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Volume 79 Edition 175A ©SS 2020 CONTINGENCY EDITION SATURDAY,DECEMBER 19, 2020 Free to Deployed Areas Army roasted for ‘expedited’ camouflage mask rollout

BY CHAD GARLAND Stars and Stripes If it had taken the Army the typ- ical 18 months to two years to roll out its official face mask, it would have been roasted on social media. It got roasted anyway this week for announcing it would be deliv- ered in about half that time. The Army touted its efforts to speed the acquisition process, go- ing “from inception to issuance” of the mask in less than a year, it said in a statement. The Defense Logistics Agency is expected to begin issuing two Combat Cloth Face Coverings, or ‘Grave’ CCFCs, to recruits early next year. “The Army is issuing its own of- ficial cloth face mask (complete with acronym) and bragging that it only took slightly less than a year to do,” wrote @lethalityjane, a Twitter account run by a soldier, threat in a tweet shared nearly 400 times. The account, followed by more than 24,000 people, noted that un- DON TREEGER/TNS official alternatives have been available for months, often just off base. Cybersecurity agency issues warning over hack against US But some veterans said that the process operated as it should Associated Press policy professor and former U.S. ambassador have, with the Army providing WASHINGTON — All fingers are pointing to to the U.N.’s Economic and Social Council. “Is disposable or reusable masks, al- Russia as the source of the worst-ever hack of there a graduated assault? Is there an all-out as- lowing them to use neck gaiters, U.S. government agencies. But President Do- sault? How much out of the gate do you want to bandanas and scarves, while nald Trump, long wary of blaming Moscow for do?” working to field an official mask. cyberattacks, has been silent. To be sure, it’s not uncommon for adminis- “Before we freak out and call The lack of any statement seeking to hold trations to refrain from leveling public accusa- this an acquisitions failure, re- Russia responsible casts doubt on the likeli- tions of blame for hacks until they’ve accumu- member that the immediate need hood of a swift response and suggests any retal- lated enough evidence. Here, U.S. officials say was met with contracting at lower iation — whether through sanctions, criminal they only recently became aware of devastat- levels,” wrote Aaron Leong, a for- charges or cyber actions — will be left in the ing breaches at multiple government agencies mer Marine. “This is the bigger, hands of President-elect Joe Biden’s incoming in which foreign intelligence agents rooted sustained, lower priority … effort administration. PATRICK SEMANSKY/AP around undetected for as much as nine months. for a long term change to the uni- “I would imagine that the incoming adminis- The sign outside the National Security But Trump’s response, or lack thereof, is being form. The system worked as de- tration wants a menu of what the options are Agency is seen on campus at Fort Meade, closely watched because of his preoccupation signed.” and then is going to choose,” said Sarah Men- Md. Fingers are pointing to Russia as author delson, a Carnegie Mellon University public of the hack of U.S. government agencies. SEE HACK ON PAGE 4 SEE MASK ON PAGE 4 PAGE 2 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, December 19, 2020 BUSINESS/WEATHER Dozens of states file lawsuits against Google EXCHANGE RATES Military rates So. Korea (Won) 1098.90 Associated Press and the territories of Guam and along to consumers,” Colorado At- Switzerlnd (Franc) 0.8861 Euro costs (Dec. 21) $1.20 Thailand (Baht) 29.83 DENVER — Dozens of more Puerto Rico. It seems likely to be torney General Phil Weiser said in Dollar buys (Dec. 21) 0.7951 Turkey (NewLira) 7.6530 British pound (Dec. 21) $1.32 states are joining an escalating ef- combined with a similar com- announcing the action. Japanese yen (Dec. 21) 101.00 (Military exchange rates are those available fort to prove Google has been me- plaint by the the U.S. Department The case is the third antitrust South Korean won (Dec. 21) 1070.00 to customers at military banking facilities in the Commercial rates country of issuance for Japan, South Korea, Ger­ thodically abusing its power as the of Justice in late October that is al- salvo to slam Google during the many, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Bahrain(Dinar) 0.3770 For nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., pur­ internet's main gateway in a way so trying to defuse Google's dom- past two months as the U.S. De- Britain (Pound) 1.3491 chasing British pounds in Germany), check with Canada (Dollar) 1.2769 your local military banking facility. Commercial that hurts consumers habitually inance of online search and digital partment of Justice and attorneys China(Yuan) 6.5397 rates are interbank rates provided for reference Denmark (Krone) 6.0794 feeding personal information into advertising. general from across the U.S. Egypt (Pound) 15.7094 when buying currency. All figures are foreign its search engine and advertisers “Consumers are denied the weigh in with their different varia- Euro 0.8172 currencies to one dollar, except for the British Hong Kong (Dollar) 7.7529 pound, which is represented in dollars­to­ pouring billions of dollars into its benefits of competition, including tions on how they believe the com- Hungary (Forint) 292.23 pound, and the euro, which is dollars­to­euro.) Israel (Shekel) 3.2371 vast marketing network. the possibility of higher quality pany is abusing its immense pow- Japan (Yen) 103.36 INTEREST RATES The lawsuit was filed Thursday services and better privacy pro- er to do bad things that harm other Kuwait(Dinar) 0.3044 Norway (Krone) 8.6074 Prime rate 3.25 in federal court in Washington by tections. Advertisers are harmed businesses, innovation and even Philippines (Peso) 48.03 Interest Rates Discount rate 0.75 Poland (Zloty) 3.67 Federal funds market rate 0.09 attorneys general of 35 states as through lower quality and higher consumers who find its services to Saudi Arab (Riyal) 3.7520 3­month bill 0.09 well as the District of Columbia prices that are, in turn, passed be indispensable. Singapore (Dollar) 1.3291 30­year bond 1.67 WEATHER OUTLOOK SATURDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST SATURDAY IN EUROPE SUNDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 25/21

Kabul Seoul 40/32 22/3 Baghdad 64/51 Tokyo Drawsko Osan Kandahar Mildenhall/ 27/10 50/26 61/24 Pomorskie Busan Lakenheath 37/34 51/48 35/25 Iwakuni Kuwait City 46/42 Bahrain Brussels Zagan Sasebo Guam 68/55 72/69 Ramstein 37/27 44/41 49/43 48/35 86/77 Riyadh Lajes, 68/53 Doha Azores Stuttgart Pápa 64/61 43/32 74/60 Aviano/ 38/35 Vicenza 43/38

Naples 57/48 Okinawa Morón 66/59 56/42 Sigonella Rota 57/50 The weather is provided by the Djibouti 60/52 Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 78/74 60/57 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. TODAY IN STRIPES American Roundup ...... 11 Video games ...... 12-13 Comics & Crossword.... 19 Health & Fitness ...... 14 Travel ...... 15 Opinion ...... 18 Sports ...... 20-24 Saturday, December 19, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 3 MILITARY Navy sending replacements to USS Essex

The San Diego Union-Tribune Marines from 1st Battalion, 5th Marines out of Camp Pendleton SAN DIEGO — So many sail- for Operation Steel Knight/Dawn ors fell ill with COVID-19 on Blitz, an annual training exer- board the amphibious assault cise. ship USS Essex during its recent Officials with the 1st Marine MEGAN ROSES/U.S. Marine Corps stint at sea that the Navy had to Division did not immediately re- The Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel ''Woody'' Williams is now off the east African coast, in an send fresh troops to the ship to spond to a request for comment, operation to remove U.S. forces from Somalia. help man key watch stations, a but one Marine official, not au- member of the crew told The San thorized to comment publicly, Diego Union-Tribune. said a small number of Marines Naval Surface Forces Pacific, from 1/5 were also affected by Warship launches US troop headquartered in San Diego, de- the outbreak. clined to comment on how many The Essex returned to San Die- sailors on board the Essex were go Monday. withdrawal from Somalia affected by the outbreak but con- While the Navy, and every firmed some of what the sailor, branch of the military, have not BY JOHN VANDIVER ti and Kenya are likely destina- ing space for a crew complement who asked to remain anonymous, released region-specific corona- Stars and Stripes tions given that the U.S. maintains of about 250. told the newspaper. virus numbers since the pandem- STUTTGART, Germany—A military bases in both nations. American troops in Somalia are “Personnel assigned to the Es- ic’s earliest days, sporadic re- U.S. warship and an aircraft have Alimited troop presence will re- tasked with conducting counter- sex Amphibious Ready Group ports of outbreaks on ships and launched an operation to pull U.S. main on the ground in Somalia terrorism operations and train, ad- (ARG)/5th Marine Regiment among local personnel illustrate forces out of Somalia, the military while some forces also could be vise and assist Somali forces, pri- have tested positive for Coronavi- the challenges of maintaining op- said this week as it carries out a reassigned to other regions or to marily in their fight against al- rus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),” erations as the number of virus Pentagon directive to move hun- the U.S., AFRICOM said. Shabab. said Cmdr. Nicole Schwegman, a cases in the community soar. dreds of troops to other locations. AFRICOM’s Joint Task Force — The militant group has operated Navy spokeswoman, in a state- In a November message to the The USS Hershel “Woody” Wil- Quartz, which is leading the mis- for more than a decade and aims to ment. “Sometimes, in order to fleet, the Navy said that virus liams, an expeditionary sea base sion, dubbed Operation Octave topple the U.S.-supported govern- meet manning and training re- rates among the sailors “are gen- that normally carries a contingent Quartz, said the AC-130W Stinger ment in the country. The U.S. also quirements, we cross deck Sail- erally the same as the rates of of crisis-response Marines, and an II is able to provide close air sup- conducts frequent airstrikes ors, operationally hold prospec- infection in the local area.” The AC-130W Stinger II plane are sup- port and air interdiction. against terrorist targets, which are tive losses, utilize reservists, or latest published Navy numbers porting the troop movement, the “Close air support missions in- expected to continue even as U.S. divert prospective gain Sailors to show 1,281 sailors Navy-wide military said in a statement Thurs- clude troops in contact, convoy es- forces withdraw. higher priority units.” tested positive for the coronavi- day. cort and point air defense,” the A Defense Department Inspec- Many of the sailors affected by rus this week. Almost 7,700 sail- U.S. Africa Command, citing se- task force said in a statement. tor General report released Nov. the outbreak work in the ship’s ors have tested positive for the curity concerns, declined to say The USS Hershel “Woody” Wil- 25 said AFRICOM has seen “a de- engineering department, the sail- virus since the beginning of No- Friday how many troops have al- liams, which is assigned to AFRI- finitive shift” in recent months of or said. The replacement sailors vember, which is about 40% of ready been moved or when the COM and is based out of Souda Bay al-Shabab’s focus to attack U.S. in- — many of them assigned to the the Navy’s total number of cases withdrawal will be completed. in Crete, is a relatively new asset in terests in the region. AFRICOM USS Bonhomme Richard, which since the start of the pandemic. AFRICOM did say that roughly Europe. In October, the military has said it believes al-Shabab is the was devastated by fire in July One in six active-duty Navy 700 troops will be repositioned to announced that the vessel would most “dangerous, capable, and im- and is scheduled to be scrapped sailors is based in San Diego neighboring countries to carry out support AFRICOM missions, as minent threat” on the continent, — were brought aboard via a U.S. County, according to a 2019 cross-border operations against well as those in Europe as needed. according to the report. Navy hovercraft, commonly study. Applying that ratio to the al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-aligned The 784-foot-long ship features called an LCAC. service’s total active cases sug- terrorist group. While AFRICOM a four-spot flight deck that heli- [email protected] The Essex left San Diego early gests about 500 San Diego sailors didn’t name the countries, Djibou- copters can use. There is also liv- Twitter: @john_vandiver in December with a contingent of could be positive for COVID-19. Stopping wall construction could save $2.6 B

The Washington Post But the financial implications of a for comment Wednesday. ject’s accounts on Jan. 21. Army The Army Corps also priced out decision to stop work — including The Trump administration ob- Corps officials have had meetings a third option that would not add ASHINGTON — The U.S. gov- the costs to the government it may tained about $15 billion for the in recent weeks about how to end more linear miles to the barrier ernment would save about $2.6 incur — have not been publicly barrier project, enough to com- the contracts and about what can but allow companies to complete billion if President-elect Joe Bi- disclosed. plete 738 miles of new fencing, ac- be done legally and when. the roads, sensors and other “attri- den halts construction on the bor- U.S. Army Corps commanders cording to U.S. Customs and Bor- While the Biden administration butes” that are part of the con- der wall project on his first day in met with members of the Biden der Protection. About one-third of will have the ability to terminate tracts. CBP officials have long in- office, according to U.S. Army transition team last week to dis- the $15 billion was provided by or modify contracts with the con- sisted that the barrier is part of a Corps of Engineers estimates re- cuss the border wall project, corps Congress through the standard struction firms building the bar- “system” that includes powerful viewed by The Washington Post. spokeswoman Raini Brunson appropriations process; Trump rier, those companies will be able detection technology and roads Biden told reporters this sum- said. She declined to comment on took the rest from Department of to bill the government for “demo- that allow patrol agents to respond mer that he would not build “an- the estimates reviewed by The Defense counternarcotics pro- bilization” fees that cover the faster to incursions. other foot” of the border barriers Post, referring additional ques- grams and military construction withdrawal of crews, materials The Biden administration has that became a symbol of the tions to the president-elect’s of- accounts. and equipment from the border. not said whether it would consider Trump presidency and one of the fice. The U.S. Army Corps estimates Those fees are projected to add up completing those elements of the most expensive federal infras- Biden’s transition team did not show that there will be about $3.3 to about $700 million, according to project, or bring everything to a tructure projects in U.S. history. immediately respond to a request billion in unused funds in the pro- the estimates. screeching halt. PAGE 4 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, December 19, 2020 MILITARY Mask: Hack: Biden response Army mask could take many forms

FROM PAGE 1 Another possibility is a federal will use indictment, assuming investiga- with a fruitless effort to overturn tors can accumulate enough evi- the results of last month’s election dence to implicate individual 2-ply cloth and because of his reluctance to hackers. Such cases are labor-in- consistently acknowledge that tensive and often take years, and Russian hackers interfered in the though they may carry slim chanc- FROM PAGE 1 2016 presidential election in his fa- es of courtroom prosecution, the The Army and DLA have com- vor. Justice Department regards them mitted to contracts totaling more Exactly what action Biden as having powerful deterrent ef- than $43.5 million for disposable might take is unclear, or how his fects. and other cloth face masks since response might be shaped by crit- Sanctions, a time-honored puni- January, according to a Stars and icism that the Obama administra- shment, can have even more bite Stripes analysis of contracting da- tion did not act aggressively and will almost certainly be ta on Friday. U.S. ARMY enough to thwart interference in weighed by Biden. President Ba- The rollout of the CCFC doesn’t The Army's Combat Cloth Face Covering will be a two­ply cloth 2016. He offered clues in a state- rack Obama sanctioned Russian change existing guidance on the covering made of 57% cotton and 43% nylon. It will have a pliable ment Thursday, saying his admin- intelligence services after the 2016 use of other face coverings, the Ar- nose bridge and drawstring with a barrel lock. istration would be proactive in election interference and expelled my statement said. preventing cyberattacks and im- Russian diplomats. The Trump The new two-ply mask made of After testing 300 materials, the be purchased at most “big box” pose costs on any adversaries be- administration and Western allies cotton and nylon is expected to be center at Aberdeen Proving stores, was a Suite wipe made by hind them. similarly expelled diplomats over available for purchase at ex- Grounds, Md., found that the poly- Illinois-based Benchmark Prod- U.S. government statements so Moscow’s alleged poisoning of an change stores later next year. ester wipes filtered out some 75% ucts, a spokesman told Stars and far have not mentioned Russia. ex-intelligence officer in Britain. It doesn’t use the four-ply mi- of particles, compared to the 95% Stripes in a June email. Asked about Russian involvement Exposing Kremlin corruption, crofiber fabric that the service’s of particles filtered by N95 masks Officials did not immediately in a radio interview Monday, Sec- including how Russian President Combat Capabilities Develop- worn by health care workers and respond to an email query about retary of State Mike Pompeo ac- Vladimir Putin accrues and hides ment Command Chemical Biolog- 40% filtered by a polyester banda- whether their testing had contrib- knowledged that Russia consis- his wealth, may amount to even ical Center tested earlier this year na, the Army said in an April state- uted to CCFC’s design. tently tries to penetrate American more formidable retaliation. and found to be the most effective ment. servers, but quickly pivoted to “This isn’t just a tit-for-tat or common material available for The microfiber cloth used in the [email protected] threats from China and North Ko- hacking back into their systems,” use in homemade masks. test, which the center said could Twitter: @chadgarland rea. Mendelson said. “It’s, ‘We’re going Democratic Sens. Dick Durbin to go for what you really care and Richard Blumenthal, who about, and what you really care were briefed Tuesday on the hack- about is the funds that are stashed, State-run veterans’ homes need to report ing campaign in a classified and revealing the larger network Armed Services Committee ses- and how it’s connected to the COVID-19 cases, deaths under new bill sion, were unequivocal in blaming Kremlin.’” Russia. The U.S. can also retaliate in cy- BY NIKKI WENTLING the cases and deaths among resi- about a lack of transparency and a There are other signs within the berspace, a path made easier by a Stars and Stripes dents and staff. The homes would VA leadership team that shirked administration of a clear-eyed rec- Trump administration authoriza- WASHINGTON — State-run also be required to detail their responsibility for the facilities. ognition of the severity of the at- tion that has already resulted in veterans’ homes will soon be re- supply of personal protective The committee found that 1,011 tack, which happened after elite some operations. Former national quired to share the number of cor- equipment, ventilator capacity residents had died as of July 17. cyber spies injected malicious security adviser John Bolton told onavirus cases and deaths at their and any staff shortages. However, that number includes code into the software of a compa- reporters at a 2018 briefing that of- facilities with the federal govern- Within 30 days from when deaths at only 47 homes in 34 ny that provides network services. fensive cyber operations against ment under a bill passed by Con- Trump signs the bill, the VA would states. After months of calling For instance, the civilian cyberse- foreign rivals would now be part of gress this week. be required to publicly post the state departments of public health curity agency warned in an adviso- the U.S. arsenal and that the U.S. Congress approved the Johnny number of coronavirus cases and and scouring data from the CDC ry Thursday that the hack posed a response would no longer be pri- Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. deaths at the homes. and Centers for Medicare and “grave risk” to government and marily defensive. Veterans Health Care and Bene- States are in charge of operating Medicaid Services, the committee private networks. “We can totally melt down their fits Improvement Act of 2020 on the homes, but the federal VA couldn’t obtain infection and fatal- A response could start with a home networks,” said Jason Hea- Wednesday and sent it to Presi- leads their oversight. The homes ity statistics for 115 veterans’ public declaration that Russia is ley, a Columbia University cyber- dent Donald Trump’s desk to be receive money from the VA based homes. believed responsible, already a conflict scholar. “And any time we signed into law. The legislative on the number of residents, which “We are in the process of doing widely shared assessment in the see their operators popping up package is over 340 pages long totals about $1 billion. The facili- another survey of the state homes. U.S. government and cybersecur- they know that we are going to go and includes numerous dozens of ties also undergo yearly inspec- Our Members are very con- ity community. Such statements after them, wherever they are.” measures for veterans. tions by the VA to ensure they cerned,” she said in an email. “We often aren’t immediate. U.S. Cyber Command has also A few of the provisions focus on meet a list of VA-imposed regula- are finding many of the homes are It took weeks after the incidents taken more proactive measures, the country’s 162 state-run veter- tions. reporting increased numbers.” became public for the Obama ad- engaging in what officials describe ans’ homes, some of which have The legislation passed this week As news of the deaths at state- ministration to blame North Korea as “hunt forward” operations de- experienced deadly outbreaks of contains measures to ensure the run veterans’ homes started to in the Sony Pictures Entertain- signed to detect cyber threats in the coronavirus. More than 19,000 homes continue to receive VA break, VA Secretary Robert Wil- ment hack in 2014 and for then-na- other countries before they reach veterans and their spouses live in payments for residents through kie was questioned about what tional intelligence director James their intended target. Military the homes, but it’s unclear how the pandemic. went wrong. In multiple inter- Clapper to confirm China as the cyber fighters, for instance, part- many have contracted the virus or Early in the pandemic, when it views, he said he didn’t have di- “leading suspect” in hacks of the nered with Estonia in the weeks died from it. was clear the cases and deaths at rect authority over the homes. Office of Personnel Management. before the U.S. presidential elec- The federal Department of Vet- state-run veterans’ homes weren’t In one interview with WSHU, Public naming-and-shaming is tion in a joint operation aimed at erans Affairs does not require the being publicly reported, Vietnam an NPR affiliate, Wilkie said the always part of the playbook. identifying and defending against homes to inform them of coronavi- Veterans of America formed a VA had “moved into those veter- Trump’s former homeland securi- threats from Russia. rus deaths. VA Press Secretary committee to investigate. It was ans’ homes, even though by statu- ty adviser Thomas Bossert wrote David Simon, a cybersecurity Christina Noel said that deaths at led by Linda Schwartz, the long- te we have no ability to control or this week in a New York Times expert and former Defense De- veterans’ homes aren’t included in time commissioner of the Connec- manage [them].” These state- opinion piece that “the United partment special counsel, said the department’s counts. ticut Department of Veterans Af- ments from Wilkie were “puz- States, and ideally its allies, must there must be consequences for That would change under the fairs. She served as an assistant zling,” “disappointing” and “dis- publicly and formally attribute re- those who responsible for attacks. bill passed by Congress this week. secretary of the VA under then- turbing,” Schwartz’s committee sponsibility for these hacks.” Re- “Until it’s clear the U.S. will im- It requires all state-run homes to President Barack Obama. wrote in their report. publican Sen. Mitt Romney said in pose meaningful costs on adver- submit weekly reports to the VA The committee shared a 16- a SiriusXM interview that it was saries,” he said in an email, “a ma- and the Centers for Disease Con- page report on the homes with [email protected] “extraordinary” the White House terial change in the Kremlin’s be- trol and Prevention that outline Congress that contained findings Twitter: @nikkiwentling  has not spoken out. havior is not likely to be seen.” Saturday, December 19, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 5 VIRUS OUTBREAK Snags on US relief bill may force weekend work

Associated Press renters, schools, the Postal Ser- ment matching requirements for Now, Republicans are motiva- needs right now, and things im- WASHINGTON — It's a hurry vice and people needing food aid. COVID-19-related disaster grants ted chiefly to extend business sub- prove next year as the vaccine up and wait moment on Capitol But a temporary funding bill and myriad smaller disagree- sidies and some jobless benefits, gets out there and the economy Hill as congressional negotiators runs out Friday at midnight, and ments over non-pandemic add- and provide money for schools starts to pick up again, you know, on a must-pass, almost $1 trillion the Senate's No. 2 Republican, ons, lawmakers and aides said. and vaccines. Democrats have fo- there may be less of a need," COVID-19 economic relief pack- Sen. John Thune, said if there isn't The delays weren't unusual for cused on bigger economic stimu- Thune said. age struggled through a handful a deal by then, some Republicans legislation of this size and impor- lus measures and more help for The details were still being of remaining snags. The holdups might block a temporary funding tance, but lawmakers are eager to those struggling economically worked out, but the measure in- mean a weekend session now ap- bill — causing a low-impact par- leave Washington for the holidays during the pandemic. The urgen- cludes a second round of “pay- pears virtually certain, and a top tial weekend shutdown — as a and are getting antsy. cy was underscored Thursday by check protection" payments to es- lawmaker warned that a govern- means to keep the pressure on. The pending bill is the first sig- the weekly unemployment num- pecially hard-hit businesses, $25 ment shutdown this weekend Lawmakers were told to expect to nificant legislative response to the bers, which revealed that 885,000 billion to help struggling renters can't be ruled out. be in session and voting this week- pandemic since the CARES Act people applied for jobless benefits with their payments, $45 billion All sides appeared hopeful that end. passed virtually unanimously in last week, the highest weekly total for airlines and transit systems, a the wrangling wouldn't derail the “We must not slide into treating March, delivering $1.8 trillion in since September. temporary 15% or so increase in legislation. After being bogged these talks like routine negotia- aid and $600 per week bonus job- The emerging package falls food stamp benefits, additional down for much of the day, nego- tions to be conducted at Congress’ less benefits and $1,200 direct well short of the $2 trillion-plus farm subsidies, and a $10 billion tiators reported behind-the- routine pace," Senate Majority payments to individuals. Democrats were demanding this bailout for the Postal Service. scenes progress Thursday night. Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., The CARES legislation passed fall before the election, but Presi- Some Democrats also mourned The central elements of a hard- said. “The Senate is not going any- at a moment of great uncertainty dent-elect Joe Biden is eager for the exclusion of a $500 million aid fought compromise appeared in where until we have COVID relief and unprecedented shutdowns in an aid package to prop up the package to help states run their place: more than $300 billion in out the door." a failed attempt to stymie the cor- economy and help the jobless and elections. The money was seen as aid to businesses; a $300-per- The hangups involved an effort onavirus, but after that, many Re- hungry. While Biden says more urgent this summer to help states week bonus federal jobless bene- by GOP conservatives to curb publicans focused more on loos- economic stimulus will be needed more safely administer their elec- fit and renewal of soon-to-expire emergency lending programs by ening social and economic restric- early next year, some Republi- tions in the middle of the pandem- state benefits; $600 direct pay- the Treasury Department and the tions as the key to recovery in- cans say the current package may ic. But with the election over, mo- ments to individuals; vaccine dis- Federal Reserve, a Democratic stead of more taxpayer-funded be the last. mentum for the money has gone tribution funds and money for demand to eliminate local govern- aid. “If we address the critical away. Macron rides out virus, fever at Versailles

Associated Press PARIS — As French President Emmanuel Macron rides out the coronavirus in a presidential re- treat at Versailles, critics on Fri- day called out slip-ups in his virus- prevention behavior, from a close- quarters handshake to repeated big-group meals over the past week. A fellow European leader who spent time with Macron at an Eu- ropean Union summit last week, Slovak Prime Minister Igor Ma- tovic, tested positive for the virus MARKUS SCHREIBER/AP Friday. Some other leaders pre- Homeless man Kaspars Breidaks from Latvia sits in a guest room of Berlin's biggest restaurant, Hofbraeu Berlin, on Thursday. The restaurant,sent at the summit reported testing which had to close due to the coronavirus pandemic, has opened its doors for homeless people, providing free meals and counseling. negative, while some were not get- ting tested and others haven't yet announced results from their tests. Berlin restaurant reopens to help the homeless In France, Macron faced criti- cism for actions that were seen as Associated Press the homeless. and provides the restaurant with BEWO and Berlin Kaeltehilfe re- setting a bad example as the coun- BERLIN — The coronavirus “Other homeless people at the welcome income. lief groups have workers on hand try sees a new uptick in confirmed pandemic hasn’t made life on the train station told me about this In cooperation with the city and to provide counseling and new cases. While Macron usually streets of Berlin any easier for Kas- place,” Breidaks said, removing a two welfare organizations, the res- clothes, if needed. wears a mask and adheres to social pars Breidaks. furry black hat with long ear flaps taurant quickly developed a con- On Thursday, the first group that distancing rules, and has insisted For three months, the 43-year- as he sat on a bench in the warm, cept to take in up to 150 homeless entered the Hofbraeu along with that his virus strategy is driven by old Latvian has faced homeless spacious beer hall near Berlin’s people in two shifts every day until Breidaks were served either Thur- science, the 42-year-old president shelters operating at reduced ca- landmark Alexanderplatz square. the end of the winter, and started ingia-style bratwurst with mashed has been captured on camera in re- pacity so that people can be kept at “I came here for hot soup.” serving meals on Tuesday. potatoes, sauerkraut and onion cent days violating France’s own a safe distance from one another. It was a restaurant employee “Normally, during Christmas sauce, or a vegetarian stew with po- guidelines. He shook hands and And with fewer Berliners going who volunteers at a shelter who time, we would have many groups tatoes, zucchini, bell pepper and half-embraced the head of the Or- outdoors, it’s much harder to raise proposed opening up the shuttered here for Christmas parties and carrots. For dessert there was ap- ganization for Economic Coopera- money by panhandling or collect- Bavarian-style beer hall — pat- then we’d serve pork knuckles, half ple strudel with vanilla sauce. tion and Development, Angel Gur- ing bottles to sell for recycling. terned after the famous Munich es- aduck or goose ... but not at the mo- For Breidaks, that was more ria, at a meeting Monday. Both But on a chilly winter morning tablishment of the same name — to ment,” said Schwarz. “We’re still than he had expected after spend- were masked, but Macron’s office this week Breidaks found himself the homeless. doing delivery, but obviously that’s ing a night with sub-zero temper- acknowledged Friday the move with a free hot meal and a place to It was a clear win-win proposi- only a drop in the bucket.” atures huddled up next to the walls was a “mistake.” warm up, after the German capi- tion, said Hofbraeu manager In addition to serving food and of a big department store on Alex- Macron is suffering from fever, tal’s biggest restaurant, the Hof- Bjoern Schwarz. As well as helping non-alcoholic drinks and offering anderplatz. cough and fatigue, officials with braeu Berlin — itself closed down out the homeless during tough the warmth of indoors, the restau- “All I need is hot soup," he said. the presidency said Friday. They due to coronavirus lockdown re- times, the city-funded project also rant provides its bathrooms for the "And, God willing, I will go back wouldn’t provide details of his strictions — shifted gears to help gives needed work to employees — homeless to wash up, and the GE- home in January.” treatment. PAGE 6 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, December 19, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK ROUNDUP States say Pfizer vaccine allotments cut for next week Associated Press out of intensive care beds for CO- O’FALLON, Mo. — Several VID-19 patients, ambulances are states say they have been told to backing up outside emergency expect far fewer doses of the Pfiz- rooms, and tents for triaging the er-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine sick are going up as the nation’s in its second week of distribution, most populous state emerges as prompting worries about potential the latest epicenter of the U.S. out- delays in shots for health care break. workers and long-term care resi- On Thursday, California report- dents. ed a staggering 52,000 new cases But senior Trump administra- in a single day — equal to what the tion officials on Thursday down- entire U.S. was averaging in mid- played the risk of delays, citing a October — and a one-day record of confusion over semantics, while 379 deaths. More than 16,000 peo- Pfizer said its production levels ple are in the hospital with the cor- have not changed. onavirus across the state, more The first U.S. doses were ad- than triple the number a month ministered Monday, and already ago. this week, hundreds of thousands “I’ve seen more deaths in the of people, mostly health care last nine months in my ICU than I workers, have been vaccinated. have in my entire 20-year career,” The pace is expected to increase said Amy Arlund, a nurse at Kais- next week, assuming Moderna er Permanente Fresno Medical DELCIA LOPEZ,THE MONITOR/AP gets federal authorization for its Center. Health care personnel line up outside the Edinburg Conference Center to receive the COVID­19 vaccine on vaccine. Intensive care unit capacity is at Thursday in Edinburg, Texas. Efforts to help ward off the coro- less than 1% in many California navirus come amid a staggering counties, and morgue space is also limit the spread of the coronavi- Nevada study area to add to its four-bed in- rus, which again set a daily record tensive care unit. death toll that surpassed 300,000 running out, in what is increasing- CARSON CITY, Nev. — In Ne- on Monday. Johns Hopkins Uni- ly resembling the disaster last with more than 6,000 cases state- wide on Thursday. vada, which has more coronavirus Louisiana versity says about 2,400 people spring in New York City. hospitalizations per capita than are dying daily in the U.S., which Georgia has recorded more BATON ROUGE, La. — The than 10,000 deaths. any other state, the most visible is averaging more than 210,000 Georgia sign of the surge is the overflow number of people in Louisiana cases per day. ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp Maryland unit that one Reno hospital has set hospitalized with COVID-19 on In recent days, governors and says the state of Georgia will keep ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland up in its parking garage to treat Thursday reached heights ex- health leaders in more than a doz- paying for extra nurses to assist Gov. Larry Hogan on Thursday patients. ceeding the state’s summer surge en states have said the federal hospitals, nursing homes and oth- urged state residents to stay home But far from the state’s popula- of the coronavirus disease, a so- government has told them that er health care facilities that have for the holidays to help stop the tion centers, rural hospitals — bering statistic that mutes some of next week’s shipment of the Pfiz- struggled to find staff and keep up spread of COVID-19, and also an- some with as few as four beds — the excitement surrounding this er-BioNTech vaccine will be less with demand because of the coro- nounced a new $180 million relief are also filling with patients. The week’s first virus vaccinations. than originally projected. navirus pandemic. package to help businesses and virus is forcing them to convert Dr. Catherine O’Neal, an infec- Little explanation was offered, The Republican governor made people affected by the pandemic. sleep-study rooms into intensive tious disease expert at Our Lady of leaving many state officials per- the announcement Thursday dur- The governor issued an emer- care units and, at times, make the Lake Regional Medical Cen- plexed. ing a news conference at Grady gency order to limit travel to es- wrenching decisions as capacity ter, said the Baton Rouge hospital “This is disruptive and frustrat- Memorial Hospital in Atlanta sential purposes only. runs low and patient transfers admitted the largest number of ing,” Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, where Public Health Commis- “Our message today is simple: turn increasingly difficult. COVID-19 patients over 24 hours a Democrat, wrote on Twitter sioner Kathleen Toomey and an You are safer at home for the holi- “At many of our rural hospitals than it’s seen in a similar period Thursday after learning from the intensive care unit nurse received days this year,” the Republican we don’t have a parking garage since July. Centers for Disease Control and a coronavirus vaccine in an at- governor said at a news confer- that we can convert into extra “I hate hitting that point be- Prevention that the state’s alloca- tempt to demonstrate that it’s safe ence. “Making difficult sacrifices space,” Battle Mountain General cause we know that it usually tion would be cut by 40%. “We and effective. during these next few weeks will Hospital CEO Jason Bleak recent- marks a tough set of weeks for us,” need accurate, predictable num- Kemp said Georgia will commit absolutely help keep your family, ly told a state task force, adding O’Neal said. “Our hospital’s full. bers to plan and ensure on-the- as much as $70 million to pay staff- loved ones and your fellow Mary- that rural hospitals have less room Every hospital in the state is full. I ground success.” ing agencies that are providing ex- landers safe. It will help our hospi- for error when staff members fall worry about my family. I worry California, where an explosion tra nurses through March. Geor- tals keep up with the demand and sick or when capacity nears the about small communities that in cases is straining intensive care gia is on track to spend $250 mil- it will save lives.” brink. don’t have access to care.” units, will receive 160,000 fewer lion on the program this year. The Hogan said residents who travel Banner Churchill Community Louisiana’s health department vaccine doses than state officials state has spent federal coronavi- out of state should get a negative Hospital in Fallon serves a 5,000- reported 1,602 patients hospital- had anticipated next week — a rus aid on the program so far. COVID-19 test before returning or square mile area in rural Nevada. ized across the state with the CO- roughly 40% reduction. Kemp said he hopes the federal quarantine for 10 days. He said the Its emergency room often treats VID-19 disease caused by the cor- California hospitals began vac- government will free up more same applies to people from other rodeo and motocross injuries, but onavirus as the state grapples with cinations this week from the first money to cover the costs, but states who travel to Maryland as at one point this month, 60% of its its third surge in cases since the Pfizer shipment of 327,000 doses spokesman Cody Hall said Geor- well. Law enforcement won’t patients were dealing with CO- pandemic began. More than 6,600 and had expected even more to ar- gia would use state money if no track travelers’ compliance, Ho- VID-19. people in the state have died from rive next week. Instead, officials federal money is available. gan said. In recent weeks, the hospital’s COVID-19 since March, accord- have been told to expect about Hospitals and nursing homes “We’re just going to rely on the patient population has swung ing to state data. 233,000 doses, said Erin Mellon, a have struggled with staffing, as good faith of the people that are wildly and at times surpassed 25, But this time, the surge comes spokeswoman for Gov. Gavin some employees are infected or going to listen to these orders, be- the number of licensed beds in the amid the glimmer of hope offered Newsom. quarantined, and they haven’t cause they’re critically important facility. by vaccines, which began being been able to easily hire more peo- to keeping people alive, and we’re The hospital converted five distributed this week across the California ple to address surging demand. going to try to ensure as much rooms into a COVID-19 isolation nation. Thousands of Louisiana’s LOS ANGELES — Hospitals Kemp reiterated that he won’t compliance as we can and just get wing with a negative pressure sys- hospital workers across 71 facili- across California have all but run make any more orders to try to people to cooperate,” Hogan said. tem and transformed a sleep- ties have received them so far. Saturday, December 19, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 7 NATION Sony yanks Cyberpunk after public outcry Bloomberg that was turned into a successful lems. Its shares traded 15% lower But the company had not cleared Amazon.com’s Crucible, yanked Sony has removed CD Projekt Netflix series — has offered re- at 261.8 zloty at 10:43 a.m. in War- its offer of a refund with console from PC stores earlier this year SA’s Cyberpunk 2077 from its funds to any disappointed players, saw. manufacturers Sony or Microsoft, and subsequently canceled. PlayStation Store and is offering but Sony is going a step further by Trigon analyst Kacper Kopron both of which have stringent re- Cyberpunk’s developers faced full refunds, taking unusual steps entirely removing the game from said that Sony’s decision is one of fund policies. intense public pressure to get the to appease customers furious its store. Cyberpunk features Hol- “worst scenarios” for the compa- Earlier in the week, many play- game out this year, rising to the about bugs plaguing one of the lywood star Keanu Reeves as an ny as PlayStation represents two- ers who requested refunds found level of death threats, as Senior year’s most highly anticipated in-game character and has used thirds of the console market. He themselves out of luck. Sony said Game Designer Andrzej Zawadz- gaming blockbusters. the actor as its most visible am- expects that the move may trim it was working to resolve issues ki tweeted in October. Six-day The radical move to pull the bassador in the buildup to its re- estimates for Cyberpunk sales by with accessing the refund. work weeks became the norm in game “till further notice” came af- lease. 30% to 40%. CD Projekt Chief Executive Of- the final months leading up to the ter the console version of Cyber- CD Projekt, whose shares have Erste Group analyst Emil Pop- ficer Adam Kicinski was cited as eventual release, breaking with punk 2077 debuted Dec. 10, fol- plunged 40% since Dec. 4, con- lawski cut his recommendation on saying by PAP news agency that previous pledges from CD Projekt lowing several delays, to reviews firmed Sony’s decision in a regu- CD Projekt’s shares to reduce the gaming studio isn’t currently leaders that the company would calling out problems and an online latory statement. The studio said from buy, setting a target price of holding talks with Microsoft about avoid imposing a so-called crunch outcry from players frustrated it was “working hard” to bring its 280.5 zloty. Analysts at MBank removing Cyberpunk from its to hurry a game into existence with its poor performance. game back to the PlayStation store and VTB Capital expect the game Xbox store. through overtime. CD Projekt shares dropped as and that it had discussions with to be restored to PlayStation’s It’s rare for any title to be re- The company has said it’s con- much as 20% in Warsaw at the Sony regarding a full refund for store after fixes in early 2021. moved from stores so soon after tinuing work to rectify the issues start of Friday’s trading, erasing all gamers seeking one. On Monday, the developers release. Previous examples in- players are encountering in Cy- this year’s gains. It said that “all copies, whether posted a message on Twitter say- clude Square Enix Holdings’ Fi- berpunk 2077 — and its prior Warsaw-based developer CD digital or physical, will continue to ing they “should have paid more nal Fantasy XIV, which was taken blockbuster, The Witcher 3, im- Projekt — best known for 2015’s receive support and updates” to attention to making it play better offline for an overhaul following proved drastically after its release The Witcher 3, part of a franchise help fix the game’s teething prob- on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.” its disastrous 2010 launch, and thanks to downloadable patches. Pence, wife, Drug deals surgeon linked to NC general get frat houses The Washington Post The high-volume drug deals at vaccine some fraternity houses at the Uni- versity of North Carolina at Chap- Associated Press el Hill were so brazen that Orange WASHINGTON — Vice Presi- County Sheriff Charles Black- dent Mike Pence became the high- wood said an investigation into the est ranking U.S. official to receive network “kind of came to us.” the first dose of the COVID-19 vac- The investigation culminated cine on Friday in a live-television with charges against 21 people al- event aimed at reassuring Amer- legedly involved in a drug traffick- icans the shot is safe. He celebrat- ing ring that spread to two other ed the milestone as “a medical North Carolina universities and miracle” that could eventually moved hundreds of kilograms of contain the raging pandemic. street drugs, including cocaine Conspicuously missing from and narcotics like Xanax, over the the victory lap: President Donald span of several years, resulting in Trump, who has remained largely ANDREW HARNIK/AP sales exceeding $1.5 million, fed- out of sight five days into the large- Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence, right, arrive to receive a Pfizer­BioNTech COVID­19eral prosecutors said on Thurs- st vaccination campaign in the na- vaccine shot at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, Friday. day. tion’s history. Among those charged are cur- Pence, meanwhile, has taken an be confident: We have one and defeat in the Nov. 3 election and placing a bet on two vaccines that rent and former students from increasingly visible role in high- perhaps within hours two safe embraces increasingly extreme use groundbreaking mRNA tech- UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke Universi- lighting the safety and efficacy of vaccines,” he added, referring to efforts to overturn the people’s nology. ty and Appalachian State Univer- the shots, including touring a vac- the FDA’s expected authorization will. He’s pushed aside the plans “Having exhibited leadership sity. All three universities pledged cine production facility this week. of a second vaccine by Moderna. of aides who wanted him to be the in the vaccines’ development, he to work with prosecutors. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and He did not respond to shouted public face of the vaccination should take great pride in publicly The case began in November Senate Majority Leader Mitch questions about why the president campaign, eschewing visits to labs demonstrating his trust in COVID 2018, when Blackwood’s office be- McConnell both said Thursday wasn’t headlining a similar event. and production facilities to thank vaccines,” he said. gan looking into illegal drug sales that they will get vaccinated in the Adams, who is Black, empha- workers, or hosting efforts to build Trump did appear at a White on campus at UNC-Chapel Hill. next few days. President-elect Joe sized the “the importance of rep- public confidence in the shot, ac- House “summit” ahead of the Investigators soon found that Biden expects to receive his shot resentation” in outreach to at-risk cording to people familiar with the Food and Drug Administration’s deals were happening inside or as soon as next week. communities and encouraged conversations. approval of the Pfizer vaccine last near the houses for Phi Gamma “I didn’t feel a thing. Well Americans to avoid disinforma- The sheepish approach has week. That event included an in- Delta, Kappa Sigma and Beta The- done,” Pence told the technicians tion around the vaccines. been surprising, especially for a troductory video highlighting the ta Pi from 2017 to the spring of this from Walter Reed National Mili- Five days into the largest vacci- president rarely shy to take credit, past comments of those — includ- year, authorities allege. tary Medical Center who adminis- nation campaign in the nation’s said Lawrence Gostin, a professor ing top government infectious- The deals at the fraternity tered his Pfizer-BioNTech shot history, Trump has been largely at Georgetown Law who focuses disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci houses included a vast menu of early Friday morning. Pence absent from the effort to sell the on public health. — who doubted a shot would be drugs, including cocaine, “Molly” didn’t flinch during the quick American public on what aides “The president’s relatively low ready this year. also known as MDMA, mush- prick, nor did his wife, Karen, or hope will be a key part of his lega- profile on the COVID response Trump “will continue to update rooms, Xanax, steroids, human Surgeon General Jerome Adams, cy. He has held no public events to since the election is curious and the country through a variety of growth hormones and other nar- who also received shots during the trumpet the rollout. He hasn’t counter to Mr. Trump’s own inter- means while giving medical pro- cotics, according to prosecutors. televised White House event in been inoculated himself. And he ests,” he said. Gostin, who has crit- fessionals and hardworking staff Hundreds of pounds of marijuana, the Eisenhower Executive Office has tweeted fewer than a handful icized Trump’s handling of the at OWS the space to do their jobs which remains illegal for recre- Building. of times about the shot. pandemic in the past, said that he and save lives,” said White House ational and medical use in North “Hope is on the way,” Pence lat- Trump’s relative silence comes “deserves a great deal of credit” deputy press secretary Brian Carolina, were also sold, federal er said. “The American people can as he continues to stew about his for Operation Warp Speed and Morgenstern. officials said. PAGE 8 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, December 19, 2020 NATION Record snowfall buries Northeast

Associated Press New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, GLENVILLE, N.Y. — The who declared a state of emergen- Northeast’s first whopper snow- cy for 18 counties. He said there storm of the season buried parts of were more than 9,000 power out- upstate New York under more ages, 600 accidents and two fatal- than 3 feet of snow, broke records ities by midmorning Thursday. in cities and towns across the re- In New Rochelle in Westchester gion, and left plow drivers strug- County, where a foot of snow was gling to clear the roads as snow recorded, the roof of a Mavis Dis- piled up at more than 4 inches per count Tire store partially caved in hour. but no injuries were reported, ac- “It was a very difficult, fast cording to CBSN New York. storm and it dropped an unbeliev- In Broome County, where the able amount of snow,” Tom Cop- regional center of Binghamton got pola, highway superintendent in a record 42 inches of snow, County charge of maintaining 100 miles of Executive Jason Garnar said roads in the Albany suburb of snow fell at a rate of 4 to 5 inches JACQUELINE DORMER/AP Glenville, said Thursday. “It's to per hour. Larry Rounds shovels out his sister Rachael Rounds' vehicle on Line Street in Frackville, Pa., on Thursday. the point where we're having trou- “This is the fastest rate of snow- ble pushing it with our plows.” fall I've ever encountered,” he definitely interesting.” cept for an army of workers blow- cause he could run around.” The storm dropped 30 inches on said. Much of Pennsylvania saw ac- ing sidewalks clear in front of lux- Xicheng Cai, 28, a consultant Glenville between 1 a.m. and 6 In Ithaca, it took Fred Cullin, 23, cumulations in the double digits. ury apartment buildings, stores who lives and works in Seaport, a.m. Thursday, leaving a silent more than an hour and a half to dig Boston had more than 9 inches and office towers. was decked out in what he called scene of snow-clad trees, buried out of his steep, lakeside driveway of snow early Thursday morning, “It's been a while since we have his full polar gear including boots, cars and laden roofs when the sun that was packed with nearly 3 feet breaking the previous record for had this,” said Mark Pusung, a 33- windproof pants and ski goggles. finally peeked through at noon. of snow piled up by plows. the date of 6.4 inches in 2013. In year-old Seaport resident walking “Wonderful,” he said of the “If you do not have to be on the “It was pretty crazy,” Cullin Boston's Seaport neighborhood, his Shar-Pei dog Muffin. “I want- snow. “This is what Christmas roads, please don't travel,” said said. “Shoveling uphill, on ice, was the streets were mostly empty ex- ed my dog to experience it be- should look like.” Report says slain officer tripped Lawsuit: Deputy ran over responding to Calif. bar massacre Black man on purpose Associated Press of the federal civil rights case filed Associated Press the incident that the sergeant was where Long was located, which af- BELLE PLAINE, Kan. — The by attorney Michael Kuckelman LOS ANGELES — A sheriff’s killed by a sixth bullet fired by forded Long a substantial tactical dashcam video captured a horrific against the deputy in U.S. District sergeant accidentally shot by a fel- Barrett that pierced his heart. advantage,” prosecutors wrote. scene: a Kansas sheriff’s deputy in Court in Kansas. The lawsuit ar- low police officer as they respon- Long, a Marine veteran, took a At one point, grainy footage a patrol truck mowing down a gues that Rodriguez used exces- ded to a mass shooting at a Califor- tactical position and lay in wait for shows Long from behind leaning Black man who was running, sive force and was “callously indif- nia bar had tripped and fallen dur- the officers, investigators said. over a counter at the bar’s en- shirtless, across a field in the sum- ferent” to Womack’s civil rights. ing the chaos and was struck by The 28-year-old gunman, who trance and shooting at the officers. mer darkness after fleeing a traf- Womack had left the police de- the fatal bullet when he stood up wasn’t hit by either officer’s gun- Helus is hit, but he still manages to fic stop. partment earlier in August with and tried to retreat, according to a fire, fatally shot himself after the return fire while retreating, pros- Lionel Womack — a 35-year-old hopes of growing his own security prosecutors’ report Thursday that firefight. ecutors said. He was pronounced former police detective from Kan- business. He was on his way back finds both officers acted lawfully Barrett “honestly and reasona- dead at a hospital. sas City, Kan. — alleges in a exces- home from a business trip to Cali- when they fired their weapons. bly believed” that he and Helus, “It is a testament to his training, sive force lawsuit filed Thursday fornia when a Kansas Highway The report by the Ventura along with another responding of- character, and valor that even that he sustained serious injuries Patrol officer in western Kansas County District Attorney’s office ficer, highway patrol Officer Lidia though he had been shot in the when Kiowa County Sheriff’s initiated a chase over “an alleged provides the most detailed time- Espinoza, faced imminent threat heart, he found the strength and Deputy Jeremy Rodriguez inten- traffic violation,” according to the line of events yet of the massacre of death or great bodily injury determination to continue to pro- tionally drove over him during the lawsuit. Sheriff’s deputies from that unfolded Nov. 7, 2018, when when they responded to reports of tect others and fight to the end,” Aug. 15 encounter. Pratt County and Kiowa County Ian David Long attacked country- gunfire at around 11:20 p.m. that prosecutors wrote. Womack said in a statement joined in the chase. music lovers at the Borderline Bar Wednesday, the report said. Long is also seen lighting and that he hadn’t been speeding nor The car chase ended on a dirt and Grill in the Los Angeles sub- Prosecutors concluded Bar- throwing one of several smoke was he under the influence of any- road, and Womack took off on foot urb of Thousand Oaks, killing 11. rett’s and Helus’ use of deadly grenades that he tossed into the thing when he was pulled over. across a nearby field. Ventura County Sheriff’s Sgt. force against Long was justified as club to obstruct what employees His driver’s license, insurance The dashcam footage from a Ron Helus had returned Long’s a lawful act of self-defense and de- and patrons could see before he and registration were up to date. Pratt County sheriff’s deputy’s ve- fire from inside the dark and fense of others. opened fire. He used a flashlight “When the first officer turned hicle shows Rodriguez using his smoky bar and was moving back In addition, Barrett’s accidental with a laser sight attached to his his lights on, I pulled over and patrol truck to catch up to Wo- out the front door when his feet got shooting of Helus was justified .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol complied ... exactly as you’re sup- mack, who was unarmed. Rodri- tangled in a rope and he tumbled and not criminal, the report found. as he shot. posed to. But when three addition- guez swerves his truck to hit Wo- to the ground, according to an in- The report includes edited vid- Long started shooting at patrons al vehicles pulled up quickly and mack, knocking him to the ground vestigation by the county district eo from security footage and offi- and employees within seconds of started to surround my car, I and running over him. Womack attorney’s office. cer vest-worn cameras. Long is arriving. Panicked revelers ran freaked out. That’s when I took off, rolls out from under the truck, his California Highway Patrol Offi- seen waiting in a back office of the for the doors, dived under tables it was a ‘fight or flight’ moment arms and legs flailing as someone cer Todd Barrett had already exit- bar and watching on video moni- and piled on top of each other in an and I was going to live,” he said. “I on the video shouts, “lie down, lie ed and was firing at Long, who was tors as Helus, Barrett and Espino- effort to dodge the gunfire. Others felt like I was in danger. This was down.” A deputy in the second pa- still inside, when one of the offi- za arrive. ran for their lives through other out in the country, late at night, trol truck can be heard uttering an cer’s rounds hit Helus, who had “In an extraordinary act of he- exits or broke through windows and it was dark. So I ran for my expletive as he watches. gotten up again and was just out- roism due to the active threat and jumped out. life. That’s what you see in the Womack says he sustained seri- side the door. Helus was shot five Long posed, Sergeant Helus and According to the report, Long dashcam video. I’m running in an ous injuries to his back, pelvis and times by Long. But the medical ex- Officer Barrett entered the Bor- fired 61 rounds over about 20 min- open field, and I’m scared.” thigh as well as to his right knee, aminer determined shortly after derline without knowledge of utes before killing himself. The graphic video is at the crux ankle and foot. Saturday, December 19, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 9 NATION Biden makes historic interior secretary pick Associated Press dacy even when concerns that still exist,” he parks and mineral wealth. ment often worked to dispossess President-elect Joe Biden se- Democrats might risk their ma- said. Haaland tweeted after the news Native Americans of their land lected New Mexico Rep. Deb jority in the House if Haaland Haaland, 60, is was made public that “growing up and, until recently, to assimilate Haaland as his nominee for interi- yielded her seat in Congress ap- a member of the in my mother’s Pueblo household them into white culture. or secretary on Thursday, a his- peared to threaten her nomina- Pueblo of Lagu- made me fierce. “You’ve got to understand — toric pick that would make her the tion. na and, as she “I’ll be fierce for all of us, our you’re taking Interior full circle,” first Native American to lead the With Haaland’s nomination, In- likes to say, a planet, and all of our protected said Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva, powerful federal agency that has digenous people will for the first 35th-generation land,” she pledged. chair of the House Natural Re- wielded influence over the na- time in their lifetimes see a Native Haaland resident of New Biden plans to introduce Haa- sources Committee and a cham- tion’s tribes for generations. American at the table where the Mexico. The role land — and other picks for his pion of Haaland for the job. “For Tribal leaders and activists highest decisions are made — and of interior secretary would put Cabinet — at an event Saturday in years, its legacy was the disen- around the country, along with so will everyone else, said OJ Se- her in charge of an agency that Wilmington, Del. franchisement of the Native peo- many Democratic figures, cheer- mans, a Rosebud Sioux vote activ- has tremendous sway not only Her selection breaks a 245-year ple of this country, of displace- ed Haaland’s selection after urg- ist who was in Georgia on Thurs- over the nearly 600 federally rec- record of non-Native officials, ment, of cultural genocide.” ing Biden for weeks to choose her day helping get out the Native ognized tribes, but also over much mostly male, serving as the top With Haaland’s nomination, to lead the Department of Interi- vote for two Senate runoffs. “It’s of the nation’s vast public lands, federal official over American In- “that in itself is a huge message,” or. They stood behind her candi- made people aware that Indians waterways, wildlife, national dian affairs. The federal govern- Grijalva said. Transition stumbles testing Biden’s bond with Capitol Hill

Associated Press Black lawmaker in Congress and WASHINGTON — President- a top Biden ally, said in an inter- elect Joe Biden brings more Capi- view Thursday. tol Hill experience than any presi- Clyburn said people were “rais- dent in decades, but his transition ing hell” over what he called the has stumbled in ways large and “herky-jerky” rollout of the initial, small, exposing the challenges of predominantly white Cabinet navigating a Congress that is a dif- picks. Biden’s team swiftly adjust- ferent place than when he last ed, introducing Black, Latino and served in 2009. Asian American nominees as the He rolled out an almost all- president-elect vows to build the white national security team most diverse administration in when allies were expecting diver- history. sity. He filled top posts with famil- “I’m satisfied with what they’re iar Washington hands rather than doing,” Clyburn said. “I was not fresh newcomers. His team clum- satisfied with the way they did it.” sily floated some names and re- It’s often said in Washington CAROLYN KASTER/AP tracted others for the Cabinet. that personnel is policy and Bi- President­elect Joe Biden waves as he arrives at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del., on Thursday. None of the setbacks has been den’s team has built an entire in- politically devastating. In fact, frastructure around his outreach communities. He drew eyerolls “Biden’s team understands the choice. key Republicans are reaching out to Congress, drawing input and over tapping former Agriculture that,” Sroka said. “Things have Several Republican senators in- for personal calls with Biden, and counsel from its well of seasoned Secretary Tom Vilsack to return changed.” cluding Mitt Romney, Lindsey Democrats are excited about the lawmakers and staff. to the job. Progressives heaped The Biden era promises a turn- Graham, Susan Collins and Pat skilled and savvy professionals Yet the 78-year-old Biden is scorn on naming a budget chief around from Trump’s team, Toomey have spoken personally poised to join the administration confronting the expectations of a who has been a vocal critic of lib- which had little experience with to Biden. Others are taking pri- as it battles the COVID-19 crisis younger, more diverse Democrat- eral icon Sen. Bernie Sanders. the complex rules and relation- vate meetings with the nominees. and withering economy. ic Party hungry for generational Sanders is poised to be the top ships that make up the often ram- To date, the Biden team has But taken together, the slights change and Republicans harden- Democrat on the Budget Commit- bunctious House and insular Sen- connected with almost the entire and slip-ups of Biden’s interac- ed by President Donald Trump tee considering budget director ate. 100-member Senate and some 300 tions with Congress leave the im- who are prepared to play hardball Neera Tanden’s nomination. The incoming president’s allies members of the House, Demo- pression his team is misreading as they eye their next campaign A blame-game broke out this say Biden is developing not just a crats and Republicans alike. Its the Capitol Hill audience he’ll be for the White House. week as Biden was rumored to be Democratic administration after agency review teams have con- relying on for legislative out- Some early developments have backing off Democratic Rep. Deb four years of Trump’s White ducted some 150 listening ses- comes. set an awkward tone. Haaland, of New Mexico, for the House, but also a roster of famil- sions with lawmakers as they pre- And it calls into question one of In nominating retired Army history-making role as the first iar and skilled professionals eager pare to take hold of administrative the incoming president’s most Gen. Lloyd Austin for defense sec- Native American in the Cabinet. to work with Congress to run the departments. prized attributes — his presumed retary, Biden smoothed relations On Thursday, she was selected to government. The buildout of the new admin- ability to work with an often un- by naming an African American be secretary of the Interior De- Biden’s legislative affairs oper- istration is a test not only for Bi- ruly Congress. Biden last walked to one of the highest Cabinet posi- partment. ation on Capitol Hill has enlisted den but also for his incoming chief the marbled halls as a senator tions. But in doing so, he put Dem- “The wrangling that we’re see- more than a dozen current and of staff Ron Klain, a longtime ad- more than a decade ago. Only one- ocrats in a difficult position of ing and the tumult that we’re see- former congressional aides to viser to powerful Democrats. third of the senators with whom having to flip-flop on granting a ing is a Congress and leadership serve as transition liaisons to law- Klain’s appointment drew he served remain in office, forcing waiver of rules limiting military that is grappling with the fact di- makers, keeping them informed praise across the fractious party, the president-elect to create new oversight of the department. versity isn’t enough,” said pro- of developments and open for but his performance has not been relationships. Many senators voted against such gressive strategist Neil Sroka. questions, comments and input. perfect. The Congressional Asian “A strong belief that my dad an accommodation for Trump’s Democrats said the coalition of Senators are getting an early Pacific American Caucus law- drilled into my head: First im- Pentagon pick. groups and communities that heads-up on some of Biden’s makers were upset he was a no- pressions are lasting, and you Biden’s team incensed Hispan- make up the big tent of the Demo- choices for Cabinet picks. Once a show for a long-sought virtual don’t get a second chance to make ic and Asian and Pacific Ameri- cratic Party wants not just a seat nomination is announced, law- meeting over lack of representa- a first impression,” Rep. James can lawmakers with its handling at the table, but also a say in what makers’ offices are flooded with tion from their community in Cab- Clyburn, the highest-ranking of Cabinet choices from their happens around that table. background materials explaining inet picks. PAGE 10 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, December 19, 2020 WORLD Iran begins construction at nuclear facility BY JON GAMBRELL cern in the waning days of the ternational Atomic Energy Agen- pillars. Such pillars can be used in the construction, citing it as com- Associated Press Trump administration before the cy, whose inspectors are in Iran as construction to support buildings ing from South Korea’s Korea DUBAI, United Arab Emirates inauguration of President-elect part of the nuclear deal, also did in earthquake zones. Aerospace Research Institute. —Iran has begun construction on a Joe Biden. Already, Iran is build- not immediately respond to a re- The construction site sits north- The AP later reached the Twit- site at its underground nuclear fa- ing at its Natanz nuclear facility af- quest for comment. The IAEA as of west of Fordo’s underground facil- ter user, who identified himself as cility at Fordo amid tensions with ter a mysterious explosion in July yet has not publicly disclosed if ity, built deep inside a mountain to a retired Israeli Defense Forces the U.S. over its atomic program, there that Tehran described as a Iran informed it of any construc- protect it from potential airstrikes. soldier with a civil engineering satellite photos obtained Friday by sabotage attack. tion at Fordo. The site is near other support and background. He asked that his The Associated Press show. “Any changes at this site will be Construction on the Fordo site research-and-development build- name not be published over previ- Iran has not publicly acknowl- carefully watched as a sign of began in late September. Satellite ings at Fordo. ous threats he received online. The edged any new construction at where Iran’s nuclear program is images obtained from Maxar Among those buildings is Iran’s Korea Aerospace Research Insti- Fordo, whose discovery by the headed,” said Jeffrey Lewis, an ex- Technologies by the AP show the National Vacuum Technology tute acknowledged taking the sat- West in 2009 came in an earlier pert at the James Martin Center construction taking place at a Center. Vacuum technology is a ellite photo. round of brinkmanship before for Nonproliferation Studies at the northwest corner of the site, near crucial component of Iran’s urani- Trump in 2018 unilaterally with- world powers struck the 2015 nu- Middlebury Institute of Interna- the holy Shiite city of Qom some 55 um-gas centrifuges, which enrich drew the U.S. from Iran’s nuclear clear deal with Tehran. tional Studies, who studies Iran. miles southwest of Tehran. uranium. deal, in which Tehran had agreed While the purpose of the build- Iran’s mission to the United Na- A Dec. 11 satellite photo shows A Twitter account called Ob- to limit its uranium enrichment in ing remains unclear, any work at tions did not immediately respond what appears to be a dug founda- server IL earlier this week pub- exchange for the lifting of econom- Fordo likely will trigger new con- to a request for comment. The In- tion for a building with dozens of lished an image of Fordo showing ic sanctions. EU on ‘last attempt’ to seal trade deal with UK

Associated Press denies access to its waters, the BRUSSELS — The European more the EU can impose duties Union’s chief negotiator said Fri- and tariffs. day that the bloc and the United “The European Union also has Kingdom are starting a “last at- to maintain its sovereign right to tempt” to clinch a post-Brexit react or to compensate,” Barnier trade deal, with EU fishing rights said, highlighting that the U.K. in British waters the most notable seafood industry is extremely de- remaining obstacle to avoid a pendent on exports to the 27-na- chaotic and costly changeover on tion bloc. British Prime Minister New Year's. Boris Johnson has made fisheries Michel Barnier told the EU par- and U.K. control over its waters a liament he “can’t say what will key demand in the long saga of come out during this home Britain’s departure from the EU. straight of the negotiations,” The European Parliament is- which have already come a long sued a three-day ultimatum to ne- way in nine months of talks. He gotiators to strike a trade deal if called it “a very serious and som- it’s to be in a position to ratify an ber situation” with the jobs of agreement this year. European hundreds of thousands of people lawmakers said they will need to SUNDAY ALAMBA/AP at stake. have the terms of any deal in front A group of schoolboys, abducted last week from the all­boys Government Science Secondary School in The EU parliament has set a of them by late Sunday if they are Kankara village in Katsina state, are pictured on Friday in Katsina, Nigeria, following their release. Sunday night deadline on the talks to organize a special gathering be- since it still will have to approve fore the end of the year. any deal ahead of year-end, when If a deal comes later, it could a transition period following the only be ratified in 2021, as the par- Nigerian schoolboys welcomed Jan. 31 departure of Britain from liament wouldn’t have enough the bloc will expire. time to debate the agreement be- “It’s the moment of truth,” Bar- fore that. after being released by captors nier said. “We have very little A trade deal would ensure there Associated Press by officials. was believed that more than 330 time remaining — just a few are no tariffs and quotas on trade KATSINA, Nigeria — More Masari had announced their re- were taken. hours.” in goods between the two sides, than 300 Nigerian schoolboys, lease late Thursday, saying 344 The government had said it was A failure to reach a post-Brexit but there would still be technical freed after being kidnapped last boarding school students were negotiating with the school attack- deal would lead to more chaos on costs, partly associated with cus- week in an attack on their school, turned over to security officials. ers, originally described as ban- the borders at the start of 2021 as toms checks and non-tariff bar- have arrived in the capital of Kat- Masari told The Associated Press dits. Experts say the attack was new tariffs would add to other im- riers on services. sina state to celebrations of their that no ransom was paid to secure likely carried out by local gangs, pediments to trade that are enact- Britain’s Parliament must also release. the boys' freedom. who have staged increasingly ed by both sides. The talks have approve any Brexit deal, and the The boys were abducted on the “I think we can say ... we have deadly assaults in northwest Nige- got bogged down on two main is- Christmas break adds to the tim- night of Dec. 11 from the all-boys recovered most of the boys, if not ria this year and were collaborat- sues over the past days — the ing complications. Lawmakers Government Science Secondary all of them,” he said. ing with Boko Haram. Armed ban- EU’s access to U.K. fishing waters are due to be on vacation from School in Kankara village in Kat- The boys from the secondary dits, also known for kidnappings and assurances of fair competi- Friday until Jan. 5, but the gov- sina state in northwestern Nige- boarding school will get physical for ransom, have killed more than tion between businesses. ernment has said they can be ria. examinations in the state capital 1,100 people since the beginning of “We have reached the hard nuts called back on 48 hours’ notice to The students arrived Friday in before being reunited with their the year in the region, according to to crack,” Barnier said. approve an agreement if one is Katsina, the capital of the state, families, the governor said. Amnesty International. He said the EU understood and struck. and met with Katsina Gov. Aminu Nigeria's Boko Haram jihadist Friday’s abduction was a chill- respected the U.K. desire to rule Though both sides would suffer Bello Masari. rebels claimed responsibility for ing reminder of Boko Haram’s its own waves, but said that “a economically from a failure to se- Bleary-eyed and appearing the abduction. Leader Abubakar previous attacks on schools. credible period of adjustment” cure a trade deal, most econo- stunned by their ordeal, the boys Shekau said they attacked the In 2018, Boko Haram Islamic had to be given, if EU boats are to mists think the British economy piled into chairs in a conference school because they believe West- extremists brought back nearly all be kicked out of British waters de- would take a greater hit, at least in room, most still in their school uni- ern education is un-Islamic. of the 110 girls they had kidnapped spite centuries of tradition of the near-term, as it is relatively forms, some wrapped in gray More than 800 students were in from a boarding school in Dapchi sharing them. more reliant on trade with the EU blankets. The oldest of the boys sat attendance at the time of the at- and warned: “Don’t ever put your On top of that, the more London than vice versa. in the front row and were greeted tack. Hundreds escaped, but it daughters in school again.” Saturday, December 19, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 11 AMERICAN ROUNDUP

Police: Man armed with chain saw robs eatery WESTBROOK — A ME Maine man has been charged with robbing a fast-food restaurant while wielding a chain saw. Police were summoned Tues- day afternoon after receiving re- ports of someone with a chain saw inside a McDonald’s in West- brook. The assailant went behind the counter while revving the chain saw and took some food and a drink, police said. Alice Sweet, 26, of Portland, was captured by Westbrook police after fleeing, according to Police Capt. Steve Goldberg. Sweet allegedly used the chain saw to damage two cars in the parking lot, police said, but there were no injuries. New law addresses hate symbols on state property ALBANY — The sale or NY display of Confederate flags, swastikas and other “sym- bols of hate” on state property is banned in New York under a law signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo despite concerns it may violate free speech protection under the U.S. Constitution. JULIO CORTEZ/AP “This country faces a pervasive, growing attitude of intolerance and hate — what I have referred to Me and you tube in the body politic as an American Krystal Krause and her daughter, Magnolia, 5, ride a tube down a hill during a snowstorm Wednesday in Lutherville­Timonium, Md. cancer,” Cuomo said in his bill- signing memo on Tuesday. and eyes, police said. He under- rels and an owl, police said little charge left as the temper- The change comes as Confeder- “By limiting the display and went surgery to remove pieces of Wednesday. ature neared freezing. ate names and symbols are re- sale of the Confederate flag, Nazi glass from his eyes. Hamden police said Donna Sci- The helicopter crew hoisted the moved from schools, roads and swastika and other symbols of ha- A New Hampshire law known rocco turned herself in Tuesday hunters to safety and took them to parks across the South. tred from being displayed or sold as “Jessica’s Law” requires driv- because of an arrest warrant Air Station Atlantic City. It also comes shortly after on state property, including the ers to remove snow and ice from charging her with six counts of “This case could have had a northern Virginia congressional state fairgrounds, this bill will the roof of their vehicles before animal cruelty. She posted a much different result,” said David members introduced legislation help safeguard New Yorkers from driving on public roads. $5,000 bond and was ordered to Umberger, command duty officer to end the official designation of the fear-instilling effects of these appear in court Feb. 5. at the Coast Guard Sector Dela- Arlington House, a National Park abhorrent symbols,” he said. Mail carrier indicted for Animal control officials execut- ware Bay Command Center. “The Service site surrounded by Ar- Exceptions are made for imag- stealing mail, checks ed a search warrant at Scirocco’s water is an unpredictable place lington National Cemetery — as a es used in books, museum servic- home on Oct. 26 after neighbors and a potentially fatal place for the “Robert E. Lee Memorial.” es or materials used for education- KANSAS CITY — A complained about a stench and unprepared, especially given the al or historical purposes. MO U.S. Post Service rats running around the neighbor- freezing water temperatures this Former officer accused The display of Confederate worker has been indicted on hood, police Capt. Ronald Smith time of year.” of stealing money flags has come under fire as part charges alleging that he stole mail said. of the national reckoning over ra- from customers along his Kansas Police said they found 26 cats, One-time Lee mansion MCDONOUGH — The cial injustice. The rebel flag has City, Mo., route and deposited the six dogs, two caged squirrels and a removed from logo GA former head of a sub- been used by Ku Klux Klan checks he found into his own bank blind owl. There were also two urban Atlanta drug task force has groups and is widely condemned account. large rats in the home, officials ARLINGTON — Ar- been charged with stealing money as racist. The U.S. attorney’s office said in said. Authorities also found two VA lington County is from the organization. a news release that 21-year-old dead cats and a dead woodchuck. changing its logo to remove a styl- Chad Rosborough, of Means- Truck driver accused of Lane Snider, of Kansas City, Kan., Health officials condemned the ized version of its namesake man- ville, was arrested Tuesday on not clearing off snow, ice was charged in the indictment re- property, Smith said. sion because of its ties to Confed- three counts of theft by taking and turned Tuesday with one count of erate Gen. Robert E. Lee. two counts of violating his oath of LONDONDERRY — stealing mail while he worked for Coast Guard rescues 2 The county announced office, the Georgia Bureau of In- NH A box truck driver has the postal service from June stranded duck hunters Wednesday that its County Board vestigation said. GBI said investi- been accused of not clearing snow through August. voted unanimously to adopt a new gators determined Rosborough and ice from his roof that dis- He also is charged with 12 BRIGANTINE — The logo. The current one depicts the stole approximately $4,500. lodged and struck a car driver on counts of bank fraud related to the NJ Coast Guard used a hel- pillars of Arlington House, a man- The agency was asked in June Route 102, police in Londonderry deposit of a stolen check, in icopter to rescue two duck hunters sion overlooking the Potomac Riv- 2019 to investigate the 47-year-old said. amounts ranging from $25 to who became stranded in southern er that was Lee’s home before the Rosborough, then a major in the Richard Leiter, 60, of Derry, $500. New Jersey. Civil War. McDonough Police Department faces charges of vehicular assault The hunters got off their boat to The home’s history dates back and acting commander of the and reckless conduct, both misde- Woman arrested for hunt on an island near Little Egg to George Washington’s adopted Henry County drug task force. meanors, and a negligent driving animal cruelty Inlet in Brigantine on Tuesday, son, George Washington Parke McDonough Police Chief Preston violation in the Dec. 9 crash. He the Coast Guard said. But the hun- Custis. Lee married into the Custis Dorsey had voiced concerns over was arrested Wednesday. HAMDEN — A Con- ters were unable to recover their family and took over management Rosborough’s handling of money The ice and snow went through CT necticut woman has boat and shallow water prevented of the plantation and its slaves. to the board of the task force. a car windshield. The driver, Mi- been arrested after authorities a towing company from reaching County officials say they want a Rosborough was placed on chael Conry, 22, of Londonderry, found three dead animals in her them. The Coast Guard said the logo that better reflects the coun- leave and later resigned. suffered serious, but non-life- home and seized more than two hunters had only one bottle of wa- ty’s values. A new logo will be cho- threatening injuries to his face dozen cats along with dogs, squir- ter, no food and cellphones with sen after a citizen-input process. From The Associated Press PAGE 12 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, December 19, 2020 VIDEO GAMES

CD Projekt Red photos Cyberpunk 2077 is a futuristic game that asks what it means to be human and examines the effects of megacorporations that have too much control. Cyberpunk 2077: An ugly thrill ride Hotly anticipated futuristic open-world RPG dials up action, but leaves too many questions unanswered

BY ELISE FAVIS The Washington Post yberpunk 2077 is an impressive Depending on players’ choices, branching paths offer impressive flexibility that can lead realization of a futuristic world, to wildly different endings to the dystopian, unrelentingly ugly storyline. but it comes at a great cost. An Cexciting story and detailed world animation, hips swaying as though they arbitrary reasons that never fold into the are overshadowed by an abundance of were models, sauntering down a catwalk. main narrative. Philosophical questions bugs, misogynistic writing and all-too- Other times, I’d come across men holding are raised and immediately dropped. familiar game mechanics. Some of these back women that were drugged or drunk, At its best, cyberpunk fiction can be a problems run deep and are too difficult to feeling confused as to what the game’s lens through which we examine our own ignore, despite the engaging crime-drama intent was, and disgusted when I couldn’t world; A dystopian society is meant to be thrill ride on the surface. interfere. ugly. “Cyberpunk is a warning, not an Like the greats in the cyberpunk genre, Night City is equal parts ugly and im- aspiration,” said Mike Pondsmith, the Cyberpunk 2077 asks what it means to be pressive. Dimly-lit bars brim with life, creator of the tabletop game of which the human and ponders the effects of a society Female characters in Cyberpunk 2077 though an uncomfortably loud, orgasmic video game is based from, in an interview run by mega corporations that have far too are demeaned, used or objectified to moan — originating from a television ad with NME Magazine. But Night City much control. However, the biggest fail- underscore the gritty setting. nearby — may interrupt your experience. doesn’t feel like a warning or an aspira- ure of Cyberpunk is never taking these One futuristic brothel surprised me with a tion. Its fairly apolitical nature does little ideas far enough, making them feel shal- related issues, really, aren’t given the graceful, platonic moment with a sex to encourage players to reflect on real- low in a superficial setting that asks in- spotlight. The implications of the cyber- worker. Upon leaving the room, I over- world problems upon completing the teresting questions, but fails to answer punk setting are rarely meaningfully ex- heard two men speaking about how con- game. them thoughtfully. amined. The result is a dystopian world sent is no longer necessary when free will Even well-written female characters, Objectification, for example, is a tool of that is cruel just to be cruel. It is simply can be switched off with a biochip. Even like Judy, a hotheaded but sharp woman, corporate greed, and you see it every- taken as fact that this is the way things are as I drove around the intricately detailed live under the shadow of men who have where you turn: in the chatter of pas- — and they’re not going to change. city, I felt frustrated when a billboard wronged her. When you’re given the sersby, on television adverts and in emails To paint how grimy this metropolis is, fetishized a woman just to sell cans of chance to fight back against those inequal- you read. Nearly every NPC you chat with Cyberpunk relies on the suffering of mi- soda. ities, it often just ends with violence: a is rude, spitting insults your way. I imag- norities, particularly women, to embellish Of all the wonderful moments I had in cheap, vengeful tactic, rather than system- ined it stemmed from frustration in a the seedy underworld of Night City. Often, Cyberpunk 2077, they were often under- ic change that can alter this fictional city’s world with a disenfranchised populace; I came across feminine characters on the mined by uncomfortable moments like but class differences, race, poverty, or any street that walked with an exaggerated these, where women are demeaned for SEE CYBER ON PAGE 13 Saturday, December 19, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 13 VIDEO GAMES Cyber: Humanity hidden amid bad guys, buggy play

FROM PAGE 12 down, confiding in me about his regressive views. The answer, all difficult past. Hanging out with too often, is merely gunning Panam, a nomad who needs to down the enemy. It boils down to prove herself to her clan, is al- juvenile noise rather than ways a thrill. We bonded while thoughtful commentary. blowing things up. A plethora of bugs were dis- Decisions bring both big and tracting as well, taking me out of small consequences. Your chosen the experience too often (some- origin story changes the intro- times literally, with game crash- ductory missions and gives you es or missions that couldn’t be new dialogue options, but the completed, requiring me to re- biggest impact to decision-mak- load a save). Weapons hang in ing relies on how you spend your the air rather than laying on the time. Depending on which side ground, NPC voices are abruptly missions you complete, for exam- silenced and glitchy lighting ple, more options open up for the makes shadows and lights flicker end game. Even in the final mo- even in the most serene mo- ments, branching paths offer / ments. Sometimes these bugs are impressive flexibility that lead Keanu Reeves portrays an aging rocker, nonplayable character Johnny Silverhand, in Cyberpunk 2077. funny, like when a character you to wildly different endings. continuously shifts between If you play your cards right, standing on and sitting in a chair some characters become more in quick succession. Mostly, it than friends. The one relation- Reeves’ Johnny Silverhand just breaks immersion. ship I saw through culminated in Bugs and thematic issues a sex scene that was among the aside, yes, there are good mo- most tasteful I’ve seen in a video a big draw in a major title ments. There’s humanity to be game, never feeling gratuitous, found in this world as long as you as such scenes often do. Intimate look for it — especially within the scenes with sex workers, on the BY TODD MARTENS make a digital version of him someone so downcast in an op- meaty side missions. other hand, are absolutely ob- Los Angeles Times when he was doing ‘Superman,’” pressively bleak city feel likable. Cyberpunk 2077 is exciting, jectifying, as they’re likely meant At the last major video game says Reeves. He also referenced Or at least interesting. often dialing up the action as to be. These are also awkward, industry event, 2019’s Electronic his work on “The Matrix” films “He’s ex-military, disillu- high as possible during fun set especially as the controller rum- Entertainment Expo in Los An- as further exploring his interest sioned, angry, started a rock pieces, like when you infiltrate a bles and stiff, first-person cam- geles, the talk of the show was in what a digital character could band, who was doing protest swanky hotel or a crowded pa- era angles make for an uneasy one man: Keanu Reeves. do onscreen. For Cyberpunk music — wake-up music — he rade. Gunplay feels sharp and experience. The star, known for his work in 2077, it was the idea that Silver- was looking for a cause. He was snappy, with your regular assort- Johnny Silverhand, played by “The Matrix,” “John Wick” and hand might be a different charac- looking at the world around him ment of SMGs, shotguns and Keanu Reeves, has a significant even “Toy Story 4,” announced ter depending on how someone and confronting hypocrisy and assault rifles. Stealth is a little role in the story as a co-protago- that he would appear as a non- subjugation,” says Reeves. “That more janky, and at times frus- nist. He plays the part well, giv- playable character in Cyberpunk stance of the character felt fun to trating, especially since there’s ing the flawed character a believ- 2077, the new game from CD “I’m playing me. Within that character, they no way to escape combat when able redemptive arc in one of the Projekt Red, a work that wants to gave him the love of his life. So spotted (aside from an upgrade many substantial side missions. push boundaries with its grim different versions there’s a tough exterior but un- that lets you disengage in a limit- As genuine as that arc may be, I and cynical view of our world. derneath is this positive, hoping- ed fashion, one enemy at a time). still had a hard time warming up Out this month for consoles of the character. for-a-better-world presence. I Each mission offers flexibility, to him. In one instance, where and PCs after delays and contro- think we all relate to that.” but that’s a bare-minimum ex- you set him up on a date, I didn’t versies — the game has been That’s Reeves hadn’t played the game pectation for modern open-world feel compelled to help him, only questioned for how it presents yet at the time of this interview. role-playing games at this point. because of how poorly and self- marginalized communities, and something I For now, on the subject of games, You can create your own build ishly he had treated women in his CD Projeckt Red’s demanding he’s thinking bigger, referencing, that focuses on stealth, action or past. It makes for a complicated studio culture has been ques- normally don’t for instance, how the Disney+ hacking. At first, I was impressed relationship. tioned — Cyberpunk 2077 still series “The Mandalorian” uses a at the sheer depth to these sys- As for others, some wonderful promises to be one of the biggest get to do when game engine, Epic’s Unreal, in its tems, but the more I played and characters never get enough time games of 2020. production. The line between leveled up, the more I wished for to shine, either being killed off There is one aspect, however, I inhabit a built and virtual sets is often cooler, more dynamic powers. early in the game, or reduced to that most early players appear to difficult to discern. Unfortunately, most upgrades plot devices surrounding sexual agree on: Reeves’ performance character.” “I think what that means is are passive. Gameplay mechan- assault and human trafficking. as Johnny Silverhand is the heart Keanu Reeves going to change a lot in the next ics like hacking cameras to scope This is a shame. When Cyber- of the game. An aging rocker, five years for science fiction — out an area, or even the “brain- punk wants to, it brings incred- Silverhand is sometimes a hard- (artificially intelligent) modeling dance” sequences which involve ible depth to its varied cast. to-stomach, disillusioned figure opts to play the game and inter- ... the pursuit of technologies to scrubbing through interactive Cyberpunk 2077 is a game but one with an underlying sense act with him. create photo-real from source,” videos for evidence, all feel like that’s difficult to recommend; of idealism, however deeply “That was one of the ideas that says Reeves. “I don’t know where games I’ve played before, in- one that I both appreciate and hidden it might be. drew me to play the role. When it’s going, but I know it’s going to cluding Watch Dogs or Batman: dislike at the same time. The Reeves’ interest in the role was CD Projeckt Red brought the be wacky. It’s a good kind of Arkham Knight. This doesn’t scope of the world is ambitious, partly due, he says, to his fasci- project to me, they showed me puppeteering. Like, if I can play make them bad; these parts are with detail and content galore nation with sci-fi stories and the and spoke to me about the plat- with the animation, I have more still entertaining. They’re just not even in the briefest of interac- difficult characters who inhabit form of the game and the charac- control.” as groundbreaking as I antici- tions. For a world that has a pro- them. But he’s also curious about ter,” says Reeves. “It’s an open- Asked how, or if, he’s able to pated from the much-hyped gressive veneer, where transhu- the game medium as a whole and world, role-playing game. What stay creative in 2020, Reeves had Cyberpunk 2077. manism and body modifications how interactivity can affect the decisions you make for your a simple message: Go easy on The best moments are when are the norm, I wish more time stories we tell as technology dialogue and how you want to be, yourself and look out for others. you get to know those around was taken to constructively ex- continues to advance and the gives Johnny Silverhand not just “Try and respect others,” he you. In one mission, I was scop- amine sex and gender in the audience for gaming grows. one role. I’m playing different says. “Try and continue to get the ing out a building from afar with main threads of the story. “This has gotten me closer to versions of the character. That’s most out of life, and find ways to Takemura, a distant man who Platforms: PC, Stadia, Xbox the idea that I originally heard something I normally don’t get to get that in this situation, but also puts honor above all. As we One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 when I was a young kid with do when I inhabit a character.” to respect it. Find ways to con- scouted, he finally let his guard Online: cyberpunk.net/us/en Marlon Brando saying they could The next challenge? Making nect. If you can. Just. ... survive.” PAGE 14 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, December 19, 2020 HEALTH & FITNESS Inclination to improve health

said. “You have to vary it because the The ‘12, 3, 30’ treadmill body is so adaptive.” Doing the same high-intensity exercise workout is gaining traction, frequently could also become boring or result in overuse injuries such as Achilles but experts urge caution tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, knee pain or shin splints, experts said. BY ALLYSON CHIU “You’re using the same joints and mus- AND LIZZY RABEN cles and tendons repeatedly like that, and The Washington Post that’s really not the object of exercise,” or some people, starting to exer- Ravick said. “That’s why you want to cross cise can be a daunting experi- train, that’s why you want to use interval ence. That’s how social media training, so that you don’t strain the same Fpersonality and content creator thing because that’s how you get hurt.” Lauren Giraldo felt when she decided to He noted that he wouldn’t do any one focus more on her health in 2017. Popular specific workout more than three or four online workouts looked intimidating, and days a week: “That’s the sweet spot for trying to navigate most parts of the gym exercise.” was overwhelming for Giraldo, now 22. Giraldo said she has not encountered But she found herself drawn to the tread- physical problems doing the workout mills. frequently, and varies what she’s watching Giraldo quickly learned running on the or listening to in order to prevent bore- machine didn’t suit her. So she started dom. But she has added other exercises to experimenting with its settings, eventually her routine, including strength training settling on a 12% incline — the equivalent like weights and squats, and is no longer of a steep hill — and walking at a speed of intimidated at her gym. three miles an hour for 30 minutes. “Getting on the treadmill was a really “That’s where I kind of found my great entryway for me,” she said. groove,” Giraldo said. She started promot- To reduce the risk of injury during an ing the workout she calls “12, 3, 30” in incline treadmill workout, you should videos shared to YouTube, where she has wear proper shoes, drink water and more than 1 million subscribers, and on stretch before and after the workout, ex- her other social media pages. perts said. Be sure to stretch the leg mus- In a viral TikTok video last month that cles likely to feel the most strain, such as was liked by more than 2.5 million people, the calves, Achilles, hamstrings, glutes, Giraldo credited the routine, which she quads and hips. said she does about five times a week, with Good posture while walking can also helping her become active and maintain iStock help reduce risk of injury and increase the her improved physical and mental health. benefits of the workout, several experts The workout appears to resonate with But within a couple of months of consis- ities that you’re doing.” noted. many viewers, who have posted on social tently doing the routine, Giraldo added, While losing weight is also possible, “You want to roll your shoulders back, media about adding the workout to their she started noticing positive changes. She Bassett emphasized that it takes time. stand up tall, don’t bend at the waist,” routines. Some before and after videos on has publicly talked about losing weight as “You may also be putting on muscle at Stanten said. “When your body’s aligned YouTube with titles like “I Tried Lauren a result of “12, 3, 30,” although she em- the same time as you’re burning fat, and so like that, number one, you can breathe Giraldo’s Treadmill Workout for One Week phasized that wasn’t her main goal. don’t expect huge changes when you’re better when your chest is open, and you’re *surprising results*” have racked up thou- “Primarily what I was looking for was looking at the scale,” Bassett said. But, he using all of your core muscles to hold sands of views, and Giraldo said she often to just be more fit and feel healthier,” she added, people may see their waistline yourself up.” receives messages from people who say the said. getting trimmer or their legs getting toned. If you don’t have a treadmill, you can workout has helped them become more “12, 3, 30” has probably worked so well Try not to hold onto the hand rails, which get a similar cardiovascular effect through confident. for Giraldo because it is an aerobic exer- can decrease the energy expenditure, core interval training. But when asked about “12, 3, 30,” experts cise that falls within the ideal range of engagement and calorie burn. Geoffrey Burns, a biomechanics and took a more cautious approach, saying it’s energy expenditure for most healthy Experts also urged people to consider sport science researcher at the University important for exercisers to listen to their young adults, said David Bassett, an ex- modifying the workout to fit their abilities of Michigan, suggested alternating run- bodies, protect themselves against poten- pert in exercise physiology. Given its and incorporating a variety of exercises ning for one minute and walking for sever- tial injuries and be realistic about results. intensity, the workout may not be suitable into their routines, such as interval or al minutes. “For the average person starting out, a for older people or those who are over- strength training. For those looking to avoid running, 12% incline is really high and 30 minutes weight or have chronic conditions, Bas- “Your body is going to experience a experts suggest walking up outdoor in- can be a really long time,” said Michele sett noted. level of a plateau in the changes that you clines such as hills or stairs, or walking Stanten, co-author of “The Walking Solu- Bassett estimated a person who see take place, not just with this type of with hand weights or a weighted back- tion” and a fitness instructor certified by weighed 150 pounds would burn 283 calo- workout, but any activity that’s the same pack. the American Council on Exercise (ACE). ries per “12, 3, 30” workout. In compari- thing over a long period of time,” Ewunike “What it comes down to is just making “It could be an effective part of an overall son, walking at that speed for 30 minutes Akpan, an ACE-certified personal trainer, walking harder on yourself,” Burns said. exercise program but with the caveat that without the incline would burn 113 calo- Whatever the workout is, consistency is you have to build up to it.” ries, he said. key, Stanten said. People need to find Arnold Ravick, a podiatrist who special- “Putting the incline on there is really “It could be an exercises they enjoy and are able to do on izes in sports medicine and an assistant what gets the calorie cost up a lot,” said a regular basis. clinical professor of surgery at George Bassett, head of the department of kine- effective part of an Giraldo agreed. Washington University Medical School, siology, recreation and sport studies at “I’ve learned that it’s less about what suggested starting at a lower incline and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. overall exercise exact workout you’re doing but more walking for a shorter period of time. “It’s not as vigorous as most runners about getting your foot in the door and Giraldo, who described herself as being would be doing, but it’s still well into the program but with the implementing something into your rou- “in a very unhealthy place” when she start- vigorous zone, so that’s definitely a bene- tine,” she said. ed the routine, said at first she felt “out of fit.” caveat that you have For Giraldo, “12, 3, 30” also has become breath the whole time” and needed to take Over time, people should expect to an opportunity for “me time,” she said: “I frequent breaks. An exercise shouldn’t be improve their heart and lung function, to build up to it.” can hop on the treadmill, watch my videos, “super hard on yourself if you can’t get Stanten said: “You would notice things Michelle Stanten get one thing done. Just one simple thing through the 30 minutes without stopping,” like you’re not as winded climbing stairs; done, and I can feel accomplished and she said. you have more endurance for other activ- certified fitness instructor, author confident.” Saturday, December 19, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 15 TRAVEL Americans welcome in ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ Banned almost everywhere else in Europe, US tourists are finding their way to Croatia

BY JELENA SIMAC Special to The Washington Post he “Pearl of the Adriatic” had waited 28 years for a direct line to America, and when it arrived, it was historic. T Last year, American Airlines began operating three weekly trips between Dubrovnik, Croatia’s seaside vacation hub, and Philadelphia, serving travelers from June until September — at which point it added a fourth trip. According to data from the Croatian National Tourist Board, Americans were the second-most numerous guests in Dubrovnik in 2019, with nearly 160,000 arrivals and more than 442,000 overnight stays. It was yet another record-setting year of overall visitors to the city. Plans for this year were even bigger. “Americans are one of the most desirable guests in Dubrovnik,” said Slavica Grkes, the owner of Dubrovnik- based Dominium Travel, an agency that does frequent business with Americans. “When on vacation, they are always in a good mood: very interested in getting to know the people and culture they are visiting, and willing to pay for a good experience.” The pandemic, and harsh disappointment, materialized in 2020 instead. As American Airlines grounded its Phila- delphia-to-Dubrovnik line indefinitely, tourism in the city cratered to a point not seen since the war of the early 1990s. And in a country like Croatia, which draws one- fifth of its gross domestic profit from tourism, such a drop-off is a hard blow. But Americans, even without a direct flight, have soft- ened it. PHOTOS BY DUBRAVKO LENERT/The Washington Post “This summer I guided around 20 tours — not a lot, A group of tourists walk with a local guide on a tour at the Pile area in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Croatia is the only European really — but the majority of my guests were Americans,” Union nation that has opened its borders to tourists from the United States. said Tomislav Matana, a longtime Dubrovnik tour guide. “They all had a big will and desire to come to Croatia. lit a project to bring ultra-fast broadband internet to the And although it was [anything] but simple for them to region. In October, the city held a “Dubrovnik for Digital come to Croatia and Dubrovnik, they all say that it was Nomads” virtual conference, to pitch workers on its initia- worth it.” tives and the virtues of making it their next remote office. Croatia, which closed itself off early in the spring to And at the beginning of 2021, Croatia is set to introduce a keep coronavirus infections low, hit zero reported cases hotly anticipated digital-nomad visa, which will make it within its borders in May and reopened to visitors from the second country in Europe and the fifth in the world to all countries in July, with testing requirements in place. do so. The move made Croatia the only nation in the European “Having the support of the local government and local Union to accept travelers from the United States. businesses is a huge deal for digital nomads, as it means That continental distinction has not changed, even as that the city is accommodating to the needs of long-term Croatia’s cases have risen and as it implemented a partial visitors,” Morlock said. “And that slight shift in attitude national shutdown this month that included closing bars made me feel a lot more comfortable choosing this city as and restaurants and banning weddings through Christ- a place to stay.” mas. As such, she said she felt safe and relaxed in Dubrovnik A largely seasonal location, Dubrovnik expects fewer — although the pandemic still required unique consid- visitors this time of year anyhow. But the closures have erations. made Americans’ warmer-weather spending all the more “As digital nomads, I believe it’s our duty to act respon- A couple enjoys a drink at D'Vino wine bar in Dubrovnik, vital. sibly when choosing destinations during the pandemic,” Croatia. During the pandemic, the country has become a According to Matana, most of his American guests in she said. “That means not staying somewhere in crisis meeting spot for binational couples to reunite. 2020 have been people who had COVID-19 and recovered, and preventing the spread of the virus as much as pos- remote workers or people who couldn’t stand to give up sible.” rented a car and toured the country, visiting the national traveling. Niksa Klecak, CEO of Croatia’s Kompas Rent a Because the rest of the European Union remains closed parks, island-hopping and enjoying our time together in Car, has noticed similar trends, plus one more of note: to American travelers, Croatia has also become an attrac- relative ease,” Lau recalled. “This time,” he said, “the Americans, when they found an tive meet-up location for binational couples. “We wore masks where it was required and were care- alternative way to come to Europe, were not here to Justin Leung and Katja Lau are among those who have ful in general. Since the rules are not different to the ones spend just a couple of weeks, but rather several months.” taken advantage. Leung, an American, and Lau, a Ger- in Germany, it was not a big hurdle to stick to the same Sarah Morlock, a 31-year-old freelance writer and so- man national, had met in San Francisco. But after Lau rules. Overall, visiting Croatia gave us the opportunity to cial media manager from Indiana, is one such case. A returned to Germany for school, the pandemic complicat- meet up again as a binational couple, which is great.” roaming remote worker, she spent October and Novem- ed plans for a reunion. Even now, as Croatia’s shutdown begins and global ber working from Croatia with her partner. “Originally we had planned to meet up in San Francis- cases rise, Dubrovnik officials and business owners re- “Dubrovnik has always been on our list of places to co again in March and then again in May in Germany, but main optimistic. visit,” Morlock said. “It’s a beautiful city, and it has better due to the coronavirus both countries locked down and Already preparing for the next tourist season, they are weather this time of year than many other places in Eu- we canceled our trip,” Lau said. “We wanted to wait for putting their hope in the success of the announced U.S. rope. Personally, when choosing a place to stay and work, things to get under control, but as the lockdown persisted, vaccine candidates — and the enduring appeal of their I often look for historical cities with decent infrastructure with no end in sight, and our time apart approached eight city. (such as good Wi-Fi), a foodie culture and access to na- months, we decided to find a place that had the coro- “Dubrovnik is one of the most interesting destinations ture. Dubrovnik checks all those boxes ... Plus, we’re not a navirus in check and was welcoming to both Americans in Europe for the American market,” said Frankovic, the fan of crowds, so the reports of a nearly ‘empty’ Dubrov- and Germans.” mayor. “And we can send to our American guests only nik were quite appealing to us.” Since Leung could work remotely, and Lau was on one message: Dubrovnik is not going anywhere. It is wait- Dubrovnik is making a direct effort, in fact, to appeal to summer break, they decided to spend a month in Croatia. ing for you.” “digital nomads” like Morlock. “We booked a week in Zagreb, where we flew in, not Three new direct flights from the United States, Fran- In February, Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic green- knowing if Justin would need to quarantine. We then kovic added, are in the works. PAGE 16 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, December 19, 2020 LIFESTYLE Staying home for the holidays The possibility of a no-drama corona Christmas has some families secretly jumping with joy, relief

BY LEANNE ITALIE clinical family medicine at the Ohio State Associated Press University Wexner Medical Center and a orritta Lewis has a huge extend- facilitator of mindfulness classes. ed family. Her mom is one of 12 “What has emerged is that many peo- siblings. Usually, Christmas ple discovered something via the Thanks- Cmeans that she, her wife and giving restriction of gathering with less their 2-year-old son dig out their cold- people — they loved it. They thought they weather gear for the schlep from home in would feel a huge sense of loss from the sunny Southern California to Ohio and days inability to travel and the typical gather- CORRITTA LEWIS/AP of holiday chaos. ing with larger groups,” she said. Corritta Lewis, center, and her wife Mea pose with their son Caleb, 2, in Oceanside, Not this year. Participants in her classes reported Calif., on Dec. 4. Lewis, who has a huge extended family in Ohio, says she is looking “We’re happy to be saving money, less anxiety without extended family and forward to staying home with her family and avoiding the overall holiday mania. spending more time together, and to just friends around, and deeper, more mea- have a less stressful holiday,” said the ningful conversations with the smaller This year, it will be just the two of them 31-year-old human resources analyst in numbers left around them. in 80-degree weather with “zero familial Oceanside, Calif. “We don’t have to deal “COVID-19 and its ensuing collateral obligations.” with the crowded airports, stores and over- damage may have some realizations that As it did for Thanksgiving, the U.S. all mania that the holiday brings. We’re sculpt future behavior, and not all in a Centers for Disease Control and Preven- going to lie in our pajamas and watch mo- negative way. We just need to have our tion is urging people to avoid travel dur- vies all day.” eyes open to these surprising realiza- ing the December holidays while the Though Thanksgiving pleas to stay put tions,” Klatt said, falling short of the “sil- pandemic continues to surge. For those were ignored by many, and authorities fear ver lining” cliche. who don’t heed the call, the CDC recom- the same for Christmas and New Year’s, In Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 33-year-old mends travelers get tested for COVID-19 many others around the world are gleefully Shannon O’Reilly usually travels back before and after their trips. looking forward to spending the December home to New Jersey at Christmas, “and it On the Upper East Side of Manhattan, holidays at home without the expense, never, ever feels like a vacation.” She and 38-year-old Rosalin Siv won't take her family drama and travel headaches they her husband both have large extended annual holiday trip to Southern California normally endure. families. Trying to squeeze in visits with with her husband and 4-year-old son to Some plan to use the money they save to all of them leaves little meaningful face visit her parents, siblings, and extended buy gifts for those in need as coronavirus time for any, she said. family and friends. deaths and hospitalizations rage on nearly “We’re constantly house hopping and She’s relieved. 10 months into the pandemic. never really feel settled when we go back “This year I’m pregnant, and the Many who stayed home during Thanks- up there," she said. “Quite frankly, as thought of juggling a busy work schedule SHANNON O’REILLY/AP giving to keep safe already experienced the soon as we land on the tarmac in Newark, with holiday and family activities is more Shannon O’Reilly and her husband Ezequiel restfulness of opting out of holiday mad- we both look at each other every time and stressful than usual,” said Siv. “I can’t say Viant pose for a selfie in Ft. Lauderdale, ness, said Maryanna Klatt, a professor of say, ‘Why are we doing this?’” I’ll miss all the logistics.” Fla., in 2019. She and her husband both have large extended families. Trying to The sentiments are shared around the squeeze in holiday visits with all leaves world. little meaningful face time for any, she said. Ben Taylor, 43, lives on the Kent coast- line of southeast England with his wife the positive side of every situation,” Barba- and two kids, ages 6 and 2. He calls their ta said. normal Christmas holiday a “crazy mag- Christmas is tinged with sadness this ical mystery tour” that lasts about a week. year for Holly Nordenberg in Madison, They usually travel by car, for about four Wis. hours, to visit relatives and old friends in “My grandfather passed away from Norfolk. COVID last month,” said the mom of two “I’ve always felt a little envious be- girls, ages 3 and 5. cause it feels like we visit house after With their patriarch gone, the 36-year- house where people are relaxing, whilst old Nordenberg said the usual extended not getting to do the same thing our- family get-together with up to 40 people selves,” he said. “Well, now it’s our turn!” back home in Rock Island, Ill., may not Nicoletta Barbata is an Italian who’s happen, regardless of whether she goes. been living on the Greek island of Santo- There are other reasons why she’s fine rini for nearly four years. Christmas is not returning. usually her one and only trip home to “I’ve been dreading our Christmas gath- Milan every year. ering this year because of the political “I usually stay for four to six weeks,” climate and how polarized my family is said the single Barbata, who’s 39. “My regarding politics,” Nordenberg said. time back to Milan is devoted to catching Instead, she, her husband and their kids up with my family and friends, spending will focus on “gratitude and baking” at time with my parents and meeting friends home.

HOLLY NORDENBERG/AP all over Italy who I haven’t seen for “I’m honestly looking forward to a quiet Holly Nordenberg, left, poses with her family: Gia Nordenberg, 3, second from left; months.” holiday season,” Nordenberg said. “We husband Ross Nordenberg; and Gwen Nordenberg, 5, at the Hann’s Christmas Tree While she’ll “deeply miss” the trip this have all our decorations up, a pantry full of Farm in Oregon, Wis., on Nov. 25. For some planning to stay home for Christmas, givingyear, she’ll happily make do with the baking supplies, and we’re finding ways to up the hassle and family drama of holiday travel isn’t such a bad deal in the end. Holly friends she’s made in Greece. really appreciate how fortunate we are Nordenberg said her family will focus on “gratitude and baking” at home. “I’m a person who always tries to see each day.” Saturday, December 19, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 17 PAGE 18 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, December 19, 2020 OPINION

Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Marci Hoffman, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander What the lemmings could cost the GOP Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations BY DAVID IGNATIUS mal transfer of power. It’s a matter of self home. “Members who didn’t sign it got Washington Post Writers Group interest for McConnell; a Republican party crap,” including political and physical stuck in conspiracy-land could lose control threats, a GOP member told me. By Dec. 11, EDITORIAL hat are Republican members of the Senate, if not next month in Georgia 20 more frightened Republicans had clam- Terry Leonard, Editor of Congress so scared about then in 2022. bered aboard — boosting the total of signers [email protected] that they’re still clinging to But Republican leadership in the House to 126. crazy conspiracy theories under Kevin McCarthy is weak, and in Johnson said the latecomers hadn’t been Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor W about election fraud, even after the Su- thrall to the extreme wing known as the recorded earlier because of a “clerical er- [email protected] preme Court has acted and the Electoral “Freedom Caucus.” Its membership has ror.” Ha! It was raw intimidation. The sor- Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content College has voted? Is there a path back to grown slightly, from 36 members in 2016 to riest late endorser for this wild legal docu- [email protected] sanity and civility after the inauguration of 43 this year, but its influence far outweighs ment was McCarthy, the majority leader. A President-elect Joe Biden? its size. Where House Speaker Nancy Pelosi few hours later the case was dead. Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation [email protected] Unfortunately, the road ahead still seems has managed, at least so far, to control the The next step in House Republican crazi- blocked — and not just by President Donald noisy liberal wing of her caucus, the Repub- ness may be a hapless attempt to decertify Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital Trump. Republican House members tell licans have failed. the Electoral College results when they’re [email protected] me that there’s a rage in their districts The GOP’s inability to maintain internal presented to a joint session of Congress on among grass-roots GOP voters who believe, discipline leaves it vulnerable to extreme Jan. 6. To Trump’s applause, Rep. Mo BUREAU STAFF without evidence, that the system is rigged ideas. The worst example of this chaos on Brooks has said he plans to challenge elec- and the election was stolen by Biden. the right was the stampede this month to en- tors, rather than “join the surrender cau- Europe/Mideast Trump has helped create and stoke this dorse a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney cus.” But to make his challenge, Brooks Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief [email protected] rage, but it’s now broader and deeper than General Ken Paxton. That lawsuit was a le- needs support from one senator. +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 him — and it won’t disappear Jan. 20. Sadly, gal abomination, arguing that Texas could McConnell wants to avoid this circus, and Pacific the only prescription I’ve heard is that challenge the election results of four swing he advised Republican senators Tuesday Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief “time heals all wounds,” as former Rep. states won by Biden, and the Supreme not to join Brooks, arguing that the battle [email protected] Mike Rogers, a Republican from Michigan, Court promptly rejected it on Dec. 11. would produce a “terrible vote” in which +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 reminded me. In other words, we have to What’s chilling is how 126 House Repub- GOP dissenters would be seen as anti- Washington wait this craziness out. licans signed onto an amicus brief support- Trump. Trump turned the screw another Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief Restoring good governance won’t be im- ing the case. The pitch was led by Rep. Mike notch. “Mitch,” he tweeted, “Too soon to [email protected] (+1)(202)886-0033 possible, just hard. One overlooked sign of Johnson. In early December he contacted give up. Republican Party must finally Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News sanity was a provision in the National De- fellow Republicans warning, as one recip- learn to fight. People are angry!” [email protected] fense Authorization Act sponsored by Rep. ient summarized, “The president wants us Republicans should stop this death spiral Chrissy Houlahan, a Democrat, and backed to sign this amicus brief. He’ll be paying at- for their own good. House Republicans CIRCULATION by Republicans. It will require that if the In- tention to who signs.” When Republicans gained seats in 2020, even as Trump lost. Mideast surrection Act is ever invoked, military and protested that the suit was a loser — that it Argues Rogers: “People said no to Trump Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager law enforcement units must wear their trampled on states’ rights and the Constitu- and yes to Republicans all around the coun- [email protected] names and insignia. No more “little green tion — Johnson told them the president try.” [email protected] men,” like those that appeared on the wanted it, period. The message is to move on, but it’s hard DSN (314)583-9111 streets briefly during the George Floyd pro- The herd complied: By Dec. 10, 106 for Republicans to hear when they’re hun- Europe tests last summer. House Republicans had joined the brief. kered down — still intimidated by Trump Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager Senate Majority Leader Mitch McCon- The truly scary part is what happened and frightened by an angry base that seems [email protected] [email protected] nell has begun prodding GOP senators to- next: Republicans who hadn’t signed on to have lost the ability to separate election +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 ward accepting Biden’s victory and a nor- were barraged by the pro-Trump base back fact from fiction. Pacific Mari Mori, [email protected] +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 I hope mask-wearing won’t outlast the pandemic CONTACT US BY GARY ABERNATHY openness should be discarded first when me how frustrating it is that their young Washington Special to The Washington Post the threat has passed. The side effects of so- charges can’t decipher when they’re smil- tel: (+1)202.886.0003 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 “Nothing is so permanent as a temporary cial distancing and lockdowns are well doc- ing at them, and can’t see their mouths as government program.” umented, both for their mental and physical they form the words they’re teaching them Reader letters — Milton Friedman health consequences and the damage they to say and spell. That primal need to absorb [email protected] ews of the pending authorization do to our economy. But masks, too, have sig- and analyze all the information that we can Additional contacts of a coronavirus vaccine was nificant social costs. gather to learn and understand never van- stripes.com/contactus quickly tempered with remind- Why is widespread mask-wearing so bad? ishes. OMBUDSMAN Ners that not much will change in To answer that question, start by asking Masks give everyone a poker face. They the short term — including mandated yourself what a free and open society inhibit our ability to hear each other. They Ernie Gates mask-wearing. should look like. Unlike oppressed nations discourage social interaction and can trig- The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow That’s depressing. Whatever else divides with regimented people, the United States ger “mask anxiety.” Far from being just “a of news and information, reporting any attempts by the us, we should be united in our desire to rid cherishes transparency and discourages tiny piece of cloth” that’s added to our cloth- military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns ourselves of masks as soon as safely possi- anonymity. Just because masks are com- ing like a fashion accessory, masks obscure and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for ble. Sadly, that’s not necessarily true. An- mon in many other nations — a justification our identities, our emotions and a key part fairness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted by thony Fauci, infectious-disease expert, told often proffered — is hardly a reason to em- of our personalities. email at [email protected], or by phone at The Philadelphia Inquirer that masks ulate the practice. But it’s only temporary, you say? Amer- 202.886.0003. might be needed into 2022. Worse, it’s be- Studies have shown that Americans are icans learned long ago to be suspicious

Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- coming clearer by the day that some Amer- freer with showing their feelings through when the government makes such a pledge, days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday icans would consider it just fine if face cov- facial expressions than people from other usually in response to wars, terrorism or through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals erings became a routine and permanent nations. When we come into contact with health crises. Exhibit A would be the feder- postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send part of our culture. our fellow Americans, whether in formal al income tax, ostensibly enacted to pay for address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. This newspaper is authorized by the My own stated reluctance — not refusal gatherings or random encounters at the the Civil War, then again for World War II, Department of Defense for members of the military services — to jump on the “mask up” bandwagon is grocery store, we “read” each other based but enjoying remarkable staying power. overseas. However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views always met by exasperated people asking in large part on the kind of unfiltered ex- Other “temporary” edicts or initiatives of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspa- per, Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official why wearing what amounts to “a tiny piece pression that is a hallmark of a liberated could fill volumes. channels and use appropriated funds for distribution to of cloth” is so stridently resisted. Converse- country — expression transmitted by As for masks, let’s agree to wear them for remote locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. The appearance of advertising in this publication does ly, what’s baffling to me is why such an ex- speech, body language and, most impor- as long as we have to — but not one day long- not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or planation should be necessary. But I’ll try. tant, our faces. Is someone happy or sad? er. The freest and most transparent nation Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. Products or services advertised shall be made available for It’s logical to take extraordinary mea- Relaxed or stressed? In a good mood or bad on Earth should never surrender to the no- purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, sures in the short term in response to mood? Our readings aren’t infallible, but tion that a society of hidden faces is an ac- religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of threats such as a new virus. We can debate they’re accurate to an impressive degree ceptable new normal. the purchaser, user or patron. the efficacy of specific measures, but what and help determine how we proceed. © Stars and Stripes 2020 we should agree on is that those that most Teachers required to wear masks while Gary Abernathy, a contributing columnist for The Washington­ stripes.com encroach on our freedoms or hinder our instructing grade-school students have told Post, is a freelance writer based in southwestern Ohio. Saturday, December 19, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 19 Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS 53 “Madam 13 Hinder 1 Dishonor Secretary” 18 Some fridges 6 Gem weight star Téa 21 Allied (with) 11 Furtive ones 54 Island near Java 23 New York’s — Island

Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before 12 Acted badly? 14 Seaboards DOWN 25 Dawn goddess 15 Maiden in 1 Derisive sounds 27 Days of yore “The Raven” 2 Close, as a 29 Gwen of No 16 Online address wound Doubt 17 Wise ones 3 Small batteries 31 Lock of hair 19 Safety precaution 4 Stock exchanges 32 Tourist’s vehicle for an acrobat (Abbr.) 33 Eventually 20 A/C measures 5 Thoreau piece 34 LAX info 22 “Of course” 6 Holm of “All 36 Sound system About Eve” 37 Hair roller Non Sequitur 23 Lighten 24 Easy — 7 Iowa city 38 Maternity (simple) 8 Harry Potter pal ward doc 26 First-rate 9 Lacking a 41 Winter weather 28 Coifs musical key 44 One-named 30 Right angle 10 Nobel-winning supermodel 31 Italian city on Mother 45 Roman 57 the Adriatic 11 Go deep- 48 Stickum 35 ’70s club sea diving 50 Shade tree 39 Tear Answer to Previous Puzzle

Candorville 40 UFO crew 42 Theatergoer’s souvenir 43 Tolkien creature 44 Patsy Cline’s “— to Pieces” 46 Work unit 47 Mark of disgrace 49 The — Brothers Carpe Diem (“Bye Bye Love” duo) 51 Pacific islander 52 Actress Brennan Beetle Bailey Bizarro PAGE 20 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, December 19, 2020 SCOREBOARD

COLLEGE BASKETBALL DEALS PRO FOOTBALL

Thursday's men's scores Thursday's transactions NFL injury report CB Jimmy Smith (ribs, shoulder), LB Kris­ BASEBALL tian Welch (foot), DE Derek Wolfe (neck, EAST Major League Baseball NEW YORK— The National Football back). LIMITED: CB Tramon Williams Bryant 81, Wagner 75 National League League injury report, as provided by the (thigh), TE Luke Willson (hip). FULL: DT Creighton 94, St. John's 76 CHICAGO CUBS — Agreed to terms with league (DNP: did not practice; LIMITED: Broderick Washington (concussion). Drexel 81, Saint Joseph's 77 RHP Jonathan Holder on a one­year con­ limited participation; FULL: Full participa­ Sacred Heart 87, LIU 72 tract. tion): KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — CHIEFS: DNP: T Eric Fisher BASKETBALL SATURDAY (back), T Mike Remmers (back, neck), TE SOUTH National Basketball Association BUFFALO BILLS at DENVER BRONCOS — Appalachian St. 87, Greensboro 47 BILLS: OUT: S Jaquan Johnson (ankle). LIM­ Ricky Seals­Jones (illness), RB Darwin NBA FOUNDATION— Named Greg Taylor Thompson (illness), LB Damien Wilson Coastal Carolina 99, Delaware St. 73 executive director. ITED: QB Jake Fromm (not injury related), E. Kentucky 118, Campbellsville­Har­ HOUSTON ROCKETS — Signed F Trey TE Lee Smith (knee). FULL: QB Josh Allen (knee). FULL: WR Tyreek Hill (hamstring), rodsburg 54 Mourning to a training camp deal. (knee, ankle), LB Tremaine Edmunds TE Nick Keizer (ankle, knee), DE Tanoh ETSU 96, Columbia International 54 FOOTBALL (foot), CB Taron Johnson (concussion). Kpassagnon (hip), DT Derrick Nnadi (an­ North Alabama 99, Crowley's Ridge 51 National Football League BRONCOS: QUESTIONABLE: G Graham kle), DE Alex Okafor (knee), T Martinas CAROLINA PANTHERS — Placed OT Greg Glasgow (foot), RB Melvin Gordon (shoul­ Rankin (knee), C Austin Reiter (knee). MIDWEST Little on injured reserve. der), RB Phillip Lindsay (hip), S Trey Mar­ SAINTS: DNP: DT Malcom Brown (shoul­ Bradley 83, Jackson St. 60 CINCINNATI BENGALS — Signed QB Kyle shall (shin). DNP: CB Duke Dawson (knee), der, calf), G Nick Easton (concussion), WR Nebraska 110, Doane 64 Shurmur to the practice squad. CB Kevin Toliver (knee). LIMITED: G Gra­ Michael Thomas (ankle). LIMITED: WR De­ S. Illinois 85, North Dakota 64 DETROIT LIONS — Signed CB Tramaine ham Glasgow (foot), RB Melvin Gordon onte Harris (neck). FULL: DE Marcus Da­ Saint Louis 80, NC State 69 Brock to the practice squad. Released CB (shoulder), RB Phillip Lindsay (hip), S Trey venport (quadricep), G Andrus Peat (foot), Seton Hall 70, Marquette 63 Dee Virgin. Placed CB Jeff Okudah on in­ Marshall (shin). FULL: T Garett Bolles (ill­ T Ryan Ramczyk (elbow), DT Malcolm Valparaiso 89, Purdue University North­ jured reserve. ness), DE Bradley Chubb (neck), T Demar Roach (illness). west 71 HOUSTON TEXANS — Claimed CB Mark Dotson (hand), TE Noah Fant (illness), DE JUSTIN REX / AP Fields III from Minnesota waivers. Placed NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at MIAMI DOL- SOUTHWEST Shelby Harris (elbow), WR Jerry Jeudy (an­ G Hjalte Froholdt on the reserve/COVID­19 kle), LB Malik Reed (ankle), LB Derrek PHINS — PATRIOTS: DNP: T Jermaine Elue­ Kansas' David McCormac Kansas 58, Texas Tech 57 list. munor (ankle). LIMITED: DT Adam Butler attempts to shoot over Texas New Mexico 90, LeTourneau 58 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Placed LB Tuszka (hand). (shoulder), DT Byron Cowart (back), K North Texas 85, Houston Baptist 55 Kamalei Correa on the exempt/left squad CAROLINA PANTHERS at GREEN BAY Nick Folk (back), DT Lawrence Guy (shoul­ Tech defenders on Thursday in list. der), RB Damien Harris (ankle), T Justin FAR WEST LAS VEGAS RAIDERS — Promoted DB PACKERS — PANTHERS: DOUBTFUL: G Den­ Lubbock, Texas. Kansas won the nis Daley (concussion), RB Christian Herron (ankle), CB J.C. Jackson (knee), CB Idaho St. 89, SAGU American Indian Col­ Rashaan Gaulden and DB Javin White to Jonathan Jones (neck), G Shaquille Mason Big 12 opener. active roster. McCaffrey (thigh). QUESTIONABLE: S Tre lege 54 Boston (hamstring), DE Austin Larkin (calf), WR Donte Moncrief (thigh), WR Loyola Marymount 51, UC Irvine 48 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS — Promoted LB B.J. Bello, DE Jessie Lemonier and S Jay­ (shoulder), DE Efe Obada (knee), T Russell Matt Slater (knee), RB J.J. Taylor (quadri­ Oregon 74, San Francisco 64 Okung (calf), WR Curtis Samuel (hamstr­ cep), RB James White (foot). DOLPHINS: S. Utah 85, Dixie State 78 len Watkins to the active roster. Waived TOP 25 ROUNDUP RB Troymaine Pope. ing). LIMITED: WR D.J. Moore (not injury re­ DNP: WR Antonio Callaway (not injury re­ Seattle 78, College of Idaho 54 lated). LIMITED: RB Salvon Ahmed (shoul­ Wyoming 82, Nebraska­Omaha 78 MIAMI DOLPHINS — Signed WR Marcus lated). FULL: DT Derrick Brown (ankle), DE Kemp. Placed DE Tyshun Render on the re­ Yetur Gross­Matos (ankle), DE Marquis der), G Ereck Flowers (ankle), TE Mike Ges­ serve/COVID­19 list. Haynes (shoulder), DE Efe Obada (knee), icki (shoulder), WR Jakeem Grant Thursday's women's scores NEW YORK GIANTS — Announced offen­ CB Troy Pride (ankle), S Kenny Robinson (hamstring), S Bobby McCain (ankle), WR sive coordinator Jason Garrett tested pos­ (illness), TE Ian Thomas (abdomen). DeVante Parker (hamstring), LB Elandon itive for COVID­19 and Freddie Kitchens Roberts (chest), LB Kyle Van Noy (hip). EAST PACKERS: OUT: G Simon Stepaniak (knee), will serve as offensive play caller for Sun­ TE Jace Sternberger (concussion), QUES­ FULL: S Kavon Frazier (shoulder), CB Xa­ Jayhawks UConn 80, Creighton 47 day's game. Placed CB James Bradberry TIONABLE: WR Malik Taylor (hamstring). vien Howard (shoulder), T Austin Jackson on the reserve/COVID­19 list. Activated LIMITED: LB Rashan Gary (hip), CB Kevin (knee), G Solomon Kindley (foot), DE Shaq SOUTH Devonta Freeman from the reserve/CO­ King (Achilles, groin), WR Allen Lazard Lawson (shoulder), QB Tua Tagovailoa Auburn 94, North Florida 81 VID­19 list. (ankle). NEW YORK JETS — Signed K Sergio Cas­ (core, foot), TE Marcedes Lewis (knee), G Clemson 72, Florida St. 69 Lucas Patrick (toe), LB Randy Ramsey Florida Gulf Coast 91, Webber Interna­ tillo. Placed DT Folorunso Fatukasi on the NEW YORK JETS at LOS ANGELES RAMS (neck), P J.K. Scott (right quadricep), LB tional 55 reserve/COVID­19 list. — JETS: DNP: RB Frank Gore (not injury re­ edge Red Za'Darius Smith (ankle, thumb), WR Equa­ Gardner­Webb 47, Presbyterian 44 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Signed TE lated). LIMITED: WR Jamison Crowder nimeous St. Brown (knee), CB Chandon Georgia 85, Georgia St. 51 Chase Harrell to the practice squad. (calf), S Marcus Maye (rib). FULL: QB Sam Sullivan (hip), WR Malik Taylor (hamstr­ Lipscomb 79, Morehead St. 73 Placed WR Shawn Poindexter to the prac­ Darnold (ankle), G Pat Elflein (shoulder), ing), T Rick Wagner (knee). FULL: CB Jaire Louisiana Tech 63, Louisiana­Monroe 45 tice squad injured reserve list. Place RB DE John Franklin­Myers (wrist), C Connor Austin Walter on the reserve/COVID­19 Alexander (knee, hand), S Darnell Savage Middle Tennessee 92, Troy 76 McGovern (hamstring), WR Breshad Perri­ NC State 79, Wake Forest 65 list. Announced DL Kevin Grimes roster ex­ (groin), G Simon Stepaniak (knee). North Carolina 92, Syracuse 68 emption was lifted. man (shoulder). RAMS: No Data Reported. Raiders SUNDAY South Carolina 103, Temple 41 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Signed G An­ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at ARIZONA CAR- drew Jones and OT Wyatt Miller to the Vanderbilt 90, VCU 81 CHICAGO BEARS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS DINALS — EAGLES: DNP: T Jack Driscoll Winthrop 59, SC­Upstate 54 practice squad. — BEARS: DNP: S Deon Bush (foot), CB Jay­ Associated Press TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Activated K (knee), CB Avonte Maddox (knee). LIMIT­ lon Johnson (shoulder), LB Khalil Mack ED: S Grayland Arnold (hamstring), LB MIDWEST Ryan Succop from reserve/COVID­19 list. (shoulder), CB Buster Skrine (concussion). LUBBOCK, Texas — Ochai Ag- WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM — Shaun Bradley (neck), LB T.J. Edwards Illinois St. 69, Nebraska­Omaha 38 LIMITED: TE Jimmy Graham (hip), DT (hamstring), DT Malik Jackson (concus­ Northwestern 70, Purdue 54 Signed RB Lamar Miller from Chicago Akiem Hicks (not injury related), TE J.P. baji made the go-ahead layup with practice squad. Placed S Deshazor Everett sion), CB Michael Jacquet (hamstring), CB Notre Dame 84, Virginia Tech 78 Holtz (shoulder, knee), T Charles Leno Darius Slay (concussion). FULL: DT Fletch­ 13 seconds left and finished with S. Illinois 79, UMKC 68 on injured reserve. HOCKEY (toe), LB James Vaughters (knee). FULL: er Cox (not injury related), S Rudy Ford South Dakota 84, Bradley 68 WR Darnell Mooney (knee). VIKINGS: DNP: 23 points as No. 5 Kansas beat No. Tennessee 66, Indiana 58 National Hockey League (hamstring), DE Josh Sweat (shoulder). ST LOUIS BLUES — Announced the retire­ LB Eric Kendricks (calf), TE Kyle Rudolph CARDINALS: DNP: RB Chase Edmonds (an­ 14 Texas Tech 58-57 on Thursday SOUTHWEST ment of F Alexander Steen after 15 sea­ (foot). LIMITED: DE Jordan Brailford kle), K Zane Gonzalez (back), WR DeAndre sons due to back injury. (back), RB C.J. Ham (quadricep), RB Alex­ Hopkins (not injury related), DT Jordan night, giving the Jayhawks a win Arkansas St. 88, Champion Christian — Signed G Mikhail Ber­ ander Mattison (illness), DT Armon Watts College 38 WINNIPEG JETS Phillips (hamstring), G Justin Pugh (calf), S in their conference opener for the din to a two­year, one­way contract exten­ (back). FULL: DE D.J. Wonnum (ankle). Jalen Thompson (ankle). LIMITED: T Kelvin New Mexico 120, Ark.­Pine Bluff 66 sion for 2021­22 and a two­way contract extension for 2022­23. CLEVELAND BROWNS at NEW YORK GI- Beachum (back), LB De'Vondre Campbell 30th season in a row. FAR WEST ANTS — BROWNS: DNP: S Andrew Sendejo (ankle), LB Kylie Fitts (hamstring), CB Dre Agbaji made four three-point- E. Washington 59, College of Idaho 46 SOCCER Kirkpatrick (hamstring), RB Jonathan Major League Soccer (concussion), G Wyatt Teller (ankle). LIM­ Montana St. 80, Portland 67 ITED: T Jack Conklin (knee), WR Khadarel Ward (shoulder). FULL: WR Larry Fitzger­ ers but got the game-winning ATLANTA UNITED — Acquired D Andrew N. Arizona 83, UTEP 75 Hodge (hamstring), TE Austin Hooper ald (not injury related), DT Domata Peko Gutman from FC Cincinnati in stage 1 of (not injury related). points for Kansas (7-1, 1-0 Big 12) the 2020 MLS Re­Entry Process. (neck), CB Kevin Johnson (groin), DT Larry COLORADO RAPIDS — Signed F Jonathan Ogunjobi (toe), CB M.J. Stewart (shoul­ SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at DALLAS COW- when he worked inside and took COLLEGE FOOTBALL Lewis to a multi­year contract through the der), C J.C. Tretter (knee), CB Denzel Ward BOYS — 49ERS: DNP: C Hroniss Grasu an inbound pass from Marcus 2024 season. (calf). FULL: DE Myles Garrett (elbow), WR (knee), WR Deebo Samuel (hamstring). FC DALLAS — Traded W Fafa Picault to Jarvis Landry (hip). GIANTS: DNP: CB Dar­ LIMITED: G Daniel Brunskill (shoulder), DT Garrett. Houston in exchange for 2021­22 general nay Holmes (knee). LIMITED: QB Daniel D.J. Jones (ankle), CB Emmanuel Moseley Schedule allocation money. Jones (hamstring, ankle), TE Kaden Smith (hamstring), RB Raheem Mostert (ankle), Texas Tech (6-2, 0-1) had one LOS ANGELES FC — Acquired MF Raheem (knee), G Kevin Zeitler (shoulder). LB Fred Warner (stinger), CB K'Waun Wil­ more opportunity, but Terrence Friday Edwards from Minnesota United FC in liams (ankle). COWBOYS: DNP: CB Deante stage 1 of 2020 MLS Re­Entry Process. DETROIT LIONS at TENNESSEE TITANS — Burton (shoulder), RB Ezekiel Elliott (calf), Shannon Jr., who had 20 points EAST NEW YORK CITY FC — Announced MF LIONS: DNP: T Tyrell Crosby (ankle), WR CB Rashard Robinson (knee). LIMITED: S UAB (5­3) at Marshall (7­1) Alex Ring was traded to Austin FC for 2021­ Kenny Golladay (hip), DE Da'Shawn Hand and nine rebounds for the Red 22 general allocation money. Xavier Woods (groin). FULL: CB Anthony Nebraska (2­5) at Rutgers (3­5) (ankle), C Frank Ragnow (throat), CB Dar­ Brown (ribs), DE Aldon Smith (foot), S Do­ Raiders, had his mid-range jump- Ball St. (5­1) vs. Buffalo (5­0) at Detroit PORTLAND TIMBERS — Acquired D Clau­ ryl Roberts (hip), QB Matthew Stafford dio Bravo from Argentinian (Liga Profes­ (rib, right thumb). LIMITED: DT John Peni­ novan Wilson (groin). sional de FA'tbol side Club Atla'tico Ban­ er blocked by Jalen Wilson to end FAR WEST sini (shoulder). FULL: DE Austin Bryant SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at WASHINGTON field) and signed him to a multi­year con­ (thigh), LB Jason Cabinda (illness), S C.J. the game. Oregon (3­2) at Southern Cal (5­0) tract using targeted allocation money. FOOTBALL TEAM — SEAHAWKS: No Data Moore (ankle), RB Adrian Peterson (fore­ Reported. WASHINGTON: DNP: RB Antonio Saturday SPORTING KANSAS CITY SC — Acquired Garrett had 10 points, 10 re- G Kendall McIntosh in stage 1 of the 2020 arm), S Tracy Walker (shoulder). TITANS: Gibson (toe), LB Kevin Pierre­Louis (an­ DNP: WR A.J. Brown (ankle), T Dennis Kelly EAST MLS Re­Entry Process. kle), QB Alex Smith (calf). LIMITED: DT Jo­ bounds and four assists for Kan- (knee), G Rodger Saffold (toe), TE Geoff COLLEGE nathan Allen (groin), RB Peyton Barber sas, which has never lost a Big 12 Air Force (3­2) at Army (8­2) Swaim (ankle). LIMITED: RB Derrick Henry (ankle), LB Thomas Davis (not injury relat­ Illinois (2­5) at Penn St. (3­5) PURDUE UNIVERSITY — Announced Jeff (not injury related), CB Adoree' Jackson Michigan St. (2­5) at Maryland (2­3) Brohm will not return as defensive coordi­ ed). opener, and last lost a conference nator and linebacker coach for 2021 sea­ (knee), S Kenny Vaccaro (illness). FULL: CB SOUTH son. Kristian Fulton (knee), C Ben Jones (knee), TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at ATLANTA opener during the 1990-91 season Texas A&M (7­1) at Tennessee (3­6) DT Jeffery Simmons (knee). FALCONS — BUCCANEERS: DNP: LB La­ in the old Big Eight Conference. Florida St. (3­6) at Wake Forest (4­4) vonte David (not injury related), TE Rob Wake Forest (4­4) at Louisville (4­7), ppd HOUSTON TEXANS at INDIANAPOLIS Gronkowski (not injury related), DT Steve Christian Braun also had 10 re- Missouri (5­4) at Mississippi St. (2­7) PRO BASKETBALL COLTS — TEXANS: DNP: G Hjalte Froholdt McLendon (elbow, not injury related), T Louisiana­Lafayette (9­1) at Coastal (not injury related), RB Duke Johnson Donovan Smith (not injury related). LIMIT­ bounds. Carolina (11­0), ccd NBA preseason scores (neck), RB C.J. Prosise (ankle). LIMITED: CB ED: LB Jason Pierre­Paul (knee). FULL: CB Mac McClung led Texas Tech Mississippi (4­4) at LSU (4­5) Cornell Armstrong (hamstring), WR Bran­ Jamel Dean (groin), T Joe Haeg (illness). Alabama (10­0) vs. Florida (8­2) at Atlan­ Thursday's games din Cooks (neck), CB Phillip Gaines (knee), FALCONS: DNP: CB Ricardo Allen (concus­ with a season-high 21 points, but CB John Reid (neck). FULL: TE Pharaoh ta Charlotte 123, Orlando 115 sion), DT Marlon Davidson (knee), CB Dar­ didn’t score in the last 11 minutes. MIDWEST Detroit 97, Washington 86 Brown (concussion), RB David Johnson queze Dennard (quadricep), WR Julio Houston 128, San Antonio 106 (not injury related). COLTS: DNP: TE Mo Jones (hamstring), C Alex Mack (not injury No. 9 Creighton 94, St. John's Northwestern (6­1) vs. Ohio St. (5­0) at Memphis 128, Atlanta 106 Alie­Cox (knee), TE Jack Doyle (not injury related), T Kaleb McGary (not injury relat­ Indianapolis Minnesota 129, Dallas 127, OT related). LIMITED: DT DeForest Buckner ed). LIMITED: G James Carpenter (groin), 76: Marcus Zegarowski scored 20 Oklahoma (7­2) vs. Iowa St. (8­2) at Ar­ Golden State 113, Sacramento 105 (ankle). FULL: DT Denico Autry (not injury DT Grady Jarrett (groin), DE Steven Means lington, Texas Utah 125, L.A. Clippers 105 related), TE Trey Burton (knee), T Anthony points, shooting 6-for-7 from Clemson (9­1) vs. Notre Dame (10­0) at (hand), WR Calvin Ridley (foot), DE Jacob Charlotte, N.C. Friday's games Castonzo (knee), DE Justin Houston (not Tuioti­Mariner (elbow). FULL: RB Keith three-point range, and the visiting injury related), LB Darius Leonard (back), Minnesota (3­3) at Wisconsin (2­3) Philadelphia at Indiana Smith (neck), LB Mykal Walker (shoulder). Bluejays cruised past the Red Tulsa (6­1) at Cincinnati (8­0) Miami at Toronto CB Xavier Rhodes (knee), QB Philip Rivers (toe), P Rigoberto Sanchez (illness), DE Ke­ MONDAY SOUTHWEST Cleveland at New York Storm. Brooklyn at Boston moko Turay (ankle). PITTSBURGH STEELERS at CINCINNATI BENGALS — STEELERS: DNP: RB James FAR WEST Chicago at Oklahoma City Denzel Mahoney had 16 points Milwaukee at New Orleans JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS at BALTIMORE Conner (quadricep), S Sean Davis (illness), Washington St. (1­2) at Utah (2­2) Portland at Denver RAVENS — JAGUARS: DNP: CB Sidney G Kevin Dotson (shoulder), QB Ben Roeth­ and freshman center Ryan Kalk- Boise St. (5­1) at San Jose St. (6­0) L.A. Lakers at Phoenix Jones (Achilles), TE James O'Shaughnessy lisberger (not injury related). FULL: B Joe Stanford (3­2) at UCLA (3­3) brenner added 15 off the bench to Saturday's games (not injury related). LIMITED: TE Tyler Eif­ Haden (concussion). BENGALS: DNP: QB Arizona St. (1­2) at Oregon St. (2­4) ert (quadricep), DE Adam Gotsis (hip), S Brandon Allen (knee), DT Mike Daniels help Creighton (5-2, 1-1 Big East) Monday, Dec. 21 Charlotte at Orland Josh Jones (shoulder), CB Greg Mabin (not injury related), WR A.J. Green (not in­ Detroit at Washington (hamstring), RB James Robinson (knee). jury related), LB Logan Wilson (ankle). bounce back from a home loss to Atlanta at Memphis SOUTHWEST RAVENS: DNP: DT Calais Campbell (calf), LIMITED: T Bobby Hart (back), S Brandon Marquette in its conference open- Appalachian St. (8­3) vs. North Texas Sunday's games CB Davontae Harris (ankle), S Anthony Le­ Wilson (hamstring). FULL: G Xavier Su'a­ (4­5) at Conway, S.C. No games scheduled. vine (abdomen), CB Marcus Peters (calf), Filo (finger). er Monday night. Saturday, December 19, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 21 NFL

Scoreboard

American Conference

East WLTPct PF PA Buffalo 10 3 0 .769 359 321 Miami 8 5 0 .615 330 245 New England 6 7 0 .462 277 279 N.Y. Jets 0 13 0 .000 183 393

South WLTPct PF PA Indianapolis 9 4 0 .692 372 300 Tennessee 9 4 0 .692 390 336 Houston 4 9 0 .308 295 359 Jacksonville 1 12 0 .077 261 383

North WLTPct PF PA x-Pittsburgh 11 2 0 .846 349 237 Cleveland 9 4 0 .692 348 368 Baltimore 8 5 0 .615 363 273 Cincinnati 2 10 1 .192 244 338

West WLTPct PF PA yx-Kansas City 12 1 0 .923 403 281 Las Vegas 7 7 0 .500 377 421 Denver 5 8 0 .385 257 347 L.A. Chargers 5 9 0 .357 327 389 National Conference

East WLTPct PF PA Washington 6 7 0 .462 287 275 N.Y. Giants 5 8 0 .385 238 291 Philadelphia 4 8 1 .346 277 328 Dallas 4 9 0 .308 298 400

South WLTPct PF PA ISAAC BREKKEN / AP x-New Orleans 10 3 0 .769 368 265 Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) scores the game­winning touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders in overtime, Tampa Bay 8 5 0 .615 370 294 Thursday, in Las Vegas. The Chargers won 30­27. Atlanta 4 9 0 .308 328 322 Carolina 4 9 0 .308 307 332 Chargers 30, Raiders 27 (OT) North L.A. Chargers 7 10 7 0 6 — 30 WLTPct PF PA Las Vegas 3 7 7 7 3 — 27 yx-Green Bay 10 3 0 .769 410 323 Chicago 6 7 0 .462 282 291 Herbert leads Chargers First Quarter Minnesota 6 7 0 .462 333 355 LAC—Henry 10 pass from Herbert (Bad- Detroit 5 8 0 .385 310 389 gley kick), 5:56. Las—FG Carlson 23, :55. West Second Quarter WLTPct PF PA Las—Waller 35 pass from Mariota (Carl- L.A. Rams 9 4 0 .692 325 246 son kick), 9:19. over Raiders in OT LAC—FG Badgley 22, 1:52. Seattle 9 4 0 .692 393 324 LAC—T.Johnson 26 pass from Herbert Arizona 7 6 0 .538 358 303 (Badgley kick), :19. San Francisco 5 8 0 .385 300 311 Las Vegas loses QB Carr in first quarter as playoff hopes fade Third Quarter x-clinched playoff spot Las—Jacobs 1 run (Carlson kick), 7:18. y-clinched division LAC—Ballage 1 run (Badgley kick), 2:08. BY W.G. RAMIEREZ yards and a touchdown, Los An- Thursday's game Associated Press Did you know? Fourth Quarter L.A. Chargers 30, Las Vegas 27, OT geles’ Hunter Henry now has a ca- LAS VEGAS — Justin Herbert’s reer-high 60 receptions on the Las—Mariota 2 run (Carlson kick), 6:16. Saturday's games Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert First Overtime Buffalo at Denver brilliant rookie season is now a re- set an NFL rookie record with his year, third-highest among tight Carolina at Green Bay seventh 300-yard game and has 27 Las—FG Carlson 23, 3:18. cord-setting campaign. ends this season. LAC—Herbert 1 run, 1:29. Sunday's games Herbert scored on 1-yard passing scores on the year, tying the The Chargers got revenge from Chicago at Minnesota plunge to give the Los Angeles Browns' Baker Mayfield (2018) for the first meeting on Nov. 8, when A—0. Detroit at Tennessee the most by a rookie in NFL history. Houston at Indianapolis. Chargers a 30-27 overtime victory Herbert’s apparent TD pass to LAC Las Jacksonville at Baltimore New England at Miami over the Las Vegas Raiders on Source: Associated Press Donald Parham was overturned First downs 27 27 San Francisco at Dallas Thursday night. by replay to end the game. Total Net Yards 402 449 Seattle at Washington Rushes-yards 29-96 41-173 Tampa Bay at Atlanta “It was pretty crazy,” said ahead 27-24, Herbert found wide- For the Raiders, the storyline N.Y. Jets at L.A. Rams Passing 306 276 Philadelphia at Arizona Herbert, who set an NFL rookie out Jalen Guyton streaking by cor- quickly changed from must-win to Punt Returns 1-10 1-16 Kansas City at New Orleans Kickoff Returns 2-39 0-0 Cleveland at N.Y. Giants record with his seventh 300-yard nerback Keisean Nixon for a 53- stay alive in the playoff hunt, to Interceptions Ret. 1-51 0-0 Monday's game game. “I kind of waited to see the yard reception to set up the win- how to win with backup Marcus Mariota seeing his first action as a Comp-Att-Int 22-32-0 20-33-1 Pittsburgh at Cincinnati replay and guys didn’t really know ning score. Sacked-Yards Lost 1-8 1-3 Friday, Dec. 25 what had happened. So I got up Los Angeles improved to 1-2 in Raider, while setting up a show- Punts 2-35.5 2-37.5 Minnesota at New Orleans and started shaking hands and overtime games, while all four of down of former University of Ore- Fumbles-Lost 1-0 1-0 Penalties-Yards 3-20 6-69 Saturday, Dec. 26 kind of saw the game was over. its games against division foes gon quarterbacks. Time of Possession 31:00 37:31 Tampa Bay at Detroit The Chargers (5-9) snapped a have come down to the final play. “It was a pretty crazy experi- San Francisco at Arizona Miami at Las Vegas nine-game losing streak against Herbert, who targeted nine re- ence,” Herbert said. “I grew up INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Sunday, Dec. 27 their AFC West counterparts, and ceivers and completed at least one watching Marcus. He was my fa- RUSHING—L.A. Chargers, Ekeler 13-60, Herbert 4-14, Ballage 8-11, Kelley 2-8, Guy- Atlanta at Kansas City snapped a three-game skid pass with seven, was 22 for 32 with vorite player. To see him on the ton 1-4, Allen 1-(minus 1). Las Vegas, Ma- Carolina at Washington against the Raiders. Las Vegas 314 yards and two touchdowns. field and play against him was re- riota 9-88, Jacobs 26-76, Booker 3-12, In- Chicago at Jacksonville gold 1-2, Cole 1-0, Riddick 1-(minus 5). Cincinnati at Houston (7-7) lost quarterback Derek Carr “I’ve seen a lot of growth over ally cool. It’s everything I’ve ever PASSING—L.A. Chargers, Herbert 22-32- Cleveland at N.Y. Jets 0-314. Las Vegas, Mariota 17-28-1-226, Carr Indianapolis at Pittsburgh to a left groin injury in the first the past couple weeks,” Chargers wanted.” 3-5-0-53. N.Y. Giants at Baltimore quarter. It has lost four of five, all coach Anthony Lynn said. “He’s The sixth-year pro finished 17- RECEIVING—L.A. Chargers, Henry 5-65, Denver at L.A. Chargers Guyton 4-91, Ekeler 4-19, Johnson 3-61, Hill L.A. Rams at Seattle but killing its playoff chances. doing it with young receivers on for-28 for 226 yards with one TD 3-39, Williams 2-22, Allen 1-17. Las Vegas, Philadelphia at Dallas Waller 9-150, Agholor 4-49, Jacobs 3-38, Tennessee at Green Bay Moments after Daniel Carlson’s the field and spreading the ball and one interception. He also Moreau 1-22, Jones 1-9, Richard 1-7, Ren- 23-yard field goal on the Raiders’ around.” rushed for 88 yards on nine car- frow 1-4. Monday, Dec. 28 MISSED FIELD GOALS—L.A. Chargers, Buffalo at New England first possession put Las Vegas With five receptions for 65 ries, including a touchdown. Badgley 51, Badgley 47. PAGE 22 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, December 19, 2020 COLLEGE FOOTBALL

AAC CHAMPIONSHIP Cincinnati, Tulsa to finally meet

BY JEFF WALLNER just about everybody.” Associated Press Tulsa has won six straight CINCINNATI — After four pre- games since losing 16-7 to then- vious attempts, Cincinnati and No. 11 Oklahoma State in the sea- Tulsa are finally going to play son-opener. each other, and this time it’s for “They are battle-tested,” Fick- the American Athletic Conference ell said. championship. Tulsa head coach Philip Mont- No. 6 Cincinnati (8-0, 6-0 AAC, gomery, who led his team to the CFP No. 9) will make its second conference championship game straight appearance in the confer- following three straight losing ence championship game on Sat- seasons, said the players are eager urday at Nippert Stadium, while it to finally face the unbeaten Bear- will be the first time ever for No. cats. 20 Tulsa (6-1, 6-0, CFP No. 23). “Our team has done a really MATT GENTRY/AP Tulsa and Cincinnati were good job of staying focused and Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence runs for a 17­yard touchdown past Virginia Tech's Brion Murray onscheduled to play on Oct. 17, but putting our concentration on what Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Blacksburg, Va. the game was moved to Dec. 5 due we can control,” Montgomery to COVID-19 cases in the Bearcats said. “We’ve got to understand program. The game was moved that we are playing for a cham- Major: Clemson QB Lawrence missed back to Dec. 4 for television, then pionship. We want to funnel that rescheduled again for Dec. 12, be- emotion into something that’s pro- fore being canceled altogether last ductive.” first game between Tigers, Fighting Irish week due to more COVID issues at No respect: Despite not playing Cincinnati. a game, Cincinnati dropped from Cincinnati hasn’t played in a No. 7 to No. 9 in the College Foot- FROM PAGE 24 Fighting Irish's second 10-0 start month. The Bearcats once had ball Playoff rankings over the past in three seasons. Book and Notre hopes of easing into the College two weeks. Fickell said his team’s game on Saturday in Charlotte, Dame were 12-0 in 2018 before the Football Playoff, but they'll likely primary goal has always been to North Carolina. perfect season ended with a thud, have to be satisfied with an unde- win an AAC title because that’s Sidelined with COVID-19, Law- a 30-3 loss in the Cotton Bowl feated season and a choice bowl something they can control, but rence was a spectator in Notre against Clemson and Lawrence. game if they can win Saturday. he’s not immune to the playoff Dame's 47-40 double-overtime The Tigers went on to win the na- “This entire season has been hype. “I can’t lie and say I don’t victory in November — Clemson's tional championship. such a whirlwind,” Cincinnati care about it,” he said. “We use it lone loss this season. Lawrence Book wants to add a national ti- coach Luke Fickell said. “We in recruiting. There are a lot of traveled with the team to Indiana tle of his own to his college legacy, wanted to get a season in and an things that rise or drop my blood and gave advice to his backup, a quest that could include an ACC opportunity to play for a cham- pressure. That’s not one of them." freshman DJ Uiagalelei, through- title. pionship.” For the trophy case:Cincinnati out the game. “If you hear my name, that is If this game is canceled, the had 17 players earn all-AAC hon- It gave Lawrence a perspective what you think of,” Book said of Bearcats would be crowned AAC ors this season, including quarter- of the game he usually doesn't not winning a championship. “We champion for New Year’s Six bowl back Desmond Ridder, who was have and it left im very impressed still have to go do that, so that’s consideration because they are named offensive player of the with Book's play. what I want.” the higher-ranked team. year. Fickell was named coach of “In big games like that, a quar- Lawrence knows how it feels to “I think all of our team now, for the year. The 17 all-conference se- terback has to play well to win and hold that trophy. He also knows the most part, is back off of the lections are the most in the AAC he played great,” Lawrence said. the disappointment of coming up protocols for a lot of things,” Fick- this year. Eight Bearcats players “He extended plays really well, short. Last year, Clemson lost 42- ell said. “Hopefully, by (game earned first-team honors, also a made some big throws. I've got a 25 to LSU in what was Lawrence's time) we’ll be in good shape with school record. lot of respect for him.” poorest college showing. Law- It was a huge game, and there MATT CASHORE/AP rence has used it as motivation for may be even more on the line this Notre Dame's Ian Book, left, is wanting to play amid the coronavi- time. 30­3 as starting quarterback for rus pandemic and not opting out to Lawrence will look to lead the Irish coach Brian Kelly, right. protect his future as the expected Tigers to a sixth consecutive No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming league championship game — an Especially with Book on the oth- NFL draft. unprecedented feat in the Power er side. He is a savvy, fifth-year Clemson coach Dabo Swinney Five era. Fans should expect him player who is 30-3 as a starter in said it is difficult to list all of Law- to lead the way with his calm de- his Notre Dame career — the sec- rence's superlatives because it meanor, strong arm and knack for ond highest winning percentage in would “take all day and half of the making big plays at the most im- college to Lawrence's 33-1 mark. next.” portant times. Book passed on the NFL last Book met Lawrence a few ago Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly season for a final year with the when they were both at the Man- said his team has heard too often Irish and has made the most of ning Passing Academy. Book got about Lawrence's absence in that that decision, leading his team to to know him somewhat when they first game; he's eager to face a the brink of their second College both coached seven-on-seven healthy Lawrence. Football Playoff appearance in clubs that wound up facing each “We recognize (Lawrence) is a three seasons. other — Lawrence’s team won, great football player, and to have He's thrown for 2,382 yards and Book recalled. him on the field certainly is what 15 touchdowns against two inter- “He’s a really, really good quar- AARON DOSTER/AP you want in the championship ceptions. Book has also rushed for terback and a better person,” Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder carries the ball against game,” Kelly said. 465 yards and eight TDs in the Book said. Houston. Ridder was the conference offensive player of the year. Saturday, December 19, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 23 COLLEGE FOOTBALL

BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP Humble start leads to huge season for Cyclones, Campbell

BY ERIC OLSON total of four four-star prospects Associated Press and no five-stars, according to Jay Chapman earned his bache- 247Sports composite rankings. lor’s and master’s degree from Io- Oklahoma has signed 57 four- wa State, was a member of the stars and four five-stars over the marching band and has attended same span. all but one home football game “I just think it’s more proof that since 1986. when you’ve got people who are The president of the Cyclone aligned toward a vision, when you Gridiron Club booster group has have people who are in it for the seen a lot of losing. Some good right reason and you have people players came through and there willing to put their ego aside and were some notable upsets. Still, in continue to grow, that’s the beauty the 30 years prior to 2016, five of the sport of football,” Campbell JAY LAPRETE / AP coaches combined for only eight said. “It is still a team sport. Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields looks for an open receiver. The 5­0 Buckeyes are ranked No. 3 but seasons of .500 or better. “There are great examples in say they feel they have something to prove in Saturday's Big Ten championship. “Six wins,” Chapman said, “was the history of college football of about as good as it got.” that occurring,” he added. “It just And then along came Matt so happens it hadn’t happened yet BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP Campbell. in Ames, Iowa. I think that’s some- The 41-year-old Ohio native is thing that has been enjoyable.” seen as nothing short of a miracle Campbell’s mantra of building worker by the Cyclone faithful. At personal relationships with his a school that hasn’t claimed even a players, emphasizing develop- No. 3 Buckeyes out to hush share of a football conference title ment and getting the most out of since 1912, Campbell, in his fifth limited resources is the product of year, has led Iowa State to the Big his being the son of a high school 12 championship game for the football coach and going through skeptics with Big Ten title first time. the powerhouse Division III The Cyclones, who at No. 8 have Mount Union program as a player their highest ranking ever in the and young coach. BY MITCH STACY in the country for sure, and I think AP Top 25, play No. 12 Oklahoma Coaching stops at Mount Union Associated Press we control our destiny,” Fields on Saturday at AT&T Stadium in and Bowling Green preceded his COLUMBUS, Ohio — A group said. “If we go out there on Satur- Arlington, Texas. first head coaching job at Toledo, of university administrators on a day and handle business like “Man, is this what you envi- where he had been an assistant for Zoom call decided Ohio State we’re supposed to, we should be sioned or saw?” Campbell said, re- three years. The Rockets went to would play in the Big Ten cham- where we want to be.” peating a question. “I’ll be really four bowls with Campbell in pionship game. Now the No. 3 Tight end Jeremy Ruckert ac- honest. Early on we were trying to charge for all or part of five sea- Buckeyes are eager to show that knowledged the Buckeyes need to show that we could compete.” sons. not only are they the dominant win and look impressive doing it to Iowa State (8-2, 8-1 Big 12) fin- Iowa State athletic director Ja- team in the conference, but they leave no doubt they belong in the ished the regular season alone in mie Pollard fired Paul Rhoads af- also unequivocally deserve a spot playoff. first place and in October beat the ter the 2015 season and sought the in the College Football Playoff. “It’s pretty important,” he said. Sooners (7-2, 6-2) in Ames, Iowa, advice of Mid-American Confer- They do that by winning big Sat- “I mean we try not to think about it for the first time since 1960. ence athletic directors he knows. urday. as much, but what it comes down Naturally, the Cyclones are un- “Everybody kept coming back Ohio State (5-0, CFP No. 4) can to is that every other (contending) derdogs this week, which bothers to this guy at Toledo, Matt Camp- collect a fourth straight confer- school has more games than us. ... them not in the least. bell, who they just said was an old- ence title by beating No. 15 North- NAM Y. HUH / AP We try and just put the best game The most recent federal college school football coach but was a western, but the Buckeyes are Northwestern running back Jesse out there on film and really dom- athletics spending reports showed young guy,” Pollard said. “We seeking style points — a good Brown celebrates with team­ inate.” Campbell’s program spent only started looking more, and he’s a thumping of the Wildcats on na- mates as he holds the Land of Northwestern coach Pat Fitz- about two-thirds the amount of Division III guy, which that reso- tional TV — to firm up their place Lincoln Trophy after Northwest­ gerald is a believer in Ohio State, Oklahoma’s Big 12-high $43.4 mil- nated with me because I was a Di- in the national rankings. ern defeated Illinois 28­10 Sat­ no matter how many games it lion football budget in 2018-19. vision III athlete. And his staff was In other words, they are motiva- urday in Evanston, Ill. played. “If I had a vote,” he said, In his four full recruiting class- made up of all guys who weren’t ted to dominate. “I’d vote them No. 2. I think es, Campbell has signed a grand born on third base.” “Oh, we’ve definitely got some- clinched the Big Ten East, could they’re a complete football team, thing to prove,” All-American cor- compete for the title and be better all three phases.” nerback Shaun Wade said Tues- positioned to play for a national Buckeyes coach Ryan Day in- day. “Like I’ve been telling a lot of crown. sisted he just wants to win the my teammates, we got to blow That came at the expense of In- game — he doesn’t care by how them out. We have to come to play diana, which at 6-1 had enough many points or how it looks to oth- and show the world what we can games in but had lost to Ohio State ers. He said he hates the idea that do.” 42-35 on Nov. 21. Social media style points matter. Because of COVID-19 issues, heated up with criticism aimed at “It goes against everything Ohio State was left with just five the Buckeyes, whose body of work we’ve been brought up with,” Day regular-season games, one short isn’t as comprehensive as other said. “I don’t think there’s any oth- of the threshold to play in the top teams. er sport in the world where any- championship game set by the Let the people talk, said Ohio thing other than winning matters. conference before the start of the State’s Justin Fields, who on Tues- So it’s very unique. If you win by pandemic-delayed season. Con- day was named Big Ten Offensive one point every week in the NFL, CHARLIE NEIBERGALL / AP ference administrators last week Player of the Year and Quarter- you’d win the Super Bowl. But col- Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell has his team ranked No. 8, its voted to change the rule so the back of the Year. lege football is different, and this highest ranking ever, as it takes on Oklahoma on Saturday. Buckeyes, who had already “We’re one of the top four teams year it’s even more strange.” PAGE 24 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, December 19, 2020 No rookie effort SPORTS Herbert’s dive lifts Chargers to win over fading Raiders ›› Page 23

COLLEGE FOOTBALL Center stage QBs Lawrence, Book likely to play major role in ACC championship showdown between No. 3 Clemson and second-ranked Notre Dame

BY PETE IACOBELLI Lawrence is expected to play a major role Associated Press in what happens in the rematch when the CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson quarterback Trevor second-ranked Fighting Irish (10-0, 9-0 Lawrence, wearing a mask and standing on the side- ACC; No. 2 CFP) take on No. 4 Clemson (9-1, line, watched his Notre Dame counterpart Ian Book 8-1; No. 3 CFP) in the ACC championship rally the Fighting Irish to a dramatic victory last month. SEE MAJOR ON PAGE 22

Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, above, didn’t play in last month’s 47­40 double­overtime loss to Notre Dame after testing positive for COVID­19. He’s looking forward to playing in Saturday’s rematch in the ACC Championship against the Fighting Irish and quarterback Ian Book, right. PHOTOS BY MATT GENTRY, TOP, AND MATT CASHORE, RIGHT/AP

No. 5 Jayhawks, Agbaji edge No. 14 Red Raiders ›› College basketball, Page 20