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Richardson becomes 2nd woman to head combatant command ›› Page 3

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Volume 80 Edition 85A ©SS 2021 CONTINGENCY EDITION SATURDAY,AUGUST 14, 2021 Free to Deployed Areas

AFGHANISTAN Afghan unraveling ■ The Taliban complete sweep of country’s south ■ US sending 3,000 troops to evacuate diplomats Page 4

SIDIQULLAH KHAN/AP Smoke rises after fighting between the Taliban and Afghan security personnel, in Kandahar, southwest of Kabul, Afghanistan, on Thursday. US veterans despair as Taliban take over much of the country they fought in BY J.P. LAWRENCE retired Army lieutenant colonel children. provincial capitals and large cities The final days of the U.S. war in Stars and Stripes who deployed to the city of Herat Now, like other veterans of throughout the country. Afghanistan should have been KABUL, Afghanistan — U.S. in western Afghanistan from 2006 America’s longest war, he can only The collapse of much of the Af- handled better, several veterans troops who deployed to Afghanis- to 2007. watch from afar as the projects he ghan military has come weeks be- told Stars and Stripes. tan over the past two decades say The capture of Herat by the Tali- worked on and the people he tried fore the scheduled Aug. 31 final “A complete pullout is not only the Taliban’s rapid conquest of ban on Thursday shocked Gustaf- to help come under threats from withdrawal of U.S. troops ordered unnecessary, it is sabotage,” said much of the country has left them son. On Friday, he forwarded to the Taliban. by President Joe Biden. The with- Army Staff Sgt. Seamus Fennessy, stunned and dismayed. Stars and Stripes photos from 2007 The Taliban controlled an esti- drawal stems from a peace deal who fought in Ghazni province in “This one will hurt for a long of him and other troops building mated two-thirds of the country as signed last year by the Taliban and time, man,” said Sean Gustafson, a schools and handing out books to of Friday, after gaining several the Trump administration. SEE VETERANS ON PAGE 5 PAGE 2 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, August 14, 2021 BUSINESS/WEATHER Inflation at wholesale level jumps 1% in July EXCHANGE RATES Military rates South Korea (Won) 1164.82 Associated Press which measures price pressures be- largest annual gain since 2008. Switzerland (Franc) 0.9192 Euro costs (Aug. 16) $1.15 Thailand (Baht) 33.33 WASHINGTON — Inflation at fore they reach consumers, were July’s 1% wholesale price uptick Dollar buys (Aug. 16) 0.8284 Turkey (NewLira) 8.5484 British pound (Aug. 16) $1.35 the wholesale level jumped a high- the most sizeable since a 1.2% rise in exceeded the 0.6% gain many econ- Japanese yen (Aug. 16) 108.00 (Military exchange rates are those available er-than-expected 1% in July, match- January, the Labor Department re- omists had expected and signaled South Korean won (Aug. 16) 1139.00 to customers at military banking facilities in the Commercial rates country of issuance for Japan, South Korea, Ger­ ing the rise from the previous ported Thursday. the price surge that has lifted the many, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Bahrain(Dinar) 0.3770 For nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., pur­ month, and dimming hopes that the The latest data on rising producer cost of everything from airline tick- Britain (Pound) 1.3839 chasing British pounds in Germany), check with Canada (Dollar) 1.2525 your local military banking facility. Commercial upward trajectory of prices would prices comes a day after the U.S. re- ets and hotels to food and gasoline China(Yuan) 6.4801 rates are interbank rates provided for reference Denmark (Krone) 6.3209 begin to slow. ported that there was some evi- and has pushed prices well above Egypt (Pound) 15.6999 when buying currency. All figures are foreign Prices at the wholesale level over dence of slowing in price hikes at the the 2% target for annual gains set by Euro 0.8500 currencies to one dollar, except for the British Hong Kong (Dollar) 7.7828 pound, which is represented in dollars­to­ the past 12 months are up a record retail level. Consumer prices in July the Federal Reserve. Hungary (Forint) 299.90 pound, and the euro, which is dollars­to­euro.) Israel (Shekel) 3.2176 7.8%, the largest increase in that rose 0.5%, compared with a 0.9% Core inflation at the wholesale Japan (Yen) 110.11 INTEREST RATES span of time in a series going back to jump in June. Over the past year re- level, which excludes volatile food Kuwait(Dinar) 0.3007 Norway (Krone) 8.8146 Prime rate 3.25 2010. tail prices are up a notable 5.4%, the and energy costs, also rose 1% in Ju- Philippines (Peso) 50.56 Interest Rates Discount rate 0.75 Poland (Zloty) 3.89 Federal funds market rate 0.09 And the back-to-back monthly in- same 12-month gain posted in June ly. Core prices over the past 12 Saudi Arabia (Riyal) 3.7505 3­month bill 0.06 creases in the producer price index, with both months recording the months are up 6.2%. Singapore (Dollar) 1.3571 30­year bond 2.01 WEATHER OUTLOOK SATURDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST SATURDAY IN EUROPE SUNDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 68/65

Kabul Seoul 86/54 84/66 Baghdad 109/76 Tokyo Drawsko Osan Kandahar Mildenhall/ 92/71 69/66 100/63 Pomorskie Busan Lakenheath 70/61 80/74 73/32 Iwakuni Kuwait City 80/75 Bahrain Brussels Zagan Sasebo 112/93 98/93 Ramstein 79/65 82/74 Guam 74/57 82/57 86/83 Riyadh Lajes, Azores Stuttgart 111/83 Doha Pápa 110/86 76/73 83/63 Aviano/ 88/69 Vicenza 93/70

Naples 93/74 Okinawa Morón 84/81 112/75 Sigonella Djibouti Rota 93/73 The weather is provided by the 89/69 Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 101/83 81/78 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

TODAY IN STRIPES American Roundup ...... 11 Comics/Crossword ...... 17 Health & Fitness ...... 13 Movies ...... 14-15 Opinion ...... 16 Sports ...... 18-24 Video Games ...... 12 Saturday, August 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 3 MILITARY Richardson confirmed to lead SOUTHCOM

BY COREY DICKSTEIN increased efforts to work with and 1986 and flew UH-60 Black former Defense Secretary Mark Stars and Stripes influence nations in the Western Hawks, according to her official Esper and Gen. Mark Milley, the Army Lt. Gen. Laura Richard- Hemisphere. biography. She commanded a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of son was confirmed by the Senate Richardson told senators last 101st Airborne Division aviation Staff, slow rolled their recommen- in a unanimous voice vote on week during her confirmation battalion in Iraq and has also dations of the two women for those Wednesday to become the next hearing on Capitol Hill that her served in Afghanistan. jobs until after the November 2020 commander of U.S. Southern priorities included expanding She took command of U.S. Army election, fearing the White House Command, which will make her training exercises and other secu- North at Joint Base San Antonio in might nix their selections because just the second woman in history rity cooperation operations with July 2019 after serving as the dep- of their genders. to lead a combatant command. partner nations in the region and uty commander of U.S. Army Esper, who was fired shortly af- Richardson, who now leads U.S. increasing opportunities for part- Forces Command at Fort Bragg, ter Trump’s election loss, told The Army North, will receive a fourth ner nations in the region to send N.C. Times that he and Milley agreed star before taking command of their troops to U.S. military train- Richardson could soon be fol- Richardson and Van Ovost were SOUTHCOM, which oversees ing and education programs. the best, most qualified choices lowed by the third female to lead a U.S. military operations across “We must hasten to pick up the for the positions. He confirmed combatant command. President South and Central America and pieces left by the pandemic and their recommendations were de- Joe Biden nominated Air Force the Caribbean. She will become transform our relationships to layed until after Biden had been Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost to lead just the second female four-star U.S. ARMY NORTH meet 21st-century security chal- elected. U.S. Transportation Command. general in the Army’s history. Army Lt. Gen. Laura Richardson lenges. Put simply, winning to- “They were chosen because The Senate has yet to formally Richardson will replace gether with our allies and partners they were the best officers for the SOUTHCOM’s outgoing chief, manitarian and disaster relief, matters,” Richardson told sen- consider her nomination. jobs, and I didn’t want their pro- Navy Adm. Craig Faller, who has and overseeing the controversial ators. “Whether [it is working] Air Force Gen. Lori Robinson motions derailed because some- led the combatant command detention facility at Guantanamo against [the coronavirus], trans- was the first woman to lead a com- one in the Trump White House headquartered just outside Miami Bay, Cuba. Richardson will also national criminal organizations, batant command. She led U.S saw that I recommended them or since November 2018. The De- inherit responsibility for oper- the predatory actions of China, the Northern Command from 2016 thought [the Defense Depart- fense Department has yet to set a ations in a portion of the globe that malign influence of Russia, or nat- until her retirement in 2018. ment] was playing politics,” Esper date for the change of command, a has been devastated by the ongo- ural disasters, there’s nothing we Biden nominated Richardson told The New York Times in Feb- SOUTHCOM spokesman said ing coronavirus pandemic. She cannot overcome or achieve and Van Ovost for those top jobs in ruary. “This was not the case. Thursday. will also have to work to ensure through an integrated response April, after they were recom- They were the best qualified. We SOUTHCOM leaders have tra- the United States retains its long- with our interagency allies and mended by top Pentagon leaders were doing the right thing.” ditionally faced challenges in the held influence throughout the vast partners.” during President Donald Trump’s region such as drug trafficking, majority of the region, where Rus- Richardson commissioned into administration. The New York [email protected] narcoterrorism, providing hu- sia and China in recent years have the Army as an aviation officer in Times reported in February that Twitter: @CDicksteinDC Army spouse dies Army officer is 29th of virus two weeks to die of coronavirus after giving birth BY CAITLIN DOORNBOS and Army, earning honors in- Stars and Stripes cluding the Defense Meritorious BY TOM LOEWY WASHINGTON — An Army Service Medal, Joint Service The Moline Dispatch and Rock Island Argus officer at Joint Base Lewis- Command Medal, Army Achieve- DAVENPORT, Ill. — A small, stifled cry escaped McChord has become the 29th ment Medal and the Navy and Kaitlin Schepers’ lips Thursday after she closed her service member to die of compli- Marine Corps Achievement Med- eyes and thought about her friend Alexa Sheeder. cations from the coronavirus, the al. Sheeder, an Army spouse, died Tuesday from com- service said Thursday. Flanders is the third service plications of COVID-19 — just 13 days after hearing Lt. Col. Scott Flanders, 56, died member to die of the coronavirus the cries of her newborn boy Barrett. Aug. 2 at Brooke Army Medical in less than a month. Two unvac- “Alexa was always so much fun to be around. She Center in San Antonio, where he cinated sailors — including an ac- included everyone,” Schepers said. “No one was ever was being treated, according to tive-duty doctor — died July 23 left out. You laughed. And she laughed. It was one of the Army. and July 26, respectively. her gifts, I think. Alexa had joy and she shared it. Since February, Flanders The deaths come as Defense “I think her joy came from her life. Alexa loved be- FACEBOOK served as the operations officer Secretary Lloyd Austin prepares ing a wife and mom. That’s the best way I can tell you Army spouse Alexa Sheeder shown here with her for I Corps, which manages daily to make the coronavirus vaccine about her life.” husband Drew Sheeder. activities for more than 44,000 mandatory in the coming month. Sheeder married her husband Drew, who is sta- soldiers stationed at Joint Base The shots are now under the tioned at Fort Rucker in Alabama, six years ago. The Sheeder stayed in the hospital with more severe Lewis-McChord in Washington Food and Drug Administration’s couple’s daughter, Landi, was born almost three symptoms until Aug. 2, when she was sent home. state and across the Pacific in- emergency-use authorization, but years ago. After spending a day at home with her newborn son cluding Hawaii, Alaska and Ja- Austin said he will seek President At the time of her death, Sheeder was living at — who also tested positive for COVID-19 — Sheeder pan, the Army said. Joe Biden’s permission to man- home in Davenport, but had recently relocated to was readmitted to the hospital Aug. 3 and had to be “Our thoughts and prayers are date the vaccine for troops if it Alabama to give birth. intubated Aug. 7. with Lt. Col. Scott Flanders’s does not receive full federal ap- “She was visiting down there to have the baby,” “Alexa had no underlying conditions — other than, family,” said Brig. Gen. Bill proval by mid-September. Schepers said. “Then she got sick.” I guess, pregnancy,” Schepers said. Ryan, special assistant to I Corps’ So far, 1,061,952 service mem- Kaitlin recalled the Sheeders’ unique love story. Schepers explained the Sheeders’ family wanted deputy commanding general. bers are fully vaccinated against “Alexa had no idea who Drew was — only that he people to know Alexa’s story for another reason. “Our priority is to take care of his the coronavirus and 239,926 have was serving in the military,” Schepers said, adding “Alexa was not vaccinated,” Schepers said. “She family, ensuring they have all the received at least one shot, accord- that Drew’s mother was a coworker of Sheeder. was pregnant and she wasn’t sure what she wanted to resources they need during this ing to the Pentagon’s most recent “One day, just to be nice, Alexa asked if she could do. But she did plan to get vaccinated after the birth of difficult time.” data published Wednesday. send Drew a care package,” Schepers said. “Well, the baby. Flanders received his ROTC Since the coronavirus pandem- that grew into this kind of pen-pal thing. And it grew “Alexa’s family doesn’t care about politics. They commission as an air defense ar- ic began, 217,982 service mem- from there. Basically Drew came home and a few want people to know how important the vaccines are tillery officer in May 1994 bers contracted the virus, with weeks later, they were married. It was love at first to help protect us. If you have worries — and many of through the University of Massa- 1,962 of them hospitalized, ac- letter, maybe.” us do — you should go to your doctor or find good chusetts Amherst, according to cording to the data. Sheeder tested positive for COVID-19 on July 25. sources and make informed decisions.” the Army.

She was admitted to a hospital and gave birth to Bar- Kaitlin has started a GoFundMe account that will Throughout his military ca- [email protected] rett on July 28. Barrett went home the same day, but help pay the cost of college for Landri and Barrett. reer, Flanders served in the Navy Twitter: @CaitlinDoornbos PAGE 4 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, August 14, 2021 WAR ON TERRORISM Taliban sweep through southern areas

BY TAMEEM AKHGAR, headquarters and other security RAHIM FAIEZ facilities. He spoke by phone AND JOSEPH KRAUSS from his office, and gunfire could Associated Press be heard in the background. The KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban, however, said they had Taliban completed their sweep of captured the police headquarters Afghanistan’s south on Friday, and a nearby prison. taking four more provincial cap- A day earlier, in Herat, Taliban itals in a lightning offensive that fighters rushed past the Great brought them closer to Kabul just Mosque in the historic city — a weeks before the U.S. is set to of- structure that dates to 500 BC and ficially end its two-decade war. was once a spoil of Alexander the In the last 24 hours, the coun- Great — and seized government try’s second- and third-largest ci- buildings. ties — Herat in the west and Kan- Herat had been under militant dahar in the south — have fallen attack for two weeks, with one to the insurgents, as has the cap- wave blunted by the arrival of ital of the southern province of warlord Ismail Khan and his Helmand, where American, Brit- GULABUDDIN AMIRI/AP forces. But on Thursday after- ish and NATO forces fought some A Taliban fighter stands guard over surrendered Afghan security member forces in the city of Ghazni, noon, Taliban fighters broke of the bloodiest battles of the con- Afghanistan, Friday. through the city’s defensive lines. flict. The insurgents circulated pho- The blitz through the Taliban’s mand, said the Taliban captured fears the Taliban will return the since the end of May, and 80% of tos and a video showing Khan in southern heartland means the in- Lashkar Gah following weeks of country to the sort of brutal, re- those displaced are women and their captivity as well as video surgents now hold half of Afghan- heavy fighting and raised their pressive rule it imposed when it children. In all, the agency said, footage that appeared to show istan’s 34 provincial capitals and white flag over governmental was last in power at the turn of some 400,000 civilians have been captured military helicopters. control more than two-thirds of buildings. He said that three ar- the millennium. At that time, the displaced since the beginning of At least 18 civilians were killed the country. The Western-backed my bases outside of the city re- group all but eliminated women’s the year, joining millions who and more than 250 wounded in government in the capital, Kabul, main under government control. rights and conducted public exe- have fled previous rounds of the two-week battle for Herat, ac- still holds a smattering of prov- In Tirin Kot, the capital of the cutions as it imposed an unspar- fighting in recent decades. cording to Mohammad Arif Jala- inces in the center and east, as southern Uruzgan province, Tali- ing version of Islamic law. An Peace talks in Qatar between li, head of the city’s public hospi- well as the northern city of Ma- ban fighters paraded through a early sign of such tactics came in the Taliban and the government tal. He said more than 50 women zar-i-Sharif. main square, driving a Humvee Herat, where insurgents paraded remain stalled, though diplomats and children were among the While Kabul is not directly un- and a pickup seized from Afghan two alleged looters through the are still meeting, as the U.S., Eu- wounded. It’s unclear how many der threat yet, the resurgent Tali- forces. Local officials confirmed streets on Friday with black ropean and Asian nations warned people were killed and wounded ban were battling government that the Taliban also captured the makeup smeared on their faces. that battlefield gains would not in battles elsewhere across the forces in Logar province, some 50 capitals of Zabul province in the There are also concerns that lead to political recognition. country. miles from the capital. The U.S. south and Ghor in the west. the fighting could plunge the “We demand an immediate end In Kandahar, insurgents seized military has estimated that Kabul With security rapidly deterio- country into civil war, which is to attacks against cities, urge a the governor’s office and other could come under insurgent pres- rating, the United States planned what happened after the Soviets political settlement, and warn buildings, witnesses said, adding sure within 30 days and that the to send in 3,000 troops to help withdrew in 1989. that a government imposed by that the governor and other offi- Taliban could overrun the rest of evacuate some personnel from “We are worried. There is force will be a pariah state,” said cials fled. They spoke on condi- the country within a few months. the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. Bri- fighting everywhere in Afghanis- Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. envoy tion of anonymity because the de- They have already taken over tain and Canada are also sending tan. The provinces are falling day to the talks. feat has yet to be acknowledged much of the north and west of the forces to aid their evacuations. by day,” said Ahmad Sakhi, a res- But the Taliban advance con- by the government, which has not country. Denmark said it will temporarily ident of Kabul. “The government tinued. commented on the latest advanc- In the south, insurgents swept close its embassy, while Germany should do something. The people Hasibullah Stanikzai, the head es. through three provincial capitals is reducing its embassy staff to are facing lots of problems.” of the Logar provincial council, The Taliban had earlier at- on Friday. the “absolute minimum.” The U.N. refugee agency said said fighting was still underway tacked a prison in Kandahar and Attaullah Afghan, the head of Hundreds of thousands of Af- nearly 250,000 Afghans have inside Puli-e Alim, with govern- freed inmates inside, officials the provincial council in Hel- ghans have fled their homes amid been forced to flee their homes ment forces holding the police said. US rushes in troops to speed evacuations from Kabul Associated Press the 82nd Airborne Division — could withstand the Taliban when that the U.S. would respond if the U.S. soon will have evacuation WASHINGTON — Three thou- were bound for Kuwait. Pentagon Western troops finally withdrew. Taliban attacked Americans dur- planes flying out daily, for those sand fresh U.S. troops were rush- spokesman John Kirby said the The Taliban, emboldened by the ing the stepped-up deployments Afghan translators and others who ing to Kabul on Friday in a tempo- combat troops would be a reserve imminent end of the U.S. combat and evacuations. manage to reach the Kabul airport rary deployment to speed evacua- force on standby “in case we need mission in the country, took four Americans are preparing a mil- despite the fighting. tion flights for some American even more” than the 3,000 going to more provincial capitals Friday. itary base abroad to receive and The number of Afghans flown diplomats and thousands of Af- Kabul. The advance is gradually encir- house large numbers of those Af- out under the special visa program ghans, as the Taliban pressed a The temporary buildup of cling Kabul, home to millions of ghan translators and others as is going to “grow very quickly in lightning offensive that has cap- troops for U.S. evacuations high- Afghans. their visa applications are proc- the coming days,” Price said. tured much of the country and lights the stunning pace of the Ta- The U.S. had already withdrawn essed. The Biden administration Shortly before Price’s announ- risks isolating Afghanistan’s capi- liban takeover of much of the most of its troops, but had kept has not identified the base, but ear- cement, the U.S. Embassy in Ka- tal city. country, less than three weeks be- about 650 troops in Afghanistan to lier was talking with both Kuwait bul urged U.S. citizens to leave im- The Pentagon also was moving fore the U.S. is set to officially end support U.S. diplomatic security, and Qatar about using U.S. bases mediately — reiterating a warning another 4,500 to 5,000 troops to nearly 20 years of combat in Af- including at the airport. there for the temporary reloca- it first issued Saturday. bases in the Gulf countries of Qa- ghanistan. Kirby said Thursday the influx tions. The latest drawdown will fur- tar and Kuwait, including 1,000 to President Joe Biden has re- of fresh troops does not mean the As of Thursday, the U.S. has ther limit the ability of the embas- Qatar to speed up visa processing mained adamant about ending the U.S. is reentering combat with the flown 1,200 Afghans — former sy to conduct business, although for Afghan translators and others U.S. mission in Afghanistan on Taliban. American employees and their Price maintained it would still be who fear retribution from the Tali- Aug. 31, insisting the American “This is a temporary mission families whose visas are farthest able to function. Nonessential per- ban for their past work with Amer- and NATO mission that launched with a narrow focus,” he told re- along in the approval process — to sonal had already been withdrawn icans, and their family members. Oct. 7, 2001, has done what it could porters at the Pentagon. Fort Lee, Va. from the embassy in April after Bi- The remainder — 3,500 to 4,000 to build up a Kabul-based Afghan The Biden administration State Department spokesman den’s withdrawal announcement troops from a combat brigade of government and military that warned Taliban officials directly Ned Price said Thursday that the that same month. Saturday, August 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 5 WAR ON TERRORISM Afghans fly out, sleep in parks to flee Taliban

BY PHILLIP WALTER “To leave, you need a lot of WELLMAN money, and we simply cannot af- Stars and Stripes ford it,” Amina said. “I don’t even KABUL, Afghanistan — The have my own tent. I’m sharing it exodus from the capital has begun with others.” for those who can afford it. Anjamudin, an ex-local police EZEKIEL R. KITANDWE/U.S. Marine Corps Demand for visas and plane officer in northern Baghlan prov- U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Richard Mills walks off the flight line at Bastion airfield, Camp Leatherneck, tickets out of Afghanistan has ince, fled with his family of five Afghanistan, in April 2010. been up ever since President Joe after the fall of the provincial cap- Biden announced the withdrawal ital Pul-e-Khumi, believing his of U.S. forces in April. But the Ta- former job put his life in danger. Veterans: liban’s takeover of Kandahar and “Look around. Everyone here is Some feel betrayal in US exit Herat, Afghanistan’s second and desperate, and this is the govern- FROM PAGE 1 third largest cities, along with ment’s fault,” said Anjamudin, 2010. many provincial capitals, has sent who also has been living in the The withdrawal was “a betrayal demand skyrocketing. park. of American and international “Almost all flights are full these “It’s the government’s job to de- forces who have expended so days, and the prices for tickets fend the country, but whenever much in life and limb to prevent have gone up,” said Mujeeb Rez- an area is surrounded by the ene- the resurgence of the Taliban,” qi, a Kabul travel agent. “It’s be- my, it just collapses. It’s as if no Fennessy said in a Facebook cause everyone is afraid. They one is defending the country,” An- message. don’t want to live under a regime jamudin said. Some U.S. troops should have that will only bring destruction to Anjamudin said he doesn’t want stayed in the country to preserve Afghanistan.” to leave Afghanistan. He held out the gains of the last 20 years, he But for most, leaving the coun- hope Friday that the government said. try isn’t an option. would be able to provide shelter “I am disgusted,” he said. Some of the scenes at Shar-e- for its displaced citizens. Other troops spoke about the MATTHEW CHLOSTA/U.S. Army now Park in central Kabul, a cou- Those who have found ways to way the withdrawal imperils their U.S. Air Force Maj. Christy Barry speaks Dari with Afghan national ple of miles from the U.S. Embas- leave have generally sought out Afghan friends and co-workers. army officers in 2009 at the Counter Insurgency Training Academy on sy, resembled those of better the most affluent countries that “Maybe we stayed longer than Camp Julien, Afghanistan. times: small children climbed all would take them. Abdul Hamid we should have, but the manner in over the jungle gym, while older Hamdan, a business owner in Ja- which we pulled out, it’s just unfor- support for the government and boys raced across the dusty lalabad, said he will leave for In- tunate, and my heart breaks,” said turn people against the Taliban. ground to a water fountain. dia. From there, he will try to get Christy Barry, who deployed to U.S. Marines and British troops Some of those children are also to Europe or North America. Afghanistan multiple times as launched the Battle of Sangin in sleeping in the park, after fleeing Like many Afghans, Hamdan both an Air Force officer and a ci- part to secure supply lines to the hundreds of miles with their fam- partly blamed the withdrawal of vilian adviser. dam. It was the bloodiest cam- ilies from cities taken by the Tali- U.S. forces for the chaos gripping Like other veterans, Barry said paign of the war, with more than ban. the country. she’s been deluged with messages 100 coalition troops killed in ac- Amina, a widow who like many “When the first province was from people seeking her help to tion. of her compatriots goes by one captured by the Taliban, I decid- get visas to escape the country. With U.S. help, the Afghan gov- name, left the northern city of ed to leave,” Hamdan said by Barry learned about Afghanis- ernment installed a third turbine Kunduz with her four children af- phone. “Anything can happen any tan’s culture and received lan- generator in the dam in 2017, ter the city fell earlier in the week. minute here. I don’t feel safe any- guage training as part of the Af- greatly increasing the electricity The family huddled alongside more.” ghanistan-Pakistan Hands, which SEAN GUSTAFSON supply to the region, a 2019 report pitched tents and blankets spread aimed to build a cadre of military Students thank U.S. troops for by the United States Agency for on the ground. Zubair Babakarkhail contributed to this report. officers who could advise local the school built for them in Shadi International Development said. leaders in their own languages. Jam, a town in the Afghan But the dam’s success did noth- In a phone call Thursday, she re- province of Herat. ing to stem the Taliban’s power in called the days when she thought Helmand, which fell to the mili- she was making a difference in the making a difference,” she said. tant group Friday. country. In 2010, Barry helped “And looking back on it now, I still The U.S. came close to “turning start a women’s bazaar in partner- feel that way, but it’s with a sad- the tide” in Helmand province, ship with two Afghan Americans. ness.” Mills said in a phone call Thurs- The project gave jobs to women in Many U.S., British, Afghan and day. He said Americans had con- need by allowing them to sell allied troops sacrificed much in structed several pillars of stability goods at U.S. bases. pursuit of a modernized Afghanis- in Helmand by shoring up the Then Barry learned in 2015, tan, said Richard Mills, a retired economy, establishing schools and when she came to Afghanistan as a Marine lieutenant general who providing security. civilian adviser, that the bazaar commanded in the southern prov- “It’s sad to see that those pillars had stopped coming to the bases. ince of Helmand from 2009 to 2011. are being destroyed one at a time Commanders who came after her Mills recalled efforts to build by the Taliban,” Mills said. “To see discontinued it, which is when she the enormous Kajaki Dam, with it snatched away, of course it’s said she first felt disheartened hopes of bringing electrical power hard.” about her earlier achievements. and prosperity to the area. “You pour your heart into it, and The U.S. invested more than PHILLIP WALTER WELLMAN/Stars and Stripes Zubair Babakarkhail contributed to this report. at the time, it feels like you’re do- $775 million into the dam since [email protected] A family waits at a Kabul park on Friday. ing something great and you’re 2004, betting that it would bolster Twitter: @jplawrence3  PAGE 6 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, August 14, 2021 VIRUS OUTBREAK States that had grip on COVID now have surge Associated Press where patients are left on gurneys The COVID-19 surge that is in hallways, their monitoring ma- sending hospitalizations to all- chines beeping away. Others time highs in parts of the South is needing treatment for cancer or also clobbering states like Hawaii heart disease are being turned and Oregon that were once seen as away. pandemic success stories. The U.S. is seeing the virus After months in which they kept storming back, driven by a combi- cases and hospitalizations at man- nation of the highly contagious ageable levels, they are watching delta variant and lagging vaccina- /AP progress slip away as record num- tion rates, especially in the South MIKE STEWART bers of patients overwhelm bone- and other rural and conservative A pro­mask demonstrator, right, speaks with a non­mask demonstrator, left at the Cobb County School Board Headquarters during a pro mask wearing protest, Thursday, in Marietta, Ga. tired health care workers. parts of the country. Oregon — like Florida, Arkan- New cases nationwide are ave- sas, Mississippi and Louisiana in took three weeks — much longer ment,” Cabatu said. coming and knowing that there’s raging about 123,000 per day, a recent days — has more people in than expected — to get from 50% “I’m surprised we landed here,” an opportunity to switch tracks, level last seen in early February, the hospital with COVID-19 than to 60% of the vaccine-eligible pop- she lamented. “The hope during yet we feel helpless while we and deaths are running at over 500 at any other point in the pandemic. ulation fully vaccinated. Vaccina- the mass vax clinics was just so watch unnecessary loss of life,” a day, turning the clock back to Hawaii is about to reach that tions have since plateaued. Na- high.” said David Zonies, associate chief May. mark, too. tionally, the rate is about 59%. In Oregon, a record number of medical officer at Portland’s Ore- This, despite both states having For the most part during the The biggest hospital on Hawai- COVID-19 hospitalizations — 670 gon Health & Science University. vaccination levels higher than the pandemic, Hawaii enjoyed one of i’s Big Island is feeling the pres- — was reported for a third straight Public health officials in the national average as of last week. the lowest infection and death sure. Out of 128 acute beds, 116 day Thursday. ICU beds across southern part of the state said they Arkansas and Louisiana were sig- rates in the nation. In recent days, were taken Wednesday at Hilo the state remain about 90% full fear the situation will only get nificantly below average, while though, it reported record highs of Medical Center, and the hospital’s with COVID-19 patients occupy- worse as the delta variant spreads Florida was about even. Mississip- more than 600 new virus cases 11 intensive care unit beds are al- ing 177 of them, the Oregon Health through a region where fewer pi, meanwhile, ranks at the very daily. most always full these days, spo- Authority said. The previous peak than half the residents have been bottom for vaccination rates. On its worst day in 2020, Hawaii keswoman Elena Cabatu said. of 622 hospitalizations came dur- fully vaccinated. “It’s heartbreaking. People are had 291 patients hospitalized with “If someone out there has a ing a November surge. “I’m fearful that the darkest exhausted. You can see it in their the coronavirus. Officials expect heart attack or a sepsis or gets into “Our doctors and nurses are ex- days of this pandemic may still be eyes,” said Dr. Jason Kuhl, chief to hit 300 by the end of this week. a bad accident that requires inten- hausted and rightfully frustrated ahead of us,” said Chris Pizzi, CEO medical officer at Oregon’s Provi- Despite the promising demand sive care, we will have to hold that because this crisis is avoidable. It of Providence Medical Center in dence Medford Medical Center, for COVID-19 shots early on, it person in the emergency depart- is like watching a train wreck Medford. Biden aims for tough vaccine rules without backlash Associated Press from using all his powers to pres- the latest virus wave, have spent WASHINGTON — When the sure Americans to get vaccinated. weeks feuding over the proper pace of vaccinations in the U.S. He’s held off, for instance, on pro- role of government during a pub- first began to slow, President Joe posals to require vaccinations for lic health crisis. Biden backed incentives like mil- all air travelers or, for that matter, There is notable support for lion-dollar cash lotteries if that’s the federal workforce. The result vaccine mandates. According to a what it took to get shots in arms. is a precarious balancing act as Bi- recent poll from the Kaiser Fam- But as new coronavirus infections den works to make life more un- ily Foundation, 51% of Americans soar, he’s testing a tougher ap- comfortable for the unvaccinated say the federal government proach. without spurring a backlash in a should recommend that employ- In just the past two weeks, Bi- deeply polarized country that ers require their workers to get den has forced millions of federal would only undermine his public vaccinated, while 45% say it workers to attest to their vaccina- health goals. should not. tion status or face onerous new re- Vaccine mandates are “the For now, Biden has required quirements. He’s met with busi- right lever at the right time,” said most federal workers to attest to ness leaders at the White House to Ben Wakana, the deputy director their vaccination status under po- press them to do the same. of strategic communications and tential criminal penalties, with Meanwhile, the administration engagement for the White House those who have not received a has taken steps toward mandating COVID-19 response, noting the shots for people traveling into the public’s increasing confidence in dose required to maintain social U.S. from overseas. And the White the vaccines and adding that it distancing, test weekly for the vi- House is weighing options to be LAURIE SKRIVAN, ST. LOUIS POST­DISPATCH/AP marks a new phase in the govern- rus and face other potential re- more assertive at the state and lo- Toni Gwynn, 13, who shows her mom two tickets to a St. Louis ment’s campaign to encourage strictions on their work. cal level, including potential sup- Cardinals game she received after getting the first dose of the Pfizer Americans to get shots. Health workers at the Depart- port for school districts imposing COVID­19 vaccination on Tuesday, at North Central Community Many Republicans, particularly ment of Veterans Affairs and the rules to prevent spread of the vi- Health Center in Pine Lawn, Mo. those eyeing the party’s 2024 pres- Department of Health and Hu- rus over the objection of Republi- idential nomination, disagree and man Services will be required to can leaders. nors politicizing mask protection stand with you all, and America warn of federal overreaching into get vaccinated, and the Pentagon “To the mayors, school superin- for our kids: thank you,” Biden should as well.” decisions that should be left to in- has announced that it intends to tendents, educators, local leaders, said Thursday. “Thank God that But even as Biden becomes dividuals. Biden and Gov. Ron De- mandate vaccines for the military who are standing up to the gover- we have heroes like you, and I more aggressive, he has refrained Santis of Florida, an epicenter of by next month. Saturday, August 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 7 NATION Moderate Dems demand passage of infrastructure bill BY ALAN FRAM House will not vote on the $1 tril- Associated Press lion package of road, rail, water WASHINGTON — Moderate and other infrastructure projects House Democrats say they would until the Senate sends the House sink a crucial fiscal blueprint out- the companion $3.5 trillion bill. lining $3.5 trillion in social and en- Pelosi has set that sequence be- vironment spending unless a sep- cause her party’s progressives arate infrastructure bill is ap- have worried that if the infrastruc- proved first, a new complication ture bill is approved first, moder- for the divided party’s drive to en- ates unhappy with the separate J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE/AP act President Joe Biden’s domes- $3.5 trillion measure’s cost would Ben Crump, the civil rights attorney representing George Floyd’s family, speaks to reporters after they tic agenda. feel free to vote against it, causing met with Sen. Cory Booker, D­N.J., about police reform legislation, at the Capitol in Washington May 25. The centrists’ threat directly de- its defeat. fies House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s A senior House Democratic announced aide said the party doesn’t have plans, and she is enough votes to pass the infras- Prospects for bipartisan policing initially showing tructure bill this month, explain- no signs of back- ing that dozens of Democrats overhaul deal growing more faint ing down. It also would vote against that measure completes a two- unless it comes after the House Associated Press closer, both parties are increas- nal Order of Police have resisted sided squeeze on gets the Senate’s $3.5 trillion social WASHINGTON — Prospects ingly compelled to bank on issues easing those limitations. the California and environmental bill. The aide seem increasingly faint for a bi- they can use against their rivals, Negotiators are also divided Democrat, who was not authorized to publicly dis- Pelosi partisan Senate deal on overhaul- weakening the political will for over whether to ease the stan- has received cuss the party’s internal dynamics ing policing practices as dead- compromise. dards for bringing criminal cases similar pressure from her party’s and spoke on condition of anonym- locked lawmakers have fled the “We all have to make sure we against officers for excessive use progressives. ity. Capitol for August recess and po- don’t lose this moment,” Ben of force. Democrats can only pass legis- Leaders of the Congressional litical pressure for an accord eas- Crump, an attorney representing “I had hoped that we’d be done lation in the narrowly divided Progressive Caucus, which in- es with each passing week. the families of Floyd and other by now, but we are still trading House if they lose no more than cludes nearly 100 House Demo- Bargainers insist they’re still Black victims of police shootings, paper and making incremental three votes. Solid Republican op- crats, say many of their members talking and haven’t abandoned said in an interview Thursday. progress,” South Carolina Sen. position seems certain. have indicated they would vote hope, though they’ve repeatedly “Time right now is an enemy of Tim Scott, the chief Republican “We will not consider voting for against the infrastructure bill until blown past self-imposed dead- a deal,” said James Pasco, exec- negotiator, told reporters this abudget resolution until the bipar- the expansive $3.5 trillion legisla- lines. This spring, President Joe utive director of the Fraternal Or- week. tisan Infrastructure Investment tion has cleared the Senate. Biden pumped momentum into der of Police, the police union. Scott, who in May set a “June or and Jobs Act passes the House and The Senate approved the budget talks with a nationally televised The Senate’s policing talks are bust” goal that never material- is signed into law,” nine centrists resolution early Wednesday over address telling Congress to “get it aimed at writing compromise leg- ized, declined to say whether an wrote in a letter to Pelosi obtained solid GOP opposition, hours after done” by May 25, the anniversary islation curbing law enforcement agreement would be reached this Friday by The Associated Press. it approved the infrastructure bill of a Minneapolis police officer’s agencies’ use of force and making year. He said ongoing violence Ultimate House passage of the with bipartisan support. killing of George Floyd, a Black them more accountable for abus- like this month’s slaying of a Chi- budget resolution seems certain House Majority Leader Steny man. es. cago police officer “has made this because without it, Senate Repub- Hoyer, D-Md., has announced that That didn’t happen. For months, bargainers have a more important process, in my licans would be able to use a fil- the House will return early from Now, Washington’s focus is been stymied over Democrats’ opinion, and a longer process.” ibuster, or procedural delays, to its summer recess, on Aug. 23, to shifting to Biden’s drive to spend demands to make individual po- Scott’s Democratic counter- kill a follow-up $3.5 trillion mea- vote on the budget and perhaps trillions on social, environmental lice officers accused of abuses lia- part, New Jersey Sen. Cory Book- sure bolstering social safety net other legislation. and public works programs, one ble for civil penalties. It’s current- er, would say little. and climate change programs. The letter was dated Thursday of many budget showdowns that ly difficult to pursue such actions “I’m just putting my head down That measure, not expected until and reported earlier by Punch- will clog Congress’ autumn calen- in all but the most egregious and getting the work done as autumn, represents the heart of bowl News, a publication that cov- dar. With next year’s elections for cases. Republicans and law en- quickly as we can,” he told report- Biden’s domestic agenda. ers Capitol Hill, and The New House and Senate control edging forcement groups like the Frater- ers recently. Pelosi has repeatedly said the York Times. Texas law enforcement enlisted to end Democrats’ holdout Associated Press turned to Texas but remain ab- facing arrest and have spent days were elected to do,” Republican neither side showing any certain- AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Re- sent from the state House of Rep- petitioning courts in Texas for or- Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted. ty over what comes next as Re- publicans enlisted the help of law resentatives. ders that would prevent them The Texas Department of Pub- publicans remain determined to enforcement for the first time “Earlier today the House Ser- from being forced to return to the lic Safety, the state’s law enforce- secure a quorum of 100 present Thursday to force the return of geant-at-Arms deputized mem- Capitol. ment division, said in a statement lawmakers — a threshold they Democratic legislators who fled bers of Texas law enforcement to But in another setback, the Tex- that it did not “discuss operational were just four members shy of re- the state a month ago to block new assist in the House’s efforts to as Supreme Court halted those or- specifics” and referred further aching. voting restrictions. compel a quorum. That process ders Thursday. Some Democrats questions to Phelan’s office. Democrats acknowledge they The move, a significant escala- will begin in earnest immediate- have previously said they would The NAACP had stepped in on cannot permanently stop the GOP tion in the holdout, came a day af- ly,” said Enrique Marquez, a not rule out again leaving Texas behalf of the Texas Democrats, voting bill from passing because ter officers of the Texas House of spokesman for Republican House — and outside the jurisdiction of urging the Justice Department to of Republicans’ dominance in Representatives served civil ar- Speaker Dade Phelan. state troopers — if there were no investigate whether a federal both chambers of the Texas Leg- rest warrants to the offices of He did not say which law en- court protections in place. crime was being committed when islature. more than 50 Democrats who forcement agencies were in- “The Dems have filed some of Republicans threatened to have Refusing to attend legislative have not returned to the Capitol volved or what measures they the most embarrassing lawsuits them arrested. sessions is a violation of House since fleeing for Washington, would take, but Democrats have ever seen. Time for them to get to The Texas Legislature has en- rules — a civil offense, not a crim- D.C., on July 12. Some have re- acknowledged the possibility of the Capitol and do the job they tered uncommon territory with inal one. PAGE 8 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, August 14, 2021 NATION Wildfires threatening towns in Mont., Calif.

BY MATTHEW BROWN brush, short grass and timber, fire officials Associated Press said. LAME DEER, Mont. — Wildfires in Mon- The same conditions turned California’s tana threatened rural towns and ranchland, Dixie Fire into a furious blaze that last week and victims of a California blaze returned to burned down much of the small town of their incinerated town even as the region Greenville in the northern Sierra Nevada. faced another round of dangerous weather. The fire that began a month ago has de- Firefighters and residents scrambled to stroyed some 550 homes. save hundreds of homes as flames continued On Thursday, residents were trying to to advance on the Northern Cheyenne Indi- cope with the magnitude of the losses. an Reservation in southeastern Montana. “Everything that I own is now ashes or Since Sunday, the fire has carved its way twisted metal. That’s just all it is,” said through some 260 square miles and prompt- Greenville resident Ken Donnell, who es- PETE CASTER, LEWISTON TRIBUNE/AP ed evacuation orders for thousands of peo- caped with just the clothes on his back. A wildland firefighter grimaces as he walks back to his crew after doing recon on a fire ple. Donnell said he was heart-broken but “by cresting into the trees Thursday at the Bedrock Fire north of Lenore, Idaho. As the fire raged across rugged hills and God, I’m gonna smile. Because you know, it narrow ravines, tribal member Darlene just makes things a little bit better and a little contained and fire officials warned that hot than a dozen states. Small helped her grandson move about 100 bit better right now is a lot.” weather would continue and Northern Cali- In Montana, days of swirling winds spread head of cattle to a new pasture, only to relo- Sam Prentice, a firefighter for the USDA fornia would see a red flag warning of criti- flames in all directions, torching trees and cate them twice more as the flames from the Forest Service battled the flames in Green- cal fire weather beginning Friday after- blowing embers that flew across a dry land- Richard Spring fire bore down, she said ville on Aug. 5, when the town was leveled. noon. The weather would bring a chance of scape. Thursday. An extreme drought that’s blan- He was not optimistic on Greenville’s ability dry lightning that could spark new blazes The fire had crept within about a mile of keting the West has made matters worse by to rebuild. even as crews continue trying to surround a the eastern edge of the evacuated town of stunting vegetation untouched by fire. “Essentially it starts to become an archae- number of other forest fires that were ignit- Lame Deer, home to about 2,000 people, the “They’ve got to have pasture where ology site — kind of a testament to the fire era ed by lightning last month. tribal headquarters and several subdivi- there’s water. If there’s no water, there’s no that we’re in right now,” Prentice said. “It’s Hot, dry weather with strong afternoon sions. good pasture,” Small said. Particularly hard daunting.” winds also propelled several fires in Wash- With 40-foot flames visible from parts of hit were some ranchers already depending The fire had ravaged more than 800 ington state and similar weather was ex- Lame Deer, firefighters worked into early on surplus grass after a fire burned them off square miles and continued to threaten pected into the weekend, fire officials said. Thursday morning to keep the blaze from their normal pasture last year, she said. more than a dozen rural and forest commu- Unstable weather was forecast through- destroying houses. None were reported lost, Gusts and low humidity were creating ex- nities. out the drought-stricken West, where more but officials continued assessing the dam- treme fire behavior as flames devoured Despite firefighting progress, it was 31% than 100 large fires were burning in more age. Pacific Northwest heat wave spurs help for Fred expected to reach Florida vulnerable residents, especially the homeless by Saturday BY GILLIAN FLACCUS somewhere that’s cool, as cool as Associated Press Associated Press possible.” HAVANA — Tropical depres- PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon The encampment, where rust- sion Fred was slowly strengthen- volunteers scrambled to hand out ed-out cars and broken-down RVs ing and had the potential to regain water, portable fans, Popsicles mixed with tents and piles of gar- tropical storm status sometime on and information about cooling bage, was in sharp contrast to Friday, ahead of its projected track shelters to homeless people living downtown Portland, where towards the Florida Keys and in isolated encampments on the sweaty pedestrians cooled off by southwest Florida, forecasters outskirts of Portland as the Pacific running through a large public said. Northwest sweated through an- fountain in a riverfront park. The system was dropping heavy other heat wave. Luna Abadia, 17, was out train- rain over parts of Cuba in the early In an area more used to temper- ing with her cross country team morning hours and was expected ate weather, authorities are trying from Lincoln High School in the to reach Florida by Saturday, the to provide relief to the vulnerable, morning when the group stopped U.S. National Weather Service including low-income older peo- for a few minutes at the fountain. said. ple and those living outdoors. They The runners normally train at 4 The main threats were rain and are mindful of a record-shattering NATHAN HOWARD/AP p.m., but in recent weeks, they flooding. A tropical storm warning heat wave in late June that killed Katherine Morgan wipes sweat from her forehead while walking to have had to shift it to 8 a.m. — and was issued Friday morning for the hundreds in Oregon, Washington work in high temperatures Thursday in Portland, Ore. it’s still oppressively hot, she said. Florida Keys and Florida Bay. A and British Columbia when the “It was very hot, lots of sweat. tropical storm watch was in place thermometer went as high as 116 with mental illness used three cles handed out by the group and That’s something we’ve noticed in for southwest Florida and parts of degrees Fahrenheit. large vans to transport water and told volunteers that the temper- the past week or so,” Abadia said. Cuba. In Portland, temperatures reac- other cooling items to homeless ature at his campsite reached 105 F Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has de- The hurricane center said 3 to 7 hed 103 F by late afternoon Thurs- encampments along the Columbia the day before. A huge cooler full of clared a state of emergency and ac- inches of rain were expected day and more heat was expected River on the eastern outskirts of food spoiled when all the ice melt- tivated an emergency operations across the Florida Keys and south- Friday. It was hotter than Phoenix, the city. ed and he couldn’t find any more to center, citing the potential for dis- ern peninsula by Monday, with iso- where the desert city hit a below- The effort was important be- buy. ruptions to the power grid and lated maximums of 10 inches. normal 100 F. In Seattle, highs cause people experiencing home- “It’s miserable. I can’t handle transportation. City and county The Miami-based U.S. hurricane were in the 90s in a region where lessness are often reluctant to go to the heat no matter what. So, I governments have opened cooling center said Fred had maximum many don’t have air conditioning. cooling centers, said Kim James, mean, it’s hard to stand. Even in centers, extended public library sustained winds of 35 mph Friday In Bellingham, Wash., on Thurs- director of homeless and housing the shade it’s too hot,” said Zalitis, hours and waived bus fare for morning and was centered just day the high hit 100 F for the first support for Cascadia Behavioral who became homeless last year those headed to cooling centers. A north of Cuba’s coast. The system time on record. Healthcare. when the apartment where he 24-hour statewide help line will di- was about 370 miles east-southeast In Portland, a nonprofit group Scott Zalitis, who was shirtless subleased a room burned down in rect callers to the nearest cooling of Key West, Fla. Fred was headed that serves the homeless and those in the heat, ate lime-green Popsi- an electrical fire. “You want to stay shelter and offer safety tips. west-northwest at 10 mph. Saturday, August 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 9 NATION Census sets up redistricting fight

Associated Press in redistricting. The once-a-decade battle over The Census Bureau said five of redistricting is set to be a show- the 14 U.S. cities that grew by at down over the suburbs, as new least 100,000 people are located in census data showed rapid growth Texas — Austin, Dallas, Fort around some of the nation’s large- Worth, Houston and San Antonio. st cities and shrinking population Four of the nation’s 10 fastest in many rural counties. growing cities also were Texas From Texas to Florida, some of suburbs — Frisco and McKinney the biggest gains reported Thurs- near Dallas; Conroe near Hous- day came in states where Repub- ton, and New Braunfels near San licans will control the redistricting Antonio. All are prime battle process, but often in and around grounds for redistricting. cities where Democrats have been By contrast, many Texas coun- faring well in recent elections. ties outside of its metropolitan ar- MORRY GASH/AP The new detailed population da- eas saw populations decline, the People enjoy a hot summer day Thursday at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee. The Census Bureau has issued ta from the 2020 census will serve Census Bureau said. its most detailed portrait yet of how the U.S. has changed over the past decade. as the building block to redraw 429 Republicans, who currently U.S. House districts in 44 states hold 23 of the 36 U.S. House seats and 7,383 state legislative districts in Texas, will have full control across the U.S. The official goal is over the redistricting process, al- Census data: US is diversifying to ensure each district has roughly lowing them to decide where to the same number of people. draw the two new seats the state is and white population shrinking But many Republicans and gaining. But that could be compli- Democrats also will be trying to cated because Democrats gener- Associated Press cial or ethnic group for people decade. The Asian population reac- ensure the new lines divide and ally have fared better in Texas No racial or ethnic group dom- younger than 18, as the share of non- hed 24 million people in 2020, and combine voters in ways that make suburbs in recent elections. inates for those under age 18, and Hispanic whites in the age group the Hispanic population hit 62.1 mil- it more likely for their party’s can- Though Republican Donald white people declined in numbers dropped from 53.5% to 47.3% over lion people. didates to win future elections, a Trump carried Texas by more for the first time on record in the the decade. The Hispanic boom accounted process called gerrymandering. than 6 percentage points in the overall U.S. population as the His- The share of children in the U.S. for almost half of the overall U.S. The parties’ successes in that ef- 2020 presidential election, he and panic and Asian populations declined because of falling birth population growth, which was the fort could determine whether tax- Democrat Joe Biden essentially boomed this past decade, according rates, while the share of adults slowest since the Great Depression. es and spending grow, climate- split voters who identified as sub- to the 2020 census data. grew, driven by aging baby boom- By comparison, the non-Hispanic change polices are approved or ac- urbanites, according to The Asso- The figures released Thursday ers. Adults over 18 made up more growth rate over the decade was cess to abortion is expanded or ciated Press’ VoteCast. Trump by the U.S. Census Bureau offered than three-quarters of the popula- 4.3%. The Hispanic share of the U.S. curtailed. won decisively among men and the most detailed portrait yet of how tion in 2020, or 258.3 million people, population grew to 18.7% of the U.S. Republicans need to gain just Biden had a wide advantage the country has changed since 2010 an increase of more than 10% from population, up from 16.3% in 2010. five seats to take control of the U.S. among women in the Texas sub- and will also be instrumental in re- 2010. However, the population of The share of the white population House in the 2022 elections — a urbs. drawing the nation’s political maps. children under age 18 dropped from fell from 63.7% in 2010 to 57.8% in margin that could potentially be The GOP will control redistrict- The numbers are sure to set off an 74.2 million in 2010 to 73.1 million in 2020, the lowest on record, driven covered through artful redistrict- ing in 20 states accounting for 187 intense partisan battle over repre- 2020. by falling birthrates among white ing. As they did after the 2010 cen- U.S. House seats, including the sentation at a time of deep national “If not for Hispanics, Asians, peo- women compared with Hispanic sus, Republicans will hold greater growing states of Texas, Florida, division and fights over voting ple of two or more races, those are and Asian women. The number of sway in more states over the redis- Georgia and North Carolina, rights. The numbers could help de- the only groups underage that are non-Hispanic white people shrank tricting process. where the governor is a Democrat, termine control of the House in the growing,” said William Frey, a se- from 196 million in 2010 to 191 mil- “The question is going to be how but the legislature has complete 2022 elections and provide an elec- nior fellow at Brookings’ Metropoli- lion. creative this new data will force control of drawing new electoral toral edge for years to come. tan Policy Program. “A lot of these White people continue to be the Republicans to get in maintaining lines. The data also will shape how $1.5 young minorities are important for most prevalent racial or ethnic or expanding their advantages, Democrats will control redis- trillion in annual federal spending is our future growth, not only for the group, though that changed in Cali- given an increasingly diverse, in- tricting in just eight states ac- distributed. child population but for our future fornia, where Hispanics became creasingly urban population,” counting for 75 seats, including The data offered a mirror not only labor force.” the largest racial or ethnic group, said Joshua Blank, research direc- New York and Illinois, where the into the demographic changes of The Asian and Hispanic popula- growing from 37.6% to 39.4% over tor of the Texas Politics Project at loss of a seat in each gives them a the past decade, but also a glimpse tions burgeoned from 2010 to 2020, the decade, while the share of white the University of Texas. chance to squeeze out Republican of the future. To that end, they respectively increasing by around a people dropped from 40.1% to Texas will be a major focal point incumbents. showed there is now no majority ra- third and almost a quarter over the 34.7%. NY let childhood sexual abuse victims sue; 9,000 went to court Associated Press may be felt for many years. once thought long lost. “The idea of confronting it, talk- away. Records are lost. Memories ALBANY, N.Y. — For two Four of the state’s Roman Ca- “This has, ironically, been a ve- ing about it and dealing with it is fade. But lawmakers believed years, New York temporarily set tholic dioceses have filed for ry healing experience for me on a internally setting me free.” that, despite those hurdles, vic- aside its usual time limit on civil bankruptcy partly as a result of li- personal level,” said Carol DuPre, New York is among a number of tims deserved an opportunity for lawsuits in order to allow victims tigation unleashed by the state’s 74, who sued the Roman Catholic states that have in recent years es- justice and might feel embold- of childhood sexual abuse to sue Child Victims Act. Thousands of diocese in Rochester, saying she tablished windows allowing peo- ened now to speak up about things churches, hospitals, schools, new allegations against priests, was molested by a priest as a teen ple to sue over childhood abuse no they’ve kept to themselves for camps, scout groups and other in- teachers, scout leaders and other in the early 1960s as she counted matter how long ago it took place. many years. stitutions and people they hold re- authorities have intensified the al- offerings and typed up bulletins Similar windows were opened in New York’s one-year window sponsible for enabling pedophiles ready harsh light on institutions after church services. New Jersey and California. was originally supposed to end or turning a blind eye to wrong- entrusted with caring for chil- She put the events “in a store- Ordinarily, courts put dead- Aug. 14, 2020, but it was extended doing. dren. house in her mind,” but it still lines on suing because of the diffi- twice amid concerns that the cor- That window closes Saturday, And survivors of abuse have haunted her for decades. When culty in holding a fair trial over in- onavirus pandemic and resulting after more than 9,000 lawsuits been given an outlet for their trau- the chance came to file a suit, it cidents that happened many court disruptions were keeping were filed, a deluge whose impact ma and a chance at accountability was an easy decision. years ago. Witnesses die or move survivors from coming forward. PAGE 10 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, August 14, 2021 WORLD

Malaysian air force Russian expert accused of high treason officer goes on rampage KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — A Malaysian air force officer went Stars and Stripes states that it has worked on the con- Their development came as Mos- and flies at 10 times the speed of on a shooting rampage Friday, MOSCOW — A court in Moscow cept of the Ajax hypersonic vehicle, cow's relations with the West hit sound, according to Russian offi- killing three colleagues before on Thursday ordered a specialist in a project first proposed in the late post-Cold War lows after Russia's cials. turning the gun on himself, offi- hypersonic technologies to be kept 1980s by Soviet engineer Vladimir 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Cri- And later this year, the Russian cials said. in jail pending trial on charges of Freighstadt. Instead of protecting a mean Peninsula. navy is set to complete the tests of Police in eastern Sarawak state high treason, in the latest in a series vehicle flying at hypersonic speed The new weapons include the the Tsirkon hypersonic missile in- on Borneo island said the shoot- of espionage cases targeting Rus- from the heat it generates, Freigh- Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle, tended to equip cruisers, frigates ings occurred at a security post on sian scientists. stadt suggested assimilating the which Russian officials say is capa- and submarines. Russian President an air force base in the state, and The Lefortovo District Court heat to augment energy resources. ble of flying 27 times faster than Vladimir Putin said it would be ca- that they were still investigating ruled at a hearing behind closed It's unclear whether Freighstadt's sound and making sharp maneu- pable of flying at nine times the the motive. doors that Alexander Kuranov, di- concept has seen any practical de- vers on its way to target to dodge the speed of sound and have a range of Sarawak deputy police commis- rector-general and chief designer of velopment since he first proposed it. defensive missile shield. 620 miles. sioner Mancha Anak Ata said an the St. Petersburg-based Hyperson- The website of Kuranov's institute Avangard has been fitted to the Russian officials have charged initial investigation showed the ic Systems Research Institute, also contained a program of an inter- existing Soviet-built intercontinen- that Western spy agencies have re- gunman had snatched firearms should remain in pre-trial detention national workshop on thermochem- tal ballistic missiles instead of older doubled their efforts to obtain infor- from the security post before go- for two months. The materials of the ical processes in plasma aerody- type warheads, and the first unit mation on the country's new technol- ing on a rampage. case were classified, but Russian namics held in St. Petersburg last armed with the Avangard entered ogies. Over the past years, several He said one of the victims had media reports said Kuranov was ac- month. duty in December 2019. scientists, including those involved tried to calm him down but was cused of handing over sensitive in- Russia has prided itself on being Another hypersonic weapon, the in studies on hypersonic technolo- shot in the stomach. The gunman formation to representatives of un- the only country to commission hy- Kinzhal, which has been commis- gies, have been accused of passing then entered the post and shot two specified foreign countries. personic missiles — traveling more sioned to arm Russian warplanes, classified information to foreign officers, killing them on the spot, The website of Kuranov's institute than five times faster than sound. has a range of up to about 1,250 miles powers. he said. Mancha said the gunman then put the gun to his chin and killed himself. The officer who was shot in the Death toll rises from floods in northern Turkey stomach died of his injuries in a hospital, he said. Associated Press rem Kinik, head of the Turkish ANKARA, Turkey — Search- Red Crescent, told NTV. “I hope Police say 6 people dead and-rescue crews in northern that the missing are safe and that Turkey recovered 10 more bodies the number of deaths doesn't in- in shooting in UK city overnight, raising the death toll crease.” LONDON — Police in south- from the severe floods and mud- Bozkurt resident Yilmaz Erse- west England said six people were slides that struck the region to 27, venli told NTV that he left his killed, including the suspected officials said on Friday. Dozens house to move his car to a safe ar- shooter, in the city of Plymouth more people were believed to be ea as the waters began to rise, but Thursday in a “serious firearms missing. soon got swept away by the gushi- incident” that wasn’t terror-relat- Torrential rains pounded the ng floods. He managed to save ed. Black Sea coastal provinces of himself by holding on to a tree Devon and Cornwall Police said Bartin, Kastamonu, Sinop and that had also washed away. in a statement on Twitter that sev- Samsun on Wednesday, causing “I nearly lost my life trying to eral other casualties were receiv- the flooding that demolished save my car,” he said. ing treatment following the shoot- homes and bridges and swept In Bartin province, at least 13 ing. They declared a “critical inci- away cars. Helicopters lifted doz- people were injured when a sec- dent” but did not provide details of ens of people to safety from roof- tion of a bridge caved in. what occurred in the Keyham dis- tops, others were rescued on ISMAIL COSKUN / AP In total, five bridges collapsed trict of the city. boats. More than 1,700 people Destroyed buildings are seen after floods and mudslides in Bozkurt in the floods while two others The area has been cordoned off. were evacuated across the region town of Kastamonu province in Turkey on Friday. were damaged, AFAD said. Doz- Algeria to probe mob and many were being temporarily ens of villages are still without housed at student dormitories. still searching for a woman who day, Interior Minister Suleyman power and several roads remain lynching linked to fires In worst-hit Kastamonu, a was reported missing in Bartin Soylu described the scenes as blocked. ALGIERS, Algeria — An Alger- stream burst its banks inundating province. Private NTV television “the most severe flood disaster I Erdogan said Thursday that at ian prosecutor has ordered an in- much of the town of Bozkurt, said however, that dozens of peo- have seen.” On Wednesday, he least 4,500 personnel, 19 helicop- vestigation into the death of a man where most of the victims were ple remain unaccounted for. said, flood waters reached 10-13 ters and 24 boats were involved in who was lynched by a mob after found. One building was demol- They include 12-year-old twin feet high in some areas. President the search-and-rescue operation. being accused of setting fires that ished and two others were severe- sisters and their grandparents Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who can- Turkey’s Black Sea region is devastated the region, Algeria’s ly damaged amid torrents of who were trapped inside an eight- celed celebrations marking his frequently struck by severe rains official APS news agency said. floodwaters. story building in Bozkurt, their ruling party’s 20th anniversary, and flash flooding. At least six Wildfires in Algeria have killed The Disaster and Emergency mother told private DHA news was scheduled to travel to the ar- people were killed in floods that at least 69 people through the Management Presidency, or agency. ea. hit the eastern Black Sea coastal mountainous Berber region. AFAD, said Friday that crews are Speaking in Bozkurt late Thurs- “The destruction is huge,” Ke- province of Rize last month. The killing took place in Larbaa Nath Irathen, in the Tizi Ouzou district, one of the worst hit by the fires. New blaze breaks out on Evia island amid Greece wildfires The victim was identified as 38- year-old Djamel Ben Ismail. Associated Press broke out on Aug. 3 destroyed seen in decades. States and in Russia’s northern The local prosecutor issued a ATHENS, Greece — A new fire most of the island’s north and is Several Mediterranean coun- Siberia region. Scientists say statement carried by APS on broke out Friday on Greece’s is- one of the country’s worst known tries have suffered intense heat there is little doubt that climate Thursday “following videos on land of Evia but south from the ar- forest fires. and quickly spreading wildfires change from the burning of coal, Wednesday on social media show- ea where a massive wildfire deci- Although wildfires are common in recent weeks, including Tur- oil and natural gas is driving more ing the killing of a citizen (burned mated forests, torched homes and in Greece during the hot, dry key, where at least eight people extreme events. to death and lynched).” still smoldered 10 days after it summers, hundreds of blazes have died, and Italy. In Algeria, The fires in Greece stretched He ordered an investigation in- started. have broken out across the coun- wildfires in the mountainous Ber- the country’s firefighting capabil- to the case with the aim of identify- Greece’s fire department said try this year in the wake of an es- ber region have killed at least 69 ities to the limit, and the govern- ing the assailants and sending four water-dropping aircraft and pecially long and intense heat people. ment appealed for help from them to trial “so that the odious six helicopters were sent to con- wave. Prime Minister Kyriakos Worsening drought and heat — abroad. Around 24 European and crime does not go unpunished.” trol the new fire in central Evia, Mitsotakis on Thursday de- both linked to climate change — Middle Eastern countries sent along with 23 firefighters and 10 scribed the fires as the greatest have also fueled wildfires this aid, including firefighters, air- vehicles. The larger fire that ecological disaster Greece has summer in the Western United craft and vehicles. From The Associated Press Saturday, August 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 11 AMERICAN ROUNDUP

Man accused of tattooing child inside a McDonald’s LAURENS — A South SC Carolina man accused of tattooing a juvenile in a fast-food restaurant has been arrested and is facing charges, police said. Brandon Presha, 28, of Laurens, was arrested Tuesday on charges of illegal tattooing and underage tattooing, Laurens Police Chief Chrissie Latimore said. The chief said a judge has set bond on both charges at $25,000, WYFF-TV reported. The Aug. 6 incident came to the attention of police last week after some detectives were tagged on so- cial media posts showing video of the child being tattooed, Latimore said. During an ensuing investiga- tion, authorities determined Presha was the unlicensed tattoo artist and that the individual re- ceiving the tattoo was a juvenile, Latimore said. She did not provide the child’s age or elaborate. Man pleads guilty to gender reveal explosion KINGSTON — A man NH has pleaded guilty to a KRISTOPHER RADDER, THE BRATTLEBORO (VT.) REFORMER/AP disorderly conduct charge stem- ming from an explosive gender re- veal party that was heard by near- Set for a splash by residents in New Hampshire Austin Powers, from Grafton, Vt., jumps into the water at one of the ponds inside Grafton State Forest on Wednesday. and Massachusetts. As part of a plea deal reached population are unknown. THE CENSUS fall as they passed and landed on Tuesday, Anthony Spinelli, of But conservative-leaning mem- their vehicle. A passing motorist Kingston, was convicted and fined bers of the board countered that The reward wildlife officials are offering for tips that lead to a called authorities. $620, of which $500 will be sus- the population is still well above $1K conviction in an investigation of a deer that was killed and left in Stephen was pronounced dead a pended for 12 months as long as he the DNR’s goal of 350 animals and a residential neighborhood near Elko County’s South Fork Reservoir in north- little more than an hour after the stays out out of trouble, according they have a responsibility to man- eastern Nevada. Nevada State Game Warden Lt. Buck Tingle said conserva- 2:20 p.m. Wednesday accident. An to court records. age the pack and protect livestock tion officials were called by a resident reporting a dead mule deer buck in their autopsy is planned to determine Police in Kingston, a town not far from wolf attacks. The board ulti- yard and believe it was killed illegally on July 31. the cause and manner of death. from the Massachusetts state line, mately voted 5-2 to set aside the de- The passenger was taken to Wash- received reports in April of a loud partment’s recommendation and North End, is about 1,165 square 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, leaving only ington Hospital. explosion. They responded to a up the quota to 300 animals. feet. But more interestingly, the part of the brick facade standing. quarry, where people acknowl- house is barely 10 feet wide at its Barbagallo said all 20 adults and 3 brothers die from edged holding a gender reveal par- Two hikers injured in widest point. The humble abode two children who lived on the sec- fumes in manure pit ty with explosives. encounter with grizzly narrows in the back, ending at 9.25 ond and third floors were account- The explosive was 80 pounds of feet. ed for, but several pets were mis- ST. HENRY — Three Tannerite, police said. The family HELENA — A grizzly There are four stories in the sing. OH brothers who were thought the quarry would be the MT bear injured two peo- home and a private deck that dis- Three firefighters were taken to trapped in a manure pit on their safest spot to detonate the explo- ple in an encounter southeast of plays views of the Boston Harbor. hospitals, including two who suf- livestock farm after being over- sive, which is typically sold over Ennis, the Montana Department of Also, the house offers updated ap- fered minor injuries and a third come by fumes have died, author- the counter as a target for firearms Fish, Wildlife and Parks reported pliances, hardwood floors and ex- who had a serious medical prob- ities said. practice, police said. Wednesday. posed brick, and a Juliet balcony lem and was in critical condition Rescue crews found the men un- Some nearby residents reported Two men were hiking with a dog facing private gardens. Tuesday, Barbagallo said. conscious and unable to move in their homes were shaken by the off trail in the Bear Creek area The home does not have a front The cause of the blaze is under the pit Tuesday afternoon. They explosion. No injuries were report- around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday when door. Guests enter through a pri- investigation. were fixing a manure pump before ed, police said. they encountered a grizzly bear vate side door and they’re met with The building dates from 1850 they passed out from the fumes, sow with cubs at close range. The a somewhat full-sized kitchen and and had six businesses on the said St. Henry Fire Chief Matt Le- 300-wolf limit set after hikers used bear spray to defend dining room. ground floor and 14 apartments feld. runaway spring hunt themselves. They sustained minor above, officials said. Authorities identified the vic- injuries from the encounter and Destroyed historical tims as Gary, Todd and Brad MADISON — Wildlife were able to hike out without as- building torn down Tree lands on passing Wuebker. All three were taken to WI officials in Wisconsin sistance. vehicle and kills driver area hospitals and later pro- set a 300-animal limit Wednesday NEW HARTFORD — A nounced dead. for the state’s fall wolf hunt, ex- Skinny House back on CT historical building in WASHINGTON — A Manure pits are common on ceeding biologists’ recommenda- market, listed for $1.2M Connecticut was torn down PA falling tree landed on a large livestock farms and are used tions as they study the impact of a Wednesday after it was destroyed passing vehicle, killing the driver, to store waste before it is used as rushed spring season that saw BOSTON — Boston’s in a fire that injured three firefight- in western Pennsylvania, author- fertilizer on fields. But the pits can hunters take almost twice as many MA famous Skinny House ers and left 22 people homeless. ities said. produce dangerous gases includ- wolves as allotted. is on sale again for a whopping $1.2 Crews began demolition in the The Washington County coro- ing hydrogen sulfide, methane, State Department of Natural Re- million. morning on the three-story build- ner’s office said Floyd Stephen, carbon monoxide and ammonia. sources scientists asked its policy The vertically rectangular- ing in New Hartford, said Jon Bar- 53,of Follansbee, W.Va., was driv- Some of those gases can lead to board to cap kills at 130 animals, shaped house was listed on Mon- bagallo, a spokesperson for region- ing Wednesday on a street in headaches, dizziness, breathing saying board members must be day, the first time it’s been on the al emergency response agencies. Washington, Pa., during a severe trouble and deaths, according to cautious because the four-day sea- market since 2017. Four years ago, Cleanup of the site is expected to storm. the Ohio State University Exten- son in February took place during it was sold for $900,000, The Bos- take up to two weeks, he said. A passenger in the vehicle told sion. wolves’ breeding season and the ton Globe reported. The blaze at New Hartford authorities that a tree on the oppo- long-term ramifications on the The home, located in Boston’s House was reported shortly before site side of the roadway began to From The Associated Press PAGE 12 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, August 14, 2021 VIDEO GAMES It’s a blast The Ascent, an arcade shooter throwback, reminds players of a classic 1990s video game BY GENE PARK The Washington Post he Ascent reminds me of so many other games — but in a very good way. When I shoot through its cyberpunk, iso- Tmetric city, leaving a wake of bodies and blood- stains, I think about Smash TV, the classic 1990 arcade shooter that helped popularize the twin-joystick shooter genre. The classic Contra comes to mind; how its infinite ammunition guns made the game less about how many bullets you need, and more about how you’re going to shoot. I recall how Gears of War for the Xbox 360 felt like a 2006 update of the Contra formula, starring caricatures of burly soldier NEON GIANT PHOTOS men barreling and shouting The Ascent, a throwback to the shooter games of the ’90s, will remind players of old times. Players are mercenaries through an invading force working for a large corporation, called The Ascent, basically fighting for their freedom. of evil aliens. I even think about the forgotten but once-contro- versial 2015 game Hatred, which caused a firestorm for its depiction of mass murder of innocent people. There are no house parties to crash in The Ascent, but players can still stroll through a cyberpunk subway station, food market or any other setting and leave a similar trail of bystander bodies. The difference from Hatred is that none of that carnage really benefits the player. The corporate-run planet of Veles and its citizens are mere collateral damage. It contributes to this foreboding sense of ever-present strife and conflict. It’s gory like a classic ’90s video game. The character designs are limited, generic and ugly, The Ascent feels like a celebration of ’90s­style arcade And of course, I think about Cyberpunk 2077, and how although players may alter their appearance and gender. shooter games set in a dystopian future. with The Ascent, a 12-person studio (with support from other teams) was able to craft a believable dystopian Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski in 2006. In those future in recent years that doesn’t fall apart when you try games, destroyed beauty meant ancient, ruined architec- to play it. That’s not to say The Ascent is free of bugs. ture. In “The Ascent,” it envisions the kind of monuments Currently, the game has a few quests that are unable to humans can erect when the notion of humanity is erased progress unless you reload a checkpoint. But as bad as from the equation. Rather than buildings and landscapes, that is, the smaller, tighter nature of the game means its the destroyed beauty of Veles is the soullessness of its setting never really threatens the consistency of play and people, made material in its sleek buildings and neon fantasy, as it did with CD Projekt Red’s recent bug-ridden signs. title. Neon Giant flirts with open-world concepts by creating I’ve said a lot without talking about the actual game, but several “town” areas where players can rearm and recon- that’s because it isn’t anything you haven’t seen before. struct themselves or pick up side missions. Like with the The Ascent feels like a celebration of arcade shooters skill and weapon improvements, the game is light on long past, and it’s executed so well, I want to reciprocate role-playing mechanics, but that helps it achieve its mood some of that adoration. It’s become my favorite game of and pacing. It gives players time to soak in the atmo- The game is light on role­playing, giving players ample 2021. sphere and take stock of the environments and absorb its opportunity to absorb their surroundings. Even if there’s nothing new about The Ascent, every booming soundtrack. While action sequences thump with facet of its presentation and gameplay feels like it was bass, the quieter moments are backed by music like the Giant has made several areas of the city change perspec- molded by veteran hands. The founding team of Swedish Buddhist prayer chants in anime films like “Akira” and tives, sometimes panning out to showcase its art. Other studio Neon Giant (The Ascent is their first game under “Ghost in the Shell.” If The Ascent has one big issue, it’s times, the game will switch to a side view perspective, that banner) is made up of developers who worked on that its aesthetics are almost too obviously referential. It’s living up to my early Contra parallel. It’s never antici- Gears of War, the recent Doom series and Far Cry 3, all cookie-cutter cyberpunk. pated, and always welcome. This makes moving through modern exemplars of the shooter genre. There’s not much to talk about when it comes to story, Veles surprising and exciting, even if the job is, at its It has light role-playing elements, though the game either. Each player is an anonymous mercenary working core, still just about shooting up a place. doesn’t offer hours of upgrading guns and skill points. for The Ascent, the largest corporation on the planet, and The game is available on Xbox Game Pass, or purchas- Players can assign skill points or upgrade points as linear you’re basically fighting for your freedom by taking on able for $30, and it’s well worth the price of admission. investments by picking up purple glowing items around bloody jobs around the city. That last detail is probably The Ascent reminds me of the good old days of Xbox 360 the dense map. The game limits how much you can up- the biggest drawback to the game (other than the lack of and its robust indie offerings on the old Xbox Live Arcade grade, encouraging fresh replays. The character designs variety in gameplay). The art of The Ascent is so dense service, where games like Shadow Complex or Super are limited, generic and ugly, although The Ascent thank- that it can be tough to figure out where you can or can’t Meat Boy were not afraid of making small twists to clas- fully lives up to the promise of the cyberpunk genre by go. The city’s architecture stacks on top of itself, and it sic formulas. allowing players to alter their appearance and gender at can be hard to visualize and remember locations thanks I thought a lot about other games while playing The any time. to this unorthodox layout. Ascent, and this time, it’s a great thing. The game has a This ugliness doesn’t extend to the planet of Veles and Sometimes it pays off, though. Like Ico and other clas- lineage and influences. It reminds me of old times. its cityscape — on the surface, at least. Within a few min- sic 3D games, The Ascent has an amazing sense of scale Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and utes of starting the game, you’ll be greeted with splashes and place. You’ll be able to look across the cavernous city Series S, Xbox One of neon color and mountainous architecture. The Ascent to see killing fields you just crossed. And despite mostly Online: curve-digital.com/en-us/games/featured/156/ builds on the concept of “destroyed beauty,” coined by being in a classic PC-style isometric perspective, Neon the-ascent Saturday, August 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 13 HEALTH & FITNESS

iStock The good, the bad and the in between Experts define ambivalence, explain when it can be beneficial or detrimental and advise how to deal with an excess BY GALADRIEL WATSON benefit, says Antonio Damasio, professor such, Damasio says that negative emotions may experience the fun you were hoping Special to The Washington Post of psychology, philosophy and neurology of any kind can infringe on your physical for, but you may also experience some hen my son left for universi- at the University of Southern California health, as they involve chemical molecules less-than-great aspects you hadn’t expect- ty, I felt both elated for him and author of “Feeling & Knowing: Mak- that result, for example, in increases in ed — thus ending up with contradictory and sad that he would no ing Minds Conscious.” blood pressure, repeat tightening of blood feelings. Wlonger be home. When I’m “Animals that have only positive or vessels and changes in cardiac rhythm. Damasio adds: “There are people that invited to dinner, I’m pleased to be in- negative feelings are very limited because These can cause diseases in blood vessels are extremely jovial and forward-looking cluded but would also rather lounge on the things are too much black or white,” he and the heart. and are in a sort of permanent happy couch. When I occasionally leave my mask says, “whereas we have the possibility of Mental well-being may also suffer. Pro- state, and people that are cautious and in my bag, I delight in the freedom but seeing nuances.” longed ambivalence has been associated tend to be always finding something nega- worry about my health. These nuances can help people make with post-traumatic stress disorder, obses- tive with day-to-day events.” The latter Wrestling with two opposite feelings at good decisions. If an animal approaches a sive-compulsive disorder, depression and may experience more ambivalence in once is called ambivalence. It’s a normal watering hole without considering the addiction. their everyday lives. part of being human, but at times such possible outcomes, it may get eaten. As for “People tend to be really sad when they internal conflict can be unhealthy. I spoke humans, say you meet a person you like feel nostalgia,” Newman says. By compar- How to deal with ambivalence with three experts to understand more but who gives you strange vibes — and ing the present to an idealized past, What can people who experience an about this phenomenon. then wants you to do something with your “you’re always going to be upset and feel- unhealthy amount of ambivalence do What is ambivalence? finances. ing as if you’re not satisfied.” about it? One simple way is to keep a grat- Ambivalence makes you “more likely to Ambivalence can also make us freeze. itude journal. Sustaining this habit can Ambivalence means “feeling both good be cautious when you make the decision, Whether deciding to buy a car or break force you to focus on the positive side of and bad,” Jeff Larsen, a professor of psy- and think twice,” Damasio says. up with a partner, “the prospect of teasing things, which Newman says can improve chology at the University of Tennessee, It can also help you learn from yester- apart the pros and cons can make it really one’s well-being. Knoxville, told me. Feeling bittersweet or day’s missteps. difficult to make a decision,” Larsen says. Therapy could also help. By learning nostalgic are common forms of it. “Think David Newman — a postdoctoral schol- “In those cases, ambivalence can paralyze various skills — to increase mindfulness, about how you might feel when you’re at ar in the department of psychiatry and us.” for example, or the ability to endure dis- the top of a roller coaster: excited but also behavioral sciences at the University of tress — people taking part in dialectical terrified.” California, San Francisco — gave this Who is more susceptible? behavior therapy “find a way to tolerate, Amusement parks aren’t required. Ev- example: “If you feel nostalgic about some Are there some people who feel ambiv- and hold together side by side, experi- eryday events can trigger this state, and past romantic relationship, maybe it’s alent more often than others? Newman’s ences or realities that seem incongruent,” Larsen has found that “meaningful end- good to not simply just act on the positive work has found that neurotic people or says Sarah Mintz, a psychologist. This ings” can, too. University students, for but also remember some of the negative, those who try to avoid negative stimuli are enables them to “move away from ex- example, are likely to spend their gradua- so you don’t repeat the mistakes.” more likely to become nostalgic: They tremes or embrace confusion.” tion day reminiscing about the good times tend to find the present unpleasant and so Even without a therapist’s guidance, over the past several years. In a study led When ambivalence is unhealthy spend more time idealizing the past. people can try breathing exercises, such by Larsen, which will be published soon, such graduates reported both happiness So when does ambivalence become a As for ambivalence in general — not as “falling into the pauses between your and sadness on this occasion. problem? In the 18th and 19th centuries, just nostalgia — people who are open to in-breath and out-breath,” Mintz says. “We feel sad when we experience an nostalgia was considered a serious psychi- new experiences tend to feel more mixed Sometimes, the answer may be as sim- irrevocable loss,” he says. atric condition. Being too attached to the emotions. ple as letting your conflicting feelings run past meant one couldn’t adapt to the pre- “If you’re always seeking out the same their course. The benefits of ambivalence sent — which could ultimately lead to thing, you’re probably seeking out the “Often, mixed emotions get resolved, so The ability to experience two contradic- death. things that make you happy,” Larsen says. we’re left feeling one or the other,” Larsen tory feelings at once has an evolutionary While nostalgia is no longer classified as If you like to dive into new situations, you says. PAGE 14 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, August 14, 2021 MOVIES Walking in the shoes of an icon Jennifer Hudson finds new ‘Respect’ for Aretha Franklin in the film role of a lifetime

BY LORRAINE ALI Los Angeles Times ennifer Hudson knew she had her work cut out for her when she agreed to play the Queen of Soul. “You just can’t wake up one morning and decide J‘I’m gonna be Aretha Franklin,’” said Hudson. “I mean, her voice. Her legacy. The songs. Who she is to all of us. It was daunting. There were times when I was like, ‘Jennifer, what have you done?’” The answer is “Respect,” the highly anticipated biopic sanctioned by Franklin, who handpicked Hudson for the role before her death in 2018. The film chronicles the late singer’s rise from her father’s church choir to internation- al stardom, shining a light on the talent and the stories behind the songs. “‘Respect’ is the song and the hit we all love from the gifted Aretha Franklin,” says Hudson. “But when you add her life narrative around it, it’s that much more powerful. Understanding the era she grew up in and the courage that she had and her activism. Her relationship with Dr. King and Angela Davis. It’s like, wow, you see all sides of the human and the way she used her art to reflect herself and support others and be an advocate. So now it’s more PAUL SANCYA/AP than just the song. It’s more than just the artist. Knowing Jennifer Hudson poses for a portrait to promote “Respect” on Aug. 2 at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Hudson has in her history helped me understand her legacy and under- some ways been preparing to play Aretha Franklin for her entire life, but she was still surprised when the Queen of stand why her impact has been so great.” Soul asked her to take on the role following her Oscar win for the 2006 film “Dreamgirls.” The film, now in theaters after decades of planning and a year of COVID-related release delays, moves from even though she was very protective of her private life, ferent wigs (the beehive was her favorite). “And I loved Franklin’s religious upbringing with the charismatic but her private life is all over her music.” her clothes in the birthday scene. She’s wearing a gold controlling Reverend C.L. Franklin to her hard-won star- Written by Tracey Scott Wilson (a playwright who has dress and a big fur. I couldn’t help but feel royal.” dom of the 1960s to a spiritual return to gospel music with also written for TV series including “The Americans” and Hudson grew up in 1980s Chicago worshipping Whit- her highest-selling album ever, 1972’s “Amazing Grace.” “Fosse/Verdon”), “Respect” stars Forest Whitaker as ney Houston, but by the time she auditioned for “Amer- Rather than lip sync to pre-recorded tracks, Hudson Franklin’s father; Marlon Wayans as her husband and ican Idol,” her song of choice was Franklin’s version of belted out The Queen’s material live on set during filming manager, Ted White; and Tituss Burgess as the gentle “Share Your Love With Me.” Even the jaded Simon Cow- (“Ain’t No Way,” “Chain of Fools,” “Think”) as did the Reverend Dr. James Cleveland. Mary J. Blige plays diva ell was impressed (still, she lost the competition in 2004 rest of the cast — which includes Tony award winner Dinah Washington and Marc Maron is pushy Atlantic when she came in seventh). But Hudson’s personal asso- Audra McDonald portraying young Aretha’s mother and Records exec Jerry Wexler. ciations with The Queen’s catalogue had its disadvantages Broadway talents Hailey Kilgore and Saycon Sengbloh “Respect” follows in the footsteps of other biopics, such when she was prepping for the film. playing her sisters Carolyn and Erma Franklin (the wom- as “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Ray” and “Walk the Line,” “Playing her is a completely different thing from being en’s harmonizing alone is worth the price of admission). that dared to tackle the legacies of treasured singers. And a singer and fan who sings her songs,” said Hudson. “I But Hudson is a singular force. The former “American as American icons go, Aretha is right at the top. mean, thank God I already knew the majority of her ma- Idol” contestant, who like Franklin grew up singing in The pressure of portraying her was not lost on Hudson. terial. That was one less thing I had to worry about. But I church, emotes with the same passion that won her an “I was calm on set. The freakout came later,” said Hud- remember saying on the set, ‘She doesn’t know this song Oscar for 2006’s “Dreamgirls,” using her powerhouse son recently while in Los Angeles to promote the film. yet.’ Jennifer Hudson knows the song. We all know the vocals to re-create iconic moments in music history in- She arrived to the interview wearing a necklace that song. We know what it became. But in Aretha’s life, in cluding the birth of Aretha’s own sound in Muscle Shoals’ spelled out “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” in gold letters. She had it that moment, she doesn’t. She’s learning it. It hasn’t mani- Fame studio and a knock-’em-dead performance of the made as a memento of the film because “it’s not every fested yet. We can’t overshoot the story and speak of her film’s namesake at Madison Square Garden. With Hud- day you get to be the Queen of Soul,” she said, slipping on as who she became, because we’re in the beginning phas- son and other music-minded folks on board, “Respect” is pink, fuzzy slippers after shedding a pair of deadly high es of the making of Aretha.” the rare biopic where the celebrated artist’s compositions stilettos she donned for a photo shoot. Tommy said she too had to break from her own person- also land a starring role. Hudson worked with acting and dialect coaches for the al associations with Franklin’s work in order to approach “I wanted to make a movie where music was front and role, and she turned to the legendary Patti LaBelle for the story with a fresh perspective. “When you listen to center,” said director Liesl Tommy. Known for her work insight into the experience of Black female artists in the music and there’s a song that you love, you’re bringing on Broadway, including her Tony-nominated direction of 1960s. “They had a lot less freedom, and women took up yourself to that,” said Tommy. “It’s like it becomes your the play “Eclipsed,” “Respect” marks Tommy’s first time less space” says Hudson. “Ms. Franklin spoke up with her personal soundtrack and it’s about your life. So there’s a directing a feature film. music.” detaching from how I felt when I was 8 years old that I “Aretha was capable of so much power when she sings Hudson took her job seriously, learning to play piano first heard ‘Natural Woman.’ It’s not about me sitting in a and so much delicacy and nuance. I wanted the way that for the role: “I’m really still trying to get ‘Dr. Feelgood.’ I window looking at the rain. It’s something else. You just we feel listening to her music to be the way that we felt got the piano part, but now I’ve got to figure out how to have to give over to her and her story and her history, and watching the film. Another thing that guided me is that sing it while playing it. It’s a process.” Slipping into fab- that was the great joy of this — discovering the music in a she has so much emotion in her singing. I felt that the film ulous reproductions of Aretha’s wardrobe was easier, brand new way.” should be emotional too because that’s who she was. And though Hudson counted 83 costume changes and 11 dif- SEE RESPECT ON PAGE 15 “Playing her is a completely different thing from being a singer and fan who sings her songs ... But I remember saying on the set, ‘She doesn’t know this song yet.’ Jennifer Hudson knows the song. We all know the song. We know what it became.” Jennifer Hudson Saturday, August 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 15 MOVIES Telling the story behind the music Aretha biopic earns ‘Respect,’ honors the Queen of Soul

BY ADAM GRAHAM strength that allows her to become a force The Detroit News of nature. The voice was always there, espect is due to Aretha Fran- even at an early age when she would sing klin, and it is given in “Re- at her father’s swinging house parties, spect,” the classy, reverent thrust into an adult world well before her MGM/AP Rbiopic that traces Aretha Fran- time. (Franklin’s early pregnancy at age Tituss Burgess as the Rev. James Cleveland, left, and Jennifer Hudson as Aretha klin’s rise from the daughter of a Detroit 12 is addressed here, although the partic- Franklin in “Respect.” Hudson sings Franklin’s vocals herself. preacher to the internationally renowned ulars are danced around.) Queen of Soul. The script by Tracey Scott Wilson focus- the key points in Franklin’s ascent — the natural as the film goes on — is never It follows Franklin’s formative years, es on Franklin’s struggles and her over- studio sessions, the record company deal- better than she is in the film’s home from about ages 10-30, as she learns to coming of them, and while it’s set up as a ings, the first time she hears her song stretch. find her voice in the world. She endures superhero’s origin story of sorts, it doesn’t being played in public — and moves at an Yet it’s telling that when the real Aretha artistic struggles, an abusive relationship allow Hudson to fully inhabit the brassy, expedient pace. “Respect” never drags Franklin shows up, singing “(You Make and a system that sought to keep women vigorous, funny, spirited figure Aretha and has a steady momentum that keeps it Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” at the — especially Black women — in the place became. It’s so busy hitting the marks and moving forward. 2015 Kennedy Center Honors over the that was deemed appropriate for them. re-creating the important moments of her As her first husband Ted White, Marlon film’s closing credits, it’s not only refresh- Aretha fought through it all, and while life that it doesn’t stop to breathe and let Wayans is confined to villain tactics, and ing, it’s a relief. Here is Franklin at age 73, “Respect” dutifully honors her journey Hudson live in Aretha’s skin. he often feels like he’s putting on serious a life lived and in all her regal glory, ef- and roots her on, it’s never quite able to As her father, the Rev. C.L. Franklin, voice. Marc Maron has a little more to fortlessly bringing down the house in a achieve the same fighting, fiery spirit as Forrest Whitaker is a stern figure, but the play with — and winds up having a lot room full of luminaries. Not only do you Ms. Franklin so fully embodied. complicated dynamics of his relationship more fun — as music producer Jerry see her perform, you see the way others Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson plays with his daughter aren’t as thoroughly Wexler, who’s both in awe of Franklin’s react to her, including the Obamas — how Franklin, a role she was hand-picked for explored as they were in this year’s “Geni- talent and afraid of incurring her wrath. taken they are with her presence, her by Aretha before her death in 2018. Hud- us: Aretha,” one of the few advantages Nat It all builds to her legendary perform- power, her gift. son does Franklin’s vocals justice, in a role Geo’s eight-part series on Franklin has ance at Los Angeles’ New Temple Mis- “Respect” is never less than in awe of that requires plenty of singing; Hudson over “Respect.” sionary Baptist Church, where Franklin Franklin and what she’s given to the re-creates a number of Franklin’s songs, Whitaker is more one-dimensional here, recorded her “Amazing Grace” album world. But seeing the Queen herself per- from “Respect” to “Ain’t No Way” (a high- a function of limited screen time and a over two nights in early 1972, which allows form is the one time that she, and “Re- light) to “Chain of Fools,” and the lack of story that has a lot to cram into a 2 ½-hour the film to be bookended by scenes in spect,” truly feels alive. overdubs is important in a role where running time more than it is a reflection church. It’s an appropriate stopping point authenticity is paramount. on his performance. in tracing Franklin’s rise, a career tri- “Respect" is rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, strong language including racial epithets, violence, suggestive material As Franklin, Hudson burrows into the Director Liesl Tommy, in her feature umph that saw her royalty achieved, and and smoking. Running time: 145 minutes. Now playing in select vulnerability of the singer, and later the film debut, delivers a slick film that hits Hudson — whose performance feels more theaters. Respect: Franklin’s family, estate wholeheartedly supported project FROM PAGE 14 that we were two Black women play me. It is you. Don’t say any- Tommy and Wilson did exten- who would die before we let thing to a soul.’ And I’m like, sive research into Franklin’s life anything not be right in this film. ‘Yes, ma’am. I won’t.’ Now here to ensure the film was as accu- ... In the past, these stories about we are. It was like holding my rate as possible, from her preg- Black people were pretty often breath for 15 years.” nancy at age 12 to her plight in written and directed by white During that time, Hudson has the studio as the only female men. Aretha was so real. She was released three albums, appeared musician to her friendship with so authentic. I wanted this film to in countless TV series and films the Reverend Martin Luther feel like it was undeniably her (“Sex and the City,” “Empire,” King Jr. For the religious and world and it wasn’t from some “The Secret Life of Bees,” gospel references, it helped that kind of voyeur’s perspective. It “Cats”), did Broadway and had a Wilson’s father and grandfather was from a lived-in perspective. son with professional wrestler were Baptist ministers. It was really important that her David Daniel Otunga. She also Franklin herself had also re- realness be present inside of the overcame the 2008 murder of her portedly been involved in the film.” mother, brother and nephew by planning of her biopic up until a Hudson met Franklin when her sister’s estranged husband. week before her death, and more both women were doing what Hudson has said she made it recently, her family and estate they loved best: performing on through the tragedy thanks to her made themselves available to the stage. “I got to open up for her in faith. MGM/TNS filmmakers. The scenario was Merrillville, Ind., in 2003 at one The church is embedded in Jennifer Hudson, left, stars as Aretha Franklin and Mary J. Blige as quite different for another recent of her concerts,” says Hudson. Hudson’s soul. And apparently, Dinah Washington in “Respect.” Rather than lip­sync to pre­recorded television biopic, National Ge- “It was like, ‘Oh my God, I get to so is Franklin’s influence. “I tracks, Hudson performed the songs live during filming. ographic’s four-part limited se- sing at Aretha Franklin’s show. didn’t realize until researching ries “Genius: Aretha,” which She allowed me to do this!’ That and even shooting ‘Respect’ that always been there.” respond to the times. She fought earned an Emmy nomination for was a moment in itself. And then ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Precious Hudson sang “Amazing Grace” so hard to get there, and that star Cynthia Erivo but was blast- after I won the Oscar for ‘Dream- Little Words,’ songs from her at Franklin’s funeral, 50 years could have taken her down, but ed by Franklin’s family for its girls’ [in 2007], we had a meeting ‘Amazing Grace’ album, they after Franklin sang “Take My she did it. She left us an example apparent inaccuracies. about the possibility of me [por- were the same versions I grew Hand, Precious Lord” at King’s — for us to keep pushing. That’s “[Franklin’s family] really traying] her. ... Years later she up singing in church. I was memorial. “She was courageous what got me through ... — her trusted us, which is a great gift,” called me when I was doing [the brought up in a church too. We enough to take a stand,” says saying, ‘Jennifer, go on.’ I’m like, said Tommy. “I will never stop Broadway revival of] ‘The Color sang ‘Amazing Grace’ every Hudson of Franklin’s involve- ‘I don’t know if I’m as coura- being grateful to them for how Purple’ and she said, ‘I’ve made Sunday. But to learn it was her ment in the civil rights move- geous as you, but if you think I they sensed our care and sensed my decision on who I want to renditions, it’s like wow. So she’s ment. “She used her platform to can, I’m going to give it a try.’” PAGE 16 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, August 14, 2021 OPINION

Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Marci Hoffman, Europe commander Lt. Col. Michael Kerschbaum, Pacific commander Afghanistan is nearing a final tipping point Michael Ryan, Pacific chief of staff BY DAVID IGNATIUS of Biden’s decision to withdraw all U.S. com- civilians. The Biden administration has Washington Post Writers Group bat troops without a solid plan to stabilize the pledged to aid the departure of Afghans who WASHINGTON country afterward. For Biden and other senior worked with U.S. forces, one reason for the ad- EDITORIAL he bloody war in Afghanistan is officials, the biggest surprise is that the Af- ditional troops. But amid the chaos, those Terry Leonard, Editor nearing what may be a final tipping ghan military hasn’t performed better on the promises will be hard to keep. [email protected] point this week, as the Taliban race battlefield since the president announced he What appears ahead is a battle for Kabul it- to encircle Kabul and the United would pull the plug. self, a bloody confrontation from which the Bi- Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor T States pumps in 3,000 troops to protect the Against those who argue that Biden should den administration is trying to extricate as [email protected] evacuation of Americans from the Afghan have retained the 2,500 U.S. troops stationed many Americans as possible. The Taliban, Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation capital. in Afghanistan when he became president, ad- having nearly encircled the approaches to the [email protected] Don’t “wait until it’s too late,” Pentagon ministration officials contend that maintain- capital, may decide to delay the final battle. spokesman John Kirby told reporters Thurs- ing the status quo with such a small force U.S. officials hope the Taliban will be de- BUREAU STAFF day, explaining the sudden decision to send in would have been impossible. The Taliban terred by a warning this week from neighbors extra U.S. forces to safeguard the departure of would have resumed attacks on U.S. forces, —Pakistan, Russia, China and Turkey — that Europe/Mideast Americans who might otherwise be trapped in prompting the U.S. to consider adding more they won’t recognize a Taliban government if Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief the war’s brutal endgame. “It’s doing the right troops and perhaps beginning another fruit- the insurgents take power by force. This diplo- [email protected] +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 thing at the right time to protect our people.” less cycle in what seems like an endless war. matic pressure is welcome, but late and limit- For President Joe Biden, who had hoped for The Taliban’s blitz has surprised senior ad- ed. Many key countries have been displaying Pacific an orderly U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, ministration officials. Since Biden’s with- the diplomatic equivalent of schadenfreude — Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief the chaos in Kabul carries echoes of the fall of drawal announcement in April, the insurgents savoring America’s predicament rather than [email protected] Saigon in 1975 — precisely the image he want- have swept across the country. Maps of Af- considering their own future difficulties. +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 ed to avoid. And the Taliban’s drive for mili- ghanistan compiled by the Long War Journal The Taliban will have difficulty swallowing tary victory — ignoring pledges to negotiate a have shown Taliban control spreading like a Afghanistan, for all their success on the battle- Washington transition of power — will raise questions massive ink blot, with only a small area of gov- field. Afghanistan has become an increasingly Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief [email protected] about whether its promises to prevent al-Qai- ernment control in the center. urban and modern society since the U.S. inva- (+1)(202)886-0033 da from rebuilding safe havens in Afghanistan The Taliban escalated their campaign a sion in 2001. The Taliban’s military forces can be trusted. week ago, moving to seize provincial capitals number only about 80,000, in a country of Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News [email protected] Biden was said by close associates to be that have fallen like a row of dominoes and about 39 million. For millions of Afghan wom- “resolute” in his decision to withdraw U.S. mounting a surprisingly sophisticated cam- en, who have been attending schools and uni- CIRCULATION forces, despite the rapidly deteriorating situa- paign. They moved early in the north, knowing versities the past two decades and sharing in a tion and the temporary return of troops to that this region had spawned the Northern Al- freer country, the prospect of a Taliban return Mideast shepherd the sharp reduction in U.S. Embas- liance that drove the Taliban from power in to power is especially bleak. Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager [email protected] sy personnel. Biden has felt strongly since 2001. The Taliban deployed their own version On paper, the Afghan government’s mili- [email protected] 2009 that the United States should pursue only of special operations forces, known as “red tary is nearly four times larger than the Tali- DSN (314)583-9111 alimited mission in Afghanistan, and as presi- units,” which helped break government de- ban. But they lack the organization, discipline dent he moved quickly to withdraw troops de- fenses. When they seized provincial capitals and will to combat the insurgents. As Carter Europe spite contrary advice from Defense Secretary such as Kunduz, they freed prisoners held Malkasian writes in “The American War in Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager Lloyd Austin and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman there, augmenting their forces. Afghanistan,” his superb new history, “The [email protected] [email protected] of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Taliban also control major exit routes Taliban exemplified something that inspired, +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 The speed of the Taliban’s advance has from the country, after seizing what U.S. offi- something that made them powerful in battle, been a stunning demonstration of battlefield cials say were more than half of the 14 crossing something closely tied to what it meant to be Pacific momentum, in which one victory fuels anoth- points in recent days. The sense of entrapment Afghan.” That story was written in blood Mari Mori, [email protected] er, and of the immense psychological impact is likely to increase the panic among Afghan across the country this week. +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 CONTACT US Washington Boko Haram militants sowing chaos across Africa tel: (+1)202.886.0003 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 BY BULAMA BUKARTI tion of the Chibok girls, are widely known. But Boko Haram’s influence also extends to the Special to The Washington Post Boko Haram went transnational in 2012, when Sahel. The group’s Islamic State-allied fac- Reader letters y last international trip before its violence started to collaterally spill into tion, Islamic State West Africa Province, ad- [email protected] the COVID-19 lockdown was to parts of Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Now, it is ministratively oversees the Islamic State in Nigeria’s neighbor Chad. It asecurity threat that continues to destroy lives the Greater Sahara operating in Mali, Burkina Additional contacts wasn’t my first visit to the and livelihoods daily across the region, though Faso and Niger, and it takes credit for attacks stripes.com/contactus M north-central African nation of some 16 mil- it remains a blind spot in much of the interna- in the Sahel. lion, which ranks last on the World Bank’s Hu- tional coverage and attention. In fact, Boko Haram’s sway has carried OMBUDSMAN man Capital Index, but it was unique. I ven- Niger, Chad and Cameroon became its de- thousands of miles beyond West Africa. The Ernie Gates tured to the Lac region, the country’s principal liberate targets since 2015, when they joined group’s unique tactics and ideological fea- The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow agricultural region, an area impoverished by Nigeria’s military efforts to rout the group. In tures are visible in Ansar al-Sunna, the ISIS af- of news and information, reporting any attempts by the climate change, corruption, diseases, dicta- 2016, the share of Boko Haram’s attacks out- filiate wreaking havoc in northern Mozam- military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns torship — and now, the militant group Boko side Nigeria grew from roughly 30% to nearly bique that some respected experts describe as and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for Haram. Having monitored the advent and half, and it has remained in that range since. Mozambique’s Boko Haram. All of this makes fairness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted by transformation of Boko Haram in Nigeria, I Boko Haram has killed hundreds and dis- Boko Haram one of Africa’s — and the world’s email at [email protected], or by phone at knew that the group had inflicted substantial placed more than 100,000 people in Chad. But — greatest security threats now and moving 202.886.0003. damage across the Lake Chad region, but I the worst-hit of Nigeria’s neighbors is Cam- forward.

Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- wanted to see and feel the situation for myself. eroon. The situation is getting even more des- Properly tackling Boko Haram requires a days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday What I found was much worse than I had perate in its Far North region, where more recognition that it is a potent threat not just to through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals imagined. Repeated sights of burned or aban- than 5,000 people have been killed and over theLake Chad region but also far beyond. This postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send doned homes, farmlands and schools ensured 320,000 displaced. Niger has also seen its fair necessitates close transnational coordination address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. This newspaper is authorized by the the three chatty passengers of our Land Cruis- share of attacks and displacements. not only in military efforts but also in counter- Department of Defense for members of the military services er remained silent in the final and most dan- More worrying, however, is the transna- ing the group’s ideological appeal, rehabilitat- overseas. However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views gerous lap of the journey. The local head of the tional spread of Boko Haram’s ideology. In ing former members and addressing the un- of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspa- per, Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official United Nations in Baga Sola, where we stop- Niger, a small group of Boko Haram members derlying socioeconomic and political root channels and use appropriated funds for distribution to ped en route to a camp housing thousands of formed in Diffa’s central mosque as far back causes. After all, the two decades since the 9/11 remote locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. The appearance of advertising in this publication does Nigerian refugees, lamented that their “major as 2007. In Cameroon, it was a Boko Haram attack demonstrate clearly that violent extre- not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or concern now are Boko Haram land mines that founder who fled to his mother’s village across mism is infectious and lethal; that bullets and Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. Products or services advertised shall be made available for are scattered everywhere,” and showed us the border in the wake of the group’s first clash bombs alone cannot surmount this complex purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, graphic photographs of the latest blasts. with Nigerian security forces in 2009 and challenge; and that no country can do it alone. religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of Thus, the perception that Boko Haram is planted the seeds of the group. From 2014, the purchaser, user or patron. just a threat to Nigeria is misguided. Even in thousands of Chadians joined Boko Haram’s Bulama Bukarti is a senior analyst on sub-Saharan Africa at the © Stars and Stripes 2021 Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, a senior nonresident the case of Nigeria, only the most heinous or self-declared Islamist caliphate, the size of associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, stripes.com large-scale atrocities, such as the 2014 abduc- Belgium. and a columnist at Daily Trust. Saturday, August 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 17 Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS 51 Junior 20 “Forrest Gump” 1 Some corp. 52 Eager actress recruits 53 Hideaway 22 Pop star John 5 Bay Area 54 Chang’s brother 24 Small hill 55 Honey bunch? 25 DDE Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before force, briefly 9 Gmail alternative 56 Apothecary predecessor 12 Boo-Boo’s measure 26 Literary mentor collection 13 Competed DOWN 27 Sailor 14 Slugger’s stat 1 “— Breckinridge” 29 Santa’s helper 15 “The Addams 2 Wild porker 30 Uncle (Sp.) Family” actor 3 Oaxaca 31 Gender Julia water 35 Jacket part 16 Building wings 4 Foolish sort 36 Light lunches 5 Willowy 39 Singer Feliciano Non Sequitur 17 URL ending 18 Asia’s — Sea 6 Dossier 40 Bard’s river 19 Zodiac feline 7 House Speaker 41 “Rats!” 20 — butter Nancy 43 Buffalo’s 21 Even so 8 Driller’s deg. county 23 Reggae relative 9 Foot part 45 Bring up 25 Bargain 10 Slender 46 Met melody 28 Coves woodwind 47 Standard 32 Uppity person 11 Peru’s capital 49 Taxi 33 Skateboarder’s Answer to Previous Puzzle

Candorville leap 34 Forbidden acts 36 Sneaky sort 37 NBC show since 1975 38 TV alien 39 Green gem 42 Moray, for one 44 Tehran’s country 48 Eggs Carpe Diem 49 Michael of “Superbad” 50 Architect Saarinen Beetle Bailey Bizarro PAGE 18 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, August 14, 2021 Saturday, August 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 19 SCOREBOARD/GOLF

PRO SOCCER TENNIS DEALS

MLS National Bank Open Thursday’s transactions on a major league contract. Optioned INF Thursday Nick Maton to Lehigh Valley. Transferred EASTERN CONFERENCE BASEBALL RHP Sam Coonrod from the 10-day IL to the Henley At IGA Stadium & Aviva Centre Major League Baseball 60-day IL. Sent LHP Bailey Falter to Lehigh WLTPts GF GA Montreal Purse: $1,835,490 American League Valley on a rehab assignment. SAN DIEGO PADRES — Optioned RHP Re- New England 12 3 4 40 35 22 Surface: Hardcourt outdoor BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Optioned RHP Isaac Mattson to Norfolk (Triple-A East). iss Knehr to El Paso (Triple-A West). Re- Orlando City 8 4 6 30 28 23 Women’s Singles called RHP Nabil Crismatt from El Paso. Round of 16 Reinstated RHP Tyler Wells from the 10- NYCFC 8 5 4 28 32 18 day IL. Sent OF Jorge Ona to ACL Padres (Arizona Aryna Sabalenka (1), Belarus, def. Re- BOSTON RED SOX — Recalled RHP Tan- Complex League) on a rehab assignment. sits atop Philadelphia 7 5 7 28 25 19 becca Marino, Canada, 6-1, 6-3. ner Houck from Worcester (Triple-A East). SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS — Placed RHP Nashville 6 2 10 28 26 17 Coco Gauff (15), United States, def. Jo- Optioned RHP Phillips Valdez to Worces- Johnny Cueto on the 10-day IL, retroactive hanna Konta, Britain, walkover. to August 9. Recalled INF Thairo Estrada D.C. United 8 7 3 27 27 21 ter. Sent OF Kyle Schwarber to Worcester Sara Sorribes Tormo, Spain, def. Kateri- on a rehab assignment. from Sacramento (Triple-A West). Columbus 6 6 6 24 21 23 na Siniakova, Czech Republic, 6-7 (4), 6-0, CHICAGO WHITE SOX — Recalled INF BASKETBALL CF Montréal 6 7 5 23 24 24 6-3. Danny Mendick from Charlotte (Triple-A National Basketball Association Victoria Azarenka (8), Belarus, def. Ma- East). Returned INF Danny Mendick to LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS — Re-signed F New York 5 8 4 19 21 22 ria Sakkari (11), Greece, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (2). Wyndham Charlotte. Kawhi Leonard. Atlanta 3 6 9 18 21 25 Karolina Pliskova (4), Czech Republic, CLEVELAND INDIANS — Recalled LHP MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES — Signed Killian Til- def. Amanda Anisimova, United States, Associated Press Chicago 4 9 5 17 20 29 Alex Young from Columbus (Triple-A lie to a two-way contract. 6-1, 7-6 (8). East). Placed RHP Nick Sandlin on the 10- PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS — Signed F Inter Miami CF 4 8 4 16 15 26 Camila Giorgi, Italy, def. Petra Kvitova day IL. Greg Brown III. GREENSBORO, N.C. — Russell Cincinnati 3 7 7 16 18 30 (7), Czech Republic, 6-4, 6-4. DETROIT TIGERS — Sent LHP Matthew FOOTBALL Ons Jabeur (13), Tunisia, def. Bianca An- Henley shot an 8-under 62, his low- Toronto FC 3 9 6 15 23 38 Boyd to Toledo (Triple-A East) on a rehab National Football League dreescu (2), Canada, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-1. assignment. Placed SS Niko Goodrum on BUFFALO BILLS — Activated OT Dion est round in more than two years, to Jessica Pegula, United States, def. Da- the 10-day IL. Selected the contract of RF Dawkins from the reserve/COVID-19 list. WESTERN CONFERENCE nielle Collins, United States, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5. Jacob Robson from Toledo and agreed to DETROIT LIONS — Released CB Quinton take the lead Thursday in the sus- Women’s Doubles WLTPts GF GA terms on a major league contract. Sent 2B Dunbar. Signed RB Craig Reynolds. Placed Round of 16 Isaac Peredes to Lakeland (Low-A South- RB Michael Warren on IR after passing pended first round of the Wyndham Sporting KC 10 4 4 34 33 20 Gabriela Dabrowski, Canada, and Luisa east) on a rehab assignment. waivers unclaimed. Championship. Stefani (5), Brazil, def. Tara Moore, Britain, LOS ANGELES ANGELS — Reinstated INF GREEN BAY PACKERS — Signed CB Do- Seattle 9 3 6 33 26 14 and Emina Bektas, United States, 7-5, 6-2. Jared Walsh from the 10-day IL. Optioned minique Martin. Placed LB Randy Ramsey Henley birdied three of his final LA Galaxy 10 6 2 32 29 28 Andreja Klepac, Slovenia, and Darija Ju- LHP Packy Naughton to Salt Lake (Triple-A on IR. rak (6), Croatia, def. Alicja Rosolska, Po- four holes for a two-stroke lead over Colorado 8 4 4 28 22 16 West). Returned RHP Chris Rodriguez to INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Reached an in- land, and Vivian Heisen, Germany, 6-0, 7-6 Salt Lake. Reinstated RHP Steve Cishek jury settlement with WR Gary Jennings. Sung Kang, Ted Potter Jr., Chris Minnesota 7 5 5 26 21 21 (4). from the bereavement list. Optioned RHP NEW YORK GIANTS — Signed DT Willie Portland 7 8 2 23 23 29 Elise Mertens, Belgium, and Aryna Saba- Aaron Slegers to Salt Lake. Henry. Waived LB Cale Garrett. Kirkand, Hudson Swofford, Scott lenka (1), Belarus, def. Rebecca Marino NEW YORK YANKEES — Returned RHP NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Claimed DT R.J. LAFC 6 7 5 23 24 25 and Leylah Annie Fernandez, Canada, 7-6 Clarke Schmidt from rehab assignment McIntosh off waivers from the New York Piercy and Michael Thompson in Real Salt Lake 5 6 6 21 26 20 (4), 6-2. and reinstated him from the 60-day IL then Giants. Placed WR Jalen McCleskey on in- the PGA Tour’s final regular-season FC Dallas 5 7 6 21 23 25 Veronika Kudermetova, Russia, and Ele- optioned him to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre jured reserve. na Rybakina, Kazakhstan, def. Karolina (Triple-A East). Named OF Estevan Florial NEW YORK JETS — Waived CB Brendon event. Adam Hadwin also was 6-un- San Jose 5 7 6 21 21 27 Pliskova and Karolina Muchova, Czech Re- the 27th Man for today’s game. Sent RHP White from IR with a settlement. Houston 3 6 9 18 19 25 public, 6-2, 6-4. Corey Kluber to Somerset (Double-A SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Signed S Ha Ha der, but had two holes left when Clinton-Dix and DL Eddie Vanderdoes. Austin FC 4 9 4 16 13 20 Quarterfinals Northeast) on a rehab assignment. Magda Linette, Poland, and Bernarda SEATTLE MARINERS — Placed RHP Paul Placed S Tony Jefferson on IR. Waived DL darkness ended play. Vancouver 3 7 7 16 19 28 Pera, United States, def. Kveta Peschke, Sewald on the paternity list. Recalled RHP Bellamy. A storm halted play for 2 hours, 7 Czech Republic, and Ellen Perez (7), Aus- Yohan Ramirez from Tacoma (Triple-A SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Signed WR Da- Note: Three points for victory, one point rece Roberson Jr.. for tie. tralia, 1-6, 6-2, 13-11. West). minutes, with 22 players unable to TAMPA BAY RAYS — Selected the con- TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Signed OL Friday’s game tract of RHP Evan Phillips from Durham Earl Watford. Waived DL Sam Renner with finish. They finished the round Fri- Rogers Cup an injury designation. Vancouver at San Jose (Triple-A East) and agreed to terms on a Thursday major league contract. Optioned LHP Die- TENNESSEE TITANS — Signed Ss Tedric day. Saturday’s games At Aviva Centre trich Enns to Durham. Sent RHP Nick An- Thompson and Reggie Floyd. Waived WR Past champion Webb Simpson Kalija Lipscomb. Waived OL Adam Coon LA Galaxy at Minnesota Toronto derson to Durham on a rehab assignment. Purse: $2,850,975 TORONTO BLUE JAYS — Sent 3B Cavan with an injury designation. and Kevin Kisner led a group of 10 Miami at New York City FC HOCKEY New England at Toronto FC Surface: Hardcourt outdoor Biggio to Buffalo on a rehab assigment. another stroke behind at 65 at Sed- Men’s Singles National League National Hockey League New York at CF Montréal EDMONTON OILERS — Signed D Slater Colorado at Houston Round of 16 ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS — Sent RHP gefield Country Club, where many Casper Ruud (6), Norway, def. Dusan La- Jordan Weems outright to Reno (Triple-A Koekkoek to a two-year contract. Sporting Kansas City at FC Dallas NEW YORK RANGERS — Signed F Bren- Austin FC at Real Salt Lake jovic, Serbia, 6-4, 6-3. West). Recalled RF Jake Hager from Reno. competitors are scrambling to make Stefanos Tsitsipas (3), Greece, def. Ka- Placed RF Kole Calhoun on the 10-day IL. nan Othmann. it into top 125 to advance to the play- ren Khachanov, Russia, 6-3, 6-2. Placed RHP Taylor Widener on the 10-day WASHINGTON CAPITALS — Loaned F Da- NWSL IL. Recalled RHP Humberto Castellanos mien Riat to Lausanne HC for the remain- John Isner, United States, def. Andrey der of the season. offs that start next week at the Rublev (4), Russia, 7-5, 7-6 (5). from Reno. WLTPts GF GA CHICAGO CUBS — Placed RHP Jake Arrie- WINNIPEG JETS — Signed F Andrew Copp Northern Trust. Reilly Opelka, United States, def. Lloyd to a one-year contract. Harris, South Africa, 4-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4). ta on unconditional release waivers. Portland 9 3 1 28 20 7 Placed C Willson Contreras on the 10-day SOCCER Henley, at No. 46 in the standings, Roberto Bautista Agut (10), Spain, def. Major League Soccer North Carolina 6 4 3 21 17 9 Diego Schwartzman (8), Argentina, 6-3, IL. Selected the contract of RHP Ryan had no worries about the postsea- Gotham FC 5 2 5 20 13 8 3-6, 7-5. Meisinger from Iowa (Triple-A East) and MLS DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE — Sus- agreed to terms on a major league con- pended Houston Dynamo FC M Darwin son, but came out fast with a bogey- Orlando 5 4 5 20 17 16 Gael Monfils (11), France, def. Frances Tiafoe, United States, 6-1, 7-6 (2). tract. Reinstated C Austin Romine from Ceren for one additional match (two Chicago 6 6 2 20 15 20 the 60-day IL. Designated LHP Kyle Ryan matches total) and fined an undisclosed free round in chasing his first PGA Daniil Medvedev (1), Russia, def. James for assignment. amount for violent conduct in the 20th Reign FC 6 6 1 19 17 14 Duckworth, Australia, 6-2, 6-4. LOS ANGELES DODGERS — Recalled RHP minute of an Aug. 4 match against Austin Tour victory in four years. Washington 5 5 3 18 15 15 Hubert Hurkacz (7), Poland, def. Nikoloz Mitch White from Oklahoma City (Triple-A FC. Basilashvili, Georgia, 6-7 (7), 6-4, 6-4. He moved in front with a two-putt Houston 5 6 2 17 15 18 Men’s Doubles West). Designated RHP Kevin Quacken- ATLANTA UNITED — Named Gonzalo bush for assignment. Pineda head coach through 2024 season. birdie on the par-5 15th before clos- Louisville 4 6 2 14 10 18 Round of 16 MILWAUKEE BREWERS — Reinstated D.C. UNITED — Loaned F Erik Sorga to Kansas City 0 9 4 4 6 20 Matwe Middelkoop, Netherlands, and LHP Josh Hader from the COVID-19 IL. Op- VVV-Venlo in the Erste Division (Nether- ing with birdies on 17 and 18, the last Luke Saville, Australia, def. Cristian Garin, tioned LHP Hoby Milner to Nashville (Tri- lands) for the remainder of the season. Ac- Note: Three points for victory, one point Chile, and Alexander Bublik, Kazakhstan, with a 20-foot putt. He had his lowest for tie. ple-A East). Transfereed RHP John Axford quired F Ramon Abila off waivers from 6-3, 1-0, ret. to the 60-day IL. Club Atlético Boca. round on the tour since a career-low Friday’s game Rajeev Ram, United States, and Joe Sa- NEW YORK METS — Optioned RHP Geoff COLLEGE lisbury (3), Britain, def. Andrey Golubev, Washington at Houston Hartlieb to Syracuse (Triple-A East). Re- MEMPHIS — Named Robb Hornett mens’ 61 at the John Deere Classic in 2019. Kazakhstan, and Andreas Mies, Germany, called RHP Trevor Williams from Syra- basketball strength and conditioning Saturday’s games 6-3, 6-2. cuse. coach. Henley has played some solid golf Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen, Belgium, PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES — Selected the TENNESSEE — Named J.B. Bowling senior Portland at Orlando def. Austin Krajicek, United States, and of late. He was tied for the 36-hole Reign FC at Kansas City contract of RHP David Paulino from Lehigh associate athletics director for compli- Wesley Koolhof, Netherlands, 7-6 (5), 2-6, Valley (Triple-A East) and agreed to terms ance. lead at the U.S. Open in June, then Sunday’s games 10-8. Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic (1), Croa- GOLF had two straight top-20 finishes be- Louisville at Gotham FC tia, def. Daniel Evans and Neal Skupski, Chicago at North Carolina Britain, 3-6, 7-5, 13-11. fore missing the cut at the British Dusan Lajovic, Serbia, and Aslan Karat- Wyndham Championship Scottish Open Open. He returned this week, hop- PRO BASKETBALL sev, Russia, def. Lukasz Kubot, Poland, and Marcelo Melo (5), Brazil, 6-4, 6-4. PGA Tour LPGA Tour ing he can carry his strong play to WNBA Robert Farah and Juan Sebastian Cabal Friday Thursday (2), Colombia, def. Karen Khachanov and At Sedgefield Country Club At Dumbarnie Links the end. EASTERN CONFERENCE Andrey Rublev, Russia, 6-3, 6-4. Greensboro, N.C. Fife, Scotland “I haven’t won in years, so I feel Yardage: 7,131; Par: 70 Purse: $1.5 million WLPct GB PRO FOOTBALL Purse: $6.4 Million Yardage: 6,573; Par: 71 like as well as I’ve been playing, I First Round First Round Connecticut 14 6 .700 — feel like I’ve underachieved a little NFL preseason Russell Henley 31-31—62 -8 Michele Thomson 34-31—65 -7 Chicago 10 10 .500 4 Sung Kang 32-32—64 -6 Anne van Dam 33-34—67 -5 bit,” he said. New York 10 11 .476 4½ Thursday’s games Ted Potter, Jr. 33-31—64 -6 Yuka Saso 36-31—67 -5 “My mindset,” Henley contin- Washington 8 10 .444 5 New England 22, Washington 13 Michael Thompson 32-32—64 -6 Jasmine Suwannapura 31-36—67 -5 Atlanta 6 13 .316 7½ Pittsburgh 24, Philadelphia 16 Chris Kirk 31-33—64 -6 Nanna Koerstz Madsen 31-37—64 -4 ued, “is I feel if I can play my game, Indiana 4 16 .200 10 Friday’s games Scott Piercy 30-34—64 -6 Yealimi Noh 34-34—68 -4 play my normal game, then I can Hudson Swafford 30-34—64 -6 Ryann O'Toole 33-35—68 -4 WESTERN CONFERENCE Buffalo at Detroit Adam Hadwin 31-33—64 -6 Kelsey MacDonald 35-33—68 -4 maybe give myself a chance and Tennessee at Atlanta WLPct GB Dallas at Arizona Tyler McCumber 32-33—65 -5 Mi Jung Hur 32-36—68 -4 that’s kind of where I’m at.” Andrew Landry 33-32—65 -5 Lauren Stephenson 34-34—68 -4 Saturday’s games There are several big names com- Seattle 16 5 .762 — Brian Stuard 29-36—65 -5 Atthaya Thitikul 34-34—68 -4 Miami at Chicago Jhonattan Vegas 30-35—65 -5 Olivia Cowan 33-35—68 -4 peting to keep their seasons alive. Las Vegas 15 6 .714 1 Denver at Minnesota Minnesota 12 7 .632 3 Cleveland at Jacksonville Michael Gligic 30-35—65 -5 Sarah Schmelzel 31-37—68 -4 Adam Scott, who started at No. 121, Phoenix 9 10 .474 6 New Orleans at Baltimore Denny McCarthy 30-35—65 -5 Becky Morgan 35-33—68 -4 Cincinnati at Tampa Bay Webb Simpson 33-32—65 -5 Celine Herbin 33-36—69 -3 and Matt Kuchar, at No. 124, both Dallas 9 12 .429 7 N.Y. Jets at N.Y. Giants Kevin Kisner 32-33—65 -5 Charley Hull 36-33—69 -3 had strong starts at 66. Los Angeles 6 13 .316 9 Houston at Green Bay Erik van Rooyen 33-32—65 -5 Ariya Jutanugarn 35-34—69 -3 Kansas City at San Francisco “I would like to play well this Thursday’s games Seattle at Las Vegas Nick Taylor 33-32—65 -5 Patty Tavatanakit 36-33—69 -3 Bronson Burgoon 32-33—65 -5 Emily Kristine Pedersen 34-35—69 -3 week and get a chance to play next Commissioner’s Cup Final: Seattle 79, L.A. Chargers at L.A. Rams Connecticut 57 Sunday’s game Luke List 32-34—66 -4 Bronte Law 33-36—69 -3 week and keep getting my game into Padraig Harrington 35-31—66 -4 Yu Liu 35-34—69 -3 Friday’s games Carolina at Indianapolis Matt Kuchar 32-34—66 -4 Marina Alex 33-36—69 -3 place,” Scott said. No games scheduled AP SPORTLIGHT Adam Scott 32-34—66 -4 Lydia Hall 35-34—69 -3 Rickie Fowler, who came in 130th Saturday’s games Branden Grace 32-34—66 -4 Liz Young 32-38—70 -2 and needing a good week, didn’t No games scheduled Aug. 14 Sebastián Muñoz 32-34—66 -4 Anna Nordqvist 34-36—70 -2 K.J. Choi 33-33—66 -4 Celine Boutier 34-36—70 -2 help himself with a 71. Justin Rose, Sunday’s games 1936 — In Berlin, the U.S. wins the first Connecticut at Dallas Olympic basketball gold medal with a 19-8 Sepp Straka 31-35—66 -4 Prima Thammaraks 34-36—70 -2 the Payne Stewart Award winner Seattle at Chicago win over Canada. The game is played out- Kiradech Aphibarnrat 31-35—66 -4 Haeji Kang 34-36—70 -2 Atlanta at Phoenix doors on a dirt court in a driving rain. Joe Mark Anderson 33-33—66 -4 Mi Hyang Lee 35-35—70 -2 this week, has to finish in the top 10 to Washington at Las Vegas Fortenberry leads the U.S. with seven Rafael Campos 31-35—66 -4 Caroline Masson 34-36—70 -2 advance after coming in 138th. He New York at Minnesota points. James Naismith, the inventor of Indiana at Los Angeles the game, presents the medals. Rory Sabbatini 31-35—66 -4 Lydia Ko 34-36—70 -2 opened with a 66, tied for 19th. PAGE 20 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, August 14, 2021 COLLEGE FOOTBALL/SPORTS BRIEFS Moving forward With NCAA penalties imposed, Baylor no longer operating under ‘black cloud’

BY STEPHEN HAWKINS With no players or coaches remaining Associated Press from Briles’ tenure, Baylor was placed on Dave Aranda became Baylor’s coach four years of probation, but could still about 19 months ago knowing that NCAA play in a postseason bowl game. There penalties were coming for a scandal that will be recruiting restrictions in place for embroiled the football program long be- Aranda and his staff during the 2021-22 fore he arrived. academic year, including a reduction of It had been much longer for athletic di- 30 official visits and a three-week ban on rector Mack Rhoades, who found “an in- unofficial visits. stitution and athletics department in tur- The penalties could have been much moil” when he took over worse considering the scope of the allega- LM OTERO/AP five years ago in the tions, but the actual mishandling of sex- Baylor coach Dave Aranda speaks during Big 12 football media days on July 15 in wake of the revelation of ual assault claims by Baylor was deemed Arlington, Texas. The Bears went 2­7 in Aranda’s debut season last year. a sprawling sexual as- out of the NCAA’s jurisdiction. sault scandal that cost Aranda knew about the case when he a lot of people’s shoes. I spent most of my change, each and every one of them,” two-time Big 12 cham- took over at Baylor in January 2020, fresh time on that,” Aranda said. Rhoades said. “And not saying we’re per- pion coach Art Briles his off a 15-0 national championship as LSU’s The NCAA did find secondary rules vi- fect, not saying they’re perfect, but they job. defensive coordinator. He attended the olations that occurred between 2011 and have been instrumental in the culture With the NCAA case school’s two-day virtual hearing with 2016, including impermissible benefits change, the way they lead and the way Rhoades against the Bears finally NCAA officials last December, four years for a player who failed to follow an aca- they interact with one another.” resolved, and without any major pro- after the school received a notice of in- demic performance plan following an Aranda described what Rhoades said gram-crushing penalties, they can move quiry from the NCAA enforcement staff. academic violation. There were also a as “very focused and very on point,” call- forward without that lingering unknown. The coach said he never thought in predominantly female student host pro- ing it a strong moment for the team just “It’s been hanging around. It’s been a terms of feeling a sense of relief that the gram that improperly operated outside of more than three weeks before its Sept. 4 black cloud since I arrived on this cam- penalties weren’t harsher. The survivors recruiting protocols. opener at Texas State. pus,” Rhoades said. “We’re glad to have were the first thing he thought about Rhoades and Aranda met with the team “There’s a lot of lessons to learn from some closure and to be able to to look for- when he heard this week that the penal- on the middle of the field during practice it,” Aranda said. “I’ll continue to meet ward and move forward. And again, re- ties were forthcoming. Wednesday, after the penalties were re- with the team as we move forward.” member our mistakes, learn from our “I was at the trial in December, so lis- vealed. The AD kept what was said be- The Bears went 2-7 in Aranda’s debut mistakes, learn from our past. And then tening to it and just hearing the details tween them private, but said he was season, which came without the benefit of we’ll navigate whatever comes in front of and being part of it gave me greater in- proud of the players. spring drills last year because of the pan- us.” sight to it, and I was able to put myself in “They have been part of the culture demic.

BRIEFLY Source: Jaguars trade LB Schobert to Steelers

Associated Press ings on the heels of spiking CO- is 14th all-time on that list with JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The VID-19 related hospitalizations in 1,529. Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed the state in recent weeks. That The 13 players ahead of him in to trade linebacker Joe Schobert came after the State of Louisiana points are in the Hall of Fame. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, accord- enacted a mask mandate for such Conversations with the Pan- ing to a person familiar with the venues. thers’ braintrust — including Pan- deal. ■ The cost of the Bills’ pro- thers general manager Bill Zito, The person spoke to The Associ- posed new stadium is $1.4 billion, head coach Joel Quenneville and ated Press on condition of ano- and is to be built across the street his former Team Canada team- nymity Thursday night because from their existing facility in sub- mate Roberto Luongo — helped neither side had formally finalized urban Buffalo, a person with di- convince Thornton this was the the deal. Schobert confirmed the rect knowledge of discussions told right move, he said. trade to ESPN, though, saying The Associated Press . Thornton has done about all “great place to play behind that D- The person spoke to The AP there is in hockey, except win a line." Compensation details were Thursday on the condition of ano- Stanley Cup. He went to the Final not immediately disclosed. nymity because the details of the once, with San Jose in 2016 when The trade makes sense for both proposal haven’t been made pub- the Sharks lost in six games to the teams and puts Schobert back in PHELAN M. EBENHACK/AP lic. Pittsburgh Penguins. the AFC North, where he spent the Linebacker Joe Schobert, right, signed a five­year, $53.7 million first four years of his NFL career contract with Jacksonville that included $21.5 million guaranteed in Thornton, 42, signs He won an Olympic gold medal with Cleveland. March 2020. A source says Schobert is being traded to Pittsburgh. with Canada in 2010, the Hart Tro- Jacksonville unloads Schobert's 1-year deal with Panthers phy as the league’s MVP in 2005- hefty contract and puts veteran million against Pittsburgh's salary season, but only to fans who pro- SUNRISE, Fla. — Joe Thorn- 06 and the scoring title that same Damien Wilson playing alongside cap in 2021. vide proof of vaccination or a neg- ton’s pursuit of an elusive Stanley season. Myles Jack in its new 3-4 scheme. Schobert had 141 tackles, three ative COVID-19 test taken 72 Cup is bringing him to the Florida He was the No. 1 pick in the 1997 The 27-year-old Schobert signed a interceptions and 2 1/2 sacks in his hours prior to games, and who Panthers at age 42. draft and started his career play- five-year, $53.7 million contract lone season in Jacksonville. wear masks. He signed a one-year deal Fri- ing parts of eight seasons with that included $21.5 million guar- In other NFL news: The City of New Orleans enact- day, making Florida his fourth Boston. He then went on to a 15- anteed in March 2020. He was ■ The Superdome remains on ed new rules Thursday for enter- franchise in a now 24-year NHL year run with the Sharks and signed to play middle linebacker track to open at full capacity for tainment venues and indoor facil- career. He has more points than spent last season with Toronto — in a 4-3 defense and will count $7.3 New Orleans Saints games this ities hosting large social gather- any other active NHL player and scoring five goals in 44 games. Saturday, August 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 21 MLB

Scoreboard ROUNDUP

American League East Division WLPct GB Tampa Bay 70 45 .609 _ Boston 66 51 .564 5 Ohtani, Angels down Blue Jays New York 63 52 .548 7 Toronto 62 52 .544 7½ Associated Press Baltimore 38 75 .336 31 ANAHEIM, Calif. — Shohei Ohtani grinned Central Division and laughed after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. WLPct GB bounced a single to left field in the Toronto slug­ Chicago 68 48 .586 _ ger’s first career plate appearance against the Detroit 57 60 .487 11½ Angels’ two­way superstar. Cleveland 55 58 .487 11½ Minnesota 50 65 .435 17½ When he struck out Guerrero with a wicked Kansas City 49 64 .434 17½ slider two innings later, Ohtani smiled and West Division chuckled at that one, too. WLPct GB Ohtani had plenty of fun in his first mound Houston 68 46 .596 _ meeting with most likely his strongest compet­ Oakland 67 48 .583 1½ itor for the AL MVP award. He also did plenty Seattle 61 55 .526 8 against the rest of the Blue Jays to secure anoth­ Los Angeles 58 58 .500 11 er win for the Los Angeles Angels. Texas 40 75 .348 28½ Ohtani pitched six innings of three­hit ball to National League win his third consecutive start, and he also dou­ East Division bled and scored an early run in the Angels’ 6­3 WLPct GB victory Thursday night. Philadelphia 60 55 .522 _ Although Ohtani (7­1) issued three walks for New York 59 55 .518 ½ the first time since June and threw two wild Atlanta 59 56 .513 1 pitches in his 17th mound start of the season, he Washington 50 65 .435 10 Miami 48 67 .417 12 allowed just two runs and struck out six to keep Central Division his ERA at 2.93. WLPct GB Athletics 17, Indians 0: Mitch Moreland homered twice, Chris Bassitt posted his AL­ MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ/AP Milwaukee 70 46 .603 _ Cincinnati 62 54 .534 8 leading 12th win and visiting Oakland routed Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani delivers against the Toronto Blue Jays St. Louis 58 56 .509 11 Cleveland for its seventh straight victory. during Thursday’s game in Anaheim, Calif. Ohtani pitched six innings of three­hit ball. Chicago 52 65 .444 18½ Matt Canha and Starling Marte each drove in Pittsburgh 41 74 .357 28½ three runs and Chapman scored three times as the NL East. game sweep in Baltimore. West Division the Athletics moved a season­high 18 games over Mariners 3, Rangers 1: Marco Gonzales Rays 8, Red Sox 1:Wander Franco hit a tie­ WLPct GB .500. pitched a two­hitter, J.P. Crawford and Jake Fra­ breaking two­run homer in the sixth inning, San Francisco 74 41 .643 _ Brewers 17, Cubs 4:Luis Urías tied a major ley homered and host Seattle beat Texas. Drew Rasmussen threw four strong innings in a Los Angeles 69 46 .600 5 league record with five extra­base hits and Man­ Mets 4­5, Nationals 1­4: Pete Alonso hit a spot start and visiting Tampa Bay added to its San Diego 66 51 .564 9 Colorado 51 64 .443 23 ny Piña drove in six runs as visiting Milwaukee game­ending homer with one out in the seventh lead in the AL East with a win over Boston. Arizona 36 80 .310 38½ routed Chicago. inning and host New York recovered from a Mike Zunino hit a three­run homer out of Fen­ Thursday’s games Urías homered in the seventh and ninth in­ blown lead to sweep its doubleheader against way Park as the Rays took two of three games at Oakland 17, Cleveland 0 nings. He also hit three doubles, drove in five Washington. second­place Boston and extended their lead in Seattle 3, Texas 1 Detroit 6, Baltimore 4 runs and scored five. The Mets won the opener 4­1 as Brandon Nim­ the AL East to five games. Tampa Bay 8, Boston 1 Chicago White Sox 9, N.Y. Yankees 8 Piña had a grand slam and a two­run homer. mo homered and drove in four runs and Marcus Giants 7, Rockies 0:LaMonte Wade Jr. hit a L.A. Angels 6, Toronto 3 Phillies 2, Dodgers 1: Bryce Harper home­ Stroman took a shutout into the sixth. three­run homer after pitcher Logan Webb add­ N.Y. Mets 4, Washington 1, 7 innings, 1st game red, Ian Kennedy escaped a bases­loaded jam in Cardinals 7, Pirates 6: Six St. Louis relievers ed a two­run single to help his winning cause, N.Y. Mets 5, Washington 4, 7 innings, 2nd game the ninth inning and host Philadelphia ended Los combined to allow three runs in seven innings, and MLB­leading San Francisco beat visiting St. Louis 7, Pittsburgh 6 Angeles’ four­game winning streak. and Paul DeJong and Lars Nootbaar homered to Colorado for its fifth straight win. Philadelphia 2, L.A. Dodgers 1 Milwaukee 17, Chicago Cubs 4 Harper hit his 21st homer and scored twice as complete a three­game sweep of host Pittsburgh. Alex Dickerson hit an RBI double and Curt Cincinnati 12, Atlanta 3 San Francisco 7, Colorado 0 the Phillies won with just four hits. Tigers 6, Orioles 4:Renato Núñez homered Casali doubled in a run for San Francisco. Arizona 12, San Diego 3 Reds 12, Braves 2: Jesse Winker hit a grand in his return to his former home, and Detroit Diamondbacks 12, Padres 3:Yu Darvish left Friday’s games slam in the second inning and visiting Cincinnati dealt host Baltimore its eighth straight loss as arocky start early with lower back tightness, and Baltimore at Boston Cleveland at Detroit added four more homers in a win over Atlanta Miguel Cabrera sat out while one homer shy of host Arizona took advantage to beat San Diego. Oakland at Texas Tampa Bay at Minnesota that snapped a three­game skid. 500. Pavin Smith had four RBIs and Caleb Smith Houston at L.A. Angels 1 The loss dropped Atlanta one game behind Cabrera can go for the milestone at home after pitched 5 ⁄3 quality innings of relief for the last­ Toronto at Seattle Atlanta at Washington first­place Philadelphia and into third place in the Tigers finished their road trip with a three­ place Diamondbacks. Cincinnati at Philadelphia Milwaukee at Pittsburgh Chicago Cubs at Miami L.A. Dodgers at N.Y. Mets St. Louis at Kansas City San Diego at Arizona Orioles’ Davis, 35, announces retirement Colorado at San Francisco Saturday’s games BY NOAH TRISTER team. “I want to thank the Orioles partnership Baltimore (López 3-12) at Boston (Sale Associated Press 0-0) group, led by the Angelos family, the Orioles Cleveland (TBD) at Detroit (Peralta 3-2) BALTIMORE — Chris Davis’ ascent and de­ organization, my teammates and coaches.” Oakland (Kaprielian 6-4) at Texas (Lyles 5-9) cline were quick and steep. Next year was the final season of Davis’ $161 N.Y. Yankees (TBD) at Chicago White Sox (Cease 9-6) In between, he was one of baseball’s top million, seven­year contract, a deal that be­ Tampa Bay (Wacha 2-3) at Minnesota home­run hitters — and that’s what Baltimore came increasingly burdensome for the re­ (Maeda 5-4) Houston (Garcia 8-6) at L.A. Angels (Bar- manager Brandon Hyde wanted to remember building Orioles. ria 2-0) Toronto (Ryu 11-5) at Seattle (Kikuchi on the day Davis announced his retirement. Davis came to the Orioles in a 2011 trade 7-6) “Those really good years, those ’12 to ’17 from Texas. He hadn’t hit more than 21 home­ Cincinnati (Castillo 6-11) at Philadelphia (Moore 1-3) years, he was a fixture in the lineup and a ma­ rs in a season with the Rangers, but he hit 33 in Atlanta (Fried 9-7) at Washington (Cor- bin 6-11) jor run producer. He was a middle­of­the­or­ his first full season with Baltimore. Davis led Chicago Cubs (Davies 6-9) at Miami der bat on a really, really good team,” Hyde TONY DEJAK/AP the majors with 53 homers in 2013 and 47 in (TBD) Milwaukee (TBD) at Pittsburgh (Wilson said Thursday. “He’s done so much off the After announcing his retirement Thursday, 2015. He finishes his career with 295 in 13 sea­ 2-5) L.A. Dodgers (Buehler 12-2) at N.Y. Mets field as well. Great teammate — well­liked in 35­year­old Chris Davis finishes his career sons with the Orioles and Rangers. (Walker 7-7) with 295 home runs in 13 seasons with St. Louis (Lester 3-6) at Kansas City (Kell- the clubhouse, well­liked around the league.” A powerful left­handed hitter at 6­foot­4, er 7-11) Davis became one of baseball’s most prodi­ Baltimore and Texas. Davis was a crucial part of Baltimore’s best San Diego (Musgrove 8-7) at Arizona (Gilbert 0-1) gious power hitters before his production run since the 1990s. He helped the Orioles re­ Colorado (Freeland 3-6) at San Francisco (TBD) dropped amid injury problems during his final “After an extended time dealing with my in­ ach the postseason in 2012, 2014 and 2016, al­ Calendar seasons with the Orioles. Davis, 35, was going jury and recent hip surgery, I informed the though he did not play in the playoffs in 2014, to miss the entire 2021 season after surgery in Orioles about my decision to retire effective to­ when the team made it to the AL Champion­ Aug. 22 — Los Angeles Angels vs. Cleve- land at Williamsport, Pa. May to repair the labrum in his left hip. day,” Davis said in a statement released by the ship Series. PAGE 22 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, August 14, 2021 MLB Cubs release former Cy Young winner Arrieta Associated Press “When you look back, I think there’s a really good CHICAGO — Jake Arrieta won a Cy Young Award and helped the argument to say he’s one of the more influential Chicago Cubs capture a drought- people in the history of this franchise.” busting World Series champion- ship in his first stint with the club. Jed Hoyer His second go-round was nowhere Cubs president, on Jake Arrieta near as successful. It ended with his release Thurs- chise.” Arrieta was the NL Cy Young day. The Cubs also placed catcher Award winner with Chicago in Arrieta was informed of the de- Willson Contreras on the 10-day 2015 and helped the Cubs win the cision a day earlier, after getting injured list because of a sprained 2016 World Series, their first tagged for eight runs in a 10-0 loss right knee that Hoyer said is not championship since 1908. He to Milwaukee, Cubs president Jed serious. They selected right-hand- went 68-31 with a 2.73 ERA in 128 Hoyer said. The 35-year-old right- ed pitcher Ryan Meisinger from starts over five years and threw hander was 5-11 with a 6.88 ERA Triple-A Iowa, reinstated catcher two no-hitters during his first stint in 20 starts. Austin Romine from the 60-day IL with the team. “Nothing that happened on the and designated left-hander Kyle He then signed a $75 million, mound last night or the other Ryan for assignment. three-year contract with Philadel- nights in any way diminishes his Arrieta agreed in February to a phia in free agency and went 22-23 role in club history,” Hoyer said. $6 million, one-year deal. His re- with a 4.36 ERA in 64 starts with “When you look back, I think turn to Chicago had a chance to be the Phillies. He had a 4-4 record DAVID ZALUBOWSKI/AP there’s a really good argument to a feel-good story, but it ended on a and a 5.08 ERA in nine starts dur- The Chicago Cubs released starting pitcher Jake Arrieta on Thursday, say he’s one of the more influential rough note. He was 0-7 with a 9.92 ing the pandemic-shortened 2020 a disappointing end to the former Cy Young winner’s second stint with people in the history of this fran- ERA in his final 11 starts. season. the franchise he helped lead to a World Series title in 2016. Picture: White Sox top Yankees in thriller at ‘Field of Dreams’

FROM PAGE 24 phone storage had filled up after all the photos and videos he re- Baseball game in this state that’s corded. usually focused on college and Judge was born three years af- community sports, spotlighted by ter “Field of Dreams” was re- presidential campaigns and leased, but his father introduced fueled by the hog and grain indus- him to the movie when he was a try. kid and he quickly became a big Judge provided a pair of pic- fan. He noted that some of his ture-perfect images, launching younger teammates had not yet two long drives into the corn- seen the film. stalks. Tim Anderson hit the “I think one of these nights eighth homer of the game, a two- we’re going to sit down and I’ll run liner in the ninth inning that have a DVD for ’em, ready to go,” lifted the White Sox over the Yan- Judge said with a wide smile. kees in a 9-8 thriller. The film, naturally, remains a Anderson delivered a Holly- strong source of local pride, and wood ending, too, circling the Iowa residents were given pur- bases as fireworks exploded. So chasing priority when the limited what if it was more from “The Nat- amount of public tickets went on ural” than “Field of Dreams”? sale. The “Field of Dreams Ghost This won’t be a one-time visit, Players,” many of whom were ex- either. Commissioner Rob tras in the film, gathered on the Manfred confirmed that the Field movie field in the afternoon in of Dreams game will return in Au- their 1919-style uniforms in honor gust 2022, with the teams to be de- of Jackson’s “Black Sox” team termined. CHARLIE NEIBERGALL/AP that plays a key part in the plot. The made-from-scratch stadi- New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton walks on the field with ears of corn in his back “It’s given us a real identity. um — built to hold about 8,000 pockets before Thursday's game against the Chicago White Sox in Dyersville, Iowa. When you think of Dyersville, it’s fans who watched the White Sox ‘Field of Dreams,’ and all the pub- and Yankees play in one of the White Sox slugger José Abreu movies or heroes in comic books driks was all smiles as he recount- licity we’ve been getting lately has most anticipated mid-August delivered an instant highlight in and fairytales, and getting a ed his exploration of the white just been tremendous for the town games in history — was placed the first inning, hitting a line drive chance to actually be at the Field farmhouse where the Kinsella and the area,” said Jude Milbert, next to the actual diamond where that zipped over the fence in left of Dreams and play a game here family lives in the movie that’s one of the Ghost Players who de- the 1989 movie starring Kevin field and vanished into the corn. and have family and friends here been well-kept as a tourist attrac- veloped a Globetrotters-style Costner was shot outside the town Judge connected for a three- and getting a chance to represent tion. troupe after their involvement in of Dyersville, population 4,000. run smash in the third and a two- the Yankees here, never in my life Both teams had their fill of mo- the film by putting on youth clin- Costner came back for this, run drive in the ninth. Neither was did I think I’d ever experience vie reenactment moments during ics, doing comedy routines and stealing the scene with a slow, a can of corn — they both flew far. this,” Judge said. pregame photo ops on the original traveling around the world as am- ponderous stroll into the outfield There were rows upon rows of Major leaguers can be particu- field, before retreating into the bassadors of the game. They’re all his character Ray Kinsella often corn between the two outfields, in lar about the details when they’re corn and returning to the regula- former college or semipro players took in the film before stopping to fact. Yes, it’s the same spot where on a road trip, desiring to maxi- tion stadium to prepare for the who live in northeast Iowa. watch the real White Sox and Yan- Shoeless Joe Jackson and his pals mize comfort and minimize intru- game. The players were politely The Ghost Players and every- kees emerge from the corn for appeared — and disappeared — sion for optimal performance on warned not to scrape their faces one else can get ready for more pregame introductions. throughout the Academy Award- the field, but nobody minded any on the stalks and not to try to enter next year. Clutching a ball in his hand, nominated film about fathers, of the logistical hurdles of playing the maze — one of the fan attrac- “You never mess with a win- while the original symphonic children, culture, self-discovery, this game a four-hour drive from tions added to the site for the event ning streak, but it does feel like all score from the movie played over ghosts and, oh, yeah, baseball. Chicago and about a half-hour — to avoid getting lost. the teams are going to want to the loudspeakers, Costner “As a kid you dream of the ride from the airport in Dubuque “Anyone who follows me on In- touch this. There’s going to be hot stepped up to a microphone and chance to play Major League where both teams flew in. stagram is going to be very sick of competition to play this,” Costner told the crowd, “It’s perfect.” Baseball and you watch certain White Sox closer Liam Hen- corn,” said Hendriks, whose said before the game. Saturday, August 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 23 NFL Colts, Panthers face first tests at joint practice

BY MICHAEL MAROT the Colts in 2018 to take the former Associated Press Southern California star No. 3 WESTFIELD, Ind. — Indiana- overall. Darnold is trying to revive polis quarterbacks Jacob Eason his career after going 13-25 with and Sam Ehlinger finally got to the Jets, and the long weekend in throw some passes against a dif- Indy started with mixed results. ferent defense Thursday. Meanwhile, the Colts found Sam Darnold themselves working in two young- faced the first re- sters. al challenge with Carson Wentz, the projected his new Carolina starter after a trade with Philadel- teammates, too. phia, hasn’t practiced in almost After finishing two weeks because of an injured the first of two left foot. Wentz was walking joint practices at around on the field with a mask — Colts training and no protective gear around the Eason camp it’s clear surgically repaired foot. JEFF CHIU/AP everybody has Team owner Jim Irsay told re- 49ers rookie quarterback Trey Lance throws during training camp in Santa Clara, Calif., on Tuesday in some finetuning porters the Colts would be cau- preparation for his first exhibition game this weekend. to do before Sun- tious with Wentz for the Sept. 12 day’s preseason season opener against Seattle. opener. If Wentz doesn’t play against “They’re an the Seahawks, Irsay believes the 11-5 team, they likely replacement may already 49ers excited for rookie were a playoff be in camp. team last year, so The strong-armed Eason is in Ehlinger I guess that’s one his second season out of Washing- of the reasons we ton, but his rookie year was a wanted to come washout. Joint practices and the Lance’s preseason debut here,” Panthers preseason were canceled, and as coach Matt No. 3 on the depth chart he never Rhule said. “We took a regular-season snap. When No. 3 overall draft pick has impressed in camp want to see how Wentz went down, the former BY JOSH DUBOW can’t truly experience until game far away we are Washington star initially inherit- Associated Press action, like how to deal with get- from them.” ed the No. 1 job. Coach Kyle Shanahan knows ting the play call from the sideline Darnold Rhule wasn’t But he’s been splitting reps this that in the big picture, it won’t in a loud stadium and how to make impressed with week with rookie Sam Ehlinger, a matter how well Trey Lance plays the decision about when to slide, the Panthers’ slow start but ap- sixth-round draft pick, and that’s in his exhibition debut for the San dive headfirst, go out of bounds or plauded the team’s reaction by the plan for Friday and likely Sun- Francisco 49ers. take a hit when scrambling. picking up the pace later and per- day. Ehlinger is more athletic and That doesn’t dampen Shana- Shanahan wants Lance to stay haps setting up a better workout has better touch, which were evi- han’s excitement to see his rookie on his feet on scrambles in prac- Friday. dent again Thursday. first-round quarterback take the tice to avoid any chance of an in- But this week will largely be “Both Sam and Jacob, I thought, field in a game for the first time jury but drills him afterward on graded on the quarterback play. were really solid,” coach Frank Saturday night when the Niners what he would have done in a real Both teams made big offseason Reich said. “They both had touch- host the Kansas City Chiefs in an game. He’s been pleased with the moves to acquire what they hope down passes in that last period. I exhibition game. answers so far but now gets to see will be foundational pieces. just felt like there was some pretty “It’s fun to watch quarterbacks it for real. Carolina obtained Darnold in a good execution, all things consid- go out there for the first time,” “That’s something that we’ll all deal with the New York Jets, who ered. It was their first go-round ... Shanahan said Thursday. “But I see in the game,” he said. “Trey /AP swapped first-round picks with going against an NFL defense.” don’t get nervous for the person or says the right things, he’s a pretty JOSIE LEPE anything like that. It’s fun to good runner, he’s pretty compet- San Francisco 49ers head coach watch. I know no one’s going to re- itive. I hope he takes my word for Kyle Shanahan, pictured, is look­ ing forward to seeing Lance in member how his first preseason it. Sometimes those guys don’t be- action when he makes his pre­ lieve how hard people hit until game is, but they will the next day. season debut Saturday. That’s all right. I know rookies get they get a couple of times in the some butterflies. It is a big deal NFL.” being able to get used to every- for them. But the reality of it is it is The preseason may be more im- thing, everything from the hotel an experience for them. I think portant for Lance because of how the night before the game to pre- Trey is going to make the team so little experience he had in college. game warmup. Everything’s go- he doesn’t have to go out there and He started only 17 games at FCS- ing to be new, but at the same time just freak out about that. But he level North Dakota State and football is football.” knows a lot of eyes will be on played only one game in a CO- The 49ers have been very him.” VID-shortened 2020 season. pleased with what they have seen A lot of eyes have been on His last game with fans in the from Lance so far, reinforcing Lance ever since the 49ers draft- stadium came more than 19 their strong belief in him from the ed him in April after trading three months ago against James Madi- draft process. first-round picks for the No. 3 se- son in the FCS title game for the Notes: Shanahan said he will lection. 2019 season. hold several players out of the San Francisco is working Lance That only adds to his level of an- game, including DE Nick Bosa, MICHAEL CONROY/AP in gradually behind starter Jim- ticipation for this game. DE Dee Ford and WR Jalen Hurd. Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle makes a catch in front of my Garoppolo but the rookie has “Excited to go out and compete ... CB K’Waun Williams (hip) and Carolina Panthers safety Juston Burris during a joint practice at impressed during training camp. with this locker room of guys,” he DE Arden Key (quadriceps) mis- training camp in Westfield, Ind., on Thursday. But there are some things he said. “Everything’s new, so just sed practice and are day to day. PAGE 24 • STARS AND STRIPES • Saturday, August 14, 2021 Ready to move forward SPORTS Finally clear of NCAA penalties, Baylor focuses on future ›› College football, Page 20

MLB Picture perfect

White Sox, Yankees go deep in ‘Field of Dreams’ thriller

BY DAVE CAMPBELL just glued to the windows, checking out Associated Press the scenery,” said Judge, the three- s the bus carried the New time All-Star right fielder. York Yankees through the “We have a lot of guys from different cornfields blanketing this countries who really haven’t seen the Aserene, rolling farmland of country like this, or guys from big ci- northeast Iowa, Aaron Judge noticed a ties who really haven’t seen open fields difference from the usual arrival in the and stuff like this, so it was pretty cool next city. driving in and seeing everybody in The ride to the Field of Dreams site town kind of standing on the side of the in Dyersville, Iowa, to play the Chicago roads with signs and cheering us on,” White Sox on Thursday night had ev- he said. eryone’s attention, like a bunch of kids The made-for-TV event, delayed by who couldn’t believe what they were a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, getting to do. had the billing as the first Major League “It was the first time people had their headphones out, and they were SEE PICTURE ON PAGE 22

Cubs release former ace Arrieta after rough return ›› Page 22 O’s slugger Davis retires ›› Page 21

Top: Chicago White Sox pitcher Lance Lynn warms up prior to Thursday’s game against the New York Yankees in Dyersville, Iowa. Above right: The outfield scoreboard is seen before the Yankees and White Sox played at a temporary stadium in the middle of a cornfield at the “Field of Dreams” movie site. Chicago won 9­8.

PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEIBERGALL/AP

49ers excited for rookie QB Lance’s preseason debut ›› NFL, Page 23