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ZAPATA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Border Security Expo Law enforcement officials provided training By César G. Rodriguez TH E ZAPATA T IME S
Zapata County Sheriff’s Office Chief Raymundo Del Bosque Jr. was among many law enforcement officials who went to the Border Security Expo in San Antonio. He stated the expo provided great training. “(I’m) proud to represent Sheriff Alonso M. Lopez and The Zapata County Sheriff’s Office at the 2018 Border Security Expo working alongside
Sheriff Martin Cuellar, Chief Deputy Federico Garza, and Cmdr. Dennis D. Garcia of The Webb County Sheriff’s Office,” Del Bosque said in a statement. For Cuellar, the expo served as an opportunity to show Washington officials the work being done in southern Texas. “We’re going the right direction on how to protect the border,” Cuellar said. He also served as a panelist.
“It is through these types of conferences that we are able to represent Webb County and, at the same time, learn more about different equipment and training that we need to keep our community safe. Border security is a very important matter and we don't take it for granted,” the sheriff said. Garza added, “Our federal partners are listening to us to make sure that we get the equipment to help the commu-
nity.” Strategies in place include partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement officials. Working together in the south can prevent the contraband from reaching the north, he said. “Our strategy is to deter the crime that is happening in our cities because whatever happens in our city of Laredo, it affects also the city of San Antonio,” Garza said.
Courtesy photo / Zapata County Sheriff’s Office
Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar, Zapata County Sheriff’s Office Chief Raymundo Del Bosque Jr. and Webb County Sheriff’s Office Chief Fred Garza went to the Border Security Expo that took place in San Antonio this week.
IBC BANK-ZAPATA
CBP
CLAY FOR KIDS TOURNAMENT
Facial recognition will get border test By Jeremy Schwartz COX NEWSPAPERS
Courtesy photo
Almost 40 shooting teams, totaling 300 participants, took part on a 12-station sporting clay course of 100 clay targets with 12-gauge, or smaller, shotguns.
Event proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Zapata S P ECIAL T O T HE T I ME S
IBC Bank-Zapata hosted the 11th annual Clay for Kids tournament and cook-off on Saturday, Jan. 27. All proceeds directly benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Zapata, serving more than 400 children of all ages. This year, IBC Bank-Zapata helped raise over $22,000 for the organization. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Boys & Girls Club of Zapata County. Clays for Kids took place on the Ramirez Family Ranch. Local residents, business and community volunteers came together to support the organization. “Supporting organizations like the Boys & Girls Club
and bringing communities together is part of IBC’s “We Do More” philosophy,” said Ricardo Ramirez, IBC BankZapata president and CEO. “This fundraiser has exceeded our expectations and it could not have been done without the help of our neighbors, local businesses, and those who take the time to join us year after year.” About 40 registered shooting teams were formed this year, totaling 300 participants taking action on a 12station sporting clay course of 100 clay targets with 12gauge, or smaller, shotguns. In addition, 17 cook-off teams competed to prepare the best fajitas, chicken, and pork ribs, with the side favorites, ‘pan de campo’ and beans.
SAN ANTONIO — U.S. Customs and Border Protection has long sought a way to identify the millions of travelers who leave the country each year through land border crossings into Mexico and Canada. The logistical hurdles have been monumental: At the U.S.-Mexico border in particular, setting up an exit checkpoint could cause disastrous traffic backups and disrupt trade. When Congress ordered the agency to use biometrics to identify travelers leaving the country, the technology was in its infancy. But thanks to quantum leaps in facial recognition technology, especially over the past year, the future is arriving sooner than most Americans realize. As early as this summer, CBP will set up a pilot program to digitally scan the faces of drivers and passengers — while they are in moving vehicles — at the busy Anzalduas Port of Entry outside of McAllen, Texas, the agency announced this week. The agency will use the results of the South Texas effort to set the stage for a wider rollout along the southern and northern borders, where the technology someday could be used to identify fugitives or wanted terror suspects. Customs and Border Protection already operates facial recognition exit programs at nearly a dozen international airports, including Houston’s, aimed at making sure travelers are who they say they are. “Traveler acceptance is really high, and we can thank the Apples and the Googles for that,” said Colleen Manaher, CBP executive director of planning, program analysis and evaluation, in an interview at the Border Security Expo in San Antonio, where she revealed the Anzalduas project Thursday. “It’s a game-changer.” While agency officials say facial recognition technology has the potential to transform how we travel, possibly doing away with the need for passports, boarding passes and other travel documents, some critics foresee more dystopian outcomes. Analysts at the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Georgetown University’s Center on Privacy and Technology have argued the program could lead to “mission creep” in the form of additional, unauthorized government scanning. At least two members of Congress have questioned whether the agency’s program illegally spies on American citizens. In a December letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, U.S. Sens. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Mike Lee, R-Utah, requested that the program’s expansion be halted until the agency can demonstrate its legality. “While Congress has repeatedly voted to authorize biometric entry-exit scanning of foreign nationals, it has never authorized biometric exit scanning for U.S. citizens,” the senators wrote. “In fact, Congress has pointedly neglected to authorize biometric exit scanning for U.S. citizens.”
Zin brief A2 | Saturday, February 3, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
CALENDAR
AROUND THE NATION
TODAY IN HISTORY
SATURDAY, FEB. 3
ASSOCIATED PRE SS
First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 1220 McClelland Ave. Hard cover $1, paperback $0.50, magazines and children’s books, $0.25. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions. Laredo Northside Farmers Market is at North Central Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The February market will feature a dog costume contest. Check the market's facebook page for contest registration times. There will be three prizes for the contest. Come see the new vendors including a pony ride and your returning favorites. More information at our facebook page. Womens City Club annual plate sale. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dr. Ike’s parking lot, 4200 North Inerstate 35. Tickets are $6 per plate. Pulled pork sandwich with all the trimmings.
TUESDAY, FEB. 6 Alzheimer's support group meeting. 7 p.m. Meeting room 2, building B of the Laredo Medical Center. The support group is for family members and caregivers taking care of someone who has Alzheimer's. For information, please call 956-693-9991.
SATURDAY, FEB. 10 Conference and Resource Fair for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities, 8:30am-1:30pm, UT Health Regional Campus Laredo, 1937 E. Bustamante, This is a free resource fair for parents of children with special needs it is also open to the community. To register call Oda Garcia at 956-712-0037 email ogarcia@mrgbahec.org.
TUESDAY, FEB. 13 The United Methodist Men’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. 6 to 7:30 p.m. 1220 McClelland Ave. All you can eat pancakes, syrup, butter, bacon and sausage, with a choice of coffee, orange juice, milk or lemonade. Public is invited. Free will donations accepted. Proceeds are used to support the church’s mission projects.
THURSDAY, FEB. 22 Villa San Agustin de Laredo Genealogical Society meeting. 3 to 5 p.m. Joe A. Guerra Public Library, second floor. Speaker topic: San Ygnacio and the River Pierce Foundation, Melita Rodriguez. For more info, call Sylvia Reash at 763-1810. Spanish Book Club. 6 to 8 p.m. Joe A. Guerra Public Library, conference room. For more info, call Sylvia Reash at 763-1810.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 31 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 1220 McClelland Ave. 10 a.m. to noon. Hard cover $1, paperbacks $0.50, magazines and children’s books $0.25. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 1220 McClelland Ave. 10 a.m. to noon. Hard cover $1, paperbacks $0.50, magazines and children’s books $0.25. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 1220 McClelland Ave. 10 a.m. to noon. Hard cover $1, paperbacks $0.50, magazines and children’s books $0.25. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 21 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 1220 McClelland Ave. 10 a.m. to noon. Hard cover $1, paperbacks $0.50, magazines and children’s books $0.25. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 1220 McClelland Ave. 10 a.m. to noon. Hard cover $1, paperbacks $0.50, magazines and children’s books $0.25. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions.
SATURDAY, MARCH 3 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 1220 McClelland Ave. Hard cover $1, paperback $0.50, magazines and children’s books, $0.25. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions.
Tom Brenner/The New York Times
President Donald Trump intensified his attacks on the Justice Department and FBI for their handling of the investigation into Russias interference in the 2016 elections.
RUSSIA-PROBE MEMO RELEASED WASHINGTON — House Republicans on Friday released a bitterly disputed, formerly highly classified memo that they say shows surveillance abuses in the early stages of the FBI’s investigation into the Trump election campaign and Russia. President Donald Trump, who championed release of the document over the fierce objections of his own Justice Department, declared the memo shows a “lot of people should be ashamed of themselves.” The memo, prepared by Republicans on the House intelligence committee, asserts
Federal Reserve imposes new penalties on Wells Fargo bank WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve is imposing more penalties on Wells Fargo, freezing the bank’s growth until it can prove it has improved its internal controls. In addition, bank agreed to replace four board members. It’s the latest blow against the San Francisco bank that
that the FBI relied excessively on antiTrump research funded by Democrats in seeking a warrant to monitor the communications of a Trump campaign associate — and that federal authorities concealed the full details of who was paying for the information. Trump has been telling confidants that he believed the document would validate his concerns that the FBI and Justice Department conspired against him. But the FBI says the four-page document is inaccurate and stripped of critical context. — Compiled from AP reports
has had its reputation tarnished by revelations it opened phony customer accounts and sold auto insurance to customers who did not need it. The new penalties were announced late Friday on Fed Chair Janet Yellen’s last day at the central bank. “We cannot tolerate pervasive and persistent misconduct at any bank,” Yellen said in a statement. “The enforcement action we are taking today will ensure that Wells Fargo will not expand until it is able to do so safely and with the protec-
tions needed to manage all of its risks and protect its customers.” The Fed said it is restricting the bank’s assets to the level where they stood at the end of last year until it can demonstrate that it has improved its internal controls. Wells Fargo’s stock fell more than 6 percent in after-hours trading. Wells Fargo said that it is confident it will satisfy the Fed’s requirements and reiterated that it remains “open for business.” — Compiled from AP reports
AROUND TEXAS Man executed for killing daughters while mom listened HUNTSVILLE — A former Dallas accountant condemned for fatally shooting his two young daughters while their mother listened helplessly on the phone was put to death Thursday night in Texas. John David Battaglia was executed for the May 2001 killings of his 9-year-old daughter, Faith, and her 6-year-old sister, Liberty. Battaglia and his wife had separated, and he shot the girls at his Dallas apartment during a scheduled visit. His lethal injection was the nation’s third this year, all in Texas. The punishment was delayed more than three hours until the U.S. Supreme Court rejected appeals from his lawyers to review his case. They contended the 62-year-old was delusional and mentally incompetent for execution and that a lower court improperly
Andy Scott / AP
John David Battaglia was executed for the 2001 killings of his 9-year-old daughter, Faith, and her 6-year-old sister, Liberty.
refused Battaglia’s lawyers money to hire an expert to further examine legal claims regarding his mental competency. Battaglia smiled as the mother of his slain children, Mary Jean Pearle, and other witnesses to his execution walked into the death chamber viewing area. Asked by the warden if he had a final statement, the in-
mate replied: “No,” then changed his mind. “Well, hi, Mary Jean,” he said, looking and smiling at his ex-wife. “I’ll see y’all later. Bye.” Battaglia then closed his eyes and looked directly up. A few seconds later he opened them back up and lifted his head. “Am I still alive?” he asked. — Compiled from AP reports
Today is Saturday, Feb. 3, the 34th day of 2018. There are 331 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Feb. 3, 1943, during World War II, the U.S. transport ship SS Dorchester, which was carrying troops to Greenland, sank after being hit by a German torpedo in the Labrador Sea; of the more than 900 men aboard, only some 230 survived. On this date: In 1690, the first paper money in America was issued by the Massachusetts Bay Colony to finance a military expedition to Canada. In 1783, Spain formally recognized American independence. In 1913, the 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, providing for a federal income tax, was ratified. In 1917, the United States broke off diplomatic relations with Germany, the same day an American cargo ship, the SS Housatonic, was sunk by a U-boat off Britain after the crew was allowed to board lifeboats. In 1918, actor-comedian Joey Bishop, a member of Hollywood's legendary "Rat Pack," was born Joseph Abraham Gottlieb in the Bronx, New York. In 1924, the 28th president of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, died in Washington, D.C., at age 67. In 1930, the chief justice of the United States, William Howard Taft, resigned for health reasons. (He died just over a month later.) In 1959, rock-and-roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson died in a small plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. An American Airlines Lockheed Electra crashed into New York's East River, killing 65 of the 73 people on board. In 1966, the Soviet probe Luna 9 became the first manmade object to make a soft landing on the moon. In 1972, the XI Olympic Winter Games opened in Sapporo, Japan. In 1988, the U.S. House of Representatives handed President Ronald Reagan a major defeat, rejecting his request for $36.2 million in new aid to the Nicaraguan Contras by a vote of 219-211. In 1998, Texas executed Karla Faye Tucker, 38, for the pickax killings of two people in 1983; she was the first woman executed in the United States since 1984. A U.S. Marine plane sliced through the cable of a ski gondola in Italy, causing the car to plunge hundreds of feet, killing all 20 people inside. Ten years ago: The New York Giants scored a late touchdown to win Super Bowl XLII, 17-14, ending the New England Patriots' run at a perfect season; Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who hit Plaxico Burress on a 13-yard fade with 35 seconds left, was named Most Valuable Player. Five years ago: Eight people were killed when a tour bus crashed in San Bernardino County, California, while returning 38 tourists to Tijuana, Mexico. A fired Los Angeles police officer launched a revenge war on law enforcement and the families of those he blamed for ending his career, killing four people during a 6-day manhunt that ended with his apparent suicide at a cabin in San Bernardino County. The Baltimore Ravens survived a partial power outage during Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans to edge the San Francisco 49ers 34-31. One year ago: President Donald Trump launched his long-promised attack on banking rules that were rushed into law after the nation's economic crisis, signing new orders after meeting with business and investment chiefs and pledging further action to free big banks from restrictions. Paris was plunged into panic — again — when soldiers guarding the Louvre Museum shot an attacker who lunged at them with two machetes and shouted "Allahu Akbar!" as the historic landmark went into lockdown; the suspect, believed to be Egyptian, was taken into custody. Today's Birthdays: Football Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton is 78. Actress Bridget Hanley is 77. Actress Blythe Danner is 75. Singer Dennis Edwards is 75. Football Hall of Famer Bob Griese is 73. Singer-guitarist Dave Davies is 71. Singer Melanie is 71. Actress Morgan Fairchild is 68. Actress Pamela Franklin is 68. Actor Nathan Lane is 62. Rock musician Lee Ranaldo is 62. Actor Thomas Calabro is 59. Rock musician/ author Lol Tolhurst is 59. Actor-director Keith Gordon is 57. Actress Michele Greene is 56. Country singer Matraca Berg is 54. Actress Maura Tierney is 53. Actor Warwick Davis is 48. Actress Elisa Donovan is 47. Reggaeton singer Daddy Yankee is 42. Actress Isla Fisher is 42. Musician Grant Barry is 41. Human rights activist Amal Clooney is 40. Singer-songwriter Jessica Harp is 36. Actor Matthew Moy is 34. Thought for Today : "Your friend will argue with you." — Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Russian writer (1918-2008).
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 1220 McClelland Ave. 10 a.m. to noon. Hard cover $1, paperbacks $0.50, magazines and children’s books $0.25. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions.
AROUND THE WORLD
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14
GENEVA — About 90 people are feared drowned after a smuggler’s boat carrying mostly Pakistani migrants capsized off Libya’s coast early Friday, the U.N.’s migration agency said. Ten bodies have washed ashore near the Libyan town of Zuwara following the tragedy in the early morning, said International Organization for Migra-
First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 1220 McClelland Ave. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 1220 McClelland Ave. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions.
90 migrants feared drowned after boat capsizes off Libya
tion spokeswoman Olivia Headon, citing information from its partner agencies. “We are told that two survivors swam to shore, and one person was rescued by a fishing boat,” Headon said by phone from Tunisia’s capital to reporters at the U.N. in Geneva. “We are working to get more details on the (capsizing) and where the survivors are so that we can assist them better.” Initially, the Libyan coast guard said a patrol it sent out found no signs of a capsized
CONTACT US boat, survivors, or drowned migrants. But late at night, it cited a statement from officials in Zuwara who said that 13 bodies had been found, all Pakistani except for one Libyan woman. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said 11 of its citizens had drowned in the incident. Ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal told AP that Pakistani diplomats reached Libya’s coastal area to collect more details and begin the process of repatriating the bodies of the deceased. — Compiled from AP reports
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THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, February 3, 2018 |
A3
LOCAL
33 heaters to be distributed to local families By César G. Rodriguez TH E ZAPATA T IME S
Authorities have purchased heaters from a large retail store through a grant, the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office said this week. “Due to the very low temperatures in our county these past months, we applied for a grant from Wal-Mart to help those in most need of heating during the winter,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. Officials said the awarded $500, with Zapa-
ta Crime Stoppers matching the grant, helped them purchase 33 heaters to give out to several families of students and senior citizens. “Many thanks to all the volunteers that made everything aside (Monday) to help us distribute the heaters. “Special thanks to Zapata County Sheriff Alonso M. Lopez, Zapata County Sheriff’s Office, Zapata County Independent School District and County Commissioner Pct. 2,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
Courtesy photo / Zapata County Sheriff’s Office
Zapata County Sheriff’s officials distributed heaters to the community on Monday. They purchased the heaters from Wal-Mart through a grant.
Zapata man accused of marijuana possession By César G. Rodriguez LA R ED O MORNING T I ME S
A man was arrested this week after deputies found small amounts of marijuana at a home in the Medina Addition, according to the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office. Randall Emilio Alaniz, 18, was arrested and Alaniz charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana. He was released on bond Wednesday, according to custody records. On Tuesday, authorities said they received information about streetlevel doses of narcotics being distributed at a home in the 1700 block of Zapata Avenue. Alaniz allegedly granted a consent to search the property. That’s when investigators said they found seven baggies, each containing about 0.4 ounces of marijuana.
Courtesy photo
The Sheriff’s Office said they found marijuana during a search of a home on Zapata Avenue.
Teen jailed on drug charge Courtesy photo
By César G. Rodriguez TH E ZAPATA T IME S
A teen landed behind bars for allegedly distributing and selling narcotics at a home in the Medina Addition, authorities said. David Gutierrez, 17, was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Custody records show he was released on bond Wednesday. On Tuesday, the Zapata Gutiérrez County Sheriff ’s Office said they received information about streetlevel doses of narcotics being distributed at a residence in the 1300 block of Juarez Avenue. Authorities said Gutierrez gave the Sheriff ’s Office consent to search the home and the vehicles there. Investigators said they discovered eight individually wrapped clear plastic baggies inside a vehicle. Each baggie contained 3.2 ounces of marijuana, authorities said.
The Sheriff’s Office said they found eight baggies containing marijuana inside a vehicle.
Zopinion
Letters to the editor Send your signed letter to editorial@lmtonline.com
A4 | Saturday, February 3, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
Greg Abbott targeting older voters for mailed ballots By Ken Herman COX N EWSPAPE RS
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in addition to finding his way into many Texans’ email and snail-mail inboxes, now is in showing up on some folks’ phones. And I’ve heard from some readers who are concerned about a particular recent phone call from their governor. “Hi,” he says in the recorded call, “this is Gov. Greg Abbott. I recently mailed you an application for an absentee ballot for the upcoming election. By signing and submitting this application, you will be able to vote by mail in the March primary election, as well as the general election in November. “Don’t miss your chance to vote. Make sure that you sign this application and mail it in immediately to receive your absentee ballot. If you haven’t received your application by mail by the end of the week, please call me at 512-496-9336 and we’ll send out another application. This call is paid for by Texans for Greg Abbott,” he says. Abbott campaign spokesman John Wittman says the phone calls and accompanying mail piece are aimed at “a targeted model of (age) 65-plus presidential cycle voters.” He would not say whether the campaign specifically targeted Republican voters or went to a wider audience. There’s nothing wrong with that and, as far as I can tell, there’s nothing illegal or unethical about the effort. But it’s important that those of you who get the call understand the deal. I heard from two readers who, perhaps understandably, misunderstood the call and thought Abbott said he was sending ballots by mail. He can’t do that. Mailed ballots only can be distributed by election officials. Abbott, however, is as free as anyone to send applications for mail-in ballots. It’s also important that you know that if you apply for and receive a mail ballot, you could face some questions if you decide instead to vote in person the traditional way. Poll workers will know who’s received ballots by mail. So what do you do if you apply for and receive a mail ballot but then decide to vote in person? Sam Taylor, spokesman for Texas Secretary of State Rolando B. Pablos, says the easiest way is to bring the mail ballot to
your polling place and have it cancelled there. “Otherwise, the voter would have to vote a provisional ballot and it only counts if their mail ballot doesn’t arrive at the early voting clerk’s office,” Taylor said. It’s that whole onevote-per-person thing. Voting by mail (and there’s an important change in the procedure this year) is limited to folks in one or more of these categories: 65 or older, disabled, out of the county on Election Day and during early voting, or in jail but otherwise eligible. The early voting period for the March 6 primaries is Feb. 20 to March 2. Feb. 23 is the deadline for applying for a mail ballot. More information on voting by mail is on the Texas Secretary of State’s website. Most importantly, Feb. 5 is the deadline for voter registration if you’re not currently on the books. This year, as a result of action by the 2017 Texas Legislature, you cannot apply for a mail ballot simply via email or fax. Requests must be mailed in with an original signature. This was a change pushed by GOP lawmakers who believe mailed ballots have been a source of voter fraud. Democrats, however, saw the change as a solution to a non-existent problem, and one that could make it more difficult for some Texans to vote. Abbott’s doing his part — most likely for folks he perceives as his voters — to get mail ballots to folks who might need them. His robocall is followed up with a mail piece that says, “Governor Greg Abbott has made it easy to vote by mail in the March 6th Republican Primary Election.” It’s kind of a dualpurpose piece: part public service, “Please sign the personalized Vote-ByMail Application we’ve pre-addressed for YOU,” and part campaign ad, albeit with a grammatically challenged message. See if you can spot the problem: “Keep Texas Strong — defeat the Bernie Sander’s machine.” Our apologies to the apostrophe, perhaps the most misunderstood and misused punctuation mark of all. (Although colons — full and semi — also are up there.) As far as I know, there is no Bernie Sander machine trying to make Texas weak. Ken Herman is a columnist for the Austin American-Statesman.
LETTERS POLICY Laredo Morning Times does not publish anonymous letters. To be published, letters must include the writer's first and last names as well as a phone number to verify identity. The phone number IS NOT published; it is used solely to verify identity and to clarify content, if necessary. Identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication. We want to assure our readers that a letter is written by the person who signs the
letter. Laredo Morning Times does not allow the use of pseudonyms. This space allows for public debate of the issues of the day. Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No name-calling or gratuitous abuse is allowed. Also, letters longer than 500 words will not be accepted. Via email, send letters to editorial@lmtonline.com or mail them to Letters to the Editor, 111 Esperanza Drive, Laredo, TX 78041.
COLUMN
I nearly quit watching the NFL By Will Bunch PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
For Chris Long’s former high school football coach John Blake, there is one moment — and one image — that really showed the world what the Eagles defensive end is all about. And it wasn’t Long’s headline-grabbing announcement that he’d donate all his 2017 game paychecks to worthwhile causes, including two scholarships to send underprivileged kids to his Charlottesville, Va., alma mater, the St. Anne’s Belfield School. It was the preseason game back in August when the 10-year NFL veteran stood up for the national anthem and — in a gesture of solidarity and support — put his arm around his teammate Malcolm Jenkins, who was raising his fist to protest racial injustice in America. It was no little thing, as Long became the most visible white supporter of the protests that have roiled pro football for the last two seasons. "What Chris was trying to do, basically, was to say that we need to listen — he’s got a point, all of these guys who are doing this are doing this for a reason," said Blake, still head coach at the Virginia prep school. It was a brave political statement around the time when no less than the president of the United States was berating any athlete who protested during the anthem as a "son of a bitch," but that arm-wrap also set the stage for all the givingback good deeds that Jenkins, Long, and, increasingly, their Eagles teammates did in the Philadelphia community in the days that followed. There are so many story lines as these Birds stormed through the regular season with a leaguebest 13-3 record and won two playoff games on the road to Minneapolis and Super Bowl LII — the canonization of oncemaligned coach Doug Pederson, the rise of young quarterback Carson Wentz, and the gritty and improbable comeback story of replacement QB Nick Foles when an injured Wentz went down. But it’s hard to dispute that it’s Jenkins and Long who became the heart and soul of these would-be champions, determined to prove amid the violent and most unlikely world of pro football that, yes, in the end, the love you take really is equal to the love you make. Bill Cobb, the Philadelphian who was once incarcerated and is now a
leading advocate for justice reform with the ACLU, rode this fall with Jenkins and teammate Steven Means to Graterford Prison to meet inmates and listen to their issues and is now working with the Eagles safety on other social justice issues. "What I like about his leadership," Cobb told me, "is that Malcolm gets people to understand that their leadership is possible." As the Birds marched closer toward their date in Minneapolis, more and more of Jenkins’ and Long’s teammates joined them in giving something back to the community, to show that making a statement about progress can start during "The Star-Spangled Banner" but not end there. It was impossible to ignore. Well, almost impossible. A decent number of fans stayed away from the NFL this season for a variety of complaints about an enterprise that rakes in $14 billion a year but struggles to find its moral compass — and there were times I thought about joining them. Like some boycotters, I was angry over the league’s Joe McCarthy-style blacklisting of Colin Kaepernick for launching the protests against injustice, and I questioned how I could still watch the game knowing that a lot of the players might someday join the veterans who’ve suffered brain damage playing football. When the Eagles kicked off their season Sept. 10, I wrote an anguished essay on these pages that railed on about "the moral bankruptcy" of today’s NFL, only to conclude the cultural bonds that began for so many of us with father and son were simply too strong to make that clean break — at least not yet, not for me. The hope that the rising Eagles could pull our often-fractured city together still loomed, and I pleaded with football "to do a lot better." Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Long and their teammates answered those prayers. It turns out they were doing it all along. Jenkins’ desire to give back goes all the way to the roots, to his upbringing in North Jersey and college years at Ohio State and then his pre-Eagles stint with New Orleans Saints — launching the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation the same year the Saints finally won the Super Bowl. Working with kids and financing scholarships is laudable but not unique for today’s superstar athlete, but with
the arrival of the Black Lives Matters movement, Jenkins also saw the need for more complicated and politically charged reforms — the things that can bring lasting change to underprivileged communities. While Jenkins drew flak from some for raising his fist during the anthem, he was also forging close ties with the Philadelphia Police Department, not just meeting with top brass but riding around with rank-and-file officers to learn how cops and the communities they serve can develop better trust — a real-world strategy for reducing shootings by police. While some angry fans, with Donald Trump’s hateful "son of a bitch" rant burning in their ears, chortled that protesting black athletes didn’t even know what they were protesting for, Jenkins made a mockery of that ignorant claim. He was busy writing a searing series on criminal justice in the Philadelphia Citizen, traveling to Harrisburg to lobby lawmakers on "Clean Slate" legislation to wipe clean the records of low-level nonviolent offenders, urging sweeping reform of the broken bail system, and calling on Pennsylvania to release inmates given life-without-parole sentences as juveniles. One such ex-offender who did win his freedom recently, Kempis Songster, will be in the stands at the Super Bowl — because Jenkins paid his way to get there. Amazingly, he did all this as an involved dad — Jenkins and his wife even greeted a new baby daughter last month, amid the playoff drive — and an entrepreneur, while somehow finding time to anchor the NFL’s best defense. His relentlessness off the field has brought both controversy and results. In pro football’s justice wars, Kaepernick became the fiery but divisive Malcolm X while Jenkins was more of a Martin Luther King-style figure, not willing to compromise on his principles but willing to negotiate with the other side. When NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with Jenkins and his Players Coalition, Goodell agreed that the league would give $90 million for social causes — and Jenkins ended his anthem protest. Chris Long was with Jenkins again that day, helping to make that happen. Like Jenkins, Long is already a Super Bowl champion — he excelled with last year’s Patriots — but his desire to give back really flourished when he
arrived at Eagles camp this summer and when — like much of the rest of America — he was shocked at the racist protests and violence that erupted in Charlottesville, where he still makes his home. "You know that subculture exists in our country, and it has in our country for a long time, but when they all get together in one place — especially your hometown — it really bothers you," Long told reporters. And so he braced Jenkins during those early anthem protests, and then he went a lot further. Long said he’d give his first six game checks to support educational causes, and then he said, why not make it all 16? At year’s end, the exPatriot-turned-true-patriot was hailed by no less than Barack Obama as an example of "what’s best about America." His former coach Blake was hardly surprised. Long had a uniquely privileged background for an NFL-bound athlete — the son of Hall of Fame defensive end and sportscaster Howie Long — and so even as a teen he burned to both prove he was his own man and to give back to others not born with the same advantages. "He wanted to get it for himself," said Blake as he watched the younger Long earn a football scholarship to the University of Virginia. His former coach also said Long believes education is the antidote to the ignorance that marched so close to his home in Charlottesville. But the miracle of this year’s Eagles has been the way that these two crusades — for a better America and for the Vince Lombardi Trophy — seemed to magically blur into one. And the players like Jenkins feel it. He recently told the New York Daily News that "I think when you have a group of guys that care about the community, the city, care about each other. None of this absolves the NFL of its myriad sins, wipes away the shame of its unconscionable treatment of Kaepernick, or fixes the concussion problem that might ultimately strangle the sport before we ever make it to Super Bowl C. But if the last couple of years in America have taught us anything, it is that we live in a deeply flawed world, and we can either curl ourselves into a tiny ball — or stand up and root for the good guys. Will Bunch is a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist.
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, February 3, 2018 |
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RIBEREÑA EN BREVE Conferencia sobre aves 1 Roma Bluffs World Birding Center presentará a los maestros naturalistas de Texas, Volker Imschweiler y Sally Merrill, en el seminario “Nurturing Native Plants Butterflies and Birds Need to Live Here”, a la 1 p.m., el sábado 3 de febrero.
Clases 1 Air Evac Lifeteam ofrece clases sobre emergencias diabéticas, emergencias médico pediátricas, lesiones en el cuello, lesiones traumáticas de cerebro, transporte de pacientes. Las clases son gratis y se impartirán el lunes 5 de febrero en el segundo piso de la Corte, salón 248.
Suspensión clases 1 El distrito escolar Roma ISD informa que no habrá clases en sus escuelas el lunes 5 de febrero. Clases se reanudarán el martes 6 de febrero.
Día de Aprecio a Adulto Mayor 1 Acompañe a celebrar y mostrar su aprecio por los Adultos Mayores y Winter Texan’s, que serán honrados por sus logros y por lo que siguen haciendo a favor de su comunidad, el jueves 22 de febrero.
OFICINA DEL ALGUACIL CONDADO DE ZAPATA
Seguridad fronteriza Por César G. Rodríguez TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
El jefe de la Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Zapata, Raymundo del Bosque Jr., estuvo entre las muchas autoridades que asistieron a la Exposición de Seguridad Fronteriza en San Antonio. Él declaró que la exposición proporcionó un gran entrenamiento. “(Estoy) orgulloso de representar al alguacil Alonso M. López y la Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Zapata en la Exposición de Seguridad Fronteriza 2018, trabajando de la mano con el alguacil Martín Cuéllar, el jefe comisario Federico Garza, y el Comandante Dennis D. García de la Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Webb, dijo Del Bosque en un comunicado. Para Cuéllar, la exposición fue una oportuni-
Foto de cortesía / Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Zapata
El alguacil del Condado de Webb Martín Cuéllar, el Jefe de la Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Zapata, Raymundo del Bosque Jr., y el Jefe de la Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Webb, Fred Garza, asistieron a la Exposición de Seguridad Fronteriza que se llevó a cabo en San Antonio esta semana.
dad para mostrar a las autoridades de Washington el trabajo que se ha realizado en el sur de Texas.
“Vamos en la dirección correcta sobre cómo proteger la frontera”, dijo Cuéllar. Él también fungió co-
mo panelista. “Es a través de este tipo de conferencias que podemos representar al Condado de Webb y, al mismo
ROMA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
CELEBRAN 100 DÍAS DE ESCUELA
tiempo, aprender más acerca del diferente equipo y entrenamiento que necesitamos para mantener a nuestra comunidad segura. La seguridad fronteriza es un asunto muy importante y no lo damos por sentado”, dijo el alguacil. Garza añadió, “Nuestros socios federales nos están escuchando para asegurarse que tenemos el equipo para ayudar a nuestra comunidad”. Las estrategias aplicadas incluyen asociaciones con autoridades locales, estatales y federales. Trabajando juntos en el sur puede prevenir que el contrabando llegue desdel sur hacia el norte, dijo. “Nuestra estrategia es desalentar el crimen que está sucediendo en nuestras ciudades porque sea lo que sucede en nuestra ciudad de Laredo, afecta también a la ciudad de San Antonio”, dijo Garza.
POLICÍACA
Cae joven por vender narcóticos Por César G. Rodríguez TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
Genealogía 1 ¿Desea saber más sobre su historia familiar? ¿Necesita ayuda para iniciar su genealogía? Venga y reciba ayuda personalizada para investigar a sus ancestros utilizando recursos en línea. Voluntarios entrenados le ayudarán, todos los martes de 6:30 p.m a 8 p.m., en Roma Birding Center. Evento gratuito patrocinado por la Iglesia de Jesús de los Santos de los Últimos Días.
Aviario 1 La Ciudad de Roma invita a visitar el aviario Roma Bluffs World Birding Center en el distrito histórico de Roma. El aviario estará abierto desde el jueves a domingo de 8 a.m. a 4 p.m. hasta enero. Mayores informes al 956849-1411
Botes de basura 1 La Ciudad de Roma informa a la comunidad que sólo estará recolectando basura contenida en botes propiedad de la ciudad. Informes al 849-1411
Pago de impuestos 1 Desde diciembre, los pagos por impuestos a la propiedad de la Ciudad de Roma deberán realizarse en la oficina de impuestos del Distrito Escolar de Roma, localizado en el 608 N. García St. PAGO EN LÍNEA 1 La Ciudad de Roma informa a sus residentes que a partir de ahora el servicio del agua puede pagarse en línea a cualquier hora las 24 horas del día.
Llenado de aplicaciones 1 Ciudad de Roma ofrece servicio llenado de aplicaciones para CHIP, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Chip, Prenatal. Informes en 956-246-7177.
Foto de cortesía / Delma Ríos
Alumnos de la escuela primaria R.T. Barrera Elementary School del distrito escolar Roma Independent School District sonríen para la cámara mientras celebran ser más inteligentes por haber alcanzado 100 días de actividad escolar.
Un adolescente terminó tras las rejas acusado de distribuir y vender narcóticos en una casa ubicada en la Adición Medina, dijeron las autoridades. David Gutiérrez, de 17 años de edad, fue acusado del cargo Gutiérrez menor de posesión de marihuana. Los registros de custodia muestran que fue liberado bajo fianza el miércoles. El martes, la Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Zapata dijo que recibió información acerca de dosis de narcóticos que estaban siendo distribuidos en un residencia en la cuadra 1300 de la avenida Juárez. Las autoridades dijeron que Gutiérrez supuestamente otorgó a la Oficina del Alguacil el consentimiento para registrar la casa y los vehículos del lugar. Los investigadores dijeron que descubrieron ocho bolsitas empacadas individualmente en el interior de un vehículo. Cada bolsita supuestamente contenía 3,2 onzas de marihuana, dijeron las autoridades.
COLUMNA
A salvo del Titanic Por Raúl Sinencio Chávez TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
De Europa zarpa hacia costas americanas el Titanic, flamante y lujoso. Un iceberg lo hunde en plena travesía. Por mera casualidad, acaudalado mexicano salva la vida, pues aun listo para embarcarse pospone de improviso el viaje. Aborda luego otra línea naviera y retorna sin problema al terruño. Bastante caros son los camarotes de primera clase del Titanic, próximo a estrenarse. Con el boleto número 17.601, Guillermo Obregón junior adquiere el suyo. Ningún sacrificio implica cubrir el oneroso
importe. Su padre escala a secretario de la Asociación de Banqueros, tras figurar entre los socios fundadores del Banco de Tamaulipas y del Banco de Querétaro en 1902 y 1903, respectivamente. Abogado, el progenitor merecería de ribete decisivo cargo en la cámara baja. Nieto del español Ramón Obregón —rico comerciante del sureste tamaulipeco—, Guillermo Obregón hijo estudia Leyes también. Al jet set capitalino lo introducen fiestas y bailes de casino. Pide entonces la mano de su futura esposa. El movimiento revolucionario de Francisco I. Madero entretanto pros-
Foto de cortesía
Hundimiento del Titanic
pera. Ello torna inevitable que al mediar 1911 renuncien Porfirio Díaz y el vicepresidente Ramón Corral, expatriándose de manera voluntaria. Si bien por el voto ciudadano Madero alcanza la presidencia de México, los órganos legislativos quedan intactos. Permanece en consecuencia al frente de los diputados Guillermo Obregón sénior. Peculiares motivos retienen en la Ciudad Lux al primogénito del banquero. Por aquellas fechas
se cumple el primer aniversario de bodas con Amparo Corral, hija del aludido ex vicepresidente. Vive este último además muy enfermo. Tanto, que en suelo parisino siete meses después fallece de incurable sífilis . Guillermo Obregón sénior brinca mientras al Senado. Aprovecha el puesto y enseguida aplaude el golpe de Estado con que Victoriano Huerta ahoga en sangre al legítimo gobierno maderista.
Feliz, el heredero del magnate y político regresa de la capital francesa. Con liquidez incubada por el viejo régimen, en marzo de 1913 concurre al financiamiento del usurpador. Buena parte de los empréstitos se destina a campañas represivas. El frustrado pasajero del Titanic cree viento en popa lisonjero futuro. Naufraga de plano semanas más tarde con el rotundo triunfo constitucionalista, que hace escabullirse al magnicida.
Sports&Outdoors THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, February 3, 2018 |
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NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION: CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
LeBron dismisses story linking him to the Warriors as ‘nonsense’ By Tom Withers A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — To LeBron James, the Golden State Warriors are a highly respected rival — nothing more. Now and forever. James strongly denounced a report that said he would consider playing for the Warriors if the NBA champions were able to restructure their roster to accommodate the four-time league MVP. On Thursday, ESPN, citing anonymous league sources, reported James would meet with the Warriors this summer if they cleared the salary-cap space to sign him, assuming he will opt out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers and become a free agent “It’s nonsense, and it’s a non-story,” James said Friday following the Cavaliers’ practice. “I think it’s a discredit to what I’m trying to do here. It’s a discredit to my teammates and the coaching staff here. My only focus right now is trying to figure out how we can become a championship-caliber team in these next few months. It’s been so many stories about me in the last few months, in the last few days, about where I’m going and where I’m at and what place I’m in.
“I’m here, I’m right here, I’m right now and this is my present and this is where I’m at.” James said he awoke Thursday to an alert and messages on his phone about the report and “the first thing I did I started laughing, actually.” The 14-time All-Star said he soon became upset, however, knowing the damage that kind of story can cause. James was most bothered by his teammates having to wonder about his commitment in getting the Cavs back to a fourth straight NBA Finals. While others can speculate about James’ future intentions and how any move might tarnish his legacy, he made it clear that no one speaks for him. “If you don’t hear something coming from my voice, then it’s not true,” he said. “I don’t give a damn how close they are, I don’t care if it’s my kids, or my wife or whatever. If it’s not from me, it’s not true. I just want you guys to know that my focus right now is on the Cavs and how we can get back to the Finals for a fourth straight year. That’s my focus. And everything else is going to get talked about, but it’s not a distraction. But like, I think it’s just unfair to
NCAA ATHLETICS: TEXAS A&M AGGIES
my teammates that come here every day. I mean, I can handle it myself. But it’s unfair to those guys.” James often uses social media platforms to comment on stories or make statements. He didn’t post anything on Twitter and Instagram on Thursday because he felt it was important for him to respond in person. “You know how real this is right now,” he said. “Like, this is my focus. Nothing else is stopping me from trying to get this team back to the Finals.” The speculation about where he plans to continue playing after this season is only going to increase. James understands that, and while him joining forces with Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and the other Warriors might make for entertaining sports talk radio, it’s not grounded in any truth. James holds the Warriors’ organization in high regard, but not to where he would ever consider being a part of it. The 33-year-old has said previously he would like to finish his career with Cleveland, the home state team he left previously as a free agent in 2010 for Miami. If he declines his $35.6 million contract option this summer, he’ll be a free agent
Leah Klafczynski / Akron Beacon Journal file
Cleveland forward LeBron James claimed a report that he would consider leaving the Cavaliers for the Warriors next offseason was “nonsense.”
again but that would not preclude him from resigning with the Cavs. That’s months away and James is certain there will be other stories linking him to other teams. “I know exactly how it works,” he said. “There are 30 teams right now that at the end of the day probably want to sit down with me at the end of the season, right? Correct. It’s so easy to make a story
out of that.” In the short term, James and the Cavs are dealing with the loss of All-Star forward Kevin Love for two months. Love broke his left hand on Tuesday, and while he won’t need surgery, his eight-week recovery timetable means he won’t be back until just before the playoffs. James is coming off a bad stretch — for him —
in recent weeks. His statistics have dropped across the board, and he recently had a career-high 11 turnovers in one game while averaging 4.5 turnovers in January. “I haven’t had a great couple weeks, but the couple weeks I’ve had would put guys in the All-Star Game,” said James. “I’ll be all right. I’ll get you better numbers, I promise you.”
NCAA ATHLETICS: TEXAS LONGHORNS
UT TO DEVELOP NEW ON-CAMPUS ARENA By Nick Moyle ASSOCIATED PRE SS
Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle file
Each of the SEC’s 14 members including Texas A&M will receive $40.9 million from the 2016-17 fiscal year.
A&M among 14 SEC schools receiving nearly $41M in league revenue By Brent Zwerneman H OUSTON CHRONICLE
COLLEGE STATION – The financial times continue to be good for the Southeastern Conference and its 14 members, including Texas A&M, which will each receive $40.9 million from the 2016-17 fiscal year. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey announced on Thursday that the SEC is divvying up $596.9 million among its schools. According to the league office, the total includes $573.8 million from the SEC, and $23.1 million retained by the programs that played in bowl games to “offset travel and other related bowl expenses.” “This distribution from the SEC is instrumental to our universities’ athletics programs ability to provide the highest possible level of support for
the thousands of studentathletes who participate annually in nearly two dozen conference sports,” Sankey said in a statement. The revenue comes from TV deals, bowl games, the College Football Playoff, the SEC football title game, the SEC men’s basketball tournament and various NCAA championships. Last year the payout for each of the 14 schools was $40.4 million, so it’s up about $500,000 this year. The Big 12 has yet to release its revenue from the 2016-17 fiscal year, but last year the league that is home to Texas, Texas Tech, TCU and Baylor generated $34.8 million per school, according to the Big 12 office. A&M exited the Big 12, now comprised of 10 schools, in the summer of 2012 for the SEC.
AUSTIN – Texas is finally prepared to start moving on its long-gestating basketball arena project. University president Greg Fenves on Friday announced the school will begin soliciting proposals from potential developers to operate a new arena and training facility to house both men's and women's teams, "with minimal financial investment from the university." The 40-year-old Erwin Center, which currently houses both teams, is set to be razed in the near future in order to make room for the Dell Medical School's expansion. "We have a unique opportunity to develop a world-class arena and training center for the men's and women's basketball teams that will help us recruit and support elite student-athletes, improve the fan experience and host games just a short walk away for our student fans," Fenves said in a statement. "Just as important, we are looking to do this at little cost to the university and no financial cost to the community." Two possible locations on the eastern side of campus have been selected for the proposed arena. A few years from now, Texas hoops will be housed either by the parking lot south of Mike A.
Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News file
Texas is beginning a new arena project as it is now accepting proposals from potential developers to operate a new arena and training facility.
Myers Stadium, or the area occupied by the Recreational Sports Center and Steve Hicks School of Social Work south of Royal-Memorial Stadium. According to a formal request for proposal posted Friday, UT seeks a partner that has successfully developed and operated multipurpose arenas and training facilities costing between $350 million and $450 million, "at a minimum." UT also has requested a more intimate in-game experience, which means a smaller capacity and much more fan-friendly aesthetic. The Erwin Center, which holds 16,540 for basketball games, often feels cavernous and dead during games due to its sheer size. "This process is a critical step in the planning and development of the
new arena and for the future of Texas Basketball," Athletics Director Chris Del Conte said in a statement. "It's going to be a tremendous facility that our student-athletes, coaches and fans can be extremely proud of, and one I know everyone is committed to making a great addition to all of the venues on our campus. We're really excited about getting this process rolling, moving forward and designing an awesome arena." UT also envisions the new arena fulfilling the Erwin Center's longstanding role as a hub for concerts and other events. "In our town, with the music scene we have and the vibrant city we have, we have to have a multiuse facility," Del Conte said. "You have to think through that, and all the
parameters that work. It doesn't mean you diminish home-court advantage. You can build modern arenas that have all the things and accoutrements you need to do a concert to a basketball game to Cirque du Soleil." The Request for Qualifications and Proposal is a two-step process. Potential partners must submit their materials by Thursday, March 8. Those who meet qualifications will be invited to submit proposals. The specific timeline and financial arrangement between the university and developer will be determined through negotiations before any agreement is reached. The RFP also noted that the selected proposer will be responsible for "100 percent" of costs of operation and maintenance of the new arena.
A8 | Saturday, February 3, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
BUSINESS
Wages up by most in 8 years Yellen departs as Federal as US adds 200K jobs Reserve chairwoman By Christopher Rugaber
By Binyamin Appelbaum
A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
NEW YORK TIME S
WASHINGTON — U.S. employers added a robust 200,000 jobs in January, and wages rose at the fastest pace in more than eight years, encouraging trends that suggest that the economy may accelerate this year. The unemployment rate remained 4.1 percent, the lowest level since 2000, the Labor Department said in its monthly jobs report Friday. The pay gains show that employers are increasingly competing for a narrower pool of workers with the U.S. expansion now in its ninth year. Raises stemming from Republican tax cuts and minimum wage increases in 18 states also likely boosted pay last month. The figures point to an economy on strong footing, fueled by consumer spending and global growth. “Labor is becoming scarce, and employers have to work to find, retain and train employees,” Diane Swonk, chief economist at Grant Thornton, said. “This is new for many employers.” The pickup in wages could make it likelier that the Federal Reserve
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP/Getty Images
Kitchen staff prepare food at a Washington, DC restaurant. US job creation accelerated in January the government reported on Friday. The economy added 200,000 net new positions in construction, retail, restaurants and health care.
will raise short-term interest rates more quickly in coming months. In anticipation of inflation pressures and of a possible acceleration of Fed rate hikes, investors sent the yield on the benchmark 10year Treasury note surging after the jobs report was released. The yield reached 2.84 percent, from 2.79 percent before the jobs report was released. In January, average hourly pay rose 9 cents to $26.74 after an even bigger increase in December. Compared with 12 months earlier, wages are up 2.9 percent — the biggest gain since the recession ended eight years ago.
Weak wage growth has been one of the economy’s most persistent shortcomings for nearly a decade. But with fewer workers to hire, some employers are being forced to raise pay. Many economists credit the Fed’s low-rate policies under Chair Janet Yellen with stimulating enough growth to bolster hiring and wages. Yellen’s final day at the Fed is Friday, and next week she will join the Brookings Institution. President Donald Trump chose not to offer her a second term and instead named Jerome Powell, a former investment banker and Fed governor, to be chairman of the central bank.
WASHINGTON — Janet L. Yellen, who completed her term as Federal Reserve chairwoman Friday, plans to start a new job Monday morning as a fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution. Yellen will follow a well-worn path from the Fed’s marble headquarters on Constitution Avenue to the nearby Brookings building on Massachusetts Avenue. The roster of Brookings fellows includes her immediate predecessor as Fed chairman, Ben S. Bernanke, and no fewer than three of her predecessors as Fed’s vice chairman: Donald Kohn, Alice Rivlin and Alan Blinder. “I’m delighted to be joining the Brookings Institution,” Yellen said in a statement released by Brookings. “I look forward to continuing to study the economy, especially issues related to the labor market, and contributing to public policy debates on a range of economic issues.” For Brookings, Yellen’s arrival fortifies its recent focus on monetary policy, a subject that has commanded significantly greater public interest
Lexey Swall/The New York Times
Janet Yellen, who completed her term as Federal Reserve chairwoman on Friday, plans to start a new job as a fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution.
and scholarly debate since the 2008 financial crisis. “I congratulate Janet on her outstanding public service and look forward to being her colleague at the Brookings Institution,” Bernanke tweeted. For Yellen, 71, it is a new professional home. She and her husband, George Akerlof, were longtime professors at the University of California, Berkeley, where they still own a house, but Akerlof is now a professor at Georgetown University. Yellen’s four-year term at the Fed ended on a
high note Friday. The government estimated that the economy added 200,000 jobs in January, while the unemployment rate held at 4.1 percent. It is the first time the economy has added jobs during every month of a Fed chair’s tenure. Fed Up, a coalition of unions and community groups, said it would deliver a giant “Thank You” card to the Fed on Friday afternoon to celebrate Yellen’s success in reducing unemployment. Jerome H. Powell will be sworn in as Fed chairman on Monday morning.
Stocks swoon, sending Dow down over 650 points By Alex Veiga A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
U.S. stocks slumped Friday, and the market suffered its worst week in two years, as fears of inflation and disappointing quarterly results from technology and energy giants spooked investors. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped by more than 650 points. Bond yields rose and contributed to the stock market swoon after the government reported that wages grew last month at the fastest pace in eight years. The Dow had its worst decline since June 2016, while the broader Standard & Poor’s 500 index had its biggest
one-day percentage drop since September 2016. “We’ve enjoyed low interest rates for so long, we’re having to deal with a little bit higher rates now, so the market is trying to figure out what that could mean for inflation,” said Darrell Cronk, head of the Wells Fargo Investment Institute. The increase in bond yields hurts stocks in two ways: it makes it more expensive for companies to borrow money, and it also makes bonds more appealing to investors than riskier assets such as stocks. Several major companies, including Exxon Mobil and Google’s parent company, Alphabet,
sank after reporting weak earnings. Apple fell on concerns about iPhone sales. The sharp decline in stocks this week shortcircuited a robust start to the year that was spurred by strong global economic growth, solid company earnings and lingering enthusiasm for the GOP tax overhaul. Even with the pullback, the major indexes are still up more than 3 percent this year. The downturn also follows a long period of unprecedented calm in the market. Stocks haven’t had a pullback of 10 percent or more in two years, and hit their latest record highs just one week ago.
Richard Drew / AP
Trader Gregory Rowe works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Friday. The stock market closed sharply lower, extending a weeklong slide, as the Dow Jones industrial average plunged more than 600 points.
The S&P 500 fell 59.85 points, or 2.1 percent, to 2,762.13. The index has lost 3.9 percent since hitting a record high a week ago. The Dow lost 665.75 points, or 2.5 percent, to 25,520.96. The Nasdaq slid 144.92 points, or 2 percent, to 7,240.95. The Russell 2000 index of
smaller-company stocks gave up 32.59 points, or 2.1 percent, to 1,547.27. While interest rates are still low by historical standards, meaning borrowing is still relatively cheap for businesses and people, they’ve been rising more swiftly, and that’s what has markets on edge.
“The pace of rate increases is more important than the level,” said Nate Thooft, senior portfolio manager at Manulife Asset Management. The increase in rates has been driven by the prospect of stronger economic growth, and higher inflation, in the U.S. and abroad.