FACES NATION COLLEGE FOOTBALL How the crew of Nashville bomber Fields, Lawrence land ‘Soul’ designed a left hints of trouble, on title stage after kid-friendly afterlife but motive elusive lobbying to play Page 18 Page 9 Page 24

Attorney: Green Beret charged in shooting suffers from PTSD ›› Page 3

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Volume 79 Edition 182 ©SS 2020 WEDNESDAY,DECEMBER 30, 2020 50¢/Free to Deployed Areas

VIRUS OUTBREAK House overrides defense bill veto

BY STEVE BEYNON Stars and Stripes WASHINGTON — The House on Monday voted to override Pres- ident Donald Trump’s veto of the $740.5 billion defense bill that boosts pay and benefits for troops and adds care for thousands of Vietnam-era veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange. In a 322-87 vote, the Democrat- controlled House successfully re- buked Trump’s rejection of the 2021 National Defense Authoriza- tion Act, which sets annual spend- ing and policy priorities for the Pentagon. The bill originally passed both chambers of Con- gress by veto-proof majorities. Pressure “It’s the exact same bill, not a comma has changed,” Rep. Mac Thornberry of Texas, the ranking mounts Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, said on the House floor ahead of the vote. RICKY CARIOTI/The Washington Post “The president has authorized his Deborah Henley fills a constitutional prerogative. Now … Virus surge continues as Washington squabbles over relief funds syringe with the Moderna it’s up to us.” coronavirus vaccine on Page 6 The House vote tees Congress Monday in Sterling, Va. up for the first veto override of Trump’s presidency in his last days in office. The Republican- controlled Senate is expected to Biden warns of Trump officials’ transition ‘roadblocks’ vote Wednesday on overriding the veto, which will require a two- BY ALEXANDRA JAFFE mine Americans’ security. “Right now we just aren’t get- dow of confusion or catch-up that thirds vote. The bill was passed in Associated Press During remarks Monday in Wil- ting all the information that we our adversaries may try to ex- the Senate in an 84-13 vote earlier WILMINGTON, Del. — Presi- mington, Del., Biden said his team need from the outgoing adminis- ploit.” He also said they need “a this month. The initial House vote dent-elect Joe Biden is warning of has faced “obstruction” from the tration in key national security ar- clear picture of our force posture was 335-78. massive damage done to the na- “political leadership” at the De- eas. It’s nothing short, in my view, around the world and of our oper- “My intention was and is to en- tional security apparatus by the fense Department and the Office of irresponsibility,” Biden said. ations to deter our enemies.” sure the Senate continues fulfill- Trump administration and “road- of Management and Budget as He warned that his team needs Biden’s remarks came after he ing our obligation to the men and blocks” in communication be- they’ve sought to gather neces- “full visibility” into the budget was briefed by members of his na- women of our armed forces,” Sen- tween agency officials and his sary information to continue the process at the Defense Depart- transition team that could under- transition of power. ment “in order to avoid any win- SEE TRANSITION ON PAGE 8 SEE BILL ON PAGE 4 PAGE 2 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, December 30, 2020 BUSINESS/WEATHER Stocks rise after Trump OKs stimulus EXCHANGE RATES Military rates So. Korea (Won) 1,094.69 Associated Press months. It combines $900 billion in more than recovered, helped by Switzerlnd (Franc) 0.8839 Euro costs (Dec. 30) $1.20 Thailand (Baht) 30.05 World stocks rose Tuesday, with COVID-19 aid with a $1.4 trillion massive infusions of central bank Dollar buys (Dec. 30) 0.7954 Turkey (NewLira) 7.3528 British pound (Dec. 30) $1.32 Japan’s Nikkei 225 benchmark hit- spending bill and reams of other cash and ultra-low interest rates, Japanese yen (Dec. 30) 101.00 (Military exchange rates are those available ting a 30-year high after President unfinished legislation on taxes, en- which make shares potentially South Korean won (Dec. 30) 1,067.00 to customers at military banking facilities in the Commercial rates country of issuance for Japan, South Korea, Ger­ Donald Trump signed a $900 bil- ergy, education and health care. more lucrative than other invest- many, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Bahrain(Dinar) 0.3770 For nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., pur­ lion economic aid package. The hope is that the measures ments. Britain (Pound) 0.7408 chasing British pounds in Germany), check with Canada (Dollar) 1.28 your local military banking facility. Commercial Wall Street set fresh records will help tide the economy over un- In U.S. trading Monday, the S&P China(Yuan) 6.5306 rates are interbank rates provided for reference Denmark (Krone) 6.0615 Monday after Trump opted not to til vaccinations can bring surging 500 climbed 0.9% to 3,735.36, as in- Egypt (Pound) 15.7557 when buying currency. All figures are foreign veto the bill, helping to staunch un- infections under control, allowing vestors welcomed Trump’s deci- Euro 0.8153 currencies to one dollar, except for the British Hong Kong (Dollar) 7.7532 pound, which is represented in dollars­to­ certainty as governments reim- precautions to be relaxed and life sion to sign the aid package despite Hungary (Forint) 297.57 pound, and the euro, which is dollars­to­euro.) Israel (Shekel) 3.2108 pose pandemic-fighting travel and to begin returning to normal. his complaints that $600 payments Japan (Yen) 103.58 INTEREST RATES business curbs weighing on global Trading is thinning as tumultu- for most individuals were too low. Kuwait(Dinar) 0.3053 Norway (Krone) 8.6028 Prime rate 3.25 economic activity. ous 2020 draws to a close. But after The legislation also averted a fed- Philippines (Peso) 48.01 Interest Rates Discount rate 0.75 Poland (Zloty) 3.72 Federal funds market rate 0.09 Investors and economists have nosediving in March as the pan- eral government shutdown that Saudi Arab (Riyal) 3.7528 3­month bill 0.11 been pushing for the support for demic took hold, share prices have would have begun Tuesday. Singapore (Dollar) 1.3275 30­year bond 1.67 WEATHER OUTLOOK WEDNESDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY IN EUROPE THURSDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 23/18

Kabul Seoul 50/23 27/12 Baghdad 62/37 Tokyo Drawsko Osan Kandahar Mildenhall/ 28/14 45/25 50/20 Pomorskie Busan Lakenheath 37/32 38/30 39/24 Iwakuni Kuwait City 41/23 Bahrain Brussels Zagan Sasebo 68/53 72/62 Ramstein 39/31 38/28 Guam 40/34 36/33 84/81 Riyadh Lajes, 67/46 Doha Azores Stuttgart Pápa 59/54 39/30 75/62 Aviano/ 45/33 Vicenza 44/32

Naples 56/51 Okinawa Morón 72/66 54/31 Sigonella Rota 64/44 The weather is provided by the Djibouti 55/39 Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 81/70 63/50 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. TODAY IN STRIPES American Roundup ...... 11 Classified ...... 13 Comics ...... 16 Crossword ...... 16 Faces ...... 18 Opinion ...... 14 Sports ...... 20-24 Wednesday, December 30, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 3 MILITARY PTSD cited in Green Beret shooting hearing BY CAITLIN M. KENNEY traumatic brain injury, WREX re- his service record released by the Saturday, about 25 people were at from a local hospital. The teenag- Stars and Stripes ported. Bucko said Webb is pre- Army on Monday. He has also the bowling alley, which has an ers were there to pick up food and WASHINGTON —- Army Spe- scribed medication, but did not worked as a Special Forces engi- upstairs bar open for patrons in were not in the bar area, accord- cial Forces Sgt. 1st Class Duke say for what condition. neer sergeant and a parachute accordance with the state’s pan- ing to O’Shea. Webb suffers from post-traumatic Webb’s attorney also said the rigger. Webb’s demic restrictions, Dan O’Shea, “We believe this was a com- stress disorder, his attorney said soldier’s has memory loss issues, military awards the Rockford Police Chief, said pletely random act, and there is Monday during a court hearing the Rockford Register Star re- include two Sunday at a news conference. The no prior meeting or any kind of re- for the bowling alley shooting in ported. Webb was denied bond Bronze Star police believe Webb was shooting lationship between the suspect Rockford, Ill., that left three peo- Monday by Judge Debra Schafer Medals, two Ar- inside and outside the building. and any of the victims in this ple dead. and his next court hearing is my Commenda- Most of the shooting was captured case,” O’Shea said at the news Webb, 37, was charged in the scheduled for Feb. 16. tion Medals, the on surveillance footage from in- conference. He could not speak to Saturday evening shooting at Don Webb is a Special Forces assist- Army Achieve- side the building, according to any possible motive for the shoot- Carter Lanes with three counts of ance operations and intelligence ment Medal, and O’Shea. ing. Webb murder and three counts of first- sergeant assigned to 3rd Battal- four Army Good Three men, aged 65, 69 and 73, Webb was arrested without po- degree attempted murder. The ion, 7th Special Forces Group Conduct Medals. He has also were shot and killed. A 62-year lice officers having to fire their soldier attended the courtroom (Airborne), located at Camp Bull earned a Presidential Unit Cita- old man also suffered multiple weapons, according to O’Shea. hearing in Winnebago County, Simons, Eglin Air Force Base, tion, the Ranger Tab, the Special gunshot wounds and was in crit- Before Webb was arrested, he Ill., via a Zoom call, NBC-affiliate Fla., according to the Army. He Forces Tab, the Combat Action ical condition Sunday, according attempted to “obscure his identifi- 13 WREX reported. was on leave at the time of the Badge, the Combat Infantryman to O’Shea. The other two shooting cation and hide his weapons,” Webb’s attorney Elizabeth shooting. Badge, the Military Freefall Para- victims are a 14-year old boy who which O’Shea stated were two Bucko said in court that the sol- Webb has deployed to Afghan- chutist Badge, the Parachute Rig- was shot in the face and is in sta- handguns. dier suffers from PTSD and he istan four times since 2009, in- ger Badge, and the Parachutist ble condition, and a 16-year old has been scheduled to be evaluat- cluding from January to July of Badge. girl who was shot in the shoulder. [email protected] ed for the anxiety disorder and a this year, according to details of When the shooting happened The girl was treated and released @caitlinmkenney Marine honored for saving life of Okinawa snakebite victim

BY MATTHEW M. BURKE when he heard Ahuso’s screams, the medal, Ahuso and her daugh- Stars and Stripes the Marines said previously. He ter Hirono Ikehara received a tour CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — rushed to her aid to find she had of the Joint Light Tactical Vehi- An Okinawa-based Marine who been bitten by a venomous snake. cles that James works on, accord- rendered aid to a local woman af- He fastened a tourniquet above ing to the Murphy’s email to Stars ter she was bitten by a venomous the wound. and Stripes. habu snake has received a medal “We were grilling burgers and The Navy Achievement Medal for his lifesaving actions. hot dogs and suddenly we heard is awarded to service members Sgt. John James, a motor vehi- an elderly woman screaming in a below the rank of colonel for meri- cle operator from Combat Logis- language we didn’t understand,” torious service or achievement in tics Battalion 31, was awarded the James said, according to the pre- combat or noncombat, according Navy Achievement Medal during vious statement. “We didn’t know to an Army fact sheet. The medal a ceremony at Camp Hansen on what was wrong until she started can either be used to recognize Dec. 23, according to an email BRANDON SALAS/U.S. Marine Corps screaming out ‘habu, habu.’ ” sustained performance or a spe- Monday from 1st Lt. Stephanie Sgt. John James is awarded the Navy Achievement Medal by Tokiko Murphy, spokeswoman for the First responders arrived, found cific achievement that does not Ahuso, whom James assisted after she was bitten by a snake on 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. the snake and administered the warrant a higher award. Okinawa. The ceremony took place at Camp Hansen on Dec. 23. The expeditionary unit com- proper antivenom. Up to 50 people on Okinawa — mander, Col. Michael Nakoniecz- They credited James’ quick ac- most often farmers or farmwork- ogy Graduate University’s web- ment from the U.S. Naval Hospital ny, presided as Tokiko Ahuso, the tions with saving the woman’s life, ers — are bitten each year by one site. Snakebite antivenom is avail- Okinawa. The snakes are most ac- woman James helped, pinned the Marine officials said previously. of the four varieties of habu on able but the bites can be painful tive September through Novem- medal to his chest. Ahuso recovered quickly and was Okinawa. Their venom is hemo- and cause permanent tissue dam- ber. James, a native of DuBois, Neb., able to go back to work within a toxic, destroying blood cells and age. few days of the incident. tissues, according to the Okinawa was barbecuing with friends at the Less than 1% of those bitten by a [email protected] Saloon bar in Kin town on Nov. 6 On the day James was awarded Institute of Science and Technol- habu die, according to a 2013 state- Twitter: @MatthewMBurke1 Colonel accused of beating wife, threatening suicide in stand-off

BY STACIA GLENN raigned Monday afternoon. and coming back into the home, screaming, ‘Don’t kill mom, don’t “He stated that he had killed a The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.) Ray formerly led 1st Special records say. shoot us.’ ” lot of people and he had no prob- The chief of staff assigned to I Forces Group at the base before Ray eventually found his wife Police arrived at the family’s lem killing law enforcement if Corps at Joint Base Lewis- becoming I Corps chief of staff in in the children’s home about 12:15 a.m. About 15 they made attempts to arrest McChord is accused of beating July. bedroom and minutes later, Ray let his wife him,” records say. his wife in front of their children An I Corps spokesman said on was furious and two youngest children go At one point during the two- and repeatedly threatening to kill Monday that Ray has been sus- when she called outside. His teenage daughter hour stand-off, police say they himself during a stand-off with pended. police. followed them out moments lat- spotted Ray holding a pistol to police at the family’s DuPont Charging papers give this ac- He pointed a er. his head while standing on the home. count of the domestic violence in- gun at her and It was just before 1 a.m. before balcony. He was also seen hold- On Monday, Pierce County cident: “proceeded to officers got Ray on the phone and ing a rifle inside the home. prosecutors charged Owen Ray, On Sunday, Ray argued with kick (his wife) asked him to come out so he Police arrested Ray after he Ray 47, with first-degree kidnapping, his wife and she hid from him in over and over could be taken into custody. came outside. two counts of second-degree as- the bedroom of their youngest with his boots in the face and Ray talked about his extensive Two handguns and a shotgun sault, two counts of felony ha- children. She heard him say chest,” prosecutors wrote in training in combat and experi- were found in the master bed- rassment and reckless endanger- “Let’s do this” before going into charging papers. “The two chil- ence with the 1st Special Forces room. Multiple firearms were ment. He is scheduled to be ar- the garage where he stored guns dren had woken up and were Group, records say. found in a garage safe. PAGE 4 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, December 30, 2020 MILITARY Poland charges 2 Iraqis with supporting ISIS BY CHAD GARLAND around for months and released a Stars and Stripes documentary on her in February Polish authorities have charged 2019. two Iraqi citizens with financing Sciannimanica was reportedly the Islamic State, following a year- killed in Iraq in mid-2016. While slong investigation into money his family was told he died in a transfers to a German man who U.S. Air Force strike, Bild report- went to Syria to join the terror ed that an ISIS source claimed the group. terrorist group killed him after The two Iraqi men, who were trying him for spying. charged on Dec. 14 in the western After his death, his wife fled the Polish city of Wroclaw, are ac- Islamic State and was eventually cused of acting as middlemen for detained in Turkey before being money transfers sent between brought back to Germany, where February 2015 to April 2016 to the she was convicted last year on man and his wife in Iraq and Syria charges including war crimes for by relatives in Germany, Poland’s living in properties taken from National Public Prosecutor’s Of- their rightful owners, the Hell- fice said in a statement. weger Anzeiger newspaper re- Family members in Germany ported. sent money to them at least twice, The woman, who had a child the statement said. Authorities did Poland Special Services with Sciannimanica in Mosul, was not name the family or the recip- Two Iraqis who were detained in June by Poland's counter­terrorism and counter­intelligence service, the sentenced to nearly three years in ients of the funds, but information Internal Security Agency, or ABW, were charged in a court in Wroclaw Dec. 14 with helping to fund the prison last December, but was re- in the statement indicates the mil- Islamic State terrorist group. leased early after receiving credit itant was a man identified in earli- for time served while in detention er news reports as Mario Scianni- tem, the prosecutor’s office said. purposes, an entry on the financial him after he had joined ISIS. Said in Turkey and Germany prior to manica. Payers give cash to a broker, or information website Investopedia to have been the victim of sex traf- her conviction. An investigation conducted be- hawaladar, who then sends orders says. ficking in Germany where she was The two Iraqis, whose names tween 2017 and this year by Po- via fax, email, phone call, messag- An aspiring gangster rapper pimped out by a Hells Angels were not released, have been in land’s counterterrorism and coun- ing app, social media post or other from the Cologne area, Scianni- member, she was smuggled into Polish custody since June, Polish terintelligence service found that methods for money to be released manica converted to Islam in 2011 Syria in 2014 after meeting Scian- government spokesman Stanislaw the Iraqi men acted as brokers for to the recipient by a broker in an- and traveled to Syria via Turkey in nimanica via Facebook. Zaryn said. They face up to 12 the money transfers under a sys- other location. early 2013 to join the jihad, Polish The couple spent their wedding years in prison if convicted, he tem known as “hawala.” The system, which dates back to authorities said. He reportedly night in a former ISIS torture cell said in a statement. Hawala allows for speed and the 8th century, offers advantages went by the alias Abu Zubayr al with blood still on the walls and anonymity, and its lack of formal- in poor countries where access to Almani. chains hanging from the ceiling, Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report. ities allows it to operate under the formal banking institutions is lim- His wife, identified in German reported Germany’s Bild newspa- [email protected] radar of the official banking sys- ited, but is also favored for illicit media as Derya O., reportedly met per, which followed Derya O. Twitter: @chadgarland Bill: Senate to decide if Trump’s NDAA veto will be overruled

FROM PAGE 1 whelmingly just a couple of weeks from Afghanistan and Germany. Vietnam War veterans suffering places new restrictions on a presi- ate Majority Leader Mitch ago. The president vetoed this be- “Unfortunately, the act fails to from bladder cancer, hypothyroi- dent’s authority to withdraw McConnell, R-Ky., said on the Sen- cause of something that was never include critical national security dism and Parkinson’s-like symp- troops from Germany and Afghan- ate floor last week urging the pres- going to be in the bill, something measures, includes provisions toms — conditions thought to be istan. It also funds military train- ident not to veto the NDAA. totally unrelated to national secu- that fail to respect our veterans caused by exposure to the chem- ing, new weapons systems and Trump primarily vetoed the leg- rity and something that we were and our military’s history, and ical herbicide Agent Orange. The construction projects at bases islation because it does not include not going to do in any event. There contradicts efforts by my adminis- provision would add the diseases across the world. a last-minute demand to repeal is literally no reason to veto this bill tration to put America first in our to the VA presumptive list, which The passage in both chambers Section 230, a law that protects so- for the reasons the president did.” national security and foreign poli- lowers the amount of proof veter- marked the 60th consecutive year cial media companies from liabil- Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., cy actions. It is a ‘gift’ to China and ans must provide in order to re- that Congress approved the de- ity for what is posted on their sites one of Trump’s closest allies on Russia,” Trump wrote in his veto ceive VA benefits. fense bill before the end of the cal- by third parties. The idea is backed Capitol Hill, tweeted last week that message to Congress. Lawmakers named the 2021 endar year. by Republicans on Capitol Hill, he would not vote against the veto Among the critical measures in- NDAA in honor of retiring Rep. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., the but as a separate bill because it unless there is a measure to “wind- cluded in the NDAA, the bill would Mac Thornberry, R-Texas. Thorn- chairman of the Senate Armed doesn’t fall into the jurisdiction of down” Section 230. Graham was authorize a 3% pay raise for troops, berry has long been a force on the Services Committee, said the military policy. one of three senators who did not an increase of more than 5,000 mil- House Armed Services Commit- NDAA is among the few examples “Both parties have put together originally vote on the NDAA. itary troops and provide funding tee, serving as its chairman and its of bipartisanship in an increasing- an incredible piece of legislation,” Trump also had objections to a for a new initiative aimed at check- ranking Republican. ly divided Congress and signaled Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., chair- measure that would rename mili- ing China’s military power in In addition to a military pay he expected a Trump veto to be man of House Armed Services tary bases that honor Confederate southeast Asia. boost, increased force strength overruled. Committee, said ahead of the vote. leaders and provisions that re- The NDAA also includes a mea- and the new $2.2 billion Pacific “That’s why it passed so over- strict a quick withdrawal of troops sure that approves benefits for Deterrence Initiative, the bill also [email protected] Human remains found on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston

BY NIKKI WENTLING installation, the military base forcement began investigating members were found dead at base officials said. Likewise, Air Stars and Stripes said in a news release Monday. Monday morning. Joint Base San Antonio. Both Force Airman 1st Class Peter Human remains were found People walking near the creek The base said that there is no deaths are under investigation, Gonzalez, 21, was found dead at Sunday at Joint Base San Anto- discovered them. danger to the base or the commu- but investigators don’t suspect Lackland Air Force Base on nio-Fort Sam Houston in Texas. The base’s security forces nity, and there are no active mis- foul play in either. Thursday, Nov. 26. Partial skeletal remains were closed off the area. The Air Force sing persons cases at the installa- Army Spc. Brittany Harris, 35, found near Salado Creek, which Office of Special Investigations tion. was found dead at Fort Sam [email protected] is in the northeast section of the and San Antonio-area law en- Late last month, two service Houston on Wednesday, Nov. 25, Twitter: @nikkiwentling Wednesday, December 30, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 5 VIRUS OUTBREAK US military bases in Japan report 26 new cases

BY ERICA EARL truded into our community,” Stars and Stripes Montagnet said, referring to the TOKYO — The U.S. military in respiratory disease associated Japan reported 26 new cases of with the coronavirus. “I under- the coronavirus as of 6 p.m. Tues- stand the lure of holiday func- day, including more than a dozen tions and social gatherings. But, that appeared over several days let’s be clear, there are existing at a Navy airfield experiencing public health emergency mea- its worst outbreak since March. sures that address social gather- Naval Air Facility Atsugi, 26 ings.” miles southwest of central Tokyo, The base was on a temporary reported 17 active cases from a summer lockdown under the pre- recent spike, a spokesman said vious commander, Capt. Lloyd AKIFUMI ISHIKAWA/Stars and Stripes Tuesday. Mack, due to an unspecified Signs in the shopping area near Yokohama Station remind passersby of preventive measures against the Eight cases were confirmed number of cases there, but since coronavirus. The U.S. military counted 26 new cases of the coronavirus in Japan on Tuesday. via contact tracing, seven pa- then counted its new cases in tients tested positive after experi- ones and twos until recently. One tested positive after arriv- how those infections originated. Air station commander Col. encing coronavirus symptoms Meanwhile, Tokyo is still expe- ing in Japan from the United In a response to a Facebook Lance Lewis posted his own and two are new arrivals who riencing a relatively high num- States and went immediately into comment about the level of trans- message Tuesday, reminding his tested positive at the airport, ber of new cases daily. The To- quarantine. The other two are parency the base previously dis- people that the coronavirus “con- spokesman Sam Samuelson told kyo Metropolitan Government close contacts of a previously played, a base spokesperson tinues to be an obstacle to resum- Stars and Stripes by phone Tues- reported 856 new coronavirus identified positive case. Yokota wrote: “In order to better align ing life as we once knew it.” day. cases Tuesday, according to pub- has eight active cases, according with our higher headquarters, He “humbly” asked the 13,500 Base commander Capt. Man- lic broadcaster NHK. Japan has to the base. prevent speculation, and take base residents to “take any tem- ning Montagnet said Atsugi is ex- reported a pandemic total of To the west, Marine Corps Air pressure off of our medical team, porary inconvenience in stride periencing its highest volume of 223,776 cases, according to NHK. Station Iwakuni reported six in- who work their butts off to con- with the knowledge that such de- new cases since the onset of the Yokota Air Base, headquarters dividuals had tested positive duct contact tracing and testing cisions are never easy, but are pandemic, according to a Face- in western Tokyo of U.S. Forces within the previous day, accord- with each positive case, we’re not necessary.” book message he posted Monday. Japan, reported three individuals ing to a Facebook post. But in a going to be providing that infor-

“As much as we’ve discussed tested positive for the virus, ac- departure from previous prac- mation publicly in our Facebook [email protected] it, COVID-19 fatigue has still in- cording to a Facebook post. tice, the air base declined to state updates.” Twitter: @ThisEarlGirl US veterans in the Philippines in virus vaccine limbo

BY SETH ROBSON after serving our country honorably under Stars and Stripes “Veterans … should also be afforded this arduous, dangerous conditions.” A group of U.S. military veterans in the Another signer, John Doulette, a former Philippines say they’ve been left in limbo by vital life-saving vaccine here while residing in Marine living in Imus City near Manila, in a the Department of Veterans Affairs, which Dec. 22 email said it’s unfair that disabled will only offer the coronavirus vaccine the Philippines.” veterans in the islands won’t get the vaccine there to its staff and veterans receiving John Doulette if they are denied enrollment at the clinic. treatment at its clinic in Manila. “Given the seriousness of this pandemic, Representatives of veteran and retiree former Marine living in Imus City Veterans stateside are being vaccinated at organizations in the Philippines wrote to the local VA facilities,” Doulette said. “Veter- Senate Homeland Security and Govern- fice and Out-Patient Clinic has informed Stripes. ans, whether service connected or not, mental Affairs Committee on behalf of veterans that, by law, it can only administer “There is no set date for when VA Manila should also be afforded this vital life-saving 30,000 veterans living in the Philippines, the coronavirus vaccine to service-connect- Outpatient Clinic will receive the vaccine, vaccine here while residing in the Philip- outlining their concerns about the U.S. gov- ed, disability-rated veterans who are en- but we are prepared and stand ready to ac- pines.” ernment’s vaccination plan. rolled there as patients. Local VA health cept a vaccine once it becomes available to The Philippine government plans to pur- The Philippines has reported nearly care employees will also get the shot, the us,” he said. chase and administer a coronavirus vaccine 470,000 coronavirus cases with over 9,000 veterans’ letter states. The VA’s goal is to offer the vaccine to eli- to its citizens but doesn’t appear to have a deaths, Nikkei Asia reported Sunday. The U.S. Embassy in Manila states on its gible veterans receiving care with the VA plan to vaccinate foreign residents, the vet- “It is our understanding that this vaccine website that the U.S. government does not and all employees, he said. erans wrote in their letter. will be given to all citizens of the United plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to However, Applegate, a retired Navy non- The veterans want the Navy to deploy its States free of charge,” wrote a group of for- U.S. citizens overseas. COVID-19 is the re- commissioned officer, in a Dec. 22 email to hospital ships, the USS Comfort and USS mer service members and members of Vet- spiratory disease caused by the coronavi- Stars and Stripes said he can’t enroll at the Mercy, to the Philippines to assist with vac- erans of Foreign Wars posts and a veteran rus. Manila clinic even though he is rated a dis- cinations for veterans, their letter states. support organization in the Philippines. The VA has a limited supply of vaccine abled veteran because it has no orthopedic “These hospital ships could be deployed The signers include Michael Applegate, and will first vaccinate veterans in long- doctor there who can treat his foot condition. to areas in the world where a large concen- who signed as a member of the VFW Pacific term care facilities and VA health care per- “That means I cannot get the U.S. pro- tration of Americans resides to assist the Areas Department and American Legion sonnel, according to the VA website. duced COVID-19 vaccine coming from the VA and U.S. Embassies throughout the Post 123 in Angeles City; Mark Favreau, The VA’s initial vaccine distribution sites U.S., which will be administered to only vet- world to administer the vaccine to the who signed as the director of the U.S. mil- were chosen based on criteria including erans enrolled at the VA Outpatient Clinic American population, not just here in the itary Retiree Support Services Office in Ma- freezer availability and the ability to vacci- Manila,” he said. “This affects not only me, Philippines,” the veterans wrote. nila, and George Cox, who signed as a mem- nate a large volume of people quickly, Da- but thousands of other veterans living here ber of VFW Post 2485 in Angeles City. niel Gutkoski, manager of the VA’s Manila in the Philippines. Veterans have been [email protected] But the VA Manila Regional Benefit Of- clinic, said in a Dec. 22 email to Stars and kicked to the curb by the U.S. Government Twitter: @SethRobson1 PAGE 6 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, December 30, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK Fate of $2,000 checks lies with GOP-led Senate Associated Press vote to deny the American people WASHINGTON — President the bigger paychecks they need.” Donald Trump’s push for $2,000 The showdown could end up as COVID-19 relief checks now rests more symbol than substance if with the Senate after the House vot- Trump’s effort fizzles out in the ed overwhelmingly to meet the Senate. president’s demand to increase the The legislative action during the $600 stipends, but Republicans rare holiday week session may do have shown little interest in boost- little to change the $2 trillion-plus ing spending. COVID-19 relief and federal The outcome is highly uncertain spending package Trump signed heading into Tuesday’s session. into law Sunday, one of the biggest Senate Majority Leader Mitch bills of its kind providing relief for McConnell has declined to publicly millions of Americans. address how he plans to handle the That package — $900 billion in MATTHEW KEELER/Stars and Stripes issue. But Democrats, sharing a COVID-19 aid and $1.4 trillion to Sgt. Skylar Bacote prepares a dose of the Moderna COVID­19 vaccine at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, rare priority with Trump, have fund government agencies — will on Tuesday. The Moderna vaccine was also administered at Osan and Kunsan air bases in South Korea. seized on the opportunity to force deliver long-sought cash to busi- Republicans into a difficult vote of nesses and individuals and avert a either backing or defying the out- federal government shutdown that Health care providers, first responders going president. otherwise would have started After bipartisan approval by the Tuesday, in the midst of the public House, Senate Democratic leader health crisis. for US Forces Korea receive vaccine Chuck Schumer warned, “There is But the outcome will define BY MATTHEW KEELER bulk of whom must wait several During the pandemic, USFK no good reason for Senate Republi- Trump’s GOP, putting a spotlight Stars and Stripes months until greater quantities of has reported 473 cases of the coro- cans to stand in the way. on the Georgia runoff election Jan. CAMP HUMPHREYS, South the vaccine are available. navirus as of Monday, of whom “There’s strong support for 5 where two Republican senators Korea — An Army doctor was “The key thing here is to make 369 were service members. All these $2,000 emergency checks are in the fights of their political first among U.S. troops in South sure the shot is no different than but 29 of those infected individu- from every corner of the country,” lives against Democrats in a pair of Korea to receive the Moderna any other shot we have in the mil- als tested positive after arriving in Schumer said in a statement late races that will determine which vaccine against the coronavirus as itary for vaccinations in order to South Korea from the U.S. Monday. He called on McConnell party controls the Senate next year. inoculations here began Tuesday. protect our health and protect the At U.S. bases, the vaccine, be- to make sure the Senate helps Together with votes Monday and Army Lt. Col. Brian Cohee, a health of our patients that we cause it’s approved for emergen- “meet the needs of American Tuesday to override Trump’s veto pulmonary and critical care phy- come in contact with,” Luu said. cy use, is administered to volun- workers and families who are cry- of a sweeping defense bill, it’s po- sician, and about 20 other service The vaccine requires two shots teers only. It may cause some side ing out for help.” tentially one last confrontation be- members lined up for the shot at administered a month apart. effects, including pain at the injec- The House tally was a stunning tween the president and the Re- Brian D. Allgood Army Commu- Those inoculated Tuesday are due tion site, tiredness, headache, turn of events. Just days ago, Re- publican Party he leads as he im- nity Hospital at Camp Hum- back Jan. 29 for round two. Full muscle pain, chills, fever and oth- publicans blocked Trump’s sud- poses fresh demands and disputes phreys. immunity comes about two weeks er problems. But it is 94% effec- den demands for bigger checks the results of the presidential elec- “I consider it a huge privilege to after the second shot. tive at preventing COVID-19, ac- during a brief Christmas Eve ses- tion. The new Congress is set to be be able to be the one to start it off “To me, this is the way we move cording to the FDA. sion as he defiantly refused to sign sworn in Sunday. here in Korea,” Cohee said. “I on away from COVID-19 and back The Moderna vaccine is pain- the broader COVID-19 aid and Rep. Kevin Brady, of Texas, the have taken care of a decent num- to what looked more like reality as less compared to the lingering ef- year-end funding bill into law. ranking Republican on the Ways ber of coronavirus patients and we used to know it,” Cohee said, fects of the anthrax vaccine series As Trump spent days fuming and Means Committee, acknowl- seen what it can do.” referring to the respiratory dis- he received going into Operation from his private club in Florida, edged the division and said Con- Military health care providers ease caused by the coronavirus. Desert Shield nearly two decades where he is spending the holidays, gress had already approved ample and first responders at U.S. bases Inoculations with the Moderna ago, USFK commander Gen. Rob- dozens of Republicans calculated it funds during the COVID-19 crisis. across the peninsula and upper- vaccine began over the weekend ert Abrams told Stars and Stripes. was better to link with Democrats “Nothing in this bill helps any- echelon leaders of U.S. Forces Ko- at U.S. bases in Japan, where Abrams and USFK Command to increase the pandemic stipend body get back to work,” he said. rea received their shots from the about 8,000 doses were delivered Sgt. Maj. Walter Tagalicud re- rather than buck the outgoing pres- Aside from the direct $600 shipment that arrived Friday. Saturday, Chief Master Sgt. Ri- ceived their shots Tuesday, a ident and constituents counting on checks to most Americans, the CO- The Moderna vaccine, one of chard Winegardner Jr. of U.S. demonstration of trust in the vac- the money. Democrats led pas- VID-19 portion of the bill revives a two approved for emergency use Forces Japan said Tuesday on cine for the thousands of service sage, 275-134, but 44 Republicans weekly pandemic jobless benefit by the U.S. Food and Drug Admin- American Forces Network Radio. members, Defense Department joined almost all Democrats in ap- boost — this time $300, through istration in mid-December, was The vaccine arrives a year after civilian employees and depend- proval. March 14 — as well as a popular also administered at Osan and the coronavirus appeared in Chi- ents expected to follow in the com- Senators were set to return to Paycheck Protection Program of Kunsan air bases in South Korea. na and as South Korea experienc- ing months. session Tuesday amid similar, grants to businesses to keep work- Humphreys, a sprawling Army es its highest number of new cases “While we await additional stark GOP divisions between those ers on payrolls. It extends eviction base south of Seoul, is headquar- daily since the pandemic began in shipments of the vaccine, I ask who align with Trump’s populist protections, adding a new rental ters for the United Nations Com- March. that our community remains pa- instincts and others who adhere to assistance fund. mand and USFK. South Korea reported 40 deaths tient and flexible,” Abrams said in what had been more traditional The COVID-19 package draws “This is our opportunity to show and 1,046 new cases across the a press release. “The COVID-19 conservative views against gov- and expands on an earlier effort the rest of the Army and Depart- country on Monday, just shy of the vaccine is another tool that will ernment spending. Congress had from Washington. It offers billions ment of Defense our ability to dis- record 1,241 reached Friday. help USFK maintain a robust settled on smaller $600 payments of dollars for vaccine purchases pense the vaccine safely over- A total of 58,725 people have combined defensive posture and in a compromise over the big year- and distribution, for virus contact seas,” said Col. Huy Luu, com- contracted the virus and 859 have our ‘Fight Tonight’ readiness ap- end relief bill Trump reluctantly tracing, public health depart- mander of the Army hospital at died of its complications, accord- proach.” signed into law. ments, schools, universities, farm- Humphreys. ing to the report at midnight Mon- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi de- ers, food pantry programs and oth-

The United States has about day by the country’s Central Dis- [email protected] clared, “Republicans have a er institutions and groups facing 28,500 troops in South Korea, the ease Control Headquarters. Twitter: @MattKeeler1231 choice: Vote for this legislation or hardship in the pandemic. Wednesday, December 30, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 7 VIRUS OUTBREAK ROUNDUP ‘Surge on top of a surge’ to challenge California hospitals Associated Press ported 2,800 deaths of people who LOS ANGELES — As coronavi- tested positive for COVID-19 so rus hospitalizations stabilize in far in December — roughly the parts of California, patients con- same amount as reported in total tinue to overwhelm hospitals in a from June through November. large swath of the state, and Gov. Gavin Newsom warned Califor- South Dakota nians on Monday to brace for the SIOUX FALLS — South Dakota effect of a surge upon surge upon on Monday reported the lowest surge from recent holiday travel. number of daily new coronavirus Intensive care units in Southern cases in two months, tallying 267 California and the San Joaquin people who had tested positive, Valley have no capacity remain- though testing also slowed after ing, according to state figures, and the Christmas holiday. Newsom said it was “self-evident” The Department of Health re- his latest stay home order would ported the results of 1,162 tests, a be extended Tuesday in places large drop from the average of where hospital ICUs have less 4,309 daily tests over the previous than 15% capacity. seven days. Health officials indi- Newsom said that even with ad- cated that 14.3% of the RT-PCR missions to hospitals plateauing in tests performed came back posi- some places, the state was des- tive, which is an indicator that DAVID SANTIAGO, MIAMI HERALD/AP tined to move into a “new phase” more people may have infections An American Airlines employee wears a mask while helping travelers get their airplane ticket at Concourse that it’s been preparing for as it than tests are indicating. D at the Miami International Airport on Monday in Miami. With the coronavirus surging, the nation’s top sets up hospital beds in arenas, South Dakota has seen a signif- public health agency pleaded with Americans not to travel and not to spend the holiday with people from schools and tents, though it is icant drop in coronavirus cases af- outside their household. struggling to staff them. ter infections peaked in Novem- “As we move into this new ber. Over the past two weeks, the shipped and stored at ultra-cold dents 75 years and older are phase, where we brace, where we rolling average number of daily New Mexico temperatures. scheduled to receive the coronavi- prepare ourselves for what is in- new cases has decreased by 47%, SANTA FE — New Mexico is “These storage units are a crit- rus vaccine in mid-February un- evitable now ... based on the travel according to Johns Hopkins re- seeing its daily COVID-19 case to- ical piece in providing all Oklaho- der a plan approved Monday for we have just seen in the last week searchers. The Department of tals decline, but health officials mans, whether in a rural or urban the second phase of distribution. and the expectation of more of the Health’s count of people with ac- have been worried about whether area, with equal access to the CO- Other groups who could be line same through the rest of the holi- tive infections dipped below 7,000 the Christmas holiday could lead VID-19 vaccine,” Reed said in a to get the COVID-19 vaccine in- day season of a surge on top of a for the first time since October. to another spike as it takes two to statement. clude people with underlying surge, arguably, on top of, again, No new deaths from the virus three weeks for infections to man- Through Saturday, the most re- health conditions and those who another surge,” Newsom said. were reported, but after the No- ifest. cent data available from the Okla- live in group settings, but a per- State officials also notified hos- vember spike, the state’s rate of On Monday, the state reported homa State Department of Health, son’s job is no longer under con- pitals Monday that the situation is deaths per capita has risen to the an additional 700 confirmed nearly 30,000 vaccine doses of the sideration, the Utah Department now so dire that hospitals should fifth-highest in the nation, accord- cases, bringing the total to more 122,750 the state has received so of Health said in a news release. prepare for the possibility that ing to Johns Hopkins researchers. than 138,650 since the pandemic far have been distributed, or less It makes most sense to get the they will have to resort to “crisis Over the course of the pandemic, began. than 25%. But Reed said a lag in vaccine next to older people who care” guidelines established earli- 1,446 people have died after con- The death toll stands at 2,380. data entry can lead to some under- are most at risk of hospitalization er in the pandemic, which allow tracting COVID-19, representing Almost one-third of the 36 fatali- reporting of vaccine administra- and death, said Rich Saunders, in- for rationing treatment. about one out of every 610 people. ties reported Monday involved tion information. terim executive director of the New York Nebraska people at nursing homes and other Utah Department of Health. long-term care facilities. A male Illinois Of the state’s 1,219 confirmed ALBANY — New York Gov. An- OMAHA — The number of peo- inmate at the Guadalupe County SPRINGFIELD — Illinois’ deaths from the coronavirus, 77% drew Cuomo announced a crack- ple hospitalized with the coronavi- Correctional Facility also was death toll from the COVID-19 pan- have been people 65 years and ol- down on potential vaccine fraud rus in Nebraska is roughly half of among the deaths. demic now tops 16,000 with the der, state health statistics show. as state officials hope to provide the record of 987 set on Nov. 20. Vaccinations of health care numbers released Monday by an initial vaccine dose to 400,000 Nebraska said 503 people were workers as well as staff and resi- state public health officials. West Virginia people by the end of the week. hospitalized with COVID-19 Sat- dents at nursing homes and other The Illinois Department of Pub- CHARLESTON — West Virgin- Cuomo, a Democrat, has touted urday, which was down slightly long-term care facilities is ongo- lic Health reported 4,453 new con- ia has reported a daily record for New York’s vaccination efforts from 505 the day before. That ing. firmed and possible cases of the the percentage of positive corona- even as the nation as a whole is number is down significantly virus. With the accompanying 105 virus tests among all tests given. short of reaching the federal gov- since last month’s peak, but it re- Oklahoma deaths, the state’s death toll rose to The daily positive rate of 16.4% ernment’s goal of injecting 20 mil- mains more than twice as high as OKLAHOMA CITY — An Okla- 16,074. on Sunday broke the mark of lion Americans with the first dose it was at the start of October. homa agricultural research orga- The new COVID-19 cases were 12.6% set last Tuesday. Tuesday’s by the end of December. The U.S. Nebraska reported just 175 new nization announced Monday that found among 51,406 tests conduct- rate had been the highest rate Centers for Disease Control and virus cases Saturday to give the it will donate 11 ultra-cold freezers ed over the last 24 hours. The pre- since April. Prevention said nearly 2 million state a total of 161,337 cases, but to the state that health officials liminary seven-day statewide test There were 302 confirmed virus people have received an initial the Test Nebraska testing sites said will help expedite the distri- positivity from Dec. 21 to Dec. 27, cases Sunday, but the overall vaccine done as of Dec. 26. were closed on Christmas Day. bution of coronavirus vaccines. is 8.7%. number of tests reported adminis- The nation reported about 1.3 The state also said 1,559 deaths The freezers, donated by the As of late Sunday, 4,243 people tered was much lower than the av- million new COVID-19 cases over have been linked to the virus since Noble Research Institute based in in Illinois were reported to be in erage from recent weeks. the past seven days, including the pandemic began. Ardmore, will allow more Oklaho- the hospital with COVID-19. Of The number of positive virus roughly 75,000 in New York. The Over the past two weeks, the mans to receive the vaccine at that number, 884 patients were in cases reported statewide last number of new cases has flattened seven-day rolling average of daily their local health care providers, intensive care units and 515 pa- week, 5,634, was the lowest in a over the past week in New York, new cases in Nebraska decreased limiting travel for people during tients were on ventilators. month and was down nearly 18% which is reporting more cases per from 1,507.43 new cases per day the pandemic, Oklahoma Deputy from the record 6,848 confirmed capita than 30 other states. on Dec. 12 to 916.71 new cases per Health Commissioner Keith Reed Utah cases reported for the week end- Hospitals in New York have re- day on Saturday. said. The Pfizer vaccine must be SALT LAKE CITY — Utah resi- ing Dec. 20. PAGE 8 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, December 30, 2020 NATION More virus vaccines coming as US effort ramps up

BY LAURAN NEERGAARD can take days for reports from vac- Associated Press cine providers to trickle in and get Ahuge U.S. study of another CO- added to the site. VID-19 vaccine candidate got un- “Just because a vaccine arrives derway Monday as states continue doesn’t mean we can put an on-the- to roll out scarce supplies of the spot clinic up and running,” said first shots to a nation anxiously Jenny Barta, a public health offi- awaiting relief from the cata- cial in Carlton County, Minn. strophic outbreak. But Tuesday, her agency aims to Public health experts said more vaccinate 100 people in a drive- options in addition to the two vac- thru clinic for emergency medical cines now being dispensed — one workers that Barta hopes could be- made by Pfizer and its German come a model for larger attempts partner BioNTech, the other by at mass vaccination. Nurses will Moderna — are critical to amass- wheel vaccines to cars lined up in a ing enough shots for the country county-owned snowplow garage. and the world. Once the drivers get their shots, The candidate made by Nova- they will wait in parking spaces to vax Inc. is the fifth to reach final- be sure they don’t have an allergic stage testing in the United States. HOANG 'LEON' NGUYEN/AP reaction before heading home. Some 30,000 volunteers are need- U.S. Air Force Veteran Robert Aucoin, 78, receives a COVID­19 vaccine dose at the Soldiers' Home in “Vaccinating one individual at a ed to prove if the shot — a different Holyoke, Mass., on Tuesday. time is how we’re going to work kind than its Pfizer and Moderna our way out of this pandemic,” she competitors — really works and is about 1.8 million deaths world- to stay home and avoid others over ed to the frustration of states and said. safe. wide, including more than 330,000 Christmastime, nearly 1.3 million health officials trying to schedule Yet another worry hanging over “If you want to have enough vac- in the U.S. This has been the dead- people went through the nation’s the shots. the vaccine scramble: Will shots cine to vaccinate all the people in liest month of the outbreak in the airports on Sunday, the highest There is no real-time tracking of block a new variant of the corona- the U.S. who you’d like to vacci- U.S. yet, with about 65,000 deaths one-day total since the crisis took how quickly people are getting the virus that emerged in Britain and nate — up to 85% or more of the in December so far, according to hold in the U.S. nine months ago. first of the two required doses. As might spread more easily? Fauci population — you’re going to need the COVID Tracking Project. The The Trump administration’s of Monday, the Centers for Dis- said that data from Britain indi- more than two companies,” Dr. nation has repeatedly recorded Operation Warp Speed expects to ease Control and Prevention had cates the vaccines will still protect Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infec- more than 3,000 dead per day over have shipped 20 million doses of reports of more than 2.1 million against the virus, but that National tious disease expert, told The As- the past few weeks. the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines vaccinations out of 11.4 million Institutes of Health researchers sociated Press on Monday. And the U.S. could be facing a to states by the beginning of Janu- doses shipped — but the agency will be “looking at it very inten- The coronavirus is blamed for terrible winter: Despite warnings ary, fewer than originally estimat- knows that count is outdated. It sively” to be sure. Transition: Biden team still seeking more info on key issues

FROM PAGE 1 cial cooperation with the Biden ture, “rather than continuing to to address the COVID-19 pandem- Trump himself has had a conten- tional security and defense teams transition team until Nov. 23, over-invest in legacy systems de- ic and prepare for future epidem- tious relationship with the intelli- and advisers, including his nomi- weeks after the election. Biden signed to address the threats of the ics, combat climate change and gence community, criticizing its nees for Secretary of State, De- and his aides warned at the time past.” confront the growing threat posed findings that Russia interfered in fense and Homeland Security, as that the delay was hampering Pentagon officials pushed back by China. the 2016 election to boost his can- well as his incoming national se- their ability to craft their own vac- on Biden’s characterization of the “Right now, there’s an enor- didacy. And still other national se- curity adviser. The president- cine rollout plan, but have since disconnect between the Defense mous vacuum. We’re going to curity agencies have faced staff elect said his team found that said cooperation on that and other Department and the Biden team. have to regain the trust and confi- cuts and unstable leadership agencies “critical to our security issues related to COVID-19 has Acting Defense Secretary Chris- dence of a world that has begun to throughout Trump’s time in office have incurred enormous damage” improved. topher Miller said in a statement find ways to work around us or as the president frequently fired during President Donald Trump’s Last week, however, Biden him- that the department has conduct- without us,” he said. his department heads with little time in office. self said that the Defense Depart- ed 164 interviews with over 400 of- Trump has implemented an notice, often leaving departments “Many of them have been hol- ment “won’t even brief us on ficials, and provided over 5,000 “America First” foreign policy with acting secretaries or vacant lowed out in personnel, capacity many things” and suggested be- pages of documents, which is “far that saw the U.S. retreat from positions in their top ranks. and in morale,” he said. “All of it cause of this, he didn’t have a com- more than initially requested by longstanding global alliances and The situation has left what ex- makes it harder for our govern- plete understanding of the full Biden’s transition team.” treaties. The Trump Administra- perts have said is a major crisis of ment to protect the American peo- scope of the recent cyberhack that Miller also said that his team is tion cut funding from the North morale throughout the federal ple, to defend our vital interests in breached numerous government continuing to schedule meetings Atlantic Treaty Organization, and government, and Biden said Mon- a world where threats are con- systems. for the remaining weeks of the withdrew from both the World day that “rebuilding the full set of stantly evolving and our adversar- On Monday, Biden said that his transition and “answer any and all Health Organization and the Paris our instruments of foreign policy ies are constantly adapting.” team was still gathering informa- requests for information in our Climate Accords. and national security is the key Trump has still refused to con- tion about the full extent of the cy- purview.” The shift away from interna- challenge” that he and Vice Presi- cede an election he lost by more berhack, but described the need to Biden also spoke in length about tional diplomacy also precipitated dent-elect Kamala Harris will than 7 million votes, and his ad- “modernize” America’s defense the need to rebuild global allianc- an exodus of staff from key agen- face when they take office Janu- ministration did not authorize offi- to deter similar attacks in the fu- es, which he said were necessary cies, like the State Department. ary 20. New federal guidelines say no candy, cake for kids under 2 years old

Associated Press least six months and no added entists advising the government. sugar to less than 10% of calories lines. “There’s more we need to Parents now have an extra rea- sugar for children under age 2. Those advisers said in July that per day after age 2. And men learn.” son to say no to candy, cake and “It’s never too early to start,” everyone should limit their added should limit alcohol to no more The dietary guidelines are is- ice cream for children before said Barbara Schneeman, a nutri- sugar intake to less than 6% of than two drinks per day, twice as sued every five years by the Agri- their second birthday. The first tionist at University of California, calories, and men who drink much as advised for women. culture Department and the De- U.S. government dietary guide- Davis. “You have to make every should limit alcohol to one drink “I don’t think we’re finished partment of Health and Human lines for infants and toddlers, re- bite count in those early years.” per day. with alcohol,” said Schneeman, Services. The government uses leased Tuesday, recommend The guidelines stop short of two Instead, the guidelines stick who chaired a committee advis- them to set standards for school feeding only breast milk for at key recommendations from sci- with previous advice: limit added ing the government on the guide- lunches and other programs. Wednesday, December 30, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 9 NATION Nashville bomber left signs, but motive remains elusive

Associated Press NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In the days before he detonated a bomb in downtown Nashville on Christ- mas, Anthony Quinn Warner changed his life in ways that sug- gest he never intended to survive the blast that killed him and wounded three other people. Warner, 63, gave away his car, telling the recipient that he had cancer. A month before the bomb- ing, he signed a document that transferred his longtime home in a Nashville suburb to a California woman for nothing in return. The computer consultant told an em- ployer that he was retiring. But he didn’t leave behind a clear digital footprint or any other obvious clues to explain why he set off the explosion in his parked STEVEN SENNE / AP recreational vehicle or played a A statue that depicts a freed slave kneeling at President Abraham message warning people to flee Lincoln's feet rests on a pedestal in Boston. On Tuesday, the statue before it damaged dozens of build- that drew objections amid a national reckoning with racial injustice ings and knocked out cellphone was removed from its perch. service in the area. While investigators tried to FBI/ AP piece together a possible motive This undated image posted on social media by the FBI shows Anthony for the attack, a neighbor recalled Quinn Warner, the man suspected of detonating bomb in Nashville, Slave kneeling before a recent conversation with War- Tenn., on Christmas Day. He told a neighbor days earlier that ner that seemed ominous only in “Nashville and the world is never going to forget me.” Lincoln statue is hindsight. Rick Laude told The Associated the Tennessee Bureau of Investi- Warner had worked as a com- Press on Monday that he saw War- gation, said authorities hope to es- puter consultant for Nashville real removed in Boston ner standing at his mailbox less tablish a motive but sometimes estate agent Steve Fridrich, who than a week before Christmas and simply cannot. told the AP in a text message that Associated Press less man rising to his feet while pulled over in his car to talk. After “The best way to find motive is Warner had said he was retiring A statue of Abraham Lincoln shaking off the broken shackles on asking how Warner’s elderly to talk to the individual. We will earlier this month. with a freed slave appearing to his wrists, others perceived him as mother was doing, Laude said he not be able to do that in this case,” A law enforcement report re- kneel at his feet — optics that drew kneeling before Lincoln, his white casually asked him, “Is Santa go- Rausch said Monday in an inter- leased Monday showed that War- objections amid a national reckon- emancipator. ing to bring you anything good for view on NBC’s “Today” show. ner’s only arrest was for a 1978 ing with racial injustice — has Freed Black donors paid for the Christmas?” Investigators are analyzing marijuana-related charge. been removed from its perch in original in Washington; white pol- Warner smiled and said, “Oh, Warner’s belongings collected Officials have not provided in- downtown Boston. itician and circus showman Moses yeah, Nashville and the world is during the investigation, includ- sight into why Warner selected Workers removed the Emanci- Kimball financed the copy in Bos- never going to forget me,” Laude ing a computer and a portable the particular location for the pation Memorial, also known as ton. The inscription on both reads: recalled. storage drive, and continue to in- bombing, which damaged an the Emancipation Group and the “A race set free and the country at Laude said he didn’t think much terview witnesses as they try to AT&T building and wreaked ha- Freedman’s Memorial, early peace. Lincoln rests from his la- of the remark and thought Warner identify a potential motive, a law voc on cellphone service and po- Tuesday from a park just off Bos- bors.” only meant that “something good” enforcement official said. A re- lice and hospital communications ton Common where it had stood More than 12,000 people had was going to happen for him finan- view of his financial transactions in several Southern states. By since 1879. signed a petition demanding the cially. He was speechless when he also uncovered purchases of po- Monday, the company said the learned that authorities had iden- tential bomb-making compo- majority of services had been re- City officials had agreed in late statue’s removal, and Boston’s tified Warner as the bomber. nents, the official said. stored for residents and business- June to take down the memorial public arts commission voted “Nothing about this guy raised Warner had recently given es. after complaints and a bitter de- unanimously to take it down. The any red flags,” Laude said. away a vehicle and told the person Forensic analysts were review- bate over the design. Mayor Marty statue was to be placed in storage As investigators continued to he gave it to that he had been diag- ing evidence from the blast site to Walsh acknowledged at the time until the city decides whether to search for a motive, body camera nosed with cancer, though it is un- try to identify the components of that the statue made residents and display it in a museum. video released late Monday by clear whether he indeed had can- the explosives as well as informa- visitors alike “uncomfortable.” The memorial had been on Bos- Nashville police offered more in- cer, the official said. Investigators tion from the U.S. Bomb Data Cen- The bronze statue is a copy of a ton’s radar at least since 2018, sight into the moments leading up used some items collected from ter for intelligence and investiga- monument that was erected in when it launched a comprehen- to the explosion and its aftermath. the vehicle, including a hat and tive leads, according to a law en- Washington, D.C., three years ear- sive review of whether public The recording from Officer Mi- gloves, to match Warner’s DNA, forcement official who said inves- lier. The copy was installed in Bos- sculptures, monuments and other chael Sipos’ camera captures offi- and DNA was taken from one of tigators were examining Warner’s ton because the city was home to artworks reflected the city’s di- cers walking past the RV parked his family members, the official digital footprint and financial his- the statue’s white creator, Thomas versity and didn’t offend commu- across the street as the recorded said. tory. Ball. nities of color. The arts commis- warning blares and then helping Warner also apparently gave The official, who was not autho- It was created to celebrate the sion said it was paying extra atten- people evacuate after the thunder- away his home in Antioch, Tenn., rized to discuss an ongoing inves- freeing of slaves in America and tion to works with “problematic ous blast off camera. Car alarms to a Los Angeles woman a month tigation and spoke to the AP on was based on Archer Alexander, a histories.” and sirens wail as a police dis- before the bombing. A property condition of anonymity, said fed- Black man who escaped slavery, Last summer, protesters vowed patch voice calls for all available record dated Nov. 25 indicates eral agents were examining a helped the Union Army and was to tear down the original statue in personnel and people stumble Warner transferred the home to number of potential leads and pur- the last man recaptured under the Washington, prompting the Na- through downtown streets littered the woman in exchange for no suing several theories, including Fugitive Slave Act. tional Guard to deploy a detach- with glass. money. The woman’s signature is the possibility that the AT&T But while some saw the shirt- ment to guard it. David Rausch, the director of not on that document. building was targeted. PAGE 10 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, December 30, 2020 NATION Judge blocks challenges to 4K Ga. voters

Associated Press same county. COLUMBUS, Ga. — A federal The group said on Dec. 18 that it judge ordered local election offi- was bringing challenges in each of cials in Georgia to allow voting by Georgia’s 159 counties against more than 4,000 people whose eli- more than 364,000 voters whose gibility was being challenged residency was being questioned ahead of next week’s runoff elec- based on change of address data tions for the U.S. Senate. obtained from the U.S. Postal Ser- U.S. District Judge Leslie vice. Abrams Gardner blocked election It’s up to local election boards to boards in Ben Hill County and determine whether the challenges Muscogee County, which includes have merit. Several, including in Columbus, from forcing large Fulton and Cobb counties in metro numbers of voters to prove their Atlanta, have rejected them. residency before casting ballots in Because election officials in the runoffs. The judge ruled that Muscogee and Ben Hill counties denying so many voters access to had determined the challenges the ballot so close to an election had probable cause, anyone on the would likely violate the National challenged list attempting to vote Voter Registration Act. would have been required to Republican Sens. David Perdue prove their eligibility — as would and Kelly Loeffler face runoff anyone challenged who mailed an elections Tuesday. If both lose to absentee ballot. Democratic challengers Jon Os- The judge’s order blocks the soff and Raphael Warnock, Demo- counties from impeding voting by crats will take control of the Sen- anyone who was challenged, say- ate. ing federal law prohibits “system- Challenges against roughly ic” removal of voters from the 4,000 voters in Muscogee County rolls within 90 days of an election. and more than 150 voters in Ben Attorneys for the county elec- Hill County were part of an effort tion boards had asked Gardner to by the Texas-based conservative recuse herself in the case. The group True The Vote to coordinate judge is the sister of Stacey MICHAEL HOLAHAN, THE AUGUSTA (GA.) CHRONICLE/ AP challenges statewide under a Ge- Abrams, Georgia’s Democratic People wait in line Dec. 14 on the first day of advance voting for Georgia's Senate runoff election at the orgia law that allows any regis- nominee for governor in 2018 and Bell Auditorium in Augusta, Ga. A federal judge Monday ordered local election officials in Georgia to allow tered voter to challenge the eligi- founder of the voting rights group voting by more than 4,000 people whose eligibility had been challenged ahead of the U.S. Senate runoff bility of any other voter within the Fair Fight. elections next week. Mormon church sued for alleged role in Scouts sex abuse Associated Press abuse touch all troops between 90,000 sexual abuse claims have PHOENIX — The Church of 1972 and 2009. been filed against the Boy Scouts. Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The church was the largest It’s the latest major American in- was hit with several lawsuits sponsor of Boy Scouts of America stitution to seek bankruptcy pro- Monday for allegedly covering up troops and its greatest ally until tection amid mounting legal pres- decades of sexual abuse among the Utah-based faith ended the sures over allegations of sexual Boy Scout troops in Arizona, partnership on Jan. 1, 2020, and abuse. Roman Catholic dioceses marking the latest litigation be- pulled out more than 400,000 across the country and some uni- fore the state’s end-of-year dead- young people. The faith moved versities have paid out hundreds line for adult victims to sue. them into its own global youth of millions of dollars in recent The church “must be held ac- program that focuses on religion years. countable in order to bring heal- and spiritual development, while These suits come as a window ing and closure to Mormon vic- weaving in camping and other to pursue litigation for some vic- tims of childhood sexual abuse,” outdoor activities in parts of the tims of childhood sexual abuse in Hurley McKenna & Mertz, a law world where that’s feasible. Arizona is about to close. The firm that focuses on church sex CHRISTOPHER MILLETTE, ERIE (PA.) TIMES­NEWS/ AP The split between the Boy state joined several others last abuse, said in a statement. Several lawsuits were brought against the Church of Jesus Christ of Scouts and the faith known widely year in extending the rights of In the seven lawsuits each rep- Latter­day Saints on Monday for allegedly covering up decades of as the Mormon church ended a now-adult victims to sue their al- resenting seven different male sexual abuse among Boy Scout troops in Arizona. nearly century-old relationship leged assailants and any church- victims, attorneys say church offi- between two organizations that es, youth groups or other institu- cials never notified authorities rod said in a statement that the claims will be carefully evaluated were brought together by shared tions that turned a blind eye at the about abuse allegations. Public faith has zero tolerance for abuse and appropriately addressed.” values that diverged in recent time of the abuse. records show members of of any kind and that the serious All seven victims are asking for years. Amid declining member- Lawmakers gave victims until church-sponsored Boy Scout allegations require thorough in- a jury to award an unspecified ship, the Boy Scouts of America their 30th birthday to sue — a troops who were abused would vestigation. He called it inaccu- sum for medical expenses, pain opened its arms to openly gay decade longer than before. Vic- tell church bishops about what rate to say the faith had access to and suffering. They are also seek- youth members and adult volun- tims who missed the cutoff have a they had experienced. The law- files that had names of banned ing punitive damages for the “out- teers as well as girls and trans- one-time opportunity to file suit suits allege bishops would then Scout leaders and said the church rageous conduct” of church offi- gender boys, while the church be- before the end of the year. Arizo- tell the victims to keep quiet so hasn’t seen the records that alleg- cials. lieves that same-sex intimacy is a na has no deadline for criminal the church could conduct its own edly back the accusations. The church sponsored at least sin. charges in child sexual abuse investigation. In the meantime, “The claim that the church has seven troops in Arizona in metro In its first step toward creating cases. troop leaders and volunteers ac- had access to the BSA ineligible Phoenix and Tucson, according to a compensation fund for men who Andrew Van Arsdale, a lawyer cused of sex abuse would be al- volunteer files for many decades attorneys. The suits were all filed were molested as youngsters with Abused in Scouting, says the lowed to continue in their roles or is simply false,” Penrod said. earlier this month — six in Mar- years ago by scoutmasters or oth- legal network was filing 261 sex be assigned to another troop, the “The church learned about the icopa County Superior Court and er leaders, the Boy Scouts of abuse lawsuits in Arizona on suits said. details of those files at the same one in Pima County Superior America filed for bankruptcy pro- Monday against various local Church spokesman Sam Pen- time as the general public. These Court. The allegations of sexual tection in February. Around Scout councils. Wednesday, December 30, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 11 AMERICAN ROUNDUP

Victim pulls gun, foiling carjacking; 4 arrested WENTZVILLE — An MO attempted carjack- ing was foiled when the victim drew a gun of her own, and then police arrested three teens and an 11-year-old. Wentzville Police said the con- frontation happened in a parking lot in the 1900 block of Wentzville Parkway. Police said the victim reported that she noticed four people near- by while she was seated in her ve- hicle before a teenage boy ap- proached and demanded her vehi- cle at gunpoint. Police said the woman pulled her own firearm and refused to leave her vehicle, and that prompted the teen with the gun and the other three sus- pects to flee. Former Ringling Bros. train cars up for auction RALEIGH — The state NC of North Carolina is selling nine railroad cars that once belonged to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus which they bought in hopes of refurbish- ing them for passenger service. ANDREE KEHN, SUN JOURNAL (LEWISTON, MAINE)/AP The N.C. Department of Trans- portation said it is also selling sev- en other old rail cars it said it no No gypsies like Sno Gypsies longer needs, The News & Observ- Jim Whitmore, Andy Valley Sno Gypsies club president, left, and Bo Norcross work with other club members to move timber slash off of their er of Raleigh reported. snowmobile trail in Auburn on Sunday, Whitmore's parents were a part of the club in 1967 when it was founded and the club has been a part of NCDOT paid $383,000 for the his entire life. Norcross is a third­generation club member and was pleased to be able to help with the trail clearing this year after graduating circus cars shortly after Ringling college last year. Bros. held its last performance in 2017. reports of a man in an unmarked THE CENSUS opening its 40th state park. The auction site lists a mini- car identifying himself as a state The Conservation Fund trans- mum bid of $45,000 for each of the trooper who made stops near In- The number of years a Massachusetts man was in prison for ferred 643 acres known as Tim- circus train cars, except for a stor- terstate 96 and Davison Avenue in 30 murder before being freed. Robert Foxworth was ordered re- berneck Farm to the Virginia De- age car that’s filled with various Detroit. leased by a state Supreme Judicial Court justice pending a lower court's deci- partment of Conservation and hand and shop tools. The man was reportedly wear- sion on whether he'll be granted a new trial, according to Suffolk County District Recreation, according to a news ing a black uniform and driving a Attorney Rachael Rollins' office. Rollins argued in legal briefs supporting Fox- release the department issued. Bald eagle survives shot; black Dodge Charger with red and worth's release and request for a new trial that “significant constitutional vio- The land will be part of a state blue lights. lations occurred” in securing his second-degree murder conviction in the shoot- park situated along the York River investigation underway ing death of Kenneth McLean in Boston in 1991. Police said troopers don’t use named Machicomoco. JUNEAU — A bald ea- unmarked cars for traffic stops. The name “Machicomoco” was AK gle that had been shot State police advised anyone un- On a recent flight, 17-year-old proposed by the Native American has survived with a broken leg and certain of being stopped by an un- pilot Cody Anderson helped move Salvation Army strikes tribes in the region who contribut- is being treated at a bird hospital marked car to slow down, use haz- two female dogs and 22 puppies gold with kettle donation ed to the park design and interpre- in Alaska. ard lights, drive to a public place from Las Cruces to Albuquerque. tive themes, according to the news The eagle was rescued after and call 911. LAS VEGAS — Salva- release. It’s an Algonquian word Kathy Benner, the manager of the Church added to National NV tion Army officials in translated to “special meeting Juneau Raptor Center, received a Teen pilots airlift pets Register of Historic Places Las Vegas said they were sur- place." report about an injured bird in a from crowding shelters prised to find a valuable gold coin person’s yard in Juneau. OMAHA — A 107-year- among the dollar bills, nickels, Zoo says it had birth of It is illegal to harm bald eagles ALBUQUERQUE — NE old Omaha church is dimes and quarters in one of the first lion in 40 years under the Bald and Golden Eagle NM Teenage pilots are now part of the National Register organization’s iconic red charity Protection Act of 1940 unless a airlifting animals from shelters in of Historic Places. fundraising kettles. ROYAL OAK — A lion permit from the Secretary of the New Mexico to places out of state The Omaha World-Herald re- Capt. Anthony Barnes, Salva- MI has been born at the De- Interior is provided. where they have a better chance of ported that Hope Lutheran was tion Army of Southern Nevada co- troit Zoo for the first time in 40 A federal investigation has been being adopted. added to the register, along with ordinator, said the solid gold Can- years. launched as a result of the inci- The program is a collaboration three other Omaha institutions. adian Gold Maple Leaf coin found The zoo said the birth of Binti, dent, Benner said. between the Barkhouse animal The church played an active wasn’t immediately appraised, which means daughter in Swahili, The bird had been given pain shelter in Las Cruces and the role in Omaha’s civil rights move- but officials believe it could be occurred in September. Her medication before it was trans- SAMS Academy Aviation in Albu- ment. David Calease, the National worth up to $2,000. mother is a 4-year-old named ported to the Alaska Raptor Cen- querque, local TV station KRQE Register of Historic Places coor- Barnes called it an incredible Asha. ter in Sitka, a bird hospital, the Ju- reported. dinator with History Nebraska, anonymous donation. Binti was born by cesarean sec- neau Empire reported. The high school student pilots said that given the events involv- The coin is produced by the tion. Three other cubs didn’t sur- need light hours, while the shel- ing the racial justice movement in Royal Canadian Mint at a face val- vive, the zoo said. State Police warn of man ters need to move animals to areas 2020, stories like those from Hope ue of $50 Canadian, or about $39. “She has grown so much, has a impersonating trooper where they are more likely to be Lutheran “are more relevant than lot of energy, and is very curious adopted. ever.” State acquires land for and playful,” said Elizabeth Ar- DETROIT — Michigan “In our region, we have a major The church that stands today its 40th state park baugh, curator of mammals. MI State Police have pet overpopulation issue,” said was built by the Pella Danish Binti’s father is a lion named warned of a man who was alleged- Koko Dean, managing director of Lutheran Church in 1913 after the RICHMOND — State Simba, who once lived with the ly impersonating police and mak- Barkhouse, adding that over- Easter Sunday tornado, which de- VA officials said a land ac- royal family in Qatar. ing traffic stops. crowding at shelters can lead to stroyed a church nearby that quisition in Gloucester County has Authorities said they received euthanizing. stood a few blocks away. brought Virginia one step closer to From The Associated Press PAGE 12 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, December 30, 2020 NATION Midwest braces for Arbitrator rules snowstorm FAA chief aided Associated Press DES MOINES, Iowa — A strong winter storm began making its way across the Upper Midwest on Tuesday, creating treacherous retaliation case travel conditions and spurring warnings urging people to stay off the roads. Associated Press Petitt that Delta ordered the psy- The National Weather Service A U.S. Labor Department judge chiatric review to punish her after issued winter storm warnings for says the head of the Federal Avia- she raised safety issues including parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, tion Administration helped Delta forcing pilots to fly when fatigued. Missouri, South Dakota, Wiscon- Air Lines retaliate against a pilot The judge said Delta failed to sin and Illinois. who raised safety concerns while produce evidence of any short- By Tuesday morning, snow was he was an executive with the air- comings in Petitt’s performance as so heavy in western Nebraska that CHRIS MACHIAN, OMAHA (NEB.) WORLD­HERALD/AP line. a pilot. interstates 80 and 76 were closed in Traffic heads west through the snow on Dodge Street underneath the An administrative law judge for “Not a single witness questioned both directions after several acci- West Dodge Expressway on Tuesday in Omaha, Neb. the department ruled that Stephen her flying acumen,” Morris wrote. dents, and the Nebraska Depart- Dickson and other Delta execu- Instead, he said, the evidence sug- ment of Transportation warned where the state Department of AccuWeather said parts of tives steered a human-resources gests Delta manipulated its proc- people to avoid unnecessary trav- Transportation urged people to de- southeast Nebraska, northeast procedure so that the pilot would ess “to achieve a desired outcome." el. lay travel plans. Kansas, northern Missouri and undergo a psychiatric evaluation Petitt asked for $30 million in pu- “Conditions remain hazardous National Weather Service mete- southern Iowa could see ice accu- that independent doctors deemed nitive damages, but the judge said &we anticipate they will remain so orologist Roger Vachalek told the mulations of up to a quarter of an unwarranted. he has no power to grant that. He all day Tuesday. Please avoid trav- Des Moines Register that the inch, which could weigh down Delta said Monday that it plans said $500,000 for lost wages and el," the department said on Twitter. storm could be especially concern- power lines and branches and to appeal the ruling. The FAA de- Petitt’s damaged career is war- Police in Omaha reported sever- ing for drivers. cause power outages. clined to comment on the ruling, ranted. al accidents blamed on slick roads. “The wet, heavy snow is very In Topeka, Kan., morning snow instead pointing to Dickson’s past The administrative law judge Some parts of Nebraska had al- slippery ... that could cause more was expected to give way to freez- comments on the case, including said two other Delta officials were ready seen 3 inches of snow by crashes and people need to be ing rain before eventually becom- that he wasn’t deeply involved in it. “the two key actors" in subjecting mid-morning, and the area near aware of that," Vachalek said. ing rain. In the Kansas City area, The pilot, Karlene Petitt, sued Petitt to the evaluation and picking Creston, Iowa, already had 5 inch- Wisconsin also was bracing for light snow on Tuesday morning re- Atlanta-based Delta in a Labor De- adoctor inclined to find her unfit to es of snow. up to 10 inches of snow in some ar- sulted in several accidents. Among partment administrative proceed- fly. Heavy snowfall of up to 10 inch- eas. The forecast called for 3 to 6 them were several rollover wrecks ing in 2016. In the decision dated But, the judge said, Dickson es, and perhaps more in some inches of snow in the Milwaukee on the Kansas side of the metropol- last week, administrative law knew about and approved the pu- spots, was forecast in parts of Iowa, area. itan area. judge Scott Morris agreed with nitive measures against Petitt. Wednesday, December 30, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 13 WORLD Strong 6.3 7 Bangladesh navy magnitude ships take refugees earthquake hits Croatia Associated Press to isolated island ZAGREB, Croatia — A strong earthquake hit Croatia on Tues- Associated Press It was the second group of Roh- day, with some injuries reported DHAKA, Bangladesh — Seven ingya refugees transferred from MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU/AP as well as considerable damages Bangladesh navy ships carrying crowded, squalid camps in Cox’s Rohingya refugees travel in a naval ship to be transported to Bhashan to roofs and buildings southeast of 1,804 Rohingya refugees arrived Bazar district to the island. Au- Char island in the Bay of Bengal, in Bangladesh, on Tuesday. the capital. Tuesday at an isolated island thorities sent a first group of 1,642 The European Mediterranean where they will be relocated de- on Dec. 4 despite calls for a halt by ments, houses, hospitals and sands of lives. Seismological Center said an spite concerns among human human rights groups. mosques built at a cost of more The U.N. also voiced concern earthquake of 6.3 magnitude hit 17 rights groups about their safety. Rear Adm. Md Mozammel than $112 million by the Bangla- that refugees be allowed to make a miles southeast of Zagreb. Initial They reached Bhashan Char is- Haque, commander of the local desh navy. “free and informed decision” reports said the earthquake The island’s facilities are de- about whether to relocate. Amnes- caused wide damage, collapsing land, 21 miles from the mainland, navy, said the number of refugees signed to accommodate 100,000 ty International and Human roofs, building facades and even after a four-hour naval journey willing to join the second phase of people, just a fraction of the mil- Rights Watch have urged the gov- some entire buildings. from the port city of Chittagong, relocation “exceeded their expec- lion Rohingya Muslims who fled ernment to cancel the plan. The regional N1 television re- government official Mohammed tations.” waves of violent persecution in An influential Cabinet minister ported live Tuesday from the town Khurshed Alam Khan said. He said the authorities were ini- their native Myanmar and are and general secretary of the gov- of Petrinja, which was hard-hit in He said authorities at the island tially expecting to relocate around currently living in the camps in erning party, Obaidul Quader, the Monday quake, that a col- received 433 men, 523 women and 1,200 refugees, but 1,804 chose to Cox’s Bazar. said Monday that the Rohingya lapsed building had fallen on a 848 children. Authorities insisted go. International aid agencies and are being moved to the island be- car. The footage showed firefight- that all were willing to be relocat- The island surfaced only 20 the United Nations have opposed cause their repatriation to Myan- ers trying to remove the debris ed and no pressure was placed on years ago and was not previously the relocation since it was first mar has been delayed. He said ref- from the car, which was buried them. But several human rights inhabited. It was regularly sub- proposed in 2015, expressing fear ugees who were earlier taken to underneath. The report said a and activist groups said some merged by monsoon rains but now that a big storm could wash over Bhashan Char have expressed man apparently was in the car were forced to go. has flood protection embank- the island and endanger thou- satisfaction. when the quake hit. PAGE 14 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, December 30, 2020 OPINION

Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Marci Hoffman, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander It’s not the money, it’s where it’s going Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations BY CATHERINE RAMPELL The populist left agrees. nearly universal. The just-passed stimulus The Washington Post Writers Group They have demanded that the new law’s payments will benefit 89% of households, ac- here are plenty of reasons to be un- $600 payments be increased to $2,000. Some cording to American Enterprise Institute EDITORIAL happy with the COVID-19 stimu- advocates characterize the law as providing resident fellow Kyle Pomerleau. Increasing Terry Leonard, Editor lus compromise President Donald only this stimulus, with ubiquitous social the per-person payment to $2,000, but keep- [email protected] TTrump signed on Sunday. media memes contrasting the supposedly ing the same phaseout structure (as the Its shortcomings, however, are not the spe- stingy U.S. stimulus payments with gener- House bill does), would end up benefiting a Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor cific provisions that populists on both the left ous aid in other developed nations. whopping 94% of households, Pomerleau es- [email protected] and right are complaining about. But these takes ignore the other hundreds timates. Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content The biggest problem with the U.S. fiscal of billions of dollars in critical aid that Con- Simply put, sending money to nearly every [email protected] response so far is not the overall amount of gress has disbursed, including to small busi- American family to ensure that help gets to aid nor the generosity of our nearly universal nesses and the unemployed. With this newly the much tinier fraction who actually needs it Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation [email protected] stimulus checks, it’s how inefficiently many enacted relief package, the United States has is not a terribly efficient use of resources. of those dollars have been allocated. And ex- spent the equivalent of about 18% of gross do- The payments end up being a pittance for Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital panding direct stimulus payments, as the mestic product in fiscal relief. This places us higher-income, fully employed households, [email protected] House voted to do Monday, would only make ahead of Canada, Australia, France and oth- yet insufficient for the households that suf- this problem worse. er developed nations, and slightly behind fered large income losses. The error is com- BUREAU STAFF Right-leaning critics have mostly griped Germany, Finland and a few others. pounded if these funds come at the expense about foreign aid measures, with the sug- Our issue is less how much the govern- of more targeted relief measures — such as Europe/Mideast gestion that Democratic globalists are help- ment is spending than how it is directing this expanded unemployment benefits, which Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief [email protected] ing foreigners at the expense of struggling aid. the new law guarantees only through March. +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 Americans. The economic crisis acutely affects a mi- Advocates on the left argue that there is Pacific “When your country’s COVID-19 relief bill nority of Americans. These are predomin- room to do both. But even if you believe that Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief includes $10 million in ‘gender programs’ for antly service workers whose hours have there are no real debt constraints, given how [email protected] Pakistan, you know Congress is broken,” been cut or jobs eliminated because of the low interest rates are, there are still political +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 tweeted Rep.-elect Lauren Boebert, R-Colo. pandemic. Tens of millions of people are job- constraints. Republicans set a $900 billion Washington This is, at best, misleading. The foreign aid less, hungry and on the edge of eviction. They cap on relief measures in the final deal, Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief measures had been drafted separately, as need help. which meant that funding stimulus pay- [email protected] (+1)(202)886-0033 part of the annual budget bills that under- Meanwhile, a large portion of the populace ments required shortchanging unemploy- Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News went separate legislative processes. And is OK, at least financially. Many are better ment benefits (and state and local assist- [email protected] similar foreign aid provisions were in than OK. The number of higher-wage jobs ance). Trump’s own fiscal 2021 budget request. Ul- (those paying above $60,000) is slightly grea- The only upside of near-universal stimu- CIRCULATION timately, the omnibus spending bill and CO- ter than it was pre-pandemic. Savings are al- lus payments is that they can be distributed Mideast VID-relief provisions were bundled into a so up among higher-income households be- more quickly than unemployment benefits. Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager single vote because both faced must-pass cause they have been less likely to suffer job But that is more an indictment of our broken [email protected] deadlines around Christmas. losses; asset values (stocks, housing) have unemployment insurance IT system (really [email protected] Demagogues, including Trump, exploited risen; and there are fewer leisure activities systems, since every state and territory has DSN (314)583-9111 this to mislead the public about which mea- (such as travel) available for them to spend its own) than praise of stimulus payments. Europe sures were intended for what purpose. They money on. If there is something to emulate in our peer Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager insinuated that Congress should have spent Stimulus payments go to these families, countries’ response to this crisis, it isn’t in the [email protected] [email protected] these foreign aid funds on the allegedly more too, whether or not they need the funds. magnitude of their aid, but how smoothly +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 righteous strategy of bigger stimulus pay- Yes, there are income-based eligibility their infrastructure functioned in getting Pacific ments for Americans. cutoffs and phaseouts, but the checks are targeted aid out quickly. Mari Mori, [email protected] +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 CONTACT US Until Biden’s win is certified, US is vulnerable Washington BY DAVID IGNATIUS tel: (+1)202.886.0003 First” has requested a permit for a Jan. 6 ral- lapsed because of bipartisan congressional 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 Washington Post Writers Group ly in Washington, and Trump is already opposition. Reader letters WASHINGTON beating the drum: “Big protest in D.C. on Ja- But why did Trump loyalists suggest the [email protected] ot to be alarmist, but we should nuary 6th. Be there, will be wild!” NSA-Cyber Command split in the first recognize that the United States Government officials fear that if violence place? Some officials speculate that the Additional contacts will be in the danger zone until spreads, Trump could invoke the Insurrec- White House may have planned to install a stripes.com/contactus Nthe formal certification of Joe Bi- tion Act to mobilize the military. Then new NSA chief, perhaps Ezra Cohen-Wat- OMBUDSMAN den’s election victory on Jan. 6, because po- Trump might use “military capabilities” to nick, the young conservative recently in- tential domestic and foreign turmoil could rerun the Nov. 3 election in swing states, as stalled to oversee Pentagon intelligence ac- Ernie Gates give President Donald Trump an excuse to suggested by Michael Flynn, Trump’s for- tivities. With firm control of the NSA and the The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow cling to power. mer national security adviser. Trump FBI, the Trump team might then disclose of news and information, reporting any attempts by the This threat, while unlikely to materialize, “could take military capabilities and he highly sensitive information about the ori- military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns is concerning senior officials, including Re- could place them in those states and basical- gins of the 2016 Trump Russia investigation. and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for publicans who have supported Trump in the ly rerun an election,” Flynn told Newsmax in Trump’s final weeks in office will also be a fairness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted by past but believe he is now threatening to a Dec. 17 interview. tinder box because of the danger of turmoil email at [email protected], or by phone at 202.886.0003. overstep the constitutional limits on his pow- The Pentagon would be the locus of any abroad. Iranian-backed militias fired more er. They described a multifaceted campaign such action, and some unusual recent moves than 20 rockets last Sunday at the U.S. Em- Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- by die-hard Trump supporters to use disrup- suggest pro-Trump officials might be mobi- bassy compound in Baghdad, with around days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday tions at home and perhaps threats abroad to lizing to secure levers of power. Kash Patel, nine hitting the compound but inflicting no through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals advance his interests. chief of staff to acting defense secretary American casualties. The United States sent postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send The big showdown is the Jan. 6 gathering Christopher Miller, returned home “abrupt- intense, high-level messages to Tehran, address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. This newspaper is authorized by the of both houses of Congress to formally count ly” from an Asia trip in early December, ac- public and private, warning against any fur- Department of Defense for members of the military services overseas. However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are the Electoral College vote taken on Dec. 14, cording to Fox News correspondent Jennif- ther provocation. The toughest was a Dec. 23 unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views which Biden won 306 to 232. The certifica- er Griffin. Patel didn’t explain, but in mid- tweet from Trump warning: “If one Ameri- of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspa- per, Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official tion should be a pro forma event, but a des- December, Trump discussed with col- can is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. channels and use appropriated funds for distribution to perate Trump is demanding that House and leagues the possibility that Patel might re- Think it over.” State Department and Penta- remote locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. The appearance of advertising in this publication does Senate Republicans challenge the count and place Christopher Wray as FBI director, one gon officials say Trump’s retaliatory threat not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or block this final, binding affirmation of Bi- official said. Wray remains in his job. is real. Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. Products or services advertised shall be made available for den’s victory before Inauguration Day. Another strange Pentagon machination Trump won’t succeed in subverting the purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical Trump’s last-ditch campaign will almost was the proposal Miller floated in mid-De- Constitution, but he can do enormous dam- handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of certainly fail in Congress. The greater dan- cember to separate the code-breaking Na- age over the next weeks. Before Jan. 6, a del- the purchaser, user or patron. ger is on the streets, where pro-Trump tional Security Agency from U.S. Cyber egation of senior Republicans should visit © Stars and Stripes 2020 forces are already threatening chaos. A pro- Command, which are both currently headed him at the White House and insist, emphat- stripes.com Trump group called “Women for America by Gen. Paul Nakasone. That proposal col- ically: Biden has won. This must stop. Wednesday, December 30, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 15 PAGE 16 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, December 30, 2020 Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS 40 Profit 15 Swelled head 1 In shape 41 Golf peg 19 Wolf Blitzer’s 4 High school subj. channel 7 California city DOWN 20 “— Poetica” Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before 8 Razor sharpener 1 Public meeting 21 Legitimate 10 Ersatz chocolate 2 “American —” 22 Sports venues 11 Mountain crests 3 Lhasa native 23 Backfire sound 13 Setting for 4 Throat affliction 24 Optometrist’s betting 5 El Greco’s exam 16 Doctrine birthplace 25 Shrill bark 17 Hosiery shade 6 Tiny bit 26 Chain 18 Entreat 7 Cambodia components Non Sequitur 19 Kvetch neighbor 28 Extra 8 Stopped 29 Suggest 20 Rival rival lying? 30 Treat badly 21 Pat’s “Wheel 9 Small stone 31 Designer Gucci of Fortune” 10 Dernier — 32 Haw preceder colleague 12 Nodded off 34 FBI guy 23 Jaunty 14 Skater Lipinski 35 Lotion additive chapeau Answer to Previous Puzzle 25 Knitter’s need Candorville 26 Sets (down) 27 — -de-France 28 Backbone 30 Satisfied sigh 33 Game room fixture 36 Fancy fabric 37 Dodge Carpe Diem 38 Ganges garments 39 Mediocre Beetle Bailey Bizarro Wednesday, December 30, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 17 PAGE 18 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, December 30, 2020 FACES

French designer Cardin dies at 98 From wire reports Pierre Cardin, the Parisian de- signer who forever changed fash- ion when he broke with French couture houses and offered ready-to-wear clothing in depart- ment stores, ultimately trans- forming his name into a diversi- fied global brand, died Tuesday. He was 98. Cardin made his mark artisti- cally in the 1960s as a leading de- signer of the “Space Age” look, with unisex clothing, bold geo- metric patterns and the use of vi- nyl and plastic. Fashion was just the start of Cardin’s business empire. He went on to sell eyeglasses, um- brellas, perfume, luggage, linens, furniture, mattresses, skis and coffee pots. Disney-Pixar “If someone asked me to do toi- Much of “Soul” takes place in the Great Before, where new souls get their personalities before they go to Earth. let paper, I’d do it,” Cardin told the New York Times in 2002. “Why not?” In 1959, at the Paris department store Printemps, Cardin became the first designer to introduce a Animating the afterlife ready-to-wear — or “pret-a-por- ter” — women’s line for a broad audience. With that act of inde- The team behind Disney-Pixar’s ‘Soul’ thought hard about how to illustrate the unknowable pendence, Cardin steered himself away from the haute couture BY SONAIYA KELLEY open door of light — almost like “We looked up research on Ely- exist in the 3-D space, we had no houses that dominated the Paris Los Angeles Times the opposite of a black hole in the sian fields, which had Greek tem- idea how complicated it was going fashion scene. ike his most recent film, universe but more positive. We ples and structures,” Pilcher said. to be to animate.” Cardin leveraged his fame “Inside Out,” Pete Doc- didn’t want to answer that ques- “But the problem with that was it As for the design of the souls through branding, licensing and ter’s “Soul” follows in tion [because] it’s a matter of per- felt too specific and also everybo- themselves, “I think the final franchising. For many years, he Lthe director and Pixar ception.” dy does that. We wanted some- [idea] we settled on for the new said his trademark had 800 licens- chief creative officer’s tradition of As for the Great Before, Pilcher thing more universally friendly souls was one of the first designs es in 140 countries. By mid-2017, expressing intangible concepts envisioned the realm as being “in and something a little bit fresher.” that Pete had scribbled on a nap- the number of active Cardin li- and ideas within a palatable, kid- a constant state of pre-dawn They wound up seeking inspira- kin,” Powers said. “We spoke to a censes had dropped to about 350. friendly story. light.” tion from the architecture of lot of experts early on about the UNESCO, the United Nations The film, which he co-wrote “It’s like morning, but it never World Fairs spanning the 1930s idea of souls and what souls might office that promotes education with playwright Kemp Powers changes,” he said. “It’s kind of like through the 1960s. “It seemed like look like, and regardless of culture and culture, named Cardin a and Mike Jones, tells the story of when a baby wakes up in their crib a lot of the architecture was meant you often hear terms like ‘vapor- goodwill ambassador in 1991. He Joe Gardner, a middle school in the morning, everything about to inspire, to create a sense of awe ous’ and ‘ethereal,’ but we also also was elected to France’s pres- band teacher in the midst of an ex- it should feel childlike and soft and and importance,” Docter said. wanted to come up with designs tigious Academie des Beaux Arts. istential crisis. After he dies unex- pastel. All the forms are blurred, The counselors known as Jerry, that were fun and engaging. Hon- Cardin never married or had pectedly, Joe enters a metaphysi- there’s a certain amount of trans- who serve as vessels through estly, it just looked like a bunch of children. cal realm where he struggles to lucency and a lot of softness. It was which the universe expresses it- ghosts running around. So a lot of find meaning in his time on Earth. very important that it feel very in- self and guide new souls through credit goes to Pixar’s art and pro- Other news The brightly colored, highly viting, like a pillow.” the process of getting to Earth, are duction departments.”
Singer Michelle Branch, 37, stylized, PG-rated film poses big In fact, making sure the souls revealed Dec. 26 on Instagram questions about personal fulfill- didn’t look like ghosts was of ma- that she suffered a miscarriage ment, where we go after we die “You have all this deep, heady jor concern for the design team. this month. The heartbreaking and whether or not we are sent to “The color palette was really one message was posted along with a Earth with a purpose. In the writ- stuff, which is not going to appeal of the toughest things because if series of photos from Christmas, ing process, Docter delved into re- you make them all bluish, or just including son Rhys James, whom search on essentialism, nihilism to kids unless you can make it fun. gray, they just look like ghosts. she and husband Patrick Carney, and existentialism to better artic- And if you make them all white, the drummer for The Black Keys, ulate the plight of his characters. The key to that is making the they’re going to look like ghosts welcomed in August 2018. Branch “You have all this deep, heady too and then you can even bring in also shares 15-year-old daughter stuff, which is not going to appeal design colorful and fun to look at.” the sociocultural association of Owen with ex Teddy Landau. to kids unless you can make it Pete Docter skin color, which we wanted to
TikTok’s crowdsourced “Ra- fun,” he said. “The key to that is avoid. But if you take warm spec- tatouille” musical has cooked up making the design colorful and “Soul” co-director, co-writer tral light, like light through a some serious talent for its one- fun to look at.” prism, and shine it through a soft night-only benefit concert, includ- Much of the film takes place in When the team set out to design illustrated in the film as two-di- little form, you’ll get warm lights ing roles for Tituss Burgess, the Great Before, the realm where the structures and buildings of the mensional line figures. The direc- going through one side and blues Adam Lambert, Wayne Brady, unborn souls prepare to come to Great Before, they looked to an- tors say that was a lot harder to and violets where they exit.” Andre De Shields and Ashley Earth. The Great Beyond, where cient Greece. “In Western culture, animate than it looks. The designs also had to fit a sur- Park. “Ratatouille: The TikTok souls go after death, is briefly hint- we’re taught that that’s the seat of “The Jerrys are actually the real narrative, while remaining Musical” — fondly nicknamed the ed at but ultimately kept a mys- civilization and philosophy,” Doc- most complex characters in the inviting to audiences of all ages. “Ratatousical” — will begin tery. “The Great Beyond was just ter said. “But then we realized entire film because they’re sup- “I think what I was banking on streaming on Friday at 7 p.m. ET this bright light, and it’s often been pretty quickly, ‘Well, we don’t posed to be the universe dumbing was that the souls themselves, es- for 72 hours. Tickets are on sale described that way,” said produc- want this to seem rooted in any itself down so that people can un- pecially the new souls, would be exclusively on TodayTix.com and tion designer Steve Pilcher. particular culture because we’re derstand them,” said Powers, who attractive to kids,” Docter said. are $5. Proceeds will benefit The “Which is very hopeful in a sense saying everybody came from the also served as co-director. “... By “They’re cute and they act inno- Actors Fund, which aids enter- because it’s like sunlight, like an same place.” creating these 2-D line designs to cent and funny.” tainment industry workers. Wednesday, December 30, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 19 PAGE 20 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, December 30, 2020 SCOREBOARD/NFL

COLLEGE FOOTBALL COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Bowl schedule AP Men’s Top 25 Monday’s men’s scores Canceled The top 25 teams in The Associated Press’ Bahamas Bowl college basketball poll, with first­place EAST Birmingham Bowl votes in parentheses, records through Binghamton 75, UMBC 69 Celebration Bowl Dec. 27, total points based on 25 points for Monmouth (NJ) 97, Canisius 69 Fenway Bowl a first­place vote through one point for a NJIT 81, Vermont 80 Frisco Bowl 25th­place vote and previous ranking: New Hampshire 53, Hartford 51 Gasparilla Bowl Stony Brook 71, Mass.­Lowell 64 Guaranteed Rate Bowl Record Pts Prv Hawaii Bowl SOUTH Holiday Bowl 1. Gonzaga (62) 7­0 1598 1 Independence Bowl Southern Miss. 74, Loyola (NO) 54 2. Baylor (2) 6­0 1537 2 Troy 88, Carver 35 LA Bowl 3. Kansas 8­1 1458 3 Las Vegas Bowl MIDWEST Military Bowl 4. Villanova 8­1 1370 5 Music City Bowl 5. Houston 7­0 1313 6 Chicago 86, Illinois St. 55 Drake 73, Indiana St. 66 Pinstripe Bowl 6. Wisconsin 8­1 1249 9 Quick Lane Bowl Evansville 84, S. Illinois 72 Redbox Bowl 7. Tennessee 6­0 1217 8 Maryland 70, Wisconsin 64 Sun Bowl 8. Texas 7­1 1109 10 Minnesota 81, Michigan St. 56 N. Iowa 85, Missouri St. 75 Monday, Dec. 21 9. West Virginia 7­2 1080 7 Myrtle Beach Bowl FAR WEST Conway, S.C. 10. Iowa 7­2 1008 4 Appalachian St. 56, North Texas 28 11. Creighton 7­2 926 13 Arizona 88, Colorado 74 CS Northridge 66, New Mexico St. 63 Tuesday, Dec. 22 12. Missouri 6­0 888 14 ELAINE THOMPSON / AP Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Colorado St. 75, Fresno St. 53 Boise 13. Texas Tech 7­2 821 15 Gonzaga 88, N. Arizona 58 Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) will miss the team's UC Irvine 73, UC Santa Barbara 69 Nevada 38, Tulane 27 14. Rutgers 6­1 659 11 regular­season finale because he had surgery on his right thumb. The Boca Raton (Fla.) Bowl Monday’s women’s scores 15. Illinois 7­3 650 18 team said he could return in time for the playoffs. No. 13 BYU 49, UCF 23 16. Michigan 7­0 582 19 Wednesday, Dec. 23 EAST New Orleans Bowl 17. Michigan St. 6­2 431 12 Georgia Southern 38, Louisiana Tech 3 18. Florida St. 5­1 377 21 Binghamton 65, UMBC 60 Montgomery (Ala.) Bowl Hartford 53, New Hampshire 50 19. Northwestern 6­1 350 ­ NFL BRIEFS Memphis 25, FAU 10 Stony Brook 60, Mass.­Lowell 44 Thursday’s game 20. Duke 3­2 290 20 Vermont 65, NJIT 45 New Mexico Bowl 21. Oregon 6­1 252 25 SOUTH Frisco, Texas 21. Minnesota 8­1 252 ­ Hawaii 28, Houston 14 La Salle 75, Coppin St. 49 Friday’s game 23. Virginia 4­2 238 16 Tennessee 77, Lipscomb 52 Goff to miss Rams’ season Camellia Bowl 24. Virginia Tech 7­1 230 24 SOUTHWEST Montgomery, Ala. 25. Ohio St. 7­2 216 23 Buffalo 17, Marshall 10 Sam Houston St. 100, Our Lady of the Saturday’s games Others receiving votes : Xavier 178, San Lake 73 finale after thumb surgery Cure Bowl Diego St. 172, North Carolina 57, Arkansas Texas A&M 112, Northwestern St. 26 Orlando, Fla. 55, Clemson 50, Colorado 50, Saint Louis 49, Associated Press FAR WEST day. No. 23 Liberty 37, No. 9 Coastal Carolina 34, Florida 20, Louisville 18, BYU 12, Georgia 10, OT NC State 8, UCLA 4, Indiana 4, Richmond 3, Air Force 94, Portland St. 65 LOS ANGELES — Jared Goff Gore, who became the third SERVPRO First Responder Bowl UCF 2, Western Kentucky 2, Boise St. 2, BYU 70, San Francisco 46 Dallas SMU 1, Chattanooga 1, Drake 1. Gonzaga 65, Loyola Marymount 62 will miss the Los Angeles Rams’ player in NFL history to run for No. 16 Louisiana 31, UTSA 24 Portland 74, Pepperdine 64 regular-season finale against the 16,000 yards, was hurt in the Lendingtree Bowl Santa Clara 51, San Diego 49 Mobile, Ala. USA Today Men’s Top 25 UC Irvine 69, UC Santa Barbara 56 Arizona Cardinals after undergo- fourth quarter of the Jets’ 23-16 Georgia St. 39, W. Kentucky 21 USA Today Top 25 men’s basketball coach­ ing surgery on his right thumb. victory over the Cleveland Tuesday, Dec. 29 es poll with team’s records through Sun­ Cheez­It Bowl day, total points based on 25 for first place AP women’s Top 25 Goff could return a week later if Browns on Sunday. It was origi- Orlando, Fla. through one point for 25th, first­place No. 18 Miami vs. Oklahoma St. votes received and ranking in last week’s The top 25 teams in The Associated Press’ the Rams make the playoffs, nally called a chest injury by the Alamo Bowl poll: college basketball poll, with first­place coach Sean McVay said Monday San Antonio votes in parentheses, records through team after Gore left, but tests re- Record Pts Pvs Dec. 27, total points based on 25 points for No. 20 Texas vs. Colorado a first­place vote through one point for a night. vealed the lung contusion. Wednesday, Dec. 30 Duke’s Mayo Bowl 1. Gonzaga (29) 7­0 797 1 John Wolford will take his first Gore had 14 carries for 48 yards, Charlotte, N.C. 2. Baylor (3) 6­0 771 2 25th­place vote and previous ranking: NFL snaps as Goff’s replacement leaving him at exactly 16,000 Wisconsin vs. Wake Forest 3. Villanova 8­1 698 3 when the Rams (9-6) host the Car- Cotton Bowl Classic 4. Kansas 8­1 674 4 Record Pts Prv yards rushing. The third-leading dinals on Sunday. Los Angeles will Arlington, Texas 5. Houston 7­0 636 7 1. Stanford (26) 7­0 744 1 rusher in NFL history is behind No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No. 10 Florida 6. Tennessee 6­0 612 8 Thursday, Dec. 31 2. Louisville (1) 5­0 692 2 clinch a playoff spot with a victory, only Emmitt Smith (18,355) and 7. Wisconsin 8­1 576 9 Armed Forces Bowl 3. NC State (2) 8­0 675 4 or if the Chicago Bears lose to Walter Payton (16,726). Gore has Fort Worth, Texas 8. West Virginia 7­2 543 6 4. UConn (1) 5­0 674 3 Green Bay. No. 22 Tulsa vs. Mississippi St. 9. Texas 7­1 526 10 played in 240 games, a record for Arizona Bowl 5. South Carolina 5­1 641 5 “John has done a great job pre- Tucson, Ariz. 10. Creighton 7­2 462 13 6. Arizona 7­0 601 6 NFL running backs, over 16 sea- No. 19 San Jose St. vs. Ball State 11. Iowa 7­2 442 5 7. Baylor 7­1 557 7 paring himself all year,” McVay sons. Liberty Bowl 12. Missouri 6­0 407 14 Memphis, Tenn. 8. Oregon 7­0 556 8 said. “You watch him work, and 13. Rutgers 6­1 359 12 West Virginia vs. Army 9. Texas A&M 8­0 498 9 the way he’s prepared, I know Texas Bowl 14. Texas Tech 7­2 347 16 10. Arkansas 9­1 447 11 Browns coach criticizes there’s confidence in him with his Houston 15. Michigan 7­0 338 19 11. UCLA 5­2 427 10 TCU vs. Arkansas 16. Illinois 7­3 320 18 Friday, Jan. 1 12. Mississippi St. 5­1 426 12 teammates. He’s put himself in a players’ behavior Peach Bowl 17. Oregon 6­1 194 24 13. Kentucky 7­1 393 13 good position where he could On Monday, Browns coach Ke- Atlanta 18. Michigan State 6­2 182 11 14. Maryland 5­1 382 14 come in and lead the offense.” No. 6 Cincinnati vs. No. 11 Georgia 19. Florida State 5­1 178 21 vin Stefanski, who has refused to Citrus Bowl 15. Northwestern 4­0 330 15 The Rams also will be without Orlando, Fla. 20. Xavier 8­1 164 22 16. Michigan 5­0 256 17 make excuses for him or his play- No. 15 Northwestern vs. Auburn 20. Ohio State 7­2 164 20 17. Ohio St. 4­0 253 16 leading rusher Darrell Hender- ers during a first year in Cleveland College Football Playoff Semifinal 1 22. Northwestern 6­1 117 NR Arlington, Texas 18. DePaul 5­2 205 18 son, who is headed to injured re- 23. San Diego State 6­1 112 NR he won’t forget, bemoaned the No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 4 Notre Dame 19. Texas 6­1 175 20 serve with a high ankle sprain. Sugar Bowl 24. Virginia 4­2 107 15 Browns’ mistakes — penalties, 20. Indiana 4­2 172 19 Rookie running back Cam Akers New Orleans 24. Minnesota 8­1 107 NR 21. South Florida 5­1 168 20 turnovers, three fumbles by Bak- No. 2 Clemson vs. No. 3 Ohio St may be able to return from his Saturday, Jan 2 Others receiving votes:Virginia Tech (7­1) 22. Syracuse 5­1 98 22 er Mayfield and dropped passes. Gator Bowl 95; Duke (3­2) 87; North Carolina (5­3) 76; 23. Gonzaga 5­2 86 23 own high ankle sprain after mis- Jacksonville, Fla. Colorado (6­1) 58; Clemson (6­1) 57; Arkan­ “Just was sloppy,” he said. sas (8­0) 48; Saint Louis (7­1) 26; UCLA (5­2) 24. Missouri St. 4­2 69 24 No. 24 NC State vs. Kentucky sing just one game, McVay said. 25; Richmond (6­2) 17; Louisville (6­1) 17; 25. Michigan St. 7­0 66 25 So, too, was the apparent behav- Outback Bowl Florida (3­1) 8; Stanford (5­2) 7; North Car­ Goff hasn’t missed a game due Tampa, Fla. Others receiving votes: Georgia 33, North ior of some Browns players last olina State (5­1) 6; LSU (5­1) 6; SMU (5­0) 5; to injury in his five-year NFL ca- No. 7 Indiana vs. Mississippi (ABC) Drake (10­0) 5; Connecticut (3­1) 5; Central Carolina 27, South Dakota St. 24, Oregon St. week as a positive coronavirus test Fiesta Bowl Florida (3­2) 5; Boise State (6­1) 5; Purdue 20, Iowa St. 12, Tennessee 10, Arizona St. 8, reer, sitting out just one game Glendale, Ariz. (7­3) 4; Oklahoma State (6­2) 3; Saint Ma­ Rutgers 6, Iowa 6, Wake Forest 4, Georgia for linebacker B.J. Goodson No. 12 Iowa State vs. No. 25 Oregon ry's (8­2) 2. Tech 4, Rice 3, Alabama 2. when McVay rested his starters in Orange Bowl morphed into wide receivers Jar- the 2017 regular-season finale. He Miami Gardens, Fla. vis Landry , Rashard Higgins , Do- No. 5 Texas A&M vs. No. 14 North Carolina DEALS injured his thumb when he hit his Monday, Jan. 11 novan Peoples-Jones and KhaDa- College Football Championship hand on the helmet of Seattle de- Miami Gardens, Fla. Sunday’s Transactions list. Placed OL HronissGrasu and LS Tay­ rel Hodge along with rookie line- Semifinal Game 1 winner vs. Sugar Bowl bor Pepper on the reserve/COVID­19 list. fensive end Benson Mayowa in winner backer Jacob Phillips all being FOOTBALL TENNESSEE TITANS — Placed K Stephen the second half of the Rams’ 20-9 Gostkowski on the reserve/COVID­19 list. ruled out of the game as high-risk National Football League Canadian Football League loss to the Seahawks last Sunday. ARIZONA CARDINALS —Activated OL La­ CALGARY STAMPEDERS —Signed DB Ra­ close contacts. BASEBALL mont Gaillard from personal leave. Placed heem Wilson. In addition, rookie left tackle Je- OL Kylie Fitts on injured reserve. HAMILTON TOMCATS —Signed contract Jets’ Gore out with MLB calendar BUFFALO BILLS — Placed RB T.J. Yeldon extensions with Offensive Co­ordinator drick Wills was scratched because on reserve/COVID­19 list. Tommy Condell and Defensive Co­ordina­ Jan. 15 — Salary arbitration figures ex­ Placed S Eric Mur­ HOUSTON TEXANS — tor Mark Washington. bruised lung he had COVID-19-like symptoms. changed. International amateur signing ray on the reserve/COVID­19 list. Promot­ HOCKEY period opens. ed CB Anthony Chesley to the active ros­ National Hockey League Frank Gore reached a milestone That decision came after he was Feb. 1­19 — Salary arbitration hearings. ter. Signed WR Damion Ratley to the activ­ Feb. 17 — Voluntary reporting date for er roster from the practice squad. Waived BOSTON BRUINS — Recalled G Callum on his final carry of the game — activated on Saturday, two days pitchers, catchers and injured players. RB C.J. Prosise from the active roster. Booth from Jacksonville (ECHL). Feb. 22 — Voluntary reporting date for NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Activated NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Recalled F’s and maybe of his career. after being placed on the COVID other players. LB Cassh Maluia and DL Nick Thurman to Patrick Harper, Tanner Jeannot, Cole The 37-year-old New York Jets list from being exposed to an in- Feb. 27 — Mandatory reporting date. the 53­man roster from the practice Smith, Josh Wilkins and Thomas Novak March 15 —Last day to place a player on squad. Signed C Marcus Marint to the 53­ from Florida (ECHL). running back has a bruised lung fected person outside the team. waivers for 30 days termination pay. man roster. OTTAWA SENATORS — Acquired F Mar­ March 27 — Last day to offer a retention SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Activated RB ian Gaborik and G Anders Nilsson from that coach Adam Gase said Mon- The close contact with Goodson bonus to an eligible player attending Austin Walter from the reserve/COVID­19 Tampa Bay in exchange for D Braydon Co­ day will keep Gore out of the sea- occurred when the players were spring training with a minor league con­ list. Restored FB Josh Hoki to the practice burn, F Cedric Paquette and the second­ tract. squad from the practice squad/COVID­19 round pick in the 2022 draft. son finale at New England on Sun- together in the recovery pool area. Wednesday, December 30, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 21 NFL

Scoreboard

American Conference Bills earn 1st sweep of Pats since ’99

East BY KYLE HIGHTOWER WLTPct PF PA Associated Press yx-Buffalo 12 3 0 .800 445 349 FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Miami 10 5 0 .667 378 282 Buffalo Bills put a cherry atop the New England 6 9 0 .400 298 339 changing of the guard in the AFC N.Y. Jets 2 13 0 .133 229 429 East. South A week after unseating the Pa- WLTPct PF PA triots as division champions, Buf- Indianapolis 10 5 0 .667 423 348 falo became the first AFC East Tennessee 10 5 0 .667 450 401 team in two decades to sweep New Houston 4 11 0 .267 346 423 England in a season series with a Jacksonville 1 14 0 .067 292 464 38-9 victory Monday night. North Josh Allen passed for four WLTPct PF PA touchdowns to help the Bills stay yx-Pittsburgh 12 3 0 .800 394 288 in the mix for the No. 2 seed in the Baltimore 10 5 0 .667 430 300 AFC playoffs. Cleveland 10 5 0 .667 384 397 Buffalo (12-3) last swept the Pa- Cincinnati 4 10 1 .300 308 386 triots in 1999. The last division op- West ponents to sweep New England WLTPct PF PA were the Jets and Dolphins in 2000. The Patriots’ 19 straight sea- *zyx-Kansas City 14 1 0 .933 452 324 Las Vegas 7 8 0 .467 402 447 sons without losing both games to L.A. Chargers 6 9 0 .400 346 405 a divisional opponent was an NFL Denver 5 10 0 .333 292 414 record. New England (6-9) will National Conference finish with its first losing record since coach Bill Belichick’s first season in 2000. East Allen was 27-for-36 for 320 WLTPct PF PA yards. He now has 34 touchdown CHARLES KRUPA / AP Dallas 6 9 0 .400 376 450 passes, surpassing Jim Kelly to set Washington 6 9 0 .400 315 315 Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, second from left, celebrates his touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs, N.Y. Giants 5 10 0 .333 257 338 a franchise single-season record. right, in the first half of the Bills’ 38­9 defeat of the New England Patriots Monday in Foxborough, Mass. Philadelphia 4 10 1 .300 320 398 With his eighth 300-yard game, he also surpassed Drew Bledsoe’s Newton’s 34 yards passing are Their absences were most glar- hind J.C. Jackson on a slant and South single-season team record of sev- the fewest by a New England ing in the passing game. The Patri- sprinting the final 32 yards for the WLTPct PF PA en. starting quarterback since 1993. ots struggled to put pressure on touchdown to make it 24-9. yx-New Orleans 11 4 0 .733 449 330 “We’ve got one game left. And He said the season has been Allen, allowing him time to find The Allen-Diggs connection x-Tampa Bay 10 5 0 .667 448 328 Carolina 5 10 0 .333 343 369 all that, it’s cool, the records, this frustrating because the work he open receivers. New England al- worked again on the opening drive Atlanta 4 11 0 .267 369 370 and that,” Allen said. “But the plan has put in hasn’t translated into lowed a season-worst 474 yards of the second half. Allen found is to get to 13-3 and give ourselves wins. overall. Diggs three times during an eight- North a chance in the playoffs. It doesn’t “I’ve sacrificed so much this “They outplayed us across the play, 75-yard drive that ended WLTPct PF PA mean much if we can’t get it year, and it hurts when you have board, outplayed us and out- with an 18-yard TD play by Diggs. yx-Green Bay 12 3 0 .800 474 353 done.” an outing that you have tonight,” coached us,” Belichick said. Chicago 8 7 0 .533 356 335 Minnesota 6 9 0 .400 393 440 Stefon Diggs had nine catches he said. The Patriots closed to 10-9 on Bills 38, Patriots 9 Detroit 5 10 0 .333 342 482 for 145 yards and three touch- Belichick said he hasn’t made Newton’s 9-yard TD run in the Buffalo 3 21 7 7 — 38 downs, setting a Bills single-sea- any decisions about who will start second quarter, but Nick Folk mis- New England 3 6 0 0 — 9 West son record for receiving yards. the Patriots’ finale Sunday against sed the extra point and the Bills WLTPct PF PA First Quarter “I’m new to this team so I’m the New York Jets. pulled away from there. NE—FG Folk 45, 12:44. yx-Seattle 11 4 0 .733 433 348 basking in (the) ambience of ev- “It was the opportunity to give Buffalo used its passing game to Buf—FG Bass 22, 6:43. L.A. Rams 9 6 0 .600 354 289 erybody,” Diggs said. “I’ve got a him a chance to play,” Belichick march down the field on the ensu- Second Quarter Arizona 8 7 0 .533 403 349 Buf—Moss 5 run (Bass kick), 14:50. San Francisco 6 9 0 .400 353 364 young quarterback who’s ball- said of inserting Stidham. “Cam ing drive. Allen completed 5-for- 7 NE—Newton 9 run (kick failed), 10:39. Buf—L.Smith 4 pass from Allen (Bass ing.” did a good job for us. I mean, that throws for 59 yards and a 4-yard kick), 5:32. x-clinched playoff spot The Patriots struggled to move wasn’t the problem. We were just TD to Lee Smith. Buf—Diggs 50 pass from Allen (Bass y-clinched division kick), 3:55. z-clinched first round bye the ball for most of the night with not very competitive in the begin- After a quick three-and-out by *-clinched home-field advantage Third Quarter running back Damien Harris out ning.” New England, the Bills went right Buf—Diggs 18 pass from Allen (Bass Friday’s game for the second straight game with Buffalo had no trouble moving back to work. kick), 11:28. New Orleans 52, Minnesota 33 an ankle injury. Cam Newton had the ball against a depleted new Allen misfired on his first pass Fourth Quarter Buf—Diggs 8 pass from Allen (Bass kick), Saturday’s games a touchdown run but was just 5- England defense that was missing of the drive, and then connected 13:16. Tampa Bay 47, Detroit 7 for-10 for 34 yards passing before linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley and with Diggs for 17 yards to get the A—0. San Francisco 20, Arizona 12 Miami 26, Las Vegas 25 being pulled in the third quarter defensive tackle Lawrence Guy ball to midfield. Diggs got free Buf NE Sunday’s games for backup Jarrett Stidham. due to shoulder injuries. again on the next play, slipping be- First downs 31 11 Baltimore 27, N.Y. Giants 13 Total Net Yards 474 201 Chicago 41, Jacksonville 17 Rushes-yards 31-130 24-145 Cincinnati 37, Houston 31 Passing 344 56 Kansas City 17, Atlanta 14 Newton’s future in New England in doubt Punt Returns 4-25 1-5 N.Y. Jets 23, Cleveland 16 Pittsburgh 28, Indianapolis 24 Kickoff Returns 1-49 4-74 Carolina 20, Washington 13 Interceptions Ret. 0-0 0-0 L.A. Chargers 19, Denver 16 BY KYLE HIGHTOWER Newton’s 34 yards passing were hoping to prove himself and bring Dallas 37, Philadelphia 17 Associated Press the fewest by a Patriots starting stability to an offense that had just Comp-Att-Int 30-40-0 9-21-0 Seattle 20, L.A. Rams 9 Sacked-Yards Lost 0-0 3-22 Green Bay 40, Tennessee 14 FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Cam quarterback since 1993. It marked lost Tom Brady to Tampa Bay. Punts 2-56.5 7-51.7 Monday’s game Newton didn’t want to talk about his fourth time this season with Instead, the loss Monday was a Fumbles-Lost 1-0 0-0 Buffalo 38, New England 9 his future with the Patriots follow- fewer than 100 yards passing in a microcosm of Newton’s year. A Penalties-Yards 3-27 4-25 Time of Possession 39:41 20:19 Sunday, Jan. 3 ing New England’s 38-9 loss to the game. season full of mistakes, a stagnant Atlanta at Tampa Bay Buffalo Bills on Monday night. “It’s extremely frustrating, passing game and only flashes of Individual statistics Baltimore at Cincinnati RUSHING—Buffalo, Moss 12-57, Single- Dallas at N.Y. Giants But he couldn’t stop his frustra- knowing what you’re capable of, the MVP player he was earlier in tary 10-36, Allen 4-35, McKenzie 2-5, Bar- Miami at Buffalo tion from seeping through about having belief in yourself,’‘ Newton his career. kley 3-(minus 3). New England, Michel 10- Minnesota at Detroit 69, Taylor 6-38, Newton 4-24, White 4-14. N.Y. Jets at New England how a season that began with lofty said. “It’s just not showing when it After closing to 10-9 in the sec- PASSING—Buffalo, Allen 27-36-0-320, Pittsburgh at Cleveland J.Johnson 1-1-0-13, Barkley 2-3-0-11. New Arizona at L.A. Rams expectations has fallen apart. counts the most.” ond quarter, the Patriots were out- England, Stidham 4-11-0-44, Newton 5-10- Green Bay at Chicago Newton had a touchdown run, What’s worse, after being res- scored 28-0 the rest of the way, 0-34. Jacksonville at Indianapolis RECEIVING—Buffalo, Diggs 9-145, L.A. Chargers at Kansas City but finished just 5-for-10 for 34 cued by coach Bill Belichick and dropping them to 6-9 and cement- McKenzie 4-26, Knox 3-51, Davis 3-33, Beas- Las Vegas at Denver ley 3-17, L.Smith 2-31, Singletary 2-16, Ro- New Orleans at Carolina yards passing before being pulled the Patriots after he initially re- ing their second losing record dur- berts 2-12, Neal 1-13, Moss 1-0. New En- Seattle at San Francisco in the third quarter for backup ceived no offers in free agency, ing Belichick’s 21 seasons in New gland, Meyers 4-45, White 3-23, Byrd 1-7, Tennessee at Houston Harry 1-3. Washington at Philadelphia Jarrett Stidham. Newton signed a one-year deal England. MISSED FIELD GOALS—None. PAGE 22 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, December 30, 2020 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Oklahoma’s defense sees an opportunity BY STEPHEN HAWKINS nation.” Associated Press The last three seasons, Oklaho- ARLINGTON, Texas — Oklaho- ma has given up an average of 54 ma linebacker Nik Bonitto is well points in losses against different aware that his team’s defense, SEC teams in College Football even with all the drastic improve- Playoff semifinal games. The ments playing its “Speed D” Sooners allowed 63 points and 692 scheme for two seasons, has to total yards to eventual national prove itself outside the Big 12. champion LSU in the Peach Bowl After winning their sixth con- last December, ending defensive ference title in a row, the No. 8 coordinator Alex Grinch’s initial Sooners (8-2) will again end the season that until then had showed season in a New Year’s Six bowl big promise. game against a high-powered SEC Gators senior quarterback Kyle offense. They play in the Cotton Trask, the national leader with Bowl on Wednesday night against 375 yards passing a game and 43 No. 10 Florida, which leads the na- touchdowns, had his third consec- tion in passing, though its offense utive 400-yard passing game in a suddenly looks quite different be- 52-46 loss to No. 1 Alabama in the cause of some late departures. SEC championship game. Florida “I feel like there’s still a notion has averaged 41.6 points a game, that we don’t have a lot of respect and 7.4 yards per play. BRIAN BLANCO / AP as a defense when playing against Despite what happened against Notre Dame wide receiver Ben Skowronek (11) saId he misses having team meals without a glass divider those type of teams,” Bonitto said. LSU to end last season, Oklahoma between players, just one more sacrfice college football players have made this season. “We just see there’s a huge oppor- has allowed only 347 total yards a tunity in front of us to prove our- game the past two seasons, a 77- selves as a defense, and show we yard improvement over the two Sacrifice and stress: How belong with one of the best in the seasons before Grinch. Leaders: Former prep players handled odd season rivals face off in bowl FROM PAGE 24 Year of playing in a pandemic has taken its toll as high as No. 2. Both could’ve eas- BY RALPH D. RUSSO test could be the one that puts a Conference opened play in Sep- ily opted out without impacting Associated Press season on hold, and little time tember while the Big Ten re- their NFL futures even though the The Saturday night after win- spent with anyone outside the versed course and started in mid- Tigers and Buckeyes were both ning an afternoon home game is team. October. Now, the two signal call- expected to challenge again for one of the best times to be a college Even when the players were to- ers are a victory away from the na- the national title. football player. gether, there were obstacles — tional title game. “That’s not what they’re about,” Family and loved ones usually both literal and figurative — to Lawrence won his third ACC Veal said. await with congratulatory hugs. bonding with teammates. championship as a starter, throw- It hasn’t been easy. Then there is a nice dinner, and “Eating together as a team, we ing for two touchdowns and run- Lawrence missed two games af- maybe more celebrating with do it with a glass divider between ning for a third as the second- ter testing positive for COVID-19 teammates and friends. Few us,” Notre Dame receiver Ben ranked Tigers (10-1; No. 2 CFP) in October, including Clemson’s things get a college town hopping Skowronek said Monday during routed Notre Dame 34-10 two lone loss at Notre Dame, 47-40 in like a football victory. media zoom sessions for the CFP. weeks ago. double overtime. He’s passed for But not this season. “I miss those meals and just get- Lawrence said he is pleased 2,753 yards and 22 touchdowns, “I’d pretty much go home, lay ting to know people in the locker with his play but isn’t satisfied. was named the ACC player of the on my couch, watch (video) cut room. All that stuff.” “I have goals for myself and for year and a Heisman Trophy final- ups of the game like two or three Another oddity brought on by RICK SCUTERI / AP my team,” he said. “I want to put ist. times. Probably go pick up some the pandemic: Four days before Offensive lineman Wyatt Davis us in the best position to win.” Fields has struggled at times to food,” Notre Dame offensive tack- the New Year’s Day semifinals, and the rest of the Ohio State Ohio State (6-0; No. 3 CFP) find his 2019 form when he threw le Liam Eichenberg said. the playoff participants were still players stayed on campus in­ topped Northwestern for its fourth for 41 touchdowns and just three To play through a pandemic, on their respective campuses. stead of getting to go early to consecutive Big Ten crown. interceptions. He’s passed for players had to sacrifice much of Alabama faces Notre Dame in New Orleans for their bowl, an­ Lawrence played at Carters- 1,521 yards with 15 touchdowns their lives away from the game the relocated Rose Bowl at the other casualty of the pandemic. ville High in Georgia while Fields and five interceptions. He also in- along with some of the best as- home of the Dallas Cowboys in Ar- was about 20 miles South at Harri- jured his thumb in the Big Ten ti- pects of being part of a team. lington, Texas. Clemson and Ohio very fun. You get to do a lot of dif- son High in Kennesaw, becoming tle game, although Buckeyes To reach the playoff, No. 1 Ala- State meet at the Sugar Bowl in ferent things.” the nation’s top college quarter- coach Ryan Day said Fields will bama, No. 2 Clemson, No. 3 Ohio New Orleans in a rematch of last As for this week, Spector said: back prospects. be fine to face Clemson. State and No. 4 Notre Dame had to year’s thrilling semifinal. “Tonight, we got bingo night. Lawrence signed with Clemson, “I just have to be better, and go a combined 37-2 on the field Typically, teams arrive at the We’re enjoying it as much as we where he’s won a national title, that’s that,” Fields said after the and keep the virus at bay. site of their semifinal about five or can.” three ACC crowns and gone 34-1 Northwestern win. “I’m not trying “It’s been incredibly challeng- six days in advance. The bulk of The teams will arrive at the host as a starter. to make excuses.” ing,” Clemson coach Dabo Swin- the preparation for the game has cities Wednesday. Fields, after a bumpy first year Lawrence has no regrets about ney said. “I just tell them, don’t already been done. At the host Alabama and Clemson gave at Georgia, transferred to Ohio his choices in this strangest of sea- give up what they want most for city, there are media availabili- players some freedom to be with State where the Buckeyes have sons. He’s grateful he stayed the what they may want at the mo- ties, practices and a walkthrough family on Christmas and other gone 19-1 with him as the starter. course and found strength to rally ment. It’s just really that simple. or two at the stadium. There are breaks this season, but with strict The lone loss: A drama-filled 29- others to play. And the teams that do this the best activities away from the field, out- orders to mask up and keep their 23 Clemson win at the Fiesta Bowl “I became a better person,” and manage this the best, that’s ings and meals. Plus, some unsu- distance, even with loved ones. in CFP semifinals. Lawrence said. “I’ve learned a lot who’s going to finish the best.” pervised time for the players. Notre Dame and Ohio State Lawrence entered his junior about myself about, who I want to Doing so required lots of CO- “Going to a bowl site is always were more cautious, keeping their year as the likely overall No. 1 NFL be, just all those things. Obviously, VID-19 testing, and the anxiety what you work for,” Clemson line- players on campus over the recent draft pick while Fields is project- I want that to end in a good way that comes with knowing the next backer Baylon Spector said. “It’s holiday weekend. ed to go a few spots later, possibly football-wise.” Wednesday, December 30, 2020 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 23 NBA/COLLEGE BASKETBALL

NBA scoreboard TOP 25 ROUNDUP

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Ayala, Wiggins WLPct GB Philadelphia 2 1 .667 — Brooklyn 2 2 .500 ½ New York 1 2 .333 1 Boston 1 2 .333 1 lead Terps past Toronto 0 2 .000 1½ Southeast Division WLPct GB No. 6 Badgers Orlando 3 01.000 — Atlanta 3 01.000 — Miami 1 1 .500 1½ Associated Press They hit eight of 21 for the game. Charlotte 1 2 .333 2 That’s in line with their attempts Washington 0 3 .000 3 KATHY WILLENS / AP MADISON, Wis. — Maryland per game on the season, but they Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, right, drives past Nets guard Timothe Lu­ Central Division coach Mark Turgeon wasn’t ex- usually shoot 42% from the arc wawu­Cabarrot as Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke sets a screen in WLPct GB actly pleased that the Big Ten with Reuvers and Potter averag- the Grizzlies’ 116­111 win Monday in New York. Cleveland 3 01.000 — schedule had his team on the road ing nearly 25 points a game. Indiana 3 01.000 — for a Christmas Day game fol- “Our zone pushed them out to Milwaukee 1 2 .333 2 lowed by a trip to Wisconsin three the perimeter. I think it slowed NBA ROUNDUP Detroit 0 3 .000 3 Chicago 0 3 .000 3 days later. them down a lot there for us,” Aya- Western Conference Now, he couldn’t be happier la said. about it. No. 1 Gonzaga 88, Northern Southwest Division Eric Ayala scored 17 points, Arizona 58: Joel Ayayi had 17 WLPct GB while Aaron Wiggins added 15 points and 10 rebounds, Drew New Orleans 2 1 .667 — points and nine rebounds as the Timme added 14 points and the San Antonio 2 1 .667 — Morant hurts Terrapins beat the No. 6 Badgers top-ranked Bulldogs topped the Dallas 1 2 .333 1 Memphis 1 2 .333 1 70-64 on Monday night. visiting Lumberjacks. Houston 0 2 .000 1½ Coming in, Maryland was 0-2 in Andrew Nembhard finished Northwest Division the conference, including a loss at with 10 points and seven assists for WLPct GB Purdue on Friday, and its wins Gonzaga (8-0), which has the na- ankle but Grizz Minnesota 2 1 .667 — were against the likes of Mount St. tion’s longest home winning Utah 2 1 .667 — Mary’s and St. Peter’s. streak at 42 games. Portland 2 1 .667 — But Turgeon said he’s seen a dif- Cameron Shelton scored 20 Oklahoma City 1 1 .500 ½ ference in his team since losing points and grabbed nine rebounds Denver 1 2 .333 1 67-51 to Clemson on Dec. 9 and the for Northern Arizona (1-6), which Pacific Division late December road trip turned in- was undone by 35% shooting. Jay top Nets in OT WLPct GB to a bonding experience that may Green had 12 points. Associated Press 11 assists in Portland’s win at Los Phoenix 2 1 .667 — become a building block for his Ayayi scored nine points as the Angeles. L.A. Clippers 2 1 .667 — team going forward. Bulldogs jumped to a 28-8 lead af- Sacramento 2 1 .667 — NEW YORK — Ja Morant exit- Gary Trent Jr. matched his ca- L.A. Lakers 2 2 .500 ½ “It was probably the best thing ter eight minutes. They made 12 of ed with a sprained ankle but the reer high with seven three-point- Golden State 1 2 .333 1 that happened to us,” Turgeon their first 16 shots. Memphis Grizzlies earned their ers while scoring 28 points in the said. “We really grew in the last Gonzaga pushed the lead to 36- first victory of the season without Blazers’ second straight win over Monday’s games five days. A lot of meetings, a lot of 14 with just under seven minutes Atlanta 128, Detroit 120 him, outlasting the short-handed the Lakers at Staples Center. Memphis 116, Brooklyn 111, OT being together.” left in the first half, dominating the Utah 110, Oklahoma City 109 Brooklyn Nets 116-111 in overtime LeBron James had 29 points, Denver 124, Houston 111 The Terrapins (6-3, 1-2 Big Ten) Lumberjacks in the paint 20-8. Monday night. nine rebounds and six assists for Portland 115, L.A. Lakers 107 beat Wisconsin (8-2, 2-1) by refus- No. 21 Minnesota 81, No. 17 The reigning NBA Rookie of the NBA champions, who drop- Tuesday’s games ing to let the Badgers have their Michigan State 56: Liam Robbins Boston at Indiana the Year was wheeled to the back ped to 2-2 on their season-open- Chicago at Washington bread-and-butter — the paint. had 18 points, nine rebounds and of the arena late in the first half ing homestand. Dennis Schröder Golden State at Detroit Maryland outscored Wisconsin three blocks, leading a stifling ef- New York at Cleveland after hurting his left ankle when added 24 points, but Los Angeles’ Toronto at Philadelphia 38-20 in the paint, limiting the fort by the host Gophers. Marcus Milwaukee at Miami he leaped to block a shot by Tim- streak of 59 straight victories Orlando at Oklahoma City Badgers’ post team of Nate Reuv- Carr scored 19 points and dished othé Luwawu-Cabarrot and land- when taking a lead into the fourth Denver at Sacramento ers and Micah Potter to just 12 out five assists for Minnesota (9-1, Minnesota at L.A. Clippers ed on the Nets forward’s foot. Mo- quarter was snapped. New Orleans at Phoenix points on 6-for-18 shooting. Faced 2-1 Big Ten), which never trailed rant rejoined his teammates on Nuggets 124, Rockets 111: Wednesday’s games with a 3-2 zone in the second half, and held the sputtering Spartans Atlanta at Brooklyn the bench in the second half with Nikola Jokic had 19 points, 18 as- Memphis at Boston Wisconsin began to settle for to 25.7% shooting (18-for-70) while his foot in a walking boot. sists and 12 rebounds for the 42nd Milwaukee at Miami three-pointers. outrebounding them 52-36. Charlotte at Dallas He watched Brandon Clarke triple-double of his career, and L.A. Lakers at San Antonio score the go-ahead basket on a host Denver beat short-handed Portland at L.A. Clippers follow shot with 41 seconds left in Houston for its first win of the Thursday’s games Cleveland at Indiana overtime before the Grizzlies put season. Chicago at Washington Philadelphia at Orlando it away with free throws. Jamal Murray added 21 points Sacramento at Houston Kyle Anderson scored a ca- before leaving with 4:05 remain- New York at Toronto New Orleans at Oklahoma City reer-high 28 points and Dillon ing in the third quarter after a Phoenix at Utah Brooks added 24 for the Grizzlies, collision in traffic sent him who had dropped their first two sprawling to the floor. He held points and Mike Conley added 20 games. Clarke had 16 points and his hand to his head for a couple points, 10 rebounds and nine as- Jonas Valanciunas finished with of minutes but got up and walked sists for the Jazz, who ended a 14 points and 14 rebounds. under his own power to the lock- 17-game losing streak in regular- Caris LeVert had 28 points and er room for further examination. season road games against the 11 assists for the Nets, who rested He was back on the bench mid- Thunder, including games in the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving way through the fourth but did NBA’s Orlando bubble last sea- while losing for the second not reenter the game. son. Utah’s last win in Oklahoma straight night. Brooklyn is also James Harden had 34 points to City came on Oct. 31, 2010. without Spencer Dinwiddie, who lead the undermanned Rockets. Hawks 128, Pistons 120: will have surgery to repair a par- Christian Wood added 23. Trae Young scored 29 points, tially torn right ACL sustained Jazz 110, Thunder 109:Dono- Bogdan Bogdanovic added 17 and Sunday. van Mitchell hit a go-ahead layup Atlanta beat Detroit in its home Trail Blazers 115, Lakers 107: with 7 seconds left and finished opener. Damian Lillard scored 21 of his with 20 points, lifting Utah to a John Collins finished with 15 MORRY GASH / AP 31 points in the second half, and win at Oklahoma City. points for the Hawks, who are 3-0 Wisconsin's Trevor Anderson tries to get past Maryland's Eric Ayala CJ McCollum had 20 points and Bogan Bogdanovich scored 23 for the first time since 2016-17. during Maryland’s 70­64 win Monday in Madison, Wis. PAGE 24 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, December 30, 2020 Costly first victory SPORTS Grizzlies top Nets in OT after Morant hurts ankle ›› NBA, Page 23

COLLEGE FOOTBALL Leaders on the field and off QBs Lawrence, Fields step on semifinal stage after lobbying to play

BY PETE IACOBELLI Associated Press There has never been any doubt about the football abilities of Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields of Ohio State. Their youth quarterback coach could see the power arms, nimble feet and accurate decision-making when they were budding Georgia prep stars. Ron Veal also saw the character and resolve in Lawrence and Fields. “Both were mostly quiet, taking everything in” as rising Georgia prep quarterbacks, Veal said in a phone interview. “Until it was time to speak up.” The quarterbacks felt it was time during the offseason, and now they’ll square off in the Col- lege Football Playoff semifinals when Clemson takes on Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl on Friday night. It was their off-field actions that helped set up the the showdown. Lawrence and Fields spoke out on social justice issues and were outspoken to ensure players’ BRIAN BLANCO / AP views were heard in discussions Before he led Clemson to the ACC championship and was named a Heisman Trophy finalist, quarterback Trevor Lawrence, left, was among his about having a season amid the team's players who organized a march for social justice near campus in June. coronavirus pandemic. College athletes were angered by the ition to play that gained 300,000 deaths of George Floyd, Breonna ‘‘Both were signers in less than a week. “We Taylor and others. They also were wanted to come together and have disheartened and confused by mostly quiet, a voice so people who are making questions if they would or should decisions can hear,” Fields said. play as the virus raged throughout taking The kind of player activism the country. Lawrence and Fields demonstrat- Both steadied their teammates everything in. ed is one of the most positive and gave fans something to rally things to come out of the pandem- around through their words and Until it was time ic, said researcher Richard Lap- actions, Veal said. chick, who heads the The Institute “They were leaders when their to speak up.” of Diversity and Ethics in Sports at teams needed them,” he said. Ron Veal UCF. The actions Lawrence and youth quarterbacks coach Lapchick said player voices can Fields took often landed them in cause change and determine who the spotlight:
In August, Lawrence and schools hire to lead football and
In June, Lawrence was Fields were among those who basketball teams. among Clemson players who or- started the “#WeWantToPlay” “It has an affect on society in ganized a march for social justice AJ MAST / AP movement that even caught the general and it’s also going to have near campus. Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields throws during the first half of the ear of First Fan, President Donald an effect on the college level,”
Fields and teammates put out Big Ten championship. H e is 19­1 as a starter with the Buckeyes, Trump, who spoke with Lawrence Lapchick said. a powerful video for social change with the one loss being in the CFP semfinals last year to Clemson. by phone. The quarterbacks’ efforts had with social media hastags,
When the Big Ten Confer- an impact: The Atlantic Coast “#BlackLivesMatter,” and part of a campus demonstration dents and staff knelt for nine min- ence initially called off its fall sea- “#FightForChange.” Fields was where Ohio State players, stu- utes in the wake of Floyd’s death. son, Fields created an online pet- SEE LEADERS ON PAGE 22

Bills earn first sweep of Pats since ’99 ›› NFL, Page 21