ICE is a Loser

The ICE killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo is a national news story. The New York Times, Washington Post, CNN and others have reporters in H-Town covering the killing. Meanwhile, MAGA elected officials are scurrying and avoiding talking to the media, both local and national. They know ICE is a loser with their tactics viewed unfavorably by most Americans and voters. Yesterday, we learned another unarmed and not targeted individual was shot and killed by ICE thugs in Maine. MAGA Gov. Greg Abbott, who thinks he is a tough guy, has been silent on the killing in the largest city of Texas. If he sides with H-Town Latinos, he is scared his papi Donald Trump will call him out. If Abbott sides with ICE, he will further see his Latino voter support erode.

Polling shows that disapproval of ICE is at an all-time high. Abbott knows this. That is why the coward Abbott is afraid to make a public statement. Abbott and ICE are losers.

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Folks know I watch KPRC Channel 2 News. I have been watching the local coverage of the ICE killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo on Channel 2. I mentioned that Channel 2 News added Sandy Torres to their news team. She has been reporting from Magnolia Park and doing a good job. See the featured photo. Here is from her bio on the Channel 2 website:

I’m honored and excited to be back home in Houston. Growing up, it was almost a ritual to watch local news with my family at dinner time. That experience ignited a spark in me to one day inform and serve the community that shaped me.

As a first-generation Latina with roots in Mexico and Honduras, I’m passionate about telling stories that reflect the experiences of the people who call Houston home. Before joining KPRC 2, I worked as a multimedia journalist and anchor in the Rio Grande Valley and previously as a multimedia journalist in Watertown, New York. Along the way, I covered everything from immigration and economic development to education, infrastructure, affordability, and government accountability. 

I’ve learned that communities want trustworthy information, transparency from their leaders, and solutions to the challenges they face. I also love shining a light on stories of success, resilience, and joy. 

Whether I’m interviewing someone or meeting a viewer, I want it to feel less like talking to a reporter and more like talking to an old friend. Building trust and genuine human connection is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. 

I’m a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin (Hook ’em Horns!) and thrilled to be back serving the city I’ve always called home. Outside of the newsroom, you’ll find me enjoying the outdoors, searching for a great cup of coffee, and cheering on the Astros and Texans.

I hope she is a keeper. The ICE killing is one of the biggest news stories of the year and Torres has had a prominent role in the coverage on Channel 2. Being a Latina obviously helps on this story. As they say, stay tuned to see how her career in H-Town plays out.

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Since you asked, you can celebrate 714 today by visiting Disneyland. Yep, 714 is the area code for Anaheim, California.

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The Chron has a story on the Astros at the All-Star break. Here is from the story:

What went right

• Yordan Alvarez: After injuries limited him to 48 games last season, Alvarez returned with an ardor. The slugger leads all qualified hitters in OPS (1.059), OBP (.426) and slugging (.633). He also leads the AL in home runs (31) and RBIs (70) and ranks second among qualified AL hitters in batting average (.318). He could make a legitimate push for a Triple Crown and is the frontrunner for AL MVP at this point.
• The bullpen: Upended early by Josh Hader’s absence and Bryan Abreu’s struggles, the Houston bullpen achieved stability around mid-May. No relief corps in the majors owns a lower ERA since May 15. Bryan King, Steven Okert and AJ Blubaugh have been keys. Hader has a 1.17 ERA in 17 outings since his return from the IL, converting all 10 of his save chances.
• Offense: With Alvarez leading the charge, Houston scored the fourth-most runs in the American League before the break. It ranks second in the league AL in home runs and fifth in OPS, with Christian Walker’s rebound season and Isaac Paredes’ production contributing.

What went wrong

• The rotation: Astros starters combined for a 5.26 ERA before the break, third-highest in the sport. Just eight teams have received fewer innings from their starters, while just nine teams have recorded fewer quality starts. Thirteen different pitchers have made at least one start for Houston. Of the five pitchers with double-digit starts, only Peter Lambert has an ERA lower than 4.36.
• Injuries: Though not an excuse, injuries hit Houston hard and contributed to a poor start. Jeremy Peña played in 52 of the club’s first 98 games. Hunter Brown has made seven starts around a shoulder strain. Carlos Correa played 32 games before a season-ending ankle injury. Josh Hader did not debut until June 3. Jose Altuve, Yainer Diaz and Cristian Javier all had stints on the IL.
• Pitching arrivals: GM Dana Brown’s offseason pitching additions have underwhelmed. Mike Burrows, Tatsuya Imai, Ryan Weiss, Kai-Wei Teng, Nate Pearson and Roddery Muñoz combined for a 5.73 ERA in 260 ⅔ innings before the break. Weiss and Muñoz are at Triple-A, Teng and Burrows are on the injured list, Pearson is in the major-league bullpen and Imai has a 6.06 ERA in 13 starts.

Pretty much on point.

The team is holding an All-Star Game watch party at Daikin Park this evening. I will drop by to grab a hot dog, slider, and ice cream, courtesy of the team.