GIVE YOUR BRAIN A WORKOUT WITH EXTRA PUZZLES IN LIFE

Looking for edge: Best in 2023 was banner year for Relief from
sports still break the rules movies; let’s rank top 10 pricey eggs
Columnist asks: Why do the greatest athletes Film fare included blockbusters and Oscar-ready
may be
cheat when they don’t need to? In Sports pictures. Here are the must-see flicks. In Life short-lived

USA TODAY
THE NATION'S NEWS | $3 | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 SAUL LOEB/AFP VIA
GETTY IMAGES
The egg market had
finally started to settle
after sky-high prices late
last year. The latest bird
flu outbreak may raise
costs again. In Money

US prods Israel over deaths in Gaza

Austin says protecting amid growing international pressure on
Israel to curb civilian deaths in its dev-
manitarian assistance must be provid-
ed to the nearly 2 million displaced peo-
with Austin, said Israel was fighting a
war pitting “civilization against barba-
civilians is ‘moral duty’ astating military campaign in the Gaza ple there. rism.”
Strip. “Protecting the Palestinian people in Netanyahu and Gallant both thanked
John Bacon Austin, speaking at a briefing with Gaza is both a moral duty and a strategic the U.S. for its support and reiterated Is-
USA TODAY Gallant, reiterated the Biden admini- imperative,” Austin said. rael’s commitment to achieve “total vic-
stration position that U.S. commitment Austin said the talks also focused on tory” against Hamas.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to Israel is “unshakeable.” And he said Iran-backed threats across the region “The United States and Israel have
met with Israeli Prime Minister Benja- the U.S. was leaving the timeline for the and the shared commitment of Israel never been more determined and aligned
min Netanyahu and Defense Minister war to Israel. But he also said civilians in and the U.S. to counter this “aggres-
Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv on Monday Gaza must be protected and more hu- sion.” Netanyahu, in a joint statement See GAZA, Page 6A

Pope OKs HAWAII WILDFIRE RECOVERY

same-sex
blessings
for couples
Rituals still must not
resemble marriage
N’dea Yancey-Bragg
USA TODAY

Pope Francis has formally permit-

ted priests to perform blessings for
same-sex couples, a move that stops
short of sanctioning same-sex mar-
riages, but is still being heralded by
some LGBTQ+ advocates as historic.
The document from the Vatican’s
doctrine office released Monday reaf-
firmed its previous statements saying
marriage is a sacrament between a
man and a woman. But the document
says requests for blessings from same-
sex couples should not be denied, so
long as the blessing is not conferred at The Rev. Ai Hironaka, resident minister of the Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, stands on the stairs of his destroyed temple on
the same time as a civil union, using Dec. 7 in Lahaina, Hawaii. Cleanup efforts are still underway after the August wildfire that swept through the Lahaina
set rituals or with the clothing and ges- community on the Hawaiian island of Maui, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. LINDSEY WASSON/AP
tures that are part of a wedding.
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah

Lack of housing, aid

Kate Ellis called Monday’s announce-
ment “the latest in a historic pattern of

See BLESSINGS, Page 3A

SANDRA DAY O’CONNOR

stymie Maui residents
Without a solution, some ian word for “family,” is fading as quickly
as the vestiges of the Lahaina commu-
Burns and others who long have
feared being displaced from the island
may be forced to leave nity that burned in one of the most dev- they’ve lived on for generations are an-
astating wildfires in U.S. history. gry about the lack of help available.
Kayla Jimenez “If a housing solution for residents They blame city and state officials for
USA TODAY like us is not found, we will regrettably not doing enough to free up housing.
be forced to leave Hawaii. Time is of the Many are facing emotional distress.
Sarah Burns has raised her family essence,” Burns wrote in a recent letter There have been 10 reported suicides on
on the island of Maui in the spirit of to the Maui City Council. Dozens of oth- the island since the wildfires, according
Ohana for decades. er letters from longtime island residents
But that spirit of Ohana, the Hawai- reflect similar despair and frustration. See WILDFIRE, Page 6A

JACK GRUBER/USA TODAY

Justice’s final trip INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND CLIMATE CHANGE

to Supreme Court
Members of the Supreme Court and
What tribal views of food can teach the rest of us
the public gathered in Washington to Madeline Heim and Caitlin Looby blossomed into a robust organization;
honor the late Justice Sandra Day Milwaukee Journal Sentinel members even shared a stage with Wil-
O’Connor, the first woman to serve on USA TODAY NETWORK lie Nelson when Farm Aid came to Wis-
the high court. She died Dec. 1 at 93. consin in 2019.
O’Connor’s casket was rested on the ONEIDA, Wis. − Everyone puts their The ritual of husking, braiding and
Lincoln catafalque, built in 1865 for own spin on braiding corn husks. hanging corn signifies more than just
President Abraham Lincoln. The last Toni House offered this wisdom the the start of harvest season.
justice to lie in repose at the court was first day of October as she and a part- It reflects the Indigenous approach to
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died in ner wove 65 ears of Tuscarora white agriculture. It’s community.
2020. Full story, 3A corn into a hefty, impressive braid. “That’s the medicine of it,” House
When finished, they held the braid said.
high – prompting a cheer from those Many Wisconsin tribes have re-
around them – and carried it into a newed an interest in farming as a way to

QIJFAF-02005y(k)L
nearby barn, where it will hang to dry reconnect with their cultural history, Carol Elm, from left, Frank Kutka and
until spring, when it will be used for and regain ownership of their food sup- Randy Cornelius husk corn at the
©COPYRIGHT 2023 mush, cornbread and corn soup. ply. They hold deep respect for crops Yeyathókwas Wahnitale (Harvest
USA TODAY,
A division of
House is a member of Ohe·láku, a they grow, speak often about the rela- Moon), a multigenerational event
Gannett Co., Inc. co-op of Oneida Nation families that tionship between humans and plants, hosted by the white corn co-op of
HOME DELIVERY grow white corn on reservation land. Oneida families, Ohe·láku.
1-800-872-0001, USATODAYSERVICE.COM What began as an experiment has See CLIMATE, Page 2A JOVANNY HERNANDEZ/USA TODAY NETWORK
2A ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ USA TODAY NEWS

Climate age of loans to white farmers that were

late.
Indigenous farmers continue to face
Continued from Page 1A obstacles because they are trying to
pursue goals with long-term sustenance
and make decisions based on preserv- in mind within a system that’s designed
ing a way of life for future generations. for a different type of farming, Hayden
What’s become apparent to both said. They may not be taken seriously,
tribal leaders and an increasing number he said – or they may struggle to find
of outsiders is the gulf between how In- equipment that aligns with their needs
digenous people approach the land and and the smaller scale of their opera-
the typical approach of American farm- tions. USDA resources often are market-
ing – maximizing yield, prioritizing ed toward commercial agricultural op-
profit, a “go big or get out” mentality, erations.
said Lea Zeise, who co-founded Ohe·lá- When the agency is designing con-
ku in 2016. servation programs, Indigenous farm-
It’s unlikely that the gulf will narrow ers should get to weigh in on whether
significantly, at least not in the world of those programs will work for them,
corporate agriculture. Farming is part of Zeise said.
a global marketplace involving world- “We do have a different set of rules
wide economic forces and massive crop when it comes to land … we have differ-
volume. ent interests, different priorities, differ-
But climate change is threatening to ent approaches to conservation,” she
upend the world’s food system, and said. “If the program isn’t written for us,
many consumers increasingly resist Stephanie Rosio harvests aquaponically grown oakleaf lettuce in October at then we’re not going to be able to utilize
processed food laden with chemical ad- Bodwéwadmi Ktëgan, the Forest County Potawatomi farm in Laona, Wis. The it.”
ditives, and want a closer relationship farm, which uses sustainable practices, provides food to tribal members and area Chris Borden, who’s currently serv-
to what they eat. One prime example: schools, and has a store for the public. This crop of lettuce is being sold to the ing as acting national tribal liaison for
The farm-to-table movement that has Crandon School District. MARK HOFFMAN/USA TODAY NETWORK the USDA’s Natural Resources Conser-
had such an influence on grocery stores vation Service and is based in Wiscon-
and restaurants. sin, acknowledged this is one area
In that environment, Indigenous dent at the University of Kansas, said where his agency needs to better meet
growers offer lessons from their connec- reconnecting with the land provides a the needs of Indigenous growers.
tion to food, thoughtfulness about the huge opportunity to strengthen the The agency’s financial incentives for
land, and commitment to healing the community. conservation practices are structured
natural world. “When you have a relationship to the for its typical clientele, he explained –
“What we’re saying is, ‘Let’s come to- land, you’re creating a better environ- corn, soy or dairy producers with vast
gether, let’s come back to the land … we ment – not just for yourself, but for all acreage.
don’t have to commodify everything,’ ” our plant and animal relatives that live Although the agency hasn’t neces-
Zeise said. “We can do this, just putting with us,” Hall said. sarily turned down tribal producers
our minds together and putting our bod- The better environment she speaks wanting to participate in programs, “our
ies together on the field, and get it done.” of isn’t just theoretical – it’s on display incentives haven’t been meaningful
near Lake Michigan. enough (for them) to engage with us,”
Food isn’t just a commodity The Oneida Nation reservation sits Borden said. “We need to get to a better
for these tribes Daniel Hayden, doctoral student at the within the lower Fox River watershed, place on that.”
University of Wisconsin-Madison, who which drains into Lake Michigan via the In other places, though, progress is
Sydney Colwell, who manages com- has been working with Ohe·láku, bay of Green Bay. The river is the largest being made. Tribal knowledge of issues
munity gardening efforts for the Ho- explains his research of Oneida white contributor of phosphorus to the lake like wild rice restoration and walleye
Chunk Housing and Community Devel- corn and soil microbial diversity at a and the second largest contributor of raising have informed the programs and
opment Agency in Tomah, Wisconsin, field in Oneida, Wis. sediment, part of the reason why the practices the agency has developed,
said she was taught as a child that her SARAH KLOEPPING/USA TODAY NETWORK river and the lower bay of Green Bay are Borden said. And there’ll be more to
food had feelings. one of the most degraded areas in the come – like developing a financial in-
“If we nurture it and take care of it, Great Lakes. centive for farmers who plant corn,
it’ll take care of us,” she said. But now, the creeks on the reserva- beans and squash together or use other
Unlike the norms of conventional ag- About this series tion have met their goal of limiting Indigenous growing techniques.
riculture, tribal farmers have a spiritual phosphorus for the second year in a row, Tribal agriculture advocates are also
relationship with their crops. This four-part series examines said Jim Snitgen, water resources su- pushing to have their knowledge and
Today, many tribes have a long-term how Indigenous communities in pervisor for the Oneida Nation. And this priorities recognized in federal farming
goal of achieving food sovereignty, or Wisconsin are pushing to protect year, Snitgen and his team spotted evi- legislation. In 2018, 63 tribal provisions
the ability to control their agriculture land, air and water. It is supported dence that brook trout were reproduc- were included in the Farm Bill, which
and food supply systems, ensuring by a climate change reporting ing in Trout Creek for the first time in governs programs and spending for the
healthy and culturally appropriate food. grant from the Poynter Institute, decades. Less pollution in the creeks, USDA. That made it the most inclusive
That was a key reason the Forest through funding by the Joyce which flow into other, larger water bod- Farm Bill to date, according to the Native
County Potawatomi Community in Foundation. All content was ies, will ultimately mean less pollution Farm Bill Coalition.
northeast Wisconsin started its farm, produced by the Milwaukee in Lake Michigan and a healthier habitat The coalition has developed a slate of
Bodwéwadmi Ktëgan, near Laona in Journal Sentinel staff, part of the for fish and wildlife. priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill as well,
2017, said farm manager Dave Cronauer. USA TODAY Network, under the In addition, more than 400 acres of including enhancing Conservation Ser-
Today, they grow a variety of fruits and guidance of its editors. agricultural land on the reservation vice programs for tribal producers and
vegetables, including Potawatomi wa- have been converted to native habitat funding more research on the role tradi-
termelon and pole beans; raise beef cat- since 2018. The restored lands provide tional knowledge plays in natural re-
tle and bison; and have an orchard and habitat for pollinators and birds, and sources, nutrition and health.
an aquaponics facility on site. which had been depleted under prior create space for tribal members to gath-
On Bodwéwadmi Ktëgan, tillage is re- ownership. He has roots in the Coman- er fruit, nuts and medicinal plants. Traditional knowledge provides
duced, grazing rotated, and pesticides che, Pawnee and Muscogee (Creek) na- The work is having a ripple effect the path for future generations
avoided to benefit both the land and the tions and understands the co-op’s rela- with non-tribal farmers, Snitgen said.
people consuming the food, Cronauer tionship to the corn. Three-fourths of Oneida’s leased-out Still, the same threat that is looming
said. That food is sold at a storefront, This year, Hayden planted a mix of agricultural land is rented to non-tribal over agriculture worldwide is facing In-
donated to tribal programs, and given to winter wheat, clover and chicory in be- members, but any farmer who leases digenous growers: climate change. Lois
tribal elders and others in need. tween the row crops, a process called in- land must adhere to tribal conservation Stevens, an assistant professor of First
Cronauer said his ultimate goal is to terseeding. Cover crops like these are practices. Nations Studies at the University of
produce almost everything his commu- left on the field after the crop is harvest- Those farmers will see they can still Wisconsin-Green Bay and a member of
nity needs. ed so the fields are never bare. They in- make a profit, and hopefully extend the the Oneida Nation, said increasing
That’s beginning to happen with crease soil fertility, limit runoff and keep practices beyond the reservation, sug- weather extremes mean it’s getting
Ohe·láku members in Oneida as well. the soil moist. gests Greg Baneck, conservationist with harder to predict what each growing
Having an abundance of corn has given Many farmers worry that planting Outagamie County. season will be like.
them the ability to barter for maple cover crops could negatively impact But sometimes, things work out bet-
syrup, wild rice, fish and bison that yield, Hayden said. He’s hoping to pro- Systemic barriers disrupt ter than expected. Despite the past
other tribal members have raised or vide data showing that’s not true. relationship between tribes, land summer being one of the driest on rec-
produced, bringing back to life tribal He believes this year has been the ord for Wisconsin, the Ohe·láku corn
trading practices. The corn is also the most successful yet, and suspects the Today, there are about 80,000 pro- crop grew tall and strong. Manthe, the
most requested product in the Tribal corn did well with cover crops because, ducers across the country who identify co-op co-founder, credited the plant’s
Elder Food Box program, which feeds historically, it was planted alongside as American Indian or Alaska Native, historical adaptability, having existed
Indigenous elders across Wisconsin, beans and squash. according to the U.S. Department of Ag- through a multitude of weather situa-
said Laura Manthe, a co-founder of the Oneida people used to rotate through riculture’s 2017 agriculture census, the tions over thousands of years.
co-op. their territory, living and growing in new most recent available. That year, they “Our corn knows what to do,” Manthe
Co-op members save the best corn areas to give the land they’d just grown contributed roughly $3.5 billion to the said.
and use its seeds to plant the following on time to rest and recover, Zeise ex- industry, a small share of the $389 bil- Climate change was one of the first
year, just like their ancestors did, so plained. Today, they can’t pick up the lion in agricultural products produced discussions when the co-op was form-
they don’t have to buy more. reservation and move it, but they can across the U.S. ing, she said. It increased the urgency of
Manthe sees a contrast with conven- rotate which fields they plant on and But Indigenous growers have faced their work.
tional farming, in which seeds are or- give the soils an extra boost to help them discrimination from government agen- American culture tends to focus on
dered and corn is picked by machine. regenerate. cies meant to provide assistance. In individuality and what a person can
“Not one human hand ever touched “It’s just taking some of that ances- 2010, the USDA agreed to pay hundreds achieve in one lifetime, Zeise said. The
it,” she said. “So what is the relationship tral knowledge and thinking about it in a of millions of dollars to Native American Indigenous focus is on what can be
between the human and the corn?” different way,” Zeise said. farmers after they alleged that the agen- achieved for the next lifetime, and the
The passion for this type of work cy was denying them loan opportunities next.
Tribal growers seek spans generations. Celina Hall, a mem- given to white farmers. And even “I think food has unique potential to
long-term sustainability ber of the Ho-Chunk Nation who though they’re getting those opportuni- heal a lot of damage in our lives,” Zeise
worked with the tribe’s agriculture divi- ties today, they’re coming slower. A said. “Healing the land and the water,
Daniel Hayden, a doctoral student at sion during an internship this past sum- 2022 report by the Center for Public In- the people … our economy, ensuring our
the University of Wisconsin-Madison, mer, hopes to help her tribe continue to tegrity found that the Farm Service culture persists into the next genera-
has been working with the co-op on one make the connection between sustain- Agency was late delivering 33% of direct tion.”
of its fields since 2019, testing different able agriculture and traditional ecologi- loans to Native Americans and Alaska “I could not think of something that
cover crop mixes to restore the soil, cal knowledge. Hall, who is now a stu- Natives, more than double the percent- would be more powerful than that.”

Contact us Customer service Corrections

Customer Service 1-800-872-0001 Classified advertising ............. 1-800-397-0070 To view important information online and clarifications
Postal information Newsroom .....703-854-3400, ext. 5 National, regional advertising . 703-854-3400 related to your subscription, visit
aboutyoursubscription.usatoday.com. Our goal is to promptly
Volume 42, No. 67 correct errors. Contact
USA TODAY, USPS #684090, ISSN #0734- Available subscriptions You can also manage your subscription
at account.usatoday.com. Standards Editor Michael
7456, is published Monday through Subscribe and save today by visiting subscribe.usatoday.com. The subscription McCarter at accuracy@
Friday at 7950 Jones Branch Dr. McLean, below is billed monthly and includes 24/7 access to usatoday.com, breaking news Contact USA TODAY for questions or to
report issues call 1-800-872-0001. usatoday.com to report a
VA 22108. Periodicals postage paid at on our tablet and smartphone apps, subscriber benefits at usatoday.com/sub- mistake. Describe the
McLean, VA 22108. Postmaster: Send scriberguide and the eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print edition. Operating hours are: Monday-Friday:
8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. EST error, where you saw it, the date, page
address changes to Customer Service, h Delivery of the Monday through Friday print editions: $34.00 number or the URL.
PO Box 1387, Fort Smith, AR 72902. *Plus applicable taxes
NEWS E2 USA TODAY ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ 3A

O’Connor makes final

journey to high court
Sotomayor says ‘she
brought us all together’
Ronald J. Hansen and John Fritze
USA TODAY NETWORK
The National Weather Service said
more than 2 inches of rain fell in WASHINGTON − Members of the
areas of New Jersey and New York. Supreme Court and the public remem-
SETH HARRISON/USA TODAY NETWORK bered the late Justice Sandra Day
O’Connor on Monday as a historic fig-
ure who cared deeply about how the

Falling trees law affected Americans and who

sought out practical answers to some
of the nation’s most challenging legal

kill two as questions.

“We are here today to mark the

storm lashes
passing of a truly remarkable person to
honor and remember Sandra not only
for her work as a judge, but for her hu-

East Coast manity, leadership, determination,

and vision,” Justice Sonia Sotomayor
said during a private ceremony at the
Christopher Cann, Thao Nguyen Supreme Court. “She brought us all to-
and Doyle Rice gether.”
USA TODAY O’Connor’s casket arrived at the Su-
preme Court on a blustery morning in The casket of retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor arrives at the
NEW YORK – An intense storm sys- Washington and was carried up the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Monday. O’Connor, the first
tem battered the Northeast on Monday steps as her former law clerks lined the woman to serve on the Supreme Court, died on Dec. 1. JACK GRUBER/USA TODAY
with torrential rains and fierce winds path. All nine current justices stood in
that snarled traffic, delayed flights, the Great Hall during a private cere-
knocked out power and killed at least mony. Members of the public will pay for it was she cared what you thought that.”
two people. their respects throughout the day with about this stuff. She brought you into Bussel, who is planning to be among
The deaths happened when trees O’Connor lying in repose. the process. You were fully part of her the clerks on hand for O’Connor’s ser-
fell in Hingham, Massachusetts, and O’Connor, the first woman to serve process of deciding the cases. That’s vices in Washington, said she fostered a
Windham, Maine. on the Supreme Court, died Dec. 1 in such a privilege for a young lawyer to be closeness with her staffers that com-
The National Weather Service’s Arizona at 93 after battling dementia at the knee of this very powerful person bined the pressure of often being the
Weather Prediction Center warned for years. Nominated by President as she’s deciding the most important le- pivotal vote on the court and the
the potent low-pressure system would Ronald Reagan, she served on the Su- gal issues of the day.” warmth of a caring mentor.
bring “wind-swept heavy rain” and preme Court from 1981 until 2006. Vice President Kamala Harris and “You’re like a little family and you’re
strong thunderstorms, with possible “Today, I know she is smiling, second gentleman Douglas Emhoff in this intense period and she cared
flash flooding. Weather warnings knowing that four sisters serve on her were among the government officials about you as an individual. She wanted
were issued in more than a half- court,” Sotomayor said. “For the four of who paid their respects. Harris stood to know about your family, and she
dozen states from North Carolina to us and for so many others of every before O’Connor’s casket for a few min- wanted to know how you were holding
Maine. background and aspiration, Sandra utes before walking over to admire up under the pressure,” he said. “She
In Connecticut, wind speeds of over was a living example that women O’Connor’s portrait hanging nearby. brought us into her home and intro-
60 mph toppled trees and power lines. could take on any challenge, could After the Monday tribute at the court, duced us to her family. We felt part of
More than 2 inches of rain fell in areas more than hold their own in spaces a service will be held for O’Connor on the O’Connor family as well as part of
of New Jersey and New York, accord- dominated by men, and could do so Tuesday at the Washington National the chamber’s family.”
ing to the National Weather Service. with grace.” Cathedral. President Joe Biden will de- O’Connor’s staffers have distin-
More than 700,000 utility customers In addition to Sotomayor, Justices liver remarks at that ceremony. guished themselves over the decades
were without power across the region Elena Kagan, Amy Coney Barrett and Lauren Stiller Rikleen, a Massachu- since they served to her.
as of mid-afternoon, according to Ketanji Brown Jackson are the other setts-based lawyer and author of “Her About three dozen of them became
PowerOutage.us. women who sit on the Supreme Court. Honor – Stories of Challenge and Tri- law professors, according to biographies
In Rhode Island, water levels at Fox O’Connor’s casket was rested on the umph from Women Judges,” said tracked by the Sandra Day O’Connor In-
Point in Providence were likely to Lincoln catafalque, built in 1865 for O’Connor made history as the first stitute in Phoenix. At least six became
approach 10 feet, forecasters with the President Abraham Lincoln. The last woman but also provided an enviable federal appellate judges, one rung below
National Weather Service said. The justice to lie in repose at the court was template for justices. the Supreme Court. Two of her former
last time water levels reached such Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the leader of the “I think her legacy is sitting as a Su- clerks became chief justice of the Arizo-
heights was in 1991 from Hurricane court’s liberal wing who died in 2020. preme Court justice without an agenda,” na Supreme Court, Ruth McGregor and
Bob. Daniel Bussel, a law professor at the Rikleen said. “She never took the law so Scott Bales.
Adrienne Auchmoody, 79, was University of California, Los Angeles, far ahead of where the public was on her Scott O’Connor, one of O’Connor’s
awakened around 2 a.m. in the Hud- clerked for O’Connor during the 1986- decision-making.” three sons, was impressed by the gath-
son Valley area north of New York City 87 term “just the time when she was O’Connor stands out more than ever ering expected of that extended family
by the sound of intense winds. blossoming into her role as the center as “an independent justice who respect- on Monday. Of the 108 people who
“You could hear it howling, and of the court.” ed precedent and had an instinctive un- clerked for O’Connor at the Supreme
that’s always a scary thing,” she said. “It was an amazing experience. We derstanding of where the court should Court, 80 of them are expected to be on
Some neighbors later reported base- were like a family. For that year, you seek common ground,” she said. hand for her service on Monday, he said.
ment flooding, she said. worked incredibly intensively. ... The Rikleen, who consults organizations “How’s that for a tribute?” Scott
The Northeast maelstrom followed pressure at the Supreme Court is enor- on ensuring workplace diversity, O’Connor said. “That’s considering that
a weekend of heavy rain across the mous,” he said, noting they often praised O’Connor for helping bring a couple of them have passed away.
Southeast that flooded streets and worked 16 hours a day six days a week. about overdue opportunities for wom- They’re coming there from coast to
rained out holiday celebrations. “She knew she was working us to en. coast to rally for her.”
death, and she didn’t in any way feel “Of course, there’s been a lot of pro- Hansen reports for the Arizona Re-
Travel difficult bad about that. But the compensation gress,” she said. “But you can’t rest on public; Fritze reports for USA TODAY.

Flooding in New York City and Phil-

adelphia left streets completely un-
derwater ahead of morning rush hour.
The storm throttled mass transit sys-
tems, including the New York City sub- Blessings It adds: “It is a seed of the Holy Spirit
that must be nurtured, not hindered.”
But the Vatican has maintained its
opposition to same-sex marriage. In
way. The document from the Vatican’s 2021, the Vatican’s Congregation for the
As of midday Monday, over 120 Continued from Page 1A doctrine office released Monday elabo- Doctrine of the Faith said the church
flights in New Jersey, New York City rates on a letter Francis sent to two con- couldn’t bless same-sex unions because
and Boston were delayed and about actions and announcements from servative cardinals that was published “God cannot bless sin.”
100 were canceled, according to Pope Francis which show that LGBTQ in October. In that preliminary re- Amid backlash to that document,
FlightAware. people should not be used as a divid- sponse, Francis suggested such bless- Francis removed the official responsible
Amtrak paused service to Rhode Is- ing issue, and we are worthy of love, ings could be offered under some for it and began laying the groundwork
land because of a downed power line. respect and compassion.” circumstances if they didn’t confuse the to reverse it.
Also in Rhode Island, all ferries were “By removing barriers to priests ritual with the sacrament of marriage. Last year, Francis directed parents
canceled to Block Island, home to over blessing LGBTQ couples, the Pope ac- Jim Bretzke, a priest and professor of around the world not to condemn their
1,000 people. curately recognizes that LGBTQ peo- theology at John Carroll University in children if they are gay. In January, he
School districts across the region ple and our relationships are worthy of Ohio, said that while the Pope will likely told the Associated Press that although
canceled classes, opened late or closed the same affirmation and support in face criticism from both those within homosexuality is a sin for Catholics,
early. That included most schools in the Church, and this strengthens cou- the church who oppose same-sex mar- laws criminalizing homosexuality are
Connecticut, according to WFSB-TV. ples in their faith and to the communi- riage and supporters who don’t feel the “unjust.”
ty,” Ellis said in a statement. church has gone far enough, the docu- Last month, the Vatican made public
After storm subsides, a chill ment is a “very positive contribution to a document saying under certain cir-
What is a blessing? the church’s pastoral and theological cumstances, transgender people can be
Colder air behind the storm is ex- understanding some of these complex baptized as Catholics and serve as god-
pected to trigger lake-effect snow The document offers an extensive situations.” parents.
across the Great Lakes and into the definition of the term “blessing” in “This is a real watershed moment in
Appalachians and upstate New York Scripture to insist people seeking a the development of the church’s pasto- Does this mean Catholic Church
on Tuesday, according to the Weather transcendent relationship with God ral response to people in irregular will embrace same-sex marriage?
Prediction Center. and looking for his love and mercy unions and same-sex unions,” Bretzke
“Even though the big storm will be- should not be subject to “an exhaus- said. Bretzke, from John Carroll Univer-
gin to depart the Northeast Monday tive moral analysis” as a precondition sity, said although the document is a
evening, the huge circulation of the for receiving it. What else have Vatican and Pope positive step forward, he doesn’t believe
storm will overspread the entire east- “Ultimately, a blessing offers people Francis said about LGBTQ+ rights? it’s an indicator that the church will ac-
ern U.S. with very blustery condi- a means to increase their trust in God,” cept same-sex marriage.
tions,” the Weather Prediction Center the document said. “The request for a Nearly half of LGBTQ+ adults in the “I think the church is always going to
said. blessing, thus, expresses and nurtures United States consider themselves reli- be very, very reluctant at celebrating the
Already Monday morning, whiteout openness to the transcendence, mer- gious, including 1.3 million Roman sacrament, the sacrament of marriage
conditions in Michigan led to a huge cy, and closeness to God in a thousand Catholics, according to a 2020 study for people in a same-sex union, but I
pileup on Interstate 94 west of Kala- concrete circumstances of life, which from the Williams Institute at the Uni- cannot look two centuries into the fu-
mazoo, AccuWeather reported. is no small thing in the world in which versity of California, Los Angeles School ture,” he said.
Contributing: The Associated Press we live.” of Law. Contributing: The Associated Press
4A ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ USA TODAY NEWS

‚ˆ–œ’˜†„‘ŠŒ¦Wš•„“—‹„—
Your visual guide to wrapping oddly shaped holiday gifts
JENNIFER BORRESEN/USA TODAY

any have already purchased a few unique gifts for their loved wrapping easier. If you have an oddly shaped gift and have run out of boxes
ones and will set aside time to wrap their presents sneakily. But or bags, there is a way to wrap them with minimum effort and have them
only some things you buy will be in a perfect box to make look clean, professional and festive.

What supplies How to wrap an oddly shaped gift?

do I need? 1X WRAPPING Choosing a thicker, high-quality paper is the key to wrapping an oddly
PAPER shaped gift. It will make it less prone to tear, and the paper will crease more
Quality wrapping
easily. If you have run out of boxes or bags, this is a way you can quickly
paper, a sturdy pair
turn some wrapping paper into a gift bag and wrap any shaped gift.
of correct-sized
scissors, and good
transparent tape in 1X TRANSPARENT TAPE
a weighted
dispenser will make
all the difference.
1X SCISSORS

1X BOW

How to wrap a square or rectangular box

Wrapping a box is the most straightforward shape to wrap and creates
nice, clean folds. Measuring and cutting the paper correctly is important,
as too much paper creates a lumpy, poorly wrapped gift. A helpful hint,
œŠ“Š›Š—•”˜˜Ž‡‘ŠŽ˜™”²“‰†‡”™†™²™˜ž”š—ŒŽ‹™
1. 2.

Measure the width of the object Fold over the long edges,
you wish to wrap, add an inch to overlapping and securing the
that measurement, and cut. seam together with tape.

3. 4.
1. Lay down the box on the
edge of the paper and roll it
2. Place the box in the center
of the paper upside down.
on all four sides across the Fold left end of the paper to
width of the paper. the center of the present.

Fold over the long edges, Now fold the bottom edge of the
overlapping and securing the wrapping paper up, making sure
seam together with tape. it’s wide enough to hold your gift.

5.

On the last roll, cut the Fold the right side over
paper, leave about ¾” at least ½”, creating a
to 1½” extra paper. clean seam.
At the bottom of your gift bag, separate your wrapping paper
and flatten out the two corners, creating a diamond shape.

3. Repeat the opposite side, overlapping the left side of the paper.
Secure with one piece of transparent tape.
Take the bottom edge Now take the top edge and Cut off any excess
4. of your diamond fold it down toward the from the top of your
shape and fold it up center, slightly overlapping bag, if needed.
toward the center. the bottom edge. Secure
with tape.

6.
Fold down the top Firmly crease and fold Fold and crease
flap, creasing the side the side flaps inward. bottom flap with
flaps into corners. about ½ inch seam.

Place the bag Fold the top Next, fold over the Add a
Holding the side Secure bottom flap Repeat these steps on right side up and corners of top of the bag, bow.
flaps in place, with one piece of the opposite side of the insert your gift. your bag making another small
crease and fold the transparent tape gift. Place a bow on top. inward. fold to give it a clean
bottom up. ²“Ž˜Š“™†•Š™Š
gift bag closed.
SOURCE USA TODAY reporting and research
NEWS USA TODAY ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ 5A

Trump supporters reject ‘dictator’ concern

However, rhetoric alarms populist political movements. “The sec-
ond part of it is, I don’t think we should
Kim was “very nice.”

authoritarianism experts discount him.” ‘You have to demolish

Trump’s allies are planning ways to your whole house’
Riley Beggin bypass some of those checks and bal-
USA TODAY ances, Berezin said, even if consolida- As he addressed the crowd, Trump
tion of power couldn’t happen over- pledged to “drill, baby, drill,” but did not
DURHAM, N.H. – Former President night. Trump on the campaign trail has touch on his previous “dictator” com-
Donald Trump drew a torrent of criti- proposed measures that would grant ments. Instead, he pointed a finger at
cism when he told Fox News’ Sean Han- the president additional powers. President Joe Biden and the Democrats.
nity earlier this month he wouldn’t be a “I think it’s one of those classic “Biden and the far-left lunatics are
dictator “except on Day One” of a second Trump things which have two mean- desperate to stop us by any means nec-
administration. ings: It has a grain of truth in it, and it’s essary. They’re willing to violate the U.S.
But many attendees at Trump’s cam- also a joke,” she said. “Trump’s most Constitution at levels never seen before
paign rally Saturday at the University of Shelly Temple, left, attends the rally outrageous statements are worth pay- in order to win,” he said.
New Hampshire said the comment was with her husband, Josh Hartwich. The ing attention to.” Multiple rally attendees who spoke
a joke meant to provoke his rivals. The presidential powers outlined in the with USA TODAY also said their con-
voters said they’re not concerned Constitution are enough to enable Trump makes promises cerns about democracy don’t lie with
Trump would truly lead as a dictator. former President Donald Trump to for a second term Trump but with the current president.
“He’s like a guy with a laser pointer, deliver on his promises, she said. “I’m not at all worried about that,”
and the left is a cat,” said John LaClair, PHOTOS BY RILEY BEGGIN/USA TODAY As he seeks a second term in office, Charles Martin, an engineer from
who drove from Barrington to attend the Trump has eyed using the presidency to southern New Hampshire said when
rally with his brother. investigate and potentially prosecute asked about Trump’s comments about
Rather, more than a dozen people his political enemies. being a dictator.
who spoke with USA TODAY outside the He wrote on his Truth Social platform He said he’ll “never forgive” Biden for
rally said they believe the presidency and told attendees at another New the administration’s handling of CO-
would give Trump enough power to le- Hampshire rally that he would “root out VID-19 vaccines, which put him at odds
gally accomplish what is most impor- the communists, Marxists, fascists, and with his employer, adding that he be-
tant to them. That ranges from the radical left thugs that live like ver- lieves “We live in a tyranny right now.”
strengthening the economy to stopping min within the confines of our country.” The split reflects recent polling from
migration at the southern border and The former president has said he will the Associated Press and the NORC
preventing U.S. participation in foreign make it easier to fire tens of thousands Center for Public Affairs Research,
conflicts. of federal workers, end birthright citi- which found that a majority of Repub-
Shelly Temple, who volunteered for zenship and carry out a mass deporta- licans and Democrats both feel democ-
Trump’s campaign in New Hampshire tion campaign. racy is at risk in the 2024 presidential
in 2016 and attended the rally Saturday, At a town hall event in Iowa earlier election − but for different reasons.
said the nation’s energy production and Nori Kozuma, right, attends with his this month, Hannity asked Trump about Eighty-seven percent of Democrats said
border security are among her priori- wife, Sarah. He said he’s afraid some of these pledges and whether he Trump would threaten democracy, and
ties. But Trump would have plenty of democracy is under threat and planned “to abuse power as retribution 82% of Republicans said Biden would.
authority under America’s system to ad- something needs to change. against anybody” if he regains the presi- Nori and Sarah Kozuma own a cafe in
dress those issues, she said. dency. Newmarket. They feel their business
“I don’t see that as dictator, I see that “Except for Day One. I want to close fared better under the Trump presiden-
as being a leader and to protect his the border and I want to drill, drill, drill,” cy and are hoping a second term would
country. ... I like a president that re- Trump responded. “He says you’re not rejuvenate the economy.
spects the Constitution,” she said. “Let going to be dictator are you? No, no, no − Nori Kozuma added that he’s con-
the government work the way it’s sup- other than Day One... after that, I’m not cerned democracy is in danger. The po-
posed to. Let there be checks and bal- a dictator.” litical system isn’t serving the people,
ances.” He doubled down on the comments a he said, so “now we have to change the
The interpretation of Trump’s com- few days later in a speech to the New system.”
ments among supporters at his Satur- York Young Republican Club. “You have to demolish your whole
day rally diverges from the rising alarm Trump has also repeatedly praised house to build a brand new house that’s
among authoritarianism experts. authoritarian leaders in other countries, really good for you. In order to destroy
“Two things about Trump. One, he including Russian President Vladimir the whole house, it takes a long time and
often says what he means and he often Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, it takes leadership. (Allegations of dic-
says it in the form of a joke,” said Mabel John LaClair, right, with his brother Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo- tatorship are) fanned by the media,” he
Berezin, a sociology professor at Cornell Dennis, said Trump is “a guy with a gan and North Korean President Kim said. “He hasn’t done one single thing
University who studies nationalist and laser pointer, and the left is a cat.” Jong Un. Trump on Saturday again said that makes me think he’s a dictator.”

Transform Your Floor

In Just ONE DAY!

PAYMENTS FREE BONUS

HALF OFF STARTING AT
SCRATCH
INSTALLATION
$30/MONTH OFF GIFT

W H Y C H O O S E R E VA M P ?

1 Day Solutions For #1 Concrete Long Highly Limited

Floors Every Type Coating Company Lasting Skilled Lifetime
Of Floor In The USA Technicians Warranty

888-597-6258
GET A CUSTOM QUOTE FOR YOUR PROJECT TODAY!
G A R A G E S | D R I V E WAY | PAT I O & O U T D O O R | P O O L D E C K

*Credit approval is not guaranteed, example payment based on $3,000 project with $400 down payment at 10.99% for 180 Months.
Service Areas: Arizona, Alabama, Colorado,Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wisconsin
6A ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ USA TODAY NEWS

Wildfire result in solutions, actions will become

words and the uncertain and displaced
victims have security.”
Continued from Page 1A
A mental health crisis
to local police.
Aid is lagging in some ways and Many Lahaina residents lost their
dwindling in other cases, residents told jobs and are struggling to afford basic
USA TODAY. needs. The lack of resources has led to a
Locals are anxious about their future mental health crisis on the island, said
on the island. Some are fishing and Lauren Ampolos, a psychologist at Illu-
camping on Kaanapali Beach from day minate Wellness Maui. Ampolos is
to night to grab officials’ attention. Fam- working overtime to accommodate
ilies are preparing to spend the holidays traumatized patients.
in hotel rooms. Psychologists who lost “It’s interesting as a provider going
their homes in the disaster are navigat- through some of the things these people
ing how to treat residents who share the have gone through,” Ampolos said.
same traumas. Many people said they “Normally as a provider, there’s a sep-
lost more than their homes. An Aug. 10 aerial image shows Old Lahaina Center and Foodland Lahaina aration between what you’re treating
“The impact reaches beyond the loss standing among destroyed homes and businesses along Front Street burned to and your own separate experience. It’s
of our homes; we’ve lost our bank, our the ground in the historic Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in been difficult having some of the very
doctors’ office, and our business office Lahaina, Hawaii. PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES same difficult experiences with people.”
on Front Street,” Burns wrote to the City Thousands of people on the island
Council. One hundred people died dur- need mental health care at a low cost or
ing the fires. property renters who give preference to leave their generational community,” for free, she said. The practitioners at
wildfire survivors. she wrote. her practice can’t help them all.
Residents frustrated about Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has agreed Counsuelo Apolo-Gonsalves told the Several residents on the island have
a slow road to housing stability that shifting existing short-term rentals City Council she’s devastated after shared the stresses they’re facing with
to long-term rentals could help. He’s hearing the stories of wildfire victims city officials.
Residents who survived the wildfires presented other solutions that could be during her time volunteering at a relief Lisa Jones, a 25-year-long resident of
are preparing for months or longer of funded with federal dollars: building hub at the Sheraton hotel for the last Lahaina, lost her home, job, and pets in
unstable living. More than 100 days small homes on people’s properties and four months. the Maui wildfires, according to a letter
have passed since Aug. 8 when the fires rushing existing residential building “It breaks my heart to know that La- she wrote to the city council.
leveled most of the historic community projects. haina residents after losing everything She was living at The Westin in West
of Lahaina. they have to live with (and are wonder- Maui before she “was evicted along with
The island, and Lahaina, in particu- Relocation: For better or worse ing) if today will be the day they have to 200 other people to make room for tour-
lar, holds a special place for residents relocate but not know where? And some ists.”
who want to return or stay there, even Many who are living in or lived in ho- or most (are) thinking their only choice “I was relocated to Kahului, a town
though many potential setbacks exist. A tel rooms paid for by FEMA and run by is to relocate somewhere else cause they I’m not familiar with and without a vehi-
small fishing village turned popular the American Red Cross told the City can’t afford to live here,” she wrote. cle, I’m completely separated from my
tourist spot, the 13,000 or so residents Council that the program is unwieldy Some survivors are trying to help community and those I love,” she wrote.
of Lahaina took the brunt of the fires in and unpredictable. Several said they re- others find solutions in the interim. “This greatly adds to my depression.
August. cently received notice to move their be- It’s important to Alfy Basurto that as The only chance I have to get back to
On a November sailing trip from Cali- longings to another hotel within a mere many families as possible stay on the is- West Maui is if there is housing avail-
fornia to Hawaii, seven-year Maui resi- few hours or days. land and outsiders don’t buy the land or able to rent.”
dent Kati Hedden was on her way to Some hotels have ended their con- take up housing once it becomes avail- She was volunteering and caring for
what could have been Oahu. She was tracts with the agency recently because able. the animals in the burn zone for the
hesitant about returning to Maui where they don’t want to host wildfire survi- Basurto and his family are trying to Maui Humane Society, but she had to
her condo and belongings burned down. vors during the peak holiday tourism build several dome-like homes on 2 1⁄2 leave that role when she was forced to
She’s lived in Lahaina for years and season. Red Cross officials are assuring acres of land in Lahaina. But he said he’s move hotels.
she’s concerned about how the air qual- people they will have access to shelter in facing a lawsuit from a nearby home- “It broke my heart to have to leave the
ity there will affect her health. hotels for as long as they need. The pro- owners association that doesn’t want job as I was forced from my town and
But she felt a calling to return to gram is set to end in February. unhoused people living nearby. support system,” she said.
Maui. At a podium overlooking a room full Basurto’s family home also went up
“There’s this kind of saying on Maui of Christmas decorations, Maui officials in flames. Their family lived in a hotel ‘Long-term housing recovery
that she either takes you in or she spits and her Lahaina community, Lori Rob- for two months after their home burned is a very, very slow thing’
you out,” she said. “And I guess I felt ertson said she’s moved hotels four down before they found a new place to
Maui from across the ocean, and that I times with her fiancee and dogs. live on Oct. 1. The mortgage on the house The slow road to housing solutions in
needed to come back.” “Most recently I was given five hours’ they’ve living in is twice as expensive as Maui is similar to the lag in recovery in
Hedden recently bought a small wag- notice that I would be relocated,” Rob- their old home. other places in the U.S. affected by natu-
on and plans to buy plastic crates to help ertson said. “I’ve shed the tears and felt ral disasters, said Jeff Schlegelmilch,
her in what she anticipates will be mul- powerlessness.” Other aid is drying up the director of the National Center for
tiple moves while living in federally- Another resident, Shannon Edie, Disaster Preparedness at the Columbia
funded housing for what she said could urged the City Council to act urgently. On Dec. 15, federal officials closed a Climate School at Columbia University.
be several years. “This is exhausting, defeating and disaster recovery center opened after “Long-term housing recovery is a
The Lahaina Intermediate School downright inhumane the way we are be- the wildfires. The center offered help to very, very slow thing,” he said. “It can
teacher is living in a hotel. She said she’ll ing treated,” Edie said to the council ear- people who lost their homes and needed take years just to take first dollars in a lot
return to work after a hiatus from the is- lier this month. “My 17-year-old daugh- to apply for federal aid. The deadline to of permitting decisions about recovery
land when the second semester of the ter has told me multiple times she’s tired apply for aid has passed. and things like that.”
school year resumes in January. of living like this and she just wants to The federal government is also send- Maui is unique, he said, because lo-
“I know I could be relocated at any go home. ... I feel helpless.” ing fewer staffers to the island to help cals have long faced a housing crisis be-
time. I’m kind of at the Red Cross’s mer- Sandra Ignacio lost her home and her with recovery than they did in August. cause of the high rates of tourism on the
cy,” she said. “I know people who had to acupuncture office in Dickenson The number dropped from 600 in Au- island. There are many short-term rent-
move out of the Westin the other day.” Square. Her husband lost his surfboard- gust to 407 in December. als and timeshares there. It’s caused a
The Federal Emergency Manage- building workshop in Wili Ko Place. A display for action is taking place at low housing supply and an increase in
ment Agency has the money and will to They found a place to live in a home Kaanapali Beach. For the last several housing costs for locals.
pay for wildfire survivors to live in through a friend. weeks, about 25 people a day have The disaster has only exacerbated
houses instead of hotel rooms. But there “We got lucky,” she wrote. camped and fished where Hawaiian the tension between locals and tourists.
aren’t enough houses in the disaster But she’s frustrated by the lack of flags and “Defend the Land” signs stand Residents don’t want tourists to visit
area to buy. housing available to her fellow commu- in the sand. Jordan Ruidas, a spokes- Maui because they fear they’ll displace
Thousands of houses in the area are nity members. person for the grassroots organization local Hawaiians who have lived on the
owned by people who rent them to visi- “When I consider the extreme grief Lahaina Strong, said that aid has “defi- island for generations. Yet tourism
tors to the island for a short time. Agen- and sadness, sleeplessness, anxiety, nitely dwindled” since August, but the could bring in the financial aid the is-
cy staffers are trying to reach 11,000 early-on breathing issues, difficulty need remains. land needs, Schlegelmilch said.
owners of those homes to convince swallowing, daily crying that I have ex- “We don’t see as many convoys com- “We have the governor saying ‘We
them to rent or lease them to 2,680 fam- perienced as a result of this disaster and ing through with supplies,” she said. need tourism,’ but then there are fresh
ilies living in hotel rooms on the island, losing everything, I cannot even begin to “Hubs are starting to shut down.” scars here from the community,” Schle-
said Bob Fenton, a FEMA spokesman. imagine what my fellow community Ruidas said the group will continue gelmilch said. “It’s like ‘We want the
The need is so dire that the Maui City members are experiencing while now its protest until they are confident that tourism dollars, but also don’t want the
Council plans to grant tax breaks for facing homelessness or being forced to state and city officials’ proposals “will tourists.’ ”

Gaza said the Palestinian death toll had sur-

passed 19,000 since the war began Oct. 7,
vilians. Hamas called on the interna-
tional community to hold Israel ac-
States, Israel reopened a second border-
crossing into Gaza last week. But the
when Hamas militants crossed the Israeli countable for “horrific crimes against ci- amount of aid entering the territory is
Continued from Page 1A border and killed 1,200 people before seiz- vilians and the medical sector, which is still less than half of prewar imports,
ing more than 240 as hostages. exposed to systematic bombing around even as needs have soared and fighting
in our shared values, our shared inter- the clock.” hinders delivery in many areas.
ests and our shared goals,” Gallant said. Hamas rebuffs US on hostages The Israeli army’s chief spokesman,
Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas offi- Accusations of war crimes in Gaza Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said on Mon-
cial, held a news briefing in Beirut short- CIA Director William Burns met in day that Israel is not restricting the
ly after Austin spoke in Tel Aviv. Ham- Warsaw with the head of Israel’s Mos- The Israeli government is committing amount of humanitarian aid.
dan played a video showing Hamas sad intelligence agency and the prime a war crime by deliberately starving Pal- “We know civilians in Gaza are suf-
fighters targeting Israeli troops and dis- minister of Qatar on Monday, reportedly estinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, Hu- fering. This is because of Hamas’ strate-
abled Israeli military bulldozers being for talks aimed at obtaining the release man Rights Watch said in a report is- gy and tactics and because Hamas
towed away through Gaza. The “sands of more hostages, multiple media out- sued Monday. The international advo- steals the international aid meant for
of Gaza will swallow” the Israeli invad- lets in the U.S. and Israel reported. cacy group accused Israeli forces of in- them,” he said.
ers, he said. It was the first known meeting in- tentionally blocking the delivery of Netanyahu and the Israeli military
Hamdan was dismissive of the help volving the three nations since the end food, water and fuel while “willfully im- have repeatedly defended the attacks
the U.S. was providing Israel. of a weeklong cease-fire last month that peding” distribution of humanitarian on apparently civilian targets by accus-
“We are asking what experience the resulted in freedom for more than 100 aid. The report calls on the Israeli gov- ing Hamas of hiding among the civilian
American secretary of defense is shar- hostages. More than 100 remain under ernment to halt attacks on infrastruc- population and using people as human
ing with Israel?” Hamdan said in a militant control, and Hamas reaffirmed ture necessary for the survival of the ci- shields.
translation by Al Jazeera. “Are we talk- its stance not to conduct any such talks vilian population, to lift its blockade of “World leaders should be speaking out
ing about the victories in Vietnam? Or until the “Zionist aggression against our Gaza and to restore power and water to against this abhorrent war crime, which
their victory in Afghanistan after 20 people” is halted. the battered enclave. has devastating effects on Gaza’s popula-
years? The only experience to be shared Hamas has called on the U.N. and The starving of civilians is a war tion,” said Omar Shakir, Israel and Pales-
is killing women and children, and de- other international organizations to crime under international humanitar- tine director at Human Rights Watch.
stroying hospitals, houses and schools.” protect health facilities in Gaza from ian law. For the first two months of the More world leaders are joining that
Four more Israeli troops were killed “brutal war crimes” and provide them war, humanitarian aid was delivered to chorus almost daily. The foreign minis-
in combat Sunday and another soldier with the tools to continue functioning. Gaza through a single border crossing ters of France, Germany and the United
died of his wounds, the army an- The militants said Nassar Hospital was from Egypt, severely restricting the Kingdom on Sunday called for a “sus-
nounced Monday. That raised the mil- targeted by Israeli bombs late Sunday amount of food and other supplies that tainable” cease-fire, saying too many ci-
itary death toll for the war to 127. and Al-Shifa Hospital early Monday, could reach the coastal enclave’s resi- vilians have been killed.
The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry both cases resulting in the death of ci- dents. After pressure from the United Contributing: The Associated Press
NEWS USA TODAY ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ 7A

OPINION WANT TO COMMENT?

We’re on Facebook (USA TODAY Opinion) and Instagram and Twitter (@usatodayopinion). You can also
comment directly on columns.

We need the old Biden to speak up on Sudan

bury him, she held a funeral at home
and then fled. A soldier at a roadblock
tried to snatch her young son, but she
was able to wrest him away.
Daniel P. Sullivan
Kamisa Abdullah, 30, cradled her 5-
Opinion contributor
month-old baby – all that she could
bring with her. She was separated from
Door-to-door searches. Houses her three other children, who fled with
burned to the ground. Men, women and her sister. “They killed many people,”
children targeted for death or sexual as- she said, describing “many bodies in the
sault based on ethnic lines. Mass streets.”
graves. These were the reports from Su- The United Nations estimates that
dan 20 years ago at the height of the paramilitary groups killed hundreds in
Darfur genocide. Such accounts Ardamata.
shouldn’t be emerging again today. Yet, Ardamata is not the first or only mas-
that is exactly what survivors, inter- sacre that has been reported out of Dar-
viewed by Refugees International at the fur in recent months. Sharif Moham-
border with Chad and Sudan, recently med was among more than 40 men and
reported. boys from the Massalit tribe in the West
The evidence of atrocities is mount- Darfur town of Misterei who were forced
ing. They include war crimes, crimes by the RSF and allied militias in early
against humanity and – possibly, once May to lie down with their arms tied be-
again – genocide. Several independent hind their backs, then were shot.
reports have documented widespread Sharif pretended to be dead for two
and systematic violence in Darfur, the days before someone was able to take
region in western Sudan that saw a full- him to Chad. Now, in one of the refugee
fledged rebellion and genocide starting sites near the Chad-Sudan border, he
in 2003. helps other wounded refugees in an
Satellite data backs numerous eye- emergency hospital. As the 30-some- Kamisa Abdullah, 30, said she escaped a massacre in Ardamata, Sudan, in
witness testimonies of mass destruc- thing pointed out girls and boys on November with only her 5-month-old baby. She was separated from her three
tion based on ethnic lines and the exis- crutches because of bullets that broke other children, who fled with her sister. PROVIDED BY REFUGEES INTERNATIONAL
tence of mass graves. their legs, tears filled his eyes.
And now, the United States has made The latest spate of violence in Darfur
an official determination that atrocities is connected to, but distinct from, the is virtually silent. Mission and the International Criminal
– including war crimes, crimes against broader fighting that erupted in Sudan’s The Biden administration has made Court; 3) stepped-up humanitarian
humanity and ethnic cleansing – have capital, Khartoum, last April. The com- only modest efforts to stop a potential support for those in need in Sudan and
been taking place in Sudan. bat between the Sudanese Armed genocide: statements from officials con- for people who have fled to neighboring
Independent experts are warning of Forces (SAF) and the breakaway faction demning the violence, new sanctions on countries; and 4) the use of additional
further atrocities looming in North Dar- known as the RSF – largely descended a few individuals, and support for some sanctions based on investigation of
fur. It is past time for the Biden admini- from the infamous Janjaweed “devils on efforts to collect evidence and pursue those who might be abetting these
stration to speak out on Sudan and to horseback” of the Darfur genocide – has accountability. U.S.-backed cease-fire crimes, including a close look at the
take action to prevent further loss of life. been marked by war crimes as well, in- talks, meanwhile, have done little more United Arab Emirates providing weap-
cluding the targeting of hospitals and than tread water while the killing con- ons to the paramilitary RSF.
‘Many bodies in the streets’ widespread rape. tinues. Finally, and most urgently, President
The violence in Darfur has also taken These efforts have been undercut by Biden must speak out loudly and clearly
The resurgence of mass atrocities on disturbingly familiar tones with a a lack of attention at the highest level. on Sudan.
was evident as Refugees International largely Arab-identifying RSF and allied The president himself has not refer- In the meantime, refugees such as
interviewed survivors from a November militias targeting tribes like the Massa- enced Sudan beyond written state- Rougaya, Kamisa and Sharif have no
massacre in the town of Ardamata, in lit, which are seen as “Black Africans.” ments last spring and has not given the choice but to wait. Sharif will wait for
West Darfur, who were just arriving in Disturbingly, investigations have leadership attention required in the face more wounded new arrivals to assist.
neighboring Chad with horrifying ac- shown that this violence is being fueled of such atrocities. Kamisa will wait for her three other chil-
counts. by arms shipments that the United Arab President Biden can change this by dren. She told Refugees International,
Rougaya Isska, a 33-year-old woman Emirates is sending directly to the para- speaking out and by supporting the before moving on from the border to the
who had just crossed the border, de- military RSF in Darfur. atrocity determination with concrete closest refugee site, “Maybe tomorrow
scribed seeing a blind woman thrown actions, including: 1) appointment of a they will come.”
into a fire. She told of men in uniforms of Sen. Joe Biden vs. President Biden presidential envoy on Sudan to spear- Daniel P. Sullivan, formerly a senior
the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and al- head robust diplomatic efforts; 2) sup- policy adviser with the Save Darfur Co-
lied militias going house to house, loot- Two decades ago, then-Sen. Joe Bi- port for accountability efforts through alition, is the director for Africa, Asia
ing or burning them, and shooting the den was a leading voice for taking action the Sudan Conflict Observatory, the In- and the Middle East at Refugees Inter-
men – including her husband. Unable to to stop the genocide in Darfur. Today, he dependent International Fact-Finding national.

Antisemitism, hate against Jews is unsurprising in US

who became an apologist for the Nazis. George W. Bush offers wise advice
Lindbergh’s bigotry inspired my
teacher and mentor Philip Roth to write I recently interviewed former Presi-
a great novel, “The Plot Against Amer- dent George W. Bush on his ranch in
Dr. Marc Siegel
ica,” exploring how U.S. history might Crawford, Texas, where he gave sage ad-
Opinion contributor
have unfolded had Lindbergh’s danger- vice for our country. History goes in cy-
ous views prevailed. cles, he said, and we are in the midst of a
My 100-year-old Jewish father, a Yet, World War II galvanized Ameri- dark time, a down cycle, but we will
World War II veteran, recently asked me cans against a common enemy in a way come back up to the light.
a question with concern: “Where is all we can certainly learn from now. Our In the meantime, he said, “We need
this antisemitism coming from?” military were liberators, freeing Europe hugging instead of yelling.”
His question was spurred by the hor- from the oppressive evil that would cast I couldn’t agree more. Jews are sensi-
rific increase in antisemitism since Ha- others as subhuman to justify genocide. tive to the word “genocide,” considering
mas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The Anti- The massive patriotism of that gen- that the Holocaust occurred only 80
Defamation League has recorded more eration and societal sacrifice triumphed years ago. But the rest of the world
than 2,000 antisemitic acts in the Unit- over all naysayers and Nazi sympathiz- needs to be sensitive to it, too.
ed States − an increase of 337% − in the ers, including Lindbergh and his Amer- The issues have not been this clear or
two months since Hamas terrorists ica First Committee. Most Americans sharply focused since perhaps World
slaughtered 1,200 men, women and celebrated the role they played together War II.
children. in freeing the world, and antisemitism Israel has a right to defend its bor-
“The lid to the sewers is off, and Jew- was at a low. ders. Hamas is monstrous and engages
ish communities all across the country When my father says antisemitism in tactics reminiscent of the Nazis. They
are being inundated with hate,” Jona- Bernard Siegel, 100, is a World War II appears to be far greater now in the need to be eradicated if Israel is ever to
than Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, has veteran. PROVIDED United States than during World War II, feel secure.
said. he is right. During the war, 550,000 At the same time, the humanitarian
Yet, the deeper answer to my father’s Jews, including my dad, served in the crisis in Gaza also is disturbing and de-
question is that the history of antisem- lyn Technical High School in New York, U.S. military, and the country came to- serving of the world’s attention. Efforts
itism in the United States is long and he sacrificed his final grade and valedic- gether in a singular fight against the Na- to provide medical and humanitarian
sordid. torian status by standing up for a fellow zis. relief for Palestinians are crucial.
After World War I, universities im- Jewish student who was being picked This positive sentiment carried over President Bush is right. Hugging may
posed quotas on how many Jewish stu- on by an antisemitic teacher. into the golden era of post-war America. have been a problem a few years ago for
dents they would admit. Certain neigh- When I was growing up in the 1960s and fear of spreading infection, but it is cer-
borhoods, hotels and clubs excluded Nazis gained a foothold in ’70s, I felt little antisemitism, but then it tainly the right medicine for all of us
Jews. Auto magnate Henry Ford pro- America before World War II began to creep slowly back, fueled by now.
moted antisemitic propaganda, stating hate groups. Dr. Marc Siegel, a member of USA TO-
that Jews sought to control the world’s In 1939, on the precipice of World War The antisemitism story of 2023 isn’t DAY’s Board of Contributors, is a profes-
economy, beliefs that Adolf Hitler II, famed national radio announcer Wal- about freedom of speech or academic sor of medicine and medical director of
praised in his infamous “Mein Kampf.” ter Winchell condemned a rally of freedom. Doctor Radio at New York University’s
In the late 1930s, antisemitism and 20,000 Nazi sympathizers at Madison It’s about meanness and divisive- Langone Health. His latest book is “CO-
pro-Nazi sentiment were rampant and Square Garden in New York City. He also ness, flames fanned by the cruelty of so- VID: the Politics of Fear and the Power of
growing. In fact, when my father was criticized Charles Lindbergh, an Amer- cial media, where it is too easy to hide Science.” Follow him on Twitter:
graduating from the renowned Brook- ican hero and international celebrity anonymously behind cruel expression. @DrMarcSiegel.

“USA TODAY hopes to serve as a forum for better understanding and unity to help make the USA truly one nation.” – Allen H. Neuharth, Founder, Sept. 15, 1982

Chairman and CEO Chief Financial Officer: Chief Content Officer: Editor in Chief, Vice President/Group Editor, Vice President/Executive Editor,
Gannett Co. Doug Horne Kristin Roberts USA TODAY Gannett Opinion Sports
Michael Reed Terence Samuel Michael McCarter Roxanna Scott
8A ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ USA TODAY NEWS

HARD TO WRAP.
EASY TO GIVe.
ƒ
Give the gift of an easy clean with the SE 33. Dirt doesn't stand a chance
against this multi-purpose vacuum.

* wet/dry vac
SAVE $10 se 33

Real STIHL. Find yours at STIHLusa.com/GIFTGUIDE

*Offer valid for a limited time only at participating dealers while supplies last. ©2023 STIHL 23STUSF21
MONEY
Traveler wants Southwest You can check the headlines
to change wheelchair policy from your home state or city
Bethany Piehl urges airline to update its seat We survey and compile the top news stories
USA TODAY | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | SECTION B strapping rules for mobility devices.Page 3B from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Page 4B

MONEYLINE

PROVIDED BY RAGO/WRIGHT

RARE VASE AT GOODWILL

WORTH OVER $100,000
While shopping at a local Goodwill
store in Virginia with her partner, Jes-
sica Vincent noticed a stunning glass
vase with a swirling translucent red
and seafoam green pattern in perfect
condition for $3.99. While she knew
she had to have it, she didn’t know it
would be worth over a $100,000. Spe-
cialists from Wright auction house Laura VanBlaricum trims a plastic container at the Vantage Plastics facility in Standish, Mich. Through an arrangement
visited Vincent to see the piece in- between her employer and the state, VanBlaricum pays only one-third of the cost of her child care.
person and make an offer. After care- PROVIDED BY VANTAGE PLASTICS
ful consideration Vincent sold the

Child care model may

vase to Wright for $107,000.

4 ACCUSED OF SCAMMING

be answer for families

MORE THAN $80 MILLION

Four people, including three from

Southern California and one from
Chicago, accused of fraud and money
laundering were charged in an alleged Cost-sharing approach in Michigan offers financial
“pig butchering” scheme that
scammed victims out of more than relief, draws attention from leaders across the US
$80 million over at least 284 trans-
actions, the United States Department Emily Tate Sullivan EdSurge
of Justice said Thursday. The alleged
scammers would initiate cold call vic- Laura VanBlaricum did the math. She couldn’t return to work – not with
tims via dating apps and social media the cost of infant care in her Michigan community, on the low wages she
platforms, “often masquerading as a
wrong number,” and would gain their was earning. h Left with no choice, she dropped out of the workforce,
trust before introducing the idea of like millions of American women have had to do. It was 2020. h A year
making a business investment using
cryptocurrency, according to a state- later, she tried again. She bounced around a couple of different jobs,
ment by federal prosecutors in Los looking for a company that would provide her with a livable wage and a
Angeles.
reason to stay, until finally, in early 2022, she found one.
VanBlaricum works as a machine in most places, than in-state college tu-
REPORT: CONTAMINATION OF operator and assembler at a manufac- ition, and exceeds some families’ mort-
FOOD MAY BE INTENTIONAL turing plant that molds plastic parts for gage payments, that workplace benefit VanBlaricum is joined by her three
automotive companies in Standish, can amount to a substantial raise. children, 3-year-old Alissa, left,
The U.S. Food and Drug Administra- Michigan. The job is physically de- The program has provided tremen- 11-year-old Wyatt, center, and
tion is investigating whether recalled manding. Shifts can run 12 hours in the dous financial relief to VanBlaricum, 13-year-old Zoey.
cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouch- hot, grueling conditions necessary to who is saving thousands of dollars annu- PROVIDED BY LAURA VANBLARICUM
es, which had high lead concentra- heat and shape the plastic. Many em- ally. Tri-Share allows her family of five to
tions and have sickened at least 65 ployees of Vantage Plastics, as a result, afford many goods and services they
children, were intentionally contam- don’t last long. previously did without, including cable published earlier this year estimated
inated. In late October, the FDA issued Yet VanBlaricum remains – in part, and internet. that the United States loses about
a public health alert advising against she says, because one of the benefits of “It’s more food on the table, more $122 billion annually because of inade-
consuming or buying WanaBana apple this job is too good to give up. clothes,” she says. quate child care. A separate report, pub-
cinnamon fruit puree pouches be- Vantage Plastics is one of more than Launched in early 2021, the bipartisan lished this fall, found that Michigan
cause they may contain elevated lev- 169 employers participating in Michi- program began as a three-region pilot to could recoup nearly $3 billion a year by
els of lead. Subsequently, the agency gan’s Tri-Share program, a cost-shar- address what had become a glaring is- providing accessible, affordable child
added Schnuck brand and Weis brand ing approach where the state, the em- sue: the prohibitive cost of child care. Af- care to working families.
products to the recall. During its in- ployer and the employee each pay for ter at least 136,000 women in Michigan Tri-Share debuted as a possible solu-
vestigation, the agency has found that one-third of the price of child care, ef- left the workforce during the pandemic, tion, a public-private partnership to help
the lead may have been added as “an fectively giving families a 66% dis- many people started to realize how inte-
intentional act on the part of someone count. For an expense that runs higher, gral child care is to the economy. A study See CHILD CARE, Page 2B
in the supply chain and we’re trying to
sort of figure that out,” Jim Jones, the
FDA’s deputy commissioner for human
foods, told Politico, which first report-
ed the development. Expect egg costs to rise as bird flu rages
Bailey Schulz ilar pace to the previous major outbreak,
USA TODAY so it is serious,” Bergquist said. He de-
scribed the current virus mutation as
The relief from sky-high egg prices “one of the more virulent and conta-
may be starting to crack. gious, which is not good for the entire
Cal-Maine Foods, the largest egg poultry industry.”
producer in the country, reported re- The migration of wild birds is likely
cently that a Kansas facility had an the cause of the most recent spike.
avian flu outbreak in about 1.6% of the “They’re often mixing with other
company’s total flock, or about birds and allowing for that am-
684,000 laying hens. Meanwhile, data Federal data shows egg prices have plification, ping-ponging of the virus to
MACABE BROWN/USA TODAY NETWORK from the U.S. Department of Agricul- dipped more than 22% over the past occur,” said University of Minnesota
ture shows dozens of commercial year as egg producers worked on School of Public Health Professor Jeff
ANHEUSER-BUSCH UNION flocks have been hit hard by the virus rebuilding their supply. Bender. “Then, (it’s) spilling over into
MEMBERS APPROVE STRIKE in recent months. KEN RUINARD/USA TODAY NETWORK those very susceptible birds like our tur-
The latest bird flu outbreak has keys and chickens.”
Anheuser-Busch union members are stirred concerns that egg prices –
prepared to strike. Ninety-nine per- which had finally started to settle after Is there another avian flu spike? Why are egg prices going back up?
cent of the roughly 5,000 Teamsters reaching nearly $5.50 a dozen late last
working across the company’s 12 U.S. year – may start spiking again. More than 72.5 million birds have Federal data shows egg prices have
breweries have voted to authorize a “Seemingly every day there is an- been killed in 2022 and 2023 to stem the dipped more than 22% over the past
strike, according to a Saturday news other announced infection site, which spread of the virus, according to the U.S. year as egg producers worked on re-
release from the International Broth- not only physically reduces the actual Department of Agriculture. building their supply. A USDA report re-
erhood of Teamsters. The union said it number of egg layers, but also casts a After a lull in infections, the agency’s leased recently quotes combined re-
wants an agreement that improves negative psychology over the entire data shows we’re in the midst of a fall gional large egg wholesale prices at
wages, protects jobs and secures egg market,” Kevin Bergquist, Wells spike. The number of birds killed has $2.06 a dozen – close to the three-year
health care and retirement benefits Fargo Agri-Food Institute sector man- risen from 1.4 million in October to 8 mil- average but far below last year’s prices.
for its members. The current agree- ager, said in a written statement. “The lion in November and more than 4 mil- Egg prices already had been expected
ment expires on Feb. 29. reaction to supply stress is price in- lion in the first few days of December.
crease.” The virus “is expanding at a very sim- See EGG PRICES, Page 2B
2B ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ USA TODAY MONEY

Child care 400%, says Van Tol.

“That’s so high,” he says, “that one
parent is going to end up staying at
Continued from Page 1B home. It ends up disproportionately
hurting women.”
modest-income families shoulder the If Tri-Share is going to be the state’s
high cost of child care and, in turn, allow solution to the workforce problem, Van
Michiganders like VanBlaricum – most Tol says, then it needs to have a higher
of whom are women – to reenter and re- income limit.
main in the workforce. In the brief time “It’s a beautiful idea that has so much
since its launch, Tri-Share has expanded potential,” he says, “but we’re just not
to 59 of the 83 counties in Michigan and capitalizing on it yet because of that eli-
attracted the attention of leaders across gibility band.”
the country, several of which have adap-
tations of the model already underway in A steady path to sustainability
their own states.
Proponents of Tri-Share recognize As of October, 489 children from 376
that this program alone will not remedy families across Michigan were enrolled
the many afflictions of the early care and in Tri-Share.
education sector. But they believe it Those modest numbers belie the
could go a long way toward supporting steady growth the program has seen
working families and strengthening the since its inception, Bergman says, noting
U.S. labor force. that family participation has increased
“We have to change something in Amy Breitner with her two youngest children, 4-year-old Harrison, center, and about 10% every month for the last year.
child care,” says Kristina Bajtka, who 9-year-old Isabella. PROVIDED BY AMY BREITNER Besides, a slow start may not be such
oversees Tri-Share adoption in north- a bad thing, if it’s allowed for a better
west Michigan, “and this is one piece of paced and more prudent rollout.
that puzzle.” ees must have a household income be- When Shape Corp., an auto supplier VanWoerkom, the state representa-
tween 200% and 325% of the federal with more than 1,500 employees in tive, wants to prove that Tri-Share works
Laying the groundwork poverty level – between $60,000 and southwest Michigan, signed on, the and ensure its sustainability before
$97,500 for a family of four. Below that company added its own criteria, limiting bringing it to scale.
It was early 2019, and Greg VanWoer- threshold, families are eligible for the the program to full-time employees who Marcus Keech, who was involved with
kom, a Republican, had just been sworn state’s child care subsidy program, had worked there for over a year, and Tri-Share from “day zero” as VanWoer-
in for his first term in the Michigan which covers up to 100% of the cost. covering only one child per family. The kom’s legislative director, doesn’t believe
House of Representatives. Among the is- Above it, in theory, families are in a fi- company had reserved 10 child care the program has reached its perfect
sues he was eager to address was child nancial position to afford the full price of slots. form. He suggests that one of the states
care. With three young children of his child care. “We were fully prepared to do a lot- currently trying to replicate the model –
own, he knew firsthand how difficult it “This program picks up where the tery, to raffle off the slots,” says Erica North Carolina, New York, Kentucky, a
could be to find and afford, and he saw child care subsidy leaves off,” Bergman Phelps, a health and well-being special- county in Indiana – could in fact get
how universally vexing it was for fam- says. “It’s meant to help those people ist for Shape Corp. “We thought we’d be there first.
ilies, nonprofit leaders and business ex- who make too much to qualify for the overwhelmed with people.” “If they can take our program and
ecutives in his district. child care subsidy in the state but still They weren’t. make it better, I’m not offended by it,”
Once in office, he began researching struggle to afford child care.” Within a couple of months, the com- says Keech, who now works for the
the issue and joined a local working Amy Breitner falls into that category. pany eased up on some of its eligibility Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.
group focused on child care. He wanted She is a graphic designer for Crystal requirements. Still, today, just seven In the meantime, the program in
to understand the experiences of child Mountain, a ski resort about 15 miles families from Shape Corp. are enrolled. Michigan is constantly evolving.
care providers and the public programs from the coast of Lake Michigan. She (Each child, Phelps says, costs the com- “I think we’re getting more organic
already available to support families. and her husband both work full time. pany an average of $300 a month.) growth, it’s building more steam, build-
And then one day that spring, he Their combined income is over the limit Tri-Share offers families a significant ing interest every month,” says Bajtka,
sketched out an idea. Using a spoke and for the state subsidy, but they still feel cost savings on what is typically one of director of Tri-Share at the hub in north-
wheel model, his drawing included a “fa- crushed by the cost of child care. their biggest monthly expenses. Partici- west Michigan.
cilitator hub” at the center, acting as an “We don’t live a lavish lifestyle. We’re pants laud its ease of use and love that Several changes are underway to sim-
intermediary between families, child frugal and do our best to manage our they can keep their provider, as long as plify and streamline the forces that pow-
care providers and employers. (Van- money well,” Breitner shares. “But we that provider is licensed. So why aren’t er Tri-Share, shifts that should usher in
Woerkom concedes that he might have were always behind on our day care bills. more of them using it? improvements and growth, Bergman ex-
drawn the plan up on a napkin, where Always.” Some say it’s a communication issue. plains. By next summer, if all goes ac-
“all great ideas start.”) That changed when she learned that Many employers don’t yet know the pro- cording to plan, she thinks Tri-Share will
The sketch became the early outline Crystal Mountain was participating in gram exists, and some employers that be available statewide.
of Tri-Share. Tri-Share, and that she qualified. She offer it may have employees who don’t “I think it’s going to explode,” Berg-
Here’s how it works. An employer could even keep using her current child know about it. man says, adding that she’s in conversa-
signs on to the program through a local care provider. (She says that, as much as “We are finding that just getting the tion with leaders from big companies like
facilitator hub (often a community- her family needed the financial relief, she word out, that it’s available, is a big chal- General Motors and Henry Ford Health.
based nonprofit). The hub handles all likely wouldn’t have signed up if it meant lenge,” says Bergman. Tri-Share is projected to reach 7,500
administrative tasks, including vetting she had to leave the trusted provider who There have been other hangups. children across 5,000 households state-
employee applications and determining has cared for all three of her children.) Some companies have been reluctant to wide by 2028, according to a five-year
eligibility, paying child care providers di- Since joining Tri-Share almost two roll out a benefit that relies on continued plan released by the Michigan Women’s
rectly, and billing employers and the years ago, Breitner and her husband state funding. In the event of an econom- Commission. To accommodate those
state for their portions. The hub also haven’t missed a payment, and because ic downturn, many employers worry the families, the state would need to spend
supports families in finding licensed it can be used for summer and after- program would be among the first to go. about $40 million a year on Tri-Share,
child care that meets their needs. school care, too, Breitner was able to They don’t want to promote a program more than 10 times the amount it’s allo-
The hub ensures that providers are send her 9-year-old to summer camp and then abruptly pull out of it in a reces- cating now.
paid consistently and on time, employ- this year. sion, when families need it most. That’s a realistic trajectory, Bergman
ers aren’t saddled with additional ad- The money back in their pockets has Perhaps the biggest barrier, though, is says. The program has even had a couple
ministrative tasks, and employees’ fi- helped them get on top of expenses such that many families who want to enroll of private foundations chip in with sup-
nancial circumstances remain private. as medical bills and student loans. “It is are earning slightly over the eligibility port because they believe in the program
The concept garnered broad biparti- so nice,” Breitner says, “to be current on cap. “What we’ve been finding across and want to be a part of its success.
san support, including from Gov. Gretch- my payments.” multiple industries – school districts, “Employers need workers, and fam-
en Whitmer, a Democrat. Two years lat- semiconductors, manufacturing – is that ilies need affordable, accessible child
er, in March 2021, the pilot launched with Slow to grow the 325% cap should be the bottom of the care,” says Bergman. “This program
an initial $1.1 million grant. threshold. A lot of families are just above solves for both. It’s doing both. And it’s
Employers immediately saw improve- The last time Breitner checked, she it,” shares Rich Van Tol, who helps with working.”
ments in retention, says Cheryl Berg- was the only employee at her company employer outreach for one of the Tri- This article was co-published with
man, CEO of the Michigan Women’s enrolled in Tri-Share. “Why that is,” she Share hubs. EdSurge. EdSurge is a nonprofit news-
Commission, which the governor tapped says, “is absolutely beyond me. It is an If a family in Michigan has two young room that covers education through
to lead the pilot and administer the pro- insanely helpful program.” children – an infant and a 4-year-old, say original journalism and research. Sign
gram. “It’s a workforce development pro- It’s not just Crystal Mountain. Van- – their child care costs at a center would up for their newsletters. Emily Tate Sulli-
gram,” says Bergman, “and it is changing tage Plastics, with 400 employees, has average nearly $25,000 a year. That is van is a senior reporter for EdSurge
people’s lives.” only three taking advantage of the bene- not sustainable for a family earning covering early childhood and K-12
To be eligible for Tri-Share, employ- fit. 350% of the federal poverty level, or even education.

Egg prices Temu lawsuit claims ‘mafia-style intimidation’

Continued from Page 1B Mary Walrath-Holdridge Temu, Shein has played anything but chants who dare to work with Temu,
USA TODAY fair. personal threats, and illegal seizures of
to rise this winter because of seasonal merchants’ personal devices to obtain
demand, and the spike in avian flu in- An ongoing feud between two fast Temu alleges ‘malicious access to the merchants’ Temu accounts
fections could compound that. fashion giants came to blows again and unlawful conduct’ and Temu’s confidential information
“Christmas is one of the times this week when Temu filed a lawsuit and trade secrets,” the lawsuit claims.
where egg consumption goes up for against Shein for what it called “mafia- According to court documents,
holiday meals, the eggnog and all that style intimidation.” Wednesday’s lawsuit accused Shein of Previous Temu-Shein legal battles
kind of stuff,” said Yuko Sato, a poultry The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in employing “mafia-style intimidation”
extension veterinarian and diagnostic the U.S. District Court of the District of tactics against Temu, alleging “mali- This lawsuit is one in a series of legal
pathologist at Iowa State. “So natural- Columbia. While both companies are cious and unlawful conduct intended to actions between Shein and Temu.
ly, every year, the egg prices go up dur- Chinese-based, the suit was lodged by thwart Temu’s success.” Last December, Shein sued Temu in
ing Christmastime or holiday season.” WhaleCo, Temu’s U.S.-based parent Part of the complaint accuses Shein federal court for allegedly contracting
But it’s unlikely we’ll see prices company, alleging that Shein has gone of “falsely imprisoning merchants doing social media influencers to make “false
spike as high as they did in 2022 be- to great lengths to intimidate Temu business with Temu,” allegedly detain- and deceptive statements” against
cause the egg inventory has rebound- employees and suppliers and interfere ing them in Shein’s offices for hours, and Shein and tarnish the company’s repu-
ed, said Dennis Brothers, associate ex- with the e-commerce platform’s oper- threatening merchants who work with tation.
tension professor at Auburn Univer- ations. Temu. Shein was also accused of ma- Then, in July, Temu filed another suit
sity’s agricultural economics and rural Both brands have become huge nipulating U.S. copyright law by lodging against Shein in federal court, accusing
sociology department. contenders in the U.S. market since unfounded copyright infringement the competitor of violating antitrust
“I don’t think we’ll see a price spike Shein’s American launch in 2019 and suits, issuing bad-faith copyright take- laws by using monopolistic methods to
in the real near future. At least nothing Temu’s in 2022. Before Temu’s expan- down notices and illegally seizing intel- keep competitors out of the fast fashion
like we saw last year,” he said. “Prices sion into the U.S. market, Shein dom- lectual property rights to obtain im- marketplace.
are going to go up, of course, because of inated the cheap commerce space, proper copyright registrations. “Having controlled nearly the entire
seasonal demand, and this will start selling clothes and lifestyle items at According to the suit, Temu believes market in ultra-fast fashion in the U.S.
restricting inventory some. But we’ve steeply discounted prices. these incidents have increased leading between early 2020 and Temu’s entry in
got a lot of eggs on hand right now.” Both platforms ship items predomi- up to a Super Bowl LVIII advertising late 2022, Shein was and is a monopo-
Bergquist also doesn’t expect nantly from China and generally offer campaign set for February 2024, which list,” the lawsuit says. “Shein has at-
wholesale egg prices to jump to the lev- very similar, if not almost identical, it believes will drive traffic to its site. tempted to maintain its monopoly using
els seen in late 2022, but he does ex- low-cost, trendy products. It seems a “Shein has resorted to even more its anticompetitive scheme, desperate
pect higher wholesale egg prices in the bit of healthy competition between the desperate and coercive measures, in- to avoid the robust competition Temu
near term. two was inevitable, but according to cluding physical detention of mer- brought to the market.”
MONEY USA TODAY ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ 3B

ASK HUMAN RESOURCES

Must parents OK drug testing kids for jobs?

cy considerations and the fact that mi- ployment requirements will help ensure you generally become eligible for health
nors generally cannot enter into legal or that both you and your son are informed insurance if you consistently work at
Johnny C. Taylor Jr. binding agreements. and comfortable with the process. least 30 hours per week or more. Accord-
Columnist Parents of minors should ideally be I am a part-time graphic designer. ing to the Employee Retirement Income
USA TODAY fully informed about the nature of a drug But my company has recently hit its Security Act, if you work 1,000 hours in
test, the reasons for its implementation, busy season, and I have been required 12 months, you typically become eligible
and the potential consequences of fail- to work full-time hours or more for the to participate in your employer’s retire-
Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your hu- ing the test. If you have concerns about last three weeks. However, my part- ment plan. State and local laws may also
man resources questions as part of a se- the lack of parental consent in your son’s time status does not allow me access govern benefits such as paid sick leave.
ries for USA TODAY. Taylor is president case, it is advisable to contact his em- to the company’s full-time benefits. If you find you are working full-time
and CEO of the Society for Human Re- ployer to seek clarification on their pol- What is the line between being a full- hours during the busy season but are
source Management, the world’s largest icies and procedures. Additionally, time and part-time employee? Is it just classified as part time without access to
HR professional society and author of check the applicable state laws to under- an artificial designation employers full-time benefits, it’s important to dis-
“Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an stand the requirements regarding drug can use to withhold benefits?” – Bruno cuss this with your Human Resources
Age of Upheaval.” testing for minors. Your concerns about the line between team. They can provide clarity on your
Question: My high school-age son If needed, you may consider discuss- full-time and part-time employment benefits eligibility and explain the crite-
recently applied for a seasonal holiday ing the matter with legal professionals and access to benefits are well-founded. ria used by the company to determine
job. They required and executed a specializing in employment matters to The distinction between full-time and full-time and part-time status.
background check, which included an understand the options available to you part-time employment is not precisely Certainly, if you are concerned the
on-site drug test, without my consent. and your son in this situation. It’s crucial defined by federal law, but some state part-time designation is intentionally
Should parents of minors be required to ensure that the employment practices and local laws may have specific guide- being used to withhold benefits, dis-
to authorize any drug testing for align with both state regulations and lines. In the absence of such laws, em- cussing this with HR is even more cru-
work? – Ashe your expectations as a parent. ployers typically determine their own cial. They can address your concerns
Answer: I understand your concern For any future employment opportu- definitions for full-time and part-time and ensure your employment classifica-
about your son undergoing a back- nities your son pursues while still a mi- status. tion aligns with the company’s policies
ground check and on-site drug test with- nor, consider encouraging him to dis- While federal regulations may not ex- and legal requirements.
out your consent. The legal require- cuss the employment process with you plicitly define full-time or part-time em- I understand this busy season may be
ments for drug testing, particularly for beforehand. This way, you can review ployment, they do require certain bene- demanding, and I encourage you to
minors, can vary by state. In many any forms together, including those re- fits for employees who meet specific carve out time to speak with HR for guid-
states, employers are obligated to obtain lated to drug testing, and determine if hours requirements. For instance, under ance on benefits and any other ques-
parental consent before conducting parental consent is required. Open com- the Affordable Care Act, if you work for a tions you may have. I hope your con-
drug tests on minors, considering priva- munication and understanding of em- large employer (50 or more employees), cerns are addressed to your satisfaction.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s

free-fall Drop slide offers
‘a really cool experience’
Nathan Diller Who can ride The Drop?
USA TODAY
Passengers who meet height and
The Atlantic Ocean was the last thing weight requirements can ride the slide
I saw before the floor beneath me dis- (riders must be at least 55 inches tall – 4
appeared. feet and 7 inches – for instance). Only
As I stood inside a metal tube at the one guest can ride at a time.
top of The Drop last month, a free-fall
slide on Norwegian Cruise Line’s new How much does The Drop cost?
ship Viva, a robotic voice gave me a
four-second countdown before I The slide is included in the cruise
dropped 10 stories. I slid from Deck 18 to fare.
Deck 8 in seconds.
When I fell, my stomach dropped, What other activities does
too, and I clutched the straps of the cloth Norwegian Viva have?
liner I’d been given a little tighter. But as
I rounded the first turn, my shock The Drop is just one of many activ-
turned to awe when the opaque tubes ities Viva has on offer, including:
gave way to a translucent section. h The Rush and The Wave: The Rush
The blue horizon appeared briefly be- is another 10-story dry slide – albeit
fore I went hurtling back toward the without the free-fall component – with
ship. Norwegian billed the attraction as two chutes that allow for multiple rid-
the world’s first free-fall dry slide when ers. But water slide lovers won’t have to
it debuted last year on Viva’s sister ship, do without: The Wave, which marked
Prima. And unlike water slides, it’s a no- the line’s first Tidal Wave water slide
muss, no-fuss way to get a theme-park when it launched on Prima, makes an
quality adrenaline fix. appearance on Viva as well.
Norwegian designed the slide for the h Viva Speedway: The three-level
Prima Class after hearing from guests go-kart track is back with a new name
who had limited time to ride previous on Viva. If you’re looking for a thrill, it’s
drop water slides and didn’t want to don sure to do the trick – even if you come in
a bathing suit, according to Julie Vale- last place like I did. Just try not to get
riote, the line’s Director of Entertain- distracted by the ocean views. The at-
ment Operations. traction costs $15 per person.
“So, it’s just much more convenient, h “Beetlejuice” The Musical: The The Drop slide on Norwegian Viva. NATHAN DILLER/USA TODAY
and I think more people are willing to do stage production made its at-sea debut
it,” Valeriote told USA TODAY. “It ex- on Viva. And while itmay be a “show
pands the opportunity for the guests to about death,” as the characters tell the ty arcade from Norwegian’s Breakaway more.
have a really cool experience.” audience, it’s packed full of comedy and Plus Class ships was reimagined for its Passengers can choose from multiple
When I emerged from the slide, I a striking set. Valeriote said the ship’s Prima Class. Guests will find flying sim- packages and play as much as they
stood up, finally exhaled and headed to 90-minute adaptation uses replicas of ulators; a Topgolf Swing Suite where want. For $29, guests get unlimited ac-
the onboard Starbucks to go about my set pieces used on Broadway. they can try their hand at golf, football cess for one hour or a whole day for $49.
day. h Galaxy Pavilion: The virtual-reali- and other sports; two escape rooms and The escape rooms cost $15 per person.

Traveler wants Southwest to change policy: ‘My chair is my legs’

Zach Wichter Southwest Airlines’ standing state- instruments like cellos or tubas. But,
USA TODAY ment on wheelchair damage to USA TO- she said, Southwest told her seat strap-
DAY says it’s working with Piehl to re- ping was against its policy.
Bethany Piehl said the damage to her solve the issue. In an audio recording Piehl provided
wheelchair on a recent Southwest Air- “Our teams have been in touch with to USA TODAY, a Southwest customer
lines flight could have easily been avoid- the customer to assist them with their service employee confirms that seat
ed. It was her first time flying with a individual situation,” the statement strapping is permitted for instruments
wheelchair since she started using one said. on the airline but not for mobility de-
regularly, and she is frustrated that, However, Piehl feels the airline hasn’t vices.
even after preparing as best she could, gone far enough, and that a simple pol- “To allow seat strapping, it’d be 100%
her device is irreparably damaged. icy change could have prevented this protection against this kind of damage
Piehl was flying home to Texas after a damage from happening. happening for a manual chair,” she said.
work trip in Washington, D.C., and saw “I would like to see every passenger Piehl started a petition to encourage
her wheelchair get damaged during a that has a manual wheelchair have the Southwest to update its seat strapping
layover in New Orleans. right to have their chair on board with rules and other policies around how it
“I watched them throw, for lack of a them through either the closet if it fits or handles mobility devices and compen-
better word, my chair onto the conveyor through seat strapping, without having sates disabled travelers when damages
belt,” she told USA TODAY. it be an extra cost,” she said. “I don’t occur.
When she arrived in San Antonio, Bethany Piehl challenges the think anyone should be left wondering A technician for Global Repair Group,
Piehl said her chair was visibly dented misconception that wheelchairs are if they’ll be able to get off the same way which contracts with Southwest Air-
and scratched up, and once she got into easily replaced. PROVIDED BY BETHANY PIEHL they got on.” lines on mobility device repair, told
it, she realized the front wheels weren’t Piehl said she spoke to the airline Piehl her chair would need to be re-
level, and it wobbled when she moved. about seat strapping before her trip. The placed. She’s not sure how long that will
Piehl uses her wheelchair as a result “I travel for work a lot, multiple times procedure would have allowed her to take.
of several conditions that affect her ner- a year. How can I travel safely with you purchase an extra seat and strap her “I think there’s this misconception
vous system. She said as those condi- next time and know my legs won’t be wheelchair frame to it using the stan- that it’s just a chair, it’s replaceable,” she
tions have progressed, the wheelchair is broken next time because my chair is dard seat belt – similar to how musi- said. “Every single measurement on my
now a necessity to prevent injuries. my legs?” she said. cians often wind up traveling with large chair is specific to my body.”
4B ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ USA TODAY MONEY

News from across the USA

ALABAMA Montgomery: Two more HIGHLIGHT: MAINE OREGON Independence: A small

cases of a fatal disease have been plane crashed into power lines in
found in deer in northwest Alabama. Oregon late Saturday afternoon and
The Alabama Department of Conser- killed the pilot and two passengers,
vation and Natural Resources an- police said.
nounced confirmation of two cases of
PENNSYLVANIA Harrisburg: More
chronic wasting disease in hunter-
criminal records in Pennsylvania can
harvested, white-tailed deer in north-
be sealed from public view and fewer
ern Lauderdale County. That brings
people might be kept on probation or
Alabama’s total number of confirmed
in county jails, under legislation
cases to five, al.com reported.
signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Both
ALASKA Anchorage: Howard Weav- bills passed the House and Senate
er, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist with large majorities amid a flurry of
for the Anchorage Daily News, has end-of-year action.
died. He was 73.
RHODE ISLAND Providence: Four
ARIZONA Tucson: The University of homeless service providers have
Arizona has become the latest school started vetting candidates for a new
dealing with a sizeable budget prob- The loons are listed as endangered or threatened in some other New England permanent supportive housing pro-
lem. To address its $240 million bud- states and beyond. JIM COLE/AP FILE gram that rewards private investors if
get shortfall, the University of Arizo- the clients do well.
na unveiled an extensive financial Freeport: The population of a beloved Maine bird, the common loon, dipped for
SOUTH CAROLINA Greenville: It’s a
recovery plan last week. the second straight year, but wildlife surveyors said they are heartened by an
holiday classic that almost didn’t
increased number of the bird’s chicks. Maine has the largest number of common
ARKANSAS Little Rock: Dassault make it from book to screen but for a
loons in the eastern U.S., and the state is critical to the species’ breeding pop-
Falcon Jet announced last week a friendship forged during World War
ulation. Maine Audubon, which conducts a loon count every year, said recently it
$100 million expansion of its facility II. The exhibit “A Very Grinchy Christ-
projects a population of 2,892 of the birds based on this year’s results. That is
in Little Rock that the jet manufactur- mas” is on display at the Upcountry
down slightly from a year ago and about 16% lower than the 2021 total. However,
er said will add 800 new jobs. History Museum – Greenville County
Maine Audubon’s biologists said they aren’t worried, in part because the number
and outlines the backstory of one of
CALIFORNIA Pomona: A Los Ange- of loon chicks climbed from 298 in 2022 to 411 this year.
the most watched animated made-
les-area church was destroyed in a
for-television specials of all time.
massive fire Sunday, hours before a
celebration that was set to include a SOUTH DAKOTA Sioux Falls: The
Christmas play and a toy giveaway. South Dakota Department of Correc-
KANSAS Topeka: Two Corvette NEBRASKA Hastings: A body was tions has asked a Lincoln County
COLORADO Denver: A federal judge
Stingrays, one model each from 1972 found Sunday after a house explo- judge to dismiss a pending lawsuit
has allowed the reintroduction of
and 1974, are among items Heart- sion that authorities say was likely filed against it by a group of Lincoln
gray wolves in Colorado to move for-
land Motorsports Park is selling at caused by “destructive devices.” County homeowners regarding the
ward in the coming days by denying a
the going-out-of-business auction it site of the new men’s penitentiary.
request from the state’s cattle indus- NEVADA Virginia City: Nearly two
kicked off Wednesday. So are gui-
try for a temporary delay in the pred- years after he signed documents TENNESSEE Nashville: There were no
tars signed by former Country
ators’ release. attempting to overturn Donald fish in the water that day. The small
Stampede performers Hank Wil-
Trump’s 2020 loss in Nevada, Jim insects in the stream were impaired.
CONNECTICUT Hartford: Opponents liams Jr., Reba McEntire, Jason
Hindle thanked everyone gathered The state investigated. They found
of Connecticut’s policy letting trans- Aldean, Tim McGraw, Martina
in a historic Nevada boomtown’s their culprit: Nearly 8,000 cows and a
gender girls compete in girls high McBride, Alan Jackson, Blake Shel-
commission chambers and asked young farmer who has led his fam-
school sports will get a second ton, Faith Hill and Dierks Bentley.
them to bear with him while he ily’s cattle business since the death
chance to challenge it in court, an Also being sold is the Heartland
learned how to oversee elections in of his father. The state Department of
appeals court ruled, which revived Park property itself.
rural Storey County. Environment and Conservation says
the case without weighing in on its
KENTUCKY Louisville: Two people it needs to shut down his and his
merits. NEW HAMPSHIRE Durham: Donald
were shot and one died after police mother’s Clay County operations to
Trump wants New Hampshire to
DELAWARE Wilmington: Police say a responded to a domestic incident prevent further pollution from ma-
help him pocket the Republican
46-year-old driver believed to be with an armed person. nure running off into nearby waters,
presidential nomination before any
drunk accidentally plowed into a at least until he can get his permits
LOUISIANA Shreveport: A north rivals find their footing with the
parked SUV that was guarding Presi- and put the proper controls in place.
Louisiana attorney is now the first 2024 campaign’s opening contest
dent Joe Biden’s motorcade Sunday
Black federal judge to serve on the just weeks away. TEXAS Austin: Police are trying to
night while the president was leaving
state’s U.S. Western District Court determine who injured three by-
after a visit to his campaign head- NEW JERSEY Atlantic City: With
following confirmation by the U.S. standers as officers shot and killed a
quarters. The president and first lady prospects for a smoking ban in At-
Senate. man who pointed a firearm at them
Jill Biden were unharmed. lantic City’s casinos looking hazier
at a bar in an entertainment district.
MARYLAND Salisbury: Three times than ever, workers who want smok-
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Washing-
a week, on average, a police car ing banned took matters into their UTAH Salt Lake City: Utah is poised
ton: Lawrence L. Knutson, a longtime
pulls up to a school in Wicomico own hands, lips and lungs Thurs- to get plenty of attention in the 2024
Associated Press writer whose deep
County on Maryland’s Eastern day. Members of the United Auto election season, with the Beehive
knowledge of the presidency, Con-
Shore. A student is brought out, Workers union disrupted a meeting State set to serve as an early litmus
gress and American history made
handcuffed and placed inside for of a state Assembly committee that test in the presidential primary and
him an institution in his own right,
transport to a hospital emergency had been scheduled to take a pre- identify new members of Congress
has died. He was 87.
room for a psychiatric evaluation. liminary vote on a bill to ban smok- for seats long held by political main-
FLORIDA Tallahassee: The Repub- Over the past eight years, the proc- ing in the casinos by lighting ciga- stays like Chris Stewart and Mitt
lican Party of Florida suspended ess has been used at least 750 times rettes and blowing smoke toward Romney. In addition, voters can ex-
Chairman Christian Ziegler and de- on students. legislators. pect to see three statewide ballot
manded his resignation during an measures to consider, including a
MASSACHUSETTS Boston: A former NEW MEXICO Albuquerque: A
emergency meeting Sunday, adding proposal to end the state's practice of
professor at Harvard Medical School match made in the wilds of New
to calls by Gov. Ron DeSantis and dedicating all revenue from income
and founder of one of the nation’s Mexico? An endangered Mexican
other top officials for him to step taxes to support education systems.
largest fertility clinics is being ac- wolf captured after wandering hun-
down as police investigate a rape
cused of secretly impregnating a dreds of miles from Arizona to New VERMONT South Burlington: A pro-
accusation against him.
patient in 1980 after promising the Mexico is now being readied for a ject that would replace an intersec-
GEORGIA Atlanta: A federal judge sperm would come from an anony- dating game of sorts as part of fed- tion of vacant buildings in South
has ruled that school board districts mous donor, according to a lawsuit eral reintroduction efforts. But only Burlington with new apartments, a
in Georgia’s second-largest school filed last week. time will tell whether the U.S. Fish bank and commercial spaces, is la-
system appear to be unconstitution- and Wildlife Service can succeed in boring through the permitting proc-
MICHIGAN East Lansing: Trustees
ally discriminatory and must be finding a suitable mate for the ess, with an uncertain future, accord-
at Michigan State University agreed
quickly redrawn ahead of 2024’s female wolf numbered F2754. The ing to the developer.
to release documents to the state
elections. newly captured wolf will be offered
attorney general related to the VIRGINIA Newport News: The moth-
a choice among two brothers that
HAWAII Honolulu: Officials said one- school’s investigations into now- er of a 6-year-old boy who shot his
are also housed at the federal gov-
third of Honolulu Emergency Medical imprisoned former sports doctor teacher in a Virginia classroom was
ernment’s wolf management facility
Services’ units was out of service for Larry Nassar. sentenced to two years in prison for
in central New Mexico.
a 12-hour period due to a temporary felony child neglect by a judge who
MINNESOTA Minneapolis: A state
staffing shortage, Hawaii News Now NEW YORK Albany: New York’s chastised her for abdicating her re-
commission selected a basic design
reported. Metropolitan Museum of Art said it sponsibilities as a parent.
concept for a new state flag for Min-
will return more than a dozen pieces
IDAHO Boise: The University of Ida- nesota to replace a current banner WASHINGTON Seattle: King County
of ancient artwork to Cambodia and
ho has announced that the demoli- that is considered offensive to Na- will pay $225,000 to settle a civil
Thailand after they were tied to an
tion of the house where four students tive Americans, but will need more rights lawsuit brought by a Black man
art dealer and collector accused of
were killed in 2022 will be on Dec. 28, time to add the finishing touches. who was arrested on drug charges
running a huge antiquities traffick-
Boise State Public Radio reported. after a veteran detective made false
MISSISSIPPI Greenville: A federal ing network out of Southeast Asia.
statements to obtain a search war-
ILLINOIS Chicago: Richard Hunt, a judge has overturned the death
NORTH CAROLINA Raleigh: On her rant, including misidentifying him in
prolific Chicago artist who was the penalty conviction of a Mississippi
last day on the job, State Auditor a photo.
first Black sculptor to receive a solo man, finding a trial judge didn’t give
Beth Wood pleaded guilty Friday to
retrospective at New York City’s Mu- the man’s lawyer enough chance to WEST VIRGINIA Charleston: A man
two misdemeanors for misusing a
seum of Modern Art and whose pub- argue that the prosecution was dis- in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle
state-issued vehicle for personal
lic works drew praise from presi- missing Black jurors for discrimi- was killed by state police Sunday
activities.
dents, has died at age 88. natory reasons. night when officers attempting to
NORTH DAKOTA Bismarck: A feder- serve an arrest warrant at a home say
INDIANA Indianapolis: Families MISSOURI Springfield: Arguing that
al appeals court denied a request to they were met with gunshots and
reliant on Medicaid worry changes Missourians who donated to a left-
delay a judge’s decision that North returned fire, authorities said.
coming in January will limit access to leaning media watchdog nonprofit
Dakota’s legislative map violates the
applied behavior analysis – a therapy may have been misled, state At- WISCONSIN Madison: The Wiscon-
Voting Rights Act in diluting the
based on learning and behavior fo- torney General Andrew Bailey has sin Supreme Court announced the
voting strength of two Native Amer-
cused on improving communicative, waded into a recent controversy director of state courts job will be
ican tribes.
social and motor skills – as Indiana involving the social media platform filled by the person who has been
attempts to limit the cost and, along X, formerly known as Twitter. Bai- OHIO Columbus: The Ohio Supreme doing it since August, despite com-
with other states, cut the size of the ley, who is seeking election to his Court has dismissed the state’s plaints that the hiring was illegal
low-income health care program. first full term as attorney general, challenge to a judge’s order that has because she had been elected to
launched an investigation into blocked enforcement of Ohio’s near- serve as a Milwaukee County judge.
IOWA Altoona: Nikki Haley de-
Media Matters, a liberal advocacy ban on abortions for the past
nounced Republican presidential WYOMING Cheyenne: The city an-
group, on grounds that it improperly 14 months.
rival Ron DeSantis in Iowa for cam- nounced a new commission has been
solicited donations.
paigning in the state with Kentucky OKLAHOMA Shawnee: Just one created to lead the efforts to bring
Rep. Thomas Massie, the lone House MONTANA Billings: Four teenagers month after a law regulating feeding passenger rail service to the city,
Republican who voted against a GOP were killed in a single-vehicle crash the homeless downtown went into Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported.
resolution condemning antisemitism in an industrial area of Montana’s effect, the city announced a propos- From USA TODAY Network and
on university campuses. largest city, authorities said. al to prohibit sleeping outdoors. wire reports
SPORTS
NFL Week 15 32 things: Latest news, results, opinions
Browns striking fear, 3C 24/7 at sports.usatoday.com
NBA power rankings: Rudy Gobert has the Min- See who won the Eagles-Seahawks MNF game,
USA TODAY | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | SECTION C nesota Timberwolves thriving this season, 7C plus the Famous Toastery Bowl college game

CHEATING IN SPORTS

From left, cyclist Lance Armstrong, receiver Jerry Rice and Patriots coach Bill Belichick. USA TODAY ILLUSTRATION

Even greatest bend the rules

Jerry Rice, Lance Armstrong were the best; why did they cheat?
So why did Rice use stickum, which was illegal, de-
spite clearly not needing it? A similar question could
Mike Freeman be asked of Lance Armstrong, who would have likely
Columnist been the greatest cyclist in history without the use of
USA TODAY performance-enhancing drugs. Why did he cheat? Bill
Belichick and the Patriots still would have been one of
the greatest dynasties ever without deflating footballs

I
n a 2015 interview with ESPN, one of the greatest or taping practices. So why do it?
athletes in the history of American sports did “Part of this is you have super competitive, focused
something that’s since been mostly forgotten, but people who are at the top of their profession,” said Sam
was remarkable then and even now: He publicly Sommers, a professor of psychology at Tufts Univer-
admitted to breaking the rules. sity, who also co-authored “This is Your Brain on
Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice’s admission in 2015 Sports” with Jon Wertheim. “Huge contracts are at
to using stickum, a substance popularized in the 1970s stake. Their legacy is also at stake. They feel the pres-
by Oakland Raiders players Fred Biletnikoff and Lester sure to be even greater than they already are.”
Hayes and banned by the NFL in the early 1980s, actu-
ally intersected with another cheating scandal: the ‘Then you’re a real schmuck’
New England Patriots and Deflategate.
Rice’s use of the substance would spark a question Is Rice in the same category as a mega-cheater like
then that remains relevant today. Why do the greatest Armstrong or even Belichick? No, of course not. But his
athletes cheat when they don’t need to? reasons may have been the same. Despite how strato-
Rice, whose spokesperson did not respond to a re- spheric a talent he was, Rice still looked for that edge.
quest for comment from USA TODAY Sports, had some One of the most fascinating pieces of this particular
of the best hands, maybe the best hands, the sport has cheating story is that sometimes it’s done even when
seen. Few who know NFL history well would rank any the people doing it know it won’t help. That was the
wide receiver ahead of him. There are football histori- case with the Patriots and Spygate. Belichick, in 2007,
ans who insist he’s not just the best receiver ever, but was accused of secretly videotaping coaches’ signals
the best football player ever. He played for 20 years, during games. After an investigation by the NFL, Bel-
won three Super Bowls (he was MVP of Super Bowl ichick was fined $500,000, the team $250,000 and the
23), made 13 Pro Bowls, is a member of the 75th and Patriots also were docked a first-round draft pick.
100th anniversary teams, and when he left the game in Owner Robert Kraft, according to one report, asked
2005 held essentially every significant receiving rec-
ord. See FREEMAN, Page 2C

Metcalf brings Swift-like

NFL WEEK 15 WINNERS AND LOSERS

Browns gain momentum awareness to signing

Lorenzo Reyes loss to the Ravens, three AFC South Cydney Henderson
USA TODAY teams are now tied (not counting tie- USA TODAY
breakers) at 8-6: Jacksonville, the In-
It’s getting to be that time. dianapolis Colts and the Houston Tex- Every Tuesday, Seattle Seahawks
The NFL playoff picture is starting to ans. There are five teams in the confer- star DK Metcalf sits down in front of
settle, with several teams having ence with an 8-6 record, two of which his computer. But he’s not just watch-
clinched postseason berths with three (Houston and Buffalo) are just outside ing film or highlights, like his 73-yard
weeks left in the regular season. the playoff picture. There are nine touchdown reception in Week 13,
The Dallas Cowboys and Philadel- teams caught in a logjam between 7-7 where he hit 22.23 mph to become the
phia Eagles clinched NFC playoff spots and 9-5. Translation: The race for league’s fastest ball carrier since 2020.
Sunday, even though Dallas got blown three wild-card spots in the AFC is go- He’s taking American Sign Language
out by the Buffalo Bills and the Eagles ing to be nuts. One team that is surging classes on Zoom.
didn’t suit up until Monday. and may be the squad no one wants to “I’ve had seven lessons now,” Met-
It’s quieter in the AFC, where the Bal- face is the Bills, who are currently in calf said last week. “I think it’s great
timore Ravens became the first team in ninth. But since Joe Brady took over that I get to learn something new.”
the conference to secure their bid, the offense, Buffalo is 3-1 and averag- Although many believe Metcalf em-
though chaos is surely looming with a ing 29.3 points per game. In any case, barked on his journey to study ASL for
crowded field for the wild card. the margin for error is so slim, and tie- the sole purpose of covertly dissing his
Here are the winners and losers from breaker advantages are going to be opponents, the 26-year-old wide re-
Sunday of Week 15. crucial. Many of these teams play each ceiver took up the language for a much
other in the final weeks. This is a foot- more meaningful reason: He’s show-
WINNERS ball fan’s dream. casing sign language on a national Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf
Buckle up for chaos in the AFC stage. has used American Sign Language
after scoring to get his message
With the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 23-7 See WEEK 15, Page 4C See METCALF, Page 4C across. CARY EDMONDSON/USA TODAY SPORTS
2C ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ USA TODAY SPORTS

Freeman
Continued from Page 1C

Belichick a question after the accusa-

tions became public.
“How much did this help us on a scale
of 1 to 100?” Kraft asked Belichick.
“One,” Belichick said.
“Then you’re a real schmuck,” Kraft
said.
Some of the greats cheat because
they feel if they don’t, with sports being
an arms race of cheating, if you’re not
doing it, the people trying to catch you
(sometimes literally) will. That was def-
initely the case with Armstrong. He was
banned from sport for life in 2012 after
the United States Anti-Doping Agency
stripped him of the seven Tour de
France wins between 1999 and 2005. So
much of Armstrong’s defense was that
all cyclists cheated.
Sommers said the explanation that
some great athletes give – everyone
cheats – is less about “athlete mental-
ity” and more about “human mentality.”
If you’re caught driving 65 mph in an
area where the speed limit is 55, you
might tell the officer that everyone
drives slightly over the limit, Sommers
said.
“An athlete that cheats, even a great
one,” Sommers said, “might justify what
they’re doing by saying others are doing
the same thing.”
In fact Sommers, in writing a story for
Fortune magazine in 2020 about the Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin refuted Jerry Rice’s claim that many receivers used stickum on their gloves.
Houston Astros cheating scandal, said DOUG MURRAY
cheaters like them aren’t so different
from the rest of us.
“These Astros are a cadre of deplor- Twitter. “The NFL banned this in 1981.
ables, according to conventional wis- All players did it! #equalplayingfield.”
dom,” he wrote. “Root out the bad ap- The site ProFootballTalk.com wrote
ples, therefore, and we can remediate at the time: “With or without the stick-
the problem. Or can we? A more sober- um or the gloves, Rice still would have
ing possibility is that the Houston As- been the greatest receiver of all time.
tros aren’t such an aberration, within But, as he said regarding the Patriots, he
baseball or society more generally. In- still had an edge.”
deed, research on the psychology of Rice’s claim that all players used
cheating suggests that bad behavior is stickum angered some receivers includ-
about much more than bad people or ing Hall of Famers Michael Irvin and
bad organizations – that in many re- Cris Carter, who felt that Rice saying ev-
spects, there’s a potential Astro in all of eryone did it, cheapened their careers.
us, circumstances permitting.” “I love Jerry Rice, but that’s what ev-
There’s also, in some circumstances, erybody says. ‘Oh, everybody did it.’
a sort of cosmic question: What exactly That’s the oldest defense in the world,”
is cheating? In Armstrong’s case, he Irvin said. “I didn’t use stickum. I never
didn’t just cheat, he ran almost a cheat- used stickum, didn’t need stickum,
ing industrial complex. His case is clear. didn’t believe in stickum. I wouldn’t do
But in other examples it’s not. In the it. Troy (Aikman) would go off on me if I
early 1990s some NFL kickers would put put stickum on his footballs. You see
footballs just out of the box inside ovens what I’m saying? Stop asking me this
and saunas to soften them because they junk. I didn’t feel like I should answer it.
were so firm. Newer footballs often I have not answered one (tweet) on it.”
hampered both accuracy and distance. Carter said at the time that if Rice
The league eventually made it illegal but was using stickum he was cheating.
some kickers still did it. Rice, seeing the criticism, later re-
Violating that rule is of course still versed course. “Never been investigated
cheating but the rule was so unreason- for stickum!” Rice said. “Mistakenly
able, and stupid, is violating it actually used that word and dealing with conse-
cheating? The technical answer is yes Patriots coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000 for his role in the Spygate quences! But I don’t have a problem tak-
but the practical one, including the mor- cheating scandal. STEW MILNE/USA TODAY SPORTS ing a Polygraph!”
al one, isn’t as clear. Because rules, like How he “mistakenly” used such a
in this case, can often be arbitrary and specific word like stickum was baffling.
even inefficient. “I’m going to be point blank, I feel like mitted to cheating. Rice was inter- Later that year Rice was asked directly if
it’s cheating,” Rice told Rome of the 2014 viewed by ESPN about a story on the he ever used stickum and he didn’t di-
A deflating admission AFC championship game, when the Pa- evolution of gloves in a post-stickum rectly answer.
triots beat the Colts. “Because you have world and how glove technology was “You know the thing is, the way I
Rice is one of the best examples (and an edge up on your opponent and it’s evolving. Rice admitted he cheated us- worked and my work ethic and stuff like
perhaps most forgotten) of how cheat- unfortunate that it happened. I’m not ing stickum. that it really speaks for itself,” Rice said.
ing is a complex maneuver and in some saying the outcome of the game would “I know this might be a little illegal, “I’m not even going to address that any-
cases, especially his, it can be a com- have been different or anything like that guys, but you put a little spray, a little more. When people think about me they
plete waste of time, but in the moment, because they got beat 45-7, but they still stickum on them, to make sure that tex- think about the time I put in on the field.
the athlete doesn’t realize that. had an edge.” ture is a little sticky,” Rice said, laughing. And even with the situation with the
Rice’s admission actually begins Rice added: “I’ve played in cold The use of stickum and the evolution New England Patriots. The Patriots,
with the Patriots being accused of weather, I know how hard the football is of gloves receivers use are intertwined. they really deserve what they got by
cheating by deflating footballs. In an in- and you can grip the leather [if deflated] Once stickum was banned some receiv- winning the Super Bowl, you know,
terview with Jim Rome in 2015, Rice said just a little bit better.” ers turned to gloves to help assist them that’s fantastic. I look at the Patriots
the Patriots were cheaters because de- Patriots fans, angered by the fact that with catching footballs, particularly in and I think about the San Francisco
flating footballs gave them an illegal ad- Rice was saying their team cheated, sur- bad weather. In many ways, the end of 49ers and what they were able to ac-
vantage. faced the video where Rice himself ad- stickum led to a rapid evolution in glove complish. And I look at Tom Brady – you
technology. know what? – he was able to accom-
Some receivers took it a step further plish winning four Super Bowls. So you
and combined using gloves and stick- know those are the things I’m focusing
um. This is what Rice was admitting to. on right now and you know my work
Rice later took to social media to ad- ethic was everything during my entire
dress the issue after his admission be- career and I think it speaks for itself.”
came more widely known. “I apologize He’s right. Of course. All of it.
ppl after doing my research about stick- But it doesn’t answer the question ...
um!,” Rice said on X, formerly known as Why?

Lance Armstrong, climbing Mont Ventoux, was banned from sport for life for
Hall of Famer Jerry Rice is a three-time Super Bowl champion who is considered doping and stripped of the seven Tour de France titles he won.
the greatest NFL receiver ever. ROBERT HANASHIRO/USA TODAY JOEL SAGET/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
SPORTS USA TODAY ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ 3C

NFL WEEK 15 32 THINGS WE LEARNED

Bills striking fear down the stretch

Nate Davis Bills tive season, the NFL’s longest active
USA TODAY linebacker drought. See ya next year, Aaron Rodg-
Terrel ers.
The 32 things we learned from Bernard 23. The Tennessee Titans are no
Week 15 of the NFL season prior to the celebrates longer eligible for the playoffs, either, af-
“Monday Night Football” game between with ter Sunday’s overtime loss to the C.J.
the Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Sea- Jordan Stroud-less Houston Texans.
hawks: Phillips 24. Houston took extra glee in elim-
1. Stampede coming? The Buffalo (97) after inating the team that left H-Town and
Bills have won three of four games since the took the Columbia Blue Oilers uniforms
firing offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey tackle’s with them (and wearing them again
and are averaging 29.3 points in that sack of Sunday did seem a bit excessive).
stretch following Sunday’s 31-10 rollover Dallas’ Dak 25. Speaking of would-be MVPs, you
of the Dallas Cowboys, a beatdown that Prescott. can’t discount San Francisco 49ers ... RB
knocked “America’s Team” out of first JAMIE Christian McCaffrey? Like Mostert,
place in the NFC East. GERMANO/ CMC has 20 TDs after scoring three
2. The Bills remain stuck in ninth ROCHESTER against the Arizona Cardinals, an effort
place overall in the AFC, a spot to which DEMOCRAT that helped the Niners officially lock
they ascended Saturday, but their 8-6 AND down the NFC West.
mark matches the Cincinnati Bengals, CHRONICLE 26. McCaffrey’s seven touchdowns
Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans this season against the Cards are the
... and those clubs aren’t playing the Los most by any player against one team
Angeles Chargers and New England Pa- ing at the Bolts’ expense in Thursday’s pa that looks like a much more viable during a season in the Super Bowl era
triots the next two weeks. 63-21 assault. playoff outfit than the Pack, the Super (since 1966).
3. After some early-season missteps, 9. Prior to this weekend, the Minne- Bowl 55 champs suddenly closing in on 27. The league’s rushing leader with
Buffalo QB Josh Allen would need a Hail sota Vikings (15 points per game) and their third straight division crown. 1,292 yards, McCaffrey is trying to be-
Mary to win the league MVP award – the Denver Broncos (16 ppg) had had the 16. Speaking of the Giants, the New come the first in-season, wire-to-wire
Bills probably have to win out, including league’s stingiest defenses over the pre- Orleans Saints turned the tables on roo- rushing champ this century.
a Week 18 win at Miami, to simply re- vious nine weeks. They then combined kie QB Tommy DeVito’s Italian celebra- 28. He’s already the fourth player
capture the AFC East – but he is bur- to surrender 69 points in Saturday’s tions in Sunday’s 24-6 runaway. Inci- ever with at least four seasons with
nishing a more realistic case for Offen- crippling losses to their playoff hopes. dentally, the Saints are right there with 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving
sive Player of the Year honors. He’s ac- 10. And over the preceding five the Bucs in the NFC South. yards.
counted for a league-best 37 TDs (26 weeks, no D had been more airtight than 17. Huge game this Thursday night as 29. New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy
passing, 11 rushing) despite a light pass- the Patriots’ (11 ppg, 247.3 yards al- the Saints head to Los Angeles to play Graham has four TD catches this sea-
ing game (94 yards in the rain) Sunday. lowed). It got torched for 27 points and the Rams, who moved into the NFC’s fi- son. He has two other receptions on the
4. Allen became the first player to 326 yards by the Kansas City Chiefs’ nal wild-card position Sunday. Both year that did not produce six points.
have 10 games with at least one TD pass supposedly struggling offense. teams are 7-7, but LA is playing decided- 30. Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta
and run in a season, a mark he previous- 11. Still, Taylor Swift didn’t enjoy the ly better football after winning for the won’t win Offensive Rookie of the Year
ly shared with Kyler Murray. show as much on a day when K.C. TE fourth time in five games since its Week honors and probably can’t hope to finish
5. Buffalo RB James Cook had 221 Travis Kelce was limited to five recep- 10 bye. much better than third behind Stroud
yards and two TDs from scrimmage in tions for 28 yards ... and by his own in- 18. League MVP candidate and lead- and Rams WR Puka Nacua. Still, LaPor-
the win. His 179 rushing yards against sufficient acting skills. ing receiver Tyreek Hill of the Miami ta became the first rookie at his position
Dallas were the most by a Bills player in 12. With the Chiefs’ Andy Reid and Dolphins missed his first game this sea- during the Super Bowl era with at least
13 years. Patriots counterpart Bill Belichick son with an ankle injury. Still at 1,542 re- 700 receiving yards and seven TDs after
5a. His brother, New York Jets matching wits Sunday, their personal ceiving yards, Cheetah would have to hauling in three scores in Saturday
RB Dalvin Cook, has 292 yards and no matchup became the first in league his- average nearly 153 yards over the final night’s win over Denver.
TDs ... all season. tory pairing head coaches each with at three weeks to reach his record-break- 31. Already looking forward to Week
6. As for the Cowboys? Their fourth least 250 regular-season wins. ing 2,000-yard goal. 16, which begins with that potentially
road loss – and third embarrassing one 13. The 557 combined regular-season 18a. Hill does have five 150+ yard ef- pivotal Saints-Rams game Thursday.
following earlier setbacks at Arizona wins from Reid (256) and Belichick (301) forts in 2023 and another of 146. Colts-Falcons, Browns-Texans, Lions-
and San Francisco – raises serious are 61 more than the next-most prolific 19. Despite his absence, the Dolphins Vikings and Jags-Bucs will all have ma-
questions about their viability as a Su- HC couplet – which was Hall of Famers whitewashed the New York Jets 30-0, jor postseason implications on Christ-
per Bowl contender while also damag- Don Shula and Tom Landry and their sweeping the NYJ by a 64-13 aggregate mas Eve, too ... with Bengals-Steelers
ing QB Dak Prescott’s MVP credentials. then-total of 496 during the 1987 sea- this year. offering another weighty fixture on
7. Chicago Bears WR Darnell Mooney son. 20. Miami RB Raheem Mostert Christmas Eve Eve, or Saturday if you
has given new meaning to the term “Fail 14. Green Bay Packers HC Matt La- rushed for two TDs, meaning he’s like.
Mary.” Fleur lost two games in a six-day period, reached the end zone 20 times this sea- 32. But if you’re looking for huge pre-
8. The Chargers may be in the market his team falling to the New York Giants son – a Dolphins single-season record. sents under the tree? Dolphins-Cow-
for a new coach, but good news for in- and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They were If he is on your fantasy team, seems boys and Ravens-49ers will deservedly
terim boss Giff Smith given fellow sub- LaFleur’s first career losses in the likely you’re winning your league. be among the game’s most-hyped
stitute teachers Antonio Pierce of the month of December after winning his 21. Mostert had 19 career TDs over his matchups of the season ... even if only
Las Vegas Raiders and Chris Tabor of first 16. previous eight seasons. one of them is a legitimate Super Bowl
the Carolina Panthers got wins in Week 15. With the old NFC Central “Battle 22. The Jets were also eliminated preview. (Feel free to make a guess,
15 – Pierce’s obviously very much com- of the Bays” going to the Bucs, it’s Tam- from the playoffs for the 13th consecu- partygoers. And Happy Holidays.)

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL WINNERS AND LOSERS

Ravens nab AFC spot; Lawrence in protocol

Chris Bumbaca and Tyler Dragon Jacksonville now finds itself in a son continued in Week 15. Madubuike
USA TODAY three-way tie with the Indianapolis registered a strip sack deep in Jackson-
Colts and Houston Texans in the crowd- ville territory in the fourth quarter that
The Baltimore Ravens remain in the ed AFC South race. resulted in a Baltimore field goal. Madu-
driver’s seat in the race for the No. 1 seed – Bumbaca buike has a career-high 12 sacks this
in the AFC. season. He had 8.5 sacks in his first
The North Division first-place Rav- WINNERS three years in the NFL.
ens became the first AFC squad to clinch Unfortunate injury: Ravens head
a postseason spot with a “Sunday Night Ravens stamp playoff ticket: The coach John Harbaugh said after the
Football” victory, leading wire to wire as Ravens (11-3) became the first team to game that it is believed that promising
they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars clinch a playoff spot in the AFC. Balti- rookie running back Keaton Mitchell
23-7. Baltimore has won eight of its last more controls its destiny and has a suffered a season-ending injury. Mitch-
nine games. chance to be the No. 1 seed in the confer- ell was injured in the fourth quarter
Quarterback Lamar Jackson rushed ence. The Ravens have a two-game lead when his left leg buckled at the end of a
12 times for 97 yards and was 14 of 24 in the AFC North Division. 13-yard run.
passing for 171 yards with one touch- Lamar Jackson makes another
down and an interception. case for MVP: Lamar Jackson’s elusive- LOSERS
The play of the game came in the Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely ness and play-making ability were on
third quarter when Jackson evaded a celebrates his 16-yard touchdown display. He was the best player on the Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars offense:
sack twice and threw a jump ball to tight reception against the Jaguars. field, and it wasn’t even close. Jackson Jacksonville’s offense fizzled out far too
end Isaiah Likely, filling in for injured JEREMY REPER/USA TODAY SPORTS was giving Jaguars defenders fits as often in Baltimore territory. It was the
Mark Andrews. Likely, who led the Rav- he continuously escaped in the pocket story of the game for the Jaguars. Jack-
ens with five catches and 70 receiving to buy extra time or scramble for rush- sonville went 0-for-3 in the red zone,
yards and added a touchdown, came route that made it 10-7 in the third quar- ing yards. Jackson compiled 171 passing which included a bad fumble by Law-
down with it between a pair of Jaguars ter. It was the closest the Jaguars came yards, one touchdown and one inter- rence.
defenders. Gus Edwards finished the on the scoreboard. ception through the air. On the ground, The Jaguars entered Baltimore terri-
drive by scoring his 11th rushing touch- Ravens defensive lineman Justin the quarterback rushed for a team-high tory on five separate occasions and
down of the season (and 10th since Madubuike had a sack, hit Lawrence 76 yards. failed to score each time. The only Jack-
Week 7, most in the league). four times and now has had at least a Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely: The sonville touchdown came on a long 65-
In the first half, the Jaguars squan- half-sack in 11 straight games. Baltimore Ravens are without star tight end Mark yard bomb to Jamal Agnew.
dered opportunity after opportunity. recovered two fumbles and improved on Andrews, but Isaiah Likely is a more Lawrence lost two fumbles and only
Brandon McManus missed a pair of 50- its standing as the best scoring defense. than capable replacement. Likely high- completed 25 of 43 passes in the loss.
plus-yard field goals, quarterback Tre- Baltimore’s offense struggled within pointed a football over two Jaguars de- In a matchup that featured two of the
vor Lawrence fumbled in the red zone the red zone, going 2-for-5. Justin Tuck- fenders for a 26-yard reception. A few better quarterbacks in the NFL, Jackson
and the Jaguars ran out of time inside er made all three of his field goal at- plays later, the Ravens scored a touch- was superior. Lawrence and the Jaguars
the 5-yard line; with no timeouts, Law- tempts (26, 34, 43 yards) to help them down. Likely produced a game-best five failed to execute and finish off drives
rence opted to not spike the ball and out. catches, 70 yards and a touchdown. with points.
Parker Washington was tackled in The Ravens did not escape without a Ravens defense: The Ravens had a Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus:
bounds. It was the second time in fran- worsening of their injury fortunes. Run- bend-but-don’t-break defense in the Brandon McManus missed two field
chise history Jacksonville had four pos- ning back Keaton Mitchell needed to be victory. Baltimore held Jacksonville to goal attempts from 50 and 55 yards in
sessions inside an opponent’s 40-yard carted off and appeared to suffer a seri- seven points. The Jaguars went 0-for-3 the loss.
line and failed to score in one half. ous knee injury, while left tackle Ronnie in the red zone, and they were 3-for-13 Jaguars drop third straight: The
The lone score for the Jaguars came Stanley left in the fourth quarter to be on third downs. The Ravens forced two Jaguars have lost three in a row. The
on the longest touchdown pass of Law- evaluated for a concussion. Safety Mar- turnovers. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton Jaguars (8-6), Indianapolis Colts (8-6)
rence’s career, a 65-yard play to Jamal cus Williams also missed the second had a team-high seven tackles. and Houston Texans (8-6) are all tied on
Agnew – in his first game off injured re- half following his touchdown-saving Ravens defensive tackle Justin Ma- top of the AFC South.
serve since a Week 9 injury – on a wheel tackle to end the first half. dubuike: Madubuike’s career-best sea- – Dragon
4C ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ USA TODAY SPORTS

Week 15 receiver to record a reception was Kha-

Darel Hodge (one catch, 10 yards). Run-
ning back Bijan Robinson drew eight
Continued from Page 1C touches for … 14 yards. The Falcons must
move on from Smith.
The Rams as a run-first team
Barry, Packers are not ready
The Los Angeles Rams (7-7) have
stayed alive in the playoff race and are The Green Bay Packers started the
currently sitting in the final seed in the day in the seventh spot in the NFC and
NFC after handling the Washington needed to keep pace with the Minnesota
Commanders 28-20. And the constant Vikings (7-7) in the North Division. In-
in Los Angeles’ revival has been the stead, the Packers (6-8) lost 34-20 to a
rushing attack led by running back Ky- middling Tampa Bay Buccaneers team,
ren Williams. Against Washington, he have lost two in a row and fell to No. 11 in
ran for 152 yards and a score on 27 car- the conference. While the Packers con-
ries. In fact, Williams is averaging 20.7 verted just 2 of 5 trips in the red zone,
carries per game and 116 rushing yards the biggest issues against Tampa Bay
per game in LA’s victories. In losses, were mostly defensive. Green Bay de-
those numbers plummet to 15.5 and fensive coordinator Joe Barry was con-
64.3, respectively. In recent games, tent to have his defense drop back into a
though, the Rams have made an inten- zone and didn’t adjust when quarter-
tional effort to feed Williams, whose Browns defensive players Myles Garrett (95), Dalvin Tomlinson (94) and Alex back Baker Mayfield dissected the de-
big-play ability has helped open up the Wright (91) celebrate against the Bears. KEN BLAZE/USA TODAY SPORTS fense, finding soft spots. The odd part is
play-action passing game, allowing that the Packers actually generated
quarterback Matthew Stafford to devel- pressure on Mayfield and sacked him
op his rapport with receivers Cooper In face of adversity, average and two total TDs. The most five times. But when the pressure didn’t
Kupp and Puka Nacua. LA’s remaining Texans bounce back first downs the Cowboys had allowed get home, Mayfield could find his tar-
schedule isn’t optimal, with games left via rushing plays this season had been gets in rhythm and with ease.
against the New Orleans Saints (7-7), The Houston Texans were without 10 in a Week 5 loss to the 49ers. The next
New York Giants (5-9) and 49ers (11-3). six starters against the division rival closest was eight, in a Week 3 loss to the Forget Aaron Rodgers – the Jets
It’s time to keep feeding Williams. Tennessee Titans. Despite that, and Arizona Cardinals. The Bills posted 12 were a lost cause, regardless
with backup quarterback Case Keenum rushing first downs by halftime and fin-
Browns might just be a problem starting, Houston leaned on running ished the game with 20 overall. Dallas The New York Jets won the offsea-
down the stretch back Devin Singletary for 170 yards from was without defensive tackle Johna- son, and in a landslide. That’s about it.
scrimmage that powered a 19-16 win. than Hankins, but the Bills simply im- While Aaron Rodgers’ quest to return
Joe Flacco had his worst game since The Texans (8-6) faced an early 13-point posed their will on the Cowboys, who from a torn Achilles tendon suffered on
joining the Cleveland Browns off his hole and overcame a 1-for-3 day in red- missed tackles all game long. the fourth offensive play of the season
couch, but he still threw for 374 yards zone conversions, but the defense likely won’t be fulfilled – the Jets (5-9)
and a pair of scores – albeit with three clamped down to force six punts in Ten- It’s time in Atlanta were eliminated from playoff conten-
interceptions – as Cleveland (9-5) nessee’s final seven possessions, in- tion following a 30-0 loss to the Dol-
erased a 10-point deficit late in the cluding stops in the final four. Even The Atlanta Falcons entered Sunday phins – it frankly wouldn’t have mat-
fourth quarter to topple the Chicago without Anderson, Houston got after Ti- in a three-way tie atop the NFC South. tered. New York entered this season
Bears 20-17. This has been a resilient tans quarterback Will Levis and sacked They couldn’t afford to drop a game with an offensive line so faulty that
group, one that has battled key injuries him seven times. With the Texans in the against a Carolina Panthers team that Rodgers’ presence would have helped,
and had four different quarterbacks win AFC eighth seed, this is exactly the kind entered with a 1-12 record and an interim but it wouldn’t have masked the group’s
at least one game as a starter. Cleveland of victory that can build momentum. coach. Atlanta (6-8) did just that, and it inability to protect long enough for any
has a ferocious defense that’s one of the was the offense, coach Arthur Smith’s quarterback to stay upright. The offense
best in the league and one that can gen- LOSERS presumed area of expertise, that failed cannot function to any capacity be-
erate pressure in high-leverage mo- Cowboys can’t stop Bills’ bully ball again in the 9-7 defeat. Desmond Ridder cause it’s always rushed. Miami collect-
ments behind edge rusher Myles Gar- has massive limitations as a quarter- ed six sacks Sunday. The locker room is
rett. But Flacco has sparked a downfield If there was a weakness on the Dallas back, and his fourth-quarter intercep- in peril, with receiver Allen Lazard say-
passing game that wasn’t there with re- defense, it was stopping the run, though tion in the red zone was debilitating. But ing the Jets got “out-schemed” and “out-
serves P.J. Walker and Dorian Thomp- the Cowboys still came into Sunday Smith has proved himself to be incapa- efforted.” Which brings us to 2024. New
son-Robinson. The other great news is ranked 11th in the NFL. Yet what hap- ble of scheming plays to properly in- York should retain most of its key de-
that receiver Amari Cooper and tight pened in a blowout loss to the Bills volve his wide receivers. Against Caroli- fenders and young offensive talent. If it
end David Njoku have seen a bit of a re- should concern Dallas (10-4). Buffalo na, Atlanta’s top two targets were tight doesn’t entirely retool its line, its offen-
vival with Flacco under center, combin- running back James Cook terrorized co- ends; the team’s leading wide receiver sive inefficiency will almost certainly
ing for four touchdowns over Cleve- ordinator Dan Quinn’s defense for 179 was Drake London, who caught two persist and Rodgers’ addition would be
land’s last two games, both victories. rushing yards on a 7.2-yard-per-carry passes for 24 yards. The only other wide nothing more than a waste.

Metcalf a community who I didn’t know felt un-

seen or felt like they were being forgot-
Drake’s 2023 song “Daylight” that
means to take care of your obligations
ten about,” Metcalf said. and responsibilities.
Continued from Page 1C Utley said he doesn’t see Metcalf ’s “Everybody can give credit to (Sea-
celebrations as inappropriate. In fact, hawks linebacker) Boye (Mafe) for that
“New people are starting to learn ASL he sees it as quite the opposite: “I don’t one,” Metcalf explained afterward, re-
and take heed to … ‘What is he signing?’ think it makes ASL look bad. If any- ferring to teammate Boye Mafe, who
The curiosity factor comes in to where it thing, it shines a spotlight on the lan- signs “I love you” to the sky every game
is bringing attention,” Metcalf said. “It guage. … I’m thrilled that he wants to in honor of his late mother.
started out as me trying to learn some- use the sign language he’s learning. “Actually, ‘Standing on Business,’
thing new and then the refereeing thing “People who learn American Sign Boye did that when he was walking out
got thrown into the mix where it kind of Language always want to learn some of of the meeting on Wednesday night. He
turned into trash talk, but I’m trying to the swear words,” Utley added. “(Met- did it one time and I was like … one more
learn a new language, simply put.” calf) has never even asked me, ‘Hey, time,” said Metcalf as he signed “again.”
Here’s everything you need to know how would I sign this if I wanted to trash “(Boye) signed standing on business.
about Metcalf learning ASL: talk this?’ Like for example, recently he I said, ‘OK, I’m going to do that tomor-
said, ‘44 is my son.’ He never asked me. row if I score.’ ” Darrell Utley, a sign language
Why does DK take sign language We didn’t script it out, we didn’t plan He did just that. instructor at the Sign Language
lessons? ahead for him to do that. I had no idea ‘I’m a dog, w-o-o-f ’ Center, teaches Seahawks star DK
that he was going to plan to do that on During the Seahawks’ 28-16 loss to Metcalf ASL each week during virtual
Metcalf first took an ASL course at the field. It’s just something that as we the San Francisco 49ers, Metcalf scored sessions. DARRELL UTLEY
the University of Mississippi, where he exchange the language and the culture a 31-yard touchdown over 49ers CB De-
recorded 1,228 yards and 14 touchdowns and things, he has found a new way to ommodore Lenoir. (Both Metcalf and
across 21 games before he was drafted do that.” Lenoir were later disqualified from the “I don’t know that he understands or
by the Seahawks in 2019. Metcalf said contest following a dust-up.) Metcalf realizes the impact. It’s a huge impact
he wanted to revisit ASL last summer to What did DK Metcalf say celebrated his score by signing, “I’m a on the signing and ASL communities.
“exercise my mind and try to learn in sign language? dog, w-o-o-f,” lyrics from Migos’ 2016 We as deaf people have typically strug-
something new.” song “Bad and Boujee.” He said he heard gled with accessibility. … That’s part of
He connected with Darrell Utley, an ‘44 is my son’ the song during practice, which inspired our life experience,” Utley said.
instructor at the Sign Language Center, During the Seahawks’ 17-16 loss to the his post-touchdown celebration. More than 90% of deaf children are
in hopes of becoming fluent in the lan- Los Angeles Rams in Week 11, Metcalf 49ers long snapper Taybor Pepper born to hearing parents, a point Utley
guage. Utley told USA TODAY Sports scored an 8-yard touchdown while be- shared an expletive-laden message emphasized. “ASL is not always the first
that he wasn’t familiar with Metcalf pri- ing covered by Rams CB Ahkello Wither- aimed at Metcalf following the game option,” he said. “It leads to language
or to their one-hour lessons but quickly spoon, who wears No. 44. Metcalf and attempted to sign “14 (expletive) deprivation. ASL is a visual language
learned about the impact the Pro Bowl signed ‘44 is my son’ in celebration in around and found out.” and without that early exposure they
receiver has and the hype he’s created the end zone. miss that and it creates a huge gap in a
around ASL. Utley explained to USA TODAY Metcalf bringing Swift-like child’s developing years.”
“I have to admit, for a while I didn’t Sports how Metcalf applied his lessons awareness to ASL
know who he was. I didn’t identify him to this particular ASL celebration: DK, Darrell Utley to meet in
by name as being somebody with the “When we approach our lessons, for Utley, who doesn’t root for any par- Tennessee
stage that he has and being such a fan- example, there are different topics that ticular team, said Metcalf ’s ASL cele-
tastic football player,” Utley said in an we talk about. So in this case, there’s brations have created a “natural attrac- The Seahawks (6-7) travel to Tennes-
interview through his interpreter Barry pronouns – you, me, yours, mine. We tion for me to want to watch the game. see to face the Titans (5-8) on Christmas
Utley. “I’m not a fanatic for sports … but talked about numbers, one through There’s some hype around it that I en- Eve in Week 16. Metcalf, who has never
now with (Metcalf) people are saying, however high we went ... family mem- joy.” He compared the buzz that Metcalf met Utley in person, only through Zoom,
‘Hey, did you see him sign something af- ber’s names and how to sign father, has created within the ASL community said he plans to invite his Tennessee-
ter?’ That was when I realized, oh, OK. mother, son and daughter. Shortly after to that of Taylor Swift, who has intro- based instructor to the game. Utley “ab-
That’s my student and we have that that, he was able to use that just natu- duced a new legion of fans to football solutely” accepted.
connection.” rally. And he said, ‘44 is my son.’ So he through her whirlwind romance with “He has reached out to me. He’s
may have learned that because of the Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce. asked if I’m interested in joining. And of
Metcalf didn’t just learn ASL lesson, and it made me chuckle a little “All of a sudden people who never course I said, ‘Yes!’ Looking forward to
to trash talk bit. I know that he’s actually learning. watched football are now watching be- that,” Utley said. “It’s always nice to see
And he’s able to find a true application cause of the Travis (Kelce)-Taylor a 3D version of American Sign Lan-
During an appearance on “The Rich in his life on the field.” (Swift) thing,” Utley said. “I think it’s guage, as opposed to just 2D on TV.”
Eisen Show” in October, Metcalf said he ‘Standing on Business’ nice that there’s another similarity or
uses sign language to circumnavigate During the Seahawks’ 41-35 loss to parallel to ASL and DK (Metcalf). Every- What will he sign next?
unsportsmanlike conduct fines during the Dallas Cowboys on “Thursday Night one wants to see what’s going on next.
his celebrations. “I kept getting flags Football” in Week 13, Metcalf caught a So it’s kind of cool.” Not even Metcalf knows. He said he
from my mouthing, so gotta sign my (ex- pass from Geno Smith and ran it in 73 Utley explained that it’s deeper than doesn’t go into each game with a prede-
pletive)-talking now,” he said. yards for a touchdown. In front of a just a celebration and that Metcalf is termined celebration. “It usually just
But that wasn’t his motivation be- prime-time audience of more than 15 helping “normalize and also increase happens on the spot,” Metcalf said.
hind learning the language. million viewers on Amazon Prime awareness” for ASL. “It’s wonderful how Utley added, “DK is DK. He takes
“I get to challenge myself to learn Video, Metcalf celebrated by signing one person creates such such a positive what he knows … and of course he puts
something new and also to bring light to “Standing on Business.” It’s a lyric from ripple effect,” he added. DK on that.”
SPORTS USA TODAY ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ 5C

NCAA WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

Texas outside hitter Madisen Skinner, shown in October, had 16 kills and two
Texas players celebrate after defeating Nebraska on Sunday to win the NCAA aces Sunday against Nebraska. SARA DIGGINS/AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Division I women’s volleyball championship. CHRIS O’MEARA/AP

Texas sweeps Nebraska Madisen Skinner named

to repeat as champions top player in Final Four
Thomas Jones set a Final Four record for aces in a
Thomas Jones Ella Swindle had 21 assists while be- Austin American-Statesman match with six. She followed that up
Austin American-Statesman coming just the third true freshman to USA TODAY Network with 16 kills on 33 swings and another
USA TODAY Network lead her team to a Division I champi- two aces against overwhelmed Nebras-
onship. Libero Emma Halter joined TAMPA, Fla. – With a jaw-dropping ka.
TAMPA, Fla. – Texas volleyball Skinner, O’Neal and Swindle on the blend of athleticism and efficiency, The American Volleyball Caches As-
served up a second consecutive nation- all-tournament team after collecting Texas outside hitter Madisen Skinner sociation already handed out its player
al championship to its fans. nine digs. was a near-unanimous selection as of the year award to Wisconsin’s Sarah
Literally. Emotions ran hot all match in the the NCAA women’s volleyball Final Franklin, but the chatter among the
Powered by a pinpoint service game, meeting between two teams that have Four most outstanding player. media members after Sunday’s finals
Texas stunned top-ranked Nebraska in now each won five national titles, es- Not that she particularly cared for hinted at Skinner winning any other
Amalie Arena while rolling to a second pecially in a taut first set. After a ques- an individual award. such awards.
consecutive national title. The 25-22, tionable four-touch call on Texas ne- “It’s for everybody,” Skinner said, Skinner ended this season averaging
25-24, 25-11 sweep capped off an im- gated a kill from Jenna Wenaas at the referring to the honor she received af- 4.8 kills a set and led Texas in aces while
probable repeat run for the Longhorns, end of a marathon rally, Elliott didn’t ter helping Texas sweep Nebraska in earning the Big 12’s player of the year
who never topped the national poll this hide his frustration with the officials the championship match Sunday. “I award as well as a first-team All-Amer-
season and entered the NCAA Tourna- and drew a yellow card for a caution. mean, it’s cool and it’s awesome, and ican nod from the AVCA. She batted
ment as a No. 2 seed. Moments later, Elliott got even more I’ve worked really hard to get to this down any praise aimed at her on Sun-
But Texas (28-4) played its best vol- steamed over an apparent substitu- point. day while complimenting teammates
leyball in December while knocking off tion violation by Nebraska that didn’t “I love celebrating individual such as middle blockers Asjia O’Neal
top seeds Stanford, Wisconsin and, fi- get called, which led to a red card and a awards, but I want a national champi- and Bella Bergmark and setter Ella
nally, Nebraska. That’s become a habit point for Nebraska. onship for my team. I want every sin- Swindle.
for the Longhorns, who haven’t dropped But with the set tied at 22-22 and gle one of these girls to have a ring be- “Asjia does a great job of pulling the
a set in either of its two wins in the past the partisan Cornhusker crowd in full cause they deserve it. And they put in block on the slide – you have to respect
two national title games. throat, Texas showed its champion- so much work to get to this point. And the slide,” Skinner said. “I’ll say it again
Texas was at its best at the service ship poise by scoring three straight for me, individual stuff means nothing – and the same thing with Bella and our
line. The Longhorns fired 12 aces, in- points, including an ace by Keonilei if your team’s not coming first and right side as well. They’re just giving me
cluding five from middle blocker Asjia Akana that closed out the set. coming out on top. So I’m just super a lot of space, and Ella has great vision.”
O’Neal, who capped arguably the best The next two sets lacked such dra- proud of this group and so excited that Oh, and Skinner also gave a nod to
career of any Longhorn volleyball player ma as the Longhorns cruised to the we all get to enjoy this and get a tro- mother Rebecca Skinner and father Bri-
with four kills and three blocks. win over a shellshocked Nebraska phy.” an Skinner, who played a dozen years in
Junior outside hitter Madisen Skin- (33-2) with the match breaking the Skinner proved unstoppable in both the NBA.
ner, a leading candidate for the national NCAA attendance record for an indoor of Texas’ matches in Tampa. In Thurs- “Yeah, thank you to my parents for
player of the year award, again aced the volleyball contest as 19,727 fans took in day’s 3-1 win over Wisconsin in the great genetics and giving the hops and
Texas offense with 16 kills, while setter Sunday’s final. semifinals, the junior fired 18 kills and whatnot,” she said, flashing a grin.

Tiger Woods’ son Charlie is lighting up golf world at 14 years old

Victoria Hernandez Last month, Charlie Charlie finished tied for 17th in the Bernhard Langer, son Jason make
USA TODAY won the Florida High championship tournament. history with 2023 PNC win
School Athletic Associa- Tiger played with Charlie in the 2021
A little birdie told us that Charlie tion Class A state cham- PNC Championship when his son was For more than 20 years, Raymond
Woods is as exciting as his father was as pionship with The Benja- 12. It was Tiger’s first tournament since Floyd was the only five-time winner of
a rising star. min School Buccaneers. a near-death experience when his SUV the annual PNC Championship. That all
This past weekend, the 14-year-old Woods The freshman, nick- crashed and rolled off a hill in Los Ange- changed on Sunday.
and his father, superstar golfer Tiger named “C-Dub,” scored les earlier that year. He was hospitalized Bernhard Langer and his son Jason
Woods, participated in the PNC Cham- 78 and 76 as the program took home its for a month with several broken bones ran away with the 2023 family hit-and-
pionship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in fourth state championship trophy. in his leg. Tiger mostly rode a cart for the giggle after a white-hot day on the put-
Orlando, Florida, where Team Woods A high school state title gives Charlie competition but shared a special mo- ting green. They made birdie on their
finished tied for fifth behind Team one accolade that his father, a 15-time ment when he walked with his son up to first seven holes and shot an impressive
Langer, which won the tournament by major champion, did not achieve in his the 18th hole green. 13-under 59 during Sunday’s final round
two strokes. illustrious career. Team Woods had 11 birdies in a row in to take the trophy at 25 under.
On the ninth hole in the final round “Having a win over him and having their last 12 holes that year, including at Floyd and Langer are now the only
on Sunday, Charlie went viral for chip- something he doesn’t, it feels pretty 17 where Charlie had a sailing drive. five-time winners of the event. Larry
ping in a birdie from the green. After the good,” Charlie said at the PNC Champi- They ultimately lost to John Daly and Nelson has three wins and Davis Love III
ball plunked into the hole, he pumped onship, per The Palm Beach Post. his son by two strokes. The second- has two. Langer won with his son, Ste-
his fist, emulating his father’s signature In September, Tiger caddied for place finish was their best at the compe- fan, in 2005 and 2006 and won with Ja-
celebration. Tiger was thrilled and Charlie en route to the Notah Begay III tition since they started playing togeth- son in 2014, 2019 and now 2023. He also
grinned with wide eyes as he joined the Junior Golf National Championship. er in 2020. previously played with his daughter,
crowd in applauding the young golfer. During the regional qualifying tour- Charlie Axel Woods was born on Christina, in 2013 and 2016.
This isn’t the first time Charlie has nament, Charlie scored a career-best Feb. 8, 2009, to Tiger and his then-wife David Duval and his son, Brady, fin-
captured national attention. 66. Elin Nordegren. ished second at 23 under, while defend-
Per Golf Digest, the teenager played In true Woods fashion, he sunk an 8- He is the couple’s second and young- ing champions Vijay and Qass Singh
soccer growing up and got serious about foot putt on the last hole to secure the est child. He has an older sister, Sam, finished third at 22 under.
golf during the COVID-19 pandemic in boys 14-15 division and broke out his fa- who caddied for Tiger earlier in the PNC Contributing: Adam Woodard, Golf-
2020. ther’s signature fist pump. Championship. week

To view more Classified listings,

visit: classifieds.usatoday.com

NOTICES CAREERS EMPLOYMENT MARKETPLACE

Beautiful Smiles by Design is in Dalton and Calhoun GA. We are looking
PUBLIC NOTICE EMPLOYMENT BOOKS/PUBLICATIONS
for a General and/or pediatric Dentist at our Dalton location to lead our
Associate General Dentist Opportu- Practice growth. Our Practices are ultra-high tech, designed to provide
Sourcewell, a State of Minnesota local government unit and
nity. Full-time preferred. Compensa- premium dentistry to all our patients. We offer excellent compensation
service cooperative, is requesting proposals for Private Wireless
tion is a $600.00 daily rate for full-day and benefits package. Mentorship for implants, Orthodontics, Molar Root
Services with Related Solutions to result in a contracting
or 30% of Production (whichever is canals available. Beautiful Smiles by Design. Tel: (919)423 6386. E-mail:
solution for use by its Participating Entities.
greater). Health insurance (for individ- [email protected]
A Sea Island Story by Tim Bryant
Sourcewell Participating Entities include thousands of ual – 100% paid for full-time or 50%
governmental, higher education, K-12 education, nonprofit, Full-time General Dentist Opportunity in Bellingham, WA. $10,000
tribal government, and other public agencies
for part-time), 401k after 1 year, C.E.
stipend ($2,500 per year), Licensure,
signing bonus. Our Mt Vernon office is seeking a full time General Dentist Available on AMAZON
located in the United States and Canada. to support this growing community. Located just over an hour away from
Malpractice. Mentorship available.
Seattle, WA and Vancouver, BC, this is a great location that is close to
A full copy of the Request for Proposals can Work hard but have fun! If interested,
major metro areas while still having a community feel. At Gentle Dental, we
be found on the Sourcewell Procurement Portal contact us at RecruitmentServices
https://proportal.sourcewell-mn.gov @henryschein.com. AD CODE: DDS
value our teammate’s smile as much as our patient’s smile. Come join our
team and make a difference in the lives of the people in your community!
NEW GREAT
Only proposals submitted through the Sourcewell PA3121 Email: [email protected] MARKETPLACE
Procurement Portal will be considered.
Smile Starters Dental is hiring for Associate Dentists. Well established RATES!
Proposals are due no later than February 6, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. GET NOTICED! practice in seeking full time Associates in multiple NC locations. We
Central Time, and late proposals will not be considered. Advertise in USA TODAY’s
Marketplace Today
are a general practice providing comprehensive care to children and Scan QR Code for
young adults through age 20 in a modern, newly updated facility.
PLACE YOUR AD HERE! To advertise, call: 1-800-397-0070
Call:1-800-397-0070 www.smilestartersdental.com. Please contact HR at tmalmut@ Current Specials
smilestartersdental.com.
6C ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ USA TODAY SPORTS

FOR THE RECORD Monday

FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG
KANSAS CITY 10 43 Las Vegas
PHILADELPHIA 10½ 44 Giants
All times ET South Wednesday, Feb. 21 Tuesday’s Games SAN FRANCISCO 5½ 45½ Baltimore
W L T Pct PF PA Napoli (Italy) vs. Barcelona (Spain), 3 p.m. Columbus at Buffalo, 7 p.m.
NBA Houston 8 6 0 .571 306 295 Porto vs. Arsenal, 3 p.m. Minnesota at Boston, 7 p.m. College Football
Indianapolis 8 6 0 .571 344 343 N.Y. Rangers at Toronto, 7 p.m. Tuesday
Jacksonville 8 6 0 .571 319 313 English Premier League Philadelphia at New Jersey, 7 p.m.
e-Tennessee 5 9 0 .357 257 301 GP W D L GF GA Pts St. Louis at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.
Frisco Bowl
EASTERN CONFERENCE North Arsenal 17 12 3 2 35 15 39 Vegas at Carolina, 7 p.m. Frisco, Texas
Atlantic Division W L T Pct PF PA Liverpool 17 11 5 1 36 15 38 Edmonton at N.Y. Islanders, 7:30 p.m. FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG
W L Pct GB x-Baltimore 11 3 0 .786 384 225 Aston Villa 17 12 2 3 37 21 38 Vancouver at Nashville, 8 p.m. UTSA 11½ 52½ Marshall
Boston 20 5 .800 — Cleveland 9 5 0 .643 309 289 Man City 17 10 4 3 40 20 34 Colorado at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Philadelphia 18 7 .720 2 Thursday
Cincinnati 8 6 0 .571 307 311 Tottenham 17 10 3 4 35 23 33 Ottawa at Arizona, 9 p.m. New BetMGM customers can sign
New York 14 11 .560 6 Pittsburgh 7 7 0 .500 223 280 Newcastle 17 9 2 6 36 21 29 Los Angeles at San Jose, 10:30 p.m. Boca Raton Bowl
Brooklyn 13 12 .520 7 Man United 17 9 1 7 18 21 28 Wednesday’s Games up today and get a First Bet Offer Boca Raton, Fla.
Toronto 10 15 .400 10 West FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG
W L T Pct PF PA West Ham 17 8 3 6 29 30 27 Detroit at Winnipeg, 7:30 p.m. up to $1,500 using bonus code
Southeast Division Brighton 17 7 5 5 33 30 26 Syracuse 1½ 58½ South Florida
W L Pct GB
Kansas City 9 5 0 .643 319 245
Chelsea 17 6 4 7 28 26 22
N.Y. Islanders at Washington, 7:30 p.m. USAT. Just download the BetMGM
Orlando 16 9 .640 —
Denver 7 7 0 .500 304 351
Fulham 17 6 3 8 26 29 21
Seattle at Los Angeles, 10 p.m. app, deposit at least $10 and Friday
Las Vegas 6 8 0 .429 265 280 Thursday’s Games
Miami 15 11 .577 1½ L.A. Chargers 5 9 0 .357 303 345 Brentford 17 5 4 8 24 24 19 place your first wager on any Gasparilla Bowl
Atlanta 10 15 .400 6 Wolverhampton 17 5 4 8 21 29 19 Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Tampa, Fla.
Charlotte 7 17 .292 8½ NATIONAL CONFERENCE Bournemouth 16 5 4 7 21 30 19 Nashville at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. game. If your first bet loses, you FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG
Washington 4 21 .160 12 East Crystal Palace 17 4 5 8 17 25 17 St. Louis at Florida, 7 p.m. will receive bonus bets in the UCF 4½ 67½ Georgia Tech
W L T Pct PF PA Everton 17 8 2 7 22 20 16 Toronto at Buffalo, 7 p.m.
Central Division x-Philadelphia 10 3 0 .769 342 321 Vegas at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m. amount of your bet (up to Saturday
W L Pct GB Nottingham For. 17 3 5 9 17 30 14
Milwaukee 19 7 .731 — x-Dallas 10 4 0 .714 431 264 Luton Town 16 2 3 11 17 32 9 Washington at Columbus, 7 p.m. $1,500). Just make sure you use Camellia Bowl
Indiana 13 11 .542 5 N.Y. Giants 5 9 0 .357 189 338 Burnley 17 2 2 13 16 36 8 Edmonton at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m. bonus code USAT when you sign Montgomery, Ala.
e-Washington 4 10 0 .286 281 423 Montreal at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Cleveland 14 12 .538 5 Sheffield United 17 2 2 13 12 43 8
Vancouver at Dallas, 8 p.m. up. Bet now! FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG
Chicago 10 17 .370 9½ South Sunday’s Games Ottawa at Colorado, 9 p.m.
Arkansas St 1½ 53½ Northern Illinois
Detroit 2 24 .077 17 W L T Pct PF PA Arsenal 2, Brighton 0 Birmingham Bowl
WESTERN CONFERENCE New Orleans
Tampa Bay
7 7 0 .500
7 7 0 .500
309
296
267
290
Brentford 1, Aston Villa 2
West Ham 3, Wolverhampton 0
Calgary at Anaheim, 10 p.m.
Arizona at San Jose, 10:30 p.m. ODDS SPONSORED Birmingham, Ala.
Southwest Division
W L Pct GB
Atlanta
e-Carolina
6 8 0 .429
2 12 0 .143
258
206
278
348
Liverpool 0, Man United 0 BY BETMGM.COM FAVORITE
Troy
LINE O/U
7½ 44½
UNDERDOG
Duke
Dallas 16 9 .640 —
North
Thursday’s Game COLLEGE BASKETBALL
New Orleans 16 11 .593 1 Crystal Palace vs. Brighton, 3 p.m. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
W L T Pct PF PA NFL
Houston 13 10 .565 2
Detroit 10 4 0 .714 382 331 Friday’s Game Boise, Idaho
Memphis 6 18 .250 9½ Aston Villa vs. Sheffield United, 3 p.m. USA Today Men’s Top 25 Poll Thursday FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG
San Antonio 4 21 .160 12 Minnesota 7 7 0 .500 290 269
Green Bay 6 8 0 .429 300 301 Saturday’s Games The USA TODAY Sports Top 25 men’s basket- FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG Utah State 1½ 61½ Georgia St
Northwest Division Chicago 5 9 0 .357 287 329 West Ham vs. Man United, 7:30 a.m. ball poll, with first-place votes received in pa- LA RAMS 4 44½ New Orleans Armed Forces Bowl
W L Pct GB Fulham vs. Burnley, 10 a.m. renthesis, team’s records, total points based
Minnesota 19 5 .792 — West on 25 for first place through one point for Saturday Fort Worth, Texas
W L T Pct PF PA Luton Town vs. Newcastle, 10 a.m. FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG
Oklahoma City 16 8 .667 3 Man City vs. Brentford, 10 a.m. ppd 25th and ranking in last week’s final poll:
Denver 17 10 .630 3½ y-San Francisco 11 3 0 .786 425 234 Cincinnati 2½ 38½ PITTSBURGH James Madison 2½ 41½ Air Force
L.A. Rams 7 7 0 .500 327 310 Nottingham Forest vs. Bournemouth, 10 a.m. W-L Pts LW Buffalo 13½ 42½ LA CHARGERS
Utah 9 17 .346 11 Tottenham vs. Everton, 10 a.m. 1. Purdue (20) 10-1 785 4 68 Ventures Bowl
Portland 6 19 .240 13½ Seattle 6 7 0 .462 280 318
e-Arizona 3 11 0 .214 259 376 Liverpool vs. Arsenal, 12:30 p.m. 2. Kansas (3) 10-1 750 2 Sunday Mobile, Ala.
Pacific Division Sunday’s Game 3. Houston (9) 11-0 732 3 FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG
W L Pct GB e-eliminated from playoffs; x-clinched play-
Wolverhampton vs. Chelsea, 8 a.m. 4. Arizona 8-1 707 1 HOUSTON 2½ 42½ Cleveland S Alabama 16½ 46½ Eastern Michigan
Sacramento 15 9 .625 — off spot; y-clinched division Indianapolis 1½ 44½ ATLANTA
5. Connecticut 10-1 704 5
L.A. Clippers 15 10 .600 ½ Thursday’s Game 6. Marquette 9-2 628 7 Seattle 2½ 42½ TENNESSEE Las Vegas Bowl
Las Vegas 63, L.A. Chargers 21
L.A. Lakers
Phoenix
15
14
11
12
.577
.538 2
1
Saturday’s Games NHL 7. Tennessee
8. Oklahoma
8-3
10-0
541
533
10
12
Green Bay
JETS
4½
3
36½
38
CAROLINA
Washington
Paradise, Nev.
FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG
Golden State 12 14 .462 4 Cincinnati 27, Minnesota 24, OT 9. Kentucky 8-2 485 15 Detroit 3½ 46½ MINNESOTA Utah 6½ 41½ Northwestern
Sunday’s Games Indianapolis 30, Pittsburgh 13 10. Baylor 9-1 431 6 TAMPA BAY 1½ 43½ Jacksonville
Detroit 42, Denver 17 EASTERN CONFERENCE 11. Illinois 8-2 422 16 CHICAGO 4½ 44 Arizona Hawai’i Bowl
Boston 114, Orlando 97 Atlantic Division
New Orleans 146, San Antonio 110 Sunday’s Games GP W L OT Pts GF GA
12. Florida Atlantic 9-2 403 14 MIAMI 1½ 51 Dallas Honolulu
Milwaukee 128, Houston 119 Carolina 9, Atlanta 7 13. North Carolina 7-3 371 9 DENVER 6 36 New England FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG
Boston 29 19 5 5 43 94 73 14. Creighton 9-2 354 8 San Jose St 9½ 53½ Coastal Carolina
Phoenix 112, Washington 108 Cleveland 20, Chicago 17 Toronto 28 16 6 6 38 106 90
Golden State 118, Portland 114 Houston 19, Tennessee 16, OT 15. Brigham Young 10-1 332 17
Florida 30 18 10 2 38 90 78 16. Gonzaga 8-3 307 13
Monday’s Games Kansas City 27, New England 17 Detroit 30 15 11 4 34 107 95 Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to
Miami 30, N.Y. Jets 0 17. Colorado State 10-1 264 18 betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such
Chicago at Philadelphia Tampa Bay 32 14 13 5 33 105 114 18. Clemson 9-1 254 11
Houston at Cleveland New Orleans 24, N.Y. Giants 6 Montreal 30 13 13 4 30 84 104 revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage.
Tampa Bay 34, Green Bay 20 19. Duke 7-3 211 19
L.A. Clippers at Indiana Buffalo 32 13 16 3 29 90 105 20. Virginia 9-1 184 21
Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. Gambling problem? Call
Charlotte at Toronto L.A. Rams 28, Washington 20 Ottawa 26 11 15 0 22 88 89 1-800-GAMBLER CO, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call
San Francisco 45, Arizona 29 21. James Madison 10-0 165 20
Detroit at Atlanta Metropolitan Division 22. Texas 8-2 156 22 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to
Minnesota at Miami Buffalo 31, Dallas 10 GP W L OT Pts GF GA wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700
Baltimore 23, Jacksonville 7 23. Memphis 8-2 146 NR
Memphis at Oklahoma City N.Y. Rangers 29 21 7 1 43 96 80 24. Wisconsin 8-3 141 23 (NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-981-
Brooklyn at Utah Monday’s Game Philadelphia 30 17 10 3 37 90 79 25. Mississippi 10-0 132 25 0023 (PR). In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Visit BetMGM.com
Dallas at Denver Philadelphia at Seattle N.Y. Islanders 30 14 8 8 36 94 100 Dropped out: No. 24 Miami (Fla.) (8-2). for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in DC, Nevada, New
Washington at Sacramento Thursday, Dec. 21 Carolina 31 16 12 3 35 100 100 Others receiving votes: Auburn (8-2) 60; Mi- York or Ontario.
New York at L.A. Lakers New Orleans at L.A. Rams, 8:15 p.m. Washington 28 15 9 4 34 70 80 ami (Fla.) (8-2) 41; Colorado (8-2) 36; TCU
Tuesday’s Games Saturday, Dec. 23 New Jersey 29 16 12 1 33 101 104 (8-1) 26; Michigan State (5-5) 18; Ohio State
Memphis at New Orleans, 7:30 p.m. Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 4:30 p.m. Pittsburgh 29 13 13 3 29 83 81 (9-2) 17; Grand Canyon (9-1) 13; Iowa State
San Antonio at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. Columbus 32 10 17 5 25 96 117 (9-2) 12; Texas A&M (7-4) 7; Utah (8-2) 7;
BOWL GAMES ALL TIMES EASTERN
Buffalo at L.A. Chargers, 8 p.m.
Boston at Golden State, 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24 WESTERN CONFERENCE South Carolina (9-1) 5; Nebraska (9-2) 4; New
Phoenix at Portland, 10 p.m. Cleveland at Houston, 1 p.m. Central Division Mexico (10-1) 4; Nevada (9-1) 3; Princeton
Wednesday’s Games Detroit at Minnesota, 1 p.m. GP W L OT Pts GF GA (10-1) 3; Alabama (6-4) 2; San Diego State
Charlotte at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Miami at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Green Bay at Carolina, 1 p.m.
Indianapolis at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Colorado
Winnipeg
31
29
19 10 2 40 113 96
18 9 2 38 97 76
(8-2) 2; Dayton (8-2) 1; Indiana State (10-1) 1. Monday
Minnesota at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. Seattle at Tennessee, 1 p.m. Dallas 29 17 8 4 38 103 92 h Famous Toastery Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. Old Dominion
Utah at Cleveland, 7 p.m. Washington at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Nashville 31 18 13 0 36 99 94 GOLF
Denver at Toronto, 7:30 p.m. Jacksonville at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m. Arizona 30 15 13 2 32 93 86 Tuesday
St. Louis 30 15 14 1 31 88 99
New York at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.
Atlanta at Houston, 8 p.m.
Arizona at Chicago, 4:25 p.m.
Dallas at Miami, 4:25 p.m. Minnesota 28 12 12 4 28 86 91 PGA Tour Champions h Marshall vs. UTSA (Frisco Bowl) | 9 p.m. | ESPN
L.A. Lakers at Chicago, 8 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
New England at Denver, 8:15 p.m. Chicago 30 9 20 1 19 70 109 PNC Championships Thursday
Monday, Dec. 25 Pacific Division Saturday
Boston at Sacramento, 10 p.m. Las Vegas at Kansas City, 1 p.m. GP W L OT Pts GF GA h USF vs. Syracuse (Boca Raton Bowl) | 8 p.m. | ESPN
Thursday’s Games Vegas 32 21 6 5 47 113 81 At Ritz-Carlton Golf Club
Utah at Detroit, 7 p.m.
N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia, 4:30 p.m.
Baltimore at San Francisco, 8:15 p.m. Vancouver 32 21 9 2 44 120 79 Orlando, Fla. Friday
New Orleans at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m. Los Angeles 27 17 6 4 38 97 67
Calgary 31 12 14 5 29 93 109
Yardage: 7,106; Par: 72 h Georgia Tech vs. UCF (Gasparilla Bowl) | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN
Indiana at Memphis, 8 p.m. Purse: $1.085 million
L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m. SOCCER Seattle
Edmonton
32 10 14 8 28 87 105
28 13 14 1 27 97 97 Final Round
Orlando at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. Team Langer, $200,000........60-59—119 (-25)
San Antonio at Chicago, 8 p.m. Anaheim 30 11 19 0 22 80 102
San Jose 31 9 19 3 21 66 124 Team Duval, $80,000 ............60-61—121 (-23)
L.A. Lakers at Minnesota, 9 p.m. Champions League Team Singh, $57,250.............60-62—122 (-22) Team Faldo, $41,000..............68-35—133 (-11) Texas (AHL).
Washington at Portland, 10 p.m. NOTE: Two points for a win, one for OT loss. Team Trevino, $40,500...........69-66—135 (-9) WASHINGTON CAPITALS — Loaned F Joe Sniv-
(Home teams listed first) Sunday’s Games
Team Goosen, $50,000 .........60-63—123 (-21)
Team Harrington, $40,125........67-70—137 (-7) ely to Hershey (AHL). Placed D Lucas Johan-
SECOND ROUND Team Woods, $47,000 ...........64-61—125 (-19)
Vancouver 4, Chicago 3 Team Furyk, $40,125 ................66-71—137 (-7) sen on waivers.
NFL First leg Washington 2, Carolina 1, SO
Team Kucher, $47,000 ...........57-68—125 (-19)
Team Daly, $47,000 ...............61-64—125 (-19) SOCCER
Tuesday, Feb. 13 Anaheim 5, New Jersey 1 Major League Soccer
Copenhagen vs. Manchester City, 3 p.m. Colorado 6, San Jose 2
Team Lehman, $47,000 .........62-63—125 (-19)
Team Cink, $47,000 ...............62-63—125 (-19) DEALS NEW YORK RED BULLS — Traded F Tom Barlow
AMERICAN CONFERENCE Leipzig vs. Real Madrid, 3 p.m. Vegas 6, Ottawa 3 Team Stricker, $44,500 .........64-64—128 (-16) to Chicago in exchange for $125,000 in Gener-
East Wednesday, Feb. 14 Monday’s Games Team Annika, $43,750............62-67—129 (-15) al Allocation Money (GAM) in 2024 and an ad-
W L T Pct PF PA Lazio vs. Bayern Munich, 3 p.m. Anaheim at Detroit Team O’Meara, $43,750 .........62-67—129 (-15) HOCKEY ditional $125,000 in GAM in 2025.
Miami 10 4 0 .714 441 294 Paris Saint-Germain vs. Real Sociedad, 3 p.m. Minnesota at Pittsburgh Team Thomas, $42,750 .........64-66—130 (-14) National Hockey League
Buffalo 8 6 0 .571 379 254 Montreal at Winnipeg CAROLINA HURRICANES — Signed G Aaron
NWSL
Tuesday, Feb. 20 Team Korda, $42,750 ............64-66—130 (-14) HOUSTON DASH — Re-signed F Maria Sanchez
e-N.Y. Jets 5 9 0 .357 201 287 Seattle at Dallas Team Leonard, $42,000 .........64-67—131 (-13) Dell to a professional tryout agreement.
e-New England 3 11 0 .214 186 299 Inter Milan vs. Atlético Madrid, 3 p.m. to a long-term contract.
PSV Eindhoven vs. Borussia Dortmund, 3 p.m. Florida at Calgary Team Price, $41,500 ..............68-64—132 (-12) DALLAS STARS — Recalled G Matt Murray from

WEATHER
TODAY’S FORECAST TODAY’S HIGH TEMPERATURES
WEATHER ONLINE
USATODAY.COM
The weather changes.
Stay up-to-date, 24/7.
Download
our free app

Much colder air will push Seattle

across the Northeast today with Olympia
51 Bangor
55 Spokane
47
temperatures 10-15 degrees Portland 41 Miles City
Bismarck Duluth Marquette

Fahrenheit lower than Monday. Salem 51

Helena
46 37 33 31 PRECIPITATION FORECAST
58 49 Burlington Augusta

Rain and snow showers as well Boise Fargo Mpls-St. Paul 40 Montpelier
46 T-storms Rain Snow Ice/mix
Bend
47 Billings 35 39 Boston
as heavy snow squalls over the 51 54
Rapid City Grand Buffalo 36 47
Burns
56 Milwaukee Rapids 31 Albany
interior will taper off during the af- 43 Pierre Sioux Falls
36 35 35
Detroit
39
Hartford
Eureka Idaho Falls Jackson
45 48 Cleveland 45
ternoon and evening. 60 43 Hole Casper
Des Moines Madison
Lansing 34 Pittsburgh New York
Dry weather will continue Sacramento
Reno
Elko 39 51 North Platte
43 33 35 31 43
63 52 47 Salt Lake City 63 Chicago
Harrisburg Philadelphia
across the Southeast as an area 50
Cheyenne Omaha
35 Columbus
Carson City
57 48 34 40 42
of high pressure builds across the 49 Kansas City Springfield Washington Annapolis
San Francisco
48 37 Indianapolis Cincinnati
43 43
region. This will also provide plen- 62 St. George Aspen
Denver
34 35
Las Vegas
59 43 64 Topeka
Charleston Richmond
ty of sunshine, although tempera- Fresno
62 49 Jefferson City St. Louis Louisville 36 47 TODAY
64 Wichita 46 43
Knoxville
40
tures will be below the historical Dodge City 38 Raleigh
60 52 Memphis
47
averages for Dec. 19. Los Angeles Santa Fe Charlotte
63
Palm Springs Flagstaff
47 Oklahoma 49 Nashville
46 Columbia
On the other side of the nation, 72 52 City
Tulsa
42
Albuquerque 55 47
showers will continue to occur San Diego
Phoenix 52 56 Little Rock Birmingham Atlanta Charleston
66 Lubbock Dallas/Ft. Worth 51 48 46 48
across the West Coast as a storm Alaska 76 61 63 Montgomery Savannah
remains well offshore. Periods of El Paso Midland- Shreveport Jackson 52 48
steadier rain are possible, mainly 65 Odessa Austin
57 53 Jacksonville
Fairbanks Hawaii 64 68 Mobile
Tallahassee
50
in Northern California. In the 3 Juneau
Honolulu San Antonio
Baton Rouge 57 53
Northwest, rain could mix with Anchorage 34 79 68 Houston 59 New WEDNESDAY
23 63
Orleans
snow or sleet at times, mainly in 55 Tampa

the higher elevations. Across the 62

Puerto Rico
Miami EXTREMES
San Juan
center of the country, dry and mild 71 Note: For contiguous 48 states through 3 p.m. ET yesterday
Brownsville 85
weather will continue. Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather Inc. ©2023
75 HOTTEST: 77° COLDEST: -11°
Key West, Fla. Angel Fire, N.M.
Below 10 10s 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s 100s 110+
TOP TRAVEL CITIES Air quality index (AQI)
ATLANTA BALTIMORE BOSTON CHARLOTTE CHICAGO DALLAS/FT. WORTH DENVER DETROIT HONOLULU HOUSTON LAS VEGAS LOS ANGELES
Plenty of Breezy, Sunny, Partly Rather Plenty of Showers Partly Mostly A little
TUE TUE cooler TUE Cooler TUE TUE Sunny TUE TUE TUE TUE TUE TUE TUE
sun cooler sunny cloudy sun around sunny cloudy rain
43/25 47/29 35/30
46/30 46/23 63/46 64/35 35/27 79/69 63/48 62/45 63/57
Sunny Mostly Mostly Partly Some Rain, Mostly Some
WED Warmer WED WED Sunny WED WED Milder WED WED WED WED WED WED WED Rain
48/29 sunny cloudy sunny sun breezy cloudy sun
53/33 42/32 44/35 65/58
52/28 69/53 60/33 43/30 77/69 70/56 64/47
Partly Partly Some Mostly A P.M. Mostly Partly Mostly
THU THU sunny THU Sunny THU THU THU THU THU THU Rain THU THU Shower THU Rain
sunny sun cloudy shower sunny sunny cloudy
52/29 41/25 79/70 62/48 66/53
60/38 59/33 46/39 65/55 62/32 43/32 72/59
AQI Moderate AQI Moderate AQI Good AQI Moderate AQI Moderate AQI Good AQI Moderate AQI Moderate AQI Good AQI Moderate AQI Moderate AQI Moderate
MIAMI MPLS-ST. PAUL NEW ORLEANS NEW YORK ORLANDO PHILADELPHIA PHOENIX SALT LAKE CITY SAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCO SEATTLE WASHINGTON
Partly Breezy, Sunny, Windy, Partly Cloudy, A quick Showers Breezy,
TUE Sunny TUE sunny TUE Cooler TUE TUE TUE TUE TUE TUE TUE TUE Showers TUE
cooler cool cooler sunny mild shower around cooler
71/59 39/25 55/45 51/41
43/30 60/48 42/28 76/55 50/39 66/58 62/54 43/28
Partly Partly Partly Plenty of Mostly A few Low
WED WED sunny WED WED Sunny WED Warmer WED WED WED WED Rain WED Rain WED WED Sunny
sunny sunny sun cloudy showers clouds
41/28 45/36 70/54 68/58 60/51 48/32
72/65 61/50 46/32 75/55 52/37 51/41
Showers Cloudy Partly Partly Mostly Mostly Turning Low Partly
THU THU THU THU Sunny THU THU THU THU THU Rain THU Shower THU THU
around 39/35 sunny sunny sunny cloudy cloudy clouds sunny
46/31 67/56 63/51
74/63 64/54 71/51 47/29 76/57 50/32 51/43 51/33
AQI Good AQI Good AQI Good AQI Moderate AQI Good AQI Good AQI Moderate AQI Moderate AQI Moderate AQI Good AQI Moderate AQI Good
c Cloudy f Fog i Ice r Rain sf Snowflurries sn Snow w Windy dr Drizzle h Haze pc Partly cloudy s Sunny sh Showers t Thunderstorms

U.S. CITIES TODAY WED

Cincinnati
TODAY
35/24s
WED
48/31pc Hartford, Conn.
TODAY
45/25c
WED
43/29s Nags Head, N.C.
TODAY
43/36s
WED
43/38s Sarasota, Fla.
TODAY
63/47s
WED
69/54pc
WORLD CITIES
Akron, Ohio 31/21sf 42/29c Cleveland 34/26sf 43/32pc Indianapolis 34/26s 47/34pc Nashville, Tenn. 42/24s 54/32pc Savannah, Ga. 48/29s 54/29s TODAY WED
Albany, N.Y. 39/24sf 40/29s Colorado Springs 64/34c 57/33pc Islip, N.Y. 43/25pc 44/30s Newark, N.J. 44/28c 47/33s Scottsdale, Ariz. 74/54pc 74/52c Beijing 25/5h 20/2s
Albuquerque 52/35c 54/35c Columbia, S.C. 47/25s 52/29s Jackson, Miss. 53/34s 58/34pc New Haven, Conn. 46/29c 45/33s Shreveport, La. 57/36pc 69/47pc Buenos Aires 70/64c 72/65r
Allentown, Pa. 39/23sf 46/27s Columbus, Ohio 34/24s 44/29pc Jacksonville, Fla. 50/32s 58/38pc Norfolk, Va. 44/32s 46/33s Sioux Falls, S.D. 48/25pc 46/32pc Cancun, Mexico 78/66pc 79/65pc
Amarillo, Texas 63/38w 65/44pc Corpus Christi, Texas 75/60pc 77/63pc Jefferson City, Mo. 46/36pc 59/44pc Oakland, Calif. 61/53sh 58/50r South Bend, Ind. 35/27s 44/32pc Dubai, UAE 81/66c 80/67pc
Anaheim, Calif. 67/57r 67/56r Dayton, Ohio 35/25s 45/31pc Kansas City 48/41pc 56/46pc Oklahoma City 56/44pc 60/50c Spokane, Wash. 41/35c 41/33c Frankfurt 42/40r 46/42pc
Anchorage, Alaska 23/20sn 26/18sn Daytona Beach, Fla. 57/48s 66/53pc Key West, Fla. 68/62s 73/64c Omaha, Neb. 48/30pc 50/39pc Springfield, Mo. 49/35pc 58/43pc Hong Kong 70/55c 62/50pc
Aspen, Colo. 43/24pc 42/22c Des Moines, Iowa 43/32pc 49/38pc Knoxville, Tenn. 38/20s 47/22pc Palm Springs, Calif. 72/53c 73/51pc Springfield, Ill. 37/29pc 51/39pc Istanbul 55/42h 55/50h
Atlantic City, N.J. 43/28w 47/33s Duluth, Minn. 33/24pc 31/25pc Laredo, Texas 72/55pc 74/60pc Pensacola, Fla. 56/40s 56/42pc St. Louis 43/35pc 56/43pc Jerusalem 62/48s 62/48h
Augusta, Ga. 49/22s 53/24s Durham, N.C. 45/24s 48/27pc Lexington, Ky. 38/24s 54/32pc Pierre, S.D. 45/21pc 42/26c St. Petersburg, Fla. 59/46s 67/53pc Johannesburg 85/61t 83/63pc
Austin, Texas 68/49pc 70/54c El Paso, Texas 65/42pc 67/48c Lincoln, Neb. 52/29w 50/37pc Pittsburgh 31/22sf 43/28pc Syracuse, N.Y. 34/26sn 41/29s London 57/42r 51/49c
Bakersfield, Calif. 67/52sh 69/52c Fairbanks, Alaska 3/-5c 1/-10pc Little Rock, Ark. 51/32s 57/35pc Portland, Maine 46/24pc 39/27s Tallahassee, Fla. 53/30s 58/33pc Mexico City 71/44pc 72/45c
Baton Rouge, La. 59/38s 66/43pc Flagstaff, Ariz. 52/29sh 51/28c Long Beach, Calif. 67/59r 67/60r Portland, Ore. 51/40sh 53/42pc Tampa, Fla. 62/45s 68/51pc Montreal 37/23sf 38/21s
Billings, Mont. 54/36pc 52/35pc Fargo, N.D. 35/24c 37/26s Louisville, Ky. 40/27s 53/34pc Providence, R.I. 46/27pc 42/31s Toledo, Ohio 37/28s 46/31pc Moscow 38/35c 37/32w
Birmingham, Ala. 48/29s 56/32pc Fort Myers, Fla. 65/49s 70/58pc Lubbock, Texas 61/40c 63/46pc Raleigh, N.C. 47/25s 50/26s Topeka, Kan. 49/40pc 57/47pc Mumbai, India 92/74pc 89/74pc
Bismarck, N.D. 37/18pc 34/23pc Fort Smith, Ark. 53/33s 60/42pc Madison, Wis. 33/26s 40/29pc Rapid City, S.D. 56/27pc 49/28c Tucson, Ariz. 76/50pc 71/47c Paris 49/42c 49/47pc
Boise, Idaho 47/36c 48/36pc Fort Wayne, Ind. 33/24s 43/29pc Manchester, N.H. 45/26pc 44/29s Reno, Nev. 52/35sh 51/36c Tupelo, Miss. 47/29s 55/29pc Rio de Janeiro 81/72s 81/73s
Buffalo, N.Y. 31/28sf 38/30pc Fresno, Calif. 64/50sh 65/49sh Memphis, Tenn. 49/35s 56/38pc Richmond, Va. 47/23s 49/26s Tulsa, Okla. 55/42s 61/49c Rome 58/40s 57/43c
Burlington, Vt. 40/26sf 38/26s Grand Rapids, Mich. 35/27s 40/28c Milwaukee 36/31s 42/36c Rochester, N.Y. 32/26sn 41/27s Virginia Beach, Va. 45/34s 45/37s Seoul 36/18sf 23/5pc
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 38/27pc 44/35pc Green Bay, Wis. 33/27s 39/30pc Mobile, Ala. 57/36s 58/37pc Sacramento, Calif. 63/55sh 60/46sh Wichita, Kan. 52/41pc 62/48pc Singapore 86/77r 87/77sh
Charleston, S.C. 48/29s 54/31s Greensboro, N.C. 44/23s 46/27pc Modesto, Calif. 62/52sh 62/48sh San Antonio 68/52pc 71/58c Wilmington, Del. 43/25c 47/28s Sydney 94/67t 68/64r
Charleston, W.Va. 36/20pc 46/23pc Greenville, S.C. 46/22s 53/28pc Montgomery, Ala. 52/28s 58/29pc San Jose, Calif. 64/52sh 61/48r Winston-Salem, N.C. 45/24s 49/28pc Toronto 31/26w 41/29c
Cheyenne, Wyo. 57/35pc 55/34pc Harrisburg, Pa. 40/25c 46/28s Myrtle Beach, S.C. 46/28s 49/32s Santa Fe, N.M. 47/30c 47/30c Worcester, Mass. 40/26c 43/30s Tokyo 47/42pc 54/42pc
SPORTS USA TODAY ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ 7C

NBA POWER RANKINGS

Rudy Gobert has Timberwolves thriving

Jeff Zillgitt bles, including 15 points, 15 rebounds, ing streak with a 118-114 victory against
USA TODAY one block and one steal in 23 minutes Portland on Sunday.
against San Antonio on Sunday. Previous ranking: 20
That Rudy Gobert trade doesn’t look Previous ranking: 13
so bad now, does it? 21. Chicago Bulls (10-17)
Going into Monday, the Minnesota 12. Los Angeles Lakers (15-11)
Timberwolves own the best record in The Bulls are No. 8 in steals per game
the Western Conference at 19-5 and the The Lakers moved Austin Reaves to a (8.1) and are No. 3 in points scored off
No. 1 defense, allowing 106.6 points per reserve (though he still plays starter’s turnovers per game (18.7).
100 possessions – and those victories minutes), and they are 12-4 with him off Previous ranking: 25
include triumphs over some of the the bench.
NBA’s top teams: Denver, Boston, Phila- Previous ranking: 12 22. Toronto Raptors (10-15)
delphia, Oklahoma City and Dallas.
Anthony Edwards is a two-way star 13. Houston Rockets (13-10) Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes
(24.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists each average at least 20 points, five re-
and 1.3 steals per game), Karl-Anthony No. 2 defensively after allowing 107.4 bounds and five assists – just one of two
Towns is having one of his best all- points per 100 possessions, including pairs of teammates posting those stats.
around seasons (22.4 points, 9.5 re- 98.8 in their past five games, the Rock- Previous ranking: 22
bounds, 51.6% from the field, 43% on 3- ets are also No. 3 in defensive rebound-
pointers) and Rudy Gobert (12.7 points, ing percentage, No. 1 in 3-point percent- 23. Utah Jazz (9-17)
12.0 rebounds and 2.4 blocks) helps an- age allowed (.312) and No. 2 in field goal
chor a defense on a deep roster that in- percentage allowed (43.5%). The Jazz are No. 1 in offensive re-
cludes Naz Reid, Mike Conley, Jaden Previous ranking: 17 bounds per game (13.7) – led by Walker
McDaniels, Kyle Anderson, Shake Mil- Kessler’s 3.1, John Collins’ 2.7 and Lauri
ton, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Troy 14. Miami Heat (15-11) Markkanen’s 2.2 offensive boards per
Brown Jr. game. The Jazz are also No. 1 in second-
In July 2022, new Timberwolves The Heat lead the league in 3-point chance points per game (17.0)
president Tim Connelly gave Utah four Rudy Gobert is averaging 12.7 points shooting percentage and have made Previous ranking: 23
first-round picks (2023, 2025, 2027 and and 12 rebounds for the Timberwolves. 40.7% of their threes in the past six
2029) plus 2022 first-rounder Walker JESSE JOHNSON/USA TODAY SPORTS games. 24. Atlanta Hawks (10-15)
Kessler and a 2026 first-round pick Previous ranking: 18
swap for Gobert. Since starting 8-7, the Hawks have
The Timberwolves were 16-21 as 2022 6. Dallas Mavericks (16-9) 15. New York Knicks (14-11) won just two of their past 10 games.
turned to 2023. Minnesota made the Previous ranking: 21
play-in tournament with a 42-40 record The Mavs lead the league in made 3s Jalen Brunson scored a career-high
and advanced to the playoffs, where it per game (15.9) as Luka Doncic, Tim 50 points in Friday’s victory against 25. Charlotte Hornets (7-17)
lost to Denver in the first round. Hardaway Jr., Kyrie Irving and Grant Phoenix. He made all nine 3s he at-
The Timberwolves are off to the best Williams all average at least two 3s. Der- tempted and also had nine assists, six Miles Bridges was a minus-56 while
start in franchise history, and while rick Jones is right behind at 1.6 3s per rebounds and five steals. on the court in Charlotte’s 135-82 loss to
winning a playoff series for the first time game. Previous ranking: 7 Philadelphia on Saturday. It was the
since 2004 is necessary, they are play- Previous ranking: 11 second-worst plus-minus in a game
ing like a team with bigger goals under 16. Indiana Pacers (13-11) since the league officially began track-
fourth-year coach Chris Finch. 7. Denver Nuggets (17-10) ing the stat in 2007-08.
USA TODAY NBA power rankings: The Pacers are a treat to watch offen- Previous ranking: 27
Since returning from a right ham- sively (No. 1 in the league) and difficult
1. Minnesota Timberwolves (19-5) string strain, Jamal Murray is averaging to watch defensively (No. 28). 26. Memphis Grizzlies (6-18)
20.8 points and 6.1 assists and shooting Previous ranking: 16
The Timberwolves have nine victo- 51.3% from the field and 40% on 3- The Grizzlies get Ja Morant back
ries by at least 15 points through 24 pointers in his past five games. 17. Phoenix Suns (14-12) from his 25-game suspension this
games – that’s three more than they had Previous ranking: 6 week, but they can’t expect him to be
in 82 games last season. Three victories in their past nine the savior right away.
Previous ranking: 2 8. Orlando Magic (16-9) games plus another injury to Bradley Previous ranking: 26
Beal (sprained right ankle) put the
2. Boston Celtics (20-5) Last season’s rookie of the year, Pao- brakes on an 11-6 start. 27. Portland Trail Blazers (6-19)
lo Banchero is shooting better from the Previous ranking: 8
Per 36 minutes, reserve Sam Hauser field and 3-point range than he did in With his first career double-double
averages 15.1 points and shoots 45.8% 2022-23 – 48.1% (up from 42.7%) and 18. Brooklyn Nets (13-12) (23 points, 10 assists), against Utah on
on 3s, giving the Celtics’ depth a boost. 38.2% (up from 29.8%), respectively. Thursday, Scoot Henderson became the
Previous ranking: 1 Previous ranking: 3 Mikal Bridges continues his clutch first rookie this season to have at least
production, averaging 5.1 points (No. 3 20 points and 10 assists in a game.
3. Milwaukee Bucks (19-7) 9. Los Angeles Clippers (15-10) in the NBA) and shooting 54.8% from Previous ranking: 24
the field (No. 5) in the final five minutes
The Bucks are winning games but Small sample size, but the Clippers of the fourth quarter or overtimes when 28. Washington Wizards (4-21)
this isn’t the best version possible – not have won seven consecutive games, the game is within five points.
with a defense that is ranked No. 22. combining top-rate offense and de- Previous ranking: 15 The Wizards are No. 2 in points in the
Previous ranking: 5 fense. paint at 56.3 per game.
Previous ranking: 19 19. Cleveland Cavaliers (14-12) Previous ranking: 28
4. Philadelphia 76ers (18-7)
10. Sacramento Kings (15-9) Donovan Mitchell is averaging a ca- 29. San Antonio Spurs (4-21)
The Sixers have the No. 2 offense, No. reer high in steals per game (1.9) and has
7 defense, No. 1 net rating and have won In the two games leading up to Sat- at least one steal in 21 consecutive The Spurs ended an 18-game losing
six consecutive games – albeit against urday’s game against Utah, Keegan games, the second-longest active streak with a victory over the Los Ange-
teams with losing records. Murray had missed seven consecutive streak. les Lakers and LeBron James.
Previous ranking: 10 3-pointers. Against the Jazz, he made Previous ranking: 14 Previous ranking: 29
12-of-15 3-pointers and had 47 points.
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (16-8) Previous ranking: 9 20. Golden State Warriors (12-14) 30. Detroit Pistons (2-24)

Rookie guard Cason Wallace is shoot- 11. New Orleans Pelicans (16-11) Rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis, the The Pistons have lost a franchise-
ing 58.4% from the field and 52% on 3s – No. 57 overall pick in the second round record 23 consecutive games and are
part of a deep team that is No. 7 offen- Jonas Valanciunas doesn’t get of the draft, scored a career-high 14 close to tying the league record of con-
sively, No. 5 defensively and No. 3 in net enough credit for what he does: 14.6 points, had eight rebounds, three as- secutive losses in a season at 26 (Phila-
rating. points (on 57% shooting) and 9.7 re- sists, two steals and one block as Gold- delphia 76ers, 2013-14).
Previous ranking: 4 bounds per game with 14 double-dou- en State ended a seven-game road los- Previous ranking: 30

NHL

Stanley Cup Final rematch leads games of week

Mike Brehm New York Islanders Capitals, 7:30 p.m. ET: Capitals star
USA TODAY Alex Ovechkin’s goal drought has hit a
Western playoff bracket career-worst 13 games and is jeopardiz-
The NHL is playing its final week be- ing his chances of breaking Wayne
fore the Christmas break, and the If the season ended on Dec. 17, here’s Gretzky’s career record. His shooting
league’s holiday roster freeze starts at how the Western Conference playoff percentage is a career-worst 4.8%, but
11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday. matchups would align: he has 44 goals against the Islanders,
But there will be plenty of action with No. 1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. No. 8 including a two-goal game this season.
a rematch of the 2022-23 Stanley Cup Arizona Coyotes SATURDAY
Final. Among the marquee matchups, No. 2 Colorado Avalanche vs. No. 7 Dallas Stars at Nashville Predators,
one former No. 1 overall pick is looking to Nashville Predators 2 p.m. ET: Dallas’ Matt Duchene plays in
continue his surge and another is trying No. 3 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 4 Nashville for the first time since the
to end a surprising goal drought. Los Angeles Kings Predators bought out his contract. He
Here’s a look at the projected Stanley No. 4 Winnipeg Jets vs. No. 5 Dallas entered the week ranked fourth on the
Cup playoff bracket as of Monday morn- Stars Stars with 24 points.
ing, plus the key games of the week. Vegas Golden Knights at Florida
Key games this week Panthers, 3 p.m. ET. A rematch of the
Eastern playoff bracket 2023 Stanley Cup Final. The defending
TUESDAY champion Golden Knights entered the
If the season ended on Dec. 17, here’s Colorado Avalanche at Chicago week as the league’s top team and the
how the Eastern Conference playoff Blackhawks, 8:30 p.m. ET. Avalanche Panthers were tied for fourth in the
matchups would align: center Nathan MacKinnon can set a per- Eastern Conference. Their last meeting
No. 1 New York Rangers vs. No. 8 sonal best with a 16-game point streak. was a 9-3 Golden Knights victory in Mark Stone lifts the Stanley Cup after
Washington Capitals His surge has moved him to No. 1 in the Game 5. the Golden Knights won the 2022-23
No. 2 Boston Bruins vs. No. 7 Carolina league in assists and No. 2 in points, five title. LUCAS PELTIER/USA TODAY SPORTS
Hurricanes behind the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nik- When do the Stanley Cup playoffs
No. 3 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. No. 6 ita Kucherov. begin?
Florida Panthers WEDNESDAY 22. The last possible day of the Stanley
No. 4 Philadelphia Flyers vs. No. 5 New York Islanders at Washington They’re scheduled to begin on April Cup Final is June 24.
8C ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ USA TODAY SPORTS

When Cowboys hit the trails, game days not so happy

Jarrett Bell
Columnist
USA TODAY

So, the Dallas Cowboys are a playoff

team, right?
It’s official now. The much-anticipat-
ed NFC playoff berth was clinched on
Sunday, thanks to another loss by the
lowly Atlanta Falcons. Dallas is in.
But the devil is undeniably in the
details.
It was just like the Cowboys (10-4) to
mark their fresh postseason status by
getting blasted 31-10 by the Buffalo Bills.
See, the Cowboys have had this
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde thing going pret-
ty much all season. They are one team at
Jerry World down in Texas, a perfect
7-0. Away from home (3-4), it’s a grossly
different character that looks nothing
like Dr. Jekyll. On Sunday they hap-
pened to be playing in Orchard Park,
New York.
How fitting. When the NFC playoffs The Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott are 3-4 this season when playing on the road, the latest loss Sunday to the
arrive in January, chances are pretty Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. MARK KONEZNY/USA TODAY SPORTS
strong that the Cowboys will have to win
at least two and maybe three games on
the road in order to reach Super Bowl 58. time since a Week 1 blowout in which he Buffalo demonstrated an ideal for- games dating to last season. Dallas is
And maybe Sunday provided a rather was barely needed, said during his post- mula that could likely doom the Cow- averaging 39.9 points per game at home
ominous playoff preview for Dallas. game news conference. “And really, boys if it happens in January. It built a and are the first team in NFL history to
It was so ugly. Bills running back that’s what the next week of prepara- sizable lead (14-0, then 21-3) to force the score at least 30 points in each of their
James Cook shredded the Cowboys de- tion and obviously the next couple of Cowboys to play catch-up. Dallas is first seven games at home.
fense in rushing 25 times for 179 yards, weeks are about, is figuring out what the most successful when it uses its high- The road ledger, though, provides a
with two touchdowns. Dak Prescott difference is and trying to close that powered offense to dictate such terms. reality check against the hype. The best
looked nothing like the MVP candidate gap.” In this case, the Bills were able to run competition does not bring out the best
he became in passing for a season-low Next up is another road game against and run some more against a smaller from Dallas when it hits the road, as the
134 yards and zero TDs, with a pathetic a formidable opponent, the AFC East- defense that is more suited for rushing latest example illustrated.
57.7 passer rating. leading Miami Dolphins, who are trying opposing quarterbacks than stopping Last month, the Cowboys lost 28-23
Sure, the NFL offers week-to-week to nail down a division crown while the ground game. at Philadelphia. In October, they were
progress reports as part of the allure. chasing the top seed in the conference. Again, this pattern tends to show up blown out 42-10 in Santa Clara, Califor-
Yet losing again wasn’t the big prob- On Sunday, the Cowboys had no an- when the Cowboys are visitors. nia – which is where they might have to
lem for the Cowboys, who had their five- swers as the Bills rushed for 266 yards. “We’d like to come out strong like we go again as the San Francisco 49ers seek
game winning streak snapped. It was It was such a physical domination that do at home, produce like we do at to hang on to the NFC’s No. 1 seed that
the manner in which they were annihi- centerpiece Bills quarterback Josh Allen home,” Prescott said. “But that just they are currently in possession of.
lated. No punch, no fight, no way. What attempted just 15 passes and finished hasn’t been the case. We’ve got to find Hey, at least the rabid Cowboys fans
a contrast from a week earlier, when with a season-low 94 passing yards. out what those answers are and try to can grasp at a bright side. After the loss
they destroyed the Philadelphia Eagles Granted, the Bills (8-6) were desper- close that gap. We can’t be those two at Philadelphia, Dallas won five consec-
33-13 at AT&T Stadium. ate, playing to climb closer to a playoff different teams.” utive games. After the loss at San Fran-
Away from home, the Cowboys can’t slot in the ultra-competitive AFC after In other words, Dr. Jekyll looks like a cisco, they revamped the offense and
be trusted to be anybody’s Super Bowl entering the season as a projected Super Super Bowl contender. went 7-1 … until Sunday.
contender. Talk about a split personal- Bowl contender. But the Cowboys, with Mr. Hyde looks like one-and-done. How will they respond now? If it
ity. Super Bowl visions of their own, are It’s too bad for the Cowboys that they doesn’t include taking their A-game on
“It’s a huge difference,” Prescott, who supposed to be going places. Or maybe don’t play every game at AT&T Stadium, road trips, the playoff experience will be
didn’t produce a touchdown for the first not. where they have won 15 consecutive big trouble.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

New Libido-Powering Pill Helps Men

Enjoy Long-Lasting Intimacy - At Any Age
.FOBDSPTT"NFSJDBBSFSBWJOHBCPVUBOFXMZFOIBODFEQPUFODZTVQQMFNFOUUIBUIFMQTBDIJFWFIFBMUIZCMPPEnPXPOEFNBOE

A fter age 40, it’s common knowl-

edge that performance begins to
decline in many men. However, a new,
healthy blood flow for untold millions
of men around the world with the use
of strong nitric oxide boosters.
performance empowering pill is show- While Primal Max Black helped
ing that any relatively healthy man can maintain optimal testosterone, Primal
now enjoy long-lasting, and frequent Max Red tackles a lesser-known chal-
intimacy – at any age.
lenge.
This doctor-designed formula, creat-
Director, Al Sears MD, who has au-
ed by leading anti-aging expert Dr. Al
thored over 500 scientific papers and
Sears, has already helped men over-
has appeared on more than 50 media
come low and sinking libido -- and has
outlets including ABC News, CNN,
recently undergone a potency-enhanc-
ESPN, Discovery, National Geograph-
ing update – with remarkable new re-
sults. ic, Lifetime, and many more say, “Less
than optimal blood flow can be part
When the first pill -- Primal Max of a huge problem that affects a lot of
Black -- was first released, it quickly
men. And it needed to be addressed
became a top-selling men’s perfor-
once and for all, so men would not New discovery clinically boosts blood flow, resulting in improved
mance helper, promoting intimacy
dwell on it. Then, once we optimized it performance in older men.
across America.
and had a great deal of success, we set
It worked by supporting healthy tes- blood flow throughout the body is with
out to see if we could do even better.” Now for men across America, it’s
tosterone levels. However, Dr. Sears the use of Primal Max Red. By using much easier to stay at their perfor-
The former formula had excellent re-
soon realized that this isn’t the only it, when exciting signals leave the mance peak as they get older.
challenge men face with performance. sults. However, new research showed
brain, blood flows much faster like it HOW TO GET PRIMAL MAX RED
That’s when he turned his attention to that for even faster, anytime, anywhere
used to. (AND FREE PRIMAL MAX BLACK):
blood flow. results, increasing the dose of a key
compound was needed. This critical action is how men across To secure free bottles of Primal Max
And this became Primal Max Red. the country are enjoying full and satis- Black and get the hot, new Primal
So, one of the three nitric oxide
PROBLEM IS, RESULTS fying performance at any age. No need Max Red formula, buyers should con-
boosters in the new Primal Max Red,
ARE MORE MECHANICAL to bother with testosterone-boosting tact the Sears Health Hotline at 1-800-
L-Citrulline, was clinically boosted to
THAN HORMONAL shots, blue pills, or shady capsules that 276-6109 TODAY. “It’s not available in
9000 mg, and the results were astound-
Truth is, once blood flow slows down have no effect. retail stores yet,” says Dr. Sears. “The
ing. Which is no surprise considering
for men, no matter how exciting it is, that 5000 mg is considered a “normal Primal Max Red can effectively pro- Hotline allows us to ship directly to the
it won’t be enough without the neces- amount” -- giving the new version mote healthy blood flow that most men customer.” Dr. Sears feels so strong-
sary amount… can use for maximum intimacy. This is
nearly doubled the blood flow boost- ly about Primal Max, all orders are
So enjoying intimacy without healthy ing power. leading to more greater capacity and backed by a 100% money-back guar-
blood flow becomes difficult for most satisfaction, coupled with long-lasting antee. “Just send me back the bottle
men. Men who had previously been un-
performance. and any unused product within 90
sure about their power and stamina
Luckily, a Nobel prize-winning sci- “There was a time when men had days from purchase date, and I’ll send
were overjoyed to be back to their you all your money back.”
entist discovered the simple answer to little control when it came to boosting
old selves and to get and maintain a
help support performance strength and their blood flow,” Dr. Sears said. “But Call NOW at 1-800-276-6109 to se-
healthy bloodflow when they needed
confidence -- by boosting vital blood science has come a long way in recent cure your supply of Primal Max Red
it.
flow -- and enhancing this essential years. And now, with the creation of and free bottles of Primal Max Black.
performance function. BETTER BLOOD FLOW, nitric oxide-boosting Primal Max Red, Use Promo Code PMAX114 when you
Using this landmark Nobel Prize as STRONGER RESULTS men can perform better than ever, and call. Lines are frequently busy, but all
its basis, Primal Max Red enhanced The best way to promote healthy enjoy intimacy at any age.” calls will be answered!

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. RESULTS MAY VARY FROM PERSON TO PERSON. NO INDIVIDUAL RESULT SHOULD BE SEEN AS TYPICAL. 8
LIFE
14 hours of sleep may sound Couples are getting frisky
heavenly, or exhausting when they let out their anger
Too much or not enough can affect your health, Experts say sexual behavior after using a rage
USA TODAY | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | SECTION D and there’s no one-size-fits-all amount. Page 2D room is natural and OK if consensual. Page 2D
K1
K1

LIFELINE MOVIES NEWS & VIEWS

DICK VAN DYKE BY FILMMAGIC

THEY SAID WHAT?

THE STARS’ BEST QUOTES

“I would do a movie or some-

thing and come home, and just
sit down, wait for the phone to ring. I
wasn’t aggressive. So, I was out of
work a lot because I didn’t go out and
look for it. I didn’t mind it. I’m pretty
lazy. When I’m having fun, you know,
all right. But I’m a lazy person. I don’t
have a lotta drive. I’ve been very
lucky.” – Dick Van Dyke in a clip for
CBS’ “Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Mag-
ic,” a two-hour special scheduled to Ken (Ryan Gosling) and Barbie (Margot Robbie) go on a life-altering journey in Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie.” The film helped
air Dec. 21 at 9 p.m. EST. Van Dyke make 2023 a great year at the movies. PROVIDED BY WARNER BROS. PICTURES
became a household name after the
1964 movie musical “Mary Poppins”
alongside Julie Andrews and the 1968
musical “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”
opposite Sally Ann Howes. His good
fortune continued with acting credits
’23 a film lover’s feast,
and we rank best bites
on “The Carol Burnett Show,” his
comedy “The Van Dyke Show,” “Diag-
nosis Murder” and more.

Brian Truitt

Y
USA TODAY

’all, this was a great year in film. h There have been pretty stellar ones in the past (1984
boasted “Ghostbusters,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Amadeus,” “The Terminator” and “Footloose”)
but 2023’s film fare brought welcome nuance to theaters and blockbusters that mattered.
“Barbenheimer,” anyone? h So what are the greatest hits, the works that have been artis-
tically excellent and emotionally resonant? It was a hard job winnowing it down to the highlights but
they’re there. The refreshing origin tale of, yes, a sneaker. A feminist take on a “Frankenstein” fable.
IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY Sure, a Martin Scorsese crime saga always has a good chance to make a best-of list – his newest defi-
WHO’S CELEBRATING TODAY
nitely earns a fire emoji. Yet you’ll also find here a joyous period musical, a bit of 1970s holiday nostalgia
Jake Gyllenhaal is 43. Alyssa Milano and a ghost story. h Here are 2023’s best movies, definitively ranked:
is 51. Annie Murphy is 37.

10. ‘Cassandro’ Gael García

Bernal’s Saúl
HOROSCOPE | SANCTUARY Wrestling fans sadly don’t have a
plays a gay
More: www.sanctuaryworld.co large canon of great films (“No Holds
grappler
Barred,” anyone?). But we’re in a
from El Paso
mini-golden age between “The Iron
Aries (March 21-April 19). Ready for who takes
Claw” and this underdog biopic that
your ship to come in? The Pisces first off his mask,
passionately puts a headlock on
quarter moon can put you in an ex- reinvents
viewers’ hearts and minds. Gael
pectant dream space. himself as a
García Bernal’s Saúl hangs up his
flamboyant
Taurus (April 20-May 20). Sensitivity is mask – a signature aspect of the
character
heightened in the group space today. Mexican luchador set – and
and rises to
Prepare for emotional challenges. embraces his queer identity inside
stardom in
and outside the ring by being a
Gemini (May 21-June 21). Tension the
flamboyant “exótico,” making a
arises between relationships and your wrestling
character type historically jeered and
professional world. Has one area of biopic
mocked into a runaway success.
life been sacrificed over the other? “Cassandro.”
Where to watch: Prime Video PROVIDED BY
Cancer (June 22-July 22). Push your
PRIME VIDEO
boundaries today. The moon sparks
See YEAR IN MOVIES, Page 4D
your creativity to do life differently.
Move beyond your routine.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22). Loose lips sink
ships. Tempted to pass secrets along? WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATION
Watch for betraying confidences.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Comprising
your vision? Deep inside you know
where you’re heading. Don’t water it
Transparency may be turning point
down to be palpable for others.
Libra (Sept.23-Oct. 23). Prepare for
Winfrey’s openness stream boost. Experts say it could be a
turning point in how our culture views
overwhelm. Emotions are amplified helps fight public stigma weight loss medication and continues
around your workload. Assess what to a healthy trend of transparency when
let go of. Charles Trepany it comes to celebrity body transforma-
USA TODAY tions.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your inner
“She’s bringing down a lot of the
child pulls at your heart strings today.
It seemed to start as a whisper. public stigma with medications help-
Listen to its soulful plea under the
Rumors spread on social media. Jim- ing patients,” says Dr. Aria Vazirnia, a
Pisces first quarter moon.
my Kimmel joked about it at the Oscars. leading lipedema surgeon with the Ad-
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’re People wondered: Were that many vanced Lipedema Treatment Program
tapped into the Divine. Feel like the Hollywood stars really taking medica- at The Roxbury Institute. “(These
cosmos is whispering in your ear? tion to lose weight? If so, who? And medications) should not be taken
Tune into these starry transmissions. what medication? lightly; but, if they are monitored by an
Over the past year, weight loss drugs, appropriate specialist such as a board-
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Lend a
such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have be- certified endocrinologist, then they
compassionate ear. A heartfelt con-
come a part of our cultural lexicon, as can be given safely, and they can be
versation may be in the works.
more and more A-listers have slowly safely used to treat patients.”
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Watch for started to share their experiences − both
making excuses. Don’t have enough of positive and negative − with these med- Why Winfrey’s weight loss
this? Don’t have enough of that? ications. medication reveal matters
Question your habitual justifications. Experts say Oprah Winfrey’s Now, an icon in her own right − but
openness could aid a healthy trend of also, yes, an icon in the weight loss in- Winfrey’s weight has long been the
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20). Be con-
transparency when it comes to dustry − Oprah Winfrey − is admitting to subject of intense scrutiny. In a People
scious of how you’re showing up. Du-
celebrity body transformations. using weight loss medication, too, giv-
plicity will send the wrong message.
JACQUELYN MARTIN/AP ing these drugs even more of a main- See WEIGHT LOSS, Page 4D
2D ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ USA TODAY LIFE

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Sleep time ‘like shoe size,’ not 1-size-fits-all

Charles Trepany spot is going to be the number of hours
USA TODAY of sleep that allows you to feel your
best.”
Is it healthy to sleep 10 to 14 hours per
night? Dakota Johnson thinks so. Why does it matter?
The “Fifty Shades of Grey” star, 34,
shared in an interview with The Wall As people sleep, their brains work to
Street Journal, published Monday, that consolidate memories and process
she’s “not functional” if she gets less things learned during the day, particu-
than 10 hours of sleep and “can easily go larly during what’s called deep sleep,
14 hours” asleep in one night. Barbara Sahakian, a professor in the
“I don’t have a regular (wake-up) psychiatry department at the Univer-
time,” she said. “It depends on what’s sity of Cambridge, previously told USA
happening in my life. If I’m not working, TODAY.
if I have a day off on a Monday, then I But too little or too much sleep can
will sleep as long as I can. Sleep is my create chronic stress. It can also cause
number one priority in life.” changes in the hippocampus, a part of
Experts say the ideal amount of sleep the brain vital to learning and memory,
varies depending on the individual; Sahakian said.
but, pushing 14 hours is likely overdoing
it. How can you improve your sleep?
“There’s a range,” explains Shelby
Harris, a licensed clinical psychologist If you’re looking to improve your
and the author of “The Women’s Guide nighttime habits and feel well-rested,
to Overcoming Insomnia: Get a Good here are some tips to better your sleep
Night’s Sleep without Relying on Medi- hygiene:
cation.” “The majority of people fall h Stay consistent: A regular bed and
somewhere between seven to nine wake-up time can help set your biologi-
hours of sleep a night ... but there are cal clock to become sleepy at the same
some people who are outliers, with time every day.
some needing only six hours and others h Wind down: A period of “wind-
closer to 10.” down time” is another step to ensure
you’re getting a good quality night of
How much sleep should you get? sleep. Try a relaxing meditation, a warm
bath or shower, reading, or listening to
For middle-aged to older people look- calming music.
ing to get the best sleep possible, seven h Establish your sleeping space:
hours of consistent sleep may be the The bedroom should be a cool, dark,
sweet spot, research suggests. The quiet and comfortable place to ensure
American Academy of Sleep Medicine the best possible sleep experience. Dark
advises adults get at least seven hours shades and earplugs can help achieve
of sleep per night and teens get eight to this.
10. h Avoid alcohol, food, caffeine and
electronics before bed: Eating before
Can you sleep too much? bed has been known to cause acid re-
flux, and caffeinated beverages (includ-
Though many struggle to get enough ing soda, coffee, tea and chocolate) may
sleep, it’s also possible to get too much keep you up at night. And while you may
of it. Dakota Johnson shared in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, published be tempted to end the night with a glass
Harris says what’s too much sleep Monday, that she’s “not functional” if she gets less than 10 hours of sleep and of wine, alcohol can impact your sleep.
varies for each individual, but more “can easily go 14 hours” asleep in one night. NEILSON BARNARD/GETTY IMAGES FOR GUCCI You should also avoid using electronics
than 10 is likely overboard. This can re- before bed and even leave them outside
sult in feeling “sleep drunk,” or especial- of the bedroom.
ly groggy or foggy, in the morning, she freshing,” she says. cialist. h Exercise regularly: Several studies
says. Oversleeping may also be a red flag “Sleep is just like shoe size,” she says. have linked increased aerobic exercise
“Some people can feel fine if they’re of an underlying sleep disorder, such “One size does not fit all, and some peo- and better quality sleep for individuals
naturally longer sleepers, but often- as hypersomnia or sleep apnea, says ple are going to need more than eight. with insomnia.
times people who are very long sleepers Sarah Silverman, a licensed psycholo- Some people are going to need less than Contributing: Saleen Martin, Daryl
don’t usually feel like the sleep is re- gist and behavioral sleep medicine spe- eight. But really, I’d say that the sweet Austin and Clare Mulroy

RELATIONSHIPS

Rage rooms may trigger arousal, and that’s OK

Katie Camero fusing this physiological response root- Observing rage could spur arousal
USA TODAY ed in anger or excitement with sexual
arousal because they’re in a room with The pathways in the brain that acti-
Over the past five years, a growing someone they find attractive. “In other vate when we participate in a rage room
number of people have turned to rage words, when the source of arousal is also turn on when we watch others en-
rooms for unique date nights and bach- ambiguous, sometimes we attribute it to gage in the same behavior, said Jacob
elorette parties, or used them as safe the person instead of the situation,” Nordman, an assistant professor of
outlets to release their anger. Hurling Lehmiller said. physiology at the Southern Illinois Uni-
plates at a concrete wall, destroying a It’s a classic mix-up some people ex- versity School of Medicine who studies
TV with a baseball bat or taking a ham- perience during dates that involve anger and the brain.
mer to a framed photo of your ex with no physical activities like rock climbing or So watching your partner or date
limits or judgment is, for many rage other energetic situations like haunted smash things with a bat inside a rage
roomers, the cathartic release they need houses or amusement parks, said sex room could excite you from the side-
when feeling overwhelmed. therapist Leigh Norén. lines, Nordman said. The same thing
For some people, however, it’s more “If you look at shows like ‘The Bache- can happen when watching a sex scene
than that. Owners and managers of rage lor’ where they often go on dates like in a movie, for example.
rooms across the country say they have bungee jumping, they seem to fall in Some may also be attracted to the
seen an emerging trend of customers love (more easily),” Norén said. “That dominance that radiates while people
engaging in sexual behaviors in their fa- might be a misinterpretation of these destroy things, according to Michael
cilities. While eyebrow-raising, experts physiological markers going on in their Aaron, a licensed clinical psychologist
say it’s not totally surprising, given the bodies.” and certified sex therapist.
physiological link between intense Having a safe space to wildly destroy “They’re in charge, but … they’re not
emotions and sexual attraction. things and allow strong emotions to run aggressive toward you or threatening
In fact, the connection between ag- A growing number of people have their course could also liberate some you,” Aaron said, “so you experience
gression and sexual arousal was a hot turned to rage rooms as safe outlets to people from boundaries they’ve built them in a dominant way that’s safe.”
topic for psychoanalysis founder Sig- release anger. PROVIDED BY COREY HOLTAM that may have been repressing their It could be gratifying as well to watch
mund Freud, who believed humans are sexual desires, Norén said. your partner do something beyond the
unconsciously motivated by aggressive, “Engaging in a behavior that trans- norm or witness their much-needed
sexual impulses. Today, portrayals of ior like “heavy petting and intense gresses the boundaries we put up in so- emotional release after struggling to ex-
this link can be found in pornography make-out sessions” about twice a ciety about how we’re meant to act in press themselves, Norén said
and in BDSM practices that explore month, “with some customers stripping front of others may buffer potential sex-
themes of power, control and domi- down to their underwear.” ual shame,” Norén said, “and make it Is sex healthy if driven by anger?
nance, experts say. easier to have sex.”
Corey Holtam, 33, owner of Wreck Rage rooms might be a turn on It’s possible, too, that the strong Boundaries can always be crossed,
Room Las Vegas, said he has been work- emotions some experience in a rage but Norén said it’s OK to engage in sexu-
ing in the rage room industry for so long Both aggressive and sexual behavior room linger after the person leaves and al behaviors and activities that don’t
that “nothing really surprises” him any- activate our fight-or-flight response, intensify subsequent emotions, Leh- “only have positive reasons behind it,”
more. which triggers the release of adrenaline, miller said. as long as it’s consensual. (Research
“Every once in a while people do get according to Justin Lehmiller, a re- For instance, Michael Hellmann, 30, from 2007 actually discovered 237 mo-
a little handsy. I’ve had some custom- search fellow with The Kinsey Institute CEO of Rage Room Long Island in New tivations for having sex, ranging from
ers lay down together in a room filled for Research in Sex, Gender and Repro- York, said his staff encountered couples boredom to feeling closer to God.)
with broken glass, so maybe there’s a duction and host of the Sex and Psy- engaging in sexual activity in the park- “It’s OK for anger to propel you to-
danger aspect to it,” Holtam said. “Being chology Podcast. This is why your heart ing lot outside his facility. wards sex as long as it’s not being used
in that atmosphere, it’s super weird, so I might start pounding both when being Lehmiller said that’s likely due to a to punish your partner,” she said.
think people tend to go to a primal chased by a dog and when you kiss your phenomenon called “excitation trans- That said, having sex while angry
place.” crush for the first time. fer.” may cloud your ability to clearly com-
To curb the behavior, Holtam said The innate response also increases “If you visited a rage room with your municate your wants and needs with
“we make it known that there’s a camera blood flow throughout the body, includ- partner and then went straight home your partner, Norén added. Establish
in the room for safety purposes,” he add- ing to the genitals, which may be why and had sex, it’s likely that the sex boundaries before engaging in sexual
ed. intense emotional states can lead to a would be more intense than usual due to activities, experts say, and take note of
Meanwhile, Neko Farmer, 34, foun- sexual response, Lehmiller said. the fact that the emotional response for how often you and your partner have
der of REKT in Carrollton, Georgia, said What’s likely happening inside rage the earlier situation hadn’t fully cleared angry sex, as you don’t want to establish
he sees couples engage in sexual behav- rooms, however, is that people are con- from your system,” Lehmiller said. an unhealthy pattern.
LIFE
LIFE USA TODAY ❚■ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚I 3D

USA
USA
eZ
TODAY
TODAY
`G
w CROSSWORD
CROSSWORD
VGZZqGV
,`
ý€Ăª€ V€ÈñãĂ
1 2 3 6 7 8 11 12 13
Numbers
Numbers More puzzles: puzzles.usatoday.com
Want solutions? answers.usatoday.com
Feedback: [email protected]
w 7€Ľýµµō
ĶċĶ€
14

;
``
V`
17
■ 19 SUDOKU
ZeG9e
SUDOKU
Ġ#VZ`w;ġ ■

VGZZ 20 21 ċýĞóµōµ ōÞµ ÑĶ㪠Ľċ ōހō µŰµĶŷ Ķċű¨ ċóśýĂ €Ăª ŒŶŒ ċýĞóµōµ ōÞµ ÑĶ㪠Ľċ ōހō µŰµĶŷ Ķċű¨ ċóśýĂ €Ăª ŒŶŘ
ĕ µō€ãó¨ ÈċĶ ĽÞċĶō “ċŶ ċĂō€ãĂĽ ōÞµ Ăśý“µĶĽ ĕ ōÞĶċśÑÞ Ć ĠĂċ ĶµĞµ€ōĽġĤ “ċŶ ċĂō€ãĂĽ ōÞµ Ăśý“µĶĽ ĕ ōÞĶċśÑÞ Ň ĠĂċ ĶµĞµ€ōĽġĤ
Ê ã۵ĶijĽ ªµŰ㝵 ■ ^4 25 27
ĕƁ Ķśý“óŷ ÞµµĽµ
ĕÎ S€óċ ţţţ Ġ €ŷ
Ķµ€ 28 29 30
132
Œ ½ Ň Ř Œ
ãōŷġ
ĕÊ GĞĞċĽãōµ ċÈ ĞóśĽ 33
Ü
35 36 37 38 39
Î Ň Ê Ň Î Ê ĕ
ĕŇ GĂóãõ T‰

ĽµĽĽãċĂĽ 40 42
Ê ĕ Ř Ņ Ř ĕ Ň
ĕŅ $ãĶóĽ ãĂ ţţţ
ĠĂċĂĞĶċÈãō ōހō 43 44 45
Ê Î Œ ½ ĕ Ř Ň
ÞċĽōĽ ހñ€ōÞċĂĽġ
ĕ½ ZóċÑ€Ă 46
■
47 ■ 48 49 Ň Œ Ņ Ê Ň Œ ĕ Ê
ªµý€ĂªãĂÑ űµ€óōÞ
ĶµªãĽōĶã“śōãċĂ
50 51 52 53 Ř Ê Œ Ć Ê Î
ŘƁ BċĶōÞ
ÈĶ㝀Ă
ªµĽµĶō ,##, e;`w V
`,B$ UUU ZZ
ŘŘ ċóóµōã“óµ ċ“ﵝō 54 55 56 58 59 60 ½ ĕ Œ Ř AċĂª€ŷijĽ
ĂĽűµĶĽ
ãĂ € “ċ€Ķª рýµ
61 62
:
63 Ř Ê Ň Ć Ê Œ ½ Ř Ņ ĕ Ň Î Ê Œ ĕ Ř Ň Î
ċĶ Ű㪵ċ рýµ Ř Ň Ņ Œ Î ĕ Ê ½ Ć Ř Ň Î Ê ĕ Œ
ŘŒ Vś“ãñijĽ ś“µ¨ µĤÑĤ Î ½ ĕ Ň Ć Ê Œ Ř Ņ
ŘÎ Zīś€ōâōċâĞó€Ăñ 65 66 ĕ ½ Ņ ĕ Œ Ć Ņ ½ Î Ň Ê Ř ĕ Ê Œ Î Ř Ň
µŶµĶãĽµ Ê Ř Î ĕ Œ Ň Ć Ņ ½ Î Ř Ň ĕ Œ Ê
ĕŘʼnĕĆ ,##, e;`w V
`,B$ ZZUUU ½ Ņ Ň Ř Ê Ć Î Œ ĕ
ŘŇ óśōōµĶ 68
Ň Î Ř Œ Ê ĕ
Ř½ )ċō Þãóã еĞеĶ ZeG9e #eZ,GB Œ ĕ Ř Ć Ň ½ Ņ Î Ê
ON wGeV
GB YOURS)GB
PHONE Ň Ć Ê Î Ņ Ř ½ ĕ Œ Œ ĕ Ê Ň Î Ř
Ğ€Ľōµ ©
ĂªĶµűĽ AAµµó ĕŘʼnĕĆ
ĞśŽŽóµĽĤśĽ€ōċª€ŷĤċý ĕŘʼnĕ½
Œĕ µ€ýĽ ċÈ ĽśĂóãÑÞō
©
ĂªĶµűĽ AAµµó Ņ Î ½ Ê ĕ Œ Ř Ć Ň
ŇÊ eĂñĂċűĂ €śōÞċĶ¨ ĕŒ ;ãñµ € ªãĶōŷ ãݵüµ Êĕ Zŷý“ċó ċĂ
€ĂÑijĽ
ŒŒ #ċĶý€óóŷ ĽĞµ€ñ ÈċĶ ĽÞċĶō ÞċóªµĶ ÈċĶµÞµ€ª
ŒÎ ;ãñµ “Ķãµ ŇŇ ċýĞċõĂō ċÈ ĕĆ `µóµŰãĽãċĂ €ű€Ķª ÊŒ S㵝µ ċÈ µóµĶŷ
ŒŇ µ€Ķ űÞċĽµ
ĞċĶĶãªÑµ ű€Ľ ōċċ
ýċĽō ÈĶśãō Ľ€ó€ªĽ
ŇŅ Sµ€ñ
Řĕ µµĞōã۵ Ğó€Ă
ŘÊ A€ĶãÀĶ€ €Ăª
ÊÎ ZýċċōÞãµ “µĶĶŷ KENKEN
KENKEN KUBOK 16
KUBOK 16
ÊŇ €ĽÞ ªãĽĞµĂĽµĶ
Þċō ÈċĶ $ċóªãóċñĽ Ň½ Zō€ōµ űÞµĶµ ōÞµ
óÈĶµªċ ʽ A€Ķ€ōÞċè µĤÑĤ
ÎƁ Ķµ€ª űãōÞ € Ğċñµō qċĶóª #ċċª SĶ㎵ ãĽ ŘŅ €Èµ ōހō ýãÑÞō ÊĆ `ÞãĂõĽō eĤZĤ ċãĂ 4 6X 3+ Kubok 16 By Davide Coppo
'LIILFXOW\
EXPERT
Îĕ #€ĶýµĶĽ ý€Ķñµō €ű€Ķªµª ĽµĶ۵ €ĞĞśãĂċĽ ŇƁ Zó㪵 ªċűĂ €
“ċċōÞ ŇĆ ZÞċĶō ċýµªã Ř½ qãĽÞ ĽĂċűŷ Þãóó
ÎŘ Zñ€ōµ“ċ€ĶªµĶĽ еĶÈċĶý€Ăµ ŘĆ pµĶŷ ªĶŷ ŇŘ $µĂµō㝠ýċóµśóµ
27) ;43 (27) (39
ý€ŷ ÑĶãĂª ċĶ Ľó㪵 ŅƁ A€ĶĽÞ Ğó€Ăō ŒƁ ²ŘƁʼnÞċśĶ¨ µĤÑĤ ŇŒ ċóċĶÈśó ÈãĽÞ ãĂ €
ċĂ ċõ ŒŘ $µċĶÑ〠€ãĶĞċĶō 2-r 3- 7+
ű€ōµĶ рĶªµĂ
ÎŒ $€ĶªµĂ ċÈ ţţţ
ÎÎ ZċśōÞ
Ľã€Ă űĶ€Ğ
ÎÊ ý“€ĂñýµĂō ÈċĶ €
GqB
ĕ 7ĶĤ ŷµ€Ķ µŶ€ýĽ
Ř ýċōãċÀó ĶµīśµĽō
óµōōµĶĽ
ŒÊ VċűãĂÑ Ľōãñ
ŒŅ ã€óµō □□□□
AċĂª€ŷijĽ
ĂĽűµĶ
□□□ □□□□□
4
Ķã۵Ķ Œ ţţţ
ZñµōÞ Ķµ€ōµª ãĂ □□□□ □□□□ □□□□□ 3
ÎŇ
űÞċóµ óċō □nan □□□□ □□□□□
ĠªĶ€űãĂÑ ōċŷġ ó€ñ eĤZĤ □□□□□□□□□□□a
ν #µ€ōśĶµĽ ċÈ ĞµĂãóĽ Î Só€ōċĂ㝠óãȵ ċýýśĂãōãµĽ panna □□□□□ □□□
€Ăª Ľċýµ ĞµĂĽ Ğ€ĶōõĶĽ¨ ý€ŷ“µ Œ½ S󀝵 ōċ ªċñ Bas □□□ □□□□□□
ÊƁ `µĂĽµ ãĂ 9
Ê ZĞĶµ€ªĽ ĽóċĞĞãóŷ “ċ€ōĽ QQQ QQD P1C1BH
5+ 3-
İBµŰµĶōÞµóµĽĽ¨ ĽÞµ
еĶĽãĽōµªı
ÊŘ ۀóś€ōµ
Ň ZĞŷ ċĶÑĤ
Ņ Vµýċ۵ € ñĂċō
ÈĶċý
ŒĆ Sś“ ªĶãĂñĽ
Îĕ `€Ŷ ÈċĶý ,
ÎÊ S󀝵 ÈċĶ
■
□□□□□□□QQQ
□HP □□□□
□□□
BBBPa
36 12
ÊÎ )ċō ţţţ “€óóċċĂ ½ Zċýµ €ªśóō ý€Ľ€Ķ€ ■aiHJDaQQ
ÊÊ ZōĶµōÞµª ōãÑÞōóŷ €ōµĶĞãóó€ĶĽ ÎŅ S€óãĂªĶċý㝠□anna □□□□ □□□□ 02023 KenKen Puzzle, LLC www.ltenken.com
27
ÊŅ `Þµ ĽċĂÑ İSċñµĶ Ć `µĂĂãĽ óµÑµĂª Àýµ □□□□□ □□□□ □□□□
#€µı śĽµĽ Èã۵
ĶōÞśĶ ÎĆ #€ãĶóŷ õű □□□□□ □□□ □□□□ 1. Each row and YESTERDAY’S
YESTERDAY’S
2
Ňĕ µĽĽµĶō ý€ªµ űãōÞ ĕƁ ãĽō€Ăō ÊƁ A€ãĂ ãĂĽōĶśýµĂō ĕŘʼnĕ½ column must SOLUTION 6ROXWLRQWR0RQGD\·VSX]]OH
contain the SOLUTION
€ ŰµÑµō€“óµ ĕĕ $ã۵Ľ ċÈÈ ãĂ ōÞµ ĽċĂÑ İ
VGZZqGVZ (QWHUWKHPLVVLQJ
@ GBON wGeV
YOURS)GB
PHONE numbers 1
ŇÎ ;µ€Űµ € Ğ€Ķōŷ µ€Ķóŷ ĕŘ ţţţ €ó Ğ€ĽōċĶ

ĂĽűµĶĽ§ €óó ĕâĆƁƁâĆ½½â½ŒƁƁ¨ ĆĆ µĂōĽ € ýãĂśōµń ċĶ¨ űãōÞ € Ķµªãō €Ķª¨ ĕâ½ƁƁâŒŘƁâÎŘ½ƁĤ
`ÞċśĽ€Ăª AãóµĽı
ѵō ċśĶ ĶċĽĽűċĶª €ĞĞ
through 4
(easy) or 1 7+ 2-r 15 13 14 8 QXPEHUVIURP
WRZLWKRXW
though 6 4 3 2 1 UHSHWLWLRQVVR

TXTPERT
TXTPERT
(challenging)
without
6X 3- 9 4 11 2 WKDWWKHVXPRI
repeating. 3 1 4 2 WKHIRXUQXPEHUV
LQHDFKURZDQG
1 2 3 4
TXTPERT Today’s theme
2. The numbers
within the
4+

1 2 3 4
10 5 16 12 FROXPQLVWKH
5 Cooking
1
M A
2
T
3
T
4
C
5
W heavily outlined VDPHDVWKH
Across 2-
Across
1.I.748
748
3.2695
3. 2695
Down
1. 743
2. 8463
Use the 6
D
G
E S
R
I G N
O
E
O
R
boxes, called
cages, must 2 4 1 3 7 1 3 6 FRUUHVSRQGLQJ
FLUFOHGQXPEHU
6 7 8 9 5.423
phone
keypad to
combine using
5. 423 3. 2328 N P C K the given
6.73786 decode the ‹.XERN'LVWULEXWHGE\7ULEXQH&RQWHQW$JHQF\ 12/19/23
6. 73786 4. 929 7
operation (in $OOULJKWVUHVHUYHG
10.68374328 clues. S T A T U E
10. 68374328 7. 74733 For example: 8 9 any order) to
10
11.II.5273
5273 8. 6836 2 could be A, H Y P O P
produce the target numbers in the top-left
9. 92837 B or C ... and
5678 could
O C T E corners.
10. 645
12/18

10
11 be LOST W A S H N
12/19

© USA TODAY and Rich Coulter Yesterday’s solution

3. Freebies: fill in single-box cages with the
number in the top-left corner.

Words
Words BONUS CROSSWORD
BONUS CROSSWORD
ACROSS 61 Ship part PREVIOUS PUZZLE SOLVED
WORDVGeBeS
WORD
qGV ROUNDUP
ROUNDUP Z S
, B B 7  V V w 1 Nightlight 62 Century plant
5 War vessel 65 Unlikely account L E A P R 0 0 F E L F
;  $  G V $  V )   s
ŷ €Ű㪠;Ĥ )ċŷō €Ăª 7µÈÈ 9ĂśĶµñ ĕŘʼnĕĆ (hyph.) 66 Old
67 Rome’s river A U R A E A R L E D 1 E
 V  # | T Z ) q  10 Vincent —
#ãĂª €Ăª ãĶóµ§ Gogh 68 Notable times P R I M U R G E • 1 M A M A
Bãõ űċĶªĽ űãōÞ  ãĂ ōÞµ ý㪪óµ 







;  B # V  T  B  B B 13 Edible spread 69 Male animal S 0 L E M N A T T E M P T
#ċśĶ İZµãĂȵóªı Þ€Ķ€ōµĶĽ



14 Persian wheel 70 German L A 1 C S E A S
©
ĂªĶµűĽ AAµµó

`űċ õãÑޓċĶãĂÑ ċśĂōĶãµĽ

, Aq     #  
, 15 Black Friday industrial city T

Bċō €ō €Ăŷ ōãýµ
E C U A D O R M U T E R
V
T ) p S  ;  9 V
event 71 Tom
#ċśĶōÞ ýċĂōÞ
16 Baby equine G 0 T E N A C T E
R R A
AċĂª€ŷijĽ €ĂĽűµĶ§ ;Gew Z`GVAw ZeBBw q,Bw #G$$w )
|w ʼn S V | Z  # | 9  # ; 17 Swine DOWN R u T S S C 0 R N R 0 0 T
A
VGGB SeVS; w;;Gq ,B,$G ʼn AGVG G A
;`
ʼn `eB
ʼn 18 Small monkey Send high E p E E S ■' N E A D u S E
G)A,

9 7   S V `  A   19 Worker in bank overhead T E R M E D S P O T T E D
21 Everlasting — vera
1 N R E S 0 M E
QUICKCROSS
QUICKCROSS
Te, 9 VGZZ UP‰&
UP
eS &GqB
DOWN
DOWN WORDS
WORDS
qGVZ
23 Love god Ground grain
S P A N D E X L E A D E R
25 Hindu goddess Common
ŷ 7ċÞĂ qãóýµĽ ĕŘʼnĕĆ ŷ €Ű㪠;Ĥ )ċŷō €Ăª VśĽĽµóó ;Ĥ )ċŷō ĕŘʼnĕĆ 26 Model of human allergen H 0 R A ■ A P A c E C O M A
body (var.) 5 Like a winning 0 M A ■ M A C H 0 U R 1 S
µĶō€ãà ۵ÑÑãµ oco ĕĤ Zq` 29 Food and drink
33 Mountain —
streak
6 Scary yell
w E B s T E 1 N P A T H

ţţţţ ċÈ µŶеĶōãĽµ mn ŘĤ
ŒĤ
34 Long and snaky
35 Not once
36 Wings
7 Man-mouse link
8 Expressed
9 Judge of fine
12-19-23 © 2023 UFS. Dist. by Andrews McMed for UFS

31 Peddles 54 “You can say —

µĶō€ãà ۵ÑÑãµĽ ant ÎĤ 38 “--------is an
island..."
wines
10 Conceited
32 Long trip
33 Pedestal part
again*
55 “Les Miserables’
ÊĤ
37 “The — City of writer
ZãĂѵĶ #ãōŽÑµĶ€óª □CO ŇĤ
't/1' 41 Lone
42 Campus
11 Prov. in Canada
12 Astronaut — Oz" 56 Grammar sch.
39 Length times 58 Vetch
©
ĂªĶµűĽ AAµµó

ZśĞµĶÞµĶċ €µĽĽċĶŷ ŅĤ ZVp,  buildings Armstrong

44 Goad 15 Rank insignia width 59 Ardor
󜵼§ AċĂª€ŷijĽ
ĂĽűµĶ 46 Kind 20 Great lake 40 Boreal 60 Cozy home
€Ľµ“€óó ÑĶµ€ō )µĶĽÞãĽµĶ 43 Go — free 63 Stomach
ĕĤ ĶċĞ ċĂ € ċ“ SS `
;9 47 “All hands-------- •” 22 Regular
ŘĤ #ĶãōċĽ¨ µĤÑĤ `
;9 ,$ 49 Announces 24 Storage tower 45 Numbers to muscles, briefly
AċĂª€ŷijĽ
ĂĽűµĶ
İĽō€ōµı ċĶ İA€ªĶãªı Ľō€Ķō ŒĤ ċĂōĶã“śōµĽ ,$ S, `eV 51 Bellow 26 Hard-rind fruit crunch 64 Neckline shape
S V G A ÎĤ q€ãōãĂÑ ŷċśĶ ōśĶĂ S, `eV q,BGq 53 Alaskan island 27 Give 48 Martial art

ĶōµýãĽ €ÑµĂŷ Ġ
ĶċĤġ ÊĤ ZñµōÞ q,BGq Z)
 54 Playhouse in 28 Spirit in Greek 50 Sheen
V ,   ŇĤ #ċĶý€ó ĶµµĞōãċĂ €Ķµ€ 52 Late host
Z)
 `V London myth
 ` G B ŅĤ SµĶñ €ō Ľċýµ ÞċōµóĽ `V ;,A 57 Hurry 30 Steer clear of Philbin
Te, 9 VGZZ
S
ĕŘʼnĕ½
 V e ON YOUR PHONE
GB wGeV S)GB
ĞśŽŽóµĽĤśĽ€ōċª€ŷĤċý © S;
w GB;,B
PUZZLES.USATODAY.COM
Se||;ZĤeZ
`G
wĤ GA ©
ĂªĶµűĽ AAµµó
1 2 3 8 9 10 11 12

13 ris­
© WIGGLES 3D GAMES
DON’T QUOTE ME®
Jazz legend Rearrange the words to complete the quote.
16 ia
Thelonious Monk IN KNOW LOUDEST NOISE SILENCE WORLD
offers this thought.
éé YOU ________ WHAT’S THE ___________ NOISE
19

________ THE ___________, MAN? THE LOUDEST

___________ IN THE WORLD IS ___________.
12/19
Monday’s Answer: “Lots of folks confuse bad
management with destiny.” - Kin Hubbard

7 Little W©rds THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek
Find the 7 wards lo match tho 7 clties. The numbers in swrennoses < Unscramble these Jumbles,
Get the free JUST JUMBLE app • Follow us on Twitter @PlayJumble

represent the number ot letters in each solution Each letter = one letter to each square,
ownbinatbn can bo uccd on!/ ortoo, but all lotto'’ cxmbinaiiona • to form four ordinary words.
will bo 'vwossary to compcto tho puizc.

CLUES SOLUTIONS
GDITI
1 bouquet holder (4)
2 protective finish (7)
3 oven setting (5) NEVTE
4 nutty green ice cream flavor (9)
5 taking a break (7)
6 grubby state (10) SLENOS
7 circular file (11)
54 55 56 58 59 60
NESS NG VA PIS CO GAROFE
61 65
ATI FIL BRO HIO NG Now arrange the circled letters
©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC to form the surprise answer, as
IL WAS RE SE AS
All Rights Reserved. suggested by the above cartoon. 66 67 68
ccm cccm dodu
AT “ ”
TEB KET THI STI TAC (Answers tomorrow) 69 70
Monday's Arswors t OJesilOWINQ 2. MEXICAN 3. REPAIR
4 RADISH 5. VACATIONING 0 NOTEBOOK 7. COLORADO i
<HVWHUGD\·V
Jumbles: WIPER BLUFF SETTLE VACANT
Answer: 6KHGLGQ·WZDQWKLPWRZHDUKLVROGIRUPDORXWÀW
EHFDXVHVKHGLGQ·WWKLQNLWZDV³68,7$%/(
I
4D ❚ TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2023 ❚ USA TODAY LIFE

Weight loss
Continued from Page 1D

cover story, published Wednesday, the

media mogul, 69, said she’s been
“blamed and shamed” constantly over
her weight.
Winfrey said it wasn’t until this year
that she added weight loss medication
to her health regimen, which also in-
cludes hiking, eating her last meal at
4 p.m. and drinking a gallon of water a
day. She also serves as an investor and
board member for WeightWatchers,
which announced in March it would
add weight loss drugs like Wegovy to
its program.
“I was actually recommending it to
people long before I was on it myself,”
Winfrey told People. “I had an aware-
ness of medications, but felt I had to
prove I had the willpower to do it. I now
no longer feel that way.”
She added: “Obesity is a disease.
It’s not about willpower – it’s about the
brain.”
A screenwriter (Andrew Scott, left) fosters a new relationship with a neighbor (Paul Mescal) in the romantic fantasy “All Vazirnia says it’s common for peo-
of Us Strangers,” which tops our ranking of the year’s movies. PROVIDED BY PARISA TAGHIZADEH ple to feel shame around taking weight
loss medication, even when they meet
the medical requirements for it or need

Year in movies it to treat an underlying condition,

such as diabetes. He hopes Winfrey’s
words help change that.
Continued from Page 1D “A lot of people look up to Oprah as a
source of mentorship, inspiration and
9. ‘The Holdovers’ guidance,” he says. “If Oprah speaks
about a medication and shines light
Alexander Payne’s latest will have you
about it, then a lot of people will not
revisiting your list of all-time
only look at it more favorably, but they
Christmas movies because this
would also research it more on their
throwback is a heartfelt and humorous
own, get more information and learn
instant holiday classic. Dripping in a
more about it.”
1970s aesthetic and boasting a
After looking into the science be-
crackling script, the film stars Paul
hind the medication, Winfrey said she
Giamatti as an uptight teacher who
“released my own shame about it” and
befriends a rebellious student
consulted her doctor, who prescribed
(newcomer Dominic Sessa) and a
it to her. Vazirnia emphasizes these
grieving cook (Da’Vine Joy Randolph)
medications can cause side effects and
while stuck at a boarding school over
should only be taken under medical
winter break.
supervision.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Vudu, “The fact that there’s a medically
Amazon approved prescription for managing
weight and staying healthier, in my
8. ‘American Fiction’ lifetime, feels like relief, like redemp-
tion, like a gift, and not something to
It’s past time for Jeffrey Wright to get
hide behind and once again be ridi-
his flowers. In Cord Jefferson’s sharp
culed for,” Winfrey said. “I’m absolute-
satire, the Golden Globe nominee is a
ly done with the shaming from other
curmudgeonly academic tired of
Ernest (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Mollie (Lily Gladstone) meet when he drives people and particularly myself.”
getting his books rejected while books
her to and from town in Martin Scorsese’s crime drama “Killers of the Flower
with stereotypically Black tropes get
Moon.” PROVIDED BY MELINDA SUE GORDON Why transparency
all the love. He writes a “bad” novel as
like Winfrey’s is essential
a joke and, much to his chagrin,
becomes a runaway hit in a thoughtful
that everyone can get behind. When love interest and Willem Dafoe as By coming forward about weight
film that has something to say about
things go awry in Barbie Land, Bella’s mad-scientist “dad.” loss medication, Winfrey is also mod-
race and culture but also family and
Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken eling transparency with the public,
aging. Where to watch: In theaters now
(Ryan Gosling) head to the Real something experts say is essential for
Where to watch: In select theaters World and deal with existential 2. ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ celebrities who do not wish to promote
now (expanding Friday, nationwide crises in enjoyably madcap fashion in unrealistic body image expectations.
That this true-life Western epic is
Jan. 5) a goofy and heartfelt comedy that Winfrey isn’t the only public figure
one of the best in Martin Scorsese’s
explores humanity, patriarchy and to embrace this ethos. Sia revealed on
iconic career is saying something.
7. ‘Air’ the meaning of life. May we all be a social media Saturday she underwent
The Oscar-winning director’s newest
little less Ken and a lot more Weird a liposuction procedure; Kaley Cuoco
While it’s hard to imagine anything as is a love story between a World War I
Barbie. was lauded for openly discussing her
cool as a pair of original Air Jordans, veteran (Leonardo DiCaprio) and a
plastic surgeries; and Dolly Parton
director Ben Affleck’s retro basketball Where to watch: Apple TV, Vudu, young woman (a fantastic Lily
famously said “if something is bag-
business drama comes pretty close. Amazon, Google Play Gladstone) from Oklahoma’s wealthy
ging, sagging or dragging, I’ll tuck it,
Matt Damon plays the embattled but Osage Nation. At the same time, it’s
4. ‘Rye Lane’ suck it or pluck it.”
optimistic talent scout obsessed with also a murder mystery about the
“Many celebrities look good natu-
signing NBA rookie Michael Jordan to a An awkward, tearful meeting in a deaths that plagued the Native
rally, but many also have work done.
Nike shoe deal in 1984 – the only unisex bathroom brings together American tribe in the 1920s, and a
And when they’re not honest about it, I
problem is he has to get His Airness’ recently dumped Dom (David well-acted, thought-provoking look
think they’re being unethical because
protective mother (Viola Davis) totally Jonsson) and carefree Yas (Vivian at white greed, corruptive power and
they’re in the spotlight,” Dr. Daniel
on board too. Oparah) and kickstarts Raine America’s complicated history with
Barrett, a plastic surgeon in Beverly
Allen-Miller’s wonderfully endearing, its indigenous people.
Where to watch: Prime Video Hills, previously told USA TODAY.
must-see reimagining of the
Where to watch: Apple TV, Vudu, “They ... have a moral obligation to
rom-com. The adorably quirky
6. ‘The Color Purple’ Amazon be transparent about anything they’ve
twosome bond during a revelatory
had done that helps them achieve a
Blitz Bazawule’s vibrant and joyous stroll through London that involves a
1. ‘All of Us Strangers’ certain look,” Barrett added, unlike or-
adaptation of the Broadway musical cathartic run-in with an ex, spicy
dinary people, who can benefit from
(based on Alice Walker’s seminal book) vittles, revealing chats and some In director Andrew Haigh’s moving
and take advantage of keeping their
is a different experience than Steven light breaking-and-entering. fantasy, Andrew Scott delivers an
body alterations private.
Spielberg’s 1985 best picture nominee astounding performance as a lonely
Where to watch: Hulu The consequences of deceiving the
but no less effective. “American Idol” London screenwriter who fosters a
public in this way can be detrimental
favorite Fantasia Barrino is terrific as a relationship with a flirty neighbor
3. ‘Poor Things’ and long-lasting, experts say, espe-
Southern woman shackled to a (Paul Mescal) while at the same time
cially when it comes to people’s men-
no-good man (Colman Domingo) who Is it too early to give Emma Stone’s regularly visiting his childhood home
tal health.
fosters a strong sisterhood with a loyal best actress Oscar for “La La Land” a to talk with the parents (Claire Foy
“The psychological pressure to
friend (Danielle Brooks) and a blues new golden friend? She’s never been and Jamie Bell) he lost 30 years prior.
meet societal beauty standards can be
singer (Taraji P. Henson). better as the reanimated Bella For those looking for a metaphysical
difficult to manage, especially because
Baxter in Yorgos Lanthimos’ masterpiece, it’s a brilliant and
Where to watch: In theaters Dec. 25 it can leave you feeling like you’re nev-
fantastical dark comedy. Bella haunting narrative about grief, love
er good enough,” Naomi Torres-Mack-
matures from infantile woman-child and letting go of the past to find
5. ‘Barbie’ ie, a clinical psychologist and head of
to liberated Victorian-era prostitute one’s self in the present.
research at the Mental Health Coali-
Only in director Greta Gerwig’s hands with a heart of gold in a sex-filled,
Where to watch: In select theaters tion, previously told USA TODAY. The
could the famous doll become the eccentric narrative that co-stars
on Friday, expanding through Jan. 19 pressure to be perfect can also contrib-
feminist meta pop-culture moment Mark Ruffalo as a punchable toxic
ute to disordered eating, experts say.
It can be tempting to compare your-
self to seemingly perfect celebrities or
influencers, but Torres-Mackie said
it’s healthier to separate who you are
from what you or others look like.
“In a culture where a lot of value is
placed on appearance, it takes a lot of
effort to distance yourself from that,”
she said. “Consider unfollowing social
media accounts that leave you feeling
bad. Be mindful as you scroll about
which accounts leave you feeling good
and which leave you second-guessing
Matthew Maher, from left, Matt David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah Bella Baxter (Emma Stone) becomes your own value. Unfollowing those is
Damon and Jason Bateman play Nike star as 20-something Londoners tired of boorish love interest a way of practicing trigger elimina-
co-workers crafting the perfect shoe spending a memorable day Duncan (Mark Ruffalo) in the dark tion.”
in “Air.” PROVIDED BY ANA CARBALLOSA/ together in the comedy “Rye Lane.” comedy “Poor Things.” PROVIDED BY Contributing: Taijuan Moorman
AMAZON STUDIOS PROVIDED BY SUNDANCE INSTITUTE ATSUSHI NISHIJIMA/SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES and Katie Camero.
 NATION & WORLD EXTRA - USA TODAY NETWORK | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | 1NN

INSIDE
Storm knocks out
power, grounds
flights in Northeast
U.S. 4NN

WAR IN MIDDLE EAST

New Texas
law allows
US ENVOYS WORK arrests of
FOR HOSTAGE DEAL migrants
Those entering illegally
can be prosecuted
No timetable for scale-down of Israel-Hamas war
Valerie Gonzalez and Paul J. Weber
ASSOCIATED PRESS

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Republi-

can Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Mon-
day approved sweeping new powers
that allow police to arrest migrants
who illegally cross the U.S. border and
give local judges authority to order
them to leave the country, testing the
limits of how far a state can go to en-
force immigration laws.
Opponents have called the measure
the most dramatic attempt by a state
to police immigration since a 2010 Ari-
zona law – denounced by critics as the
“Show Me Your Papers” bill – that was
largely struck down by the U.S. Su-
preme Court. Immigration enforce-
ment is a federal responsibility, and
Texas’ law is also likely to face swift le-
gal challenges.
The law, which takes effect in
March, allows any Texas law enforce-
ment officer to arrest people who are
suspected of entering the country ille-
gally. Once in custody, they could ei-
ther agree to a Texas judge’s order to
leave the U.S. or be prosecuted on mis-
demeanor charges of illegal entry. Mi-
grants who don’t leave could face ar-
rest again under more serious felony
charges.
Abbott, who signed the law in front
of a section of border fence in Browns-
ville, predicted the number of people
Firefighters spray water on the rubble of a building following Israeli bombardment in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on crossing illegally into Texas would
Monday. MOHAMMED ABED/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES drop by “well over 50%, maybe 75%.”

See TEXAS, Page 6NN

Tara Copp, Melanie Lidman
and Samy Magdy
ASSOCIATED PRESS

TEL AVIV, Israel – The head of the

CIA jetted to Europe for talks with Israeli
and Qatari officials Monday, sounding
out the potential for a deal on a new
cease-fire and the release of hostages in
Gaza, as the U.S. defense secretary
spoke to Israeli military leaders about
scaling back major combat operations
against Hamas.
Still, there was no sign that a shift in Migrants cross the Rio Grande from
the war was imminent after more than Mexico on Monday in Eagle Pass,
two months of devastating bombard- Texas. JOHN MOORE/GETTY IMAGES
ment and fighting.
Fierce battles raged in northern Gaza,
where residents said rescue workers
were searching for the dead and the liv-
ing under buildings flattened by Israeli
strikes.
Pressure is growing, as France, the
Marvel,
U.K. and Germany – some of Israel’s
closest allies – joined global calls for a
cease-fire over the weekend. Israeli pro-
Disney drop
testers have demanded the government
relaunch talks with Hamas on releasing
more hostages after three were mistak-
Above: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd
Austin, left, and Israeli Defense
Minister Yoav Gallant issue a joint
Hostage talks

In an apparent sign that talks on a

all projects
enly killed by Israeli troops while wav-
ing a white flag.
U.S. officials have repeatedly ex-
statement Monday. MAYA ALLERUZZO/AP hostage deal were growing more seri-
ous, CIA Director William Burns met in
Warsaw with the head of Israel’s Mos-
with Majors
pressed concern about the large number
of civilian deaths in Gaza.
sad intelligence agency and the prime
minister of Qatar, a U.S. official said.
Actor was convicted of
But after talks with Israeli officials It was the first known meeting of assaulting ex-girlfriend
Monday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd the three since the end of a weeklong
Austin said, “This is Israel’s operation. cease-fire in late November, during Jennifer Peltz. Jake Coyle
I’m not here to dictate timelines or which some 100 hostages – including a and Jake Offenhartz
terms.” The U.S. has vetoed calls for a number of foreign nationals – were ASSOCIATED PRESS
cease-fire at the U.N. and has rushed freed in exchange for the release of
munitions to Israel. around 240 Palestinians held in Israeli NEW YORK – Marvel had more rid-
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prisons. ing on Jonathan Majors than perhaps
has insisted that Israel will keep fighting National Security Council spokes- any other actor. Now it’s parting ways
until it ends Hamas rule in Gaza, crush- Rudy Glazer, whose brother Ranani person John Kirby said the talks were with him, and throwing
es its formidable military capabilities Glazer was killed in the Oct 7 Hamas not “at a point where another deal is years of plans for its
and frees hostages still held in Gaza attack, hugs a photo of his brother imminent.” cinematic universe in
since the deadly Oct. 7 attack inside Is- Monday at a memorial at the site of Aiming to increase public pressure disarray.
rael that ignited the war. Militants killed the Nova music festival site in Re’im, on the Israeli government, Hamas re- Marvel Studios and
some 1,200 people and abducted 240 Israel. ALEXI J. ROSENFELD/GETTY IMAGES leased a video showing three elderly the Walt Disney Co.
others in the attack. Israeli hostages, sitting in white T- dropped Majors from all
The war has killed more than 19,000 shirts and pleading for Israel to bring Majors future projects follow-
Palestinians and demolished much of More on Israel-Hamas war their immediate release. ing the actor’s convic-
the north into a moonscape. Some 1.9 The comments were likely made tion for assault and harassment on
million Palestinians – nearly 85% of Ga- h Pentagon announces new under duress, but the video signaled Monday, according to a person close to
za’s population – have fled their homes, international mission to counter attacks Hamas wants to move on to discus- the studio who spoke on condition of
with most packing into U.N.-run shel- on commercial vessels in Red Sea. 7NN sions of releasing sick and elderly men anonymity because he wasn’t autho-
ters and tent camps in the southern part h U.N. Security Council delays vote in captivity. Israel has said it wants rized to speak publicly on the matter.
of the besieged territory. urging cessation of hostilities. 8NN
See SCALE-DOWN, Page 8NN See MAJORS, Page 6NN

SUBSCRIBER-EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL EDITION

2NN | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | NATION & WORLD EXTRA - USA TODAY NETWORK

In the digital e-edition, you can click anywhere on the US map to get up-to-date forecasts, radar, MinuteCast® and more.
NATIONAL SUMMARY
Flurries and heavy snow Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation for Tuesday. Temperature bands are highs for the day.
squalls will diminish later
today in the Northeast as a
storm travels to the north- Seattle Winnipeg
east into Canada. In the 50/40 28/12
West, a storm well off the Montreal
coast of California will con- 36/23
tinue to bring showers to Billings
the state. These showers 53/35
can spread farther north
Toronto
into the Northwest, and
32/26
Minneapolis Chicago
rain could mix with snow or
sleet at times.
39/25 35/30
Detroit New York
36/27 43/31
San Francisco
62/54 Washington
Denver Kansas City
65/35 49/40 44/29

Los Angeles
Fairbanks 63/58
6/-2 Atlanta
47/30
Anchorage El Paso
25/22 Juneau 66/40
33/29
Houston
Chihuahua 63/48
Honolulu 72/45 Miami
80/69 72/61
Hilo Monterrey
76/67 67/50
-10s -0s 0s 10s 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s 100s 110s Showers T-storms Rain Flurries Snow Ice Cold front Warm front Stationary front

MONDAY EXTREMES TODAY IN HISTORY WEATHER TRIVIA™

NATIONAL (for the 48 contiguous states) INTERNATIONAL (excludes Antarctica) Dry weather is usually in the cards at Las Q: What can be said about the daylight period
High: 80 at Tucson, AZ High: 113 at Birdsville, Australia Vegas, Nev., but a rare heavy rainstorm hit after winter is underway?
Low: -11 at Angel Fire, NM Low: -59 at Oymyakon, Russia the city on Dec. 19, 1984. Local flooding de-
Precip: 4.72” at Oxford, CT Precip: 4.72” at Oxford, USA posited silt in area drainage ways, requiring
subsequent spadework.
A: It increases gradually

NATIONAL CITIES TUESDAY O Denotes possible travel delays

Air Air Air Air
High/low/W Quality High/low/W Quality High/low/W Quality High/low/W Quality
Aberdeen, SD 40/19/pc 41 Evansville, IN 37/26/s 42 Levittown, PA 43/26/pc 38 Rochester, NY 32/26/sn 39
O Abilene, TX 66/50/pc 24 Fall River, MA 47/26/pc 36 O Lincoln, IL 35/28/s 45 Rockford, IL 36/27/s 44
Accomac, VA 43/25/pc 30 Farmington, NM 54/30/pc 43 Louisville, KY 41/27/s 50 Ruidoso, NM 55/36/pc 50
Adrian, MI 36/26/s 50 Fayetteville, NC 47/25/s 43 Lubbock, TX 61/39/c 27 Salem, OR 58/39/sh 39
Akron, OH 31/22/sf 51 Fond du Lac, WI 34/29/s 49 Manitowoc, WI 34/30/s 50 O Salina, KS 53/40/pc 29
Alamogordo, NM 61/36/c 52 Fort Myers, FL 66/49/s 30 Mansfield, OH 31/25/s 50 O Salinas, CA 66/53/sh 20
Alexandria, VA 43/25/pc 52 Fort Smith, AR 53/33/s 34 Marshall, NC 36/20/s 42 Salisbury, MD 43/24/pc 28
Alliance, OH 32/23/sf 51 Framingham, MA 46/24/pc 35 Marshfield, WI 32/22/s 42 San Angelo, TX 65/49/pc 27
Amarillo, TX 62/39/pc 31 Freeport, IL 34/27/s 43 Massillon, OH 33/22/sf 51 Sarasota, FL 63/46/s 33
O Ames, IA 44/26/pc 25 Fremont, OH 35/28/s 51 McLean, VA 41/24/pc 51 Savannah, GA 49/29/s 33
Anderson, SC 46/24/s 41 Fort Collins, CO 61/34/pc 52 O Melbourne, FL 63/55/s 36 Sheboygan, WI 36/32/s 49
Appleton, WI 30/25/s 43 Gadsden, AL 44/17/s 40 Memphis, TN 50/35/s 50 Shelby, NC 45/19/s 51
Asheville, NC 40/20/s 45 Gainesville, FL 55/34/s 30 Middletown, NY 38/23/sf 39 Sherman, TX 60/45/pc 31
Ashland, OH 32/24/pc 51 Galesburg, IL 36/27/pc 41 Milford, MA 45/24/pc 36 Shreveport, LA 56/37/pc 44
Athens, GA 47/24/s 41 Gastonia, NC 46/20/s 51 Milwaukee, WI 37/32/s 51 Silver City, NM 61/37/pc 50
Augusta, GA 50/22/s 49 Glen Rose, TX 64/46/pc 31 Monroe, MI 36/28/s 50 Sioux Falls, SD 48/25/pc 34
Austin, TX 67/48/pc 30 Gonzales, LA 56/38/s 37 Monroe, LA 53/33/s 40 Somerset, PA 28/18/sf 52
Bartlesville, OK 53/38/pc 39 Great Falls, MT 50/38/c 49 Montgomery, AL 52/29/s 33 Somerville, NJ 42/24/c 35
Battle Creek, MI 35/28/s 45 Green Bay, WI 33/26/s 43 Muncie, IN 36/29/s 49 South Bend, IN 35/27/s 43
Bedford, IN 36/25/s 48 Greenville, SC 46/23/s 47 Murfreesboro, TN 41/19/s 50 Spartanburg, SC 46/23/s 50
Binghamton, NY 31/23/sf 27 O Hackensack, NJ 43/29/c 45 Naples, FL 67/52/s 31 O Springfield, IL 37/29/pc 44
Bluffton, SC 48/35/s 36 Hagerstown, MD 38/25/pc 47 Nashville, TN 42/25/s 49 O Springfield, MO 50/35/pc 33
O Bremerton, WA 48/40/sh 47 Hattiesburg, MS 55/30/s 32 O Neptune, NJ 43/28/c 40 St. Augustine, FL 50/45/s 27
Brockton, MA 47/25/pc 37 Henderson, KY 38/26/s 46 New Bedford, MA 47/27/pc 31 St. Cloud, MN 39/24/c 38
Brownwood, TX 66/49/pc 25 Hendersonville, NC 40/22/s 49 New Bern, NC 46/27/s 31 St. George, UT 56/39/c 34
O Burlington, IA 39/29/pc 35 Herkimer, NY 34/24/sn 50 New Philadelphia, OH 34/20/pc 50 Staunton, VA 39/14/s 42
Burlington, NC 45/21/s 49 Hillsdale, MI 34/27/s 46 Newark, OH 35/21/s 51 Stevens Point, WI 34/25/s 47
Burlington, VT 41/26/sf 36 Holland, MI 37/33/pc 46 Newton, NJ 39/24/sf 35 O Stockton, CA 65/54/sh 59
Cambridge, OH 35/22/pc 45 Hornell, NY 30/21/sf 42 New York, NY 43/31/c 51 Stroudsburg, PA 38/22/sf 31
O Camdenton, MO 49/36/pc 30 Houma, LA 57/38/s 36 Norwich, CT 45/24/pc 31 Stuart, FL 68/61/pc 36
Canandaigua, NY 30/24/sn 46 Howell, MI 35/27/s 50 Ocala, FL 56/38/s 32 Sturgis, MI 34/27/s 49
Canton, OH 32/23/sf 51 O Hutchinson, KS 52/39/pc 34 O Oklahoma City, OK 56/44/pc 31 Tallahassee, FL 53/30/s 24
Carlsbad, NM 65/37/c 49 Hyannis, MA 47/31/sh 31 Opelousas, LA 56/37/s 38 Thibodaux, LA 57/40/s 36
Chambersburg, PA 38/22/c 48 Indianapolis, IN 35/26/s 50 Oshkosh, WI 32/27/s 43 O Topeka, KS 50/39/pc 33
Cherry Hill, NJ 42/27/c 46 Iowa City, IA 40/25/pc 33 Palm Beach, FL 71/63/pc 37 Tuscaloosa, AL 50/28/s 43
Cincinnati, OH 36/24/s 51 Ithaca, NY 29/22/sf 29 Palm Springs, CA 73/53/c 40 Utica, NY 33/23/sn 40
Clarksville, TN 42/24/s 44 Jackson, MS 52/34/s 38 Panama City, FL 54/37/s 24 O Ventura, CA 64/58/r 51
Coldwater, MI 34/28/s 48 Jackson, TN 44/25/s 46 O Pekin, IL 37/29/pc 48 Victorville, CA 62/43/c 51
Columbus, OH 34/24/s 50 Jacksonville, FL 51/33/s 30 Pensacola, FL 55/41/s 28 Vineland, NJ 42/22/c 35
Corning, NY 33/19/sf 40 Jacksonville, NC 45/26/s 32 O Peoria, IL 37/28/pc 50 Visalia, CA 65/49/sh 103
Corpus Christi, TX 76/59/pc 33 Kent, OH 33/22/sf 51 Petersburg, VA 47/22/pc 50 Washington, DC 44/29/s 49
Daytona Beach, FL 57/48/s 35 Kewanee, IL 36/28/pc 42 Phoenix, AZ 75/55/pc 67 Watertown, SD 41/22/pc 44
Deming, NM 63/35/pc 52 Keyser, WV 37/19/sf 51 Port Huron, MI 34/27/s 41 Wausau, WI 32/25/s 42
DeRidder, LA 57/39/pc 39 Kinston, NC 46/25/s 38 Portsmouth, NH 46/25/pc 25 Waynesboro, PA 38/22/pc 47
O Des Moines, IA 43/30/pc 25 Knoxville, TN 39/21/s 44 Poughkeepsie, NY 42/21/sf 30 O White Plains, NY 42/26/c 33
Detroit, MI 36/27/s 51 Lafayette, IN 34/26/s 45 Providence, RI 46/27/pc 31 O Wichita Falls, TX 61/46/pc 23
Devils Lake, ND 31/15/c 28 Lafayette, LA 59/40/s 41 Pueblo, CO 63/26/pc 39 Wilmington, DE 43/25/c 40
Dover, NH 46/22/pc 35 Lakeland, FL 60/45/s 34 Quincy, MA 47/29/pc 45 Wilmington, NC 47/26/s 34
El Paso, TX 66/40/pc 53 Lansing, MI 36/28/s 39 O Redding, CA 60/52/r 20 Wisconsin Rapids, WI 33/23/s 47
Elmira, NY 33/18/sf 33 Las Cruces, NM 63/38/pc 52 Reno, NV 52/34/sh 53 Wooster, OH 33/22/pc 48
Erie, PA 33/24/sf 50 Lebanon, PA 39/23/c 43 Ravenna, OH 33/21/sf 51 Worcester, MA 41/26/c 31
O Eugene, OR 57/44/sh 52 Leesburg, FL 57/43/s 29 Richmond, IN 35/24/s 51 York, PA 40/22/c 47
Air Quality Index: 0-50, Good; 51-100, Moderate; 101-150, Unhealthy for sensitive groups; 151-200, Unhealthy; 201-300, Very unhealthy; 301-500, Hazardous
INTERNATIONAL CITIES
Tuesday Wednesday Tuesday Wednesday Tuesday Wednesday Tuesday Wednesday
High/low/W High/low/W High/low/W High/low/W High/low/W High/low/W High/low/W High/low/W
Acapulco 87/71/s 86/71/pc O Cape Town 78/60/s 75/59/s La Paz 58/42/r 61/43/pc San Jose 79/67/c 81/67/pc
Addis Ababa 77/49/pc 77/51/s Caracas 92/74/s 92/75/sh Lagos 90/76/pc 91/76/s San Salvador 82/58/s 84/59/s
Algiers 62/44/sh 63/49/pc Casablanca 66/39/s 66/47/s O Lima 76/68/pc 77/68/c Santiago 79/49/s 87/51/s
Amman 60/40/s 59/42/pc O Colombo 88/74/t 89/75/t Lisbon 58/48/s 60/46/pc Sao Paulo 85/65/s 83/65/pc
O Amsterdam 51/44/r 50/47/r Copenhagen 47/39/c 42/38/r London 56/41/r 52/49/c Sarajevo 46/28/pc 46/32/c
Ankara 48/25/s 52/28/pc Damascus 57/32/pc 58/38/s Madrid 54/30/s 51/33/pc Shanghai 42/29/r 40/20/s
O Asuncion 91/77/t 87/74/sh O Dublin 47/43/s 52/50/c Manila 89/78/sh 89/77/c O Singapore 86/77/r 87/77/sh
Athens 65/45/s 62/54/s Geneva 45/34/s 45/36/pc Mexico City 70/45/pc 72/45/c Stockholm 42/28/s 32/23/sn
Auckland 75/63/c 76/62/pc O Guatemala City 68/47/s 70/50/s Milan 55/35/pc 49/32/pc O Sydney 88/68/t 69/64/r
Baghdad 65/41/pc 65/41/pc Hanoi 61/55/r 64/56/c Mombasa 92/78/c 93/79/pc Taipei 68/57/c 61/50/c
Bangkok 94/77/pc 93/75/c O Harare 80/64/t 78/64/t O Montevideo 66/63/c 71/65/sh Tegucigalpa 71/55/pc 73/57/pc
Beijing 25/5/pc 20/2/s Havana 73/58/s 78/60/pc Montreal 36/23/sf 38/21/s Tehran 54/41/pc 54/41/s
Beirut 68/56/s 69/58/s O Helsinki 40/31/r 35/25/pc O Moscow 38/35/c 37/32/pc Tokyo 47/42/sh 54/42/pc
Belgrade 54/32/pc 47/35/pc O Hong Kong 70/55/c 62/50/pc Nairobi 79/62/c 80/61/pc Toronto 32/26/pc 41/26/c
O Berlin 46/41/sh 45/40/sh Jakarta 94/75/pc 95/74/pc New Delhi 71/47/pc 69/47/pc O Tunis 61/51/r 64/54/pc
O Bogota 67/52/sh 66/50/r Jerusalem 62/48/s 62/48/pc Panama City 90/74/sh 88/73/sh O Vancouver 50/46/sh 50/43/c
O Brussels 48/42/r 47/45/r O Johannesburg 84/59/t 82/64/pc O Paris 48/41/c 49/47/pc Vienna 42/30/pc 45/39/r
Bucharest 48/28/pc 49/32/pc Kabul 54/33/pc 56/33/pc Port-au-Prince 85/70/t 87/68/sh O Warsaw 47/41/r 43/37/r
O Budapest 38/27/pc 43/34/c Khartoum 93/68/s 93/69/s Rio de Janeiro 81/72/s 81/74/s Yerevan 36/22/s 36/24/s
O Buenos Aires 71/64/c 71/66/r Kyiv 44/37/pc 45/36/pc Riyadh 74/49/pc 75/48/s Zagreb 45/27/pc 44/32/pc
Cairo 72/55/pc 71/59/pc Kingston 85/75/pc 87/75/s Rome 58/40/s 58/42/c Zurich 43/34/s 43/37/r
O Denotes possible travel delays Tuesday Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.
©2023; forecasts and graphics provided by | Go to AccuWeather.com
 NATION & WORLD EXTRA - USA TODAY NETWORK | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | 3NN

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE S&P 500 • STANDARD & POOR’S NASDAQ COMPOSITE RUSSELL 2000
Closing: 37,306.02 Closing: 4,740.56 Closing: 14,904.81 Closing: 1,982.42
W +.86 Change: +0.9%
...%
YTD % Chg: +12.6%
W+21.37 Change: +.5%
YTD % Chg: +23.5%
W +90.89 Change: +.6%
YTD % Chg: +42.4%
X -2.71 Change: -.1%
YTD % Chg: +12.6%

MARKET PERFORMANCE BY SECTOR MARKET NOTEBOOK TOP 10 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS COMMODITIES
Sector Close Chg. 4wk 1 YTD 1 Issues NYSE NASDAQ ETF, ranked by volume Ticker Close Chg. % Chg %YTD Commodities Close Prev. Chg. % Chg. % YTD
Technology 191.85 +0.15 +3.5% +54.2% Advancing 1,198 1,562 ProShs UltPro ShtQQQ SQQQ 13.93 -0.32 -2.2% -74.2% Cattle (lb.) 1.69 1.68 +0.01 +0.4% +9.0%
Declining 1,132 1,945 SPDR S&P500 ETF Tr SPY 471.97 +2.64 +0.6% +23.4% Corn (bushel) 4.77 4.83 -0.06 -1.2% -29.7%
Consumer discret. 180.00 +0.79 +7.1% +39.4%
Unchanged 71 256 Direx SOX Bear 3X SOXS 6.19 +0.04 +0.7% -84.3% Gold (troy oz.) 2,026.30 2,021.10 +5.20 +0.3% +11.4%
Telecom 74.04 +0.75 +0.7% +36.0%
Total 2,401 3,763 ProShs UltraPro QQQ TQQQ 50.27 +1.03 +2.1% +190.6% Hogs, lean (lb.) .72 .72 unch. -0.5% -18.4%
Industrials 112.40 -0.62 +6.1% +14.4% Natural Gas (Btu.) 2.50 2.49 +0.01 +0.5% -44.1%
Issues at Invesco QQQ Trust QQQ 407.08 +1.74 +0.4% +52.9%
Financials 37.29 -0.06 +6.1% +9.0% Direx SOX Bull 3X SOXL 30.29 -0.28 -0.9% +213.2% Oil, heating (gal.) 2.67 2.62 +0.05 +2.0% -20.5%
New 52 Week High 111 163
Materials 84.71 -0.46 +5.3% +9.0% iShares Rus 2000 IWM 197.11 +0.07 ...% +13.0% Oil, lt. swt. crude (bar.) 72.47 71.43 +1.04 +1.5% -9.7%
New 52 Week Low 9 103
Health care 133.78 -0.38 +3.7% -1.5% SPDR Financial XLF 37.29 -0.06 -0.2% +9.0% Silver (troy oz.) 23.83 23.87 -0.04 -0.2% -0.1%
Share Volume
Energy 84.18 -0.12 -0.7% -3.8% Total 3,834,463,522 5,659,733,567 iShs China Large Cap FXI 23.88 -0.25 -1.0% -15.6% Soybeans (bushel) 13.27 13.16 +0.11 +0.9% -12.7%
iShares 20+yr TrsBd TLT 98.36 -0.79 -0.8% -1.2% Wheat (bushel) 6.17 6.29 -0.12 -2.0% -22.1%
Consumer staples 71.44 +0.20 +2.9% -4.2% Advancing 2,013,507,060 2,508,166,727
Utilities 63.23 -0.74 +1.8% -10.3% Declining 1,762,342,359 2,996,544,966
Unchanged 58,614,103 155,021,874 FOREIGN CURRENCIES FOREIGN MARKETS
Currency per dollar Close Prev. 6 mo. ago Yr. ago Country Close Prev. Change %Chg. %YTD
S&P 500’S BIGGEST GAINERS S&P 500’S BIGGEST LOSERS British pound .7911 .7880 .7793 .8219 Frankfurt 16,650.55 16,751.44 -100.89 -0.6% +19.6%
Company (ticker) Price $ Chg . % Chg. YTD Company (ticker) Price $ Chg . % Chg. YTD Canadian dollar 1.3393 1.3371 1.3180 1.3691 Hong Kong 16,629.23 16,792.19 -162.96 -1.0% -15.9%
Etsy Inc (ETSY) 84.46 +3.78 +4.7 -29.5 VF Corp (VFC) 18.36 -1.55 -7.8 -33.5 Japan (Nikkei) 32,758.98 32,970.55 -211.57 -0.6% +25.5%
Chinese yuan 7.1335 7.1178 7.1263 6.9733
Costco Wholesale (COST) 681.24 +22.42 +3.4 +49.2 Paramount Global B (PARA) 15.51 -.76 -4.7 -8.1 London 7,614.48 7,576.36 +38.12 +0.5% +2.2%
Arch Dan Mid (ADM) 72.34 -3.41 -4.5 -22.1 Euro .9160 .9175 .9138 .9434
Hasbro Inc (HAS) 51.97 +1.59 +3.2 -14.8 Mexico City 57,732.81 57,130.08 +602.73 +1.1% +19.1%
Kroger Co (KR) 45.53 +1.42 +3.2 +2.1 M&T Bank (MTB) 137.13 -5.63 -3.9 -5.5 Japanese yen 142.90 142.19 141.80 136.56
Netflix Inc (NFLX) 486.12 +14.06 +3.0 +64.9 SolarEdge Tech (SEDG) 93.48 -3.64 -3.7 -67.0 Mexican peso 17.1700 17.2222 17.0406 19.8304 SOURCE Morningstar, Dow Jones Indexes, The Associated Press

SALMONELLA POISONING

Outbreak tied to cantaloupes has been deadly

Disease-causing bacteria the FDA says.
The Mexico growing area saw power-
hard to remove at home ful storms and hurricanes in late sum-
mer and early fall that resulted in flood-
Jonel Aleccia ing that could be a factor, said Trevor
ASSOCIATED PRESS Suslow, a produce safety consultant
and retired professor at the University
Hundreds of people in the U.S. and of California, Davis.
Canada have been sickened and at least Once the melons are contaminated,
10 people have died in a growing out- the nubby rinds harbor nutrients that
break of salmonella poisoning linked to can help the salmonella bacteria grow,
contaminated whole and precut canta- Suslow said.
loupe. If the cantaloupe become moldy or
Health officials are warning consum- damaged, the bacteria can move from
ers, retailers and restaurants not to buy, the outside of the rind to the inner layer
eat or serve cantaloupe if they don’t or into the flesh. Also, when the fruit is
know the source. sliced – in a home kitchen, grocery store
That’s especially important for indi- or processing plant – the bacteria can
viduals who are vulnerable to serious spread to the flesh.
illness from salmonella infection and Cut fruit in a tray or clamshell pack-
those who care for them. High-risk age can harbor the bacteria. If the fruit
groups include young children, people isn’t kept very cool, the germs can grow.
older than 65 and those with weakened The cantaloupes implicated in this outbreak include two brands, Malichita and
immune systems. Rudy, that are grown in the Sonora area of Mexico. MARY CONLON/AP How should consumers
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control handle cantaloupe?
and Prevention is especially concerned
because many of the illnesses have been Nov. 28. Canadian health officials said comes from Mexico, including about It is difficult to remove disease-caus-
severe and because victims include people fell ill between mid-October and 60% of fresh produce imports. The aver- ing bacteria from cantaloupe at home.
people who ate cantaloupe served in mid-November. age American eats about 6 pounds of Food safety experts recommend rinsing
child care centers and long-term care fa- The first recalls were issued Nov. 6 in cantaloupe a year, according to the U.S. whole melons in cool water and scrub-
cilities. the U.S., according to the Food and Drug Department of Agriculture. bing them with a clean produce brush
Here’s what we know about this out- Administration. Multiple recalls of and then drying completely.
break: whole and cut fruit have followed. How did the cantaloupes Blanching the cantaloupes briefly in
get contaminated? very hot water is another method, Sus-
How many people have been Where did the cantaloupes low said. And Purdue University re-
sickened in the cantaloupe come from? Health officials in the U.S. and Cana- searchers found that household items
salmonella outbreak? da are still investigating, but canta- such as vinegar and iodine diluted in
The cantaloupes implicated in this loupes generally are prone to contami- water could reduce exterior contamina-
Overall, at least 302 people in the outbreak include two brands, Malichita nation because they are “netted” mel- tion with salmonella by 99%.
U.S. and 153 in Canada have been sick- and Rudy, that are grown in the Sonora ons with rough, bumpy rinds that make For high-risk people, it might be best
ened in this outbreak. That includes area of Mexico. The fruit was imported bacteria difficult to remove. to avoid cantaloupe, especially pre-cut
four killed and 129 hospitalized in the by Sofia Produce LLC, of Nogales, Arizo- Salmonella bacteria are found in ani- cantaloupe and especially during an
U.S. and six killed and 53 hospitalized in na, which does business as TruFresh, mals’ intestines and can spread if their outbreak, said Amanda Deering, a Pur-
Canada. and Pacific Trellis Fruit LLC, of Los An- waste comes in contact with fruit in the due University food scientist.
geles. So far, more than 36,000 boxes or field. Contamination can come from Understanding that certain foods
When did the cantaloupe outbreak cases of cantaloupe have been recalled. tainted water used in irrigation, or in can pose a serious health risk is key, she
begin? On Dec. 15, Mexican health officials cleaning and cooling the melons. added.
temporarily closed a melon-packing Poor hygienic practices of workers, “As consumers, we just assume that
The first U.S. case was a person who plant implicated in the outbreak. pests in packing facilities and equip- our food is safe,” she said. “You don’t
fell ill on Oct. 16, according to the CDC. Roughly one-third of FDA-regulated ment that’s not cleaned and sanitized want to think that a cantaloupe is
The latest illness detected occurred on human food imported into the U.S. properly can also lead to contamination, what’s going to take you out.”

Air Jordans sell for nearly $51K FDA: Cinnamon at plant

Claire Rush
ASSOCIATED PRESS in Ecuador contained lead
PORTLAND, Ore. – Watching a
countdown of the auction’s final min- Tainted fruit pouches linked One theory is that the cinnamon may
utes on Monday, Erin Holcomb have been contaminated for economic
couldn’t believe it: the sale price kept to dozens of illnesses in US reasons, agency officials said. That
jumping for the rare, gold Nike Air Jor- Jonel Aleccia could mean an ingredient is added or
dan 3s that were anonymously ASSOCIATED PRESS subtracted from a food to to boost its
dropped in the donation chute of the value. For example, compounds like red
Oregon shelter where she works in U.S. food inspectors found “extreme- brick, red lead salt, lead oxide and lead
Portland. ly high” levels of lead in cinnamon at a chromate, which mirror cinnamon’s red
“In the last five minutes it went up Spike Lee accepts the award for best plant in Ecuador that made applesauce color, have been added to increase the
and up, and every time we saw that adapted screenplay for pouches tainted with the metal, the value of the spice, research shows.
number increase, there were tears and “BlacKkKlansman” at the Oscars in Food and Drug Administration said
people clapping,” Holcomb, director of 2019 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Monday. The recalled pouches have High blood lead readings
staff ministries at the Portland Rescue Angeles. A pair of rare Nike sneakers been linked to dozens of illnesses in U.S.
Mission, told The Associated Press. similar to those worn by Lee at the kids. FDA officials said they “cannot take
The sneakers, one of just a few cus- Academy Awards were donated to a Cinnamon tested from the plant had direct action” with Negasmart and are
tom pairs that had been made for film- homeless shelter in Portland, Ore. lead levels more than 2,000 times high- relying on officials in Ecuador for the in-
maker Spike Lee, ultimately sold for CHRIS PIZZELLO/INVISION/AP FILE er than a maximum level proposed by vestigation into the company’s actions.
$50,800 – more than double the high the FDA, officials said. Negasmart does not ship product di-
end of the predicted sale price. All pro- The samples came from ground or rectly to the U.S. and of Negasmart’s
ceeds will benefit the Portland Rescue this,” Free said in a news release powdered cinnamon from Negasmart, customers, only Austrofoods shipped
Mission, which has served people shared by the shelter after the auction an Ecuadorian company that supplied foods to the U.S., the agency said.
struggling with homelessness, hunger closed. “I love this place, and I’m so the spice to Austrofoods, which made At least 125 children from 22 states
and addiction since 1949. glad to see this story shared.” the pouches. The applesauce pouches may have been sickened by lead poison-
Some two dozen people, mostly The sneakers were on auction at were sold under three brands – Wana- ing since late October, the Centers for
staff, gathered Monday morning to Sotheby’s. They were auctioned along Bana, Schnucks and Weis. Officials with Disease Control and Prevention said.
watch the auction live on a big screen with a replacement box and other Nike Austrofoods did not respond to requests Using a different reporting method, the
TV in one of the shelter’s conference merchandise donated by Tinker Hat- for comment about the investigation. Food and Drug Administration counts at
rooms, Holcomb said. field, who custom designed the sneak- FDA said lead has not been detected least 65 kids ages 6 and younger sick-
Among them was James Free, a for- ers for Lee in 2019. in WanaBana products made without ened in 27 states as of Dec. 8.
merly homeless man who found the Lee wore his pair to the Academy cinnamon and sold in the U.S. Tests show children who ate the
shoes while sorting through donations Awards that year when he accepted an The agency continues to investigate pouches had blood lead readings up to
and brought them to the attention of Oscar for his “BlacKkKlansman” how the cinnamon was contaminated. eight times higher than the reference
the staff. Free has lived at the mission screenplay. The donated sneakers Jim Jones, who heads the agency’s hu- level that sparks concern, health offi-
for the past few months as part of its weren’t Lee’s personal pair, but were man foods program, said in an interview cials said. Samples of the puree showed
long-term shelter program, Holcomb among a few made for him to give out with Politico last week that the lead lead contamination more than 200
said. to his inner circle, the Portland Rescue contamination appeared to be “an in- times higher than the FDA allows, offi-
“I’m just so happy to be a part of Mission said. tentional act.” cials said.
4NN | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | NATION & WORLD EXTRA - USA TODAY NETWORK

Heavy rain swamps Northeastern US

Maine experiences ticipated a “multi-day restoration ef-
fort” and crews Monday evening re-
widespread wind damage mained unable to safely use bucket
trucks or to start making repairs.
Patrick Whittle and Lisa Rathke Heavy rain and high tides caused
ASSOCIATED PRESS flooding along the Jersey Shore, leading
authorities to block off roads near Bar-
PORTLAND, Maine – A storm bar- negat Bay in Bay Head and Mantolok-
reled into the Northeastern U.S. on ing. The Delaware River spilled over its
Monday, flooding roads and downing banks in suburban Philadelphia, lead-
trees, knocking out power to hundreds ing to road closures. In the suburb of
of thousands, forcing flight cancella- Washington Crossing, crews placed
tions and school closures, and killing at barriers along roadways and worked to
least four people. clear fallen tree limbs. Seven people
More than 5 inches of rain fell in parts died after flash flooding in that area over
of New Jersey and northeastern Penn- the summer.
sylvania by mid-morning, and parts of Many flights were canceled or de-
several other states got more than 4 layed across the region. Boston’s Logan
inches, according to the National International Airport grounded all
Weather Service. Wind gusts reached flights Monday morning because of the
nearly 70 mph along the southern New poor conditions, leading to more than
England shoreline. 100 canceled flights and about 375 de-
Power was knocked out for hundreds lays, according to the flight-tracking
of thousands of customers in an area Ashley Koontz of Jamaica, Vt., takes a photo at Ball Mountain Brook on Monday. service FlightAware. At New York City
stretching north from Virginia through KRISTOPHER RADDER/THE BRATTLEBORO REFORMER VIA AP area airports, nearly 80 flights were
New England, including nearly 423,000 canceled and more than 90 were de-
in Maine and about 200,000 in Massa- layed.
chusetts as of Monday night, according bury when that person’s vehicle was In Rhode Island, the U.S. Army Corps
to poweroutage.us. swept away by floodwaters, said Ver- of Engineers closed parts of Provi-
The weather service issued flood and mont Public Safety Commissioner Jen- dence’s hurricane barrier system to pre-
flash-flood warnings for New York City nifer Morrison at a press conference vent flooding from storm surge, Mayor
and the surrounding area, parts of with the governor. A shelter was set up Brett Smiley said. The Providence River
Pennsylvania, upstate New York, west- in Barre and Morrison urged people to gates were closed in the morning and
ern Connecticut, western Massachu- stay off the roads Monday night and not another gate was scheduled to close.
setts and parts of Vermont, New Hamp- drive through floodwaters as the rivers City Hall in Pawtucket, Rhode Island,
shire and Maine. are expected to rise. was closed due to leaks and water dam-
An 89-year-old Hingham, Massachu- Some schools canceled classes or age from its landmark tower, the city
setts, man was killed early Monday sent students home early due to the posted online.
when high winds caused a tree to fall on Pedestrians are buffeted by wind and storm. A numbers of roads were also In New York City, high winds caused
a trailer, authorities said. In Windham, rain as they cross a street Monday in closed around the state due to flooding, the temporary closure of the Verrazzano
Maine, police said part of a tree fell and Boston. STEVEN SENNE/AP including in Londonderry and Ludlow, Bridge. It reopened later Monday morn-
killed a man who was removing debris the southern Vermont communities ing, but with a ban on large vehicles.
from his roof. that were hit hard by flooding in July. The storm moved up the East Coast
In Catskill, New York, a driver was itored the level of the Winooski River, “Although there will be damage to in- on Saturday and Sunday, breaking rain-
killed after the vehicle went around a officials said. Authorities in the village frastructure, homes and businesses, we fall records and requiring water rescues.
barricade on a flooded road and was of Moretown, Vermont, urged residents do not expect this to be the same scale It brought unseasonably warm temper-
swept into the Catskill Creek, the Times to evacuate some 30 to 50 homes be- as July,” said Gov. Phil Scott. atures of more than 60 degrees to the
Union reported. A man was pronounced cause of flooding. Some schools canceled classes or Northeast on Monday.
dead in Lancaster County, Pennsylva- However, the city announced Mon- sent students home early due to the In South Carolina on Sunday, the tide
nia, after he was found in a submerged day night that the river was receding storm. A numbers of roads were also in Charleston Harbor reached 9.86 feet
vehicle Monday morning. and forecasts predict the rain will taper closed around the state due to flooding, just before noon, which was the fourth-
On Sunday in South Carolina, one off overnight. including in Londonderry and Ludlow, highest reading ever.
person died when their vehicle flooded “Several businesses needed to pump the southern Vermont community that “This was a tough and frustrating day
on a road in a gated community in water from basements but damage was were hit hard by flooding in July. for our citizens, as historic high tides
Mount Pleasant. minimal due to many basements being Windspeeds exceeded 60 mph in came up and over the land in the city,
Five months after flooding inundated empty as a precaution following the Maine, which was the site of wide- flooding cars, homes, businesses and
Vermont’s capital city of Montpelier, July flood,” the city’s statement said. spread damage to trees and structures, streets,” Charleston Mayor John Teck-
water entered the basements of some Three people were rescued from a representatives for Maine’s largest util- lenburg said, adding there were no re-
downtown businesses as the city mon- home in Jamaica and another in Water- ity said. Central Maine Power said it an- ports of serious injuries.

Quake hits China, killing at least 111 people

Houses, roads damaged; the Gansu provincial capital, about 60
miles northeast of the epicenter.
more than 230 injured Earthquakes are somewhat common in the mountainous University students in Lanzhou
rushed out of their dorms, according to a
ASSOCIATED PRESS area of western China that rises up to form the eastern social media post that had images
edge of the Tibetan plateau. showing young people standing out-
BEIJING – At least 111 people were side.
killed in a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in Tents, folding beds and quilts were
a cold and mountainous region in north- people died in the province of Gansu Qinghai and 96 in Gansu, according to being sent to the disaster area, CCTV
western China, the country’s state and 11 in the neighboring province of CCTV and the official Xinhua News said. It quoted Chinese leader Xi Jinping
media reported on Tuesday. Qinghai in the quake, which struck at a Agency. as calling for an all-out search and res-
Search and rescue operations were depth of 6 miles just before midnight on The U.S. Geological Survey put the cue effort to minimize the casualties.
underway in Gansu province and neigh- Monday. quake’s magnitude at 5.9. The overnight low in the area was 5 to 16
boring Qinghai province. The earth- The quake struck in Gansu’s Jishish- State broadcaster CCTV reported degrees Fahrenheit, the China Meteoro-
quake left more than 230 people in- an county, about 3 miles from the pro- that there was damage to water and logical Administration said.
jured, damaged houses and roads, and vincial boundary with Qinghai. The epi- electricity lines, as well as transporta- Earthquakes are somewhat common
knocked out power and communication center was about 800 miles southwest tion and communications infrastruc- in the mountainous area of western Chi-
lines, according to the media reports. of Beijing, the Chinese capital. ture. na that rises up to form the eastern edge
State broadcaster CCTV said that 100 At least 140 people were injured in The earthquake was felt in Lanzhou, of the Tibetan plateau.

At least 13 dead after explosion in Guinea’s capital

178 injured in disaster curred while a ship was offloading. “I
lost several of my friends in this fire.
at massive fuel depot Some like me are guards, others are
technicians. … All offices are destroyed
Boubacar Diallo as well as all equipment,” said the work-
ASSOCIATED PRESS er identified as Ahmed Condé.
Security Minister Bachir Diallo said
CONAKRY, Guinea – An explosion on state television the fire had been con-
and inferno at Guinea’s main fuel depot tained and some countries including
in the capital of Conakry left at least 13 Senegal and Mali were sending medical
people dead and 178 injured, authorities and safety teams.
said Monday, as the West African coun- The fire razed several offices and
try was assisted by other nations in buildings. Many residents fled their
managing the disaster. homes as thick smoke spread.
The massive explosion sparked the “I was sleeping when I heard a whis-
fire at the Guinean Petroleum Company tle, then a deafening explosion,” said
depot after midnight Sunday, Guinea’s resident Mounatou Baldé.
presidency said. It caused significant Authorities shut down schools and
damage in the heart of the Kaloum ad- There are now fears of a major supply disruption as the country relies on public places in the capital. Access to
ministrative district, home to most gov- imported refined petroleum products. the district was shut except for essential
ernment offices. STRINGER/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES services.
At least 89 of the 178 people injured The presidency asked people to stay
have been treated and are back home, at home.
the government said in a statement. It sion at the depot that supplies most of Officials were “identifying vital fuel- Col. Mamadi Doumbouya, who was
also updated the casualty toll that Guin- the fuel in Guinea. The depot had been related needs to prevent possible dis- sworn in as interim president following
ea’s Civil Protection Service had earlier in the process of being relocated to a re- ruptions in supplies from the capital to a coup in 2021, said the state is taking
said was provisional. mote site in a bid to avoid such a disas- other parts of the country,” the govern- full care of those injured.
Among the 13 killed were foreigners, ter. ment said in the statement. “I call on the people of Guinea to
it added. There are now fears of a major supply A worker at the depot was quoted by show solidarity and prayer for the na-
Authorities said an investigation has disruption as the country relies on im- the Conakry-based Guinee Matin news tion in these moments of hard trial,”
started to reveal what caused the explo- ported refined petroleum products. website as saying the explosion oc- Doumbouya added.
 NATION & WORLD EXTRA - USA TODAY NETWORK | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | 5NN

Meadows can’t move charges IN BRIEF

Biden’s push for more aid
to Ukraine stalls in Senate

to federal court, judges rule WASHINGTON – President Joe Bi-

den’s push to have Congress replen-
ish wartime aid for Ukraine as part of
Appeals panel rejects a deal on border and immigration
policy changes will almost certainly
request from former drag into next year.
The Senate, which had postponed
Trump chief of staff its holiday recess, returned to Wash-
ington on Monday after negotiators
Kate Brumback worked through the weekend on the
ASSOCIATED PRESS border legislation, trying to reach an
agreement that could unlock the Re-
ATLANTA – A federal appeals court publican votes for Biden’s $110 billion
on Monday ruled that former Trump package of aid for Ukraine, Israel and
White House chief of staff Mark Mead- other security priorities.
ows cannot move charges related to ef- But senators said they still had
forts to overturn the 2020 election in plenty of work ahead, and it re-
Georgia to federal court. mained uncertain how many more
Meadows was indicted in August days the Senate will remain in ses-
along with former President Donald sion this week. Barely half of the sen-
Trump and 17 others on charges that ators returned for a Monday evening
they illegally conspired to keep the Re- vote.
publican incumbent in power despite The delay heaps more uncertainty
him losing the election to Democrat Joe on the future of the Biden admini-
Biden. stration’s priority of providing sup-
A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. port against Russia’s invasion. It also
Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Mead- puts a potential pause on politically
ows’ request, affirming a lower court fraught negotiations over immigra-
ruling from September. The ruling is a tion and border security policy,
win for Fulton County District Attorney though Senate negotiators planned
Fani Willis, who brought the case and is to continue working on the package.
seeking to try the remaining defendants
in a single trial. Mark Meadows’ attorneys had argued that he should be allowed to move the Judge criticizes Trump’s expert
Meadows’ attorneys had argued that case to federal court because his actions outlined in the indictment were directly witness, refuses to toss lawsuit
he should be allowed to move the case to related to his duties as a federal official. ALEX BRANDON/AP FILE
federal court because his actions out- NEW YORK – Former President
lined in the indictment were directly re- Donald Trump has lost his latest bid
lated to his duties as a federal official. lated to Meadows’s official duties.” as cameras are not allowed inside. But it to end the business fraud lawsuit he
Prosecutors argued that Meadows Meadows was one of five defendants would not have opened the door for faces in New York as he campaigns to
failed to show any connection between seeking to move his case to federal Trump, if he’s reelected in 2024, or an- reclaim the White House.
his actions and his official duties and court. The other four were also rejected other president to pardon anyone be- Judge Arthur Engoron issued a
that the law allowing federal officials to by the lower court and have appeals cause any convictions would still hap- written ruling Monday denying the
move a case to federal court doesn’t ap- pending before the 11th Circuit. pen under state law. Republican’s latest request for a ver-
ply to those who have left office. Moving Meadows’ charges to federal Four people have already pleaded dict in his favor in a lawsuit brought
Circuit Chief Judge William Pryor court would have meant drawing from a guilty in the Georgia election case after by New York Attorney General Letitia
wrote in Monday’s ruling that the law jury pool that includes a broader area reaching deals with prosecutors. The re- James.
“does not apply to former federal offi- than just overwhelmingly Democratic maining 15, including Trump, Meadows And in doing so, the judge dis-
cers, and even if it did, the events giving Fulton County. It would have also meant and former New York Mayor Rudy Giu- missed the credibility of one of
rise to this criminal action were not re- an unphotographed and televised trail, liani, have pleaded not guilty. Trump’s expert witnesses at the trial,
a professor who testified that he saw
no fraud in the former president’s fi-
nancial statements.
The trial is centered on allegations

Election workers seek court order Trump and other company officials
exaggerated his wealth and inflated
the value of his assets to secure loans

barring Giuliani from repeating lies

and close business deals.
In the three-page ruling, Engoron
wrote that the “most glaring” flaw of
Trump’s argument was to assume
Attorneys for women say as he fought to keep fellow Republican
Donald Trump in the White House after
that the testimony provided by Eli
Bartov, an accounting professor at
it’s clear he intends to Democrat Joe Biden won the 2020 New York University, and other ex-
continue defaming them presidential election. pert witnesses would be accepted by
Those claims led to racist threats and the court as “true and accurate.”
intense harassment that forced the
Lindsay Whitehurst mother and daughter to flee their homes Trade group representing
ASSOCIATED PRESS and fear for their lives, they said in emo- TikTok, Meta and X sues Utah
tional testimony last week. The trial was
WASHINGTON – Two former Georgia held to determine the amount of dam- A trade group that represents Tik-
election workers who won a $148 million ages after a judge found he was liable for Tok and other major tech companies
defamation judgment against Rudy defaming them. sued Utah on Monday over its first-
Giuliani asked Monday for a court order Rudy Giuliani has previously Giuliani has vowed to appeal the ver- in-the-nation laws requiring children
barring him from continuing to repeat acknowledged in court documents dict, and it is not clear whether he would and teens to obtain parental consent
the lies he spread about them following that he made public comments falsely be able to pay the staggering damages. to use social media apps.
the 2020 election. claiming Ruby Freeman and Wandrea He’s shown signs of financial strain as Two laws signed in March by Re-
The new lawsuit points to comments “Shaye” Moss committed ballot fraud. he defends himself against costly law- publican Gov. Spencer Cox will pro-
the former New York City mayor made JOSE LUIS MAGANA/AP suits and investigations stemming from hibit minors from using social media
during and after the damages trial last his representation of former president between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and
week, repeating the baseless conspira- Donald Trump. 6:30 a.m. unless authorized by a par-
cy theories about Ruby Freeman and A spokesman for Giuliani did not im- He is also among 19 people charged in ent – and require age verification to
Wandrea “Shaye” Moss. mediately return a message seeking Georgia in the case accusing Trump and open and maintain a social media ac-
Those statements “make clear that comment. his Republican allies of working to sub- count in the state.
he intends to persist in his campaign of Giuliani has previously acknowl- vert the state’s 2020 election results. The restrictions are designed to
targeted defamation and harassment. It edged in court documents that he made Giuliani has pleaded not guilty in that protect children from targeted adver-
must stop,” attorneys for the mother and public comments falsely claiming Free- case and has characterized the charges tisements and addictive features
daughter wrote in court documents. man and Moss committed ballot fraud as politically motivated. that could negatively impact their
mental health. Both laws take effect
March 1, 2024.
The NetChoice trade group argues
in its federal lawsuit that although

Officials: 2022 vote not tainted by foreign interference Utah’s regulations are well-inten-
tioned, they are unconstitutional be-
cause they restrict access to public
Eric Tucker fort to benefit Republican candidate content, compromise data security
ASSOCIATED PRESS Donald Trump over his Democratic op- and undermine parental rights.
ponent Hillary Clinton.
WASHINGTON – Foreign hackers did Four years later, multiple Trump ad- Iceland volcano erupts weeks
not change vote totals or otherwise ministration officials repudiated after thousands were evacuated
compromise the integrity of federal Trump’s oft-stated claims of voter fraud
elections last year in the United States, and other problems in the 2020 elec- A volcanic eruption started Mon-
according to a declassified U.S. govern- tion, with a broad coalition of top gov- day night on Iceland’s Reykjanes
ment report made public Monday. ernment officials and industry officials Peninsula, turning the sky orange
The report does identify multiple in- pronouncing that contest “the most se- and prompting the country’s civil de-
stances in which hackers linked to Iran, cure in American history.” fense to be on high alert.
China and Russia connected to election The new report says that, since then, The eruption appears to have oc-
infrastructure, scanned state govern- A voter submits a ballot at an early election officials, third-party vendors curred about 2.4 miles from the town
ment websites and copied voter infor- voting location in Alexandria, Va., on and political organizations have all tak- of Grindavik, the Icelandic Meteoro-
mation. But it says there is no evidence Sept. 26, 2022. ANDREW HARNIK/AP FILE en steps to reduce the potential for a logical Office said. Grainy webcam
that any of the cyber activity had any damaging cyber intrusion, and federal video showed the moment of the
impact on the election or on the vote to- and state officials have improved their eruption as a flash of light illuminat-
tals. represents a declassified overview of collaboration with the private sector. ing the sky at 10:17 p.m. local time. As
“We have no evidence that any de- the U.S. government’s assessment of Despite those improvements and the the eruption spread, magma, or
tected activity prevented voting, election security last year. It evaluated absence of disruptions in tallying vote semi-molten rock, could be seen
changed votes, or disrupted the ability the impact of foreign government activ- totals, the report does single out several spewing along the ridge of a hill.
to tally votes or to transmit election re- ity on election infrastructure but did not episodes that caught the attention of of- In November, police evacuated the
sults in a timely manner; altered any examine efforts by foreign governments ficials, including suspected Chinese town of Grindavik after strong seis-
technical aspect of the voting process; to shape public perception or sway vot- government hackers who scanned mic activity in the area damaged
or otherwise compromised the integrity ers’ opinions. “election-related and non-election state homes and raised fears of an immi-
of voter registration information or any That topic has been central to Amer- government websites” or collected pub- nent eruption.
ballots cast during 2022 federal elec- ican discourse in the last several elec- licly available U.S. voter information, as Iceland sits above a volcanic hot
tions,” the report says. tions, particularly after Russian opera- well as pro-Russian “hacktivists” who spot in the North Atlantic and aver-
The report, a joint document pre- tives in 2016 hacked Democratic emails claimed to have conducted a cyberat- ages an eruption every four to five
pared by the Justice Department and and facilitated their public release in tack that temporarily affected access to years.
the Department of Homeland Security, what U.S. officials have said was an ef- a U.S. state election office website. From wire reports
6NN | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | NATION & WORLD EXTRA - USA TODAY NETWORK

YouTube mom pleads

guilty in child abuse case
Franke family’s parenting ing to the 911 call released by the St.
George Police Department.
advice faced criticism The boy and Franke’s daughter, who
was also found at Hildebrandt’s house,
Amy Beth Hanson were taken to the hospital. Eventually,
ASSOCIATED PRESS Franke’s four youngest children were Jonathan Majors leaves a courtroom
taken into state custody. in New York on Monday after he was
A Utah mother of six who gave par- Franke and Hildebrandt were each convicted on misdemeanor assault
enting advice on YouTube pleaded charged with six felony counts of ag- and harassment charges.
guilty Monday to child abuse charges gravated child abuse. They have re- SETH WENIG/AP
and will go to prison for trying to con- mained jailed since their arrests.
vince her two youngest children they Utah mother Ruby Franke has pleaded During Franke’s incarceration, “she
were evil, possessed and needed to be
punished to repent.
Ruby Franke stood shackled in gray
guilty to four counts of aggravated
child abuse for abusing and starving
two of her children.
has actively engaged in an introspec-
tion that has allowed her to reset her
moral compass and understand the
Majors
and white jail clothing as she closed her RON CHAFFIN/ST. GEORGE NEWS VIA AP POOL full weight of her actions. Ms. Franke is Continued from Page 1NN
eyes and took a deep breath before committed to taking responsibility for
pleading guilty to each of her first three the part she played in the events lead- The swift move by Disney marked
charges. On the fourth, she fought back hours of physical tasks, summer work ing up to her incarceration,” the state- a stunning about-face for an actor
some emotion before saying: “With my outdoors without adequate water and ment said. who had been one of Hollywood’s
deepest regret and sorrow for my family “repeated and serious sunburns” that The boy told investigators that “Jo- fastest-rising stars. A Manhattan jury
and my children, guilty.” blistered. He was denied food or given di” put the ropes on his ankles and on Monday found the 34-year-old
Judge John J. Walton scheduled sen- very plain meals, and he was isolated wrists and that they used cayenne Majors guilty of one misdemeanor as-
tencing for Feb. 20 after accepting the from other people without access to pepper and honey to dress the wounds sault charge and one harassment vio-
plea agreement, which described new books, notebooks or electronics. caused by the ropes, according to a lation for a March altercation with his
details of the abuse the children en- After he tried to run away in July, his search warrant. then-girlfriend Grace Jabbari.
dured, including the claims that they hands and feet were regularly bound, Hildebrandt has agreed not to see Majors, who was acquitted of a dif-
were possessed. Under the plea agree- sometimes with handcuffs. patients until the allegations are ad- ferent assault charge and of aggravat-
ment, Franke agreed to serve a prison At times, ropes were used to tie to- dressed by state licensing officials. Her ed harassment, will be sentenced on
term and the sentences will run consec- gether handcuffs that secured his hands next court hearing is set for Dec. 27, ac- Feb. 6. He declined to comment as he
utively. Sentencing would be up to the and feet as he lay on his stomach, lifting cording to court records. Her attorney, left the courthouse. Majors’ attorney,
judge. his arms and legs off the ground and in- Douglas Terry, did not immediately re- Priya Chaudhry, said in a statement
Franke pleaded not guilty to two oth- juring his wrists and ankles, the plea turn a phone call seeking comment on that “it is clear that the jury did not
er counts, court records said, and was agreement said. the allegations made against Hilde- believe Grace Jabbari’s story of what
returned to custody after the hearing. Franke also admitted to kicking her brandt in the statement by Franke’s at- happened in the SUV because they
Under Utah law, second-degree ag- son while wearing boots, holding his torney. found that Mr. Majors did not inten-
gravated child abuse can be charged if head under water and smothering his The Franke family was criticized tionally cause any injuries to her.”
that person knowingly or intentionally mouth and nose with her hands, accord- online for its “8 Passengers” video blog “Mr. Majors still has faith in the
inflicts serious physical injury to a child ing to the plea agreement. showing parenting decisions includ- process and looks forward to fully
or causes or permits another to inflict “He was also told that everything ing banning their oldest son from his clearing his name,” said Chaudhry.
serious physical injury to their child. that was being done to him were acts of bedroom for seven months for prank- As the superhero studio prepared
Each charge carries a sentence of one to love,” the agreement states. ing his younger brother. In other phase five of the Marvel Cinematic
15 years in prison. Franke acknowledged similarly videos, Ruby Franke talked about re- Universe, it cast the highly acclaimed
Winward Law said in a statement Fri- abusing her 9-year-old daughter by fusing to take lunch to a kindergarten- Majors as the antagonist Kang the
day that the abuse occurred while forcing her to work outside, run on dirt er who forgot it at home and threaten- Conqueror. The character was to span
Franke was influenced by a relationship roads barefoot, and go without food and ing to cut the head off a young girl’s several films and series as the Marvel
counselor who led her to “a distorted water. stuffed toy to punish her for cutting Cinematic Universe’s next-phase an-
sense of morality.” “She was also repeatedly told she was things in the house. swer to Thanos, the villain of “Aveng-
“Ruby Franke is a devoted mother evil and possessed, the punishments In one video, Franke said she and ers: Endgame.”
and is also a woman committed to con- were necessary for her to be obedient her husband told their two youngest Majors had already appeared in
stant improvement,” Winward Law said and repent, and these things were being children that they would not be getting “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantuma-
in a statement. Franke initially believed done to her in order to help her,” the plea presents from Santa Claus one year nia” and the first two seasons of “Lo-
that her co-defendant Jodi Hildebrandt agreement said. The girl “was con- because they had been selfish and ki.” He was to star in “Avengers: The
“had the insight to offer a path to contin- vinced” what her mother said was true, weren’t responding to punishment like Kang Dynasty,” dated for release in
ual improvement,” but said that Hilde- the agreement said. being kept home from school and May 2026.
brandt “took advantage of this quest Franke and Hildebrandt were arrest- cleaning the floorboards. The future of “The Kang Dynasty”
and twisted it into something heinous.” ed on Aug. 30 after Franke’s 12-year-old The YouTube channel, which start- is now unclear. Disney declined to
In the plea agreement, Franke admits son escaped from Hildebrandt’s house ed in 2015, ended after seven years. comment on whether it will recast the
that she tortured her son from May 22 in the southern Utah city of Ivins and Franke’s husband, Kevin Franke, role of Kang or pivot in a new direc-
through Aug. 30 by forcing him into asked a neighbor to call police, accord- has filed for divorce. tion.
The studio has been preparing for
the possibility of Majors’ exit from the
franchise. But Marvel was limited in
its ability to fashion rewrites due to

Texas the screenwriters strike that ran from

May to late September. The studio re-
cently hired screenwriter Michael
Continued from Page 1NN Waldron to rework “The Kang Dynas-
ty.”
He did not offer evidence for that esti- For Marvel, Majors’ departure adds
mate. to a series of recent setbacks. Though
“The consequences of it are so ex- its box-office success – nearly $30 bil-
treme that the people being smuggled lion worldwide from 33 films – is un-
by the cartels, they will not want to be surpassed in movie history, the
coming into the state of Texas,” he said. superhero factory has recently seen
The law adds another tension point some atypical struggles. “The Mar-
over immigration amid a struggle be- vels,” released in November, has been
tween the White House and Senate ne- the MCU’s worst performer in thea-
gotiators to reach a deal on border secu- ters, with $204 million in worldwide
rity. Republicans in Congress are de- ticket sales.
manding changes to the immigration Majors also recently starred as a
system in exchange for any help for Uk- troubled amateur bodybuilder in
raine, Israel and other national security “Magazine Dreams,” which made an
needs. acclaimed debut at the Sundance
Texas Republicans have increasingly Migrants, many wearing mylar blankets supplied by the U.S. Border Patrol, try Film Festival in January and was ac-
challenged the U.S. government’s au- to stay warm after spending the night outside a processing center near the quired by the Disney-owned indie
thority over immigration, saying Presi- Mexican border on Monday in Eagle Pass, Texas. distributor Searchlight Pictures. Fol-
dent Joe Biden’s administration isn’t lowing its premiere, an Oscar nomi-
doing enough to control the 1,950-mile nation for Majors was widely predic-
southern border. During debate in the Texas House in ted.
Texas has bused more than 65,000 November, GOP state Rep. David Spill- “Magazine Dreams” had been dat-
migrants to cities across America since er pushed back against concerns that ed to open in theaters in Dec. 8. But
August 2022 and recently installed ra- the law would be used as a dragnet to ahead of Majors’ trial, Searchlight re-
zor wire along the banks of the Rio arrest immigrants statewide. He said moved the film from its release calen-
Grande, which has snagged and injured enforcement would mostly take place dar. Instead, on Dec. 8 text messages
some asylum-seekers. in border counties. But he also re- from Majors were read in the fifth day
The U.S. government on Monday buffed several efforts by Democrats to of the trial. In one, Majors begged Jab-
temporarily shut down two railroad bor- narrow the law, including a proposed bari not to seek medical attention for
der crossings in Texas, a move that rail carve-out for police on college cam- a head injury sustained in 2022,
operators said would hamper trade puses. warning she had “no perspective of
ahead of Christmas. Troy Miller, U.S. Under the Texas law, migrants ordered Because the illegal entry charge is a what could happen” if the truth got
Customs and Border Protection’s acting to leave would be sent to ports of misdemeanor, which has a statue of out.
commissioner, said the closures at Ea- entry along the border with Mexico, limitation of two years, Spiller has said In late February as “Creed III,” star-
gle Pass and El Paso were a response to even if they are not Mexican citizens. the law will not be used to target im- ring Majors alongside Michael B. Jor-
more migrants traveling on freight PHOTOS BY JOHN MOORE/GETTY IMAGES migrants who have long been settled in dan, was being released, Majors
trains, particularly over the last week. the U.S. spoke in an interview with The Asso-
Miller said authorities are seeing “This is not, ‘Round up everyone ciated Press in the neighborhood of
“unprecedented” arrivals at the border, immigration and foreign affairs,” the let- who is here illegally and ship them Chelsea, just a few blocks away from
topping 10,000 crossings on some days ter read. back to Mexico,’” he said during debate where his fight with Jabbari would
this month. Mexico’s government also has re- over the bill. weeks later spill out onto New York
Shortly after Abbott signed the new buked the measure. Under bilateral and Opponents have accused Texas Re- streets.
law, the American Civil Liberties Union international agreements, Mexico is re- publicans of using the law as a vehicle Majors then sounded acutely
of Texas said it would challenge the quired to accept deportations of its own to force the Supreme Court’s new con- aware that his rapid new fame carried
measure in court. More than 20 con- citizens, but not those of other coun- servative majority to revisit its land- the risk of a downfall.
gressional Democrats also signed a let- tries. Under the Texas law, migrants or- mark 2012 Arizona decision. At the “Though I’ve not seen the boogey-
ter urging the U.S. Justice Department dered to leave would be sent to ports of time, Justice Anthony Kennedy said man, I know it’s out there,” Majors
to sue to stop the law, known as Senate entry along the border with Mexico, Arizona may have “understandable said. “And I’ve been around to know
Bill 4. even if they are not Mexican citizens. In frustrations” with immigrants who are it’s comin’. I won’t go down my rabbit
“SB 4 is dangerous for the people of September and October, Venezuelans in the country illegally but that it can’t hole of death, but it’s comin’. But you
Texas and interferes with the federal were the largest nationality arrested for pursue policies that “undermine fed- outrun it. You just stay out of the
government’s exclusive authority over illegally crossing the U.S. border. eral law.” frame. I’ll stay out of the frame.”
 NATION & WORLD EXTRA - USA TODAY NETWORK | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | 7NN

Biden administration: EPA enforcement on upswing

Matthew Daly and Michael Phillis
ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON – The Environmental

Protection Agency conducted more on-
site inspections of polluting industrial
sites this year than any time since the
start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the
agency said Monday as it seeks to rein-
vigorate its enforcement program after
more than a decade of budget cuts.
EPA opened nearly 200 criminal in-
vestigations this year, a 70% increase
over 2022, the agency said in a report. It
completed nearly 1,800 civil settle-
ments, a 9% increase over 2022. More
than half the inspections and settle-
ments involved poor and disadvantaged
communities long scarred by pollution,
the agency said, reflecting the Biden ad-
ministration’s emphasis on environ-
mental justice issues.
But some parts of EPA’s enforcement
efforts still lag. In 2023, for example, it
charged 102 defendants criminally. The
Trump administration charged more ev-
ery year, although most years only mar-
ginally. Nearly 200 defendants were The Fifth Ward Elementary School and residential neighborhoods sit near the Denka Performance Elastomer Plant, seen in
charged in the latter years of the Obama the background, in Reserve, La. GERALD HERBERT/AP FILE
administration. There is, however, an
uptick in the number of criminal cases
they’ve opened recently. mental regulations. its plant that makes synthetic rubber.
EPA said its enforcement and com- “While our work is not complete, The Biden administration also went
pliance work have resulted in the reduc- EPA’s revitalized enforcement program to court to try to help the troubled Jack-
tion, treatment, elimination or minimi- is making a positive difference in com- son, Mississippi, water system, which
zation of 1.84 billion pounds of pollut- munities across America, particularly suffered a near-total collapse in 2022
ants, and required violators to pay over for people living in underserved and after a heavy rainstorm.
$704 million in penalties, fines, and res- overburdened communities that for too In May, the EPA reached a deal with a
titution. The dollar amount is a 57% in- long have borne the brunt of pollution,’’ BP subsidiary that required the compa-
crease over 2022. Uhlmann said in a statement. ny to reduce harmful pollution from its
This comes even as the EPA’s en- Uhlmann, who was confirmed as refinery in Indiana. The company also
forcement staff remains far below its EPA’s enforcement chief in July after a agreed to pay a $40 million penalty un-
peak of more than a decade ago, even as two-year delay, said in an interview that der the Clean Air Act.
officials move to add about 300 posi- enforcement efforts are “still a struggle” EPA Administrator Michael Regan, The agency has set climate change
tions. The increase in staffing comes af- at the environmental agency. right, speaks to reporters at the O.B. and environmental justice as top priori-
ter EPA eliminated approximately 950 “We can’t replace a decade of staff Curtis Water Treatment Plant about ties for enforcement, along with danger-
enforcement positions following budget cuts in one year, but I feel good that en- longstanding water issues that have ous chemicals known as PFAS that are
cuts imposed since 2011. forcement levels are back up to where plagued Jackson, Miss. linked to a broad range of health issues,
The 2011 budget and debt deal, which they were prior to the pandemic,’’ he ROGELIO V. SOLIS/AP FILE coal ash contamination, safe drinking
included automatic spending cuts, “hit said. water, prevention of toxic air pollution
all agencies hard, but hit EPA especially “EPA has increased enforcement ac- and chemical accident prevention, Uhl-
hard,’’ said David Uhlmann, EPA’s assis- tivities across the nation,’’ he said. “Pol- company pays for the cleanup. mann said.
tant administrator for enforcement. En- luters who broke the law are being The agency also sued Denka Perfor- Uhlmann, a longtime environmental
forcement efforts were further ham- brought to justice.’’ mance Elastomer LLC, arguing that its law professor at the University of Michi-
pered by an inability to complete many EPA sued Norfolk Southern railway petrochemical operations in southern gan Law School, declined to give a letter
on-site inspections during the pandem- over a train derailment in eastern Ohio Louisiana posed an unacceptable can- grade to the agency’s overall efforts. But
ic, which began nearly four years ago, that spilled hazardous chemicals and cer risk to the mostly Black community given budget constraints and other is-
and a series of actions by former Presi- forced thousands of people to evacuate. nearby. The EPA has demanded that the sues, his staff was “hitting it out of the
dent Donald Trump to roll back environ- Federal officials want to ensure the company reduce toxic emissions from park” over the past year, he said.

Fresh EU sanctions aimed at

Russia’s diamond industry
ASSOCIATED PRESS

BRUSSELS – The European Union

said Monday that it has imposed fresh
sanctions on Russia over its war
against Ukraine, targeting the lucra-
tive diamonds industry, more than 140
officials and organizations, and clos-
ing loopholes that Moscow has used to
The USS Carney is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer that has bypass previous punitive measures.
already shot down multiple rockets the Houthis have fired toward Israel so far It’s the 12th round of sanctions and
during the war. PETTY OFFICER 3RD CLASS BILL DODGE/U.S. NAVY VIA AP restrictions that the EU has slapped on
Russia since President Vladimir Putin The import, purchase or transfer of
ordered his troops into Ukraine almost Russian nonindustrial natural and
New mission will counter two years ago. The measures have tar-
geted the energy sector, banks, com-
synthetic diamonds and diamond
jewelry will be banned starting Jan. 1.

attacks on vessels in Red Sea panies and markets, and made over
1,000 Russian officials subject to asset
freezes and travel bans.
PHOTOS BY VIRGINIA MAYO/AP FILE

Tara Copp and Lolita C. Baldor publicly announced. EU headquarters said the latest
ASSOCIATED PRESS The mission will be coordinated by measures would “deliver a further
the already existing Combined Task blow to Putin’s ability to wage war by
MANAMA, Bahrain – The U.S. and a Force 153, which was set up in April targeting high-value sectors of the
host of other nations are creating a new 2022 to improve maritime security in Russian economy and making it more
force to protect ships transiting the Red the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb and the difficult to circumvent EU sanctions.”
Sea that have come under attack by Gulf of Aden. There have been 39 The import, purchase or transfer of
drones and ballistic missiles fired from member nations in CTF 153, but offi- Russian nonindustrial natural and
Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, De- cials were working to determine which synthetic diamonds and diamond
fense Secretary Lloyd Austin an- of them would participate in this latest jewelry will be banned starting Jan. 1.
nounced early Tuesday in Bahrain. effort. The ban applies to diamonds originat-
The seriousness of the attacks, sev- Separately, the United States has ing in Russia, exported from Russia The European Union said Monday that
eral of which have damaged the vessels, also called on the United Nations Se- and transiting through Russia, as well it has imposed fresh sanctions on
has led multiple shipping companies to curity Council to take action against as Russian diamonds processed else- Russia over its war against Ukraine,
order their ships to hold in place and not the attacks. where. closing loopholes that Moscow has
enter the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until the In a letter to council members ob- The EU estimates the diamond sec- used to bypass previous punitive
security situation can be addressed. tained Monday by The Associated tor to be worth around $4.5 billion measures.
“This is an international challenge Press, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thom- each year to Moscow.
that demands collective action,” De- as-Greenfield said Houthi attacks tar- The new round of sanctions also
fense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in geting commercial vessels legally obliges EU companies to prohibit in The EU also added 29 more “entities”
statement released just after midnight transiting the international waterways their contracts the export of certain – often organizations, agencies, compa-
in Bahrain. “Therefore today I am an- continue to threaten “navigational goods so buyers can’t sell them on to nies or banks – alleged to be supporting
nouncing the establishment of Opera- rights and freedoms, international Russia, particularly “sensitive goods Russia’s military and industrial com-
tion Prosperity Guardian, an important maritime security, and international and technology” that could be used by plex in the war against Ukraine. The en-
new multinational security initiative.” commerce.” the Russian armed forces in Ukraine. tities and people whose assets have
The United Kingdom, Bahrain, Cana- The 15 council members discussed Additional chemicals, lithium bat- been frozen were not immediately
da, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, the Houthi threat behind closed doors teries, thermostats, certain electric named.
Seychelles and Spain will join the U.S. in Monday but took no immediate action. motors that could be used in the man- The sanctions were expected to be
the new mission, Austin announced. Three U.S. warships – the USS Car- ufacture of drones, and some machine published in the EU’s official journal
Some of the countries will conduct joint ney and the USS Mason, Navy destroy- tools and parts have been put on the shortly, which allows for them to for-
patrols while others will provide intelli- ers – have been moving through the EU’s list of restricted items banned for mally enter force.
gence support in the southern Red Sea Bab el-Mandeb Strait daily to help de- export to Russia. The 27 EU countries will now consid-
and the Gulf of Aden. ter and respond to attacks from the Imports into the EU of some goods er imposing sanctions against people
Several other countries have also Houthis. that generate significant revenue for who benefit from the seizure of Euro-
agreed to be involved in the operation The move to set up the expanded Russia also were tightened, including pean assets or parts of companies in
but prefer not to be publicly named, a operation came after three commer- on copper and aluminum wire, foil, Russia. The member states will also
defense official said on the condition of cial vessels were struck by missiles quantities of tubes and pipes above a come under tighter control to ensure
anonymity to discuss additional details fired by Iranian-back Houthis in Ye- certain limit, and restrictions on lique- they are actively tracing the assets of
of the new mission that have not been men on Dec. 3. fied propane. people targeted for sanctions.
8NN | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | NATION & WORLD EXTRA - USA TODAY NETWORK

UN vote on ‘cessation of hostilities’ delayed

Resolution urges action
in Gaza to deliver aid
Edith M. Lederer
ASSOCIATED PRESS

UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. Securi-

ty Council delayed until Tuesday morn-
ing a vote on an Arab-sponsored resolu-
tion calling for a halt to hostilities in Ga-
za to allow for urgently needed aid deliv-
eries to a massive number of civilians as
members intensified negotiations to try
to avoid another veto by the United
States.
The council said Monday’s 5 p.m.
EST vote would not take place, and dip-
lomats said negotiations were taking
place to get the United States, Israel’s
closest ally, to abstain or vote “yes” on
the resolution.
A key issue is how to implement and
sustain a desperately needed aid opera-
tion. Human Rights Watch accused Is-
rael earlier Monday of deliberately
starving Gaza’s population by blocking
the delivery of water, food and fuel, a
method of warfare that it described as a
war crime. The United Nations’ food
agency reported on Dec. 14 that 56% of
Gaza’s households were experiencing
“severe levels of hunger,” up from 38%
two weeks earlier.
The draft on the table Monday morn- Humanitarian aid trucks enter through the Kerem Shalom crossing from Israel into the Gaza Strip Monday. The UN’s food
ing called for an “urgent and sustainable agency reported Dec. 14 that 56% of Gaza’s households were experiencing “severe levels of hunger.” PHOTOS BY HATEM ALI/AP
cessation of hostilities” for humanitar-
ian access to deliver aid. But this lan-
guage is expected to be watered down to General Assembly resolutions are not throughout the Gaza Strip.”
a “suspension” of hostilities or some- legally binding, but though they are a It “calls for an urgent and sustainable
thing possibly weaker to satisfy the significant barometer of world opinion. cessation of hostilities to allow safe and
Americans, the diplomats said, speak- The draft resolution that was being unhindered humanitarian access” in
ing on condition of anonymity because considered by the 15 council members Gaza and also “firmly condemns all vio-
discussions have been private. on Monday recognizes that civilians in lations of international humanitarian
The U.S. vetoed a Security Council Gaza don’t have access to sufficient law, including all indiscriminate attacks
resolution on Dec. 8 that was backed by food, water, sanitation, electricity, tele- against civilians and civilian objects, all
almost all council members and dozens communications and medical services violence and hostilities against civil-
of other nations demanding an immedi- “essential for their survival.” Also, it ians, and all acts of terrorism.”
ate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. would express the council’s “strong A key issue before the U.N. Security The draft also demands the immedi-
The 193-member General Assembly concern for the disproportionate effect Council is how to implement and ate and unconditional release of all Ha-
overwhelmingly approved a similar res- that the conflict is having on the lives sustain the aid operation. mas-held hostages .
olution on Dec. 12 by a vote of 153-10, and well-being of children, women and The draft confirms its “unwavering
with 23 abstentions. other civilians in vulnerable situations.” commitment to the vision of the two-
The importance of a Security Council The draft, obtained by The Associat- umanitarian law and enable “the imme- state solution,” and stresses “the impor-
resolution is that it is legally binding, ed Press, demands the parties to the diate, safe and unhindered delivery of tance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the
but in practice many parties choose to conflict – Hamas and Israel – fulfill their humanitarian assistance at scale direct- West Bank under the Palestinian Au-
ignore the council’s requests for action. obligations under international h ly to the Palestinian civilian population thority.”

Scale-down
Continued from Page 1NN

around 19 women and two children

freed first. Hamas says the women in-
clude soldiers, for whom it is expected
to demand a higher price in terms of
prisoner releases.
Hamas and other militants are still
holding an estimated 129 captives. Ha-
mas has said no more hostages will be
released until the war ends.

Scaling down the war

Austin, who arrived in Israel with

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown,
said he and Israeli officials exchanged
“thoughts on how to transition from
high intensity operations” in Gaza and
how to increase the flow of humanitar-
ian aid.
American officials have called for tar-
geted operations aimed at killing Ha-
mas leaders, destroying tunnels and
rescuing hostages. U.S. President Joe
Biden warned last week that Israel is
losing international support because of
its “indiscriminate bombing.”
Speaking alongside Austin, Israeli
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said only
that “the war will take time.”
Israeli military spokesman Daniel
Hagari said the Israeli chief of staff met The sun sets Monday in Egypt across the border from the southern Gaza Strip near tents housing Palestinians displaced by
with Austin and Brown and presented the conflict. MAHMUD HAMS/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
“plans for the continuation of the battle
in the coming stages.”
European countries appear to be los- Israeli strikes Sunday on residential that the U.S. and other nations have cre-
ing patience. “Far too many civilians buildings in the urban Jabaliya refugee ated a new force to protect commercial
have been killed in Gaza,” EU foreign camp in northern Gaza, Munir al- ships passing through the Red Sea from
policy chief Josep Borrell posted on X. Boursh, a senior Health Ministry offi- attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The
Under U.S. pressure, Israel provided cial, told Al Jazeera television. Houthis say their attacks aim to end Is-
more precise evacuation instructions Fierce fighting continued Monday in rael’s offensive in Gaza, and their cam-
earlier this month as troops moved into Jabaliya and the Gaza City districts of paign has prompted a growing list of
the southern city of Khan Younis. Still, Zaytoun and Shijaiyah, where tens of companies to halt operations in the ma-
casualties have continued to mount and thousands of Palestinians remain jor trade route.
Palestinians say nowhere in Gaza is safe trapped, crowded in homes or schools. “This is an international challenge
as Israel carries out strikes in all parts of In Jabaliya, first responders and resi- Soldiers stop for lunch near the Gaza that demands collective action,” Austin
the territory. dents searched the rubble of many col- border on Monday in Re’im, Israel. said in statement.
Israel reopened its main cargo cross- lapsed buildings. “They use their hands ALEXI J. ROSENFELD/GETTY IMAGES Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah have
ing with Gaza to allow more aid in – also and shovels,” said Amal Radwan, who is traded fire along the border nearly every
after a U.S. request. But the amount is staying at a U.N. shelter there. “We need day since the war began. And in the Is-
less than half of prewar imports, even as bulldozers and above all the bombing to ground offensive. It says it has killed raeli-occupied West Bank, over 300 Pal-
needs have soared and fighting hinders stop.” thousands of militants, without provid- estinians have been killed since the
delivery in many areas. Israel blocked More than 19,400 Palestinians have ing evidence. start of the war, including four overnight
entry off all goods into Gaza soon after been killed, according to the Health Israel blames civilian deaths on Ha- during an Israeli military raid in the Fa-
the war started and weeks later began Ministry, which has said that most are mas, saying it uses them as human raa refugee camp, according to the Pal-
allowing a small amount of aid in women and minors and that thousands shields. But the military rarely com- estinian Health Ministry.
through Egypt. more are buried under rubble. The min- ments on individual strikes. This has been the deadliest year for
istry does not differentiate between ci- Palestinians in the West Bank since
More death and destruction vilian and combatant deaths. Regional tensions 2005. Most have been killed during mil-
Israel’s military says 127 of its sol- itary raids, which often ignite gunbat-
At least 110 people were killed in diers have been killed in the Gaza In Bahrain early Tuesday, Austin said tles, or during violent demonstrations.
 SPORTS EXTRA - USA TODAY NETWORK | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | 1NS

SPORTS EXTRA

SEAHAWKS 20, EAGLES 17

Drew Lock of the Seahawks looks to pass in the second half against the Eagles at Lumen Field in Seattle on Monday night. STEPH CHAMBERS/GETTY IMAGES

LOCKED IN
Late TD pass rallies paused briefly to reflect.
Rare is the chance to have a moment
be as ready as you can be.”
Lock threw a 29-yard touchdown
for its longest touchdown drive this sea-
son and found the Seahawks’ rookie
Seahawks over Eagles like what the Seattle Seahawks’ backup pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba with 28 sec- first-round pick for the biggest catch of
quarterback experienced on Monday onds left to cap a 92-yard drive, and the his young career.
Tim Booth night. Seahawks stunned the Philadelphia Ea- On third-and-10, Smith-Njigba beat
ASSOCIATED PRESS “I think it was just the over-the-top of gles 20-17, ending a four-game skid and James Bradberry off the line and Lock’s
feeling of you don’t get very many mo- getting back into NFC playoff conten- throw was perfect to cap an unlikely
SEATTLE – Amid the flood of emo- ments, you don’t very many opportuni- tion. comeback from an early 10-0 deficit.
tions that continued long after he ties in this league,” Lock said. “And with Seattle (7-7) rallied behind Lock, who
walked off the field a winner, Drew Lock every opportunity you get, you need to moved the team the length of the field See SEAHAWKS, Page 2NS

WESTERN KENTUCKY 38, OLD DOMINION 35 (OT)

Veltkamp throws for 5 TDs,

Western Kentucky wins
Famous Toastery Bowl
Steve Reed reer, threw a 15-yard touchdown pass on
ASSOCIATED PRESS fourth-and-goal with 19 seconds left in
regulation to push the game into an ex-
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Western Ken- tra period.
tucky redshirt freshman quarterback The Hilltoppers (8-5) blocked a short
Caden Veltkamp decided to enter the field-goal attempt in the extra period –
transfer portal earlier this year after be- their second blocked kick of the game –
ing told by the coaching staff he’d be before Carneiro drilled his.
converted to tight end if he came back “I knew I could do it; I knew it was in
next season. me,” Veltkamp said. “But it’s all credit to
The Hilltoppers may want to recon- these guys around me. I love these guys.
sider that plan. I love this team and I would do anything
Veltkamp came off the bench to for this team.”
throw for 383 yards and five touch- As for his future, he said, “they told
downs, Lucas Carneiro made a winning me if I come back I’m a tight end. So we
29-yard field goal in overtime and West- will see if they still want to do that. We’ll
ern Kentucky erased a 28-point deficit see.”
to beat Old Dominion 38-35 on Monday Western Kentucky’s Dalvin Smith
at the Famous Toastery Bowl. had nine receptions for 77 yards and
Veltkamp, the Hilltoppers third- three touchdown catches, two of which
string quarterback this season who had Western Kentucky quarterback Caden Veltkamp (10) runs the ball against Old
thrown just six passes in his college ca- See BOWL, Page 6NS Dominion on Monday. JIM DEDMON/USA TODAY SPORTS

SUBSCRIBER-EXCLUSIVE SECTION
2NS | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | SPORTS EXTRA - USA TODAY NETWORK

NFL

NOTEBOOK

NFL suspends Steelers safety for rest of season

ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK – The NFL suspended

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae
Kazee without pay for the remainder of
the season for what the league de-
scribed as “repeated violations” of rules
designed to protect player safety.
The ruling, issued by NFL Vice Presi-
dent of Football Operations Jon Runyan
on Monday, means Kazee will miss
Pittsburgh’s final three regular-season
games and any potential playoff games
if the Steelers (7-7) advance to the post-
season.
Kazee was ejected from Pittsburgh’s
30-13 loss to Indianapolis on Saturday
after hitting diving Colts wide receiver
Michael Pittman Jr. in the second quar-
ter. Pittman laid out to try and catch a
pass and Kazee made contact with Pitt-
man’s head. Pittman left the game and
went into the concussion protocol.
Runyan wrote in a letter to Kazee that
illegal contact with Pittman “could have
been avoided.” Runyan pointed to Ka-
zee’s repeated violations of safety rules
as one of the driving forces behind the
suspension.
Kazee, a seven-year veteran, has
been fined nearly a half-dozen times by Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) collides with Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) at Lucas Oil Stadium.
the league this season. He will forfeit ROBERT SCHEER/USA TODAY SPORTS
around $208,000 in game checks by
missing Pittsburgh’s final three games.
The suspension means Pittsburgh are 28th in scoring and haven’t scored penalty that gave Kansas City the ball protocol and was not allowed to speak
will be without both of its starting safe- more than 18 points in each of their past back. The Chiefs, who improved to 9-5 to reporters afterward.
ties against the Bengals. Minkah Fitz- five games, a stretch in which they’ve with the win over the Patriots, were It was the Jaguars’ third consecutive
patrick is already out with a knee injury. gone just 1-4 to squander the momen- hopeful that Moore could improve upon loss and dropped them into a tie with
Also, the Steelers are turning to Ma- tum generated by a somewhat surpris- a rookie season in which he caught 22 Houston and Indianapolis atop the AFC
son Rudolph at quarterback in hopes of ing 6-3 start. passes for 250 yards but began to show South at 8-6.
salvaging their season. promise late in the season and into the “Again, we can’t get out of our way,”
Coach Mike Tomlin said Monday that Chiefs put struggling WR Moore playoffs. Instead, Moore caught just 21 Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said.
Rudolph, a six-year veteran who hasn’t on injured reserve passes for 244 yards and a touchdown “That’s the frustrating part because we
started a meaningful game since 2021, while ceding playing time to other wide do some really good things, and then it’s
will start on Saturday against Cincin- KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City receivers. a play two or here and there that keep us
nati if Kenny Pickett’s surgically re- Chiefs placed wide receiver Skyy Moore from scoring.”
paired right ankle isn’t healthy in time. on injured reserve Monday, ending what Jags’ Lawrence lands in Lawrence completed 25 of 43 passes
Rudolph replaces Mitch Trubisky, had been a disappointing second sea- concussion protocol for 264 yards, with a 65-yard touch-
who struggled in losses to New England son for the 2022 second-round draft down pass to Jamal Agnew as one of his
and Indianapolis while filling in for Pick- pick. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Trevor Law- few highlights. He also led the team with
ett. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said earlier in rence will have to wait a few days, at the 41 yards rushing. But his miscues stood
“We’ve got a great deal of comfort the day that Moore had some swelling in very least, to address his latest debacle. out.
with (Rudolph),” Tomlin said. “Why are his knee, which caused him to play lim- Lawrence fumbled twice in Jackson- The Jaguars had four scoring
we making the change, man? We don’t ited snaps during Sunday’s 27-17 win in ville’s 23-7 home loss to Baltimore on chances in the first half but failed to
like what we’re looking at and the con- New England. But in the time that he Sunday night and made a head-scratch- cash in on any of them. They managed
sistency of it. What I mean is we’re not was on the field, Moore once again fum- ing throw short of the end zone in the 181 yards, which was the most by a team
scoring enough points.” bled the ball away after a catch, only to waning seconds of the first half. He end- in an opening half this season that did
Not by a long shot. The Steelers (7-7) be bailed out by a defensive holding ed the night in the NFL’s concussion not score.

Seahawks STARTING LOCK

Smith remained sidelined by a groin

Continued from Page 1NS injury, although he was active for the
game and warmed up on his own a cou-
Lock, who made his second straight ple hours before kickoff. Seattle coach
start in place of the injured Geno Smith, Pete Carroll said the decision to start
connected with DK Metcalf three times Lock was made about 90 minutes before
on the decisive drive, including much- the game.
needed chunk plays of 18 and 34 yards. Lock didn’t put up big numbers, but
Seattle moved into a logjam with four he avoided major mistakes and was
teams currently at .500 that are battling great on the final drive, when he com-
for the NFC’s last two playoff spots, pleted 5 of 10 passes and accounted for
while Philadelphia (10-4) lost its third all 92 yards.
straight and wasted a chance to move a “It’s a memory you’re never going to
game ahead of Dallas in the NFC East. lose. He’s going to hold on to this Mon-
The defending NFC champion Eagles day night forever,” Carroll said. “He
have already secured a playoff spot. earned it, he deserved it. He played up to
Philadelphia had one last opportuni- the great moments in the game and
ty, but Julian Love made his second in- came through.”
terception of the fourth quarter, picking
off Jalen Hurts’ deep pass intended for UP NEXT
A.J. Brown and just getting his feet
down inbounds. Eagles: Host the New York Giants on
“I was watching (Brown) that entire Christmas Day.
play. I was in the post, I saw a double Seahawks: At Tennessee on Sunday.
move, I just took off. I saw the ball float-
ing and I must be living right because I
got my feet in, thankfully,” Love said. Seattle 20, Philadelphia 17
Philadelphia 7 3 7 0 — 17
Love also picked off Hurts in the end Seattle 0 3 7 10 — 20
zone on a deep shot for Quez Watkins First Quarter
with 8:08 remaining to prevent the Ea- Phi—Hurts 3 run (Elliott kick), 6:31.
Second Quarter
gles from extending their 17-13 lead. Phi—FG Elliott 27, 6:20.
Lock’s touchdown pass to Smith- Sea—FG Myers 26, 1:42.
Third Quarter
Njigba was a play Seattle ran earlier in Sea—Walker 23 run (Myers kick), 10:05.
the game, and Lock knew if he got single Phi—Hurts 1 run (Elliott kick), 4:43.
Fourth Quarter
coverage again, the throw was headed Sea—FG Myers 43, 10:00.
to the rookie. Sea—Smith-Njigba 29 pass from Lock (Myers kick), :28.
“Sure enough, they gave us one-on- Phi Sea
First downs 23 16
one. It was kind of the perfect look,” said Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) passes against the Seahawks during the Total Net Yards 321 297
Lock, who finished 22 of 33 for 208 fourth quarter at Lumen Field. JOE NICHOLSON/USA TODAY SPORTS Rushes-yards 38-178 24-100
Passing 143 197
yards. Punt Returns 3-30 2-7
It was the second game-winning Kickoff Returns 1-13 0-0
touchdown in the fourth quarter for Hurts, who was questionable to play for the first three quarters he played well Interceptions Ret. 0-0 2-0
Comp-Att-Int 17-31-2 22-33-0
Smith-Njigba, who had one against with an illness, had a difficult night. He enough. He capped a pair of long scoring Sacked-Yards Lost 0-0 2-11
Cleveland. And it looked awfully famil- had 13 carries for 82 yards and two drives with touchdown runs of 3 yards Punts 5-49.6 5-56.0
iar to a catch he made for Ohio State in touchdowns, but he was just 17 of 31 and 1 yard. Hurts now has 14 rushing Fumbles-Lost 0-0 0-0
Penalties-Yards 5-40 5-35
the Rose Bowl against Utah. passing for 143 yards with the two picks. touchdowns, tied with Cam Newton in Time of Possession 32:58 27:02
“Definitely kind of similar. Same kind Hurts was unable to practice after 2011 for the most by a quarterback in a INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
of corner. I’ve been making catches like getting sick on Saturday. He flew sepa- season. RUSHING—Philadelphia, Hurts 13-82, Swift 18-74, Gainwell 6-21,
Goedert 1-1. Seattle, Walker 19-86, Charbonnet 4-16, Lock
that for a long time,” Smith-Njigba said. rately from his teammates on a private “I liked the opportunity to to go out 1-(minus 2).
PASSING—Philadelphia, Hurts 17-31-2-143. Seattle, Lock
Lock was also the lead blocker on jet to Seattle and it wasn’t clear he there and execute regardless what the 22-33-0-208.
Kenneth Walker III’s 23-yard touch- would play until the list of inactive play- circumstances is and I didn’t do a good RECEIVING—Philadelphia, A.Brown 5-56, D.Smith 5-50, Goedert
4-30, Swift 2-1, Jones 1-6. Seattle, Metcalf 5-78, Smith-Njigba
down run in the third quarter that pulled ers was announced 90 minutes before job with that,” Hurts said. “I didn’t lead 4-48, Walker 3-26, Lockett 3-21, Fant 3-16, Dissly 2-9, Parkinson
Seattle even at 10-10. Walker finished kickoff. good enough. I didn’t do a good enough 1-6, Bobo 1-4.
MISSED FIELD GOALS—None.
with 86 yards rushing. Hurts didn’t look like he felt great, but job in any circumstance.”
 SPORTS EXTRA - USA TODAY NETWORK | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | 3NS

NBA

ROUNDUP

Pistons near NBA history with 24-game skid

ASSOCIATED PRESS bench outscored the Mavericks re-
serves by a 62-34 margin to help the
ATLANTA – Trae Young extended his Nuggets bounce back from a home loss
recent hot streak with another double- to Oklahoma City over the weekend.
double, scoring 31 points with 15 assists, Leading 77-70 with 6:48 remaining in
as the Atlanta Hawks beat Detroit 130- the third, the Nuggets pulled away on
124 on Monday night, handing the Pis- the strength of a 21-10 run to close out
tons their 24th consecutive loss. the quarter. Murray helped ignite the
The Pistons’ last win came on Oct. 28 pivotal run and had 10 points in the peri-
against Chicago. Detroit is two losses od. He’s finding his shooting touch after
away from matching the NBA’s longest dealing with hamstring and ankle inju-
losing streak in one season. ries this season.
The NBA record for the longest losing Luka Doncic scored 22 of his 38
streak within a single season is 26, points in the second quarter to keep
shared by the 2010-11 Cleveland Cava- Dallas close. He also had 11 rebounds.
liers and 2013-14 Philadelphia 76ers. The Mavericks were missing Kyrie Ir-
The 76ers lost a record 28 consecutive ving (heel), Josh Green (elbow), Maxi
games over the 2014-15 and 2015-16 sea- Kleber (toe) and Dereck Lively II (an-
sons. kle).
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons
with a career-high 43 points. Bojan Bog- KINGS 143, WIZARDS 131
danovic had 25 points. Pistons center James Wiseman (13) is fouled by Hawks guard Trae Young (11) at
State Farm Arena. BRETT DAVIS/USA TODAY SPORTS SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Domantas
CLIPPERS 151, PACERS 127 Sabonis had his 35th career triple-dou-
ble with 28 points, 13 rebounds and 12
INDIANAPOLIS – James Harden bounds for the Timberwolves. owns the record with 13 victories in a assists as Sacramento beat Washing-
scored 21 of his season-best 35 points in Minnesota improved to 20-5, tying row from 2006-08. ton.
the fourth quarter and had nine assists idle Boston for the NBA’s best record. Rockets center Alperin Sengun made De’Aaron Fox scored 12 of his 30
as Los Angeles extended the league’s The Timberwolves gave up just 42 one free throw with 36.8 seconds left in points during Sacramento’s 46-point
longest active winning streak to eight points in the second half, after trailing regulation to tie it. Caris LeVert missed a third quarter, and Keegan Murray added
games by routing Indiana. by as many as 17 points in the early go- 3-pointer on the Cavaliers’ subsequent 25 on a night when six Kings scored in
Kawhi Leonard added 28 points for ing. possession and Sengun’s fadeaway at double figures. Harrison Barnes had 19,
Los Angeles and Paul George added 27 Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo re- the buzzer rimmed out. Kevin Huerter 14 and Malik Monk fin-
against his former team. Facing the turned from long injury absences and Fred VanVleet had season highs of 27 ished with 10 as Sacramento (16-9) won
league’s second-worst defense, the combined for 47 points for the Heat; points and 17 assists, along with eight for the fourth time in five games.
Clippers matched their season-high Herro scored 25, Adebayo had 22. Jim- rebounds, and Sengun had 24 points, Jordan Poole matched his career high
point total for a half with 77 in the first my Butler scored 15, Duncan Robinson eight rebounds and six assists. The with eight 3-pointers and scored 28
on the way to their highest-scoring 14 and Josh Richardson 13 for the Heat. Rockets are 2-10 on the road and 11-1 at points for the Wizards. Kyle Kuzma add-
game of the season. home. ed 27, but Washington (4-22) has lost 17
Bennedict Mathurin had a season- BULLS 108, 76ERS 104 of its last 19 games.
high 34 points to lead Indiana. Isaiah THUNDER 116, GRIZZLIES 97
Jackson scored 15 points while starting PHILADELPHIA – Coby White RAPTORS 114, HORNETS 99
in place of injured two-time NBA blocks scored 24 points and Chicago held on to OKLAHOMA CITY – Shai Gilgeous-
champion Myles Turner. snap Philadelphia’s six-game winning Alexander had 30 points and nine re- TORONTO – Pascal Siakam scored
streak. bounds in three quarters to help Okla- eight of his 27 points in the fourth quar-
KNICKS 114, LAKERS 109 Former Sixer Nikola Vucevic chipped homa City beat Memphis in the Griz- ter, Gary Trent Jr. had season highs of 22
in 23 points while DeMar DeRozan add- zlies’ final game before Ja Morant re- points and 10 rebounds, and Toronto
LOS ANGELES – Jalen Brunson ed 15 for the Bulls. turns from his suspension. rallied past a Charlotte team missing
scored 11 of his 29 points in the fourth The Bulls have won six of their last Gilgeous-Alexander hit a game-win- Miles Bridges and three other starters.
quarter, and New York overcame LeBron nine even though they are playing with- ner at Denver on Saturday night and fol- Bridges was denied entrance to Can-
James’ 109th career triple-double for a out All-Star Zach LaVine, who has been lowed it up by making 8 of 18 field goals ada due to his past legal problems, a
victory over Los Angeles. sidelined with left foot inflammation and 13 of 14 free throws against Mem- person familiar with the situation told
Julius Randle had 27 points and 14 re- and is likely still a little bit away from re- phis. The Associated Press. Hornets coach
bounds, and Immanuel Quickley scored turning. Chet Holmgren had 17 points, seven Steve Clifford would not comment on
20 points while the Knicks hung tough Joel Embiid had 40 points and 13 re- blocks and six rebounds. Josh Giddey the reason for Bridges’ absence before
in the fourth quarter and survived a ral- bounds, his 11th straight game with 30 or added 16 points and 12 rebounds for the the game.
ly led by James to earn their second road more points and 10 or more boards. Ty- Thunder, who have won four of five.
win over the Lakers in 2023. rese Maxey added 29 points in the 76ers’ Ziaire Williams scored 19 points and JAZZ 125, NETS 108
James had 25 points, 11 assists and 11 first loss to a team without a winning Desmond Bane added 17 for the Grizzlies
rebounds for the Lakers, who have lost record this season after starting 12-0 (6-19), who have lost five straight. Jaren SALT LAKE CITY – Collin Sexton and
three of four since winning the inaugu- against sub-.500 teams. No other Sixers Jackson Jr., who had scored at least 40 Talen Horton-Tucker scored 27 points
ral In-Season Tournament. Anthony player was able to crack double figures. points in two of his past three games, apiece to lead Utah over Brooklyn.
Davis had 32 points and 14 rebounds, finished with 11. Sexton had his fifth straight 20-point
but Los Angeles couldn’t capitalize on CAVALIERS 135, ROCKETS 130, OT game to help Utah win for the third time
numerous chances down the stretch to NUGGETS 130, MAVERICKS 104 in four games. Horton-Tucker also had a
close the gap. CLEVELAND – Donovan Mitchell team-high six assists. Lauri Markkanen
scored 37 points, Sam Merrill had a ca- DENVER – Jamal Murray finished added 20 points and 10 rebounds, and
TIMBERWOLVES 112, HEAT 108 reer-high 19 off the bench and Cleveland with 22 points, going 4 for 4 from 3- Walker Kessler tallied 14 points, 14 re-
earned its 11th consecutive overtime vic- point range, to help Denver race past bounds and five blocks.
MIAMI – Anthony Edwards scored 32 tory by beating Houston. short-handed Dallas. Cam Thomas led the Nets with 32
points, Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 Merrill had five points and Max Strus Aaron Gordon tied a season high with points, and Spencer Dinwiddie chipped
and Minnesota clamped down in the added four in the extra period, when 21 points, while Nikola Jokic added eight in 17 points, 11 assists and eight re-
second half to beat Miami. Cleveland outscored Houston 13-8 to points, nine rebounds and seven assists bounds. Brooklyn’s three-game win-
Naz Reid scored 15, Mike Conley add- match the second-longest OT winning in a game where the Nuggets starters ning streak against Utah was snapped.
ed 12 and Rudy Gobert grabbed 16 re- streak in NBA history. New Orleans got the fourth quarter off. The Denver

MONDAY’S BOX SCORES

N.Y. Knicks 114, L.A. Lakers 109 32, Finney-Smith 2-7 0-0 6, O'Neale 2-6 0-0 6, OKLAHOMA CITY (116) D.Robinson 5-9 0-0 14, Highsmith 0-0 0-0 0, Harris 1-1, House Jr. 1-1, Batum 1-4, Oubre Jr. 1-5,
NEW YORK (114) Watford 2-3 0-0 5, Wilson 1-1 2-2 5, Giles III 0-0 0-0 Dort 4-7 0-0 11, Jal.Williams 3-9 3-4 10, Holmgren Jaquez Jr. 3-8 2-2 8, Richardson 4-6 3-3 13. Totals Melton 0-1, Reed 0-1, Beverley 0-2). Fouled
Barrett 3-10 6-6 12, Randle 12-22 2-2 27, Sims 0-0 0, Sharpe 3-5 0-1 6. Totals 39-90 14-20 108. 7-14 1-1 17, Giddey 6-12 4-4 16, Gilgeous-Alexander 41-87 15-18 108. Out_None. Rebounds_Chicago 45 (Drummond,
0-0 0, Brunson 10-21 6-6 29, DiVincenzo 3-5 0-0 8, UTAH (125) 8-18 13-14 30, Dieng 2-5 0-0 4, Jay.Williams 1-3 0-0 MIN 22 32 23 35 — 112 Vucevic, White 8), Philadelphia 44 (Embiid 14).
2, K.Williams 2-3 0-0 6, Sarr 3-5 0-0 6, Joe 2-5 0-0 MIA 33 33 17 25 — 108 Assists_Chicago 24 (White 9), Philadelphia 23
Gibson 0-0 0-0 0, Hartenstein 3-4 3-6 9, Grimes 1-5 Fontecchio 1-7 0-0 2, Markkanen 6-14 7-7 20,
0-0 3, Hart 2-6 2-2 6, Quickley 8-15 1-1 20. Totals Kessler 6-8 2-4 14, Horton-Tucker 11-19 0-0 27, 5, Mann 0-0 0-0 0, Micic 0-1 0-0 0, Wallace 3-6 0-0 3-Point Goals—Minnesota 11-29 (Conley 4-5, (Maxey 8). Total Fouls_Chicago 15, Philadelphia 17.
42-88 20-23 114. Sexton 6-17 12-13 27, Hendricks 0-1 0-0 0, Samanic 7, Wiggins 1-4 0-0 2. Totals 42-92 21-23 116. Alexander-Walker 2-4, Edwards 2-9, Brown Jr. 1-1, A_19,773 (20,478)
2-2 0-0 5, Collins 4-9 0-0 11, Olynyk 1-2 0-0 2, MEM 26 27 13 31 — 97 Towns 1-4, Reid 1-6), Miami 11-30 (D.Robinson 4-8, L.A. Clippers 151, Indiana 127
L.A. LAKERS (109) OKC 34 34 26 22 — 116 Love 3-7, Richardson 2-4, Butler 1-3, Herro 1-6,
James 10-23 3-4 25, Reddish 2-9 0-0 4, Davis 14-22 Agbaji 6-10 0-0 13, Dunn 2-2 0-0 4. Totals 45-91 L.A. CLIPPERS (151)
21-24 125. 3-Point Goals—Memphis 19-54 (Gilyard 4-6, Bane Jaquez Jr. 0-1, Martin 0-1). Fouled Out_Minnesota 1
3-3 32, Prince 3-13 0-0 9, Russell 3-10 0-0 9, 4-9, Jackson 2-3, Aldama 2-7, Z.Williams 2-7, (McDaniels), Miami None. Rebounds_Minnesota 46 George 9-21 4-4 27, Leonard 12-18 2-2 28, Zubac
Hachimura 3-6 1-1 8, Vanderbilt 0-0 0-0 0, Hayes BKN 28 31 23 26 — 108 7-10 4-5 18, Harden 12-16 3-3 35, Mann 2-5 0-0 4,
UTA 28 26 34 37 — 125 Konchar 1-3, Roddy 1-3, Jackson Jr. 1-4, LaRavia 1-4, (Gobert 16), Miami 39 (Love 10). Assists_Minnesota
1-1 0-0 2, Reaves 6-15 5-5 20. Totals 42-99 12-13 Williams Jr. 1-5, Tillman 0-3), Oklahoma City 11-36 27 (Conley 6), Miami 27 (Adebayo 6). Total Ko.Brown 0-2 0-0 0, Theis 1-4 2-2 4, Coffey 0-1 0-0
109. 3-Point Goals—Brooklyn 16-39 (Thomas 5-7, 0, Boston Jr. 3-4 0-0 6, Powell 6-11 3-3 19,
NYK 35 22 33 24 — 114 Bridges 3-8, Finney-Smith 2-5, O'Neale 2-6, (Dort 3-6, K.Williams 2-3, Holmgren 2-4, Fouls_Minnesota 19, Miami 18. A_19,819 (19,600)
Gilgeous-Alexander 1-3, Jal.Williams 1-3, Joe 1-3, Westbrook 4-6 2-4 10. Totals 56-98 20-23 151.
LAL 27 31 22 29 — 109 Watford 1-1, Wilson 1-1, C.Johnson 1-5, Dinwiddie Cleveland 135, Houston 130 (OT)
1-6), Utah 14-34 (Horton-Tucker 5-7, Collins 3-4, Wallace 1-4, Jay.Williams 0-1, Micic 0-1, Dieng 0-2, INDIANA (127)
3-Point Goals—New York 10-30 (Brunson 3-6, HOUSTON (130) Hield 5-9 1-2 14, Toppin 6-8 0-0 14, Jackson 6-9 3-5
Sexton 3-7, Samanic 1-1, Agbaji 1-5, Markkanen 1-5, Sarr 0-2, Giddey 0-4). Fouled Out_None.
Quickley 3-7, DiVincenzo 2-4, Grimes 1-4, Randle Brooks 6-12 1-2 16, Smith Jr. 2-7 0-0 5, Sengun 11-20 15, B.Brown 4-11 3-3 11, Haliburton 3-12 1-2 8,
Hendricks 0-1, Olynyk 0-1, Fontecchio 0-3). Fouled Rebounds_Memphis 45 (Aldama 9), Oklahoma City
1-4, Barrett 0-2, Hart 0-3), L.A. Lakers 13-41 1-2 24, Ja.Green 2-12 7-7 12, VanVleet 9-19 5-5 27, Johnson 0-1 0-0 0, Nwora 4-8 0-0 9, Mathurin
Out_None. Rebounds_Brooklyn 36 (Dinwiddie 8), 53 (Giddey 12). Assists_Memphis 25 (Gilyard 7),
(Russell 3-6, Reaves 3-7, Prince 3-13, James 2-8, Eason 5-13 4-5 14, Je.Green 6-6 3-3 15, Tate 1-4 1-1 12-20 7-7 34, Nesmith 4-7 2-2 12, McConnell 5-10
Utah 51 (Kessler 14). Assists_Brooklyn 25 Oklahoma City 31 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Jal.Williams
Davis 1-1, Hachimura 1-2, Reddish 0-4). Fouled 3, Landale 0-0 0-0 0, Holiday 5-9 2-2 14. Totals 0-0 10. Totals 49-95 17-21 127.
(Dinwiddie 11), Utah 30 (Horton-Tucker, Sexton 6). 5). Total Fouls_Memphis 19, Oklahoma City 18.
Out_None. Rebounds_New York 52 (Hartenstein 47-102 24-27 130. LAC 37 40 37 37 — 151
Total Fouls_Brooklyn 17, Utah 20. A_18,206 (18,206) A_16,409 (18,203)
17), L.A. Lakers 41 (Davis 14). Assists_New York 21 CLEVELAND (135) IND 38 28 28 33 — 127
(Barrett 4), L.A. Lakers 29 (James 11). Total Denver 130, Dallas 104 Atlanta 130, Detroit 124
Okoro 4-7 2-3 11, Wade 4-5 2-2 12, Allen 3-7 4-7 10, 3-Point Goals—L.A. Clippers 19-38 (Harden 8-11,
Fouls_New York 16, L.A. Lakers 17. A_18,997 (18,997) DALLAS (104) DETROIT (124) Mitchell 14-27 5-5 37, Strus 5-13 4-5 17, Niang 4-10 George 5-11, Powell 4-6, Leonard 2-5, Coffey 0-1,
Sacramento 143, Washington 131 Jones Jr. 3-9 0-0 6, Williams 3-8 0-0 7, Powell 4-6 Boj.Bogdanovic 9-17 2-3 25, Thompson 1-5 0-0 2, 0-0 10, T.Thompson 1-1 2-8 4, LeVert 5-13 1-2 12, Ko.Brown 0-1, Mann 0-3), Indiana 12-33 (Hield 3-7,
0-0 8, Doncic 13-24 6-10 38, Exum 5-5 0-0 11, Brown Bagley III 7-12 3-4 17, Cunningham 16-24 8-9 43, Merrill 6-11 2-2 19, Porter Jr. 1-2 0-0 3. Totals 47-96 Mathurin 3-7, Nesmith 2-3, Toppin 2-3, Nwora 1-4,
WASHINGTON (131)
III 2-3 1-5 5, Holmes 1-4 0-0 2, Morris 1-3 0-0 2, Ivey 6-13 3-5 15, Livers 0-3 0-0 0, Wiseman 5-5 0-2 22-34 135. Haliburton 1-5, B.Brown 0-4). Fouled Out_None.
Avdija 3-8 2-4 9, Kuzma 8-16 8-8 27, Gafford 3-5 2-2
Prosper 1-5 0-0 2, Hardaway Jr. 3-12 0-0 8, Curry 10, Burks 2-11 2-2 6, Harris 0-1 1-2 1, Hayes 0-0 0-0 HOU 34 25 39 24 8 — 130 Rebounds_L.A. Clippers 46 (Zubac 16), Indiana 34
8, Poole 10-18 0-0 28, T.Jones 7-10 0-0 16, Gill 2-5
0-0 0-0 0, Hardy 3-9 1-2 9, Lawson 2-4 1-2 6. Totals 0, Sasser 2-3 0-0 5. Totals 48-94 19-27 124. CLE 33 24 42 23 13 — 135 (Mathurin, Nesmith 6). Assists_L.A. Clippers 26
0-0 4, Kispert 2-6 1-2 7, Omoruyi 1-3 0-0 2, Muscala
2-3 6-6 11, Coulibaly 3-7 5-7 11, Butler 3-4 1-1 8. 41-92 9-19 104. ATLANTA (130) 3-Point Goals—Houston 12-33 (VanVleet 4-8, (Harden 9), Indiana 38 (Haliburton 11). Total
Totals 44-85 25-30 131. DENVER (130) Bey 8-15 3-5 21, Hunter 7-15 0-0 19, Capela 7-11 3-3 Brooks 3-7, Holiday 2-5, Sengun 1-3, Ja.Green 1-4, Fouls_L.A. Clippers 19, Indiana 21. A_16,665
Gordon 7-9 5-6 21, Porter Jr. 3-8 0-0 8, Jokic 3-8 2-2 17, Murray 8-13 1-2 20, Young 8-17 11-12 31, Lundy Smith Jr. 1-4, Eason 0-2), Cleveland 19-48 (Merrill (20,000)
SACRAMENTO (143) 5-10, Mitchell 4-11, Strus 3-9, Wade 2-3, Niang 2-6,
8, Caldwell-Pope 4-6 0-0 9, Murray 8-14 2-2 22, 0-1 0-0 0, Okongwu 5-6 4-4 14, Mathews 2-5 0-1 6, Toronto 114, Charlotte 99
Barnes 8-11 1-1 19, Murray 9-17 3-3 25, Sabonis 11-16 Porter Jr. 1-1, Okoro 1-2, LeVert 1-6). Fouled
Nnaji 5-8 4-4 14, Holiday 0-2 0-0 0, Braun 3-5 2-3 8, Matthews 1-2 0-0 2. Totals 46-85 22-27 130.
5-6 28, Fox 10-19 8-12 30, Huerter 4-8 2-2 11, DET 25 27 32 40 — 124 Out_None. Rebounds_Houston 47 (Eason, Sengun, CHARLOTTE (99)
Edwards 1-2 0-0 3, Lyles 0-3 0-0 0, Gillespie 0-1 0-0 0, Jackson 8-11 1-1 18, Strawther McGowens 4-9 4-4 14, Washington 5-16 2-2 15,
ATL 38 23 35 34 — 130 VanVleet 8), Cleveland 37 (LeVert, Okoro 7).
Toscano-Anderson 1-1 0-0 2, Vezenkov 3-5 0-0 8, 5-10 0-0 12, Watson 3-5 2-4 10. Totals 49-87 18-22 Richards 4-5 2-2 10, Miller 6-16 2-2 14, Rozier 9-20
130. 3-Point Goals—Detroit 9-22 (Boj.Bogdanovic 5-9, Assists_Houston 34 (VanVleet 17), Cleveland 29
C.Jones 1-3 0-0 2, Duarte 0-1 0-0 0, Ellis 1-5 0-0 3, Cunningham 3-5, Sasser 1-1, Harris 0-1, Livers 0-1, (Mitchell, Okoro 6). Total Fouls_Houston 32, 2-2 22, Black 2-2 0-0 4, Thor 2-2 1-1 5, Smith 4-10
Mitchell 1-2 0-0 2, Monk 3-7 1-2 10. Totals 53-100 DAL 20 39 21 24 — 104 0-0 8, Smith Jr. 3-9 0-0 7. Totals 39-89 13-13 99.
DEN 28 40 30 32 — 130 Thompson 0-1, Burks 0-2, Ivey 0-2), Atlanta 16-36 Cleveland 25. A_19,432 (19,432)
20-26 143. (Hunter 5-6, Young 4-11, Murray 3-5, Mathews 2-5, TORONTO (114)
WAS 31 25 35 40 — 131 3-Point Goals—Dallas 13-38 (Doncic 6-12, Hardy 2-3, Chicago 108, Philadelphia 104
Hardaway Jr. 2-9, Exum 1-1, Lawson 1-2, Williams Bey 2-7, Lundy 0-1, Matthews 0-1). Fouled Barnes 7-14 7-7 22, Siakam 11-16 5-6 27, Poeltl 2-2
SAC 27 39 46 31 — 143 CHICAGO (108)
1-2, Morris 0-2, Prosper 0-2, Jones Jr. 0-5), Denver Out_Detroit 2 (Ivey, Sasser), Atlanta None. 0-0 4, Anunoby 2-10 1-1 5, Schroder 4-6 2-2 13,
3-Point Goals—Washington 18-38 (Poole 8-13, DeRozan 5-15 5-6 15, Williams 5-13 0-0 13, Vucevic Achiuwa 5-9 2-4 12, Boucher 3-6 1-2 7, Flynn 1-6 0-0
14-26 (Murray 4-4, Gordon 2-3, Porter Jr. 2-3, Rebounds_Detroit 36 (Ivey, Thompson 8), Atlanta
Kuzma 3-7, T.Jones 2-2, Kispert 2-5, Muscala 1-1, 10-18 0-0 23, Dosunmu 1-3 2-2 4, White 9-17 4-4 24, 2, Trent Jr. 9-17 0-0 22. Totals 44-86 18-22 114.
Watson 2-3, Strawther 2-4, Caldwell-Pope 1-2, 40 (Capela 15). Assists_Detroit 23 (Cunningham 7),
Butler 1-2, Avdija 1-3, Omoruyi 0-1, Coulibaly 0-2, Terry 1-1 0-0 2, Drummond 2-3 1-2 5, Carter 4-11 0-0 CHA 27 25 29 18 — 99
Jackson 1-3, Braun 0-1, Jokic 0-1, Nnaji 0-2). Fouled Atlanta 25 (Young 15). Total Fouls_Detroit 26,
Gill 0-2), Sacramento 17-43 (Murray 4-7, Monk 3-6, 12, Caruso 5-8 0-1 10. Totals 42-89 12-15 108. TOR 19 29 31 35 — 114
Out_None. Rebounds_Dallas 42 (Doncic 11), Denver Atlanta 24. A_17,664 (18,118)
Vezenkov 2-3, Barnes 2-4, Fox 2-7, Sabonis 1-1, PHILADELPHIA (104) 3-Point Goals—Charlotte 8-32 (Washington 3-9,
Edwards 1-2, Huerter 1-4, Ellis 1-5, Duarte 0-1, Lyles 46 (Jokic 9). Assists_Dallas 18 (Doncic 8), Denver Minnesota 112, Miami 108
Batum 1-4 0-0 3, Harris 1-3 0-0 3, Embiid 15-28 8-9 McGowens 2-5, Rozier 2-8, Smith Jr. 1-5, Miller 0-5),
0-3). Fouled Out_None. Rebounds_Washington 39 29 (Jokic 7). Total Fouls_Dallas 20, Denver 19. MINNESOTA (112) 40, Maxey 9-23 6-6 29, Melton 3-5 0-0 6, Toronto 8-29 (Trent Jr. 4-10, Schroder 3-5, Barnes
(Kuzma 8), Sacramento 42 (Sabonis 13). A_19,659 (19,520) McDaniels 5-10 0-0 10, Towns 7-14 3-3 18, Gobert Covington 1-3 0-0 2, Reed 3-5 2-2 8, House Jr. 1-1 1-2, Achiuwa 0-1, Boucher 0-1, Siakam 0-1, Flynn
Assists_Washington 26 (T.Jones 9), Sacramento 35 Oklahoma City 116, Memphis 97 3-8 3-4 9, Conley 4-5 0-0 12, Edwards 13-25 4-4 32, 0-0 3, Oubre Jr. 2-10 1-2 6, Beverley 2-6 0-0 4. 0-4, Anunoby 0-5). Fouled Out_None.
(Sabonis 12). Total Fouls_Washington 21, MEMPHIS (97) Anderson 2-4 1-2 5, Brown Jr. 1-1 0-0 3, Reid 5-13 Totals 38-88 17-19 104. Rebounds_Charlotte 36 (Richards 10), Toronto 51
Sacramento 24. A_17,794 (17,608) Jackson Jr. 3-7 4-5 11, Williams Jr. 2-7 0-0 5, Tillman 4-4 15, Alexander-Walker 2-5 2-2 8. Totals 42-85 CHI 25 30 26 27 — 108 (Barnes 17). Assists_Charlotte 18 (Rozier 7),
Utah 125, Brooklyn 108 0-8 0-0 0, Bane 6-14 1-2 17, Gilyard 4-9 0-0 12, 17-19 112. PHI 24 20 25 35 — 104 Toronto 30 (Siakam 8). Total Fouls_Charlotte 19,
BROOKLYN (108) Aldama 2-10 3-4 9, Jackson 3-6 0-0 8, LaRavia 1-4 MIAMI (108) 3-Point Goals—Chicago 12-29 (Carter 4-8, Williams Toronto 16. A_19,288 (19,800)
Bridges 4-16 2-5 13, C.Johnson 2-9 2-2 7, Claxton 0-0 3, Roddy 2-5 3-3 8, Konchar 1-3 2-2 5, Z.Williams Butler 5-12 4-6 15, Love 3-7 0-0 9, Adebayo 10-22 3-4, Vucevic 3-7, White 2-6, Dosunmu 0-1, Caruso
4-5 3-4 11, Dinwiddie 7-15 2-3 17, Thomas 12-23 3-3 6-12 5-5 19. Totals 30-85 18-21 97. 2-3 22, Herro 10-18 4-4 25, Martin 1-5 0-0 2, 0-3), Philadelphia 11-32 (Maxey 5-11, Embiid 2-6,
4NS | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | SPORTS EXTRA - USA TODAY NETWORK

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar faces 3 months of recovery

Beth Harris Paramedics at the venue responded and brating its 50th anniversary before per-
ASSOCIATED PRESS took 76-year-old by ambulance to Ron- forming for the last time.
ald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Abdul-Jabbar is a longtime fan of the
LOS ANGELES – Kareem Abdul-Jab- “I’d like to say I fell while trying to group that blends R&B, jazz, blues and
bar is recovering from surgery for a bro- save a child from plunging over the bal- pop, and is best-known for its 1981 hit
ken hip after he fell at a concert in Los cony, but I just tripped,” he posted Mon- “The Boy From New York City.”
Angeles. The basketball Hall of Famer day on his Substack account. “Hard for “I’m sorry I was not able to join you
had surgery Sunday “with no complica- me to accept that a once world-class onstage to read the letter and tell the au-
tions,” his business partner and spokes- athlete just stumbled. But age is the dience how much your music has meant
woman, Deborah Morales, told The As- great equalizer and humbles us all.” to me,” he wrote. “On the plus side, my
sociated Press on Monday. Abdul-Jabbar wrote that he had hip fall hit all the newspapers so I made your
“He will be in recovery for the next replacement surgery “like 450,000 oth- final show even more memorable. Come
three months,” she wrote via text. er Americans every year.” for the music, stay for the klutzy fall.”
Abdul-Jabbar was attending the He had been scheduled to read a let- Abdul-Jabbar was a key player on the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is recovering
Manhattan Transfer’s concert at Disney ter from Vice President Kamala Harris Los Angeles Lakers’ teams during their from surgery for a broken hip after he
Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles to the venerable vocal group before his “Showtime” era in the 1980s, leading fell at a concert in Los Angeles. KIRBY
on Friday night when he was injured. fall. The Manhattan Transfer was cele- them to five NBA championships. LEE/USA TODAY SPORTS

NHL ROUNDUP

Henrique’s goal lifts Ducks over Red Wings

ASSOCIATED PRESS

DETROIT – Adam Henrique scored

his fourth goal in two games and the An-
aheim Ducks held off the Detroit Red
Wings 4-3 on Monday night.
Henrique was coming off his first ca-
reer hat trick Sunday against New Jer-
sey.
Radko Gudas, Pavel Mintyukov and
Troy Terry also scored for the Ducks,
who have won two straight after a five-
game losing streak. Lukas Dostal made
30 saves.
Alex DeBrincat surpassed 400 career
points with two power-play goals in the
third period for Detroit. Jeff Petry scored
his first goal this season and Patrick
Kane added two assists. The slumping
Red Wings have lost six of seven.

CANADIENS 3, JETS 2, OT

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Justin Bar-

ron scored a power-play goal 1:09 into
overtime to lift Montreal over Winnipeg.
Josh Anderson and Christian Dvorak
also scored for the Canadiens. Jake Al-
len made 30 saves for his first win in
eight games.
Cole Perfetti and Gabriel Villardi
scored for the Jets, and Connor Helle-
buyck had 23 saves.
In the extra period, Barron fired the
puck through traffic to beat Hellebuyck
for his sixth goal of the season.
Ducks center Adam Henrique (14) reacts after his goal on Red Wings goaltender James Reimer (47) during the first period
STARS 4, KRAKEN 3, OT on Monday in Detroit. CARLOS OSORIO/AP

DALLAS – Matt Duchene scored

twice and assisted on Thomas Harley’s had a goal and an assist for the Kraken, scoring list with 1,535 points. FLAMES 3, PANTHERS 1
goal 2:16 into overtime that gave Dallas a who have lost 10 of their last 12 games. Jake Guentzel, Evgeni Malkin and
victory over Seattle. Joey Daccord stopped 24 shots in his Reilly Smith also scored, Valtteri Puusti- CALGARY, Alberta — Mikael Back-
Jason Robertson also scored for the fourth straight start. nen and Marcus Pettersson each added lund’s third period short-handed goal
Stars, who improved to 3-0-1 in their two assists and Alex Nedeljkovic was the game-winner and Jacob Mark-
past four games. PENGUINS 4, WILD 3 stopped 24 shots. strom made 34 saves for Calgary.
The Kraken sent the game to over- Ryan Hartman, Jake Middleton and Rookie Martin Pospisil and Blake
time on Eeli Tolvanen’s 6-on-5 goal with PITTSBURGH – Sidney Crosby’s 18th Vinni Lettieri scored for the Wild, who Coleman also scored for Calgary. The
21.8 seconds left in regulation. goal of the season broke a third-period scored three times in less than 10 min- Flames have recorded points in their
Scott Wedgewood made 35 saves and tie as Pittsburgh edged Minnesota. utes across the second and third periods last four (2-0-2) outings.
shook off an early scare, when he The Penguins blew a three-goal lead to rally from a 3-0 deficit. Filip Gustavs- Sam Reinhart scored a power-play
dropped to the ice after taking a slap but recovered to win for the third time in son, given the nod over former Penguins goal for Florida. The Panthers wrapped
shot near his left collarbone about three four games behind Crosby, who added goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, made 26 up their five-game road trip with a 2-3-0
minutes in. an assist to move past Mark Recchi and saves. record.
Tomas Tatar and Matty Beniers each into 13th place on the NHL’s all-time

Senators fire coach Smith NHL SUMMARIES

Florida
Calgary 3, Florida 1
1 0 0 — 1
Shots on Goal—Montreal 5-14-5-2_26. Winnipeg 6-11-15-0_32.
Power-play opportunities—Montreal 2 of 3; Winnipeg 0 of 2.
Stephen Whyno Calgary 1 0 2 — 3 Goalies—Montreal, Allen 4-6-2 (32 shots-30 saves). Winnipeg,
First Period—1, Calgary, Pospisil 4 (Gilbert, Kadri), 8:45. 2, Hellebuyck 15-6-2 (26-23).
ASSOCIATED PRESS Florida, Reinhart 18 (Tkachuk, Barkov), 19:29 (pp). A—13,363 (15,321). T_2:30.
Penalties_Mangiapane, CGY (Interference), 1:23; Mikkola, FLA Referees—Brandon Blandina, Garrett Rank. Linesmen_Michel
(High Sticking), 4:16; Cousins, FLA (Slashing), 16:51; Andersson, Cormier, Ryan Daisy.
The Ottawa Senators fired coach D.J. CGY (Interference), 17:30. Anaheim 4, Detroit 3
Smith on Monday, replacing him on an Second Period—None. Penalties_Lorentz, FLA (Tripping), 6:28. Anaheim 3 1 0 — 4
Third Period—3, Calgary, Backlund 7 (Hanifin), 3:31 (sh). Detroit 0 1 2 — 3
interim basis with Jacques Martin and Penalties_Bennett, FLA (Misconduct), 0:40; DeSimone, CGY First Period—1, Anaheim, Gudas 5 (Leason, Henrique), 2:23. 2,
adding Hall of Famer and former cap- (Interference), 3:07; Ekblad, FLA (Slashing), 9:02; Coleman, CGY Anaheim, Mintyukov 2 (Carlsson, Terry), 8:19. 3, Anaheim,
(Holding), 11:15; Backlund, CGY (Delay of Game), 17:47. Henrique 10 (Fowler, Strome), 18:49 (pp). Penalties_Leason,
tain Daniel Alfredsson to the staff as an Shots on Goal—Florida 15-9-11_35. Calgary 9-7-8_24. ANA (Tripping), 9:15; Kostin, DET (Interference), 15:33; Holl, DET
Power-play opportunities—Florida 1 of 5; Calgary 0 of 5.
assistant. Goalies—Florida, Stolarz 4-2-1 (24 shots-22 saves). Calgary,
(Holding), 18:06.
Second Period—4, Anaheim, Terry 8 (Vaakanainen, Killorn), 1:46.
It’s the latest shakeup for the NHL Senators coach D.J. Smith was fired Markstrom 6-8-2 (35-34). 5, Detroit, Petry 1 (Copp, Kane), 2:29. Penalties_Mintyukov, ANA
A—16,813 (19,289). T_2:28. (Tripping), 7:55; Vatrano, ANA (Cross Checking), 17:02; Fabbri,
team in Canada’s capital city in three by the club on Monday. Referees—Ghislain Hebert, Kyle Rehman. Linesmen_Kiel DET (Hooking), 18:21.
months since owner Michael Andlauer MICHAEL AINSWORTH/AP Murchison, Derek Nansen. Third Period—6, Detroit, DeBrincat 14 (Kane, Gostisbehere), 7:17
Dallas 4, Seattle 3 (OT) (pp). 7, Detroit, DeBrincat 15 (Larkin, Gostisbehere), 17:31 (pp).
took over. Andlauer quickly hired Steve Seattle 0 2 1 0 — 3 Penalties_Fischer, DET (Unsportsmanlike Conduct), 3:04;
Staios away from the Edmonton Oilers Dallas 2 1 0 1 — 4 Johnston, ANA (Hooking), 3:04; Anaheim bench, served by
First Period—1, Dallas, Duchene 9 (Seguin, Marchment), 1:14. 2, Jones (Tripping), 6:30; Strome, ANA (Cross Checking), 9:07;
to be president of hockey operations looking for more consistency, more de- Dallas, Robertson 10 (Hintz, Pavelski), 10:20. Rasmussen, DET (Roughing), 9:07; Gudas, ANA (Holding Stick),
and on Nov. 1 fired longtime general tail to our game, more structure.” Penalties_Dellandrea, DAL (Holding), 6:07. 12:26; Mintyukov, ANA (High Sticking), 15:31.
Second Period—3, Seattle, Tatar 2 (Beniers), 0:32. 4, Dallas, Shots on Goal—Anaheim 10-8-4_22. Detroit 9-11-12_32.
manager Pierre Dorion following a Martin will be back behind the Duchene 10 (Pavelski, Dadonov), 6:20. 5, Seattle, Beniers 5 Power-play opportunities—Anaheim 1 of 3; Detroit 2 of 7.
(Eberle, Tatar), 13:48. Penalties_Heiskanen, DAL (Delay of Goalies—Anaheim, Dostal 5-6-0 (32 shots-29 saves). Detroit,
league investigation that caused the bench after coaching the Senators for Game), 15:06; Wennberg, SEA (Roughing), 19:39. Reimer 2-3-2 (14-12), Detroit, Husso 9-5-2 (8-6).
Senators to forfeit a first-round draft nine seasons from 1995-96 through Third Period—6, Seattle, Tolvanen 9 (Wennberg, Bjorkstrand), A—0 (20,000). T_2:34.
19:38. Penalties_Tatar, SEA (Holding), 2:37; Harley, DAL Referees—Kevin Pollock, Francois St. Laurent.
pick. 2003-04. He has a total of 17 seasons of (Interference), 5:11; Gourde, SEA (Hooking), 9:52; Gourde, SEA Linesmen_Shandor Alphonso, Julien Fournier.
Staios, now also interim GM, fired NHL head-coaching experience and (Interference), 12:24; Pavelski, DAL (Tripping), 13:25. Pittsburgh 4, Minnesota 3
Overtime—7, Dallas, Harley 8 (Benn, Duchene), 2:16. Minnesota 0 2 1 — 3
Smith 12 days after hiring Martin as won the Stanley Cup twice as an assis- Penalties_None. Pittsburgh 1 2 1 — 4
senior adviser, which put the 71-year- tant with Pittsburgh in 2016 and ‘17. Shots on Goal—Seattle 13-14-10-1_38. Dallas 13-10-4-1_28. First Period—1, Pittsburgh, Smith 8 (Puustinen, Pettersson),
Power-play opportunities—Seattle 0 of 4; Dallas 0 of 4. 7:39. Penalties_Bogosian, MIN (Holding Stick), 18:47.
old coaching veteran as an eye in the “A lot of our issues in our team play Goalies—Seattle, Daccord 5-5-8 (28 shots-24 saves). Dallas, Second Period—2, Pittsburgh, Guentzel 14 (Karlsson, Crosby),
Wedgewood 7-1-2 (38-35).
sky. Staios said at the time he consulted are the strengths of Jacques Martin: A—18,532 (18,532). T_2:33.
0:36 (pp). 3, Pittsburgh, Malkin 11 (Puustinen, Pettersson), 3:34.
4, Minnesota, Hartman 8 (Johansson, Faber), 15:06 (pp). 5,
with Smith on the decision. detailed, structured, organized, disci- Referees—TJ Luxmore, Carter Sandlak. Linesmen_Ryan Minnesota, Middleton 5 (Kaprizov, Boldy), 17:30.
Galloway, Brandon Grillo. Penalties_Hartman, MIN (Holding Stick), 5:42; Letang, PIT
The Senators have since lost five of plined,” Staios said. “To me, in theory, Montreal 3, Winnipeg 2 (OT) (Interference), 8:05; Malkin, PIT (Tripping), 12:18; Malkin, PIT
six games to fall into last place in the he’s the perfect fit for everything that Montreal 0 2 0 1 — 3 (Roughing), 18:52; Goligoski, MIN (Holding), 18:52; Eriksson Ek,
Winnipeg 0 1 1 0 — 2 MIN (Interference), 19:25.
Eastern Conference. Only the Chicago we had been lacking in those areas.” First Period—None. Penalties_None. Third Period—6, Minnesota, Lettieri 3 (Hunt, Merrill), 5:33. 7,
Blackhawks have fewer points than Ot- He also has a connection with Al- Second Period—1, Montreal, Anderson 4 (Matheson, Evans), 4:57. Pittsburgh, Crosby 18 (Guentzel, Malkin), 6:20 (pp).
2, Montreal, Dvorak 3 (Gallagher, Anderson), 15:04 (pp). 3, Penalties_Kaprizov, MIN (High Sticking), 5:45; Pittsburgh bench,
tawa’s 22. fredsson. During Martin’s time in Otta- Winnipeg, Vilardi 5 (Ehlers, Morrissey), 19:04. served by Harkins (High Sticking), 7:27; Hartman, MIN
“It’s never good timing, but I think wa, Alfredsson was named captain and Penalties_Slafkovsky, MTL (Roughing), 1:19; Dillon, WPG (Interference), 7:27; Dewar, MIN (Interference), 12:21.
(Tripping), 13:31; Winnipeg bench, served by Niederreiter Shots on Goal—Minnesota 8-8-11_27. Pittsburgh 13-7-10_30.
this was the time to make the decision wore the “C” as the face of the franchise (Delay of Game), 15:04. Power-play opportunities—Minnesota 0 of 3; Pittsburgh 2 of 5.
Third Period—4, Winnipeg, Perfetti 10 (Dillon, Namestnikov), Goalies—Minnesota, Gustavsson 8-8-2 (30 shots-26 saves).
to bring some hope to our players and until a messy parting of ways in 2013. 12:24. Penalties_Barron, MTL (Holding), 0:45; Ehlers, WPG Pittsburgh, Nedeljkovic 4-2-1 (27-24).
really in search of some consistency to Alfredsson’s return comes as a re- (Tripping), 19:33. A—18,200 (18,387). T_2:33.
Overtime—5, Montreal, Barron 6 (Caufield, Suzuki), 1:09 (pp). Referees—Kendrick Nicholson, Chris Rooney. Linesmen_David
our game,” Staios said on a video call placement for assistant Davis Payne, Penalties_Lowry, WPG (Cross Checking), 0:49; Matheson, MTL Brisebois, Ben O'Quinn.
with reporters from Arizona. “We’re all who was also let go. (Closing Hand on the Puck), 0:49.
 SPORTS EXTRA - USA TODAY NETWORK | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | 5NS

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S TOP 25 ROUNDUP

Osborne, Betts lead No. 2 UCLA past No. 13 Ohio State

ASSOCIATED PRESS ed Oral Roberts. Lee reached double fig-
ures in points and rebounds by early in
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Charisma Os- the second quarter. She also finished
borne scored 19 points, Lauren Betts had with five blocks.
17 and No. 2 UCLA beat No. 13 Ohio State Gabby Gregory scored 16 points for
77-71 on Monday night. Kansas State (11-1). Ruthie Udoumoh led
Kiki Rice had 15 points and Gabriela Oral Roberts (6-4) with 15 points and 10
Jaquez had 11 points for the Bruins rebounds.
(10-0), who overcame a sluggish first
half and out-rebounded the Buckeyes NO. 16 INDIANA 109,
40-30. EVANSVILLE 56
Jacy Sheldon scored 30 points and
Taylor Thierry added 20 for Ohio State BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Yarden Gar-
(9-2). zon scored a career-high 30 points on
12-of-14 shooting, Mackenzie Holmes
NO. 6 USC 93, had 22 points and 10 rebounds for her
CAL STATE-FULLERTON 44 22nd career double-double, and Indi-
ana beat Evansville.
LOS ANGELES – JuJu Watkins had Indiana (9-1) shot 71.7% from the field
23 points, six rebounds and six assists, (38 of 53) for the highest single-game
and Southern California routed Cal percentage by a Division I team this sea-
State-Fullerton. Watkins made all six of son. Indiana also tied a program record
her free throws while falling short of for points in a third quarter with 34.
scoring at least 30 points for just the Freshman Maggie Hartwig scored 13
fourth time in nine games this season. points for Evansville (2-8).
McKenzie Forbes added 17 points and
Taylor Bigby scored 15 points, making a NO. 17 UCONN 88, BUTLER 62
career-high five 3-pointers, for the Tro-
jans (9-0). They tied their season high HARTFORD, Conn. – Freshman Ash-
with 93 points. Kathryn Neff led the Ti- lynn Shade scored a season-high 22
tans (4-5) with 14 points as their only points, Paige Bueckers had 16 points and
double-figure scorer. seven assists, and UConn beat Butler in
the Big East opener for both teams.
NO. 12 KANSAS STATE 102, Aubrey Griffin scored 14 points and
ORAL ROBERTS 59 Aaliyah Edwards had 12 points and 12 re-
bounds for UConn (8-3).
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Ayoka Lee had Rachel Kent and Caroline Strande
24 points and a career-high 21 rebounds each scored 13 points for Butler (7-4).
to post her school-record 53rd career Jordan Meulemans, averaging 11.1 points UCLA's Charisma Osborne, right, tries to dribble past Ohio State's Jacy Sheldon,
double-double, and Kansas State rout- per game, was held to three points. left, on Monday in Columbus, Ohio. JAY LAPRETE/AP

South Carolina remains unanimous No. 1 in poll

Doug Feinberg since 2020. Washington also entered at
ASSOCIATED PRESS No. 23, the first time it has been ranked
since the final poll in 2017. The Huskies’
South Carolina remained the unani- first game as a ranked team will be at No.
mous No. 1 in The Associated Press wom- 19 Louisville on Wednesday. UNLV also
en’s basketball poll on Monday, while dropped out of the rankings after losing
Washington was ranked for the first time at Seton Hall on Saturday.
since 2017. Milestone win: Virginia Tech coach
The Gamecocks received all 36 votes Kenny Brooks earned his 500th career
from a national media panel after win- victory on Sunday in a win over Rutgers.
ning their only game last week in a rout. His players were wearing shirts after
Many teams were finishing off their the game in honor of their coach, who
break for exams and there wasn’t much last year guided the team to its first-ever
movement, with the top 10 unchanged Final Four. The No. 15 Hokies have two
from the previous week. losses this season, to No. 4 Iowa on a
UCLA, North Carolina State, Iowa and neutral court and at No. 7 LSU.
Texas followed South Carolina. The sec- Big 12 dominance: TCU is one of 14
ond-ranked Bruins face No. 13 Ohio State unbeaten teams left in women’s college
on Monday night. That’s one of the only basketball, including five in the Big 12.
meetings between two AP Top 25 teams The Horned Frogs (11-0) haven’t had the
this week because schools have a short most difficult nonconference schedule
week because of the holidays. Southern and won’t play a ranked team until facing
California, LSU, Colorado, Stanford and Baylor on Jan. 3.
Baylor were next. The 10th-ranked Bears The other undefeated teams in the Big
beat then-No. 24 Miami on Sunday. 12 are Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor, UCF and
The Hurricanes fell out of the Top 25 West Virginia. The six have combined to
and were replaced by No. 25 TCU, which go 59-0 but have played only three true South Carolina coach Dawn Staley reacts during Sunday’s game against Utah.
made its first appearance in the poll road games. The Gamecocks won 78-69 to improve to 10-0 on the season. JESSICA HILL/AP

MEN’S POLLS

Purdue jumps back to No. 1 Purdue returns

to No. 1 in
Aaron Beard Rising and falling: Kentucky’s five-
ASSOCIATED PRESS spot rise marked the biggest jump of
the week. Oklahoma and Tennessee
coaches poll
Purdue’s slide from No. 1 in The As- were next with four spots to push in- Eddie Timanus USA TODAY
sociated Press Top 25 men’s college side the top 10, while No. 13 Illinois rose
basketball poll turned out to be brief. three spots. In all, 10 teams climbed Purdue is back on top of the USA TO-
The Boilermakers headlined Mon- from last week’s poll. DAY Sports men’s basketball coaches
day’s latest poll for the second time No. 15 Gonzaga and No. 18 Clemson poll.
this season after beating former No. 1 took the biggest tumbles, with each The Boilermakers, ranked fourth last
Arizona over the weekend. The Wild- falling five spots after losses. Baylor, week, vault back to No. 1 after taking
cats had spent two weeks at No. 1 after which lost in a blowout to Michigan down Arizona, the team that had held
Purdue’s loss to Northwestern ended State, and No. 12 Creighton were next the No. 1 position for the last two weeks.
the Boilermakers’ stint at the top after by falling four spots. A total of seven With that result, Purdue now owns
one week. teams slid from last week’s rankings. three top-10 victories, with earlier wins
Purdue received 48 of 62 first-place Status quo: Six teams held their po- against No. 6 Marquette and No. 7 Ten-
votes in the latest poll to jump from sition from last week, including nessee in Hawaii.
third with the Arizona win, which UConn, No. 19 Texas, No. 20 James Kansas, which held the No. 1 spot ear-
marked the program’s first win against Madison, No. 21 Duke and No. 22 Vir- lier in the season, is back up to No. 2,
a No. 1 team in 23 years. It also marked ginia. claiming three first-place votes. Hous-
the latest impressive nonconference Welcome aboard: No. 23 Memphis ton, unbeaten but yet to face anyone
win to a resume that already includes and No. 25 Mississippi were the week’s else in the top five, slips to No. 3 despite
ranked teams in Gonzaga, Tennessee new additions. picking up the remaining nine No. 1
and Marquette. The Tigers handed Clemson its first nods. Arizona falls to No. 4, and defend-
Preseason No. 1 Kansas stayed at loss after a 9-0 start to jump into the ing champ Connecticut holds at No. 5.
No. 2 with six first-place votes, while Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn rankings for the first time this season. Oklahoma climbs four places to No. 8,
Houston moved up one spot to No. 3 shoots against Arizona on Saturday. As for Ole Miss, the Rebels (10-0) are and Kentucky leaps six slots to No. 9 af-
and had the other eight votes. Arizona AJ MAST/AP off to their best start since opening at ter staving off No. 13 North Carolina over
fell to fourth. 13-0 in 2007-08. The program, in its the weekend. Baylor drops four spots af-
The top tier: UConn, Marquette, first season under Chris Beard, is ter losing to Michigan State but remains
Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky and 10 since February 2021. And the Wild- ranked for the first time since January in the top 10.
Baylor rounded out the top 10. cats cracked the top 10 for the first time 2019. No. 23 Memphis is the lone newcom-
Of that group, the Sooners are mak- this season after beating North Caroli- Miami (No. 24) and Northwestern er to the poll this week as Miami (Fla.)
ing their first appearance inside the top na in the CBS Sports Classic. (No. 25) fell out from last week. drops out.
6NS | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | SPORTS EXTRA - USA TODAY NETWORK

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Daniels won’t play

in ReliaQuest Bowl
Koki Riley yards and run for 200+ yards in the
Lafayette Daily Advertiser same game.
USA TODAY NETWORK
His Heisman Trophy victory made
him the third LSU player to win the
BATON ROUGE — LSU football quar- award, joining Joe Burrow in 2019 and
terback Jayden Daniels has played his Billy Cannon in 1959. Daniels also won
final game in the purple and gold. the Davey O’Brien National Quarter-
The Heisman Trophy winner an- back Award, Johnny Unitas Golden
nounced Dec. 18 that he will not play in Arm Award and the Walter Camp Player
the ReliaQuest Bowl against Wisconsin of the Year Award.
on Jan. 1 and will instead prepare for Daniels led the Tigers to consecutive
the 2024 NFL Draft. nine-win regular seasons and the SEC
Daniels had a historic second season Championship Game in 2022. LSU can
at LSU. The former Arizona State trans- capture its second straight 10-win cam-
fer led the country in total yards, total paign if it defeats Wisconsin. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) throws a touchdown pass against
touchdowns, QBR, plays of 20+ yards Garrett Nussmeier is LSU’s pre- Kentucky in Athens, Ga. JOSHUA L. JONES/USA TODAY NETWORK
and passer rating by the end of the reg- sumed starter at quarterback with

Georgia QB Beck to
ular season. He also became the first Daniels not available.
player in FBS history to throw for 350+

return for 2024 season

Clemson’s Mukuba Marc Weiszer
Athens Banner-Herald
to improve,” PFF draft analyst Trevor
Sikkema wrote.

transfers home to Texas

USA TODAY NETWORK
He’ll have a chance to play in a tough
road environments next season for a
Carson Beck waited three seasons to schedule that offers up games at Ala-
finally get the chance to be the Georgia bama and Texas, two playoff teams this
ASSOCIATED PRESS was a five-star recruit who played spar- football starting quarterback. year.
ingly for Georgia in two seasons. He’s coming back for a second year Beck is in line to reap a financial ben-
Former Clemson safety Andrew Mu- A busy day for defensive backs exit- in that role. efit in this NIL era where quarterback
kuba announced Monday he is trans- ing the portal also includes two Mid- The Jacksonville native is returning free agency has touched Georgia al-
ferring to Texas, his hometown school, American Conference starters an- for the 2024 season, Georgia football ready. Backup Brock Vandagriff is
cornerback Decamerion Richardson nouncing they were headed to Power announced Monday afternoon on its transferring to Kentucky and 5-star
said he is leaving Mississippi State for Five schools. social media accounts including X, for- high school senior commitment Dylan
rival Mississippi and quarterback Former Buffalo safety Devin Grant, merly Twitter. Raiola could be close to flipping to Ne-
Dante Moore committed to Oregon af- who had five interceptions this season, “My friends and family have helped braska.
ter spending his freshman year at committed to Syracuse, the day after put me in a situation to have options for Beck has provided good value for
UCLA. the Orange and new coach Fran Brown my future,” Beck said. “However, the Georgia at the position.
Entering the portal officially were landed former Ohio State quarterback NFL can wait one more year. I am re- He is on track to set a Georgia single-
Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson, a Kyle McCord. turning to UGA for my senior season.” season record for completion percent-
three-year starter, TCU quarterback Texas A&M got a commitment from That will give Beck a chance to move age (72.4 percent entering bowl), is
Chandler Morris, and two former five- Central Michigan safety Trey Jones. up into the top tier of quarterback ninth nationally in passing efficiency
star recruits from USC in freshman Mukuba is an Austin, Texas, native prospects for the 2025 NFL draft and and 12th in passing yards per game
quarterback Malachi Nelson and soph- and former four-star recruit who has build on the 14 starts he will have going (287.5).
omore cornerback Domani Jackson. started 31 games over three seasons for into his second season as starter. “Obviously, he’s in the system, he
Moore, a former five-star recruit the Tigers. The decision came after huddling knows the terminology, but you’re a
from Michigan, played nine games and h Former Duke running back Jordan with Georgia coach Kirby Smart follow- first-time starter in this league,” offen-
started five for the Bruins. He complet- Waters is staying in the same area code, ing the SEC championship game loss to sive coordinator Mike Bobo said earlier
ed 53.6% of his passes and three 11 moving over to North Carolina State Alabama, learning where he may fit this month in Little Rock, Ark., on 103.7
touchdowns and nine interceptions. about 20 miles away in Raleigh. He ran into this year’s quarterback draft class The Buzz while there for the Broyles
He is the second high-profile quar- for 753 yards and 12 touchdowns this and taking his time before deciding he Award ceremony. “You’re going to grow
terback to choose Oregon as a transfer year for the Blue Devils, hitting the 100- wasn’t ready to be a one-and-done through growing pains. Being a starter
destination this month, joining Dillon yard rushing mark three times while starter. in this league, you’re going to get criti-
Gabriel. also having four multi-touchdown Beck, a second-team All-SEC pick cized from everybody — the talking
Moore, who originally committed to showings. by the coaches, is fourth in the nation heads but your own fans. How are you
Oregon as a high school recruit before h Washington added former San in passing yards with 3,738 and threw going to handle that? He handled that
flipping to UCLA, made his announce- Diego State offensive tackle Drew Az- for at least 250 yards in his first 11 and was able to persevere, continue to
ment with an Instagram post. zopardi, who started six games this games this season. just try to lock in each week and get bet-
Gabriel, who played the last two sea- season as a redshirt freshman. He was He was a key reason Georgia entered ter and grow within our team.”
sons at Oklahoma, will play a sixth sea- the fourth addition in recent days for the SEC championship game unbeaten Beck threw 22 touchdowns and had
son at Oregon. the Huskies, joining former Mississippi and No. 1 in the nation. six interceptions this season.
Florida State received a commit- State quarterback Will Rogers, former Beck was rated the No. 45 overall “It was definitely a work in progress
ment from the son of a former Semi- Vanderbilt linebacker Ethan Barr and prospect by Pro Football Focus last as the season kind of started,” Beck
noles star when edge rusher Marvin former Arizona State edge rusher B.J. month, but did not make the top 50 said before the SEC championship
Jones Jr. posted on social media that he Green. Thursday by ESPN draft analyst Jordan game, “but I’d say that South Carolina
was transferring from Georgia to Talla- h Colorado lost a transfer when for- Reid. game, after that second half kind of
hassee. mer Indiana offensive lineman Mat- “He doesn’t possess elite arm talent, where we started to pick up steam,
The elder Jones was an All-America thew Bedford flipped his commitment but throughout the regular season, he started to become a little bit more com-
linebacker from Florida State in the to Oregon but gained one when former became one of the most accurate pass- fortable within the offense and with the
early 1990s who went on to play 10 sea- Houston defensive lineman Chidozie ers in the country, and his recognition players around me, and I think our con-
sons for the New York Jets. Jones Jr. Nwankwo committed to the Buffaloes. and anticipation of defenses continue fidence kind of shot up from there.”

Bowl lead to 35-28.

Old Dominion tried to make it a two- Highly touted QB recruit Raiola
possession game, but Ethan Sanchez’s
Continued from Page 1NS 47-yard field goal was blocked, giving
the Hilltoppers one last chance with
flips commitment to Nebraska
he speared with one hand. 2:53 left.
“I wasn’t throwing great balls, but Western Kentucky quickly reached ASSOCIATED PRESS
these guys were making plays,” Velt- the Monarchs 5 behind a 30-yard re-
kamp said. ception by Jimmy Holiday and a penal- Quarterback Dylan Raiola, one of the
The Hilltoppers (8-5) played without ty on ODU staff for interfering with an top high school football recruits in the
starting quarterback Austin Reed, who official near the sideline. Still, it looked country, announced Monday he will
opted out of the game to prepare for the like ODU might hold on and win after sign with Nebraska after months of be-
NFL draft. The plan was to turn the Wayne Matthews sacked Veltkamp on ing a verbal commitment to Georgia.
reigns of the offense over to Turner Hel- third down at the 15. Raiola, whose father played for Ne-
ton, the nephew of head coach Tyson But Veltkamp wouldn’t be denied. braska and uncle is a current assistant
Helton. He responded with a 15-yard TD pass coach, made his announcement with a
But Helton was benched midway on fourth-and-goal to Hutchinson near poem posted to social media.
through the first quarter after he fum- the left pylon to send the game into “No longer a cog in some power-
bled on his first possession and threw a overtime. house machine, But a quarterback,
pick-6 on his next. “This team never quits and it never with an even grander ambition un-
The coach said he planned to rotate backs down,” coach Helton said on the seen,” Raiola wrote in his post.
his two QBs, but stuck with Veltkamp field during the trophy presentation. The early signing period of high
after he developed the hot hand. “We were in the locker room at halftime school recruits starts Wednesday,
“Caden was ready when it was his and nobody complained. We said it’s when Raiola and other recruits can
turn,” Helton said. “He has a warrior going to be a hell of a victory, and it make their college decisions official by
spirit and a competitive spirit.” was.” signing a national letter of intent. High school quarterback Dylan Raiola
The Hilltoppers would mount a Wilson ran for 126 yards and two When Raiola signs, he will become stands on the sideline at Sanford
comeback with Smith snaring a pass touchdowns and threw for another for one of the highest-rated recruits to ever Stadium. DALE ZANINE/USA TODAY SPORTS
out of the air with one hand on a cross- Old Dominion (6-7). Kris Caine re- join Nebraska. He has played high
ing route and taking it 17 yards for a turned an interception 30 yards for a school football in Texas and Arizona offensive lineman for Nebraska in the
touchdown to cut the lead to 28-14 with touchdown and Kadarius Calloway before transferring to Georgia this year late 1990s who started more than 200
10:24 left in the third quarter. added a rushing touchdown for the and playing at Buford High School, a NFL games with the Detroit Lions.
After ODU quarterback Grant Wil- Monarchs. traditional power northwest of Atlanta. Raiola’s uncle, Donovan, is the current
son scored a 21-yard scramble to make This was the first year for the bowl in Nebraska is the third commitment offensive line coach for Nebraska under
it a 21-point game, Veltkamp respon- Charlotte. It is normally the Bahamas for Raiola, who initially pledged to Ohio head coach Matt Rhule.
ded with two more touchdown passes – Bowl, but was moved to the mainland State in 2022 before switching to Geor- Nebraska, a program that claims five
a 37-yard strike to Elijah Young and his because stadium renovations in Nas- gia in May. national titles, has not even qualified
third scoring toss to Smith – to cut the sau were not complete. Raiola’s father, Dominic, was a star for a bowl game since 2016.
 SPORTS EXTRA - USA TODAY NETWORK | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | 7NS

SCOREBOARD
y-San GP W L OT Pts GF GA Bowie St. 84, Johnson C. Smith 71 New Orleans 67, Tarleton St. 59 St. 12, Michigan St. 10, TCU 10, Texas A&M
Francisco 11 3 0 .786 425 234 Boston 29 19 5 5 43 94 73 California (Pa.) 100, Shippensburg 71 Texas St. 67, FIU 61 9, San Diego St. 8, Northwestern 5,
L.A. Rams 7 7 0 .500 327 310 Toronto 28 16 6 6 38 106 90 Chowan 79, Virginia-Wise 76 EAST Providence 5, Alabama 3, Dayton 3,
Seattle 7 7 0 .500 300 335 Florida 31 18 11 2 38 92 82 Dartmouth 77, Thomas (Maine) 48 CCSU 69, Colgate 54 Nevada 3, New Mexico 2, Grand Canyon 2,
e-Arizona 3 11 0 .214 259 376 Detroit 31 15 12 4 34 110 99 Drexel 117, Penn State Greater Allegheny Canisius 67, Marist 62 Washington 2, Saint Joseph’s 2, South
e-Eliminated from playoffs Tampa Bay 32 14 13 5 33 105 114 Lions 49 Fairfield 82, Manhattan 58 Carolina 1, Mississippi St. 1.
x-clinched playoff spot Montreal 31 14 13 4 32 87 106 Duquesne 69, Bradley 67
Buffalo 32 13 16 3 29 90 105 Niagara 74, St. Peter's 57 Women’s AP Top 25
y-clinched division East Stroudsburg 84, Clarion 77 Quinnipiac 60, Rider 57 The top 25 teams in The Associated Press’
Ottawa 26 11 15 0 22 88 89 Gannon 121, Kutztown 76
Thursday's Games Robert Morris 66, Fairmont St. 55 women’s college basketball poll, with
Las Vegas 63, L.A. Chargers 21 Metropolitan Division Indiana (Pa.) 77, Mansfield 59 Siena 61, Mount St. Mary's 55 first-place votes in parentheses, and total
GP W L OT Pts GF GA Le Moyne 92, Houghton 72 Syracuse 78, Cornell 71 points based on 25 points for a first-place
Saturday's Games N.Y. Rangers 29 21 7 1 43 96 80
New BetMGM customers can sign up Cincinnati 27, Minnesota 24, OT Lincoln (Pa.) 79, Livingstone 68 UConn 88, Butler 62 vote through one point for a 25th-place
today and get a First Bet Offer up to Philadelphia 30 17 10 3 37 90 79 Lock Haven 83, Seton Hill 73
Indianapolis 30, Pittsburgh 13 N.Y. Islanders 30 14 8 8 36 94 100 West Virginia 77, Wright St. 72 vote and previous ranking.
$1,500 using bonus code USAT. Just Detroit 42, Denver 17 Marist 76, Md.-Eastern Shore 52 Record Pts Prv
Carolina 31 16 12 3 35 100 100 SOUTH
download the BetMGM app, deposit at Marshall 103, Bluefield College Ramblin 1. S. Carolina (36) 10-0 900 1
Sunday's Games Washington 28 15 9 4 34 70 80 Alabama A&M 80, Chicago St. 43 2. UCLA 9-0 861 2
least $10 and place your first wager on New Jersey 29 16 12 1 33 101 104 Rams 70
Carolina 9, Atlanta 7 Charlotte 65, Charleston Southern 60 3. NC State 11-0 796 3
any game. If your first bet loses, you will Pittsburgh 30 14 13 3 31 87 84 Millersville 75, Edinboro 63
Cleveland 20, Chicago 17 Davidson 75, UNC-Wilmington 56 4. Iowa 11-1 755 4
receive bonus bets in the amount of your Columbus 32 10 17 5 25 96 117 Mississippi Univ. for Women 68, Penn
Houston 19, Tennessee 16, OT East Carolina 65, George Mason 44 5. Texas 11-0 750 5
bet (up to $1,500). Just make sure you St.-Brandywine 60
Kansas City 27, New England 17 WESTERN CONFERENCE FAU 59, UCF 58 6. Southern Cal 8-0 683 6
use bonus code USAT when you sign up. Penn St.-Harrisburg 76, Alvernia 71
Miami 30, N.Y. Jets 0 Central Division Louisiana Tech 77, Cal Baptist 51 7. LSU 11-1 674 7
Bet now! Pitt.-Johnstown 91, Bloomsburg 60
New Orleans 24, N.Y. Giants 6 GP W L OT Pts GF GA Mississippi 64, South Alabama 41 8. Colorado 9-1 645 8
Quinnipiac 77, Holy Cross 57 9. Stanford 9-1 607 9
Tampa Bay 34, Green Bay 20 Dallas 30 18 8 4 40 107 95 Morehead St. 83, Davis & Elkins 28
ODDS SPONSORED L.A. Rams 28, Washington 20 Colorado 31 19 10 2 40 113 96
Slippery Rock 63, Shepherd 57, OT
West Chester 68, Mercyhurst 63
Murray St. 89, W. Carolina 79 10. Baylor 9-0 603 10
San Francisco 45, Arizona 29 Winnipeg 30 18 9 3 39 99 79 NC Central 65, UNC-Asheville 63 11. Utah 9-2 490 11
BY BETMGM.COM Buffalo 31, Dallas 10 Nashville 31 18 13 0 36 99 94 Wilkes 74, Clarks Summit 40
New Orleans 67, Tarleton St. 59 12. Kansas St 10-1 486 12
Baltimore 23, Jacksonville 7 Arizona 30 15 13 2 32 93 86 SOUTH Norfolk St. 85, High Point 71, OT 13. Ohio St. 9-1 482 12
St. Louis 30 15 14 1 31 88 99 Albany St. (Ga.) 84, Kentucky St. 56 Tennessee Tech 77, N. Kentucky 59 14. Notre Dame 8-1 460 14
Odds available as of print deadline. Monday's Games 15. Virginia Tech 8-2 388 16
Minnesota 29 12 13 4 28 89 95 Augusta 86, Reinhardt 64 Texas St. 67, FIU 61
Seattle 20, Philadelphia 17 Chicago 30 9 20 1 19 70 109 Bluefield 57, Fayetteville St. 56 16. UConn 7-3 386 17
College Football UNC-Greensboro 56, SC-Upstate 53 17. Indiana 8-1 380 15
Thursday, Dec. 21 Pacific Division Campbell 83, Morgan St. 76 W. Kentucky 72, Abilene Christian 68
Tuesday New Orleans at L.A. Rams, 8:15 p.m. GP W L OT Pts GF GA Coll. of Charleston 84, Coastal Carolina 81 18. Marquette 11-0 306 19
Frisco Bowl MIDWEST 19. Louisville 10-2 211 18
Saturday, Dec. 23 Vegas 32 21 6 5 47 113 81 Converse 97, Francis Marion 87
Detroit 59, Bellarmine 49 20. Gonzaga 11-2 205 21
Frisco, Texas Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 4:30 p.m. Vancouver 32 21 9 2 44 120 79 Edward Waters 66, Tuskegee 65 21. Florida St. 8-3 127 22
Los Angeles 27 17 6 4 38 97 67 Indiana 109, Evansville 56
FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG Buffalo at L.A. Chargers, 8 p.m. Ferrum 65, Greensboro 59 22. Creighton 8-2 122 20
Calgary 32 13 14 5 31 97 111 Kansas St. 102, Oral Roberts 59
UTSA 11½ (52½) Marshall Sunday, Dec. 24 Florida Tech 65, Barton 56 23. Washington 11-0 87 -
Seattle 33 10 14 9 29 90 109 Loyola Chicago 77, SIU-Edwardsville 74
Cleveland at Houston, 1 p.m. Fort Valley St. 80, Central St. (Ohio) 69 24. North Carolina 7-4 57 25
Thursday Edmonton 28 13 14 1 27 97 97 N. Illinois 65, E. Illinois 55
Detroit at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Georgia Southwestern 83, Lynn 64 25. TCU 11-0 50 -
Boca Raton Bowl Anaheim 31 12 19 0 24 84 105 UCLA 77, Ohio St. 71
Green Bay at Carolina, 1 p.m. Jacksonville 75, Louisiana-Monroe 65 Others receiving votes: Miami 48, West
San Jose 31 9 19 3 21 66 124 UMKC 121, Falcons 37
Boca Raton, Fla. Indianapolis at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Lees-Mcrae 100, Johnson U. 87 Virginia 37, Washington St 29, UNLV 18,
FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for Mary Washington 69, Bridgewater (Va.) SOUTHWEST
Syracuse 3 (61½) South Florida Seattle at Tennessee, 1 p.m. overtime loss. Top three teams in each Houston Christian 66, Schreiner 40 Texas A&M 13, Texas Tech 13, Mississippi
Washington at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. 52 St. 6, Oregon St. 5, Minnesota 4, Green
division and two wild cards per Montana St.-Billings 81, Rollins 70 Omaha 68, Texas Southern 63
Friday, Dec. 22 Jacksonville at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m. conference advance to playoffs. SMU 69, Sam Houston St. 64 Bay 4, Davidson 4, Syracuse 3, Nebraska
Arizona at Chicago, 4:25 p.m. Morehouse 71, Lane 66 2, Mississippi 2, Michigan St. 1.
Gasparilla Bowl Sunday's Games Norfolk St. 108, S. Virginia 52 Texas A&M 95, MVSU 45
Tampa, Fla. Dallas at Miami, 4:25 p.m.
New England at Denver, 8:15 p.m. Vancouver 4, Chicago 3 Rhodes 90, Sewanee 79 FAR WEST
FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG Washington 2, Carolina 1, SO Savannah St. 71, Spring Hill 54 N. Arizona 80, Pepperdine 62
UCF 4½ (67½) Georgia Tech Monday, Dec. 25 Anaheim 5, New Jersey 1 St. Augustines 75, Elizabeth City St. 69 Saint Mary's (Cal) 83, Cal St.-East Bay 67 TRANSACTIONS
Gannett may earn revenue from Las Vegas at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Colorado 6, San Jose 2 UCF 74, Maine 51 San Jose St. 70, CS Northridge 53
N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia, 4:30 p.m. Monday's Transactions
sports betting operators for Vegas 6, Ottawa 3 UNC-Asheville 79, SC State 75 Southern Cal 93, Cal St.-Fullerton 44
audience referrals to betting Baltimore at San Francisco, 8:15 p.m. W. Colorado 51, Utah St. 49 BASEBALL
Monday's Games Wake Forest 88, Delaware St. 59
services. Sports betting operators UNC-Greensboro 56, SC-Upstate 53 Major League Baseball
Pittsburgh 4, Minnesota 3 MIDWEST American League
have no influence over nor are any Anaheim 4, Detroit 3 Adrian 79, Hiram 58 Men’s USA LINE Top 25
such revenues in any way NBA Montreal 3, Winnipeg 2, OT Calvin 81, Wis.-Stevens Pt. 70 The USA TODAY Sports Top 25 men’s
KANSAS CITY ROYALS — Signed RHP
dependent on or linked to the Michael Wacha to a one-year contract.
EASTERN CONFERENCE Dallas 4, Seattle 3, OT Cent. Missouri 71, Missouri-St. Louis 46 basketball poll, with first-place votes
newsrooms or news coverage. Acquired RHP Cesar Espinal from
Calgary 3, Florida 1 Concordia (Ill.) 86, Aurora 76 received in parenthesis, team’s records,
Terms apply, see operator site for Atlantic Division Baltimore for RHP Jonathon Heasley.
W L Pct GB Tuesday’s Games Cornell (Iowa) 67, Wartburg 63 total points based on 25 for first place
Terms and Conditions. Gambling Dominican 89, North Park 86, OT through one point for 25th and ranking in National League
problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER CO, Boston 20 5 .800 — Columbus at Buffalo, 7 p.m. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS — Claimed RHP
Philadelphia 18 8 .692 2½ Minnesota at Boston, 7 p.m. Evansville 98, UT Martin 91 last week’s final poll:
DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, New York 15 11 .577 5½ Lake Superior St. 67, SW Minnesota 61 Record Pts Pvs Collin Snider off waivers from Kansas City.
PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call N.Y. Rangers at Toronto, 7 p.m. 1. Purdue (20) 10-1 785 4 ATLANTA BRAVES — Released 1B Matt
Brooklyn 13 13 .500 7½ Philadelphia at New Jersey, 7 p.m. Loras 90, Lakeland 72
877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY Toronto 11 15 .423 9½ Malone 71, WV Wesleyan 59 2. Kansas (3) 10-1 750 2 Carpenter.
(467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 St. Louis at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m. 3. Houston (9) 11-0 732 3
Southeast Division Vegas at Carolina, 7 p.m. Mary 81, Valley City St. 74 HOCKEY
(MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble 4. Arizona 8-1 707 1
W L Pct GB Edmonton at N.Y. Islanders, 7:30 p.m. Michigan St. 79, Oakland 62 5. Connecticut 10-1 704 5 National Hockey League
Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP Orlando 16 9 .640 — Missouri S&T 79, St. Louis 53 ANAHEIM DUCKS — Recalled G Calle Clang
(AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (NV), Vancouver at Nashville, 8 p.m. 6. Marquette 9-2 628 7
Miami 15 12 .556 2 Colorado at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. N. Illinois 92, Calumet College of St. 7. Tennessee 8-3 541 10 from San Diego (AHL).
1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), Atlanta 11 15 .423 5½ Joseph 48 BUFFALO SABRES — Waived D Jacob
1-800-270-7117 for confidential Ottawa at Arizona, 9 p.m. 8. Oklahoma 10-0 533 12
Charlotte 7 18 .280 9 Los Angeles at San Jose, 10:30 p.m. Ohio 108, Defiance 28 9. Kentucky 8-2 485 15 Bryson.
help (MI), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). In Washington 4 22 .154 12½ Pittsburg St. 94, Truman St. 88 10. Baylor 9-1 431 6 BOSTON BRUINS — Recalled D Mason
partnership with Kansas Crossing SIU-Edwardsville 99, Central Christian 11. Illinois 8-2 422 16 Lohrei from Providence (AHL).
Central Division
Casino
BetMGM.com
and
for
Hotel.
Terms
Visit
&
W L Pct GB COLLEGE FOOTBALL (Mo.) 56 12. Fla. Atlantic 9-2 403 14 CAROLINA HURRICANES — Signed G Aaron
Milwaukee 19 7 .731 — St. Leo 73, Maryville (Mo.) 69 13. N. Carolina 7-3 371 9 Dell to a professional tryout agreement.
Conditions. US promotional offers Cleveland 15 12 .556 4½ Bowl Schedule Transylvania 89, Bluffton 76 14. Creighton 9-2 354 8 COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS — Recalled C
not available in DC, Nevada, New Indiana 13 12 .520 5½ Monday, Dec. 18 Trine 79, Anderson (Ind.) 76 15. BYU 10-1 332 17 Brendan Gaunce from Cleveland (AHL).
York or Ontario. Chicago 11 17 .393 9 Famous Toastery Bowl W. Illinois 92, Eureka 56 16. Gonzaga 8-3 307 13 DALLAS STARS — Recalled G Matt Murray
All times Eastern Detroit 2 25 .074 17½ William Woods 71, Lincoln (Mo.) 69 17. Colorado St. 10-1 264 18 from Texas (AHL).
Charlotte, N.C. 18. Clemson 9-1 254 11
WESTERN CONFERENCE W. Kentucky 38, Old Dominion 35, OT Wis.-Oshkosh 84, Ripon 60 DETROIT RED WINGS — Reinstated C Dylan
Wis.-Parkside 82, Clarke Pride 56 19. Duke 7-3 211 19
Larkin from injured reserve. Assigned C
NFL Southwest Division
W L Pct GB
Tuesday, Dec 19 Wis.-Whitewater 80, Marian 47
20. Virginia
21. James Madison
9-1 184 21
10-0 165 20 Austin Czarnik to Grand Rapids (AHL).
Dallas 16 10 .615 — Frisco Bowl Youngstown St. 117, Westminster (Pa.) 45 NEW YORK ISLANDERS — Recalled D Grant
AMERICAN CONFERENCE 22. Texas 8-2 156 22
New Orleans 16 11 .593 ½ Frisco, Texas SOUTHWEST 23. Memphis 8-2 146 NR Hutton from Bridgeport (AHL).
East Houston 13 11 .542 2 UTSA vs. Marshall, 9 p.m. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS — Placed D Ryan
W L T Pct PF PA Angelo St. 101, West Liberty 98 24. Wisconsin 8-3 141 23
Miami 10 4 0 .714 441 294 Memphis 6 19 .240 9½ Thursday, Dec. 21 Ark.-Pine Bluff 125, Ecclesia 75 25. Mississippi 10-0 132 25 Shea on waivers.
Buffalo 8 6 0 .571 379 254 San Antonio 4 21 .160 11½ Cameron 88, Midwestern St. 87 Others receiving votes: Auburn (8-2) 60; TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING — Reassigned D
Boca Raton Bowl
e-N.Y. Jets 5 9 0 .357 201 287 Northwest Division Cent. Oklahoma 86, Henderson St. 72, OT Miami (Fla.) (8-2) 41; Colorado (8-2) 36; Sean Day to Syracuse (AHL).
e-New W L Pct GB Boca Raton, Fla. East Central 78, John Brown 55 WASHINGTON CAPITALS — Loaned F Joe
USF vs. Syracuse, 8 p.m. TCU (8-1) 26; Michigan State (5-5) 18; Ohio
England 3 11 0 .214 186 299 Minnesota 20 5 .800 — Hardin-Simmons 94, Dallas 85 State (9-2) 17; Grand Canyon (9-1) 13; Iowa Snively to Hershey (AHL). Placed D Lucas
Oklahoma City 17 8 .680 3 Friday, Dec. 22 Jacksonville St. 65, Tarleton St. 62 State (9-2) 12; Texas A&M (7-4) 7; Utah Johansen on waivers.
South Denver 18 10 .643 3½
W L T Pct PF PA Gasparilla Bowl McMurry 91, Ozarks 85 (8-2) 7; South Carolina (9-1) 5; Nebraska FOOTBALL
Houston 8 6 0 .571 306 295 Utah 10 17 .370 11 Prairie View 92, North American 61
Portland 6 19 .240 14 Tampa, Fla. (9-2) 4; New Mexico (10-1) 4; Nevada (9-1) National Football League
Indianapolis 8 6 0 .571 344 343 Georgia Tech vs. UCF, 6:30 p.m. Rogers St. 82, Simon Fraser 63 3; Princeton (10-1) 3; Alabama (6-4) 2; San CINCINNATI BENGALS — Placed CB DJ Ivey
Jacksonville 8 6 0 .571 319 313 Pacific Division Southern Miss. 82, Lamar 79 Diego State (8-2) 2; Dayton (8-2) 1; and DT DJ Reader on injured reserve.
e-Tennessee 5 9 0 .357 257 301 W L Pct GB Saturday, Dec. 23
St. Mary's (Texas) 78, Dominican (NY) 69 Indiana State (10-1) 1. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Placed OL
Sacramento 16 9 .640 — Camellia Bowl Texas A&M Commerce 130, Arlington
North L.A. Clippers 16 10 .615 ½ Men’s AP Top 25 Cole Strange on injured reserved.
W L T Pct PF PA
L.A. Lakers 15 12 .556 2 Montgomery, Ala. Baptist 53 The top 25 teams in The Associated Press’ SOCCER
x-Baltimore 11 3 0 .786 384 225 Arkansas St. vs. N. Illinois, noon Texas A&M-CC 102, Texas Lutheran 50 college basketball poll, with first-place
Cleveland 9 5 0 .643 309 289 Phoenix 14 12 .538 2½ Major League Soccer
Golden State 12 14 .462 4½ Birmingham Bowl Texas St. 110, LeTourneau 68 votes in parentheses, and total points
Cincinnati 8 6 0 .571 307 311 ATLANTA UNITED — Re-signed G Quentin
UALR 80, Murray St. 66 based on 25 points for a first-place vote
Pittsburgh 7 7 0 .500 223 280 Sunday's Games Birmingham, Ala. Westberg to a one-year contract.
Troy vs. Duke, noon FAR WEST through one point for a 25th-place vote FC DALLAS — Signed F Malik Henry-Scott
West Boston 114, Orlando 97
Biola 79, Dominican (Cal.) 72 and previous ranking. to a one-year contract, with club options
W L T Pct PF PA New Orleans 146, San Antonio 110 Armed Forces Bowl Record Pts Prv
CS San Bernardino 70, Alaska-Anchorage through 2027.
Kansas City 9 5 0 .643 319 245 Milwaukee 128, Houston 119 Fort Worth, Texas 1. Purdue (48) 10-1 1534 3
Denver 7 7 0 .500 304 351 64 NEW YORK RED BULLS — Traded F Tom
Phoenix 112, Washington 108 No. 24 James Madison vs. Air Force, 3:30 2. Kansas (6) 10-1 1457 2
Las Vegas 6 8 0 .429 265 280 Cal Lutheran 58, Illinois Wesleyan 52 Barlow to Chicago in exchange for
Golden State 118, Portland 114 p.m. 3. Houston (8) 11-0 1394 4
L.A. Chargers 5 9 0 .357 303 345 Chaminade 70, Lincoln University $125,000 in General Allocation Money
Monday's Games Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Oaklanders 67 4. Arizona 8-1 1372 1
NATIONAL CONFERENCE Chicago 108, Philadelphia 104 5. UConn 10-1 1367 5 (GAM) in 2024 and an additional $125,000
Boise, Idaho Chicago St. 78, Texas Rio Grande Valley 68 in GAM in 2025.
East L.A. Clippers 151, Indiana 127 6. Marquette 9-2 1235 7
Georgia St. vs. Utah St., 3:30 p.m. Concordia (Cal.) 81, Academy of Art 74 7. Oklahoma 10-0 1062 11 SEATTLE SOUNDERS — Acquired $325,000
W L T Pct PF PA Toronto 114, Charlotte 99 Denver 89, Adams St. 83
x-Philadelphia 10 4 0 .714 359 341 Cleveland 135, Houston 130, OT 68 Ventures Bowl 8. Tennessee 8-3 983 12 in 2024 General Allocation Money (GAM)
E. Washington 62, Cal Poly 53 9. Kentucky 8-2 981 14 from Columbus in exchange for two 2024
x-Dallas 10 4 0 .714 431 264 Minnesota 112, Miami 108 Mobile, Ala. Loyola Marymount 76, Detroit 56
N.Y. Giants 5 9 0 .357 189 338 South Alabama vs. Eastern Michigan, 7 10. Baylor 9-1 896 6 International Roster Slots.
Atlanta 130, Detroit 124 Pacific 68, CS Stanislaus 46 11. N. Carolina 7-3 773 9
e-Washington 4 10 0 .286 281 423 Oklahoma City 116, Memphis 97 p.m. National Women's Soccer League
Portland St. 75, Fresno St. 72, OT 12. Creighton 9-2 734 8
South Denver 130, Dallas 104 Las Vegas Bowl HOUSTON DASH — Re-signed F Maria
UC San Diego 83, Sacramento St. 52 13. Illinois 8-2 727 16
W L T Pct PF PA Utah 125, Brooklyn 108 Sanchez to a long-term contract.
Las Vegas UC Santa Cruz 77, Puget Sound 54 14. FAU 9-2 716 15
New Orleans 7 7 0 .500 309 267 Sacramento 143, Washington 131 15. Gonzaga 8-3 642 10 UTAH ROYALS FC — Signed FW Addisyn
Tampa Bay 7 7 0 .500 296 290 Utah vs. Northwestern, 7:30 p.m. West Texas A&M 81, Colorado Mesa 66
New York 114, L.A. Lakers 109 16. Colorado St. 10-1 588 17 Merrick.
Atlanta 6 8 0 .429 258 278 Hawaii Bowl Monday’s Women’s Scores COLLEGE
Tuesday’s Games 17. BYU 10-1 569 18
e-Carolina 2 12 0 .143 206 348 Honolulu, Hawaii EAST 18. Clemson 9-1 501 13 CAMPBELL — Announced the resignation
Memphis at New Orleans, 7:30 p.m.
North San Antonio at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. Coastal Carolina vs. San Jose St., 10:30 CCSU 69, Colgate 54 19. Texas 8-2 449 19 of head football coach Mike Minter.
W L T Pct PF PA
Boston at Golden State, 10 p.m. p.m. Canisius 67, Marist 62 20. James Madison 10-0 442 20
Detroit 10 4 0 .714 382 331 West Virginia 77, Wright St. 72 21. Duke 7-3 311 21
Minnesota 7 7 0 .500 290 269 Phoenix at Portland, 10 p.m.
22. Virginia 9-1 287 22
Green Bay 6 8 0 .429 300 301 COLLEGE SOUTH
Alabama A&M 80, Chicago St. 43 23. Memphis 8-2 274 - ON THIS DATE
Chicago 5 9 0 .357 287 329 24. Wisconsin 8-3 269 23
West
NHL BASKETBALL FAU 59, UCF 58 25. Mississippi 10-0 180 - Dec. 19
W L T Pct PF PA
Morehead St. 83, Davis & Elkins 28 1913 — Heavyweight champion Jack
EASTERN CONFERENCE Monday’s Men’s Scores Murray St. 89, W. Carolina 79 Others receiving votes: Miami 97, Auburn
87, Colorado 84, Utah 37, Iowa St. 24, Ohio Johnson fights to a 10-round draw with
Atlantic Division EAST NC Central 65, UNC-Asheville 63 Battling Jim Johnson in Paris.

MLB NOTEBOOK

Maryland approves lease extension for Orioles

ASSOCIATED PRESS million, one-year deal. lanta Braves, who acquired him last innings he pitches. The Royals have
The agreement with the 32-year-old, week from San Diego. been among the busiest teams in the
BALTIMORE – Maryland officials ap- who won a World Series with Texas in The decision costs the Braves in ef- majors this offseason, bolstering their
proved a lease extension for the Balti- November, is pending a physical, a per- fect $4 million. Atlanta obtained Car- rotation in free agency by signing Wa-
more Orioles at Camden Yards on Mon- son with knowledge of the agreement penter along with left-hander Ray Kerr cha and Seth Lugo along with their bull-
day, formalizing a long-term agreement told The Associated Press. The person from the Padres on Friday for outfielder pen by signing Chris Stratton and Will
between the team and the state and spoke on condition of anonymity be- Drew Campbell. As part of the trade, the Smith. They also have landed power-
capping months of negotiations that cause the deal wasn’t final. Padres agreed to pay the Braves $1.5 mil- hitting outfielder Hunter Renfroe to give
were challenged by how to proceed with Pérez becomes the second left-hand- lion. That covers part of Carpenter’s their lineup a veteran presence along
future development plans near the ball- ed starter to join Pittsburgh in recent $5.5 million salary for next season. with some additional pop.
park. The state’s Board of Public Works, weeks. The Pirates acquired Marco A three-time All-Star with St. Louis, The deal for Wacha includes a $16
chaired by Gov. Wes Moore, voted 3-0 Gonzales from Atlanta for $100,000 on the 38-year-old Carpenter revived his million salary next year, a $16 million
for the lease extension, after it was ap- Dec. 5, a trade in which the Braves are career with the New York Yankees in option and $50,000 bonuses for pitch-
proved by the Maryland Stadium Au- sending Pittsburgh $9.25 million to cov- 2022 when he took advantage of the ing 105 innings each season and each
thority earlier in the day. er most of the $12 million salary Gon- right-field short porch and hit .305 with additional five through 150.
“This is a great day, and I am thrilled zales is owed next season. 15 homers and 37 RBIs. He played for the
to tell you why, but first I want to say Pérez went 10-4 for the Rangers last Yankees from May 26 to Aug. 8, when he Giants, Murphy agree to $8
something that I have been waiting to season, going 10-4 with a 4.45 ERA in 35 broke his left foot with a foul ball. He re- million, 2-year contract
say for a long time: Baltimore, the deal is games, 20 of them starts. He moved turned for the postseason and went 1 for
done,” Moore said at a news conference from the rotation to the bullpen in Au- 12 with nine strikeouts. SAN FRANCISCO – Free-agent
The deal extends the lease for 30 gust and made three relief appearances Carpenter signed a $12 million, two- catcher Tom Murphy and the San Fran-
years, with an option to end it after 15 if in the playoffs – all in mop-up duty – as year contract with the Padres that in- cisco Giants have agreed on an $8 mil-
the team does not receive approval from Texas won its first World Series title. His cluded a $5.5 million player option for lion, two-year contract, according to a
state officials for development plans salary is less than half the $19.65 million 2024. He hit .176 with five homers and 31 person with direct knowledge of the ne-
next to the stadium. he earned this year after accepting the RBIs, but had just 50 at-bats from July 1 gotiations.
The Orioles’ lease at Camden Yards, Rangers’ qualifying offer. on. Carpenter didn’t play after Sept. 10 The person spoke to The Associated
which is owned by the state of Mary- Pérez is 85-81 with a 4.44 ERA in his because of right elbow inflammation. Press on condition of anonymity Mon-
land, was set to expire at the end of the 12-season big league career for Texas day because Murphy still must pass a
year. (2012-18, ‘22-23), Minnesota (2019) and Wacha, Royals finalize 2-year physical for the deal to be finalized.
Boston (2020-21). He was an All-Star in contract The 32-year-old Murphy spent the
Pirates agree to terms with 2022, when he finished 12-8 with a ca- past four years with Seattle after playing
veteran lefty Pérez reer-best 2.89 ERA. KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City his first four major league seasons for
Royals made official their deal with Colorado. He batted .290 with eight
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Pi- Carpenter released by Braves starting pitcher Michael Wacha on home runs and 17 RBIs over 47 games for
rates added another veteran left-hander Monday, a $32 million, two-year pact the Mariners this year.
to fill out their starting rotation, agree- ATLANTA – First baseman Matt Car- that includes a player option for 2025 The Athletic first reported Murphy’s
ing Monday with Martín Pérez on an $8 penter was released Monday by the At- and incentives based on the number of agreement Monday.