The Zapata Times 8/8/2018

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NEW ASTROS RELIEVER PICKS UP WIN IN 1ST OUTING WITH 5-PITCH INNING, PAGE A11

FALCON LAKE

Over 1,000 pounds of pot seized Law enforcement partners find 48 bundles on shore ZA PATA T I ME S

A collaborative effort between the Laredo Sector Border Patrol and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department resulted in the discovery of marijuana bundles abandoned on the shore of Falcon Lake near Zapata.

On Sunday, Zapata Border Patrol agents observed boat activity on the U.S. side of Falcon Lake. Simultaneously, a

report was made to Falcon State Park officials of an abandoned boat in the same vicinity.

Border Patrol agents, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens responded and discovered the abandoned boat.

After further inspection of the boat, a total of 48 bundles were discovered that tested positive for marijuana. The bundles had a total weight of 1,074 pounds with an estimated street value of $859,888.

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

“This enforcement action demonstrates the U.S. Border Patrol's commitment to work with law enforcement partners to disrupt illicit activity, and deny criminal organizations the ability to operate,” said Laredo Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department seized the boat and the marijuana was turned over to the Border Patrol for processing.

Border Patrol / Courtesy photo

Laredo Sector Border Patrol and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department discovered 48 bundles of marijuana.

TEXAS-MEXICO BORDER

Effort seeks to curb deaths Courtesy photo

Pictured at the “Access to Capital” Forum and Small Business Resource fair at TAMIU are, from left, Jose Zuniga, Edward Farias, Mike Gonzalez, Nina Ramon, David Dodier, Jemerell Rogers and Francis Atwell.

‘Access to Capital’ event held at TAMIU ZA PATA T I ME S

The office of Congressman Henry Cuellar, in collaboration with the TAMIU Small Business Development Center, hosted the “Access to Capital” Forum and Small Business Resource fair to promote resources for business financing.

This event took place last week at Texas A&M International University, and it brought together business owners and community members of LaSalle, Webb and Zapata counties that are looking to start or expand their business. This provided them with an opportunity to learn more about federal and private financing resources

from financial institutions in Laredo.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” Cuellar said. “It is a pleasure to work with the Small Business Administration and the Small Business Development Center to coordinate events such as ‘Access to Capital’ to bring together business owners, federal agencies and constituents interested in starting their entrepreneurial career.

Cuellar continued, “As a former small business owner, I know the challenges of opening a business, including finding the resources and funds to get started, and just as important, how Event continues on A13

ZAPATA, TEXAS

US Small Business Administration to host information seminar Aug. 15 Olivia P. Tallet / Olivia P. Tallet/Houston Chronicle ZA PATA T I ME S

Thinking about starting a small business, but have no idea where to start? Wondering if small business ownership is for you? Starting a business is an exciting proposition, but it's also an incredibly challenging undertaking.

Are you an existing business and is your business needing to grow? Are you needing working capital to expand? Have you

considered business certifications or government contracting?

On Aug. 15, the U.S. Small Business Administration will be offering a free seminar in Zapata to provide information on what it has to offer: 1 Whether any of our programs are a fit for you 1 Whether you would qualify for a small business loan 1 If your business is eligible for Seminar continues on A13

A volunteer works with the Water Station Project that provides water for border crossers.

Signs erected to aid those in need of help SPECIAL TO THE TIME S

Deaths of unauthorized border crossers have risen 46 percent along the vast Texas-Mexico border as the region experiences torrid summer temperatures, resulting in a grim tally that almost doubled last year’s

death toll in some sectors such as Del Rio, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.

The plight of immigrants who perish while attempting to walk inland across the scorching border brushland on their way to interior cities has long been a persistent dilemma in

Texas, and it has prompted a recent initiative by Mexican and Central American diplomats that is producing closer communication with U.S. border authorities.

Earlier this month, they toured the Rio Grande Valley Border continues on A13

In Brief A2 | Wednesday, August 8, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES

CALENDAR

AROUND THE NATION

TODAY IN HISTORY

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 8

ASSOCIATED PRE SS

First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 1220 McClelland Ave. 10 a.m. to noon. Hard cover $1, paperbacks $0.50, magazines and children’s books $0.25. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions.

Weight Loss Surgery Seminar. 6:30 p.m. Learn more about this innovative program, offered by Laredo Medical Center’s Weight Loss Program. To reserve a space, call 956-796-3223.

SATURDAY, AUG. 11 Football Season Kick-off Cook-off.

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Uni-Trade Stadium.

Hosted by LULAC Council 14 & City of Laredo. Admission will be $3 per person or two for $5. This event will have cook-off competitions in several categories; major prize will be $1,000 for the ribeye steak category. There will also be food vendors, merchandise booths, live music and much more. For more information contact LULAC 14 at (956) 286-9055.

MONDAY, AUG. 13 Laredo Stroke Support Group Meeting. 7 p.m. San Martin de Porres Church, Family Life Center. The meeting is open to all stroke survivors, family and caregivers. For more information, call 956-286-0641 or 763-6132.

Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune / AP

Two women cry outside the Stroger Hospital in Chicago, after they were asked to leave due to overwhelming crowds of family and friends of shooting victims.

11 DEAD, 70 WOUNDED IN CHICAGO VIOLENCE

TUESDAY, AUG. 14 Tiny Toes Virtual Tour – English. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. The virtual tour gives mothers-to-be detailed information about what to expect upon arrival and during their stay at Laredo Medical Center. To reserve a space, call 956796-4019 or visit www.laredomedical.com/tiny-toes.

Tiny Toes Super Milk Class – English. 6-7 p.m. This class offers mothers-to-be all the information they need before their baby’s birth to ensure a successful breastfeeding experience. To reserve a space, call 956-796-4019 or visit www.laredomedical.com/tiny-toes.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 15 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 1220 McClelland Ave. 10 a.m. to noon. Hard cover $1, paperbacks $0.50, magazines and children’s books $0.25. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions.

Domestic Violence Coalition Meeting. 12 p.m. 1700 East Saunders. Tower B, 1st floor. The Webb County Domestic Violence Coalition holds its monthly meeting. The luncheon is open to those interested in learning more about resources available to help victims and their children who find themselves in dangerous situations.

For more information, call Sister Rosemary Welsh at 956-718-6810.

Joint Replacement Surgery Seminar. 6 p.m. Learn more about this innovative program, offered by the Laredo Bone and Joint Center at Laredo Medical Center. To reserve a space, call 956-796-3009 or 7963223.

CHICAGO (AP) — At least 11 people were shot to death and about 70 wounded in a weekend burst of violence in Chicago that instantly became a political issue when President Donald Trump’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, blamed the carnage on longtime Democratic rule in the city.

Police on Monday attributed the dozens of shootings to gangs, the illegal flow of guns and sweltering August heat that drew more people outside.

The victims ranged in age from 11 to 63, according to police. One teenage girl died after being shot in the face. A teenage boy

Hawaii’s Big Island readies for Hurricane Hector HONOLULU — Hawaii emergency officials who have been contending with Kilauea volcano’s lava flow were preparing for a hurricane that was expected to pass to the south of the islands this week.

Hurricane preparations were underway just as lava from the last active eruption site in a Big Island neighborhood decreased dramatically over the weekend

was fatally shot riding a bike Sunday afternoon. Other shootings took place at a block party and a funeral.

Even for Chicagoans all too accustomed to violence in parts of the city, the weekend stood out. By way of comparison, at least seven people were killed and 32 wounded during the long Memorial Day weekend. Echoing comments that Trump himself has made repeatedly about Chicago, Giuliani blamed Chicago Mayor Ron Emanuel and decades of “Democratic rule” in a series of tweets. — Compiled from AP reports

and fewer earthquakes were felt.

The significance of the change was not yet clear, scientists said.

“It is common for eruptions to wax and wane or pause completely,” said an update from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

“A return to high levels of lava discharge or new outbreaks in the area of active fissures could occur at any time.”

Meanwhile, a tropical storm watch was in effect Monday for waters south of the Big Island

as Hurricane Hector was expected to pass Tuesday night and Wednesday as it moved westward.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim said officials would be prepared for whatever nature brings. Neighborhoods that would likely feel the brunt of the storm have been covered by the ongoing lava flow, he said.

“The volcano, Madam Pele, has totally wiped out all the homes that would have been in danger,” he said, referring to the Hawaiian volcano goddess.

— Compiled from AP reports

THURSDAY, AUG. 16 Laredo Boys and Girls Club fundraiser raffle. 6 p.m. Benavides Club, 500 Moctezuma. Tickets sold for 39 chances to win from $1,000 to $25,000. Information call (956) 723-1051 or 242-4975. Website bgclaredo.com.

Tiny Toes Super Milk Class – Spanish. 6-7 p.m. This class offers mothers-to-be all the information they need before their baby’s birth to ensure a successful breastfeeding experience. To reserve a space, call 956-796-4019 or visit www.laredomedical.com/tiny-toes.

Cancer Friends Meet. 6 p.m. Laredo Medical Center, 1700 East Saunders, Tower A, 1st floor. The Laredo Cancer Society, in partnership with Laredo Medical Center, holds its monthly meeting for cancer patients and their families. For more information, call 956-796-4725.

Celiac Support Group Meeting. 7:15 p.m. Laredo Medical Center, 1700 East Saunders, Tower B, 1st floor. The Laredo Chapter of the Celiac Disease Foundation invites the community to attend. For more information, email laredo@celiac.org.

TUESDAY, AUG. 21 Tiny Toes Virtual Tour – English. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. The virtual tour gives mothers-to-be detailed information about what to expect upon arrival and during their stay at Laredo Medical Center. To reserve a space, call 956796-4019 or visit www.laredomedical.com/tiny-toes.

Tiny Toes Prenatal Class – English.

6-7:30 p.m. This class gives mothersto-be the most important information to help them deliver a healthy, fullterm baby from the start of labor until birth. To reserve a space, call 956796-4019 or visit www.laredomedical.com/tiny-toes.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 22 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 1220 McClelland Ave. 10 a.m. to noon.

Weight Loss Surgery Seminar. 6:30 p.m. Learn more about this innovative program, offered by Laredo Medical Center’s Weight Loss Program. To reserve a space, call 956-796-3223.

Submit calendar items by emailing editorial@lmtonline.com with the event’s name, date and time, location, purpose and contact information.

Items will run as space is available.

AROUND THE STATE Woman whose child is missing had son who was killed DALLAS — A woman who lives at a Texas home where the body of a young child was found buried in a flower garden had a son who was fatally beaten more than a decade ago, officials said Monday.

Virginia Ann Adams, 35, was being held at the Brazos County jail on a charge of interfering with the custody of a child.

Police in Bryan said she was uncooperative when questioned on the whereabouts of her 3-year-old daughter, Rayven Shields, who was last seen in June. State Child Protective Services on Wednesday served an order seeking to take custody of Rayven, according to Bryan police Sgt. Ryan Bona.

Caseworkers also attempted to find the girl earlier in the summer but were unsuccessful.

At one point while talking to authorities, Adams reported

Brazos County Sheriffs Office / AP

This undated photo shows Virginia Ann Adams. Adams lives at a home where the body of a young child was found buried.

knowing the whereabouts of the child and said the girl was safe, according to a probable cause statement.

Adams was arrested Wednesday and the body was found two days later. Authorities haven’t yet identified the remains.

She remains jailed on a $75,000 bond. Online jail re-

cords don’t indicate whether she has an attorney.

Investigators are waiting on confirmation on the identity of the remains, Bona said Monday, while continuing to seek additional information on the case and giving first-responders who discovered the decomposed body time to grieve. — Compiled from AP reports

AROUND THE WORLD Brazil rushes to thwart measles outbreak RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazilian health workers on Monday moved to stem an outbreak of measles being brought by Venezuelans, many famished and sick, who have fled their homeland amid economic and political turmoil.

The initiative follows a measles outbreak that has affected more than 1,000 people and

killed five children, coming shortly after the disease was eradicated in 2016.

The measles cases are mostly concentrated in the northern states of Amazonas and Roraima, where thousands of Venezuelan refugees are crossing the border and trying to rebuild their lives. Many are sick and haven’t been immunized, as their country’s health system is in crisis.

“If our population in the north, which welcomed such a large group of Venezuelans,

Today is Wednesday, Aug. 8, the 220th day of 2018. There are 145 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History: On August 8, 1974, President Richard Nixon, facing damaging new revelations in the Watergate scandal, announced he would resign the following day.

On this date: In 1911, President William Howard Taft signed a measure raising the number of U.S. representatives from 391 to 433, effective with the next Congress, with a proviso to add two more when New Mexico and Arizona became states.

In 1942, during World War II, six Nazi saboteurs who were captured after landing in the U.S. were executed in Washington, D.C.; two others who cooperated with authorities were spared.

In 1945, President Harry S. Truman signed the U.S. instrument of ratification for the United Nations Charter. The Soviet Union declared war against Japan during World War II. In 1953, the United States and South Korea initialed a mutual security pact.

In 1968, the Republican national convention in Miami Beach nominated Richard Nixon for president on the first ballot.

In 1973, Vice President Spiro T. Agnew branded as "damned lies" reports he had taken kickbacks from government contracts in Maryland, and vowed not to resign — which he ended up doing.

In 1993, in Somalia, four U.S. soldiers were killed when a land mine was detonated underneath their vehicle, prompting President Bill Clinton to order Army Rangers to try to capture Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid.

In 2000, the wreckage of the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley, which sank in 1864 after attacking the Union ship Housatonic, was recovered off the South Carolina coast and returned to port.

In 2009, Sonia Sotomayor was sworn in as the U.S. Supreme Court's first Hispanic and third female justice.

Ten years ago: China opened the Summer Olympic Games with an extravaganza of fireworks and pageantry. A charter bus crashed near Sherman, Texas, killing 17 members of a Vietnamese-American Catholic group en route to Missouri. Former Democratic presidential candidate and vice-presidential nominee John Edwards admitted having an extramarital affair. Russia sent an armored column into the breakaway enclave of South Ossetia after Georgia launched an offensive to crush separatists there.

Five years ago: The U.S. sharply escalated its drone war in Yemen, with military officials in the Arab country reporting three strikes that left a dozen dead. Actress Karen Black, 74, who was featured in such counterculture favorites as "Easy Rider," Five Easy Pieces" and "Nashville," died in Los Angeles. Opera singer Regina Resnik, 90, died in New York.

One year ago: President Donald Trump said continued North Korean threats aimed at the United States would cause the U.S. to respond with "fire and fury like the world has never seen." Venezuela's new constitutional assembly, created by embattled President Nicolas Maduro, took over the halls of the opposition-controlled congress and decreed itself to be superior to all other branches of government. Singer Glen Campbell died in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 81; he had announced in 2011 that he'd been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Today's Birthdays: Actress Nita Talbot is 88. Actor Dustin Hoffman is 81. Actress Connie Stevens is 80.

Country singer Phil Balsley is 79. Actor Larry Wilcox is 71. Actor Keith Carradine is 69. Movie director Martin Brest is 67. Radio-TV personality Robin Quivers is 66. Percussionist Anton Fig is 65. Actor Donny Most is 65. Rock musician Dennis Drew is 61. TV personality Deborah Norville is 60. Actorsinger Harry Crosby is 60. Rock musician The Edge is 57. Rock musician Rikki Rockett is 57. Rapper Kool Moe Dee is 56. Rock musician Ralph Rieckermann is 56. Middle distance runner Suzy Favor Hamilton is 50. Rock singer Scott Stapp is 45. Country singer Mark Wills is 45. Actor Kohl Sudduth is 44.

Rock musician Tom Linton is 43.

Singer JC Chasez is 42. Actress Tawny Cypress is 42. Rhythm-and-blues singer Drew Lachey is 42. Rhythmand-blues singer Marsha Ambrosius is 41. Actress Lindsay Sloane is 41. Actress Countess Vaughn is 40. Actor Michael Urie is 38.

Thought for Today : "Man adjusts to what he should not; he is unable to adjust to what he should." — Jean Toomer, author-poet (1894-1967).

CONTACT US had been vaccinated, we wouldn’t be dealing with an outbreak right now,” said Isabella Ballalai, president of the Brazilian Society of Immunization. “We’d be dealing with a minor problem.” That was the case from 2000 to 2013, when most Brazilians were protected against the disease, and stopped any imported measles viruses from spreading. But last year, only 70 percent of the population received both doses of measles vaccinations. — Compiled from AP reports

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THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, August 8, 2018 |

A3

LOCAL

Courtesy photo

Back-to-school orientation Zapata County Independent School District hosted its fifth annual back-to-school event recently.

Parents, students and higher education recruiters attended the event hosted by district officials.

Letters to the editor Send your signed letter to editorial@lmtonline.com

A4 | Wednesday, August 8, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES

COLUMN

OTHER VIEWS

Double standard in stabbing case

By Christine M. Flowers P H ILA D E LPHI A DAI LY NEWS

This is a story about double standards, halftruths, and hypocrisy. It is about a city, a political movement, and bad faith.

It started when Sean Schellenger got out of a car and crossed paths with Michael White in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square on July 12.

When it was over, Schellenger was bleeding to death on the ground, and White was charged with his murder. Those are the facts.

But facts are fragile, fickle things these days.

As soon as the news broke that a white man had been killed by a black man, race drove the narrative. Social media exploded with people excusing the knifing as "selfdefense," even before the details were known.

People who reflexively blame police officers for "murdering" unarmed black men refused to believe that an unarmed white man was an innocent victim. They argued that Schellenger was probably drunk, or that because he’d been a football player at Penn State, he was physically menacing to White.

There was no suggestion that anyone had touched White, or that Schellenger had a weapon. It was enough that he was big, he might have been drunk, he was white, and he was with friends.

The "Big Drunk White Man" defense, like the gay panic defense, allows the aggressor to use his irrational hatred to try and avoid a criminal conviction. It is "stand your ground" on steroids. Unfortunately, here is where the double standards come in.

A few weeks after Schellenger was killed, a black man in Florida was shot to death by a white man who said he felt his life was in danger. Video of that incident went viral, and it was clear that the shooter acted unreasonably, because the victim was in retreat when he was killed.

Virtually no one who saw that tape defended the shooter, who started a fight with the victim’s girlfriend over a handicapped parking spot.

Why, then, are some people willing to excuse the acts of Michael White as "self-defense" when no evidence has surfaced that his life was in danger? They do it because they live in the city of Philadelphia, where race is often used as currency for political advantage.

District Attorney Larry Krasner made a big deal about the inequality in the criminal justice system when he was running for office, and some of the things he said made

sense. But the political movement that swept him into office was toxic, one that divided victims and aggressors along the color lines.

It stopped looking at people as individuals, and started regarding them as symbols.

So the family of a black police officer who was murdered while buying a birthday present for his son felt disrespected by a DA’s office that never kept them in the loop. Families of other black victims tell a similar story, that the DA’s office seems more concerned for the rights of the accused than the plight of the abused.

And that is multiplied exponentially when the victim and the defendant are of different races.

The support that White has been getting is based in large part on his status as a young black man in a society that mourns Trayvon Martin. But Michael White is not entitled to sympathy because Trayvon Martin is dead. Sean Schellenger is also dead, because White allegedly killed him.

At least some people understand that. I spoke with the Schellenger family, and they told me of the devastation they feel at the way Sean’s killing is being treated in the press, and most especially by the DA’s office.

Sean’s uncle Jeff told me that "it has been incredibly difficult and heart-wrenching for our family to read and listen to the wild speculation around the facts in this case.we know, because the DA told us — Michael White was not being robbed while riding his bike home, he was not sitting on a stoop minding his own business, rather, he injected himself into a situation with complete strangers. When you deliberately stab someone with a 12-inch knife, you are intending to kill."

And echoing the refrain you often hear from the families of crime victims these days, he warns people to "look out for your own self-interests, because DA Larry Krasner will not do so."

Indeed, Krasner announced this week that White would be charged with third-degree murder, which makes him eligible for bail. Sean’s life is valued at 10 percent of the $150,000 set for his alleged killer’s release.

The irony in all of this is that, as his father, Mark, told me, "Sean spent so much of his life trying to lift up the African American community."

It is a bitter twist that Michael White allegedly killed a man who lived his life trying to help people just like Michael White.

Christine M. Flowers is a Philadelphia Daily News columnist.

COLUMN

GOP strategist grinds Trump into hamburger in new book

By Rex Huppke CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Under the rules of present-day political engagement - partisan orthodoxy or bust, us vs. them, my side is always right and your side is always wrong - I shouldn’t like Rick Wilson.

He’s a longtime Republican strategist and the architect of all manner of knives-out campaign ads, including one particularly vicious spot from the 2008 presidential campaign that hammered Barack Obama’s connection to Rev. Jeremiah Wright with the tag: "Barack Obama: Too Radical, Too Risky."

I shouldn’t like Rick.

But I do.

I got to know him through Twitter during the 2016 presidential campaign. He was one of the few Republicans who took a look at Donald Trump and said, "Nope.

Never. Hell, no."

He helped start the Never Trump movement.

It cost him friends and all manner of potential political work. It subjected him to the threats and fury of Trump’s troll army. He was labeled a RINO (Republican In Name Only) and a GOP traitor.

And he didn’t care.

Right is right, and Trump was clearly, transparently, unquestionably wrong.

At a time when honesty and integrity were as gone as the dodo in politics, Rick demonstrated both. And he and his band of Never Trumpers fought mightily to remind Americans what it actually means to be a conservative. (Hint: It doesn’t mean being a conspiracytheory-bellowing liar hellbent on fomenting outrage and inflaming the misguided aggrievement of what Trump would call "the poorly educated.")

With Trump in office

and creating exactly the kind of chaos Rick predicted, he has done those of us who haven’t been lost to the cult of Trump a favor. He has written a book, a searingly honest, bitingly funny, comprehensive answer to the question we find ourselves asking most mornings: "What the hell is going on?"

The book is called "Everything Trump Touches Dies," and, because it’s written by a 30-year veteran of conservative politics, it does what no squishy liberal newspaper columnist like myself can do: It pushes the modern-day Republican Party into the public square and roundly shames it for allowing an obvious conman like Trump to become its standard-bearer.

Rick writes: "Everything we Never Trump folks warned you of, including massive, decades-long downstream election losses, is coming.

Alienating African Americans and Hispanics beyond redemption? Check.

Raising a generation of young voters who are fleeing the GOP in droves? Check. Age-old beefs, juvenile complaints, and ego bruises taking center stage while the world burns? Check.

Playing public footsie with white supremacists and neo-Nazis? Check.

Blistering pig-ignorance about the economy and the world? Check. .

Shredding the last iota of the GOP’s credibility as a party that cares about debt, deficits, and fiscal probity? Check."

He goes on to absolutely clobber the voters who make up Trump’s base and devour his conspiratorial ramblings: "Honestly, at this point, it’s almost a moral imperative to slap the stupid out of them."

Rick admits that he and others Republicans "didn’t see that there is a

deep strain in American political life that isn’t seeking party rigor or ideological purity or even an independent iconoclast but the safe reinforcement of the pack of people just as pissed off as they are. We underestimated the deep human psychological need to be part of a movement based not on hope but on channeling the comments section of the nuttiest blogs. That’s what Trump gave them. He was an avatar for their anger, their impotence, and their blamestorming for everything wrong in their world."

It’s harsh. And it will undoubtedly cause Trump’s core supporters to dig in even more, but at this point, what difference does that make?

Those loyal to Trump accepting all his obvious faults and unforced errors, incapable of acknowledging the slightest flaw - are not coming back to any form of traditional conservative thinking. At least not now, in the throes of Trump passion.

I asked Rick in an interview why he wrote the book. Liberals like me don’t need convincing and many in his own party have already bent the knee to Trump.

"I want people to be able to go back in a year and a half or so and say, ’Oh, that’s how this happened,’" he said. "I wanted to lay down a marker and say, ’It’s OK that you’ve been scammed. It’s OK that you’ve been conned. Here’s the evidence about how it happened and why you shouldn’t do it again.’"

He continued: "I also wanted to remind Republicans that you can be a party of decency and humanity and still be a conservative. I want people to have some reminder that you don’t have to live this way. Nothing’s forcing you to do this

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DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU

other than inertia and partisan policy reflex."

The book doesn’t spare the liberal crowd, with Rick dissecting (quite accurately, I think) the Democratic Party’s political failings and highlighting politicians and political operatives every bit as calculating as him on the left.

He gives one of the most candid assessments of the cynicism of modern-day political tactics I’ve read, readily acknowledging the part he played in feeding and nurturing the more rabid elements of the Republican base that metastasized into Trump’s slavish supporters.

In our interview he said: "I had to do a kind of tough assessment on this thing, and I did. .

Starting back with Sarah Palin, we built a system to turn on these people, to feed this endless stream that the liberals are trying to kill you, they’re coming for you. .

We built a set of persuasion tools that persuaded these people, and the arrogance of our position was, ’Well, we’re all responsible adults; we’ll motivate these people during the election" and then calm things down after.

"What we never anticipated was that somebody else would grab that tool box. But the Russians and Trump sure did, and they ran wild with it."

"Everything Trump Touches Dies" - which goes on sale Tuesday - is a fascinating, fierce and fearless exposition of the political mess America finds itself in today.

It’s a reminder that, for the wide majority of us who aren’t too far gone, ideological disagreement should never be grounds for hatred. And love of country should rule the day.

Rex Huppke is a Chicago Tribune columnist.

THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, August 8, 2018 |

LOCAL

Courtesy

Zapata County hosts Better Living for Texans event Participants of the Zapata County - Better Living for Texans’ program “A Fresh Start to a Healthier You!” are pictured. This program integrates the importance of healthy nutrition with an emphasis on increasing fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, food safety and food resource management. For more information on this free program or other programs that they offer, contact your Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office at 956-765-9148.

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Frontera A6 | Wednesday, August 8, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES

RIBEREÑA EN BREVE Verano social 1 Sabor de verano en Dairy Queen, Hwy 83 N., disfrute de un sundae gratis en Zapata DQ el jueves 9 de agosto de 3 a 5 p.m. todas las edades están invitadas. Habrá estaciones para hacer tu propio sundae, premios, souvenir bowls y diversión familiar.

Zapata HS Clase de 1993 1 Reunión de la generación de 1993 de Zapata High School, celebrarán su 25 aniversario en Patno’s Patio Bar & Grill, 313 Lake Shore Dr., el sábado 11 de agosto a las 8 p.m. Solo estudiantes y sus parejas.

Tiro al blanco 1 Clases Archery 101: Aprenda las bases de tiro al blanco el 11 de agosto de 9 a.m. a 11:30 p.m. en Falcon State Park. Se proporcionará arco y flechas. Espacio limitado, reserve al 956-848-5327. Clases gratuitas con la admisión al parque de $3 para audultos, menores de 12 entran gratis.

Pequeñas Empresas 1 La Administración de Microempresas de los Estados Unidos (SBA) llevara a cabo una sesión informativa para personas que desean comenzar una pequeña empresa el miércoles 15 de agosto de 1 p.m. a 3 p.m. en el Edificio del Condado de Zapata.

Habrá información sobre programas de apoyo, préstamos, certificados y contratos gubernamentales. El evento contará con representantes del Departamento de Agricultura, Centro de Desarrollo de Pequeñas Empresas de TAMIU y LiftFund.

Para mayores informes contacte a Verónica Z. Ortega al 956-427-8533, Ext. 233 o veronica.ortega@sba.gov.

Unidad móvil VA 1 La unidad móvil médica de Asuntos de Veteranos regresa a Roma el 19 de septiembre de 9 a.m. a 3 p.m. en 1708 Flores St., en Roma, Texas. Se invita a los veteranos de Roma y las comunidades vecinas visitar la clínica.

Museo en Zapata 1 El Museo del Condado de Zapata, ubicado en 805 N US-Hwy 83, opera de martes a viernes de 10 a.m. a 4 p.m. Existen visitas guiadas.

Personal puede orientar acerca de la historia del sur de Texas y sus fundadores. Más información al 956-7658983.

Servicios de genealogía 1 ¿Quiere conocer sobre sus raíces familiares? Visite el centro Roma Birding Center/Computer Lab en Roma, cada martes a las 6:30 p.m., para obtener información.

Aviario 1 La Ciudad de Roma invita a visitar el aviario Roma Bluffs World Birding Center en el distrito histórico de Roma. El aviario estará abierto de jueves a domingo de 8 a.m. a 4 p.m.

PATRULLA FRONTERIZA Y DEPARTAMENTO DE PARQUES Y VIDA SILVESTRE DE TEXAS

Decomisan marihuana Droga alcanzaría un valor cercano a 900.000 dólares E SPECIAL PARA TIEMP O DE ZAPATA

LAREDO, Texas – Un esfuerzo colaborativo entre la Patrulla Fronteriza Sector Laredo y el Departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Texas, resultó en el descubrimiento de paquetes de marihuana abandonados en las orillas del Presa Falcón cerca de Zapata.

El 5 de agosto, agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza observaron actividad en un bote en el lado estadounidense de la Presa Falcón. Simultáneamente se hizo un reporte a los oficiales del Parque de la Presa Falcón acerca de un bote abandonado en el

mismo lugar.

Los agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza y los guardabosques de Parques y Vida Silvestre respondieron y descubrieron el bote abandonado. Después de una inspección del bote, se encontraron 48 paquetes que dieron positivo para marihuana. Los paquetes tenían un peso total de 1.074 libras con un valor estimado en las calles de 859.888 dólares.

“Esta acción conjunta demuestra el compromiso de la Patrulla Fronteriza de Estados Unidos de trabajar con sus contrapartes de otras agencias para irrumpir la actividad

COLUMNA

Everardo J. Hernández se llamaba Nota del editor: Este es la primera parte de una columna sobre un episodio de injusticia ocurrido en el México autoritario que dominó parte del siglo XX.

ilícita y negar a las organizaciones criminales la capacidad para operar”, dijo el Agente Asistente de Patrulla en Jefe del Sector Laredo, Jason D. Owens.

El Departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Texas decomisó el bote y la marihuana se entregó a la Patrulla Fronteriza para su procesamiento.

Para reportar actividad sospechosa de tráfico de personas o contrabando de drogas, baje la aplicación “USBP Laredo Sector” o contacte a la Patrulla Fronteriza Sector Laredo al número gratuito 1-800-343-1994.

Foto de cortesía / Patrulla Fronteriza

En un esfuerzo conjunto entre la Patrulla Fronteriza y el Departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Texas, se logró el decomiso de un bote abandonado en la orilla de la Presa Falcón que ocultaba 48 paquetes conteniendo más de 1.000 libras de marihuana.

ROMA HIGH SCHOOL

PRESENTAN OBRA ‘SUEÑO DE UNA NOCHE DE VERANO’

Por Raúl Sinencio Chávez TIEMP O DE ZAPATA

Por la brecha 109 de Reynosa, Tamaulipas, avanzan nutridos grupos de labriegos. Previos acuerdos de asamblea, el jueves 10 de junio de 1954 ocupan muy temprano extenso terreno. Próximo al río Bravo, frontera con Estados Unidos, lo detentan latifundistas de horca y cuchillo.

Hasta el paraje a toda prisa acuden policías municipales. Un mayor del Ejército, el administrador de un racho y un capitán de la Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (FAM) pretenden recuperar el predio, con poco tacto al parecer.

Caldeados los ánimos, se oyen de pronto disparos.

El mayor cae muerto y los dos acompañantes resultan heridos.

Tropas de la comandancia local hacen luego acto de presencia. Reparten culatazos por doquier.

Sin miramientos, desarman y expulsan a los ocupantes. Alrededor de 60 desalojados terminan en la cárcel, a raíz del operativo.

Conflicto El procurador de la República y el secretario de Gobernación mandan gran cantidad de agentes.

Una nave de la FAM sobrevuela el municipio.

Soldados patrullan calles, plazas y caminos. Desde Monterrey lleva refuerzos el general Tiburcio Garza Zamora, hermano del jefe edilicio Alejandro Garza Zamora, resuelto a restablecer el orden.

Similares acontecimientos por casualidad registra el mismo jueves Cananea, Sonora, al extremo opuesto del país. Esto desata el linchamiento mediático.

Buscan “crear […] problemas al […] presidente [Adolfo] Ruiz Cortines”, publica la gran prensa, que evita darle voz a los inconformes.

Foto de cortesía / Ciudad de Roma

Miembros del Club de Drama de la preparatoria Roma High School, aparecen en una escena de la obra Sueño de una Noche de Verano, escrita por William Shakespeare a finales del siglo XVI, que se presentó el 25 de julio en Roma Birding Center.

NACIONAL

Congreso: Muro fronterizo podría costar más Por Elliot Spagat ASSOCIATED PRE SS

SAN DIEGO — El plan del gobierno del presidente Donald Trump de levantar un muro a lo largo de cientos de kilómetros de la frontera con México no considera adecuadamente los costos, lo que podría incrementar el precio y causar demoras, afirmó el lunes una oficina legislativa de contraloría.

El gobierno ha calculado que la construcción de 1.162 kilómetros (722 millas) de barreras costaría 18.000 millones de dólares, pero esa estimación se basa en el costo promedio por milla. La Oficina de Rendición de Cuentas del Gobierno (GAO, por

sus iniciales en inglés) dijo que el precio podría variar de manera considerable de acuerdo a la inclinación y topografía, el valor de adquisición de tierras y otros factores.

Sin más información, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional “enfrenta un mayor riesgo de que el Programa del Sistema de Muro Fronterizo cueste más de lo proyectado, tome más tiempo de lo planeado y no consiga el rendimiento previsto”, escribió el organismo.

La Oficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza, una agencia del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional “no cuenta con la información completa para determinar si utiliza los limitados recursos de

la mejor manera para economizar costos y tampoco cuenta con importante información de costos que ayudaría a desarrollar solicitudes futuras de presupuesto”, añade el reporte.

En una respuesta incluida en el apéndice del estudio de la GAO, Jim Crumpacker, funcionario del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional, dijo que las autoridades “se apegan a las mejores prácticas para evaluar costos, presupuesto e impacto financiero de los segmentos fronterizos”.

Dijo que los costos financieros se consideraron después de una evaluación operativa de los lugares en donde los muros son más necesarios.

Katie Waldman, portavoz del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional, señaló que los muros han demostrado ser “sumamente efectivos”.

El representante federal Bennie Thompson, el demócrata de mayor rango en la Comisión de Seguridad Nacional de la Cámara de Representantes y quien solicitó el informe, dijo: “Al actuar demasiado rápido, ignoraron protocolos necesarios y establecidos, y planean levantar un muro fronterizo de varios miles de millones de dólares en donde su propio análisis demuestra que no es una prioridad. Para ser claros, este gobierno no tiene idea de lo que está haciendo y debe rendir cuentas”.

THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, August 8, 2018 |

NATIONAL No immunity for Border Patrol agent in cross-border killing

By Astrid Galvan A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS

PHOENIX — A federal appeals court has ruled that a Border Patrol agent who fatally shot a Mexican teen on the other side of the border doesn’t have immunity and can be sued by the boy’s family for violating his civil rights.

The ruling on Tuesday has wide implications and came almost two years after the agent’s attorney argued immunity from a civil lawsuit because the U.S. constitution didn’t extend to 16year-old Jose Antonio Elena Rodriguez, who was in Mexico when agent Lonnie Swartz shot

him about 10 times through a border fence.

The Border Patrol has said Elena Rodriguez was throwing rocks at Swartz, endangering his life.

The central question in the case is whether Elena Rodriguez was protected by the U.S. Constitution as a Mexican citizen on Mexican soil.

In a very similar case out of Texas, a different appeals court has ruled that a teen boy who was also fatally shot by an agent in a rock-throwing incident was not protected by the constitution.

That case made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which appeared to be divided on the issue and which sent it back to the

lower court without making a decision. The lower court then reaffirmed its decision that the boy wasn’t constitutionally protected.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said in its decision that the agent “violated a clearly established constitutional right and is thus not immune from suit.”

The conflicting opinions in the different appeals courts, both of which cover cases on the U.S.-Mexico border, could mean the Elena Rodriguez case ends up back in the Supreme Court.

Swartz’s attorney, Sean Chapman, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A7

A8 | Wednesday, August 8, 2018 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES

LAREDO MORNING TIMES | Wednesday, August 8, 2018 |

A9

HOROSCOPES

BY FRANCIS DRAKE

HINTS | BY HELOISE Dear Readers: A MANGO is a fiber-rich, nutrient-filled tropical fruit that is an excellent source of vitamin A, potassium, vitamin B-6, vitamin C and vitamin E. Mangoes also contain a small amount of copper, which is vital in the production of red blood cells. According to recent studies, it's believed that mangoes help to protect against breast, colon and prostate cancers.

If you haven't done it before, give mangoes a try. -- Heloise CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP Dear Heloise: I LOVE your Chicken Tortilla Soup, but I lost the recipe while spring-cleaning my house. Could you re-print it for me and anyone else who loves a nice, hearty soup? -- Mercy S., Sweet Home, Ore. Mercy, this recipe is so popular that I have included it in my pamphlet Heloise's Spectacular Soups. Here it is: Chicken Tortilla Soup 12 corn tortillas 2 onions, chopped 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 cup tomato puree 4 quarts rich chicken stock 2 cups cooked chicken, diced 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro Dash each of cayenne pepper and Parmesan cheese (for garnish) Cut the tortillas into strips and fry in oil over medium-high heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Saute the onions in oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat until tender. Add the tomato puree and chicken stock.

Add the chicken, cilantro and tortillas. Cook over medium heat for about 1

“

HELOISE

hour. Top each serving with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper and Parmesan cheese.

You'll find Chicken Tortilla Soup and many more unique and delicious soup recipes in my six-page pamphlet that you can have by sending $5, along with a long, self-addressed, stamped (71 cents) envelope, to: Heloise/Soups, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Or you can order it online at www.Heloise.com. FYI: If you need to thicken a soup, add instant mashed potatoes, a little at a time.

-- Heloise SHINING ALUMINUM POTS Dear Heloise: My aluminum pots have discolored or grown very dull.

How can I shine them? -Vickie A., Storrs, Conn.

Vickie, I would suggest a commercial cleaner made especially for aluminum, but DO NOT use any cleaner that contains ammonia. It will pit the aluminum. -- Heloise SCHOOL LUNCHES Dear Heloise: My kids always like a treat for dessert in their lunchboxes, so I pack some fruit/nuts/cheese, but I stay away from cakes, candy and just about anything sugary. Obesity is a serious health issue with American children.

Sadly, so is bullying a child who is overweight. I believe weight management begins in early childhood, and it's up to me to teach my youngsters good eating habits.

-- June K., Joplin, Mo.

ADVICE | DEAR ABBY DEAR ABBY: My daughter "Scarlet" has a precious 18-month-old baby girl I'll call Sierra.

Scarlet, her husband and the baby spend a lot of time at their beach house, where they have several full-time employees, including a nanny, housekeeper, cook and gardener. These employees have been at the house for years and are practically part of our family. The problem is, my daughter and her husband allow Sierra to walk around the house and beachfront naked throughout the day.

I have told Scarlet on several occasions that I don't feel comfortable with Sierra being exposed like that around the employees. A naked toddler might make them feel awkward, plus a child should be raised to understand that her private parts are just that -- private -- and not for anybody outside of her immediate family to look at.

Additionally, from a sanitary perspective, Sierra sits down on dirty, potentially bacteria-infested places such as kitchen tiles, grass and beach sand, which could cause infections. My daughter calls me oldfashioned and tells me not to worry. What do you think? -- MORE MODEST IN NEVADA DEAR MORE MODEST: I seriously doubt that anyone is going to be embarrassed by the sight of a naked toddler. I know you are well-meaning, and your points may be valid, but frankly, I think you should let your daughter raise her daughter.

DEAR ABBY: I'm 61 and a recent widower. I befriended a new coworker, a woman who is

single and 41. We started going out socially, and I was getting back into life.

I just found out she and my 24-year-old son have been dating for the last four months. Neither one mentioned anything about it to me. They were sneaking behind my back, and she continued to do things with me. When I realized what was going on, I confronted her and told her I felt taken advantage of and deceived. I stopped speaking with her after that.

Am I wrong to feel this way? Her relationship has come between my son and me. And yes, I realize it takes two to tango. -- IT TAKES TWO IN THE EAST DEAR IT TAKES TWO: Your son and your co-worker should have been upfront with you.

That neither one was shows a lack of character.

However, there is an upside to this. You now realize you are ready to go on living after the death of your wife. Get involved in community activities; go on some dating sites and you will meet someone better suited than your co-worker. What happened with her is yet another unfortunate example of what can go wrong in an office romance.

Dear Abby is written

by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

What kind of day will tomorrow be? To find out what the stars say, read the forecast given for your birth sign.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Tread carefully today, because relations with authority figures are strained.

Don't push the river. Don't make important decisions about home or family.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You might find it difficult dealing with an authority figure at work today. Someone older or more experienced might make you feel less important. Don't take this personally.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Romance is difficult today.

Likewise, dealings with children as well as colleagues also will be discouraging. This is just a temporary dark cloud on your horizon.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You have had money on your mind lately.

Please note: Today is a poor day to spend money on anything other than gas, food and entertainment. Wait until tomorrow to shop.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) You might be disappointed during a discussion with a sibling, relative or neighbor. Perhaps you think this person is critical of you? You might be right, but don't take it personally - it's just the vibes in the air today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) You might feel broke today. (Join the club - we number millions.) Something to do with a financial issue will restrict you or limit your objectives.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) Today Venus is in your sign, at odds with stern Saturn. This

means you might have difficulty with authority figures in your family. Just be patient. This will diminish.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) You might feel alone or cut off from others today. Meanwhile, you might be tempted to try to make travel plans. Postpone these plans until tomorrow. Today, confine spending to gas, food and entertainment.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) Someone older or in a position of power might be critical of you today. He or she might block something that you want to do. Don't overreact. Stay chill.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) Relationships with bosses, parents and authority figures are strained today. Don't feel as if you have to live up to their expectations. Just do nothing - for today.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) A teacher or guru might be difficult to deal with today. He or she might disapprove of you or tell you that you can't do something. It's best to do nothing.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) You might be disappointed by your so-called fair share of something. You expected more.

Wait until tomorrow to defend your position.

YOU BORN TODAY You are energetic, confident and determined. You have a curious mind, and you love to learn. This year, exciting changes and new beginnings await you as you begin a new cycle.

What you begin now will unfold in the future.

Therefore, it's time to clarify your goals. It's also time to take the initiative.

Your physical strength will increase this year.

That's good news!

A10 | Wednesday, August 8, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES

STATE

Academy sued by couple wounded in church shooting

By Lauren McGaughy DA LLA S MORNI NG NEWS

AUSTIN — A Texas couple who survived the Sutherland Springs church massacre last year have sued the sporting goods store that sold the gunman the firearm used in the shooting.

On Friday, Rosanne Solis and Joaquin Ramirez sued Academy Sports + Outdoors for selling Devin Patrick Kelley a Ruger AR-556 with 30round capacity magazines. While this model is legal in Texas, Kelley was a resident of Colorado, where it’s illegal to sell, possess or manufacture magazines with capacities over 15 rounds.

"A Texas gun dealer (Academy) cannot sell a firearm and deliver that firearm to a citizen of another State if that sale would not be legal in the purchaser’s State of residence," the lawsuit reads.

"The Ruger should have never been placed in Kelley’s hands."

The couple, who were both shot, accuse Academy of gross negligence and seek damages of more than $1 million each for physical and mental anguish, disfigurement and medical expenses.

The suit was filed in Bexar County District Court.

On Nov. 5, Kelley killed 26, including a pregnant woman, who had gathered at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs for Sunday services. In the days after the shooting, Solis and Ramirez said Kelley appeared to target babies and young children during his rampage at the church, and at one point

yelled, "Everybody is going to (expletive) die!"

Kelley, who killed himself as he was fleeing police, was an Air Force veteran who was convicted of domestic abuse and discharged for bad conduct years before the shooting. The Air Force should have reported his criminal history to the FBI’s background check system, which would have kept him from purchasing a firearm. Multiple other Sutherland Springs families are suing the federal government for failing to do so, and one other family, who lost three members,

filed a lawsuit last year against Academy Sports + Outdoors alleging similar violations.

Emily Taylor, a gun law expert in San Antonio, said she believes Solis and Ramirez have a case. Federal law prohibits licensed gun dealers from selling to residents of other states unless the buyer meets them in person and the sale "fully" complies "with the legal conditions of sale in both such States."

"I think Academy screwed up," Taylor said, adding this case is also extremely rare. "In fact, in practice I have never

Nick Wagner / TNS

A man walks past the front of the First Baptist Church where a gunman opened fire during Sunday service and killed at least 26 people in Sutherland Springs on November 6, 2017.

seen anything like this come up."

But Colorado gun law expert and federally licensed dealer Robert Wareham disagreed.

"It’d be pretty onerous if we told every federal firearms licensee in the nation that they were responsible to know the gun laws of every other

state," Wareham said. "I don’t think the address he puts down would be definitive, but that’s up to a judge to make that call."

Sports&Outdoors

THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, August 8, 2018 |

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: HOUSTON ASTROS

NASCAR

Osuna has strong debut

France on leave after his arrest

Houston’s deadline acquisition gets victory with a 5-pitch 8th inning

By Matt Young H OUSTON CHRONICLE

Roberto Osuna's debut with the Astros was a quick one just five pitches - but it was impressive.

Osuna, who the Astros controversially traded for last week despite him serving a 75-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy, entered the Astros game in San Francisco in the eighth inning Monday night.

He drew hardly any reaction from the road crowd, then retired the Giants in order to keep the Astros' deficit at 1-0.

After Marwin Gonzalez blasted a three-run home run in the top of the ninth and Hector Rondon shut down the Giants in the bottom of the frame to

give the Astros a 3-1 victory, Osuna had secured his first win with the Astros.

Osuna - who threw three fastballs, a cutter and a slider got Alen Hanson to fly out to right, Andrew McCutchen to ground out to shortstop and Buster Posey to fly out to right.

Osuna also was part of the team's dugout celebration after Gonzalez's home run, giving Gonzalez a high five and a hug after the big blast.

"Being on such a great team with great teammates, it's easy to forget about the stuff that's going on off the field, being able to play and help the team win is unbelievable," Osuna said after the win. "... I really like my teammates, they've been treating me with a lot of respect and I'm really comfortable."

A11

ASSOCIATED PRE SS

Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images

Roberto Osuna earned the win in his debut with the Astros Monday retiring the side in order with only five pitches in the eighth inning of a 3-1 victory over the Giants.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE: DALLAS COWBOYS

COWBOYS WORKING TO IMPROVE IN PASS GAME

SAG HARBOR, N.Y. — NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France announced on Monday he was taking an indefinite leave of absence following his arrest in the Hamptons on charges of driving while intoxicated and criminal possession of oxycodone.

France was seen blowing through a stop sign in Sag Harbor on Sunday and later had a blood-alcohol content that was more than twice the legal limit for France driving, smelled of booze and slurred his words, police said.

He said in a statement on Monday that effective immediately he would be taking a leave of absence from his position “to focus on my personal affairs.”

“I apologize to our fans, our industry and my family for the impact of my actions last night,” he said.

France has been NASCAR’s chairman and CEO since 2003.

His uncle Jim France, a vice chairman and executive vice president, will take over those roles on an interim basis.

France, 56, spent the night in jail and was arraigned at Sag Harbor Village Justice Court.

He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court Sept. 14.

His lawyer referred reporters to a NASCAR statement on the matter. The organization said it takes his arrest “as a serious matter and will issue a statement after we have all of the facts.”

France is a third-generation leader of NASCAR. His late grandfather Bill France Sr. founded the company in 1948.

France last month characterized as “rumors” reports that his family was looking into selling its racing properties.

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Max Faulkner / TNS

Magic Prescott looks to take next step forward in 3rd season will host Bulls, Jazz in Mexico After completing 67.8 percent of his passes for 3,667 yards with 23 touchdowns and four interceptions as a rookie, Dak Prescott dropped across the board last year. He completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 3,324 yards with 22 scores and 13 picks in 2017.

By Schuyler Dixon A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS

OXNARD, Calif. — Dak Prescott threw two interceptions just a few plays apart in a training camp practice, including an ill-advised pass across the field to a receiver just a few yards from the line of scrimmage.

Those picks, and the decisions that go with them, are under more scrutiny after the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback followed his remarkable rookie season with a somewhat pedestrian encore. And Prescott is among those doing the scrutinizing — each night at camp in the film room.

“When I go back, I’m being super-critical of myself, of the throws, of the placement, of where I should have went with the ball,” Prescott said Sunday.

“I’m tough on myself. So when I go back tonight, all of that was OK, it’s got to better and this is why it’s got to better. And I take my notes and I move forward.”

With the release of threetime Pro Bowl receiver Dez Bryant and the retirement of 15-year tight end Jason Witten , Prescott is working with a revamped group of receivers and unproven batch of tight ends.

The resulting rough patches for the passing game after a

week and a half in California aren’t surprising, but notable nonetheless considering how the offense usually appears to be ahead of the defense with the Cowboys this time of year.

“The best teams I’ve been on are where it’s back and forth all day and everybody is just competing and battling and no one really dominates the whole day,” coach Jason Garrett said.

“The other side competes back and challenges back and fights back. That’s what we’ve had really throughout training camp.”

There’s a reality facing Prescott, though.

Two years ago, he set an NFL rookie record for passer rating and was voted the league’s offensive rookie of the year for a team that finished with an NFC-best 13 wins. In 2017, the interceptions more than tripled (from four to 13), the passer rating dropped by almost 20 points and the Cowboys missed the playoffs at 9-7.

Some will point to running back Ezekiel Elliott’s six-game suspension over domestic violence allegations, which started halfway through the season just as Prescott and the Cowboys were looking good enough for another playoff trip.

Others will remind of in-

juries that sidelined left tackle Tyron Smith for three games, a big reason the offensive line didn’t live up to its reputation as one of the best in the league.

Regardless, the onus will be on Prescott to keep defenses honest with the Cowboys making no secret of building their offense around Elliott, Prescott’s fellow rookie star who led the NFL in rushing that season.

“We have a lot of knew kinks here and there that is going to help everything else,” Prescott said. “It’s going to help our running game. It’s going to help our play-action game out. As long as we’ve all bought into the offensive system, it is going to pay off.”

Of the two key free agents Dallas signed at receiver, Allen Hurns has missed some time with leg discomfort and Deonte Thompson hasn’t practiced at all because of Achilles heel soreness.

Terrance Williams, the second-longest tenured Dallas receiver behind Cole Beasley, is working back slowly from offseason surgery for a broken foot.

Rookie Michael Gallup, a third-rounder who was the team’s first draft choice at receiver after dumping Bryant, has shown promise in camp.

That’s a sampling of the collection the Cowboys hope to use to replace Bryant — and develop a rapport with Prescott.

“It’s challenging, but it’s not tough,” Prescott said. “That is what you want. Those guys are going to be rotating in the game.

So we have to go ahead and get in out here ... so I can gain chemistry with all of them and figure out who is a guy I can call on in that time.”

The Cowboys have to decide how much time to give Prescott and his new receivers in the preseason, starting Thursday night at San Francisco.

Last year, with Prescott coming off his sparkling debut, he played just two exhibition games. If the Cowboys follow the same plan, Prescott will skip the 49ers game. But it would be easy to argue that the Dallas passing game needs the work.

“It is important for those guys to play together,” Garrett said. “You want to be a careful of putting them in the situation where it’s ultimately not going to be productive for your team.

So you want to find your spots in practice and preseason games to get them quality work.”

The quality has been lacking at times in camp.

ASSOCIATED PRE SS

The Orlando Magic will play a pair of regular-season games in Mexico City in December.

The Magic will host the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 13 then play the Utah Jazz on Dec. 15. It is the third straight year that the Arena Ciudad de Mexico has hosted the NBA. Both games are designated as home games for the Magic.

This is Orlando’s second visit to Mexico City. The last was in 2012 for a preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Center Nikola Vucevic is the only current player who was on the roster for that game.

The Bulls are playing their first-ever regular-season game outside of the United States and Canada.

The Jazz have played four times in Mexico, but the last visit was in 2003 when Utah beat the Dallas Mavericks 9085.

A12 | Wednesday, August 8, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES

Dr. Wlfrano Sanchez, MD 6801 McPherson Road Ste. 112 Laredo, Texas 78041 Obstetrics and Gynecology Announces his recent retirement from his Medical Practice. Dr. Wlfrano Sanchez would like to thank all his patients from Webb County and the surrounding area for the last 45 years. For medical records, phone (956) 727-7772 or email drwas12@yahoo.com before August 30, 2018.

WHY DO I HEAR...

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THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, August 8, 2018 |

A13

FROM THE COVER

Juarez murders rise as AMLO prepares to face the violence

By Alfredo Corchado DA LLAS MORNING NEWS

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico — President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and his transition team will begin a highly anticipated peace and reconciliation tour Tuesday in this border community where security is in a tailspin.

Juarez, once lauded for making significant progress in improving longstanding safety problems, has seen a dramatic sea-change back toward violence in 2018, especially during the summer months. June and July each ended with 177 killings. This weekend, more than 35 people were slain, including 11 last Friday — eight men and three women whose tortured bodies were found tied up. Some of the victims were mutilated.

It’s the drug wars again. Internal conflicts within a leading cartel, an ongoing fight for street market and competition for U.S. distribution routes are spurring the violence.

EVENT From page A1

to the keep the business running. This is why this ‘Access to Capital’ event is so crucial. Having exposure to different resources, such as federal funding and counseling, is key. I also understand how difficult it can be to comply with burdensome regulations while staying afloat. The need for credit

Experts say the bloodshed also exposes the city’s still-weak civil society and democratic institutions, underscoring Juarez’s reputation as an unruly city of inequalities. Without good paying jobs and education, it’s easy to recruit men and women to do the killings, or become victims.

"Juarez has slipped away from our hands again," said Jorge Contreras Fornelli, president of a public-private citizens’ effort known as Ficosec and founder of Consejo de Seguridad, a public policy group that is trying to strengthen judicial institutions by building trust and cooperation between police and citizens.

Contreras recently returned from visiting members of Lopez Obrador’s security team in Mexico City, with whom he spent hours providing analysis and a breakdown of the city’s earlier successes and shortcomings: Juarez was on the brink of renewal, but has now slumped in disarray.

Contreras said he

stressed to the incoming president’s team the need for continuity and coordinating efforts at all government, business and civil society levels, including improving cooperation with the U.S. government.

Lopez Obrador plans to visit several cities between now and his inauguration, but the fact that he picked Juarez is a statement of how grave the situation is and how steep the challenges ahead are for his administration.

"I was very encouraged by their willingness to listen and find out what worked and didn’t," Contreras said. "I stressed that we all need to be on the same page if we are to rescue the city.

I think they get that."

As part of the listening tour, Lopez Obrador and his team are also evaluating the U.S.-backed $2.9 billion Merida Initiative aimed at helping Mexico restore security.

In July, the U.S. Consulate in Juarez issued a security alert for downtown, prohibiting U.S. government personnel

from visiting the area without prior permission.

Security is increasingly dire nationwide, too.

Homicides in Mexico have increased 16 percent in the first half of 2018, reaching more than 16,000, according to the Interior Ministry.

Last year was the deadliest in Mexico since records began being kept in 1997. The national statistics institute, INEGI, clarified last month that there were 31,174 slayings in 2017, not the 29,168 that had previously been reported by the Interior Ministry.

Some of the hardest hit cities are along the U.S.Mexico border, Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez.

"These are critical access points to the U.S. markets, so it is not surprising that these border cities continue to experience serious violence," said Eric Olson, a security expert at the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute. The institute recently prepared a report identifying the top challenges for the Lopez Obrador administration,

to keep your doors open and support your employees’ jobs is also critical.

This year, I helped secure funding that will help eliminate heavy burdens and increase job growth in the 28th district. It will also alleviate regulations on small financial institutions, increase trade with other countries, and lower prices for consumer goods.”

He added, “I want to thank all the organizations

that made this event possible, including the TAMIU Small Business Development Center, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Laredo financial institutions.”

Michael Gonzalez, director of the TAMIU Small Business Development Center said, “Events like these are critical to the continued growth of our South Texas Economy. Remember, when we mention small

business, that is defined as businesses with 500 employees or less, which encompass most of Laredo’s businesses.”

He added, “Bottom line, small business is not small. In fact, this information stands to help just about anyone who has questions on how to access capital. Many thanks to Congressman Cuellar and all of our partners for their work in bringing this event to the community.”

Herika Martinez / AFP/Getty Images

Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador delivers a speech in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua State, on Tuesday.

which takes over after he is sworn in on Dec. 1.

Lopez Obrador has promised to tackle violence and wipe out corruption, which he said is the "result of a political regime in decay." Behind his historic victory last month was his promise to confront the country’s endemic corruption and restore security. But the violence is no longer relegated to the border regions.

Lopez Obrador said in a speech to supporters earlier in July that he will pursue a peace and amnesty plan with the help of representatives of the United Nations and human rights and religious leaders, including Pope Francis. He said he will also reconsider the role of the military and drug policies, including the legalization of certain drugs beginning with marijuana.

Nationwide, violence

skyrocketed to an alltime high under President Enrique Peña Nieto, whom critics accused of looking the other way in order to thread a more hopeful narrative for Mexico even as corruption, economic inequality and bloodshed increased.

"The tragedy is that the violence had gone down for a while as federal, state and local authorities, along with civil society and the private sector, came together in a concentrated and largely coordinated manner to drive criminals out," Olson added. "But as things improved, the urgency receded."

Alejandro Hope, a security analyst in Mexico City, agreed.

"Peace is very fragile.

Success stories can turn into killing fields within months," Hope said. "So, there is no room for complacency."

SEMINAR

This seminar is free but seating is limited.

It will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. the Zapata County building, 200 E. 7th Ave., in the large conference room on the second floor.

Register online at https://bit.ly/2uNMMvK For more information or to register by phone, contact Veronica Z. Ortega at 956-427-8533, Ext. 233 or via e-mail at veronica.ortega@sba.gov.

From page A1

certain certifications and government contracting and what your next steps might be Plus come hear from special guests U.S. Department of Agriculture, TAMIU Small Business Development Center and LiftFund on services they provide to small business entrepreneurs.

BORDER From page A1

region to view firsthand the hazardous terrains that become even more dangerous as temperatures raise. They also moved to finalize the locations and designs of signs, many of which will be installed on tall poles along the heaviest traveled smuggling routes.

They will include emergency phone numbers with codes to inform rescuers of the migrants’ latitude and longitude.

The spike in immigrant deaths has been even higher — 70 percent compared to last year — along the sprawling Del Rio sector of the U.S. border patrol — whose agents are responsible for 210 miles of the Rio Grande, Lake Amistad and 41 counties comprising mostly farms and ranches. The majority of the 17 deaths there since last October have been heat-related, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency.

“Crossing the border illegally is an exhausting journey that comes with inherent risks,” noted Felix Chavez, chief border patrol agent for the Del Rio sector. The dangers of the crossings are “intensified by this continued extreme heat,” he added, noting that temperatures can reach 110 degrees or more during this time of year.

Among all sectors on the Southwest border, the number of immigrants’ deaths has grown 46 percent during the current fiscal year, but CBP officials declined to release the sector-by-sector statistics until the current fiscal year ends Sept.30.

Last fiscal year, 294 immigrants perished along the border, with 73 percent of the deaths in Texas, according to CBP statistics.

Other organizations put the number higher,

Olivia P. Tallet / Houston Chronicle

Border missing people remains are buried at Falfurrias Sacred Heart Cemetery in Brooks County, Texas near the border of Mexico.

noting that not all remains are found or identified.

Federal authorities are concerned about the deadly effect that high temperatures could have in the mostly arid, brush country region of South Texas and the lower Rio Grande Valley. Often, immigrants cannot carry enough water to last the lengthy treks in the brush needed to circumvent highway checkpoints and fall ill from heat exhaustion. Others die in stifling tractor-trailers used by human smugglers to transport them past the checkpoints.

Nearly two weeks ago, a Border Patrol tactical unit rescued a 19-year-old Guatemalan man found unconscious from exhaustion among a group of immigrants after they crossed illegally into Texas along the river at Del Rio, the agency reported.

The man was assisted by an EMT from the rescue team and later taken to a hospital in Eagle Pass.

The man survived

because border agents found him as they pursued the large group, according to the agency.

On that day, temperatures topped 104 degrees.

‘Many people missing’ In the span of two days last week, Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley rescued 15 people.

Agents also rescued a father and son from Mexico, but the older man died from cardiac arrest Tuesday after being taken to a border hospital.

Efforts to reduce fatalities along the border are not new, and in the past, the U.S. government has launched public awareness campaigns, organized rescue units and even advertised in foreign media outlets to warn residents about the extreme dangers.

According to federal records, the bodies of about 7,000 immigrants have been found along the Southwest border in the last 20 years.

One of the groups trying to reduce the death

toll is the South Texas Human Rights Center in Falfurrias. The group, which has installed and maintained water stations in the border region, is receiving more calls than usual from people trying to locate family members and friends attempting to cross the Texas-Mexico border illegally, center director Eduardo Canales said.

“There are many people missing, mostly who are entering via McAllen and Laredo,” Canales said. He added that about 50 percent of the people reported missing eventually are located, mainly in detention centers, but the whereabouts of the other half remain unknown.

Often, ranchers and local law officials discover the bodies of immigrants who have died along smuggling routes, and they are often quickly buried in border grave yards without being identified.

At least 165 individuals have died in 2018 since Jan. 1 in the U.S.-Mexico

border region, according to data from the Missing Migrants Project of the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration, which tracks immigrant deaths along migration routes worldwide. Their register of those who have perished on the border is drawn from information provided by law authorities, nongovernmental organizations and by monitoring media reports.

Fighting the trend Border Patrol officials met on July 20 with members of TRICAMEX, a group recently formed by consular officials from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador in an effort to protect their citizens in the U.S. by arranging closer communication and entering joint programs with U.S. authorities.

The officials discussed the sign initiative, which will allow immigrants who get lost or ill to contact authorities and tell them where they are.

“The meeting was ba-

sically to decide where are we going to post the signs in a way that makes it difficult for coyotes to destroy them,” said Mexican Consul General Eduardo Bernal Martinez, of the consulate in McAllen, who participated in the border meeting.

The consular officials also took an aerial tour of the U.S. Border Patrol sector in the Rio Grande Valley — where the highest number of immigrant deaths were reported last year — to familiarize them with the hazardous terrain and the dangers immigrants face when attempting to cross. Diplomats from Central American nations experienced firsthand the “extremely hazardous” conditions immigrants go through while traversing the border.

The diplomat said many inexperienced immigrants have misconceptions about how to survive their journey, and learn there are few options when overcome by fatigue, exhaustion and dehydration.

He noted that immigrants often take shelter beneath clumps of brush to seek relief from the sun.

“But those bushes near the border actually trap the temperature and become like saunas (but) full of cactus with thorns the length of a finger that prick you to the bone,” he said.

“I urge immigrants to avoid crossing at all now because they could easily lose their lives,” the Mexican consul said.

Bernal said the group hopes to install the first signs in the vicinity of Falfurrias in about a month.

“If the initiative produces good results, we think we will want to expand it to other areas in the state and beyond, like in the borders of TijuanaSan Diego, and Sonora” across the border from Arizona, Bernal said.

A14 | Wednesday, August 8, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES

NATIONAL Study finds 1 in 7 children of Zika-infected moms have issues

By Mike Stobbe A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS

NEW YORK — One out of every seven babies born to U.S. mothers who were infected with Zika during pregnancy developed some kind of health problem, according to the first long-term look at those children.

Tuesday’s study focused on the children of women in Puerto Rico and other territories, where most of the U.S. cases were seen when the disease swept across the Americas more than two years ago.

Most people infected with Zika don’t get sick.

In others, it can cause a mild illness, with fever,

rash and joint pain. But infection during pregnancy can lead to severe brain-related birth defects.

Earlier studies focused on those birth defects. The new research is unique in that it’s a large study that looked for conditions that became apparent only later, said Margaret Honein of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the authors.

The researchers looked at 1,450 kids who were at least 1 year old and whose mothers were infected while pregnant. Most were in Puerto Rico, but the count included American Samoa, the Marshall Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Micronesia.

Of those children, 6 percent had birth defects, such as abnormally small heads, damaged brains or eye irregularities. That’s about 30 times what’s seen in children generally.

The percentage rose to 14 when the researchers also counted later-developing problems possibly caused by Zika, including seizures, developmental delays and difficulty swallowing or moving.

Researchers also found that not enough kids were being checked for problems. For example, only about a third received recommended eye exams by a specialist, half got a hearing evaluation, and less than two-thirds got brain scans.

THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, August 8, 2018 |

A15

BUSINESS

Stocks get a lift from earnings

By Marley Jay A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS

NEW YORK — U.S. stocks finished broadly higher for the third day in a row Monday.

Media, retail and technology companies rose, and Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway led gains for the financial sector.

Most sectors climbed as companies including Facebook and Netflix recovered some of the losses they sustained recently.

Investors continued to focus on companies’ quarterly results instead of the escalating trade threats the U.S. and China made

last week.

Company profits have rocketed higher this year thanks to the corporate tax cut and continued economic growth. But in the first quarter investors didn’t always react to that growth because they were worried about the U.S.’s numerous trade disputes. Julian Emanuel, chief equity and derivative strategist for BTIG, said that’s starting to change.

“The skepticism that we had a quarter ago seems, rightly, to be falling by the wayside,” he said.

The S&P 500 index rose 10.05

points, or 0.4 percent, to 2,850.40, its highest close since Jan. 29. The benchmark index has risen for five weeks in a row, its longest winning streak in 2018.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 39.60 points, or 0.2 percent, to 25,502.18. The Nasdaq composite added 47.66 points, or 0.6 percent, to 7,859.68. The Russell 2000 index of smaller-company stocks picked up 10.94 points, or 0.7 percent, to 1,684.31.

Facebook helped pull technology companies upward as it gained 4.4 percent to $185.69.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Facebook has talked to four major U.S. banks about possibly offering new services through Facebook Messenger.

Results for Berkshire Hathaway were stronger than analysts expected and the company’s Class B shares climbed 2.9 percent to $206.06.

Construction and technical services company Jacobs Engineering jumped 7.8 percent to $72.31 after it gave a strong forecast for its next fiscal year.

Tyson Foods gained 3.3 percent to $59.64. The poultry and pork processor cut its profit

forecast last week in part because of uncertainty surrounding trade policy and rising freight costs. Its stock is down 26 percent this year.

Consumer products company Newell Brands dropped 14.3 percent to $22.76. The company said the liquidation of Toys R Us hurt its baby products business.

The company also said the combination of U.S. tariffs on goods from China and tariffs imposed by the European Union and Canada following the U.S. taxes on imported steel and aluminum could cost it as much as $100 million a year.

Tech companies remove Jones for hate, bullying

By Barbara Ortutay ASSOCIATED PRE SS

Evan Vucci / AP

PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi is exiting as its longtime chief executive. Nooyi has been with PepsiCo Inc. for 24 years and held the top job for 12.

PepsiCo’s female CEO to exit A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS

PURCHASE, N.Y. — With Indra Nooyi exiting PepsiCo as its longtime chief executive, the circle of CEOs in the Fortune 500 is losing one of its highest profile women.

Nooyi, who was born in India, is a rarity on Wall Street as a woman and a minority leading a Fortune 500 company. She oversaw PepsiCo during a turbulent time in the industry that has forced food giants including Coca-Cola Co., Campbell Soup Co. and Oreo maker Mondelez International Inc. to adapt to changing tastes. All those companies changed CEOs in roughly the last year.

At PepsiCo Inc., Nooyi stressed the company’s move toward “good for you” options that people don’t feel as guilty eating, such as Baked Lay’s potato chips and Naked juices made of fruits and vegetables.

The company has not abandoned sugary sodas or more indulgent snacks.

Nooyi, 62, has been with PepsiCo Inc. for 24 years and held the top job for 12.

Another PepsiCo veteran, Ramon Laguarta, will take over as chief executive in Octo-

ber, the company said Monday.

Nooyi will remain as chairwoman until early next year.

“Growing up in India, I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to lead such an extraordinary company,” Nooyi said in a statement Monday.

Nooyi began her career in India with positions at companies including Johnson & Johnson. She later attended the Yale School of Management.

The percentage of female CEOs in the Fortune 500 has climbed slowly over the years and broke the 5 percent mark just last year, according to Catalyst, which promotes women in the workplace. The Fortune 500 includes the largest companies based on revenue.

In the S&P 500, an index that includes companies from different sectors, there are currently 25 female CEOs including Nooyi, according to Catalyst. That also represents around 5 percent of CEOs. Within the food industry, Nooyi is the latest female chief executive to step down, following Mondelez CEO Irene Rosenfeld last year and Campbell CEO Denise Morrison earlier this year.

NEW YORK — Major tech companies have begun to ban right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones from their services, reflecting a more aggressive enforcement of policies against hate speech following protests on social media.

Facebook has taken down four pages belonging to Jones, including two featuring his “Infowars” show, for violating its hate speech and bullying policies. Over the past several days, Apple, YouTube and Spotify have also removed material published by Jones.

Twitter, which hasn’t banned Jones, has also faced similar calls.

Facebook has also suspended Jones’ account for 30 days because he repeatedly violated the company’s community standards against hate speech that “attacks or dehumanizes others,” it said in a statement Monday. Facebook did not immediately respond Monday asking what would happen after the 30 days are up, and

why it hadn’t taken action earlier. The 30-day suspension of Jones himself appears to have gone into effect in late July. Twitter would not comment on Jones.

“We’ve been banned completely on Facebook, Apple, & Spotify,” Jones wrote on Twitter. “What conservative news outlet will be next?”

Jones has amassed a large following on the right while promulgating conspiracy theories that claim terror attacks such as 9/11 were actually carried out by the government.

Among his claims is that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting, which left 20 children and six adults dead, was a hoax.

It’s unclear why the companies are cracking down on Jones now, after allowing him to publish for years. Facebook has been under fire recently for not banning Jones, but as recently as July 12 it tweeted that it sees pages “on both the left and right pumping out what they consider opinion or analysis — but others call fake news.”

“We believe banning these Pages would be contrary to the basic principles of free speech,” Facebook posted in response to a question from CNN reporter Oliver Darcy, who had been pressing the company on why it continued to allow “Infowars” on its platform.

On Monday, the company said that it “unpublished” the four pages after receiving reports that they contained content “glorifying violence” and used “dehumanizing language” to describe Muslims, immigrants and transgender people.

“While much of the discussion around Infowars has been related to false news ... none of the violations that spurred today’s removals were related to this,” Facebook said on Monday.

Facebook is the latest tech company to take action against Jones following social-media backlash. BuzzFeed News reported Sunday that Apple has removed five of Infowars’ six podcasts from its iTunes and Podcast apps for violating hate speech guidelines.

Ilana Panich-Linsman / The New York Times

Alex Jones, conservative conspiracy theorist host of Infowars, is shown in his Austin control room. Tech companies removed from their services large portions of content posted by Jones and his Infowars site.

A16 | Wednesday, August 8, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES