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Volume 79 Edition 233B ©SS 2021 CONTINGENCY EDITION SUNDAY,MARCH 14, 2021 Free to Deployed Areas US set to delay pullout With clock ticking and violence continuing, troops could remain in Afghanistan beyond deadline

BY MISSY RYAN, KAREN DEYOUNG AND SUSANNAH GEORGE The Washington Post

WASHINGTON — The United States ap- pears poised to extend its troop presence in Afghanistan beyond a May 1 deadline agreed last year with the Taliban, as it races to secure an interim peace deal that could end America’s longest war and allow Presi- dent Joe Biden to move toward an elusive foreign policy goal. Deliberations about the fate of the 2,500 U.S. troops remaining in Afghanistan grow increasingly urgent as the administration approaches the deadline. The Trump ad- ministration in February 2020 agreed to the May withdrawal following negotiations with the Taliban. HAMED SARFARAZI/AP While the administration cautions that no A security official inspects the site of a car bomb attack in Herat province, west of Kabul, Afghanistan, on Saturday. A powerful car bomb killed numerous people and injured dozens more in the war-torn country’s western Herat province, officials said Saturday. SEE DELAY ON PAGE 4 Top Senate, House committee members unite against Guard deployments, Capitol fencing

BY SARAH CAMMARATA the Senate Armed Services Com- gence,” Inhofe wrote, along with Stars and Stripes mittee, demanded answers from four other Senate leaders. WASHINGTON — Leaders acting Capitol Police Chief Yoga- The letter to Pittman came a from the House and Senate nanda Pittman about what justi- day after the House Armed Ser- Armed Services Committees have fies the need for fencing around vices Committee Chairman Adam united in opposition to security the complex and the continued de- Smith, D-Wash., and ranking Re- measures at the Capitol that in- ployment of National Guard publican Mike Rogers of Alabama clude deployed National Guard troops. issued a joint statement that called troops and fencing around the “Since the events of Jan. 6, Capi- for a “measured drawdown” of the building due to concerns over tol Police has repeatedly failed to Guard deployment. cost, the strain on readiness and a provide specific, credible threat “We are deeply troubled by the lack of clear threat. intelligence to adequately justify current level of security around A group of Senate leaders on the current Capitol security pos- the United States Capitol. More Friday, led by Jim Inhofe of Okla- ture, which remains dispropor- CAROLYN KASTER/AP homa, the ranking Republican on tionate to the available intelli- SEE UNITE ON PAGE 5 National Guard stand near the Capitol on Monday in Washington. PAGE 2 • STARS AND STRIPES • Sunday, March 14, 2021 BUSINESS/WEATHER Netflix tests crackdown on password sharing EXCHANGE RATES Military rates So. Korea (Won) 1136.36 Associated Press The test comes as streaming now $14 monthly, allows two si- Switzerlnd (Franc) 0.9306 Euro costs (March 15) $1.16 Thailand (Baht) 30.74 NEW YORK — Netflix is test- services proliferate and more multaneous streams; the $18 pre- Dollar buys (March 15) 0.8177 Turkey (NewLira) 7.5848 British pound (March 15) $1.36 ing a way to crack down on pass- people share passwords and ser- mium plan allows 3. Japanese yen (March 15) 106.00 (Military exchange rates are those available word sharing. vices. Netflix confirmed the test, But there has never been a lim- South Korean won (March 15) 1100.00 to customers at military banking facilities in the Commercial rates country of issuance for Japan, South Korea, Ger­ The popular streaming service but did not say how many people it on sharing an account when many, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Bahrain(Dinar) 0.3771 For nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., pur­ has been using popups to ask were part of the test or if it was you aren't streaming at the same Britain (Pound) 0.7200 chasing British pounds in Germany), check with Canada (Dollar) 1.2521 your local military banking facility. Commercial some users to verify their ac- only in the U.S. or elsewhere. time. China(Yuan) 6.5042 rates are interbank rates provided for reference Denmark (Krone) 6.2330 count via email or text, or to “ver- “This test is designed to help Competition has definitely Egypt (Pound) 15.6991 when buying currency. All figures are foreign ify later." ensure that people using Netflix heated up in entertainment Euro 0.8382 currencies to one dollar, except for the British Hong Kong (Dollar) 7.7653 pound, which is represented in dollars­to­ “If you don't live with the own- accounts are authorized to do so," streaming, with recent entrants Hungary (Forint) 307.31 pound, and the euro, which is dollars­to­euro.) Israel (Shekel) 3.3234 er of this account, you need your the company said in a statement. running from Disney+ in 2019 to Japan (Yen) 109.00 INTEREST RATES own account to keep watching," On the most basic plan, which Paramount+ most recently. Still, Kuwait(Dinar) 0.3027 Norway (Krone) 8.4534 Prime rate 3.25 the screen reads, according to costs $9 monthly, users can only Netflix remains the one to beat Philippines (Peso) 48.38 Interest Rates Discount rate 0.75 Poland (Zloty) 3.84 Federal funds market rate 0.09 Streamable.com, which first re- stream on one screen at a time. with more than 200 million sub- Saudi Arab (Riyal) 3.7508 3­month bill 0.04 ported the test. The most popular plan, which is scribers globally. Singapore (Dollar) 1.3455 30­year bond 2.28 WEATHER OUTLOOK SUNDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST SUNDAY IN EUROPE MONDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 51/39

Kabul Seoul 53/44 54/37 Baghdad 70/47 Tokyo Drawsko Osan Kandahar Mildenhall/ 55/47 60/40 69/51 Pomorskie Busan Lakenheath 40/36 56/43 45/37 Iwakuni Kuwait City Bahrain 53/47 Brussels Zagan Sasebo 71/52 69/65 Ramstein 43/38 58/46 Guam 48/37 43/35 84/80 Riyadh Lajes, 76/51 Doha Azores Stuttgart 77/60 62/58 40/35 Pápa Aviano/ 46/42 Vicenza 50/41

Naples 57/52 Okinawa Morón 71/67 73/42 Sigonella Rota 71/44 The weather is provided by the Djibouti 68/51 Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 85/73 60/56 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. TODAY IN STRIPES American Roundup ...... 11 Books ...... 14 Comics ...... 15 Crossword ...... 15 Music ...... 12-13 Opinion ...... 18 Sports ...... 19-24 Sunday, March 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 3 MILITARY Poll: Wounded female vets feel isolated

BY COREY DICKSTEIN up anecdotal evidence that wom- before the coronavirus pandemic. ics, they often felt like second- ages … there will be an acknowl- Stars and Stripes en struggled more than men to It is not meant to represent all fe- class citizens to men. edgement that women serve as Most wounded female veterans transition from military to civilian male veterans, as it was sent only One woman, for example, told well and have a vital part in de- feel isolated, lonely and believe life. She said women who spoke to those registered with Wounded the Wounded Warrior Project that fending the United States,” she they are not respected for their with Wounded Warrior Project Warrior Project, including those when her nonveteran husband ac- said. military service, according to a craved mentorship and network- who suffered physical and mental companied her to the VA, “they The Wounded Warrior Project Wounded Warrior Project poll re- ing opportunities with other wom- injuries and other disabilities dur- address him thinking he’s the vet- said it would use the data it collect- leased Friday. en who served. ing their time in uniform. eran.” ed in the survey to bolster and ex- The survey of women regis- “Specifically, with people who The survey found wounded fe- “This is an area where we really pand its programs geared toward tered with the nonprofit revealed knew their backgrounds, knew male veterans were more educat- think there’s room for improve- its female veterans. some 80% of respondents showed what they found in the service and ed than their male counterparts, ment,” said Jennifer Silva, WWP’s The major takeaway, Silva said, indications of loneliness and often who knew how those aspects and but also less likely to hold a full- chief program officer. “The envi- was the need for more programs struggled to connect with their training that they received … time job, with only 34% of respon- ronments within the VA facilities aimed at connecting female veter- peers, including female and male could be translated into the civil- dents reporting full-time employ- could be more welcoming and ans together, whether in person or veterans. That compared to about ian environment,” Farrell said. ment. It also found those wounded [make it] a little easier to access virtually. 63% of male wounded veterans “Having some sisters-in-arms to female veterans with jobs earned female-specific care.” “We can’t really overstate the who reported feelings of loneli- share those resources, to point you about $8,000 less per year than The military could also help im- need for that connection that we ness and isolation in separate in the right direction and to just wounded male veterans. prove the image of female veter- have,” she said. “They’re isolated WWP polling, said Tracy Farrell, acknowledge the stories from Some 53% of the women polled ans by including more women in and they are not feeling respected the organization’s vice president your past and understand where for the survey reported they did their public-facing products, Far- for their service. We need to con- of engagement and physical you’re coming from is really im- not believe their service was gen- rell said. nect them, because they find the health and wellness. portant.” erally respected. Women gave dif- “I think the images that are put value in that.” Calling the statistics “volumi- The new data is the product of fering reasons for that feeling, but forward to the media are often nous and staggering,” Farrell said nearly 5,000 respondents to the some said in places such as De- male-centric, so by including [email protected] the survey provided data to back survey administered in early 2020 partment of Veterans Affairs clin- more women in some of those im- Twitter: @CDicksteinDC First round of Naval Academy midshipmen receive vaccine

BY HEATHER MONGILIO statement released by the acade- Cmdr. Alana Garas said in an The Capital, Annapolis (Md.) my. email. By random chance, Midship- Downey, who had COVID-19, Some of the midshipmen who man 4th Class Mathew Downey received the Moderna vaccine received their first shot will head was the first mid to receive the Thursday as midshipmen started to ships after commissioning this COVID-19 vaccine at the Naval A- receiving their first doses. He was spring, including Midshipman 1st cademy. among 1,800 vaccinations provid- Class Sydney Tse, who will be Random chance because his al- ed to midshipmen, faculty and heading to Yokosuka, Japan, after pha code happened to be the first staff Thursday and Friday. graduation. one chosen by the randomized The Naval Academy started “I want this vaccine, so I am system the Naval Academy used vaccinating midshipmen in order able to get out into the fleet ASAP! to choose the order midshipmen for them to participate in summer I also want to be able to enjoy my would receive their first doses. training, where they will work basket leave with a normal-ish “Starting the vaccination of the with Naval crews. life, and I know this is only possi- Brigade of Midshipmen is a great More midshipmen will get the ble if I get the vaccine,” she said in NATHAN BURKE/U.S. Navy start to getting back to normal at vaccinations as the academy re- a statement released by the acade- Midshipman 1st Class Madeleine Cooke receives the COVID­19 the academy,” Downey said in a ceives more supply, spokesperson my. vaccine, Friday, in Annapolis, Md. Previously-banned tourniquet now available after lawsuit BY COREY DICKSTEIN the battlefield. Russ, an Afghanistan com- 130,000 soldiers. Johnson said. “As a result, we made the Stars and Stripes bat veteran, said the TMT’s design with a Russ and Johnson said this week that choice not to seek damages in our com- Army units can now purchase a tourni- wider strap solves an issue with the Army’s they believed their settlement marked the plaint, but merely the reversal of steps tak- quet previously banned by the service after long-standard tourniquet, which some- first time in history a medical product pre- en to inappropriately block procurement of a retired Green Beret’s medical supply times requires two tourniquets to stop viously barred by the Army had been re- innovative products.” company settled a lawsuit last month with bleeding. authorized for use. A spokeswoman for the Army organiza- the federal government over procurement Russ and Safeguard Medical CEO Adam Their legal battle highlighted problems tion responsible for overseeing combat law violations. Johnson filed their suit in October 2020 af- within the military procurement process, medicine research did not dispute that the North Carolina-based Combat Medical ter failed attempts to convince the Army to they said. product was a casualty of the Army’s stan- LLC and its parent company Safeguard reverse its decision to issue a de-facto ban While top Army officials — and those dardization processes, but she did not pro- Medical reached an agreement with the on the TMT in October 2018. At the time, it from the other military services — have in- vide a specific reason for the Army’s initial Justice Department on Feb. 25 to remove placed an administrative code on the prod- creasingly looked to products outside the decision to disqualify soldiers from using Army restrictions on the procurement of uct that barred units from ordering it. The Defense Department’s standard gear, the TMT. its Tactical Mechanical Tourniquet and code, Russ and Johnson argued, is meant to Combat Medical officials said the service “The Army follows a process to standar- medical kits containing that item. The set- be placed on items deemed “condemned” placed unneeded roadblocks to providing dize soldier issued medical equipment to tlement, the result of a lawsuit filed in Fed- by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. such equipment, like the TMT. ensure soldiers are properly trained and eral Claims Court in October, was made In the lawsuit, they charged the Army The company said it believes the Army’s prepared to use equipment under combat public Thursday. wrongly applied the “T-code” to the TMT actions were meant to reinforce that sol- or other life-threatening conditions,” said Corey Russ, a retired Army Special — and medical kits sold by Combat Med- diers carry only standardized medical gear Lori Salvatore, a spokeswoman for U.S. Ar- Forces medic who founded Combat Med- ical containing the tourniquet — without into battle. my Medical Research and Development ical in 2008, said he believes adding the ever providing them an explanation. “Ironically, our lawsuit was the best way Command. Tactical Mechanical Tourniquet, or TMT, At that time, according to the company, to help align [Defense Department] pro- The TMT is now available for Army units to the Army’s inventory can save lives on Army units had issued the TMT to some curement actions with command intent,” to order, she added. PAGE 4 • STARS AND STRIPES • Sunday, March 14, 2021 WAR ON TERRORISM Fatalities mount from Afghan bomb attack BY RAHIM FAIEZ One among the dead and 11 of the geted civil servants, the judiciary, livered earlier this month. Both progress on making peace with the AND KATHY GANNON injured were Afghan Security the media, health care and human- sides are expected to review and Taliban, U.S. Secretary of State Associated Press Forces personnel while the re- itarian workers, including women revise the eight-page plan ahead of Antony Blinken said all options, in- KABUL, Afghanistan — A pow- mainder were civilians, including in prominent positions, those who a far-reaching meeting the U.S. cluding the withdrawal, are still on erful car bomb killed at least eight women and children, said Interior protect and promote human has proposed to be held in Turkey the table. people and wounded 47 in Afghan- Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian. rights, and ethnic and religious mi- within weeks, when Washington The proposed peace deal offered istan’s western Herat province, of- No one immediately claimed re- norities,” the council said. hopes to see an agreement. by the U.S. calls for an interim ficials said Saturday. Hours later, sponsibility. The Islamic State has claimed The U.S. meanwhile is review- “peace government” to shepherd a the U.N. condemned an “alarm- Within hours of the attack, the responsibility for many of the tar- ing a peace deal the Trump admin- post-war Afghanistan to elections ing” increase in attacks in the U.N. Security Council at a press geted killings while the Taliban istration signed with the Taliban, and constitutional reforms. It also country targeting civilians. briefing in New York condemned and the government have blamed which calls for the final withdraw- calls for the protection of equal The death toll in the explosion an “alarming” increase in attacks each other for trying to sabotage al of the remaining 2,500 U.S. rights for women and minorities. late Friday that also destroyed 14 in Afghanistan targeting civilians efforts to reach a peace agreement. troops from Afghanistan by May 1. The U.N. Security Council also houses is expected to rise because even as the Taliban and the Afghan The slow pace of talks and the in- The growing consensus is for a called for “full, equal and mea- several of the injured were critical, government hold on-again-off- creasing violence has prompted delay but in a sternly worded letter ningful participation of women,” said Rafiq Sherzai, a spokesman again talks in Qatar. the United States to cobble togeth- to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and a quick move toward a reduc- for the provincial hospital. “These heinous attacks have tar- er a peace proposal, which was de- earlier this month pressing for tion in violence. Delay: Early departure heightens risk of security, logistical issues the peace process has given the militants in- FROM PAGE 1 ternational legitimacy. The group sees ben- decision has been made on extending the efits in reaching a U.S.-backed deal, which troop presence, officials and experts point could remove the Taliban from global sanc- to a several signs that the administration is tions lists and bring international support likely to postpone a full withdrawal —po- for a future government. tentially with Taliban acquiescence —to “There would be something to lose for the buy more time to advance a power-sharing Taliban if they were to say everything is proposal they hope can break an impasse in over — we’re going back to full-fledged talks between the militants and the Afghan war,” she said. government. Heightened scrutiny of the troop dead- Laurel Miller, who served as a senior offi- line comes less than two weeks after the cial for Afghanistan in the Obama and United States floated a new interim govern- Trump administrations, said it would be ment proposal and Secretary of State Anto- “unfathomable” to pull out American ny Blinken, in a letter to Afghan President forces — let alone thousands of other NATO Ashraf Ghani, outlined an ambitious diplo- troops — in the next 60 days without stoking matic plan that appeared to envision a for- insecurity and jeopardizing chances for an eign troop presence beyond May 1. eventual deal that could allow the United Among the planned summits is a U.N.- States to withdraw without fearing that Af- convened meeting of foreign ministers ghanistan would again become a terrorist from Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran haven. and the United States, which is tentatively As the days tick by, Miller suggested, the scheduled for March 26 and which will increasing likelihood of a U.S. extension is mark the first U.S.-Iran sit-down in years. apparent to the Taliban, who, along with its Taliban and Afghan leaders are also expect- backers in Pakistan, may be inclined to sup- ed to meet next month in Turkey. port a revised timeline. Neither the Afghan government nor the Like Presidents Barack Obama and Do- Taliban has yet committed to the Biden ad- nald Trump before him, Biden has staked ministration’s proposed power-sharing ar- out a goal of ending the war, which has cost rangement. Ghani has said Afghanistan’s trillions of dollars and more than 2,000 U.S. current government can only be replaced military lives as well as those of at least HAMED SARFARAZI/AP through elections. 100,000 Afghan civilians since 2001. Even as Locals inspect the site of a car bomb attack in Herat province, Afghanistan, Saturday. In calling on Ghani to carefully consider Obama considered a troop surge in 2009 the U.S. proposals, Blinken warned that a and 2010, then-Vice President Joe Biden ar- Some in the Afghan government, aware Some military officials also caution there full U.S. withdrawal — leading to “rapid ter- gued unsuccessfully for a narrower ap- of their own vulnerability to military defeat is now insufficient time to leave by May 1 ritorial gains” by the Taliban — remained a proach in Afghanistan, with a small force by the Taliban, are eager for the United without significant security and logistical possibility. focused on terrorist threats. States to remain and pressure the militants problems. While military personnel and Although the administration has vowed Now in the Oval Office, Biden must navi- to comply with the Doha deal. contractors could be evacuated by aircraft, to consult closely with allies that have gate top military advisers’ warnings about Taliban leaders, at least publicly, have ahasty exit would require the destruction of troops in Afghanistan, officials from several the risks of an abrupt exit against his own called on Washington to withdraw forces as millions of dollars in sensitive equipment European nations said they were not in- impulse and growing withdrawal demands it agreed, regardless of the change in ad- and could be followed by a diplomatic draw- formed in advance about the details of the from some lawmakers of both parties. ministration. Mohammad Naeem, spokes- down at the Kabul embassy. U.S. proposals outlined by Blinken. The deliberations come as the Taliban man for the Taliban’s office in Doha, said “At this point, we’re inside a planned win- “I wouldn’t call it consultation; it’s selec- has capitalized on foreign troop reductions the United States has not officially commu- dow for an orderly departure,” a U.S. offi- tive informing,” said one senior European to expand its influence in contested prov- nicated any change in the exit timeline. cial said. “The closer we get to May 1, the official, speaking on the condition of ano- inces and surrounding cities and towns. Bi- “We have an agreement which is signed more expedited it becomes.” nymity about sensitive diplomacy. An offi- den administration officials cite the raging by the United States, a superpower,” and Speaking to reporters last month, De- cial from another coalition government said violence as one aspect of the Taliban’s fail- backed by the United Nations and the inter- fense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the Unit- they first became aware of Blinken’s letter ure to comply with the agreement the previ- national community, he said. “They have to ed States “will not undertake a hasty or dis- only after reading about it in the media. ous administration signed with the mili- follow it.” orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan that While non-U.S. coalition troops outnum- tants last year in Doha, Qatar. As top Biden aides have conducted a re- puts [its] forces or the alliance’s reputation ber Americans, they remain dependent on “I think there is some work to do to get view of Afghanistan policy, military leaders at risk.” the United States for air, intelligence and lo- them to full compliance,” a senior adminis- have laid out what they see as the risks of a Lisa Curtis, who served as the top White gistical support. Coalition members have tration official said earlier this month, not- premature U.S. departure, including a like- House official for Afghanistan from 2017 to made clear they will not be able to stay in ing that the administration believes the Ta- ly collapse into civil war, the increased pos- 2021, said the Taliban, one of whose central Afghanistan if the United States withdraws. liban has not fully broken with al-Qaida. sibility of terrorist attacks targeting the goals has been the departure of foreign They also say there is insufficient time be- The official spoke on the condition of ano- United States, and the reversal of hard-won forces, might be willing to relax its May fore May 1 for an orderly, safe departure of nymity to discuss internal deliberations. advances in human rights. deadline demand if only because its role in their own forces. Sunday, March 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 5 MILITARY Ban on Afghan girls singing spurs protests BY KATHY GANNON threat from conservatives on both deaths but testing is inadequate Associated Press sides of the protracted conflict. and the real numbers are believed KABUL, Afghanistan — A me- “This is Talibanization from in- to be far greater. mo from Afghanistan’s education side the republic,” Sima Samar, an The hashtag campaign was ministry banning girls 12 years old Afghan human rights activist of started by Ahmad Sarmast, the and older from singing at school nearly 40 years, said on Friday. founder of Afghanistan’s Institute functions has been causing a stir When they ruled the country, the of Music. It has had over 600,000 on social media, prompting the au- Taliban — notorious for their re- clicks, according to Haroon Ba- thorities to say it was a mistake pression of women — denied girls luch of BytesforAll, a Pakistan- and that its authors had misunder- the right to education. Music, ex- based rights organization that stood the objective. cept religious songs, was also monitors internet traffic. He also Still, #IAmMySong is gaining banned, as was television. said the trend is building. traction on Twitter, with some Af- The memo, which went to all Sarmast said he began the ghan girls singing their favorite school districts in Kabul, was re- #IAmMySong to “let authorities tunes for the camera and calls scinded, said ministry spokeswo- know that the people of Afghanis- MARIAM ZUHAIB/AP popping up for petitions to oppose man Najiba Arian, insisting that tan oppose this decision and they Students attend an open air class at a primary school in Kabul, the directive. its authors had misunderstood the will stand for the rights of the chil- Afghanistan, in October 2020. The controversy comes as wom- purpose. A new memo was subse- dren, whether boys or girls.” en’s rights activists and civil socie- quently sent, saying music groups The memo, a copy of which was 12. After the fiasco of the first me- ty groups are fighting to ensure for both secondary school girls seen by The Associated Press, “The education department of mo, a second one went out. It that fragile human rights gains and boys are banned. does not mention the pandemic or Kabul city, all government, pri- banned both boys and girls older made over the last 20 years in Af- The objective was not to ban any health concerns. Rather it vate sector and literacy centers than 12 from singing or perform- ghanistan — since the U.S.-led in- girls singing but to prevent boys clearly states that girls older than are seriously advised not to let fe- ing in public — an even more vasion ousted the Taliban regime and girls from participating in 12 cannot perform in any public male students ... above 12 years of shocking directive as it takes “the — take center stage in the peace public events that could spread events and that singing at such age participate and sing in any right of choice and freedom of ex- talks underway with the insur- the coronavirus, she said. Afghan- events is strictly forbidden. It goes type of events or general pro- pression away from all students in gents. It also shows how the rights istan has recorded more than on to say that only female teachers grams,” it said, with the exception secondary and high schools,” Sar- of girls and women are under 55,000 cases of the virus and 2,451 can teach music to girls older than of all-female gatherings. mast said. Unite: Lawmakers criticize use of fences amid no threats

FROM PAGE 1 tioned the security measures. than two months after the Jan. 6 They sent a message to Austin that attack, the seat of our nation’s de- they want to cut back the number mocracy remains heavily protect- of troops in the city. ed by guardsmen and surrounded “We appreciate our guardsmen by a perimeter fence,” Smith and answering the call to protect the Rogers said. Capitol, but it’s time for us to re- The backlash from Congress view what level of security is re- mounted after Defense Secretary quired, so they can return home to Llyod Austin approved a request their families and communities,” this week from the Capitol Police they said. to keep about 2,300 National The congressmen argued the Guard troops deployed to the Cap- bolstered security “is not warrant- itol until late May. ed at this time” and warned of the About 26,000 Guard members “financial costs associated with were sent to the Capitol in the this prolonged deployment,” wake of the Jan. 6 riot at the build- though “some level of support” ing, and more than 5,200 troops from the Guard is necessary. now remain in Washington. The Senate leaders in their let- The deployment was initially ter Friday to the police chief re- set to end Friday before it was ex- quested responses to a long list of tended. questions by March 19. A 7-foot, chain-link fence The questions span from specif- topped with razor wire was also ics about the intelligence that the erected around the Capitol after a police force received of possible mob of Trump supporters storm- threats in advance of Jan. 6 to the ed the building. possibility of using surveillance to “It’s entirely unclear to us why ALEX BRANDON/AP replace Guard troops. the fencing around the complex U.S. Army Michigan National Guard Sgt. Hannah Boulden, from Ann Arbor, Mich., plays her guitar and Senate Minority Leader Mitch remains” without a specific threat sings in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. McConnell, R-Ky., told reporters to the Capitol and with the ability Wednesday that the security mea- to rapidly re-deploy fencing and Homeland Security and Gov- payer hundreds of millions of dol- enforcement agencies and sures are over the top. should a threat arise, Inhofe wrote ernmental Affairs committees re- lars and further strain the Guard slammed the “continued militari- “I’m extremely uncomfortable in the letter to Pittman. spectively. and its brave men and women,” zation of Capitol complex securi- with the fact that my constituents The letter was also signed by Ri- The senators also bashed Austin they wrote. ty.” can’t come to the Capitol. There’s chard Shelby of Alabama, Marco for approving the request to ex- In order to reestablish a “secure However, the senators ac- all this razor wire around the com- Rubio of Florida, Roy Blunt of tend the troop deployment with- and open” building, the Republi- knowledged “we are cognizant of plex. It reminds me of my last visit Missouri, and Rob Portman of out “specific underlying threat in- cans wrote to Pittman that the the generally heightened threat to Kabul,” he said. Ohio., the ranking Republicans of telligence and no mission task Capitol Police must make im- environment in which you are op- the Senate Appropriations, Intelli- analysis.” provements by working with oth- erating.” [email protected] gence, Rules and Administration, “This request will cost the tax- er federal and local civilian law Smith and Rogers also ques- @sarahjcamm PAGE 6 • STARS AND STRIPES • Sunday, March 14, 2021 VIRUS OUTBREAK IRS says stimulus payments on the way

Associated Press passage in the House. The mea- The relief measure, which called the payments in the $900 bil- zero once income hits $80,000. The WASHINGTON — Along with sure provides for payments to passed on party-line votes in both lion relief bill passed in December payment starts declining for mar- daylight saving time, this weekend qualifying individuals of up to the House and Senate, contains the too small and Biden agreed, push- ried couples when income exceeds could bring some Americans fatter $1,400, with payments to a qualify- third round of economic-impact ing the total for an individual up to $150,000 and goes to zero at bank balances. ing family of four of $5,600. payments. The first round passed $1,400 in the new package. $160,000. Officials at the Treasury Depart- “The payments will be delivered last spring provided up to $1,200 The latest round of relief pay- Officials said that beginning on ment and Internal Revenue Ser- automatically to taxpayers even as per individual, and a second round ments will provide households Monday, people can check the vice said Friday that processing of the IRS continues delivering regu- of payments in December provid- with $1,400 for each adult, child “Get My Payment” tool on the IRS- the new round of stimulus pay- lar tax refunds,” IRS Commission- ed up to $600 per individual. and adult dependent, such as col- .gov website to track their own ments has already begun, with the er Chuck Rettig said in a state- The latest package passed with lege students or elderly relatives. payments. aim of having the first payments ment. no votes from Republicans, who Adult dependents were not eligible Taxpayers who have provided start showing up in bank accounts It is estimated that 85% of Amer- objected to the size of the measure to receive payments in the previ- bank information with the IRS will this weekend. icans will be eligible for the pay- and argued it was not necessary ous two rounds of payments. receive the direct-deposit pay- President Joe Biden signed the ments and the goal is to have mil- given signs that the economy is be- The payments start declining for ments, while others will get paper new $1.9 trillion rescue package on lions of the payments disbursed in ginning to recover. an individual once adjusted gross checks or debit cards mailed to Thursday, the day after it won final the next few weeks. Then-President Donald Trump income exceeds $75,000 and go to them. COVID-19 deaths falling but Americans ‘must remain vigilant’ Associated Press mentary relief from a drop in CO- NEW YORK — U.S. deaths VID-19 cases, and then, another from COVID-19 are falling again deadly surge. About 531,000 as the nation continues to recover Americans have died since the from the devastating winter pandemic began a year ago. surge, a trend that experts are “Every time you thought you cautiously hopeful will accelerate had an end, the number of cases as more vulnerable people are went up,” said Dr. Mark Rosen- vaccinated. berg, head of emergency medi- While new coronavirus infec- cine at St. Joseph’s Health in Pa- tions and hospitalizations have terson, N.J. plummeted, the decline in deaths For now, most forecasts show from a January peak of about coronavirus deaths falling further 4,500 hasn’t been quite as steep. in coming weeks as more people But, now, after weeks of hovering get vaccines. More than 100 mil- around 2,000 daily deaths, that fig- lion doses have been given out ure has dropped to about 1,400 since December, and the pace is KRISTOPHER RADDER/AP U.S. lives lost each day to corona- picking up. Michael McKinney, a music instructor at Leland & Gray Union Middle and High School, in Townshend, Vt., virus. “We expect it to continue to gets his first dose of the Pfizer COVID­19 vaccine by Emily Stone during a clinic at the school on Friday. “I am encouraged by these data drive those deaths down even but we must remain vigilant,” Dr. more,” said Johns Hopkins infec- Rochelle Walensky, director of tious disease expert Justin Less- Biden boosts US vaccine stockpile the Centers for Disease Control ler. and Prevention, said at Friday’s As of this week, 62% of those 65 Associated Press elsewhere. free and fair elections, have used White House briefing. and older have gotten at least one WASHINGTON — President “We want to be oversupplied and their domestically produced shots Public health experts say it’s too dose, according to the CDC. That’s Joe Biden has directed his admin- overprepared,” White House press for strategic leverage. soon to say, definitively, what’s the age group that’s been hit the istration to order another 100 mil- secretary Jen Psaki said Wednes- China has pledged roughly half a driving declines since the surge — hardest and still accounts for the lion doses of the Johnson & John- day, saying Biden wanted contin- billion doses of its vaccines to more but they suspect a post-holiday vast majority of COVID-19 deaths son coronavirus vaccine, growing a gencies in the event of any unfore- than 45 countries, according to a drop in traveling and indoor gath- in the U.S. likely U.S. surplus of doses later seen issues with the existing pro- country-by-country tally by The erings, widespread mask wearing Increasingly better treatments this year while much of the rest of duction timeline. Associated Press. Four of China’s and the vaccine rollout have all for severe COVID-19 will also con- the world struggles with deep “We still don’t know which vac- many vaccine makers are claiming contributed. tinue to help, doctors say. shortages. cine will be most effective on kids,” they will be able to produce at least “We’re moving in the right di- “All of these things are coming Even before Wednesday’s order, she added. “We still don’t know the 2.6 billion doses this year. rection,” said Harvard Medical together to put a dent in the prob- the U.S. was to have enough ap- impact of variants or the need for Russia has sent millions of doses School researcher Jagpreet lem,” said Dr. Lewis Nelson, an proved vaccine delivered by mid- booster shots. And these doses can of its Sputnik V vaccine to coun- Chhatwal. “I think a message of emergency medicine specialist at May to cover every adult and be used for booster shots as well as tries around the world, even as it optimism is fair.” Rutgers New Jersey Medical enough for 400 million people total needed. Obviously that’s still being vaccinates its own population. Walensky and others worry that School. by the end of July. Enough doses to studied by the FDA but again we Analysts say a goal of this vaccine a pandemic-weary public will let The tally of coronavirus deaths cover 200 million more people are want to be over-prepared as I noted diplomacy is to bolster Russia’s im- down its guard too soon. And often lags behind new infections on order should vaccines from As- earlier.” age as a scientific, technological they’re monitoring the spread of and hospitalizations, since it can traZeneca and Novavax receive Biden’s announcement comes as and benevolent power, especially worrisome new versions of the vi- take a long time for someone to be- approval from the Food and Drug the White House has rebuffed re- as other countries encounter short- rus. come seriously ill and die after Administration. The new J&J dos- quests from U.S. allies, including ages of COVID-19 vaccines be- “We’re all desperate to get done contracting the virus. It can also es, which would cover another 100 Mexico, Canada and the European cause richer nations are scooping with this,” said Jeff Shaman, who take weeks for deaths to be added million people, are expected to be Union, for vaccine doses produced up the Western-made versions. studies infectious disease at Co- to the national count. delivered in the latter half of the in the United States, where months Israel, which has vaccinated lumbia University. “We’re not in a “There’s sort of a longer tail, year. of production runs have produced more than half of its population place where it’s safe as of yet.” sadly, on death and dying from White House aides said Biden’s vaccine solely for use in the coun- with Pfizer vaccines produced in Health care workers say they’ve COVID-19,” said Boston College first priority is ensuring that try. Europe, has also attempted to use seen it happen before — a crush- public health expert Dr, Philip J. Americans are vaccinated before Meanwhile, Russia and China, vaccine diplomacy to reward al- ing wave of illness and death, mo- Landrigan. considering distributing doses whose leaders don’t face voters in lies. Sunday, March 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 7 VIRUS OUTBREAK ROUNDUP Most of California reopening as vaccine eligibility expands Associated Press 2.5 million doses of vaccine, with SAN FRANCISCO — Most of 19.5% of the population having re- California’s 40 million residents ceived at least one dose, according will be able to enjoy limited indoor to health department data. activities such as dining inside or watching a movie at a theater by West Virginia mid-week as coronavirus case CHARLESTON — West Virgin- rates continue to stay low, state of- ia Gov. Jim Justice’s near-daily ficials said Friday. ritual of reading the ages and Officials said that 13 counties, hometowns of people who died including Los Angeles, were ex- from the coronavirus stretched to pected to open restaurants, gyms nearly 19 minutes Friday. and museums at limited capacity Justice takes the first minute or on Sunday, the result of the state two of his thrice-a-week coronavi- hitting a 2 million equity metric rus briefings to honor the dead. aimed at getting more vaccines in- This time, the Republican gover- to low-income communities. An- nor had to make up for 165 deaths other 13 counties are expected to that went unreported, news he reopen Wednesday under a differ- first revealed Wednesday. DAMIAN DOVARGANES/AP ent metric. State officials said a list of more Fast­food worker Lizzet Aguilar protests outside a McDonald’s restaurant in East Los Angeles on Friday. Also this week, the state ex- than 60 health centers and nursing Former McDonald’s workers are demanding past wages and the reinstatement of four McDonald’s pands eligibility for the still- homes did not report the deaths — workers who they claimed were fired after raising COVID­19 concerns. scarce vaccine. revised down from 168 on Friday Gov. Gavin Newsom announced — to state health authorities, intendent Chris Reykdal cited will remain in effect past March The measure is the latest effort earlier this month that he would which Justice apologized for and mental health and academic con- 31, when it is due to expire. The by Republican lawmakers to rein set aside 40% of vaccine for resi- again called “totally unaccept- cerns for students over the past Republican-controlled Legisla- in DeWine’s authority to issue dents of about 400 ZIP codes the able.” year of school closures. ture would have to extend it, and statewide orders such as manda- state deems most vulnerable Justice said 84% of the previ- “Many, many of our children some GOP leaders want to let it tory mask wearing and limits on based on metrics such as house- ously unreported deaths occurred have not been able to thrive as we and any remaining restrictions the size of crowds at sporting hold income, access to health care in December 2020 and January. wish them to do so without on-site expire with new cases down. events. and education levels. Officials blamed the issue on facil- education,” Inslee said. “For Among other provisions, the bill The point is to tie reopening ities not filling out death reports them, we’re taking action today.” Vermont limits public health orders to 90 standards to ensuring that the online to the state’s health depart- Students must be offered no Vermont Gov. Phil Scott on Fri- days and would allow the Legisla- people most affected by the pan- ment in a timely matter. fewer than two days of of on-cam- day announced some small chang- ture to terminate them after 30 demic are protected against the pus, in-person instruction per es to restrictions on social gather- days with a “concurrent resolu- virus, he said. Once the state reac- Michigan week, but students can remain ful- ings and restaurant rules amid the tion,” a fast-tracked vote different hes 2 million doses administered LANSING — Visitors will be al- ly remote if their families choose. pandemic. from normal legislation. in those ZIP codes, which it did lowed at Michigan prisons for the As of Friday, two non-vaccinat- Friday, the threshold for moving first time in a year, the Correc- Kansas ed households may gather togeth- Minnesota out of the most restrictive tier in a tions Department said Friday. MISSION — A Kansas hospital er, and that pairing doesn’t have to MINNEAPOLIS — Gov. Tim color-coded, four-tier system the Visitors will be given a fast CO- had to throw away 570 doses of a be the same each time, as earlier Walz on Friday announced he is state adopted in August relaxes. VID-19 test and have their tem- coronavirus vaccine because of a restrictions required, he said at easing several coronavirus re- Previously, counties could perature checked. Physical con- refrigeration mistake, officials his twice weekly virus briefing. strictions, citing rising vaccina- move from the purple tier to the tact between prisoners and vis- say. An example is that children can tions and declining COVID-19 lower red tier based on metrics itors will be prohibited. Lawrence Memorial Hospital again have playdates, “which we cases. that include the number of new Visits will resume March 26. said in a news release that city and know have been sorely missed and “I’m here to tell you that we’re COVID-19 cases per 100,000 peo- Visits must be scheduled in ad- county health officials transferred will be good for the mental health winning. We’re winning, and this ple per day over a period of sever- vance. Information will be posted the doses of the Johnson & John- and emotional well-being of the thing is coming to an end,” Walz al weeks. The threshold for enter- at michigan.gov/corrections. son vaccine to the hospital on kids as well as parents,” he said. said in a livestreamed announce- ing the red tier now moves from 7 More than 25,000 prisoners Wednesday. The hospital then put Also starting Friday, restau- ment. “Today is the day that a lot cases per 100,000 residents to 10 have tested positive for the virus them in a freezer, not realizing rants are allowed to seat six peo- of things are going to start to cases. since the start of the pandemic; they were thawed. Confusion ple at a table from different fam- change that you’re going to no- 139 have died. arose because most doses are ilies, rather than from just one tice.” Virginia shipped frozen, but the health de- household as was previously re- Starting at noon on Monday, re- RICHMOND — Virginia offi- Washington partment had received this batch quired, he said. ligious services will no longer cials said Friday that the state ex- OLYMPIA — All public schools in a refrigerated state. have occupancy limits, though so- pects to meet or possibly exceed in Washington will be required to The hospital reached out to Ohio cial distancing will still be re- President Joe Biden’s commit- offer students an in-person learn- Johnson & Johnson for guidance COLUMBUS — A bill restrict- quired. Gathering limits will in- ment to make all adults eligible for ing option starting next month — and was instructed that the doses ing governors’ abilities to issue crease to 50 people outside and 15 COVID-19 vaccines by May 1. with school districts having to would have to be discarded. public health orders during a pan- people indoors with no household “As we look at the supply and meet an average of at least 30% LMH Health President & CEO demic is unconstitutional and a vi- limits. Pod sizes for outdoor youth the pace and the demand here in weekly in-class instruction by Russ Johnson described what olation of the separation of pow- sports can increase to up to 50 peo- Virginia we really think we will April 19 — under an emergency happened as a “heart wrenching ers, according to Gov. Mike De- ple. easily meet that May 1 marker and proclamation Gov. Jay Inslee said situation for our hospital.” He said Wine, who plans to veto the latest Bar and restaurant capacity will potentially even outpace it by a he will sign this week. the hospital is reviewing process- legislation headed for his desk also go up to 75% with a limit of 250 couple of weeks,” state vaccine co- The proclamation, announced es aimed at preventing vaccine while holding out hope for a com- people and bar seating for parties ordinator Dr. Danny Avula said in by Inslee Friday, allows for a stag- waste to prevent future errors. promise. of four. Capacity for gyms, fitness a briefing with reporters. gered start, with all kindergarten Health officials also have request- The GOP-controlled House ap- centers and pools increases to Avula also said the May 1 goal to sixth grade students being pro- ed replacement doses and are proved the final version of the bill 50%. There will be no occupancy won’t require the state to rethink vided an opportunity for hybrid working to reschedule appoint- Wednesday, and it now heads to limits for hair salons and barber- its distribution strategy. remote and in-person learning by ments. DeWine with what his fellow Re- shops. “It hasn’t changed anything for April 5, followed by all other K-12 Meanwhile, it isn’t clear wheth- publican legislative leaders be- Entertainment venues will be us,” he said. students by April 19. er the statewide state of emergen- lieve is a veto-proof majority in able to open at 50% capacity with a The state has administered over Inslee and state schools Super- cy for the coronavirus pandemic both chambers. limit of 250 people. PAGE 8 • STARS AND STRIPES • Sunday, March 14, 2021 NATION Top Dems want Cuomo to resign Associated Press ing politics, bowing to cancel cul- ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. ture and the truth.” Andrew Cuomo confronted a stun- Never before has the brash, 63- ning series of defections Friday year-old Democratic governor, who amid allegations of sexual harass- had been expected to run for a ment that left the high-profile Dem- fourth term in 2022, been more po- ocrat fighting for his political sur- litically isolated. vival, angry and alone. Some in Cuomo’s party had al- By day’s end, the three-term gov- ready turned against him for his ad- ernor had lost the support of almost ministration’s move to keep secret the entire 29- how many nursing home residents member New died of COVID-19 for months, and York congres- the latest wave of defections sig- HOUSE TELEVISION/AP sional delegation naled a possible tipping point. Rep. Ted Budd, R­N.C., speaks on the House floor Jan. 7. A dirty word for many Republicans is making the and a majority of Cuomo’s coalition of critics has rounds on Capitol Hill — earmarks. Democrats are moving to bring back the practice, leaving the GOP Democrats in the expanded geographically and polit- lawmakers divided over how to respond. state legislature. ically, now covering virtually every None of the deser- region in the state and the political tions hurt more power centers of New York City and than those of New Cuomo Washington. Among them are New Democratic push to revive York’s two U.S. York City progressive U.S. Rep. senators, Senate Majority Leader Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; the lead- Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten er of the House Democratic cam- earmarks divides Republicans Gillibrand. paign arm, U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick “Due to the multiple, credible Maloney; Buffalo-based U.S. Rep. BY KEVIN FREKING includes safeguards to prevent earmarking, not revive it. sexual harassment and misconduct Brian Higgins; and a group of Long Associated Press conflicts of interest. “This is not the time to fall into allegations, it is clear that Governor Island-based state lawmakers who WASHINGTON — Can lawmak- Whether earmarking becomes the swamp, or into the dark hole of Cuomo has lost the confidence of his had been Cuomo loyalists. ers bring home the bacon without it bipartisan could have enormous earmarks,” said Rep. Ted Budd, R- governing partners and the people “The victims of sexual assault being pork? implications not only for the alloca- N.C. “We’ve got to draw a bright of New York,” the Democratic sen- concern me more than politics or It’s a question that’s vexing Re- tion of spending across the country, line between Republicans and ators wrote in a joint statement. other narrow considerations, and I publicans as they consider whether but for President Joe Biden, who is Democrats right now.” “Governor Cuomo should resign.” believe Governor Cuomo must step to join a Democratic push to revive gearing up for a massive infras- For now, the debate over ear- The escalating political crisis has aside,” Maloney said. earmarks, the much-maligned tructure push that he hopes will at- marks is taking place mostly be- spawned an impeachment inquiry Ocasio-Cortez, in a joint state- practice where lawmakers direct tract significant Republican sup- hind the scenes, with House Re- in an overwhelmingly Democratic ment with U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bow- federal spending to a specific pro- port. With earmarking in place, bi- publican leadership holding a lis- state, and threatens to cast a cloud man, said that after a new groping ject or institution back home. Ex- partisanship could prove easier to tening session on the issue Monday over President Joe Biden’s early allegation against the governor, she amples include a new bridge, com- achieve, as lawmakers on both night. days in office. Republicans have was concerned about the safety and munity library or university re- sides of the aisle could have reason “It really feels like a jump ball,” seized on the scandal to try to dis- well-being of the governor’s staff. search program. to support bills they would other- Budd said. “Some are adamantly tract from Biden’s success tackling “We believe these women,” they Earmarking was linked to cor- wise oppose. opposed, as am I. The older mem- the coronavirus pandemic and chal- said. ruption in the 2000s, leading to an “This is a matter of allowing bers who have been here a lot long- lenge his party’s well-established Cuomo on Friday insisted that he outcry and their banishment in members to serve their own con- er; they tend to be for it.” advantage with female voters. never touched anyone inappropri- both the House and Senate. But stituents,” said Rep. Tom Cole, R- Worried about what’s ahead, Re- Biden, a longtime ally of Cuomo ately, and said again that he’s sorry many in Congress say the ban has Okla. “Somebody is going to be publican members in both cham- and his father, former New York if he ever made anyone uncomfort- gone too far, ceding the “power of making these decisions — and I bers of Congress have sponsored Gov. Mario Cuomo, has avoided di- able. He declined to answer a direct the purse” to party leaders and the don’t want to bash federal bureau- legislation this year to prohibit ear- rectly addressing the controversy, question about whether he’s had a executive branch and giving law- crats — but somebody who has marks. although it’s becoming increasingly consensual romantic relationship makers less incentive to work with never been to my district probably About three dozen lawmakers al- difficult. with any of the accusers. members of the other party on ma- doesn’t know the needs as well as I so signed onto a letter Wednesday White House press secretary Jen “I have not had a sexual relation- jor legislation. do.” urging the leaders of the Appropri- Psaki on Friday declined to say ship that was inappropriate, peri- Democratic appropriators in the With Congress having allocated ations committees in both cham- whether Biden believes Cuomo od,” he said. House see a solution and are pro- nearly $6 trillion responding to the bers to avoid a return to earmark- should resign. She said every wom- The state Assembly greenlit an posing a revamped process allow- COVID-19 pandemic, some con- ing. Budd spearheaded the effort an who has come forth “deserves to impeachment investigation Thurs- ing lawmakers to submit public re- servatives are aghast at the pros- and said he’s telling groups outside have her voice heard, should be day as lawmakers investigate quests for “community project pect of Republicans participating the Beltway and inside to contact treated with respect and should be whether there are grounds for Cuo- funding” in federal spending bills. in a Democratic spending spree. their members and let them know able to tell her story.” mo’s forcible removal from office. To guard against graft, the process They say their party should resist “how precarious this is.” The senators’ statement, which The state attorney general is also cited the pandemic as a reason for leading a probe into his workplace needing “sure and steady leader- conduct. ship,” came shortly after Schumer Cuomo said Friday he’d still be Portland police detain at least 100 protesters stood alongside Biden at a Rose able to govern despite the growing Garden ceremony celebrating the list of elected officials who have de- Associated Press reported. during the early stages of the dem- passage of the Democrat-backed manded that he quit. PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland In a tweet and at the scene, po- onstration. Costello said that may $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill. He didn’t address the reality of an police detained a crowd of at least lice said they were detaining ev- have prompted police to set up the A defiant Cuomo earlier in the increasingly untenable position: 100 protesters Friday night at a eryone within the boundary for perimeter. day insisted he would not step down Cuomo is still managing the state’s demonstration, halting the march the “investigation of a crime.” Portland has been the site of fre- and condemned his Democratic de- pandemic response and negotiating minutes after it started, the Orego- “You are not free to leave. You quent protests, many involving vi- tractors as “reckless and danger- a state budget with lawmakers nian/Oregonlive.com reported. must stay where you are and com- olent clashes between officers and ous.” who’ve lost confidence in his leader- The mass detainment shortly ply with officers’ lawful orders,” demonstrators, ever since the po- “I did not do what has been al- ship. after 9 p.m in the Pearl District ap- the Portland Police Bureau said in lice killing of George Floyd in leged. Period,” he said, before evok- More than 120 members of the peared to an example of kettling, a a tweet. Minneapolis in May. Over the ing a favorite grievance of former state legislature called on him to police tactic of surrounding a Adam Costello, a livestream summer, there were demonstra- President Donald Trump. “People quit last week, a majority of them crowd and containing people videographer, told the newspaper tions for more than 100 straight know the difference between play- Democrats. within a perimeter, the newspaper that two windows were broken days. Sunday, March 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 9 NATION Floyd family agrees to $27M settlement

Associated Press lis neighborhood that includes the MINNEAPOLIS — The city of 38th and Chicago intersection that Minneapolis on Friday agreed to has been blocked by barricades pay $27 million to settle a civil law- since his death, with a massive suit from George Floyd’s family metal sculpture and murals in his over the Black man’s death in po- honor. The city didn’t immediate- lice custody, as jury selection con- ly say how that money would be tinued in a former officer’s mur- spent. der trial. Floyd was declared dead on Council members met privately May 25 after Derek Chauvin, who to discuss the settlement, then re- is white, pressed his knee against turned to public session for a his neck for about nine minutes. unanimous vote in support of the Floyd’s death sparked sometimes massive payout. It easily sur- violent protests in Minneapolis passed the $20 million the city ap- and beyond and led to a national proved two years ago to the family reckoning on racial justice. of a white woman killed by a police City Council President Lisa officer. Bender choked up as she ad- Floyd family attorney Ben dressed a news conference about Crump called it the largest pre- the settlement, saying she knew trial settlement ever for a civil “no amount of money” could bring rights claim, and thanked city Floyd back. leaders for “showing you care “I just want you to know how about George Floyd.” DAVID JOLES, STAR TRIBUN (MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.)E/AP deeply we are with you,” she said “It’s going to be a long journey Floyd family attorney Ben Crump, left, asked all to clasp hands during a press conference to announce a to Floyd’s family members. to justice. This is just one step on $27 million civil lawsuit settlement between the Floyd family and the City of Minneapolis, on Friday. Floyd’s family filed the federal the journey to justice,” Crump civil rights lawsuit in July against said. “This makes a statement that heart,” Philonise Floyd said. “If I they die.” do we want to change these poli- the city, Chauvin and three other George Floyd deserved better could get him back, I would give “And what happens is that trick- cies?’ They have 27 million rea- fired officers charged in his death. than what we witnessed on May all this back.” les down to decisions in the com- sons now why they should. And It alleged the officers violated 25, 2020, that George Floyd’s life L. Chris Stewart, another attor- munities across this country. that will make decisions happen. Floyd’s rights when they re- mattered, and that by extension, ney who worked with the family, When there is a city council or a That will make accountability strained him, and that the city al- Black lives matter.” said the size of the settlement mayor deciding, ‘Oh, should we happen.” lowed a culture of excessive force, “Even though my brother is not “changes evaluations and civil get rid of no-knock warrants, The settlement includes racism and impunity to flourish in here, he’s here with me in my rights for a Black person when should we get rid of chokeholds, $500,000 for the south Minneapo- its police force. Tear-down of Man who hid capsized ship wife’s body in takes longer freezer given than planned 16 years to life Associated Press BY RUSS BYNUM SAN DIEGO — A former U.S. Navy man Associated Press whom prosecutors said killed his estranged SAVANNAH, Ga. — When salvage crews wife and hid her body in a freezer for nearly began cutting apart the capsized Golden two years before dumping it into San Diego Ray, a shipwreck the size of a 70-story office BUFF LEAVY, THE BRUNSWICK (GA.) NEWS/AP Bay was sentenced Friday to 16 years to life building with 4,200 cars within its cargo The Golden Ray cargo ship lies to port, capsized near a port near St. Simons Sound, on in prison. decks, in early November they predicted the Georgia coast, on Sept. 8, 2019. Matthew Sullivan, 36, was sentenced in a the demolition could be wrapped up by New San Diego courtroom for second-degree Year’s Day. crane with a winch and pulley system at- crew stopped with the cut only about half murder in the stabbing death of Elizabeth Four months later, the job remains far tached to 400 feet of anchor chain that acts finished. Sullivan. from finished. like a dull saw blade, tearing through the The ship’s steel has proven tougher than His 32-year-old wife vanished myste- Both ends of the cargo ship have been cut ship’s hull with brute force. anticipated, slowing the process, and crews riously in October 2014 from the San Diego away and carried off by barges in a pair of Start-to-finish, each individual cut was have taken pauses to perform extra inspec- home she shared with Sullivan and their giant chunks. But roughly three-fourths of supposed to take a single day. Taking into tions and maintenance, said Coast Guard two daughters. the vessel remains beached on its side off St. account time needed to load each severed Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Himes, a During opening statements, prosecutor Simons Island on the Georgia coast, where ship section onto a barge and prepare for spokesman for the multiagency command Jill Lindberg told jurors that the Sullivan the South Korean freighter overturned soon the next slice, the multiagency command overseeing the demolition. may have stabbed his wife five times after after leaving port Sept. 8, 2019. overseeing the effort predicted the job “If people are wondering when it is going learning she was having an affair, then hid “It’s been nothing but problems out would take eight weeks. to be done, we’re doing it as quickly and as her body until he had to remove it because here,” said Andy Jones, a St. Simons Island It’s turned out to be a lot harder. safely as can be done,” Himes said. “But he was moving to the East Coast. resident who heads to the wreck site in his The first cut began Nov. 6 and took three quick takes a back seat to safety.” “He made her look like the person who small fishing boat most days to monitor the weeks. Lifting the ship’s bow section re- He said it’s possible the last chunk of the had abandoned her family,” Lindberg said demolition and post updates to a YouTube vealed battered cars and SUVs in neat, lay- ship could head to the scrapyard by June, at Sullivan’s sentencing. channel. “It’s a disappointingly slow pace.” ered rows on the interior decks. The second the first month of the Atlantic hurricane In October 2016, her decomposing body Salvage experts decided more than a year cut started a month later, on Christmas Day, season. Workers have taken steps to make was found floating in the bay about a half- ago that the Golden Ray, measuring 656 feet and was finished in a week. the cutting more efficient, using torches to mile from the home. long, was too big to remove intact. They set- Crews spent the entire month of Febru- remove strips of the ship’s hull plating and Investigators later found blood under her tled on a plan to carve the ship into eight ary attempting a third cut through the ship’s form a guide for the cutting chain. They’re bedroom carpet and a knife in the attic. massive chunks, each weighing up to 4,100 engine room, a section fortified with thicker also using a big mechanical claw to pluck Sullivan was living in Delaware when he tons. steel. After strain on the cutting apparatus cars from inside the ship to shed weight be- was arrested in 2018. They straddled the wreck with a towering forced extensive maintenance, the salvage fore sections are cut and lifted. He was convicted last year. PAGE 10 • STARS AND STRIPES • Sunday, March 14, 2021 WORLD #MeToo gaining traction in Kuwait BY ISABEL DEBRE speeding car. In such episodes, Associated Press men often try to “bump” a wom- DUBAI, United Arab Emirates an’s car, but many serious acci- — Abrar Zenkawi was cruising to- dents result, as in Zenkawi’s case. ward the beach in Kuwait City “It’s terrifying, all the time when she saw a man waving and you’re feeling so unsafe in your smiling in her rearview mirror. own skin,” al-Faraj told The Asso- Elsewhere, this may have been ciated Press. “The responsibility a benign highway flirtation. But in is always on us … We must have Kuwait, it’s a haunting routine had our music too loud or our win- that often turns dangerous. The dows down.” man pulled up beside her, inched Shayma Shamo, a 27-year-old closer and finally drove into her. doctor, sought to seize the mo- Zenkawi’s car, carrying her tod- mentum of al-Faraj’s viral video, dler nieces, sister and friend, creating an Instagram page called flipped six times. “Lan Asket,” Arabic for “I will not “It’s considered normal here. be silent.” Men always drive way too close to Shamo’s rage had been building scare girls, chase them to their for weeks. In December, a female AP homes, follow them to work, just employee of Kuwait’s Parliament An Instagram page called “Lan Asket,” Arabic for “I will not be silent,” is displayed in Dubai, United Arab for fun,” said Zenkawi, 34, who was stabbed to death by her 17- Emirates, Wednesday. Women are increasingly challenging Kuwait’s deeply patriarchal society. spent months in the hospital with year-old brother, reportedly be- a shattered spine. “They don’t cause he didn’t want her working As the movement gained steam, women by their fathers, brothers think about the consequences.” as a security guard. It was the “Men always drive lawmakers scrambled to respond. or husbands as a misdemeanor But that may be changing as third such case — described as way too close to Seven politicians, from conserva- and sets the maximum penalty at women are increasingly challeng- “honor killings” — to make head- tive Islamists to stalwart liberals, three years in prison. ing Kuwait’s deeply patriarchal lines in as many months. The all- scare girls, chase submitted amendments to the pe- Kuwait also has statues that let society. In recent weeks, a grow- male National Assembly offered nal code last month that would de- kidnappers evade punishment by ing number of women have bro- none of the customary condolenc- them to their fine and punish sexual harass- marrying their victims and em- ken taboos to speak out about the es. ment, including one that called for power men to “discipline” their scourge of harassment and vio- “The silence was deafening,” homes, follow a $10,000 fine and one-year prison female relatives with assault. lence that plagues the Gulf na- Shamo said. “I thought, OK, that sentence. But progress is happening out- tion’s streets, highways and malls, could happen to me, and anyone them to work, just “The Kuwaiti penal code side of official circles, activists in an echo of the global #MeToo could get away with it.” doesn’t cover harassment, there say. In recent weeks, a growing movement. Kuwait, unlike other oil-rich for fun.” are just some laws that cover im- number of female collectives have An Instagram page has led to an Persian Gulf sheikhdoms, has a Abrar Zenkawi morality that are so vague that sprung up, in homes and on Zoom outpouring of testimony from legislature with genuine power women can’t go and report to the — a mirror to the custom of the women fed up with being intimi- and some tolerance for political her attention, men yelling sexual local police,” said Abdulaziz al- “diwanyia,” gentlemen’s clubs dated or attacked in a country dissent. But restrictions to slow slurs on the street and strangers Saqabi, a conservative who was that often vault men to top jobs. where the criminal code doesn’t the the spread of the coronavirus pulling the hair of female passers- among those who drafted amend- Women also have turned to Club- define sexual harassment and prevented Shamo from staging a by — offering proof to millions in ments. house, the buzzy app that lets peo- lays out few repercussions for protest and forced her to take her Kuwait of the harassment women But women’s rights activists, ple gather in audio chat rooms, to men who kill female relatives for grievances online, as women in were describing. whose input the lawmakers did hold discussions of sexual assault actions they consider immoral. A the region’s more repressive “It seems rudimentary, but not solicit, are skeptical that the and harassment. wide variety of news and talk countries have done recently. we’ve never had these discussions proposals will result in significant The horizon for equality may be shows have taken up the subject of The Lan Asket account thrust before,” said Najeeba Hayat, who change, especially with the nation far off, but campaigners say their harassment for the first time. And sexual harassment, long shrouded helped organize the Lan Asket in the midst of a financial crisis ambitions are modest in the short one journalist used a hidden cam- in shame, into the limelight. campaign, which is also training and with Parliament now sus- term. era to document how women are From there, the conversation bus drivers to report harassment, pended because of a political “Right now, attempted murder treated in the streets. moved to traditional media. A organizing an ad campaign to standoff. is considered ‘flirting,’” said The spark may have come from well-known female journalist at raise awareness and creating an The frustration is familiar for Hayat, one of the organizers of the fashion blogger Ascia al-Faraj, state-linked al-Qabas newspaper app that allows women to anony- activist Nour al-Mukhled. For Lan Asket campaign. “We just who vented in January on Snap- went out at night with a hidden mously report abuse to police. years, she and other women have want to be treated like human be- chat to her millions of followers camera and captured motorbike “Every single girl has kept this in struggled to abolish a law that ings, not as aliens and not as after being hounded by a man in a riders recklessly trying to catch her chest for so long.” classifies the killing of adulterous prey.” US to resume aid to Yemen’s rebel north to fight famine Associated Press underway to end the conflict. administrations’ support for an in- cease-fire plan that U.N. special en- lodge the rebels, while rival Iran The United States announced a “Tragically, and somewhat con- conclusive Saudi-led military offen- voy Martin Griffiths announced last has consolidated its support for the resumption of aid to Yemen’s rebel- fusingly for me, it appears that the sive that tried to roll back the Iran- year. Houthis. held north on Friday to fight a loom- Houthis are prioritizing a military allied Houthi rebels. The rebels Fighting and massive displace- Biden has reversed Obama and ing famine as the country’s nearly campaign” to seize central Marib have shown no sign of relenting de- ment of people, crippling fuel short- Trump administration policy in the six-year-old war grinds on. U.N. of- province, envoy Tim Lenderking spite Biden’s diplomatic overtures, ages and rising food prices have conflict by pulling U.S. support for ficials warned that a blockade of said. He spoke in an online event adding to tensions between the U.S. 50,000 Yemenis already caught up the Saudi-led offensive. Biden’s six- fuel deliveries to a main port was sponsored by the Atlantic Council and its strategic partner Saudi Ara- in famine and 5 million more a step week-old administration is reviving heightening the world’s worst hu- think tank, after his more than two- bia. away from it, the United Nations U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the manitarian crisis. week trip in the region to push for a Lenderking said the Houthis says. It projects 400,000 Yemeni conflict. The aid concern came as Presi- cease-fire and ultimately a peace have had a cease-fire proposal be- children under 5 are at risk of dying Friday’s announcement on re- dent Joe Biden’s envoy to Yemen deal. fore them for a “number of days” this year from malnutrition. newed U.S. humanitarian support expressed frustration at the coun- The developments deepen the and urged them to respond positive- The war began when the Houthi for the north comes about a year af- try’s Houthi rebels, saying they challenges for the Biden adminis- ly. rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, and ter the Trump administration stop- were focusing on fighting to capture tration as it goes out on a limb to try He gave no details, including much of the north in 2014. Saudi ped some aid on the grounds that more territory while an internation- to end the Yemen war through di- whether the proposal was new or an Arabia has led an unsuccessful air Houthis were diverting the foreign al and regional diplomatic push was plomacy, reversing previous U.S. updated version of a nationwide campaign since 2015 to try to dis- assistance for themselves. Sunday, March 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 11 AMERICAN ROUNDUP

Driver who swerved to avoid sofa won’t be fined FORT LAUDERDALE FL — A driver who crashed her car while swerving to avoid a couch falling from a truck on In- terstate 95 may get a reprieve from the Florida Highway Patrol. Lt. Yanko Reyes told the South Florida SunSentinel that the agen- cy will recommend dismissing the $166 traffic citation that a trooper issued to the driver on Feb. 20. The couple was driving north on I-95 when the couch fell from the truck, Jake Singer told the news- paper. His girlfriend, who didn’t want to be identified, lost control of the car when she swerved to avoid the tumbling sofa. Their 2006 Toyota Corolla hit the median and rolled over. The car was totaled and the cou- ple was sent to the hospital. Troop- er Eric Flint issued the ticket to Singer’s girlfriend at the hospital where they were being treated. Man gets 16 years after kid eats drug-laced candy TERRE HAUTE) — A IN western Indiana man re- ceived a 16-year sentence in a case where a student at a local school became ill after eating drug-laced candy. JULIO CORTEZ/AP A Vigo County judge ordered Levi Dowden, 22, of Terre Haute to serve 10 years of his sentence in Driving force prison followed by one year of work release and five years on for- Will Vincent tees off while playing a game of golf with friends during a warm winter day in Baltimore this week. mal probation. onto the river ice and fell through. Dowden pleaded guilty last fall THE CENSUS The number of lost cattle will be to felony charges of aiding in deal- Reality stars ordered to updated in the next few days as the ing methamphetamine, aiding in pay $1M in pollution case The approximate number of drivers racing and cruising be- tween a 2-mile stretch on Interstate 225 in a surburb of Den- herd is brought in and counted, dealing cocaine, aiding in dealing 800 OGDEN — The stars of ver, Colo., recently, according to the Aurora (Colo.) Police Department, The the rancher group said in a re- a look-a-like substance and deal- UT the “Diesel Brothers” Sentinel reported. City officials said last month they would consider establish- lease. ing in marijuana, the Tribune-Star reality TV show were ordered to ing strict regulations against street racing after an increase in the high-speed The statement said several reported. pay nearly $1 million in legal fees activity in the last year. Racers can be charged with misdemeanor citations for groups are working with Price to He was originally charged with on top of $848,000 in previous pe- “exhibition of a speed contest,” which can carry up to a year in jail and fines up “develop a response plan.” to $1,000. 18 criminal counts involving drugs nalties over pollution law viola- Man sentenced for films and firearms following an investi- tions. gation that began in February U.S. District Judge Robert Shel- Built in 1793, Union Wharf dates Ten of those charged are cur- of woman pumping milk 2019 when a Vigo County schools by of Utah ruled Jan. 26 that David to the golden era of sail when it rently state prison inmates who IOWA CITY — An Iowa student became ill after eating a “Heavy D” Sparks and Joshua hosted clipper ships and other used contraband cellphones to City man who admitted to gummy candy that had reportedly IA “Redbeard” Stuart must pay sailing vessels from around the continue to run drug rings and using a recording device inside a been laced with Xanax. $928,602 in legal fees to Utah Phy- world. other criminal enterprises behind pen to film an employee while she sicians for a Healthy Environ- “The wharf is and will continue bars, state Attorney General Alan pumped breast milk at work was 2 men indicted over roles ment, the Standard-Examiner in to be an important part of the ma- Wilson told a news conference. given a suspended sentence and in ‘grandparent scam’ Ogden reported. rine industry in Portland and the Investigators also arrested a pa- ordered to register as a sex offend- The environmental group start- current owners, city and commu- ralegal who was sending drugs er. PROVIDENCE — Two ed the legal battle in 2016 after nity want to keep it that way,” and cellphones into prison inside Robert Charles Carlson, 68, RI Rhode Island men were seeing smoke-spewing trucks on Chris Craig, from The Dunham hollowed out transcripts of crimi- pleaded guilty in November to indicted on charges of defrauding the Discovery Channel show, Group, which is handling the sale, nal proceedings, authorities said. nine counts of invasion of privacy. or trying to defraud older people where the crew modifies vehicles told the Portland Press Herald. Investigators said they have He admitted recording Jessica out of thousands of dollars by pre- and gives away customized diesel The deadline for bids is March 31. seized 44 pounds of methamphe- Clark 22 times while she pumped tending to be children or grand- trucks. The group later sued un- The Poole family became asso- tamine, 11 pounds of heroin and 3 breast milk in a conference room children in legal trouble who der the Clean Air Act, which al- ciated with the wharf in 1858, ac- pounds of cocaine, as well as 82 in 2018, The Iowa City Press-Citi- needed money, federal prosecu- lows people to seek civil damages cording to a brochure from their firearms. zen reported. tors said. against violators. broker. The family cited estate Carlson was owner of the archi- Vidal Roquez, 35, and Schmitt Shelby ruled in 2020 that the planning and the need to provide Dozens of dead cattle tecture firm Carlson Design Team Prado, 26, both of Providence, ran men committed about 400 Clean for future generations for the sale. found floating in river at the time. what authorities called the Air Act violations, including in- Judge Deborah Farmer Minot “grandparent scam” that targeted stalling and selling devices to de- 100 charged in state’s BISMARCK — sentenced Carlson to six years in at least nine residents of Rhode Is- feat emission controls. largest drug ring ND Dead cattle found prison but then suspended the land and Massachusetts, accord- floating in the Missouri River in sentence, citing his remorse, lack ing to the U.S. attorney’s office in Oldest pier on city’s COLUMBIA — State central North Dakota came from a of serious criminal history and Providence. waterfront up for sale SC prosecutors charged herd owned by a rancher near that he sought professional treat- They are charged with conspir- 100 people in what they said was Hensler, the North Dakota Stock- ment. acy to commit wire fraud and ag- PORTLAND — The the largest number of defendants men's Association said. gravated identity theft, prosecu- ME oldest pier on the Por- ever indicted in one drug oper- Clark Price told the association From The Associated Press tors said. tland waterfront is for sale. ation in South Carolina courts. that about 25 of his cattle walked PAGE 12 • STARS AND STRIPES • Sunday, March 14, 2021 MUSIC

CHRISTINA HOUSE/Los Angeles Times

magazine put Lipa on its Next 100 list of young influencers. “Massive icon,” Lipa says, returning the favor, of Mi- nogue. “For her to even know who I am is mad.” Now Lipa, named best new artist at the Grammy Awards in 2019, is among the most- nominated acts at this month’s 63rd Grammys ceremony, where she’s up for six prizes, including album, record and Dua Lipa is pop’s new superstar. song of the year. (Only Beyonce has more nods.) Says Tom Corson, cochair- She’s also a bit of a mystery. Grammys GAF man of Lipa’s label, Warner Records: “What we’re seeing Now Lipa, named best new is the dawning of a new super- BY MIKAEL WOOD artist at the Grammy Awards star.” Los Angeles Times in 2019, is among the most- According to Grammy odd- nominated acts at this month’s smakers, “Future Nostalgia” hen Dua Lipa was 15 years old, she left her parents and 63rd Grammys ceremony, where she’s up for six prizes, trails Taylor Swift’s rootsy two younger siblings behind in the family’s native Ko- including album, record and “Folklore” for the highly cov- sovo and moved more or less on her own to London. song of the year. eted album award, which The plan, at least as understood by her mom and dad Swift has won twice since 2010. Yet academy members (who’d only agreed to it because she’d be rooming with A decade after she set out have demonstrated a soft spot Wthe older daughter of a family friend), was to finish high school and from home, it’s tempting to for the kind of crafty, intri- then enter university. By the time Lipa graduated, though, she’d turned think she was right. Last year, cate, hand-played dance mu- Lipa’s “Future Nostalgia” — a sic that Lipa’s disc represents: her focus to music, posting covers online and recording hooky originals sophomore LP full of sticky In 2014, Daft Punk upset ex- she co-wrote while supporting herself as a hostess at a Mexican joint in vocal melodies, shimmering pectations when the French London’s Soho neighborhood. guitar licks and crazy-funky duo beat their highly favored “I kept telling my parents, if I take a gap year, then I don’t have to pay bass lines — topped the U.K. competitors (including Swift’s album chart and was certified blockbuster “Red”) to take off my university debt,” the singer says today with a laugh. gold in the U.S. “Don’t Start album of the year with “Ran- Asked how long she was willing to stretch that gap year — how long Now,” the project’s disco- dom Access Memories.” she was prepared to grind in the hopes of becoming a pop star — she throwback lead single, has Lipa says the beautifully smiles as though amused by the misconception that she’d been strug- been streamed nearly 2 billion rendered “Future Nostalgia” times on Spotify and You- is meant to evoke memories of gling. Tube. music by swank ’70s and ’80s “That was a great life — I was working in a restaurant, I was partying In November, more than 5 acts like Blondie and Chic — all night, then I’d wake up in the morning and go to the studio,” she million people tuned into an the latter of whose Nile Rodg- elaborate, Studio 54-inspired ers featured prominently on says. “I had so much fun.” livestream that featured ca- “Random Access Memories” But also: A struggle suggests she might have accepted anything less meos by Elton John, Bad Bun- — and to put across a more than success. ny and Kylie Minogue, the last unified vibe than her grab bag “I’ve always been persistent, and I’ve always fought for the things that of whom praised Lipa’s “clev- of a self-titled 2017 debut. er songwriting” and “instantly Lipa’s first album spawned I’ve wanted,” Lipa, now 25, says in her crisp English accent. “So as recognizable voice” in a trib- much as this was my passion, I feel like it was also my destiny.” ute she wrote when Time SEE MYSTERY ON PAGE 13 Sunday, March 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 13 MUSIC

“The feeling of going down the street and they’re trying to catch you in this very awkward picture — it can be anxiety-inducing, honestly,” she says. “And Brit- ney’s time was pre-Instagram when everything was purely about the tabloids, and there were no laws in place about what paparazzi were allowed to do. She was being harassed — that’s exactly what it was.” Though paparazzi shots can “still circle the internet — you looking nuts after you’ve just woken up trying to get to the gym,” as Lipa puts it with a shud- der — Instagram has funda- mentally changed the way we see pop stars. Yet curating her pre- sentation hasn’t prevented her from being called out online by fans who’ve questioned her need to travel to so many exotic loca- tions during a pandemic. “There are a lot of eyeballs on my social media,” she says, somewhat philosophically, of being judged on occasion by some of her 61 million followers. “But I’m very much the same person onstage as I am at home.” Her point seems to be that she AP photos never puts on the persona of a Dua Lipa, left, and St. Vincent perform a medley at the 61st annual Grammy Awards Feb. 10, 2019, in Los Angeles. In the three years since jet-setting glamazon; the reality winning that night for best new artist, Lipa has become an in­demand collaborator across a wide range of genres. can seem more like she never takes it off. Indeed, there’s a let-them-eat- Mystery cake quality to her stream of : Lipa’s album became relief from pandemic carefully styled photos that, along with her aversion to over- FROM PAGE 12 darkening reality. What’s more, go of “Drivers License” fame — cussed documentary about the sharing, registers as another a couple of monster streaming “Don’t Start Now” touched off a Lipa’s songs resist a closely per- teen pop star’s treatment in the difference between Lipa and her hits in “IDGAF,” a tart kiss-off plague-times disco revival that sonal read. It’s not that they’re tabloid economy of the mid-’00s, ostensibly relatable American with marching-band drums, and yielded pleasure-obsessed hits by unfeeling; bangers such as “Lev- and says she can relate to a sense counterparts. The singer’s Eu- “New Rules,” which layers her the likes of Lady Gaga, Harry itating” and “Hallucinate” com- of being violated by paparazzi. ropean-ness — more Posh Spice low, husky singing over a sleek, Styles and Doja Cat, whose “Say bine whooshing grooves with than Amy Winehouse — feels EDM-ish beat. But “the only So” is nominated against “Don’t words about bodies in motion to essential to her identity, which thing that connected each song Start Now” for record of the year. create something downright hasn’t been true of a breakout was my voice,” as Lipa puts it in “Something this pandemic has ecstatic. female act in this country for a video call from her place in taught us, I think, is to live in the But the music tends proudly ages. L.A. moment,” Lipa says. toward abstraction; it’s seeking to “There are a lot Lipa was born in London but A reliably glamorous presence If space got crowded under the embody the emotional experi- of eyeballs on my moved to Kosovo at 11 when her on magazine covers and in music glitter ball, Lipa still stands out. ence of love or sex or adventure, parents, who’d emigrated during videos, the singer is low-key this For starters, there’s the excep- rather than inviting you to pon- social media,” the Balkan conflicts, deemed it morning in a baggy tie-dyed top tionally wide range of her appeal, der any given episode between safe to come back. In Pristina, and purple beanie as her dog, a which in recent months has led to her and Hadid. And because Lipa says, “But the country’s capital, she black Lab mix named Dexter, both a collaboration with the she’s such an expressive singer, I’m very much “learned about my roots,” she clambers onto the couch beside hip-hop boy band Brockhampton with loads of texture in her voice, says, played basketball at school her. Lipa, who lives with her and a country-fied cover of she pulls it off. the same person (she stands a willowy 5-foot-8) boyfriend of nearly two years, “Don’t Start Now” by Nashville’s “Dua brings a real star quality and perfected her Albanian, model Anwar Hadid (younger Ingrid Andress. (Among Lipa’s to her songs,” says Sarah Hud- onstage as I am which she still uses daily with brother of fashionistas Bella and other duet partners of late are son, a veteran songwriter who’s her family and in text messages Gigi), gladly splits her time be- Miley Cyrus, J Balvin, DaBaby worked with Katy Perry and at home.” Her point with her old friends. tween here and London. and Andrea Bocelli.) Camila Cabello and who wrote seems to be that Returning to London as a teen- Producer Stephen “Koz” Koz- “Dua is super-cool,” says “Levitating” with Lipa, Koz and ager was a product of her need to meniuk, who helped build both of Brockhampton’s Kevin Abstract, Clarence Coffee Jr. “But she’s she never puts on “be in a place where everything Lipa’s albums from the ground a hero to Supreme-clad kids slightly mysterious. At the same was happening,” she says, in- up, says the singer wanted “Fu- more attuned to Camp Flog time, she’s so genuine that you the persona of cluding the club culture she soon ture Nostalgia” to reflect her Gnaw than to the Hot 100. What feel close to the music.” Hudson discovered. “Future Nostalgia” buoyant mood. “She was happy, did his fans make of Lipa’s ap- is right: You feel close to the a jet-setting showcases Lipa’s earnest em- feeling good — like, ‘I just wanna pearance on a remix of Brock- music, if not necessarily to Dua glamazon; the brace of dance music and its rich dance,’” Koz says. “It was also a hampton’s song “Sugar”? “They Lipa herself. history; she even released a com- bit of a reaction to the fact that were probably like, ‘Whoa, I Polished but forthright in con- reality can seem panion remix album, “Club Fu- all the other music in the world didn’t expect this — but why versation, Lipa cops to a certain ture Nostalgia,” with new ver- was quite down at the time — the does it kind of work?’” Abstract self-protective instinct after a more like she never sions of the songs by house and Billie Eilishes and all the trap says. few years in the limelight. “I’ve takes it off. techno O.G.s such as Moody- stuff.” There’s also Lipa’s unique grown to be more private be- mann, Larry Heard and Masters Lipa, of course, didn’t know handling of her celebrity. At a cause so much of my life is pub- at Work. that COVID-19 was looming as moment when music by many lic, and I probably censor myself “Her investment is totally she completed her big feel-good female pop stars is scrutinized more than I used to,” she says. “I legit,” says the Blessed Madonna, statement in early 2020. But for insight into their private lives also don’t love the idea of making the respected DJ and producer when it came out last March, the — be they established A-listers music for headlines or for contro- who oversaw the remix set. “To album ended up offering a wel- like Swift and Ariana Grande or versy.” She’s seen “Framing me Dua is the pop girl who really come escape from a quickly up-and-comers like Olivia Rodri- Britney Spears,” the much-dis- gets it.” PAGE 14 • STARS AND STRIPES • Sunday, March 14, 2021 BOOKS Driven to ‘acts of desperate heroism’

Photos by Wesley Morgan A 101st Airborne Division soldier patrols northeastern Afghanistan's Pech Valley in in 2010. The book “The Hardest Place” explores how the valley became Taliban territory. Military journalist explores the mistakes that led to the US losing the Pech Valley in northeastern Afghanistan

BY J.P. LAWRENCE Whose fault was it that those nine soldiers Stars and Stripes died? merica’s deadliest infantry A military investigation after the battle battle of the Afghan war began recommended two U.S. officers be crimi- in the early hours of July 13, nally charged for “insufficient oversight,” A2008. Taliban fighters un- Morgan writes, but the decision was over- leashed a torrent of machine gun fire and turned later. rocket-propelled grenades at a newly built This lack of accountability repeats American base in the town of Want in throughout the book, in which the U.S. northeastern Afghanistan. seems ever eager to highlight the heroism The base, located in an area that had of its fighters, while ignoring the mistakes turned against the Americans, was nearly of the officers who put them in harm’s overrun. Just under 50 U.S. troops fought way. waves of enemies, mere feet away from “When soldiers on the ground are put them. into positions where they commit acts of The battle ended with nine Americans desperate heroism, something has gone dead and 27 wounded. The U.S. withdrew wrong,” Morgan wrote. from Want, sometimes written as Wanat, Today, the Taliban controls much of the shortly after. Pech. But when U.S. forces entered the The soldiers displayed courage under valley almost two decades ago in search of fire, but why had they al-Qaida operatives, locals welcomed been in such a desper- them. When one of the Green Berets shot Wesley Morgan, author of the “The Hardest Place: The American Military Adrift in ate situation in the first and killed a villager, the others under- Afghanistan’s Pech Valley,” stands with Afghan soldiers in the Pech Valley in 2013. place? That question stood that it was an accident and accepted lies at the heart of “The their apologies. of the SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, four oper- would be shot down by an RPG, leading to Hardest Place: The But as U.S. troops stayed in the Pech, ators infiltrate an isolated Afghan valley in the deaths of all 16 aboard. American Military their mission expanded from killing al- search of a close associate of Osama Bin The target, who escaped, was not con- Adrift in Afghanistan’s Qaida to finding anyone connected to Laden, leading to an intense firefight with nected to Bin Laden, but a local thug Pech Valley,” a new them, to killing Taliban, to building roads, more than 100 fighters. whose reach barely extended outside his book by military affairs to allying with corrupt politicians and Morgan adds additional context to Lut- home province. reporter Wesley Mor- unwittingly taking sides in local timber trell’s narrative, which has been criticized The operation’s failure was the result of gan on the failed U.S. rivalries. for its inaccuracies. poor planning, overconfidence and leaders counterinsurgency campaign in rugged U.S. troops began launching complicat- The SEALs had most likely been discov- unwilling to communicate, Morgan con- northeastern Afghanistan. ed air assault operations, which left a lot of ered immediately, as they were placed in tends. “But there was no reckoning with The book focuses on the Pech River militants dead but seldom captured any- the backyard of the enemy by a helicopter what had gone wrong during Red Wings,” Valley, and its tributaries, the Korengal one important. Each operation also invar- that villagers said they could hear from he wrote. and the Waygal. Known for some of the iably killed civilians, Morgan wrote. miles away. One SEAL who visited the battle site fiercest fighting of the war, the region was Seemingly every village had stories The lightly armed SEALs were killed by after Red Wings said, “There’s a deep pain the setting of the documentaries “Restre- about how the Americans killed someone fighters numbering closer to the few doz- among the survivors, when you take a po” and “Korengal” by filmmaker Sebas- dear to them. U.S. troops apologized each en Luttrell described in his mission de- version of their story and just tell the parts tian Junger. time. Eventually the apologies fell on deaf briefing, not the 140 he had in his book, that allow it to be a legendary epic about Morgan’s book is a compendium of ears. Morgan wrote. flawless heroism. When you uphold only failures by U.S. military officers in the The book is infuriating in its repetitive- Morgan says the fight most likely did the hero image, you deny those same he- Pech, leading to broken soldiers, dead ness. This is not the fault of the author, but not last as long as Luttrell described, roes the ability to commit mistakes ... civilians and a valley lost to the Taliban. of the U.S. military officers who kept re- based on how few shell casings Rangers at [creating] a distorted reality.” He interviewed hundreds of U.S. troops peating their predecessors’ mistakes, and the scene found. Morgan’s book does not shy away from and local Afghans to go beyond not just the who come off as allergic to learning. Other units who were supposed to res- these mistakes. It’s a sober telling that “who” and “how” of each battle, but the An example of this amnesia occurred cue the SEALs were delayed. Another might help future military leaders who often-hazy question of “why?” after the infamous Operation Red Wings, team of Navy SEALs rushed there without wish to avoid the kinds of failures that lost For example, why had intelligence of a where three Navy SEALs died, and one coordinating with a different rescue force, the Pech Valley. large, imminent attack been ignored? Why would almost be captured. In the movie and without waiting for attack helicopters [email protected] hadn’t there been a drone overhead? “Lone Survivor,” based on a book by one to clear the landing site. Their helicopter Twitter: @jplawrence3 Sunday, March 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 15 CROSSWORD AND COMICS

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

CROSSWORD BUFF 123456 78910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 BY BRAD WIEGMANN / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ 221202 Brad Wiegmann is a national security lawyer for the Department of Justice in Washington. About a year and a half ago, while solving some crosswords during a vacation, he wondered aloud if he could make one himself. It took several tries, but . . . 524232 voilà! You’ll want to put on your silly-puns hat before you begin. — W.S. 0392827262 ACROSS 55 Place for a throne 96 Sensitive subject 15 Cleanup grp. 1 Man who had all the 56 New members of the 99 Mimic 16 Conference with 73635343332313 answers? nudist club? five University of 100 ‘‘Cómo ____?’’ 5444342414049383 7 Some baggage 59 Pans for potstickers 103 Strong desire California schools 17 ’60s TV kid 14 Fillet, say 60 Time’s Person of the 104 Not a joke, say 94847464 Century 18 Child, in Chile 20 William Howard Taft 108 How people returned 4535251505 or William McKinley 62 Lit into from a week at the 19 Part of the U.K.: Abbr. nudist club? 21 ‘‘It’s just me’’ 63 Two are named after 25 ‘‘What’s more . . . ’’ 9585756555 Douglas and Fraser 113 Mountaineer’s tool 28 Poetry night? 22 First-aid item for 64 Big name in tennis 115 2006 World Cup 36261606 allergy sufferers 32 Humbugs? balls champion, to native 33 A negative has a 8676665646 23 Shared with, for a fans 65 Weigh in reverse one while 116 Popping up 67 School with a 34 Acid container 6757473727170796 24 Leadership style 15th-century chapel 117 Follower of high or 36 Joneses 1808978777 of the nudist-club 69 It comes straight dry 37 Baseball Hall-of- president? from the horse’s 118 Goal of some Famer Slaughter 58483828 26 Like a senior year mouth workouts 38 Element of Freddy 71 ‘‘Raspberry ____’’ 119 Break between 190998887868 27 Dates Krueger’s glove (Prince hit) workouts 29 Steamboat Springs 39 Hawaiian house 493929 73 Liquor with a double- 120 Symbolic gestures alternative feature headed eagle logo 40 Recipe direction 89796959 30 Pint-size 77 Polo course? DOWN 42 ‘‘Hey, man!’’ 31 Like Ahab’s pursuit of 78 What happens in the 1 Travel expense 70160150140130120110100199 43 Balrog’s home in Moby Dick stand-up show at the 2 Largest South ‘‘The Lord of the 411311211111011901801 35 Winter driving hazard nudist club? American bird Rings’’ 81 Robert who played 3 A quarter of vier 711611511 38 Ascribe to, as fault 44 Techies and Trekkies, A. J. Soprano 4 Where the nudist-club 41 When the nudist club 82 Pro wrestler Flair stereotypically 021911811 was founded? orchestra plays its 83 John for whom concerts? 45 Elevator innovator 46 They hit the sauce the Voting Rights 5 Graze 47 You might skip it if a lot you’re in trouble 75 Fighter’s fake 90 Punk cousin 105 Minimal effort Advancement Act 6 Site of the Minotaur’s 65 Question that 47 ‘‘There’s another good was named Labyrinth 48 Self starter? introduces doubt 76 Releases 91 Supercilious sort 106 Neural transmitter point’’ 84 Slangy contraction 7 Feelings in the room, 51 L.G.B.T. symbol 66 Muscle above an ab 77 The lake in ‘‘lake 93 Syngman ____, 107 Common 49 ‘‘Hold on!’’ 85 Rock genre informally 53 Statistic in football or 68 ‘‘____ So Sweet to effect’’ snow first South Korean prescription item basketball Trust in Jesus’’ 78 Whale constellation 50 Home to the world’s 86 Soon 8 Build up president 108 In shape 56 Kylo ____, ‘‘Star (hymn) 79 Not as unruly three highest capital 88 Taco Bell slogan 9 Choreographer 94 Sin’s counterpart 109 Dark side cities 91 Its size may be Lubovitch Wars’’ villain 69 Big name in 80 Small inlet 97 First name on the 110 Criticize constantly, measured in liters 10 Mont-Saint-Michel, 57 Signed i.o.u.’s windshield wipers 83 Vanderpump 51 Nicolas who directed Supreme Court with ‘‘on’’ ‘‘The Man Who Fell 92 Hours spent by the e.g. 58 Published 70 Need for a jailbreak of Bravo’s 98 Like babies’ legs, to Earth’’ pool at the nudist 11 Not in debt 59 Victory in the annual 72 Nellie’s love in ‘‘South ‘‘Vanderpump 111 Is, in ancient Rome Rules’’ often 52 Puffs club? 12 One-named Irish nudist-club 1K? Pacific’’ 112 Divest 85 Privy to 99 Thermostat setting 54 Graduation wear for a 94 Popular hiding spots singer 61 Face card’s value in 73 Behaves badly 114 Many a golden- University of Hawaii in hide-and-seek 13 Final Four game, e.g. blackjack 74 Many a goody, they 87 Tenor Andrea 101 Permanent marker? parachute recipient, student 95 Virtual currency 14 Thieves’ hide-out 63 Supporting say 89 In relation to 102 High-tailed it in brief

GUNSTON STREET RESULTS FOR ABOVE PUZZLE

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“Gunston Street” is drawn by Basil Zaviski. Email him at [email protected], and online at gunstonstreet.com. O G A S N O O M Y N A M N O E M A L B

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N E P I P E E N O L A M I N A O I H O E N O B E D S E S I L A V K E B E R T PAGE 16 • STARS AND STRIPES • Sunday, March 14, 2021 GADGETS & TECHNOLOGY Live panoramic picture, sound How a mannequin head revolutionizes how music can reach audiences

BY MICHAEL ANDOR BRODEUR BENQ/TNS The Washington Post The portable BenQ GS2 projector can be look up and behold the ornately connected to almost any device. ornamented ceiling of Detroit’s Orchestra Hall, a place I’ve never Iactually been. I look down and my Projector streams legs have vanished, replaced by a single black pole terminating into a tripod. I look from your device all around and find every other seat in the hall empty, though I’m told that at least 10 BY GREGG ELLMAN of us are in attendance. And onstage in Tribune News Service front of me, I see the 19 socially distanced The BenQ GS2 projector is not only por- members of the Detroit Symphony Or- table but truly lives up to its claim of “has- chestra tuning their instruments in com- sle-free wireless setup.” Going into it skep- plete silence — that is, until I pop in my tically, I was pleasantly surprised to have earbuds. SARAH SMARCH/The Washington Post the BenQ GS2 streaming from my iPhone Such are the dissonances that attend The Detroit Symphony Orchestra uses Ted, a mannequin head outfitted with binaural within minutes of unboxing it. settling into one’s figurative seat at Or- microphones and hi­def cameras, which “hears” and then transmits live­sounding Just minutes after I unpacked it, I had chestra Hall to experience the DSO immersive audio and video to people who cannot be physically present. the projected image on my homemade through virtual reality. plywood outdoor screen. The image and I’m “here” to virtually attend a rehears- and clarity is convincingly transportive — resolution were crisp and sharp, edge to al of “Stride,” a stirring newer work from and richer than most of any live-stream- edge, with vivid, accurate colors. The im- the British composer Anna Clyne. And ing audio I’ve experienced — just “live” age was clear when viewed from from side Clyne is “here” with me as well, watching enough to detach you from the living angles as well as straight. along through the eyes and ears of Ted — room. For the most part, any flat, sturdy sur- a standard-issue mannequin head, pur- It’s exciting to think what improved face will work. Merely attach it with the chased off the internet and outfitted with video could add to the experience. There bottom-sided thread to a tripod or some- a 360-degree camera and an array of are plenty of consumer-level 360-degree thing similar. The BenQ GS2 has a built-in microphones by creator, audio engineer cameras on the market, but most can snap keystone adjustment of 1D, Vertical ± 40 and Clyne’s husband, Jody Elff. only panoramic stills or record video. degrees, making it easy to get a level image. Ted offers a live panoramic view of the Cameras designed for HD live-streaming Once the BenQ GS2 is powered up, fo- hall and a crisp stereo audio signal, and, of 360 content can cost tens of thousands cused and centered in your screen, choose most important, allows Clyne to connect ANNA CLYNE AND JODY ELFF/The Washington Post of dollars — a smidgen more than Elff or the Wi-Fi network and your device (iOS, with the musicians playing her music in a Composer Anna Clyne and her engineer Clyne were seeking to spend for a system MacOS or Android) and connect them. It way that the pandemic has rendered next husband, Jody Elff, with Ted. that now maxes out at 10 users. was seamless connecting an iPhone, iPad to impossible. The couple imagine Ted iterations fea- and MacBook Pro. Ten years ago, Elff launched a small nature of her practice. But they also se- turing audio tracking, which would allow The content you stream varies by your company to provide underfunded arts vered an essential connection — with the the sound to change in accordance with device and is dependent on access, as organizations with robustly featured and musicians themselves. the position of the listener’s head. stated on the BenQ website: “Please be lower-cost live-streaming capabilities. The first run of a new work requires an At one point in the DSO rehearsal, guest informed that watching online streaming With this infrastructure in place, it wasn’t enhanced level of listening. Clyne uses conductor John Storgårds paused the media content, like Netflix, Amazon Prime long before Elff began imagining how to these preliminary rehearsals to make orchestra and pivoted on the podium. I Video, or Disney+, from mobile devices enhance the streaming experience he’d nuanced adjustments in dynamics or shifted uncomfortably in my seat as I with a BenQ projector is not currently a built, such as adding binaural (i.e., left/ tempos, and to do so with a sense of the realized he was looking directly at me. He viable option at this moment. This is due to right) audio or 360-degree video. acoustical space that will shape the sound. hollered a question about the rhythms of a their subscription-based business model “There’s always going to be somebody Travel bans and spiking case numbers certain measure into the hall, and, after a with license and copyright concern.” that wants to see a show but can’t get in have disrupted that process indefinitely, slight pause, from somewhere behind me, Hopefully someday soon the copyright for some reason,” he says. and the audio quality of most videoconfer- a woman’s voice responded. I turned and gods will give our iPhones streaming per- The Grammy-winning engineer thinks encing software proved untenable as a saw nothing but vacant rows. mission with Netflix and other services to his homemade prototype could set an stopgap measure, let alone as a long-term It was Clyne — her voice piped into the all devices. example for the role virtual reality could substitute. hall through a speaker but her attention An on-screen menu takes you through play in expanding the audience for classi- Clyne had streaming premieres sched- somewhere inside Ted’s head, swirling focusing, connecting to Wi-Fi and whatever cal music well past the pandemic. Ted uled through the fall and winter with the around with my own. At this point in the device you are using to stream (iOS, Mac takes up only one seat, but could one day Orlando Philharmonic (where she is com- pandemic, I honestly thought we’d ex- OS, Android). Specific directions are dis- serve as a proxy for thousands of listen- poser-in-residence), the River Oaks hausted our options for bizarre, techno- played depending on your choice. ers. Chamber Orchestra and the DSO, but no logically enabled social interactions, but Going the iPhone route, connecting was “I love the idea that for the cost of a $6 way to hear what they truly sounded like. sharing a mannequin head with a compos- easy. Aside from the streaming services cardboard viewer, you could actually “Suddenly,” she says of Ted, “this idea er in a faraway concert hall is definitely a that couldn’t be played, I was able to get jump into another space elsewhere in the that’s been sort of bubbling away is a new one for me. directly onto specific TV apps for local world and have something like a presence really viable option to be present, and to But while the great temptation of vir- stations and CNN. experience,” Elff says. “You can sell out nurture this relationship with the musi- tual reality is to go wild, dissolve all the The BenQ GS2 is built with durable con- your 2,000 seats in the hall, but now let’s cians and conductors and organizations in boundaries of old media and treat free- struction, unibody structure and a soft go sell 10,000 more to virtual viewers.” a way that wouldn’t be possible without dom itself as a medium (and, inevitably, rubber exterior, enabling it to withstand a Elff’s early vision for Ted was driven by the technology.” an excuse), the real strength of a head 1.6-foot drop. It is also IPX2 splash resist- the idea’s big implications, but it was only I can confirm that despite Ted’s rough like Ted is its singular focus. He’s there to ant. Even knowing this, play it safe. Don’t when the pandemic and its practical de- DIY edges, he delivered something closer fill a very specific gap — your seat in drop it and don’t set it up next to your pool mands set in that things came to a head. to an escape from my couch than just front of an orchestra. or sauna. The power adapter connects For composer Clyne — who just re- about anything else I’ve experienced from And after just a few minutes of “Stride” magnetically, disconnecting instantly in leased the fantastic “Mythologies,” a dec- my couch. taking full, soaring flight seemingly right the event of a foot getting tangled, letting it ade’s worth of her orchestral work — the The sound in Orchestra Hall washes before my ears, the virtual sure felt a lot separate from the projector and keeping constrictions of the crisis actually felt over his mic array and reaches you in a like the actual. I was no longer negotiating everything intact. strangely compatible with the solitary rich, spatial stereo wash. The separation with audio. I was listening to music. Online: benq.com; $599 Sunday, March 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 17 BOOKS Murder, mystery and mayhem, but no gore Readers have been turning to ‘cozy’ whodunit mysteries for escape from the realities of pandemic life

BY TAMARA LUSH bookshop with the protagonist, smiling as it will be after.” be a whole lot of blood and guts and vio- Associated Press along with the banter as she and friends Kelly Vaiman, a longtime cozy fan, has lence,” she says, laughing. “It’s contradic- book,” author Neil Gai- figure out whodunit. It is escapist perfec- tried to avoid thinking about real life this tory. A murder mystery with no violence. man may or may not have tion.” past year. First she was wary of going But I can pick up a cozy, and can figure out said, “is a dream you hold In television form, the cozy can be seen places due to the pandemic, then her elder- clues and try to figure out whodunit, but I “A in your hand.” And right in popular shows such as “Murder, She ly mother’s health declined while in a don’t have to live in all of the horror associ- now, in an era of pandemic and polar- Wrote,” “Midsomer Murders” and “Miss Pennsylvania nursing home. Vaiman ated with true crime or a noir.” ization, Americans have — and need — a Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.” Cozies claim couldn’t travel to say goodbye, and her Unlike big blockbuster stories that re- lot of dreams. roots in early 20th-century British myster- mother died. volve around one near-superhuman char- We dream of unfettered travel, of a ies by such writers as Agatha Christie and “After her passing, during the mourning acter (who is usually a man), cozy series world free of face masks and hand sanitiz- Dorothy L. Sayers. But with the advent of period, I just couldn’t handle the grief,” cultivate an amateur sleuth (usually a er, of days that are exciting and new and the e-book, authors are setting their gentle Vaiman says. “So I’d pick up a cozy mys- woman) and a cast of quirky secondary not the grinding tedium of spending hour crime scenes in RV campgrounds in the tery to take my mind off everything.” characters. after hour staring, horrified, at the TV American South, tourist towns in the Pacif- She estimates that she reads 120 books a Readers become attached to the entire news. We dream of going back to school. ic Northwest and in neighborhoods in year. They’re not all cozies, but those are ensemble, says author Bree Baker, and Of eating a meal with family. Of hugs. Brooklyn, to name a few. what she turns to when she needs a com- consider them old friends. That’s why And some of us — well, some of us The genre’s parameters are few: no forting read. readers love series that stretch to multiple dream of murder. Small-town murder. swearing, no sex, and little to no gore. Just Valerie Burns writes gentle murder books. Gentle murder. Quiet murder. what the pandemic-era doctor ordered. mysteries under the pen name of V.M. “I think we all need a place to belong, at For those who find their dreams in “The cozy mystery is a familiar way to Burns, and her “Mystery Bookshop” series the core of everything. We need to have books, there’s a group of readers who are encounter the two seemingly unreconcil- is now six stories long. Since the pandemic our people,” Baker says. hungrily consuming a particular style of able realities of death and country peace at began in early 2020, she’s noticed that And at a time when we can’t see our own narrative to escape from the past year’s the same time,” says Sarah Allison, an more readers are taking the time to email people in real life, fictional stand-ins will reality: “cozy” mysteries. associate professor of English at Loyola her about her work, seeking that human have to do. Solving a murder in one’s mind, In an unfathomably complex year, a New Orleans who is working on a book connection that’s sorely missing. dreaming of the day when we can languid- gently told tale of murder and mayhem about “escape reading.” Burns, who lives in Chattanooga, Tenn., ly enjoy a coffee and conversation with whittles the sharp edges of reality to a “The restoration of order at the end of is an avid cozy reader as well as a writer of friends, knowing that what’s right will manageable, smooth surface. the novel might be less significant than the them. She acknowledges the unusual na- prevail in the end — those are the reasons “Murder is definitely dark, but in a cozy way this genre makes beautiful scenery ture of cozies — that they revolve around a people turn to cozies. And, not coinci- the reader is with the protagonist every and grisly details feel like they go together murder, yet are also soothing to read. But, dentally, they overlap with the ways peo- step of the way as each clue is revealed,” naturally,” she said in an email. Such mys- she adds, trying to solve a mystery gives a ple are coping at this moment in history. says Michelle Vega, executive editor of teries, she says, promise a messy murder feeling of accomplishment when so much “We have enough horror in our day-to- Berkley, who works with several cozy and a tidy resolution, “a welcome contrast of life seems stalled. day lives,” Burns says. “Right now, that’s authors. “You can enjoy the perfect cup of to the way we’ve all been suspended be- “It’s basically a puzzle, but there’s that all I want to do is escape. Escape into a tea and pretend you’re sitting in that comfy tween life as it was before COVID and life safety net in knowing there’s not going to world where justice prevails.”

WILFREDO LEE/AP Kelly Vaiman poses for a photo Feb. 19 in her living room where she sometimes likes to sit and read in Boynton Beach, Fla. Vaiman is an avid cozy mystery reader. PAGE 18 • STARS AND STRIPES • Sunday, March 14, 2021 OPINION

Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Marci Hoffman, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander Better regulate research into deadly viruses Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations BY BRIAN KLAAS tional organization monitoring virology re- for dangerous pathogens. Even though Special to The Washington Post search. Heck, there’s not even a code of most of these labs are doing legitimate re- year ago this month, much of the rules that countries are required to follow, search rather than developing biological EDITORIAL world went into lockdown. This only some non-binding guidance from the weapons, the benefits to society might not Terry Leonard, Editor spring, the world is mostly com- World Health Organization. When it comes always outweigh the potential for a cata- [email protected] Aing out of lockdown. Vaccina- to studying, tampering with or producing strophic accident. tions are increasing. Infections, hospitali- new viruses, the international system is the And even if there’s closer regulation of Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor zations and deaths are decreasing. But once Wild West. BSL-4 labs, that doesn’t completely solve [email protected] the public health emergency subsides and It’s high time we put a sheriff in charge. the problem. Researchers working at Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content our lives slowly return to normal, there’s an One person who has thought a lot about BSL-3 labs (a less restrictive environment) [email protected] urgent question that needs to be addressed: who that sheriff might be is Filippa Lent- in Wisconsin and the Netherlands manu- How can we make sure this doesn’t happen zos, a senior lecturer in science and inter- factured a new strain of bird flu that Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation [email protected] again? national security at King’s College London. spreads more easily among mammals, in- To answer that question, we must under- Lentzos is an expert on biological agents cluding ourselves. Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital stand how this pandemic began. Yet the ori- and emerging pathogen threats. And what The risks of a human-made pathogen di- [email protected] gin story of COVID-19 remains a mystery. she has to say isn’t reassuring. saster are also higher during the COVID-19 China’s official explanation (which is also She explains that scientists around the pandemic because a huge number of peo- BUREAU STAFF endorsed by many scientists) is that the world work with the most dangerous patho- ple who are not career coronavirus special- new coronavirus likely made the leap from gens in Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) labs. “But ists are now working with coronaviruses. Europe/Mideast animals to humans. That might be precise- there are no international regulations [on That rapid scaling-up was essential to Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief [email protected] ly what happened. Pathogens known as those labs]. There’s no set international law quick scientific breakthroughs. But it also +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 zoonotic diseases commonly spread that that they have to follow. There’s nobody increases risk — not just of an accident. Pacific way. checking what they’re doing. There are no There’s also the concern that this could Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief There’s also a rival hypothesis, that CO- inspectors, no regulators. There’s none of make it easier for rogue states or terrorist [email protected] VID-19 resulted from a “lab leak” — an ac- that.” groups to exploit newly developed scientif- +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 cident at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. It gets even worse. Lentzos tells me that ic capabilities to unleash new, deadly path- Washington That could be a baseless conspiracy theory, the system is so uncontrolled that there’s ogens on the world. Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief but it’s not impossible. Lab leaks do hap- not even a proper list of these facilities. Over the past year, we’ve all learned the [email protected] (+1)(202)886-0033 pen. But whether it caused this pandemic “You cannot track them because there’s not hard way that pandemics are crippling, Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News or not, a lab accident could certainly cause even an official international list of global horrific events. So while we should avoid [email protected] the next one. Scientists have been sounding BSL-4 labs,” she explains. excess restrictions on scientific inquiry, we that alarm for some time, well before the Lentzos is working on a project to create should at least work toward greater over- CIRCULATION current pandemic began. a comprehensive list, the first step in push- sight — at the very least, by creating a body Mideast Given what we’ve been through over the ing for greater oversight. But her list keeps that will conduct a more stringent risk-re- Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager past year, you’d imagine that governments getting longer. “These kinds of labs are ward assessment while managing danger- [email protected] are already working to tighten up interna- springing up much more frequently,” she ous research. [email protected] tional regulation of pathogens. You might says. “There are loads more than there After all, when it comes to pandemics, DSN (314)583-9111 assume there’s an international organiza- were five years ago, and way, way more what happens in Wuhan — or in Wisconsin Europe tion filled with well-educated bureaucrats than there were 10 years ago.” — can affect everyone on the planet. Know- Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager and scientists in Brussels or Geneva that is Lentzos has therefore advocated for a se- ing that, as we now do, should compel us to [email protected] [email protected] busy conducting rigorous spot checks of vi- ries of reforms to govern labs that work on end the current hands-off attitude toward +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 rus research labs to ensure they’re up to dangerous pathogens with pandemic po- pathogen research. We need a new interna- Pacific code. tential. Chief among them is creating an in- tional body that has the budget — and the Mari Mori, [email protected] But it turns out the real story isn’t com- ternational body with a mandate to oversee, teeth — to help stave off the next pandemic. +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 forting at all. There’s no formal internation- inspect and regulate those research facili-

al body of rules governing research on po- ties, no matter where they are. Brian Klaas is an associate professor of global politics at CONTACT US tentially dangerous biological agents, other That’s an urgent priority because the University College London, where he focuses on democracy, than the Biological Weapons Convention proliferation of BSL-4 labs without corre- authoritarianism, and American politics and foreign policy. He is Washington the co-author of "How to Rig an Election" and the author of "The Despot's Apprentice" and "The Despot's Accomplice." tel: (+1)202.886.0003 adopted in the 1970s. There’s no interna- sponding regulation is a ticking time bomb 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 Reader letters [email protected] Additional contacts Next step is funding to bring K-9 veterans home stripes.com/contactus BY ROBIN R. GANZERT modern technology cannot replicate. A sure that battle buddies who serve together, Special to Stars and Stripes dog’s nose has up to 300 million olfactory re- and protect one another, can remain togeth- OMBUDSMAN ast month, retired Military Work- ceptors, which are the biological tools used er. The law also stipulates that MWDs retire Ernie Gates ing Dog Bogi traveled more than to detect airborne odors. Human noses, for on American soil. The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow 4,000 miles, from Iwakuni, Japan, comparison, have just 5 to 6 million. That To make these laws a reality for retired of news and information, reporting any attempts by the to Honolulu to be reunited with means a canine can detect a single drop of a MWDs and their handlers, American Hu- military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s L independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns her former handler, Marine Corps Sgt. An- dangerous substance in more than 20 Olym- mane and other nongovernmental organi- and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for gela Cardone. It was a heartwarming, beau- pic-size swimming pools. zations work to marshal and allocate the fairness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted by tiful reunion, and one that deserves to be Each dog can save hundreds of lives. Con- funds necessary to bring these dogs to U.S. email at [email protected], or by phone at replicated every time a MWD retires from sider MWD Troll, who was awarded the soil and give them the retirements they so 202.886.0003. service. Sadly this is not the case, as bring- American Humane Lois Pope K-9 Medal of rightfully deserve. Flying K-9s back from

Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- ing these K-9 veterans back home after ser- Courage on Capitol Hill in 2019. While de- military bases abroad and foreign combat days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday vice and ensuring they receive proper vet- ployed to Afghanistan, MWD Troll logged zones is no easy task — many airlines and through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals erinary care can be a logistical nightmare 1,240 hours while conducting 89 combat planes aren’t equipped to ensure the safest postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send too difficult to overcome. missions. During a single raid on an insur- possible journey and the cost can easily re- address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. This newspaper is authorized by the On National K-9 Veterans Day (March gent compound, MWD Troll sniffed out ach into the thousands of dollars. Department of Defense for members of the military services 13), we pay tribute to the contributions of three IEDs, keeping 65 coalition forces Congress is to be applauded for taking the overseas. However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views our four-legged military heroes and call on members safe. There is no price tag that can first step in allowing our MWDs to be adopt- of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspa- per, Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official Congress to introduce and pass legislation be put on this courageous feat or others like ed by their battle buddies. It’s now time, channels and use appropriated funds for distribution to that provides grants for the transportation it. however, for Congress to take the next cou- remote locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. The appearance of advertising in this publication does and care of retired MWDs. Just a few years ago, Congress recog- rageous step and allocate funds for their not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or For more than eight decades, MWDs nized these irrefutable facts and passed leg- safe return and veterinary care so that our Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. Products or services advertised shall be made available for have officially served alongside our brave islation to give courageous K-9s the retire- K-9 veterans may enjoy healthy, happy re- purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, men and women in uniform, keeping our ments they deserve. The 2016 National De- tirements. religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of sons and daughters safe from harm. While fense Authorization Act, or NDAA, man- the purchaser, user or patron. today’s MWDs no longer ferry messages dates that handlers of these special © Stars and Stripes 2021 Robin R. Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane, is through combat territory, they provide an veterans be given first rights of adoption the author of “Mission Metamorphosis: Leadership for a stripes.com invaluable layer of added security that upon retirement. This provision helps en- Humane World.” Sunday, March 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 19 SCOREBOARD

COLLEGE BASKETBALL PRO BASEBALL TENNIS DEALS

Friday’s men’s scores Spring training Guadalajara Open Friday’s transactions LHP Helcris Olivarez to Albuquerque (Tri- EAST Thursday’s games Friday ple-A West). Reassigned RHP Julian Fer- BASEBALL Buffalo 81, Akron 74, OT Washington 1, Miami 1 At Panamerican Tennis Center nandez, C Max George and RHP Heath Major League Baseball Holder to minor league camp. Fairfield 52, St. Peter’s 47 Pittsburgh 7, Baltimore 5 Guadalajara, Mexico Purse: $235,238 American League PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Agreed to Georgetown 66, Seton Hall 58 Boston 5, Minnesota 4 terms with RHP Trevor Cahill on a one- Iona 70, Niagara 64 Atlanta 2, Tampa Bay 0 Surface: Hardcourt outdoor BALTIMORE ORIOLES— Reassigned RHP Women’s Singles Evan Phillips to Twin Lakes camp. Op- year contract. Placed RHP Blake Cederlind Morgan St. 82, Coppin St. 61 N.Y. Yankees 6, Philadelphia 1 on the 60-day IL. SOUTH Semifinals tioned LHPs Mike Baumann and Alexander Toronto 10, Detroit 6 Wells, RHPs Isaac Mattson and Zac Low- MILWAUKEE BREWERS — Optioned C Alabama 85, Mississippi St. 48 Oakland 6, Texas 0 Eugenie Bouchard, Canada, def. Elisa- ther to Norfolk (Triple-A Southeast). Mario Feliciano, OF Corey Ray, RHPs Alec Florida St. 69, North Carolina 66 San Diego 5, Cleveland 4 betta Cocciaretto, Italy, 6-2, 7-6 (2). BOSTON RED SOX— Optioned 3B Hudson Bettinger and Dylan File to Nashville (Tri- LSU 76, Mississippi 73 Kansas City 4, Milwaukee 2 Sara Sorribes Tormo (4), Spain, def. Ma- Potts, OFs Jeisson Rosario and Marcus ple-A East). Reassigned OFs Tristen Lutz Memphis 70, UCF 62 Chicago Cubs 8, Colorado 6 rie Bouzkova (2), Czech Republic, 6-3, 7-6 Wilson and RHP Connor Seabold to alter- and Garrett Mitchell, INF Brice Turang, Nicholls 88, Northwestern St. 76 L.A. Angels 5, San Francisco 4 (3). nate training site. Reassigned C Jett Ban- LHPs Clayton Andrews, Ethan Small and North Texas 54, Louisiana Tech 48 N.Y. Mets 1, Houston 0 Women’s Doubles Quintin Torres-Costa and RHPs Jake Cou- Semifinals dy, OF Gilberto Jimenez, INFs Chad De La Tennessee 78, Florida 66 Cincinnati 7, Chicago White Sox 4 Guerra and Jeter Downs and LHPs Matt sins, Thomas Jankins and Miguel Sanchez Texas Southern 84, Jackson St. 81, OT Seattle 4, L.A. Dodgers 4 Astra Sharma and Ellen Perez (3), Aus- Hall and Kyle Hart, RHPs Caleb Simpson to minor league camp. W. Kentucky 64, UAB 60 Friday’s games tralia, def. Maria Sanchez, United States, and Ryan Weber to minor league camp. BASKETBALL MIDWEST Boston 8, Tampa Bay 2 and Fanny Stollar, Hungary, 4-6, 7-5, 10-7. CLEVELAND INDIANS — Traded 2B Mike National Basketball Association Creighton 59, UConn 56 Pittsburgh 2, Toronto 1 Dubai Duty Free Championships Freeman to Cincinnati for cash consider- HOUSTON ROCKETS — Signed G Mason Illinois 90, Rutgers 68 Philadelphia 6, Baltimore 2 ations. Optioned 3B Nolan Jones, RHPs Jones to a 10-day contract. Iowa 62, Wisconsin 57 Atlanta 8, Minnesota 5 Friday Jean Carlos Mejia, Eli Morgan and Carlos FOOTBALL Michigan 79, Maryland 66 N.Y. Yankees 4, Detroit 2 At Aviation Club Tennis Centre Vargas and LHP Scott Moss to Columbus National Football League Ohio 87, Toledo 80 Miami 4, N.Y. Mets 2 Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Triple-A East). ARIZONA CARINALS — Re-signed CB Ohio St. 87, Purdue 78, OT L.A. Dodgers 9, Cleveland 2 Purse: $1,835,490 DETROIT TIGERS — Optioned LHP Joey Robert Alford. Wichita St. 68, South Florida 67 Texas 3, Chicago White Sox 2 Surface: Hardcourt outdoor Wentz and RHPs Beau Burrows, Alex Fae- ATLANTA FALCONS — Resigned TE Jae- SOUTHWEST Milwaukee 8, Chicago Cubs 3 Women’s Singles do and Kyle Funkhouser to Toledo (Tri- den Graham. Abilene Christian 93, Lamar 71 Oakland 5, San Diego 4 Semifinals ple-A East). Reassigned RHPs Zack Hess BUFFALO BILLS — Re-signed OL Daryl Arkansas 70, Missouri 64 San Francisco 9, Colorado 8 Garbine Muguruza (9), Spain, def. Elise and Gerson Moreno, C Dillon Dingler, INFs Williams. Cincinnati 74, SMU 71 L.A. Angels 4, Arizona 3 Mertens (10), Belgium, 6-4, 7-6 (5). Daniel Pinero and Aderlin Rodriguez and CHICAGO BEARS — Re-signed K Cairo Houston 77, Tulane 52 Barbora Krejcikova, Czech Republic, def. OFs Jacob Robson and Danny Woodrow to Santos. St. Louis 4, Houston 3 minor league camp. DETROIT LIONS — Released TE Jesse Oklahoma St. 83, Baylor 74 Seattle 4, Cincinnati 3 Jil Teichmann, Switzerland, 7-5, 6-2. Prairie View 74, Grambling St. 63 Saturday’s games Women’s Doubles HOUSTON ASTROS — Optioned RHPs James and CB Justin Coleman. FAR WEST Semifinals Forrest Whitley and Nivaldo Rodriguez to JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Re-signed Minnesota vs. Tampa Bay at Port Char- the minor league. Reassigned RHPs Riley CB Tre Herndon and C Tyler Shatley. Colorado 72, Southern Cal 70 lotte, Fla. Xu Yifan and Zhaoxuan Yang, China, def. E. Washington 78, Montana 50 Ferrell and Alex Santos to minor league. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS — Released G Detroit vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater, Timea Babos, Hungary, and Veronika Ku- Trai Turner and LB Malik Jefferson. Ten- Grand Canyon 81, Seattle 47 NEW YORK YANKEES — Optioned OF Es- Fla. dermetova (5), Russia, 6-3, 7-5. teven Florial to Scranton/Wilkes Barre dered exclsive rights free agent contract Montana St. 80, S. Utah 77, OT Atlanta vs. Boston at Fort Myers, Fla. Darija Jurak, Croatia, and Alexa Guara- (Triple-A East), RHP Luis Gil to Somerset toOT Tyree St. Louis. New Mexico St. 78, Utah Valley St. 62 Pittsburgh vs. N.Y. Yankees at Tampa, chi Mathison (8), Chile, def. Bethanie Mat- (Double-A Northeast), RHP Luis Medina, MIAMI DOLPHINS — Signed P Michael Oregon St. 75, Oregon 64 Fla. tek-Sands and Jessica Pegula, United INF Oswald Peraza and RHP Alexander Palardy. San Diego St. 77, Nevada 70 Baltimore vs. Toronto at Dunedin, Fla. States, 6-4, 6-3. Vizcaino to Hudson Valley (High-A East) NEW YORK GIANTS — Re-signed WR C.J. UC Santa Barbara 71, UC Davis 55 Chicago Cubs vs. Kansas City at Sur- Qatar Open and RHP Yoendrys Gomez to Tampa Board. Friday’s women’s scores prise, Ariz. (Low-A Southeast). Reassigned INFs Ar- SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Released DL L.A. Angels vs. Chicago White Sox at Friday mando Alvarez, Ezequiel Duran, Chris Git- Ronald Blair and tendered a one-year con- EAST Glendale, Ariz. At Khalifa International Tennis and tens and Hoy Park, OFs Trey Amburgey, tract to exclusive rights free agent OL Da- Marist 66, Fairfield 50 Cleveland vs. San Francisco at Scotts- Squash Complex Michael Beltre and Thomas Milone, Cs niel Brunskill. Resigned CB Emmanuel Mo- Maryland 85, Northwestern 52 dale, Ariz. Doha, Qatar Josh Breaux, Kellin Deglan, Max McDowell, seley. St. Peter’s 72, Rider 67 Texas vs. Milwaukee at Phoenix Purse: $787,930 Anthony Seigler and Austin Wells, LHP TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Extended Stony Brook 64, Maine 60 Arizona vs. San Diego at Peoria, Ariz. Surface: Hardcourt outdoor Trevor Lane and RHPs Adam Warren and QB Tom Brady’s contract. Resigned LB Ke- West Virginia 58, Kansas St. 56 Seattle vs. Colorado at Scottsdale, Ariz. Men’s Singles Glenn Otto to minor league camp. vin Minter. HOCKEY SOUTH N.Y. Mets vs. Washington at West Palm Semifinals TEXAS RANGERS — Optioned INF Sher- National Hockey League Alabama St. 69, Southern U. 60 Beach, Fla. Roberto Bautista Agut (5), Spain, def. ton Apostel to Round Rock (Triple-A West) Dayton 85, La Salle 70 St. Louis vs. Miami at Jupiter, Fla. Andrey Rublev, Russia, 6-3, 6-3. and RHPs A.J. Alexy and Yerry Rodriguez COLORADO AVALANCHE — Recalled D and C David Garcia to Frisco (Double-A Delaware 60, Hofstra 39 Oakland vs. Cincinnati at Goodyear, Nikoloz Basilashvili, Georgia, def. Taylor Greg Pateryn and RW Logan O’Conner Central). Reassigned RHPs Justin Ander- from minor league taxi squad. Drexel 79, James Madison 76, OT Ariz. Fritz, United States, 7-6 (3), 6-1. Florida Gulf Coast 59, Lipscomb 44 Sunday’s games Men’s Doubles son, Hans Crouse, Fernery Ozuna, Alex COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS— Acquired D Speas and Cole Winn, C Matt Whatley, INFs Mikko Lehtonen in trade for G Veini Veh- Howard 50, Norfolk St. 44 Baltimore vs. Detroit at Lakeland, Fla. Championship Jackson St. 65, Grambling St. 49 Aslan Karatsev and Andrey Rublev, Rus- Justin Foscue, Josh Jung and Davis Wend- vilainen from Toronto. Boston vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Fla. zel and OFs Bubba Thompson and Steele DALLAS STARS — Assigned D Jared Ros- Liberty 65, North Florida 52 Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh at Braden- sia, def. Philipp Oswald, Austria, and Mar- Middle Tennessee 74, UTEP 58 cus Daniell, New Zealand, 7-5, 6-4. Walker to minor league camp. burg to taxi squad. Reassigned F Rhett ton, Fla. National League Gardner to taxi squad and loaned D Taylor NC A&T 69, Morgan St. 54 Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta at North Port, Fla. Saint Louis 59, Richmond 58, OT Chile Open ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS — Optioned Fedun to Texas(AHL). Washington vs. Houston at West Palm DETROIT RED WINGS — Re-assigned RW UMass 80, Fordham 70 RHPs Jeremy Beasley, Humberto Castella- Beach, Fla. Friday nos, Luis Frias and Humberto Meija and 2B Evgeny Svechnikov to the Grand Rapids VCU 64, Rhode Island 57, OT N.Y. Yankees vs. Toronto at Dunedin, Fla. At Club Deportivo Universidad Catolica MIDWEST Andy Young to Reno (Triple-A West). Griffins from their taxi squad. St. Louis vs. N.Y. Mets at Port St. Lucie, Santiago, Chile ATLANTA BRAVES — Optioned RHPs Vic- LOS ANGELES KINGS— Recalled D Daniel Bowling Green 80, Buffalo 67 Fla. Purse: $325,270 tor Arano, Jasseel De La Cruz, Chad Sobot- Brickley, G Troy Grosennick and D Tobias Bradley 62, N. Iowa 59 San Diego vs. Cincinnati at Goodyear, Surface: Red clay ka and Patrick Weigel, LHPs Tucker David- Bjornfot from minor league taxi squad. Cent. Michigan 100, Ohio 92, OT Ariz. Men’s Singles son and Kyle Muller to Gwinnett (Triple-A ST.LOUIS BLUES —RecalledC Dakota Drake 71, Valparaiso 60 L.A. Angels vs. Chicago Cubs at Mesa, Quarterfinals East). Reassigned INFs C.J. Alexander and Joshua and D Steven Santini from minor Iowa 87, Michigan St. 72 Ariz. Facundo Bagnis, Argentina, def. Laslo Bryce Ball, C Logan Brown, LHPs Thomas league taxi squad. Loyola Chicago 61, Illinois St. 60 Colorado vs. Texas at Surprise, Ariz. Djere (4), Serbia, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Burrows and Phil Pfeifer, RHPs Daysbel TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS — Acquired G Missouri St. 70, S. Illinois 59 Chicago White Sox vs. Oakland at Mesa, Federico Delbonis (8), Argentina, def. Hernandez, Kurt Hoekstra, Connor John- Veini Vehvilainen in trade for D Mikko Leh- Texas 84, Iowa St. 82, OT stone, Nolan Kingham, Freddy Tarnok, Vic- tonen from Columbus. SOUTHWEST Ariz. Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune, Denmark, 6-3, Milwaukee vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz. 6-3. tor Vodnik and William Woods, OFs Justin VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS — Recalled D Baylor 92, TCU 55 San Francisco vs. Arizona at Scottsdale, Cristian Garin (1), Chile, def. Juan Pablo Dean, Travis Demeritte, Michael Harris II, Dylan Coghlan from minor league taxi squad. Cent. Arkansas 69, Lamar 55 Ariz. Varillas, Peru, 6-4, 6-4. Trey Harris and Drew Waters to minor Oklahoma St. 89, Oklahoma 80, OT Daniel Elahi Galan, Colombia, def. Ro- league camp. SOCCER Kansas City vs. L.A. Dodgers at Glendale, Major League Soccer Rice 62, Old Dominion 60 Ariz. berto Carballes Baena, Spain, 7-6 (8), 6-3. CHICAGO CUBS — Optioned RHPs Cory Sam Houston St. 89, Nicholls 59 Men’s Doubles Abbott, Tyson Miller and Kohl Stewart to ATLANTA UNITED FC— Signed D Alex De FAR WEST COLLEGE HOCKEY Quarterfinals Iowa (Triple-A) East, RHPs Manuel Rodri- John to a one-year contract with an addi- California Baptist 79, New Mexico St. 54 Goncalo Oliveira, Portugal, and Andre guez, C Miguel Amaya and INF Christopher tional option year. Grand Canyon 57, Utah Valley 54 Goransson, Sweden, def. Alejandro Tabilo Morel to Tennessee (Double-A South). ORANGE COUNTY SC — Loaned D Blake Idaho St. 84, Idaho 49 Men’s conference tournaments and Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera, Chile, Reassigned RHPs James Bourque, Juan Malone to Union Omaha for the 2021 sea- Gamez, Jake Jewell, Tommy Nance, Mi- son. UC Davis 64, Hawaii 52 x­if necessary 6-4, 4-6, 10-7. UC Irvine 68, Cal Poly 59 Semifinals chael Rucker and Robert Stock, LHPs Bren- VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC— Acquired ATLANTIC HOCKEY ASSOCIATION don Little and Jerry Vasto, Cs Taylor Gush- MF Caio Alexandre from Brazilian club Bo- Quarterfinals Simone Bolelli, Italy, and Maximo Gon- AUTO RACING zalez (4), Argentina, def. Raven Klaasen, ue and Tyler Payne and INFs Abiatal Aveli- tafogo FR. (Best­of­three) no, Alfonso Rivas, Chase Strumpf, Andy National Women’s Soccer League Friday, March 12 South Africa, and Ben Mclachlan (1), Ja- pan, 6-4, 6-4. Weber and Patrick Wisdom and OF Bren- WASHINGTON SPIRIT— Signed Fs Trinity Instacart 500 lineup Army 4, Sacred Heart 0, Army leads 1-0 nen Davis to minor league camp. Rodman and Mariana Speckmaier, MF An- NASCAR Cup Series Robert Morris 3, Niagara 2, OT, Robert Open 13 COLORADO ROCKIES — Optioned RHP na Heilferty and G Sydney Schneider to Morris leads 1-0 Tommy Doyle, INF Elehuris Montero and contracts. After Saturday qualifying; race Sunday Friday At Phoenix Raceway Canisius 5, RIT 2, Canisius leads 1-0 HOCKEY EAST At Palais des Sports GOLF Avondale, Ariz. Marseille, France Lap length: 1.00 miles Opening Round (Single Elimination) Purse: Euro 334,240 (Car number in parentheses) Jason Kokrak 70-72—142 -2 Wednesday, March 10 Surface: Hardcourt indoor The Players Championship 1. (2) Brad Keselowski, Ford, .000 mph. Men’s Singles Brian Stuard 74-68—142 -2 UMass Lowell 5, Vermont 3 2. (5) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, .000. Quarterfinals PGA Tour Louis Oosthuizen 73-69—142 -2 3. (11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, .000. New Hampshire 7, Maine 2 Friday NATIONAL COLLEGIATE HOCKEY Matthew Ebden, Australia, def. Karen Justin Thomas 71-71—142 -2 4. (20) Christopher Bell, Toyota, .000. Khachanov (3), Russia, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. At TPC Sawgrass 5. (19) Martin Truex Jr, Toyota, .000. CONFERENCE Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Si Woo Kim 72-70—142 -2 First Round Daniil Medvedev (1), Russia, def. Jannik 6. (9) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet, .000. Sinner (5), Italy, 6-2, 6-4. Purse: $15 million Keegan Bradley 70-72—142 -2 7. (18) Kyle Busch, Toyota, .000. (Single elimination) Yardage: 7,189; Par: 72 Christiaan Bezuidenhout 70-72—142 -2 Friday, March 12 Pierre-Hugues Herbert, France, def. Ste- 8. (12) Ryan Blaney, Ford, .000. fanos Tsitsipas (2), Greece, 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-2. Second Round Suspended for Darkness Kyoung-Hoon Lee 72-71—143 -1 9. (22) Joey Logano, Ford, .000. Colorado College 1, St. Cloud St. 2, Ugo Humbert (4), France, def. Arthur Rin- Lee Westwood 69-66—135 -9 Cameron Percy 73-70—143 -1 10. (24) William Byron, Chevrolet, .000. Miami 2 North Dakota 6 derknech, France, 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4). Matthew Fitzpatrick 68-68—136 -8 WESTERN COLLEGIATE HOCKEY Scott Piercy 73-70—143 -1 11. (47) Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Chevrolet, Men’s Doubles Chris Kirk 72-65—137 -7 ASSOCIATION Semifinals Nate Lashley 74-69—143 -1 .000. Sergio Garcia 65-72—137 -7 12. (1) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, .000. First Round David Pel and Sander Arends, Nether- Zach Johnson 75-68—143 -1 Denny McCarthy 69-69—138 -6 13. (3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, .000. (Best­of­three) lands, def. Nathaniel Lammons and Jack- Dustin Johnson 73-70—143 -1 14. (43) Erik Jones, Chevrolet, .000. Friday, March 12 son Withrow, United States, 6-1, 7-6 (4). Brian Harman 67-71—138 -6 Adam Scott 72-71—143 -1 15. (37) Ryan Preece, Chevrolet, .000. Minnesota St. 3, Ferris St. 0, Minnesota Bryson DeChambeau 69-69—138 -6 James Hahn 76-67—143 -1 16. (34) Michael McDowell, Ford, .000. St. leads 1-0 AP SPORTLIGHT Charley Hoffman 70-68—138 -6 Harold Varner III 70-73—143 -1 17. (17) Chris Buescher, Ford, .000. Lake Superior St. 6, Ala. Huntsville 1, Doug Ghim 71-67—138 -6 Adam Hadwin 74-69—143 -1 18. (4) Kevin Harvick, Ford, .000. Lake Superior St. leads 1-0 March 14 Sungjae Im 72-66—138 -6 N. Michigan 4, Bowling Green 3, N. Michi- Scott Harrington 72-71—143 -1 19. (6) Ryan Newman, Ford, .000. 1944 — In a tennis match to benefit war- Patton Kizzire 70-69—139 -5 Phil Mickelson 71-72—143 -1 20. (21) Matt DiBenedetto, Ford, .000. gan leads 1-0 time charities, amateur Jack Kramer beat Talor Gooch 71-68—139 -5 21. (48) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet, .000. Michigan Tech 1 Bemidji St. 3, Bemidji St. pro champion Don Budge 6-3, 6-2. Charles Howell III 73-70—143 -1 22. (42) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet, .000. leads 1-0 1953 — Seton Hall wins the NIT title with Dylan Frittelli 71-68—139 -5 Brendon Todd 74-69—143 -1 23. (8) Tyler Reddick, Chevrolet, .000. a 58-46 win over St. John's. Walter Dukes, Jon Rahm 72-68—140 -4 Martin Laird 73-71—144 E 24. (41) Cole Custer, Ford, .000. COLLEGE FOOTBALL who led Seton Hall with 21 points and 20 Tom Hoge 69-71—140 -4 Joaquin Niemann 73-71—144 E 25. (23) Bubba Wallace, Toyota, .000. rebounds, finishes as the tournament's Paul Casey 73-67—140 -4 Aaron Wise 73-71—144 E 26. (14) Chase Briscoe, Ford, .000. high scorer with 70 points and wins the Sunday’s games MVP honors. Corey Conners 68-72—140 -4 Jordan Spieth 70-74—144 E 27. (99) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet, .000. Jason Day 70-71—141 -3 Collin Morikawa 71-73—144 E 28. (38) Anthony Alfredo, Ford, .000. EAST 1954 — Baltimore loses 65-54 at Milwau- 29. (77) Justin Haley, Chevrolet, .000. Duquesne (1-0) at Wagner kee, giving the Bullets their 20th consecu- Will Zalatoris 70-71—141 -3 Brendan Steele 72-72—144 E LIU (1-0) at Sacred Heart (0-1) tive road loss for the season, and making Tyler McCumber 72-69—141 -3 Rory Sabbatini 69-75—144 E 30. (78) BJ McLeod, Ford, .000. them the first team in NBA history to go an 31. (51) Cody Ware, Chevrolet, .000. Bryant (0-1) at Merrimack College Abraham Ancer 72-70—142 -2 Patrick Rodgers 74-70—144 E SOUTH entire season without winning a game on 32. (10) Aric Almirola, Ford, .000. the road. Ryan Armour 74-68—142 -2 Matt Jones 73-71—144 E 33. (7) Corey Lajoie, Chevrolet, .000. E. Illinois (0-2) at Tennessee St. (0-2) 1960 — Rookie Wilt Chamberlain scores Patrick Reed 70-72—142 -2 Ryan Moore 75-69—144 E 34. (53) JJ Yeley, Ford, .000. Jacksonville St. (5-1) at UT Martin (1-1) a playoff record 53 points in the Philadel- Ryan Palmer 70-72—142 -2 Jhonattan Vegas 73-71—144 E 35. (00) Quin Houff, Chevrolet, .000. Murray St. (2-0) at Tennessee Tech (1-1) phia's 132-112 triumph over the Syracuse Daniel Berger 74-68—142 -2 Lucas Glover 75-69—144 E 36. (52) Josh Bilicki, Ford, .000. MVSU at Jackson St. (2-0) Nationals to send the Warriors to the East- Billy Horschel 71-73—144 E 37. (66) Timmy Hill, Ford, .000. MIDWEST ern Division finals against the Boston Cel- Shane Lowry 68-74—142 -2 38. (15) James Davison, Chevrolet, .000. Austin Peay (1-4) at SE Missouri (1-2) tics. Kramer Hickok 74-68—142 -2 Michael Thompson 71-73—144 E PAGE 20 • STARS AND STRIPES • Sunday, March 14, 2021 SPORTS BRIEFS/NHL

BRIEFLY NHL scoreboard

East Division Lakers without Davis GP WLOT Pts GF GA N.Y. Islanders 27 17 6 4 38 80 60 Washington 26 16 6 4 36 89 83 at least 2 more weeks Pittsburgh 26 16 9 1 33 86 79 Boston 24 14 6 4 32 70 56 Associated Press between that.” Philadelphia 24 13 8 3 29 79 78 N.Y. Rangers 25 10 12 3 23 68 71 LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles He has already missed two New Jersey 23 8 12 3 19 58 76 Lakers forward Anthony Davis games since he was checked into Buffalo 25 6 15 4 16 58 85 will be out for at least two more the end boards by Casey Cizikas in Central Division weeks with the leg injuries that the closing minutes of a 5-2 loss at GP WLOT Pts GF GA have kept him sidelined since Feb. the New York Islanders on Sun- Carolina 26 19 6 1 39 93 67 14. day. Eichel went to the bench, Tampa Bay 25 18 5 2 38 91 57 The defending NBA champions where he was spotted wincing in Florida 26 17 5 4 38 89 76 announced Friday night that Da- pain while flexing his neck. Chicago 28 14 9 5 33 87 88 vis is making progress and has Columbus 28 10 12 6 26 75 94 3 Vols football players Nashville 27 11 15 1 23 64 90 been cleared to enter the next Dallas 22 8 9 5 21 64 59 phase of his rehabilitation after an suspended after arrests Detroit 28 8 16 4 20 63 95 examination by team doctors. He KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Three West Division STACY BENGS/AP University of Tennessee football will be re-evaluated in late March. GP WLOT Pts GF GA The Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov, right, handles the puck against the Arizona Davis missed his 10th consecu- players are facing an indefinite Coyotes’ Lawson Crouse during Friday’s game in St. Paul, Minn. suspension from the team after Vegas 24 17 6 1 35 78 55 tive game Friday when the Lakers Minnesota 25 16 8 1 33 79 63 hosted the Indiana Pacers in their campus police logs show they St. Louis 27 14 8 5 33 87 87 NHL ROUNDUP first game back from the All-Star were arrested on misdemeanor Colorado 25 15 8 2 32 74 59 break. charges related to drug possession Los Angeles 26 11 9 6 28 78 74 and paraphernalia in a dorm. Arizona 27 12 11 4 28 69 81 The All-NBA big man has San Jose 24 10 11 3 23 72 88 Achilles tendinosis and a calf Martavius French, Isaac Wash- Anaheim 28 8 14 6 22 62 92 strain, and the eight-time All-Star ington and Aaron Willis were North Division Kaprizov’s three selection was forced to drop out of among five people arrested for a GP WLOT Pts GF GA last weekend’s game in Atlanta. March 9 incident at Stokely Hall Davis missed five games earlier on the Knoxville campus, the cam- Toronto 28 19 7 2 40 97 70 pus police log says. Another stu- Edmonton 29 18 11 0 36 99 85 this season due to various injuries Winnipeg 26 16 8 2 34 86 76 dent and a juvenile were also ar- before aggravating his leg woes in Montreal 26 12 7 7 31 85 71 goals propel Wild a game in Denver on Valentine’s rested. Calgary 27 12 12 3 27 73 81 Day. He is averaging 22.5 points, French is a freshman lineback- Vancouver 30 12 16 2 26 84 99 Associated Press behind Toronto. Ottawa 30 9 20 1 19 79 121 8.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 er from Memphis who did not see ST. PAUL, Minn. — Russian Thomas Chabot and Brady blocked shots in his 23 appearanc- any action in 2020. He was a four- Thursday’s games rookie Kirill Kaprizov had his Tkachuk scored for Ottawa. star recruit. Pittsburgh 5, Buffalo 2 es this season. Boston 4, N.Y. Rangers 0 first NHL hat trick and Cam Tal- Golden Knights 5, Blues 4 The Lakers have eight games in Washington is a three-star de- Carolina 5, Nashville 1 bot made 25 saves for his first (OT): Reilly Smith scored on a fensive lineman from Pilot Moun- N.Y. Islanders 5, New Jersey 3 the next two weeks, and Davis is Florida 5, Columbus 4, OT shutout of the season in the Min- power play at 2:38 of overtime to tain, N.C., who signed with Ten- Toronto 4, Winnipeg 3, OT likely to miss all of them. Los An- Detroit 6, Tampa Bay 4 nesota Wild’s 4-0 victory over the lift visiting Vegas past St. Louis. nessee in December. geles coach Frank Vogel has said Chicago 4, Dallas 2 Arizona Coyotes on Friday night. Smith connected on a one- Willis is a four-star linebacker Washington 5, Philadelphia 3 the team will be deliberately cau- Calgary 2, Montreal 1 Kaprizov opened the scoring timer off Jonathan Marches- from Midlothian, Va. He also tious with its superstar big man, Friday’s games 5:47 into the third period and sault’s pass. signed with Tennessee in Decem- hoping to get him healthy heading Minnesota 4, Arizona 0 added his second just over two Mark Stone, Tomas Nosek, ber. Vegas 5, St. Louis 4, OT into the postseason. Edmonton 6, Ottawa 2 minutes later for his first multi- Alec Martinez and Marchessault Colorado 2, Los Angeles 0 In other NBA news: Westwood takes charge San Jose 6, Anaheim 0 goal game. He scored his third in also scored for Vegas. Marc- ■ Philadelphia 76ers star cen- in Players Championship Saturday’s games the final seconds after Jonas Bro- Andre Fleury, playing after being ter Joel Embiid has a bone bruise din added an empty-netter. removed from COVID-19 proto- PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. N.Y. Rangers at Boston on his left knee and could miss at Dallas at Columbus Kaprizov has four goals in the col due to a false positive, made — There’s something for every- Chicago at Florida least two weeks, according to a Montreal at Calgary last two games and 10 overall. 19 saves. one on the second-round leader- N.Y. Islanders at New Jersey person with knowledge of the in- Nashville at Tampa Bay The 23-year-old leads NHL roo- Vladimir Tarasenko, Zach San- board of The Players Champion- jury. Pittsburgh at Buffalo kies in scoring. ford and Ryan O’Reilly scored for ship. Washington at Philadelphia Embiid did not suffer structural Winnipeg at Toronto Minnesota is 10-2-1 since Feb. the Blues, and Jordan Binnington Golf royalty, European style? Vegas at St. Louis damage to his knee and will be Edmonton at Vancouver 18, leading the NHL in wins, made 35 saves. The Blues have There’s venerable Lee Westwood evaluated again in two weeks. The San Jose at Anaheim points and goals in that span. played four straight overtime of England, coming off a near- person spoke on condition of ano- Sunday’s games miss in winning the Arnold Palm- Adin Hill made 28 saves in his games, losing the last three. nymity Saturday because the se- Arizona at Minnesota er Invitational last week in Orlan- Carolina at Detroit second start of the season for Ari- Sharks 6, Ducks 0: Devan verity of the injury had not been N.Y. Islanders at New Jersey zona. Dubnyk made 34 saves for his do. The 47-year-old winner of 44 Los Angeles at Colorado announced. Dallas at Columbus The teams will meet again in 33rd career shutout, Tomas Hertl worldwide events shot a classy, Toronto at Ottawa Sabres’ Eichel out bogey-free 66 at the Players Stadi- St. Paul on Sunday and Tuesday had a goal and an assist in his Monday’s games night. return to the lineup and visiting um Course at TPC Sawgrass on Nashville at Tampa Bay for ‘foreseeable future’ Boston at Pittsburgh Oilers 6, Senators 2: Connor San Jose dominated Anaheim. Friday to take the 36-hole lead at Chicago at Florida BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo 9-under-par 135. Philadelphia at N.Y. Rangers McDavid had a goal and two as- Kevin Labanc had a goal and Vancouver at Ottawa sists and host Edmonton im- two assists, Timo Meier and Sabres will be without captain Then there’s 18-hole leader and Washington at Buffalo Jack Eichel for what coach Ralph Montreal at Winnipeg proved to 7-0 this season against Evander Kane also had a goal 2008 Players champion Sergio Edmonton at Calgary Krueger called “the foreseeable Garcia of Spain, who sparkled San Jose at Vegas Ottawa. and an assist, and Erik Karlsson St. Louis at Los Angeles future” in delivering yet another with a 65 in Thursday’s first McDavid needed just 10 sec- and Fredrik Handemark added blow to a team in the midst of a round. He resisted several urges Scoring leaders onds after the opening faceoff to goals, nine-game skid. to implode and battled back with score his 17th of the season, beat- Hertl missed six games after The injury is not considered his third eagle of the tournament, Through Friday ing Joey Daccord on the game’s being placed on NHL’s COVID-19 season-ending, though Krueger at No. 11, and birdies on two of his GP GAPTS first shot. McDavid pushed his list on Feb. 24. on Saturday was unable to provide last three holes for a 72 and a tie Connor McDavid, EDM 28 16 32 48 NHL-leading points total to 51 in Avalanche 2, Kings 0: Mikko a fixed timetable on how much for third at 7-under. Leon Draisaitl, EDM 28 14 28 42 29 games. Rantanen had a goal and an as- time Eichel will miss. Patrick Kane, CHI 28 11 29 40 Leon Draisaitl and Tyler Ennis sist, Philipp Grubauer stopped 18 In between those two is one of Mitchell Marner, TOR 28 11 26 37 “An injury of this nature needs the next generation of British Auston Matthews, TOR 25 21 14 35 had a goal and an assist, Tyson shots for his fourth shutout of the more assessment and more time stars, Matthew Fitzpatrick, who Mark Scheifele, WPG 26 11 23 34 Barrie, Darnell Nurse and Gae- season and host Colorado beat to understand it,” he said. “We just played his last 10 holes at 4-under Jonathan Huberdeau, FLA 26 10 22 32 tan Haas also scored and Mike Los Angeles. know that it will be some time here with no bogeys for a 68. He will Anze Kopitar, LA 25 7 24 31 Smith made 23 saves. Nathan MacKinnon also scored Brad Marchand, BOS 24 12 19 31 from shorter all the way to what join Westwood, 21 years his senior, Nicklas Backstrom, WSH 26 10 19 29 Edmonton improved to 18-11-0 for the Avalanche. you’ve already mentioned (sea- in the final twosome in Saturday’s Brock Boeser, VAN 30 14 15 29 to take sole possession of second Calvin Petersen made a career son-ending), but it’s somewhere in third round. Alex DeBrincat, CHI 24 15 14 29 in the North Division, four points high 44 saves for the Kings. Sunday, March 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 21 NFL Brady signs extension, frees cap space for Bucs Deal provides Tampa Bay much-needed salary relief

BY FRED GOODALL Associated Press TAMPA, Fla. — Tom Brady has agreed to a contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that provides the Super Bowl champions with much-needed sal- ary cap relief and will help the sev- en-time NFL champion reach a goal of playing until he’s at least 45. Brady posted a picture of him- self on Twitter, signing the exten- sion Friday with the message: “In pursuit of 8 ... LFG@ Buccaneers we’re keeping the band together.” The extension confirmed by the team frees about $19 million in sal- ary cap space, a move that im- proves Tampa Bay’s chances of re- turning as much of its champion- ship roster as possible for 2021. Seven starters from the Super Bowl were among two dozen Buc- caneers eligible to become free agents next week. “When we acquired Tom a year ago, we were extremely excited about the leadership, poise and winning track record that he would bring to our locker room. Since that time, he has proven himself to be the ultimate compet- itor and delivered in every way we had imagined, helping us capture the Lombardi Trophy,” general manager Jason Licht said. “Year after year,” the GM add- ed, “Tom proves that he remains one of the elite quarterbacks in this game and we couldn’t be happier to keep him in Tampa Bay as we continue to pursue our goals to- gether.” Brady’s extension adds an extra BRETT DUKE/AP season on the two-year, $50 mil- Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady has agreed to a contract extension with the Buccaneers that provides the Super Bowl champions some lion contract he signed in free much­needed salary cap relief and will help the seven­time NFL champion reach a goal of playing until he’s at least 45. agency last March following a 20- year run with the New England whole village to win. It takes a ry cap before the 43-year-old Bra- Patriots. VALUABLE VETERANS team, a group of guys, to win foot- dy, who has said he wants to play The five-time Super Bowl MVP Tight end Rob Gronkowski, wide receiver Antonio Brown, defensive lineman ball games,” David said. until he’s at least 45, extended his capped his first season with the Ndamukong Suh, running back Leonard Fournette and kicker Ryan Succop are “Me, the same thing. I’m all contract. Bucs by leading Tampa Bay to its among the free agents GM Jason Licht and coach Bruce Arians hope to retain. about team,” the linebacker, who’s With the quarterback’s help, the first championship in 18 years. SOURCE: Associated Press played his entire nine-year career Bucs can now turn their attention In preparation for the start of with the Bucs, added. “I’m doing to trying to reach a long-term deal free agency next week, Licht announced Friday. Brady’s extension also includes what I can and doing what it takes with linebacker Shaquil Barrett, placed the franchise tag on receiv- David’s contract, of which $20 voidable years to provide cap re- to hopefully get everybody back the 2019 NFL sack leader who er Chris Godwin and signed line- million is guaranteed, includes lief this winter. and go do this thing again.” earned $15.8 million last season backer Lavonte David to a two- voidable years that make it salary “Tom is one of those great guys Tampa Bay was estimated to be while playing under the franchise year, $25 million contract that was cap friendly. who understands that it takes a more than $7 million over the sala- tag. Normalcy inches back with draft room gatherings approved BY ARNIE STAPLETON status. Every team must submit their Clubs also will be permitted to the endearing and enduring im- Associated Press Eating and drinking will be draft plan by March 26 for review use off-site facilities for their ages of the odd weekend was the The NFL has informed teams prohibited in the draft room, ac- and approval by the NFL’s chief draft rooms if they choose. appearance of Bill Belichick’s they can gather in person for the cording to the memo, which was medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills. While last year’s setup proved Alaskan Klee Kai named Nike. draft, unlike last year when they obtained by The Associated The league said the plans have challenging, it also provided good So, the NFL is trying to main- had to connect via videoconfer- Press. to first be reviewed by each entertainment value with GMs tain some of that buzz by keeping ence from their homes because of Last year’s draft in Las Vegas club’s infection control officer and head coaches getting cre- cameras on each team’s general the coronavirus pandemic. was scrapped because of CO- and include: location, room lay- ative with their home setups and manager and head coach in their In a memo sent to all 32 teams VID-19 concerns. Teams were out with square footage, seating some of their children joining in draft rooms in 2021. Friday, the NFL said team per- forbidden from gathering at team diagram and ventilation, en- on the fun. This year’s draft is scheduled sonnel will have to socially dis- headquarters, so they met over trance and exits and the number Commissioner Roger Goodell to take place in Cleveland from tance and wear masks at all times videoconference from their of individuals who will be in at- anchored the draft by broadcast- April 29-May 1 with safety pre- regardless of their vaccination homes. tendance. ing from his basement, and one of cautions in place. PAGE 22 • STARS AND STRIPES • Sunday, March 14, 2021 NBA Embiid hurt in 76ers’ win over Wizards Scoreboard Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Associated Press ing after both players were ex- WLPct GB WASHINGTON — On pace for posed to the same barber who test- Philadelphia 26 12 .684 — their best season and first confer- ed positive for COVID-19, the Brooklyn 25 13 .658 1 ence championship in two dec- 76ers cruised to a second straight Boston 19 18 .514 6½ New York 19 19 .500 7 ades, the Philadelphia 76ers are comfortable win following the All- Toronto 17 20 .459 8½ suddenly “praying” for the health Star break. Southeast Division of their best player. Shake Milton scored 18 points WLPct GB Joel Embiid scored 23 points but off the bench for Philadelphia, Miami 20 18 .526 — departed midway through the which led by 17 after the first quar- Charlotte 18 18 .500 1 third quarter following an appar- ter, 10 at halftime and 18 after the Atlanta 17 20 .459 2½ ent leg injury in the 76ers’ 127-101 third. Washington 14 22 .389 5 victory over the Washington Wiz- Furkan Korkmaz added 12 of his Orlando 13 25 .342 7 ards on Friday night. 18 points in the fourth quarter as Central Division Embiid, an MVP candidate for the Sixers completed a three-game WLPct GB his role on the Eastern Confer- season sweep of the Wizards. Phi- Milwaukee 23 14 .622 — ence-leading Sixers, was in his ladelphia outrebounded Washing- Indiana 16 20 .444 6½ Chicago 16 20 .444 6½ first game back following a week- ton 49-32, and had a 56-38 advan- Cleveland 14 23 .378 9 long absence for contact tracing. tage in bench points. Detroit 10 27 .270 13 He entered Friday averaging 30.2 “I thought our guys did a pretty Western Conference points and 11.6 rebounds. good job focusing,” Rivers said. “I Southwest Division He had also grabbed seven re- thought it took us a couple minutes WLPct GB bounds before his exit with 6:20 (after the injury) to get going, but San Antonio 19 15 .559 — left in the third. once we did I thought we took care Dallas 19 17 .528 1 “It looked like a hyper-exten- NICK WASS/AP of the game.” Memphis 17 17 .500 2 sion. That’s what we all hope it Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid reacts after an injury during the Russell Westbrook scored 25 New Orleans 16 22 .421 5 Houston 11 25 .306 9 (is),” said fellow starter Tobias second half of Friday’s game against the Wizards in Washington. points and Bradley Beal added 19 Northwest Division Harris. “We’re just praying that for the Wizards, who lost their sec- WLPct GB he’ll be OK and be healthy tomor- was briefly brought onto the court, formation,” Rivers said. “Listen, ond straight after the break and row.” but the center eventually limped it’s a long season. At the end of the had their home winning streak Utah 28 9 .757 — Denver 22 15 .595 6 Following a dunk for his last off under his own power. day, hopefully it’s not something against the Sixers snapped at 10 Portland 21 15 .583 6½ points, Embiid landed awkwardly Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers where we lose him, obviously. But games. Oklahoma City 16 21 .432 12 on his left leg, his knee joint ap- said Embiid would be examined our guys will be good. We’ll be “We’ve got to get back to defend- Minnesota 8 29 .216 20 pearing to bend slightly forward. Saturday in Philadelphia. ready.” ing,” Beal said. “We can’t guard Pacific Division He writhed in pain on the floor for “We don’t do anything right Even with Embiid’s exit and Ben nobody right now again. We’ve got WLPct GB several minutes, and a stretcher now, because we don’t have any in- Simmons also out for contact trac- to get back to guarding people.” Phoenix 25 11 .694 — L.A. Lakers 25 13 .658 1 L.A. Clippers 25 14 .641 1½ ROUNDUP Golden State 19 19 .500 7 Sacramento 15 22 .405 10½ Thursday’s games Charlotte 105, Detroit 102 Brooklyn 121, Boston 109 Atlanta 121, Toronto 120 Kuzma keys Lakers’ Philadelphia 127, Chicago 105 Milwaukee 134, New York 101 Miami 111, Orlando 103 Minnesota 135, New Orleans 105 Oklahoma City 116, Dallas 108 fourth-quarter rally Phoenix 127, Portland 121 Sacramento 125, Houston 105 Associated Press L.A. Clippers 130, Golden State 104 Nuggets 103, Grizzlies 102: Friday’s games LOS ANGELES — Kyle Kuzma Nikola Jokic had 28 points, 15 re- New Orleans 116, Cleveland 82 Denver 103, Memphis 102 scored 15 of his 24 points in the bounds and seven assists and Philadelphia 127, Washington 101 Miami 101, Chicago 90 fourth quarter, LeBron James scored his team’s final five points San Antonio 104, Orlando 77 added 18 points and 10 assists, and to help Denver hold off host Mem- Utah 114, Houston 99 L.A. Lakers 105, Indiana 100 the Los Angeles Lakers rallied late phis. Saturday’s games for a 105-100 victory over Indiana. Memphis had a chance to take New York at Oklahoma City Detroit at Brooklyn Montrezl Harrell had 17 points the lead with about three seconds Milwaukee at Washington Toronto at Charlotte and Kuzma added 13 rebounds as remaining when guard Ja Morant Sacramento at Atlanta the defending NBA champions re- went to the rim against Jokic but Portland at Minnesota Dallas at Denver turned from the All-Star break came up short against the Denver Indiana at Phoenix with just their fourth win in 11 center. The Nuggets then ran out Sunday’s games Memphis at Oklahoma City games. the clock for their fifth straight Utah at Golden State San Antonio at Philadelphia Los Angeles trailed by 12 points victory. Miami at Orlando Cleveland at Atlanta early in the fourth quarter before Heat 101, Bulls 90: Jimmy Boston at Houston Kuzma led a ferocious rally to Butler scored 28 points against his Portland at Minnesota L.A. Clippers at New Orleans keep the Pacers winless against former team, Goran Dragic added Toronto at Chicago the Lakers at Staples Center since 20 of his 25 points in the fourth Monday’s games Milwaukee at Washington November 2015. quarter and visiting Miami beat Sacramento at Charlotte New York at Brooklyn Malcolm Brogdon scored 23 of Chicago for its ninth win in 10 San Antonio at Detroit his 29 points in the first half for the games. Indiana at Denver L.A. Clippers at Dallas Pacers, who opened a three-game The Heat improved to 20-18 af- Memphis at Phoenix L.A. Lakers at Golden State road trip with their 11th loss in 16 ter moving above .500 for the first Leaders games. time this season by beating Orlan- Scoring Jazz 114, Rockets 99: Dono- do on Thursday. GFG FT PTS AVG van Mitchell had 28 points, eight Pelicans 116, Cavaliers 82: Beal, WAS 34 382 253 1093 32.1 assists and seven rebounds and Brandon Ingram scored 28 points, Embiid, PHI 31 293 304 928 29.9 Utah opened the second half of the Zion Williamson added 23 and Rebounds season by handing visiting Hous- host New Orleans routed Cleve- GOFF DEF TOT AVG ton its 15th straight loss. land. Capela, ATL 33 166 306 472 14.3 Mike Conley added 20 points Spurs 104, Magic 77: Rudy Gobert, UTA 37 122 363 485 13.1 and Rudy Gobert had 14 points and Gay had 19 points, Dejounte Mur- MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ/AP Assists 13 rebounds to help the Jazz get ray and Derrick White each added Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma shoots against the Indiana Pacers on GAST AVG back on track after dropping their 17 and host San Antonio beat short- Friday in Los Angeles. Kuzma scored 15 of his 24 points in the fourth Harden, BKN 32 353 11.0 final two games of the first half. handed Orlando. quarter of the Lakers’ 105­100 win. Westbrook, WAS 29 283 9.8 Sunday, March 14, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 23 COLLEGE BASKETBALL

TOP 25 ROUNDUP Oklahoma State surprises Baylor Cowboys advance to Big 12 title game

Associated Press ed six assists and five rebounds. KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Cade No. 4 Michigan 79, Maryland Cunningham scored 25 points, Av- 66: At Indianapolis, Wolverines ery Anderson III added 20 and No. coach Juwan Howard was ejected 12 Oklahoma State was nearly per- midway through the second half af- fect from the foul line down the ter getting into a shouting match stretch in beating second-ranked with the opposing bench, and his Baylor 83-74 on Friday night in the team beat the Terrapins to reach Big 12 Tournament semifinals. the Big Ten semifinals. Rondel Walker also had 11 points Mike Smith scored 18 points and for the No. 5 seed Cowboys (20-7), set a Big Ten Tournament record who played No. 13 Texas for the ti- with 15 assists for top-seeded Mi- tle Saturday night. chigan (20-3). The Wolverines ral- CHARLIE RIEDEL/AP The third-seeded Longhorns ad- lied from a 12-point first-half defi- Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham, top, passes over Baylor’s MaCio Teague during the first half of an vanced earlier Friday when their cit and faced No. 9 Ohio State in their game Friday in the semifinals of the Big 12 tournament in Kansas City, Mo. semifinal against No. 11 Kansas Saturday's semifinals. was canceled because of a positive No. 5 Iowa 62, Wisconsin 57: Alabama (22-6) faced Tennessee points, and the Razorbacks over- rowski made two key baskets in a COVID-19 test that forced the Jay- At Indianapolis, Luka Garza in Saturday’s semifinals. came a 10-point deficit to beat the decisive nine-point run late in the hawks to withdraw from the tour- scored 24 points, Joe Wieskamp No. 7 Houston 77, Tulane 52: Tigers and advance to the South- second half and the Bluejays held nament. While the Cowboys have made two key baskets late and the At Fort Worth, Texas, DeJon Jar- eastern Conference Tournament the Huskies without a field goal two Big 12 tourney titles to their Hawkeyes fended off the Badgers reau had his first career triple-dou- semifinals. over the final six minutes to win credit, Texas has never won the in the Big Ten Tournament quar- ble with 15 points, 10 rebounds and No. 9 Ohio State 87, No. 21 their Big East Tournament semifi- event in six appearances in the fi- terfinals. 10 assists, helping the Cougars beat Purdue 78 (OT): At Indianapolis, nal. nal. Third-seeded Iowa (21-7) rallied the Green Wave in the quarterfi- Seth Towns scored six of his sea- No. 19 San Diego State 77, Ne­ MaCio Teague scored 17 points from a six-point halftime deficit be- nals of the American Athletic Con- son-high 12 points in overtime, and vada 70: At Las Vegas, Matt and Jared Butler had 16 for the top- hind Garza. The Hawkeyes' all- ference Tournament. the Buckeyes beat the Boilermak- Mitchell had 24 points and eight re- seeded Bears (22-2), who had won time leading scorer dominated in- Quentin Grimes scored 15 points ers in the Big Ten Tournament bounds to lead the Aztecs past the 10 of their last 11 against the Cow- side, making 10 of 15 field goals and and Marcus Sasser added 14 as quarterfinals. Wolf Pack in the Mountain West boys after sweeping them in the 4 of 5 free throws. each connected on four three- No. 15 Florida State 69, North Tournament semifinals. regular season. No. 6 Alabama 85, Mississippi pointers to help Houston (22-3) re- Carolina 66: At Greensboro, N.C., No. 23 Colorado72, No. 24 No. 3 Illinois 90, Rutgers 68:At State 48:At Nashville, Tenn., Jah- cover from a cold-shooting first Anthony Polite hit the go-ahead USC: At Las Vegas, D’Shawn Indianapolis, Ayo Dosunmu scored von Quinerly scored 14 points off half from long range. The Cougars three-pointer with 2:06 left, and the Schwartz scored on a rebound 23 points and the Illini easily beat the bench, Jaden Shackelford had played Memphis in the semifinals Seminoles held off the Tar Heels in slam with 3.3 seconds left, McKin- the Scarlet Knights in the quarter- 13 points and the Crimson Tide Saturday night. the semifinals of the Atlantic Coast ley Wright IV shook off an elbow to finals of the Big Ten Tournament. blew out the Bulldogs in a South- No. 8 Arkansas 70, Missouri Conference Tournament. the head to score 24 points and the Dosunmu shot 8-for-11 from the eastern Conference Tournament 64: At Nashville, Tenn., reserve No. 17 Creighton 59, UConn Buffaloes held off the Trojans in field, 7-for-9 from the line and add- quarterfinal. JD Notae scored a season-high 27 56: At New York, Marcus Zega- the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals. Derailed: Jayhawks continuing preparations for NCAA Tournament

FROM PAGE 24 cials regarding our participation” in the NCAA spokeswoman Stacey Osburn de- NCAA Tournament. clined to comment Friday on the Virginia day turned out to be the end of the college Duke withdrew from the ACC Tourna- and Kansas cancellations. basketball season. ment and ended its season amid its own pos- Georgia Tech coach Josh Pastner said on The ACC announced the positive test and itive test before facing the 15th-ranked a Zoom call with reporters that the ACC subsequent contact tracing and quarantin- Seminoles in the quarterfinals. should not cancel the rest of the tourna- ing in Virginia’s program less than 12 hours The Jayhawks learned earlier this week ment, even though the three teams left are before the Cavaliers were set to play Geor- they would be without center David McCor- already almost certain to be invited to the gia Tech in the first of two semifinal games. mack and backup forward Tristan Enaruna NCAA Tournament. The Yellow Jackets advanced to the final, due to COVID-19 protocols. They beat No. “We want to go win that game and put our where they were scheduled to face Florida 25 Oklahoma 69-62 in the quarterfinals name in the record book,” Pastner said, State. without them, and had gone the entire sea- adding that he hopes the Cavaliers also get Hours later, Kansas announced its with- son without an outbreak that forced a can- to compete next week. drawal from the Big 12 Tournament, lead- cellation or postponement. “They’re the defending national cham- ing to the cancellation of its semifinal “Obviously we are disappointed and our pions. They’re our league champions,” he matchup with No. 13 Texas. The Longhorns players are disappointed that they can’t said. advanced to play No. 12 Oklahoma State for continue to compete for the Big 12 cham- ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips said in a the title. The Jayhawks said in a statement GERRY BROOME/AP pionship,” coach Bill Self said in a state- statement that he was “heartbroken” for the they would continue preparing for the Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski ment. “While we have been fortunate to players, coaches and support staff at Duke NCAA Tournament, which starts Thursday. watches his team’s game against Louisville avoid this throughout the season, there are and Virginia and that the league will follow Cavaliers coach Tony Bennett described in the second round of the Atlantic Coast daily risks with this virus that everybody the lead of “our medical personnel.” the outcome of the tests as a “gut punch.” Conference tournament. Duke withdrew participating is trying to avoid. The NCAA Tournament will be held en- “I’m hurting for our players, especially from the tournament on Thursday. “We have followed the daily testing and tirely in Indiana to create what NCAA se- our seniors,” Bennett said in a statement. “I additional protocols that have been setup nior vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt told our young men they have every reason NCAA Tournament.” for us, unfortunately we caught a bad break has called a “controlled environment.” to be disappointed, but it is still very impor- Virginia athletic director Carla Williams at the wrong time. I look forward to prepar- tant how they choose to respond. We are ex- said in the statement the school was “in ing my team in probably a unique way for AP sports writer Hank Kurz Jr., in Virginia, and AP basketball writer hausting all options to participate in the communication with the appropriate offi- next week’s NCAA Tournament.” Dave Skretta in Kansas City, Mo., contributed to this report. PAGE 24 • STARS AND STRIPES • Sunday, March 14, 2021 Brady signs extension SPORTS Bucs lock up quarterback until he’s 45 ›› Page 21 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Derailed

Positive tests force Kansas, Virginia to end tournaments

BY AARON BEARD There’s no guarantee that Kansas or Vir- Associated Press ginia will be back for the NCAA Tourna- year to the day after COVID-19 ment, potentially depriving the sport’s an- brought the college basketball nual showcase of two title contenders as postseason to a halt, the pandem- well as the five-time national champion Aic continues to disrupt the sport, Blue Devils, who were unlikely to make this with three premier programs forced to year’s field. abandon their conference tournaments be- Although the Atlantic Coast Conference cause of positive coronavirus tests. and Big 12 tournaments continued without No. 16 Virginia — the most recent nation- the virus-affected schools, Friday’s devel- al champion — and No. 11 Kansas were opments were an eerie reminder of March forced out of the semifinals of their tourna- 12, 2020, when both leagues ended their ments on Friday, a day after Duke also tournaments as teams were warming up for dropped out, ending a disappointing season the first of a full day’s worth of games. That for coach Mike Krzyzewski’s storied pro- gram. SEE DERAILED ON PAGE 23 GERRY BROOME, TOP, AND ORLIN WAGNER, ABOVE/AP Top: Virginia head coach Tony Bennett watches his team play Syracuse in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. Above: Kansas and Inside: Oklahoma State stuns Baylor, Page 23 Oklahoma play in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals. Virginia and Kansas were forced to withdraw from the tournament on Friday because of positive coronavirus tests.

Embiid injures leg, leaves game in victory over Wizards ›› Page 22