Richland Chronicle November 24th, 2020

CHRONICLE Richland

Vol. L Issue 8 November 24, 2020

Thousands line up for food assistance at Fair Park Pg.3

RichlandStudentMedia.com

• DC all remote after Thanksgiving Pg.2

• ‘Enola Holmes’ is elementary

Pg.4

• Thanksgiving during COVID

Pg.6

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2 COVID-19

November 24, 2020

Dallas College goes totally remote after Thanksgiving Janssy Sanchez/Angela Ly Staff Writer/Managing Editor Dallas College is moving to an all-remote teaching approach from Nov. 30 to Jan. 4, a decision reflected upon during a Nov. 19 town hall meeting with Chancellor Joe May and Dallas College administrators. At issue was Dallas College response to COVID-19 and preparation for the upcoming holidays.

“We want to bring people together. But we just need to be really, really cautious as we do that. I encourage all of you to think about how we can both engage with our immediate family, but at the same time, make sure that we’re looking out for the health and well-being of everyone,” May said.

According to the Dallas College COVID-19 dashboard, 196 cases of COVID-19 have been reported at all seven Dallas College campuses with 18 cases reported on the Richland Campus. While remote learning will continue for the remainder of the fall semester, plans for spring are yet to be determined.

“Our plan currently is to try to offer 1,500 classes face-to-face in the spring. But obviously, as Dr. May alluded to, that depends on our county health officials as it relates to the virus,” Provost Shawnda Floyd said. “We realize students feel isolated. Some students feel more comfortable when they’re around their fellow students. From a faculty perspective,

there are some courses that are simply hard to teach in an online environment. They require a bit more hands-on interaction.”

Richland honors student Isra Qureshi also spoke at the meeting. She expressed the blurred lines between home and school life that has caused her to “relearn how to learn.”

“The biggest challenge for what I face and what I’ve heard other students complain about is that it’s a matter of attention. Where the students have not been able to retain the information,” Qureshi said. “They feel like they’re not learning in the online environment because of the lack of ability to hold onto the information essentially” Although she has figured out the importance of having a designated place to study, she knows that’s not an option for all students.

“But unfortunately, not a lot of students Photo Illustration Pexels have that ability, where they either lack their A town hall meeting was held virtually with administrators discussing spring classes Nov. 19. private spaces, where they can actually call it a study area. Or they lack the proper equipment, “Yes, this was a very strategic decision, as mask wearing) and refers to the cleaning crews such as having the ability of having a separate we roll into flu season. With holidays upon us, at Dallas College as “an integral part of our study table,” he said. it is [safer] to send everyone home for the next team.”

May announced in mid-November the deci- six to eight weeks to cut down on the possibilMeanwhile, White encourages Dallas sion to go to remote learning for the remainder ities of COVID spread,” White said. “We are College students, faculty and staff to be wary of the fall semester with mostly online classes seeing upticks in the number of positive cases of symptoms that can point to different diagfor spring. He said Dallas College administra- in the Metroplex as a whole and many schools noses, including COVID-19. She urges everytion will monitor the situation and make any around us are taking the same positioning.” one to stay home, remain well-rested and wellchanges to that plan as the spring semester White encourages all Dallas County students hydrated. approaches. Senior RN manager at Richland, and employees to use the common precau“Stay safe. Be smart. Be healthy. Be kind to Caroline White, supports May’s decision. tions taken worldwide (social distancing and others,” White said.

Positive cases rapidly accumulating nationwide pleading with the public to keep Thanksgiving gatherings small.

Staff Writer Despite the increasing numbers, RepubAs the coronavirus continues to ravage lican Governor Greg Abbott has ruled out the country, more than 1 million confirmed another shutdown and is blaming local leaders cases of COVID-19 were reported in Texas for not enforcing restrictions. Texas attorney as of Nov. 17 with no signs of Greg Abbott general Ken Paxton has joined in the criticism, issuing another lockdown as he reiterated on called the El Paso county chief administrator a CNBC’s Squawk Box Nov. 23 saying “no “tyrant” as he took legal action to block local more lockdowns.”According to the Texas leaders from shutting down nonessential busiDepartment of State Health Services coro- nesses in response to the outbreak. navirus tracker, cases of coronavirus have 110,717 cases reported in Dallas County been reported in all 254 counties with more alone. Guidance from Dallas County Judge than 8,000 people hospitalized. Doctors are Clay Jenkins remains at the highest level, urging citizens to “stay home and stay safe.”

In Tarrant County, Judge Glen Whitley has signed a disaster declaration due to a public health emergency, designed to help the county contain the spread of COVID-19. The county reports a substantial spread of coronavirus with 83,647 cases reported and 802 deaths.

The virus appears to be hitting men over 65 especially hard.

Beyond the Metroplex, El Paso is still experiencing a surge in positive cases with 994 new cases and 13 new deaths Nov. 17. According to The Associated Press, this has led to extended complications trickling to AustinGraphic Dallas College COVID-19 Dashboard for November area hospitals having to deal with massive Dallas College investigated 53 positive numbers of non-coronavirus patients from cases on campus; 27 cases were off campus. El Paso hospitals. This, after receiving a

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Janssy Sanchez

deployment of additional reinforcements and medical supplies from the governor’s office on Nov. 11.

Governor Greg Abbott is blaming the El Paso outbreak on county leaders, according to AP. A statement on Abbott’s website reads: “The state of Texas is strong; our people, resilient.

As we have seen in years past, when tested by fire, flood or hurricane, Texans respond with resilience and calm resolve. And just as we overcame those challenges, we will overcome this one. When neighbors help neighbors, our resilience is redoubled. I have no doubt that Texans will continue to work together in that spirit over the coming days and weeks. And we are here to help.”

As of Nov. 13, Abbott announced in a press release that an initial shipment of an Eli Lilly & Company monoclonal antibody therapy will be distributed to area hospitals. The FDA said the drug is authorized for high-risk patients, including those over 65 and those with preexisting conditions. The IKEA US Community Foundation donated $4,900,125 to the state, equivalent to the amount the state paid in unemployment insurance to IKEA retail workers who were previously furloughed due to COVID-19.

Elsewhere, states are considering other measures. The state of Illinois has been the

singular state to outdo Texas in new cases the past two weeks, according to AP. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has re-imposed many of the measures implemented earlier in the year. These include stopping in-person classes, indoor dining and closing gyms, among other measures.

Washington is following a similar pattern and recommends residents participate in a 14-day quarantine for interstate and international travel. North Dakota is also taking additional precautions including a statewide mask mandate and reduction of restaurant serving capacity. This is a vastly different response from the state’s counterpart, South Dakota, where Gov. Kristi Noem has vehemently opposed mask mandates.

Schools across the nation, including Boston, Detroit and Indianapolis, have decided to close classrooms altogether in efforts to hamper the virus as the national death toll from COVID19 surpasses 250,000.

However, some individuals in the affected locations believe the culprit is outside of the classroom.

Tippecanoe School Superintendent Scott Hanback told AP, “The spread isn’t really occurring in the classroom. The spread is occurring in nights and weekends and holidays and social gatherings.”

November 24, 2020

Record turnout for North Texas Food Bank giveaway Dara Jones Editor-In-Chief In an event that hearkens back to the soup lines of the 1930s Great Depression, miles of cars lined up outside Fair Park to take advantage of the North Texas Food Bank and partners food giveaway Nov. 14.

A year ago, NTFB was sending out trucks that fed around 200 to 300 families. Today, with pandemic-related unemployment on the rise, things have changed exponentially, according to Anna Kurian, the food bank’s senior director of marketing and communication.

The event, the fifth and largest event NTFB has held at Fair Park to date, fed around 25,000 people. The NTFB partnered with Spectra and Fair Park First, which hosted the event, as well other organizations including the Baptist Ministers Union, New Mount Zion Church, In the City for Good and others.

“I think one of the reasons why it was so successful is, one you had a lot of different partners helping to promote the event, two it was on a Saturday which makes it easier for those that might be working during weekdays.

Having it on Saturday definitely made it more accessible to those folks and then three, there were turkeys involved, which are, you know, an expensive piece of food,” Kurian said.

Of the clients served, Kurian said around

40% are visiting a food pantry for the first time, which is a huge increase in people needing help.

“We know that there is this great need, and we want to make sure that we can try to meet that need,” she said.

One of NTFB’s clients, Mariah, who only gave her first name in an audio press release distributed by NTFB, expressed what brought her to the food distribution event.

“I’ve been working hospice care for about nine years now and I could do that overnight, because I teach during the day, and due to COVID and possible exposure from patients to students, I had to quit my overnight hospice job,” she said. “So, I was caring for the elderly at night and I care for children during the day and I’ve lost that income and a teacher’s salary is not that much,” she said.

Another NTFB client, Adimir, who was also identified by first name only, told a similar story.

“Then that (COVID-19) hit, and I lost all my jobs and everything got lost. We’re barely making it right now. So, in my household, there’s six of us, so whatever you guys give us now is more than enough, you know.

I have a 7-year-old, 5-year-old, a 3-year-old and a 2-year-old,” he said.

Kurian said they are happy to have served 25,000 people Nov. 14 and that sadly there are likely the same number of people and

LOCAL/POLITICS 3

Photo Fair Park First Spectra

North Texas Food Bank and partners gave away meals for 25,000 at Fark Park Nov. 14.

more out there who still need food assistance who did not come in. She encouraged folks to follow the NTFB on social media and said those in need of regular assistance can find a food pantry near them by going to ntfb.org/ agencies or find out when a food truck will be in their area by going to ntfb.org/MobilePantry.

“Every Sunday night we post the schedule where our trucks will be during that week so you can see if they’ll be in your area,” she said.

NTFB partners with stores such as Kroger, Walmart and Target and growers in the Texas Valley and Feeding America, which brokers contacts for them on the national level.

“Every dollar you donate helps the food bank create three healthy meals for people in need. So, we really stretch your donations as far as they can possibly go and then 95% of our resources go directly into the mission,” she said.

Kurian says individuals and businesses interested in donating to NTFB can do so in multiple ways. They can give online at ntfp.org/, drop off healthy food such as peanut butter, cereal bars and low sodium canned goods at the Perot Campus in Plano at 3677 Maple Shade Lane or they can send items directly from Amazon.com at ntfb.org/wishlist.

government and belief in the protection and national security once offered by government,” he added.

As Trump’s court cases continue to fall by the wayside, he is increasing his efforts to disrupt the outcome of the election through obscure election board certifications. Trump’s appointee, Emily Murphy, who heads the General Services Administration, was required to sign documents to initiate the transition and free up money for Biden’s team to begin the federal agency transition.

“The more government is undermined by those we see as representative of government, the less we trust and seek solutions in the public arena,” Sandoval said.

Candidates who have lost the presidential race have historically conceded and paid their respects to the winner in a type of sportsmanship and respect for the office designed to uphold a peaceful transition of power, which is seen as a cornerstone of democracy. It has also been a tradition for the outgoing first lady and incoming first lady to sit down and have tea together.

“Without public trust, government is seen less as a protector of rights and liberty and equality for all and more and more as ineffective,” Sandoval said.

The rift between the two parties and their supporters has prompted demonstrations across the country and, while Trump’s strategy

may play well to his supporters, it’s not doing well in court.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann, a Republican and Federalist Society member in Pennsylvania, compared the Trump campaign’s legal arguments to “Frankenstein’s Monster,” concluding no proof of corruption, according to AP. Democrats were quick to remind the Republican Party that when Trump won the 2016 presidential election and Hillary Clinton’s team claimed cheating was involved, many Republicans called the Democrats “sore losers.” Yet, Clinton publicly conceded and, in doing so, paid her respects to Trump and encouraged the American citizens to accept him as president of the United States.

Trump’s attempts to sow doubt about the vote may just be an attempt to forestall the inevitable. Dec. 8 is the deadline to resolve election disputes at the state level. On Dec. 14, electors cast their ballots for president and vice president with most states requiring electors to support the majority vote in their respective states.

Meanwhile, Biden is building out his administration. According to AP, he has selected six foreign policy veterans, including former Secretary of State John Kerry, for top national security positions signaling the return of a “more traditional approach” to international relations.

Photo The Associated Press

Biden attends a briefing in Delaware on Nov. 17.

Reagan Davis Staff Writer President-elect Joe Biden is the “apparent winner” of the Nov. 3 election. The General Services Administration made the announcement Nov. 23, one day short of the three week mark since the general election on Nov. 3. The declaration clears the way for Biden’s team to coordinate with federal agencies and begin the transition process from President Donald Trump’s administration to the Biden

administration, prior to Biden’s inauguration Jan. 20.

Yet Trump, who has refused to concede the election, said in a tweet following the announcement that his team will continue to fight. Lawsuits filed in four states claiming wide-spread voter fraud have been dismissed due to baseless accusations, according to the Associated Press, as Trump continued to ask for additional recounts when results show President-elect Joe Biden had won the race.

United States citizens remained restless weeks after anxiously watching Trump and Biden race neck-and-neck for the title of president. In the end, Biden tallied 306 Electoral College votes to 232 for Trump. The election marked a historic turnout with 65% of all eligible voters casting ballots. After the election, tensions between the two parties and their supporters was expected to diffuse, but the ferocity between the two was stoked by Trump’s accusations and misinformation that failed repeatedly to hold up in court.

“The fragmentation of America which has been slowly occurring since the initial formation of the United States has accelerated due to many reasons. The COVID19 pandemic has also increased national anxiety and a sense that a former way of life is in increased danger,” said Dr. Ray Sandoval, Richland government professor.

“We have lost and are losing trust in

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President-elect Biden promises normalcy

4 ENTERTAINMENT

November 24, 2020

‘Enola Holmes’ leaves Netflix viewers smiling Ricky Miller

Entertainment Editor Any movie that can make you smile when just thinking about it receives high marks in my book. Such is the case with the Netflixproduced “Enola Holmes,” which traces the Sherlock Holmes family lineage to a younger sister, Enola (Millie Bobby Brown of “Stranger Things,” “Godzilla: King of the Monsters”) who has a penchant for solving mysteries and the like.

Throw in Helena Bonham Carter (“A Room With a View, “The King’s Speech”) as a delightfully quirky mama who disappears one day out of the blue and the mystery’s afoot.

“Enola Holmes” takes place in the late 19th century, so there are no references to modern technology for the kids.

Just so readers know, when the letters in Enola’s are reversed, they spell “alone,” hence part of the gimmick of the title.

That is another plus to this story, since the family has a lot of letters to be rearranged as clues in their home. Think of a bunch of Scrabble pieces that are strewn about in the living room.

There is also a lot of fourth wall breaking, since Enola talks directly to the viewer about

her situation and predicaments. She even mentions that she doesn’t know how to embroiderer, something most teen girls in that time period were taught when they were young.

Early on in the story, she even goes to meet brother Sherlock (Henry Cavill, “Man of Steel”) and Mycroft (Sam Claflin, “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “Me Before You”) at the train station to rendezvous for the latest aforementioned predicament. Enola does not wear gloves or a hat because the hat makes her head itch.

Harry Bradbeer directs. He recently won an Emmy award for his work on “Fleabag,” a British TV series that also does a lot of fourth wall breaking. “Fleabag” co-creator and lead Phoebe Waller-Bridge has a wit and sense that makes her character very watchable. It’s kind of like what Brown does here.

Part of what occurs in the plot is a lot of nonsense in that her older brothers want to make Enola something she is not. Both Sherlock and Mycroft think they will do better for her if she follows the straight and narrow.

Both try to get her to assimilate into modern society.

A sardonic tone and stride are present

Millie Bobby Brown plays the title character in “Enola Holmes.”

throughout her character’s viewing of the world. Life should be a place to just enjoy oneself regardless of the events that occur.

I am not sure how this thing is doing ratings

Photo Courtesy IMDb

wise on Netflix, but I would like to see further incarnations of this tale. It is a universe all unto itself.

Grade: A

Remembering Alex Trebek Ricky Miller

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Entertainment Editor

Alex Trebek poses for a photo in his Los Angeles home on Aug. 3, 1988.

“The Ice Storm” (1997) – Katie Holmes makes a supporting turn in her movie debut, a gritty, sliceof-life tale about families getting together in New Canaan, Connecticut circa 1973. The all-star cast includes Oscar-winner Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sig our ney Weaver, Christina Ricci and ATobey Maguire.

Photo The Associated Press

Alex Trebek’s place in television history was never in jeopardy. It was “Jeopardy!”

The highly respected host of the ultimate game show in which the answers were questions died Nov. 8 from complications of pancreatic cancer. He was 80.

At the time of his death, Trebek had hosted “Jeopardy!” for 37 years. He recorded the remaining shows for the 2020 season before he died.

Trebek always wanted to be an actor and he had that chance, starring as himself in numerous productions ranging from “Cheers” to “The X-Files.”

As of press time, “Jeopardy!” recordholding former contestant Ken Jennings will

“A Wrinkle in Time” (2018) – This update comes from the fictional book of the same name. This bigbudget epic was produced

by Oprah Winfrey under the direction of Ava DuVernay.

Although not a true turkey day flick, it has all the touches of a family film. It made me cry, as well.

B-

“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987) – Many people, my Dad Rich included, find this tale about mismatched travelers played by Steve Martin and the late John Candy on the road to a Chicago suburb enjoyable. Directed by John Hughes, it reeks of such oversentimentality it would put one in a diabetic C coma.

host the first series of shows on an interim basis. He still holds the all-time streak with 74 consecutive wins and was given the title the “Greatest of All Time.”

Trebek’s legacy will undoubtedly leave fans wondering what to do with the time they spent watching the daily appearance of a TV game show hosted by a man who many saw as an icon and kindred spirit. Trebek is survived by his wife Jean.

On a related note, November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. It’s the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., according to The Associated Press. The disease has received more attention in recent months due to the prominent individuals who have died as a result of the disease including Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Rep. John Lewis.

“Pieces of April” (2003) – Katie Holmes is an estranged daughter who invites her entire family over to her New York City apartment. Oliver Platt is the dad with an Oscarnominated Patricia Clarkson as mom Joy Burns.

With Derek Luke, Alison Pill and Alice Drummond.

“A Char lie Br own Thanksgiving” (1973) – Snoopy plans a Thanksgiving feast that turns off his peers, especially Lucy who complains about everything. This one, however has a twist that makes you smile.

B-

A-

-Ricky Miller

November 24, 2020

CAMPUS 5

Dallas College celebrates the Yee Peng festival at home Ritchie Manalastas Staff Writer

The Yee Peng Festival (also known as Yi Peng) is a Buddhist tradition held in Northern Thailand near the city of Chiang Mai. It’s an annual sky lantern festival where people release paper lanterns (made from rice paper) called khom loi (meaning floating lantern) into the night sky— sort of like a hot air balloon.

Aysha Rodriguez demonstrated how to make a paper lantern using paper, scissors and a small paper candle to celebrate the Yee Peng Lantern Festival on Nov. 4. The event was held virtually by the Campus Activities Board of Dallas College’s Brookhaven Campus on Instagram Live.

Some may recall the event featured in the Disney movie “Tangled” where they release the paper lanterns into the sky.

The release of these lanterns symbolizes the letting go of the misfortunes of the previous year and bringing forth good fortune in the year ahead. Wishes can be written on the khom loi or murmured as you release the lantern.

“If your lantern disappears into the darkness before the candle burns out, it is said that you will have extremely good luck that year. If it crashes while still lit, you may have bad luck all year long,” Rodriguez said.

Yee Peng is celebrated every year on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, which is November. This year

Paper lanterns are released into the air during the Yee Peng festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

it took place on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Deeply rooted in Buddhism, the festival is believed to have originated in India and was inspired by the story of how a candle-carrying bird flew around Buddha to speak with him about merit and good luck. It’s a story told this time of the year when the moon appears at its fullest and brightest.

Street vendors and local shops in Thailand sell khom loi prior to the festival. Besides the release of these lanterns, there are plenty

of activities that happen throughout Chiang Mai, including worship rituals, decoration contests, bazaars, live music, dance shows and food vendors. According to AsiaHighlights. com, the official Yee Peng Parade takes place around the Old City gate and down Tha Phae Road.

The Yee Peng Festival coincides with the Loi Krathong Festival which is celebrated all across Thailand. In Thai, loy means to float while krathong means a small container and

Photo courtesy bonvoyagethailand.com

refers to a piece of banana trunk decorated with flowers, banana leaves, candle and incense sticks.

According to AsiaHighlights.com, the festivals occur on the same day but there’s a major difference: Yee Peng is celebrated primarily in the northern region of Thailand and involves khom loi lanterns being released into the sky. Elsewhere in Thailand, krathong lanterns are floated on rivers and lakes as part of the Loi Krathong Festival.

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6 CAMPUS

November 24, 2020

Photo Illustration Andrea Piacquadio

Devices are available on loan for Dallas College students without access.

Technology loan program supports student success Isjina Luckett Staff Writer

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused schools across the U.S. to switch to remote learning, but with remote learning comes the need for technology resources. Dallas College is working to meet the needs of students who have limited access to technology through a device loan program. The application for

VIEWPOINTS

Daphne Earnest

RichlandStudentMedia.com

Graphic Design Major

“Traditionally we would gather for Thanksgiving at my grandparents house in Ennis, however, this is the first year in a lifetime that our family will be joining together in Dallas at my parents home. We discussed having everyone check their temperatures prior to arriving and we asked them to wear masks in the house anytime they aren’t eating. I also volunteered to put on my mask and wear gloves and have everyone come up one at a time to allow me to prepare their plates with the foods they want, and then to make sure everyone has a cup with their name on it. Then we will be seating each family set together in the same area, separated several feet from other family sets. We made sure to keep it under 15 family members, including kids. We took the time to wipe down the house this week in preparation and plan to wipe everything down after, as well as provide antibacterial soap, sanitizer, and disposable masks for anyone who might forget theirs. I don’t imagine this year we will all be staying together very long, certainly not

laptops and hot spots is currently open for the spring semester.

“To address the access to technology, we have a device loan program for laptops and hot spots,” said Dr. Beatriz Joseph, vice chancellor of student success at a Dallas College town hall meeting Nov. 19. She urged students in need of technology to fill out an application on the virtual student resource page.

“The intent is to let you know, yes, you will

have one. You can pick it up in the beginning of the spring term. So we are addressing that technology need there,” Joseph said.

The need for devices exceeded expectations for the fall semester with 252 applications received the first day.

Representatives with the Dallas College Student Success program said they had to close the application period immediately during the fall semester when it became apparent they would not be able to meet student needs.

Dallas College has since expanded the program with the purchase of an additional 1,400 laptops and 700 hot spots to help students in need continue their education She added that the departments of learning, student success, academic and workforce are working with students to be ready by the first day of class.

“Our intent is to make sure students are familiar with how to navigate an online class, to show them how to login and access information on eCampus so they know how to get their course syllabus and how to contact their instructor,” Joseph said, acknowledging that not all students know how to navigate the online environment.

“So, this Day 1 effort is to ensure that we address that challenge that students are facing, so there will be more information coming out.

But we are cognizant of the challenge and are addressing it in this way,” she said.

Students must be enrolled in at least one credit hour at Dallas College to receive a device.

Applications will be accepted through Jan. 11, 2021. For more information, visit https://dcccd. academicworks.com/opportunities/9475.

Nadia Jojola

Technical Theatre Major

as long as we once did. My family traditionally gets together early in the morning to start cooking together, we watch the parade and football game, then eat a big meal and spend the rest of the day together till we are sick of one another haha.”

Persephone Hernandez Communications Major

This year I’m hoping to have a small Friendsgiving at my new apartment and see my immediate family!

Even though there is a pandemic happening as we speak, my friends and I need a reminder to be thankful for what we do have in this crazy time. Since moving out with my significant other, I have been also been pretty homesick from my parents and paired with quarantine, my mental health hasn’t been the greatest. I would love to take Thanksgiving as an opportunity to be with my family again even if there are cases rising.

In my opinion, as long as we wear masks and try out best to stay social distanced, there shouldn’t be too much of a risk involved!

“With COVID, it’s sort of affecting my Thanksgiving plans mostly by not being able to see both sides of my family and the fact that like you know it’s keeping it small and basic. It’s not even big like how it usually is. COVID you know just affected everything. I mean I don’t even know how Christmas is going to go down.

We can still get gifts for everyone but I can’t guarantee we’re all going to see each other you know because that second wave is coming in and things can change and by the time we know it’s a year of COVID.”

Betzabeth Loya

Political Science Major

“My family and I will do a normal Thanksgiving holiday, meaning I will attend Thanksgiving at my in-laws and maybe celebrate with my family and extended family later the same day.

I haven’t really thought about why I want to push forward with my plans but I think with such a strange year, we deserve some sense of normalcy.”

CHRONICLE Richland

STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Design Editor Entertainment Editor Online/Special Projects Online/Special Projects

Dara Jones Angela Ly Barbara Gandica Martinez Ricky Miller Damon Craig Ryan Bingham Duff

ON THE COVER Miles of cars line up outside of Fair Park to receive free food for Thanksgiving Nov.14.

Photo courtesy: Fair Park First Spectra

BACK COVER Richland Chronicle staff and advisors Photos Illustration: Dara Jones

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November 24, 2020

SPORTS 7

Cowboys and Mavericks back on track

Photo The Associated Press

Jalen Jordan Sports Writer

The 2020 Dallas Cowboys season has been far from normal. Losing their starting quarterback Dak Prescott for the season with a gruesome leg injury, their backup quarterback Andy Dalton took a tough shot to the head and then suffered a bout of COVID-19. He was out for two weeks. With two quarterbacks injured, the third string had a poor performance which led to the fourth string playing.

The most unusual things that happen in the NFL happen to the Cowboys.

Throughout the team’s quarterback struggles, and even the coach getting hot sauce in his eye during a press conference, the Cowboys still have a good change to make a playoffs push. Dalton had a stellar performance Nov. 22 completing 22 throws out of 32 attempts, throwing for 69% and 203 yards with three touchdowns. One of those touchdowns was caught by rookie wide receiver CeeDee Lamb who made an amazing acrobatic catch. The Cowboys won 31-28 making them 3-7 and, most important of all, second in the division under the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Cowboys play on Thanksgiving Day against the Washington Football Team who are also in their division and 3-7 as well. The

Cowboys know the stakes are high this week.

“We’ve been putting in the work and showing signs that we’ve become a better football team,” linebacker Sean Lee told The Associated Press. “To rally the way we did come down the stretch was incredible.”

Coach Mike McCarthy chimed in about his journey during his first year as the Cowboys head coach and the faith he has in this team.

“This will be our first opportunity really to stack the steps,” McCarthy said. “It took us a little longer to get here today. I clearly think the journey will make us stronger. We need to do something about this win. It needs to mean something.”

On Nov. 24, Cowboys strength and conditioning coordinator Markus Paul was taken to the hospital for further tests after medical emergency. The Cowboys cancelled practice for safety reasons, although there was no COVID-19 safety protocol involved. Markus Paul is a former NFL safety who played for the Chicago Bears (1989-93) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1993). He is in his third season with the Dallas Cowboys staff, after previously being a strength and conditional coach with the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, New York Jets and New York Giants.

Dallas Mavericks find new pieces of the team puzzle at the NBA draft The success of the Dallas Mavericks this

season has been anything but strange. By drafting Luka Dončić two years ago and trading for Kristaps Porzingis a year ago, the organization is slowly beginning to create a blueprint for success. The Mavericks ended the season with a 43-32 record and seventh in a tough Western Conference.

To add to the team resume, Dončić was an MVP contender and NBA All-Star this season.

In the first round of the playoffs, the Mavericks faced the No. 2 team in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Clippers. Although the Mavericks put up a great fight against a wellcoached Clippers team they lost the best of seven series 4-2.

Having an MVP caliber player and one of the best centers in the league, the Mavericks are just a few pieces away from being the best team in the NBA. Those pieces may have been found on Nov. 18, the day of the 2020 NBA draft.

The draft is perfect opportunity for every team, whether they’re looking for the next star or filling in the missing pieces of their team puzzle, as they work their way to success.

The first player the Mavericks drafted was Sydney, Australia’s Josh Green, a 6-foot-6inch shooting guard from the University of Arizona.

“We’re looking for a guy that can potentially be a rotation player for us,” said Coach

Rick Carlisle in a statement on the Mavericks’ website. “We think that because of his experience and because of his background and the type of person he is, that he has the opportunity to compete at that level.”

With the Mavericks being 21st in defensive efficiency, drafting one of the best defenders in college basketball was a great addition to the team puzzle. The second player the team drafted was a point guard from Stanford, Tyrell Terry. He’s another great addition to this young Maverick team and a good complement to Dončić. In 2019, Dončić averaged six assists per game. He improved to nine assists per game in 2020.

The addition of Terry, who shot 41% from the 3-point line in college, will help Luka improve in assists. The Maverick’s third and final pick was Tyler Bey, a 6-foot-7-inch “small” forward who was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year at the University of Colorado.

The Mavericks emphasized defense and young players at this year’s draft to surround Dončić and take the Dallas Mavericks to the next level.

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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) catches a second-quarter touchdown pass over Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Gladney (20) in Minneapolis, Nov. 22.

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November 24, 2020

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