MIDEAST NATION FACES Navy to hold ‘major’ Crowds gather across Comic actor joint exercise in country in protest of Cross takes Persian Gulf anti-Asian racism on drama Page 5 Page 10 Page 14

Pandemic makes presence felt on VCU, NCAA Tournament ›› Page 24

stripes.com

Volume 79 Edition 239 ©SS 2021 MONDAY,MARCH 22, 2021 50¢/Free to Deployed Areas Timely arrival US defense chief Austin in Kabul as deadline for withdrawal looms

BY LOLITA C. BALDOR AND RAHIM FAIEZ Associated Press KABUL, Afghanistan — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived Sunday in Kabul on his first trip to Afghanistan as Pentagon chief, amid swirling questions about how long American troops will remain in the INSIDE country. Defense State-owned Ra- dio and Television secretary Afghanistan and popular TOLO Tel- encourages evision reported Austin’s arrival in troops to get Kabul from India. vaccination He met with senior Afghan govern- Page 3 ment officials, in- cluding President Ashraf Ghani. According to The Washington Post, which was among the small group of U.S. media traveling with him, Austin said se- nior U.S. officials want to see “a responsible end to this conflict” and “a transition to AP something else.” U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, center, walks with acting Afghan Minister of Defense Yasin Zia as they review an honor guard at the presidential palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Sunday after Austin’s arrival for his first trip to Afghanistan as Pentagon chief. SEE DEADLINE ON PAGE 3 Biden administration moves to reengage Europe after Trump snubs BY MATTHEW LEE “The meetings in administration’s first in-person Blinken’s trip is centered on the Russia and China. Associated Press talks with transatlantic leaders. It annual spring meeting of NATO for- The trip to Brussels will be Blin- WASHINGTON — America’s top Brussels reaffirm said Blinken would focus on con- eign ministers but will also include ken’s second overseas journey since diplomat is heading to Europe next the United States’ cerns over Afghanistan, China, Iran talks with top EU and Belgian offi- becoming America’s top diplomat. week as the Biden administration commitment to our and Russia, climate change, cyber- cials. He will return to Washington early moves to restore closer U.S. ties with security, terrorism and energy se- The Biden administration has Saturday from Japan, South Korea European and NATO allies after allies and European curity. placed great emphasis on repairing and Alaska. In Anchorage, he and four years of snubs and tension un- partners on our “The meetings in Brussels reaf- relations with U.S. allies around the national security adviser Jake Sulli- der former President Donald firm the United States’ commitment world, including in Europe, where van held contentious talks with top Trump. shared agenda,” to our allies and European partners Trump had strained them with a se- Chinese officials in which they The State Department announced on our shared agenda,” State De- ries of demands ranging from in- maintained the U.S. is forging a Friday that Secretary of State Anto- Ned Price partment spokesman Ned Price said creasing defense spending to trade common front with allies against ny Blinken will visit Brussels for the State Department spokesman in a statement. and cooperation on threats posed by Russia and China. PAGE 2 • STARS AND STRIPES • Monday, March 22, 2021 BUSINESS/WEATHER Oil giant Saudi Aramco’s profits drop to $49B EXCHANGE RATES Military rates S. Korea (Won) 1,129.94 Associated Press price has edged up as movement Saudi government, which owns Switzerland (Franc) .9291 Euro costs (March 22) $1.16 Thailand (Baht) 30.79 DUBAI, United Arab Emirates restrictions ease, commerce in- more than 98% of the company. Dollar buys (March 22) 0.8193 Turkey (New Lira) 7.2059 British pound (March 22) $1.36 — Saudi Arabia’s state-backed oil creases and more people get vac- The public figures, obligatory Japanese yen (March 22) 106.00 (Military exchange rates are those available giant Aramco announced Sunday cinated against COVID-19. Still, ever since the mostly state-owned South Korean won (March 22) 1,103.00 to customers at military banking facilities in the Commercial rates country of issuance for Japan, South Korea, Ger­ that its profits nearly halved in analysts caution that a peak in de- company listed a sliver of its many, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Bahrain (Dinar) .3770 For nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., pur­ 2020 to $49 billion, a big drop that mand may still be far off. worth on Riyadh’s Tadawul stock Britain (Pound) 1.3871 chasing British pounds in Germany), check with Canada (Dollar) 1.2494 your local military banking facility. Commercial came as the coronavirus pandem- Despite the 44% drop in net in- exchange in 2019, offer valuable China (Yuan) 6.5090 rates are interbank rates provided for reference Denmark (Krone) 6.2440 ic roiled global energy markets. come, Aramco said it would stick insight into the health of the re- Egypt (Pound) 15.6805 when buying currency. All figures are foreign Saudi Arabian Oil Co. released to its promise of paying quarterly gion’s largest economy. Despite Euro .8397 currencies to one dollar, except for the British Hong Kong (Dollar) 7.7646 pound, which is represented in dollars­to­ its annual financial results a year dividends of $18.75 billion — $75 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Hungary (Forint) 308.74 pound, and the euro, which is dollars­to­euro.) Israel (Shekel) 3.3009 after the pandemic sent the price billion a year — due to commit- bin Salman’s efforts to diversify Japan (Yen) 108.89 INTEREST RATES of oil crashing to all-time lows as ments the company made to sha- the economy away from oil, the Kuwait (Dinar) .3022 Norway (Krone) 8.5232 Prime rate 3.25 people stopped moving around the reholders in the run-up to its ini- kingdom remains heavily depend- Philippines (Peso) 48.51 Interest Rates Discount rate 0.75 Poland (Zloty) 3.87 Federal funds market rate 0.09 world to stem the spread of the vi- tial public offering. Nearly all of ent on oil exports to fuel govern- Saudi Arabia (Riyal) 3.7508 3­month bill 0.01 rus. In recent weeks, however, the the dividend money goes to the ment spending. Singapore (Dollar) 1.3420 30­year bond 2.45 WEATHER OUTLOOK MONDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST MONDAY IN EUROPE TUESDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 46/35

Kabul Seoul 60/42 56/34 Baghdad 83/55 Tokyo Drawsko Osan Kandahar Mildenhall/ 57/35 52/36 89/51 Pomorskie Busan Lakenheath 40/33 56/38 50/37 Iwakuni Kuwait City Bahrain 55/46 79/61 Brussels Zagan Sasebo 74/68 Ramstein 42/29 58/46 Guam 45/39 42/33 84/80 Riyadh Lajes, 93/61 Doha Azores Stuttgart 89/60 61/57 40/33 Pápa Aviano/ 44/32 Vicenza 51/27

Naples 53/39 Okinawa Morón 67/62 67/35 Sigonella Rota Djibouti 51/44 The weather is provided by the 62/46 Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 88/66 62/57 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. TODAY IN STRIPES American Roundup ...... 11 Classified ...... 13 Comics ...... 16 Crossword ...... 16 Faces ...... 14 Opinion ...... 15 Sports ...... 18-24 Monday, March 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 3 MILITARY Austin urges vaccinations as he leaves S. Korea

BY MATTHEW KEELER The defense secretary also talk- Stars and Stripes ed up the vaccine, which the mil- OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea itary cannot mandate troops to ac- — Vaccinations will make “quite a cept because the Food and Drug difference” by summer in the Administration has authorized it campaign against the coronavi- only for emergency use. The De- rus, Defense Secretary Lloyd Aus- fense Department, from the ser- tin told U.S. troops Friday before vice chiefs of staff on down the leaving for India. chain of command, have pitched Austin met with about 45 sol- the three brands of vaccine avail- diers and airmen at Osan, home of able to troops and civilians as safe the 51st Fighter Wing south of Se- and effective. oul, before taking off for the final “I want to push that vaccine and scheduled stop on his first over- do everything in America that we seas trip as Pentagon chief. can to help vaccinate the Ameri- He and Secretary of State Anto- can people so that the pandemic ny Blinken spent several days in ceases to be,” Austin said at Osan. the Far East meeting their coun- “We got a little ways to go, but I terparts in Japan and South Ko- think by this summer we can prob- rea. Military threats posed by Chi- ably see quite a difference.” na and North Korea were the fo- Many troops welcomed Austin’s cus of discussions in both coun- praise. tries. “He recognized the heavy pull Blinken left Seoul for Anchor- everybody here in Korea is doing age, Alaska, for two days of talks for COVID operations and shared with Chinese officials, including his appreciation for it,” said Col. MATTHEW KEELER/Stars and Stripes Chinese Communist Party foreign Christine Jones of the 7th Air Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks with service members at Osan Air Base, South Korea, on Friday. affairs chief Yang Jiechi. The two Force surgeon general’s office. traded pointed remarks at a public COVID-19 is the respiratory dis- “He said he’s trying to put us out fist bumping some of the service Hawaii and was scheduled to meet session Thursday before retiring ease caused by the coronavirus. of business, meaning that he is try- members. next with his Indian counterpart, to private discussions, according “He also acknowledged how ing to stop the COVID contact “The last faces I’ll see on this Minister of Defense Rajnath to The Associated Press. many of us are working out of the tracing, the hotline,” Warner said. trip to [South Korea] are those of Singh, and other senior national At Osan, Austin thanked service box, outside our normal jobs, to “He is trying to make sure every- the service members here at Osan security leaders. They were ex- members for their efforts to con- help counteract the virus, so he thing gets under wraps so that we AB,” he wrote in the tweet. pected to discuss deepening the tain the pandemic among the mil- was very appreciative,” she said. no longer have to do those extra “Thanks for everything you do, U.S.-India defense partnership, itary community in South Korea Austin’s remarks were also wel- duties that we have been tasked to and thanks for keeping us and our according to the Pentagon. through vaccinations, contact comed by Pfc. Donell Warner, 20, do during this time.” [South Korean] allies safe.” tracing, logistical support and oth- a veterinary food inspection spe- Before leaving the peninsula, Austin began his trip with a visit [email protected] er measures. cialist from Fort Bragg, N.C. Austin tweeted a video of himself to the Indo-Pacific Command in Twitter: @MattKeeler1231 Deadline: US still considering whether it can pull troops by May 1 U.S. doesn’t meet the deadline. Su- In a sharply worded letter to the Taliban and the Afghan gov- U.S. military commanders and FROM PAGE 1 hail Shaheen, a member of the Ta- Ghani earlier this month, U.S. Sec- ernment an eight-page peace pro- NATO leaders, however, have ar- “There’s always going to be con- liban negotiation team, told re- retary of State Antony Blinken posal, which both sides are re- gued that the Taliban have not cerns about things one way or the porters that if U.S. troops stay be- said it is urgent to make peace in viewing. It calls for an interim so- lived up to their part of the peace other, but I think there is a lot of yond May 1, “it will be a kind of vi- Afghanistan and all options re- called “peace government” which agreement, which includes a re- energy focused on doing what is olation of the agreement. That main on the table. He also warned would shepherd Afghanistan to- duction in violence and a separa- necessary to bring about a respon- violation would not be from our that it is likely the Taliban would ward constitutional reform and tion from al-Qaida and other ter- sible end and a negotiated settle- side ... Their violation will have a make swift territorial gains if U.S. elections. ror groups. ment to the war,” Austin said. reaction.” and NATO troops withdrew. The Ghani has resisted an interim “The main issue is that Taliban President Joe Biden said last Austin met with Ghani, and ac- U.S. spends $4 billion a year to administration, causing his critics has to reduce violence, Taliban week in an ABC News interview cording to a statement released by sustain Afghanistan’s National Se- to accuse him of clinging to power. has to negotiate in good faith and that it will be “tough” for the Unit- the presidential palace, both sides curity Forces. He says elections alone would be Taliban has to stop supporting in- ed States to meet a May 1 deadline condemned the increase in vio- The Taliban warned America acceptable to bring a change of ternational terrorist groups like to withdraw troops from Afghan- lence in Afghanistan. There was against defying the May 1 deadline government. al-Qaida,” he said. istan. But he said that if the dead- no mention of the May 1 deadline. at a press conference in Moscow, Both the U.S. and Kabul have Austin has said little on the re- line, which is laid out in an agree- Washington is reviewing the the day after meeting with senior called for a reduction in violence cord about the ongoing stalemate. ment between former President agreement the Trump adminis- Afghan government negotiators leading to a cease-fire. The Tali- After a virtual meeting of NATO Donald Trump’s administration tration signed with the Taliban and international observers to try ban say a cease-fire would be part defense ministers, he told report- and the Taliban, is extended, it last year and has been stepping up to jump-start a stalled peace proc- of the peace negotiations. The in- ers that “our presence in Afghan- wouldn’t be by a “lot longer.” pressure on both sides in the pro- ess to end Afghanistan’s decades surgent movement, however, has istan is conditions based, and the In response, the Taliban on Fri- tracted conflict to find a swift of war. not attacked U.S. or NATO troops Taliban has to meet their commit- day warned of consequences if the route to a peace agreement. Washington has also given both since signing the agreement. ments.” Air Force OCP uniform changes to become mandatory next month

BY KYLE ALVAREZ tern in 2018, replacing its gray, With the new uniform, the color same shade of brown, the instruc- headquarters patch will be worn Stars and Stripes blue and green tiger stripe uni- of rank insignias will be spice- tion said. on the left sleeve, the instruction All airmen will be required to forms. brown, apart from first lieuten- The spice-brown flag patch will said. wear the Operational Camouflage The mandated date for all per- ants and lieutenant colonels, who be mandatory, while infrared flag A set of new coyote-color boots Pattern as a utility uniform start- sonnel to change to the OCP was will wear black-threaded insignia. patches won’t be allowed. Colored on the exchange website ranges ing April 1, according to an Air originally set for June last year, Only coyote-brown T-shirts and patches won’t be authorized, ex- from $116 to $264. Force instruction. but was delayed to avoid “unnec- either green or coyote brown cept for combat patches.

The Air Force began changing essary stress” during the corona- socks are authorized with OCPs. Squadron patches will be worn [email protected] over to the Army’s uniform pat- virus pandemic. Undergarments must also be the on the right sleeve and the higher Twitter: @Kalv2931 PAGE 4 • STARS AND STRIPES • Monday, March 22, 2021 MILITARY Stuttgart command apologizes for flyer

BY JOHN VANDIVER “Mansplaining how to break the page are good — it’s always a posi- Stars and Stripes glass ceiling. This is RIDICU- tive thing to have differences of STUTTGART, Germany — The LOUS,” one community member opinions ... that creates more ex- idea was to highlight how men can wrote on the garrison’s Facebook citing interaction,” Ray wrote. help make a more inclusive work- page. Others said that the event She urged critics to pose such place, but relying on photos of elevates men’s voices rather than questions to speakers during the three men to promote an Army women’s and that the program event. Women’s History Month event should be nixed. Condrey, who organized the felt like a dose of “mansplaining” Others expressed appreciation seminar, said he felt it was impor- to some in the Stuttgart military for the topic, but said the timing tant to deal with a topic like inclu- community. was off because women should be sivity within the military work- “I think it’s important to ac- the focal point. place. knowledge that we stumbled, The program also will feature “This conversation can’t be one right out of the gates, with our female members of the military that happens without men being marketing of this event,” Col. Ja- U.S. ARMY GARRISON STUTTGART/Facebook community, including Kate part of the conversation,” Con- son W. Condrey, the Stuttgart gar- A poster featuring three male speakers for a Women's History Month McNeely, Stuttgart’s deputy gar- drey said Wednesday on AFN Ra- rison commander, said on Face- program at U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart drew criticism from rison commander, and Col. Lynn dio. book. “I know there were many community members and an apology from the garrison's commander. Ray of U.S. European Command. Stuttgart’s Women’s History out there who were puzzled and Ray responded to some of the Month program will stream live frustrated that, for the garrison’s “Workplace Allies ... Partnering Brad Johnson, who wrote “Good community members expressing Wednesday at 6 p.m. and can be observance of Women’s History to Break the Glass Ceiling.” Guys,” a book on how men can concern on the garrison Facebook viewed at https://fb.me/ Month, on the flyer were three The guest speakers highlighted support women in the workplace. page, saying that there will be “no e/3xaOe90bO. men.” on a flyer were U.S. Africa Com- The flyer sparked anger from soft questions and discussions”

On Monday, the garrison will mand’s Gen. Stephen Townsend some who took issue with no wom- during the event. [email protected]  host a virtual seminar dubbed: and authors Dave G. Smith and W. en being pictured. “I think the comments on this Twitter: @john_vandiver

Aviano Black History Helo back in Month food drive helps skies after diverse population field landing BY KENT HARRIS BY IMMANUEL JOHNSON Stars and Stripes AND MARCUS KLOECKNER AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — Stars and Stripes A food drive designed to bring WEIDEN, Germany — A U.S. Ar- attention to the achievements my helicopter that made a precau- of Black Americans will end tionary landing in a Bavarian field up helping people from other Wednesday flew back to its base in cultures and ethnicities. Katterbach on Friday, officials said. Staff. Sgt. James Harris do- The Apache helicopter attached nated more than 1,100 nonper- to the 12th Combat Aviation Bri- ishable items to the Porde- gade landed in Moritz, about 30 none chapter of the Italian miles west of the Grafenwoehr Red Cross on Friday. The food The donated items were Training Area, on Wednesday eve- was collected through a mon- delivered to the Pordenone ning. thlong campaign celebrating chapter of the Italian Red Cross “A light came on indicating there Black History Month on base, on Friday. was an issue and then (the crew) de- with many people dropping cided to land on a dirt road next to a off an item or two into a box school senior. Harris also sug- field,” unit spokesman Maj. Robert outside the commissary. gested a food drive, which Fellingham said Friday. “I am amazed,” the 26-year- Adade said he thought was a A faulty part was replaced by a old Georgia native said Thurs- good idea from the start. maintenance team the next morn- day, while surveying almost “We, as servicemembers, ing, Fellingham said. The helicop- two dozen boxes of donated are very fortunate to have a ter remained grounded until Friday goods temporarily stored on steady paycheck during this KENT HARRIS/Stars and Stripes due to poor weather, he said. base. “I didn’t think we would (pandemic) crisis,” Adade Staff Sgt. James Harris looks through almost two dozen boxes of The crew members were able to come up with this much. I said. nonperishable food items donated by those attached to Aviano Air control the craft and determine the thought I might have to buy Harris grew up in a military Base, Italy. Harris spearheaded the drive and donated more than best spot to set down, which the bri- some extra stuff myself.” family. His mother served 21 1,100 items to the local branch of the Italian Red Cross. gade calls a precautionary landing. Tech. Sgt. Edward Adade, years in the Army. He said it’s Both German authorities and mili- president of the African the first time he’s run such a ers are some of the thousands Italian Red Cross looks for- tary police were notified following American Heritage Commit- drive, though he had partici- of refugees Italy has taken in ward to continuing our rela- the landing, Fellingham said. tee at Aviano, said his group pated in others elsewhere. over the last few years from tionship with Aviano Air There have been at least two oth- was looking for ways to not Word spread around base. A Africa or the Middle East. Base.” er precautionary or emergency only promote Black History good chunk of the donations “This contribution is ex- The food donation follows a landings in Germany by Apache Month in February around came from high school stu- tremely appreciated for two substantial gift of medical helicopters in recent years. In 2017, base, but increase its activ- dents and their families. main reasons,” Attanaglia supplies a week earlier from an Apache landed along a state road ities in general. Giovanni Attanaglia, presi- said. “The first of which, is the base to Italian hospitals in in a farmer’s field southeast of Stutt- So, in addition to participa- dent of the Pordenone chapter this tangible aid will allow us nearby Pordenone and Sacile. gart. In 2019, an Apache cut power ting in a panel discussion and of the Italian Red Cross, said to increase our help to those Italian media reports indicat- lines and drew the ire of a protest other official events, mem- the donated food will be dis- in need. ed that more than $160,000 in group. bers read stories about Black tributed to more than 150 fam- “Additionally, this contribu- supplies were donated. The landing Wednesday was far history at the library and ilies. Some have had their sit- tion cements the relationship less contentious. A local restaurant gathered funds to award a uations change dramatically between the Italian and [email protected] delivered bratwurst and sauer- $1,500 scholarship to a high because of the pandemic. Oth- American communities. The Twitter: @kharris4stripes kraut to the crew while they waited. Monday, March 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 5 MIDEAST US, allies hold naval exercise in Middle East

Associated Press de Gaulle, as well as the amphib- DUBAI, United Arab Emirates ious assault ship USS Makin Is- — The U.S. Navy said Sunday it land. will hold a major naval exercise The Belgian frigate HNLMS ETHAN JAYMES MORROW, U.S. NAVY/AP alongside Belgium, France and Leopold I and the Japanese de- The U.S. Navy's USS Port Royal, left, French Navy aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle, center, and Japan in the Mideast amid ten- stroyer JS Ariake also will take Japanese Maritime Self­Defense Force destroyer JS Ariake are seen from the amphibious assault ship sions over Iran’s nuclear pro- part, as well as aircraft from the USS Makin Island while sailing in support of the Gulf Arabian Sea Warfare Exercise. gram in the region. four nations. The Group Arabian Sea War- The drill comes as Iran has accord. militias in Iraq — likely backed American president from Ronald fare Exercise will see ships from abandoned all limits of its 2015 President Joe Biden has ex- by Iran — continue to target Reagan onward who has ordered the four countries conduct drills nuclear deal with world powers pressed a desire to return to the American interests. a bombardment of countries in in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of in the wake of then-President Do- deal if Iran honors the deal’s lim- Biden last month launched an the Middle East. Oman. Ships involved include the nald Trump’s 2018 decision to its on its nuclear program. How- airstrike just over the border into There was no immediate reac- French aircraft carrier Charles unilaterally withdraw from the ever, tensions remain high after Syria in retaliation, joining every tion from Iran to the naval drill. Iran threatens US Government strike blasts Army base in DC, hospital in top Army general Syrian town Associated Press BY JAMES LAPORTA the busy waterway running paral- BEIRUT — Artillery shells Associated Press lel to the Potomac River. fired from government areas hit Iran has made threats against The Pentagon, National Securi- a hospital in a rebel-controlled Fort McNair, an Army base in the ty Council and NSA either did not town in northwestern Syria on nation’s capital, and against the reply or declined to comment Sunday, killing at least five civil- Army’s vice chief of staff, two se- when contacted by The Associat- ians and wounding medical nior U.S. intelligence officials ed Press. JACQUELYN MARTIN/AP staff, rescuers and activists re- said. As District of Columbia officials A District of Columbia Fire Boat checks buoys in the waterway next to ported. They said communications in- have fought the enhanced security Fort McNair, seen in background in Washington, on Friday. The Army The shells landed at the en- tercepted by the National Security along the channel, the Army has is pushing for more security around Fort McNair. trance and in the courtyard of Agency in January showed that offered only vague information the hospital in Atareb, a town in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard dis- about threats to the base. trated residents said the Army’s meeting, the Pentagon has not rural western Aleppo, according cussed mounting “USS Cole-style At a virtual meeting in January request for the buffer zone was a provided her any additional infor- to the Britain-based Syrian Ob- attacks” against the base, refer- to discuss the proposed restric- government overreach of public mation that would justify the re- servatory for Human Rights. ring to the October 2000 suicide tions, Army Maj. Gen. Omar waterways. strictions around Fort McNair. The hospital is located under- attack in which a small boat pulled Jones, commander of the Military Discussions about the Fort “I have asked the Department ground, a tactic used by the op- up alongside the Navy destroyer District of Washington, cited McNair proposal began two years of Defense to withdraw the rule position to avoid targeting in the in the Yemeni port of Aden and ex- “credible and specific” threats ago, but the recent intelligence because I’ve seen no evidence of a conflict-prone area. ploded, killing 17 sailors. against military leaders who live gathered by the NSA has prompt- credible threat that would support The explosion killed at least The intelligence also revealed on the base. The only specific se- ed Army officials to renew their the proposed restriction,” Norton five civilians, including a child threats to kill Gen. Joseph M. Mar- curity threat he offered was about request for the restrictions. said. “They have been trying to get and a woman, and injured med- tin and plans to infiltrate and sur- a swimmer who ended up on the The intercepted chatter was their way, but their proposal is ical staff, according to the Syr- veil the base, according to the offi- base and was arrested. among members of the elite Quds more restrictive than necessary.” ian Civil Defense volunteers, cials, who were not authorized to Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Force of Iran’s Revolutionary She added: “I have a security known as the White Helmets. A publicly discuss national security the district’s sole representative Guard and centered on potential clearance. And they have yet to video posted on the local health matters and spoke on condition of in Congress, was skeptical. “When military options to avenge the U.S. show me any classified evidence” directorate’s Facebook page anonymity. The base, one of the ol- it comes to swimmers, I’m sure killing of the former Quds leader, that would justify the proposal. showed debris and blood stains dest in the country, is Martin’s of- that must be rare. Did he know Gen. Qassem Soleimani, in Bagh- Norton pointed out that the Wash- at the entrance of the hospital. ficial residence. where he was? Maybe he was just dad in January 2020, the two intel- ington Navy Yard and Joint Base Fadi Hakim, a spokesman for The threats are one reason the swimming and found his way to ligence officials said. Anacostia-Bolling, which also the Syrian American Medical Army has been pushing for more your shore?” she said. They said Tehran’s military have access to district waters, do Society, which supports the hos- security around Fort McNair, Jones conceded that the swim- commanders are unsatisfied with not have restricted zones along pital, said the structural damage which sits alongside Washington’s mer was “not a great example their counterattacks so far, specif- their shorelines and have not re- includes destruction of the or- bustling newly developed Water- there, but our most recent exam- ically the results of the ballistic quested them. thopedic clinic and the emer- front District. ple” of a security breach. missile attack on al-Asad airbase The proposed changes, outlined gency room. City leaders have been fighting He said the Army has increased in Iraq in the days after Soleima- in a Federal Register notice, “The hospital has been evac- the Army’s plan to add a buffer patrols along the shoreline, erect- ni’s killing. No U.S. service mem- would prohibit both people and uated for the moment,” he said. zone of about 250 feet to 500 feet ed more restricted area signs and bers were killed in that strike but watercraft from “anchoring, Hakim said he could confirm on- from the shore of the Washington placed cameras to monitor the dozens suffered concussions. mooring or loitering” within the ly four killed, including a child, Channel, which would limit ac- Washington Channel. Norton told the AP that in the restricted area without permis- and 15 injured, five of them med- cess to as much as half the width of Puzzled city officials and frus- two months since the January sion. ical staff. PAGE 6 • STARS AND STRIPES • Monday, March 22, 2021 VIRUS OUTBREAK A rapid rollout of vaccines backfired in some US states

Associated Press conducted the analysis in collabora- Despite the clamor to speed up tion with The Associated Press. the U.S. vaccination drive against “You can open it up — if you have COVID-19 and get the country back set up the infrastructure to vacci- to normal, the first three months of nate all those people fast.” the rollout suggest that faster is not Numerous factors stymied state necessarily better. vaccination performance. Conspir- A surprising new analysis found acy theories, poor communication that states such as South Carolina, and undependable shipments Florida and Missouri that raced slowed efforts after the first vials of ahead of others to offer the vaccine precious vaccine arrived Dec. 14. to ever-larger groups of people The analysis found that as of have vaccinated smaller shares of March 10, Hawaii had the lowest their population than those that percentage of its adult population Yuki Iwamura/AP moved more slowly and methodi- eligible for vaccination, at about Families of COVID­19 victims who died in New York nursing homes gather in front of Cobble Hill Heath cally, such as Hawaii and Connecti- 26%. Yet Hawaii had administered Center in New York's Brooklyn borough in October, to demand New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo apologize cut. 42,614 doses per 100,000 adults, the for his response to outbreaks in nursing homes during the pandemic. The explanation, as experts see it, eighth-highest rate in the country. is that the rapid expansion of eligi- Thirty percent of Connecticut’s bility caused a surge in demand too adult population was eligible as of big for some states to handle and led the same date, and it had adminis- Some NY nursing homes proved to serious disarray. tered doses at the fourth-highest Vaccine supplies proved insuffi- rate in the country. to be helpless in the face of surge cient or unpredictable, websites In contrast, Missouri had the crashed and phone lines became largest percentage of its adult pop- BY MICHAEL HILL ing homes reported fatalities in dy Courtemanche. jammed, spreading confusion, frus- ulation eligible at about 92%. Yet Associated Press the single digits during that time “And I just wish that she could tration and resignation among Missouri had dispensed 35,341 dos- ALBANY — As the coronavi- period. have gone on her own terms many people. es per 100,000 adults, ranking 41st rus made an end-of-the-year The Commons on St. Anthony, when she was ready to go, and not “The infrastructure just wasn’t among the states. surge across New York, few a 300-bed home in Auburn, was have COVID come in and grab ready. It kind of backfired,” said Dr. Seven states in the bottom 10 for nursing homes escaped un- among those hit hardest. her.” Rebecca Wurtz, an infectious dis- overall vaccination performance — scathed. But some proved espe- It held the virus at bay for Until recently, the full extent of ease physician and health data spe- Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Flor- cially helpless at stopping the months, making it to Christmas New York’s surge was partially cialist at the University of Minneso- ida, Mississippi, South Carolina and spread of COVID-19, despite hav- Day without a single COVID-19 obscured because Gov. Andrew ta’s School of Public Health. She Missouri — had larger-than-aver- ing nine months to stockpile pro- death. But by the end of January, Cuomo’s administration did not added: “In the rush to satisfy every- age shares of their residents eligible tective equipment and refine the disease had claimed 57 lives disclose data on thousands of one, governors satisfied few and for shots. preventive measures. — just as vaccinations were be- nursing home residents who died frustrated many.” Among high-performing states, At least 15 homes each saw at ginning. outside of their facilities, a scan- The findings could contain an im- five in the top 10 for high vaccina- least 30 patients die between No- Nursing homes had nearly a dal that predates the accusations portant go-slow lesson for the na- tion rates — New Mexico, North Da- vember and early February, with year to refine visitation policies, that he sexually harassed female tion’s governors, many of whom kota, Connecticut, Wyoming and most of the deaths occurring in a ramp up testing programs and aides. have announced dramatic expan- Hawaii — stuck with more restric- matter of weeks, recently re- hone infection-control practices. While the state has made some sions in their rollouts over the past tive eligibility. Another two high- leased public records show. Sev- Yet the virus still got into facili- statistics on nursing home fatal- few days after being challenged by performing states from the top 10 — en homes had more than 40 pa- ties like the Commons, where 90- ities available since last spring, President Joe Biden to make all South Dakota and Massachusetts — tients die, a tally that does not in- year-old Constance Cuddy, a for- more complete information on adults eligible for vaccination by were about average in how many clude specialized nursing homes mer nurse being treated for Alz- where and when patients died May 1. residents were eligible for vaccine. that treat only COVID-19 pa- heimer’s disease, died Jan. 17 was only released in February af- “If you’re more targeted and What happens next will depend tients. from COVID-19 complications, ter an order from a judge in a more focused, you can do a better on how much states can improve The unusually swift and deadly according to her family. public records case brought by job,” said Sema Sgaier, executive their vaccine delivery systems and outbreaks stand out in a state “She worked hard her whole the Empire Center for Public director of Surgo Ventures, a non- whether Americans remain eager where the great majority of nurs- life,” said Cuddy’s daughter, Jo- Policy, a nonpartisan think tank. profit health-data organization that for vaccination. As vaccinations continue to lag, Italy’s elderly once again pay a price

BY COLLEEN BARRY quarter of whom require intensive Bergamo. “If I have 10 elderly tered so far have gone to people in more than 104,000 dead from the Associated Press care. people over 80 and they get CO- that age group, with more than pandemic. BERGAMO — One year ago, But still unchanged as Italy’s VID, in their age group, eight out half of those who carry memories As of early March, two-thirds of Bergamo’s state-of-the-art Pope death rate pushes upward once of 10 die.” of World War II still awaiting their Italy’s virus-related deaths were John XXIII Hospital verged on again is that the victims remain That was true in the first horri- first jab. among those over 80; the median collapse as doctors struggled to predominantly elderly, with inoc- fying wave and remained “abso- “We should have already fin- age of Italy’s pandemic dead cur- treat 600 patients, with 100 of them ulation drives stumbling in the lutely the same” in subsequent ished with this,” Lorini told The rently hovers over 80 after spiking in intensive care. Army trucks fer- country and elsewhere in Europe. spikes, he said. Associated Press. to 85 last summer. ried the dead from the city’s over- “No, this thing, alas, I was not Promises to vaccinate all Ital- Italy’s new premier, Mario In Italy, where vaccinations of taxed crematorium in images now able to protect the elderly, to make ians over 80 by the end of March Draghi, pledged during a visit to nursing home residents got under seared into the collective pandem- clear how important it would be to have fallen woefully short amid Bergamo on Thursday that the way in January, compared with ic memory. protect the elderly,” said Dr. Luca well-documented interruptions of vaccine campaign would be accel- mid-February for other elderly, The picture is much improved Lorini, head of intensive care at vaccine supplies and organiza- erated. lower infection rates in nursing now: The hospital is treating fewer the hospital named for the tional shortfalls. Just a third of His remarks came as he inaugu- homes have been declared “an than 200 virus patients, just one mid-20th century pope born in Italy’s 7.3 million doses adminis- rated a park to honor the country’s early success.” Monday, March 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 7 VIRUS OUTBREAK Half of UK adults got one dose of vaccine Associated Press government statistics. The NHS cluding the half of all adults who risk from COVID-19, along with of immunity after one shot, al- LONDON — Britain said Satur- passed the halfway point by deliv- have come forward. It’s so impor- 12 million second jabs, Hancock though two are needed for full day that half the country’s adults ering 589,689 first doses on Fri- tant because this vaccine is our said Saturday. protection. have received at least one dose of day, the highest daily total since way out of this pandemic.” In an effort to vaccinate as Britain has delivered 44 doses COVID-19 vaccine as the govern- the mass vaccination program be- The announcement followed many people as possible, the U.K. of vaccine for every 100 people, ment races to reach everyone gan in early December. the news from health authorities decided to stretch the time be- more than any other country with over age 18 by the end of July. “It’s a huge success,” Health last week that Britain would see a tween first and second doses to 12 a population of more than 10 mil- The National Health Service Secretary Matt Hancock said in a “significant reduction” in vaccine weeks instead of four weeks as lion, according to data compiled has put shots in the arms of 26.9 video celebrating the milestone. supplies next month. The NHS initially planned. Public health by Oxford University. The United million people, or 51% of the adult “And I want to say many, many will continue during April to de- officials say the vaccines the States is second at 35 doses per population, according to the latest thanks to all those involved, in- liver first doses to those most at country is using offer a high level 100.

Pakistan PM tests German police clash with protesters over virus measures positive for coronavirus Associated Press ISLAMABAD — Pakistani BERLIN — Protesters in Germany Prime Minister Imran Khan has clashed with police Saturday over tested positive for the coronavirus coronavirus measures, with officers two days after he received his first using water cannons, pepper spray vaccine dose, officials announced. and batons against people trying to Dr. Faisal Sultan, Khan’s spe- break through police barriers, Ger- cial assistant on health, said Satur- man news agency dpa reported. day the prime minister has quar- Protests against government mea- antined himself at his private sures to rein in the pandemic also home on a hilltop in an Islamabad were reported in several other coun- suburb. The government tweeted tries across Europe, including Aus- a statement from Sultan saying tria, Britain, Finland, Romania and the vaccine had not been effective Switzerland. because Khan had received it so More than 20,000 people participa- recently, and it was only the first ted in the protest in the central Ger- of two required doses. man city of Kassel, where there also Sultan announced Sunday that were confrontations between the demonstrators and counterprotes- Khan's wife had also tested posi- ters. tive for the virus along with two Thousands of people marched senior members of Khan's Teh- through downtown Kassel despite a PAUL ZINKEN/AP reek-e-Insaf (Justice) Party. court ban, and most didn’t comply A participant in a demonstration of right­wing extremists and so­called Reich citizens is arrested by police There has been a spike in CO- with infection-control protocols such at the Brandenburg Gate on Saturday in Berlin, Germany. VID-19 cases in the capital and in as wearing face masks. Some protes- eastern and northern Pakistan. ters attacked officers and several lations to fight the pandemic, had tions as coronavirus infections accel- bringing the overall death toll to Authorities on Sunday reported 44 journalists, dpa said. called for protests Saturday in cities erate. 74,565 in Germany. new deaths and 3,667 new con- Federal police, who were brought across the country. Germany’s national disease con- In Berlin, some 1,800 police offi- firmed infections. in beforehand from other parts of Virus infections have gone up trol center said new infections were cers were on standby for possible The positivity rate in Pakistan Germany, used water cannons and again in Germany in recent weeks growing exponentially as the more riots, but only about 500 protesters has jumped to over 8%, prompting helicopters to control the crowds, the and the government is set to decide contagious COVID-19 variant first assembled at the city’s landmark government officials to say people news agency reported. next week on how to react. detected in Britain has become dom- Brandenburg Gate. Meanwhile, could face a lockdown-like situa- Police said several people were de- Chancellor Angela Merkel said inant in the country. around 1,000 citizens came together tion if violations of social distanc- tained, but didn’t give any numbers. Friday Germany will have to apply On Saturday, the Robert Koch In- on Berlin’s Unter den Linden boule- ing guidelines continued. Various groups, most of them far- an “emergency brake” and reverse stitute reported 16,033 new cases and vard to protest against the far-right right opponents of government regu- some recent relaxations of restric- registered 207 additional deaths, demonstration. From The Associated Press PAGE 8 • STARS AND STRIPES • Monday, March 22, 2021 VIRUS OUTBREAK Grandparents have hope after lost year

BY DAN SEWELL “I couldn’t have made it without Associated Press them,” says Rolark, who says CINCINNATI — No sleepovers great-grandson Amarius Gates with popcorn and Disney movies. kept her driveway shoveled dur- No dance recitals or holiday pag- ing the winter, while grand- eants, let alone any Grandparents’ daughter Davonne Calhoun and Day for visiting the kids’ class- others in her large family have run rooms. errands and helped her with No hugs. house chores. The first 12 months of the pan- demic represent a lost year for Home, facilities struggle many in the largest group of Nursing homes and other assist- grandparents in U.S. history. Most ed-care facilities, too, have faced of the nation’s some 70 million challenges to keep grandparents grandparents are in the fourth connected as many cut off contact quarter of their lives, and the visits because of concerns about clock has kept running. virus spread. “It’s been lonely,” “Working with older adults, I’m says Deb McGlinch, a patient in seeing a lot of depression, a lot of Versailles Rehabilitation & increases in loneliness,” says Nick Health Center in western Ohio. Nicholson, a nursing professor She was used to frequent visits and researcher on aging at Quin- from her granddaughter, Korta- nipiac University in Hamden, ney Cattell, 20, to play card games Conn. “It’s been really difficult ... such as Uno with her. She has the anxiety, the despair, the social been able to do video chats with isolation. Over time, there are so Kortaney and seven other grand- many adverse effects. The sooner children but has missed their card we expand the bubble, the better, games. They recently resumed so people can start healing togeth- friendly competition at a distance er.” NANCY PETERS/AP with a virtual slot machine game. The federal Centers for Disease Joe Peters, front, sits on the back porch at his daughter's home for dessert in Cincinnati, on Aug. 1. He is McGlinch says that instead of Control and Prevention last week surrounded by from left: Renee Schauer, Ellie Schauer, Brad Schauer, Dan and Sarah Schauer. just trading small talk by phone, offered some beginning steps for- now “we can have fun.” ward for Year 2, saying fully vac- keeping in touch by phone, text One in 10 U.S. grandparents cinated grandparents could visit and video chats, others lack access now live in the same household in a single household with healthy or ability to use such technology. A with at least one grandchild. In children and grandchildren with- study conducted last September some Asian cultures, that has long out masks or other special precau- and October found resilience been common. In Ramnath’s fam- tions. among older Americans, but also ily, his India-born maternal Doris Rolark blew air kisses to signs of trouble, with many report- grandmother, Saroja Seethara- her mask-wearing grandchildren ing decreased happiness and man, rotates among her three chil- and great-grandchildren when some reporting increased loneli- dren and their six grandchildren, they dropped off presents on her ness and depression heading into in Dallas, Atlanta and his Colum- 78th birthday last month. She re- winter. bus home. sumed hugs last week after the During good weather, the Pe- Ramnath, 27, has been nervous CDC guidelines were announced. terses had gone on and received a about getting near his older “It was great. I’m getting excit- lot of driveway visits, including a grandmother, Vijaya, especially ed to see the rest of them,” says the driveway one-person dance recit- whenever he has just returned Middletown, Ohio, woman, who al for them by a granddaughter. from Washington, where he is a has three grandchildren and 16 They went to dozens of outdoor Georgetown University Law great-grandkids. “I hope it’s going events such as baseball and soccer School student. He is studying re- to be better now.” games last year, but couldn’t at- motely but sometimes must visit Joe and Nancy Peters had one of ARMAN RAMNATH/AP tend the grandkids’ indoor basket- school such as to pick up books. their 11 grandchildren over to visit Arman Ramnath poses with his grandmother, Vijaya Ramnath, on Feb. ball games. Like the grandparents who la- last week as they began “cautious- 14, in Columbus, Ohio. “It’s been pretty tough,” says ment time lost with their growing ly returning to normal,” he says. Joe Peters, who recounts gym- grandchildren, grandchildren can Both retired educators in their at least one dose so far. But the ily members need to be cautious hopping Saturdays in previous feel badly about missed opportu- 70s, they were used to being heavi- CDC reports that only 10% of the as they try to return to something years when they hit as many as nities with their aging loved ones. ly involved with the grandchil- population as a whole has been that passes for normalcy. eight kids’ basketball games in a Ramnath would have liked to dren, all living near them in sub- fully vaccinated and reminds us “There’s going to be unques- day. have spent time with her in the urban Cincinnati, before the pan- that vulnerability increases with tionably a period of adjustment Many grandparents actively past year learning more about the demic and its safety restrictions age. The CDC says eight of 10 peo- that will continue; planning and help out their children by babysit- family’s history. She once met Mo- hit. ple who have died in the United flexibility is really important,” she ting and school or day care pick- handas K. Gandhi, India’s late It was especially tough losing States from the virus were 65 or ol- says. ups, so pandemic barriers against famed leader and proponent of time with the youngest. der. Also unknown: how much some that have made for “a lose-lose” nonviolence. She attended a tea “They’re 3, 4, and 5 years old Nicholson says that while some older adults have been hurt not on- situation for families, Nicholson hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. And and a whole year has gone,” Nancy older adults are “just breaking ly emotionally but mentally by los- says. he’s seen photos of her late hus- Peters says. “They’ve changed a down the door to get out” after a ing in-person contacts and other Rolark has always been active band, a high-ranking Indian Navy lot ... and Amelia would say each year of isolation, others remain activity outside their homes for a with the offspring. officer, with the late Indian Prime day to her Mom, ‘I am going to apprehensive with variant strains year. She raised three children as a Minister Indira Gandhi. have a sleepover at Grandma’s and other unknowns ahead. “I think seeing the same two to divorced single woman, and two of “This is a time when I wish I when coronavirus is over.’ “They wonder: Is it safe?” he three people all time, it can be re- her great-grandchildren lived could talk to her more about her “And now she isn’t 3 anymore,” says. ally tough,” says Arman Ramnath, with her through high school. Her life, as she’s getting older,” says she says. whose India-born grandmother progeny have been paying her Ramnath, who hopes to have more Both Peters and Rolark have Prescription: Caution Vijaya Ramnath, 94, has lived with back during the pandemic for all contact soon now that she’s been been fully vaccinated as the shot Joaniko Kohchi, who heads the his parents in Columbus, Ohio, those years of her support when fully vaccinated. “At times it can pace has picked up nationally in Institute for Parenting at Adelphi since before he was born. “It kind she was also working a full-time be kind of sad. You don’t get to recent weeks, with an estimated University in Garden City, N.Y., of ages you faster.” office job at a steelmaking compa- spend as much time with someone 60% of those 65 and older getting says grandparents and other fam- While many grandparents are ny. even if they’re living with you.” Monday, March 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 9 VIRUS OUTBREAK ROUNDUP Diner boarded up; owner seeks release from jail

Associated Press HOLLAND, Mich. — Support- ers boarded the doors at a western Michigan restaurant to show au- thorities that the owner will keep it closed, a condition necessary to spring her from jail for violating court orders related to COVID-19. Marlena Pavlos-Hackney, meanwhile, remained in custody Saturday, 90 miles away at the In- gham County jail. Holly Shashaguay said she helped board up Marlena’s Bistro and Pizzeria in Holland on Friday night. “When I painted that ‘complied’ sign, I was crying the whole time,” Shashaguay told MLive.com. “We didn’t want to do it, but we did.” Pavlos-Hackney, 55, was arrest- ed Friday, weeks after losing her food license and repeatedly refus- ing to close the business. Investigators said Pavlos-Hack- ney had allowed indoor dining when it was banned and didn’t en- force mask rules, ignoring state re- strictions intended to reduce the spread of the virus. A sign told cus- tomers that their health wasn’t her responsibility. “She didn’t really understand SEAN MCKEAG, THE CITIZENS’ VOICE/AP the ramifications of what was com- Navy veteran Ronnie Jackson of Blakeslee, Pa., receives a COVID­19 vaccine from nurse Fran McLean at the Wilkes­Barre VA Medical Center ing down the pike,” said lawyer in Plains Twp., Pa., on Saturday. Robert Baker. To get out of jail for contempt, We’re constantly talking to people reported cases raised the Texas Pavlos-Hackney must pay $7,500 South Dakota about this.” Rhode Island pandemic total to more than 2.74 and convince authorities that the PIERRE — State health officials Carlene Pavlos, executive di- The VA Providence Healthcare million. restaurant is closed. reported three new coronavirus rector of the Massachusetts Public System is holding a COVID-19 vac- The state also reported the few- “You have selfishly not followed deaths in South Dakota on Satur- Health Association, drafted the cination clinic for veterans on est COVID-19 hospitalizations the orders,” Judge Rosemarie day and 205 new infections. letter to Baker from the groups. Monday. since Oct. 8 at 3,620 as of Friday, Aquilina said Friday. Those who died were all over 80 “We’re concerned that there’s The clinic, which will be open to the most recent total available. years of age and included one man the possibility of a fourth wave of all military veterans, will be held The state’s Saturday estimate of Nevada and two women from Davison, the pandemic just as we’re about to at the old Benny’s store in Middle- active cases has also fallen by LAS VEGAS — The University Grant and Minnehaha counties, see that light that we all need at the town from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. more than 1,000 to 106,578. of Nevada, Las Vegas is changing according to the Department of end of the tunnel,” said Pavlos. “We are using this opportunity Johns Hopkins University data course and is now planning for in- Health. to bring more vaccination clinics show researchers say the 119 new person spring graduation ceremo- The new infections bring the New Hampshire to our veterans in the areas that COVID-19 deaths raised the nies in May as the coronavirus out- state’s total to 115,723, with 2,233 of More colleges and universities they live,” Larry Connell, Medical state’s pandemic death toll to break slows. those still active cases. in New Hampshire are planning to Center Director of the VA Provi- 47,198. The researchers also said UNLV President Keith Whit- There are 69 people hospitalized fully reopen in the fall. dence Healthcare System, said in the rolling average of daily new field on Friday announced the in South Dakota with 18 patients in The University of New Hamp- a statement. “As we have found cases had fallen by 2,486 cases change from plans announced in intensive care and four on ventila- shire joined Keene State College with other local clinics, bringing over the past two weeks, a 38% dip. February to hold graduation vir- tors. In the Black Hills region hos- and Plymouth State University vaccine to veterans makes it easier tually. pitals, three patients are being last week in announcing plans to for them to get the vaccine timely Arizona Whitfield said in a letter to stu- treated for COVID-19 with one in fully resume in-person classes, and close to their home.” PHOENIX — Arizona on Satur- dents and staff that he firmly be- ICU and no one on a ventilator. athletic events and other activities Veterans who are not enrolled in day reported 735 additional con- lieves the university “can offer a Minnehaha County led the state in the fall. the VA Healthcare System will firmed coronavirus cases with 42 traditional commencement while with 63 new infections. “During the last year, we have need to bring a copy of their DD214 more deaths amid indications of adhering to public health guide- learned a lot about using technolo- and a photo ID. They will also need continued slowing of the coronavi- lines.” Massachusetts gy to enhance education and stu- to fill out a 1010EZ enrollment rus outbreak. Whitfield said that there would Twenty-nine organizations are dent success, and we expect this form. Arizona’s pandemic totals rose be two ceremonies for spring 2021 asking Gov. Charlie Baker to delay coming academic year to be even The VA Providence Healthcare to 835,765 cases and 16,733 deaths, graduates at 8 a.m. on May 14 and the reopening steps taking effect better than the ‘normal’ of the System continues to vaccinate vet- according to the state’s coronavi- May 15, and a third ceremony for Monday by at least at month. past,” UNH President James erans at its main campus in Provi- rus dashboard. 2020 graduates on May 14 at 6:30 Massachusetts moves into the Dean said in a recent message to dence from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Johns Hopkins University data p.m. All three ceremonies will be next phase of reopening starting students. weekdays. Additional vaccination showed the rolling average of daily held at the university’s Sam Boyd Monday, with large sports venues Dean said that he doesn’t expect events are being planned. new cases dropped from 1,265.1 on Stadium. allowed to open with 12% capacity. the virus to be eliminated, and that March 4 to 456.9 on Thursday, Each graduate will be allowed Gathering limits for event venues some precautions likely will re- Texas while the rolling average of daily up to four guests, with everyone and in public settings will increase main in place. AUSTIN — The number of new deaths declined from 62.2 to 24.6 required to follow social distanc- to 100 people indoors and 150 peo- New Hampshire reported 344 Texas COVID-19 cases had an up- over the same two-week period. ing guidelines and wear face cov- ple outdoors, the administration new cases of the coronavirus on tick on Saturday, according to The state’s dashboard reported erings. Whitfield said holding the said. Saturday. The results include 201 state data. that the number of hospitalized in-person graduation ceremonies “We constantly go back and look people who tested positive by PCR According to the Texas Depart- COVID-19 patients occupying in- is contingent on approval from lo- at what we’ve done and think about test and 143 who tested positive by ment of State Health Services, an- patient beds rose to 700 as of Fri- cal and state authorities and CO- it as we look forward,” Baker told antigen test, the New Hampshire other 3,673 new cases were report- day, up from 686 as of Thursday, VID numbers continuing to de- WBZ. “The idea that this process Department of Health and Human ed, 152 more cases than Friday. but remained far below the Jan. 11 cline. isn’t an iterative one is just wrong. Services said. The addition of 121 previously un- high of 5,082. PAGE 10 • STARS AND STRIPES • Monday, March 22, 2021 NATION Coast-to-coast, rallies protest anti-Asian hate

Associated Press tion, which caused him to lash out ATLANTA — A diverse crowd at what he saw as sources of temp- gathered Saturday near the Geor- tation, according to authorities. gia state Capitol to demand justice Police have said they’re still work- for the victims of recent shootings ing to establish a motive, including at massage businesses and to de- looking into whether the attacks nounce racism, xenophobia and can be classified as hate crimes. BEN GRAY/AP misogyny. Georgia lawmakers last year People march away from the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta during a unity “Stop Asian Hate” rally Hundreds of people of all ages passed a hate crimes law allowing Saturday afternoon. Similar rallies were held across the nation. and varied racial and ethnic back- additional penalties for certain of- grounds gathered in Liberty Plaza fenses when motivated by a vic- Asians but for all minorities. in Atlanta, and in similar rallies tim’s race, color, religion, national “Many times Asian people are too across the country, waving signs origin, sex, sexual orientation, silent, but times change,” he said. and chanting slogans. gender or disability. A hate crime Dong said he was “angry and In Atlanta, they cheered U.S. is not a standalone crime under disgusted” about the shootings, Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Georgia law, but can be used to and the violence that persists in Ossoff, and Georgia state Rep. Bee add time to a sentence of someone 2021 against Asians, minorities Nguyen, the first Vietnamese convicted of another crime. and women. American to serve in the Georgia “No matter how you want to Otis Wilson, a 38-year-old pho- House. spin it, the facts remain the same. tographer who’s Black, said peo- “I just wanted to drop by to say This was an attack on the Asian ple need to pay attention to the dis- to my Asian sisters and brothers, community,” said Nguyen, an ad- crimination those of Asian de- we see you, and, more important- vocate for women and communi- scent face. “We went through this DAMIAN DOVARGANES/AP ly, we are going to stand with you,” ties of color. She noted the shooter last year with the Black communi- People pay their respects at a candlelight vigil called “Stop Asian Warnock said to loud cheers as targeted businesses operated by ty, and we’re not the only ones who Hate” Saturday at Almansor Park in Alhambra, Calif. passing drivers honked car horns women of Asian descent. go through this,” he said. in support. “Let’s join hands with our ally Camden Hunt, a 28-year-old ity,” adding “I think it’s amazing. I media showed former Grey’s Robert Aaron Long, a 21-year- community and demand justice Black woman, said she first got in- look out and I see people of all Anatomy actress and Golden old white man, is accused of kill- for not only these victims but for volved in activism in her native shades and ages and back- Globe Award winner Sandra Oh ing four people inside two Atlanta all victims of white supremacy,” Baltimore. She attended protests grounds.” speaking to the crowd. spas and four others at a massage she said. over the death of Freddie Gray, a Similar rallies were held from “I will challenge everyone here business about 30 miles away in A couple hundred people gath- Black man who suffered a broken coast to coast. In San Francisco, ... If you see one of our sisters and suburban Cherokee County. Six of ered in a separate Atlanta park neck in police custody in Balti- hundreds gathered in Portsmouth brothers in need, will you help the eight people killed Tuesday and marched through the streets more in 2015. She moved to Atlan- Square, in the middle of China- us?” she said, later yelling into a were women of Asian descent. An- to join the larger rally, chanting ta four years ago and got involved town, to grieve the victims and to megaphone: “I am proud to be other person was shot but sur- “Stop Asian hate” and “We are in community organizing, last call for an end to racist and sexist Asian! I belong here!” vived. what America looks like.” summer pulling together an event violence against Asian Ameri- In Chicago, about 300 people Investigators have said Long Bernard Dong, a 24-year-old to support Black women victi- cans. The participants waved gathered and in New York City, confessed to the slayings but said student from China at Georgia mized by police violence. signs reading “stop Asian hate.” hundreds marched from Times they weren’t racially motivated. Tech, said he came out to the pro- Hunt joined Saturday’s rally to In Pittsburgh, hundreds also Square to Chinatown, news outlets He claimed to have a sex addic- test for the rights not just for “show Black and Asian solidar- rallied, and videos posted to social reported. Some states to seek gun waiting periods after shootings Associated Press crisis, you can do a lot of harm fairly ing legislation this year to impose A 2020 analysis by the Rand Gun rights groups, including the Not long before the deadly Atlan- quickly.” them. Corp., a nonprofit think tank, also National Rifle Association, oppose ta-area shootings spread fear and The purchase was a normal Gun control advocates say man- found that research links waiting waiting periods. The group points to anger through Asian American transaction at Big Woods Goods, a dating a window of even a couple of periods to decreased suicide and 2018 federal firearm-tracing data communities nationwide, police say shop north of At- days between the purchase of a gun homicide rates but determined that that shows the average time be- the attacker made a legal purchase: lanta that com- and taking possession can give the effect on mass shootings was in- tween first retail sale of a gun and in- a 9 mm handgun. plies with federal more time for background checks conclusive because the sample size volvement in a crime was nearly Within hours, they say, he had background and create a “cooling off” period for was too small. nine years. They also argue that killed eight people, seven of them check laws, said people considering harming them- California has one of the coun- waiting periods create a delay for women and six of Asian descent, in a Matt Kilgo, a law- selves or someone else. Studies sug- try’s longest waiting periods — 10 people buying legally, while leaving rampage targeting massage busi- yer for the store. gest that waiting periods may help days. That did not stop more than 1.1 illegal weapons transfers unaffect- nesses. “There’s no in- bring down firearm suicide rates by million people from buying guns ed. If Georgia had required him to dication there’s up to 11% and gun homicides by last year, which was just shy of the Gun control legislation also is Thomas wait before getting a gun, lawmak- anything improp- about 17%, according to the Giffords record number sold in 2016. Gun making its way through Congress. ers and advocates say, he might not er,” he said. Center. sales nationwide, meanwhile, The Senate is expected to consider a have acted on his impulse. The vast majority of states are Georgia Democrats plan to intro- surged to record levels last year bill to expand background checks, “It’s really quick. You walk in, fill like Georgia, allowing buyers to duce legislation that would require amid pandemic-related uncertain- but it faces a difficult road — Demo- out the paperwork, get your back- walk out of a store with a firearm af- people to wait five days between ty. crats would need at least 10 Repub- ground check and walk out with a ter a background check that some- buying a gun and getting it, said Against that backdrop, lawmak- lican votes to pass it. While the gun,” said Robyn Thomas, execu- times can take minutes. Waiting pe- Rep. David Wilkerson, who is mi- ers in at least four states — Arizona, House approved two bills to streng- tive director of the Giffords Law riods are required in just 10 states nority whip in the state House. New York, Pennsylvania and Ver- then the checks this month, Con- Center to Prevent Gun Violence. “If and the District of Columbia, al- “I think a waiting period just mont — have proposed creating or gress has not passed any major gun you’re in a state of crisis, personal though several states are consider- makes sense,” he said. expanding waiting periods. control laws since the mid-1990s. Monday, March 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 11 AMERICAN ROUNDUP

Man carries toddler into zoo’s elephant habitat SAN DIEGO — A fa- CA ther allegedly carried his 2-year-old daughter into an elephant habitat at the famous San Diego Zoo to take a photo with the animals, police said. An elephant seemed like it wanted to charge at them, and the father dropped his child when they tried to escape the enclosure, San Diego Police Sgt. Ariel Savage told NBC San Diego. He was even- tually able to get her out safely. The elephant was not harmed, zoo officials told The San Diego Union-Tribune. Man captured after shots, chase, evacuation MONTEREY — A Ten- TN nessee man is accused of shooting at a semitruck and leading police on a chase that end- ed with the evacuation of a truck stop, authorities said. Xavier Waters of Nashville was charged with aggravated assault, evading police, possession of a sto- len firearm and other counts relat- ed to the events, news outlets re- ported, citing police. Officers had been watching for a gray Infiniti whose driver was accused of shooting at a semitruck KRISTOPHER RADDER, THE BRATTLEBORO (VT.) REFORMER/AP in Roane County, Monterey police said in a statement. The vehicle got off the interstate, From sap to syrup but the driver lost control of the ve- Peter Gould sifts off some of the debris from the sap he's boiling to make maple syrup in his backyard in Brattleboro, Vt. hicle and exited it, running to a nearby truck stop, the statement Deputies aided by Border Pa- THE CENSUS for sea turtles. said. After the truck stop was evac- trol agents and state police arrest- The 13 released at Grand Isle uated, police found Waters hiding ed Marana-area resident David The approximate worth of video games a couple stole from a were among more than 1,000 cold- inside a freezer, authorities said. Whitaker after finding him living $3K Manchester, N.H., Walmart. Police are looking for two people stunned in New England starting in a shack he had constructed, the who shoplifted the video games over eight visits. Surveillance video showed a in November. City disputes claims from Pinal County Sheriff’s Office said. woman putting Nintendo Switch video games into a large gray purse in the “All the days and nights over the paraplegic jail inmate Whitaker had been at large baby seat portion of a shopping cart in visits to the store between Feb. 15 and last four months caring for these since Nov. 28 when deputies re- March 9, police said. The suspects would then go to the register and pay for turtles have all been for this,” Ga- ST. LOUIS — St. ceived a report of his alleged sex- other items in their cart before leaving in a silver SUV. briella Harlamert, sea turtle MO Louis officials are ual contact with a 13-year-old girl. stranding, rescue and rehab coor- disputing claims that a paraplegic Whitaker had left his home before her arrest claiming she had hit a of Chanel earrings; 72 pairs of dinator at the Audubon Nature In- inmate hasn’t been able to get deputies got there, the office said mailbox. Gucci earrings; and 52 Chanel stitute said in a news release. clean. in a statement. The sheriff said he suffered a hairclips. “Getting to return them to the wild Associate City Counselor Brent Deputies immediately began broken leg, along with various is why we do what we do, and it’s Dulle told U.S. District Judge searching and conducting surveil- bumps, bruises and cuts in the State Police seek help the best feeling ever.” Ronnie White that it was an “un- lance operations for Whitaker crash. The doctors said his fibula to find missing rifle tenable” argument that Anthony who was described to them as a should heal on its own without a Heli-skiing denied over Tillman is suffering irreparable survivalist who could live off the cast, he said. CHESTER — New avalanche concerns harm by having to bathe instead of grid, the office said. NY York State Police have take a shower, the St. Louis Post- Counterfeit purses, other lost a semi-automatic rifle in the BOZEMAN — The Dispatch reported. Shopping while driving, items seized at airport Adirondacks and are now seeking MT U.S. Forest Service Tillman sued in federal court al- woman hits sheriff on bike the public’s help in tracking it has denied permit applications to leging the downtown jail has no CHICAGO — A package down. explore heli-skiing in the Centen- showers for people in wheelchairs PORT ORANGE — A IL containing 445 counter- The Rock River AR-15 was first nial Mountains just west of Yel- and that he has only been provided FL young woman who said feit designer purses and other reported missing Tuesday, and at lowstone National Park after con- a basin and a rag for washing. she was using her phone to shop items was seized at Chicago’s the time, the agency declined to cerns were raised over avalanch- Dulle said the jail’s doctor con- while driving hit a sheriff who was O’Hare International Airport mail say who the gun belonged to, the es and impacts to grizzly bears. cluded Tillman is capable of ac- biking in central Florida, author- branch, officials said. Post-Star reported. Heli-skiing is a type of back- cessing the shower and washing ities said. The shipment from Thailand The agency updated the release country skiing, free-riding that in- himself. He said the jail is willing Volusia County Sheriff Mike was intercepted by Customs and and said the missing gun belongs volves using a helicopter to access to help him move from his wheel- Chitwood tweeted that the driver Border Protection officers, the to state police, and that an investi- remote areas and slopes of fresh chair to a shower bench or chair. is in custody. Paige Bergman, 20, agency reported. gation into how it went missing is powder snow. was charged with leaving the The manufacturer’s suggested ongoing. The rifle was not stolen, Andrea Zaccardi, senior attor- Wanted man who hid scene of a crash that caused seri- retail price for the actual items according to the release. ney for the Center for Biological in desert is arrested ous bodily harm. would have topped $635,000, au- Diversity, said her organization “I know she had no intention of thorities said. Mini parade of rescued shared multiple studies that sug- CASA GRANDE — A running me down,” Chitwood The bogus products were seized sea turtles released gested noise from low-flying or AZ 42-year-old Arizona tweeted. “That’s what a lot of dis- for violating trademark laws. landing helicopters can wake griz- man sought on sex abuse-related tracted drivers say after they They were being shipped to a GRAND ISLE — A zly bears from hibernation, caus- charges was arrested after he cause a tragedy.” home in Wichita, Kan. LA small parade of rescued ing cubs to die young among other spent more than three months hid- Deputies found Bergman in her Items included 11 Louis Vuitton, young sea turtles has headed into things. ing in the desert, a sheriff’s office car in her family’s driveway 11 Gucci, eight Chanel and four the Gulf of Mexico from Louisiana said. where she was recorded during Christian Dior handbags; 131 pairs — a bright note in a tough season From The Associated Press PAGE 12 • STARS AND STRIPES • Monday, March 22, 2021 NATION Curfew set in South Beach after crowds and fights Associated Press Local officials and businesses MIAMI — Officials imposed an have struggled to balance courting emergency 8 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew tourists to boost the economy while for Miami Beach, after hard-party- doing so safely amid the ongoing ing spring break crowds trashed coronavirus pandemic. restaurants, brawled in the streets Tourism is the Sunshine State’s and gathered by the thousands No. 1 industry, generating more SHARON WHITMAN/AP without masks or social distancing, than $91 billion in 2018, and last Jennifer Lannon, second from right, is seen with her brother Chris Whitman, second from left, and sisters according to authorities. year, spring break was one of the Sarah Whitman, far left, and Kim Bermudez. Lannon's body and three other people were found in a vehicle At a news conference, officials first big casualties of the pandemic at Albuquerque International Sunport on March 5. Her ex­husband, Sean, claims he's killed 16 people in blamed overwhelming and out-of- as beaches shut down across Flor- all, including the four found at the airport. control spring break crowds for the ida when the United States went in- curfew, which took effect Saturday to strict lockdowns. Meanwhile, night in South Beach, one of the na- alarming scenes of college stu- tion’s top party spots. Tourists and dents heedlessly drinking, dancing Prosecutor: Man accused of 1 hotel guests are being told to stay and getting up close without masks indoors during curfew hours. were plastered across social It’s unclear how long the curfew media. murder says he really killed 16 will remain in effect, but Interim Miami tourism officials said bil- BY ALLEN G. BREED pressed remorse. Lannon has been Jersey either didn’t respond to re- City Manager Raul Aguila told the lions of dollars were lost during Associated Press charged only with the death in New quests for comment Saturday or Miami Herald that he recom- those three months last year. The WOODBURY, N.J. — A man Jersey, and his lawyer said his cli- didn’t immediately have more in- mends keeping the rules in place city’s tourism arm just spent $5 charged with beating to death a ent was provoked. He has been formation. through at least April 12. A county- million on its biggest national ad- New Jersey resident he says sex- named a person of interest in the The case began on March 5, wide midnight curfew was already vertising campaign in 20 years. ually abused him as a child now four New Mexico slayings. when the bodies of Lannon’s ex- in place due to the COVID-19 pan- At the same time, local officials claims he has killed a total of 16 Police Lt. David Chavez in Lan- wife and three other people were demic. banned alcohol from the beach, people, including his ex-wife and non’s hometown of Grants, N.M., found in a vehicle in a parking ga- “These crowds are in the thou- along with all alcohol sales after 10 three others found dead near a said authorities have no indication rage at Albuquerque International sands,” Aguila said. “We’re at ca- p.m. in an effort to curb partying. New Mexico airport, officials said. that his claims about 11 other kill- Sunport, New Mexico’s largest air- pacity.” The city even sent cellphone text Authorities have not corroborated ings are true and that they aren’t port. It’s not clear how they were No pedestrians or vehicles will messages to tourists warning, “Va- his claim. aware of any missing-person or killed. be allowed to enter the restricted cation Responsibly or Be Arrest- Sean Lannon, 47, said he killed homicide reports that would fit his Police said three of them were area after 8 p.m. and all businesses ed.” the four whose remains were narrative. reported missing in January from in the vicinity must close, Aguila “Spring break in Miami Beach found in a vehicle and “11 other in- “Is it possible? Sure, anything’s Grants, about 80 miles west of Al- said, reading from a statement re- may be one of the great rites of pas- dividuals” in New Mexico, Alec possible. Is it plausible?” Chavez buquerque. The victims were leased by the city. sage, but only if you plan on follow- Gutierrez, an assistant prosecutor said. “Unfortunately, we are still identified as Jennifer Lannon, 39, The curfew comes as a promi- ing the rules. Otherwise, you might in Gloucester County, N.J., said at investigating that and conducting Matthew Miller, 21, Jesten Mata, nent bar, the Clevelander South as well just stay home and save a detention hearing Friday, search warrants for evidentiary 40, and Randal Apostalon, 60. Beach, announced it was tempora- yourself the court costs,” the mess- NJ.com reported. value.” On March 8, three days after the rily suspending all food and bever- age read. Gutierrez said Lannon had con- It was a twist in a case that spans remains were found in New Mexi- age operations until at least March But local officials have struggled fessed to luring several victims to a the country but has many unan- co, the body of Michael Dabkowski 24 after crowds crammed Ocean to enforce COVID ordinances. Un- home in New Mexico and dismem- swered questions, including how was discovered in his New Jersey Drive, breaking out into street der Republican Gov. Ron DeSan- bering some of them. Lannon was connected to the New home, just south of Philadelphia, fights. At another restaurant next tis’ pro-business stance, Florida Authorities said in court docu- Mexico slayings. Officials from the after a welfare check. Sean Lannon door, tables and chairs were has no statewide mask rules, limits ments that Lannon made the ad- FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, sever- is accused of breaking in and beat- smashed during a fight, news out- on capacity or other such restric- mission in a phone call to a relative, al police agencies in New Mexico, ing the 66-year-old to death with a lets reported. tions. who told investigators he ex- and police and prosecutors in New hammer, according to an affidavit. Ex-politician in prison in adoption scam gets 5 more years in prison

BY JACQUES BILLEAUD ing to smuggle people in Arkansas. been rescheduled. said a birth mother whose medical ex- Associated Press Petersen was dressed in an orange pris- He was sentenced in Arizona for sub- penses were covered by Medicaid deliver- PHOENIX — A former Phoenix politic- on suit in the Phoenix courtroom where he mitting false applications to the state’s ed her child a day after arriving in Arizona ian already in prison on a six-year sen- offered apologies and cried as he de- Medicaid system so the pregnant Mar- — and was flown out of the state about two tence for operating an illegal adoption scribed hurting his clients, former co- shall Islands women could receive health weeks later. scheme involving women from the Mar- workers and his own family through his coverage and for providing an affidavit to Prosecutors also said Petersen regular- shall Islands was ordered to serve another practices. a court that contained false information ly misrepresented in filings with a juve- five years behind bars for defrauding Ari- “I have no one to blame but myself,” Pe- about expenses paid to a birth mother. nile court on how long he had been paying zona’s Medicaid system in a scam to get tersen said. “Judges in these cases were given false expenses for birth mothers, claiming in taxpayer-funded health coverage for the Authorities have said Petersen illegally information and that subverted the legal one instance five months of expenses for a birth mothers, even though he knew they paid women from the Pacific island nation process by which judges made decisions birth mother who was in Arizona for less didn’t live in the state. to give up their babies in at least 70 adop- in these adoptions,” Judge Thomas Fink than a month. Petersen was accused of in- Paul Petersen, a Republican who was tion cases in Arizona, Arkansas and Utah. said shortly before sentencing Petersen. structing the woman helping his adoption Maricopa County’s elected assessor for Citizens of the Marshall Islands have been Prosecutors say Petersen knew the practice to submit a letter of residency for six years and worked as an adoption attor- prohibited from traveling to the United birth mothers involved in the scheme a birth mother who had already left Arizo- ney, on Friday received the second of States for adoption purposes since 2003. didn’t meet an Arizona requirement that na in a bid to avoid having to cover her three sentences stemming from the adop- Petersen’s third sentencing hearing for Medicaid recipients reside in the state, yet medical bills. Authorities said each adop- tion scheme. His five-year Arizona puni- human smuggling convictions in Utah was he still instructed a woman working in his tion became more profitable for Petersen shment is to be served after he completes scheduled for Monday, but it has since adoption practice to line up Medicaid cov- when those costs were covered by the gov- his six-year federal sentence for conspir- been postponed. The hearing hasn’t yet erage for them. In one case, authorities ernment. Monday, March 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 13 WORLD

Filipino troops kill rebel worst flooding in decades. The New South Wales State chief, rescue last hostage Emergency Services responded to MANILA, Philippines — Philip- 640 calls for help Saturday night, Myanmar police who defied pine troops killed an Abu Sayyaf including 66 for flood rescues. rebel commander blamed for Berejiklian also saidsome loca- years of ransom kidnappings and tions recorded more than 11.8 Sunday rescued the last of his four inches of rain since Friday morn- orders seek refuge in India Indonesian captives, the military ing, breaking records. BY ANUPAM NATH said. protests. She said officers had “no er, the Mizoram government had Associated Press choice” but to leave Myanmar. allowed refugees to enter and pro- Marines wounded Amajan Sa- Thai police use tear gas, MIZORAM, India — Myanmar The security crackdown follow- vided them with food and shelter. hidjuan in a gunbattle Saturday water to break up protest police officers who fled to India af- ing Myanmar’s Feb. 1 coup has But last week, India’s Home night and he later died from loss of BANGKOK — Scores of people ter they said they defied orders to forced scores of refugees over the Ministry told four Indian states blood on Kalupag Island in the were injured and arrested in the shoot people protesting their border into India. India’s state and bordering Myanmar, including southernmost province of Tawi Thai capital after police used wa- country’s military coup are urging federal authorities haven’t given Mizoram, to take measures to pre- Tawi. Two other militants man- ter cannons, tear gas and rubber India’s government not to send any figures, but some state minis- vent refugees from entering India aged to flee and dragged along the bullets Saturday night to break up them back and to grant them asy- ters have said the number could except on humanitarian grounds. last of four Indonesian hostages a rally by pro-democracy protes- lum on humanitarian grounds. be in the hundreds. One Indian vil- On Thursday, Mizoram’s top but troops finally rescued him ters calling for the release of de- One of the officers who has lage has given shelter to 34 police elected official Zoramthanga Sunday, regional military com- tained activists, constitutional sought refuge in a village in the personnel and one firefighter who wrote to Prime Minister Narendra mander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan changes and reform of the nation’s northeastern Indian state of Miz- crossed into India over the last two Modi and said “India cannot turn a Jr. said. monarchy. oram along the border with Myan- weeks. blind eye” to the humanitarian cri- A military officer said the mil- The rally outside Bangkok’s mar said they didn’t want to return The AP has not been able to in- sis unfolding in his state. itants were attempting to cross the Grand Palace was a continuation to their country until the problems dependently verify their claims Zoramthanga, who uses one sea border to Tambisan Island to of student-led protests that began there are solved. that they were ordered to shoot name, wrote in the letter that the release the captives in exchange last year and have rattled Thai- That officer and others who protesters, though images and ac- people of his state, who share eth- for a ransom. land’s traditional establishment, spoke to The Associated Press did counts of the security forces’ nic ties with the refugees from which is fiercely opposed to so on condition of anonymity out of crackdown inside Myanmar have Chin communities in Myanmar, Populous Australian state change. concern for the safety of family shown intensifying violence “can’t remain indifferent to their The rally organizers had said members still in Myanmar. against civilians. More than 200 plight.” He urged the federal gov- hit by severe rains, floods they planned to have demonstra- Another officer who fled told AP people have been killed by securi- ernment to review its order and al- SYDNEY — Australia’s most tors throw paper planes with that soldiers ordered them to “ar- ty forces since the coup. low refugees into India. populous state of New South messages over the palace walls. rest, beat, torture the protesters” India’s federal government and Earlier this month, Myanmar Wales on Sunday issued more and said police were always sent the state of Mizoram are at odds asked India to return the police of- evacuation orders following the From The Associated Press to the front whenever there was over the influx of refugees. Earli- ficers who crossed the border. PAGE 14 • STARS AND STRIPES • Monday, March 22, 2021 FACES Cross purposes Actor plays key on-screen producer role in ‘Genius: Aretha’ series

BY RODNEY HO by how much hair, makeup and wardrobe made him The Atlanta Journal-Constitution resemble the actual Wexler. “Production was ... stel- avid Cross’ acting career has spanned a lar. Their attention to detail, they ... nailed it!” wide range of roles over the past three He also enjoyed working with Cynthia Erivo, the decades, much of it on the comedic end Grammy and Tony-winning singer and actress who Dincluding “Arrested Development,” plays the adult Franklin in the series. “Modern Family” and IFC’s “The Increasingly Poor “It was such a treat getting to listen to and watch Decisions of Todd Margaret.” her sing and perform over and over again,” Cross But he can do drama just as well, as evidenced by said. “That never got old. She’s an amazing singer.” his role as Jerry Wexler, Aretha Franklin’s producer, The series showrunner and Pulitzer-Prize-win- manager and trusted confidante in the National Ge- ning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks said she felt Cross ographic series “Genius,” focused this season on the “totally captured the spirit of Jerry Wexler, the “Queen of Soul.” The eight-episode series, which de- whole vibe. This intense man came into Aretha’s life buted Sunday, will air on consecutive nights and cov- at just the right time. It was a joy on set with David. ers a good swath of Franklin’s life. He always cracked the best jokes. Some of them we Wexler was one of the most powerful and influen- got into the scenes for fun.” tial record producers and executives during the “Genius” in each episode jumps time periods like early rock era. He co-headed Atlantic Records from the “This Is Us” style, a way to properly frame differ- 1953 to 1975. As Ashley Kahn of Rolling Stone wrote ent parts of her life and how she evolved over the when he died at age 91 in 2008, “He was a national years. The setup also illustrates her complicated re- tastemaker and a prophet of roots and rhythm.” lationships with her philandering preacher father, He also signed Franklin to Atlantic in 1967 and played by Courtney B. Vance, and her sister Carolyn guided her to new glory with classic hits such as “Re- (Rebecca Naomi Jones), a fellow singer. spect” and “Chain of Fools.” By coincidence, a big-budget movie about Fran- “Jerry and Aretha had a very special relation- klin called “Respect” was shooting at the same time ship,” said Cross in a recent interview with The At- in metro Atlanta featuring Jennifer Hudson as Fran- lanta Journal-Constitution. “It was part of the attrac- klin, a role Franklin herself endorsed before she died tion for me to take this job. We were able to show how in 2018. The film was supposed to come out on Dec. it evolved over the decades. It became less formal. 25, 2020, for Oscar consideration, but ended up get- He became not just a producer and manager but a ting bumped to August 2021 due to the pandemic. friend and father figure. We had time to let that rela- Cross is friends with Marc Maron, the “other” Jer- tionship breathe over eight episodes.” ry Wexler in “Respect.” “He and I joked about the Cross, 57, sampled old video and audio of Wexler dueling Jerry Wexler,” he said. RICHARD DUCREE/National Geographic and lowered his speaking voice for the part. “I tried to Each episode of “Genius: Aretha” is available on Aretha Franklin’s longtime manager and music producer, Jerry make it more Bronx,” he said. And he was impressed Hulu the day after it airs on television. Wexler, is played by David Cross in the TV series “Genius: Aretha.” Marvel’s Atwood, Grisham, Ng among pandemic novel contributors ‘Falcon’ Associated Press during the pandemic and even One of the first novels about the more about life in general, some- pandemic will be a collaborative times getting into discussions, de- comes to effort, with Margaret Atwood, bates or outright quarrels — and John Grisham and Celeste Ng sometimes finding resolution in among the writers. unexpected moments of empathy The Authors Guild Foundation and connection,” Atwood said in a Disney+ has reached a deal with Houghton statement. Mifflin Harcourt Books & Media BY JOHN CARUCCI Disney+ to publish “Fourteen Days: An Hammer under sexual Associated Press Anthony Mackie, left, and Sebastian Stan star in “The Falcon and the Unauthorized Gathering.” The When Steve Rogers handed Winter Soldier,” now streaming on Disney+. story is set on a Manhattan rooftop assault investigation Sam Wilson his Captain America in 2020 as the virus spreads world- Actor Armie Hammer is under shield at the end of Marvel’s mas- of “Falcon” promises only com- Unlike the mostly insular wide and the rich are fleeing the investigation for sexual assault, sive 2019 event “Avengers: End- plications. Malcolm Spellman “WandaVision,” the first Marvel city. Novelist and Authors Guild Los Angeles police said March 18. game,” Wilson tried it on for a said the series will explore “the series launched after “Endgame,” President Douglas Preston came Hammer’s attorney denied the beat. “How does it feel?” the wrin- conflict for a Black man confront- “Falcon” promises a larger scope up with the idea as a way to raise allegation. kled Rogers asked. “Like it’s ing those stars and stripes.” of globe-trotting adventure with money for the foundation. Hammer is the main suspect in someone else’s,” Wilson respon- He said the Wilson/Falcon implications for multiple charac- “Hunger Games” author Su- a sexual assault that was reported ded. character is set to “emerge from ters in upcoming series and films. zanne Collins made a “major” do- to police on Feb. 3, LAPD spokes- That reluctance and skepticism this story as a hero of the times Spellman drew inspiration nation to the Guild foundation to man Officer Drake Madison said. is front and center as Wilson’s sto- and a hero of the people today.” from race-conscious “buddy two- support the project. Atwood is ed- Police would give no further de- ry continues in “The Falcon and So will there be a Black Captain handers” like “Lethal Weapon,” iting “Fourteen Days” and helped tails on the incident or who made the Winter Solder,” a new six-epi- America by the time the final “48 Hours” and “The Defiant recruit a wide range of contrib- the report. sode Disney+ series that prom- credits roll in April? Mackie, Ones,” highlighting the warm utors, including Dave Eggers, Ish- Earlier March 18 at a video ises an exploration of patriotism steeped in Marvel’s renowned se- chemistry between Mackie and mael Reed, Monique Truong, news conference, a woman said and race alongside its shootouts cret-keeping after playing Falcon Sebastian Stan, who joined Mar- Hampton Sides, Mary Pope Os- that on April 24, 2017, in Los An- and soaring chase scenes. The se- since 2014’s “Captain America: vel movies as Bucky Barnes in borne and Emma Donoghue. geles, Hammer raped her for four ries started streaming Friday. The Winter Soldier,” will only say 2011’s “Captain America: The “Fourteen Days” is tentatively hours, slammed her head against While “Endgame” appeared to this: “I’m very happy with the end First Avenger.” scheduled for the spring of 2022. a wall and committed other vio- promise a quick transition for An- of ‘Falcon,’ and I feel like I have In the comics, Barnes has also “The cast of lively fictional lent acts against her. thony Mackie’s Falcon to take up one of the most unique, coolest taken up Cap’s shield, lending an characters on the Manhattan roof- The Associated Press does not the Captain America mantle, as characters in all of comic book inherent tension to the series tit- top in ‘Fourteen Days’ have much generally identify alleged victims he has in the comics, the creator movies.” ular pairing. to say to one another about life of sexual assault. Monday, March 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 15 OPINION

Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Marci Hoffman, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander GOP, Dems have opening on dealing with China BY JOSH ROGIN partisan politics and bureaucratic dysfunc- most: a strong, sustainable, bipartisan strate- The Washington Post tion. Senate aides on both sides lamented that gy addressing the rise of China.” EDITORIAL op Biden administration officials Schumer is rushing a complicated piece of This drive to respond to the Chinese govern- Terry Leonard, Editor held their first big meetings with legislation. Most committee staffs are still get- ment’s escalating internal repression and ex- [email protected] their Chinese government counter- ting organized. The hurried schedule allows ternal aggression is often presented as a false parts Thursday in Alaska. Mean- little time for real negotiations. choice between a new and dangerous Cold Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor T while, back in Washington, both parties face a Republicans complain that their ideas are War or doing nothing. Beijing’s goal is to exa- [email protected] major test. There is an opening — perhaps getting short shrift, especially proposals that cerbate divisions in U.S. society by playing in- Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content fleeting — for the political class to show it can focus on national security, China’s economic to our existing tensions. Both sides must resist [email protected] work constructively to help the United States aggression or the Chinese Communist Party’s the temptation to politicize the China issue. Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation meet the challenge of a rising China. But both influence and interference operations in the The good news is that there’s actually a lot [email protected] sides will need to compromise to make it United States. There’s skepticism that of consensus on China policy, both in Con- work. Schumer truly wants to include GOP ideas on gress and in the country. There are dozens of Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, China rather than just push Democratic China bills out there that have sponsors in [email protected] D-N.Y., has instructed eight separate Senate spending priorities. But Young is urging his both parties, on subjects ranging from tech- committees to quickly prepare China-related colleagues from both parties to get on board. nology to human rights. But unless Congress BUREAU STAFF bills in the coming weeks, with instructions to “Confronting and competing with the Peo- can figure out how to legislate again, there is make the effort as bipartisan as possible. The ple’s Republic of China is the most significant little chance the rest of our democracy will be Europe/Mideast goal is to merge many small bills into compre- geostrategic challenge that our country will able to fix itself enough to rise to the China Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief [email protected] hensive bipartisan legislation to be passed on face for the foreseeable future,” Young told competition. +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 the Senate floor next month. The aim of the me. He called the project “a rare opportunity The Biden administration is trying to en- Pacific project is a worthy one: to drastically increase for us to come together and advance legisla- gage Beijing, together with U.S. allies, from Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief the resources and attention the United States tion that will enable us to not only compete what national security adviser Jake Sullivan [email protected] is committing to competition with China on with China but to invest in the American peo- calls a “position of strength.” That’s an at- +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 the economic, manufacturing and scientific ple.” tempt to convince China’s leaders to acknowl- Washington fronts. Democrats don’t know whether the GOP is edge that their strategy cannot come at the ex- Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief The core of the legislative package will be more interested in addressing the China chal- pense of free and open societies. Democracies [email protected] the Endless Frontier Act, led by Schumer and lenge or keeping China as a political cudgel to are entitled to protect their citizens’ security, (+1)(202)886-0033 Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., which pledges $100 use against the majority and the Biden admin- prosperity, freedom and public health. [email protected] billion to revamp the National Science Foun- istration. And if bipartisanship fails on the If Congress could show a unified front to dation. When announcing the project last China legislation, opportunities for cross-aisle support this goal, the Chinese government CIRCULATION month, Schumer said the goal was to “outcom- cooperation going forward will look dimmer. might be convinced that it can no longer ig- pete China and create new American jobs” in This attempt at a bipartisan China approach nore the valid concerns of the international Mideast a long list of industries including semiconduc- will succeed only if Democrats take on some community. It’s not an effort to increase ten- Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager [email protected] tors, artificial intelligence, 5G telecommuni- Republican proposals and if Republicans ne- sions. It’s what both parties should see as the [email protected] cations, quantum computing and biomedical gotiate in good faith. best chance of avoiding the conflict that nei- DSN (314)583-9111 research. He called on Congress to act quick- “One of the areas they see as our weakness ther the United States nor China seeks. Europe ly. is our political division,” Sen. Dan Sullivan, R- Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager And yet, even at this relatively early stage, Alaska, told me. “Here’s the one thing Xi Jinp- Josh Rogin is a columnist for the Global Opinions section of The [email protected] Schumer’s China initiative is falling victim to ing and the Chinese Communist Party fear the Washington Post. He is also a political analyst for CNN. [email protected] +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 Pacific Mari Mori, [email protected] The battle the Pentagon really knows how to win +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 BY FAREED ZAKARIA power standard” — its navy had to be larger er. The United States’ F-35 fighter jet pro- CONTACT US Washington Post Writers Group than the next two put together. U.S. military gram, bedeviled by cost overruns and techni- Washington n the eve of his visit last week to spending remains larger than the next 10 cal problems, will ultimately cost taxpayers tel: (+1)202.886.0003 Asia, Defense Secretary Lloyd countries put together, most of which are $1.7 trillion. China will spend a comparable 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 Austin outlined his key concern. Washington’s close allies. The United States’ amount of money on its Belt and Road Initia- Reader letters O“China is our pacing threat,” he intelligence budget alone — around $85 bil- tive, an ambitious set of loans, aid and financ- [email protected] said. He explained that for the past 20 years, lion — is larger than Russia’s total defense ing for infrastructure throughout the world, the United States had been focused on the spending. aimed at creating greater interdependence Additional contacts Middle East while China had been moderniz- And yet the United States never imagines with dozens of countries that are important to stripes.com/contactus ing its military. “We still maintain the edge,” that this kind of spending could ever be seen Beijing. Which is money better spent? OMBUDSMAN he noted, “and we’re going to increase the by other countries as threatening. In request- The Pentagon operates in a realm apart edge going forward.” Welcome to the new age ing even more money for his region, the head from any other government agency. It spends Ernie Gates of bloated Pentagon budgets, all to be justified of the Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Philip money on a scale that is almost unimaginable The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow by the great Chinese threat. Davidson, remarked on China’s increases in — and the waste is, too. Every government of news and information, reporting any attempts by the What Austin calls America’s “edge” over defense spending: “I cannot for the life of me agency is required to audit its accounts, but for military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns China is more like a chasm. The United States understand some of the capabilities that decades, the Pentagon simply flouted this law. and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for has about 20 times the number of nuclear war- they’re putting in the field unless it is an ag- In 2018, it finally obeyed, paying $400 million fairness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted by heads as China. It has twice the tonnage of gressive posture.” But the fact that Washing- for 1,200 auditors to examine its books, yet it email at [email protected], or by phone at warships at sea, including 11 nuclear-powered ton is spending more on the military than it did still could not get a clean bill of health. As writ- 202.886.0003. aircraft carriers, compared with China’s two at the height of the Vietnam War (even ac- er Matt Taibbi noted in a brilliant 2019 exposé carriers (which are much less advanced). counting for inflation) should threaten no one? of Pentagon accounting, the auditors “were Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday Washington has more than 2,000 modern In any case, the size of military spending is a unable to pass the Pentagon or flunk it. They through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals fighter jets, compared with Beijing’s roughly misleading indicator of strength. Far more im- could only offer no opinion, explaining the mil- postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send 600, according to national security analyst Se- portant are the objectives sought and the polit- itary’s empire of hundreds of acronymic ac- address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. This newspaper is authorized by the bastien Roblin. And the United States deploys ical-military strategy used to achieve those counting silos was too illogical to penetrate.” Department of Defense for members of the military services this power using a vast network of some 800 objectives. The U.S. has probably outspent the The Defense Department has failed to pass overseas. However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views overseas bases. China has three. China’s de- Taliban 10,000 to 1 in Afghanistan. And yet two more audits since then. of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspa- fense budget is around $200 billion, not even a Washington has been unable to achieve its ob- Having spent two decades fighting wars in per, Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official channels and use appropriated funds for distribution to third as large as that of the United States. Mi- jective there — ensuring that the Kabul gov- the Middle East without much success, the remote locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. chael O’Hanlon of the Brookings Institution ernment rules the country uncontested. If the Pentagon will now revert to its favorite kind of The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or notes that, “if China were in NATO, we would U.S. defines its goals carefully and assembles conflict, a cold war with a nuclear power. It Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. berate it for inadequate burden-sharing, since an intelligent and consistent political and mil- can raise endless amounts of money to “out- Products or services advertised shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, its military outlays fall well below NATO’s 2 itary strategy to achieve them, it can succeed. pace” China, even if nuclear deterrence religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical percent minimum.” Without that, millions of troops and trillions of makes it unlikely there will be an actual fight- handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. At the height of its imperial might in the late dollars will not guarantee victory. Bigness is ing war in Asia. Of course, there might be bud- © Stars and Stripes 2021 19th century, when it ruled a quarter of the not a substitute for brains. get wars in Washington — but those are the world’s population, Britain adopted a “two- Consider two contrasting exercises of pow- battles that the Pentagon knows how to win! stripes.com PAGE 16 • STARS AND STRIPES • Monday, March 22, 2021 Eugene Sheffer Crossword Frazz Dilbert

ACROSS 55 “Without —” singer 1 Mercedes- — (Grateful Dead 22 Move laterally 5 Adobe file format album) 24 Zing 8 “The — the limit!” 56 Hosp. areas 25 Bird (Pref.) 57 Sunrise direction Pearls Before Swine Pearls Before 12 Mayberry 26 Strike a chord moppet (with) 13 Lennon’s lady DOWN 27 Chopin pieces 14 Son of Seth 1 Marshy areas 29 Succor 15 Billion (Pref.) 2 Grand tale 30 Ultramodernist 3 Close by 16 Reduces an 33 Very small amount owed 4 Enthusiast batteries 18 Drag 5 Emerged 36 “Still ...” 20 Fishing nets suddenly 38 Mascara mishap 21 Singles 6 “CSI” evidence 40 Danson of

Non Sequitur 23 Depot (Abbr.) 7 A.J. of Indy “Cheers” 24 Bowlful served 8 Tranquil with chips 9 Capable of being 42 Links org. 28 Abba of Israel understood 43 Flair 31 Night before 10 Caterwaul 44 Seized vehicle 32 Actress 11 Taxpayer IDs 46 Hindu hero McDonald of 17 Fourth-yr. 47 Sch. supporters “Private Practice” students 48 Faxed 34 Fib 19 “May It Be” 50 Melody 35 Galileo’s Answer to Previous Puzzle

Candorville birthplace 37 “By all means!” 39 Toronto’s prov. 41 Biblical kingdom 42 Bank, at times 45 Takes by force 49 What pos- sums do when threatened 51 Social appoint- Carpe Diem ment 52 Portal 53 Diner dessert 54 FBI guy Beetle Bailey Bizarro Monday, March 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 17 PAGE 18 • STARS AND STRIPES • Monday, March 22, 2021 SCOREBOARD

COLLEGE BASKETBALL AUTO RACING

Men’s NIT Syracuse (14-8) vs. S. Dakota St. (21-3) Consolation EchoPark 250 Fr8Auctions 200 Tennessee (16-7) vs. Middle Tennessee Saturday, March 20 Saturday, March 20 (17-7) Ohio 65, Fordham 81 NASCAR­Xfinity Series NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series At Denton, Texas At San Marcos, Texas UMass 81, Charlotte 75 At Atlanta Motor Speedway Saturday Memphis 71 , Dayton 60 Virginia Tech (14-9) vs. Marquette (19-6) Consolation Championship Hampton, Ga. At Atlanta Motor Speedway At Frisco, Texas MERCADO REGION Monday, March 22 Lap length: 1.54 miles Hampton, Ga. Mississippi State 74, Saint Louis 68 First Round (Start position in parentheses) Lap length: 1.54 miles Ohio vs. UMass 1. (6) Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, 163 laps, Sunday, March 21 MEMPHIS REGIONAL (Start position in parentheses) College Basketball Invitational At San Marcos, Texas 57 points. 1. (2) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 130 laps, 0 At My Town Movers Fieldhouse 2. (18) Martin Truex Jr, Toyota, 163, 0. points. NC State (20-2) vs. NC A&T (14-2) Collierville, Tenn. Quarterfinals At Austin, Texas 3. (5) Harrison Burton, Toyota, 163, 50. 2. (6) Austin Hill, Toyota, 130, 50. Monday, March 22 First Round 4. (30) Noah Gragson, Chevrolet, 163, 33. 3. (1) John H. Nemechek, Toyota, 130, 54. South Florida (18-3) vs. Washington St. Stetson (11-14) vs. Bowling Green (14- Friday, March 19 5. (3) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 163, 32. 4. (13) Johnny Sauter, Toyota, 130, 34. (12-11) Nebraska 72, UT Martin 46 11) Monday, March 22 6. (7) Riley Herbst, Ford, 163, 37. 5. (8) Sheldon Creed, Chevrolet, 130, 39. Colorado 68, Louisiana-Lafayette 45 7. (27) Michael Annett, Chevrolet, 163, 41. 6. (7) Zane Smith, Chevrolet, 130, 38. Coastal Carolina (16-7) vs. Bryant (15-6) At San Marcos, Texas Longwood (12-16) vs. Pepperdine (12- Mississippi 64, Samford 45 8. (13) Justin Haley, Chevrolet, 163, 44. 7. (40) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet, 130, 0. 12) Gonzaga (23-3) vs. Belmont (20-5) Tulane 75, Illinois St. 67 9. (11) Daniel Hemric, Toyota, 163, 30. 8. (3) Matt Crafton, Toyota, 130, 35. Bellarmine (13-7) vs. Army (12-9) Rutgers (14-4) vs. BYU (18-5), Noon Second Round 10. (35) Ryan Sieg, Ford, 163, 27. 9. (10) Brett Moffitt, Chevrolet, 130, 31. At San Antonio Saturday, March 20 11. (9) Myatt Snider, Chevrolet, 163, 30. 10. (4) Stewart Friesen, Toyota, 130, 42. NCAA Men’s Division II Indiana (18-5) vs. VCU (16-10) Colorado 75, Nebraska 71 12. (10) Jeremy Clements, Chevrolet, 163, 11. (19) Grant Enfinger, Toyota, 130, 26. Arizona (16-5) vs. Stony Brook (15-5) Mississippi 72, Tulane 61 31. 12. (17) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet, 130, Tournament Iowa St. (16-10) vs. Michigan St. (15-8) Regional Championship 13. (1) Austin Cindric, Ford, 163, 29. 25. At Austin, Texas Quarterfinals Monday, March 22 14. (20) Landon Cassill, Chevrolet, 163, 13. (29) Derek Kraus, Toyota, 129, 30. Texas A&M (23-2) vs. Troy (22-5) At the Ford Center Mississippi vs. Colorado 23. 14. (15) Parker Kligerman, Chevrolet, 15. (12) Santino Ferrucci, Toyota, 163, 22. 129, 23. Evansville, Ind. Consolation NCAA Women’s Division II Saturday, March 20 16. (19) Josh Williams, Chevrolet, 163, 21. 15. (32) Ryan Truex, Chevrolet, 129, 22. Wednesday, March 24 17. (36) Alex Labbe, Chevrolet, 163, 20. 16. (5) Ben Rhodes, Toyota, 129, 21. Lincoln Memorial vs. Colorado Mines Tournament UT Martin 58, Louisiana-Lafayette 48 Illinois St. 68, Samford 62 18. (15) Tommy Joe Martins, Chevrolet, 17. (9) Todd Gilliland, Ford, 129, 20. West Texas A&M vs. Daemen Quarterfinals 163, 19. 18. (30) Tyler Ankrum, Chevrolet, 129, 19. NW Missouri St. vs. West Liberty Consolation Championship At Columbus, Ohio Monday, March 22 19. (26) Jeffrey Earnhardt, Chevrolet, 19. (14) Tanner Gray, Ford, 129, 18. Flagler vs. Truman Tuesday, March 23 163, 18. 20. (39) Spencer Davis, Ford, 129, 17. UT Martin vs. Illinois St. 20. (17) Timmy Hill, Ford, 163, 17. 21. (28) Hailie Deegan, Ford, 129, 16. Drury vs. Charleston, W.Va. ROCKFORD REGIONAL NAIA Division I Men’s Tournament Lander vs. Azusa Pacific 21. (23) Colby Howard, Chevrolet, 163, 17. 22. (18) Josh Berry, Chevrolet, 129, 0. At UW Health Sports Factory 22. (37) Jesse Little, Toyota, 162, 15. 23. (12) Austin Wayne Self, Chevrolet, Quarterfinals Lubbock Christian vs. Daemen Rockford, Ill. Belmont Abbey vs. Central Miss. 23. (28) Cody Ware, Chevrolet, 162, 14. 128, 14. Saturday, March 20 First Round 24. (14) Bayley Currey, Chevrolet, 162, 13. 24. (26) Chase Purdy, Chevrolet, 128, 13. Shawnee St. 76, Jamestown 65 NAIA Division I Women’s Friday, March 19 25. (2) Jeb Burton, Chevrolet, 162, 15. 25. (24) Jordan Anderson, Chevrolet, 128, St. Francis (Ind.) 89, Bethel (Ind.) 81 N. Iowa 70, Dayton 56 26. (21) Jade Buford, Chevrolet, 161, 11. 0. Lewis-Clark St. 75, Loyola 70, OT Tournament Creighton 72, Bowling Green 65 27. (38) David Starr, Toyota, 161, 10. 26. (22) Tate Fogleman, Chevrolet, 128, SW Assemblies 73, Carroll (Mont.) 65 Saint Louis 74, DePaul 72 28. (31) Kyle Weatherman, Chevrolet, 11. Semifinals Quarterfinals Milwaukee 84, Drake 46 161, 9. 27. (34) Cory Roper, Ford, 127, 10. Monday, March 22 Saturday, March 20 Second Round 29. (24) Joe Graf Jr, Chevrolet, 161, 8. 28. (21) Danny Bohn, Toyota, 127, 9. St. Francis vs. Shawnee St. Thomas More (Ky.) 72, Dakota St. 47 Saturday, March 20 30. (25) Blaine Perkins, Chevrolet, 160, 7. 29. (20) Codie Rohrbaugh, Chevrolet, Lewis-Clark St. vs. SW Assemblies Westmont (Calif.) 91, Clarke (Iowa) 68 N. Iowa 64, Creighton 63 31. (34) Ryan Vargas, Chevrolet, 160, 6. 126, 8. Championship Indiana Wesleyan 63, Campbellsville Saint Louis 66, Milwaukee 44 32. (32) Mason Massey, Toyota, 160, 5. 30. (16) Timothy Peters, Chevrolet, 126, 7. Tuesday, March 23 (Ky.) 53 Regional Championship 33. (4) Brandon Brown, Chevrolet, 160, 5. 31. (27) Dawson Cram, Chevrolet, 126, 6. Semifinal winners Concordia (Neb.) vs. Morningside (Io- Monday, March 22 34. (39) Matt Mills, Chevrolet, 156, 3. 32. (35) Bret Holmes, Chevrolet, 126, 5. wa) Saint Louis vs. N. Iowa 35. (29) Dexter Bean, Chevrolet, 156, 2. 33. (25) Spencer Boyd, Chevrolet, 125, 4. NCAA Women’s Tournament Semifinals Consolation 36. (33) Gray Gaulding, Chevrolet, 150, 1. 34. (36) Ryan Ellis, Toyota, 124, 0. ALAMO REGION Monday, March 22 Saturday, March 20 37. (16) Brandon Jones, Toyota, 132, 1. 35. (11) Chandler Smith, Toyota, 124, 2. Thomas More vs. Concordia-Morning- 38. (22) Josh Berry, Chevrolet, accident, 36. (31) Bill Lester, Ford, 123, 1. First Round Bowling Green 77, Dayton 76 side winner Drake 100, DePaul 91 130, 4. 37. (38) Akinori Ogata, Chevrolet, 123, 1. Sunday, March 21 Westmont vs. Indiana Wesleyan 39. (40) Chad Finchum, Ford, brakes, 59, 38. (33) Jennifer Jo Cobb, Chevrolet, 117, At San Antonio Consolation Championship Championship Monday, March 22 1. 1. Stanford (25-2) vs. Utah Valley (13-6) Tuesday, March 23 40. (8) Brett Moffitt, Chevrolet, accident, 39. (23) Raphael Lessard, Chevrolet, Oklahoma St. (18-8) vs. Wake Forest (12- Bowling Green vs. Drake 39, 0. transmission, 115, 1. Semifinal winners Semifinals 12) Race Statistics 40. (37) Norm Benning, Chevrolet, ga- Monday, March 22 Women’s NIT At My Town Movers Fieldhouse rage, 72, 1. Collierville, Tenn. Average Speed of Race Winner: 115.116 At San Antonio Race Statistics Missouri St. (21-2) vs. UC Davis (13-2) FORT WORTH REGIONAL Friday, March 26 mph. Oregon (13-8) vs. South Dakota (19-5) At Wilkerson­Greines Activity Center Fort Worth Regional winner vs. Char- Time of Race: 2 hours, 10 minutes, 50 Average Speed of Race Winner: 133.888 Georgia (20-6) vs. Drexel (14-8) Fort Worth, Texas lotte Regional winner seconds. mph. Northwestern (15-8) vs. UCF (16-4) First Round Memphis Regional winner vs. Rockford Margin of Victory: 1.449 seconds. Time of Race: 1:29.43. Louisville (23-3) vs. Marist (18-3) Friday, March 19 Regional winner Caution Flags: 7 for 37 laps. Margin of Victory: 4.133 seconds. At Austin, Texas Rice 48, Arizona St. 36 Championship Lead Changes: 6 among 5 drivers. Caution Flags: 3 for 16 laps. Arkansas (19-8) vs. Wright St. (18-7) Fresno St. 78, Missouri 75 Sunday, March 28 Lap Leaders:A.Cindric 0-6; M.Truex 7-46; Lead Changes: 8 among 4 drivers. HEMISFAIR REGION San Francisco 71, Houston 63 Semifinal winners B.Brown 47-50; M.Truex 51-113; J.Allgaier Lap Leaders: J.Nemechek 0; M.Crafton Cal Baptist 90, New Mexico 85 Women’s Basketball Invitational 114-133; C.Howard 134-136; J.Allgaier 137- 1-3; K.Busch 4-28; J.Nemechek 29-45; First Round 163 K.Busch 46-59; J.Nemechek 60-63; K.Busch Sunday, March 21 Second Round Semifinal Saturday, March 20 Cleveland St. 64, Stetson 54 Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Led, 64-101; C.Purdy 102-105; K.Busch 106-130 At San Antonio Laps Led): M.Truex, 2 times for 103 laps; Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Led, South Carolina (22-4) vs. Mercer (19-6) Rice 87, Fresno St. 73 Portland 80, N. Arizona 65 Consolation J.Allgaier, 2 times for 47 laps; A.Cindric, 1 Laps Led): K.Busch, 4 times for 102 laps; Georgia Tech (15-8) vs. Stephen F. Austin Cal Baptist 90, San Francisco 82 time for 6 laps; B.Brown, 1 time for 4 laps; J.Nemechek, 2 times for 21 laps; C.Purdy, 1 (24-2) Regional Championship Manhattan 56, Loyola Chicago 51 C.Howard, 1 time for 3 laps. time for 4 laps; M.Crafton, 1 time for 3 laps. West Virginia (21-6) vs. Lehigh (10-5) Monday, March 22 FIU 78, Abilene Christian 61 At San Marcos, Texas Cal Baptist vs. Rice Women’s Basketball Invitational Oregon St. (11-7) vs. Florida St. (10-8) Consolation Monday, March 22 Saturday, March 20 First Round PRO BASEBALL GOLF At Austin, Texas Arizona St. 50, Missouri 39 Friday, March 19 UCLA (16-5) vs. Wyoming (14-9) New Mexico vs. Houston, canceled Cleveland St. 68, vs. Manhattan 55 Spring training The Honda Classic At San Marcos, Texas Consolation Championship Stetson 49, Loyola Chicago 45 Monday, March 22 Saturday’s games Texas (18-9) vs. Bradley (17-11) Portland 67, Abilene Christian 42 PGA Tour At San Antonio Arizona St. vs. Houston N. Arizona 82, FIU 69 Detroit 3, Pittsburgh 1 Alabama (16-9) vs. North Carolina (13- CHARLOTTE REGIONAL Saturday, March 20 St. Louis 5, Houston 2 Saturday 10) At Bojangles’ Coliseum Consolation Semifinal Toronto 3, Philadelphia 1 At PGA National Champions Course Maryland (24-2) vs. Mount St. Mary’s Charlotte, N.C. Manhattan 56, Loyola Chicago 51 Atlanta 8, Boston 2 Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (17-6) First Round FIU 78, Abilene Christian 61 Chicago Cubs 4, Colorado 2 Chicago White Sox 6, Cleveland 2 Purse: $7 million RIVER WALK REGION Friday, March 19 Championship Semifinal Yardage:7,048; Par:70 First Round L.A. Dodgers 4, San Diego 4 Delaware 77, Fordham 49 Cleveland St. 64, Stetson 54 Kansas City 6, Arizona 6 Third Round Sunday, March 21 Clemson 65, Ohio 60 Portland 80, N. Arizona 65 Matt Jones 61-70-69—200 -10 Sunday, March 21 Oakland 11, L.A. Angels 2 At San Antonio Florida 66, Charlotte 65 Washington 7, Miami 4 J.B. Holmes 69-67-67—203 -7 Villanova 78, UMass 51 Seventh Place UConn (24-1) vs. High Point (22-6) Baltimore 2, N.Y. Yankees 1 Aaron Wise 64-64-75—203 -7 Iowa (18-9) vs. Cent. Michigan (18-8), Second Round Abilene Christian vs. Loyola Chicago Minnesota 2, Tampa Bay 1 C.T. Pan 67-72-65—204 -6 Noon Saturday, March 20 Third Place Texas 6, Seattle 5 Kentucky (17-8) vs. Idaho St. (22-3) Delaware 87, Clemson 74 N. Arizona vs. Stetson Milwaukee 4, Cincinnati 1 Cameron Tringale 67-68-69—204 -6 Michigan (14-5) vs. Florida Gulf Coast Villanova 77, Florida 57 Consolation Final Sunday’s games Sam Ryder 69-63-72—204 -6 (26-2) Regional Championship FIU vs. Manhattan N.Y. Mets vs. Washington at West Palm Keegan Bradley 69-69-67—205 -5 Baylor (25-2) vs. Jackson St. (18-5) Monday, March 22 Championship Beach, Fla. Sungjae Im 68-68-69—205 -5 At Austin, Texas Villanova vs. Delaware Portland vs. Cleveland St. Pittsburgh vs. Boston at Fort Myers, Fla. Minnesota vs. Baltimore at Sarasota, Robert Streb 69-66-70—205 -5 Fla. Zach Johnson 67-68-70—205 -5 DEALS Detroit vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater, Brice Garnett 71-64-70—205 -5 Fla. Stewart Cink 71-64-70—205 -5 Atlanta vs. Tampa Bay at Port Charlotte, Roger Sloan 71-69-66—206 -4 Fla. Saturday’s Transactions FOOTBALL BOSTON BRUINS — Assigned LW Anton Chris Kirk 68-71-67—206 -4 Glidh to Providence (AHL). Houston vs. Miami at Jupiter, Fla. National Football League N.Y. Yankees vs. Toronto at Dunedin, Fla. Lucas Glover 71-66-69—206 -4 BASEBALL ARIZONA CARDINALS — Released K CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS — Recalled RW Major League Baseball Reese Johnso from the minor league taxi Cincinnati vs. Chicago Cubs at Mesa, Camilo Villegas 69-65-72—206 -4 Brett Maher. Ariz. Russell Henley 64-69-73—206 -4 American League BALTIMORE RAVENS — Signed LB Tyus squad. Assigned G Colorado vs. Kansas City at Surprise, DETROIT TIGERS — Reassigned INF Bowser. COLORADO AVALANCHE — Ariz. Ryan Armour 70-71-66—207 -3 Spencer Torkelson and OF Riley Green to CAROLINA PANTHERS — Signed CB Jonas Johansson to Colorado (AHL). Sepp Straka 68-70-69—207 -3 Recalled C Joseph Texas vs. Cleveland at Goodyear, Ariz. alternate training site. Rashaan Melvin and WR David Moore. MINNESOTA WILD — San Francisco vs. L.A. Dodgers at Glen- Steve Stricker 66-71-70—207 -3 National League Cramarossa from the minor league taxi CLEVELAND BROWNS — Signed MLB An- dale, Ariz. Adam Hadwin 72-65-70—207 -3 ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS — Optioned thony Walker. squad. L.A. Angels vs. San Diego at Peoria, Ariz. Cameron Davis 66-71-70—207 -3 RHP Riley Smith to Reno (Triple-A West) CHICAGO BEARS — Signed DB Desmond NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Recalled Ds Seattle vs. Milwaukee at Phoenix COLORADO ROCKIES — Selected the Trufant to a one-year contract. Signed DE Alexandre Carrier and Ben Harpur from Chicago White Sox vs. Arizona at Scotts- Harold Varner III 71-65-71—207 -3 contracts of INFs C.J. Cron and Chris Ow- Angelo Blackson and Andy Dalton. Re- the minor league taxi squad. dale, Ariz. Shane Lowry 67-66-74—207 -3 NEW JERSEY DEVILS — Recalled Fs Mik- ings from Albuquerque (Triple-A West). leased DB Kyle Fuller. Monday’s games Denny McCarthy 68-65-74—207 -3 Placed RHP Peter Lambert on the 60-day DETROIT LIONS — Signed DE Charles hail Maltsev, Nick Merkley and G Gilles Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Brandon Hagy 69-62-76—207 -3 IL. Harris and Jamal Williams. Senn from the minor league taxi squad. Fla. MILWAUKE BREWERS — Optioned LHPs INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Signed CB Xa- NEW YORK RANGERS — Recalled RW Jon- Boston vs. Tampa Bay at Port Charlotte, Vincent Whaley 73-67-68—208 -2 Eric Lauer and Angel Perdomo to Nashville vier Rhodes to a one-year contract. ny Brodzinski for Hartford (AHL). Assigned Fla. Jhonattan Vegas 71-68-69—208 -2 (Triple-A East). JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Signed P Lo- D Mason Geertsen to Hartford (AHL). Atlanta vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Fla. Phil Mickelson 71-68-69—208 -2 NEW YORK METS —Optioned RHP Yenn- gan Cooke to a contract extension. OTTAWA SENATORS — Assigned G An- N.Y. Mets vs. Houston at West Palm sy Diaz, C Patrick Mazeika and LHP Daniel Claimed WR Jon’Vea Johnson off waivers ton Forsber to Belleville (AHL). Alex Noren 71-68-69—208 -2 Beach, Fla. John Huh 68-70-70—208 -2 Zamora to Syracuse (Triple-A East). from Dallas. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS — Designated St. Louis vs. Miami at Jupiter, Fla. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS — Reassigned MIAMI DOLPHINS — Signed WR Willam LW Sam Miletic for assignment to the taxi San Diego vs. Kansas City at Surprise, Adam Scott 69-67-72—208 -2 LHPs Anthony Banda and Sam Long, OFs Fuller. squad. Recalled RWs Anthony Angello and Ariz. Will Gordon 67-69-72—208 -2 Steven Duggar, Heliot Ramos and IF Jason NEW YORK GIANTS — Signed ILB Reggie Colton Sceviour from the minor league San Francisco vs. Chicago White Sox at Erik van Rooyen 70-70-69—209 -1 Krizan to mior league camp. Ragland. taxi squad. Glendale, Ariz. Lucas Herbert 70-69-70—209 -1 ST. LOUIS CARDINALS — Optioned RHPs NEW YORK JETS — Signed WR Keelan SAN JOSE SHARKS —Recalled C Zachary Milwaukee vs. Cleveland at Goodyear, Seth Elledge, Angel Rondon and C Ali San- Cole and OG Dan Feeney. Gallant from the minor league taxi squad. Ariz. Tyler McCumber 70-69-70—209 -1 chez to Memphis (Triple-A East). Optioned PITTSBURGH STEELERS —Signed WR Ju- Assigned d Nick DeSimone to San Jose Arizona vs. Oakland at Mesa, Ariz. Brendan Steele 73-65-71—209 -1 C Ivan Herrera to Springfield (Double-A Ju Smith-Schuster and Cameron Sutton. (AHL). Chicago Cubs vs. L.A. Angels at Tempe, Joaquin Niemann 69-67-73—209 -1 Central). Reassigned RHP Roel Ramirez, C SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Signed DB TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING — Recalled C Ariz. Aaron Antonini, INFs Evan Mendoza, Del- Dontae Johnson and Trent Sherfield. Ross Colton from the minor league taxi Kevin Streelman 69-67-73—209 -1 Texas vs. Colorado at Scottsdale, Ariz. Harry Higgs 68-67-74—209 -1 vin Perez, OFs Conner Capel and Scott TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Re-signed squad. Philadelphia vs. N.Y. Yankees at Tampa, Hurst to minor league camp. LB Kevin Minter and DL Rakeem Numnez- VEGAS KNIGHTS — Assigned C Patrick Fla. Chase Seiffert 67-74-69—210 E WASHINGTON NATIONALS — Optioned Roches. Brown and LW Tomas Jurco to Henderson Mark Hubbard 68-73-69—210 E HOCKEY Detroit vs. Toronto at Dunedin, Fla. LHP Ben Braymer, C Tres Barrera and RHP (AHL). Recalled F Pavel Dorofeyev from L.A. Dodgers vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz. Jim Herman 70-71-69—210 E Steven Fuentes to Rochester (Triple-A). National Hockey League Henderson (AHL). Monday, March 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 19 NBA

Scoreboard ROUNDUP

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division 76ers, led WLPct GB Philadelphia 29 13 .690 — by Harris, Brooklyn 28 14 .667 1 New York 21 21 .500 8 Boston 20 21 .488 8½ Toronto 17 24 .415 11½ take Kings Southeast Division Associated Press WLPct GB PHILADELPHIA — Tobias Miami 22 20 .524 — Atlanta 22 20 .524 — Harris knows the Philadelphia Charlotte 20 20 .500 1 76ers are an elite NBA team with Washington 15 25 .375 6 Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid in Orlando 14 27 .341 7½ the lineup. Harris wanted to Central Division show they’re pretty good without WLPct GB the pair of All-Stars, as well. Milwaukee 27 14 .659 — Harris scored 23 of his 29 Indiana 18 22 .450 8½ points in the first half and fell just Chicago 18 22 .450 8½ short of a triple-double to lead Cleveland 15 26 .366 12 Detroit 12 29 .293 15 the short-handed 76ers over the Sacramento Kings 129-105 on Western Conference Saturday night.

Southwest Division “He really set the tone tonight with his attitude and then obvi- WLPct GB MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ/AP ously his play,” Philadelphia San Antonio 22 17 .564 — coach Doc Rivers said. “His total Dallas 21 19 .525 1½ Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, center, grimaces as he trips and injures himself after contact Memphis 19 20 .487 3 with Atlanta Hawks forward Solomon Hill, bottom, during the Hawks’ 99­94 win Saturday in Los Angeles. play was phenomenal.” New Orleans 17 24 .415 6 The Eastern Conference-lead- Houston 11 29 .275 11½ ing 76ers (29-13) played without Northwest Division starters Embiid, Simmons and WLPct GB Seth Curry. Utah 30 11 .732 — LeBron out indefinitely with Harris said winning without Denver 25 16 .610 5 their stars is a mentality. Portland 25 16 .610 5 Shake Milton had 28 points and Oklahoma City 17 24 .415 13 Danny Green scored 18 for Phila- Minnesota 10 32 .238 20½ delphia. Harris added 11 re- Pacific Division ankle injury in Lakers’ loss bounds and eight assists. WLPct GB Bucks 120, Spurs 113:Gian- Phoenix 27 13 .675 — nis Antetokounmpo had 26 L.A. Lakers 28 14 .667 — Atlanta edges Los Angeles, now missing James, Davis and Gasol, 99-94 points and a season-high 15 as- L.A. Clippers 26 16 .619 2 Golden State 22 21 .512 6½ sists, leading host Milwaukee Sacramento 17 25 .405 11 BY GREG BEACHAM All-Star to an injury that could past San Antonio for its sixth Saturday’s games Associated Press “I haven’t shake the NBA’s balance of power straight victory. Atlanta 99, L.A. Lakers 94 LOS ANGELES — LeBron if it turns out to be serious. Clippers 125, Hornets 98: Philadelphia 129, Sacramento 105 Memphis 111, Golden State 103 James left in the second quarter necessarily seen With James out, the remaining Paul George had 21 points and 10 Milwaukee 120, San Antonio 113 with a high right ankle sprain that Lakers rallied and actually took a assists, Kawhi Leonard added 17 Charlotte at L.A. Clippers him scream and Sunday’s games the Lakers said will sideline him one-point lead to halftime, but points and Los Angeles emerged Indiana at Miami indefinitely, and Los Angeles went missed their first 11 shots of the from two inconsistent weeks Oklahoma City at Houston squall like that, New Orleans at Denver on to fall 99-94 to the Atlanta second half. Danilo Gallinari with a big victory over Charlotte. Orlando at Boston Hawks on Saturday. scored 14 of his 18 points after Grizzlies 111, Warriors 103 : Chicago at Detroit Toronto at Cleveland Two hours after the game, the probably ever.” halftime for Atlanta, which is on Jonas Valanciunas and Dillon Washington at Brooklyn Philadelphia at New York Lakers announced that James is its longest winning streak since Brooks scored 19 points each, Dallas at Portland out indefinitely. The defending Kyle Kuzma January 2015. Valanciunas added 15 rebounds L.A. Lakers at Phoenix NBA champions already are with- Lakers forward, on teammate LeBron “That was the first thing I told and host Memphis beat Golden Monday’s games Sacramento at Cleveland out All-NBA big man Anthony Da- James’ reaction to his ankle injury the guys: We can’t relax because State to split the two-game set. Oklahoma City at Minnesota vis, who has missed 14 consecu- LeBron is out of the game,” Charlotte at San Antonio Boston at Memphis tive games with a right calf injury little bit, for sure.” McMillan said. “We have to keep Indiana at Milwaukee Toronto at Houston and likely won’t play again until After the injury, James hit a cor- up the pressure, and I thought our Utah at Chicago April. ner three-pointer that extended guys did that.” Atlanta at L.A. Clippers “Nothing angers and saddens his NBA-record streak of games James’ absence left Los Angeles Tuesday’s games Denver at Orlando me more than not being available with at least 10 points to 1,036, but without three starters in the sec- L.A. Lakers at New Orleans to and for my teammates!” James he called a timeout and left the ond half, and the Hawks capital- Washington at New York Phoenix at Miami tweeted later Saturday. “I’m hurt court shortly afterward. James ized for their first road victory Brooklyn at Portland Philadelphia at Golden State inside and out right now. The road knocked over a chair in frustration over the Lakers since March 2016. Leaders back from recovery begins now. as he went to the locker room. Along with Davis, Marc Gasol Through Saturday Back soon like I never left.” “The mood of the team is we’re missed his seventh straight game Scoring James was hurt when he rolled disappointed we lost, and we’ve since February after sitting out GFG FT PTS AVG his ankle under Solomon Hill, who got to come back and get one to- under the NBA’s health and safety Beal, WAS 37 423 272 1202 32.5 was called for a foul as he reached morrow,” Los Angeles coach protocols. Lillard, POR 40 379 291 1225 30.6 awkwardly for a steal. The 36- Frank Vogel said. “I won’t disclose “It’s different without (James), Embiid, PHI 31 293 304 928 29.9 year-old superstar screamed and what LeBron was like (in the lock- without AD,” Gallinari said. “Of Rebounds fell to the court clutching at his an- er room). It’s in-house.” course they’re a different team. GOFF DEF TOT AVG kle, yet he got up and briefly John Collins had 27 points and a But at the same time, all of the Capela, ATL 36 179 331 510 14.2 stayed in the game. season-high 16 rebounds, and players that stepped up are all Gobert, UTA 41 140 414 554 13.5 “I haven’t necessarily seen him Trae Young added 14 points and 11 NBA veterans with experience, Valanciunas, MEM 34 126 285 411 12.1 scream and squall like that, prob- assists for the Hawks. They guys that won championships.” MATT SLOCUM/AP Assists ably ever, not even with that opened an eight-game trip with Montrezl Harrell had 23 points Philadelphia 76ers forward GAST AVG groin,” said Kyle Kuzma, who was their eighth straight victory under and 11 rebounds, while Dennis Tobias Harris had 23 of his 29 Harden, BKN 36 402 11.2 with the Lakers when James mis- new coach Nate McMillan — but Schröder had 16 points and seven points in the first half of his Westbrook, WAS 33 335 10.2 sed 17 games with a groin injury only after their defending cham- assists against his former team for team’s 129­105 win Saturday Young, ATL 40 376 9.4 two seasons ago. “It had to hurt a pion opponents lost their 17-time the Lakers. over Sacramento in Philadelpia. PAGE 20 • STARS AND STRIPES • Monday, March 22, 2021 NHL

ROUNDUP Rangers end Caps’ streak at 7 Associated Press scored his third goal in two games with 6:17 left, when Ty Dellandrea WASHINGTON — Mika Ziba- Islanders 6, Flyers 1:Casey Ci- scored to make it 3-0. nejad scored the go-ahead goal zikas scored twice in New York’s The Red Wings’ Thomas Greiss with 2:32 left, Keith Kinkaid made four-goal first period, and Jean- had 30 saves, filling in for injured 28 saves and the New York Rang- Gabriel Pageau, Jordan Eberle, goaltender Jonathan Bernier. ers beat the Washington Capitals Anthony Beauvillier and Josh Bai- Coyotes 5, Ducks 1: Derick 3-1 Saturday night to snap the ley also scored to help the Islan- Brassard completed a hat trick NHL’s longest winning streak at ders end a two-game skid that fol- early in the second period and vis- seven. lowed a nine-game winning iting Arizona beat Anaheim to end New York has won three of four streak. a five-game losing streak. against East Division-leading Ilya Sorokin stopped 23 shots Jakob Chychrun had a goal and CHRIS O'MEARA / AP Washington this season. The for his seventh straight win. an assist, Clayton Keller scored Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy makes a pad save on a deflec­ Rangers led for much of the game Blues 5, Sharks 2: Ryan for the second straight game. Antti tion by Blackhawks center Pius Suter in the first period on Saturday. Friday night before losing on two O’Reilly snapped a third-period Raanta made 27 saves, allowing late goals by Alex Ovechkin. tie 12 seconds after San Jose was only Adam Henrique’s late goal. It looked like a similar recipe penalized for a faceoff violation, Friday after Pavel Buchnevich Jordan Kyrou scored twice and gave New York a lead late in the visiting St. Louis beat the Sharks. Scoreboard first period with his 11th goal of the O’Reilly won the offensive-zone Vasilevskiy runs season off a perfect pass from de- draw and then got the puck back in East Division fenseman Adam Fox. John Carl- the circle, where he beat Devan GP WLOT Pts GF GA son tied it on a rebound with 14:05 Dubnyk 4:22 into the third to make Washington 31 20 7 4 44 106 92 left, and the Capitals threatened it 3-2. N.Y. Islanders 32 20 8 4 44 96 72 on an ensuring power play. Penguins 3, Devils 1: Bryan Pittsburgh 31 19 11 1 39 99 86 win streak to 11 “I was really worried about the Rust and Jake Guentzel each had Boston 28 16 8 4 36 77 66 confidence,” said Rangers acting a goal and an assist, helping visit- Philadelphia 29 15 11 3 33 93 105 N.Y. Rangers 30 13 13 4 30 89 79 BY ERIC ERLENDSSON from just below the blue line away coach Kris Knoblauch, who filled ing Pittsburgh end a two-game New Jersey 28 10 14 4 24 69 89 Associated Press from Duncan Keith and took a in for a third consecutive game skid. Buffalo 29 6 19 4 16 61 101 TAMPA, Fla. — Andrei Vasi- feed from Mikhail Sergachev. Ci- with David Quinn and his staff in Zach Aston-Reese also scored, Central Division levskiy stopped 30 shots for his relli cut in alone and deked to his league COVID protocol. “It Casey DeSmith made 24 saves GP WLOT Pts GF GA franchise-record tying 11th con- backhand before flipping a puck could’ve easily been ‘Oh, here we and Sidney Crosby had two assists Tampa Bay 30 22 6 2 46 110 70 secutive victory, Victor Hedman over Subban at 1:53 of the second go again.’ But guys were positive, for the Penguins, who won for the Florida 30 20 6 4 44 102 83 had three assists and the Tampa period. Sergachev picked up his especially the leaders were talk- seventh time in nine games. Carolina 30 20 7 3 43 101 78 Bay Lightning beat the Chicago 100th career assist on the play. ing and just wanted to make sure Canadiens 5, Canucks 4 (SO): Columbus 32 13 12 7 33 86 103 Blackhawks 4-1 on Saturday. The Blackhawks controlled we finished this one out. I don’t Tomas Tatar scored the shootout Chicago 32 14 13 5 33 95 106 Dallas 27 10 10 7 27 77 71 Steven Stamkos had a goal and most of the second period despite think there was panic at all.” winner for host Montreal, fooling Nashville 31 13 17 1 27 73 100 an assist, and Yanni Gourde, An- being kept off the board. Kinkaid kept New York in the Braden Holtby with deft stick- Detroit 32 10 18 4 24 71 104 thony Cirelli and Brayden Point Chicago had 1:22 of a 5-on-3 game, and Zibanejad won it almost handling in the sixth round of the West Division also scored for Tampa Bay. Alex power play but was unable to reg- singlehandedly. He hounded tiebreaker. GP WLOT Pts GF GA Killorn had two assists, and the ister a shot on goal and just four Washington defenseman Brenden Tatar also had a goal and an as- Vegas 28 21 6 1 43 94 63 Lightning improved to 12-2-0 at shot attempts. Dillon in the offensive zone, stole sist in regulation. Colorado 29 19 8 2 40 97 65 home. “Five-on-three, have to con- the puck and roofed a shot past Canucks captain Bo Horvat had Minnesota 29 18 10 1 37 87 75 Vasilevskiy’s winning streak is vert,’’ DeBrincat said. “They do a Ilya Samsonov. a goal and an assist St. Louis 31 16 10 5 37 96 99 the ninth longest in league history good job of blocking shots, getting Panthers 2, Predators 0:Chris Blue Jackets 3, Hurricanes 2 Arizona 31 13 13 5 31 77 92 Los Angeles 29 12 11 6 30 85 83 and matches the team record set in lanes. But we have two extra Driedger stopped 21 shots, Alek- (SO): Oliver Bjorkstrand scored in San Jose 29 11 14 4 26 83 103 by Louis Domingue from Nov. 29, guys out there so we should be sander Barkov and Anthony Du- the fourth round of the shootout to Anaheim 32 9 17 6 24 71 110 2018 to Feb. 19, 2019. Vasilevskiy able to make a play. Obviously, clair scored, and host Florida give visiting Columbus a win over North Division improved to 20-3-1 on the season, we have to work on that. It just dominated Nashville. Carolina. GP WLOT Pts GF GA tied for the second fewest games wasn’t there today.’’ The Predators’ Juuse Saros Bjorkstrand and Seth Jones Patrick Kane was denied on a scored third-period goals for the Toronto 32 20 10 2 42 107 83 required to reach the 20-win stopped 47 of 48 shots, but Nash- Edmonton 34 21 13 0 42 116 97 mark in NHL history behind only breakaway chance at 7:55, and Pi- ville couldn’t solve Driedger, Blue Jackets, whose only lead in Winnipeg 31 18 11 2 38 100 91 Tiny Thompson in 1929-30 for the us Suter was stopped on a break- making his first start since March the game came on the last attempt Montreal 31 14 8 9 37 100 87 Boston Bruins. away chance at 15:28. 7. in the shootout. Elvis Merzlikins Vancouver 35 16 16 3 35 99 111 “Vasy was incredible back The Lightning wound up scor- Barkov backhanded in a re- stopped 35 shots for Columbus. Calgary 32 15 14 3 33 87 97 Ottawa 33 10 20 3 23 87 130 there tonight, pretty much like he ing twice more in the second peri- bound 9:15 into the second period Maple Leafs 2, Flames 0:Jack Friday’s games has been this entire year,’’ Cirelli od to build a 4-0 lead despite the for his 13th goal, and Duclair add- Campbell made 31 saves for his Washington 2, N.Y. Rangers 1 said. “Every game he’s been there Blackhawks’ 24-11 advantage in ed an empty-netter with 15 sec- second shutout of the season and Calgary 4, Toronto 3 Vancouver 3, Montreal 2, OT making those huge saves for us shot attempts. onds left. host Toronto beat Calgary. St. Louis 2, San Jose 1, SO when we’ve needed them.’’ Gourde broke in with speed Oilers 4, Jets 2: Leon Drai- Jason Spezza and Zach Hyman Vegas 4, Los Angeles 2 Alex DeBrincat scored for the down the left wing boards and cut saitl’s third-period goal proved to scored to help the Maple Leafs Saturday’s games Pittsburgh 3, New Jersey 1 Blackhawks, who have lost four in for a one-handed shovel at- be the winner as host Edmonton snap a three-game losing streak Florida 2, Nashville 0 Colorado 6, Minnesota 0 straight and six of seven. Mal- tempt that was turned aside, but rallied from two goals down and and win for just the second time in Tampa Bay 4, Chicago 1 colm Subban finished with 25 he found the rebound at 14:15. beat Winnipeg. eight games. N.Y. Islanders 6, Philadelphia 1 Dallas 3, Detroit 0 saves. On a late power play chance, Connor McDavid had a goal and David Rittich stopped 31 shots N.Y. Rangers 3, Washington 1 Toronto 2, Calgary 0 “We’re being tested, it’s been a Stamkos won a faceoff back to an assist, and Darnell Nurse and for the Flames, who also beat the Columbus 3, Carolina 2, SO hard stretch,’’ Chicago coach Jer- Hedman, who put a shot on goal Devin Shore also scored. Mike Maple Leafs 4-3 on Friday night. Montreal 5, Vancouver 4, SO Edmonton 4, Winnipeg 2 emy Colliton said. “We haven’t before Killorn was able to re- Smith made 29 saves. The Oilers Stars 3, Red Wings 0: Tanner Arizona 5, Anaheim 1 St. Louis 5, San Jose 2 been perfect, there are areas we’d trieve the rebound and get a pass have won three consecutive Kero broke a scoreless tie late in Boston at Buffalo, ppd like to be better in and maybe you over to Stamkos at the left circle games and are tied with the To- the second period, Anton Khudo- Sunday’s games end up breaking through when for a one-timer at 18:21. ronto Maple Leafs atop the North bin stopped all 21 shots he faced New Jersey at Pittsburgh Florida at Tampa Bay you do that.’’ “Tonight was one of those Division. and visiting Dallas pulled away to Vegas at Los Angeles Point put Tampa Bay in front at games where between the second Avalanche 6, Wild 0: Philipp beat Detroit. Nashville at Dallas 6:21 of the opening period, cutting and third we are up on the score- Grubauer made 31 saves, Gabriel Andrej Sekera gave the Stars a Monday’s games Buffalo at N.Y. Rangers across the crease for a pass from board but we were not pleased Landeskog had a goal and two as- two-goal cushion midway through Calgary at Ottawa Killorn and stuffing the puck in- with our effort,’’ Stamkos said. sists, and host Colorado beat Min- the third period. A little later in the Carolina at Columbus Edmonton at Montreal side the far post for his 12th goal “There are going to be games like nesota. game, Khudobin denied Robby N.Y. Islanders at Philadelphia Anaheim at Minnesota of the season. this throughout the course of a Cale Makar had a goal and an Fabbri on a breakaway and fin- Colorado at Arizona Cirelli increased the lead to 2-0 season, you just want to minimize assist, Nathan MacKinnon had ished with his third shutout this St. Louis at Vegas Winnipeg at Vancouver during 4-on-4 play when he cut them as much as possible.’’ three assists and Mikko Rantanen season. The Stars sealed the win Los Angeles at San Jose Monday, March 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 21 SPORTS BRIEFS/NCAA TOURNAMENT

BRIEFLY

Jones overtakes Wise, leads Honda Classic by 3 strokes

Aaron Wise had a six-shot lead during the third round of The Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., looking poised to turn the tournament into a rout. Everything went wrong from there, and Matt Jones took full advantage. The 40-year-old Australian handled the wind at PGA National to shoot a 1-un- der 69 on Saturday, going to 10 under for the tournament and moving three shots clear of Wise and J.B. Holmes. CB Fuller agrees to one-year contract with Broncos Former All-Pro cornerback Kyle Full- er is reuniting with coach Vic Fangio in Denver. Fuller quickly agreed to a one-year, $9.5 million contract with the Broncos on Saturday following his release from the Chicago Bears. MARK HUMPHREY/AP Truex Jr. wins Xfinity Series UC Santa Barbara’s Brandon Cyrus, left, and Creighton’s Shereef Mitchell, center, battle for a rebound during the Bluejays’ 63­62 win Saturday in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. race at Atlanta Speedway Justin Allgaier snatched the lead after Martin Truex Jr. made a mistake on pit ROUNDUP road, and then held off his furious charge at the end to win the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga., on Satur- day. Bluejays survive Gauchos’ scare Allgaier’s celebration was marred by ascuffle on pit road between Noah Grag- son and Daniel Hemric, whose cars had Associated Press Cameron Thomas scored 27 points in another Next up for the undefeated Zags is eighth- gotten into each other on pit road during INDIANAPOLIS — Christian Bishop made impressive performance and his teammates seeded Oklahoma in the second round of the the race. both ends of a one-and-one with 16 seconds left provided the rebounding muscle, leading the West Region. In other auto racing new: to give fifth-seeded Creighton the lead, and the eighth-seeded Tigers past ninth-seeded St. Bo- Gonzaga led by 22 points before the break ■ Kyle Busch raced to his 60th NAS- Bluejays hung on to beat 12th-seeded UC Santa naventure. and kept stretching the lead after halftime. It CAR Trucks Series victory with a dom- Barbara 63-62 Saturday in a West Region first- LSU (19-9) can reach its second straight has won 31 straight dating to last season. inating performance Saturday at Atlan- round game. Sweet 16 if it beats Michigan. Devante Carter and Kyonze Chavis each ta Motor Speedway. Creighton’s turbulent season, which includ- Colorado 96, Georgetown 73: The Buffs scored 12 points for the Spartans (17-8), who Busch pulled way over the last 30 laps ed a one-game suspension for coach Greg used an early three-point barrage to parlay its had won seven straight. and finished more than 4 seconds ahead McDermott after he made a racially insensi- highest seeding ever into a win over the Hoyas Oklahoma 72, Missouri 68: Austin Reaves of the field. tive remark in the locker room, continues Mon- and coach Patrick Ewing. scored 23 points, Brady Manek added 19 and ■ Sebastien Bourdais grabbed the day in the West Region when the Bluejays Led by freshman Jabari Walker’s 5-for-5 the Sooners slipped by ninth-seeded Missouri. lead on a restart with 19 minutes remain- (21-8) face 13th-seeded Ohio. shooting clinic from three-point range, fifth- Eighth-seeded Oklahoma (16-10) is on to the ing in the Twelve Hours of Sebring then Bishop was fouled by Amadou Sow on the seeded Colorado (23-8) made 16 three-pointers second round for fourth time in the last six held off a furious challenge from the de- floor after grabbing an offensive rebound and and shot 64% from long range. tournaments. fending winner Saturday night in Sebr- went to the line with the Gauchos (22-5) up 62- Florida State 64, UNC Greensboro 54:Rai- Southern California 72, Drake 56: Evan ing, Fla., to give JDC-Miller Motorsports 61. Quan Gray scored 17 points and the Seminoles Mobley had 17 points and 11 rebounds, and the the victory in the IMSA sports car endu- The junior came into the game making 57% began what they hope will be another deep run sixth-seeded Trojans used smothering defense rance event. from the line, but dropped in both, barely under coach Leonard Hamilton, holding off the to advance. Raptors’ Nurse fined for touching the rim. 13th-seeded Spartans. Mobley, a 7-foot freshman forward and AP JaQuori McLaughlin had a chance to put UC FSU, which reached the Elite Eight and the second-team All-American expected to be a throwing, mask, profanity Santa Barbara back on top but couldn’t finish Sweet 16 in the previous two tournaments, al- lottery pick if he declares for the draft, made 7 The NBA has fined Toronto coach at the rim. He led UCSB with 13 points. lowed UNC Greensboro to hang around deep of 15 field goals and blocked three shots. Nick Nurse $50,000 for throwing his into the second half thanks to an uneven offen- Kansas 73, Eastern Washington 84: David facemask behind the scorer’s table and East sive performance. McCormack returned from his COVID-19- toward the stands, plus for directing pro- Maryland 63, UConn 54: Eric Ayala scored Alabama 68, Iona 55:Herb Jones scored 20 caused hiatus just in time to rescue the No. 3- fanity toward game officials before leav- 23 points and the 10th-seeded Terrapins points and the second-seeded Crimson Tide seed Jayhawks piling up 22 points and nine re- ing the floor at the end of a game Friday clamped down on defense down the stretch to pried open a tight game to beat coach Rick Piti- bounds as the slow-starting team rallied from a night. beat No. 7 seed UConn. no’s underdogs. 10-point second-half deficit to beat No. 14 seed The league announced the fine Sun- Maryland held the Huskies to 32% shooting Jones had a steal and layup that highlighted Eastern Washington. day. to overcome UConn’s strong physical game. an 11-0 run and gave Alabama (25-6) breathing Tanner Groves scored a career-high 35 The Terps were outrebounded 40-29 but their room at 54-46 after the teams seesawed with points and younger brother Jacob Groves had New Zealand’s Robinson defense carried them to a second-round the lead through much of the second half. 23 for the Eagles (16-8), whose third trip to the matchup against second-seeded Alabama. NCAA Tournament ended just as quickly as edges Shiffrin in GS Michigan 82, Texas Southern 66: Juwan West the first two — though not without putting up a An aggressive second run lifted teen- Howard won his first NCAA Tournament Gonzaga 98, Norfolk State 55: Corey Kisp- fight. ager Alice Robinson ahead of Mikaela game since taking over as the Wolverines’ ert scored 15 of his 23 points by halftime and Iowa 86, Grand Canyon 74: The Hawkeyes Shiffrin to win a giant slalom that ended coach. the No. 1 overall seed Bulldogs rolled in their got 24 points from Luka Garza and avoided the the women’s World Cup ski season in Mike Smith scored 18 points and Hunter opener. early NCAA Tournament exit that befell other Lenzerheide, Switzerland, on Sunday. Dickinson added 16 as Michigan rolled into the Anton Watson had 17 points on 7-for-7 shoot- high seeds. Robinson had been fourth-fastest in the second round without Isaiah Livers, who is out ing for Gonzaga (27-0), which shook off a slow Second-seeded Iowa (22-8)shot the Ante- opening run. with a foot injury. Eli Brooks and Brandon few opening minutes and easily handled the lopes and their boisterous fans back to the des- Johns Jr. had 11 points apiece. 16th-seeded Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference ert, hitting 54% from the floor while going 10 of Associated Press LSU 76, St. Bonaventure 61: Freshman champions. 22 from behind the arc. PAGE 22 • STARS AND STRIPES • Monday, March 22, 2021 NCAA TOURNAMENT

Scoreboard

EAST REGIONAL Ohio halts Virginia’s title defense First Round Saturday, March 20 Michigan 82, Texas Southern 66 LSU 76, St. Bonaventure 61 BY MICHAEL MAROT mostly empty at Assembly Hall, Colorado 96, Georgetown 73 Associated Press Florida St. 64, UNC­Greensboro 54 Ohio reveled in the celebration on UCLA 73, BYU 62 BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Vir- the court — and the one it heard Abilene Christian 53, Texas 52 Maryland 63, UConn 54 ginia spent two years on top of the about on their home campus. Alabama 68, Iona 55 college basketball world. After “Obviously, it’s a huge win, be- Second Round one night in Indiana, it was all over ing the 13 seed coming out and get- Monday, March 22 Michigan vs. LSU. AFN­Sports, Mid for the Cavaliers. ting a win in the NCAA Tourna- p.m. Monday CET; 8 a.m. Tuesday JKT. Florida State vs. Colorado. AFN­ Coming out of quarantine after a ment is big.” Vander Plas said. Sports2, 12:30 a.m. Tuesday CET; 8:30 a.m. positive COVID-19 test, Virginia’s “I’m just really thankful we’re Tuesday JKT. Abilene Christian vs. UCLA. AFN­ unusual title defense was stopped able to get a win (the fans).” Sports2, 10 p.m. Monday CET; 6 a.m. Tues­ day JKT. by another upset loss in the NCAA Next up is for the Bobcats is No. Alabama vs. Maryland. AFN­Pacific, 1:30 Tournament, falling 62-58 to Ja- 5 seed Creighton on Monday. a.m. Tuesday CET; 9:30 a.m. Tuesday JKT. son Preston and Ohio on Saturday. Sam Hauser had 15 points and SOUTH REGIONAL First Round “Our guys were again hopeful nine rebounds for Virginia, which Friday, March 19 we’d get this opportunity,” Cava- won the ACC regular-season title Baylor 79, Hartford 55 Wisconsin 85, North Carolina 62 liers coach Tony Bennett said. before the COVID-19 test ended Villanova 73, Winthrop 63 North Texas 78, Purdue 69, OT “The NCAA allowed us to come in their hopes of winning the tourney Texas Tech 65, Utah St. 53 in a unique way. I’m thankful for it, crown. Arkansas 85, Colgate 68 Florida 75, Virginia Tech 70, OT but it just stings right now to not “The program was quarantined Oral Roberts 75, Ohio St. 72, OT advance in this tournament.” for seven days after the positive Second Round No. 4 seed Virginia (18-7) won test, they had seven negative tests Sunday, March 21 Baylor vs. Wisconsin the ACC regular-season title and and came here and tested negativ- North Texas vs. Villanova Arkansas vs. Texas Tech then had to withdraw from the ely and haven’t tested positive Oral Roberts vs. Florida conference tournament because since then,” Kentucky athletic di- MIDWEST REGIONAL of its COVID-19 issues. The Cava- rector Mitch Barnhart said on the First Round Friday, March 19 liers spent seven days in quaran- telecast. Barnhart is the chairman Illinois 78, Drexel 49 tine, using virtual meetings to pre- of the NCAA’s selection commit- Loyola Chicago 71, Georgia Tech 60 Oregon St. 70, Tennessee 56 pare for the matchup with the Bob- tee. Oklahoma St. 69, Liberty 60 Syracuse 78, San Diego St. 62 cats. While the Cavs controlled most West Virginia 84, Morehead St. 67 Bennett and company just ar- of the first half and looked as if Rutgers 60, Clemson 56 Houston 87, Cleveland St. 56 rived on Friday, and now they are they might pull away when it Second Round heading out once again. opened a 38-31 lead, Ohio stormed Sunday, March 21 Some familiar problems DOUG MCSCHOOLER / AP back. Mark Sears made a layup Illinois vs. Loyola Chicago Oklahoma State vs. Oregon State showed up again for Virginia, Ohio forward Ben Vander Plas reacts after hitting a three­pointer and Vander Plas connected on two West Virginia vs. Syracuse which struggled to score during a against Virginia on Saturday. Vander Plas scored 10 of his game­high long 3-pointers to give the Bobcats Houston vs. Rutgers WEST REGIONAL key stretch in the second half and 17 points during an 18­4 second­half run. a 45-40 advantage with 6:58 left. First Round shot 35% from the field for the Ben Roderick scored 15 points Saturday, March 20 Gonzaga 98, Norfolk St. 55 game. The Cavs famously lost to the two stars of Ohio’s surprising college ball with Bennett. for Ohio. Trey Murphy III had 12 Oklahoma 72 Missouri 68 No. 16 seed UMBC in the first Mid-American Conference Tour- Preston made big play after big points for Virginia. Creighton 63, UC Santa Barbara 62 Ohio 62, Virginia 58 round in 2018, but it used the set- nament run, were back at it. play, finishing with 11 points, 13 re- “I know our guys are feeling it Southern Cal 72, Drake 56 Kansas 93, E. Washington 84 back as motivation in its run to the Vander Plas scored 10 of his bounds and eight assists. Lunden right now,” Bennett said. “We had Oregon vs. VCU, no contest championship in 2019. game-high 17 points during an 18-4 McDay sealed the victory at the some chances. I don’t know if we Iowa 86, Grand Canyon 74 After last year’s NCAA Tourna- second-half run that erased a 38-31 free-throw line in the closing sec- got tired down the stretch or felt a Second Round Monday, March 22 ment was canceled because of the deficit and gave the Bobcats a 49- onds.. little bit of the pressure, but we had Gonzaga vs. Oklahoma. AFN­Sports, 7:30 pandemic, Virginia (18-7) became 42 lead. Ohio (17-7) never trailed The Bobcats (17-7) has now won some good looks and just had a p.m. Monday CET; 3:30 a.m. Tuesday JKT. Creighton vs. Ohio. AFN­Pacific, 11 the first defending champion to again. their last three NCAA first-round poor shooting day, a very poor p.m. Monday CET; 7 a.m. Tuesday JKT. Kansas vs. Southern Cal. AFN­ lose in the first round since UConn When it was over, Vander Plas games — beating Georgetown in shooting day from three-point Sports, 2:30 a.m. Tuesday CET; 10:30 a.m. in 2012. raced over to give Bennett a hug. 2010 and Michigan in 2012. And range with some quality shots, but Tuesday JKT. Iowa vs. Oregon. AFN­Sports, 5 Preston and Ben Vander Plas, Vander Plas’ father, Dean, played even though the seats inside were they did a good job defensively.” p.m. Monday CET; 1 a.m. Tuesday JKT. Juzang, UCLA turn hot, upset BYU

BY DAVE SKRETTA proud.” Alex Barcello led BYU (20-7) to Saturday night. Associated Press Juzang didn’t do it alone. with 20 points. Brandon Averette Juzang, who had tweaked his an- INDIANAPOLIS — UCLA is Jules Bernard scored 16 points, added 15 points and Matt Haarms kle late against the Spartans, fol- suddenly one of the hottest teams in most of them as the Cougars tried to finished with 11 points and 10 boards lowed up his 23-point performance the NCAA Tournament after back- rally in the second half, and Jaime as the Cougars — who fell to Gon- in West Lafayette by going 8-for-11 ing into it with four straight losses. Jaquez Jr. added 13 as the Bruins zaga for the third time this season in from the floor and scoring 19 first- Johnny Juzang is suddenly one of advanced to play No. 14 seed Abi- the Mountain West finals — suf- half points. Bernard and Jaquez al- its hottest players, too. lene Christian — which upset third- fered back-to-back defeats for the so built on their big games from After helping the No. 11 seed seeded Texas about 30 minutes af- first time in 60 games. Thursday night, at one point the trio Bruins rally past Michigan State in ter UCLA had wrapped up its own “The game teaches you all the helping UCLA hit field goals on sev- the First Four, Juzang poured in 27 win — on Monday night for a spot in time how you need to get better. en consecutive trips down the floor. points against sixth-seeded BYU on the Sweet 16. There’s a number of things we can That sent UCLA into halftime Saturday night, carrying his team to “I owe (assistant coach) Darren take from this game to get better,” with a 38-27 lead over the shell- a 73-62 victory and the second Savino lunch. He’s scouting Abilene BYU coach Mark Pope said. “But shocked Cougars. round of the East Region. Christian and he told me they would I’m not there right now. It’s a hard Barcello, one of the nation’s top “This is what we live for. This is win,” UCLA coach Mick Cronin locker room right now.” three-point shooters, hit one early in the height of college basketball,” Ju- said. “Abilene Christian is really, re- UCLA’s late-season swoon forced the second half. Then, he found AJ MAST / AP zang said, “and playing for the ally good. That’s all I can say.” it into an unenviable First Four space inside the Bruins’ man-to- UCLA guard Johnny Juzang takes Bruins — I’m from Los Angeles. “Look,” Cronin said, “we had game against Michigan State, and it man defense for a couple of easy a three point shot as BYU Playing with a lot of guys I’ve some tough times late in the year, looked as if a season that began with jumpers. It was all part of a 10-0 run forward Gideon George defends known, we’re all brothers here. So but playing good teams, it can either promise would end there with a that made it 43-39 with 14 minutes to during the second half of a putting on this jersey with my broth- kill you or it makes you better. whimper. Instead, the Bruins go. first­round game on Saturday. ers, coming out, playing for the You’re finding out that the Pac-12 leaned on Juzang to rally them to a It wasn’t enough, though. Not Juzang had 27 points in the home team — I’m just trying to not being ranked all year was an ab- win in overtime, and they carried when Juzang started getting some Briuns’ victory. make everybody on the team solute joke.” that confidence and momentum in- help from his team. Monday, March 22, 2021 • STARS AND STRIPES • PAGE 23 NCAA TOURNAMENT Pandemic: UVA’s Bennett doesn’t blame virus for loss FROM PAGE 24 they’ve lost to a double-digit seed ant — a 58.8% shooter from the in the first round. line — with 1.2 seconds left into a “I’m grateful we got the 53-52 win. chance,” Bennett added. “You “I was visualizing the free can’t go back and change any- throws going in before I shot thing. I thought our guys were as them,” Pleasant said afterward. “I ready as they can given the cir- was just trying to key in on the rim, cumstances.” just lock in and block out the Yet not everyone in the same noise.” situation had the same result. UCLA, which entered the main When No. 3 Kansas started slow- bracket as a No. 11 after a First ly, trailing 11th-seeded Eastern Four win over Michigan State, Washington 46-38 at intermis- overpowered sixth-seeded BYU sion, coach Bill Self had good rea- 73-62 in the day’s only other upset. son to wonder how much firepow- Otherwise, it was all chalk. er he had left. Both No. 1 seeds playing Satur- The Jayhawks bowed out of the day came out breathing fire. Gon- Big 12 Tournament after a positive zaga, the tournament’s overall top test last week and like Virginia, seed, crushed Norfolk State, and barely made the Indiana state line Michigan manhandled Texas in time to claim their bracket spot. Southern. No. 2 Alabama had its Forward Jalen Wilson remains in MARK HUMPHREY/AP way with Iona and peripatetic the protocol and 6-foot-10-center Texas’ Brock Cunningham (30) stands on the court as Abilene Christian players celebrate their 53­52 coach Rick Pitino, and Iowa sent David McCormack was cleared to upset win in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday. Grand Canyon — which chartered return only Friday. He hadn’t two private jets to bring 240 mem- practiced in 10 days, didn’t start bers of the GCU student section to against EWU and after a tiring few the game — packing. minutes in the first half, Self ad- No. 14 Abilene Christian The other winners were Okla- mitted thinking that having homa, Creighton (narrowly), McCormack use up all five of his USC, Kansas, LSU, Colorado fouls before he ran out of gas was (over media favorite and trendy the most he could expect. upset pick Georgetown), Florida Instead, McCormack staked out ousts third-seeded Texas State and Maryland. a spot in the heart of an Eagles de- Virginia coach Tony Bennett fense stretched thin by the Jay- had an alibi handy for why he hawks’ timely perimeter shooting Longhorns bounced in first round for third time under head coach Smart didn’t make that list, but declined and scored a game-high 22 points to reach for it. as Kansas pulled away. BY TIM BOOTH There was plenty of cheering “I don’t know if it would have “He kind of got his legs under Associated Press for Abilene Christian by its fans mattered if it was a normal prep or him and he was really, really good INDIANAPOLIS — Joe Pleas- clad in purple as the Wildcats not,” he said. The loss marked the in the second half,” Self said after- ant slowed his breath and calmed caused all kinds of headaches for second time in the Cavaliers’ last ward. He sounded as surprised as himself. the bigger, more talented Long- three NCAA tournament appear- anyone else. “I mean really, really In the most pressure-packed horns and got just enough offense ances — this time as a No. 4 — that good.” moment of his college career, the to pull off their first NCAA Tour- Abilene Christian junior forward nament victory in their second ap- was perfect on two free throws pearance. from a spot where he’d struggled Pleasant finished with 11 points in the past. as did Coryon Mason. Abilene When he picked off a final des- Christian was blown out by Ken- peration pass by Texas at mid- tucky two years ago when it made court, Pleasant and his teammates its first trip to the NCAAs. erupted in a celebration that near- Now, the Wildcats will face No. ly spilled into the stands. 11 seed UCLA in the second round Another double-digit seed is Monday. moving on in the NCAA Tourna- The Longhorns are headed ment, and this one at the expense MARK HUMPHREY/AP home with their third first-round of the flagship school in Abilene Abilene Christian coach Joe Gold­ exit under Smart, which will only Christian’s home state. ing blows kisses to the crowd raise the heat on his standing in “We just beat the University of after Abilene Christian upset Austin. Texas. Little ol’ Abilene Christian Texas in the first round of the “A lot of tears in the locker room out in West Texas built a program NCAA tournament Saturday. right now,” Smart said. “Really that went toe-to-toe with the Uni- disappointed, everybody is.” versity of Texas and it’s an incred- tween the schools. Texas was rolling coming into ible story,” Wildcats coach Joe Pulling off one final upset in a the NCAA Tournament after win- Golding said. “It’s what March is first round filled with two years’ ning the Big 12 Tournament for about.” worth of excitement, the Wildcats the first time in school history. The Abilene Christian and its frantic (24-4) became the fourth team Longhorns had won five straight defense bounced coach Shaka seeded 13th or lower to reach the overall and eight of 10 following a Smart and the Longhorns out of round of 32 in this NCAA Tourna- midseason slump. the NCAA Tournament in the first ment, joining 15th-seeded Oral But they were too careless and round yet again, as the 14th-seed- Roberts and No. 13 seeds Ohio and too impatient against Abilene ed Wildcats stunned No. 3 seed North Texas. Christian’s swarming defense, Texas 53-52 Saturday. “We needed March Madness, which held Texas 23 points below Pleasant, a 58.8% foul shooter man. We needed some type of nor- its season average. on the season, made two from the malcy to our country,” Golding “It just doesn’t feel real. I feel CHARLES REX ARBOGAST/AP line with 1.2 seconds left, and Abi- said. “We needed people to fill out like I’m trying to wake up from a Iowa’s Luka Garza secures a pass as Grand Canyon’s Gabe McGlothan lene Christian took down its in- brackets. We needed people to bad dream,” the Longhorns’ Matt defends during the first half of a first round NCAA tournament game state rival in the first meeting be- cheer for the underdog.” Coleman III said. Saturday at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis. PAGE 24 • STARS AND STRIPES • Monday, March 22, 2021 Bad news for Lakers SPORTS LA suffers another loss as James goes down with ankle injury ›› NBA, Page 19

NCAA TOURNAMENT Fever pitch Pandemic makes presence felt at March Madness as upsets roll on

BY JIM LITKE Associated Press f you didn’t pay attention to college basketball until the NCAA Tourna- ment, the good news is you didn’t miss Imuch. The regular season was a re- volving door, the schedule and sometimes even the final score determined by which players and teams were entering the sport’s COVID-19 protocol and which were coming out. Besides, Day 2 of the tournament was just like that. Oregon beat Virginia Commonwealth 1-0 — technically scored a “no-contest” — and advances to met Iowa because, well, be- cause multiple players on the VCU side test- ed positive. Their rotten luck. One-fifth of the 2020-21 season got wiped out due to the pandemic, and the coronavirus reminded everyone it doesn’t make exceptions just because all the players now have new blue patches affixed to their tournament uni- forms reading “NCAA.” “It just stinks,” said VCU coach Mike Rhoades, whose team was notified at their pregame meal and went straight into quar- antine. “There’s no way I can sugarcoat it.” Defending champion Virginia, dealing with COVID-19-related issues of its own, had most of its roster in quarantine until Thursday, didn’t arrive in Indiana until Fri- day, and then promptly got bounced out by 13th-seeded Ohio 62-58. But that was only the second-biggest upset Saturday. Tiny Abilene Christian, a 14 seed that didn’t even officially join Division I until 2018, took down No. 3 Texas, parlaying 23 turnovers and two free throws by Joe Pleas-

SEE PANDEMIC ON PAGE 23

INSIDE No.3 Longhorns stunned by tiny Abilene Christian

Page 23 DOUG MCSCHOOLER/AP Ohio players celebrate after defeating Virginia 62­58 in a first­round game in the NCAA tournament, Saturday, in Bloomington, Ind.

Rangers end Capitals’ win streak at seven ›› NHL, Page 20