Tuesday 19, 2023

GOOD MORNING September 19, 2023

The San Juan Daily Star, the only paper with News Service in English in Puerto Rico, publishes 7 days a week, with a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday edition, along with a Weekend Edition to cover Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

FEMA has awarded over $1.1 billion to date in Fiona disaster aid

By THE STAR STAFF

Since last year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been supporting the Puerto Rico government in its recovery efforts due to Hurricane Fiona, working to advance federal funds. To date, over $1.1 billion has been awarded in disaster assistance for survivors, communities and affected public infrastructure, the agency said Monday.

Disaster assistance to support Puerto Rico includes FEMA’s Individual Assistance program with over $646 million approved in individual and household grants to some 740,000 applicants in Puerto Rico. Additionally, over $328 million has been obligated through the Public Assistance program, including over $185 million allocated for emergency protective measures and over $143 million for permanent work.

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia stated that “the assistance that the federal government has provided us, through FEMA, to continue helping our citizens is more evidence of the close collaboration and agility that we have achieved on behalf of our people, our communities, our municipalities and our public infrastructure.”

agency for technical assistance, so that we can help them move all their eligible projects forward.”

To date, Jayuya and Las Piedras stand out as the municipalities with the most disaster assistance grants obligated, with 49 and 36 projects, respectively. Jayuya was obligated nearly $23 million in federal funds, while Las Piedras was awarded $15 million, for repairs to roads and bridges.

Federal assistance is also making a difference for many nonprofit organizations. Nearly $10 million was allocated to repair hurricane damage at 100 nonprofits, of which five have completed construction of their permanent projects. Among these are Servicios de Salud Episcopales Inc., which received over $119,000 for permanent work; Fundación Damas Inc., a health-related group in Ponce, which was assigned over $105,000 in federal funds; and Juana Díaz Housing for Elderly Inc., in Juana Díaz, with nearly $87,000 for repairs and over $44,900 for mitigation measures.

INDEX

Since last May, the collaboration between FEMA, the island government and the municipalities has been obligating on average more than 114 projects per month, resulting in more than 840 obligations to date. The expectation is to have 50% of all projects obligated by the end of this month.

“Continued collaboration among the municipalities, the PR Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3) and FEMA has been essential for an effective recovery process,” said DuWayne Tewes, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for Hurricane Fiona. “Close to 30% of the applicants for Fiona funds have already completed the final stage of their process with FEMA. Therefore, we continue to encourage our partners to reach out to the

Meanwhile, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has processed 100% of claims and disbursed more than $4.2 million to policyholders. The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved over $109 million in low-interest loans to homeowners or renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses that applied for physical damage assistance, as well as businesses that suffered economic losses due to Hurricane Fiona.

Body of minor caught in undertow is found in waters off Luquillo

By THE STAR STAFF

Police on Monday reported the discovery of the body of a 15-year-old boy who was dragged under by sea currents in Luquillo a day earlier.

The minor, identified by the authorities as Annyel Ayala Paris, was swept away by ocean currents at 3:31 p.m. Sunday just off the beach behind the Luquillo Kiosks.

Personnel from State Emergency Management, Natural Resources and agents from the FURA Maritime Police Division located the lifeless body of the minor and retrieved it from the sea

off the Luquillo resort. It was identified at the scene by relatives.

Woman drowns in Piñones

On Monday morning, meanwhile, police reported that a woman was found dead in La Posita in the Piñones sector of Carolina, after being swept away by sea currents.

The discovery was made at 10:38 a.m.

According to the police report, the alert call was received through the 9-1-1 emergency system, which prompted the rapid intervention of Piñones Precinct agents.

The agents recovered the body of the victim, who had not been identified at press time.

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi

Multisectorial Board calls for governor’s intervention in PREPA PAD impacts

By THE STAR STAFF

The Multisectorial Board on Monday urged Governor Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia to intervene in the possible adverse effects of the recent debt adjustment plan (PAD by its Spanish acronym) of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) on the island.

“We are concerned that the new PAD continues to prioritize unsecured debt before the needs of the electrical system and our economic development,” said Bishop Lizzette Gabriel Montalvo, of the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico, in a written statement.

In the letter, signed by more than 60 organizations, Pierluisi is asked to seek funds to ensure the present and future pensions of PREPA, reduce the impact on electricity rates, and promote a reliable and accessible energy system before liquidating the unpaid debt guaranteed for PREPA’s historical creditors.

They stated that according to PREPA’s most recent PAD, which was proposed on Aug. 25, new bonds worth $2.3 billion are planned to be issued to pay PREPA bondholders. The plan also contemplates significant disbursements, including up to $400 million to cover legal costs associated with PREPA’s bankruptcy.

“The [oversight] Board’s proposal arises at a time

“We are concerned that the new PAD [the Spanish acronym for debt adjustment plan] continues to prioritize unsecured debt before the needs of the electrical system and our economic development,” said Bishop Lizzette Gabriel Montalvo of the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico, seated at right.

of uncertainty for the 12,000 PREPA retirees and their families, who have faced the insolvency of the retirement system since April of this year,” said Johnny Rodríguez, president of the PREPA Retirees Association.

Yandia Pérez, executive vice president of the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association, emphasized that local businesses cannot support the rate increases proposed under the new PAD because they threaten the existence of local industry and the potential to attract new companies to the island, something that would result in a loss of jobs and a possible significant decrease in the island’s gross national product.

Monchito Ortiz Erazo, president-elect of the Gasoline Retailers Association, added that the proposed increases could translate into additional annual costs of $5,000 or more for a gas station, accumulating to $175,000 over 35 years, which would have a devastating effect on the economy of the island and would cause increases in fuel prices.

The letter also highlights the need to prioritize and guarantee resources for a stable and reliable electrical system in Puerto Rico, in accordance with Law 172019, with competitive and accessible rates below 20 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as established by law. The signatories insisted that the oversight board’s recent proposal still does not meet those objectives.

In disclosure statement filing, PREPA offers higher payout to early RSA adopters

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) has filed its disclosure statement for its third amended plan of adjustment, offering early adopters of the restructuring support agreement (RSA) a higher payout.

Settling bondholders would receive 44.4% of their $2.4 billion in unsecured net revenue claims under the plan, according to PREPA’s motion for an order approving the disclosure statement, which was filed last week.

The change would cost the authority $1.1 billion, and be 12.4% of the $8.5 billion master bond claim. The first two thirds of bondholders will receive a pro rata share of a $210 million RSA fee.

“The oversight board respectfully submits that the supplemental disclosure statement, together with the disclosure statement, provides adequate information for a hypothetical investor to make an informed decision on the modified third amended plan, and that it should be approved along with the other relief requested herein,” the motion said.

PREPA filed its plan of adjustment on Aug. 25. The plan had the support of a coalition of bondholders that included BlackRock Financial Management, Nuveen Asset Management, Franklin Advisers, Taconic Capital Advisors, and Whitebox Advisors.

A forward bond purchase agreement published recently shows the power utility agreed to pay about $124.4 million to buyers of $1.6 billion in new debt.

BlackRock Financial Management, Whitebox, Taconic, Franklin and Nuveen agreed to buy $1.6 billion in debt from PREPA as part of the bankruptcy settlement, which still requires court approval.

The execution of the purchase agreement was authorized by the resolution adopted by the Financial Oversight and Management Board on Aug. 18 authorizing execution of a plan support agreement, forward delivery bond purchase agreement, and filing of the third amended plan of adjustment.

The $124.4 million pays for the forward delivery bond commitment fee and the exit financing structuring fee, the document notes. The amount of the bonds sold may be reduced by up to $37.5 million if bonds are required to be taken to first settlement bondholders.

PREPA’S plan of adjustment is opposed by holders of over half of its outstanding bonded debt, including GoldenTree Asset Management, Invesco and bond insurers Syncora and Assured Guaranty in motions submitted to the court in August.

In their motion, Invesco, Syncora and Golden Tree said the debt plan was unconfirmable as it provides disparate treatment to creditors whose rights are similar, if not identical. They said the plan, which would cut bondholders’ debt by 80%

to $2.5 billion, improperly classifies various identical claims separately to gerrymander accepting classes, thus violating the Bankruptcy Code.

Settling bondholders would receive 44.4% of their $2.4 billion in unsecured net revenue claims under a third amended plan of adjustment for the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, according to PREPA’s motion for an order approving the plan’s disclosure statement.

San Juan & nonprofits join forces to bring meals to residents in need

Mayor greenlights community kitchen project that will supply food during emergencies

By RICHARD GUTIÉRREZ richardsanjuanstar@gmail.com

During hurricane season it is especially important to keep a stock of various supplies that will inevitably help the cause during a time when many supermarkets, restaurants, including fast food outlets, will most likely be closed due to an emergency. Items also become quite scarce during such times because more and more people buy them when a hurricane or storm is approaching.

Every year, Puerto Rico is on the lookout for atmospheric events, and the month of September is the most dangerous in terms of the Atlantic hurricane season. This is the time of year when the most storms happen. Even though the stores are filled with people just before a hurricane, many of whom buy loads of canned food before atmospheric events, sometimes people don’t have the resources to make hot food, whether it be a case of elderly people who have a hard time cooking or don’t have a gas stove, or simply people who weren’t able to stock up on supplies on time.

Whichever the case, it is evident that food is an important piece of the puzzle and San Juan, the most populated municipality on the island, must keep this in mind. The city already has the help of many church groups and nonprofit organizations whose mission is to serve people hot food. As of Monday, the municipality is teaming up with many of those nonprofits in order to bring food to communities that need it the most.

Without hesitation and with an investment of $120,000, San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo signed a collaborative agreement with 11 nonprofit entities that will boost the number of community kitchens in the island capital to 12.

“This agreement consists of the preparation and distribution of prepared foods to people in need after emergencies,” Romero Lugo said Monday during a press conference at city hall. “Our municipality will provide supplies and materials, while each of the 11 entities will be responsible for the storage

San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo said that under the pact, “Our municipality will provide supplies and materials, while each of the 11 entities will be responsible for the storage and preparation of the food for the beneficiaries.” (Photo

and preparation of the food prepared for the beneficiaries.”

Additionally, it was reported at the press conference that the initiative is a collaboration among the Municipal Office for Emergency Management, the Department of Community Social Development and the Faith-Based Office with the purpose of guaranteeing the delivery of food prepared in cases of emergencies to San Juan residents with few resources.

The mayor added that “with this project, we will be able to assist 18 sectors of San Juan, distributing 13,350 prepared meals daily, once the agreement with the 11 kitchens has been completed.”

“We carried out this initiative last year during the [Hurricane] Fiona emergency,” Romero Lugo said. “Now, we formalize the agreement and processes to be able to serve our residents during any emergency.”

As part of the agreement, the Municipality of San Juan will be offering a course on food management to three members or volunteers from each of the participating community kitchen organizations. The community kitchens are sited at strategic points, so that the areas with the greatest need can be covered. They are located in Caimito, Cupey, El Cinco, Santurce, Pueblo, Piñero, Universidad, Oriente, Tortugo, Hato Rey Central, Hato Rey Norte, Sabana Llana Norte, Sabana Llana Sur, Barrio Monacillo, Monacillo Urbano, Quebrada Arenas and Old San Juan.

Most of the kitchens have cisterns and emergency power such as solar panels and an electric or gas generator.

Some of the entities that signed the agreement were: Hogar Crea Las Américas, Hogar Crea Venezuela, Hogar Crea Mujeres, Hogar Crea Tortugo, LEAP Academy, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, Centro de Blessión, Litheda Adventist Church, ADRA Puerto Rico East and the Baptist Church of Río Piedras.

Romero Lugo reiterated that the effort has been evolving on an ongoing basis since he has been in office.

“I don’t think there’s been any obstacles; I think there’s only been an interest to collaborate and work together,” the mayor told the STAR. “Churches especially have a mission and an interest to serve people. … That is in keeping with our interest as a municipality in having a larger response capacity.”

“The municipality has a limitation of human resources, and a limitation in terms of the knowledge of what particular situation is happening in every community,” he added. “It is thanks to community aid entities that we are able to achieve much more.”

In other words, the municipality recognizes its strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, where the municipality can’t respond, the churches and nonprofits can step in.

“Getting everything ready takes time,” Romero Lugo acknowledged. “It took some time to obtain ambulances and solar panels and other necessary equipment for emergency situations. The religious nonprofits have always been there and I have no doubt that their interest is genuine. However, we wanted to make sure that their kitchens were ready 100%, so getting all of that ready has taken some time. Keeping these things in top shape is important so that we can provide good service for perhaps thousands of people when events happen.”

By THE STAR STAFF

Rep. José Aponte Hernández assured Senate President José Luis Dalmau Santiago on Monday that House Bill 139, which eliminates the congressional “shadow” delegation that was empowered through legislation to push for Puerto Rico statehood in Washington, D.C., will not become law.

“The Senate president can say ‘go home’ in relation to the members of the congressional delegation who are working to enforce the public policy established by the people of Puerto Rico, which is based on the electoral mandate in favor of seeking statehood, according to the results of the status consultation where almost 53 percent of voters favored statehood,” Aponte Hernández said. “Law 167-2020 establishes the mechanisms

used in the Tennessee Plan, since the 19th century, by numerous territories to achieve statehood, including Alaska, California, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Tennessee and Oregon. They implemented it to enforce the will of the voter, expressed freely and democratically at the polls, just like what has happened in Puerto Rico. That is why we are using it.”

“The attack against this law, this proven mechanism, is a totally partisan political one, driven by fear that the admission of Puerto Rico as a state will soon materialize,” the at-large New Progressive Party lawmaker added.

“It is only a matter of time. The mandate of the people of Puerto Rico, expressed freely and democratically, must be fulfilled, and the vast majority of the members of the congressional delegation are part of the public administration’s effort to do so.”

by Richard Gutiérrez/The San Juan Daily Star)

Isabela mayor delivers solar panel/battery units to qualified citizens

By THE STAR STAFF

Isabela Mayor Miguel “Ricky” Méndez Pérez personally delivered the first solar panel batteries that are part of a federally funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) program for residents of Isabela who are 62 years of age and older. The initiative has an initial investment of $143,154.

“The application process was completed a few weeks ago through our Office of Federal Programs, after the announcement with the details and requirements was published,” Méndez Pérez said.

Each unit of equipment delivered consists of a 2,700-watt (W) EcoFlow Delta battery with two 10W rigid portable panels for each battery. Each piece of equipment has a market cost of $1,446, and is particularly effective for people living in apartments. That way, they have access to energy without noise or emissions.

Isabela experienced in a particularly difficult way the blackouts and voltage changes after storms such as Fiona a year ago, where older people suffered more harshly, particularly those who depend on electrical equipment for their medical treatments.

“Right now we are at the busiest time for

tropical storms and hurricanes in the Caribbean,” the mayor said. “We are in the middle of September, the peak month of the hurricane season, but it extends until November 30.”

According to climatology scientists, the intensity of hurricanes is worsening. It is not certain if there will be more hurricanes in the remainder of the season, but what is certain is that the intensity and severity will continue to increase.

“As extreme weather increases, more people need help to be prepared, particularly the most vulnerable,” Méndez Pérez said. “In that mission, they can count on their municipality.”

Energy Bureau highlights integration of smart meters in LUMA plan

By THE STAR STAFF

In an ongoing effort to transform and modernize the island’s electrical system, the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) highlighted a recent announcement regarding the integration of smart meters into the electricity grid.

PREB President Edison Avilés Deliz noted that “in the process of promoting a progressive and cutting-edge public policy, in the resolution and order of February 27, 2023 in the case NEPR-MI-2021-0004, the Energy Bureau put in the foreground the prevailing need to implement smart meters.”

“We are pleased to see that [transmission and distribution system operator] LUMA [Energy], in accordance with the mandate of the Bureau, has incorporated this imperative into its strategy for the coming years,” he said.

Smart meters represent much more than just a technological change, Avilés Deliz said.

“They are the core of a futuristic vision where electricity consumption is managed in real-time and allows dynamic control of

the electricity grid,” he said. “These devices will modernize the way consumers and the operator interact, providing immediate visibility into disruptions and enabling faster response to such eventualities.”

In addition, the advance will facilitate a more personalized interaction with the users of the system, offering differentiated rates, analysis of consumption behavior and, most importantly, the possibility of responding more accurately to emergencies, considering factors such as the medical need of residents, the PREB chief said.

Smart meters are also essential for a greener energy future in Puerto Rico, the official continued. The devices facilitate the incorporation of more clean energies, such as solar and wind. By providing accurate and up-to-the-moment information, smart meters enable the efficient connection and use of renewable sources, ensuring that the electricity system is more robust and environmentally friendly.

“This is just the beginning of an electrical transformation that will take Puerto Rico to be on par with the most advanced

standards globally,” Avilés Deliz said. “The benefits are multifaceted, from reducing emergency response time to providing a more efficient and personalized service to our citizens.”

The PREB is an arm of the Public Service Regulatory Board.

PRASA announces interruption of water service in Humacao, Yabucoa

By THE STAR STAFF

Enrique Rosario Agosto, director of the Eastern Region of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA), announced the implementation Monday of a plan of scheduled interruptions for subscribers in Humacao and Yabucoa that are

supplied by the systems of the Cataño, Buena Vista and Palmas pumping stations in Humacao.

The plan began for periods of 12 hours, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., in service areas identified as A and B.

“During recent weeks we have executed several initiatives leading to the optimization of the distribution system that originates in the Terminal Sur pumping station in Humacao and that supplies the areas of Cataño, Mariana, Candelero, Buena Vista in Humacao, and Parrilla Gandular, Aguacate and surrounding sectors of Yabucoa, among others,”Rosario Agosto said. “We have completed the replacement of mechanical elements in various pumping stations, identification and correction of hidden leaks, installation of valves for sectorization, study and profiles of pressures and their respective operational adjustments. However, we continue to experience operational deficiencies in pumping systems, and additional work is required to continue the sectorization of distribution systems. Therefore, while we

continue the execution of the improvements and optimization to the network, we will establish a plan of scheduled interruptions that will take effect on Monday.”

With the alternation of days, intention is to sectorize the service areas to match the demand of subscribers. Two zones were established to identify the interruptions. Zone A groups subscribers in Candelero Abajo and Buena Vista de Humacao, and Parrilla Gandular, Aguacate and Playa Guayanés in Yabucoa. Residents in this area will experience low pressure to interruption of service from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Zone B subscribers, who reside in the Cataño neighborhood of Humacao, will have interruption of service from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Every 12 hours, interruption will alternate successively between the zones.

“This outage plan is established on a temporary basis while the next initiatives leading to the optimization of the systems are completed,” the regional director added.

Isabela Mayor Miguel “Ricky” Méndez Pérez, at right, said: “As extreme weather increases, more people need help to be prepared, particularly the most vulnerable.”

Puerto Rico Energy Bureau President Edison Avilés Deliz

The plan for water service interruptions began for periods of 12 hours, from six in the afternoon to six in the morning, in separate service areas in Humacao and Yabucoa.

House GOP considers stopgap spending bill to avert a shutdown

By CARL HULSE

House Republicans considered a new stopgap funding proposal Sunday aimed at averting a government shutdown at the end of the month, but it was unlikely that the plan, which would slash spending for most federal agencies and resurrect tough Trump-era border initiatives, could break the deep impasse on Capitol Hill.

The legislation presented to rankand-file lawmakers in a conference call Sunday night was the latest effort by House Republican leaders to find a way out of a daunting funding logjam that left their plans to consider annual spending bills in chaos last week and has put Congress on a path to a government closure on Oct. 1.

Leaders of both chambers concede that a stopgap measure will be needed to keep government agencies open after the Sept. 30 end of the fiscal year, when funding is set to lapse, because none of the 12 annual appropriations bills have yet cleared Congress.

The House proposal emerged from talks between right-wing and more mainstream Republicans and was meant to represent a compromise that both factions could embrace, avoiding a politically treacherous shutdown while also providing some funding cuts and border controls demanded by the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus. But its fate was in serious doubt as reservations quickly emerged among some Republicans, and it was all but certain to be dead on arrival in the Democratic-controlled Senate even if the House could manage to pass it.

Republicans tentatively set a vote for Thursday, allowing time to overcome resistance in their ranks.

The proposal came after Speaker Kevin McCarthy said earlier Sunday that he intended to resurrect a Pentagon spending measure that stalled last week in an embarrassing setback for the speaker and try to push it to the House floor despite pledges by members of the Freedom Caucus to oppose the move unless their sweeping demands on spending were met.

The proposed stopgap bill would extend funding through Oct. 31 and impose a nearly 8% spending cut on most federal

agencies while exempting the Pentagon, veterans programs and disaster relief, resulting in a roughly 1% cut overall. It would include most elements of a tough immigration measure approved by the House in May, except for the E-Verify employment verification system, a plan that has drawn fire on several fronts.

It does not include additional assistance to Ukraine or added disaster aid, both of which are being sought by senators of both parties.

In the conference call, McCarthy told House Republicans that they could not prevail in a fight with the Senate if they could not pass a bill themselves, according to lawmakers who attended and described the discussion on the condition of anonymity.

The problem for McCarthy and his leadership team is that some of the most conservative House Republicans have said they do not intend to vote for a stopgap bill, known as a continuing resolution, under any circumstances, and he has just a handful of votes to spare.

“For months, I have made it very clear that I will not be supporting a CR. And this week is no different,” Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., wrote on the X platform Sunday night, after the call in which McCarthy briefed his members on the proposal. “A CR

is a continuation of Nancy Pelosi’s budget and Joe Biden’s policies.”

Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., another of the right-wing holdouts, was more terse in his response: “NO,” he wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

But McCarthy is desperate to pass legislation and put pressure on the Senate to respond.

Democrats quickly dismissed the legislation.

“Less than two weeks away from a government shutdown, House Republicans are still more focused on introducing extreme funding bills that would cut funding to the National Institutes of Health, including funding for cancer research, defund the police and decrease resources to important allies like Ukraine and Israel than working on bipartisan solution that could be enacted,” said Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the senior Democrat on the Appropriations Committee.

The speaker, who is battling calls from the far right for his ouster over his handling of the spending bills, also reiterated his view, made in private meetings with House Republicans last week, that Congress must avoid a government shutdown after Sept. 30. He said his own experience with previous government closures had convinced him that they are best avoided, and that a

shutdown would put President Joe Biden in a stronger position.

“I’ve never seen somebody win a shutdown,” he said Sunday. “A shutdown would only give strength to the Democrats. It would give the power to Biden.”

Both the House and the Senate ran into snags last week in their efforts to advance yearlong spending bills, as far-right Republicans knocked the appropriations process off-track with time running short.

McCarthy is maneuvering on the spending issues as he faces threats from the far right about a possible move to remove him from the top House post for not keeping spending commitments and honoring other concessions he made to secure their votes for the speakership during his 15-round battle for the job in January. The speaker said he would fight to hold his job and that he would not let the threats distract him from the spending showdown.

“I’m only going to focus on the American public,” he said on Fox, adding: “We have made great progress here in changing this capital. And when you change Washington, you get enemies.”

Several more mainstream Republicans expressed frustration last week at the efforts of the most conservative wing of their party to hold up the spending bills and have been urging McCarthy to put the Pentagon bill on the floor. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., a member of the leadership team, said Sunday that she and a majority of GOP lawmakers “believe the speaker will survive any type of motion” to remove him from his post.

On ABC’s “This Week,” Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., the minority leader, said Republican infighting on spending issues amounted to a “civil war,” and he would not say if Democrats would help McCarthy hold on to his spot if a floor challenge became a reality.

“If that moment presents itself, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” Jeffries said. “But what we should be focused on right now is avoiding an unnecessary government shutdown that will hurt the ability of our economy to continue to recover, which President Biden has led a tremendous recovery to date. And that shouldn’t be interrupted because of partisan, political gamesmanship.”

The San Juan Daily Star Tuesday, September 19, 2023

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, in Washington on Sept. 14, 2023.

Climate protesters march on New York, calling for end to fossil fuels

By SOMINI SENGUPTA, HILARY HOWARD and DELGER ERDENESANAA

Tens of thousands of people, young and old, filled the streets of midtown Manhattan under blazing sunshine Sunday to demand that world leaders quickly pivot away from fossil fuels dangerously heating the Earth.

Their ire was sharply directed at President Joe Biden, who was expected to arrive in New York on Sunday night for several fundraisers this week and to speak before the United Nations General Assembly session that begins today.

“Biden, you should be scared of us,” Emma Buretta, 17, a New York City high school student and an organizer with the Fridays for Future movement, shouted at a rally ahead of the march. “If you want our vote, if you don’t want the blood of our generations to be on your hands, end fossil fuels.”

The Biden administration has shepherded through the United States’ most ambitious climate law and is working to transition the country to wind, solar and other renewable energy. But it has also continued to approve permits for new oil and gas drilling, in most instances because it was required by law.

That has enraged many of Biden’s traditional supporters, as well as politicians on the left flank of the Democratic Party, who want him to declare a climate emergency and block any new fossil fuel production.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., drew loud applause at the end of the march when she described climate action as “an electoral and a popular force that cannot be ignored.”

While the protesters suggested their support for Biden in 2024 would depend on more aggressive climate action, none of the

Republican candidates running to replace him plan to cut the country’s emissions, and several want to encourage more drilling. The front-runner, former President Donald Trump, scoffs entirely at the idea that the planet is warming.

A White House spokesperson cited last year’s landmark climate law as evidence of Biden’s commitment to fight global warming. “President Biden has treated climate change as an emergency — the existential threat of our time — since day one,” the spokesperson said.

Sunday’s protest aimed at stopping fossil fuels suggested a more focused target on the part of climate advocates, who have grown increasingly frustrated by the continued expansion of drilling and mining. The industry has argued that emissions, and not the fuel, are the problem, and that it can use nascent technology to capture carbon dioxide from the air and bury it underground.

According to scientific models as well as projections by the International Energy Agency, nations must stop approving new oil, gas and coal projects if the world is to stay within relatively safe levels of atmospheric warming.

Megan Bloomgren, a vice president at the American Petroleum Institute, which represents the oil and gas industry, said in an email: “We share the urgency of confronting climate change together without delay; yet doing so by eliminating America’s energy op-

tions is the wrong approach and would leave American families and businesses beholden to unstable foreign regions for higher cost and far less reliable energy.”

The turnout in New York surprised organizers and followed a weekend of climate protests in Germany, England, Senegal, South Korea, India and elsewhere. They are the largest such protests since before the COVID-19 pandemic. And they come on the heels of the hottest summer on record, exacerbated by planetary warming, and amid record profits for oil and gas companies.

In New York, some protesters came in wheelchairs; others pushed strollers. They traveled to the city from around the country and around the world. There was puppetry and song and thousands of homemade signs and banners. They were health care workers and anti-nuclear activists, monks and imams, labor leaders and actors, scientists and drummers. And students, so many students.

A group from Boston brought a banner that stretched across the width of a city block, with stripes representing the steady warming of the Earth’s atmosphere since the beginning of the industrial age.

“I’m here today because we need to stop the extraction of Mother Earth and the natural resources for greed and for billionaires and corporations across the world,” said Brenna Two Bears, 28, an Indigenous activist whose family in Arizona had felt the effects

of wildfires exacerbated by drought and heat. Mary Robinson, the former president of Ireland who is now an outspoken climate campaigner, blasted the estimated $7 trillion in subsidies that the International Monetary Fund says governments worldwide spent last year on oil and gas drilling. “We are subsidizing what is destroying us,” she said.

While Sunday’s march was billed as a nonviolent demonstration, climate protests are becoming more confrontational. Activists have thrown pies at glass-covered paintings, disrupted a U.S. Open tennis match and glued themselves to oil company buildings.

Civil disobedience actions are planned for Monday in lower Manhattan.

Activists are especially angry that this year’s U.N. climate negotiations are set to take place in the United Arab Emirates, a leading oil-producing state, and will be overseen by Sultan al-Jaber, head of the Emirati stateowned oil giant, ADNOC.

Protest organizers used Sunday’s event to send a sharp message to Biden as he begins his push for reelection: Do more if you want our votes.

Rafael Chavez, 37, came from Newark, New Jersey, with a group called Nuevo Labor that represents immigrant workers, many from Mexico and Central America, who are especially vulnerable to climate effects. “Our people are collapsing, you know; they work in construction, in agriculture and even those working in warehouses,” he said. “They all feel the heat.”

The president “is in a unique position to be a leader to end the fossil fuel movement globally,” said Daphne Frias, 25, a climate activist. “It’s time for the United States but particularly the Global North to really step up and say that we are taking responsibility to the way that we have harmed and polluted.”

Virginia Page Fortna, a political science professor at Columbia University, was gentle on Biden. “He’s done a huge amount, which is awesome,” she said. “But of course there’s always more to do. It’d be great if he would declare a climate emergency.”

Amid the anger, there was also a festive atmosphere among some protesters.

Michelle Joni, 38, of Brooklyn, brought what she called a “dance hub” for the march — a converted school bus decked out with Barbie heads, stickers, a couch and a dance floor on the roof. “It’s like we bring joy, and we dance, and we create connection,” she said. “And that’s the fuel for ending fossil fuels.”

Climate protesters march through NewYork on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. Ahead of the United Nations’ meetings this week, thousands are marching through Midtown to demand that President Joe Biden and other world leaders stop new oil and gas drilling.

Tropical Storm Nigel expected to become a hurricane

By JUDSON JONES

Hours after the powerful storm known as Lee made landfall in Canada, knocking out power for thousands, Tropical Storm Nigel formed in the Atlantic Ocean late Saturday, becoming the latest named storm of the 2023 hurricane season. The storm continued to strengthen Sunday, and was expected to become a hurricane during the night.

Here are three key things to know about Nigel:

— Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center said they expect the storm to strengthen over the next two days, growing strong enough to reach hurricane status as soon as Sunday night. Forecasters said Nigel is expected to approach major hurricane intensity by midweek.

— Sunday evenning, Nigel was in the open Atlantic, about 990 miles east-southeast of Bermuda.

— The hurricane center estimated the

storm had sustained winds of 70 mph Sunday night. Tropical disturbances that have sustained winds of 39 mph earn a name. Once winds reach 74 mph, a storm becomes a hurricane, and at 111 mph it becomes a major hurricane.

The Atlantic hurricane season started June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

In late May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted that there would be 12-17 named storms this year, a “nearnormal” amount. On Aug. 10, NOAA officials revised their estimate upward, to 14-21 storms.

There were 14 named storms last year, after two extremely busy Atlantic hurricane seasons in which forecasters ran out of names and had to resort to backup lists. (A record 30 named storms took place in 2020.)

This year features an El Niño pattern, which arrived in June. The intermittent climate phenomenon can have wide-ranging effects on weather around the world, and it typically impedes the number of Atlantic hurricanes.

In the Atlantic, El Niño increases the amount of wind shear, or the change in wind speed and direction from the ocean or land

surface into the atmosphere. Hurricanes need a calm environment to form, and the instability caused by increased wind shear makes those conditions less likely. (El Niño has the opposite effect in the Pacific, reducing the amount of wind shear.)

At the same time, this year’s heightened sea surface temperatures pose a number of threats, including the ability to supercharge storms.

That unusual confluence of factors has made solid storm predictions more difficult.

“Stuff just doesn’t feel right,” said Phil Klotzbach, a hurricane researcher at Colorado State University, after NOAA released its updated forecast in August. “There’s just a lot of kind of screwy things that we haven’t seen before.”

There is consensus among scientists that hurricanes are becoming more powerful because of climate change. Although there might not be more named storms overall, the likelihood of major hurricanes is increasing.

‘A terrible mistake’: Trump criticizes DeSantis on abortion ban

By JONATHAN SWAN and MAGGIE HABERMAN

Former President Donald Trump, whose Supreme Court appointments led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, harshly criticized his top rival in the Republican presidential primary, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, for a six-week abortion ban that he called a “terrible thing.”

Trump issued his broadside — which could turn off socially conservative Republican primary voters, especially in Iowa, where evangelicals are a crucial voting bloc — during an interview with the new host of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Kristen Welker, that was broadcast Sunday morning.

Asked whether DeSantis went too far by signing a six-week abortion ban, Trump replied: “I think what he did is a terrible thing and a terrible mistake.”

Since announcing his candidacy in November — just a week after Republicans underperformed expectations in midterm elections shaped by a backlash against the overturning of the abortion ruling — there has been no policy issue on which Trump has appeared more uncomfortable than on abortion.

In interview after interview since the repeal of the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade abor-

tion ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, Trump has ducked questions about whether he would support a federal ban on most abortions at 15 weeks — the baseline position of many Republicans, including the leading anti-abortion group, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.

With Welker on Sunday, Trump again refused to clarify his position.

“What’s going to happen is you’re going to come up with a number of weeks or months,” Trump said. “You’re going to come up with a number that’s going to make people happy.”

He made a far-fetched promise that as president he would “sit down with both sides” and negotiate a deal on abortion that would result in “peace on that issue for the first time in 52 years.”

In reality, Trump — who years ago said he supported abortion rights before switching his position in 2011 as he considered a presidential campaign that year — appointed three conservative justices to the Supreme Court, providing a majority to reverse the Roe ruling. Democrats have made clear they plan to make Trump’s role in Roe’s end a key focus in the 2024 general election if he is the nominee.

What’s more, Iowa’s popular Republican governor, Kim Reynolds, signed a measure similar to the one DeSantis made law. A spokesperson for Reynolds did not respond to a request for

comment.

“This further confirms to Iowans this is not the same Trump we once knew,” said Steve Deace, a conservative Iowa talk show host who has endorsed DeSantis. “This Trump only attacks Republicans from the left.”

Trump’s advisers are mindful that abortion was a political loser for Republicans in the 2022 midterm cycle. Trump himself, when a draft of the court opinion undoing Roe leaked publicly, told advisers it would hurt his party’s electoral chances.

So as he looks ahead to the general election, Trump — the front-runner for his party’s nomination by a wide margin in national polls — has tried to avoid taking a clear position in the hopes of not alienating additional voters.

“I’m almost like a mediator in this case,” Trump told Welker. Pushed on whether he would support a federal ban, he said: “It could be state or it could be federal. I don’t frankly care.”

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of SBA Pro-Life America, who had previously described Trump’s presidency as “the most consequential in American history for the pro-life cause,” indicated she was less than thrilled by Trump’s attack on DeSantis’ anti-abortion legislation. Yet she did not directly criticize him for it.

“We’re at a moment where we need a human rights advocate, someone who is dedicated

to saving lives of children and serving mothers in need,” Dannenfelser said Sunday morning in response to Trump’s comments on “Meet the Press.” “Every single candidate should be clear on how they plan to do that.”

She added, “It begins with focusing on extremes of the other side, and ambition and common sense on our own. Anything weaker than 15 weeks as a federal minimum standard makes no sense in this context.”

A spokesperson for DeSantis, Andrew Romeo, responded to Trump’s attack by criticizing the former president for suggesting he could negotiate with Democrats on abortion, adding that the “disastrous results of Donald Trump compromising with Democrats” while he was president included “$7 trillion in new debt” and “an unfinished border wall.”

Former Vice President Mike Pence, a strict social conservative who has run to the right of everyone in the Republican presidential field on the abortion issue, cast his former running mate’s comments in stark moral terms.

“Donald Trump continues to walk away from the pro-life legacy of our administration,” Pence said in a statement Sunday morning. “There’s no negotiating when it comes to the life of the unborn. We will not rest, we will not relent, until the sanctity of life is restored to the center of American law in every state in the nation.”

A satellite image provided by NOAA shows Tropical Storm Nigel in the Atlantic Ocean, on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023.

Little progress in talks to end strike against 3 Detroit automakers

By IVAN PENN

The United Auto Workers and the big three Detroit automakers largely held their ground over the weekend, seemingly no closer to reaching deals than they were when the autoworkers went on strike Friday.

“If we don’t get better offers and we don’t get down to taking care of the members’ needs, then we’re going to amp this thing up even more,” said Shawn Fain, president of the 150,000-member UAW, in an interview with CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday. Asked about an offer by one of the automakers, Stellantis, for a 21% pay increase over four years, Fain said, “It’s definitely a no-go.”

In a separate interview on MSNBC, Fain said that progress in the negotiations had been slow.

The union had talks with Ford on Saturday. It was going back to the bargaining table Sunday with General Motors and planned talks with Stellantis — the parent of Chrysler, Jeep and Ram — on Monday, a spokesperson said.

The union has been pushing for a 40% wage increase over four years, improved retiree benefits and shorter work hours as well as an end to a tiered wage system that starts new hires at much lower wages than the top UAW pay of $32 an hour.

The Detroit automakers, which are spending billions of dollars in a transition to electric vehicles, say that paying significantly higher wages would put them at a disadvantage to Tesla as well as their foreign EV rivals.

The union has taken two unusual steps in pushing its demands. It has targeted all three Detroit companies — General Motors, Ford Motor and Stellantis — at the same time rather than focusing on one as a proxy for the other two as it had done in prior job actions. And rather than authorizing a full-scale strike, the union chose a “limited and targeted” work stoppage by about 12,700 workers.

One point of contention highlighted in exchanges throughout the day Saturday was an assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois, that Stellantis idled earlier this year. Saving the Belvidere plant is one of Fain’s biggest prio -

rities. He said it was a profitable facility with thousands of workers just a few years ago but “Stellantis wants to keep playing games.”

On Saturday, a top Stellantis executive said the company had proposed “job security” for about 1,350 people who lost their positions at the facility, but the offer was taken off the table when the strike began. And in an email late Saturday, Stellantis criticized the union for its characterization of the discussions about the Belvidere plant.

“Our intention was to present a strong proposal for Belvidere and, at the same time, avoid a strike for our represented workers,” Stellantis said in the email. “The truth is UAW leadership ignored Belvidere in favor of a strike. We stand ready to get everyone back to work as soon as possible.”

The UAW has said its demand for 40% wage increases over four years is in line with how much the salaries of the companies’ CEOs have grown. The companies have proposed a wage increase of roughly half what the union is pushing for, arguing that the billions of dollars they invested in electric ve-

hicles make it difficult to support pay that is higher than what they have offered.

Although the strike is limited so far, an extended one could complicate the Federal Reserve’s efforts to fight inflation by pushing up the cost of new cars as fewer are produced. The union has targeted plants that produce some of the automakers’ most profitable trucks: a GM plant in Wentzville, Missouri, that makes the GMC Canyon and the Colorado; a Stellantis complex in Toledo, Ohio, that makes the Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler; and a Ford assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan, that makes the Bronco and the Ranger pickup.

The work stoppage could also affect other businesses in the automakers’ supply chain.

President Joe Biden, who has been unapologetically pro-union, has said he supports the UAW. Still, the labor demands and the walkout could conflict with his climate agenda, which re-imagines an electric-vehicle future for car companies that may well require less labor.

Spanish firm plans ferry service between DR & Puerto Rico

By THE STAR STAFF

Spanish shipping company Baleària Eurolíneas Marítimas S.A., which operates passenger ferry services in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, will resume plans to establish ferry service between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, company president Adolfo Utor said.

Utor made his remarks recently in a televised interview that was picked up by newspapers in Valencia, Spain.

“COVID and the pandemic have made us rethink everything a little, put on the brakes a little, but not too much because new construction has continued,” the executive said as quoted by La Vanguardia newspaper.

This year the Cap de Barbaria, an electric-powered vessel, started operating between Ibiza and Formentera in Europe. During the pandemic in 2020, the firm put the Eleanor Roosevelt into service, and is

now building her sister ship, the Margarita Salas, in Gijón and is planning other investments.

Baleària has been present in the Caribbean since 2011, when it established a ferry route linking Fort Lauderdale in Florida to Freeport in Grand Bahama. Currently, the shipping company continues to operate that route and has added another fast ferry route connecting the same U.S. port to the island of Bimini, also in the Bahamas.

In addition to resuming the ferry project between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, Utor also plans to start a ferry route between Miami and Havana.

“The truth is that our project is now very focused on the Caribbean,” he said.

If Baleària launches the proposed route, it will have to compete with Ferries del Caribe, another company that is currently providing ferry service from Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic at least three times a week.

Baleària has been present in the Caribbean since 2011, when it established a ferry route linking Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Freeport in Grand Bahama.

Wall Street Moves Sideways as Investors Await Fed

Wall Street closed little changed on Monday as market participants looked ahead to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s expected decision to leave key interest rates unchanged on Wednesday.

All three major U.S. stock indexes ended choppy session essentially flat, with few catalysts and little conviction heading into the Fed’s two-day monetary policy meeting.

“(Fed Chairman Jerome) Powell can spark big moves in either direction with his comments and you don’t want to get caught on the wrong side of it,” said Peter Tuz, president of Chase Investment Counsel in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The central bank has vowed to remain agile with respect to economic data, which has shown signs that core inflation remains on its meandering descent back toward the Fed’s annual 2% target, and suggests the U.S. economy remains on firm footing.

Against this backdrop, growing jitters that a stalemate on Capitol Hill could result in a potential government shutdown had market participants on edge.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Monday said that while she sees no risk of an economic downtown, she warned that a government shutdown would be “Creating ... a situation that could cause a loss of momentum is something we don’t need as a risk at this point.”

The week’s main event is the Fed’s policy meeting, which is expected to culminate in a rate hike pause, leaving the Fed funds target rate unchanged for the second time since March 2022, when the central bank fired its opening salvo in its battle against inflation.

The Federal Open Markets Committee (FOMC) is also due to release its quarterly Summary of Economic Projections, which will include the “dot plot,” or a glimpse into participating members’ expectations regarding the future path of interest rates.

Financial markets have currently baked in a 99% certainty that the Fed will hold the key rate at 5.25%-5.00% on Wednesday. Beyond that, the trajectory is less certain, with a 69% likelihood of the FOMC holding firm in November, according to CME’s FedWatch tool.

“The market would like to see the dot plot come in lower than last time,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist of CFRA Research in New York. “It’s a case of bad news is good news; most people would say it would be good if the summary economic projections called for economic softening next year,” as they gauge the timing of a potential Fed pivot.

On the other hand, the possibility that the softening could mutate into recession remains a top concern.

“Investors are questioning the likelihood of a slowdown versus the hard landing, wondering if things could get worse than forecasters are currently projecting,” Stovall added.

According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 gained 3.26 points, or 0.07%, to end at 4,453.58 points, while the Nas-

MOST ASSERTIVE STOCKS

daq Composite gained 1.99 points, or 0.01%, to 13,710.32. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 5.79 points, or 0.02%, to 34,624.03.

VF Corp slumped following Piper Sandler’s downgrade of the apparel company’s shares to “neutral” from “overweight.”

British chipmaker Arm Holdings slid after Bernstein initiated coverage with an “underperform” rating just days after its stellar debut.

Paypal Holdings dipped after MoffettNathanson cut its rating to “market perform” from “outperform.”

Traders’ bets that the Federal Reserve would pause hiking interest rates at its Sept. 20-21 meeting were 91%, while bets on a pause in November slipped to 46.8% from nearly 57% before the data, the CME FedWatch Tool showed.

“The stronger-than-expected ISM services data shows that investors are still not very skilled at reading the post-pandemic tea leaves,” said Carol Schleif, chief investment officer at BMO’s family office in Minneapolis.

While investors have been hoping for interest rate cuts soon, Schleif said the data shows a strong economy and inflation that is not coming down “as fast as the Fed would need to start cutting rates any time in the foreseeable future.”

In US visit, Zelenskyy to make a case for more aid, and say thank you

By ANDREW E. KRAMER

Ahero’s welcome awaited President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine on his first trip to the United States after Russia’s full-scale invasion, which came on the heels of two back-to-back military advances that showcased Ukrainian momentum to the West. Zelenskyy spoke to a joint session of Congress in December, highlighting the successes and appealing for continued aid.

Zelenskyy’s second visit, beginning today, is a more delicate political mission, coming in the face of skepticism over assistance to Ukraine from some Republican lawmakers and amid a slow-moving and so far inconclusive counteroffensive on which many hopes in the war had been pinned.

Zelenskyy will attend the U.N. General Assembly meeting in New York, where he is expected to continue an effort to win support among developing nations that have wavered or leaned toward Russia. Then he will travel to Washington to meet with congressional leaders and visit the White House.

The Ukrainian president is approaching his appearances with a more balanced message. He remains a tireless advocate for military assistance for the Ukrainian army, but has infused his pleas with deep expressions of gratitude for what the West has already provided.

It’s a shift in tone and approach for Zelenskyy after criticism that he was scolding his allies and appearing ungrateful as he pressed them for weapons.

At a NATO summit in July, Ben Wallace, then Britain’s defense minister, said, “Like it or not, people want to see a bit more gratitude.” He said he was offering advice for Ukraine to win over those who have been skeptical of aid.

At the same summit, in Vilnius, Lithuania, Jake Sullivan, the Biden administration’s national security adviser, said that “the American people do deserve a degree of gratitude” for ammunition, air-defense systems, armored vehicles and mine-clearing equipment.

Zelenskyy appeared to get the message.

“Thank you so much,” he said in a brief comment during Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Kyiv this month, in which Zelenskyy said thank you eight times.

“We are really thankful. We are very thankful,” he said.

In December, Zelenskyy arrived in Washington just weeks after Ukraine’s military had defeated Russian forces in the only provincial capital they had seized in the full-scale invasion, Kherson, in the country’s south. Earlier in the fall, Ukraine had sprung a successful surprise attack on Russian

forces in the Kharkiv region in the northeast, recapturing towns and villages across a wide swath of territory.

The gains meant Ukraine had reclaimed about half the territory Russia seized in the invasion that began in February 2022.

Ukrainian forces at the time were also fiercely holding off the Russians in Bakhmut. (The Russians eventually captured the city in May). In his appearance before Congress, which drew a standing ovation, Zelenskyy presented Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris with a Ukrainian flag signed by soldiers fighting in Bakhmut.

At the time, preparations were already underway for the military operation that began in southern Ukraine in June, after a monthslong wait for American and European weaponry, including tanks and armored vehicles. Zelenskyy has complained that the delay gave Russia time to dig in and lay vast minefields, thwarting any fast advance.

Other factors added to the delay, including late spring rains, but the Ukrainian government’s evolving argument was that the West’s hesitation over sending more powerful and sophisticated weapons was costly in terms of the counteroffensive’s effectiveness.

Ukraine’s army is now locked in a plodding but vicious and bloody fight along two main lines of attack through farm fields and tiny villages.

Military analysts have not written off the operation, but even Zelenskyy has said it is moving slower than hoped. This month, Ukraine pierced a main line of Russian defenses near the village of Robotyne and is fighting to widen the breach sufficiently to send through armored vehicles.

At home, Zelenskyy remains politically popular although he has hit some speed bumps, including corruption in military recruitment offices and procurement that led to the firing of his defense minister.

After nearly 19 months of war, the vast majority of Ukrainians remain enraged at Russia for the invasion and deeply opposed to any settlement that would leave Russian President Vladimir Putin with any gains from the assault.

In addition to lobbying the United States and Europe for military aid, Ukraine has been seeking diplo -

matic backing from developing countries in Africa and South America, arguing that disruptions in grain shipments are raising food prices. He also wants to shore up support from military allies, of which the United States is most pivotal.

America provides about one-third of direct weapons donations to Ukraine’s army. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Congress has approved approximately $43 billion in security assistance.

Now, the White House has requested from Congress an additional $24 billion in Ukraine aid that seems likely to become entangled in partisan spending fights this fall. Zelenskyy will have an opportunity to try to unite Democrats and Republicans on the need for continued military assistance.

Looming over Zelenskyy’s visit is the American presidential election, just over a year away. The prospect of a second Trump administration, and a less enthusiastic commitment to aiding Ukraine, is a concern to leaders in Kyiv.

“It’s a different kind of conversation” for the Ukrainian leader in Washington as the United States moves into an election year, Igor Novikov, a former U.S. policy adviser to Zelenskyy, said in an interview. The president will try “to keep the substance of the war on the agenda and not allow it to become domestic political pingpong, because it’s a matter of life and death.”

With Ukraine bubbling up as a domestic political issue in the United States and European nations, Kyiv will need to engage politicians opposed to Ukraine spending, Novikov said.

Ukrainian politicians of all viewpoints have said the country’s national interest lies in maintaining bipartisan support for U.S. aid. Zelenskyy met in Kyiv over the summer with former Vice President Mike Pence and has regularly hosted Republican members of Congress.

In Washington, Zelenskyy also intends to argue that America’s interests are served in defending Europe’s borders in Ukraine, according to an official in the president’s office. Otherwise, the war could spread, destabilizing the European Union, which is the United States’ largest trading partner.

In the run-up to the invasion, Russia stated claims to security influence in Eastern Europe more broadly, demanding that countries admitted to NATO after the breakup of the Soviet Union leave the alliance.

“If Ukraine were to fail, Putin would be emboldened with profound security and economic effects for the United States and average Americans,” said the official, who insisted on anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about Zelenskyy’s visit. “We will reiterate that Americans should never have to fight Russians in Europe, and the best way to secure that is Ukrainian victory.”

Zelenskyy also intends to lay out in private conversations Ukraine’s plans in the war, the official said, to assuage worries that the fighting could bog down in the back-andforth battles of recent months along the front. Ukraine has scored some success in long-range strikes on Russian air and naval bases and this month damaged a landing ship and submarine in the port of Sevastopol, in occupied Crimea.

Still, a key goal, the official said, is to deliver “a huge message of gratitude to the president, Congress and the American people.”

“Your money is not charity,” President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine told Congress back in December, but rather an investment in “global security and democracy.”

Relief efforts in Libya turn to disease prevention, as hopes for finding survivors dim

By ISABELLA KWAI

Nearly a week after a powerful storm caused catastrophic flooding in northeastern Libya, rescue groups assessing the damage left behind after two dams collapsed in the city of Derna — washing entire neighborhoods out to sea — said the death toll was still being assessed amid diminishing hopes for finding survivors.

“There are still bodies in the water,” said Salem Al Naas, a spokesperson for the Libyan Red Crescent in Derna, adding in an interview that workers were still searching hundreds of buildings where families were feared to have died.

People are being found alive — one person was pulled from the rubble yesterday, Al Naas said. “But the chance to find survivors is very low,” he said.

The United Nations said Saturday that at least 11,300 people had died and that more than 10,000 people were still missing, citing figures it said were from the Libyan Red Crescent. But Al Naas walked that back a bit, and said that although those numbers “might be an approximate number,” the final death toll is yet unknown. “We just think that the number will be huge,” he said.

The tragedy has spurred a dire humanitarian crisis, displacing more than 40,000 people, according to the International Organization of Migration, leaving survivors suffering a shortage of medical supplies and having to deal with contaminated drinking water. Authorities have turned their focus to taking health precautions, fearing that conditions in the disaster zone could cause diseases to spread. Among the dangers facing those affected by the storm are waterborne diseases, and nearly 300,000 children faced “increased risk of diarrhea and cholera, dehydration and malnutrition,” the U.N. report said.

Beginning Sunday, vaccinations would be given to select groups, including teams exhuming bodies, health workers and children, Othman Abduljalil, health minister for the eastern Libyan government, said in a news briefing late Saturday. But he did not specify which vaccines would be offered or which diseases they were targeting.

The country is split between two rival governments: one in the west and the other in the east, where the floods hit, complicating relief efforts.

Concerns over water contamination also led Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeiba, head of the Tripoli-based western government, on Sunday to order that drinking water be provided to flood-affected areas. Before the prime minister’s order, people had been using drinking water brought in by aid groups, according to Al Naas.

Derna residents had been advised to drink bottled water after some people had

become ill, according to health officials.

“People in Derna are advised not to use regular drinking water because it is the most common source of infection,” one of the officials, Haider Al-Sayeh, said in an earlier briefing Saturday, adding that 150 people had experienced diarrhea after consuming the contaminated water.

Amid other water contamination worries, workers were also spraying insecticides

inside houses and on submerged bodies, Al Naas said.

“We are expecting negative things will happen,” he said. “We are taking precautions right now.”

Bodies in natural disasters do not generally pose health risks, the World Health Organization has said, but if they are in or near water supplies, there is a risk of contamination.

In its accounting of casualties, Libyan authorities have given varying and more conservative statistics, this past week putting them at more than 3,000 people dead and more than 4,000 missing. The World Health Organization said Saturday that it had helped authorities identify nearly 4,000 bodies.

International groups and officials who arrived in Derna over the weekend to assess the situation said they were aghast by the sheer damage left after the dams’ collapse. The ensuing torrent, local authorities said, crushed bridges and roads, and carried buildings out to sea with people still inside.

A shipment of nearly 32 tons of health supplies — including body bags and essential medical supplies — arrived Saturday in Benghazi, the World Health Organization said. Volunteers were also distributing food to those in nearby areas such as the city of Sousse.

Academics had warned before the disaster that storms could overwhelm the dams protecting Derna, leaving the city vulnerable to flood risk. Climate change had hardened the land, making it less absorbent of runoff water, and experts have argued that the dam was built by engineers who had not accounted for the increasing likelihood of more intense storms. The risks were compounded, experts said, by the neglect of local authorities in maintaining the dam as the country endured political strife, with one government based in the east and another in the west.

“This crisis is beyond Libya’s capacity to manage, it goes beyond politics and borders,” said Abdoulaye Bathily, head of the United Nations’ support mission in Libya, who visited the city Saturday, describing the magnitude of the disaster.

The toll of the tragedy has left Al Naas and others in Derna feeling “on the edge of death,” he said.

“How to deal with this trauma, with people who lost their families?” he said. “Logistic support is good — but what’s next?”

Volunteers disinfecting themselves after they carried a dead body they found under the rubble of a building on Sunday in Derna, Libya.

A man standing amid the rubble in Derna on Sunday, a week after floodwaters began submerging much of the city.

China sends record number of military planes near Taiwan

By AMY CHANG CHIEN and CHRIS BUCKLEY

China sent a record number of military aircraft toward the self-governed island democracy of Taiwan, prompting the island’s Defense Ministry on Monday to warn against what it called “destructive” harassment. The previous daily record of Chinese military flights near Taiwan was 91 planes, on April 10.

Taiwan said it tracked 103 People’s Liberation Army aircraft entering its air defense identification zone in the 24 hours leading up to Monday morning. None entered Taiwan’s airspace.

That tally included 40 aircraft that crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait, which once acted as an informal boundary between the two sides. Dozens of other Chinese planes flew off the southern end of Taiwan and turned part of the way along the island’s eastern coast, facing the West Pacific.

What we know

China has ramped up military flights around Taiwan every year since 2019. In particular, Beijing has done so during moments of tension around Taiwan’s highlevel exchanges with the United States, the island’s most important political and security partner.

One of the last major surges came

after Rep. Nancy Pelosi, at that time Speaker of the House of Representatives, visited Taiwan last year in a show of support for the island.

In 2020, Taiwan began releasing daily counts of the growing number of Chinese military aircraft entering its “air defense identification zone,” also called its ADIZ, which is a buffer area much broader than Taiwan’s territorial airspace.

The number of People’s Liberation Army flights recorded by Taiwan grew from 972 in 2021 — the first full year when Taiwan began regularly recording the numbers — to 1,737 last year, and 1,268 so far this year, including the spike Monday, said Ben Lewis, a military analyst who maintains a data set on the flights, using the data from Taiwan’s Defense Ministry.

The context

Chinese leaders have maintained for decades that they want to claim Taiwan back peacefully but will not exclude using force if they deem it necessary.

The increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan does not mean that war is imminent. China is also testing and

eroding the island’s vigilance, seeking to wear away its military equipment and personnel, and remind Taiwanese politicians and voters of China’s military might.

The ramped-up military presence in the skies and waters off Taiwan’s eastern coast also signals China’s intent to dominate an expanse of sea that could be vital for the island’s defenses.

What China and Taiwan have said

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense warned that China’s “continued military harassment” could sharply increase tensions. “We call on the Beijing authorities to take responsibility and immediately stop such destructive unilateral actions.”

China has, so far at least, been relati-

vely muted about its recent military exercises and activities near Taiwan.

Last week, China held large-scale military drills in the western Pacific, including deploying an aircraft carrier and dozens of naval ships and warplanes, and did not issue any announcements.

What the experts are saying

Ou Si-fu, a researcher at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the record flights Monday appeared to be squarely aimed at pressuring Taiwan, which has sought to develop ties with the United States.

The sorties appeared to signal “China’s dissatisfaction with the recent developments in strengthening military and economic and trade cooperation between Taiwan and the United States,” Ou said.

Others saw a more generic motivation.

“This is more like a routine exercise by the Chinese Communist Party to demonstrate the ability of its military aircraft to perform long-distance missions,” said Chieh Chung, a security analyst with the National Policy Foundation in Taipei. “This doesn’t necessarily have a specific political motivation.”

China may be staying silent about the exercises as it tries to stabilize relations with the United States, Chieh said. Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, met with Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, over the weekend and stressed that the Taiwan issue was a “red line” for China.

A Chinese fighter jet taking off from the Shandong aircraft carrier during exercises near Taiwan in August, in a photo released by Chinese state media.

Taiwanese soldiers practicing a drill during the annual Han Kuang military exercise in Taoyuan in July.

Jonatan Ramos Director Funerario

Between bites of steak, pledging to end world hunger

By NICHOLAS KRISTOF

World leaders will gather this week at the United Nations and proclaim their passion for ending poverty and hunger around the globe

In that week, approximately 90,000 children under the age of 5 will die, mostly of preventable causes.

As leaders discuss their goal to end hunger, over steak, children will be starving — to the point that 148 million will be forever stunted from malnutrition.

Then, after a flurry of cocktail parties, the leaders will clap one another on the back, congratulate themselves for confronting global needs and go home to fret about their waistlines.

OK, that’s a bit unfair: Some leaders do genuinely work to address these issues. If I sound dyspeptic, it’s because over the decades, I’ve watched so many of these U.N. sessions with their motorcades and $1,000-a-night suites, and I haven’t seen nearly enough of the hard work and difficult commitments that save children’s lives, ease hunger and end atrocities. Sometimes it feels like an annual orgy of hypocrisy.

In 2015, at this U.N. gathering, leaders embraced “sustainable development goals” — such as “no poverty”

and “zero hunger” — that they pledged to achieve by 2030. Now, we’re more than halfway to the deadline, and it’s clear we’re going to miss these goals by a mile. Millions will needlessly die as a consequence.

When the goals were adopted, the U.N. secretarygeneral at the time, Ban Ki-moon, pronounced them “a defining moment in human history.”

Then-British Prime Minister David Cameron outlined the mission: “to reduce preventable deaths to zero, to eliminate illiteracy and malnutrition and to eradicate extreme poverty.”

Jim Yong Kim, then the World Bank president, proclaimed that all this “will be one of humankind’s greatest achievements.”

Results have not matched the rhetoric. In an update on the sustainable development goals, the U.N. says that progress toward 80% of the targets has been “weak,” “stalled” or “gone into reverse.”

Instead of ushering in “zero poverty,” the year 2030 is now forecast to have 575 million people living in extreme poverty. Instead of ending illiteracy, the world is on track to have 84 million children out of school in 2030.

We were also supposed to end child marriage by 2030. Oops. The U.N. now warns that this may take 300 more years.

The sustainable development goals were unrealistic; they were never going to be fully achieved. After all, we still allow child marriage in 41 states here in America (to our shame).

Lofty goals could be forgiven if they inspired progress, but I worry that they were sometimes less a spur to action than a substitute for it. Yes, the pandemic created setbacks, but let’s be honest: We dropped the ball.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was an excitement about overcoming global poverty. Global organizations were formed to promote vaccines and fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. Bleeding hearts from left and right worked together to save lives. Bono caught the spirit in a powerful 2004 commencement speech proclaiming that “we can be that generation that says no to stupid poverty.”

That passion brought results: Since 2000, the share of the world’s people living in poverty has plunged by more than 70%.

The excitement has faded. Countries turned inward, and leaders moved on (That includes the news media; count this column as self-criticism.) There has been progress since 2015, but not nearly as much as was possible.

The failures aren’t only in the rich countries. Sudan has collapsed into a maelstrom of killing and rape,

which amplifies poverty. Ethiopia’s leader — a Nobel Peace Prize winner, no less — has presided over mass atrocities while making plans for a palace that may cost $10 billion.

We know what to do. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has outlined a path to save the lives of some 2 million mothers and children over a decade. We have the tools and experience; we lack the resources and political will.

“Successes in nutrition show what’s possible, making failure to go to scale even more unacceptable,” Shawn Baker of Helen Keller Intl told me.

Developed countries quietly dropped their bold promises to increase aid. The World Food Program faces such funding shortfalls that it has had to cut 10 million hungry Afghans from food support.

“Now we need to make choices about who still gets food and who not,” Hsiao-Wei Lee of the World Food Program in Afghanistan told me. “How do I tell a mother with a hungry child on her hand that her family will not receive any assistance anymore, that her child may not be hungry enough?”

It’s maddening to see leaders proclaiming in ringing tones their passion for humanitarian goals that they don’t actually work to achieve. Instead, we could have a week of silence to honor those 90,000 children who will die during these festivities.

Contact Nicholas Kristof at Facebook.com/Kristof, Twitter.com/NickKristof or by mail at The New York Times, 620 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10018

Displaced people at a food distribution site after destruction caused by Cyclone Batsirai, in Nosy Varika, Madagascar, June 10, 2022.

SAN JUAN – El gobernador Pedro Rafael Pierluisi

Urrutia dijo el lunes que, a pesar de que hay menos policías, las métricas de la incidencia criminal, a su juicio, demuestran efectividad.

“Si vemos la incidencia criminal bajando, vemos el número de delitos bajando, los delitos tipo uno y vemos los asesinatos bajando, eso lo que indica es que la fuerza que tenemos está haciendo su trabajo y dando resultados. ¿Qué se necesita más? Bueno, siempre tener más es positivo, o sea, y por eso es que continuamos reclutando y hemos hecho cambios. Por ejemplo, bajarle edad para uno poder participar en la academia a los 18 años. Recientemente, lo último que se ha hecho es ya firmar un acuerdo por lo menos, pero estamos en vía de firmar otros con universidades que puedan darle o los cursos académicos necesarios para obtener un grado asociado en el adiestramiento o la educación práctica. Se va a seguir

dando la academia, pero queríamos hacer una alianza con universidades para otros aspectos académicos. En vías a tener un grado asociado de justicia criminal. Todos los miembros de la fuerza. El acuerdo es que pueden entrar de 18 años, pero que no pueden entrar a la fuerza como tal hasta tener ese grado asociado”, dijo el gobernador a preguntas de la prensa.

Al momento, hay alrededor de 11,900 policías. El número ideal se ha estimado en 16 mil uniformados. No obstante, para el comisionado de la Policía, Antonio López Figueroa, la cantidad no es importante si no hay una estrategia.

“No es solamente tener más policías es la estrategia que se está utilizando. En el 2010, 2011 teníamos 17,000 policías y hubo 1,180 asesinatos y el otro año 1,280. Ahora estamos menos 96 asesinatos comparado con ese año. Es la estrategia que se está usando desde 2021. Estamos atacando individuo alto perfil criminal, estamos trabajando con organizaciones criminales. Realmente, estamos en el mano a mano con el Departamento Justicia y el secretario Domingo Emanuelli, trabajando la Fiscalía, trabajando junto a nosotros. Y el resultado es lo que acabó de mencionar el gobernador. Una baja en la incidencia criminal. Siempre se ha hablado de la cantidad de policías, pero la estrategia es lo fundamental. Aquí podemos tener 20 mil o 40 mil policías y si no tenemos una estrategia, como tenemos el Plan Integral de Gobierno Puerto Rico, que está dando resultado. Esa es la diferencia”, expresó López Figueroa.

Las expresiones se dieron al culminar la graduación de 347 nuevos agentes del Negociado de la Policía en un hotel de San Juan.

EL STAR STAFF

NUEVA YORK – El alcalde de Villalba y presidente de la Asociación de Alcaldes de Puerto Rico, Luis Javier Hernández Ortiz se presentó en la Organización de las Naciones Unidas (ONU) como representante de los líderes de gobiernos locales de Latinoamérica, en calidad de copresidente de la Federación Latinoamericana de Ciudades, Municipios y Asociaciones (FLACMA), así como presidente de la Confederación de Asociaciones de Municipios de Centroamérica y del Caribe (CAMCAYCA).

El también abogado acudió a la entidad mundial para destacar la importancia de la labor en conjunto de todos los pueblos, ciudades y regiones de América, en la búsqueda de soluciones comunes. “Desde mi copresidencia de FLACMA, y como líder de los presidentes de asociaciones de Centroamérica y el Caribe, soy testigo que nuestros países tienen los mismos retos y la mismas luchas. El cambio climático, la búsqueda de fuentes de energía renovables y limpias, la inseguridad en las calles, la violencia de género, la guerra contra las drogas, la seguridad alimentaria, la inflación, el rezago académico, la falta de acceso a un sistema de salud digno, la ausencia de un retiro digno para nuestros servidores

públicos, entre otros, son temas comunes y juntos laboramos en soluciones”, señaló Hernández Ortiz.

El alcalde expresó ante sus colegas alcaldes que “es esperanzador, y augurio de buenas nuevas, estar en el mismo lugar, donde Nelson Mandela se convirtió en el primer líder sudafricano en dirigirse a la Asamblea General de la ONU el 3 de octubre de 1994. De su discurso resaltó lo siguiente y cito: ‘la felicidad del ser humano debe ser en toda sociedad, un fin en sí mismo. El empoderamiento de las personas comunes, para que decidan libremente su destino, sin trabas impuestas por tiranos y dictadores, es la razón misma de la existencia de esta organización’. Esa línea de pensamiento y acción nos debe inspirar a todos”.

En su mensaje, Hernández señaló que los pueblos y ciudades tienen los mismos problemas para lograr los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible. “Son muchos, y los resumo en los dos más importantes: el primero es la falta de descentralización del gobierno estatal, para así llevar los recursos a los gobiernos locales. Solo con la descentralización lograremos acercar los servicios esenciales a la gente. El segundo es el acabar con la desigualdad social. Si procuramos establecer una distribución más equitativa de los recursos en nuestros países, lograremos con mayor facilidad los objetivos de desarrollo sustenta-

ble de manera amplia y justa”.

Las expresiones del alcalde de Villalba se dieron en el marco del evento ‘Global Taskforce de Gobiernos Locales y Regionales’, que reúne a más de 35 redes globales de ciudades y regiones de todo el mundo, que representan a las poblaciones de metrópolis, ciudades periféricas, ciudades intermedias, regiones, zonas rurales y pequeños municipios, y que sirven a más de 4,000 millones de personas, se reunió en Nueva York para mostrar su apoyo a la Agenda 2030 y reiterar su compromiso de alcanzar los objetivos globales.

En evento se enfatizó que “creemos que todavía tenemos la posibilidad de cumplir las agendas de desarrollo universales junto con los gobiernos nacionales, y hacemos un llamamiento a la acción exponencial para hacerlo realidad”.

POR

Gobernador dice que a pesar de cantidad de policías, la estrategia contra el crimen ha dado resultados

En la ONU Luis Javier Hernández, presidente de los alcaldes asociados lidera además dos grupos latinoamericanos de ciudades

How the bloody ‘Bottoms’ reinvents the coming-of-age fight

By MAYA PHILLIPS

You know the setup: one boy, the underdog, is forced to face off with a boy with more social clout — and, probably, more muscles. They’re in the gym, the hallway or the schoolyard, and by the time the last punch is thrown, the underdog, our hero, has taken his first steps into manhood.

For decades, the school scrap was a prevailing comingof-age trope in movies and TV. The ’80s produced some of the most memorable scenes, whether it was Clifford vs. Moody in “My Bodyguard” or Ralphie vs. Scut in “A Christmas Story.” Then in 1993, Richard Linklater gave us the memorable freshmen vs. the paddle-swinging Fred O’Bannion and his cohort of sadistic seniors in “Dazed and Confused”; and in 2002, Sam Raimi offered Peter Parker decking Flash Thomspon in high school. Even SpongeBob has found himself caught in a boating school scuffle with a classmate.

But teen brawling on screen has since evolved to becoming more than just a metaphor for boys at the cusp of adulthood learning to assert their masculinity. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the queer sex comedy “Bottoms,” which de-genders and subverts the boorish maleness of the school tussle as a male developmental milestone, ultimately making it about young women asserting their identities and pushing back against convention.

PJ and Josie are best friends who start a female fight club at their high school, with the goal of losing their virginity to two popular cheerleaders. The entire premise of this delightfully absurd offbeat comedy is predicated on two young women using a narrative often tied to masculinity to their advantage. PJ specifically models the concept of the extracurricular on “Fight Club,” which also works as a metacommentary: The girls in “Bottoms” are flipping gender in the same way “Bottoms” itself is reworking the testosterone-pumped, fistbumping, male-targeted genre of fight movies like that muchworshipped film. (“I love David Fincher,” one of the girls gushes about the “Fight Club” director in passing as she walks into the first club meeting.)

Whereas that Brad Pitt vehicle rewards the savagery of its virile men with sex, violence and destruction, their aggression brimming with homoerotic undertones, “Bottoms” offers its girls the same gratification, but with more comedy and explicit queerness.

PJ and Josie take male posturing to the extreme, capitalizing on a rumor about their being hardened juvenile delinquents. Even when it seems that they’ll be called on their bluff, they double down, as when, early in their charade, PJ goads Josie into punching her in front of the group of their peers and Josie ends up on the floor smiling, blood streaking down her chin. The girls’ popularity soars. So does their self-confidence. Somehow, these girls aimlessly bruise and bloody each other into a sense of camaraderie, even newfound strength.

The movie’s wry gender subversions extend to its ridiculous depiction of PJ and Josie’s male peers, specifically the jocks, who spend the entire movie in their football uniforms. Despite these guys wearing the armor of masculine dude-bros

— literally, protective shoulder pads included — “Bottoms” often makes them effeminate. They fit more squarely into a misogynist’s stereotype of women: They’re petty, sensitive, underhanded and, ultimately, the ones who need saving by the end of the movie. (The one notable exception is an example of the opposite extreme, masculinity gone wild in the form of a feral male student who spends his school days locked in a cage.)

Another recent film, “Miguel Wants to Fight,” on Hulu, also pokes holes in displays of violent masculinity, albeit with less of a payoff. Miguel is a teenage boy who also doesn’t really meet the criteria for the uber-masculine Tyler Durden type. He lives in a neighborhood where fighting is everything: Kids get into brawls on the regular, and guys who dominate in the boxing ring are revered as local heroes. Despite all this, and the fact that his father is a boxing coach, Miguel is the only one in his group of friends who hasn’t been in a fight. When Miguel learns that his family is moving in a week, he decides he must get into a fight before he leaves.

But Miguel hesitates on the sidelines as his three buddies come to blows with another group of peers. The one scuffle he gets into involves more awkward embraces than punches. Miguel is more apt to make friends with an opponent than fight them. Even his fantasy fight sequences, in which he imagines himself as the star of his own anime or martial arts movie, sometimes end with him emasculated. In one, he wears a yellow tracksuit like Bruce Lee’s in “Game of Death” as he faces off against a bully; even after Miguel lands a strike, the bully simply laughs and asks why he’s “dressed like the chick from ‘Kill Bill.’”

Instead of framing the fight as Miguel’s great hurdle to self-assurance and maturity, the movie shows how Miguel’s

obsession with fighting is misguided, just a distraction from the anxiety and sorrow he feels about moving away from his friends. The pressure Miguel puts on himself is all internal; he thinks his father wants a fighter son when his father just wants him to be happy and safe. Every fight scenario either causes Miguel embarrassment or ends with him selfishly alienating his friends. And when Miguel does finally get into a fight, it’s not the heroic, cinematic experience he imagined. In fact, he says to his buddy, “It sucked,” throwing in an expletive for good measure.

This is the ultimate subversion that the two films pull off: While “Bottoms” ends with its female protagonists getting into a massive, bloody gladiatoresque battle and reigning victorious, the coming-of-age movie that’s actually about a boy getting into a fight ends with a 36-second tussle and a sweet reconciliation between bros.

So, perhaps that old saying is wrong: Fighting is sometimes the answer. It just depends on who’s throwing the punches — and what’s at stake.

A scene from “Bottoms,” featuring Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri.

After threats in Mexico, Peso Pluma postpones US concerts

cartel, one of the most powerful and brutal cartels in Mexico, and a major rival to the Sinaloa cartel. It said the artist would face consequences for being “disrespectful and loose-mouthed.”

Edgar Mendoza, a state prosecutor in Baja, California, told the local press that one person had been detained on drug and terrorism charges after being found in the vicinity of one of the banners.

The mayor of Tijuana, Montserrat Caballero, who is living in military headquarters, initially said the banners would be investigated while concert security was ramped up. As of Friday afternoon, tickets for Peso Pluma’s concert there next month remained on sale.

However, on Tuesday, Caballero said in a radio interview that artists like Peso Pluma had potentially invited the attention of the cartels with their lyrics. “Let’s be clear: They sing and make an apology of crime and thus they should know the risk and consequences,” Caballero told Azucena Uresti, the host of Radio Fórmula, in a phone interview. She added that whether authorities canceled the concert would be contingent on whether the narcomantas were the work of organized crime or ordinary citizens. Caballero, who is from the governing party Morena, moved into the military headquarters of the 28th Infantry Battalion after one of her bodyguards suffered an armed attack, and has said she is being targeted by organized crime for confiscating arms.

By ELDA CANTÚ and JOE COSCARELLI

Astring of concerts in the United States by breakout Mexican singer-songwriter Peso Pluma were postponed last week after written threats were apparently issued by a major drug cartel. Authorities said they were investigating the credibility of the threats, which were written on banners and posted publicly in the Mexican border city of Tijuana.

Ticketmaster and Live Nation said that Peso Pluma shows scheduled from Thursday to Sunday, in Milwaukee, Chicago, Indianapolis and Birmingham, Alabama, had been rescheduled for later this fall; his performances are set to resume Sept. 30 in Chula Vista, California. A repre-

sentative for Peso Pluma did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the scheduling changes.

The singer, who performed at the MTV Video Music Awards last Tuesday night, is in the middle of his North American Doble P Tour, following the release of his third album, “Génesis,” which has helped lead an international surge in what is known in the United States under the umbrella term “regional Mexican music.” The album reached No. 3 on the Billboard chart upon its release in June, and has tallied hundreds of millions of digital streams.

Peso Pluma — who was born Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija, and whose stage name translates to Featherweight — specializes in corridos tumbados, a modern form of the drug-trade songs known as narcocorridos, combining regional Mexican styles like ranchera, norteño, banda and mariachi with influences from American and Latin rap.

Last Tuesday morning, three threatening banners, or narcomantas, were spotted in different areas of Tijuana. The messages, written in big red letters, were addressed to Peso Pluma, who is scheduled to perform in the city Oct. 14.

“This is for you, Peso Pluma,” one of the banners read in Spanish. “Refrain from appearing this October 14. Because it will be your last presentation.”

The banner was signed with the initials of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, or Jalisco New Generation

Other Mexican musicians have drawn attention to the risks of the genre as well. Natanael Cano, who is considered a pioneer of corridos tumbados, recently stopped mid-song during a concert in Sonora, Mexico, remarking that he was “going to get killed.” The lyrics of the song, “Cuerno Azulado,” allude to drug deals and potential government involvement, including a line assumed to be a reference to Joaquín Guzmán Loera, the drug lord known as El Chapo.

Narcomantas have long been used by cartels and organized crime to leave public messages for authorities, rivals or the community at large. Popularized at the height of the drug war in the 2010s, the banners can be used to promote or assuage fear, although it is often unclear who is responsible for making them and how credible their messages are.

Peso Pluma had previously been expected to appear at a concert at the Chevron Stadium in Tijuana in March, alongside artists Eden Muñoz, Roberto Tapia and El Fantasma. But in late February, Tapia Entertainment, which was organizing the show, said tickets would be reimbursed “due to insecurity and threats towards other events.”

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador criticized some of the country’s current popular music in June, invoking Peso Pluma’s hit song “AMG,” about a Mercedes-Benz. “As if material things were the most important things — brand clothes, houses, jewelry, power or arrogance,” he said. “There are other options, there are other alternatives. It’s possible to be happy in another way.”

Peso Pluma performing at the MTV Video Music Awards in New Jersey last Tuesday night. The breakout Mexican musician is on tour supporting his recent album, “Génesis.”

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAGUAS SAN CARLOS MORTGAGE LLC.

Parte Demandante V. LOURDES MAVETTE RIVERA CONCEPCION

Parte Demandada

Civil Núm.: CG2018CV02518.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA.

LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS. AVISO DE PÚBLICA SUBASTA. El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de CAGUAS, hago saber a la parte demandada, LOURDES MAVETTE RIVERA CONCEPCIÓN y al PÚBLICO EN GENERAL; que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el 24 de julio de 2023, por la Secretaría del Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor pagadero en efectivo, cheque de gerente o giro postal, a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal, la siguiente propiedad con dirección física: D-14 Calle 2 Villas de Gurabo, Gurabo PR 00778 y que se describe como sigue:

URBANA: Solar #14-D de la Urbanización Villas de Gurabo, radicado en los Barrios Rincón y Celada de Gurabo, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de 160.00 metros cuadrados, equivalentes a 0.041 cuerdas. En lindes por el NORTE, en 10.00 metros con el solar #5; por el SUR, en 10.00 metros, con calle #2; por el ESTE, en 16.00 metros, con el solar #16 y por el OESTE, en 16.00 metros, con el solar #13. Enclava una casa de concreto. Finca 8694, Inscrito al folio 197 del tomo 226 de Gurabo, Registro de la propiedad de Caguas, Sección II. La finca antes descrita se encuentra afecta a los siguientes gravámenes: (i) HIPOTECA En garantía de un pagare a favor de HF Mortgage Corporation, o a su orden, por la suma de $108,865.00 interés al 4% y vencedero el 1 de octubre de 2042, según consta de la escritura número 459, otorgada en Caguas, el 18 de septiembre de 2012, ante notario Reinaldo Segurola Perez, inscrito al folio 133 del tomo 445 de Gurabo, inscripción 12ma. La hipoteca objeto de esta ejecución es la que ha quedado descrita en el inciso (i). Será celebrada la subasta para con el importe de la misma satisfacer la sentencia dictada el 29 de marzo de 2023,

mediante la cual se condenó a la parte demandada pagar a la parte demandante la cantidad adeudada y vencida desde el 1 de mayo de 2017 de una cantidad de $99,601.44 de principal, más intereses acumulándose al 4% anual hasta el saldo total, más cargos por atrasos, y $10,886.50 de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más cualquier otro desembolso que haya efectuado o efectúe la parte demandante durante la tramitación de este caso para otros adelantos de conformidad con el Contrato Hipotecario. La PRIMERA SUBASTA será celebrada el día 2 DE OCTUBRE DE 2023, A LAS 9:15 DE LA MAÑANA en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de CAGUAS, Puerto Rico. Servirá de tipo mínimo para la misma, la cantidad de $108,865.00 sin admitirse oferta inferior. De no haber remate ni adjudicación, celebraré SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 10 DE OCTUBRE DE 2023, A LAS 9:15 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar, en la que servirá como tipo mínimo, dos terceras (2/3) partes del precio pactado para la primera subasta, o sea, $72,576.67. Si no hubiese remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, celebraré TERCERA SUBASTA el día 17 DE OCTUBRE DE 2023, A LAS 9:15 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar en la que regirá como tipo mínimo, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado para la primera subasta, o sea, $54,432.50. El Alguacil que suscribe hizo constar que toda licitación deberá hacerse para pagar su importe en moneda legal de los Estados Unidos de América, de acuerdo con la Ley y de acuerdo con lo anunciado en este Aviso de Subasta. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante horas laborables. Se entiende que todo licitador que comparezca a la subasta señalada en este caso acepta como bastante la titulación que da base a la misma. Se entiende que cualquier carga y/o gravamen anterior y/o preferente, si la hubiere al crédito que da base a esta ejecución continuará subsistente, entendiéndose, además, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de estos, sin destinarse a su extinción cualquier parte del remanente del precio de licitación. La propiedad para ejecutar será adquirida libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad

a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante o acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca ejecutada y las personas interesadas en, o con derecho a exigir el cumplimiento de instrumentos negociables garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito ejecutado, para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. Vendida o adjudicada la finca o derecho hipotecado y consignado el precio correspondiente, en esa misma fecha o fecha posterior, el alguacil que celebró la subasta procederá a otorgar la correspondiente escritura pública de traspaso en representación del dueño o titular de los bienes hipotecados, ante el notario que elija el adjudicatario o comprador, quien deberá abonar el importe de tal escritura. El alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial al nuevo dueño, si así se lo solicita dentro del término de veinte (20) días a partir de la confirmación de la venta o adjudicación. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante u ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del deudor la ocupen. Y PARA CONOCIMIENTO DE LOS LICITADORES Y DEL PUBLICO EN GENERAL y para su publicación de acuerdo con la Ley, expido el presente Edicto bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal. En CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, hoy 24 de agosto de 2023. ÁNGEL GÓMEZ GÓMEZ, ALGUACIL PLACA #593, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE CAGUAS.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANICA

SALA DE PONCE

ESTRELLA

HOMES III LLLC

Parte Demandante Vs. LA SUCESION DE ANTONIO LOZA SARDIÑAS COMPUESTA

POR JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE ÉSTA, CENTRO DE RECAUDACIÓN DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES Y ADMINISTRACIÓN

DEL SUSTENTO PARA MENORES

Parte Demandada

CIVIL NUM. PO2022CV02593

SOBRE: EJECUCION DE HIPOTECA POR LA VIA ORDINARIA Y COBRO DE DINERO. ANUNCIO DE SUBASTA. El suscribiente, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia de Puerto Rico, Sala de Ponce, a los demandados de epígrafe y al público en general hace saber que venderá en pública subasta en la Oficina de Alguaciles, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Ponce, al mejor postor, en moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América en efectivo, cheque certificado, o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, el derecho que tenga la parte demandada en el inmueble que se relaciona más adelante para pagar la SENTENCIA por $104,543.85 de balance principal, los intereses adeudados sobre dicho principal y computados al 5.75% anual hasta su total pago y completo pago desde el primero de febrero de 2022; cargos por demora devengados, más la suma estipulada para honorarios de abogado pactada en la escritura de hipoteca por la suma de $13,500.00 y cualesquiera otras sumas que por cualesquiera concepto legal se devenguen hasta el día de la subasta. La propiedad a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: URBANA: solar marcado con el número cuarenta y uno (41) del bloque R de la urbanización Villa del Carmen, en ésta ciudad de Ponce, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de TRESCIENTOS SEIS PUNTO CUADRADOS (306.00). En lindes por el Norte, y Sur, en una distancia de veinticuatro metros (24.00) con los solares números cuarenta (40) y cuarenta y dos (42) del mismo bloque, respectivamente, por el Este, y Oeste, en una distancia de doce punto setecientos cincuenta y nueve (12.759) metros, por ambos lados, con la calle numero veintisiete (27) de la urbanización, y el solar numero trece (13) del mismo bloque, respectivamente. Contiene una casa de concreto dedicada a vivienda. Inscrita al folio ciento cincuenta y siete (157) del tomo mil doscientos setenta (1270) de Ponce, finca numero treinta y cinco mil setecientos nueve (35709), Registro de Ponce I. Dirección Física: Urbanización Del Carmen, 926 Calle Samaria, Ponce, PR

00716-02127. La primera subasta se llevará a cabo el día 10 de octubre de 2023, a las 1:45 de la tarde, y servirá de tipo mínimo para la misma la suma de $135,000.00 sin admitirse oferta inferior. En el caso de que el inmueble a ser subastado no fuera adjudicado en la primera subasta, se celebrará una segunda subasta el día 17 de octubre de 2023, a la 1:45 de la tarde, y el precio mínimo para esta segunda subasta será el de dos terceras partes del precio mínimo establecido para la primera subasta, o a sea la suma de $90,000.00. Si tampoco hubiera remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se celebrará una tercera subasta el día 24 de octubre de 2023, a la 1:45 de la tarde, y el tipo mínimo para esta tercera subasta será la mitad del precio establecido para la primera subasta, o sea, la suma de $67,500.00. El mejor postor deberá pagar el importe de su oferta en efecto, cheque certificado o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se dará por terminado el procedimiento, pudiendo adjudicarse el inmueble al acreedor hipotecario dentro de los diez días siguientes a la fecha de la última subasta, si así lo estimase conveniente, por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada conforme a la sentencia, si ésta fuera igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta y abonándose dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si ésta fuera mayor. Se avisa a cualquier licitador que la propiedad queda sujeta al gravamen del Estado Libre Asociado y CRIM sobre la propiedad inmueble por contribuciones adeudadas y que el pago de dichas contribuciones es la responsabilidad del licitador. Que se entenderá por todo licitador acepte como suficiente la titulación y que los cargos y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes en entendiéndose que el rematador los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse su extinción al precio rematante. Todos los nombres de los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante, o de los acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca ejecutada y las personas interesadas en, o con derecho a exigir el cumplimiento

de instrumentos negociables garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito ejecutado, siempre que surgen de la certificación registral, para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Y para conocimiento de licitadores, del público en general y para su publicación en un periódico de circulación general diaria en Puerto Rico y en los sitios públicos de acuerdo a las disposiciones de la Regla 51.7 de las de Procedimiento Civil, así como para la publicación en un periódico de circulación general diaria y en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas con antelación a la fecha de la primera subasta y por lo menos una vez por semana. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento indicado estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante las horas laborables. (Art. 102 (1) de la Ley núm. 210-2015). Expedido el presente en Ponce, Puerto Rico, a 15 de agosto de 2023. ALGUACIL DEL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE PONCE.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE LARES.

LEGACY MORTGAGE

ASSET TRUST 2019-PR1

Demandante vs. JUAN RIVERA LOPEZ, ROSA MARIA RIVERA CRUZ Y SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR

AMBOS

Demandados

CIVIL NUM. LR2022CV00188.

SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCION DE HIPOTECA POR LA VIA ORDINARIA.

EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. SS..

A: La Parte Demandada, al (a la) Secretario(a) de Hacienda de Puerto Rico y al Público General: Certifico y Hago Constar: Que en cumplimiento con el Manda-

miento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por el (la) Secretario(a) del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Lares, en el caso de epígrafe procederá a vender en pública subasta al mejor postor en efectivo, cheque gerente, giro postal, cheque certificado en moneda legal de los Estados Unidos de América al nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, en mi oficina ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Lares, el 12 de octubre de 2023, a las 11:00 de la mañana, todo derecho título, participación o interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación:

RÚSTICA: Parcela de terreno del caso C-592 localizada en el barrio Callejones del Municipio de Lares, Puerto Rico. Tiene una cabida de 1.1767 cuerdas equivalentes a 4624.8899 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, con camino público que separa de terrenos de Eduardo Santiago antes, hoy Antonio Pérez; por el SUR, con la parcela número 23; por el ESTE, con la parcela número 4; y por el OESTE, con parcelas número 1 y número dos. Inscrita al folio 94 del tomo 98 de Lares, finca número 5,057, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de Utuado. Propiedad localizada en: SR 453 Km 11 Int. Calle J, Lares, PR 00667. Según figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución no está gravada por las siguientes cargas anteriores o cargas posteriores a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad de la propiedad y que todas las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito ejecutante antes descritos, si los hubiere, continuarán subsistentes. El rematante acepta dichas cargas y gravámenes anteriores, y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se establece como tipo mínimo de subasta la suma de $26,000.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la escritura de hipoteca. De ser necesaria una segunda subasta por declararse desierta la primera, la misma se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Lares, el 19 de octubre de 2023, a las 11:00 de la mañana, y se establece como mínima para dicha segunda subasta la

suma de $17,333.33, 2/3 partes del tipo mínimo establecido originalmente. Si tampoco se produce remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se establece como mínima para la tercera subasta, la suma de $13,000.00, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado y dicha subasta se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Lares, el 26 de octubre de 2023, a las 11:00 de la mañana. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para, con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante, el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor ascendente a la suma de $6,718.43 de principal, intereses al tipo del 7.976% anual según ajustado desde el día 6 de marzo de 2021 hasta el pago de la deuda en su totalidad, más la suma de $2,600.00 por concepto de honorarios de abogado y costas autorizadas por el Tribunal, más las cantidades que se adeudan mensualmente por concepto de seguro hipotecario, cargos por demora, y otros adeudados que se hagan en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca. La venta en pública subasta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga o gravamen posterior que afecte la mencionada finca, a cuyo efecto se notifica y se hace saber la fecha, hora y sitio de la PRIMERA, SEGUNDA Y TERCERA SUBASTA, si esto fuera necesario, a los efectos de que cualquier persona o personas con algún interés puedan comparecer a la celebración de dicha subasta. Se notifica a todos los interesados que las actas y demás constancias del expediente de este caso están disponibles en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante horas laborables para ser examinadas por los (las) interesados (as). Y para su publicación en el periódico The San Juan Daily Star, que es un diario de circulación general en la isla de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, así como para su publicación en los sitios públicos de Puerto Rico. Expedido en Lares, Puerto Rico, hoy día 27 de agosto de 2023. ISMAEL SERRANO CARDONA, Alguacil De Subastas, Tribunal De Primera Instancia Centro Judicial De Lares Sala Superior.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU-

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA DE CAGUAS

REVERSE MORTGAGE

hipotecario que se ejecuta, el Tribunal ordenará la cancelación de todos los gravámenes posteriores. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquiere libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Si se declara desierta la tercera subasta se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo mínimo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si ésta es mayor. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento del caso de epígrafe están disponibles en la Secretaría del Tribunal Superior de Puerto Rico, Sala Superior de Lares, durante horas laborables. Para conocimiento de la parte demandada y de toda persona que tenga interés inscrito con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen que se está ejecutando, si alguna, y para la concurrencia de licitadores y para el público en general el presente edicto se publicará en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico una vez por semana por un término de dos (2) semanas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre cada publicación. Se fijará además, en tres (3) lugares públicos del Municipio donde ha de celebrarse la subasta, estos lugares serán la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía de dicho Municipio. Se notificará a la parte demandada copia del edicto de subasta mediante correo certificado con acuse de recibo a su dirección que obra en autos. Una vez efectuada la correspondiente venta judicial, otorgaré la escritura del traspaso al licitador victorioso, quien podrá ser la parte demandante, cuya oferta podrá aplicarse a la extinción parcial o total de la obligación reconocida por la Sentencia. Colocaré al licitador victorioso en posesión física de la Propiedad mediante el lanzamiento de los ocupantes en el término legal de veinte (20) días desde la fecha de la venta en pública subasta. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el Tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante o ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del deudor la ocupen. El Registrador de la Propiedad cancelará, libre de derechos, todo gravamen posterior a la fecha en que se otorgó la hipoteca que ha sido ejecutada mediante esta acción, y procederá a la inscripción de la venta a favor del comprador en subasta libre de todo gravamen posterior a la fecha en que se otorgó la hipoteca que

ha sido ejecutada mediante esta acción. Expido el presente edicto bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Lares. En Lares, Puerto Rico, a 6 de septiembre de 2023. Wanda I Roman Carrillo, ALGUACIL, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE LARES. ***

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE SAN SEBASTIÁN ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC, COMO AGENTE DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC

DEMANDANTE VS. JOSHUA SOTO GUZMAN

DEMANDADO CIVIL NÚM.: MO2022CV00192.

SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO.

EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: JOSHUA

SOTO GUZMÁN734 CALLE CONCEPCIÓN

VERA, MOCA PR 00676.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza y requiere para que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), la cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda o cualquier otro sin más citarle ni oírle, si el tribunal en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. El sistema SUMAC notificará copia a los abogados de la parte demandante, el Lcdo.

Edwin Serrano cuyas direcciones son: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 009368518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la dirección edwin.serrano@ orf-law.com, y a la dirección notificaciones@orf-law.com.

EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el sello del Tribunal, en San Sebastián , Puerto Rico, hoy día 14 de agosto de 2023. En San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, el 14 de agosto de 2023. SARAHÍ

REYES PÉREZ, SECRETARIA. LAURA LUGO CRESPO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE SAN JUAN ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC

COMO AGENTE DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC

Parte Demandante Vs. GLADYS LOPEZ TORRES

Parte Demandada

Civil Núm.: SJ2023CV00590.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO.

A: GLADYS LOPEZ TORRES1 RES LAS MARGARITAS APT 831, SAN JUAN PR 00915.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza y requiere para que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), la cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda o cualquier otro sin más citarle ni oírle, si el tribunal en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. El sistema SUMAC notificará copia al abogado de la parte demandante, Natalie Bonaparte Servera cuya dirección es: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-8518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la dirección natalie.bonaparte@orf-law.com y a la dirección notificaciones@ orf-law.com. EXTENDIDO

BAJO MI FIRMA y el sello del Tribunal, en SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, hoy día 14 de agosto de 2023. En SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, el 14 de agosto de 2023.

GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA. CARLA

J. RIVERA CLIMENT, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU-

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE CAGUAS

MIGUEL ÁNGEL COTTO

RODRIGUEZ Y MARISELA

SANTIAGO BERMÚDEZ

Demandante Vs. DORAL MORTGAGE LLC, FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE

(FDIC), Y JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE

(POSIBLES TENEDORES DESCONOCIDOS

Lcda Lisdaira Serrano Martínez RUA 17356

MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC.

Demandante Vs. SUCESION DE HECTOR

DEL PAGARÉ

EXTRAVIADO)

Demandados

Civil Núm.: CG2023CV02042. Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE. UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A: JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE, posibles tenedores del pagaré extraviados. Se le notifica por medio de! presente edicto que se ha presentado en este tribunal una demanda en solicitud de cancelación de un pagaré extraviado a favor de DORAL BANK, o a su orden, por la suma de $28,600.00, con intereses al 6.25% anual, vencedero a la presentación, crédito ejecutivo 10% del principal, según consta de la escritura número 325 otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 31 de mayo de 2005, ante el Notario Público David Toledo David, inscrito al Tomo Karibe de Aguas Buenas, finca 11015, inscripción sexta, sobre la siguiente propiedad: RÚSTICA: Predio de terreno radicado en el Barrio San Isidro de Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, identificado en el plano de inscripción con el número 1, con una cabida superficial de 2431.4083 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el Norte, con solar #2 del plano de inscripción adjudicado a Samuel Cotto; por el Sur, con Fructuoso Rodríguez; por el ESTE, con José Ramón Rodríguez y por el OESTE, con camino Municipal. Inscrita al folio 138 del Tomo 243 de Aguas Buenas, Finca 11015, Registro de la Propiedad de Caguas, Sección II. Por la presente se le emplaza y requiere para que presente al Tribunal su alegación responsiva dentro de 30 días contados a partir del diligenciamiento del emplazamiento, excluyéndose el día del diligenciamiento. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://www.poderjudicial. pr/index.php/tribunal-electronico/, salvo se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría de! Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Se le apercibe que, si dejare de hacerlo, se dictará sentencia en rebeldía, concediéndose el remedio solicitado en la demanda. Deberá enviar copia de su alegación responsiva a la abogada de la parte demandante, cuya información es la siguiente:

273 Ave. Ponce de León Plaza 273, Ste.700 Hato Rey, PR 00917 lisdairaserrano@gmail.com

Extendido bajo mi firma y sello del tribunal, hoy 18 de julio de 2023. LISLDA MARTÍNEZ AGOSTO, SECRETARIA. SANDRA J. TRINIDAD CAÑUELAS, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE HUMACAO SALA SUPERIOR DE HUMACAO SALÓN DE SESIONES SALÓN 206 FIDEICOMISO ZORRILLA LASSUS

Demandante V. EUROBANK Y OTROS

Demandado(a) RICARDO J. CACHO RODRÍGUEZ CACHOR@MICROJURIS.COM

CASO NÚM.: HU2023CV00762

SOBRE: CANCELACIÓN O RESTITUCIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. EXTRAVIADO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: EUROBANK, JOHN DOE, RICHARD ROE; DIRECCIÓN; DIRECCIÓN DESCONOCIDA, PUERTO RICO 99999. (Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 1 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2023, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 11 de septiembre de 2023. En Humacao, Puerto Rico, el 11 de septiembre de 2023. Ivelisse C. Fonseca Rodríguez, Secretaria. F/Keyla Pérez Figueroa, Secretaria Auxiliar del Tribunal.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE HUMACAO EN LAS PIEDRAS

LUIS SANTIAGO

RODRIGUEZ COMPUESTA POR

JEANEFFER SANTIAGO

MOLINA Y HECTOR

SANTIAGO MOLINA; DIANA MARGARITA

MOLINA NARVAEZ POR SI Y EN CUANTO LA CUOTA USUFRUCTURARIA: CRIM

Demandados

CIVIL NÚM. NG2021CV00003

SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO

Y EJECUCION DE HIPOTECA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA.

EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS. ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R. SS.

A: SUCESION DE HECTOR LUIS

SANTIAGO RODRIGUEZ

COMPUESTA POR

JEANEFFER SANTIAGO

MOLINA Y HECTOR

SANTIAGO MOLINA; DIANA MARGARITA

MOLINA NARVAEZ POR SI Y EN CUANTO LA CUOTA USUFRUCTURARIA:

CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

(CRIM): DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA:

DORAL BANK AHORA

ROOSEVELT CAYMAN ASSET: ROOSEVELT CAYMAN ASSET

COMPANY II: Y AL PUBLICO EN GENERAL: El Alguacil que suscribe, certifica y hace constar que en cumplimiento de Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Humacao, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América. Todo pago recibido por el (la) Alguacil por concepto de subastas será en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del (de la) Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Todo derecho, título, participación e interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación: URBANA: URBANIZACIÓN CASABELLA de Naguabo. Solar: H-1. Cabida: 624.509 Metros Cuadrados. LINDEROS: NORTE, en 2distancias que totalizan 20.676 metros con el solar H-11. SUR,

en 2 alineaciones, una de 21.166 metros con la calle 4 y un arco de 5.653 metros con las calles 4 y 1 de la urbanización. ESTE, en una distancia de 23.876 metros con la calle 1 de la urbanización. OESTE, en una distancia de 27.355 metros con el solar H-2. Enclava una estructura de hormigón, que consta de sala, comedor, cocina, lavandería, cuatro dormitorios y dos baños. Finca #14,068 inscrita al tomo Karibe de Naguabo, Sección de Humacao. La propiedad objeto de ejecución está localizada en la siguiente dirección: Urbanización Casabella Dev., Solar H-1 Naguabo, P.R. 00718. Según figura en el Estudio de título, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada a los siguientes Gravámenes posteriores a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante: a. Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor de Doral Bank, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $124,207.00, con intereses al 6.50% anual, vencedero el día 1 de marzo de 2009, constituida mediante la escritura número 142, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 27 de febrero de 2006, ante el notario Fernando L. Meléndez López, e inscrita al tomo Karibe de Naguabo, finca número 14,068, inscripción 3ra. b. Aviso de Demanda de fecha 3 de junio de 2008, expedido en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Humacao, en el Caso Civil número HSCI-200800663, sobre cobro de dinero y ejecución de hipoteca, seguido por Doral Bank, contra Héctor Santiago Rodríguez y su esposa Diana Margarita Molina Narvaez, por la suma de $80,683.61, más intereses y otras sumas, anotado el día 30 de octubre de 2020, al tomo Karibe de Naguabo, finca número 14,068, Anotación A.c. Aviso de Demanda de fecha 14 de julio de 2016, expedido en el United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico, en el Caso Civil número 15-3128FAB, sobre cobro de dinero y ejecución de hipoteca, seguido por Roosevelt Cayman Asset, contra Héctor Santiago Rodríguez y su esposa Diana Margarita Molinia Narváez; Jeaneffer y Johnathan de apellidos Santiago Molina, John Doe y Richard Doe como posibles herederos desconocidos, por la suma de $75,212.88, más intereses y otras sumas, anotado el día 8 de julio de 2021, al tomo Karibe de Naguabo, finca número 14,068, Anotación B. d. Aviso de Demanda de fecha

29 de octubre de 2018, expedido en el United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico, en el Caso Civil número 15-CV03128-FAB, sobre cobro de dinero y ejecución de hipoteca, seguido por Roosevelt Cayman Asset Comapny II, contra Héctor Luis Santiago Rodríguez, por la suma de $75,212.88, más intereses y otras sumas, anotado el día 8 de julio de

2021, al tomo Karibe de Nabuabo, finca número 14,068, Anotación C. Se le notifica a los acreedores posteriores anteriormente identificados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. Se informa que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravamen posterior, una vez sea otorgada la escritura de venta judicial y obtenida la Orden y Mandamiento de cancelación de gravamen posterior. (Art. 51, Ley 2102015). En relación a la finca a subastarse, se establece como tipo mínimo de licitación en la Primera Subasta la suma de $82,000.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la Escritura de Hipoteca #141, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 27 de febrero de 2006, ante el notario Fernando L. Meléndez López, e inscrita al tomo Karibe de Naguabo, finca número 14,068, inscripción 2da. La PRIMERA SUBASTA, se llevará a cabo el día 24 DE OCTUBRE DE 2023

A LAS 9:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en mis oficinas sitas en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Humacao, el tipo mínimo para la primera subasta es la suma de $82,000.00. Si la primera subasta del inmueble no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 31 DE OCTUBRE DE 2023 A LAS 9:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo sitio y servirá de tipo mínimo las dos terceras partes del precio pactada para la primera subasta, o sea, la suma de $54,666.66. Si la segunda subasta no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 7 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2023 A LAS 9:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar y regirá como tipo mínimo de la tercera subasta la mitad del precio pactado para la primera, o sea, la suma de $41,000.00. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo, para con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: La suma de $70,757.66, con intereses a 6.5% anual, desde el 1ro de octubre de 2016, hasta el presente y los que se continúen acumulando hasta su total y completo pago, más los cargos por demora que se corresponden a los plazos atrasados desde la fecha anteriormente indicada a razón de la tasa pactada de 5% de cualquier pago que éste en mora por más de quince (15) días desde la fecha de su vencimiento, más una suma equivalente al 10% del original del pagaré ($8,200.00), por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más cualquier otra suma que

diéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate y que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores tal como lo expresa la Ley Núm. 2102015. Y para el conocimiento de los demandados, de los acreedores posteriores, de los licitadores, partes interesadas y público en general, EXPIDO para su publicación en los lugares públicos correspondientes, el presente Aviso de Pública Subasta en Caguas, Puerto Rico, hoy 11 de septiembre de 2023. EDGARDO ALDEBOL

MIRANDA, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR, ALGUACIL DEL TRIBU-

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAGUAS, SALA SUPERIOR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU-

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYA-

MÓN

WILMINGTON SAVINGS

FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES

ACQUISITION TRUST

2019-HB1

Demandante Vs. SUCESION JESUS RAUL

CHACON Y ORTEGA

T/C/C JESUS RAUL

CHACON T/C/C JESUS

RAUL CHACON ORTEGA

T/C/C JESUS R. CHACON

COMPUESTA POR

RODOLFO CHACON

GARCIA, IDALMIS

CHACON GARCIA, JESUS

CHACON GARCIA; JOHN

DOE Y JANE DOE COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS;

ELOISA GLADYS GARCIA

GARCIA T/C/C ELOISA

GARCIA DE CHACON

T/C/C GLADYS GARCIA DE CHACON POR SI Y EN LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFRUCTUARIA; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

Demandados

CIVIL NUM. BY2023CV00037

SOBRE: EJECUCION DE HI-

POTECA. EDICTO DE SUBAS-

TA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA. EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS. EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. SS. A: La Parte Demandada, al (a la) Secretario(a) de Hacienda de Puerto Rico y al Público Gene-

ral: Certifico y Hago Constar: Que en cumplimiento con el Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por el (la) Secretario(a) del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Bayamón, en el caso de epígrafe, venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América y/o Giro Postal y Cheque Certificado, en mi oficina ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Bayamón, Cuarto Piso, Oficina de Alguaciles de Subastas, el 11 de octubre de 2023, a las 9:45 de la mañana, todo derecho título, participación o interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación: “URBANA: Predio de terreno radicado en el Barrio Juan Sánchez del término municipal de Bayamón, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de 1955.0925 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, en 33.418 metros con terrenos propiedad del señor Francisco Pujos. SUR, en varias a alineaciones distintas que suman 87.79 de otro con camino municipal que sirve de acceso. ESTE, en varias a alineaciones distintas que suman 87.79 de otro con camino municipal que sirve de acceso.

OESTE, en dos alineaciones distintas que suman 48.435 metros de otro con el remanente de la finca principal por la cual se segrega.” Inscrita al folio 211 del tomo 1046 de Bayamón Sur, finca 46987, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección I. La Hipoteca Revertida consta inscrita en KARIBE, finca 46987 de Bayamón, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección I, inscripción 10ª. Propiedad localizada en: URB.

TINTILLO HILLS, #512 CALLE

TINTILLO, BAYAMON, PR 00956. Según figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada por las siguientes cargas anteriores o preferentes: Nombre del Titular: N/A Suma de la Carga: N/A Fecha de Vencimiento: N/A Según figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada por las siguientes cargas posteriores a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante: Nombre del Titular: Secretario de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano Suma de la Carga: $870,000.00 Fecha de Vencimiento: 28 de diciembre de 2083Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad de la propiedad y que todas las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito ejecutante antes descritos, si los hubiere, continuarán subsistentes. El rematante acepta dichas cargas y gravámenes anteriores, y queda subrogado en la

responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se establece como tipo de mínima subasta la suma de $870,000.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la escritura de hipoteca. De ser necesaria una segunda subasta por declararse desierta la primera, la misma se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Bayamón, Cuarto Piso, Oficina de Alguaciles de Subastas, el 18 de octubre de 2023, a las 9:45 de la mañana, y se establece como mínima para dicha segunda subasta la suma de $580,000.00, 2/3 partes del tipo mínima establecido originalmente. Si tampoco se produce remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se establece como mínima para la tercera subasta, la suma de $435,000.00, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado y dicha subasta se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Bayamón, Cuarto Piso, Oficina de Alguaciles de Subastas, el 25 de octubre de 2023, a las 9:45 de la mañana. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para, con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante, el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor ascendente a la suma de $334,075.54 por concepto de principal, más la suma de $211,204.60 en intereses acumulados al 30 de mayo de 2023 y los cuales continúan acumulándose a razón de 5.060% anual hasta su total y completo pago; más la sumas de $55,075.03 en seguro hipotecario; $403.55 de contribuciones; $20,880.00 de seguro; $650.00 de tasaciones; $260.00 de inspecciones; $3,513.00 en adelantos de honorarios de abogado; más la cantidad de 10% del pagare original en la suma de $87,000.00, para gastos, costas y honorarios de abogado. A tenor con la Regla 44.3 de Procedimiento Civil se condena a la parte demandada a pagar intereses aplicables sobre el importe de la presente sentencia incluyendo costas y honorarios de abogado, desde esta fecha y hasta que sea satisfecha. La venta en pública subasta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga o gravamen posterior que afecte la mencionada finca, a cuyo efecto se notifica y se hace saber la fecha, hora y sitio de la PRIMERA, SEGUNDA Y TERCERA SUBASTA, si esto fuera necesario, a los efectos de que cualquier persona o personas con algún interés puedan comparecer a la celebración de dicha subasta. Se notifica a todos los interesados que las actas y demás constancias del expediente de este caso están disponibles en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante horas laborables para ser examinadas por los (las) interesados (as). Y para su

publicación en el periódico The San Juan Daily Star, que es un diario de circulación general en la isla de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, así como para su publicación en los sitios públicos de Puerto Rico. Expedido en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hoy 5 de septiembre de 2023. Frances Tous Cintron, Alguacil Regional. Maribel Lanzar Velázquez, Alguacil, Placa 735.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMON. ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC, COMO AGENTE DE ACE ONE FUNDING, LLC. Demandante V. JESUS R ROSA PEREZ Demandado(a)

Caso Núm.: TB2022CV00373. SALA: 403. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO - REGLA 60. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: JESUS R ROSA PEREZ CANDELARIA MACUN

111 CALLE GIRASOL TOA BAJA PR 00949

(Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto)

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 29 de agosto de 2023, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha 11 de septiembre de 2023. En BAYAMON, Puerto Rico, el 11 de septiembre de 2023. Lcda. Laura I Santa Sanchez, Secretaria. F/Katherine Santiago Rodriguez, Secretaria Auxiliar Del Tribunal

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INS-

TANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMON. ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC, COMO AGENTE DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC.

Demandante V. JEAN C TORRES RIVERA Demandado(a)

Caso Núm.: TB2022CV00035. SALA: 502. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO - REGLA 60, COBRO DE DINERO ORDINARI. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: JEAN C TORRES RIVERA (Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto)

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 28 de agosto de 2023, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha 11 de septiembre de 2023. En BAYAMON, Puerto Rico, el 11 de septiembre de 2023. Lcda. Laura I Santa Sanchez, Secretaria. Sandra I Baez Hernandez, Secretaria Auxiliar Del Tribunal.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE BAYAMÓN SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN SALÓN DE SESIONES SALÓN 503 ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC, COMO AGENTE GESTOR DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC.

Demandante v. MELVIN E ARROYO DELGADO

Demandado(a)

Caso Núm.: TB2022CV00358. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO - REGLA 60, COBRO DE DINERO - ORDINARIO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

NATALIE BONAPARTE SERVERA NATALIE.BONAPARTE@ORF-LAW.

COM

A: MELVIN E. ARROYO DELGADO.

(Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 06 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2023, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 11 de SEPTIEMBRE de 2023. En BAYAMÓN, Puerto Rico, el 11 de SEPTIEMBRE de 2023. LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA. IVETTE M. MARRERO BRACERO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE GUAYNABO REVERSE MORTGAGE

FUNDING, LLC

DEMANDANTE VS. SUCESIÓN DE RENE

RAMON MANUEL

SILVA BENOY T/C/C

RENE R. SILVA BENOY COMPUESTA POR

HELEN GRISSELL SILVA COLÓN T/C/C HELEN GRISSEL SILVA COLÓN, MARLIN ROSA SILVA COLÓN, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DE NOMBRES DESCONOCIDOS; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIÓN DE INGRESOS

MUNICIPALES; Y LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA DEMANDADOS

CIVIL NUM.: GB2022CV00173.

SOBRE: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

AL: PÚBLICO EN GENERAL.

A: SUCESIÓN DE

RENE

RAMON MANUEL

SILVA BENOY T/C/C

RENE R. SILVA BENOY COMPUESTA POR

HELEN GRISSELL SILVA COLÓN T/C/C HELEN

GRISSEL SILVA COLÓN, MARLIN ROSA SILVA COLÓN, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DE NOMBRES DESCONOCIDOS; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA.

Yo, ALG. HUGO BASCÓ MEDINA, ALGUACIL PLACA #807, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Guaynabo, a los demandados, acreedores y al público en general con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, por la presente

CERTIFICO, ANUNCIO y HAGO CONSTAR: Que el día 10 DE OCTUBRE DE 2023, A LAS 10:40 DE LA MAÑANA, mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Guaynabo, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, procederé a vender en Pública Subasta, al mejor postor, la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria mediante Sentencia dictada en el caso de epígrafe, la cual se notificó y archivó en autos el día 14 de febrero de 2023. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría durante horas laborables. Que en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta a celebrarse, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA para la venta de la susodicha propiedad, el 17 DE OCTUBRE DE 2023, A LAS

10:40 DE LA MAÑANA,; y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 24 DE OCTUBRE DE 2023, A LAS 10:40 DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. Que en cumplimiento de un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que ha sido liberado por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Guaynabo, en el caso de epígrafe con fecha de 15 de agosto de 2023, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada de epígrafe en el inmueble que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Propiedad Horizontal: Apartamento veintiséis guión letra “D” (26-D), también conocido como Sub Penthouse 26D. Es un apartamento residen-

cial de forma irregular que está localizado en el piso vigésimo sexto, del Edificio Condominio Santa Ana, situado en la Carretera Estatal número diecinueve (19), esquina Calle “A”, Villa Caparra, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, que mide sesenta y seis pies diez pulgadas (66’10”) de largo por su parte más larga, por veintiocho pies, once pulgadas (28’11”) de ancho por su parte más larga, que hacen un área de mil quinientos sesenta y tres pies cuadrados (1,563 p.c.), aproximadamente, equivalentes a ciento cuarenta y cinco punto veintiséis metros cuadrados (146.26 m.c.). Siendo sus linderos y distancias los siguientes: por el NORTE, en una distancia de trece pies una pulgada (13’1”) con el apartamento veintiséis guión letra “F”(26-F) separado por pared interior y en cuatro pies diez pulgadas (4’10”) con el corredor común, separado por una pared interior y puerta de entrada; por el SUR, en una línea quebrada de una distancia de dieciocho pies once pulgadas (18’11”) con el apartamento veintiséis guion letra “A”(26-A) separado por pared interior; por el ESTE, en línea quebrada de sesenta y seis pies diez pulgadas (66’10”) con espacio exterior que mira hacia el patio delantero y a la carretera estatal número diecinueve (19) separado por ventanas , paredes exteriores y barandas de las terrazas; y por el OESTE, en cuatro pies seis pulgadas (4’6”) con el apartamento veintiséis guión “A” (26-A), separado por una pared interior, en una distancia cuarenta y dos pies cinco pulgadas (42’5”) con espacio exterior que mira hacia el patio central, el área de estacionamiento, el patio posterior y la propiedad adjunta separado por paredes exteriores y ventanas en una distancia de doce pies una pulgada (12’1”) con espacio exterior que mira hacia un área del patio central que lo separa del apartamento veintiséis guión letra “E” (26-E) separado por pared exterior y ventana y en una distancia de siete pies diez pulgadas (7’10”) con el área de servicio común separado por pared interior. Este apartamento consta de foyer con closet, sala, comedor, dos dormitorios con closet y otro dormitorio con walk in closet, pasillo que conecta las tres habitaciones con los tres baños y el linen closet, cocina, lavandería y terraza. Un baño equipado con lavamanos y servicio sanitario. Los otros dos baños equipados cada uno con una bañera, lavamanos, bidet, y servicio sanitario. La cocina está equipada con counter, gabinetes, estufa con su horno, fregadero y un triturador de desperdicios. La lavandería está equipada con lavadero, el calentador se encuentra localizado en el linen closet. La puerta de entrada de este apartamento está situada en su lindero Norte y por ella se

How Coco Gauff embodies the biggest story in sports

By KURT STREETER

What perfect timing. That thought flashed through my mind as I sat courtside at Arthur Ashe Stadium last week, watching Coco Gauff poleax the backhand passing shot that sealed the U.S. Open and her first grand slam title. My thoughts were as much about the insync way Gauff struck that last ball as how the moment had lined up for this column.

Gauff — a sensation at 19, much as Venus and Serena Williams were at the same age — stepped closer to her destiny. With a major championship in hand, she is ready to be a leader on the women’s tennis tour and one of the guardians of the new era of female empowerment in sports.

Her beginning provided a perfect ending for me. The Open was the last event I will cover as the Sports of The Times columnist. I’m moving to our National desk, where I’ll write feature stories about America’s wonder, complexity, trouble and promise.

How perfect that the U.S. Open helped lower the curtain, with a women’s sport providing the tournament’s apex moment: Gauff’s three-set win over Aryna Sabalenka overshadowed an anticlimactic men’s final in which Novak Djokovic took his 24th major title with a straight-sets win over Daniil Medvedev. For me, women have been the story, and not just at the U.S. Open.

I took on this column in the late summer of 2020. The worst days of the pandemic can seem a hazy memory, stuck in the back of our collective consciousness, as painful moments often are. Much of the sports world was shuttered and scrambling to figure out ways to get back to competition amid the loss of so many lives. Who knew when the rampaging virus would be tamed?

At the same time, the ever-present inheritance of racism roiled the nation after the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor — both at the hands of police — and the brutal killing of a jogger, Ahmaud Arbery, by white racists.

Remember the athletes — famous professionals and little-known amateurs in the United States and globally — and how they spoke out and led.

And remember that Donald Trump was president then, spewing barbs at them, particularly at Black athletes who raised their voices or protested by having the temerity to kneel, exercising their right of peaceful protest during

the playing of the national anthem.

I wrote about all this and much more, and I tried to do so in a way that showed I was not interested in the kind of shouting matches that pervade much of sports journalism. I aimed to write thoughtfully about how sports and athletes intersect with the social issues that stir and vex our culture. I sought to be a strong voice in this space, and to add to the mix a good pinch of storytelling and the occasional piece spiced with a little cheeky fun. More than anything, I sought to live out the most tried-and-true of journalistic credos: comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable — or, in my parlance, fight for the outsiders and the outliers, the unseen and the overlooked.

Which brings me back to a subject I have considered often here, one embodied by Gauff hitting that backhand passing shot and walking off with a grand slam title and a winner’s check for $3 million: the rise of women in sports.

Think of all we have witnessed in this arena over the past three years.

Think of the WNBA, the league’s leading role in the protests of 2020, and its continued strength as an amalgamation of women who are not afraid to challenge the status quo.

Think of the winning fight by the U.S. women’s national soccer team for equal pay, or how female soccer players across the globe and in the NWSL stood up against harassing, abusive coaches.

Did you see that volleyball game at the University of Nebraska, with 92,000 fans in the stands? Or all those record-breaking,

packed-to-the-gills stadiums at the Women’s World Cup, with 75,000 on hand for the recent final in Australia?

Yep, it’s a new era.

Consider March Madness 2023. This was a year when the men’s event sat in the shadow of the women’s side — with its upsets, tension and quality. With the charismatic Angel Reese leading LSU over Iowa for the national title. With Reese, bold and Black, sparking a conversation on race by taunting her white opponent, Caitlin Clark, the sharpshooting player of the year.

Yes, on the court, track, field or wherever they compete, women can be as challenging, ornery, competitive and controversial as men. That needs to be celebrated.

Where will this end? With a few excep -

tions, tennis being one, it’s hard to imagine women’s sports getting the kind of attention they deserve any time soon.

Who gets the most money, notice and hosannas in youth sports? By and large, boys.

Who runs most teams and controls most media that broadcast and write about the games? By and large, men.

Who runs the companies that provide the sponsorship money? Yeah, primarily men. Change is coming. But change will take more time. Maybe a few generations more.

The decks remain stacked in favor of guys, but women continue their fight. When it comes to the games we play and love to watch, that’s the biggest story in sports right now.

How perfect that this year’s U.S. Open would frame that story once again. Flushing Meadows was a two-week gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of Billie Jean King’s successful push for equal prize money at the event — a landmark in sports that still stands out for its boldness.

And how fitting that on this golden anniversary — with Serena Williams now retired, with Billie Jean front and center during tributes all tournament long — Gauff would win her first grand slam and do it by flashing the kind of poise that marks her as an heir to the throne.

Thank you, Coco and Serena. Thank you, Billie Jean, and all the other female and male athletes who have gone against the status quo, emerged victorious and are still in the fight.

And thank you for following along as I’ve tried to stand for the outsiders and make sense of it all.

Coco Gauff celebrating her U.S. Open singles title earlier this month in New York.

Jets return to Zach Wilson with familiar result

By KEN BELSON

The Dallas Cowboys throttled the New York Jets 30-10 on Sunday afternoon, reminding the visitors from New York — as if any reminders were needed — of what the rest of their season may look like without quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers lasted just three official plays in the Jets’ season opener last week before he tore his left Achilles tendon. The Jets (1-1) managed to pull off a 22-16 victory in overtime against the Buffalo Bills thanks to their tremendous defense and pounding run game.

The Jets’ defense did its part Sunday in Arlington, Texas, too, stopping the Cowboys (2-0) several times in the red zone and forcing Dallas to settle for field goals on five drives. But Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott wore down the defense with short passes to neutralize the Jets’ talented defensive backs. He connected with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb 11 times for 143 yards. Running back Tony Pollard caught another seven passes for 37 yards and rushed for 72 yards on 25 carries.

In all, Prescott completed 31 of 38 attempts for 255 yards and two touchdowns — thrown to tight ends Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker.

The Cowboys had the ball for more than 42 minutes, ran 83 plays and converted 9 of 18 third-down chances, leaving the Jets’ offense little chance to get going.

“Defensively, we just couldn’t get off the field,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said. “You can’t get anything going if you don’t have the ball that much.”

Rodgers’ replacement, Zach Wilson, the second overall pick in the 2021 draft, picked up where he left off last season. Under pressure all game from Dallas’ fear-

some front four, Wilson was sacked three times and threw three fourth-quarter interceptions, as the Jets tried to nip away at a scoring deficit. Wilson finished with 170 yards on 12-of-27 passing, leading the team with 36 yards rushing. He was hounded throughout the game by Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, who had four quarterback hits, including two sacks. Wilson’s few bright moments came early and with the assistance of his teammates. Dallas took an early lead on Prescott’s first-quarter touchdown pass to Ferguson, and added 3 points on Brandon Aubrey’s 35-yard field goal. Midway through the second quarter, Wilson opened a drive from the Jets’ 32-yard line by finding Garrett Wilson, the 2022 offensive rookie of the year, on a play-action pass. The receiver broke free of a tackle and sprinted 68 yards into the end zone to

narrow the score to 10-7.

Dallas followed with a scoring drive of their own, punctuating a 75-yard series with a 1-yard touchdown strike to Schoonmaker.

With 12 seconds remaining before halftime and the Jets having driven to the Cowboys’ 16-yard line, Zach Wilson almost threw a second touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson, who was wide open in the end zone, but the ball was tipped by a Dallas defender and skidded well short of its mark. The Jets settled for a field goal to make the score 18-10.

“It was so frustrating,” Zach Wilson said. “I was going to rip it to him at the front pylon.”

Ultimately, the Cowboys returned to the formula that helped them upend the New York Giants 40-0 last week in New Jersey. Prescott got rid of the ball quickly, and Pollard, who became the team’s top running back last season, kept the Jets from locking in on the pass rush.

Parsons also stripped running back Dalvin Cook of the ball on the Jets’ second drive of the third quarter, short-circuiting their attempt to close a scoring gap that had ballooned to 21-10.

Playing from behind and under pressure, Zach Wilson threw interceptions on the Jets’ final three possessions. The first of them, early in the fourth quarter, was picked off by Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse, who returned the ball 32 yards to the Jets’ 17-yard line. The Cowboys added a field goal to push their lead to 30-10.

The final two interceptions were nabbed after the Jets approached midfield

and the Dallas secondary sat back on Wilson’s throws. The matchup, like much of the Jets’ schedule before Rodgers’ injury, had been an interesting measuring stick for a team with newfound postseason hopes.

Saleh said he didn’t think Sunday’s loss was the start of a long slide for the Jets, who have home games against divisionrival New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs in the coming weeks.

“It won’t snowball, it’s not going to snowball,” he said. “That’s a really good football team. They played as good as I feel you could.”

Unfortunately for Jets fans and the television networks, the Jets, who were hyped on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” during the summer, might continue to struggle as they look for an offensive formula that works without Rodgers, the Hall of Famecaliber quarterback they expected to lead them this season.

NFL Week 3 Games

Thursday, Sept. 21

New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers, 8:15 p.m. (Amazon Prime Video)

Sunday, Sept. 24

Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. (CBS)

Los Angeles Chargers at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. (FOX)

Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. (FOX)

Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. (CBS)

Buffalo Bills at Washington Commanders, 1 p.m. (CBS)

New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers,1 p.m. (FOX)

New England Patriots at New York Jets, 1 p.m. (CBS)

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. (FOX)

Titans at Browns, 1 p.m. (CBS)

Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. (CBS)

Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)

Dallas Cowboys at St. Louis Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)

Pittsburgh Steelers at Las Vegas Raiders, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)

Monday, Sept. 25

Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7:15 p.m. (ABC)

Los Angeles Rams at Cincinnati Bengals, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)

Zach Wilson struggled in his first start of the season, completing less than 50 percent of his passes and throwing three interceptions.

Sudoku

How to Play:

Fill in the empty fields with the numbers from 1 through 9.

Sudoku Rules:

Every row must contain the numbers from 1 through 9

Every column must contain the numbers from 1 through 9

Every 3x3 square must contain the numbers from 1 through 9

Crossword

Answers on page 30

Wordsearch

Aries (Mar 21-April 20)

You might be in a financial jam right now, Aries. The stress of the situation has you considering some radical solutions. Would it really benefit your family if you took a second job? Confide in a friend and see if he or she can help you find a more agreeable solution. Perhaps a relative could give you a low-interest loan.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Don’t spread the good news too quickly, Taurus. As exciting as it is, nothing is confirmed yet. Keep the information under your hat until plane reservations have been made or you have the job offer in writing. Whatever the good news is, it’s exactly what the doctor prescribed to give your self-confidence a boost.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

If you receive a financial windfall, spend it wisely, Gemini. Your tendency might be to buy gifts or treat a crowd to a lavish night on the town. But where is the enduring value? Invested carefully, a small chunk of money can grow into a much larger one, which will give you many more options. Be prudent.

Cancer (June 22-July 23)

You’re energetic and enthusiastic today, Cancer, and those around you respond favorably. It seems everyone wants to be in your orbit. Work at home and the office goes quickly and smoothly. Because you have so much energy, why not take on a new project? Normally this would send you over the edge, but today you feel you could take on anything. Go for it.

Leo (July 24-Aug 23)

You’re energetic and enthusiastic today, Cancer, and those around you respond favorably. It seems everyone wants to be in your orbit. Work at home and the office goes quickly and smoothly. Because you have so much energy, why not take on a new project? Normally this would send you over the edge, but today you feel you could take on anything. Go for it.

Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 23)

You’re ready for a change, Virgo, there’s no doubt about it. As you grow older your interests broaden, and you’re considering pursuing some of these new interests in earnest. Perhaps school beckons, or some adult education courses. You’re ready to make a new place for yourself in the world. Go ahead and get started!

Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)

You’ve never looked better, Libra. Your partner notices, too, and showers you with extra affection and perhaps even an unexpected gift. This should put a smile on your face! At work, you may be given responsibilities beyond your usual job. Take care to do this special assignment well. If you do, other advancements are likely to follow.

Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)

Sometimes a little indulgence has value far beyond its price, Scorpio. A bubble bath in the middle of the day, a luxurious hour spent browsing in a bookstore, a special outfit you’ve wanted for a long time - these are a few of the ways you could perk up your spirits. Why not? You could use a boost.

Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)

Sometimes a little indulgence has value far beyond its price, Scorpio. A bubble bath in the middle of the day, a luxurious hour spent browsing in a bookstore, a special outfit you’ve wanted for a long time - these are a few of the ways you could perk up your spirits. Why not? You could use a boost.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)

Who knew you were so talented, Capricorn? A creation done long ago suddenly takes on a life of its own. A short story written and submitted long ago is pulled from the bottom of the slush pile. Or a portrait you painted gets a second admiring look. Whatever the circumstances, you enjoy the recognition. Your work isn’t the only thing receiving admiring glances. Your partner appreciates you, too!

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb 19)

Loving care is prescribed for someone in your family, Aquarius. Offer a bowl of soup and some tea, but beyond that try and stay out of the way. Sometimes uninterrupted quiet is the best cure of all. You could use a bit of this yourself. Why not curl up with a good book? Even if it’s the middle of the day, draw the shades and pretend it’s night.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)

There’s tension in the air, Pisces, but there’s little you can do about it. The harsh atmosphere is in stark contrast to the frivolity you felt over the last several days. It seems you received some good news. Perhaps you were finally recognized for your hard work? Don’t brag about your accomplishments. It would only exacerbate the situation. Be patient. Avoid confrontation.

Speed Bump