MILITARY FACES Army bans TikTok Esper: US expects more How Carrie Fisher’s on military devices attacks from Iran-backed role was woven into amid security concerns groups in Middle East ‘Rise of Skywalker’ Page 3 Page 8 Page 19

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Volume 78, No. 185 ©SS 2020 CONTINGENCY EDITION FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 stripes.com Free to Deployed Areas Former SEAL rebrands after being acquitted of war crimes

BY CAITLIN DOORNBOS Stars and Stripes Eddie Gallagher, the former Navy SEAL acquitted this sum- mer of murdering an Iraqi cap- tive, is cashing in on his newfound notoriety with an apparel line. Gallagher in September 2018 faced 10 charges including pre- meditated and attempted murder based on accusations that he shot at Iraqi civilians and stabbed a captured teenaged Islamic State fighter to death a year earlier. He was ultimately convicted of one charge, posing with the teen- ager’s corpse in a photo he sent to friends. Gallagher was reduced in rank after his conviction, a de- cision President Donald Trump reversed. Now, the square-jawed, tattooed former chief petty officer poses in photos of a different kind: ad- vertisements for his new clothing line through the veteran-owned Nine Line Apparel online store. Gallagher briefly met Nine Line’s CEO Tyler Merritt during a deployment. When the news of Gallagher’s prosecution broke, Nine Line reached out to sup- WINTER port him and later “came up with the idea of a brand and to create a partnership,” Gallagher said in a statement on the Nine Line Firewood seller website. Baba Pahlawan, 70, The collaboration created Gal- of their discontent is pictured on Dec. 25 lagher’s Salty Frog Gear brand in Kabul, Afghanistan. under Nine Line. Pahlawan says most Afghans feel chill of endless peace talk, political paralysis customers can afford SEE SEAL ON PAGE 7 to buy only a few sticks of firewood at a time as Former BY PAMELA CONSTABLE up and there is no work,” said Baba Pahlawan, 70, the winter cold begins. Navy SEAL The Washington Post who sells firewood for about 8 cents a pound. Most Eddie customers, he said, can afford only a few sticks at PAMELA CONSTABLE The Washington Post Gallagher KABUL a time. When they run out, they buy a few pieces of models cross the Afghan capital, carpentry coal. When that runs out, “people stay under their items from shops are turning out crude pine tables. blankets and wait for the morning.” his new Soon, thousands of families will spend As another harsh winter approaches, worry is apparel icy winter evenings huddled around sharpening the seasonal chill in this bustling but line, Salty them, with a few hot coals underneath bedraggled city of 4 million surrounded by white- Frog Gear, and blankets spread over the top. In capped mountains. It is being felt not only in com- in this A many areas, electricity cuts and high munities like Pahlawan’s — and not only because screenshot firewood costs have made these tradi- of the worsening daily struggle to survive. from the tional “sandalis” the only source of heat. brand’s “The cold is getting worse, the prices are going SEE WINTER ON PAGE 6 web site. PAGE 2 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, January 3, 2020 BUSINESS/WEATHER EXCHANGE RATES Military rates Switzerland (Franc)...... 0.9713 Drastic drop in global air crash fatalities in ’19 Euro costs (Jan. 3) ...... $1.1481 Thailand (Baht) ...... 30.13 Dollar buys (Jan. 3) ...... €0.871 Turkey (Lira) ...... 5.9564 British pound (Jan. 3) ...... $1.36 Associated Press (Military exchange rates are those 100 crashed Friday on takeoff in million flights in 2019 from 0.30 Japanese yen (Jan. 3)...... 107.00 available to customers at military banking South Korean won (Jan. 3)...... 1,128.00 Kazakhstan, killing 12 people. accidents per million flights in Commercial rates facilities in the country of issuance FRANKFURT, Germany — for Japan, South Korea, Germany, the Bahrain (Dinar) ...... 0.3770 The worst crash of 2019 involved 2018. That means there was one Netherlands and the United Kingdom. For The number of deaths in major British pound ...... $1.3149 an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 fatal accident for every 5.58 mil- nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., Canada (Dollar) ...... 1.2997 air crashes around the globe fell purchasing British pounds in Germany), Max plane that crashed March lion flights. China (Yuan) ...... 6.9632 check with your local military banking by more than half in 2019, ac- Denmark (Krone) ...... 6.6872 10, killing 157 people. Last year may have seen fewer facility. Commercial rates are interbank cording to a report by an aviation Egypt (Pound) ...... 16.0434 The report said fatal accidents deaths but did not equal the his- Euro ...... $1.1174/0.8949 rates provided for reference when buying consulting firm. in 2018 and 2019 that led to the toric low of 2017, which saw only Hong Kong (Dollar) ...... 7.7906 currency. All figures are foreign currencies The To70 consultancy said Hungary (Forint) ...... 294.90 to one dollar, except for the British pound, grounding of Boeing’s 737 Max two fatal accidents, involving re- Israel (Shekel) ...... 3.4546 which is represented in dollars-to-pound, Wednesday that 257 people died raised questions about how avia- gional turboprops, that resulted Japan (Yen) ...... 108.68 and the euro, which is dollars-to-euro.) in eight fatal accidents in 2019. tion authorities approve aviation in the loss of 13 lives. Kuwait (Dinar) ...... 0.3031 INTEREST RATES That compares to 534 deaths in Norway (Krone) ...... 8.8037 designs , and about pilot training . This report excludes acci- Philippines (Peso)...... 50.74 Prime rate ...... 4.75 13 fatal accidents in 2018. The fatal accident rate for large dents involving small planes, Poland (Zloty) ...... 3.80 Discount rate ...... 2.25 Saudi Arabia (Riyal) ...... 3.7509 Federal funds market rate ...... 1.55 The 2019 death toll rose in late planes in commercial air trans- military flights, cargo flights and Singapore (Dollar) ...... 1.3472 3-month bill ...... 1.54 December after a Bek Air Fokker port fell to 0.18 fatal accidents per helicopters. South Korea (Won) ...... 1,159.06 30-year bond ...... 2.39 WEATHER OUTLOOK FRIDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY IN EUROPE SATURDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 31/28 Kabul 31/26 Seoul 37/27 Baghdad 63/48 Kandahar 55/42 Osan Tokyo Mildenhall/ Drawsko 38/28 46/33 Lakenheath Pomorskie Busan 50/42 41/29 44/32 Iwakuni 52/45 Kuwait Bahrain Zagan Sasebo City 72/68 Brussels 41/31 Guam 68/60 48/45 Ramstein 52/44 80/77 Lajes, 44/28 Riyadh Doha Azores Stuttgart Pápa 83/59 81/60 63/60 44/31 35/27 Aviano/ Vicenza 44/32

Naples 52/41 Okinawa Morón 69/64 55/43 Sigonella Rota 55/37 The weather is provided by the Djibouti Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 83/74 57/50 53/50 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

T O D A Y IN STRIPES American Roundup ...20 Comics ...... 21 Crossword ...... 21 Faces ...... 19 Opinion ...... 22-23 Sports ...... 25-32 Wired World ...... 12 Friday, January 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 3 MILITARY Army next to ban TikTok on military devices

BY CAITLIN M. KENNEY statement. on government mobile devices, “Security experts have voiced al security risks posed by China- Stars and Stripes The Army’s ban only applies to including phones and tablets, cit- concerns that China’s vague owned technology companies government phones, according to ing “cybersecurity threat assess- patchwork of intelligence, na- before choosing to utilize certain WASHINGTON — The Army Lt. Col. Crystal Boring, an Army ments,” Cmdr. David Benham, a tional security, and cybersecurity platforms,” he wrote. has banned the use of TikTok, spokeswoman. spokesman for U.S. Fleet Cyber laws compel Chinese companies In response to congressio- a popular video app, on govern- The DOD guidance recom- Command and U.S. 10th Fleet, to support and cooperate with in- nal concerns, TikTok released ment phones, following a similar mends that TikTok be uninstalled said in a statement. telligence work controlled by the ban by the Navy amid growing so that personal information is not In the past several months, Chinese Communist Party,” the a statement Oct. 24 that its U.S. concerns about its potential secu- exposed to “unwanted actors,” Lt. Congress has raised concerns letter stated. user data is stored in the U.S. rity risks to users. Col. Uriah Orland, a Pentagon about the app’s potential risk to In November, Schumer also with a backup in Singapore, and The app, which allows users to spokesman, said in a statement. national security. sent a letter to Army Secretary it denied that its data is subject to share short videos, is owned by “The Department of Defense In a letter dated Oct. 24 to act- Ryan McCarthy about his con- Chinese law. ByteDance, a Chinese company. generally does not provide pol- ing Director of National Intel- cern regarding the use of TikTok Officials for the Marine Corps The Army is following guidance icy on individual social media ligence Joseph Maguire, Sens. and other content platforms by and the Air Force did not re- from a Defense Department cy- platforms, but routinely issues Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Tom Chinese companies to target and spond Tuesday to questions about bersecurity awareness message guidance to proactively address Cotton, R-Ark., requested that the reach young Army recruits. whether the services also are issued Dec. 16 that “identifies existing and emerging threats,” intelligence community conduct “While I recognize that the TikTok as having potential se- he said. an assessment on the risks posed Army must adapt its recruiting taking actions to stop the use of curity risks associated with its Two weeks ago, the Naval Net- by TikTok and other China-based techniques in order to attract TikTok. use,” Lt. Col. Robin Ochoa, an work Warfare Command direct- social media platforms that are young Americans to serve, I urge [email protected] Army spokeswoman, said in a ed sailors not to download TikTok used in the U.S. you to assess the potential nation- Twitter: @caitlinmkenney Navy vet takes a run at preventing suicide for those who served BY JOHN VANDIVER Stars and Stripes STUTTGART, Germany — Navy veteran Dustin Johnson was in despair. He was already struggling with his transition into civilian life, and a fire burned his Missouri home to the ground in January 2019. It was the final straw for Johnson, who said he attempted suicide in the aftermath of the blaze. “I lost everything that I owned, and that was like my rock bot- tom,” Johnson said. A year later on New Year’s Johnson is in the middle of a morning, the 25-year-old began more-than-16,000-mile quest to PHOTOS BY JOHN VANDIVER/Stars and Stripes an attempt at setting a record for circumnavigate the globe, in an the longest nonstop journey on effort to raise awareness about Navy veteran Dustin Johnson warms up at Killesberg Park in Stuttgart, Germany, where on Wednesday foot — a 420-mile sleepless trek veteran suicide. he began a 420-mile run to Berlin. He wants to complete the journey without sleep or stopping for rest . from Stuttgart to Berlin that will take about six days to finish. The suicide awareness. having a hard time. will monitor Johnson’s steps. now I am 100% focused on help- endurance test is just one part of The suicide rate among vet- “I put a lot pressure on myself. The plan is to start off with a ing others.” a broader effort by Johnson to erans is about 1.5 times the rate People can see me doing this. If I 12-hour run and then transition There have been challenges raise awareness about prevent- of those who never served in the was looking at somebody when I to a walk. If he has the energy, along the way. He was sidelined ing veteran suicides by running military, according to Depart- was going through my hard time, he’ll alternate as he heads toward briefly after getting hit by a truck extraordinary distances. ment of Veterans Affairs data. and saw them give up, it would Berlin. Along the way, he hopes to in Chile. He was awakened in the Since April, Johnson also has “It was pretty inspirational make me feel even worse,” John- connect with a childhood friend been on a quest to become the in terms of someone who hit his son said. “If I quit, then they may based at the U.S. Army’s garri- night by three jaguars in Argen- first American to circumnavigate low and found a way to turn his quit.” son at Grafenwoehr who can keep tina and was lunged at by a 7-foot the globe on foot. So far, he’s run life around in a year. And then While the runs so far have been him company on foot for a short snake along a trail. more than 6,000 miles. When he to put all that toward bringing a battle against the elements and leg of the trip. The hardest part physically is finished, the trip will add up awareness to suicide, particu- endurance, the trip from Stutt- “I’ll be on my feet. I can’t stop was pushing his supply cart to 16,400 miles across four conti- larly veteran suicide, it is pretty gart to Berlin will be a different moving,” Johnson said. through the Andes in subzero nents. He estimates that his run, incredible,” said Stuttgart gar- kind of test. It’s staying awake The drive to run around the temperatures. It took seven days which will end in his home state rison commander Col. Jason that has him worried. world traces back to a childhood of up-and-down climbing to get of Missouri, will be completed by W. Condrey, who was part of a “The sleep deprivation is no dream when Johnson first heard through a section of the mountain late November. group of Americans gathered at joke,” he said. stories about a small group of range, Johnson said. He averages about 30 miles of Stuttgart’s Killesberg Park on The record for the longest non- runners who completed the world running per day and has already Wednesday morning to see John- stop journey on foot recorded in run. After his suicide attempt “Pushing a cart full of water completed a stretch across part of son off to Berlin. Guinness World Records belongs last year, a doctor suggested he and food that long in that environ- the U.S. and South America and is Many military members have to Georges Holtyzer, of Belgium, put his talent for running to use, ment was miserable,” he said. now crossing Europe. After that, connected with Johnson dur- who walked 418 miles in six days Johnson said. That’s when the The toughest on the mind was he will run across New Zealand ing his journey — the Facebook in 1986. Guinness no longer mon- idea of attempting the world run probably the lonesome runs and Australia before finishing in page Dustin Johnson’s World Re- itors this particular record, but came together in his mind. through Peru, where there was no the western part of the U.S. cord Run posts regular updates Johnson is gunning for it nonethe- In the beginning, the world run human contact for days on end. At In Germany, Johnson, a former on his journey. Johnson said he less and will submit his attempt to wasn’t just about raising aware- one point, Johnson said, he went Navy plane captain responsible often hears directly from veter- the World Runners Association. ness. It also was to be a means for 11 days without seeing a person. for making sure aircraft were ans who share stories about their Other than a two-minute bath- finding himself, something John- “That’s the hardest part. Going fit for flight, has been joined for struggles. room break every four hours, the son said finally happened after parts of his run by members of Johnson said that during his rules of the test require that a pushing to the top of a 16,000-foot those stretches without talking to the military community. In Kai- own physical struggles on the person’s feet can never stop mov- mountain in the Andes. people,” he said. serslautern and Stuttgart, he’s road, what keeps him going is the ing, Johnson said. An assortment “That was the moment where I [email protected] also met with troops to talk about idea of other veterans who are of data-collecting GPS devices say I found myself,” he said. “So Twitter: @john_vandiver PAGE 4 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, January 3, 2020 MILITARY Firm settles lawsuit over construction

BY ROSE L. THAYER and metal rebar. Stars and Stripes The Army also claimed in the suit that LaForge submitted three A construction company has agreed to pay $3 million to settle requests for progress payments a lawsuit, accusing it of submit- during construction on the dam’s ting false claims to the Army for embankment that falsely report- work completed to a dam at Fort ed the work was being done based Sill, Okla., according to the De- on their agreement. partment of Justice. In reaching a settlement, La- The federal government filed Forge, based in Parsons, Kan., a civil lawsuit in April against did not admit liability, and the LaForge & Budd Construction government did not make any Co., for work conducted in 2010 to raise the elevation of a dam concessions about the legitimacy on Lake George, on Fort Sill’s of the Army claims, according to east range, according to court the announcement of the settle- documents. ment made by Timothy J. Down- The company’s contract speci- ing, U.S. attorney for the Western fied it fill the embankment with District of Oklahoma. composite soils common in The agreement allows the par- engineering. However, the Army claimed ties to avoid litigating the case, he LaForge used “unsatisfactory” said. [email protected] DEREK MUSTARD/U.S. Army materials, including trash, back- fills from previous construction Twitter: @Rose_Lori Mass casualty practice

An Army medic draws blood from a volunteer during a mass casualty drill at al-Asad Air Base, Iraq, on Tuesday. The base was attacked by rockets last month. Navy chief pleads guilty to child sexual abuse

BY CAITLIN M. KENNEY April 20, 2004, and he arrived at Offutt bans most personal Stars and Stripes U.S. Pacific Fleet on Oct. 3, 2016, according to his military record WASHINGTON — A Navy chief petty officer has been con- provided by the Navy. firearms in wake of attacks fined to the Pearl Harbor brig [email protected] after pleading guilty to charges of Tweiier: @caitlinmkenney BY COREY DICKSTEIN ly. The first shooting was com- The policy does allow for cer- child sexual abuse and possess- Stars and Stripes mitted by a sailor on guard duty tain exemptions. Individuals who ing child pornography, according to a Navy spokeswoman. in Hawaii who killed two civilian work in military or civilian law WASHINGTON — Most pri- Matthew Lee Richardson, a contractors before fatally shoot- enforcement with a federal Law vately owned firearms will no ing himself with his M9 service cryptologic technician (collec- Enforcement Officers Safety Act tion) at U.S. Pacific Fleet, pleaded longer be allowed on Offutt Air pistol. The second shooting was permit will be allowed to carry a guilty at a Dec. 10 court-martial Force Base beginning Thursday. committed by a member of the The change to the Nebraska personal firearm on post. to two counts of sexual abuse of Saudi Arabian Air Force who was The policy announcement on a child and one count for possess- installation’s gun policy was an- training to fly jets at Pensacola. Facebook was met largely with ing child pornography, according nounced after a review conducted The shooting in Florida left three criticism from commenters on to Lydia Robertson, a spokes- by the 55th Wing commander. It dead before police killed the at- prohibits almost all personal fire- Offutt’s official page. Some com- woman for Navy Region Hawaii. tacker. It is being investigated by A redacted charge sheet from arms from base, ending a regula- the FBI as a potential terrorist menters questioned whether tion that allowed individuals with Navy Region Hawaii states that act and has spawned a Defense the new policy would make the Defense Department identifica- between October 2018 and March Department review on its vetting base less safe if it was targeted tion and concealed carry permits 2019 in Oahu, Richardson en- process for foreign troops train- by a shooter. Others said they issued by Nebraska or certain couraged a child younger than 16 ing in the United States. felt they would be less safe driv- other states to access the post years old “to take her underwear In the wake of those shootings, ing between their off-post homes with guns that were locked in off and walk around the room.” and the base without a personal The charge sheet also states that their vehicles. some in the military have called firearm. in March he intentionally touched The base announced the deci- for expanded rights of troops “This is craziness. Are you the genitalia and buttocks of a sion by 55th Wing commander to carry personal firearms on child younger than 16 years old Air Force Col. Gavin Marks on bases. Troops are largely barred going to pat down and car search across U.S. installations from every person who comes on base?” “with an intent to gratify his sex- Monday in a Facebook post. ual desire.” “The commander’s intent for carrying guns outside of weap- one commenter asked. “[Because] ons issued for official duties, such the wrong person can bring a gun His possession of child pornog- this change is that firearms will raphy charge was from April 27, be effectively controlled and as law enforcement or guard re- anyway and now [only] a smaller sponsibilities. But the Pentagon 2018, according to the document. safely handled on Offutt AFB portion of the good guys can de- Richardson was sentenced to and is reflective of the full confi- in 2016 granted base command- fend themselves. Thanks a lot!” ers throughout the military great eight years of confinement, a re- dence in the 55th Security Forces He added Marks was aware of duction in rank to E-1, and a dis- leeway in deciding what troops Squadron’s ability to defend the the negative responses on Face- honorable discharge by military could be armed on U.S. posts installation and its personnel,” book and appreciative of the judge, Capt. Ann Minami, Rob- the Facebook post read. following a review of policies feedback. ertson said. launched after the 2015 shootings Marks implemented the review Marks “understood from the As part of a pre-trial agree- in Chattanooga, Tenn., at a Navy of firearms policies on the post beginning this change could be ment, Richardson’s confinement Reserve center and a Marine re- after taking command in June. viewed negatively and may in- was reduced to five years. Where The change comes less than cruiting office that left four Ma- convenience some,” Hansen said. Richardson will serve the bulk of one month after a pair of deadly rines and a sailor dead. his confinement has not been de- “However, he strongly believes in shootings on U.S. military bases Offutt officials said the base’s termined, Robertson said. in the United States. The shoot- new policy was the product of the policy change and feels it is Upon his release, Richardson ings occurred Dec. 4 and Dec. 6 a review of the installations de- in the best interest of Offutt Air will be required to register as a at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard fense and anti-terrorism plans Force Base.” sex offender. in Hawaii and Naval Air Station that Marks was required to con- [email protected] Richardson, a native of Vir- Pensacola in Florida, respective- duct after taking command. Twitter: @CDicksteinDC ginia, enlisted in the Navy on Friday, January 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 5 MILITARY Bolton: US should resume all exercises with S. Korea

BY KIM GAMEL the state.” promise to work toward the Stars and Stripes DPRK is the acronym for “complete denuclearization of the the North’s official name, the Korean Peninsula” in Singapore. SEOUL, South Korea — The Democratic People’s Republic of But negotiations have stalled United States should resume Korea. over the details, with the North full-scale military exercises with “How to respond to Kim Jong demanding the lifting of inter- South Korea in response to the Un’s threatening New Year’s national sanctions aimed at pun- North’s threat to unveil a “new remarks? The U.S. should fully ishing it for its nuclear weapons strategic weapon,” former nation- resume all canceled or down- program. al security adviser John Bolton sized military exercises in South “Look, he likes me; I like him. EVAN VUCCI/AP said in a tweet recently. Korea,” Bolton said Wednes- We get along,” Trump said as he Bolton, a hard-liner who left Former national security adviser John Bolton said in a tweet day in a tweet. “Hold Congres- walked into a New Year’s party Wednesday that the U.S. should resume full-scale military exercises President Donald Trump’s ad- sional hearings on whether US at his Florida resort Mar-a-Lago. ministration last year due to with South Korea in response to the North’s threat to unveil a new troops are truly ready to ‘fight “But he did sign a contract; he did strategic weapon. policy clashes over North Korea tonight.’ ” sign an agreement talking about and other issues, also raised con- Trump announced he was denuclearization,” he added. “I Bob Carlin, a North Korea ex- has continued to develop nuclear cern that the suspension of major “stopping the war games” after think he’s a man of his word so pert with the Washington, D.C.- technology and weapons that joint drills may have affected the his first summit with Kim in we’re going to find out.” based Stimson Center, said an could target U.S. bases in South readiness of American troops sta- June 2018 in Singapore. Seoul Kim didn’t elaborate on the ICBM launch was unlikely in the Korea and Japan. tioned on the divided peninsula. and Washington canceled key strategic weapon that may be short term since it would risk pro- The head of South Korea’s Expressing frustration over exercises held twice a year and unveiled, but his dismissal of the voking a military response from parliamentary intelligence com- stalled nuclear talks with the reduced the scope of other joint moratorium came amid fears that the United States. mittee, Rep. Lee Hye-hoon, said U.S., North Korean leader Kim drills. the North would test-fire an inter- “The North Koreans aren’t North Korea could already be Jong Un said recently his country The decision was a concession continental ballistic missile as it stupid, and they know that there considered a “de-facto nuclear is no longer bound by a self-im- to the North, which has long de- did several times in 2017 before are implications to doing that, weapons state.” posed moratorium on long-range manded the cancellation of the diplomatic efforts began in early but they do have an alternative “Given previous ICBM tests, it’s missile and nuclear tests. drills because it considers them 2018. and that is starting to deploy new believed North Korea has already He also warned of an unspeci- a rehearsal for an invasion. The U.N. Secretary-General Anto- acquired the technology to tar- fied “shocking” action and said allies insist the training was de- strategic weapons, to send them nio Guterres said he was “deeply get the mainland United States. the North would unveil a “new fensive in nature. into the field for everyone to see,” concerned” by North Korea’s What matters is accuracy,” Lee strategic weapon … in the near Trump also has complained he said Wednesday in a confer- message. said in an interview published future.” about the cost of the drills, which ence call with reporters. “The secretary-general very Wednesday in The Korea Times The comments were made dur- have in the past involved the de- The North launched short- much hopes that the tests will not newspaper. ing a four-day meeting of the rul- ployment of thousands of addi- range missiles and other solid- resume, in line with relevant Se- “It’s questionable whether the ing Workers’ Party and reported tional troops, warships and other fuel weapons last year but stopped curity Council resolutions,” the North has developed the technol- by the state-run Korean Central strategic assets to South Korea. short of firing an ICBM, which ogy for its ICBMs to carry small News Agency on New Year’s Day. Gen. Robert Abrams, who United Nations said Wednesday, Trump has suggested would be a nuclear warheads,” she added. Notably, Kim broke with tradition commands U.S. Forces Korea, referring to sanctions resolutions red line. and didn’t make a televised ad- and other officials have insisted banning the North from using However, observers have point- [email protected] dress on Wednesday. that the military has adjusted ballistic missile technology. ed out that the communist state Twitter: @kimgamel He also left open the door for and continues training at all lev- continued diplomacy, saying that els to remain prepared for battle “if the U.S. persists in its hostile while facilitating the diplomatic policy toward the DPRK, there efforts. will never be the denucleariza- Trump, meanwhile, offered a tion of the Korean Peninsula and lukewarm response to Kim’s re- the DPRK will steadily develop cent statements, urging the North necessary and prerequisite stra- Korean leader to denuclearize. tegic weapons for the security of The two leaders made a vague Navy’s 2nd Fleet command is now fully operational

Stars and Stripes Achieving full operational ca- pability means that 2nd Fleet can The Navy’s 2nd Fleet, reestab- sustain command and control lished to counter Russia in the over its assigned forces. They north Atlantic, has reached “full work with the forces and ships operational capability,” the Navy belonging to other fleets as they said. maneuver through 2nd Fleet’s The Norfolk, Va.-based unit, area of responsibility. which operated from 1950 until The fleet’s main focus is on 2011, was reestablished in 2018. forward operations and “the em- Second Fleet is now responsible ployment of combat ready naval for overseeing ships, aircraft and forces in the Atlantic and Arctic,” landing forces on the East Coast the Navy said. and the north Atlantic, reaching In a sign of how the High North up into the Arctic. has grown in strategic signifi- “Combined with the opening cance, 2nd Fleet in September of waterways in the Arctic, this established a Maritime Opera- competitive space will only grow, tions Center in Keflavik, Iceland, and 2nd Fleet’s devotion to the de- where 30 staff members now are velopment and employment of ca- based. pable forces will ensure that our As ice melts in the Arctic, there nation is both present and ready is the potential for new shipping to fight in the region if and when lanes in the region and greater called upon,” Vice Adm. Andrew competition for resources be- Lewis, 2nd Fleet commander, tween allies and Russia. said in a statement Tuesday. [email protected] PAGE 6 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, January 3, 2020 WAR ON TERROR Winter: Peace talks, presidential selection stall as cold descends

FROM FRONT PAGE third in the race. He predicted Two larger, intertwined strug- that with up to 300,000 ballots gles to determine the country’s being challenged and a 12,000- future have dominated the na- vote margin announced between tional conversation for months: Ghani and his top contender, on-and-off peace talks with Tal- Abdullah Abdullah, a runoff is iban insurgents and a conten- likely. tious process to choose a new Others also warned that further president. Now, both efforts have delays could lead to political tur- slowed to a near-halt, and ana- moil. The insurgents have refused lysts say it could be spring before to recognize Ghani’s government, either bears fruit. and Nabil said a broad array of Negotiations between Taliban Afghans need to “sit down and and U.S. officials, which had ad- discuss the way forward. Either a vanced in fits and starts, were fraudulent government or a par- canceled by President Donald allel one would be dangerous for Trump in September. This month democracy.” the talks were revived, and vari- Ghani and his aides have put ous truce proposals are under an aggressive, upbeat face on the discussion. But the insurgents situation. The president promised seem in no hurry to make a deal, one gathering of supporters this while the White House appears week that he and his “state-build- likely to withdraw thousands of ing team” will consolidate a “true troops even as Taliban violence Islamic republic” — meaning a continues. Muslim democracy. Taliban lead- On Dec. 23, Army Sgt. Mi- ers seek to install a theocratic chael J. Goble, 33, of Washington emirate. Township, N.J., was killed during While U.S. and U.N. officials combat operations in northern have cautioned that the election Kunduz province, becoming the will not be over until all com- LORENZO TUGNOLI/Washington Post 20th American service member plaints have been investigated, Afghans shop at a market in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Dec. 8. Many Kabul residents say they are to die violently in Afghanistan in Indian Prime Minister Narendra disillusioned with the country’s current leaders. 2019. Taliban spokesmen claimed Modi, who shares Afghans’ wide- responsibility for his death in a spread antipathy toward their massive foreign aid, Afghanistan Abdul Rashid, 53, was once a subsided again. Even if a pro- roadside bombing. common neighbor, Pakistan, has remains one of the world’s poor- teacher, but he now sells fruit. He posed brief truce can be reached, Meanwhile, the troubled Af- already called to congratulate est countries. A recent survey said two of his sons had to leave analysts said, the likelihood of ghan governing transition has be- Ghani. by the Asia Foundation said that school to work washing cars, further U.S. troop cuts has left come bogged down in complaints For many Afghans, both the a quarter of Afghan households while he returns home exhaust- the insurgents feeling more pow- of fraud, leaving the country rud- election contretemps and the earn less than $64 a month. ed each night after 15-hour days erful, while the election dispute derless and tense. On Dec. 22, disappointing trajectory of the “There is no security, and there pushing a heavy cart. lessens the chance of creating a election officials released prelim- U.S.-Taliban talks exemplify are no jobs, because all the rich “I am very worried about the fu- unified, credible Afghan team to inary results showing that Presi- the distance between high-level people have fled,” said Maw- ture,” Rashid said. “If we did not negotiate the country’s political dent Ashraf Ghani narrowly won power struggles and everyday ladaad Wasi, 32, who carts wood see improvement for a majority of future. reelection in the Sept. 28 poll, concerns. and coal all day but does not earn people during the past 18 years, “The momentum has been with just over 50 percent of the “Peace and elections are the enough to keep his home warm. when there was a flood of foreign lost,” Moradian said. “Things are vote, but his opponents immedi- preoccupations of the elite, while He denounced politicians as cor- aid and troops, how can we be stuck, enthusiasm for the peace ately challenged the results. human circumstances are in rupt and said funds spent on the hopeful for a future that brings effort has dwindled, and the Tal- It will now probably take many crisis,” said Davood Moradian, elections “should have been do- peace and good governance?” iban look like they are aiming for weeks for an election panel to executive director of the Afghan nated to poor people.” Last year, the Asia Foundation victory.” The United States, he review thousands of fraud alle- Institute for Strategic Studies. Several others with profession- survey found that Afghans’ opti- said “used to own the peace pro- gations, including charges that “Facebook has created a virtual al backgrounds seemed equally mism had increased slightly, with cess. But no one in Kabul does.” numerous votes were cast before world for Afghan politics, but it despairing. Some said they had 36 percent of respondents say- Sitting next to a pyramid of or after election day. If enough is not the world in which most Af- lost good jobs after the drastic ing the country was “going in the firewood, Pahlawan put the prob- votes are invalidated, a runoff ghans live.” cutback in U.S. troops in 2014; right direction,” up from about lem another way. will be required in the spring. In interviews this week, a vari- others blamed the conflict for 32 percent in 2018. But much of “What we need are more fac- “We are at a deadlock of war ety of Kabul residents, especially blocking investment or said the that increase, it said, was based tories, so people can go to work and peace and politics,” said Rah- those living in poverty, said they Ghani government had failed to on hopes for a breakthrough in and stop being beggars,” he said. matullah Nabil, a former national were disillusioned with the na- create jobs while pursuing gran- peace talks. “Instead it looks like we are just intelligence director who placed tional leadership. After years of diose projects. Since September, that hope has going to have more war.” Afghans glimpse peace despite conflicting reports

PAMELA CONSTABLE have adamantly denied the re- tor, Zalmai Khalilzad, usually a is guaranteed and assured.” shows they are difficult to trust,” The Washington Post ports of a nationwide truce deal. fount of upbeat tweets, has fallen The momentum has also been said Haroun Mir, an analyst in But they have held open the silent since returning to Washing- slowed by the likelihood that Kabul who helped found Afghan- KABUL, Afghanistan — In possibility of accepting a nar- ton this week after meeting with Trump may soon reduce the istan’s Center for Research and the past week, rumors of a pos- rower, more vaguely defined pe- Taliban and Pakistani officials. 13,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan Policy Studies. If the insurgents sible truce have flooded the news, riod of lessened conflict, with the Afghan officials said they have to about 8,600. Previously, U.S. agree to a brief truce during a striking a rare spark of hope time frame and territory still in received no word from either side. officials insisted that the insur- cold winter, when fighting al- among Afghanistan’s war-weary dispute. The Taliban have refused to rec- gents had to sign a peace agree- ways slows, he said, “it will mean citizenry. “The Islamic Emirate has no ognize President Ashraf Ghani’s ment before any major troop cuts nothing.” International media outlets intention of declaring a cease- government, but he appears to would take place. On Tuesday, comments from have reported that a cease-fire is imminent, citing unnamed sourc- fire,” Zabihullah Mujahid, the have narrowly won re-election in Other points of contention in- Taliban and Afghan officials sug- es after Taliban leaders held sev- main Taliban spokesman, said a September poll and has asserted clude whether the fighting pause gested that mistrust and intran- eral meetings in Pakistan. in a statement, using the group’s that the final results will confirm would last one week or longer, sigence remain high on all sides. The prospect of a truce, seen as name for a religious government. that, giving him a mandate to lead whether it would be confined to One Taliban military command- the first step toward a U.S.-Tal- “The United States has asked for the peace effort. certain cities or include rural er insisted that as long as U.S. iban peace deal that would soon a reduction in the scale and inten- “We have not heard any- areas, and whether it would be troops remain in Afghanistan, be followed by negotiations be- sity of violence, and discussions thing that raises our hopes for a called a formal truce or a more there can be no truce. A mem- tween Taliban and Afghan lead- being held by the Islamic Emir- truce,” said Javid Faisal, an aide subjective reduction in violence. ber of the government’s High ers, has also sparked a flurry of ate are revolving solely around to Ghani. “We want it to happen, “The Taliban are under pres- Peace Council said both Ghani political activity and controversy this specific issue.” because it will be an important sure from Pakistan and the U.S. and the insurgents are being too over who would lead and partici- American officials have said step forward toward negotiations to sign a deal, and they may be stubborn; the president, in turn, pate in such talks. nothing about the conflicting re- among Afghans. But it has to be a putting on an appeasing face to announced plans to dissolve the Spokesmen for the insurgents ports; even the main U.S. negotia- real truce, a complete truce that buy time, but their past behavior entire council. Friday, January 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 7 MILITARY SEAL: Gallagher promotes his own Marine law enforcement brand of clothing

FROM FRONT PAGE The company describes the ap- gets leeway on weapons parel as “a coastal lifestyle brand with an edge.” “SFG provides functional, ver- BY IMMANUEL JOHNSON satile, and affordable apparel Stars and Stripes solutions for your next outdoor ad- venture with specialty garments Marine Corps law enforcement flexible enough for a fishing trip officers may now carry privately at sea or a weekend afternoon on owned concealed weapons on the range,” the company wrote on Marine bases, a change made in its website. the aftermath of tragic shootings On the website, Gallagher is on two military bases last month. Civilians and Marines creden- seen flexing in T-shirts reading Nine Line Apparel “Unleash the Tempest” and “Stay tialed under the Law Enforce- Salty.” Ex-Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher ment Officer Safety Act may In another photo, he models a models a shirt from his new carry their own firearms for hoodie with a logo featuring a tri- apparel line, Salty Frog Gear, in personal protection but cannot dent, a design similar to the trident a screenshot from the brand’s use them while on duty, a service pin that SEALs wear, juxtaposed website. memo issued Tuesday said. with a star and five stripes. On its On Dec. 4, a sailor fatally shot OSCAR R. CASTRO/U.S. Marine Corps right sleeve is a reversed Ameri- only product to which Gallagher two men and injured another be- can flag, how service members fore killing himself at Joint Base Civilians and Marines may now carry their own firearms for personal is lending his endorsement. His protection on Marine property, but cannot use them while on duty. wear their flag patches in uni- social media pages are also dot- Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. form. Its front pocket features Two days later, a Saudi air force ted with sponsorships from other unless authorized by a military vately owned weapons on Army a special compartment to hold a veteran-owned businesses, such officer in training shot and killed beer bottle. three sailors before he was killed judge, the memo said. bases unless authorized by the as Black Rifle Coffee Co. Also available is a $34.99 whis- by police officers at Naval Air A 2016 Pentagon directive titled installation senior commander. It In a Dec. 15 post, he posed with key glass and $54.99 decanter Station Pensacola, Fla. “Arming and the Use of Force” al- also requires the commander to an assortment of Redcon1 work- emblazoned with “SFG” and the “These tragic events prompted lows military arming authorities set policy for firearm registration trident symbol. out vitamins and supplements Headquarters Marine Corps to to grant personnel permission to and transport for people living on In a promotional video, Galla- with military jargon-inspired accelerate existing efforts to de- carry concealed firearms. base. gher wears Nine Line apparel in names such as Total War and velop concealed carry policies” The memo signed by Modly in The Air Force also grants in- a shooting range firing rifles and MRE Lite protein powder. aligned with a May memo on May states that Department of stallation commanders some pistols in slow motion. [email protected] the use of force signed by Navy the Navy personnel may request discretion to set firearm policy. The apparel company is not the Twitter: @CaitlinDoornbos Under Secretary Thomas Modly, permission from authorities to For example, Maxwell Air Force the Marine Corps memo said. carry a privately owned firearm, Base, Ala., authorized current Off-duty law enforcement of- subject to further guidance from and former law enforcement of- ficers remain prohibited from the Marine and Navy service ficers credentialed to carry con- Air Force gives NCOs more carrying weapons in Defense chiefs. cealed firearms in 2018. Department schools under fed- An Army regulation updated in [email protected] flexibility with schooling eral law and in base courthouses January 2019 bars carrying pri- Twitter: Manny_Stripes

Stars and Stripes trol over their professional edu- cation,” said Chief Master Sgt. Air Force noncommissioned of- Dan Hoglund, AFPC’s command ficers can now schedule their own chief. professional development school- Airmen receiving their notifi- ing under a new self-registration cation email this month will see system. a scheduling window for April The new Air Force Personnel through September this year. Center platform allows NCOs, Those who receive a notification many of whom need to attend various schools for promotion, to in June will choose from a sched- prioritize the dates they wish to uling period between October attend, a service statement said and March 2021. Tuesday. Airmen should list their mili- Eligible service members will tary email addresses as their pri- receive an email and have “60 mary addresses for contact, the days to prioritize their preferred statement said. class dates for school attendance The new system also allows by first, second and third choice airmen a “not available” option in within a six-month window,” the cases of medical, personal hard- statement said. ship or other requirements, the The new system is aimed at statement said. giving “NCOs flexibility and con- [email protected]

Mountain Warfare School to get new facility

JERICHO, Vt. — The Army The $30 million appropriation Mountain Warfare School in Jeri- will support “a critically impor- cho will get $30 million in federal tant but previously unfunded funding for a new facility, the Ver- priority of the Army,” U.S. Sen. mont National Guard announced Patrick Leahy said. this week. The design of the 82,600- Members of the school pro- square-foot facility will start as vided mountain warfare and cold early as this month, said Michael weather training to U.S. and Af- Bleau, deputy construction and ghan conventional operations facilities management officer. forces on deployments in 20 05 and Construction is expected to be 2010, the Guard said. Instructors served as experts on mountain completed in early 2022, he said. warfare in Afghanistan. Associated Press PAGE 8 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, January 3, 2020 MILITARY Esper: More militia attacks expected in Iraq

BY COREY DICKSTEIN 60,000 troops Those soldiers could be used “What you saw … was a demon- tion it would ask American troops Stars and Stripes throughout to bolster defenses of American stration, so to speak, for the cam- to leave. the Middle positions throughout the Middle eras,” Milley said. “We are very Esper also said he had repeat- WASHINGTON — Defense Sec- East, includ- East, said Army Gen. Mark Mil- confident in the integrity of that edly spoken with his Iraqi coun- retary Mark Esper said Thursday ing some ley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs embassy. Anyone who intends to terparts about rocket attacks that the Pentagon expects more 5,200 in Iraq, of Staff. For now, the 82nd Air- overrun that will run into a buzz from Iran-backed groups — at attacks on American positions in as it has in- borne Division soldiers who de- saw .” least 11 attacks since November Iraq from the Iran-backed militia creased its ployed Tuesday remain in Kuwait Esper on Tuesday was critical — and asked them to investigate forces that attempted to overrun presence in ready to respond anywhere in the of the Iraqi government’s rela- those incidents and hold the per- the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. the region by region, he said. tionship with Iran, and urged the petrators accountable. “There are some indications some 14,000 Milley added they could be country to do more to protect the “We haven’t seen sufficient ac- out there that they may be plan- Esper troops in re- returned to their home at Fort U.S. Embassy after Iraqi secu- tion on that part,” he said. “They ning additional attacks,” Esper cent months following Iranian Bragg, N.C., if tensions die down rity forces guarding the heavily certainly need to help reinforce told reporters Thursday at the provocations. quickly. fortified Green Zone in Baghdad and defend the embassy, but they Pentagon. “If that happens, then need to [figure out] the problem we will act. And, by the way, if we On Tuesday, the militiamen Tuesday’s embassy assault was did little to stop militiamen from [of Iran-backed militias], and get word of attacks or some kind — many waving the yellow flags a response to five American air- reaching the compound. Bagh- of indication, we will take pre- of Iran-backed Shiite groups strikes Sunday on Kataeb Hezbol- dad’s Green Zone is the city’s stop these attacks from happen- emptive action to protect Ameri- known as Popular Mobilization lah locations in western Iraq and well-defended downtown dis- ing, and to get the Iranian influ- can forces — American lives. Forces — spent hours tossing Mo- eastern Syria. The strikes, which trict, which houses much of the ence out of their country.” “The game has changed. And, lotov cocktails and rocks at the killed at least 25 militiamen, country’s government build- Esper said any further actions we are prepared to do what is embassy’s outer walls and chant- came after a rocket attack on ings and dozens of international that threaten Americans in the necessary to defend out personnel ing anti-American slogans. Dur- the U.S.-Iraqi outpost in Kirkuk, embassies. Middle East from Iran or its proxy and our interests and partners.” ing the riot, Esper rushed 100 which killed a U.S. contractor and By Thursday, security had forces would be “regretted.” U.S. forces are well-positioned Marines to the Baghdad grounds injured four American troops and tightened, Esper said, adding “The United States of America in the region to respond to further from Kuwait. Later Tuesday, he several Iraqis. the United States maintained a has a very, very capable mili- provocations from the Kataeb ordered about 750 82nd Airborne Milley called Tuesday’s inci- good relationship with the Iraqi tary,” Milley said. “We have lots Hezbollah militia, Esper said, Division soldiers to Kuwait. dent at the embassy “a show.” The military. of depth, and we have sufficient blaming the Iran-tied group for On Thursday, thousands more main buildings of the more than Despite Iraq’s warning that it forces arrayed in depth to re- a deadly attack on an American American troops — including 100-acre compound were never would reconsider its relationship spond to anything that occurs in base in northern Iraq’s Kirkuk other 82nd soldiers — remained threatened, he said, and no evac- with the U.S. military after the the Middle East — or elsewhere, last week and the breach of the on alert to deploy, if necessary, a uation order was given for embas- Sunday airstrikes, of which it did for that matter.” embassy grounds Tuesday. The U.S. official said on the condition sy staff, which include some 50 to not approve, Esper said the Iraqi [email protected] United States has more than of anonymity. 100 U.S. troops. government had given no indica- Twitter: @CDicksteinDC USS Abraham Lincoln closer to reaching new home port of San Diego

BY ANDREW DYER heightened tensions with Iran The San Diego Union-Tribune and a subsequent boost of mili- tary resources in the region. SAN DIEGO — More than nine Exacerbating the stress of the months after embarking on what deployment was the relative in- was supposed to be a seven-month experience of the crew, accord- round-the-world deployment, the ing to Gina Swaim, a command aircraft carrier Abraham Lin- ombudsman for the Lincoln. coln is finally on course for its Ombudsmen serve as liaisons be- new home port of San Diego. tween the ship’s commanders and The ship, which has been op- family members. erating in and around the Middle For many Lincoln families, this East since May, left the region in deployment is their first. Begin- mid-December and is bound for ning in 2013, the ship spent four home. years in the Newport News ship- When the carrier left Norfolk, yards for midlife reactor refuel- JEREMIAH BARTELT /U.S. Navy Va., on April 1, its crew knew it ing and maintenance. Almost two A sailor dressed as Santa Claus directs the launch of an F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to Strike was in for a deployment that was years of sea trials and qualifica- Fighter Squadron 143 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln on Christmas Eve. outside the norm. Not only was tions followed, so by the time it The Abraham Lincoln will likely arrive at its new home port, San Diego, this month. it deploying to the Middle East, left Virginia in April, many on but it also was switching home board had never deployed. school sweetheart, she said — nga said. “We remain incredibly forward … our crews and their ports from the East Coast to the “It’s a hard lifestyle,” Swaim West, originally due in San Diego just before the ship left Virginia. grateful for the outpouring of sup- families should, prior to deploy- said. “It’s not easy having your She moved to Chula Vista, Calif., around Halloween. Many Lincoln port we have seen from so many ment, discuss the possibility of loved one be gone, and it’s not easy at the end of the summer. family members moved across the across the country, including our something like this.” going through the extensions.” “I didn’t start the process until country over the summer — with- new home of San Diego.” Uranga said the ship and its Swaim has plenty of experi- August,” Chase said. “House out the help of their sailors — in Cmdr. Ron Flanders, a spokes- ombudsman team do what they ence — she was in the Navy from searching by myself, it was kind of order for children to start school man for Naval Air Forces in San can to keep sailors in touch with 2012-17, most of the time assigned stressful — you want to make sure in time for the new school year. Diego, said a new Navy deploy- their families. to the Lincoln. It’s where she met you make the right decision.” World events — and mainte- ment model — Dynamic Force “We are fortunate that today’s her husband, she said. He’s cur- Chase, who found a job locally nance issues on another carrier Employment — means that less technology allows us the ability rently stationed on the ship as an as a publicist, ended up settling — led to the ship’s mission being predictable deployments will be- to communicate with our fami- aviation boatswain’s mate. on an apartment in Chula Vista — extended well beyond its original come more routine. lies and friends more freely,” Swaim said she relocated to San one her husband hasn’t yet seen. return date. “The length of this deployment Uranga said. “We pass along as Diego in March, but that many When the ship was extended in In August, the aircraft car- is not ideal or something that’s much information as we can to families made the move during October, people in the commu- rier Harry S. Truman, which was going to become a regular thing, our command ombudsmen, and the summer. nity rallied to send care packages slated to replace the Lincoln in Command ombudsmen, Swaim (but) they are not going to be as thanks to their tireless work, we to the crew, said Lt. Cmdr. Jesus predictable as they were in the are able to provide updates and the Middle East, experienced an said, helped families connect with Uranga, the public affairs officer past,” Flanders said. “In the case information.” electrical failure that resulted in Navy resources to help them with on board the Lincoln. of the Abraham Lincoln, it was Navy officials would not com- an extra three months of repairs. relocation, including housing and “It is always difficult to be extended due to circumstanc- ment on when the Lincoln will The Lincoln would need to re- job searches. away from our loved ones, espe- main on station until relieved. Jaiden Chase married a Lin- cially during the holidays,” Ura- es related to maintenance and arrive in San Diego but it is ex- The delay came at a time of coln sailor in March — her high availability, but as a rule, going pected sometime this month. Friday, January 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 9 NATION Sanders: 2019 ends with $34.5M boost

BY WILL WEISSERT his campaign manager, Faiz Sha- Associated Press kir, said in a statement. Sanders’ polling and fundrais- WASHINGTON — Bernie ing have remained strong since Sanders says he raised more than he suffered a heart attack while $34.5 million in the final three campaigning in Las Vegas on months of last year, showing that a Oct. 1. The 78-year-old this week recent heart attack hasn’t slowed released three letters from doc- the Vermont senator’s fundrais- tors saying that he had suffered ing prowess with the start of the “modest heart muscle damage“ Democratic presidential prima- but has since recovered well and ries looming. is fit enough for the rigors of the Sanders’ campaign said Thurs- presidential campaign and the day that the haul came from White House should he win. more than 1.8 million donations, Sanders’ campaign said its including from 40,000 new do- best fundraising month came in nors on the final day of the year December, when it took in more alone. Sanders’ total exceeds the than $18 million from 900,000- $24.7 million that Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, plus donations. It said that the Ind ., announced a day earlier most common occupation listed that he’d raised during the fourth by its donors was teacher and quarter of last year. that the five most common em- Strong totals from a nationally ployers were Amazon, Starbucks, known candidate and one virtual- Walmart, the U.S. Postal Service ly unknown when he jumped into and Target. the race suggest that their party’s In an email to supporters on CHERYL SENTER/AP primary could feature a protract- Thursday, Sanders said there will ed fight among well-funded ri- Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks at a Town Hall Breakfast on be more where that came from. vals. The lead-off Iowa caucuses Sunday at the Newport Opera House in New Hampshire. Sanders says he raised more than $34.5 “Against Trump, I believe we are Feb. 3, and Sanders and But- million in the final three months of 2019. will have 50 million individual tigieg are considered among the contributions, at least. And at $27 front-runners in a crowded and campaign raised $24.6 million in Sanders’ 2020 bid has now again. That total does not include a piece, that would be more than unsettled field, along with former the third quarter but said in a re- raised more than $96 million built $12.7 million Sanders transferred $1 billion,” Sanders wrote. “It’s Vice President Joe Biden and cent fundraising email that it had on 5 million-plus individual dona- from other campaign accounts as absolutely obscene and outra- Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth collected around only $17 million tions worth an average of about part of his presidential run. geous that an election would cost Warren. with a few days to go — hoping to $18. Sanders’ campaign says that “Bernie Sanders is closing the that much money, but our cam- Like Sanders, Warren has re- persuade supporters to open their more than 99% of his donors have year with the most donations of paign has proven we will be able lied heavily on small donations wallets and improve the final not reached federal donation lim- any candidate in history at this to raise more than enough money coming primarily online. Her totals. its, meaning they can contribute point in a presidential campaign,” to win.” Border medical plan Castro ends presidential campaign

Associated Press online video. To all who have been inspired “But with by our campaign, especially our is set for immigrants AUSTIN, Texas — Former only a month young people, keep reaching for Obama housing secretary Julian until the your dreams — and keep fighting BY COLLEEN LONG conditions. A flu outbreak in May Castro on Thursday ended his Iowa caucus- Associated Press sickened more than 30 migrants. run for president that pushed the for what you believe in. ¡Ganare- A 16-year-old boy died from the 2020 field on immigration and es, and given mos un dia!” — which translates the circum- to “we will win one day.” WASHINGTON — U.S. Cus- illness, and video later obtained swung hard at rivals on the de- stances of Castro dropped out after fail- toms and Border Protection on by ProPublica showed the teen bate stage but never found a foot- Tuesday formalized a medical this cam- ing to garner enough support in collapsed on the floor for hours, hold to climb from the back of the plan formed in the wake of a mas- paign sea- the polls or donations to make re- alone, before he died. The video pack. sive surge of migrant families son, I have cent Democratic debates. threw into question Border Pa- “I’m so proud of the campaign Castro to the U.S.-Mexico border and a determined A former San Antonio mayor trol’s version of the teen’s death. we’ve run together. We’ve shaped series of deaths in immigration that it simply isn’t our time.” who was the only Latino in the An investigation is ongoing. the conversation on so many im- custody. The video concludes, “So today race, Castro had stalled for most Over the budget year that ended portant issues in this race, stood The goal was to increase medi- up for the most vulnerable people, it’s with a heavy heart and with of his campaign around 1% in Sept. 30, there were 859,510 ap- cal care and efficiency. Accord- and given a voice to those who are profound gratitude, that I will sus- polls and entered October low on prehensions by Border Patrol, ing to the directive, the codified often forgotten,” Castro said in an pend my campaign for president. money. plan includes a sustainable pro- plus a n addit iona l 110,0 0 0 encoun- posal for triage, plus screenings ters of people who tried to enter for respiratory systems, instruc- legally but were deemed inadmis- tions to isolate sick migrants to sible. There were nearly 1 million prevent the spread of disease, crossings from the early 2000s, Politician charged with DWI a week after vaccines for staff and a supply of but those were mostly single men face masks and hand sanitizer. from Mexico who were easily re- writing column warning citizens against it More than 500 medical profes- turned, not families from Central America who require much more sionals are on contract to help ad- Associated Press judg ment.” driving from. care. minister care. Authori- Kolb said there was no excuse. Immigration officials were in- The outcry over medical care VICTOR, N.Y. — The top Re- ties respond- “This was a terrible lapse in began when two children died in volved in more than 20,000 hospi- publican in the New York State ed to a crash judgment, one I have urged oth- Border Patrol custody in Decem- tal visits this year. Assembly was charged New in Victor just ers not to make, and I take full ber 2018, followed by the deaths Homeland Security worked Year’s Eve with driving while before 10:30 responsibility for it,” the assem- of others this year. A year later, with the Centers for Disease Con- intoxicated in his state-issued ve- p.m. after a blyman said in a brief written Homeland Security’s watchdog trol and Prevention on creating hicle, just a week after he wrote a vehicle ran statement. “I made the wrong found no misconduct or wrongdo- and implementing recommenda- newspaper column warning citi- into a ditch. decision, and it is one I deeply re- ing in the deaths of the two Gua- tions. The department set a goal zens against getting behind the Kolb was gret,” he said. temalan children, a 7-year-old of formalizing the policies by the wheel drunk. found to be Kolb On Christmas Eve, Kolb wrote girl and an 8-year-old boy. end of the year. Brian M. Kolb, a Republican the driver a column in the upstate Daily At the height of the crisis, tens “We continue to look at new from Canandaigua who repre- of the 2018 GMC Acadia that Messenger newspaper that of thousands of migrant families ways to improve care for those in sents a district just outside Roch- crashed in front of his home. warned against people driving crossed into the U.S. and were our temporary custody,” a CBP ester, was arrested near his home No one else was injured. Offi- while under the influence of alco- held in cramped, overcrowded spokesman said. after what he called a “lapse in cials did not say where Kolb was hol during the holidays. PAGE 10 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, January 3, 2020 NATION Trump suggests temporary ban on vape flavors

Associated Press on the market. On Tuesday, Trump suggested PALM BEACH, Fla. — Presi- a ban of flavored e-cigarettes dent Donald Trump said Tuesday might be temporary. “Hopefully, that the federal government will if everything’s safe, they’re going PAUL BEATY/AP soon announce a new strategy to to be going very quickly back onto tackle underage vaping, promis- the market,” he told reporters at Elise Swopes becomes the second person in Illinois to purchase recreational marijuana as she purchases ing, “We’re going to protect our his Mar-a-Lago resort in Flori- marijuana products from employee Brea Mooney, left, at Sunnyside dispensary on Wednesday, in Chicago. families, we’re going to protect da, where he was hosting a New our children, and we’re going to Year’s Eve party. protect the industry.” “People have died from this, Trump was vague about what they died Recreational pot now legal in Ill. the plan would entail, but sug- from vaping,” gested “certain flavors” in car- ‘ the president Associated Press tridge-based e-cigarettes would We’re Press that she spent much of a home. I worked for a bank as a said. “We Wednesday morning in Chicago fraud investigator for 20 years. be taken off the market “for a pe- going to CHICAGO — The sale of mari- think we un- and the city’s northwestern sub- I rescue dogs. I volunteer. I take riod of time.” protect derstand why. juana for recreational purposes The Wall Street Journal re- urbs. She said wait times of up to care of my 93-year-old mother. But we’re became legal Wednesday in Illi- three hours were getting shorter ported Tuesday that the Food and our It’s not like we’re all a bunch of doing a very nois to the delight of pot fans — as the day progressed. Drug Administration would ban hippies.” families, exhaustive many who began lining up hours “It has been joyous and well- the sale of most flavored e-ciga- Cannabis sales could generate we’re examination early at dispensaries. run,” she said. “People are ex- rettes, such as those sold by Juul $250 million for Illinois by 2022, and hopeful- About 500 people were outside traordinarily courteous and and NJOY. E-cigarette pods for- going to according to estimates by state ly, everything Dispensary 33 in Chicago. Renzo civil.” mulated to taste like tobacco or protect will be back Mejia made the first legal pur- officials. Police were on-hand at most Neighboring Michigan made menthol would still be allowed. our on the mar- chase in the shop shortly after shops mostly to control traffic. The Journal also reported that ket very, very 6 a.m., the earliest that Illinois’ recreational marijuana legal children, Althoff cautioned that recre- starting Dec. 1. Missouri voters tank-based vaping systems, which shortly.” new law allowed such sales. ational marijuana may not be are less popular among teenag- and we’re But the “To be able to have (recre- made medical marijuana legal in consumed in public and added 2018, but the state is still work- ers, would still allow users to FDA had ational marijuana) here is just that like all new products, it may going to ing on licensing businesses. The custom-mix flavors. The Journal already an- mind-boggling,” Mejia told the be a little expensive. sale and use of weed for any rea- report cited anonymous “people protect the nounced that Chicago Sun-Times after buy- “We hope that down the line it son are still illegal in Indiana and familiar with the matter.” industry. starting in ing an eighth of an ounce called will become less expensive,” she ’ Wisconsin. In September, Trump and President May, all e- “Motorbreath.” said. “The message from the in- his top health officials said they Donald Trump cigarettes Illinois already allowed medi- dustry is not promoting or oppos- In Illinois, nearly three dozen would soon sweep virtually all will need to cal marijuana, but it is now the ing, it’s the state of Illinois made dispensaries have been issued flavored e-cigarettes from the undergo a 11th state to allow its use and sale it legal and we’re here to provide licenses to sell recreational market because of their appeal review. And only those that can for recreational purposes. The a safe and a quality product for marijuana. to young children and teens. But demonstrate a benefit for U.S. law approved by the Democratic- those who wish to consume. We A key part of Illinois’ law is the that effort stalled after vaping public health will be permitted to controlled Legislature and signed encourage our customers to be expungement of some low-level lobbyists pushed back and White stay on the market. by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker responsible.” marijuana convictions. On Tues- House advisers told Trump the In Florida, Trump added: allows people 21 or older to pos- Mary Yazel-Muska, 65, told the day, Pritzker granted more than ban could cost him votes with “Look, vaping can be good from sess up to 1.06 ounces of cannabis Chicago Tribune that she planned 11,000 such pardons. adults who vape. the standpoint — you look at the flower and up to 0.17 ounces of to celebrate her purchase from a Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Strat- Beginning in May, all e-ciga- e-cigarettes, you stop smoking. cannabis concentrate. dispensary in suburban Munde- ton bought pot edible gummies rettes will need to undergo FDA If you can stop smoking, that’s a Pamela Althoff, executive di- lein with champagne and edibles Wednesday from a Chicago dis- review. Only those that can dem- big advantage. So, we think we’re rector of the Springfield-based at home with her boyfriend. pensary, WBBM-TV reported. onstrate a benefit for U.S. public going to get it back on the market Cannabis Business Association “I’m a responsible human “I’m here to celebrate a big day health will be permitted to stay very, very quickly.” of Illinois, told The Associated being,” Yazel-Muska said. “I own in Illinois,” Stratton said. ‘Phase One’ of US-China trade deal to be signed at White House

BY DARLENE SUPERVILLE of “Phase Two” before the presi- That includes increased purchas- costs of the administration’s 17- tariffs, including those on steel AND CHRISTOPHER RUGABER dential election in 2020. es of soybeans and other farm month trade war against China. and aluminum as well as on Chi- Associated Press And the two sides have yet to goods that would reach $40 bil- U.S. farm exports to China fell nese imports, have cost manufac- release detailed documentation lion a year. in 2018 to about one-third of the turers jobs and raised their costs. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. of the pact, making it difficult to China has also agreed to stop peak reached six years earlier, That’s mostly because of retalia- — The first phase of a U.S.-China evaluate. forcing U.S. companies to hand though they have since started to tory tariffs imposed by China and trade agreement will be inked at Trump said high-level Chinese over technology and trade secrets recover. other trading partners. the White House in mid-Janu- government officials will attend as a condition for gaining access Import taxes remain on about Many experts in both the U.S. ary, President Donald Trump the signing on Jan. 15 of “our very to China’s vast market, demands half of what the U.S. buys from and China are skeptical that U.S. announced Tuesday, adding that large and comprehensive Phase that had frustrated many U.S. China or about $250 billion of im- farm exports can reach $40 bil- he will visit Beijing at a later date One Trade Deal with China.” businesses. ports. Those tariffs have raised lion. The most the U.S. has ever to open another round of talks “At a later date I will be going In return, the Trump adminis- the cost of chemicals, electrical aimed at resolving other sticking to Beijing where talks will begin tration dropped plans to impose components and other inputs for exported to China before has points in the relationship. on Phase Two!” Trump said in tariffs on $160 billion of Chinese U.S. companies. American firms been $26 billion. China has not The so-called “Phase One” his tweet. He did not announce a goods, including many consumer have cut back on investment in confirmed the $40 billion figure. agreement is smaller than the date for the visit. items such as smartphones, toys machinery and other equipment, Still, the agreement has helped comprehensive deal Trump had China has agreed to boost its and clothes. The U.S. also cut tar- slowing the economy’s growth calm concerns in financial mar- hoped for and leaves many of the U.S. goods imports by $200 bil- iffs on another $112 billion of Chi- this year. kets and among many U.S. busi- thorniest issues between the two lion over two years, the U.S. nese goods from 15% to 7.5%. A study last week by economists nesses that the trade war with countries for future talks. Few Trade Representative said Dec. Many analysts argue that the at the Federal Reserve found that China would escalate and poten- economists expect any resolution 13 when the deal was announced. results are fairly limited given the all of the Trump administration’s tially lead to a recession. Friday, January 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 11 NATION Kennel club accepts 2 additional breeds

BY JENNIFER PELTZ Associated Press ‘ They are affection- NEW YORK — A powerful ate and loyal, but Argentine big-game hunter and owners do need a sociable French water dog have made the American Kennel to have caution Club’s list of recognized breeds. The club announced Tuesday to make sure a that the barbet and the dogo Ar- dogo fits with their gentino are now part of the 195- breed pack. lifestyle. ’ That means they can compete Brandi Hunter starting Wednesday in many tra- American Kennel Club ditional, breed-judging dog shows (many agility trials and other ca- nine events are open to all dogs, purebred or not). The newcomers thusiasts say. can’t vie for best in show at the The dogo Argentino, developed famous Westminster Kennel Club by an Argentine doctor in the last show until 2021, however. century, is a large, strong and te- The newcomers are “offering nacious dog designed to hunt ani- dog lovers very different choic- mals as large as mountain lions es,” AKC spokeswoman Gina Di- and wild boars. Aficionados prize Nardo said in a statement. the breed’s loyalty and athleti- PHOTOS BY AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB/AP The curly-coated, bearded bar- cism, but dogos also are among bet (pronounced “bar-BAY’) has breeds that have been banned in Dogo Argentino, the powerful a long history as a hunter’s helper some places. Even the AKC cau- Argentinian big-game hunter in France, where accounts of it tions that only experienced dog has made the American Kennel go back centuries. Traditionally owners should get them. Club’s list of recognized breeds. finders and retrievers of water- “They are affectionate and fowl, barbets — like some other loyal, but owners do need to have to take care to protect them — Barbet, the sociable French water dog has made the American breeds around the globe — dwin- caution to make sure a dogo fits from sunburn, which can strike Kennel Club’s list of recognized breeds. dled during the world wars, but with their lifestyle” and any local under their short, white coats. fanciers eventually built their regulations, said club spokes- Fans of particular breeds often least 300 dogs of the breed spread circuits pet adoptions. Defenders numbers back up. woman Brandi Hunter. The AKC spend years building up to rec- around at least 20 states. argue there’s a place in dogdom The medium-size dogs have a opposes any breed-specific laws. ognition by the AKC, the nation’s Dog breeding is the subject of for conscientious breeders and cheery, friendly reputation and While dogos can be protective oldest purebred dog registry. The considerable debate. Critics say for canines bred for certain traits often take to agility contests, en- of their people, owners also need designation requires having at it leads to puppy mills and short- or purposes. US had slowest growth rate Reveler killed by in a century, Census reports stray bullet on New Year’s Day BY MIKE SCHNEIDER For the first time this decade, Puerto Associated Press Associated Press Rico had a population increase. The is- land, battered by economic stagnation and HOUSTON — Authorities say a woman ORLANDO, Fla. — The past year’s pop- Hurricane Maria in the past several years, ringing in the new year was fatally shot by ulation growth rate in the United States increased by 340 people between 2018 and was the slowest in a century due to de- a stray bullet outside her Houston home. 2019, with people moving to the island off- The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said clining births, increasing deaths and the setting natural decrease. slowdown of international migration, ac- Philippa Ashford, 61, died after being shot International migration to the U.S. de- at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. The sheriff’s cording to figures released Monday by the creased to 595,000 people from 2018 to department said it appears she may have U.S. Census Bureau. 2019, dropping from as many as 1 million FRANK FRANKLIN II/AP been struck by celebratory gunfire from The U.S. grew from 2018 to 2019 by al- international migrants in 2016, according According to figures released Monday by outside her immediate neighborhood. most a half percent, or about 1.5 million to the population estimates. Immigration the U.S. Census Bureau, the past year’s The woman’s family and their neighbors people, with the population standing at 328 restrictions by the Trump administration population growth rate in the United were discharging fireworks in their cul-de- million this year, according to population combined with a perception that the U.S. States was the slowest in a century. sac when she called out that she had been estimates. has fewer economic opportunities than it That’s the slowest growth rate in the U.S. did before the recession a decade ago con- shot, according to the department. She was ing away. pronounced dead at the scene. since 1917 to 1918, when the nation was in- tributed to the decline, Frey said. Monday’s population estimates also volved in World War I, said William Frey, a “Immigration is a wildcard in that it is “We have no indication that any family offer a preview of which states may gain or member or anybody in the cul-de-sac was senior fellow at The Brookings Institution. something we can do something about,” lose congressional seats from next year’s discharging a firearm and we’ve walked For the first time in decades, natural in- Frey said. “Immigrants tend to be younger apportionment process using figures from the streets and canvassed up and down crease — the number of births minus the and have children, and they can make a the 2020 Census. The process divvies up to see if we can find any shell casings in number of deaths — was less than 1 mil- population younger.” the 435 U.S. House seats among the 50 the neighborhood and are not finding any- lion in the U.S. due to an aging population Ten states had population declines in the states based on population. of Baby Boomers, whose oldest members past year. They included New York, which Several forecasts predict California, thing,” Sgt. Ben Beall, a spokesman for the entered their 70s within the past several lost almost 77,000 people; Illinois, which the nation’s most populous state with 39.5 Harris County Sheriff’s Office, told the years. As the large Boomer population lost almost 51,000 residents; West Virginia, million residents, losing a seat for the first Houston Chronicle. continues to age, this trend is going to which lost more than 12,000 people; Loui- time. Texas, the nation’s second most-pop- The Menninger Clinic, a Houston fa- continue. siana, which lost almost 11,000 residents; ulous state with 28.9 million residents, is cility that treats mental illness, said in a “Some of these things are locked into and Connecticut, which lost 6,200 people. expected to gain as many as three seats, statement that Ashford was a nurse man- place. With the aging of the population, as Mississippi, Hawaii, New Jersey, Alaska the most of any state. ager there, serving as a leader and mentor the Baby Boomers move into their 70s and and Vermont each lost less than 5,000 According to Frey’s projections on Mon- to their nursing and clinical team. 80s, there are going to be higher numbers residents. day, Florida stands to gain two seats, while Her body has been sent for an autopsy of deaths,” Frey said. “That means propor- Regionally, the South saw the great- Arizona, Colorado, Montana, North Caro- and the sheriff’s department is asking any- tionately fewer women of childbearing age, est population growth from 2018 to 2019, lina and Oregon each stand to gain a seat. one with information regarding her death so even if they have children, it’s still going increasing 0.8% due to natural increase Besides, California, other states that will to call it. to be less.” and people moving from other parts of the likely lose a seat are Alabama, Illinois, The Menninger Clinic said it will hold a Four states had a natural decrease, where country. The Northeast had a population Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, memorial service for Ashford and will pro- deaths outnumbered births: West Virginia, decrease for the first time this decade, de- Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West vide grief counseling to those impacted by Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. clining 0.1% due primarily to people mov- Virginia. her death. PAGE 12 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, January 3, 2020 WIRED WORLD Warehouse robots transform workplace

BY MATT O’BRIEN Associated Press NORTH HAVEN, Conn. — Guess who’s getting used to working with robots in their everyday lives? The very same warehouse workers once predicted to be losing their jobs to mechanical replacements. But doing your job side-by-side with robots isn’t easy. According to their mak- ers, the machines should take on the most mundane and physically strenuous tasks. PHOTOS BY ROSS D. FRANKLIN /AP In reality, they’re also creating new forms of stress and strain in the form of injuries Joseph Salinas places packages onto Amazon robots, which then take the packages to chutes that are organized by ZIP code, at an and the unease of working in close quar- Amazon warehouse facility in Goodyear, Ariz., last month. ters with mobile half-ton devices that di- rect themselves. “They weigh a lot,” Amazon worker Amanda Taillon said during the pre- Christmas rush at a company warehouse in Connecticut. Nearby, a fleet of 6-foot-tall roving robot shelves zipped around behind a chain-link fence. Taillon’s job is to enter a cage and tame Amazon’s wheeled warehouse robots for long enough to pick up a fallen toy or re- lieve a traffic jam. She straps on a light-up utility belt that works like a superhero’s force field, commanding the nearest ro- bots to abruptly halt and the others to slow down or adjust their routes. “When you’re out there, and you can hear them moving around, but you can’t see them, it’s like, ‘Where are they going to come from?’ ” she said. “It’s a little nerve- racking at first.” Amazon and its rivals are increasingly requiring warehouse employees to get used to working with robots. The company Amazon is using new models descended from the Kiva line, now has more than 200,000 robotic vehi- Jocelyn Nieto stows packages delivered by Amazon robots into including the Pegasus, a squarish vehicle with a conveyor belt cles it calls “drives” that are moving goods special containers. on top. through its delivery-fulfillment centers around the U.S. That’s double the number chase of Massachusetts startup Kiva Sys- cles, which have to follow bar codes and pre- what it feels like,” she said. it had last year and up from 15,000 units tems in 2012. The tech giant re-branded viously mapped routes within warehouses. Gutelius co-authored a report published in 2014. it as Amazon Robotics and transformed it The tech giant is also still rolling out in the fall that found new warehouse tech- Its rivals have taken notice, and many are into an in-house laboratory that for seven new models descended from the Kiva line, nology could contribute to wage stagna- adding their own robots in a race to speed years has been designing and building including the Pegasus, a squarish vehicle tion, higher turnover and poorer quality up productivity and bring down costs. Amazon’s robot armada. with a conveyor belt on top that can be work experiences because of the way AI Without these fast-moving pods, robotic Amazon’s Kiva purchase “set the tone found working the early-morning shift at a software can monitor and micromanage arms and other forms of warehouse auto- for all the other retailers to stand up and warehouse in the Phoenix suburb of Good- workers’ behaviors. mation, retailers say they wouldn’t be able pay attention,” said Jim Liefer, CEO of year, Ariz . A crisscrossing fleet of robots A recent journalistic investigation of to fulfill consumer demand for packages San Francisco startup Kindred AI, which carries packaged items across the floor injury rates at Amazon warehouses from that can land on doorsteps the day after makes an artificially intelligent robotic and drops them into chutes based on the The Center for Investigative Reporting’s you order them online. arm that grasps and sorts items for retail- ZIP code of their final destination. Reveal found that robotic warehouses re- But while fears that robots will replace ers such as The Gap. All of this is transforming warehouse ported more injuries than those without. human workers haven’t come to fruition, A rush of venture capital and private work in a way that the head of Amazon Ro- Reveal looked at records from 28 Ama- there are growing concerns that keeping up sector investment in warehouse robotics botics says can “extend human capability” zon warehouses in 16 states and found with the pace of the latest artificial intelli- spiked to $1.5 billion a year in 2015 and has by shifting people to what they are best at: that the overall rate of serious injuries gence technology is taking a toll on human remained high ever since, said Rian Whit- problem-solving, common sense and think- was more than double the warehousing workers’ health, safety and morale. ton, a robotics analyst at ABI Research. ing on their feet. industry average. Amazon has countered Warehouses powered by robotics and AI Canadian e-commerce company Shopi- “The efficiencies we gain from our asso- it’s misleading to compare its rate with ri- software are leading to human burnout by fy spent $450 million this fall to buy Mas- ciates and robotics working together har- vals because of the company’s “aggressive adding more work and upping the pressure sachusetts-based startup 6 River Systems, moniously — what I like to call a symphony stance on recording injuries no matter how on workers to speed up their performance, which makes an autonomous cart nick- of humans and machines working together big or small.” said Beth Gutelius, who studies urban named Chuck that can follow workers — allows us to pass along a lower cost to The Reveal report also found a correla- economic development at the University around a warehouse. Other mobile robot our customer,” said Tye Brady, Amazon tion between robots and safety problems, of Illinois at Chicago and has interviewed startups are partnering with delivery gi- Robotics’ chief technologist. such as in Tracy, Calif., where the serious warehouse operators around the U.S. ants such as FedEx and DHL or retailers Brady said worker safety remains the injury rate nearly quadrupled in the four It’s not that workers aren’t getting such as Walmart. top priority and ergonomic design is engi- years after robots were introduced. trained on how to work with robots safely. Amazon this year bought another ware- neered into the systems at the beginning of Amazon hasn’t disclosed how its “The problem is it becomes very difficult house robotics startup, Colorado-based the design stage. Gutelius said the aspira- safety record at robot-powered ware- to do so when the productivity standards Canvas Technology, which builds wheeled tion for symphonic human-machine opera- houses compares to those without. But are set so high,” she said. robots guided by computer vision. Such ro- tions is not always working out in practice. company officials remain optimistic that Much of the boom in warehouse robotics bots would be more fully autonomous than “It sounds quite lovely, but I rarely hear Amazon workers are adapting to the new has its roots in Amazon’s $775 million pur- Amazon’s current fleet of caged-off vehi- from a worker’s perspective that that’s technology. Friday, January 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 13 NATION Flood spurs tiny town to consider moving

BY MARGERY A. BECK Associated Press WINSLOW, Neb. — It took only minutes for the icy Elkhorn River to surge over a levee and engulf tiny Winslow, but months after the floodwaters receded, the vil- lage finds itself struggling to decide its future — or if it has a future. Will it be reborn atop a nearby hill, or will the town stay put, liv- ing under a dark cloud? “It’s never flooded like that be- fore,” said Bill Whitley, 72, who owns a house where his daughter lives in town. “But it will some- day again.” This town of about 100 residents is one of a growing number that may face the choice of moving or dying as climate change wors- ens flood risks, leaving people who have lived for years through nature’s extremes to accept that their hometowns may no longer be habitable where they are. Since the creation of a buyout program in 1989, federal and local governments have poured more than $5 billion into buying tens of thousands of properties threatened by persistent flood- ing to avoid the need for frequent rebuilding. Many residents have agreed to move to other places, but still rare is the relocation of entire towns. But that’s the choice Winslow now has before it, and more may PHOTOS BY NATI HARNIK/AP follow. While 30 years of buyouts would seemingly have addressed Bill Whitney, rear, listens at a town hall meeting at the fire hall, on Oct. 24 in Winslow, Neb., where relocating the village was discussed. all the most threatened places, climate change is now putting Winslow residents must raise of Winslow — have signed on ever more towns into danger from their homes, leave or restart the so far. Those who don’t move to rising tides and heavier storms. town at a site a few miles away the new town can take a buyout, Meanwhile, state and federal and 100 feet higher with govern- which covers 75% of a structure’s authorities have imposed restric- ment financial help. pre-flood market value and move tions on disaster aid that make it “We are going to flood again,” elsewhere. harder for them to rebuild after said Winslow village trustee Or they can stay, although they and volunteer fire chief Zachary flooding. would have to elevate their prop- Klein, who is leading a relocation “I would say our current weath- erty at considerable cost to get er pattern is making it difficult effort. flood insurance. if you’re living in a flood plain Winslow was incorporated 110 area,” said Bryan Tuma, assistant years ago about 40 miles from At a recent meeting, more than director of the Nebraska Emer- Omaha, a half-mile south of the 50 people gathered to ask ques- gency Management Agency. Elkhorn River; most residents are tions. Final decisions must be It’s unclear how many com- farmers or blue-collar workers. made by spring. munities in recent years have They’ve occasionally had to Ken Rice, who is repairing been reclassified by the Federal deal with rising water. But noth- his nearly 85-year-old home and Emergency Management Agency ing like the last decade, when hopes to move it to the new site, into higher-risk flood zones, but a nine of the 10 highest crests ever Buildings are seen in Winslow, where a swift-moving flood ravaged said it’s hard to imagine the vil- the tiny town this spring. 2013 FEMA-funded study found have been recorded, including lage dissolving. the amount of land vulnerable the worst of all in March. “This is home to me,” Rice, 57, to extreme river flooding would Torrential rains falling on stream surging into the town and about 3 miles away on a hilltop inundating thousands of acres of and negotiated a price. Klein said. “I’ve lived here all my life.” likely increase by 45% by the end frozen ground poured into the Nilene Parker has lived in Win- of the century. river and sent the normally lazy farmland. hopes to have the purchase final- Other towns along Midwest ized by February so crews can slow only two years but said she’s rivers also flooded, but as spring begin putting in infrastructure, ready to rebuild “up top,” as resi- stretched into summer, most at initially along a single street. dents call the new site. least started to recover. Houses would be built or moved “I can’t afford to do anything Winslow, though, looks like a in, starting as soon as late next else,” she said. ghost town, with its gravel streets year. But at least three households empty and its 48 homes and busi- Then would come the commu- have decided to stay in the old nesses posted with official warn- nity structures “that make a town Winslow, even if that means pay- ings against entering. a town,” Klein said — including ing a hefty price. With many towns pleading a community center, post office, Fran Geisler and her husband for higher levees, the U.S. Army fire station and even Smiley’s, the will have to raise their house more Corps of Engineers has no plans town’s only bar. than four feet and get an above- to invest millions to upgrade A handful of other towns have ground septic tank. Some of the Winslow’s. been transplanted over the years, “Even the Corps can’t afford including Soldiers Grove, Wis., in outbuildings and farm equipment to build up levees everywhere,” 1983 and Valmeyer, Ill., in 1993. will remain at risk of flooding. said Rob Moore, an analyst with The big question is whether Nevertheless, “this is home,” the Chicago-based environmen- enough Winslow residents will she said. “I’ve lived here 33 years. tal group the Natural Resources commit to moving to make it My husband has lived here all Volunteer fire department chief and village trustee Zachary Klein, Defense Council. worthwhile. his life. We just couldn’t live any left, briefs residents during a town hall meeting. So local leaders found land About 25 households — or half other place.” PAGE 14 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, January 3, 2020 FAITH At Episcopal church for the deaf, A silent revival faith flourishes without sound

BY LUIS ANDRES HENAO Associated Press NEW YORK — The Lord’s Prayer ended with the bang of dozens of fists that landed on open palms after a circular motion and a thumbs up in a joint “Amen!” Not a voice could be heard inside the cavernous sanctuary of Holy- rood Episcopal Church-Iglesia Santa Cruz in Manhattan. There was no need for words: From the altar, the deaf congregants led the hearing ones, who from the wooden pews repeated the silent movement of their hands. Music, sermons, prayers, even confessions make up much of the experience of a typical religious service. So, for the deaf, how does faith flourish in an environment that so revolves around sound? During a recent Sunday service, deaf and hearing worshippers sung and signed hymns, offered the sign of peace bringing palms together with a twisting motion — and joyfully waved their hands high in the air in a sign-language equivalent of applause. “When I sign the music and the hymns to God, I actually feel the Holy spirit with me. I give my all to him,” said Lidia Martinez, 54, who spoke to the Associated Press through her daughter, who is a sign language interpreter. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Martinez felt alienated /AP from her faith because she was EMILY LESHNER deaf. When she moved to the U.S. in 1993, she continued to feel like During the service, the Rev. an outsider in a hearing church. Luis Barrios asked the deaf and “I remember going to other hearing worshippers to form a churches and sitting in the bench- prayer chain around a congre- es and not knowing what they gant who fears that she’s also los- were saying because there were ing her sight. no interpreters available,” she The Sunday service for the deaf said. “It was really hard to follow and a weekday American Sign the Mass with just the readings.” Language classes have helped After visiting multiple church- once-dwindling attendance to es, she walked into Holyrood last rise at the Gothic Revival-style year. That’s when she saw the church. Rev. Maria Santiviago signing “God can also be found in the from the pulpit. silence,” Santiviago said. “We’re “It was heartwarming to have empowering their language.” her interpret the Mass,” she said Holyrood, which is located about Santiviago, a 77-year-old in the mostly Latino neighbor- Paraguayan who came out of re- hood of Washington Heights, also tirement to help lead the ministry takes pride in being a sanctuary for the deaf. “Before I wasn’t un- church for immigrants and fully derstanding anything. This was trilingual in English, Spanish and like a Eureka moment.” ASL. Now, her whole family is part “We have revived this church. of the Holyrood community. We wanted the church to support They recently walked into the the people,” Barrios, who is from Puerto Rico, said. “We need to church past the Nativity scene From top: Diely and a brightly lit Christmas tree find ways to make changes so the church remains relevant.” He said Martinez, 30, prays and sat in the front pews, illu- inside the Holyrood that they still hope to reach out to minated by sunlight from color- Episcopal Church- more children and teenagers. ful stained-glass windows. Her Iglesia Santa Cruz in Technological advances, in- husband, Carlos Tirado, 54, who the Washington Heights cluding apps for texting and talk- is also deaf, signed. Her daugh- neighborhood in New ing, continue to help the deaf and ter Leisha Martinez, 11, and her York City last month. The hard of hearing worldwide. But, granddaughters, Arly Gordon, 8, Rev. Maria Santiviago, and Lyann Gordon, 4, who can Diely Martinez said, a church for left, signs the sermon hear, sang along. the deaf and hearing — like Holy- for deaf worshippers Facing them — and all the deaf rood — is vital. at the church. Deaf worshippers — stood her eldest “Every Sunday, we come here worshippers Carlos daughter, Diely Martinez, an and we’re a family. It can be deaf Tirado, left, and Lidia American Sign Language/Span- friends; it can be my immediate Martinez, second from ish medical interpreter, who now family. But not only that,” she left, sign in response to volunteers at the Sunday Mass. said. “I can see how the hearing a sermon. “I want (God) to touch their people are more accepting of the /AP lives, she said. “So, it’s more than deaf, and that’s very touching. PHOTOS BY JESSIE WARDARKSI interpreting. It’s a calling.” They come together.” Friday, January 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 15 NATION Fishery rebounds in conservation ‘home run’

essential to fish reproduction, in- Bottom trawler cluding a large area off Southern California. fishermen making “A fair number of fishermen thought it was a good deal and if it comeback in waters was going to happen, it was better for them to participate than not,” off the West Coast said Tom Libby, a fish processor who was instrumental in crafting BY GILLIAN FLACCUS the agreement. “It’s right up there Associated Press with the best and most rewarding things in my career — and I’ve WARRENTON, Ore. — A rare been at it 50 years.” environmental success story is Some groups, like Oceana, unfolding in waters off the West wanted even more protections Coast. from bottom trawling, which it After years of fear and un- calls the “most damaging fishing certainty, bottom trawler fish- method to seafloor habitats off the ermen — those who use nets to West Coast.” In a news release, catch rockfish, bocaccio, sole, the group emphasized that the Pacific Ocean perch and other agreement it did get safeguards deep-dwelling fish — are mak- 90% of the seafloor in U.S. waters ing a comeback here, reinventing off the West Coast. themselves as a sustainable in- Even so, with fragile species re- dustry less than two decades after bounding, trawlers could harvest authorities closed huge stretches as much as 120 million pounds of the Pacific Ocean because of a year, but there’s only demand the species’ depletion. for about half that much. That’s The ban devastated fisher- because groundfish have been men, but as of Jan. 1, regulators replaced in stores by farmed, for- reopened an area roughly three eign species like tilapia. times the size of Rhode Island off A trade association called Posi- Oregon and California to ground- tively Groundfish is trying to fish bottom trawling — all with change that by touring food fes- the approval of environmental tivals and culinary trade shows, PHOTOS BY GILLIAN FLACCUS/AP groups that were once the indus- evangelizing to chefs and seafood try’s biggest foes. A worker sorts fish being unloaded from a bottom trawler containing rockfish and other groundfish buyers about the industry’s re- The rapid turnaround is made species in Warrenton, Ore., last month. bound and newfound sustainabil- even more unique by the col- ity. They give out samples, too. laboration between the fisher- went over, they had to buy quota “We are treating this almost men and environmentalists who from other fishermen in a system like a new product for which you spent years refining a long-term reminiscent of a carbon cap-and- have to build awareness — but we fishing plan that will continue to trade model. do have a great story,” said Jana resuscitate the groundfish indus- Mandatory independent ob- Hennig, the association’s execu- try while permanently protect- servers, paid by the trawlers, tive director. “People are so sur- ing thousands of square miles of accompanied the vessels and prised to hear that not everything reefs and coral beds that benefit hand-counted their haul. is lost, that not everything is doom the overfished species. Fishermen quickly learned to and gloom, but that it’s possible Now, the fishermen who see avoid areas heavy in off-limits that you can manage a fishery so their livelihood returning must species and began innovating to well that it actually bounces back solve another piece of the puzzle: net fewer banned fish. to abundance.” drumming up consumer demand Surveys soon showed ground- for fish that haven’t been in gro- fish rebounding — in some cases, cery stores or on menus for a 50 years faster than predicted generation. — and accidental trawling of “It’s really a conservation home overfished species fell by 80%. run,” said Shems Jud, regional The Marine Stewardship Council director for the Environmental certified 13 species in the fishery Defense Fund’s ocean program. as sustainable in 2014, and five “The recovery is decades ahead Kevin Dunn, who fishes off the coasts of Oregon and Washington, more followed last year. of schedule. It’s the biggest en- holds an aurora rockfish at a processing facility in Warrenton, Ore . As the quota system’s success vironmental story that no one became apparent, environmen- knows about.” nets to scoop up as many fish as trouble, but because of the way talists and trawlers began to talk. The process also netted a win possible, but that can also dam- bottom trawlers fished — indis- Regulators would soon revisit the for conservationists concerned age critical rocky underwater criminately hauling up millions trawling rules, and the two sides about the future of extreme habitat. of pounds of whatever their nets wanted a voice. deepwater habitats where bot- The groundfish fishery hasn’t encountered — regulators began They met more than 30 times, tom trawlers currently don’t go. always struggled. Starting in to halt all bottom trawling. Mul- slowly building trust as they craft- A tract of ocean the size of New 1976, the federal government tiple species of rockfish, slow- ed a proposal. Trawlers brought Mexico with waters up to 2.1 subsidized the construction of growing creatures with spiny fins maps developed over generations, miles deep will be off-limits to domestic fishing vessels to lock and colorful names like canary, alerted environmentalists to reefs bottom-trawling to protect deep- down U.S. interests in West darksplotched and yellow eye, they didn’t know about, and even sea corals and sponges just now Coast waters, and by the 1980s, were the hardest hit. shared proprietary tow paths. being discovered. that investment paid off. Bot- By 2005, trawlers brought in “All we could do on our end is “Not all fishermen are rapers tom trawling was booming, with just one-quarter of the haul of make a good-faith offer, and I re- of the environment. When you 500 vessels in California, Oregon the 1980s. The fleet is now down ally credit the guys in the indus- hear the word ‘trawler,’ very often and Washington hauling in 200 to 75 boats, said Brad Pettinger, try for taking that up,” said Seth that’s associated with destruction million pounds of non-whiting former director of the Oregon Atkinson, an attorney with the of the sea and pillaging,” said groundfish a year. Unlike Dunge- Trawl Commission who was key nonprofit Natural Resources De- Kevin Dunn, whose trawler Iron ness crab and salmon, groundfish in developing the plan to reopen fense Council. “These were tough Lady was featured in a Whole could be harvested year-round, fishing grounds. compromises.” Foods television commercial providing an economic backbone “We really wiped out the indus- Last year, regulators approved about sustainable fishing. for ports. try for a number of years,” Pet- a plan to reopen the 17-year-old Groundfish is a catch-all term But in the late 1990s, scientists tinger said. “To get those things Rockfish Conservation Area off that refers to dozens of species began to sound the alarm about up and going again is not easy.” Oregon and California, while that live on, or near, the bottom dwindling fish stocks. In 2011, trawlers were assigned banning future trawling in ex- of the Pacific off the West Coast. Just nine of the more than quotas for how many of each spe- treme-depth waters and making Trawling vessels drag weighted 90 groundfish species were in cies they could catch. If they off-limits some habitat dubbed PAGE 16 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, January 3, 2020 NATION Traditional parenting won’t work here Adoption requires special care due to kids’ challenging backgrounds

BY TAYLOR TIAMOYO HARRIS St. Louis Post-Dispatch CLAYTON, Mo. — As Geri Brotherton enters the St. Louis County Courthouse on a Wednesday morning in November, her hands are full and her mind is busy. Her husband, a lawyer and a social worker add to at least seven of her children walking beside her. Two little girls in matching white skirts and denim shirts, their hair in braids and barrettes, can’t contain their excitement as they race up and down the hallway outside a courtroom. They’re the reason the Brothertons are at the courthouse. After they’re adopted in the next few minutes, the two girls, siblings ages 5 and 7, will be Brothertons themselves. Courthouses are so often the scene of sor- row and despair. But for the Brothertons, the room is filled with giggles, laughter PHOTOS BY ROBERT COHEN, ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH/AP and joy as the judge hands the newest and Kimora Brotherton, 7, visits with her mother Geri as her family has a celebratory lunch at a Bridgeton Chick-fil-A after officially youngest Brotherton girls teddy bears. adopting Kimora and her sister Marissa on Nov. 6. “Do you have the ability to maintain properly, care for and educate these ador- Left: Ashley able little girls?” asks Karen Siegel, the Brotherton, Brothertons’ attorney. left, talks with “Yes!” says Brotherton, along with her her new sister husband and both girls, who made sure Marissa, 5, as they weren’t left out of any moment in the Brotherton court. family gathers The adoption is now final; the children to have their she’s taken care of since they were babies photo taken with are legally hers. Commissioner “The real work starts now,” says Broth- Heather R. erton, who has adopted nine children and Cunningham fostered more than 200 since the 1970s. following the Her wealth of experience at age 70 has official adoption. taught her that the legal proceeding is a beginning, not a conclusion. Right: Marissa, And whether or not it applies to her left, and Kimora newest daughters, she knows that most Brotherton enjoy children who are adopted or enter foster candy and stuffed care, no matter how young, have traumatic animals given to histories. them as they sit In addition to being a foster parent and with their father adoptive parent, Brotherton teaches a Bill Brotherton class with Family Forward, a nonprofit group that helps parents understand their dren had endured sexual assault, domestic After having children, one St. Louis veterans coming home with post-traumatic children’s trauma and how it affects them violence and more. County couple decided to become foster stress disorder. and the child. “They are survivors first and foremost,” parents to provide families under stress Despite training, the couple said they A new session of Brotherton’s class Knipshild said. “The thrust of this class is with a “break and breathing room.” were not fully prepared to handle the situa- started last month, and about 10 parents (that) we’re looking at you changing, not Although they didn’t anticipate adopt- tion. So they switched things up. Instead of them. Traditional parenting is not going to ing, the 6-and-7-year-olds fit perfectly in settled into a classroom one Tuesday eve- timeouts, there was “time in” because they work.” their family of four. The couple’s plans ning to discuss “parenting kids in difficult realized the children needed to be with situations.” Adoptions have been on the rise in the changed. them more, not less. They also enlisted the They may have been strangers, but it St. Louis area. About 160 adoptions were “With any child in the foster care sys- wasn’t long before they shared a common finalized in St. Louis and St. Louis County tem, they have not come out of consistent help of therapists who gave them tools such denominator: the challenges of being a fos- in 2018, the highest number since 2014. parenting, structured parenting,” the chil- as breathing exercises that helped the chil- ter or adoptive parent. And more than 700 children were ad- dren’s adoptive mother said. “They’ve ex- dren with anxiety. The couple continued “They come to your house and you tell mitted to foster homes in 2018, according perienced trauma. So to come into a healthy taking classes with Family Forward. The them to trust you, and things will be dif- to the latest annual report from Missouri’s home for them, it’s a bit of a shock all the experience has been richly rewarding. ferent now, but think about it. What do they Children’s Division. The average age of the way around because that wasn’t their nor- “They’re kids from really hard places, have to base that on?” said Gail Knipshild, new foster children was 8. mal.” The mother did not want to be identi- so it doesn’t always come with a pretty one of the instructors. A 10-year analysis from the Adoption fied by name to protect her children. package and a bow, but man, they’re some and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting The adjustment took patience and em- Some of those in the class had just taken of the toughest fighters and biggest sur- in a grandchild or family member’s child, System shows that after a child’s second pathy, not only from both parents but from vivors and overcomers,” the mother said. temporarily or permanently. While they birthday, the chance of being adopted be- their biological children as well. Such ran- could cite plenty of positives about these gins to decrease. But the need for caring dom things as a fork, peach pie, scissors “Whether you adopt kids or have them in children, they acknowledged that many of adults remains, and foster parents fill a and glue were among items that triggered your home for 72 hours or three weeks them were being disruptive and disobedi- vital role. Siegel knows of one foster parent outbursts in their new children or sent or three months with no expectations of ent at home, cursing, acting out in school, who only takes in teenagers and welcomes them hiding behind chairs. appreciation or thanks, you’re planting stealing and being manipulative. The chil- the challenge. The couple compared the children to war seeds.” Friday, January 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 17 WORLD French rail strikes reach milestone 29th day

Associated Press services spotty or non-existent A woman across the rest of the network. pushes her bike PARIS — With 29 straight days Unions are gearing up for fur- at Gare Saint of walkouts, French rail strikes ther walkouts next week, when Lazar train against government plans to re- French schools reopen and nego- station during form France’s retirement system tiations are set to resume with the the 29th day marked a new milestone Thurs- government. of transport day, surpassing even the lengths In a televised New Year address strikes in Paris, of strikes in the 1980s. on Tuesday, French President Thursday. The nationwide walkouts Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed The start of against the government’s pension his commitment to the pension 2020 was the plans started Dec. 5. On Thurs- overhaul but urged his govern- second New day, they surpassed a 1986-1987 ment to “find the path of a quick Year celebration rail strike in longevity, a walkout compromise” with unions. in a row that lasted 28 days at the SNCF Macron stayed firm on the where French national rail company. principles of the reform, includ- President The current strikes have crip- ing its most decried measure: Emmanuel pled train and metro services raising the eligibility age for full Macron has in Paris and across the country pensions from 62 to 64. He insist- faced social over the Christmas-New Year pe- ed the new system will be fairer upheaval. riod and continue to cause severe to all French workers and will be MICHEL EULER/AP disruptions. financially sustainable. The plan The SNCF said half of its vaunt- aims to unite dozens of separate ed high-speed trains weren’t pension systems into one and running on Thursday. Only two eliminate special deals that let automated lines were running some French transit workers re- normally in the Paris Metro, with tire in their 50s.

MARCEL KUSCH, DPA/AP A women lights a candle at the main entrance of the zoo in Krefeld, Germany, on Thursday. 3 women investigated for deadly German zoo blaze

Associated Press The fire started in a corner of the ape house’s roof and spread Three women are under in- rapidly. The zoo near the Dutch vestigation for launching paper border says the ape house burned sky lanterns for New Year’s that down and more than 30 animals apparently ignited a devastat- — including five orangutans, two ing fire at a German zoo, killing gorillas, a chimpanzee and sever- more than 30 animals, officials al monkeys — were killed, as well said Thursday. as fruit bats and birds. The three local women — a Firefighters were only able to mother and her two daughters, rescue two chimpanzees. The ages 30 to 60 — went to police zoo said Thursday it was satisfied in the western city of Krefeld on with their condition. New Year’s Day after authorities Hoppmann said the women had held a news conference about the ordered five sky lanterns on the blaze, criminal police chief Gerd internet and told authorities that Hoppmann said. they hadn’t known they were il- The women are being investi- legal in Germany. He added that gated on suspicion of negligent there was nothing in the product arson, prosecutor Jens Frobel description showing that they said. The offense can carry a pris- were banned. on sentence of up to five years. Hoppmann described the Many Germans welcome in the women as “completely normal new year legally with fireworks people who seemed very sensible, at midnight. Sky lanterns, how- very responsible” and said it was ever, are both illegal and unusual “very courageous” of them to in Germany. The mini hot-air come forward, saving authorities balloons made of paper have been a tricky investigation. He added used in Asia for centuries. that they fear reprisals. PAGE 18 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, January 3, 2020 WORLD Many flee, prep before Australian fires can worsen

BY TRISTAN LAVALETTE Thursday morning ordered tour- Associated Press ists to leave a 155-mile zone along the picturesque south coast. PERTH, Australia — Thou- State Transport Minister An- sands of tourists fled Australia’s drew Constance said it is the wildfire-ravaged eastern coast “largest mass relocation of peo- Thursday ahead of worsening ple out of the region that we’ve conditions as the military started ever seen.” to evacuate people trapped on the New South Wales premier shore further south. Gladys Berejiklian declared a Cooler weather since Tuesday has aided firefighting and al- seven-day state of emergency lowed people to replenish sup- starting Friday, which grants the plies. Vehicles formed long lines New South Wales Rural Fire Ser- at gas stations and supermar- vice commissioner more control kets, and traffic was gridlocked and power. as highways reopened. But fire It’s the third state of emergency conditions were expected to de- for New South Wales in the past teriorate Saturday as high tem- two months, after previously not peratures and strong winds are being implemented since 2013. forecast to return. “We don’t take these decisions “There is every potential that lightly but we also want to make the conditions on Saturday will sure we’re taking every single be as bad or worse than we saw” precaution to be prepared for on Tuesday, New South Wales what could be a horrible day on Rural Fire Service Deputy Com- Saturday,” Berejiklian said. missioner Rob Rogers said. A statewide total fire ban will be Authorities said 381 homes had in place on Friday and Saturday. been destroyed on the New South In Victoria, where 83 homes FRANK AUGSTEIN/AP Wales southern coast this week have burned this week, the mili- and at least eight people have tary was helping thousands of died this week in the state and people who fled to the shore as a London Zoo Census neighboring Victoria, Australia’s wildfire threatened their homes two most-populous states, where Tuesday in the coastal town of A zookeeper counts the squirrel-monkeys during the annual stocktake at ZSL London Zoo in London, more than 200 fires are currently Mallacoota. on Thursday . Caring for more than 500 different species, the zoo’s keepers face the challenging task of burning. Food, water, fuel and medical tallying up every every mammal, bird, reptile, fish and invertebrate at the Zoo. Fires have also been burning in expertise were being delivered Western Australia, South Austra- and about 500 people were going lia and Tasmania. to be evacuated from the town by The early and devastating start a naval ship. to Australia’s summer wildfires Crash kills Taiwan’s military chief “We think around 3,000 tourists has led authorities to rate this and 1,000 locals are there. Not all season the worst on record. About of those will want to leave, not all BY RALPH JENNINGS military force if necessary to down in the mountainous, heavily 12.35 million acres of land have Associated Press annex what it considers part of its forested Wulai area southeast of burned, at least 17 people have can get on the vessel at one time,” Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews territory. the capital. been killed and more than 1,400 TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan’s The helicopter was flying from “He was very calm and very homes have been destroyed. told the Australian Broadcasting top military official was among Taipei to the nearby city of Yilan stable and unlike other army guys Prime Minister Scott Morrison Corporation. eight people killed in an air force for a New Year’s activity when he was always smiling, ” Alexan- said the crisis was likely to last A contingent of 39 firefighters helicopter crash in mountainous it crashed. The victims included der Huang, a strategic studies for months. from the United States and Cana- terrain outside Taipei on Thurs- other senior military officials and professor at Tamkang University “It will continue to go on until da landed in Melbourne on Thurs- day, the defense ministry said. the two pilots. we can get some decent rain that day to help with the catastrophe. Five others survived. The UH-60M Blackhawk with in Taiwan who had known Shen can deal with some of the fires Smoke from the wildfires made As chief of the general staff, 13 people on board dropped from for a decade said. that have been burning for many, the air quality in the national cap- Gen. Shen Yi-ming was respon- the radar screen 10 minutes after A special government commit- many months,” Morrison told re- ital, Canberra, the world’s worst sible for overseeing the self-gov- takeoff from Songshan air force tee will look into the cause of the porters on Thursday. in a ranking index Thursday and erning island’s defense against base around 7:50 a.m., Taiwan’s crash, a defense ministry state- New South Wales authorities on was blowing into New Zealand. China, which threatens to use defense ministry said. It went ment said. Japanese prosecutors raid Nissan ex-chair Ghosn’s Tokyo home

BY YURI KAGEYAMA was Ghosn’s third residence in persecution.” the airport with a French pass- ish authorities had detained seven Associated Press Tokyo since he was first arrested He said he would talk to report- port and Lebanese ID. people as part of an investigation a year ago. Authorities have now ers next week. Ghosn’s lawyers in Japan said into how Ghosn fled to Lebanon TOKYO — Japanese pros- searched each one. Japan does not have an extradi- they had no knowledge of the via Istanbul. ecutors on Thursday raided the It is unclear how Ghosn avoid- tion treaty with Lebanon. escape and they had all his pass- Ghosn, who was charged in Tokyo home of former Nissan ed the tight surveillance he was Lebanon has said Ghosn en- ports. Ghosn has French, Leba- Japan with under-reporting his Chairman Carlos Ghosn after he skipped bail and fled to Lebanon under in Japan and showed up in tered the country legally, and nese and Brazilian citizenship. future compensation and breach before his trial on financial mis- Lebanon. there was no reason to take action Japanese public broadcaster of trust, has repeatedly asserted conduct charges. Ghosn said Tuesday in a state- against him. NHK TV, without identifying his innocence, saying authorities Tokyo prosecutors and police ment that he left for Lebanon be- The Lebanese minister for sources, reported Thursday that trumped up charges to prevent a did not immediately comment. cause he thought the Japanese presidential affairs, Selim Jreis- Ghosn had two French passports. possible fuller merger between Japanese media showed investi- judicial system was unjust, and sati, told the An-Nahar newspa- Turkish state-run Anadolu Nissan Motor Co. and alliance gators entering the home, which he wanted to avoid “political per that Ghosn entered legally at Agency said Thursday that Turk- partner Renault SA. Friday, January 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 19 FACES YouTube docuseries on Bieber coming in January Justin Bieber is launching a docuseries Carrying on about creating his new album on YouTube, the platform where the singer originally got his start in music more than a decade ago. YouTube announced Tuesday that “Jus- tin Bieber: Seasons” will debut Jan. 27. without The 10-episode series will follow the pop star while he records his first new album since 2015. Before releasing his debut song in 2009, Bieber gained popularity from posting his performances of cover songs on YouTube. “When I was getting started, YouTube Carrie provided me a platform and a community where I could share music, experiences and moments with my fans,” Bieber said in a statement. “It feels great to partner with YouTube for this original documentary series. I want my fans to be part of this journey.” Bieber, 25, is releasing a new song, “Yummy,” on Friday. YouTube says the series will “feature a behind-the-scenes look at Bieber’s private life, including never-before-seen footage of his wedding to Hailey Bieber and his day- to-day alongside those in his inner circle.” The series will also show Bieber reflecting “on the highs and lows of growing up in the public eye as he invites his fans on the jour- Disney/Lucasfilm ney leading up to the release of the highly- Through remaining footage and some digital wizardry, Carrie Fisher, right, was able to reprise her role as General Leia Organa anticipated and most personal album of his for “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” Also pictured: Daisy Ridley. career.” Theron, Craig among ‘Rise of Skywalker’ creators rose to the challenge after Fisher’s death Golden Globe presenters Charlize Theron, Octavia Spencer and BY MICHAEL CAVNA Fisher’s presence is tastefully crafted from existing Daniel Craig are among the first present- The Washington Post footage of her in character as Leia. ers announced for Sunday’s Golden Globe “Originally the frustration I felt at cutting out Awards. The Hollywood Foreign Press As- This was supposed to be Carrie Fisher’s movie these scenes that we had shot in ‘Force Awakens,’ ” sociation also announced Thursday that — her center spotlight after the previous two films ‘ When Abrams says, “were suddenly the relief that we other presenters will include Sofia Ver- in Disney’s modern Star Wars trilogy successively needed in prepping ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ ” gara, Kerry Washington, Tiffany Haddish, featured Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill, her cast- we were In several scenes in “Rise,” we see a strong- Glenn Close and Will Ferrell. Kate McKin- mates across four decades. constructing minded Leia guiding another Force-sensitive Jedi non and Ted Danson will also present. “It’s nothing short of heartbreaking that she wasn’t warrior, the new trilogy’s central hero Rey (Daisy Ricky Gervais will host for the fifth time. here to collaborate on this film, because we couldn’t scenes around Ridley), to take on the Empire, including Leia’s own Gervais also emceed the ceremony from possibly tell the story without her,” J.J. Abrams says Carrie, we son, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). 2010 to 2012 and 2016. of directing “The Rise of Skywalker” without Fish- Chris Terrio, the “Rise of Skywalker” cowriter, Tom Hanks will receive the Cecil B. De- er, who died three years ago last month. would try to says helping script Leia’s new scenes required Mille Award, an accolade for film. Ellen Ever since her death, those creatively involved see what “every skill that I’ve ever picked up along the way.” DeGeneres will be honored with the Carol with the Skywalker Saga — which seemingly con- Carrie was “You would have scenes that honestly were shot Burnett Award, which focuses on life cluded with the Dec. 20 opening of “Rise” — have achievement in television. tried to honor Fisher’s memory while also wrestling doing and just with some different context in mind,” Terrio says. with how to present her iconic character, Leia Or- look at the “But you’d want to get to the emotional truth of what was going on in the scene so that we could ... stay Other news gana, on screen. warmth and The starkest misstep since was a digital motion- true to her acting choices.  Actress Michelle Williams is engaged capture representation of a young Leia briefly in her wit and all “So when we were reconstructing scenes around to “Fosse/Verdon” director Thomas Kail the one-off film “Rogue One” — an eerie effect that these things Carrie,” the cowriter continues, “we would try to see and is said to be expecting a baby with many fans thought fell squarely into the “uncanny what Carrie was doing and just look at the warmth him. If the report is true, this would be the valley.” that Carrie and her wit and all these things that Carrie was.” second child for Williams, who has a 14- Lucasfilm announced last year that Fisher would was. ’ Although Fisher’s screen time is less than once year-old daughter, Matilda, with late actor appear in “Rise,” but assuaged fans about how the planned, there is a power to her presence. Heath Ledger. Chris Terrio  Jack Sheldon, an acclaimed jazz musi- posthumous “performance” would be handled. “The Rise of “If she had been around, (are there) other things cian whose trumpet graced the award-win- “We would never consider recasting,” Abrams Skywalker” cowriter we would have asked for and written? Of course,” said . “And we wouldn’t want to do a digital Abrams says. “But the fact we had this — that al- ning song “The Shadow of Your Smile” and character.” lowed us to incorporate her into the movie in a way who was known to TV viewers as the puck- Abrams had worked with Fisher on his 2015 “Star that makes me feel like she’s in the film and in a ish sidekick to talk show host Merv Griffin, Wars” reboot — “I knew her a little bit for a long significant way — and in a way that I truly believe has died. He was 88. time before we did ‘Force Awakens,’ ” he says — and she would be happy with.” From wire services Golden Globes to serve meatless menu at awards ceremony

Associated Press we eat, the way we grow the food we eat, the way we dis- was not just their symbolic steps, but also something that pose of the food is one of the large contributors to the cli- guests will enjoy.” The Golden Globes is going with a meatless menu for its mate crisis.” Items on the main entree include king oyster mushrooms 77th annual awards show. The annual awards ceremony will air Jan. 6 live on scallops and wild mushroom risotto, along with roasted Guests will be served a 100% plant-based meal just AFN-prime Atlantic and in the evening on AFN-Movie. baby purple and green Brussels sprouts and carrots. A ahead of showtime Sunday. The Hollywood Foreign Press Soria said there was some initial push back about chang- chilled golden beet soup will be served as an appetizer. Association said Thursday that it wants the initiative to ing the menu just about two weeks before the show, but the HFPA partnered with Icelandic Glacial, a naturally al- raise environmental awareness about food consumption hotel eventually agreed on the new menu. kaline and sustainably-sourced natural spring water. The and waste. “People were basically saying it’s too late, we’re ready water will be served in glass bottles to eliminate plastic “If there’s a way we can, not change the world, but save with all the orders, the holidays and all that,” he said. “But waste in the ballroom and red carpet, which is reused at the planet, maybe we can get the Golden Globes to send after we began discussions, meeting for one or two days, other events throughout the year. a signal and draw attention to the issue about climate (the hotel) accepted the change completely. They start- Soria called the food “excellent” after a recent change,” HFPA president Lorenzo Soria said. “The food ed to experiment with how to do plant-based meals that taste-testing. PAGE 20 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, January 3, 2020 AMERICAN ROUNDUP Sex offender’s name change denied by court

MINNEAPOLIS MN — A man indefinitely committed as a sexual predator can’t rename himself “Better Off Dead” even when he claims he’s doing it for religious reasons, the Minnesota state Court of Appeals ruled. Hollis John Larson has been committed since 2008 as a sexu- ally dangerous person under the Minnesota Sex Offender Program that allows for indefinite confine- ment for predators. Larson “professes a religious belief involving Hinduism, Tao- ism, Buddhism, and Agnosti- cism,” the court said. His desired name change is “in accordance with that religious belief and to express his freedom of speech.” A three-judge panel of the state Court of Appeals agreed with a lower court ruling denying the name change in part because “Better Off Dead” is an idiomatic expression, contains no pronouns and is “inherently misleading.” Firefighters: Naked man tried to douse house fire

CAVE CREEK — Fire AZ department officials in Arizona responding to a house fire in Cave Creek found a naked man on the roof with a garden hose. Flames were coming from the roof of the two-story house and a CHRIS DILLMANN, VAIL (COLO.) DAILY/AP man who lives at the home was on the roof, KPHO-TV reported. The naked man initially re- fused to come down, and when he Eyes on the ice did, he tried to run back into the burning home, Rural Metro Fire Abby Tanksley, 8, and her brother, Charlie, 5, of Missouri, watch Sunday as plain blocks of ice are turned into works of art during the Department officials said. Beaver Creek Cheer holiday event in Beaver Creek, Colo. A crowd gathered to watch the live ice sculpting demonstration by a local artist . Fire crews fought the fire for more than two hours before it was The store’s grand opening is THE CENSUS owner. brought under control . Jan. 4. The Hillsborough County “Breaking Bad” followed an Al- The estimated population of Montana in July 2019 accord- Sheriff’s Office tweeted that the Graceland plans auction buquerque high school chemistry ing to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau, meaning cat showed up at one of its offices for Presley’s birthday teacher turned meth lord, Walter the state could regain its second seat in the U.S. House after in the Tampa area and deputies White, who was played by Bryan 1M the 2020 census. Montana lost the second seat after the 1990 were hoping to find the owner. Cranston. MEMPHIS — Elvis U.S. Census and has had just one member in the 435-member The sheriff’s office said that the TN Presley’s Graceland body since January 1993. The Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts owner had been traced via micro- plans an auction of artifacts to be Boy, 6, rescued after in December 2020. States will have the information to start redrawing districts, if chip after deputies took the cat to held during the late entertainer’s falling through ice necessary, by March 31, 2021. a local veterinarian. The sheriff’s 85th birthday celebration Jan. 8. office didn’t identify Eva’s owner All the items up for auction SCARBOROUGH — Peacock Diner on its final run, battery with a dangerous weapon but said the cat went missing dur- come from third party collec- ME A 6-year-old boy who stranding riders for 45 minutes. and other offenses. ing the 2017 hurricane whose tors but have been thoroughly fell through the ice on a frozen The trolley has faced numer- path cut through the middle of researched and certified by pond was rescued by a neighbor ous mechanical problems since it Police: Dead geese, Florida. Graceland Authenticated, ac- who pulled him to safety, officials started operating in late 2018. cording to a news release from said . ducks found in bags Food-delivery robots to Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. The boy, who sunk to his waist Police: Man threw knife The mansion and all artifacts in in icy water and was shivering, CLOVERDALE — Au- be tested in Ann Arbor the Graceland Archives continue was taken to a hospital for treat- during road rage incident OR thorities are searching to be owned by Lisa Marie Pres- ment for mild hypothermia, but for information after three gar- ANN ARBOR — A ley and are not for sale. his rescuer did not need medi- AUBURN — Massa- bage bags full of the remains of MI Michigan company that The 288 artifacts include a cal treatment, Scarborough Fire MA chusetts State Police ducks and geese were found near makes self-driving food delivery golf cart, clothing, jewelry, auto- Capt. Nate Contreras said. arrested a Connecticut man they the Oregon coast. vehicles will begin testing them said threw a knife through the graphs, concert memorabilia and The boy had been playing with Oregon State Police said in a in Ann Arbor this month with pa- open window of another vehicle Hollywood items. friends at the edge of the pond release that a person walking trons from four restaurants. when he ventured onto the ice and during a road rage incident, strik- their dog near the Nestucca River Ann Arbor-based Refraction ‘Breaking Bad’ store to broke through, Contreras said. ing and injuring two people. in Tillamook County reported the Two vehicles were traveling gruesome discovery. AI makes the REV, an autono- cater to fans of series mous robot that’s five feet tall, Loop Trolley breaks on the Massachusetts Turnpike Eight geese and five ducks in Auburn when one cut off the were found in the garbage bags, with wheels and a fuselage that ALBUQUERQUE down on final ride other, police said in a statement. with the breast meat removed can hold delivery bags. The com- NM — A store will open The folding pocket knife en- from three of the geese. pany begins using its REVs on in Albuquerque that will cater UNIVERSITY CITY tered an open window, striking Friday to make meal deliveries to fans of the AMC-TV hit series MO — The Loop Trolley’s the 22-year-old man driving, and Cat reunited with owner from four restaurants to a test “Breaking Bad.“ star-crossed 13-month run has a 23-year-old woman in the pas- group of 300 customers in down- A co-owner of The Breaking ended, with a breakdown on the 2 years after hurricane senger seat. Both sustained minor town Ann Arbor. Bad Store ABQ said local artists final ride. injuries. Refraction plans to expand in have been commissioned to cre- The trolley that operates on a A state trooper caught up with TAMPA — A cat that ate unique items inspired by the 2.2-mile route in St. Louis and the other driver, Joshua Garrey, FL went missing two years 2020 to areas including Boston as long-running series and its cast of University City is ceasing op- 26, of Wethersfield, Conn ., and ago in Florida during Hurricane well as Madison, Wis. characters. eration . It broke down in front of charged him with assault and Irma has been reunited with its From wire reports Friday, January 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 21 PAGE 22 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, January 3, 2020 OPINION Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Sean Klimek, Europe commander 2 VIEWS ON MILITARY SPENDING Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations Joshua M. Lashbrook, Pacific Chief of Staff Stop redefining our Redirect that money EDITORIAL Terry Leonard, Editor planning downward to more-vital needs [email protected] Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor BY GISELLE DONNELLY BY ROBERT WEISSMAN [email protected] InsideSources.com InsideSources.com Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content ne of President Donald Trump’s longest-standing po- entagon spending is, literally, out of control — and it is [email protected] litical promises has been to rebuilding U.S. military making America weaker, not stronger. It’s time — past strength. The White House boasts of “historic strides” time — for a fundamental reorientation of the federal Managing Editor for Presentation Sean Moores, in this effort, and Trump’s tweet celebrating the passage government’s spending, with Pentagon spending slimmed [email protected] O P of this year’s defense appropriations bill boasted of “new planes, and the resultant savings reallocated to address domestic and hu- Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital ships, missiles, rockets and equipment of every kind, and all made manitarian priorities. [email protected] right here in the USA.” The almost three-quarters of a trillion dollars in the annual Alas, the president’s claim is more hat than cattle: While the Pentagon budget doesn’t reflect any reasonable assessment of na- Pentagon’s annual “topline” has crept past the $700 billion mark, tional security threats, common-sense priority setting or any kind BUREAU STAFF it remains the case that about 10% of that amount is in the Over- of honest reckoning with the costs and benefits of an additional Europe/Mideast seas Contingency Operations account that mostly goes to pay for billion dollars for warfighting. The result is that we are wasting Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief the continued costs of military deployments in the Middle East hundreds of billions of dollars, fueling endless war and diverting [email protected] and elsewhere. This is not merely a haphazard approach to man- money from other vital needs. +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 aging the budget that forestalls longer-term planning, it reflects The Pentagon eats up more of the federal government’s discre- Pacific the fact that the hoped-for “Trump Buildup” is, as the saying goes, tionary budget — $738 billion for the current fiscal year — than Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief fake news. all other discretionary spending combined. Think about that for a [email protected] Indeed, the truer measures of national purpose — calculating moment: The Pentagon has been gifted more resources than our +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 defense spending as a slice of gross domestic product or of fed- diplomatic and peace-building agencies, more than the Environ- eral spending — reveal that national security continues to dimin- mental Protection Agency, more than our education and housing Washington ish as an American priority. Under Trump, the Pentagon budget programs, and more than we spend on scientific research … com- Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief [email protected] has dipped to its pre-9/11 low of less than 3% of GDP and 15% bined. At the same time, the Pentagon is unable to pass an audit. (+1)(202)886-0033 of overall federal spending, dwarfed by mandatory and “entitle- For 2020, the Pentagon received a $20 billion budget boost despite Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News ment” spending (about 62% of federal outlays and 13% of GDP). being unable to explain how it spent the outlandish amount it re- [email protected] Servicing the national debt, the most “mandatory” spending of all, ceived in 2019. accounts for an additional 7-plus% of government expenditures. The endless sums thrown at the Pentagon aren’t commensurate CIRCULATION Thus the armed services, as they prepare for next year’s bud- with any threat we face. Pentagon spending is more than the next Mideast get request, are weighing substantial program cuts. Consider the seven top military spending countries combined. Even worse, bot- Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager Navy, which Trump promised to expand to 355 warships — it’s tomless Pentagon spending is intertwined with the endless wars [email protected] now about 300, depending on what the definition of “ship” is — by that have left us and the world less safe. Military and political [email protected] the end of the decade. Last week, the respected trade publication figures of all political persuasions agree with this basic assess- DSN (314)583-9111 Defense News reported that the sea service is likely to ax five of ment; and the “Afghanistan Papers” recently published by The Europe 12 planned purchases of its current line of destroyers over the Washington Post show that, despite public proclamations to the Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager next five years, as well as delaying starts on attack submarine and contrary, top political and military officials have recognized all [email protected] frigate builds while decommissioning four of its 22 aging Ticond- along that the Afghanistan War was an unwinnable disaster. [email protected] eroga-class cruisers and canceling life-extension refits for others. We have spent and continue to spend unfathomable sums on +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 According to Navy planners, the size of the fleet is likely to drop endless war. Researchers at Brown University put the total at $6.4 Pacific to 287 ships. trillion, including cost of caring for injured veterans. The wars Mari Mori, [email protected] As has been the case since the end of the Cold War, these sorts have killed more than 800,000 people directly and many more in- +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 of reductions are being framed as investments in new technolo- directly, all while failing in their mission and leaving us less safe. gies and a preference for quality over quantity. And, considering We need to pull back from constant and ever-expanding warf- CONTACT US the constantly stagnating pace of U.S. military modernization and ighting and instead invest much more energy (and resources) in the increase in adversary, particularly Chinese, military power, diplomatic measures to reduce international conflict. We need Washington there is a logic in that argument. to focus on the great international challenges that create insta- tel: (+1)202.886.0003 Yet the one great — though still unlearned — lesson of the past bility but are not amenable to military solutions: poverty, newly 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 generation has been the shortfall in capacity rather than capabil- emergent diseases, wealth inequality and, above all, the climate ity. In the South China Sea, for example, the problem is not that crisis. And we need to reallocate hundreds of billions every year Reader letters Chinese ships and other weaponry is superior to that of the United away from the Pentagon to address problems at home that par- [email protected] States and its allies, it’s that they’re there and we’re not. allel those global challenges: ensuring health care for all, ad- Additional contacts The shifting balance of global military power is, however, less a dressing economic inequality and transforming our economy to stripes.com/contactus product of inadequate spending or lagging technological innova- rely on efficiency and renewable energy in order to avert climate tion as it is a failure of strategic imagination. catastrophe. OMBUDSMAN American planning remains, as it was against the Soviet Union, There are plenty of opportunities for massive cuts — on the driven by the assessment of threats rather than an appreciation of order of $200 billion a year or more — in Pentagon spending with- Ernie Gates geopolitical interests; we know our adversaries but not ourselves. out damaging national security: We have forgotten the fundamental insight of the Truman admin- We can save $70 billion or more a year by eliminating a Pen- The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow of news and information, reporting any attempts by the istration that “domination of the potential power of Eurasia” by a tagon slush fund, known as the Overseas Contingency Operations military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s hostile power or coalition “would be strategically and politically account, that is being used for programs that have no connections independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns unacceptable to the United States.” We can’t remember what our to emergencies or contingencies. and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for fair- ness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman purpose is, what victory means. We can save more than $40 billion a year by ending reliance welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted Consequently we have been constantly content to redefine our on expensive private contractors to do work that more affordable by email at [email protected], or by phone at military planning downward. Where we once strove to build to government employees should do, and by eliminating wasteful 202.886.0003. a global, “multiple-and-simultaneous” campaign standard — as contracting strategies that skyrocket costs in the final month of early as 1940, Congress passed a “Two-Ocean Navy Act” — we a fiscal year. now hope to field a one-war force. But this hope is no method for a There is a long list of super expensive weapons, like the F-35, Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday global power, let alone a nation that not so long ago considered it- that should be eliminated, cut back, or replaced with more cost-ef- through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and self “history’s sole superpower.” The proper question to ask about fective alternatives. Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals defense spending is not, “How much is enough?” but rather, “What Cutting the number of troops in Afghanistan — or pulling postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, is sufficient to defend our global interests?” them out altogether — would save tens of billions annually. APO AP 96301-5002. Those interests have long been defined, both by the nature of For far too long, Pentagon spending has been immune from This newspaper is authorized by the Department of Defense for members of the military services overseas. international politics and the nature of our American experi- the kind of scrutiny and common-sense analysis applied to other However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, ment. As both an Atlantic- and Pacific-facing nation, we seek a forms of government spending: Is the money properly accounted and are not to be considered as the official views of, or favorable balance of power across Eurasia. As a trading people, for? Are private actors profiteering at public expense? Does the endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspaper, Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official chan- we seek secure access to the commercial “commons” of the seas, spending address legitimate national priorities? Should we spend nels and use appropriated funds for distribution to remote skies, space and, nowadays, communications networks. As a free another dollar on this program at the expense of alternatives? Is locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. people, we seek to further the natural political rights of humanity this program achieving its objectives? The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense — a “balance of power that favors freedom.” When you ask those questions about Pentagon spending, the an- or Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. This may — indeed, it will — cost us more than 3 cents of our swers all point in one direction: We are spending far too much on Products or services advertised shall be made available for national dollar. It is the principal purpose of our federal govern- weapons and war, and on price-gouging and profiteering private purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical ment, not a tertiary purpose. And our failure to pay the cost is, as contractors. And that spending is starving us of the moneys we handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor the headlines daily remind us, a false economy. need to address key priorities, from education to climate. It’s time of the purchaser, user or patron. Finally, the value of our security, measured in prosperity but to reallocate hundreds of billions of Pentagon spending and put © Stars and Stripes 2020 most of all by liberty, is incalculable. people over the Pentagon. Giselle Donnelly is a resident fellow in defense and national security at the Robert Weissman is president of Public Citizen. Public Citizen is a member of stripes.com American Enterprise Institute. the People Over Pentagon coalition. Friday, January 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 23 OPINION

by nearly 40% over the last half-century. What newspapers A full-time worker making the minimum wage cannot afford a one-bedroom apart- ment in almost any American city. are saying at home The simplistic view that minimum-wage laws cause unemployment commanded The following editorial excerpts are se- such a broad consensus in the 1980s that lected from a cross section of newspapers this editorial board came out against the throughout the United States. The editori- federal minimum in 1987, calling it “an als are provided by The Associated Press idea whose time has passed,” and citing and other stateside syndicates. as evidence “a virtual consensus among economists.” The old critique is still put Unity can help fight scourge forward regularly by the restaurant indus- try and other major employers of low-wage of anti-Semitic attacks workers. Houston Chronicle But evidence that any such effects are The list of anti-Semitic attacks in the relatively small has been piling up for New York area in December is appalling, several decades. A groundbreaking study a litany of hatred that calls out to be con- published in 1993 by the economists David demned and countered. Card and Alan Krueger examined a mini- Starting with the death of three people at mum-wage rise in New Jersey by compar- a kosher grocery store in Jersey City, N.J., ing fast-food restaurants there and in an more than a dozen incidents have been re- adjacent part of Pennsylvania. It found no /AP ported. These include a 65-year-old man TOM FOX, THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS impact on employment. who was punched and kicked while his as- Church and community members gather at West Freeway Church of Christ in White This prompted other economists to test sailant yelled anti-Semitic slurs and a 34- Settlement, Texas, for a candlelight vigil Monday. A gunman shot and killed two people the standard theory. This year, the British year-old woman who was walking with her before an armed security officer returned fire, killing him during their service Sunday. government asked the economist Arin- son when she was hit on the head as her drajit Dube to review the results accumu- attacker called her a “f------Jew.” Our gratitude, which was also felt by creases in state and local minimum-wage lated over the last quarter-century. Dube The latest assault happened Saturday , Gov. Greg Abbott, comes from the knowl- standards has pushed the average effec- reported the sum total of the research when a man wielding a large blade barged edge that this mass shooter would have tive minimum wage in the United States showed minimum-wage increases raised into a rabbi’s home and stabbed five peo- likely incurred a lot more mayhem except to the highest level on record. The average compensation while producing a “very ple during a Hanukkah celebration. The for the fact that a good man and a volunteer worker must be paid at least $11.80 an hour muted effect” on employment . man, who was charged Monday with a hate member of the church’s security team im- — more after inflation than the last peak, More than doubling the current federal crime, allegedly searched online for near- mediately shot back. In response to the era in the 1960s, according to an analysis by standard would be a significant change, by Jewish temples and for “Why did Hitler of mass shootings that we are in, Texas spe- the economist Ernie Tedeschi. and it is not without risk. It is possible that hate the Jews.” cifically enacted a law to allow law-abiding And even as wages have marched up- a national $15 standard would produce the The rash of attacks is even more troubling citizens to carry concealed weapons in ward, job growth remains strong. The un- kinds of damage critics have long predict- when you consider that it is hardly unique. church (and elsewhere, unless specifically employment rate at the end of 2019 will be ed; the Congressional Budget Office puts Close to 1,900 incidents of anti-Semitism prohibited at that location). That law saved lower than the previous year for the 10th the potential increase in unemployment were reported in 2018, according to the lives this weekend in North Texas. straight year. somewhere between zero and 3.7 million Anti-Defamation League. Anti-Semitic Regardless of whether people like this The interventions by some state and people, essentially acknowledging the ef- homicides reached their highest level ever fact, it remains true that there have been at local governments, however, do not obviate fects are unpredictable. Workers may be last year after the shooting at the Tree of least two church shootings in Texas in re- the need for federal action. To the contrary. most vulnerable in areas where prevailing Life synagogue in Pittsburgh left 11 dead, cent years that ended because law-abiding Millions of workers are being left behind wages are relatively low. FBI statistics show. And even while white citizens had the means and willingness to because 21 states still use the federal stan- But the successful increases in mini- supremacists led the chant of “Jews will fight back. The second occurred two years dard, $7.25 an hour, which has not risen mum-wage standards across a diverse not replace us!” at a 2017 Charlottesville, ago in Sutherland Springs, and unfortu- since 2009 — the longest period without an range of states and cities suggest the Va., rally, anti-Semitism can come from nately resulted in the loss of many more increase since the introduction of a federal broader risk is worth taking. The Ameri- across the political spectrum. lives. But as in this most recent shooting, in standard in the 1930s. can economy is generating plenty of jobs; “What we’re finding about various at- that incident the assailant did not survive Across much of America, the minimum the problem is in the paychecks. The solu- tacks is that they don’t fill any one single after good men responded with force. wage ro se again with the start of 2020 . tion is a $15 federal minimum wage. narrative. Perpetrators are from different The truth is that there isn’t one solution In Maine and Colorado it reached $12 an backgrounds, expressed different poli- that will bring an end to all mass attacks, hour; in Washington State, $13.50; in New Stock market performance a tics,” Kari Dunn Saratovsky, CEO of Jew- which is one reason we’ve supported such York City, $15. Workers in the rest of the ish Federation of Greater Houston, told the things as creating a federal center to eval- country also deserve a raise. The time has pleasant surprise for some editorial board. “What they share is a ha- uate local, state and federal laws to find come to increase the federal minimum. The Wall Street Journal tred of Jews.” the cracks violent criminals exploit to ob- House Democrats passed legislation Regarding the movement of equity pric- This hatred is not limited to the U.S., tain firearms. But it is also true that part in July that would gradually increase the es, we associate with the words of Alan either. Around the world, ugly incidents of the set of solutions will have to involve federal standard to $15 an hour in 2025 “Ace” Greenberg, the head of Bear Stea- of bigotry and discrimination are becom- enabling innocent people to protect them- — likely raising the real value above the rns during the 1987 market crash: “Stocks ing all too common. In France, where selves and each other up to and including peak value in the late 1960s — and most fluctuate, next question.” The good news 500 anti-Semitic attacks were reported in fighting back. of the Democrats running for president in 2019 is that mostly they fluctuated up, 2018, a Jewish cemetery was desecrated If that’s tough to consider, there is anoth- have endorsed the legislation. Last year, which offers a lesson or two. last month — swastikas spray-painted on er hard reality cast into sharp relief by this only about 430,000 people — or 0.5% of Stock prices fell Monday , no doubt in dozens of gravestones. In Germany, where latest shooting. As in many other incidents hourly workers — were paid the federal part as investors took profits before the a recent survey found that 1 in 4 hold — whether it’s a knife-wielding attacker on minimum. The share has fallen in recent end of the year. But what profits they prob- anti-Semitic beliefs, a gunman attacked a a Jewish community in New York or a syn- years as state and local governments, and ably are. With one day of trading left in synagogue during Yom Kippur, killing two agogue, church, mosque or other shooting some employers, have stepped in. But a 2019, the S&P 500 was up 29% for the year, people. — the attack in North Texas was an assault much larger group of workers stand to ben- the Nasdaq Composite had risen 35%, and This rise in anti-Semitism must be met on a community, on a group of people free- efit, because they now earn less than the even the dowdy Dow Jones Industrial Av- with a greater force, one that we must all ly associating with each other and working proposed minimum. The Congressional erage climbed 22%. Apple and Microsoft, contribute to spreading. Houston is a di- toward common purpose. Budget Office estimated a $15 minimum which drove much of the increase in the verse city with a thriving Jewish commu- These attacks are pernicious and act hourly wage would raise the pay of at least Nasdaq, each now have market capitaliza- nity that deserves and welcomes support. with particular purpose to destroy com- 17 million workers. tions of more than $1.2 trillion. “It takes all of us to stand up together munities. They seek to kill more than indi- Among the beneficiaries: people who Anyone who sold a year ago missed a and unite against this hate and perpetual vidual lives. They seek to kill social bonds work for tips. Federal law lets businesses major boost in net worth, yet at the time violence,” Saratovsky said. “We can’t re- that bind us together. They seek to divide pay $2.13 an hour to waiters, bartend- the investor mood was negative. main silent here. We have to call for action, and isolate, to leave survivors feeling alone ers and others who get tips, so long as the Some poor folks probably even heeded and that’s on all of us.” or unsafe in any common space. So it is all total of tips and wages meets the federal the infamous Oct. 21, 2016, article in Po- The only way to fight hate is through love. the more important for us to stand togeth- minimum. The legislation would end that litico that began: “Wall Street is set up for Meeting one another, and understanding er in defense against hateful, divisive and rule; the same minimum would apply to a major crash if Donald Trump shocks the one another, is a great way to start. evil purpose. It is civil society itself that’s all hourly employees. Opponents of the world on Election Day and wins the White under attack. change argue customers will curtail tip- House.” The S&P 500 was then trading at Texas law allowing concealed ping and workers will end up with less about 2200. It closed Monday at 3221. Piecemeal moves strengthen money. But eight states, including Minne- The lesson here is that, as Warren Buf- weapons saved lives at church sota, Montana and Oregon, already have a fett likes to say, don’t bet against the The Dallas Morning News case for higher minimum wage universal minimum, including for tipped United States to succeed. America makes On Sunday , the kind of news no one wants The New York Times workers, and restaurant workers in those mistakes, voters sometimes hand power to see slid across the landscape. There was Opponents of minimum-wage laws have states make more money. to misguided politicians, and the public a shooting at a church in White Settlement long argued that companies have only so Crucially, the legislation also would re- sometimes succumbs to financial manias outside of Fort Worth, and there were ca- much money and, if required to pay higher quire automatic adjustments in the mini- that turn into panics and crashes. But left sualties. But as we delved into the details, wages, they will employ fewer workers. mum wage to keep pace with wage growth to work, trade and invest without too much we will admit feeling first a sense of relief Now there is evidence that such con- in the broader economy. The current mini- political interference, Americans unleash that the loss of life was not larger — two cerns, never entirely sincere, are greatly mum rises only when Congress is in the their energies in productive fashion. Stocks innocent lives were lost along with the as- overstated. mood. As a result, the purchasing power fluctuate, but over time they go up — often sailant — and then a sense of gratitude. Over the past five years, a wave of in- of the federal minimum wage has eroded in years you least expect it. PAGE 24 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, January 3, 2020 Friday, January 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 25 SCOREBOARD/DEATHS

Sports College football on AFN Bowl schedule Stern, trailblazing NBA leader, Friday, Dec. 20 Bahamas Bowl Buffalo 31, Charlotte 9 Frisco (Texas) Bowl Go to the American Forces Kent State 51, Utah State 41 Network website for the most Saturday, Dec. 21 Celebration Bowl dies weeks after brain surgery up-to-date TV schedules. NC A&T 64, Alcorn State 44 New Mexico Bowl myafn.net San Diego State 48, Central Michigan 11 Cure Bowl BY BRIAN MAHONEY Adam Silver, who followed Stern as commissioner. Liberty 23, Georgia Southern 16 Associated Press “Every member of the NBA family is the beneficia- Boca Raton (Fla.) Bowl College basketball FAU 52, SMU 28 ry of David’s vision, generosity and inspiration.” Camellia Bowl NEW YORK — David Stern had basketball as a Lakers forward LeBron James echoed Silver. Arkansas State 34, FIU 26 passion and law as a profession, one he figured he “We lost a great visionary,” James said. “Him Wednesday’s men’s scores Las Vegas Bowl Washington 38, Boise State 7 could return to if a job at the NBA didn’t work out. and Dr. James Naismith are the two most impor- SOUTH New Orleans Bowl He never did. ETSU 49, Wofford 48 Appalachian State 31, UAB 17 tant people for the game of basketball. Dr. Naismith Furman 89, VMI 73 Monday, Dec. 23 Instead he went to Europe, Asia and plenty of because he invented the game Samford 69, The Citadel 68 Gasparilla Bowl other places around the world, bringing with him UNC-Greensboro 72, Mercer 63 UCF 48, Marshall 25 and David for his vision, his vi- MIDWEST Tuesday, Dec. 24 a league that was previously an afterthought in the sion to make this game global.” Cincinnati 67, UConn 51 Hawaii Bowl U.S. and turning it into a global powerhouse. Creighton 92, Marquette 75 Hawaii 38, BYU 34 Thriving on good debate in Fort Wayne 70, South Dakota 59 Thursday, Dec. 26 Stern, who spent 30 years as the NBA’s longest- the boardroom and good games Wichita St. 75, East Carolina 69 Independence Bowl serving commissioner and one of the best in sports SOUTHWEST Louisiana Tech 14, Miami 0 in the arena, Stern would say SMU 82, South Florida 64 Quick Lane Bowl history, died Wednesday. He was 77. one of his greatest achieve- FAR WEST Pittsburgh 34, Eastern Michigan 30 “Without David Stern, the NBA would not be what Boise St. 65, Wyoming 54 Friday, Dec. 27 ments was guiding a league of Nevada 67, Colorado St. 61 Military Bowl it is today,” Hall of Famer Michael Jordan said. “He mostly black players that was San Diego St. 61, Fresno St. 52 North Carolina 55, Temple 13 guided the league through turbulent times and grew San Jose St. 88, New Mexico 85 Pinstripe Bowl plagued by drug problems in UNLV 70, Utah St. 53 Michigan State 27, Wake Forest 21 the league into an international phenomenon, cre- the 1970s to popularity with Texas Bowl ating opportunities that few could have imagined Men’s Top 25 schedule Texas A&M 24, Oklahoma State 21 mainstream America. Holiday Bowl before.” Stern He had a hand in nearly Friday’s game Iowa 49, Southern Cal 24 Stern suffered a brain hemorrhage on Dec. 12 and No. 5 Ohio State vs. Wisconsin Cheez-It Bowl every initiative to do that, from Saturday’s games Air Force 31, Washington State 21 underwent emergency surgery. The league said he the drug testing program, to No. 1 Gonzaga vs. Pepperdine Saturday, Dec. 28 died with his wife, Dianne, and their family at his No. 2 Duke at Miami Camping World Bowl the implementation of the salary cap, to the creation No. 3 Kansas vs. No. 16 West Virginia Orlando, Fla. bedside. of a dress code. No. 4 Oregon at Utah Notre Dame 33, Iowa State 9 “The entire basketball community is heartbro- No. 6 Baylor vs. Texas Cotton Bowl Classic But for Stern, it was always about “the game.” No. 7 Louisville vs. No. 18 Florida State Arlington, Texas ken,” the National Basketball Players Association “The game is what brought us here. It’s always No. 8 Auburn at Mississippi State Penn State 53, Memphis 39 No. 9 Memphis vs. Georgia said. “David Stern earned and deserved inclusion in about the game and everything else we do is about No. 10 Villanova at Marquette Peach Bowl No. 11 Butler vs. Creighton Atlanta our land of giants.” making the stage or the presentation of the game No. 13 San Diego State at Utah State LSU 63, Oklahoma 28 Stern had been involved with the NBA for nearly even stronger, and the game itself is in the best No. 15 Maryland vs. Indiana Fiesta Bowl No. 17 Kentucky vs. Missouri Glendale, Ariz. two decades before he became its fourth commis- shape that it’s ever been in,” he said on the eve of No. 19 Virginia vs. Virginia Tech Clemson 29, Ohio State 23 sioner on Feb. 1, 1984. By the time he left his posi- the 2009-10 season, calling it “a new golden age for No. 21 Penn State vs. No. 23 Iowa at Monday, Dec. 30 The Palestra SERVPRO First Responder Bowl tion in 2014 — he wouldn’t say or let league staffers the NBA.” No. 22 Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma State Dallas say “retire,” because he never stopped working “When you think of all that he accomplished No. 24 Wichita State vs. Mississippi Western Kentucky 23, Western Michi- No. 25 Arizona vs. Arizona State gan 20 — a league that fought for a foothold before him worldwide on behalf of thousands of players, so Sunday’s games Music City Bowl had grown to a more than $5 billion a year industry many fans, all of the jobs he created for team and No. 12 Michigan at No. 14 Mich. State Nashville, Tenn. No. 20 Dayton at Saint Joseph’s Louisville 38, Mississippi State 28 and made NBA basketball perhaps the world’s most arena employees and all of the people that benefit- Redbox Bowl popular sport after soccer. ted from the many layers of growth in the sport and Wednesday’s women’s scores Santa Clara, Calif. California 35, Illinois 20 “Because of David, the NBA is a truly global brand industry that David spearheaded and then passed SOUTH Orange Bowl on to others, there is no doubt Commissioner Stern Lipscomb 86, Queens University of Miami Gardens, Fla. — making him not only one of the greatest sports Charlotte 45 Florida 36, Virginia 28 commissioners of all time, but also one of the most lifted the NBA to new heights and he will be greatly UNC-Greensboro 84, Lenoir-Rhyne 59 Tuesday, Dec. 31 MIDWEST Belk Bowl influential business leaders of his generation,” said missed by all of us,” Larry Bird said. South Dakota 62, Fort Wayne 41 Charlotte, N.C. SOUTHWEST Kentucky 37, Virginia Tech 30 Cent. Arkansas 63, Houston Baptist 39 Sun Bowl FAR WEST El Paso, Texas Colorado St. 75, Nevada 70 Arizona State 20, Florida State 14 Fresno St. 79, San Diego St. 54 Liberty Bowl Larsen, who threw only perfect North Dakota 90, Denver 82 Memphis, Tenn. San Jose St. 81, New Mexico 80 Navy 20, Kansas State 17 UC Davis 96, William Jessup 32 Arizona Bowl UNLV 60, Utah St. 46 Tucson, Ariz. Wyoming 73, Boise St. 68 Wyoming 38, Georgia State 17 World Series game, dies at 90 Alamo Bowl Women’s Top 25 schedule San Antonio Texas 38, Utah 10 Associated Press his shoe, the signal from manager Mantle’s home run and an RBI Friday’s game Wednesday, Jan. 1 No. 2 Oregon vs. Colorado Casey Stengel that he would start single by Hank Bauer. No. 3 Oregon State vs. Utah Citrus Bowl NEW YORK — Don Larsen, the No. 5 Stanford vs. Washington State Orlando, Fla. Game 5. Larsen, selected MVP of the Alabama 35, Michigan 16 journeyman pitcher who reached No. 10 UCLA vs. Arizona State “I must admit I was shocked,” 1956 Series, had two close calls. No. 16 DePaul at Providence Outback Bowl the heights of baseball glory when No. 18 Arizona at Southern Cal Tampa, Fla. Larsen wrote in his autobiogra- In the second inning, Jackie Rob- Minnesota 31, Auburn 24 No. 21 Missouri State at Loyola of Chi- he threw a perfect game in 1956 phy. “I knew I had to do better inson hit a hard grounder that cago Rose Bowl with the New York Yankees for No. 25 Texas vs. TCU Pasadena, Calif. than the last time, keep the game was deflected by third baseman Oregon 28, Wisconsin 27 the only no-hitter in World Series Sugar Bowl close and somehow give our team Andy Carey to shortstop Gil Mc- Deals New Orleans history, died Wednesday night. a chance to Dougald, who threw out Robin- Georgia 26, Baylor 14 He was 90. Thursday, Jan. 2 win. Casey son. In the fifth, Mantle ran down Birmingham (Ala.) Bowl Larsen’s agent, Andrew Levy, was betting Wednesday’s transactions Cincinnati (10-3) vs. Boston College (6-6) a long drive to left-center field by Gator Bowl said the former pitcher died of on me, and FOOTBALL Gil Hodges. With two outs in the Jacksonville, Fla. esophageal cancer in hospice I was deter- National Football League Indiana (8-4) vs. Tennessee (7-5) ninth, pinch-hitter Dale Mitchell BUFFALO BILLS — Signed DE Jonathan care in Hayden, Idaho. Levy said Woodard to the practice squad. Friday, Jan. 3 mined not to took a third strike, completing MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Signed DE Eddie Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Larsen’s son, Scott, confirmed let him down the perfect game and sending Yarbrough from Buffalo’s practice squad. Boise the death. Placed DT Armon Watts on IR. Signed DE Ohio (6-6) vs. Nevada (7-5) this time.” catcher Yogi Berra dashing out Curtis Cothran and CB Kemon Hall to the Saturday, Jan. 4 Larsen was the unlikeliest of The Dodg- from behind the plate to leap into practice squad. Released C John Keenoy Armed Forces Bowl characters to attain what so many from the practice squad. Placed DE Stacy Fort Worth, Texas ers and Yan- Larsen’s arms. Keely on practice squad IR. Southern Miss (7-5) vs. Tulane (6-6) Hall of Famers couldn’t pull off Monday, Jan. 6 kees split “When Yogi Berra jumped on PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — Signed WR in the Fall Classic. He was 81-91 Shelton Gibson and RB Elijah Holyfield. Lendingtree Bowl the first Larsen me and grabbed with the bear Placed G Brandon Brooks and DE Dae- Mobile, Ala. lifetime, never won more than 11 four games hug, my mind went completely shon Hall on IR. Signed OT Dieugot Jo- Miami (Ohio) (8-5) vs. Louisiana-La- seph to the practice squad. Released LB fayette (10-3) games in a season and finished an and Stengel blank,” Larsen wrote in his auto- Deshaun Davis from the practice squad. Monday, Jan. 13 unsightly 3-21 with Baltimore in liked the deception of Larsen’s SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Signed DT College Football Championship biography. “I was under friendly Earl Mitchell. Waived DB Antone Exum Jr. New Orleans 1954, the year before he was dealt no-windup delivery. The manag- attack ... I was swept into the WASHINGTON REDSKINS — Named Clemson (14-0) vs. LSU (14-0) to the Yankees as part of an 18- er’s instincts proved historically Ron Rivera coach. Saturday, Jan. 18 dugout.” HOCKEY East-West Shrine Classic player trade. correct. The lanky right-hander Their celebration remains one National Hockey League At St. Petersburg, Fla. NHL — Fined Minnesota G Alex Stalock East vs. West In the 1956 World Series, won struck out seven, needed just 97 of baseball’s most joyous images. $2,000 for diving/embellishment during NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in seven games by the Yankees, pitches to tame the Dodgers and “Don’s perfect game is a defin- a Dec. 21 game again Winnipeg. At Pasadena, Calif. ARIZONA COYOTES — Recalled D Kyle American vs. National he was knocked out in the second only once went to three balls on a ing moment for our franchise, Capobianco from Tucson (AHL). As- inning of Game 2 by the Brook- batter — against Pee Wee Reese encapsulating a storied era of signed D Aaron Ness to Tucson. NCAA FCS playoffs NEW JERSEY DEVILS — Assigned G lyn Dodgers and didn’t think he in the first inning. Yankees success and ranking Gilles Senn to Binghamton (AHL). Recalled Championship would have another opportunity In winning 2-0, the Yankees among the greatest single-game G Louis Domingue from Binghamton. Saturday, Jan. 11 COLLEGE At Toyota Stadium to pitch. But when he reached themselves only managed five performances in Major League NORTH CAROLINA STATE — Named Frisco, Texas Tim Becks offensive coordinator and North Dakota State (15-0) vs. James Yankee Stadium on the morning hits against the Dodgers’ Sal Baseball history,” the Yankees quarterbacks coach. Madison (14-1) of Oct. 8, he found a baseball in Maglie, but scored on Mickey said in a statement. PAGE 26 • S TARS AND STRIPES• Friday, January 3, 2020 DECADE IN REVIEW AP MALE ATHLETE OF THE DECADE For James, it was good to be King

BY TIM REYNOLDS Is catching Abdul-Jabbar the new decade’s goal? and continue using that as a template.” Associated Press “I would be lying if I said I don’t see it,” James said. Cleveland was devastated when he left. It forgave him. “Obviously I’m not trying to say, ‘OK, well if I play this James came home in 2014, took Cleveland to four con- e left Cleveland for Miami, finally became amount of time, if I average this’ ... I’m not doing that secutive Finals, then led the Cavaliers to the 2016 title a champion, went back to his beloved because I’ve never done that with my career. I’ve always and came up with one of the biggest plays of his life by northeast Ohio, delivered on another title just kind of let it happen. Whatever happens, happens. pulling off a chase-down block of Golden State’s Andre promise, then left for the Los Angeles But I see it. I do see it.” Iguodala in the final seconds of Game 7 of that series. Lakers and the next challenge. He played His work ethic, even now, makes even those closest to In 2018, he was off to LA. Hin eight consecutive NBA Finals. No NBA player won him marvel. Going Hollywood made so much sense — he’s making more games or more MVP awards over the past 10 years Here’s a typical day this past summer for James, who movies, has a production company, has a program called than he did. He started a school. He married his high remains obsessed with working even though fame and “The Shop” as part of his ‘Uninterrupted’ platform fea- school sweetheart. fortune found him long ago: He’d wake up at 3 a.m. and turing an array of guests from Drake to California Gov. “That’s all?” LeBron James asked, feigning disbelief. be at the Warner Bros. lot by 3:45 — where a weight Gavin Newsom, who signed a bill on the show that will No, that’s not all. Those were just some highlights of room and court, built just for him, were waiting. He’d be allow college athletes to get paid for the use of their like- the past 10 years. There were many more, as the man lifting by 4 a.m., getting shots up by 5:30 and be ready to ness and sign endorsement deals. called “King” spent the last decade reigning over all start another day of shooting the remake of “Space Jam” “There’s a lot of moments from this decade that would others — with no signs of slowing down. that he has been planning for years by 7 a.m. be up there, winning the two Miami championships, James is The Associated Press Male Athlete of the “That’s who he is,” said Mike Mancias, one of the lon- winning a championship in Cleveland, the chase-down Decade. He was a runaway winner in a vote of AP mem- gest-tenured and most trusted members of James’ inner block,” James said. “But the best moment? Definitely ber sports editors and AP beat writers, easily outpacing circle, tasked for more than 15 years with keeping James marrying Savannah. That would be No. 1.” runner-up Tom Brady of the New England Patriots. fit. “He does whatever it takes when it comes to fulfilling James and longtime partner Savannah Brinson “You add another 10 years of learning and adversity, his commitments to everything — especially his game got married six years ago. They already had two sons pitfalls, good, great, bad, and any smart person who and his craft.” — both are very good basketball players already — and wants to grow will learn from all those experienc- The 2010s for James started with added a daughter in 2014. es,” James, 35, told the AP. “A decade ago, I just “The Decision,” the widely criti- James also spent most of the last decade as a lightning turned 25. I’m about to be 35 and I’m just in a cized televised announcement rod for critics. He used his voice often on social mat- better (place) in my life and have a better of his choice to leave Cleveland ters, speaking out after the killing of unarmed Florida understanding of what I want to get out of for Miami. (Lost in the hubbub: teenager Trayvon Martin and campaigning for Hillary life.” The show raised more than Clinton. He supported Colin Kaepernick’s methods of Usain Bolt of Jamaica was third for $2.5 million for charity.) He protesting police brutality and racial injustice. Most re- dominating the sprints at the 2012 was with the Heat for four cently, he was criticized by many — including top U.S. and 2016 Olympics, soccer superstar years, went to the NBA Fi- lawmakers — for his remarks after Houston general Lionel Messi was fourth and Michael nals all four times with Dw- manager Daryl Morey sparked a massive rift between Phelps — the U.S. swimmer who re- yane Wade and Chris Bosh, the NBA and China by sending out a tweet supporting tired as history’s most decorated finally won the title in 2012 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Olympian with 28 medals, 23 gold — “it’s about damn time,” “I don’t live in regret,” James said. “There’s no mo- — was fifth. he said at the trophy cele- ment in this last decade that I wish I could have back. If In his 17th season, James is on bration — and led the way a situation was bad or you feel like you could have done pace to lead the league in assists in a Game 7 victory over better, then I learned from it.” for the first time while remaining San Antonio to go back-to- He doesn’t know how much longer he’ll play. He la- among the NBA’s scoring leaders. back the following year. ments missing time with his children. His “I Promise” “When LeBron James is in- “He grew immensely school that opened in 2018 in his hometown of Akron, volved,” Denver coach Michael Malone here as a leader,” Miami Ohio, has been an immediate success story, and he wants said, “I’m never surprised.” coach Erik Spoelstra said. to see that enterprise continue growing. Including playoffs, no one in the NBA “He impacted winning as Some love him. Some don’t. He doesn’t mind. scored more points than James in the past much as with his leadership “When you believe in your calling or you believe in 10 years. He started the decade 124th on as he did with his talent. I yourself, then it doesn’t matter what other people say the league’s career scoring list. He’s now think that was the most im- or how other people feel,” James said. “And if you allow about to pass Kobe Bryant for No. 3. No. portant thing he learned with that to stop you or deter you from your mission, then you 2 Karl Malone and No. 1 Kareem Abdul- us. And he’s been able to take don’t get anywhere.” Jabbar are within reach. that to different franchises In the 2010s, nothing deterred James.

The 2010s started with controversy for LeBron James, The Associated Press Athlete of the Decade, when he announced he was leaving Cleveland for Miami. After winning two titles with the Heat, James returned to Cleveland in 2014 and led the Cavaliers to the 2016 NBA championship. In 2018, he was off to Los Angeles, a move that synced up with his involvement in show business.

LYNNE SLADKY/AP Friday, January 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 27 DECADE IN REVIEW AP FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE DECADE Serena a smash on and off court

BY HOWARD FENDRICH Williams’ winning ways Associated Press Here is a sampling of statistics that erena Williams dominated the demonstrate how much Serena Williams decade, on the court and in dominated women’s tennis from 2010-19, conversation. based on information provided by the WTA: There were, to begin with, Her record was 377-45, meaning she won the dozen Grand Slam singles 89.3% of her matches. Stitles — no other woman had more than three over the past 10 seasons — and the She won 37 titles; no one else had more than 26 (Petra Kvitova). 3 ½ years in a row at No. 1 in the WTA rankings. She was ranked No. 1 for 196 weeks; that’s Then there was the celebrity status that more time spent atop the sport over the decade transcended tennis, making everything than the next two women combined. she did and said newsworthy, whether it She reached the finals in 52.7% of the was the triumphs and trophies and fash- tournaments she entered; next on the list is ion statements or the disputes with tour- Maria Sharapova at 29.2%. nament officials, the magazine covers or She won 12 Grand Slam singles titles in the the Super Bowl ad with a message about decade; Angelique Kerber, with three, is the women’s power, the birth of her daughter only other woman who won more than two or the health scare that followed. major championships over that time. Still winning matches and reaching She reached the finals at 19 of the 33 Grand Slam finals into her late 30s, still major tournaments she entered, a 57.6% rate. mattering as much as ever, Williams was selected by The Associated Press as the From The Associated Press Female Athlete of the Decade after a vote by AP member sports editors and AP coverage, she has won 23 Grand Slam beat writers. singles titles, more than anyone else in “When the history books are written, it her sport’s professional era, which began could be that the great Serena Williams in 1968. is the greatest athlete of all time. ... I like More than half came from 2010-19: to call it the ‘Serena Superpowers’ — that four at Wimbledon, three apiece at the champion’s mindset. Irrespective of the U.S. Open and Australian Open and two adversity and the odds that are facing at the French Open. That includes a run her, she always believes in herself,” said of four in a row from the U.S. Open in Stacey Allaster, CEO of the WTA from 2014 through Wimbledon in 2015, her 2009-15 and now chief executive for pro- second self-styled “Serena Slam.” fessional tennis at the U.S. Tennis Asso- Williams was the runner-up seven ciation, which runs the U.S. Open. times in major tournaments over the past “Whether it was health issues; coming decade, including four of the seven she’s back; having a child; almost dying from entered since returning to the tour after that — she has endured it all and she is having a baby in 2017. still in championship form,” Allaster said. In all, she made the final at 19 of the 33 “Her records speak for themselves.” majors she entered during the decade, a Gymnast Simone Biles, the 2019 AP nearly 58% rate. Female Athlete of the Year, finished Among her many accomplishments: second to Williams in voting for the de- Reaching at least one Slam final cade honor, followed by swimmer Katie every year, a streak that dates to 2007; Ledecky. Two ski racers were next, with Winning gold medals in singles and Lindsey Vonn finishing fourth and Mi- doubles (with her sister, Venus) at the kaela Shiffrin fifth. 2012 Olympics; Williams, 38, won three AP Female Becoming the oldest woman to win a Athlete of the Year awards during the Grand Slam singles trophy in the profes- decade, in 2013, 2015 and 2018. She also sional era; won in 2002 and 2009. Becoming the oldest No. 1 in WTA “She’s been my idol growing up,” Biles history and equaling Steffi Graf’s record said. for consecutive weeks atop the rankings; “She’s remained humble. She’s stayed Leading the tour with 37 singles true to herself and her character and I titles, 11 more than anyone else in the think that’s really neat about an athlete,” decade. Biles said. “Once you start winning, some The day she won Wimbledon in 2016, get cocky, but she’s stayed true to herself, Williams discussed the way she constant- win or lose.” ly measures herself. It’s the defeats that seem to drive Wil- “I definitely feel like when I lose, I don’t liams, helping propel her to heights rarely feel as good about myself,” she said. reached by any athlete in any sport. “But then I have to, like, remind my- “Whenever I lose, I get more deter- self that: ‘You are Serena Williams!’ You mined, and it gives me something more know? Like, ‘Are you kidding me?’ ” Wil- AP to work toward,” Williams said in 2013. liams continued with a laugh. “And it’s Serena Williams reacts after beating Victoria Azarenka in the final of the U.S. Open “I don’t get complacent, and I realize I those moments that I have to just, like, on Sept. 9, 2012, in New York. Williams, who won 12 Grand Slam singles titles need to work harder and I need to do bet- come off and be like, ‘Serena, do you over the past 10 years, has been voted the AP Female Athlete of the Decade. ter and I want to do better — or I wouldn’t know what you’ve done? Who you are? Gymnast Simone Biles finished second in the vote by AP member sports editors be playing the game.” What you continue to do, not only in ten- and AP beat writers. Swimmer Katie Ledecky was third, followed by ski racers With a best-in-the-game serve, power- nis (but also) off the court? Like, you’re Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin. ful groundstrokes and relentless court awesome.’ ” PAGE 28 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, January 3, 2020 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Delay of game: Long break after semifinals not ideal BY RALPH D. RUSSO those Jan. 1 time slots for the Associated Press 12-year duration of the playoff. Even when they weren’t hosting GLENDALE, Ariz. — The semifinals. matchup is set for a tantalizing That led to the ill-fated idea College Football Playoff national to reinvent New Year’s Eve as a championship game. night to watch college football. It On one side, defending champ did not work and after one season Clemson, with its 29-game win- the plan was scrapped. Future ning streak. On the other, un- schedules in which the semifi- beaten and No. 1 LSU, with its nals were planned to be played on record-setting offense and Heis- Dec. 31 were moved to the closest man Trophy winner. Saturday, unless New Year’s Eve But first, we interrupt this was a Saturday. playoff for a 15-day break that is This year’s schedule became far from ideal. particularly problematic because LSU and Clemson will play the while the semifinals could be MARK HUMPHREY/AP final game of the 2019 college moved up to Dec. 28, the champi- football season on Jan. 13 in New onship game could not be moved Navy quarterback Malcolm Perry races for a 59-yard gain against Kansas State in the second half of the Orleans after winning semifinals from Jan. 13. Liberty Bowl on Tuesday in Memphis, Tenn. Perry rushed for 213 yards as Navy won 20-17. last Saturday. CFP officials have said the Su- “The challenge is keeping the perdome in New Orleans was not conversation in the forefront able to accommodate the switch, against two weeks of NFL,” which would have provided a Perry, trick play send Navy said Nick Dawson, ESPN’s vice more normal eight-day lead-up. president of programming and So instead, the teams have more acquisitions. than two weeks between games, Fans seemed to be into the and two rounds of NFL playoffs semifinals. ESPN announced will be played in the meantime. Sunday that Clemson-Ohio State Fiesta Bowl coaches Dabo to victory in Liberty Bowl drew an average of 21.2 million Swinney of Clemson and Ryan viewers, up 9% from last year’s Day of Ohio State said before late semifinal game and the most their game they would prefer BY STEVE MEGARGEE After going 3-10 last year, Navy matched the sec- for a non-New Year’s Day semi in consistency in playoff scheduling Associated Press ond-biggest season-to-season improvement in win- the six-year history of the play- and the semifinals to be played loss record of any team in Football Bowl Subdivision off. Even with LSU taking all the Jan. 1 always. MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Navy built the biggest turn- history. Hawaii went 9-4 in 1999 after finishing 0-12 suspense out of the first game of “I know that the schedule, the around of any team in college football this season by in 1998. Saturday’s doubleheader before NFL or whatever, I don’t know halftime, the two games com- relying on the nation’s most prolific rushing attack. Navy tied a program record for wins. The Mids what all dictates all that stuff, but bined to bring in an average of So, naturally, the 21st-ranked Midshipmen won also went 11-2 in 2015. this year’s been a little different 19.285 million viewers, up 6% the Liberty Bowl on Tuesday by completing a fourth- “Everything that’s happened this year is not sur- because of the way it was laid out from last year. down halfback option pass in the final minute. prising to me because they did the work, they paid and the national championship,” Once complete streaming num- CJ Williams’ 41-yard completion to Chance War- the price,” Niumatalolo said. “They did everything Swinney said Friday. “There’s bers are available, these semifi- ren on fourth-and-3 gave Navy first-and-goal from that was asked of them. I couldn’t be more happy for a bye week this year. That’s an- the 5-yard line. After quarterback Malcolm Perry nals should surpass the largest other difference that the teams a group of young men.” spiked the ball, Bijan Nichols kicked a 23-yard field audience for playoff games not are going to have to manage in Navy outgained Kansas State 421-170 but wasted goal with two seconds remaining to give Navy a 20- played on Jan. 1, ESPN said. preparation for that because it is a couple of opportunities to put the game away. The 17 victory over Kansas State. ESPN will try to keep the col- a little unique.” Mids led 17-10 late in the third quarter when a hold- “Sometimes you just go with your gut,” Nav y coach lege football conversation going CFP executive director Bill ing penalty wiped out a 31-yard run by Perry that Ken Niumatalolo said. “You have all this analytics with lower-level bowl games Hancock said he was not con- stuff and all these sheets, but sometimes you’ve got would have given them first-and-goal at the 2. Navy scheduled for Jan. 2, 3, 4 and 6. cerned about fans losing inter- to go with your gut and roll with it.” ended up punting. ESPN also will have the final est due to the longer-than-usual Perry was named the Liberty Bowl MostValuable Nichols then sent his 38-yard field goal attempt three episodes of “Inside the Col- layoff. Player after rushing for 213 yards and throwing a wide left with 8:26 left in the game. lege Football Playoff ” available on “I don’t think so because the touchdown pass. His 213 yards is the second-highest Kansas State finally got its offense going at that its subscription online streaming championship game is so big and total in the Liberty Bowl’s 61-game history. Colora- point, as Skylar Thompson connected with Wykeen service, ESPN+. The behind-the- I learned a long time ago not to do’s Bob Anderson rushed for 254 yards in a 47-33 Gill on a 15-yard completion and a 42-yard pass on scenes-with-the-teams series will worry about things you can’t con- victory over Alabama in 1969. back-to-back plays. Those long gains set up Thomp- now follow Clemson’s and LSU’s trol,” he said. “I think the coaches Perry ran for 2,017 yards this year to set a Foot- son’s 1-yard sneak that tied the game with 5:14 left. championship game preparation. are going to appreciate it. More ball Bowl Subdivision record by a quarterback. The Then came Navy’s dramatic winning drive. The CFP schedule did not time to get ready. More time to mark had been owned by Jordan Lynch, who ran for “I thought we did a really nice job of slowing them end up here by design. It was a rest up.” 1,920 yards for Northern Illinois in 2013. down in the red zone,” Kansas State coach Chris correction. For LSU, running back Clyde “I still really can’t believe it,” Perry said. Klieman said. “Give them credit. They pulled out a When the College Football Edwards-Helaire has been nurs- But the ball was only briefly in Perry’s hands on couple of trick plays at the right time, and they made Playoff was crafted by the Foot- ing a hamstring injury. He played the play that mattered most of all. those plays.” ball Bowl Subdivision confer- sparingly in the blowout of Okla- Twenty-nine seconds remained when Navy (11- ence commissioners in 2012 and homa and looked OK. 2) snapped the ball at the Kansas State 46. Perry The takeaway ’13, they decided the semifinals For Clemson, quarterback pitched right to Williams, who found Warren racing would be played on Dec. 31 two Trevor Lawrence took some shots wide-open down the right side of the field. Navy: The Mids set a school record by rushing for out of every three years. The carrying the ball a career-high 16 “The corner was really aggressive, ran right past an FBS-leading 4,687 yards this season, but they semifinals would rotate through times in the intense, hard-hitting me, so I knew I’d be wide-open,” said Warren, who also had a vastly improved defense that held Kansas six bowl games and when they game against Ohio State. The Ti- also scored on a 20-yard reverse in the third quar- State in check for much of the day. Kansas State’s were played at the Rose and Sugar gers’ top two receivers, Tee Hig- ter. “I just tried to make a play on the ball, come offense didn’t reach the end zone for the first 54 ½ bowls, as they will next season, gins (evaluated for a concussion) down with it and set the team up for success.” minutes of the game. The Wildcats’ first touchdown the games would be on Jan. 1. and Justyn Ross (arm), were both That big play left things up to Nichols, who missed came on a 66-yard punt return by Phillip Brooks. That’s the perfect spot: a na- banged up. a 38-yard field goal earlier in the fourth quarter. Kansas State: The Wildcats ranked fourth nation- tional holiday when most people “We’re going to celebrate this This time, Nichols stayed poised and made the kick ally in time of possession during the regular season are off from work, being couch one, and then give these guys even after Kansas State (8-5) called three straight but couldn’t keep their offense on the field Tuesday potatoes after ringing in the New a couple of days off,” Swinney timeouts in an attempt to ice him. as Perry controlled the clock. Kansas State still has Year. said Saturday night. “Then we’re “Obviously you never want to miss,” Nichols reason to feel good about itself. Picked before the But the conferences that part- going to get focused on trying to said. “But when you do, you need to make sure you season to finish ninth out of 10 teams in the Big 12, ner with the Rose (Pac-12 and find a way to win one more. It’s bounce back, so I was glad to have another opportu- the Wildcats instead won eight games and stunned Big Ten) and Sugar (Southeast- going to be a heck of a task, but nity to do that.” eventual Big 12 champion Oklahoma in Klieman’s ern and Big 12) bowls chose to we’re thankful that we got the A most fitting way to end a bounce-back season. debut season. lock their showcase games into opportunity.” Friday, January 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 29 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Ducks look to build on win in Rose Bowl

Associated Press Nick Saban at Alabama, where he PASADENA, Calif. — Justin was a key cog in a relentless re- Herbert scored his third rush- cruiting machine. ing touchdown of the 106th Rose In his two seasons at Oregon, Bowl on a thrilling 30-yard run Cristobal has stressed the need to with 7:41 to play Wednesday dominate up front and has worked night, and No. 7 Oregon held off tirelessly to bring in the caliber of No. 11 Wisconsin 28-27 to win its players to fulfill that goal. third straight trip to the Grand- The early results of that aim CHRIS O’MEARA/AP daddy of Them All. were on the Rose Bowl field in Minnesota wide receiver Tyler Johnson, right, had 12 catches for 204 yards and two touchdowns Brady Breeze returned a fumble freshman defensive end Kayvon Wednesday to lead the Golden Gophers to a 31-24 defeat of Auburn in the Outback Bowl in Tampa. 31 yards for an early touchdown Thibodeaux and sophomore left for the Ducks (12-2). Herbert tackle Penei Sewell. Thibodeaux, then made his go-ahead rambling the top player in the 2019 recruit- run on the next snap after Breeze ing cycle and a Los Angeles native, Johnson lifts Minnesota forced another fumble . had one tackle against Wisconsin A s long as Mario Cristobal is but pressured quarterback Jack coaching at Oregon, his players Coan on several key third downs. say greater success is possible. Sewell anchored a line that did “The best thing Oregon foot- not allow a sack. over Auburn in Outback ball has ever done is hire Coach Wisconsin dominated the game Cristobal as their head coach be- statistically, including holding the cause I feel like this football team Associated Press wasn’t as close as the final score. Johnson broke Eric Decker’s ball for more than 38 minutes, but embodies everything that he’s “We used to be a blue blood school record for receiving yards Oregon was able to assert itself up TAMPA, Fla. — With the clock about,” senior left guard Shane back in the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and on his second catch of the day front in the critical moments. winding down on a dominat- Lemieux said. “And he’s bringing 60’s,“ Fleck added. “We’ve talk- and became Minnesota’s all-time Thibodeaux said the ability to ing performance in the Outback in these offensive and defensive ed about the word of the year is leader for scoring receptions on a Bowl, Minnesota fans broke into linemen that are SEC-type and execute when the game was on restore. We want to restore that one-handed, 2-yard TD catch that a chant of “Row The Boat, Row are physical football players, and the line was a reflection of the at- The Boat, Row The Boat.“ tradition.“ put the Gophers (11-2) up 24-17 at I think he’s changing the Pac-12 mosphere Cristobal has instilled. The never-give-up mantra Tyler Johnson had 12 recep- halftime. with the way he coaches, the way “It’s different,” Thibodeaux coach P.J. Fleck used to help tions for 204 yards and two touch- The senior’s 73-yard catch-and- he recruits, because we play a dif- said. “ It’s the mentality, the cul- change the culture of Golden downs to become the Gophers’ run put his team ahead for good ferent way. And you’re seeing it.” ture, everything is different.” Gophers football continues to in- career receiving leader and Min- early in the fourth quarter. The changes at Oregon are a The Ducks signed another tout- spire a program determined to nesota outrushed the Tigers 215 “Coach Fleck says all the time, reflection of Cristobal’s personal- ed recruiting class, including the recapture its glory days. yards to 56 while dominating that this program is going up, ity, background and experience. top player in California for the “We challenged everyone of time of possession. and as you see today it’s defi- As an offensive lineman at second straight year in linebacker our players, you want to be a blue “We didn’t overlook them. I nitely going in the right direc- Miami, he played on two national Justin Flowe. That influx of tal- blood you’ve got to beat the blue think our guys were ready to play. tion,” Johnson said. “Just having championship teams. After an ent should keep even established bloods,” Fleck said Wednesday I think our guys played hard but the right guys in the locker room up-and-down stint as head coach veterans locked in during spring after No. 16 Minnesota beat No. they made the plays, we didn’t.,” is very important and everyone at Florida International, Cristob- practice, summer workouts and 9 Auburn 31-24 in a game that Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. buying in.” al worked as an assistant under training camp. Bowl roundup Jeudy, Jones lead Tide past Wolverines

Associated Press Sugar Bowl. who was suspended for the first half of Jones — who took over as Alabama’s ORLANDO, Fla. — Mac Jones Georgia’s SEC title game loss to LSU starter when Tua Tagovailoa was lost threw three touchdown passes, Jerry because of his fight with a Georgia Jeudy became the first Alabama play- for the season with an injury in No- Tech player in the Bulldogs’ regular- er to top 200 receiving yards in a bowl vember — completed 16 of 25 passes season finale. “It was a great season game and the ninth-ranked Crimson for 327 yards. to me. You win some, you lose some.” Tide topped No. 17 Michigan 35-16 on Tagovailoa said on Twitter that he Baylor quarterback Charlie Brew- Wednesday in the Citrus Bowl. will announce Jan. 6 whether he will er, coming back from a concussion in Jones connected with Jeudy for enter the NFL draft or return to col- the Big 12 title game on Dec. 7, was an 85-yard score on Alabama’s first lege for another season. sidelined again in the fourth quarter No. 5 Georgia 26, No. 8 Bay- snap, DeVonta Smith and Miller For- when the back of his head appeared lor 14: Georgia freshman receiver ristall added touchdown grabs in the to hit the turf hard as he was taken second half for the Crimson Tide (11- George Pickens left behind his re- grettable ending to the regular season down by two defenders while going 2), which trailed 16-14 at the break. out of bounds. Najee Harris ran for 136 yards and and put the rest of college football on Baylor coach Matt Rhule said two touchdowns for Alabama. notice that he will be an exceedingly Jeudy finished with six catches tough cover in 2020. Brewer did not appear concussed this for 204 yards. His previous career- Pickens caught 12 passes for 175 time. Medical staff was concerned high for yards was 147 set last season yards and a touchdown in a Sugar Bowl about possible spinal and neck inju- JOHN RAOUX/AP against Missouri, and the Alabama win Wednesday in New Orleans . ries. Rhule expected Brewer to be bowl record had stood for more than a “I’ve still got growing to do, but I monitored overnight, but added that Alabama quarterback Mac Jones threw three touchdown half-century — Ray Perkins had 178 can kind of tell myself I’m improving early indications were the injuries passes Wednesday in the No. 9 Crimson Tide’s 35-16 yards against Nebraska in the 1967 every day,” said the 6-foot-3 Pickens, were not career threatening. defeat of No. 17 Michigan in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. PAGE 30 •STARS AND STRIPES• Friday, January 3, 2020 NBA/NHL Stars roar back, down Predators in Winter Classic

BY STEPHEN HAWKINS NHL scoreboard Associated Press DALLAS — Dallas Stars inter- im coach Rick Bowness had just Eastern Conference seen a very similar comeback by Atlantic Division his team, though the surround- GP W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 41 24 7 10 58 138 105 ings for this one were drastically Toronto 41 22 14 5 49 146 132 different. Tampa Bay 38 21 13 4 46 137 120 Florida 39 20 14 5 45 139 134 While pigs raced during time- Montreal 40 18 16 6 42 131 131 Buffalo 41 17 17 7 41 121 131 outs next to the outdoor rink, Ottawa 40 16 19 5 37 111 132 which was built in the middle of Detroit 41 10 28 3 23 89 157 Metropolitan Division a historic football stadium and Washington 41 27 9 5 59 146 122 framed to appear as if it was N.Y. Islanders 38 25 10 3 53 114 100 Pittsburgh 39 24 11 4 52 136 104 KATHY WILLENA/AP under an oversized ranch entry, Carolina 40 24 14 2 50 136 112 the Stars scored four goals in a Philadelphia 40 22 13 5 49 127 118 Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony, right, loses control of the ball as New York Knicks guard Columbus 40 18 14 8 44 105 112 span of just under eight minutes N.Y. Rangers 39 19 16 4 42 129 132 Elfrid Payton tries to block Anthony’s progress in the Knicks’ 117-93 win Wednesday in New York. in a 4-2 win Wednesday over the New Jersey 39 14 19 6 34 102 138 Nashville Predators in an NHL Western Conference Winter Classic that felt like a NBA roundup NBA scoreboard Central Division state fair. GP W L OT Pts GF GA Well, it was played at the site St. Louis 41 26 9 6 58 128 107 Colorado 40 23 13 4 50 144 119 Eastern Conference of the annual State Fair of Texas, Dallas 41 23 14 4 50 111 103 Knicks blast Blazers, with the rides and games on the Winnipeg 40 22 15 3 47 125 120 Minnesota 41 19 17 5 43 126 137 Atlantic Division midway open just outside Cotton Nashville 39 18 15 6 42 134 131 W L Pct GB Chicago 41 18 17 6 42 118 132 Boston 23 8 .742 — Bowl Stadium known for hosting Pacific Division Toronto 23 11 .676 1A spoil Carmelo’s return A big football games. Vegas 43 22 15 6 50 134 125 Philadelphia 23 13 .639 2 Arizona 42 22 16 4 48 118 108 Brooklyn 16 16 .500 7A “Let’s look at it from two sets A Vancouver 40 21 15 4 46 132 119 New York 10 24 .294 14 Edmonton 42 21 17 4 46 125 134 Southeast Division of eyes. From a coaching per- Associated Press Calgary 42 20 17 5 45 114 127 The Suns rallied in the fourth, Miami 24 9 .727 — spective, we won the game. We Los Angeles 42 17 21 4 38 109 132 Orlando 15 19 .441 9A getting within seven points after A battled back. We survived those Anaheim 40 16 19 5 37 103 124 NEW YORK — Mitchell Rob- Charlotte 13 23 .361 12 San Jose 41 17 21 3 37 109 139 trailing by 36 earlier in the game. Washington 10 23 .303 14 early penalties and the guys kept Note: Two points for a win, one point inson made all 11 shots and had Atlanta 7 27 .206 17A That forced the Los Angeles start- battling and believing and doing for overtime loss. Top three teams in 22 points, Julius Randle added 22 Central Division each division and two wild cards per ers back in, and James steadied Milwaukee 31 5 .861 — what was necessary to get us back conference advance to playoffs. points and 13 rebounds, and the Indiana 22 12 .647 8 Tuesday’s games them with eight points to close Chicago 13 21 .382 17 in the game” Bowness said. New York Knicks spoiled Car- New Jersey 3, Boston 2, SO Detroit 12 22 .353 18 “From a fan’s perspective, that N.Y. Islanders 4, Washington 3 out the win. Cleveland 10 23 .303 19A melo Anthony’s return to Madi- Devin Booker scored 32 points was great hockey,” he said. “If I Vegas 5, Anaheim 2 son Square Garden by beating Toronto 4, Minnesota 1 and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 26 for Western Conference was out there watching that game Tampa Bay 6, Buffalo 4 the Portland Trail Blazers 117-93 Carolina 3, Montreal 1 Phoenix. The Suns had won two in Southwest Division and I was watching us on televi- Columbus 4, Florida 1 on Wednesday night for their sea- W L Pct GB Detroit 2, San Jose 0 a row after losing eight straight. Houston 23 11 .676 — sion, that was an awesome game. son-high third straight victory. A Winnipeg 7, Colorado 4 Magic 122, Wizards 101: D.J. Dallas 21 12 .636 1 The whole thing was awesome.” Arizona 3, St. Louis 1 Anthony scored 26 points, his Augustin scored a season-high 25 San Antonio 14 18 .438 8 Alexander Radulov scored the Chicago 5, Calgary 3 most since returning to the NBA, Memphis 13 21 .382 10 Edmonton 7, N.Y. Rangers 5 points, Nicola Vucevic added 20 New Orleans 11 23 .324 12 tiebreaking goal on a one-timer Los Angeles 5, Philadelphia 3 and was cheered before and dur- points and 12 rebounds and Or- Northwest Division with just under 15 minutes left Wednesday’s games ing the game at the arena where Denver 23 10 .697 — Dallas 4, Nashville 2 lando snapped a four-game road Utah 21 12 .636 2 and Andrej Sekera quickly added Thursday’s Games he played 6½ seasons. But he Oklahoma City 18 15 .545 5 another goal for Dallas, which Columbus at Boston losing streak. Portland 14 21 .400 10 Edmonton at Buffalo was on the bench at the start of Bradley Beal, who missed the Minnesota 12 21 .364 11 was down 2-0 after an extended Tampa Bay at Montreal the Knicks’ 14-0 run early in the Pacific Division New Jersey at N.Y. Islanders previous two games with sore- L.A. Lakers 27 7 .794 — Predators power play in the open- A San Jose at Pittsburgh fourth quarter that broke open ness in his right leg, led Washing- L.A. Clippers 24 11 .686 3 ing minutes when Stars forward Florida at Ottawa Phoenix 13 21 .382 14 Toronto at Winnipeg the game. ton with 27 points. Sacramento 12 22 .353 15 Corey Perry got a game miscon- A Anaheim at Arizona Reggie Bullock made two The Magic, who entered the Golden State 9 26 .257 18 duct and was ejected for an elbow N.Y. Rangers at Calgary three-pointers during the spurt Tuesday’s games St. Louis at Colorado game with the NBA’s poorest Boston 109, Charlotte 92 to the head of defenseman Ryan Chicago at Vancouver and scored 11 points in his Knicks offense, took the lead midway Indiana 115, Philadelphia 97 Ellis. Philadelphia at Vegas debut. He signed with the team L.A. Clippers 105, Sacramento 87 Friday’s Games through the second quarter and Toronto 117, Cleveland 97 “It was an awkward play. It was Washington at Carolina during the summer but hadn’t led 62-58 at halftime. Orlando Houston 130, Denver 104 very unintentional,” Perry said Detroit at Dallas San Antonio 117, Golden State 113, OT Saturday’s Games played because of a herniated steadily increased its lead in the Oklahoma City 106, Dallas 101 after the game. “I didn’t mean to Edmonton at Boston disk. second half. Wednesday’s games do it. I hope he’s OK.” Florida at Buffalo Orlando 122, Washington 101 San Jose at Columbus Portland’s Damian Lillard Evan Fournier had 18 points for New York 117, Portland 93 Dallas reached the midpoint of Winnipeg at Minnesota was held to 11 points on 5-for-20 Milwaukee 106, Minnesota 104 its 82-game regular season with St. Louis at Vegas the Magic. Markelle Fultz scored L.A. Lakers 117, Phoenix 107 Pittsburgh at Montreal shooting after scoring 30 or more 16 and Terrence Ross 15. Thursday’s games its third win in a row and in third Colorado at New Jersey in the previous three games. The Charlotte at Cleveland Tampa Bay at Ottawa Bucks 106, Timberwolves Denver at Indiana place in the Western Conference. N.Y. Islanders at Toronto All-Star guard did have 10 re- 104: Giannis Antetokounmpo Toronto at Miami The Stars also overcame a 2-0 Philadelphia at Arizona bounds and eight assists, but he Golden State at Minnesota N.Y. Rangers at Vancouver had 32 points and 17 rebounds, Utah at Chicago deficit in their previous game, Nashville at Los Angeles missed his first six three-pointers and host Milwaukee held off a Brooklyn at Dallas with four goals in the third pe- before making his only one of the Oklahoma City at San Antonio strong challenge from short- Memphis at Sacramento riod of a 4-2 win at Arizona on difficult for us.“ game as the final shot of the third Detroit at L.A. Clippers Sunday. handed Minnesota. Friday’s games The Stars got their first goal quarter. Atlanta at Boston Nashville has lost three in a Antetokounmpo got his 30th with 1:08 left in the second peri- Lakers 117, Suns 107: LeB- double-double in 33 games this Miami at Orlando row, and is 11th in the West after Portland at Washington od, when Jason Dickinson skated ron James had 31 points, 13 re- season and Khris Middleton Philadelphia at Houston making the playoffs last season New York at Phoenix around the back of the net and bounds and 12 assists for his added 13 points despite shoot- New Orleans at L.A. Lakers — and losing in a six-game, first- eighth triple-double of the sea- ing 5-for-18 as the Bucks hit just Saturday’s games round series against Dallas. passed across the front of goalie Memphis at L.A. Clippers Pekka Rinne to Blake Comeau for son, Anthony Davis had 26 points 42.6% of their shots overall and Toronto at Brooklyn “You’re involved in a game like and 11 rebounds, and West-lead- only 9 of 36 from three-point Utah at Orlando this and you want a different out- the shot that made it 2-1. Dallas Indiana at Atlanta ing Los Angeles beat visiting range. Oklahoma City at Cleveland come so that you can really take then scored three goals in a short Phoenix. Shabazz Napier had 22 points Boston at Chicago the day in for what it’s worth,” span to start the third period be- Denver at Washington James had double-figure points to lead the Timberwolves, Gor- Charlotte at Dallas Predators coach Peter Laviolette fore 85,630 at Cotton Bowl Stadi- Detroit at Golden State um in Dallas, the second-largest and assists by halftime as the gui Deng scored 15, Josh Okogie San Antonio at Milwaukee said. “So we sit here on the wrong Lakers won their third straight. added 12 and Jarret Culver 10. New Orleans at Sacramento side of it, makes it a little more crowd to attend an NHL game. Friday, January 3, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 31 NFL PLAYOFFS Pats’ D, Titans’ offense shine in red zone

BY KYLE HIGHTOWER The efficiency of Tannehill and Henry players such as Titans rookie receiver A.J. Associated Press helped open up the field for a unit that was Brown have shown a unique ability to turn By the numbers tops in the league with nine plays that went plays such as reverses or short catches into FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — With a few for 50 yards or more and scored touch- big gains. exceptions, the Patriots’ defense demoral- downs on a league-best 75.6% of its trips ized opposing offenses this season by lim- “Obviously, they’ve got a lot of guys that inside the 20-yard line. can beat you vertical. But you watch them, iting big plays and opportunities in the red Tennessee only had 45 drives in the zone. it’s a quick slant or a slim post and A.J. red zone this season, ranking 25th in the 0.9 75.6 It will face a Titans offense in Saturday’s Brown catches it, now he breaks a tackle league. But when the Titans get there, wild-card round that was the best in the and now you’re trying to catch a guy that Patriots coach Bill Belichick said they league in both categories. you’re not going to catch,” McCourty said. Average Percentage showed an ability to get into the end zone Tennessee comes into the postseason Brown has four touchdown catches of touchdowns of times in multiple ways. with one of the NFL’s hottest offenses. at least 50 yards this season, joining Isaac per game the the Titans “They do a good job of getting the ball Quarterback Ryan Tannehill led the NFL Curtis (five in 1973), Willie Gault (four in Patriots have have scored with a career-best 117.5 passer rating. He to everybody and they have, obviously, the best running game in the league,” Belich- 1983) and Hall of Famer Randy Moss (five allowed this touchdowns joined Sammy Baugh and Joe Montana as in 1998) as the only rookies with at least the only quarterbacks to complete at least ick said. “When you combine those two four such TDs since the merger. season when when they 70% of their passes (70.3%) and average at things and the quarterback — the quarter- opponents are are inside least 9 yards per pass attempt (9.6). back can move down there, too. But, hon- In addition to players such as Brown and The Titans also forced defenses to keep estly, they’ve skipped over the red area a Henry, McCourty said they’ll also have to in the Pats’ the opponent’s tabs on running back Derrick Henry, who lot.” account for tight end Jonnu Smith, who had red zone. 20-yard line. had a league-best 1,540 rushing yards to The Patriots have allowed only three a 57-yard run against Houston in Week 15 pace the league’s third-ranked rushing of- passing plays of more than 50 yards this and caught a 41-yard TD pass in Week 16 fense (138.9 yards per game). season, but safety Devin McCourty said against New Orleans. SOURCE: NFL.com Scoreboard Winning: Watson is the face of a franchise

Playoff glance FROM BACK PAGE Wild-card Playoffs Saturday, Jan. 4 Watson and when he knew he was Buffalo at Houston special. Tennessee at New England Sunday, Jan. 5 “He’s a winner, cares about Minnesota at New Orleans winning, will do whatever it takes Seattle at Philadelphia Divisional Playoffs to win,” O’Brien said. “That came Saturday, Jan. 11 across in the first two meetings, Philadelphia, Seattle or Minnesota at San Francisco Buffalo Bills (10-6) so I would say it was way before Houston, Buffalo or Tennessee at Bal- timore at Houston Texans (10-6) he got here and on the practice Sunday, Jan. 12 AFN-Sports field.” New England, Houston or Buffalo at Kansas City 10:35 p.m. Saturday CET As O’Brien has gotten to know New Orleans, Philadelphia or Seattle Watson better and watched him at Green Bay 6:35 a.m. Sunday JKT Conference Championships lead the Texans, he’s only become Sunday, Jan. 19 more impressed with him. AFC NFC “He’s got great poise,” O’Brien Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 26 said. “Anybody that’s been around At Orlando, Fla. him for a long time, (knows) he AFC vs. NFC Super Bowl doesn’t have any fear. He has a lot Sunday, Feb. 2 of fun playing, you see the smile At Miami Gardens, Fla. AFC champion vs. NFC champion on his face, he loves playing foot- ball and he loves being out there with his teammates.” NFL injury report Tennessee Titans (9-7) Watson takes great pride in NEW YORK — The National Football MARK ZALESKI/AP League injury report, as provided by the at New England Patriots (12-4) being a leader and knows how he league: carries himself will rub off on the Saturday AFN-Sports Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson said the experience BUFFALO BILLS at HOUSTON TEXANS 2 a.m. Sunday CET rest of the team and impact how he gained in last year’s playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts should — BILLS: DNP: LB Lorenzo Alexander others perform. (not injury related -- resting veteran), DE 10 a.m. Sunday JKT help him Saturday against the Buffalo Bills. Jerry Hughes (not injury related -- rest- “You’re the face of the fran- ing veteran). LIMITED: DE Shaq Lawson chise and everyone is looking (at) (hamstring), T Ty Nsekhe (ankle), WR the Texans, where he’s helped yards with seven more scores Andre Roberts (foot), CB Levi Wallace you,” he said. “So regardless if them to consecutive AFC South this season. Watson, who sat out (ankle). TEXANS: DNP: TE Jordan Thomas (illness). LIMITED: S Jahleel Addae (achil- you’re down, if you’re up, you’re titles and had some of his biggest last week with Houston’s playoff les), WR Will Fuller (groin), CB Johnathan facing that adversity (or) you’re games when Houston was playing Joseph (hamstring), LB Jacob Martin spot set, threw five interceptions (knee), CB Bradley Roby (hamstring), having success too, people want in prime time. in his last three games played WR Kenny Stills (knee), T Laremy Tunsil to still see that fight and that will (ankle), DE J.J. Watt (shoulder). But in perhaps the biggest after only being picked off twice TENNESSEE TITANS at NEW ENG- to continue to finish what you game of his NFL career, Watson in Houston’s previous five games. LAND PATRIOTS — TITANS: DNP: WR started and try to win the game Adam Humphries (ankle). LIMITED: T came up short. Last season in his He said those miscues are a big or what you’re competing in. Ev- Jack Conklin (knee), WR Cody Hollister playoff debut Watson threw an in- reason the offense hasn’t been as (ankle), WR Kalif Raymond (concus- eryone is going to follow that and sion). FULL: LB Daren Bates (shoulder), Minnesota Vikings (10-6) terception and struggled to move powerful recently as it was ear- CB Adoree’ Jackson (foot). PATRIOTS: everyone will see it.” the offense effectively in a 21-7 lier in the season. LIMITED: LB Ja’Whaun Bentley (knee), S at New Orleans Saints (13-3) Receiver DeAndre Hopkins Terrence Brooks (groin), T Marcus Can- loss to the Indianapolis Colts. “My turnovers,” he said. non (ankle), LB Jamie Collins (shoulder), AFN-Sports loves that quality in Watson and He believes the experience in WR Julian Edelman (knee, shoulder), CB “That’s pretty much it ... if I don’t 7 p.m. Sunday CET thinks that’s one of the reasons that game will help him on Satur- Jonathan Jones (groin), CB Jason Mc- turn two balls over in Tennessee Courty (groin). why he’s so successful. day when he gets another chance Sunday 3 a.m. Monday JKT that’s 14 extra points and who MINNESOTA VIKINGS at NEW ORLEANS “Ever ybody in this locker room, to notch his first postseason win. knows how the game goes. It’s SAINTS — VIKINGS: DNP: CB Macken- offense and defense, feeds off of “Just knowing that ... the game sie Alexander (knee), LB Eric Kendricks something that we corrected.” (quadricep), S Andrew Sendejo (illness), his game and how he never feels is going to go by faster, the plays, DE Stephen Weatherly (illness). LIMITED: like we’re out of a game no mat- the players play a little bit faster O’Brien has no doubt that Wat- DE Ifeadi Odenigbo (hamstring). FULL: RB son will get back on track this Dalvin Cook (shoulder), CB Mike Hughes ter what the score is,” Hopkins than the regular season. Every- (neck), S Jayron Kearse (foot), RB Alexan- week and raved about how much der Mattison (ankle), CB Xavier Rhodes said. “He’s a winner. He’s won his thing just speeds up,” he said. “So, (ankle), DT Shamar Stephen (knee). whole career and it shows every just being able to be prepared and he’s improved in his three sea- SAINTS: DNP: CB Eli Apple (ankle), RB sons with the Texans. Zach Line (knee). LIMITED: S Vonn Bell day in everything he does.” see how the energy and every- (knee), WR Michael Thomas (hand), RB Watson has a penchant for shin- thing changes in a playoff game, “He gets better every day,” Dwayne Washington (knee), WR Marcus Williams (groin). ing in the biggest moments. He it really helps out to get that O’Brien said. “I wouldn’t be able SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at PHILADELPHIA Seattle Seahawks (11-5) did it when he helped Gainesville firsthand look last year. I know to pick out one thing. He gets EAGLES — EAGLES: DNP: WR Nelson Ag- holor (knee), RB Miles Sanders (ankle). at Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) High School to a Georgia state it didn’t go our way, but we’ve got better every day at everything. LIMITED: DE Derek Barnett (ankle), DT title and at Clemson when he led another opportunity this year.” He tries to work on everything Fletcher Cox (triceps), TE Zach Ertz (ribs, AFN-Sports back), T Lane Johnson (ankle), CB Sidney 10:30 p.m. Sunday CET the Tigers to a national champi- He has thrown for 3,852 yards from mechanics to knowledge Jones (back), CB Avonte Maddox (abdo- onship in the 2016 season. Watson with 26 touchdowns and 12 in- of the game plan to defensive men), CB Jalen Mills (ankle). SEAHAWKS: 6:30 a.m. Monday JKT No report. has continued that success with terceptions and has run for 413 knowledge.” S TARS AND STRIPES Friday, January 3, 2020

NFL PLAYOFFS Winning attitude Texans feed off Watson’s will to compete as they prepare to host Bills in AFC wild-card game

BY KRISTIE RIEKEN Associated Press

eshaun Watson doesn’t remember a time when he wasn’t competing. D Whether it was trying to outrun his older brother while taking out the trash as a child or running away from defenders during a game of flag football, he had the same mentality. “It’s definitely in my DNA to go out there and compete and try to win in everything I do,” Watson said. Years later, the Houston Texans quarterback has maintained that same mindset, and when you ask almost anyone about him that’s one of the first things they’ll bring up. As the Texans prepare to host the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the playoffs on Saturday, coach Bill O’Brien reminisced about his early interactions with

SEE WINNING ON PAGE 31 Patriots defense faces one of league’s hottest offenses in Titans, Page 31 Schedule, TV information for wild-card weekend, Page 31 ERIC CHRISTIAN SMITH/AP

Obits: Former NBA commissioner Stern; Don Larsen, LeBron James, Serena Williams who threw only World Series perfect game » Page 25 voted athletes of decade » Pages 26-27