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Volume 78, No. 189 ©SS 2020 THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020 50¢/Free to Deployed Areas

Stepping back from the brink RELATED US assessment is that Iranian reprisal Iran ‘appears to be standing down’ In Irbil, residents after attack on bases, Trump says were warned deliberately missed American troops BY JENNIFER JACOBS BY COREY DICKSTEIN would not retaliate for the missile to stay indoors ing at unpopulated areas of the AND CAITLIN KENNEY strike. AND GLEN CAREY sprawling al Asad Air Base, be- ahead of strikes cause precision guided missiles Stars and Stripes The president also said no Bloomberg American troops were injured or Page 6 struck sandy areas, said one of WASHINGTON — President killed when Iran launched more Iran apparently intended to the officials, who spoke on con- Donald Trump said Iran “ap- than a dozen ballistic missiles in avoid U.S. casualties when it dition of anonymity because the pears to be standing down” after retaliation for the U.S. drone at- President Donald Trump launched more than a dozen mis- information wasn’t yet publicly launching a missile attack on tack that killed one of Iran’s top addresses the nation siles at U.S.-Iraqi airbases in announced. The absence of U.S. bases used by Americans in Iraq. military leaders. Wednesday from the White retaliation for an American air- casualties could mitigate the po- The development “is a good “I am pleased to inform you, House on the ballistic strike that killed a top Iranian tential for a dramatic escalation. thing for all parties concerned the American people should be missile strike that Iran general, according to U.S. officials The Islamic Revolutionary and a good thing for the world,” extremely grateful and happy no launched against Iraqi air with knowledge of the matter. Guard Corps claimed responsi- Trump said Wednesday, seem- Americans were harmed in last bases housing U.S. troops. U.S. assessments of the strikes bility for the barrage, which the ing to indicate the United States SEE ATTACK ON PAGE 6 EVAN VUCCI/AP indicate Iran may have been aim- SEE MISSED ON PAGE 7 PAGE 2 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, January 9, 2020 BUSINESS/WEATHER EXCHANGE RATES

Delta aims to make its app the latest travel concierge Military rates Switzerland (Franc)...... 0.9698 Euro costs (Jan. 9) ...... $1.1413 Thailand (Baht) ...... 30.37 Dollar buys (Jan. 9) ...... €0.8762 Turkey (Lira) ...... 5.9534 BY MARY SCHLANGENSTEIN notifications when their seat is gather on people’s lives. British pound (Jan. 9) ...... $1.35 (Military exchange rates are those Japanese yen (Jan. 9)...... 106.00 available to customers at military banking Bloomberg ready to board, Chief Executive The airline’s first step toward South Korean won (Jan. 9)...... 1,148.00 facilities in the country of issuance Officer Ed Bastian said at the the digital concierge will extend Commercial rates for Japan, South Korea, Germany, the Delta Air Lines Inc. is creat- Bahrain (Dinar) ...... 0.3770 Netherlands and the United Kingdom. For CES technology trade show in its existing partnership with on- Britain (Pound) ...... 1.3124 nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., ing its own version of a “digital Canada (Dollar) ...... 1.3018 purchasing British pounds in Germany), Las Vegas on Tuesday. line ride sharing company Lyft concierge” to tie customers more China (Yuan) ...... 6.9463 check with your local military banking He outlined the airline’s plan Inc. The Fly Delta app will link Denmark (Krone) ...... 6.7179 facility. Commercial rates are interbank tightly to the carrier for travel for expanding its technology plat- Egypt (Pound) ...... 16.0147 rates provided for reference when buying customers’ Delta SkyMiles and Euro ...... 1.1123/0.8990 currency. All figures are foreign currencies needs ranging from navigating form over the next few years to to one dollar, except for the British pound, Lyft accounts, making it easier to Hong Kong (Dollar) ...... 7.7747 traffic to booking a hotel. Hungary (Forint) ...... 297.93 which is represented in dollars-to-pound, improve operations and make life and the euro, which is dollars-to-euro.) An improved mobile app will earn miles during trips, Bastian Israel (Shekel) ...... 3.4655 easier for customers. In the pro- Japan (Yen) ...... 108.70 allow travelers to arrange rides cess, the carrier will go head-to- said. Other options being stud- Kuwait (Dinar) ...... 0.3033 INTEREST RATES to the airport, stay on top of ied include a dedicated premium Norway (Krone) ...... 8.8528 head with more entrenched travel Philippines (Peso)...... 50.71 Prime rate ...... 4.75 weather and traffic changes, get websites and have to grapple with Delta-Lyft service at the busiest Poland (Zloty) ...... 3.81 Discount rate ...... 2.25 customized directions through growing privacy concerns about U.S. airports, and the option of Saudi Arab (Riyal)...... 3.7562 Federal funds market rate ...... 1.55 Singapore (Dollar) ...... 1.3508 3-month bill ...... 1.52 unfamiliar airports and receive how companies use the data they paying for rides with SkyMiles. South Korea (Won) ...... 1,167.90 30-year bond ...... 2.30 WEATHER OUTLOOK THURSDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST THURSDAY IN EUROPE FRIDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 35/29 Kabul 37/17 Seoul 32/25 Baghdad 60/43 Kandahar 48/32 Osan Tokyo Mildenhall/ Drawsko 35/26 49/45 Lakenheath Pomorskie Busan 49/45 47/40 42/29 Iwakuni 49/44 Kuwait Bahrain Zagan Sasebo City 69/65 Brussels 46/41 Guam 64/56 44/40 Ramstein 52/43 83/79 Lajes, 54/50 Riyadh Doha Azores Stuttgart Pápa 68/54 71/57 63/59 50/41 38/31 Aviano/ Vicenza 45/33

Naples 53/41 Okinawa Morón 67/63 56/39 Sigonella Rota 53/32 The weather is provided by the Djibouti Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 82/72 57/44 52/48 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

T O D A Y IN STRIPES American Roundup ..... 10 Classified ...... 13 Comics ...... 15 Crossword ...... 15 Faces ...... 14 Opinion ...... 16 Sports ...... 17-24 Thursday, January 9, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 3 MILITARY Base not faulted on groundwater issues Tokyo : No evidence US caused contamination

BY SETH ROBSON compounds are widely used and under- AND HANA KUSUMOTO ground water flows are complex. Stars and Stripes The wells where the chemicals were de- tected do not supply drinking water, she YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — Contami- added. nated groundwater has been detected near “We couldn’t draw a conclusion that the home of U.S. Forces Japan in western it was or was not caused by Yokota Air Tokyo, but officials found no evidence the Base,” Kono said, noting that pollution was pollutants came from inside the base, a also detected in six other places that were Tokyo Metropolitan Government official not close to the base. said Wednesday. Tokyo officials hope to receive more de- Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and tails from the base to be able to determine perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) — syn- the pollution source, said the metropolitan thetic chemicals found in firefighting foam government’s director of military facilities and other products — were detected in two PHOTOS BY ETHAN VALETSKI/U.S. Army relations, Jun Sakurai. wells near the base during a survey from Sgt. Jeffrey Pettigrew, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, provides security during a simulated December 2018 to January 2019, said Aya U.S. forces in Japan haven’t used aque- attack at the Dragoon Ready exercise in Hohenfels, Germany, in November. The Kono, an official with the Tokyo Metropol- ous firefighting foam in training since regiment will soon be heading to Poland to take over a NATO mission. itan Government’s Bureau of Social Wel- 2016, said 374th Airlift Wing spokeswoman fare and Public Health. Kaori Matsukasa. The contamination was about 19 times The chemicals found in the wells have the level set by a U.S. drinking water been used for years in a variety of products 2nd Cav alry preparing health advisory, the Asahi newspaper re- such as carpets, clothing and paper pack- ported Monday. The U.S. Environmental aging for food and cookware to make them Protection Agency recommends limiting oil- and water-repellent, she added. the combined presence of PFOS and PFOA “U.S. Forces rigorously manage the for a return to Poland in water to 70 parts per trillion, according stored firefighting foam within U.S. facili- ties and areas, including Yokota Air Base,” BY IMMANUEL JOHNSON to a factsheet on the agency’s website. she said. Stars and Stripes Surveyors checked water for PFOS and PFOA at 61 sites in western Tokyo, includ- U.S. officials on Okinawa reported “min- GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — The 2nd ing spots near Yokota in the cities of Fussa, imal to no impact” on the environment Cavalry Regiment will take over NATO’s Tachikawa, Akishima and Musashimu- from the release of firefighting foam at mission in northeastern Poland this month, rayama, after reports that firefighting Marine Corps Air Station Futenma when in support of the alliance’s effort aimed at foam had leaked on the base between 2010 auxiliary power in an aircraft hangar was deterring Russian aggression. and 2017, Kono said. inadvertently switched on Dec. 5. The Vilseck, Germany-based unit will However, she said determining the ori- [email protected] send one infantry squadron with elements gin of the pollution is difficult since those Twitter: @SethRobson1 from regimental engineering and support squadrons, 2nd Cavalry spokeswoman Capt. Ellen Brabo said. Troops will be assigned to battle group Poland at the Bemowo Piskie Training Walmart to change policies Area in Orzyz, which is about 50 miles from the Russian military exclave of Ka- liningrad. The six-month rotation will after denying reservist a job begin Jan. 20. “[This] will give our soldiers a very BY JENNIFER H. SVAN ment, the complaint said. unique and important perspective with re- Stars and Stripes When the Department of Labor investi- gard to training and working alongside our gated Hunger’s claim, Kelsey told investi- allies,” said Capt. Michael Van Dyke, com- Walmart will revise its hiring policies gators that she did not recall speaking with mander of 2nd Cavalry’s Iron Troop. and pay an undisclosed amount of back Hunger, the complaint said. Russia “continues to foment instability wages to a Navy reservist who said the re- The lawsuit brought on Hunger’s behalf in Europe” where it has “significant con- tail giant refused to hire her three years says Walmart violated the 1994 Uniformed ventional and nuclear capabilities” and is a ago because of her military duties. Services Employment and Reemploy- threat to the United States and its interests, The changes and back pay are part of a the conservative Heritage Foundation said ment Rights Act. As part of the settlement, deal reached this week to settle a lawsuit Walmart will revise its hiring policies to in an annual report published last year. brought by the Department of Justice Civil prevent discrimination “based on their Since Russia’s 2014 military interven- Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Of- military service (including required mili- tion in Ukraine, U.S. Army Europe has fice on behalf of Petty Officer 3rd Class tary training obligations) or membership been rebuilding its forces on the Continent. The regiment is set for its fourth Lindsey Hunger, who said the retail giant in the uniformed services,” the Justice De- At the same time, NATO has made moves deployment and second command of the refused to hire her at a store in Grand Junc- partment said. designed to strengthen its eastern flank. NATO mission in Poland . tion, Colo., after she mentioned she would A key part of that effort was launching need time off for Navy duty. The retail chain also said it would pro- multinational battle groups in the Baltic While tensions with Iran have led to the Hunger said that when she applied in vide training “on employees’ and service states and Poland, which started in 2017. rapid mobilization of several Army units 2016 for a job, she told personnel coordina- members’ rights and obligations” under The U.S. leads the force in Poland. for deployments to the Middle East, some tor Kathleen Kelsey in a phone interview USERRA to staff in the store where Hun- The 2nd Cavalry transferred responsi- 2nd Cavalry soldiers say they are happy to that she would need two weeks off to com- ger was refused a job. bility for the mission to the 278th Tennes- be heading to Poland. plete her mandatory annual training, the “Walmart is one of the nation’s largest see National Guard in September 2018. “Other than leaving my wife behind, I court complaint said. employers and scores of dedicated service After a respite, 2nd Cavalry is set for its feel pretty good about going to Poland,” Kelsey “responded that summer was a members all across the United States will fourth deployment and second command Sgt. Devin McKenney, a team leader with busy time at Walmart, the store needed benefit from this settlement and Walmart’s of the NATO mission in Poland. the regiment. “It gives me the chance to someone who would be there, and that agreement to update its employment and “As a troop commander in this rotation, get closer to my men because the bonds Walmart could not support Hunger’s ab- training practices,” said Assistant Attor- my focus will be keeping my troop at the you make on deployments are the ones that sence for two weeks,” court documents ney General Eric Dreiband, of the Justice highest level of readiness while building are everlasting.” stated. Department’s Civil Rights Division. relationships with my NATO counter- [email protected] Hunger was not hired and Walmart [email protected] parts,” Van Dyke said. Twitter: Manny_Stripes never called her back to discuss employ- Twitter: @stripesktown PAGE 4 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, January 9, 2020 MILITARY Lockheed’s ’19 F-35 2 Afghan pilots killed in copter crash Associated Press man. The helicopter was en route reports did not indicate it was from the provincial capital, the caused by enemy fire, though KABUL, Afghanistan — An Af- city of Farah, to the district head- the Taliban claimed to have shot ghan military helicopter crashed quarters when it went down, he down the helicopter — a claim the production exceeds on Wednesday in the country’s said, adding that a technical prob- U.S military dismissed as false. western Farah province, killing lem cause the crash. An investi- The month before, at least the two pilots on board, a defense gation was underway. seven Afghan army personnel ministry official said. In November, two U.S. service and crew died when their heli- The Mi-35 chopper crashed members were killed when their copter crashed in northern Balkh goals, lowers costs around 11 a.m. in the district of helicopter crashed in eastern province. The cause of the crash Pur Chaman, said Rohullah Ah- Logar province. The U.S. mili- at the time was said to be a tech- The Dallas Morning News Worth, Texas, assembly plant . madzai, the ministry’s spokes- tary at the time said preliminary nical problem. The 134th aircraft is an F-35B, Lockheed Martin is making a variant that specializes in short good on its commitments to the takeoffs and vertical landings, U.S. military and other custom- that was delivered to the U.S. Ma- Prosecutors: Ex-Marine bypassed checkpoint ers, delivering more F-35 aircraft rine Corps. The program has pro- than originally planned, accord- duced a total of 490 aircraft and ing to a release Monday. Associated Press licopter squadron, and presented reported. surpassed 240,000 cumulative a credential with Marine Corps Magnan was charged with The defense and aerospace flight hours, according to Lock- WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. company delivered its 134th F-35 seals, the document said. false presentation of an officer or heed Martin. — A Florida man who was dis- Authorities said Magnan employee of the United States and aircraft of 2019 Monday, exceed- The defense company says it honorably discharged from the ing its joint government and in- gained access to Atlantic Avia- faces up to three years in prison lowered the cost of an F-35A to U.S. Marine Corps for sex of- tion, where a deputy asked to see and a fine of $250,000. He bonded dustry commitment of 131 for the $77.9 million, meeting a goal set fenses was arrested Sunday after his credentials. He recognized out of jail on Monday. year. The 134 aircraft delivered with the Pentagon to cut costs he lied to get past presidential that Magnan wasn’t wearing a Court records show that Mag- in 2019 is a 47% increase over below $80 million a year early. checkpoints at Palm Beach Inter- Marine uniform, which is typi- nan held parties at an off-base production in 2018, according to Lockheed Martin has been national Airport an hour before cal attire for presidential travel, residence and provided alcohol Lockheed Martin. under pressure to increase the President Donald Trump was set court records said. to underage people. During the “We have met our annual deliv- program’s efficiency since costs to depart, federal officials said. The Palm Beach Post reported court-martial, three lance cor- ery targets three years in a row and complications began to raise Brand Mark Magnan, 37, of that the deputy contacted some- porals testified that after falling and continue to increase produc- concern at the start of the decade. Naples, passed two checkpoints one in the squadron, who said asleep at Magnan’s house or a tion rates, improve efficiencies The program is expected to cost typically manned by U.S. Secret Magnan’s credentials were fake. hotel room, they woke up to ei- and reduce costs,” Lockheed taxpayers more than $1 trillion Service and Palm Beach County Magnan then told deputies he was ther find their pants had been Martin vice president and gener- over its lifespan. Sheriff’s deputies, according to a a retired member of the squad- removed or Magnan was sexually al manager of the F-35 program In 2019, Lockheed Martin de- complaint filed in federal court. ron. A search in the FBI crime assaulting them. His convictions Greg Ulmer said in a statement. livered 81 of the fighter jets for Magnan and a passenger were in database then found that Mag- included abusive sexual conduct, The jets — the company’s larg- the U.S., 30 for international part- a maroon Honda Pilot. nan was dishonorably discharged wrongful sexual contact, forcible est source of profit — are manu- ners and 23 for foreign military Magnan identified himself as a after being court-martialed for sodomy and assault. He is regis- factured at Lockheed’s Fort customers. member of the Marine Corps he- “serious offenses,” the newspaper tered as a sex offender. Thursday, January 9, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 5 PACIFIC Civilian’s death in South Korea highlights challenges

BY KIM GAMEL 80% of the in Seoul after most troops and child care facility on Yongsan, AND YOO KYONG CHANG cost, but it In case of emergency those who work with them moved a sprawling Army base that is Stars and Stripes took time to Emergency contact information provided by Yong- south to the newly expanded closing. process the san Garrison, which is now considered a TRICARE Camp Humphreys. He had been connected to the SEOUL, South Korea — An Al- remote site. Nearby military medical care is avail- claim. able at the K-16 base near Yongsan, Camp Casey, The U.S. military’s Brian All- base since his own childhood, abama couple was locked in a web “This Osan Air Base and Camp Humphreys. good Army Community Hospital having graduated from the now- of bureaucracy as they fought for was like 3 Cellphone number for Yongsan Fire Department: on Yongsan closed in November, defunct Seoul American High a week to retrieve their son’s body o’clock in 0503-323-9111 handing the reins to a namesake School while his father was sta- DSN: 911 after he died Jan. 2 in a South Ko- the morning facility at Humphreys and leaving tioned on Yongsan. rean hospital, leaving a $24,000 Local emergency number: 119 and they’re The Brian Allgood Army Community Hospital at many employees largely depen- The family returned to the bill for his care. Humphreys also has an app that provides emer- asking me dent on the South Korean health United States in 2014, but the Gregory Allen, 31, a civilian em- for $21,000,” Allen gency numbers, information about South Korean hospitals and other information. care system. younger Allen returned to South ployee at the Child Development Gregory’s Many local hospitals have in- Korea to work at the Child Devel- Center on the Army’s Yongsan father told Stars and Stripes in an ternational departments that opment Center in 2016. Garrison, died during open-heart interview Tuesday. “Now they’re it collected the body on Wednes- provide translation and other “Greg was a big guy and he did surgery after he arrived Dec. 30 charging 90,000 won (about $80) day, although it was unclear when services for foreigners, but few a lot of weightlifting and things at Soon Chun Hyang University every day that he’s sitting in that it would be flown home. can process claims for American like that, but he was so gentle with hospital in Seoul in a disoriented freezer in that hospital until that Gregory Allen was “groggy insurance companies, requiring the children,” said facility direc- state. $21,000 is paid off.” and semiconscious” when he patients to pay up front, then file Allen’s parents flew to Seoul as He said it was also a fight to showed up at the emergency for reimbursement. tor Tamar Taylor. “Somehow soon as they heard Gregory had obtain a copy of Gregory’s death room on Dec. 30, the hospital offi- Military officials have held town he could gather all the children fallen ill and found him on Jan. certificate, which was needed to cial said, speaking on condition of hall-style meetings and circulated around and they would just come 1 in the intensive care unit. The file the insurance claim. anonymity. Allen also kept saying telephone numbers to inform the to him. Even the parents say that official cause of death was pulmo- A senior hospital official denied that he wanted to go to the U.S. Yongsan community about health he was one of the best caregivers nary embolism, his parents said. the body was held for payment, military hospital but ended up at care options, but confusion can and teachers that they had.” “We were shocked,” said his saying the process was slowed by Soon Chun Hyang, which is near still occur with translation issues Gregory Allen was in South father, Leroy Allen Jr., a retired a weekend and the need to com- Yongsan. The hospital at Yongsan and misunderstandings. Korea under the status of forces soldier from Madison, Ala., who plete administrative paperwork. garrison has been closed due to A friend started a GoFundMe agreement that governs the rela- had served in South Korea. He said the parents and their relocation of the base personnel. page that has raised more than tionship between South Korea and He and his wife, Margie, had representatives “never ever told South Koreans are usually cov- $9,000 to help the Allen family U.S. forces, dependents and civil- little time to grieve. They said our hospital ‘please turn his body ered by a national insurance plan, with expenses . ian employees stationed there. hospital officials handed them over to us.’ ” but foreigners without local cov- “We’re overwhelmed with the But, his father said, he was a the bill and demanded payment The insurance money had been erage must pay up front and file a amount of help that we’re getting non appropriated fund employee before Gregory’s body would be deposited and other issues had claim to be reimbursed. with this financial burden that and didn’t enjoy the same benefits released. been resolved by Wednesday, he The case underscores the was thrown on us at the last min- as soldiers. They gave the hospital $3,000 said. health care challenges facing ute,” his father said. [email protected] but didn’t have the rest. Gregory The Defense Department’s Americans who work for the De- Gregory Allen was a child and Twitter: @kimgamel Allen’s insurance policy covered mortuary affairs team confirmed fense Department but remained youth program assistant at the [email protected] PAGE 6 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, January 9, 2020 MIDEAST After missile scare, Irbil balances fear, hope

BY CHAD GARLAND Others expressed a mix of relief and Stars and Stripes worry. Dheaa Najm, 29, a security guard, said IRBIL, Iraq — The neighborhoods near he was hopeful for de-escalation but feared the U.S. Consulate in Kurdistan’s capital that instability would dissuade foreign had some warning of danger, even if it investment. wasn’t yet clear that Iranian missiles were “Kurdistan is safe,” Najm said, “[but] we on their way. don’t know what is going to happen next.” Before the attack, from after midnight Though ISIS was repelled from Kurd- until about 1:30 a.m., a loudspeaker warned istan in late 2014, the region suffered eco- residents to stay indoors and away from nomic woes during the conflict and a worse their windows. downturn after the Kurds approved a Sep- At about 2 a.m, a pair of blasts from Ira- tember 2017 referendum seeking indepen- nian ballistic missiles shook the windows dence from Iraq. Things have only recently of hotels near the international airport, started to improve, Gabbarah said. after which many said they heard military Gabbarah and two of his friends drank helicopters flying over the city. tea and chatted about what they believed Five projectiles struck the Kurdish re- was an attempt by Iran to show strength gion, Iraq’s security media cell reported to its citizens, after a brutal crackdown on Wednesday morning. Another 17 fell on Al protests there in recent months. Asad Air Base in western Anbar province, including two that did not reach their tar- The three gray-haired men, who lived get and fell near Hit. through their homeland’s many recent The streets of Irbil, a city of more than conflicts, offered their thoughts into the /Stars and Stripes 1 million people, were noticeably empty CHAD GARLAND latest dust-up. “It’s like a game,” said Gabbarah, ex- throughout the day after the missiles Residents in Irbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan region, appeared to stay home plaining that each side knows the limits of struck. Residents were staying home out of Wednesday out of fear of additional Iranian missile strikes, said a traffic officer who how far they could push, and would go no fear of additional strikes, said a traffic offi- declined to be named. cer in the suburb of Ankawa, who declined further. Though the U.S. could strike a crip- to be named. awaited a televised statement from Trump, U.S. military is stationed sustained minor pling blow, that wouldn’t be necessary, he Some here believed Iran’s strike was anxious that his response would involve damage. purposely weak and meant to be symbolic. strikes and further escalation. One guest “Iran appears to be standing down, argued. Others suspected that Tehran intentionally showed his friend an internet meme her- which is a good thing for all parties con- Like Iraq, which has been gripped by re- sent duds to avoid significant bloodshed out alding the start of World War III. cerned and a good thing for the world,” form-focused protests since October, Iran of fear of the American response. Gabbarah was hopeful the American Trump said. could be primed for social change driven “Twenty-two rockets, nothing hap- president would show restraint, he said. Trump noted that an early warning sys- by citizens tired of corruption and depri- pened,” said Lahib Gabbarah, a Basra Trump condemned Iran’s activity and tem “worked very well” in anticipating the vation, Gabbarah said. And he thinks the native, whose wife was awake during the called Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian missile strikes. president and his advisers knows that. strike and woke him up. general he ordered killed, the world’s “top “It’s good because he opened the door for “Trump, he wants Iran to change from That evening, in the lobby of the hotel terrorist.” But he added that no Ameri- peace,” Gabbarah said of the president’s within,” he said. Gabbarah operates a few blocks from the cans had been harmed in the missile at- message. “Good for America, good for the [email protected] U.S. Consulate, guests and employees tacks Wednesday and that bases where the Iranian people.” Twitter: @chadgarland Attack: Trump says more sanctions will be levied against Iran

FROM FRONT PAGE eral missiles failed to hit their officials, according to a defense night’s attack by the Iranian re- target, U.S. officials said. official who spoke on the condi- gime,” Trump said Wednesday The Iranians named the attack tion of anonymity to discuss the morning in a White House ad- “Martyr Soleimani,” claiming attacks. Esper and Milley went to dress, flanked by his top national responsibility for it immediately the White House on Tuesday eve- security officials “We suffered no and announcing it was the prom- ning to brief Trump and Pence casualties — all our soldiers are ised retaliation for the death of further on the attacks and discuss safe and only minimal damage Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the the situation, the defense official was sustained at our bases.” commander of Iran’s elite Quds said. Force. Soleimani was among the Trump also said no Iraqis were Esper also called several senior closest advisers to Ayatollah Ali injured or killed in the attacks. congressional members to update Khamenei, Iran’s supreme lead- Trump vowed Iran would not them on what occurred, while er, and was revered among Iran- be allowed to pursue nuclear other senior Defense Department weapons, touting the strength of backed forces across the Middle officials made calls to regional U.S. forces and calling on other East. and NATO allies to discuss the nations to disown and renegotiate Soleimani, who was killed by a the 2015 agreement that limited drone-fired missile Friday at the attack, according to the defense Iran’s nuclear programs, which international airport in Baghdad, official. he chose to walk away from in was responsible for Iran’s opera- The Iranian attacks came 2018. ALEX BRANDON/AP tions outside its borders, includ- hours after Esper appeared in a “We must work together to ing training and coordinating televised press briefing to urge President Donald Trump arrives Wednesday to address the actions of Tehran’s proxy forces the Iranian regime to “de-esca- make a deal with Iran that makes nation from the White House on the ballistic missile strike that in nations including Iraq, Syria, late” and return to the negotiat- the world a safer and more peace- Iran launched against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops. He is Yemen and Lebanon. ful place,” Trump said. “We also accompanied by Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, center, and ing table to avoid further violent The United States had long must make a deal that allows Iran U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein. confrontation between the two to thrive and prosper and take ad- labeled Soleimani a terrorist re- nations. vantage of its enormous untapped ish northern Iraq. Iraqi and other American troops were killed and sponsible for hundreds of U.S. “What happens next depends potential. Iran can be a great officials said they had received another 200 injured, according to troops deaths in Iraq. Top offi- on them,” Esper said. “I think we cials, including U.S. Defense Sec- country.” early warning the Iranians would Fars News, an Iranian state-run should expect that they will retal- The president said he would retary Mark Esper, said his death launch the attack, providing U.S. news service closely tied to the iate in some way, shape or form ask NATO to increase its involve- was necessary to at least partially – either through their proxies … and other military troops at the IRGC. thwart plans for an imminent at- ment in the Middle East. and, or by their own [Iranian mil- Trump also said the U.S. would bases time to prepare. The attack, which began at tack on Americans in the Middle itary] hand. We will respond ap- levy more sanctions against Iran Despite apparent measures about 1:40 a.m. in Iraq, targeted East. propriately to whatever they do.” until it “changes its behavior.” to limit the impact of the mis- two Iraqi bases that house Ameri- Esper and Army Gen. Mark Pentagon officials said late sile strikes, Iran claimed high can forces — six missiles struck Milley, the chairman of the Joint The Associated Press contributed to Tuesday that more than a dozen casualties in the attacks. Its elite al Asad Air Base in western Chiefs of Staff, were at the Pen- this story. short-range ballistic missiles had military force, the Islamic Revo- Iraq’s Anbar province and one hit tagon during the Iranian attacks [email protected] @CDicksteinDC struck al Asad Air Base and faci- lutionary Guard Corps, which in Irbil in northern Iraq’s semi- and called Trump, Vice President [email protected] lites used by U.S. troops in Kurd- launched the missiles, claimed 80 autonomous Kurdish region. Sev- Mike Pence and national security @caitlinmkenney Thursday, January 9, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 7 MIDEAST General’s killing risks gains on ISIS Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s national secu- rity team knew that killing Iran’s most powerful general could hurt efforts to mop up and head off any revival of the Islamic State mili- tant group — and that is just what has happened. Days after Gen. Qassem Solei- mani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad, the U.S. troops in Iraq to fight Islamic State were focused on their own defense, guarding American bases and the U.S. Embassy from the expected Iranian response. Iran struck back early Wednesday, shooting ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq housing American troops. The U.S. fight against the militants is now on hold, and a Trump foreign policy achieve- ment is in doubt. “When we looked at this op- Planet Labs Inc./Middlebury Institute of International Studies via AP eration we knew there would be Damage caused by an Iranian missile strike at al Asad Air Base, Iraq, is visible in a satellite image. consequences,” said Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “We knew there’d be risk.” But he said the threat of Missed: Iraq officials received verbal notice before strike attack on U.S. interests was too great to not act. FROM FRONT PAGE The Islamic State evolved in S&P 500 Index down as much as Syria after U.S. troops withdrew Pentagon said was launched from 1.7% before paring losses. Gold from Iraq in 2011; its fighters Iran, and warned that additional initially advanced to the highest swept back across the border in operations were being prepared. since 2013, though those gains 2014, captured wide swaths of At the same time, there were were trimmed along with an ad- western and northern Iraq and signs that both sides wanted to vance in oil, which at one point imposed brutal rule over a self- pull back from the brink of con- surged above $65 a barrel. declared “caliphate.” flict, with Iran’s foreign minister The Iraqi prime minister’s of- A U.S.-led coalition finally saying his country didn’t wish to fice said it received verbal notice ousted the group from the last go to war, and Trump pronounc- from Iran before the strike. of its territory in Syria in March ing that “All is well.” It said 22 missiles entered Iraqi 2019, but thousands of fighters In an address Wednesday, airspace early Wednesday, and scattered throughout the region Trump seemed to indicate the 17 hit al Asad Air Base, a key U.S. and continue to pose a threat. United States would not retaliate facility in the country that’s been Defense Secretary Mark Esper for the missile strike. visited by both Trump and Vice agreed on Tuesday that “the The Pentagon said the three President Mike Pence. suspension of activities in Iraq” bases that were struck had al- The tensions disrupted flights, against ISIS was foreseen as a ready been on high alert, and Iraq with U.S. aviation regulators is- possible outcome of the killing of said it had received prior warning suing new restrictions barring Soleimani. from Iran of an assault. No U.S. or civilian traffic over Iraq, Iran, Two days after a missile Iraqi casualties were reported. the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of launched from a U.S. drone killed Stocks dropped and oil rose, Oman. the general on Jan. 3, the U.S.- though crude later pared gains World leaders urged restraint, led military coalition in Iraq an- on the reassuring signals. Major and Turkey indicated it’s will- nounced a pause in its years long tanker companies, however, in- ing to mediate between the U.S. partnership with Iraqi forces cluding Petrobas Brasileiro and and Iran. Ankara has cordial against ISIS remnants. the National Shipping Co. of relations with eastern neighbor The Iraq campaign also has Saudi Arabia, suspended sailing Iran, and enjoys warm ties with been sidetracked by recent civil through the Straits of Hormuz, Trump, despite severe strains unrest that diverted the attention a major oil waterway, Dow Jones with Congress over a Russian of Iraqi security forces previously U.S. presence in the region come Iran “needed to do something reported. to an end, a sign that Tehran’s ul- quick,” said Kamran Bokhari, missile purchase. focused on ISIS. Trump has shown restraint In the aftermath of the Solei- Some sort of response had been timate goal remains to push the founding director of the Center in previous attacks in the region mani killing, the durability of the expected to the killing last week U.S. military out of Iraq. for Global Policy in Washington. blamed on Iran that didn’t kill defeat of ISIS is in doubt, and the of Qassem Soleimani, who ran Foreign Minister Moham- “This is a placeholder move and a any U.S. citizens. extremist group has new breath- Iran’s proxy operations across mad Javad Zarif sounded more low-cost one.” ing room. the Middle East and was killed in conciliatory. One White House official, who Tensions between the U.S. and Although the U.S. military dur- a drone strike near the airport in The government “concluded spoke on condition of anonymity, Iran soared following a Dec. 27 ing the Obama administration the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. While proportionate measures in self- said the early thinking was the rocket assault on an Iraqi base that developed and began execut- Tehran doesn’t want outright war defense” after the Soleimani missile strike was a perfunctory killed an American contractor. ing the strategy that eventually with the U.S., there was growing strike, he said on Twitter. “We move that would let Iran retaliate The U.S. blamed Kataeb Hez- eliminated the ISIS group’s hold pressure at home to react. The do not seek escalation or war, but without incurring a potentially bollah, an Iraqi militia closely as- on large portions of eastern Syria balancing act was to do so without will defend ourselves against any devastating U.S. counterassault. sociated with Iran. and northern and western Iraq, tipping things into a conflict that aggression.” Tensions between Iran and the On Dec. 29, U.S. aircraft struck Trump has insisted he deserves no one has an appetite for. Iran has for years operated a U.S. have soared under Trump, five bases in Iraq and Syria used full credit for the territorial de- Supreme Leader Ayatollah carefully calibrated strategy of who walked away from Iran’s by Kataeb Hezbollah. feat. He has made it a feature of Ali Khamenei described the at- attacks, often via proxies, in the 2015 nuclear deal with world pow- Two days later, dozens of Iraqi his reelection campaign, but na- tacks on the bases as a “crushing Middle East, that preserves its ers, approved by his predecessor. militiamen and their supporters tional security experts say the response.” influence without drawing major Since then, Iran has retreated stormed the U.S. Embassy com- group’s remnants in Syria as well “Last night, they got a slap in retaliation. Crippled by economic from limitations on its nuclear plex in Baghdad. as Iraq are still a threat and could the face,” he said on state televi- sanctions, it can ill afford an out- program. The U.S. responded with the stage a comeback. sion. He again demanded that the right war. Iran’s attack sent futures on the drone strike on Soleimani. PAGE 8 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, January 9, 2020 NATION McConnell says he has votes to set rules for trial

BY LISA MASCARO, ing in the Middle East. She asked MARY CLARE JALONICK Democrats to “pray,” according AND ALAN FRAM to a lawmaker at the closed-door Associated Press session. Pelosi appears in no rush to WASHINGTON — Senate transmit the articles of impeach- Majority Leader Mitch McCon- ment as Democrats push to hear nell said he has the votes to start from more witnesses but McCo- President Donald Trump’s im- nnell focuses Republicans on a J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE/AP peachment trial as soon as House strategy for speedy acquittal. The Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., joined from left by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Speaker Nancy Pelosi releases Senate can’t start the proceedings Majority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., and Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, on Tuesday tells reporters he has the documents, winning support until the charges against Trump secured enough Republican votes to start President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial. from GOP senators to postpone a are sent. decision on calling witnesses. “We have the votes,” McConnell “Sadly, Leader McConnell has and a “cover-up.” He vowed to step, with many lawmakers vying The announcement Tuesday told reporters about his proposal made clear that his loyalty is to force votes anyway on Bolton and to be candidates. The House im- was significant, enabling McCon- that would set the rules for a trial the President and not the Consti- the others. peached the president last month nell to bypass for now Democrat- and would be modeled after Pres- tution,” Pelosi wrote to colleagues “Whoever heard of a trial with- on the two charges. ic demands for new testimony as ident Bill Clinton’s impeachment late Tuesday. She said the process out witnesses and documents?” Trump faces charges that he he launches the third impeach- 20 years ago. He said the question he is outlining “is not only unfair the New York Democrat said. abused the power of the presiden- ment trial in the nation’s history. of new witnesses and documents but designed to deprive Senators He asked Trump what he has to cy by pressuring Ukraine’s new It could begin this week if Pelosi will be addressed later “and not and the American people of cru- hide. “Witnesses and documents: leader to investigate Democrats, sends the articles of impeach- before the trial begins.” cial documents and testimony.” fair trial. No witnesses and docu- ment to the Senate. The contours of a Senate trial In withholding the articles, ments: cover- up.” using as leverage $400 million in But Pelosi gave little indication have been in dispute for weeks. Pelosi gave Democrats an op- Republicans countered that military assistance that is critical of her next move. She cut short an Pelosi is delaying transmission of portunity to ramp up pressure on Democrats rushed to impeach for the ally as it counters Russia impeachment discussion with her the articles as Democrats press Republicans not to go along with and then delayed the process. at its border. leadership team Tuesday night at for testimony from former nation- McConnell’s proposal. Senate Pelosi has yet to choose House The funding for Ukraine was the Capitol when an aide handed al security adviser John Bolton Minority Leader Chuck Schumer impeachment managers for the eventually released but only after her a note about the crisis unfold- and other new witnesses. called McConnell’s plan a “trap” trial, a politically sensitive next Congress intervened. Cancer group finds biggest 1 year drop in death rate

BY MIKE STOBBE “It’s absolutely driven by lung cancer,” But the drop in deaths seems to have nearly 30% from 1991 through 2017. Associated Press which accounts for about a quarter of all been accelerated by recent lung cancer Death rates from one type of skin can- cancer deaths, she said. Take lung cancer treatment advances, Siegel said. cer dropped even more dramatically than NEW YORK — Researchers on Wednes- out of the mix, and the 2017 rate drop is Experts mainly credit advances in treat- lung cancer — falling 7% a year recently. day reported the largest one-year de- 1.4%, she added. ment. Topping the list are refinements in That decline in melanoma patients is at- cline in the U.S. cancer death rate, a drop Government researchers previously re- surgery, better diagnostic scanning, and tributed to drugs that came on the market they credited to advances in lung-tumor ported a slightly lower drop in the cancer more precise use of radiation. about nine years ago. treatments. death rate for the same period. But the They also celebrate the impact of newer Declines in the death rates from pros- The overall cancer death rate has been Cancer Society calculates the death rate drugs. Genetic testing can now identify tate, breast and colon cancer are slowing, falling about 1.5% a year since 1991. It differently, and Wednesday said the de- specific cancer cell mutations, which allow for a range of reasons. fell 2.2% from 2016 to 2017, according to cline was larger — and record-setting. more targeted therapy using newer phar- The rising liver cancer death rate the new American Cancer Society report. Most lung cancer cases are tied to smok- maceuticals that are a step beyond tradi- seems to have leveled off somewhat. That That’s the largest drop ever seen in nation- ing, and decades of declining smoking tional chemotherapy. may be related to better treatment of hepa- al cancer statistics going back to 1930, said rates led to falling rates of lung cancer ill- Cancer Society researchers also found: titis C infections, which are tied to about Rebecca Siegel, the lead author. nesses and deaths. The overall cancer death rate fell by 25% of liver cancer cases, Siegel said. GOP congressman Hunter resigns after corruption conviction

BY JULIE WATSON in Congress. election. favorite to succeed the conserva- years, but prosecutors have said Associated Press His two- Hunter, 43, gave no reason for tive, immigration hardliner — one they will ask for no more than a page letter resigning in his letter, instead of the few congressmen to be re- year of jail time. His wife Mar- SAN DIEGO — Republican of resigna- offering a sweep of his achieve- elected while indicted. garet Hunter also pleaded guilty. U.S. Rep. Duncan D. Hunter sub- tion — one ments as a Marine who served in After claiming to be the vic- She is scheduled to be sentenced mitted his resignation Tuesday, version ad- Iraq and Afghanistan and as a six- tim of a political witch hunt for in April. one month after pleading guilty dressed term congressman. more than a year, Hunter pleaded An August 2018 indictment ac- to a corruption charge, leaving to House “During my time in Congress, I guilty Dec. 3 to a single charge cused Hunter of using $200,000 vacant one of the GOP’s few re- Speaker had the privilege of helping thou- of conspiring with his wife to il- in campaign money to fund fam- maining House seats in heavily Nancy Pelosi sands of individuals in my district legally spending at least $150,000 ily travel, school tuition, jewelry, Democratic California. and another — from making sure veterans re- in campaign funds on personal Hunter’s departure effective Hunter to California ceived the benefits they earned, expenses. Among the improper groceries, gas etc. Prosecutors Jan. 13 ends his family’s politi- Gov. Gavin to helping Social Security and spending were a birthday gath- said he also spent the funds on ex- cal dynasty in which he and his Newsom — lists his accomplish- Medicare recipients cut through ering for his young daughter at a tramarital affairs and flights for father, Duncan L. Hunter, rep- ments and doesn’t mention his red tape, to assisting immigrants posh California hotel and social his family’s pet bunny. He tried resented the San Diego County criminal conviction. Newsom has seeking legal citizenship, and outing with friends at a French to conceal the illegal spending by district for nearly 30 years. The not said whether he will order a countless others going up against bistro in Washington. listing it in federal records as do- combat Marine veteran — a special election or leave the seat the IRS, ATF or other government He is scheduled to be sentenced nations for military veterans and staunch supporter of President open until a successor emerges agencies,” he wrote. March 17. The judge could impose other campaign-related expenses, Donald Trump — served 11 years from the November general There is no clear Republican the maximum sentence of five according to the indictment. Thursday, January 9, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 9 NATION Fears of Sanders win grow among Dem establishment

BY STEVE PEOPLES AND ALEXANDRA JAFFE Associated Press DES MOINES, Iowa — In- creasingly alarmed that Bernie MARISSA KENDAL, BAY AREA NEWS GROUP/AP Sanders could become their par- Moms 4 Housing members Dominique Walker, left, 34, activist ty’s presidential nominee, estab- and 2018 Oakland mayoral candidate Cat Brooks, right, and other lishment-minded Democrats are activists outside a home in West Oakland, Calif. Walker and other warning primary voters that the homeless women took over the vacant house last November. They self-described democratic social- are awaiting a final ruling from a judge on whether they can stay . ist would struggle to defeat Presi- dent Donald Trump and hurt the party’s chances in premier House, Senate and governors’ races. Homeless women who The urgent warnings come as Sanders shows new signs of strength on the ground in the took over building gain first two states on the presiden- /AP tial primary calendar, Iowa and PATRICK SEMANSKY lawmakers’ support New Hampshire, backed by a Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks at a dominant fundraising operation. campaign event Sunday in Boone, Iowa. The Vermont senator has largely BY TERENCE CHEA can stay, though Alameda County escaped close scrutiny over the Sanders’ chief strategist Jeff McGovern’s failed 1972 bid for AND JULIET WILLIAMS Superior Court Judge Patrick last year as his rivals doubted Weaver dismissed the growing president, was more direct in his Associated Press McKinney has tentatively ruled the quirky 78-year-old’s ability to criticism as a reflection of the warning for Democrats. If they in favor of the property owner, win the nomination. But less than OAKLAND, Calif. — Some Cal- strength of his candidacy. nominate Sanders, he said, the Wedgewood Inc., a Redondo a month before Iowa’s kickoff ifornia lawmakers said they sup- “People in establishment party should expect the same Beach-based real estate invest- caucuses, the doubters are being port a group of homeless women Washington are terrified of Ber- landslide loss that McGovern suf- ment group that bought the home forced to take Sanders seriously. who have been illegally living in nie Sanders,” Weaver said. “The fered decades ago to President in a foreclosure auction last year. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm a vacant three-bedroom house truth of the matter is their cen- Richard Nixon. Federal officials said last month Emanuel, previously a senior trist tacking over the years has since November, partly to protest “I think he would not just lose that an uptick in the country’s aide to President Barack Obama, led us to the place where some- real estate speculators who drive but would lose badly — and I homeless population was driven warned Democrats that Sanders’ one like Donald Trump can get up housing costs in the pricey San don’t think the country can afford entirely by a 16% increase in Cali- status as a democratic socialist elected.” Francisco Bay Area. that,” Matz said, noting that Mc- “I want to thank Moms 4 Hous- fornia, where the median sales and his unwavering support for Several Sanders critics noted Govern generated large crowds ing for taking that house and for price of a home is $500,000. It’s “Medicare for All” won’t play that he has largely escaped in- demonstrating that nowhere, no- higher in the San Francisco Bay well among swing voters in the tense scrutiny throughout the and enthusiasm just as Sanders where should there be a vacant Area. states that matter most in 2020. campaign, in part because some has. house anywhere in California The situation is so dire that “You need a candidate with assumed that Massachusetts a message that can help us win when we have the housing crisis Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom Sen. Elizabeth Warren, another swing voters in battleground that we have,” said Democratic approved a statewide rent cap on progressive firebrand, was a states,” Emanuel said in an in- stronger candidate who would Sen. Nancy Skinner of Berkeley. some properties. terview. “The degree of difficulty cannibalize his support. With “And it was totally legitimate for Yet there are four vacant homes those homeless moms to take over dramatically increases under a Warren’s candidacy struggling for every homeless person in Bernie Sanders candidacy. It just to maintain momentum, however, that house.” Oakland, said Leah Simon-Weis- Moms 4 Housing is a collective gets a lot harder.” those assumptions are now being berg, an attorney for Alliance of recently formed to support the The increasingly vocal con- questioned. Oakland women. Californians for Community Em- cerns are coming from a num- Sanders is also facing lingering The women took over the home powerment, which is helping the ber of political veterans tied to questions about his age, having after they said they were unable mothers in court. the Obama administration and suffered a heart attack late last to find permanent housing in the Sam Singer, a spokesman for the 2020 field’s moderate wing, year. He is the oldest candidate in Bay Area, where high-paying tech Wedgewood, said the company including those backing former the race, and, if elected, he would jobs have exacerbated income in- will continue with its eviction Vice President Joe Biden, former be the oldest president in U.S. equality and a housing shortage. proceedings against the women if South Bend, Ind. , Mayor Pete history. They are awaiting a final rul- the judge rules in the company’s Buttigieg and Colo. Sen. Michael Marshall Matz, who was a ing from a judge on whether they favor, as expected. Bennet. policy adviser for Sen. George Legal group seeks inquiry into Miss. prisons

Associated Press say more lives will be lost absent immediate deaths are related to violence among gangs. intervention.” Speakers at a Tuesday rally outside the JACKSON, Miss. — Prisoner advocates are “The Mississippi prison system is in a state Mississippi Capitol in Jackson demanded that calling on the federal government to investi- of acute and undeniable crises, with five lawmakers reduce the prison population and gate Mississippi’s prison system for possible deaths in just the last ten days, and a history make inmates safer. civil rights violations, saying the violence of of preventable deaths and injuries stretching The deaths and riots since Christmas have recent days highlights deliberate violations of back years,” the 23-page complaint states. focused attention on a prison system that fills inmates’ constitutional right to be free from “Mississippi has acknowledged the danger only about half its guard posts. Prison lead- cruel and unusual punishment. presented by severe understaffing and hor- ers seek an additional $67 million to raise pay, A formal letter and protest came Tuesday rific conditions, but has repeatedly failed to hire 800 new guards and renovate a Parchman even as the mother of one slain inmate said take appropriate action.” cell block that was a focus of unrest. But law- she’s still waiting on an official explanation of U.S. Rep Bennie Thompson, Mississippi’s makers in November recommended a funding how her son died. only Democrat in Congress, called Sunday cut for the three state-operated prisons. They The Southern Poverty Law Center, the for a federal investigation after inmates were recommended level spending on private pris- Mississippi conference of the NAACP, the killed by fellow prisoners across three prisons ons and regional facilities. Mississippi chapter of the American Civil and an unknown number of inmates were in- A three-year federal investigation of Al- Liberties Union and other groups made the jured. Mississippi prison officials, who called abama’s prisons by the Justice Department request to the U.S. Department of Justice. in state troopers and a Tennessee prison concluded last April with a damning federal The letter warns that “it is no exaggeration to guard team to regain control, have said four of report and the threat of a federal lawsuit. PAGE 10 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, January 9, 2020 AMERICAN ROUNDUP Woman accused of throwing human feces

OSTEEN — A Florida FL woman tossed a bucket of human feces at her landlord and somehow ended up with dried excrement smeared all over her own face, authorities said. Joanne Mercader, 59, initially t old d e pu t ie s t h at h er l a nd lo r d f i r s t assaulted her with excrement. Mercader eventually told depu- ties that she had intended to toss a bucket of water on the landlord but she got confused and threw the bucket of feces at her. The landlord told deputies she was met with the bucket of feces when she opened the door after no one answered. She said she had prearranged the visit to Mer- cader’s home to look at several broken items. Fake passports used to launder fraud money

GREENBELT MD — Federal officials said a Maryland man used fake passports to facilitate a money laundering conspiracy involving nearly $1 million. Arinze Michael Ozor, 36, plead- ed guilty to federal charges of forg- ery or false use of a passport, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Dis- trict of Maryland said . He’s a dual citizen of the U.S. and Nigeria. Ozor used at least two passports to open eight so-called “drop ac- counts,” prosecutors said. He took JOSEF F. M ORENO, THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER/AP more than $976,000 from business email compromise schemes and romance fraud schemes and put it in those accounts. Heads or tails Officials say Ozor used a Gha- naian passport to open five bank Mounted Philadelphia Police Officers, Carmelo Oquendo, foreground, and Manuel Lorenzo interact during a patrol route near the 1800 accounts and a Beninese passport block of Walnut Street in Philadelphia, Pa., on Monday . to open three additional accounts. The money was then largely sent “I did not consider the magni- THE CENSUS procedure emitted a spark that to other entities involved in the tude of the decision I was making “caused the throat pack in (the schemes. at the time, and did not display The approximate number of toilet paper rolls a group of girl’s) mouth to ignite and pro- the courage needed to end the Michigan high school students used to make a pyramid. duce a fire” that lasted one or two Squirrel wrecks home; situation before it got out of con- It took 16 hours for students to assemble the pyramid at seconds. trol,” William Darling, 23, said 27K Bullock Creek High School in Midland County. They are The lawsuit said the girl was insurance won’t fix it in a statement to the Herington hoping to be recognized by Guinness World Records and rushed to University Medical Times newspaper. sell the toilet paper as a fundraiser for the 20-member robotics team. Center, where she was hospital- ATLANTA — An At- Herington Chief of Police ized for four days with burns to GA lanta couple said they Brian Hornaday said at the time her palate and lower lip. came home from a winter vaca- that the officer told him the cof- 2 teens suspected of said. The family is seeking more tion to find their house had been fee cup report was intended as a Officers who responded to a than $15,000 in damages. ransacked by an unusual suspect: “joke” that got out of control. setting Walmart fire shooting report found the in- a squirrel. jured children and gave them Man broke into house, Kari and Dustin Drees came Police seek person who HUTCHINSON — first aid until they were taken to fought with deputies home from vacation to find their put bedbugs in store MN Two 13-year-old boys a hospital. house was a mess, with floors are suspected of setting a fire at a The children — a 13-year-old scratched up, baseboards chewed PAGE — West Virgin- Walmart store in Hutchinson that boy and a 12-year-old girl — suf- on and a kitchen faucet running, EDINBORO — Penn- caused an estimated $1 million to ia authorities arrested fered non-life-threatening gun- WV Kari Drees said. PA sylvania State Police $2 million in damage, according a man accused of breaking into a shot wounds, police said in a news A squirrel had fallen down their are searching for the pest who to officials. house, barricading himself inside release. chimney and was trapped in the left bedbugs in a Walmart. Hutchinson Police Chief Tom and then fighting with deputies, a house, defecating and scratching A store manager of the Walmart Gifferson told the Star Tribune sheriff’s office said. at everything to get out. Eventu- southwest of Erie found a closed detectives used the store’s sur- Lawsuit: Dentist set Ronnie Owens Jr., 43, was ally it made a nest in the couple’s pill bottle containing live bugs in veillance video to identify the girl’s mouth on fire charged with burglary, obstruction couch. a boy’s jacket that was for sale, boys. and battery of a law enforcement according to police. He threw out The couple’s home insurance The fire broke out in the men’s LAS VEGAS — The officer, according to the Fayette provider, Mercury Insurance, the jacket and the container with- clothing section. Gifferson said County Sheriff’s Department. out contacting authorities, but NV parents of a 5-year-old told them it wouldn’t cover the the store’s sprinkler system ac- A statement from the sheriff’s found more insects later. girl said a Las Vegas dentist set damages because “a squirrel is tivated, but a small fire that was office said the incident began after An Ecolab representative dis- their daughter’s mouth on fire as a rodent,” which is not covered still burning was extinguished by deputies responded to a burglary covered bugs crawling around she underwent a routine dental under the policy. firefighters. call at a home in Page. Authorities the men’s fitting room the next procedure. The store was evacuated and The parents filed a lawsuit in said they could see Owens inside day and identified them as blood- there were no reports of injuries. Officer sorry for faked sucking bedbugs . state district court against Deep the residence when they arrived expletive on coffee cup A Walmart spokesperson told Karan Dhillon for injuries the but he wouldn’t listen to them and WENY News that the retail giant Driver shoots children girl suffered, the Las Vegas Re- instead attempted to barricade HERINGTON — A is working with law enforcement who threw snowballs view-Journal reported. himself in the house. KS former Kansas police to find the culprits. The affected According to court documents, Owens then resisted arrest and officer who made up a story that area has been treated by a pest- MILWAUKEE — A Dhillon used a tool known as a fought with deputies after they en- a McDonald’s employee wrote an control company and has been WI driver shot and wound- diamond bur to smooth the girl’s tered the home, according to the expletive and the word “pig” on a blocked off from the public, the ed two children who threw snow- teeth while she was under anes- sheriff’s office. coffee cup has apologized. station reported. balls at a car in Milwaukee, police thetics. But the lawsuit said the From wire reports Thursday, January 9, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 11 PAGE 12 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, January 9, 2020 NATION Puerto Ricans feel powerless after quakes

BY DANICA COTO their calls. Like many Puerto Ri- Associated Press cans affected by the quake, they had children in the U.S. mainland GUANICA, Puerto Rico who urged them to move there, — Cars, cots and plastic chairs at least until the earth stops became temporary beds for hun- shaking. dreds of families who lost their While officials said it was too homes in southwest Puerto Rico early to estimate the total damage as a flurry of earthquakes struck caused by the string of quakes the island, one of them the stron- that began the night of Dec. 28, gest in a century. they said hundreds of homes and The magnitude 6.4 quake that businesses in the southwest re- struck before dawn on Tuesday gion were damaged or destroyed. killed one person, injured nine Just in Guanica, a town of roughly others and knocked out power 15,000 people, nearly 150 homes across the U.S. territory, and a were affected by the quake, along majority of Puerto Ricans re- with three schools, including mained without electricity early one three-story structure whose Wednesday. first two floors were completely In addition, nearly 750 people flattened. were staying in government In Guanica itself, “We are con- shelters in the island’s southwest fronting a crisis worse than Hur- region as Gov. Wanda Vazquez ricane Maria,” said Mayor Santos declared a state of emergency and Seda, referring to the 2017 storm activated the National Guard. that devastated the island. “I am The hardest hit municipality asking for empathy from the fed- was the southwest coastal town eral government.“ of Guanica. More than 200 people CARLOS GIUSTI/AP He said officials believe the had taken shelter in a gymnasium homes of 700 families in his mu- after a quake on Monday, only for Maribel Rivera Silva, 58, rests outside a shelter afraid of aftershocks, after an earthquake in Guanica, nicipality are close to collapsing. the latest shake to damage that Puerto Rico, Tuesday . A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck the U.S. territory before dawn on Tuesday, Tuesday’s quake was the stron- structure — forcing them to sleep killing one man, injuring others and collapsing buildings in the southern part of the island. gest to hit Puerto Rico since Oc- outside. tober 1918, when a magnitude 7.3 Among them was 80-year-old year-old husband by her side. He “There’s no power. There’s no The couple was alone, lament- quake struck near the island’s Lupita Martinez, who sat in the was sleeping in a makeshift bed, water. There is nothing. This is ing that their caretaker had dis- northwest coast, unleashing a dusty parking lot with her 96- a dark blue coat covering him. horrible,” Martinez said. appeared and was not answering tsunami and killing 116 people. Weinstein facing new case in Official quits amid charges he paid women for babies

LA, drawn-out jury selection Associated Press passports from the women while they were in the U.S. to assert PHOENIX — An elected of- Associated Press Weinstein, 67, who shuffled among other things, if they could more control over them. ficial in metro Phoenix resigned into court on a walker after re- ignore media coverage and de- Petersen has pleaded not guilty NEW YORK — On Sunday, Har- Tuesday, months after being cent back surgery, is charged in cide the case based only on to the charges in Arizona and Ar- vey Weinstein was a punchline at charged with running a human kansas. He hasn’t yet entered a the Golden Globes. On Monday, New York with raping one woman evidence heard in court. They smuggling operation that paid plea in Utah. he was hit with new sex-crimes in a hotel room in 2013 and forc- were also told the trial will last pregnant women from the Mar- charges in Los Angeles. And ibly performing a sex act on an- six weeks, which could weed out shall Islands to give up their ba- on Tuesday, he and his lawyers other in 2006, and could get life many parents, college students bies in the U.S. walked into court in New York to in prison if convicted. In the Los and others with pressing day-to- The resignation of Maricopa begin picking the jury that will Angeles case, which will be tried day obligations. County Assessor Paul Petersen decide the fate of the man widely later, he is accused of sexually as- They were introduced as a came after leaders pressured him seen as the biggest monster of the saulting two women on back-to- group to Weinstein, who ambled to resign after his arrest nearly #MeToo movement. back nights in 2013. toward the gallery with his walk- three months ago. The county’s Selecting the jury for the Hol- The former studio boss behind er, and were read a list of names governing board voted in late De- lywood mogul’s rape and sexual such Oscar winners as “Pulp Fic- that could come up at trial, includ- cember to start the process of re- assault trial is likely to be a pains- tion” and “Shakespeare in Love” ing actresses Salma Hayek, Char- moving Petersen, who also works taking, weekslong process, made has said any sexual activity was lize Theron and Rosie Perez. as an adoption attorney. complicated by the high stakes, consensual. By the end of the day, just 36 He is accused of illegally pay- heavy publicity and public revul- Jury selection is expected to potential jurors remained. New ing women from the Pacific is- sion toward him. stretch on for at least two weeks, pools of prospective jurors will be land nation to come to the U.S. to In fact, one-third of the first 120 far longer than for a non-celeb- summoned to court each morning give up their babies in at least 70 prospective jurors summoned for rity trial, with lawyers delving in the coming days. adoption cases in Arizona, Utah the case were promptly sent home into each potential juror’s knowl- Tuesday got off to a rough start, and Arkansas over three years. after the judge asked if there was edge and opinions about the case. with the judge threatening to jail Citizens of the Marshall Islands anyone who could not be impar- Opening statements shouldn’t be Weinstein for violating court rules have been prohibited from travel- tial and about 40 hands went up. expected before the Martin Lu- by texting in the courtroom. ing to the U.S. for adoption pur- Weinstein’s lawyers unsuccess- ther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 20, “Is this really the way you want poses since 2003. fully tried to delay jury selection the judge said. to end up in jail … by texting and In a statement released by his in light of the new case filed in “The defense team is concerned violating a court order?” Burke attorneys, Petersen proclaimed Los Angeles, asking for a “cool- about widespread media coverage asked the iPhone-clutching movie his innocence and said he never ing-off period” to allow the pub- of sexual assault and harassment mogul, cutting off Weinstein off neglected his duties as assessor . licity to subside. claims against Weinstein, and of before he could respond. He is charged with human “For a prosecutor, this is jurors prejudging the case,” said Though he declined to issue smuggling in Utah and Arkansas Christmas morning — the morn- Cornell University law professor a gag order, the judge implored and defrauding Arizona’s Medic- ing of jury selection to have him Valerie Hans. On the other side of Weinstein’s lawyers to stop at- aid system by $800,000 by sub- smeared everywhere,” Weinstein the case, “prosecutors are wary tacking potential witnesses in mitting false applications for the lawyer Arthur Aidala said. of prospective jurors who might their public comments on the women to receive state-funded But Judge James Burke ex- reveal a predisposition to blame case. health coverage. Authorities say pressed confidence that the jurors the victims, even in this age of “It’s going to be hard enough the women who went to Utah to would know that defendants are #MeToo.” to get a fair and impartial jury,” give birth received little or no presumed innocent until proven The prospective jurors were Burke said. “None of this will prenatal care. They also said guilty, and he pressed on. given questionnaires asking, help that, attain that goal.” Petersen and his associates took Thursday, January 9, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 13 WORLD Ukrainian plane crashes near Tehran, killing 176

Associated Press 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians and provide all necessary help on board — the Ukrainian nation- to the families of the victims,” SHAHEDSHAHR, Iran — A als included two passengers and said parliament speaker, Dmy- Ukrainian passenger jet carrying the nine crew. There were also 10 tro Razumkov, in a Facebook 176 people crashed on Wednes- Swedish, four Afghan, three Ger- statement. day, just minutes after taking off man and three British nationals, Ukraine International Airlines from the Iranian capital’s main he said. said it had indefinitely suspended airport, turning farmland on the Airline officials said most of flights to Tehran after the crash. EBRAHIM NOROOZI/AP outskirts of Tehran into fields of the passengers were en route “It was one of the best planes we flaming debris and killing all on to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, had, with an amazing, reliable Body bags line the pathway as rescue workers carry a body of a board. transiting through there to other crew,” Yevhen Dykhne, president Ukrainian plane crash victim Wednesday in Shahedshahr, Iran . The crash of Ukraine Interna- destinations. Staff at the Boryspil of the Ukraine International Air- tional Airlines came hours after airport in Kyiv told The Associ- lines, said at a briefing following tion Ministry, said it appeared a Ukrainian authorities Iran launched a ballistic missile ated Press that passengers on this the crash. fire struck one of its engines. The have offered to help with the attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. flight are usually Iranian stu- Zelenskiy ordered a sweeping pilot of the aircraft then lost con- investigation . soldiers, but Iranian officials said dents returning to Ukraine after inspection of all civil airplanes in trol of the plane, sending it crash- “We’re preparing a group of they suspected a mechanical issue winter holidays. the country, “no matter the con- ing into the ground, Biniaz said, specialists in order to help with brought down the 3½-year-old Ukraine’s President Volody- clusions about the crash in Iran.” according to the state-run IRNA the search operation and the in- Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Ukrai- myr Zelenskiy extended his con- The plane had been delayed news agency. vestigation of the cause of the nian officials initially agreed, but dolences to the families of the from taking off from Imam Kho- Hassan Razaeifar, the head crash,” Honcharuk said. later backed away and declined to victims. His office said he had meini International Airport by of air crash investigation com- The plane, fully loaded with offer a cause while the investiga- cut his visit to Oman short and almost an hour. It took off to the mittee, said it appeared the pilot fuel for its 1,430-mile flight, tion is ongoing. was returning to Kyiv because of west, but never made it above couldn’t communicate with air- slammed into farmland near the The plane carried 167 passen- the crash. The country’s Prime 8,000 feet, according to data traffic controllers in Tehran in town of Shahedshahr on the out- gers and nine crew members from Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk con- from the flight-tracking website the last moments of the flight. skirts of Tehran. Videos taken different nations. Ukraine’s for- firmed the casualty toll. FlightRadar24. He did not elaborate. Authorities immediately after the crash show eign minister, Vadym Prystaiko, “Our task is to establish the Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman later said they found the plane’s blazes lighting up the darkened said that there were 82 Iranians, cause of the crash of the Boeing for Iran’s Road and Transporta- black boxes . fields before dawn. PAGE 14 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, January 9, 2020 FACES

FOX Fired up for new gig Lowe excited to represent first responders in new television series ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’

BY BETH HARRIS diet joke in the pilot (Lowe promotes the Associated Press Atkins eating plan and has his own skin care line in real life). ob Lowe knows a little some- Ryan Murphy (“Nip/Tuck”), Brad thing about the vital roles Falchuk and Tim Minear co-created of first responders, and he’s and co-executive produce the show. bringing that to TV with his R “Let’s face it, I’m not a stranger latest role. He co-stars with Liv Tyler in “9-1-1: to looking in the mirror,” Lowe said. Lone Star” as a New York fire captain “They knew how to write for me so who relocates to Austin, Texas, to launch any of that crazy stuff is probably com- a firehouse from the ground up. ing from them knowing me as well as I Lowe lives in Santa Barbara, Calif., know myself.” which has endured wildfires and flood- Murphy once wrote a role in “Nip/ ing in recent years. The actor has host- Tuck” for Lowe, but his agents never ed and fed firefighters and police on his passed it onto the actor even though he property. loved the show. “I was really interested in why these “It’s the humor, the weirdness, the men and women do what they do, what randomness that we get to weave into does it mean to them, how do they go this,” Lowe said. “There’s a lot of ‘Nip/ and sleep in the dirt for weeks on end Tuck’ tone in this.” if it comes to that and pull the kind of The series debuts Jan. 19 stateside hours,” Lowe told a TV critics meeting after the NFC championship game, Tuesday. “It was fortuitous that I had with a second episode airing Jan. 20 in that in my own life leading up to this.” its regular time slot. Lowe said he already knew medical In preparation for the role, Lowe lingo from his time on “Code Black.” “9-1-1: Lone Star” marks his return to trained with a Los Angeles Fire Depart- a starring role on U.S. TV for the first ment unit near Dodger Stadium. But his time since that CBS series’ 2016-18 run; famous face posed a problem with real- it’s Tyler’s first network series. life victims. Lowe’s favorite part of the new show is “People are like, ‘I don’t feel safe with “it’s the only network procedural you’ll Rob Lowe standing there. I don’t feel see where the male hero is obsessed like the real experts showed up,’ ” he with men’s skin care.” There’s a keto said, smiling.

Rascal Flatts announces farewell tour Celebs donate millions to aid Australia wildfire efforts Associated Press unique dances while covered from head to toe in elaborate costumes and face Elton John and Chris Hemsworth are Country group Rascal Flatts will masks, leaving audiences to guess their among the celebrities donating big bucks to bless the broken road this year on their identities. help aid the efforts for the engulfing wildfires farewell tour on their 20th anniversary “This is gonna be just as fun and sus- in Australia. together. penseful as ‘The Masked Singer,’ with a Hemsworth, the Australian actor, took The trio of Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus lot more krumping,” DeGeneres said in to social media on Monday to share that he and Joe Don Rooney announced the tour a statement, referring to a style of street will donate $1 million and asked his plethora on “CBS This Morning” on Tuesday, say- dancing, “and I cannot wait!” of followers to show support as well. He said ing there were no plans for the band after Meanwhile, Jamie Foxx will join “The that “every penny counts.” this tour, although LeVox said they would Masked Singer” as a guest panelist along So far, the wildfires have scorched an area release new music this year. twice the size of Maryland. The blazes have with regulars Ken Jeong, Jenny Mc- AP The tour will begin in Indianapolis in Carthy, Nicole Scherzinger and Robin killed 25 people and destroyed 2,000 homes. June and run through October. Thicke and host Nick Cannon for the Rascal Flatts — from left, Joe Don The fires, fueled by drought and the coun- The band formed in 2000 and has had show’s third season premiere on Feb. 2 Rooney, Jay DeMarcus and Gary LeVox try’s hottest and driest year on record, have more than a dozen No. 1 country hits, in- after the Super Bowl. — announced Tuesday that they have no been raging since September, months earlier cluding crossover successes with songs The show will take its regular time slot future plans for the band after they tour than is typical for Australia’s annual wildfire like “Bless the Broken Road,” “Life Is a on Feb. 5. this summer from June to October. season. Highway” and “What Hurts The Most.” Among the new custom-made cos- “Like you, I want to support the fight They were among the most popular tumes for the singers are the Robot, the well as the group Oysterhead, featuring against the bushfires here in Australia,” he country acts in the 2000s, releasing sev- Frog, the Banana, the Mouse, the mon- Les Claypool of Primus, Trey Anastasio said in a video on Twitter. “Hopefully you eral multiplatinum albums and scoring ster and the llama. of Phish and Stewart Copeland of The guys can chip in too. Every penny counts, so whatever you can muster up is greatly appre- 40 awards over their career. They’ve Police. been named top country group of the Lizzo to headline Bonnaroo ciated. In my bio I’ve added links to support year seven times at the ACM Awards, ‘Prozac Nation’ author dies the fire fighters, organisations and charities six times at the CMA Awards, and four After dominating 2019, singer-rapper who are working flat out to provide support times at the American Music Awards. Lizzo will be the first female act to head- Elizabeth Wurtzel, whose blunt and and relief during this devastating and chal- line the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festi- painful confessions of her struggles with lenging time.” Fox adds ‘Masked Dancer’ val this June. Tool and Tame Impala will addiction and depression in the best-sell- John announced during his Farewell Yel- also headline the four-day festival. ing “Prozac Nation” made her a voice low Brick Road concert in Sydney, Australia, “The Masked Singer” has been such a The festival announced the lineup and a target for an anxious generation, that he will also donate $1 million. The singer hit for Fox that the network is doubling Tuesday for its 19th year. Bonnaroo will died Tuesday at age 52 after a long battle said he wanted to bring attention to the dev- down on hidden entertainers. be held June 11-14 in Manchester, Tenn. with cancer. astation that wildfires have caused, saying it Fox said Tuesday that it is joining Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Rey, DaBaby, “Prozac Nation” was published in 1994 has reached a “biblical scale.” with Ellen DeGeneres to produce “The Megan Thee Stallion, Jason Isbell and when Wurtzel was in her mid-20s and set Hemworth and John join a growing list of Masked Dancer,” a celebrity competition the 400 Unit, The 1975, Vampire Week- off a debate that lasted for much of her celebrities who have pledged to donate to- show based on “The Masked Singer” and end and others will also perform. life. Critics praised her for her candor ward relief efforts including Nicole Kidman, a segment that DeGeneres originated on Returning to Bonnaroo will be Leon and accused her of self-pity and self-in- Pink and Keith Urban. her talk show. Contestants will perform Bridges, Bassnectar, Run The Jewels, as dulgence, vices she fully acknowledged. From The Associated Press Thursday, January 9, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 15 PAGE 16 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, January 9, 2020 OPINION Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Sean Klimek, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander We shouldn’t further risk GIs in Iraq, Syria Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations BY DANIEL L. DAVIS Joshua M. Lashbrook, Pacific Chief of Staff radical groups are scattered throughout requests for the Pentagon to call off the Special to Stars and Stripes the country — many are willing to attack attacks were ignored. There is little doubt Americans given the chance. There are that this action helped play a role in uni- EDITORIAL n American contractor has approximately 6,000 U.S. troops in both fying otherwise competing political actors been killed in Iraq. Several U.S. countries, a number grossly insufficient in Iraq who are now calling for the U.S. Terry Leonard, Editor troops have been wounded. The [email protected] to accomplish eliminating an insurgency, troops to be expelled from the country. AAmerican Embassy in Baghdad much less claiming victory in an outright President Donald Trump should not wait Senior Managing Editor Robert H. Reid, has been stormed by protest ers and fol- war with Iran. to be kicked out, but instead issue orders [email protected] lowing the assassination of an Iranian gen- Instead, the majority of our troops’ ef- for the orderly, professional withdrawal of Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content eral, the Islamic Republic retaliated this forts center on endless self-preservation. all U.S. military personnel. Simply stated, [email protected] week by launching missiles at two bases in With so few on the ground in any given lo- there is no threat to American security at Iraq housing American troops. And now, stake in Iraq or Syria that necessitates a Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation cation, maximum focus has to be devoted an Iraqi militia group has vowed to attack to defending themselves, turning an im- permanent and open-ended U.S. military [email protected] U.S. targets. The drama of the past few possible task into a farcical one. The mis- presence. weeks is enough to make your head spin. Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital sion does nothing to defend America and As I have been arguing since early 2018, Before the cycle of escalation spirals out [email protected] instead puts our troops into vulnerable the only thing we accomplish by having of control and we find ourselves fighting positions that our enemies will continue troops in this region is to increase the risk another insurgency in Iraq and Syria — or BUREAU STAFF to attack until we withdraw them. Recent we have of being drawn into a larger con- worse, a war with Iran — we need to with- flict. Three times in an 18-month span, draw all American forces from the Middle events in Baghdad illustrate the risk. Europe/Mideast On Dec. 27, a joint American-Iraqi base Trump said he would withdraw troops Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief East, avoiding further ensnarement in the in Kirkuk, Iraq, was attacked with 30 from Syria, yet they remain there, still at [email protected] region’s endless problems. risk of attack. +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 Many claim the troops have been and Katyusha rockets, killing one U.S. contrac- tor and wounding a number of American There has long since been no rationale Pacific remain necessary in the two countries to and Iraqi military personnel. Initial inves- for our troops to remain in Iraq since ISIS Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief “finish the fight” against Islamic State. was routed from Mosul. Had we rede- [email protected] Leaving, they warn, will increase the risk tigation revealed the abandoned launch +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 site, but no evidence of who was behind the ployed them, there would not have been any of a resurgent ISIS. That is not now nor has Americans in Iraq to have been attacked, it ever been true. Our security in America attack. Washington Barely 48 hours later, however, U.S. forc- and the escalating tensions with Iran could Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief is not contingent on having a handful of have been avoided. Further escalating this [email protected] troops deployed in Iraq and Syria. es retaliated against an Iraqi-based Shiite militia unit known as Kataeb Hezbollah by already tense conflict could eventually be (+1)(202)886-0033 And with tensions in the region boiling the spark that turns the already turbulent Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News launching coordinated airstrikes in five over, our forces in Iraq and Syria are in a region into a raging inferno. [email protected] separate locations. The attacks were devas- vulnerable position. Before we get to this stage, before one tating, killing at least 25 Kataeb Hezbollah The combined territories of Iraq and more American troop or contractor is CIRCULATION members and wounded another 51. There Syria include 240,000 square miles. In killed, Trump must safeguard American were many problems with these attacks. Mideast Iraq, considerable portions of both the interests and withdraw all our troops from Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager First, three of the strikes took place on Sunni and Shiite populations are virulently both Syria and Iraq. Allowing the situa- [email protected] Iraqi soil. Second, Kataeb Hezbollah is not anti-American and may foment insurgent- tion to deteriorate further could have cata- [email protected] simply a rogue radical Islamic group but DSN (314)583-9111 style attacks against us, or at the least turn strophic results for our country. a blind eye to those who would. an Iraqi government-sanctioned militia, Europe Syria is even worse, as the government, which Baghdad claims was on the “front Daniel L. Davis is a senior fellow for Defense Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager its military, the Russian military, Iranian lines” of its fight against ISIS. Lastly, both Priorities and a former lieutenant colonel in the [email protected] U.S. Army who retired in 2015 after 21 years, [email protected] military and militia, and scores of Islamic the Iraqi prime minister and president’s including four combat deployments. +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 Pacific Mari Mori, [email protected] +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 Making McConnell minority leader is a tall task CONTACT US BY DAVID VON DREHLE vice president. How likely is that? And in Michigan, first-term incumbent Washington The Washington Post If it happens, it will start in Colorado, Democrat Gary Peters has his hands full tel: (+1)202.886.0003 where Republican Sen. Cory Gardner has against a young, telegenic African Ameri- 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 he man who drives Democrats an approval rating south of 40%. Popular can West Pointer named John James, who crazy lives in the White House, Democratic former Gov. John Hicken- put a scare into veteran Democratic Sen. Reader letters but the man causing them a world [email protected] looper ran for president last year, but polls Debbie Stabenow in 2018. Tof hurt is Senate Majority Leader and donors pointed him toward the Senate Then there’s Kansas. McConnell had Additional contacts Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. instead. Like a lion on a limping gazelle, hoped to nail this one down by now, but stripes.com/contactus His political skills are such that he’s ap- he has Gardner by the throat. One poll the killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem proaching Democratic Montana legend showed Hickenlooper ahead by 13 points, Soleimani has foiled his plan. Secretary OMBUDSMAN Mike Mansfield’s record as the longest- with a majority of voters in his favor. of State Mike Pompeo, a leading advocate Ernie Gates serving party leader in Senate history. In Arizona is second on the Senate leader’s for confrontation with Iran, told the ma- turbulent times, Republicans have held worry list. As with Colorado, migration jority leader on Monday that he won’t step The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow firm — McConnell’s their man. and immigration have changed this West- down to defend the seat of retiring Sen. Pat of news and information, reporting any attempts by the In return, the leader has delivered vic- ern state from rancher red to suburban Roberts. military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s tories for his team to run on. Notably, he independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns purple, with strong tinges of urban blue. Kansas Republicans had hoped Pompeo and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for fair- served up a platter of GOP tax cuts in 2018 In a special election to fill McCain’s unfin- would save them from a possible replay of ness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman and marched a phalanx of conservatives ished term, appointed incumbent Repub- 2018, when polarizing conservative Kris welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted onto the federal bench in a three-year by email at [email protected], or by phone at lican Martha McSally — the first female Kobach narrowly won the party’s nomina- 202.886.0003. push that will affect American life for a pilot to fly in combat — is slightly behind tion for governor but got clobbered by cen- generation. astronaut Democrat Mark Kelly, polls say. trist Democrat Laura Kelly in the general No matter how queasy the president’s Minus Gardner and McSally, McCon- election. Kobach is back to challenge the Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- impulsive Twitter feed makes Senate Re- nell would be down to 51 votes. His other rather ho-hum Rep. Roger Marshall for days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and publicans (“thinking out loud with unveri- concerns over the past year, someone close the Senate nomination. Democrats have Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals fied facts” is the diplomatic description one to him tells me, have touched on Maine, cleared the way for state Sen. Barbara Bol- postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send of them uses), McConnell’s grip on his cau- Iowa, North Carolina and a special elec- address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, lier, who is so centrist that she was a Re- APO AP 96301-5002. cus is ironclad. In recent memory, he has tion in Georgia. Of the four, it seems his publican until 13 months ago. This newspaper is authorized by the Department of lost only one significant vote: the dramatic biggest headache is incumbent Republican Spurned by Pompeo, the stop-Kobach Defense for members of the military services overseas. However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, thumbs-down rendered by John McCain, Thom Tillis in the Tarheel State. A popular movement is likely to summon lobbyist and are not to be considered as the official views of, or R-Ariz., that killed Republican efforts to Democrat could probably whip Tillis, but Matt Schlapp of Wichita to the rescue. The endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspaper, repeal Obamacare. Honestly, I think Mc- the opposition is having trouble coalescing chairman of the American Conservative Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official chan- nels and use appropriated funds for distribution to remote Connell was secretly happy with that one. behind a candidate. Union and a frequent face on Fox News, locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. Who wants to own the health care mess? Meanwhile, McConnell has his eye on Schlapp can expect support from his for- The appearance of advertising in this publication does So Democrats are deluding themselves a couple of possible pick-ups among the not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense mer employers at Koch Industries. On the or Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. about wresting control of impeachment dozen seats Democrats are defending. In other hand, he’s a rookie. Products or services advertised shall be made available for from McConnell’s bloodless grip. The only ruby-red Alabama, Democrat Doug Jones In sum, it’s folly to make predictions in purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical way to be rid of their nemesis is to win is clinging by his fingernails to the seat the age of Trump. But if Democrats want handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor more seats. In the 100-member Senate, he won after Jeff Sessions left the Senate to be free of McConnell, their most effec- of the purchaser, user or patron. they need to grow their numbers from 47 to serve, unhappily, as Trump’s attorney tive foe, they have a lot of work to do. (counting the two independents who cau- general. Now Sessions wants the seat back, © Stars and Stripes 2020 David Von Drehle is a Washington Post columnist. cus with them) to at least 50 or 51, depend- and he will be harder to beat than Jones’ He is the author of “Rise to Greatness: Abraham stripes.com ing on which party has the tie-breaking previous opponent, creepy Roy Moore. Lincoln and America’s Most Perilous Year.” Thursday, January 9, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 17 SCOREBOARD

Sports College football Pro football Deals Redbox Bowl Bowl schedule Santa Clara, Calif. NFL playoffs Tuesday’s transactions on AFN Friday, Dec. 20 California 35, Illinois 20 Wild-card Playoffs BASEBALL Bahamas Bowl Orange Bowl Saturday, Jan. 4 American League Nassau Miami Gardens, Fla. Houston 22, Buffalo 19, OT BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Designated Buffalo 31, Charlotte 9 Florida 36, Virginia 28 Tennessee 20, New England 13 RHP Eric Hanhold for assignment. Agreed Go to the American Forces Frisco (Texas) Bowl Tuesday, Dec. 31 Sunday, Jan. 5 to terms with INF Jos? Iglesias on a one- Kent State 51, Utah State 41 Belk Bowl Minnesota 26, New Orleans 20, OT year contract. Network website for the most Saturday, Dec. 21 Charlotte, N.C. Seattle 17, Philadelphia 9 LOS ANGELES ANGELS — Agreed to up-to-date TV schedules. Celebration Bowl Kentucky 37, Virginia Tech 30 Divisional Playoffs terms C Jason Castro on a one-year con- At Atlanta Sun Bowl Saturday, Jan. 11 tract. Designated LHP Adalberto Mej?a myafn.net NC A&T 64, Alcorn State 44 El Paso, Texas Minnesota at San Francisco for assignment. New Mexico Bowl Arizona State 20, Florida State 14 Tennessee at Baltimore National League Albuquerque Liberty Bowl Sunday, Jan. 12 LOS ANGELES DODGERS — Agreed to San Diego State 48, Central Michigan 11 Memphis, Tenn. Houston at Kansas City terms with RHP Jimmy Nelson on a one- College hockey Cure Bowl Navy 20, Kansas State 17 Seattle at Green Bay year contract. Orlando, Fla. Arizona Bowl Conference Championships MIAMI MARLINS — Designated RHP Liberty 23, Georgia Southern 16 Tucson, Ariz. Sunday, Jan. 19 Austin Brice for assignment. Agreed to Wyoming 38, Georgia State 17 Boca Raton (Fla.) Bowl AFC: Tennessee-Baltimore winner vs. terms with OF Corey Dickerson on a two- Tuesday’s scores FAU 52, SMU 28 Alamo Bowl Houston-Kansas City winner year contract. Named James Rowson San Antonio NFC: Minnesota-San Francisco winner EAST Camellia Bowl bench coach, Billy Hatcher first base/ Merrimack 6, UConn 2 Texas 38, Utah 10 vs. Seattle-Green Bay winner outfield coach, Wellington Cepeda bull- Montgomery, Ala. Wednesday, Jan. 1 Pro Bowl Yale 3, Vermont 2, OT Arkansas State 34, FIU 26 pen coach and Eddy Rodriguez catching Citrus Bowl Sunday, Jan. 26 coach. New Orleans Bowl Orlando, Fla. At Orlando, Fla. Appalachian State 31, UAB 17 PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Named Mike Alabama 35, Michigan 16 AFC vs. NFC Rabelo assistant hitting coach. Las Vegas Bowl Outback Bowl Super Bowl — Named An- Boxing Washington 38, Boise State 7 SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS Tampa, Fla. Sunday, Feb. 2 toan Richardson first base, outfield and Monday, Dec. 23 Minnesota 31, Auburn 24 At Miami Gardens, Fla. baserunning coach and Nick Ortiz qual- Gasparilla Bowl Rose Bowl NFC champion vs. AFC champion ity assurance coach. Fight schedule At Tampa, Fla. Pasadena, Calif. WASHINGTON NATIONALS — Agreed Jan. 10 UCF 48, Marshall 25 Oregon 28, Wisconsin 27 to terms with 2B Starlin Castro on a two- At Ocean Resort Casino, Atlantic City, Tuesday, Dec. 24 Sugar Bowl year contract. N.J., Shohjahon Ergashev vs. Keith Hunt- Hawaii Bowl New Orleans Pro baseball BASKETBALL er, 10, super lightweights; Jaron Ennis vs. Honolulu Georgia 26, Baylor 14 National Basketball Association Bakhtiyar Eyubov, 10, welterweights. Hawaii 38, BYU 34 Thursday, Jan. 2 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS — Waived F Jan. 11 Thursday, Dec. 26 Birmingham (Ala.) Bowl Remaining free agents Marquese Chriss. At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic Independence Bowl Cincinnati 38, Boston College 6 FOOTBALL City, N.J., Jesse Hart vs Joe Smith Jr., 10, Shreveport, La. Gator Bowl AMERICAN LEAGUE National Football League light heavyweights. Louisiana Tech 14, Miami 0 Jacksonville, Fla. NEW YORK — The 111 remaining free CAROLINA PANTHERS — Named Matt At Alamodome, San Antonio, Jaime Quick Lane Bowl Tennessee 23, Indiana 22 agents (q-rejected qualifying offer): Rhule coach. Signed DE Efe Obada to a Munguia vs. Gary O’Sullivan, 12, middle- Detroit Friday, Jan. 3 BALTIMORE (1) — Mark Trumbo, dh- one-year contract extension. weights; Hector Tanajara vs. Juan Carlos Pittsburgh 34, Eastern Michigan 30 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl of-1b. DALLAS COWBOYS — Named Mike Mc- Burgos, 10, lightweights; Travell Mazion Friday, Dec. 27 Boise BOSTON (5) — Andrew Cashner, rhp; Carthy coach. vs. Fernando Castaneda, 10, junior mid- Military Bowl Ohio 30, Nevada 21 Jhoulys Chacin, rhp; Brock Holt, inf-of; DETROIT LIONS — Promoted Hank dleweights. Annapolis, Md. Saturday, Jan. 4 Mitch Moreland, 1b; Steve Pearce, 1b-of. Fraley to offensive line coach and Billy Jan. 17 North Carolina 55, Temple 13 Armed Forces Bowl CHICAGO (4) — Ross Detwiler, lhp; Jon Yates to assistant offensive line coach. At WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Pinstripe Bowl Fort Worth, Texas Jay, of; Ivan Nova, rhp; Hector Santiago, Signed RB Tra Carson to a reserve/future Sloan, Iowa, Vladimir Shishkin vs. Ulises New York Tulane 30, Southern Miss 13 lhp. contract. Sierra, 10, super middleweights; Shohja- Michigan State 27, Wake Forest 21 Monday, Jan. 6 CLEVELAND (4) — Ryan Flaherty, inf; INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Signed OT hon Ergashev vs. Adrian Estrella, 10, su- Texas Bowl Lendingtree Bowl Jason Kipnis, 2b; Dan Otero, rhp; Yasiel Brandon Hitner to a reserve/future con- per lightweights. Houston Mobile, Ala. Puig, of. tract. Jan. 18 Texas A&M 24, Oklahoma State 21 Louisiana-Lafayette 27, Miami (Ohio) 17 DETROIT (5) — Edwin Jackson, rhp; KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — Placed DB Juan At Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, Holiday Bowl Monday, Jan. 13 Gordon Beckham, 2b; Jordy Mercer, ss; Thornhill on IR. Signed G Ryan Hunter. Julian Williams vs. Jeison Rosario, 12, San Diego College Football Championship Matt Moore, lhp; Tyson Ross, rhp. NEW ENGLAND PATROITS — Signed DL for Williams’ IBF/IBO/WBA Super World Iowa 49, Southern Cal 24 New Orleans HOUSTON (3) — Robinson Chirinos, c; Tashawn Bower to a future contract. super welterweight titles; Chris Colbert Clemson (14-0) vs. LSU (14-0) Collin McHugh, rhp; Hector Rondon, rhp. OAKLAND RAIDERS — Signed CB Dylan Cheez-It Bowl KANSAS CITY (1) — Alex Gordon, of. vs. Jezreel Corales, 12, for vacant WBA Phoenix Saturday, Jan. 18 Mabin to a reserve/future contract. East-West Shrine Classic LOS ANGELES (1) — Trevor Cahill, rhp. interim junior lightweight title; Thomas Air Force 31, Washington State 21 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — Signed TE LaManna vs. Jorge Cota, 10, super wel- At St. Petersburg, Fla. NEW YORK (5) — Edwin Encarnacion, Alex Ellis, DT Albert Huggins, QB Kyle Saturday, Dec. 28 East vs. West dh-1b; Brett Gardner, of; Cory Gearrin, terweights; Ricky Lopez vs. Jose Luis Camping World Bowl Lauletta, C Keegan Render, CB Tremon Gallegos, 10, super featherweights. NFLPA Collegiate Bowl rhp; Cameron Maybin, of; CC Sabathia, Smith and WRs River Cracraft, Marcus Orlando, Fla. At Pasadena, Calif. lhp. At Turning Stone Resort & Casino,, Notre Dame 33, Iowa State 9 Green and Marken Michel to reserve/fu- Verona, N.Y., Eleider Alvarez vs. Michael American vs. National SEATTLE (4) — Felix Hernandez, rhp; ture contracts. Seals, 10, light heavyweights. Cotton Bowl Classic Saturday, Jan. 25 Wade LeBlanc, lhp;Tommy Milone, lhp; Arlington, Texas TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Signed Jan. 25 Senior Bowl Arodys Vizcaino, rhp. OLB Quinton Bell, C Anthony Fabiano, S At Barclays Center, New York, Danny Penn State 53, Memphis 39 At Mobile, Ala. TEXAS (6) — Welington Castillo, c; Lo- Peach Bowl Deiondre’ Hall, DL Jeremiah Ledbetter, TE Garcia vs. Ivan Redkach, 12, welter- North vs. South gan Forsythe, inf; Nate Jones, rhp; Shawn Jordan Leggett, CB Herb Miller, OT Brad weights; Jarrett Hurd vs. Francisco San- Atlanta Sunday, Jan. 26 Kelley, rhp; Hunter Pence, dh-of; Edinson CFP Semifinal: LSU 63, Oklahoma 28 Seaton and RB Aca’Cedric Ware to re- tana, 10, super welterweights; Stephen Hula Bowl Volquez, rhp. serve/future contracts. Fulton vs. Arnold Khegai, 12, super ban- Fiesta Bowl At Honolulu TORONTO (1) — Clay Buchholz, rhp. Glendale, Ariz. WASHINGTON REDSKINS — Named Dr. tamweights. East vs. West NATIONAL LEAGUE Kevin Wilk medical consultant. Jan. 30 CFP Semifinal: Clemson 29, Ohio State 23 ARIZONA (4) — Jarrod Dyson, of; Monday, Dec. 30 HOCKEY At Meridian at Island Gardens, Mi- Wilmer Flores, of; Yoshihisa Hirano, rhp; National Hockey League ami Demetrius Andrade vs. Luke Keeler, SERVPRO First Responder Bowl NCAA FCS playoffs Adam Jones, of. Dallas ANAHEIM DUCKS — Reassigned RW 12, for Andrade’s WBO middleweight Championship ATLANTA (9) — Jerry Blevins, lhp; Kiefer Sherwood to San Diego (AHL). title; Tevin Farmer vs. Joseph Diaz Jr., Western Kentucky 23, Western Michi- Saturday, Jan. 11 Francisco Cervelli, c; q-Josh Donaldson, gan 20 BUFFALO SABRES — Recalled D Law- 12, for Farmer’s IBF super featherweight At Toyota Stadium 3b; Billy Hamilton, of; Adeiny Hechavar- rence Pilut from Rochester (AHL). title; Daniel Roman vs. Murodjon Akhma- Music City Bowl Frisco, Texas ria, inf; Matt Joyce, of; Brian McCann, c; DALLAS STARS — Recalled D Joel daliev, 12, for Roman’s IBF/WBA super Nashville, Tenn. North Dakota State (15-0) vs. James Anthony Swarzak, rhp; Josh Tomlin, rhp. Hanley from Texas (AHL). Placed D John banatamweight title. Louisville 38, Mississippi State 28 Madison (14-1) CHICAGO (11) — Tony Barnette, rhp; Klingberg on injured reserve, retroactive Nick Castellanos, of; Xavier Cedeno, lhp; to Jan. 1. Steve Cishek, rhp; Derek Holland, lhp; LOS ANGELES KINGS — Assigned D Brandon Kintzler, rhp; Jonathan Lucroy, Kale Clague to Ontario (AHL). College basketball c; Brandon Morrow, rhp; David Phelps, NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Named rhp; Pedro Strop, rhp; Ben Zobrist, inf-of. John Hynes coach. Acquired F Michael CINCINNATI (1) — Alex Wood, lhp. McCarron from the Montreal Canadiens No. 5 Auburn vs. Georgia SOUTHWEST COLORADO (2) — Yonder Alonso, 1b- Tuesday’s men’s scores No. 7 San Diego State vs. Boise State Baylor 57, Texas Tech 52 for F Laurent Dauphin. of; Drew Butera, c. SOCCER EAST No. 9 Oregon vs. Arizona State Texas A&M 57, Mississippi 47 LOS ANGELES (3) — David Freese, 3b; Boston College 60, Virginia 53 No. 11 Ohio State at Indiana FAR WEST Major League Soccer Jedd Gyorko, inf; Russell Martin, c. LOS ANGELES FC — Announced that Brown 79, Johnson & Wales (RI) 53 No. 13 Louisville at Notre Dame Air Force 79, Utah St. 60 MIAMI (3) — Curtis Granderson, of; Cornell 100, Purchase 68 No. 14 Kentucky vs. Alabama New Mexico 78, Fresno St. 64 the club and F Rodolfo Zelaya have mu- Martin Prado, 1b-3b; Neil Walker, 1b-3b. tually agreed to part ways. Houston 78, Temple 74 No. 15 Dayton vs. UMass MILWAUKEE (3) — Matt Albers, rhp; Maryland 67, Ohio St. 55 No. 16 Villanova vs. Georgetown at NEW YORK CITY — Named Matt Good- AP Women’s Top 25 schedule Jay Jackson, rhp; Eric Thames, 1b. man chief operating officer and chief Quinnipiac 80, Rider 61 Wells Fargo Center NEW YORK (5) — Luis Avilan, lhp; Rajai Rutgers 72, Penn St. 61 No. 17 West Virginia vs. No. 22 Texas Thursday’s games commercial officer. Davis, of; Todd Frazier, 3b; Juan Lagares, NEW YORK RED BULLS — Signed Ms Virginia Tech 67, Syracuse 63 Tech No. 1 UConn vs. No. 6 Baylor at the XL of; Rene Rivera, c. Center, Hartford, Conn. Jared Stroud and Chris Lema. SOUTH No. 18 Virginia vs. Syracuse PHILADELPHIA (11) — Corey Dickerson, East Carolina 62, South Florida 59 No. 20 Penn State vs. Wisconsin No. 4 South Carolina vs. No. 21 Arkansas VANCOUVER WHITECAPS — Named of; Jared Hughes, rhp; Tommy Hunter, Mark Pannes CEO. Florida 81, South Carolina 68 Sunday’s games No. 7 Louisville at Miami No. 9 N.C. State at North Carolina rhp; Brad Miller, inf-of; Logan Morrison, National Women’s Soccer League Kentucky 78, Georgia 69 No. 8 Michigan State at Purdue 1b; Pat Neshek, rhp; Juan Nicasio, rhp; Louisville 74, Miami 58 No. 10 Texas A&M vs. LSU NWSL — Announced the resignation No. 19 Michigan at Minnesota No. 11 Florida State vs. Georgia Tech Sean Rodriguez, inf-of; Drew Smyly, lhp; of president Amanda Duffy to become MIDWEST No. 21 Memphis at South Florida No. 12 Indiana vs. Purdue Jason Vargas, lhp; Nick Vincent, rhp. Akron 84, W. Michigan 69 executive vice president of Orlando City, No. 23 Wichita State vs. UConn at the No. 13 Mississippi State at Missouri PITTSBURGH (3) — Melky Cabrera, of; effective Feb. 15. Ball St. 88, Buffalo 68 XL Center, Hartford, Conn. No. 14 Kentucky at Alabama Lonnie Chisenhall, of; Francisco Liriano, Bowling Green 78, Miami (Ohio) 76 WASHINGTON SPIRIT — Signed M Jaye No. 24 Arizona at Oregon State No. 16 Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s lhp. Boissiere. Cent. Michigan 68, N. Illinois 67 No. 25 Colorado vs. Utah No. 17 Maryland at Iowa ST. LOUIS (3) — Tony Cingrani, lhp; Drake 65, Loyola of Chicago 62 COLLEGE No. 23 Tennessee at Mississippi Marcell Ozuna, of; Matt Wieters, c. — G Solomon Kindley will Kent St. 84, Toledo 77 GEORGIA No. 24 Michigan at Ohio State SAN DIEGO (3) — Aaron Loup, lhp; enter the NFL Draft. Missouri St. 67, Illinois St. 63 Tuesday’s women’s scores Friday’s games Craig Stammen, rhp; Adam Warren, rhp. RUTGERS — Named Augie Hoffmann N. Iowa 68, Indiana St. 60 EAST No. 2 Oregon at Arizona State SAN FRANCISCO (2) — Fernando Abad, offensive assistant. Nebraska 76, Iowa 70 Boston College 60, Virginia 53 No. 3 Oregon State at No. 18 Arizona lhp; Pablo Sandoval, 3b. XAVIER (NO) — Named Adrian Hollo- Ohio 74, E. Michigan 68 Brown 79, Johnson & Wales (RI) 53 No. 5 Stanford vs. California WASHINGTON (8) — Matt Adams, 1b; way baseball coach. Providence 81, Marquette 80, OT Cornell 100, Purchase 68 No. 8 UCLA at Utah Asdrubal Cabrera, 2b-3b; Brian Dozier, TCU 59, Kansas St. 57 Houston 78, Temple 74 No. 15 DePaul vs. Seton Hall 2b; Jeremy Hellickson, rhp; Daniel Hud- Tennessee 69, Missouri 59 Maryland 67, Ohio St. 55 No. 20 Missouri State vs. Drake son, rhp; Fernando Rodney, rhp; Jonny Villanova 64, Creighton 59 Saturday’s games Venters, lhp; Ryan Zimmerman, 1b. Quinnipiac 80, Rider 61 No. 1 UConn vs. Houston at the XL AP sportlight SOUTHWEST Rutgers 72, Penn St. 61 Baylor 57, Texas Tech 52 Center, Hartford, Conn. Virginia Tech 67, Syracuse 63 No. 16 Gonzaga vs. Pacific MLB Calendar Texas A&M 57, Mississippi 47 SOUTH Jan. 9 FAR WEST No. 22 South Dakota vs. Omaha Jan. 10 — Salary arbitration figures — The Boston Bruins win their East Carolina 62, South Florida 59 No. 25 Princeton at Pennsylvania 1930 Air Force 79, Utah St. 60 Florida 81, South Carolina 68 exchanged. NHL-record 14th consecutive game, a New Mexico 78, Fresno St. 64 Sunday’s games Jan. 21 — Baseball Writers’ Associa- Kentucky 78, Georgia 69 No. 2 Oregon at No. 18 Arizona 4-3 road victory against the Pittsburgh tion of America Hall of Fame voting re- Pirates. The record streak lasts until the Louisville 74, Miami 58 No. 3 Oregon State at Arizona State sults announced. MIDWEST No. 4 South Carolina at Vanderbilt 1981-82 when the New York Islanders win AP Men’s Top 25 schedule Feb. 3-21 — Salary arbitration hear- 15 straight. Akron 84, W. Michigan 69 No. 5 Stanford at California Thursday’s games ings, Phoenix. 1942 — Joe Louis knocks out Buddy Ball St. 88, Buffalo 68 No. 6 Baylor vs. Oklahoma State No. 1 Gonzaga at San Diego No. 7 Louisville vs. Wake Forest Feb. 4-6 — Owners meetings, Orlando, Baer with four seconds left in the first No. 8 Michigan State vs. Minnesota Bowling Green 78, Miami (Ohio) 76 Florida. round at Madison Square Garden in New Cent. Michigan 68, N. Illinois 67 No. 8 UCLA at Colorado No. 9 Oregon vs. No. 24 Arizona No. 9 N.C. State at Notre Dame Feb. 11 — Voluntary reporting date for York to retain the world heavyweight No. 19 Michigan vs. Purdue Drake 65, Loyola of Chicago 62 pitchers, catchers and injured players. title. Kent St. 84, Toledo 77 No. 11 Florida State vs. North Carolina No. 21 Memphis at No. 23 Wichita State No. 12 Indiana at Iowa Feb. 16 — Voluntary reporting date for 1947 — Providence’s Don Martin be- No. 23 Wichita State vs. Memphis Missouri St. 67, Illinois St. 63 No. 14 Kentucky at Florida other players. comes the first NBA player to score 40 Friday’s games N. Iowa 68, Indiana St. 60 No. 15 DePaul vs. St. John’s Feb. 21 — Mandatory reporting date. points in a game as he leads the Steam- No. 6 Butler at Providence Nebraska 76, Iowa 70 No. 17 Maryland at No. 24 Michigan March 26 — Opening day, active ros- rollers to a 91-68 rout of the Cleveland No. 12 Maryland at Iowa, Ohio 74, E. Michigan 68 No. 19 West Virginia vs. Texas ters reduced to 26 players. Rebels. Saturday’s games Providence 81, Marquette 80, OT No. 20 Missouri State vs. Northern April 28-30 — New York Mets vs. Miami 1977 — Oakland wins its first NFL No. 1 Gonzaga at Loyola Marymount TCU 59, Kansas St. 57 Iowa at San Juan, Puerto Rico. Championship and the Minnesota Vi- No. 2 Duke vs. Wake Forest Tennessee 69, Missouri 59 No. 21 Arkansas vs. Missouri June 10-12 — Amateur draft, Omaha, kings drop their fourth Super Bowl as the No. 3 Kansas vs. No. 4 Baylor Villanova 64, Creighton 59 No. 23 Tennessee vs. Georgia Neb. Raiders post a 32-14 triumph. PAGE 18 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, January 9, 2020 NBA Roundup Scoreboard

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Lakers’ win over Boston 25 9 .735 — Toronto 24 13 .649 2A Philadelphia 24 14 .632 3 Brooklyn 16 20 .444 10 New York 10 27 .270 16A Southeast Division Miami 26 10 .722 — Orlando 17 20 .459 9A Charlotte 15 24 .385 12A Knicks leaves Washington 12 24 .333 14 Atlanta 8 29 .216 18A Central Division Milwaukee 32 6 .842 — Indiana 23 14 .622 8A Detroit 14 24 .368 18 Chicago 13 24 .351 18A Davis bruised Cleveland 10 27 .270 21A Western Conference Southwest Division Associated Press W L Pct GB “We hope he’s all right,” Kenta- Houston 24 11 .686 — vious Caldwell-Pope said. “We’re Dallas 23 13 .639 1A The Los Angeles Lakers gath- San Antonio 15 20 .429 9 just hoping he’ll get better soon. A ered around Anthony Davis while Memphis 16 22 .421 9 We need him.” New Orleans 12 25 .324 13 the six-time All-Star writhed in Northwest Division James scored 31 points and Denver 25 11 .694 — pain on the Staples Center floor. Caldwell-Pope added 15 after Utah 24 12 .667 1 Another breezy blowout win Oklahoma City 21 16 .568 4A bouncing back from a flagrant Portland 16 22 .421 10 had just become much less fun foul to his head by Bobby Portis, Minnesota 14 22 .389 11 for the Lakers and their superstar Pacific Division but Los Angeles (30-7) didn’t ex- L.A. Lakers 30 7 .811 — big man, although it’s too soon to actly celebrate becoming the sec- L.A. Clippers 26 12 .684 4A say just how serious it will be for Sacramento 15 23 .395 15A ond NBA team to win 30 games Phoenix 14 23 .378 16 their championship dreams. Golden State 9 29 .237 21A this season. Monday’s games Davis left in the third quarter Kings 114, Suns 103: Washington 99, Boston 94 after bruising his lower back on Orlando 101, Brooklyn 89 De’Aaron Fox scored 27 points, Indiana 115, Charlotte 104 a painful fall during the Lakers’ Nemanja Bjelica added 19 and Philadelphia 120, Oklahoma City 113 /AP sixth straight victory, 117-87 over Sacramento rallied from a 21- MARK J. TERRILL Denver 123, Atlanta 115 the New York Knicks on Tuesday Utah 128, New Orleans 126 point deficit in the third quarter Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis winces after hitting the Dallas 118, Chicago 110 night. San Antonio 126, Milwaukee 104 to win at Phoenix. court while trying to defend a shot by New York Knicks forward Sacramento 111, Golden State 98 Davis bruised his sacrum — the The Kings — who have won Julius Randle, right. Davis left the game but the Lakers won 117-87. Tuesday’s games bottom part of his spine above the Detroit 115, Cleveland 113 three of their last four — got big Portland 101, Toronto 99 tailbone — when he attempted contributions from bench players Oklahoma City 111, Brooklyn 103, OT to block Julius Randle’s driving lost for just the second time in lost its fifth straight and went win- Memphis 119, Minnesota 112 Dewayne Dedmon and Trevor 16 games against opponents with less on its four-game homestand. Sacramento 114, Phoenix 103 shot. He got knocked off balance Ariza. Dedmon finished with 12 L.A. Lakers 117, New York 87 losing records. Thunder 111, Nets 103 (OT): Wednesday’s games and fell awkwardly to the court, points and 10 rebounds and Ariza Miami at Indiana Oshae Brisett scored a career- Chris Paul scored 20 of his 28 landing hard on his back with — who played for the Suns part of San Antonio at Boston high 12 points for Toronto. and points in the fourth quarter and Toronto at Charlotte 2:45 left in the third. last season — added 15 points. Washington at Orlando Chris Boucher also had 12, in- overtime, leading Oklahoma City The Lakers were anxious as Phoenix was led by Devin Denver at Dallas cluding 10 straight Toronto points to a win at Brooklyn. Houston at Atlanta they surrounded him under the Booker, who scored 34 points and Chicago at New Orleans in the fourth. The game was tied at 103 before New York at Utah basket. had seven assists. It was Booker’s Pistons 115, Cavaliers 113: Paul made consecutive jumpers Milwaukee at Golden State “Fingers crossed, hope for the seventh straight game with at Thursday’s games Derrick Rose hit a 15-footer with and the Nets never scored again. Boston at Philadelphia best, pray for the best,” coach least 30 points, which extends his Cleveland at Detroit Frank Vogel said. franchise record. 27 seconds left and Detroit rallied Shai Gilgeous-Alexander closed Portland at Minnesota to a win at Cleveland. out the scoring with four free Houston at Oklahoma City Davis pounded the court in Deandre Ayton added 21 points Friday’s games pain and stayed down for roughly and nine rebounds. Kelly Oubre Rose, who scored 24 points, throws, after making a jumper to Atlanta at Washington scored on a runner in the lane to open OT. New Orleans at New York two minutes, but eventually rose Jr. had 17 points. Miami at Brooklyn with his teammates’ help and give the Pistons a 114-113 lead Gilgeous-Alexander added Indiana at Chicago Trail Blazers 101, Raptors San Antonio at Memphis then slowly walked off unaided. 99: Carmelo Anthony made the and cap a comeback that began 22 points for the Thunder, who Charlotte at Utah “We’re hoping he’ll be fine, and with the Pistons trailing 110-91 bounced back from a loss Monday Orlando at Phoenix winning basket with four seconds L.A. Lakers at Dallas we believe he’ll be fine,” said LeB- remaining and Portland rallied to early in the fourth quarter. in Philadelphia . Milwaukee at Sacramento ron James, who played through win at Toronto. Cleveland set up for a go-ahead Grizzlies 119, Timberwolves Golden State at L.A. Clippers illness. “Tough night for us.” Anthony scored 28 points, Da- shot, but Collin Sexton was called 112: Dillon Brooks scored 28 Leaders X-rays were negative, but Davis for stepping out of bounds with points, Ja Morant added 25 and mian Lillard had 20 and Hassan Scoring didn’t return to the game and he Whiteside added 14 points and 16 seven seconds left. The ruling host Memphis rallied in the G FG FT PTS AVG was overturned, but Sexton’s shot fourth quarter for a victory over Harden, HOU 34 383 362 1305 38.4 was scheduled for additional test- rebounds for the Trail Blazers, Antetokounmpo, MIL 35 390 219 1058 30.2 ing overnight. His agent, Rich who snapped a four-game losing in the lane didn’t hit the rim and Minnesota. Doncic, DAL 32 307 235 949 29.7 Young, ATL 34 317 227 981 28.9 Paul, said his client felt extremely streak at the Raptors and won for Detroit was awarded possession Jaren Jackson Jr. finished Beal, WAS 31 293 197 862 27.8 sore. the second time in 10 meetings on a shot-clock violation. with 21 points, including a trio Davis, LAL 34 328 249 943 27.7 Lillard, POR 35 296 239 950 27.1 It seems quite likely Davis will with Toronto. Andre Drummond finished of three-pointers in fourth. Jae Booker, PHX 33 302 194 858 26.0 miss at least a little playing time Anfernee Simons scored 12 with 23 points and 20 rebounds, Crowder finished with 14 points Leonard, LAC 28 247 164 707 25.3 Ingram, NOP 33 295 163 831 25.2 this month, given Los Angeles’ points and C.J. McCollum had 10. the 38th time in his career he and eight rebounds as Memphis Siakam, TOR 27 253 104 677 25.1 lofty record and the long road to Kyle Lowry had 24 points and has hit the 20-mark in both won its third straight. Mitchell, UTA 36 336 147 899 25.0 James, LAL 35 336 130 873 24.9 the playoffs still ahead. The Lak- 10 rebounds, and Serge Ibaka categories. Rookie Jarrett Culver led the Wiggins, MIN 27 246 109 659 24.4 Westbrook, HOU 31 280 152 747 24.1 ers have a two-game road trip added 17 points and 11 rebounds Kevin Love matched a season Timberwolves with a career-high LaVine, CHI 37 298 166 875 23.6 starting Friday in Dallas. as the injury-ravaged Raptors high with 30 points, but Cleveland 24 points. Embiid, PHI 31 238 211 725 23.4 Westbrook set to return to face a Thunder team that is OK

BY BRIAN MAHONEY — and one-time Oklahoma City teammate toward another league scoring title, the we’ve gotten down, but these guys always Associated Press — James Harden on a high-scoring con- Rockets went into the first full week of fight back,” Donovan said. tender. He has scored 20 or more points in 2020 tied for second place in the Western The Thunder had already sent Paul Once Russell Westbrook headed to Hous- 12 straight games, with three straight of at Conference. Down in seventh place were ton, the Oklahoma City Thunder were sup- George to the Los Angeles Clippers when least 30 late last month, and averaged 27.8 the Thunder, who defeated the Brooklyn posed to be headed toward a rebuild. they dealt Westbrook to the Rockets for in that span to raise his average to 24.1. Nets 111-103 in overtime Tuesday for their The team Westbrook returns to face this Chris Paul and four first-round picks. Paul He said his return would be emotional sixth win in seven games. week doesn’t look like one headed for the has been combining with super sub Dennis because of how much Oklahoma City and Before that, they were on a 14-4 surge lottery. It’s playing like one Westbrook Schroder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the organization meant to him, but he after a 6-11 start. Billy Donovan was West- might see again in the postseason. acquired along with Danilo Gallinari from The Thunder welcome back their former didn’t want to detail much leading into it. ern Conference coach of the month in De- the Clippers, for nearly 60 points per game point guard Thursday, with both doing just “I don’t want to get that much into before cember after the Thunder went 11-4, and fine since going their separate ways last the game and on and on, but after the game nearly saw his team rally for another win during the 18-game stretch. summer. we can discuss whatever you like,” he said Monday. Westbrook fell one assist shy of a tri- That’s not a surprise for Westbrook, Monday at practice. “We dug ourselves a little bit of a hole, ple-double in October in his first meeting given that he was sent to join former MVP With Harden seemingly running away and we’ve had that happen before where against Oklahoma City. Thursday, January 9, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 19 NHL Roundup Bruins hammer Preds in Hynes’ debut as coach

Associated Press Warren Foegele, Jake Gar- diner, Lucas Wallmark and Joel NASHVILLE, Tenn. — David Edmundson also scored for the Pastrnak scored for the third Hurricanes, who bounced back consecutive game, Tuukka Rask from a two-goal deficit in the first made 34 saves and the Boston period with four straight goals, Bruins beat the Nashville Preda- then squandered their own two- tors 6-2 on Tuesday night. goal cushion. Danton Heinen, Patrice Flames 2, Blackhawks 1: Bergeron, Chris Wagner, David Elias Lindholm scored twice to Krejci and Charlie Coyle also scored for the Bruins, who reach 300 points in his 500th snapped a three-game losing NHL game, and visiting Cal- streak. gary topped Chicago for its third straight win. CHRIS O’MEARA/AP “Anytime you get balanced scoring, it just takes so much Matthew Tkachuk had two as- Lightning center Carter Verhaeghe receives congratulations from the bench after his third goal against pressure off of the other guys,” sists for the Flames, who lost 5-3 the Vancouver Canucks during the third period of Tuesday’s game in Tampa, Fla. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. to Chicago in their first meeting “It turns a lot of those one-goal of the season on New Year’s Eve. Scoreboard games into two or three goal wins Islanders 4, Devils 3 (OT): An- if they can pitch in every night. ders Lee scored with 51 seconds That’s the goal.” left on the clock in overtime to Lightning extend lift visiting New York over New Filip Forsberg and Mikael Eastern Conference Granlund scored for Nashville, Jersey. Atlantic Division which has lost five of six. Pekka Casey Cizikas, Jordan Eberle GP W L OT Pts GF GA and Tom Kuhnhackl also scored streak to 8 games Boston 44 25 8 11 61 146 113 Rinne finished with 30 saves. Tampa Bay 42 25 13 4 54 156 127 for the Islanders. Thomas Greiss Toronto 44 24 15 5 53 159 141 New Nashville coach John Florida 43 22 16 5 49 153 146 Hynes lost his debut. Hynes re- made 32 saves, including one on BY FRED GOODALL ity we’re not winning the hockey Buffalo 43 19 17 7 45 127 135 placed Peter Laviolette, who was defenseman Sami Vatanen on a 3- Associated Press game.” Montreal 44 18 19 7 43 139 143 Ottawa 43 16 22 5 37 118 149 fired Monday after 5 ½ seasons as on-1 break in overtime. Point added his 18th goal of Detroit 44 11 30 3 25 96 168 head coach. Penguins 4, Golden Knights TAMPA, Fla. — A matchup the season, assisted by Stamkos Metropolitan Division Washington 44 30 9 5 65 161 130 Pastrnak scored the game’s 3: Dominik Kahun had a goal between the two hottest teams in and Cernak, when he beat Mark- N.Y. Islanders 42 27 12 3 57 120 108 and an assist, Tristan Jarry made the NHL turned into a mismatch Pittsburgh 43 26 12 5 57 146 116 first goal at 1:36 of the opening pe- strom’s replacement, Thatcher Carolina 43 25 16 2 52 145 123 riod. Pastrnak has goals in three 32 saves and visiting Pittsburgh in a hurry. Demko, early in the third. Ver- Philadelphia 43 22 15 6 50 137 134 defeated Vegas. Rookie Carter Verhaeghe had Columbus 44 21 15 8 50 117 121 straight games and extended his haeghe scored twice in the third N.Y. Rangers 42 20 18 4 44 138 141 The Penguins have won three his first career hat trick and point scoring streak to 11. period, getting his third of the New Jersey 42 15 20 7 37 109 148 straight and six of seven on the Tampa Bay scored three times in Blues 3, Sharks 2: David Per- game with an assist from Kuch- road (6-1-0). less than a minute to finish a six- Western Conference ron scored his 18th goal of the erov on a 5-on-3 power play with Coyotes 5, Panthers 2: Tay- goal second period that propelled Central Division season and Jordan Binnington 1:51 remaining. GP W L OT Pts GF GA lor Hall scored the go-ahead goal the Lightning to their season- stopped 28 shots to lead host St. “It feels pretty good,” said Ver- St. Louis 44 27 10 7 61 138 121 late in the second period and vis- best eighth straight win Tuesday Colorado 44 25 15 4 54 159 130 Louis over San Jose. haeghe, last season’s American Dallas 42 24 14 4 52 115 104 iting Arizona downed Florida for night, a 9-2 victory over the Van- Winnipeg 43 23 16 4 50 133 131 Tyler Bozak and Ivan Barba- Hockey League scoring cham- couver Canucks. Minnesota 43 20 17 6 46 133 144 shev also scored for the Blues, its fourth straight win. pion with the Syracuse Crunch. Nashville 42 19 16 7 45 144 143 Oliver Ekman-Larsson had a Verhaeghe, Tyler Johnson, Ste- Chicago 44 19 19 6 44 128 143 who have won six straight at “All the guys were trying to get ven Stamkos, Alex Killorn, Nikita Pacific Division home. Timo Meier and Erik goal and two assists, and Law- me the puck there, and (Kuch- Arizona 45 25 16 4 54 133 114 son Crouse, Carl Soderberg and Kucherov and Erik Cernak all Vegas 46 24 16 6 54 147 137 Karlsson had San Jose’s goals. erov) makes a great play. It was a scored in the second — helping Edmonton 45 23 17 5 51 137 142 Rangers 5, Avalanche 3: Arte- Christian Dvorak also scored for great effort by the guys.” Calgary 45 23 17 5 51 125 135 the Lightning tie a team record Vancouver 43 23 16 4 50 143 134 mi Panarin had a goal and two as- the Coyotes. Phil Kessel added Tampa Bay’s eight-game win- San Jose 45 19 22 4 42 121 151 two assists and Adin Hill stopped for goals in a period, chase goal- Anaheim 43 17 21 5 39 113 136 sists, and Igor Shesterkin stopped tender Jacob Markstrom and end ning streak is its longest since Los Angeles 44 17 23 4 38 112 140 29 shots to win his NHL debut as 37 shots in his first start of the the team won a franchise-record Note: Two points for a win, one point season. the Canucks’ seven-game win- for overtime loss. Top three teams in host New York beat Colorado. ning streak. 10 straight last February. An- each division and two wild cards per Mika Zibanejad and Ryan Red Wings 4, Canadiens 3: drei Vasilevskiy stopped 21 of conference advance to playoffs. Filip Zadina scored the tiebreak- “That’s got to be the thrill of a Tuesday’s games Strome each had a goal and an as- lifetime,” coach Jon Cooper said 23 shots, with Vancouver’s Elias Carolina 5, Philadelphia 4, OT sist, and Chris Kreider and Brady ing goal with 3:52 left in the third Pettersson giving the Canucks Arizona 5, Florida 2 of Verhaeghe, who had his sec- N.Y. Islanders 4, New Jersey 3, OT Skjei also scored for the Rangers. period to send host Detroit past a 1-0 first-period lead and Loui Tampa Bay 9, Vancouver 2 Jesper Fast had three assists and Montreal. ond multi-point game of the sea- Washington 6, Ottawa 1 son. He’s kind of bounced around Eriksson briefly making it 2-2 be- Detroit 4, Montreal 3 Tony DeAngelo added two. Zadina connected on a one- fore the night went downhill in a N.Y. Rangers 5, Colorado 3 Capitals 6, Senators 1: T.J. timer in front off Adam Erne’s with us, different positions in the Boston 6, Nashville 2 lineup. But it’s been leading up to hurry. St. Louis 3, San Jose 2 Oshie and Alex Ovechkin each pass from behind the net. “I think our guys were excited Calgary 2, Chicago 1 scored two goals as host Wash- The Red Wings had lost two in this. He’s had some pretty good Columbus 4, Anaheim 3 games. ... It was great to see.” to play. You could feel it on the Pittsburgh 4, Vegas 3 ington defeated Ottawa. a row and 20 of their last 23, giv- bench when we made it 2-2. It’s Wednesday’s games ing them the NHL’s worst record Brayden Point had three as- Washington at Philadelphia Oshie, who scored the tying sists during the stretch in which no secret, there was a little bit of Winnipeg at Toronto goal in Sunday’s wild comeback by a wide margin. Montreal has magnitude with this game,” Ca- Dallas at Los Angeles Tampa Bay built a 6-2 lead on Thursday’s games win over San Jose, tied this one dropped seven straight games. Markstrom, who was pulled with nucks coach Travis Green said. Winnipeg at Boston at 1. The Capitals, who have won Blue Jackets 4, Ducks 3: Zach Vancouver at Florida just over two minutes left in the Tuesday night’s matchup was Edmonton at Montreal three straight, scored six unan- Werenski scored two goals to lead third after yielding six goals on just the second in NHL his- New Jersey at N.Y. Rangers swered goals after Artem Anisi- visiting Columbus over Anaheim. Arizona at Tampa Bay 21 shots. Verhaeghe, Kucherov tory featuring teams riding win Buffalo at St. Louis mov gave the Senators a 1-0 lead The win pushed Columbus’ and Cernak scored within a span streaks of seven or more games. Nashville at Chicago at 5:40 of the first period. road point streak to nine games Minnesota at Calgary of 56 seconds to finish the Van- In the other, the Columbus Blue Dallas at Anaheim Hurricanes 5, Flyers 4 (OT): (6-0-3). Eric Robinson and Na- couver goalie’s night. Jackets and Minnesota Wild took Los Angeles at Vegas Dougie Hamilton scored 1:56 into than Gerbe also scored, Pierre- Columbus at San Jose “It’s terrible,” Markstrom said. streaks of 14 and 12 games, re- Friday’s games overtime on a shot between goal- Luc Dubois had three assists Arizona at Carolina “There’s a reason you get pulled, spectively, into a matchup Colum- Ottawa at Detroit ie Brian Elliott’s pads to lift host and Elvis Merzlikins stopped 37 because there’s a big possibil- bus won 4-2 on Dec. 31, 2016. Pittsburgh at Colorado Carolina over Philadelphia. shots. PAGE 20 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, January 9, 2020 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Roles: Gilder, Woolridge critical to Zags’ success

FROM BACK PAGE going to Texas to be a star for the They’re part of a Texas trio Longhorns. A coaching change playing big roles for the No. 1 landed Woolridge at San Diego, team in the country. Woolridge, but a family illness caused him Gilder and backup forward Drew to return to Texas before he ever Timme all left the comforts of played a game in California. Texas — the Dallas area, to be So North Texas became his op- specific — for the chance to play tion. As his career progressed, for an elite program. Woolridge thought there could So far, they’re giving Gonzaga be another opportunity out there exactly what it needs. Woolridge once he finished his degree. has started every game, leads Woolridge visited Arkansas and the team in assists, is second in Oklahoma State, and was about minutes played and is to set up a trip to Arizona when Gonzaga reached out. scoring 10.5 points per “At the beginning game. Gilder is right ‘ I was just kind of behind him at 10.2 per Just shocked, kind of star- game. Timme is usu- being able struck I guess you could ally Gonzaga’s first post to come say, because I’ve always player off the bench and watched them on TV,” is averaging 9.2 points here and Woolridge said. “And JULIO CORTEZ/AP per game while shoot- step in then just being able to ing nearly 58% from these come here and step in Ohio State guard Luther Muhammad, bottom, and Maryland guard Serrel Smith Jr. chase after a loose the field. If Timme has ball during the second half of Tuesday’s game in College Park, Md. Maryland won 67-55. shoes is these shoes is almost a couple of big games like a dream.” scoring, the Zags could almost like Gilder was hoping just Roundup have an unheard of a dream. to play again. The for- seven players averaging ’ mer Texas state player in double figures. Ryan of the year as a senior While Timme was Woolridge in high school should be Gonzaga-bound from Gonzaga guard done with his college ca- the start, the additions reer. Last year at Texas Maryland tops Ohio St., of Gilder and Woolridge have be- A&M was supposed to be the come critical for the Zags. conclusion. The two guards immediately But he never played a minute stepped into important roles for for the Aggies in 2018-19 after a team lacking depth in the back- three years of being a major court. The graduation of Josh contributor. stays unbeaten at home Perkins and the early departure Gilder missed the start of the of Zach Norvell Jr. for the NBA season due to a knee injury. He left the Bulldogs extremely thin was then diagnosed with a blood Associated Press 8:06 remaining. Georgia (10-4, 0-1) never regained at the guard spots, and while clot. He missed his entire se- the lead. Gonzaga has guard help coming nior season with the Aggies and COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Anthony Cowan Jr. No. 16 Villanova 64, Creighton 59: for the 2020-21 season, it needed wasn’t cleared to resume basket- scored 20 points, and No. 12 Maryland used an Collin Gil- to find a solution in the transfer ball activities until after the sea- unyielding defensive performance to defeat 11th- lespie and Saddiq Bey made back-to-back three- market for this season. son was over. And when former ranked Ohio State 67-55 Tuesday night and remain pointers to give their team the lead for good in the “Gonzaga hit me up and I was Texas A&M coach Billy Kennedy unbeaten at home. final four minutes, and the Wildcats ended a six- like, OK, well I’m gonna, I have was fired after the season, Gilder Jalen Smith had 11 points and seven rebounds game Big East road losing streak by beating the to take a visit out there for sure,” decided to move on as well. for the Terrapins (13-2, 3-1 Big Ten), who have won Bluejays. Woolridge said. “I think I had “Just the situation, knowing three straight. Maryland went up by 10 on a three- Villanova (11-3, 2-1 Big East) overcame another taken two visits already, but I was what they had lost and what kind pointer by Cowan with 12:58 left and cruised to the poor shooting performance to end Creighton’s 15- like, I have to take one out there.” of position they were in and know- finish. game home winning streak and deny Bluejays coach Woolridge had always admired ing I could come and fit right in,” The Buckeyes (11-4, 1-3) shot a miserable 31%, Greg McDermott his 500th career win. Creighton Gonzaga from afar even as he Gilder said. “And it’s the way I’ve went 5-for-27 from three-point range and commit- (12-4, 1-2) has lost two in a row, both to ranked developed into a solid player at always wanted to play, up-tempo, ted 14 turnovers. opponents. North Texas. Coming out of high fast, just get up and down the No. 4 Baylor 57, No. 22 Texas Tech 52: Da- Boston College 60, No. 18 Virginia 53: Jared school, Woolridge thought he was court and scoring.” vion Mitchell scored 14 points, Mark Vital grabbed Hamilton hit a tiebreaking three-pointer with 37 13 rebounds and the visiting Bears stretched their seconds left and added a pair of free throws to clinch winning streak to 11 games with a win over the Red it as the host Eagles beat the Cavaliers and sent the Raiders. defending national champions to their first Atlantic Baylor (12-1, 2-0 Big 12) held on even though its Coast Conference loss of the season. last field goal came with 3:06 left. Jay Heath scored 17 for Boston College (9-6, 3- Texas Tech (10-4, 1-1) lost at home for the first 1), which had not beaten Virginia since 2013. It was time in nearly a year. The Red Raiders had won 15 BC’s first win over a ranked team since a victory consecutive home games since a loss to Iowa State over No. 11 Florida State last January. last Jan. 16, and are 58-6 at home under fourth-year Rutgers 72, No. 20 Penn State 61: Ron Harper coach Chris Beard. Jr. had 22 points to help the host Scarlet Knights No. 13 Louisville 74, Miami 58: Jordan Nwora beat the Nittany Lions. scored 19 points, including a critical layup with 5:21 Rutgers took a lead at 34-33 on a second-chance remaining, and Darius Perry and Ryan McMahon basket by Myles Johnson with 17:53 to go. It was the followed with key baskets down the stretch to help Scarlet Knights’ first lead since 4-3, when Harper the host Cardinals pull away from the Hurricanes. Louisville (12-3, 3-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) hit two foul shots from a flagrant foul on Jamari bounced back from consecutive losses to ranked Wheeler. As Rutgers was trying to inbound, Wheel- foes, at Kentucky and at home to Florida State. er elbowed Harper in the chin. The Cardinals led by 20 midway through the first Air Force 79, Utah State 60: Ryan Swan had a half before Miami got within 11 at the break. season-high 31 points with 11 rebounds as the host No. 14 Kentucky 78, Georgia 69: Immanuel Falcons topped the Aggies. Quickley’s three-pointer gave his team its first lead A.J. Walker had 12 points for Air Force (8-8, 2- of the second half and the visiting Wildcats overcame 2 Mountain West Conference). Swan was 11-for-16 Anthony Edwards’ 23 points to beat the Bulldogs from the field and made 8 of 11 free throws. and continue their domination of the Southeastern The Falcons entered the locker room at the half STEVE DIPAOLA/AP Conference rivalry. trailing 34-31, but were able to outscore the Utah Gonzaga forward Drew Timme pivots to shoot against Portland on Kentucky (11-3, 2-0) trailed 37-31 at halftime be- State 48-26 in the second half to pull away for the Jan. 2. Timme is one of three Dallas players on the team. fore finally taking the lead on Quickley’s three with 19-point victory. Thursday, January 9, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 21 COLLEGE BASKETBALL/MLB/TENNIS No. 7 Aztecs MLB to investigate San Diego’s hottest ticket reports Red Sox

BY BERNIE WILSON Associated Press stole signs in 2018 SAN DIEGO — San Diego State basketball is back to being the hottest ticket in town. BY KYLE HIGHTOWER Viejas Arena is hopping again because the unde- with MLB as they investigate the feated and seventh-ranked Aztecs are playing as ELI LUCERO/AP Associated Press matter.” well as they did during their two Sweet 16 seasons The incident that prompted San Diego State guard Malachi Flynn is one BOSTON — Major League MLB’s 2017 warning from Com- during the last decade, including the one led by of three transfers that have helped make the Baseball says it will investigate missioner Rob Manfred to teams Kawhi Leonard. Aztecs the hottest ticket in town again. They’re allegations the Boston Red Sox came after the Red Sox were fined This time it’s a trio of transfers — guards Malachi undefeated and are ranked No. 7. illegally used their video replay Flynn and KJ Feagin, and forward Yanni Wetzell an undisclosed sum for “sending room to steal signs between op- — powering the Aztecs (15-0, 4-0 Mountain West electronic communications from in winning and losing and we’re excited when this posing pitchers and catchers Conference). SDSU and Auburn are the nation’s building is full, and I hope it will be that way for the during their 2018 World Series their video replay room to an ath- only undefeated teams. rest of the year.” championship season. letic trainer in the dugout” during Besides having the nation’s longest winning That’s not to say the Aztecs are overlooking Wyo- The claims were made Tuesday an August 2017 series against the streak, the Aztecs are No. 1 in the latest NET (NCAA ming (5-11, 0-4). After beating Utah State, they re- in a report by The Athletic. The rival New York Yankees. Evaluation Tool), which replaced RPI as the prima- turned to sea level and then reported for practice website cited three anonymous The New York Times report- ry method for NCAA Tournament seeding. Monday to find out they had jumped into the Top 10 sources it said were with the Red ed that general manager Brian In their third season under coach Brian Dutcher, for the first time since 2013-14, when they made the Cashman filed a complaint with the Aztecs have won at BYU, beaten Creighton and Sox during the 2018 season who Sweet 16 for the second time in four seasons. the commissioner’s office re- Iowa on consecutive nights in Las Vegas and beaten said some players visited the re- Dutcher thinks he’s found a way to combat the garding that incident which in- Utah of the Pac-12 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. play room during games to get in- altitude. formation on sign sequences. cluded video. The newspaper said On Saturday night, they claimed a big win at defend- “I know people ask, ‘Why didn’t you just stay Those sources told The Athlet- it showed a member of Boston’s ing MWC champion Utah State. on the road?’ I said, ‘I want to get out of altitude.’ ic that the Red Sox weren’t able training staff looking at his Apple SDSU had another tough trip Wednesday, when We’ve seen that before in this conference when we to do it during the postseason be- the Aztecs will face Wyoming at 7,220 feet , before had travel partners. We used to go BYU-Utah, Colo- Watch in the dugout and relaying cause of in-person monitors used returning home Saturday night to host Boise State. rado State-Wyoming, Air Force-New Mexico. And a message to players. by MLB in those games. “I say this is the best West Coast environment. by that second game, we looked like we were run- Manfred said at the time that This is incredible, especially in the state of Califor- ning in quicksand. It was the altitude. We’re trying “The Commissioner made clear future violations would be subject nia,” said Dutcher, who was an assistant when Steve to diminish the effects by trying to get in there and in a September 15, 2017 memo- to more serious sanctions, includ- Fisher elevated SDSU from a hoops backwater to play within 24-36 hours after arriving. That’s why randum to clubs how seriously ing possible loss of draft picks. national relevance. we came home for two days. Sleep in your own bed he would take any future viola- He said last month that he has “When this building is full, it’s electric and we’ve and play within 24 hours of arriving.” tion of the regulations regarding the authority to levy even stiffer seen it full this year,” he said. “We’ve seen it full in The Aztecs are having their best season since use of electronic equipment or penalties. the inappropriate use of the video the past. I’m just excited to get school started again 2010-11, when Leonard led them to a 20-0 start and The latest allegations against replay room. Given these allega- so we get the students back in here to enjoy some of their first Sweet 16 appearance. They lost to national the Red Sox come after The Ath- tions, MLB will commence an in- it.” champion UConn and finished a school-best 34-3. letic reported last month that the Dutcher noted that there was a full house on New vestigation into this matter,” the The 2013-14 team finished 31-5 after losing to Ari- Houston Astros allegedly stole Year’s Day, when the Aztecs had a noon tipoff and zona in the Sweet 16. league said in a statement. signs during home games of their beat Fresno State. Dutcher and the Aztecs aren’t reaching for The Red Sox said they will co- 2017 World Series championship “I always say about San Diego — USC and UCLA, comparisons. operate as MLB looks into the they have great passionate fan bases, but you go up “I think if you ask them, they want to go further allegations. season by using a camera posi- there and they have the Lakers and the Clippers than that,” the coach said. “You close your eyes and “We were recently made aware tioned in center field. and the Ducks and the Kings, the Dodgers and the ... we’ve always told kids when we recruit them, of allegations suggesting the inap- Boston Red Sox manager Alex Angels and the Rams and the Chargers,” Dutcher ‘Hey, dream of going to a Final Four.’ We don’t want propriate use of our video replay Cora was the bench coach for that added. “For San Diego, we are the pro basketball to squash that message and say, the Sweet 16 and room,” the team said in a state- team and has spoken with MLB. team, San Diego State. We get all the support and that. We just try not to get ahead of ourselves and ment. “We take these allegations He has declined further comment we’re very thankful for that. It makes a difference just get better today.” seriously and will fully cooperate on the matter. One-time paring of Williams, Wozniacki reaches semis

Associated Press Melbourne Park in 2018 and has decided to make the Australian Open her last profes- AUCKLAND, New Zealand — They’re sional tournament before retirement. friends, they’ve both been ranked No. 1 The pair will not play together at the in singles and on Wednesday, Serena Wil- Australian Open,. liams and Caroline Wozniacki prolonged The match against Larsson and Dole- their one-time-only doubles partnership hide, both accomplished doubles players, when they advanced to the semifinals of was the toughest test of their partnership. the ASB Classic. Larsson has 13 doubles titles and Dolehide Playing together for the first time in has been a U.S. Open doubles semifinalist. their careers, Williams and Wozniacki beat Williams was a driving force in their win top-seeded Johanna Larsson and Caroline Wednesday, dominating the court, though Dolehide 6-2, 6-1. she paid tribute to Wozniacki who “never Williams hasn’t played doubles with missed.“ anyone other than Venus since 2015 and “We’re just having a great time,“ Wozni- last played a WTA tournament with any- acki said. “Even if I miss a couple and I’m one other than Venus in 2002. mad at myself, Serena is always so posi- Wozniacki hasn’t played doubles at all in tive. She’s like, ’You’re doing great. You’re the last three years. doing amazing,’ so it makes you feel good But the pair have long harbored a de- out there. sire to take the court as a pairing, and took “We’re just going to go out there every what may be their last opportunity. match, just play, have fun and see what Wozniacki is playing the New Zealand happens and the good thing is with doubles tournament for the sixth straight year as is we’ve had two matches and we’re in the a prelude to the Australian Open, after semifinals.” CHRIS SYMES, PHOTOSPORT/AP which she will retire from competitive ten- Wozniacki will play Lauren Davis in the nis. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid second round of singles on Thursday while Caroline Wozniacki, left, and Serena Williams talk during their doubles match against arthritis shortly after winning the title at Williams will play Christina McHale. Caroline Dolehide and Johanna Larsson at the ASB Classic on Wednesday. PAGE 22 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, January 9, 2020 NFL Source: Giants close to hiring Patriots’ Judge

BY TOM CANAVAN By the numbers Associated Press EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New England Patriots assis- tant Joe Judge probably is going to have to wait another day before .359 finalizing a contract to become the somewhat surprising choice ERIC CHRISTIAN SMITH/AP as head coach of the four-time Cumulative winning Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, front, shown celebrating a touchdown in his team’s wild-card loss to champion New York Giants. percentage for the three the Houston Texans on Saturday, showed progress in his second season. The team and representatives for Judge worked most of Tues- New York Giants head day on a deal to bring the 38-year- coaches since Tom old to the Meadowlands in New Coughlin was fired in 2015. Playoff collapse shows Bills Jersey to revive a franchise that tumbled to the bottom of the NFL in recent years, a person familiar with the negotiations said. there’s still work to be done The person spoke on condition .420 of anonymity Tuesday because BY JOHN WAWROW through a 17-year playoff drought the deal is not done. The person Associated Press before McDermott and Beane ar- did not expect the contract to be Cumulative winning rived in 2017. finalized until Wednesday at the percentage in the NFL for ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The And yet, this is still a team that earliest. The Bills said on their the 12 former Bill Belichick lingering disappointment follow- has lost six consecutive playoff Twitter account that they had in- assistants who became ing an AFC wild-card playoff terviewed Judge. games, dating to December 1995; head coaches. collapse at Houston won’t deter hasn’t had a coach last four full Mentored by Bill Belichick and Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDer- Nick Saban in a 15-year career, years since Hall of Famer Marv mott from having confidence in Levy retired following the 1997 Judge would become a head coach SOURCE: NFL.com his team’s young foundation. for the first time. He would be season; and has lacked a franchise That doesn’t mean the Bills quarterback since Hall of Famer one of the youngest NFL coach- McCarthy was interviewed on don’t have work to do. es, but still five years older than Friday, but he agreed Monday to Jim Kelly retired after ’96. Stressing a desire to keep the It’s no surprise, then, that Sean McVay of the Los Angeles become the Dallas Cowboys’ new developing core of the team intact, Rams, who at 33 is the league’s coach. Rhule, who was supposed much of the end-of-season ses- and placing faith in the overall sion focused on Allen, whose sea- youngest. to interview with New York on growth displayed by second-year son-long inconsistencies were on Judge has won three Super Tuesday, signed a seven-year, $62 quarterback Josh Allen, McDer- display in his playoff debut. Bowls with New England in eight million contract with the Caroli- mott said this is no time to rest on Allen followed a strong first years as an assistant on Belich- na Panthers on Tuesday, a person the modest accomplishments of half against the Texans by melt- ick’s staff. He was the fifth candi- familiar with that deal told AP. Buffalo’s first 10-win season in 20 ing down over the final two quar- date the Giants interviewed since The third new coach tabbed for years and its second playoff ap- ters and overtime with a series of firing Pat Shurmur on Dec. 30, the NFC East in a week — Ron Ri- pearance in three seasons. Buffalo Bills center Mitch Morse miscues. He lost one fumble and but he was not considered among vera was hired by the Washington “Now it’s about where we go walks off the field after the Bills nearly another with an ill-timed the front-runners until having an Redskins on Wednesday — Judge from here, and I’m excited about lost 22-19 in overtime to the impressive interview on Monday. would take over a team that went what’s ahead of us,” McDermott Houston Texans in a wild-card lateral. He appeared to panic in The early leading candidates 4-12 and 5-11 in Shurmur’s two said during an end-of-season playoff game Saturday. being called for an intentional were Baylor coach Matt Rhule seasons and has been to the play- news conference Tuesday, three grounding penalty while trying to and former Packers coach Mike offs once since winning the Super days after Buffalo squandered a projected to have available once avoid a sack in the final two min- McCarthy. Bowl after the 2011 season. 16-0 second-half lead in a 22-19 the free-agency period opens in utes on third-and-13 from Hous- overtime loss to the Texans. mid-March. ton’s 28. On the following play, he “As much as we can carry over Though Beane doesn’t expect was sacked for a 19-yard loss. the foundation that we’ve built is the Bills to be as busy as they “I think it all comes back to, important to our future success, were last offseason, when they for Josh, trying to do too much. there’s also an understanding of signed 20 free agents, he does That’s been something we’ve every year being a new year,” he intend to address various needs talked about, something he has added. “So that’s where the ur- that became apparent throughout to continue to handle as he moves gency has to come in. We can’t this year. forward and as he continues to sit back ... and say, ‘Hey, this is The Bills had difficulty generat- grow,” McDermott said. where we are. We’re good.’ ” ing turnovers and their defensive “And I’m confident he’ll do There’s not much good the Bills front was suspect at times despite that,” he added. “I think that’s the can feel about themselves follow- allowing the third fewest yards next step for Josh, is that aware- ing a loss in which their defense in the NFL this season. Buffalo’s ness, that maturity, however you allowed the Texans to score 22 offense still lacks a deep receiv- want to phrase it. It’s the under- points on four of their final six ing threat and could use a run- standing that I don’t have to do it drives, and Buffalo failed to score ning back to complement Devin all myself.” 20 points for the 10th time this Singletary after finishing 24th in Beane said he’d rather see season. the NFL in yards gained. Allen make mistakes when trying General manager Brandon “You lose the first round of the to force plays than be timid. Beane isn’t planning to stand pat. playoffs, that doesn’t say to me “I don’t think there’s a hump Following McDermott to the po- that the Bills are one player away Josh can’t get over,” Beane said. from being exactly where they “I have no doubt he’ll learn from ELISE AMENDOLA/AP dium, Beane said he’s committed to adding talent by spending a need to be,” Beane said. it. I’m as convinced today as ever New England special teams coach Joe Judge, center, is close to portion of the nearly $90 million The Bills are more advanced that Josh can be a better version becoming the New York Giants’ next head coach, a source said. in salary-cap space Buffalo is from the team that stumbled of himself next year.” Thursday, January 9, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 23 NFL Not really a rematch: Texans face new Chiefs Five KC starters missed Week 6 loss to Houston

BY DAVE SKRETTA Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs will welcome the Texans to Arrow- head Stadium on Sunday for the divisional round of the playoffs, a rematch in name only of their Week 6 nail-biter won by Houston on a fourth-quarter touchdown. The Chiefs are so markedly different that their early October game is nearly meaningless. The Chiefs were in the midst of a shaky 6-4 start to the season, their defense was still adjusting to Steve Spagnuolo’s new 4-3 scheme, and their injury list was about as long as the receipt at a CVS. Five starters were missing because of injuries, including offensive linemen Eric Fisher and Andrew Wylie, and a handful of other key contribu- tors were hobbled by ailments. Among them was quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was still dealing with a sore ankle. Well, the league’s reigning MVP is back to putting up mind-blowing stats, the Chiefs’ postseason bye has the team as healthy as it has been all season, and /AP a defense that was once the Achilles’ heel REED HOFFMAN has become one of the biggest reasons that The Chiefs will have several key players healthy this time around against Houston, including starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City is among the favorites to reach the Super Bowl in Miami. Those big numbers that Mahomes has by some noteworthy additions. First came Clark and All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu, “Every team I think changes throughout been putting up have come thanks in part defensive tackle Mike Pennel, who has the latter of whom played for the Texans the season. They develop their personali- to the emergence of rookie wide receiver helped to shore up the run game. Then last season. They put together a streak of ties,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose Mecole Hardman, who was still getting his came seven-time Pro Bowl pass rusher 10 consecutive quarters without allowing team was back at work Monday. “We all legs under him in October, and the return Terrell Suggs, who was waived by the Ari- a touchdown late in the season, shutting have highs and lows. You kind of work of veteran Sammy Watkins, who was ab- zona Cardinals and claimed by the Chiefs down Tom Brady and the Patriots along through that and here you sit. We’re not the sent during the first meeting with Houston just in time to play in their final two regu- the way, and had become so dominant that same as we were at the beginning. They’re because of a hamstring injury. lar-season games and get fully acquainted one of the league’s best offenses was left not the same as they were at the beginning. The Chiefs also lost cornerback Kendall with the defense for what he hopes is an- playing little more than a supporting role. So here we go.” Fuller in that game. He is back to 100%, other championship push. It certainly isn’t the same hodgepodge The easiest change to parse out between too. “This team plays with tremendous bunch that was still picking up the scheme the Chiefs of three months ago and the cur- There have been other personnel chang- swag,” said Suggs, who climbed another rent bunch is in personnel. es, of course, and not all of them have been notch on the career sack list with one in Week 6, when Deshaun Watson ran for Fisher is back from his groin injury and good. The Chiefs lost defensive end Alex against the Chargers. “That’s the No. 1 two scores and threw for another in lead- Wylie from his ankle sprain. Chris Jones is Okafor to a torn pectoral muscle late in the edge that a football player has: confidence. ing the Texans to a 31-24 victory. back from his groin injury, fellow defensive season, and rookie safety Juan Thornhill When you have a team that’s playing with “We have some great momentum head- tackle Xavier Williams has returned from had his dynamic debut season cut short swagger, and the head ball coach is encour- ing into the postseason,” Mathieu said. “I injured reserve and linebacker Anthony when he tore his ACL in a Week 17 win aging that, that can help you in January in know my teammates feel the same.” Hitchens — voted one of Kansas City’s over the Chargers that helped the Chiefs playoff football.” Reid said everybody participated in playoff captains — has returned from yet earn the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs. That swagger comes in part from a de- Monday’s workout, a good sign for a team another groin injury. But even those losses have been offset fense that has leaned on newcomers Frank that dealt with plenty of illnesses. Vikings’ Thielen feeling better

BY DAVE CAMPBELL and lost a fumble at the Minne- 2018 before the end of the fourth Associated Press sota 37. The defense managed to game. limit the damage to a field goal, a The Vikings wouldn’t have Minnesota Vikings (11-6) Tennessee Titans (10-7) EAGAN, Minn. — Adam Thiel- significant factor in what became beaten the Saints without him. at San Francisco 49ers (13-3) at Baltimore Ravens (14-2) en learned in college the psycho- a 26-20 victory. Six of his seven receptions moved AFN-Sports AFN-Sports logical art of pivoting from a bad “When we make a mistake as the chains during scoring drives, 10:30 p.m. Saturday CET 2 a.m. Sunday CET play, courtesy of a toy toilet the an offense, we just want to get the and four of them came on third Minnesota State team kept on the 6:30 a.m. Sunday JKT 10 a.m. Sunday JKT ball back as quickly as possible,” down. With 129 yards, he had his sideline during games to flush quarterback Kirk Cousins said. first triple-digit total since Oct. 6 away negative feelings and leave “I’m sure Adam took that same at New York. them in the past. approach .” Seeing Thielen separate down- The Minnesota Vikings’ wide Thielen dropped a pass and field from New Orleans cor- receiver has had to lean hard on erased a first-down run with a nerback Patrick Robinson in that life lesson this season, suf- holding penalty later in the game, fering one setback after another. too. For the first time in three man-to-man coverage, Cousins Finally, there was a favorable months, though, he was a major let the ball fly . The pass came in development for Thielen to relish part of the offense again. The for a perfect landing over Thiel- when his 43-yard reception early two-time Pro Bowl pick, who to- en’s right shoulder for a basket in overtime on Sunday set up taled 3,607 receiving yards and catch. Houston Texans (11-6) Seattle Seahawks (12-5) the winning touchdown in New 18 touchdowns over the three “As a competitor, when you at Kansas City Chiefs (12-4) at Green Bay Packers (13-3) Orleans. previous seasons, pulled his right have a bad play, all you want is to AFN-Sports AFN-Sports The wild-card playoff game hamstring while he scored on a get the ball again and get going,” 9 p.m. Sunday CET 12:30 p.m. Monday CET began ominously. Thielen caught sliding grab at Detroit on Oct. 20. Thielen said, adding: “Everybody a short pass for a first down on Thielen finished 2019 with just was positive. Everybody had my 5 a.m. Monday JKT 8:30 a.m. Monday JKT the third play from scrimmage 418 yards, a total he had topped in back.” S TARS AND STRIPES Thursday, January 9, 2020 F3HIJKLM Under scrutiny MLB investigating reports Red Sox SPORTS stole signs during 2018 season » Page 21

COLLEGE BASKETBALL Big roles Trio of Texas players powering No. 1 Zags

BY TIM BOOTH Associated Press SPOKANE, Wash. rowing up in the Dallas area, Ryan Wool- ridge and Admon Gilder once played to- gether on an AAU team as kids. They are still not entirely sure what age they were — somewhere around 10G or 11 years old — and can barely recall how the other was as a player. But for Gilder, there is one specific memory he has of Woolridge. “(Ryan) had very long hair. He had hair down to his back. ... And he’s always been fast. Always,” Gilder recalled. The pair followed a circuitous path after that to reunite in a place neither could have ever imagined playing basketball. Spokane, Wash., was never on either player’s radar until Gonzaga came calling after last season looking to replen- ish its depleted backcourt. So the two guards made separate but equally important decisions to play their final year of col- lege basketball for the Bulldogs. SEE ROLES ON PAGE 20

ELAINE THOMPSON, ABOVE, AND YOUNG KWAK, LEFT/AP Gonzaga’s Ryan Woolridge, above, and Admon Gilder, left, decided to depart the college programs in Texas where they were playing for an opportunity to play for an elite program in the Pacific Northwest.

Texans taking on different Chiefs team Lightning stretch winning streak to eight NFL, Page 23 NHL, Page 19