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BORDER CRIME
Auto-theft ring dismantled
Lawmakers look to punish principals, superintendents for failure to report By Judith Rayo LA R ED O MORNI NG T IME S
A bill recently passed by the Texas Senate proposes that school principals and superintendents face criminal charges if they intentionally fail to report improper relationships between teachers and students. Sen. Paul Bettencourt, RHouston, introduced the bill after the number of educators investigated for having an inappropriate relationship with a student has been increasing since 2009. The Texas Education Agency reported 222 cases during the 2015-16 fiscal year. “Teachers who currently face accusations of sexual misconduct or other serious allegations remain in the profession because school districts allow them to resign instead of firing them to avoid potential legal battles,” states the bill analysis. Senate Bill 7 states failing to report teacher misconduct will result in a Class A misdemeanor. Intentionally failing to conceal the incident would be a state jail felony. Currently, only superintendents are required to report the incidents. The bill expands the responsibility to principals. The bill analysis further states school districts at times get rid of problematic teachers by agreeing to pay them through the end of the school year and remove incriminating documentation from their personnel files by placing it in a separate confidential file. To prevent “passing the trash,” the bill states an educator certificate may be revoked if an administrator assists a person in obtaining employment at a school and they knew or should have known that person had engaged in sexual misconduct. Senate Bill 7 would also require school districts to adopt policies concerning electronic communication between school employees and students. School officials will be required to develop policies to prevent improper electronic communication between both parties. The commissioner of education may also authorize a special accreditation investigation when a school district fails to produce requested evidence on an educator who is under investigation. According to an Austin Bill continues on A12
Courtesy photo
Laredo police say a stolen Toyota Tundra was used in the assassination of the Tamaulipas state’s top prosecutor in January in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. The crime scene is pictured.
Vehicles used for smuggling, assassinations By César G. Rodriguez LAREDO MORNING TIME S
Gun and human smuggling and assassinations are among the crimes committed in Mexico using vehicles reported stolen in the Laredo, Austin, San Antonio and Houston areas, according to Laredo police. One recent case stood out for Laredo Police Department’s auto-theft task force. Authorities said they received information Jan. 4 that a Toyota Tundra was used in the fatal ambush of the top state prosecutor in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Tamaulipas authorities said assailants gunned down Ricardo Martinez Chavez and three other public servants after they left a work-related meeting. The Tundra had been reported stolen in Laredo on Dec. 11, 2016. LPD said Monday it has arrested 16 people who took part in an auto-theft ring that operated in various parts of Texas. Suspects would take the vehicles to a criminal organization in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Seven more people are wanted in connection with the case. LPD said the enforcement efVehicles continues on A12
TEXAS LEGISLATURE
Bill targets predatory wraparound mortgage scams SPECIAL TO THE TIME S
Home mortgage scams in El Paso and Austin have prompted state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, and two other senators to propose legislation to curb the abuse and protect homeowners. Zaffirini, Kirk Watson (D-Austin), and José
Rodríguez (D-El Paso) filed several bills to address “wrapZaffirini around” home mortgage scams, which leave homeowners at the mercy of a middleman who may or may not
keep up with the mortgage payments. In one particularly egregious case in El Paso, a wrap scammer absconded with nearly $2 million from 200 families before the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending was able to intervene. “Unfortunately, El Paso has become a
prime area for predatory wrap scammers, in particular those that target our military families who might need to sell their homes quickly, our unbanked immigrant population, and inexperienced first-time homebuyers who may struggle to obtain credit through a traditional bank,” Rodríguez said.
“All of these people are simply striving for the American dream of home ownership, and providing a better life for their families.” A wrap loan involves the sale of a house with a preexisting lien. The second loan “wraps” around the first, and the new owner typically Scams continues on A12
Zin brief A2 | Wednesday, March 22, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
CALENDAR
AROUND THE NATION
TODAY IN HISTORY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22
ASSOCIATED PRE SS
Fourth Annual Laredo Media and Film Festival. LISD Civic Center. The Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts Audio and Video Production Department is hosting the free festival, which is open to all local middle and high school students, clubs or classes who are interested in TV, film, animation and radio.
THURSDAY, MARCH 23 Fourth Annual Laredo Media and Film Festival. LISD Civic Center. The Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts Audio and Video Production Department is hosting the free festival, which is open to all local middle and high school students, clubs or classes who are interested in TV, film, animation and radio.
SATURDAY, MARCH 25 Gateway Gatos of Laredo’s Cat Fundraiser. 12-3 p.m. Petco north store. All donations received will go toward financially helping cat community caretakers to neuter and spay their cats. For more details, call Birdie at 286-7866. 67th Annual Flower and Art Show. 1-6 p.m. Fellowship Hall, First United Methodist Church. Sponsored by the United Methodist Women. Guest artists: Laredo Community College Art Instructors. $3 admission fee per person. Public invited. Rally at the Border Laredo. 4-7 p.m. Convent Avenue. “A Night of Philosophy and Art.” 6-11 p.m. Gallery 201, 513 San Bernardo Ave. Hosted by TAMIU Philosophy Society, Gallery 201. The event is a mixer and fundraiser for the TAMIU Philosophy Society, a university student organization. The event features presentations by local artists including Jewels & the Sky, Quien Sabe and Bel’s Dance Studio.
SUNDAY, MARCH 26 67th Annual Flower and Art Show. 1-6 p.m. Fellowship Hall, First United Methodist Church. Sponsored by the United Methodist Women. Guest artists: Laredo Community College Art Instructors. $3 admission fee per person. Public invited.
J. Scott Applewhite / AP
President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price on Capitol Hill in Washington Tuesday to rally support for the Republican health care overhaul.
REPUBLICANS’ JOBS ON THE LINE By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar and Alan Fram ASSOCIATED PRE SS
WASHINGTON — Time for talk running out, President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned wavering House Republicans that their jobs were on the line in next year's elections if they failed to back a GOP bill that would overhaul Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. The countdown quickened toward an expected vote Thursday on legislation undoing much of the law that provided health coverage to some 20 million Americans.
Trump huddled behind closed doors with rank-and-file Republicans just hours after GOP leaders unveiled changes intended to pick up votes by doling out concessions to centrists and hardliners alike. "If we fail to get it done, fail to (meet) the promises made by all of us, including the president, then it could have a very detrimental effect to Republicans in '18 who are running for re-election," said Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas. "If it fails, then there will be a lot of people looking for work in 2018."
MONDAY, MARCH 27 Chess Club. Every Monday, 4-6 p.m. LBV-Inner City Branch Library, 202 W. Plum St. Compete with other players in this cherished game played internationally. Free instruction for all ages and skill levels. Chess books and training materials are available.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29 Spanish Book Club. 6-8 p.m. Joe A. Guerra Public Library on Calton. or more info call Sylvia Reash 763-1810. Laredo Next Generation Rotary Club “Unsung Heroes” dinner. 7:30 p.m. Montecarlo Reception Hall, 6415 McPherson Road. This year’s recipients are Ignacio Urrabazo, Samuel Ayala and Gigi Ramos. For more information about sponsorship levels or to reserve a table, contact Rudy Morales at 956-206-5378 or Hector Chapa at 956-206-1505 or visit nextgenerationrotary.com
Chicago teen apparently gang-raped on Facebook Live CHICAGO — A 15-year-old Chicago girl was apparently sexually assaulted by five or six men or boys on Facebook Live, and none of the roughly 40 people who watched the live video reported the attack to police, authorities said Tuesday. The video marks the second
time in recent months that the Chicago Police Department has investigated an apparent attack that was streamed live. In January, four people were arrested after a cellphone footage showed them allegedly taunting and beating a mentally disabled man. Police only learned of the latest alleged attack when the girl's mother approached the head of the police department, Superintendent Eddie Johnson, late Monday afternoon as he was leaving a department station in the Lawndale neigh-
borhood on the city's West Side, department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said. She told him her daughter had been missing since Sunday and showed him screen grab photos of the alleged assault. He said Johnson immediately ordered detectives to investigate and the department asked Facebook to take down the video. Guglielmi said Tuesday that detectives found the girl and reunited her with her family. — Com piled from AP reports
THURSDAY, MARCH 30 Speaker and book signing. 6-7:30 p.m. Multipurpose Room at Joe A. Guerra Public Library on Calton. Hosted by Villa San Agustin de Laredo Genealogical Society and the library. The speaker is Mauricio J. Gonzalez, LCC instructor and author of “My Grandfather’s Grandfather: Tomas Rodriguez Benavides.” Open to the public. For more info call Sylvia Reash 763-1810.
SATURDAY, APRIL 1 Book Sale. 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Widener Book Room, First United Methodist Church. Public invited, no admission fee.
MONDAY, APRIL 3 Chess Club. Every Monday, 4-6 p.m. LBV-Inner City Branch Library, 202 W. Plum St. Compete with other players in this cherished game played internationally. Free instruction for all ages and skill levels. Chess books and training materials are available. Ray of Light anxiety and depression support group meeting. 6:30—7:30 p.m. Area Health Education Center, 1505 Calle del Norte, Suite 430. Every first Monday of the month. People suffering from anxiety and depression are invited to attend this free, confidential and anonymous support group meeting. While a support group does not replace an individual’s medical care, it can be a valuable resource to gain insight, strength and hope.
AROUND THE WORLD Stolen Van Gogh paintings return to Amsterdam AMSTERDAM— Two paintings by Vincent van Gogh that were stolen in a smash-andgrab heist more than 14 years ago went back on display Tuesday at the Amsterdam museum dedicated to the Dutch master. "They're back!" said Van Gogh Museum director Axel Rueger, calling their return one of the "most special days in the history of our museum." The paintings, the 1882 "View of the Sea at Scheveningen," and 1884-85 work "Congregation leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen," were discovered last year by Italian police investigating suspected Italian mobsters for cocaine trafficking. It wasn't an easy find. The two paintings were wrapped in cotton sheets, stuffed in a box and hidden behind a wall in a toilet, said Gen. Gianluigi D'Al-
Peter Dejong / AP
Van Gogh Museum director, left, and minister for education, culture and science, walk towards the two recovered paintings.
fonso of the Italian financial police, who was on hand at the museum for the ceremonial unveiling. The paintings were found in a farmhouse near Naples as Italian police seized 20 million euros ($21.6 million) worth of assets, including villas, apartments and even a small airplane. Investigators contend
the assets are linked to two Camorra drug kingpins, Mario Cerrone and Raffaele Imperiale. "After years shrouded in darkness, they can now shine again," said Jet Bussemaker, the Dutch minister for education, culture and science. — Compiled from AP reports
CONTACT US
TUESDAY APRIL 4 Community Conversation on Teen & Young Adult Mental Health. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Border Region Behavioral Health Center, Auditorium, 1500 Pappas St. The purpose of this event is to encourage the community to voice concerns, ask questions and share information on available resources to help those afflicted with a mental illness or a substance abuse problem. We invite the community to join others in the community for an informal conversation on mental health presented by the Area Health Education Center, Border Region Behavioral Health Center and Texas Department of State Health ServicesOffice of Border Services.
Today is Wednesday, March 22, the 81st day of 2017. There are 284 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On March 22, 1765, the British Parliament passed the Stamp Act to raise money from the American colonies, which fiercely resisted the tax. (The Stamp Act was repealed a year later.) On this date: In 1929, a U.S. Coast Guard vessel sank a Canadian-registered schooner, the I'm Alone, which was suspected of carrying bootleg liquor, in the Gulf of Mexico. In 1933, during Prohibition, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a measure to make wine and beer containing up to 3.2 percent alcohol legal. In 1958, movie producer Mike Todd, the husband of actress Elizabeth Taylor, and three other people, were killed in the crash of Todd's private plane near Grants, New Mexico. In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson named Gen. William C. Westmoreland to be the U.S. Army's new Chief of Staff. In 1978, Karl Wallenda, the 73-yearold patriarch of "The Flying Wallendas" high-wire act, fell to his death while attempting to walk a cable strung between two hotel towers in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 1987, a garbage barge, carrying 3,200 tons of refuse, left Islip, New York, on a six-month journey in search of a place to unload. In 1992, 27 people were killed when a USAir Fokker F-28 jetliner bound for Cleveland crashed on takeoff from New York's LaGuardia Airport; 24 people survived. In 1997, Tara Lipinski, at age 14 years and 10 months, became the youngest ladies' world figure skating champion in Lausanne, Switzerland. Ten years ago: John and Elizabeth Edwards announced that her cancer had returned, but that the North Carolina Democrat planned to continue his presidential campaign. A rocket exploded 50 yards from U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during a news conference in Baghdad's Green Zone just minutes after Iraq's prime minister said the visit showed the city was "on the road to stability." Brian Joubert became the first Frenchman in 42 years to win the world title by taking the men's event at the World Figure Skating Championships in Tokyo. Five years ago: Coroner's officials ruled singer Whitney Houston died by drowning the previous February, but that heart disease and cocaine use were contributing factors. In a dramatic end to a 32-hour standoff, a French SWAT team slipped into the Toulouse apartment of an Islamic extremist suspected of seven killings, sparking a firefight that ended with the suspect jumping out the window and being fatally shot in the head. One year ago: Capping a remarkable visit to Cuba, President Barack Obama sat beside President Raul Castro at a baseball game between Cuba's national team and the Tampa Bay Rays (the Rays won, 4-1); Obama left the game early to fly to Argentina for a state visit there. Suicide bombers attacked the Brussels airport and subway system, killing 32 people. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton padded their delegate troves with victories in Arizona; Democratic challenger Bernie Sanders won caucuses in Utah and Idaho and Republican Ted Cruz claimed his party's caucuses in Utah. Death claimed Rob Ford, the troubled former mayor of Toronto, at age 46; actress Rita Gam at age 88; and rapper Phife Dawg at age 45. Today's Birthdays: Composerlyricist Stephen Sondheim is 87. Evangelist broadcaster Pat Robertson is 87. Actor William Shatner is 86. Senate President Pro Tempore Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, is 83. Actor M. Emmet Walsh is 82. Actor-singer Jeremy Clyde is 76. Singer-guitarist George Benson is 74. Writer James Patterson is 70. CNN newscaster Wolf Blitzer is 69. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is 69. Actress Fanny Ardant is 68. Sportscaster Bob Costas is 65. Country singer James House is 62. Actress Lena Olin is 62. Singer-actress Stephanie Mills is 60. Actor-comedian Keegan-Michael Key is 46. Actor Will Yun Lee ("Hawaii Five-0") is 46. Olympic silver medal figure skater Elvis Stokjo is 45. Actor Guillermo Diaz is 42. Actress Anne Dudek is 42. Actor Cole Hauser is 42. Actress Kellie Williams is 41. Actress Reese Witherspoon is 41. Rock musician John Otto (Limp Bizkit) is 40. Actress Tiffany Dupont is 36. Rapper Mims is 36. Actress Constance Wu is 35. Actor James Wolk is 32. Rock musician Lincoln Parish (Cage the Elephant) is 27. Thought for Today: "Kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve." — Joseph Joubert, French moralist (1754-1824).
AROUND TEXAS Texas Senate approves bill to curb 'wrongful birth' lawsuits AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Senate has given final approval to a so-called "wrongful birth" bill seeking to prevent parents from suing doctors for malpractice after their child is born
with severe disabilities. Tuesday's vote sends Republican Sen. Brandon Creighton's proposal to the House. At issue is a 1975 case where the Texas Supreme Court ruled parents were entitled to damages covering the extra cost of raising a child with disabilities after doctors failed to fully inform them about problems with the pregnancy. Creighton, of Conroe, says
doctors still would have to disclose medical information about pregnancies to families, who also can still sue for negligence. But he says doctors wouldn't be liable for delivering disabled children, thus discouraging abortions. Opponents warn of physicians who oppose abortion imposing "their own morality" on patients. — Compiled from AP reports
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THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, March 22, 2017 |
CRIME
Border officials eye crime increase S P ECIAL TO THE TI ME S
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and agriculture specialists at eight South Texas ports of entry seized a significant amount of narcotics, currency, false documents, and uncovered numerous immigration and agricultural violations during Fiscal Year 2016. Fiscal Year 2016 began October 1, 2015 and ended Sept. 30, 2016. “Our frontline CBP officers carried out a robust amount of enforcement activity in FY 2016 and we have seen a significant increase in the amount of methamphetamine seized. Our officers continue to advance the CBP mission by upholding the agency’s commitment to border security while facilitating the processing of lawful trade and travel at South Texas ports of entry and treating travelers with
dignity, professionalism and respect,” said Director, Field Operations David P. Higgerson, Laredo Field Office. During FY 2016, CBP officers at eight ports of entry extending from Brownsville to Del Rio that comprise the Laredo Field Office seized 157,947 pounds of narcotics that carried a combined estimated street value of $188 million. Specifically, they seized 144,483 pounds of marijuana; 5,877 pounds of cocaine; 6,728 pounds of methamphetamine, up 35 percent from FY 2015; 859 pounds of heroin, $3.8 million in undeclared currency, 70 firearms and 25,278 rounds of ammunition. South Texas CBP officers in FY 2016 determined that a total of 68,027 non-U.S. citizens were inadmissible to the U.S. due to violations of immigration law, a 38 percent increase over FY 2015.
Weed bake sale lands one in jail S P ECIAL T O T HE T I ME S
An attempt by a Cotulla resident to market narcotics in a bake sale drew the attention of the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday and resulted in an arrest on drug possession charges. According to a report on the incident, an anonymous call to the sheriff’s office Saturday indicated that a female had posted a message related to marijuana-laced goods on the Facebook social media site. “My mom is selling weed brownies & weed cookies for $10,” the message read, accompanied by a photo and an invitation to make requests for the baked goods. In a related Facebook message stream, the female who was identified by her social media name and photograph repeated her offer of baked goods containing marijuana but was cautioned by a
correspondent to remove the publicly visible advertisement for narcotics. “Omg (name withheld) delete this lmao, everyone is going to see,” the correspondent wrote in response to the drug offer, “but message me girl.” La Salle County sheriff’s investigator Homar Olivarez said he was alerted to the apparent drug advertisement by concerned citizens and contacted an officer on duty in the Cotulla city patrol to investigate the case. Deputy Andres Flores was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of South Baylor Street. The deputy’s inquiries revealed information indicating John Brian Molina had allegedly obtained the baked goods in Pearsall and had brought them to Cotulla to sell. An examination of his home resulted in the discovery of clear plastic bags containing narcotics and
other items of drug paraphernalia, including one item bearing residue that tested positive for cocaine, according to the deputy. Molina was found to be a wanted fugitive with three arrest warrants, including one from Frio County for failing to appear in court on a theft charge. He was arrested on state jail felony charges of possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance. He remained behind bars at the La Salle County Jail as of Monday. “This case was unusual in the manner in which the narcotics were being advertised and made available to potential buyers,” the sheriff’s investigator said. “All humor aside, we are grateful to the observant and conscientious local residents who exercised good citizenship in notifying us of suspicious behavior such as this.”
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Zopinion
Letters to the editor Send your signed letter to editorial@lmtonline.com
A4 | Wednesday, March 22, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
Texas Legislature halfway through all the damage it can do? By Ken Herman 2017 COX NEWSPAPE RS
AUSTIN, Texas — We’re just about halfway through the 140-day legislative session. Through mid-morning Tuesday, 8,274 pieces of legislation had been filed and 1,241 had been approved. Sounds pretty productive until you realize that 1,226 of the approved measures were resolutions honoring stuff like really nice dead people, a hometown church or winners of the Robstown school district’s coveted “Proud You’re A Picker Award.” So, utilizing basic arithmetic, this means in half a legislative session, 15 real pieces of legislation have been approved by our hard-working legislators and the other ones. At that rate, we can look forward to a total of 30 real pieces of legislation by the time the session ends May 29. Doesn’t sound like much, I know. But look at it this way: Thirty problems solved for all time. My math, of course, is wrong. That’s because I’m a journalist. Actually, it’s wrong because of the way the Texas Legislature legislates. Last time they met, our lawmakers approved 1,323 laws, not counting the celebratory resolutions. Odds are good that this year’s total won’t stray too far from that. There are several things you need to understand about how things work at our Texas Capitol. First, things work. Second, there is method to the madness. By design, things are supposed to start slowly, a fact detailed on the Texas Legislative Council’s “Dates of Interest” list, which, legislative spouses beware, is what some legislators spend 140 days seeking. The session began Jan. 10; March 10 was the deadline for filing bills. There are some exceptions to that deadline, including emergency appropriations and very, very funny bills. No measures other than those declared emergencies by the governor can be considered on the House or Senate floor prior to that 60th day. The concept here is to make time for committees’ thoughtful consideration of bills. Committee hearings are the heart of the legislative process. And bills don’t get to the House or Senate floor without proof they have the votes for approval. Among the rarest creatures at the Texas Capitol are bills voted down in a chamber. Bills sometimes get significantly amended in floor debate. But they’re rarely killed. So the committees and backrooms can be where important decisions are made. You’re cordially invited to the committee hearings. But all you
know about the backrooms is that they’re in the back. Some facts about most committee hearings: Legislators wander in and out during them. Sometimes it’s just because they really don’t care. Sometimes it’s because they have another committee meeting to attend. Sometimes there’s some important backrooming to be done. Another thing to know about committee meetings: These are not elections. I often see complaints that Committee X approved Bill Y although a zillion witnesses testified against it and only four people testified for it. The best examples so far this year are the Senate committee hearings on the sanctuary cities and transgender bathroom bills. Seems wrong, right? Wrong. One side’s ability to drum up a parade of witnesses does not necessarily impact lawmakers’ votes. This can be especially true of bills involving folks (sometimes called “lobbyists”) who’ve taken advantage of the unlimited generosity allowed by our campaign finance laws. You know what might be even rarer than a bill that gets voted down in a legislative chamber? A legislator whose mind is changed on a bill as a result of witness testimony at a committee meeting. I’m sure it happens. I’m also sure it doesn’t happen very often. And, just like witness testimony rarely impacts votes, neither do Capitol steps rallies. They’re probably good for the souls of the rallyers, but don’t count on changing any legislators’ hearts or votes. What matters most to them is pleasing voters back home and lobbyists in the Capitol. Here’s another thing to know about the legislative process. When your side is losing on a particular issue, you don’t score points with this tired whine: Instead of working on (issue my side is losing on), why don’t lawmakers spend more time on (major issue everybody agrees is a major issue)? The fact is the Legislature, amazingly, can handle more than one issue at a time. For example, considerable legislative effort is being expended this year on the budget and related issues (including school finance), while lawmakers also are working on bills some might consider more trivial. One more thing to know about the Legislature at the halfway point: There is no halftime show. To some, however, the whole thing looks like a well-choreographed halftime show. Ken Herman is a columnist for the Austin American-Statesman.
OP-ED
Nothing to see here — merely the U.S. losing a pillar of its power Daniel W. Drezner WASHINGTON P O ST
The Trump administration likes to talk a lot about improving America’s trade balance. So I thought it might be useful to highlight a key sector of the American economy that runs an ever-increasing trade surplus: education, primarily higher education. When an overseas student studies at an American university, it counts as an export, because they are paying tuition and other expenses from their home country to the United States. According to a conservative estimate, this sector has gone from accruing a $1 billion annual trade surplus in 1999 to more than $28 billion in surplus in 2015. This shouldn’t be too surprising. According to a 2016 World Bank study on global talent flows, “highly skilled migrants are departing from a broader range of countries and heading to a narrower range of countries — in particular, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.” America’s ability to attract talented students from overseas has been a significant source of this country’s soft power for decades. So let’s just pause for a second and appreciate just how quickly the Trump administration is managing to torpedo America’s comparative advantage in this area. If this sounds like exaggeration, consider the following data points. The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Vimal Patel reports on one recent survey of foreign students: “The anti-globalist policies of President Trump and increased
isolationist rhetoric in American politics have worried college leaders that fewer international students will want to study in the United States. ... A report released Monday indicates colleges indeed have reason for concern. “Nearly one in three prospective international students surveyed said they had less interest in studying in the United States because of the current political climate, according to the report by Royall & Company, a division of EAB (formerly the Education Advisory Board). Their most cited reason: President Trump. Nearly 69 percent of those students reported ‘concerns about the U.S. presidential administration’ as a factor.” Well, sure, students might say that in a survey, but does it really mean anything? Unfortunately, according to Inside Higher Ed’s Elizabeth Redden, yeah, it does: “Nearly 40 percent of U.S. colleges are seeing declines in applications from international students, and international student recruitment professionals report “a great deal of concern” from students and their families about visas and perceptions of a less welcoming climate in the U.S., according to a survey conducted in February by six higher education groups. “While a majority of institutions are not seeing decreases, steady increases in international applications and ensuing enrollments have become the norm for many colleges. And many institutions have based their financial plans in part on sustained increases in enrollments of full-paying internation-
al undergraduates. “The highest reported declines involved applications from the Middle East. “In interviews with Inside Higher Ed, enrollment managers and senior international officers said yield is what they’re watching. Many international students would have already submitted their applications to U.S. colleges prior to Trump’s assumption of the presidency and the imposition of his ban on entry for nationals of six Muslimmajority countries: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.” The Trump administration is not the exclusive reason for some of these trends. A strong dollar, for example, also makes U.S. education more expensive to foreigners. Still, the contrast between anxiety among American university administrators and the lack of anxiety among Canadian universities is pretty palpable, as Redden’s subsequent story suggests: “At a time when many American universities are reporting declines in applications from international students, some universities north of the border are seeing increases on the magnitude of 20 percent or more. At the University of Waterloo, in Ontario, undergraduate international applications are up by 25 percent and graduate international applications have increased by 41 percent. At McMaster University, also in Ontario, international applications have increased by 34.4 percent compared to the same time last year. “At the University of Toronto, applications from international undergraduate students increased by
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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.
CLASSIC DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
slightly more than 20 percent this year over last year. Driving the growth are big increases in applications from the U.S. (up 80 percent), India (up 59 percent), Turkey (up 68 percent) and Mexico (up 63 percent, but from a small base).” Other reports suggest the upsurge in Canadian college applications isn’t limited to Toronto. This problem is only going to get worse, as the Trump administration seems bound and determined to raise the transaction costs of foreigners entering the United States. New, ham-handed travel restrictions from Middle Eastern destinations keep cropping up. Even beyond the Middle East, visa difficulties have led to absurdities like an African trade meeting being canceled because none of the African attendees could get travel visas. It’s still too soon to tell how appreciable and how significant the Trump administration’s effect will be on university admissions. It’s possible that yield rates on overseas admissions will actually increase, counteracting the lower level of applicants. Still, we are not even a hundred days into his presidency, and the effects are already observable. Donald Trump ran on making America great again. Unfortunately, his brand of economic nationalism is guaranteed to make America less talented now and in the future. Drezner is a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and a regular contributor to PostEverything.
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, March 22, 2017 |
STATE
Parents of North Texas murder victim want killer spared from death A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
FORT WORTH, Texas — The parents of a North Texas man shot to death during a robbery in 2006 believe the execution of their son's killer set for next month should be called off and the man convicted in the killing should be locked up for life without parole. Glenn and Judy Cherry, whose son, Jonas, was killed in the robbery of an amusement center outside Fort Worth, have written state and Tarrant County officials advocating condemned inmate Paul Storey be spared from lethal injection April 12, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. In an affidavit, Cherry's parents said Storey's execution won't bring back their son or atone for his loss. "We are satisfied that Paul Storey remaining in prison until his death will assure that he cannot murder another innocent person in the community,
In 2004, convicted killer Dominque Green was executed in Texas despite calls from relatives of his victim and others opposed to capital punishment that he should live.
and with this outcome we are satisfied and convinced that lawful retribution is exercised concerning the death of our son," they wrote. Jonas Cherry, 28, was an assistant manager at a Putt-Putt mini-golf center in Hurst, just northeast of Fort Worth. Evidence showed $150 was taken in the October 2006 robbery. Evidence also showed Storey previously worked there. At a court hearing Monday in Fort Worth, Storey's attorneys said they would file a clemency petition for him this week with the Texas
Board of Pardons and Paroles. The board, with only a few exceptions, has historically rejected clemency requests from death row inmates. An accomplice of Storey's, Mark Porter, pleaded guilty for his participation in the slaying and accepted a life sentence without parole. The sentiment from Cherry's parents is not unprecedented. In 2004, convicted killer Dominque Green was executed in Texas despite calls from relatives of his victim and others opposed to capital punishment that he should live. Storey's mother, Marilyn Shankle-Grant, said she was extremely grateful for the support from Cherry's parents. "They must have the heart of Jesus Christ himself to want to have anything to do with the life of someone who was involved in taking their own son's life," she said.
Salon worker put on trial for silicone injection death of client A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
DALLAS — Prosecutors say a Dallas salon worker charged with murder injected clients’ buttocks with industrialgrade silicone as part of illegal cosmetic procedures. Prosecutors argued in opening statements Tuesday at the trial for Denise “Wee Wee” Ross
that the 45-year-old injected the silicone into the buttocks of Wykesha Reid to give her what the salon called the “Wee Wee Booty.” Reid was found dead at the salon in 2015. The Dallas Morning News reports that silicone from the injection traveled through Reid’s heart and into her
lungs. Authorities contend that after Ross injected her clients, she used glue and cotton balls to seal puncture marks. A second person also is charged with murder in Reid’s death. Ross’ attorney says that second defendant actually applied the deadly injection to the 34-year-old Reid.
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Zfrontera A6 | Wednesday, March 22, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
RIBEREÑA EN BREVE CAMINATA AMISTOSA El Servicio de Extensión Texas A&M Agrilife invita a la segunda caminata Walk Across Texas que iniciará desde el 1 de febrero y hasta el 24 de marzo. Una competencia amistosa para ver quién acumula más millas haciendo cualquier actividad física como correr, caminar andar en bicicleta, , baile, etc. Mayores informes en Texas A&M Agrilife Service Extension al 956487-2306.
OPERACIÓN METAL RAIN
Desmantelan red criminal Arteaga
TORNEO DE PESCA El próximo 25 de marzo se llevará a cabo en la Presa Falcón el torneo de pesca Bass Champs de 7 a.m. a 4 p.m. MUSEO EN ZAPATA A los interesados en realizar una investigación sobre genealogía de la región, se sugiere visitar el Museo del Condado de Zapata ubicado en 805 N US-Hwy 83. Opera de 10 a.m. a 4 p.m. Existen visitas guiadas. Personal está capacitado y puede orientar acerca de la historia del Sur de Texas y sus fundadores. Pida informes en el 956-765-8983. PAGO DE IMPUESTOS 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 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. LABORATORIO COMPUTACIONAL La Ciudad de Roma pone a disposición de la comunidad el Laboratorio Computacional que abre de lunes a viernes en horario de 1 p.m. a 5 p.m. en Historical Plaza, a un lado del City Hall. Informes en el 956849-1411. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL La obra ‘Ovo’, se presentará el miércoles 22 de marzo a las 7:30 p.m., en Laredo Energy Arena, 6700 Arena Boulevard. Evento tiene costo.
Castañeda
Nuñez
Foto de cortesía
López
PLÁTICA ZCISD La plática ‘Como ayudar a tu hijo con examenes estatales’ se llevará a cabo el próximo jueves 23 de marzo en el Centro de Desarrollo Profesional (CDP), ubicado en 702 E. 17th Ave. Dos horarios: 9:30 a.m. y 1:30 p.m. Mayores informes al 956-285-3825
Canseco
Mendoza
Por César G. Rodriguez TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
Contrabando de armas, contrabando de personas y asesinatos son algunos de los crímenes cometidos con los vehículos reportados robados en Laredo, Austin, San Antonio y Houston, de acuerdo con la policía de Laredo. El más reciente caso que llamó la atención de la Fuerza Anti Robo de Autos del Departamento de Policía de Laredo involucra el asesinato de uno de los principales fiscales del estado de Tamaulipas en Nuevo Laredo, México. Autoridades dijeron que recibieron información de que el 4 de enero una Toyota Tundra había sido utilizada en la emboscada fatal que cobró la vida Ricardo Martinez Chávez, coordinador regional de la Procuraduría General de Justicia en Tamaulipas. Autoridades tamaulipecas dijeron que los crimi-
Morales
La policía de Laredo dijo que un vehículo Toyota Tundra que había sido reportado como robado fue usado en el homicidio del coordinador regional de la Procuraduría General de Justicia en Tamaulipas.
Policía busca a 7 más en conexión con el caso nales dispararon a Martinez Chávez y a otros tres servidores públicos después de que salieran de una reunión de trabajo. La camioneta Tundra había sido reportada robada en Laredo el 11 de diciembre de 2016. LPD dijo el lunes que han arrestado a 16 personas involucradas en la red de robo de autos que operaba en varias partes de Texas. Los sospechosos llevaban los vehículos a organizaciones criminales en Nuevo Laredo, México. Siete personas más son buscadas en conexión con el caso. LPD dijo que los esfuerzos de este caso fueron parte de la Operación Metal Rain. Todos los sospechosos se enfrentan a cargos que van desde involucrarse en actividad criminal organizada, robo, posesión de droga y uso no autorizado de vehículo. Descubrimiento
LPD dijo que el caso se desenvolvió el 12 de enero de 2016. Ese día, el Departamento de Seguridad Pública detuvo un vehículo que estaba reportado robado. Los dos pasajeros fueron detenidos. El Investigador Joe E. Baeza, vocero de LPD, dijo que la detención fue lo que llevó al desmantelamiento de la red de robo de autos. “La razón por la cual estas personas están robando no es por propósitos de dar un paseo divertido. Estos individuos son parte de una red más grande de criminales que están robando estos automóviles y utilizándolos en México para sus negocios criminales”, dijo Baeza. Los sospechosos en San Antonio robaban los vehículos, él dijo. La gente en Laredo entonces los recogería, conducirían de regreso a la ciudad y los
cruzaban a México, dijo Baeza. Ellos entregarían los vehículos a dos hombres identificados como Guadalupe “Diablo” Javier Núñez y Roberto “Beto” Castañeda Silva. Ambos disponían de los vehículos para organizaciones del tráfico de drogas, dijo la policía. Ambos son buscados por involucrarse en actividad criminal organizada y robo. Cooperación LPD dijo que contó al menos 18 vehículos en su mayoría camionetas pickup que fueron robadas y cruzadas a México. “Colaboramos con bastantes agencias… Necesitábamos la ayuda de la gente”, dijo el Jefe de Policía Ray Garner. La Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito Isidro R. “Chilo” Alaniz fue clave con su unidad de persecución en
la frontera, la cual se enfoca en casos como este para desmantelar organizaciones criminales. “Esperamos poder continuar poniéndole un alto a este tipo de amenazas”, dijo Alaniz. A continuación la lista de vehículos que LPD puede probar fueron robados y cruzados a México: 1 Ford F-150 2004 1 Dodge Ram 2004 1 Volkswagen Passat 2015 1 Toyota Tundra 2015 1 Chevrolet Silverado 2008 1 Gray Cadillac CTS 2008 1 Ford F-150 2012 1 Ford F-350 2000 1 Ford Expedition 2007 1 Cadillac CTS 2009 1 Ford Escape 2016 1 Toyota Tundra 2012 1 Toyota Tundra 2005 1 Dodge Ram 2004 1 Toyota Sequoia 2003 1 Honda Accord 2014 1 Jeep Liberty 2002 1 Chevy Cruze 2011.
MEDIO AMBIENTE
GUERRERO AYER Y HOY
Traerían proyecto de energía sustentable
Llegan primeros pobladores Por Lilia Treviño Martínez
E SPECIAL PARA TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
Nuevo Laredo, México podría convertirse en líder en energía sustentable tras que un ganador del Premio Nobel de la Paz hablara de un cambio que involucraría a los jóvenes de la ciudad fronteriza el lunes por la tarde. Rajendra Kumar Pachauri, Premio Nobel de la Paz 2007, dio una presentación en el teatro principal del Centro Cultural de Nuevo Laredo, donde se dieron cita más de 1.000 personas para escuchar al conferencista. La conferencia sobre el Cambio Climático y sus Efectos en las Fronteras fue organizada por el gobierno del Estado a cargo de Francisco García Cabeza de Vaca, el gobierno municipal que preside Enrique Rivas y la Secretaría de Educación de Tamaulipas con el fin de mejorar la vida de los tamaulipecos. Pachauri, dijo traer para Nuevo Laredo un proyecto de energía sustentable para que en coordinación con el estado pueda convertirse en líder y mostrar el camino para establecer un plan de desarrollo sustentable. “Me gustaría involucrar a los jóvenes, traer un cambio con modelo de sustentabilidad, estaré complacido de un plan de acción para el futuro de la energía sustentable en esta ciudad”, comentó el conferencista. Durante su visita, Pachauri recorrió
Foto de cortesía
Rajendra Kumar Pachauri durante su presentación en Nuevo Laredo.
con Rivas la Planta Internacional de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales donde se le explicó el procedimiento que se realiza para devolver el agua al río y luego hacerla potable. “En Nuevo Laredo hemos puesto en práctica un conjunto de acciones que nos permiten aportar, por mínimo que sea, esfuerzos para reducir el daño al medio ambiente”, explicó Rivas a Pachauri. “Un ejemplo son las cuatro plantas residuales a cargo de COMAPA. Llevamos a cabo reforestación permanente en instituciones educativas, así como en áreas verdes”. El presidente municipal también comentó del centro de acopio y transferencia de residuos peligrosos y electrónicos, único en el país, operado por un gobierno municipal, así como del servicio integral de limpieza con relleno sanitario, entre otros ejemplos.
Nota del editor: Esta serie de artículos sobre la historia de Ciudad Guerrero, México, fueron escritos por la guerrerense Lilia Treviño Martínez (1927-2016), quien fuera profesora de la escuela Leoncio Leal. Se considera como fundador de Revilla al Capitán Vicente Guerra, ya que él condujo a las primeras familias a este lugar. Un año antes de que el poblado fuera asentado en un nuevo sitio elegido por Escandón, falleció el Capitán Guerra, y el poblado se vio reforzado con familias que allegó José Báez Benavides, quien, en 1754 y en ocasión de la visita que hizo el Conde de Sierra Gorda a Revilla, fue nombrado Capitán y Administrador del poblado. Los primeros pobladores de Revilla eran personas animosas y esforzadas, que fundaron ranchos ganaderos bastante prósperos y lograron hacerlos producir grandes
beneficios. Cuando los tiempos eran difíciles algunos de los revillanos explotaban por temporadas las salinas próximas a Reynosa, para mejorar su economía. El 18 de julio de 1757 José Tienda de Cuervo fue comisionado por el Virrey para realizar visitas a las fundaciones escandonianas, y en el informe que rindió sobre Revilla establecía que en este lugar se habían asentado 29 ranchos, en el inventario de los cuales figuraban: 800 cabezas de ganado vacuno, 44.850 cabezas de ganado menor, 4.284 caballares de cría, 764 caballos de tiro, 445 mulas, 64 burros y 16 yuntas de bueyes. “Si comparamos la anterior relación con las de otros poblados de aquella época, se llega a la conclusión de que en tiempos de la visita era Revilla el pueblo más próspero de todas las fundaciones”, dijo Ciro R. De la Garza Treviño dijo en su libro ‘Así nació Tamaulipas’.
EDUCACIÓN
Administradores enfrentarían cargos criminales Por Judith Rayo TIEM P O DE ZAPATA
Un proyecto de ley recientemente aprobado por el Senado de Texas propone que los directores de las escuelas y los superintendentes enfrenten cargos criminales si intencionalmente no reportan una relación inapropiada entre maestros y estudiantes. El Senador Paul Bettencourt presentó el proyecto de ley
después que el número de educadores investigados por tener una relación inapropiada con un estudiante ha estado aumentando desde 2009. 222 casos fueron reportados durante el año fiscal 2015-2016. “Los maestros que actualmente enfrentan acusaciones de un comportamiento sexual inapropiado u otros alegatos serios permanecen en la profesión porque los distritos escolares les permiten renunciar en
lugar de despedirlos para evitar potenciales batallas legales”, se establece en el análisis del proyecto de ley. El proyecto de ley establece que no reportar el comportamiento inapropiado de un maestro resultará en un delito menor Clase A. Intencionalmente ocultar el incidente sería un crimen que amerita cárcel. Actualmente, solo es obligación de los superintendentes
reportar incidentes. El proyecto de ley expande la responsabilidad a los directores. El análisis del proyecto de ley además establece que los distritos escolares en ocasiones se deshacen de maestros problemáticos al acordar pagarles hasta el fin del año escolar y remover documentación que los incrimine de sus registros de personal al colocarlos en un registro confidencial. El proyecto de Ley del Sena-
do 7, también requeriría a los distritos escolares que adoptaran políticas concernientes a la comunicación electrónica entre empleados escolares y estudiantes. De acuerdo con la base de datos del periódico Austin American Statesman, ningún maestro del distrito escolar independiente del Condado de Zapata ha perdido su licencia tras alegatos de relaciones inapropiadas con estudiantes.
Sports&Outdoors THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, March 22, 2017 |
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: HOUSTON ASTROS
A7
NCAA BASKETBALL: TEXAS LONGHORNS
Astros' bullpen decisions expected to be made 'last-minute' Houston mulling last three reliever spots By Jake Kaplan H OUSTON CHRONICLE
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Astros probably won't finalize their opening day, eight-man bullpen until the day of their March 31 exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs at Minute Maid Park. "The bullpen decision's probably going to be a last-minute decision based on how things shake out in the rotation," manager A.J. Hinch said on Tuesday. One or two spots are up for grabs depending on whether both Joe Musgrove and Mike Fiers make the opening day rotation or if one begins the season in relief. Ken Giles, Luke Gregerson, Will Harris,
Joel Auerbach / Getty Images
Astros reliever Jandel Gustave is a frontrunner for one of the final Houston bullpen spots.
Tony Sipp, Chris Devenski and Michael Feliz are each locks for the bullpen. Righthanders James Hoyt and Jandel Gustave
are the frontrunners to fill out the relief corps, but the Astros' affinity for righthander Brad Peacock, who is out of minor league options,
could make things interesting. Hinch also mentioned non-roster spring training invitee Dayan Diaz as being in the mix, though it's difficult to envision Diaz beating out any of the aforementioned candidates. The 28-year-old righthander, who debuted in the majors with the Reds last year, has logged only 3 1/3 Grapefruit League innings, each scoreless. He would need to be added to the 40-man roster. "We don't know enough about him yet," Hinch said. "He's had a couple WBC outings and a couple of outings here. He hasn't done anything to take himself out of consideration so we're going to keep looking at him."
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION: SAN ANTONIO SPURS
SAN ANTONIO SEEKS CONSISTENCY AS PLAYOFFS APPROACH
Shane Keyser / TNS file
Texas freshman forward Jarrett Allen is expected to enter the NBA draft this offseason but will not hire an agent.
Texas’ Allen will enter draft By Nick Moyle SAN ANTONIO EXPRE SS-NEWS
Texas freshman forward Jarrett Allen has entered his name into the 2017 NBA draft pool, according to multiple reports. He will not hire an agent, allowing him to return for his sophomore season should he become wary about his draft stock. Allen has until June 12 to withdraw his name from draft consideration and retain his college eligibility. Despite the Longhorns’ season of misery, Allen mostly fulfilled the hype associated with a five-star recruit ranked 17th in his recruiting class by 247Sports. The 6-foot-11, 235-pound
forward averaged 13.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. In 20 Big 12 contests, Allen posted averages of 15.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. In two games against Kansas, Allen totaled 42 points, 30 rebounds, and four blocks. ESPN’s Chad Ford has Allen rated No. 16 on his 2017 Big Board. But one of the deepest drafts in years could ultimately convince Allen to pull his name and return for one more season under coach Shaka Smart. How Allen performs during pre-draft workouts and May's combine could be the determining factor in his decision to turn pro or remain an amateur.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE: DALLAS COWBOYS
Darren Abate / Associated Press file
San Antonio is looking for consistency as the regular season comes to a close. The Spurs are 53-16 and are only two games back of the Warriors in the loss column for first place in the Western Conference.
Spurs have 13 games remaining before entering playoffs By Nick Moyle SA N A NT ONI O E XPRE SS-NEWS
The NBA’s perennial overachiever is not satisfied. The Spurs are the family both envied and loathed by every other clan on the block. They are annoyingly successful. Trophies and plaques line their study (of course they have a study), on display for all visitors. The family’s patriarch, Gregg Popovich, demands excellence. He usually gets it. When the kids don’t live up to Pop’s grand expectations, it can feel like the house is crumbling. Rest assured, at 53-16 the Spurs possess a stronger footing than any team save perhaps those in Cleveland and Golden State. They remain two games behind the Warriors in the loss column, with a final regular-season collision fast approaching. And still, the Spurs believe there are fissures in the foundation. If left untended, it could collapse and bury them. Injures and coach-mandated rest days have kept this roster, one of the league’s oldest, in flux. Tony Parker has had three separate stints in which he missed at least three straight games. A freak hand injury sidelined Pau Gasol for 15 contests. LaMarcus Aldridge only missed two games following an
occurrence of minor heart arrhythmia, but the diagnosis shook the organization for a time. And though he was not a consistent fixture in Popovich’s rotation, the loss of rookie guard Dejounte Murray for possibly the remainder of the regular season sapped the Spurs of some backcourt depth. The Spurs have 13 games remaining, just about three weeks, to rediscover their groove. “We would like to see some consistency now that we’re approaching the last few games of the regular season,” Gasol said. “We need to find a consistent rotation to develop chemistry.” Twenty-four different five-man combinations have started a game for the Spurs this season. Popovich has used ten different lineups at least twice. Before Gasol fractured his hand on Jan. 19, Popovich’s preferred starting lineup – Gasol, Aldridge, Parker, Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green – had appeared together in just 22 out of 41 games. Dewayne Dedmon’s emergence during Gasol’s absence caused Popovich to rethink things. Gasol has thrived in his new role off the bench, averaging 13.7 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 59.4 percent on threes. The Spurs’ new starting five, with Gasol supplanted by Dedmon, has been inarguably better. It is out-
scoring opponents by 14.7 points per 100 possessions, more than double the Gasol lineup’s net rating. But a recent two-game losing skid raised some questions about that lineup's long-term viability. Against Sacramento on Sunday, Popovich started Bertans over Dedmon, potentially looking for a boost. The move proved a disaster. That unit posted a minus-94.5 net rating in seven minutes. Dedmon started the second half and the Spurs proceeded to annihilate the Kings. The catalyst for that victory was not Popovich's lineup jumbling. It was a 34-year-old point guard who vacillates between scorn of San Antonio and beloved hero, depending on his most recent outing. “We’re getting close it to it now,” said Parker, who dropped 16 points and seven assists in Sunday's 118-102 win. “We need to. Hopefully, everybody can stay healthy and try to get a rhythm and be on the same page. “During the season, it’s OK (to experiment). It gives confidence to different guys. Guys are out (with injuries or rest) and (other) guys can get confidence. But right now, being so close now (to the playoffs), we need to get it going and make sure we’re ready to go.” The Spurs may be rounding back into form as the stretch run commences, but they're not quite satisfied. Not yet.
Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News file
Former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin laughed at the idea of the Texans overtaking the Cowboys in the state of Texas even if quarterback Tony Romo is acquired by the Texans.
Irvin laughs at Texans overtaking the Cowboys By Tim Griffin SAN ANTONIO EXPRE SS-NEWS
The opening of free agency has stretched for nearly two weeks and Tony Romo remains a member of the Dallas Cowboys. It is no clearer where Romo will end up, or if he will even leave the Cowboys' franchise. The presumed frontrunners in the "Romo Sweepstakes" appear to still be Houston and Denver. Both teams have a need for a veteran quarterback as well as existing strong playoff possibilities. Even with the possibility of Romo leaving the Cowboys for potentially their closest NFL neighbors, former Dallas Hall of Fame wide receiver and current NFL Network analyst Michael Irvin does not believe his old team's quarterback
would ever end up in Houston. During an interview earlier this week with "The Dan Patrick Show" about the subject, Irvin chuckled at the thought. "Never in your lifetime, my lifetime and your kids' lifetime will the Houston Texans take over Texas from the Dallas Cowboys," Irvin told Dan Patrick on the Dan Patrick Show. "Never (with a high-pitched squeal). Don't even sweat it. Don't worry about it." Irvin also proclaimed that the Cowboys will still have a better opportunity than the Texans at winning the Super Bowl if Romo leaves them to join Houston. "I still think Dallas would have a better chance," Irvin said. "I would still take Dallas in that game and winning that Super Bowl."
A8 | Wednesday, March 22, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
To the Citizens of Zapata Ladies and Gentlemen, After senventeen (17) years of serving Zapata County, Grande Garbage Collection Company is leaving. I would have preferred a more personal way of conveying to you and the Zapata County Commissioners Court my heart felt appreciation for the support and confidence that all of you placed upon us as we labored to do our job the best way that we could. We leave Zapata feeling truly blessed of having had the opportunity to work, be productive and above all, serve all of you. Taking over the responsibility to continue providing the community this important service will be RSL Waste Management of Zapata, Texas. The company is owned by Mr. Ricardo Guevara, Sergio X. Guevara and Luis Carlos Guevara. After having had the opportunity to meet and get to know the Guevara’s, I am confident that they are serious and responsible individuals that are committed to providing each of you the best service possible. The transition of the duties of collecting and disposing of your trash will be smooth one, you will hardly notice. All of Grande Employees will remain with the incoming company. The routes, monthly fees and place where you pay your monthly bill will remain the same. In closing, I once again thank each and every one of you for giving us the opportunity to serve you. Respectfully I Remain, Patricio Hernandez Grande Garbage Collection Co. LLC Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
RSL Waste Management, LCC P.O. Box 145 Zapata, Texas 78076
RSL Waste Management, LCC P.O. Box 145 Zapata, Texas 78076
Residents of Zapata County,
Residentes del Condado de Zapata,
It is our honor to introduce RSL WASTE MANAGEMENT as Zapata County’s new solid waste disposal company. RSL is a family owned business with over 50 years of combined experience in auto, trucking and oilfield services. As residents of Zapata, we are excited about the opportunity to serve our community and look forward to providing the best waste management service possible. We would also like to thank the elected officials of Zapata County for their trust in our abilities to delived quality service. We look forward to a long lasting relationship built on hard work and customer service. For more information on our company, please visit us at:
Es un honor presentar a la compañia RSL Waste Management, LCC como la compañia de recolección de desperdicio sólido del Condado de Zapata. La compañia RSL es propiedad de una familia de la localidad que cuenta con más de años de experiencia combinada en proveer servicios a las industrias automotriz, camionera y petrolera. Como residentes de Zapata, nos complace el tener la oportunidad de servir a nuestra comunidad y esperamos proveer el mejor servicio posible en la recolección, manejo y disponer del desperdicio sólido. También, agredecemos a los oficiales del Condado de Zapata por su confianza en nuestra posobilidad de ofrecer servicio de alta calidad. Esperamos establecer una relación duradera basada en arduo trabajo y el mejor servicio al consumidor. Para más información sobre nuestra compañia, favor de visitar nuestro sitio cibernético:
www.RSLwastemanagement.com
www.RSLwastemanagement.com
Sincerely, Management
Atentamente, La Gerencia
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, March 22, 2017 |
A9
BUSINESS
Apple cuts prices on lower-end iPads, releases red iPhones By Anick Jesdanun A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
NEW YORK — Apple is cutting prices on two iPad models and introducing red iPhones, but the company held back on updating its higher-end iPad Pro tablets. A much-speculated 10.5-inch iPad Pro didn’t materialize, nor did new versions of existing sizes in the Pro lineup, which is aimed at businesses and creative professionals. The new devices are mostly refreshes of existing models. Apple unveiled them through press releases Tuesday rather than a staged event, as it typically does for bigger product releases. The iPad updates come as the tablet market continues to decline, after a few years of rapid growth. According to IDC, tablet shipments fell 20 percent to 53 million worldwide in the final three months of 2016, compared with the same period in 2015. THE NEW LINEUP The iPad Air 2 is replaced by a new model simply called the iPad. It retains a 9.7-inch screen, but the display is brighter and the processor faster. Its price starts at $329 for 32 gigabytes of storage, down from $399. The standard-size iPad is now cheaper than the smaller Mini model. The 7.9-inch iPad Mini 4 now comes with 128 gigabytes of storage starting at $399, rather than $499 before. Apple is eliminating the 32-gigabyte model, which used to sell for $399. Nothing else is changing. Apple is also releasing a red edition of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus; for each phone sold, Apple is donating an unspecified amount to HIV and AIDS programs. And Apple is doubling the storage on the smaller iPhone SE while keeping the $399 starting price. The new iPad Mini 4 is available right away, while the standard-size iPad comes out next week, with orders to begin Friday. The new iPhone SE comes out Friday, while the red iPhones are expected by the end of the month, with advance orders beginning Friday. THE MISSING DEVICE IDC analyst Jorge Vela had high hopes for a 10.5inch iPad. He said such a size might have offered room for a better keyboard, compared with the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and it
Mark Lennihan / AP
In this file photo, traders work on the Mizuho Americas trading floor in New York. Technology companies are leading stocks slightly higher Tuesday in early trading on Wall Street.
Stocks near biggest loss of 2017 as banks plunge By Marley Jay ASSOCIATED PRE SS Apple
On Tuesday, Apple introduced a new red shade for the iPhone.
wouldn’t have been as bulky as the 12.9-inch version. And Apple typically sparks consumer interest when it has new sizes and designs, Vela said, as seen by a jump in sales following the introduction of larger iPhones in 2014 (iPhone sales have since dropped.) Vela said a 10.5-inch version might have been enough for existing iPad owners to upgrade. A 10.5-inch version may still come this year, closer to the holiday shopping season, along with updates to existing Pro sizes. Jackdaw Research analyst Jan Dawson said Tuesday’s announcement makes it “even clearer that there are two very distinct iPad tiers now — the iPad Pro and the basic iPads. The iPad Pros will likely continue to get all the best new features, while the basic iPad will get occasional updates and new features a little later than the Pros, lagging a generation or two behind.” DOWN BUT NOT OUT In the last three months of 2016, iPhones generated 10 times the revenue as iPads. Unit sales of iPads fell 19 percent from the previous year. Yet Apple CEO Tim Cook has expressed optimism because many people were buying iPads for the first time, indicating that the market had yet to reach saturation, the point at which everyone who wants a particular product already has one. Dawson agrees that the number of tablet owners is still growing, even if overall sales are declining because people aren’t upgrading often. He said
the new $329 price for the 9.7-inch iPad should help spur sales. New 9.7-inch models have previously cost at least $499. CHALLENGERS Apple remains the market leader, accounting for about a quarter of all tablets shipped in the fourth quarter, according to IDC. Samsung beat Apple to a tablet refresh by a month. The South Korean company has announced an Android update, the Galaxy Tab S3, along with two new Windows models, both called Galaxy Book. The Galaxy Tab S3 starts selling Friday for $600 and comes with a pen (something sold separately with the iPad Pro). A keyboard attachment costs $130. Samsung hasn’t announced retail plans for the Book, but the price is expected to be higher, given that the keyboard is included, alongside the pen. Vela said the new Galaxy tablets might help Samsung increase its market share slightly, but they won’t be serious threats to Apple, especially as the latest price cuts make iPads very competitive. Microsoft is also due for a refresh of its Surface Pro tablet, last updated in October 2015. The Galaxy Book is more likely to challenge the Surface than iPads. Amazon, meanwhile, continually refreshes its tablet lineup, though it focuses on budget devices in hopes of drawing people to its other services, including video, e-books and a loyalty program called Prime.
NEW YORK — U.S. stocks are on track for their biggest loss this year as banks tumble with bond yields and industrial companies such as transportation stocks take large losses. Small-company stocks are falling more than the rest of the market, but most corners of the market are down substantially. KEEPING SCORE: The Standard & Poor’s 500 index tumbled 22 points, or 1 percent, to 2,351 as of 2:40 p.m. Eastern time. It hasn’t taken a loss that large since October. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 189 points, or 0.9 percent, to 20,716. The Nasdaq composite surrendered 81 points, or 1.4 percent, to 5,819. The Russell 2000 index of small-company stocks plunged 27 points, or 2 percent, to 1,356. Three-quarters of the stocks on the New York Stock Exchange fell. BONDS: Bond prices rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note declined to 2.43 percent from 2.46 percent. Lower interest rates hurt banks by reducing interest rates, which shrinks the profits financial institutions make on mortgages and other loans. Bank of America fell $1.37, or 5.6 percent, to $23.06 and Capital One shed $2.62, or 3 percent, to $84.16. Banks have climbed dramatically over the last five months. Big-dividend companies, especially utilities, did well. Utilities moved higher. Dominion Resources rose $1.60, or 2.1 percent, to $78.43 and PPL gained 70 cents, or 1.9 percent, to $37.50. Some household goods makers also rose. Jack Daniel’s whisky maker Brown-Forman climbed
73 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $47.54. HIT THE BRAKES: Transportation companies like airlines, railroads and rental car companies plunged. United Continental lost $1.56, or 2.3 percent, to $65.93 and railroad operator CSX declined $1.29, or 2.8 percent, to $45.59. Hertz Global skidded $2.66, or 12.5 percent, to $18.61. Companies that make steel, chemicals, and other basic materials also slid. AK Steel plunged 76 cents, or 9.3 percent, to $7.51 and U.S. Steel lost $2.90, or 7.8 percent, to $34.20. The price of copper also dropped. The metal’s price tends to rise when investors are more optimistic about the economy, and copper has risen 14 percent over the last year. It sank 5 cents, or 1.8 percent, to $2.62 a pound on Tuesday. THE QUOTE: Kate Warne, an investment strategist for Edward Jones, said investors are taking some profits after the market’s long winning streak, and they are waiting for more information about the Trump administration’s plans. On Thursday the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the Republican-backed American Health Care Act, and despite support from President Donald Trump, its chances of passing the House and Senate are not clear. “Some of the concerns about how long it will take to implement some of the policy changes are probably resurging in investors’ minds,” Warne said, adding that if the bill doesn’t pass, “the concern is what that means for corporate tax cuts.” SOGGY CEREAL: Food companies fell after General Mills posted a better-than-expected
profit but weaker sales. The Cheerios maker faces more competitive pricing and a market that has been shifting demand from processed foods. Its stock dipped 15 cents to $60.11, and Kellogg shed $1.02, or 1.4 percent, to $73.96 cents. Campbell Soup gave up $1.72, or 2.9 percent, to $57.28. RETAIL WOES: Department store operator Kohl’s dropped 83 cents, or 2.2 percent, to $37.73 and Macy’s gave up 93 cents, or 3.1 percent, to $28.45. Gap fell 76 cents, or 3.1 percent, to $22.71 and athletic apparel company Under Armour lost 64 cents, or 3.5 percent, to $17.62. ENERGY: Benchmark U.S. crude lost 88 cents, or 1.8 percent, to $47.34 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, used to price international oils, closed down 66 cents, or 1.3 percent, to $50.96 a barrel in London. METALS: The price of gold jumped $12.50, or 1 percent, to $1,246.50 an ounce. Silver gained 15 cents to $17.58 an ounce. OTHER ENERGY TRADING: Wholesale gasoline lost 1 cent to $1.61 a gallon. Heating oil dipped 1 cent to $1.50 a gallon. Natural gas rose 5 cents, or 1.7 percent, to $3.09 per 1,000 cubic feet. CURRENCIES: The dollar slipped to 111.90 yen from 112.58 yen. The euro rose to $1.0799 from $1.0733. OVERSEAS: The DAX of Germany fell 1.1 percent and the British FTSE 100 lost 0.6 percent. France’s CAC 40 made big early gains after a debate between the nation’s candidates for president, but it finished 0.5 percent lower. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 slipped 0.3 percent. The Kospi in South Korea rose 1 percent and in Hong Kong the Hang Seng rose 0.4 percent.
A10 | Wednesday, March 22, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
NATIONAL
New security measure could cause travelers to reroute trips By David Koenig A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
DALLAS — A new U.S. security measure banning many electronic devices on flights from eight mostly Muslim countries is leading travelers to reconsider their plans to fly through some airports in the Middle East. Paula Berger, an energy-company manager, and a co-worker have tickets to fly from the U.S. through Dubai to Hyderabad, India, where her company has an office. The new rules would require Berger to surrender the laptop she carries
and put it in checked baggage on the return trip next month. She is worried the device could be stolen. "I've been spending hours this morning trying to find a way to reroute us without it costing $5,000, but I haven't found anything," Berger said Tuesday. "We might have to suck it up and go through Dubai." The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday that passengers on U.S.bound flights at 10 airports in the Middle East and North Africa will have to check electronics bigger than a cellphone.
The only exception is for medical devices. Laptops, tablets, cameras and other gadgets will have to be placed in checked baggage. The order is a concern for business travelers, journalists and other professionals who work on the devices and use them to store sensitive information. Tourism officials worry that the order could heighten people's fears of an attack and discourage them from traveling. Jonathan Grella, an executive vice president for the U.S. Travel Association, said he hopes that the government is trying
Gorsuch, students defend his questions about women at work By Jeff Donn A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch said Tuesday he taught his law school students about inappropriate questions from prospective employers, contradicting a student who accused him of showing a lack of respect for working women during a classroom discussion about family planning and the workplace. Gorsuch’s views were echoed to The Associated Press by some of his other former law school students, who contended the accuser misconstrued the lesson. Former student Jennifer R. Sisk said Gorsuch implied in a legal ethics class in April that he believes many female job applicants unfairly manipulate companies by hiding plans to begin families. She remembered him saying that many accept job offers but quickly leave with maternity benefits. Sisk provided her recollections of the class in a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which started confirmation hearings Monday. Gorsuch has been serving on the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and also taught classes as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado Law School in Boulder. Sen. Dick Durbin asked Gorsuch about Sisk’s allegation on Tuesday, pressing whether the judge had asked his students if they knew about women taking maternity benefits and then leaving their company after a pregnancy. “I want to get to the bottom of it,” said the Illinois Democrat. Federal law bans employers from making hiring decisions based on a woman’s plans to start a family. But Sisk, who worked for the Obama administration, said Gorsuch emphasized that employers may legally ask the question — and that they do so to protect their companies.
Gorsuch said he just learned of Sisk’s claims Sunday night and Gorsuch explained that his classes delved in part into the realities of practicing law. He said he asked students if any already had endured this “inappropriate question about your family planning” by prospective employers, in part so they could be prepared with answers. “I am shocked it still happens every year that I get women, not men, raising their hand to that question,” Gorsuch said. Reached before the hearing, four people who took the judge’s ethics classes within the past two years, including two who were in Sisk’s class, said Gorsuch asked provocative questions meant to draw out students and
challenge them to think more deeply. None concluded that Gorsuch harbored disrespect for women in the workplace or anywhere else. “If we wanted to poke the bear a little bit and see how far we were willing to do, he definitely did,” said Ruthanne H. Goff, a Denver lawyer who took the ethics class in spring 2015. She said she remembers Gorsuch posing the same scenario as the one recalled by Sisk — a woman asked during a job interview if she intended to start a family. As she recalls, Gorsuch then asked: “What if she is trying to game the system and leave after she has the baby?” “At first, I was a little offended that the question was being asked,” said Goff. But she said she then realized that the judge was simply trying to ask “really hard questions” not meant to reflect his own views.
to make travel more secure, not to suppress it, and that the U.S. still welcomes business and leisure visitors. Analysts said some travelers who want to keep their devices with them will switch to flights that reach the U.S. from Europe or Asia, even if it means an extra connection. For business travelers, the ban on laptops in the cabin "is a potential productivity killer," said Robert Mann, an aviation consultant in Port Washington, New York. "If you were planning to work on the flight, you've just burned 14 hours of your
day." Henry Harteveldt, a travel analyst in San Francisco, said some companies forbid employees from putting expensive company property such as laptops in checked bags, where theft is always a risk. Making matters worse for passengers, most airlines say in their policies that they don't cover or they limit compensation for expensive items such as electronics that are placed in checked bags. Naureen Shah, Senior Director of Campaigns at Amnesty International USA, warned the order
poses risks to journalists and human rights advocates, "who will be forced to hand over laptops and devices containing sensitive information, potentially compromising their sources." A senior administration official said the U.S. would not go after data on passengers' devices. If the security measure causes passengers to fly home through Europe, the beneficiaries are likely to be U.S. airlines or their European partners, who operate many flights to the U.S. from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other transportation hubs.
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, March 22, 2017 |
A11
ENTERTAINMENT
Writer's lawsuit says Disney copied his plans for 'Zootopia' By Anthony Mccartney A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
LOS ANGELES — A screenwriter and producer sued Walt Disney Pictures on Tuesday claiming the studio copied his ideas to create the Oscarwinning animated film "Zootopia." Gary L. Goldman, whose credits include work on film adaptations of "Total Recall," ''Minority Report" and "Big Trouble in Little China," filed the copyright infringement lawsuit Tuesday in a federal court in Los Angeles. His lawsuit states he pitched his "Zootopia" concept to Disney in 2000 and 2009 and there are substantial similarities between his
project and last year's animated blockbuster. Disney rejected the lawsuit's claims in a statement. "Mr. Goldman's lawsuit is riddled with patently false allegations. It is an unprincipled attempt to lay claim to a successful film he didn't create, and we will vigorously defend against it in court." The lawsuit states Goldman pitched Disney his "Zootopia" concept as a way to explore life in America through a civilized society of animals. Disney's "Zootopia" explores prejudice through a bunny's quest to become a respected police officer in a city where predator and prey coexist side-by-side. The
Off-Broadway’s ’The Fantasticks’ to close after 21,000 shows By Mark Kennedy A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
NEW YORK — The off-Broadway phenomenon “The Fantasticks” will end its record-breaking run this spring, bringing down the curtain on a show featuring confetti and a cardboard moon that started when Dwight D. Eisenhower was president. The musical, which features the songs “Try To Remember” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain,” will close June 4, having played a total of 21,552 performances in New York City, producers said Tuesday. For nearly 42 years the show chugged along at the 153-seat Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village, finally closing in 2002 after 17,162 performances — a victim both of a destroyed downtown after 9/11 and a new edgy mood. It opened four years later at The Theater Center, an off-Broadway complex in the heart of Times Square, where it will end after a run of 4,390 shows. The tale, a mock version of “Romeo and Juliet,” concerns a young girl and boy, secretly brought to-
gether by their fathers and an assortment of odd characters, including a rakish narrator, an old actor, an Indian named Mortimer and a mute. It long ago won the title of world’s longest-running musical. “The Phantom of the Opera,” by comparison, is Broadway’s longest-running show with some 12,000 shows. The only rival to “The Fantasticks” is “The Mousetrap” in London, which is the longest-running show in the world, having passed 26,000 performances. Scores of actors have appeared in the “The Fantasticks,” from the opening cast that included Jerry Orbach and Rita Gardner, to stars such as Ricardo Montalban and Kristin Chenoweth to Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham. In 2015, producers also declared the show would close that summer but two donors stepped up and pledged to keep the stalwart, low-tech show open. This time, producers mean business: They’ve scheduled a new show, “The Crusade of Connor Stephens” by Dewey Moss, to start previews June 17 in the same theater.
Disney / AP
This image released by Disney shows Judy Hopps, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, in a scene from the animated film, "Zootopia." Screenwriter and producer Gary L. Goldman sued Disney on Tuesday in a Los Angeles federal court alleging last year's animated blockbuster copied a franchise he pitched the studio in 2000 and 2009 as a way to explore life in America through a society of civilized animals.
film won the best animated feature at last month's Academy Awards. "About five years ago, almost six now, oh my god, we got this crazy idea to talk about humanity with talking animals in the hopes that when the film came out, it would make the world just a slightly better place," said Byron Howard, one of the film's directors during his acceptance speech at last
month's Oscars. The lawsuit includes drawings Goldman commissioned for his pitches to Disney. He contends the ideas of his project and the animated film, as well as the style of some of its characters, are substantially similar. "Both works explore whether the societies can live up to utopian ideals and judge and credit others fairly as individuals not as stereotypes, based on conceptions of
merit not natural order, and the protagonists are challenged to strike a balance between the utopian and counter-utopian positions, optimism and pessimism, nature and individuality, and selfacceptance and self-improvement," the lawsuit states. In Disney's film, Ginnifer Goodwin plays the bunny character, Judy Hopps, who strikes up an alliance with a sly fox played by Jason Bateman
to thwart a conspiracy that threatens peace in their metropolis. Goldman's lawsuit states the two main protagonists of his pitch were a doe-eyed squirrel named Mimi and a hyena named Roscoe. The lawsuit does not state how much damages Goldman and his company, Esplanade Productions, are seeking. He is asking a federal judge to block Disney from future "Zootopia" projects until the case is resolved.
Wyclef Jean says he was mistaken for robbery suspect By Michael Balsamo ASSOCIATED PRE SS
LOS ANGELES — Grammy-winning musician Wyclef Jean says he was unfairly detained early Tuesday morning in Los Angeles County after he was mistaken for an armed robbery suspect, but while apologizing for the inconvenience officials say he was lawfully stopped by deputies looking for a violent armed robber whose victims’ described a similar vehicle and article of clothing. The former Fugees star posted a video on Twitter Tuesday showing himself in handcuffs leaned over a patrol car in West Hollywood after authorities said he matched the description of a suspect with a gun who was being sought for an armed robbery. Jean had said he was stopped by Los Angeles police, but he was actually detained by sheriff’s deputies in neighboring West Hollywood. “I was asked by the police to put my hands up. Then I was told, ‘Do not move.’ I was instantly hand cuffed before being asked to identify myself and before being told why,” Jean told The Associated Press hours
Amy Sussman / Invision/AP
In this file photo, Wyclef Jean appears at the Diesel Black Gold fashion show in New York. Jean says he was unfairly detained by authorities in Los Angeles County after being mistaken for a robbery suspect. Jean posted a video Tuesday on Twitter showing himself in handcuffs leaned over a patrol car.
after the incident. “In the process I said my name and told them they have wrong person. They proceeded to ignore me and I was treated like a criminal.” In a statement Tuesday afternoon, sheriff’s officials said Jean was riding in a car that matched the description of the vehicle reported in the violent armed robbery that occurred a few minutes before Jean was stopped. The robbery victims told sheriff’s deputies that they were sitting in a parking lot when a man walked up to them, pistol whipped the two, pressed
the gun against the head of one of the victims and demanded they give him everything they had. Deputies who were patrolling nearby spotted a car that was nearly identical to the description of the assailant’s vehicle and followed the car until it pulled over in West Hollywood, the statement said. The driver and Jean, a passenger in the car, exited the vehicle as the deputies approached. Both Jean and the suspect reportedly had on dark shirts and a similar colored bandanna, authorities said. The
sheriff’s department said deputies then detained Jean, “who they believed to the suspect in the violent crime,” handcuffed him and placed him in the back of a patrol car. Sheriff’s officials said Jean was repeatedly ordered not to place his hands near his pockets or waistband and not to go near the trunk of the car. Jean was patted down for weapons and put in the back of a deputy sheriff’s patrol car “out of an abundance of caution,” the statement said. Officials said deputies learned within six minutes that Jean and the female driver of the car were not suspects in the crime and released them. Two suspects were later arrested on suspicion of committing the robbery, officials said. “It is unfortunate that Mr. Jean was detained for six minutes during this investigation, as he had no involvement whatsoever in this violent crime,” the statement said. “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is apologetic for any inconvenience this process caused Mr. Jean. We are grateful we were able to apprehend the robbery suspects and that no one was seriously injured.”
'Beauty and the Beast' to be shown in Malaysia without cuts A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The Walt Disney Co. said Tuesday its movie "Beauty and the Beast" will open in Malaysia on March 30 without the cutting of a gay scene as had been ordered by film censors. The re-telling of the animated classic was originally scheduled to start showing on March 16 but was postponed after Disney refused to edit the film. "We are pleased to announce that Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' has now been approved to be released in Malaysia with no cuts, with a PG13 rating" on March 30, the Walt Disney Co. (Malaysia) said in a brief statement. No details were provided. Malaysia's top two cinema chains also announced that advance tickets for the March 30 showings would be on sale soon. Film Censorship Board
Daniel Chan / AP
A man looks at his phone while walking past a movie poster at shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday.
chairman Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid had earlier said the movie was approved with a minor cut involving "a gay moment" because scenes promoting homosexuality were forbidden. He said the film was given a PG13 rating, which requires parental guidance for children under age 13. Abdul Halim couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
A government official said the reversal came after a film appeal committee reviewed the movie and decided that the scene wasn't offensive. The official, who declined to be identified because he wasn't authorized to speak to the media, said the appeal committee had different members than the earlier group that wanted the scene cut. He declined to provide fur-
ther details. The film's characters include manservant LeFou, who plays the sidekick to villain Gaston, and, according to director Bill Condon, "is confused about his sexuality." Condon has described a brief scene as a "gay moment." Russia approved the movie but banned children under 16 from watching it without the accompaniment of someone over 16. Malaysia's censors in 2010 loosened decades of restrictions on sexual and religious content in movies, but still kept a tight leash on tiny bikinis, kisses and passionate hugs. The new rules allowed depiction of gay characters, but only if they show repentance or are portrayed in a negative light. Sodomy, even if consensual, is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and whipping in Malaysia.
Linda Jones / AP
In this photo taken Sunday, George Clooney visits 87-year-old Pat Adams at an assisted living facility.
George Clooney pays surprise visit to devoted UK fan ASSOCIATED PRE SS
LONDON — Actor George Clooney has startled an 87-year-old fan in Britain by showing up at her assisted living facility with flowers and a card to wish her a happy birthday. The 55-year-old popped in for a chat and a picture with admirer Pat Adams on Sunday at the Sunrise of Sonning Retirement and Assisted Living Facility in Reading. Linda Jones, a worker there,
posted a picture of herself and the beaming pair on Facebook. Jones wrote: "The lady in the picture, loves George Clooney and mentions everyday how she would love him to meet him, especially as he lives so near to where I work." A letter was sent to Clooney asking if he could make a "dream to come true." Clooney owns a home near the facility in Berkshire.
A12 | Wednesday, March 22, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
FROM THE COVER
Another journalist slain in the state of Veracruz Monlui was leaving a restaurant with his wife and a son in the town of Yanga, outside the larger city of Cordoba, when a man who appeared to have been waiting shot Monlui twice and fled, local police chief Carlos Samuel Hernandez said. The wife and son apparently were unhurt. Monlui is at least the
11th journalist to be slain in just over six years in Veracruz state, but the first since former Gov. Javier Duarte quit last year and vanished in the face of corruption charges. New Gov. Miguel Angel Yunes, who took office in December, expressed indignation at the killing.
BILL From page A1
American Statesman database, no teachers from the Zapata County Indepedent School Dis-
trict have lost their licenses following allegations of impropriety with a student.
SCAMS From page A1
nored because it lacks teeth. “Predatory lenders have found a new tool to take advantage of those who are working hard to save and buy their own home,” Watson said. “It is clear our current laws are inadequate to prevent this abuse, which is why the Legislature needs to act.” The bills were developed with assistance from the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, legal aid attorneys, and banking groups. Other wrap scams have affected about 40 homes in the Dove Springs area of Austin. The Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending has been investigating these scams as well. “I am delighted to work with Senators Watson and Rodríguez to protect our constituents and all Texans from mortgage fraud committed by predatory ‘wrap’ lenders,” Zaffirini said. “Our legislation would not only strengthen disclosure
requirements and protections for homebuyers, but also help expose bad actors and facilitate their prosecution.” John Henneberger, co-director of the Texas Low Income Housing Information Service, said, “These bills will help consumers be more informed about risky wraparound mortgages and better protected from unscrupulous lenders.” Trish McAllister, executive director of the Texas Access to Justice Commission, added that the legislation will help families stay in their homes. “Many Texas families, who have striven to consistently make their payments on time, have fallen prey to wrap loan scams and lost their homes,” McAllister said. “This is especially tragic for low-income families who are the least likely to have access to the courts but the most likely to end up homeless. Passage of this legislation will protect everyone from these predatory practices.”
By Lev Garcia A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
XALAPA, Mexico — An attacker shot a journalist to death Sunday in the Mexican state of Veracruz, adding to the toll in a region plagued by drug gang violence and allegations of government corruption. Journalist Ricardo
pays a higher interest rate on the wrap loan. The wrap lender should then use the wrap loan payments to pay down the first mortgage so that by the time the wrap loan is paid, the first mortgage is also paid off. But in a typical case, an unscrupulous wrap lender fails to pay the first mortgage, triggering a foreclosure. Alternatively, the first mortgage may have a due-on-sale clause, which the first lender may activate when they learn about the wrap loan, meaning the first mortgage suddenly becomes due in full without any funds available to pay it. Current law has failed to prevent these scams and make victims whole. For example, wrap lenders take advantage of de minimus exceptions to avoid agency regulation and a current disclosure requirement is often ig-
VEHICLES From page A1 forts were part of Operation Metal Rain. All suspects face charges ranging from engaging in organized criminal activity, theft, drug possession and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Breakthrough LPD said the case unfolded Jan. 12, 2016. That day, the Department of Public Safety pulled over a vehicle that had been reported stolen. The two occupants were detained. Investigator Joe E. Baeza, LPD spokesman, said that detention led to the dismantling of the autotheft ring. “The reason these people are stealing isn’t for just joy-riding purposes. These individuals are part of a bigger net of criminals, international criminals who are stealing
these automobiles and using them in Mexico for the criminal enterprises,” Baeza said. Suspects in San Antonio would steal the vehicles, he said. People in Laredo would then go pick them up, drive back to the Gateway City and cross them into Mexico, Baeza said. They would deliver the vehicles to two men identified as Guadalupe “Diablo” Javier Nunez and Roberto “Beto” Castañeda Silva. The duo were making the vehicles available to the drug trafficking organizations, police said. Both are wanted for engaging in organized criminal activity and theft. Cooperation LPD said it counted at least 18 vehicles, mostly pickups, that were stolen and crossed into Mexico. “We collaborated with quite a few agencies ... We needed people’s help,” said LPD Chief Ray Gar-
ner. District Attorney Isidro R. “Chilo” Alaniz’s office was instrumental with its border prosecution unit, which focuses on cases like this one to dismantle criminal organizations. “We look forward to continuing putting a stop to these kinds of threats,” Alaniz said. Agencies that assisted in the investigation included: 1 Border Prosecution Unit 1 DPS 1 SAPD 1 Lone Star Fugitive Task Force 1 U.S Marshals Service 1 Bexar County Sheriff’s Department 1 Natalia PD 1 Border Patrol 1 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force 1 Homeland Security Investigations 1 U.S Customs and Border Protection 1 Travis County Sheriff’s Office