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UNITED WAY OF LAREDO
ZCISD begins search for Zapatans attend campaign new chief kickoff with famous writer
Author speaks of miracles
By Judith Rayo
By César G. Rodriguez
TH E ZAPATA T IME S
THE ZAPATA TIME S
The Zapata County Independent School District board of trustees approved the search for a superintendent after pausing the search for almost 8 months. Trustees Hein named Robert Hein as acting superintendent in December after they accepted the resig-
Miracles do exist. People just need to look up and see how God works in their lives, said Christy Wilson Beam, author of the New York Times Best Seller “Miracles from Heaven: A Little Girl and Her Amazing Story of Healing.” The healing of her daughter, Annabel Beam, inspired the 2016 film “Miracles from Heaven” starring Jennifer Garner and Queen Latifah. Beam delivered an inspirational speech during the United
ZCISD continues on A11
Way 2016 Campaign Kick-Off Luncheon held Thursday at La Posada Hotel in Laredo. “This is what we needed, to hear that inspirational message from someone who went through hardship and they overcame it,” said Linda C. Teniente, president of the board of directors for United Way of Laredo. Teniente said United Way of Laredo aims to raise $1.6 million by Nov. 11. The money raised will be dispersed to 23 local nonprofit organizations. “We see our hardships every Miracles continues on A11
Courtesy photo
International Bank of Commerce Zapata officers Eloy A. Lopez Jr., J. Ruben Perez, Cynthia Perez, Mayra Lopez and Jose F. “Paco” Mendoza Jr., president/CEO of the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitor Center, pose for a picture with Christy Wilson Beam, author of the New York Times Best Seller “Miracles from Heaven: A Little Girl and Her Amazing Story of Healing.”
CENSUS BUREAU ANNIVERSARY OF SEPT. 11, 2001
Study: Latino population growth slips
LAST ARTIFACTS GIVEN AWAY
By Russell Contreras ASSOCIATED PRE SS
After 15 years, relics dispersed around world By Adam Geller A S SOCIAT E D PRE SS
N
EW YORK — Behind the barbed wire, the minivan’s busted windows and crumpled roof hint at its story. But forklifted to this windblown spot on the John F. Kennedy International Airport tarmac, between a decommissioned 727 and an aircraft hangar, it’s doubtful passing drivers notice it at all. In the long struggle with the memories of 9/11, though, the van’s solitary presence here marks a small but significant transition point. Tons of wreckage — twisted steel beams, chunks of concrete smelling of smoke, a crushed fire engine, a dust-covered airline slipper — were salvaged from the World Trade Center site for preservation after the 2001 terrorist attacks. Artifacts continues on A11 Jetta Fraser/The Columbus Dispatch / AP
This Sept. 3 photo shows a beam from the destroyed World Trade Center buildings, part of the 9/11 Memorial near the Veterans’ Pavilion at the Fulton County Fair, in Wauseon, Ohio.
LITE-UP TEXAS
Texas stops helping poor families pay their electric bills By Jim Malewitz TH E TEXAS T RI BUNE
Texas will no longer help low-income families pay their electric bills. Lite-Up Texas, a program that offered discounts to hundreds of thousands of poor Texas families over the years, has run out of money and the discounts ended on
Aug. 31, the Public Utility Commission confirmed. Though observers expected the money to run out after lawmakers declined to extend the program's funding source three years ago, advocates are concerned that long-time beneficiaries will be blindsided when their assistance vanishes. Bills continues on A11
Rodolfo Gonzalez/Austin American-Statesman / AP
Nora Castillo, 31, reaches up to unscrew a light bulb to turn it off in the two bedroom living space she and her family share in O'Donnell, Texas, on Aug. 19, 2015.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The growth of the U.S. Latino population — once the nation’s fastest growing — slowed considerably over the past seven years and slipped behind that of Asian Americans amid declining Hispanic immigration and birth rates, a study released Thursday found. The Pew Research Center study, which analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data, found that the U.S. Hispanic population grew annually on average by 2.8 percent between 2007 and 2014. That’s down from the 4.4 percent annual growth from 2000 to 2007, before the Great Recession. By comparison, the Asian American population grew around 3.4 percent on average annually during the same period. William H. Frey, a demographer with the Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program, the slower growth is largely a factor of the economy. A slower economy is influencing families to hold off on having more children, and it’s discouraging migration amid stronger border enforcement, he said. Kenneth M. Johnson, a senior demographer at the University of New Hampshire’s Carsey School of Public Policy, said U.S. Hispanic women between the ages of 20 to 24 have seen a 36 percent decline in birth rates. “That’s by far the largest decline of any other group,” Johnson said. Despite slowing population growth, Latinos still accounted for 54 percent of the nation’s population growth between 2000 and 2014, according to the nonpartisan Pew Research Center. Regional growth patterns also have changed some following the economic downturn of 2007 reflecting the changing economies of states, the study found. Latino continues on A11
Zin brief A2 | Saturday, September 10, 2016 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
CALENDAR
AROUND TEXAS
TODAY IN HISTORY
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 1 TAMIU Presidential Lecture Series. 9:30 a.m. Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theatre. 2015 Teacher of the Year Shanna Peeples will present “Thinking Like Socrates: Creating an Inquiry Culture.” Free and open to the public. 1 Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium shows. 2 p.m. TAMIU. “The Little Star That Could,” “Cosmic Adventure,” “Black Holes” and “A Starry Tale.” General admission is $5 and $4 for children, TAMIU students, faculty and staff. For more information, call 3263663. 1 9th Annual Football Tailgaiting Cook-Off. 2–10 p.m. El Metro Park & Ride, 1819 E. Hillside. Admission is $2. There will be a finger ribs cook-off. The first place winner will get $1,500 in prize money. There will also be a fajita and beans cook-off as well as live music, a car show, food vendors, merchandise booths and more. The Animal Care Facility will be on site with pets up for adoption. For more information, call 286-9055.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 1 Chess Club. 4–6 p.m. Every Monday. Inner City Branch Library, 202 W. Plum St. Compete in this cherished strategy game played internationally. Free. For all ages and skill levels. Instruction is offered.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 1 Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium shows. 6–7 p.m. TAMIU. “Violent Universe” at 6 p.m. and “Led Zeppelin” at 7 p.m. General admission is $5 and $4 for children, TAMIU students, faculty and staff. For more information, call 326-3663.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 1 Cancer Friends Meet. 6 p.m. Every third Thursday of the month. Laredo Medical Center, A.R. Sanchez Cancer Center, Tower A, 1st Floor. Having cancer is often one of the most stressful experiences in a person’s life. However, support groups help many people cope with the emotional aspects of cancer by providing a safe place to share their feelings and challenges and learn from others who are facing similar situations. For more information, call Nancy Santos at 956-2855410. 1 TAMIU’s Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off. 6 p.m. Student Center Rotunda. There will be a celebration of Mexican Independence Day’s “El Grito.” Admission is free and open to the public. 1 Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium shows. 6–7 p.m. TAMIU. “Violent Universe” at 6 p.m. and “Led Zeppelin” at 7 p.m. General admission is $5 and $4 for children, TAMIU students, faculty and staff. For more information, call 326-3663.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 1 Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium shows. 6–7 p.m. TAMIU LBV Planetarium, 5201 University Blvd. Stars of the Pharaohs at 6 p.m.; Live Star Presentation at 7 p.m. Admission for the presentation is $3. Observing will occur after presentation if weather permits. General admission is $4 for children and $5 for adults. Admission is $4 for TAMIU students, faculty and staff. For more information call 326-DOME (3663).
ASSOCIATED PRE SS
Today is Saturday, Sept. 10, the 254th day of 2016. There are 112 days left in the year.
Today’s Highlight in History: On Sept. 10, 1846, Elias Howe received a patent for his sewing machine.
Jacob Ford/Odessa American / AP
United States Border Patrol officers and Texas Department of Public Safety officers secure the perimeter around Alpine High School, Thursday, in Alpine, Texas.
VICTIM DIDN’T KNOW SHOOTER DALLAS — Investigators don’t believe that the 14-year-old girl who shot and wounded a fellow student before turning the gun on herself at a West Texas high school knew the victim, the school district’s superintendent said Friday. Officials are still looking into possible motives for Thursday’s shooting at Alpine High School, said Alpine Independent School District Superintendent Becky Watley. She said bullying hasn’t been discussed during her conversations with investigators and noted the investigation was ongoing.
Gunshots rang out around 9 a.m. at the school in Alpine, a town about 220 miles southeast of El Paso. Authorities said the 14-year-old died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in a school bathroom near where the victim was shot, and the victim was taken to a local hospital with injuries that weren’t considered life threatening. Their names haven’t been released. The local sheriff and police chief didn’t return messages Friday seeking details about the investigation. — Compiled from AP reports
Customs officer sentenced to prison for smuggling
Mattress company apologizes for ‘tasteless’ 9/11 ad
Texas A&M student, 21, dies when bike hit by garbage truck
EL PASO — A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer has been sentenced to 7 ½ years in federal prison for smuggling Mexican nationals illegally into the United States. Madrid is accused of allowing three Mexican nationals to enter the country illegally in August 2010, then allowing a Mexican national to enter illegally in September 2011.
HOUSTON — The owner of mattress company in Texas has apologized for a “tasteless” advertisement promoting a 9/11 anniversary sale featuring a woman screaming as two towers of mattresses fall to the ground. Miracle Mattress owner Mike Bonanno apologized Thursday, saying the online ad was produced without his knowledge by employees.
COLLEGE STATION — Police say a Texas A&M student has died after her bicycle was struck by a garbage truck in College Station. College Station police identified the victim as 21-year-old Alannah Rose Ritch of San Marcos. Police say the offcampus accident happened Thursday morning. — Compiled from AP reports
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 1 Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium shows. 2 p.m. TAMIU. “The Little Star That Could,” “Cosmic Adventure,” “Black Holes” and “A Starry Tale.” General admission is $5 and $4 for children, TAMIU students, faculty and staff. For more information, call 3263663.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 1 Chess Club. 4–6 p.m. Every Monday. Inner City Branch Library, 202 W. Plum St. Compete in this cherished strategy game played internationally. Free. For all ages and skill levels. Instruction is offered.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 1 Down Syndrome Laredo Bowl-AThon. 5–8 p.m. Jett Bowl North, 5823 McPherson Road. Come support our children. Wear your blue and yellow for DS awareness. If you would like to purchase a lane, contact Priscilla Garcia at 333-9312.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 1 Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium shows. 2 p.m.–5 p.m. TAMIU LBV Planetarium, 5201 University Blvd. The Little Star that Could at 2 p.m.; Cosmic Adventure at 3 p.m.; Black Holes at 4 p.m.; A Starry Tale at 5 p.m. General Admission is $4 for children and $5 for adults. Admission is $4 for TAMIU students, faculty and staff. The 2 p.m. show is $1 less. For more information call 326-DOME (3663).
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 1 Spaghetti lunch. Noon–1:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall, First United Methodist Church. No admission fee. Free-will donations accepted.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 1 Chess Club. 4–6 p.m. Every Monday. Inner City Branch Library, 202 W. Plum St. Compete in this cherished strategy game played internationally. Free. For all ages and skill levels. Instruction is offered.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 1 City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan’s Public Design Workshop (Charrette). 6 p.m. Laredo Public Library, 1120 E. Calton Road. Community-wide kick-off event to mark the official start of a two-week public planning process. From Sept. 26 to Oct. 6, Plan Viva Laredo is hosting a public charrette.
AROUND THE WORLD North Korea’s 5th nuke test ‘fanatic recklessness’ SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea said it conducted a “higher level” nuclear test explosion on Friday that will allow it to finally build an array of stronger, smaller and lighter nuclear weapons, a move strongly condemned by the U.N. Security Council which promised new measures against Pyongyang. The North’s fifth atomic test and the second in eight months brought the U.N.’s most powerful body into emergency session, just three days after it strongly condemned North Korea’s latest ballistic missile launches. South Korea’s president said the detonation, which Seoul estimated was the North’s biggest-ever in explosive yield, was an act of “fanatic recklessness” and a sign that leader Kim Jong Un “is spiraling out
Ahn Young-joon / AP
South Korean protesters stage a rally to oppose a deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense in Seoul, Friday.
of control.” President Barack Obama condemned the test and said the U.S. would never accept the country as a nuclear power. North Korea’s boast of a technologically game-changing nuclear test defied both tough international sanctions and long-standing diplomatic pressure to curb its nuclear ambi-
tions. It will raise serious worries in many world capitals that North Korea has moved another step closer to its goal of a nuclear-armed missile that could one day strike the U.S. mainland. — Compiled from AP reports
AROUND THE NATION BLM drops plan to surgically sterilize wild horses PORTLAND, Ore. — The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has dropped a research effort that would have led to the surgical sterilization of more than 200 wild mares at a facility in Oregon. The agency said Friday the decision was made in response to litigation from groups that assert the procedures to be
researched were unnecessary and barbaric. Advocates for wild horses sought to halt the study or, at the very least, allow the media and the public to observe and record it. “This decision, though not made lightly, is in response to litigation that could have put the wild horses, BLM staff and our research partners at risk by requiring unnecessary persons or equipment be placed within the small confines of the space where the procedures would take place,” the BLM said in a
On this date: In 1608, John Smith was elected president of the Jamestown colony council in Virginia. In 1813, an American naval force commanded by Oliver H. Perry defeated the British in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. (Afterward, Perry sent out the message, “We have met the enemy and they are ours.”) In 1919, New York City welcomed home Gen. John J. Pershing and 25,000 soldiers who’d served in the U.S. First Division during World War I. In 1935, Sen. Huey P. Long died in Baton Rouge two days after being shot in the Louisiana state Capitol, allegedly by Dr. Carl Weiss. In 1939, Canada declared war on Germany. In 1945, Vidkun Quisling was sentenced to death in Norway for collaborating with the Nazis (he was executed by firing squad in Oct. 1945). In 1955, the Western series “Gunsmoke,” starring James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon, began a 20season run on CBS Television. In 1963, 20 black students entered Alabama public schools following a standoff between federal authorities and Gov. George C. Wallace. In 1974, the West African country of Guinea-Bissau became fully independent of Portugal. In 1979, four Puerto Rican nationalists imprisoned for a 1954 attack on the U.S. House of Representatives and a 1950 attempt on the life of President Harry S. Truman were freed from prison after being granted clemency by President Jimmy Carter. In 1987, Pope John Paul II arrived in Miami, where he was welcomed by President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan as he began a 10-day tour of the United States. In 1991, the Senate Judiciary Committee opened hearings on the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court. Ten years ago: On the eve of the anniversary of 9/11, President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, placed wreaths at ground zero in New York. Daniel Smith, the 20-year-old son of Anna Nicole Smith, died in the Bahamas of a lethal combination of drugs, five months before the death of his mother. Five years ago: On the eve of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton paid tribute to the 40 passengers and crew who fought back against their hijackers aboard Flight 93 during a ceremony dedicating the first phase of a memorial in Shanksville, One year ago: Senate Democrats voted to uphold the hard-fought nuclear accord with Iran, overcoming ferocious Republican opposition. New York State approved gradually raising the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $15 an hour, the first time any state had set the minimum that high. Today’s Birthdays: World Golf Hall of Famer Arnold Palmer is 87. Actor Philip Baker Hall is 85. Actor Greg Mullavey is 83. Jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers is 76. Actor Tom Ligon is 76. Singer Danny Hutton (Three Dog Night) is 74. Singer Jose Feliciano is 71. Actress Judy Geeson is 68. Former Canadian first lady Margaret Trudeau is 68. Political commentator Bill O’Reilly is 67. Actor-director Clark Johnson is 62. Country singer Rosie Flores is 60. Actress Kate Burton is 59. Movie director Chris Columbus is 58. Actor Colin Firth is 56. Rock singermusician David Lowery (Cracker) is 56. Actor Sean O’Bryan is 53. Actor Raymond Cruz is 52. Baseball Hall of Famer Randy Johnson is 53. Rock singer-musician Miles Zuniga (Fastball) is 50. Actress Nina Repeta is 49. Rapper Big Daddy Kane is 48. Movie director Guy Ritchie is 48. Contemporary Christian singer Sara Groves is 44. Actor Ryan Phillippe is 42. Actor Kyle Bornheimer is 41. Rock musician Mikey Way (My Chemical Romance) is 36. Olympic bronze medal figure skater Timothy Goebel is 36. Ballerina Misty Copeland is 34. Rock musician Matthew Followill (Kings of Leon) is 32. Singer Ashley Monroe (Pistol Annies) is 30. Singer Sanjaya Malakar (”American Idol”) is 27. Actor Chandler Massey is 26. Actress Hannah Hodson is 25. Actor Gabriel Bateman (TV: “American Gothic”) is 12. Thought for Today: “The more one pleases everybody, the less one pleases profoundly.” — Stendhal, French author (1783-1842).
CONTACT US statement released through its Portland office. BLM spokesman Greg Shine said the agency had no comment beyond the statement. The BLM wanted to study three methods to determine whether they are safe, effective options for controlling the wild horse population. Of the three methods, the advocates were most concerned about a procedure that involves removing ovaries from sedated, pregnant mares. — Compiled from AP reports
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The Zapata Times
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, September 10, 2016 |
LOCAL
Girl Scouts serving biscuits to law enforcement officials S P ECIAL T O T HE T I ME S
The Zapata Girl Scouts are expressing their gratitude for law enforcement in their first-ever First Responders Appreciation Day.
They will be serving biscuits and gravy and other goodies to all Zapata law enforcement, both local and federal, Zapata County Fire Department officers and emergency management.
The event takes place today from 8 a.m. to noon at the American Legion, 2205 U.S. 83. Anyone who would like to donate to this event can call Isela Wells at 500-0343.
DPS urges vigilance Local on 9/11 anniversary back doctor relocates SPECIAL TO THE TIME S
S P ECIAL T O T HE T I ME S
South Texas Family Chiropractic has moved to a new location, the Zapata Chamber of Commerce announced Friday. The chiropractor is now located at 2002 Freson St. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every day but Friday they are also open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. “At South Texas Family Chiropractic, Dr. Melissa Guerra is focused on providing quality healthcare through Chiropractic with the highest levels of patient satisfaction,” the clinic’s website states. The clinic accepts Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance. They also accept out of network policies with chiropractic coverage. They are currently a participating provider for Medicare, but they will soon be transitioning to non-participating provider status. They do not accept Medicaid. South Texas Family Chiropractic can be reached at 265-8078.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is calling on Texans to remain vigilant regarding potential crime and terrorist activity as the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks approaches. The public should always be aware of their surroundings and are urged to report suspicious behaviors through the state’s iWATCH program (www.iwatchtx.org) or their local authorities. The iWATCH program was created as a partnership between communities and law enforcement, and utilizes citizen-sourced tips related to criminal activity. “This year will be the 15th time that Americans pause on September 11th to honor the family members, friends and colleagues who were taken from this world much too soon on that fateful day, but who live on in our hearts and memories,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “As we prepare to memorialize all who were lost, we must also be mindful that we live in a world where we face an ever-present threat of terrorism and crime. “We want to remind
Texans that they can serve as one of law enforcement’s greatest resources by simply reporting illegal or suspicious behavior to iWATCH or their local authorities – by speaking up, you could save a life.” In addition to recent attacks around the world, terrible crimes and senseless tragedies have also occurred closer to home in recent years, including the ambush on Dallas peace officers this July, which left five officers killed, seven injured and two civilians wounded; the tragic shootings at Fort Hood; and a 2015 shooting incident outside of a conference center in Garland, Texas. Concerned citizens who observe suspicious activity can visit the iWATCH website to fill out a report, which includes contact information and specifics about a particular incident. A report usually takes fewer than five minutes to complete, and once submitted, each report is reviewed by law enforcement analysts. The website also lists a phone number for possible anonymous reports. DPS urges residents who see something unusual to simply speak up.
A3
Zopinion
Letters to the editor Send your signed letter to editorial@lmtonline.com
A4 | Saturday, September 10, 2016 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
Sept. 11 is not over yet By Jay Ambrose TR IB UN E NEWS SE RV ICE
It has been 15 years since 9/11, and yes, the shock has gone along with flag-waving national unity. But no one who was around then can forget that day, and no one who is around now should forget that we are still faced with insanely barbaric terrorists who want as many more such days as they can contrive. The danger has been played down some lately. Secretary of State John Kerry suggested in a speech that news outlets should maybe tone down their reporting of catastrophic killings around the world, and President Barack Obama assures us that the Islamic State will be contained and something else —that we are not faced with an "existential" threat, meaning that our country will not be wiped out. While we don’t want to go around shivering, shaking and thinking up new ways to squeeze relaxation and happiness out of our lives, we do want to be realistic. Thanks to improved intelligence and aggressiveness, we thwarted a number of plots here and quieted things down some for a period, but there have lately been catastrophic killings around the world and there is something else to worry about. That’s bioterrorism. The National Security Council once said a biological attack could conceivably kill hundreds of thousands of people and cost the country $1 trillion. A Blue Ribbon Study Panel late last year said we are likely to be hit and, despite spending tens of billions of dollars on the issue, are not prepared to contain a contagious outbreak. The Islamic State has said it fully intends to come at us with bioweapons. Then there’s terrorsponsoring Iran. It entered into an agreement to delay the production of nuclear weapons and gave up some materials lengthening how long it would take them to create bombs by some months. The Obama administration’s idea was that we were getting friendlier with the Iranians when in fact the nation kidnapped some of our military men, has set off missiles and has screeched what a satanic horror we are at every opportunity. It has lately been learned we paid a $400 million ransom to get hostages back, and yes, it was a ransom. What we are talking
All the above have aided the Islamic State in its vicious emergence and such deeds as sending killers to San Bernardino, Calif., and elsewhere around the world. about here is possibly having nukes in the hands of the terroristic someday, and that has existential implications. Many forces have been at play, but let’s consider an Obama legacy that, on one side includes the skillful use of drones and the assassination of Osama bin Laden, and on the other requires the patience of making a long list. A few of the items: mishandling the Syrian crisis in a half dozen different ways, withdrawing troops from Iraq and the destabilizing of Libya. All the above have aided the Islamic State in its vicious emergence and such deeds as sending killers to San Bernardino, Calif., and elsewhere around the world. The Islamic State must be eliminated from the face of the Earth, but let’s not suppose that would be the end of radical Islamic terror. Some thought getting rid of al-Qaida would do the job, and we have indeed weakened it, but its loss was the Islamic State’s gain. Back in the 1950s, the philosopher Eric Hoffer showed how frustrated young men will often find sacrificial purpose in life by joining violent, hateful, fanatical mass movements. In this case, the movement is radical Islam that manifests itself in a variety of different groups. Those signing up see themselves partaking in a divinely ordained heritage under which they will eventually conquer the world and save it through Sharia law. That includes demolishing the United States. Peaceful Muslims, which is to say, most Muslims, must reach out to these young jihadists and try to convert them to different understandings, and we in the United States should remember what we learned on 9/11, stand together, prepare with more than money and fight back, understanding that it won’t be over in a day. Jay Ambrose is an op-ed columnist for Tribune News Service.
COLUMN
Two women, two wildly different views on abortion By Christine M. Flowers PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS
When you have a certain reputation for being, let’s just say, unambiguously pro-life, people who don’t share your beliefs will be, let’s just say, wary about talking to you. And if, in addition to that, you write a regular column about being prolife, or you host a radio show where you’re not shy about your views, or you appear regularly on television and they stick you in the “anti-abortion” chair in the studio, it’s no surprise that people who think abortion is a legitimate choice and are running for public office will give you a wide berth. And yet, unless we engage with those who have a world view diametrically opposed to our own, we will never fully understand how the other side lives, thinks or otherwise functions in a world where there are no longer any absolutes. So that is what I decided to do. “Catholic Girl,” as I am known to many readers (it’s one of the nicer labels) was aware that Katie McGinty, Pat Toomey’s challenger for one of Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate seats, is pro-choice. A simple look at her endorsements, including Planned Parenthood and Emily’s List, leaves no doubt that the candidate is a strong supporter of abortion rights. She will likely get the endorsement of more groups as the race continues, since the Pennsylvania contest is one of the key battles in the struggle for control of the Senate this year. She is on record for opposing Pennsylvania’s proposed ban on a certain form of lateterm abortion, and celebrated the Supreme Court’s overturning of a Texas law regulating abor-
tion clinics, saying that “I applaud the justices for respecting (a woman’s right to choose), and for seeing through the deceptive tactics used to try and undermine it.” As McGinty said those words, I was writing a column attacking those same justices for “choosing” abortion. In fact, for a brief time, this case was the reason I was going to vote for Donald Trump - out of anger for that blighted Supreme Court. “Was” is the operative word. Despite this philosophical San Andreas Fault between us, McGinty and I have a lot in common. She’s a year younger than I am. She wore a Catholic school uniform in the 1970s, and so did I. She attended a Catholic university, and so did I. She had multiple brothers and sisters, and so did I, although only half the size of her tribe. She’s lost loved ones to cancer, so have I. She’s lost siblings prematurely, so have I. She’s Irish, so am I (much to the dismay of my Italian relatives who just pretend that I Americanized my last name and that the freckles are age spots). And so, I wanted to figure out how we could have turned out so different, when it came to the single most important life issue to me: abortion. The irony is that I agree with McGinty on the sanctity of life outside the womb. I admire her position on gun control, which puts me well to the left of other conservatives. I know she’s adopted foreign-born children, and, as an immigration lawyer, I admire that, too. But this abortion thing is bigger than anything for me. As an educated and engaged Catholic female voter, I wanted to know how she developed her views on the issue, and at what point in our shared path she
turned left and I kept going straight ahead. I reached out to her campaign, and, to be fair to them, it was shortly before my deadline, so I didn’t get a chance to interview her or even get a long written response to my questions. But the point that mattered to me, the one that connects the candidate and this writer by a common thread is our Catholicity. On that, I wanted an answer. Here is the question that I posed to McGinty’s press secretary, with whom I had a feisty, but ultimately respectful conversation earlier this week: “How did you, Secretary McGinty, form your views on abortion rights? You are of the same generation as I am, and we had essentially the same type of Catholic school formation in the 1970s. What influences convinced you that women should have the right to seek an abortion? Do you seen any inconsistency with your religion, and, if so, how do you reconcile those differences?” It’s a hard question to answer in a few sentences, and I’m thinking that an hourlong discussion still wouldn’t be enough to do justice to the nuance in that modern-day trip on the road to Damascus that many people have taken in their spiritual life. Because, make no mistake about it, for someone steeped in Catholic principles and taught from an early age the verse from Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you,” support or opposition for abortion rights is different. It’s not just a simple political position. It’s a game changer, since abortion is the line in the sand for many Catholic faithful. This is the answer her press secretary sent me: “Faith has always been
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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
an extremely important part of Katie’s life, and that has not changed. Her position on choice issues is rooted in the fact that these decisions are extremely difficult, and that women should be able to make these decisions privately, consulting with their doctors and their families.” It’s a fair answer, but far from one that explains how a Catholic school girl who grew up in the same type of home that I did, and had the same experiences that I did, could end up with such a different view of life. That’s because, while faith is a personal thing, it is also a thing of consistency. As Cardinal Joseph Bernardin noted, we Catholics are called to respect the seamless garment of life, and that means from the moment that life exists (and, as a scientist, McGinty should understand at least at some level that the fetus is a form of human life) to the moment of death. I could be attacked for my support of the death penalty on the same basis, but I’m not running for public office. McGinty’s answer to my question talks about privacy. But, to me, we Catholics are part of a village, to use a term from another woman running for office this year, and the decision to end a life is not something that should be moved into a quiet corner, where only the mother gets to make the choice. I respect Katie McGinty for her dedication to other principles that are important to Catholics: a clean and safe environment, protection against gun violence and compassion for immigrants. But this blind spot to the tiniest among us makes me marvel at how two travelers on the same road end up on the farthest ends of the River Jordan.
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, September 10, 2016 |
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NATIONAL
Feds halt work on part of oil pipeline despite court ruling By James MacPherson A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
NEAR THE STANDING ROCK SIOUX RESERVATION, N.D. — The federal government stepped into the fight over the Dakota Access oil pipeline Friday, ordering work to stop on one segment of the project in North Dakota and asking the Texas-based company building it to “voluntarily pause” action on a wider span that an American Indian tribe says holds sacred artifacts. The government’s order came minutes after a judge rejected a request by the Standing Rock Sioux to halt construction of the $3.8 billion, fourstate pipeline. The tribe, whose cause has drawn thousands to join their protest, has challenged the Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to grant permits at more than 200 water crossings for the pipeline. Tribal leaders allege it violates several federal laws and will harm water supplies. The tribe also alleges that ancient sites have been disturbed during construction. The tribe’s chairman, Dave Archambault II, spoke at the North Dakota state Capitol in front of
several hundred people, some carrying signs that read “Respect Our Water” and “Water Is Sacred.” Archambault called the federal announcement “a beautiful start” and told reporters that the dispute is a long way from over. “A public policy win is a lot stronger than a judicial win,” he said. “Our message is heard.” A joint statement from the Army and the Departments of Justice and the Interior said construction bordering or under Lake Oahe would not go forward and asked the Texas-based pipeline builder, Energy Transfer Partners, to stop work 20 miles to the east and west of the lake while the government reconsiders “any of its previous decisions.” The statement also said the case “highlighted the need for a serious discussion” about nationwide reforms “with respect to considering tribes’ views on these types of infrastructure projects.” Energy Transfer Partners officials did not return phone calls or emails from The Associated Press seeking comment. The president of the North Dakota Petroleum
Council said he was disappointed with the government’s decision to intervene and called it “flagrant overreach” that will result in more oil being moved by trucks and trains. The 1,172-mile project will carry nearly a halfmillion barrels of crude oil daily from North Dakota’s oil fields through South Dakota and Iowa to an existing pipeline in Patoka, Illinois. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg in Washington said in denying the tribe’s request for a temporary injunction that the court “does not lightly countenance any depredation of lands that hold significance” to the tribe and that, given the federal government’s history with the tribe, the court scrutinized the permitting process “with particular care.” Nonetheless, the judge wrote, the tribe “has not demonstrated that an injunction is warranted here.” Attorney Jan Hasselman with the environmental group Earthjustice, who filed the lawsuit on the tribe’s behalf, said earlier this week any such decision would be challenged. “We will have to pursue our
Alyssa Schukar / New York Times
Catcher Cuts The Road, an Army veteran, leads a protest march to a sacred burial ground at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota, Friday.
options with an appeal and hope that construction isn’t completed while that (appeal) process is going forward,” he said. Tribal historian LaDonna Brave Bull Allard said Boasberg’s ruling gave her “a great amount of grief. My heart is hurting, but we will continue to stand, and we will look for other legal recourses.” Earlier in the day, thousands of protesters, many from tribes around the country, gathered near the reservation that straddles the North and South Dakota border. “There’s never been a coming together of tribes like this,” according to Judith LeBlanc, a member of the Caddo Nation in Oklahoma and director of the New York-based Native Organizers Alliance. People came from as far as New York and Alaska, some bringing their families and children, and hundreds of tribal flags dotted the camp, along with American flags flown upside-down in protest. The judge’s order was
New report: 3 men tried to stop San Bernardino massacre By Brian Melley and Tami Abdollah A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
LOS ANGELES — An in-depth report of the San Bernardino terror attack released Friday revealed new details about the chaotic massacre, including an effort to stop the shooters and how the husband and wife who carried them out died in a police shootout. It was not clear if any of the three who tried to stop the attack survived the attack, according to the report by the Police Foundation, a policy study group, and the Department of Justice. The report based on interviews with over 200 witnesses, law enforcement officers and others provided a detailed account of the pandemonium that unfolded as the Islamic extremists opened fire at a Dec. 2 meeting of the man’s colleagues and, minutes later, as police first arrived at the scene. Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, killed 14 and wounded 22 in the massacre at a training event and holiday gathering of the San Bernardino County
Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times
Community members attend a candlelight vigil at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino, Calif., on Dec. 3, 2015.
Health Department, where Farook worked as a food inspector. Farook had been present at the meeting, but got up and left, before returning a short time later clad in black, wearing a mask and armed with a semiautomatic rifle. His wife was also wearing black and toting an assault rifle. The first victims encountered by police had been shot outside the Inland Regional Center. One appeared to have been eating lunch at a picnic table and the other was found still holding his cellphone. Colleagues inside a conference room had heard popping sounds, but many didn’t recognize
the sound of gunfire until the doors burst open and they saw a man in black start spraying bullets. People ran in horror, some dove to the floor and others fell from the fusillade. Even then, some weren’t sure what was happening, with one county official taking cover and thinking it was the “most glorified training I had ever seen.” “Probably on the second or third clip, it finally clicked that this wasn’t an exercise,” the official said. The couple calmly reloaded several times over the course of two to three minutes, and appeared to look for signs victims might still be alive, shoot-
ing one or more bullets into those who made a sound or moved. One injured woman asked a colleague “to call her mother and say goodbye for her,” according to a draft of the report obtained by The Associated Press, but not included in the final version because of its graphic nature. The colleague tried to assure her she’d be OK, but the woman replied, “I’m not, I’m bleeding from the mouth” before closing her eyes for good. The report, which was first written about by The New York Times, gives law enforcement high marks for their response, though it also points out areas of confusion or challenges law enforcement faced as they entered a scene of such horrific bloodshed. The carnage was described as looking “like a bomb had gone off.” Smoke from gunpowder filled the room and water poured down from a fire sprinkler struck by gunfire. “It was the worst thing imaginable,” said a patrol officer, who was one of the first four officers to enter the scene.
Trump chief won’t reveal North Korea plan as tensions mount By Steve Peoples and Catherine Lucey A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
WASHINGTON — Hours after North Korea tested new nuclear technology, Donald Trump’s campaign chief refused Friday to outline the Republican presidential nominee’s approach to rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula as both White House contenders increasingly focus on national security. Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway, pressed repeatedly on Trump’s plan, said only,
“He wouldn’t do what’s being done now.” “He’s not going to reveal all of his plans, and he’s made that very clear. And maybe someone can ask him in a debate,” Conway told CBS “This Morning.” ‘’But the fact is that this entire world would be put on notice that there’s a strong leader in the White House.” Trump later suggested that Democrat Hillary Clinton and others are wrong to outline their national security policies because they could help the nation’s enemies. “Maybe we shouldn’t be
so honest when it comes to military strategy,” Trump said in a speech to religious conservatives. Clinton said North Korea’s determination to develop a “deliverable nuclear weapon” represents “a direct threat to the United States.” The former secretary of state, in a statement, called for new sanctions in addition to those endorsed by the Obama administration and adopted earlier in the year with the United Nations. She also said the United States must ensure China applies increasing pressure
on North Korea, and she noted that regional allies such as South Korea and Japan play a critical role in missile defense. North Korea’s latest test was its fifth atomic test, and the second in eight months. South Korean President Park Geun-hye said the detonation, which Seoul estimated was the North’s biggestever in explosive yield, was an act of “fanatic recklessness” and a sign that leader Kim Jong Un “is spiraling out of control.” President Barack Obama condemned the test.
announced over a loudspeaker there. John Nelson of Portland, Oregon, came to the camp to support his grandson, Archambault. The 82-yearold says he was not surprised by the ruling, “but it still hurts.” State authorities announced this week that law enforcement officers from across the state were being mobilized at the protest site, some National Guard members would work security at traffic checkpoints and another 100 would be on standby. The Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association asked the Justice Department to send monitors to the site because it said racial profiling is occurring. Nearly 40 people have been arrested since the protest began in April, including tribal chairman Dave Archambault II. A week ago, protesters and construction workers were injured when, according to tribal officials, workers bulldozed sites on private land that the tribe says in court docu-
ments are “of great historic and cultural significance.” Energy Transfer Partners denied the allegations. The state’s Private Investigation and Security Board received complaints about the use of dogs and will look into whether the private security teams at the site are properly registered and licensed, board attorney Monte Rogneby said Friday, adding that he would not name the firms. On Thursday, North Dakota’s archaeologist said that piece of private land was not previously surveyed by the state would be surveyed next week and that if artifacts are found, pipeline work still could cease. The company plans to complete the pipeline this year, and said in court papers that stopping the project would cost $1.4 billion the first year, mostly due to lost revenue in hauling crude. A status conference in the tribe’s lawsuit is scheduled for Sept. 16.
CDC director: ‘Essentially out of money’ to fight Zika By Andrew Taylor ASSOCIATED PRE SS
WASHINGTON — The head of the government’s fight against the Zika virus said that “we are now essentially out of money” and warned that the country is “about to see a bunch of kids born with microcephaly” in the coming months. Friday’s warning from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Thomas Frieden came as lawmakers start to sort out a stopgap government funding bill that is being targeted to also carry long-delayed money to battle Zika. Zika is spreading more widely in the U.S. and can not only cause microcephaly — in which babies are born with grave brain defects — but other problems that the country will face for decades. And 671 pregnant women in the states and Washington, D.C., have the virus, leading to the birth of 17 babies with microcephaly so far. Frieden said funding delays have slowed longterm studies of the disease and production of new tests for it. “We haven’t been able to get a running start” on a long-term battle against Zika, he said. Frieden added that “we don’t like to see” the use of pesticides such as Friday morning’s spraying of naled, in Miami Beach. But, he said, new technologies for the application of such toxic chemicals are safe for humans. The two localized mosquito-borne outbreaks in Miami are “quite difficult to control,” Frieden said, adding that the type of mosquitoes that spread Zika “are the cockroach of mosquitoes.” President Barack Obama in February requested $1.9 billion to fight Zika, but Republicans controlling Congress acted slowly on the request. A Capitol Hill fight this summer stalled the Zika aid. Republicans attached restrictions on any of the money going to affiliates
of Planned Parenthood in Puerto Rico. Democrats objected and blocked the $1.1 billion measure. In the interim, the administration has shifted about $650 million from other accounts to battle Zika, most of it unused money approved two years ago to fight Ebola. That money is almost gone. Now, negotiations are underway to break the impasse over Zika and add it to the only piece of legislation that has to pass Congress before the election: A stopgap funding bill to avert a government shutdown on Oct. 1. Democrats and the White House have greater leverage now since their approval is needed for the stopgap spending bill, and Republicans are signaling they’ll likely lift the restrictions on delivering contraception, treatment and care through Planned Parenthood, an organization that many Republicans loathe since it is a major provider of abortion. A bipartisan consensus is emerging to fund the government through midDecember, though some House tea party conservatives are opposed and want a longer duration for the measure to avert a lame duck session of Congress. Since the summertime impasse, Zika has spread even more widely, and frustration is mounting from lawmakers representing affected areas. Almost 3,000 people in the continental U.S. have been found to have Zika, and the total is far higher since most people don’t display symptoms. The figures including Puerto Rico and the other territories are much worse. “Look if we don’t, then fire all of us,” said Florida GOP Rep. David Jolly, whose state is bearing the brunt of the disease in the continental U.S. “If we can’t get Zika funding by the end of September then we’re nothing but a bunch of idiots up here.”
Zfrontera THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, September 10, 2016 |
RIBEREÑA EN BREVE FIESTA MEXICANA 1 Se celebrará Gran Fiesta Mexicana en Familia en la Ciudad de Roma el 14 de septiembre, con la presentación de Eliseo Robles y los Bárbaros del Norte. La cita es en Plaza Guadalupe desde las 6 p.m. Evento gratuito y familiar. Si desea adquirir un puesto para venta de antojitos mexicanos contacte a Blanca Ruiz al 956849-1411 o 844-1428. Los espacios son limitados. SOCIEDAD DE GENEALOGÍA 1 La reunión de la Sociedad de Genealogía Nuevo Santander invitan a su reunión el sábado 17 de septiembre de 2 p.m. a 4 p.m. Los conferencistas serán Dr. Javier González, María del Refugrio Ramírez, María del Carmen Carvajal y Luis Lauro González. La cita es en el Museo de Historia del Condado de Zapata.
ESTADOS UNIDOS
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Desacelera crecimiento de hispanos
Continúa búsqueda de director
Aumento apunta a población asiática Por Russell Contreras ASSOCIATED PRE SS
El crecimiento de la población hispana en Estados Unidos —que llegó a ser la de más rápido crecimiento en el país— se desaceleró considerablemente durante los últimos siete años y
cayó detrás de la de los asiático estadounidenses en medio de un declive en la inmigración y la tasa de natalidad de los latinos, reveló un estudio dado a conocer el jueves. Una investigación del Centro Pew de Investigación, que analizó datos de la Oficina del Censo del
Departamento de Comercio, concluyó que la población latina en Estados Unidos creció anualmente un promedio de 2,8% entre 2007 y 2014. Eso es menos que el crecimiento anual de 4,4% de 2000 a 2007, antes de la Gran Recesión. En comparación, la población asiática estadounidense creció aproximadamente 3,4% en promedio anual durante el mismo periodo.
William H. Frey, un demógrafo del Programa de Política Metropolitana de la Institución Brookings, señaló que el menor crecimiento poblacional es en gran medida una consecuencia de la economía. Una desaceleración económica causa que las familias eviten tener más hijos, y desalienta la inmigración en medio de un reforzamiento de la vigilancia en las fronteras, explicó.
UNITED WAY
MILAGROS DEL CIELO
TORNEO DE CAMPEONATO 1 La Cámara de Comercio del Condado de Zapata está invitando al Torneo de Campeonato de la Asociación Sun Country Bass, a realizarse del 25 al 30 de septiembre, el cual se llevará a cabo en Falcon Lake. EXHIBICIÓN DE ÁRBOLES FAMILIARES 1 El Museo de Historia del Condado de Zapata y la Sociedad de Genealogía Nuevo Santander invitan a la exhibición de árboles familiares y cocina en sartenes de hierro fundido el viernes 21 de octubre y sábado 22 de octubre de 10 a.m. a 2 p.m. El evento se llevará a cabo en el Museo de Historia del Condado de Zapata. 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) 7658983. FIRMA DE LIBROS 1 La Dra. Alma González Pérez dictará una conferencia y estará firmando su nuevo libro de poesía en la reunión mensual de la Sociedad de Genealogía Nuevo Santander el sábado 12 de Noviembre en el Museo de Historia del Condado de Zapata. La cita es a las 2 p.m. 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.
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Foto por Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times
La autora del best seller ‘Miracles from Heaven”, Christy Beam fue la oradora invitada el jueves por la tarde en el arranque de la Campaña de United Way 2016 en el San Agustín Ballroom de La Posada Hotel.
Organismo arranca campaña de recaudación Por César G. Rodríguez TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
Los milagros existen. La gente sólo tiene que voltear hacia arriba y ver cómo Dios trabaja en sus vidas, dijo Christy Wilson Beam, autora del libro “Miracles from Heaven: A Little Girl and Her Amazing Story of Healing” (Milagros del cielo: una niña y su increíble historia de sanación), aclamado como un best seller (mejor vendido) por el periódico New York Times. La sanación de su hija, Annabel Beam, inspiró la película del 2016, “Miracles from Heaven”, protagonizada por Jennifer Garner y Queen Latifah. Beam dio un discurso motivacional durante la celebración por el arranque de la Campaña de United Way 2016, realizada el jueves en La Posada Hotel en Laredo. “Esto es lo que necesitábamos, escuchar un mensaje inspirador de alguien que vivió la adversidad y que logró sobreponerse”, dijo Linda C. Teniente, presidenta de la junta directiva para United Way of Laredo. Teniente dijo que United Way espera recaudar 1.6 millones de dólares al 11 de noviembre. El dinero recaudado será distribuido entre 23 organizaciones locales sin fines de lucro. “Vemos nuestra adversidad todos los días y también nos sobreponemos”, dijo. “Como United Way, buscamos el apoyo de la comunidad. Es para el mejoramiento de nuestra comunidad”. Beam alabó a United Way por su trabajo. “Están por lanzar una gran campaña, y tienen una gran meta. Desde mi experiencia, el deseo de mi corazón es animarlos a que puedan alcanzar esa meta”, dijo Beam. “Cuando los tiempos
sean difíciles, cuando se vean batallando o que las cosas los abruman, sólo tienen que voltear hacia arriba y alrededor y verán la mano de Dios. Pequeños milagros. Bendiciones que algunas veces nos pueden dar esperanza e impulsarnos hacia adelante”. Además dijo, “Estoy tan agradecida de ser una pequeña parte de esto. Siento que estas personas son verdaderos ángeles de Dios, sus manos extendidas sobre la tierra para abrazar a la gente y amarla. Él lo está haciendo a través de estas personas de United Way”. Para donar a United Way of Laredo, llame al 956-723-9113 o visite unitedwaylaredo.org. Reacción de Zapata José F. “Paco” Mendoza Jr., President/CEO del Centro de Visitantes y Convenciones de la Cámara de Comercio del Condado de Zapata, estaba entre la audiencia. Mendoza, quien es el comisionado electo del Precinto 1 para el Condado de Zapata, dijo que estaba inspirado y conmovido por el testimonio de Beam. “Su historia era increíble...Escuchar por lo que pasó es simplemente increíble”, dijo. Mendoza también es el presidente de la junta de directores de Boys and Girls Club de Zapata, una agencia participante de United Way. Mendoza dijo que United Way contribuye con el presupuesto global del club. El club proporciona un refugio seguro a cerca de 130 niños en un día en el condado, dijo. “Sin ellos, sería muy difícil para nosotros continuar”, dijo Mendoza. “Estamos muy agradecidos con su apoyo”. Los representantes del
Banco Internacional de Comercio de Zapata también estuvieron presentes en Laredo. “El arranque de la Campaña United Way 2016 fue un completo éxito. IBC Zapata es un orgulloso patrocinador de United Way y su misión de ayudar a la comunidad local”, dijo el funcionario bancario de IBC Bank Eloy A. López Jr., en un comunicado. “La oradora invitada Christy Wilson Beam, autora de “Miracles from Heaven”, dio un discurso inspirador y la admiro por permanecer fuerte en su fe durante los tiempos difíciles que ella y su familia tuvieron que pasar. Todos podemos apredner algo de ella y su sorprendente historia”. Enfermedad repentina Beam tenía una familia activa con sus tres hijas — Annabel, Abbie and Adelynn — y su esposo, Kevin Beam. Participaban en deportes, iban a fiestas y trepaban árboles, entre otras muchas actividades. Beam dijo que su fe era muy sólida ya que se consideraban a sí mismos como asistentes regulares de la iglesia. “Creía en los milagros pero no creía que me pudieran pasar a mí”, dijo Beam. Cuando Annabel tenía 5 años, se enfermó de algo que Beam llamaba “problemas del estómago”. Por años, Annabel necesitó tomar varios medicamentos para aligerar el dolor y tenía que vivir su vida sobre un sillón en una posición fetal, recordó Beam. Más tarde fue diagnosticada con dos desórdenes digestivos que amenazaban su vida: trastorno de movilidad pseudo-obstrucción y trastorno de hipomotilidad antral. No hay cura para estas enfermedades.
Debido a los trastornos, Annabel no podía comer o beber normalmente. Beam recordó haber volado a Boston con su hija para revisiones normales cada cuatro o seis meses por un largo periodo. ‘Solo quiero morir’ Una vez en el hospital, Beam escuchó a su hija lo que quizá ningún padre desea escuchar. “Mami, solo quiero morir e ir al cielo y estar con Jesús, donde no hay dolor”, dijo Beam que su hija le dijo. Beam dijo que nunca cuestionó su fe pero cuestionó a Dios sin saber del milagro que estaba por vivir, recordó. Un día, Annabel y su hermana , Abbie, se subieron a un árbol. Entonces, Annabel cayó 30 pies hacia el hueco del árbol. Ella cayó de cabeza. Les tomó tres horas a los bomberos sacarla del hueco, dijo Beam. “Pensamos que estaba muerta”, recordó Beam. Entonces, un bombero dijo, “¡Está respondiendo! ¡Está respondiendo!”. Los paramédicos dijeron que Annabel lucía extraordinariamente tranquila y calmada. Ella después le dijo a sus padres que había ido al cielo mientras estaba inconsciente dentro del hueco del árbol. “Me senté en el regazo de Jesús”, dijo Annabel, de acuerdo a Beam. Después de la caída, ella milagrosamente sanó de sus enfermedades, dijo Beam. Durante sus tiempos difíciles, Beam dijo que nunca volteó hacia arriba para ver cómo Dios trabajaba alrededor de ella y su familia. “Dios usó la historia de Annabel para decirme, ‘Christy, estoy aquí’”, dijo Beam. “Hay un plan. Ustedes no están solos”.
Quieren líder efectivo Por Judith Rayo TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
La junta de fideicomisarios del Distrito Escolar Independiente de Zapata aprobó la búsqueda de un superintendente después de pausar la búsqueda durante casi ocho meses. Los fideicomisarios nombraron a Robert Hein como superintendente interino en diciembre después de que aceptaran la renuncia de Raúl Nuques. Tras su Hein nombramiento, Hein dejó en claro que serviría como superintendente interino durante uno o dos años. El abogado Juan Cruz dijo que Hein ha hecho un trabajo fantástico con el distrito escolar. “Él ha contribuido significantivamente a la estabilidad y al liderazgo en su pueblo natal”, él dijo. “Desafortunadamente, él quiere seguir adelante”. Hein trabajó como consultor para el distrito y como director de preparatoria durante ocho años. Cruz dijo que los fideicomisarios están buscando un líder efectivo en las escuelas públicas de Texas que pueda trabajar con estudiantes, personal y padres de familia de manera proactiva y sensitiva. La fecha límite para solicitar la posición es el 7 de noviembre.
TAMAULIPAS
Aseguran armas en Mier Sospechosos huyen E SPECIAL PARA TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
CD. VICTORIA, Tamaulipas – El Grupo de Coordinación Tamaulipas informa que el jueves 8 de septiembre, policías estatales de Fuerza Tamaulipas aseguraron una camioneta con armas en el municipio de Mier. El aseguramiento se derivó tras atender una denuncia anónima ciudadana que reportaba la presencia de individuos armados en la calle Iturbide, entre América y Colón, en la zona centro de ese municipio. Al llegar al lugar, los presuntos sospechosos se dieron a la fuga a pie al notar la presencia de los elementos de Fuerza Tamaulipas, dejando abandonada una camioneta pick up Ford Lobo color azul, en la que se encontraron seis armas largas de tipo militar. El vehículo y el armamento fueron puestos a disposición de la Agencia del Ministerio Público Federal para las averiguaciones correspondientes.
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THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, September 10, 2016 |
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BUSINESS
Cuba says Obama’s easing of embargo hasn’t helped economy By Michael Weissenstein A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
HAVANA — President Barack Obama’s easing of the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba has had virtually no positive effect on the island’s economy, Cuba’s top diplomat asserted Friday. Presenting Cuba’s annual report ahead of a U.N. vote on condemning the embargo, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said the sanctions cost his country $4.6
billion last year. The total cost of the 55-year-old embargo now stands at $125.9 billion, he added. The presentation of Cuba’s update on the embargo is an annual ritual driving home to a mostly domestic audience Havana’s message that U.S. sanctions are to blame for most of the country’s problems. The report contains a detailed accounting of both specific damage from the embargo, such as U.S. government fines on Cuba’s business partners,
and scenarios in which Cuba faults the U.S. for the loss of hypothetical business. For example the report estimates that Cuba could sell 2.5 million cases of Havana Club rum in the United States each year and factors in that theoretical lost revenue, $105 million, to the total damages in the report. Rodriguez praised Obama for allowing easier U.S. travel to Cuba, permitting commercial flights and attempting to
ease financial transactions with Cuba, among other measures. However, he said, “there’s been no fundamental change in the application of the blockade, and because of that, I can say, there hasn’t been a greater economic impact of the executive actions until now and there won’t be until we see bigger steps.” Rodriguez acknowledged the problems of Cuba’s centrally controlled economy, which is struggling to increase
Facebook allows postings of ‘napalm girl’ photo after debate By Jan M. Olsen A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Facebook on Friday reversed its decision to remove postings of an iconic 1972 image of a naked, screaming girl running from a napalm attack in Vietnam, after a Norwegian revolt against the tech giant. Protests in Norway started last month after Facebook deleted the Pulitzer Prize-winning image by Associated Press photographer Nick Ut from a Norwegian author’s page, saying it violated its rules on nudity. The revolt escalated on Friday when Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg posted the image on her profile and Facebook deleted that too. Initially, it stood by the decision, saying it was difficult to create a distinction between allowing a photograph of a nude child in one instance and not others. But late Friday it said it would allow sharing of the photo. “In this case, we recognize the history and global importance of this image in documenting a particular moment in time,” Facebook said in a statement. “Because of its status as an iconic image of historical importance, the value of permitting sharing outweighs the value of protecting the community by removal, so we have decided to reinstate the image on Facebook where we are aware it has been removed.” Politicians of all stripes, journalists and regular
Nick Ut / AP file
This is a June 8, 1972 file photo of South Vietnamese forces following after terrified children, including 9-year-old Kim Phuc, center, as they run down Route 1 near Trang Bang after an aerial napalm attack on suspected Viet Cong hiding places.
Norwegians had backed Solberg’s decision to share the image. The prime minister told Norwegian broadcaster NRK she was pleased with Facebook’s change of heart and that it shows social media users’ opinions matter. “To speak up and say we want change, it matters and it works. And that makes me happy,” she said. The image shows screaming children running from a burning Vietnamese village. The little girl in in the center of the frame, Kim Phuc, is naked and crying as the napalm melts away layers of her skin. “Today, pictures are such an important element in making an impression, that if you edit past events or people, you change history and you change reality,” Solberg told the AP earlier Friday,
adding it was the first time one of her Facebook posts was deleted. Solberg later reposted the image with a black box covering the girl from the thighs up. She also posted other iconic photos of historic events, such as the man standing in front of a tank in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in 1989, with black boxes covering the protagonists. Like its Scandinavian neighbors, Norway takes pride in its freedom of speech. It’s also a largely secular nation with relaxed attitudes about nudity. Several members of the Norwegian government followed Solberg’s lead and posted the photo on their Facebook pages. One of them, Education Minister Torbjorn Roe Isaksen, said it was “an iconic photo, part of our history.” Many of the posts were deleted but Isaksen’s was
still up Friday afternoon. The photo was also left untouched on a number of Facebook accounts, including the AP’s. It would be physically impossible for the company to comb through the hundreds of millions of photos posted each day so it relies on user reports and algorithms to weed out pictures that go against its terms of service. Photos are often automatically removed if enough people report them. Facebook usually does not proactively remove photos, with some exceptions, such as child pornography. Because of this, what photos are and aren’t removed can sometimes be inconsistent, and sometimes leads to Facebook reinstating the photos after removing them. Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten published the photo on its front page Friday and also wrote an open letter to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in which chief editor Espen Egil Hansen accused the social media giant of abusing its power. Hansen said he was “upset, disappointed — well, in fact even afraid — of what you are about to do to a mainstay of our democratic society.” The uproar also spread outside of Norway, with the head of Denmark’s journalism union urging people to share Hansen’s open letter. Facebook’s statement said it will adjust its review mechanisms to permit sharing of the image going forward.
productivity in the face of an outdated and inefficient bureaucracy and low state salaries that lead many employees to steal from their workplaces or accept small bribes in order to get by. “No one’s ignoring or aims to hide our problems, our limitations, our mistakes,” he said. “But neither can we diminish the impact of the blockade.” The United Nations votes next month on an annual resolution on condemning the embargo
that usually passes with overwhelming support. Last year the United States considered abstaining for the first time, before voting against it. As reporters were leaving Rodriguez’s press conference at the Cuban Foreign Ministry, U.S. Charge d’Affaires Jeffrey DeLaurentis’ car was seen dropping him off. U.S. and Cuban diplomats have begun meeting frequently on a wide array of topics since the declaration of detente on Dec. 17, 2014.
Air travelers on Samsung phone honor system after fires By David Koenig and Scott Mayerowitz ASSOCIATED PRE SS
If you travel with a Samsung Note 7, you’re likely on the honor system when deciding whether to use or charge the device during a flight. The Federal Aviation Administration says that because of concern about fires involving the new smartphone, it “strongly advises” airline passengers not to use or charge one or stow one in checked baggage. It is very unusual for the FAA to warn passengers about a specific branded product. And on Friday, the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission urged owners of the phone to turn them off and leave them off. The agency said it was working with Samsung to launch an official recall as soon as possible. Samsung announced a voluntary recall of the device last week. The three biggest U.S. airlines — American, Delta and United — said Friday that flight attendants will remind passengers of the FAA warning, but it was unclear how they would make sure that passengers keep the Samsung devices powered off. Jeffrey Price, who wrote a book on aviation security, said flight attendants will have to patrol the aisles for scofflaws, and they might get help from people who turn in fellow passengers.
Ahn Young-joon / AP file
In this Aug. 11 file photo, models hold Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones during a launch event at the company's headquarters in Seoul, South Korea.
“I think they are going to have a hard time enforcing this one,” he said. “Hopefully Samsung will make the appropriate fixes so their phones quit having issues sooner than later.” The FAA said it can’t prohibit the devices until the product-safety commission issues a recall. A spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration declined to say whether screeners would look for the devices either in carry-on or checked bags. “Unless it is a strictly prohibited item, there’s not much that the TSA can do,” said Todd Curtis, director of an air-safety foundation. He said the airlines could act on their own to bar the phones, as they did last year with hoverboards. Singapore Airlines said that it prohibited the use or charging of the Galaxy.
A10 | Saturday, September 10, 2016 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, September 10, 2016 |
A11
FROM THE COVER MIRACLES From page A1 day and we overcome it too,” she said. “As United Way, we look for community support. It’s for the betterment of our community.” Beam praised United Way for its work. “They are about to launch such a large campaign, and they have such a great goal. From my experience, my heart’s desire was to encourage them that they can meet that goal,” Beam said. “When times get hard, when they find themselves struggling or things seem overwhelming, they just have to look up and look around and they’ll start seeing God’s hand. Small miracles. Blessings that sometimes can give you hope and propel you forward.” She further stated, “I am so grateful to be a small part of it. I feel like these people are truly
BILLS From page A1 “We’re very worried,” said Lynda Ender, a program director at Senior Source, a nonprofit that provides services to elderly folks in Dallas. “We expect to have a flood of calls.” About 700,000 households relied on the program in 2015, according to the Public Utility Commission, with state subsidies reducing their electric bills from 25 percent to 31 percent. The commission instructed electric providers to notify customers of the program’s demise — by mailing fliers along with utility bills. But Ender and other advocates wor-
through. We can all learn something from her and her amazing story.”
Zapatans react Jose F. “Paco” Mendoza Jr., president and CEO of the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitor Center, was among the Zapatans who heard Beam speak. Mendoza, who is also the Zapata County Pct. 1 commissioner-elect, said he was inspired and touched by Beam’s testimony. “Her story was incredible … Hearing what she went through is just incredible,” he said. Mendoza also serves as the president of the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Zapata, a participating agency of
Sudden illness Beam had an active family with her three daughters — Annabel, Abbie and Adelynn — and her husband, Kevin Beam. They were involved in sports, went to parties and climbed trees, among many other activities. Beam said their faith was strong as they considered themselves active church-goers who attended many functions. “I believed in miracles but I didn’t believe it could happen to me,” Beam said. When Annabel was 5, she got sick with what Beam called “tummy troubles.” For years, Annabel needed to take several medications to ease the pain and had to live her life on a couch in a fetal position, Beam recalled. She was later diagnosed with two rare life-threat-
‘I just want to die’ One time at the hospital, Beam heard from her daughter what perhaps no parent ever wants to hear. “Mommy, I just want to die and go to heaven and be with Jesus, where there’s no pain,” Beam said her daughter told her. Beam said she never questioned her faith but did have questions for God not knowing the miracle she was about to experience, she recalled. One day, Annabel and her sister, Abbie, climbed a tree. Annabel then plunged 30 feet to the
ry that some former beneficiaries will still be caught off guard. “People that do need assistance from time to time – sadly they’re in a reaction mode,” she said. “They don’t have the luxury of planning ahead.” Lawmakers created the program, funded by electric ratepayers across Texas, in 1999 to help poor Texans pay their utility bills in the state’s newly deregulated electricity market. Texans who were eligible for food stamps or Medicaid qualified for the program. The discount did not apply to people living in noncompetitive Texas electric markets, like Austin and San Antonio, or customers not
served by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. But some utilities offer their own help for qualifying ratepayers. The program doled out hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance, even as lawmakers occasionally tapped its funding source — called the System Benefit Fund — to prop up the state’s budget. In 2013, Rep. Sylvester Turner, a Democrat who is now Houston’s mayor, led an effort to force lawmakers to use the money as it was intended. He succeeded, though lawmakers also ended the surcharge of 65 cents per megawatt-hour that fueled the fund, which reached more than $800 million in 2013.
With roughly $350 million left over during the 2015 session, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill that extended the program’s life until the fund was tapped. Analysis of that legislation suggested the discounts could continue through August of 2017. But the bill gave the Public Utility Commission broad latitude to set the discounts, and regulators chose to drain the fund this year — spending as much on discounts as possible without going into the red. “We scaled the discount, keeping roughly in line what it had been previously,” said spokesman Mike Hoke. "It’s kind of a Price is Right rule.”
A small sum remaining in the account will rollover into the state’s general revenue, he added. Ender said her group is starting to get calls from concerned clients as “word is spreading through the grapevine." She expects to get plenty more as folks start seeing bills without the discount. Carol Biedrzycki, director of the Texas Ratepayers Organization to Save Energy, said she was saddened that no lawmaker is trying to resurrect the program or championing its cause. “This program worked really well,” she said. “It’s very disappointing to me that no one has recognized this as an issue and stepped forward.” As the program ends,
LATINO From page A1 Counties in the South continued to account for the largest share of the nation’s Hispanic population growth — 43 percent between 2007 and 2014. Among the other fastest-growing counties for Latinos were Luzerne County in Pennsylvania, Beadle County in South Dakota, Duchesne County in Utah and Burleigh County in North Dakota. “Latinos are coming to Utah because the government here is doing a lot to create jobs,” said Rogelio Franco of Entre Latinos, a Salt Lake City, Utah advocacy group that works to integrate Hispanics into the state. Entre Latinos was not affiliated with the study. Franco said he thinks the declining birth rate is a result of Latino millennials holding off on having children while pursuing their education. “They are planning more,”
ARTIFACTS From page A1
Now, 15 years later, this van from a government agency motor pool likely sheltered in a garage beneath the complex, is the last artifact without a resting place. When the van is claimed it will fulfill a pledge that, to move beyond 9/11 without losing sight of it, New York would share relics of that terror, along with the tales of sacrifice and fear that come with them. The decision to give away pieces of wreckage has been praised and criticized over the years. But its impact is undeniable. More than 2,600 artifacts have gone to 1,585 fire and police departments, schools and museums, and other nonprofit organizations in every state and at least eight other countries. “They are the relics of the destruction and they have the same power in the same way as medieval relics that have the
ening digestive disorders: pseudo-obstruction motility disorder and antral hypomotility disorder. There is no cure for the illnesses. Because of the disorders, Annabel could not eat or drink normally. Beam recalled flying to Boston with her daughter for medical checkups every four to six months for a long period of time.
United Way. Mendoza said United Way contributes to the overall budget of the club. The club provides a safe haven for about 130 children a day in the county, he said. “Without (United Way), it would be hard for us to continue,” Mendoza said. “We’re very appreciative of their support.” Representatives of International Bank of Commerce Zapata were also present in Laredo. “The 2016 United Way kickoff was a complete success. IBC Zapata is a proud supporter of United Way and their mission of helping the local community,” said IBC Bank officer Eloy A. Lopez Jr. in a statement. “The keynote speaker Christy Wilson Beam, author of ‘Miracles from Heaven,’ was incredibly inspiring to hear and I admire her for remaining strong in her faith through the struggles that her and her family went
God’s angels, his hands extended on Earth to wrap his arms around people and love them. He’s doing it through these people from United Way.” To donate to United Way of Laredo, call 956723-9113 or visit unitedwaylaredo.org.
The growth in North Dakota’s statewide Latino population nearly doubled to 18,000, making it the state with the highest Hispanic growth rate over seven years. Though small in numbers compared to states like California and Texas, the rise in Latino residents has put pressures on local governments and nonprofits to accommodate the new residents. Franco said. “They are focusing on other things.” The growth in North Dakota’s statewide Latino population nearly doubled to 18,000, making it the state with the highest Hispanic growth rate over seven years. Though small in numbers compared to states like California and Texas, the rise in Latino residents has put pressures on local governments and nonprofits to accommodate the new residents. For example, in 2014 Catholic nuns from Mexico were sent to North Dakota to help serve new
power of the saints,” said Harriet Senie, author of “Memorials to Shattered Myths: Vietnam to 9/11.” After the attacks, it wasn’t at all clear what would happen to the wreckage. The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, the Trade Center’s owner, dispatched an architect to comb the site, saving a fraction of the material, which was sent to JFK’s empty Hangar 17. A judge determined the artifacts could be donated to those who promised to care for them. But where to begin? “It was piles and piles, probably my height or higher, of steel beams,” says Amy Passiak, the archivist hired to catalog the artifacts, recalling the first time she walked into the hangar in 2010. Passiak, a high school senior in Michigan at the time of the attacks, had been working as an intern at New York’s 9/11 museum, but says she was still unprepared for the scene. “I remember going
Hispanic parishioners in that state. North Dakota had experienced an oil boom until recently, attracting workers from around the country. It remains one of the least diverse states in the country. “Latino population growth has become less concentrated in counties with historically large Latino populations and whose Latino population grew by at least 10,000,” the study’s authors wrote. Though the growth has slowed in the last seven years,
home that day and just being exhausted, just from being there a few hours, just being emotionally exhausted and not being able to comprehend the amount of work that was going to go into the process.” As word spread that the Port Authority was giving the material away, requests poured in. Through August, it had distributed 2,629 artifacts. Many went to fire departments, local governments and organizations in the New York area with direct ties to those who perished. “That’s where the DNA is,” said John Hodge of the Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation, named for his cousin, a New York firefighter killed on 9/11. In late July, the foundation claimed an elevator motor from the Trade Center, a piece of the parking structure, and a portion of a broadcast antenna that crowned the complex. “Neither my cousin or anybody else from Squad
the Latino population in the South has exploded when examined over 14 years. From 2000 to 2014, Latino populations in Tennessee and South Carolina, for example, nearly tripled. North Carolina also saw its population spike 136 percent since 2000, the report said. Mauricio Castro, an organizer with the North Carolina Congress of Latino Organizations, said Latino immigrants coming to the region tend to work in the construction or service industry. Still, between 2007 and 2014, nearly 40 counties experienced declines in the percentage of Latinos. Most of those counties were in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas — states with traditionally large Hispanic populations. Frey said once the U.S. economy starts picking up, he expects to see a return of higher rates of immigration and increase births. “This is not the end of Latino growth in the United States by any means,” Frey said.
1 was ever found, but it’s in that steel,” Hodge said. But for many of the people and groups that adopted artifacts, the loss was more abstract. Heath Satow, a sculptor in southern California hired to design a 9/11 memorial for the plaza fronting Rosemead’s city offices, recalls awkwardly scanning a digital catalog showing beams available from the Trade Center. But hundreds of hours creating the memorial — a 10-foot beam cradled by hands of chrome, the palms and fingers formed from 2,976 interlocking birds representing individual victims — left a deep impression. “Every individual was attended to,” said Satow, his voice breaking. “I just was totally unprepared for it. But when you spend all that time seeing it as individuals it will just wreck you.” At Flour Bluff Junior High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, students from an officer training program stand guard
each September alongside Trade Center steel displayed near the cafeteria. Bruce Chaney, the naval science instructor who applied for the artifacts, brings another, smaller piece to his classes. The artifact is “twisted and somewhat burned. It’s not pretty. I’m hoping it will make them think as they’re growing up, that they have to pay attention to their past,” Chaney said. But 15 years after September 11, memories of the attacks are set against continued fears of terrorism. “We just don’t know where the events of 9/11 have led us,” said Rick Sluder, fire chief in Wauseon, Ohio, which obtained a Trade Center beam and, together with neighboring departments, built a memorial at the Fulton County Fairgrounds. “A lot of people are looking at this as, is this the point of downfall or the point at which we rose above the rest, the
ground after falling into the hollow tree. She landed head first. It took three hours for firefighters to get her out of the tree, Beam said. “We thought she was dead,” Beam recalled. Then, a firefighter said, “She’s responding! She’s responding!” First responders said Annabel seemed unusually peaceful and calm. She later told her parents she went to heaven while she was unconscious inside the tree. “I sat in Jesus’ lap,” Annabel said, according to Beam. Following that fall, she was miraculously healed from her rare diseases, Beam said. During the struggle, Beam said she never looked up to see how God worked around her and her family. “God used Annabel’s story to tell me, ‘Christy, I’m here,’” Beam said. “There’s a plan. You’re not alone.”
so will the relationship between the Public Utility Commission and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, which had determined eligibility for the discounts. That has prompted questions at the utility commission about how it will keep its list of lowincome Texans up to date. The agency needs that data to determine who can get other privileges: waivers for late fees and the ability to pay deposits in installments, for instance. The commissioners have asked the legislature for guidance. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune.
ZCISD From page A1 nation of Raul Nuques. Upon his appointment, Hein made it clear he would serve as interim superintendent for a year or two. Attorney Juan Cruz said Hein has done a fantastic job with the school district. “He has contributed significant stability, leadership and loyalty to his hometown,” he said. “Unfortunately, he wants to move on.” Hein served as a consultant for the district and as a high school principal for eight years. Cruz said trustees are looking for an effective leader in Texas public schools that can work with students, staff and parents in a proactive and sensitive manner. The deadline to apply for the position is Nov. 7.
point of resiliency?” Sluder said. By early this year, there was little left at Hangar 17, Passiak said. Items like police cruisers, whose purpose that day were clear, found takers. But unmarked vehicles, anonymous but for their place in the wreckage, were initially passed over. When the Port Authority shuttered the artifact program in August, officials moved the only remaining artifact — a white Dodge Caravan — to the tarmac. It, too, is likely to go soon, to a group officials will not identify until its application has been approved. Passiak, who recently moved to Michigan to start a job at an art museum, said some day she’d like to take a road trip, stopping to see where the artifacts have found homes. It will not matter that they are far from lower Manhattan. The memories they hold, she is certain, will not soon fade.
A12 | Saturday, September 10, 2016 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
Sports&Outdoors THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, September 10, 2016 |
NCAA FOOTBALL: NO. 11 TEXAS LONGHORNS VS. UTEP MINERS
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UFC 203
Texas moves on after OT win ‘Horns look to be steady vs. UTEP By Jim Vertuno A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas started the season with a stunner. The Longhorns unveiled their new offense, found their quarterback(s) and eased some of the pressure on coach Charlie Strong. They also leaped back into the Top 25 for the first time in three years following the overtime win against Notre Dame. The No. 11 Longhorns (1-0) want to keep that momentum going at home Saturday night against UTEP (1-0) when a stumble would be a disaster. “One game does not make a season,” said Texas continues on B2
WWE file
Former WWE champion CM Punk enters the world of UFC on Saturday night fighting Mickey Gall at UFC 203.
Gabriel Lopez / Associated Press
Texas quarterback Tyrone Swoopes and the Longhorns won a back-and-forth 50-47 game against Notre Dame Sunday night and square off with UTEP on Saturday.
CM Punk making debut in UFC 203 By Tom Withers
NCAA FOOTBALL: NO. 23 BAYLOR BEARS VS. SMU MUSTANGS
ASSOCIATED PRE SS
IMPROVED SMU FACES CHALLENGE AT BAYLOR down underdogs. Baylor is down to about 70 scholarship players, but still has plenty of talent on offense. Senior quarterback Seth Russell , who played only seven games last season before a neck injury, returned to throw for 163 yards and four touchdowns in less than a half in the opening 55-7 win over FCS team Northwestern State. That was the most points ever scored in a game for Baylor acting head coach Jim Grobe, who is in his 20th season as a head coach. He previously spent 13 seasons at Wake Forest and six at Ohio before taking over the Bears in the wake of the offseason turmoil that led the departure of Art Briles. “I thought our kids had fun. I thought they were excited to be out there,” Grobe said. “I didn’t see a lot of selfishness. ... Our guys were focused on the
CLEVELAND — One show, one match at a time, CM Punk climbed to the top of pro wrestling, acquiring unimagined fame and fortune along the way. It wasn’t enough. He needed more, a challenge to satisfy his inner drive. A dream. “And now,” he said, “here I am.” On the verge of stepping into the UFC’s octagon, an arena where some say he doesn’t belong. One of WWE’s biggest stars before leaving the squared circle two years ago, Punk makes his long-awaited debut as an MMA fighter on Saturday night in UFC 203, where he won’t be in the main event but where he’s the top draw and greatest curiosity. When he takes center stage a month shy of his 38th birthday, Punk, who was born Phil Brooks, will complete a two-year journey that began on Jan. 27, 2014, when he informed WWE chairman Vince McMahon that he was done with wrestling. That conversation took place in Quicken Loans Arena, where Punk’s first foray in mixed martial arts will be witnessed by more than 20,000 fans and a payper-view audience interested in his unique story. The symmetry is not lost on Punk, who has
Baylor-SMU continues on B2
Punk continues on B2
Talented Bears host young Mustangs ASSOCIATED PRE SS
Ronald Martinez / Getty Images
KD Cannon, front, and Sam Tecklenburg celebrate a touchdown as Baylor won 55-7 over Northwestern State last week. The No. 23 Bears will host SMU on Saturday, as the Mustangs look to equal last year’s win total with an upset.
WACO, Texas — SMU coach Chad Morris believes his team is already better than at any point in his first season with the Mustangs. Now they get a big challenge at 23rd-ranked Baylor. “Just building the program and changing the culture,” Morris said. “It was great to get the first win underneath us. I knew we were better coming into this season. I didn’t know how much better. But I definitely feel like we’ve improved in a lot of areas, defense being the main one.” After going 2-10 last year, SMU opened this season with a 34-21 win at North Texas, the first time since 2009 to be 1-0. The young Mustangs, who have already played 31 of Morris’ 47 signees, go into Saturday’s matchup of former Southwest Conference rivals and against a Top 25 team as more than four-touch-
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
NFL: Newton did not need to leave game after hit By Steve Reed ASSOCIATED PRE SS
Joe Mahoney / Associated Press
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton suffered multiple hits to his head in Carolina’s 21-20 loss at Denver Thursday night to begin the NFL season.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The NFL said medical officials determined reigning league MVP Cam Newton didn’t need to leave Thursday night’s game against the Denver Broncos despite taking a helmet-to-helmet hit on Carolina’s final series. Newton remained in the game after the hit from Denver’s Darian Stewart and led the Pan-
thers into field goal range, but Graham Gano missed a 50-yard attempt in Denver’s 21-20 victory. The NFL released a statement Friday morning saying there was communication between medical personnel on the Carolina sideline, including the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant, and the two independent certified athletic trainer spotters in the booth. The release also stated that during stoppage in
action the play was reviewed and medical officials determined “there were no indications of a concussion that would require further evaluation and the removal of the player from the game.” Newton took four helmet-to-helmet hits during the physical Super Bowl rematch, including two in which Stewart and linebacker Brandon Marshall left their feet, appearing to launch themselves at NFL continues on B2
B2 | Saturday, September 10, 2016 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
SPORTS TEXAS From page B1 Strong, who is in a pivotal year after consecutive losing season. “We know that we’re still rebuilding.” But one game can sure give a team a boost. Freshman quarterback Shane Buechele and his senior backup Tyrone Swoopes delivered the biggest plays and answered the biggest question heading into this season. Buechele passed for two touchdowns and ran for another against
Notre Dame and Swoopes ran for three touchdowns, including the winning score in overtime. The Miners will be trying to spoil all this fun, but it will take a pretty big punch up in class to do it. And UTEP will be starting backup quarterback Kavika Johnson. Regular starter Zach Greenlee strained a knee ligament in a 38-22 season-opening win over New Mexico State. “I’ll be honest, we’ll probably have to play a perfect game for us to beat this team,” UTEP coach Sean Kugler said.
“There’s not a single kid in our program that even probably got a recruiting letter from the University of Texas.” Some things to look for when the Longhorns and Miners kick off Saturday night: DYNAMIC DUO The Miners have quite a pair in twin brothers Aaron and Alvin Jones. Aaron is the nation’s leading rusher with 249 yards in the first game against New Mexico State. It was an impressive return after missing most of 2015 with an in-
jury. Alvin is a starting linebacker and had 12 tackles in the first game. He led the Miners with 93 tackles and 6 1⁄2 sacks last season. TEXAS QUARTERBACKS Buechele and Swoopes got Texas fans excited about the potential of coordinator Sterlin Gilbert’s offense with their 1-2 punch of passing and running. Look for of the same with Buechele throwing deep and Swoopes running the “18-Wheeler” package as a change of pace.
Swoopes, a former starter, had been harshly criticized by Texas fans over the past two season. He said he won’t get back on social media to see what people are saying about him now. “I know just as fast everybody can lift me up, they can put you back down,” Swoopes said. MINER ADJUSTMENTS Aaron Jones is the catalyst in the offense but the loss of Greenlee could have a huge impact if limits the Miners’ ability to keep the Longhorns
from packing the line of scrimmage. Johnson took a few snaps last week in a wildcat formation, rushing for 15 yards with one incomplete pass. He also caught two passes for 26 yards. TEXAS DEPTH The Longhorns played 10 freshmen in their season and the number could go higher this week as Strong continues to try to build depth before the Big 12 portion of the schedule. Texas has 25 sophomores and freshmen on their two-deep depth chart.
Jack Dempsey / Associated Press
Denver’s Darian Stewart hit QB Cam Newton in the head Thursday night. In a Super Bowl rematch, the Broncos won 21-20 in their home opener.
NFL From page B1 Ronald Martinez / Getty Images
Baylor QB Seth Russell returned last week after a season-ending neck injury in 2015 and threw for 163 yards and four touchdowns in less than a half.
BAYLOR-SMU From page B1 team.” Some other things to know about the SWC reunion, which also includes Baylor defensive coordinator Phil Bennett facing the team for which he went 18-51 as head coach from 200207. SHOCK THE RECORD While Baylor has become known for its big passing numbers, senior running back Shock Linwood is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and goes into Saturday only 107 yards shy of becoming the school’s career rushing leader. Walter Abercrombie’s record of 3,665 yards has stood for
35 years. Linwood had nine carries for 97 yards playing only in the first half of the opener. SMU SIGNAL CALLERS Senior quarterback Matt Davis started the SMU opener at North Texas, and threw for 155 yards with two touchdowns before getting hurt in the third quarter. Redshirt freshman Ben Hicks had already gotten a few snaps before then, including an 88-yard TD pass, and finished 5-of-9 for 145 yards. “Ben is a guy that we think really high of,” Morris said. “He doesn’t move as well as Matt as we all know, but he can definitely make some plays with
his arm and his feet. If he’s the guy, then he’ll be ready to go. If it’s Matt, he’ll be ready.” ALL OF A SUTTON SMU sophomore Courtland Sutton had four catches at North Texas for 162 yards and three touchdowns. Sutton’s scores included an 88-yard catch-and-run and a 46-yarder on a third-and-45 play. As a freshman last season, Sutton led the Mustangs with 49 catches for 862 yards and nine touchdowns, the first coming against Baylor. BAYLOR BACKUP When Jarrett Stidham decided to leave Baylor this summer, true freshman Zach Smith became senior Seth Russell’s backup. Smith, who went through spring drills after graduating high
school early, got to play in the season opener and completed 5 of 7 passes for 60 yards with at a touchdown. While Grobe wishes the Bears had gotten Smith a few more snaps, the coach said he feels “much better about having him back up Seth right now after watching him.” TWO-TIMERS SMU was the first opponent when Baylor opened its new campus stadium along the banks of the Brazos River two years ago. Baylor won that 2014 season opener 45-0. But the Mustangs aren’t the first two-time visitor to McLane Stadium. Baylor opened this season with a 55-7 win over Northwestern State, the FCS team the Bears beat 70-6 in the second week of the 2014 season.
Newton. In both situations, the hits ended with helmet-to-helmet contact. The NFL determined Marshall should have been flagged for his hit on Newton, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. Dean Blandino, the league’s senior vice president of officiating, and his staff reviewed the play and determined on Friday that Marshall should’ve been flagged for delivering a hit to Newton’s head after the quarterback had released the football, The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the NFL did not publicly comment on the details of its review. Both Marshall and Stewart could face fines. The hit the league referenced in its release Friday occurred with 36 seconds left in the game was by Stewart. On second-and-10 from the Carolina 47, Newton
PUNK From page B1 spent grueling hours training for his bout with 24-year-old Mickey Gall. Just as he was in his days as a brash, do-whateverit-takes-to-win wrestler, Punk is certain he’ll come out victorious. “I belong here and my team belongs here,” he said earlier this week. “I’m confident in my preparation. To me, it’s never too late to start something. If you think otherwise, I’m sorry your dreams are so small.” Punk’s fight with Gall will precede a heavyweight title matchup between champion — and Cleveland native — Stipe Miocic, who will take on Alistair Overeem, one of the division’s top-ranked contenders. Also Fabricio Werdum, knocked out in the first round by Miocic in May, will take on Travis Browne in a rematch. While former pro wrestler Brock Lesnar successfully transitioned from wrestling to MMA, he didn’t attempt it as deep into his athletic career as Punk, who says the pace of UFC training is more conducive to family life after years on the road performing in arenas around the world. He has spent the past
Craig Ambrosio / WWE file
CM Punk was a seven-time world champion in professional wrestling. He now heads to Cleveland for UFC 203, the same city he told WWE chairman Vince McMahon he would be leaving the company two years prior.
12 months in Milwaukee, working with Duke Roufus and others at the Roufusport Martial Arts Academy. “You have good days, you have bad days. You have frustrating days. You have breakthroughs. You turn corners. You make friends. You are with your team. Your team is your family,” he said. “No matter how
frustrating or how bad a day got, it’s still awesome I’m enjoying all of this. You’ve got to be a sick individual to enjoy some of the gnarlier aspects of the training, but this has been amazing.” Unlike the scripted WWE, where outcomes are decided long before wrestlers lock arms, nothing is planned inside the UFC’s caged, eight-
sided playpen. Punk has prepared himself as best he can for the “chaos” that takes place, but acknowledges there are some unknowns. He’s lost more than 20 pounds from his wrestling days, but feels more than adequately adept in his new sport. “I use the correlation of you know how to drive an automatic car and
now you’re learning how to drive a stick shift,” Punk said in comparing the athletic adjustment he’s made. “If you think too much about it, you’re not going to be able to do it, but if you learn and you practice and you drill and you’re serious about it, you can drive it and then it becomes second nature. You’re still driving a car.”
rolled out to his left and released a pass into the flat as he was being tackled and linebacker Shaquil Barrett draped around his ankles. As Newton released the ball and was going down, Stewart hit him in the head with the crown of his helmet. The quarterback remained on the ground for several seconds while tight end Greg Olsen and other teammates attended to him as officials sorted out the flags on the field. Newton got to his feet and stayed in the game. There were offsetting penalties on the play: Newton was charged for intentional grounding and Stewart for roughing the passer. Newton played four more snaps, including completing a 16-yard pass to Kelvin Benjamin to give the Panthers a chance to win. After the game, the 6-foot-5, 245-pound Newton said it isn’t his job to question the officials and doesn’t feel like the Broncos hit him in the head intentionally.
For Gall, the matchup with Punk fulfills his own dream. He gravitated to MMA after trying other sports, then took advantage of an appearance on UFC President Dana White’s online series, “Looking For a Fight.” Gall won his first fight, then challenged Punk immediately afterward. Without any video to watch on Punk, Gall said he’s prepared for whatever comes at him. “I’ll be ready for everything,” he said. “I’m going to fight my fight and I’m going to find a way to get him out of there.” Since cutting ties from wrestling to try UFC, Punk has been targeted by fans, media members and athletes who have questioned his motives and doubt his chances to succeed. Punk doesn’t care. This is no act. This is who he is now. “It’s like when Michael Jordan went from playing basketball to baseball,” he said. “‘Oh, baseball’s too hard, he’s not going to able to do it. I’m awkward, uncoordinated and I’m old and I’m fat and I’m lazy and I suck and I was a fake athlete, I’m not going to be able to do it.’ If you believe all that stuff then you’re not going to be able to do it.”
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, September 10, 2016 |
Dear Readers: The first Sunday after Labor Day is GRANDPARENTS' DAY. It was started by homemaker Marian McQuade (1917-2008), who recognized the need for a day to honor grandparents, to give them time with their children's children, and to teach kids about their family history and to appreciate all that grandparents can offer. Grandparents' Day became a nationally recognized holiday in 1978. This would be the perfect day for a family picnic, reunion or delicious luncheon. Pull out the old photo albums and talk about family customs, the family tree, any traditions, funny stories of how the grandparents met and courting rituals (no online dating back then!). Merely spending time together can be special. Another idea? Visiting or calling folks whose
families may live far away. They, too, have a story. As one internet blogger noted in a piece about Grandparents' Day, everyone is a grandchild. Celebrate it! -- Heloise PET SMARTS Hi, Heloise: I enjoy reading your column in the Omaha (Neb.) WorldHerald newspaper. I'm a big animal lover. I try to be a voice for them, and I'd like to share some hints for pet owners: * Never let pets eat directly out of a can, because the edges can be sharp. And pets of course need fresh water every day. * Make sure human pills (medications) don't fall to the floor. Cats especially can play with them, and this could be deadly if it gets into their mouth. * Pets should always be restrained in moving vehicles. -- Darleen C., Omaha, Neb.
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