Mahomes keeps giving Celebrities take a stand Keeping up:

Chiefs reasons to believe in support of COVID shots Europe’s

QB’s pure heroics are why fans can never count Some post photos of getting shots; others won’t
changing
Kansas City out, Mike Jones writes. In Sports work with unvaccinated cast or crew. In Life COVID rules

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Blinken defends exit from Afghanistan

Republicans call for secretary’s resignation during contentious House hearing
Deirdre Shesgreen Resettling refugees time a top Biden administration official
USA TODAY has testified publicly about the U.S.
Former Bush and Obama administration withdrawal and the chaotic effort to
WASHINGTON – Secretary of State officials create group to ease process evacuate American citizens and Afghan
Antony Blinken staunchly defended the for Afghans coming to live in U.S. 2A allies.
Biden administration’s withdrawal from Blinken and Democratic lawmakers
Afghanistan in a contentious House emphasized that when Biden took of-
hearing Monday that highlighted last- Democrats said the messy end to fice, he faced a May 1 deadline negotiat-
ing partisan divisions over America’s America’s 20-year military presence in ed by Trump officials for the U.S. with-
longest war. Afghanistan was inevitable, and they drawal from Afghanistan. Biden ex-
Republicans called President Joe Bi- pointed the finger at former President tended the deadline to Sept. 11 but said
den’s decision and execution of the U.S. Donald Trump, who negotiated the full any further delay would have risked re-
withdrawal from Afghanistan a “dis- U.S. withdrawal in a 2020 agreement igniting the conflict and risking the lives
Secretary of State Antony Blinken will grace” and “an unmitigated disaster” with the Taliban. of American forces.
testify Tuesday before a U.S. Senate that leaves Americans vulnerable to The hearing, held by the House For-
panel. EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/AP future terrorist attacks. eign Affairs Committee, marked the first See BLINKEN, Page 2A

USA TODAY CHANGED BY COVID-19 LONG-HAULER CHILDREN

INVESTIGATION

Civil rights
agency
fails Black
employees
EEOC triage system
gives some racial bias
claims low priority
Nick Penzenstadler
USA TODAY

A noose in the workplace and a

string of racist commentary were the
final straw for Los Angeles juvenile
corrections worker Darren Gales.
A trained equal employment oppor-
tunity instructor, Gales gathered his
evidence and lodged official complaints
with the nation’s anti-discrimination
agency, expecting swift accountability
against his longtime employer.
That was four years ago. To his cha-
grin, the agency created in the image of
civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. Staff at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich., clap as Waylon Weheir, 7, heads home Aug. 10.
punted his complaint into a low-priori- Waylon had COVID-19 in the spring and developed life-threatening complications. KIRTHMON F. DOZIER/USA TODAY NETWORK
ty case management system even after
he provided photos, affidavits, record-

‘We do not have answers’

ings, witness statements and a moun-
tain of records.
Managers set up that system dec-
ades ago to triage a crush of discrimi-
nation claims that threatened to over-
load the mission of the Equal Employ-
ment Opportunity Commission. Since Most kids who suffer crippling long-haul COVID symptoms
then, they’ve adopted a strategy to pri-
oritize cases. Discrimination claims get better. Doctors are worried about those who don’t.
See EEOC, Page 6A
INSIDE Kristen Jordan Shamus
and Karen Weintraub
Their stories USA TODAY

QIJFAF-02005y(d)m
The cause was the
Thirteen-year-old Rose Lehane Tu-
same, but the effects
reen’s debilitating headache has lasted
©COPYRIGHT 2021 were very different.
USA TODAY, a year and a half.
A division of
Gannett Co., Inc. At 5 months old, Madelynn Birch-
HOME DELIVERY meier stopped reaching developmental
1-800-872-0001, USATODAYSERVICE.COM milestones. She couldn’t hold a bottle
About and didn’t have the strength to crawl or
sit up on her own. Now a year old, she’s
this series undergoing therapy with hopes she’ll
In this five-day series, Madelynn Birchmeier, who got COVID-19 last fall, catch up.
Many getting vaccine USA TODAY and the is unable to crawl, stand or even hold her body up For 7-year-old Waylon Wehrle, com-
news via social media USA TODAY Network while sitting at more than a year old and is in plications from COVID-19 stole his
U.S. adults on how much news explore long-haul therapy. RYAN GARZA/USA TODAY NETWORK memory along with his ability to walk
about COVID-19 vaccines they COVID-19, the people and talk. After months in hospitals and
get from sites like Facebook, rehab, he has slowly improved but will
who’ve suffered and
Twitter, TikTok and YouTube: have diabetes the rest of his life.
the experts trying to
A lot 18% Some help them. The virus heightened 14-year-old Ni-
caja Taylor’s anxiety and asthma and
30% h Monday: also may have triggered diabetes.
What we know Thirteen-year-old Matthew Burris
h Tuesday: wasn’t very sick at first, but weeks after
Effects on children his infection he couldn’t run as hard or
as fast. One day in the spring, he col-
h Wednesday: lapsed on a soccer field, unable to get
20%
Multidisciplinary enough air.
No
answer 31%
clinics They are just a few of the children in
<1% Not much h Thursday: the U.S. suffering long-term complica-
None at all Economic costs Nicaja Taylor, 14, has therapy Aug. 2 at Mary Free tions from COVID-19.
Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. She had COVID-19 last Recovery for most kids infected with
SOURCE Pew Research Center h Friday: spring and was hospitalized when she couldn’t get
survey, July 26-Aug. 8
AMY BARNETTE, TIFFANY CLEMENS/USA TODAY Hope for recovery enough oxygen. KIRTHMON F. DOZIER/USA TODAY NETWORK See COVID KIDS, Page 3A
2A ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ USA TODAY NEWS

AFGHANISTAN CORONAVIRUS NEWS BRIEFING

New group aims to help No need for booster

shots, some experts say
resettlement of refugees COVID-19 vaccine booster
shots may be available to all
FDA. The agency has not au-
thorized ivermectin for pre-
Former Bush and fully vaccinated Americans in
a week, but a review by inter-
venting or treating COVID-19
in humans or animals.
Obama officials national scientists – including “It is our responsibility to
spearhead effort some at the World Health Or- ensure that these medical
ganization and the U.S. Food murders stop NOW and the
Rebecca Morin and Drug Administration – perpetrators be brought to jus-
USA TODAY says we may not need them. tice,” Wood said on the social
The review, published Mon- media site Telegram.
WASHINGTON – Former day in The Lancet, summa-
Obama and Bush administra- rizes scientific evidence from W.Va. lobbies for jabs amid
tion officials are launching an randomized controlled trials state infection records
organization that aims to help and observational studies that
streamline the process of re- appeared in both peer-re- West Virginia broke the roll-
settling the roughly 65,000 Af- viewed journals and pre-print ing, seven-day record for new
ghans forced out of their coun- servers. The consistent finding infections in a week on Friday,
try and now making the United was that vaccines remain Saturday and then again Sun-
States their home. highly effective against severe day, according to Johns Hop-
Welcome.US will bring to- disease, including from the kins University data. Less than
gether top refugee organiza- delta and other variants. 48% of West Virginia’s adult
tions, the government and ma- Afghan refugees are processed at Ramstein U.S. Air Base in Originally, President Joe Bi- population is fully vaccinated,
jor businesses to engage with Germany on Wednesday. Welcome.US aims to bring groups den said a third shot booster the lowest of any state, accord-
Americans on how to help with together to boost resettlement efforts. OLIVIER DOULIERY/AP dose for people with healthy ing to the CDC.
resettlement efforts for Afghan immune systems would be of- Gov. Jim Justice held a
refugees. fered beginning Sept. 20 but news conference Monday that
“America has long been a Clinton, and Obama and for- ly serve as the point person on walked that back over con- included physicians who
beacon of hope and refuge for mer first lady Michelle Obama resettling Afghan evacuees in cerns the announcement got urged vaccinations and dis-
those in search of safety,” Wel- are honorary co-chairs of the the United States, said Welco- ahead of recommendations cussed the dangers and long-
come.US Co-Chairs Cecilia organization. me.US will make the resettle- from the FDA and the Centers term effects of the virus.
Muñoz and John Bridgeland The new group will work ment process more effective, for Disease Control and Pre- “You have got to listen to
told USA TODAY. “This effort to with local and state officials, not only in the short term but vention advisory committees. these people,” Justice said.
welcome Afghans who have al- businesses, veterans groups, to help get Afghans adjusted in Who will be eligible and when “These are really good people
ready contributed so much will faith-based organizations and the long term as well. Markell won’t be decided until two key and they are really smart and
enrich us all by their very pres- top refugee groups to engage said that resettlements will be- scientific advisory committees they are trying to save your life
ence and show the world with Americans on how they gin “in earnest in the coming meet in coming days. every day.”
America at our very best.” can help the Afghan refugees, weeks.” – Adrianna Rodriguez
The United States withdrew who will need clothes, food, Markell noted the Afghans Also in the news
from Afghanistan last month and homes as they have come coming to America after 20 Anti-vaccine activist
after nearly 20 years in the with nearly nothing from their years have supported the Unit- Wolski dies of COVID-19 h Anyone attending an out-
country. Officials evacuated home countries. ed States in their efforts and door event with 500 or more
more than 120,000 people In addition, as part of the said Americans “know that our Veronica Wolski, 64, a vocal people in Washington state is
from the country. Of the total, organization, there will also be Afghan allies will help foe of COVID-19 vaccines and required to wear a face-cover-
about 65,000 were Afghan ref- a Welcome Fund that will pro- strengthen our communities, masks, died Monday, lawyer ing, regardless of COVID-19
ugees. vide grants to nonprofits work- just as refugees and as immi- Lin Wood announced. vaccination status, under a
Many of the refugees who ing directly with resettling Af- grants, always have.” In recent days Wood had mandate effective Monday.
have come here had applied to ghan refugees. Businesses Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, promoted a campaign to pres- h Today’s numbers: The
the Special Immigrant Visa such as Walmart and Star- president and CEO of Lutheran sure a Chicago hospital to treat U.S. has recorded nearly 41
program, a visa for Afghan na- bucks have pledged grants to Immigration and Refugee Ser- Wolski with ivermectin. The million confirmed COVID-19
tionals who helped the U.S. the group, $500,000 and vice, said nine major resettle- drug, primarily a parasite cases and nearly 660,700
during the war, or who would $350,000 respectively. Insta- ment agencies had individual- medicine used on horses and deaths, according to Johns
be vulnerable in the now Tali- cart has said it will donate ly been working on an emer- cattle, is occasionally pre- Hopkins University data.
ban-controlled Afghanistan. 25,000 culturally sensitive gency response to help resettle scribed for humans for parasit- Contributing: John Bacon
Muñoz is the former direc- meals to Afghans who are re- Afghans, but now there is a ic worms, skin conditions and and Christal Hayes, USA TO-
tor of the White House Domes- settling in the U.S. “single point of entry” for head lice, according to the DAY
tic Policy Council under Presi- Officials are still working to Americans to get involved.
dent Barack Obama, and Brid- evacuate U.S. citizens who “This is a historic opportu-
geland is the former director of were left behind in Afghani- nity for us to show our new Af-
the council under President stan, as well as the thousands ghan neighbors and the world
George W. Bush. of Afghan visa applicants who the best of our country in dem- Friday print editions: $29.00
*Plus applicable taxes
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Blinken responded. how many Afghans eligible for mored vehicles and sophisti-
Biden’s top diplomat noted special U.S. visas because of cated defensive systems in the
that the Trump-negotiated their service with American rush to leave the airport in
deal paved the way for the re- forces during the war were left Kabul, the capital, safely.
lease of 5,000 Taliban prison- behind. Several Republicans asked
TODAY’S BONUS CODE

ers, including many of the mil- Overall, the U.S. evacuated Blinken to account for that
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battlefield. military withdrew its last of dollars in such equipment

PCY6X47
“After 20 years, 2,641 Amer- forces Aug. 30. was handed over to the Afghan
ican lives lost, 20,000 injuries Blinken said he expected to security forces, who had been
and $2 trillion dollars spent, it have a more precise break- America’s allies in the war. But
was time to end America’s down of that population in the those fighters surrendered in a
longest war,” Blinken said in coming weeks. matter of days to the Taliban, BONUS CODE
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He said the State Department ken’s resignation. ment that we controlled,”
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each U.S. citizen and is com- not have set an “arbitrary” What isn’t already disabled
mitted to evacuating those deadline for withdrawal. would be soon, he said, be-
who want to leave. “What we should have done cause the equipment needs to
“People are making deci- was tell the Taliban that we are be maintained, and the Tali-
sions hour by hour, if not day going to leave Afghanistan ban don’t have the capacity to
by day, about whether to leave when we’re done bringing do that.
or not,” he said. The State every last American home,” Sherman said there was no
Department offered 60 seats to Zeldin said. “You should re- way to get that equipment out
Americans on two flights that sign. That would be leader- of the country without either
left the country last week, but ship.” betraying Afghan security
only 30 U.S. citizens were Wilson accused Blinken and forces or risking major Ameri-
prepared to leave the country Biden of overriding the advice can casualties.
NEWS USA TODAY ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ 3A

CHANGED BY COVID-19
NICAJA TAYLOR, 14

Mich. teen copes with Type 2 diabetes along with COVID-19

Kristen Jordan Shamus tion and likely exacerbated by long CO-
USA TODAY VID-19 effects,” said Dr. Doug Henry, a
pediatric physiatrist who treated Nicaja
High school is hard enough when at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospi-
you’re healthy and strong. But when it’s tal.
difficult to breathe and take steps be- She had lung tissue damage from the
cause of nerve damage, when you’re virus that compromised her body’s abil-
crippled by anxiety and living through a ity to oxygenate her blood, he said, and
pandemic, it is even harder. her obesity put increased pressure on a
Still, Nicaja Taylor, 14, tried to be opti- nerve in her leg.
mistic in early August as she pedaled an “We do not know for sure if her CO-
exercise bike during a physical therapy VID-19 infection caused her diabetes,
session, looking ahead to the day later but the time frame is there,” Henry said.
that month when she’d walk into Wyo- “There is evidence that COVID-19 can do
ming High School for the first time. this.”
“I’m very excited about that, but also Nicaja and her mom have now fallen
very nervous. I have never even seen the into a rhythm. They’re eating better, ex-
inside of the school before,” she said. “It ercising and coming regularly to outpa-
has two floors, and it’s a big school, so tient therapy. But it wasn’t easy getting
I’m afraid I’ll get lost.” from that panicked April to August.
Nicaja – who loves anime, Marvel “COVID does weird things to people,”
movies and fantasy novels – also is wor- Jovonne said.
ried she might not be able to handle the “We’re just trying to help Nicaja right
stairs at her new school in the western now cope with her feelings. She has
Michigan city that borders Grand Rap- Nicaja Taylor, 14, does therapy at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand coping skills, but sometimes she says, ‘I
ids. Rapids, Mich. She was diagnosed with COVID-19 in April and hospitalized don’t want to use them.’ ”
She had asthma before she contract- because she couldn’t get enough oxygen. KIRTHMON F. DOZIER/USA TODAY NETWORK One creative outlet for Nicaja has
ed the coronavirus in April and was hos- been poetry. She pulled a notebook from
pitalized for a week. her backpack and read from one she’d
“It wasn’t too bad at first,” she said. “I couldn’t walk. She had nerve pain in her take in,” said her mother, Jovonne Tay- recently written:
kept going back to the hospital because I left leg. She was so tired, all she wanted lor. “I was stressed … and if your child is My legs are giving out. You can’t stop
couldn’t breathe. ... The last time I went to do was sleep. not doing well, you’re not doing well.” now. Body don’t give out, don’t let me
there, I really couldn’t breathe and I had And she was coping with an altogeth- Nicaja needed to spend a week at a down.
to be on an oxygen machine. And then, I er new diagnosis: Type 2 diabetes. The rehabilitation hospital to build strength I am your mind. I march in line, keep-
think that next day, I was in the ICU.” anxiety that had nagged her most of her and recover before she could go home. ing everything fine. I can’t breathe, wak-
When it came time for her to leave life was at an all new level. “Her degree of disability ... was much ing up. I’m awake. It’s another day, an-
Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Nicaja “In the beginning, it was a lot just to more than expected with her lung infec- other chance to change.

COVID kids physical, social and psychological con-

sequences of post-COVID syndrome.”
“We’re talking about potential consequences that may Sometimes symptoms fade and then
Continued from Page 1A return. Or they don’t show up until a few
affect these children for decades. Even if it’s a tiny months after an infection, when the
the virus is swift and the illness is mild. proportion of children, it’s very much worth investigating.” children “hit the wall,” she said.
But about 2% to 3%, Centers for Disease “That seems pretty far out to be call-
Control and Prevention Director Dr. Ro- Daniel Munblit ing it post-COVID, but I don’t think we
Pediatric immune system expert at Imperial College London
chelle Walensky estimated, struggle know. We’ve seen a number of kids with
with an array of puzzling and some- that scenario,” Johnston said. “Early on
times crippling symptoms that stretch we would have said, ‘Well that’s clearly
on for weeks or months with no expla- as multisystem inflammatory syn- Dr. Laura Malone, a pediatric neu- not COVID,’ but I’m not so sure about
nation and no clear end date. drome – children, or MIS-C. The ex- rologist at the Pediatric Post COVID-19 that now. … It’s all so new.”
Clinics are popping up around the treme immune reaction to COVID-19 re- Rehabilitation Clinic at the Kennedy The symptoms are fairly similar to
country to provide care for these chil- sults in fever and severe inflammation Krieger Institute in Baltimore, said those seen with other post-viral infec-
dren, and researchers are studying how in multiple organs that can include the there’s no definitive link between any tions, like the Epstein-Barr virus that
the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, eyes, blood particular demographic or preexisting causes mononucleosis, she said.
COVID-19 triggered their lingering vessels, lungs, skin and digestive sys- medical condition that might make one That makes her optimistic about
symptoms and how best to treat them. tem. It most commonly appears several child more likely than another to devel- their prognosis, though she can’t do
So far, the answers are few and the list of weeks after the initial coronavirus in- op long-haul COVID-19 symptoms or much for the long-haul COVID-19 kids
questions long. fection and can lead to hospitalization, MIS-C. now other than treat their symptoms,
“Everyone wants quick answers,” organ failure, and, in rare instances, “In some of the patients that we’ve manage their pain and validate their ex-
said Daniel Munblit, an expert in the pe- death. seen, these are relatively healthy chil- periences.
diatric immune system at Imperial Col- Since the pandemic began, the CDC dren that don’t have a lot of preexisting “It’s a painful, long process, but kids
lege London researching long-haul CO- has identified 4,661 cases of MIS-C medical conditions that continue to can recover,” Johnston said.
VID-19. “We do not have answers.” nationally and 41 deaths from the have persistent symptoms,” she said.
In a study he helped lead in Russia, condition. It has disproportionately af- Malone said MIS-C should fall be- When will long-haul
researchers found a quarter of children fected children who are Black or His- neath the long-haul COVID-19 umbrella COVID-19 in children end?
hospitalized for COVID-19 continued to panic/Latino – the same populations – as a type of long-lasting aftereffect
have symptoms six to eight months af- who have carried a heavier burden of from the virus; other doctors disagree. How long it will take is impossible to
ter they were sent home. COVID-19 overall, and is more likely to Even what qualifies as a long-haul predict. At Children’s Hospital of Phila-
Still, most of the children – even the strike boys than girls. symptom hasn’t been formally defined. delphia, pediatric infectious disease
sickest – recovered. Dr. Clifford Bogue, the chair of pedi- “The definitions of what long COVID specialist Dr. Sanjeev Swami also uses
“We should not exaggerate the prob- atrics and chief medical officer at Yale is continues to evolve,” Malone said. Epstein-Barr infections as his model for
lem,” Munblit said, but “at the same New Haven Children’s Hospital, in Con- “But most people refer to any post-acute treating long-haul COVID-19.
time, we should not downplay and say necticut, has treated several dozen chil- syndrome of COVID as symptoms last- There’s no good medication to speed
that none are getting it.” dren with MIS-C. ing more than four weeks. And that does recovery from mono, he said, just “reset-
More research is needed to better un- Of the 120 children hospitalized at include children and adults that have ting physiology” by focusing on getting
derstand the condition, he said. the clinic so far, about half came in for a been hospitalized, so that would include good sleep, and slowly boosting exer-
“We’re talking about potential conse- different complaint and then tested the MIS-C patients as well.” cise. “It’s interventions,” Swami said,
quences that may affect these children positive. The other half sought care for “but it’s not ‘Here’s a prescription, go to
for decades. Even if it’s a tiny proportion COVID-19, and half of those had MIS-C. How wide-ranging are your pharmacy, take a pill for a week,’
of children, it’s very much worth inves- “The good news is all the children the symptoms children have? which would be much easier but unfor-
tigating.” have survived and done reasonably tunately doesn’t actually help.”
Two percent may seem like a small well,” he said. The medical problems kids with He now has long-haul COVID-19 pa-
number, said Dr. Sean O’Leary, a pediat- So far, Bogue said, he and his col- long-haul COVID-19 are experiencing tients who’ve been sick for eight to 12
ric infectious disease specialist at Chil- leagues aren’t seeing long-term compli- seem to mirror what many adults have months and has to reset their expecta-
dren’s Hospital Colorado. But with cations in kids with MIS-C, though it reported, said Malone, an assistant pro- tions that recovery will come quickly.
about 5 million children in the U.S. in- hasn’t been long enough to know for fessor of neurology and physical medi- Week by week, though, Swami ex-
fected so far, he said, “Do the math. certain. cine and rehabilitation at the Johns pects to see them slowly improve. Gen-
That’s a lot of kids, right?” MIS-C is still so new, it can be hard Hopkins University School of Medicine. erally, a child who has been sick for two
And the share of children in the U.S. for doctors to recognize. In mid-sum- The complaints are wide-ranging months will take about the same
getting sick and hospitalized with the vi- mer, a child was transferred to Yale New and can include fatigue, headaches, diz- amount of time to recover.
rus is climbing as schools reopen and Haven for a suspected case, but it ended ziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, “You’re going to have good and bad
kids return to classrooms largely unvac- up being appendicitis, said Dr. Elijah sleep disturbances, decreased endur- days,” he said. “You can’t think about it
cinated. The Pfizer-BioNTECH COVID-19 Paintsil, a pediatric infectious disease ance or poor conditioning, pain, rashes, with such a short time frame.”
vaccine has an emergency use authori- expert there. loss of smell or distorted smells. Some Dr. Marc Hershenson, a pediatric
zation for adolescents ages 12-15 and is Some kids bounce right back after a children have lingering rapid heartbeat. pulmonologist at the University of
fully authorized for people 16 and older. few days in the hospital, treated per- Mood and attention issues can make Michigan’s Pediatric Post-COVID Syn-
But younger children still aren’t eligible, haps with steroids to tamp down in- it challenging to concentrate or do drome Clinic, said he and other doctors
leaving them vulnerable to the extremely flammation, immunoglobulin to boost schoolwork, Malone said, and some are concerned about how quickly the vi-
contagious delta variant. the immune response to infection and kids might not be able to explain how rus is spreading now among kids who’ve
“If you’re not vaccinated, in a lot of supportive care like fluids. But Paintsil they’re feeling. largely returned to in-person learning at
parts of the country, there’s a very rea- said children who have endured inten- “They might have declining grades in schools around the country.
sonable chance you’re going to get this sive care often have long-term mental school but they may not be able to say, “We’re worried,” he said. “We’re wor-
sometime in the coming weeks or health issues, like nightmares. ‘I’m having difficulty thinking or con- ried that there’s going to be more acute
months,” said O’Leary, who also is a liai- Much about COVID-19 in kids re- centrating or paying attention,’ ” she pneumonia with COVID in the tweens
son to the CDC’s vaccine advisory com- mains a mystery. said. and teens that we haven’t seen before.
mittee. “Roughly half of 12- to 17-year- “It’s a new phenomenon. That’s why Dr. Alicia Johnston, who leads the And then we’re worried about the
olds are vaccinated at this point, and we’re taking it seriously,” Paintsil said. post-COVID-19 clinic at Boston Chil- MIS-C. And then we’re worried about
then there are all the younger kids who His clinic plans to follow up with MIS-C dren’s Hospital, said she’s had patients the long-term effects on the lung, in
can’t get vaccines.” patients at 2, 6, 9 months and a year af- who had to drop out of their freshman terms of flare ups of asthma or develop-
ter their initial treatment to track their year of college or miss a semester of high ment of asthma in kids who may have
Is MIS-C a symptom recovery. school. She’s seen competitive athletes had a tendency in the past but maybe
of long-haul COVID-19? His team has learned to “admit to the too exhausted to get out of bed, and chil- hadn’t had full-blown asthma.
parents that we don’t know what we are dren complaining about chronic pain. “I hope I’m wrong about all this and
An even smaller subset of children doing, but hey, stay with us, let’s do this “It’s life-altering on a number of dif- that, you know, somehow we’ll dodge a
end up with a rare complication known together,” he said. ferent levels,” she said. “These kids have bullet, but it doesn’t look well.”
4A ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ USA TODAY NEWS

CHANGED BY COVID-19
MADELYNN BIRCHMEIER, 1

Infant COVID-19 patient is now in ‘uncharted territory’

Kristen Jordan Shamus “When she came in to see us at 10
USA TODAY months, she wasn’t really doing any-
thing.”
Madelynn Birchmeier was born with There were no signs of neurological
clear blue eyes and the palest of blond problems, but it seemed as if Madelynn
hair – in the midst of the global pan- had stopped progressing developmen-
demic. tally when she contracted COVID-19.
By that June day in 2020, her par- “We saw her and unanimously decid-
ents, Nicole and Adam Birchmeier, were ed that this kid needs therapy right
all too aware of the risks. They both away,” Voss said. “No one can say for
work in medicine – she is a nurse, and certain the direct cause of her symp-
he’s in medical referrals – and they tomatology, but her symptoms are di-
weren’t willing to take any chances with rectly correlated to the timing of her in-
their first child. fection of COVID.”
“She was a COVID baby, so we didn’ t Madelynn now goes for regular out-
see anybody,” Nicole said. Still, the virus patient therapy at Mary Free Bed and
found its way into their small family continues the work at home with her
home in Muskegon Township, just a few mom and dad.
miles from the shores of Lake Michigan. They are trying to help build her coor-
In late October, Nicole hugged the dination, core muscle strength and tone
grieving widow of a patient who’d just in her arms and legs.
died. “We need to tackle the big things, sit-
“The patient was negative and then ting, crawling, before we can tackle the
turned positive, and I got it,” she said. little things,” Nicole said.
“We just had surgical masks on, and I Madelynn Birchmeier works with Jenae Swiercz at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation In July, Madelynn started rolling over
gave the wife a hug. She needed it. I Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich., while parents Nicole and Adam watch. At more again. She can now hold her head up on
would do it again.” than a year old, she can’t crawl, walk or stand. RYAN GARZA/USA TODAY NETWORK her own and can sit supported.
When she went home that night, Ni- Nicole and Adam say it’s anyone’s
cole wore a mask. Adam did, too, as a guess how soon Madelynn will build the
precaution. They kept wearing masks at “That was three months where she strength to be able to do the other things
home, but a week later, Nicole tested didn’t really want to do much of any- most babies her age can do – or whether
positive. thing besides cuddle with us. Maddie “We need to tackle the big she will at all.
Madelynn soon grew feverish. has always been a really bad sleeper. We “There’ s really not a whole lot of re-
“We just assumed that she had CO- noticed though, after the COVID, we things, sitting, crawling, search out on babies and COVID,” Nicole
VID, but then she started developing couldn’t get her to go to sleep at night. before we can tackle the said.
pneumonia,” Adam said. We were up with her all night long. Her “People need to realize that it’s so dif-
Nicole took Madelynn to the emer- insomnia was so bad.” little things.” ferent with a COVID baby because no-
gency room of a nearby hospital. There were other alarming signs. Nicole Birchmeier
body knows what to do, and we’re just
“The doctor came in and he said, ‘I Maddie had stopped rolling over. She Mother of Madelynn taking it one day at a time.”
know you’re a nurse, and you know how couldn’t hold a bottle. Their little girl is getting stronger ev-
it is here.’ At that time, the hospital was As time went on, the list of things the ery day and is more deliberate in her
packed,” Nicole recalled. “So he’s like: baby wasn’t doing grew longer. Nicole said. movements now. On a morning in early
‘It’s up to you. I can admit her or I can She wasn’t eating solid food. She Maddie was referred to Mary Free August, she rolled across their living
send you home with these guidelines wasn’t able to sit up on her own. She Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand room floor and reached into the toy bas-
and if they get worse, come back in.’ So I wasn’t crawling or standing. She didn’t Rapids, Michigan, where Dr. Lisa Voss ket for a rubber giraffe.
said, ‘Send us home.’ wave or reach for things. evaluated her. Nicole, smiled, watching her, hope-
“I bawled. I told Adam, ‘I made our It seemed hard for Madelynn to do “We would expect her to be creeping ful.
baby sick.’ ” two things at once. around on her own, likely crawling, pull- “We’re in uncharted territory right
For three months, Madelynn was giv- Then came her 9-month checkup. ing herself up to stand, and not neces- now,” Adam said. “We’re just following
en albuterol breathing treatments and a “When we did our scoring, she was sarily having words but jabbering a lot,” along with the program, trust the scien-
revolving list of antibiotics to clear the five months behind on gross motor and said Voss, a pediatric physical medicine tists and trust the experts. It’s the only
pneumonia. six months behind on fine motor” skills, and rehab physician. thing we can do right now.”

Advertisement
ROSE LEHANE TUREEN, 13

She was ‘carefree’ and

wonders if she will be again
Karen Weintraub
USA TODAY

Rose Lehane Tureen, 13, seems des-

tined for success. She’s smart, thought-
ful, passionate and full of energy.
In late 2019 at age 11, she came in
second in a cross-country race.
Nearly everything came easily to her.
“I was a carefree kid,” Rose said.
But just months after that race, she
was struggling to walk.
She woke up on March 13, 2020, call- Rose and her mother Erin are in Maine
ing for her mom “like a little kid,” her while seeking treatment for Rose’s
mother Erin said, with a barking cough chronic headaches at Boston’s Children
and a high fever. Hospital. MICHELLE HANKS/USA TODAY
Two weeks later, she developed a
headache. At first, Rose didn’t know
how to describe what was bothering her. spent in her mother’s hometown in
She’d never had a headache before. Maine, she came out of a two-hour visit
Now she gets annoyed with adults to Boston Children’s Hospital feeling
who ask her if she has a headache today. heard. Caregivers there confirmed that
“It’s one headache,” Rose says. It hasn’t she had long-haul COVID-19 and that
gone away in 18 months. they had seen all her symptoms before
Sometimes it gets worse, though. She in other children.
has been to the emergency room half a Both mother and daughter feel fortu-
dozen times and hospitalized twice with nate Rose is finally getting the help she
dizziness and blinding pain. needs – and they worry about the peo-
Several times early on, including in ple who aren’t as advantaged or as stub-
the emergency room that March day, born. Rose has been treated by an acu-
doctors refused to test her for the coro- puncturist, chiropractor, massage ther-
navirus. Tests were not available for apist and naturopath. She’s tried elim-
kids. The neurologists wouldn’t refer ination diets and, of course, lots of
her to an infectious disease specialist. medications.
A spinal tap, ordered when she could “She’s not the person she was a year
barely walk and was declining fast, and a half ago,” her mother said, “but
showed no meningitis. But a blood test she’s here.”
did find coronavirus antibodies, show- A true Californian, Rose loves to surf,
ing she’d had an infection. walk, run, hike and play with her two
Before COVID-19, Rose would bounce dogs, Cowboy, a Great Pyrenees, who is
from a full school day to a 7-mile run, gigantic and scared of everything, and
then to soccer practice or dance class – Finnegan, a tiny terrier “who is scared of
she loves Irish step dancing. Now, nothing.”
though she still dances, she tires easily. Being active, Rose said, used “to
For more than a year, she felt as if make me so happy.”
most of the doctors she saw didn’t really Now, she’s anxious about starting
hear her complaints. They told her her seventh grade, mostly because she
symptoms must be unrelated. won’t be able to control the sounds that
Sometimes, she wondered if grown- worsen her headache. She’d like people
ups would pay more attention if she to whisper, and to have a mute button
weren’t so put together. for the middle school boys.
“Then maybe they’d listen,” she said. The one good thing COVID-19 has giv-
“I have to imagine there are thousands en Rose is a purpose. “I want to be that
of Roses.” doctor who listens to the kids,” she said.
Finally, in the middle of a summer “I’m 13, OK? I can handle this.”
NEWS USA TODAY ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ 5A

DOJ will put TROPICAL STORM NICHOLAS

new limits on Texas eyes next storm,

police reform braces for a foot of rain
monitors John Bacon, Megan Kearney
and Doyle Rice
power two weeks after the devastation
of Hurricane Ida, was under a state of
Department aims to USA TODAY emergency.
In Texas, Houston could be blasted
curb soaring costs Schools closed and storm surge with 8 to 12 inches of rain, and nearby
watches and warnings raced across the areas could see up to 24 inches, Accu-
Kevin Johnson Gulf Coast as Nicholas churned along Weather forecast.
USA TODAY the Texas coast, a strengthening tropi- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said re-
cal storm that could reach hurricane sources had been deployed in Houston
The Justice Department will im- status when it was expected to slam and along the state’s entire Gulf Coast
pose new limits on police reform mon- Attorney General Merrick Garland has ashore late Monday. ahead of the storm.
itors, it announced Monday. renewed intervention by federal Nicholas, with sustained winds of 60 “We urge you to listen to local
The new restrictions – including officials into troubled police agencies. mph, was centered about 70 miles south- weather alerts and heed local warn-
budget caps, term limits and training JIM LO SCALZO/AP southeast of Port Aransas, Texas, and ings from local officials,” Abbott said.
requirements – come as police officials was headed north Monday afternoon. It “Be sure to avoid high water and the af-
have expressed concerns over monitor was forecast to move onshore along the fects of flooding. And be safe.”
payments, which have risen to more tenure in communities. coast of south or central Texas. Nicholas was headed toward the
than $1 million annually in some cities. William Bratton, a former chief in “Strengthening is forecast today, and same area of Texas that was hit hard
For years, the Justice Department New York and Los Angeles who helped Nicholas could reach the northwest Gulf by Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
had relied on these so-called consent guide Los Angeles through a 12-year Coast as a hurricane,” National Hurri- That storm made landfall in the
decrees to bring change to police de- consent decree, has expressed concern cane Center senior specialist Eric Blake middle Texas coast, then stalled for
partments accused of abuse. about the duration and expense of such said. four days, dropping more than 60
But the practice that was all but agreements. The storm was expected to weaken inches of rain in parts of southeast
abandoned during the Trump admini- “I think you have to be careful to Tuesday and Wednesday as it moves Texas. Harvey was blamed for at least
stration. make sure these (federal inquiries) don’t over land, he said. 68 deaths.
Attorney General Merrick Garland become too big, too costly,” Bratton told AccuWeather meteorologist Ryan About a dozen public school sys-
this year announced the revival of in- USA TODAY this year. Adamson was more optimistic and sug- tems near Galveston, Texas, shut
tervention in troubled police agencies, “You don’t want it to become an in- gested the storm would spend limited down for the day Monday, and Galves-
opening wide-ranging civil rights in- dustry. time over warm Gulf of Mexico waters ton schools closed around noon. Sev-
vestigations in Minneapolis, Louis- “What many of these agreements and thus probably wouldn’t reach hurri- eral districts in the Houston area shut
ville, Kentucky, and Phoenix. don’t do is provide a measure for suc- cane strength – sustained winds of at down or planned early releases. The
While agencies largely have benefit- cess in the relationship between the po- least 74 mph. Houston Independent School District
ed from the intervention, the actions lice department and community,” Brat- A hurricane watch was issued from tweeted that campuses and district of-
often result in costly court enforced re- ton said. Port Aransas to San Luis Pass, Texas. fices would be closed Tuesday.
form agreements. Chuck Wexler, executive director of Nearly all of the state’s coastline was Texas A&M University-Kingsville
“Constraining monitor costs also the Police Executive Research Forum, a under a tropical storm warning. canceled classes, and the school’s Cor-
minimize any actual conflict of inter- law enforcement think tank which has Whether a hurricane or tropical pus Christi campus switched to re-
est between a monitor’s duty to the ju- closely examined cases of federal inter- storm, meteorologists agreed Nicholas mote learning for the day. The Univer-
risdiction and her bottom line,” ac- vention in policing, has called the rela- would be a rainmaker. sity of Houston was open Monday but
cording to a Justice Department mem- tionship between the monitor and the Blake forecast Nicholas to pound was monitoring the forecast for exces-
orandum outlining the new guidelines. police agency one “one of the biggest parts of the middle and upper Texas sive rainfall and flooding.
“Monitorships should be designed challenges.” coastline with 8 to 16 inches of rain, and Nicholas is the 14th named storm of
to avoid even the appearance that a In Oakland, California, the depart- isolated maximum amounts of 20 inch- the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season.
monitor is primarily motivated by ment has been tethered to an unusual es are possible through the middle of the Only four other years since 1966 have
profit,” the memo said. reform agreement for nearly 20 years week. had 14 or more named storms by Sept.
“Repeatedly, many of the stake- that has cost the city millions of dollars. Across the rest of coastal Texas into 12: 2005, 2011, 2012 and 2020.
holders we interviewed urged the de- Notably, the so-called negotiated set- southwest Louisiana, 5 to 10 inches was The National Hurricane Center was
partment to do more to dispel the per- tlement agreement was the result of a expected. monitoring two other systems in the
ception that monitoring is becoming a private lawsuit and had no connection “Life-threatening flash and urban Atlantic; chances are increasing for
cottage industry, closed to outside to the Justice Department. flooding impacts are possible, especial- the systems to develop into tropical
voices.” Yet the community has chafed over ly across portions of the upper Texas depressions this week.
Future consent decrees, according similar concerns for the cost and the Gulf Coast,” the hurricane center said. The next names in the 2021 Atlantic
to the Justice Department, will now in- current monitor who has managed the River flooding also was a concern. hurricane season will be Odette and
clude caps on such fees negotiated by department’s progress for more than a Louisiana, where more than 100,000 Peter.
the parties and term limits for their decade. homes and businesses remain without Contributing: The Associated Press

 

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ƒ† ˜‹–ƒŽǤ ƒ› ƒŽ•‘ ‘–‹…‡ ‘”‡ ”‡ƒ”ƒ„Ž‡ ™ƒ• –Š‡ ˆƒ…– ˆƒ…–ǡ „› ƒ‰‡ ͸͹ ‡ƒ”Ž› ͺͲΨ ‘ˆ –Š‡
‡•‡ƒ”…Š •Š‘™• –Š‡ ’‹ŽŽ ™‘”• •‹‰‹ϐ‹…ƒ– ‹’”‘˜‡‡–• ‹ „”ƒ‹ǡ –Šƒ– –Š‡ ‹…‡ ™‹–Š –Š‡ •–”‘‰‡•– ‹–‘…Š‘†”‹ƒ ™‡ Šƒ† ƒ– ʹͷ Šƒ˜‡ ‘— …ƒ ‘™ ”‡‰ƒ‹ „‘—†Ž‡••
„› –”‹‰‰‡”‹‰ –Š‡ ‰”‘™–Š ‘ˆ ‡™ Š‡ƒ”–ǡ ƒ† Ž—‰ ˆ—…–‹‘ –‘‘ǡdz ‹–‘…Š‘†”‹ƒ •Š‘™‡† ‘ •‹‰• ‘ˆ †‹‡†Ǥ ‡‡”‰›ǡ ‡™ ˜‹‰‘” ƒ† ’Š›•‹…ƒŽ
‹–‘…Š‘†”‹ƒ ‹ –Š‡ „‘†›ǯ• ‘•– ‡š’Žƒ‹• ”Ǥ Ž ‡ƒ”•ǡ …”‡ƒ–‘” ‘ˆ –Š‡ ƒ‰‹‰ ‡˜‡ ™Š‡ –Š‡› ™‡”‡ –Š‡ …ƒ’ƒ„‹Ž‹–‹‡• ›‘— ‡Œ‘›‡† ‹ ›‘—”
Š‹• †”ƒƒ–‹… †‡…Ž‹‡ …ƒ ›‘—–ŠǤ
‹’‘”–ƒ– ‘”‰ƒ•ǡ ƒ ’Š‡‘‡‘ Ž–”ƒ ……‡Ž  ’‹ŽŽǤ ‡“—‹˜ƒŽ‡– –‘ ͺͲ ›‡ƒ”• ‘Ž†Ǥ –”‹‰‰‡” ƒ› •‡”‹‘—• Š‡ƒŽ–Š
‘™ ƒ• ‹–‘…Š‘†”‹ƒŽ Dz† –Šƒ–ǯ• „‡…ƒ—•‡ Ž–”ƒ Š‡”‡ –‘ ‹† Ž–”ƒ ……‡Ž 
Dzˆ–‡” ”‡ƒ†‹‰ –Š‡ •–—†› ‘ ’”‘„Ž‡• ‹…Ž—†‹‰ Š‡ƒ”– ˆƒ‹Ž—”‡ǡ
„‹‘‰‡‡•‹•Ǥ ……‡Ž  —Ž–‹’Ž‹‡• –Š‡ —„‡” Š‹• ‹• –Š‡ ‘ˆϐ‹…‹ƒŽ ”‡Ž‡ƒ•‡
ǡ  ‹‡†‹ƒ–‡Ž› …ƒŽŽ‡† › ‡‘”› Ž‘•• ƒ† ”‡Ž‡–Ž‡••
…‹‡–‹•–• Ž‘‰ „‡Ž‹‡˜‡† –Š‹• ™ƒ• ‘ˆ ›‘—–Šˆ—Ž ‹–‘…Š‘†”‹ƒ ‹ ƒ—ˆƒ…–—”‡”Ǥ ‡ ‡š’Žƒ‹‡† –‘ ˆƒ–‹‰—‡Ǥ – …ƒ ƒŽ•‘ …ƒ—•‡ –Š‡ •‹ ‘ˆ Ž–”ƒ ……‡Ž Ǥ • •—…Šǡ –Š‡
‹’‘••‹„Ž‡ –‘ ‡š’‡”‹‡…‡ ƒˆ–‡” ƒ ‡˜‡”› …‡ŽŽ ‘ˆ ›‘—” „‘†› ‹ ‡˜‡”› ‡  ™ƒ• ‹…”‡†‹„Ž› Šƒ”† –‘ –‘ Ž‘‘ ‘Ž†‡” ƒ† ƒ……‡Ž‡”ƒ–‡ –Š‡ …‘’ƒ› ‹• ‘ˆˆ‡”‹‰ ƒ •’‡…‹ƒŽ
…‡”–ƒ‹ ƒ‰‡Ǥ —– –Š‡ ‡™ ”‡•‡ƒ”…Š ‹’‘”–ƒ– ‘”‰ƒ ƒ† –‹••—‡Ǥ •‘—”…‡ „—– ƒˆ–‡” ƒ ˆ‡™ ‘–Š• ‘˜‡”ƒŽŽ ƒ‰‹‰ ’”‘…‡••Ǥ †‹•…‘—–‡† •—’’Ž› –‘ ƒ› ”‡ƒ†‡”
’”‘˜‡• –Šƒ– ‹– …ƒ ‘™ „‡ ƒ…Š‹‡˜‡†  ϐ‹ƒŽŽ› ‰‘– › Šƒ†• ‘ •‘‡ ™Š‘ …ƒŽŽ• ™‹–Š‹ –Š‡ ‡š– Ͷͺ Š‘—”•Ǥ
Š‡ ”‡•—Ž– ‹• ƒ ‡‘”‘—• •’‹‡ Š‡ ‹‘ ‹ Ž–”ƒ ……‡Ž  ‹•
ƒ– ƒ› ƒ‰‡ ™‹–Š Ž–”ƒ ……‡Ž Ǥ ‹ …‡ŽŽ—Žƒ” ‡‡”‰› –Šƒ– Ž‹–‡”ƒŽŽ› ƒ† •—……‡••ˆ—ŽŽ› „Ž‡†‡† ‹– ‹–‘ ƒ ‘‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‘Ž› ‘™ …‘’‘—†•  •’‡…‹ƒŽ Š‘–Ž‹‡ —„‡”
‡”‰‹œ‡• –Š‡ ‘†›ǯ• ”‡˜‡”•‡• ›‘—” „‹‘Ž‘‰‹…ƒŽ …Ž‘…Ǥ  •‘ˆ–‰‡Ždz ‡š’Žƒ‹• ”Ǥ ‡ƒ”•Ǥ –‘ ƒ…–—ƒŽŽ› —Ž–‹’Ž› –Š‡ —„‡” ƒ† †‹•…‘—–‡† ’”‹…‹‰ Šƒ•
‘•– ‹–ƒŽ ”‰ƒ• Žƒ›‡ –‡”•ǡ ›‘— ‰”‘™ ›‘—‰‡”Ǥdz Dz ™ƒ• –Š‡ ϐ‹”•– –‘ –”› ‹–Ǥ ˆ–‡” ‘ˆ ‹–‘…Š‘†”‹ƒ ‹ ›‘—” …‡ŽŽ•Ǩ „‡‡ …”‡ƒ–‡†Ǥ ‹•…‘—–• ™‹ŽŽ „‡
–Š‡ ϐ‹”•– †‘•‡  ˆ‡Ž– ƒ ‹‡†‹ƒ–‡ † Œ—•– Ž‹‡ ƒ ’‘™‡” …‘”†ǡ –Š‡ ƒ˜ƒ‹Žƒ„Ž‡ •–ƒ”–‹‰ –‘†ƒ› ƒ– ͸ ƒǤǤ
‹–‘…Š‘†”‹ƒ ƒ”‡ ˆ‘—† ‹ ƒŽŽ Š‡ ‹˜‡”•‹–› –—†› Šƒ– ƒ† ™‹ŽŽ ƒ—–‘ƒ–‹…ƒŽŽ› „‡ ƒ’’Ž‹‡†
…‡ŽŽ• ȋƒ† –Š‡”‡ ƒ”‡ –”‹ŽŽ‹‘• ‘ˆ –ƒ”–‡† –Š‡ –‹Ǧ‰‹‰ „‘‘•– ‹ ‡‡”‰›Ǥ ‹–Š †ƒ‹Ž› —•‡  „‹“—‹‘Ž Šƒ• –Š‡ ƒƒœ‹‰ ƒ„‹Ž‹–›
‘–‹…‡† › ‡†—”ƒ…‡ǡ ‡‘”›ǡ –‘ ‡‡”‰‹œ‡ –Š‡•‡ ‡™ǡ ›‘—–Šˆ—Ž –‘ ƒŽŽ …ƒŽŽ‡”•Ǥ
–Š‡ ‹ ›‘—” „‘†›Ȍǡ Š‡› ’”‘†—…‡ ‘˜‡‡–
–Š‡ …‡ŽŽ—Žƒ” ‡‡”‰› ”‡“—‹”‡† „› ˜‹•‹‘ ƒ† ‡˜‡ –Š‡ ƒ’’‡ƒ”ƒ…‡ ‘ˆ ‹–‘…Š‘†”‹ƒ •‘ –Šƒ– –Š‡› ƒ”‡ ˆ—ŽŽ› ‘—” –‘ŽŽǦˆ”‡‡ Š‘–Ž‹‡ —„‡”
”Ǥ ‡ƒ”•ǯ ‹•’‹”ƒ–‹‘ ˆ‘” Ž–”ƒ › •‹ ƒ† Šƒ‹” ‹’”‘˜‡†Ǥ – ™ƒ• …Šƒ”‰‡†Ǥ ‹• ͳǦͺͲͲǦͻ͸ͲǦͷͷ͸͹ ƒ† ™‹ŽŽ ‘Ž›
›‘—” ‘”‰ƒ• –‘ ˆ—…–‹‘Ǥ ……‡Ž  …ƒ‡ ƒˆ–‡” ”‡˜‹‡™‹‰ „‡ ‘’‡ ˆ‘” –Š‡ ‡š– Ͷͺ Š‘—”•ǡ —•‡
–”—Ž› ƒƒœ‹‰Ǥdz ƒ–‹‡–• ƒ‹Ž ’”‘˜‡‡–•
 –Š‡ ‘•– ‡‡”‰›Ǧ†‡ƒ†‹‰ –Š‡ ‡™ •–—†› ’—„Ž‹•Š‡† „› ”‘‘ ‘†‡ ͷͲ ™Š‡ ›‘—
‘”‰ƒ•ǡ Ž‹‡ –Š‡ „”ƒ‹ ƒ† ”‡•‡ƒ”…Š‡”• ƒ–  ƒ˜‹•Ǥ Š‡•‡ …‹‡…‡ ‘ˆ ‰‡ ‡˜‡”•ƒŽ ‹ ‡ƒŽ–Š ƒ† ƒ …ƒŽŽ ‹Ǥ Ž› ƒ Ž‹‹–‡† †‹•…‘—–‡†
Š‡ƒ”–ǡ –Š‡”‡ …ƒ „‡ ƒ• ƒ› ƒ• ™‘ ‡› ‹‰”‡†‹‡–• ƒ‡ —’ ‡…‡Ž‡”ƒ–‹‘ ‹ ‰‹‰ •—’’Ž› ‘ˆ Ž–”ƒ ……‡Ž  ‹• …—””‡–Ž›
”‡•‡ƒ”…Š‡”• †‹•…‘˜‡”‡† –Šƒ–
ʹǡͲͲͲ ‹–‘…Š‘†”‹ƒ ’‡” …‡ŽŽǤ ™Š‡ ‹…‡ ™‡”‡ ˆ‡† –Š‡ ƒ–—”ƒŽ –Š‡ Ž–”ƒ ……‡Ž  •‘ˆ–‰‡ŽǤ Š‡ ϐ‹”•– Š‡ ‹‹–‹ƒŽ ˆ‡‡†„ƒ… ˆ”‘ ƒ˜ƒ‹Žƒ„Ž‡ ‹ ›‘—” ”‡‰‹‘Ǥ

          

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6A ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ USA TODAY NEWS

USA TODAY INVESTIGATION

EEOC 3,000 charges of race discrimination in

fiscal year 2020, resulting in about
$75 million in settlements and concilia-
Continued from Page 1A tions for workers.
USA TODAY requested summary pri-
that involve new areas of employment ority charge data for each district, which
law, including transgender discrimina- would not have included names or iden-
tion, could get priority. Traditional tifying information. The commission
cases based on racial discrimination withheld those records on grounds they
can fall to the bottom of the list. would harm the confidential and sensi-
All of these factors contribute to a se- tive EEOC investigative process. The
cret reality: Some Black workers who newspaper appealed the denial, and the
complain about discrimination are being commission again declined this month.
discriminated against by the EEOC itself.
That reality shows up clearly in a slice Unwritten quotas?
of the agency’s internal tracking data ob-
tained by USA TODAY, which shows the Esaid Olvera was labeled an “all-star”
scant attention claims from Black work- investigator at EEOC offices in Seattle
ers received in several regional offices. and Dallas. His supervisors loved him
The information provides a small win- because he closed cases faster than all
dow into the highest priority cases from his peers. Now, he says, the system was
September 2019 to August 2020. rigged against those it was meant to
In many places, staff deemed few or protect.
no Black discrimination charges met its “Hell yeah I feel guilty,” Olvera said. “I
top categories by showing “strategic sig- remember sitting there with these
nificance.” The data showed the offices Los Angeles juvenile corrections worker Darren Gales wanted accountability after grown men in their 60s that just lost
in Albuquerque, Boston and Dallas he says he found a hangman’s noose left for him at work. HARRISON HILL/USA TODAY their marriage and were fired by a 26-
flagged only one Black discrimination year-old, and I’m having to explain I’m
case each. Chicago identified none. doing ‘aggressive’ (handling proce-
Combined, those regions are home to extra emphasis on employers with sys- dures) and close his case while he’s sit-
millions of Black workers. temic problems or those that can set ting across from me crying.”
Problems with the triage system were precedents in employment law. There was an unwritten quota at the
highlighted by interviews with 15 cur- It can mean prioritizing “sizzle” or Dallas office to close cases, he said. His
rent and former EEOC staffers and com- “hot button” cases over yet another in- supervisor tracked closures with a sign
plainants. Several people still employed stance of Black or brown workers being on her door, and he’d be rewarded with
within the federal government spoke on discriminated against in the workplace, Subway gift cards.
condition of anonymity for fear of retri- investigators said. “I would close a stack every day;
bution at their jobs. Others spoke open- The EEOC’s case intake personnel sometimes 15 or 20 a day,” Olvera said.
ly, saying the Priority Charge Handling are the gatekeepers for aggrieved em- Records released to USA TODAY un-
Procedure has run amok. ployees. Anyone who wants to file a fed- der the Freedom of Information Act
With dwindling staff, the EEOC has eral lawsuit alleging discrimination show some investigators push through
embraced employee incentives like time against their employer must first file a many more cases than their peers.
off and Subway gift cards, and punish- charge with the agency. Data from 2016 to 2020 show that of
ments like delayed career advancement, About a third of the claims receive the 865 investigators who handled
to ensure investigators close cases as top priority help from investigators or a charges of discrimination, eight han-
quickly as possible – to the point that legal filing on their behalf. Most of the dled more than 1,000 each. The top-per-
EEOC workers say they are abandoning rest are given a “Notice of Right to Sue” forming investigator cleared more than
clear and winnable cases of racial dis- letters and the go-ahead to pursue pri- 1,200 – nearly 250 a year on average.
crimination. vate litigation on their own. The concerns over case expediency
Workers at the agency told USA Former EEOC investigator Brandon drew the attention of Congress in 2019,
TODAY the situation at the EEOC has Not true to the mission Washington fought his supervisors which called commission chair Janet
become untenable for investigators, over Gales’ case. He was fired earlier Dhillon before a House committee. In
who face a dizzying matrix of priority The priority rankings for which cases this year. ALLISON ZAUCHA/USA TODAY response to written questions about
ranking that grew from an informal quo- get EEOC help and which don’t have quotas, Dhillon said there were no
ta system with an “A, B, C” grading sys- strayed from their original mission, said quotas.
tem – a claim backed by leaked emails – Rae Vann, an employment lawyer who needed further investigation; and C’s “We have not imposed charge closure
alongside the whim and idiosyncrasies testified before Congress on behalf of would be those that likely won’t result in quotas on EEOC staff,” she wrote the
of district managers and the ever-pre- the Equal Employment Advisory Coun- a finding of discrimination even with committee, “and there is no quota on the
sent pressure to reduce backlog. cil, a labor law nonprofit now known as more investigation – the same rankings number of charges that must be catego-
“It’s mind-boggling and dishearten- the Center for Workplace Compliance. that exist today. rized as A, B, or C.”
ing,” said Brandon Washington, the “It’s obviously important to set en- A rating of C “does not necessarily That belies what’s happening behind
EEOC investigator tasked with investi- forcement priorities, but it’s crucially mean the claims have no merit; it is a the scenes, investigators say.
gating the Gales case. important to train investigators so that determination about where best to ap- An internal email provided to USA
Gales took matters into his own garden variety charges don’t fall ply the EEOC’s limited law enforcement TODAY sent from the EEOC’s Miami
hands, hired a private attorney and got a through the cracks,” Vann said. resources,” a spokeswoman wrote to district director to investigators just
settlement last week just before his case She said the EEOC also has long prio- USA TODAY. Employees with that grade months before Dhillon’s testimony
was expected to go to trial before a ritized charges as a means to develop can still file a private lawsuit. spelled out his expectations of case
federal judge. case law that could help protect the next But in practice, investigators say, C’s closure and grading.
Washington felt so strongly that generation of workers nationwide. are the end of the road for most workers. “We have an extraordinarily inflated
Gales’ case should be given the agency’s That can mean pushing the bound- “What does it mean to get a C? It number of ‘A’ cases at intake and a dra-
attention that he fought his supervisors aries of LGBTQ discrimination in the means you’re done. We’re crushing your matically lower number of ‘C’ cases than
– eventually lodging formal complaints wake of the Supreme Court’s 2020 Bos- soul,” one current EEOC investigator the rest of the county. This is unaccept-
with local and national officials. EEOC tock ruling, which extended workplace told USA TODAY on the condition of able,” then-director Michael Farrell
supervisors fired him earlier this year protection to employees based on sexu- anonymity for fear of retaliation from wrote, calling an “emergency 1-hour
for “unacceptable performance” in al orientation and gender identity. his supervisors. meeting” to address the issue.
managing his case inventory. Washing- While Black workers may receive less “You fought traffic downtown ... paid National officials did not respond to
ton, who is Black, sees it as retaliation attention in any given region, the $20 for parking, came upstairs and questions about Farrell’s emails. The
for his complaints. deprioritization also could leave Asian, waited an hour to speak with me,” he agency found he failed to follow up on
Charles Coleman, a private attorney older or Hispanic workers without much said. “Now you have to explain a ‘prima complaints and “incidents of harassment
in New York who worked in the legal de- help. facie’ case even though you work at not only continued but have escalated,”
partment at EEOC from 2009 to 2018, It can mean putting employers with Lowe’s or do construction. And you’re according to a news report in Law360.
said he constantly pushed for more race name recognition and cache on the facing an investigator trying to keep He’s now a program manager for the
cases to get attention. front burner because those cases are their inventory low. ‘Oh, you don’t have agency’s intake information group.
“There was a very strong hesitance to more likely to gain attention from the witnesses for your case? Oh, you never Weeks after USA TODAY pressed the
pursue and litigate race-based claims,” public, she said, and in turn drive wider complained formally to your boss?’ commission about reports of quotas, in-
Coleman said. “For me, as a Black man, I changes. Nothing we can do.” vestigators shared notes with reporters
was disappointed. ... Our core mission “The name of an employer shouldn’t The investigator said the case han- from managers who had changed their
was rooted in racial equality.” matter, but they’re looking at impact dling procedure has slowly created a tune, directing their staff not to hit spe-
EEOC leaders responded to detailed across an organization, industry or class divide that the public never sees. cific numeric quotas.
questions with a written statement community,” Vann said. “Kate and Ray’s For workers who lack the financial re- One in Dallas, sent in August, read:
from Chairwoman Charlotte Burrows, a mom and pop bodega is not going to sources to hire an attorney to prepare an “This is a reminder that there are no
Biden administration appointee. She have the same impact from a deterrent EEOC complaint, not getting help from agency mandated C charge targets,
wrote that “the heart of EEOC’s work is standpoint as going after a highly pub- the agency is a dead end. goals, or quotas.”
to advance equal opportunity in the na- licized action against Whole Foods.” In training material released under
tion’s workplaces.” Several current and former EEOC in- the Freedom of Information Act, inves- Wanting to be heard
But she acknowledged: “Keeping up vestigators say decisions on where to tigators are told to prioritize cases
with the volume of incoming charges focus also often reflect the whim of indi- through the system according to the na- Darren Gales said the year-and-a-
has always been a challenge for the vidual district managers. tional and local guidelines but provided half process for the EEOC to deprioritize
agency. That challenge has become Internal EEOC data from Dallas a key reminder: “Although (the Priority his claim left him dejected. He expected
more acute as the need for our services shows that from 2015 to 2019, Black Charge Handling Procedure) must take the agency to help investigate and
has increased and our staffing levels workers in the area – which includes into account the agency’s limited re- litigate his claims.
have not kept pace.” San Antonio, El Paso and parts of New sources, it should not be applied in a “I’ve been dealing with these types of
Mexico – have formally filed more than way that deprives charging parties of a behaviors for a long time – and my
Advent of the triage system 7,100 discrimination claims with the fair opportunity to present their case.” grandmother used to say you have to
agency. The district investigated and In August, EEOC officials posted the pick your battles,” Gales said before his
Formed in the crucible of the civil substantiated the claims in 13 of those first public glimpse of the A-B-C charge out-of-court settlement.
rights era, by the 1990s the EEOC be- cases, about 1 in 550. categorization after pressure from Con- Los Angeles County officials de-
came backlogged with so many cases For context, data shared with Con- gress. Those statistics show that the fended their actions, saying they acted
that it created a triage system. Now, in- gress and posted online on all national commission reduced its backlog of swiftly when notified of the discrimina-
vestigators and workers say that system claims – not just Black claims – for 2019 cases by 45% in five years – from 76,000 tory conduct by investigating it and
squeezes out some of the very Black shows the agency investigated and sub- in 2015 to 42,000 in 2020. disciplining the co-worker Gales said
workers it was designed to protect. stantiated about 1 in 70. It also revealed that B and C charges harassed him.
EEOC investigators, who fielded represented 70% to 80% of all cases Washington, the former EEOC inves-
more than 67,000 formal charges na- A-B-Cs of EEOC procedure over the past five years. That means tigator, effectively ended his career over
tionwide last year, are supposed to col- only a fraction of all charges receive any the Gales case. He has appealed his own
lect evidence and then determine if la- In 1995, the EEOC adopted the first type of meaningful investigation by firing.
bor laws were broken. The agency has version of the Priority Charge Handling EEOC staffers. “His case fit every single part of our
just under 2,000 employees and a bud- Procedure, calling for case triage based EEOC spokeswoman Christine Nazer manual. This is a slam dunk,” Washing-
get of $390 million – the smallest it has on “the likelihood of an investigation re- pointed out that even after the commis- ton said. “But instead of protecting the
been in three decades. sulting in a finding of reasonable cause sion decides not to investigate, workers rights of people who come to us for help,
The Priority Charge Handling Proce- to believe discrimination occurred.” are free to “exercise their rights to bring we’re prioritizing the employer.”
dure seeks to prioritize cases most likely Cases in the A bucket would mean a private court action.” In all, EEOC sta- Contributing: Brett Murphy, USA
to find provable discrimination but puts discrimination likely occurred; B’s tistics show it helped resolve about TODAY
NEWS USA TODAY ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ 7A

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Biden is frustrated?
I’m frustrated. He’s
still off on COVID.
Eileen Rivers
Projects editor
USA TODAY Opinion

When it comes to fighting COVID-19,

our best option shouldn’t be better late
than never.
But in his speech Thursday – during
which he laid out stronger vaccine man-
dates for federal workers and put pres- President Joe Biden announces
sure on teachers to follow suit – Presi- stronger vaccine mandates on
MIKE THOMPSON/USA TODAY NETWORK
dent Joe Biden finally provided some of Thursday. KEVIN DIETSCH/GETTY IMAGES
the force that the nation’s fight against
COVID-19 has been missing.
Biden stated that “many of us are COVID-19 test upon admission to the
frustrated with the nearly 80 million
Americans who are still not vaccinated.”
True. I am one of those frustrated
hospital. Every time I was moved to a
different ward, I was tested again.
The fact that frequent testing and
I was shot 12 times.
I’m a gun owner. We
Americans. vaccination hadn’t been required for
He also chided local leaders for play- nurses made patients like me and sur-
ing “pandemic politics.” And while I rounding communities unnecessarily
agree with his criticism, the full weight vulnerable.
of my frustration doesn’t just lie with lo-
cal politicians. A good part of it falls
squarely on Biden.
Stronger virus, fewer resources can end gun violence.
The president’s plan has been called Around May, the first cases of the
bold. Some parts of it are. But more than delta variant were already detected in
anything, I would call it long overdue. the United States, and evidence that it
As America’s COVID-19 rate quickly was a much more dangerous version of My husband and I
surpasses 150,000 cases daily, Biden’s the virus was clear. It wasn’t until July Whitney Austin
late show of strength is nearly as bad as that Biden finally instituted more “in- Co-founder
grew up in and still live
President Donald Trump’s failure to do centives for vaccination” for federal Whitney/Strong
in the South. We are gun
what so many other leaders did once the employees.
world knew the depths of the initial out- We’re now facing a much stronger owners. We know that
break – take the virus seriously, push as virus. And Hurricane Ida has left us I was walking into work finishing a
hard on a mask mandate as his powers with fewer resources to fight it. conference call, pushing through the
preserving the Second
would allow and tell the public to stay Why have we, as a nation, consis- glass revolving door, when I was hit. Amendment and reducing
home. tently waited until after this coronavi- Three years ago, a man with a gun
The president had the opportunity to rus crisis hits incredibly damaging lev- was standing inside my office building gun violence are not
do something just as forceful through els to take the most aggressive (and in the main city square in Cincinnati mutually exclusive goals.
his Department of Labor emergency or- obvious) measures? with a 9 mm handgun and a messenger
der – push employers with 100 or more Surely Biden was in a position to bag with 250 rounds, shooting people the focus is placed on ending gun vio-
workers to mandate the vaccine, period, learn from the stumbles of his prede- he had never met. lence, and not gun ownership, everyone
instead of allowing regular testing to be cessor. Trump was slow to act for dif- My first thought was to call my hus- feels welcome in the big tent.
an option. ferent reasons. He dismissed the sci- band. As I tried to reach my phone, I I have dedicated the past three years
Infectious disease expert Dr. Antho- ence and then failed to push on masks. was shot again. I was shot 12 times. Re- of my life to accomplish this. We’ve
ny Fauci broke with Biden when it came Even after he was hospitalized for CO- solving to play dead to increase my brought together gun violence survi-
to giving employers what Fauci called VID-19, his behavior didn’t significant- chance of survival, I slumped my body vors, gun owners and advocates who are
an “off lane” on mandating the vaccine. ly change. Those choices cost lives. into the bottom of the revolving door concerned about lives lost to all forms of
Fauci, on CNN, stated that the president and my mind started to race. I thought gun violence. And together, we are find-
was being moderate in order to give We’ve been here before about our 5-year-old daughter and 7- ing hope and progress together.
those who didn’t want to take the vac- year-old son. I took a minute to say my In October 2019, we stood side by side
cine the opportunity to exercise that I have a brother who lives in Colora- prayers and resign myself to death. But with Republican Ohio Gov. Mike De-
right. If they test positive, they could re- do, and he is among the vaccine resis- that ending was not mine. Wine, Dayton’s Democratic Mayor Nan
main home instead of potentially infect- tant. The only thing that would change Whaley and a broad bipartisan coalition
ing co-workers. his mind, he said, is if it were against Get debate out of the extremes as STRONG Ohio, a 17-point plan for gun
But why chance it? Long before peo- the law for him not to get the vaccine. violence prevention, was introduced.
ple are symptomatic, they can carry the The nation has faced vaccine resis- To this day, the exceptional trauma In November 2019, and with the sup-
virus. And a positive test may force ters before, and efforts to save the team at University of Cincinnati Med- port of Kentucky Sens. Paul Hornback, a
them to avoid work, but they could still country were more aggressive and the ical Center still calls me a miracle. In a Republican lawmaker, and Morgan
go to other places, potentially spreading mobilization all encompassing. In the unit plagued by gun violence, stories McGarvey, a Democratic lawmaker,
the disease. 1970s, the nation’s Childhood Immuni- like mine are rare. In just three years I Whitney/Strong spearheaded a hearing
Several COVID-19 speeches into his zation Initiative, a federal program, have endured five surgeries to repair to reduce preventable mass violence
presidency and Biden is still, disap- tracked individual vaccination records ruptured tendons, discs and major and firearm suicide in Kentucky.
pointingly, missing the mark. and strongly facilitated access for chil- bones including my ulna and humerus, In December 2019, thanks to the ef-
dren who hadn’t taken part. Eventual- and surgeries to regenerate nerves and forts of many organizations, including
Mandate delay put lives at risk ly all 50 states got on board, requiring bone growth. On top of that, I have Whitney/Strong, Congress appropriat-
the vaccines that are now routine for been the recipient of multiple blood ed $25 million to the National Institutes
As an Afrian American journalist, I public school enrollment. transfusions and more than 300 hours for Health and the Centers for Disease
have been trying hard to reach members In this pandemic, California has of physical, occupational and psychi- Control and Prevention to study gun vi-
of my community and spread the mes- been among the most progressive atric therapy. olence and safety after failing to fund
sage of vaccine importance. I moderat- states, mandating the vaccine for hos- It is a full-time job to recover from these efforts since 1996.
ed a live roundtable discussion with pital workers. On Thursday, Los Ange- gun violence, but I have always been
Black doctors. One described the surge les’ school system added the COVID-19 acutely aware of the alternative. I have Successful partnerships
in hospitalizations in her Detroit area as vaccine to its requirements for chil- always been mindful of the amazing
one that rivals the initial outbreak. An- dren 12 and older. gift I received in seeing my precious Last year, we distributed more than
other doctor came out strongly on vac- But whether or not people across family once again. It is with this ex- 12,000 gun locks across Kentucky and
cine mandates. the country can live, function and get treme sense of gratitude and deep re- Ohio to prevent firearm death and inju-
As in-person education picks up, through this pandemic safely solve that I approach the exact prob- ry. Our partnerships with the Kentucky
younger students are getting hit hard by shouldn’t depend on a few state lead- lem that nearly ended my life. chapter of the American Academy of Pe-
delta. An earlier and more aggressive ers doing the right thing. If you live in a My husband and I grew up in and diatrics and the National Shooting
push for vaccinations among school state where officials are pro-active, still live in the South. We are gun own- Sports Foundation helped make this
teachers and a strong mandate for fed- you’re in luck. If you don’t, you’re on ers. We know that preserving the Sec- possible.
eral ones (something he just did) could your own? ond Amendment and reducing gun vi- We have trained over 300 people in
have gone a long way toward saving kids If the president’s efforts work, it will olence are not mutually exclusive neighborhoods disproportionately im-
now. Biden also avoided, until late, mak- still take more than a month to see the goals. We also know that Americans, pacted by homicide on steps they can
ing a firm push for mandates among benefits. Meanwhile, so many ques- of both political parties, are highly mo- individually take to reduce gun violence
hospital staff – another costly error. tions are spinning around in my head: tivated to see this gun violence issue and its impact on their communities.
In March, I was a patient at a hospital What about the lambda variant? With- addressed and the trends of death and This is just the beginning. We have
in Washington, D.C. During my extend- out more aggressive steps on CO- injury reversed. made progress and will continue to
ed stay, most medical professionals I VID-19 vaccine mandates, will we ever We knew then in theory what we make progress by prioritizing what we
came in contact with had been vaccinat- reach herd immunity? know now in practice. Ending gun vio- have in common and not our differ-
ed, but at least one nurse who was pro- Yes, Mr. President, we’re frustrated. lence will only come about when ences. And we will do it together.
viding my treatment hadn’t. She had Time will tell if you’ve done enough Americans seek common ground with Whitney Austin is co-founder of
also been treating COVID-19 patients, to quell that. evidence-based solutions focused on Whitney/Strong, an organization that
and admitted that she hadn’t been test- Eileen Rivers is the projects editor responsible gun ownership. And we seeks common ground to end gun vio-
ed for a while. for USA TODAY’s Opinion section and a knew that people often look at the two lence through data-driven, responsible
As a patient, I was required to take a member of its Editorial Board. extreme sides of the debate. But when gun ownership solutions.

“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 USA TODAY Publisher USA TODAY Chief Revenue Officer, Vice President & Executive Executive Editor/News and
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REED PEREZ WADSWORTH CARROLL Audience Development: Amalie Nash Opinion Editor: Kristen DelGuzzi and Initiatives: Kristen Go
8A ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ USA TODAY NEWS

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Repurpose old iPhones as You can check the headlines
mobile hot spot, smart alarm from your home state or city
There are plenty of new jobs you can assign We survey and compile the top news stories
USA TODAY | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 | SECTION B your device after an upgrade. Page 3B from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Page 4B

MONEYLINE

MARK MORAN/AP

ALDI BRINGS BACK WINE,

CHEESE ADVENT CALENDARS
Mark your calendars for Nov. 3. That’s
Aldi’s second annual National Advent
Calendar Day and when the discount
grocer said it will release two of its
most popular calendars. Aldi an-
nounced Monday that the 2021 Col-
lection Wine Advent calendar and When visiting Italy, most travelers must have a negative test result within 72 hours of arrival. RICCARDO DE LUCA/AP
Emporium Selection Advent Cheese

EU travel restrictions
calendar will be released on the first
Wednesday in November, a day the
retailer designated as the made-up
holiday in 2020. The wine calendar will

changing for US tourists

be available only at Aldi U.S. stores
that sell alcohol.

AVIATION FIRMS TO GET

$482M IN FEDERAL RELIEF
Keeping up with frequently evolving rules can be difficult
The Biden administration is making Bailey Schulz unless they meet an exemption, such as
$482 million available to aviation in- USA TODAY having Bulgarian or EU citizenship.
dustry manufacturers to help them Last updated: Sept. 10
avert job or pay cuts in the pandemic. Travel to Europe just got a lot more
The taxpayer-funded relief will cover complicated, especially for the unvac- Croatia
up to half of the payroll costs at 313 cinated.
companies, according to the Trans- European Union member states Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes. Ac-
portation Department, which said have been tightening requirements for cording to the U.S. Embassy website,
Thursday will help save up to 22,500 entry after the EU removed the U.S. travelers can enter Croatia with a nega-
jobs. The delta variant has led to ele- from its safe travel list on Aug. 30, tive coronavirus test result, proof of re-
vated cancellations and diminished pointing to rising COVID-19 cases. covery or a certificate of vaccination.
travel in recent months. More than Since then, new travel restrictions Is there a vaccination require-
100,000 aerospace jobs have been lost have been popping up across the con- ment? No, but if a traveler chooses to
in an industry that had employed tinent, from quarantine and testing re- enter with proof of vaccination, the vac-
about 2.2 million people, according to quirements to outright travel bans. cination certificate must be no older
the Transportation Department. “The changing rules, requirements Only vaccinated visitors from the U.S. than 270 days.
and regulations have absolutely made can visit France for vacation. AP What sort of testing is required? If
travelers confused,” said Beth Marino, entering with a negative coronavirus
chief experience officer of travel man- test, travelers must show a negative
58.2M SPORTS BETTING agement company Fox World Travel. public spaces require proof of a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or an ap-
TRANSACTIONS CONFIRMED “It’s not just that they’re changing so coronavirus test, proof of recovery or proved rapid antigen test no older than
frequently. Often times the new rule proof of vaccination. 48 hours.
A company that most of the legal U.S. takes place the next day or within 48 Last updated: Sept. 10 Do I need to quarantine? Travelers
sports betting industry uses to verify hours.” who do not enter with a negative coro-
its customers’ locations reports a Marino expects to see European Belgium navirus test, vaccination certificate or
record number of transactions over travel rules and regulations continue proof of recovery must self-isolate 10
the first weekend of the NFL season. to evolve over the next couple of Are U.S. tourists allowed? U.S. citi- days or until a negative test result.
GeoComply Solutions said Monday it weeks. Here are the latest restrictions zens can enter if they can show proof of What else should I know? Masks
recorded 58.2 million geolocation for U.S. travelers. vaccination. are required in closed spaces and in
transactions across 18 states and Is there a vaccination require- open spaces where people cannot main-
Washington, D.C. from Thursday night Austria ment? Yes. tain about 5 feet of physical distance.
through 7 p.m. EST on Sunday. That What sort of testing is required? Travelers can speed up the entry proc-
represents a 126% increase from the Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes, the Vaccinated U.S. travelers will need to get ess by uploading information to the En-
same period of the 2020 NFL season. U.S. is still on Austria’s list of safe tested on the first or second day after ar- ter Croatia web form prior to arrival.
countries. rival and again on day seven. Last updated: Sept. 10
Is there a vaccination require- Do I need to quarantine? Yes. Vacci-
ment? Travelers will need to show one nated travelers will need to stay in quar- Cyprus
Dow Jones Industrial Avg. of three documents: a negative coro- antine until they receive a negative re-
navirus test, proof of vaccination or sult from their day one or day two test. Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes, re-
36,000 proof of recovery to enter. What else should I know? Travelers gardless of vaccination status.
261.91 What sort of testing is required? will need to complete a passenger loca- Is there a vaccination require-
35,000
Austria accepts PCR tests no older tor form within the 48 hours before ar- ment? No.
than 72 hours or an antigen test no old- riving, regardless of vaccination status. What sort of testing is required?
34,000
34,869 er than 48 hours issued by a medical Last updated: Sept. 10 Since the U.S. is categorized as a “red”
33,000
authority. Children under 12 are ex- country, unvaccinated travelers must
empt from testing requirements. Bulgaria get a PCR test at a certified lab 72 hours
32,000 Do I need to quarantine? No. before departing for Cyprus. Another
MARCH SEPT. What else should I know?Face Are U.S. tourists allowed? No. All PCR test is required upon arrival. Chil-
AP
masks are required on public transport people from the U.S., regardless of vac-
MONDAY MARKETS and in other public spaces, and many cination status, cannot enter Bulgaria See EU TRAVEL, Page 2B

INDEX CLOSE CHG

Dow Jones Industrial Avg. 34,869.63 x 261.91

Tuition, training programs

S&P 500 4,468.73 x 10.15
Nasdaq composite 15,105.58 y 9.91
T-note, 10-year yield 1.326 y 0.015
SOURCES USA TODAY RESEARCH, BLOOMBERG

USA TODAY SNAPSHOTS ©

becoming ‘new minimum wage’
Bob O’Donnell currently have.
Special to USA TODAY Recognizing this fact, both compa-
nies and employees have recently start-
COVID-19’s impact on jobs and the ed placing significantly more focus on
economy has been profound and, quite training, upskilling, and reskilling pro-
honestly, confusing. On the one hand, grams to better match employees’ skills
stories of people who have lost their to new job requirements. Nowhere is
jobs due to the pandemic – and are this impact being felt as strongly as it is
now starting to lose government bene- in the tech industry.
fits and eviction protection – have be- Amazon workers who participated in Once seen solely as a place for a se-
Treasury rates come both commonplace and gut- an upskilling program in the past year lect set of highly educated individuals,
Rates as of Monday market close. wrenching. saw on average an 8.6% increase in the tech world’s profound and growing
At the same time, there are signs their salary. PROVIDED BY AMAZON.COM impact on society has made its impor-
Rate Week ago
and postings everywhere desperately tance and relevance reach into every
1 mo. T-bill 0.06% 0.05% looking to hire people, from large com- sized town and every demographic
3 mo. T-bill 0.06% 0.05%
panies to small-town restaurants. these often-conflicting trends are oc- group in the country.
Short-staffed organizations are being curring simultaneously, one undeniable Getting the tech industry workforce
5-yr. T-note 0.81% 0.81% forced to delay orders, adjust their fact is that we’re witnessing a signifi- to accurately reflect the amazing diver-
10-yr. T-note 1.32% 1.33% hours of operation, and make many cant and rapid-paced shift in the jobs sity of the country, however, has not
30-yr. T-bond 1.90% 1.95%
other uncomfortable changes to keep environment. In short, there’s often a been an easy task, particularly when
their businesses alive. gap in the skills required for a given po-
ASSOCIATED PRESS While there is no simple reason sition versus the capabilities job seekers See TRAINING, Page 3B
2B ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ USA TODAY MONEY

EU travel Poland

Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes.

Continued from Page 1B Is there a vaccination require-
ment? Fully vaccinated visitors can for-
dren under 12 are exempt from testing go a quarantine period.
requirements. What sort of testing is required?
Do I need to quarantine? No. There are no testing requirements.
What else should I know? Travelers Do I need to quarantine? Travelers
must fill out Cyprus Flight Pass forms 12 and older who are not fully vaccinat-
within the 48 hours before departure. ed and have not recovered from the vi-
Last updated: Sept. 10 rus are subject to a 10-day quarantine.
The period can be cut short on the
Czech Republic eighth day with a negative test result.
What else should I know? All trav-
Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes. Travelers to Slovenia who are required to quarantine cannot do so at tourist elers must fill out an electronic passen-
Is there a vaccination require- accommodations. REMEDIOS/GETTY IMAGES ger locator form before entering. A pa-
ment? Vaccinated travelers can forgo per form is also available.
testing and self-isolation requirements, Last updated: Sept. 10
but a vaccine is not required to enter. within 48 hours. elers must fill out a digital passenger lo-
Unvaccinated travelers can enter only Do I need to quarantine? Unvacci- cator form. Portugal
for “essential reasons.” nated travelers must isolate seven days Last updated: Sept. 10
What sort of testing is required? upon arrival. Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes, but
Unvaccinated U.S. travelers who have Last updated: Sept. 10 Latvia all travelers 12 and older must submit ei-
not recovered from COVID-19 must sub- ther an EU digital vaccination certificate
mit a negative PCR test before arrival Germany Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes, if or a negative coronavirus test to enter.
and have another test on the fifth day. fully vaccinated. Is there a vaccination require-
Do I need to quarantine? Travelers Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes. Is there a vaccination require- ment? No.
who are not fully vaccinated or recov- Is there a vaccination require- ment? Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens are What sort of testing is required?
ered from COVID-19 must self-isolate ment? Travelers who have recently allowed to enter for travel with a Centers The country accepts NAAT tests, such
before they receive their negative coro- spent time in the U.S. will need to be for Disease Control and Prevention vac- as an RT-PCR test, performed within the
navirus test. fully vaccinated or demonstrate an “im- cine card. Unvaccinated travelers will 72 hours of boarding or rapid antigen
What else should I know? U.S. trav- portant reason” for entering Germany. need an “essential” reason to enter Lat- tests performed within 48 hours of
elers 6 and older are required to fill out a What sort of testing is required? If via. boarding.
passenger locator form. unvaccinated, travelers older than 12 What sort of testing is required? Do I need to quarantine? No.
Last updated: Sept. 10 years will need to show an approved Unvaccinated travelers will need to What else should I know? The
negative test result or proof of recovery. show a negative PCR test taken within country plans to remain open to U.S.
Denmark Do I need to quarantine? Those who 72 hours before arrival and take a sec- tourists.
are unvaccinated or unable to show ond test within 24 hours of arrival. Last updated: Sept. 10
Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes. proof of recovery will need to self-iso- Do I need to quarantine? Unvacci-
Is there a vaccination require- late for 10 days upon arrival. The quar- nated travelers will need to self-isolate Romania
ment? Tourists must be fully vaccinat- antine period can end on the fifth day 10 days.
ed. Some unvaccinated people from the with proof of a negative coronavirus What else should I know? Travelers Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes.
U.S. can still enter Denmark with proof test. must submit an electronic form no more Is there a vaccination require-
of a negative coronavirus test but will What else should I know? Travelers than 48 hours before entering. ment? U.S. travelers who are vaccinat-
need to have “a worthy purpose” such as will need to fill out a digital registration Last updated: Sept. 10 ed or have proof of recovery will be able
work, school or legal matters. and keep the information on hand. to forgo the quarantine requirement.
What sort of testing is required? Last updated: Sept. 10 Lithuania What sort of testing is required?
Fully vaccinated U.S. travelers are ex- None.
empt from testing and quarantine re- Greece Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes. Do I need to quarantine? Unvacci-
quirements. If an unvaccinated traveler Is there a vaccination require- nated travelers from the U.S. must self-
has not been infected by the virus and Are U.S. tourists allowed? Perma- ment? Yes, tourists 16 and older must be quarantine 14 days, even if they offer
recovered, they will need to take a coro- nent U.S. citizens may travel to Greece vaccinated to enter. proof of a negative test result. The isola-
navirus test both before and after enter- for tourism. What sort of testing is required? tion period can be reduced to 10 days
ing the country Is there a vaccination require- Unless fully vaccinated, recovered from with a negative coronavirus test. Kids
Do I need to quarantine? Unvacci- ment? No, but fully vaccinated travelers COVID-19 or arriving in their own trans- under 6 are exempt from the quarantine
nated travelers must self-isolate up to 10 can forgo testing requirements. portation, travelers 16 and older must period, and children six to 16 can be ex-
days after arrival, with the ability to end What sort of testing is required? take a PCR or antigen test within 72 empt with a PCR test taken no more
isolation on the fourth day with a nega- Unvaccinated U.S. travelers older than hours prior to arrival. than 72 hours before entry.
tive coronavirus test. U.S. travelers at- 12 must show a negative PCR test from a Do I need to quarantine? A 10-day Last updated: Sept. 10
tending a business meeting and chil- lab taken within 72 hours upon arrival self-isolation period is mandatory for
dren under 18 are exempt. or a negative antigen test taken no more those not fully vaccinated or recovered. Slovakia
Last updated: Sept. 10 than 48 hours upon arrival. Travelers The period can be cut short on the sev-
who can prove they have recovered from enth day with a negative test. Are U.S. tourists allowed? Vaccinat-
Estonia COVID-19 do not have to show a nega- What else should I know? Travelers ed U.S. tourists are allowed to enter.
tive PCR test to enter. must complete a pre-arrival question- Is there a vaccination require-
Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes, if Do I need to quarantine? No. naire no earlier than 48 hours before the ment? Yes. Vaccinated travelers are in-
vaccinated. What else should I know? Tourists start of the trip. cluded in Slovakia’s list of people who
Is there a vaccination require- must fill a passenger locator form. Last updated: Sept. 10 may enter Slovakia.
ment? Vaccinated travelers may enter Last updated: Sept. 10 What sort of testing is required?
for tourism purposes. Unvaccinated Luxembourg None.
travelers can only enter for work, study, Hungary Do I need to quarantine? Unvacci-
family reasons or with a special permit. Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes, with nated travelers must quarantine 14
What sort of testing is required? Are U.S. tourists allowed? No, non- a vaccination certificate, proof of recov- days. The period can end on the fifth day
Vaccinated and fully recovered travelers Hungarian travelers can only enter “in ery or negative coronavirus test. with a negative RT-PCR test.
do not have to show a negative corona- exceptional cases” such as health care, Is there a vaccination require- What else should I know? Travelers
virus test to enter. Unvaccinated travel- school or a family wedding. Those who ment? No. who arrive by airplane must submit a
ers must take an RT-PCR test 72 hours do enter may be subject to a medical ex- What sort of testing is required? public health passenger locator form.
before entering or a rapid antigen test amination and must quarantine. Travelers 12 and older who are not vacci- Last updated: Sept. 10
48 hours before entry. Children up 12 are Last updated: Sept. 10 nated or recovered must present either a
exempt from testing mandates. negative nucleic acid amplification test Slovenia
Do I need to quarantine? Unvacci- Ireland (NAAT) taken less than 72 hours before
nated travelers must isolate for 10 days, departure or a negative rapid antigen Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes. Trav-
but the period can be cut short with a Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes, as test taken by a medical laboratory less elers may enter with either proof of vac-
negative test taken after six days. Chil- long as they can show proof of vaccina- than 48 hours before departure. cination or recovery or a negative coro-
dren up to the age of 12 do not need to tion or recovery or a negative coronavi- Do I need to quarantine? No. navirus test.
self-isolate rus test. Last updated: Sept. 10 Is there a vaccination require-
What else should I know? Travelers Is there a vaccination require- ment? No.
must complete a declaration of health ment? If entering with proof of vaccina- Malta What sort of testing is required?
before entering the country. The form tion, travelers can show a written or Travelers with a negative test can sub-
can be completed online up to 72 hours electronic COVID-19 certificate in Eng- Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes. mit a negative PCR test no older than 72
before entry. Failing to fill out the result lish or Irish or an official translation into Is there a vaccination require- hours or a negative rapid antigen test no
can result in fines. one of the two languages. ment? U.S. travelers may enter Malta older than 48 hours that was performed
Last updated: Sept. 10 What sort of testing is required? If with a valid vaccination certificate, such in select countries, including the U.S.
showing a negative test, Ireland will ac- as a CDC vaccination card. The vaccina- Do I need to quarantine? If travelers
Finland cept RT-PCR tests taken within 72 hours tion requirement does not apply to cannot provide proof of vaccination,
of arrival. Children under 12 are exempt. those under 12. proof of recovery or a negative coronavi-
Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes, so Do I need to quarantine? Unvacci- What sort of testing is required? rus test, they must quarantine 10 days.
long as they are fully vaccinated. nated travelers who have not recovered Unvaccinated travelers 5 and older will The isolation period can end early with
Is there a vaccination require- from COVID-19 will need to self-quaran- need to take an RT-PCR test no more a negative PCR test performed no soon-
ment? Yes. Unvaccinated U.S. travelers tine 14 days upon arrival. The isolation than 72 hours before arrival. Rapid anti- er than the fifth day. Travelers cannot
can only enter for essential reasons, not period can be cut short starting on day gen tests are not accepted. quarantine in tourist accommodations.
including tourism purposes. five with a negative coronavirus test. Do I need to quarantine? Unvacci- Last updated: Sept. 10
What sort of testing is required? Children traveling with vaccinated or nated travelers 12 and older must quar-
Vaccinated travelers do not have testing recovered adults do not need to self- antine at least 14 days. Spain
requirements. quarantine. What else should I know? All trav-
Do I need to quarantine? The Finn- What else should I know? Travelers elers must complete a digital passenger Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes.
ish Institute for Health and Welfare must fill out a passenger locator form locator form, which can be accessed at Is there a vaccination require-
warns travelers can be placed in isola- before departure. https://app.euplf.eu. ment? Yes, U.S. travelers must be vacci-
tion or quarantine if it is deemed neces- Last updated: Sept. 10 Last updated: Sept. 10 nated and provide their official CDC
sary to prevent the spread of the virus. vaccination card to enter. Unvaccinated
Last updated: Sept. 10 Italy Netherlands children under 12 are exempt.
What sort of testing is required?
France Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes. Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes. There are no testing requirements.
Is there a vaccination require- Is there a vaccination require- Do I need to quarantine? No.
Are U.S. tourists allowed? Yes, if ment? Vaccinations are not required. ment? Yes, unvaccinated U.S. tourists What else should I know? Travelers
they are vaccinated. What sort of testing is required? All are prohibited. must fill out an online health control
Is there a vaccination require- travelers, regardless of vaccination sta- What sort of testing is required? questionnaire before entering.
ment? Only vaccinated visitors will be tus, must take a molecular or antigenic Travelers 12 and older must show a neg- Last updated: Sept. 10
allowed to visit for vacation. Unvacci- swab coronavirus test and get a nega- ative coronavirus test to enter.
nated travelers can only visit for essen- tive result within 72 hours before arriv- Do I need to quarantine? Yes. U.S. Sweden
tial reasons. al. Children under 6 are exempt. travelers must quarantine 10 days, re-
What sort of testing is required? Do I need to quarantine? Unvacci- gardless of vaccination status, but can Are U.S. tourists allowed? No. As of
Unvaccinated travelers will need to nated people who cannot show proof of cut the isolation period short if they test Sept. 6, travelers from the U.S. are
show a negative test before entering: ei- recovery must self-isolate for five days negative for coronavirus on day five. barred from entering the country, re-
ther a PCR test taken less than 72 hours and get tested again after that period. Children 12 and under are exempt. gardless of vaccination status.
before arrival or an antigen test taken What else should I know? All trav- Last updated: Sept. 10 Last updated: Sept. 10
MONEY USA TODAY ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ 3B

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A number of ways to your smartphone into a Nintendo
Switch-like gadget. You can slide just
repurpose handsets about any model iPhone into the Kishi
and game-on with its two clickable
Jennifer Jolly thumbsticks and pair of face buttons,
Special to USA TODAY along with other cool hands-on fea-
tures.
If your iPhone screen is so shattered For a more XBox-like feel, check out
it leaves cat-scratch-like marks on your the SteelSeries Nimbus+ ($70), which is
cheek when you answer it or the battery compatible with Apple Arcade. It has a
dies before lunchtime every day, you built-in rechargeable battery for 50
have a great excuse to upgrade to the hours of gameplay on a single charge,
new iPhone 13, which is expected to along with the tactile button and click-
launch next week. The Razer Kishi transforms your smartphone into a Nintendo Switch-like gadget. able joysticks.
But if your current handset’s just a You can slide just about any model iPhone into the Kishi and play games with its
couple years old, not the coolest color two clickable thumbsticks and pair of face buttons. PROVIDED BY RAZER A purrfect cat toy
anymore or you really just need a better
selfie camera, you might not be ready to Just because they don’t have oppos-
turn your current device into a doorstop night’s rest. days. But if you need to keep in touch able thumbs, doesn’t mean your furry
just yet. Sure, you can sell the old one to If you’re a dead-to-the-world sleeper, with a youngster, but don’t want them to four-legged friend can’t get in on the
help buy the new one or pass it down to you can also use an app like Alarmy to do anything else with a smartphone fun, too. Friskies has a few popular
someone else in your family. force you out of bed in the morning, too. other than check in with you, consider games for iPhones that are designed to
But before you do anything, consider You can set it up across the room from loading an old phone with the Zello app grab your kitty’s attention and keep
giving it a new job instead. Here are new your bed and it gets louder and makes – and nothing else. them entertained for hours on end.
ways to repurpose an old-ish iPhone: you complete “missions” like puzzles to Zello turns your old smartphone into The best is Cat Fishing 2. The bubbly
turn it off. a push-to-talk walkie-talkie that can sound effects and eye-catching fish that
Mobile hot spot keep the lines of communication open swim across the screen are like digital
Home monitor even when signal strength is too weak catnip. It’s also free, which makes turn-
If you often need a trusted internet for a normal cellular call. It’s perfect for ing your old iPhone into a high-tech cat
connection no matter where you are in Home security cameras and baby having kids let you know that they made toy a no-brainer.
the world, consider buying a plan from a monitors are better and less expensive it to school or just checking in without
mobile virtual network operator and than they used to be, but that doesn’t the need to dial and wait. It’s super fast, Always-on digital photo frame
turning your current handset into a ded- mean you can’t just use your old smart- incredibly easy and you can use it as a
icated mobile hot spot. This can save phone to keep a watchful eye on your backup emergency device too. Digital frames are a must-have for
you from running down your smart- household and everyone in it. Plant your families trying to stay connected with a
phone battery or using up your monthly old phone on a tripod near your front Reliable remote revolving array of fresh photos these
data on your phone. door, in the nursery, or next to the couch days and that older iPhone can be the
Simply put, a mobile virtual network your dog isn’t supposed to get on and One of my biggest pet peeves is hav- perfect fix.
operator is a carrier without its own use it as a go-to monitor instead. ing to find my smartphone to control my I use the LiveFrame app that can grab
wireless network, such as Mint Mobile, My favorite app for this job is the Al- Sonos speaker every time I want to photos from your iPhone’s camera roll
Cricket Wireless, or Red Pocket. Many of fred Home Security Camera (the premi- watch TV. Also annoying? Losing the and connect to Facebook, Instagram,
these services offer less expensive an- um version is $30 per year), which lets Apple TV remote at least five times per Dropbox (and more) to display photos
nual plans, but be sure to double-check you watch all the goings-on, has two- week. straight from the web. Just sync your
they allow use as mobile hot spots, as way talk and even works at night. The A few years ago, I showed you how to accounts, set the shuffle and filter op-
not all of them do. app also shoots you a timely alert if it turn your old smartphones into a uni- tions to your liking and let the memories
I paid $195 for a 5GB/month plan for notices that something just isn’t right. versal remote – and that’s still a great tip play. Just remember to disable screen
my iPhone 8 during a Black Friday sale – but now it’s even easier. Just install locking and keep your phone plugged in
from Red Pocket. Child-friendly walkie-talkie the Apple TV Remote app, add double- or your trip down memory lane might
sided Velcro tape to the back of the old end unexpectedly.
Smart(er) alarm Keeping in constant contact with phone and stick it to an end table or
your kids can feel overwhelming these even behind your TV screen. One last bit of advice
One of the most popular new uses for If you wipe the old iPhone clean and
old phones is for a dedicated alarm just have your entertainment apps on it, You can always use your old iPhone
clock, especially if you have trouble it’s less of a headache than juggling sev- as a streaming music device or one more
sleeping or getting out of bed in the eral remotes and your phone to do Siri-connected way to find out the
morning. something as simple as adjusting the weather or traffic before you leave your
If you want to learn more about the volume. house.
quality of your sleep, grab a cool frame No matter how you repurpose your
or stand (I’m partial to inexpensive retro Game on! old phone, be sure to back it up and reset
holders) and turn everything else off on it to factory condition by going to Set-
your old phone except the SleepScore or If you’re getting bored with 1010! tings > General > Reset before handing it
SleepCycle apps. Both apps use your Block Puzzle (is that even possible?!) over to kids or using it as a new device.
smartphone microphone to analyze If you’re a dead-to-the-world sleeper, consider upping your go-to gaming de- There’s nothing worse than settling
when you fall asleep, when you’re in you can use an app like Alarmy to force vice by adding on a handheld controller down for a decent night’s sleep and ac-
deep versus light sleep states and help you out of bed in the morning. like the Razer Kishi (currently on sale for cidentally getting messages pinging and
you wake up more naturally after a full PROVIDED BY ALARMY $70, down from $100). It transforms ringing when you least expect it.

Training ment last week of its plans to hire

55,000 new employees and to host a
What is interesting about many of
the Amazon upskilling initiatives is that
ic-driven job hopping may become in-
creasingly common, programs like
massive job fair on Sept. 15, Amazon to- they’re targeted at groups of employees these can make a big difference.
Continued from Page 1B day announced several new training that haven’t traditionally benefited from In fact, in a new Gallup poll of 15,000
and educational initiatives. First, the these types of training programs. U.S. workers (sponsored by Amazon),
you dig into job categories requiring company will offer fully-funded college Many companies have and continue employee-offered reskilling programs
specialized skill sets. tuition, GED and ESL support for to offer educational programs for exist- are more important to younger workers
Thankfully, numerous tech compa- 750,000 of its of operational employees, ing skilled workers to refine or update than paid vacation time. Plus, 57% of all
nies are deploying a wide range of dif- such as its warehouse workers, starting their knowledge on new industry trends existing workers said they were inter-
ferent approaches to help overcome the this January. and developments, but very few have ested in participating in an upskilling
diversity inequities that have plagued The offering, available for people who offered new paths into previously program, and 48% said they would be
the tech industry for decades now, in- have worked as few as three months for closed off job categories for entry-level extremely or very interested in switch-
cluding several that I provide consulting the company, is part of its Career Choice workers. ing to a new job if the company offered
services to. Leading chipmaker Intel, in program and includes complete support Of course, given some of the negative these types of programs. As Amazon’s
conjunction with Dell Technologies, for for classes, books and fees. In addition, publicity Amazon has received about Williams succinctly notes, “career pro-
example, recently announced a major the company is expanding its Upskilling challenging conditions for some of its gression is the new minimum wage.”
expansion of its AI for Workforce pro- 2025 goal from 100,000 to 300,000 em- warehouse and delivery workers, a cyn- The benefits to employees are obvi-
gram, which is designed to help com- ployees. Finally, the company is adding ic could certainly argue that these types ous and practical as well. Those who
munity college students gain skills in three new upskilling initiatives to its of initiatives are little more than a PR participated in an upskilling program in
the highly sought after and potentially range of existing, no-cost employee cover for other concerns. the past year saw on average an 8.6% in-
very lucrative field of Artificial Intelli- training initiatives. Having had the opportunity to chat crease in their salary, working out to an
gence. The three new reskilling and educa- with Amazon’s Vice President of Work- average $8,000/year bump according to
Specifically, the program is working tional programs are AWS Grow Our Own place Development, Ardine Williams, the survey results.
with 18 community college systems Talent, Surge2IT and the User Experi- about why the company is expanding As with technology adoption in gen-
across 11 states (with plans to add an- ence Design and Research Apprentice- these types of upskilling programs, and eral, it’s clear that the pandemic has in-
other 50 schools in 2022) to create a cur- ship. what benefits the company receives spired a much faster transition to a
riculum built around classes in topics AWS Grow Our Own Talent is de- from them, however, I discovered the tech-focused economy than anyone ex-
like data collection, computer vision, AI signed to provide a career path for em- answer was much more practical. pected. Unfortunately, that transition
model training, coding, and the societal ployees with non-traditional back- “When we provide opportunities for has also highlighted a significant gap in
impacts and ethics of AI technology, all grounds, including those with only a people to increase their income, we also both skill requirements and employee
of which will lead to both associate de- high school diploma, to break into the help improve the local economy and diversity that needs to be addressed.
grees and certificate programs in AI. company’s cloud computing division in give them more chance to spend – with While there’s no easy answer to ei-
roles such as data center technicians. some of it, hopefully, coming back to ther of these issues, the types and reach
Who is benefiting from training? Surge2IT is for those with entry-level us,” she said. of the upskilling programs that major
IT jobs, many of whom were hired dur- Williams also talked about the role tech companies are continuing to offer
Intel is providing the class materials ing the pandemic as demand for the that reskilling and upskilling programs are certainly good steps in the right di-
to these schools for free – which tradi- company’s services exploded, to ad- can have on a local community. “Up- rection.
tionally have had a much larger percent- vance to higher-level, better-paying skilling is a team sport,” she said, “and USA TODAY columnist Bob O’Donnell
age of ethnic minorities and lower in- roles through self-paced training ma- these programs are focused on the com- is the president and chief analyst of
come levels than four-year colleges – terials. munities where we’re located. By creat- TECHnalysis Research, a market re-
and is working with local community User Experience Design and Re- ing a pipeline of skilled workers, we can search and consulting firm that pro-
college professors to customize the pro- search Apprenticeship is a year-long improve the overall economic environ- vides strategic consulting and market
grams to meet the unique needs of a giv- program with on-the-job training for ment, which benefits everyone.” research services to the technology in-
en community. Dell Technologies is pro- people who have creative skills but not Another benefit to Amazon, Intel, dustry and professional financial com-
viding guidance on how to best config- technical ones; it’s intended to lead to Dell Technologies, and other tech com- munity. His clients are major technol-
ure the AI labs for various types of jobs throughout Amazon that help im- panies driving these upskilling and res- ogy firms including Amazon, Microsoft,
teaching styles. prove customers’ experiences with the killing initiatives is employee loyalty HP, Dell, Samsung and Intel. You can
Fresh off its impressive announce- company’s products and services. and retention. In an era when pandem- follow him on Twitter @bobodtech.
4B ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ USA TODAY MONEY

AMERICA’S MARKETS ALL THE MARKET ACTION IN REAL TIME

MARKETS.USATODAY.COM

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE S&P 500 • STANDARD & POOR’S NASDAQ COMPOSITE RUSSELL 2000
Closing: 34,869.63 Closing: 4,468.73 Closing: 15,105.58 Closing: 2,240.78
+261.91 Change: +.8%
YTD % Chg: +13.9% +10.15 Change: +.2%
YTD % Chg: +19.0% -9.91 Change: -.1%
YTD % Chg: +17.2% +13.23 Change: +.6%
YTD % Chg: +13.5%

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
Energy 49.16 +1.37 +1.3% +29.7% Advancing 1,623 1,711 ProShs UltPro ShtQQQ SQQQ 7.54 +0.01 +0.1% -50.3% Cattle (lb.) 1.22 1.23 -0.01 -0.9% +8.3%
Declining 840 1,626 SPDR S&P500 ETF Tr SPY 446.58 +1.14 +0.3% +19.4% Corn (bushel) 4.97 5.03 -0.06 -1.2% +2.6%
Financials 38.01 +0.43 -1.2% +28.9%
Unchanged 71 201 Invesco QQQ Trust QQQ 376.33 -0.26 -0.1% +19.9% Gold (troy oz.) 1,792.00 1,789.60 +2.40 +0.1% -5.3%
Technology 156.68 +0.05 +0.6% +20.5%
Total 2,534 3,538 iPath Sh Term Fut VXX 26.09 -0.97 -3.6% ...% Hogs, lean (lb.) .81 .82 -0.01 -2.0% +14.9%
Telecom 89.20 +0.20 +1.9% +20.2% 67 Natural Gas (Btu.) 5.23 4.94 +0.29 +5.9% +106.0%
Issues at SPDR Financial XLF 38.01 +0.43 +1.1% +28.9%
Health care 132.37 -0.82 -2.1% +16.7% 69 ProShs UltraPro QQQ TQQQ 145.22 -0.33 -0.2% +59.8% Oil, heating (gal.) 2.16 2.15 +0.01 +0.6% +45.5%
New 52 Week High 64
Materials 83.99 -0.02 -2.4% +16.0% iShs Emerg Mkts EEM 52.63 +0.14 +0.3% +1.9% Oil, lt. swt. crude (bar.) 70.45 69.72 +0.73 +1.1% +45.2%
New 52 Week Low 14
Industrials 102.23 +0.27 -3.0% +15.4% iShares Rus 2000 IWM 222.88 +1.26 +0.6% +13.7% Silver (troy oz.) 23.75 23.86 -0.11 -0.4% -9.8%
Share Volume
Consumer discret. 183.35 +0.45 +1.5% +14.0% Total 3,583,233,350 4,023,679,560 SPDR Energy XLE 49.16 +1.37 +2.9% +29.7% Soybeans (bushel) 12.73 12.75 -0.02 -0.2% -3.3%
2,378,446,215 ProSh UltraSht S&P SDS 8.26 -0.05 -0.6% -33.3% Wheat (bushel) 6.75 6.75 unch. -0.1% +5.3%
Utilities 68.33 -0.12 -1.1% +9.0% Advancing 2,556,827,858
Declining 1,004,609,847 1,588,668,652
Consumer staples 72.06 +0.18 -1.2% +6.8%
Unchanged 21,795,645 56,564,693
FOREIGN CURRENCIES FOREIGN MARKETS
S&P 500’S BIGGEST GAINERS S&P 500’S BIGGEST LOSERS Currency per dollar
British pound
Close
.7230
Prev.
.7223
6 mo. ago
.7182
Yr. ago
.7818
Country Close Prev. Change %Chg. %YTD
Frankfurt 15,701.42 15,609.81 +91.61 +0.6% +14.5%
Company (ticker) Price $ Chg . % Chg. YTD Company (ticker) Price $ Chg . % Chg. YTD Canadian dollar 1.2667 1.2659 1.2468 1.3193 Hong Kong 25,813.81 26,205.91 -392.10 -1.5% -5.2%
Marathon Oil (MRO) 12.08 +.81 +7.2 +81.1 Moderna Inc (MRNA) 419.72 -29.66 -6.6 +301.8 Japan (Nikkei) 30,447.37 30,381.84 +65.53 +0.2% +10.9%
Chinese yuan 6.4519 6.4443 6.5085 6.8344
Occid Petl (OXY) 26.65 +1.67 +6.7 +54.0 Albemarle Corp (ALB) 229.13 -12.04 -5.0 +55.3 London 7,068.43 7,029.20 +39.23 +0.6% +9.4%
Fortinet Inc (FTNT) 296.92 -13.57 -4.4 +99.9 Euro .8472 .8463 .8369 .8453
Hess Corp (HES) 71.39 +3.62 +5.3 +35.2 Mexico City 51,496.72 51,521.80 -25.09 -0.1% +16.9%
Centene Corp (CNC) 62.90 +3.17 +5.3 +4.8 Under Armour Inc (UAA) 21.92 -.95 -4.2 +27.7 Japanese yen 110.02 109.91 109.06 106.11
Lumen Technologies (LUMN) 12.59 +.62 +5.2 +29.1 Waters Corp (WAT) 403.21 -16.97 -4.0 +63.0 Mexican peso 19.8864 19.8724 20.7020 21.2904 SOURCE Morningstar, Dow Jones Indexes, The Associated Press

News from across the USA

ALABAMA Tuskegee: The Macon HIGHLIGHT: NEW JERSEY OKLAHOMA Oklahoma City: The
County Commission has sued the state’s Pardon and Parole Board on
United Daughters of the Confederacy, Monday recommended the governor
arguing the county owns the property commute the death sentence of Juli-
where a Confederate statue has stood us Jones, who has maintained his
for 115 years in the center of the near- innocence in a 1999 killing that has
ly all-Black city, WSFA-TV reports. garnered national attention.
ALASKA Juneau: Republican state OREGON Yachats: A man who at-
Sen. Lora Reinbold, an outspoken tempted to jump across a wide cove
opponent of masking rules, requested of frothing water is presumed dead,
an excusal from the Senate until mid- according to state police. Steve Allen,
January, citing the challenges of trav- 67, of Walnut Creek, California, ap-
eling after she was suspended from parently tried to hurdle Devil’s
flying on Alaska Airlines. Churn, a narrow boiling inlet.
ARIZONA Phoenix: State auditors say PENNSYLVANIA Harrisburg: The
public safety may be put at risk by union that represents corrections
reporting gaps and a backlog in the officers in prisons wants a state court
database that Arizona uses for con- to intervene over the governor’s man-
ducting background checks of people Phil Brodhecker walks through bear-damaged corn crops. USA TODAY NETWORK date that they all get COVID-19 vac-
seeking certain jobs and for helping cines or submit to weekly coronavi-
to decide if defendants should get rus testing, saying inmates, visitors
plea bargains or lenient sentences. Herald: Farmers say they’re fed up with nuisance wildlife and the crop circle- and outside vendors aren’t also sub-
esque damage bears deal to fields after the state didn’t authorize a bear hunting ject to the requirement.
ARKANSAS Little Rock: Former state
season this year. Phil Brodhecker said animals are literally eating his profits, as
Sen. Eddie Joe Williams said he’ll run RHODE ISLAND Newport: An estate
they tend to roll around and flatten plants when they partake of his corn. The
for the Republican nomination for once famously owned by Claus and
damage in some of his fields adds up to 80% to 90%, Brodhecker said. Mean-
secretary of state, becoming the sec- Martha von Bulow has sold for
while, shoulder-high weeds have taken over where his sunflowers were stunted
ond to challenge incumbent John $30 million, nearly doubling the
by deer biting off buds. New Jersey has no Comprehensive Black Bear Manage-
Thurston in next year’s GOP primary. state’s previous home price record.
ment Policy in effect, which is required for a hunt to proceed.
CALIFORNIA San Francisco: The SOUTH CAROLINA Greenville: A
Evangelical Lutheran Church in large granite monument honoring 9/11
America installed its first openly victims was defaced by vandals who
transgender bishop Saturday. The spray-painted “Taliban” on it in two
Rev. Megan Rohrer will oversee near- IOWA Des Moines: Polk County will MISSOURI St. Louis: A member of places, authorities said.
ly 200 congregations in Northern purchase Sleepy Hollow Sports Washington University’s student
SOUTH DAKOTA Sioux Falls: Bad-
California and northern Nevada. Park, a favorite site for tubing and government put nearly 3,000 U.S.
lands National Park will build a new
sledding in the winter and for Ren- flags meant to commemorate 9/11
COLORADO Brighton: A man con- visitor center in the southeast section
aissance fairs, festivals, comedy victims in trash bags, prompting a
victed of vehicular homicide for hit- of the park, the National Park Foun-
shows and concerts in the summer. school probe into what the student
ting another car during a Facebook dation said Monday.
said was a protest about the human
livestream that showed him speeding KANSAS Hutchinson: Kansas State
cost of the attacks’ aftermath. TENNESSEE Nashville: Some resi-
up to 167 mph at night has been sen- Fair officials judging 4-H entomol-
dents who were affected by last
tenced to 15 years in prison. ogy entries discovered a student MONTANA Billings: Montana Youth
month’s flooding can apply for “di-
had caught a spotted lanternfly, an Action, Forward Montana Founda-
CONNECTICUT Hartford: About 300 saster SNAP” emergency food bene-
invasive insect that prompted quar- tion and Montana Public Interest
refugees from Afghanistan are ex- fits, state officials said.
antines elsewhere. Research Group are suing Secretary
pected to arrive in the state in the
of State Christi Jacobsen over laws TEXAS Austin: Several funeral home
coming weeks and months as im- KENTUCKY Fort Wright: The city
they say reduce youth voter turnout. embalmers in the area say it’s com-
migrant advocacy groups work to find plans to return artifacts on loan
mon practice to pour human blood
permanent homes for them. after permanently closing the James NEBRASKA Omaha: Four students
from corpses down the drain – a pro-
A. Ramage Civil War Museum. are suing Creighton University over
DELAWARE Rehoboth Beach: Three cedure that Austin Water officials
its COVID-19 vaccine requirement,
teenagers were hospitalized after LOUISIANA Baton Rouge: The head admit they were unaware was occur-
arguing some “feel coerced” to vio-
possibly being struck by debris at of the State Police says he wants to ring and could compromise the treat-
late anti-abortion religious beliefs.
Funland on Sunday, officials said. know why 67% of his agency’s uses ment of wastewater entering the
of force in recent years were direct- NEVADA Carson City: An analysis Colorado River.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Washing-
ed at Black people and would wel- found Nevada’s students are doing
ton: An exact replica of the original, UTAH Cedar City: The Utah Shake-
come a Justice Department probe. worse on most tests than they did in
smaller version of the 9:30 Club is in speare Festival is partnering with the
2000, when the state spent 79%
the works, WUSA-TV reports. MAINE Portland: Two companies Iron County Care and Share on a local
less on each pupil.
that manufacture coronavirus test- food drive, offering discounted tickets
FLORIDA Miami Beach: An apart-
ing supplies in the state say they’re NEW HAMPSHIRE Durham: The for participants.
ment building owned by the mayor of
ready to meet increased demand. University of New Hampshire has
the adjacent town where a condo- VERMONT Thetford: Public meetings
been awarded a $1.8 million grant to
minium collapsed in June has given MARYLAND Baltimore: Cruise ship will be held this month as a plan to
study how and why coastal hazards
his tenants 45 days to vacate so ex- passengers left the city’s port for commit the state to cutting its green-
like excessive flooding are causing
tensive repairs can be completed. the first time in 18 months Sunday. house gas emissions in the coming
roads to crack and crumble.
years is drafted.
GEORGIA Dunwoody: An explosion MASSACHUSETTS Danvers: A tour-
NEW MEXICO Las Cruces: A new
rocked an apartment building Sun- ist farm called police on a Black VIRGINIA Newport News: This year’s
study co-authored by a New Mexico
day, partially collapsing it and in- couple it accused of stealing six menhaden catch so far in the Chesa-
State University researcher found
juring four people, authorities said. apples and is apologizing after the peake Bay is worrying the state’s top
that participants who did not have a
family went public in a blog post. fisheries regulator, but the company
HAWAII Honolulu: A judge has given friend or family member infected,
harvesting most of the oily fish says
preliminary approval to a settlement MICHIGAN Benton Harbor: Ad- hospitalized or die with COVID-19
it won’t exceed a set quota.
in a lawsuit by inmates who allege vocacy groups are urging the Biden were at least two times more likely
state officials mishandled the pan- administration to help provide safe to refuse vaccinations. WASHINGTON Blaine: Officials say
demic and failed to protect them drinking water in the low-income, they’ve destroyed a second nest of
NEW YORK New York: All of the
from COVID-19 outbreaks. predominantly Black city, saying Asian giant hornets found in north-
city’s 472 subway stations are now
local and state officials have not western Washington this year and are
IDAHO Boise: Over 1,000 protesters equipped with security cameras.
responded adequately or quickly preparing to take down a third.
gathered Monday during a visit by
enough since lead contamination NORTH CAROLINA Raleigh: Certain
President Joe Biden to express their WEST VIRGINIA Charleston: Events
was discovered three years ago. ex-felons who’ve registered to vote
displeasure about his coronavirus for this year’s West Virginia Book
recently will remain eligible as liti-
plan, the election and other issues. MINNESOTA St. Paul: Black bear Festival are going virtual due to rising
gation over their right to vote con-
sightings are on the rise, including COVID-19 cases, officials said.
ILLINOIS Chicago: The Chicago Park tinues, the state’s high court ruled.
in Twin Cities suburbs, as drought
District said it plans to put life rings WISCONSIN Madison: Democratic
has made it harder for the animals NORTH DAKOTA Bismarck: Au-
along the Lake Michigan waterfront – Gov. Tony Evers sought Monday to
to find food ahead of hibernation. thorities said one person was hurt
but only in areas considered safe to join the court fight over Wisconsin’s
in an explosion during a fireworks
swim, upsetting the mother of a col- MISSISSIPPI Jackson: Six Black redistricting process, just as Repub-
display Saturday.
lege student who drowned off a pier. farmworkers say in a lawsuit that licans who lead the Legislature have.
their former employer brought white OHIO Cincinnati: A second federal
INDIANA West Lafayette: About 300 WYOMING Cheyenne: A man accused
laborers from South Africa to do the lawsuit filed against six local hospi-
Purdue University students and em- of choking his girlfriend has pleaded
same jobs they were doing and that tal groups, alleging they conspired
ployees face disciplinary action for guilty in Laramie County District
the farm has been violating federal against their employees by requir-
failing to comply with coronavirus Court.
law by paying the white immigrants ing COVID-19 vaccinations, has
testing for those who haven’t provid- From USA TODAY Network and
more for the same type of work. been voluntarily dismissed.
ed proof of vaccination. wire reports
SPORTS
Calendar Grand Slam remains Latest news, results, opinion
elusive challenge in tennis 24/7 at sports.usatoday.com
Dan Wolken column: Novak Djokovic’s bid for The Ravens played the Raiders in Las Vegas to
USA TODAY | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 | SECTION C history falls short in best shot in awhile. Page 3C close out NFL Week 1. See who won and how.

A customer looks over NFL matchups

inside the Footprint Center in
Phoenix. MATT YORK/AP

NFL betting
sets new highs
in league’s
opening week,
data shows
Chris Bumbaca
USA TODAY

As states continue authorizing legal

gambling on sports and with the arriv-
al of football season, the number of
Americans betting through regulated
means has more than doubled com-
pared to last season, according to data
compiled by GeoComply.
The company, whose technology
ensures mobile bettors are wagering
within proper jurisdictions, reported a
126% increase in wagers during the
Thursday-Sunday window of NFL
opening weekend, from 25.8 million in
2020 to 58.2 million bets this year.
New Jersey led all states with the
highest number of transactions
(12.5 million), ahead of Pennsylvania,
Michigan, Arizona – where sports bet-
ting went live Thursday – and Illinois.
New Jersey (21.4%) and Pennsylvania
(19.8%) accounted for a bulk of the wa-
The Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes threw two second-half TD passes to tight end Travis Kelce JAY BIGGERSTAFF/USA TODAY SPORTS gering.
GeoComply managing director of
gaming Lindsay Slader said the vol-

Mahomes keeps Chiefs ume of bets exceeded the already-high

expectations. “The level of demand
across new markets, such as Arizona,
indicates that consumers have long

cut above rest in AFC

waited for the option to legally place a
sports bet,” Slader said in a release.
“The data tells a remarkable story
about the growth of the industry in a
short period of time. This success is a
verge of a statement victory while aim- into the hands of Hill, who had credit to all our clients and state reg-
ing to avenge a 2020 divisional-round slammed on on the brakes, changed di- ulators, who have worked tirelessly to
Mike Jones playoff loss to the Chiefs. rections and shook Cleveland safety prepare for the start of the new NFL
Columnist But then came the play that in one John Johnson III. Reception made, Hill season.”
USA TODAY fell swoop ignited a slightly off-kilter raced the remaining 30 yards of real es- In Arizona, GeoComply reported
and sluggish squad. The gain bailed out tate and crossed the goal line. A 75- 271,000 sportsbook accounts were
a group that, from top to bottom, had yard, one-play, 14-second scoring drive. created in four days to fuel the 6.1 mil-
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In one play, been outplayed and out-schemed. It Such heroics – Mahomes’ coaches, lion bets placed there.
Patrick Mahomes reminded his Chiefs spurred the Chiefs on to a 33-29 victory teammates, fans and opponents re- DraftKings sportsbook director
of the reason for their unfailing belief. and signaled to the rest of the league membered – are why you can never Johnny Avello told ESPN on Sunday
The football club regarded by many that the Chiefs remain as imposing as count out the Chiefs. “it’s probably going to be one of our
as the class of the AFC and one of the ever. The squad rolled from there. A fero- biggest weekends ever.” Additionally,
best of the NFL had looked like any- Down 29-20 with 10 minutes left, cious defensive stand. A clutch special PointsBet reported record betting in-
thing but as it kicked off the season Mahomes took the snap and with the teams stop after a painful Browns gaffe. terest for a NFL Sunday.
against the Browns. pocket collapsing, he escaped to his Another touchdown drive by Mahomes. Underdogs went 11-4 against the
The visiting Browns, meanwhile, right, sideline approaching but eyes And a game-sealing interception. The spread (with eight outright victories)
had turned in a largely masterful per- darting. There. He spotted wide receiv- win. And message sent. on the first weekend. The Ravens were
formance for three-plus quarters and er Tyreek Hill, chucked the ball back four-point favorites against the Raid-
seemingly found themselves on the across his body 45 yards downfield and See JONES, Page 2C ers on “Monday Night Football.”

AL, NL wild-card races are

wide open entering stretch run
Bob Nightengale
Columnist
USA TODAY

NEW YORK – It is being billed as two

fabulous, dramatic, wild-card races,
the most compelling since Major
League Baseball adopted the two-team
format in 2012.
Go ahead, take a look:
h There were five teams – the Blue
Jays, Red Sox, Yankees, Mariners and
Athletics – within three games of one
another for the two wild-card spots in
the American League going into Mon-
day.
h There were five teams – the Reds,
Padres, Phillies, Cardinals and Mets –
within three games of one another for
one vacant wild-card spot in the Na-
tional League. The Reds’ Joey Votto tosses his bat after striking
out against the Cardinals, two teams still in the NL
See NIGHTENGALE, Page 2C wild-card race. JEFF CURRY/USA TODAY SPORTS 21STNTJ3-42-146436-3
2C ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ USA TODAY SPORTS

Jones clinging to a lead. Jones came up huge,

sacking Mayfield deep in his territory.
And on the next play, Browns punter Ja-
Continued from Page 1C mie Gillan fumbled the snap and tried to
run rather than attempt a rushed punt,
The Chiefs’ victory over a Browns and the Chiefs mobbed him for a turn-
squad that many pundits view as Super over on downs. Two plays later, Ma-
Bowl contenders reflected how large a homes connected with Travis Kelce for
margin truly separates Kansas City the tight end’s second touchdown of the
from the pack. day and Kansas City’s first lead of the
Even on a lackluster day, the Chiefs contest.
always have a chance and nine times But despite all that, the Browns in-
out of 10 will find a way to prevail. deed displayed growth from a year ago.
From start to finish, the Browns had Cleveland seemed to validate beliefs
remained one step ahead of the Chiefs. that the team can join the ranks of con-
Coach Kevin Stefanski delivered an ag- tenders this fall.
gressive game plan filled with gutsy If the Browns were able to perform
calls, creative play designs and pristine like they did despite missing star receiv-
execution that kept the Chiefs off bal- er Odell Beckham Jr. (still a little ways
ance. off from his return from season-ending
But it still wasn’t enough. The knee surgery), expectations of even
Browns needed perfection to give them- more creativity and explosiveness seem
selves their best chance to defeat their realistic.
hosts, and it still might not have been But the Browns still just aren’t on the
enough. level of the Chiefs, and Mayfield isn’t
They’ll never know, though, because still capable of Mahomes’ level of magic.
three late-game Browns hiccups Few teams and quarterbacks are.
opened the door for the Chiefs, and Ma- As long as Mahomes remains
homes and his squad snatched away the healthy, there’s no reason why the
“W.” Chiefs won’t face strong odds of reach-
“What a game,” Chiefs coach Andy ing the Super Bowl a third straight year.
Reid said before joking that he was get- The motivation runs too strong within
ting too old for nail-biter games like this the young quarterback, and the belief
one. Travis Kelce scored two touchdowns in the Chiefs’ win over the Browns on runs too strong throughout his locker
But then he counted his blessings, Sunday. JAY BIGGERSTAFF/USA TODAY SPORTS room. And he, in turn, believes in them.
the most prominent, of course, being “It’s just kind of, I’ve been through
Mahomes, who on Sunday led his team these situations before – with these
back from a double-digit deficit for the saying, “It was just Patrick Mahomes find it frightening that this squad again guys,” Mahomes said.
10th time since becoming Kansas City’s being Patrick Mahomes.” possesses the ability to flip the switch “We obviously have new O-linemen
starting quarterback in 2018. And cornerback Mike Hughes, who and erase double-digit deficits at virtu- and new players. But the core, we have
“You love his attitude, because he al- intercepted Baker Mayfield with 1:16 left ally any point of a contest. the core guys who have found ways to
ways feels like we’re in it and he does to snuff out Cleveland’s last hope for a The collapse certainly had a very tra- win.
such a great job with the guys around game-winning drive, credited Ma- ditional Cleveland feel to it. Running “If it was the playoff game against the
him,” Reid said. “He’s a great communi- homes’ game-changing touchdown for back Nick Chubb (after rushing for two (Houston) Texans (in 2019), or the Super
cator during tough times on the sideline. the defensive rebound. touchdowns earlier in the game) fum- Bowl, or last year when we came back
… And then to make that kind of throw, “That was huge. It was a big momen- bled late in the third quarter, and Kan- and won all those games.
running full speed and throw back tum shift. Late in the game, we needed sas City eventually cashed that in for a “We’ve found ways to win, and at the
across his body. How many times have that, especially on the defensive side,” 43-yard field goal. And after that 75- end of the day, you just have that belief
we seen that now?” Hughes said. yard Mahomes to Hill bomb, Stefanski in each other, which makes you believe
Hill echoed his coach’s sentiments, The Chiefs’ future opponents should did get away from the run while still you can win every single game.”

Nightengale
Continued from Page 1C

Pretty thrilling, right?

Or is it appalling?
They are the wild-card races no team
residing in the United States wants to
win, with only the Blue Jays showing
any urgency, going 11-1 this month, in-
cluding a 22-7 onslaught over the
Orioles on Sunday.
OK, so maybe you can’t blame any-
one in the National League for not want-
ing to earn the second spot. Who wants
to be embarrassed by the Dodgers or Gi-
ants in the wild-card game?
There are three powerhouses in the
NL – the Giants, Dodgers and Brewers –
and the second wild-card winner must
travel to California to play the runner-up
in the NL West.
Come on, if these NL wild-card en-
trants were all that interested in making
the playoffs, would they really be play-
ing like this?
The Reds, who are tied with the Pa-
dres for the second wild-card spot, have
easily had the easiest schedule among
all of the wild-card contenders down
the stretch.
They’ve responded by losing 12 of
their last 18 games. They’ve lost four
games to the woeful Cubs during this
stretch, two games to the last-place
Marlins, two games to the fourth-place
Tigers and four games to the mediocre
Cardinals. It has been 22 days since they The Yankees and Brett Gardner had lost 12 of their last 15 games before winning Monday. WENDELL CRUZ/USA TODAY SPORTS
even won a series.
“At the end of this,” said Reds second
baseman Jonathan India, the over- team (72-72), just how seriously can Then, they started to play again like Yankees.
whelming favorite to win the NL Rookie anyone take you? the Mariners. They looked almost invincible a few
of the Year award, “we’re going to laugh The Cardinals went 15-11 in August They spent the weekend losing two weeks ago when they won 13 in a row,
at these losses. So, we’ll be fine.” and beat the Reds in back-to-back of three games at home to the woeful Di- only for reality to hit, losing 12 of their
Well, considering the Reds’ laughably games over the weekend, but St. Louis amondbacks, hitting just .187 in the se- last 15 games before winning 6-5 in 10
soft schedule, with nine games still re- has been little more than a .500 team all ries, falling three games back. innings Monday against the Twins.
maining against the Pirates, the joke’s season. The A’s decided they’d make a seri- The Yankees’ next nine games are
on them if they don’t reach the playoffs. Of course, mediocrity is proving to be ous playoff run when they acquired against the Twins, Orioles, Cleveland
The Phillies were supposed to take a standard of excellence in this wild- Starling Marte at the trade deadline. and Texas, but if they don’t do some
advantage of an equally soft schedule, card race. They since have fallen out of the AL damage, they could be done. Their final
but just became the first team this sea- “We always felt like we were in a West race and are on fumes in the wild- nine games are against the Red Sox,
son to lose three games in a series to the horse race,” Cardinals manager Mike card race. Blue Jays and Rays.
Rockies at home. This is also the same Shildt says. “Around the stretch they They have lost 13 of their last 20 Little wonder why Aaron Judge
team that also managed to be swept by come. And we got good closing speed.” games, including two of three over the spoke out during their team meeting
the National League’s worst team, the Well, the only prized thoroughbred in weekend at home to the last-place Friday night, trying to reinforce that
Diamondbacks, just three weeks ago. this NL wild-card race is the Padres. Rangers. They play seven of their re- they stand for greatness, not mediocri-
How does it feel? They easily have the most talent. The maining 16 games against the Mariners, ty.
“It stunk,” Phillies manager Joe Gi- biggest payroll. The greatest stars. a stretch which should mercifully knock “I think the biggest thing was just re-
rardi said Sunday. “It stunk. It stunk. And are proving to be the biggest un- both of them out of the race. mind guys that, hey, we’re still in the
There’s no other way to describe it. It derachievers. The Red Sox were the biggest sur- playoff hunt,” Judge said. “The world’s
stunk.” They are going backward in the prise in the American League the first not crashing down on us. Remind every-
The Phillies still have 10 of their re- standings, going 25-35 since July 1, and half of the season, but the glass slipper body who they are, who we are.
maining 19 games against the Cubs, losing 19 of their last 27 games. shattered. They now are hanging on for “We’re the New York Yankees. It’s an
Orioles and Pirates, but considering “The last couple of weeks,” Padres dear life, tied with the Blue Jays for the honor and privilege to get a chance to
they were just dominated by the Rock- manager Jayce Tingler said, “it’s prob- top spot, and one game ahead of the wear these pinstripes and play for this
ies, will anything really change? ably been our low point. We got to play Yankees. team.
The Mets are still hoping to win the better on all cylinders. But it’s right Yet how seriously can you take them “When you get into September base-
NL East, but considering they are five there in front of us. when they are 6-17 against teams over ball in New York, that’s when it’s fun.”
games behind Atlanta, and just three ‘We’ve got to go out and take it.” .500 since the trade deadline, failing to But if you’re in New York, and col-
games back in a deeply flawed wild- In the American League, the Mari- win a single series? The good news is lapse in September, there’s not a worse
card race, what do you think is more ners looked for a moment that they that they have only six remaining games feeling knowing that heads will soon
realistic? might actually have a chance to end against teams with a winning record. roll.
Then again, when you’re only a .500 their 20-year playoff drought. And, of course, there are the powerful Ah, the euphoria of a wild-card race.
SPORTS USA TODAY ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ 3C

Grand Slam remains elusive challenge

and was primed to win a Grand Slam
singles title – particularly on a hard
Dan Wolken court, where he’s been dominant week
Columnist in and week out on the tour.
USA TODAY But it’s also true that Djokovic, for
whatever reason, was not at his best in
the final. Maybe it was all the long
NEW YORK – Of all the emotions a te- matches he had played in this tourna-
ary-eyed Novak Djokovic felt Sunday as ment catching up with him, including
he sat in his chair, watching a stage get the five-set battle he had with Alexan-
constructed for someone else to accept der Zverev in the semifinals. Maybe, in
the trophy he came here to win, the his own mind, he couldn’t block out the
most interesting was relief. enormity of what he was on the verge of
Of course he was sad about losing the achieving.
US Open final decisively to Daniil Med- Either way, despite vowing to pour
vedev, about failing to grab the opportu- everything he had into this match, Djo-
nity of a lifetime to complete the calen- kovic looked completely spent by the
dar-year Grand Slam. And as he said on end. His elastic body that has made him
the stage to the New York crowd that the greatest returner of serve in the his-
had once given him the cold shoulder, tory of the game couldn’t catch up to
he was genuinely touched by the way Medvedev’s blasts all day. And in so
they finally embraced him in this final many key moments, when Djokovic was
and tried to lift him to come back one made to run down short balls, he was a
more time. quarter-step slow and sprayed them all
But it says something about the Novak Djokovic reacts to a missed shot against Daniil Medvedev during the U.S. over the court.
weight of what Djokovic was trying to Open men’s singles final Sunday. DANIELLE PARHIZKARAN/USA TODAY SPORTS “I had more hours on the court than
accomplish that relief was on his mind. Daniil, that’s for sure, but it was also an
If the most clutch player in the history of emotionally demanding period for me in
men’s tennis could not overcome the Alcott, de Groot complete wheelchair Golden Slams the last five, six months with Slams and
pressure of trying to win the Grand Olympics, everything was coming to-
Slam, it’s hard to believe any man will. If Brian Mahoney Grand Slam title and said he had around gether for me here and accumulating all
a player who has pulled off so many mir- The Associated Press 20 after his win last weekend in Tokyo. the emotions I’ve been through,” he
acles from match point down and whose said. “Unfortunately, I didn’t make it in
“I just haven’t done it in front of
focus intensifies when his competitors the final step, but when you draw the
NEW YORK – Nobody had ever won a 20,000 people and 50 million people
fall apart couldn’t bring it when he got line you have to be very satisfied with
Golden Slam in wheelchair tennis until watching,” Alcott said. “There was no
this close, Rod Laver’s 52-year-old the year.
Sunday, when it happened twice. chance I wasn’t going to skull that beer
achievement in the men’s game is prob- “I’ve been very transparent and vocal
on Arthur Ashe after I just won the
ably safe. And Dylan Alcott had never cele- about my goals to play my best tennis at
Golden Slam.”
“I was glad it was over,” a still emo- brated quite the way he did after his Slams, and I’m managing to do that. I
tional Djokovic said 45 minutes after the victory. Alcott beat Niels Vink of the Nether- was short today for another Slam title
match ended, “because the buildup for lands 7-5, 6-2 to win the quad singles but I have to be proud with everything
Alcott and Diede de Groot both won
this tournament and everything that division. De Groot topped No. 2 seed that my team and I achieved, and in ten-
US Open titles, adding them to their
mentally, emotionally I had to deal with Yui Kamiji of Japan 6-3, 6-2 in the wom- nis we learn very quickly how to turn the
victories this year at the Australian
throughout the tournament the last en’s singles final. next page.”
Open, French Open and Wimbledon,
couple weeks was a lot. It was a lot to Still, the sting of this loss will surely
along with their gold medals at the Her celebration was more subdued,
handle.” linger for Djokovic, who has held all four
Tokyo Paralympics. but the Slam was just as meaningful to
In the larger context of tennis history, majors at once before but is unlikely to
the 24-year-old from the Netherlands.
the concept of winning the four most They were honored during the men’s have another chance to do it again in the
“To be the first one to actually get that
important tournaments of the year as a final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil same calendar year. He is clearly not
title is just so special,” de Groot said. “I
Holy Grail achievement is a relatively Medvedev. Alcott held up his trophy, done playing and can be a force in the
don’t think I will ever forget that.”
new one. poured a can of beer into it, and then game for several more years, but at 34,
Until the 1980s, a lot of top players on chugged it while the crowd roared. Steffi Graf, in 1988, had been the only maintaining that level gets increasingly
both the men’s and women’s side either tennis player to win all four Grand Slam difficult. And the younger competition
The Australian said he always drinks a
skipped the Australian Open or played it titles plus a gold medal in the same is starting to show more signs that
beer out of the trophy when he wins a
infrequently. For a stretch in the 1970s year. they’re ready to take over the sport.
shortly after tennis became a profes- “I do feel sorry for Novak because I
sional sport, Chris Evert and several cannot imagine what he feels,” Medve-
other top players chose playing World dev said. “Knowing that I beat some-
Team Tennis over the French Open. measuring stick for greatness. Held on of the sport can’t quite cope with. body who was 27-0 in a year in Grand
When Steffi Graf won all four majors in three different surfaces, on three differ- In 2015, Serena Williams came to Slams, he was going for huge history,
1988 at age 19, the lead story in The New ent continents, with a season that New York having won the first three and knowing that I managed to stop him
York Times framed her US Open as a le- spans more than seven months, it Grand Slam titles of the year and it definitely makes it sweeter and brings
gitimizing victory for the 10-year-old makes perfect sense that a player who seemed on her way to a coronation. In- me confidence for what is to come.”
Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, raises all four trophies in the same cal- stead, she lost in the semifinals to 43rd- The fact that it all got too big, too
which was described as “a much ma- endar year has done something worthy ranked Roberta Vinci, a player who had much for even Djokovic, does not bode
ligned byproduct of professional tennis, of immortality – as Graf did in 1988 never given her a hint of trouble in four well for the next person to be in this po-
a place where money, not tradition, has when she added Olympic gold to her previous meetings, and admitted that sition – if there even is one in our life-
counted most.” four majors to become the first and only the pressure got to her. times. As much as the Grand Slam is a
Yet as the sport has evolved, it has player to win the so-called Golden Slam. It would be inaccurate to call Sunday relatively new construct, we’ve learned
chosen success in these four tourna- But the chase to achieve it quite a Vinci-type moment for Djokovic. Med- it’s extremely difficult just to win the
ments – held annually in Melbourne, clearly comes with a unique feeling that vedev is the No. 2 player in the world, first three of the year. Winning all four
Paris, London and New York – as the even the biggest winners in the history had beaten Djokovic three times before may just be impossible.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 2 OVERREACTIONS

Oregon, Michigan still have work ahead

Erick Smith able to compete for the division title in offensive line coach, and the signs of re-
USA TODAY the East that suddenly seems wide open covery that showed last year when Ar-
with Ohio State’s loss? Surprisingly, it kansas beat three Southeastern Confer-
Just two weeks into the college foot- might be in two weeks against Rutgers. ence teams after one league win in the
ball season, opinions are being formed But we will know for sure when the Wol- previous three seasons.
and forecasts are being made for how verines visit Wisconsin on Oct. 2. Until The Hogs won’t manhandle teams in
the rest of the schedule will play out. then, don’t get too high or too low on the SEC the way they did at home Sat-
That’s a dangerous proposition when their outlook. urday, so pushing them ahead of Texas
there are 11 more weeks and the unpre- A&M, Mississippi, LSU or Auburn is
dictable nature of the sport has already The season is over for Iowa State premature. Consecutive games against
been on full display this season. Almost the Aggies and Georgia starting later
half of the preseason Top 25 in the USA Michigan receiver Cornelius Johnson OK, the loss to Iowa was a huge let- this month will give a better indication if
TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll has hauls in his only reception against down for a program that returned so the field-storming win against the
already lost a game. Washington, a 33-yarder. many seniors who were hoping to push Longhorns was proof of something big-
So one should temper their expecta- RICK OSENTOSKI/USA TODAY SPORTS the program to uncharted heights. Per- ger at hand.
tions and not overreact to results. Here haps the pressure of the moment was
are five of those results from Week 2 to too great and the Cyclones tried too hard Florida State can’t sink any lower
keep in mind when looking ahead. the defense. Yes, starters Kayvon Thi- against a rival it continues to be unable
bodeux and Justin Flowe were out to solve. Just when you thought the Semi-
Oregon is lock to make the playoff against Ohio State and they would have This is still a talented team that can noles were going to rebound this season
helped. Oregon still bent tremendously run the table in the Big 12. It must start after an impressive opener against No-
As impressive as it was for the Ducks by allowing 612 yards to a freshman with improved play from quarterback tre Dame, they find another way to show
to go into Columbus and defeat No. 3 quarterback. The defense didn’t break, Brock Purdy. Turnovers have been his how far this program has fallen from its
Ohio State, let’s hold back on crowning though it was close. It’s an issue that bugaboo during his career and it again former elite status.
them the champions of the Pac-12, let needs sorting out before the Pac-12’s reared its head Saturday. The silver lin- Florida State seemed headed for a
alone giving them a free pass to the Col- first berth since 2016 is confirmed. ing is the way the defense shut down the comfortable, if not impressive, win
lege Football Playoff. It’s easy to focus Hawkeyes – holding them to 173 yards – against Jacksonville State from the
on a team’s offense when evaluating its Michigan is ready to contend in and the unit should keep the team in Football Championship Subdivision.
ability. Oregon has the running game the Big Ten most of its games. The margin of error is Then it failed to score from the 1-yard
that is going to be a problem for most gone, but don’t be surprised if this team line with a 10-point lead in the fourth
teams to handle. However, the success Two things can be true at the same makes a run at the conference title and quarter. The Gamecocks rallied to with-
against the Buckeyes was also due to time. The Wolverines can look im- more. in 17-14, setting up a final-play TD for the
OSU’s struggles against the run that proved, especially with their running win on a 59-yard pass that saw the Sem-
also were on display against Minnesota. game, and we can’t make any determi- Arkansas is a top-tier team in the inoles inexplicably eschew a prevent
Quarterback Anthony Brown played ef- nation on how good this team is until the SEC West defense for man-to-man coverage.
ficiently, but what still remains to be competition gets tougher. Washington Before 2018, Florida State hadn’t had
seen is how the Ducks fare against an was supposed to be a test before the Yes, the win against Texas was im- a losing season since 1976, Bobby Bow-
elite unit that can slow its run game Huskies revealed themselves as one of pressive, especially with the way the den’s first year. The Seminoles have
down. UCLA and Arizona State have the overrated teams. Razorbacks dominated both lines of done it twice in the last three years and
that capability. So when will we know if this re- scrimmage. This shouldn’t be a surprise it is looking like three of four after a 0-2
The other more pressing concern is vamped Michigan team is going to be given Sam Pittman’s background as an start. Hard times in Tallahassee.
4C ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ USA TODAY SPORTS

Players back from ’20 injuries impress

Nate Davis
USA TODAY

The 32 things we learned from Week 1

of the NFL season:
1. Nice leaguewide tribute prior to
Sunday’s kickoff commemorating the
20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001,
attacks on America. The NFL also pro-
duced a touching tribute video voiced
by actor Steve Buscemi, a former mem-
ber of the FDNY, which struck the right
chord given the context of the country’s
current difficulties. Two decades can
seem like a lifetime, yet it also feels like
only yesterday when then-Commis-
sioner Paul Tagliabue and the NFL took
a prominent role in navigating the crisis
before helping the country heal ... to
some degree anyway.
2. Is this finally the year that Seattle
QB Russell Wilson gets at least one MVP
vote? He got off to another hot start,
throwing for four touchdowns and
254 yards (while attempting just 23
passes) as the Seahawks opened with a
road win against the Colts at Indianapo-
lis. Wilson’s 2020 season perfectly illus-
trates the folly of charting the MVP race
from Week 1. But if you’re going to do The Cardinals’ Chandler Jones celebrates one of his five sacks. He also forced two fumbles. STEVE ROBERTS/USA TODAY SPORTS
that, you’d have to say Wilson and Car-
dinals QB Kyler Murray (four TD passes,
one rush TD in a blowout of the Titans) midway through the fourth quarter.
are the very premature front-runners. Three plays later, K.C. TE Travis Kelce
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (337 yards, caught what proved to be the game-
three TDs passing, rushing TD), the 2018 winning TD from Mahomes in a 33-29
league MVP, is right there, too. More on victory.
him later. 21. Inevitable outcome, though, given
3. Sunday’s biggest shock came out Chiefs coach Andy Reid is now 9-0 ver-
of Jacksonville – primarily because the sus the Browns.
Jags weren’t on site – as the Hurricane 21a. Also, Cleveland hasn’t won in
Ida-displaced Saints embarrassed the Week 1 since 2004, its 17-season streak
Packers, the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed last of futility in that department an NFL
season, 38-3 at TIAA Bank Field. It was record.
16 years ago that the Saints won their 22. Mahomes is now 11-0 in Septem-
opener on the road in the aftermath of ber games with 35 TD passes and nary
the destruction Hurricane Katrina left an interception.
in New Orleans. Here’s hoping the 2021 23. Apparently they play pretty good
Saints are far more formidable than football west of the Mississippi. The
their 2005 forerunners – Sean Payton AFC West and NFC West, which many
was hired in 2006 – while wishing New expected to be the best divisions in the
Orleans a far quicker recovery from this league this year, are a combined 7-0
most recent storm. heading into Monday night, when the
4. Welcome back, Dak Prescott. After Raiders host the Ravens.
11 months “off,” didn’t expect to see you Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey produced 187 combined yards from 24. The Steelers now have a sack in
throw 58 passes in your return. But scrimmage against the Jets. BOB DONNAN/USA TODAY SPORTS 74 consecutive games, an NFL record.
while the Cowboys seem just fine under 25. Reigning offensive rookie of the
center, they’ve still given us plenty to year Justin Herbert (Chargers) > reign-
talk about – including a suspended right ing defensive rookie of the year Chase
tackle, the struggles of rookie LB Micah juring his ankle days before the Broncos’ among those who wondered if the Jets Young (Washington). Sunday marked
Parsons (and the defense overall) in opener. But he resurfaced Sunday, col- would have been better off keeping the fourth time such a matchup had oc-
Week 1 and new worries at kicker after lecting a pair of sacks in a 27-13 thump- QB Sam Darnold, trading out of the No. 2 curred in Week 1 with the previous sea-
Greg Zuerlein’s rough start. ing of the Giants. Note to Chandler spot in the draft in order to collect more son’s offensive ROY now 3-1.
5. Welcome back, Chandler Jones. Jones: Miller’s 108 sacks are the most picks and surrounding him with the tal- 26. Bad an idea as I thought it was to
Limited to five games in 2020 by a bi- registered in the NFL since 2011 and tops ent he’d never had at the NFL level. sign him, bummer to see QB Ryan Fitz-
ceps injury, the Arizona pass rusher re- among active players. Welp. We got a glimpse of what the new patrick suffer a hip injury in his Wash-
turned to force two fumbles while rack- 11. I was OK with the NFL’s decision to Panthers QB1 could be Sunday – his 234 ington debut that landed him on injured
ing up a franchise record-tying five allow more players to wear single-digit passing yards before halftime marked reserve. Expect coach Ron Rivera to face
sacks of Tennessee Titans QB Ryan (and other sleeker) jersey numbers, the best half of his NFL career – as he an increasing flurry of questions about a
Tannehill. Jones’ three sacks in the first even if the decision came well after it accounted for two TDs in a 19-14 victory. potential reunion with recently released
quarter is a record since the NFL began could benefit Reggie Bush and LSU’s His TD pass went to fellow former Jet Cam Newton.
officially recognizing the statistic in best players. (And, sure, Temple’s.) But Robby Anderson, who took the opportu- 27. Meanwhile, the team that laid
1982. Since he was drafted in 2012, there are so many rookies and mid-tier nity to troll his former employer after down to give Washington the NFC East
Jones is the only player in the NFL to players – and worse – rocking them, reaching the end zone. crown in 2020 – your Eagles – has gone
surpass 100 sacks (he now has 102) in that I already have misgivings. If you 15. Fantasy bust of Week 1? San Fran- from worst to first in the division ... at
that span. His new teammate, J.J. Watt, wore it with distinction in college (De- cisco WR Brandon Aiyuk, who wasn’t least for this week.
has 95 1⁄2 over the same stretch. Vonta Smith, Chase, Leonard Fournette, even targeted and apparently has some 28. The rookie wideouts looked aw-
6. Welcome back, Christian McCaf- etc.), then fine. But unless we’re more work to do in practice to work his way fully good Sunday. The top three receiv-
frey. After an All-Pro effort in 2019, when discerning with these coveted digits – back into coach Kyle Shanahan’s game ers picked in this year’s draft – Chase,
he led the league with 2,392 yards from meaning you, equipment managers – plan. who had a terrible preseason, Miami’s
scrimmage, McCaffrey played in just then we’re going to need a rule to put the 15a. If you’re a Rodgers owner, like Jaylen Waddle and Philadelphia’s Smith
three games in 2020. But he was back in kickers and punters in the 60s ... though me, I understand if you have a different – all found the end zone.
force Sunday against the Jets and pro- maybe that would be fine. opinion. 28a. The rookies who catch the ball
duced 187 combined yards – his most 12. What happened to Aaron Rodg- 16. NFL Network reported Sunday definitely looked generally better than
since Nov. 17, 2019 – which puts him on ers? Sunday’s loss to the Saints, when that the Broncos are prepared to make a the ones throwing it. Lawrence and the
pace for 3,179 in the new 17-game for- the 2020 MVP passed for 133 yards and substantial offer for Rodgers, assuming Jets’ Zach Wilson finished with pass-
mat. Yes, that would smash the current two interceptions, has to be considered he’s available, during next year’s off- able numbers, but their teams weren’t
record (2,509 by Chris Johnson in the worst performance of his brilliant season. Based on what we just saw from competitive. Mac Jones had the strong-
2009). career. Maybe Rodgers, who became the the 2020 MVP – not to mention how est debut among this year’s first-round
7. Welcome back, T.J. Watt. After do- first player to reach a 17th season with well new Denver QB Teddy Bridgewater QBs, while the Bears’ Justin Fields and
ing next to nothing in training camp be- the Packers on Sunday, should more (264 yards, two TDs passing) played Niners’ Lance both played in certain
fore signing his record-breaking con- carefully consult Brett Favre next time Sunday – maybe new Broncos GM packages.
tract extension, the Steelers All-Pro on how to prepare for a season on the George Paton should reconsider ... at 28b. Lance threw a TD on his first
pass rusher sacked Bills QB Josh Allen heels of a six-month, football-free vaca- least for the next few days. NFL pass, the first player to do so since
twice as Pittsburgh pulled off a surprise tion. 17. The Texans, widely slotted at the ... Tim Tebow in 2010. Lance also be-
in Western New York. Maybe we’ve been 12a. For one day anyway, Jordan Love bottom of most preseason power rank- came the first rookie in Niners history to
talking about the wrong Rust Belt team (5-for-7, 68 yards), who made his NFL ings – including mine – are alone atop toss a TD in Week 1.
as a challenger for AFC supremacy. debut after Rodgers was pulled, was the the AFC South. But that division sure 29. “Black and blue” division? Apro-
8. Welcome back, Jimmy Garoppolo. Packers’ best quarterback. looks baaad. pos for the NFC North, with four winless
The 49ers quarterback, who missed 10 13. It’s rare for a coach to enter the 18. The Dolphins are alone atop the teams after Sunday.
games in 2020, returned to the starting NFL with more fanfare or rebuilding as- AFC East after beating the Patriots for 30. New Saints QB Jameis Winston is
lineup – despite sharing snaps with sets (in terms of draft picks and salary- the third time in the teams’ last four your NFL passing TD leader with five.
rookie Trey Lance – and improved his cap space) than Urban Meyer has en- meetings. Also note the zero in his interception
record against new Lions QB Jared Goff joyed with the Jaguars. It’s rare for a 18a. Round 1 of the battle of former column, though he had one giveaway
to 4-0. coach to get his first head job with less Alabama QBs – the Pats’ Mac Jones and wiped thanks to a dubious roughing-
9. Welcome back, Joe Burrow (261 fanfare or under worse circumstances Fins’ Tua Tagovailoa – goes to Tua. Per- the-passer penalty on Packers OLB Za-
passing yards, two TDs) and Joe Mixon than the Texans’ David Culley did this haps just as well Jones didn’t want the ’Darius Smith.
(150 yards from scrimmage, TD), who year. Yet you wouldn’t have known Sun- ball after throwing his first TD pass. 31. Former Saints QB Drew Brees,
both endured injury-abbreviated 2020 day as Houston blew the doors off Jack- COVID-19. All things being relative, who’s currently sitting in an analyst’s
seasons but starred for the Bengals on sonville, further calling into question the virus caused minimal disruption in chair for NBC’s “Football Night in Amer-
Sunday as they escaped the Vikings in how prepared Meyer is for his jump to Week 1 – though the Cowboys certainly ica,” said of Winston’s performance, in-
overtime. football’s biggest stage. could’ve used All-Pro G Zack Martin, cluding his deep strikes: “I guess appar-
9a. And maybe we should’ve known 13a. The Texans intercepted three and WR Jamison Crowder would’ve ently this is what the Saints have been
the Bengals had the edge given they’ve passes in 2020. They intercepted Jag- helped the Jets. Still, expect the pan- missing.” Nice tongue-in-cheek mo-
got four members of LSU’s 2019 national uars rookie QB Trevor Lawrence three demic to make a significant impact on ment, Drew, and a nice recovery from
championship juggernaut (Burrow, WR times Sunday. this season at some point. your performance at halftime of Thurs-
Ja’Marr Chase, DT Tyler Shelvin and 13b. Lawrence, the top pick of the 20. Goat of the week? One vote for day night’s Cowboys-Buccaneers sea-
practice squad TE Thaddeus Moss), 2021 draft, lost his first NFL start. QBs the Browns’ Jamie Gillan (the “Scottish son-opening game.
whereas the Vikings had to rely on for- taken No. 1 overall are now 0-13-1 in their Hammer”), who mishandled his first 32. Last, but hardly least, congrats to
mer Bayou Bengal WR Justin Jefferson. first starts since Houston’s David Carr punt attempt of the day at Arrowhead Maia Chaka, who became the first Black
10. Welcome back, Von Miller, who won his debut in 2002. Stadium and allowed the Chiefs to take female to officiate an NFL game on Sun-
missed the entire 2020 season after in- 14. It’s only one game, but I was possession at the Cleveland 15-yard line day in Charlotte.
SPORTS USA TODAY ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ 5C

NFL WEEK 1 WINNERS, LOSERS

Steelers strut as Pack stumble

Lorenzo Reyes public of his discontent with the front
USA TODAY office, now needs to regroup. New Or-
leans’ constant pressure made Rodgers
Week 1 of the NFL season is nearly fidgety in the pocket. Defensive backs
done, with only the “Monday Night draped Packers receivers down the field.
Football” game between the Ravens and And Rodgers completed 15 of 28 passes
Raiders being settled last night. Still, for 133 yards with two interceptions,
there was plenty to sort through from both of which were desperation throws
the first Sunday of the season, one in that are unusual for him to make.
which a couple of potential Super Bowl Just as concerning was defensive co-
contenders suffered upsets. ordinator Joe Barry’s debut. The Saints
No result was more shocking than piled on 171 rushing yards. That allowed
what happened to the Packers, who quarterback Jameis Winston, in his first
stumbled to a 38-3 rout against the start replacing retired Drew Brees, to
Saints, a game in which Aaron Rodgers become the first player in NFL history to
was the fourth-best quarterback on the throw for five touchdowns with fewer
field, based on QB rating. The Bills, the than 150 passing yards (148).
reigning AFC East champions, squan- If Green Bay looks to start anywhere,
dered a 10-point lead at home and let the it should focus up front, where both
Steelers claim a game that could carry lines got dominated.
playoff seeding implications, even Linebacker T.J. Watt led a big Steelers defensive effort against the Bills and Josh
though it came in the opener. Allen. JEFFREY T. BARNES/AP Matt Nagy’s 2-QB experiment
Here are the Week 1 winners and los-
ers: You have to give the Bears coach
Buffalo to field goals. The Bills only LOSERS credit for at least trying. But Sunday’s
WINNERS scored one touchdown in three trips in- 34-14 loss against the Rams showed that
side the red zone. The constant pressure Nagy’s decision to rotate starting quar-
created eight hits on Allen and four Urban Meyer terback Andy Dalton with No. 11 overall
The Jalen Hurts-Nick Sirianni holding penalties (one of which was de- pick Justin Fields is doomed to fail.
partnership clined). You can also throw in Pitts- He came out of retirement for this? Rarely do these work in the NFL. For
burgh’s special teams as a force after a Meyer, making his NFL coaching debut them to be successful, however, one of
If the Eagles’ 32-6 stamping of the blocked punt returned for a touchdown after a prolific run in the college ranks, the passers cannot have the kind of lim-
Falcons in Atlanta was any indication of early in the fourth quarter extended looked unprepared and his Jaguars itations that Dalton has.
what the rest of the season holds, the Pittsburgh’s lead to 10, a lead Buffalo team was overmatched in a 37-21 loss to Nagy is trying to get Fields acclimat-
second-year quarterback and rookie could never overcome. the rebuilding Texans. ed enough before throwing him into the
head coach will be just fine. Hurts fin- The Texans had been outscored 103- fire that is starting in the NFL. But it’s
ished 27-for-35 for 264 yards and three Chandler Jones DPOY campaign 60 in the first quarters last season; not as though the Ohio State product
touchdowns and added 62 rushing Houston led the Jaguars 14-0 after the doesn’t have extensive experience or
yards on seven carries. No player in the NFL started hotter first. came from a small program. Fields has
The Eagles achieved balance, which than Jones, the Cardinals’ edge rusher. The Jaguars couldn’t handle third all the skills he needs to play right now.
had eluded them last season, with 173 In his team’s 38-13 demolition of the Ti- downs on either side of the ball; Jack- One knock is that he holds onto the ball
rushing yards on 31 carries and 261 pass- tans, Jones notched six tackles, six hur- sonville allowed Houston to move the too long. But that can be coached out of
ing yards on 35 attempts. Sirianni was ries, five sacks, four tackles for loss and chains on 12 of 21 tries and the Jags did him with game reps.
also efficient, rarely calling plays that two forced fumbles. And he now has an so on just three of the 11 times when their Because what Fields has – that Dal-
resulted in negative yardage. The offen- early jump in the race for the NFL’s De- offense was in such situations. They lost ton doesn’t – is arm strength to stretch
sive line shoved the Falcons back, and fensive Player of the Year Award. the turnover battle 3-0. There were the field and athleticism to diversify the
rookie receiver DeVonta Smith is a crisp The five sacks, all of which came in drops, five of which came in the first offense and rush the ball. Those are two
route runner. the first three quarters, were third most half. There were five three-and-outs, in- things the Bears won’t win without.
But Hurts’ continued development is in NFL history in a Week 1 game and tied cluding two in a row to start the second
what could make Philadelphia danger- the Cardinals’ franchise record. It was half. The Super Bowl-ready Browns
ous. On Sunday, he made smart deci- just a tremendous day for the Arizona And Jacksonville committed 10 pen-
sions and showed he has elevated his defense overall, as the unit held All-Pro alties, many of which were detail-ori- Let’s start off by saying that the
understanding of extending plays. running back Derrick Henry to 58 yards ented infractions, such as lining up in Browns played very well. Very, very
There was no better evidence of that on 17 carries and only 8 yards on nine the wrong spot and too many men in the well. They held their own, in Arrowhead
than the 9-yard touchdown right before carries in the first half. huddle. Stadium, for a little more than three
halftime to tight end Dallas Goedert, “My guesstimate is that you will not quarters, but ultimately fell to the pow-
when Hurts bounced right and threw The NFC West see that again,” Meyer said after the erful Chiefs 33-29. Cleveland showed it
across his body into a tight window. game. “Inexcusable.” can compete in these games against the
All four of the NFC West squads – the Jaguars fans better hope that proves NFL’s best. But it also showed that it es-
The Steel Curtain carrying Seahawks, 49ers, Cardinals and Rams – to be true. sentially needs to play a perfect game to
Pittsburgh won their games on Sunday. But just as pull off an upset.
easy as this division falls on this side of The ‘Last Dance’ vibe in Green Bay Receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was inac-
Just like it sputtered in the final third the list, the NFC North – whose teams all tive, so the Browns were not at full
of last season, the Steelers offense lost their games – could have fallen on A loss in the season opener, really, strength. Quarterback Baker Mayfield
lagged in the 2021 opener. But the de- the “Losers” side. Still, the NFC West doesn’t mean that much. But this was as made several key throws, but the
fense made a statement by going on the looks like it could be the best division in ugly as ugly gets for the Packers. They Browns relied on their rushing game.
road and taking down the Bills, the the NFL, with each team potentially were embarrassed in a 38-3 loss against The 75-yard touchdown pass to Chiefs
reigning AFC title game participant and fighting for a playoff spot. the Saints, the worst defeat in Rodgers’ receiver Tyreek Hill was proof of just
one of the favorites in the conference, Practically all teams were convincing 17-year career. how Cleveland is on the cusp of a team
23-16. on both sides of the ball, though the “I think there’s probably some of like the Chiefs, an outfit that can score
This wasn’t a dominant perform- 49ers did commit plenty of mistakes that,” Rodgers said after the game of the on any given play.
ance; the Bills outgained Pittsburgh 371- that allowed the Lions to make it inter- team being too high on itself. “We prob- So even though the Browns are carry-
252 and Buffalo earned 22 first downs esting late. The four NFC West teams ably felt like we were going to go up and ing outside expectations about poten-
compared to Pittsburgh’s 16. But this won by a combined margin of 141-76. down the field on whoever they had out tially making a run in the AFC, there’s
was situational greatness from the The marriage of Matthew Stafford and there.” still some work to be done.
Steelers, who harassed Bills quarter- Sean McVay in Los Angeles, though, Green Bay, after an offseason full of The good news for Cleveland is that
back Josh Allen and repeatedly held might be the one to watch. drama stemming from Rodgers going it’s almost there.

Sympathy for Meyer will be in short supply

and certainly not with the Jaguars. vaccinated provides, but you can’t say it
That means there is no margin for er- publicly. Sure enough, the Jaguars had
Nancy Armour ror. Missed tackles here, penalties to do damage control, just as they did af-
Columnist there, bad decisions by Trevor Law- ter Meyer hired Doyle.
USA TODAY rence everywhere – they will cost you in All of these growing pains are fixable,
ways they wouldn’t have in the college as are the Jaguars’ mistakes Sunday.
game because the line between most But that is going to require Meyer to ac-
As the losses pile up and the frustra- NFL teams is so thin. knowledge he doesn’t have all the an-
tion mounts this season, just remember “That’s the great thing about this swers, and he’s never done anything
this was what Urban Meyer wanted. sport. It’s not like we have to make a se- that would indicate he’s capable of that
After winning everywhere he went in cret pass call or protection call. It’s just kind of humility.
college, the challenge of the NFL was work,” Meyer said. “That’s the greatest “I’ve been warned for a long time this
simply too great to resist. Never short on Jaguars coach Urban Meyer reacts thing about the game of football, go out is a marathon, not a sprint, so calm
confidence, Meyer was certain he could during the second quarter Sunday. and work. And that’s what we shall do.” down, relax – not relax but onward, sol-
succeed where so many other great col- TROY TAORMINA/USA TODAY SPORTS But there also has to be a recognition dier, move on,” he said. “Let’s go Mon-
lege coaches have failed. that the NFL requires a different formu- day and get back to work.”
Maybe he will, eventually. So far, la for success, and Meyer can’t operate Meyer does not take losing well, and
though, he looks as overmatched as of scenarios. The Texans got the ball at as he did when he was at Ohio State or he’s likely to finish this season with
those others did. their own 31-yard line with 37 seconds Florida or Utah. Nothing he has done so more losses than he had in seven years
Ugly as the score would suggest, the left in the first half, and they still man- far has shown he recognizes that. at Ohio State (nine). Maybe even more
Jaguars’ 37-21 loss to the Texans on Sun- aged to score. He hired a strength coach, Chris than the 15 he lost in six years at Florida.
day was actually worse. This was not With Tyrod Taylor as their quarter- Doyle, who’d been accused of racism The Jaguars play the Broncos next
the Buccaneers or Chiefs the Jaguars back. and bullying at Iowa by more than a doz- weekend, followed by the Cardinals. (If
were playing. Meyer wasn’t matching “We’re still a work in progress, as you en players, most of them Black, and was Chandler Jones could do what he did to
wits with Sean Payton or Bill Belichick. see,” Meyer said after the game. “I did shocked when he got pushback. He Ryan Tannehill, imagine what’s in store
But David Culley, who was also mak- not anticipate that today.” brought in Tim Tebow, who hadn’t been for Lawrence.) There’s also a date with
ing his debut as an NFL head coach, had That’s his job, though. This job that in the NFL for six years, and tried to con- Russell Wilson in Seattle in Week 8, and
his team more ready to play than Meyer he wanted. vert him to a tight end, an experiment one with Belichick in Week 17.
did. The Texans were more organized, There is no denying Meyer is a great that went as well as everyone but Meyer There were already jokes and rumors
more productive and, most surprising of coach. You don’t luck into three national and Tebow predicted. Sunday afternoon about Meyer going
all, more disciplined than Meyer’s Jag- titles. But the NFL is a completely differ- He also drew the ire of the NFL when back to the college game, and those will
uars. ent game than college. With the excep- he said the Jaguars took vaccination only increase if the season disinte-
The Jaguars had 10 penalties, double tion of the bowl game and maybe the status into account when making roster grates. But it was Meyer who wanted the
that of the Texans. They couldn’t make conference championship game, Meyer cuts. A coach and general manager challenge of the NFL.
stops when they needed to, or even in could be confident that he had the better would be foolish not to consider that, If it goes badly, he has only himself to
what would have seemed the simplest roster. That’s not the case in the NFL, given the competitive advantages being blame.
6C ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ USA TODAY SPORTS

MLB POWER RANKINGS

Non-member Zalatoris earns
PGA Tour rookie honors
Here’s how USA TODAY Sports’ seven-person panel voted this week:
Rank (movement from last
Comment by Jesse Yomtov
week)
Big week ahead with four vs. Padres, three vs. Steve DiMeglio
1. San Francisco Giants (+1)
Braves. Golfweek | USA TODAY Network
Max Scherzer becomes 19th pitcher with 3,000
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (-1)
strikeouts. PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Will
Nelson Cruz had five homers and 12 RBI in the Zalatoris started the PGA Tour’s 50-
3. Tampa Bay Rays (–)
first 11 games of September. event super season on the Korn Ferry
Brewers should be first team to clinch a division
4. Milwaukee Brewers (–) Tour.
title in 2021.
Kyle Tucker is hitting .338 with 10 home runs in He didn’t win a PGA Tour event in
5. Houston Astros (–) the 2020-21 campaign.
41 games since break.
All of a sudden Toronto in position to host to a He didn’t get into the FedExCup
6. Toronto Blue Jays (+3) Playoffs.
wild-card game.
Lance Lynn comes off IL with nine strikeouts in Yet he did something no one has
7. Chicago White Sox (-1)
five scoreless innings. done for 20 years.
Chris Sale becomes latest to miss time with Zalatoris will receive the Arnold
8. Boston Red Sox (–)
coronavirus positive. Palmer Award as the PGA Tour’s Rookie Playing in his first Masters tourna-
Yankees lost 11 of 13 after reeling off 13-game of the Year for the 2020-21 season, it ment, Will Zalatoris finished second.
9. New York Yankees (-2)
winning streak. was announced Monday. As voted by MICHAEL MADRID/USA TODAY SPORTS
Braves could become first team in history to
10. Atlanta Braves (+1) his peers, Zalatoris becomes the first
have four infielders with 30+ homers.
Adam Frazier has a .576 OPS in 38 games with non-member of the PGA Tour to win
11. San Diego Padres (–) the award since Charles Howell III did
Padres.
Chris Bassitt throws his first bullpen session so in 2001. limited number of sponsor invites on
12. Oakland Athletics (-2) Zalatoris, 25, who has full playing the PGA Tour.
after being hit in face by line drive.
Within three games of a wild-card spot entering privileges for the upcoming season, is But the PGA Tour froze player status
13. Seattle Mariners (-2)
second full week of September. scheduled to play in this week’s Forti- because of the global pandemic so cur-
Nine of Cincinnati’s last 18 games are against net Championship in Napa, California, rent members at the time would not
14. Cincinnati Reds (–)
last-place Pirates. which kicks off the 2021-22 season. lose their cards. No one could be pro-
Wild-card hunt won’t be easy with next 10 vs. “Will’s success despite not having moted from the Korn Ferry Tour with-
15. St. Louis Cardinals (–)
Mets, Padres and Brewers. PGA Tour membership status at the out earning a battlefield promotion. Za-
Lefty Ranger Suarez has a 1.38 ERA in 78 in-
16. Philadelphia Phillies (–) outset of the 2020-21 season is a testa- latoris accepted the special temporary
nings this season.
Javy Baez hit .306 with a .949 OPS in his first 31 ment to not only his ability but also his status and moved on to the PGA Tour.
17. New York Mets (–) hard work and attitude,” PGA Tour Because eligibility rules were altered
games with Mets.
Amed Rosario is hitting .312 in 51 games in Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a due to the coronavirus, Zalatoris
18. Cleveland (–) release. earned a trip to the 2020 U.S. Open and
second half.
Shohei Ohtani primed to break Troy Glaus’ club While he didn’t win on the PGA Tour, tied for sixth. His next three starts in-
19. Los Angeles Angels (–)
record of 47 homers. he earned the award for his superb con- cluded a tie for eighth in the Corales
Victor Reyes hitting .320 with a .889 OPS since sistency and spectacular play at times. Puntacana Championship and a tie for
20. Detroit Tigers (–)
All-Star break. He made 21 of 25 cuts on the PGA Tour, fifth in the Shriners Hospitals for Chil-
Rockies can play spoiler down stretch with the highlights being a runner-up finish dren Open.
21. Colorado Rockies (–)
games vs. Braves, Dodgers and Giants. in the Masters, where he fell one shot While he banked roughly $4 million
Looks like Adalberto Mondesi’s future is at third
22. Kansas City Royals (–) shy of Hideki Matsuyama, and seven in combined earnings from both tours
base in Kansas City.
Frank Schwindel’s sample size gets bigger: .366 other top-10s. Zalatoris rose to No. 31 in during the super season, he collected
23. Chicago Cubs (–) the Official World Golf Rankings, where zero FedExCup points. While his non-
average, 32 RBI in 38 games with Cubs.
Two-time Olympic medalist Eddy Alvarez hits he is currently ranked. Only five players member FedExCup total would have
24. Miami Marlins (+1) had more top-10 finishes on the PGA been 1,296 points, which would have
his first career homer.
Bailey Ober’s last seven starts: 3.03 ERA, 36 K, 3 Tour, and Zalatoris finished 18th in ranked inside the top 30 when the play-
25. Minnesota Twins (-1)
BB in 35.2 IP. scoring. offs started, he was stuck on zero with-
Lane Thomas (Jon Lester trade) has a .933 OPS His playing status, however, was put out a win, which would have immedi-
26. Washington Nationals (–)
in 95 AB since joining Nationals. off-kilter because of COVID-19, which ately made him a full member. Thus, he
Yoshi Tsutsugo (7 HRs, 1.096 OPS in 24 games)
27. Pittsburgh Pirates (–) wiped out three months of tourna- was unable to play in the playoffs. But
may have found himself a home.
Reliever Brett Martin (3.38 ERA) leads team with
ments. his non-member points total earned his
28. Texas Rangers (–) Zalatoris, who made 16 starts on the full playing status for this upcoming
59 appearances.
Daulton Varsho (.994 OPS in second half) is a Korn Ferry Tour in 2020, where he won season.
29. Arizona Diamondbacks (–) the TPC Colorado Championship and Garrick Higgo, who won the Palmet-
“special talent,” Torey Lovullo says.
Cedric Mullins 30/30 watch: 29 homers, 28 had 10 top-10s, earned special tempor- to Championship at Congaree and is
30. Baltimore Orioles (–)
steals through Sunday. ary status on the PGA Tour last Novem- ranked No. 48 in the world, was the
ber. This allowed him to accept an un- only other player on the ballot.

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PRECIPITATION FORECAST
Nicholas is forecast to take a T-storms Rain Snow Ice/mix
curved path through part of north- Seattle
eastern Texas today before reach- Olympia
69 Bangor
72 Spokane
68
ing central Louisiana at midweek. Portland 73 Miles City
Bismarck Duluth Marquette

Torrential rain and significant Salem 80

Helena
75 75 69 64
82 77 Burlington Augusta

flooding are anticipated along the Boise Fargo Mpls-St. Paul 73 Montpelier
70
Bend
80 Billings 74 73 Boston
path of the storm. Locally severe 79 77
Rapid City Grand Buffalo 72 72
Burns
74 Milwaukee Rapids 83 Albany
thunderstorms, including torna- 80 Pierre Sioux Falls
82 84 87
Detroit
73
Hartford
Eureka Idaho Falls Jackson
74 73 Cleveland 76
does, cannot be ruled out to the 60 77 Hole Casper
Des Moines Madison
Lansing 87 Pittsburgh New York
east and south of the center. Sacramento
Reno
Elko 70 78 North Platte
78 76 85 85 80 TODAY
96 90 84 Salt Lake City 72 Chicago
Harrisburg Philadelphia
Farther north, summery 83
Cheyenne Omaha
87 Columbus
Carson City
72 76 87 89 89
conditions are in store from the 87 Kansas City Springfield Washington Annapolis
San Francisco
82 87 Indianapolis Cincinnati
91 87
Southwest to the southern Plains, 75 St. George Aspen
Denver
87 87
Las Vegas
99 76 78 Topeka
Charleston Richmond
Ohio Valley, Southeast and part Fresno
102 83 Jefferson City St. Louis Louisville 88 93
99 Wichita 87 90 89
Knoxville
of the mid-Atlantic. A bubble of Dodge City 87 Raleigh
88 88 Memphis
91
cool air will settle over much of Los Angeles Santa Fe Charlotte
83
Palm Springs Flagstaff
89 Oklahoma 82 Nashville
90 Columbia
New England. 107 79 City
Tulsa
87
Albuquerque 91 89
Heavy, gusty and locally severe San Diego
91 88 Little Rock Birmingham Atlanta Charleston
Phoenix WEDNESDAY
77 Lubbock Dallas/Ft. Worth 86 83 87 86
thunderstorms are forecast to ex- Alaska 107 89 85 Montgomery
EXTREMES
Savannah
tend from the Great Lakes to the El Paso Midland- Shreveport Jackson 85 87 Note: For contiguous
48 states through
central Plains. 97 Odessa Austin
80 81 Jacksonville 3 p.m. ET yesterday
Fairbanks Hawaii 92 85 Mobile
Tallahassee
90
Much of the West will remain 61 Juneau
Honolulu San Antonio
Baton Rouge 81 89 HOTTEST:
dry with sunshine and areas of Anchorage 52 86 88 Houston 80 New 110°
56 81
Orleans Palm Springs,
smoke and haze from existing 83 Tampa
Calif.
wildfires. Puerto Rico
89
Miami
San Juan COLDEST:
Brownsville 89 89 24°
Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather Inc. ©2021
93 Bodie State Park, THURSDAY
Calif.
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
Turning Hot Partly Partly Stray Stray Sunny,
TUE TUE TUE TUE TUE TUE Humid TUE TUE Warmer TUE Shower TUE T-storms TUE TUE Clearing
cloudy 90/71 sunny sunny t-storm t-storm hot
85/70 87/64 86/74 81/72 83/60
87/70 72/66 90/68 87/63 78/55 102/76
Stray Hot, Some sun, Not as Sunlit, Not as Showers Stray Sunny, Turning
WED WED humid WED Warmer WED WED WED Humid WED WED WED WED WED WED
t-storm warm warm warmer warm around t-storm hot sunny
90/70 84/70 87/72
84/70 88/68 78/60 90/58 76/60 88/76 84/72 101/74 80/59
Showers Shower Sunny, Sunny, Partly Sunny, Sunny,
THU THU THU T-storms THU Humid THU THU Humid THU THU THU Breezy THU Humid THU THU
around 84/68 warm warm sunny hot cool
74/66 82/67 89/71 89/75 87/72
81/69 81/64 91/59 78/63 100/73 75/58
AQI Moderate AQI Moderate AQI Good AQI Moderate AQI Moderate AQI Good AQI Moderate AQI Good AQI Good AQI Good AQI Moderate AQI Moderate
MIAMI MPLS-ST. PAUL NEW ORLEANS NEW YORK ORLANDO PHILADELPHIA PHOENIX SALT LAKE CITY SAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCO SEATTLE WASHINGTON
Stray Shower Not as Mostly Sunny, Sunny, Mostly A P.M. Hot,
TUE TUE TUE T-storms TUE TUE T-storms TUE TUE TUE TUE Fog TUE TUE TUE
t-storm 73/53 warm sunny hot nice sunny shower humid
83/75 90/76 77/65
89/77 80/72 89/71 107/81 83/58 75/56 69/53 91/74
Stray Sunny, Partly Stray Hot, Sunny, Turning Sunny, Mostly Hot,
WED WED nice WED T-storms WED WED WED WED WED Sunny WED WED WED WED
t-storm sunny t-storm humid hot sunny nice cloudy humid
75/60 84/74 87/61
89/78 86/70 89/74 90/70 106/80 76/64 71/56 65/47 92/71
Heavy Showers Clouds, Sunny, Sunny, Fog, Partly Stray
THU T-storms THU t-storm THU T-storms THU THU THU T-storms THU THU THU THU Breezy THU THU
around sun hot warm then sun sunny t-storm
89/78 82/58 85/76 84/71 69/57
80/69 90/75 104/82 86/63 75/65 66/51 83/71
AQI Moderate AQI Good AQI Good AQI Moderate AQI Good AQI Moderate AQI Moderate AQI Moderate AQI Moderate AQI Moderate AQI Good AQI Moderate
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
87/68s
WED
78/67t Hartford, Conn.
TODAY
76/64pc
WED
85/66t Nags Head, N.C.
TODAY
82/73s
WED
82/72pc Sarasota, Fla.
TODAY
88/75t
WED
89/74t
WORLD CITIES
Akron, Ohio 86/69pc 74/63t Cleveland 87/66pc 75/60t Indianapolis 87/67pc 78/65r Nashville, Tenn. 87/69pc 80/67t Savannah, Ga. 87/71t 86/73t TODAY WED
Albany, N.Y. 73/64pc 78/60t Colorado Springs 77/52t 85/58s Islip, N.Y. 76/70pc 81/69pc Newark, N.J. 82/72pc 91/71pc Scottsdale, Ariz. 105/78s 103/76s Beijing 80/62pc 77/66pc
Albuquerque 91/63s 88/62s Columbia, S.C. 89/69pc 87/69t Jackson, Miss. 81/70t 81/70t New Haven, Conn. 77/71c 83/69pc Shreveport, La. 80/70t 83/70t Buenos Aires 63/48s 65/52s
Allentown, Pa. 86/68pc 86/64t Columbus, Ohio 87/68pc 78/64t Jacksonville, Fla. 90/72t 88/73t Norfolk, Va. 88/70s 85/70s Sioux Falls, S.D. 73/50c 78/64s Cancun, Mexico 89/78pc 89/79pc
Amarillo, Texas 91/61c 88/62t Corpus Christi, Texas 92/75pc 92/74t Jefferson City, Mo. 87/67pc 81/63pc Oakland, Calif. 76/56s 72/57s South Bend, Ind. 89/62t 79/58c Dubai, UAE 102/88s 103/88s
Anaheim, Calif. 87/62pc 85/60pc Dayton, Ohio 88/69t 79/65t Kansas City 82/62t 80/63pc Oklahoma City 88/66s 86/64pc Spokane, Wash. 73/55pc 69/42w Frankfurt 80/64pc 75/60t
Anchorage, Alaska 56/47c 55/42c Daytona Beach, Fla. 87/75t 86/75t Key West, Fla. 87/80t 88/81t Omaha, Neb. 76/55c 81/63pc Springfield, Mo. 86/66s 82/65t Hong Kong 89/80t 89/80t
Aspen, Colo. 76/43s 79/43s Des Moines, Iowa 78/56t 80/61s Knoxville, Tenn. 87/67pc 81/66pc Palm Springs, Calif. 107/75s 106/72s Springfield, Ill. 87/61t 79/56c Istanbul 78/66c 77/67h
Atlantic City, N.J. 79/74pc 80/72s Duluth, Minn. 69/47c 72/55s Laredo, Texas 96/76pc 97/76pc Pensacola, Fla. 85/74t 85/74t St. Louis 90/69pc 82/67pc Jerusalem 78/64s 79/63s
Augusta, Ga. 90/68pc 89/70t Durham, N.C. 91/68pc 88/68pc Lexington, Ky. 85/67s 76/64t Pierre, S.D. 74/55s 84/58s St. Petersburg, Fla. 89/76t 88/75t Johannesburg 77/58s 80/57s
Austin, Texas 85/68t 87/69pc El Paso, Texas 97/69s 95/68s Lincoln, Neb. 76/53t 82/64pc Pittsburgh 85/68pc 76/63t Syracuse, N.Y. 83/69t 77/62t London 66/56r 67/56pc
Bakersfield, Calif. 98/69s 98/68s Fairbanks, Alaska 61/35c 57/37c Little Rock, Ark. 86/68t 86/69pc Portland, Maine 68/59pc 77/61t Tallahassee, Fla. 89/73t 83/72t Mexico City 73/58t 74/59t
Baton Rouge, La. 80/70t 80/70t Flagstaff, Ariz. 79/46s 78/44s Long Beach, Calif. 79/61pc 77/60pc Portland, Ore. 80/59s 72/49pc Tampa, Fla. 89/76t 87/77t Montreal 70/65pc 71/55sh
Billings, Mont. 77/53s 83/49pc Fargo, N.D. 74/48pc 77/57w Louisville, Ky. 89/71s 80/68t Providence, R.I. 76/65pc 82/69pc Toledo, Ohio 89/65pc 79/59c Moscow 55/46c 51/42c
Birmingham, Ala. 83/70t 79/69t Fort Myers, Fla. 89/74t 90/75t Lubbock, Texas 89/64s 88/66c Raleigh, N.C. 91/70pc 87/70pc Topeka, Kan. 83/61t 81/63pc Mumbai, India 84/79sh 83/79sh
Bismarck, N.D. 75/52s 83/53pc Fort Smith, Ark. 87/69pc 87/69pc Madison, Wis. 76/53pc 76/54s Rapid City, S.D. 74/53s 86/53s Tucson, Ariz. 101/72s 100/72s Paris 73/63t 74/56t
Boise, Idaho 80/53s 81/47s Fort Wayne, Ind. 87/64pc 78/58c Manchester, N.H. 74/63pc 84/64t Reno, Nev. 90/55s 90/52s Tupelo, Miss. 82/70t 80/71t Rio de Janeiro 91/75pc 81/72pc
Buffalo, N.Y. 83/67pc 71/58t Fresno, Calif. 99/67s 97/65s Memphis, Tenn. 82/70t 80/70t Richmond, Va. 93/69pc 88/69s Tulsa, Okla. 91/69s 87/70pc Rome 83/62pc 83/68c
Burlington, Vt. 73/67pc 75/57t Grand Rapids, Mich. 84/59t 77/55pc Milwaukee 82/61pc 74/61pc Rochester, N.Y. 83/65t 72/56t Virginia Beach, Va. 88/72s 84/71s Seoul 86/66pc 85/64pc
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 76/52t 76/53s Green Bay, Wis. 73/52c 73/52s Mobile, Ala. 81/72t 82/71t Sacramento, Calif. 96/57s 88/53s Wichita, Kan. 88/64pc 82/66t Singapore 85/77c 87/78c
Charleston, S.C. 86/71pc 85/71t Greensboro, N.C. 88/67pc 85/66pc Modesto, Calif. 95/60s 92/56s San Antonio 88/73pc 91/75pc Wilmington, Del. 89/71s 88/69s Sydney 60/51sh 61/51pc
Charleston, W.Va. 88/66pc 83/64t Greenville, S.C. 88/66pc 85/67pc Montgomery, Ala. 85/72t 82/71t San Jose, Calif. 85/58s 80/55s Winston-Salem, N.C. 89/67pc 86/68pc Toronto 78/63pc 72/56c
Cheyenne, Wyo. 72/49pc 84/54s Harrisburg, Pa. 89/71pc 88/70t Myrtle Beach, S.C. 84/73pc 82/72t Santa Fe, N.M. 89/53s 86/52s Worcester, Mass. 71/62pc 81/64t Tokyo 76/68c 76/68pc
SPORTS USA TODAY ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ 7C

FOR THE RECORD ODDS PROVIDED BY LIBERTY

UTSA
27.5
13.5
54.5 -4000
59.5 -500
Old Dominion
Middle TN
GEORGIA 30.5 48.5 -10000 South Carolina
All Times EDT Chelsea 4 3 1 0 9 1 10 TEXAS TECH 20.5 53.5 -1400 fiu
W L Pct GB Troy 10.5 51.5 -400 STHRN MISS
Milwaukee 89 55 .618 — Liverpool 4 3 1 0 9 1 10
Everton 4 3 1 0 10 4 10 GEORGIA ST. 3.5 63.5 -190 Charlotte
NFL Cincinnati
St. Louis
75 69
73 69
.521
.514
14
15 Man City 4 3 0 1 11 1 9 Utah 7.5 44.5 -300 SAN DIEGO ST.
Chicago 65 79 .451 24 Brighton 4 3 0 1 5 3 9 AIR FORCE 8.5 51.5 -350 Utah State
Pittsburgh 52 91 .364 36½ Tottenham 4 3 0 1 3 3 9 uab 11.5 56.5 -475 N. TEXAS
AMERICAN CONFERENCE West Ham 4 2 2 0 10 5 8 LSU 22.5 61.5 -1400 C. Michigan
East West Division Leicester 4 2 0 2 4 6 6
W L T Pct PF PA W L Pct GB Brentford 4 1 2 1 3 2 5
PENN STATE 5.5 52.5 -230 Auburn
Miami 1 0 0 1.000 17 16 San Francisco 93 50 .650 — Crystal Palace 4 1 2 1 5 5 5 N. CAROLINA 8.5 64.5 -320 Virginia
Buffalo 0 1 0 .000 16 23 Los Angeles 91 53 .632 2½ Aston Villa 4 1 1 2 5 7 4 OLE MISS 14.5 74.5 -550 Tulane
N.Y. Jets 0 1 0 .000 14 19 San Diego 74 68 .521 18½ Wolverhampton 4 1 0 3 2 3 3 MLS TEXAS 25.5 53.5 -3000 Rice
New England 0 1 0 .000 16 17 Colorado 66 78 .458 27½ Southampton 4 0 3 1 4 6 3 Stanford 10.5 49.5 -420 VANDERBILT
Arizona 47 96 .329 46 Watford 4 1 0 3 3 7 3 Tuesday BOISE ST. 4.5 57.5 -200 Oklahoma State
South Favorite Spread O/U ML Underdog
W L T Pct PF PA Sunday's games Arsenal 4 1 0 3 1 9 3 Arizona State 3.5 51.5 -180 BYU
Houston 1 0 0 1.000 37 21 Milwaukee 11, Cleveland 1 Leeds 4 0 2 2 4 11 2 NYC FC 1.0 3.5 -230 FC Dallas Iowa State 30.5 51.5 -10000 UNLV
Indianapolis 0 1 0 .000 16 28 Washington 6, Pittsburgh 2 Burnley 4 0 1 3 3 8 1 NY Red Bulls 1.0 2.5 - COLUMBUS UCLA 11.5 60.5 -420 Fresno State
Jacksonville 0 1 0 .000 21 37 Colorado 5, Philadelphia 4 Newcastle 4 0 1 3 5 12 1 Inter Miami 1.0 2.5 - TORONTO FC
Tennessee 0 1 0 .000 13 38 Atlanta 5, Miami 3 Norwich 4 0 0 4 1 11 0 NFL
St. Louis 2, Cincinnati 0 Saturday’s games MLB
North San Francisco 6, Chicago Cubs 5
Thursday
W L T Pct PF PA Crystal Palace 3, Tottenham 0 Tuesday Favorite Spread O/U ML Underdog
Cincinnati 1 0 0 1.000 27 24 L.A. Dodgers 8, San Diego 0 Arsenal 1, Norwich 0 Favorite Spread O/U ML Underdog WASHINGTON 3.5 40.5 -180 Giants
Pittsburgh 1 0 0 1.000 23 16 Arizona 5, Seattle 4 Brentford 0, Brighton 1 TWINS 1.5 6.5 -135 Cleveland
Baltimore 0 0 0 .000 0 0 N.Y. Mets 7, N.Y. Yankees 6 Leicester 0, Man City 1 Reds 1.5 8.5 -170 PIRATES Sunday
Cleveland 0 1 0 .000 29 33 Man United 4, Newcastle 1 Brewers 1.5 9.5 -205 TIGERS Favorite Spread O/U ML Underdog
Monday's games Southampton 0, West Ham 0
West Miami at Washington PHILLIES 1.5 8.5 -220 Cubs 49ers 3.5 50.5 -190 EAGLES
W L T Pct PF PA Watford 0, Wolverhampton 2 Yankees 3.5 9.5 -360 ORIOLES Patriots 5.5 42.5 -250 JETS
St. Louis at N.Y. Mets Chelsea 3, Aston Villa 0
Denver 1 0 0 1.000 27 13 San Diego at San Francisco BLUE JAYS 1.5 9.5 -140 Rays Bills 3.5 48.5 -170 DOLPHINS
Kansas City 1 0 0 1.000 33 29 METS 1.5 8.5 -155 Cardinals Rams 4.5 47.5 -205 COLTS
L.A. Chargers 1 0 0 1.000 20 16
Arizona at L.A. Dodgers Sunday’s game
Leeds 0, Liverpool 3 BRAVES 1.5 9.5 -180 Rockies BEARS 2.5 44.5 -150 Bengals
Las Vegas 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Tuesday's games Astros 1.5 8.5 -220 RANGERS BROWNS 12.5 48.5 -800 Texans
Cincinnati (Miley 12-5) at Pittsburgh (Peters Monday’s game Athletics 1.5 9.5 -170 ROYALS Saints 3.5 44.5 -190 PANTHERS
NATIONAL CONFERENCE 0-2), 6:35 p.m. Everton 3, Burnley 1
GIANTS 1.5 8.5 -165 Padres Broncos 5.5 45.5 -270 JAGUARS
East Milwaukee (Peralta 9-4) at Detroit (Peralta
3-3), 6:40 p.m. Red Sox 1.5 8.5 -140 MARINERS STEELERS 5.5 47.5 -260 Raiders
W L T Pct PF PA
Philadelphia 1 0 0 1.000 32 6 Chicago Cubs (Sampson 0-2) at Philadelphia DODGERS 1.5 8.5 -260 Dmndbacks BUCCANEERS 12.5 51.5 -750 Falcons
Dallas 0 1 0 .000 29 31 (Gibson 10-6), 7:05 p.m. AUTO RACING CARDINALS 4.5 51.5 -210 Vikings
N.Y. Giants 0 1 0 .000 13 27 Miami (Luzardo 5-7) at Washington (Fedde NCAAF SEAHAWKS 5.5 53.5 -230 Titans
Washington 0 1 0 .000 16 20 6-9), 7:05 p.m. Thursday CHARGERS 3.5 54.5 -160 Cowboys
St. Louis (Woodford 2-3) at N.Y. Mets (Stro- IndyCar Grand Prix of Port- Favorite Spread O/U ML Underdog Chiefs 3.5 55.5 -170 RAVENS
South man 9-12), 7:10 p.m. land
W L T Pct PF PA UL LAFAYETTE 19.5 56.5 -1100 Ohio
Carolina 1 0 0 1.000 19 14 Colorado (Gray 7-10) at Atlanta (Toussaint Sunday Monday
3-2), 7:20 p.m. Friday Favorite Spread O/U ML Underdog
New Orleans 1 0 0 1.000 38 3
San Diego (Arrieta 5-12) at San Francisco
At Portland International Favorite Spread O/U ML Underdog PACKERS 10.5 47.5 -600 Lions
Tampa Bay 1 0 0 1.000 31 29 Raceway
Atlanta 0 1 0 .000 6 32 (DeSclafani 11-6), 9:45 p.m. C. Florida 6.5 68.5 -250 LOUISVILLE
Arizona (Weaver 3-4) at L.A. Dodgers (Gonso- Portland, Ore. Maryland 7.5 59.5 -280 ILLINOIS Odds are subject to change. Tipico Sportsbook
North lin 2-1), 10:10 p.m. Lap length: 1.964 miles
W L T Pct PF PA Saturday does not offer lines for New Jersey-based college
(Start position in parentheses)
Chicago 0 1 0 .000 14 34 Wednesday's games 1. (1) Alex Palou, Dallara-Honda, 110 laps, Run- Favorite Spread O/U ML Underdog sports teams. Gannett may earn revenue from
Detroit 0 1 0 .000 33 41 Miami at Washington, 1:05 p.m.
Green Bay 0 1 0 .000 3 38 ning. MIAMI (FL) 6.5 55.5 -240 Michigan St. audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms
Milwaukee at Detroit, 1:10 p.m. 2. (2) Alexander Rossi, Dallara-Honda, 110, ARMY 33.5 51.5 -100000 Connecticut
Minnesota 0 1 0 .000 24 27 Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 6:35 p.m. are independent of any such relationships and
Running. Cincinnati 3.5 49.5 -175 INDIANA
West Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia, 7:05 p.m. 3. (3) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 110, Run- W. VIRGINIA 2.5 50.5 -150 Virginia Tech there is no influence on news coverage. Terms and
W L T Pct PF PA St. Louis at N.Y. Mets, 7:10 p.m. ning. Boston College 15.5 58.5 -650 TEMPLE conditions apply, see site for details. 21+ only.
Arizona 1 0 0 1.000 38 13 Colorado at Atlanta, 7:20 p.m. 4. (20) Jack Harvey, Dallara-Honda, 110, Run-
L.A. Rams 1 0 0 1.000 34 14 San Diego at San Francisco, 9:45 p.m. MICHIGAN 26.5 54.5 -3000 N. Illinois Gambling Problem? Call: 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA,
San Francisco 1 0 0 1.000 41 33 ning. OKLAHOMA 22.5 61.5 -1400 Nebraska
Arizona at L.A. Dodgers, 10:10 p.m. 5. (18) Josef Newgarden, Dallara-Chevrolet, IL, VA), 1-800-522-4700 (CO, NV, KS),
Seattle 1 0 0 1.000 28 16
110, Running. PITTSBURGH 15.5 61.5 -650 W. Michigan
TEXAS A&M 28.5 50.5 -5000 New Mexico 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN),
Thursday’s game 6. (4) Felix Rosenqvist, Dallara-Chevrolet, 110,
Tampa Bay 31, Dallas 29 WNBA Running. Coastal Carolina 13.5 57.5 -520 BUFFALO 1-800-589-9966 (OH), 1-877-770-7867 (LA),
7. (10) Marcus Ericsson, Dallara-Honda, 110, COLORADO 1.5 50.5 -120 Minnesota 1-888-238-7633 (MO), 1-888-777-9696 (MS). Call
Sunday’s games Running. Nevada 1.5 50.5 -125 K-STATE
Arizona 38, Tennessee 13 EASTERN CONFERENCE or text: 1-800-889-9789 (TN).
W L Pct GB 8. (6) Colton Herta, Dallara-Honda, 110, Run- NOTRE DAME 7.5 58.5 -280 Purdue
Carolina 19, N.Y. Jets 14 ning. usc 8.5 62.5 -320 WASH. STATE
Cincinnati 27, Minnesota 24, OT x-Connecticut 24 6 .800 —
9. (15) Scott McLaughlin, Dallara-Chevrolet,
For the latest picks and expert analysis, go to
Houston 37, Jacksonville 21 x-Chicago 15 15 .500 9 CLEMSON 28.5 50.5 -5000 Georgia Tech
Washington 12 18 .400 12 110, Running. Baylor 17.5 49.5 -1000 KANSAS sportsbookwire.com
L.A. Chargers 20, Washington 16 10. (5) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 110,
Philadelphia 32, Atlanta 6 New York 11 19 .367 13 E. Michigan 17.5 55.5 -850 UMASS
Running.
Pittsburgh 23, Buffalo 16
San Francisco 41, Detroit 33
Atlanta
Indiana
7
6
22
23
.241
.207
16½
17½ 11. (8) Ed Jones, Dallara-Honda, 110, Running.
12. (26) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 110,
IOWA
OHIO STATE
22.5
26.5
54.5 -1600
60.5 -2500
Kent State
Tulsa Scan for latest odds
Seattle 28, Indianapolis 16 Running. Alabama 15.5 58.5 -650 FLORIDA
Denver 27, N.Y. Giants 13 WESTERN CONFERENCE WAKE FOREST 5.5 61.5 -210 Florida State
Kansas City 33, Cleveland 29 W L Pct GB
13. (14) Will Power, Dallara-Chevrolet, 110,
Running. TOLEDO 14.5 58.5 -600 Colorado St. See up-to-the-minute
Miami 17, New England 16 x-Las Vegas 22 8 .733 — Northwestern 2.5 49.5 -145 DUKE
14. (7) Pato O'Ward, Dallara-Chevrolet, 110,
New Orleans 38, Green Bay 3 x-Minnesota
x-Seattle
20
20
10
11
.667
.645 2½
2
Running. WYOMING 6.5 54.5 -280 Ball State lines and compete in
L.A. Rams 34, Chicago 14 15. (27) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, ARKANSAS 23.5 52.5 -1800 Georgia Sthrn
x-Phoenix 19 11 .633 3
Monday’s game x-Dallas 13 18 .419 9½ 110, Running. Mississippi St 3.5 64.5 -170 MEMPHIS Daily Ticket
Baltimore at Las Vegas Los Angeles 11 19 .367 11 16. (16) Conor Daly, Dallara-Chevrolet, 110, WASHINGTON 16.5 58.5 -750 Arkansas State
x-clinched playoff spot
Running.
17. (25) Rinus Veekay, Dallara-Chevrolet, 110,
MARSHALL 9.5 55.5 -380 East Carolina free-to-play games
Monday's games Running.
MLB Las Vegas 85, Dallas 75 18. (12) Sebastien Bourdais, Dallara-Chevro-
let, 110, Running.
Tuesday's games 19. (11) Max Chilton, Dallara-Chevrolet, 110,
American League Indiana at Atlanta, 7 p.m. Running.
East Division Wednesday's games 20. (22) Jimmie Johnson, Dallara-Honda, 110,
W L Pct GB New York at Connecticut, 7 p.m. Running.
21. (23) Simon Pagenaud, Dallara-Chevrolet,
3. Justin Allgaier, 872 (2).
4. Daniel Hemric, 849 (0). AFCA COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACHES
Tampa Bay 89 54 .622 — 5. Harrison Burton, 840 (0).
Boston
Toronto
81
80
64
63
.559
.559
9
9
109, Running.
22. (21) Romain Grosjean, Dallara-Honda, 95,
6. Noah Gragson, 822 (2). POLLS
New York 79 64 .552 10 SOCCER Running.
7. Justin Haley, 819 (1).
8. Jeb Burton, 775 (1).
Baltimore 46 97 .322 43 23. (17) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 91, AFCA FCS Coaches’ Top 25 Poll – Sept. 13, AFCA Division II Coaches’ Poll – Sept. 13
9. Jeremy Clements, 598 (0). 2021 Rank School (1st votes) Rec. Pts. Prev.
Running.
Central Division MLS 24. (9) Oliver Askew, Dallara-Chevrolet, 89,
10. Brandon Jones, 591 (0). Rank School (1st votes) Rec. Pts. Prev. 1. West Florida (29) 2-0 748 1
W L Pct GB 11. Riley Herbst, 590 (0).
Chicago 82 61 .573 — Eastern Conference Did not finish. 12. Myatt Snider, 558 (1).
1. Sam Houston (25) 2-0 697 1 2. Ferris St. (Mich.) (1) 2-0 720 2
W L T Pts GF GA 25. (19) Callum, Dallara-Chevrolet, 77, Did not 2. James Madison (1) 2-0 657 2 3. Northwest Missouri St. 1-0 677 4
Cleveland 69 72 .489 12 New England 17 4 4 55 47 29
13. Michael Annett, 524 (0). 3. South Dakota St. (2) 2-0 641 3 4. Valdosta St. (Ga.) 2-0 639 5
Detroit 68 76 .472 14½ finish. 14. Ryan Sieg, 497 (0).
Nashville 10 2 11 41 38 21 26. (24) Dalton Kellett, Dallara-Chevrolet, 50, 4. North Dakota St. 2-0 601 4 5. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) 1-0 622 6
Kansas City 65 78 .455 17 Orlando City 10 5 8 38 33 29 15. Ty Gibbs, 494 (3). 5. Montana 2-0 599 5 6. Slippery Rock (Pa.) 2-0 570 8
Minnesota 63 80 .441 19 Did not finish. 16. Brandon Brown, 481 (0).
New York City FC 10 8 4 34 38 24 27. (13) James Hinchcliffe, Dallara-Honda, 1, 6. Eastern Washington 2-0 522 8 7. Colorado School of Mines 2-0 551 9
West Division Philadelphia 8 7 8 32 28 24 17. Josh Berry, 448 (1). 7. Delaware 2-0 521 6 8. Notre Dame (Ohio) 2 -0 531 10
Did not finish. 18. Josh Williams, 392 (0).
W L Pct GB D.C. United 9 10 4 31 36 33 Race Statistics 8. Weber St. 1-1 439 10 9. Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) 2-0 504 11
Houston 83 59 .585 — CF Montréal 8 8 7 31 30 28 19. Alex Labbe, 391 (0). 9t. Southern Illinois 1-1 422 9 10. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 1-0 433 14
Average Speed of Race Winner: 102.011 mph. 20. Tommy Joe Martins, 390 (0).
Oakland 77 66 .538 6½ Atlanta 7 7 9 30 28 28 Time of Race: 02:07:04.1304. 9t. Villanova 2-0 422 11 11. Shepherd (W.Va.) 2-0 429 13
Seattle 77 66 .538 6½ Inter Miami CF 8 9 5 29 23 31 21. Landon Cassill, 378 (0). 11. Jacksonville St. 1-1 397 17 12. Indianapolis (Ind.) 2-0 425 12
Margin of Victory: 1.2895 seconds. 22. Brett Moffitt, 342 (0).
Los Angeles 70 73 .490 13½ Columbus 7 11 6 27 27 33 Cautions: 4 for 20 laps. 12. UC Davis 2-0 383 12 13. Minnesota-Duluth 2-0 405 20
Texas 53 89 .373 30 New York 6 10 5 23 24 26 23. Jade Buford, 342 (0). 13. Montana St. 1-1 361 13 14. Indiana (Pa.) 1-0 334 15
Lead Changes: 12 among 8 drivers. 24. Kyle Weatherman, 241 (0).
Sunday's games Chicago 6 12 5 23 24 35 Lap Leaders: O'Ward 1-28, Rahal 29-34, Jones 14. North Dakota 1-1 356 7 15. Tiffin (Ohio) 2-0 285 16
Cincinnati 4 10 8 20 23 38 25. Jeffrey Earnhardt, 241 (0). 15. Northern Iowa 1-1 330 15 16. Wingate (N.C.) 2-0 243 21
Detroit 8, Tampa Bay 7, 11 innings 35-36, Harvey 37-39, Dixon 40-42, Palou 43, 26. Ryan Vargas, 233 (0).
Milwaukee 11, Cleveland 1 Toronto FC 3 14 6 15 26 49 16. Southeastern Louisiana 1-1 298 14 17. Angelo St. (Texas) 2-0 234 22
Rahal 44-73, Harvey 74-75, Palou 76-78, Dixon 27. Colby Howard, 225 (0).
Toronto 22, Baltimore 7 79, McLaughlin 80-84, Ericsson 85, Palou 86. 17. East Tennessee St. 2-0 269 19 18. West Georgia 2-0 227 24
28. David Starr, 208 (0).
Chicago White Sox 2, Boston 1 Western Conference IndyCar Points Leaders 29. Matt Mills, 207 (0).
18. Richmond 2-0 183 22 19. Minnesota St. 1-1 212 3
Houston 3, L.A. Angels 1 W L T Pts GF GA 19. Missouri St. 1-1 180 25 20. Midwestern St. (Texas) 2-0 170 NR
Seattle 13 4 6 45 36 19 Through Sept. 12 30. Jesse Little, 193 (0). 20. Monmouth (N.J.) 1-1 170 21 21. Texas A&M-Commerce 1-1 151 7
Kansas City 5, Minnesota 3 1. Alex Palou, 477. 31. JJ Yeley, 188 (0).
Texas 4, Oakland 3 Sporting Kansas 21. Austin Peay 1-1 131 18 22. Delta St. (Miss.) 2-0 113 NR
City 12 5 7 43 39 26 2. Pato O'Ward, 452. 32. Joe Graf Jr, 186 (0). 22. Chattanooga 1-1 103 24 23. Nebraska-Kearney 2-0 93 NR
Arizona 5, Seattle 4 3. Josef Newgarden, 443. 33. Ty Dillon, 171 (0).
N.Y. Mets 7, N.Y. Yankees 6 Colorado 12 4 6 42 32 21 23. New Hampshire 2-0 71 NR 24. Bowie St. (Md.) 1-1 90 25
LA Galaxy 11 8 4 37 36 36 4. Scott Dixon, 428. 34. Sam Mayer, 152 (0). 24. Central Arkansas 0-2 64 16 25. Henderson St. (Ark.) 2-0 74 NR
Monday's games Portland 10 10 3 33 32 39 5. Marcus Ericsson, 402. 35. Andy Lally, 127 (0). 25. Furman 2-0 58 NR Dropped out: Harding (Ark.) (17), Kutztown
Minnesota at N.Y. Yankees Minnesota United 8 7 7 31 24 25 6. Colton Herta, 348. 36. Gray Gaulding, 119 (0). Dropped out: VMI (20), Kennesaw St. (23) (Pa.) (18), Colorado St.-Pueblo (19), Pitts-
Tampa Bay at Toronto Real Salt Lake 8 9 6 30 36 32 7. Graham Rahal, 342. 37. Santino Ferrucci, 102 (0). Others receiving votes: VMI, 53; Kennesaw burg St. (Kan.) (23)
Houston at Texas Los Angeles FC 8 9 6 30 35 33 8. Will Power, 332. 38. Cody Ware, 92 (0). St., 41; Jackson St., 19; Nicholls, 18; Alabama Others receiving votes: Kutztown (Pa.), 48;
Boston at Seattle Vancouver 7 8 8 29 29 33 9. Simon Pagenaud, 329. 39. Mason Massey, 89 (0). A&M, 17; South Dakota, 14; Duquesne, 13; Augustana (S.D.), 44; West Alabama, 37; Har-
San Jose 6 8 9 27 25 31 10. Alexander Rossi, 299. 40. Stefan Parsons, 88 (0). Rhode Island, 13; Charleston Southern, 11; ding (Ark.), 21; Washburn (Kan.), 21; Bentley
Tuesday's games FC Dallas 6 10 8 26 33 37 11. Takuma Sato, 297. 41. Brandon Gdovic, 85 (0). Stephen F. Austin, 8; Gardner-Webb, 5; Mur- (Mass.), 19; Truman St. (Mo.), 18; UT-Permian
Cleveland (McKenzie 4-6) at Minnesota Houston 4 10 10 22 27 36 12. Rinus Veekay, 291. 42. Preston Pardus, 78 (0). ray St., 5; Southern Utah, 3; Florida A&M, 2; Basin (Texas), 17; Emporia St. (Kan.), 13; Col-
(TBD), 3:10 p.m., 1st game Austin FC 5 14 4 19 21 34 13. Scott McLaughlin, 268. 43. Colin Garrett, 60 (0). Yale, 2; Princeton, 1. orado St.-Pueblo, 11; Charleston (W.Va.), 7;
Milwaukee (Peralta 9-4) at Detroit (Peralta 14. Jack Harvey, 266. 44. Chad Finchum, 53 (0). California (Pa.), 5; Bemidji St. (Minn.), 4; Sto-
3-3), 6:40 p.m. NOTE: Three points for victory, one point for 15. Romain Grosjean, 230. 45. Ryan Ellis, 53 (0).
tie. nehill (Mass.), 3; Frostburg St. (Md.), 1; West-
N.Y. Yankees (Cole 14-7) at Baltimore (Wells 16. Ryan Hunter-Reay, 230. 46. Dexter Bean, 52 (0). ern Colorado, 1.
1-2), 7:05 p.m. 17. Sebastien Bourdais, 218. 47. Jason White, 50 (0).
Tampa Bay (Rasmussen 2-1) at Toronto (Ber-
Tuesday, September 14 18. Conor Daly, 212. 48. Miguel Paludo, 44 (0).
FC Dallas at New York City FC, 7:30 p.m. 19. Ed Jones, 195. 49. Matt Jaskol, 41 (0).
ríos 11-7), 7:07 p.m. Miami at Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m.
Cleveland (Allen 1-6) at Minnesota (Dobnak 20. James Hinchcliffe, 194. 50. Blaine Perkins, 39 (0).
New York at Columbus, 7:30 p.m. 21. Felix Rosenqvist, 177. 51. Caesar Bacarella, 32 (0).
1-7), 7:40 p.m., 2nd game
Houston (Greinke 11-5) at Texas (Lyles 8-11), Wednesday, September 15 22. Santino Ferrucci, 146. 52. Will Rodgers, 32 (0). KANSAS CITY ROYALS — Optioned RHP Scott signment.
8:05 p.m. Cincinnati at Atlanta, 7 p.m. 23. Helio Castroneves, 141. 53. Spencer Pumpelly, 32 (0). Blewett to Omaha (Triple-A East).
L.A. Angels (Naughton 0-1) at Chicago White CF Montréal at Orlando City, 7:30 p.m. 24. Dalton Kellett, 130. 54. Natalie Decker, 30 (0). HOUSTON ASTROS — Sent 1B Taylor Jones FOOTBALL
Sox (Giolito 9-9), 8:10 p.m. Chicago at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m. 25. Max Chilton, 110. 55. Stephen Leicht, 29 (0). and C Jason Castro to Sugar Land (Triple-A National Football League
Oakland (Montas 12-9) at Kansas City (Kowar Minnesota at Sporting Kansas City, 8:30 p.m. 26. Ed Carpenter, 107. 56. Ronnie Bassett Jr, 25 (0). East) on rehab assignments. BALTIMORE RAVENS — Promoted DT Justin
0-3), 8:10 p.m. Los Angeles FC at Austin FC, 9 p.m. 27. Tony Kanaan, 96. 57. Garrett Smithley, 25 (0). MINNESOTA TWINS — Placed OF Brent Rook- Ellis and DB Anthony Levine to the active ros-
Boston (Eovaldi 10-8) at Seattle (Anderson Colorado at Portland, 10 p.m. 28. Jimmie Johnson, 82. 58. Carson Ware, 25 (0). er on the paternity list. Recalled RHP Kyle ter.
6-9), 10:10 p.m. Houston at LA Galaxy, 10:30 p.m. 29. Juan Pablo Montoya, 53. 59. Dale Earnhardt Jr, 23 (0). Barraclough from St. Paul (Triple-A East). CAROLINA PANTHERS — Placed CB Myles
Real Salt Lake at San Jose, 10:30 p.m. 30. Sage Karam, 53. 60. George Gorham Jr, 21 (0). NEW YORK YANKEES — Sent RHP Sal Romano Hartfield on injured reserve.
Wednesday's games 31. Pietro Fittipaldi, 34. 61. Tanner Berryhill, 17 (0). outright to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Triple-A DETROIT LIONS — Placed CB Jeff Okudah on
Milwaukee at Detroit, 1:10 p.m. 32. JR Hildebrand, 30. 62. Sage Karam, 17 (0).
Tampa Bay at Toronto, 3:07 p.m. East). injured reserve.
NWSL 33. Oliver Askew, 30. 63. Loris Hezemans, 16 (0). TORONTO BLUE JAYS — Recalled LHP Ryan MIAMI DOLPHINS — Released FB Carl Tucker
Boston at Seattle, 4:10 p.m. W L T Pts GF GA 34. Cody Ware, 26. 64. Robby Lyons, 12 (0).
N.Y. Yankees at Baltimore, 7:05 p.m. Portland 11 4 2 35 25 11 Borucki from Buffalo (Triple-A East). Op- from the practice squad.
35. Marco Andretti, 22. 65. Patrick Emerling, 12 (0). tioned RHP Trent Thornton to Buffalo. TENNESSEE TITANS — Signed TE MyCole
Cleveland at Minnesota, 7:40 p.m. Reign FC 10 7 2 32 27 19 36. Christian Lundgaard, 19. 66. Boris Said, 6 (0).
Houston at Texas, 8:05 p.m. North Carolina 8 5 5 29 22 10 Pruitt and DB Bradley McDougald to the ac-
37. Ryan Norman, 10. 67. Dave Smith, 4 (0). National League tive roster. Waived K Michael Badgley and TE
L.A. Angels at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 p.m. Orlando 7 5 7 28 24 21 38. Stefan Wilson, 10. 68. Kyle Sieg, 3 (0). ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS — Reinstated RHP
Oakland at Kansas City, 8:10 p.m. Chicago 7 7 5 26 20 23 Tommy Hudson. Signed OL Christian DiLauro
39. Simona de Silvestro, 10. 69. Michael Munley, 2 (0). Tyler Clippard from the 10-day IL. Optioned and LB Joseph Jones to the practice squad.
Washington 6 6 5 23 19 21 40. Charlie Kimball, 8. 70. Joey Gase, 2 (0). LHP Miguel Aguilar to Reno (Triple-A West).
Houston 6 7 5 23 20 23 Released LB Jan Johnson from the practice
National League 41. Kevin Magnussen, 7. CINCINNATI REDS — Reinstated SS Kyle squad.
Gotham FC 5 5 7 22 17 15 42. RC Enerson, 5. Farmer from the paternity list.
East Division Louisville 4 9 5 17 15 27 43. Callum, 5. DEALS WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM — Placed QB
W L Pct GB PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Transferred LHP Ryan Fitzpatrick on injured reserve. Signed
Kansas City 2 11 5 11 9 28 Steven Brault from the 10-day IL to the 60-
Atlanta 76 66 .535 — QB Kyle Shurmur to the practice squad.
Philadelphia 72 71 .503 4½ NOTE: Three points for victory, one point for NASCAR Xfinity Points Lead- day IL. Claimed RHP Enyel De Los Santos off
New York 72 72 .500 5 tie. ers Monday's Transactions waivers from the Philadelphia. COLLEGE
Miami 60 83 .420 16½ English Premier League Through Sept. 12 BASEBALL WASHINGTON NATIONALS — Reinstated 2B COLORADO — Suspended WR La'Vontae She-
Washington 59 84 .413 17½ GP W D L GF GA Pts 1. AJ Allmendinger, 993 (3). Major League Baseball Jordy Mercer from the 10-day IL. Optioned nault indefinitely for violating team and ath-
Man United 4 3 1 0 11 3 10 2. Austin Cindric, 988 (5). RHP Steven Fuentes to Rochester (Triple-A letic department rules.
Central Division American League East). Designated SS Adrian Sanchez for as-

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8C ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ USA TODAY SPORTS

Browns’ collapse against Chiefs

better for them in the long run
featuring quality acquisitions in free though the Chiefs saw the Browns out-
agency and the draft, the Browns en- play them much of the game, they never
Mike Jones tered the 2021 regular season with great panicked.
Columnist expectations, both internally and out- “There was never any doubt (trailing
Quarterback Matthew Stafford led USA TODAY wardly. Members of Cleveland’s organi- 22-10 at halftime) in no one’s head that
the way for his new team Rams. zation believe they’re a part of some- we were going to lose this game,” Kan-
JAYNE KAMIN-ONCEA/USA TODAY SPORTS thing special. Some football pundits sas City’s Hill said. “We just kept play-
On its surface, the Browns’ season- view them as Super Bowl contenders ing for one another and you saw things
opening loss to the Chiefs looked like a and at the very least, deserving of rec- happen for us.”
INSIDER TAKE colossal wetting of the bed. ognition as one of the top teams in the The Browns got rattled when the
A still-developing yet promising AFC. Chiefs hit them with one good punch.

Rams’ squad, in a hostile environment, was

one quarter away from an upset victory
over the premier team in the confer-
Beating the Chiefs would have vali-
dated those lofty beliefs. But then
what?
Although they still had the lead, they
abandoned the run game Kansas City’s
defense had struggled to stop. They
Stafford era ence. They had the chance to make a
statement both about their growth and
A season-opening win over Kansas
City very well could have given the
couldn’t even effectively do the sim-
plest tasks, like handle a punt snap.

unleashed potential.
Then came that Mahomes Magic,
manifested in a one-play, 14-second,
Browns’ players a false sense that, “ah,
we’ve arrived,” when this team still has
a long way to go before it’s considered
And in a do-or-die scenario, Mayfield,
who had played very well, made the one
throw that he couldn’t make and got
while Bears 75-yard touchdown scoring drive as
Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill did
elite.
Sunday’s performance – collapse
picked off.
The Chiefs exposed the Browns’

sputtering what they often do. Rather than ab-

sorbing the blow and dealing as they
had all game, the Browns buckled and
and all – will teach the Browns more
right now than a victory would have.
The Browns proved that they belong
weaknesses, all mental, not physical or
talent-related. Now, they just have to
find ways to grow. As Mayfield said,
Safid Deen lost 33-29. in that front-leading pack of teams in “Luckily, there’s 16 more of these. ...
USA TODAY Sports Plus “We did not play our best when it the conference. They entered the game We’ve got to finish the game. We started
mattered. We did not coach our best with an aggressive and intentional fast, but we’ve just got to finish.”
Matthew Stafford’s first touchdown when it mattered,” Browns coach Kevin game plan on both sides of the ball and Now, as they prepare for the Houston
pass brought the excitement. His sec- Stefanski said. “Versus a team like this, executed it impeccably for the better Texans, who won their opener, the
ond touchdown provided an enthused you have to play a 60-minute football part of three quarters. They even Browns must prove themselves capable
sense of comfort. And his third was the game. We didn’t do that, so again dis- opened the fourth quarter by rebound- of rebounding from disappointment
perfect bow on his home debut in Los appointed anytime you can’t get a win ing from a late third-quarter, fumble- and living up to potential. It’s a familiar
Angeles. on the road.” killing drive by producing an authorita- position that may suit them better for
The Rams love their new quarter- The Browns definitely choked. And tive nine-play, 75-yard touchdown the time being.
back situation. And if Stafford can stay as quarterback Baker Mayfield said, drive that featured balance and diversi- One of the biggest questions about
healthy and continue producing big “this one does sting, and it should. It ty in weapons. this Browns team involves their ability
plays with a stout defense supporting should sting our guys because we were Their young cornerstones have to succeed as front-runners. We saw
him, the Rams could compete in the close, or however you want to describe shown they’re up to the task of per- them fail to live up to contender hype
NFC this season. it.” forming at a high level with a strong two years ago, when rather than build-
Stafford’s three touchdown passes But looking big-picture, losing to sense of urgency. Chiefs players and ing on a promising 7-8-1 campaign in
in a 34-14 victory over the Bears on Kansas City on Sunday wasn’t neces- coaches said the Browns’ physicality 2018, they went 6-10 and got head coach
Sunday night marked a new era for the sarily terrible. gave the season opener the intensity of Freddie Kitchens fired.
Rams, who grew so frustrated with for- The bitter taste of this defeat will a playoff game. Last season, they embraced skepti-
mer starter Jared Goff, they traded him likely prove more beneficial than jubila- But the fourth-quarter collapse will cism and thrived as underdogs, hitting
away to acquire their new quarterback. tion fueled by an upset. Sure, the serve as a valuable wake-up call for Ste- their stride late, chasing down a wild-
And if you want to talk about frus- Browns were motivated and searching fanski, Mayfield & Co., proving that card playoff berth and overtaking the
tration, look no further than the Bears, for vindication after falling short to the mental fortitude of another level sepa- Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of
who gave rookie Justin Fields only same opponent, on the same field, in rates the great teams, coaches and the playoffs.
three touches in his highly anticipated the divisional round of the playoffs just players from the good. Another 16 games remain, but adopt-
debut. nine months ago. The true elites aren’t easily shaken ing that “out to prove something” men-
It’s unfortunate Fields, the Bears And after another strong offseason, by adversity. As Sunday showed, even tality should fuel these Browns.
quarterback’ of the future with star po-
tential, was not unleashed in a nation-
ally televised game against the Rams
to end Week 1.
Fields’ final stat line: Two complete
passes for 10 yards, a 3-yard touch-
Winston 2.0: Saints QB routs Pack
down run and fewer than seven total
fantasy points. Garry Smits off by Darnell Savage in the Packers’
Fields completed his first pass for 9 Florida Times-Union end zone in the third quarter — but it
yards on the fifth play of the game, USA TODAY Network was nullified when Za-Darius Smith
only to see Chicago starter Andy Dal- was flagged for roughing the passer.
ton mercifully throw an interception in JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Packers fans The second TD to Johnson came on the
the end zone two plays later from the clearly won the pregame eye and ear first play of the fourth quarter.
sideline. test in terms of which fan base showed After the game, Winston didn’t want
Late in the third quarter with the up in greater numbers for Sunday’s NFC to talk about how much the game did
Rams leading 20-7, the Bears sent opening-day showdown against the for his confidence as much as it might
Fields in near the goal line to score on a Saints at TIAA Bank Field. have been a three-hour diversion from
designed 3-yard touchdown run to- Jameis Winston quickly took them Saints fans back in Louisiana still dig-
ward the right side, which he scored out of the mix. ging their way out of the wreckage
with relative ease. The former Florida State quarter- cause by Hurricane Ida on Aug. 29 –
After narrowing the score to 20-14, back who arrived at Tampa Bay in 2015 which was why the game was being
Fields was surprisingly limited to just with a Heisman Trophy in one hand and played in Jacksonville.
one more touch in the entire game. a national championship trophy in the Jameis Winston shocked Green Bay in “That was a shout-out to the city of
Even if it was just for a few plays, other validated coach Sean Payton’s de- the Saints’ “home game” in Jackson- New Orleans and the region,” Winston
the Bears were ignited with a spark on cision to make him the heir apparent to ville. NATHAN RAY SEEBECK/USA TODAY said. “They’ve been through so much,
offense. And the limited snaps makes Drew Brees as he threw a career-high for us to celebrate this victory with
you really wonder why Nagy’s ap- five touchdown passes in a shocking them … hat’s off to them. The motivated
proach with Fields was so conserva- 38-3 rout of the Packers that marked “Sean says, it’s about the decision, us. They inspired us.”
tive. the worst defeat as a starting quarter- not the result,” Winston said. “If you Saints veteran linebacker Demario
Dalton, meanwhile, was efficient back in the storied career of Aaron keep making the right decisions, it will Davis, who was been on of Winston’s
but not spectacular. He completed 27 Rodgers. take care of itself. Sean called an amaz- mentors with the Saints, said Win-
of 38 passes for 206 yards without a The Saints had a 10-0 lead on their ing game.” ston’s maturation is gratifying.
touchdown. first two possessions and it was 17-0 be- It ended in a flourish as Winston “I don’t think there’s a player on the
“However my role plays out, I’m go- fore Rogers led the Packers on a two- heaved a 55-yard TD bomb to Deonte field I’m more proud of,” he said. “We
ing to be here for the team,” Fields said minute drive at the end of the first half Harris early in the fourth period to put don’t talk just about football; we talk
after the game. “Whatever this team that resulted in their only points of the the exclamation point on the victory. It about life. No one is more excited than I
and Coach Nagy needs me to do to help game, a 39-yard field goal by Mason also pushed Winston over the 100-yard am to watch this because of the belief I
us win, I’m going to do.” Crosby. mark. He finished the game with 14 of have in him. The sky is the limit for his
While the Bears may have a long- The first two TD passes by Winston 20 completions for 148 yards and a 130.8 evolution as a player and a man. I think
term answer at quarterback in Fields, were modest: a 3-yard shovel pass to passer rating, his second-highest as a the world is going to be shocked.”
Stafford must be the Rams’ savior at Alvin Kamara and a 1-yard flip to tight pro. While Davis was predicting “shock-
the position as early as this season. end Juwan Johnson. Could this be Jameis Winston 2.0? ing” things for Winston, the real shock-
Stafford flashed his touch, efficien- New Orleans then turned an inter- And can Payton be the coach who gets er was Rodgers’ performance. He was 15
cy and appreciation for his new team- ception and a head-scratching gamble the best out of the multi-talented player of 28 for 133 yards and two intercep-
mates by completing 20 of 26 passes by Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur in who had a 28-1 record as a starter with tions and the Packers were never com-
for 321 yards with touchdowns to three which he went for it on fourth-and-two FSU? petitive once they fell behind by double
receivers in six scoring drives. from his own 21-yard line into two more In his last full season with the Bucs digits in the first quarter.
Stafford threw a 67-yard touch- scores, Winston’s TD passes of 8 yards in 2019, Winston led the NFL in passing Rodgers failed to convert a third
down to Van Jefferson in stride during to Johnson and 10 yards to Chris Hogan. yardage with 5,109 yards and touch- down and his passer rating was 36.8.
his first series, then tossed a 56-yard At that point, Payton had called a down passes with 33. He also led in in- “It’s just one game,” Rodgers said.
touchdown to Cooper Kupp to start the cautious, conservative game, a steady terceptions with 30, nine more than the “We played bad. I played bad. Offen-
second half. His final touchdown was a diet of short passes, screens and runs next nearest player, and had nine sively we didn’t execute very well. One
2-yard strike to Robert Woods in the by Kamara and Tony Jones Jr. -- plus games with two or more. game. We’ve got 16 to go.”
back of the end zone. four scrambles for 38 yards by Winston, Tampa Bay went 7-9 in 2019 and LaFleur minced no words.
Stafford’s talent immediately ele- who made his own decision to tuck the Winston had a 28-43 record as a starter “They came ready to play,” he said.
vates the Rams to contender status ball in and run for big gains that led the to that point (.394). The Bucs chose not “They absolutely embarrassed us to-
again. Los Angeles last played in a Su- Saints’ first scoring drive. to re-sign him, jumped at the chance to day.”
per Bowl with Goff in 2018. “Those were big plays that ultimate- get Tom Brady and went on to win the Payton said his defense operated
Plus they have a defense touting ly helped us with the first field goal,” Super Bowl. well from front to back. “One of the top
Aaron Darnold, the best defensive Payton said. “I thought he played very Winston signed with New Orleans, third-down teams and one of the top
lineman in the league; Jalen Ramsey, well. He was locked in, focused, we the closest NFL team to his hometown overall total offensive teams (in the
the most flamboyant and freakishly spread the ball around and we’re going near Birmingham, Ala., and threw only NFL),” he said of the Packers. “There’s
athletic cornerback in the NFL; and to go through that tape and look at some 11 passes in four games backing up so many things that they have been able
other standouts, such as defensive of the throws and there might be a pro- Brees last season. to do well. Those guys on the back end
linemen Leonard Floyd and A’Shawn gression or two but I thought he played But he may have learned his lesson: played exceptionally well. I thought we
Robinson, and safety Jordan Fuller. very well.” taking care of the football beats gun- rushed them, contained the rush, we
The Rams are in win-now mode and Winston didn’t mind a plan more slinging in the NFL. got some turnovers and we did it
might have the quarterback in Stafford suited for a game manager than the Winston’s only miscue was throwing against one of the better quarterbacks
to keep them in the conversation. gunslinger he tried to be in Tampa. into double coverage and getting picked that this league has seen in a long time.”
LIFE
MTV’s Video Music Awards Bebe Rexha makes the most
return in live and lively form of her big-screen debut
Veterans and rookies mixed it up on Sunday in The singer-songwriter plays a coupon hustler in
USA TODAY | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 | SECTION D Brooklyn. We rank each performance. Page 3D “Queenpins” in her first on-camera role. Page 4D
K1
K1

LIFELINE ENTERTAINMENT BOOK REVIEW

Whitehead
shuffles his
focus to noir
in ‘Harlem’
Mark Athitakis
Special to USA TODAY

Colson Whitehead has had an unri-

valed recent run as an author. His 2016
novel, “The Underground Railroad,”
won the Pulitzer Prize and National
Book Award, and 2019’s “The Nickel
Boys” won a Pulitzer as well. Merging
KEVIN WINTER/THE RECORDING ACADEMY/AFP stark takes on slavery and Jim Crow
with a knack for plot twists, White-
HOW WAS YOUR DAY? head has become the standard-bearer
DUA LIPA for racial reckoning in American fic-
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Who’s ready for a 2022 full of That’s a major feat. But it also can
“Future Nostalgia”? Dua Lipa be a pigeonhole for a writer who’ has
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and disco-inspired album of the same stamps. His latest, “Harlem Shuffle”
name - on Monday. The North Amer- (Doubleday, 336 pp., eeeE), is some-
ican tour dates kick off Feb. 9 in Mi- thing of a retreat from the seriousness
ami and wrap in Vancouver, British of his recent work. Set in the early
Columbia, on April 1. Megan Thee 1960s, it’s an homage to the era’s hard-
Stallion will join Lipa in select cities boiled crime writers such as Chester
including Denver, Phoenix and Tulsa. Himes, Donald Westlake and Elmore
Tickets go on sale Friday at noon local Leonard. Whitehead plainly has had a
time via Ticketmaster. good time conjuring up the two-fisted
lines that punctuate the story: “He had
“I don’t want people that are unvaccinated to go to theaters to see this or pushed his luck and now luck’s oppo-
any other movie,” “Flag Day” director Sean Penn said. AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES site pushed back,” or “If being a crook
were a crime, we’d all be in jail.”

Hollywood stars
take a shot at
advocating for
COVID-19 vaccines
PROVIDED BY FOX NETWORK

MAKING WAVES Colson Whitehead shifts gears in

‘COPS’ IS BACK ON THE BEAT “Harlem.” ROBERT DEUTSCH/USA TODAY

“Cops” has found a new home. More Patrick Ryan USA TODAY
than a year after Paramount Network Still, “Shuffle” aspires to be more
canceled the unscripted series that Get the jab or stay home. h That’s the feeling of actor/activist than just a genre exercise. Its hero, Ray
follows the activities of real-life police Carney, is a semi-successful Harlem
Sean Penn, who firmly believes that film studios and production furniture salesman. To get ahead, he
officers with documentary-style cam-
eras, Fox Nation announced Monday companies should require everyone to be vaccinated before walk- secretly works a few illicit side hustles,
it will stream the show’s 33rd season including fencing jewelry for his cous-
ing onto the set. h “I think it should be as mandatory as turning on in Freddie. Compared with others in
starting Oct. 1. “Cops” premiered in
1989 on Fox, where it aired for 25 your headlights on a car at night,” Penn says bluntly, speaking to Harlem, he figures he “was only slight-
seasons, then moved to Spike, which ly bent when it came to being crooked.”
USA TODAY late last month.The Oscar winner, who directs and He’s certainly more upstanding, he’s
relaunched as Paramount Network in
2018. The series was canceled in the co-stars in “Flag Day” (in theaters now) with daughter Dylan sure, than his late criminal father, who
wake of the death of George Floyd, a left behind a stash of money that al-
Penn, made headlines in July for refusing to shoot his new Starz lowed Carney to launch his business.
Black man who was killed by a white
police officer, and the Black Lives series “Gaslit” until all cast and crew members were vaccinated. But Carney is soon roped into riskier
Matter protests that followed. schemes that put his and others’ lives
at risk. That experience gives him a
“I will go back to work on ‘Gaslit’ window into the corruption within
when it has been confirmed to me New York’s Black and white neighbor-
that the entire crew, top to bottom, hoods, and how a Black businessman
will be vaccinated,” Penn tells USA like himself often is shortchanged by
TODAY. That extends to moviegoers it. It also tests his status as only slight-
who might see “Flag Day,” too: “I ly bent. He spends his days expanding
don’t want people that are unvacci- the furniture business and nights serv-
nated to go to theaters to see this or ing as either Freddie’s accomplice or
any other movie.” savior. Peace of mind – let alone sleep
Penn is one of many stars who – is in short supply, and his lifestyle
have taken a stance in favor of vac- threatens to become unsustainable.
cines. Celebrities including Jane “More crooked in one direction and
IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY Fonda, Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Kameo offers testing to film and more legit in the other – careful you
WHO’S CELEBRATING TODAY Reynolds have shared photos of TV productions. PROVIDED BY KAMEO don’t split yourself in half,” Whitehead
themselves getting the shot. “I fall writes.
Melissa Leo is 61. Bong Joon-ho is heavily on the side of trusting sci- Whitehead cannily parallels Car-
52. Andrew Lincoln is 48. ence more than something you read variants spiking around the country, ney’s fracture with his neighbor-
on Facebook,” Matt Damon told Ya- it’s only a matter of time until major hood’s. The latter sections of the book
hoo Entertainment in July while studios start taking stricter mea- turn on a 1964 Harlem riot provoked by
promoting “Stillwater.” Jennifer An- sures, experts say. a white police officer killing a Black
iston, meanwhile, drew mixed reac- “We’re definitely moving in the teenager. Carney tries to distance him-
USA TODAY SNAPSHOTS © tions on social media last month af- direction of mandatory vaccines self from the shooting’s implications –
ter telling InStyle that she cut “a few across the industry,” says Sebastian he’s striving to land an account with a
people” out of her inner circle be- Hayto, chief operating officer of Ka- firm that has avoided Black clients. But
Weekend box office cause they were unvaccinated. meo, a leading COVID-19 testing his own actions thrust him closer to
Estimated ticket sales for Friday Then there’s Tom Cruise, who provider for film and TV produc- the tensions than he’ll readily ac-
through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian went viral last December for his ex- tions. “As major institutions, major knowledge.
theaters, according to comScore. pletive-laden rant against crew studios and even major corpora- Whitehead, as ever, has a photo-
1.“Shang-Chi” ............................. $35.8M members who broke COVID-19 safe- tions look at Facebook and Twitter graphic eye for the particulars of the
2. “Free Guy” ................................. $5.8M ty protocols on the set of “Mission: and all these other companies that city and its moment in time. We know
3. “Malignant” ............................... $5.6M Impossible 7.” Production on the ac- are really setting the stage for what every inch of his furniture showroom,
4. “Candyman” .............................. $4.8M tion film has been delayed at least return to work needs to look like – let as well as his troubled psyche. At
5. “Jungle Cruise” ...................... $2.45M six times because of the pandemic, alone the statewide regulations that times, though, it feels as overburdened
according to Variety. Paramount are going into place – I think it’s be- by its balancing act as Carney does.
purchased a $100 million insurance coming a lot more commonplace for “Shuffle” often lacks the efficiency of
policy for the movie but was only re- vaccines to be mandated.” his noir inspirations – the descriptions
imbursed $5 million for COVID-19 In July, Netflix announced that it can be dense, the plotting convoluted.
losses, leading the studio to sue Fed- will require all actors and “Zone A” But the story flies when it focuses
eral Insurance Co. last month, ac- crew members – those who come on Carney’s split personality. He’s
cording to Bloomberg. (Paramount into close contact with the actors – both an engrossing character and a
declined USA TODAY’s request for to be vaccinated. Vaccine mandates compelling allegory for the ways a city
comment on its vaccine policies.) don’t apply to people in Zone B, – and country – are divided yet inter-
With costly production shut- laced, both “separate and connected
ASSOCIATED PRESS
downs, and cases of delta and other See VACCINES, Page 3D by tracks.”
2D ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ USA TODAY LIFE

BOOKS

Union serves another round,

‘Altar’ draws from real life
In search of something good to read? USA TODAY’s Barbara VanDenburgh scopes out the shelves for this week’s hottest new book releases.
All books are on sale Tuesday.

1. “Harlem Shuffle,” 2. “You Got Anything 3. “Rendezvous at the 4. “Unbound: My Story of 5. “Apples Never Fall,”
by Colson Whitehead Stronger?” Altar – From Vietnam to Liberation and the Birth of by Liane Moriarty (Henry
(Doubleday, fiction) by Gabrielle Union (Dey Virginia,” The Me Too Movement,” Holt & Co., fiction)
Street, nonfiction) by Thuan Le Elston by Tarana Burke (Flatiron,
What it’s about: The two- (Rand-Smith, fiction) nonfiction) What it’s about: From the
time Pulitzer Prize-winning au- What it’s about: In her fol- bestselling author of “Big Little
thor of “The Underground Rail- low-up to “We’re Going to Need What it’s about: USA TO- What it’s about: The activ- Lies” and “Nine Perfect Strang-
road” and “The Nickel Boys” re- More Wine,” Union catches us DAY’s Elston, who left Vietnam ist and founder behind the ers” comes a twisty new story.
turns with an entertaining up on her life since 2017 with as a child before the fall of Sai- #MeToo movement shares the When Joy Delaney vanishes,
heist novel and family saga set insights on her fertility journey, gon, tells a sweeping historical story of how she came to say her four grown children debate
in 1960s Harlem. becoming a mom, her marriage tale inspired by four grand- those two powerful words and what to tell the police – their fa-
The buzz: “Whitehead has to Dwyane Wade, her fight for mothers – the author’s and her spearhead a major 21st-century ther is the most obvious sus-
had an unrivaled recent run as equality and accountability in husband’s – and explores par- cultural shift. pect, after all.
an author,” says a eeeE re- the entertainment industry enting, aging and gender roles The buzz: “An unforgettable The buzz: “Funny, sad, as-
view for USA TODAY. and so much more. in a multicultural family. page-turner of a life story ren- tute, occasionally creepy, and
The buzz: “‘You Got Any- The buzz: “Thuan Le El- dered with endless grace and slyly irresistible,” says a starred
thing Stronger?’ is me at my ston’s writing is eloquent. … grit,” says a starred review from review from Kirkus Reviews.
most vulnerable,” Union These grandmothers’ voices Kirkus Reviews.
writes. “I have recently found from the grave teach the living
true strength in that vulnera- how to gain compassion and
bility, and I want to share that insight,” says author Le Ly
power with you here, through Hayslip.
this book.”

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Monday’s Answer: “At home I am a nice guy: but I don’t want the world to
© USA TODAY and Rich Coulter Yesterday’s solution know. Humble people, I’ve found, don’t get very far.” - Muhammad Ali
LIFE USA TODAY ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ 3D

MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS NEWS & VIEWS

Artists bring the energy in return to ‘normal’

Melissa Ruggieri
USA TODAY

With a performance lineup including

Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Foo Fighters,
Alicia Keys, Olivia Rodrigo and Lil Nas X,
the 2021 MTV VMAs sought to blend
veterans with new kids.
After last year’s COVID-19-forced
jumble of outside live shots and taped
productions, the annual music awards
show took a crack at award-show nor-
malcy by returning to a traditional set- Kacey Musgraves sings “Star-Crossed”
ting at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, in her VMA debut Sunday in New York.
New York. THEO WARGO/GETTY IMAGES
And it paid off. Pyrotechnics, arena-
sized sets and a live audience (wearing
face masks) combined for the most in- 4. Ed Sheeran, ‘Shivers’
vigorating awards show in recent mem-
ory. Playing live from Pier 3 at Brooklyn
Between the number of artists mak- Busta Rhymes, right, adds old-school energy to the MTV Video Music Awards at Bridge Park, the beloved ginger stood
ing long-awaited returns – including Barclays Center on Sunday in New York. ANGELA WEISS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES atop a triangular stage for his first VMA
Bieber, Sheeran and Keys – and debut appearance since 2017 to debut his
performances from Rodrigo, Chlöe, Ka- catchy pop tune. Slimmed and grinning
cey Musgraves and show-closer Ma- Cabello’s limitations as a singer. Yes, time Fifth Harmony singer sexed up the – fatherhood and marriage apparently
chine Gun Kelly, the VMAs maintained a she’s a perfectly pleasant performer, but stage with her sultry R&B ballad. On a suit him – Sheeran sounded note per-
level of watchability absent for years. not quite the “iconic legend” she was in- set that flipped from bright white to red, fect. While it was odd seeing him backed
Here’s a look at the performances troduced as by Charli XCX. Let’s save Normani offered vocal runs in the midst by a band (Sheeran and his looping de-
from worst to best. the hyperbole for artists who have been of her slinky finger-snapper. But the end vice are a longtime happy couple), the
around at least a decade, cool? of her performance is what will make addition of background singers and
16. Doja Cat, ‘Been Like This,’ ‘You the internet rounds as she performed an surges of electric guitar indicated how
Right’ 12. Chlöe, ‘Have Mercy’ upright lap dance (is that a thing?) on this song is already custom-built for the
Teyana Taylor, strapped to a ladder con- inevitable tour to follow his upcoming
The hostess of the night went sky- Performing without her sister Halle traption. new album, “=” (”Equals), due Oct. 29.
ward for her performance, which was Bailey (who introduced her), Chlöe
part Sia wackiness and part ridiculous flaunted her acting instincts at the start 7. Kacey Musgraves, 3. Busta Rhymes ‘Put Your Hands
performance art. While it can always be of her performance by emitting a guttur- ‘Star-Crossed’ Where My Eyes Could See,’ ‘What’s
argued whether an artist is lip-syncing, al scream. Her sassy presentation in a the Scenario’ and more
there didn’t seem to be much evidence pink leotard and matching ankle boots For her debut VMA performance, the
that Doja was singing live as she floated also showcased how much she has country chanteuse took the classy A late addition to the performance
above the stage in her fashionable red learned from mentor Beyoncé as she im- route. Surrounded by candles and a lone lineup, the native New Yorker injected
ensemble, “singing” in an indiscernible bued her performance with drama, guitarist, her warm voice delved into the some old-school dynamism with an ex-
whisper. Sometimes coy is appealing. twerking and most importantly, actual achingly personal song heartbreak bal- haustively thrilling medley. His gruff
Other times it’s just irritating. vocal talent. lad. As a heart statue behind her blazed rapping style is still incomparable, ex-
and the rest of her band leaned in, Mus- emplified by the jaw-dropping, rapid-
15. Twenty One Pilots, ‘Saturday’ 11. Justin Bieber, ‘Stay’ with the graves still was the undeniable focal fire lyrical spitting at the end of the set.
Kid Laroi; ‘Ghost’ point of a brief but poignant perfor- Even with frantic green and red lasers
Starting with a stripped vibe high- mance. spinning around the arena, it was ap-
lighted by singer Tyler Joseph playing The Kid Laroi, who looked ready to parent that all Busta needs to command
the ukulele, the ditty that already pilot a flight in dark aviator glasses, of- 6. Lil Nas X, ‘Industry Baby’ with a room is his undiminished rap skills.
marked a 180 from the band’s usual fare fered a caffeinated opening with Bieber Jack Harlow; ‘Montero (Call Me By Kids, take note.
sounded airy and, well, forgettable. As – making his first appearance in six Your Name)’
crashing (video) waves surrounded the years – as they bopped around the stage 2. Foo Fighters, ‘Learn to Fly,’
stage, Joseph dabbled in some footwork in unison in front of fake mountains. But Borrowing from Beyoncé and Taylor ‘Shame Shame,’ ‘Everlong’
with the duo’s backup singers as live after their warm embrace, Bieber, in Swift with his marching band entrance,
horns added some depth and Josh Dun overalls and a hoodie, pondered the the headline-grabber soon stripped to The recipients of MTV’s Global Icon
attacked his drum kit. The blond front- meaning of the lasers surrounding him bare his ripped torso. Bouncing with a Award lived up to their award status
man also used his stage time to mention for his new single, “Ghost.” troupe of dancers clad in hot pink, the with their bracing, sweaty rock un-
that his wife is pregnant, a weirdly ap- Atlanta native unfurled “Industry Baby” leashed in front of stacks of amplifiers.
propriate announcement given the lev- 10. Shawn Mendes and Tainy, in front of a “Montero Prison” set com- Segueing from the crunch of “Learn to
ity of the song. ‘Summer of Love’ plete with “prisoners” lining the walk- Fly” to the slinky funk undertones of
ways. The song’s featured guest, Jack “Shame Shame” to the galloping guitar
14. Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Always the romantic, Mendes Harlow, popped in midsong, wearing a of “Everlong,” the band offered a taste of
Barker, ‘Papercuts’ strolled the stage in wide-legged pants glamorous version of a Hefty bag, but their consistently fiery live shows.
that looked as if he raided Harry Styles’ soon departed to allow Lil Nas X more Frontman Dave Grohl throttled his gui-
In 2012, the rapper-turned-rocker closet as he crooned the dreamy song. time to strip down even more. He didn’t tar, his mop of hair falling in his face and
sent a tweet that one day he’d perform Running his hands through his luxuri- sing much more than the chorus of his energy matched only by drummer
at the VMAs. On Sunday night, his mo- ous locks and flashing his billion-dollar “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” but Taylor Hawkins’ ferocious playing. Al-
ment arrived – and apparently, he grin at the outstretched hands in front the setup provided him the opportunity ways quick to honor their influences,
walked through a forest of thorns on his of him, Mendes is an effortless heart- to gyrate in glittery fuchsia hot pants Hawkins paid tribute to Rolling Stones
way to the stage, given the crown on his throb – and looked even more the part amid a pack of underwear-clad dudes. legend Charlie Watts with “Charlie
face. But MGK soon ditched the costum- ensconced in clouds of dry ice. That he R.I.P.” etched on his bass drum – a class
ing and continued cranking out serrated also possesses such a pure voice is a bo- 5. Alicia Keys, ‘LaLa (Unlocked)’ act, as always.
riffs on his pink guitar while singing the nus. with Swae Lee; ‘Empire State of
rock-rap-punk song in a faux British ac- Mind’ 1. Ozuna, ‘La Funka’
cent. His buddy Barker slammed his 9. Olivia Rodrigo, ‘Good 4 U’
drums while surrounded by fire, but Beamed in live from Liberty State And the award for Performance Most
alas, those poor tom toms would soon Surrounded by mask-clad dancers, Park for her first VMA performance Resembling An Acid Trip goes to ... the
get tossed off the riser while MGK de- one of the darlings of this year’s VMAs since 2012, Keys, in a form-hugging gold Latin superstar who shared the stage
stroyed his guitar against the stage in followed the rollicking snare drum of sequined dress, first seduced duet part- with the cutest co-stars of the show:
the most mundane, predictable ending her female drummer as she cooed and ner Swae Lee as they circled each other dancing bears who marched down
to any rock performance. Ho. Hum. raged through her No. 1 hit. Balloons, on the outside stage, cooing the lyrics of ramps and runways, following Ozuna’s
confetti and pyro backed her perfor- their new song. But the highlight came every step during the effusive song. As
13. Camila Cabello, ‘Don’t Go Yet’ mance as she snarled the song’s hook, when Keys headed to her piano and said the backdrop turned to neon palm trees
“Maybe I’m too emotional,” with the “Welcome to the Empire State” as she and lasers, the Moon Person looming
Injecting some sassy Latin pop into kind of middle-finger attitude that told remained standing to play her unofficial above the stage throughout the show
the evening, Cabello embraced her Cu- viewers, no, she’s just fine, thanks. hymn for the city, “Empire State of morphed into a gigantic bear hoisting
ban heritage with a full production Mind.” The timing of the song – one day the Puerto Rican flag before turning
number complete with a sexy one- 8. Normani, ‘Wild Side’ after 9/11 – coupled with panoramic back into the Moon Person, now holding
shouldered, leg-showcasing dress. The shots of the city combined for a partic- a flag of the Dominican Republic – a
combination of the song’s shout-along In her silver outfit that gave more ularly resonating version of the anthem. proud tribute from Ozuna to his heri-
chorus and ace dancers ably masked than a nod to Janet Jackson, the one- tage.

Vaccines set out in the Return to Work Agree-

ment.
vaccines. Actors including
Schneider (“Grown Ups”) and Letitia
Rob VID-19 storylines so far, and some, like
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘New Amsterdam,’
Other areas of the entertainment in- Wright (“Black Panther”) have gotten have already addressed the vaccine. It is
Continued from Page 1D dustry are adjusting mandates. Later backlash for sharing vaccine misinfor- our hope that TV writers will continue to
this month, the Emmy Awards will re- mation on Twitter, while Carrie Under- embrace accurate COVID-19 storylines
which includes production offices, con- quire all attendees to show negative CO- wood drew ire online last month for “lik- based in science to help audiences make
trol rooms and vehicles on sets, or Zone VID-19 tests in addition to proof of vac- ing” an anti-mask tweet. informed decisions for their own
C, which encompasses hotels, homes cination. This month’s Toronto Interna- Hollywood is trying to flip the script. health.”
and other places off-site where employ- tional Film Festival is also ordering fes- With just 53.3% of the U.S. population And with many people around the
ees may go when they’re not working. tivalgoers to show proof of a negative fully vaccinated, according to the Cen- country still resisting masks, global
But varying levels of COVID-19 testing, test or vaccination to attend. ters for Disease Control and Prevention, event designer Edward Perotti, who has
masks and social distancing still apply “Hollywood can get back to more a Hollywood, Health & Society is working thrown parties for Ariana Grande and
to all three zones. semblance of normal if we can ensure with TV creatives to incorporate better Nick Jonas, believes that more celebri-
“Netflix is leading the charge and all that a maximum proportion of our audi- education about COVID-19 symptoms, ties should be leading by example. Stars
eyes are on them with regards to their ence is vaccinated, and those who are testing and vaccines into storylines on such as Kristen Dunst and Penelope
vaccine mandates,” says Hayto, who is not, demonstrate they are not a menace their shows. Hollywood, Health & Soci- Cruz masked up at this month’s Venice
aware of some other sets that require to others,” says Sten Vermund, dean at ety is a program of the University of Film Festival, which requires proof of
100% vaccination. “Especially for small- the Yale University School of Public Southern California’s Annenberg Nor- vaccination or a negative test, but many
er studios and two-day commercial Health. “That’s going to be your anchor man Lear Center. others have been pictured without.
shoots, it’s just a nonstarter that you and your backbone for festivals, awards “We know from our research that the “Would I expect to see an A-lister
must be vaccinated.” shows and production.” effect TV storylines have on audiences whip out their (vaccination) card out of
According to the Screen Actors Guild- But mandating vaccines may not be is profound,” says program director Kate their bag on the red carpet? Absolutely
American Federation of Television and enough. In an opinion piece for The Langrall Folb. “Popular TV shows have not,” Perotti says. “But wouldn’t it be
Radio Artists, Hollywood’s biggest Hollywood Reporter in June, “Criminal helped audiences learn about HIV/ nice to see them walk the red carpet,
union, producers are legally allowed to Minds” actress Shira Scott Astrof said AIDS, cancer, addiction, mental health take their mask off and then put it back
implement a mandatory vaccination she “was shocked at how many” of her and much more. We’ve worked with on again? Just those little things would
policy, so long as they follow parameters Hollywood peers are skeptical of the over a dozen shows this year on CO- make all the difference.”
4D ❚ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 ❚ USA TODAY LIFE

MOVIES

Bebe Rexha aims to be a positive force with film debut

Charles Trepany role (she voiced a character in the 2019 who doesn’t like saving money? about. What’s the point of making your-
USA TODAY animated movie “UglyDolls”). Q: Did Bell or Howell-Baptiste give self feel bad and making others feel
Ahead of the film’s Friday release, you any tips on set? bad? To me, that’s just a waste of life,
Bebe Rexha, the singer-songwriter Rexha gets candid with USA TODAY Rexha: I was super nervous, but they and we only have one life to live, so we
who earned two Grammy nominations about her nerves before shooting, the made me feel so calm. They were like, might as well live it and enjoy what we
in 2019, is about to hit another mile- sugary acting advice she got from Bell “We are not going to leave you here. have in the moment.
stone. and her advocacy for body positivity. Let’s get the take that you’re happy Q: What can the entertainment in-
After dominating the charts with Question: Congrats on your acting with. We’ll be here.” They were so pa- dustry, and specifically the music in-
such hits as 2017’s “Meant to Be” and debut! Did you have any nerves going tient with me, and it was not what I was dustry, do to be more body positive?
2018’s “I’m a Mess,” the 32-year-old mu- into filming? expecting. I wasn’t expecting them to be Rexha: Just celebrate and push art-
sician is set to make her acting debut in Bebe Rexha: The night before I really divas, but they’re movie stars. They ists of all shapes, sizes, colors – every
the comedy film “Queenpins,” starring couldn’t sleep, and I kind of felt a little gave me some funny advice. We were type of background. That’s why I think
Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste. sick to my stomach. It’s like before you like eight hours (into filming one day), it’s really cool that we have the wave of
“Music has always been my first take a big test in school or an interview. and Kristen told me to have something K-Pop coming into the United States.
love,” says Rexha, who got her start writ- Everyone was so kind and wanted to sweet to spike up my blood sugar and But it’s about gatekeepers really open-
ing songs for Selena Gomez, Eminem make me feel comfortable. get my energy going. I don’t know how ing the doors, not just because some-
and others before charting her own Q: “Queenpins” follows two coupon many Raisinets and M&M’s I had. thing is a hot trend of the moment. Peo-
singing career. “But I read the script – it enthusiasts. Have you ever been on Q: What inspired you to be so vocal ple really want to see all people win and
kind of fell into my lap – and I loved it.” the coupon hustle? about body positivity on TikTok and not just artists of the same mold be-
In “Queenpins,” the bubbly pop star Rexha: Oh yeah, I’ve definitely found how do you hope to influence fans? cause that’s, No. 1, unhealthy, and, No. 2,
transforms into the no-nonsense Tem- some promo codes off some websites, Rexha: What inspired me is an over- it’s just not real. People want real.
pe Tina, an Arizona-based identity thief but for some reason, 95% of them never whelming sense of negativity, not only Q: Any chance we’ll see you on the
who schools Connie (Bell) and Jojo work. But I love a good buy one, get one from people on the internet but from big screen again?
(Howell-Baptiste) in the art of launch- free. That’s kind of my vibe. I love saving myself. Everybody has a story. Every- Rexha: If the right script, the right
ing a multimillion-dollar coupon scam. at the supermarket. I’m not an avid cou- body has struggles. Everybody’s going role, comes my way, and I feel like I’m
This marks Rexha’s first on-camera film poner where I’m a psycho about it, but through something we don’t know aligned with it, I’m so down.

TONIGHT ON TV
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NETWORK
ABC Bachelor in Paradise (N) The Ultimate Surfer The six remaining surfers hope Local Programs Jimmy Kimmel Live
to claim a spot in the final round. (N)
CBS FBI Assailants commit armed robberies; Tiffany and FBI Isobel and Vargas face off after five highly FBI: Most Wanted DEA agent’s loyalties are questioned; Local Programs The Late Show with
Scola argue about accepting help. influential men are killed. Sarah wonders if she moved in too early. Stephen Colbert (N)
Fox Lego Masters The three final teams’ build must look Fantasy Island Book enthusiast goes back in time; Local Programs
different if the lights are on or off. (N) (Season finale) survivalist faces their ultimate challenge. (N)
NBC America’s Got Talent Family Game Fight! (N) Local Programs The Tonight Show
Starring Jimmy Fallon (N)
PBS Native America Comanche warriors; grass bridge. Extinction: The Facts Woes of extinction. Frontline Amanpour and Company (N)
CW DC’s Stargirl An epic showdown. (N) Supergirl Lena visits her mother’s birthplace. (N) Local Programs
ION Chicago Fire Keeler walks free, frustrating Severide. Chicago Fire Severide suspected of a disappearance. Chicago Fire Severide assists car crash victim. Chicago Fire Severide helps out a fellow firefighter.
Telemundo La casa de los famosos (N) Hercai, Amor y venganza (N) Café con aroma de mujer (N) Noticias Telemundo Noticias Telemundo (N)
Univision Diseñando tu amor Conflicto familiar. Si nos dejan (N) La desalmada Buscando venganza. Noticiero Univisión (N) Noti. Univi. Ed. noc. (N)
CABLE
A&E Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars
AMC Sixteen Candles A girl’s family overlooks her 16th birthday as her sister’s wedding approaches. (1984) Grease During the 1950s, a teenager falls for a squeaky-clean new girl in school. John Travolta (1978)
Animal Planet North Woods Law: Wildside (N) North Woods Law Snowmobile accident. North Woods Law An injured hiker.
BBC America 2012 When a reporter learns of a discovery involving the demise of Earth, he tries to rescue his family from catastrophic, natural disasters around the world. John Cusack, Amanda Peet (2009) Nightcrawler (2014)
BET American Gangster Detective pursues drug kingpin. Tyler Perry’s The Oval Reality check. (N) Karen A psychotic neighbor is determined to drive away an African American family. Taryn Manning (2021)
Bravo Below Deck Mediterranean Bad weather. (N) Below Deck Mediterranean National park. What Happens (N) 50 First Dates Man falls for girl with memory loss. Adam Sandler (2004)
Cartoon Gumball Gumball Bob’s Burgers Bob’s Burgers American Dad! American Dad! Family Guy Family Guy
CMT Mom New path in life. Mom New path in life. Mom New path in life. Mom New path in life. Mom New path in life. Mom New path in life. American Housewife American Housewife
CNBC Shark Tank Innovators present their inventions. Shark Tank A line of office products. The Profit A business owner loves animals. (N) The Profit Marcus visits a mini race car track.
CNN Anderson Cooper 360° (N) Cuomo Prime Time (N) The California Recall: Special Election Coverage The California Recall: Special Election Coverage
Comedy Friends Chandler’s mom. Friends Foozball begins. The Office The Office The Office The Office Daily Show (N) The Office
Discovery Deadliest Catch (N) Deadliest Catch Veteran crew. Underground Marvels
Disney Big City Greens Big City Greens Sydney to the Max Almost Never Big City Greens Big City Greens Miraculous: Ladybug Miraculous: Ladybug
DisXD Amphibia Earn respect. The Owl House The Owl House The Owl House Walk the Prank Walk the Prank Walk the Prank Parker Plays
DIY Lakefront Bargain Hunt Renovation A vacation home. Lakefront Bargain Hunt Renovation A vacation home. Lakefront Bargain Hunt Renovation Lakefront Bargain Hunt Renovation A fixer-upper.
E! Chrisley Knows Best Chrisley Knows Best Chrisley Knows Best Chrisley Knows Best Total Divas Professional female wrestlers. Nightly Pop Hosts analyze stories from Hollywood.
Food Chopped Liver, fava beans and Chianti. Chopped Combine berry and basil; toaster treat. (N) American Restaurant Battle (N) (Series premiere) Chopped Bartenders who love to cook compete.
Fox News Tucker Carlson Tonight (N) Hannity (N) The Ingraham Angle (N) Gutfeld! (N)
Freeform Mrs. Doubtfire A disguised father becomes his ex-wife’s housekeeper to be near his children. Robin Williams, Sally Field (1993) The 700 Club
FX Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw A cyber-genetically enhanced criminal. Dwayne Johnson (2019) (7:00) Impeachment: American Crime Story Monica reveals she’s having an affair. (N) Impeachment
FXX The Simpsons The Simpsons Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy New cat café. Family Guy Wi-Fi outage. Bob’s Burgers Bob’s Burgers
GSN America Says America Says America Says America Says Family Feud Family Feud Family Feud Family Feud
Hallmark Hearts Down Under A savvy restaurateur inherits a café in Lemon Myrtle Cove, Australia. (2021) The Golden Girls The Golden Girls The Golden Girls The Golden Girls
HGTV Good Bones The hosts buy construct a new home. (N) Good Bones Revamp a property in Garfield Park. (N) House Hunters (N) Hunters International (N) House Hunters Hunters International
History History’s Greatest Mysteries Modified Nazi U-boat with riches inside. (N) Cities of the Underworld Secret technology. (N) Cities of the Underworld Secret technology.
HLN How It Really Happened Manhunt. Forensic Files Forensic Files Forensic Files Forensic Files Forensic Files Tiny clues. Forensic Files
ID See No Evil 3 robbery deaths. Body Cam: On the Scene Police dog officer. (N) A Psychopath (N) A Psychopath (N) American Monster A terrible truth.
IFC Gremlins Exotic new pet spawns violent offspring. Zach Galligan (1984) (7:00) Gremlins 2: The New Batch Gizmo the Mogwai has become part of an evil scientist’s genetics experiment. Zach Galligan (1990)
Lifetime Rizzoli & Isles The team searches for Alice Sands. Rizzoli & Isles Suspect search; car accident. Rizzoli & Isles Zombie convention. Rizzoli & Isles A postal worker is murdered.
MotorTrend Roadkill Classics Roadkill Classics (N) Goblin Works Mod Shop (N) Goblin Works Mod Shop
MSNBC All in with Chris Hayes (N) The Rachel Maddow Show (N) The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell (N) The 11th Hour with Brian Williams (N)
MTV Teen Mom Cheyenne needs help. (N) Teen Mom: Young and Pregnant (N) Teen Mom Cheyenne needs Cory’s help with Ryder. Ridiculousness Ridiculousness
NatGeo Life Below Zero As the deep freeze sets in, Alaskans brave cruel temperatures to complete vital tasks. (N) Life Below Zero Alaskans battle icy conditions. (N) Life Below Zero Alaskans complete vital tasks.
NatGeo Wild The Incredible Dr. Pol Senior veterinarian. (N) The Incredible Dr. Pol Summer ailments. The Incredible Dr. Pol A pregnant canine is helped. The Incredible Dr. Pol Senior veterinarian.
NewsNation On Balance with Leland Vittert NewsNationPrime Banfield The Donlon Report
Nick SpongeBob SpongeBob Friends Friends Friends Lesbian wedding. Friends Friends Friends Chandler paid.
OWN Queen Sugar (N) They Call Me Dad (N) (Series premiere) Queen Sugar Vaccination drive. Queen Sugar
Oxygen Dateline: Secrets Uncovered Fire chief. Dateline: Secrets Uncovered Beauty queen. Dateline: Secrets Uncovered Friends imprisoned. Dateline: Secrets Uncovered Armed intruders.
Paramount London Has Fallen Secret Service agent must save U.S. president after terrorist attack on London. (2016) Olympus Has Fallen A guard searches for the president after a terrorist attack on the White House. (2013)
Pop NCIS: New Orleans Navy crimes. NCIS: New Orleans Navy crimes. NCIS: New Orleans Navy crimes. NCIS: New Orleans Navy crimes.
Science Scrap Kings Scrap Kings Mysteries of the Abandoned (N)
Sundance NCIS Abby’s connection to victim runs deep. NCIS DiNozzo’s father returns. NCIS Ziva’s estranged father visits. NCIS Team stunned after deadly ambush.
Syfy Transformers: The Last Knight Mark Wahlberg (2017) Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit C.I.A. analyst uncovers a Russian plot to destroy the American economy. Chris Pine, Kevin Costner (2014) Retaliation (2013) (11:26)
TBS Big Bang Theory Big Bang Theory Big Bang Theory Big Bang Theory Big Bang Theory Miracle Workers (N) Miracle Workers Seinfeld Hamptons visit.
TCM The Paper Chase A Minnesota college student copes with the burdens of law school. Timothy Bottoms (1973) Good News Shy librarian helps a football star. June Allyson, Peter Lawford (1947) Getting Straight (1970)
TLC My Big Fat Fabulous Life A girls’ vacation. My Big Fat Fabulous Life Doubt intentions. (N) Welcome to Plathville Secret mission. (N) I Love a Mama’s Boy Setting boundaries.
TNT Godzilla: King of the Monsters Monsters fight against each other on Earth and threaten humanity’s future. Kyle Chandler (2019) Tomb Raider A daughter goes on a mission. Alicia Vikander, Dominic West (2018)
Travel The Dead Files The hosts explore a former psychiatric hospital to confront disturbed spirits. Haunted Hospitals An energy-sucking entity. (N) Haunted Hospitals A shadow figure; the Grim Reaper.
TruTV Impractical: Inside Jokes Impractical: Inside Jokes Impractical: Inside Jokes Impractical: Inside Jokes Impractical Jokers Impractical Jokers Backyard Bar Wars Backyard Bar Wars
TV Land Loves Raymond Loves Raymond Loves Raymond Loves Raymond Loves Raymond Loves Raymond The King of Queens The King of Queens
USA WWE NXT NXT 637 (Live) Tombstone The Earp brothers and Doc Holliday move to an Arizona town controlled by a gang. (1993) (10:08)
VH1 Wild ‘N Out Wild ‘N Out “Flow Job.” Wild ‘N Out PnB Rock. Wild ‘N Out Wild ‘N Out Stevie J. Wild ‘N Out Wild ‘N Out Wild ‘N Out Waka Flocka.
Viceland Intervention Woman may lose second family to drugs. Intervention Woman’s addiction threatens her life. Intervention Woman turns to heroin after a tragedy. VICE News Tonight (N) VICE News Tonight
WE Law & Order Gun makers wanted. Law & Order A 10-year-old accused in child’s death. Law & Order Husband mugs judge. Law & Order Family accused of killing druggie teen.
Weather Heavy Rescue: 401 Lumber accident. Heavy Rescue: 401 30-vehicle pileup. Heavy Rescue: 401 A semi gets frozen in mud. Jade Fever Jade Fever
MOVIE NETWORKS
Cinemax Gangs of New York A young man who witnessed his father’s murder 16 years prior infiltrates a violent and powerful New York gang Lay the Favorite A dancer encounters fun and danger while helping
with plans to exact revenge for his dad’s death. Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis (2002) professional sports bettors. Bruce Willis, Rebecca Hall (2012) (10:47)
Encore Multiplicity A busy man tries cloning as a solution to the Along Came Polly A free-spirited woman tries to liberate a passive man The Nanny Diaries A recent college graduate becomes a nanny to the bratty
neglect of his family and work. (1996) (6:59) obsessed with safety. Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston (2004) son of a rich couple. Scarlett Johansson, Laura Linney (2007) (10:34)
FXM Hotel Transylvania 3: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation When Mavis surprises the family with a vacation aboard a cruise How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World Hiccup tries to find a secret dragon
Summer Vacation (2018) ship, Dracula starts to fall in love with the ship’s mysterious captain. Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg (2018) (8:45) utopia called “The Hidden World.” Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera (2019) (10:40)
Hallmark Movies The Ultimate Life A billionaire reexamines his life after The Ultimate Legacy A selfish young man’s life is turned upside-down after learning that he must complete Murder, She Wrote Jessica tries to help friend who is
finding his late grandfather’s journal. (2013) (7:00) a stipulation in his grandmother’s will in order to inherit her estate. Raquel Welch, Doug Jones (2016) being hassled by the IRS and facing divorce.
HBO Level Playing Field 1994 Godzilla vs. Kong As Kong and his protectors embark on a journey to find his true home, the beast is forced Scenes From a Marriage A wife and husband Laetitia Touchais focuses
Crime Bill. to face off against the mighty Godzilla. Millie Bobby Brown, Alexander Skarsgård (2021) navigate the aftermath of unanticipated news. on the victim’s habits.
Lifetime Movie Deceived By My Mother-In-Law After a woman marries a man, chaos strikes when her mother-in-law Mommy’s Deadly Con Artist A woman seeks her husband’s killer, but things are not as they seem when a
unexpectedly moves in, which leads her to uncover hidden motives. (2021) wealthy family prepares to risk it all at the hands of a mother-daughter duo. (2021)
Showtime Act of Valor Active-duty Navy SEALS embark on a dangerous and covert operation to save a CIA agent who American Rust Police Chief Del Harris finds a dead The L Word: Generation Q Bette is forced to admit her
has been kidnapped by deadly terrorists plotting against the U.S. Rorke Denver, Dave (2012) crime victim in a forgotten steel mill. feelings; Shane struggles with an ex’s visit.
Starz The Father An aging man Eat Pray Love A woman comes to the realization that she is not happy, so after a divorce, she sets out on a journey across the world, Heels Jack tries to get a deal with a state fair, but the
refuses help. (2021) during which she falls in love. Julia Roberts, James Franco (2010) (8:36) others have their own plans.
TMC Moonlight A young black boy growing up in a very rough neighborhood of Miami tries to find his place in The Long Shadow A Louisiana deputy begins an investigation after her lover is Summerland A reclusive
the world as he becomes a young man. Trevante Rhodes, André Holland (2016) killed. (2020) writer takes someone in.
SPORTS NETWORKS
ESPN 30 for 30 Once Upon a Time in Queens, Part 1 30 for 30 Once Upon a Time in Queens, Part 2 ESPN Original Documentaries SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt
ESPN2 NFL Live NBA: The Jump 2021 Leagues Cup Semifinal Santos Laguna at Seattle Sounders FC from Lumen Field (Live)
FS1 MLB Baseball Cleveland Indians at Minnesota Twins from Target Field (Live) MLB on FS1 Postgame (Live) MLB’s Best If You Build It: 30 Years
Golf College Golf 2021 Maridoe Invitational - Round 2 Golf Central
MLB To Be Announced Program information is unavailable at this time. To Be Announced Program information is unavailable at this time.
NBA NBA Basketball WNBA Weekly Playoff Central
NBCSports Caffeine & Octane Caffeine & Octane Carcass Carcass Monster JAM Atlanta 2 Caffeine & Octane Caffeine & Octane
NFLN NFL Football NFL Total Access An inside look at all 32 teams.

MOVIES Eastern Time may vary in some cities

(N) New episode.