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Volume 79, No. 9 ©SS 2020 THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 50¢/Free to Deployed Areas Esper defers Sailors begin projects Returning moving back to fund US to the onto carrier border wall Roosevelt hit by virus

BY JOHN VANDIVER BY CAITLIN DOORNBOS Stars and Stripes Stars and Stripes STUTTGART, Germany YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, — Military projects primarily Japan — The Navy began moving aimed at countering Russia, in- sailors back aboard the aircraft cluding upgrades to a U.S. Navy carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, base in Spain, are among those sidelined in Guam after nearly a being put on the backburner as fourth of its 4,000-member crew the Pentagon shifts funds to pay tested positive for coronavirus. for a border wall. The sailors returning to the ship Defense Secretary Mark Esper Wednesday had been restricted to this week or- off-base hotel rooms for nearly a dered $545 month as officials tested all crew million in members for the coronavirus and construction sanitized the carrier, according projects to to a statement Wednesday from be redirect- the Joint Region Marianas Public ed to fund a Affairs Office in Guam. wall along Sailors who tested negative for the U.S.’s coronavirus in three separate southern tests were allowed to embark the border with Roosevelt. Mexico. The carrier had been deployed Esper The move to the western Pacific when it restores funding to 22 projects diverted to Guam on March 26 that were deferred at domestic after several of its sailors tested bases and instead defers or can- positive for the virus. Since then, cels 18 projects overseas and one more than 900 Roosevelt sailors in Texas. Europe’s portion added have tested positive, one of whom up to around $270 million worth of died, according to the Navy. project delays and cancellations. About 700 sailors stayed The projects deferred at the aboard to “maintain the ship’s es- Navy base in Rota, Spain, are a sential functions and to conduct joint mobility center, a small craft deep cleaning and sanitation of berthing facility and a munitions the ship’s space over the past few facility, Esper’s directive stated weeks,” the Navy statement said. Monday. A hot cargo pad where “Now, the ship is fully pre- explosives can be unloaded at pared to receive healthy Sailors Moron Air Base, Spain, used by who have spent up to 27 days in crisis response Marines, also was quarantine ashore,” the state- postponed. ment said. In Germany, a logistics hub Also Wednesday, Acting Navy Secretary James McPherson di- in Germersheim was deferred. rected Adm. Mike Gilday, the Funding for a taxiway at an air chief of naval operations, to con- base in Rygge, Norway, was duct a new follow-up command canceled. investigation after receiving Gil- All the Europe projects were day’s recommendations from the connected to the European Deter- initial inquiry into the outbreak rence Initiative, which sets aside and the Navy’s response. That re- money for countering Russia — a Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier RELATED sponse included the firing of the USS Theodore Roosevelt prepare to top priority in the Pentagon’s na- ship’s commander, Capt. Brett embark the ship Wednesday after weeks tional defense strategy. New investigation ordered into Crozier. Rep. Adam Smith, the Demo- of cleaning and essential watch standing. cratic chairman of the House Page 6 [email protected] outbreak on Roosevelt JORDAN E. GILBERT/U.S. Marine Corps Twitter: @CaitlinDoornbos SEE PROJECTS ON PAGE 4 PAGE 2 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, April 30, 2020 BUSINESS/WEATHER EXCHANGE RATES Military rates Switzerland (Franc)...... 0.9721 Google’s growth slows as ad market shrinks Euro costs (April 30) ...... $1.06 Thailand (Baht) ...... 32.42 Dollar buys (April 30) ...... €0.8981 Turkey (Lira) ...... 6.9778 British pound (April 30) ...... $1.21 (Military exchange rates are those BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE restrictions have given most ad- impacted” during March and Japanese yen (April 30) ...... 105.00 available to customers at military banking South Korean won (April 30) ...... 1,188.00 facilities in the country of issuance Associated Press vertisers little incentive to mar- that the pain has spilled into this Commercial rates for Japan, South Korea, Germany, the Bahrain (Dinar) ...... 0.3780 ket their products and services. month, too. But both Pichai and Netherlands and the United Kingdom. For British pound ...... $1.2450 BERKELEY, Calif. — Google nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., The results released Tuesday Alphabet’s chief financial offi- Canada (Dollar) ...... 1.3919 purchasing British pounds in Germany), reported its weakest revenue China (Yuan) ...... 7.0770 provide an incomplete picture cer, Ruth Porat, emphasized that check with your local military banking Denmark (Krone) ...... 6.8638 growth in nearly five years as because ad demand in most parts people are using Google’s search facility. Commercial rates are interbank Egypt (Pound) ...... 15.7495 the pandemic-driven recession of the world wasn’t hit hard until engine and YouTube video ser- Euro ...... $1.0865/0.9204 rates provided for reference when buying began to shrivel its advertising late February and early March. vice more than ever under stay- Hong Kong (Dollar) ...... 7.7510 currency. All figures are foreign currencies Hungary (Forint) ...... 326.96 to one dollar, except for the British pound, sales in the first quarter. That’s when the coronavirus ac- at-home restrictions, a trend that Israel (Shekel) ...... 3.4965 which is represented in dollars-to-pound, The January-March earnings celerated and governments im- could lead to long-term gains once Japan (Yen) ...... 106.53 and the euro, which is dollars-to-euro.) for Google parent Alphabet offer posed lockdowns to fight it. the economy recovers. Kuwait (Dinar) ...... 0.3096 INTEREST RATES Norway (Krone) ...... 10.3415 a first look at how the digital ad Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai For now, though, Alphabet Philippines (Peso)...... 50.47 Prime rate ...... 3.25 market has fared amid wide- acknowledged during a confer- is feeling a financial pinch, al- Poland (Zloty) ...... 4.18 Discount rate ...... 0.75 Saudi Arabia (Riyal) ...... 3.7578 Federal funds market rate ...... 0.05 spread orders requiring con- ence call that the company’s ad though not as severely as most Singapore (Dollar) ...... 1.4128 3-month bill ...... 0.12 sumers to stay at home. Those sales had been “significantly companies. South Korea (Won) ...... 1,214.99 30-year bond ...... 1.21 WEATHER OUTLOOK THURSDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST THURSDAY IN EUROPE FRIDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 57/47 Kabul 77/48 Seoul 73/57 Baghdad 89/59 Kandahar 92/68 Osan Tokyo Mildenhall/ Drawsko 75/58 72/52 Lakenheath Pomorskie Busan 54/42 57/45 66/57 Iwakuni 62/55 Kuwait Bahrain Zagan Sasebo City 81/78 Brussels 63/47 Guam 87/73 58/48 Ramstein 68/55 82/79 Lajes, 57/44 Riyadh Doha Azores Stuttgart Pápa 95/76 102/80 64/61 56/50 66/52 Aviano/ Vicenza 62/48

Naples 64/56 Okinawa Morón 71/68 69/56 Sigonella Rota 71/51 The weather is provided by the Djibouti Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 89/81 65/51 66/62 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

T O D A Y IN STRIPES American Roundup ..... 15 Classified ...... 18 Comics ...... 19 Crossword ...... 19 Faces ...... 16 Opinion ...... 17 Sports ...... 21-24 Thursday, April 30, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 3 MILITARY Bomber hits near Afghan commando base

BY J.P. LAWRENCE ploded in a Kabul neighborhood Stars and Stripes about one mile northeast of the U.S. Embassy, police spokesman KABUL, Afghanistan — Three Ferdous Faramarz said. people were killed and 15 injured None of the armed groups that in a suicide bombing near a base operate in and around Kabul, in- housing U.S.-trained commandos in Kabul on Wednesday, a day cluding the Taliban and Islamic after the top American general State, immediately claimed re- in Afghanistan visited the facility sponsibility for either attack. and called for less violence in the Violence in Afghanistan soared country. last month, a United Nations No commandos were hurt in report said Monday. The “ac- the attack, which happened near celeration of violence” came de- a graveyard about 600 feet from spite the deal signed by the U.S. the base, said Ghafar Nooristani, and Taliban on Feb. 29, which a spokesman for the Afghan Spe- was intended to pave the way for cial Operations Corps. talks between the insurgents and “The target might have been government and lead to the with- the military base, but instead the drawal of U.S. and other foreign attack killed civilians,” interior forces by mid-2021. The report ministry spokesman Tariq Arian blamed the Taliban for four in 10 told Stars and Stripes. The commando base is about 10 attacks in Afghanistan during the miles southwest of the U.S. Em- first quarter of the year. bassy and Headquarters Resolute The Taliban last week rejected Support, the main American base calls for a cease-fire during the in Kabul. Muslim holy month of Ramadan, RAHMAT GUL/AP Gen. Scott Miller, commander despite warnings from U.S. and of NATO and U.S. forces in Af- Afghans clear glass from a broken window of a house after a deadly suicide bomber attack, on the Afghan officials that the coro- ghanistan, during a visit to the southern outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan, on Wednesday. Afghan officials said Wednesday that the navirus outbreak in the country commando base Tuesday with bomber targeted a base belonging to U.S.-trained Afghan special forces, killing several civilians. would worsen if violence is al- Afghan Defense Minister Gen. lowed to continue. Assadullah Khalid, warned consequences. “We need them to reduce the vio- forward.” Zubair Babakarkhail contributed to this the Taliban to reduce the vio- “If the Taliban continues at- lence and … give political leader- In a separate attack hours later, report. lence they have been blamed tacks, then what they should ex- ship on all sides an opportunity three civilians were injured when [email protected] for around the country, or face pect is a response,” Miller said. to determine the peaceful way a bomb attached to a vehicle ex- Twitter: @jplawrence3 Navy head Army stands up adviser brigade of aviation ahead of Afghanistan deployment training BY PHILLIP WALTER WELLMAN Stars and Stripes center fired KABUL, Afghanistan — The latest Army unit created to train BY WYATT OLSON and advise foreign forces has Stars and Stripes been activated ahead of a fall de- ployment to Afghanistan. The commander of the Navy’s The 4th Security Force Assis- aviation maintenance training tance Brigade, based at Fort Car- center at Naval Air Station Pen- Capt. Nate Schneider son, Colo., unrolled its unit colors sacola, Fla., was relieved Tuesday Tuesday during a virtual cer- for loss of confidence in his abil- accountable in cases where they emony, in a conference room with ity to command, the Navy said in fall short of those standards.” only a few people present as a a statement. Capt. Bryant Hepstall, the avi- coronavirus precautionary mea- Capt. Nate Schneider was re- ation center’s executive officer, sure, an Army statement said. lieved from the Center for Naval will assume command. The SFAB program was Aviation Technical Training and The aviation center is respon- launched two years ago as part of has been temporarily assigned sible for educating and training the Army’s train, advise and as- to Naval Air Station Pensacola enlisted personnel and officers in sist mission. It replaced previous headquarters, a Navy spokesman aviation maintenance. units that pulled soldiers from said in an emailed response to a Schneider first served as the other brigades, which “reduced query by Stars and Stripes. aviation center’s executive of- their effectiveness,” the state- INEZ HAMMON/U.S. Army Officials from the Naval Edu- ficer before taking command in ment said. cation and Training Command November 2018, according to his The 4th SFAB, comprised of Col. James Dooghan, commander of the 4th Security Force completed an investigation into Navy biography. about 800 soldiers, is set to com- Assistance Brigade, unveils the colors at the brigade’s activation allegations about Schneider, He enlisted in the Navy in 1981 plete training at the Joint Readi- ceremony at Fort Carson, Colo., on Tuesday. Cmdr. James Stockman said in and was later commissioned ness Training Center at Fort Polk, the response. Rear Adm. Kyle through the Enlisted Commis- La., before deploying to Afghani- with Afghan forces, amid con- may be much higher because of Cozad, who heads the training sioning Program. He served at stan to replace the 3rd SFAB, the cerns over the country’s corona- inadequate testing. command, relieved Schneider. sea on a host of ships in the field of Army said. virus outbreak. In March, NATO said four “Based on this investigation, he aviation maintenance, including The latest SFAB unit will be Newly arrived military and ci- service members supporting the was relieved due to loss of confi- four different aircraft carriers. “the first one out of the chute as vilian personnel have also been coalition in Afghanistan, whose dence,” Stockman said, adding He has earned numerous per- we work to figure out how we held in screening facilities as a nationalities were not disclosed, that the Navy would not comment sonal awards, including the Le- maintain readiness as we adjust precautionary measure, NATO’s had tested positive for the virus. on the investigation’s details. gion of Merit, the Meritorious to the new normal,” said Gen. Mi- Resolute Support mission said. “Command leaders are held to Service Medal five times and the chael Garrett, commander of U.S. As of Wednesday, over 1,800 The coalition has since stopped a high standard,” he said. “Their Navy and Marine Corps Com- Army Forces Command. coronavirus cases had been con- releasing data on infected positions require the utmost in re- mendation Medal times. The international coalition in firmed in Afghanistan, along personnel. sponsibility, reliability and lead- [email protected] Afghanistan is using teleconfer- with 50 related deaths. Health [email protected] ership, and the Navy holds them Twitter: @WyattWOlson ences for much of its advising experts say the actual number Twitter: @pwwellman PAGE 4 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, April 30, 2020 MILITARY Chinese carrier again sails between Okinawa islands BY MATTHEW M. BURKE AND AYA ICHIHASHI ‘ The coronavirus Stars and Stripes will not affect our CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — A mission. We will Chinese aircraft carrier sailed between two islands of Japan’s keep eyes on them Okinawa prefecture for the sec- very closely. ond time this month, according to ’ Japanese defense officials. Spokesman The Chinese carrier Liaon- for Japan’s Joint Staff ing and its five-ship strike group were spotted at around 9 a.m. Tuesday approximately 50 miles southeast of Miyako, a Japan on the condition of anonymity. Ministry of Defense Joint Staff The Liaoning strike group last statement said. The ships sailed passed through the Miyako Strait north, passing between Okinawa on April 11, the Joint Staff state- ANDREW HAYS/U.S. Navy itself and Miyako at about 10 a.m. ment said. The strait, though a before traversing the East China passageway between two Japa- The destroyer USS Roosevelt arrives at Naval Station Rota, Spain, on April 19. Sea later that day. nese islands, is an international The Liaoning strike group was waterway. The U.S. and its allies spotted by the JS Kongo, a guid- in the region viewed the April 11 ed-missile destroyer of the Japan Projects: Maritime Self-Defense Force, the transit cautiously due to the flotil- DOD emphasizes that la’s passing east of Taiwan. destroyer JS Umigiri and a P- 3C Orion maritime surveillance The earlier Liaoning passage aircraft, the statement said. The occurred after a coronavirus out- Liaoning was accompanied by break sidelined the aircraft car- funding deferrals are temporary rier USS Theodore Roosevelt in two Chinese guided-missile de- stroyers, two multirole warships Guam, leaving the U.S. without FROM FRONT PAGE scribed the deferments as tempo- Poland and setting up networks and one supply-class fast combat a carrier on patrol in the west- rary, it could be up to Congress to of pre-positioned sites for stock- support ship. ern Pacific. Meanwhile, the Navy Armed Services Committee, ac- moved to control an outbreak fund them again. piling weaponry in Europe. It was the second time the strike cused the Trump administration among the crew of the USS Ron- “Of note, deferral does not Still, building up capabilities group traveled through the 155- of pilfering funds to pursue a do- mile-wide strait this month and ald Reagan in port at Yokosuka mestic political agenda. mean DoD is cancelling the proj- is a priority at Rota, where lead- ects — we still have them in our just the fifth time since the Liaon- Naval Base, Japan, for scheduled “Our partners and allies rely ers at U.S. European Command plans as requirements for fu- ing was commissioned in 2012. maintenance. on the support of EDI funds to have long sought to add to the four ture potential funding,” EUCOM “This is the first time the Chi- For the moment, the Liaoning prevent Russian aggression in Navy destroyers based there. spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Joe Hontz nese Navy made round-trip pas- is the only active carrier in the the region, and these cuts will EUCOM’s Gen. Tod Wolters sage through the Miyako Strait,” Western Pacific. said in a statement. “All projects told the Senate Armed Services have real, lasting effects on our on this list are important, and we a spokesman from the Joint Staff In addition to its trips through Committee in February that he national security,” Smith said in will continue to work with Con- told Stars and Stripes on Wednes- Miyako Strait, Chinese vessels wants more destroyers in Rota a statement. gress to support them.” day. “The coronavirus will not have sunk a Vietnamese fishing Other overseas deferments in- Overall, the delayed projects and that infrastructure is in place affect our mission. We will keep vessel in the South China Sea, de- clude funds for air traffic control represent a small slice of the mili- now to make that happen, should eyes on them very closely.” ployed maritime militias around The spokesman declined to facilities at Kwajalein and in Jor- tary construction work funded in the Navy position more ships the contested Spratly Islands and comment on the Chinese flotil- dan, an electrical system upgrade Europe over the last five years. there. So far, the Navy hasn’t pub- established new “research sta- la’s exact location, except to say in Bahrain and a school admin- Under the Pentagon’s deterrence licly indicated that it’s giving seri- tions” on the disputed Fiery Cross that it was in the East China Sea. istration building at Yokota Air program, millions have been ous consideration to such a move. and Subi reefs, all in the past six He also declined to comment on weeks, Secretary of State Mike Base, Japan. spent on refurbishing bases in [email protected] where it appears to be headed. Pompeo said in a statement. Although Pentagon officials de- the Baltics, training grounds in Twitter: @john_vandiver “They are not intending to [email protected] come closer at this moment,” he Twitter: @MatthewMBurke1 said. Some Japanese government [email protected] Excessive speed seen as factor in crash spokespersons traditionally speak Twitter: @AyaIchihashi that killed 2 airmen from Spangdahlem Service member at Aviano BY JENNIFER H. SVAN dahlem said in a statement. systems, the spokeswoman said. Stars and Stripes The two died at the scene of the Base officials declined to say accused of drinking, racing single-vehicle crash, which oc- who was driving and denied Stars KAISERSLAUTERN, Germa- curred near the base’s passenger and Stripes access to the redact- Stars and Stripes legal limit, police told Telefriuli. ny — Excessive speed was a fac- terminal. Airman Basic Justin ed investigation report without The service member had been AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — A tor in a car crash that killed two Carpenter was seriously injured a Freedom of Information Act racing another driver in a Chev- U.S. service member stationed airmen and injured a third last in the accident but survived. request. rolet who got away, the station re- at Aviano was arrested after po- fall on Spangdahlem Air Base, The accident investigation An investigation board com- ported. Police are investigating to Air Force officials said Wednes- found that the car was traveling prised of Spangdahlem Air Base lice said that he raced another identify the other driver. day, citing a monthslong investi- at around 77 mph, a base spokes- members compiled the report car through multiple red lights Aviano Air Base officials did gation into the accident. woman told Stars and Stripes. using witness accounts and acci- while drunk, an Italian TV sta- not immediately respond to a re- The car in which Airmen 1st The speed limit on the road is dent reconstruction analysis, of- tion reported. quest for comment Wednesday. Class Jacob Blackburn, 20, and about 43 mph. ficials said. The report’s findings The unidentified 22-year-old The service member, who Bradley Reese Haile, 19, died The vehicle was traveling south will be incorporated into training service member drove his Mer- lives in Fontanafredda, was also Sept. 30 “appeared to be traveling on Langley Road on the base’s and procedures at Spangdahlem cedes through a Carabinieri charged with violating coronavi- at a high rate of speed and was out east perimeter at around 10 a.m. “in order to enhance safety,” the checkpoint in Porcia, where he rus containment measures after of control when it” struck a con- when the crash occurred. base said in a statement. was pulled over Monday night, telling police that he spent the evening at a friend’s house. struction vehicle parked at the The airmen did not appear to [email protected] Telefriuli reported. A breath al- side of the road, officials at Spang- have any drugs or alcohol in their Twitter: @stripesktown cohol test registered twice the .05 [email protected] Thursday, April 30, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 5 VIRUS OUTBREAK DODEA gives base students a break on grades

BY KIM GAMEL ed an assignment can receive a Stars and Stripes grade no lower than 50% on the assignment,” it said, adding that SEOUL, South Korea — Stu- seniors who were on track to dents on U.S. military bases will graduate when schools closed will get the higher grade from the last be able to do so. two quarters of the school year to DODEA also explained the help those struggling with home guidelines, which apply system- studies and other difficulties dur- wide, in a question and answer ing the coronavirus pandemic, style fact sheet published online. the organization that oversees the The practices “provide a path schools said. that encourages student engage- The Department of Defense ment and learning, while ensur- Education Activity in an April 24 ing students are held harmless memo explained that the grade for a situation out of their con- expectations are aimed at mak- trol,” DODEA director Thomas ing sure students aren’t unneces- Brady said in the memo. sarily disadvantaged, as schools “Feedback on learning ac- have now been closed for several tivities and ongoing assessments weeks. are critical to improving student Teachers will maintain normal achievement, whether in the grading procedures for the fourth classroom or in distance educa- quarter, but once those grades are tion settings,” he said. calculated they will be compared The military schools have fol- with the grades received in the lowed those in local communities third quarter, DODEA said. in closing and launching online /Stars and Stripes “Students will receive the classes as the virus began spread- MATTHEW KEELER higher of the two grades for each ing globally. Osan Middle High School seventh grader Charis Henry searches for a book at the Osan Air Base library course on their Q4 report cards,” Many students, along with par- in South Korea on Wednesday . it said. ents and teachers, have struggled DODEA has also advised to adapt as the closures have ex- ters and military leadership to spokeswoman Miranda Fergu- could potentially reopen while teachers to show flexibility with tended past spring break. monitor local conditions. son said Wednesday in an email. meeting [health protection condi- missing or incomplete work by DODEA-Pacific has not an- “The safety of students and “While we do not have an antici- tion] guidelines.” offering students options to finish nounced whether schools will staff is our highest priority, and pated date for the reopening of or redo assignments. reopen this year, saying that it is we will not resume in-person our school facilities at this time, [email protected] “Any student who has attempt- working closely with headquar- classes until it is safe to do so,” we are investigating ways schools Twitter: @kimgamel Senate Dems rip Pentagon’s coronavirus response in letter to Esper

BY COREY DICKSTEIN Esper has taken since the pan- and allow on-post barber shops in July by a 90-8 mark. Warren, oversight committees.” Stars and Stripes demic began in February that to close. Army Gen. Mark Milley, Klobuchar, Harris, Merkley, The Pentagon reported Tues- have impacted the U.S. military. the chairman of the Joint Chiefs Markey, Wyden were among the day that 4,265 service members WASHINGTON — Ten Demo- Among them, they criticized of Staff, then cut in, saying that senators voting against his pro- had tested positive for the coro- cratic senators blasted the Penta- Esper’s decision to restrict data troops should “not take that as motion. The other senators who navirus, including 1,303 who had gon’s response to the coronavirus about outbreaks at installations, guidance yet.” signed the letter Monday had ap- since recovered. Two service crisis as “disjointed and slow” in a the department’s inability to test Milley — who is not in the proved his confirmation. members — an Army National letter to Defense Secretary Mark its troops on a mass scale and the chain of command — appeared to The Pentagon’s top spokesman Guard officer and a Navy chief Esper, accusing him of unneces- Pentagon’s handling of its largest contradict his boss in public, they on Tuesday pushed back on the petty officer aboard the Roosevelt sarily placing troops at risk. coronavirus outbreak — aboard wrote. premise of the senators’ letter, — have died of complications of “Civilian leadership of the De- the aircraft carrier USS Theo- “This level of miscommuni- saying that they “cherry-picked the virus. partment has failed to act suf- dore Roosevelt, which has seen cation on even relatively simple false and repeatedly debunked In their letter, the senators ficiently, quickly and has often nearly 1,000 sailors contract the matters indicates that dysfunc- assertions.” asked Esper to answer a series of prioritized readiness at the ex- virus since last month. tional decision-making starts at “We are proud of the work 10 questions about the Pentagon’s pense of the health of service But the senators were especial- the top of the department,” the we have done leading the fight coronavirus planning by May 11. members and their families,” the against [the coronavirus] — and ly critical of Esper’s decision to letter reads. Among them, they asked for the senators wrote Monday in the the American people and mem- issue broad guidance to the force Esper has repeatedly defended Pentagon’s plans to expand test- eight-page letter shared by the of- bers of Congress should be proud on protective measures, leaving his decisions throughout the pan- ing and how many of its troops fice of Sen. Elizabeth Warren of as well,” Jonathan Hoffman, the much of the military’s response demic response. He has said that are likely to have contracted the Massachusetts. “This failure has to the pandemic in the hands of providing commanders broad Pentagon’s chief spokesman, said virus, since only a fraction of the adversely affected morale, and, local commanders who, espe- guidelines was necessary to give in an emailed statement. “While military has been tested and so despite the department’s best in- cially in the early weeks of the them leeway for differing coro- we are not above criticism, this many infected individuals show tentions, undermined readiness.” pandemic, implemented varying navirus threats around the world letter does not even remotely ac- no symptoms of the virus. The letter was signed by Dem- interpretations of social distanc- and varying operating environ- curately reflect our record of ac- Hoffman and other Pentagon ocratic Sens. Warren, Mazie Hi- ing measures and other health ments — such as service mem- tion against the coronavirus and rono of Hawaii, Kamala Harris guidelines. bers who serve in tight quarters the great lengths we have gone officials on Tuesday did not in- of California, Patty Murray of “Your inability or unwilling- aboard submarines or in bomber to protect our people. We look dicate whether they would be Washington, Richard Blumenthal ness to issue clear, department- aircraft. forward to continuing to discuss able to answer those questions on of Connecticut, Jeffrey Merk- wide guidance has forced the The letter marks one of the first the lessons learned from this out- time. ley of Oregon, Sherrod Brown of services and local commanders public lashings Esper has taken break and our path forward with [email protected] Ohio, Ron Wyden of Oregon, Amy to make their own decisions on a from Congress, as he has largely our highly informed and engaged Twitter: @CDicksteinDC Klobuchar of Minnesota, and Ed- case-by-case basis,” the senators avoided serious criticism from ward Markey of Massachusetts. wrote. “Although local command- lawmakers, including Democrats Warren, Harris and Klobuchar ers know their units and operating who have saved their grievances were all presidential candidates environments better than anyone over national security policies in 2020 campaign and are ex- in the Pentagon, they are not pub- for the White House. They have pected to be among the top poten- lic health experts. And they are been especially critical of its de- tial vice presidential candidates now left to make decisions they cision to send troops to the U.S.- to run alongside Joe Biden, the should never have to make.” Mexico border and reroute DOD expected Democratic nominee They pointed to an unusual ex- construction funding to President for president. Warren, Hirono change between Esper and the Donald Trump’s border wall. and Blumenthal are members military’s top officer during a Esper has largely enjoyed bi- of the Senate Armed Services televised news briefing on April partisan support through his 10 Committee. 14, in which the defense secretary months on the job. The former In their letter, the senators took suggested that local commanders Army secretary was easily con- issue with a series of steps that should relax haircut standards firmed to the Pentagon’s top job PAGE 6 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, April 30, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK Navy leader calls for new probe into Roosevelt outbreak McPherson said initial investigation left him with ‘unanswered questions’

BY CAITLIN M. KENNEY fired April 2, more than 100 Roos- Stars and Stripes evelt sailors had tested positive for the virus. As of Tuesday, more WASHINGTON — The Navy’s than 900 sailors have the corona- top civilian has ordered another virus, 29 had recovered, and one investigation into the service’s sailor was hospitalized at a Navy response to the coronavirus out- hospital in Guam. One Roosevelt break aboard the USS Theodore sailor died April 13 from compli- Roosevelt after the initial exami- nation left him with “unanswered cations of the virus. questions.” On Wednesday, sailors began Acting Navy Secretary James returning to the Roosevelt after McPherson said in a statement weeks of quarantine in Guam. issued Wednesday that he has Sailors who have repeatedly directed Adm. Mike Gilday, the tested negative for the virus are /U.S. Army National Guard chief of naval operations, to con- allowed back on the aircraft car- MICHAEL SCHWENK duct a new, follow-up investigation rier, which has been cleaned, ac- U.S. Army Pfc. Miranda Ray, 50th Chemical Company, New Jersey Army National Guard, takes a picture to look more closely into the out- cording to the Navy. during a flyover of the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds at University Hospital in Newark, N.J., on Tuesday break and the Navy’s response. But defense officials have said to recognize workers on the front line of the pandemic. “I have unanswered questions the Navy’s investigation con- that the preliminary inquiry has cerns more than Crozier and it identified and that can only be examined communications be- answered by a deeper review,” tween naval officers as well as Blue Angels, Thunderbirds salute McPherson said in the prepared the service’s response efforts statement. spanning multiple time zones and The extended investigation commands. front-line workers with flyovers follows Defense Secretary Mark The initial investigation was Esper’s own request Friday for ordered by former acting Navy Stars and Stripes The teams will also conduct flyovers on their more time to review the Navy’s own. Secretary Thomas Modly after Blue and gold Navy F/A-18 Hornets and red, white written investigation after he The Florida-based Blue Angels are expected to he fired Crozier when a letter that and blue Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons soared to- was verbally briefed by McPher- take their tour to Detroit, Chicago, Indianapolis, the captain sent to Navy officials gether over New York City on Tuesday, kicking off son and Gilday on the report’s requesting assistance for the out- Nashville and New Orleans; Miami, Tampa, Talla- recommendations. a multicity series of flyovers aimed at boosting mo- break was leaked to the media. hassee and Jacksonville in Florida; Norfolk and Vir- News reports on Friday said the rale during the coronavirus pandemic. Modly resigned days later after ginia Beach in Virginia; and Kingsville and Corpus Navy leaders have recommended President Donald Trump announced the Blue An- disparaging statements that he Christi in Texas. Capt. Brett Crozier, the former gels and Thunderbirds mission, dubbed Operation made to the crew of the Roosevelt The Nevada-based Thunderbirds are slated to fly commander of the USS Theodore America Strong, last week, saying it was “the idea about their former commander of our great military men and women” to recognize over San Antonio, Texas; Oklahoma City; San Diego, Roosevelt, be reinstated following Los Angeles and San Francisc)o in California; Port- the investigation into his letter were leaked online. the medical personnel, first responders and other The new Navy investigation essential workers. land, Ore.; and Seattle. warning of a severe coronavirus “We are incredibly honored to have the opportu- outbreak among his crew. “will build on the good work of the “What we are doing is paying tribute to our front- initial inquiry to provide a more line health care workers confronting [the corona- nity to salute those working on the front line of the The Navy initiated an investi- [coronavirus] response, and we are in awe of your gation into the outbreak aboard fulsome understanding of the se- virus], and it’s really a signal to all Americans to quence of events, actions, and de- remain vigilant during the outbreak,” he said. strength and resilience,” the Blue Angels’ com- the Roosevelt and the conduct of manding officer and flight leader, Cmdr. Brian Kes- Crozier after the nuclear-pow- cisions of the chain of command On Tuesday, the Navy and Air Force demonstra- selring, told The Associated Press. “Thank you to ered aircraft carrier arrived in surrounding the [coronavirus] tion teams flew together over New York City, parts all of those essential industries keeping our nation Guam on March 27 as the virus outbreak aboard USS Theodore of New Jersey and Philadelphia. Other joint flights moving forward. We will get through this. We are spread among the ship’s crew of Roosevelt,” McPherson said. are slated for Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; Dallas, all in this together.” more than 4,800 sailors. [email protected] Houston and Austin in Texas, according to a memo At the time that Crozier was Twitter: @caitlinmkenney about the operation. [email protected] Number of sailors on Kidd who tested positive has risen to 64

BY ROBERT BURNS has been docked at Guam for a command for what the Navy’s to another ship with a medical and deep cleaning. The cleaning Associated Press month. The Roosevelt has more top civilian official at the time, facility for closer observation of is expected to take two weeks. than 900 sailors with confirmed Thomas Modly, called poor judg- symptoms. The destroyer had been off WASHINGTON — The number cases of COVID-19, but the entire ment. Modly resigned several Sailors being removed from the Pacific coast of Central of coronavirus cases aboard the crew has now been tested. days later, and the Navy is now the Kidd at San Diego will be iso- America doing counter narcotics USS Kidd rose to 64 as the Navy The Navy has moved swiftly to seeking higher-level approval lated with twice-daily medical operations. destroyer pulled into port at San get the Kidd’s crew ashore. That to reverse his move and restore screenings. With the Roosevelt and Kidd Diego on Tuesday to get medical was a point of contention with the Crozier to command. Crew members who have test- both in port, the Navy said no care for the crew and to disinfect Roosevelt, whose skipper, Capt. The Navy said that 63% of the ed negative will enter quarantine and decontaminate the ship. Brett Crozier, felt compelled to Kidd’s crew of more than 300 had for a period of observation, with deployed ships currently have The Kidd is the second Navy write to several other command- been tested as of Tuesday. One military health professionals known coronavirus cases aboard. ship to have an outbreak of the ers pleading for more urgent sailor was medically evacuated monitoring them for symptoms. Thirteen ships that previously disease while at sea, the other Navy action to protect his crew of to the United States on April 22 Also, a small contingent of sailors had one or more active cases being the USS Theodore Roos- nearly 5,000. after experiencing shortness of who tested negative will remain while in port have zero cases now, evelt, an aircraft carrier that Crozier was then relieved of breath. Fifteen were transferred on the ship for essential services the Navy said. Thursday, April 30, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 7 VIRUS OUTBREAK Exchange services see spike in online sales

BY SETH ROBSON The Navy Exchange also reported a leap “I’ve only had one customer who was online to make sure I am able to get it, in AND CHRISTIAN LOPEZ in online sales. worried about me touching things while I case it goes out of stock,” said Navy spouse Stars and Stripes “Overall, online NEX retail sales are checked out his items due to COVID,” she Chisaki Johnson, who was shopping at the +64.2% for the month of April and +35.2% said. Yokosuka exchange Tuesday. YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — Military year-to-date,” Navy Exchange Service Air Force spouse Megan Smeaton, 41, of Another Yokosuka customer, Petty Of- exchange stores at U.S. bases worldwide Command spokeswoman Courtney Wil- Wheaton, Ill., who was shopping Wednes- ficer 2nd Class Anthony Clemmons, said have reported a surge in online sales as liams said in an email Friday. day at the Yokota exchange in western he’s not a big online shopper. troops and their families hunker down to Erica Lynn, a cashier at the exchange at Tokyo, said that she’s bought books and “In my experience, I wouldn’t say it’s help curb the coronavirus’ spread. Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, said Tuesday kid’s clothes online recently but that she’s harder to go shopping here, but it for sure “April’s [online] sales are currently 157% that staff are handing customers flyers ad- too busy helping them with “e-learning” to higher than this time last year,” Army and vertising online sales. browse much. takes longer since we are all distancing in Air Force Exchange Service spokesman “The most common object that I’ve no- Wheaton said that she’s checked out line,” he said. “If I was to shop online, I’d Chris Ward said in an email Tuesday. ticed being purchased online would be AAFES’ online store, but prefers coming probably get meat or toiletries if those are March sales at AAFES’ shopmyexchange. baby-related products,” she said. Lynn into a brick-and-mortar shop for essential options.” com website finished 72.8% higher than a said that plenty of shoppers are still com- items. [email protected] year ago, he said. ing into the store, however. “I buy diapers and some essential items [email protected] West Point cadets face litany of hurdles in recall for graduation

The Washington Post that American life is slowly re- turning to normal. The day before the U.S. Mili- Speaking on April 17, the presi- tary Academy announced that dent said that the future Army it would proceed with plans for leaders would probably be seated President Donald Trump to de- at a distance from each other dur- liver the commencement address, ing his address. cadets joined a video call to learn “Do I like the look? No, I don’t,” about their return to the school’s he said, adding that he expected campus outside New York, the ceremonies to eventually resume American city hardest hit by the where troops were “nice and coronavirus pandemic. tight.” /U.S. Army The decision to hold an in-per- The decision also provides a TARNISH PRIDE son graduation June 13 meant window into the Army’s attempts U .S . Military Academy West Point, graduated 21 cadets during a December ceremony held in the that nearly 1,000 graduating ca- to balance the need to take steps Robinson auditorium West Point, N.Y . dets would travel back to West to blunt the virus’ destructive ef- Point from their homes, where fect and the desire to continue belongings and complete admin- be staggered between two and tutions across the country, is also they have been distance-learning with regular military activities. since spring break, and undergo istrative tasks, which officials three weeks before commence- facing shortages of testing sup- Even as tens of thousands of said would include medical visits ment, they will be tested for the plies, forcing it to prioritize test- up to three weeks of quarantine military personnel take part in and picking up uniforms, before coronavirus at a training site, ing nuclear forces and combat at campus barracks and a near- virus relief efforts across the going to basic officer training in Ophardt said. Those who test troops. by training site. But uncertain- country, helping to staff over- ties remained, including how to July. negative will be moved into cam- Health experts cautioned that whelmed civilian hospitals and “We wanted to do a graduation pus barracks, where they will be ensure that the cadets wouldn’t building overflow medical sites, the decision could contribute to ceremony because, in many ways, broken into groups and screened sicken one another and how to ac- the Pentagon has faced criticism the public health crisis in New it’s a message to not only the force daily. Those who test positive will count for sometimes unreliable for its handling of outbreaks on York, an epicenter for COVID-19 but the nation that we’re working be isolated on campus. test results. naval vessels and on smaller is- deaths. our way through this,” McCarthy Officials said that the com- “Because all 1,000 of you are sues, like continuing to require “It is absurd to me,” said Tara said in an interview. “And we’re mencement decision was in part going to be coming back, you’re haircuts for Marines. Smith, an epidemiology profes- probably going to be about 60% going to fight our way through based on data showing an im- sor at Kent State University. “It Critics have also faulted the proving coronavirus situation in who have coronavirus, so we’re this and continue to do what we seems to be increasing the risk Pentagon for going ahead with New York, which they hope will going to likely test all of you,” a activities that do not obviously fall need to grow the force, train the for everyone.” West Point instructor told one force and to be ready to meet any be even better by late May. It among core military activities, was not clear how the instructor, Traveling through airports and group of about 25 cadets during including the in-person gradua- national objective.” on planes will produce an elevat- the April 21 video call, a partial McCarthy said that he was an Army major, determined that tion and flyovers this week by the 60% might be infected. ed risk of infection from other audio recording of which was ob- Blue Angels and Thunderbirds, not pressured or directed by the passengers, Smith said, with tained by The Washington Post. White House to proceed with But the cadets will also need because of the virus risk. to get to West Point, some travel- evidence pointing to confined He compared the West Point “There is no military need to the ceremony. He cited the Air spaces for prolonged time as ef- plans with coronavirus testing Force’s decision to proceed with ing by air, at a time when many do this,” said Jason Fritz, a 2002 Americans are expected to still ficient transmission grounds for of the crew of the USS Theodore a scaled-back graduation at the West Point graduate and former be under virus restrictions and the virus. Roosevelt, an aircraft carrier Air Force Academy in Colorado armor officer who served three a Defense Department global While the cadets will quaran- sidelined by a major outbreak. on April 18, in which cadets sat tours in Iraq. “This is a logistics “stop movement” order re- tine , support staff are likely to The decision to hold a com- eight feet apart while Vice Presi- nightmare, all just so the presi- mains in place for most military remain in and around campus, mencement ceremony has gener- dent Mike Pence spoke. McCar- dent has an audience to give a personnel. which she cited as another con- ated concerns among families of thy said that he could not speak speech he wants to give.” The Pentagon, like other insti- cerning factor . cadets and graduates of the pres- Fritz said that many of his fel- to why the U.S. Naval Academy in tigious military academy that low alums were astounded at the Annapolis, M d., opted for a “vir- the move could jeopardize the decision. tual” graduation. health of future Army leaders. It But Army Secretary Ryan Mc- Lt. Col. Christopher Ophardt, a has also raised questions among Carthy said that the cadets’ health West Point spokesman, said that public health experts who have remained the Army’s “number the academy’s modeling suggest- cautioned that measures to detect one priority.” He said that he pro- ed it is likely that l% of return- and isolate sick students may not posed the blueprint for a modified ing seniors, known as “Firsties,” be fail-safe. commencement several weeks will have contracted the virus The scrutiny is intensified by later than the originally sched- but remain asymptomatic when the possibility that the event will uled date to Defense Secretary they arrive back on campus. Be- give the president, who has been Mark Esper, in part because the fore returning, the cadets will be largely confined to the White graduation was a “critical mile- asked to monitor their health for House since the pandemic forced stone” for Army officers. He said 14 days and will undergo medical much of the country to shut down, that cadets would also need to screenings by phone. a highly visible platform to assert return anyway to retrieve their After their arrivals, which will PAGE 8 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, April 30, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK US economy shrank 4.8%; next quarter likely worse

Associated Press As the economy slides into ‘ what looks like a severe reces- WASHINGTON — The U.S. The longest U.S. sion, some economists are hold- economy shrank at a 4.8% annual economic expansion ing out hope that a recovery will rate last quarter as the coronavi- arrive quickly and robustly once rus pandemic shut down much of has ended. ’ the health crisis has been solved the country and began triggering Gregory Daco — what some call a V-shaped re- a recession that will end the lon- chief economist, Oxford Economics covery. Increasingly, though, an- /AP gest expansion on record. DAVE SCHERBENCO, THE (WILKES-BARRE, PA.) CITIZENS’ VOICE Yet the drop in the January- alysts say they think the economy will struggle to regain its momen- Jason Sabatelle cuts meat Tuesday at his family’s business, March quarter will be only a pre- tum even after the viral outbreak Sabatelle’s Market, in Pittston, Pa. President Donald Trump ordered cursor of a far grimmer report to In just a few weeks, business- has subsided. meat processing plants to stay open amid concerns over growing come on the current April-June es across the country have shut Many Americans, they suggest, coronavirus cases and the impact on the nation’s food supply. period, with business shutdowns down and laid off tens of millions and layoffs striking with devas- of workers. Factories and stores could remain too fearful to travel, tating force. With much of the are shuttered. Home sales are shop at stores or visit restaurants economy paralyzed, the Congres- falling. Households are slashing or movie theaters anywhere near sional Budget Office has esti- spending. Consumer confidence as much as they used to. In addi- Trump orders meat tion, local and state officials may mated that economic activity will is sinking. plunge this quarter at a 40% an- The GDP report showed that continue to limit, for health rea- nual rate. the weakness was led by plum- sons, how many people may con- processing plants That would be, by a breathtak- meting consumer spending, gregate in such places at any one ing margin, the bleakest quar- which accounts for 70% of eco- time, thereby making it difficult ter since such records were first nomic activity. Consumer spend- for many businesses to survive. to remain open compiled in 1947. It would be four ing tumbled at an annual rate It’s why some economists say the times the size of the worst quar- of 7.6% in the first quarter — its damage from the downturn could terly contraction on record set in steepest decline since 1980. persist far longer than some may Associated Press plants are being forced to close, 1958. Business investment was also assume. even for short periods of time, WASHINGTON — President The Commerce Department es- weak: It sank 2.6%, with invest- There is also fear that the coro- millions of pounds of meat will Donald Trump took executive timated Wednesday that the gross ment in equipment down a sharp navirus could flare up again after disappear from the supply chain,” action to order meat processing domestic product, the total output 15.2%. the economy is reopened, forcing it read. plants to stay open amid concerns of goods and services, posted a A rare bright spot in the re- reopened businesses to shut down Tyson suspended operations at over growing coronavirus cases quarterly drop for the first time in port was trade, which added 1.3 again. its pork plant in Waterloo, Iowa, and the impact on the nation’s six years. And it was the sharpest percentage points to GDP activ- The Trump administration after a slew of infections, and food supply. fall since the economy shrank at ity in the quarter. Government takes a rosier view. President The order signed Tuesday uses Smithfield Foods halted produc- an 8.4% annual rate in the fourth spending was up 0.7% in the first Donald Trump told reporters this the Defense Production Act to tion at its plant in Sioux Falls, quarter of 2008 in the depths of quarter, a figure that will likely week that he expects a “big rise” classify meat processing as criti- S.D., after an outbreak infected the Great Recession. accelerate with all of the support in GDP in the third quarter, fol- cal infrastructure to try to pre- 853 workers there. “The longest U.S. economic ex- Congress has approved for rescue lowed by an “incredible fourth vent a shortage of chicken, pork The 15 largest pork-packing pansion has ended,” said Gregory packages. quarter, and you’re going to have and other meat on supermarket plants account for 60% of all pork Daco, chief economist at Oxford And housing showed a 21% an incredible next year.” shelves. Unions fired back, say- processed in the U.S., and the Economics. increase in the first quarter, The president is building his ing the White House was jeopar- country has already seen a 25% Daco predicted that the reces- boosted by lower mortgage rates. reelection campaign on the ar- dizing lives and prioritizing cold reduction in pork slaughter ca- sion will cause a drop in output But home sales, like much of the gument that he built a powerful cuts over workers’ health. pacity, according to UFCW. that will be three times the size of economy, have taken a nosedive economy over the past three years More than 20 meatpacking A senior White House official the economic decline during the since the virus-related shutdowns and can do so again after the plants have closed temporar- said the administration was try- Great Recession. began in mid-March. health crisis has been resolved. ily under pressure from local au- ing to prevent a situation in which thorities and their own workers a “vast majority” of the nation’s because of the virus, including meat processing plants might two of the nation’s largest, one have temporarily closed opera- in Iowa and one in South Dakota. tions, reducing the availability of Others have slowed production as meat in supermarkets by as much workers have fallen ill or stayed as 80%. home to avoid getting sick. The official, who spoke on con- “Such closures threaten the dition of anonymity to discuss continued functioning of the na- the order before its release, said tional meat and poultry supply the White House was also work- chain, undermining critical in- ing with the Labor Department frastructure during the national to provide enhanced safety guid- emergency,” the order states. ance for meatpacking workers. The United Food and Commer- That will include trying to mini- cial Workers International Union, mize the risk to workers who may which represents 1.3 million food be prone to serious complications and retail workers, said Tues- from the virus, including strongly day that 20 food-processing and recommending those over the age meatpacking union workers in of 65 and with preexisting condi- the U.S. have died of the virus. An tions stay home. estimated 6,500 are sick or have The order, which was devel- been exposed while working near oped in consultation with indus- someone who tested positive, the try leaders including Tyson and union says. Smithfield, is designed, in part, As a result, industry leaders to provide companies with addi- have warned that consumers tional liability protections in case could see meat shortages in a workers get sick. matter of days. Tyson Foods Inc., But UFCW International Presi- one of the world’s largest food dent Marc Perrone said that more companies, ran a full-page adver- must be done to protect the safety tisement in The New York Times of workers. STEVE HELBER/AP and other newspapers Sunday “Simply put, we cannot have warning, “The food supply chain a secure food supply without the Retired coal miner Jeffery Mitchell is loaded up with food from volunteers from Hands Across Middlesex is breaking.” safety of these workers,” he said Food Pantry on Tuesday in Locust Hill, Va. The U.S. economy shrank at a 4.8% annual rate last quarter “As pork, beef and chicken in a statement . as the coronavirus pandemic shut down much of the country and began triggering a recession. Thursday, April 30, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 9 VIRUS OUTBREAK A glimmer of hope Experimental drug proved effective against virus

Associated Press Science provided a glimmer of hope Wednesday when a biotech company an- nounced that an experimental drug proved effective against coronavirus in a govern- ment study. The virus has infected more than 3.1 million people and killed close to 220,000 people worldwide, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. On Tuesday, the confirmed death toll in the U.S. sur- passed the 58,220 American service mem- bers killed in Vietnam, according to the university’s statistics. The true toll is believed to be much high- er because of limited testing, differences in counting the dead and concealment by some governments.

Amid the lockdowns that have closed ANDREW MEDICHINI/AP factories and businesses from coast to coast, the U.S. said that the gross domestic A worker sanitizes the cooking area of a restaurant in Rome on Wednesday. After seven weeks in lockdown to contain COVID-19, product, or economic output, shrank at an Italians are regaining some freedoms. Starting on May 4, public parks and gardens will re-open and people will be able to visit annual rate of 4.8% in the January-March relatives who live in the same region. period, the sharpest quarterly drop since the global meltdown of more than a decade Ratings agency Fitch cut Italy’s govern- and developing one could take a year or people to think twice about traveling and ago. ment debt rating in the first downgrade more. to continue to wear masks, not share food Economic damage continued to pile up of a major economy. The country was With the crisis easing in places like Italy, and stay home if they are feeling sick. elsewhere around the world. lowered one notch to BBB-, just one level France and Spain, European governments “We must not let a moment of careless- Globally, the United Nations’ main labor above junk bond status. It expects the out- are turning their attention to rethinking ness trigger mass transmissions that would body raised its prediction of full-time- break to shrink the Italian economy by 8% public transportation to get their econo- make the efforts we invested so far vanish equivalent job losses in the second quarter this year. mies up and running again without setting like bubbles of water,” Vice Health Minis- to an estimated 305 million. Germany’s economy minister said the off a second wave of infections. ter Kim Gang-lip said. It also projected that 1.6 billion workers government is projecting a contraction of Solutions include putting red stickers on In China, where the virus first emerged in the “informal economy,” including those about 11% in GDP by the end of the quar- the floor to tell bus passengers in Milan late last year, the government announced working without proper contracts or over- ter. But he also predicted a sharp recovery how far apart to stand. The Dutch are put- that its ceremonial parliament will be held sight by government regulation, “stand in in 2021. ting on longer, roomier trains. Berlin and late next month after its original meeting immediate danger of having their liveli- On Wall Street, the S&P 500 surged 2.3% many other cities are opening up more was postponed. The convening of the full hoods destroyed.” That is nearly half the in morning trading, and stocks in Europe lanes to bicyclists. And in Britain, bus pas- session will involve 3,000 members. global workforce of 3.3 billion people. also jumped, after biotech company Gilead sengers are using the middle or rear doors In Japan, officials asked people not to In Paris, aircraft maker Airbus reported Sciences reported that remdesivir works. to reduce the risk to the driver. travel during the country’s upcoming a first-quarter loss of $515 million, laid off It gave no immediate details. With South Koreans about to celebrate Golden Week holiday. thousands of workers and sought billions in Still, many health experts believe the their longest holiday since infections there Associated Press journalists around the world loans to pull through the crisis. key to ending the crisis will be a vaccine, surged in February, authorities urged contributed to this report. McConnell now open to state aid in next virus relief bill

Associated Press criticism on his suggestion that McConnell said Wednesday McConnell’s office would not is no direct comparison in U.S. states should simply be allowed to as the new package takes shape say if he consulted with the Capi- WASHINGTON — Reversing history. go bankrupt. he wants to prevent “the second tol physician on his plans to re- course, Senate Majority Leader While frustrated lawmakers A s Cong ress delves into t he nex t pandemic — which is going to be sume Senate operations. long for what’s being lost as a Mitch McConnell said Wednes- round of aid, Democrats are put- lawsuits against doctors, nurses, It’s not just the elected officials day he is “open” to considering co-equal branch of government, ting forward their own priorities, hospitals and brave business peo- at risk. The U.S. Capitol is a throw- many are also older and in high- additional funds for state and including a new effort Wednesday ple opening up.” back of crowded hearing rooms, risk categories that make them local governments in the next to federalize the nation’s medical House and Senate leaders are packed hallways and thousands coronavirus relief bill as Demo- supply chain. reaching beyond the nearly $3 of congressional staff crunched more vulnerable to COVID-19. crats seek more than $500 billion Senate Democratic leader trillion already provided to fight in office cubicles and cafeteria Some care for children and fami- to cover costs of police, fire and Chuck Schumer said new rules the pandemic crisis even as they lunch lines — all unwelcome in lies. Most have to commute from other front-line workers. are needed to prevent the favor- face the stark, startling reality the new era of social distancing. their states while airlines are But McConnell insisted the new itism some argue the Trump ad- that Congress may not be able to It additionally relies on an army running fewer flights. package must include federal li- ministration used in handing out fully resume for a year. of cooks, custodians, electricians The Capitol physician has pri- ability protections from what he vital gear during the health care McConnell is reconvening the and police, who keep the iconic vately warned key lawmakers it warned will be an “avalanche” of crisis. The proposal would rely on Senate next week, but House domed building and sprawling will be at least a year before Con- lawsuits against businesses that the Defense Production Act to en- Speaker Nancy Pelosi dropped maze of offices running. gress can return to business as reopen during the pandemic. sure adequate supplies. plans for her chamber to return The House and Senate ser- usual. “There’s no question all gover- President Donald Trump’s after a revolt from lawmakers geants at arms extended a halt in As lawmakers envision the new nors, regardless of party, would “failed leadership” during the cri- and a warning from the Capitol public tours through mid-May. like to have more money, I’m sis “has put our front-line health physician that the health risks of Closing normal operations for norm in Congress, one top prior- open to discussing that,” McCon- care workers in a scavenger hunt reconvening the 400-plus repre- weeks, months or even longer ity for both parties is to reopen nell said on Fox News Radio. for their lives and forced Gover- sentatives were too great. seems unthinkable to some, more their committees to conduct over- The about-face from the Re- nors to bid against each other for “We’ll practice the proper safe- dire than actions taken during sight of the coronavirus relief and publican leader comes after gov- desperately needed resources,“ guards,“ McConnell said. “We’re the deadly 1918 Spanish flu or to draft legislation, including the ernors across the country heaped Schumer said in a statement. not going to sit on the sidelines.” the Sept. 11 attack. There really next virus aid package. PAGE 10 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, April 30, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK ROUNDUP New hospitalizations in New York state dip below 1K a day

Associated Press last weekend when the first heat wave of the year sent tempera- NEW YORK — New COVID- tures soaring. Lifeguards said 19 hospitalizations in New York most people appeared to be obey- state are averaging under 1,000 a ing social distancing rules and day for the first time this month, maintaining 6 feet of distance be- the latest sign of slowly decreas- tween groups. ing pressure on the health care Many recreational areas, from system. hiking trails to parks and play- Gov. Andrew Cuomo told re- grounds, have been shut down for porters Tuesday that hospital- weeks and tens of millions of Cal- izations and deaths from the ifornians have been encouraged outbreak were both continuing to avoid going out under various to tick down. The daily death toll stay-at-home orders designed to dropped again, with 335 deaths limit contact that could spread reported Monday — the lowest JOHN SPINK, ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION/AP COVID-19. daily tally recorded in April and Restaurant customer Dave Williams, left, hands over his signed card bill to the Varsity’s Fred Stewart on the third straight day under 400. Georgia Tuesday in downtown Atlanta. All Varsity locations opened Monday with limited hours for drive-through There have been 17,638 deaths and drive-in only service and are accepting only debit and credit cards. in New York since the outbreak ATLANTA — Two Georgia men began, according to state figures. were hospitalized after drinking opening some outdoor tables, and ing input on his decision, mask- weeks later, leaving the decision The state total doesn’t include cleaning products hoping to pre- mall stores to beginning curbside wearing will be recommended on public access points up to local more than 5,200 New York City vent a coronavirus infection. service. But New Orleans won’t but not required. governments. deaths that were attributed to the Georgia Poison Control Direc- be participating in those slight The governor clarified late in virus on death certificates but tor Gaylord Lopez told the Atlan- relaxations of rules set up to slow the day that masks will still be re- weren’t confirmed by a lab test. Tennessee ta Journal-Constitution the men the spread of the new coronavirus At the peak of the outbreak ear- quired for employees under most in Atlanta, who had a history of — even though Gov. John Bel Ed- NASHVILLE — Tennessee’s lier this month, there had been circumstances. mental health issues, are expect- wards cited it as meeting federal legislative staffers are being more than 3,000 new COVID-19 DeWine said he recognized that ed to recover after drinking the guidelines for a wider reopening. called back to work in Nashville hospitalizations a day, based on the order covering customers was products over the weekend. Edwards has extended Louisi- after spending nearly six weeks a three-day rolling average. The off-putting to many Ohioans who Lopez said he does not know if ana’s stay-at-home order through working from home due to the comparable figure released Tues- saw it as “one government man- the men ingested the cleaning so- May 15, with those two tweaks COVID-19 outbreak. day was 953. date too far,” the governor said. lutions because of President Don- to start Friday. But New Or- As of Tuesday night, the first Staffers are being asked to re- “It’s still a significant num- ald Trump’s musings on whether leans’ stricter rules will continue turn to Cordell Hull, the state’s ber of people,” Cuomo said. “But protocol on DeWine’s online list injecting disinfectants could treat through May 15, Mayor LaToya legislative office building, start- overall you see the numbers com- for businesses starting to reopen the virus . Cantrell said. ing May 4. ing down, so that’s good news.” said: “Require face coverings The first man in Atlanta drank In a statement Monday night, The Republican-dominant The total number of patients for employees and recommend about 16 ounces of bleach . He was she said, “It is absolutely criti- Legislature is scheduled to re- hospitalized dropped to 12,646. them for clients/customers at all treated in a hospital and has since cal for the safety of our people turn June 1 after abruptly re- With caseloads dropping, the times.” been discharged from a psychiat- that residents continue to STAY cessing in March because of the Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort, For employees, the recommen- ric ward, Lopez said. Authorities HOME at this time, and not move dation is mandatory “unless not coronavirus. sent to relieve stress on city hos- did not reveal his identity but prematurely to resume public advisable by a health care profes- The building will remain large- pitals at the height the pandemic, noted the man was in his 50s. activity.” sional, goes against industry best ly closed to visitors and lobbyists was set to depart Thursday. A second man in his 30s was practices, or is not permitted by unless they have appointments. Operations also appeared to discharged after he guzzled a North Dakota federal or state laws and regula- Meanwhile, roughly 23,000 of be winding down at the tempo- mixture of Pine-Sol, mouthwash, rary federal medical facility at tions,” the governor’s office said. the state’s employees have been beer and pain medications , Lopez FARGO — Barbers, bartenders instructed to remain working the Javits Center. There were and baristas in North Dakota can said. At least two other people in from home until May 26. 69 patients inside the cavernous Georgia have consumed house- return to work later this week, South Carolina Manhattan convention center hold chemicals since the virus after Gov. Doug Burgum unveiled COLUMBIA — It’s been more Tuesday, according to the Cuomo Virginia outbreak began and before guidelines Tuesday for reopening than a week since South Caro- administration. The Pentagon Trump made his comments, the certain businesses that have been lina beach towns were allowed to RICHMOND — Virginia Gov. said patients were in the process news outlet reported. closed to slow the spread of the Ralph Northam signed an execu- of being transferred to local hos- begin opening back up, but some coronavirus. are still opting to stay shuttered tive order on Tuesday which his pitals with an expected “comple- The plan to ease restrictions in- Kentucky due to concerns amid the corona- office says reinforces some exist- tion of mission” around Friday. cludes tough love for some types of virus outbreak. ing liability protections for the A Cuomo aide said Javits will be LEXINGTON — Lottery tick- businesses, such as limiting bars On Tuesday, officials on Sulli- state’s health care workers and able to be used as a medical cen- ets in Kentucky took a nosedive and restaurants to half capacity, van’s Island voted to keep police first responders as they battle the ter, if needed. amid the coronavirus pandemic. requiring barbers and cosme- checkpoints in place for another COVID-19 pandemic. Chip Polston, the state lottery’s tologists to wear face masks and two weeks in order to restrict “Virginia’s health care work- vice president of communications, prohibiting some high-intensity California nonresidents from accessing the ers are heroes,” Northam said in told WLEX-TV that Kentucky’s fitness classes. a news release. “We must ensure NEWPORT BEACH — New- Mega Millions and Powerball Burgum had ordered all bars, beach. that they can continue to provide port Beach won’t close its beaches, jackpots sales are down 50%, or restaurants, barber shops, beauty A day earlier, Folly Beach City high-quality and compassionate officials voted Tuesday, despite nearly $9.2 million, compared to salons and health clubs shut down Council members voted to keep care during this tremendously criticism by California’s governor the same period last year. until Thursday. He said it’s un- public access restrictions to the that weekend crowds threatened Polston said the Kentucky Lot- likely that he will extend the order beach near Charleston in place challenging time. efforts to slow the coronavirus tery would still honor the commit- because he believes the state has until May 6, with plans to discuss “It is in the public interest to and reopen the state’s economy. ment it made to send thousands made significant strides in con- the issue again later this week. afford health care providers in- The City Council voted 5-2 of students to college through its taining the spread of COVID-19, As part of a gradual issuance volved in the delivery of health to reject a motion to close the proceeds despite the sales drop. even though the number of con- of executive orders shutting care impacted by COVID-19 with beaches for the next three week- Lottery tickets have also been firmed cases is still rising. down recreation areas and non- adequate protection against li- ends, although city piers and the declining in other states during essential businesses in the state ability for good faith actions or famous Wedge surfing spot are the virus outbreak. Ohio as the outbreak spread, South omissions taken in their efforts to shut down. There will be addi- Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster combat this health emergency,” tional enforcement of social dis- Louisiana COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike ordered all public beach access the governor wrote in the execu- tancing rules, officials said. DeWine on Tuesday relaxed his closed March 30, while people tive order. The vote during a virtual meet- NEW ORLEANS — In much order on mandatory face cover- with property on the beach could The order doesn’t prevent li- ing came after 80,000 people hit of Louisiana, restaurant owners ings for business customers and still enjoy the sand and water. He ability in the case of gross negli- shores in the Orange County city are cautiously looking forward to clients, saying that after receiv- rescinded that order about three gence or willful misconduct. Thursday, April 30, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 11 PAGE 12 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, April 30, 2020 Thursday, April 30, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 13 PAGE 14 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, April 30, 2020 Thursday, April 30, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 15 AMERICAN ROUNDUP Speedy Gonzalez, mail fraud suspect, arrested

LAWRENCEVILLE GA — After months on the run, a mail fraud suspect who lived up to his legal name — Speedy Gonzalez — was arrested in Georgia. The 35-year-old Buford man — who shares a name with the fast-running cartoon mouse — was taken into custody during a traffic stop in Gwinnett County, authorities said. Authorities began looking for Gonzalez after a victim reported in January that multiple checks were stolen from his mailbox in Suwanee, Gwinnett County po- lice said in a statement. Police determined Gonza- lez was the one who swiped the checks, then visited a Home Depot to buy more than $3,000 worth of merchandise with the funds before returning the items for cash, officials said. Habitat safeguard for snakes proposed

TUCSON — Conser- AZ vationists are having a mixed reaction to a proposal from federal wildlife officials to protect critical habitats of endan- gered garter snakes in Arizona and New Mexico. Jenny Loda, attorney for The Center for Biological Diversity, said the number of acres that would receive protection is far ANDREW HARNIK/AP less than previously stated. Under the proposal, more than 18,700 acres of critical habitat for narrow-headed garter snakes Squeaky clean and nearly 27,800 acres for the northern Mexican garter snake Workers clean the Neptune statue in front of the Library of Congress on Tuesday in Washington. would be safeguarded across both states. formation technology at Hopewell THE CENSUS Wayne, N.J., including theft of This proposal is a culmination City Public Schools, said the proj- trade secrets from the Morgan of a failed attempt by U.S. Fish ect’s aim is to help close the “eq- The number of people Florida deputies arrested after a tip about Hill Golf Course in Williams and Wildlife to finalize a proposal uity gap” of internet access in the a cockfighting event. Polk County deputies responded to the Frost- Township. in 2013 that would have protected district. proof home and reported finding wounded and bloody roosters, a The thefts took place from more than 420,000 acres. 13 fighting ring, acrylic spurs and scales. Jorge Luis Ocasio-Montanez 2016 to 2017 and may have cost Welcome mat seeks and Carmen Idalia Rivera-Rodriguez, both 56, were each charged the business and its customers Twin sisters accepted warrant, deputies did with felony counts of owning equipment for animal fighting, promoting animal fights, $100,515, according to a state po- to 5 Ivy League schools owning animals for fighting and operating a property for animal fighting. Deputies lice report. Mallory is also accused of shar- PALM COAST — A also charged 11 spectators with a felony count of attending the fighting of animals. ing confidential trade secrets CLIFTON — A set of welcome mat at the FL from his former employer with a fraternal twin sisters front door of a Florida home read NJ Stadium and speeding down the business partner. from New Jersey was accepted to “come back with a warrant” — Officials investigating street, witnesses and police said. He faces charges of theft of mov- five Ivy League universities. and that’s just what deputies did unusual fish kill able property and eight counts of Jessica and Nicole Alexan- before finding drugs and drug The crowd violated a state-issued der got the good news late last stay-at-home order and ban on theft by false impression. paraphernalia inside. MARQUETTE — The month when they learned they gatherings of more than 10 peo- The Daytona Beach News- Iowa Department of had earned spots at Dartmouth, ple as part of an effort to slow the IA Teen accused of throwing Journal reported the home in Natural Resource is at a loss as to Princeton, Harvard, the Univer- Palm Coast was part of an inves- spread of COVID-19. what caused an unusual fish kill rocks at drivers sity of Pennsylvania and Yale. tigation into illegal drugs. After that left hundreds of trout dead in The Clifton residents say seeing the doormat, authorities Stinging caterpillars a northeastern Iowa creek. BATON ROUGE — A they’ve narrowed their selection said the Flagler County Sheriff’s are out in some areas The kill, affecting nearly 1,000 LA 14-year-old was arrest- down to two universities, though Office got the warrant. ed for allegedly throwing large they haven’t said which ones, and Deputies found fentanyl and fish, was reported on Bloody Run STARKVILLE — It’s Creek near Marquette in Clayton rocks at motorists in Louisiana’s both are open to attending differ- drug paraphernalia inside during capital. MS stinging caterpillar County, the Des Moines Register ent schools. a search . WAFB-TV reported the teenag- season in Mississippi and Louisi- reported. The department said er is accused in three incidents and ana — spiny buck moth caterpil- a pollutant in the water likely School buses deliver Police break up crowd faces three counts of aggravated lars are out and about. caused the fish kill, but investiga- criminal damage to property. internet to students of drivers, spectators The 2-inch-long critters are tors have not been able to deter- A Baton Rouge Police Depart- fearsome-looking, armed with mine the cause. HOPEWELL — A ST. LOUIS — Offi- rows of branched spines. Those ment spokesman said the incidents VA school district in Vir- MO cers were called to connect to glands producing Ex-golf course worker occurred as vehicles traveled In- ginia is outfitting school buses downtown St. Louis recently to venom so potent that even a terstate 110 in Baton Rouge. In with wireless routers to deliver break up a crowd of between 200 glancing touch from a falling charged in thefts one incident a rock shattered the high-quality internet to students and 250 stunt drivers and specta- buck-moth caterpillar can bring windshield of a Prairieville wom- who can’t get online. tors, police said. on instant pain and swelling. EASTON — A former an’s vehicle, hitting her head. The The Progress-Index reported Officers who arrived at the April and May are the usual PA employee of a Pennsyl- injury required staples. that the 31 school buses in the scene found it packed with cars months for the caterpillars in vania golf course was charged in The woman, whose name was Hopewell City Public Schools will and people, television station Louisiana and Mississippi. In connection with a series of thefts not released, posted on Facebook be able to send wireless signals to KMOV reported. The event in- Alabama, they show up in May that totaled more than $100,000. pictures of a gash to her head that homes within roughly 300 feet. cluded drivers doing burnouts and June, according to an Auburn A number of charges were filed was caused by the broken glass. Kris Reed, the supervisor of in- in the parking lot near Busch University entomologist. against Patrick Mallory, 52, of From wire reports PAGE 16 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, April 30, 2020 FACES Working

for laughs AP Movies that did not have a theatrical run will this year be eligible for Oscars because of the extraordinary impact of the coronavirus on the film industry. Oscars give streaming films 1-year exception

Associated Press Movies that debuted on a streaming service without a the-

CHRIS PIZZELLO/AP atrical run will be eligible for the Oscars, but only for this year. A bottle of disinfectant wipes sits on a table onstage as comedian Craig Robinson performs during a “Laughter is Healing” stand-up The Academy of Motion Pic- comedy livestream event at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles on April 20. tures Arts and Sciences on Tues- day announced the change for the 93rd Academy Awards as a Comics stick with stand-up, even as clubs are closed by COVID-19 response to how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the film industry. BY JOHN ROGERS In New York, members of the Magnet It also reminds him of starting out on the The academy also said it will Associated Press Theater’s popular improv groups gather stand-up circuit 40 years ago. condense the two sound catego- each night through the magic of Zoom to put “In the old days I’d do spots like at the Im- hen she’s down, Tiffany Haddish ries into one and prohibit DVD on shows from their homes while audiences prov at 1:40 in the morning to two people. screeners for 2022’s 94th Oscars says a good joke can bring her tune in through the platform Twitch. And they were passed out drunk,” he recalled right back up. in an effort to become more car- A recent performance drew 250 view- with a laugh. “So what’s the difference?” That’s why the popular star of bon neutral. W ers, far more than the 70 who could have As to what’s the attraction — the comics Oscars eligibility has been a TV, film and stand-up decided to crack wise squeezed into the small theater. are being paid little to nothing — most echo major question since stay-at-home about ways to survive in the year of corona- “So we blew right past capacity,” improvis- virus in a nearly empty room recently while the words of Haddish. and social distancing orders led er and improv teacher Elana Fishbein said dressed in a bright orange pantsuit, protec- “I find whenever I’m feeling down, a good to the cancellation of major film with a laugh. tive gloves and armed with a can of Lysol. laugh really changes everything and makes festivals and the closure of movie theaters. Previously, a film would “You told me you loved me, then bring me me feel better. A lot of people are down have to have a minimum seven- some groceries. I’m down to my last roll of and depressed right now, and maybe I can day theatrical run in a Los Ange- T.P.,” she sang as she opened her act with a inspire a little laughter in them,” she said ‘ In the old days I’d do spots les County commercial theater in raucous tune she said she’d written just the after spending an hour performing in front order to be considered for film’s day before to sum up what weeks of self-iso- like at the Improv at 1:40 in of a microphone, which she had generously highest honor. Now films that had lation has been like. the morning to two people. And doused in Lysol. a previously planned theatrical Haddish was performing at the venerable they were passed out drunk. Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada start- release but are made available on Los Angeles club the Laugh Factory, where ed streaming live shows Monday through a home video on demand service she got her start as part of a kids’ comedy So what’s the difference?’ Friday afternoons shortly after California could qualify for best picture and camp more than 20 years ago. No one was Bob Zany ordered all nonessential businesses closed. other categories. in the audience on that weekday afternoon, Longtime stand-up comic, He limits the gathering to five, including “We’re dealing with the unfold- except four people including a guy recording on performing to empty clubs the people on stage and a person behind the ing reality of an unanticipated, video of the show. camera. He’s paying performers $500 an ap- unprecedented global health cri- But people perched in front of laptops all pearance, and said some who don’t need the sis and trying to be responsive around the world could tune in, and many The troupes can’t see the audience. That’s to what’s going on in the world provided virtual LOLs while the cameraman money are donating it to charity. not so much a problem for a make-it-up-as- and at the same time support chuckled in the background. Fellow comic “We are taking a big financial hit,” he said. you-go-along group that’s worked together “I’m even thinking of going and getting a our filmmakers who are in a cir- Craig Robinson, dressed in protective gloves cumstance beyond their control,” for some time, Fishbein said. But it’s taken small-business loan.” and a mask, accompanied her on piano and academy president David Rubin some stand-ups a period of adjustment. sometimes played straight man. The comics are taking a big hit, too. told The Associated Press on With comedy clubs from California to New Longtime stand-up comic Bob Zany said Zany has gigs at casinos and clubs across Tuesday. York dark due to social-distancing mandates, he still sometimes pauses during the mo- the country booked through the summer, Dawn Hudson, the CEO of the comedians are finding ways to keep bringing ments where the laughs — or sometimes the but as to whether he’ll get to do them, “Your film academy, said that they have the laughs to the public. hoots of derision — are supposed to be. guess is as good as mine,” he said. been in “constant conversation with all parts of our community from studios to filmmakers to theater owners” to make deci- Bollywood icon who crossed over to Hollywood dies at 54 sions that support all. The academy this month donat- Associated Press He also appeared in “The Amazing ma “Salaam Bombay!,” a tale of Mum- ed $6 million to help motion pic- Spider-Man” and “Life of Pi.” bai’s street children. He later worked ture employees and their families Irrfan Khan, a veteran character during this crisis. Khan died Wednesday after being with directors Mira Nair, Wes Ander- actor in Bollywood movies and one of “Our primary message is, India’s best-known exports to Holly- admitted to Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhi- son and Ang Lee. take care of yourselves,” Hudson wood, has died at 54. rubhai Ambani hospital with a colon Khan in 2018 was diagnosed with a added. “We’ll be flexible on our Khan played the police inspector in infection. rare neuroendocrine cancer and un- rules this year because we un- “Slumdog Millionaire” and the park Khan made his screen debut in the derwent months of treatment in the derstand how unprecedented and executive Masrani in “Jurassic World.” Academy Award-nominated 1988 dra- United Kingdom. Khan devastating this is.” Thursday, April 30, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 17 OPINION Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Sean Klimek, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander How DOD is struggling to stay out of politics Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations BY DAVID IGNATIUS mander of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, judgment, Mattis should “tell him to go to Joshua M. Lashbrook, Pacific Chief of Staff Washington Post Writers Group after Crozier pleaded for help protecting hell.” his crew from COVID-19 in an email that When Mattis became secretary of de- EDITORIAL WASHINGTON went public. Modly ignored Navy com- fense under Trump, he tried to escape atching Gen. Mark A. Milley, manders’ request for a preliminary inqui- the White House vortex by conducting Terry Leonard, Editor the chairman of the Joints ry, fired Crozier, and then flew to Guam to business directly with the president. He [email protected] Chiefs of Staff, on stage at the suggest to the Roosevelt’s crew that their avoided press conferences where he might Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor WWhite House, he looks uncom- captain had either let the memo go public either contradict Trump and seem disloy- [email protected] fortable. And that’s as it should be. on purpose or had been “naive” or “stupid.” al, or support policies he disagreed with. Milley’s job is to provide sound military In the ensuing uproar, Modly resigned. Managing Editor for Content Mattis likes to invoke George F. Kennan’s Tina Croley, advice to the president. But at a deeper Now the Pentagon is debating whether [email protected] warning against “the treacherous curtain level, his responsibility is to safeguard the Crozier, the martyred captain, should re- of deference” that can surround a presi- Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation independence and integrity of the armed turn to command the Roosevelt. Adm. dent. Ultimately, Mattis’ refusal to appease [email protected] forces. The last thing the country needs is Michael Gilday, the chief of naval opera- the boss cost him his job. a military leadership that’s trying to curry tions, is said to favor his reinstatement Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital Gen. Joseph Dunford, Milley’s prede- favor with any commander in chief, partic- after conducting an informal inquiry, and cessor as CJCS, similarly avoided mi- [email protected] ularly one who’s hungry for affirmation. normally, that should be the end of it. But crophones whenever possible and did his Milley is a big, burly man who looks like this decision, too, has gotten snarled in sec- business privately with the president. Dun- a general from an earlier generation, when BUREAU STAFF ond-guessing, with Milley urging Defense ford offered careful, sensible advice on four-stars didn’t spend so much time in the Secretary Mark Esper to conduct a broad Syria, Afghanistan and Iran — and some- Europe/Mideast gym. On stage with the politicians, his eyes enough investigation to clarify what went Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief times the president listened. often dart back and forth with a wary look so badly wrong on the Roosevelt. [email protected] How is Milley filling these shoes? Jack +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 that suggests he’s thinking: Get me out of The Pentagon’s problem is partly that here! That’s reassuring, for people who people are looking over their shoulders Keane, a retired Army general who’s close Pacific want the military to stay as far from poli- wondering what the president wants. to Trump, says Milley has been blunt and Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief tics as possible. Modly told me he feared that Spencer, his effective in private, and “knows how to deal [email protected] with this president” — counselling him +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 Our democracy cherishes civilian con- predecessor, “lost his job because the Navy trol of the military, but the balance has Department got crossways with the presi- against overreacting to Iranian taunts, for Washington slipped badly in this administration. Ci- dent” in the Gallagher case. “I didn’t want example, or against pulling troops from Af- Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief vilians, starting with President Donald that to happen again.” Wrong instinct. ghanistan because of the COVID-19 risk. [email protected] Trump, have inserted themselves into mat- To restore the right civilian-military Aware of criticism that the Pentagon has (+1)(202)886-0033 ters that should have been resolved by the alignment, the Pentagon needs to go back become politicized under Trump, officials Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News compiled a list of White House media ap- [email protected] uniformed chain of command. to basics. A good model is former Defense The Navy has been a special target for ci- Secretary Bob Gates. With Presidents pearances by past chairmen. The number CIRCULATION vilian torpedoes over the past year. Trump George W. Bush and Barack Obama, he of Milley’s presidential photo ops was simi- rocked the service last year by interven- had a “no surprises” rule. But with their lar to his predecessors. Mideast ing in a disciplinary case involving Navy aides, Gates could be ruthless. He severed Milley set the right standard when asked Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager SEAL Eddie Gallagher. Secretary Richard a communications link between special at his Senate confirmation if he would be [email protected] Spencer resisted — and was fired. operations forces in Kabul and a White intimidated by political pressure: “Abso- [email protected] DSN (314)583-9111 The Navy was just beginning to find its House aide. He told Gen. Jim Mattis, lutely not by no one ever.” balance when Acting Secretary Thomas then U.S. Central Command commander, That’s a vow he should repeat to himself Europe Modly sacked Capt. Brett Crozier, the com- that if a White House aide questioned his every morning. Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager [email protected] [email protected] +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 Pacific Political rivals may have to actually compromise Mari Mori, [email protected] +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 BY DAVID VON DREHLE ance concerning the virus evolves. and employers have been sued for alleged- CONTACT US The Washington Post McConnell has floated the idea of a bar- ly firing employees who complained about gain in the next round of pandemic relief workplace safety measures. Washington n Act 2 of Shakespeare’s “The spending. In exchange for a measure of If America ever needs a four-word motto tel: (+1)202.886.0003 Tempest,” the weather is so foul that legal immunity for businesses and other to replace “In God we trust,” candor recom- 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 a shipwrecked character reluctantly institutions, he could support new funding mends “See you in court.” Under the best Idecides to share a shred of shelter to bail out states. Sounds simple enough, of circumstances, our legal system will be Reader letters with the monstrous Caliban. “Misery ac- [email protected] unless you hang around Congress — in busy with pandemic-related litigation for quaints a man with strange bedfellows,” which case, it sounds almost zany. Demo- years to come. Yet, to shorten the corona- Additional contacts the sailor observes. Little imagination is crats have fought lawsuit reform ferocious- virus depression as much as possible, we stripes.com/contactus needed to see how that might become an ly for years. Roughly as long as the GOP need storekeepers, factory owners, service aphorism about politics. has criticized the perks and pensions of providers, construction contractors, food OMBUDSMAN Today’s political weather is foul indeed. public employees. processors, university presidents and all White House economic adviser Kevin Has- The idea is so unusual that some wonder institutional leaders to feel confident that Ernie Gates sett forecasts that, by the end of June, the whether McConnell has something up his good-faith experiments to jump-start the consequences of the coronavirus shutdown sleeve. I tend to think these strange bed- economy won’t lead inadvertently to ruin- The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow for jobs and growth will be the “worst of news and information, reporting any attempts by the fellows might be destined to share a bunk, ous torts. Punish gross negligence but not since the Great Depression.” So much for military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s if only briefly, because the raging weather honest mistakes. independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns administration happy talk. In response, may leave them little choice. and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for fair- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Meanwhile, the peril of the states can’t be ness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman R-Ky., has proposed one of the unlikeliest Fear of coronavirus lawsuits is not mere ignored. McConnell’s initial suggestion of welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted Republican reflex. Already, airlines have by email at [email protected], or by phone at trysts in modern legislative history, a deal widespread bankruptcies would have been 202.886.0003. that would pair some of the most powerful been sued over grounded flights; ticket bro- laughable were it not so alarming. While kers have been sued over canceled events; rivals in Washington under one emergency it’s true that some conservatives have long blanket. insurers have been sued over coverage floated the idea of state bankruptcy as a so- Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- limits; grocers and internet retailers have lution to structural imbalances such as the days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday On one side are the public employee through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and unions that form the bedrock of the Demo- been sued over rising prices; hospitals have Illinois pension debacle, others argue that Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals cratic Party. They’re worried about the im- been sued over the adequacy of protective the very idea is unconstitutional. What’s postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send gear; universities have been sued over more, the current crisis doesn’t affect just address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, pact of the coronavirus on state and local APO AP 96301-5002. government budgets — and they should be, campus closures; amusement parks have one or two profligate states; the shutdown This newspaper is authorized by the Department of been sued over unusable season passes; has gutted revenue in thrifty jurisdictions, Defense for members of the military services overseas. because across the country the bottom is However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, falling out from public coffers like a soggy ski resorts have been sued over refunds; too. This is no time for legal experimenta- and are not to be considered as the official views of, or paper bag. States in trouble can’t just cre- strip clubs have sued for federal benefits; a tion. States need liquidity to ride out the endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspaper, church has been sued for holding services; storm. Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official chan- ate new money. That’s Uncle Sam’s turf. nels and use appropriated funds for distribution to remote Unless he comes to the rescue, spending cruise lines have been sued for sailing with The idea that politics makes strange locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. will be slashed, jobs eliminated and pen- the virus on board; banks have been sued bedfellows is a close cousin of the maxim The appearance of advertising in this publication does for helping existing customers first with not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense sions squeezed. that politics is the art of compromise. That or Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. For Republicans, the bedrock is busi- small-business loans; gyms have been sued C-word has been out of favor in Washing- Products or services advertised shall be made available for ness, led by the U.S. Chamber of Com- for collecting membership fees; Walmart ton for many years — years in which divi- purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical merce. One thing business wants from has been sued for allegedly allowing a sick siveness could be indulged at less cost. But handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor Congress is protection from pandemic- worker to infect others; Target has been there’s a new C-word in town: coronavirus. of the purchaser, user or patron. related lawsuits. Chamber members fear sued over the efficacy of its hand sanitizer; It changes everything. that decisions they make in reopening the Hooters has been sued over allegedly stint- © Stars and Stripes 2020 David Von Drehle is a Washington Post columnist. economy will expose them to lawsuits from ing on severance benefits; ride-hail firms He is the author of “Rise to Greatness: Abraham stripes.com employees and customers as expert guid- have been sued over sick leave for drivers; Lincoln and America’s Most Perilous Year.” PAGE 18 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, April 30, 2020 NATION Biden wins Ohio primary

Associated Press of,” Republican Ken Blackwell, a emergency,” Republican Gov. former Ohio elections chief who Mike DeWine recommended that COLUMBUS, Ohio — Joe Biden chairs the bipartisan Internation- in-person balloting not be held won Ohio’s presidential primary Tuesday, clinching a contest that al Foundation for Electoral Sys- until June 2. But amid legal chal- was less about the Democratic tems, said of mail-in balloting. lenges, officials moved balloting nomination and more about how Overall turnout was surpris- to this week while converting to states can conduct elections in ingly strong, said Secretary of a mail-in process since the state the era of the coronavirus. State Frank LaRose. While his remains under a stay-at-home The primary was the first office said about 1.5 million votes order. major test of statewide elections had been cast as of midday Sat- Most Ohioans casting absentee via mail amid an outbreak. urday, down sharply from the 3.2 ballots had to run at least three There were reports of confusion million cast in Ohio’s 2016 presi- pieces of mail — an application, a JULIO CORTEZ/AP but no widespread disruption. It dential primary, he said some blank ballot and a completed one wasn’t like Wisconsin earlier this larger counties received tens of — through the U.S. Postal Ser- Democrat Kweisi Mfume won Tuesday’s special election in Maryland month, when voters were forced thousands of additional ballots vice. Only homeless and disabled to finish the term of the late Rep. Elijah Cummings. to overlook social distancing Tuesday. “It was better than OK. people were initially encouraged guidelines to stand in line wear- It was great,” he said. to cast in-person ballots at county ing masks to cast ballots. The primary, originally sched- election board offices, though Democrat Mfume captures “Within the context of the uled for March 17, was delayed anyone not receiving ballots by threat of the virus, it’s a decision just hours before polls were sup- mail in time to participate could that we will have made the best posed to open. Citing a “health also turn up in person. Maryland seat in Congress Associated Press to help get our nation through this dark hour in our history,” Mfume BALTIMORE — Democrat said. Stone, Assange communication revealed Kweisi Mfume easily won a spe- He wore a mask on election cial election Tuesday to finish the night, flanked by his wife and Associated Press opponent Hillary Clinton. He cited as an example the 1971 term of the late Elijah Cummings, other supporters who also wore The documents — FBI affida- Supreme Court ruling that fa- retaking a Maryland congressio- masks as protection against the WASHINGTON — Weeks after vits submitted to obtain search cilitated the publishing by news- nal seat he held for five terms be- virus. Robert Mueller was appointed warrants in the criminal investi- papers of the Pentagon Papers, fore leaving to lead the NAACP. Maryland opened just three special counsel in the Russia in- gation into Stone — were released classified government documents Mfume defeated Republican polling stations Tuesday and sent vestigation, Roger Stone, a confi- following a court case brought by about the Vietnam War. Kimberly Klacik in the heav- ballots weeks in advance to en- dant of President Donald Trump, The Associated Press and other “If the US government moves ily Democratic 7th Congressional courage mail voting because of reassured WikiLeaks founder media organizations. on you I will bring down the entire District, capping a race dramati- the pandemic. Earlier this month, Julian Assange in a Twitter mes- They were made public as house of cards,” Stone wrote, ac- cally reshaped by the corona- thousands of Wisconsin primary sage that if prosecutors came Stone, convicted last year in cording to a transcript of the mes- virus. After winning what was voters waited hours outside over- after him, “I will bring down the Mueller’s investigation into ties sage cited in the search warrant largely a mail-in election, Mfume crowded polling stations, and entire house of cards,” according between Russia and the Trump affidavit. “With the trumped-up told supporters many people are Maryland’s contest could be a test to FBI documents made public campaign, awaits a date to sur- sexual assault charges dropped “struggling at this hour to fight for future races in a key election Tuesday. render to a federal prison system I don’t know of any crime you off the terrible disease of the year. The records reveal the extent of that has grappled with outbreaks need to be pardoned for — best coronavirus.” For Mfume, the immediate communications between Stone of the coronavirus. regards. R.” “To them, to their families and challenge will be leading in a and Assange, whose anti-secrecy In a June 2017 Twitter direct Stone was likely referring to to the families of so many others majority-black district with a siz- website published Democratic message cited in the records, a sexual assault investigation who have lost lives prematurely able area in Baltimore that for emails hacked by Russians dur- Stone reassured Assange that the dropped by Swedish authorities. to this disease, I want all of you weeks had Maryland’s highest ing the 2016 presidential election, issue was “still nonsense” and Assange, who at the time was to know that from day one, all of number of reported coronavirus and underscore efforts by Trump said “as a journalist it doesn’t holed up in the Ecuadorian Em- my attention, all of my energy cases. Democratic lawmakers allies to gain insight about the re- matter where you get informa- bassy in London, was charged and all of my focus in the United had sounded the alarm over the lease of information they expect- tion only that it is accurate and last year with a series of crimes States Congress will be on using virus killing African Americans ed would embarrass Democratic authentic.” by the U.S. Justice Department. science, data and common sense at a higher rate. Thursday, April 30, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 19 PAGE 20 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, April 30, 2020 Thursday, April 30, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 21 SCOREBOARD/COLLEGE SPORTS/NASCAR

Sports Senior Bowl on AFN proves to be Go to the American Forces Network website for the most up-to-date TV schedules. valuable tool myafn.net BY JOHN ZENOR Deals Associated Press MONTGOMERY, Ala. — NFL teams didn’t Tuesday’s transactions know when they left the Senior Bowl in Janu- FOOTBALL ary that they wouldn’t get all that much more National Football League time with prospects before the draft. ATLANTA FALCONS — Signed undrafted rookie free agent OL Justin Gooseberry. The in-person scrutiny at practices and in BALTIMORE RAVENS — Exercised the meetings is always a meaningful part of the fifth-year option on CB Marlon Humphrey. Agreed to term with OL D.J. Fluker. Signed evaluation process at the week long audition undrafted undrafted rookie free agents K for NFL teams in Mobile, Ala. Turns out it had Nick Vogel. BUFFALO BILLS — Signed undrafted perhaps an added significance this year — at undrafted rookie free agents; CB Isaiah SAMANTHA BAKER/AP least in providing that personal touch. Brown, OL Brandon Walton. CAROLINA PANTHERS — Signed un- After the game and the combine, the coro- drafted rookie free agent DL Myles Ad- Arkansas football players Jake Hall, left, La’Michael Pettway, center, and Karl Roesler pass ams. the time in the locker room during football media day on Aug. 9, 2015 in Fayetteville, Ark. navirus pandemic forced many on-campus CHICAGO BEARS — Signed DL John pro days and the pre draft team visits to be Jenkins. Agreed to terms with undrafted rookie free agents; DL, Lee Autry, OL, Di- called off. eter Eiselen, LB, Keandre Jones, LB, LaCale The Senior Bowl certainly gave some added London, LB, Ledarius Mack, RB, Napoleon Maxwell DL, Trevon McSwain, RB, Arta- insight to the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit vis Pierce, LB, Rashad Smith, OL, Badara Lions, whose staffs coached the teams. Traore, WR, Ahmad Wagner. NCAA board supports CINCINNATI BENGALS — Claimed RB “We had a chance to really home in and Samaje Perine off waivers from Miami know these guys better than most,” Bengals and LB Austin Calitro off waivers from Jacksonville. Agreed to terms with un- defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said. drafted rookie free agents; DT Tyler The Bengals drafted three players — line- Clark, G Clay Cordasco, DT Trey Dishon, DE Kendall Futrell, OT Josh Knipfel, LB Mi- backers Logan Wilson and Akeem Davis- chael Spears, CB Isiah Swann, WR Scotty Washington, RB Devwah Whaley and TE Gaither and offensive lineman Hakeem Mitchell Wilcox. athlete compensation Adeniji — who made strong impressions in CLEVELAND BROWNS — Agreed to terms with WR Rashard Higgins on a Mobile. one-year contract. Signed free agents The Lions picked up two Senior Bowl RB Benny LeMay, CB Jovante Moffatt, OL Drake Dorbeck. BY RALPH D. RUSSO college sports said it will still seek a federal alums in guards Jonah Jackson and Logan DALLAS COWBOYS — Signed undrafted Stenberg. rookie free agents DE LaDarius Hamilton, Associated Press law to keep individual states from passing DT Garrett Marino. their owns laws on compensation for college They got the benefit of up-close exposure to DENVER BRONCOS — Signed 1 year The NCAA is moving forward with a plan players instead of the Zoom calls that teams contract with DL Christian Covington. athletes. DETROIT LIONS — Agreed to terms with to allow college athletes to earn money for The board on Monday and Tuesday re- had to rely on in the weeks leading up to last undrafted undrafted rookie free agents; endorsements and a host of other activities weekend’s draft. TE Hunter Bryant, S Jeremiah Dinson, S viewed detailed recommendations put forth Jalen Elliott, S Bobby Price, FB Luke Sell- involving personal appearances and social by a working group led by Ohio State athletic The game produced the same breakdown of ers, P Arryn Siposs, LS Steven Wirtel. media. draft picks as last year: 93 total picks and 40 HOUSTON TEXANS — Released S director Gene Smith and Big East Commis- Tashaun Gipson Sr. Signed undrafted The NCAA announced Wednesday that its sioner Val Ackerman. The recommendations in the first three rounds. That includes four rookie free agent OL Elex Woodworth. Board of Governors supports a plan that gives first-rounders — quarterbacks Justin Herbert INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Signed took an aggressive approach, opening the undrafted rookie free agent RB/WR athletes the ability to cash in on their names, (No. 6, Los Angeles Chargers) and Jordan De’Michael Harris. door for athletes to make money on every- images and likenesses as never before and Love (No. 26, Green Bay Packers), along with KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — Released P thing from autograph signings and memora- Dustin Colquitt, signed undrafted rookie without involvement from the association, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (No. 14, San free agent LB Omari Cobb. bilia sales to signing endorsement deals with LOS ANGELES CHARGERS — Signed un- schools or conferences. Francisco) and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk drafted rookie free agent FB Bobby Holly, Ohio State President and board chairman companies large and small. (No. 25, San Francisco). OL Josh Dunlop. College athletes will not be allowed to use LOS ANGELES RAMS — Signed undraft- Michael Drake called it an “unprecedented” Jim Nagy, the Senior Bowl’s executive di- ed rookie free agent DL Eric Banks. move by the NCAA. their schools’ logos or markings in any spon- rector since June 2018, said he didn’t get feed- MIAMI DOLPHINS — Signed undrafted rookie free agent DE Tyshun Render. The next step is for membership to draft sorship deals, but they will be permitted to use back saying the weeklong experience proved NEW YORK GIANTS — Signed S Monte agent representation in making any deals. Hartage. Waived TE C.J. Cooper, C Tanner legislation by Oct. 30. A formal vote will be more important to teams given the pandemic. Volson, DB Derrick Baity, P Sean Smith, taken by schools at the next convention in Jan- Smith said there will be “guardrails” in But some NFL personnel people did call want- LS Colin Holba and LS Drew Scott. Signed place to ensure athletes are being compen- undrafted rookie free agents QB Case uary and new rules will go into effect no later ing his take on the players off the field. Cookus, WR Derrick Dillon, WR Binjimen than the 2021-22 academic year. sated at an appropriate rate for their services “I’ve had more guys from the league call Victor, TE Kyle Markway OT Tyler Hay- craft, DE Oluwole Jr., DE Niko Lalos, LB “NCAA membership schools have em- and there will be consequences for athletes and ask about how the guys were behind the Dominique Ross, DB Christian Angulo and braced very real change,” NCAA President who do not meet disclosure requirements. scenes here than I did the year before,” said DB Malcolm Elmore. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Signed Emmert said in a conference call with report- Payments to athletes will not be permitted Nagy, a former NFL scout who added of the undrafted rookie free agents QB J’Mar ers Wednesday. to be used as recruiting inducements to high Senior Bowl: “They just feel like they get to Smith, DT Courtney Wallace. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Agreed to The nation’s largest governing body for school athletes. know them better than (at) any other stage.” terms with QB James Winston on a one- year contract. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — Claimed T Casey Tucker off waivers from the Detroit Lions. PITTSBURGH STEELERS — Signed un- drafted rookie free agents DB James Race: North Carolina under stay-at-home order until May 8 Pierre, DB Trajan Bandy and LB John Houston. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Signed un- drafted undrafted rookie free agents QB FROM BACK PAGE suspended because of the corona- now is trying to schedule events could shift Sonoma’s date to an- Broc Rutter, RB Salvon Ahmed, RB JaMy- cal Hasty, FB Josh Hokit, WR Chris Finke, by a second race at that track on virus pandemic. The sanctioning only at tracks within driving dis- other one of its properties. DL Darrion Daniels, LB Jonas Griffith, LB/S body has vowed to run all 36 Cup tance to the Charlotte region so That sort of shuffling is what Ronnell Perkins, S Jared Mayden and CB May 20. The 600 would be held on DeMarkus Acy, TE Chase Harrell and FB May 24, followed by a second race Series races, although the sched- teams can get to a track, compete NASCAR is working through Josh Hokit. ule will change dramatically and and return home in one day with- now, as well as who can enter the SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Claimed CB at Charlotte on May 27. Jayson Stanley off waivers from Jackson- some tracks likely will be dropped out needing air travel or hotel track and how to socially distance Marcus Smith, president and ville. Signed undrafted rookie free agent this season if their state does not accommodations. the teams. RB Anthony Jones. CEO of North Carolina-based TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Signed permit a sporting event. Darlington is owned by NAS- North Carolina House Speaker undrafted rookie free agent OL Nick Lev- Speedway Motorsports, thanked erett. NASCAR has yet to publicly CAR, while Speedway Motors- Tim Moore, one of the state law- TENNESSEE TITANS — Signed undraft- Cooper for working with Char- release its safety plans but is ports owns the Charlotte track. makers to initially petition Coo- ed rookie free agents DL Teair Tart. lotte Motor Speedway “to get WASHINGTON REDSKINS — Agreed to expected to limit team rosters, Because tracks will now likely per to permit racing at Charlotte terms with undrafted undrafted rookie NASCAR back on track with the free agent QB Steven Montez, WR Johna- have one-day events, and scrap host more events than originally Motor Speedway, welcomed the thon Johnson, Isaiah Wright and TE Thad- Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day qualifying and practice at many scheduled, track operators will return of NASCAR and praised deus Moss. weekend where it belongs.” BASKETBALL places. A proposal to eliminate likely relinquish events at other the “Tar Heel spirit.” Womens National Basketball Association Cooper last week extended pit stops to reduce the number of venues to make the 36 races fit. “I appreciate this collaborative NEW YORK LIBERTY — Waived G Tayler North Carolina’s stay-at-home Hill. team employees at the track has Eight events have been sus- effort to help NASCAR run the HOCKEY order through May 8. Most teams stalled. pended, but NASCAR could have Coca-Cola 600 and believe that National Hockey League ARIZONA COYOTES — Signed F Matias are based in the Charlotte area South Carolina has said it will difficulty moving forward with this is an important step in bring- Maccelli to a three-year entry-level con- and are expected to return to work host a “spring” NASCAR race, some events, like the June race ing our economy back, bringing tract. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS — Released this week as essential businesses. while Florida and Texas have said scheduled at Sonoma Raceway in businesses back, and bringing ex- President and CEO John McDonough. Vice NASCAR completed four of its President Daniel Wirtz will serve as Presi- NASCAR is welcome to compete California. That track is owned citing competitive events back to dent. 36 races before the season was without spectators. NASCAR for by Speedway Motorsports, which North Carolina,” he said. PAGE 22 F3HIJKLM •STARS AND STRIPES• Thursday, April 30, 2020 COLLEGE BASKETBALL/HORSE RACING Mid-level recruits hurt by shutdown of summer basketball

BY JOHN MARSHALL Associated Press PHOENIX — Jake Murphy expected this summer to be his showcase for college coaches, a chance to catch an eye, hope- fully earn a Division I basketball scholarship. The 6-foot-3 guard for Phoenix- based PowerHouse Hoops gar- nered attention from schools in the West Coast, Southern, Big Sky and Atlantic Sun. Murphy just needed to prove what he could do JESSICA FORBES/AP against elite competition over the summer after being being ham- Jake Murphy was hoping to pered by injuries and changes in improve his recruiting position the recruiting calendar. with summer basketball. With no Once the world changed, so did summer hoops, he committed to his plans. the Air Force Academy, where JOHN MINCHILLO/AP The coronavirus pandemic put his brother was already a cadet. sports on hold and the summer Front row from left: Flavien Prat on Country House, Tyler Gaffalione on War of Will, Luis Saez on basketball circuit with it, leav- particular system. Maximum Security and John Velazquez on Code of Honor compete May 4 in the 145th running of the ing non-elite basketball recruits Sometimes all it takes is one Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Ky. Because of the pandemic, the 2020 Derby will be run Sept. 5. with no opportunity to make an play for a recruit on a smaller in-person impression on college summer team or one buried on coaches, the bench of a larger one to catch Murphy opted to take the most a coach’s attention. Will Run for the Roses smell sensible road rather than try sort- Those opportunities, at least ing through the uncertainty, com- for now, are gone. mitting to play at the Air Force “The no-brainers are still the Academy, where his brother was no-brainers. Maybe their egos already a cadet. are hurt a little bit because they just as sweet in September? “I think if I could have played don’t have the ability to earn their in front of more coaches, there’s way up five more spots on the (re- always the chance of a very dif- cruiting ratings) board or some- ferent outcome,” Murphy said. thing,” PowerHouse Hoops coach BY GARY B. GRAVES much of their revenue from the “But with how everything went John Ortega said. “But this hurts Associated Press Derby, the postponement has and kind of happened, I feel like the tweeners, for sure, the guys created an immediate challenge this is how it’s supposed to be.” that are 6-3 and below, the very LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Postpon- of filling the calendar with work T he spread of COV I D -19 has led skilled players that need to show ing the Kentucky Derby was jar- and clients. to a dramatic shift in recruiting that, ‘hey, I can guard better ath- ring enough for a city that draws A delayed Derby has forced practices for college basketball letes or I can play this other posi- much of its identity from hosting milliner and Louisville native coaches. Instead of crisscrossing tion.’ Now they can’t.” horse racing’s marquee event. Kenzie Kapp to temporarily stop the country to watch recruits play The summer shutdown will Canceling it, well, that’s un- creating those women’s hats syn- and hosting them for on-campus likely have lasting implications thinkable in the Bluegrass State. onymous with race season. She visits, coaches now have to get into the fall and beyond. The move of the Triple Crown’s has been left scrambling to find creative while in lockdown mode. Players who were expecting to first leg to Labor Day weekend ideas befitting a signature event So do the recruits trying to get make college decisions during the due to the coronavirus pandemic that’s a little too early for earthy will mark the first time the Derby their attention. early signing period in November tones. won’t run in Louisville on the first The high-end recruits? They’ll now may wait to make a commit- “When I think of Labor Day, I Saturday in May since 1945. be fine. Coaches have been track- ment as they weigh options and think of it as summer and it’s usu- “This is what makes Louisville ing most of them since middle coaches sort out their rosters. ally the hottest time and sticky,” great, obviously, and Kentucky school and already know what Like Murphy, Dexter Strat- said Kapp, who has owned the they can do. ton has generated interest from great,” said Andy Treinen, presi- CHARLIE RIEDEL/AP Mill by Kenzie since 2008. “Doing dent and CEO of the downtown The middle-of-the-road and plenty of college coaches, mostly the Derby in May, you have your borderline-Division I recruits across the West since he wants to Frazier History Museum. “The Trainer Bob Baffert has had spring, bright colors. I don’t re- still have something to prove. The be close to home where his family race is important and all eyes in five horses who have won the ally think that palette’s going to pandemic prevents them from can watch him play. the world are on Louisville at that Kentucky Derby. apply unless you have specific doing it in person, leaving game The 6-7 forward from San time. people that come in and want re- video or long-distance communi- Diego could have expanded his “That doesn’t mean they won’t also kicks off the college football ally fall colors. cation as the only options to make options with a good summer play- work in the summer. I hope that season. an impression. ing for his summer-league team. they do. If we survive this period Another consideration is how “I’m not going to go browns, “Those are the kids that are Instead, the virus has forced him because of COVID-19 coronavi- the region’s mindset shifts from oranges and yellows if it’s a hun- hurt the most because they don’t to stay home, attending daily rus and I think we will, what does the Derby being a rite of spring to dred degrees out.” have an opportunity to break out Zoom meetings with West Coast that look like in the summer? closing out the summer. The bourbon industry is also and play in front of coaches. It’s Elite, working on ballhandling, Because the summer’s already “This is a far better scenario having to adjust. Distillery tours tough for them,” said Ryan Silver, lifting weights, running hills and heavily scheduled around here.” than canceling, so we hope the are on hold because of coronavi- director and founder of the West getting shots up in his driveway. Churchill Downs never consid- race in September will help rus precautions, but activity fig- Coast Elite Under Armour pro- The coaches may not be able ered canceling the 146th Derby. mitigate that economic impact ures to quickly ramp up if and gram. “The coaches can watch to watch him play, but Stratton Louisville Tourism estimates the over the next few months,” said when restrictions are lifted . film, but want to see them live.” is keeping himself on their radar economic impact of Kentucky Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, presi- “We’ll just shift to the new tim- Video tells one story, usually the by continuing conversations and Derby season on the region at dent and CEO of Greater Louis- ing,” Heaven Hill Brands presi- most positive one, at least when it sending film — all while waiting more than $400 million, a figure ville Inc., the Metro Chamber of dent Lauren Cherry said. comes to highlight reels. Live is to see how things shake out. that includes the Kentucky Oaks Commerce. Meanwhile, Louisville is re- where the middle-to-lower-level “It pushes things back a little race for fillies run the day before “You ask anybody here in maining optimistic about the recruits make their mark. bit,” Stratton said. “It makes it the Derby. Louisville, most people are not delay. Playing in front of college harder to have an idea at a time Instead of canceling the race, concerned about the difference “September is a wonderful coaches provides an opportunity right now. But my goal is right it was moved from May 2 to Sept. between May and September. time to be in Kentucky,” Davash- to show off intangibles, like at- about the start of my senior year 5. Whether the $400 million es- They were concerned that it er-Wisdom said. “The weather titude, coachability, adaptability, for high school, maybe not be timate holds up this fall remains would be canceled, and the fact is great, it’s bourbon month and basketball knowledge, whether committed, but have a really good to be seen with the Derby run- that it wasn’t is a big relief.” there are also several live music a player might be molded into a idea.” ning on a holiday weekend that For businesses that generate festivals, so this may work out.” Thursday, April 30, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• F3HIJKLM PAGE 23 OLYMPICS/MLB/SOCCER Sources: MLB options include 3 regional divisions

BY RONALD BLUM Associated Press DID YOU KNOW ?

NEW YORK — Major League According to sources, Major Baseball is exploring various op- League Baseball is looking at tions that could allow the season splitting teams into three regional to start if the medical situation divisions. It also has looked at allows, including a plan in which configurations for all-Arizona, KAZUHIRO NOGI/AP the 30 teams might be split into three regional divisions. Arizona-and-Florida and Arizona- Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee President Yoshiro Mori, left, speaks in an April 16 teleconference Among the formats under con- plus-Texas-plus-Florida locations. with John Coates, chairman of the IOC’s Coordination Commission for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, sideration is one in which teams SOURCE: Associated Press in Tokyo. Coates said he disagrees a COVID-19 vaccine is needed to hold the Olympics. could be restricted to playing within their region, two people between MLB and the players’ familiar with the discussions said association. Tuesday. The people spoke to The Baseball officials have told the IOC official disagrees virus Associated Press on condition of union of their thinking but have anonymity. not made any formal proposals. That plan, if used, would break Baseball also is considering up the traditional alignments expanding playoffs beyond the vaccine needed for Olympics of the American and National 10-team format. Officials have Leagues. It also would cut travel discussed extending the playoffs Associated Press for the Olympics to go ahead in July 2021 if the in- during the pandemic. into November or possibly even fections were under control, not only in Japan, but MLB also has looked at con- December, using domed ball- SYDNEY — The head of the IOC’s coordination figurations for all-Arizona, globally. parks and warm-weather cities. commission for the Tokyo Olympics said Wednes- Arizona-and-Florida and Arizo- “In my view, it would be difficult to hold the Any plan would be contingent day he disagrees with suggestions by some scientists na-plus-Texas-plus-Florida loca- Olympics unless effective vaccines are developed,” on baseball gaining access to test and doctors that a vaccine tions, the people said. The plan Yokokura said. about 3,000 people on a regular for COVID-19 is needed to was first reported by USA Today. Coates offered no details how 11,000 Olympians hold the games. Another variation would have basis: about 1,200 players plus John Coates, an Interna- and 4,400 Paralympians from more than 200 na- staff and broadcast personnel. ‘ A vaccine teams start in Arizona, Texas tions and territories could safely enter — and exit Players most likely would need tional Olympic Committee would be nice. and Florida, playing in empty member from Australia — Japan without spreading the virus. They would ballparks, and then if the health three to four weeks of workouts who is a lawyer, said he But we will be housed together in the Athletes Village. situation allows, switch later to before opening day. had seen the opinion but just continue They would also be accompanied by thousands their regular-season sites. If con- Baseball officials have been didn’t agree. of staff members and coaches, and thousands more ditions improve later in the year, encouraged by statements about “The advice we’re get- to be guided technical officials who have to run the events. Add they possibly could start playing starting the season from Presi- ting from WHO (World by WHO and to this thousands of world broadcasters, who pay before fans with only a percent- dent Donald Trump, Govs. Greg Health Organization) Japanese billions for the rights to the Olympics — a critical age of seats sold. Abbott (Texas), Andrew Cuomo says we should continue element, particularly if the Olympics are held with Opening day was scheduled for (New York) and Tom Wolf (Penn- to plan for this date and health limited numbers of spectators. March 26, but the new coronavi- sylvania) and Chicago Mayor Lori that is what we’re doing, authorities. ’ Coates said a lot of work had been done since the rus caused MLB to delay the start Lightfoot, one of the people said. and that’s not contingent postponement and the target was still to have 43 to mid-May at the earliest. In a sign of baseball’s signifi- on a vaccine,” Coates said. John Coates venues for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. Any plan would be subject to cance, Cuomo appointed Yan- “A vaccine would be nice. IOC member Devi Sridhar, a professor of Global Health at medical approval plus consent of kees president Randy Levine and But we will just continue to be guided by WHO and the University of Edinburgh, also said holding the federal, state and local authori- Mets chief operating officer Jeff the Japanese health authorities.” Olympics may depend on finding a vaccine. The ties. Any schedule with games Wilpon to his New York Forward On Tuesday, Japan Medical Association president same could apply to the 2022 Winter Olympics in at neutral sites or without fans reopening advisory board on Yoshitake Yokokura said it would only be possible Beijing. would require an agreement Tuesday. Italian soccer’s odds of resuming this summer look bleak

BY DANIELLA MATAR don’t want uncertainty than we need to be ended so they can best prepare Associated Press to follow other countries which have for next season,” Spadafora said. already shut down everything. Serie A has been suspended since MILAN — The chances of Italy’s “Honestly, I see the path to restart- March 9, when the government or- soccer season resuming are looking ing Serie A getting ever narrower. Re- dered a nationwide lockdown due to increasingly unlikely and a definitive suming training is an important sign, the coronavirus pandemic. decision could even be made by the but if I was among the presidents of Twelve rounds of matches remain end of the week. the soccer teams I would be thinking in the season, plus four other games Premier Giuseppe Conte announced about next season.” that were earlier postponed. The Ital- Sunday that professional sports teams can resume training on May 18. The France became the first of Europe’s ian Cup was suspended after the first move means that in theory, Serie A top five leagues to call off its season leg of the semifinals. could resume playing games in June on Tuesday and Spadafora said that More than 27,000 people have died — albeit without fans. “could push Italy and other European from coronavirus in Italy . However, Sports Minister Vincenzo countries to follow that line.” “ I can’t say today whether the sea- Spadafora remains sceptical. Serie A’s governing body is having son will resume in mid-June,” Spada- “I always said that resuming train- an emergency meeting on Friday. fora said. “From now until then, it’s a ANTONIO CALANNI/AP ing absolutely does not mean resum- “Having read what some people month and a half, so time enough that ing the season,” Spadafora told Italian have said, we could have a surprise we can hope the country is much bet- An empty stadium during a March 8 Serie A soccer television channel LA7 on Wednesday. after the league meets because I ter, but we can’t have any certainty. I match between AC Milan and Genoa at the San Siro “I understand some people saying but think there could be a majority of appeal to the league and to the federa- stadium in Milan, Italy. The country’s sports minister said that leaves us with uncertainty. If we presidents ready to ask for the season tion: start thinking about a plan B.” it is unlikely the league can resume this summer. S TARS AND STRIPES Thursday, April 30, 2020 F3HIJKLM Weighing options MLB considering dividing SPORTS into three regions » Page 23

NASCAR

CHUCK BURTON/AP Martin Truex Jr., right, and Joey Logano, left, lead the field out of Turn 4 for the start of the Coca-Cola 600 last May 29 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. Greenlighted NC governor OKs Charlotte race BY JENNA FRYER ‘ protocols for staging the race. Cooper Associated Press We believe said the state offered input on NAS- that unless CAR’s plan, but he believes the race CHARLOTTE, N.C. can go forward on Memorial Day week- ASCAR can go forward health end for the 60th consecutive year. with the Coca-Cola 600 at conditions “We believe that unless health con- Charlotte Motor Speedway go down, we ditions go down, we believe we can hold the Coca-Cola 600,” Cooper said. without fans in attendance believe we Nat the end of May unless “I think NASCAR will be making that health conditions deteriorate in the can hold the announcement, but that’s what will state, the governor of North Carolina Coca-Cola happen.” said Tuesday. NASCAR on Monday gave teams its ROBERT WILLETT, THE NEWS & OBSERVER/AP Gov. Roy Cooper said he and state 600.’ latest revised schedule, which shows racing resuming May 17 at Darlington North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said Tuesday he believes NASCAR’s public health officials have had discus- Roy Cooper Raceway in South Carolina, followed annual Coca-Cola 600 can go forward on Memorial Day weekend at sions with NASCAR and the speedway North Carolina Charlotte Motor Speedway for the 60th consecutive year. located in Concord regarding safety governor SEE RACE ON PAGE 21

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