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THE BORDER
WAR ON DRUGS
Government mum on immigrants
Stunning surge Cheap, plentiful heroin floods the Houston area, shocking state, federal authorities
Administration won’t say how many immigrants have been released in US By ALICIA A. CALDWELL ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is releasing inside the United States some immigrants who have crossed illegally into the country amid a surge in traffic across the Mexican border in southern Texas. But how many remains a mystery because the government won’t disclose the num-
ber. The Homeland Security Department started flying immigrants to Arizona from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas last month after the number of immigrants, including more than 48,000 children traveling on their own, overwhelmed the Border Patrol there. U.S. Immigrations and Cus-
See IMMIGRATION PAGE 9A
By DANE SCHILLER HOUSTON CHRONICLE
The flow of heroin from Mexico to Houston is surging wildly as federal agents, state troopers and police report a 500 percent increase in the amount of the opiate seized in the city and region during the past year. So much of the drug was confiscated in a 17-county area that includes Houston and swaths of the Texas Gulf Coast that it would conservatively be enough for 3 million doses, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
“I don’t think we could use that much in a year,” said Steve Whipple, assistant special agent in charge of the DEA’s Houston Division, which stretches from here to the Rio Grande. “They are shipping it to places where they can make more money, where there is more robust demand.” In large part because heroin has become cheaper and more plentiful, it has gained a foothold with a new generation of users in the U.S. The drug seized widespread attention in February after the fatal overdose of actor Philip Seymour
Hoffman. In Harris County, deaths attributed to heroin also have greatly increased, with 49 last year. That is up from 32 in 2012, according to the medical examiner’s office. There have already been 19 this year. Among the pressing questions authorities have is how much of the drug was to have been used in Houston instead of being sent to other parts of the U.S. where it is more popular, according to a new federal report that includes seizure
See HEROIN
PAGE 9A
WORLD WAR II
ECONOMY
D-DAY’S FALLEN HONORED
Jobs added at fast pace in US By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Claude Paris | AP
A group of military re-enactors walk from a World War II barge to the beach at Arromanches, France, on Friday as part of D-Day commemorations. World leaders and veterans gathered at the beaches of Normandy on Friday to mark the 70th anniversary of World War Two’s invasion of Europe.
Vets present for event’s 70th anniversary By GREG KELLER AND ELAINE GANLEY ASSOCIATED PRESS
C
OLLEVILLE-SURMER, France — It was a day of pride, remembrance and honors for those who waded through blood-tinged waves, climbed razor-sharp cliffs or fell from the skies, staring down death or dying in an invasion that portended the fall of the Third
Reich and the end of World War II. It was also a day of high diplomacy for a Europe not completely at peace. After 70 years, a dwindling number of veterans, civilian survivors of the brutal battle for Normandy, and 19 world leaders and monarchs celebrated on Friday the sacrifices of D-Day, an assault never matched for its size, planning
and derring-do. The events spread across the beaches and lush farmlands of Normandy, in western France, had an added sense of urgency this year: It would be the last grand commemoration for many of the veterans, whether they relived the anniversary at home in silence or were among the some 1,000 who crossed continents to be present despite their frail age.
For President Barack Obama, transmitting the memory of their “longest day” means keeping intact the values that veterans fought and died for. “When the war was won, we claimed no spoils of victory — we helped Europe rebuild,” Obama said in a speech at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. It is the site where 9,387 fallen soldiers rest
See D-DAY PAGE 10A
Photo by Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press | AP
Photo by Fred Chartrand/The Canadian Press | AP
Prince Charles salutes during a bi-national ceremony of remembrance marking the 70th anniversary of D-Day at Juno beach in Courseulles-sur-Mer, France, on Friday.
Veterans prepare to be photographed in front of a vintage World War II Hawker Typhoon aircraft during a ceremony in Ottawa, on Friday, marking the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
WASHINGTON — For the first time since 1999, American employers have added more than 200,000 jobs a month for four straight months, offering more evidence that the U.S. economy is steadily growing while much of Europe and Asia struggle. Last month’s gain of 217,000 jobs means the economy has finally recovered all the jobs lost to the Great Recession. And it coincides with indications that American consumers have grown more confident. Auto sales have surged. Manufacturers and service companies are expanding. “I don’t think we have a boom, but we have a good economy growing at about 3 percent,” said John Silvia, chief economist at Wells Fargo. “We’re pulling away from the rest of the world.” Still, Friday’s report from the Labor Department showed that pay remains subpar for many workers, millions who want fulltime work are still stuck in parttime jobs and the number of people out of work for more than six months remains historically high. Monthly job growth has averaged 234,000 for the past three months, up sharply from 150,000 in the previous three. The unemployment rate, which is derived from a separate survey, matched April’s 6.3 percent, the lowest in more than five years. Investors seemed pleased. The Dow Jones industrial average closed up 88 points. Though the economy has regained the nearly 9 million jobs lost to the recession, more hiring is needed, because the workingage U.S. population has grown nearly 7 percent since the recession began. Economists at the liberal Economic Policy Institute estimate that 7 million more jobs would have been needed to keep up with population growth. In addition, average wages have grown only about 2 percent a year since the recession ended, well below the long-run average
See ECONOMY
PAGE 10A
PAGE 2A
Zin brief CALENDAR
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014
AROUND TEXAS
TODAY IN HISTORY
Saturday, June 7
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Used book sale, hosted by First United Methodist Church. 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 1220 McClelland Ave. Hardback books are $1, paperback books 50 cents, and magazines and children’s books 25 cents. Computer genealogy workshop by Villa San Agustin de Laredo Genealogical Society. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Church of Latter Day Saints. Members only. Bring laptops. Call Sanjuanita MartinezHunter at 722-3497. TAMIU Planetarium shows “The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” 2 p.m.; “Earth, Moon and Sun” 3 p.m.; “Wonders of the Universe” 4 p.m.; and “Pink Floyd’s The Wall” 5 p.m. General admission $4 children and $5 adults. Premium shows $1 more.
Today is Saturday, June 7, the 158th day of 2014. There are 207 days left in the year. Today’s Highlights in History: On June 7, 1939, King George VI and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, arrived at Niagara Falls, New York, from Canada on the first visit to the United States by a reigning British monarch. On this date: In 1654, King Louis XIV, age 15, was crowned in Rheims, 11 years after the start of his reign. In 1769, frontiersman Daniel Boone first began to explore present-day Kentucky. In 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia offered a resolution to the Continental Congress stating “That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.” In 1892, Homer Plessy, a “Creole of color,” was fined for refusing to leave a whites-only car of the East Louisiana Railroad. (Ruling on his case, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld “separate but equal” racial segregation, which it overturned in 1954.) In 1929, the sovereign state of Vatican City came into existence as copies of the Lateran Treaty were exchanged in Rome. In 1942, the World War II Battle of Midway ended in a decisive victory for American forces over the Imperial Japanese. In 1972, the musical “Grease” opened on Broadway, having already been performed in lower Manhattan. In 1984, the occult comedy “Ghostbusters,” released by Columbia Pictures, had its world premiere in Westwood, California. In 1998, in a crime that shocked the nation, James Byrd Jr., a 49-year-old black man, was hooked by a chain to a pickup truck and dragged to his death in Jasper, Texas. (Two white men were later sentenced to death; one of them, Lawrence Russell Brewer, was executed in 2011. A third defendant received life with the possibility of parole.) Ten years ago: A steady, near-silent stream of people circled through the rotunda of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, where the body of the nation’s 40th president lay in repose before traveling to Washington two days later for a state funeral. Five years ago: The British musical “Billy Elliot” won 10 Tony Awards, including best musical and a unique best actor prize for the three young performers who shared the title character: David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish. One year ago: President Obama opened a two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Rancho Mirage, California. Today’s Birthdays: Movie director James Ivory is 86. Former Canadian Prime Minister John Turner is 85. Actress Virginia McKenna is 83. Singer Tom Jones is 74. Poet Nikki Giovanni is 71. Actor Ken Osmond (“Leave It to Beaver”) is 71. Former talk show host Jenny Jones is 68. Thought for Today: “The history of the world shows that when a mean thing was done, man did it; when a good thing was done, man did it.” — Robert G. Ingersoll, American lawyer and statesman (1833-1899).
Sunday, June 8 Mexico Lindo 2014. 3 p.m. Laredo Little Theatre. Gabriela MendozaGarcia Ballet Folklorico to perform folkloric dances of Mexico. Children and adult company members to perform from states of Nuevo Leon, Jalisco, Veracruz and Sinaloa. $10 admission adults and $5 children 12 and under. Tickets purchased at door or by calling 725-1832.
Tuesday, June 10 “The Calling” series of Bible talks. 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Laredo Church of Christ Chapel, 1505 Calle del Norte, Suite 340. Contact Miguel Zuñiga at 286-9631 or mglzuñiga@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, June 11 1964 Zapata High School Class 50th reunion. Dinner at The Steak House on Wednesday, June 25. Call Dora Martinez at 324-1226 or Ninfa Gracia at 500-5219.
Thursday, June 12 Grief support group. Noon to 1:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 1220 McClelland Ave. Free and open to public. Contact Patricia Cisneros at 722-1674 or pcisneros@mhm.org. Los Amigos Duplicate Bridge Club. 1:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Laredo Country Club. Call Beverly Cantu at 7270589.
Friday, June 13 Registration for 3rd Annual 5k Run, Walk & Roll for Rehab. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Academy Sports & Outdoors at San Bernardo Avenue. $15 adults and $10 Kid’s ½ Mile Run (10 and under). Call 722-2431.
Saturday, June 14 1964 Zapata High School Class 50th reunion. Dinner at The Steak House on Wednesday, June 25. Call Dora Martinez at 324-1226 or Ninfa Gracia at 500-5219.
Tuesday, June 17 “The Calling” series of Bible talks. 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Laredo Church of Christ Chapel, 1505 Calle del Norte, Suite 340. Contact Miguel Zuñiga at 286-9631 or mglzuñiga@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, June 18 1964 Zapata High School Class 50th reunion. Dinner at The Steak House on Wednesday, June 25. Call Dora Martinez at 324-1226 or Ninfa Gracia at 500-5219.
Photo by Charlie Neibergall | AP
Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks to reporters following a fundraising breakfast for Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, on Thursday, May 29, in Ames, Iowa. A special prosecutor said Friday that he does not plan to call Perry to testify before a grand jury investigating whether he abused his power by vetoing funding for public corruption prosecutors.
Investigation underway By NOMAAN MERCHANT ASSOCIATED PRESS
AUSTIN — A special prosecutor said Friday that he does not plan to call Texas Gov. Rick Perry to testify before a grand jury investigating whether he abused his power by vetoing funding for public corruption prosecutors. Michael McCrum spoke to reporters Friday in Austin before the expected meeting of a grand jury investigating Perry’s veto last year of $7.5 million in funding, which he tied publicly to the resignation of Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg. “There’s no plans for that at this point,” McCrum said. McCrum has said he had specific concerns about Perry’s conduct but declined to specify them. He wouldn’t say Friday why he didn’t plan to have Perry testify or how long the
Couple killed when their 2 vehicles collide
More gauges set up along Austin-area creek
More than 2 dozen nabbed in West Texas meth sweep
ODELL — A North Texas husband and wife have died when their vehicles collided head-on near where both work. The Texas Department of Public Safety says the crash happened around midmorning Wednesday 3 miles west of Odell (oh-DEL’). DPS identified the victims as 31-year-old Nicolas Cruz and 26year-old Kristina Muñoz.
AUSTIN — Crews with a federal agency that helps monitor water levels have begun installing replacement gauges following deadly flooding last fall in Central Texas. KXAN-TV in Austin reports U.S. Geological Survey crews on Thursday set up a sturdier gauge in San Leanna. Agency geologist Joe Capesius says the original Twin Creeks gauge was installed not to withstand massive flows.
MIDLAND — More than two dozen suspects have been nabbed in a crackdown on a West Texasbased methamphetamine ring linked to California and Nevada. Prosecutors in Midland say 29 people arrested Thursday or already in custody face federal or state charges. Authorities are seeking nine more suspects.
Retail gasoline prices hold steady across state
AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry and the leaders of five other states are asking President Barack Obama to issue federal vouchers to veterans allowing them to go outside Veterans Affairs to receive quicker care. Veterans would get a voucher if they’re unable to get an appointment in within 30 days. The governors also ask that state inspectors be allowed to review VA facilities and practices. — Compiled from AP reports
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi to use drones for mapping CORPUS CHRISTI — Some graduate students at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi will get high-flying mapping experience without leaving the ground. The school on Thursday announced Federal Aviation Administration approval to fly drones to map the campus infrastructure. The data will be used to help create 3-D models and monitor shoreline change.
Saturday, June 21 1964 Zapata High School Class 50th reunion. Dinner at The Steak House on Wednesday, June 25. Call Dora Martinez at 324-1226 or Ninfa Gracia at 500-5219. Submit calendar items at lmtonline.com/calendar/submit or by emailing editorial@lmtonline.com with the event’s name, date and time, location and purpose and contact information.
IRVING — Retail gasoline prices across Texas have held steady this week. AAA Texas on Thursday reported the average price at the pump stands at $3.46 per gallon. The travel association survey found Amarillo has the cheapest gasoline statewide at $3.36 per gallon.
Perry, other govs seek vouchers for veterans
AROUND THE NATION
Thursday, June 19 Grief support group. Noon to 1:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 1220 McClelland Ave. Free and open to public. Contact Patricia Cisneros at 722-1674 or pcisneros@mhm.org. Los Amigos Duplicate Bridge Club. 1:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Laredo Country Club. Call Beverly Cantu at 7270589. J.W. Nixon’s Class of 1989 selling tickets for 25th reunion. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 317 E. Calton Road #1. $25 per person for event on Friday, July 25 at Life Fair, Branding Iron; $25 per person for event on Saturday, July 26 at Embassy Suites.
grand jury would take. Perry said Lehmberg should resign after she was arrested and plead guilty to drunken driving in April 2013. A video recording made at the jail showed Lehmberg shouting at staffers to call the sheriff, kicking the door of her cell and sticking her tongue out at deputies. Lehmberg served about half of her 45-day jail sentence but stayed in office, despite Perry’s assertions that her behavior was inappropriate. Perry eventually carried out his threat to veto the money. No one disputes that he is allowed to veto measures approved by the Legislature, including portions or all of the state budget. But the governor has been accused of coercion since he threatened to use his veto before actually doing so in an attempt to pressure Lehmberg to quit.
Colorado makes solitary confinement limits law DENVER — Inmates with serious mental illnesses won’t be placed in solitary confinement in Colorado under a new law. The bill Gov. John Hickenlooper signed Friday prohibits the state Department of Corrections from putting mentally ill inmates in long-term solitary confinement, unless there are exigent circumstances. The legislation aligns with what the agency already was working on.
USGS releases video from polar bear camera ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The U.S. Geological Survey has released a clip of the first video shot from the neck of a polar bear on Arctic sea ice. Scientists in April placed cameras on four females roaming Beaufort (BOH’-fort) Sea ice
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A lion cub nuzzles up to its mother, 4 ½-year-old Kashifa, rear, while she keeps an eye on her five cubs, Thursday, as Zoo Miami officially introduces the family to the public, in Miami. north of Alaska’s Prudhoe (PROOD’-oh) Bay. The cameras are part of a study led by research biologist Anthony Pagano to understand how polar bears respond to loss of sea ice from climate warming. The clip shows a bear entering
the icy ocean waters, trying to eat a frozen seal and interacting with a male. Pagano says the information will help scientists understand the bears’ nutritional demands and energy expenditure. — Compiled from AP reports
SUBSCRIPTIONS/DELIVERY (956) 728-2555 The Zapata Times is distributed on Saturdays to 4,000 households in Zapata County. For subscribers of the Laredo Morning Times and for those who buy the Laredo Morning Times at newsstands, the Zapata Times is inserted. The Zapata Times is free. The Zapata Times is published by the Laredo Morning Times, a division of The Hearst Corporation, P.O. Box 2129, Laredo, Texas 78044. Phone (956) 728-2500. The Zapata office is at 1309 N. U.S. Hwy. 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2, Zapata, TX 78076. Call (956) 765-5113 or e-mail thezapatatimes.net
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014
THE ZAPATA TIMES 3A
Fracking, gas in water linked By BRETT SHIPP THE TEXAS TRIBUNE
For the past two years, Parker County residents have shared stories about flames shooting from water wells where dangerous levels of methane gas somehow found its way into the water supply. While Barnett Shale gas producers deny any connection to their operations, a pair of scientists are now disputing that. They say test results just released by state regulators provide concrete evidence linking fracking and groundwater contamination. Parker County resident Steve Lipsky first noticed it in 2010. He said his well water was becoming contaminated with increasing levels of methane gas. He added that once he vented his well, natural gas would come streaming out. He illustrates the volume of gas by lighting the vent on fire at night. Today, the contamination has become so bad, he says, even his well water ignites. “Oh, it’s getting worse,” Lipsky said. “That’s what I’m trying to tell you.” Last summer, Lipsky filed a complaint with state oil and gas regulators at the Texas Railroad Commission. Field agents and technicians came out and conducted tests, measuring the amount of gas in his well and determining where the gas was coming from. Those tests have now been conducted and last week, the Texas Railroad Commission issued its official findings. The methane concentration levels in Lipsky’s water is up slightly, the report indicates. It also states that the chemical make-up of the methane was inconclusive as to a specific source of the gas. Specifically, the tests conducted by the state showed Lipsky’s water contained 8.6 milligrams per liter of methane, just under the federal government’s unacceptable limit of 10. But tests recently run by University of Texas at Arlington scientist Zac Hildebrand measured 83 milligrams per liter, the highest methane contami-
Drilling may get restrictions By IVAN MORENO ASSOCIATED PRESS
Screen shot from WFAA television via The Texas Tribune
This screen shot purportedly shows water being set on fire due to the presence of methane gas in the water in Parker County, in North Texas, which scientists have linked to fracking activities in the area. nation level he says he has ever seen. “But what we can say right now is that those are dangerous — that’s a dangerous level,” Hildebrand said. In an e-mail to WFAA-TV last February, Railroad Commission spokeswoman Stacie Fowler said “the Commission is aware of elevated methane concentration levels.” Fowler also said the state’s “sampling and test results were focused on the source of the methane gas” and not on testing methane levels. Lipsky says the Railroad Commission knew its concentration tests were not accurate. “For whatever reason, they do not want to have on their record the true levels that I have,” Lipsky said. So what did the state’s tests reveal about the source of Lipsky’s gas? Test data supplied in the report measured the chemical makeup of both the gas found in Lipsky’s water and from two nearby gas production wells, called the Butler and the Teal. According to the Railroad Commission report, “the evidence is insufficient” to determine if the two samples match. The scientists say the test data in the Railroad Commis-
sion’s report shows the chemical signature — known as the isotopic analysis — of the Barnett Shale gas is 46.52. The chemical signature measurement of the gas in Lipsky’s well is 46.63, an almost identical match. “The methane and ethane numbers from the Butler and Teal production are essentially exactly the same as from Lipsky’s water well,” said Geoffrey Thyne, who reviewed the data for WFAA-TV. Thyne is a former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency geochemist, who know works for ESal, a Wyoming-based firm that contracts with oil producers. “It tells me that the gas is the same, and that the gas in Lipsky’s water well was derived from the Barnett formation,” Thyne said. Bryce Payne, a soil scientist for Pennsylvania-based Gas Safety Inc., also reviewed the data. Payne, who Lipsky had hired to review past data, agreed, saying the gas in Lipsky’s water (referred to in the report as well number 8) is clearly the result of fracking operations. “The gas from well number 8 is coming from the Barnett, and it’s coming nearly straight from the Barnett,” Payne said.
What’s more, both Thyne and Payne say these test results could represent the nation’s first conclusive link between fracking and aquifer contamination. “And what we seem to have here is the first good example that that in fact is happening,” Thyne said. The Railroad Commission’s report leaves open the possibility that the contamination “may be attributed to... natural migration from the shallow Strawn gas formation” located just below the aquifer. Asked about the alleged discrepancies, state officials gave us a statement: “Railroad Commission staff stands behind the conclusions reached in the May 23rd report. We are aware of other ongoing studies in the area, and we welcome the opportunity to review any future reports.” But Lipsky said he will no longer ask state regulators for protection. He said the new evidence is illuminating and overwhelming, and that residents of the Barnett Shale must act now to protect their water. “Unless people get off the couch and vote or do something, who’s going to stop them from continuing doing what they are doing?” Lipsky said.
DENVER — Lawmakers and groups with a stake in oil and gas development in Colorado have a draft bill from the governor’s office that seeks to find a compromise on local control rules — a proposal that could trigger a special session if there’s consensus. The proposal, which comes after months of discussions between the governor’s office and various interest groups, is aimed at trying to stave off more than 10 potential ballot initiatives in November to limit fracking. Democratic Colorado U.S. Rep. Jared Polis is financially backing some of the proposals, and he has agreed to drop his support if the proposed measure passes. The intent of the proposed ballot measures vary, but one of them would allow cities and counties to ban fracking. Energy officials have warned they could have devastating effects on a booming industry. “We’ve reached a place in negotiating local-control issues related to oil and gas development where we are soliciting greater stakeholder input,” Eric Brown, spokesman for Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper, said Friday. “We still need larger support — and particularly bipartisan support — before deciding whether to call a special session.” The draft bill being distributed to lawmakers, oil and gas businesses, environmentalists and the agriculture industry would give local governments more control over setbacks for oil and gas development designed to regulate noise, and they could set moratoriums on drilling. There’s no timeline on when a special session may be called. Getting consensus on the proposal with so many interests involved will be a heavy lift, and the governor’s office acknowledges that it would be difficult to pass the measure if it’s changed. Chad Vorthmann, executive vice president of the Colorado Farm Bureau, said he’s concerned the proposal is too vague. He said it’s unclear in some cases whether counties or cities would have final authority over regulations, and that farmers and ranchers want more certainty. Officials with the governor’s office said they didn’t want to be too prescriptive with a bill.
PAGE 4A
Zopinion
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014
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COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
Perry could be a has-been after GOP convention FORT WORTH — In Charleston, S.C., back in August 2011, Rick Perry, then the GOP’s national flavor du jour, was center stage as he announced what seemed at the time to be a well-orchestrated presidential campaign. Who knew? On the undercard that day as a warm-up act was a little-known, long-shot rookie U.S. Senate candidate who seemed blessed more with the gift of gab than a chance of winning a Texas statewide race. “My prediction,” Ted Cruz told the crowd, “is Rick Perry will win the nomination. And in November 2012, he will defeat Barack Obama.” Wrong and wrong, but now Cruz is right where he wants to be — the U.S. Senate — as he and Perry both gear up for possible 2016 White House bids. And as Cruz’s star power rises, Perry’s seems to be fading, even among his own kind in his own state. Texas GOP Chairman Steve Munisteri expects Cruz to take a big win over Perry and others in the presidential straw poll at the GOP state convention now underway in Fort Worth. Cruz, says Munisteri, is “just so incredibly popular.” That sentiment prevails at this convention, as does a feeling that Perry is in the rearview mirror. The “Thanks Rick” signs that greeted Perry added to the feel of past tense, a feeling Perry tried to fend off with a Texas-isgreat speech that would be suitable for a 2016 presidential bid. A big loss to Cruz in the straw poll here wouldn’t kill that effort, but it would require some explaining. I had trouble finding delegates who voted for Perry in the straw poll, the results of which will be announced today. Richard Dimery of Fort Worth said that Cruz is “the most outspoken against injustice and encroachment on the citizens.” Dimery called himself a supporter of Perry in the past, “to some extent,” but blames Perry for the spread of toll roads and for “the encroachment upon parental authority when he declared unilaterally with the aid of cronies
“
KEN HERMAN
to try to induce girls to take certain medications.” Kailynn Balkum strawvoted for Cruz because “he represents a lot of the values that I support ... and is good at compromising without losing his values.” Balkum, a Rice University student from Williamson County, said Perry “has a couple of (2012 campaign) comments that go over negatively and would affect his candidacy poorly.” Loretta Bedford of San Augustine in East Texas also remembers those comments. She’s backing Cruz and said she backed Perry until his 2012 presidential bid flamed out. “He kind of screwed up,” Bedford said with a laugh. Karen Reynolds of Canyon Lake, holding more Cruz stickers than she could carry, said Perry was lacking in the 2012 debates. “I like him for Texas,” she said. Moments after casting her straw vote, Jeannette Bacon of Floresville, which is southeast of San Antonio, told me it’s a tough choice between Perry and Cruz, but she stuck with Perry. “Gov. Perry is a known commodity,” she said. “I like what he’s done for Texas. Sen. Cruz I respect tremendously and might support him in the future.” It’s a tough choice she might again have to make in 2016 if both men seek the White House. Texas first lady Anita Perry, a key person in her husband’s 2012 presidential bid, sought to fend off any notion that his Thursday speech was a farewell address. “I’m happy to say we’ve both got some tread left on our tires,” she said in introducing him. The question, of course, is whether in 2016 GOP voters around the nation will welcome Cruz as the hot new thing and reject Perry as a retread. Ken Herman is a columnist for the Austin American-Statesman. Email: kherman@statesman.com.
EDITORIAL
Syria’s sham election terrible THE KANSAS CITY STAR
Syrian President Bashar Assad has won a third term in office with 88.7 percent of the vote. Some Syrians celebrated with fireworks and gunfire, while millions of others — displaced across the border, confined to towns blockaded by extremists, living in rebel-held territory — didn’t join the festivities. Nor did the 150,000 people who’ve been killed in Syria’s worsening civil war.
Called ‘grotesque’ The election was an insulting charade — the British Foreign Office called it “a grotesque parody of democracy,” and the United States and many of its allies have issued denunciations. Voting took place only
in areas controlled by Assad, reports of coercion were widespread, and absentee voting in neighboring Lebanon was fraudulent. Many of the Syrians interviewed in Lebanon admitted to voting for Assad because they were afraid of being banned from re-entering Syria. In the Syrian Baathist newspaper al-Thawa, the editorial pages were rife with unthinking, pro-Assad propaganda — one title reads, “Congratulations to the commander and the people” while another excitedly proclaims, “This is Syria!” What a reminder. This “election” is worse than a travesty. It’s a degrading confirmation of Assad’s dogged commitment to suppressing and slaughtering the people of Syria. It’s a reminder that he isn’t going anywhere.
COLUMN
Turkey is at a crossroads By LLEWELLYN KING HEARST NEWSPAPERS
ANKARA, Turkey — It is easy to get swept up on a magic carpet when looking at Turkey. It is a stunning place for the visitor: hundreds of Greco-Roman sites, incredible ruins going back to when man first tried to do things standing up. In the South, the Mediterranean is as clear as when Homer fantasized about it. But politically, the country is poised for seismic shock. The elites that have held sway on and off since the creation of the modern Turkish state in 1923, under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, are worried. Israel is worried and so is the United States. All of the angst can be summed up by a simple question: Whither Turkey? Is it to remain a model Islamist democracy, or is it to feel the pull of Islam and go to a place where the West will fear it, and its own ruling class will become a disenfranchised minority, as happened in Iran? Will Turkey, with NATO’s second-largest army, continue to be a stable American friend in an unstable part of the world? In Ankara and Istanbul, these questions are everywhere and are spilling into the streets with sometimes violent demonstrations. There was an outbreak of street protest in central Istanbul last week, but the police put it down with tear gas and
water cannons fairly effortlessly. The world might not have noticed the event if CNN international correspondent Ivan Watson had not been harassed by Turkish plainclothes police as he was live on air. Most of the talk about Turkey’s future centers on one controversial, enigmatic man: Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He is the leader of the Justice and Development Party and the prime minister. Turks love to love him, and love to hate him. To some, Erdogan has regained for Turkey a sense of its national Islamic identity. He has built public works and fueled an infrastructure boom that extends to the far corners of the country and has affected, in some way, all of its 74-plus million people. To others Erdogan is an evil genius, undoing the work of Ataturk — still a revered figure, but dimming slightly in Turkish reverence. Everything is coming to a head because Erdogan is facing term limits. He is expected to run in August for what has been, heretofore, the largely ceremonial position of president. Some say a new prime minister will just be a front for Erdogan, in the way that Dmitry Medvedev kept the seat warm for Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Others believe there are latent constitutional powers already available to the president
Whither Turkey? Is it to remain a model Islamist democracy, or is it to feel the pull of Islam? of Turkey and if he runs and is elected, he will rule from that office much as he has from the prime minister’s perch. Of course, no matter how powerful and manipulative he is, there is no guarantee that he would win. He has a large number of political issues that could trip him up. The economy, although still doing well, is beginning to slow and all-important foreign investors are showing doubts about this Mediterranean jewel. Erdogan came to power as a reformer, set to end corruption. Now corruption is an issue — an issue involving members of his cabinet and one of his sons. He has countered by accusing the media and his enemies, and has tried to block social media sites with varying success. My YouTube use in Turkey was affected briefly, and Twitter has been blocked. Opposition to Erdogan is both intellectual and visceral. Antigovernment protests continue to flare up, like the ones last Saturday that marked the one-year anniversary of the mass demonstrations that left nine people dead, after the police violently dispersed a sit-in against government plans to bulldoze Istanbul’s Gezi Park
for a shopping center. More bitter and as angry has been the national sense of disgrace over the loss of 301 coal miners operating in a substandard mine in Soma, a district in Turkey’s western province of Manisa. The rage was focused on the Erdogan government for an intimate relationship with the mine owners and nonenforcement of safety rules. Whatever Turkey’s political future, it remains an effective industrializing powerhouse, which totally controls access to the Black Sea. And, with eight contiguous neighbors, it is a country that is unique among those that can be said to be geo-strategically important. On a personal note, I have been going to Turkey for several decades and it is still a wondrous place — its natural beauty, ancient sites, cities and villages, arts, food and drink, and people. The Silk Road ran through it, and modern travelers will find it as intriguing and rewarding as did Marco Polo. The struggle in Turkey is, in some measure, our struggle also. (Llewellyn King’s e-mail is lking@kingpublishing.com.)
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DOONESBURY CLASSICS (1974) | GARRY TRUDEAU
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014
THE ZAPATA TIMES 5A
Dog finally gets to play By ROSE L. THAYER KILLEEN DAILY HERALD
FORT HOOD — During his time on active duty, Tigris patrolled for explosives in Afghanistan with special forces soldiers and assisted the Secret Service in Dallas. Now, the 5-year-old retired German shepherd spends his days playing Frisbee with his former handler and new owner, Sgt. Hailey Shappard. “I want to give him a good life because he’s been working for the Army for five years,” said Shappard, a military working dog handler with the 226th Military Police Detachment, 89th Military Police Brigade. “I still do the basic stuff with him at home so he doesn’t lose discipline. ... Most of the time we just play,” she told the Killeen Daily Herald. Shappard joined Fort Hood’s kennels two years ago, and Tigris was the third dog she worked with. The two spent a year working together as a certified explosives detection team. “It was an instant bond,” the sergeant said. “It just felt right. The other dogs I liked ... but when I got to Tigris and started working with him, I knew. We had this connection.” Shappard said she was going through some tough times when the two paired up. She was coming to terms with having to leave the service soon for medical reasons, and Tigris was there for her. “When I was having a bad day, I would go to the kennels and sit with him,” she said. After one year working together, Tigris began to show signs of pain in his hips. After a visit to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, where all military working dogs are trained, Shappard learned Tigris too needed to be medically retired from the Army. After conducting a small retirement celebration within the detachment, Shappard officially adopted Tigris in April and took him home on her 25th birthday. The two went straight to the pet store, where she let him pick out toys. Now, Shappard is training to certify with a new working dog, Cindy. Sgt. Calvin Aguilar, also in the police detachment, adopted
Man admits to killing 3 women ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Catrina Rawson/The Killeen Daily Herald | AP
Sgt. Hailey Shappard, 226th Military Police Detachment, 89th Military Police Brigade, shakes hands with her retired military working dog Tigris, 5, on Thursday at the Lions Club Park in Killeen. his former working dog, Mico, six months ago. “That dog has not stopped smiling since he got home,” Aguilar said. “He’s figuring out what he can get away with and what he can do. He’s just a silly little guy.” Also a patrol explosives dog, Mico was the first dog Aguilar took downrange. Working together, Aguilar said they had a strong bond and the dog could sense from him what was needed. “I always had my eyes on Mico. The moment I had to say goodbye to him first time around, I said, ‘Anytime he gets retired for any reason, he’s coming home with me,”’ he said. The 6-year-old German shepherd was retired in Germany after being diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. The nonprofit Mission K9 Rescue helped Aguilar fly Mico back to the states for adoption. “He’s pretty much a regular dog, but during thunderstorms I need to be around him because he’s scared out of his mind,” Aguilar said. Mico was never very outdoor-
sy, said Aguilar, so the soldier tries to get the dog outside as much as possible to keep him active and in shape. “I’m getting him to branch out some more,” he said. “He is my child in my view.” Shappard said Tigris is also still adjusting to retirement. When he enters a new space, Shappard said Tigris often begins sniffing the area, as if searching. “I wouldn’t say he’s relaxed, but he’s happy because he’s spoiled,” she said. Because of the training the dogs receive, Tigris also has an extreme fixation on toys. Shappard has to keep them put away until play time so he doesn’t obsess. “The minute I get home it’s like, ‘Toy, toy, toy,”’ she said with laugh. Both soldiers encourage anyone willing to take on a retired working dog to do so. Tigris does require daily medication, which can be expensive, Shappard said. “Every dog is different and they all have character,” Shappard said.
FORT WORTH — A 22-year-old man told authorities he killed three women in their Fort Worth home after one of them awoke to find him burglarizing the residence, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Cedric D. McGinnis Jr. told investigators his ex-girlfriend, 21year-old April Serrano, admitted him through a window so they could have sex, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. When McGinnis later thought Serrano was asleep Monday, he roamed through the house taking TVs, tennis shoes, change from piggy banks and other items, according to the affidavit. When Serrano awakened, McGinnis is accused of shooting her in the back of the head with a revolver before shooting and killing her 35-year-old aunt, Kathy de Leon. The affidavit states he also shot his ex-girlfriend’s mother, 48year-old Cynthia Serrano. “He ran out of ammunition and Cynthia was still alive,” according to the affidavit written by homicide Detective J. Cedillo. “He then grabbed a knife and stabbed her multiple times until the knife was bent. He then grabbed a larger knife and stabbed her several more times.” Cynthia Serrano’s husband, James Serrano, discovered the bodies upon returning home from an overnight trucking shift, family members of the victims told The Associated Press. Detectives questioning family and friends of the victims learned McGinnis was April Serrano’s exboyfriend. The detectives found him at the apartment home he shares with his wife in Haltom City, about five miles northeast of Fort Worth. After first insisting that he spent the night before the killings with April Serrano, he later confessed to killing the women, according to the affidavit. McGinnis’s wife told investigators her husband had told her two days before the killings of his plans to rob his ex-girlfriend and her family at a time he knew James Serrano would not be home. McGinnis was in Tarrant County Jail with bond set at $1.25 million Friday. He is scheduled to
appear in court June 23 and faces multiple capital murder charges. He does not yet have an attorney, court records show.
VA whistleblower says he wants action, not words SAN ANTONIO — A Veterans Affairs employee who alleges he faced retaliation for reporting problems within the veterans’ health system says he isn’t reassured by the acting VA secretary’s pledge that such intimidation won’t be tolerated. Brian Turner works at San Antonio’s North Central Federal Clinic and is one of 37 VA employees who have filed whistleblower complaints with the independent Office of Special Counsel. Turner alleges retaliation by his supervisors for complaining about improper scheduling practices. During a visit Friday to a VA hospital in San Antonio, Acting Veterans Affairs Secretary Sloan Gibson said the department will follow laws that forbid whistleblower retaliation. Turner said later Friday he would rather see action from Gibson to replace the management structure that Turner believes caused the delays in health care for veterans.
Weslaco woman pleads guilty to buying votes McALLEN — A third campaign worker in the Valley has pleaded guilty to paying voters to ensure they cast ballots in favor of school board candidates. Guadalupe Escamilla of Weslaco admitted her guilt Friday in federal court in McAllen to one count of vote-buying. Prosecutors say the 72-year-old Escamilla paid for votes in the November 2012 school board election in Donna. Prosecutors say she indicated that at least two board candidates gave her money to buy votes. Escamilla is scheduled to be sentenced in August and faces up to 5 years in prison. Two other campaign workers — 44-year-old Rebecca Gonzalez and 48-year-old Diana Balderas Castañeda, both of Donna — previously pleaded guilty to the same charge.
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Agenda en Breve ZAPATA 06/07— La Clase 1964 de Zapata High School se reunirá para celebrar los 50 años de haber graduado. El miércoles 25 de junio en el Steak House. Interesados en asistir a la cena pueden solicitar informes con Dora Martínez al (956) 324-1226 o con Ninfa Gracia al (956) 500-5219.
LAREDO 06/07— La Asociación Laredo Northside invita al Mercado de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. en el área de juegos del North Central Park. Habrá venta de productos naturales, de jardinería, comida, manualidades y organizaciones comerciales y sin fines de lucro. 06/07— ‘Dunk A Cop’ (Moja a un Oficial de Policía) se realizará de 11 a.m. a 2 p.m. en Wal-Mart, 5610 San Bernardo, a beneficio del Children Miracle Network. 06/07— Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de TAMIU presenta “The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” a las 2 p.m.; “Earth, Moon and Sun” a las 3 p.m.; “Wonders of the Universe” a las 4 p.m.; “Pink Floyd’s The Wall” a las 5 p.m.. Costo: 5 dólares, adultos; 4 dólares, niños. 06/07— Venta de libros usados en First United Methodist Church, 1220 McClelland Ave., de 8:30 a.m. a 1 p.m. Libros de pasta dura a 1 dólar; pasta blanda a .50 centavos; revistas y libros infantiles a .25 centavos. 06/08— El Ballet Folclórico de Gabriela MendozaGarcía presenta “México Lindo 2014” a las 3 p.m. en Laredo Little Theatre, 4802 Thomas Ave. Costo: 10 dólares, adultos; 5 dólares niños de 12 años de edad y menores. Adquiera su boleto en la puerta o llamando al 7251832. 06/09— Feria de Trabajo en United ISD, de 8 a.m. a 12 p.m. en el Johnson Student Activity Complex, 5208 Santa Claudia Lane. Directores de escuelas estarán entrevistando para varios puestos en sus escuelas. También directores de departamentos buscarán llenar varios puestos. 06/10— El Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de TAMIU estará proyectando “The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” (El Secreto del Cohete de Cartón), a las 2 p.m.; “Earth, Moon and Sun” (Tierra, Luna y Sol) a las 3 p.m.; “Wonders of the Universe” (Maravillas del Universo), a las 4 p.m.; “Destination Saturn” (Destino Saturno), a las 5 p.m. Costo: 3 dólares niños y 4 dólares adultos.
NUEVO LAREDO, MÉXICO 06/07— 55ª Muestra Internacional de Cine presenta “El rey del erotismo” (Reino Unido-Estados Unidos/2013) a las 7 p.m. en Cinemex Plaza Real/HEB. Costo: 20 pesos. 06/08— Grupo de Teatro Laberintus A.C. presentará la puesta en escena “Invisible”, una adaptación de Damián Aviña del libro clásico “El Principito”, a las 12 p.m. en el Teatro del IMSS, entre Reynosa y Belden (sector centro. Obra es para toda la familia. Costo 20 pesos. 06/08— 55ª Muestra Internacional de Cine presenta “Las horas muertas” (España-Francia-México/2013) a las 7 p.m. en Cinemex Plaza Real/HEB. Costo: 20 pesos. 06/09— 55ª Muestra Internacional de Cine presenta “Berberian Sound Studio: La inquisición del sonido” (Reino Unido/2012) a las 7 p.m. en Cinemex Plaza Real/HEB. Costo: 20 pesos.
SÁBADO 7 DE JUNIO DE 2014
INCREMENTO EN CONFISCACIONES
Flujo de heroína “ ASSOCIATED PRESS
HOUSTON — El flujo de heroína desde México hacia Houston ha aumentado, lo que ha llevado a un incremento de 500% en la cantidad de la droga confiscada en el sureste de Texas en el último año, dijeron las autoridades. Funcionarios estatales y federales dijeron que la popularidad de la heroína se ha incrementado mayormente porque ahora es más barata. El precio en la región de Houston cayó de 1.200 dólares la onza en el 2012 a 800 dólares en el 2013, de acuerdo con el periódico Houston Chronicle. La caída del precio tiene una correlación con un aumento en las muertes atribuidas a esa droga en el condado Harris. Hubo 32 de esas muertes en el 2012 y la cifra creció
La están enviando a los lugares en los que pueden ganar más dinero”. STEVE WHIPPLE, AGENTE ESPECIAL DEA
a 49 el año pasado. En lo que va de año en el condado ha habido 19 muertes atribuidas a la heroína. Las autoridades federales dijeron que las organizaciones criminales mexicanas que producen la droga están aprovechando el creciente mercado en Estados Unidos. “La están enviando a los lugares en los que pueden ganar más dinero, donde la demanda es más fuerte”, dijo Steve Whipple, agente especial a cargo de la división en Hous-
ton de la agencia federal antidrogas DEA. Malcolm Bales, fiscal federal para el distrito del oriente de Texas, dijo que “los carteles mexicanos siempre están delante de nosotros en este negocio”. Las metanfetaminas siguen siendo la mayor amenaza de drogas en la región de Houston, dicen las autoridades, pero agregan que el uso de heroína es una creciente preocupación que va a continuar.
Una importante razón del incremento es que es más difícil adquirir medicamentos recetados porque las autoridades han lanzado una batida contra las fábricas de píldoras. Hay menos píldoras analgésicas como Oxycontin disponibles en el mercado negro, así que las personas recurren a la heroína porque es más fácil de conseguir, de acuerdo con Matt Feehery, director ejecutivo del Centro de Recuperación y Prevención Memorial Hermann. El secretario de Justicia Eric Holder dice que está enfocado en frenar el crecimiento de la heroína. “Cuando se confronta el problema del abuso de drogas, tiene sentido concentrarse en las drogas más peligrosas”, dijo Holder en marzo. “Y en estos momentos, pocas sustancias son más letales que la heroína y los opiáceos”.
DEPORTES
TEXAS
SIETE MEDALLAS
Paciente muere por mal de vacas locas ASSOCIATED PRESS
DALLAS — Un paciente en Texas se convirtió en la cuarta persona que fallece en Estados Unidos de un raro trastorno cerebral atribuido al consumo de productos de carne contaminada con el mal de las vacas locas, informaron funcionarios de salud.
La víctima posiblemente se infectó fuera del país. Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Tamaulipas
La delegación que representa a Tamaulipas en la Paralimpiada Nacional 2014, obtuvo siete medallas. El evento se lleva a cabo en Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
Inicia Paralimpiada Nacional 2014 TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
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n el arranque de la Paralimpiada Nacional 2014 que se celebra en Cuernavaca, Morelos, México, el equipo que representa a Tamaulipas obtuvo siete medallas. Se trató de la etapa correspondiente a los deportistas que sufren de Parálisis Cerebral. La delegación Tamaulipas conquistó dos medallas de oro, tres de plata y dos de bronce. En la categoría Infantil, Karla Sofía Cárdenas Herrera, de Tampico, México, se llevó el título nacional en la prueba de 200 metros planos de la clasificación T-38 con tiempo de 34.30. En el segundo y tercer lugar se ubicaron, Teresa Babis, del Estado de México con tiempo de 36.70; y, Alejandra Roque, del Distrito Federal con registro de 37.59. La velocista María Celina
Hernández Plascencia, de Altamira, México, recibió medalla de oro en la prueba de 100 metros planos de la categoría Juvenil Mayor con tiempo de 20.13 dentro de la clasificación T-38. Por su parte, el originario de Ciudad Victoria, México, Carlos Daniel Rodríguez Velázquez consiguió dos preseas. Rodríguez Velázquez obtuvo la medalla de plata en la prueba de 200 metros planos de la categoría Juvenil Mayor, clasificación T-37, con tiempo de 27.19 segundos. El oro fue para Iván Sandoval de Jalisco, México, quien se llevó el oro con tiempo de 26.49, mientras que Alfonso Pinto de Campeche se quedó con el bronce con tiempo de 27.72. Rodríguez Velázquez también se quedó con la medalla de bronce de la prueba de 100 metros planos con tiempo 13.58. Nuevmente, Sandoval obtuvo el oro (13.11) y Pinto, plata (13.43).
Jesús Emmanuel Ortiz Morales, de Tampico, consiguió medalla de plata en la prueba de Lanzamiento de Jabalina de la categoría Juvenil Menor clasificación F-33, con una distancia de 8.67 metros. La medalla de oro fue para Salvador Órnelas de Coahuila, México, con 9.84 metros y el bronce para Alfredo Berelleza de Sinaloa, México, con 8.06 de marca. Ortiz Morales obtuvo una segunda medalla en la prueba de Lanzamiento de Disco, donde se quedó con el bronce con un registro de 10.68 metros. Finalmente, Oscar Osiel Sánchez Serrano de Altamira obtuvo la medalla de plata en la prueba de Impulso de la Bala de la categoría Juvenil Menor en la clasificación F-35 con marca de 6.97 metros. Andrés Sánchez de Tlaxcala, México, ganó la medalla de oro con 8.00 metros y el bronce fue para Rodrigo Sánchez de Jalisco con 6.75 metros.
COLUMNA JHG
El organismo federal Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC en inglés) dijo en un comunicado que mediante exámenes recientes de laboratorio se confirmó en el paciente el diagnóstico de que lo había afectado una variante de la enfermedad de Creutzfeldt-Jakob. Los CDC dijeron que en cada uno de los tres casos anteriores registrados en Estados Unidos la víctima posiblemente se infectó fuera del país. Los centros señalaron que en el historial del paciente texano hay información de que había hecho numerosos viajes por Europa y el Medio Oriente, lo que sugiere que la infección podría haberse presentado fuera de Estados Unidos. A nivel mundial se han registrado 229 pacientes afectados con una variante de la Enfermedad de Creutzfeldt-Jakob, la mayoría de ellos en Francia y el Reino Unido, según los CDC. El Departamento de Servicios Estatales de Salud (DSHS en inglés) de Texas descartó que hubiera preocupación de salud pública o amenaza a nivel estatal en relación con el caso. Los CDC y el DSHS continúan las investigaciones. Los CDC dijeron que no hay tratamiento conocido para combatir la enfermedad e invariablemente los pacientes tienen un desenlace fatal.
SE ENFOCA EN FUTURO
Explica uso de telegrafía Esta es la primera parte de una serie de dos donde el autor explica la importancia de la telegrafía en México antes de la aparición de la Internet.
POR RAÚL SINENCIO ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
A través de la Internet, ahora podemos intercambiar de inmediato textos, voces, sonidos e imágenes en todos los lugares del mundo. A este portento tecnológico lo precede la telegrafía eléctrica. Ésta tuvo un salto importante en Tamaulipas.
Antecedentes Buena parte del siglo XIX México transcurre en medio de terribles dificultades, tales como agresiones de potencias foráneas, cuartelazos, saqueos e incluso epidemias. Al cabo de la guerra medio territorio pasa a manos de EU. También Antonio López de Santa Anna vende la Mesilla. Otra gran prueba sobreviene cuando Napoleón III pretende imponer al emperador Maximiliano de Habsburgo. En ese momento el presidente Benito Juárez consolida la indepen-
dencia nacional. Tras ello comienza la “República Restaurada”, de 1867 a 1876. El principal objetivo se fija en superar rezagos y abrirle paso a la modernización, tarea complicada por insuficiencias presupuestarias. Prácticamente a partir de cero, van tendiéndose redes que llevan o traen mensajes en clave Morse a través del telégrafo. Los esfuerzos rinden frutos en provecho de la sociedad. Hacia 1872 quedan enlazadas las distantes poblaciones de Yucatán, Zacatecas, Tamaulipas y Durango, México. A ellas se agregan las del área central.
Foto por Rex C. Curry | Associated Press
El Gobernador Rick Perry brinda un mensaje durante la Convención GOP de Texas en Fort Worth, el jueves. En su mensaje, el gobernador con más años sirviendo en el cargo en la historia del estado, se enfocó más en aspectos del futuro y nacionales que en su propio legado político local.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014
Zentertainment
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Nyong’o to be honored ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Ted S. Warren | AP
Kerri Kasem, right, the daughter of ailing radio personality Casey Kasem, speaks in Kitsap County Superior Court, as she stands with Casey Kasem’s wife, Jean Kasem, second from left, and their attorneys Friday, May 30, in Port Orchard, Wash.
Kasem’s wife, child head back to court ASSOCIATED PRESS
PORT ORCHARD, Wash. — Ailing radio personality Casey Kasem was in critical condition with an infected bedsore at a Washington state hospital, as his daughter and wife headed to court for another hearing in a dispute over his care. The 82-year-old Kasem was receiving intravenous antibiotics and other care Thursday for a serious pressure ulcer he had when he was admitted on Sunday, according to a statement from St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor. Hospital spokesman Scott Thompson said Friday he would make no comment beyond the statement. Meanwhile, a hearing was scheduled later in the day in Kitsap County Superior Court in the dispute between Kasem’s wife Jean Kasem and his daughter
Kerri Kasem, who has said in a court filing that her father has a form of dementia. Jean Kasem has been in control of her husband’s medical care and has controlled access to him as his children from an earlier marriage contested who should make decisions about his care. On May 20, while Kasem and his wife were in Washington state, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Daniel S. Murphy ordered Jean Kasem to comply with court orders allowing doctors to evaluate her husband, and also permit Kerri Kasem to see him. The judge also ordered Jean Kasem to surrender her husband’s passport and temporarily suspended her powers to determine her husband’s medical care. The ruling came after Casey and Jean Kasem were tracked down by Kitsap County deputies on
May 13 at the home of longtime family friends. Jean Kasem said they were on a family vacation. Kitsap County is west of Seattle. Last week, a Washington state judge reiterated the order to allow visits by Kerri Kasem, who brought a doctor on Sunday and her father was taken to the hospital. As Casey Kasem was taken out of the home, Jean Kasem tossed a package of ground meat at her stepdaughter. “If you need to know why I did it — when a person is about to pass away, there are always rabid dogs,” Jean Kasem told reporters in response to a question after a court session Monday. Kasem gained fame with his radio music countdown shows, “American Top 40” and “Casey’s Top 40.” He also was the voice of Shaggy in the cartoon “Scooby Doo.”
WAILEA, Hawaii — Maui Film Festival organizers say Lupita Nyong’o has the magic touch of creativity. Organizers of the fourday festival in Hawaii this week are honoring the 31year-old Academy Award winner with their Rainmaker Award on Saturday. Organizers say the award honors a film artist for “having the magical ability to impact the creative dynamics of every project they touch.” Nyong’o, who broke through as a star with her performance in “12 Years a Slave,” was recently announced as a cast member of “Star Wars: Episode VII.” The film under production from director J.J. Abrams is due to open in December 2015. Nyong’o is expected to
accept the award during a tribute before the premiere of another film.
Others honored The festival, which includes ocean-side outdoor screenings in Maui’s resort area of Wailea, is also honoring Evan Rachel Wood, Joe Manganiello and Emma Roberts. Roberts, who appeared in “We’re the Millers” last year with Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis, accepted the festival’s Shining Star Award on Thursday night. That award honors an artist “who dares to dream big dreams and delivers brilliantly charismatic and revelatory performances every time that opportunity knocks.” Manganiello and Wood, both of HBO’s “True
Blood,” were to receive awards Friday night.
Heat-Spurs draw 9.0 rating for Game 1 NEW YORK — The San Antonio Spurs’ victory over the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night drew an average television audience of 14,846,000 viewers and a 9.0 national rating, Nielsen said Friday. The average viewership on ABC was up 4 percent from 14,241,000 for last year’s opening game between the teams. Nielsen Social said the game was the most-tweeted NBA game of the year with more than 3.2 million tweets. The game also was most-talked about television program, accounting for 76 percent of TV conversation on Twitter.
Nation
8A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014
Wal-Mart boss wants changes
Perry’s legacy is target By WILL WEISSERT ASSOCIATED PRESS
AUSTIN — As he gears up for a possible second presidential run, Texas Gov. Rick Perry is crisscrossing the country extolling a business-first philosophy he says made his state’s economy white-hot — and can work for the rest of America too. But back home, members of Perry’s own party seem poised to dismantle key parts of his legacy. The longest-serving governor in state history isn’t seeking re-election and may see two of his achievements — distributing hundreds of millions of dollars to attract top employers to Texas and stockpiling a rainy day fund robust enough to bankroll infrastructure projects — swept away not long after he moves out of the governor’s mansion. Also likely doomed is a Perrybacked program extending in-state university tuition to the children of immigrants in the country illegally, a nod to Texas’ Hispanic population that’s long been championed by top business leaders clamoring for a softer approach to immigration. The rebuff to Perry, who was once known as one of America’s most conservative stalwarts, reflects the grassroots surge that has seen the tea party seize almost total control of the state’s political and social agenda in the last two years and push it to his right. “The young conservatives have completely moved on, but I think even some of the old guard are pretty tired of him,” said Don Zimmerman, an Austin-area tea party activist who was a delegate to the national GOP convention in 2012. The shift raises the awkward possibility that Perry — looking to bounce back from his short-lived, gaffe-marred 2012 White House campaign — could wind up running nationally on his record even as it’s being undone. Already, the snubs are evident in what was supposed to be his victory-lap year. The governor’s name barely came up during the recent Texas Republican primary campaign, which produced a near clean-sweep for top tea partybacked candidates. And the response at the state GOP convention Thursday may be muted when Per-
By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AND MAE ANDERSON ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Kathy Willens/file | AP
If Gov. Rick Perry opts to make a second presidential run, his business-friendly policies in Texas will be his main selling points. But back home, members of his own party seem poised to dismantle key parts of his legacy. ry addresses a gathering he once dominated. Perry’s departure could spell the official demise of a longstanding brand of Texas conservatism that avoided fiery immigration rhetoric and deferred to big-business even at the expense of some free market ideals and pledges to shrink government. That approach long buoyed Perry and his Texas gubernatorial predecessor, George W. Bush. “I don’t think he or his policies have changed,” said Cathie Adams, a former chairwoman of the state Republican Party. “But I do think the electorate is different.” Texas created a third of all net new jobs nationwide between 2003 and last year — and Perry’s pushing of low-tax, relaxed-regulation policies remains wildly popular among conservatives. But his support for using public seed money and incentives to boost the state economy aren’t as beloved. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, the favorite to succeed Perry because he’s successfully wooed both tea party activists and establishment conservatives, has expressed unease about the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Emerging Technology Fund, the two pots of money Perry has used to lure jobcreators to Texas. Abbott says the government should “get out of the business of picking winners and losers.” Tea-party champion Ted Cruz, who defeated Perry’s preferred candidate, David Dewhurst, for a U.S. Senate seat in 2012, suggested during a recent Austin visit that only the free market — not Republicans pulling economic strings — can
create jobs. The GOP nominee for lieutenant governor, Dan Patrick, and Abbott both say they’d like to wipe out the in-state tuition law Perry signed in 2001. The governor passionately defended the policy during his 2012 presidential run. Meanwhile, Patrick, who will oversee legislation in the Texas Senate if he’s elected — which is likely — has said he wants to refund the about $8 billion left in the state’s rainy day fund to taxpayers rather than keep it on the government books. Last year, Perry, supported by leading business groups, campaigned hard to spend $2 billion from the reserves on infrastructure projects to boost state water resources — a move he and other proponents said was vital to keep Texas economically competitive for the future. Mark Miner, a veteran of Perry’s 2012 presidential campaign who’s helping him again raise his national profile, shrugged off the idea that the changed political climate would affect Perry should he run for president. “Texas continues to be the economic engine that’s driving this country and that’s the result of the work that Governor Perry has done,” Miner said. Adams, the ex-state GOP chairwoman and president of the conservative Texas Eagle Forum, said Perry remains popular among Texans, but maybe not like in years past. “There’s a lot of angst about those who have been there for a long time,” she said.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart’s CEO Doug McMillon said the world’s largest retailer’s task is to more quickly bring e-commerce together with physical stores to better serve shoppers. At Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s annual shareholders meeting on Friday, McMillon talked about a service that Wal-Mart offers at its Asda.com Web site in the U.K., where customers can order groceries online and then pick them up from trucks at various pickup points. He also showed off miniature figures of executives to illustrate how some Wal-Mart stores have been using 3-D printers to create miniature figurines for customers in the U.K. “Our purpose of saving people money will always be relevant, but we’ll do it in new ways,” said McMillon, a 23year Wal-Mart veteran who took over as CEO in February. “We need to be at the forefront of innovation and technology.” McMillon’s remarks come at a time when the retailer is seeking to address concerns over its declining sales and business practices at home and overseas. About 14,000 Wal-Mart workers around the world attended the meeting, which as usual had celebrity entertainment: Actor Harry Connick Jr. was master of ceremonies and Pharrell and Robin Thicke performed. Despite the festivities, WalMart is under scrutiny. Revenue at established Wal-Mart stores in the U.S. has declined for five consecutive quarters. The number of customers has also fallen six quarters in a row at the division, which accounts for 60 percent of the company’s total sales. Like many other retailers that cater to working-class Americans, Wal-Mart has been hurt by an uneven economic recovery that has benefited
well-heeled shoppers more than those in the lower-income rungs. Moreover, shoppers are increasingly looking for lower prices at online rivals like Amazon.com and at dollar chains and pharmacies. As a result, Wal-Mart is opening more small stores, like Walmart Express and Neighborhood Markets. It’s also pushing online grocery services. It’s also adding money transfers and other services to cater to low-income shoppers. Meanwhile, Wal-Mart has more than tripled the number of items it sells online to more than 7 million from 2 million just 18 months ago. At the same time, Wal-Mart is still facing critics who argue that its workers’ wages are skimpy. The issue came up at Friday’s meeting when a worker, Charmaine GivensThomas, introduced a shareholder proposal for an independent chairman. “Something is wrong when the richest family in America pays hundreds of thousands of workers so little that they cannot survive without public assistance,” she said. Wal-Mart also is facing tough ethical questions overseas as it continues to confront concerns over how it handled bribery allegations that surfaced in April 2012 at its Mexican unit. The company is being pressured to increase its oversight of factories abroad following a building collapse in April 2013 in Bangladesh that killed more than 1,100 garment workers. Wal-Mart wasn’t using any of the factories in the building at the time of the collapse, but it is the second-largest retail buyer of clothing in Bangladesh. Among the proposals by shareholders was a call for an independent chairman that doesn’t serve as an executive at Wal-Mart, a move that was backed by Institutional Shareholder Services but failed in a preliminary tally of votes.
Platform fight looms GOP eyes ‘reparative at GOP convention therapy’ for gay people By PAUL J. WEBER AND WILL WEISSERT
By PAUL J. WEBER AND WILL WEISSERT ASSOCIATED PRESS
ASSOCIATED PRESS
FORT WORTH — Republican Greg Abbott urged his party Friday to imagine a Texas in 2036 with better schools and health care while rallying a GOP Convention that is bitterly divided now over immigration and confronting smaller fissures over gay rights and medical marijuana. The favorite to replace Gov. Rick Perry next year, Abbott broadly outlined to roughly 10,000 convention delegates who’ve clashed this week over the party platform a plan for better schools and health care in Texas when the state celebrates its bicentennial in 20 years. But that timeline is significant for another reason Abbott didn’t mention: It’s when Democrats predict the Lone Star State will swing back their way after decades of Republican dominance, riding an increasingly younger and Hispanic electorate in Texas to future victories. Even the GOP’s theme for its biennial convention in Fort Worth draws an unambiguous line in sand: Fight to Keep Texas Red. “It has been 20 years since a Democrat has won a statewide election in Texas, and by God, we’re not going to let that record be broken this year,” Abbott said. Abbott received a raucous ovation from GOP delegates, underlying his success as a rare conservative in Texas who’s successfully courted both tea party supporters and establishment Republicans. Both those two sides haven’t been so united at the convention on immigration. Hardliners want
Photo by Rex C. Curry | AP
Texas Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial nominee Greg Abbott poses with Michael Colley from Friona, at the Texas GOP Convention in Fort Worth on Friday. stripped from the current state GOP platform the so-called “Texas Solution” that proposes a guest worker program to make it easier for immigrants in the U.S. illegally to get good jobs. Many in the tea party condemn it as a form of amnesty, while current party leaders say it satisfies the needs of a roaring Texas economy. A contentious fight on immigration is expected Saturday when the full convention votes on a new platform. Also included in the proposed platform is new language that endorses psychological treatments that seek to turn gay people straight — a practice that California and New Jersey have banned on minors. Delegates, however, could approve stripping decades-old language in the platform that states, “homosexuality tears at the fabric of society.” Democrat Wendy Davis, Abbott’s opponent in November, used Republicans pushing the “therapy” language to contrast the differences in her campaign Friday. “Unlike Texas GOP, I believe that LGBT Texans (hash)DontNeedFixin,” Davis tweeted, referring to lesbian, gay, bisex-
ual and transgender residents. Endorsing the use of medical marijuana could also elevate into a floor fight at the convention, though supporters were dealt a setback this week when a key committee removed earlier language that called for allowing prescription cannabis. Hours before Abbott spoke to delegates as if he will be next Texas governor, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz whipped them into a frenzy by sounding like a 2016 presidential candidate. Cruz promised to lead a conservative revolution unseen since Ronald Reagan, likened President Barack Obama to his 1970s Democratic predecessor, Jimmy Carter, and decried the economy “being trapped in the Great Stagflation.” Cruz also not-so-subtly poked fun at the notion that gun rights that have been a sticking point at the convention, where supporters of open carry laws have rallied outside. “In Texas, gun control means hitting what you aim at,” Cruz said. Houston state Sen. Dan Patrick, the new Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, will be the headliner Saturday before the convention adjourns.
FORT WORTH — Gay Republicans in Texas said Friday they may stop fighting their party’s proposed endorsement of “reparative therapy” over worries that even tougher anti-gay language could be added to the party platform. The Texas Republican Party is poised to adopt a new platform this weekend that would support psychological treatments that seek to turn gay people straight. Such therapies were banned for minors last year by New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie, and California has a similar law. But a fight to remove the therapy language during the Texas GOP convention on Saturday could backfire, said Jeff Davis, chairman of gay conservative group Texas Log Cabin Republicans. A final platform vote would include nearly 10,000 delegates at the biennial convention, which has long been unfriendly territory for gays. Davis said his group and its allies haven’t settled on a strategy, but that it may be better to adopt a longer-term plan to educate conservatives on the harms of psychological treatments that seek to turn gay people straight. “Fighting it on the floor may not be the best court of action,” Davis said. “It might be in our best interest to wait until the convention is over and regroup.” Under the new proposed plank, the Texas GOP would “recognize the legitimacy and efficacy of counseling, which offers reparative therapy and treatment for those patients seeking healing and wholeness from their homosexual lifestyle.” The American Psychological Association and other major health organizations have condemned such counseling, which generally try to change a person’s sexual orientation or to lessen their interest in engaging in same-
Photo by Max Faulkner/The Fort Worth Star-Telegram | AP
People hold signs during a same sex marriage rally outside the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, on Thursday. The Texas Republican Party is holding its convention there this weekend. sex sexual activity. The groups say the practice should not be used on minors because of the danger of serious psychological harm. But trying to strip the language from the Texas GOP platform could set off a contentious fight and result in altering the language even more. The therapy phrasing survived a key committee vote late Thursday, but hardliners had sought to change “homosexuality” in the platform to “sexual sins.” Also on the table is removing decades-old language that states, “homosexuality tears at the fabric of society.” Davis said that was the only language his group sought to change at the convention, and that he still wanted to go home with that win. The therapy language was inserted at the urging of Cathie Adams of Dallas, leader of the influential tea party group Texas Eagle Forum and a onetime chairwoman of the Texas Republican Party. Adams, whose group backed tea party outsiders who dominated Texas Republican primary races this year, said she simply promoted language proposed by a man she said was helped by such therapy, which has been defended by some smaller groups, including the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality. “He knows what he’s talk-
ing about. He is one of those who has benefited,” Adams said. “I think the majority of Texans feel that way too. It’s not like this is mandatory. This is only a voluntary program.” In August, New Jersey became the second U.S. state to ban licensed therapists from trying to turn gay teenagers straight. The bill was signed by Christie, a possible 2016 presidential candidate who opposes same-sex marriage but has said he believes people are born gay and that homosexuality isn’t a sin. Judges on a federal appeals court also upheld a similar ban in California last fall, saying that trying to change a minor’s sexual orientation through intense therapy appeared dangerous. The California Legislature has cited reports, experts and anecdotes involving suicides, substance abuse and other behavior by young recipients of the therapy. Republican delegate Elizabeth Hunter, 20, said she didn’t see any reason for removing language that describes being gay as tearing at the fabric of society. “I don’t see anybody leaving the Republican Party because of that language,” she said. “I think it would actually encourage someone to join when they see that the Republican Party takes a strong stand rather than standing in the middle.”
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014
THE ZAPATA TIMES 9A
ELIA NORA G. MONTES Feb. 10, 1960 – June 4, 2014 Elia Nora G. Montes, 54, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at Doctor’s Hospital in Laredo. Mrs. Montes is preceded in death by her father, Gregorio Rene Guzman. Mrs. Montes is survived by her husband of 35 years Baldemar Montes; son, Baldemar Jr. (Elisa) Montes; daughters, Patricia A. Montes, Amparo A. Montes; grandchildren, Emily Martinez, Julie Martinez, Hector Martinez, Madelyn Reeves, Macy Reeves, Baldemar Montes III, Mia Montes, Baileigh Montes, Kylie Ray; mother, Marcia C. Guzman; brothers, Gregorio R. Jr. (Marta) Guzman, Gerardo R. (Kristy) Guzman; sisters, Elva Garcia (Olivero Ramos), Elsa (John) Rosales, Elida
Guzman (Gustavo Solis), Erica (Darius) Wright; inlaws, Jorge Jr. and Edna Montes; brothers-in-law, Jorge Montes III, Arnoldo (Gloria) Montes, Ricardo (Vilma) Montes; sisters-inlaw, Amparo M. (Joel) Gutierrez, Ileana (Roberto) Thatcher; and by numerous other family members and friends. Visitation hours were held Thursday, June 5, 2014, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. The funeral procession departed Friday, June 6, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Committal services followed at Zapata County Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 N. U.S. Hwy. 83, Zapata.
ODILIA C. FALCON Sept. 2, 1954 – June 4, 2014 Odilia Falcon, 59, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at Laredo Medical Center in Laredo, Texas. Mrs. Falcon is preceded in death by her parents, Julian and Isabel R. Caudillo. Mrs. Falcon is survived by her husband, Homero Falcon; sons, Homero Falcon Jr., Jorge Luis Falcon; daughters, Cynthia Falcon, Maricela Falcon (Juan Carlos Riojas), Anna Lisa Falcon (Lorenzo Salinas Jr.); grandchildren, Claudia Y. Boatright (Julian Santana), Robert J. Boatright (Yvonne Garcia), Luis A. Hinojosa (Lorena), Karina L. Hinojosa, Ashley R. Delgado, Delissa M. Peña, Miguel A. Delgado, Lorenzo Salinas III, Matthew R. Sa-
linas; brothers and sisters, Julian Caudillo Jr. (Susan McQuade), San Juanita Caudillo, Rosita Caudillo, David Caudillo (Marta Sanchez), Josefina Caudillo (Kevin White), Reyes Caudillo and Ramiro Caudillo and by numerous other family members and friends. Visitation hours will be held Sunday, June 8, 2014, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. The funeral procession will depart Monday, June 9, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Committal services will follow at Zapata County Cemetery. Funeral arrangements
are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 N. U.S. Hwy. 83, Zapata.
GERARDO J. GARCIA May 19, 1952 – June 2, 2014 Gerardo J. Garcia, 62, passed away Monday, June 2, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Garcia is preceded in death by his mother, Angela M. Garcia. Mr. Garcia is survived by his wife, Esperanza A. Garcia; son, Joe Amaro; daughters, Marina (Ronald) Persinger, Sanjuanita (Javier) Bautista, Rosalia (Hermilo) Guzman, Eva (Juan Luis) Martinez, Nadine (Luis) Hinojosa, Neysa Garcia (Alfredo Robledo); grandchildren, Kimberly (James) Taylor, Ketra Persinger, Jose Alberto Amaro, Jr., Sergio Amaro, Natalia Amaro, Chelste Amaro, Javier J. Bautista, Marcos Bautista, Lourdes Guzman, Eduardo Guzman, Angela Martinez, Juan Rene Guzman, Lucia Guzman and Luis E. Hinojosa; father, Oscar (Angela) Garcia; brothers, Javier O. (Danielle) Gar-
cia, Jaime H. Garcia, Mario Garcia (Lupita) Arrellano; sister, Esther Garcia and by numerous other family members and friends. Mr. Garcia served in the U.S. Army for 2 years. He worked at the Zapata County Fire Dept. and retired after 27 years; after retirement he moved to Carrizo Springs where he was employed by Thompson Ranches. Visitation hours were held Wednesday, June 4, 2014, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. The funeral procession departed Thursday, June 5, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Burial services will follow at Zapata County Cemetery, including full Military Honors by the American Legion Post 486
Color Guard. Family would like to give special thanks to Villarreal Elementary School and staff. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 N. U.S. Hwy. 83, Zapata.
HEROIN totals. “Clearly a lot more heroin is being moved either into or through the region,” notes the recently released 2014 Houston High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Threat Assessment, which evaluates trends and is sent to the White House. Most of the heroin found here is from Mexico and is believed to be pumped along the artery of highways that reach deeper into the U.S., according to the report. The price for heroin in the Houston region dropped from $1,200 per ounce in 2012 to $800 per ounce in 2013, according to the report. Officials worry that is an indicator that trouble is on the way. “The threat level from heroin is moderate, but may be rising,” the report warns of the situation. “Heroin drug use indicators should be carefully monitored for shifts in trends and patterns in the coming year.” Heroin seizures are increasing nationwide, as users turn to the drug as an often cheaper, more accessible alternative than black market pain medications that are growing more expensive and harder to find. The growing American market for heroin has been capitalized by Mexican criminal organizations that manufacture the drug. “The Mexicans are always ahead of the curve on the business end of it,” said Malcolm Bales, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. “I don’t know how their market research is done, but they did this with meth-
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amphetamine,” he said, alluding to the stimulant that is now considered by law enforcement to be the greatest single drug threat to the Houston region. While heroin trails methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs in Houston in terms of threat and use, some officials are concerned it is just a matter of time until its use greatly increases. They have especially seen an increase in white residents in their late teens and 20s using the drug, but there seems to be more of a stomach for smoking or snorting it than injecting it. Prescription drugs are harder for abusers to acquire because authorities have cracked down on socalled pill mills in which corrupt doctors knowingly provide prescriptions to people who are abusing the drugs or don’t intend to use them, but to sell them on the black market. People are turning to heroin because it can be easier to get than prescription-required drugs such as Oxycontin and similar substances, said Matt Feehery, chief executive officer of the Memorial Hermann Prevention and Recovery Center, which assists patients in fighting addiction. “Absolutely we are seeing an increase in heroin use,” he said. “We treat anybody and everybody from all walks of life,” he said, noting that the people fighting heroin addiction often don’t fit the profile of a drug user. “On the one hand, drug enforcement is doing a great job of reducing the availability of opiate-based pain pills,” Feehery said. “(Users) are turning to al-
ternatives that are easier to obtain ... to reproduce that same feeling and experience.” The DEA’s Whipple said that while heroin is more available in Houston, its use hasn’t reached the level of other major cities because so many pharmaceutical pills are still being sold illegally at about the same price as heroin. “We still have an abundant supply of pharmaceutical opiates on the streets that the addict population is using,” he said. “If we see pharmaceutical opiates go up in price substantially, then we know we are having an impact.” The threat assessment was prepared in conjunction with the Office of National Drug Control Policy, which endorses campaigns to educate the public about the harm heroin can cause, as well as pressure nations where it is produced. “The responsibility for curbing heroin production and trafficking lies primarily with the source countries,” the office notes on its website. “Foreign sources of opium are responsible for the entire supply of heroin consumed in the U.S.,” it continues. “Efforts to reduce domestic heroin availability face significant challenges.” While solutions are elusive, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has focused on curbing heroin’s growth. “When confronting the problem of substance abuse, it makes sense to focus attention on the most dangerous types of drugs,” he said in March. “And right now, few substances are more lethal than prescription opiates and heroin.”
IMMIGRATION Continued from Page 1A toms Enforcement has said the immigrants were mostly families from Central America. They were flown from Texas, released in Arizona, and told to report to an ICE office near where they were traveling within 15 days. The administration would not say Friday how many immigrants were affected — hundreds or thousands — or how many of those immigrants subsequently reported back to the government after 15 days as directed. As many as 400 people were flown to Arizona during one weekend last month. Many were then dropped off at bus stations to travel to their original destinations in the U.S. Most immigrants arrested at the border in southern Texas are from Honduras, El Salvador or Guatemala and cannot be immediately repatriated so they are handed over to ICE. The agency said after immigrants report back to its offices it would make
“appropriate custody determinations” based on the government’s enforcement priorities. The perception that some immigrants could be getting a free pass into the U.S. could lead to even more attempts to cross the border. Illegal immigration increased heavily under a controversial “catch-and-release” strategy during the George W. Bush administration. Under that policy the government issued notices to appear in immigration court to migrants from countries other than Mexico until Bush stopped the practice. Word that immigrant families are being released has spread south, and the Obama administration acknowledged this week that there is a perception that families and children traveling alone are being allowed to stay in the country freely. President Barack Obama’s director of domestic policy, Cecilia Munoz, said such rumors are false and that
immigrants caught at the border, regardless of their age, still face deportation. In a draft memo from May 30, Border Patrol Deputy Chief Ronald Vitiello said releasing immigrants serves as an incentive for other would-be immigrants to try to cross the border. Illegal immigration along the border is still near record lows in many places, but the Rio Grande Valley has seen a tremendous increase and now leads all Border Patrol sectors in annual apprehensions with more than 148,000 arrests so far this fiscal year. The region is seeing more children traveling on their own and migrants from countries other than Mexico. Earlier this week Obama described the influx of children traveling alone as an “urgent humanitarian situation.” The Office of Management and Budget told Congress last month that the government would need an extra $1.4 billion to deal with the situation.
10A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014
D-DAY Continued from Page 1A under white marble tombstones on a bluff above Omaha Beach, the bloodiest among five beach landings by U.S. and British troops. “This was democracy’s beachhead,” he said, assuring veterans that “your legacy is in good hands.” F-15 jets flew over the cemetery in missing-man formation, a 21 gun salute boomed and taps sounded. The day of gratitude drew royals including Queen Elizabeth II of England, who dined at the French presidential palace in the evening, and the king of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, as well as political leaders from across Europe. German Chancellor Angela Merkel also joined in, along with a small group of German soldiers, as a sign of European unity. Both symbolism and pragmatism were on French President Francois Hollande’s agenda. With an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had been elbowed out of G-7 talks a day earlier, the ceremonies also became a moment to try to deflate the tense situation in Ukraine. The West fears the ongoing fighting there could fan a new Cold War with Moscow, which has annexed the eastern Ukraine region of Crimea. Hollande’s invitation to Ukraine’s president-elect gave im-
petus to a diplomatic ballet of meetings behind the scenes. Putin, who was present as a tribute to the Russian loss of more than 20 million troops in WWII — the largest among Allies — met with Petro Poroshenko and Obama on the sidelines of the event. Obama met privately, and briefly, with Putin. “It is because France itself experienced the barbarity (of war) that it feels a duty to preserve peace everywhere, at the frontiers of Europe as in Africa,” Hollande said. Dancers re-enacted the drama of the Nazi takeover and battles across Europe against Hitler’s forces on a stage at Sword Beach, one of the landing points near Ouistreham, a small port where British troops landed and fought their way to Pegasus Bridge, a key route. Ouistreham was the site of the main international ceremony. It was 6:30 a.m. on June 6, 1944, when soldiers started wading ashore. Operation Overlord, as the invasion by U.S., British, Canadian and Polish forces was codenamed, was the first step in breaching Hitler’s stranglehold on France and Europe. Besides Sword and Omaha, Allied forces landed on Utah, Juno and Gold beaches — all codenames. Ahead of the landing, the U.S. Army’s 2nd Ranger Battalion went in with the 5th Battalion
“
It is because France itself experienced the barbarity (of war) that it feels a duty to preserve peace everywhere, at the frontiers of Europe as in Africa.” FRENCH PRESIDENT FRANCOIS HOLLANDE’S
Rangers, scaling the craggy cliffs of Point du Hoc to put out of action six 155mm Nazi howitzers that could target landing areas. Paratroopers from the 101st Airborne division jumped into dark skies, some getting lost in hedgerows, shot down or caught in trees. At least 4,400 Allied troops were killed the first day, and many thousands more in the ensuing Battle of Normandy that opened the Allied march to Paris to liberate the Nazi-occupied French capital in August. Another August assault was launched by forces from North Africa into southern France. “They left home barely more than boys. They came home heroes,” Obama said at an observation deck in Colleville, overlooking Omaha Beach. Seven decades later, gratitude
ECONOMY annual growth of about 3.5 percent. And unemployment has fallen from a 10 percent peak in 2009 partly for an unfortunate reason: Fewer people are working or seeking work. The percentage of adults who either have a job or are looking for one remained at a 35year low in May. Yet the United States is faring far better than most other major industrial nations. Overall unemployment for the 18 countries that use the euro, for example, was 11.7 percent in April, though some European nations, such as Germany and Denmark, have much lower rates. On Thursday, Europe’s central bank cut interest rates and took other extraordinary steps to try to boost ultra-low inflation, encourage more lending and jump-start growth. Japan is struggling to emerge from more than a decade of sluggish growth and deflation. And China has been undergoing a prolonged slowdown from explosive expansion and is at risk of slowing too sharply. “The U.S. was incredibly aggressive” after the financial crisis and Great Recession, said Daniel Drezner, a professor of international politics at Tufts University. “Compared to Europe in particular, we did much more.” The U.S. government approved stimulus spending and tax cuts, Drezner noted, while many European nations cut spending. The Federal Reserve slashed rates further than the European Central Bank did and launched bond purchases to ease long-term loan rates. Central banks in Japan and Europe have only recently considered the types of unconventional steps the Fed launched in 2008. The solid U.S. hiring gains in May might be expected to lower the unemployment rate. But the two figures come from separate surveys. The job gains are derived from a survey of businesses, the unemployment rate from a survey of households. The two surveys sometimes diverge but usually paint a similar picture over time. For May, the survey of businesses found a bigger job gain than the survey of households did. Average hourly pay rose 5 cents in May to $24.38. That’s up 2.1 percent from 12 months ago and barely ahead of inflation, which was 2 percent. Weak pay gains have limited Americans’ ability to spend and held back growth, because consumer spending drives about 70 percent of the economy. “The sluggishness in wages is the weak link that is preventing the U.S. economy from fully expanding its wings,” said Gregory Daco, U.S. econo-
mist at Oxford Economics. One reason pay has lagged: The jobs added since the recession have been more likely to be part time and in lower-paying industries. That pattern was evident in May: Hotels, restaurants and entertainment companies added 39,000 jobs. Retailers gained 12,500, temporary services 14,300. By contrast, construction firms added just 6,000, manufacturers 10,000. Those industries tend to be higher-paying. There are still 2.9 million fewer people working in full-time jobs than when the recession began. And nearly 2.5 million more are working in part-time positions. Those trends have eased somewhat in the past year or so. The number of part-time workers has fallen 500,000 in the last 12 months. Many economists say unemployment has not fallen far enough yet for wages to rise significantly across the economy. But there are some signs that wage pressures might soon emerge. One measure that Fed Chair Janet Yellen has cited as reflective of the job market’s health is the number of people out of work for more than six months. This figure reached record highs after the recession and has declined slowly. The number of longterm unemployed fell 78,000 to 3.37 million last month, down from 4.4 million a year ago. That’s still nearly three times as many as when the recession began. Some companies are starting to raise pay to attract workers. Applied Medical Technology, based in Cleveland, has raised the starting wage for its
assembly and production jobs to $10 an hour from $8.25. Jeff Elliott, the chief financial officer, said the company wants to add 30 people to its staff of 180. But its job advertisements are “getting less response than we used to get.” Three weeks ago, Kerry Vander Weit, 47, of Portland, Oregon, got her first full-time job in a year and a half. She works in sales for a mannequin company.
for life is a theme that runs through some veterans’ recollections. “I was lucky I survived,” said U.S. veteran Oscar Peterson, 92, who fought with the 2nd Infantry Division, during his visit to Colleville. At the time, he said “I would say that if I could survive this, I’ll work the rest of my life for nothing to be alive.” Clair Martin, 93, of San Diego, California, landed on D-Day with the 29th Infantry Division and said he kept fighting until he reached the Elbe River in Germany the following April. “I praise God I made it and that we’ve never had another World War,” he said. While many of the fallen in the Battle of Normandy — Americans, British, Polish and even Germans — lie in manicured cemeteries, some victims
have been largely forgotten — the French. Allied bombardments killed an estimated 20,000 French civilians, and Hollande paid tribute to them Friday in Caen, largely destroyed in the bombings like many Normandy cities. The Vichy government which collaborated with the Nazis — and which France took decades to admit represented the state — used the bombings as a propaganda tool, burying the extent of fatalities. Historians now believe that nearly as many French civilians died in Allied air raids as Britons during the German Blitz. “This battle was also a battle of civilians,” Hollande said. Normandy’s residents “helped the victory happen. They opened their doors to the liberators.” U.S. veteran Jack Schlegel, 91, of Albany, New York, who fought in the 508th Parachutist Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne, paid tribute to those who survived and are transmitting the D-Day message. “I love, especially in this area, the patriotism I can see, that you’re so thankful that the Allies ... helped liberate this country from the Nazis and giving the younger children a chance to grow up without this oppression.”
Continued from Page 1A
It was a “great relief,” Vander Weit said, even though she’s earning only about half what she made in her previous job at the Sports Authority. Her husband has kept his job, but they’ve bought a much smaller house and pared other expenses in the past two years. The U.S. economy actually shrank in the first three months of this year as a blast of cold weather shut down factories and kept
consumers away from shopping malls and car dealerships. The economy
contracted at a 1 percent annual rate, its first decline in three years.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014
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Sports&Outdoors TENNIS: FRENCH OPEN
NBA FINALS: SAN ANTONIO SPURS, MIAMI HEAT
James recovering
Photo by Michel Spingler | AP
Spain’s Rafael Nadal beat Britain’s Andy Murray 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 to advance to the finals of the French Open where he will face Novak Djokovic.
Nadal, Djokovic in final By HOWARD FENDRICH ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Eric Gay | AP
Miami Heat forward LeBron James defends against San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan on Thursday in San Antonio.
Air conditioning at AT&T Center repaired By TIM REYNOLDS ASSOCIATED PRESS
S
AN ANTONIO — LeBron James says he had a sleepless night after Game 1 of the NBA Finals, largely because of his body processing all the fluids pumped into him to combat his cramping. But the Miami Heat star says he
fully intends to be ready for Game 2 on Sunday night. James dealt with cramps throughout Miami’s 110-95 loss to San Antonio on Thursday, a game played inside an arena where an air conditioning system failure caused temperatures to soar. He left for the night with 3:59 left, and the Heat were outscored by 13 points once he departed.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: HOUSTON ASTROS
Even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has checked on the four-time MVP, telling The Associated Press that he sent word to James’ agent Rich Paul and manager Maverick Carter to ask how he was doing. Gatorade apologizes over LeBron-related tweets Gatorade has apologized for tweets
PARIS — This is what Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic wanted. It’s what they expected. And now they’ll meet in a French Open final with so much at stake for both. Nadal is seeking championship No. 9 at Roland Garros, and his 14th major title overall. Djokovic is hoping to finally conquer the French Open and complete a career Grand Slam. Fittingly, whoever wins the rivals’ 42nd head-to-head meeting Sunday will be ranked No. 1 on Monday; the runner-up will be No. 2. “He has the motivation to win Roland Garros for the first time, for sure. But at the same time, he has the pressure to win for the first time,” Nadal said. “I have the pressure that I want to win — and the motivation that I want to win — the ninth.” In Friday’s semifinals, the No. 1-seeded Nadal
See FINALS PAGE 2B See FRENCH PAGE 2B
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE: HOUSTON TEXANS
Texans sign top pick Clowney ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Hayne Palmour IV | AP
Cathedral Catholic High School pitcher Brady Aiken receives a congratulatory phone call just after he was selected by the Houston Astros as the first pick in the MLB draft on Thursday in Encinitas, Calif.
Astros draft HS lefty Aiken at No. 1 By DENNIS WASZAK JR. ASSOCIATED PRESS
SECAUCUS, N.J. — The Houston Astros had the No. 1 pick again, and this time, they took a pitcher polished beyond his years. California high school lefthander Brady Aiken was the first selection in the Major League Baseball draft Thursday night.
“It’s the most advanced high school pitcher I’ve ever seen in my entire career,” Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said. “He has command like I’ve never seen before of his stuff.” The 17-year-old from San Diego’s Cathedral Catholic High School is just the third prep pitcher to be selected first
See ASTROS PAGE 2B
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans have signed No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney. The team didn’t release any details on the contract. Clowney, a defensive end who will be converted to a linebacker in Houston’s 3-4 defensive scheme, had 130 tackles, including 47 for losses and 24 sacks in three seasons at South Carolina. He also set a school record by forcing nine fumbles in his career. The Texans hope the 6-foot-5, 266-pound Clowney will pair with 2012 Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt to create one of the most fearsome pass rushes in the NFL. He’s the third top overall pick in team history. Houston selected quarterback David Carr in 2002 and defensive end Mario Williams in 2006. NFL hopes to pick 2015 draft site this summer NEW YORK — The NFL has more than a dozen cities interested in hosting the 2015 draft and hopes to choose a site this summer. New York, Los Angeles and Chicago were invited this week to make presentations for next spring’s draft. But the league stresses that no finalists have been selected and many other cities are in the running.
File photo by Pat Sullivan | AP
The Houston Texans and No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney agreed to terms on a contract Friday. The draft drew record TV ratings last month. It has been held in New York since 1965, with Radio City Music Hall the venue since 2006. But the Music Hall was not available for the usual late April dates this year and the draft was pushed back to May 810. For the 2015 draft, the NFL is
seeking proposals for April 22-25 or April 29-May 2. Michael Sam: No issues fitting in with Rams ST. LOUIS — Michael Sam says he knows he will be judged on his performance. The first openly gay player
See TEXANS PAGE 2B
PAGE 2B
Zscores
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014
LA Kings thriving in captain’s "zombie mode" By GREG BEACHAM ASSOCIATED PRESS
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Dustin Brown used a delicious phrase last week to describe the Los Angeles Kings’ seemingly inexorable march through the Stanley Cup playoffs, outworking and outlasting every opponent in their path. According to their captain, the Kings have been in “zombie mode” while they chewed through San Jose, Anaheim and Chicago in three straight sevengame series, never getting more than 72 hours of rest between games for seven grueling weeks. Brown’s brainy comparison still seemed apt after Los Angeles beat the New York Rangers 3-2 in overtime Wednesday in the Stanley Cup finals opener. The Kings might not be as fast as their four playoff opponents, and they’ve encountered innumerable obstacles along the way. They still execute their relentless style of play with remarkable precision, and nobody has figured out how to stop them yet. “We’re very comfortable in any situation we’re in as a group,” Brown said Thursday. Game 2 is Saturday, giving the Kings another two-day rest — which is more than these zombies have needed lately. The current Kings’ tenacity is unmatched in this franchise’s mostly mediocre history, and they’re becoming one of the most remarkable teams in recent NHL seasons. Los Angeles has won nine seven-game playoff series in the past three years — one more than the Kings managed in their first 43 seasons of existence combined. The Kings won an incredible seven elimination games in the first three rounds this spring, including four straight in their his-
General manager Dean Lombardi put together a dressing room full of compatible players willing to play any role for team success. Coach Darryl Sutter takes little credit for his players’ tremendous group will, but the Alberta farmer fostered it with a steady message and constant accountability. “Every step they take, they’ve met so many challenges,” Lombardi said. “You’re really happy for those players, because you know how much they’ve put into it and how much they care. I see firsthand how they conduct themselves, how hard they work, how much they stick together. It’s special to see them be rewarded, but they’re fully cognizant that they’ve got some more work to do.” Rangers coach Alain Vigneault was around for the start of the Kings’ current playoff brilliance, much to his chagrin. His Presidents’ Trophy-winning Vancouver Canucks were knocked out of the first round by eighth-seeded Los Angeles two years ago. “They were a good team in the years past,” Vigneault said. “They’re a real good team now. It’s obvious they’ve got more exPhoto by Mark J. Terrill | AP perience. They play their game New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal, left, checks Los Angeles Kings right plan to a T, and they don’t deviate wing Dustin Brown during the first period in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals on in any shape, way or form, so that Wednesday in Los Angeles. makes it real challenging for the opposition.” toric first-round rally past San “We have always played our The Kings are custom-built for Jose. best hockey when you push and the postseason, even at the exEven when the Kings found pull guys together. That’s what it pense of regular-season success. themselves one period or one is, and that’s what we’ve been do- They won the Stanley Cup after shift away from elimination, their ing so far.” qualifying for the playoffs with will never wavered — and neither It takes a heaping helping of two games to go in 2012, and they did their determination to play re- brainpower to play in zombie finished a distant third in the Pasponsible two-way hockey. mode, and the Kings have it. Los cific Division standings this sea“It’s everybody taking pride, Angeles’ puck-possession game son behind the Ducks and Sharks chipping in, helping each other and defensive mindset are among — before blowing out both Caliout,” said Anze Kopitar, the the best in recent NHL history, as fornia rivals in a Game 7. NHL’s postseason scoring leader borne out both by advanced hockThe Kings take particular with 24 points. ey statistics and the naked eye. pride in their postseason profi-
FRENCH Continued from Page 1B was at his imperious, and nearly immaculate, best in a 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 victory over Wimbledon champion Andy Murray that lasted all of 100 minutes. Nadal never faced a break point, converted all six he earned, and whipped his uppercut of a forehand as only he can. Toni Nadal, Rafael’s uncle and coach, called the match “one of the best that he has ever played here.” That’s sure saying something. Toni’s nephew is 65-1 at the claycourt tournament and carries a 34-match winning streak into the final. The thick, gray clouds and chill that became a staple these two weeks gave way to sunshine and warmth Friday, and Nadal reveled in it. “For me, is much better when the weather is like today,” he said. “My ball creates more topspin. The ball goes quicker in the air, and with my forehand I am able to create more with less.” All in all, Nadal made Murray look rather lost. “You want to be competitive. You want to make it hard for him,” Murray said. “I wasn’t able to do that.” The No. 2-seeded Djokovic’s semifinal was only slightly less perfunctory, a 6-3, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory over 18th-seeded
Ernests Gulbis of Latvia that came first Friday, when the temperature hit 82 degrees (28 Celsius). Wrapping a cold towel around his neck during changeovers, Djokovic was brilliant through two sets, then faltered in the third, showing frustration by spiking a racket so hard he mangled it. Djokovic has made no secret of the importance he places on a French Open title to add to the six majors he’s won — four at the Australian Open, one each at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. “Obviously, Novak would like to win the one he is missing,” said Djokovic’s coach, Marian Vajda. “So all these hopes ... make him more tense than usually you see him. But I think this match helped him to release it.” Afterward, Djokovic said he felt “physically fatigued a little bit” and was looking forward to resting until Sunday, when the forecast predicts similar heat but also a chance of rain. No two men in the Open era, which began in 1968, faced each other as often as these two. Nadal leads 22-19 overall, 8-3 at majors, and 5-0 in the French Open — including victories over Djokovic in the 2012 final and 2013 semifinals. But Djokovic won their last four matchups, in-
cluding on clay in the final at Rome last month, which the Serb said boosted his belief in himself. Still, Djokovic conceded, “I don’t know how much ‘upper hand’ I have, really. ... There is no doubt that he is the favorite to win the title.” Nadal’s take? “Probably he will come to the match mentally a little bit better than me because he beat me the last four,” said the Spaniard, who won Wimbledon and the U.S. Open twice each, and the Australian Open once, and can tie Pete Sampras at 14 major titles, behind only Roger Federer’s record for men of 17. “But at the same time, my feeling is I am doing the things better, and I am playing better again.” Nadal arrived at Roland Garros dealing with some doubts. There were the three losses on clay in 2014. There was the pain in his back that resurfaced early last week, leading to a dip in his serve speeds and prompting him to wear vertical strips of tape under his shirt for support. By Friday evening, all was well. His back felt fine. His serves had zip. His forehand was fearsome. The sun was shining. And now Djokovic awaits.
ASTROS Continued from Page 1B overall, joining fellow lefties Brien Taylor (1991, Yankees) and David Clyde (1973, Rangers). The Miami Marlins made it the first time high school pitchers were the top two picks in the draft when they selected Tyler Kolek, a hard-throwing righthander from Shepherd High School in Texas. Twenty pitchers were taken in the first round, tying the draft record set in 2001. The Astros are the first team to select first in three consecutive drafts, having picked shortstop Carlos Correa in 2012 and right-hander Mark Appel last year. Aiken is in line to receive a huge contract. The allotted slot bonus for the top pick is nearly $8 million. “Unbelievable. It’s really a dream come true,” Aiken said. “This is something that I’ve wanted ever since I was a young kid. I’m at a loss for words.
This is my dream and it’s finally starting to come true.” Aiken is also the first high school lefty to be drafted in the first five picks since Adam Loewen went fourth overall to Baltimore in 2002. The UCLA recruit, who compared himself to Clayton Kershaw and David Price, has terrific control of a fastball that hits 96-97 mph, a knee-buckling curve and a tough changeup that sits in the low- to mid-80s. The 6-foot-5 Kolek has a fastball that sits in the high-90s and touched 100-102 mph several times, causing many to compare him to fellow Texas flamethrowers such as Nolan Ryan, Kerry Wood and Josh Beckett. “How do you pass up a guy throwing 100?” Marlins manager Mike Redmond said after Miami’s 11-6 win at Tampa Bay. “So, I’m happy with the pick. It’s a big, old, country strong right-hander.”
ciency, but that also means there’s only one achievement worth celebrating. “I think there’s a mentality that goes, you know, do you want to be a division champion or a Stanley Cup champion?” Brown asked. “The way we play the game, it’s a tough game to play. “There’s teams that get far more points than us during the regular season, but when it comes to playoff time, our type of style, our type of game we play, the players that we have, we become a really hard team to beat four times in seven games. “It’s funny. When you look at Staples (Center), we don’t have banners all the way across (the rafters), but we have the banner we want. We’re in the process or in search of that next banner.” Penguins fire Bylsma, hire Rutherford as GM PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins have fired Dan Bylsma and hired Jim Rutherford as their new general manager. Bylsma won a franchise-record 252 games behind the bench but failed to produce a bookend to the championship he captured with stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in 2009. The Penguins were just 4-5 in playoff series since raising the Cup, with each loss coming to a lower-seeded team. Pittsburgh’s latest defeat came last month when the Penguins fell to the New York Rangers in seven games in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The 65-year-old Rutherford played goalie for the Penguins in the 1970s before spending 20 years with the franchise that began as the Hartford Whalers, moved to North Carolina in 1997 and won the Stanley Cup in 2006. Rutherford stepped aside in April.
FINALS Continued from Page 1B
Photo by Eric Gay | AP
San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili shoots as Miami Heat forward Chris Andersen defends Thursday in San Antonio. posted from the company’s account after Miami Heat star LeBron James was forced to leave Game 1 of the NBA Finals. James was forced out of the game because of cramps, a sign of dehydration. Temperatures in the arena in San Antonio soared during the game because of an air conditioning outage, and the Spurs pulled away after James departed for a 110-95 win. Gatorade tweeted “With a game this hot, we’re right at home” late in the game. Several other now-deleted
tweets followed from the account, including one saying “The person cramping wasn’t our client. Our athletes can take the heat.” James is a paid endorser of Powerade, a rival of Gatorade. The Heat have Gatorade products on their sideline during games. Air conditioning at AT&T Center repaired The air conditioning is on again inside the San Antonio Spurs’ arena. Spurs Sports and Entertainment announced Friday that the outage that affected Game 1 of the NBA Finals
between San Antonio and Miami has been repaired. Officials say the system at AT&T Center has been tested and is “fully operational.” Temperatures rose into the mid-80s inside the arena during Game 1, which the Spurs won 110-95. Heat star LeBron James left the game with 3:59 left after cramping in the heat, and both teams said conditions were difficult to play. Game 2 is Sunday night. A concert is to be held in the arena Friday, and a WNBA game on Saturday.
TEXANS Continued from Page 1B drafted in the NFL said Friday there have been no issues fitting in with his St. Louis Rams teammates, no awkward moments in the locker room and that he was accepted right away. Working out with the full squad this week, Sam says he realizes he must step up his game to carve out a spot on a loaded defensive line. Sam got a lot of snaps at left end with the second team defense, moving up on the depth chart because veteran William Hayes is rehabbing from an injury. He’s been getting a lot of work on special teams, where the Rams might break him in. Developmental league has support, no launch plan NEW YORK — When Troy Vincent mentioned in April the NFL’s interest in establishing a developmental league, he couldn’t have imagined the response it would get. “I got more than 100 proposals,” he said with a laugh. “I think that shows it is worth a look.” And that is what it will get, although the NFL has no timetable for establishing such a league. Why is it likely to get off the ground?
Vincent, who recently became the NFL’s head of football operations, cites a bunch of reasons, from training coaches and officials to finding players to testing rules. “It would be an opportunity to enhance our game on many levels, to develop the future, preserve and innovate the game,” he said. Not since NFL Europe disappeared in 2007 has there been an NFL-affiliated place where players could go to prove themselves worthy of a look by one of the league’s 32 teams. Same thing for officials and coaches. There are dozens of questions accompanying any project: When and where would the league play games? How many teams would be in a developmental league? Who would play and coach? Would television be interested? Marc Ganis, president of SportsCorp, a Chicago-based consulting firm, has a strong relationship with many team owners. He envisions a league being established for spring play, with all of the teams supplying players they want to see more from.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014
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HINTS | BY HELOISE Dear Heloise: What is the best way to clean the inside of GAS GRILLS (drip grids, etc.)? –– E.H., via email With summer on its way, it’s a good time for all of us to clean our grills. Here are some hints to help you get grill-ready. With the grill cool and the propane tank shut off, remove and clean all the inside parts that you can: grates, burners and drip grids (you might want to refer to the manual if you’re unsure how to disconnect the grids). Using a scrub brush, dish detergent and warm water, clean all these parts to remove stuck-on food and grease. Rinse with water and air-dry. Clean burner tubes, checking for cracks or leaks, while noticing whether any bugs have nested. If anything needs to be replaced, do this now. –– Heloise MEDICATION MIXUP Dear Heloise: My roommate and I have several cats and dogs. We use the
monthly treatment for fleas that is topically applied. It is very important to not mix up the cat and dog treatments. Yesterday when we were applying it, we pulled the applicators out of the boxes and discovered that the individual application pods are not marked as to which animal they are for. Thankfully, we still had the boxes and were able to check the product ID. After our scare, I took a laundry marker and wrote the type of animal on each application pod, so that in future months we will not have the same confusion again. –– Lauri S., Spokane, Wash. You do need to be careful not to mix up pet medications. What a good hint to label each individually with a marker! I would do this as soon as I brought the product home. Depending on which application you use, they typically are marked for weight. If you do have a mix-up and put the wrong medicine on a pet, contact your veterinarian immediately to find out what to do. –– Heloise
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