amount to $4.5 billion, a tiny frac- Pacific the U.S. will move away from what epi- based nonprofit best known for its work in tion of the money allocated for coronavirus Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief relief so far. Partnerships with universi- [email protected] demiologists call the “population-based” Haiti — to some hire some 1,000 contact +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 approach, which requires everybody to tracers. Since training will be provided, ties, nonprofits and businesses — such as self-isolate, and toward one focused on these entry-level jobs are open to anyone Massachusetts’s — might offer another Washington containing individual cases. This will be with a high school education. The workers way for cash-strapped public-health agen- Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief the only way most of us can get back to will track the ill and exposed using a web- cies to scale up. [email protected] normal life without risking devastating based contact-management system, and Until there’s a vaccine for COVID-19 (+1)(202)886-0033 — with luck, sometime next year — coro- Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News new outbreaks. ultimately connect them with testing and [email protected] It’s a strategy that’s been shown to work other services needed for quarantine, such navirus is going to be a problem. We have, against COVID-19 in New Zealand and as food delivery and even housing. broadly speaking, three choices. We could CIRCULATION Iceland. In the U.S., health officials use it In return, entry-level contact tracers maintain shelter-in-place indefinitely, dev- to contain mumps and other diseases. But will earn $27 per hour. That’s considerably astating the economy. We could end it for Mideast in the current crisis, the U.S. doesn’t have more than the state minimum wage, but everyone, leading to more outbreaks and Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager enough public-health workers to do the job. given the importance of fighting the virus needless deaths. Or we could be strategic [email protected] — identifying the sick and at-risk through [email protected] Contact tracing helped snuff out Liberia’s — and relieving workers’ distress during DSN (314)583-9111 Ebola outbreak in 2014, but it took 4,000 this crisis — it will be money well spent. testing and tracing, suppressing outbreaks, building up our public health capacity, and Europe workers to protect the country’s 5 million Epidemiologist Gregg Gonsalves recently citizens. Wuhan, China, a city of 11 mil- called for “a WPA for public health,” refer- keeping laid-off workers employed until Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager the economy has recovered enough to re- [email protected] lion, reportedly needed 9,000 contact trac- ring to the Depression-era program that [email protected] ers to suppress COVID-19. Estimates vary, employed millions to build roads, parks absorb them. The choice is easy. +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 but the U.S. will need 100,000 to 300,000 and other projects that endure to this day. Tracy Walsh is an editor for Bloomberg Opinion. Pacific Mari Mori, [email protected] +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 CONTACT US What a post-pandemic commission should look like

Washington BY KAREN TUMULTY But it is not too early to think about how health and human services secretary. Or tel: (+1)202.886.0003 The Washington Post one should work. Already, there are at Democrats Janet Napolitano, who after 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 least four different proposals circulating governing Arizona was Obama’s homeland hat went wrong? Could the on Capitol Hill, and the concept is picking security secretary, and Kansas’s Kathleen Reader letters disaster that the coronavirus [email protected] up bipartisan support. Sebelius, who was at the helm of the Health pandemic has caused have Former New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean, the and Human Services Department during Additional contacts Wbeen prevented? And how can Republican who headed the 9/11 Commis- the Obama administration. stripes.com/contactus we make sure that nothing like it ever crip- sion, told me that the first and most impor- Kean said that it would also be impor- ples this country again? tant challenge for any commission would tant for a commission to demonstrate at OMBUDSMAN Those are the questions to which Ameri- be making sure the right people are on it. every step that it is conducting itself in a Ernie Gates cans will eventually deserve a straight an- Ideally, he said, they should be figures who truly bipartisan fashion. While he was swer — the kind that can come only from are respected across party lines and who running the 9/11 commission, Kean said, a credible, independent commission whose are not likely to seek political office in the The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow he never made a decision without making of news and information, reporting any attempts by the mandate is finding out why the govern- future. sure his Democratic vice chairman, for- military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s ment was caught so unprepared. “Ultimately, it’s going to be important mer Indiana congressman Lee Hamilton, independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns No doubt President Donald Trump, who that people appointed to the commission and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for fair- was on board. The commission also oper- ness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman is incapable of admitting a mistake and have a goal of doing service to their coun- ated under informal rules in which every welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted recoils at oversight, will fight the idea. He try, not service to their political party,” by email at [email protected], or by phone at member was seated with someone of the will howl about hoaxes and witch hunts. agreed House Intelligence Committee other party on either side, and none agreed 202.886.0003. But such fact-finding inquiries have Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who is to make television appearances unless they taken place after other national traumas sponsoring legislation that would set up a would be accompanied by a colleague from — Pearl Harbor, the John F. Kennedy as- Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- 10-member commission that would begin the other party. sassination and, most recently, the terror- days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday work next February. In addition to finding the truth, an in- through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and ist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. And we owe There are two people ideally situated to quiry would also have to grapple with the Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals no less to the tens of thousands who have lead the inquiry as its co-chairs: former postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send crazy untruths that are being spread on address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, lost a loved one, as well as the countless presidents George W. Bush and Barack social media and elsewhere. But that, too, APO AP 96301-5002. health care providers and other essential Obama. An inspiring precedent for this This newspaper is authorized by the Department of is hardly unprecedented. In the aftermath workers who were called upon to battle a was set in Bush’s own decision to recruit Defense for members of the military services overseas. of 9/11, as now, conspiracy theories were However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, lethal enemy without proper protective his father, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clin- and are not to be considered as the official views of, or equipment. ton — bitter rivals in the 1992 presidential rampant. Kean said that rather than ignor- endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspaper, Whether our broken political system is election — to spearhead what became a ing them, he had his staff track down the Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official chan- source of each and every one — once send- nels and use appropriated funds for distribution to remote capable of finding — much less handling spectacularly successful international di- locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. — the truth is another question. Partisan- saster-relief effort. ing investigators as far as Saudi Arabia to The appearance of advertising in this publication does do it. not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense ship infects every conversation about the There are others who would help bring or Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. virus. Trump has also fostered a climate in a sense of high purpose to an independent With each day comes new and often con- Products or services advertised shall be made available for which expertise and even simple facts are inquiry. tradictory information about how the coun- purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, try got to the dark and terrifying place that religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical regarded with suspicion by his defenders. Start with some who have served both as handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor Realistically, a commission cannot get governors and in high-ranking executive- it is in. Not until we are able to sort out why of the purchaser, user or patron. underway until we have turned the corner branch jobs in Washington. Among them will we have confidence that we’ll never © Stars and Stripes 2020 on this epidemic. Nor does it seem feasible are Republicans Mitch Daniels of Indiana, find ourselves here again. for one to start until after the November who was George W. Bush’s budget director, Karen Tumulty is a Washington Post columnist stripes.com election is behind us. and Utah’s Mike Leavitt, who was Bush’s covering national politics. Friday, April 17, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 19 OPINION

seniors generally go in the opposite direc- What newspapers tion, slowly raising the retirement age to, say, 67. Sixty-five isn’t what it used to be. In 1970, life expectancy in the U.S. was are saying at home 70.8. Now it’s about eight years longer. By lowering the age of eligibility instead, The following editorial excerpts are se- Biden would begin shifting Medicare’s lected from a cross section of newspapers focus from seniors to everybody else. Don’t throughout the United States. The editori- worry about the funding, he insists, since als are provided by The Associated Press the extra costs would be “financed out of and other stateside syndicates. general revenues.” Biden’s new left turn on student loans is Postal Service is showing its equally sharp. His old agenda had three big line items. Amid the coronavirus pan- worth. Show it some support. demic, he would cancel $10,000 for each The Boston Globe debtor. Up to $50,000 more could be for- Last month, U.S. Postal Service workers given over five years for people “working delivered “President Trump’s Coronavi- in schools, government, and other non- rus Guidelines for America” to households profit settings.” Income-based repayment across the country. But Donald Trump, plans would get more generous: Instead of of course, has no interest in helping the taking 10% of the borrower’s discretionary agency he relied on to get out his message earnings, it would be 5%, with the balance and feels no patriotic duty to support postal written off after 20 years. workers who are on the front lines of es- Last week Biden added another bullet: sential service delivery during the corona- Cancel all federal undergraduate tuition virus pandemic, putting their own health debt for many borrowers who went to pub- at risk to supply all Americans with medi- lic schools, including four-year universi- cine, supplies and information. sis should not be used to achieve political the restrictions have slowed the disease’s ties. This forgiveness would be given to Instead, the Trump administration has aims.” march. Meanwhile, Trump has his own anyone who earns $125,000 a year or less. a long-range plan to privatize the Postal He’s right . Trump has now threatened political motives for wanting to get the It is not quite Sanders’ plan to zero out Service. In the meantime, the president to veto any stimulus package that includes country’s commercial engine up and run- every last penny of student debt, but it is wrongly blames longstanding financial funding to shore up the agency. Congress ning again: It’s tough for a president to win a huge move in that direction. How much problems on a package delivery deal the should call his bluff, and do what it takes reelection in the midst of a recession. would it cost? There’s no explanation. U.S. Postal Service has with Amazon. That to save the U.S. Postal Service or make the Yet the hard medical reality is that we Biden is trying to make his candidacy leaves any rescue plan up to Congress. president pay the political consequences of can’t keep the virus from exploding again alluring to fans of Sanders, the socialist Unless lawmakers step in, the Trump ad- signing its death warrant. until we know who has it, where they have who called for a “political revolution.” The ministration and a drop in mail volume been, whom they come into contact with trouble for Biden in November will be sell- connected to COVID-19 just might accom- Trump wants to reopen the and who has become immune — and only ing suburbanites on his new proposal for plish what the Internet threatened to do: then if we have an adequate supply of an ef- Medicare for All on the installment plan. kill a universal delivery service that traces states, but we’re not there yet fective treatment for the disease it causes. its roots back to the birth of this nation. Los Angeles Times That means being able to test for COVID- Prep for US mail-in voting now The U.S. Postal Service lost business Columnist Holman Jenkins offered an 19 at a scale we’re not even approaching over the years, as personal letter-writing analogy in The Wall Street Journal last today. That means having a widespread to make it an effective option was overtaken by electronic communica- weekend that captures the conundrum ability to screen people regularly for the The Washington Post tion — which has also put dents in com- created by the U.S. response to COVID-19. antibodies that demonstrate immunity. “Republicans should fight very hard mon business communications like billing “Imagine a problem that can be solved That means having technologies and pro- when it comes to state wide mail-in vot- and payments. The agency also bears the by holding your head underwater,” Jen- tocols to identify, notify, quarantine and ing,” President Donald Trump tweeted burden of a huge pension liability, due to kins wrote, “but stops being solved when test all the people who’ve recently come last week. Mail-in voting, he explained, a congressional mandate that it pre-fund you lift your head out.” In other words, the into contact with each person newly diag- “doesn’t work out well for Republicans.” its benefit obligations. But the concept of stay-at-home measures adopted to protect nosed with COVID-19. The relevant question, though, is not universal delivery is still important in this against the outbreak are damaging in their A much more realistic announcement whether mail-in voting would “work out” country, especially in rural areas. Postal own right, and not a cure for the disease. about the path back to normalcy was the for Republicans, but whether it would work workers deliver medicines, packages or- In fact, there is no known cure, just a one Monday by the governors of Califor- out for American democracy during the dered online, and communications from number of drug therapies being tested nia, Oregon and Washington, three early coronavirus crisis. If Trump has a better the government — including Trump’s coro- and vaccines in development. That’s why adopters of tough social distancing rules alternative, he should present it. navirus guidelines. Voting by mail could it’s so disturbing to hear President Donald that have dramatically slowed the spread of Public health experts continue to warn also play a role in November’s presidential Trump assert, as he did again Monday, that COVID-19. The governors said they would Americans not to leave the house unnec- election, as the contagion forces states to he has the power to “open up the states,” work together to develop “a shared ap- essarily, and certainly not to pack into a explore alternatives to in-person balloting. presumably by lifting the restrictions on proach for reopening our economies — one polling place with many other people. Last Today, the rapid drop in mail volume movement and commerce. that identifies clear indicators for commu- week’s disastrous election in Wisconsin connected to the coronavirus could be “When somebody’s the president of the nities to restart public life and business.” provides a peek at what happens when Re- “catastrophic” to that agency, Rep. Ger- United States, the authority is total,” Trump It’s more a statement of principles than a publicans “fight very hard” against mail- ald Connolly, D-Va., who chairs the House said at Monday’s coronavirus briefing. “It’s blueprint for action at the moment, but the in balloting, the way Trump suggested. Subcommittee on Government Operations, total. And the governors know that.” priorities laid out are the right ones. Given the potential dangers of in-person told New Hampshire Public Radio. With Oh please. Trump has a lot of influence Inevitably, moving back toward life be- voting, and the problems with online vot- business advertising halted, mail volume over the country’s response to COVID-19, fore the coronavirus will require decisions ing, a mass shift to mail-in voting is the could drop as much as 60% by the end of for better and worse. But thankfully, one about how much risk to take and who will most credible option during a time of social the year, he said. thing he cannot do is order states to change be most exposed to it. That’s a political de- distancing. States such as Colorado, Or- Last year, the U.S. Postal Service re- the restrictions they’ve put on the public to cision, not a medical one, even if it is in- egon, Washington, Hawaii and (deep-red) ported an $8.8 billion loss. According to safeguard health and safety — a core func- formed by medical experts (as it should Utah conduct all of their elections by mail. The New York Times, the Postal Service tion of state and local governments. be). And it’s a decision best made by offi- Though no system is immune from fraud, is projecting a $13 billion revenue short- As University of California, Berkeley cials closest to the people whose lives and they have not experienced major problems fall this fiscal year and predicts $54 bil- School of Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky livelihoods are at risk, not one man in the with illegal voting. Electoral fraud of all lion in losses over 10 years. To offset those explained in The Times last month, “no Oval Office. types is extremely rare across the nation. grim numbers, the Postal Service is asking federal law gives the president power to About 30 additional states allow people lawmakers to support an $89 billion relief order businesses to close or, for that mat- Biden’s promises to Sanders to vote absentee for any reason. Trump ad- package. However, the Trump administra- ter, to open.” Nor is this Congress going to mitted that he voted in last month’s Florida tion is fighting that request, and some Re- give this president that power. voters not well thought out primary by mail. No doubt many more publican lawmakers are resisting it, too. There’s no question that the coronavi- The Wall Street Journal voters will request absentee ballots in the At a recent press conference, Trump rus-fighting measures have flattened the So much for triangulating. After Bernie coming months, a move that states should said the Postal Service “is losing billions economy as they’ve flattened the curve Sanders suspended his presidential run last encourage by sending out mail-in ballot of dollars, and the taxpayers are paying of COVID-19. The restrictions have taken week, Joe Biden waited barely 24 hours be- applications to all registered voters. States for that money because it delivers pack- a huge toll on businesses and their work- fore racing to bolster his progressive bona will have to work out some kinks, ensur- ages for Amazon at a very below cost.” He ers, especially at retailers, services and fides. Biden said Thursday he plans to ing they have enough ballots to dispatch wants the agency to raise prices on Amazon manufacturers whose employees can’t make 60-year-olds eligible for Medicare, and machines to process them . Some poll- package delivery — a push that some see do their jobs from home. Unemployment while erasing undergraduate student debt ing locations must be kept open for people as punishment aimed at Amazon founder has climbed at unimaginable speed, and for middle-class borrowers. without fixed mailing addresses or with Jeff Bezos, who also owns The Washington as workers have lost income, the pain has For months, Biden has opposed Medi- vision problems. Simple measures such as Post, which often publishes articles that spread across the economy in the form of care for All, saying a better path would be ballot tracking can combat absentee ballot are critical of Trump. shrinking sales, unpaid bills and canceled to “build on” “Obamacare” with a “pub- fraud. Yet the president insists that only “At the end of the day, they have an outings. lic option.” If he really believed this, he groups that happen to be Republican-lean- agenda,” Mark Dimondstein, president of Some critics of the social distancing wouldn’t deprive his public option of 20 ing, such as seniors and military voters, the American Postal Workers Union, told measures are pushing Trump to act be- million potential customers. That’s rough- should be allowed to vote by mail. the Times. “Raise prices, reduce worker cause they believe the damage being in- ly the number of Americans ages 60 to 64 The only alternative appears to be the benefits and reduce service, make it ap- flicted to the economy is greater than the whom Biden now wants to let hop on Medi- Wisconsin model — that is, chaos — or pear more profitable and set it up for sale.” potential harm from the coronavirus — an care. Already Medicare is scheduled to be postponing elections. Neither is a legiti- Added Dimondstein: “The COVID cri- argument that has only gained steam as insolvent by 2026. Plans to shore it up for mate option, particularly come November. PAGE 20 • S TARS AND STRIPES• Friday, April 17, 2020 SCOREBOARD/COLLEGE FOOTBALL/CYCLING

Sports on AFN Football dependent on campuses

Go to the American Forces Network website for the most up-to-date TV schedules. Commissioners: myafn.net No games until Deals students return Wednesday’s transactions FOOTBALL BY RALPH D. RUSSO National Football League Associated Press ATLANTA FALCONS — Agreed to terms with CB Josh Hawkins. CHICAGO BEARS — Signed DE Roy Rob- The commissioners of the ertson-Harris to a restricted free agent tender. nation’s major college football DETROIT LIONS — Released TE Paul conferences held a 30-minute Butler, WR Jonathan Duhart and LB Steve Longa. conference call Wednesday with KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — Signed RB Vice President Mike Pence and DeAndre Washington to a one-year con- tract. stressed that college sports can- BASKETBALL not return from the coronavirus Women’s National Basketball Association WASHINGTON MYSTICS — Acquired C shutdown until campuses have Tina Charles from New York in exchange reopened. for a first-round pick, 2021 first, second and third-round picks and G Shatori The 10 Walker-Kimbrough. HOCKEY commission- National Hockey League ers, along NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Signed D Alexandre Carrier to a three-year con- with the ath- tract. letic director of Notre Pro basketball Dame, com- prise the Col- NBA lege Football Playoff man- ALEX BRANDON/AP EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division Aresco agement The commissioners of the major college football conferences held a 30-minute conference call W L Pct GB committee. Toronto 46 18 .719 — Wednesday with Vice President Mike Pence, above, and stressed to him that college sports could not Boston 43 21 .672 3 “We were return from the coronavirus shutdown until college campuses have reopened. Philadelphia 39 26 .600 7½ Brooklyn 30 34 .469 16 able to talk about the differenc- New York 21 45 .318 26 es between us and professional The White House has said it that is the lifeblood for many ath- “We talked a little about Southeast Division Miami 41 24 .631 — sports,” American Athletic Con- is important to reopen the U.S. letic departments. whether there would be a na- Orlando 30 35 .462 11 ference Commissioner Mike Washington 24 40 .375 16½ economy, though the details on “(We) made the point we were tional policy because, obviously, Charlotte 23 42 .354 18 Aresco said. “We talked about how that will happen will be com- concerned and wanted to get back if governors have different poli- Atlanta 20 47 .299 22 Central Division how academics and college ath- plicated and likely involve local, to having kids attending college cies you’re going to have some is- Milwaukee 53 12 .815 — letics were inseparable.” state and federal guidelines on and opening up our colleges and sues,” Aresco said. “If California Indiana 39 26 .600 14 Chicago 22 43 .338 31 Big 12 Commissioner Bob safety. President Donald Trump universities,” Bowlsby said. “That isn’t allowing football and Ohio is Detroit 20 46 .303 33½ Bowlsby said Pence asked good has also been engaged with pro- until that happened, we weren’t that’s going to be issue for what is Cleveland 19 46 .292 34 WESTERN CONFERENCE questions and was “hopeful and fessional sports leagues with the going to be having any sports.” obviously a national enterprise.” Southwest Division W L Pct GB optimistic” about the fight against multibillion-dollar sports indus- The commissioners would like Dr. Anthony Fauci, the United Houston 40 24 .625 — the coronavirus. The pandemic try on hold. major college football to start at State’s top infectious disease ex- Dallas 40 27 .597 1½ Memphis 32 33 .492 8½ has shut down all major sport- The college football season is the same time all over the coun- pert, said in a Snapchat interview New Orleans 28 36 .438 12 ing events since mid-March and scheduled to begin Labor Day try, which could be difficult de- it is unlikely sporting events can San Antonio 27 36 .429 12½ Northwest Division forced colleges to close campuses weekend, but many questions re- pending on how the pandemic happen this summer with large Denver 43 22 .662 — and move classes online. Utah 41 23 .641 1½ main to be answered for a sport fades. crowds in attendance. Oklahoma City 40 24 .625 2½ Portland 29 37 .439 14½ Minnesota 19 45 .297 23½ Pacific Division L.A. Lakers 49 14 .778 — L.A. Clippers 44 20 .688 5½ Sacramento 28 36 .438 21½ Tour de France hopes to make nation smile Phoenix 26 39 .400 24 Golden State 15 50 .231 35 All games postponed at least until mid-May. BY JEROME PUGMIRE ropean Athletics Champion- Associated Press ships, which are still set to be Pro hockey held in Paris from Aug. 25-30. PARIS — With the Tour de The Tour then ends on Paris’ NHL France pushed back to a late Au- famed Champs-Elysees avenue gust start, race director Christian on the same day the rescheduled EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division Prudhomme is hoping cycling’s French Open tennis tournament GP W L OT Pts GF GA showcase event can help bring Boston 70 44 14 12 100 227 174 starts a few miles away at Roland Tampa Bay 70 43 21 6 92 245 195 back a sense of normalcy to a na- Garros. Toronto 70 36 25 9 81 238 227 Florida 69 35 26 8 78 231 228 tion reeling from the coronavirus “A magnificent Indian Sum- Montreal 71 31 31 9 71 212 221 pandemic. Buffalo 69 30 31 8 68 195 217 mer,” Prudhomme said. Ottawa 71 25 34 12 62 191 243 Organizers on Wednesday an- A cooler one than Tour riders Detroit 71 17 49 5 39 145 267 Metropolitan Division nounced new dates of Aug. 29- are used to, as well. The tempera- Washington 69 41 20 8 90 240 215 Sept. 20 for the race, a day after it Philadelphia 69 41 21 7 89 232 196 tures in September aren’t likely to Pittsburgh 69 40 23 6 86 224 196 was postponed. And Prudhomme be as hot as in July, meaning rid- Carolina 68 38 25 5 81 222 193 Columbus 70 33 22 15 81 180 187 is still optimistic that the three- ers may have a bit more energy N.Y. Islanders 68 35 23 10 80 192 193 week event will be able to feature on those tough mountain climbs. N.Y. Rangers 70 37 28 5 79 234 222 New Jersey 69 28 29 12 68 189 230 its usual scenes of thousands of “Of course that’s totally pos- WESTERN CONFERENCE fans packed along the route each sible, because in mid-September Central Division /AP GP W L OT Pts GF GA day. CHRISTOPHE ENA there won’t be a heat wave up in St. Louis 71 42 19 10 94 225 193 Colorado 70 42 20 8 92 237 191 “Lots of people smiling, getting A spectator sits next to a banner reading “Thank you to the Tour de the Alps,” Prudhomme said. Dallas 69 37 24 8 82 180 177 back to the lives we love,” Prud- Winnipeg 71 37 28 6 80 216 203 France” during the 18th stage of the cycling race last July 25. The The Tour was set to start on Nashville 69 35 26 8 78 215 217 homme told The Associated Press start of this year’s Tour has been pushed back to Aug. 29. June 27, but those plans were Minnesota 69 35 27 7 77 220 220 Chicago 70 32 30 8 72 212 218 in a phone interview. “Usually we scrapped on Tuesday because Pacific Division like to complain and moan about Prudhomme said organizers While there is a big gaping hole Vegas 71 39 24 8 86 227 211 of coronavirus restrictions. The Edmonton 71 37 25 9 83 225 217 things. Then, when they’re gone opted against having the start in in the global sporting calendar International Cycling Union an- Calgary 70 36 27 7 79 210 215 Vancouver 69 36 27 6 78 228 217 we realize what we’re missing. early August, saying it was wiser for the coming months, the sched- nounced the Tour’s new dates on Arizona 70 33 29 8 74 195 187 The Tour de France will likely to push back “as far away as pos- ule in France is suddenly looking Wednesday. Anaheim 71 29 33 9 67 187 226 Los Angeles 70 29 35 6 64 178 212 be the first big sporting event of sible from the pandemic” in the very busy. AP sports writers Samuel Petrequin in San Jose 70 29 36 5 63 182 226 2020. So there will be fervor and hope that social distancing re- The start of the Tour in Nice All games postponed at least until Brussels and Graham Dunbar in Geneva early May. enthusiasm.” strictions will have eased. overlaps with the end of the Eu- contributed. Friday, April 17, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 21 MLB Report: Halladay was on drugs, doing stunts before crash BY TERRY SPENCER Associated Press DID YOU KNOW ?

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. A report released Wednesday by — Baseball Hall of Famer Roy the National Transportation Safety Halladay had high levels of am- Board said that Roy Halladay was phetamines in his system and on amphetamines, morphine and was doing extreme acrobatics an anti-depressent at the time of when he lost control of his small his 2017 fatal plane crash. plane and nosedived into the Gulf /AP TED S. WARREN of Mexico in 2017, killing him, a SOURCE: Associated Press Seattle’s KeyArena is shown on March 30 with renovation construction resumed after being temporarily National Transportation Safety halted due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Eight stadiums or arenas are under construction or about Board report issued Wednesday Halladay had taken off from a to break ground in the five major professional sports leagues in North America. The facility is the home said. lake near his home about 15 min- of the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, and will be the home of Seattle’s NHL expansion team. Halladay had amphetamine utes before the crash and a previ- levels about 10 times therapeu- ous report says he was flying at tic levels in his blood along with about 105 mph just 11 feet above a high level of morphine and an the water before he started doing Stadium work mostly goes on, anti-depressant that can impair his maneuvers. He had about 700 judgement as he performed high- hours of flight time after getting pitch climbs and steep turns, his pilot’s license in 2013, the pre- though altered by pandemic sometimes within 5 feet of the vious report said, including 51 water, the report says about the hours in Icon A5s with 14 in the Nov. 7, 2017, crash off the coast of plane that crashed. The report BY TIM BOOTH we’ve got to do it differently.” and Turner AECOM Hunt, the Florida. says Halladay was treated for Associated Press Eight stadiums or arenas are company overseeing SoFi Sta- The maneuvers put loads of substance abuse twice between nearly two-times gravity on the under construction or about to dium, has reportedly begun daily 2013 and 2015. SEATTLE — Workers are still plane, an Icon A5 Halladay had break ground in the five major temperature checks for workers Rolled out in 2014, the A5 is an showing up in Inglewood, Calif., purchased a month earlier. On professional sports in North on site along with social distanc- amphibious aircraft meant to be Las Vegas and Seattle and mak- America. the last maneuver, Halladay ing measures. treated like an ATV, a piece of ing progress on stadium and NHL projects are underway entered a steep climb and his Rams COO Kevin Demoff re- weekend recreational gear with arena projects. in Seattle and New York with speed fell to about 85 mph . The cently raised the possibility of folding wings that can easily be At Belmont Park on Long Is- expected opening dates in 2021. propeller-driven plane went into the stadium being delayed in an towed on a trailer to a lake where land the work has mostly come to MLS has four stadiums in the a nosedive and smashed into the it can take off from the water. a halt. works, three of them for expan- interview with the Los Angeles water. The report says Halladay, New stadiums and arenas sion teams in Austin, Texas, Sac- Times. 40, died of blunt force trauma and The man who led the plane’s mean revenue for pro teams and ramento, Calif., and St. Louis. “This is not the time you want drowning. design, 55-year-old John Murray construction often falls under The most pressing are the NFL to be finishing a stadium, in this The report does not give a final Karkow, died while flying an A5 suffocating timelines so the doors stadiums being built in Los An- environment as you prepare,” reason for the crash. That is ex- over California’s Lake Berryessa open on time and the buildings geles for the Rams and Chargers Demoff told the Times. “Because pected to be issued soon. on May 8, 2017, a crash the NTSB can start making a return on in- and in Las Vegas for the relocat- it’s when you need to be all hands About a week before the crash, attributed to pilot error. vestments that run into the mil- ing Raiders. on deck, walking through the the former Toronto Blue Jays and Because of that crash, Icon is- lions or billions of dollars. SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles building every day, meeting with Philadelphia Phillies star had sued guidance to its owners two weeks before Halladay’s accident But there aren’t any blueprints is scheduled to host its first event your staff, working out the kinks flown the plane under Tampa saying that while low-altitude for dealing with a pandemic. So, on July 25 before the Rams and and planning for it.” Bay’s iconic Skyway Bridge, post- flying “can be one of the most work has stalled in some loca- Chargers move in sometime in Two workers have also tested ing on social media, “flying the tions, while construction has rewarding and exciting types of August. Allegiant Stadium in Las positive at the Las Vegas site, but Icon A5 over the water is like fly- continued in others under strict Vegas doesn’t have an event sched- ing a fighter jet!” flying,” it “comes with an inher- construction has continued with guidelines. uled until an Aug. 22 concert, but Halladay, an eight-time All- ent set of additional risks that re- the hopes of completion in late “Safety and health are the deadlines are still looming. Star, pitched a perfect game and quire additional considerations.” priority, but that’s always been Both projects have been given July. a playoff no-hitter in 2010. He It added that traditional pilot there,” said Ken Johnson, the the OK to continue while Cali- Seattle is also under a stringent played for the Blue Jays from training focused on high-altitude construction executive oversee- fornia and Nevada are under deadline. 1998 to 2009 and for the Phillies flying “does little to prepare pi- ing the NHL arena project in Se- stay-at-home orders because of The city’s NHL expansion team from 2009-13, going 203-105 with lots for the unique challenges of attle. “The real thing was to get COVID-19. But the coronavirus should have time to get the build- a 3.38 ERA. He was inducted into low-altitude flying.” Icon told the to really smart people who have has infiltrated the LA project ing open for it to begin play there the Hall of Fame posthumously NTSB that Halladay had received built a lot of big projects to say, with two workers testing positive during the 2021-22 season. last year. and reviewed the guidance. Manfred to ‘turn over every stone’ for season

BY RONALD BLUM gatherings of 50 people or more be from his home in Jupiter, Fla. “For Associated Press put off through mid-May. people to be out there saying we’re Among the plans baseball is inves- not going to have any sports in 2020, NEW YORK — Rob Manfred wants tigating is basing all 30 teams in the I think that’s going the other way. I Major League Baseball to be in posi- Phoenix area and using the 10 spring think we all need, no matter what tion to take the field whenever gov- training ballparks there, the Arizona your predilection is, to wait for the ernment and health officials give the Diamondbacks’ Chase Field and pos- situation to unfold more, give us more go-ahead. sibly college facilities. information and then make realistic “I think it’s incumbent upon us to turn over every stone to try to play the Games would be played in empty decisions about what’s possible.” game in 2020 if there’s any way we stadiums; players, staff and broadcast There is no deadline for a decision, can in the environment,” the baseball crews and technicians would be kept and if the health situation dictates commissioner said Wednesday . in controlled environments, such as baseball could even start in the fall Spring training was suspended ballparks, hotels and MLB-arranged and take advantage of warm weather March 12 because of the new coro- transport. in the Phoenix area. navirus pandemic and the season’s “We have tried to be cautious about “The threshold question is the LM OTERO/AP scheduled start on March 26 delayed. trying to go too soon, based on what health question, and that’s where The federal Centers for Disease Con- the public health situation is,” Man- we’re spending the most time,” Man- Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said he’s making trol and Prevention recommended all fred said during a telephone interview fred said. every effort to ensure the return of his sport in 2020. PAGE 22 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, April 17, 2020 AUTO RACING/NFL NFL briefs Rams’ Allen is first player to reveal a positive virus test

Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Los Ange- les Rams center Brian Allen says he tested positive for COVID-19 three weeks ago.

ANDRE TEAGUE, BRISTOL HERALD COURIER/AP Allen is the first active NFL player to acknowledge testing Speedway Motorsports, LLC announced Wednesday that it has laid off 180 employees across its positive during the coronavirus facilities and furloughed another 100 employees due to the coronavirus pandemic. Its tracks include pandemic. Bristol Motor Speedway, in Bristol, Tenn., shown above, and seven other speedways. The third-year pro is not hospitalized and is “feeling good,” according to a statement issued No races have led to job cuts by the Rams on Wednesday night only after Allen spoke to Fox Sports about his positive test. Allen became the team’s start- of 15% at 8 NASCAR tracks ing center last season. He played in nine games before missing the rest of the year with a knee DAVID DERMER/AP BY ALEX ANDREJEV injury. By the numbers Los Angeles Rams center Brian The Charlotte Observer Allen is expected to start at Allen said Wednesday that he center again this season. He was CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Layoffs tested positive for COVID-19 a fourth-round draft pick out of are in effect at Charlotte Motor three weeks ago. Michigan State in 2018, play- Speedway and seven other NAS- ing largely on special teams as a CAR tracks after parent compa- shut down on March 12. Every- rookie. ny Speedway Motorsports, LLC 180 100 20% one who had been exposed to the The 24-year-old Allen was announced Wednesday that it has infected employee was notified training and rehabilitating at the laid off 180 employees across its Employees Employees Pay cuts and all self-quarantined. facilities and furloughed another Rams’ training complex when laid off across furloughed announced he began to feel symptoms last 100 employees due to the corona- Packers Hall of Famer virus pandemic. Approximately eight NASCAR by Speedway in March for month. He told Fox Sports that he 15% of Speedway Motorsports’ tracks owned Motorsports NASCAR lost his sense of smell and taste, Willie Davis dies at 85 overall staff was affected by the and they haven’t returned even by Speedway LLC because of employees, after his other symptoms abated. Willie Davis, a Pro Football job cuts that took place Tuesday Hall of Fame defensive lineman and Wednesday. Motorsports, the coronavirus not including New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton revealed last month that who helped the Green Bay Pack- In addition to Charlotte Motor LLC. pandemic 25% cuts for ers win each of the first two Super Speedway, the motorsports enter- he tested positive for the virus. shutdown. executives. The Los Angeles Chargers last Bowls, has died. He was 85. tainment company owns and op- The Packers confirmed Davis’ erates Atlanta Motor Speedway, week revealed a positive test and symptoms for unidentified mem- death to the Pro Football Hall of Bristol Motor Speedway, Ken- SOURCE: Charlotte Observer Fame on Wednesday, as did his tucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor bers of their organization, but former teammate and fellow hall Speedway, New Hampshire Motor race car manufacturer U.S. Leg- operates tracks such as Daytona the Rams hadn’t acknowledged member, Dave Robinson. Speedway, Sonoma Raceway and end Cars International, radio International Speedway, Talla- Allen’s positive test. Davis died in a Santa Monica, Texas Motor Speedway. network Performance Racing dega Superspeedway and Rich- Rams general manager Les Calif. hospital. His wife, Carol, About one third of the staff at Network and zMAX Micro Lubri- mond Raceway, among others, in Snead and coach Sean McVay told the Packers her husband Texas Motor Speedway was let cant, which all maintain opera- addition to radio network Motor both dodged the question last had been hospitalized for about go, according to the Fort Worth- tions in the Charlotte region. Racing Network. week when asked if any members Star Telegram. SMI does not qualify for the Those layoffs primarily im- of the organization had fallen ill. a month with kidney failure and Speedway Motorsports, LLC forgivable loans through the Pay- pacted staffing at Iowa Speedway, “Everybody is doing really passed away peacefully. said the company is providing a check Protection Program, de- which dismissed a majority of its well,” McVay said at the time. “The Green Bay Packers family severance package to each per- signed by the government to help staff, according to NBCSports. “There’s been a couple guys that was saddened today to learn about son affected by job eliminations. small businesses get through this com, but NASCAR has not con- we’ve had some conversations the passing of Willie Davis,” said Some of the impacted staff may crisis. The restructuring at the firmed the total number of layoffs with, but they’re in a good place Packers President/CEO Mark also be re hired as event day staff speedways follows pay and job across the company. right now.” Murphy. “One of the great defen- once racing resumes. cuts at NASCAR, as well as in- As NASCAR, its speedways sive players of his era, Willie was “The extraordinary circum- dividual teams. In late March, and teams juggle staff reduc- Chargers employee a significant contributor to the stances presented by this pandem- NASCAR announced 25% pay tions, the organizations and its tests positive for virus Packers’ five NFL championship ic and the subsequent shutdown cuts for executives and 20% pay fans are looking ahead to when teams during the 1960s. of the economy have had a signif- cuts for other employees. the season will likely be able to COSTA MESA, Calif. — At “I enjoyed getting to know Wil- icant impact on our business,” a “We understand this is a diffi- resume. NASCAR’s next event is least one member of the Los An- lie and his wife, Carol, especially company statement read. “Since cult time for all of you and your scheduled for May 9 at Martins- geles Chargers organization has when he served as our honorary the beginning of the shutdown families, but these steps are nec- ville, but the timing of that race is tested positive for the coronavi- captain for the 2010 NFC cham- four weeks ago, we have kept our essary measures for our com- unlikely given Virginia’s stay-at- rus and two others have reported pionship game and Super Bowl entire team on full pay while our pany without races on track each home order that extends through symptoms. 45, and again for the 2014 NFC properties remained dormant. In week,” NASCAR President Steve June 10. Team spokesman Josh Ruppre- championship game. He also was that time, it has become clear that Phelps said in a letter to employ- When the order went into ef- cht said in a statement that “ev- a great role model for our play- we must be a more nimble, more ees. “A lot of time and thought was fect March 30, NASCAR said in eryone is doing well and is on the ers, having gone on to a very suc- efficient organization.” put into how to approach this in a a statement that it was “aware of road to recovery.” cessful career after football and The layoffs and furloughs im- manner that results in the least the stay-at-home order issued for Rupprecht added that owner serving on the Packers Board of pacted all departments across impact to our employees.” Virginia” and that it “will contin- Dean Spanos, general manager Directors.” all Speedway Motorsports On April 3, NASCAR further ue discussions with public health Tom Telesco and coach Anthony A 15th-round draft pick from subsidiaries . announced company-wide layoffs officials and medical experts as Lynn are fine. Grambling, Davis began his NFL Speedway Motorsports, LLC that were the result of October’s we assess rescheduling options.” ESPN reported that the first career by playing both offense also owns souvenir merchandis- merger with International Speed- An updated schedule has not positive diagnosis happened two and defense for the Cleveland ing company SMI Properties, way Corporation, which owns and yet been released by NASCAR. weeks after the team facility was Browns in 1958 and ’59. Friday, April 17, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 23 NFL DRAFT Former GMs: Focus on getting little things right

BY BARRY WILNER person visits and workouts at One topic Polian and Kirwan Associated Press team headquarters, and in-depth disagree on is actually staging medical exams by team doctors the draft next week. Several gen- Bill Polian ran many an NFL adversely affect preparation for eral managers had sought a delay Draft, making him the main man each franchise. into May at least, something the in the room for several successful That said, Polian and former owners shot down quickly. Could franchises. NFL executive Pat Kirwan point there be competitive advantages Next week, the Pro Football directly to for some teams by maintaining Hall of Famer knows who the team scouts the status quo? guys in demand will be for all 32 who, like “It’s largely moot because it teams: the techs. every other isn’t being pushed back,” Polian “I would say simply, I-T I-T I-T,” year, were says. “In a certain sort of offbeat Polian explains. “Make sure from on the road sense, it is probably a good thing the outset your communication gathering to have now. While it is trivial in is seamless and flawless. If you data since the extreme compared to what can get the name of the pick in on last summer. is going on everywhere, it takes time and can effectuate trades, So clubs with people’s minds off the news they the rest of it is relatively easy. “If I were running a club,” the stron- are hearing. ” adds the man who built the Bills, gest person- From a football sense, though, Colts and Panthers through the Polian nel staffs, Kirwan wonders why wasn’t a draft, “I’d take a little more time who usually potential delay in the NFL’s game to make sure I rehearsed every- have an edge plan? thing for the actual draft. We heading into the draft, could have “Doing a first-time draft with would always make sure all the an even bigger advantage now. a coach and GM together, and communications work and ev- But as Kirwan points out, the they don’t know each other that erything lines up, but do it all in logistical limitations caused by well, and now adding all of these spades now. Don’t take for grant- the coronavirus pandemic could technical elements will add more ed they will work.” outweigh some of that diligence . pressure,” he says. “I thought we The league and teams say they “Trading, which has become a could have moved the draft back are ensuring that everything will bigger part of the draft than ever, until the middle of May and not run smoothly, and a mock draft becomes problematic,” says Kir- affected it (adversely). will be held soon as a test. But re- wan, who like Polian is an analyst “I think it reeks too much of ally, this is uncharted territory. for SiriusXM . “Say we are all in people who never ran a draft. I TED S. WARREN/AP NFL teams are in a sea of uncer- a room and three guys are work- respect that we are in an enter- According to Hall of Fame NFL GM Bill Polian and former NFL tainty as they prepare for a draft ing phones, trying to get the best tainment business. But the GMs executive Pat Kirwan, teams like the Seattle Seahawks — where like no other. deal. The decision maker, he is were told to shut up, basically. I head coach Pete Caroll, pictured, heads an exceptionally strong, The collection of information not going to have the visual con- want to know where the impetus veteran personnel staff — could have an even greater advantage than has been strong, but hardly as tact with them that he usually was, who thinks the show must go usual as the coronavirus pandemic adversely limits each franchises’ thorough as in normal times. has. How fast can they respond to on? It shows a lack of real under- preparation ahead of next week’s NFL Draft. Cancellations of pro days, in- make the move?” standing of the moment. ” Perfect: Simmons has ability to line up all over the field on defense

FROM BACK PAGE He doesn’t have a position preference in derisively — were typically downgraded the NFL. for their lack of specialization. “I like an interception just as much as I Now, adaptability and ambidexterity are like getting a sack,” Simmons said. “I don’t attributes. think I have a favorite.” “I think it’s really beneficial for me,” Although he worked out with the line- Simmons said. “I know years ago it wasn’t backers at the NFL scouting combine, Sim- good to be a position-less guy. But now it’s mons had a quick retort for anyone asking become a benefit for me just because of all what position was in his blood. the versatility I’ll be able to (provide).” “Defense,” he’d say with a million-dollar Although he’s had some multi-talented smile. predecessors in recent years such as Char- It’s not as if he’ll have to choose one posi- gers strong safety Derwin James, there’s tion or another in the pros, either. not been anyone quite like Simmons, who “He can do anything,” Jeremiah said. “... can’t even count himself a genuine acolyte So with a guy like Isaiah Simmons, wheth- of any specific NFL player. er you want to list him as a linebacker or “I don’t know if I truly have one person safety, I know you plug him into that de- you could compare me to just for all the fensive scheme and week by week you can different things I do,” Simmons explained. deploy him in different ways depending on That said, he does have a trio of super- what the strength of your opponent is. stars he models. “That’s why he has so much value.” “If I have to go look at film of somebody Simmons believes NFL coaches will to get something, it would be Von Miller prove just as creative as Venables and just for pass rush, Jalen Ramsey for man Dabo Swinney in capitalizing on his many techniques and Tyrann Mathieu just be- skills. cause he plays around everywhere, as “Mentally I feel like there isn’t anything MICHAEL CONROY/AP well,” Simmons said. I can’t do,” Simmons said, suggesting he’s While Mathieu can play anywhere in Clemson standout Isaiah Simmons worked out with the linebackers at February’s NFL the remedy for all those terrific tight ends the back seven, Simmons produced at all scouting combine, but ask the 6-foot-4, 238-pounder his natural position and you’ll winning so many mismatches on Sunday three levels on defense at Clemson. He get a quick retort — “defense.” afternoons. seamlessly transitioned from defending “The game is evolving,” Simmons said, the deep pass to covering tight ends over demanding for Simmons. deal with. But I learn everything very fast. “Something has to be done to stop these the middle, thwarting running backs in the “The hardest part about it is just the ... At Clemson our back seven, we all meet Travis Kelces and George Kittles out box and rushing the passer off the edge. mental aspect, having to know what every- in the same room, so I’m able to hear ev- there.” Playing up to five positions on an after- body else has to do,” Simmons said. “That erything all at one time as opposed to hav- And he’s just the man for the job. noon wasn’t uncommon nor physically too was the most complicated thing I had to ing to go from room to room.” Or jobs. S TARS AND STRIPES Friday, April 17, 2020 Report: Halladay used drugs, doing ‘extreme acrobatics’ before crash SPORTS MLB, Page 21

NFL DRAFT

Versatile Clemson LB Simmons is pefect fit for modern NFL

B Y ARNIE STAPLETON Associated Press everal years before building a Super Bowl roster in San Francisco, John Lynch the broadcaster was pining for a new kind of defensive playmaker. What the NFL needed to counter all the offen- sive innovations driving up scores, he said back in 2013, was a hybrid linebacker/safety who could stayS on the field no matter the down and distance, regardless of the pace or the play. Some players have started to fit that bill, none the likes of Isaiah Simmons. The 6-foot-4, 238-pound Clemson captain lined up at linebacker, over the slot and in the deep middle for ‘ Simmons is built the Tigers. He projects as an even more all-purpose pro. for today’s NFL, “Simmons is built for to- and his role could day’s NFL,” said NFL Media change week to analyst Daniel Jeremiah, “and his role could change week, depending week to week, depending on on the opponent. ’ the opponent.” Daniel Jeremiah Simmons’ specialty is his NFL Media analyst versatility. “I can fit in anywhere,” Simmons said. Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables lined him up all over the field except nose tackle and defensive tackle. Back in Lynch’s playing days and even during most of his time in the broadcast booth, NFL teams leaned toward prototypical prospects who fit the mold as much as the scheme. “Tweeners,” as they were referred to — sometimes

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Inside: Former league exec Polian: Doing little things more important than ever ahead Isaiah of unconventional NFL Draft, Page 23 Simmons AP

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