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Man charged in fatal hit-and-run Driver allegedly struck woman, did not render aid By César G. Rodriguez THE ZAPATA TIME S
Joana Santillana / Laredo Morning Times
Priscilla Villarreal, second from left, poses for a photo Wednesday outside the 111th District Court with her sister, mother and attorney Joey Tellez.
‘LA GORDILOCA’ WINS CASE Judge finds statute used in arrest vague By Joana Santillana TH E ZAPATA T IME S
Criminal charges against Laredo social media personality and citizen journalist Priscilla “La Gordiloca” Villarreal were dismissed Wednesday. 111th District Court Judge Monica Zapata Notzon found that Villarreal was denied due process because the Texas statute used to charge her with third-degree felony misuse of official information was too vague. She deemed the statute unconstitutional. Villarreal, who was accompanied by family and friends, told Laredo Morning Times
that she would continue her “uncensored, raw and unedited” way of delivering the news. “I’m excited that we won,” she said. “I’m glad that the judge made a ruling in my favor. I’m going to continue to serve my community as I’ve done for the past two and a half years and continue to bring news to the people of Laredo.” Laredo police said in a statement Thursday that it respects the judge’s decision as well as the decision by the District Attorney’s Office to approve the warrant for arrest, which was executed in December. “The Laredo Police Department’s responsibility to the
protection of a person’s rights with regards to privacy, as it relates to sensitive information, remains an important cause for our department,” the statement reads. Although her broadcasts on Facebook started off as a hobby, Villarreal said this is her passion and that she is “not going anywhere.” Multiple media outlets, including the Los Angeles Times, reported on Villarreal’s arrest, giving her an international platform, she said. Villarreal thanked the Laredo Police Department, saying that they did her a favor. She
A man has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-andrun incident that occurred last weekend in Zapata County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Fidel Alejandro Ubaldo, 25, was charged with accident involving death for failure to stop and render aid, a seconddegree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Zapata County Jail records show Ubaldo remained behind bars on a $1 million bond as of Tuesday. DPS Sgt. Conrad J. Hein said
Ubaldo
Valverde
the auto-pedestrian incident occurred at about 9 p.m. by Diaz Avenue and 10th Street in the Medina Addition. A Chevy Malibu driven by Ubaldo allegedly struck and killed Blanca Estela Valverde, 41. The Zapata County Sheriff’s Accident continues on A8
NUEVO LAREDO, TAMAULIPAS
Charges continues on A8
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Courtesy photo
Mexican police have arrested six suspects in connection with the stabbing of journalist Carlos Rodriguez Dominguez.
Police chief calls serial bomber 'domestic terrorist' Mexico arrests 6 suspects in killing of journalist A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin's police chief said Thursday that a "domestic terrorist" set off a series of explosions that killed two people and severely wounded four others in Texas' capital, offering a stronger characterization of the suspected bomber after drawing criticism for being unwilling to do so previously. Brian Manley in recent weeks had hesitated to label the bombings terrorism, citing an investigation that still isn't complete. But at a meeting Thursday on police and community response to the bombings, Manley answered audience questions with other panelists and said, "I actually agree now that he was a domestic terrorist for what he did to us.'" The admission didn't go far enough for some present, who continued to ask questions about racism in Austin. Investigators say that Mark Conditt used one his own devices to blow himself up as authorities approached his SUV before dawn on March 21. Authorities say he terrorized the city for weeks, planting three bombs on doorsteps that killed a
ASSOCIAT ED PRE SS
Eric Gay / Associated Press
Austin Police Chief Brian Manley briefs says a "domestic terrorist" set off a series of explosions that killed two people and severely wounded four others in the Texas capital.
man and a teenager and seriously injuring two others. Later, an explosive with a tripwire injured two more men and a package bomb exploded at a FedEx processing center south of Austin. Authorities eventually used surveillance video of Conditt dropping packages off at FedEx to help track him down. Police originally called the first explosion, which occurred
March 2, an isolated incident. When bombs kept exploding, Manley speculated that they could be motivated by racial hatred because the bomber's first four victims were all black or Hispanic. But Manley began to downplay that theory after the tripwire injured two white victims. Also, authorities eventually learned that one of ConBomber continues on A8
MEXICO CITY — Six suspects have been arrested in the January killing of a journalist in the border city of Nuevo Laredo, Mexican prosecutors said Wednesday. Meanwhile, two former police officers were sentenced in the 2015 killing of another reporter in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz. The Jan. 13 stabbing of Carlos Dominguez Rodriguez may have been related to his journalistic work but was not related to organized crime, prosecutors in the northern state of Tamaulipas said. "The results up to this time indicate a probable link between these events and the exercise of freedom of expression," the federal Attorney General's Office added in a statement. Across from Laredo, Texas, Nuevo Laredo is dominated by the Northeast cartel and has been the scene of recent shoot-
outs. State prosecutor Irving Barrios said that the motive for Dominguez Rodriguez's killing was still under investigation, but that the journalist didn't write about organized crime topics. Barrios said three of the six suspects "worked in the information industry, but we are still checking whether they were working journalists." Officials refused to release the names of the suspects, citing Mexican law that prohibits publicly incriminating people until they are found guilty. Prosecutors did not explain why the suspects, who local media reported worked as independent journalists, would have wanted to kill Dominguez Rodriguez, or why the killing was so brutal. The victim was stabbed two dozen times in front of relatives. Prosecutors in Veracruz announced later in the day that two former police officers were Arrests continues on A8
In Brief A2 | Saturday, March 31, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
CALENDAR
AROUND THE STATE
TODAY IN HISTORY
MONDAY, APRIL 2 Ray of Light Anxiety and Depression Support Group Meeting in English. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Westcare Foundation, 1616 Callaghan St. The support group welcomes adults suffering from anxiety and/ or depression to participate in free and confidential support group meetings. For more information, contact Anna Maria Pulido Saldivar at gruporayitodeluz@gmail.com or 956-307-2014.
A S S O C I AT E D P R E S S
TUESDAY, APRIL 3 Community Conversation on Teen & Young Adult Mental Health. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Border Region Behavioral Health Center, 1500 Pappas St. For more information, call the Area Health Education Center at 956-7120037. RGISC 4th Annual Post-Easter Cleanup at Lake Casa Blanca. 8:00 am Registration @ Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, 5102 Bob Bullock Loop. Help the Rio Grande International Study Center pick up after the Easter bunny. Complimentary lunch and community service hours provided. Register at www.rgisc.org. Alzheimer's support group meeting. 7 p.m. Meeting room 2, building B of the Laredo Medical Center. The support group is for family members and caregivers taking care of someone who has Alzheimer's. For information, call 956-693-9991.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 1220 McClelland Ave. 10 a.m. to noon. Hard cover $1, paperbacks $0.50, magazines and children’s books $0.25. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions.
SATURDAY, APRIL 7 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 1220 McClelland Ave. Hard cover $1, paperback $0.50, magazines and children’s books, $0.25.
SUNDAY, APRIL 8 Holy Redeemer Church Annual Jamaica. 1602 Garcia St. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. General admission is free. Food and games for kids and adults, 3 p.m. loteria, and a raffle where first prize is gift cards totaling $5,000. For more information call Amparo Ugalde, 956-286-0862.
Lisa Krantz / Associated Press
Sherri Pomeroy, right, is embraced by her sister Sylvia Timmons at a news conference announcing the new building plans for First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs.
PLANS FOR NEW CHURCH ANNOUNCED By Lauren McGaughy THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS
SAN ANTONIO — Nearly five months after a gunman killed 26 parishioners at the First Baptist Church, the people of Sutherland Springs will soon build a new place of worship. Pastor Frank Pomeroy unveiled renderings of the new church at a news conference Tuesday evening in nearby San Antonio. The site will include a worship center and a memorial tower featuring a bell from the original First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, which for now will remain standing next to the new church as a memorial to those who died. Pomeroy, who was out of town the day of the shooting, lost his 14-year-old daugh-
ter, Annabelle, that Sunday. Wiping away tears, his wife, Sherri, accompanied him Tuesday. "We are in the midst of a celebration week. This is the week leading up to Easter," Pomeroy said. "And what better way to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord than the resurrection of a new church? "I think God choreographed that." Pomeroy added his congregation has more than doubled and baptisms have "increased exponentially" since the shooting. "God is going to use the blood of those 26 martyrs and those survivors to bring forth revival into the land," Pomeroy said. "Any time the church was persecuted, then God backed that up with a magnification or a multiplication of his people."
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 1220 McClelland Ave. 10 a.m. to noon. Hard cover $1, paperbacks $0.50, magazines and children’s books $0.25. IBC keynote speaker series. 7:30 p.m. TAMIU Student Center Ballroom. What is Government Doing about Inequality since the 1970s? Presentation featuring Peter H. Lindert, distinguished professor of economics at the University of California, Davis. The event is free and open to the public. Translations services (English to Spanish) will be available.
SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Habitat for Humanity Laredo major fundraiser Golfing For Roofs golf tournament. Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course. Hole sponsorships are title $10,000, platinum $5,000, diamond $2,500, gold $1,500, silver $1,000, bronze. For information, call 724-3227.
MONDAY, APRIL 16 Ray of Light Anxiety and Depression Support Group Meeting in Spanish. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Holding Institute, 1102 Santa Maria Ave., classrooom #1. The support group welcomes adults suffering from anxiety and/ or depression to participate in free and confidential support group meetings. For more information, contact Anna Maria Pulido Saldivar at gruporayitodeluz@gmail.com or 956-307-2014.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 1220 McClelland Ave. 10 a.m. to noon. Hard cover $1, paperbacks $0.50, magazines and children’s books $0.25.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 Border Region Behavioral Health Center Volunteer Services Council’s 26th Annual Administrative Professionals' Day Luncheon & Musical Fashion Show. 11:30 a.m. Laredo Country Club. If you would like to purchase tickets or reserve a table, RSVP with Laura Kim 956-7943130 or blaurak@borderregion.org. Tickets are $75 a person. Submit calendar items by emailing editorial@lmtonline.com with the event’s name, date and time, location, purpose and contact information for a representative. Items will run as space is available.
DO YOU KNOW? Meghan Medina She enjoys spending time at her family ranch, traveling, family time, movies, reading and playing video games.
Hispanic superintendents in Texas lags student population HOUSTON — Hispanic superintendents are underrepresented in Texas public schools despite Hispanic students representing the majority of students in the state. More than 52 percent of Texas students are Hispanic, compared with about 25 percent nationally, the Houston Chron-
icle reported. Martha Salazar-Zamora is the sole Hispanic superintendent among 55 school district leaders in the Greater Houston area, where 51 percent of students are Hispanic. The region lags far behind other Texas metropolitan areas when it comes to hiring Latino leaders. Hispanic superintendents lead five districts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, five in the Greater Austin region, 12 in the San Antonio area and six around El Paso. Texas has higher rates of
Hispanic school leadership compared to the rest of the U.S. About 8 percent of superintendents in the state are Hispanic, compared to only about 3 percent nationwide. School boards are responsible for hiring superintendents, but oftentimes they don't reflect their communities. About 80 percent of students in the Pasadena school district are Hispanic and nearly 37 percent are English-learners, but only two of nine trustees are Hispanic. — Compiled from AP reports
AROUND THE WORLD Malala Yousafzai returns to Pakistan since 2012 attack ISLAMABAD — As Malala Yousafzai spoke of coming home to Pakistan for the first time since being shot by the Taliban five years ago, the emotions flooded back. The 20-year-old Nobel laureate returned Thursday for a four-day visit. "I was always dreaming for the past five years, that I can come to my country" she said. "Finally, I am here." In October 2012, Yousafzai was shot in the head by a Taliban assassin who had jumped inside her school van. She had been targeted for speaking out on education in her home of Mingora in the Swat Valley. Since her attack and recovery, Yousafzai has led the Mala-
Press Information Department via AP
Malala Yousafzai and her parents pose for a photograph with Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Prime Minister of Pakistan.
la Fund, which she said has invested $6 million in schools and to provide books and uniforms for schoolchildren.
She became the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. — Compiled from AP reports
CONTACT US
AROUND THE NATION Deported Army veteran wins fight for US citizenship after getting pardon SAN DIEGO — A deported U.S. Army veteran is getting U.S. citizenship after California Gov. Jerry Brown pardoned him for a criminal offense and he sued to regain permis-
sion to live in the United States. Lawyers for Hector Barajas say they were told Thursday their client should attend a naturalization ceremony on April 13. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed the decision. Barajas is prominent advocate for deported veterans, providing housing and other services for them in Tijuana,
Today is Saturday, March 31, the 90th day of 2018. There are 275 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On March 31, 1968, at the conclusion of a nationally broadcast address on Vietnam, President Lyndon B. Johnson stunned listeners by declaring, "I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President." On this date: In 1492, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain issued an edict expelling Jews from Spanish soil, except those willing to convert to Christianity. In 1889, French engineer Gustave Eiffel unfurled the French tricolor from atop the Eiffel Tower, officially marking its completion. In 1917, the United States took formal possession of the Virgin Islands from Denmark. In 1923, the first U.S. dance marathon, held in New York City, ended with Alma Cummings, who had danced with six consecutive male partners, setting a world record of 27 hours on her feet. In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Emergency Conservation Work Act, which created the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1943, "Oklahoma!," the first musical play by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, opened on Broadway. In 1958, the Chuck Berry single "Johnny B. Goode" was first released on the Chess label. In 1976, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that Karen Ann Quinlan, a young woman in a persistent vegetative state, could be disconnected from her respirator. (Quinlan, who remained unconscious, died in 1985.) In 1986, 167 people died when a Mexicana Airlines Boeing 727 crashed in a remote mountainous region of Mexico. In 1993, actor Brandon Lee, 28, was accidentally shot to death during the filming of a movie in Wilmington, North Carolina, when he was hit by a bullet fragment that had become lodged inside a prop gun. In 1995, Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez, 23, was shot to death in Corpus Christi, Texas, by the founder of her fan club, Yolanda Saldivar, who was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. In 2005, Terri Schiavo, 41, died at a hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida, 13 days after her feeding tube was removed in a wrenching right-to-die dispute. Ten years ago: HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson announced his resignation amid the wreckage of the national housing crisis. A Bahamas jury ruled that Anna Nicole Smith's son, Daniel, died from an accidental drug overdose, just like his mother. American movie director Jules Dassin, whose Greek wife, Melina Mercouri, starred in his hit movie "Never on Sunday" and six more of his films, died in Athens at age 96. Five years ago: Pope Francis marked Christianity's most joyous day at the Vatican with a passionate plea for world peace as he celebrated his first Easter Sunday as pontiff. The Houston Astros, coming off consecutive 100-loss seasons, made an impressive debut in the American League, trouncing the Texas Rangers 8-2 on opening night. One year ago: William T. Coleman Jr., a civil rights lawyer who served as transportation secretary during the Ford administration, died in Alexandria, Virginia, at age 96. Today's Birthdays: Actor William Daniels is 91. Actor Richard Chamberlain is 84. Actress Shirley Jones is 84. Musician Herb Alpert is 83. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., is 78. Former U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., is 78. Actor Christopher Walken is 75. Comedian Gabe Kaplan is 74. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, is 74. Rock musician Mick Ralphs (Bad Company; Mott the Hoople) is 74. Former Vice President Al Gore is 70. Author David Eisenhower is 70. Actress Rhea Perlman is 70. Actor Robbie Coltrane is 68. Actor Ed Marinaro is 68. Rock musician Angus Young (AC/DC) is 63. Actor Marc McClure is 61. Actor William McNamara is 53. Alt-country musician Bob Crawford (The Avett Brothers) is 47. Actor Ewan McGregor is 47. Actress Judi Shekoni is 40. Rapper Tony Yayo is 40. Actress Kate Micucci is 38. Actor Brian Tyree Henry (TV: "Atlanta" Stage: "Book of Mormon") is 36. Actress Melissa Ordway is 35. Jazz musician Christian Scott is 35. Pop musician Jack Antonoff (fun.) is 34. Actress Jessica Szohr is 33. Thought for Today: "Man does not speak because he thinks, he thinks because he speaks." — Octavio Paz, Mexican poet (born this date in 1914, died 1998).
Mexico, through an organization he founded there. He was convicted in 2002 of shooting at an occupied dwelling or vehicle and served more than a year in prison. The governor removed a major obstacle to U.S. citizenship by pardoning him last year, noting his distinguished military service and advocacy work. — Compiled from AP reports
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THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, March 31, 2018 |
A3
STATE
WWII veteran honored with Quilt of Valor By Rocio Villalobos TH E M ONIT OR
MCALLEN, Texas — Surrounded by family, friends and fellow patriots at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2369, Valentin Hernandez was recently recognized with what's become an endearing honor for veterans. The Monitor reports the 97-year-old World War II veteran from Edinburg was given a Quilt of Valor — a handcrafted quilt made by volunteers and bestowed to American veterans — for his service in the U.S. military. Hernandez entered the war in 1943 and served in the 36th infantry division as a rifleman for two years, six months and 12 days. He recalls being appointed to this position due to his wit and bravery. "You're not afraid to fight," he said the com-
manders would tell him. In addition to his bravery, Hernandez does not have a short supply of stories. His daughter, Gracie Engstrand, shared a memory her father recalls from the war, in which he was shot multiple times yet remained uninjured. Somehow, his backpack and equipment took the bullets for him. In fact, Hernandez often recalls defying death experiences, including surviving a bullet and a case of frostbite. Among his motivations to serve at the time was to obtain residency. He was brought to Weslaco from Mexico when he was 2 years old, and was guaranteed citizenship through joining the military. In his time overseas, he traveled to Italy, Germany and France and picked up a bit of the language. "Mostly curse words," Hernandez
joked. When the war came to an end, Hernandez said he was happy but also uncertain what to do next. According to another daughter, Cristela Flores, he purchased an old army truck and used it to make transports. El cortoro, he called it. Another perk upon returning, he said, was learning how to dance. Hernandez remembers having several "sweethearts" who lined up wanting to marry "a young, handsome soldier." Recognitions the decorated service member has received include the Good Conduct Medal. Quilts of Valor volunteer Gwen Baker, who organized and led the ceremony, said: "Our organization has provided 180,000 quilts to our servicemen. Today, you are receiving the 180,001st."
Rocio Villalobos / The Monitor
Family, friends and follow patriots gather sround Valentin Hernandez as he receives a Quilt of Valor at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in McAllen, Texas.
Fellow WWII veterans and Quilt of Valor recipients Merle Mickelson and Joe Reynolds were also in attendance. Nine vets in total participated in the celebration, and five of his eight children were present. Meeting and chatting with fellow WWII veter-
ans, Hernandez said, also brought him joy in addition to receiving the quilt. "I help them and they help me," he said, further remarking about enjoying a small photo shoot by a machine gun not unlike the one he used as a young rifleman.
In the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, a brick with his name rests in a wall as another mark of history. His children spoke of plans to take him on a visit soon. To find out more about Quilts of Valor, or to become a volunteer, visit qovf.org .
Judge rules in favor of asylum seekers By Gene Johnson A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
SEATTLE — A federal judge in Seattle opened the door Thursday for thousands of immigrants to apply for asylum, finding that the Department of Homeland Security has routinely failed to notify them of a deadline for filing their applications. U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez issued the ruling in a class-action lawsuit brought by immigrant rights groups on behalf of those who fear
persecution if returned to their home country. In many cases, those asylum seekers are released from custody after officials have interviewed them and determined their fears to be credible. They're told that they'll need to appear in immigration court, but they typically aren't personally told that they only have a year to apply for asylum, the lawsuit argued. Due to a backlog in immigration cases, the asylum seekers are often not given a hearing within a year, and thus, by the
time they show up in court and learn about the deadline, it's already passed, Martinez found. "This means many asylum seekers who were previously going to have a door slammed in their face are now able to say, 'No, a federal court has said that I am timely filing my application and you need to accept it,'" said Matt Adams, legal director of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project and an attorney for the plaintiffs. Jonathan Withington, a spokesman for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services, part of Homeland Security, said the agency does not comment on pending litigation. The judge ordered the department to begin providing notice about the one-year deadline within 90 days any time an immigrant seeking asylum is released from custody pending deportation proceedings. He also said the department must give those who missed the deadline another year to file their applications. Further, Martinez told the department it must fix another catch-22 in its
system: that while asylumseekers must file their asylum applications within a year, the government refuses to accept the applications unless the applicant has been given a formal notice to appear in immigration court. Often those notices aren't issued within a year, so even if asylum seekers know about the one-year deadline, there's virtually no way for them to meet it, Martinez said. He ordered the government to come up with a uniform system for accepting asylum applica-
tions.. Government lawyers argued that they do publish materials that inform asylum seekers of the deadline — including the "Information Guide for Prospective Asylum Applicants," available in 11 languages, and in "Know Your Rights" videos that many detention centers play for detainees. Further, federal law does not require that officials directly notify asylum seekers of the deadline upon their release from custody, the government argued.
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A4 | Saturday, March 31, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
Let’s ignore the Stormy Daniels interview By Jay Ambrose TR IB UN E NEWS SE RV ICE
Stormy Daniels, who makes a living getting naked and having sex in films, appeared on "60 Minutes" and guess what? Ratings took a moon trip, reaching a 10-year-high because here, after all, was sensationalism with a difference. The interview was about her liaison with President Donald Trump, an event showing his private life has been almost as questionable as that of JFK or Bill Clinton. It doesn’t end there because what just might reside in all of this is another opportunity to impeach Trump, which is going to happen anyway, of course, if the Democrats gain control of Congress in the midterm elections. Along the way there will be plentiful opportunities for spicy entertainment even if it means subsidiary attention to North Korea, debt, trade, opiate addiction, the Middle East, economic growth, immigration and other issues of consequence. Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, was interesting to watch and listen to on TV as she explained her reason for talking about herself and Trump despite being paid $130,000 not to do so. She wants to get the real story out there, she says. First off, she did not have an affair with Trump, she wants you to know. It was a one-night stand after she slapped his clothed behind with a magazine. She said the bedroom scene was a bother and that was the end of the sex. As for her speaking out, she said it was not about money. My guess is that it is all about money. This successful entrepreneur did say she was getting good job offers and naturally enough was going to take them. Commentary on all of this has mainly focused on Trump being the worst lout the presidency has ever seen, and it is true that past presidents have been far more adept at keeping character flaws hidden. But is having sex with a sexual professional worse than seducing a 19-year-old intern in the White House? We’re talking now about John F. Kennedy. The intern went on trips with the president and kept doing him favors for 18 months. As an adult she wrote a tell-all mem-
Commentary on all of this has mainly focused on Trump being the worst lout the presidency has ever seen, and it is true that past presidents have been far more adept at keeping character flaws hidden. oir, "Once Upon a Secret." There was lots to back up what she said and prestigious outlets such as The New Yorker accepted her story as true. Kennedy, we know, scarcely let a day go by when he wasn’t after one lady or another, and he had a brother, Ted, of comparable inclinations. The New Yorker observed that the intern affair apparently came to a close after she was asked to take care of Ted, too. Among other presidents having affairs is at least one more who once chose a young woman. That would be President Bill Clinton, who at the age of 49 began to get friendly with Monica Lewinsky, 22, who had also been an intern. Their sessions became known, he denied it and DNA evidence proved the lie. During a legal roundabout, Clinton was accused of perjury and obstruction of justice and was impeached by the House. His to-do in the Oval Office degraded the presidency and was an example of taking inexcusable advantage of a young woman and ruining her life, not exactly the fate of Stormy Daniels. In her "60 Minutes" interview, Daniels said she was once threatened about speaking out, and, if a fact, that’s horrible. There is also a question of whether the hush money came from campaign funds. If it did, that could be criminal. Few are saying Trump is actually a good, honest, faithful husband, but what some of us are saying is that this is a long way from sexual exceptionalism in the presidency and, unless illegalities are revealed, we should move on to what matters far more. Jay Ambrose is an op-ed columnist for Tribune News Service.
COLUMN
Trump embraces ‘constitutional hardball’ By Jonathan Bernstein BL OOMBERG NEWS
The census is important. But the bigger threat posed by the Commerce Department’s decision to add a question about citizenship is not about the damage to Democrats or degrading an essential data source. The basic health of American democracy is at stake. The Trump administration’s move is best seen as another example of the Republican party playing “constitutional hardball,” defined by law professors Joseph Fishkin and David Pozen as a “political maneuver” that “violates or strains constitutional conventions for partisan ends.” Some examples include: 1 Republicans pushing through redistricting at the state level just after securing majorities. Traditionally, lines are drawn following the next census. 1 The impeachment of Bill Clinton over a relatively minor (and mainly personal) matter. Impeachment was previously understood as a last resort when the president was abusing his power. 1 The Republican Senate majority refusing to consider President Barack Obama’s choice for a vacant Supreme Court seat in 2016. Perfect precedents are hard to find, but generally shutting down confirmations at the end of a presidential administration was a reserved for the final few months -not when the president still had a year remaining in office. Messing with the census is a great example. Without question, the census is part of the constitutional system, mandated in Article I and again in the 14th amendment, where it’s clear that
Without question, the census is part of the constitutional system, mandated in Article I and again in the 14th amendment, where it’s clear that the “whole number of persons in each state” need to be counted, not just citizens. And yet the citizenship question is pretty clearly an attempt to undercount groups that traditionally vote for Democrats. the “whole number of persons in each state” need to be counted, not just citizens. And yet the citizenship question is pretty clearly an attempt to undercount groups that traditionally vote for Democrats. It may or may not turn out to be legal; several states will argue in court that it is not. But even if the Commerce Department has found a legal loophole, it’s simply not consistent with how the Constitution has been interpreted by political leaders for over two centuries. In short, it “violates or strains constitutional conventions for partisan ends.” Fishkin and Pozen argue that both parties have occasionally played constitutional hardball. But Republicans have been most guilty of it since the mid-1990s. Indeed, the evidence keeps getting stronger that Republicans are increasingly reliant on this dangerous practice. So far this year, we’ve seen Republicans messing with the census; threatening to impeach state judges in Pennsylvania because of a decision that hurt the party; and refusing to schedule special elections in Wisconsin and Michigan for partisan reasons. The pattern is the same
in each case. Republicans seek out areas in which the regular constitutional order depends on shared understandings rather than explicit law; then they attempt to exploit them for partisan gain. And that’s not counting the ways in which President Donald Trump personally runs roughshod over norms of democracy virtually every day. The problem with constitutional hardball isn’t just the substance of norm violations. It’s that democracy just can’t work unless political actors agree to play by generally understood rules. Of course the written rules are the most important, but every polity depends on some shared understandings about what to do when the rules don’t cover various situations. In some cases, the courts can help -- Republicans in Wisconsin may well fail in trying to delay special elections. Taking everything to court, however, makes it extremely difficult to run the government. When one party regularly resorts to constitutional hardball, the other is forced into an impossible choice: refuse to play that game, and suffer real disadvantages; retaliate and speed the demise of the political system, and
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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.
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
especially democratic governance. Democracy relies on relatively stable institutions and processes. Only insiders and specialists benefit from constantly changing rules. Most citizens -- even ones inclined to devote themselves to political participation -- don’t have the time and resources to keep up. It’s also not exactly a healthy democratic practice to spend so much time trying to win elections and policy fights by bending the rules rather than campaigning, compromising, and coming up with new policy solutions to old problems. Fishkin and Pozen are absolutely correct that this is a very tricky area to discuss with any clarity. A certain amount of pushing on the rules of the game is only natural. Almost everything claimed as an example of constitutional hardball can be argued as just normal use of the rules. (I’d argue against including the 1995-1996 and 2013 government shutdowns as examples of constitutional hardball, and would argue against including what appears to have been a relatively normal use of reconciliation in the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010. Others disagree.) There’s no way to set up a bright line standard for distinguishing exactly where a real violation of norms begins. Overall, however, the pattern is as clear as it is destructive: The Republican Party has been playing constitutional hardball for more than 20 years, protecting itself at the expense of our democracy. Jonathan Bernstein is a Bloomberg View columnist.
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, March 31, 2018 |
A5
NATIONAL
CDC director pledges to bring opioid epidemic 'to its knees' By Mike Stobbe A S S O CIAT E D PRE SS
NEW YORK — The new director of the top U.S. public health agency on Thursday pledged to work to bring the nation's opioid epidemic "to its knees" and said he believes the AIDS epidemic could be ended in three to seven years. Dr. Robert Redfield Jr. made the comments at a staff meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Redfield started the job Monday, less than a week after U.S. officials announced they were appointing him the CDC director. The 66-year-old rose to prominence in the 1980s as a top researcher into the emerging AIDS epidemic. Health leaders widely praised his appointment, but many are wary of an administration that has been criticized for challenging widely accepted science on climate change and other topics. Since being named CDC director, Redfield has declined media interviews. During the 50-minute staff meeting at the CDC Thursday, Redfield said he is a firm believer in vaccines and other public health strategies for preventing disease and stopping its spread. He called the opioid-driven surge in drug overdose deaths "the public health crisis of our time," and he stressed the importance of getting treatment for addicts and enhancing the CDC's tracking of the epidemic. "We will help bring this epidemic to its knees," he said. He also talked about his decades working in AIDS research and treatment. "Ending the AIDS epidemic in America is possible," he said. "I think it can be done in the next three to seven years if we put our minds to it." He also told personal stories. One was about how his mother raised him and his younger brother and sister after the death of his father, a govern-
Red Huber / AP
Susan Clary, Ahmed Bedier and members of Noor Salman's family address the media on Wednesday in Orlando, Fla.
Tracey Brown / AP
Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pledged to bring an end to the opioid epidemic.
ment scientist, at age 32. Another was about the death of his own son from complications related to childbirth. Redfield — who appeared with his wife, Joy — seemed to be warmly received, greeted by frequent laughter and applause. The meeting was at a CDC auditorium, but it was also broadcast over the internet and by phone to employees who couldn't attend. An Associated Press reporter listened in. Redfield had been a finalist for CDC director in 2002, but the job went instead to Dr. Julie Gerberding. On Thursday, he said he was "choked up" about finally getting the opportunity to lead CDC. "My job is to help you be able to do yours," he said. "I want to thank each of you for agreeing to have trust in my leadership." He said little about some controversies that emerged when his appointment was announced last week. He did not discuss an episode that made headlines more than two decades ago, when he was scrutinized for overstating the effectiveness of an experimental AIDS vaccine that never panned out. And he said little about his past writings about the importance of abstinence as a strategy for avoiding AIDS over public health strategies like condoms and distribution of needles to
injection-drug addicts. In the forward of the book "Christians in the Age of AIDS" by Shepherd and Anita Moreland Smith, he urged readers to "reject false prophets who preach the quick-fix strategies of condoms and free needles." During Thursday's meeting, Redfield said: "I have never been an abstinence-only person. Ask my wife." The Atlanta-based CDC investigates disease outbreaks, researches the cause and frequency of health problems, and promotes prevention. It has nearly 12,000 employees and 10,000 contractors worldwide. Redfield previously was a medical school professor at the University of Maryland, where he co-founded the Institute of Human Virology. He has extensive experience treating HIV patients as well as heroin addicts and has been praised for his work in Maryland on the opioid crisis. Redfield replaced Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, a Trump administration appointee who resigned in January after about six months on the job. Fitzgerald, who had previously run Georgia's state health department, was embroiled in unresolved financial conflicts. HHS officials ultimately said her investments were affecting her ability to be involved in issues like cancer and the opioids crisis.
Pulse jurors end day 2 of deliberations without verdict By Tamara Lush ASSOCIAT ED PRE SS
ORLANDO, Fla. — Jurors in the trial of a woman accused of aiding her husband's terrorist attack against an Orlando nightclub finished deliberating on Thursday without reaching a verdict. It was the second day of deliberations in the Noor Salman trial. She's charged with obstruction and providing material support to a terrorist organization. She faces up to life in prison if convicted of all charges. The jury received the case Wednesday and talked about it for about three hours. Shortly after convening Thursday, the jury asked about the meaning of "willful" and for an example of aiding and abetting. The judge refused to give the panel an example but did explain the meaning of "willful" for them. They only asked that one question all day. On Wednesday, jurors asked to review Noor Salman's statement and the judge printed out copies for them. "I'm glad they're asking questions as opposed to not, right? More questions is better than no questions," said Susan Clary, the spokeswoman for Salman's family. Her attorneys fought to keep
the FBI statement out of the trial. They say it was coerced and she signed it because she was tired and feared losing her young son. Prosecutors said the statement showed she knew about Omar Mateen's attack and did nothing to stop it. Prosecutors said Salman and Mateen scouted out potential targets together — including Disney World's shopping and entertainment complex — and she knew he was buying ammunition for his AR-15 in preparation for a jihadi attack. In the hours after the shooting, she lied to the FBI about the number of guns her husband had and his internet use, which included watching beheadings and visiting Islamic State group websites. Defense attorneys described Salman, who was born in California to Palestinian parents, as a simple woman with a low IQ. She was abused by her husband, who cheated on her with other women and concealed much of his life from her, they said. Attorney Charles Swift said there was no way Salman knew that Mateen would attack the Pulse nightclub because even he didn't know he would attack the nightclub until after he went to his initial target, the Disney Springs complex.
Frontera A6 | Saturday, March 31, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
RIBEREÑA EN BREVE Fiesta de Primavera 1 Fiesta de Primavera y Exposición de Arte, el sábado 31 de marzo de 8 a.m. a 3 p.m., en el parque Bravo. Habrá búsqueda de huevos, música, alimentos y muchas actividades más.
HOMICIDIO DE PERIODISTA EN NUEVO LAREDO, MÉXICO
Arrestan a seis Tres detenidos trabajaban en ‘rama de la información’
Torneo de Golf 1 El distrito escolar Roma ISD invita a su torneo Roma ISD Scholarship Golf Classic, en Monte Cristo Golf & Country Club, 2919 N. Kenyon Road, Edinburg, Tx., el sábado 31 de marzo desde las 8 a.m. Mayores informes al 956-849-1333.
ASSOCIATED PRE SS
CIUDAD DE MÉXICO — Las autoridades en México arrestaron a seis sospechosos de estar involucrados en el asesinato en enero de un periodista en la ciudad de Nuevo Laredo, fronteriza con Estados Unidos, informaron las autori-
Concurso de Karaoke y Carne Asada
dades el miércoles. La Procuraduría General del Estado de TamauliDomínguez pas dijo que el asesinato por apuñalamiento del periodista Carlos
Domínguez Rodríguez el 13 de enero posiblemente estuvo relacionado con su labor y no con la delincuencia organizada. La investigación arroja “hasta este momento de la probable vinculación de los mismos con el ejercicio de la libertad de expresión”, dijo la procuraduría en un boletín. El cártel del Noreste opera en Nuevo Laredo, una ciudad aledaña a Laredo, Texas y en la que hubo tiroteos recientemente. El procurador general
de Justicia de Tamaulipas, Irving Barrios, informó el miércoles que tres de los seis detenidos trabajaban en la rama de la información, pero agregó que todavía están revisando si eran periodistas. Barrios dijo que el motivo del homicidio sigue bajo investigación, pero dijo que Domínguez no escribía sobre temas de delincuencia organizada. Las autoridades dijeron que no revelaron los nombres de los sospecho-
ZAPATA COUNTY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
ALUMNOS VISITAN RANCHO
1 La Ciudad de Nueva Guerrero invita al Concurso de Karaoke y Carne Asada, el domingo 1 de abril, desde las 5 p.m. Baile con la Sonora Dinamita a las 6 p.m. La cita es en el Parque Nuevo Amanecer.
Genealogía
Foto de cortesía / ZCISD
Los alumnos de jardín de niños de la escuela primaria Zapata South Elementary disfrutaron de un día en el rancho para terminar con una lección sobre animales de granja. Los estudiantes pudieron ver caballos, cabras, conejos y cerdos.
Vaquero Day Festival
Torneo de caza 1 1er Torneo de caza de cerdo y depredadores del sur de Texas, el 28 de abril de las 10 a.m. hasta el 28 de abril a las 10 a.m. Mayores informes en Brush County Insurance Agency, 702 Hidalgo Blvd., Suite 4, en Zapata, o al teléfono 956-750-3600.
Evento contra lupus 1 3er. evento anual contra Lupus, el 10 de mayo en el parque Bravo. Mayores informes con Gilda Jasso al 956-2379456 y 956-2088390.
Aviario 1 La Ciudad de Roma invita a visitar el aviario Roma Bluffs World Birding Center en el distrito histórico de Roma. El aviario estará abierto desde el jueves a domingo de 8 a.m. a 4 p.m. hasta enero. Mayores informes al 956849-1411.
Arrestan a uno por atropello fatal TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
Carrera contra autismo
1 La Ciudad de Escobares invita al Vaquero Day Festival en su 13ava. edición, el sábado 27 de abril. Música en vivo, cabalgata, parrilladas, y más actividades para toda la familia. Entrada gratuita. Mayores informes al 956-847-4106.
DPS
Por César G. Rodríguez
1 ¿Desea saber más sobre su historia familiar? ¿Necesita ayuda para iniciar su genealogía? Venga y reciba ayuda personalizada para investigar a sus ancestros utilizando recursos en línea. Voluntarios entrenados le ayudarán, este martes 3 de abril de 6:30 p.m a 8 p.m., en Roma Birding Center. Evento gratuito patrocinado por la Iglesia de Jesús de los Santos de los Últimos Días.
1 Carrera/Caminata 5K para la Prevención del Autismo, el 14 de abril, a las 8 a.m., iniciando en la Corte del Condado de Zapata. Mayores informes en la Cámara de Comercio del Condado de Zapata.
sos debido a que la ley en México prohíbe incriminar públicamente a una persona hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad. Los fiscales tampoco explicaron por qué los detenidos —identificados por la prensa local como periodistas independientes hubieran querido matar a Domínguez o por qué su asesinato fue tan brutal. Domínguez, de 77 años, fue apuñalado unas dos decenas de veces frente a sus familiares.
COLUMNA
Santa Anna homenaje a Santa Anna Por Raúl Sinencio Chávez E SPECIAL PARA TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
Tras enésima revuelta, en 1842 Antonio López de Santa Anna vuelve a la presidencia de México, ocupándola dos años con intervalos caprichosos y autoritarios excesos. Le da entonces por homenajearse a sí mismo. Deteniéndonos en una iniciativa que desborda corruptelas, pasemos revista a tan grotesco episodio. Mediante fastuosa ceremonia, al panteón capitalino de Santa Paula traslada su pierna izquierda, perdida en la Guerra de los Pasteles. Aprovecha el 27 de septiembre de 1842, aniversario de la entrada del Ejército Trigarante en la Ciudad de México. Acuden burócratas, niños sacados de clases, tropas y altos funcionarios. Festejándose el cumpleaños número 50, devela el 13 de junio de 1844 su estatua metálica. Sosteniéndola recia “columna de orden dórico” –reseñan las crónicas–, se yergue en la plaza del Volador, que ahora ocupa la Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación. El 10 de febrero previo, Santa Anna inaugura el
Foto de cortesía
Antonio López de Santa Anna.
Gran Teatro de Santa Anna. En la hoy calle Bolívar de la referida metrópoli, el lujoso inmueble se estrena todavía inconcluso. Quizás por eso a la entrada luce, en yeso, el busto del caudillo, suponiéndose pendiente la pieza fundida. La bocana del río Pánuco vería fracasar en 1829 el intento de reconquista hispana ante tenaces esfuerzos defensivos. En alarde de inexactitudes, a la postre Santa Anna reclama sólo para él toda la gloria. Ordena en consecuencia el 24 de mayo de 1843 flamante obelisco. Desempolva al efecto cierto decreto, suscrito el 29 de abril de 1833, que prevé “una pirámide … truncada” justo donde “los españoles rindieron las armas”, suceso acaecido en Pueblo Viejo, Ve-
racruz. Sin embargo, resuelve Santa Anna erigirla en la plaza de la Libertad de Tampico, Tamaulipas, frente a Pueblo Viejo. Dispone además incorporarle su perfil en bronce. Fecha conmemorativa de la gesta mentada, arrancan las correspondientes labores el 11 de septiembre de 1843. Al frente aparece la “Junta Directiva de la Pirámide”, compuesta ex profeso, regenteándola el jefe militar del puerto tamaulipeco. Acuerdos supremos le obsequian libre importación de “los objetos que pidan a los Estados Unidos para” la proyectada estela. Asciende el presupuesto a casi 52 mil pesos, suma elevadísima, pues supera arriba de tres veces el valor de todas las fincas rústicas del municipio.
Los fondos a ejercer son tomados de ingresos aduanales que debían financiar mejoras portuarias y carreteras en la zona. A fines de 1844 Santa Anna disuelve las cámaras legislativas, que pretendían contenerlo. El atropello enciende la ira popular en la capital mexicana el 6 de diciembre. Turbamultas vociferantes sacan la mutilada pierna del cementerio, arrastrándola por la vía pública en medio de burlas. Tampoco faltan inconformes que hagan añicos la estatua de cuerpo entero y el busto provisional. Sometido a juicio, el caudillo parte luego al exilio. La “Junta Directiva de la Pirámide” continúa en Tampico con los despilfarros. Faltándole las partes más caras, en agosto de 1845 llevaba gastado 90 por ciento del monto presupuestario. “Con este motivo –denuncia la prensa–, se levantó un clamor general que pedía la cuenta (de egresos) y la cuenta no ha (a)parecido”, sin concluirse nunca el oneroso adefesio. Arriba: Gran Teatro de Santa Anna. En medio: Antonio López de Santa Anna. Abajo: Modelo del monumento a Santa Anna en Tampico.
Un hombre ha sido arrestado en conexión con un incidente fatal por atropello y huida que ocurrió durante el fin de semana en el Condado de Zapata, de acuerdo al Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Texas (DPS por sus siglas en inglés). Fidel Alejandro Ubaldo, de 25 años de edad, fue acusado de accidente involucrando muerte por fallar en detenerse para prestar ayuda, un delito de segundo grado que se castiga hasta con 20 años en Ubaldo prisión y una multa de 10.000 dólares. Los registros de la Cárcel del Condado Valverde de Zapata muestran que Ubaldo permanece tras las rejas y que se le fijó una fianza de 1 millón de dólares el martes por la tarde. El sargento de DPS Conrad J. Hein dijo que el incidente de atropello fatal ocurrió alrededor de las 9 p.m., por la avenida Díaz y la calle 10 en la Adición Medina. Un vehículo Chevy Malibu conducido por Ubaldo supuestamente atropelló y dio muerte a Blanca Estela Valverde, de 41 años. La Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Zapata utilizó Facebook para solicitar información sobre un vehículo sospechoso con posibles abolladuras. Con la ayuda de la Oficina del Alguacil, patrulleros de DPS localizaron el vehículo y arrestaron a Ubaldo, dijo Hein. Agregó que Ubaldo podría enfrentar cargos adicionales mientras la investigación continúa. A Valverde le sobreviven sus hijos, nietos, hermanos y numerosos familiares. Los servicios de su funeral se llevaron a cabo el jueves en Nieto Funeral Home & Crematory en Laredo, de acuerdo a su obituario. Se recibirán visitas de 8 a.m. a 11 a.m. Un servicio religioso se ofició a las 10 a.m. Posterior al servicio religioso se procedió a su cremación.
Sports&Outdoors
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, March 31, 2018 |
A7
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE: DALLAS COWBOYS
Gregory looking for reinstatement in 2018 Cowboys owner hopeful DE will return By Clarence E. Hill Jr. FO RT WORT H STAR-T E LE GRAM
FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed that suspended defensive end Randy Gregory is preparing to apply for reinstatement to the NFL. And Jones said the Cowboys are helping him in the process. Gregory missed the entire 2017 season after being suspended for one year for repeated violations of the NFL’s Policy for Substances of Abuse. Gregory became eligible for reinstatement, but has yet to officially apply. Jones said Gregory has done a good job working through his issues. And
it’s his hope that Gregory will be reinstated and play for the Cowboys in 2018. The 2015 secondround selection has played in just two games since his rookie season. But Jones refused to express confidence in a reinstatement because of everything involved with what he called a circuitous process. "I am not confident but I do see where his heart is," Jones said. "He is one the smartest people that have played this game. This is a tremendous step. He has had that same IQ since he has had these issues. That’s an issue. This is definitely a medical issue. There is no doubt in my mind about
the medical. That is another campaign." "It’s a pretty circuitous route. It has a lot of discretionary things to determine. There is a lot of subjectiveness. But he is doing very well. He ’s got a lot to play for. He has a new baby. He has a lot going for him. He is very astute about knowing that. He has to do what a lot of us have had to do and that is to do better at 24 and 25 than when you were 20." Asked why he still supports Gregory through this process, Jones remained steadfast in his commitment because of the talent and the person "He is really a good
person. That goes a long way," Jones said. "He is smart. That is redeeming. Is there a chance he could get this figured out and be accountable and responsible? There is. Oh there is one other little thing. He is one helluva football player." Gregory, picked 60th overall in the 2015 NFL draft out Nebraska, would have been a firstround pick if not for a failed drug test at the NFL scouting combine. He played in 12 games as a rookie reserve before his first suspension, a fourgame ban to start 2016. He was then suspended for an additional 10 games before the current indefinite ban.
PROFESSIONAL BOXING
Brandon Wade / Fort Worth Star-Telegram file
Dallas defensive end Randy Gregory was suspended last season for repeated violations of the NFL’s Policy for Substances of Abuse.
NBA: SAN ANTONIO SPURS
ALVAREZ-TRIPLE G FIGHT IN JEOPARDY
Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News
Erik Verduzco / Associated Press file
The highly-anticipated May 5 rematch between Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin is in jeopardy over a drug complaint directed at Alvarez.
After battling through an injury, LaMarcus Aldridge helped the Spurs win 103-99 over Oklahoma City on Thursday night.
Drug complaint may halt superfight
Teammates praise Aldridge's performance through injury
A S S O CIAT E D PRE SS
LAS VEGAS — Nevada boxing regulators have filed a formal complaint against Canelo Alvarez for doping violations, putting his May 5 middleweight title rematch with Gennady Golovkin in jeopardy. Alvarez could be suspended for a year for testing positive
twice for the performanceenhancing drug Clenbuterol in random urine tests conducted in his hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico, in February. An April 18 hearing was set on the complaint by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, replacing an earlier April 10 hearing that had been set. The hearing is just two weeks be-
fore the fight, making it doubtful the fight will proceed on that date. Nevada boxing regulations call for a one-year ban for first violations, though it can be cut in half at the commission’s discretion. Even if Alvarez gets a six-month suspension, the fight would not take place until August at the earliest.
By Cody McCrary SAN ANTO NIO EXPRE SS-NEWS
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
If MLB expands, SA and Montreal interested By Brian T. Smith H OUSTON CHRONICLE
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred on Thursday mentioned San Antonio and Montreal when discussing potential expansion cities for the sport. Manfred said MLB needs to get ongoing stadium situations resolved for the Tampa Bay
Rays and Oakland Athletics before "we bite expansion off." The commissioner added he's optimistic both clubs will find resolutions in the markets they're currently based in. "Once that's done, there are a lot of advantages for the game to get to 32 (teams)," Manfred said at Globe Life Park, before the Astros faced the Rangers. "Fours work
better than fives in the schedule. That's sort of a rule to live by. It would give us real opportunity in thinking about how we're aligned geographically. It may give us an opportunity to rethink our playoff format. And there are cities, including places like Montreal and San Antonio, that have a huge interest in having a Major League Baseball franchise."
After LaMarcus Aldridge left Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards with a left knee contusion, fans were worried about what this meant for the rest of his season. His teammates were concerned too. "I didn't even want to know if he was playing or not," Manu Ginobili said. But Aldridge did make it out on the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In fact, he put up 25 points and 11 rebounds during the victory. He has now scored 20-plus points in 47 games this season. Only Kawhi Leonard and Tim Duncan have more in a single season under Gregg Popovich. And his teammates have taken notice.
"He carries us," Patty Mills said. "To come out with what he's got or whatever and have a game like that and lead with his actions – if he can do that, it's no excuses." "We need him to be there, even if he feels bad," Ginobili said. "He's become so important and we depend on him so much. It's great to see him compete like that, fight through the pain and have a great game." His coach has too. "He played with the pain," Gregg Popovich said. "He felt good and he wanted to give it up for his teammates and he did." The Spurs have a few days until the take on the Western Conference-leading Houston Rockets on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Jeff McDonald contributed to this report.
A8 | Saturday, March 31, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
FROM THE COVER
Lawyer for victim's family says matter with Uber resolved A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
PHOENIX — The family of an Arizona woman killed when struck by an autonomous Uber vehicle apparently has reached a settlement with the company. Cristina Perez Hesano, an attorney for the daughter and husband of 49-year-old Elaine Herzberg, disclosed no details and responded Thursday to inquiries by The Associated Press by saying only that the matter "has been resolved." Herzberg was killed March 18 as she walked her bike across a dark street in Tempe, a Phoenix suburb. Uber representatives Sarah Abboud and Matthew Wing separately responded to queries
CHARGES From page A1 said the case opened new doors for her and gave her more exposure. “Because of this arrest, there’s a lot of opportunities coming my way,” Villarreal said. “And I was heard all over the world ... I am of the people and for the people. I am the people’s voice. That’s why I’m here, because of them. I am still La Gordiloca and I will keep going.” One of these opportunities includes a reality show that is currently in the works, Villarreal said. Villarreal’s attorneys, Joey Tellez and Oscar O. Peña, said they expect the ruling to set a precedent. “We are hoping that this is the beginning of making the statute more just and more fair and making society (freer),” Peña said. “The ruling has great significance to anybody who is interested in free speech, public information ... and anybody in the media,” he added. “We are very happy with the result. Whether it ends
ACCIDENT From page A1 Office used Facebook to request information on a suspect vehicle with possible dents. With the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office, DPS troopers located the vehicle and arrested Ubaldo, Hein said. He added that Ubaldo could face additional charges as the investigation continues. Valverde is survived by her children, grandchildren, siblings and numerous other relatives. Her funeral services were held Thursday at Nieto Funeral Home & Crematory in Laredo, according to her obituary.
from the AP about a possible settlement by saying the San Francisco-based company is declining to comment. The company previously expressed sympathy for Herzberg's family and said it would cooperate with investigators. There was no indication that Herzberg's relatives had filed a lawsuit against Uber in connection with the crash, which Tempe police and federal agencies are investigating. On March 21, Tempe police released a 22second video showing Herzberg walking from a darkened area onto a street just before an Uber SUV strikes her. The Volvo was in self-driving mode with a human backup driver at the
National Transportation Safety Board via AP
In this photo provided by the National Transportation Safety Board, investigators examine a driverless Uber SUV that fatally struck a woman in Tempe, Ariz.
wheel when it struck Herzberg, police said. The human backup driver appears to be looking down until just before impact. The fatal crash in
“I’m excited that we won. I’m glad that the judge made a ruling in my favor. I’m going to continue to serve my community as I’ve done for the past two and a half years and continue to bring news to the people of Laredo.” Priscilla “La Gordiloca” Villarreal
here, or it continues, we don’t know. But we will carry on protecting the First Amendment and due process rights.” Webb County District Attorney Isidro “Chilo” Alaniz said his office would not appeal Notzon’s ruling. It will be interesting to see what effect the ruling will have on the law and the precedent it will set, he said. “As lawyers, we apply the laws as written in the books,” he said. “The case will end here regarding these specific charges. The state is not on a witch hunt. The case was brought by the Laredo Police Department and applicable statute was applied. The court found the law to be vague and therefore unconstitutional, and we’re going to
respect that.” Tellez and Peña filed a writ of habeas corpus in February on their client’s behalf. In the writ, the attorneys challenged the constitutionality of a Texas law that says the misuse of official information is committed when a person, with the intent to obtain a benefit, solicits or receives from a public servant information that has not been made public. During Wednesday’s hearing, Tellez said that the “very broad language” in the statute implied that just the solicitation, not the receipt, of certain information withheld under the Texas Public Information Act was a criminal act. Villarreal was arrested
Tempe was the first pedestrian fatality involving a self-driving vehicle in the United States. Uber suspended its autonomous vehicle testing program in Ari-
by LPD in December after she published on Facebook the name of a suicide victim and the name of a person who died in a car wreck. Police alleged that Villarreal benefited by receiving more Facebook followers after she published the names online before police released them publicly. The investigation into Villarreal began in July, after LPD allegedly received information that one of their officers was leaking information to Villarreal. Some of the information published by Villarreal on her Facebook page was not available to anyone outside of law enforcement, the arrest affidavit states. The San Antonio Express-News contributed to this report. Joana Santillana may be reached at 956-728-2528 or jsantillana@lmtonline.com
zona, California, Pittsburgh and Toronto after the crash. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey suspended the company's testing privileges Monday. On Thursday, he said he wants local and federal law enforcement to complete their investigation before commenting about the crash, though he reiterated his support for the development of self-driving vehicles. "We are working with the organizations that are investigating this," Ducey said. "We are also going to continue to work on making our roads and highways safer. We believe autonomous vehicles can help do that." Ducey, a Republican, said in a letter to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi
that video footage of the crash raised concerns about the company's ability to safely test its technology in Arizona. Ducey said he expects public safety to be the top priority for those who operate self-driving cars. "The incident that took place on March 18 is an unquestionable failure to comply with this expectation," Ducey said. Ducey previously welcomed Uber and other autonomous vehicle companies to use Arizona as a place for testing under few, if any, regulations. In early March, he authorized self-driving vehicle companies to run tests without a person in the car to act as a safety operator.
ARRESTS From page A1
volved. The men were sentenced March 23. Sanchez was abducted from his home Jan. 2, 2015. His body was found three weeks later. Initially, the town's entire police force was detained. Sanchez published the local weekly, La Union, which covered local government corruption and violent deaths. His son, Jorge Sanchez, told CPJ that there many more arrests needed to be made.
sentenced to 25 years in prison for the 2015 murder of another journalist. The state prosecutor's office said the officers were members of the Medellin police force when they participated in killing Moises Sanchez Cerezo. The Committee to Protect Journalists applauded the sentences, but called for authorities to identify others in-
BOMBER From page A1 ditt's roommates is black. Conditt left behind a cellphone recording in which he called himself a "psychopath" who felt no remorse, but otherwise offered few clues about
his motivations for the bombings. Police haven't released that recording. Citing it last week, Manley called Conditt a "very troubled young man," drawing criticism that the bomber would have been labeled a terrorist more quickly if he had not been white.