Volume 79, No. 30B ©SS 2020 CONTINGENCY EDITION SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020 stripes.com Free to Deployed Areas
VIRUS OUTBREAK Trump cuts funding to WHO amid pandemic
Associated Press President Donald Trump’s announce- ment he was cutting U.S. funding for the World Health Organization prompted criti- cism Saturday, as spiking infection rates in India and elsewhere served as a reminder the global pandemic is far from contained. Trump on Fri- day charged that ‘ Certainly, the WHO didn’t re- spond adequately when faced to the pandemic, with a serious accusing the U.N. agency of being pandemic, under China’s you want all “total control.” nations in the The WHO wouldn’t comment world to be on the announce- particularly ment but South focused ... on African Health Minister Zweli one common Mkhize called it an enemy. ’ “unfortunate” turn of events. Zweli Mkhize “Certainly, when South African faced with a seri- Health Minister ous pandemic, you want all nations in the world to be particularly focused ... on Battle lines one common enemy,” he told reporters. The U.S. is the largest source of finan- cial support for the WHO, and its exit is Protesters continue to fill streets, ignore curfew despite expected to significantly weaken the orga- nization. Trump said the U.S. would be “re- directing” the money to “other worldwide mobilization of national guard by Minnesota governor and deserving urgent global public health needs,” without providing specifics. European Commission President Ursula BY AARON MORRISON ties for another night in Minneapolis, and Inside: AND TIM SULLIVAN the governor acknowledged Saturday that von der Leyen on Saturday urged Trump to reconsider, saying that “actions that weak- Associated Press he didn’t have enough manpower to con- Governors across nation tain the chaos. en international results must be avoided” MINNEAPOLIS — Fires burned un- The new round of tumult — which activate National Guard to and that “now is the time for enhanced co- checked and thousands protesting the has also spread to other cities — came help contain civil unrest, operation and common solutions.” police killing of George Floyd ignored a “The WHO needs to continue being able curfew as unrest overwhelmed authori- SEE STREETS ON PAGE 5 Page 5 to lead the international response to pan- demics, current and future,” she said. “For Protesters and National Guardsmen face off on East Lake Street, Friday, in St. Paul, Minn. Protests continued following this, the participation and support of all is the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on Memorial Day. required and very much needed.”
JOHN MINCHILLO/AP Close to 6 million coronavirus infections SEE FUNDING ON PAGE 6
MILITARY MUSIC ONLINE Iran warns US Singers, songwriters Get the latest about naval activity collaborating online news on the in the Persian Gulf to craft next big hit virus outbreak Page 3 Page 12 stripes.com/coronavirus
Cowboys’ Smith had to rebuild life away from NFL » Back page PAGE 2 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, May 31, 2020 BUSINESS/WEATHER
EXCHANGE RATES
Military rates Switzerland (Franc)...... 0.9631 Stocks erase a loss to end strong week Euro costs (June 1) ...... $ 1.09 Thailand (Baht) ...... 31.82 Dollar buys (June 1)...... €0.8754 Turkey (Lira) ...... 6.8401 British pound (June 1) ...... $ 1.21 (Military exchange rates are those Associated Press with Beijing earlier this year. The day, until the president’s mid-af- Japanese yen (June 1) ...... 105.00 available to customers at military banking South Korean won (June 1) ...... 1207.00 facilities in the country of issuance S&P 500 ended the month 4.5% ternoon statement. Commercial rates Stocks closed out a solid week for Japan, South Korea, Germany, the higher, its second monthly gain All told, the S&P 500 rose 14.58 Bahrain (Dinar) ...... 0.3775 Netherlands and the United Kingdom. For on Wall Street on Friday with a British pound ...... $1.2352 nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., late-afternoon rebound after wor- in a row. points to 3,044.31. The index Canada (Dollar) ...... 1.3771 purchasing British pounds in Germany), The world’s two largest econo- ended the week with a 3% gain. China (Yuan) ...... 7.1420 check with your local military banking ries that President Donald Trump Denmark (Krone) ...... 6.7031 facility. Commercial rates are interbank would reignite a costly trade war mies agreed to a Phase 1 trade The Dow Jones Industrial Aver- Egypt (Pound) ...... 15.8405 rates provided for reference when buying Euro ...... $1.1120/0.8993 currency. All figures are foreign currencies deal in January after more than age fell 17.53 points, or 0.1%, to to one dollar, except for the British pound, with China faded. Hong Kong (Dollar) ...... 7.7548 a year of talks and billions of dol- 25,383.11. The Nasdaq composite, which is represented in dollars-to-pound, The benchmark S&P 500 index Hungary (Forint) ...... 313.28 and the euro, which is dollars-to-euro.) lars in tariffs imposed on each which is heavily weighted with Israel (Shekel) ...... 3.5211 rose 0.5%, recovering from a 1% Japan (Yen) ...... 107.54 slide, after Trump outlined sev- other’s imports. Worries that the technology stocks, gained 120.88 Kuwait (Dinar) ...... 0.3087 INTEREST RATES eral actions in response to a move Trump administration would pull points, or 1.3%, to 9,489.87. The Norway (Krone) ...... 9.7140 Philippines (Peso)...... 50.52 Prime rate ...... 3.25 by China to exert more control out of the deal with the world’s Russell 2000 index of small com- Poland (Zloty) ...... 4.00 Discount rate ...... 0.25 over Hong Kong but steered clear second-largest economy weighed pany stocks gave up 6.64 points, Saudi Arabia (Riyal) ...... 3.7563 Federal funds market rate ...... 0.05 Singapore (Dollar) ...... 1.4137 3-month bill ...... 0.14 of upending a trade pact struck on the market for much of the or 0.5%, to 1,394.04. South Korea (Won) ...... 1237.28 30-year bond ...... 1.47 WEATHER OUTLOOK SUNDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST SUNDAY IN EUROPE MONDAY IN THE PACIFIC
Misawa 63/54 Kabul 85/49 Seoul 66/61 Baghdad 97/69 Kandahar 99/60 Osan Tokyo Mildenhall/ Drawsko 69/61 68/60 Lakenheath Pomorskie Busan 68/50 65/48 72/62 Iwakuni 67/64 Kuwait Bahrain Zagan Sasebo City 95/86 Brussels 66/47 Guam 105/83 67/52 Ramstein 70/65 86/75 Lajes, 59/47 Riyadh Doha Azores Stuttgart Pápa 106/76 106/79 64/61 60/46 53/48 Aviano/ Vicenza 66/54
Naples 69/56 Okinawa Morón 81/75 82/64 Sigonella Rota 70/56 The weather is provided by the Djibouti Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 99/84 72/62 69/63 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.
T O D A Y IN STRIPES American Roundup ..... 17 Books ...... 14 Comics/Crossword ...... 15 Music ...... 12-13 Opinion ...... 18 Sports ...... 20-24 Travel ...... 11 Sunday, May 31, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 3 MILITARY Iran warns US against naval activity in gulf
BY GOLNAR MOTEVALLI Bloomberg ‘ The Islamic Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Republic Iran will MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS RUBEN REED/U.S. Navy Guard Corps unveiled scores The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford prepares to conduct a replenishment-at-sea with USNS Patuxent of new and upgraded defensive not back down nor May 15. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications. speedboats with a warning to the will we bow before U.S. that it won’t shy away from challenging American naval any enemy. ’ power. Gen. Hossein Salam Fighter squadron pulled from Ford “Today we announce that wher- commander of the IRGC ever the Americans are, we’re right there beside you, and in the after sailor tests positive for virus near future you will sense us even Soleimani, who was assassinated more,” IRGC Navy Commander in a U.S. airstrike in Iraq in Janu- BY CAITLIN M. KENNEY Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said movement as a precautionary fications for pilots in the Atlantic ary, according to Tangsiri. Stars and Stripes measure as they wait to complete Ocean, Cragg said. on the sidelines of a ceremony in Hostilities between Iran and additional health screenings and The Navy has the highest num- the Persian Gulf, the semiofficial the U.S. have spiraled after Wash- WASHINGTON — More than contact tracing, Cragg said. Most ber of coronavirus cases in the Tasnim news agency reported 100 members of a fighter squad- ington exited the multiparty 2015 of the sailors will be able to re- military at 2,396 as of Friday, ac- Thursday. nuclear deal that aimed to rejuve- ron were kept behind as the USS turn to work Saturday, and those cording to the Pentagon. The mil- While battling sanctions and a Gerald R. Ford went underway nate the Iranian economy and re- who had been in close contact itary has a total of 6,278 cases and major coronavirus outbreak, Iran newed sanctions on the country’s Thursday after one of its sailors with the sailor are in isolation at three deaths, including one sailor appears determined to keep strik- oil exports. It also designated the tested positive for the coronavi- their homes for 14 days. who was assigned to another air- ing a defiant tone as tensions with IRGC — the largest branch of rus, according to a Navy official. “At this time, the risk to other craft carrier, the USS Theodore the U.S. simmer. A month ago, Iran’s armed forces — a terrorist The sailor, who tested positive USS Gerald R. Ford sailors and Roosevelt. President Donald Trump ordered organization. Wednesday, is a member of the embarked personnel is believed Two ships have had outbreaks the navy to destroy any Iranian The Trump administration says Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) to be very low,” Cragg said. “All while deployed at sea, the Roos- vessels harassing U.S. ships, after it wants Iran to agree to a tougher 213, which flies F/A-18F Super sailors who may have come into evelt and the destroyer USS Kidd. accusations that the IRGC’s craft deal on the Islamic Republic’s Hornet aircrafts and is based out contact with the [coronavirus] The Roosevelt had more than dangerously approached Ameri- atomic program, and to roll back of Naval Air Station Oceana, Va. positive sailor were removed 1,100 positive cases and the Kidd can military vessels in what U.S. its military reach in the Middle The sailor, who has been in iso- from the ship, placed in a precau- had almost 80 cases as of April Central Command said were in- East, including through groups lation since last week, was never tionary quarantine, and will be 30, the last update provided by ternational waters. like Hezbollah. Iran says it won’t aboard the aircraft carrier but tested for [the coronavirus] prior the Navy. The Roosevelt was in It’s not clear if all the vessels negotiate until the U.S. returns to the individual had been in con- to returning to the ship.” port in Guam due to the outbreak shown at the ceremony were the original accord. tact with other squadron mem- The Ford had one sailor test for nearly two months, finally de- new or how many had been re- In its latest step, the U.S. on bers who had been on the ship positive for the virus May 4, but parting May 21. furbished. The IRGC received Wednesday ended sanctions waiv- Tuesday ahead of it going under- the individual had not been on the The aircraft carrier USS Ron- a number of Ashoura and Zul- ers that allowed Russian, Chinese way, said Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, ship since May 1, The Virginian- ald Reagan based in Yokosuka, faghar-class vessels — the same and European companies to work a spokeswoman with Naval Air Pilot reported. It is believed they Japan, had its crew undergo a 14- models unveiled Thursday at Iranian civilian nuclear sites. Force Atlantic. were infected by a visiting family day restriction of movement prior — from the Defense Ministry in “The Islamic Republic Iran More than 100 sailors of the member. to departing port in early May. March 2016, state TV reported at will not back down nor will we squadron had gone aboard the The Ford is the first aircraft Navy officials have not said how the time. bow before any enemy,” General Ford and had been medically carrier in its class and has faced many of the Reagan crew have Earlier this month, Iran’s regu- Hossein Salami, commander of screened with none of them hav- several delays due to issues with tested positive for the virus, but lar navy lost 19 sailors in a friend- the IRGC, said in a speech broad- ing flu-like symptoms, according its new equipment such as weap- The New York Times on April 22 ly fire incident involving its own cast on state TV. “Defense is our to Cragg. ons elevators and the catapult reported 16 positive cases associ- ships during a military exercise logic in war, but that defense does The sailors disembarked the system for aircraft. Based out ated with the carrier. in the Gulf of Oman. The Guard not mean passivity. Our opera- Ford on Wednesday and have of Norfolk, Va., the aircraft car- [email protected] is also building a new vessel that tions and tactics are offensive and been ordered to restrict their rier is conducting carrier quali- @caitlinmkenney will be named after Gen. Qassem we’ve shown this in the field.” DOD looks for better ideas to reduce $3 billion PFAS cleanup price tag
BY TARA COPP ter’s fire training and research area and Defense Department spokesman Charles “The wastewater disposal test results McClatchy Washington Bureau had to be contained for disposal because it Prichard. “Several of the technologies are are encouraging, and we see it as a great contained the chemical compounds. now being demonstrated in the field.” example of how the Air Force and Depart- WASHINGTON — Staring down a $3 Tyndall had “freshwater that was con- In the test, Gradiant heated the contami- ment of Defense are working with private billion — and growing — tab to clean up taminated with PFAS,” said Gradiant tech- nated water and circulated it through a col- industry and other partners to find innova- water sources at military installations nology manager Javier Casas, referring to umn filled with perforated trays. “As that tive solutions for this national issue,” said across the country that are contaminated per- and polyfluoroalkyl man-made chem- water passes through the trays, you have Mark Kinkade, a spokesman for the Air with cancer-causing chemicals linked to ical compounds that are found in low levels ambient air blowing in through the bot- Force Installation and Mission Support firefighting foam, the Defense Department in everyday household products, such as tom that bubbles through the water,” Casas Center. is now in discussions with private compa- the non-stick coating on cooking pans, but said. “Because of the increased tempera- nies about potential cleanup solutions that that are highly concentrated in foam used ture, you are able to extract freshwater, At bases and the communities surround- might reduce the cost. by the military to put out aviation fires. which is released through evaporation.” ing them nationwide, decades of use of During a test at Tyndall Air Force Base PFAS exposure has been linked to can- Of the 814,400 gallons that were initially the foam has meant the compounds have in Florida last August, Gradiant Energy cers, reproductive problems and birth contaminated, Gradiant was able to extract seeped into underground water reservoirs, Services applied its evaporation technology defects. 743,400 gallons of freshwater, which left soil and above-ground bodies of water. to 814,000 gallons of contaminated rainwa- “DoD has been developing more cost ef- Tyndall with a smaller amount of PFAS- As of the Pentagon’s latest assessment, ter. The water had accumulated in the fire fective techniques for treatment of ground- contaminated water to remove from the PFAS has been discovered in water sourc- pits at the Air Force Civil Engineer Cen- water impacted by PFAS since 2011,” said base. es in at least 651 military facilities. PAGE 4 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, May 31, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK Without test results, coronavirus ‘I was shocked’ raced through an Afghan family
BY TAMEEM AKHGAR, RAHIM FAIEZ AND LEE KEATH Associated Press KABUL, Afghanistan — Even as Dr. Yousuf Aryubi and his sib- lings, one after the other, started showing symptoms of COVID-19, the family was sure it was just a bad flu. The hospital had prom- ised to tell them if their coronavi- rus tests had come up positive. By the time they discovered that their positive results fell through the cracks at an overbur- dened and undersupplied Kabul hospital, it was too late. Within days, Aryubi, his sister and a brother were dead. Dozens in the family were sickened. The trajectory of the family’s tragedy points to how Afghani- stan has been left vulnerable to the global pandemic by a bro- ken-down health system, slow government response and public attitudes. After billions of dollars in in- ternational money, much of it from the U.S., the Afghan capital barely has a hospital that works. Amid the ongoing war and mas- sive government corruption, resources are depleted and in- stitutions dysfunctional. Afghans have become increasingly poor, with 54% of the population in PHOTOS BY RAHMAT GUL/AP 2019 below the poverty line of $1.9 a day — a rate likely mount- Members of the Aryubi family mourn over the graves of Dr. Yousuf Aryubi and two siblings who lost their lives to COVID-19, in Kabul, ing amid the pandemic. Afghanistan, earlier this month. Dr. Aryubi was the first in his family to show symptoms — on measures to the back burner. March 30, a day after he saw a The country has had more than patient who had a cough and a 11,000 confirmed infections and fever. more than 219 deaths. The 53-year-old pediatri- The government closed schools cian and father of four lived in a and universities on March 14, building with his wife and most then locked down Kabul two of his extended family — his 70- weeks later. Residents are al- year-old mother and five siblings lowed to leave their homes only and their families, more than 30 for medical needs or groceries. people in all. They often gathered But the rules are widely flouted. for family dinners, sitting on the After being tested, the Aryubi floor around mats of food set on family immediately quarantined the carpet. themselves. Their neighbors fled, By April 1, Aryubi felt worse, moving out of their homes. Gro- and his youngest daughter, 21- An Afghan lab technician cery stores refused to deliver to year-old Mariam, also had a processes a sample to test the Aryubis. fever. So they went to be tested for the coronavirus earlier this “People ran from us like we for COVID-19 at the Afghan- month at the Afghan-Japan were monsters,” Paktiawal said. Japan Communicable Disease Communicable Disease Hospital. An Afghan lab technician takes a sample with a swab to test for the Desperate for help, the family Hospital, one of Kabul’s two facil- coronavirus at the Afghan-Japan Communicable Disease Hospital, called relatives in Paktia prov- ities for coronavirus testing and Kabul’s main facility for coronavirus testing and treatment, in Kabul. ince. Four cousins and their fami- treatment. tiawal went back to the Afghan- lies came to stay with them and “The hospital promised to call Japan Hospital. help. Soon they too were showing us within 24 hours if the result It took hours until he found a being turned away or of tests months, he said. symptoms, bringing the total in- comes positive and then to send long list of test results tacked on a lost. It took weeks for staff to get Just going to the hospital risks fected in the family to 46. an ambulance to isolate them,” wall, with his brother and niece’s enough protective gear, leaving contagion. On April 10, Aryubis sister Aryubi’s youngest brother, Behta- names, both positive. them afraid to treat patients. On a recent day when an AP Gul Khomar died. More relatives rin Paktiawal told The Associated “I was shocked, like doomsday Sayed Massi Noori, a doctor team visited, hundreds of people, came from the village to attend Press. struck,” he said. “I didn’t know in the Afghan-Japan Hospital’s including suspected COVID-19 her funeral. Police had to push The next day passed with no what to do. I had tears in my public relations department, ac- cases, were massed outside. Staff them back, pleading with them word from the hospital, so they eyes.” He told the whole family knowledged that inexperienced shouted at them to self-distance, to keep a distance from her body assumed the tests were negative, to come immediately for testing. staffers sometimes write names but no one listened. Some had and the family. Paktiawal said. At dinner time, They tried to admit Aryubi, but incorrectly on tests or code sam- slept for days outside the hospi- On April 11, Aryubi died, fol- they were all together again, the staff refused. In an ensuing ples wrong. He estimated 10-15% tal waiting for word on relatives’ lowed three days later by one of Aryubi, his mother and the male argument, a doctor hit Aryubi in of tested patients don’t receive tests or treatment. his brothers, Fazil Rahman. relatives around the carpet in one his face, breaking a tooth, Pak- their results on time. The government’s response It took several more weeks room, Mariam and the female tiawal and another brother said. “Medical workers on the front to the pandemic was slow, even in quarantine for the rest of the relatives in the other, laughing The Afghan-Japan Hospital, line in the fight against COVID- as more than 200,000 Afghans family’s symptoms to fade. and eating as normal. built in 2014 with funding from 19 don’t have enough experience flowed in from Iran, where the “I never believed in this dis- Over the next days, Aryubi’s the Japanese government, typi- which causes us to face bigger virus was raging. Political in- ease, I used to say, it is a lie, it is sister, his brothers, his wife and fies the health system’s woes, challenges,” he said. The hospital fighting between President a propaganda,” Paktiawal said. his mother started coughing or though it is better off than many has gotten no new funding since Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdul- Now “we have realized … it’s a fell into fevers. Finally, on April other facilities. In the early weeks it was dedicated to coronavirus lah Abdullah, both of whom insist huge danger, and for those who 6, with everyone in the family of the pandemic, suspected coro- treatment. Many of its staff have they won last year’s presidential neglect it, it can cost them their sick and Aryubi worsening, Pak- navirus patients complained of not been paid for the past two polls, seemed to push pandemic lives.” Sunday, May 31, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 5 NATION National Guard called to aid cities amid clashes
Associated Press Gov. Tim Walz said early Satur- millions out of work, killed more day that he was moving to acti- than 100,000 people in the U.S. ATLANTA — Protesters vate more than 1,000 more and and disproportionately affected burned businesses in Minneapo- was considering federal help. black people. lis. They smashed police cars and The Guard was also on standby In scenes both peaceful and windows in Atlanta, broke into in the District of Columbia, where violent across the nation, thou- police headquarters in Portland, a crowd grew outside the White sands of protesters chanted “No Oregon, and chanted curses at House and chanted curses at justice, no peace” and “Say his President Donald Trump out- President Donald Trump. Some name. George Floyd.” They hoist- RENEE JONES SCHNEIDER, STAR TRIBUNE/AP side the White House. Thousands protesters tried to push through ed signs reading: “He said I can’t also demonstrated peacefully, barriers set up by the U.S. Secret breathe. Justice for George.” A group of protesters surrounded several National Guard vehicles demanding justice for George Service along Pennsylvania Av- Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp that were driving on Lake Street toward a blockade and were forced Floyd, a black man who died after enue, and threw bottles and other tweeted that up to 500 members to reverse out in Minneapolis, Minn., on Friday. a white officer pressed a knee objects at officers wearing riot of the Guard would deploy imme- into his neck. gear, who responded with pepper diately “to protect people & prop- tin Luther King, Jr.,“ Bottoms Virginia’s capital, a police cruiser As anger over Floyd’s killing spray. erty in Atlanta.” He said he acted said. “You are disgracing the life was set on fire outside Richmond spread to cities nationwide, local “I just feel like he’s just one of at the request of Atlanta Mayor of George Floyd and every other police headquarters, and a city leaders increasingly said they many names that we’ve had to Keisha Lance Bottoms, who ear- person who has been killed in this transit spokeswoman said a bus could need help from National create hashtags and T-shirts and lier appealed in vain for calm. country.” set ablaze was “a total loss,” news Guardsmen or even military po- campaigns for and I feel like noth- Some demonstrators smashed Bottoms was flanked by King’s outlets reported. lice to contain the unrest. ing has changed,” district resi- police cars and spray-painted daughter, Bernice King, and rap- Video posted to social media Georgia’s governor declared a dent Abe Neri said of Floyd. “And the iconic logo sign at CNN head- pers T.I. and Killer Mike. showed New York City officers state of emergency early Satur- so that’s why I’m out here. Yeah, quarters in downtown Atlanta. “We have to be better than using batons and shoving pro- day to activate the state National when you say nothing you’re tak- At least three officers were hurt burning down our own homes. testers down as they took people Guard as violence flared in Atlan- ing the side of the oppressor.” and there were multiple arrests, Because if we lose Atlanta what into custody and cleared streets. ta. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Many protesters echoed that Atlanta police spokesman Carlos have we got?” said Killer Mike, One video showed on officer slam also declared an emergency and frustration, that Floyd’s death Campos said, as protesters shot at crying as he spoke. a woman to the ground as he ordered a nighttime curfew for was one more in a litany. The officers with BB guns and threw A person was killed in down- walked past her in the street. the city. anger that seized the nation bricks, bottles and knives. town Detroit just before midnight Demonstrators rocked a police Another 500 Guard soldiers comes in the wake of the killing Atlanta officials said crews after someone in an SUV fired van, set it ablaze, scrawled graffiti were mobilized in and around in Georgia of Ahmaud Arbery, were temporarily unable to reach shots into a crowd of protesters across its charred body and set it Minneapolis, where Floyd died who was shot after being pursued a fire at Del Frisco’s restaurant in near the Greektown entertain- aflame again as officers retreat- and an officer faced charges Fri- by a white father and son while the Buckhead neighborhood sev- ment district, police said. In Port- ed. Blocks away, protesters used day in his death. But after another running in their neighborhood, eral miles north because of pro- land, Ore. , protesters broke into a club to batter another police ve- night of watching fires burn and and in the middle of the corona- testers there. police headquarters and authori- hicle. The police department said businesses ransacked, Minnesota virus pandemic that has thrown “This is not in the spirit of Mar- ties said they lit a fire inside. In numerous officers were injured. Streets: Pentagon orders active-duty military police to prepare to deploy to cities
FROM FRONT PAGE dead in Detroit, police cars bat- despite Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz tered in Atlanta and skirmishes vowing Friday to show a more with police in New York City. forceful response than city lead- Criminal charges filed Friday ers had the day before. But by morning against the white officer early Saturday morning, Walz who held his knee for nearly nine said he didn’t have enough troops, minutes on the neck of Floyd, a even with some 500 National black man who was handcuffed Guardsmen. at the time, did nothing to stem “We do not have the numbers,” the anger. Derek Chauvin, 44, Walz said. “We cannot arrest was charged with third-degree people when we are trying to hold murder and second-degree ground.” manslaughter. Walz said he was moving quick- Minneapolis police said shots ly to mobilize more than 1,000 had been fired at law enforce- more Guard members, for a total ment officers during the protests of 1,700, and was considering the but no one was injured. potential offer of federal military As the night dragged on, fires police. But he warned that even erupted across the city’s south that might not be enough, say- side, including at a Japanese res- ing he expected another difficult taurant, a Wells Fargo bank and DAVID JOLES, STAR TRIBUNE/AP night Saturday. an Office Depot. Many burned The Pentagon on Saturday or- for hours, with firefighters again Minnesota National Guard members maintain a position on Lake St reet protecting nearby firefighters dered the Army to put military delayed in reaching them because following protests in the death of George Floyd, Saturday in Minneapolis, Minn. police units on alert to head to the areas weren’t secure. city on short notice at President Shortly before midnight, scores vandalize dozens of businesses. demonstrators encircled a bar- Ben Hubert, a 26-year-old local Donald Trump’s request, accord- of officers on foot and in vehicles The Minnesota Police and ricaded police station after the 8 resident, said he wasn’t surprised ing to three people with direct moved in to curb the violence, one Peace Officers Association urged p.m. Friday curfew. “Prosecute people were breaking curfew and knowledge of the orders who did day after city and state leaders Gov. Walz to accept any help. the police!” some chanted, and setting fires. not want their names used be- faced blowback for their handling “You need more resources,” “Say his name: George Floyd!” “I’m outraged,” he said of the cause they were not authorized of the crisis. On Thursday, pro- the group said in a tweet. “Law Some protesters sprayed graffiti Floyd case. “But I’m also sad. to discuss the preparations. The testers had torched a police sta- enforcement needs leadership.” on buildings. The injustice has been going on rare step came as the violence tion soon after it was abandoned Not all the protests were vio- Anger filled the streets of for so long. It’s been swelling for spread to other cities: A man shot by police and went on to burn or lent. Downtown, thousands of Minneapolis. years.” PAGE 6 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, May 31, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK Funding: Indian, Russian cases soar as South Korea, China recover from outbreak
FROM FRONT PAGE have been reported worldwide, ‘ It is our common with more than 365,000 deaths interest to and almost 2.5 million recoveries, according to a tally kept by Johns contribute in helping Hopkins University. The true di- mensions are widely believed to the economy return be significantly greater, with ex- to normalcy. perts saying many victims died ’ Jens Hildebrandt without ever being tested. executive director of the German As some countries have effec- Chamber of Commerce in North China tively lowered the rate of infec- tions, they have been moving ahead with relaxing restrictions but are keeping a very close eye countries has prompted skepti- on developments. cism domestically and abroad. In South Korea, credited with U.N. Secretary-General An- one of the most successful pro- tonio Guterres announced two grams to fight the pandemic, peacekeepers serving in Mali there were 39 new cases report- had died from the virus. There ed Saturday, most of them in the have been 137 confirmed cases of AIJAZ RAHI/AP densely populated Seoul metro- COVID-19 among peacekeepers, An Indian trader carries a box of Lychees before loading it onto a truck at a wholesale fruit market in politan area where officials have the majority in Mali, but these Bengaluru, India, on Saturday. linked the infections to warehouse were the first deaths. workers. Authorities have so far In China, where the virus tomer numbers evaporate. The outbreak began, only four new maintained the phased reopening latest job-loss figures from the of schools in the hope that the re- confirmed cases were reported U.S. Labor Department brought cent transmissions could be con- Saturday, all brought from out- to 41 million the running total tained quickly. side the country, and no new of Americans who have filed for India registered another record deaths. Just 63 people remained unemployment since shutdowns single day jump of 7,964 cases and in treatment. took hold in mid-March. 265 deaths, a day before it was to After judging the situation end its 2-month-old lockdown. there now safe, a chartered flight But there have been worry- That put the country’s total carrying 200 German managers ing signs that as restrictions are cases at 173,763 with 4,971 deaths back to their jobs landed in Tian- eased, people have not been ad- and 82,369 recoveries, according jin, a port city just east of Beijing. hering to social distancing guide- to the Health Ministry. A flight carrying another 200 was lines meant to help prevent the Still, Prime Minister Narendra due in Shanghai on Thursday. spread of the virus. Modi, said in an open letter that “I’m really happy that business On Friday, health officials in India was on the path to “victory” is starting again,” said Karin Wa- Missouri said that they were in its battle against the virus and sowski, a Volkswagen employee, seeking to “inform mass num- would “an example in economic before boarding the flight in bers of unknown people” after revival,” while asking his coun- Frankfurt. “I’ve been working a person who attended crowded trymen to show “firm resolve.” from a home office but that is, pool parties over Memorial Day DAMIAN DOVARGANES/AP Russia recorded nearly 9,000 of course, something completely weekend at the state’s popular new cases overnight, around the different to being there.” Singer Fallon Nicole, 23, wears a custom made Michael Jackson- Lake of the Ozarks tested positive daily level it has been at over the More than 5,200 German com- themed mask, as she shops at the opening of Beverly Center for COVID-19. past two weeks as the virus con- panies operate in China, employ- shopping mall in Los Angeles, on Friday . German Chancellor Angela tinues to spread. ing more than 1 million people. Merkel’s office said Saturday that The national coronavirus task “This is an important step to organize the flights. “It is our million cases and almost 103,000 as things stand with the American force said Saturday that 4,555 reconnect China’s and Germany’s common interest to contribute deaths. pandemic situation if Trump de- Russians have died of COVID-19, economies,” said Jens Hildeb- in helping the economy return to Cities and states are under cides to go ahead with the Group and 396,575 infections have been randt, executive director of the normalcy and pre-virus levels.” increasing pressure to reopen, of Seven summit in the U.S. as recorded. The relatively low mor- German Chamber of Commerce The U.S. has been worst hit by however, especially for service he has suggested he might, she tality rate compared with other in North China, which helped the outbreak, with more than 1.7 industries that had seen cus- would not attend in person. CFO: VA doesn’t need more money for coronavirus response
BY NIKKI WENTLING any future package that Congress “What I would say is we don’t VA officials insisted for weeks spent in real time. Stars and Stripes might pass, he said. have a precedent to compare,” that there were no shortages He asked lawmakers for more “I think we are absolutely ad- Rychalski said. “There’s nothing and only later admitted that they flexibility on how to spend the WASHINGTON — The De- equately funded at this time,” to compare it to and know wheth- had rationed masks because of a CARES funding. Specifically, the partment of Veterans Affairs Rychalski said. “I don’t know er it’s low or high.” disruption to the agency’s sup- VA needs more money to recon- has spent only 12% of nearly $20 what’s going to happen in the He said the VA would use more ply chain. VA Secretary Robert figure multi-patient rooms into billion that Congress gave the future with spikes [of the virus], of the CARES Act money by re- Wilkie said Thursday that the de- agency for its response to the but I think from a medical per- supplying and creating a stock of partment now has a steady supply single-patient rooms for those coronavirus pandemic and will spective, we’re still adequately personal protective equipment. of protective equipment. suffering from the coronavirus. need no more money in coming funded.” As some VA facilities began to The department has spent some The VA also wants to use the months, the chief financial officer As of Thursday, the depart- fill with coronavirus patients in of the CARES money on overtime CARES money to pay its private- said Thursday. ment reported 13,657 positive March, medical staff expressed for employees of the Veterans sector health care providers. The CFO Jon Rychalski, who testi- cases of the virus, and more than outrage over a lack of personal Benefits Office and hotel rooms department pays non-VA doctors fied before the House Committee 1,200 VA patients have died of the protective equipment, such as for VA medical workers who to treat VA patients. Rychalski on Appropriations, told lawmak- virus since mid-March. Some ex- masks. VA memos showed that didn’t want to risk exposing their said the department was looking ers the VA has spent about $2.3 perts have predicted new spikes the department had rationed its families to the virus, Rychalski at a $5 billion shortfall on those billion to date. Congress allo- in cases this fall. supply by limiting which employ- said. bills unless it’s given the author- cated $19.6 billion to the agency Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, ees were given respirator masks He said the low amount the VA through the CARES Act — a $2 questioned VA officials about and having workers reuse them. has spent is attributable to a slow ity to transfer money between trillion stimulus package ap- whether Congress should be con- Thousands of employees became federal procurement process and accounts. proved March 27. The depart- cerned about the department’s sick with the virus and 31 had an outdated accounting system [email protected] ment doesn’t need more funds in spending level. died as of Friday. that doesn’t show the amount Twitter: @nikkiwentling Sunday, May 31, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 7 VIRUS OUTBREAK Schools nationwide brace for budget cuts
Associated Press 19 has left America’s more than 13,000 were the best of bad options. Dycus said that saw teacher rallies, lawmakers last school systems wrestling with the likeli- board members didn’t want to raise prop- year approved a significant increase in ed- ATLANTA — It was during the Great hood of big budget cuts. In some, it already erty taxes because of residents’ economic ucation spending and 3% raises for teach- Recession when Catoosa County first shortened its school year, from 180 to 175 has spoiled dreams of expanded funding troubles. And Reese said it was important ers. Now they’re talking about a 4% budget instructional days, as it began years of fur- and teacher pay raises. Advocates are to avoid laying off employees because she cut before the current year is over, and loughs due to budget cuts. As a result of pushing for more federal aid to schools wants a full workforce when students re- another cut of 6% to 14% in the year begin- the coronavirus pandemic, the next school as researchers warn budget woes could turn to help them overcome this year’s lost ning July 1. That could mean giving up last year will be shorter still, with only 170 lead to massive teacher layoffs — and less instructional time. year’s hard-won gains and then some. classroom days. learning. “Right now we need every teacher and The National Education Association and The 10,000-student system in northern The cuts will add to the strain on districts every paraprofessional we can afford to be the American Federation of Teachers are Georgia will also be sending its 1,700 em- like Catoosa County that never recovered ready when the kids get here because there advocating for additional federal aid for ployees home for 10 unpaid days to help fully from the 2008 recession, which led to are going to be gaps,” Reese said. state budgets and education. Both backed make up a projected $12.6 million budget sharp staffing declines at American pub- Educators bracing for cuts include those the House Democrats’ $3 trillion relief gap. lic schools over a period of rising student who pushed for better wages and more proposal, an effort Senate Republicans “It was a great day when we didn’t have enrollment. school resources in a national groundswell and President Donald Trump dismissed as furloughs anymore,” Catoosa County With cuts expected to a budget that re- of activism that began with a 2018 teacher bloated when it passed on May 15. Superintendent Denia Reese said. “It’s lies on the state for over half its funding, walkout in West Virginia, a movement that AFT President Randi Weingarten said disheartening right now because I see it Reese and school board Chairman Don had roots in some states in austerity mea- schools will need more money, not less, happening again.” Dycus said the shortened year and ac- sures imposed during the last recession. to protect students and teachers from The financial crisis wrought by COVID- companying 5.5% reduction in teacher pay In Nevada, which was among the states COVID-19 and help students. Seas in Italy are testing cleaner amid lockdown Associated Press creasing the (human-caused pol- lution) burden” on the water, he FIUMICINO, Italy — Pollu- told The Associated Press. tion from human and agriculture There’s no indication seas will waste spilling into the seas off stay cleaner, since the lockdown Rome has decreased 30% dur- ing Italy’s coronavirus lockdown, is ending and any pollution re- preliminary results from a na- duction may be temporary. tionwide survey of seawater qual- But scientists around the world ity indicate. have documented some remark- Authorities stressed it was too able ecological changes as a re- soon to give the lockdown sole sult of travel ceasing, industrial credit for the change, saying that production in many countries shifting sea currents and limited grinding to a halt and people stay- rainfall in April and May also ing home. Air pollution is down could have been responsible for in some of the world’s smoggiest reduced runoff of livestock and cities, while wildlife such as coy- fertilizer waste. otes and boars have been seen in But Marco Lupo, director gen- urban areas. eral of the Lazio region’s environ- Off Italy’s coasts, which are mental agency, hypothesized that popular and occasionally pollut- the evaporation of tourism start- ed, there are visible effects of the DOMENICO STINELLIS/AP ing in March could have reduced lockdown. With the usually busy Gulf of Naples cleared of pleasure Italian environmental agency biologist Salvatore De Bonis shows how they perform tests on sea water the amount of sewage produced during an interview off Fiumicino, near Rome, earlier this month. by the 30 million tourists who boats, cargo and cruise ships, dol- normally visit Rome each year. phins usually only seen far out in Roberto Arciprete, a marine bi- a “photograph” of Italy’s seas. production sustainably and cre- In addition, the lockdown the Mediterranean flock close to ologist with Civitavecchia’s local Costa on April 15 tasked the Coast ate “a new normal that we know meant Italians couldn’t flock to shore. Jellyfish have been spotted their seaside vacation homes as in the empty canals of Venice. fishing cooperative, hypothesized Guard and other law enforcement is absolutely necessary,” he said. they normally would in spring, a During the lockdown, fisher- that the sharp reduction in mari- agencies to work with regional “This can give us a point of de- phenomenon that typically over- men are pulling in bigger hauls time traffic had resulted in more environmental authorities to take parture, actually a point of re-de- whelms local water treatment than usual off Rome’s main in- fish swimming closer to shore. water samples and monitor and parture,” he said in a statement. plants and results in increased dustrial port at Civitavecchia. Environment Minister Sergio assess changes in the seas off Ita- “This photograph will become pollutants spewing into the seas, In April, for example, fishermen Costa noted that the coronavirus ly’s 4,971 miles of coastline. the point of reference for the fu- Lupo said. pulled in 132,277 pounds of fish emergency, while tragic given The results will provide data ture controls of the seas, lakes “This year, coastal towns have compared with 114,640 pounds the loss of life, offered an unprec- and a baseline from which the and rivers, so that nature and our been much less populated, de- during the same month last year. edented opportunity to create country can reboot industrial country can be better cared for.” Trump, N.C. governor speak about Republican convention details
Associated Press being able to hold a large-scale event. called for more specifics beyond the safety many people would be inside the Spectrum The convention set to begin Aug. 24 is protocols that the GOP convention’s leaders Center nightly, and how social distancing RALEIGH, N.C. — President Donald Trump and North Carolina’s governor supposed to have events in Charlotte’s sent her in a letter on Thursday. Cooper’s would occur there. disagreed on Friday over the viability of a downtown sports arena, capped by Trump’s administration has wanted more planning Kelly and McDaniel wrote that they full-fledged Republican National Conven- nomination speech on the 27th. about public health and safety given the needed further direction and assurances tion, the governor’s office said, as Trump During the call, when Trump “insisted uncertainty COVID-19 has caused regard- from him by next Wednesday to move for- does not want to see signs of the pandemic on a full convention arena with no face ing commerce and movement restrictions. ward on a convention they said would bring in his renomination audience. coverings and no social distancing the gov- Cohen wrote Republican National Com- a massive economic boost to the city. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and ernor expressed concerns and suggested a mittee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and The Republican National Committee Trump spoke by phone, during which they scaled back event with fewer attendees,” convention CEO Marcia Lee Kelly asking declined to comment Friday night. Earlier discussed the scheduled August conven- Cooper spokeswoman Sadie Weiner wrote them to confirm whether Trump wanted Friday, McDaniel told a Charlotte radio tion in Charlotte, a Cooper spokeswoman in an email. “They agreed to continue talk- the convention’s final night to have “peo- station it appeared Cooper was dragging confirmed Friday night to the The Associ- ing about ways to have a safe convention in ple together in a crowd-like setting” and his feet on a decision and attributed it to ated Press. Trump this week threatened to Charlotte.” without social distancing or face masks for a “little bit of gamesmanship” and politics. move his formal renomination elsewhere if The conversation came hours after participants. Cooper is seeking reelection this fall in a he does not get guarantees by next week of Cooper’s health secretary, Mandy Cohen, Cohen also wanted numbers on how state Trump won in 2016. PAGE 8 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, May 31, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK ROUNDUP High Court rejects challenge to limits on church services Associated Press who was one of the first in line to get in. Fifteen minutes after WASHINGTON — A divided opening, nearly two dozen people Supreme Court on Friday re- were seated at the popular all out- jected an emergency appeal by a door facility. California church that challenged Washington remains an area of state limits on attendance at wor- concern in the pandemic. There ship services that have been im- were 263.2 new cases per 100,000 posed to contain the spread of the people in the District of Columbia coronavirus. over the past two weeks, which Over the dissent of the four ranks first in the country for new more conservative justices, Chief cases per capita. Justice John Roberts joined the court’s four liberals in turning away a request from the South Idaho Bay United Pentecostal Church BOISE — A southwestern Idaho in Chula Vista, Calif. , in the San newspaper on Friday said it will Diego area. file a lawsuit against the state De- The church argued that limits partment of Health and Welfare if on how many people can attend the agency doesn’t turn over the their services violate constitu- names of long-term care facili- tional guarantees of religious ties in the state with confirmed freedom and had been seeking or probable cases of COVID-19 /AP an order in time for services on among residents and staff. J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE Sunday. The church said it has The Idaho Statesman, through Christy Schlesinger, right, picks up a carryout dinner order in the Georgetown neighborhood of crowds of 200 to 300 people for its its attorney, sent a letter to the Washington, on Friday, as the District of Columbia loosens restrictions on restaurants that have been in services. agency contending the informa- place since March 25 because of the pandemic. Roberts wrote in a brief opin- tion should be made available ion that the restriction allowing under Idaho’s Public Records shops and hair and nail salons. prison. year’s gathering generated an es- churches to reopen at 25% of Act. The department said testing is timated $186 million in economic their capacity, with no more than The newspaper requested the Louisiana occurring at Caswell because 19 benefits for the Albuquerque area 100 worshipers at a time, “ap- information in a public records prisoners and 19 staff members and $6.5 million in tax revenues pear consistent” with the First request earlier this month. But NEW ORLEANS — New Or- there have now tested positive for the state. Amendment. Roberts said simi- the agency denied the request, leans will likely ease restrictions since mid-April. Sam Parks, the fiesta’s direc- lar or more severe limits apply saying it failed to meet the re- on gatherings and businesses tor of operations, said in a video to concerts, movies and sporting quirements of the public records more slowly than the rest of Loui- Nevada update that officials are consider- events “where large groups of siana as the fight against the new law. ing a few options and are hopeful people gather in close proximity coronavirus continues, a city RENO — A federal judge re- The newspaper’s attorney, they can find a way to let specta- for extended periods of time.” Debora Grasham, in the letter health official said Friday. jected a rural Nevada church’s tors through the gates in a safe Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote said the exemptions cited by the Gov. John Bel Edwards is ex- request Friday for an emergency way. But he also acknowledged in dissent that the restriction agency do not support denying pected to announce Monday injunction that would allow it that the plans have to be flexible “discriminates against places of the request. whether Louisiana will further to exceed Gov. Steve Sisolak’s worship and in favor of compa- The newspaper reported that ease restrictions when current 50-person cap on religious as state officials have said it’s un- rable secular businesses. Such through public records requests emergency orders expire June 5. gatherings. likely they will permit large gath- discrimination violates the First to local public health agencies But New Orleans — where huge Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley erings anytime soon. Amendment.” Kavanaugh point- and statements from facility own- Mardi Gras crowds in late Febru- filed a lawsuit against the gov- ed to supermarkets, restaurants, ers it confirmed the names of 14 ary are suspected of contributing ernor last week that argued the Wyoming hair salons, cannabis dispensaries of 22 facilities. to a deadly COVID-19 outbreak previous ban on religious gather- LARAMIE — Four room- and other businesses that are not The newspaper said that those — will likely move more slowly ings of more than 10 people was mates in Wyoming were charged subject to the same restrictions. 22 facilities had 273 virus cases than the state, city health depart- unconstitutional. Lower courts in California and 44 deaths. ment director Jennifer Avegno Sisolak raised the limit to 50 in criminal court on suspicion of had previously turned down the said. people under strict social dis- violating a quarantine order is- churches’ requests. Kentucky “New Orleans has to be more tancing guidelines when he an- sued because of their exposure to The court also rejected an ap- careful,” Avegno said during a nounced this week the reopening COVID-19, prosecutors said. peal from two churches in the FRANKFORT — Gov. Andy live-streamed news conference. of several business categories Albany County prosecutors Chicago area that objected to Beshear reported an upswing in “Because what happens region- previously considered non-essen- have said the four women were Gov. Jay Pritzker’s limit of 10 coronavirus cases across Ken- ally affects us more than it does tial. That cleared the way for ca- required under quarantine or- worshipers at religious services. tucky on Friday, but cautioned a lot of other places. Not just re- sinos to open June 4 for the first ders last week to remain home Before the court acted, Pritzker that it’s too soon to reach any con- gionally within Louisiana but re- time since mid-March. and avoid close contact with non- modified the restrictions to allow clusions about the sudden surge. gionally within the Gulf South.” Leaders of the Christian church household members, the Casper for up to 100 people at a time. The governor announced 283 One concern she cited were in Dayton, southeast of Reno, said Star-Tribune reported. more virus cases, increasing the large Memorial Day gatherings the new limit still violates their Under state law, criminal pros- DC statewide total to more than 9,460 along the Gulf Coast in Florida, religious freedoms protected ecution is allowed for anyone who cases since the pandemic began. Alabama and Mississippi that under the First Amendment. violates orders issued by state ep- WASHINGTON — As the na- Despite the one-day upswing, the might have involved New Orleans They said in motions seek- idemiologist Alexia Harrist and tion’s capital took the first tiny state averaged 158 new cases the residents. ing an emergency court order the state Department of Health. steps toward reopening Friday, past four days — a decline from late Thursday and again Friday All four women were recorded the continued threat of coronavi- recent weeks, he said. North Carolina they should be held to the same on video Tuesday at Lake Hattie rus was ever present. “I don’t want to jump to a con- standard as a host of businesses with an unidentified man after Showing IDs was not enough clusion about today’s numbers,” RALEIGH — Mass COVID-19 now allowed to operate at 50% of their quarantine order was is- at the Dacha Beer Garden in Beshear said. “We’ve got to admit testing began on Friday at a sec- capacity — not a 50-person cap sued, prosecutors said. Washington’s Shaw neighbor- that they are higher. But we also ond North Carolina state prison, — including restaurants, bars, They were each charged hood. Would-be customers had have to know that any average keeping to a policy of making gyms, pawn shops and tattoo Wednesday after allegedly leav- to answer a series of questions that we’ve seen over the last four, widespread diagnoses only when parlors. about any possible exposure or even more, days is on a decline. incremental case numbers for ing their property, although two to the COVID-19 and whether So let’s wait. Let’s see tomorrow. those behind bars warrant it. New Mexico of the filings say two of the four they themselves had shown any Let’s look at where we go into next Testing will be performed on roommates went to the same gro- symptoms. week and we can make a logical all 420 inmates at the medium-se- ALBUQUERQUE — Organiz- cery store on different days. “Please keep your mask on conclusion about what is or isn’t curity Caswell Correctional Cen- ers say it’s “full speed ahead” as Three of the women were stu- when you’re not dining and drink- going on.” ter, located 70 miles northwest of they plan for this year’s Albuquer- dents at the University of Wyo- ing,” hostess Amy Symonds told Tracking the trend in virus Raleigh near the Virginia border. que International Balloon Fiesta ming, prosecutors said. The the patrons, laying out a series cases is seen as crucial as Ken- Results from a private lab are ex- amid the coronavirus pandemic. university released a statement of rules and taking down every- tucky opens up for more activity, pected early next week, the De- Hosted by New Mexico’s larg- Thursday saying school officials one’s’ phone numbers before they as do many other states. Broad partment of Public Safety said in est city, the annual event usually are looking into whether the sus- were seated at socially-distanced swaths of Kentucky’s economy a news release. That will likely be draws hundreds of thousands of pected students visited any uni- tables. have reopened, including retail followed by separating those test- spectators and hot air ballooning versity facilities and would notify “It’s good to have some level of stores, construction, manufactur- ing positive in medical isolation teams from around the world for people with whom they could have normalcy again,” said Jeff Gullo, ing, dine-in restaurants, barber- and broad disinfecting within the nine days in early October. Last interacted. Sunday, May 31, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 9 NATION Biden ally says Klobuchar less likely for VP pick
BY ALAN FRAM nominee. Associated Press Before being elected to the Senate in 2006, Klobuchar, who WASHINGTON — Minne- is white, was prosecutor of Min- sota Sen. Amy Klobuchar seems nesota’s largest county, which in- a less likely choice to become cludes Minneapolis. Joe Biden’s running mate on his While Klobuchar was in that presidential ticket following this job, more than two dozen citizens week’s death of a black man in po- died during encounters with po- ROBERT COHEN, ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH/AP lice custody in Minneapolis, a key lice but none of the officers in- ally of the former vice president volved were criminally charged. A banner hangs on the side of the Planned Parenthood of St. Louis building, Friday. Missouri’s only said Friday. abortion clinic will be able to keep operating after a state government administrator decided Friday that Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., Most victims were people of the health department was wrong not to renew the license of the facility . told reporters that while he be- color, according to data compiled lieves Klobuchar is “absolutely” by Communities United Against qualified to be vice president, Police Brutality and news articles Decision allows Missouri’s only “This is very tough timing for reviewed by the AP. her.” An officer involved in one of Klobuchar, D-Minn., was a the past fatal incidents was Derek abortion clinic to remain open prosecutor years ago in the coun- Chauvin, who was arrested and ty that includes Minneapolis. As charged Friday in this week’s she was leaving the post to join death of Floyd. Chauvin was among six officers Associated Press But she said Missouri’s abortion March 2019 found that a woman the Senate, an officer involved in this week’s death of George Floyd who fired on and killed a man in laws continue to make it difficult had undergone an abortion that O’FALLON, Mo. — Missouri’s was involved in the death of an- 2006 who reportedly stabbed two for women seeking abortions. only abortion clinic will be able to took five attempts to complete. other man. The officer ultimately people and then aimed a shotgun National anti-abortion group keep operating after a state gov- William Koebel, director of the was not prosecuted. at police. The case went to the Susan B. Anthony List President ernment administrator decided section of the health department Clyburn, who said his view was grand jury after Klobuchar had Marjorie Dannenfelser slammed Friday that the health depart- responsible for abortion clinic li- his “gut feeling,” played a pivotal the decision. been elected to the Senate and ment was wrong not to renew the censing, testified that the clinic role in helping Biden become the “Unborn children and their had left the county attorney’s license of the Planned Parent- failed to provide a “complication party’s all-but-certain presiden- office. hood facility in St. Louis. mothers face dire health risks report.” tial nominee. Clyburn is the No. Klobuchar told MSNBC Friday Missouri Administrative Hear- — especially during a pan- That led the health department 3 House Democratic leader and that reports stating she had de- ing Commissioner Sreenivasa demic — so long as the St. Louis to launch an investigation of other Congress’ highest-ranking black clined the case involving Chauvin Rao Dandamudi’s decision means Planned Parenthood is permit- instances where women under- lawmaker. years ago were “absolutely Missouri will not become the first ted to remain open,” she said in went multiple procedures to com- On MSNBC, Biden said the ten- false.” state without a functioning abor- a statement. sions in Minnesota have “nothing plete an abortion, Koebel said. Klobuchar told the network tion clinic since 1974, the year The state refused to renew the to do with my running mate.” after the Supreme Court’s Roe v. license for Planned Parenthood’s The Administrative Hearing that during the years she led the Pressed on whether Floyd’s office, it was the practice to pres- Wade decision. St. Louis clinic in June 2019, after Commission agreed with the killing increases pressure to place ent police shooting cases to a “In over 4,000 abortions pro- an investigation turned up four health department that Planned an African American woman on grand jury to consider charges. vided since 2018, the Department instances of what the state called Parenthood should have filed a his ticket, Biden said he’s talked She said she now believes the has only identified two causes “failed abortions.” Planned Par- complication report for one of the about putting women of color on practice of asking a grand jury to to deny its license,” Dandamudi enthood officials contend the patients and should have docu- the Supreme Court and in his decide whether to charge officers wrote, adding that Planned Par- state “cherry-picked” a handful mented what it did to address the Cabinet. was wrong. enthood has “substantially com- of difficult cases out of thousands physician who missed that an- “And I also already said that When pressed late Friday on plied” with state law. of otherwise successful abortions. other woman was pregnant with there are women of color under the potential impact of Clyburn’s “Therefore, Planned Parent- They have accused the state of twins. consideration,” he said. hood is entitled to renewal of its using the licensing process as comments on her vice presiden- But Dandamudi wrote that Clyburn helped revive Biden’s abortion facility license,” Dan- a tool to end abortions in Mis- tial prospects, Klobuchar told those two cases were atypical: one badly flagging presidential cam- damudi wrote.” souri, a conservative state with paign earlier this year, lifting CNN, “I just can’t do politics woman’s uterus was unusually Yamelsie Rodriguez, president a decidedly anti-abortion gover- him to a decisive triumph in a tonight.” and CEO of Reproductive Health nor in Republican Mike Parson. shaped, and the woman pregnant South Carolina primary in which “I have so much respect for Services of Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthood’s challenge with twins was “morbidly obese,” large numbers of voters were Rep. Clyburn and in the end, Joe of the St. Louis Region, said in a led to an administrative hearing which can make diagnosis diffi- black. That fueled a Biden run to Biden was a great vice president,” statement that the ruling “is vin- in October. cult. He said those two violations a string of victories in other state she said. “He’s going to make dication for Planned Parenthood The wrangling over the license “did not constitute a substantial contests that resulted in his be- the best decision on whoever he and our patients who rely on us.” began after an investigator in failure.” coming the party’s presumptive wants to govern with.” Trump vetoes measure to overturn DeVos’ student loan policy
BY COLLIN BINKLEY March, dealing a rare rebuke of He added that DeVos’ policy from over.” The policy dates to the 1990s Associated Press DeVos from the Republican-led “strikes a better balance, protect- “President Trump sent a mes- but was expanded under Obama chamber. But Trump on Friday ing students’ rights to recover sage to the American people that to forgive loans for thousands of President Donald Trump on said DeVos’ rules are better than from schools that defraud them he cares more about enriching students who went to for-profit Friday vetoed a measure that an Obama-era policy that would while foreclosing frivolous law- predatory schools than protect- college chains that used false would have overturned a policy have been restored if the mea- suits that undermine higher edu- ing defrauded students and veter- claims to get them to enroll. that Education Secretary Betsy sure succeeded. cation and expose taxpayers to ans,” Lee said. DeVos’ 2019 update made it DeVos issued in 2019 making it In issuing his veto, Trump said needless loss.” The measure sought to strike harder for students to get their harder for students to get their the rules created by former Pres- Democrats condemned the down DeVos’ changes to a policy loans discharged by requir- loans erased after being misled ident Barack Obama “defined ed- move and promised a House vote known as borrower defense to ing them to prove their colleges by for-profit colleges. ucational fraud so broadly that it to override the veto. Rep. Susie repayment, which erases fed- knowingly misled them and The Senate gave final approv- t h r e atened to pa r a ly z e t he n at ion’s Lee, D-Nevada, who led the bill eral student loans for borrowers caused personal financial harm, al to the bipartisan measure in system of higher education.” in the House, said the fight is “far whose colleges commit fraud. among other changes. PAGE 10 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, May 31, 2020 NATION/WORLD Trump ends trade status, suspends visas for students
BY BEN FOX expect things to get better soon,” Associated Press said Dexter Tiff Roberts, an Asia expert at the Atlantic Council, WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has announced which publishes nonpartisan pol- that he would end Hong Kong’s icy analysis. special trade status and suspend Rep. Chris Smith, a New Jersey visas of Chinese graduate stu- Republican who is a commission- dents suspected of conducting er of the Congressional Executive research on behalf of their gov- Commission on China, praised ernment, escalating tensions with the decision on Hong Kong as an China that have surged during overdue response to the govern- the coronavirus pandemic. ment of President Xi Jinping for Trump also announced he was human rights abuses, including TARIQ QURESHI/AP cutting U.S. funding for the World Health Organization. Trump against religious minorities in the Farmers spray insecticide in a mango tree orchard in Muzaffargarh, Pakistan, Friday . Pakistani officials charged that the WHO didn’t re- Xinjiang region. say an outbreak of desert locusts is spreading across the country posing a threat to food security. spond adequately to the pandemic, “After years of human rights accusing the U.N. agency of being admonishment and cheap rheto- under China’s “total control.” ric devoid of any meaningful pen- Tensions over Hong Kong have alties, Xi has concluded that the Destructive locust plague sweeps increased over the past year as West is all talk, no action,” Smith China has cracked down on pro- said. “President Trump, however, testers and sought to exert more across Pakistani farms, orchards control over the former British is today beginning to change that territory. and is doing what previous presi- Associated Press Imam, national food security would eat if the locusts continued Trump said the administration dents have failed to do.” minister, said Friday. He said the unchecked. would begin eliminating the “full In an order released after the MULTAN, Pakistan — An inva- government will buy five more The National Disaster Manage- range” of agreements that had White House announcement, sion of locusts has spread across aircraft for spraying crops. ment Authority said resources given Hong Kong a relationship the president also said the U.S. Pakistan, officials said Friday, The insects have wreaked were being mobilized and opera- with the U.S. that mainland China would be suspending entry of causing damage to crops and havoc on swathes of farmland in tions were underway to curb the lacked, including exemptions orchards and posing a threat to Chinese graduate students who eastern Punjab, southern Sindh locust invasion. from controls on certain exports. are suspected of taking part in food security in an impoverished He said the State Department and southwestern Baluchistan In a statement, it said 1,150 an extensive government cam- Islamic nation already strug- province. They also attacked teams of experts have expanded would begin warning U.S. citi- paign to acquire trade knowledge gling to tackle a virus pandemic crops in the northwest bordering operations by spraying swarms zens of the threat of surveillance that has caused more than 1,300 Afghanistan. of desert locusts in 61 districts and arrest when visiting the city. and academic research for the deaths. The locusts have also brought across the country. Arrange- “China has replaced its prom- country’s military and industrial Massive swarms of the desert agricultural destruction to neigh- ments were also being made to ised formula of one country, two development. locust, which experts say origi- boring India, where critics point- combat another possible attack systems, with one country, one Allowing their continued entry nates in Africa and is the most ed the finger at Pakistan as a new of desert locusts expected in July system,” he said. to the country would be “detri- destructive of the locust species, breeding ground for the desert and August. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mental to the interests of the Unit- began damaging crops in Paki- locusts. Pakistani officials said Meanwhile, Pakistan has notified Congress on Wednesday ed States,” Trump said.
Kenyan cops: Kids killed because extremist father used them as shields
Associated Press sociated Press said an elite unit dered the suspect to open his rector of the rights group Haki More recently, police have went to the house of Mohamed house but he refused. Africa, said the wife was preg- been accused of killing at least NAIROBI, Kenya — Two chil- Mapenzi in Kibundani area of “As the officers were prepar- nant. She survived but the baby 18 people who violated a dusk-to- dren and their unborn sibling coastal Kwale County in search ing to break in, the suspect sud- died in the womb, Khalid said. dawn curfew the government has have been killed in a Kenyan po- of firearms Friday night. denly opened the door and threw He said a 3-year-old girl was also put in place to stop the spread of lice operation aimed at detaining The report said the unit had a grenade towards the officers, shot in the head. the coronavirus. their father, a human rights group been directed there by another slightly injuring one of them. This From his initial investigation, A vetting exercise to scrutinize said Saturday. Police, who called suspected member of al-Shabab, prompted the officers to open he said, police appear to have more than 100,000 officers that the man a suspected Islamic ex- based in neighboring Somalia. fire, fatally injuring him and two used excessive force. started in 2013 stopped without tremist with an al-Qaida linked Al-Shabab has been carrying out minors he was using as human Rights groups for years have explanation earlier this year after group, confirmed the children’s attacks inside Kenya since 2011 shields,” it said. The suspect’s alleged that Kenyan police rou- a new team of commissioners deaths and asserted they were in retaliation for Kenya’s troop wife and three other children sus- tinely kill suspects for various took office at the National Police used as “human shields.” presence in Somalia. tained injuries, the report said. reasons, including extortion, and Service Commission, which over- A police report seen by The As- The report says officers or- Hussein Khalid, executive di- to cover it up. sees police operations. Sunday, May 31, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 11 TRAVEL The wilderness awaits
PHOTOS BY ONDEVAN/TNS Florida couple’s camper vans rigged for comfort, isolation
BY TAYLOR DOLVEN Miami Herald his was to be the year of expansion to Orlando for Ondevan, a camper van rental dream-turned- business for Hallandale Beach, Fla., residents TOmar Bendezu, 34, and Haley Kirk, 28. “My plan was to have a proper location with someone helping me there part time,” Bendezu said. “I was plan- ning to add seven to eight campers this season. My plan Within a month, the camper van rental company was been able to keep their two employees working part-time, was to grow the fl eet and grow in the market coverage born. By the end of the year, their fl eet grew to three but with or without customers, they have to pay for auto and grow the business in general.” vans. Tourists from all over the world booked road insurance, parking rentals and administration fees that Those plans evaporated when the COVID-19 pandemic trips. Some stayed in Florida to explore the Everglades, add up quickly. So far, they’ve received a loan of $1,000 spurred travel restrictions in mid-March. Until then, beaches and natural springs. Others drove cross country from the Small Business Administration, and will be ap- around 95% of Ondevan’s customers were from outside to see the Grand Canyon. One couple in their 70s from proaching banks about private loans. Florida, many international. Kirk remembers the espe- Spain took an Ondevan all the way to Alaska and back. The couple had planned to move into a house they cially grim day that President Donald Trump announced With each trip came insight into Florida’s most remote bought last year, but instead they’ll remain in their one- U.S. airports would be closing to European travelers. paths. The couple put together a state map for tourists bedroom rental and continue renting out the house to “This is supposed to be the high season,” she said. “The based on feedback from customers about where the a tenant. It’s a small sacrifi ce compared to other small day after that, it was Omar just receiving call after call best natural attractions and bathrooms are located. By business owners who have fared far worse, they said. after call after call of people trying to fi gure out if they December 2019, the fl eet had grown to 11 vans, and the “When that travel mandate went down, especially could cancel their booking.” couple was able to hire two employees to handle bookings because most of the customers were international, that It was an abrupt blockade for the growing business and cleanings in between trips. was really scary,” Kirk said. “Right now we’re a little spawned over coffee at Moises Bakery in Hallandale Instead of expanding to Orlando, this year the couple optimistic. Right now we’ve gone through the worst of the Beach back in 2017, when Kirk and Bendezu were new- scrambled to reset their strategy. They settled on a policy terror.” lyweds. A stranger approached them and asked if they where customers could cancel and get a credit to re-book would like to buy her RV. their trip any time in the next two years, or receive a 50% Bendezu, who had always dreamed of being his own cash refund and use the other 50% as a credit toward boss, asked how much the camper van cost, thinking a trip in the next year. So far, it has worked, saving the maybe he could rent it out on Airbnb. “$5,000,” the company some money. But they’ve seen their bookings woman said. plummet. In April 2019, Bendezu they had an occupancy The only parking spot the couple had was in their rate of 82%. In April 2020, it was down to 10%. condo’s garage, so they regretfully turned the woman Normally, the vans rent for around $120 per day. Now, down. But it got them thinking. they are available for around $69 per day. “I remembered these types of campers in Australia Overnight, the company pivoted to focus on South that tourists were doing, and I thought, ‘why don’t I do Floridians, who are desperate for some travel after weeks that?’ ” he said. Where others may have seen an oversatu- of isolation, by offering a 30% discount. They launched rated market full of hotels, motels and vacation rentals, a new business offering camping gear rentals for people Bendezu and Kirk saw an opportunity in South Florida’s who may not have enough money to spend on a van and tourism scene: #VanLife. still want to get outdoors. They listed the company on a Bendezu contacted a friend who had a van for sale. It website promoting local businesses during the pandemic was in terrible shape — and just what he needed, he said. called Support Local Florida and tweaked the main “A really cheap van, so I could remake it.” messaging on their website, which now reads, “Let’s save He worked with a carpenter to tear out the van’s travel together, book your trip with a local business.” JOSE A. IGLESIAS, EL NUEVO HERALD/TNS insides and replace them with a retractable bed and Now all of their customers are from South Florida, kitchenette, perfect for road trips through the wilderness. most of them on long road trips while they can work Haley Kirk, left, and Omar Bendezu, owners of Ondevan, The couple went door to door to ask local business owners remotely. a company that provides camper vans to tourists to who had painted the murals on their walls. One of the “Many people didn’t know I existed,” said Bendezu. travel around the U.S., are pictured May 5, in Miami. artists, Muta, agreed to paint the couple’s fi rst van at a “They’re fi nding the company, they are excited by the live event in Wynwood, Fla., during Art Basel in 2017. photos. Now people have the time to do all these longs Top: One of the vans in Ondevan’s fleet in Miami. The couple landed on a name for the company: Onde- trips. All my customers are local.” The interior of the modified vans rented by Ondevan, van, a nod to Bendezu’s native Peru where Ondevan is If bookings remain this low for the rest of the year, the insets, offers a retractable bed and kitchenette to make slang for “¿A donde van?” (Where are you all going?). couple will need to reassess the business. So far they’ve camping more convenient and comfortable. PAGE 12 • S TARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, May 31, 2020 MUSIC
Brad Paisley recently wrote online with Country Music Hall of Famer “Whisperin’ ” Bill Anderson, inset.
Paisley photo: AP Anderson: Adkins Publicity
BY KRISTIN M. HALL Grammy-winning songwriter Associated Press and producer Shane McAnally, who has co-written hits like uring a recent “Body Like a Back Road” by Sam songwriting Hunt and “Space Cowboy” by session, singer- Kacey Musgraves, is less of a fan of Dsongwriters Sarah Loethen and video-call songwriting. Christoffer Wadensten pieced together Many songwriters going online “I have a hard time with it because I am the lyrics and melody of a song they were the kind of person who needs to feel the writing about the global pandemic. other person in the room and tap into their Loethen played the fi rst verse and energy,” said McAnally, who said he’s Wadensten, who performs under the artist to craft the next hit remotely been writing online with Brandy Clark. name Meadows, came up with a melody McAnally also said the sound quality on for the chorus on his acoustic guitar. to do long term. with Zoom or Skype to keep their musical video calls is lacking, and he fi nds himself But as Wadensten started to play, he “The only thing I really struggle with ideas fl owing. getting distracted easily when staring at realized that Loethen couldn’t see his is the timing difference, not really being “I actually love it, to be honest,” said a screen. fi ngers playing the chords. His guitar had able to play together,” said Loethen, of the Ross Copperman, a producer and writer “It’s hard for me to stay focused,” he fallen below the frame of his video screen, slight audio and video delay that comes in Nashville who has co-written 17 No. 1 said. “It feels very one dimensional.” so he raised his guitar and tried again. with most video conference call software. country hits, including his latest, “Nobody Country star Brad Paisley said he’s “Yes, that’s tasty!” Loethen responded “There’s sound cutting in from time to But You,” performed by Blake Shelton and been experimenting with online co-writ- after playing the melody herself many time and there might be some lag. It’s not Gwen Stefani. ing for a while. He even co-wrote his 2007 thousands of miles away. too bad.” “I have found that it works really good song “Online” over Skype. He said he This songwriting session spans two Luckily the two actually met in person if somebody has a studio that can make feels more dialed in when he’s online with continents. Loethen lives in Fayetteville, to co-write months before the pandemic tracks,” Copperman said from his home a co-writer. Ark., while Wadensten is in Örebro, through the songwriting residency pro- in Nashville. As a producer, too, he’s been “You’re focused,” Paisley said from Sweden. But like many songwriters and gram called House of Songs in Benton- using various iPhone apps and other tech- his home in Franklin, Tenn., where he artists confi ned to their homes during the ville, Ark., which has been helping to set nology that can be used at home to fi nish recently wrote online with Country Music pandemic, they are still collaborating with up more remote co-writing sessions with songs for upcoming albums. Hall of Famer “Whisperin’ ” Bill Ander- each other as technology allows. artists living in different locations during “Michael Hardy used, like, a headset son. “In writers sessions, there’s so much Remote songwriting during the pan- the pandemic. speaker microphone plugged into his that happens. There’s, like, small talk demic gives a creative outlet for many “I don’t generally do a lot of co-writes,” iPhone, and the vocal sounded incred- about family. You get distracted by a text.” writers and performers who can’t tour or Wadensten said. “I feel very good doing ible,” said Copperman. He said he’s been Paisley said that having his own record- record right now, but still need to exercise this with Sarah because I know a bit more trying to stay busy despite the slowdown ing studio at home has helped him stay their craft. Writers and artists are rely- how that works and how our chemistry in the music industry and has been work- productive at home during the stay-at- ing on technology to co-write and record is.” ing remotely with artists like Dustin home orders. He re-recorded parts of his songs remotely while many recording In Nashville, hit songwriters spend Lynch and Michael Ray. But he admits latest single, “No I In Beer,” at his home. studios were shuttered because of the hours every day writing with each other, that the attention that video calls require “I am trying to be creative,” Paisley spread of the new coronavirus around the sometimes at a house, or a publisher’s can be draining. said. “I’ve got nothing on my schedule world. But many say co-writing songs on- offi ce, or a recording studio. So when state “My attention is good for, like, an hour until 2021 at this point. I hope that’s not line requires a learning curve that can be and local offi cials started issuing stay-at- and half on Zoom, and then I just start true. I hope there’s some tour dates that technically challenging and also diffi cult home orders, the writers moved online kinda getting a headache,” he said. we still play this year.” Sunday, May 31, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 13 MUSIC REVIEWS Steve Earle & the Dukes Ghosts of West Virginia (New West) Contemplating the treacherous political landscape of West Vir- ginia, Steve Earle decided to build a bridge. The singer-songwriter known for his liberal views undertook a project that would speak for the other side on the issue of coal mining. Earle’s empathetic attempt to address the divide has resulted in one of his best albums: “Ghosts of West Virginia.” The set draws material from the 2010 Upper Big Branch mine explosion that killed 29 men. Earle wrote folk songs for a play about the disaster, and has used them as the foundation of a concept album that considers coal’s role in the life of West Virginians from their perspec- tive. Earle’s grunting, gravelly tenor is perfectly cast as he assesses the state’s mythology and geology. On the song “It’s About Blood,” a fanfare for the common man, Earle lists the victims of the 2010 tragedy, his voice more anguished with each name recited. “Black Lung” offers a nuanced, wrenching look at another aspect of the risky profession. “If I Could See Your Face Again” is a lament from a miner’s widow sung beautifully by Eleanor Whitmore, part of the crack quintet that provides Earle with mostly acoustic support in mono, reinforcing the rootsy vibe. There’s poetry in the simple observations of the songs, which are even more topical than Earle intended as his characters weigh the need to make money versus the risk of not being able to breathe. Sound familiar? — Steven Wine New West Associated Press
Indigo Girls Marshall Chapman Victor Wainwright and the Train Look Long (Rounder) Songs I Can’t Live Without (Tallgirl Records) Memphis Loud (Ruf) “Look Long” is the Indigo Girls’ fi rst studio album in fi ve As Marshall Chapman sings the great North Ameri- Here’s an hourlong set to help fi ll the void years, a passionate and tuneful collection on which the com- can songbook on her new album, the style of tunes created by all of those canceled summer music bined voices of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers sound as instinc- chosen is all over the map, probably because they came festivals. tive and magical as ever. from such diverse locales as New York, Tennessee, “Memphis Loud” was tracked live in the stu- Recorded in England at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, Detroit, Oklahoma and Canada. dio by Victor Wainwright and the Train, creat- it’s where they made 1999’s “Come On Now Social,” one of That’s part of the beauty to “Songs I Can’t Live ing a vibe suitable for a crowd enjoying a sunny, their most memorable albums. Without,” and Chapman makes them all her own. The lazy weekend afternoon, when time seems to This one forgoes the all-star guests, which then included Sh- South Carolina native, who lives in Nashville, covers slow down. eryl Crow and Garth Brooks, but it sees the return of producer- nine mostly familiar tunes so convincingly it’s easy to The Memphis-based Wainwright and his drummer John Reynolds and some of the excellent supporting envision her recording an entertaining set devoted to six-piece band are right for the job because players, like bassist Clare Kenny and keyboardist Carol Isaacs. any one of the composers. they serve up something for everyone with their With 11 songs covering themes from romance and parent- Leonard Cohen, for example, would be a good choice. rootsy, funky, well-cooked jam-band mix of ing to family memories, gun culture and gay identity, Ray and Chapman’s slight twang and thoughtful phrasing bring R&B, jazz and Americana. Infl uences run deep, Saliers do their best to rinse the salt out of a few wounds, gently out the wit in his “Tower of Song.” and piano man Wainwright even honors Little dress others and also attempt some preventive care. Her sultry alto is a fi ne match for Bob Seger’s road- Richard with his shouts of “Woo!” The yearning “Country Radio” is about “just a gay kid in a warrior narrative “Turn the Page.” “Everybody start a party,” Wainwright sings small town” who hears and loves the songs, even if the stories There are compelling performances of songs identi- on the opener “Mississippi,” and that sums up don’t quite fi t his identity. fi ed with Johnny Cash, Chet Baker, J.J. Cale, Bobby the mood. But there’s plenty of variety to the ar- “Feel This Way Again” and “Favorite Flavor” deal with the Charles and Elvis. The lean arrangements throughout rangements. “Walk the Walk” is fueled by joyful challenges of being a parent, the sweet harmonies and banjo benefi t from the work of guitarist Will Kimbrough, who syncopation, the witty “South End of a North of the former reminding of the Dixie Chicks, while the latter is masterfully creates appropriate atmospherics. Bound Mule” could be a country hit, and foggy a joyful pop tune with backing vocals from Lucy Wainwright The fi nale is the sauntering gospel of “He’s Got the Duke Ellington-style horns on the ballad “Sing” Roche. It’s a quirky creation, like a collaboration between fel- Whole World In His Hands,” with Chapman resur- suggest a product of the theater. low Georgians R.E.M. and the B-52s. recting a favorite from her childhood. She grew up Wainwright and the Train lose steam at the Indigo Girls are their most elemental and best on “Look to become a fi ne songwriter, but it’s her skills as a end with a dog song and a too-long gospel-style Long,” with Reynolds and the ace band sprucing up the tunes interpreter that make this album — her 14th — perhaps fi nale. But the rest of “Memphis Loud” deserves without breaking the duo’s foundational folk-rock mold. her best. an audience, even if it can’t be at a festival. — Pablo Gorondi — Steven Wine — Steven Wine Associated Press Associated Press Associated Press PAGE 14 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, May 31, 2020 BOOKS
iStock
Reflections of glory Author encourages readers to appreciate both the Louvre’s container and content
BY CHARLES TRUEHEART sprawling palace that became, Western civilization’s greatest in the world.” known artifact, the tiny Mona Special to The Washington Post off and on, the seat of the French art is singular in a reign better Here and throughout, Gardner Lisa (La Joconde), Gardner monarchy. remembered for the wholesale is intent on persuading us to see recalls that Leonardo da Vinci’s he Louvre is shuttered In whatever incarnation, the modernization of the Paris the Louvre for itself, to appreci- early-16th-century portrait now, empty of human- Louvre has always been inti- cityscape, which the emperor ate the container as much as the became the icon it is today only kind for the fi rst time in mately tied to the glorifi cation delegated to Baron Georges- Eu- content. in the late 19th century, and eight centuries. But in T of the French king and, before gene Haussmann. Most visitors to the Louvre ponders the peculiarity of its ce- a normal year, 10 million people and after royalty’s fi nal demise The contemporary visitor today do not come to admire its lebrity. He laments the diffi culty cross the threshold of the world’s in 1871, to the transcendent to the Louvre enters via the interiors but what those interiors of appreciating the painting from largest museum, one of the big- eminence of France. Yet as a Carrousel, through the late- contain. They are so eager to get a crowded distance and behind gest structures on the planet. residence it had to share the 20th-century glass pyramid of to the paintings on the second tinted bulletproof glass, but “the Theirs can be a bewildering, monarch’s affections with other, architect I.M. Pei. That once- fl oor that they most often ignore main impediment to appreciat- even forbidding, experience. The more sumptuous dwellings shocking addition and the radical the stairways that enable their ing Mona Lisa, oddly, is our Louvre’s 36,000 holdings, only (Amboise, Blois, Fontainebleau). reorientation of the whole mu- ascent. They are so dazzled by constant exposure to it. ... like a a 10th of which are on display, Louis XIV spent the fi rst decades seum created a new public nexus the masterpieces on the walls are chronologically diffuse and of his long reign enhancing and in a zone that was originally the that they miss the ceilings of dollar bill or an American fl ag, promiscuously inclusive. The investing in the Louvre, then Louvre’s unlovely backside. One those chambers, ceilings which, it is so familiar that we no longer building’s eccentric footprint abandoned it entirely for the casualty, for Gardner — who to the “period eye” of the Second see it.” and daunting size — its longest magnifi cent palace he built at admires the Pei — is the facade Empire, were among the crown- Gardner is keen to explore gallery is nearly a half-mile long Versailles, where he moved the few visitors today may see: the ing glories of the age. Every the “many lives” of his subtitle — may be why most visitors court. The Louvre stood idle one that faces east. Often called molecule of the Louvre’s Second and to point out all the ways the settle for paying their respects at and decaying for more than a the Colonnade, and in contrast Empire interiors feels charged Louvre even today remains a the fi ve stations of the cross: the century afterward. to the “drab adequacy” of the with meaning and formal con- work in progress and polyfunc- Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, The Louvre grew up and out facade facing the pyramid, this sequence, and each room is a tional. It had military uses from the Winged Victory of Samothra- (westward), not abstractly but eastern front is “as fi ne a piece of product of hundreds of discrete the outset and episodically into ce, “Liberty toward another magnifi cent pile, architecture, classical or other- acts of aesthetic judgment. recent times. It once housed (and Leading the the Palais des Tuileries. The mu- wise, as will be found anywhere As for the museum’s best- the king underwrote) many of People” and seum’s 1610 Grande Galerie — in the gift shop. Gardner’s words, “pharaonic in the artists and artisans whose In his cou- ambition and almost superhu- work would adorn the palace and rageous and man in scale” — was conceived museum. The French Ministry erudite new as a grand passageway to the of Finance occupied what is now book, “The Tuileries , home to the kings and the Richelieu wing, along rue de Louvre: The the Napoleons. In 1871, at the Rivoli, until 1993. Many Lives bloody end of Napoleon III’s rule, President Franc ois Mitter- of the World’s the angry citizens of the capi- rand, who served from 1981 to Most Famous tal burned the Tuileries to the 1995, masterminded the remake Museum,” ground, making it a “phantom of the complex, which created critic James Gardner is bold to limb,” today remembered by the underground one of the biggest take in, and take on, what few eponymous gardens that stretch retail malls, biggest convention mortals have the chance or the to the Place de la Concorde. centers and biggest parking stamina to do. Think of reading That bitter denouement of the garages in Paris. Gardner, bless this book as the full experience Second Empire does not dimin- his heart, does not overlook you are temporarily denied ish the Bonapartes’ contributions even the most prosaic of these. today, or may never have had the to the Louvre. Napoleon I was The twilit acres of subterranean energy to undertake. a prodigious looter of art and Alone among the greatest antiquities from every realm parking are “a stunning achieve- museums of the contemporary he conquered, of course, but ment, if not a thing of beauty,” he age, the Louvre was not built the credit for the great museum observes, and “can even be read as a museum. The foundations as we know it goes especially as a sly parody of the glitter- (unearthed only recently) date to his nephew Napoleon III, in iStock ing, sunlit splendor of the upper to the 12th-century fortress power from 1848 to 1870. His regions.” of that name, and upon them passionate reinvigoration of the Many visitors are so eager to admire the Louvre’s art and displays Open the book and enjoy the were erected over centuries a Louvre as a public showcase for that they fail to appreciate the building’s magnificent interior. visit. Sunday, May 31, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 15 CROSSWORD AND COMICS NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD
GUNSTON STREET RESULTS FOR ABOVE PUZZLE
“Gunston Street” is drawn by Basil Zaviski. Email him at [email protected], and online at gunstonstreet.com. PAGE 16 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, May 31, 2020 GADGETS & TECH Priced to sell GADGET WATCH Apple’s latest, the iPhone SE, is actually affordable
BY JIM ROSSMAN Internal storage starts at 64 gigabytes ($399), The Dallas Morning News with upgrade options for 128 GB ($449) or 256 GB ($549). ffordable isn’t exactly the fi rst word Doubling the storage to 128 GB for an extra that jumps to mind when I think about $50 is a no-brainer if you can afford it. Apple. The SE is water- and dust-resistant and can A This isn’t a complaint. Apple prod- survive a dunk into 5 feet of water for up to 30 ucts cost more than the competition, and I’m OK minutes. with that. The A13 Bionic CPU is Apple’s fastest-ever PELICAN/TNS But a few weeks ago, Apple did something it chip in a smartphone. The chip in the SE is The new Pelican Dayventure Tumblers are available in three sizes. doesn’t do very often — it released an affordable exactly the same as the iPhone 11. iPhone. The new iPhone SE starts at $399. Battery life in the SE is the same as the Some might even call it cheap. iPhone 8, which is up to 13 hours of video play- Never miss a beat with this Is it right for you? Could it be right for me? back. Let’s take a look. It has wireless charging and it can fast charge with an 18w USB adapter (sold separately) up to party-ready portable speaker Mom’s next phone 50% in 30 minutes. The SE measures 5.4 by 2.65 by 0.29 inches The iPhone SE should look really familiar BY GREGG ELLMAN built with a and weighs just 5.22 ounces. if you are an iPhone user. It shares the basic Tribune News Service shockproof iPhone body design Apple has used since 2014. The radios inside the SE are an upgrade. It rubber fi nish, It has a home button with a touch ID sensor, supports gigabit-class LTE, which means faster espite all the current and a built- pretty tall bezels above and below the screen data transfers from cell towers. virus- and quarantine- in carabi- and a glass back. It also has Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. related weirdness going ner keeps it The new SE is identical to the iPhone 8 on the The SE is a dual SIM phone, with one physical Don right now, we’re past within reach. outside, but inside, it has the A13 Bionic proces- SIM card and one eSIM. This means you can Memorial Day, so it’s unoffi cially The battery sor from Apple’s newest phone, the iPhone 11. have two phone numbers on the SE as long as summer. There are some great has 15,000 Yes, the same iPhone 11 that came out last one is an eSIM (electronic SIM). new gadgets to ensure that your mAh, making September with a starting price of $699. Cameras fun in the sun sounds perfect, is it ideal for up This means the iPhone SE will be a viable well charged and is well chilled. to eight extra /TNS phone for the next fi ve years or so. Apple describes the main camera in the SE as Ultimate Ears Hyperboom charges for MYCHARGE the “best single-camera system in an iPhone.” What I mean by viable is the SE will continue is party-ready with the most the average The SE has a single camera on the back with a The myCharge to be supported for iOS updates. powerful sound I’ve seen from a smartphone 12-megapixel sensor and a f/1.8 wide angle lens. Adventure H20 This is Apple’s second-generation iPhone SE. portable wireless speaker. battery ac- There is no optical zoom, but there is digital The fi rst SE was released in 2016. It had the With booming bass, the cording to myCharge. It can zoom up to 5x. party-happy speaker has a wide body of an iPhone 5S with the internal processor power wireless speakers, digital The front camera has a seven-megapixel sen- dynamic range to bring music to of the iPhone 6S. cameras, watches or anything sor. all ends of your party. The new iPhone SE is the perfect next phone else needing some power on the Because the SE has the A13 Bionic processor, The USB rechargeable 24-hour go. There’s 2 built-in USB ports for my parents. it can shoot portrait mode photos with the front battery charges in 2.6 hours and and 2.4A of output for power- My parents both carry the iPhone 6S, and my and back cameras. the Hyperboom has adaptive EQ hungry tablets. mom has been asking whether her phone was The SE also has next-generation Smart HDR, so it reads the environment and Other features include smart- due for an upgrade because her battery life was which is a mode that uses multiple exposures to automatically adjusts the sound getting shorter. create better tonal range. It also has auto image to fi ll any space. sense technology to ensure de- I replaced their batteries last year and it stabilization. With the latest vice compatibility and safe helped, but I suspect they are ready for an It can shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per Bluetooth, it can store cell for safe charging. upgrade. second, and you can capture 8 megapixel still and remember up to Online: mycharge. Specs photos while you are shooting 4K video. eight paired devices com; $59.99 so playlists can come Everything inside the iPhone SE should be fa- Conclusions from many sources. A Other great gadgets miliar, as the parts have been used before. This The fi rst thing I did when I unboxed the SE splash-proof IPX4 lets to round out the sum- is an off-the-shelf upgrade, which means Apple was take the SIM out of my XS Max and put it in it sit poolside, and the mer season include used parts it already had to make this phone to the SE to use as my daily phone. BOOM app lets you the Kanex GoBuddy+. keep costs down. Aside from having to retrain myself to use a customize the sound It’s a bottle opener Apple has been using robots at the iPhone fi ngerprint instead of my face to unlock and use and more. surrounded by a USB factories in China to make parts for the iPhone Apple Pay, I thought the SE was a great phone. A top sided one-touch cable with a standard USB-A port on one end 8 for many years, so those machines are long- But I’ve found I’m a screen size control button changes ULTIMATE EARS/TNS since paid for. Using them to keep snob. the music, controls and an Apple-certifi ed churning out parts for the iPhone I’m not sure I want to go back the volume and ac- The Ultimate Ears Lightning ChargeSync SE is very cheap for Apple. to using a phone with a smaller cesses music services. Hyperboom cable on the other. There are lots of new parts screen, but the experience of Covered ports include When the cable is inside, though, from the battery carrying the SE as my everyday a USB charge out, optical input, not needed, it tucks away in the to the CPU. Everything had to phone has been fl awless. It is fast aux input and power. perimeter of the opener. The be reconfi gured to fi t inside the and light and does everything I Online: ultimateears.com; tangle-free cable extends to 6 smaller case. need it to do. $399.99 inches and a carabiner clip is The display is a 4.7-inch Re- I do miss the zoom lens, but included for attaching to a belt or Portable power is a must for dina HD touch screen display. It for a phone that costs one-third backpack. any season, and there’s none is not an OLED screen like Apple of what I paid, I can over- Online: kanex.com; $3.99 look it. more ready for sand, water and uses on its newest iPhones, but adventures than the myCharge it’s still a great screen. I have a few friends who Pelican Products — yes, the don’t mind spending Adventure H20 15000 mAh same company that manufac- It has Touch ID, which is a portable charging battery. fi ngerprint sensor inside $1,000 and up on a new tures the world’s elite high-per- phone every year, but With an IP67 waterproof rat- formance protective cases — has the home button. I’d ing, it can withstand dirt and gotten really used to most of the people I launched a lineup of rugged know are looking to save dust and water to a using my face to un- and ready tumblers specially money. depth of 3 feet for lock my phone, but in designed to withstand the rigors For $400, this is the up to 30 minutes. this time of wearing of everyday life. iPhone I’m recom- The exterior is masks to the store, The new Pelican Dayventure mending for almost Tumblers are available in three I’m fi nding the Touch everyone, including my ID to be a better sizes, with a choice of fi ve colors wife and my parents. The Kanex (black, canyon red, pacifi c blue, (faster) way to Pros: Inexpensive, GoBuddy+ authenticate when seafoam and silver) with a sweat- fast, great camera /TNS I use Apple Pay. Kanex proof powder fi nish. Each will fi t Cons: Small screen 99% of all car cup holders and will keep your beverages hot or iStock cold. Online: pelican.com Sunday, May 31, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 17 AMERICAN ROUNDUP 3 orphaned grizzly cubs heading to zoo
GREAT FALLS — A MT trio of grizzly bear cubs whose mother was killed after attacking a hiker in Mon- tana have a new home at a zoo in Arizona, state and federal wild- life officials said. The bears will be placed at Bearizona Wildlife Park in Wil- liams, Ariz. The cubs’ mother was eutha- nized by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff, a day after it bit a hiker in the leg during a sur- prise encounter just south of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The hiker shot and injured the bear during the encounter. At the time, it wasn’t clear how many cubs she had. Police: Body kept in freezer for benefit check
DILLSBURG — A PA Pennsylvania woman was charged with hiding her ma- ternal grandmother’s remains in a freezer so the dead woman’s Social Security checks would continue. State police said they charged Cynthia Carolyn Black of York Haven with abuse of a corpse, theft and receiving stolen property. ERIC GAY/AP Police were summoned to a bank-owned home for sale in Dillsburg, to investigate skeletal Mask-osaurus remains in a white chest freezer. Investigators used DNA to A jogger runs past a mask-clad acrocanthosaurus at the Witte Museum in San Antonio . The museum has been closed due to the COVID-19 help determine that the remains, pandemic and reopened Saturday. which had been wrapped in a black trash bag, were those of after a turtle launched through THE CENSUS call of a submerged boat. Every- Glenora Reckord Delahay . the air and became lodged into one who was in the water was State police said Black, 61, told the windshield of a car they were The approximate number in acres of conservation land pulled to safety by others on a them she found her grandmother in. in the Panhandle that Florida has agreed to buy. Gov. pontoon who heard the calls for dead in their home in Ardmore Latonya Lark told WSAV-TV Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the $43 help. more than 16 years ago, but kept she was driving in Savannah when 17K million deal, the Tallahassee Democrat reported. “Invest- The driver of the 1974 Larsen her body in a basement freezer. she saw an object that looked like ment of Florida Forever funds in these communities will speedboat, a 35-year-old Hector She is alleged to have told in- a brick approaching her car. secure a linchpin for vital habitat in the Big Bend that connects state and federal vestigators she used the federal man, was trying to bring the boat Lark’s brother, Kevin Grant, lands in a ribbon of conservation,” The Nature Conservancy executive director Social Security payments to cover up to speed when there was a loud was in the passenger seat and Temperince Morgan said. The creeks, rivers and marshes feed the Ochlockonee noise at the rear, KSTP-TV re- the mortgage. Bay watershed and flow into Alligator Harbor, both crucial to the area’s seafood shielded his face as the animal ported. The outboard motor tore and tourism industries, as well as a number of endangered and rare species. Police arrest man after collided with the windshield and off from the transom. The motor sent shards of glass flying toward and a portion of the boat fell into explosives found in home him. Manuel Edgardo Zomora Tor- the lake, according to the sher- The turtle was taken to a Savan- 2 brothers arrested for iff’s office. At the time, the driver, HIGH POINT — A nah animal hospital for treatment res, 40, apologized to officers shot fired, machete when they arrested him , the Palm three other adults and four chil- NC North Carolina man is where it later died from its inju- in jail after explosive devices were Beach Post reported. dren were aboard. ries, the news outlet reported. found inside his apartment, ac- NASHUA — Two Boynton Beach police investi- The age of the boat and the ex- Lark said she thinks a car in cording to a police department. NH brothers were arrested gators said Zomora Torres wore cess weight of all the passengers High Point police Capt. C.B. front of her might have hit the following a disturbance involv- a camouflage bandana and blue were believed to contributors. O’Toole said an investigation turtle first, sending it flying into ing a large group of people at an gloves when he pointed a gun at began when movers working at their vehicle. apartment complex parking lot, a Sally’s Beauty Supply employee Baby beluga whale a High Point apartment called multiple gunshots and a machete, and took an undisclosed amount police about finding explosive de- Athletic trainer jailed police in New Hampshire said. of cash, the report said. born at aquarium vices, the High Point Enterprise for giving minors alcohol Police in Nashua said they ar- Zamora Torres sped away when reported. O’Toole said the de- rested Julio Santiago-Hernan- officers approached his vehicle at ATLANTA — The vices were homemade explosives, dez, 37, accusing him of shooting a red light, driving on the side- Georgia Aquarium in PLATTSMOUTH — A GA and investigators are trying to a gun 13 times near an occupied walk to get away, the report said. Atlanta announced the birth of its woman who worked as determine why the man had the NE vehicle and in the parking lot. No But officers boxed him in with newest beluga whale. an athletic trainer in eastern Ne- devices. one was hurt. their vehicles and arrested him Staff at the aquarium said braska was sentenced to 30 days Residents at the complex were Police also accused his brother, He told investigators he had the calf was born to 20-year-old in jail for giving alcohol to Platts- Adam Santiago-Hernandez, 34, of briefly evacuated while law been out of work for two months Whisper. mouth High School students. brandishing a machete, threaten- and needed money to feed his enforcement responded to the At birth, the newborn weighed scene, O’Toole said. No one was Ashley Torske, 27, of Bellevue, ing someone inside a vehicle and family, the report said. 174 pounds and measured 5 feet hurt, and no devices detonated. was sentenced in Cass County damaging it. Police found James Timothy after she pleaded guilty to a mis- 8 rescued after their and 4 inches long. After a long Steedman, 55, at a Greensboro demeanor count of contributing Police: Man says he boat sinks in lake labor, mother and calf are rest- motel and arrested him. to the delinquency of a minor, the stole to feed his family ing and bonding away from other Omaha World-Herald reported. beluga whales, according to the WILLMAR — Eight aquarium. Georgia Aquarium Woman, brother OK after In exchange for her plea, pros- BOYNTON BEACH — MN people were res- staff are keeping close watch over turtle hits car window ecutors dropped four counts of An unemployed Florida cued after their boat sank in Big FL the pair. procuring alcohol for a minor. man accused of robbing a beauty Kandiyohi Lake in west-central SAVANNAH — A Geor- Prosecutors said Torske admit- supply store told police he was Minnesota. The typical gestation period for GA gia woman and her ted to investigators that she had trying to get money to feed his The Kandiyohi County sheriff’s beluga whales is 15 to 16 months. brother were not seriously hurt given alcohol to minors. family, an arrest report said. office said authorities received a From wire reports PAGE 18 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, May 31, 2020 OPINION Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Sean Klimek, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander It’s no longer Trump’s economy, it’s COVID-19’s Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations BY KARL W. SMITH Biden — even as those same polls indicate Joshua M. Lashbrook, Pacific Chief of Staff Bloomberg Opinion they trust the Democratic challenger more when it comes to containing the spread of EDITORIAL or most of his presidency, Donald the virus. Trump’s hopes for reelection have That’s further evidence that voters don’t Terry Leonard, Editor depended almost entirely on the currently view the virus and the economy [email protected] Feconomy, particularly in the swing as related — and they may be even less Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor states that he narrowly won in 2016. They likely to do so come November. That has [email protected] still do — but now the state of the economy some Democratic operatives anxious about depends almost entirely on the course of the possibility of a “nightmare scenario” Managing Editor for Content Tina Croley, COVID-19. for Biden in the fall. [email protected] To be clear: There is no more important That seems unlikely. To the extent the Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation task facing the U.S. than bringing the pub- economic models of the election are still [email protected] lic-health crisis under control. The virus is valid, they suggest that what happens over still dangerous, and the priority should be the summer is more important than what Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital to minimize the loss of life. happens in the fall. Undecided voters don’t [email protected] JEFF CHIU/AP That said, there is no denying that one base their decision on the latest job num- of the major consequences of the corona- A man wearing a mask walks under a bers; they base it on how they feel about BUREAU STAFF virus is economic. And by the time voters Now Hiring sign at a CVS Pharmacy their own economic circumstances. There are making up their minds in late October, during the coronavirus outbreak in San is often a lag between the two. Europe/Mideast it’s highly likely that the economic effects Francisco this month. Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief When President George H.W. Bush lost [email protected] of the virus will be more salient than the reelection in 1992, for example, the unem- +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 public-health effects. (Indeed, that should disaster, the economy will be recovering ployment rate was actually falling (nearly be the hope.) — at least temporarily — at a breakneck half a percentage point between June and Pacific Voters have notoriously short atten- pace. October). Most voters, however, still viewed Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief [email protected] tion spans. The mistakes made in the ini- This doesn’t require any sort of rosy op- the economy as on a downward trajectory. +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 tial handling of the virus will be a distant timism about a V-shaped recovery. Even if Trump’s current high marks on the memory. Moreover, as the virus continues the economy regains only a fraction of the economy may reflect a similar sort of lag. Washington to sweep across the globe, it’s unlikely that jobs lost through the summer, the autumn Unemployment claims have skyrocketed in Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief the U.S. will be an outlier in terms of the may very well see “the best economic data the last few months, but for many the eco- [email protected] (+1)(202)886-0033 per-capita loss of life. we’ve seen in the history of this coun- nomic pain is only now beginning. If the Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News That implies that unless there is second try,” according to one of former President lag is still there in the fall, then the linger- [email protected] wave, the economy will once again be the Barack Obama’s economic advisers. ing economic damage from the pandemic dominant issue — and that opens up a sec- How will voters react? So far it seems may hurt the president’s chances more CIRCULATION ond set of questions. that their response is real, but muted. than any nascent recovery would help. On the one hand, even in the best-case Trump’s job approval on the economy has Mideast Karl W. Smith, a former assistant professor of Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager scenario, unemployment is still likely to be fallen significantly from its highs near economics at the University of North Carolina [email protected] high, probably in the double digits. As sav- the beginning of the year, but remains and founder of the blog Modeled Behavior, is vice [email protected] ings are exhausted, the economic pain for above water. Fascinatingly, several polls president for federal policy at the Tax Foundation. DSN (314)583-9111 This column does not necessarily reflect the many families will be getting more acute. have showed that voters trust Trump’s opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP Europe On the other hand, barring an absolute handling of the economy over that of Joe and its owners. Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager [email protected] [email protected] +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 Pacific Podcasters prefer their industry’s open architecture Mari Mori, [email protected] +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 BY HANK GREEN ators. And that should worry people in both cast “Meddling Adults” and historical Special to The Washington Post of those groups. dives like “You Must Remember This” are CONTACT US Ultimately, in the world of video, creators all the product of word-of-mouth market- odcasts are a lovely corner of the are beholden to YouTube’s goals and poli- ing and the hard work of small teams. Washington internet. A land where the human cies. When YouTube began showing a pref- But Spotify’s movement into the space tel: (+1)202.886.0003 voice rules and — magically, erence for longer videos in recent years, has been fast and furious. In 2019, Spoti- 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 Pthese days — it’s easier to relax that’s what creators started making. Many fy’s share of podcast listenership increased Reader letters and harder to get angry. The audiences people who made shorter content saw their from 20% to 34% in Germany, while Apple [email protected] seem happier, the communities, stronger. businesses simply disappear. Podcast’s share dropped from 45% to 36%. Podcasts, and the way they are distrib- In the ecosystem of YouTube, which There are reasons to expect that the Additional contacts uted, are extremely simple technologi- Google owns, tens of thousands of small trend won’t continue. stripes.com/contactus cally. Indeed, “RSS,” the feed protocol that businesses depend on the whims of one of First, Apple and Alphabet, the parent connects podcast apps to the audio files the largest companies in the world for both company of Google, both stand to be hurt OMBUDSMAN that they need, stands for “Really Simple audience and revenue. Like Facebook with if Spotify continues to make podcasts less Ernie Gates Syndication.” Instagram, Google’s YouTube stands be- convenient for people who bought into Though 37% of U.S. adults and teens now tween content creators and their audienc- their ecosystems. Each of those companies listen to podcasts monthly, the industry re- es, extracting value and exercising control The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow are sitting on more than $100 billion in of news and information, reporting any attempts by the mains relatively tiny as a business — with in a near monopoly. cash, enough to easily challenge (or even military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s about a million podcasters but short of a No such company exists in podcasting, acquire) Spotify. independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns billion dollars in annual ad sales. Maybe and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for fair- and one has to wonder: If that would be Apple, for its part, might be a reluctant ness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman because of this, podcasting has been also worse for creators and audiences, could it challenger. The company whose iPod welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted blissfully free of the deep-moated, mo- ever even happen? gave podcasting its name has long played by email at [email protected], or by phone at nopoly-chasing platforms that control so 202.886.0003. I think it could. People and organizations a strong role in keeping the ecosystem much of the video and text-based Internet. who create podcasts primarily want access open. With a lack of interest in advertising Anyone can put up a podcast, any applica- to audience and ways to make money. If models and strong interest in looking good, Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- tion can locate and download it. It’s a de- Spotify can leverage cheap capital to lock Apple has kept its hands off podcasting, days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday centralized, hacked together, open system a large audience into its ecosystem, pod- despite owning a patent that could, if en- through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and and, as podcaster and a listener, I think it casts would need to go there. And if the Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals forced, hobble the entire industry. postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send works perfectly. company gives some kind of preference The second reason Spotify might not address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, And so, of course, it looks like someone (whether revenue-sharing, promotion or succeed if it pursues a walled-garden strat- APO AP 96301-5002. wants to put it behind a wall. both) to podcasts that are exclusive to its This newspaper is authorized by the Department of egy: Many of the people who make and Defense for members of the military services overseas. Spotify, best known as a music-stream- platform (which would be perfectly legal), listen to podcasts respect, even treasure, However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, ing company, has spent more than $600 then listeners would be locked into their the industry’s open architecture. Podcast- and are not to be considered as the official views of, or million lately on acquisitions including ecosystems as well. endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspaper, ers often come from the world of public Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official chan- two podcast networks, Gimlet Media and When money, rather than innovation or media, and while some businesses are for nels and use appropriated funds for distribution to remote the Ringer, and Anchor, a tool that helps value, is your competitive advantage, that’s sale, some aren’t even businesses. Among locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. people create and upload their own pod- when things get boring and stagnant, and The appearance of advertising in this publication does many — though obviously not all — there is not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense casts. This month , Spotify paid (reported- monopolies take root. That would be great a strong ideological opposition to harming or Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. ly) more than $100 million to lock the “Joe for Spotify’s stock price (disclosure: I own the open nature of the podcast ecosystem. Products or services advertised shall be made available for Rogan Experience,” one of the most popu- stock in the company), but it would be ter- purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, Would that opposition be enough? Here’s lar podcasts in the world, into an exclusive religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical rible for the vibrant, weird, exciting world hoping. handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor multiyear license. of podcasts — which is far more than those of the purchaser, user or patron. My guess — and I’m hardly alone — is well-known journalism-oriented produc- Hank Green is the chief executive of the that Spotify wants to become to podcasts tions “Serial” and “The Daily.” Successful educational media company Complexly and the © Stars and Stripes 2020 author of the novel “An Absolutely Remarkable what YouTube is for video: simply, the de- audio dramas like the “Bright Sessions,” Thing” and its forthcoming sequel, “A Beautifully stripes.com fault platform for both listeners and cre- the conversational mystery-solving pod- Foolish Endeavor.” Sunday, May 31, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 19 PAGE 20 • S TARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, May 31, 2020 SCOREBOARD/SPORTS BRIEFS Briefl y Sports on AFN
Go to the American Forces Leagues press Congress for law Network website for the most up-to-date TV schedules. myafn.net Commissioners Deals want standard Friday’s transactions FOOTBALL National Football League for athletes’ CLEVELAND BROWNS — Hired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as Vice President of foot- ball operations, Ryan Grigson as Senior Advisor, Charles Wells as National Scout, compensation Josh Cox as Northwest Area Scout, Nate Sterkin as Lead Data Scientist, Andrew Jackson as Data Architect/Systems Developer, Kevin Lewis as Software De- Associated Press veloper. Promoted Glenn Cook as VP of Plyer Personnel, Ken Kovash as VP of Player Personnel Process and Develop- The Power Five conference ment, Andrew Healy as VP of Research commissioners are asking Con- and Strategy, Dan Saganey as Director of Player Personnel, Dave Giuliani as Direc- gress to move forward with tor Research and Strategy, Mike Cetta as Director of Scouting Research, Adam federal legislation regarding com- Al-Khayyal as Assistant Director of Pro pensation for college athletes. Personnel, Tyler Hamblin as Football Op- erations Coordinator, Zach Wigmore as The commissioners of the At- Scouting Research Coordinator, Megan lantic Coast Conference, Big Ten, Rock as Player Personnel Coordinator, Shaun Herock as National Scout, Colton Big 12, Pac-12 and Southeastern Chapple as Southeast Area Scout, Dan Conference sent a letter dated Zegers as Midwest Area Scout, Jimmy Noel as Northeast Area Scout, Branden May 23 to congressional leaders. Francis as Pro Scout, Rod Streater as The Associated Press obtained Scouting Assistant, Joe Dever as Scouting Assistant, Debra Kruszynski as Executive a copy of the letter Friday. Sta- Assistant Player Personnel/Coaching, dium, the online sports network, Bradley DeAngelis as Director Football Information Systems, Zach Zelinsky as first reported on the letter. Senior Software Developer. DENVER BRONCOS — Promoted Matt The letter was signed by John Russell as Vice President of Player Per- Swofford of the ACC, Bob Bowls- sonnel, Mark Thewes as Vice President of Football Operations and Compliance, by of the Big 12, Kevin Warren Tony Lazzaro as Senior Director of Foot- of the Big Ten, Larry Scott of the ball Technology and Research, Darren Mougey as Assistant Director of Col- Pac-12 and Greg Sankey of the MARK HUMPHREY/AP lege Scouting, Karl Schreiner as Director SEC. of Football Information Systems, Scott Flaska as Senior Manager of Football They encouraged federal law- The Power Five conference commissioners, including Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Operations, Richard Hildebrand as Se- makers to not wait for the NCAA Sankey, above, are asking Congress to move forward with federal legislation regarding compensation for nior Software Engineer, Emily Kuehler as Data Scientist. process to play out before pass- college athletes. They encouraged federal lawmakes not to wait for the NCAA process to play out. HOCKEY ing a national law that would set National Hockey League CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS — Agreed to parameters for college athletes to every game. A ballhawk, he led Fischer said the US Center tion in UAH history. UAH had terms with F Matej Chalupa on a two- be compensated for use of their year contract. the league in interceptions in for SafeSport’s investigation is announced the elimination of SOCCER names, images and likenesses. 1963 with nine, also making the regarding allegations that were hockey and men’s and women’s National Women’s Soccer League ORLANDO PRIDE — Hired Seb Hines as “I don’t think it’s indicative of Pro Bowl. made against Thomas Adrahtas, tennis amid the financial hit from an assistant coach. anything other than our belief that Chicago was 11-1-2 in that a youth hockey coach. The Ath- the coronavirus pandemic. the five of us bring substantial eq- championship season, winning letic reported in February that University President Darren Pro hockey uity to college athletics and that all eight games in which Taylor multiple players said Adrahtas Dawson committed university our brands are strong,” Bowlsby made an interception. had abused them. money to cover the balance of the said Friday during a conference The US Center for SafeSport NHL He also made the Pro Bowl in hockey team’s operations during call with reporters. 1968. The next year, he was dealt said in a statement that “con- the upcoming season. EASTERN CONFERENCE GP W L OT Pct GF GA Last month, the NCAA’s Board to San Francisco for guard How- sistent with best practices and Dawson says a new Hockey Ad- x-Boston 70 44 14 12 .714 227 174 of Governors signed off on rec- ard Mudd and spent 2 ½ seasons federal law, the Center does not visory Board will work with sup- x-Tampa Bay 70 43 21 6 .657 245 195 x-Washington 69 41 20 8 .652 240 215 ommendations that would make with the 49ers, then was Wash- discuss matters to protect the porters of the program and the x-Philadelphia 69 41 21 7 .645 232 19 6 it permissible for college athletes integrity of the process and the y-Pittsburgh 69 40 23 6 .623 224 196 ington’s free safety in 1972. The university to fund hockey after y-Carolina 68 38 25 5 .596 222 193 to make money for personal en- Redskins lost to Miami in the privacy of the parties and any po- next season. N.Y. Islanders y- 68 35 23 10 .588 192 193 dorsements, appearances and Super Bowl that season, with the tential witnesses.” y-Toronto 70 36 25 9 .579 238 227 sponsorship deals that are cur- y-Columbus 70 33 22 15 .579 180 187 Dolphins finishing off their per- A message was left by the AP Positive test disrupt y-Florida 69 35 26 8 .565 231 228 rently against the rules. The board seeking comment from Smith. y-N.Y. Rangers 70 37 28 5 .564 234 222 fect record. y-Montreal 71 31 31 9 .500 212 221 acted after California passed a In all, Taylor had 32 intercep- He told The Athletic through a Ukraine’s soccer restart law clearing the way for athlete tions, 23 with the Bears. He ran spokesperson earlier this month Buffalo 69 30 31 8 .493 195 217 compensation that takes effect in that “in my time as president of KYIV, Ukraine — The Ukrai- New Jersey 69 28 29 12 .493 189 230 back three for touchdowns and Ottawa 71 25 34 12 .437 191 243 2023; other states are moving to AHAI, there were no reports nian Premier League restarted Detroit 71 17 49 5 .275 145 267 also scored on a fumble return. Saturday but one game was called WESTERN CONFERENCE have laws take effect earlier than alleging misconduct by Tom GP W L OT Pct GF GA that, including Florida. Adrahtas.” off when an unspecified number x-St. Louis 71 42 19 10 .662 225 193 USA Hockey president of soccer players and staff tested x-Colorado 70 42 20 8 .657 237 191 The NCAA hopes to have leg- x-Vegas 71 39 24 8 .606 227 211 islative proposals crafted by No- positive for the coronavirus. x-Dallas 69 37 24 8 .594 180 177 facing investigations Alabama-Huntsville y-Edmonton 71 37 25 9 .585 225 217 vember and ready to be voted on The league said players and y-Nashville 69 35 26 8 .565 215 217 in January. Even with that, NCAA COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. hockey safe – for now staff from last-placed Karpaty y-Vancouver 69 36 27 6 .565 228 217 — USA Hockey president Jim Lviv had tested positive ahead y-Calgary 70 36 27 7 .564 210 215 leaders have acknowledged the HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Ala- y-Winnipeg 71 37 28 6 .563 216 203 need for congressional help and Smith is the subject of two investi- of Sunday’s match against y-Minnesota 69 35 27 7 .558 220 220 bama-Huntsville’s hockey pro- y-Arizona 70 33 29 8 .529 195 187 a national standard that would gations surrounding his tenure as gram has gotten a reprieve — for Mariupol. y-Chicago 70 32 30 8 .514 212 218 ward off a wave of state-level NIL the president of Amateur Hockey now. They aren’t showing symptoms Anaheim 71 29 33 9 .472 187 226 laws that are in the pipeline. Association Illinois. Athletic director Cade Smith and are in self-isolation, Karpaty Los Angeles 70 29 35 6 .457 178 212 USA Hockey spokesman Dave said, adding that the squad would San Jose 70 29 36 5 .450 182 226 said Friday that “numerous in- x-earned first-round playoff bye Former Bears great Fischer confirmed Friday that dividual donors” had combined undergo more testing Monday. y-earned playoff berth Taylor dies at 82 the organization has hired an to raise more than $500,000 this The league is playing its first independent investigator to look week to help save the program games since March 15, with AP sportlight Roosevelt Taylor, a star safety into Smith’s business dealings from the chopping block. Kolos and Desna kicking off the on the Chicago Bears’ 1963 NFL with AHAI. Fischer also said the Two other gifts of $125,000 opening match. May 31 championship team, has died. He US Center for SafeSport is inves- each from longtime support- There are nine rounds left. The 1938 — Henry Armstrong beats Barney Ross for the world welterweight title. was 82. tigating allegations that Smith ers Taso Sofikitis and Sheldon league is due to finish July 19 with 1942 — Sam Snead wins the PGA Cham- The team said he died Friday was aware of reported sexual Wolitski provided enough money a European qualification playoff pionship, beating Jim Turnesa in the final round 2 and 1. but did not provide details. misconduct by a coach and didn’t to allow the Chargers to continue following 10 days later. 1965 — Jim Clark becomes the first An All-Pro in 1963 when the take action against him during competing at the Division I level According to UEFA rankings, non-U.S. driver in 49 years to win the In- dianapolis 500. Bears won the title, Taylor played Smith’s tenure with AHAI. for the 2020-21 season. Ukraine is the second strongest 1987 — The Edmonton Oilers win their third Stanley Cup by beating the Phila- his first nine NFL seasons with The Athletic first reported on The $750,000 marks the larg- league in Europe now playing, delphia Flyers 3-1 in Game 7. Chicago, 1961-69, appearing in the two investigations. est athletic campaign contribu- behind Germany. Sunday, May 31, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 21 COLLEGES Title IX hampers cost-cutting measures Schools mulling eliminating certain sports must be compliant with law
BY AARON BEARD Established in 1972, Title IX Associated Press prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education pro- Financially challenged schools gram or activity receiving federal considering cutting sports in the funds, such as student financial wake of the coronavirus pandem- aid. It applies to sports by ensur- ic are making difficult decisions ing men and women have equita- of who gets to keep playing and ble participation opportunities, as who doesn’t. well as access to scholarships. The choices aren’t just about While schools are facing fi- money when they involve wom- nancial hardships, Boston-based en’s sports. And while Title IX attorney Janet P. Judge said doesn’t pre- that fact doesn’t nullify Title IX vent wom- responsibilities. en’s sports “Title IX still applies,” said from being Judge, who focuses on sports and eliminated, civil rights law. “It’s a federal law the federal that still applies. It’s not suspend- law is a huge ed because there are financial RICK OSENTOSKI/AP part of the challenges for the institutions.” conversa- Bowling Green’s Neil Lambert bats during a team’s game against Kent Sate on May 10, 2019 in Schools are reviewing guide- tions. Bowling Green, Ohio. Bowling Green recently announced that it is dropping baseball. lines with college athletics fac- “I wouldn’t say that ing an uncertain financial future and eight for women. “became even more clear” with tor John Currie noted that non- women’s Currie — including big-budget programs O’Brien said compliance can the pandemic. revenue sports frequently have sports are that rely on football as the rev- be measured in multiple ways, Later that month, Cincinnati athletes on partial scholarships, more at risk,” said attorney Tim- enue driver through lucrative including whether the overall eliminated a men’s soccer pro- meaning a team roster could othy J. O’Brien, who is based in TV deals and the ability to fund sports program’s gender break- gram in existence since 1973. have the equivalent of numer- Maine with a practice focused on lower-profile sports. There was down is proportionate to that of In May, Florida International ous athletes paying full tuition. employment and college sports also the hit from the cancellation the general student body. dissolved its men’s indoor track So cutting a sport might reduce law. “I would say that all sports of the NCAA Tournament, which “That’s really the focal point of and field program. Akron elimi- expenses for an athletics depart- in an economic downturn will be meant far less money distributed the analysis: what’s left, not what nated three sports — men’s cross ment yet cause a net revenue loss to Division I schools. scrutinized. But it should be done was eliminated,” O’Brien said. country, men’s golf and women’s for a school more broadly. O’Brien, who joined Judge in in a fair and equitable manner so Like O’Brien, Judge does not tennis — to save $4.4 million. It’s just one example, he said, co-authoring the NCAA gender at the end of the day the institu- believe women’s programs are at Bowling Green followed with the of detailed evaluations any school equity manual, said schools are tion is compliant with Title IX.” more risk because it “would be shutdown of baseball to reduce must make while also fulfilling “keenly aware” that decisions The civil rights law, which ap- difficult” for schools to comply the athletics department’s oper- its Title IX requirements. can’t be based solely on which plies to each gender, is credited with Title IX while widely cutting ating budget by $2 million. Meeting that threshold is not programs cost the most money women’s sports. So far, they’re Last week, Furman cut baseball with expanding women’s opportu- optional, though Currie noted a with the least return. That’s be- right; more men’s programs (16) and men’s lacrosse, while East nities and participation in sports. harsh reality: “Not every school With the shutdown of college cause any decision to cut sports have been cut than women’s Carolina eliminated four sports can be everything to everybody.” and professional sports in March can affect the “delicate balanc- (four) in Division I as of Tuesday, — men’s and women’s swimming “Allocation of resources is amid the pandemic, it’s unclear ing act” in complying with Title according to a count by The As- and diving, men’s and women’s among the most difficult deci- how many schools will be able IX when it comes to the school’s sociated Press. tennis — in a plan to save $4.9 to have sports on reopened cam- gender breakdown of athletes and Old Dominion said in early million. sions that leaders have to make, puses this fall. Some — including sports, he said. April it would discontinue wres- And Tuesday, Appalachian and the prioritization of how Appalachian State, Cincinnati, Still, it doesn’t mandate schools tling, saving about $1 million. State cut men’s soccer, men’s ten- they’re going to allocate those re- East Carolina, Furman and Old offer men’s and women’s pro- The school said that decision nis and men’s indoor track and sources,” Currie said. “Because Dominion — have already cut grams that are mirror images. As followed a six-month outside field in a plan to reduce the bud- there’s lots of great things we nonrevenue sports programs, but an example, NCAA guidelines re- study of its athletics program get by $5 million for the 2021 fis- could do. We can’t do everything, any move must ensure equitable quire Football Bowl Subdivision that included Title IX compli- cal year. if we want to do things in an ex- treatment of remaining men’s schools to sponsor at least 16 var- ance considerations, with athlet- There are other financial con- cellent fashion. ” and women’s athletics programs sity sports with a minimum of six ics director Camden Wood Selig siderations, too. AP sports writer Eric Olson in Omaha, to comply with Title IX. for men or mixed-gender teams, saying the decision to cut a sport Wake Forest athletics direc- Neb., contributed to this report. NCAA releases plan to help schools return athletes to campus
Associated Press last week to lift a moratorium on athletic Last week, Arkansas athletic director The NCAA released a long and detailed activities starting Monday. That cleared Hunter Yurachek said the school’s first plan Friday to help schools bring back ath- the way for voluntary workouts and train- wave of returning athletes will go through letes to campus during a pandemic. ing to begin at team facilities. “very robust” physical examinations and While schools will need to have testing Schools have already started putting screening, but only those who are symp- and surveillance plans in place, the guid- plans in place to test athletes, coaches and tomatic will be given a coronavirus test. ance does not recommend testing all ath- staff for coronavirus and implement social “If someone becomes positive the (an- letes upon arrival for COVID-19. distancing. The NCAA says its plan is of- swer) isn’t necessarily that you then have to “There’s not a universal, easy-fit guid- fered as guidance, consistent with federal test all of the really high-risk contacts, be- ance like that,” said Dr. Brian Hainline, and local public health guidelines. cause you can simply quarantine them all the chief medical officer for the NCAA. Shortly before the NCAA released its for two weeks and the problem is solved,” “Even when we speak with epidemiologist guidelines, the University of North Caroli- Hainline said. “So what we do is we set the who are doing mathematical modeling and na posted on social media its plan to bring standard of care. If there’s going to be an- so forth, we just aren’t there yet.” athletes back to campus. other standard of care, then it would need The Resocialization of Collegiate Sports: North Carolina said it plans to test all to involve testing.” ED REINKE/AP Action Plan Considerations was announced returning football and basketball players To effectively mitigate the spread of as schools across the country prepare for After releasing a detailed plan Friday and try to have players congregate in small the virus, testing needs to be combined the return of football players as early as on how to safely bring athletes back to groups. with quarantine, social distancing, wear- next week. Hainline said the latest guid- campus, one of the next steps for the “We will encourage all of the players ing masks and personal hygiene, Hainline ance was a more granular follow-up to the NCAA will be to come up with guidance to stay in their bubble and not be out with said. All of those become especially chal- three-phase recommendations handed for conducting practices and games with people that haven’t been tested, because lenging when managing teams in high-risk down May 1. social distancing and other mitigation it’s really important that we all go by this sports, such as football, basketball, hockey The NCAA’s Division I Council voted measures in place. protocol,” UNC coach Mack Brown said. and soccer. PAGE 22 •STARS AND STRIPES• Sunday, May 31, 2020 NBA No consensus on number of teams when play resumes
BY TIM REYNOLDS Associated Press The NBA Board of Governors met again without a consensus opinion emerging on how many teams should be back on the floor for the planned late-July resumption of the pandemic-interrupted season, three people familiar with details of the call said Friday. The people, speaking on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press be- cause no details of the call were publicly released, said Commissioner Adam Silver is still collecting information on multiple options ranging from 16 to 30 teams re- turning to action when the season begins again at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex near Orlando, Fla. One person said the idea of bringing back 20 teams — possibly a few more, but not all 30 — continues to resonate as the most likely scenario, as of now. Another plan discussed Friday, the person said, would bring any team within six games of a playoff spot back for the resumption of the season, a scenario where based on the NICK WASS/AP current standings 13 teams from the West- After missing the past 1 ½ years with two major injuries, Washington point guard John Wall says he is “110%” healthy and looking ern Conference and nine from the Eastern Conference would return. forward to getting back on the court for the Wizards next season. Silver, who has been closely working with the National Basketball Players As- sociation, has not revealed when or how a formal decision will ultimately be made. ESPN reported that the league is planning Wizards’ Wall ‘itching’ to return a Thursday vote to ratify whatever propos- al Silver recommends. Given the league’s known hope to be back on the court by the end of July, Sil- Washington PG claims full ver’s decision would likely have to come very soon. Not all team practice facilities recovery from Achillies injury have reopened for voluntary workouts, meaning there could be some players who BY HOWARD FENDRICH haven’t done any on-court work since the Associated Press league suspended the season on March 11 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. WASHINGTON — Washington Wizards Jared Dudley of the Los Angeles Lakers point guard John Wall declared himself wrote on Twitter that Silver has said the fully recovered after two operations that season could go into early October before sidelined him for the past 1 ½ years and finishing, and added that a later start to said he is “itching” to get back on the court next season gives “more time to (poten- next season. tially) have some sort of fans” back in the Speaking on a video call Tuesday to stands. discuss his “202 Assist” program to help The New York Knicks and Washington pay rent for people in the nation’s capital Wizards opened their facilities Friday for affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the first time since the shutdown started, Wall said he is “still taking my time at the and the Boston Celtics said they will do the rehab” and working to get himself “in the same on Monday. The only teams left at best shape possible.” this point without a known reopening plan “I’m 110%,” the five-time All-Star said. for their practice facilities are Detroit, San “I’m healthy.” Antonio and Golden State. He has not played in an NBA game since Teams that are open can have a maxi- December 2018. Surgery for bone spurs mum of four players in a facility simulta- in his left heel ended that season; while he neously at this point, with none of them was working his way back from that, he DAVID ZALUBOWSKI/AP allowed to work out together or even play 1-on-1. The belief has been that the league tore his left Achilles tendon and needed The Wizards were 24-40 and ninth in the Eastern Conference, 5 ½ games behind the another operation in 2019. will ramp up what’s allowed within the vol- team in the last playoff spot, the Orlando Magic, when play was halted. Washington untary workouts before setting a date for a That held Wall out for all of the current point guard John Wall, left, is eager to get back on the floor with backcourt mate training camp that would precede the re- season, which was suspended in March be- Bradley Beal, right, who was second in the league in scoring at 30.5 points per game. sumption of the season. cause of the coronavirus pandemic. Countless questions remain unanswered “I’m itching to get back out there,” he said, “how we have made changes in the has been working out at home. He uses an after the Board of Governors call, includ- said Tuesday. organization to prepare ourselves for next app the Wizards gave players with infor- ing the playoff format, if additional regu- When play was halted, the Wizards were season and see what we can do.” mation about weightlifting, rides his bike lar-season games — roughly 21% of the 24-40 and ninth in the Eastern Conference, He thinks NBA Commissioner Adam Sil- and works on shooting and ballhandling at league’s schedule remained when the sea- 5 ½ games behind the team in the last play- ver will put the safety of players and their a half-court he has at his house. son was stopped — would be played and if off spot, the Orlando Magic. Wall’s back- families first when deciding whether and “I understand how quickly this game so, how that schedule would work. court mate, shooting guard Bradley Beal, how to resume this season. can be taken away from you,” Wall said. “I Details of what the league’s testing was second in the league in scoring at 30.5 If that can’t be assured, Wall said, “I try to play through all injuries, because I plan would be are also somewhat unclear, points per game. think they’ll stop the season and prepare feel like, ‘If it ain’t broke, go play.’ For me, though it’s almost certain that any pro- “I’m just focused on getting back out for next year.” if you take all the money away, I’m still gram would involve all players and staff there and watching how Brad has devel- The Wizards’ practice facility is closed going to play the game the same way I do, being checked regularly and possibly even oped, how our team has developed,” Wall because of lockdown measures, so Wall because that’s how much I love it.” daily once the season resumes. Sunday, May 31, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 23 BASEBALL/NFL Revival: Smith has been arrested at least six times FROM BACK PAGE when McCarthy hired Jim Tom- Smith after San Francisco police sula as defensive line coach. Tom- issued an arrest warrant over al- sula was Smith’s position coach legations of domestic violence. A with the 49ers. plea agreement was reached in “His path to Dallas is special that case. and unique,” said McCarthy, who In all, Smith has been arrested faced Smith and San Francisco at least six times, with multiple four times in a span of two sea- drunken-driving charges. He sons as Green Bay’s coach. “I ob- avoided jail time in the domestic viously have great respect for him case by serving a 90-day sen- and what he’s done on the field. tence as part of his alcohol and And then obviously had a chance drug rehab. to witness what he’s done recent- The Cowboys took a chance on ly to put himself in this position. a pass rusher with a history of Very impressive young man.” domestic issues by signing Greg After going to the 49ers with the Hardy five years ago. That tu- seventh overall pick in the 2011 multuous 2015 season — Hardy’s draft, Smith set an NFL record last in the NFL — was difficult for with 33 ½ sacks in his first two Dallas. Smith sees a difference. seasons. San Francisco reached “If anybody is going to look the Super Bowl in his second deep, I never was physical with season, losing to Baltimore, and that woman,” Smith said. “And I played in the NFC champion- APRIL GAMIZ, THE MORNING CALL/TNS just want everybody to know that ship game each of his first three Coca-Cola Park may not host any Lehigh Valley IronPigs games this year if the season is canceled. I don’t stand for being physical years. with women. I’d like to make that Smith has just 5 ½ sacks since clear. that three-year run, and now “As far as what I can do is I faces the rare test of trying to be- can just continue to keep being come the player he was after four the person who I’ve become, and dormant seasons. He’s not think- MLB teams cut hundreds that’s somebody who I’m proud ing at all about how long those of, somebody that the Cowboys odds might be. thought it was good taking a “I still feel great. I still feel chance on and somebody that the young. I still move well,” Smith NFL thought was good taking a said. “I still have a great knowl- chance on.” edge of the game, if not a better of minor league players Before the Cowboys hired him, knowledge of the game. first-year coach Mike McCarthy “I know how to be a leader. I happened to meet Smith in a Los know how to win. And also just BY JAKE SEINER Angeles gym in December when everything I’ve gone through and Associated Press At least 16 teams pledge more stipends Smith was getting back in shape. been through in life, I feel I can NEW YORK — Major league The momentum for Smith’s be a source, people can talk to me teams have released hundreds NFL return with Dallas grew about whatever they need.” NEW YORK — At least 16 major end to the allowances. of young players with the minor league franchises have informed MLB suspended spring train- league season in doubt due to the minor leaguers they will continue ing and postponed the start of the coronavirus pandemic. to provide allowances after the minor league season in March due Over 200 players were cut Fri- May 31 expiration of Major League to the new coronavirus, leaving low- day and more than 400 have been Baseball’s policy guarantying those paid minor league players in a lurch. released over the past month ac- players $400 per week. The league launched a policy March cording to transactions posted at The Houston Astros, Miami Mar- 19 that provided most non-40- MiLB.com. lins, Minnesota Twins, San Diego man roster players signed to minor The start of the minor league Padres, Kansas City Royals and league deals with stipends through season was postponed in March Seattle Mariners are promising pay- April 8, and it later extended the and players were mostly sent ments through August, and the Los policy through May 31. home from spring training. While Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, The allowances were a pay raise Major League Baseball and the Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay for many players, with minimum players’ association are negotiat- Rays, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Ori- salaries ranging from $290 per ing terms to play big league ball oles, Atlanta Braves, San Francisco week at Class A to $502 per week this summer, it’s unlikely there Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks at Triple-A over the five-month will be minor league games. have pledged to do so through at season. Minor league players not on 40- least June. The White Sox are even MLB and the players’ associa- man rosters were promised $400 providing those stipends to 25 minor tion are negotiating terms to start per week through May 31 by a league players recently released. the major league season later in the policy drafted by MLB. The Philadelphia Phillies also summer, but it seems likely there At least 15 teams have prom- plan to continue allowances will not be a minor league season. ised to extend those allowances through June, but likely at a reduc- Some teams have reportedly begun through at least June, with Oak- tion from the $400 per week rate. to release players who aren’t top land the only club known to be The amount is to be determined, prospects and won’t figure into their ending its stipends at the end of the team said. 2020 MLB rosters. The White Sox May. Oakland said Tuesday it will sus- are the only club to say it will ex- The Chicago White Sox were pend pay for all minor leaguers at tend allowances to players recently among the clubs to make cuts, but the end of the month. The Athletics released. they will continue to pay $400 per are the only team to announce an — Jake Seiner, Associated Press week to the 25 players released last week. Kansas City general manager the growth of our game as 10- coaches. They’re college coaches. Dayton Moore said the Royals year, 15-year veteran players,” They’re scouts. They coach in will not release any minor leagu- Moore said. professional baseball. They’re ers amid the pandemic and will “They have as much opportu- growing the game constantly be- continue providing the $400 per nity to influence the growth of cause they’re so passionate about week allowances. our game as those individuals it.” “The minor-league player, the that play for a long time because Lower-level players were hit players that you’ll never know those are the individuals that go hardest by cuts, with at least 172 TONY AVELAR/AP about, the players that never get back into their communities and players released from the rookie- out of rookie ball or High-A, those teach the game. They work in level Gulf Coast, Arizona and Do- Aldon Smith was taken seventh overall in the 2011 NFL Draft and players have as much impact on academies. They’re junior college minican Summer Leagues. set a league record with 33 ½ sacks in his first two seasons. S TARS AND STRIPES Sunday, May 31, 2020 No consensus yet NBA still hasn’t settled on plan SPORTS for resuming season » Page 22
NFL Career revival Smith back after nearly five years
BY SCHUYLER DIXON Associated Press allas Cowboys defensive end Aldon Smith had already been suspended from the NFL several years when his ailing grandmother implored Dhim to change his life before she died of complications from Lou Gehrig’s disease. That conversation, and her death last year, were catalysts for Smith trying to get a handle on issues with alcohol, working his way into shape and earning reinstate- ment nearly five years after he was ban- ished for substance-abuse violations. “The way I look at where I am now to who I was in the past, I was a young 12- year-old or young teenage boy in a man’s body,” said Smith, who signed a one-year contract with the Cow- ‘ I still boys in April and was feel great. reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger I still feel Goodell last week. young. I “The way I handled those issues, life, was still move in that immature man- well. ’ ner. With the time I’ve had to work on myself, Aldon Smith it’s allowed and given Cowboys me the chance to grow defensive end into the man I am now. So the man on the inside fits how the man on the outside looks.” Smith’s grandmother couldn’t speak the last time he saw her because of the effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. But before ALS had taken her ability to speak, she told the grandson who had always looked up to her “just to do better,” as Smith recalled it. “That stuck with me,” he said. “That, her passing, with me being totally defeated and surrendering to the problem that I had with my drinking, I was ready to turn my life around.” The 30-year-old Smith last played in the NFL with Oakland in November 2015, when he was suspended for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. Before that, Smith was a rising star in San Francisco when his legal troubles began in 2013. TONY AVELAR/AP The Raiders still had his contractual rights two years ago before releasing The Raiders’ Aldon Smith cools off during a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 20, 2015 in Oakland, Calif. Smith, 30, hasn’t played in the NFL since November 2015, when he was suspended for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. SEE REVIVAL ON PAGE 23
NCAA releases plan to help athletes return to campus » Page 21