The Zapata Times 7/15/2017 by The Zapata Times

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ZAPATA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

VEHICLE THEFT

Wanted burglars arrested Both face up to 2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine By César G. Rodriguez THE ZAPATA TIME S

Vela

A man wanted for a break-in has been arrested, Zapata County Sheriff ’s Officials said. On Thursday, Luis Angel Vela, 18, was served with a warrant charging him with burglary of a building, a state jail felony punishable with up to two

years in jail and a $10,000 fine. Authorities first arrested Juan Carlos Salinas, 28, on the same charge. He turned himself in to authorities on June 23. Sheriff ’s officials had put out a lookout on them around mid-June. Salinas was released on bond July 1 while Vela remained in custody at

the Zapata County Regional Jail as of Friday. Authorities remind the community that Zapata Crime Stoppers pays a cash reward to anyone who provides anonymous information leading to an arrest. Call 765-TIPS (8477) to report a wanted suspect or to provide information on a case.

Courtesy

This image taken from surveillance footage shows the two men involved in the theft of an all-terrain vehicle.

Salinas

TEXAS POLITICS

ABBOTT CHALLENGER FREE

Alleged ATV robbers sought By César G. Rodriguez THE ZAPATA TIME S

His re-election campaign kicked off in San Antonio

The Zapata County Sheriff’s Office needs the community’s assistance to identify two men who allegedly stole an all-terrain vehicle. Authorities said theft ocTheft continues on A8

By Paul J. Weber ASSOCIAT ED PRE SS

Eric Gay / AP

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott gestures to supporters as he and his wife, Cecilia, arrive for an event where he announced his bid for re-election, Friday, in San Antonio.

AN ANTONIO — Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott launched his re-election bid Friday with no clear rival in sight, the money to likely outspend any eventual challenger and a new immigration crackdown that could test in 2018 support among Hispanic voters he aggressively courted four years ago. Supporters cheered as Abbott lauded a new Texas ban on “sanctuary cities” while kicking off his campaign in San Antonio — which has joined Houston, Dallas and Austin in suing to block the Abbott continues on A8

U.S. 83

1 seriously injured in car wreck By César G. Rodriguez THE ZAPATA TIME S

A two-vehicle collision left one person in serious condition, according to the Zapata County Fire Department. The crash occurred at about 11:45 a.m. July 5 in front of the Best Western on South U.S. 83. Wreck continues on A8

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

Republicans to give prosecutors documents on leaking allegations By Billy House B L OOMBE RG NEWS

WASHINGTON — House Republicans plan to give federal prosecutors what they say is evidence that Obama adminis-

tration officials illegally shared or leaked names of associates of President Donald Trump that were incidentally collected in U.S. government eavesdropping. The Intelligence Committee

obtained information from documents and other sources that it plans to turn over to the Justice Department, likely by August, to determine whether crimes were committed, panel Chairman Devin Nunes of

California said in an interview. Nunes declined to identify the individuals he says acted improperly and would be identified in the "criminal referral" Republicans plan to submit. He Justice continues on A8

Zapata County Fire Department / Courtesy

Zapata County first responders can be seen at the site of a two-vehicle collision that left a person injured.

Zin brief A2 | Saturday, July 15, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES

CALENDAR

AROUND THE WORLD

TODAY IN HISTORY

SATURDAY, JULY 15

ASSOCIATED PRE SS

Harry Potter Book Club. 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library, 1920 Palo Blanco. Book club will discuss Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Children and adults are welcome. For more information, contact Analiza Perez-Gomez at 956-795-2400, ext. 2401.

Today is Saturday, July 15, the 196th day of 2017. There are 169 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History: On July 15, 1997, fashion designer Gianni Versace, 50, was shot dead outside his Miami Beach home; suspected gunman Andrew Phillip Cunanan, 27, was found dead eight days later, a suicide.

MONDAY, JULY 17 Ray of Light Anxiety and Depression Support Group Meeting in Spanish. 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Holding Institute, 1102 Santa Maria Ave., classroom #1. Recurring event. Spanish group meets every third 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. The support group welcomes adults suffering from anxiety and/ or depression to participate in free confidential support group meetings and social events. Contact information for a representative: Anna Maria Pulido Saldivar, gruporayitodeluz@gmail.com, 956-307-2014.

SATURDAY, JULY 22 Laredo and South Texas Weather. 2 p.m. TAMIU Student Center, Room 236. Presented by Richard ‘Heatwave” Berler, Chief Meteorologist, KGNS-TV. Free and open to the public. For more information, email: brushcountrychapter@gmail.com Homebuying 101 Class. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library, 1920 Palo Blanco. Free class. Registration required. For more information, call Angelina York or Patricia Ayala at NeighborWorks 956712-9100 or email nwl@nwlaredo.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 27 Spanish Book Club. 6 - 8 p.m. Joe A. Guerra Public Library. For more information, call Sylvia Reash at 7631810.

SATURDAY, JULY 29 Habitat for Humanity Laredo-Webb County fundraiser The Hottest Golf Tournament in Texas two-man scramble. 8 a.m. Casa Blanca Golf Course. $125 per golfer. Texas Community Bank is the title sponsor. Other sponsorships are available. Proceeds benefit local victims of May 2017 storm. For more information, call Carol Sherwood or Cindy Liendo at 724-3227 or email resource@habitatlaredo.org

FRIDAY, AUG. 18 South Texas Food Bank Empty Bowls XI. Laredo Energy Arena. TexMex power rock trio Los Lonely Boys will perform. The event includes a dinner, a benefit concert and a silent auction featuring artworks from local and regional artists. Sponsorship tables of 10 that include dinner and access to silent auction items are available. There are different levels of sponsorship available: Diamond $20,000, Platinum $10,000, Gold $5,000, Silver $2,500 and Bronze $1,500. Individual table tickets are $150. Table tickets are available at the food bank, 1907 Freight at Riverside. Concert only tickets are $10, $15 and $25. Tickets are available at the LEA box office, Ticketmaster.com, select Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

SATURDAY, AUG. 26 Football Tailgating Cook-Off. 2 p.m. - 11 p.m. Uni-Trade Stadium. Event will feature cook-off competitions, brisket tasting/sampling for People's Choice from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., car show, live music, food vendors, arts & crafts and merchandise vendors and much more. For more information, contact LULAC Council 14 at 956-286-9055 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.

Felipe Dana / AP

In this July 11 photo, people walk through a damaged neighborhood as the sun sets on the west side of Mosul, Iraq.

MOSUL’S DESTRUCTION CAPTURED FROM ABOVE By Felipe Dana THE ASSOCIATED PRE SS

MOSUL, Iraq — For centuries, Mosul’s Old City stood as neighborhood of densely built alleyways, homes facing each other across narrow and winding lanes. Now holes have been punched in that historic fabric with houses reduced to rubble. In only three weeks from June 16 to July 8 bombardment damaged or destroyed nearly a third of the Old City, more than 5,000 of the district’s approximately 16,000 residential buildings, according to a

Head of ISIS in Afghanistan killed in drone strike, US officials say A U.S. drone strike in eastern Afghanistan earlier this week killed Abu Sayed, the leader of the Islamic State’s offshoot there, U.S. officials said Friday. A Pentagon statement said that other Islamic State members were also killed in the July 11 operation in Kunar Province and said that it “will significantly disrupt the terror group’s plans to expand its presence in

survey by U.N. Habitat using satellite imagery. It took Iraq’s U.S.-backed forces nearly nine months to wrest Mosul from the Islamic State group, and the cost was enormous destruction, especially in the western part of the city. IS fighters had turned the city into a fortress, holding tens of thousands of civilians as human shields. Iraqi forces often turned to artillery and U.S..-led coalition airstrikes. The Old City was the last battlefield. — Compiled from AP reports

Afghanistan.” The statement provided little other detail about the strike. If confirmed, Sayed’s death marks another setback for the terror group in Afghanistan. U.S. and Afghan forces have been pummeling Islamic State positions in eastern Afghanistan for months in an effort to dislodge the militants from the craggy peaks and remote valleys of Nangahar and Kunar provinces. In April, a team of 50 U.S. Army Rangers and 40 Afghan commandos assaulted a hamlet in Achin, a district of Nangahar province, killing Abdul Hasib, Sayed’s predecessor as com-

mander of ISIS in Afghanistan, and roughly 30 other militants. Eight months before Hasib was killed, Hafiz Saeed Khan, the Islamic State’s leader in Afghanistan prior to Hasib, was killed in a U.S. drone strike. Two U.S. Rangers were killed in the operation t0 kill Hasib, the Pentagon said, possibly from “friendly fire.” Seven U.S. service members have died in combat in Afghanistan in 2017, six of them in the eastern part of the country while supporting the fight against the Islamic State. — Compiled from the Washington Post

town of Mart. The four adults were arrested Thursday, each charged with child endangerment. The children were placed in protective custody. Child Protective Services workers did a welfare check Thursday following an earlier police report about the home’s appearance and smell. CPS workers had to call police after being denied entry by resi-

dents. An affidavit says officers “gagged at the smell” upon entering the home. Officers then found the children — a 2-year-old girl, a 2-year-old boy and a 1-year-old boy. An affidavit says the boys had blistering burns on their shoulders. Their mother — who was among those arrested — said they had sunburns. — Compiled from AP reports

AROUND TEXAS Four arrested after kids found covered in feces in Texas home MART, Texas — Court records say four people were arrested after authorities found three young children covered in dog feces in a home in the small Central Texas

AROUND THE NATION Growing sinkhole swallows 2 houses, 1 boat in Florida MIAMI — A sinkhole that started out the size of a small swimming pool and continued to grow in Florida swallowed a boat, destroyed two homes and prompted officials to evacuate residents from about a dozen homes Friday. Dramatic video showed the home in Land O’ Lakes, north of Tampa in Pasco County, collapsing into the hole Friday morning. It quickly engulfed one home and a boat and then consumed about 80 percent of another home, said Kevin Guthrie, Pasco County’s assistant county administrator for public safety. By Friday afternoon, the hole stretched up to 250 feet wide and 50 feet deep, and threatened to damage a third home, Guthrie said.

Luis Santana / AP

In this aerial photo, debris is strewn about after a sinkhole damaged two homes in Land O' Lakes, Florida on Friday.

Pasco County Fire Chief Shawn Whited told reporters that no one was home when crews responded to a call about a “depression” under a boat in the backyard of a house in Lake Padgett Estates in Land O’Lakes. Within minutes, he said, “the hole opened

up” and the boat fell in. Firefighters were able to get two dogs out of the home and retrieve some belongings before the first home started collapsing into the quickly expanding hole. No injuries have been reported.

Sheriff Chris Nocco said that within roughly 30 feet of the sinkhole, the ground was soft underfoot and felt like it was moving. “Walking down the street, you can see in people’s eyes the anxiety level. They’re fearful,” Nocco said. Eleven homes were evacuated, including the two destroyed. County property records show there was a sinkhole at the property where the first house was swallowed up, and that it had been stabilized in 2014. The home was sold in 2015, according to records. Messages left for its owner were not immediately returned Friday. Sinkholes are stabilized by boring holes into the ground and injecting concrete. Records also show a sinkhole was stabilized at the partially destroyed home in 2007. — Compiled from AP reports

On this date: In 1799, French soldiers in Egypt discovered the Rosetta Stone, which proved instrumental in deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. In 1870, Georgia became the last Confederate state to be readmitted to the Union. Manitoba entered confederation as the fifth Canadian province. In 1916, Boeing Co., originally known as Pacific Aero Products Co., was founded in Seattle. In 1932, President Herbert Hoover announced he was slashing his own salary by 20 percent, from $75,000 to $60,000 a year; he also cut Cabinet members' salaries by 15 percent, from $15,000 to $12,750 a year. In 1942, "The Pride of the Yankees," Samuel Goldwyn's biopic starring Gary Cooper as baseball star Lou Gehrig, premiered in New York. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman was nominated for another term of office by the Democratic national convention in Philadelphia. In 1964, Sen. Barry M. Goldwater of Arizona was nominated for president by the Republican national convention in San Francisco. In 1976, a 36-hour kidnap ordeal began for 26 schoolchildren and their bus driver as they were abducted near Chowchilla, California, by three gunmen and imprisoned in an underground cell. (The captives escaped unharmed; the kidnappers were caught.) In 1979, President Jimmy Carter delivered his "malaise" speech in which he lamented what he called a "crisis of confidence" in America. In 1985, a visibly gaunt Rock Hudson appeared at a news conference with actress Doris Day (it was later revealed Hudson was suffering from AIDS). In 1992, Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton was nominated for president at the Democratic national convention in New York. Ten years ago: Cardinal Roger Mahony, leader of the nation's largest Roman Catholic archdiocese, apologized to the hundreds of people set to receive a share of a $660 million settlement over allegations of clergy sex abuse. Five years ago: A Russian Soyuz craft launched into the morning skies over Kazakhstan, carrying three space travelers, including NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, to the International Space Station. One year ago: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said on Facebook he would not ask the U.S. Supreme Court to block his four-game "Deflategate" suspension. Today's Birthdays: Author Clive Cussler is 86. Actor Ken Kercheval is 82. Actor Patrick Wayne is 78. Rock singer-musician Peter Lewis (Moby Grape) is 72. Singer Linda Ronstadt is 71. Rock musician Artimus Pyle is 69. Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post, is 67. Actress Celia Imrie is 65. Actor Terry O'Quinn is 65. Rock singer-musician David Pack is 65. Rock musician Marky Ramone is 61. Rock musician Joe Satriani is 61. Country singer-songwriter Mac McAnally is 60. Model Kim Alexis is 57. Actor Willie Aames is 57. Actor-director Forest Whitaker is 56. Actress Lolita Davidovich is 56. Actress Shari Headley is 54. Actress Brigitte Nielsen is 54. Rock musician Jason Bonham is 51. Actress Amanda Foreman is 51. Actor Kristoff St. John is 51. Rock musician Phillip Fisher is 50. Rhythmand-blues singer Stokley (Mint Condition) is 50. Actor-comedian Eddie Griffin is 49. Actor Stan Kirsch is 49. Actor Reggie Hayes is 48. Actorscreenwriter Jim Rash is 46. Rock musician John Dolmayan is 45. Actor Scott Foley is 45. Actor Brian Austin Green is 44. Rapper Jim Jones is 41. Actress Diane Kruger is 41. Actress Lana Parrilla is 40. Rock musician Ray Toro (My Chemical Romance) is 40. Actress Laura Benanti is 38. Actor Travis Fimmel is 38. Actor Taylor Kinney is 36. Rhythm-and-blues singer Kia Thornton (Divine) is 36. Actor-singer Tristan "Mack" Wilds is 28. Actor Iain Armitage (TV: "Big Little Lies" ''Young Sheldon") is nine. Thought for Today: "There are two kinds of worries — those you can do something about and those you can't. Don't spend any time on the latter." — Duke Ellington, American jazz artist (1899-1974).

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THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, July 15, 2017 |

STATE

Cornyn calls keeping GOP health care support ‘nail-biter’ By Will Weissert A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS

AUSTIN, Texas — Sen. John Cornyn says he expects to hold together the minimum number of Senate Republican votes necessary to advance a GOP-backed health care overhaul but acknowledged Friday, “It’s going to be a nail-bitter.” As Senate majority whip, Cornyn’s job is to wrangle votes. During an interview with The Associated Press while in Austin, Cornyn said he was on the phone continuously, discussing the issue with GOP colleagues. “What we’re trying to do is work with each of

the senators individually that have questions and concerns about what the impact will be on their states and to satisfy their concerns,” said Conryn, whose cell phone rang during the interview with what he said was another senator calling to talk health care. “But I’m optimistic that we’ll get there.” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released a revamped version of the plan to repeal and replace much of President Barack Obama’s health care law on Thursday. Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Kentucky’s Rand Paul said they’d vote “no.” Because of uniform Democratic opposition, the bill will need the re-

maining 50 Republican votes to advance — and there still may be holdouts. Cornyn said he expects to have the 50 votes needed to start debate “Tuesday night or Wednesday at the latest” saying of Republicans, “I just don’t think we have any other choice.” “I think this is not something that we can put off forever. We’ve been debating this for seven years and at some point you just have to make a decision,” he said. “The biggest, I think, burden that we bear is that we promised that we would do this. And so we need to keep our promises.” Cornyn called the

Dallas Police: Officer mural argued on phone as violates son drowned in tub city codes ASSOCIATED PRE SS

By Jaime Dunaway A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS

DALLAS — A mural erected a month ago to honor five law enforcement officers who died in a sniper attack in downtown Dallas must be taken down or altered because it violates city code, according to city inspectors. The 8-foot fence on which the mural was painted was built without a permit for metal siding and the fence blocks visibility at a nearby fourway intersection, according to a violation notice issued May 25. As soon as he received the notice, Cesar Rodriguez, who operates the Last Call Lounge where the mural is erected, applied for a permit to build the fence and use the metal siding and hired workers to move the fence back 3 feet. Rodriguez said the initial project cost about $15,000, and that the alterations cost a further $2,100. “I’m frustrated because we tried to do something for the police department. We tried to make the neighborhood look a little bit better,” he said. “We feel a little bit sad that we’re doing all this for our city and they don’t see or appreciate that.” The Dallas Department of Code Compliance confirmed Thursday that a citation was issued, but declined to comment. Inspectors have yet to assess whether the alterations meet compliance standards. The painting pays tribute to the five law enforcement officers who were shot to death during an attack at a Black Lives Matter rally in Dallas on July 7, 2016.

EL PASO, Texas — Authorities say an El Paso police officer is charged with criminally negligent homicide after he left his infant son unattended in a bathtub with the water running while he argued with his wife. Twenty-seven-year-old Raymond Licon Jr. was arrested Monday following the drowning of the 11-month-old last month at Licon’s apartment. Investigators allege in court records that Licon

was filling the bath when he began texting with his wife, from whom he’s separated. The two then argued over the phone as the water overflowed the tub and leaked to the floor below. Court records indicate the argument lasted about 45 minutes. Licon performed CPR when he found the child unresponsive, but the baby was pronounced dead at a hospital. Licon posted bond Monday. A phone listing could not be found for him.

4 Texans charged in $36M health care fraud scheme ASSOCIATED PRE SS

DALLAS — Four people from Texas have been charged in a $36 million health care fraud scheme as part of a larger nationwide crackdown. The United States Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Texas says 42-year-old Erik Bugen, 43-year-old Jody Sheffield, 41-year-old Matthew Hawrylak and 38-year-old Britt Hawrylak of ADAR

Group were charged Thursday for allegedly participating in fraud. Charges say the four had unnecessary and improperly prescribed toxicology and DNA cancer screening tests which were billed to military insurer TRICARE. The investigation continues and is being conducted by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Veteran’s AffairsOffice of Inspector General and the FBI.

health care law “probably the most difficult piece of legislation we’ve ever had to deal with” since he arrived in the Senate in 2003. “It’s going to be nailbitter, no question,” he said, adding: “I think everybody’s kind of wondering how this is going to happen and, as I’ve said, I just don’t think we have any alternative.” President Donald Trump on Friday was lobbying Republicans hard to support the Senate bill. Cornyn said he and other senators would be visiting the White House on Monday and, “I can tell you, they are very engaged, the vice president and the president.”

Jacquelyn Martin / AP

Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas, center, is pursued by reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday.

“I think it’s fair to say they haven’t been down in the weeds on the details,” he said “but now that we’re getting ready to vote, I think that their support, and their involvement, is essential.” The new version of the bill contains language demanded by Texas’ conservative junior senator, Ted Cruz. It lets insurers sell plans with minimal coverage, as long as they also offer policies that meet strict coverage requirements set by Obama’s 2010 statute. That prompted Cruz to say he’ll

support the overhaul after initially opposing it — but moderate Republicans have objected that the change would make policies excessively costly for people with serious illnesses because healthy people would flock to the cheaper coverage. Cruz attended a series of Texas town halls last week and occasionally debated hecklers supporting the Obama administration health law. Like a lot of his Republican colleagues, though, Cornyn has largely avoided such gatherings lately.

Zopinion

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A4 | Saturday, July 15, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES

COLUMN

OTHER VIEWS

The hypocrisy about Russia from left and right By Christine Flowers P H ILA D E LPHI A DAI LY NEWS

I am a member of the last generation that grew up thinking the Soviet Union was a godless, murderous regime that cast its enslaved inhabitants into perpetual darkness. I remember sitting at my desk at St. Mary’s Academy in 1967, praying for the souls of the boys and girls, the future swimmers, gymnasts, ballerinas, pole vaulters, weightlifters and cosmonauts who would battle us for world domination. As I grew older, I became fascinated with what I called "Russia," because even though I knew there were a lot of countries with distinct and separate cultures that had been swallowed up by this monstrous geographical hydra, I couldn’t pronounce 99 percent of the places with names that ended in "azakstan," "bekistan," "ikistan" and other things that sounded like seasonal allergies. Russia was so seductive precisely because it was so foreign. For all that, it was our greatest enemy, which seemed silly to Generation X and millennials until this year, when it wasn’t silly anymore. We had very little information about what was going on behind the Iron Curtain. We knew that their women were being crossbred with yaks and Ural mountain goats from the glimpses that we saw at the Olympics (except for Olga Korbut, who looked like a Slavic version of Mary Ann from Gilligan’s Island), and we knew they were sending men into space with annoying frequency, but beyond that and the occasional shoe banging at the United Nations, they were under the radar and an enigma. So when Russia, this time divorced from all of the "-stans," made its reappearance in our national consciousness as a honest-to-God "thing," I found myself strangely delighted. It was as if the years had melted away and I was catapulted backward to the time I had a crush on Rudolph Nureyev. The floodgates of memory opened as I watched President Trump play diplomatic "footsky" with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, and I recalled the time that John F. Kennedy wrapped Nikita Krushchev in a warm bear hug and Richard Nixon chatted amicably with Leonid Brezhnev about how to keep their wives happy. I even remember Ronald Reagan suggesting to Mikhail Gorbachev that if he didn’t want to tear down the wall, he’d send Nancy over to give him some ideas about how to make it more aesthetically pre-

sentable. And then I woke up. It is impossible to remember a time in recent history when we as a nation were more chummy with the Slavs. Some people think that this is a great idea and that Trump is engaging in mental jiu jitsu with the Russians. Keep your friends close and your enemies in Trump Tower (including your idiot son and son-inlaw, as the saying goes). Some of those people who think this way, uniformly Trump-supporting conservatives, are new to this "liking Russia" game. They spent most of their lives attacking the Soviets as the evil empire, which it most certainly was. I felt that way, and still feel that way, because any regime based on a godless rejection of the innate dignity of human beings is a despotic hellhole. The fact that you now want to open trade relations with and to reduce sanctions on that hellhole does not change its intrinsic nature. Plus, I’d hate to think all of those prayers at St. Mary’s were wasted and the Soviets were actually living the good life while I was drinking Ovaltine. But apparently, the people who used to hate the Soviets now like Russia, because Trump likes Russia and they want to support our president. That’s fine, if hypocritical. The horrible communist monsters have not changed their fundamental character, regardless of how much we want to hold hands and sing "Kumbayatski, Boris, Kumbayatski." But far more jarring than the sight of conservatives embracing the pinkos is the sight of our own homegrown pinkos, the American Left, now rejecting the very country they once held up as a model of social engineering. Liberals in the United States have always had good things to say about socialism, which is communism’s prettier younger sister who doesn’t wear a babushka or have a hairy mole on her cheek. Now, however, they are hysterically and hilariously pointing to Russia as, wait for it, the "evil empire," and Reagan keeps kicking Nancy in the head with all the revolutions he’s making in their shared grave. The hypocrisy from the left is as astounding as it is expected. And it is getting a run for its money in the chutzpah department from the old-line neocons who once wanted to bomb the USSR out of existence and now think all American children should be forced to learn how to spell in Cyrillic. Comrade, we have a problem. Christine Flowers is a lawyer and a columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News.

COLUMN

A dispatch from inside the Abbott Alliance By Ken Herman COX NEWSPAPERS

AUSTIN, Texas — I’ve told you before that I’m on Gov. Greg Abbott’s political email list, probably because I’m a GOP primary voter. I enjoy the emails but, despite desperate pleas from the gov, I’ve not been tempted to donate to his campaign. Until Tuesday. “An exclusive club,” said the subject line in the email from Hilary Bombard of Texans for Greg Abbott. I like inbox invitations to join exclusive clubs; they make me feel special, like when a recorded announcement assures me my call is “very important” to somebody. “Ken,” this email said, “There’s a big announcement coming and you could be among the first in Texas to hear it.” “Governor Abbott and members of his senior staff are hosting a teletown hall exclusively for his biggest supporters this coming Thursday, July 13 — and you could have a chance to participate,” Bombard told me. “If you contribute $25 or more before July 12, not only will you get to participate in the teletown hall, but you will also become a member of the Abbott Alliance, an exclusive club for our online contributors,” Bombard wrote, underlining that part and putting it in eye-catching blue (or purple, there was newsroom disagreement on this). But wait, there’s more: “As an Abbott Alliance member, you will receive: Exclusive invitations to special Abbott Alliance events. Quarterly calls with strategists, staff and special guests to get the inside scoop on what’s happening. Exclusive, members-only Abbott Alliance products and apparel.”

The tele-town hall for we Abbott Alliance members turned out to be more fund-raising infomercial/telethon than secret insider stuff.

Swag. But hold on, it might not be free. The last thing on the list of Abbott Alliance perks was “Discounts on Texans for Greg Abbott products and apparel.” Discounts, good. Free, better. I checked with my boss and got the OK to contribute $25 to the Abbott campaign so I could eavesdrop, on behalf of our beloved readers, on the call. The tele-town hall for we Abbott Alliance members turned out to be more fund-raising infomercial/telethon than secret insider stuff. And we didn’t hear from senior staff. Just Abbott, moderator Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, and Nicole in the call center, who sounded just like somebody in the call center should sound. They made for quite a high-energy trio, with constant reminders that we could make a further donation by pressing star-3. “Let’s keep Nicole in the call center as busy as possible,” Hancock said. The callers, screened I assume, allowed Abbott to talk about his pet issues. And so gifted is he with the gift of gab that he was able to smoothly handle semi-curve balls. Caller Larry wants something done about corruption in his hometown of Aransas Pass. Abbott said yes, something should be done. Michelle told Abbott she’s “concerned about the liberal states (sending) businesses to Texas and bringing their liberal employees with them.”

Her other concern is she’s a medical assistant “but I can’t work in that field because all the jobs require that I speak Spanish. Is there anything in your plans to stop this from happening?” No need to worry about invading liberals, Abbott told Michelle: “We took a poll of people and we asked them if they were here from another state, and if so which one, and we found out that well over half, about twothirds of the people who’d come to Texas from California had said that they were going to be voting for me.” And he assured Michelle that “even if the only language you speak is English, you need to be able to have a right to get a job” and hoped “you’re going to be easily able to find one that will accommodate your skill sets.” Then Hancock threw it back to Nicole in the call center, who told us Julie in Muleshoe had donated $25 monthly. Mary from Haltom City gave $100. The money is desperately needed, Nicole told us. The devils are at the state line. “Nancy Pelosi has been threatening to get involved, as is Barack Obama and Eric Holder with their new far-left organization. You might have even heard in the news, even Rosie O’Donnell’s trying to get in on the action,” she reported. Caller James from East Texas had an interesting offer for the gov: “Please take our retired peace officers -- I’m retiring in September — put us on the border. We’re not vigilantes. We’re certified

LETTERS POLICY Laredo Morning Times does not publish anonymous letters. To be published, letters must include the writer's first and last names as well as a phone number to verify identity. The phone number IS NOT published; it is used solely to verify identity and to clarify content, if necessary. Identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication. We want to assure our readers that a letter is written by the person who signs the

letter. Laredo Morning Times does not allow the use of pseudonyms. This space allows for public debate of the issues of the day. Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No name-calling or gratuitous abuse is allowed. Also, letters longer than 500 words will not be accepted. Via email, send letters to editorial@lmtonline.com or mail them to Letters to the Editor, 111 Esperanza Drive, Laredo, TX 78041.

DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU

Texas peace officers and we will volunteer to help our state, if you will have us, sir.” Abbott said nice things about cops but did not commit to sending retired cops to the border. “In the meantime I appreciate your offer of help and I’m going to visit with my team about strategies that we can look into that will take those kind of things into consideration,” Abbott said. I look forward to his team’s recommendations concerning James’ request. A few minutes later, during a question about voter fraud, Abbott took a timeout for a fundraising pitch. “I can’t do it alone. I need an army of people helping me and that’s why I need just 10 of you right now to press star-0. If just 10 of you on the line right now press star-0 and talk to my team about how you can help out that would make all the difference in the world for me.” About an hour and 10 minutes into the call Nicole said they were “about halfway” toward the $100,000 goal, “but we are running out of time.” Twenty minutes later, with the call nearing an end, she said, “We’re closing in on it but we’re not quite there yet.” There was no update on whether they got there. But, all in all, probably not a bad night on the fund-raising phone, especially considering it’s hard at this point to even fathom who the Democratic challenger might be. And, as an Abbott Alliance member, I’ll keep you informed on what’s going on behind the scenes. Ken Herman is a columnist for the Austin American-Statesman.

THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, July 15, 2017 |

Zfrontera A6 | Saturday, July 15, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES

RIBEREÑA EN BREVE REGRESO A CLASES 1 El distrito escolar Zapata County Independent District invita a los padres de familia a inscribir a sus hijos para el ciclo escolar 20172018 del 1 al 3 de agosto de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. y de 2 p.m. a 4 p.m. Las inscripciones se realizarán en cada campus; evento de arranque del año escolar , el 10 de agosto y el primer día de clases se realizará el 28 de agosto. FERIA DE SALUD COMUNITARIA 1 El Condado de Zapata junto con organismos y entidades públicas invita a la Primera Feria Anual de Salud Comunitaria, el 16 de agosto, de 5 p.m. a 7 p.m.; Club Boys & Girls, 302 6th Avenue. Habrá regalos para los primeros 500 niños. PAGO DE IMPUESTOS 1 Desde diciembre, los pagos por impuestos a la propiedad de la Ciudad de Roma deberán realizarse en la oficina de impuestos del Distrito Escolar de Roma, localizado en el 608 N. García St. PAGO EN LÍNEA 1 La Ciudad de Roma informa a sus residentes que a partir de ahora el servicio del agua puede pagarse en línea a cualquier hora las 24 horas del día. LLENADO DE APLICACIONES 1 La Ciudad de Roma ofrece el servicio de llenado de aplicaciones para CHIP, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Chip, Prenatal y otros. Contacte a Gaby Rodríguez para una cita en el centro comunitario o en su domicilio al 956246-7177. LABORATORIO COMPUTACIONAL 1 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. MUSEO EN ZAPATA 1 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. GRUPOS DE APOYO 1 El grupo de apoyo para personas con Alzheimer se reunirá en su junta mensual, a las 7 p.m., en el Laredo Medical Center, primer piso, Torre B en el Centro Comunitario. Las reuniones se realizan el primer martes de cada mes en el mismo lugar y a la misma hora. 1 El grupo Cancer Friend se reúne a las 6 p.m. el primer lunes del mes en el Centro Comunitario de Doctors Hospital.

OFICINA DEL ALGUACIL

Allanamiento Arrestan a uno por delito que amerita hasta dos años de cárcel Por César G. Rodríguez TIEMP O DE ZAPATA

Un hombre que era buscado por allanamiento ha sido arrestado, dijeron oficiales de la Oficina del

Alguacil del Condado de Zapata. El jueves, Luis Ángel Vela, de 18 años, fue arrestado en cumplimiento a una orden de arresto que lo acusa de allana-

miento a un edificio, un delito estatal que se castiga hasta con dos años de cárcel y una multa de 10.000 dólares. Las autoridades primero arrestaron a Juan Car-

los Salinas, de 28 años de edad, bajo el mismo cargo. Él se entregó voluntariamente el 23 de junio. Oficiales del alguacil los buscaban desde mediados de junio. Salinas fue liberado bajo fianza el 1 de julio mientras que Vela permanecía en custodia en la Cárcel Regional del Condado de Zapata al viernes por la tarde.

Las autoridades recuerdan a la comunidad que Zapata Crime Stoppers ofrece una recompensa en efectivo a cualquiera que proporcione información anónima que lleve a un arresto. Llame al 765-TIPS (8477) para reportar a un sospechoso o proporcionar información sobre un caso.

TAMAULIPAS

PLANTA DE AEROGENERADORES Favorecerá industria de energía eólica E SPECIAL PARA TIEMP O DE ZAPATA

CIUDAD VICTORIA, México— La compañía Vestas, compañía líder en el ramo de energía eólica, instalará una planta de producción en el municipio de Reynosa, generando nuevos empleos y una importante derrama económica para la entidad. En un viaje de dos días, 11 y 12 de julio, el Gobernador visitó las oficinas de Vestas y su centro de desarrollo en Aarhus, así como sus plantas de producción en Ringkøbing. “Nos ha impresionado la capacidad de innovación y fortaleza productiva de Vestas. Nos enorgullece que la compañía vaya a construir su única planta de producción del país en nuestro estado”, declaró García Cabeza de Vaca. El Gobernador Francisco García Cabeza De Vaca viajó a Dinamarca esta semana para visitar las instalaciones de Vestas en las ciudades de

Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Tamaulipas

El gobernador de Tamaulipas, México, Francisco García Cabeza de Vaca, cuarto de izquierda a derecha, durante su viaje a Dinamarca en una visita a la planta Vesta, compañía líder a nivel mundial en diseño y manufactura de equipamiento para parques eólicos que construirá una planta de producción en Tamaulipas.

Aarhus y Ringkøbing. Acompañado del Comisionado de Energía en Tamaulipas, Andrés Fusco Clynes, el mandatario explicó a funcionarios de la transnacional las ventajas competitivas del estado no solamente para el desarrollo de parques de energía eólica, sino también para la instalación de una planta dedicada a la producción de los componentes de sus geneadores, en este

caso, las aspas de última generación de los mismos. “Tamaulipas no sólo cuenta con un recurso eólico de calidad sino que, sus infraestructuras – como el futuro puerto de Matamoros– universidades y atractivo marco de inversión, hacen del Estado un punto neurálgico para el desarrollo de la energía eólica. Bajo el liderazgo del Gobernador Cabeza de Vaca, espera-

COLUMNA

mos contribuir a convertir a Tamaulipas en la punta de lanza del sector eólico mexicano” añadió Angélica Ruiz, Directora General de Vestas en la región. Fusco Clynes, destacó que la estrategia que ha impulsado el Gobernador García Cabeza de Vaca desde su cargo como Senador promotor de la Reforma Energética, ha sido en el sentido de generar riqueza para los

empresarios locales. “Para nosotros es un gran paso decir que hay un componente del aerogenerador que se va a manufacturar en Tamaulipas porque es el primer paso para que toda la cadena productiva local detone”, explicó Fusco Clynes. Las aspas V136, que son las más avanzadas actualmente en la industria, servirán para atender la demanda local y de esta zona del norte del continente americano. La compañía iniciará la construcción de su planta en el poniente del municipio de Reynosa entre agosto y diciembre de este mismo año. Gracias a sus recursos naturales, el Estado de Tamaulipas aspira a convertirse en un referente en la Reforma Energética de México y un gran contribuyente para lograr el objetivo nacional del 25% de energías limpias en 2018 y 35% en 2024. “Nuestro objetivo es llegar a ser el primer estado mexicano en generación eólica”, declaró García Cabeza de Vaca. Vestas instaló su primera turbina en el Tamaulipas en 2014 (El Porvenir, 54 MW). Desde entonces, la entidad cuenta ya con más de 300 MW instalados por Vestas en un tiempo récord.

ROBO

Cofraternidad de trabajadores Por Raúl Sinencio Chávez TIEMP O DE ZAPATA

Para Víctor Zenón Vargas Cruz, viejo amigo. Al despuntar los años treinta del siglo XX, Nuevo Laredo acumula 23.128 vecinos. Los neolaredenses representan apenas el 6.7 por ciento del total. Sin embargo, estamos ante la tercera urbe de mayor importancia en la geografía tamaulipeca. Nuevo Laredo constituye la principal entrada a la República Mexicana. Dicho contexto anima el surgimiento de las primeras organizaciones gremiales. Entre otros, existe el sindicato de albañiles, el sindicato de jornaleros y la Unión de Empleados de Cantinas y Restaurantes. En Nuevo Laredo pronto comienzan a conmemorarse el día Internacional de la Clase Obrera o día del Trabajo. Pero aquel 1 de mayo de 1934, acuden miles de personas. Distintos grupos, portan estandartes, mantas rotuladas, pancartas, banderolas rojas. Tampoco faltan panfletos. Sorprende que sobre la ribera opuesta –en Laredo, Texas—se forme a la sazón una columna algo menos extensa,

Foto de cortesía

Obreros mexicanos y norteamericanos se saludan a mitad de puente entre Nuevo Laredo, México y Laredo, durante la celebración del Día del Trabajo en 1934.

aunque de similar apariencia y fines. Los mexicanos recorren calles y avenidas del indicado municipio, ignorantes en apariencia de lo que allá sucede. No obstante, esa mañana en vez de concluir la marcha, el desfile avanza con paso firme hacia el puente que comunica a los dos Laredos. De lo acontecido habla el siguiente despacho noticioso: “La grandiosa manifestación de frente único en la que participaron unos ocho mil trabajadores mexicanos se unió en el puente internacional con la demostración de los obreros norteamericanos, patentizando así la confraternidad de las masas trabajadoras mexicanas y

norteamericanas, su conciencia clasista de internacionalistas”. Publicada en su número 292, del 30 de mayo de 1934, la nota procede de El Machete. “Periódico obrero y campesino”, fundado por Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco y David Alfaro Siqueiros, El Machete se convierte en órgano informativo del Partido Comunista Mexicano. Acompaña el texto una fotografía que al pie puntualiza: “Imponente acto de internacionalismo proletario. Un obrero mexicano estrecha la mano de un obrero norteamericano el 1 de mayo, en los momentos en que se juntan los manifestantes en (Nuevo) Laredo, Tamaulipas”.

Esta imagen tomada de un video de vigilancia muestra a los dos hombres supuestamente involucrados en el robo de un vehículo todo terreno.

Buscan a supuestos ladrones Por César G. Rodríguez TIEMP O DE ZAPATA

La Oficina del Algualcil del Condado de Zapata necesita la ayuda de la comunidad para identificar a dos hombres quienes supuestamente robaron un vehículo todo terreno. Las autoridades dijeron que el robo ocurrió alrededor de las 2 a.m., el 8 de julio en la cuadra 100 de la avenida Roma, detrás de la mueblería Fred’s Furniture en Zapata. Esta semana, oficiales del alguacil dieron a conocer videos de vigilancia donde supuestamente se captura el incidente. El

video de vigilancia supuestamente muestra a dos hombres empujando un vehículo Polaris Mule ATV. Los sospechosos luego dejaron el lugar en una camioneta. “Las autoridades están en busca de la camioneta y de los sospechosos que se muestran en los videos y en las fotografías”, dijo la Oficina del Alguacil en un comunicado. Para proporcionar información sobre el caso, llame a la Oficina del Alguacil al 765-9960 o a Zapata Crime Stoppers al 765-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers pagará una recompensa en efectivo por información anónima que lleve a un arresto.

Sports&Outdoors THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, July 15, 2017 |

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE: DALLAS COWBOYS

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: TEXAS RANGERS

Report: Elliott could face suspension NFL may sit RB 1-2 games By Kate Hairopoulos THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

As the NFL’s investigation into whether Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott violated its personal conduct policy nears the one-year mark, there are continued indications a resolution could finally be near — even if it’s not the one the Cowboys want. Elliott has received a report from the NFL on its findings, ESPN reported Friday, and Elliott’s camp is preparing a response, expected to be submitted in the next week. Elliott could be facing a one- or twogame suspension, according to the report. But the league denied a decision has been made. The Cowboys open the season Sept. 10 against the NFC East rival the New York Giants and they play at the Denver Broncos the following week. An NFL spokesman told SportsDay this week that no decisions have been reached. Elliott’s representatives could not immediately be reached Friday. Elliott is not facing criminal charges for assault, but the NFL can suspend a player even without legal charges

Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press file

A recent report says the NFL’s investigation of an alleged domestic violence allegation from a year ago of Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is nearing a close and he could face a 1-2 game suspension.

being filed. The investigation has been ongoing since an Ohio woman accused Elliott of assault over multiple days last July in Columbus, Ohio. It was later revealed that the same woman also called police and accused the former Ohio State star of assault in February 2016 in Florida, where Elliott was preparing for the NFL draft. The baseline NFL suspension for domestic violence is six games, though Commissioner Roger Goodell has leeway. Elliott has denied wrongdoing and he and his representatives have been calling for closure to

the investigation since October. It’s been more than a month since Elliott’s camp and the NFL Players Association handed over phone records and other documents to the NFL, according to sources, which signaled that a decision could be reached soon. The Cowboys depart for training camp in Oxnard, Calif., on July 22, Elliott’s 22nd birthday and nearly a year to the day that the allegations against Elliott became public after his 21st birthday party. Players have the right to appeal a disciplinary

decision within three days of being informed. The Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones have publicly backed Elliott from the beginning. Elliott starred on the field as he won the NFL rushing crown as a rookie. But he has drawn scrutiny over the last year for off-field decisions that included visiting a marijuana dispensary in Seattle before a preseason game and pulling down the top of a woman during Dallas’ St. Patrick’s Day block party on Lower Greenville, an incident that was caught on video. While Elliott’s off-field behavior came under scrutiny, so did the NFL’s investigative process because of how long it’s taking to reach a conclusion. Goodell has maintained that being thorough provides fairness to the athlete. After the Cowboys’ playoff loss in January, Elliott told SportsDay that he wanted closure. The Cowboys were criticized for signing defensive end Gregy Hardy in 2015 amid accusations of abuse, and photos of the alleged victim were eventually made public during that season. The NFL is under scrutiny for its handling of domestic assault cases, in particular since detailed allegations against New York Giants kicker Josh Brown emerged after the league suspended him one game.

Tony Dejak / Associated Press file

Starting pitcher Yu Darvish can become a free agent after this season.

Darvish in his last stretch with the Texas Rangers? By Stephen Hawkins ASSOCIATED PRE SS

ARLINGTON— Yu Darvish was unable to pitch two years ago when the Texas Rangers had an even worse record at the All-Star break before going on to win the AL West title. Darvish, the only Texas player who was at the All-Star Game this week, could now be going into his final stretch with the only MLB team so far for the right-hander from Japan. He can become a free agent after the season. While in Miami this week, Darvish told reporters through an interpreter that he likes Texas, the only place he has lived in the United States since joining the Rangers before the 2012 season . But he also mentioned business, saying that liking Texas and getting a new contract are “two different things.”

Already 16 1/2 games behind division-leading Houston, the Rangers (43-45) almost certainly won’t win the AL West again this year — they repeated as division champs in 2016 after Darvish returned from Tommy John surgery. But they are within three games of a wildcard spot with the second half of the season beginning on Friday. Texas was 42-46 at the break in 2015, but only six games behind the Los Angeles Angels before going 46-28 the rest of the way. Darvish (6-8, 3.49 ERA) has an MLB-high 19 starts without much run support, while Cole Hamels (4-0, 3.51 in eight starts) missed almost two months with a right oblique strain. Rangers relievers have an MLB-high 17 blown saves, matching their total from all of last season.

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION: HOUSTON ROCKETS

PAUL ARRIVES IN HOUSTON PG looks to get over playoff hump By Kristie Rieken A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS

OUSTON — Chris Paul didn’t talk about his legacy, and never uttered the word “championship” on Friday when he was officially introduced as the newest member of the Houston Rockets. Still, Paul’s motivation for opting into the last year of his contract so the Los Angeles Clippers could orchestrate his trade to Houston was clear. He and the Rockets believe that adding him to a team headlined by James Harden gives both parties a much better shot to chase a title. “It’s not just about me coming here to help him,” Paul said. “He’s going to help me. We’re going to help each other, and we’re going to help this team hopefully get to where we want to be at.” The Rockets haven’t won a championship since winning back-to-back titles in 1994-95, and knew they had to add another superstar to this team which was ousted by the Spurs in the second round last season to have any chance to get another one. “This is a moment that our whole organization has been working toward to get ourselves back to a championship,” general manager Daryl Morey said.

David J. Phillip / Associated Press

New Rockets point guard Chris Paul is introduced to the media Friday in a news conference with coach Mike D'Antoni after the nine-time All-Star was traded from the Clippers late last month.

“We really do think this is a historic pairing with Chris Paul and James Harden and the great players we have around them ... that really gives us an unbelievable chance at getting back and getting our third championship.” Not only has Paul never won a title in his 12-year career, he’s been widely criticized for his inability to advance past the second round of the playoffs. In the past when that fact was brought up, it would invariably elicit a prickly response from Paul. That wasn’t the case on Friday when Paul smiled and joked throughout a news conference that preceded a party where thousands of fans including “Modern Family” star Rico Rodriguez welcomed him to the

team. “Really? I didn’t know,” he deadpanned when his playoff shortcomings were broached by a reporter. Then he got serious. “I’m ultra-competitive,” he said. “There’s no reason in playing unless you’re playing to win ... we have one goal here and it’s to win.” Houston coach Mike D’Antoni looked absolutely giddy, smiling broadly almost the entire time he sat next to Paul as the ninetime All-Star discussed joining the team. “You hate to play against him,” D’Antoni said. “But I’ve been on his side and I’ve been against him and it’s much better to be on his side. He brings a special type of competitiveness. He’ll be on my butt, too. We’ll all

get better with him.” Paul, who said he once thought he’d never leave Los Angeles, feels rejuvenated since the trade and expressed his excitement at not only playing for the Rockets, but also all the work that he’ll have to put in before a game is ever played. “I haven’t been this excited about basketball in a while to tell you the truth,” Paul said. He’s been one of the top point guards in the NBA over the last decade, averaging 18.7 points, 9.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.3 steals over his career. His role could evolve a bit in Houston after Harden took over as the team’s point guard with great success in D’Antoni’s first year with the Rockets last season. How these two point guards will work together next season

has been a major point of discussion since Paul was acquired for seven players, including Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams. Paul had not one, but two comical responses to those worried about how they’ll share the ball. The first one came unprompted when he was asked what he and Harden have talked about since he joined the team. “There was a basketball in the room and we was fighting over it,” he said before cracking up. Later, he was specifically asked how he thinks the pairing will work out. “It’s definitely going to be an adjustment,” he said. “But I’m excited about it. I’m truly excited about it.” Then, after a short pause, he turned to D’Antoni and said: “That’s coach’s problem.” In a room that contained not only his wife and two children, but also numerous members of his extended family and several friends, he talked about how he has already been embraced by the team and said that he’s been with Trevor Ariza and Bobby Brown every day. And then he finally put aside the jokes and got down to the meat of his conversations with Harden. “We talked about the ultimate goal and that’s winning. Neither one of us have had the opportunity to do that,” Paul said. “We talked about how good that would feel, and that’s probably what I’m most excited about is to be on this journey with somebody else that wants it as bad as I do.”

A8 | Saturday, July 15, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES

FROM THE COVER

‘Preacher’ and ‘To the Bone’ opens dialogue on ‘The Strain’ are eating disorders smart summer fun By Talya Minsberg N EW YORK T I ME S NEWS S ERVIC E

When Marti Noxon set out to make “To the Bone,” a film about a 20year-old battling an eating disorder, she initially faced the question: Was the topic too niche? The answer came in the form of a rousing premiere in January at the Sundance Film Festival, Netflix’s reported $8 million purchase of the film, a trailer that went viral with 54 million views in the first week and arguments over whether it glamorized excessive thinness. The film debuted Friday on Netflix. The film is loosely based on Noxon’s experience with an eating disorder. She and its star, Lily Collins, are among the 30 million Americans — one-third of them men — who have struggled with one. Collins plays Ellen, a patient with anorexia who enters her fifth eating disorder treatment center, an unorthodox group home run by a doctor played by Keanu Reeves. Many of those reacting to the film’s trailer worried that watching it could trigger unhealthy

JUSTICE From page A1 also declined to specify what evidence the committee uncovered about any illegal sharing or leaking by Obama administration officials of the identities of U.S. citizens caught in surveillance. He said the relevant documents are classified. Democrats immediately blasted Nunes’ remarks, calling them a symbol of how he has fueled partisanship in the Intelligence Committee’s probe of Russian electionmeddling. Committee Democrat Jackie Speier of California said members of her party haven’t seen any evidence of potentially illegal activity relating

thoughts in viewers who may be prone to eating disorders or struggling with them. Indeed, some experts said that people who have had eating disorders should consider the state of their health before watching the film. “If you don’t feel solid in your recovery, don’t watch it right now. It could be triggering at any part of your life if you aren’t feeling strong and solid in your recovery,” said Dr. Dena Cabera, executive clinical director at Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders. “It will always be there; you can look it up later.” Others say the film may help spur action. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, and can affect individuals across every demographic. “If the film helps raise awareness and more people seek treatment, that would be a success that we can be pleased with,” S. Bryn Austin, a professor at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said. “Eating disorders can be successfully treated, they just need to take the first step in reaching out for care.”

Television hasn’t always had a summer silly season the way the movies have, but with the decline of summer reruns, one has taken shape. There’s popcorn TV year-round, of course, but it’s more dominant in the warm months. Dancing, dating and talent shows proliferate, and CBS chips in with breathless and sometimes addictive thrillers, like “Zoo” and the new “Salvation.” In the new golden age, though, popcorn can come in many flavors, and summer genre workouts don’t have to be dumb and formulaic. Two of the best examples of this, and two of the better shows of the summer, are “Preacher,” now in its second season on AMC, and “The Strain,” which begins its fourth and last season Sunday on FX. “Preacher,” based on a comic book about a Texas minister with a godlike power to command obedience, and “The Strain,” based on a series of novels about vampire-like creatures conspiring to take over the planet, are smart and serious takes on the

superhero and horror genres — with almost diametrically opposed approaches. “The Strain,” created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan (authors of the novels) and run by the longtime producer Carlton Cuse (“Lost”), is a prime example of traditional, meticulous craftsmanship and slow-building suspense. It’s full of action and gore, but it’s essentially a quiet, thoughtful show that posits a supernatural situation with political relevance — a small band led by a scientist, an exterminator and a Holocaust survivor battle parasitic bloodsuckers ruled by an all-powerful hive mind — and traces out its logical effects. “Preacher,” developed by Sam Catlin (the showrunner), Evan Goldberg and actor Seth Rogen, is anything but quiet. It’s perhaps the truest Quentin Tarantino homage around. It posits a supernatural situation with moral and spiritual relevance — a disillusioned preacher with a violent streak is inhabited by an angelic-demonic entity that gives him the voice, if not the wisdom, of God —

to unmasking. "No, absolutely not," Speier said. Democrat Michael Quigley of Illinois said members of his party on the committee view the unmasking investigation as an effort to distract attention from the panel’s probe of Russian meddling in last year’s election and possible collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign. Trump has repeatedly called on lawmakers to investigate leaks and the unmasking of names from intelligence reports. Nunes stepped aside from leading the committee’s Russia inquiry amid criticism over his sharing of raw intelligence with Trump. Rep. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, took

over leadership of that probe. Nunes said the unmasking investigation is separate from the Russia investigation. Committee subpoenas sent May 31 focused on requests by former national security adviser Susan Rice, former CIA Director John Brennan and former United Nations Ambassador Samantha Power to reveal individuals’ names inadvertently captured in intelligence reports. Democrats and former administration members of both parties have described unmasking as a normal bureaucratic process that has a rigorous set of checks and balances. Republicans also are examining why masked

names in intelligence reports - including some involving Trump associates - were requested and shared between intelligence agencies during the transition between the Obama and Trump administrations. Nunes said the committee is continuing to develop a list of those believed to have shared classified information with people who weren’t entitled to see it, including news reporters. Some of the reports at issue include documentation of communication between foreign officials discussing the Trump transition team, as well as communication between Trump staff and foreign officials, Bloomberg News previously reported.

By Mike Hale NEW YORK TIME S NEWS SERVICE

WRECK From page A1 Reports state that a 18wheeler collided with a passenger car. First responders said the driver of the car needed extrication. The patient was then airlifted to a San Antonio hospital for treatment. Authorities closed down the lane momentarily to investigate. The driver of the 18wheeler did not require medical attention, according to the fire department.

ABBOTT From page A1 law that empowers police to ask people during routine stops whether they’re in the U.S. legally. Police chiefs and sheriffs can also face jail themselves if they don’t comply with federal immigration detainers. The bill known as SB4 has become the most polarizing — and arguably defining — moment for Abbott since easily winning office in 2014 and making inroads for the GOP with Hispanics in doing so. Beleaguered Texas Democrats, who haven’t won of statewide race since 1994, say voters in a state growing more Hispanic by the day won’t stand for what the party chairman called a “state-sponsored deportation force.”

Matthias Clamer / AMC

The ensemble of 'Preacher' surround central character Jesse Custer (Dominic Cooper), Tulip (Ruth Negga) and Cassidy (Joseph Gilgun) in 'Preacher' on AMC.

and piles crazy, grotesque, frequently hilarious complications on top of it. Each succeeds through clever writing, top-flight cinematography and, crucially, smart casting. The psychological drama of “The Strain” is largely carried by Corey Stoll and Kevin Durand, savvy, naturalistic actors who give emotional weight to the melodrama. (David Bradley of “Game of Thrones,” as the swordwielding avenger Setrakian, provides the hammy B-movie embroidery.) In “Preacher” the central three actors — Dominic Cooper as the preacher, Joseph Gilgun as his vampire buddy, and the wonderful Ruth Negga as the preacher’s no-nonsense girlfriend — do the same thing from the opposite direction, finding real feelings while satisfying the show’s requirements for exaggeration and cool posturing. If you haven’t watched the shows before, now is both a good and a bad moment to jump in. Each has done a hard reboot before its current season, and each is a little unsteady on its feet in the

Courtesy

Shown is the pickup truck two suspects used during a vehicle robbery.

THEFT From page A1 curred at about 2 a.m. July 8 in the 100 block of Roma Avenue, behind Fred’s Furniture in Zapata. This week, sheriff ’s officials released video surveillance allegedly capturing the incident. Surveillance footage allegedly shows two men pushing a Polaris Mule ATV. The suspects then

Zapata County Fire Department / Courtesy

The driver of this vehicle needed to be extricated, according to the Zapata County Fire Department. First responders said the person was airlifted to San Antonio.

But so far, there isn’t even a whiff from Democrats of who might run against Abbott, whose 20-point trouncing of Wendy Davis last time lingers as a stinging reality check for the party. “It is irresponsible and reckless to release known criminals back onto the streets,” Abbott said of SB4. “In Texas, we expect our elected official to enforce the law. If they don’t want to enforce the law, they just need to step aside.” Police removed a few protesters from the event Friday, including a woman who was carried out by officers. Supporters drowned out one interruption by chanting Abbott’s name. Just as he did last time, Abbott launched his campaign on July 14, the anniversary of a tree

falling on him in 1984 and paralyzing him from the waist down. Abbott is the first governor in Texas history to use a wheelchair and says the accident gave him resolve and keeps politics in perspective. His personal story was the narrative thread of his first run for governor, when his low-key persona was seen by many Republicans as a refreshing change after 14 years of braggadocio under former Gov. Rick Perry, who is now President Donald Trump’s energy secretary. But he has angered Democrats with both SB4 and his support for a “bathroom bill” targeting transgender people, which Abbott is reviving in a special legislative session starting Tuesday. Major corporations including Google and

Amazon have urged Texas not to put bathroom restrictions on transgender people, and on Sunday, computer giant IBM will run fullpage ads in Texas’ biggest newspapers that say “No one should face discrimination for being who they are.” Abbott, who runs the biggest red state in America, made no mention of Trump in his re-election kickoff. Hillary Clinton lost Texas to Trump by 9 points, which Texas Democrats took as some silver lining after years of doubledigit defeats. “We endure and we will not let fear-mongering Republicans and nonsense hold us back,” Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said in a statement. “After 2016, Texas is a single-digit state and

early episodes. Spoilers ahead for both: “The Strain,” after three seasons of presenting the human-vampire war as a somewhat even competition, detonated the story by setting off a nuclear bomb in New York. The final season opens with the vampires (known here as strigoi) firmly in charge, and the human heroes scattered around the country in separate, new storylines. The question is how long the show will take to reunite them, with just 10 episodes to go. “Preacher,” as you’d expect (and in keeping with the comic book), took an even more extreme approach. After a season set entirely in a small Texas town, many of whose residents were key characters, the show blew up the town in a cowdung-methane explosion and (apparently) killed off most of the characters. Season 2 opened with the preacher and his friends on a road trip, figuratively and literally in search of God, who’s gone missing. As metaphor and as entertainment, it’s everything you look for in a summer diversion.

leave in a pickup. “Authorities are in search of the pickup truck and suspects displayed in the videos and pictures,” the Sheriff ’s Office said in a statement. To provide information on the case, call the Sheriff ’s Office at 7659960 or the Zapata Crime Stoppers at 765-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward for anonymous information leading to an arrest.

Courtesy

This image taken from surveillance footage shows the two men involved in the theft of an all-terrain vehicle.

more Democrats are fired up than ever before.” Two of the biggest Democratic stars in Texas, congressman Joaquin Castro and twin brother Julian, who was President Barack Obama’s housing secretary, have signaled they will sit out statewide races in 2018. Abbott will have a massive fundraising leg up on any contender — he’s socked away at least $35 million in his campaign bankroll and will likely announce a bigger haul next week. Census figures show that the Hispanic population in Texas grew three times that of whites between 2010 and 2016. Abbott, whose wife is the first Latina first lady of Texas, captured 44 percent of Hispanic voters last time in the strongest showing by a

Republican candidate since former Gov. George W. Bush. Abbott has called some protests to SB4 fearmongering and says only lawbreakers have anything to worry about. Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, said the crackdown won’t necessarily cost Abbott votes next year. “The risks for Gov. Abbott are that SB4 locates him in the same arena as President Trump,” said Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, referring to the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration. “But all this speculation hinges on Democrats fielding a competitive candidate. And right now it’s still crickets.”

THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, July 15, 2017 |

WE HAVE THE COLORS YOU NEED! ROOF DAMAGE? ROOF REPLACEMENT?

WE CAN HELP!

Ready Mix Compound

3'X5'X1/2"

60269 3'X5'X1/4" DUROCK UNDERLAYMENT 9.99

87232 USG 5GL Ready

60266

Each

Mix Joint Compound 8.69

QUALITY

Soquete Ready Mix

99 48200

87245

55153

87235

10’ X10’ X 6’

12.5 GA

61161

199

52215 788-417 6050074

Multi-Purpose Scaffold 74”L X 75”H X 29”W

90316

36” X 80”

90987

99 63693 153-340

SUNBLOCK SHADE TOP

34” X 22” X 25”

Natural Wood Screen Door

Home Training Kennel

Zero Water System

4’ X 8’

Silver Dog Kennel

S C

40 LB 49

87233

3/8" Beaded Pine Plywood

49139

YOUR CHOICE

8 59

Ceiling Texture

3.5 GAL

Coarse

Plus 3 Ready Mix

3.5 GAL

Medium Ceiling Texture

3.5QT Lightweight Joint Compound

6’ X 8’

99 43154 9249699

1/2HP Electric Cement Mixer

34 99

52216

19999

SILVER DOG KENNEL

6’ X 8’ X 4’

52214

2.5HP Gasoline Cement Mixer

5 CU FT

•EASILY MIX DRY WALL, MUD, STUCCO, MORTAR, CONCRETE

53765 450-583 9739285

199

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53231 45-1391

LAREDO NORTH IH-35 @ Chicago 956-721-7300

349 LAREDO SOUTH 3710 Jaime Zapata Memorial Hwy 956-726-8000

•FULL THERMAL OVERLOAD PROTECTION PREVENTS ENGINE

•10IN WHEELS

52091

ZAPATA, TEXAS 496 East @ 430 FM 956-765-8430

699

*North Location Only

99 50500

FREE DELIVERY THURSDAY! LAREDO AND ZAPATA CITY LIMITS

We reserve the right to limit quantities to individuals, dealers and competitors. To serve you better, all regularly stocked merchandise will be accepted for return within 30 days of date of purchase in original unbroken package. Receipt is required. Sorry no lumber returns. We reserve the right to substitute products of equal quality. We reserve the right to limit quantities subject to stock on hand. *No rain checks. *Not responsible for typographical errors. Some items not carried in all stores. All Art for Illustration Purposes Only. *While supplies last. Page 7to stock on hand. No rain checks. Quantities are limited. Some items not available at all store. PROMO#LMT0000C #ZMT1729B P.O. Subject PROMO P.O.#494213 #000000ENDS: ENDS:07.26.2017 00.00.2016

X2 | Saturday, July 15, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES

42”

BUILDER UILDER PL PPLUS LUS Brushed Nickel Ceiling eiling Fan

7999

445900

Studio 52”White Ceiling Fan New Bronze Brronze 52” Studio Celing Fan

52”

44555

Studio Brushed Nickel Ceiling Fan

444559 44559 807-133 80 07-133 08 802983 0802983

YOUR CHOICE CEE

109

44560

52”

Contempra White Ceiling Fan

Window Unit Air Conditioner

51374

5000 BTU

Contempra Antique Brass Ceiling Fan

544-932

51386.....8000 BTU.....199.99 51387.....10000 BTU.....279.99 51388.....12000 BTU.....319.99 51389.....15000 BTU.....389.99

18CF White Refrigerator

42”

550-343

YOUR CHOICE

Remote Control Included for 8K,10K, 12K & 15,000 BTU

Hugger Brass 74000 Ceilng Fan

Choose from White or Black

379

43574

449

58439

58436 18CF Frigidaire Black Refrigerator...449.99

43571 FRIG 30" Black Elec Range...379.99

349 43573

Compact p Kitchen W/Refrigerator W/Refrigerator

Hot & Cold Water Dispenser

White Refrigerator

30”

43570

• 30" FEATURES VISUALITE WINDOW • OVEN LIGHT, OVEN CAPACITY 4.80FT • 2 RACKS,FUNCTIONS BROILING • TOTAL OF COOKING ELEMENTS 4 • COOKING ELEMENT POWER • 4265.18 BTU/H TO 7165.50 BTU/H • INPUT VOLTAGE 220V AC • 47"HX30"WX28.50"D

*Water bottle not included

1.7 CU FT

119

KITCHEN SINK BASE CABINET

• Full Range Temp Controls

699

49138 799-215

239

44122

269

24”X18” Oak Vanity W/ Top

179

Counter-top not included.

YOUR CHOICE 99

119 64838 147-511

26596

6” Stainless Steel Sink

33” X 22” X 6”

99 50213

24” X 18” White Vanity W/ Top 18” X 16” Oak k Vanity W/ Top p

SEDONA 18X16 Java Vanity Combo

SB60

99 Sink, Faucet, Accessories & 50216

26593

60"

SB60

KITCHEN SINK BASE CABINET

All Wood

SB60

ink, Faucet, Accessories & ounter-top not included.

• StainlessSteelSink • 2 C oil Burners

60"

All Wood

.7 CU FT 700 W

• 2.2 CU FT Refrigerator

KITCHEN SINK BASE CABINET

60"

Digital White Microwave

36”

HOT AND COLD WATER DISPENSER CONTEMPORARY STYLING CHILD SAFETY GUARD LED LIGHT INDICATORS LARGE STAINLESS STEEL RESERVOIR FOR WATER PURITY ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT REMOVABLE DRIP TRAY

51252 128270

44580

$AVE

Electric Cooktop

Electric Range

• Stainless Steel Sink • 6” Deep Bowls

99 70162

AMBROSIA 60” X 21” 2 Door/ 4 Drawer Vanity

YOUR CHOICE

56732

64842

Subject to stock on hand. No rain checks. Quantities are limited. Some items not available at all store.

64841

359

PROMO #ZMT1729B P.O. #494213 ENDS: 07.26.2017

59453

THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, July 15, 2017 |

COME SEE OUR COME SEE OUR WELDING GEAR! WELDING GEAR! R R

298 Arc Welder 100ST 120V

Mig Welder Propane Cylinder

120 V 140 AMP

159

499

99 29437

99 29433

49093 128-779

8" 3/4HP 120V Bench Grinder 540W

Portable Generator

SOLDERING GUN 100W

14.1 OZ

Propane Torch Kit

1/2” Impact Wrench Tire Inflator W/ Gauge Spray Gun 2” Brad Nailer/Stapler 25’ Hose Canvas Tool Bag

67004

3250 W

394

58207

Vertical Compressor Kit

Comes with:

74401 6500 W Portable Generator...718.99

69820 108459

15 GAL

58560

CUTTING CEMENT OR ASPHALT MADE EASY! T 420 TS 1 14” Cutoff Machine

1149

14" 4 St Stroke k Power P C Cutter tt

999

99 81617

Twin Handle Hand Truck

1099

*Blade Not Included

99 41201

5X10 STYLE K WHITE ALUMINUM GUTTER...10.99 5X10 STYLE K BROWN ALUMINUM GUTTER...10.99

48195

Marlin Noce Ceramic Tile

¢ 29 59¢

65252 28GAL VERTICAL COMPRESSOR...299.99

1080 CFM Weather Gray Power Roof Vent

55066 12" Galvanized WInd Turbine Only (IB) ....16.99

94835

55068 10-8000

50288 BLACK 50289 BROWN 50290 MILL

VCT COMMERCIAL VINYL TILE

SQ FT

45 SQ FT per case

SQ FT

15.00 SQ FT 12” X 12”

12” X 24”

65255

12”

450 LB

50284

Galvanized Turbine (IB) W/ Base

5” X 10’ Galvanized Steel Gutter

249

YOUR CHOICE 85 99 41701

per case Per Box GRAND CAYMAN OYSTER PORCELAIN VCT Commercial Viny Tile

Floor and Wall Tile

Repair or Replace your shingles!

.99 CENTS PER SQ FT

15.6 S.F. Box $15.39

99¢

DUNGAREE BLUE 12X12X3/32 42552

RYEGRASS 12X12X3/32 42551

MINTY 12X12X1/8 42582

Lyndhurst Brown

Mosaic Beige Be g Porcelein

3.79 CENTS PER SQ FT

SQ FT 73167 12 X 24 2 SQ FT 43001 LYNDHURST BEIGE 43005 LYNDHURST GRAY

Subject to stock on hand. No rain checks. Quantities are limited. Some items not available at all store.

58 EA

43000

12 X 12 1 SQ FT 43103 METALLIC BEIGE PORCE...4.99

PROMO #ZMT1729B P.O. #494213 ENDS: 07.26.2017

99 EA 43104

X4 | Saturday, July 15, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES

R ound Decorated Pool

Tub O’Wipes

4 FT

40 CT

99 76596

52246 5 FT....14.99

Egg Maker Crumble

62221 62220 24.99

50352

22.49 62219 62248 19.99

22.49 14.99

Wild Bird Food

Contains high-quality grain sources,multiple protein sources, and needed minerals and vitamins for efficient growth.The crumble form encourages consumption in the critical early growth and development stage.

40 LB

59806 197-981 59824 197980 59825 197-977 CHICKEN MEDIC STARTER ER FEED...13.99 59822 19 5LB MEAT MARKER CRUMBLE...13.99 RUMBLE...13.99 9 197-982 977--98 982

59809 169-090

BUGMAX HOME PEST CONTROL

Ready To Use Multi-Purpose Insect Killer

Dust Bug Killer ill

3 PK

1 GAL

62206

Chicken Egg Maker Pellet

50 LB

et Expert Dog Fo Food

50LB

As Low As

FULL CUSTOMIZED SOLAR SCREEN

Triazicide Insect Killer

10 LB BAG 79

10 LB

55445 513-356 652078 6901474

58531 129-433 2653442

40148 893-206

55326

Mop Bucket W/ Ringer Combo

Pack N’ Service Cart

51"X20" Texas Metal Bench

66061 129-284

21 QT 3 COLORS

52077 WHEAT

70005 GREEN 70006 BLACK

6’ X 20’ ROLL

99 53744

RTA

99 50488

READY FOR INSTALLATION!

1-3/8” Hollow Core Colonist 6 Panel Door ONLY

6 Panel Metal Double Bore No Trim Door Unit

162-624 35QT HD MOP WRINGER/BUCKET

4 PanelWagonWheel Door Unit

169

RTA W/ FRAME

24” X 80” 92184 32X80 1-3/8 Hollow Core Colonist 6 Panel Door ONLY...

29 92187

69855

36” X 80” 60147

RIGHT HAND

136

60146 36X80 RH 6Panel MEtal Double Bore

No Trim Door Unit....

Subject to stock on hand. No rain checks. Quantities are limited. Some items not available at all store.

36” X 80” 52668 LEFT HAND 52669 RIGHT HAND

169

PROMO #ZMT1729B P.O. #494213 ENDS: 07.26.2017