NCAA TOURNAMENT VIRUS OUTBREAK FACES Texas two step: Biden, CDC director ‘Concrete Cowboy,’ Baylor, Houston end warn of rebound in movie monsters Final Four droughts cases if US lets up new this week Page 24 Page 5 Page 14

Polish general joins US Army’s recently reestablished V Corps ›› Page 4

stripes.com

Volume 79 Edition 246 ©SS 2021 WEDNESDAY,MARCH 31, 2021 50¢/Free to Deployed Areas

VIRUS OUTBREAK Special Ops diversity chief’s posts investigated

BY CAITLIN M. KENNEY Stars and Stripes WASHINGTON — The new chief of diversity and inclusion for U.S. Special Operations Com- mand is under investigation for controversial social media posts, including one that compared for- mer President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler, according to the Pen- tagon. John Kirby, the chief Pentagon spokesman, said Monday that De- fense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been notified by Gen. Richard Clarke, the SO- MATT ROURKE / AP COM command- Patti Burt poses for a portrait near a photo of her granddaughter, 9-year-old Ava Lerario, in Cherry Hill, N.J., on March 10. On May 26, Ava er, of the investi- Torres-Estrada Lerario; her mother, Ashley Belson, and her father, Marc Lerario, were found fatally shot inside their home. gation into the posts made by Richard Torres-Es- trada. “[Austin] appreciated being kept apprised of that and that he supports the work that they’re do- The hidden toll ing to look at this more deeply,” Kirby said during a news briefing at the Pentagon. Pandemic masks ongoing child abuse crisis as reports, investigations and interventions plummet The command announced BY SALLY HO her brothers didn’t play outside. Torres-Estrada as the new chief AND CAMILLE FASSETT Protective services visited their on Thursday in a tweet, writing Associated Press home at least twice, in 2019, over that they looked forward to his LANSFORD, Pa. — Ava Lerario reports of potential abuse of Ava’s “contribution in enhancing the ca- lived in a home marked by both younger brother. Her father, Marc pabilities and effectiveness of love and chaos, even before the Lerario, had an explosive temper. [Special Operations Forces] walls of the pandemic started clos- Her mother, Ashley Belson, strug- through diversity of talent, help- ing in on her fractured family. gled with drug addiction and con- ing us recruit the best of the best.” Sandwiched between two broth- sidered leaving him. Torres-Estrada’s job involves ers, the 9-year-old was her father’s She didn’t dare take Ava. If she being an advocate and senior ad- princess, and she loved to snuggle left with his favorite — the one who viser in diversity and inclusion for up with her mom to read. She shared his strawberry blond hair senior SOCOM leadership, Ken sometimes lugged her favorite and could calm him with a smile — McGraw, a spokesman for Special stuffed animals all the way to the Ashley feared he’d kill her. Operations Command, wrote bus stop, where she never hesitated In the end, Ashley wasn’t the on- Monday in an email. The position to share toys or books, or befriend a MATT SLOCUM / AP ly one who died. also leads and directs all diversity new or lonely kid. Desks are arranged in a classroom at Panther Valley Elementary But neighbors noticed she and School on March 11 in Nesquehoning, Pa. SEE TOLL ON PAGE 6 SEE POSTS ON PAGE 4 PAGE 2 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, March 31, 2021 BUSINESS/WEATHER VW weighs changing to ‘Voltswagen’ in US EXCHANGE RATES Military rates So. Korea (Won) 1,135.07 Associated Press The company had briefly there are plans for more, in- Switzerland (Franc) .9430 Euro costs (March 31) $1.15 Thailand (Baht) 31.31 DETROIT — Volkswagen is posted a press release on its cluding a nostalgic reprise of Dollar buys (March 31) 0.8303 Turkey (New Lira) 8.3182 British pound (March 31) $1.34 planning to change its brand website early Monday an- the company’s Microbus. Japanese yen (March 31) 107.00 (Military exchange rates are those available name in the United States to nouncing the brand name Even with the ID.4 fully on South Korean won (March 31) 1,105.00 to customers at military banking facilities in the Commercial rates country of issuance for Japan, South Korea, Ger­ “Voltswagen” as its shifts its change. The press release was sale, only a small fraction of many, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Bahrain (Dinar) .3767 For nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., pur­ production increasingly to- noticed by a reporter from VWs on U.S. roads will bear the Britain (Pound) 1.3719 chasing British pounds in Germany), check with Canada (Dollar) 1.2637 your local military banking facility. Commercial ward electric vehicles and USA Today before it was re- “Voltswagen” name. The vast China (Yuan) 6.5732 rates are interbank rates provided for reference Denmark (Krone) 6.3454 tries to distance itself from an moved. The release was dated majority of VW’s vehicle sales Egypt (Pound) 15.7207 when buying currency. All figures are foreign emissions cheating scandal. April 29. in the U.S. will still be powered Euro .8534 currencies to one dollar, except for the British Hong Kong (Dollar) 7.7750 pound, which is represented in dollars­to­ A person briefed on the plan The premature release by gasoline for the foreseeable Hungary (Forint) 310.17 pound, and the euro, which is dollars­to­euro.) Israel (Shekel) 3.3352 said a formal announcement is comes as VW is taking reserva- future and will continue to be Japan (Yen) 110.37 INTEREST RATES planned for Tuesday. The per- tions for the new ID.4 small labeled simply as “VW.” The Kuwait (Dinar) .3024 Norway (Krone) 8.5663 Prime rate 3.25 son didn’t want to be identified electric SUV in the U.S. It’s the German automaker sold just Philippines (Peso) 48.53 Interest Rates Discount rate 0.75 Poland (Zloty) 3.97 Federal funds market rate 0.09 because the plans had not been company’s only new electric under 326,000 VW-branded ve- Saudi Arab (Riyal) 3.7508 3­month bill 0.03 made public. model sold in the U.S., though hicles in the U.S. last year. Singapore (Dollar) 1.3480 30­year bond 2.24 WEATHER OUTLOOK WEDNESDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY IN EUROPE THURSDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 51/42

Kabul Seoul 72/41 67/43 Baghdad 80/56 Drawsko Osan Tokyo Kandahar Mildenhall/ 70/40 61/50 Pomorskie Busan 73/46 Lakenheath 61/46 68/48 60/46 Iwakuni Kuwait City 57/51 Bahrain Zagan Sasebo Guam 84/62 76/70 Brussels Ramstein 65/44 69/46 73/39 67/50 81/78 Riyadh Lajes, Stuttgart 92/64 Doha Azores Pápa 60/57 66/42 90/66 Aviano/ 66/45 Vicenza 68/46

Naples 67/51 Okinawa Morón 72/69 82/60 Sigonella Rota 65/48 The weather is provided by the Djibouti 70/59 Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 90/70 52/49 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. TODAY IN STRIPES American Roundup ...... 11 Classified ...... 13 Comics ...... 16 Crossword ...... 16 Faces ...... 14 Opinion ...... 15 Sports ...... 18-24 Wednesday, March 31, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 3 MILITARY Trials begin in lawsuit over 3M’s earplugs BY ROSE L. THAYER cola, Fla., for the cases of three veterans In 2017, the VA compensated about 1.79 In July 2018, the Justice Department an- Stars and Stripes who were selected as “bellwether” trials in million veterans for tinnitus and about 1.16 nounced 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to AUSTIN, Texas — A lawsuit involving the U.S. District Court Northern District of million for hearing loss, according to the resolve allegations that it knowingly sold more than 229,000 veterans with hearing Florida under Judge M. Casey Rogers. Hearing Health Foundation, a nonprofit the earplugs to the military without disclos- problems that they claim are linked to Bellwether trials can be used in multidis- funder of hearing research in America. ing defects that hampered effectiveness. faulty earplugs issued by the military be- trict litigation to present a representative The lawsuit focuses on 3M’s combat That lawsuit was filed through the whistle- gins its first trial Monday in a Florida feder- of the cases before a jury to gain useful in- arms earplug, version 2. Work began on the blower provision of the False Claims Act, al courtroom. formation for potentially reaching a settle- product in the late 1990s, when the military according to the Justice Department. The multidistrict litigation claims the ment for all cases. It can help both parties tasked the St. Paul, Minn.-based company In settling the claim, 3M did not admit to companies that made the earplugs — 3M determine the costs of subsequent litiga- to design an earplug that could block loud wrongdoing, according to the company. and its predecessor Aearo — knew from tion. gunfire while allowing the wearer to hear Following that decision, a series of law- testing that the equipment it designed in Two of the veterans in the bellwether low-level sounds, such as speech. The re- suits were filed by veterans who wore the coordination with the military did not fit trials have hearing loss and tinnitus, ac- sulting product, a dual-sided earplug, was earplugs and now suffer from hearing loss. properly into an ear canal and could loosen cording to court documents. The third vet- sold to the military until 2015. Those claims were combined into the mul- in a way that was imperceptible to the eran suffers hearing loss and conditions re- No recall was ever issued on the product ti-district mass tort case now churning wearer. The suit also claims some of the lated to it. and version 4 of the earplug remains in use through the legal system. In a mass tort testing results shown to the military before Hearing loss and tinnitus, described as a by the military, according to 3M. case, each plaintiff is treated as an individ- the purchase were done with a modifica- ringing or buzzing in the ears, are the two “We deny this product was defectively or ual instead of as a group, such as in a class tion to the earplug that the military was not most common conditions of veterans who negligently designed and caused injuries, action lawsuit. told was required to achieve optimal pro- are suing, and are also two of the most prev- and we will vigorously defend ourselves tection. alent service-connected disabilities identi- against such allegations,” the company [email protected] Jury selection begins Monday in Pensa- fied by the Department of Veterans Affairs. said in a statement on its website. Twitter: @Rose_Lori Kaiserslautern to open new elementary school

BY JENNIFER H. SVAN for demolition, along with the for- Stars and Stripes mer Kaiserslautern middle and KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany high schools, which date back to — The new Kaiserslautern Ele- 1952. A new Kaiserslautern Middle mentary School will welcome stu- School will be built on the Vogelweh dents to its bright, contemporary campus. corridors starting Monday. The new, two-story school is de- The $51 million building on Ka- signed for up to 690 pupils. Just paun Air Station for pre-kindergar- over 400 children are expected to ten through fifth grade is complete, attend in-person classes; the re- except for the playground, which is mainder of the student body is en- still under construction. rolled in virtual learning due to the First-day experiences may in- pandemic, school officials said. clude eating lunch by a stage in a It’s the latest Department of De- room that doubles as a perform- fense Education Activity “21st cen- ance hall; exercising on a spongy tury” school to open in Europe, part gym floor designed to reduce inju- of an overhaul that began more ries; and learning about the pottery than 10 years ago to replace or reno- kiln in the art studio. vate aging military schools across “We’ve been anticipating the the Continent. JENNIFER H. SVAN/Stars and Stripes move for well over a year and plan- “Really, the opportunities that David Groat, principal of Kaiserslautern Elementary School in Germany, discusses the new facility. ning for it,” school principal David are here in terms of the learning are Groat said. much better,” Groat said. each other and tailor instruction to airflow accordingly, school officials The school also comes with new The school was supposed to open Instead of sitting in a traditional classes of different sizes, Groat said. furniture. Only the students, staff last fall, but modifications to the classroom, students will be said. The school has ample light, from and their curriculum materials kitchen ventilation system to meet grouped according to grade level in The flexibility in seating and skylights and windows to sensors have to move to the new building, fire codes caused delays. The coro- color-coded common spaces, cate- spacing allows kids to be more that turn on and off energy-efficient Groat said. navirus pandemic further delayed gorized by kid-friendly transporta- spread out, he said, which can help LED lights throughout the building, “We’re very happy to be coming work on the building. tion symbols such as scooters and reduce potential coronavirus trans- said Susan Brinson, DODEA facil- into a space like this,” he said. Before spring break, students bicycle racers. Open classrooms mission. The building’s ventilation ity engineer. A wind turbine and had the chance to say goodbye to with retractable, transparent walls system monitors indoor carbon photovoltaic system also can be [email protected] the old school, Groat said. It’s slated allow teachers to collaborate with dioxide concentrations and adjusts used as teaching tools, Brinson said. Twitter: @WyattWOlson Veteran of guided-missile warships chosen to lead Navy Region Hawaii

BY WYATT OLSON which is responsible for mainte- will take com- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy utive officer on the USS Hopper, Stars and Stripes nance and training of all surface mand of the at Kings Point, N.Y. He holds an Arleigh Burke-class guided- FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — A ships and their crews homeport- Submarine master’s degrees in financial missile destroyer. veteran of numerous stints ed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Force, the Pen- management from the Naval His major command tour was aboard guided-missile warships Hickam, Hawaii. tagon said last Postgraduate School and in na- aboard USS Mobile Bay, a Ticon- has been chosen to lead Navy Re- The Pentagon also announced month. tional security strategy from the deroga-class guided-missile gion Hawaii, which oversees that Rear Adm. Blake L. Con- Kott will re- National War College. cruiser. 23,000 acres of land and sea in verse, current commander of U.S. place Rear Adm. Among his sea assignments Kott is currently commander of Kott and around Hawaii, the Pentagon Pacific Fleet’s Submarine Force Robert B. Chad- were navigator aboard the USS Carrier Strike Group One, a posi- said Monday in a news release. in Pearl Harbor, will become wick II, who will move to San Flatley, a guided-missile frigate; tion he has held since June. Rear Adm. Timothy J. Kott will deputy commander of U.S. Pacif- Diego to command Carrier Strike operations officer on the USS also assume command of Naval ic Fleet. Group Nine. Hue City, a Ticonderoga-class [email protected] Surface Group Middle Pacific, Rear Adm. Jeffrey T. Jablon Kott is a 1990 graduate of the guided missile cruiser; and exec- Twitter: @WyattWOlson PAGE 4 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, March 31, 2021 MILITARY Polish general joins Army’s newly reestablished V Corps BY JOHN VANDIVER al has served in the U.S. military’s About 200 of the Corps’ 635 sol- Stars and Stripes command structure in such a man- diers will be on rotation in Poznan STUTTGART, Germany — A ner. at any given time. Polish general will serve as deputy Joks will serve under U.S. Army VCorps has a long history in Eu- commander of the U.S. Army’s re- Lt. Gen. John Kolasheski, who was rope, dating to 1918 when it was es- cently reestablished V Corps in Warsaw on Monday for talks tablished during World War I. It U.K. Ministry of Defense headquarters, with Polish Defense Minister Ma- returned to Europe in World War A Russian Tu­95 Bear aircraft is escorted by a U.K. Royal Air Force which oversees riusz Baszczak when the decision II and carried out Army missions Typhoon during an intercept in September 2014. forces operating was announced. on the Continent throughout the along NATO’s The establishment of V Corps’ Cold War. The unit was deactivat- eastern flank, forward element is “tangible proof ed in 2013 as part of the Army’s NATO fighters intercept 6 U.S. and Polish of intensifying Polish-American long post-Cold War drawdown in officials said. relations and the fact that our stra- Europe. Maj. Gen. tegic partnership is growing stron- But after Russia’s military inter- groups of Russian planes Adam Joks was ger,” Poland’s Defense Ministry vention in Ukraine in 2014, the Ar- Joks BY JOHN VANDIVER ing the U.K. and Belgium to appointed as said in a statement. my mission on the Continent be- Stars and Stripes scramble their fighters, NATO deputy commander of the Fort The Army officially reactivated gan to expand again, especially in STUTTGART, Germany — Al- said. Later in the day, the Norwe- Knox, Ky.-based command, which VCorps in October in a push to add places like Poland and the Baltics, lied fighter jets launched a flurry gian F-16s intercepted two Tupo- has a forward headquarters in more command and control sup- where NATO allies are concerned of intercepts Monday stretching lev Tu-160 Blackjack bombers Poznan, Poland. port for U.S. Army Europe and about a more assertive Moscow. from the Arctic to southern Eu- over international waters. The U.S. Embassy in Poland Africa, and help manage the move- rope as allies countered “an un- Turkish, Romanian and Bulgar- said in a statement that the move ment of units rotating in and out of [email protected] usual peak” of flights by Russian ian fighter aircraft also tracked marks the first time a Polish gener- Europe. Twitter: @john_vandiver warplanes, NATO said Tuesday. Russian aircraft over the Black Aircraft from seven nations Sea until they left the area, while conducted 10 intercepts as they Italian fighter aircraft intercepted shadowed Russian bombers and a Russian Ilyushin Il-38 maritime Posts: Diversity chief reassigned during investigation fighters over the North Atlantic, patrol plane over the Black Sea North Sea, Black Sea and Baltic near the Russian military exclave FROM PAGE 1 Carlson also showed a post from the Fox News commentator on the Sea, NATO said in a statement. of Kaliningrad, the statement said. and inclusion initiatives, policies May 2020 that depicted police in- Pentagon and the direction of the The intercepts, which occurred While allies regularly intercept and programs at the command, he terviewing Goldilocks while also military under President Joe Bi- in less than six hours, involved six Russian military aircraft, NATO said. arresting the family of bears from den. different groups of Russian air- has complained that the Russians While Torres-Estrada waits for the children’s story. The graphic On March 11, Carlson said that craft near allied airspace. often do not fly with transponders, the results of the investigation, he says: “If you still don’t understand Biden wants to make the military “Intercepting multiple groups which make them invisible to ci- has been assigned to other duties, how racism works, remember more feminine by allowing wom- of Russian aircraft demonstrates vilian radars. McGraw said. The command also SHE broke into THEIR house. en to have more hairstyles as well NATO forces’ readiness and capa- The Russian planes never en- does not look into social media #StopRacism.” Torres-Estrada’s as wear flight suits while preg- bility to guard Allied skies 24 tered alliance airspace, and NA- posts for hiring of civilians in comment with the post says: “It’s nant. hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 TO said all the intercepts were these positions, he said. 2020 and yet…” The Air Force initiated changes days a year,” Brig. Gen. Andrew conducted in a “safe and routine On Friday, Fox News host Tuck- Kirby said Monday that the De- under Trump to allow pregnant Hansen, of NATO’s Allied Air manner.” er Carlson pointed to Torres-Es- fense Department takes seriously service members to fly nonfighter Command at Ramstein Air Base, Some previous encounters be- trada’s Facebook posts and criti- the need to promote diversity and aircraft through their second tri- said in the statement. tween Russian and allied aircraft, cized his hiring to oversee the inclusion. mester without a waiver. Allied aircraft involved in those however, have been deemed dan- command’s new diversity and in- “We certainly want that work to The Pentagon and senior mili- missions included warplanes gerous by U.S. military officials. clusion strategic plan released be transparent, to be credible, to tary leaders pushed back on Carl- from Norway, the United King- In August, a U.S. B-52’s maneu- March 3. be effective and, of course, profes- son’s comments, with Kirby say- dom, Belgium, Turkey, Italy, Ro- vers over the Black Sea were re- In one post, a photo from June sional. We want everybody to take ing Austin “shares the revulsion of mania and Bulgaria. stricted by two Russian fighter 2020 of Trump holding up a Bible those duties and those responsib- so many others” to the Fox News In the High North, Norwegian planes that flew within 100 feet of in front of St. John’s Church in ilities seriously and professional- host’s comments about women in F-16s scrambled after radars de- the long-range bomber. Washington, D.C., was shown side ly,” he said, adding he did not want the military. tected two Tupolev Tu-95 Bear by side with Hitler, who also ap- to get ahead of the command in- bombers, which continued to fly [email protected] pears to be holding a book. vestigation. [email protected] south over the North Sea, prompt- Twitter: @john_vandiver In addition to the Hitler post, This is the latest criticism from Twitter: @caitlinmkenney Aviano-based US soldier faces big fines after 2 DUI charges in same night

BY KENT HARRIS Veneto and Il Gazzettino. He re- wouldn’t comment on the allega- procedures regarding custody of paid for getting vehicles back from Stars and Stripes fused to take a test for alcohol and tions in the reports due to ongoing the case.” impound lots and towing services. AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — A so his driver’s licenses were con- investigations by U.S. and Italian Both soldiers were fined 400 eu- Also last week, Italian national U.S. soldier who was pulled over fiscated in line with Italian law. A authorities. ros for violating Italy’s 10 p.m. to 5 wire service ANSA reported that by Italian Carabinieri twice in the 24-year-old passenger, also a sol- The events as portrayed “do not a.m. curfew designed to combat police broke up a party in Sacile on same night for suspected driving dier, then drove the vehicle away. reflect our standards, and we will the coronavirus pandemic, ac- Friday night involving multiple under the influence faces a poten- About three hours later, the Jeep take appropriate action upon the cording to media reports. The only American service members, some tial fine of more than 8,000 euros, Wrangler was again pulled over by completion of the investigation,” exceptions for travel during that of which were cited and fined by media reports said. Carabinieri in Polcenigo with the Bradley said. The two soldiers in- period are for work or medical rea- police for violating coronavirus The 21-year-old unnamed sol- 21-year-old driver — now unli- volved “are currently under the sons. It was unclear if they were protocols. dier also may lose his driving privi- censed — behind the wheel, ac- supervision of their unit leader- fined for each incident. Six individuals who didn’t live at leges in Italy and have to pay addi- cording to the reports. He again re- ship.” The driver also faces a fine rang- the residence were found after ini- tional penalties after being fused to take a test for alcohol and Asked if the United States would ing between 2,046 and 8,186 euros tially hiding, the report said, and charged with DUI and cited for the car was impounded. seek jurisdiction under the Status for driving without a license, an on- several others were believed to other infractions. Both soldiers are members of of Forces Agreement, Bradley line report by Messaggero Veneto have left before police arrived. He was first pulled over in Avia- the 173rd Airborne Brigade as- said: “We are cooperating fully said. DUI penalties may also in- no a little after 10 p.m. Friday, ac- signed to Aviano, said Maj. Chris with the Italian Carabinieri and clude substantial fines and jail [email protected] cording to reports by Messaggero Bradley, a brigade spokesman. He will follow all established legal time. And fees must generally be Twitter: @kharris4stripes Wednesday, March 31, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 5 VIRUS OUTBREAK Biden, CDC director warn of virus rebound Associated Press letting up on precautions, which is a vaccines like flu shots. WASHINGTON — President very bad thing.” Biden announced that the U.S. is Joe Biden and a top health official Biden delivered a direct appeal expecting delivery of 33 million warned that too many Americans to governors, state and local leaders doses of COVID-19 vaccine this are declaring virus victory too to reinstate mask-wearing require- week — including 11 million of the quickly, appealing for mask re- ments if they have lifted them, and single-dose Johnson & Johnson quirements and other restrictions said he encouraged leaders to shot. to be maintained or restored to pause plans to further ease virus- More than 1 in 5 adults and near- stave off a “fourth surge” of CO- related restrictions. ly 50% of senior Americans are ful- VID-19. The head of the CDC said “Please, this is not politics, rein- ly vaccinated, according to data she had a feeling of “impending state the mandate if you let it from the CDC. On Thursday, the doom” if people keep easing off. down,” he said. U.S. set new single-day record for The double dose of warnings on Biden announced that by April 19 shots in arms: more than 3.2 mil- Monday came even as Biden laid at least 90% of the adult U.S. pop- lion. out hopeful new steps to expand ulation would be eligible for vacci- “Now is not the time to let down,” coronavirus vaccinations, with all nation — and would have access to Biden said. “Now’s not the time to adults to become eligible over the a vaccination site within 5 miles of celebrate. It is time to do what we next five weeks. Biden announced PATRICK SEMANSKY / AP home. Quick vaccination would still do best as a country: our duty, our plans to expand the number of re- Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control depend on supply. jobs, take care of one another.” tail pharmacies that are adminis- and Prevention, leads President Joe Biden into the room for a briefing Biden had previously directed “Fight to the finish,” he added. tering vaccines, and investments to at the headquarters for the CDC in Atlanta on March 19. that all states make all adults eligi- “Don’t let up now.” help Americans get to vaccination ble for vaccination by May 1, but Walensky and Dr. Anthony Fau- sites. But the optimism was tem- ing COVID-19 patients who are zations and deaths ticking up as many have moved to lift eligibility ci, the nation’s top infectious dis- pered by stark warnings about the alone at the end of their lives. well, Walensky said. She warned requirements sooner in anticipa- ease expert, appealed to elected of- potential for another wave of cases. “We have so much to look for- that without immediate action the tion of supply increases. ficials, community leaders and ev- “This is deadly serious,” Biden ward to, so much promise and po- U.S. could follow European coun- Meanwhile, the White House is eryday Americans to maintain so- said, urging governors to reinstate tential of where we are and so much tries into another spike in cases and moving to double the number of cial distancing measures and mask mask mandates and other restric- reason for hope,” she said. “But suffer needless deaths. pharmacies participating in the wearing. tions that some states have been right now, I’m scared.” “I have to share the truth, and I federal retail pharmacy program “We are doing things premature- easing. “I’m going to lose the script, and have to hope and trust you will lis- — it has emerged as among the ly,” Fauci said, referring to moves Hours earlier, during a virtual I’m going to reflect on the recurring ten,” she said. most efficient avenues for adminis- to ease up on restrictions. Walensky White House health briefing, Dr. feeling I have of impending doom.” Later Monday, Biden addressed tering vaccines — and increase the appealed to Americans, “Just Rochelle Walensky, director of the Cases of the virus are up about the nation from the White House, number of doses for them to deliv- please hold on a little while longer.” Centers for Disease Control and 10% over the past week from the declaring, “If we let our guard er. Retail pharmacies are located She added: “We are not power- Prevention, grew emotional as she previous week, to about 60,000 down now, we can see the virus get- relatively close to most Americans less, we can change this trajectory reflected on her experience treat- cases per day, with both hospitali- ting worse, not better. People are and have experience delivering of the pandemic.” Restrictions tightened for military on Okinawa

BY JOSEPH DITZLER spike in new case numbers start- Stars and Stripes ing with 30 on March 13 and TOKYO — A cluster of new cor- climbing to 98 on Saturday, ac- onavirus cases the past week at cording to the prefecture’s CO- bases on Okinawa prompted the VID-19 website. U.S. military on Tuesday to leng- Tokyo reported 364 people then a list of familiar pandemic newly infected with the coronavi- restrictions reimposed a week rus Tuesday, 27 more patients ago. than March 23, according to pub- U.S. bases in Japan reported 30 lic broadcaster NHK. For 11 days, new coronavirus patients as of 6 new patient numbers in the city p.m. Tuesday, all but one on Oki- are higher than they were seven nawa. days earlier, according to metro Okinawa prefecture, where government data. most U.S. troops are based, and The seven-day moving average Tokyo are also reporting higher in Tokyo has increased from 297 case numbers, although those on March 18 to 357.7 on Monday, numbers pale next to patient tal- according to government data. lies in January. At Kadena, 13 individuals test- Kadena Air Base cited 20 new ed positive after becoming ill with cases from the past week, accord- symptoms of COVID-19, the coro- MATTHEW M. BURKE/Stars and Stripes ing to a base Facebook post Tues- navirus respiratory disease. The Two visitors in masks stroll through American Village, a popular tourist spot on Okinawa, on March 30. day. The Marine Corps reported remaining seven were close con- nine new coronavirus patients tacts of a previously infected per- old prohibition on indoor dining, Indoor markets with multiple also put off-limits a week ago. Tuesday: five at Camp Foster, two son, according to the 18th Wing. or even waiting inside a restau- vendors such as flea markets and The Marine Corps also cited at Camp Kinser and one each at One new patient is a Kadena rant on a take-out order. The ex- fish markets, and outdoor mar- rising case numbers to impose Camps Hansen and Courtney, ac- Commissary employee who had ception is waiting on takeout at kets where social distancing and similar restrictions March 22 and cording to a Facebook post by Ma- no close contacts with service malls or food courts. COVID-19 preventive measures again Tuesday, according to a rine Corps Installations Pacific. members, Defense Department The wing also added to the list are not possible or practiced, are Facebook post by Marine Corps Yokota Air Base in western To- civilian employees, contractors or gyms, fitness centers, CrossFit also off-limits. Patronizing hair Installations Pacific. The Marines kyo reported one individual test- family members, according to the boxes and similar facilities; in- and nail salons, barbershops, tat- had 49 coronavirus patients at ed positive while still in quaran- wing. The base has reported 42 in- door tourist attractions like too parlors, massage parlors and four Okinawa camps on Friday, tine after recently arriving in Ja- dividuals with COVID-19 in aquariums, museums and histor- similar services is also prohibited. according to U.S. Forces Japan. pan from the U.S., according to a March. ical sites; and outdoor tourist at- Riding mass transit, with some base Facebook post. Kadena on Tuesday added out- tractions with large, densely exceptions, and patronizing ar- [email protected] Okinawa prefecture has seen a door, off-base dining to its week- packed crowds. cades and theaters off-base were Twitter: @JosephDitzler PAGE 6 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, March 31, 2021 VIRUS OUTBREAK Toll: Online learning took many kids out of the public eye FROM PAGE 1 authorities in Ava’s case. Social workers we- An Associated Press analysis of state data ren’t notified of Ava’s death, with officials reveals that the coronavirus pandemic has learning instead from a Facebook post. The ripped away several systemic safety nets for agency noted in a report that it didn’t know millions of Americans — many of them chil- there were guns in the home or about any dren like Ava. It found that child abuse re- criminal history. Erin James, office spokes- ports, investigations, substantiated allega- woman, declined to answer specific ques- tions and interventions have dropped at a tions about Ava’s case, citing privacy laws. staggering rate, increasing risks for the most Palazzo said he and the rest of the school vulnerable of families in the U.S. grapple with the what-ifs: If school had been In the AP’s analysis, it found more than open, would there have been a chance to save 400,000 fewer child welfare concerns report- Ava? That motivated school officials to reo- ed during the pandemic and 200,000 fewer pen the doors to students as soon as possible. child abuse and neglect investigations and “We want all kids to have access to school, assessments compared not only because of reading and math, but be- with the same time period cause of well-being, because of access to an- of 2019. That represents a other positive adult in their life,” Palazzo national total decrease of said. 18% in both total reports AP’s analysis suggests officials may be and investigations. dealing with more severe cases of child The AP requested public abuse in several states, based on an assess- records from all 50 state MATT SLOCUM/AP ment of priority response times, families that child welfare agencies and After the death of former student Ava Lerario, 9, Panther Valley Elementary School have previously been involved with CPS, and Ava Lerario analyzed more than a doz- principal Rob Palazzo says many in the school and community are grappling with the deaths and serious injuries. en indicators in 36 states, what­ifs: What if school had been open, and they had a chance to save Ava? For example, although Maryland investi- though not every state sup- gated far fewer child abuse reports during plied data for total reports the pandemic, the state saw about 1,500 more or investigations. The anal- “Children who are experiencing abuse or neglect at reports involving prior victims than in ysis compared the first home are only coming to the attention of CPS much March through September the previous nine months of the pan- year. Nebraska, which also had significantly demic — March to Novem- further down the road than they normally would.” fewer child abuse and neglect reports during ber 2020 — with the same the pandemic, had dozens more investiga- time period from the two Amy Harfeld tions that required a 24-hour response — as- Ashley Belson previous years. Children’s Advocacy Institute signed to the most urgent priority cases — A loss in reports means than in 2019. greater potential for harm reminds us that we cannot rely solely on a her father put a bullet in her head while she Louisiana also acknowledged a decrease because “there has not all system that only responds after a child is slept. Officials say he also fatally shot Ashley, in reports and increase in severity, noting the of the sudden been a cure hurt,” said Kurt Heisler, who oversaw the his partner of more than a decade, and then state saw more domestic violence involving for child abuse and ne- National Child Abuse and Neglect Data Sys- himself. Ashley was found with high levels of weapons, psychiatric issues with caregivers, glect,” said Amy Harfeld, tem during the Obama administration. meth in her system on a blowup mattress in and serious injuries. an expert in child abuse “What happens when we don’t have mandat- the living room that Marc set up to stand Many states said the number of reports deaths with the Children’s ed reporters in front of children? It reminds guard against the invisible monsters of his have recovered some, however slowly, over Advocacy Institute. us that we need another way to support and paranoia, authorities said. the past year, but that it is too soon to draw Marc Lerario “Children who are expe- reach these families.” Ava’s brothers were home that morning conclusions about the ongoing pandemic’s riencing abuse or neglect at home are only The issue has affected other parts of the and found the bodies. effects on child welfare. Colorado rejected coming to the attention of CPS much further world, too, as Japan saw a record number of Despite Marc Lerario’s criminal record, the notion that fewer reports prove unreport- down the road than they normally would,” child abuse victims and the U.K. reported a the prior report on child welfare in the home, ed abuse. Harfeld said. “When families aren’t getting significant increase in the number of mal- and the children’s absence from remote AP’s analysis showed that despite far few- what they need, there are consequences for treatment-suspected deaths and serious in- learning, no red flags were raised to law en- er child abuse reports and school referrals, everyone.” juries. forcement or other officials. the percentage of reports accepted for fur- With many children out of the public eye, Ava’s school, Panther Valley Elementary Principal Robert Palazzo knew that in a ther investigation and assessment largely re- the U.S. system of relying on teachers, police School in Nesquehoning, closed March 13. As high-poverty area, nearly everyone would be mained steady during the pandemic. This and doctors to report potential abuse and ne- the pandemic spread, few people understood affected by the pandemic. He worried for suggests that while the work of social work- glect to Child Protective Services — known the tumult inside the family’s home in the teachers, some of whom work second jobs, ers was consistent, there are likely untold by various names across states — has been former coal mining town of Lansford. and students in the online-only model. Palaz- cases of abuse going unreported, with at-risk failing. During the pandemic, it became too The youngest brother, Marc Lerario Jr., zo describes a survivalist mentality — teach- children remaining invisible to the system late for many: the diabetic 15-year-old Wis- has a severe form of autism, which made ers and others helped who they could first. without the attention of an in-person school consin girl who died of medical complica- learning difficult even in the best of circum- Nearly a quarter of families didn’t partici- environment, experts and some state offi- tions despite 16 CPS reports in her lifetime, stances. Ashley, the breadwinner, lost her pate in virtual school, so it wasn’t unusual cials said. the 8-year-old Nevada boy who mistakenly waitressing job as her restaurant shuttered that even enthusiastic, high-achieving lear- Much of a social worker’s typical caseload drank a chemical substance stored in a soda amid coronavirus restrictions. The family ners like Ava might never log in to the dis- involves minor maltreatments that more of- bottle, the Phoenix teen beaten by his father applied for food stamps and relied on sav- trict’s platforms, he said. The usual truancy ten signal poverty and a lack of resources with a bat. ings, said older brother Brian Belson, now 17. rules, in which the school must report to CPS over nefarious parenting, making Child Pro- School personnel are the top reporters of Before the pandemic, Marc Lerario any unexplained absence of more than six tective Services crucial for support of vulner- child abuse; they’re the most important eyes seemed to be turning a corner, despite his re- consecutive days, didn’t apply based on new able families. Within the system, state laws and ears for child welfare agencies across cord of a dozen assault charges — including state guidelines. Palazzo said the school and processes vary widely, making child states. Teachers, administrators, counselors, domestic violence incidents against Ashley. called all 550 students at the start and made abuse trends notoriously difficult to track coaches, nurses and other adults working in He quit smoking and drinking, worked out, at least five attempts to reach Ava’s family even in normal times. Experts aren’t sure school settings are trained to identify warn- and watched movies or played video games about absences, via a letter, phone calls and how the loss in child abuse reports during the ing signs and mandated by law to report any with the family, Belson said. But in April email. pandemic can or will be recovered. potential issues of child abuse or neglect. 2020, Marc’s grandmother died of COVID-19 Months before the pandemic, the family Ava’s death was one of 105 child fatalities The AP found that child abuse and neglect at a nursing home outside Philadelphia. He was reported in two calls to CPS on the same investigated for child abuse in Pennsylvania reports from school sources fell sharply dur- was hours away and never got to say good- October 2019 day. The reports involved inju- in 2020; that’s 11 more than in 2019. Other ing the pandemic as the U.S. pivoted to online bye, and he spiraled into depression. ries to the youngest child, Marc Jr. A social states that saw a significant increase in child learning — by 59%. For comparison, there Ashley’s drug use escalated while Marc, worker interviewed Junior at school with a deaths with suspected maltreatment include was a 4% decline of reports nationally from unmedicated for bipolar disorder, slipped in- teacher present, and abuse was denied in two Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, Texas, Maryland nonschool reporter sources. In many states, to extreme bouts of paranoia. School officials home visits. It’s not clear whether the allega- and Arizona, according to AP’s analysis. school reports remained below pre-pandem- say it doesn’t appear Ava ever logged on for tions were substantiated, but older brother Pennsylvania also had 113 more near fatal- ic numbers even when in-person instruction virtual school. Brian said his parents didn’t hurt Junior. ities — a 67% increase in injuries so serious resumed in some fashion. And on May 26, her body was found nes- Pennsylvania’s Office of Children, Youth, that they left the child hospitalized in serious “The pandemic and the resulting isolation tled in her fluffy bedding at home. Police say and Families has acknowledged missteps by or critical condition. Wednesday, March 31, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 7 VIRUS OUTBREAK ROUNDUP More states opening vaccines to all adults Associated Press 4½ weeks. More than a dozen states will “The younger people are get- open vaccine eligibility to all ting infected. The younger people adults this week in a major expan- are being hospitalized. We have sion of COVID-19 shots for tens of got to start to get them vaccinat- millions of Americans amid a ed,” Duggan said. worrisome increase in virus cases “I’m very concerned,” Dr. Jo- and concerns about balancing neigh Khaldun, the state’s chief supply and demand for the vac- medical executive, tweeted Sun- cines. day after working a shift in a De- States that opened eligibility to troit emergency room the night anyone ages 16 and older on Mon- before. She told people to wear day included Texas, Oklahoma, masks, be tested, avoid indoor Louisiana, Ohio, North Dakota maskless venues and get vacci- and Kansas. nated “ASAP.” The rapid expansion has fueled Detroit also said nonresidents concerns that the number of eager who work in the city can get a shot. vaccine seekers will far outstrip Vaccine eligibility will open to Mi- the available supply of shots, frus- chigan’s entire age 16-plus pop- trating millions of newly eligible ulation April 5. About one-third KATHY WILLENS/AP people who have waited since late have received a dose; 19% are ful- A man enters a mobile vaccination van that was parked on a busy street in the Sunset Park neighborhood last year for a chance to get an in- ly vaccinated. The state wants to of Brooklyn, N.Y., on Monday. The New York City Test & Trace Corps on Monday added mobile jection. Other officials have put inoculate 70% of its population. vaccination to its community vaccine clinic program. their faith in a promised glut of vaccines and instead turned their New Mexico coronavirus got no support from statement. positive, the people are tested in- attention to the next challenge: SANTA FE — The Indian minority Democrats. All 16 Re- The governor’s spokeswoman dividually and once positive indi- pressing as many people as pos- Health Service announced Mon- publicans voted for the rule issued the comment after the viduals are identified, they must sible to get the shots so the nation day that it is shifting its vaccine change. Face masks are now op- White House asked states to main- follow isolation guidelines, while can achieve herd immunity at the distribution system to target indi- tional, and members continue to tain restrictions. President Joe Bi- their close contacts must quaran- earliest opportunity. vidual hospitals and clinics with have the option of voting from den and a top health official on tine. Some counties in Illinois are be- high demand for shots and taper their offices. Monday appealed for mask re- “The science is clear that it is ing allowed to expand eligibility to supplies to hubs where most eligi- The move comes just days after quirements and other restrictions safe for kids to be in the class- all this week if they find doses are ble patients have received doses. Republican Gov. Doug Ducey to be maintained or restored to rooms, and this initiative has going unused. But in Chicago, the The U.S. agency is part of a two- blocked cities and counties from stave off a “fourth surge” of CO- proved to serve as an invaluable vaccine will not be available to ev- pronged national effort to immu- continuing to enforce mask re- VID-19. tool for schools throughout the eryone until at least May 1 be- nize Indigenous communities that quirements. He never issued a Alabama has kept a mask man- Commonwealth as they return to cause the city does not have also relies on state health agen- statewide mask order but amid a date in place longer than sur- in-person learning,” Gov. Charlie enough shots on hand. cies. Native Americans have been summer surge of virus cases al- rounding states, but Ivey has Baker said in a statement. On Tuesday, Minnesota opened disproportionately sickened and lowed local governments to issue made clear it will not be extended. The state also announced that it eligibility, followed by Indiana killed by the pandemic, and are al- mandates. The mayors of Tucson The governor has urged Alaba- will cover the cost of pooled test- and South Carolina on Wednes- so now at the forefront of federal and Flagstaff have refused to re- mians to keep wearing them as a ing through the end of the school day, Connecticut and Montana on efforts to deploy vaccine shots in voke their mask mandates, and matter of personal responsibility. year. Thursday, and New Hampshire the United States. they can still be enforced in gov- “After April 9, masks will no and Colorado on Friday. In New Dr. Matthew Clark, a safety and ernment buildings and are re- longer be a mandate, but they re- Arkansas York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo an- monitoring specialist with the quired in schools. main one of the most successful LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas nounced that residents over 30 agency’s vaccine task force, said Democrats pleaded with GOP tools we have to keep folks safe lawmakers on Monday rejected would be eligible for vaccinations that the new distribution model members to vote against the rule from COVID-19,” Ivey said last an effort to end the emergency de- starting Tuesday, and everyone “is intended to improve efficiency change, with Sen. Lela Alston of week. Her office released sign clared because of the coronavirus over 16 can sign up starting April by allowing locations with high Phoenix, a lung cancer survivor, templates that businesses could pandemic, as Gov. Asa Hutchin- 6. demand and sufficient capacity to asking them to do so for her and use to request their patrons wear son repeated his intent to drop the receive additional doses, and fa- other at-risk members and staff. masks. state’s mask mandate later this Michigan cilities where the majority of eligi- “I am probably the most vulner- week. LANSING — Detroit on Mon- ble individuals have already been able member of this body — may- Massachusetts The Arkansas Legislative day immediately expanded CO- vaccinated to receive only the be not the only one, but one that BOSTON — Massachusetts’ Council’s vote effectively ap- VID-19 vaccine eligibility to all doses they need.” could have really, really bad con- pooled COVID-19 testing program proves Hutchinson’s request to residents 16 and older, a week ear- Additionally, most Indian sequences if I were to get the vi- for the state’s schools has tested extend the emergency he de- lier than planned, as Michigan Health Service facilities are be- rus,” Alston said. “I implore you to nearly 159,000 people and found a clared because of the pandemic continued to confront spiking in- ginning to offer vaccines to the please, keep the masks on, keep us positivity rate of lower than 1%, for another two months. The panel fection rates that rank third-high- general population after success- all safe. If I were to get this virus, state officials said Monday. reviewed the request under a new est in the country. fully immunizing vulnerable trib- it would probably be a death sen- Under the program, which law that expands the Legislature’s Mayor Mike Duggan said the al members. It’s a push toward so- tence.” started last month, teachers, staff- power to terminate an emergency seven-day testing positivity rate called herd immunity that still de- ers and students in groups of up to and orders issued under it. in the state’s largest city doubled pends on development of a vac- Alabama 10 are tested. The swabs are then Hutchinson urged lawmakers in 10 days to 10.3%. Hospitaliza- cine for children. MONTGOMERY — A spokes- placed in a single tube and ship- to keep the emergency in place, tions also doubled over that period Older teenagers are already the woman for Alabama Gov. Kay ped to a lab for testing. If the tube saying it would ensure Arkansas but, unlike during the second focus of some vaccination efforts Ivey said Monday that the state’s is tested and comes back negative, continues receiving an additional wave of cases last fall, also involve in scattered Native American mask mandate will end April 9 de- every person in that pool is pre- $23 million in food stamp benefits. younger people in their 20s, 30s, communities. spite the president’s request for sumed to be negative for CO- He said it would also keep in place 40s and 50s. states to reinstate, or maintain, re- VID-19. executive orders, such as liability A similar trend is occurring Arizona strictions. But because the average pool protection for some businesses, statewide, according to the Michi- PHOENIX — The Republican- “As Governor Ivey has previ- included seven people, individual that the Legislature is trying to gan Health & Hospital Associ- controlled Arizona Senate voted ously stated, Alabama’s mask prevalence among those tested is write into law. ation, which warned recently that Monday to rescind its mandatory mandate ends April 9. We have well below that number. State of- “To lift the emergency at this confirmed adult coronavirus hos- mask policy and the House speak- made progress, and we are mov- ficials said it showed there is ex- time would send the wrong mess- pitalizations could top 2,500 this er made the same move on his ing toward personal responsibili- tremely little evidence of in- age to the people of Arkansas that week — to about two-thirds of past own authority. ty and common sense, not endless school transmission of COVID-19 would not put our state in a good peaks. As of Monday, they they The Senate vote on the rules de- government mandates,” Ivey spo- in Massachusetts. position,” Hutchinson told the had tripled, to more than 2,100, in signed to limit the spread of the keswoman Gina Maiola said in a If the test for a tube comes back panel before its vote. PAGE 8 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, March 31, 2021 NATION US eyes additional UN action on N. Korea BY MATTHEW LEE rea on Tuesday. posed by Pyongyang. range ballistic missiles into the sea in a de- Associated Press “We’re looking at additional actions that “What we’re seeing from Pyongyang in fiance of U.N. resolutions that ban such WASHINGTON — The Biden adminis- we might take,” Thomas-Greenfield said of terms of these provocations does nothing to launches by North Korea. Some experts say tration said Monday it’s looking at “addi- the U.S. and other Security Council mem- shake the resolve of our three countries North Korea’s missile launches, the first of tional actions” that the United Nations bers. along with allies and partners around the their kind in a year, were aimed at applying might take to respond to North Korea’s re- Meanwhile, President Joe Biden’s na- world to approach North Korea from a posi- pressure on the Biden administration. cent missile tests. tional security adviser Jake Sullivan will be tion of strength in order to diminish the Past short-range missile launches by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations meeting in Washington soon with his coun- threat that it poses to the region and be- North Korea have typically drawn U.N. Se- Linda Thomas-Greenfield wasn’t specific terparts from Japan and South Korea to dis- yond,” Blinken said. curity Council condemnations, but not about what those actions might entail, but cuss North Korea strategy as the adminis- On Monday, North Korea accused the fresh sanctions. North Korea was slapped noted that the U.N. Security Council had tration finalizes a review of how to ap- U.N. of a “double standard” over its reac- with toughened U.N. sanctions in 2016-17 met last week and renewed the mandate of proach the country. Secretary of State Anto- tion to the launches, which violate U.N. following its provocative run of missile and experts who monitor sanctions against the ny Blinken, who recently returned from sanctions, warning of serious consequenc- nuclear tests aimed at acquiring the capa- North. The council was also expected to Tokyo and Seoul, said the three countries es. bility of launching nuclear strikes on the hold closed-door discussions on North Ko- are united in dealing with the challenges Last week, North Korea fired two short- U.S. mainland. Pence reemerges, lays groundwork for 2024 run

BY JILL COLVIN Associated Press “Anybody who can WASHINGTON — When for- pull off an mer President Donald Trump was asked to list those he considers the endorsement of Ted future leaders of the Republican Party, he quickly rattled off names Cruz and become including Florida Gov. Ron De- Donald Trump’s Santis and Sens. Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz. Conspicuously absent vice presidential from the list: Mike Pence. The former vice president is nominee should not steadily reentering public life as he eyes a potential run for the be counted out.” White House in 2024. He’s joining Alice Stewart conservative organizations, writ- ing op-eds, delivering speeches Republican strategist and launching an advocacy group Pence aides generally brush off that will focus on promoting the talk of the next presidential elec- MICHAEL CONROY/AP Trump administration’s accom- tion. They insist he is focused on Former Vice President Mike Pence greets supporters Jan. 20 after arriving back in his hometown of plishments. his family and next year’s mid- Columbus, Ind. Pence is steadily re­entering public life as he eyes a potential run for the White House in 2024. But Trump’s neglect in men- term elections, when Republicans tioning Pence during a podcast in- are well positioned to regain at Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, event he wants to set up an explo- gerously personal turn Jan. 6 terview earlier this month signals least one chamber of Congress. for instance, is already visiting the ratory committee,” Stewart said. when rioters paraded through the the former vice president’s unique Allies argue that, over time, the critical primary states of Iowa and “You have to make money, lay the Capitol chanting “Hang Mike challenge. For someone who built anger will subside. New Hampshire. groundwork, gauge the support Pence” as a mob outside set up a a reputation as one of Trump’s “I think 2024’s a long time away Since leaving office in January, and then pull the trigger.” makeshift gallows. During most steadfast supporters, Pence and if Mike Pence runs for presi- Pence, who served as Indiana’s Pence’s allies see him as the nat- Trump’s impeachment trial for is now viewed with suspicion dent he will appeal to the Repub- governor and a member of Con- ural Trump heir, someone who sparking the insurrection, video among many Republicans for ob- lican base in a way that will make gress before being tapped as can keep his base engaged while was presented showing Pence be- serving his constitutional duty in him a strong contender,” said Re- Trump’s running mate, has kept a winning back suburban voters ing rushed to safety, sheltering in January to facilitate a peaceful publican Rep. Jim Banks, of Indi- lower profile. He’s pieced togeth- who left the party in droves during an office with his family just 100 transfer of power to the Biden ad- ana, who chairs the conservative er a portfolio aimed at maintain- the Trump era. feet from the rioters. ministration, a decision that still Republican Study Committee and ing influence, paying the bills and “Obviously Mike Pence has a Meanwhile, others, like Pom- has Trump fuming. has already endorsed a Pence laying the groundwork for an ex- very different persona, a very dif- peo, are trying to claim the Trump To prevail in a Republican pres- 2024 run. “If and when Mike pected presidential run. ferent tone. That probably is an mantle without as much baggage. idential primary, Pence may have Pence steps back up to the plate, I He’s forged partnerships with understatement,” said former “In many ways I think his fu- to reinforce his loyalty to Trump think he will have strong appeal the conservative Heritage Foun- Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a ture’s in Trump’s hands,” long- while defending his decisions dur- among Republicans nationwide.” dation and has even been dis- longtime friend who now leads the time Republican pollster Whit ing the final days of the adminis- Pence declined to comment for cussed as a potential president of Young America’s Foundation. “As Ayres said of Pence. If Trump tration when the president falsely this story. For their part, Trump the organization, according to two long as he can still talk about the publicly praises Pence as a loyal alleged widespread voter fraud, aides warn against reading too people familiar with the discus- things that Trump voters care lieutenant, Ayers said, he can see contributing to a deadly riot at the much into the omission during the sions. He’s joined the Young about, but do so in a way that’s him being a viable candidate. But U.S. Capitol. If anyone can podcast interview. America’s Foundation and a top more reflective of kind of a Mid- if Trump continues to publicly achieve this awkward balance, “That was not an exclusive list,” speakers’ bureau, penned an op- westerner, that I think ... would be blame Pence for their loss in No- some Republicans say, it’s Pence. said Trump adviser Jason Miller. ed for the Daily Signal in which he attractive to those voters.” vember, “he’s toast,” Ayres said. “Anybody who can pull off an Still, Trump continued to deride perpetuated falsehoods about the Skeptics, meanwhile, see anoth- In the meantime, Pence has endorsement of Ted Cruz and be- Pence in the interview, falsely 2020 election, and recently toured er old, milquetoast white man sad- tried to project the impression come Donald Trump’s vice presi- claiming Pence had the authority a Christian relief organization in dled with Trump’s baggage, but that he and the former president dential nominee should not be to unilaterally overturn the results North Carolina. He will make his without his charisma. For these have mended fences, referencing counted out,” said Republican of the election, even though he did first public speech since leaving critics, Pence is a sycophant who their conversations at a meeting strategist Alice Stewart, who not. office next month at the Palmetto debased himself for four years to last month with members of the worked for Cruz’s 2016 presiden- Trump has not said whether he Family Council’s annual fundrais- avoid Trump’s wrath — only to conservative Republican Study tial campaign when Pence en- will seek the White House again in er in South Carolina, another cru- take the blame when Trump in- Committee. Pence and Trump dorsed him. “He has a way of split- 2024. If he doesn’t, other Republi- cial primary state. sisted, wrongly, that Pence could have spoken multiple times since ting hairs and threading the nee- cans are making clear they won’t “He’s doing what he needs to be overturn 2020 election results. leaving office, according to aides dle that has paid off in the past.” cede the race to Pence. Former doing to lay the groundwork in the The anger at Pence took a dan- for both men. Wednesday, March 31, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 9 NATION Teen who shot video: Floyd was ‘begging for his life’

BY STEVE KARNOWSKI kneel on Floyd’s neck, and he and I believed I witnessed a murder.” AND AMY FORLITI fellow officer Tou Thao wouldn’t Donald Williams, a former Associated Press let onlookers get close, Frazier wrestler who said he was trained MINNEAPOLIS — The teenag- said. in mixed martial arts, including er who shot the harrowing video of “They definitely put their hands chokeholds, returned to the wit- George Floyd under the knee of on the Mace and we all pulled ness stand a day after describing the Minneapolis police officer back,” she told the jury. seeing Floyd struggle for air and now charged in his death testified Frazier said of Chauvin: “He his eyes roll back into his head. He Tuesday that she began recording just stared at us, looked at us. He said he watched Floyd “slowly because “it wasn’t right, he was had like this cold look, heartless. fade away ... like a fish in a bag.” suffering, he was in pain.” He didn’t care. It seemed as if he On Tuesday, prosecutors Darnella Frazier, 18, said she didn’t care what we were saying.” played back Williams’ 911 call, on was walking to a convenience Chauvin attorney Eric Nelson which he is heard identifying store with her younger cousin sought to show that Chauvin and Chauvin by his badge number and when she came upon the officers, his fellow officers found them- telling the dispatcher that Chau- COURT TV/AP and sent the girl into the store be- selves in an increasingly tense and vin had been keeping his knee on Witness Donald Williams answers questions about what he saw as cause she didn’t want her to see “a distracting situation, with the Floyd’s neck despite warnings Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill presides Monday in the trial of man terrified, scared, begging for growing crowd of onlookers be- that Floyd’s life was in danger. She former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, in the May 25, his life.” coming agitated and menacing offers to switch him to a sergeant. 2020, death of George Floyd. Frazier grew emotional at over Floyd’s treatment. As he is being switched, Wil- times, breathing heavily and cry- But when Frazier was asked by liams can he heard yelling at the pleading for Floyd’s life but wasn’t eo of Floyd’s arrest. Chauvin and ing as she viewed pictures of offi- a prosecutor whether she saw vio- officers, “Y’all is murderers, bro!” being heard. three other officers were fired cer Derek Chauvin kneeling on lence anywhere on the scene, she During cross-examination, Williams said he was stepping soon after the footage became Floyd last May. replied: “Yes, from the cops. From Chauvin attorney Eric Nelson on and off the curb, and at one public. Floyd’s death and the video of Chauvin, and from officer Thao.” pointed out that Williams seemed point, Thao, who was controlling Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell Floyd pleading for his life and on- When asked to identify the offi- to grow increasingly angry at po- the crowd, put his hand on Wil- showed the jurors the video after lookers angrily yelling at Chauvin cer, Chauvin stood up in the cour- lice on the scene, swearing at and liams’ chest. Williams admitted telling them that the number to re- to get off him triggered some- troom and took off his mask, ap- taunting Chauvin with “tough under questioning that he told member was 9 minutes, 29 sec- times-violent protests around the pearing somber as he looked down guy,” “bum” and other names, Thao he would beat the officers if onds — the amount of time Chau- world and a reckoning over rac- and away before putting his mask then calling Chauvin expletives, Thao touched him again. vin had Floyd pinned to the pave- ism and police brutality in the U.S. on. which the defense lawyer repeat- Williams was among the first ment “until the very life was One of the bystanders, who Earlier Tuesday, a man who ed in court. witnesses as Chauvin, 45, went on squeezed out of him.” identified herself as a Minneapo- was among the onlookers shouting Williams initially admitted he trial on charges of murder and Nelson countered by arguing: lis firefighter, pleaded repeatedly at Chauvin to get off Floyd testi- was getting angrier, but then manslaughter in Floyd’s death. “Derek Chauvin did exactly what with officers to check Floyd’s fied that he called 911 after para- backtracked and said he was con- Prosecutors led off their case by he had been trained to do over his pulse, but Chauvin continued to medics took Floyd away, “because trolled and professional and was playing part of the bystander vid- 19-year career.” Court to hear bid for new Video shows Asian American defense of Ky. abortion law Associated Press that ruling in June 2020. woman assaulted on NYC street WASHINGTON — The Su- Five days later, the Supreme Associated Press Mayor Bill de Blasio called the the New York City assault, the preme Court on Monday agreed to Court ruled 5-4 to strike down an NEW YORK — An Asian video “absolutely disgusting and two people who appeared to be hear an appeal from Kentucky’s unrelated Louisiana law regulat- American woman was attacked outrageous” and said it was “ab- security guards walked into the attorney general, who wants to be ing abortion clinics. But Cameron, in New York City by a man who solutely unacceptable” that wit- frame and one of them closed the allowed to defend a restriction on who became attorney general in repeatedly kicked her as two peo- nesses did not intervene. building door as the woman was abortion rights that lower courts 2019, said the reasoning used by ple nearby who appeared to be “I don’t care who you are, I on the ground. had struck down. the high court called into question security guards did not inter- don’t care what you do, you’ve got The property developer and The underlying issue in the case, the ruling against the Kentucky vene, according to surveillance to help your fel- manager of the building, Brodsky to be heard in the fall, is a blocked law. footage released by police. low New York- Organization, wrote on Insta- Kentucky law that abortion rights The appeals court, however, re- The 65-year-old woman was er,” de Blasio gram that it was aware of the as- supporters say would have effec- jected his efforts to intervene, walking in midtown Manhattan a said Tuesday at sault and said staff members who tively banned a standard abortion prompting his appeal to the Su- few blocks from Times Square on his daily news witnessed it were suspended method in the second trimester of preme Court. Monday afternoon when a man briefing. pending an investigation. pregnancy. “I promised Kentuckians that I approached her and kicked her in Gov. Andrew The head of the union repre- But the issue before the court is would defend our laws all the way the stomach, knocking her to the Cuomo called senting building workers disput- whether Attorney General Daniel to the United States Supreme ground, police said. The man the attack “hor- ed allegations that the door staff Person of Cameron, a Republican, can inter- Court, and that’s what we’ve then stomped on the woman’s rifying and re- failed to act. He said the union interest vene in the case, after rulings from done,” Cameron said in a state- face several times while shouting pugnant.” He has information that they called atrial court and appellate panel, as ment. anti-Asian insults at her, police ordered the state police’s Hate for help immediately. well as Democratic Gov. Andy Be- The American Civil Liberties said. He later casually walked Crimes Task Force to offer its as- According to a report from shear’s decision to drop the case. Union, representing the abortion away, the footage shows. sistance to the NYPD. The Stop AAPI Hate, more than 3,795 The law was adopted in 2018, clinic that had sued over the law, The attack comes amid a na- NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force incidents were reported to the or- when Republican Matt Bevin was had urged the court to stay out of tional spike in anti-Asian hate is investigating the attack and ganization from March 19, 2020, governor. Following a lawsuit by the case. crimes, and happened just weeks has asked anyone with informa- to Feb. 28. The organization, abortion providers, a trial court In February, Kentucky’s Re- after a mass shooting in Atlanta tion to contact the department. which tracks incidents of dis- permanently blocked the law, publican-led legislature gave that left eight people dead, six of No arrests have been made. crimination, hate and xenopho- finding it would have made it im- Cameron the power to seek civil them women of Asian descent. The woman was hospitalized bia against Asian Americans and possible to perform the abortion and criminal penalties for any vio- The NYPD says there have been with serious injuries. She was in Pacific Islanders in the U.S., said procedure known as dilation and lation of Kentucky’s abortion laws. 33 hate crimes with an Asian vic- stable condition Tuesday, a hos- that number is “only a fraction of extraction. A panel of the 6th U.S. Beshear had initially vetoed the tim this year, news outlets re- pital spokesperson said. the number of hate incidents that Circuit Court of Appeals upheld measure. ported. According to video footage of actually occur.” PAGE 10 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, March 31, 2021 NATION Biden wants plan on infrastructure OK’d by summer Associated Press COVID-19 bill, though broadly WASHINGTON — President popular with voters of both parties, Joe Biden is aiming for summer exposed the president to criticism passage of an infrastructure plan for going it alone with only Demo- that is expected to cost more than cratic votes. White House officials $3 trillion, and the White House believe this time there will be far hopes to take a more deliberate and more of an opportunity to win some collaborative approach with the GOP support and plan significant contentious Congress than it did on outreach on Capitol Hill. the COVID-19 rescue package, offi- As the committees in Congress cials said. begin to tackle individual provi- The president will announce sions — including those on trans- JON ELSWICK/AP parts of his “Build Back Better” portation, China and others — the Garrett Miller appears on a document presented to the U.S. District Court on Monday. When Miller was package Wednesday in Pittsburgh. White House will encourage those arrested in Dallas in connection with the riot at the U.S. Capitol, he wore a T­shirt that had a photograph of Sweeping in scope, the ambitious efforts. Then it will work through former President Donald Trump and read “Take America Back” and “I Was There, Washington D.C., plan aims to make generational in- the tax increases separately, ac- January 6, 2021,” prosecutors noted in a filing Monday. vestments in infrastructure, revive cording to officials. domestic manufacturing, combat Infrastructure marks the unique climate change and keep the Unit- opportunity for Biden to succeed ed States competitive with China, on an issue where both his prede- Capitol riot suspect wore ‘I Was according to the officials. It could cessors — Barack Obama and Do- include $3 trillion in tax increases. nald Trump — made big promises The final price tag is in flux but that never came to fruition. There’ T-shirt when arrested was expected to be between $3 tril- The multitrillion-dollar price tag Associated Press thoroughly documented and com- the frenzy of the crowd but instead lion and $4 trillion. One White means that any package will even- Garret Miller didn’t speak to the mented on his actions that day in a came to D.C. with the intention of House official said Monday night tually need to be paired with tax law enforcement officers who ar- flurry of social media posts. disrupting the democratic process that it may end up being closer to $3 hikes, drawing Republican opposi- rested him on charges he stormed After Miller posted a selfie of counting and certifying Electo- trillion. tion to any infrastructure plans that the U.S. Capitol in January, but showing himself inside the Capitol ral College votes,” prosecutors Though the White House is em- unwind Trump’s 2017 corporate the T-shirt he was wearing at his building, another Facebook user wrote. phasizing the urgency, it also in- tax rate cuts. Biden has vowed not Dallas home that day sent a clear wrote, “bro you got in?! Nice!” A federal magistrate judge in sists this will not be considered an to raise taxes on households earn- and possibly incriminating mess- Miller replied, “just wanted to in- Texas ordered Miller detained af- emergency response like the $1.9 ing less than $400,000 a year. age. criminate myself a little lol,” pros- ter his Jan. 20 arrest. On Feb. 12, a trillion virus relief bill that Biden One key Republican, Sen. Shel- Miller’s shirt had a photograph ecutors said. grand jury in the District of Co- signed into law over Republican ley Moore Capito, of West Virginia, of former President Donald Miller joined the mob that lumbia indicted Miller on 12 objections earlier this month. The last week warned Democrats Trump, and it said “Take America breached the Capitol building and counts, including civil disorder, administration wants to see pro- against a go-it-alone approach as Back” and “I Was There, Wash- later threatened to kill New York obstruction of an official proceed- gress on the new legislation by Me- happened on the virus aid plan. ington D.C., January 6, 2021,” fed- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ing, and assaulting, resisting or morial Day and have it passed over “I’m very disappointed with eral prosecutors noted in a court and a Capitol Police officer, au- impeding officers. the summer, White House officials what I’m reading, because I’m en- filing Monday. thorities said. After the Democrat- Miller’s attorney is seeking his said. visioning that the same thing is go- Prosecutors are urging a judge ic congresswoman tweeted the release from custody, saying he “The president has a plan to fix ing to happen,” Capito said. to keep Miller jailed while he word “Impeach,” Miller tweeted expressed regret for his actions. our infrastructure and a plan to pay As part of the group of Republi- awaits trial on charges stemming back to her, “Assassinate AOC,” “Nevertheless, he has no history for it,” White House press secreta- cans who met with Biden only to from the Jan. 6 riots in the nation’s according to prosecutors. of violence, and he did not engage ry Jen Psaki said Monday. “But we have their virus aid proposal re- capital. In a Jan. 10 post on Instagram, in any acts of violence in connec- certainly expect to have the discus- buffed, Capito is now wary as Dem- On a recorded call immediately Miller said the officer who shot tion with the charged offenses, un- sion with members of Congress, as ocrats pile other domestic priori- after his arrest, Miller told his and killed a woman in the crowd of like many others who have previ- we move forward, about areas ties onto the infrastructure pack- mother, “I don’t feel that I’ve done rioters should get a televised exe- ously been released,” defense at- where they agree, where they dis- age. anything wrong and now I’m be- cution, according to prosecutors. torney F. Clinton Broden wrote. agree, where they would like to see “I think we need to talk to the ing locked up,” according to pros- “By bringing tactical gear, Miller remains jailed in Oklaho- greater emphasis or not.” American people and say, ‘Is this ecutors. ropes, and potentially, by his own ma City. His transport is on hold The administration is setting the what you envision with infrastruc- Like many of the more than 300 admission, a gun to the Capitol on because he broke his collarbone political pace and tone for this next ture? Is this, are these job cre- people facing federal charges in January 6, 2021, Miller showed while playing soccer in the recre- big priority in Biden’s agenda. The ators?’ ” she said. connection with the siege, Miller that he was not just caught up in ation yard at a Dallas jail. Prosecutor: Woman in Slender Man stabbing still dangerous Associated Press release her from the Winnebago she simply cannot safely be re- vestigators that they stabbed her logical issues of their own,” Os- WAUKESHA, Wis. — A judge Mental Health Institute in Osh- leased,” Osborne wrote, the Mil- because they thought Slender Man bourne argued. should deny a request to be re- kosh. Bohren sentenced her in De- waukee Journal Sentinel reported. was real and attacking Leutner Bohren has scheduled a hearing leased by a Wisconsin woman con- cember 2017 to 25 years in the insti- Weier and her friend, Morgan would make them his servants and on the matter June 11. If Bohren or- victed of stabbing a classmate to tution after a jury found her not Geyser, lured their classmate, Pay- keep him from killing their fam- ders her release, Weier would be please the internet horror charac- criminally responsible for her role ton Leutner, into a Waukesha park ilies. assigned state Department of ter Slender Man because she re- in the stabbing. in May 2014 following a sleepover. “What assurance do we have that Health Services case managers to mains a danger to others, a prose- Waukesha County Assistant Dis- Geyser stabbed Leutner multiple she will not do this again, either for track her progress until she’s 37 cutor argued in response to the pet- trict Attorney Kevin Osborne filed times as Weier encouraged Geyser athrill or to please a new friend and years old, the length of her commit- ition for conditional release. a response with the court Friday. to inflict the injuries. All three girls because of her situation real, ap- ment. Earlier this month, Anissa “Her mind is still immature, still were 12 years old at the time. propriate, friends will be hard to Geyser is serving a maximum Weier, 19, asked Waukesha County forming, and still susceptible to Leutner barely survived her come by. Instead she seems to at- 40-year-old sentence at a mental Circuit Judge Michael Bohren to dangerous influences. At this time, wounds. Weier and Geyser told in- tract people with myriad psycho- health facility. Wednesday, March 31, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 11 AMERICAN ROUNDUP

Sheriff seeks vandals who dug up grave from 1882 OPELIKA — An Alaba- AL ma sheriff is on the hunt for vandals who dug up the grave of a man buried in 1882. At Flint Hill Cemetery, some- body removed the hefty slab and dug a deep hole at the grave of early Lee County settler Samuel Jones, the Opelika-Auburn News report- ed. Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said he can’t say for certain wheth- er the culprits disturbed the set- tler’s remains. But Edna Ward of the Lee Coun- ty Cemetery Preservation Com- mission said investigators found no casket or body. Jones said whoever dug up the grave may have hoped to find valu- ables buried with the body, though he added it’s unlikely anything val- uable was in the grave. Police officer shoots pit bull that ran toward her TAMPA — A Florida po- FL lice officer shot a 6-year- old pit bull that approached her as she and another officer investigat- ed a case of suspicious activity at an apartment complex, authorities said. MATT ROURKE/AP Rachel Robledo called Tampa police to report seeing someone holding a gun on the balcony of a Spring has sprung nearby apartment on St. Patrick’s A pedestrian holding a face mask walks by daffodils blooming on a spring morning outside the Rodin Museum in Philadelphia, on Monday. Day, news outlets reported. Police officers who responded to coronavirus pandemic forced THE CENSUS death put him at the right age to the call couldn’t locate the suspect, changes to the event. have served during the Civil War. so they decided to speak to Roble- The tiny city of Elberta wel- The approximate amount at least 70 elderly people were de- “So I ran back the records and do, officials said. comed visitors back to the Elberta $1M frauded out of by two Florida men and a Baltimore woman. found him where he served as a The bodycam footage taken German Sausage Festival, WKRG- Federal prosecutors in Maryland said the three defendants duped their victims Confederate with Company E of from the officers shows the woman TV reported. Many people went into believing that a grandchild or other relative needed money for bail, legal the 30th Battalion Virginia Infan- holding back a pit bull as they ap- without masks as they strolled be- fees or other expenses. Medard Ulysse, 37, of Miami; Eghosasere Avboraye- try,” Jackson said. proached. But the dog, named Na- tween food tents and crafts ven- Igbinedion, 26, of Miramar, Fla.; and Amaya English, 21, of Baltimore; are Watson is only the most recent la, ended up leaving Robledo’s dors while cooking smoke and live charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud. veteran that Jackson has redisco- apartment and approaching the of- music filled the air. vered. Overall, he has found 238 ficers. One officer shot the dog two “Yes, people are tired of being dead fish dating back to mid-Feb- owners, authorities said. military veterans whose service times, police said. cooped in and they just want a nor- ruary. The cause of death is still un- Police said they are looking for was not noted on their headstones. The dog is recovering, following mal life,” said visitor Cathy Mizell, der investigation. two male suspects in the latest in a surgery, news outlets reported. of Satsuma. string of dog thefts in the Los An- Bakery recovering after The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t Person in custody after geles area. struck by car twice 6 arrested, 93 cited for completely shut down the festival a accidents close interstate The 5-month-old puppy, named trespassing onto trail year ago, but forced it to adopt a Seven, was found days after his CLIFTON PARK — drive-thru format. HARTFORD — State family offered $12,000 for his safe NY Employees at a Sche- HONOLULU — The Ho- CT police took one person return. nectady-area bakery are on edge HI nolulu Police Depart- Group wants answers on into custody after two accidents The dog was nabbed outside a after their store was struck by a car ment has arrested six people and dead birds near lake closed Interstate 91 and caused Target store in North Hollywood. last week, the second time that had cited 93 over trespassing onto an il- lengthy delays. The men followed the dog’s owner happened in a little more than a legal tourist attraction during a HAMMOND — The The two crashes occurred on the from the store and into the parking month. roughly 10-day period earlier this IN deaths of several geese, highway’s southbound side in the lot where one of the men pulled out On Feb. 23, a car slammed into month. ducks and other birds around a Hartford area. Three vehicles a gun. The suspects ran away with the Dolce & Biscotti Fine Italian The hikers were cited and ar- lake in northwestern Indiana and were involved in one of the crashes, the puppy. Bakery in Clifton Park and went rested for sneaking into the Haiku northeastern Illinois have environ- and the second crash occurred two through its front window when an Stairs trail, also known as the mentalists and some area residents exits away around the same time. Retired USAF vet looks for elderly woman at the wheel hit the “Stairway to Heaven,” Hawaii seeking answers from officials. Hartford fire personnel told unmarked vet graves gas instead of the brake. News Now reported. About 10 protesters held a dem- WFSB-TV that a person involved in The bakery had to close for three The hiking trail has become pop- onstration near Wolf Lake, de- one of the crashes began behaving JOHNSON CITY — A weeks, and reopened March 12. ular online for its scenic views. The manding transparency on how the erratically and taking off their TN retired Air Force veter- Last Thursday, a car veered into a trail has been closed since 1987 due birds died, the Post-Tribune re- clothes at the scene of the accident. an and historian with several East support pole a few feet from where to safety concerns and mainte- ported. The person, who wasn’t identified, Tennessee veterans groups has the first accident happened. nance issues. “Those geese are big and if it’s was taken into custody by state po- made it his mission to find and doc- Owner and executive chef Mary something naturally causing it, lice. ument the unmarked and under- Baldi-Fron said cars exit too fast off Sausage festival crowded we’re not pointing fingers,” said marked graves of local veterans, no Route 9 into the bakery plaza and amid pandemic changes Marisa Rowden, administrator for French bulldog puppy matter how old. that there is no signage, street the environmental group Save found safe after robbery Allen Jackson’s most recent find markings or speed bumps to slow ELBERTA — Crowds Whiting and Neighbors. “We just was at the Oak Hill Cemetery, the people down. She said she’s now AL returned to a popular want to be in the know.” LOS ANGELES — A Johnson City Press reported. wary of offering sidewalk seating. food festival on Alabama’s Gulf The Indiana Department of Nat- CA French bulldog puppy James Watson was buried there in Coast for a taste of sausage and a ural Resources said it received re- stolen at gunpoint in Los Angeles an unmarked plot alongside his taste of normalcy a year after the ports of the dead waterfowl and was found safe and returned to its family. His age at the time of his From The Associated Press PAGE 12 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, March 31, 2021 SCIENCE

Virgin Galactic Two space fans get rolls out latest generation of seats on billionaire’s its spaceship Associated Press ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Vir- private SpaceX flight gin Galactic rolled out its newest spaceship Tuesday as the company BY MARCIA DUNN looks to resume test flights in the Associated Press “Everything that coming months at its headquarters CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A in the New Mexico desert. billionaire’s private SpaceX flight I’ve done ... has Company officials said it will like- filled its two remaining seats ly be summer before the ship — de- Tuesday with a scientist-teacher brought me to signed and manufactured in Cali- and a data engineer whose college SPACEX/AP fornia — undergoes glide flight test- friend actually won a spot, but this moment.” From left to right, Jared Isaacman, Hayley Arceneaux, Sian Proctor ing at Spaceport America in south- gave him the prize. Sian Proctor and Chris Sembroski pose from the SpaceX launch tower at NASA’s ern New Mexico. That will coincide The new passengers: Sian Proc- Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Monday. with the final round of testing for the tor, a community college educator Passenger on SpaceX flight current generation of spacecraft, in Tempe, Ariz., and Chris Sem- businesses and nabbed the seat cy groups. which will be the one that takes Brit- broski, a former Air Force missi- of 335 miles. That’s 75 miles high- reserved for a customer of Isaac- “Just finding out that I’m going ish billionaire and Virgin Galactic leman from Everett, Wash. They er than the International Space man’s company. An independent to space was an incredible, founder Sir Richard Branson to the will join flight sponsor Jared Station and on a level with the panel of judges chose her space strange, surreal event,” he said. fringes of space later this year. Isaacman and another passenger Hubble Space Telescope. art website dubbed Space2in- Proctor, who studied geology, CEO Michael Colglazier said the for three days in orbit this fall. Isaacman, 38, a pilot who will spire. applied three times to NASA’s as- new addition marks the start of Vir- Isaacman also revealed some serve as spacecraft commander, “It was like when Harry Potter tronaut corps, coming close in gin Galactic having a fleet that will details about his Inspiration4 mis- still won’t say how much he’s pay- found out he was a wizard, a little 2009, and took part in simulated one day be capable of ferrying pay- sion, as the four gathered Tuesday ing. He’s donating $100 million to bit of shock and awe,” Proctor told Mars missions in Hawaii. She was ing customers and scientific pay- at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. St. Jude, while donors so far have The Associated Press last week. born on Guam, where her late fa- loads from spaceports around the He’s head of Shift4 Payments, a contributed $13 million, primarily “It’s like, ‘I’m the winner?’ ” ther — a “Hidden Figure” in her globe. The company is still aiming credit card-processing company through the lottery that offered a Sembroski, 41, donated and en- mind — worked at NASA’s track- for commercial operations to begin in Allentown, Pa., and is paying chance to fly in space. tered the lottery but wasn’t picked ing station for the Apollo moon- next year following testing and a few for what would be SpaceX’s first Hayley Arceneaux, 29, was in the random drawing earlier this shots, including Neil Armstrong months of downtime for mainte- private flight while raising money named to the crew a month ago. month — his friend was. His and Buzz Aldrin’s. nance and other upgrades. for St. Jude Children’s Research The St. Jude physician assistant friend declined to fly for personal She plans to teach from space Virgin Galactic has reached Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. was treated there as a child for reasons and offered the spot to and create art up there, too. space twice before — the first time Their SpaceX Dragon capsule bone cancer. Sembroski, who worked as a “To me, everything that I’ve from California in December 2018. will launch no earlier than mid- That left two capsule seats Space Camp counselor in college done ... has brought me to this mo- The company had its second flight September, aiming for an altitude open. Proctor, 51, beat out 200 and volunteered for space advoca- ment.” over Spaceport America in June. Wednesday, March 31, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 13 WORLD Airstrikes hit China greatly reduces ethnic group elected seats in Hong in Myanmar Associated Press MAE SAM LAEP, Thailand — Violence in eastern Myanmar, Kong legislative body including air raids that drove thousands of members of the Associated Press the electoral process. Karen ethnic minority to seek HONG KONG — China has The crackdown comes in the shelter across the border in sharply reduced the number of di- wake of months of pro-democracy Thailand, deepened Tuesday rectly elected seats in Hong protests in 2019 that brought hun- with new air attacks by the mil- Kong’s legislature in a setback for dreds of thousands to the streets VINCENT YU/AP itary that seized power from an the territory’s already belea- and turned violent as the govern- A TV screen broadcasts Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam during elected government last month. guered democracy movement. ment resisted the movement’s de- a news conference in Hong Kong on Tuesday. Thailand’s prime minister de- The changes were announced mands. nied that his country’s security Tuesday after a two-day meeting “It’s a very sad day for Hong Hong Kong government is now the city’s leader. forces had forced villagers back of China’s top legislature. Kong. The election system is com- tasked with revising its electoral The committee, which will be to Myanmar who had fled from The legislature will be expand- pletely dismantled,” said former laws and holding an election. expanded from 1,200 to 1,500 military airstrikes over the ed to 90 seats, and only 20 will be lawmaker and Democratic Party In the current 70-member legis- members, is dominated by sup- weekend, saying they returned elected by the public. Currently, member Emily Lau. lature, voters elect half the mem- porters of the central government home on their own accord. half of the 70-seat legislature — 35 “They are going to get rid of op- bers and the other half are chosen in Beijing. But the situation in eastern seats — is directly elected. position voices because under this by constituencies representing Election hopefuls will undergo Myanmar appeared to be getting The move is part of a two-phase new system, which is so oppres- various professions and interest vetting by the national security more, not less, dangerous. effort to rein in political protest sive and restrictive, I don’t think groups. Many of the constituen- police and a committee that over- Saw Taw Nee, head of the for- and opposition in Hong Kong, any self-respecting individual will cies lean pro-Beijing, ensuring sees national security in the city. eign affairs department of the which is part of China but has had want to take part,” Lau said. that wing a majority in the legisla- Anew separate body will also be Karen National Union, the main a more liberal political system as a China’s top legislature, the ture. established to review the qualifi- political body representing the former British colony. China im- Standing Committee of the Na- The new body will have 20 elect- cations of candidates for office in Karen minority there, con- posed a national security law on tional People’s Congress, amend- ed members, 30 chosen by the Hong Kong to ensure the city is firmed that new raids Tuesday Hong Kong last year and is follow- ed Hong Kong’s constitution to constituencies and 40 by an Elec- governed by “patriots,” in the lan- left six civilians dead and 11 ing up this year with a revamp of pave the way for the changes. The tion Committee that also chooses guage of the central government. wounded. PAGE 14 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, March 31, 2021 FACES

BTS condemns racism, says band members have faced it

From wire reports K-pop superstar group BTS has con- demned racism against Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in a state- ment, adding that they’ve experienced it themselves. “We stand against racial discrimination,” BTS tweeted Tuesday in English and Ko- rean. The band said their own painful en- counters with racism included “expletives” and being “mocked for the way” they look. BTS issued their statement after recent attacks against people with Asian heritage in the United States, which have risen dur- ing the coronavirus pandemic. “We cannot put into words the pain of be- coming the subject of hatred and violence,” NETFLIX the band said in the statement, adding that Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin star as father and son in the film “Concrete Cowboy,” streaming Friday on Netflix. their experiences made them feel power- less and chipped away at their self-esteem. The band said that although the discrimi- nation they endured is “inconsequential” compared to “events that have occurred New this week: Movie monsters, over the past few weeks,” they felt the need to speak out. “What’s happening right now cannot be disassociated from our identity as Asians,” the band said. BTS is one of the first South Korean ‘Concrete Cowboy’ and pooches bands to openly condemn anti-Asian rac- ism. K-pop bands are known to be careful Associated Press about maintaining personas created by Here’s a collection curated by The Asso- their labels, which often muzzle stars on ciated Press’ entertainment journalists of touchy subjects like race and mental health. what’s arriving on TV, streaming services Beyoncé sets record with latest and music platforms this week. NAACP Image Awards wins Movies Weeks after making Grammy history ■ Two of cinema’s most famous giants with a record 28 wins, singer Beyoncé took are headed for an old-fashioned big-budget home four NAACP Image Awards over the clash in “Godzilla vs. Kong,” available on weekend in the music category. HBO Max for 31 days starting Friday. The With 22 trophies, Beyoncé is the overall sequel to “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” most awarded winner in the history of the and “Kong: Skull Island” brings back Kyle NAACP Image Awards. Chandler and Millie Bobby Brown, and With her latest music release, the iconic adds a host of new characters played by Re- superstar was awarded outstanding female becca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Alexander ABC artist for single “Black Parade,” outstand- Skarsgard and Demian Bichir. There’s also “Pooch Perfect,” hosted by Rebel Wilson, right, features fanciful — and at times outra­ ing music video for “Brown Skin Girl,” out- a bunch of April additions to HBO Max in- geous — dog­grooming competitions. The show airs stateside on ABC. standing hip hop/rap song for “Savage Re- cluding “Boogie Nights,” “The Bodyguard,” mix” with Megan Thee Stallion, and out- “Goodfellas” and “Bringing Up Baby.” groomers display their skills for a shot at a Music standing duo, group or collaboration (con- ■ On Netflix, Idris Elba leads the cast of $100,000 prize. Lisa Vanderpump, groomer Demi Lovato is getting candid about her temporary), also shared with Megan Thee “Concrete Cowboy,” out Friday, about a Jorge Bendersky and veterinarian Callie near-fatal overdose in 2018. Lovato sings Stallion for “Savage Remix.” teen who goes to live with his estranged fa- Harris judge the eight-episode contest, air- about the moment she “al- Other winners from the March 27 cere- ther in Philadelphia and learns about the ing Tuesdays, based on a show in Wilson’s most made it to heaven” on mony included late “Black Panther” star urban horseback riding world. It’s based on native Australia. The actor boasts creden- her new album. “Dancing Chadwick Boseman for outstanding actor, the novel “Ghetto Cowboy.” tials for the job: She comes from a long line with the Devil ... The Art of Viola Davis for outstanding actress, D-Nice — AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr of handlers and groomers — her mom judg- Starting Over,” which will for Entertainer of the Year and “Bad Boys es dog shows internationally — and as a be released Friday, fea- for Life” for outstanding motion picture. Television child traveled to shows with her family. tures 19 songs and three ■ “Expedition Deep Ocean” follows ad- ■ Legendary gospel singer Mahalia Other news bonus tracks. Ariana venturer Victor Vescovo and a team of sci- Jackson gets overdue biopic attention in a ■ Whoopi Goldberg, Andra Day and Lovato Grande, Noah Cyrus, Saw- entists in a bid to descend to the bottom of Lifetime film debuting Saturday. “Robin Zendaya will be among the honorees at this eetie and Sam Fisher col- the world’s oceans. Vescovo takes the helm Roberts Presents: Mahalia,” produced by year’s Essence Black Women in Hollywood laborate. The album is a companion to her of what’s described as a “purpose-built” the “Good Morning America” anchor, stars event, which will be livestreamed April 22 YouTube Originals docuseries, “Demi Lo- submarine to reach the lowest depths of the Danielle Brooks (“Orange Is the New during Oscars week for the first time this vato: Dancing with the Devil.” Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic and South- Black”) as the recording artist who gained year. ■ New York City rapper Lil Tjay’s sec- ern oceans. The risks include seismic fault international acclaim. Also an ardent sup- ■ The Tribeca Film Festival said Mon- ond album is out Friday, “Destined 2 Win.” zones, icebergs and tropical storms, with porter of the 20th-century U.S. civil rights day that it plans to hold its 20th edition in- It includes the tunes “Headshot” with Polo the chance to chart new realms among the movement, Jackson shared her voice at ral- person this June with outdoor screenings G and Fivio Foreign, and “Calling My rewards. The mission unfolds over five ly after rally, including the 1963 March on spread throughout New York’s five bor- Phone,” featuring 6lack, which peaked at hours debuting Thursday on the Discov- Washington. The movie’s cast includes Joa- oughs. The springtime festival — canceled No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. ery+ streaming service. quina Kalukango, Jason Dirden, Olivia last year due to the pandemic — will instead ■ Rebel Wilson hosts ABC’s “Pooch Per- Washington and Rob Demery. — AP Entertainment Writer turn to the summer for its next edition, fect,” a competition series in which dog — AP Television Writer Lynn Elber Mark Kennedy spanning 12 days beginning June 9. Wednesday, March 31, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 15 OPINION

Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Marci Hoffman, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander Use TSP model to help private sector workers save BY TERESA GHILARDUCCI es that contribution up to 5% of their annual portfolio, just as the TSP does. AND KEVIN HASSETT salary. By default, those contributions go in- Our plan builds on past proposals from EDITORIAL Special to The Washington Post to a very low-expense mutual fund appro- lawmakers from both parties to provide ac- Terry Leonard, Editor he Federal Reserve reports that priate for the age of the employee. cess to retirement plans to disadvantaged [email protected] Americans in the bottom 25% of Employees can change their investments workers. Our calculations show that people the national wealth distribution or contribution rates, or opt out completely. in the bottom income quartile, contributing Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor have a median net worth of only But by far, most choose to participate in the 5% of their wages with 5% matched, could [email protected] T $310. Many of them owe more in debt than plan and contribute the default amount. accumulate median wealth of more than Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content they have in savings, leading to the fact that Evidence suggests the high level of TSP $43,000 within 10 years. A bottom-quartile [email protected] the median retirement savings for working- participation is thanks to the simplicity of 25-year-old could accumulate more than Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation age Americans is close to $0. In 2016, only enrollment and the government match. $600,000 by retirement. [email protected] 41% of Black families and 35% of Hispanic As the federal match has increased since This federally funded plan would have a families had any retirement savings at all. 1987, TSP participation increased as well — smaller deficit impact than you might think. Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital Meanwhile, as stock prices reach historic notably in historically marginalized groups Most beneficiaries pay little tax today, so [email protected] highs, most people — and certainly most of workers. A recent Congressional Budget the cost in foregone taxes is small. And the lower-income workers — are not invested Office report found that after government tax is deferred, not eliminated: When that BUREAU STAFF in the markets and get no benefit. matching was introduced, participation hypothetical 25-year-old retires and starts In a paper published March 25 by the Ec- rates jumped by at least 20 percentage to take money out of their $600,000 TSP ac- Europe/Mideast onomic Innovation Group, we describe how points for eligible Black workers, those with count, they will pay income tax on with- Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief [email protected] government policy unwittingly contributes at most a high school education and those in drawals. As for the government match, it +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 the wealth gap — and how the Biden admin- the bottom one-third of the earnings distri- would cost taxpayers, but the government Pacific istration and Congress can help shrink it. bution. Automatic enrollment, implement- currently borrows at close to a zero percent Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief Current retirement savings policy is ac- ed in 2010, pushed participation rates even interest rate. If it does that, and gives the [email protected] tually exacerbating inequalities. Workers higher, reaching 94% for Black federal em- money to workers to invest in higher re- +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 can shelter income if they save it for retire- ployees and 95% for those in the bottom one- turning private capital, it will surely be a net Washington ment in an IRA or 401(k) account — which is third of earnings. By contrast, while 67% of gain for society. Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief terrific if you are well-off and have a high private industry workers have access to Imagine how much healthier and more [email protected] marginal tax rate, but of almost no value if employer-provided retirement plans, only secure our future might look if wealth dis- (+1)(202)886-0033 Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News you are a low earner with a low tax rate. 51% participate. parities were diminished and more Amer- [email protected] We have an alternative based on what we, Bottom line: Workers at all income levels icans had a direct stake in the success of our as economists, consider one of the best-de- find space in their budgets to save when the free-market system. In our view, there is no CIRCULATION signed savings programs in U.S. history. right incentives are in place. policy better suited to address the challeng- That is the Thrift Savings Plan available to Government should make the proven es we face today than to give low-income Mideast federal employees and members of the mil- TSP model available to a wide range of Americans access to the same expertly de- Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager [email protected] itary. The government should offer such a working Americans, especially those below signed savings and investment plan en- [email protected] program to all disadvantaged workers. a certain income level. Private-sector em- joyed by every member of Congress and the DSN (314)583-9111 TSP’s design draws from important find- ployers would have to handle only the pa- broader federal workforce. Europe ings in behavioral economics to help work- perwork, similar to what they do for income Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager ers create retirement wealth. Most federal tax and Social Security purposes. The gov- Teresa Ghilarducci is a professor of economics at the New [email protected] employees are eligible to participate and ernment would provide a savings match [email protected] School for Social Research and director of the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis. Kevin Hassett is a vice president +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 are automatically enrolled in TSP. Tax-de- and would keep politics out of investment ferred contributions are withheld from decisions by hiring private investment of the Lindsey Group and a distinguished visiting fellow at the Pacific Hoover Institution; he served as chairman of the Council of their paycheck and the government match- managers to create a sensible, low-cost Economic Advisers from 2017 to 2019. Mari Mori, [email protected] +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 CONTACT US Biden says he’s a ‘respecter of fate.’ We all should be. Washington tel: (+1)202.886.0003 BY MARY SCHMICH poised to run for president in 2016 but long ago, time that passed as quickly as the 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 Chicago Tribune changed his mind after his son Beau died of click of a computer key. But try to remember Reader letters hat will you be doing in 2024? cancer. When he announced he would run in about how you envisioned what you’d be do- [email protected] If you think you know for 2020, it seemed unlikely that this old white ing in 2021. It wasn’t this, was it? Additional contacts sure, you’re either clairvoyant guy, as he was often called, could get elected. All of us can look back on our lives and see stripes.com/contactus Wor deluded. Then he did. And he brings to the job the the moments when fate yanked our plans I’ve been thinking about this question since perspective of someone who knows that after away. The sudden death of someone we love. OMBUDSMAN President Joe Biden’s recent news confer- you hope and plan and dream, fate may The loss of a job. The end of a relationship. A Ernie Gates ence in which he was asked whether he plans snatch your plans, crumple them into a ball, disease, our own or someone else’s. The long- to run again in 2024. This was the same news toss them in the toilet and cap it off with a cru- er you live, the more you know how quickly The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow conference in which not a single reporter el chuckle. life can change. of news and information, reporting any attempts by the military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s asked about the pandemic or the economy. Over and over, in the big realms and in our And the longer you live, the murkier the independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns The 2024 question deserved all the eye rolls personal lives, the force we call fate outwits time ahead may seem, even though it seems to and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for fairness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman it got — c’mon, man, the guy’s been president predictions and expectations. Consider poli- come faster. A friend talks about his feelings welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted by for two months. Yet Biden’s answer — yes — tics. How many people believed in 2005 that when he gets a new driver’s license or credit email at [email protected], or by phone at 202.886.0003. was treated as big news because in the game Barack Obama, a Black newly elected sen- card and notices the distant expiration date. of politics the future always matters more ator with an unusual name and no national “Hmm,” he thinks, “four years from now, Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- than the present. reputation, would be elected president in will I even be alive? Will I have the same job? days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and But forget Biden’s presidential plans. Let’s 2008? And until it happened, how many of us What will my kids be doing?” Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals talk about the most noteworthy part of his an- failed to believe Donald Trump would be I feel that way every time I fill in an online postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, swer, a remark that went largely unre- president? form for my new credit card and type in the APO AP 96301-5002. This newspaper is authorized by the marked. In fact, most of the presidents in my life- expiration date of 1/26. What? 2026? Whatever Department of Defense for members of the military services overseas. However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are “I’m a great respecter of fate,” he said. “I’ve time have seemed surprising until they be- I imagine it will be, it will probably be some- unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views never been able to plan four and a half, three came inevitable. A Georgia peanut farmer? thing else. of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspa- per, Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official and a half years ahead for certain.” An Arkansas governor? No way. Until fate Planning and hoping are built into our channels and use appropriated funds for distribution to Wise words. We all should all be great re- said, “Way.” brains. That’s part of what makes us human. remote locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. The appearance of advertising in this publication does specters of fate. Fate can be defined in various Fate tricks us in ways beyond the political, We envision the future, and by envisioning it not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or ways. In a broad way, it means the things that too. Pandemic, anyone? Some savvy epide- we help to build the life we want. But even as Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. Products or services advertised shall be made available for happen to us unavoidably, through forces be- miologists weren’t entirely surprised, but the we look ahead, a week, a year, a decade, it purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical yond our control. rest of us never saw it coming. Sometimes helps to remember that fate is bound to take handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of Biden’s life is a spectacular example of how what we call fate wouldn’t be outside our con- us somewhere we did not imagine. the purchaser, user or patron. potent fate can be. He had just been elected to trol if only we saw more clearly. © Stars and Stripes 2021 the U.S. Senate when his first wife and infant Think about your own life three and a half Mary Schmich is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune and stripes.com daughter were killed in a car crash. He was years ago. On some level, it may seem not so winner of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for commentary. PAGE 16 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, March 31, 2021 Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS 59 Monopoly card 25 Former 1 Wager 60 Large amount Connecticut 4 Goals 61 Badminton senator 8 Panorama barrier 26 Jai — 27 QB Tony

Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before 12 Egg (Pref.) 13 March DOWN 28 Moolah Madness gp. 1 Tora —, 29 Wrinkled fruit 14 Old U.S. gas Afghanistan 30 Exhausted brand 2 Satan’s forte 31 Poi base 15 Carnival city 3 Implement 35 Greatly feared 16 Comedian 4 News show VIPs 38 Capital of Spain who starred in 5 German pronoun 40 Request and directed 6 Blemish 42 Sailor “Top Five” 7 Uttered 45 Tournament 8 Poem parts passes

Non Sequitur 18 God, in Islam 20 German 9 Equi- 47 Victor’s cry article 10 Computer key 48 Docile 21 Sweet wine 11 Stir-fry pan 49 Admin. aide 24 Fragrant 17 Pouch 50 Dancer Charisse wood 19 Mimic 51 Haw preceder 28 3, to 27 22 Campus mil. 52 Tours season 32 Without help group 53 Rock’s Ocasek 33 Candle count 23 Have a bite — 54 Mound stat 34 Lieu Answer to Previous Puzzle

Candorville 36 Weir 37 Bridge coup 39 Driver’s news source 41 Try to swat 43 Low digits 44 Wee dollop 46 Curly-tailed dog 50 Lipstick shade 55 Existed

Carpe Diem 56 Bigfoot’s cousin 57 Green land 58 Online chats, briefly Beetle Bailey Bizarro Wednesday, March 31, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 17 PAGE 18 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, March 31, 2021 SCOREBOARD/SOCCER

COLLEGE HOCKEY DEALS AUTO RACING NCAA Division I Tournament Monday’s transactions Food City Dirt Race BRIDGEPORT REGIONAL BASEBALL NASCAR Cup Series At Bridgeport, Conn. Major League Baseball Monday First Round American League At Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt Friday, March 26 LOS ANGELES ANGELS — Agreed to Bristol, Tenn. Bemidji St. 6, Wisconsin 3 terms with LHP Tony Watson and RHP Lap length: 0.53 miles UMass 5, Lake Superior St. 1 Steve Cishek on one-year contracts. (Start position in parentheses) Championship MINNESOTA TWINS — Optioned OF Brent 1. (10) Joey Logano, Ford, 253 laps, 55 Saturday, March 27 Rooker to alternate training site. Reas- points. UMass, 4 Bemidji St. 0 signed LHP Brandon Waddell and RHP De- 2. (13) Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Chevrolet, FARGO REGIONAL rek Law to minor league camp. Placed RHP 253, 42. At Fargo, N.D. Edwar Colina on IR. 3. (2) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 253, 50. First Round NEW YORK YANKEES — Agreed to terms 4. (18) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet, 253, 49. Friday, March 26 with C Robinson Chirinos and INF Derek 5. (14) Ryan Newman, Ford, 253, 41. Minn. Duluth vs. Michigan, no contest Dietrich on minor league contracts. Re- 6. (8) William Byron, Chevrolet, 253, 40. North Dakota 5, American International leased RHP Jhoulys Chacin from minor 7. (27) Tyler Reddick, Chevrolet, 253, 32. 1 league contract. 8. (3) Ryan Blaney, Ford, 253, 35. Championship TORONTO BLUE JAYS — Released LHP 9. (24) Erik Jones, Chevrolet, 253, 31. Saturday, March 27 Francisco Liriano from minor league con- 10. (26) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet, 253, 28. tract. 11. (20) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 253, 26. Minn. Duluth 3, North Dakota 2, 5OT National League ALBANY REGIONAL 12. (16) Michael McDowell, Ford, 253, 25. 13. (12) Matt DiBenedetto, Ford, 253, 24. At Albany, N.Y. CINCINNATI REDS — Selected the con- tract of RHP Cam Bedrosian and OF Tyler 14. (11) Chris Buescher, Ford, 253, 24. First Round Naquin from Louisville. Placed RHP Bran- 15. (6) Kevin Harvick, Ford, 253, 22. Saturday, March 27 don Bailey on IR. 16. (28) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, 253, 21. Boston College vs. Notre Dame, no con- PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Optioned RHP 17. (4) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 253, 20. test Geoff Hartlieb to Indianapolis (Triple-A 18. (22) Ryan Preece, Chevrolet, 253, 19. FERNANDO LLANO / AP St. Cloud St. 6, vs. Boston U. 2 Midwest). Reassigned OF Brian Goodwin, 19. (5) Martin Truex Jr, Toyota, 253, 35. Championship INF/OF Wilmer Difo and RHP Steven 20. (25) Chase Briscoe, Ford, 252, 17. Sunday, March 28 Wright. 21. (9) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 252, 16. Honduras’ Cristopher Melendez, left, comforts the United States’ St. Cloud St. 4, Boston College 1 WASHINGTON NATIONALS — Reas- 22. (7) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet, 252, 15. Sebastian Soto at the end of their CONCACAF Men’s Olympic LOVELAND REGIONAL signed INF Jake Noll, RHPs Dakota Bacus 23. (32) Stewart Friesen, Chevrolet, 252, At Loveland, Colo. and Chase De Jong and LHP Chasen Shreve 0. qualifying semifinal Sunday in Guadalajara, Mexico. Honduras won First Round to alternate training site. 24. (21) Cole Custer, Ford, 252, 13. 2­1, preventing the United States from qualifying for the Olympics. Saturday, March 27 BASKETBALL 25. (33) Quin Houff, Chevrolet, 252, 12. Minnesota St. 4, Quinnipiac 3, OT National Basketball Association 26. (39) Ty Dillon, Toyota, 252, 0. Minnesota 7, Omaha 2 SAN ANTONIO SPURS — Signed C Gorgui 27. (19) Bubba Wallace, Toyota, 251, 18. Championship Dieng. 28. (34) JJ Yeley, Chevrolet, 249, 0. Sunday, March 28 FOOTBALL 29. (1) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 248, 8. Minnesota St. 4, Minnesota 0 National Football League 30. (37) Josh Bilicki, Ford, 247, 7. FROZEN FOUR ARIZONA CARDINALS — Agreed to terms 31. (38) Mike Marlar, Ford, accident, 244, At Pittsburgh with S Shawn Williams and S Chris Banjo to 6. National Semifinals one-year contracts. 32. (31) Cody Ware, Chevrolet, 242, 0. Olympic failures Thursday, April 8 ATLANTA FALCONS — Signed OL Josh 33. (36) Chris Windom, Chevrolet, en- gine, 62, 4. Minn. Duluth vs. UMass Andrews. CINCINNATI BENGALS — Signed S Ricar- 34. (15) Christopher Bell, Toyota, acci- St. Cloud St. vs. Minnesota St. dent, 54, 3. National Championship do Allen to a one-year contract. Re-signed LB Jordan Evans. 35. (17) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet, acci- Saturday, April 10 dent, 52, 2. Semifinal winners CLEVELAND BROWNS — Re-signed CB Brian Allen. 36. (23) Aric Almirola, Ford, accident, 39, HOUSTON TEXANS — Signed WR Chris 1. TENNIS 37. (35) Shane Golobic, Ford, accident, show dysfunction Conley and LB Jordan Jenkins. Re-signed LS Jon Weeks. 39, 1. Miami Open INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Signed T Julien 38. (30) Corey Lajoie, Chevrolet, acci- dent, 39, 1. Monday Davenport. Re-signed C Joey Hunt. MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Agreed to terms 39. (29) Anthony Alfredo, Ford, accident, US Soccer, MLS aren’t on the same page At Tennis Center at Crandon Park 39, 1. Miami with CB Mackensie Alexander and S Xa- BY RONALD BLUM blocked Kreis from using defend- Purse: $3,343,785 vier Woods, pending passing the physical Surface: Hardcourt outdoor exam. Race Statistics Associated Press ers George Bello and Miles Robin- NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Signed DE Ta- Men’s Singles Average Speed of Race Winner: 65.792 noh Kpassagnon. mph. NEW YORK — The Catch-22 for son, and forward Brooks Lennon. Round of 32 NEW YORK GIANTS — Signed DT Danny Marin Cilic, Croatia, def. Lorenzo Muset- Time of Race: 2 hours, 43 minutes, 53 U.S. men’s soccer in the Olympics “Some clubs are going to decide Shelton. seconds. ti, Italy, 6-3, 6-4. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — Re-signed WR Milos Raonic (12), Canada, def. Ugo Margin of Victory: 0.554 seconds. is this: The better a player gets, the they don’t want to release players. Greg Ward to exclusive rights tender for Caution Flags: 10 for 39 laps. Humbert (20), France, 6-4, 7-5. 2021 season. Andrey Rublev (4), Russia, def. Marton Lead Changes: 5 among 6 drivers. less likely he is to play. There’s nothing you can do about PITTSBURGH STEELERS — Re-signed P Lap Leaders: K.Larson 0; D.Hamlin 1; Ky- Fucsovics (29), Hungary, 6-2, 6-1. Jordan Berry to a one-year contract. Compounding the difficulty is a that if that’s the ultimate decision,” Hubert Hurkacz (26), Poland, def. Denis .Busch 2-8; M.Truex 9-134; D.Suarez 135- Signed OL Rashaad Coward. 192; J.Logano 193-253 Shapovalov (6), Canada, 6-3, 7-6 (6). SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Signed LB structural issue, according to Lalas said. “But you better leave ev- Diego Schwartzman (5), Argentina, def. Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Led, Nathan Gerry to a one-year contract. Laps Led): M.Truex, 1 time for 126 laps; American under-24 coach Jason ery stone unturned in trying to con- Adrian Mannarino (25), France, 6-1, 6-4. Signed WR Mohamed Sanu to a contract. Sebastian Korda, United States, def. As- J.Logano, 1 time for 61 laps; D.Suarez, 1 HOCKEY time for 58 laps; Ky.Busch, 1 time for 7 laps; Kreis: Major League Soccer does vince them and call in every favor lan Karatsev (17), Russia, 6-3, 6-0. National Hockey League Lorenzo Sonego (24), Italy, def. Daniel D.Hamlin, 1 time for 1 lap; K.Larson, 1 time not adhere to the international cal- and be part of that negotiation in or- Elahi Galan, Colombia, 7-6 (6), 6-3. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS — Designated for 0 laps. Stefanos Tsitsipas (2), Greece, def. Kei Ds Wyatt Kalynuk, Lucas Carlsson and Ian Wins: J.Logano, 1; M.Truex, 1; K.Larson, endar of a season that runs from der to do that. And then when it Nishikori (28), Japan, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. Mitchell and RWs Reese Johnson and 1; W.Byron, 1; R.Blaney, 1; C.Bell, 1; Women’s Singles Mackenzie Entwhistle for assignment to M.McDowell, 1. August to May, leaving most of his comes to the Major League Soccer Round of 16 taxi squad. Reassigned D Alec Regula, LW Top 16 in Points: 1. D.Hamlin, 327; 2. J.Lo- players trying to regain fitness teams that decided not to release Ashleigh Barty (1), Australia, def. Victo- Brandon Pirri and C Mikael Hakkarainen to gano, 269; 3. M.Truex, 247; 4. K.Larson, 242; ria Azarenka (14), Belarus, 6-1, 1-6, 6-2. minor league Rockford (AHL). 5. B.Keselowski, 232; 6. W.Byron, 228; 7. while facing opponents in midsea- players, I think that in and of itself is COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS — Designated Elina Svitolina (5), Ukraine, def. Petra R.Blaney, 226; 8. K.Harvick, 225; 9. C.Elliott, son form. inexcusable and it’s ridiculous and Kvitova (9), Czech Republic, 2-6, 7-5, 7-5. RW Ryan MacInnis and G Cameron John- 211; 10. C.Bell, 186; 11. A.Dillon, 186; 12. Aryna Sabalenka (7), Belarus, def. Mar- son for assignment to taxi squad. Waived M.McDowell, 183; 13. Ky.Busch, 183; 14. The Americans failed to qualify it’s a joke given the cooperation and keta Vondrousova (19), Czech Republic, D Scott Harrington. R.Stenhouse, 180; 15. Ku.Busch, 173; 16. 6-1, 6-2. DALLAS STARS — Designated LW Tanner A.Bowman, 172. for their third straight Olympics the partnership and the historic Naomi Osaka (2), Japan, def. Elise Mer- Kero and RW Nick Caamano for assign- tens (16), Belgium, 6-3, 6-3. ment to taxi squad. PRO BASEBALL when they lost 2-1 to Honduras on connection that the United States Anastasija Sevastova, Latvia, def. Ana DETROIT RED WINGS — Reassigned LW Sunday. For the second time in Soccer Federation and MLS has.” Konjuh, Croatia, 6-1, 7-5. Mathias Brome and D Dennis Cholowski to Spring training Maria Sakkari (23), Greece, def. Jessica Grand Rapids (AHL). Reassigned LW Giva- three Olympic cycles, a goalkeep- While the U.S. started 11 MLS ni Smith to taxi squad. Pegula (29), United States, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (6). Sunday’s games Sara Sorribes Tormo, Spain, def. Ons Ja- NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Designated ing blunder helped sink the U.S. players against Honduras, age-eli- beur (27), Tunisia, 6-4, 0-6, 6-1. RW Mathieu Olivier and G Kasimir Kaski- Pittsburgh 2, Baltimore 1 when David Ochoa gifted the sec- gible Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Bianca Andreescu (8), Canada, def. Gar- suo for assignment to taxi squad. Boston 8, Minnesota 3 bine Muguruza (12), Spain, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. NEW YORK RANGERS — Agreed to terms Tampa Bay 16, Atlanta 5 ond goal, similar to goalkeeper Josh Sargent, Sergiño Dest, Anto- Men’s Doubles with D Hunter Skinner on a three-year en- Philadelphia 6, N.Y. Yankees 2 Round of 16 try-level contract. Washington 11, St. Louis 3 Sean Johnson fumbling a shot nee Robinson and Yunas Musah Rajeev Ram, United States, and Joe Sa- OTTAWA SENATORS — Waived D Arten Miami 10, N.Y. Mets 2 against El Salvador that cost the were with the senior national team lisbury (7), Britain, def. Santiago Gonzalez, Anisimov. Designated C Clark Bishop for Detroit 4, Toronto 4 Mexico, and Marcelo Demoliner, Brazil, assignment to taxi squad. Texas 12, Chicago Cubs 8 Americans a trip to the 2012 Lon- in Belfast for a 2-1 friendly win over 4-6, 6-4, 10-2. SOCCER Milwaukee 7, Cincinnati 1 Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic (2), Croa- Major League Soccer San Diego 3, Cleveland 3 don Games. Northern Ireland. tia, def. John Isner and Taylor Fritz, United COLORADO RAPIDS — Loaned G Abra- Oakland 9, San Francisco 3 In addition, the U.S. streak of sev- FIFA restricts Olympic qualify- States, 6-4, 6-4. ham Rodriguez, Ds Sebastian Anderson Chicago White Sox 7, Arizona 4 Horia Tecau, Romania, and Marcelo Are- and Michael Edwards, M Philip Mayaka Kansas City 6, Colorado 3 en World Cup appearances ended ing to players 23 and under. Qual- valo-Gonzalez, El Salvador, def. Robert Fa- and F Matt Hundley to Colorado Springs L.A. Angels 6, L.A. Dodgers 5 rah and Juan Sebastian Cabal (1), Colom- (AHL). Monday’s games in 2018. ifying was postponed by a year be- bia, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (4). ORLANDO CITY SC — Signed D Kyle Smith Women’s Doubles to a two-year contract with a club option N.Y. Mets 3, St. Louis 3 Former American defender cause of the pandemic, and FIFA Round of 16 in 2023. Houston 2, Washington 2 Alexi Lalas, now a commentator for kept Jan. 1, 1997, as the earliest National Women’s Soccer League Tampa Bay 8, Baltimore 3 Caroline Garcia, France, and Nadia Po- Detroit 5, N.Y. Yankees 2 doroska, Argentina, def. Timea Babos, WASHINGTON SPIRIT — Named Paul Fox, and ex-goalkeeper Tim Ho- birth date for those competing. Hungary, and Veronika Kudermetova (4), Crichton goalkeeper coach. Minnesota 5, Pittsburgh 3 Russia, 6-1, 7-5. COLLEGE Toronto 13, Philadelphia 7 ward, now an NBC broadcaster, say Five of the 20 players on the qual- Gabriela Dabrowski, Canada, and Giulia- PERU STATE — Named Ian Holleran Boston 4, Atlanta 0 the onus is on the U.S. Soccer Fed- ifying roster last year were not na Olmos, Mexico, def. Storm Sanders, women’s head basketball coach. Kansas City 5, Cleveland 4 Australia, and Anna-Lena Friedsam, Ger- UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE — Named Al- Chicago Cubs 7, Arizona 1 eration and MLS to get better play- made available by their clubs this many, 6-2, 6-4. icia Longworth and Brady Hart senior as- Seattle 5, Cincinnati 5 Hayley Carter, United States, and Luisa sociate athletic directors. San Francisco 7, Oakland 2 ers from teams. year: Reggie Cannon, Chris Glos- Stefani (8), Brazil, def. Zhaoxuan Yang, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VAL- Colorado 10, San Diego 2 Lalas maintains the burden to ter, Mark McKenzie, Erik Palmer- China, and Ekaterina Alexandrova, Russia, LEY — Named Matt Figger men’s basket- Kansas City at Northwest Arkansas, ccd. 6-0, 6-3. ball head coach. Milwaukee 4, Texas 0 L.A. Dodgers 10, L.A. Angels 2 improve the Olympic effort lies Brown and Brenden Aaronson. AP SPORTLIGHT Tuesday’s games with Kreis, senior national team None of Honduras’ players on the Pittsburgh vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, coach Gregg Berhalter and U.S. roster for last week’s national team March 31 time in four years. Harry “Punch” Broad- Fla. men’s national team general man- exhibition against Greece were bent scores the goal. Tampa Bay vs. Detroit at Lakeland, Fla. 1909 — Baseball’s National Commission Atlanta vs. Boston at Fort Myers, Fla. ager Brian McBride. FIFA regula- Olympic-age eligible. rules that players who jump contracts will 1973 — The Philadelphia Flyers tie an Milwaukee vs. Texas at Arlington, TX be suspended for five years. Players join- NHL record for most goals in one period, Chicago White Sox vs. Colorado at tions say clubs don’t have to release Kreis cited rust: MLS teams ing outlaw organizations will be suspend- scoring eight goals in the second period of Scottsdale, Ariz. ed for three years as punishment for going a 10-2 win over the New York Islanders. Cleveland vs. Arizona at Phoenix players for Olympic qualifying or don’t open the pandemic-delayed outside organized baseball. 1973 — Ken Norton scores a stunning up- L.A. Angels vs. L.A. Dodgers at Los An- 1923 — The Ottawa Senators of the NHL set by winning a 12-round split decision geles, CA the Olympics. European clubs reg- season until April 16. None of Sun- complete a two-game sweep of the over Muhammad Ali to win the NABF ularly deny their players, and Ma- day’s starters for Mexico on Sun- WCHL’s Edmonton Eskimos with a 1-0 vic- heavyweight title. Norton, a 5-1 underdog, Wednesday’s games tory to win the Stanley Cup for the third breaks Ali’s jaw in the first round. No games scheduled jor League Soccer’s Atlanta team day were from MLS. Wednesday, March 31, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 19 NHL/SPORTS BRIEFS

NHL scoreboard BRIEFS

East Division USOPC will allow protests GP WLOT Pts GF GA during national anthem Washington 34 23 7 4 50 119 99 N.Y. Islanders 36 22 10 4 48 106 84 The U.S. Olympic and Paralym- Pittsburgh 36 23 11 2 48 117 94 pic Committee will not sanction Boston 31 17 9 5 39 83 73 athletes for raising their fists or Philadelphia 34 17 13 4 38 106 123 N.Y. Rangers 34 15 15 4 34 107 92 kneeling during the national an- New Jersey 33 13 16 4 30 79 101 them at Olympic trials, preview- Buffalo 34 6 23 5 17 71 122 ing a contentious policy it expects Central Division to stick to when athletes head to GP WLOT Pts GF GA Tokyo this summer. The USOPC released a nine- Tampa Bay 34 24 8 2 50 123 82 Carolina 33 23 7 3 49 112 84 page document Tuesday to offer Florida 35 22 9 4 48 115 98 guidance about the sort of “racial Nashville 36 18 17 1 37 92 107 and social demonstrations” that Chicago 36 16 15 5 37 104 114 will and won’t be allowed by the Columbus 36 13 15 8 34 91 117 Dallas 32 11 12 9 31 89 88 hundreds who will compete in Detroit 36 12 20 4 28 79 115 coming months for spots on the West Division U.S. team. In other Olympic news: GP WLOT Pts GF GA ■ World champion sprinter Vegas 33 24 8 1 49 108 75 Colorado 34 22 8 4 48 118 77 Salwa Eid Naser will have a two- Minnesota 33 21 10 2 44 97 82 day appeal hearing next month St. Louis 35 16 13 6 38 100 113 ADRIAN KRAUS / AP that could lead to a ban from the Arizona 35 16 14 5 37 92 103 Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek, facing right, congratulates defenseman Ivan Provorov (9) on Tokyo Olympics for breaking anti- Los Angeles 33 13 14 6 32 92 94 doping rules. San Jose 34 14 16 4 32 95 118 his winning goal in overtime against the Buffalo Sabres on Monday in Buffalo. Anaheim 37 11 20 6 28 83 123 The Court of Arbitration for North Division Sport said Tuesday it will hear the NHL ROUNDUP case involving the 400-meter run- GP WLOT Pts GF GA ner over two days on April 22-23. Toronto 35 22 10 3 47 116 91 Winnipeg 36 22 12 2 46 119 99 Denver basketball hires Edmonton 36 22 13 1 45 122 103 Montreal 31 14 8 9 37 100 87 Stanford assistant Calgary 37 16 18 3 35 96 112 Flyers rally for OT win, hand The University of Denver has Vancouver 37 16 18 3 35 100 120 hired Jeff Wulbrun as its men’s Ottawa 36 12 20 4 28 94 135 basketball coach. It will be Wil- Monday’s games brun’s first head coaching job in Edmonton 3, Toronto 2, OT Vegas 4, Los Angeles 1 Sabres 18th straight defeat the college ranks. Winnipeg 5, Calgary 1 San Jose 4, Minnesota 3, SO In other college basketball Pittsburgh 2, N.Y. Islanders 1 Associated Press news: Philadelphia 4, Buffalo 3, OT longest in team history, and one shot. Colorado 5, Anaheim 2 BUFFALO, N.Y. — Ivan Provo- short of the record set during dur- Karlsson had his first two-goal ■ Fordham hired longtime Vil- Tuesday’s games rov scored 42 seconds into over- ing the 1990-91 season, when Buffa- game in the regular season in more lanova assistant Kyle Neptune on Columbus at Tampa Bay Tuesday to take over a men’s bas- Detroit at Florida time, and the Philadelphia Flyers lo went 0-6-1 with five ties. than three years and Radim Simek Edmonton at Montreal overcame a three-goal deficit to Penguins 2, Islanders 1: Casey also scored as the Sharks rebound- ketball program that has had only New Jersey at Boston Washington at N.Y. Rangers pull out a 4-3 win and hand the Buf- DeSmith made 19 saves after start- ed from back-to-back losses in Ari- two winning seasons since joining Carolina at Chicago the Atlantic 10 Conference in 1995. Dallas at Nashville falo Sabres their 18th consecutive er Tristan Jarry’s mysterious exit zona. The 36-year-old Neptune Wednesday’s games loss Monday night. and host Pittsburgh held on to beat Avalanche 5, Ducks 2 : Philipp Philadelphia at Buffalo The Flyers scored three times in New York for the sixth time in eight Grubauer got his 100th career win has been an assistant at Villano- Toronto at Winnipeg va under Jay Wright for the last Arizona at Colorado the third period to overcome a 3-0 meetings this season. with a 13-save night to lead host Los Angeles at Vegas deficit, with Sean Couturier forcing Jarry left after the first period Colorado past Anaheim. eight seasons. Calgary at Vancouver ■ Minnesota at San Jose overtime by tipping in Provorov’s and DeSmith filled in by holding Grubauer has 57 wins since join- Memphis has hired Katrina Thursday’s games point shot with 1:29 left, and Phila- the Islanders at bay as the Pen- ing the Avalanche before the 2018- Merriweather as the new wom- Columbus at Tampa Bay delphia’s net empty for an extra at- guins pulled even with New York 19 season and notched his 21st this en’s basketball coach after she led Detroit at Florida Montreal at Ottawa tacker. for second place in the East Divi- season. Wright State to that program’s N.Y. Rangers at Buffalo first NCAA Tournament win. Pittsburgh at Boston Kevin Hayes started the Flyers’ sion. Gabriel Landeskog and Tyson Washington at N.Y. Islanders ■ Missy Traversi was hired as Carolina at Chicago comeback by scoring 1:50 into the Matt Martin scored his seventh Jost scored in the second period to Dallas at Nashville third, when his shot deflected in off of the season for the Islanders and help Colorado extend its points the women’s basketball coach at Minnesota at Vegas Rasmus Dahlin’s stick. Claude Gi- Semyon Varlamov made 20 saves. streak to 11 games (9-0-2). Mikko Army on Monday, joining the a- Friday’s games roux scored 10 minutes later, by Oilers 3, Maple Leafs 2 (OT): Rantanen, J.T. Compher and Vale- cademy after five years of coach- Washington at New Jersey ing Adelphi on Long Island. Toronto at Winnipeg converting Couturier’s no-look Darnell Nurse scored 17 seconds ri Nichushkin also scored, Cale Ma- Calgary at Edmonton St. Louis at Colorado pass in front of the net. into overtime and Edmonton won kar had three assists and Nathan Arizona at Anaheim Bills rename stadium San Jose at Los Angeles “I think when you’re down a few at Toronto. MacKinnon added two. Saturday’s games goals, obviously you rely on your After Oilers goalie Mike Smith Golden Knights 4, Kings 1: To- after health insurer Pittsburgh at Boston Detroit at Tampa Bay offensive guys to make a difference stopped Auston Matthews on a 2- mas Nosek scored in the second pe- The Buffalo Bills’ home has a Chicago at Nashville N.Y. Rangers at Buffalo and get you back in the game,” Cou- on-1 break right off the faceoff of riod and host Vegas beat Los An- new name: Highmark Stadium. Philadelphia at N.Y. Islanders turier said. “We found a way to do the extra period, Edmonton broke geles. The newly rebranded health in- Dallas at Carolina Columbus at Florida that tonight. But like I said, we can’t the other way, with Connor McDa- Alec Martinez, Reilly Smith and surer, Highmark BlueCross, Ottawa at Montreal Minnesota at Vegas put ourselves in those situations too vid passing to Nurse for his 12th Nicolas Hague also scored for the BlueShield of Western New York, St. Louis at Colorado often and expect to win many goal of the season, and second in Golden Knights, who have won 14 has purchased the naming rights San Jose at Los Angeles Vancouver at Edmonton games.” two games. of 18 and improved to 14-2-1 at for what was simply known as Scoring leaders Henri Jokiharju, Cody Eakin and Josh Archibald and Kyle Turris home. Jonathan Marchessault had Bills Stadium last season. Through Tuesday Brandon Montour scored to put the scored in regulation for the Oilers, two assists. Robin Lehner stopped Panthers defenseman GP GAPTS Sabres up 3-0 through two periods. while Smith stopped 29 shots. 24 shots. Connor McDavid, EDM 36 21 42 63 Buffalo fell to 0-15-3 to match the Sharks 4, Wild 3 (SO) : Erik Jets 5, Flames 1: Mark Scheifele Ekblad out for season Leon Draisaitl, EDM 36 19 35 54 NHL’s 14th-worst skid and longest Karlsson scored twice in regulation had two goals and an assist to lead Patrick Kane, CHI 36 13 35 48 Florida defenseman Aaron Ek- Mitchell Marner, TOR 35 13 31 44 since the Pittsburgh Penguins went and then added the deciding goal in Winnipeg to a win at Calgary. blad had surgery to “repair a leg Mark Scheifele, WPG 36 15 28 43 0-17-1 during the 2003-04 season. the eighth round of the shootout to Nate Thompson, Andrew Copp fracture on Monday and is likely Mark Stone, LV 32 12 28 40 The Sabres haven’t won since a lead host San Jose. and Pierre-Luc Dubois also scored done for the season. The Panthers Jonathan Huberdeau, FLA 35 13 27 40 4-1 victory at New Jersey on Feb. Karlsson capped a stellar night for the Jets. Nikolaj Ehlers had said that Ekblad will need 12 Mikko Rantanen, COL 34 20 20 40 Auston Matthews, TOR 32 23 17 40 23. by ending a streak of nine com- three assists and Kyle Connor add- weeks to recover. Sidney Crosby, PIT 35 14 25 39 They also extended their home bined misses by both teams when ed two. Connor Hellebuyck made Nathan MacKinnon, COL 30 10 28 38 losing skid to 0-9-2, the second he beat Cam Talbot with a slap 29 saves for the win. Associated Press PAGE 20 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, March 31, 2021 NBA

Scoreboard Three-lined win: Clippers rout Bucks Eastern Conference Atlantic Division LA hits 19 three-pointers WLPct GB Philadelphia 32 14 .696 — in defeat of Milwaukee Brooklyn 32 15 .681 ½ New York 24 23 .511 8½ for 6th straight victory Boston 23 24 .489 9½ Toronto 18 29 .383 14½ BY BETH HARRIS Southeast Division Associated Press WLPct GB LOS ANGELES — Marcus Mor- Charlotte 23 22 .511 — ris scored 25 points and three oth- Atlanta 23 23 .500 ½ er starters had at least 20 points, Miami 23 24 .489 1 helping the Los Angeles Clippers Washington 17 28 .378 6 beat the Milwaukee Bucks 129-105 Orlando 15 31 .326 8½ on Monday night for their sixth Central Division straight victory. WLPct GB Kawhi Leonard added 23 points Milwaukee 29 17 .630 — and nine rebounds, Luke Kennard Indiana 21 24 .467 7½ Chicago 19 26 .422 9½ had a season-high 21 points and Cleveland 17 30 .362 12½ Reggie Jackson added 20 points. Detroit 13 33 .283 16 The Clippers made 19 three- Western Conference pointers, one off their season high. They hit eight in the fourth, when Southwest Division they stretched a 13-point lead to 24 WLPct GB points. Kennard, starting in place Dallas 24 21 .533 — of injured Paul George, made four San Antonio 23 21 .523 ½ threes in a row while the Bucks MARK J. TERRILL / AP Memphis 22 22 .500 1½ managed just two points during a Los Angeles Clippers guard Reggie Jackson, right, shoots as Milwaukee Bucks guard Donte DiVincenzo New Orleans 21 25 .457 3½ Houston 13 33 .283 11½ stretch midway through the quar- defends. Jackson had 20 points in his team’s 129­105 win Monday in Los Angeles. Northwest Division ter. Kennard finished with five threes, tying his season high, and very well, particularly late. Just George was a late scratch be- mindset every single night.” WLPct GB Jackson had four. too much penetration,” Bucks cause of right foot soreness. Giannis Antetokounmpo led Utah 35 11 .761 — Los Angeles owned a 25-6 edge coach Mike Budenholzer said. “Everything we’ve been work- Milwaukee with 32 points, making Denver 28 18 .609 7 Portland 28 18 .609 7 in second-chance points and ou- “They did a good job of getting in- ing on and frustrated by earlier in 10 of 12 free throws, and Jrue Holi- Oklahoma City 19 27 .413 16 trebounded Milwaukee, 46-32. side of us. They were creating a lot the season, you can see it coming day added 24 points in the opener Minnesota 11 36 .234 24½ “They shot it at a really high of good looks. We got to be better together,” Clippers coach Tyronn of a six-game trip, their longest of Pacific Division clip. Just didn’t think we guarded defensively.” Lue said. “We have a defensive the second half. WLPct GB Phoenix 31 14 .689 — L.A. Clippers 32 16 .667 ½ ROUNDUP L.A. Lakers 30 17 .638 2 Golden State 23 24 .489 9 Sacramento 22 25 .468 10 Monday’s games Washington 132, Indiana 124 Harden’s triple leads Nets past Wolves Brooklyn 112, Minnesota 107 Miami 98, New York 88 New Orleans 115, Boston 109 Associated Press with 18 as Miami improved to 23-24. Dallas 127, Oklahoma City 106 Memphis 120, Houston 110 NEW YORK — James Harden had 38 points, Pelicans 115, Celtics 109: Zion Williamson Detroit 118, Toronto 104 Sacramento 132, San Antonio 115 13 assists and 11 rebounds, tying the Nets’ sin- scored 28 points and New Orleans held on after Utah 114, Cleveland 75 L.A. Clippers 129, Milwaukee 105 gle-season record with his 12th triple-double in blowing most of a 17-point, fourth-quarter lead Golden State 116, Chicago 102 just 32 games, and Brooklyn held off the Min- to win the first game in front of Boston fans Tuesday’s games nesota Timberwolves 112-107 on Monday since before the pandemic. Charlotte at Washington Philadelphia at Denver night. Brandon Ingram had 25 points and nine as- Atlanta at Phoenix “He's our leader and he’s meant a lot to us. sists and Josh Hart had 15 points and 15 re- Orlando at L.A. Clippers Another triple-double and you can’t take it for bounds for the Pelicans, who won for the fourth Wednesday’s games Miami at Indiana granted, but you tend to, a little bit, because time in five games. Portland at Detroit he’s able to pull these out of a hat almost every Mavericks 127, Thunder 106: Luka Doncic Dallas at Boston Houston at Brooklyn night,” Nets coach Steve Nash said. scored 25 points to help Dallas roll to a win at New York at Minnesota Toronto at Oklahoma City Kyrie Irving added 27 points in his return af- Oklahoma City. Utah at Memphis Sacramento at San Antonio ter missing the three-game road trip last week Kristaps Porzingis had 20 points and nine re- Chicago at Phoenix for family reasons. bounds, and Tim Hardaway Jr. added 19 points Milwaukee at L.A. Lakers Hall of Famer Jason Kidd had 12 triple-dou- for the Mavericks. Dallas shot 53% from the Thursday’s games Philadelphia at Cleveland bles for the Nets in both the 2006-07 and 2007- field and never trailed in snapping a two-game Washington at Detroit 08 seasons. losing skid. Charlotte at Brooklyn Golden State at Miami Brooklyn won for the 18th time in 21 games. Grizzlies 120, Rockets 110: Jonas Valanci- Orlando at New Orleans / AP Atlanta at San Antonio Karl-Anthony Towns had 31 points and 12 re- FRANK FRANKLIN II unas scored a season-high 30 points, including Denver at L.A. Clippers bounds for Minnesota. Rookie Anthony Ed- The Brooklyn Nets’ James Harden, right, eight down the stretch, and added 15 rebounds Leaders wards had 23 points and 10 boards, protects the ball from the Minnesota Tim­ to help Memphis win at Houston. Through Tuesday Wizards 132, Pacers 124: Russell West- berwolves’ Karl­Anthony Towns. Harden had Pistons 118, Raptors 104: Saben Lee Scoring brook had 35 points, a season-high 21 assists 38 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds. scored 14 of his 19 points in the first half in his GFG FT PTS AVG and 14 rebounds for his NBA-leading 16th tri- second career start, and host Detroit beat To- Beal, WAS 41 449 296 1284 31.3 ple-double, helping Washington past visiting points and 17 rebounds to power host Utah to ronto. Lillard, POR 44 404 319 1310 29.8 Indiana. its sixth straight win. Kings 132, Spurs 115: De’Aaron Fox Curry, GS 40 386 202 1162 29.1 Westbrook also claimed the franchise career Mike Conley contributed 18 points for the scored 24 points, Richaun Holmes had 23 Rebounds triple-double record in just his 38th game with Jazz, who have won 20 straight at home after points and 12 rebounds, and Sacramento won GOFF DEF TOT AVG the Wizards, this one coming while teammate dropping their first two home games of the sea- at San Antonio for its fifth straight victory. Capela, ATL 40 197 367 564 14.1 and NBA leading scorer Bradley Beal sat out son. Warriors 116, Bulls 102: Stephen Curry Gobert, UTA 46 159 456 615 13.4 with a bruised hip. Darrell Walker had 15 tri- Heat 98, Knicks 88: Jimmy Butler scored made a triumphant return from a five-game Valanciunas, MEM 39 156 333 489 12.5 ple-doubles in 283 games for Washington be- 27 points and Miami snapped a six-game losing absence with a bruised tailbone to score 32 Assists tween 1987-1991. streak with a win at New York. points with six three-pointers, and host Golden GAST AVG Jazz 114, Cavaliers 75: Donovan Mitchell Bam Adebayo scored 20 points, Duncan State snapped a four-game losing streak by Harden, BKN 40 448 11.2 scored 19 points and Rudy Gobert added 18 Robinson added 20, and Tyler Herro finished beating Chicago. Westbrook, WAS 38 400 10.5 Wednesday, March 31, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 21 AUTO RACING/MLB MLB to relax protocol when 85% on field have been vaccinated BY RONALD BLUM pen catchers, team physicians, Associated Press athletic trainers, physical ther- NEW YORK — Card games, car apists, and strength and condition- pools and eating at restaurants ing coaches. may be back in the major leagues While clubhouse video rules later this season. Trips to church would loosen before and after and sponsor events may return, games, in-game use will remain too. covered by rules restricting in- Mask use would be dropped game use to MLB-issued iPads from dugouts and bullpens, and with catcher’s signals blocked, electronic tracing devices would regulations put in place in re- be eliminated when 85% of major sponse to the Houston Astros sign- league players and primary field stealing scandal. staff are vaccinated against the Once the 85% threshold is reac- coronavirus. Communal club- hed, fully vaccinated players and house video would return before staff would be able to eat and drink and after games. Pool tables on flights. They would be able to would be restored, along with gather in indoor spaces such as team saunas. PHOTOS BY WADE PAYNE / AP hotels without masks or social dis- A three-page memorandum tancing as long as nonvaccinated Joey Logano leads Denny Hamlin through Turn 4 during Monday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Bristol, from Major League Baseball and Tenn. Logano won the series’ first race at a dirt track in 50 years. people aren’t present, and they the players’ association sent to would be able to carpool or use players and staff on Monday and Uber or Lyft. The relaxation obtained by The Associated Press would not apply to gatherings in also stated “all players and staff group facilities at ballparks, such are strongly encouraged to re- as clubhouses. Paydirt: Logano takes the ceive one of the approved CO- Fully vaccinated people who VID-19 vaccines when eligible.” have close contact with someone “For purposes of this memo, in- with COVID-19 would not have to dividuals are considered ‘fully quarantine unless they exhibit vaccinated’ two weeks after re- checkered flag in a haze symptoms. ceiving their second dose of a two- dose vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) Vaccinated players and staff Bristol has 1st NASCAR Cup race on dirt in 50 years or two weeks after their first dose would have the option to reduce PCR saliva testing to twice week- BY JENNA FRYER of a single dose vaccine (Johnson launched this drive through the ly, similar to Tier 2 staff, such as Associated Press & Johnson),” the memo stated. dirt. It was broadcast partner Fox front office and clubhouse em- BRISTOL, Tenn. — Somewhere who wanted a dirt race on the Cup Not many players have been ployees, owners and ground- under the thick red haze floating schedule and Speedway Motor- vaccinated, according to MLB, but skeepers. over Bristol Motor Speedway, sports, seeking some new energy it expects the pace to increase af- Family members who are fully Joey Logano took the checkered at its beloved Bristol bullring, said ter teams return to their home ci- vaccinated and children who are flag for NASCAR’s first Cup Se- it would take the race. ties from spring training. Opening ries race at a dirt track in 50 years. So NASCAR awarded the ex- day is Thursday. not vaccinated would be able to He couldn’t see much — visibil- periment to Bristol, bypassing The St. Louis Cardinals and stay with players and staff in hotel ity was next to nothing during this dozens of quality established dirt Houston Astros said Monday their rooms during road trips, though Monday dust storm — but Logano tracks across the country. The players will be offered vaccines MLB and the union cautioned that clung to the familiar bottom lane snub extended to Tony Stewart, before openers and the San Fran- the Centers for Disease Control around the bullring to collect the who had successfully hosted sev- cisco Giants said some of their advised not to use commercial checkered flag on this NASCAR en Truck Series races at his Eldo- players already had received vac- travel and to stay home unless experiment. ra Speedway dirt track in Ohio but cination shots. necessary. Families also would be Logano got a jump on Denny said was never considered for a MLB’s Tier 1 restrictions in able to sit anywhere in ballparks Hamlin on the overtime restart to Cup race. Logano celebrates after his win, place since last summer cover and not be restricted to pods, sub- earn his third career victory at Marcus Smith, the CEO of only his fourth race driven on a players, managers, coaches, bull- ject to local laws and policies. Bristol. But this was not the Bristol Speedway Motorsports, insisted dirt track. of old, the track had been covered concrete Bristol was up to the with 2,300 truckloads of red Ten- challenge and he told The Associ- won his first Truck Series race in nessee clay so that NASCAR could ated Press he’d spent nearly $2 15 years to open the day — and add a dirt track to the Cup sched- million to make the dirt dream a then Logano closed the Cup race ule for the first time since 1970. reality. with the overtime victory. “How about Bristol on dirt, Smith was pleased with the buzz Everyone seemed happy, and guys! This is incredible,” Logano generated by the event, even as before the race was even over, the said to the crowd, a reduced ca- NASCAR huddled for solutions to track announced over the public pacity sellout of about 30,000 fans. extreme dust, poor tire durability address system that Bristol would “There’s nothing like winning at and shifting weather conditions run on dirt again next season. Bristol, but putting it on dirt and that made the buildup a muddy “It’s only my fourth dirt race ev- being the first to do it is very spe- mess. When race day finally ar- er, so I had a lot of fun trying to fig- cial.” rived, torrential overnight rains ure it out,” Logano said. “I was Logano became the seventh had flooded the Bristol grounds having a blast racing, trying to race winner through seven races and NASCAR had to postpone find the right lanes, moving this season and gave Team Penske Sunday’s show by a day. around.” back-to-back victories. Ryan Bla- Through all the consternation, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., a veteran ney won in a Penske Ford last Smith remained optimistic and dirt racer, was second for his high- week. headed to the track Monday morn- est finish of the season. Hamlin, JOSE F. MORENO / AP The Logano victory closed a ing convinced this dirt project was who had last raced on dirt in go- A statue of Harry Kalas wears a face mask during a tour on the weekend of uncertainty and even a success. The final product was a karts when he was 8, finished COVID­19 protocols and safety guidelines that fans should be aware some hysteria as NASCAR doubleheader — Martin Truex Jr. third. of when they return to games at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. PAGE 22 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, March 31, 2021 NCAA TOURNAMENT Magical moment makes Sampson reflect Houston coach remembers first coach who hired him: Heathcote Associated Press son get jobs at Montana Tech and INDIANAPOLIS — Kelvin the Washington State job, which Sampson savored Monday night’s led Sampson to Oklahoma — magical moment. where he made his first and only After Houston beat Oregon State other Final Four appearance in to reach the Final Four, the coach 2002. and his wife, Karen, walked over Sampson fell short of the nation- and waved to Cougars fans. Then al championship that year and he celebrated his second Final when it looked like he might make Four trip by hugging his son and it back in 2008 with Indiana, was assistant coach, Kellen. His daugh- forced out before the end of the ter, Lauren, is the team’s director season because of NCAA viola- of external affairs. tions. Now, 13 years later and a Finally, he took a few moments short stroll from the governing to reflect on the man who would body that nearly ended his career, have enjoyed the game even more Sampson made it back with some than him or Oregon State coach of the same lessons he learned Wayne Tinkle — the late national- from Heathcote all those years ago. championship winning coach Jud “Jud was unique, he was a hard Heathcote of Michigan State. worker, he came from humble be- “My two kids were born in Mon- ginnings,” Sampson said, noting tana. I coached in Montana, and that Heathcote’s top student, Mag- DARRON CUMMINGS / AP Wayne was a great player at the ic Johnson, texted him Monday. Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson holds the trophy after winning the Midwest Regional with Monday’s University of Montana,” Sampson “His greatest strength was his abil- 67­61 victory over Oregon State in Indianapolis. It’s Sampson’s second trip to the Final Four. said after his 1,000th career game ity to get the most out of people. But as a head coach. “When I talked to the guy that influenced me the pionship and become the first un- “Heck, Jalen’s 19 years old. This is knock off unbeaten Gonzaga. Wayne before the game, I said, most that I would give the most defeated men’s champion in 45 his first time through. He doesn’t Then, if the 11th-seeded Bruins ‘You know who would love to credit to was my father, John W. years. know any different. So he’s having beat No. 1 seed Michigan in the watch this game tonight was Jud Sampson. I wish he and my mother Conventional wisdom might a great time.” East Region championship game, Heathcote.’ Jud gave me my start were here tonight to see this.” suggest the pressure should be in- the crosstown rivals would finally at Michigan State, and Wayne and creasing as the finish line draws La La land meet in the NCAA tourney. I are both part of Jud’s coaching Staying loose nearer. Not a chance with this Through their long history as While UCLA has a record 11 tree, so I was thinking about Jud to- Coach Mark Few, freshman star team. crosstown foes, there’s one place championship banners, it hasn’t night.” Jalen Suggs and top-seeded Gon- “There’s a looseness about them USC and UCLA have never met: played in the Final Four since Heathcote hired the then-22- zaga are chasing history in Indi- because you’ve got Drew Timme the NCAA Tournament. 2008. USC has never made it and year-old Sampson as a graduate anapolis. on your team, for one, and Joel It could happen next weekend, this is the first time the two Los An- assistant at Michigan State in the The Zags need three more wins Ayayi has just an infectious enthu- though it would take two upsets. geles schools have ever made the late 1970s. Later, he helped Samp- to win their first national cham- siasm about him,” Few said. First, the Trojans would have to Elite Eight in the same season. Scoreboard Tickets: ‘We got good looks and the guys made them’ East Regional FROM PAGE 24 Wayne Tinkle said. “Really proud At Indianapolis that’s what great teams do. They of this group. We got every single Regional Semifinals Sunday, March 28 get on top and then figure out how ounce out of them.” Michigan 76, Florida St. 58 to stay there. Gonzaga’s Bulldogs, on the oth- UCLA 88, Alabama 78, OT Regional Championship In this case, guard Davion er hand, have yet to be pushed Tuesday, March 30 Mitchell’s speedy runs through anywhere near their limits. Michigan vs. UCLA South Regional the Arkansas defense opened up They’ve won won 33 straight dat- At Indianapolis space at the perimeter, which ing to the 2019-20 season. They’re Regional Semifinals teammate MaCio Teague took full 29-0 this time around and the last Saturday, March 27 Baylor 62, Villanova 51 advantage of to nail consecutive 26 have all been by double-digits. Arkansas 72, Oral Roberts 70 Regional Championship three-pointers and put the game They’ve got NBA Draft lottery tal- Monday, March 29 out of reach. ent, a deep bench and like Michi- Baylor 81, Arkansas 72 “It just showed how focused and gan, and now Baylor, they’ve pro- Midwest Regional ready to play we were,” said Bay- ven capable of responding every At Indianapolis Regional Semifinals lor coach Scott Drew, who took time push comes to shove. Saturday, March 27 over a scandal-plagued program Thus far, the Zags have done it Oregon St. 65, Loyola Chicago 58 Houston 62 Syracuse 46 in 2003 and brought the Bears to mostly on offense. Regional Championship Monday, March 29 the cusp of a Final Four twice be- But what all those high-scoring Houston 67, Oregon St. 61 fore. “We got good looks and the wins obscure is how good they can West Regional guys made them.” defend when they need to. At Indianapolis MICHAEL CONROY / AP Regional Semifinals Not bad timing, either, with They’ve held opponents below Sunday, March 28 overall top seed Gonzaga and the Baylor head coach Scott Drew holds up the net after his team’s 81­72 their scoring average in 20 games, Gonzaga 83, Creighton 65 Southern Cal 82, Oregon 68 final No. 1, Michigan, expected to victory over Arkansas on Monday in Indianapolis. including the past six and might Regional Championship validate their championship cre- be getting even better. Their win Tuesday, March 30 Gonzaga vs. Southern Cal dentials against No. 6 USC and No. lead at intermission. Then they with a three-pointer with 3:21 left against Creighton was the seventh Final Four 11 UCLA, respectively, when the went cold, shooting a miserable to break a 55-all tie, Oregon State time Gonzaga held an opponent to At Indianapolis Elite Eight round wrapped up 29% in the second half as the Bea- couldn’t buy a basket, and the at least 10 points worse than their National Semifinals Saturday, April 3 Tuesday. vers, improbably, looked set to be- Cougars made enough free throws average. Baylor vs. Houston Houston’s win over Oregon come the lowest-seeded team to the rest of the way for a shaky win. “This is not a one-trick pony,” Michigan-UCLA winner vs. Gonzaga- Southern Cal winner State was a different story. Like make a Final Four. “It was right there within our cautioned Bluejays coach Greg National Championship Monday, April 5 Baylor, the Cougars came flying But then Houston’s Quentin grasp with the effort we showed in McDermott. “These guys can play Semifinal winners out of the gate, rolling to a 34-17 Grimes punctured that balloon the second half,” Beavers coach on both ends of the floor.” Wednesday, March 31, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 23 NCAA WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT McDonald powers Arizona past Indiana and into Final Four

BY JIM VERTUNO Associated Press SAN ANTONIO — Arizona asks 33 Aari McDonald to do just about Points by Arizona 5-6 senior guard everything for the Wildcats. And Aari McDonald, a season high, in her just about every game, she deliv- team’s 66-53 defeat of Indiana on ers all she’s got. Monday. She also had 11 rebounds McDonald scored 33 points in a and four assists. dizzying display of razzle-dazzle SOURCE: Associated Press shot making and gutsy leadership in crunch time, carrying the No. 3 two have been not-so-quietly seed Wildcats to a 66-53 win over building the program in the desert No. 4 seed Indiana on Monday ever since. night, sending Arizona to its first “Aari, I asked her to do every- Final Four in women’s NCAA thing. She has done everything the Tournament history. whole time she’s been here,” “Just being a little player, I al- Barnes. “And I’m proud of all of ERIC GAY / AP ways play with a chip on my shoul- these young women around her. UConn guard Paige Bueckers, center, drives to the basket between Baylor defenders Queen Egbo, left, der,” said McDonald, who stands They fight and they play for her, and DiJonai Carrington during the Huskies’ 69­67 regional championship win Monday in San Antonio. just 5-foot-6 but used her small and it’s just amazing.” frame to slip under and around de- McDonald topped 30 points for fenders or shake them off the drib- the second straight tournament ble. game. She scored 31 against Texas “A lot of people say I’m too A&M two days earlier. Against the UConn tops Baylor, reaches small. I’ll never do this, I’ll never Hoosiers, she was 12-for-20 shoot- do that. That drives me,” she said. ing and made 5 of 6 three-pointers. The Pac-12 player of the year “I always want to be better than controlled just about every Wild- I was the day before,” McDonald its 13th straight Final Four cats possession, hitting the Hoo- said. siers with slashing drives, timely History was going to be made rebounds and even a banked-in whichever team won Monday Bueckers scores 28 points as Huskies barely hold off Bears, 69-67 three-pointer. night. Indiana advanced past the She briefly left the game with a Sweet 16 for the first time but its BY DOUG FEINBERG both free throws to give Baylor twisted left ankle late in the fourth methodical, grinding game simply Associated Press Scoreboard one last chance. Carrington, who quarter, but had it taped up and ran into a a player it couldn’t SAN ANTONIO — It took a finished with 22 points, drove the limped back on the court to score match for 40 minutes. great game from phenomenal Alamo Region lane to the left and missed a con- six more points. Her three-point After pulling back from an freshman Paige Bueckers and a At San Antonio tested jumper from the baseline play with 34 seconds left put the eight-point deficit in the third be- Regional Championship last-second stop with a disputed Tuesday, March 30 where a foul could have been exclamation point on the victory. hind a workhorse night from nonfoul call to keep UConn’s run Stanford vs. Louisville called, but wasn’t. Arizona (20-5) advanced to Fri- Mackenzie Holmes in the post, the of Final Four appearances going. Hemisfair Region “I personally don’t see it as a day’s national semifinal against Hoosiers had tied it 48-48. But a Regional Championship Bueckers scored 28 points and Tuesday, March 30 controversial call. I’ve seen the re- top-seeded UConn, which reac- scoring drought of more than the top-seeded Huskies used a South Carolina vs. Texas play, and one girl fouled me in my hed its 13th straight Final Four three minutes kept them from huge run spanning the final two River Walk Region face and one girl fouled me in my when it beat No. 2 seed Baylor ear- making a charge in a game Indi- quarters to beat No. 2 Baylor 69-67 At San Antonio arm,” Carrington said. “So, at that lier Monday. ana led only one minute of the sec- Regional Championship on Monday night and reach a 13th Monday, March 29 point you can’t do anything else. Wildcats coach Adia Barnes, ond quarter. consecutive Final Four in the UConn 69, Baylor 67 We drew up a play, (Smith) got who led Arizona to the Sweet 16 as Holmes scored 20 and grabbed Mercado Region women’s NCAA Tournament. fouled posting up and I got fouled a point guard in 1998, is now the eight rebounds to lead the Hoo- At San Antonio “Each year that we do it, I still Regional Championship driving. Nothing we could really sixth coach to lead her alma mater siers (21-6), and they tried to use Monday, March 29 can’t believe it,” said UConn Arizona 66, Indiana 53 do about that situation in particu- to the women’s Final Four. her presence in the post to control coach Geno Auriemma, who was Final Four lar. But, you know, turn the page.” Barnes has said she took a risk the game until the late scoring showered by his team with confet- At San Antonio LeBron James even tweeted when she returned to coach her al- problems. ti after the game. National Semifinals that a foul should have been ma mater five years ago, when it “I feel like we got some good Friday, April 2 The Huskies have made the na- UConn vs. Arizona called. Bears coach Kim Mulkey was one of the worst programs in looks, we couldn’t put an exclama- Stanford-Louisville winner vs. South tional semifinals every season Carolina-Texas winner agreed. the Pac-12. Then McDonald trans- tion point on some of them,” Indi- National Championship since 2008 and have won six titles Sunday, April 4 “I’ve got still shots and video ferred from Washington and the ana coach Teri Moren said. during that span. They will face Semifinal winners from two angles. One kid hits her Arizona on Friday night. The in the face and one kid hits her on Wildcats are playing in their first the elbow,” Mulkey said. Final Four after beating Indiana. when Paige is scoring, the rest of Williams corralled the rebound Bueckers was 6 years old when the team really gains a lot of confi- and was fouled with 0.8 seconds UConn started its run of appear- dence,” Auriemma said. “Our de- left. She hit one of the free throws ances in the national semifinals. fense got just really good at the before Bueckers stole the in- “To be part of that history is end, and we got some great stops.” bounds pass at the buzzer. wild,” Bueckers said. “It’s why I The Bears (28-3) wouldn’t go No team has played UConn came here. ... Saw that as a young away as Bueckers went cold in the tougher over the last decade than kid, wanted to be a part of that. It’s final minutes. Trailing 64-55, Na- Baylor, with each team winning surreal.” Lyssa Smith, an All-American four of the matchups. The Lady The Huskies (28-1) trailed 55-45 herself, ended Baylor’s drought Bears (28-3) had won the previous late in the third quarter before with 6:47 left and sparked a 12-4 two, including a 74-58 win at Con- scoring 19 consecutive points, in- burst that got the Bears within one necticut in January of 2020. cluding 10 by Bueckers, who be- after DiJonai Carrington convert- They were supposed to meet came the third first-year player to ed two free throws with 19.3 sec- this past January, but Mulkey ERIC GAY / AP make first-team All-America. onds left. came down with COVID-19 Arizona guard Aari McDonald drives to the basket past Indiana “Paige got that look in her eye, After a timeout, Baylor fouled around Christmas and the game forward Mackenzie Holmes. McDonald scored 33 points in the started getting some buckets. And Christyn Williams, who missed was canceled. Wildcats’ 66­53 win Monday in the Elite Eight. PAGE 24 • STARS AND STRIPES • Wednesday, March 31, 2021 Down to the wire SPORTS Bueckers, UConn edge Baylor, earn berth in Final Four ›› Page 23

NCAA TOURNAMENT 2 are in

DARRON CUMMINGS / AP Baylor players celebrate Monday’s 81­72 victory over Arkansas in the regional finals of the NCAA Tournament in Indianapolis. It’s Baylor’s first trip to the Final Four since 1950. Baylor, Houston get first two tickets to Final Four BY JIM LITKE in the memories of Houston’s great “Phi Associated Press Slamma Jamma” tournament teams of the nother contender emerged from early 80s, but they could be in for a rude the mist at the NCAA Tourna- awakening. ment — nothing dramatic, mind Because this is how Arkansas coach Eric Ayou, like in the movies, because Musselman began his postgame news con- we already knew No. 1 seed Baylor was very ference: “Just want to give Baylor a ton of good. credit. I thought that they played phenom- But so was third-seeded Arkansas. Yet enal tonight, especially offensively.” the Bears ran the Razorbacks into the The Bears are fast, tenacious, long- ground early and then again when it got armed and when everything is clicking, close, posting a comfortable 81-72 win that brutally efficient, too. Just nine minutes in, demonstrated they’re much, much better they built an 18-point cushion, playing ha- than good and in the mood for bigger game. rassing defense and shooting 68% without They won’t have to wait long. turning the ball over once. By half, that was Baylor faces No. 2 Houston, which nearly trimmed to 46-38. The Razorbacks got with- blew a 17-point lead before shaking off 11th- in four around the 6-minute mark, then got MICHAEL CONROY / AP seeded Oregon State 67-61, come Saturday counter-punched with an 8-1 run because Houston players celebrate after beating Oregon State 67­61 on Monday in the Midwest for a spot in the national championship Regional final to earn a berth in the Final Four. game. Cougars fans have until then to revel SEE TICKETS ON PAGE 22

Logano wins NASCAR’s dirt track race ›› Auto racing, Page 21