MIDEAST FOOTBALL VIDEO GAMES Taliban reject Afghan NFL Draft looks RE3 stands out offer for cease-fire normal despite with fast pacing, during Ramadan being held online superb design Page 3 Back page Page 14

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Volume 79, No. 5A ©SS 2020 CONTINGENCY EDITION SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2020 stripes.com Free to Deployed Areas

USS Kidd CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK 2nd Navy warship hit by outbreak

BY COREY DICKSTEIN Stars and Stripes WASHINGTON — At least 18 sailors aboard the USS Kidd have tested positive for the coro- navirus, Pentagon officials said Friday in announcing the Navy’s second outbreak aboard a de- ployed warship. One sailor aboard the guided- missile destroyer was evacuated from the ship Thursday after developing symptoms consistent with the coronavirus and later tested positive at a medical treat- ment facility in San Antonio, said Jonathan Hoffman, the chief spokesman for the Pentagon. That sailor was stable Friday and receiving medical attention, the Navy said in a statement. The Navy on Friday rushed a medical evaluation team to the destroyer, which is part of a coun- ternarcotics mission in waters under U.S. Southern Command’s responsibility, the Navy said. The ship will be sent to an undis- closed port where its crew will be CURTIS COMPTON, ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION/AP offloaded and isolated, and the Brian Lambert, owner of Scoops, a coffee and sweets shop, opens up the windows of his business across the street from the Forsyth ship would be cleaned. Courthouse as he gets ready to reopen next week, in Forsyth, Ga., on Wednesday. “We are taking every precau- tion to ensure we identify, isolate, and prevent any further spread RELATED COVERAGE onboard the ship,” said Rear Adm. Trump signs $484B bill Don Gabrielson, commander U.S. Race to reopen Naval Forces Southern Command to aid employers, hospitals SEE OUTBREAK ON PAGE 6 under pandemic stress Amid anxiety and a rise in statewide virus cases, Page 8 ‘ The good news is that Georgia lets some businesses resume operations Georgia, many business owners planned to because of the fact remain closed in spite of Gov. Brian Kemp’s BY RUSS BYNUM AND DAVID CRARY we’ve seen outbreaks deaths in the United States surpassed 50,000, assurance that hospital visits and new cases Associated Press according to a tally compiled by John Hopkins have leveled off enough for barbers, tattoo on some of the naval University from government figures. The ac- artists, massage therapists and personal SAVANNAH, Ga. — Barber shops, nail tual death toll is believed to be far higher. trainers to return to work with restrictions. vessels in the past … salons, gyms and a few other businesses re- Even though limited in scope, the reopen- Kemp’s timeline to restart the economy I think there is a high opened in Georgia on Friday as the Repub- ings in Georgia and at least two other states proved too ambitious even for President lican governor eased a monthlong shutdown marked a symbolic milestone in the debate level of attention to the Donald Trump, who said Wednesday he “dis- despite warnings from health experts of a po- raging in the United States — and the world agreed strongly” with the fellow Republi- issue from the Navy. ’ tential new surge of coronavirus infections. — as to how quickly political leaders should Jonathan Hoffman As some customers ventured back to these lift economically damaging lockdown orders. can’s plan. chief spokesman for the Pentagon venues, the confirmed number of COVID-19 With deaths and infections still rising in SEE REOPEN ON PAGE 8 PAGE 2 •STARS AND STRIPES• Saturday, April 25, 2020 BUSINESS/WEATHER EXCHANGE RATES

Military rates Thailand (Baht) ...... 32.43 Euro costs (April 27) ...... $1.05 Turkey (Lira) ...... 6.9789 Big companies urged to return loans Dollar buys (April 27) ...... €0.9036 (Military exchange rates are those British pound (April 27) ...... $1.20 available to customers at military banking Japanese yen (April 27) ...... 105.00 facilities in the country of issuance Associated Press a company can prove it was truly gram’s first round. According to South Korean won (April 27) ...... 1,204.00 for Japan, South Korea, Germany, the eligible for a loan, the money data compiled and analyzed by Commercial rates Netherlands and the United Kingdom. For NEW YORK — Big public com- Bahrain (Dinar) ...... 0.3781 nonlocal currency exchange rates (i.e., panies that received loans under should be returned by May 7. AP, through Wednesday at least British pound ...... $ 1.2332 purchasing British pounds in Germany), The PPP, which launched April 147 publicly traded companies Canada (Dollar) ...... 1.4080 check with your local military banking a government program intended China (Yuan) ...... 7.0771 facility. Commercial rates are interbank 3, is intended to help small busi- disclosed receiving $555 million Denmark (Krone) ...... 6.9065 rates provided for reference when buying to help small businesses devastat- currency. All figures are foreign currencies Egypt (Pound) ...... 15.7903 ed by the coronavirus outbreak nesses with fewer than 500 em- since the program opened April to one dollar, except for the British pound, ployees stay afloat. The program’s 3. Some had market values well Euro ...... $1.0797/0.9262 which is represented in dollars-to-pound, could be forced to return it. Hong Kong (Dollar) ...... 7.7504 and the euro, which is dollars-to-euro.) The Small Business Adminis- initial $349 billion in funds ran over $100 million. Many had ex- Hungary (Forint) ...... 329.33 Israel (Shekel) ...... 3.5132 tration issued an advisory Thurs- out last week. ecutives that were paid millions Japan (Yen) ...... 107.53 day clearly aimed at companies Earlier this week, an Associ- each year. Kuwait (Dinar) ...... 0.3107 ated Press investigation docu- Given that public companies Norway (Krone) ...... 10.6476 INTEREST RATES like restaurant chains Ruth’s Philippines (Peso)...... 50.79 Chris Steak House and Potbelly mented how dozens of publicly have access to capital markets, Poland (Zloty) ...... 4.20 Prime rate ...... 3.25 that received loans under the listed companies collectively re- the SBA says it is unlikely they Saudi Arabia (Riyal) ...... 3.7608 Discount rate ...... 0.25 Singapore (Dollar) ...... 1.4255 Federal funds market rate ...... 0.05 Paycheck Protection Program. ceived hundreds of millions of “will be able to make the required South Korea (Won) ...... 1233.55 3-month bill ...... 0.15 30-year bond ...... 1.20 The guidelines imply that unless dollars of loans from the pro- certification in good faith.” Switzerland (Franc)...... 0.9744 WEATHER OUTLOOK SATURDAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST SATURDAY IN EUROPE SUNDAY IN THE PACIFIC

Misawa 53/48 Kabul 69/47 Seoul 59/40 Baghdad 91/71 Kandahar 87/56 Osan Tokyo Mildenhall/ Drawsko 60/42 70/44 Lakenheath Pomorskie Busan 57/43 51/41 61/45 Iwakuni 60/56 Kuwait Bahrain Zagan Sasebo City 86/78 Brussels 53/43 Guam 90/72 55/42 Ramstein 60/55 83/79 Lajes, 58/41 Riyadh Doha Azores Stuttgart Pápa 99/71 101/75 62/57 61/47 64/53 Aviano/ Vicenza 64/47

Naples 64/54 Morón Okinawa 71/57 67/64 Sigonella The weather is provided by the 68/52 Djibouti Rota Souda Bay American Forces Network Weather Center, 87/80 64/60 61/56 2nd Weather Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. T O D A Y IN STRIPES American Roundup ..... 15 Comics ...... 17 Crossword ...... 17 Health and Fitness .... 11 Opinion ...... 16 Sports ...... 19-24 Video Games ...... 12-14 Saturday, April 25, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 3 MIDEAST Taliban reject calls for Ramadan cease-fire

BY PHILLIP WALTER WELLMAN U.S. officials have said. Trump Stars and Stripes administration officials have said secret annexes to the deal outline KABUL, Afghanistan — The a reduction in violence and other Taliban have rejected calls for specifics of implementation, but a cease-fire during the Muslim U.S. lawmakers who have seen holy month of Ramadan, despite those documents have disputed warnings from U.S. and Afghan those claims. officials that the coronavirus out- Under the terms of the Feb. 29 break in the country would wors- deal — which was reached with- en if violence continues. out Kabul’s input — up to 5,000 A cease-fire would not be “ra- Taliban fighters and up to 1,000 tional and convincing” before prisoners held by the insurgents thousands more Taliban prison- should have been released by ers are released from govern- March 10 as a confidence-build- ment jails, Taliban spokesman ing measure ahead of talks be- Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter tween the Taliban and Afghan Thursday. officials, which were supposed to A prisoner release by the gov- start on the same date. ernment and the Taliban was one Twitter/Office of the National Security Council of Afghanistan The Afghan government has of the conditions of a deal signed Taliban prisoners line up before being released by Afghan authorities in earlier this month. The Taliban so far released about 500 Tal- Feb. 29 between the U.S. and the rejected calls from U.S. and Afghan officials for a cease-fire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, iban prisoners, including 55 who insurgent group, which was sup- which started Thursday, until thousands more of its fighters have been released from government jails. were freed Wednesday. But the posed to lead to talks between the Taliban, who have only released group and the government and, on Thursday, saying it would give Afghans returning from neigh- have not stopped fighting during 60 government prisoners, insist by next year, the complete with- Afghans much-needed respite boring Iran, which has been hard Ramadan. With the exception of a all 5,000 of their fighters must be drawal of U.S. forces. from violence and would help hit by the virus. The Taliban seven-day “reduction in violence” freed before cease-fire talks can The U.S.’s top commander in efforts to slow the spread of the launched a campaign earlier this ahead of the February deal with begin. Afghanistan, Gen. Scott Miller, coronavirus. month to tackle the spread of the the U.S., the group has also not If the prisoners are released told PBS News Hour this week As of Friday, about 1,300 con- virus in areas under their con- heeded recent calls from the Af- and the U.S.-Taliban deal is “im- that it would be “almost impos- firmed cases of the coronavirus trol, but they have refused to stop ghan leader, his international sible” to stem the spread of the and more than 40 deaths from fighting. Attacks by the group backers or humanitarian groups plemented fully,” Shaheen tweet- coronavirus if violence in Af- the disease it causes had been have killed dozens of Afghan se- to lay down arms. ed Thursday, “it will take us to a ghanistan continues. recorded in Afghanistan. Many curity forces in the past week An uptick in violence since lasting peace and ceasefire.” President Ashraf Ghani re- of the cases are thought to have alone. the February deal violates “the [email protected] peated his calls for a cease-fire been brought into the country by Historically, the insurgents spirit” of the U.S.-Taliban deal, Twitter: @pwwellman Guard leader warns of Iranian intent to counter US Navy

Associated Press a good time,” Trump told report- and in building its own state with- ers Wednesday evening at the in a state.” TEHRAN, Iran — The leader White House. “We’re not going to “The very act of launching a of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard stand for it ... They’ll shoot them military satellite in the midst of warned on Thursday that he has out of the water.” the coronavirus crisis that is af- ordered his forces to potentially The International Crisis Group, fecting Iran too is a statement of target the U.S. Navy after Presi- dent Donald Trump’s tweet the noting the tensions, urged both self confidence and perseverance previous day threatening to sink countries to create a deconflic- by the ayatollahs to the West but Iranian vessels. tion hotline to avoid a possible mainly to its own population,” Iran also summoned the Swiss military confrontation. Rubin said. ambassador, who looks out for “In the absence of a major dip- France said Thursday that it America’s interests in the coun- lomatic breakthrough, an indirect strongly condemns the launch try, to complain about Trump’s military communications chan- and called on Tehran to “imme- threat coming amid months of es- nel could go some way toward diately halt any activity related to calating tensions between the two ensuring, at least, that a single the development of ballistic mis- countries. incident will not spark a wider siles designed to be able to carry While the coronavirus pan- conflagration,” it said in a report nuclear weapons, including space demic temporarily paused those Thursday. launch vehicles.” tensions, Iran has since begun Iran in the past has rejected “Given that the technology used pushing back against the Trump idea of a hotline. for space launches is very similar administration’s maximum pres- Meanwhile, the Guard sur- to that used for ballistic missile sure policy both militarily and prised analysts by sending a sat- launches, this launch directly diplomatically. The Guard on ellite into space on Wednesday contributes to the extremely trou- from a previously unused launch bling progress made by Iran in Wednesday launched Iran’s first SEPAHNEWS/AP military satellite, unveiling a pre- pad and with a new system. its ballistic missile program, ” viously secret space program. An Iranian rocket carrying a satellite is launched Wednesday from While Iran stresses its program France said. Speaking to state television an undisclosed site believed to be in Iran’s Semnan province. Iran’s is peaceful, Western nations fear Russian Foreign Ministry Thursday, Guard Gen. Hossein Revolutionary Guard said Wednesday it put the Islamic Republic’s such a program will help Iran spokeswoman Maria Zakharova Salami warned that his forces first military satellite into orbit. build intercontinental ballistic meanwhile rejected assertions “will answer any action by a missiles. that the launch violated the U.N. decisive, effective and quick rassing approaches” to American shipping for decades, something State television on Thursday Security Council’s resolution on counteraction.” Navy and Coast Guard vessels in Iran describes as akin to it patrol- said Iran received signals from Iran, noting that Iran has the “We have ordered our naval the Persian Gulf. The Americans ling the Gulf of Mexico. the satellite, without elaborating. right to develop its space program units at sea that if any warships said they used a variety of nonle- Trump on Wednesday, facing a While American officials have for peaceful purposes. or military units from the naval thal means to warn off the Iranian collapsing global energy market not acknowledged that the satel- Later on Thursday, Iranian force of America’s terrorist army boats, which eventually left. Iran, and the coronavirus pandemic lite reached orbit, open-source Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head wants to jeopardize our commer- meanwhile, accused the U.S. of amid his reelection campaign, data from the U.S. military sug- of the Guard’s aerospace division, cial vessels or our combat vessels, sparking the incident, without of- tweeted out a warning to Iran, gested the “Noor, ” or “Light” sat- told state TV that ground stations they must target those (Ameri- fering evidence for the claim. saying that he ordered the Navy ellite now orbited the Earth. in Iran are communicating with can) warships or naval units,” Iran has had tense encounters to “shoot down and destroy any Uzi Rubin, fellow at the Jerusa- the satellite, which takes about a Salami said. at sea for years with the U.S. Navy and all Iranian gunboats if they lem Institute for Strategy and Se- week to reach its full capacity. He The latest dispute comes after in the Persian Gulf and the Strait harass our ships at sea.” curity and the founder of Israel’s said , without elaborating, that the the U.S. Navy said last week that of Hormuz, through which 20% “We don’t want their gunboats missile defense program, said the Guard plans to send more such 11 Guard naval gunboats had of all oil passes. The U.S. has pa- surrounding our boats, and trav- launch showed the Guard’s “fur- satellites into even higher orbits carried out “dangerous and ha- trolled the area to protect global eling around our boats and having ther gain in wresting for power in the future. PAGE 4 •STARS AND STRIPES• Saturday, April 25, 2020 MILITARY Pregnant Marines now expected to maintain fitness BY CAITLIN M. KENNEY on individual fitness during preg- Stars and Stripes nancy. A Marine is excluded from having to participate in unit fit- WASHINGTON — Marine ness programs, tests, or fitness mothers are now expected to con- standards during their pregnan- tinue physical fitness during their cy and for nine months after the pregnancy as directed in a new child’s birth. policy focused on parenthood and “Pregnant Marines are en- pregnancy. couraged to consult their health The new order updates the 2004 care providers to modify per- pregnancy and parenthood policy sonal fitness programs for their with the inclusion of updated unique situations. For some Ma- standards and procedures in one rines, this means continuing an place. The policy focuses on how advanced [physical training] pro- best to prepare commanders, Ma- gram, while for others with more rines and their families for this complicated pregnancies, it may important part of their life. mean reducing training inten- “The intent really is to em- sity,” Mayer said. phasize support from their com- The new policy document now TANNER SEIMS/U.S. Marine Corps mands to help Marines have the requires all Marines who are tools available to execute a suc- about to become parents to no- Policy revisions call for Marines to continue with a physical fitness program during pregnancy as well as cessful, particularly entry into tify their commanders in writ- starting six months after giving birth for their health and that of their child. parenthood because anyone that’s ing within two weeks. Whether been a parent knows that the first they are pregnant, their spouse time they currently have, but it said primary leave can be taken lines and deferments for Marines child is the scariest occurrence,” is, or if the family is planning to gives an official point from which at any time within the first year who have given birth and return- Col. Douglas Mayer, the chief of adopt, the notification is meant to base their returning to duty of the child’s birth, foster care, or ing to certain responsibilities staff for the Manpower Plans and to help the commander provide status that the previous policy adoption. such as training or deployments. Policy Division of the service’s the Marine and their family with lacked. Secondary caregiver leave is Marines who have given birth Manpower and Reserve Affairs, the support and educational re- Maternity convalescent leave only for 14 days because they are have a 12-month deferment said Thursday. Mayer helped sources they need, according to gives the birth parent 42 days, designated as providing less care when it comes to deployments or with updating the policy docu- Mayer. or 6 weeks, to recover medically for the child, Mayer said. an overseas tour where family ment released recently. The section on parental leave from the birth, starting the day In July, Gen. David Berger, members are restricted from ac- The new 44-page Marine docu- now reflects the Defense Depart- after they are released from the Marine Corps commandant, re- companying them. The previous ment lays out specific guidance ment’s Military Parental Leave hospital or facility where they leased his planning guidance, policy document only gave Ma- on the whole spectrum of parent- Program and breaks down the gave birth. which stated in the future he rines a six-month deferment after hood topics from pregnancy, post- specific leave options available The primary caregiver leave wants to see Marine mothers be the birth. natal care, as well as adoption and to parents. All categories of leave is also for 42 days and is given able to take up to a year off to care Marines who are breastfeed- loss of a child. must be taken at once, not broken to the Marine designated as pro- for the child. Longer paternity ing are now exempt from train- Marines are now expected to up over time. viding primary care to the child, leave was not mentioned even ing on pistol and rifle ranges as continue with a physical fitness The leave policy section clari- which is usually assumed to be though more private sector com- well as in a tear gas chamber for program during pregnancy as fies Marines who have given the birth parent. This leave can panies are offering the benefit as 12 months because of exposure to well as starting six months after birth are expected to return to be taken consecutively with the an incentive for new hires and re- harmful chemicals that can harm giving birth for their health and duty within nine months after maternity convalescent leave, but tention of their workforce. the child. that of their child. Mayer said the birth, excluding medical ex- it is not required, giving the par- One of the several changes in [email protected] this is based on updated science tensions. It is the same length of ent up to 12 weeks of leave. Mayer the update is the expanded time- @caitlinmkenney Marine commandant defends banning Confederate flag

BY COREY DICKSTEIN generals. The Army has no intention of re- Stars and Stripes ‘ Anything that divides us, anything that threatens naming those posts, which used Confeder- team cohesion must be addressed head-on. ate names in “the spirit of reconciliation,” WASHINGTON — The Confederate ’ a service official said earlier this year. battle flag might raise feelings of southern Gen. David Berger The Marine Corps has faced issues with pride for some people, but it can be hurtful U.S. Marine Corps white supremacy within its ranks in recent for others, the top Marine tweeted Thurs- years, including some high-profile cases. day, defending his order to banish the sym- Two Marines — Staff Sgt. Joseph W. bol from Marine Corps bases. been the primary component,” the com- edged those differences in views of the Con- Manning and Sgt. Michael J. Chesny — “This symbol has shown it has the power mandant wrote about his order banning federate flag, including among Marines, were separated from the service in 2018 for to inflame feelings of division,” Gen. David all Confederate symbols. “We are a warf- and he said he had no intention of judging their ties to white supremacist or extremist Berger wrote in a letter to Marines dated ighting organization, an elite institution of the real meaning behind the symbol. But organizations after they were charged with Monday and included in his tweet. “I can- warriors who depend on each other to win the potential for it to “degrade the cohesion trespassing for hanging a white nationalist not have that division inside our Corps.” the tough battles. Anything that divides that combat demands of us” overrides any Berger wrote Marines from all back- banner during a Confederate Memorial us, anything that threatens team cohesion argument that Marines should be allowed Day rally in Graham, N.C., in May 2017. grounds must trust each other in order must be addressed head-on.” to display the symbol, he wrote. to fight successfully together as a Corps, Another Marine with ties to neo-Nazi The Confederate battle flag is a symbol “Leaders must always act thoughtfully groups in 2018 was court-martialed and which is more valuable than any individu- still closely tied to the southern states and when enforcing these provisions because convicted of disobeying orders and mak- als who make up that team. The symbols slavery during the Civil War. The symbol they directly impact a precious constitu- ing false statements. That Marine, Vasil- that Marines should focus on are ones that remains popular in the American South, tional right — the right to free speech,” unite them — the Corps’ eagle, globe and where defenders describe it as represent- Berger wrote. lios “Billy” Pistolis, was reduced in rank anchor; the American flag and the Ma- ing southern heritage and pride. But the The Confederacy’s legacy has had a lin- from lance corporal to private first class rines’ exclusive MarPat camouflage uni- Confederate battle flag has also been used gering impact on the U.S. military. While and was sentenced to one month of con- forms, he wrote. heavily by white supremacist groups and is Berger disallowed the display of its sym- finement in that case. “In every facet of every significant en- considered a symbol of racism by others. bols in February, the Army has 10 installa- [email protected] deavor involving Marines, the team has Berger, in his letter this week, acknowl- tions that carry the names of Confederate Twitter: @CDicksteinDC Saturday, April 25, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 5 MILITARY Air Force prepares to study cancer in pilots

BY TARA COPP would capture medical histories 80%. McClatchy Washington Bureau of pilots who flew earlier versions During last fall, a small group of military jets that carried more of former Air Force aviators from WASHINGTON — The Air powerful radars in the cockpits. the Red River Valley Fighter Pi- Force has finalized the terms of Some of the pilots have sus- lots Association, which represents a groundbreaking study sought pected that cockpit radiation gen- about 3,700 veterans who flew all by former fighter pilots to deter- erated by those radars may be types of aircraft, worked behind mine whether military aviators linked to their cancers. the scenes with the Air Force sur- are more likely to be diagnosed The study will also compare geon general, Lt. Gen. Dorothy with cancer. former pilots’ cancer rates to can- Hogg, to persuade the service to For more than a year, retired cer rates among the general pop- look deeper into the issue. Air Force fighter pilots have ulation. Previous military cancer “She listened to our concerns pressed the service to look at the studies had focused on internal and acted on them,” said retired number of aviators who have ei- comparisons between active duty F-15C pilot Col. John Reed. “We ther died from, or are fighting personnel, such as comparing ac- are exceptionally grateful for this various types of cancers, and to tive duty ground crew to active effort spearheaded by Lt. Gen. look for potential causes. duty pilots, and had not found Hogg and her staff of experts, and The Air Force late last year an- higher rates. anxiously await their findings.” nounced it would conduct a first- Former fighter pilots have told The expanded scope will also of-its-kind study of all cancers STAFF SGT. JOSHUA JASPER, U.S. AIR FORCE/TNS McClatchy that focusing on ac- use multiple military medical among its former pilots, a review tive duty pilots has missed the databases, including the Defense Retired Air Force Col. Eric Nelson is greeted after his final F-15E that may be replicated by the mark, and did not capture can- Department’s Automated Central Strike Eagle flight at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan in 2007. Navy for its aviators depending Nelson was diagnosed with late stage aggressive prostate cancer cers that surfaced after they left Tumor Registry and Air Force on what the results reveal. three months after retiring in 2011. the military. Mortality Registry. McClatchy obtained details on An investigation by McClatchy “The expansion of data used how this study would differ from last year found that since fiscal may allow for inclusion of cases earlier, more limited reviews what’s going on,” Air Force Chief which is expected to be released year 2000, the rate of treatment not seen within the Military of military aviator cancers that of Staff Gen. David Goldfein said next year. for Air Force prostate cancers Health System and will not re- former fighter pilots have said about the status of the study at a In the newly released details, at Veterans Affairs health care quire case confirmation associ- missed the mark, because those Pentagon briefing this week. the Air Force said it had finalized facilities had increased 44% and ated with lengthy and possibly studies did not include veterans. Goldfein said the coronavirus the design for the study and was urinary cancer treatment rates, confounding medical records “It’s important to all of us that pandemic had not changed the committed to reviewing all of its to include kidney, bladder and review,” the Air Force said in a we get the ground truth on just deadline for completing the study, pilots dating back to 1970, which ureter cancers, had increased statement. Report finds hydraulic failure caused jet crash

Associated Press Riverside Press-Enterprise. The valves were part of a RIVERSIDE, Calif. — A loss flight-control system that was of hydraulic pressure prevented overhauled in January 2019. a military pilot from controlling They were installed in the air- an F-16 jet that crashed into a craft months later after a possible warehouse last year just outside hydraulic leak was discovered, March Air Reserve Base in Cali- according to the report dated fornia, according to a newspaper April 14. report Thursday. “The evidence also indicated The pilot ejected and parachut- an inadequate overhaul process ed to safety before the Air Nation- that lacked an effective proce- al Guard F-16 slammed into the dure to identify improper instal- warehouse on May 16, There was lation of ISA check valves,” the no explosion from the crash and report said. no serious injuries among work- The F-16 was one of two jets ers at the business about 65 miles performing drills 120 miles east east of Los Angeles. of the air base on the border of Two valves were improperly in- the cities of Riverside and More- stalled on the jet, resulting in dam- no Valley. KABC-TV/AP age that caused hydraulic fluid to The pilot, the only person on leak, according to a 22-page U.S. board, burned off fuel before This image from video shows where an F-16 fighter jet crashed into a warehouse just outside March Air Air Force report obtained by the ejecting, according to the report. Reserve Base in Riverside, Calif., in May. Budding Space Force will accept transfer applications starting May 1

BY CHRISTIAN LOPEZ space business, and I could not be more Active-duty officer or enlisted in similar Force senior enlisted adviser, said in the Stars and Stripes excited to extend the opportunity to our ac- Air Force career fields such as cyberspace statement. tive duty Air Force members to officially operations, geospatial intelligence, fusion Eligible members meeting current Space The U.S. Space Force, established by transfer into the Space Force,” Gen. Jay analyst and developmental engineering Force criteria will receive direct emails President Donald Trump in December, is Raymond, U.S. Space Force chief of space are also eligible to apply. from the Air Force Personnel Center on officially accepting volunteers and appli- operations and U.S. Space Command com- Currently, 16,000 military and civil- May 1 alerting them that the application cants starting May 1 from active-duty Air mander, said in a Space Force statement ians from Air Force Space Command are window is open and providing informa- Force members. Wednesday. “We have the unique opportu- already assigned to the budding military tion on how to apply before the May 31 Much like the Marine Corps is within nity to create a new service; your energy, branch. The impending transfer process deadline. the Department of the Navy, the Space passion and expertise will be critical to our will officially commence the commis- “Each of us volunteered to serve; now we Force falls under the Department of the success.” sioning and enlisting of its prospecting ask for volunteers to help build a new force Air Force and will focus on developing Prospective Space Force members with members. that is tailor-made and laser-focused on its forces to execute space missions as the active-duty officer or enlisted status in the “The choice to transfer into the Space joint warfighting and the space domain.” sixth branch of the United States armed space operations and space-systems opera- Force will be a personal decision for each Towberman said. forces. tions career fields are eligible to apply for individual, just as it was for me,” Chief [email protected] “This is an historic time to be in the a transfer. Master Sgt. Roger Towberman, U.S. Space Twitter: @CLopez_Stripes PAGE 6 •STARS AND STRIPES• Saturday, April 25, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK Emergency declared for US forces in Djibouti

Stars and Stripes and was approaching 1,000 as of Friday morning. A public health emergency has The command will work with been declared by the commander other U.S. agencies and the Dji- of U.S. forces in Djibouti, amid boutian government to monitor a sharp increase of coronavirus the situation and decide whether cases in the small east African to extend the emergency order country. beyond an initial 30-day period, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael the statement said. D. Turello, commander of Com- The PHE declaration applies to bined Joint Task Force-Horn of all personnel — troops, civilians Africa, said Thursday his deci- and contactors — posted at Camp sion was a precautionary move that gives him more authority to Lemonnier, Chabelley Airfield implement measures to prevent and the Port of Djibouti. the spread of the virus among Declaring a PHE expands personnel. commanders’ powers to deal with “Combating COVID-19 is my a health emergency such as the top priority,” Turello said in a coronavirus pandemic. statement. “By declaring a pub- The command had previously lic health emergency, it keeps taken several precautions, in- our forces, and those of our host cluding evacuating some 170 nation partner, as healthy and as personnel and augmenting medi- safe as possible.” cal staff at the hospital on Camp Currently, there are no report- Lemonnier. In an online comment ed cases of coronavirus within Thursday, the base’s Facebook the Djibouti-based military task page said that most of the mea- force, which includes about 4,500 sures the PHE called for were in MARQUIS WHITEHEAD/U.S. Navy personnel. The number of cases place before the declaration was in the country, however, has near- issued. Petty Officer 2nd Class Amy Garza stands watch at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, to ensure social ly doubled in the past seven days [email protected] distancing and galley regulations are adhered to in the Dorie Miller galley in early April. Outbreak: Majority of Kidd crew members to be removed from ship

FROM FRONT PAGE Mark Esper will be briefed about Friday “The good news is that because of the more than 21% of the 3,919 cases of coro- and U.S. 4th Fleet. “Our medical team con- afternoon, studied the service’s controver- fact we’ve seen outbreaks on some of the navirus reported by Friday among the U.S. tinues coordinating with the ship and our sial handling of the outbreak, which cost naval vessels in the past … I think there is military worldwide. One sailor, 41-year-old focus is the safety and well-being of every the ship’s commander his job and later led a high level of attention to the issue from Chief Petty Officer Charles Robert Thack- sailor.” to the ouster of the acting Navy secretary the Navy,” Hoffman said at a news briefing er Jr., died of complications after contract- who removed him. The second study by from the Pentagon. “I think they have pro- Hoffman said Friday that the Navy had ing the virus aboard the Roosevelt. Navy health officials and the Centers for cedures in place and they have activated learned a great deal from the military’s As it did with the Roosevelt’s crew, the Disease Control and Prevention is meant them” on the Kidd. largest coronavirus outbreak aboard the Navy intends to remove the majority of the to scientifically evaluate the virus’ spread Another 26 Navy ships that are in port Kidd’s crew from the ship and test the en- aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, aboard the ship, where more than half of currently reported cases of coronavirus where 840 sailors had contracted the ill- tire crew for the virus, the service said in the crew members who contracted the ill- among their crews, a Navy official who its statement. Officials did not indicate on ness in the roughly one month since the ness never displayed any symptoms. spoke on the condition of anonymity said first cases of the virus on the ship were Friday how long that process was expected The lessons learned from that outbreak Wednesday. The official would not say to take. The Navy declined to provide addi- reported. The outbreak forced the Navy to were already being implemented on the which ships had cases of the virus or how dock the Roosevelt off Guam’s coast and tional comment beyond its statement. Kidd, where medical teams were work- many sailors were infected, only that it was However, the officials did say they ex- offload more than 4,000 sailors who re- ing on contact tracing and other efforts to small numbers. pected the number of positive cases aboard main isolated in Navy facilities and hotels thwart a massive spread on the ship, Hoff- The Navy is the hardest hit of the U.S. the Kidd to increase in the coming days. on the island. man said Friday. Guided-missile destroy- military services by the pandemic. The The Navy has launched two investiga- ers crews are typically about 330 sailors, service reported 1,445 total cases as of Stars and Stripes reporter Caitlin M. Kenney con- tributed to this report. tions into that ship’s outbreak. The first, while the Roosevelt’s crew includes almost Friday morning. [email protected] which Hoffman said Defense Secretary 5,000. The Roosevelt outbreak accounts for Twitter: @CDicskteinDC USNS Mercy staff staying offship to stop spread aboard

BY ERIKA I. RITCHIE tested positive. Robert Thacker Jr., 41, died April the ship and are in isolation at the day, they are wearing face The Orange County Register To stop any further advance, 13 from the virus. a medical facility. Others who coverings and are spreading out (Anaheim, Calif.) Rotruck has moved almost all of “Anyone is alarmed about were within six feet for at least 10 during meal times. the hospital personnel off the ship what’s happening there,” Rotruck minutes of them were also been “We’ve opened a section When Capt. John Rotruck, to create more social distancing said. taken to land and into 14 days of on our flight decks,” he said. commanding officer of the USNS among his crew. Only he, other Navy personnel who leave the quarantine. Mercy, saw the first cases of the “We’ve also closed our gyms and senior leaders and personnel re- ship wear masks while they are in In all, 130 members of the med- barbershops.” coronavirus spreading among quired for maintenance remain transit to the nearby hotels where ical team were removed from the some of his Navy medical person- So far, 65 patients from the living on the ship. they stay in separate rooms, ship at one point for possible ex- community ranging in age from nel, he took action to contain it. “Most are treating the ship like he said. All of the buses used to posure. Almost 100 have finished 20 to 90 have been treated aboard The 1,000-bed hospital ship a ‘brick and mortar’ hospital,” he transport the crew are thorough- quarantine and returned to the the ship. The medical crew has is currently docked at the Port said. They are staying at nearby ly cleaned and disinfected after Mercy. of Los Angeles taking patients hotels and report to work each each trip. “We’re glad to have them back,” dealt with traumas, removed in- who need care for illnesses other day for their 12-hour shifts. If crew members leave their Rotruck said. flamed gallbladders, done ampu- than COVID-19 so area hospitals In a recent outbreak aboard hotel to pick up food, they are re- Rotruck said he and his crew tation revisions, cared for bone have the room to focus on the the USS Theodore Roosevelt — a quired to wear N95 masks. are doing their best to keep the infections and performed some pandemic. Navy aircraft carrier operating “There is not just a bubble ship operating coronavirus-free. plastic surgery. But despite precautions, the near Guam — 840 sailors living around the ship,” Rotruck said. In addition to practicing Cen- For Rotruck, the mission thus ship’s first sailor with a confirmed in the similar close quarters as “We are maintaining our bubble ters for Disease Control guide- far has been successful. case of COVID-19 was reported the Mercy have now tested posi- as much as we can.” lines, the crew is also using a “The team has been executing on April 8. Since then, eight oth- tive for COVID-19. One Roosevelt The crew members who test- bleach solution to wipe down sur- flawlessly and we’ve been able to ers from the medical team have sailor, Chief Petty Officer Charles ed positive were removed from faces multiple times throughout move patients,” he said. Saturday, April 25, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 7 VIRUS OUTBREAK VA criticized for using unproven drug on patients

BY NIKKI WENTLING ‘ JULIO CORTEZ/AP Stars and Stripes If Secretary Wilkie is dismissive of the WASHINGTON -- A national Vets and health care workers protest veterans group has accused the facts published in this Department of Veterans Affairs study because they Clarence Shields, center, an Army veteran, pickets with a small group of activists from the American of using patients as “human are observational and Federation of Government Employees local 424 and the National Association of Government Employees testing subjects” for an anti-ma- local R3-19 outside the Baltimore VA Medical Center, Wednesday. The Department of Veterans Affairs is laria medication that some be- not peer-reviewed, struggling with shortages of workers as it cares for veterans infected with the coronavirus. lieve could be useful against the then where are the coronavirus. The VA is giving hydroxychlo- peer-reviewed studies roquine to some patients as a that convinced him “last resort,” the department said Thursday, even though it’s un- that it is safe to treat Survey: Post-9/11 vets sought proven to work. our veterans suffering Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans from COVID-19 with of America took issue with the de- mental health care more often partment doling out an unproven hydroxychloroquine? ’ treatment for the coronavirus BY NIKKI WENTLING know how to use these online mental health because of the so- after a study was published this Jeremy Butler Stars and Stripes platforms.” cial distancing guidelines. They week that determined the drug CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Cohen Veterans Network, which were significantly more likely had no benefit for VA patients. Veterans of America WASHINGTON — Post-9/11 treats post-9/11 service members, than other Americans to report “This is incredibly troubling for service members, veterans and veterans and their families, saw a feeling lonely, isolated or to have a number of reasons and raises their families sought mental 562% increase in telehealth ses- trouble sleeping. so many questions that we need health care in greater numbers sions during the past four weeks. Mental health issues could also answered,” said Jeremy Butler, ment of 368 male coronavirus pa- than other Americans as the The Department of Veterans be exacerbated by financial is- CEO of IAVA. tients at VA hospitals nationwide coronavirus pandemic took hold, Affairs also reported a signifi- sues, Hassan said. More than 70% There is no proven treatment who had died or been discharged according to a new survey. cant increase in virtual mental of all Americans surveyed said for the coronavirus, which has as of April 11. Treatment includ- Cohen Veterans Network, which health appointments during the they were worried about their killed more than 45,000 Ameri- ed hydroxychloroquine for 97 of operates mental health clinics na- pandemic. VA mental health pro- basic necessities, such as keeping cans and infected nearly 845,000, tionwide, surveyed 2,000 Ameri- viders held 34,000 video appoint- their jobs and homes. Six out of 10 according to Johns Hopkins Uni- those patients, 113 received hy- cans from March 30 to April 1. ments with veterans in March, veterans said they were worried versity. Hydroxychloroquine, droxychloroquine with azithro- The results provide a snapshot of up 70% from February. About about their employment. which is used to treat rheumatoid mycin, and 158 received standard Americans’ mental health amid 154,000 appointments were held “If you look at any challenges arthritis and lupus, entered the care. the pandemic, as most of the over the phone in March, up 280% in America – 9/11, the 2008 reces- public spotlight after optimis- About 28% of patients who re- country is under some form of from February. VA Secretary sion, hurricanes — people tend tic claims by President Donald ceived hydroxychloroquine died, stay-at-home order . Robert Wilkie said in a statement not to come right out to get care, Trump that it could be a “game compared with 11% of patients Of the 2,026 people surveyed, that the numbers indicate veter- but soon thereafter the system is changer” against the virus. who received standard care. 209 were post-9/11 veterans or ans were successfully accessing flooded,” Hassan said. “We an- Late last month, the Food and About 22% of patients died when service members and 221 were and embracing virtual mental ticipate seeing a lot of this.” Drug Administration granted they received hydroxychloro- military family members. About health care. Hassan suggested people try to emergency approval for doc- quine with azithromycin, which is half of that group reported that Regarding telehealth, the pan- eat well, sleep and exercise, but tors to use hydroxychloroquine used to treat bacterial infections. they or a family member sought demic has “changed the culture acknowledged that could be dif- to treat hospitalized coronavirus mental health care during the of mental health care overnight,” ficult as families are all at home patients in certain instances. The The study, paid for by the Na- first weeks of the coronavirus Hassan said. He hopes the mo- together. Using telehealth or call- potential benefits of using the tional Institutes of Health and pandemic, compared to 14% of ment leads to more widespread ing the Veterans Crisis Line are drug must outweigh the risks, University of Virginia, was the non-military population. adoption of telehealth as an ev- also options, he said. and there must be no adequate, submitted to the New England Anthony Hassan, president of eryday resource for American Soon after social distancing approved or available alternative, Journal of Medicine but has Cohen Veterans Network and an seeking mental health care. How- guidelines went into effect, the VA the FDA guidance says. not yet been reviewed by other Iraq War veteran, views the sta- ever, he also acknowledged its reported an increase in call vol- The VA placed emergency scientists. tistic as a positive for the military shortcomings. ume to the crisis line. The depart- orders in late March and early Noel said Thursday the study community. Family and couples counseling ment, as well as lawmakers, are April for $208,000 worth of the results should “not be viewed as “While some may say, ‘Oh my is difficult over telehealth, and monitoring the number of calls drug. VA Press Secretary Chris- definitive.” The analysis looked gosh, there’s a problem there,’ I privacy is sometimes an issue, he and crisis line staffing levels. tina Noel said Thursday it’s being only at the VA’s hydrochloroquine was thrilled to see it, honestly,” said. Minors have been worried Mental health providers and used to treat coronavirus patients use on its sickest veterans who Hassan said. “I worked my whole about their parents listening to veterans organizations have only when veterans and their career trying to get people to en- their sessions. come up with methods to try to doctors determine it’s medically were given the drug “many times gage in care early — to get help “It can’t be for everyone,” he get veterans to connect with each necessary. as a last resort,” she said. when they need it. They asked for said. “But the opportunity that other. Cohen Veterans Network A group of researchers stud- IAVA claimed VA Secretary help. That’s remarkable.” came out of this COVID-19 crisis is offering virtual webinars for ied the VA’s use of hydrochloro- Robert Wilkie downplayed the The pandemic has caused is the emergence and adoption of clients to socialize. AMVETS, quine on coronavirus patients. In study in a call with veterans or- health care systems to make a telehealth.” the American Legion and the their analysis, posted online this ganizations Wednesday. major push toward virtual medi- Telehealth may continue to be Veterans of Foreign Wars have week, they found no benefits of “If Secretary Wilkie is dismis- cal care. The survey found that important even after states ease encouraged its members check in using the drug. There were more sive of the facts published in this the post-9/11 military community their social distancing guidelines with friends, and Wounded War- deaths among those patients who study because they are obser- was more aware of telehealth re- to meet the higher demand for rior Project has created a gaming were given the drug than patients vational and not peer-reviewed, sources and five times more like- mental health care, Hassan said. group. who received standard care, re- then where are the peer-reviewed ly than the rest of the population Because of the isolation and eco- “So many people are left alone searchers found. studies that convinced him that it to have used it. nomic strain many Americans and isolated right now, and just The researchers urged medical Hassan attributes that to mili- are facing, he’s expecting a surge to reach out and talk to some- providers to wait for more rigor- is safe to treat our veterans suf- tary families’ reliance on technol- in Americans seeking care. one would be a real good thing,” ous studies of the drug before it’s fering from COVID-19 with hy- ogy during deployments. In the survey, seven out of Hassan said. “The more we can adopted as a treatment for the droxychloroquine?” Butler said. “They’re not afraid of using every 10 post-9/11 veterans said engage, the more likely we are to virus. [email protected] telehealth,” Hassan said. “They they were concerned about their save lives, families and futures.” Researchers analyzed the treat- Twitter: @nikkiwentling PAGE 8 •STARS AND STRIPES• Saturday, April 25, 2020 VIRUS OUTBREAK Trump signs bill for $484B in aid Associated Press Anchoring the bill is the Trump administration’s $250 bil- WASHINGTON — President lion request to replenish a fund Donald Trump signed a $484 to help small- and medium-size billion bill Friday to aid employ- businesses with payroll, rent and ers and hospitals under stress other expenses. This program from the coronavirus pandemic provides forgivable loans so busi- that has killed more than 50,000 Americans and devastated broad nesses can continue paying work- swaths of the economy. ers while forced to stay closed The bill is the latest effort by the for social distancing and stay-at- federal government to help keep home orders. afloat businesses that have had to The legislation contains $100 close or dramatically alter their billion demanded by Democrats EVAN VUCCI/AP operations as states try to slow for hospitals and a nationwide the spread of the virus. Over the testing program, along with $60 President Donald Trump speaks before signing a coronavirus aid package to direct funds to small past five weeks, roughly 26 mil- billion for small banks and an al- businesses, hospitals, and testing in the Oval Office of the White House on Friday in Washington. lion people have filed for jobless ternative network of community aid, or about 1 in 6 U.S. workers. development banks that focus on local governments in Thursday’s Trump thanked Congress for development in urban neighbor- bill but were rebuffed by Senate “answering my call” to provide hoods and rural areas ignored by Majority Leader Mitch McCon- Trump’s treatment musing the critical assistance and said it many lenders. There’s also $60 nell, R-Ky., who says he’s going to was “a tremendous victory.” But billion for small-business loans try pump the brakes on runaway easy passage of this aid install- and grants delivered through the deficit spending. McConnell says prompts blunt pushback ment belies a potentially bumpier Small Business Administration’s he doesn’t want to bail out Demo- path ahead for future legislation existing disaster aid program. cratic-governed states for fiscal Associated Press Trump’s comment was misrep- Passage of more coronavirus resented, but the government to address the crisis. problems that predated the pan- WASHINGTON — President relief is likely in the weeks ahead. also cautioned the nation. The measure passed Congress demic, but there’s plenty of de- Donald Trump’s comment that Supporters are already warning almost unanimously Thursday as mand for state fiscal relief among disinfectants perhaps could be The Surgeon General’s office that the business-backed Payroll lawmakers gathered in Washing- Republicans, too. injected or ingested to fight tweeted Friday: “A reminder Protection Program will exhaust ton as a group for the first time After the Senate passed the bill COVID-19 received heavy to all Americans- PLEASE since March 27. They followed the new $250 billion almost im- Tuesday, McConnell said Repub- pushback from health and always talk to your health pro- stricter social distancing rules mediately. Launched just weeks licans would entertain no more other officials Friday and even vider first before administer- while seeking to prove they can ago, the program quickly reached coronavirus rescue legislation prompted the maker of Lysol to ing any treatment/ medication do their work despite the COVID- its lending limit after approving until the Senate returns to Wash- warn its product should never to yourself or a loved one. Your 19 crisis. nearly 1.7 million loans. That left ington in May. He promised rank- be used internally. safety is paramount, and doc- Lawmakers’ face masks and thousands of small businesses in and-file Republicans greater say “As a global leader in health tors and nurses are have years bandannas added a somber tone limbo as they sought help. in the future legislation, rather and hygiene products, we must of training to recommend to their effort to aid a nation stag- Pelosi and allies said the next than leaving it in the hands of bi- be clear that under no circum- what’s safe and effective.” gered by the health crisis and measure will distribute more re- partisan leaders. stance should our disinfectant Trump noted Thursday that devastating economic costs of the lief to individuals, extend more Pelosi attacked McConnell products be administered into researchers were looking at pandemic. generous jobless benefits into for at first opposing adding any the human body (through in- the effects of disinfectants on “Millions of people out of work,” the fall, provide another round of money to his original $250 bil- jection, ingestion or any other the virus and wondered aloud said House Speaker Nancy Pelo- direct payments to most people lion package and saying cash- route),” said the statement if they could be injected into si, D-Calif. “This is really a very, and help those who are laid off strapped states should be allowed from Reckitt Benckiser, par- people, saying the virus “does very, very sad day. We come to the afford health insurance through to declare bankruptcy, a move ent company of the maker of a tremendous number on the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a COBRA. that they currently cannot do and Lysol and Dettol. lungs, so it would be interest- huge number of people impacted, Democrats tried to win another that would threaten a broad range The White House claimed ing to check that.” and the uncertainty of it all.” round of funding for state and of state services. Reopen: Patchwork of approaches is taking place across the world

FROM FRONT PAGE gotten hundreds of calls in the last hour.” and New Jersey among U.S. states. to levels last seen during the Great Depres- On Friday, Trump was to hold a sign- Four women clutching face masks were In France, the government is leaving sion of the 1930s and raising the stakes ing ceremony for a bill providing a nearly waiting outside when the nail salon opened families to decide whether to keep children over how and when to ease shutdowns of $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spend- for the first time since March 26. at home or send them back to class when factories and other businesses. ing, rushing new relief to employers and “Yes, I am ready to get my nails fixed,” the nationwide lockdown, in place since Shutdown hotels, restaurants, bars and hospitals. said Alina Davis, a police officer for the March 17, starts to be eased May 11. cafes in Germany placed empty chairs in In Spain, parents face a similarly knotty Without a tried-and-tested action plan local school system, who kept working streets and squares Friday to highlight throughout the crisis. decision: whether to let kids get their first their economic suffering. The prospect of for how to pull countries out of coronavirus Meanwhile, Nikki Thomas is overdue for fresh air in weeks when the country starts sipping wine on a Paris sidewalk also is lockdown, the world is seeing a patchwork a visit to her hair stylist, but she’s barely Sunday to ease the total ban on letting them still far off: French authorities announced of approaches. Schools reopen in one coun- ventured outside her house in the six weeks outside. Even then, they will still have to that restaurants, bars and cafes won’t re- try, stay closed in others; face masks are since her employer, an Atlanta advertising abide by a “1-1-1” rule: no more than one open before June. an obligation here, a simple recommenda- company, mandated working from home on hour per day, within a few minutes walk of For many of the world’s poor, without tion there. March 12, and she had no plans to change their house and with no more than one su- social safety nets, idling at home or home- Kids still attend soccer practice in Swe- that now just because of Kemp’s decision. pervising adult. schooling kids with online classes are lux- den while they are not even allowed outside “It’s obviously extremely stupid and I’m The slowing of Spain’s horrific outbreak, uries beyond reach. in Spain. As governments and scientists simultaneously exhausted and so angry I which has killed more than 22,500 people, Even in the world’s wealthiest countries, fumble around, still struggling with so can barely see straight,” Thomas, 40, said made the prospect of letting kids out fea- reopening too much, too fast raises the pos- many unknowns, individuals are being left in a phone interview. sible. For the first time Friday, Spanish sibility of new infection spikes that again to take potentially life-affecting decisions. In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer health authorities counted more people overwhelm hospital ICUs. In Georgia, David Huynh had 60 clients lengthened her stay-at-home order through recovering from the disease in a 24-hour Japan initially seemed to have con- booked for appointments at his nail salon May 15, while lifting restrictions so some span than new infections. trolled its outbreak by going after clusters in Savannah, but a clothing store, jewelry businesses can reopen and the public can The imperative to reopen is largely driv- of infections. shop and chocolatier that share a street participate in outdoor activities like golf en by economics, with lockdowns bleeding But on Friday, Japanese medical experts corner with his downtown business, Envy and motorized boating during the corona- companies and government coffers of cash. issued a stark warning that the country’s Nail Bar, remained closed as he opened. virus pandemic. In a trend seen around the globe, roughly emergency medicine resources are reach- “The phone’s been staying ringing off Michigan has nearly 3,000 deaths re- 26 million Americans have filed for jobless ing a breaking point amid dire equipment the hook,” Huynh said. “We’ve probably lated to COVID-19, behind only New York aid in five weeks, pushing unemployment shortages. Saturday, April 25, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 9 VIRUS OUTBREAK ROUNDUP Neb. governor Ricketts warns of ‘civil unrest’ if meatpacking plants close

Associated Press longer businesses are closed, the greater the revenue shortfalls LINCOLN, Neb. — Gov. Pete will be,” said Carolyn Coleman, Ricketts said Thursday that he the league’s executive director. doesn’t plan to close any of Ne- braska’s meatpacking plants de- spite a surge in coronavirus cases Colorado in their surrounding communi- DENVER — A major meat- ties that have turned them into packing plant in Colorado that the state’s biggest COVID-19 hot was closed because of the coro- spots. navirus is set to reopen Friday Ricketts said he was concerned after disinfecting the facility over that shuttering the plants could the last two weeks, even as some hurt the state’s food supply and question how workers will be able lead to “civil unrest” if residents to maintain social distancing to were to suddenly lose access to curb the spread of the disease. meat. The JBS USA plant in Greeley “You want to talk about some was closed April 11 after health NATI HARNIK/AP of these protests going on right officials in Weld County cited now?” he said during a news con- the close proximity of workers to A Together Omaha food pantry worker hands a carton of eggs to a masked person driving up to the ference. “Think about how mad each other and employees work- pantry in Omaha, Neb., on Thursday . people were when they couldn’t ing while they were sick as fac- get paper products. Think about if tors in the outbreak. At least four Pritzker on Thursday extended casino on the Las Vegas Strip said extraordinary times that require they couldn’t get food. This is why workers have died and at least 102 his stay-at-home order through Thursday it was making plans to extraordinary measures.” it’s vitally important that we keep have tested positive, according to May 30 as the highly contagious reopen in three weeks and has our food processors open and do state health officials. COVID-19 continued to infect started accepting reservations Tennessee everything we can to ensure the “We feel that we are there,” Jill thousands in the state. for arrivals beginning May 15 supply chain because we would Hunsaker Ryan, executive direc- “Enough is enough!” Bailey — if the governor lifts his closure NASHVILLE — Gov. Bill Lee have civil unrest if that was not tor of Colorado’s health depart- said in a statement. “I filed this order involving the coronavirus has announced that restaurants the case.” ment, said at a news conference. lawsuit on behalf of myself and outbreak. in Tennessee will be allowed to His comments came as Dakota Weld County health officials my constituents who are ready Treasure Island’s announce- reopen Monday for dine-in ser- County, home to a Tyson plant, re- and JBS have developed a testing to go back to work and resume a ment came as a record wave of vice with reduced seating capac- ported 133 new COVID-19 cases and containment strategy that normal life.” Nevada residents filed new claims ity as part of his effort to reopen on Thursday, bringing its total to requires employees who show In the latest order, Pritzker for jobless benefits for a fifth large swaths of the state economy 246. Tyson has acknowledged that symptoms during a daily entry relaxed the decree to allow for straight week, bringing to more by the end of the month. some of its workers are among screening process to be tested. some outdoor activities and many than 343,000 the total since ca- Lee announced earlier this the infected, but it wouldn’t give Some say because of the way previously barred surgeries and sinos and other businesses were week that he would not extend his the exact number. At least one meatpacking plants are designed, medical treatments. It allows closed in mid-March to prevent mandatory safer-at-home order, employee died last Saturday. it will be difficult to make sure some retailers to reopen to fill the spread of the coronavirus. which expires April 30. Instead, Ricketts said employees who workers don’t spread the virus. online or pickup orders. The gov- The resort with nearly 3,000 the Republican said businesses worked close together at the ernor is requiring face coverings rooms posted a notice on its web- in 89 out of the state’s 95 counties plants may be responsible for Connecticut in public for anyone older than site announcing plans to reopen will be allowed to reopen. That some of the spread, but he argued 2, both indoors and outside if the all gambling and hotel operations did not include the state’s biggest that the local outbreaks may also NEW LONDON — The owner recommended 6-foot social dis- after May 14 “subject to change.” cities, including Nashville, Mem- be driven by large groups living of a 7-Eleven convenience store tance can’t be maintained. phis, Chattanooga and Knoxville. together in shared homes, as is in Connecticut has been arrested North Carolina Lee also said retail stores will common in many meatpacking for selling invalid COVID-19 test Michigan be allowed to reopen on Wednes- towns. kits, police said. CHARLOTTE — A number day as long as they limit their Coronavirus hot spots have Authorities received a tip on LANSING — Republicans who of beer and wine distributors in customer capacity to 50%, the surfaced in Hall, Dawson and Monday that a 7-Eleven store in control the Michigan Legislature North Carolina are volunteering same standard as restaurants. Dakota counties, all areas of New London was selling COVID- said they will meet Friday to pass their tractor-trailers to help stock Meanwhile, most of the state’s 56 Nebraska with meatpacking 19 home self-testing kits for bills to rein in the emergency the state’s grocery stores and parks will reopen on Friday, but plants and large concentrations $39.99 each. It was determined powers of Gov. Gretchen Whit- food pantries in the midst of the officials urged Tennesseans to of workers who often stand side the kits were not valid or were not mer and create a committee to coronavirus. still wear masks while visiting. by side to carve meat. The num- approved by health officials, ac- oversee the state’s response to the The NC Beer & Wine Whole- ber of cases in Hall County has cording to police. coronavirus outbreak, a dramatic salers and NC Retail Merchants Virginia even surpassed the Omaha area, Store owner Hussenin Aly- strike against the Democrat amid associations have joined forces to which has more than nine times elsherif, of Waterford, was arrest- the health crisis. provide its trucks and commer- CULPEPER — Two Republi- as many people. ed Wednesday with a criminal A spokeswoman for Whitmer cial drivers to get products to the can state senators are represent- summons for larceny in the fifth- promised a veto and said Repub- stores, The Charlotte Observer ing a gym owner who is suing California and sixth-degree. licans were “playing dangerous reports, noting the groups are Virginia’s governor over his ex- Alyelsherif told WVIT-TV that partisan games” while the gov- acting with the approval of the ecutive order that closed down SACRAMENTO — California’s he purchased a pack of 20 kits for ernor is focused on saving lives state ABC Commission. nonessential businesses amid the 482 cities say they will collectively $400 from a man who said they and controlling the spread of the Since Gov. Roy Cooper’s stay- coronavirus pandemic. lose $6.7 billion over the next two were authorized for use in other virus. at-home order went into effect State Sen. Bill Stanley and years because of the coronavirus countries. Police took the tests Republicans are unhappy with March 17, distributors lost about Ryan McDougle filed the lawsuit pandemic, prompting layoffs and before any were sold, he said. the breadth of Whitmer’s stay-at- a quarter of their business that in Culpeper County Tuesday on furloughs for public workers and home order, though polling shows normally delivers to restaurants behalf of Merrill C. “Sandy” Hall, potential cuts to basic services Illinois the public believes she made the and bars, said Tim Kent, execu- who owns several Gold’s Gym such as sanitation, public safety right calls. She is expected to tive director of NC Beer & Wine franchises. The lawsuit argues and housing. LOUISVILLE — A southern extend it past April 30 but with Wholesalers Association. Gov. Ralph Northam exceeded But that estimate, compiled by Illinois state lawmaker filed a modifications. Kent said seven companies are his authority when ordering the the League of California Cities, lawsuit Thursday against Gov. “Lives have unfortunately been helping in the volunteer effort. closure of nonessential business- assumes the stay-at-home order J.B. Pritzker for extending the lost in our state. Many people are So far, distributors have helped es, including fitness centers, on lifts by June 1 — an unlikely state’s stay-at-home order in an suffering. Livelihoods have been make Salisbury-based Food Lion March 23. scenario in a state where Gov. effort to stem the spread of the destroyed, and many freedoms store deliveries and Standard It also seeks relief from the ex- Gavin Newsom and public health coronavirus. are gone. Frankly, we deserve Distributors in Gastonia deliv- ecutive order so Hall can open up officials have said bans on large Republican State Rep. Darren better,” House Speaker Lee Chat- ered food from grocers and res- his businesses. While announcing gatherings and unnecessary Bailey of Xenia claims in the law- field of Levering said . taurants to Second Harvest Food the lawsuit, Stanley said the doors travel will likely extend well into suit filed in Clay County Circuit Bank in Charlotte, he said. of the gyms should “no longer be summer. Court that Pritzker has exceeded Nevada “I’ve got drivers willing to help shuttered” and “need to be re- “Obviously, the longer the stay- his authority and is violating the anyone having distribution dif- opened,” The Richmond Times- at-home orders are in place, the civil rights of the state’s residents. LAS VEGAS — A major hotel- ficulties,” Kent said. “These are Dispatch reported. PAGE 10 •STARS AND STRIPES• Saturday, April 25, 2020 NATION/WORLD GOP pins virus fallout on Dems Biden in favor of Associated Press cratic governors has challenges. Right now, stay-at-home orders HARRISBURG, Pa. — With mail vote are broadly popular with both legions out of work, Republicans Democrats and Republicans, across the critical battleground Associated Press according to a new AP-NORC states are trying to lay blame for survey. ATLANTA — Presumptive the economic wreckage of the And Americans have generally Democratic presidential nominee coronavirus outbreak on Demo- Joe Biden is calling on Congress cratic governors, ramping up a given higher marks to their state government’s response than to to provide enough money for political strategy that is likely to every state to allow voters to cast shape the debate in the run-up to the federal response. Meanwhile, Trump’s approval rating has been a ballot by mail this November the presidential election. amid the coronavirus pandemic. In Wisconsin, Michigan and stagnant. “Some politicians who started In making that pitch during Pennsylvania — all three swing an online fundraiser Thursday states with Democrats in charge off this crisis with more goodwill and higher ratings might be able night, Biden blasted President — state Republican lawmak- Donald Trump for working to ers, after an initial detente, have to (avoid blame), but I don’t see where the president can do that,” block emergency funding for the grown fiercely critical of the cash-strapped U.S. Postal Ser- said Christopher Nicholas, a stay-at-home orders or business vice, which would handle tens of Pennsylvania-based Republican shutdowns imposed by gover- millions of ballots this fall. Biden campaign strategist. nors to limit the spread of the said it’s evidence that Trump al- But polling does find some coronavirus, casting them as the ready is trying to “undermine” PAUL SANCYA/AP growing impatience with the virus work of overzealous, nanny-state the election and make it more dif- Democrats. Protesters stand on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol in restrictions, particularly among ficult for Americans to vote. In Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, Lansing, Mich., on April 15. Republicans. In late March, 60% “We have to make it easier for GOP legislators have gone so far of Republicans living in states everybody to be able to vote, par- as to try to strip the Democratic Republican state Rep. Aaron potential political disaster ahead led by Democratic governors ap- ticularly if we are still basically governors of the power to enforce Bernstine of Pennsylvania told for Republicans if jobs do not re- proved of their state’s response. in the kind of lockdown circum- the restrictions on businesses. a protest of hundreds of people turn by November and Trump is But the new AP-NORC poll found stances we are in now,” Biden Stay-at-home orders have been Monday at the state Capitol. It blamed for unemployment. that share had slipped to 49% in told about 650 donors. “But that imposed by Republican and was one of several staged across Between Wisconsin, Michigan just three weeks. takes a lot of money, and it’s going Democratic governors alike, act- the country in the past two weeks, and Pennsylvania, all of which In the interim, Trump ap- to require us to provide money ing on the advice of state and fed- and another was scheduled for narrowly flipped to Republican peared to have shifted his focus for states and insist they provide eral health officials and guidance Friday in Wisconsin’s capital. in the 2016 presidential election from managing the public health mail-in ballots.” from President Donald Trump. In Pennsylvania, Republican and handed Trump his victory, crisis to looking ahead to “reopen- It’s perhaps Biden’s most ex- But the backlash comes as some state Rep. Russ Diamond blasted more than 3 million people have ing“ the economy. Governors plicit call for a national mail elec- governors, mostly Republicans, Gov. Tom Wolf’s “lockdown,” filed for unemployment benefits, have broad authority to impose tion since COVID-19 upended the are beginning to ease their or- while GOP state Sen. Doug Mas- and economists expect that high and lift the stay-at-home orders 2020 campaign and every aspect ders, and the GOP, led by Trump, triano urged protesters to “rise unemployment will last well be- that closed businesses, parks of American life. The former vice is attempting to position itself as up” and “say ‘no’ to tyranny.” yond November’s election. and schools. The White House president doesn’t propose elimi- the defender of the economy, even The hard-line messages marked Before the virus hit, Trump and has issued guidance on the pub- nating in-person voting. But he if it means taking health risks. the arrival of a more contentious his party had planned on running lic health conditions that should said state and local officials must “We’re going to pressure this phase in the virus fallout — the on a strong economy. The new be met before those orders are do more to make polling locations governor. We’re going to get you political fight over who to blame reality forces Republicans on the eased, but Trump has called on conform to public health proto- guys your jobs. We’re going to for the economic devastation. ballot to adjust. some of his supporters to “LIB- cols, while steering voters toward get money back in your pocket!” Implicit in the messaging is the But the effort to target Demo- ERATE!” their states. other options. Mass shooting in Canada started with assault on girlfriend

Associated Press the woods, called 911 and gave police de- tailed information about the suspect in- TORONTO — Canada’s worst mass cluding that he was driving a mock police shooting erupted from an argument be- car and was in police uniform. tween the gunman and his girlfriend, More than an hour later, police started who survived the attack, police confirmed Friday. receiving 911 calls more than 35 miles Royal Canadian Mounted Police Supt. away. Campbell said the suspect killed Darren Campbell said the weekend shoot- three people he knew and set the house on ing rampage started with an assault by the fire. suspect on his girlfriend and ended with 22 He also shot a woman on the street and people dead in communities across central pulled cars over and shot and killed people, and northern Nova Scotia. Campbell said. “She did manage to escape. That could He later shot and injured a male police well have been the catalyst of events,” officer in his car. The officer managed to Campbell said. escape and survived. Campbell then said Campbell also said they are not dis- there was a collision between a female of- counting that the suspect planned some of ficer’s police car and the gunman’s mock the murders. police car. He shot and killed the officer. He said the girlfriend hid overnight Campbell said he then killed a witness who in the woods from the suspect, who has arrived on the scene. been identified as 51-year-old Gabriel He then drove to a house and killed a Wortman. woman he knew before removing his po- Police have said Wortman acted alone in lice uniform and stealing her car. He then the shooting spree that killed 22 people in drove to get gas and was shot by a police several rural communities. officer who happened to be at the gas sta- Campbell said they found 13 deceased tion refueling. victims in the rural community of Por- The suspect was shot to death at 11:26 on tapique, where the suspect lived part time. ANDREW VAUGHAN, THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP Sunday morning, about 13 hours after the He said when police arrived, they discov- attacks began. ered a man shot. The man reported he was A couple place a flag at a memorial for shooting victims in Portapique, Nova Scotia, on Police have said Wortman carried out driving when someone in what looked like Wednesday. much of the attack disguised as a police a police car shot him. He survived and was officer in a vehicle marked to seem like a transported to hospital. in the community. Campbell said the sus- side homes. patrol car. Campbell said he had a few cars They were several homes on fire, in- pect had a pistol and several long barreled Campbell said at about 6:30 a.m., Wort- that police believe were former police ve- cluding the suspect’s, when police arrived guns. They found several dead in and out- man’s girlfriend emerged from hiding in hicles. His home was destroyed by fire. Saturday, April 25, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 11 HEALTH & FITNESS Getting back to normal Is a second wave of infections avoidable? iStock

BY JOHN WOOLFOLK test. We won’t fi nd cases if we’re not testing and able to The Mercury News identify outbreaks.” Widespread availability of tests that could confi rm that someone has unknowingly been infected and recovered ur unprecedented stay-home orders to check the deadly from the disease — many get only mild symptoms more coronavirus’ spread are showing signs of success, but they like a cold or infl uenza and don’t get tested — will also be helpful. can’t last forever, and health offi cials are scrambling to fi gure “If you’re immune, you can go back to work,” Luby out when and how they might ease the restrictions without said. “Maybe that’s who you can have as a front line O health worker, a waiter at your table. We’re not there, but unleashing a surge of new infections. that’s much sooner, likely in weeks or months.” Luby said it would make sense to start lifting restric- When they let us go out again, will we still be expected to wear masks? tions for people by age group because the disease hits Will they be checking our temperatures at schools or our COVID-19 harder with age. “We are going to have to go back to work — the fi rst status to enter restaurants, stores and workplaces? Will there still be thing we could do is let young people go back,” Luby said. “The data are so clear it is older people who are more at sneeze shields and six-foot spacing markers at the grocery checkouts? risk.” That, too, would come with a major trade-off: Infected Health offi cials in California’s Bay Area are just start- and aggressive testing and case monitoring were hailed people without symptoms are still capable of spreading ing to build consensus around what sorts of benchmarks as a model for containing the outbreak. It has since the virus. might signal it’s safe to begin lifting rigid social-distanc- ordered schools and nonessential workplaces to close Smith envisions a gradual reversal of the stay-home ing restrictions and how to go about it. They are keeping temporarily. orders, likely starting at the statewide level and then an eye overseas, as China just lifted its strict quarantine “One thing we know is when we start backing off of so- regionally as local health offi cials gain confi dence that of Wuhan, the city where the outbreak originated, after cial distancing,” Smith said, “there will be new transmis- sustained levels of new cases have dropped to a level 76 days. sions because they will occur.” where they can handle a new cluster of infections. “There’s a lot to consider if we’re going to make this The key, Smith said, is to get to a point where the health “Each community is going to have to respond to their work and not fall backwards and have to do this all over system can effectively manage new spikes in cases with- local conditions,” said Smith, who expects the Bay Area again,” said former California Public Health Offi cer Dr. out having to reimpose widespread lockdowns. to act together as one community. Karen Smith, who has been a lead adviser to Santa Clara One key that epidemiologists agree will be needed is Shelter-in-place will gradually give way to allowing County’s health offi cer. “As far as I know, nobody has a far more extensive testing to identify who has already more types of businesses to open and permission for plan. A lot of people have ideas.” been infected and when people become sick so they can progressively larger public gatherings, with concerts, Since the Bay Area announced the nation’s fi rst stay- be isolated and others who have come in contact with parades and sporting events the last home orders March 16 — and Gov. Gavin Newsom soon to come back, Smith said. followed with a similar statewide decree — the rate of Experts envision repeated, smaller new infections has slowed, a sign of what epidemiologists ‘ The timelines tend to be longer than we’d like. infection spikes along the way. call “fl attening the curve” of new cases. But the virus “It will come in waves, maybe three has ravaged states that acted later, like New York. Now, There’s only one time a vaccine was developed waves, four waves,” said Dr. Robyn whether the Bay Area leads the way in reversing the fast enough to interrupt an outbreak, and that Gershon, clinical professor at New lockdown remains to be seen. Local offi cials and Newsom York University School of Global have made clear it won’t happen soon. was in Hollywood in the movie “Contagion.” ’ Public Health. “We’re working really hard thinking about what would Dr. Stephen Luby And many of the markers of life the signals be in order to relax a little bit,” Santa Clara Epidemiologist and professor of with the coronavirus — keeping six County Health Offi cer Dr. Sara Cody said. “It’s going to medicine at Sanford University feet apart from each other, wearing take a while to fi gure that out.” face masks in public — are likely to Only a few things will truly end the COVID-19 pan- continue as restrictions ease. “I think demic that has sickened more than 1.6 million people and them can be tracked down and monitored. A “roadmap people will get used to masking in public,” Smith said. killed more than 97,000 worldwide: an effective cure for to reopening” by the American Enterprise Institute, a With health departments already stretched thin, they the disease, a vaccine to shield people from it, or enough Washington, D.C., think tank, said we’ll need the capabil- will need help to effectively monitor the newly infected people catching it to build up “herd immunity” in the ity to test 750,000 people a week. There have been 2.4 and their close contacts when restrictions lift, Smith said. population. None of those are close. million tested in the U.S. to date, according to the COVID Health offi cials are looking at increasing staffi ng, per- “The timelines tend to be longer than we’d like,” said Tracking project. haps with trained volunteers to do case monitoring, and Dr. Stephen Luby, an epidemiologist and professor of Aggressive testing, tracing and monitoring of people using technology like cellphone applications to help. medicine at Stanford University who is researching vac- who were in contact with the infected is what helped The technology wouldn’t be used to enforce restric- cines. “There’s only one time a vaccine was developed Asian countries hit earlier in the outbreak tamp down tions like in China and some other Asian countries, Smith fast enough to interrupt an outbreak, and that was in Hol- infection rates and limit public restrictions. said, but more as a means of staying in contact with the lywood in the movie ‘Contagion.’ ” Before we get to that next phase, Smith said that local infected or exposed. Only about 0.14% of the U.S. population is confi rmed so offi cials will be looking to see that new hospitalization “We just want to be continuously in contact with far to have caught the disease, and although more people admissions — which they consider a more reliable indica- people, fi nd out each day how they’re doing, what symp- likely have been infected than tested, it is assumed the tor of both the extent and impact of infections — subside toms they have,” Smith said. vast majority of people remain at risk of the illness when for at least two weeks to a level where hospitals have the But while health offi cials are wary of removing re- restrictions lift. capacity to handle new case clusters. That will vary from strictions too soon, they also worry the public will lose Health experts expect that any lifting of restrictions place to place. patience. will unleash new waves of infections. That just happened “We want to fi rst and foremost be sure to have ad- “The longer this goes on,” Smith said, “the harder it is in Singapore, a city-state whose early social distancing equate hospital capacity,” Smith said. “And we have to to tell people you have to keep interrupting your life.” PAGE 12 •STARS AND STRIPES• Saturday, April 25, 2020 VIDEO GAMES

So you want to be a gamer? Here’s why right now is a good time to get started

iStock BY GENE PARK Consider buying a Nintendo Switch (or another console) The Washington Post ven though more than 67 percent of Americans If you’re new to gaming, there are three great op- since the Mario or Tetris days, you’ll be pleased to play video games (according to research com- tions for beginners, and chances are you already own know that the newer versions of those games are even pany EEDAR), becoming a gamer can seem like one or two of them: a smartphone or PC. To expand more inviting than ever before, and most, if not all, of your options, we recommend getting a Nintendo them are on the Switch. And for a $20 Nintendo Online a diffi cult challenge. The range of consoles, pe- Switch. subscription, you can play old Nintendo and Super ripherals and titles can feel like an insurmount- E Games made in house by Nintendo (called “fi rst- Nintendo games via a free app on the Switch. Check to able obstacle to fi guring out just where to begin. party” games, as opposed to other “third-party” see if your favorites are already available. But despite how steep the learning curve may appear studios) are very deliberately and laboriously designed When it comes to choosing the regular Switch or the (and how many buttons are on the newer controllers), to appease players of all levels. It’s been Nintendo’s Switch Lite, we’re going to recommend the regular gaming is actually easier to get into today than it ever has mission since the 1980s to design games and hardware Switch outright. The Lite is great if you’re going to been. Developers are keen on expanding their audience, that expands the gaming audience. play alone, but gives you little-to-no options to play and many deliberately design games to make them more If you’re someone who hasn’t touched a video game with your family or friends. accessible to new players. Moreover, the wide range of titles means there’s pretty much a fun game for everyone. Small developers (indies) have stepped up to fi ll in voids as multi- million “AAA” studios focus on keeping the mass audience The case for the PS4 Making the most of mobile gaming of experienced gamers. If you’re looking for a more powerful console, the If you have an iOS or Android device, you already “There’s so many more potential ways today to get started PlayStation 4 or Xbox One are the two to consider. have the most popular gaming platform. Even if you and to fi nd the game that is exactly what you want, com- They’re a bit more intimidating than a Switch, but have an iPhone 6 or older iPad, you’ve got a perfectly pared to before where you were looking for different fl avors they boast a bigger game library, particularly for capable gaming device. of graphics-heavy action games,” said researcher Nick Yee, people looking for a graphically beautiful game with The only thing you might consider getting is a con- founder of consulting fi rm Quantic Foundry. a rich story or competitive multiplayer game. troller. You can game using the touch screen controls, Yee has consulted with many developers on tailoring their To that end, we recommend the PlayStation 4, but for more complicated, engaging games like the games to specifi c audiences, creating a chart of “gamer mo- which boasts a better library of exclusives, including ones we’ll recommend, you should consider either the tivations” to help. It’s not enough that someone might want a “God of War” and the “Uncharted” series. Those Xbox One controller or the cheaper PlayStation Du- strategy or a farming game, Yee says. What matters is how games aren’t the most friendly for beginners, but alShock 4. Both pair perfectly well via Bluetooth with that gamer feels, and whether their experience is enough to they set the bar for quality. either smartphone system, and it’s a cheap way to get keep them going. Quantic Foundry offers a free fi ve-minute The one wrinkle with both the PlayStation 4 and survey for anyone who wants to fi nd out their motivation Xbox One: Sony and Microsoft (the respective mak- a console-like experience. If you opt for an Xbox One for gaming (or life in general): Are you competitive? Do you ers of both consoles) insist their next-generation controller, make sure it’s a recent one with Bluetooth feel rewarded through achievement? Do you want to be im- consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X) are still support. mersed and get lost in a story and fantasy world? Or do you being released later this year. But as you all know, just want to meet new people? Yee likens shopping for video it’s a long year. games to fi nding the right perfume scent. Here’s our advice: Just buy the console you want It’s probably best to avoid PCs for now “You can say, ‘I like the smell of this perfume,’ but unless now. Nintendo isn’t going to be updating its stable If you have a PC running Windows, check your you understand perfume notes and the way they interact, it’s anytime this year, and the PlayStation 4 library is so system specifi cations, and then check the PC re- hard to describe what you want to a salesperson,” Yee said. robust, you’ll have more than enough entertainment “That’s the same situation with games. Showing the table to for years. New gamers won’t need a PlayStation 5, quirements for your chosen game. But given all the people is helpful because it grounds them in the framework and even if you want to upgrade, Sony says most (but variables and complications that go into PC setups of games, and the vocabulary.” not all) of its games for PS4 will play on the PS5. (consistently changing hardware requirements for If you’re interested in exploring the gaming world, one The Xbox One S is a tougher proposition, since it new games, driver updates, etc.), we can’t recom- of the best places to start is by taking the survey for gamer has a weaker library. But the titles are often on sale mend PC gaming until you get your feet wet oth- motivations. Armed with that vocabulary, you’ll be about as for cheap. Moreover, the console makes a decent TV erwise. Consoles are (usually) cheaper than most ready as you’ll ever be to dive in. To get you closer to that box top for your living space, allowing you to use it gaming PCs, and are defi nitely simpler to use and starting line, here are our intro-level recommendations on as a hub for your cable in addition to your streaming maintain. where to begin. apps. CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 Saturday, April 25, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 13 VIDEO GAMES FROM PAGE 12 Untitled Goose Game (all consoles, Story/immersion Creativity/discovery Windows/Macintosh): The indie darling Now we’re going to recommend a You want to become someone else, feel Do you call yourself a creative? This is few games based off categories of Yee’s of 2019 is a simple, two-button game of getting a goose through a town and mak- as if you’re somewhere else. For you, the your category. Each of these games offer motivations. These aren’t all the newest narrative, the characters and plot are literally millions of ways to express your- games, but they’re popular, acclaimed ing mischief. You do this by interacting with the environment. The fi rst task, for what keeps you interested and playing. self through art, fashion and personality. titles mostly designed to minimize any Like watching a good HBO show, you Animal Crossing: New Horizons prohibitive learning curves. example, is as simple as opening a farm gate. Your next task is a variety, including can’t wait to see what happens next. (Nintendo Switch): It’s the “it” game of Social/community moving certain objects around to some- Journey (iOS, PlayStation 4, PC): Also the current pandemic, and for good rea- thing more complicated like distracting made by thatgamecompany, Journey is an son. The game is simple in how it controls Video games offer opportunities to arresting adventure meant to emphasize and simulates a busy day of errands and make new friends. Contrary to popular the farmer so you could run past him. Un- titled Goose Game is an excellent teacher the smallness of our existence, and the work. The game’s objectives are as simple stereotypes, many gamer communities wonder and curiosity that comes with as “collecting fruit” or “chopping down are often welcoming and eager to help you of how to pick out important visual cues you can interact with in gaming. living in a large, scary world. Like Sky, it’s trees,” largely done with just two buttons. ease your way into a game’s systems and a game primarily about moving through But the real reward is customizing your rules. We recommend you fi nd a forum Portal 2 (Windows/Macintosh): This might seem like the most advanced game beautiful environments. Journey is often town (or in this case, island) and char- or message board (such as Resetera), a game cited whenever anyone questions acter. There’s a lot of freedom to tailor Facebook Group or Reddit subreddit that so far, but mechanically it’s very simple, and like Minecraft the artistic merits of a video game story. the appearances of buildings, streets, focuses entirely on your game of choice. It’s also another great introduction to environments and your own home to your (This advice holds for every category, by is a great way to ac- climate to 3D, fi rst- understanding visual cues, as the game exact aesthetic. the way.) relies on your own curiosity to explore. The Sims 4 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Don’t ask questions under YouTube person movement. The goal of Portal is The Walking Dead, Season 1 (iOS/An- Windows/MacOS): If you want a life simu- videos or any other generalized forum droid, all consoles, Windows/MacOS): The lator more grounded in reality, The Sims like Twitter. It’s a waste of time. It’s to simply get from one side of the room Walking Dead game is often considered a series has been an introduction to gaming important that you fi nd communities that better written story for the past two decades. It’s a life simula- are specifi cally focused on your game of to the other, all while using a special gun than its namesake tor, job simulator and home builder all in choice. That’s where you’ll fi nd the best TV show. You play one, all free of any prohibitive mechanics. information. that shoots two por- tals for you to travel as a felon who takes And the topic matter is easy to grasp since It’s also important to note that most a little girl under his it deals with modern day-to-day issues gaming platforms have a voice chat mute through. Portal 2 also tells a hilarious wing to survive the like getting a job, fi lling out your fridge, function. Each game and console have zombie apocalypse. going to yoga or even raising a family. their own rules, so Google is your best story with award- winning dialogue. But most importantly, The game introduces friend in tracking those down. But if you many things to new Action/excitement want to keep things quiet and reduce it’s a very engaging introduction to how video game physics can work, how objects players, including This is the stereotypical video game trolling to zero, muting everyone is your visual cues and some genre. You want to be thrilled, and you best bet. interact and bounce off the environment and yourself. limited navigation want something more fast-paced, with just Minecraft (iOS/Android, all consoles, (which makes it a little bit of mayhem in the mix. These Windows): There’s probably no better Achievement/power growth easier), but the most are probably the hardest types of games “modern game as training wheels.” It’s You don’t just love collecting and com- important thing is that it forces players to for beginners, but there are still plenty of history’s most popu- options to ease your way in. petition, you want it all and you want to make decisions that impact how the story lar game for several New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe be the best. This is a great category for plays out in dramatically different ways. reasons. It’s incred- (Nintendo Switch): It’s the same 2D Mario perfectionists and overachievers. Playing on a touch screen with your phone ibly easy to run on or tablet might actually be the ideal way, game you know and love, and it’s one of Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu/Let’s Go any device, includ- since many of the game’s actions require the best ever made. Better yet, you can Eevee (Nintendo Switch): At their core, ing just about any simple button presses. play through the game as two characters Pokemon games are simply “rock, paper, PC. It’s Oregon Trail Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (iOS/ (Toadette and Nabbit) designed for inex- scissors” with a few more rules. Water for the 21st century. Android, all consoles, Windows): Phoe- perienced players. Both make the game Pokemon beats fi re Pokemon, fi re Poke- And most impor- nix Wright is credited as popularizing signifi cantly easier, with Nabbit being all mon burns grass, grass defeats water, tantly, it gives new the “visual novel” format of gaming in but invincible. Last century, Mario games and so on. There are more variations of players a low-stakes, the West. You play as a green criminal trained the world on how to navigate a 2D low-stress environ- this, but it rarely gets more complicated. defense lawyer in his early 20s. It’s part game. Toadette and Nabbit are there to ment to get used Plus, the Pokemon story might feed your murder-mystery, part court procedural make sure it stays that way. to moving in a 3-D competitive spirit since the games are all drama. You simply choose what to say, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (iOS/ space. Once you’re acclimated to Mine- about “catching them all” and advancing and you use logic to provide evidence in Android, all consoles, Windows/MacOS): craft, you could graduate to other games. as a Pokemon trainer. While Pokemon court, which is all great training for more The LEGO brand action games are perfect Or you could join millions of others on Sword and Shield are the newer games, complex role-playing games. But while for inexperienced players, since there’s already-created servers to keep playing the Let’s Go titles of 2018 are remakes of the gameplay is simple, the story isn’t. no real way to lose in them. If your LEGO and fi nd your community. the ’90s originals, which introduced an You won’t want to stop until you can rest Spider-Man “dies,” he just simply pops Sky (iOS): An award-winning indie entire generation to the role-playing game your case. back in and you can keep going. Any Lego- developer, thatgamecompany is known concept. There’s no better place to start. branded action game will do, but the Mar- for making beloved, easy-to-play games Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo vel characters add some familiarity and that are meant to stir universal emo- Switch): Even if you have a driver’s variety. These games can be played with tions like curiosity and wonder. Sky is an license, it’s sometimes tough to stay on local cooperative multiplayer, so they’re online multiplayer game that enables only the road in racing fun and accessible for the whole family. encouraging or helpful actions — actions games. The latest We’ve yet to discuss a lot of aspects which can be ignored, if you so choose. Mario Kart on the about gaming, including general gaming Cooperative play only makes an easygo- Switch fi xes this rules about controls and the online ser- ing game even easier, which is in itself a by offering “Smart vices offered. Every game and every plat- reward, if only because it makes it easier Steering,” which en- form offers something different, and when to absorb the gorgeous sights and sounds. sures you never fall it comes to more granular aspects, Google People of all ages play this, and it’s a great or hit the sides of the and YouTube are your best friends. Gam- game to share with family. And because road. This feature is ers and gaming studios have been putting it has no enemies, no time limit and no the perfect training up guides and instructions for the past pressure, it’s a great way to get used to 3D wheels system to two decades, and the Internet is full of movement. get you started on good, tried-and-true advice. competitive racing Mastery/strategy/ games. Start with decision-making Mario Kart, and eventually you can work Consider these games if you’re a person your way up to more robust driving games who thinks in the long term. This type of like the Gran Turismo or Forza Horizon gamer might keep a cool head to think series, which offer endless amounts of clearly and plan ahead, fi nding fulfi llment cars and upgrades. not just in making decisions, but seeing Diablo 3 (all consoles, Windows): the results play out. While Pokemon is on the easy side of Tetris 99 (Nintendo Switch): It’s mostly the RPG spectrum, the Diablo series the game you remember, and it’s free. You is a little more involving and action do play by yourself for the most part, but intensive. But the third installment there is a competitive twist. You’re also from 2012 is extremely affordable competing with 98 other players to see today, and its movement isn’t much how long you can keep your screen free of more complicated than the original blocks. It’s another layer of pressure, but Zelda games. Sure, the system to “level Tetris has never been an easygoing game. up” might be a bit more complicated It gives you a taste of online competition than Pokemon, but it’s a great introduction in a game where almost anyone can im- to understanding the quest for more pow- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe mediately grasp the rules. erful, more attractive “loot” in games. Nintendo PAGE 14 •STARS AND STRIPES• Saturday, April 25, 2020 VIDEO GAMES

In Resident Evil 3, the 1999 survival horror classic has been reimagined with cutting- edge graphics and gameplay. Capcom photos

Battling the undead — again RE3: Superb graphics, good level design, but it’s still the zombie apocalypse

BY CHRISTOPHER BYRD sin — a hulking “bioweapon,” code-named standard diffi culty level, ammo isn’t plenti- Special to The Washington Post Nemesis, who is dedicated to exterminating ful but it isn’t vexingly scarce either. Enemy any member of the Special Tactics and Res- placement and resources are carefully dis- ’m typically numb to the cultural fi xation cue Service (S.T.A.R.S.). Following a frantic tributed throughout the map to tease players with zombies. One can see only so many escape from her apartment, Jill fi nds herself with the possibility that they might run out of instances of brain munching and ex- on the zombie-overrun streets of Raccoon ammo. By contrast, Carlos’ sections are more Iposed entrails before the power to shock City where she eventually runs into Carlos action-oriented. Because he’s armed with an begins to dim. That said, when the Resident Oliveira, a mercenary who works for the assault rifl e, the developers can throw more Evil series is at its best I can ignore how cliche Umbrella Corporation. foes in his direction. Save for an intense the whole zombie-killing enterprise is. Carlos’ employer was responsible for the shootout at a hospital, Carlos’ missions feel Capcom has recently been on a remake manufacture of the biological agent that more forgiving. kick. The recent release of Resident Evil turns people into zombies. Carlos, however, is Progress unfolds by scurrying back and 3 comes a little more than a year after the a genial dupe who understands his mission to forth across levels, fi nding an item here that release of its numerical predecessor. Surpris- be a humanitarian one. Although Jill takes an can be used over there. Much of the game’s ingly, I’ve found it to be my favorite of the initial dislike to him, the two work together to tension arises from the dread of wondering past three games because of its brisk pacing try to restore Raccoon City’s subway system if you’ll make it back to a save point with the and the ways in which it varies the tempo of to help evacuate civilians. item you need to open another branch of the the action. Players alternate between Jill and Carlos map. I appreciate how well the level design Resident Evil 3 wastes no time establishing over the length of the campaign. Jill’s sec- works to play off the sense of the frustration its zombie apocalypse scenario. At the start, tions hew closer to the survival horror tem- that comes from smacking into locked doors, special agent Jill Valentine, who works for plate of Resident Evil 2. For most of the fi rst and the corresponding delight that comes the Raccoon City police department, awak- half of the game, Jill must rely on a handgun from fi nally opening them. The intricate level ens from a zombie-tinted nightmare only to and shotgun to put down the various types of design is purpose-built for generating waves fi nd herself terrorized by a monstrous assas- hellish creatures that cross her path. On the of tension. One of my problems with most horror games is that repeated encounters with the same enemy types diminish their possibility to unnerve. On that score, Resident Evil 3 does a decent job of introducing new enemies and presenting different variations of Jill’s arch foe, Nemesis. Though I can’t say I found the game to be that scary, I did hope that the game’s monstrous bugs, which like to jump on people and inject a colony of parasitical maggots down their throats, wouldn’t crop up in my dreams. The true star of Resident Evil 3, though, is the superb RE graphics engine, which debuted in 2017’s Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. Environments in the game are dramatically lit and brimming with details. As I made my way through the campaign, I couldn’t help but wonder how the engine will scale after the release of the next-generation consoles. Parts of the game, such as the opening in Jill’s apartment, look positively cinematic — so textured and atmospheric that one can almost imagine video games drawing near the end of the uncanny valley in our life- times. If and when that should occur, I hope that Capcom will have found another horror template than zombies. Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One Online: residentevil.com/re3 Saturday, April 25, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES• PAGE 15 AMERICAN ROUNDUP Hunter kills bobcat that attacked his head

SPRINGFIELD — A MO Missouri hunter is recovering from a wound to the back of his head after being at- tacked by a bobcat. The Springfield News-Leader reports that the hunter, from Clever, Mo., was turkey hunt- ing on Monday, the first day of the turkey season. According to a Missouri Department of Con- servation report obtained by the newspaper, the hunter was using a turkey call to lure birds in. Instead, the noise got the atten- tion of a large male bobcat, which pounced on the hunter, forcing him to kill the bobcat. Conservation agent Jeff Harris wrote in his report that the hunter “felt a crash on his shoulder and head as if he was being attacked.” The hunter fought it off, then shot the bobcat. Man accused of selling fake movie rights

CONCORD — A man NH admitted to stealing over $100,000 from people by selling them fake ownership in- DAVID ZALUBOWSKI/AP terests in several films and then using the money for himself, the U.S. attorney’s office in New Not exactly par for the course Hampshire said. Shiva Chandan Reddy Thudi, A golfer in a unicorn outfit putts out on the first hole of the city of Denver’s Harvard Gulch Golf Course after it opened with the relaxation of 26, of Irving Texas, recently restrictions imposed by the state’s efforts to stop the spread of the new coronavirus Wednesday in Denver. pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud. had hit him with her van after Authorities say it was discov- Court documents say Thudi, THE CENSUS they got into an argument while ered that Paul had built several who attended college in New drinking alcohol together. incendiary devices that could be Hampshire from 2015-2017, told The number of baby otters welcomed recently by the Jacksonville Zoo According to a police report, fired through a blow dart gun. people he was seeking investors and Gardens.The two male and two female Asian small-clawed otter tire tracks were found in the grass During a search of Paul’s to share in the profits of busi- pups were born on Dec. 28, according to a news release from the zoo. leading up to the home where the residence, Albuquerque police ness ventures that involved his It’s the second birth for parents Carlisle and Harley. Animal care staff victim was located. 4 reported finding 22 explosive producing and distributing films. have kept the newborns behind the scenes as a precaution, the release The police report says the vic- darts. In reality, he wasn’t a movie pro- said. Typically, Asian small-clawed otters remain in their den for several weeks. tim loaned Howell $85 and re- A police bomb squad tried to ducer or distributor. The pups are now up to about a pound each. quested she pay him back while remotely disassemble one of the they were in the home before an homemade explosive darts at Police: Driver swerves argument started. which time the device detonated, The Allegheny County health A deputy says Howell is ac- Mother and son chase but there were no injuries. to avoid birds, hits man department said the cat was cused of getting into her van, driver who ran over dog recently brought to the depart- backing up and then accelerat- PENNSVILLE — A ment’s laboratory after if was GBI says files accessed ing forward, striking the victim NJ driver who swerved his NEWTON — A mother picked up in the borough of East for personal use with the front end of the vehicle car to avoid hitting two turkey NC and son accused of try- Pittsburgh. buzzards on a southern New Jer- and hitting the front door of the ing to attack a North Carolina de- Four animals have tested posi- CARTERSVILLE — A sey roadway struck and killed a home. livery driver who ran over a dog tive for rabies in the county so far supervisor at a North man who was securing a backhoe GA have been charged with assault- this year: a bat, a cat, a ground- Georgia 911 center was arrested onto a flatbed trailer, authorities Rock thrower breaks related offenses, a sheriff’s office hog and a raccoon the depart- and accused of accessing crimi- said. windows at cathedral said. ment said. Last year, 25 animals nal files for personal use, authori- The accident in Pennsville oc- Catawba County deputies ar- were confirmed to have rabies ties said. curred shortly after 10 a.m. Tues- rived outside of a North Carolina TUCSON — A man has in the county: a dozen raccoons, Stormie Watkins, 52, of Cart- day, township police said. Highway Patrol station where been arrested on accu- nine bats, two cats, a fox and a ersville, was arrested Monday The driver, identified only as AZ they found Maxwell Dixon, 23, sations that he threw rocks that groundhog. by the Georgia Bureau of Inves- a 72-year-old Pennsville man, and his mother, Sandy Dixon, 51, broke stained-glass windows at tigation and charged with three struck Dustin Schmidt, 33, also engaging with a delivery employ- a 123-year-old cathedral in Tuc- counts of computer invasion of of Pennsville, police said. The car ee, the office said in a statement. Man arrested after son, police said Tuesday. privacy, news outlets reported. also hit the trailer before over- The driver told deputies he ac- They said Steven Henry Trejo, explosion at home The GBI said Watkins was a turning, but the driver wasn’t cidentally hit a dog on his route, 57, also is accused of vandalizing supervisor at a 911 call center in injured. and the Dixons began to chase windows of parked cars and at a ALBUQUERQUE Bartow County. Schmidt suffered head injuries him in a car after he drove down Tucson apartment complex. NM — A man has been Her position allowed her to ac- and was pronounced dead at the the road to call his supervisor. In- Police say Trejo was arrested arrested in connection with an cess Georgia Crime Information scene, police said. vestigators determined Maxwell Monday night after the rock- explosion in south Albuquerque Center files only for legitimate Dixon fired three shots toward throwing incidents. involving homemade darts, Ber- purposes, GBI spokesman Brian the delivery vehicle as the driver Man run over following Diocese of Tucson officials say nalillo County authorities said Johnston said. The Crime Infor- attempted to escape and get help, Tuesday. mation Center manages a state- argument over $85 they’re trying to get damage re- the sheriff’s office said. pair estimates. Jess Paul, 63, was taken into wide database of crime files. The driver was not struck, of- custody on suspicion of posses- Bartow County Sheriff’s Office HOBBS — A New They say the stained-glass win- ficials confirmed. NM Mexico woman is fac- dows affected were on both the sion of an explosive device or in- investigators discovered Watkins ing charges after police say she north and south sides of St. Au- cendiary device. was accessing the files without ran over a man with a car follow- gustine Cathedral. Authorities: Feral cat Sheriff’s deputies were dis- authorization, Johnston said. The ing an argument over $85. Although protected on the ex- tests positive for rabies patched to a home Monday after- department contacted the GBI, The Hobbs News-Sun reports terior by plexiglass, the thrown noon about a noise disturbance who later performed their own in- Shilo Cassidi-Mae Howell was ar- rocks still were able to smash EAST PITTSBURGH caused by a possible explosion. vestigation. The GBI said Watkins rested nearly a month following a holes into the historic windows PA — A feral cat found in Neighbors reported hearing an abused her authority by access- deputy finding a man lying on the ranging about 8 to 12 inches in the Pittsburgh area has tested explosion and one neighbor ad- ing the files for personal reasons, ground in front of a Hobbs home. circumference along with small- positive for rabies, authorities vised his house shook when the which violates Georgia law. The victim told police Howell er holes. said Wednesday. incident occurred. From wire reports PAGE 16 •STARS AND STRIPES• Saturday, April 25, 2020 OPINION Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Lt. Col. Sean Klimek, Europe commander Lt. Col. Richard McClintic, Pacific commander Our perfect, cozy little pandemic Caroline E. Miller, Europe Business Operations Joshua M. Lashbrook, Pacific Chief of Staff BY MOLLY ROBERTS there’s no aesthetic if there’s no communi- not even allowed to live in anymore. Or at The Washington Post ty, and there’s no community in the unpop- least we can trick ourselves into believing EDITORIAL ulated wilderness unless you find it on a we’re in control. he novel coronavirus has spawned computer screen. What happens, after all, Of course, most of us are only interested Terry Leonard, Editor a surprising aesthetic showing off [email protected] if a tree falls in a charmingly sun-soaked in renouncing the comforts of modern-day humans’ capacity to make a heav- forest if there’s no one to put an Instagram living when those comforts aren’t avail- Robert H. Reid, Senior Managing Editor en of hell. [email protected] T filter on it? able to us anyway — and “giving up” some You’d think self-quarantine would look Some people even before the pandemic comforts is only fun to those who are com- morose and miserable, all rainy days Tina Croley, Managing Editor for Content had moved away to tiny towns or cutesy fortable to start with. filled with darkness and made-for-TV [email protected] cottages to live off the land (plus the spoils You’re probably not spending the eve- movies, a plodding life punctuated by sad of crafts sales on Etsy). Sean Moores, Managing Editor for Presentation sandwiches stuffed with packaged meat ning hours putting the final touches on [email protected] For the rest, it may have been a roman- embroidered pillow-covering when you’re or sodium-soaked beans straight out of a tic dream with too high a price to pay in can. Either we’re jobless or the work day worried about feeding your family, and Joe Gromelski, Managing Editor for Digital reality. [email protected] blurs together lazily with the personal one. you can’t curl up by the fire with a dusty Now, though, that price is reality: Bid- We’re always on, but we’re never burning old book when you don’t have a house, let ding goodbye to sports stadiums, subways, especially bright. alone a fireplace. You definitely can’t do it supermarkets. Keeping a distance from BUREAU STAFF You’d think. if you’re on a ventilator. the rest of the society, but still tuning in so Europe/Mideast But log on to Instagram, or Twitter, cer- The whole illusion, in other words, is a that you can broadcast your own distance- Erik Slavin, Europe & Mideast Bureau Chief tainly Tumblr — the only way we see other luxury. But is it wrong, to build little lives [email protected] people now, really, is the Internet. Yes, keeping. A cottagecore lifestyle was once and tell little lies in bad times hoping that +49(0)631.3615.9350; DSN (314)583.9350 a form of escapism, but what was once our there are the stray still-in-bed selfies and afterwards we’ll feel good? Is it wrong to escape has become our prison — so we Pacific confessions of ambient anxiety. But behold actually feel good, when so many others might as well make it as daintily delightful Aaron Kidd, Pacific Bureau Chief the sun-drenched countertops crowned can’t? Cottagecore pretends at a perfec- [email protected] as possible. with loaves of freshly baked bread with tion that doesn’t exist, yet the bread might +81.42.552.2511 ext. 88380; DSN (315)227.7380 Most of us still aren’t in cottages, of blistered crusts. taste just the right amount of sour, and the course, but in a studio apartment or a Washington The home-cooked meals, some of them needlepointed pillow might ease a tweaked Joseph Cacchioli, Washington Bureau Chief even themed. There’s knitting and quilt- two-level house out in suburbia. But we manufacture our own cottagecore, each neck, and the flowers might smell sweet. [email protected] ing and needlepoint, too, and there’s spring Or should it make us queasy to enjoy the (+1)(202)886-0033 greenery along with flowers that run the in bespoke variations, depending on how Brian Bowers, Assistant Managing Editor, News extra hours that let us take the dog on a ROYGBIV gambit. much time, energy, flour and flowers we [email protected] have to spare. And why not? We’re simu- long walk or just sit next to the people we These cheerily cozy glimpses are essen- love, when we’re only getting those extra tially a toned-down version of something lating a return to a simpler version of the CIRCULATION hours because of a dreadful disease that’s called cottagecore. This community lurked world and a purer version of ourselves. De- made it difficult for less lucky people to Mideast in the web’s warmer corners for a while, privation becomes an affectation; our loss Robert Reismann, Mideast Circulation Manager but eventually it got enough hits from becomes our gain. enjoy anything at all? [email protected] Some people always have been more for- [email protected] teens’ TikToks and their out-of-the-loop We’re telling ourselves this fairytale: DSN (314)583-9111 elders’ Google searches to merit the New Once upon a time, everything was beau- tunate than others. Yet now the tension is tiful, and not only can once upon a time harder than ever to ignore and harder than Europe York Times trend treatment in March. The movement fetishizes the twee-est sort of turn into today, but also the transforma- ever really to resolve. The usual answer to Karen Lewis, Community Engagement Manager being a beneficiary of inequality and injus- [email protected] tranquility — where the creature comforts tion is up to us. We can’t control the virus, [email protected] of modern-day urbanity disappear into we can’t control the government, we can’t tice is to get out and do something, yet stay- +49(0)631.3615.9090; DSN (314)583.9090 a moss-covered fantasyland of flora and even control whether our faraway family ing in and doing nothing is the new gospel. Or maybe that’s only an excuse for all of us Pacific fauna. members and friends stay safe and inside. Mari Mori, [email protected] Everything is pastoral, and everything is But we can control our own individual ex- looking to soothe ourselves in an unsettled +81-3 6385.3171; DSN (315)227.7333 also adorable. Technology is invisible, even istences by making them that much less era — to retreat to the cottage, and to shut though technology is essential, because complicated than an outside world we’re the door. CONTACT US Washington tel: (+1)202.886.0003 633 3rd St. NW, Suite 116, Washington, DC 20001-3050 Public health, public fear and public policies Reader letters [email protected] BY ARTHUR I. CYR ers applied to the railroad guards. Guards until 1940 with military rearmament. Additional contacts n a grim time, during cold dark early generally remained in the caboose, playing My Dad joined the Texas Army Nation- stripes.com/contactus hours of the day to come, my Dad cards, looking preoccupied, pretending the al Guard. The extra income was helpful, ran as fast as he could alongside an uninvited riders were not there. and his social life improved. His example Dad’s goal was Texas. In that era, as OMBUDSMAN accelerating freight train. He threw inspired me, reinforced by his pressure I today, the United States was one of the his satchel through an open boxcar door, to enlist. I went through Army ROTC at Ernie Gates principal petroleum producers and refin- grabbed a handhold and pulled himself UCLA, and gained greatly from military ers in the world. Around 1960, reflecting The Stars and Stripes ombudsman protects the free flow aboard. service. the long-term trends in our national and of news and information, reporting any attempts by the This was during the early 1930s, the Before World War II, the National Guard military or other authorities to undermine the newspaper’s the global economies, we shifted to being worst period in the terrible, relentless, independence. The ombudsman also responds to concerns a net oil importer. Thanks to innovations in units were a mainstay of the small, under- and questions from readers, and monitors coverage for fair- seemingly endless Great Depression. At funded U.S. Army. Even after war broke ness, accuracy, timeliness and balance. The ombudsman technology and business, we have returned welcomes comments from readers, and can be contacted that time, he was a very young Chicago today to net exporter status — big time. out in China, North Africa and finally Eu- by email at [email protected], or by phone at workingman. He was slowly succumbing rope, isolationist sentiment was dominant 202.886.0003. In the 1930’s jobs were plentiful in the oil to malnutrition, even as our nation was fields. The labor was hard and often dan- in Congress. That did not change until the steadily sliding into what appeared to be gerous, at times literally backbreaking. attack on Pearl Harbor. Stars and Stripes (USPS 0417900) is published week- an accelerating, frightening political and The heavy mechanization and automation He described a visit by two German days (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) for 50 cents Monday social as well as economic abyss. that today is integral to oil drilling was army officers representing the new re- through Thursday and for $1 on Friday by Pacific Stars and Even when he secured a paid day of Stripes, Unit 45002, APO AP 96301-5002. Periodicals largely in the future. gime of Adolf Hitler. Even from a distance, manual work, wages had become so low postage paid at San Francisco, CA, Postmaster: Send However, the pay was extremely good, their disdain for the American soldiers address changes to Pacific Stars and Stripes, Unit 45002, with all the available surplus labor that and there was reasonable job security, in was obvious. APO AP 96301-5002. life could barely be sustained. Unwilling This newspaper is authorized by the Department of contrast to most of the rest of American so- Across Europe in those hard years, Defense for members of the military services overseas. to burden his already hard-pressed family, ciety. In that part of our country, the Great However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, he hit the road. people waited for the burgermeister, the and are not to be considered as the official views of, or Depression almost did not seem to exist. prefect, the local councillor or other gov- endorsed by, the U.S. government. As a DOD newspaper, Like most kids, I tended to tune out a The depths of that economic collapse, re- ernment officials to tell them what to do. Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official chan- great deal of what my parents told me. The inforced by extreme protectionism in our nels and use appropriated funds for distribution to remote In America, possessing a very different locations where overseas DOD personnel are located. story of this remarkable odyssey, however, country and industrial nations across the The appearance of advertising in this publication does was so gripping that I listened carefully. world, is today difficult to grasp. culture, people felt more free — and were not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense more free — to use their own initiative, in- or Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. I asked my Dad if he was scared. He said President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his Products or services advertised shall be made available for he was fearful, but not excessively, because administration brought political change, dividually and collectively. purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, in those days there were vast numbers of That quality was crucial then, and will religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical beginning in early 1933. The New Deal handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor men and boys riding the rails. Consequent- spurred public confidence, stabilized the help us conquer the challenging public of the purchaser, user or patron. ly, there was safety in numbers, and feel- financial system and brought basic so- health threat now. ings of community. cial reforms, notably Social Security and © Stars and Stripes 2020 Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor The ones who really were scared were Unemployment Insurance. However, the at Carthage College and author of “After the Cold stripes.com the Bulls, the term the freight train rid- economy did not begin to recover strongly War.” Contact [email protected] Saturday, April 25, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 17 PAGE 18 •STARS AND STRIPES• Saturday, April 25, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 19 SCOREBOARD/SOCCER/COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Sports on AFN Empty stadiums the new norm

Go to the American Forces BY STEVE DOUGLAS Network website for the most JAMES ELLINGWORTH up-to-date TV schedules. AND Associated Press myafn.net It will soon be the new norm, Deals a cold and often unnerving sight that soccer and many other sports Thursday’s transactions will have to get accustomed to over the coming months. FOOTBALL National Football League Games taking place in empty ARIZONA CARDINALS — Signed K Zane stadiums. Gonzalez to a one-year qualifying offer. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Re-digned But will these stadiums actu- WR Keelan Cole. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Re-signed CB ally be empty? Far from it. Johnson Bademosi. “It’s not about 22 players walk- NEW YORK JETS — Re-signed T Leo Koloamatangi, K Sam Ficken and LB’s B.J. ing onto a pitch and (kicking) a Bello and Frankie Luvu. COLLEGE ball about,” FIFA vice president SAINT JOSEPH’S — Announced men’s Victor Montagliani told The Asso- basketball G Jack Forrest has transferred from Columbia. Signed F Jadrian Tracy. ciated Press, referring to what he called the “phased-in approach” Pro basketball that soccer — and society as a whole — will need to take to get NBA back to normal following the coronavirus outbreak. EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division Some teams in Europe have ex- W L Pct GB Toronto 46 18 .719 — perience in staging games without Boston 43 21 .672 3 flag-waving and loudly cheer- Philadelphia 39 26 .600 7½ Brooklyn 30 34 .469 16 ing fans — be it while serving a MARTIN MEISSNER/AP New York 21 45 .318 26 punishment for crowd trouble Southeast Division Cardboard cutouts of fans are set up in the stadium of German Bundesliga soccer club Borussia Miami 41 24 .631 — or, as was the case in February Orlando 30 35 .462 11 Moenchengladbach. Once soccer resumes, it will be played in empty stadiums. Washington 24 40 .375 16½ and March, because of a rapidly Charlotte 23 42 .354 18 spreading virus that turned into a Atlanta 20 47 .299 22 In Britain, which is in the peak Much depends on the direc- celebrate with them. Central Division pandemic. Milwaukee 53 12 .815 — of the virus outbreak, a return in tives from governments and the So, any game played in an Indiana 39 26 .600 14 Now, almost every club will be late June is the possible — albeit demands of domestic and inter- empty stadium still will need Chicago 22 43 .338 31 planning for such a scenario as Detroit 20 46 .303 33½ optimistic — call from clubs in national broadcasters, whose security guards or police posted Cleveland 19 46 .292 34 soccer leagues start to ramp up WESTERN CONFERENCE the Premier League. One leading money clubs increasingly rely on. around the venue to stop people Southwest Division preparations for a resumption club official spoke of the need for from gathering. Information from W L Pct GB which will be staggered depend- Houston 40 24 .625 — at least 300 people at matches. Outside the stadium Spain included the need for “pub- Dallas 40 27 .597 1½ ing on how well countries have Memphis 32 33 .492 8½ In Sweden, where soccer au- lic and private security agents,” New Orleans 28 36 .438 12 managed to contain the virus. thorities are planning for a June Games can still attract a crowd firefighters and first-response San Antonio 27 36 .429 12½ Of Europe’s major leagues, Northwest Division 14 restart, a venue official at even when spectators are not in personnel. Denver 43 22 .662 — Germany appears to be clos- champion Djurgarden told the the stands. Some public officials have ex- Utah 41 23 .641 1½ Oklahoma City 40 24 .625 2½ est to lifting its suspension, with AP that it would be possible to Thousands of fans gathered out- pressed concern about people Portland 29 37 .439 14½ Minnesota 19 45 .297 23½ some state governors even hoping limit numbers to 50 if fans aren’t side the empty Parc des Princes to crowding together for TV view- Pacific Division to resume games on May 9. The allowed in stadiums. In Switzer- celebrate a Paris Saint-Germain ing parties. Liverpool manager L.A. Lakers 49 14 .778 — L.A. Clippers 44 20 .688 5½ Bundesliga is planning to have land, leaked plans attained by win over Borussia Dortmund in Jurgen Klopp made similar com- Sacramento 28 36 .438 21½ ments before the shutdown. Phoenix 26 39 .400 24 a maximum of 213 people in the daily newspaper Blick this week the Champions League on March Golden State 15 50 .231 35 stadium — everyone from players stated there should be no more 11, tightly packed together and All games postponed at least until AP global soccer writer Rob Harris mid-May. to TV cameramen. than 200 essential staff at games. waving flares. Players went to contributed to this story. Pro hockey NHL Ivey named new Irish coach EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 70 44 14 12 100 227 174 BY DOUG FEINBERG Swarbrick said the succession plan was first Tampa Bay 70 43 21 6 92 245 195 Toronto 70 36 25 9 81 238 227 Associated Press discussed about two years ago and that no one Florida 69 35 26 8 78 231 228 else was considered for the job. Montreal 71 31 31 9 71 212 221 Niele Ivey is coming home. Buffalo 69 30 31 8 68 195 217 “As long as Niele remained interested and Ottawa 71 25 34 12 62 191 243 Ivey was introduced as the new coach of Detroit 71 17 49 5 39 145 267 available, whenever Muffet made that deci- Metropolitan Division the Notre Dame women’s basketball team on sion, this was the path we’d move in,” he said. Washington 69 41 20 8 90 240 215 Thursday, succeeding her mentor, Muffet Mc- Philadelphia 69 41 21 7 89 232 196 McGraw described her protege as Pittsburgh 69 40 23 6 86 224 196 Graw, who retired a day earlier. charismatic. Carolina 68 38 25 5 81 222 193 “Those are big heels to fill,” Ivey said dur- Columbus 70 33 22 15 81 180 187 “She’s someone that people are attracted to. N.Y. Islanders 68 35 23 10 80 192 193 ing an online news conference. “When you A smile that lights up the gym,” she said. “So N.Y. Rangers 70 37 28 5 79 234 222 follow a legend, it’s not easy. But I want to be New Jersey 69 28 29 12 68 189 230 fun to be around. Can flip the switch and be WESTERN CONFERENCE myself. Always be true to myself, try to stay as Central Division serious and intense as anyone in the gym.” authentic as I can.” GP W L OT Pts GF GA Ivey was one of the most sought-after as- St. Louis 71 42 19 10 94 225 193 The 42-year-old, who got emotional at times Colorado 70 42 20 8 92 237 191 sistant coaches in women’s basketball, but she Dallas 69 37 24 8 82 180 177 during the news conference while sitting with Winnipeg 71 37 28 6 80 216 203 never took any of the jobs, saying she didn’t Nashville 69 35 26 8 78 215 217 her son, Jaden, has been preparing for this job Minnesota 69 35 27 7 77 220 220 for much of her adult life. She helped lead the want to uproot her son when he was in high Chicago 70 32 30 8 72 212 218 school. He’s headed to college in the fall. Pacific Division Fighting Irish to a national championship as Vegas 71 39 24 8 86 227 211 When the Grizzlies offered her an assistant Edmonton 71 37 25 9 83 225 217 the point guard in 2001 and was an assistant Calgary 70 36 27 7 79 210 215 coach on the Notre Dame team that won the coaching position last year, McGraw told her Vancouver 69 36 27 6 78 228 217 she couldn’t turn it down. Ivey left a big mark Arizona 70 33 29 8 74 195 187 title in 2018. She was on the Memphis Griz- Anaheim 71 29 33 9 67 187 226 on the NBA team in her one season. Los Angeles 70 29 35 6 64 178 212 zlies staff last year after 17 seasons at Notre San Jose 70 29 36 5 63 182 226 Dame. “She’s about to go crazy at Notre Dame. I All games postponed at least until can tell this is something that really is a good early May. “I am thrilled Niele will be the next leader of the Notre Dame basketball program,” said fit for her. ... Everything she’s done this season McGraw, who spent 33 years as the head coach to prep us for a game, help us on our game,” MICHAEL CONROY/AP AP sportlight of the Irish before retiring Wednesday. “She’s Memphis guard Jaren Jackson Jr. said. “She’s Notre Dame’s Niele Ivey celebrates winning one of the best young coaches in the game unreal, and I’m just really happy for her.” April 25 Ivey said she’s learned a lot from McGraw 1950 — Charles Cooper, an All-Ameri- the national championship on April 1, 2001 today, and her success with the Grizzlies has can from Duquesne playing with the in St. Louis. Ivey follows Muffet McGraw helped make her even more prepared for her and that the biggest difference between the Harlem Globetrotters, becomes the first black player picked in the NBA Draft as Notre Dame’s new women’s basketball new role.” two is that the new coach is more “warm and when he’s taken by the Boston Celtics. coach. McGraw retired Wednesday. Notre Dame athletic director Jack fuzzy”. PAGE 20 • S TARS AND STRIPES• Saturday, April 25, 2020 MLB/COLLEGE SPORTS Special feature Altered routine for day games It isn’t easy to get off to early start

BY RYAN ZIMMERMAN For The Associated Press Ryan Zimmerman is a two-time All-Star infielder who has played or me, especially for day 15 years in the majors, all with games, you can’t recre- the Washington Nationals. He ate walking through the holds most of the team’s career Ftunnel — the sound, the hitting records, and his two hom- sight, the feel. ers and seven RBIs last postsea- For a 1 o’clock home game on son helped the Nationals win their a weekday — no batting practice first World Series championship. — I usually leave my house at With baseball on hold because of around 9:15, so I can get behind the coronavirus pandemic, Zim- traffic. I drive in and get to the merman occasionally will offer his MATT SLOCUM/AP field by 9:45 or 10, and then I’m thoughts — as told to AP sports basically inside. writer Howard Fendrich — while The Washington Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman, left, follows through after hitting an RBI sacrifice fly off A quick breakfast, and I’m right waiting for the 2020 season to Phillies starting pitcher Nick Pivetta during a game on July 12 in Philadelphia. into my routine. begin. Training room — anything I into you. I miss kind of feeling of the season-ticket holders and created bonds with these people need to do there — and weight that realization that, “OK. It’s fans that I’ve known for 10, 15 over the last however-many years. room. And then you’re pretty the fans as you run onto the field time. Here we go.” years that come to pretty much Some of them have been there as much getting ready: getting for a 5-minute warmup. Nobody can really do that for every single home game. Even if long as I have, it seems like. I miss dressed for the game, hitting in And the thing about day games? you like the fans. Even on the I don’t get to say, “Hi” to them, or those relationships, too. the indoor batting cage under- Sometimes, honestly, you don’t road, going into a hostile environ- acknowledge them, I see them in Whether you feel good that day, neath the stands. I also do all of feel that good. ment — people wanting you to the stands. There are the same whether you feel bad — whether my defensive daily work in those Day games are real tough if fail — really drives you to do even people that sit behind home plate you have been hitting well over cages. you had a night game the night better, sometimes. every single game. the last week or so, or you’ve been We’re basically in a cave for before. Maybe it went a little late, Yes, the No. 1 biggest thing Other things I miss: Talking to terrible over the last week or so those 3 hours until game time. one of those longer games that that I miss right now about base- the guys we’re playing against on — you have to somehow find a The first time I go outside for are tougher to rebound from. ball is the competition and the other teams. Talking to the um- way to go out there and perform a day game is when I go through You’re maybe not getting to bed adrenaline you get from running pires. Driving in and seeing the and do your best that day. that tunnel from the clubhouse to until 2 in the morning. You might out onto the field with 30,000 or parking-lot person. Seeing the That drive, that inner purpose, the dugout and come out and go be a little lethargic getting out 40,000 people coming to watch same couple of security guys that is not only what I miss, but I think up the stairs — see the sunshine there. you perform. are always outside the clubhouse. that’s what a lot of the American or smell the ballpark food or hear The crowd can pump energy For me, it’s cool seeing some You don’t realize that you’ve public misses right now. NCAA moves toward compensation for athletes

RALPH D. RUSSO to evaluate potential deals for fair market Associated Press value and spot possible corruption. An athlete could compromise their eligibility The NCAA is moving closer to allowing for failing to disclose details of a finan- Division I athletes to earn money from en- cial agreement or relationship, the person dorsements and sponsorship deals they can said. strike on their own as early as next year. The recommendations also call for al- Recommended rule changes that would lowing athletes to sign autographs for clear the way for athletes to earn money money, sell their memorabilia, and be paid from their names, images and likeness are for personal appearances and working as being reviewed by college sports adminis- an instructor in their sport. trators this week before being sent to the “Trevor Lawrence could have his own NCAA Board of Governors, which meets passing academy,” the person said, refer- Monday and Tuesday. ring to the Clemson quarterback. If adopted, the rules would allow ath- letes to make sponsorship and endorse- The recommendations come from a ment deals with all kinds of companies working group set up 11 months ago and and third parties, from car dealerships to led by Ohio State athletic director Gene concert promoters to pizza shops, accord- Smith and Big East Commissioner Val ing to a person who has reviewed the rec- Ackerman. ommendations. The person spoke to The The need for change was sped up by Associated Press on condition of anonym- pressure from state lawmakers. California SUSAN WALSH/AP ity Thursday because the details were still was first to enact a law that would make being discussed and debated. A panel of witnesses, from left, Big 12 Conference Commissioner Bob Bowlsby, it illegal for NCAA schools to prohibit col- The recommendations are expected National Collegiate Athletic Association President Mark Emmert, University of Kansas lege athletes from making money on en- to form the foundation for legislation the Chancellor Dr. Douglas Girod, National College Players Association Executive Director dorsements, social media advertising and NCAA hopes to pass next January so it can Ramogi Huma and National Collegiate Athletic Association Student-Athlete Advisory other activities tied to name, image and take effect in 2021. Changes could still be Committee Chair Kendall Spencer, listen during a Senate Commerce subcommittee likeness. made before January. hearing on intercollegiate athlete compensation on Capitol Hill in Washington. Dozens of states have followed Califor- No school-branded apparel or material nia’s lead, some more aggressively than could be used by athletes in their personal required to disclose financial terms of con- Athletes would be allowed to enter into others. California’s law does not go into ef- endorsement deals, according to the rec- tracts to their athletic departments, along agreements with individuals deemed to be fect until 2023 while a Florida bill awaiting ommendations reviewed by the person with their relationships with any individu- school boosters, the person said. the governor’s signature would go into ef- who spoke to the AP. Athletes would be als involved. The NCAA would create a mechanism fect July 2021. Saturday, April 25, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 21 SPORTS BRIEFS/NFL DRAFT Briefl y IOC allocates extra money for athletes

Associated Press Brandon Huffman in transfer- ring from UNC since the end of a The International Olympic 14-19 season. Committee is allocating more than $25 million to cover extra athlete and team costs related to Cowboys QB Prescott’s the one-year postponement of the older brother dies at 31 Tokyo Games. The IOC says an extra $15 mil- DALLAS — Jace Prescott, the lion will go to a program helping older brother of Dallas Cowboys 1,600 athletes from 185 less well- quarterback Dak Prescott, died Thursday, the team said. He was funded countries prepare for the 31. games in 2021. The Cowboys confirmed the More than $10 million is avail- older Prescott’s death in a brief able for national Olympic bodies statement. There was no infor- to cover additional operational mation on how or where Jace costs such as travel and accom- Prescott died. modation for officials. The older Prescott was an of- The money is being awarded fensive lineman a decade ago at JOHN BAZEMORE/AP through the Olympic Solidar- Northwestern State in Louisi- ity program. The program aims ana, where the Prescott brothers LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the final pick of to help all 206 national Olympic Tad, Jace and Dak grew up. Jace the first round. Edwards-Helaire was the 15th Southeastern Conference player taken in the first round. teams and the refugee team send Prescott played three seasons at athletes to the games. Northwestern State, starting all NFL Draft notebook 11 games in his final season in UNC reserve Francis 2010. plans to transfer Dak Prescott appeared in a Campbell’s Chunky Soup com- CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North mercial with his two brothers that Carolina freshman point guard aired last season. Their mother, SEC smashes record for Jeremiah Francis plans to Peggy Prescott, died of colon transfer. cancer in 2013. Francis averaged 3.3 points last year and played in just 16 games. Jackets sign Merzlikins He didn’t play in his junior and to 2-year contract senior year of high school due to most picks in 1st round knee surgeries, then missed the COLUMBUS, Ohio — The first eight games of his freshman Columbus Blue Jackets signed year. Francis had three straight goaltender Elvis Merzlikins to Associated Press double-figure scoring games in a two-year, $8 million contract December when pressed into Thursday, putting him in com- The first round of the NFL draft opened and duty when starter Cole Anthony petition with the freshly signed closed with players from the Southeastern Confer- went down with an injury, but he Joonas Korpisalo for the starting ence, a fitting way to mark the league’s record-set- didn’t play more than 10 minutes job. ting night. in any game after Jan. 22. The 26-year-old Latvian be- The football powerhouse had 15 players selected “Jeremiah’s a wonderful young came a fan favorite while suc- Thursday, smashing the previous mark of 12 set by man,” UNC coach Roy Williams cessfully filling in for an injured the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2006 and matched said in a statement Thursday. Korpisalo in the second half of twice by the SEC (2013, 2017). “Our players and coaches enjoyed the season. Merzlikins was set to The SEC’s most promising crop to date was flush him being part of our program. I be a restricted free agent with ar- with players from Alabama (four) and LSU (five). truly admired the work he put in bitration rights after the 2019-20 It included reigning Heisman Trophy winner Joe to get back on the court after two season. Burrow at the top followed by several more next- full seasons of being injured in The team announced Merz- level starters — maybe even stars — at nearly every high school. We wish him the best likin’s signing a week after tying position. wherever he chooses to resume up Korpisalo with a two-year The league fell just short of having as many play- his career.” contract worth a reported $5.6 ers drafted in the first round as the rest of college Francis joins reserve big man million. football combined. Oddsmakers had listed the over/ under for SEC players at 15 ½. LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton, Alabama safety Xavier McKinney, Georgia running back D’Andre Swift and Alabama cornerback Trevon Diggs did not come off the board as some expected. They were expected to get selected early in the second round Friday night. Georgia right tackle Isaiah Wilson gave the SEC the new record when Tennessee chose him with the 29th pick. Miami took Auburn cornerback Noah Igbinoghene next to make it 14 from the league. Kansas City capped the first round by drafting LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Vrabel has unique backdrop BRETT CARLSEN/AP Georgia offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson was NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Many NFL general man- selected 29th by the Tennessee Titans. agers and coaches had their children appear with them on camera from home as teams made selec- in a video call with reporters after the Titans draft- tions on the opening night of a most unusual NFL ed tackle Isaiah Wilson. Draft during the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s been a long quarantine over here, man,” Vra- The scene behind Titans coach Mike Vrabel stood bel said. “We’ve got a bunch of 19- and 18-year-old out Thursday, with one teenager in a superhero kids, and, you know, they’re stir crazy. And again, PAUL VERNON/AP costume and the other in one of his father’s old Pro they saw all the other kids as the draft wore on and Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins signed a two-year Bowl jerseys. they said, well, we’ll give our own little spin to it. It contract Thursday worth a reported $8 million. And yes, Vrabel had to explain what was going on was fun.” PAGE 22 •STARS AND STRIPES• Saturday, April 25, 2020 NFL DRAFT Usual: Remote draft went off without significant disruption

FROM BACK PAGE Goodell and Burrow; the com- NFL Draft missioner said he would miss Thursday FIRST ROUND those, even if his body wouldn’t. 1. Cincinnati, Joe Burrow, qb, This most basic selection show LSU. 2. Washington, Chase Young, had team personnel making picks de, Ohio State. from their homes and players sit- 3. Detroit, Jeff Okudah, cb, Ohio State. ting on their own couches while 4. N.Y. Giants, Andrew Thomas, learning their future employers. ot, Georgia. 5. Miami, Tua Tagovailoa, qb, The NFL canceled all draft Alabama. 6. L.A. Chargers, Justin Herbert, activities in Las Vegas when the qb, Oregon. national shutdown of large gath- 7. Carolina, Derrick Brown, dt, Auburn. erings began. The league had 8. Arizona, Isaiah Simmons, lb, gone full-bore into free agency Clemson. 9. Jacksonville, CJ Henderson, last month and, now, seven rounds cb, Florida. NFL/AP photos of the draft through Saturday. 10. Cleveland, Jedrick Wills Jr., ot, Alabama. “I just believe that our job is to 11. N.Y. Jets, Mekhi Becton, ot, Henry Ruggs III, center, gets ready to put on a Las Vegas Raiders cap while in his bath robe after being Louisville. selected by the team during the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday. continue on and operate within 12. Las Vegas, Henry Ruggs III, whatever guidelines are neces- wr, Alabama. 13. Tampa Bay (from India- sary to keep our personnel safe, napolis through San Francisco), Commentary whether it’s players or coaches or Tristan Wirfs, ot, Iowa. 14. San Francisco (from Tampa their executives or league person- Bay), Javon Kinlaw, dt, South Car- nel,” Goodell said. “We need to olina. 15. Denver, Jerry Jeudy, wr, Ala- make sure that we’re doing things bama. 16. Atlanta, A.J. Terrell, cb, safely and put public safety No. 1, Clemson. but we also need to carry on. We 17. Dallas, CeeDee Lamb, wr, Oklahoma. League delivers excitement need to move toward the future. 18. Miami (from Pittsburgh), We need to make sure that we’re Austin Jackson, ot, Southern Cal. 19. Las Vegas (from Chicago), prepared when we come out of Damon Arnette, cb, Ohio State. this to be in a position to start our 20. Jacksonville (from L.A. Draft was much-needed Rams), K’Lavon Chaisson, lb, LSU. season on time and play our sea- 21. Philadelphia, Jalen Reagor, wr, TCU. distraction for country son. That’s our role.” 22. Minnesota (from Buffalo), Normalcy, at least among the Justin Jefferson, wr, LSU. 23. L.A. Chargers (from New BY TIM DAHLBERG picks, was the order of the eve- England), Kenneth Murray, lb, ning, though. Oklahoma. Associated Press 24. New Orleans, Cesar Ruiz, c, First came Burrow, a transfer Michigan. For a moment, at least, it looked from Ohio State in 2018. In his 25. San Francisco (from Minne- sota), Brandon Aiyuk, wr, Arizona like the NFL had made a late spectacular senior season, he State. trade with the White House for 26. Green Bay (from Houston threw for 60 — yes, 60 — touch- through Miami), Jordan Love, qb, Dr. Anthony Fauci to announce downs with only six interceptions. Utah State. the 2020 draft picks. 27. Seattle, Jordyn Brooks, lb, The Tigers beat six top 10 teams Texas Tech. He didn’t, but Alabama receiv- on their way to the national title. 28. Baltimore, Patrick Queen, lb, LSU. er Henry Ruggs was ready in his “To jump up to No. 1 overall is 29. Tennessee, Isaiah Wilson, white quarantine robe anyway. crazy to me,” Burrow said. ot, Georgia. 30. Miami (from Green Bay), That wasn’t the only fashion He joins a team that went 2-14 Noah Igbinoghene, cb, Auburn. statement made by Ruggs. After 31. Minnesota (from San Fran- last season and desperately needs cisco), Jeff Gladney, cb, TCU. being taken by the Las Vegas a jolt of energy. 32. Kansas City, Clyde Edwards- Raiders with the 12th pick Thurs- “If you go in thinking, ‘Oh, this Helaire, rb, LSU. day he became the first person is the year we’re going to make Tua Tagovailoa shows off the lining of his jacket during Thursday’s to officially don a hat celebrating the playoffs, this year we’re going NFL Draft in Alabaster, Ala. the team’s new city, something to win a playoff game,’ it gets too with finding the latest, great- that would have surely been more daunting,” Burrow said. “You’ve est quarterback prospect, Young satisfying had it happened in to an audience that surely ex- We saw Ruggs in his bathrobe, got to focus on the process.” might have been the top overall front of huge throngs on the Las ceeded the millions who regular- too, though that may have been Bengals coach Zac Taylor was selection. That QB infatuation led Vegas Strip instead of a few fam- ly tune in for the league’s biggest more about product placement confident Burrow could turn the Miami to Tua Tagovailoa and the ily members in his living room. off-season exercise. than fashion. And who knows franchise around. Los Angeles Chargers to Justin Roger Goodell made some fash- What they saw was a relatively what Giants GM David Gettleman “We will never pick at No. 1 Herbert — no surprises there. ion news of his own, appearing smooth production with only oc- was thinking when he donned a again,” Taylor said. “We don’t But Green Bay took a chance at from his basement in a pullover casional glitches, something that white face mask after making his want to pick in the top 10 again. No. 26 by taking Utah State QB sweater instead of his usual suit was remarkable just by itself. pick despite seemingly being all We’re looking at this as the only Jordan Love. and tie. Indeed, casual was the Yes, there was too much filler, by himself in a large room. time you’re going to get this cali- Alabama’s Tagovailoa went theme of the night as a draft no too many commercials, and way Chase Young had a large pic- fifth, followed in the next spot one could have imagined even a ber player to add him to the pro- too many talking heads, but the ture of his late grandfather in by Oregon’s Herbert. They were few months ago played out across people behind the ESPN telecast front of him as he was picked sec- gram, so obviously this is a big preceded by Ohio State’s Jeff the nation before viewers starved did a marvelous job taking us ond by Washington, a touching deal.” Okudah, the highest-rated cor- for sports of any kind. around the country to peek in on scene even without words. Others The second overall selection, nerback, to Detroit, and Georgia For the most part it wasn’t riv- the biggest day in the lives of 32 of hugged their mothers, fathers, Ohio State All-America edge tackle Andrew Thomas to the eting television, though the same America’s top players. significant others, though they all rusher Chase Young, also was could be said about the last dozen That the reactions mostly con- kept the gatherings to less than 10 predictable. Washington fielded Giants. drafts in normal times. And no sisted of players looking into people as mandated by social dis- several offers for that spot, but Tagovailoa’s health issues one will be calling Goodell to au- their phones didn’t exactly make tancing guidelines. many scouts and personnel ex- didn’t turn off the Dolphins. dition to replace Jimmy Fallon on it must-see TV. But there were It wasn’t perfect, but it was ecutives felt Young was the best The Alabama quarterback went “The Tonight Show.” smiles everywhere for this draft, real. So real that Burrow could player in this crop. to a team that was accused going But 32 players now have pro if only because people were actu- hear the cheers from his home in At 6-foot-5, 264 pounds, Young into last season of “Tanking for teams to play for. And fans now ally doing something normal in impoverished Athens, Ohio. led the nation with 16 ½ sacks and Tua.” Tagovailoa comes off major have plenty to get excited about, times that aren’t normal. “I was going to go to Vegas forced fumbles with six last sea- hip surgery, which made his land- even if the actual 2020 season re- That included Dallas owner and walk across that stage and it son. The All-American won the ing spot one of the first round’s mains very uncertain. Jerry Jones directing picks from was going to be awesome,” Bur- prestigious Bednarik and Nagur- biggest uncertainties. Goodell and the NFL delivered, his $250 million yacht, and Ben- row said. “But as soon as the ski awards in 2019, leading the “For me and my family, who- just when the country needed it gals coach Zac Taylor making pick came in, people were driv- Buckeyes to the Big Ten title. ever decided to take a chance on most. his from what looked like a con- ing by the house, honking their He joins a Redskins team that us, that’s where I belonged,” Ta- The biggest drama on this night ference room at a Hilton Garden horns, screaming out the window went 3-13 and allowed 435 points. govailoa said. “My biggest thing wasn’t who was going to be the Inn. We saw GM’s with their kids — that’s the kind of place that it “I feel like I’m the best player is I’m trying to prove this was the No. 1 pick — Joe Burrow sewed jumping up and down in delight is here.” in this draft,” Young said. “What right decision.” that up a long time ago — or how behind them, and we saw coaches It turned out to be quite a night I bring to the table and how I pre- One change he’ll need to make the top 5 would shake out. It was who for once didn’t seem to need for the No. 1 pick. pare, I definitely believe I’ll make in Miami: No. 13 is not available. whether the NFL could pull off a to be in control of everything hap- And not too shabby for the NFL a pretty big impact on the field.” The Dolphins retired it for Hall of draft from 100 or so remote sites pening around them. either. If not for the NFL’s obsession Famer Dan Marino. Saturday, April 25, 2020 •STARS AND STRIPES•PAGE 23 EmotionalSPORTS ON THE SCREEN connections

Head coach Norman Dale ‘Hoosiers’ is No. 1 (Gene Hackman) stands with “Hoosiers” shot all the way to No. 1 in The As- his team in sociated Press Top 25 of best sports movies, a one- “Hoosiers.” of-a-kind poll from the news organization known for MGM / TNS its rankings of college teams. Released in 1986 and starring Gene Hackman, “Hoosiers” led the tally in results released Friday, receiving 46 votes from a 70-person global panel of sports writers and editors who work for the AP. “If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don’t care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game,” coach Norman Dale, Hackman’s character, says in the top-ranked movie. “In my book, we’re gonna be winners.” And in this case, they were. Loosely based on an Indiana high school basket- ball team in the 1950s, “Hoosiers” narrowly edged Academy Award Best Picture honoree “Rocky” — released in 1976, it was the first installment of Sylvester Stallone’s series about an unknown boxer from Philadelphia who gets a shot at the big time — and “Bull Durham” — starring Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon in 1988, it offered a fictional- ized look at characters that populate minor league baseball. Those two movies tied for second place with 45 votes each. Why sports movies resonate with us There was a significant gap between the top three and the rest of the AP Top 25. At No. 4 with 33 votes was “Caddyshack,” the BY HOWARD FENDRICH about going on the journey to achieve the sole golf tale to make the rankings. That was fol- Associated Press AP’s Top 25 sports films dream.” lowed closely by “Slap Shot” with 32 votes, and Sports help us build communities, cre- “Field of Dreams” with 31. or now and the foreseeable 1. “Hoosiers” (1986) ate a shared history. They speak to how “Raging Bull,” “Major League,” “The Natural” 2. (tie) “Bull Durham” (1988) future, thanks to the corona- we yearn to win and how we empathize and “A League of Their Own” rounded out the poll’s virus pandemic, there are no 2. (tie) “Rocky” (1976) 4. “Caddyshack” (1980) with those who lose. They are capable of top 10. live sports to watch — in per- 5. “Slap Shot” (1977) filling us with hope and despair, triumph Other tidbits from this special AP Top 25: son, on television, online. 6. “Field of Dreams” (1989) and disaster — often all four within a FReplays of past events are available, 7. “Raging Bull” (1980) span of mere minutes. Double takes sure, but there’s rarely much joy in that. 8. (tie) “Major League” (1989) Movies can do the very same. After all, one of the primary appeals of 8. (tie) “The Natural” (1984) They might be profoundly educational Two screenwriters, Angelo Pizzo and Ron Shel- sports-in-the-moment is that no one — 10. “A League of Their Own” (1992) or purely entertaining — and, in the best ton, each earned two mentions on the list. Pizzo 11. “Moneyball” (2011) participant or spectator — knows what’s of cases, both. penned top-ranked “Hoosiers” and “Rudy,” which going to unfold, who’s going to win or 12. (tie) “The Bad News Bears” (1976) tied for No. 18; Shelton wrote and directed both 12. (tie) “Miracle” (2004) Whether it’s in their most life-cap- lose, how and why it’ll happen or even turing form, the documentary, such as “Bull Durham” and No. 17 “White Men Can’t 14. “Hoop Dreams” (1994) Jump.” exactly when. 15. “Eight Men Out” (1988) “Hoop Dreams” or “When We Were “I’m tired,” President Donald Trump 16. “Chariots of Fire” (1981) Kings” — both on the AP list, at No. 14 lamented last week, “of watching base- 17. “White Men Can’t Jump” (1992) and tied for No. 21. Or when based on, Real as can be ball games that are 14 years old.” 18. (tie) “Remember the Titans” (2000) however strictly or loosely, real events, Somehow, though, movies, no matter 18. (tie) “Rudy” (1993) Two documentaries made the rankings: “Hoop such as “Remember the Titans” or “The Dreams” at No. 14 and “When We Were Kings,” how old, are ripe for watching and re- 18. (tie) “Seabiscuit” (2003) Pride of the Yankees” — also in the Top watching. We’re OK with seeing Jimmy 21. (tie) “Breaking Away” (1979) tied for No. 21. 21. (tie) “The Pride of the Yankees” (1942) 25, tied for No. 18 and tied for No. 21. Or Chitwood make that shot ... or Rocky 21. (tie) “When We Were Kings” (1996) even when created out of whole cloth, Statistics Balboa fight Apollo Creed ... or Roy 24. (tie) “Brian’s Song” (1971) such as “Caddyshack,” which was No. 4, Hobbs smack a homer into the lights ... 24. (tie) “Friday Night Lights” (2004) or “The Natural,” which tied for No. 8. In all, 117 films got at least one mention in the or Tom Hanks’ character explain there’s 24. (tie) “The Sandlot” (1993) Filmmaking, no matter the approach, complete balloting; 69 received at least two votes no crying in baseball ... over and over — Associated Press comes with a license to shade and shape, apiece. Nine sports served as the subjects of the AP and over again. Familiarity with the to imagine, to create, to figure out ways Top 25, a group that actually wound up including who, what, where doesn’t necessarily to take the audience wherever it needs 26 total movies, because three tied for 24th place. spoil the show. that explain our love of sports. to go. With all of that in mind, The Associat- “Someone once described the chal- Movies and sports share certain con- Most popular sports ed Press is presenting a one-of-its-kind lenge of writing a sports film like driving structs, themes or patterns that emerge Top 25 of sports movies, a suggestion of down a road full of potholes of clichés: over and over. The sport represented the most in the list was what to put on the screen while stuck at You’re bound to hit some. You just have The heroine/hero. The underdog. baseball with 10 entries, followed by football with home. This is, of course, what we do at to build a vehicle that has a bullet proof Good vs. evil. The protagonist’s path. four. Basketball and boxing each put three selec- the AP: We rank things. So 70 writers shock absorber, so they’re not noticed,” The antagonist’s resistance. tions in the rankings, while hockey earned two. and editors around the world voted on Angelo Pizzo, who wrote “Hoosiers” and Maybe that’s why the overlap of the Golf, running, horse racing and cycling each got one the best in the history of sports cinema. another Top 25 selection, “Rudy,” said in realms resonates. mention. The AP Top 25 — actually, 26 films a telephone interview. Maybe that’s why we watch. made the cut, because there was a three- “When sports films work, they work “The world that sports creates has a Oscar and Emmy nods way tie at No. 24 — was released on April because the audience connects emo- couple of appealing things going for it. 17, with “Hoosiers” at No. 1, narrowly tionally to the protagonist,” Pizzo said. Unlike life, there are definable rules. Six of the movies in the poll won at least one ahead of “Rocky” and “Bull Durham,” “When people talk to me about ‘Rudy,’ if There’s a way of scoring. There’s a way Academy Award, led by the five earned by “Chari- which shared the No. 2 spot. “Cad- that movie works for them, it’s because of declaring winners and losers. And it’s ots of Fire,” which was ranked No. 16. Nine other dyshack” and “Slap Shot” were next, they see themselves in Rudy. They see an escape from the rigors of our own films were nominated for at least one Oscar. “Bri- followed by “Field of Dreams,” “Raging themselves as someone who is not ap- day-to-day lives,” Pizzo said. “While an’s Song,” which tied for No. 24, was the only Bull,” “Major League,” “The Natural” preciated, is not seen, is not valued. And sports are gone now, people who are television movie to make the list and collected five and “A League of Their Own.” by sheer force of will and belief and sports fans — or even partial sports fans Emmy Awards. These, and the rest of the rankings, faith, they manage to break through. It’s — are noticing how much of a role sports — Howard Fendrich, Associated Press represent movies that we love — and not just about achieving the dream — it’s play in their lives.” S TARS AND STRIPES Saturday, April 25, 2020 Picks powerhouse Record-setting 15 SEC players selected SPORTS in fi rst round of NFL Draft » Page 21

NFL DRAFT

AP photos Business as usual? Despite circumstances, opening night of draft was mostly normal

BY BARRY WILNER tions on the front lines battling the corona- Associated Press virus pandemic, which is what forced the NFL to cancel all in-person draft events. or all the uniqueness of this The first round wasn’t all that remark- NFL Draft, including the ‘ I do believe able for the picks. Beginning with Joe angst over a potential com- Burrow of national champion LSU, three munications fiasco, things this draft is quarterbacks went in the top six. Hardly looked and sounded pretty going to be unusual. normal Thursday night. For months, the Heisman Trophy FQuarterbacks were in demand. Ohio the most winner from LSU was linked with the State (the top three picks played there) Bengals. Cincinnati began the draft by and the Southeastern Conference (a re- memorable sending his name to Goodell in the base- cord 15 picks) dominated. The Patriots we have ment of his home. traded out of the first round. This digital/remote/virtual draft — take And Commissioner Roger Goodell even ever had. ’ your choice — was up and running. With got booed, if only digitally. Roger Goodell no apparent glitches. “I do believe this draft is going to be the Of course, there were no fireworks on NFL commissioner most memorable we have ever had,” said the Las Vegas Strip. No bear hug between Goodell, noting that it is accompanied by a “Draft-A-Thon” to benefit six organiza- SEE USUAL ON PAGE 22

To p : NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks from his home in Bronxville, N.Y., in this photo taken from video during Thursday’s NFL Draft, held virtually because of the coronavirus outbreak. Left: Heisman Trophy-winning LSU quarterback Joe Burrow celebrates in The Plains, Ohio, after being chosen first by the Cincinnati Bengals.

As the sports world pauses to join the rest of the world in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, you will see fewer sports stories in Stars and Stripes. We look forward to resuming our normal coverage when the leagues and governing bodies determine it is safe for athletes and fans to return to competition.