Friday to Sunday Feb 24-26, 2023

GOOD MORNING February 24-26, 2023

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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.

Tax incentives established to boost economy in Río Piedras

By THE STAR STAFF

To continue promoting the economic development of the Río Piedras sector, San Juan Mayor Miguel A. Romero Lugo granted four tax incentive decrees Thursday that make possible the creation and retention of 24 jobs and yield a private investment of $616,297.

The move comes amid public complaints that investors are using Act 60 tax incentives, formerly Act 22 incentives, to hoard properties in Río Piedras, increasing rental fees and displacing residents and students. Once a vibrant commercial sector, the area has fallen on bad times.

Romero Lugo signed the decrees in Callejón del Carmen in Río Piedras along with businesswomen Amanda Ramos, a partner of Selena Pizzería; Laura Pérez, co-owner of Mucho Gusto; Yaritza Lozano García, co-owner of Double Cake; and Desireé Rodríguez Otero, co-owner of Necromancy.

“This morning we are making history by simultaneously granting four tax incentive decrees to four businesses led by women entrepreneurs who bet on making Río Piedras the home for their companies and

the space to unleash their creativity and entrepreneurial ingenuity,” Romero Lugo said. “It is no coincidence that these four businesswomen are gathered here today in Callejón del Carmen and that we are together supporting their ventures; they are also convinced that Río Piedras has a lot to offer, just like me.”

In addition to being a hub due to its excellent location and access by various means of public transportation, “Río Piedras has a vibrant community that values the arts and history, which makes it unique as a university, cultural and commercial center,” the mayor noted.

The tax incentive decrees offered by the Capital Entrepreneurship program of the San Juan Department of Economic Development and Tourism aim to promote the creation of new businesses and microenterprises, the rehabilitation and restoration of deteriorated properties and buildings, and the creation of jobs.

“In this sense, these decrees will allow businesses, new and existing, to solidify their operations, continue their progress and reach that new level of growth that I know these young entrepreneurs have projected, along with their partners,” Romero Lugo said.

San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo

Multisectoral reading promotion coalition meets for first time

By THE STAR STAFF

The Multisectoral Coalition for Reading ¡Todos a Leer! held its first meeting this week with representatives from different sectors in Puerto Rico to draw up a plan to mitigate the lag in literacy in childhood, mainly among students from kindergarten to third grade.

The conclave was held at the Puerto Rico Art Museum and had the broad participation of multiple sectors, including the Department of Education, nonprofit organizations and the private sector. From the working groups, promising ideas and conversations emerged toward developing proposals to help improve reading skills in childhood, especially in the face of the impact of interruptions in the academic calendar caused by Hurricane Maria, earthquakes, the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Fiona.

During the activity, Education Secretary Eliezer Ramos Parés acknowledged that the organizations present “for years have been raising the flag [on the subject of reading] as an emergency situation in Puerto Rico.”

“The future of the country is in this generation that we are forming,” he said. “Being able to sit at the table with the third sector [nonprofits], to be able to outline common objectives and determine that promoting reading is going to be everyone’s main job, fills me with hope.”

Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre, executive director of the Flamboyan Foundation, said “we are very excited and satisfied because the meeting held demonstrated a genuine

executive director of the nonprofit Flamboyan Foundation, said the first meeting of the Multisectoral Coalition for Reading ¡Todos a Leer! “demonstrated a genuine commitment on the part of all the participants to invest and work for a country with a reading childhood.”

commitment on the part of all the participants to invest and work for a country with a reading childhood.”

“We know that the reality is overwhelming and that there is much to be done and that just one initiative, project

or effort will not be enough,” he said. “However, we also know that we are equipped to deal with this situation and that together we can change it. We owe it to our children. We owe it to Puerto Rico and we are excited to think that we are counting on each one of you.”

Hazel Colón, program director of the Titín Foundation, said that “for Titín it was gratifying to see the multisectoral participation in this effort.”

“We are devoting a lot of time and energy to this project for Puerto Rico,” she said. “We remain committed to the coalition and to making the third sector visible to insert it into this administration.”

On Feb. 14, Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia and Ramos Parés announced several initiatives in support of literacy development, but primarily identified the strengthening of literacy as a priority for Puerto Rico. During the press conference, the governor and education officials publicly recognized the work of the Multisectoral Coalition for Reading ¡Todos a leer!, a group that seeks, through collective impact, that the children of Puerto Rico read at their level and thus can become proficient, avid and critical readers to fully achieve their academic, professional and personal potential. The coalition’s work is anchored in the road map ¡Todos a leer!, a comprehensive document that resulted after more than 10 years of research and is divided into three parts: Vision for Puerto Rico, Public Policy Recommendations and Essential Practices for the Teaching of Literacy.

Fiscal board to gov’t: Don’t advance bill to give tax credit to residents who took a loss on bond investments

By THE STAR STAFF

The Financial Oversight and Management Board warned the government this week against moving forward a bill that would establish a tax credit for Puerto Rico residents who suffered losses on investments made in com-

monwealth bonds and closed-end funds.

House Bill (HB) 1582 says the amount of the tax credit is based on the total net loss, with a maximum tax credit of $200,000 per resident.

New Progressive Party Rep. Ángel Morey Noble introduced HB 1582 in January of this year to help some 60,000 local residents recover some of the money they lost after investing in Puerto Rico’s bonds. Before Puerto Rico declared bankruptcy in 2017, credit rating agencies had lowered Puerto Rico bonds to junk status in 2014.

“We have introduced this measure to provide economic relief to nearly 60,000 Puerto Ricans who entrusted their savings and possibly their retirement money in Puerto Rico’s general obligation bonds, betting on the security of these investments,” Morey Noble said.

The oversight board, in a letter to Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia and legislative leaders, said the bill is inconsistent with the Certified Commonwealth Fiscal Plan, the commonwealth plan of adjustment, and the Title III court order dated Jan. 18, 2022 confirming the fiscal plan. Its enactment and implementation would violate the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA), and invite taxpayers to act in contempt of the confirmation order.

“HB 1582 would establish sizable tax credits without

providing offsetting savings or identifying new revenues to compensate for the cost of the bill,” the oversight board said in the letter. “The Oversight Board is continuing its evaluation of the Bill, but it seems certain the Bill, if implemented in its current form, would have a negative fiscal impact. While the Oversight Board appreciates the desire to help Puerto Rico residents, any bill that has a negative fiscal impact without corresponding savings or new revenues is not revenue neutral and, therefore, is inconsistent with the Fiscal Plan.”

The bill violates the “Plan and Confirmation Order” as it changes the fiscal plan to favor certain creditors over others, the oversight board noted. Paragraph 65 of the confirmation order prohibits any “Entity” – which includes any governmental unit – “from taking any action including enacting legislation against any of the Released Parties.”

Third, the bill threatens to violate PROMESA to the extent that, if passed, it would necessitate a reprogramming requiring prior oversight board approval, which has not yet been requested or provided.

“Section 204(c) prohibits the Legislature from “adopting a reprogramming … until the Oversight Board has provided the Legislature with an analysis that certifies such reprogramming will not be inconsistent with the Fiscal Plan and Budget,” the letter notes.

Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre,

House committee to go to court to force ex-governor to appear

By JOHN McPHAUL jpmcphaul@gmail.com

Rep. Orlando Aponte Rosario, chairman of the Judicial Committee in the island House of Representatives, announced Thursday that the committee will go to court to demand the appearance of former Gov. Wanda Vázquez Garced as part of the investigation into the functioning of the judicial system through House Resolution (HR) 269.

The legislator’s statements came after Vázquez Garced excused herself from appearing at a 1 p.m. public hearing to which she had been summoned. The former governor and Justice secretary asked the House panel to receive her communication as her formal position on the subpoena.

“In view of the fact that she has voluntarily decided not to appear, we will be asking the speaker of the House of Representatives to exhaust all remedies necessary to demand the appearance of this witness, because it is relevant to have her testimony regarding the management and operation of the Department of Justice when she was in charge of it, and when she had appointed a person she trusted as chief prosecutor,” Aponte Rosario said at the opening of Thursday’s hearing.

The lawmaker stressed that Article 34 of the Political Code of Puerto Rico gives the Legislative Assembly the power to appeal or request the help of the San Juan Superior Court to request the assistance and testimony of witnesses, as well as the

production and delivery of documents or objects requested in the matter, inquiry or investigation that is being carried out.

Vázquez Garced justified her absence from the hearing of the committee investigating the “functioning of the judicial system” saying, among other things, that she is no longer a public servant and did not know why the committee had summoned her.

HR 269 compels the committee to “conduct an exhaustive study on the functioning of the judicial system, as well as any entity of a quasi-judicial nature of the Executive Branch, including judges and courts, the practice of the profession of law, social services in the courts, legal services for state and municipal government and indigent citizens and the notary profession; and for other related purposes.”

After acknowledging the deposition summons and its purpose, the former governor, referring to the emailed summons to appear at the hearing, said “the resolution

that was attached shows that the House of Representatives is investigating ’the functioning of the Department of Justice, among other law enforcement agencies.’”

“I ceased public service, as Governor of Puerto Rico, more than two years ago and [as secretary] of the Department of Justice since August 2019,” Vázquez Garced said in a letter to the committee. “The text of the communication does not reveal what has motivated such an important agenda to investigate the functioning of the Department of Justice. For this reason, we do not know on what aspect this honorable committee requests my appearance and what it could contribute to it. In fact, two secretaries and a chief prosecutor have gone before me, and 13 district attorneys in good standing should be in a better position to present answers to questions about how the Department of Justice works and provide a more up-to-date answer. We do not know if they have been summoned to the hearing.”

The former governor added that similarly, the document she received also alludes to “recent allegations of paralysis of investigations of active cases and/or relief of assignments in some cases of vertical assignment in some district attorneys’ offices.”

“We emphasize that the investigation of [matters referred to in] such statements is not contained in Resolution 269; from the outset, the document received by yours truly as well as Resolution 269 does not mention who makes or made those statements, what they are, to which cases they refer, who the prosecutors are who have made these state-

ments, if any, if they are documented and even more, if under oath they have testified before this Committee,” Vázquez Garced said. “As you know, the Department of Justice has 13 Prosecutor’s Offices throughout the island and innumerable matters of a criminal nature, Family Relations and Minors are addressed. Each Prosecutor’s Office has a District Attorney and Prosecutors who we do not know if, in the same way, they have taken an oath before the committee on the allegation investigated. We also do not know whether the heads of prosecutors have been summoned or have testified about these statements and the Resolution.”

Vázquez Garced went on to note that the privilege of official information, “as contained in our Rules of Evidence and as an ethical principle … covers any privileged information received, if any, in its official capacity by any public official, including the Justice secretary.”

“Only the State, meaning the Department of Justice itself, in this case, could waive this privilege,” she said. “Its violation entails ethical actions against anyone who breaks down any information that is in the fiscal summary in a case that is still under investigation. We legally understand that the Secretary of Justice invoked this privilege. We are not aware of this commission appearing before the Tribunal to challenge this determination. Recall that House Resolution 269 mentions nothing about what was requested in the communication that was sent to me about the recent allegations. For the reasons outlined here, we will not be appearing …”

Comerío mayor asks police to alleviate congestion caused by bridge closure

By THE STAR STAFF

Comerío Mayor José Antonio “Josian” Santiago Rivera on Thursday urged the commonwealth police to take control of the vehicular chaos that has been forming every morning on the Silver Bridge in Naranjito following the suspension bridge’s closure for repairs.

The mayor made the request, because, he said, members of the Municipal Police of Naranjito give priority to vehicles coming from PR-148 from Naranjito to Bayamón, literally leaving those who come from Comerío by PR-167 trapped. They also prohibit the passage of those drivers who travel from Bayamón to Comerío, he added, forcing them to take a detour of more than half an hour on PR-164 to cross the same bridge in the opposite direction.

“It is a barbarity what is happening,” Santiago Rivera

said in a radio interview. “The intervention of the municipal police officers is what is causing the comerieños to be seriously inconvenienced. What I can say is that when the municipal police are not there, traffic flows better; there is no well-structured plan and they are discriminating against the people of my town and those who go to my town.”

The mayor confirmed that he contacted the police commissioner to order the Puerto Rico Police Bureau Traffic Division to assume control of the road.

The mayor also ruled out that a possible solution to the morning vehicular chaos is to send members of the Comerío municipal police to the vicinity of the bridge, as Naranjito does at their busy intersection.

The suspension bridge was closed two weeks ago after various structural flaws resulting from inadequate maintenance were detected.

Rep. Orlando Aponte Rosario

Silver Bridge in Naranjito

Puerto Rico to participate in national Space Symposium for first time

By THE STAR STAFF

Puerto Rico Ports Authority Executive Director Joel A. Pizá Batiz, who is also president of the Puerto Rico Aerospace and Aeronautics Industry Council (CAAI by its Spanish initials), announced Thursday during the CAAI’s third working session the publication of a request for proposals (RFP) for a spaceport operator at Ceiba airport, the launch of the CAAI website, and the participation, for the first time, of a delegation from Puerto Rico at the Space Symposium in Colorado.

At the CAAI’s third meeting, which Pizá Batiz described as successful, participants also laid out work plans for the next three months. Among them is the RFP process for a spaceport operator at José Aponte de la Torre Airport in Ceiba. It is expected that sometime next summer or early fall the Federal Aviation Administration will grant the government of Puerto Rico the spaceport license. Pizá Batiz noted that in June 2022 the contract was filed with RS&H, a firm specialized in airport infrastructure consulting that worked on the design of the Spaceport Launch Facilities-NASA in Florida, to convert the Ceiba airport into a spaceport.

“The Ceiba spaceport project is a long-term one that seeks to sow the seeds of what will be a thriving industry for Ceiba and all of Puerto Rico in a few years,” Pizá Batiz said. “We are extremely satisfied with the progress of the work plan of this council, considering that it is a novel issue for the government of Puerto Rico. In just 10 months … we have been able to build a strategic work structure in an area of such potential worldwide.”

Regarding the launch of the CAAI website, Pizá Batiz thanked Office of Innovation and Technology Services Executive Director Nannette Martínez Ortiz and her work team for their collaboration in the creation of the page that addresses the CAAI’s main strategic issues. Among other objectives, the page aims to promote the initiatives of the CAAI, provide an opportunity for the development and investment of the aerospace and aeronautical industry in Puerto Rico and expose the potential of the island to the world, both in its commercial field and its educational institutions.

Regarding the island’s participation in the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado in April, Pizá Batiz said it is significant for the purposes of the CAAI since symposium attendees systematically represent all sectors of the international space community. They include space agencies; commercial enterprises and associated subcontractors; military, national security and intelligence organizations; cybersecurity organizations; federal and state government agencies; research and development facilities; educational institutions; private providers of commercial space exploration and travel; space commerce companies engaged in the adaptation, manufacture or sale of space technologies for commercial use; and media that inspire and educate the general public on the subject.

Pizá Batiz also pointed out that in 2021 the United States government recognized the impact of the aerospace industry on job creation, national security and as a tool to combat climate change. That recognition gave way to initiatives to establish public policy, reconcile efforts, educate and advance opportunities for economic development in the industry so it was expected that, in the near future, it will become one of the largest in the world.

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia created the CAAI in April 2022 in recognition of the potential of the aerospace industry worldwide and, particularly, in Puerto Rico due to its privileged geographical location, the extant infrastructure necessary for the development of the aerospace industry, and various incentive programs to attract this type of industry.

Fiscal board seeks court order allowing PREPA to make priority payments to Genera during transition period

By THE STAR STAFF

The Financial Oversight and Management Board has asked the federal Title III bankruptcy court for an order that would allow the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to pay the so-called “mobilization period” expenses to Genera PR, which is taking over the utility’s legacy power plants under a public-private partnership contract that went into effect last month.

Genera, a subsidiary of PREPA’s fuel supplier New Fortress Energy, would receive priority payments for its initial 22-week transition period of operation and maintenance from PREPA to Genera. The contract period began on Jan. 24.

While the oversight board said PREPA intends to satisfy its obligations under the generation contract on a timely basis and in the ordinary course, government parties seek an order granting to Genera an allowed administrative expense claim for any accrued, due, or unpaid obligations to PREPA. An administrative expense claim is one incurred with bankruptcy court approval for the actual and

necessary costs of preserving the estate, after the filing of an order for relief.

The generation contract requires that PREPA seek Title III court approval for administrative expense treatment for mobilization obligations, which are those related to the transition period before the private firm takes over control of the legacy power plants. Without those services, PREPA and its stakeholders cannot realize the benefits of the generation contract, which is a key component in PREPA’s ongoing transformation, the oversight board said.

“Genera has identified several opportunities that will benefit PREPA early in the contract term, including reviewing and executing emergency response drills and plans, optimizing existing fuel contracts, achieving better risk and credit terms on existing oil contracts, and making operational changes to increase fuel efficiency,” the board said in a motion filed Tuesday. “By incurring the Mobilization Obligations, PREPA is able to obtain the substantial benefits of the Generation Contract.”

Genera is set to take over PREPA’s “aging and outdated base-load generation plants and gas turbine peaking plants”

for a payment of up to $15 million over the 22-week period. Pursuant to the contract, PREPA is obligated to fund 4.5 months of the mobilization service fee in advance into a designated account upon the execution of the agreement. PREPA is required to replenish the account monthly to maintain the 4.5-month estimated balance throughout the mobilization period.

While the Financial Oversight and Management Board said the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority intends to satisfy its obligations under the generation contract with Genera PR, the new operator of the island’s legacy power plants, government parties seek an order granting to Genera an allowed administrative expense claim for any of the utility’s accrued, due, or unpaid obligations.

Members of the Puerto Rico Aerospace and Aeronautics Industry Council, some of whom will represent the island at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado in April.

As US argued for death penalty, bike path victims gave voice to pain

By LOLA FADULU

Alittle girl standing on her toes to place her palm on her deceased father’s image on a television screen. A mother who has left her son’s bedroom exactly as it was on Halloween 2017. A man married to a woman who lost her legs who clutches a pair of her socks in bed every night, yearning for the contact of her feet.

The federal jury deciding on a death penalty for Sayfullo Saipov, the man convicted last month of killing eight people and injuring many others in a truck attack inspired by the Islamic State group, has heard from more than 20 witnesses, including victims, relatives and bystanders. On Wednesday, the prosecution rested its case, and Saipov’s lawyers began trying to save his life.

The jury, which convicted Saipov, began the trial’s separate punishment phase on Feb. 13. To make its case, the government has sought to show the severity of the crime’s impact on its victims and those close to them.

Most witnesses who have taken the stand in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan have described what their lives have been like since the day Saipov sped down a West Side bike path and killed their loved ones.

Saipov is the first defendant to face a federal death penalty trial during the administration of President Joe Biden, who campaigned against the practice.

“He is not remorseful, and the evidence shows that he is dangerous even in prison,” said Amanda Houle, a federal prosecutor, during the government’s opening statement. “The United States is seeking the most severe penalty that the law provides: a sentence of death.”

Stories of grief

Six of the eight people who died were tourists from Argentina and Belgium; the others were Nicholas Cleves, a 23-year-old software engineer from Manhattan, and Darren Drake, a 32-year-old financial worker from New Jersey.

On Tuesday, Kristen Wilkens, the first cousin of Drake, said she had lost a treasured confidant.

“He was my safe place and a place to keep secrets,” she said. “Every day that I go anywhere, there’s reminders of him and how the world just changed that day.”

Ana Evans, the widow of Hernan Mendoza, described to the jury through an interpreter the moment they met — and the difficulty of telling their three children that their father had died.

“Daddy. That’s daddy. I’m missing him,” Evans recalled her 3-year-old daughter saying as she saw her father’s image on the television screen.

Monica Missio, the mother of Cleves, described the difficulty she’s had reading his journals, many of which start with “I’m grateful to be alive.”

She said her son’s Halloween costume was still folded in his bedroom, as he had left it.

Aristide Melissas and his wife, Marion Van Reeth, two Belgians who survived the attack, sold their home because Van Reeth could not navigate it with her wheelchair. Melissas described his more than 20 months in rehabilitation, and how he still can’t work full time.

“I thought of ending my life,” Melissas testified. “Every time I go in bed, I’m seeking for the feet of my wife,” he said, adding that he holds the socks she wore the night before the attack, “the last night she still had her feet.”

Maria Alejandra Sosa, the widow of Alejandro Pagnucco, described how each night she and her two daughters kiss the urn containing his ashes.

A ‘dangerous’ prisoner

Two guards from the Federal Bureau of Prisons described Saipov’s behavior behind bars in New York.

“He is still threatening to eliminate people in prison, threatening to slit the throats of correction officers,” Houle said during her opening statement.

Rosa Proto, a former officer at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, a now-closed lockup in Manhattan, told jurors how Saipov in 2019 had covered a surveillance camera in his cell.

Proto recalled Saipov saying he wouldn’t uncover it because an officer on the night shift had been “an animal.” She said Saipov said he wouldn’t uncover the camera “until his head is chopped off.”

The man from ADX

On Wednesday, defense attorneys called on Chris Synsvoll, an attorney for the Bureau of Prisons, who described the Florence, Colorado, prison complex where

Saipov could live out his life — locked in a small cell for 23 hours a day with a concrete bed, a concrete desk, a concrete stool and a sliver of a window.

As a new arrival, Saipov would get two monitored 15-minute calls a month, three showers a week and no interaction with other inmates. Meals would be served through a sliding cell-door panel. Only after a year of good behavior could he receive additional privileges, Synsvoll testified, which could include extra phone calls and showers.

ADX Florence is the country’s highestsecurity prison and is considered the toughest. Zacarias Moussaoui, a 9/11 conspirator, is held there along with Ramzi Ahmed Yousef, the 1993 World Trade Center bombing mastermind.

What’s next?

Saipov’s relatives were in the courtroom Wednesday, although they were not slated to testify until Thursday. The group of at least five, including Saipov’s father, sat quietly during the testimony, listening through an interpreter.

They sat separately from the victims’ families, who did not interact with them. Saipov at one point turned his head to look in their direction.

In addition, an expert on Islamic State propaganda will describe why Saipov, who traveled to the U.S. alone, fit the profile of

a person who could be influenced by its message.

The parties have told the judge that the case could run into March. The government will then have the opportunity to make a rebuttal.

“In the end of this case, you will be asked to make that momentous, unique, individual, moral choice the judge has described to you,” David Stern, a lawyer for Saipov, said during his opening statement. He said the jury would not be like Saipov: “We will show a civilized sense of justice.”

Sayfullo Saipov’s truck attack was the deadliest act of terrorism in New York since Sept. 11, killing eight people.

Supreme Court rules for death row inmate in Arizona

By ADAM LIPTAK

The Supreme Court earlier this week ruled in favor of an inmate in Arizona who was sentenced to death by a jury that was not told that a life sentence would ensure that he remained in prison for the rest of his days.

The vote was 5-4, with Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh joining the court’s three liberal members

— Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson — to form a majority.

The ruling will allow the inmate, John Montenegro Cruz, to press his argument in state court that he is entitled to a new sentencing hearing at which jurors would be informed that any life sentence they imposed would not include the possibility of parole.

Cruz was convicted of the 2003 murder of Patrick Hardesty, a Tucson police officer. At his trial in 2005, his lawyers tried to inform the jury that he would not be eligible for parole were he to receive a life sentence. A 1994 Supreme Court decision, Simmons v. South Carolina, had ruled that capital defendants have a constitutional right to do so.

The trial judge refused to tell the fact to the jury, ruling that the 1994 decision did not apply to Arizona’s sentencing scheme. The jury recommended a death sentence.

The next day, three jurors issued a statement saying that they had made a “gut-wrenching decision” and that “there was not one person on the jury who did not cry.” They said that they would have voted for life had they known there was no possibility of parole. A fourth juror later made a similar statement.

Cruz asked for a new trial, arguing that the jury had been misinformed. The judge ruled against him, as did Arizona’s Supreme Court. In 2016, after Cruz’s appeals were concluded, the Supreme Court ruled in Lynch v. Arizona that the Simmons decision did apply to Arizona’s sentencing scheme.

But when Cruz tried to raise the issue again, state courts

rejected his challenge under a state law that limits post-conviction proceedings unless the inmate can show that there had been a significant change in the law.

Sotomayor, writing for the majority, said Cruz’s case was a rare one in which the Supreme Court should second-guess a state court’s interpretation of a state law.

“Lynch overruled binding Arizona precedent,” she wrote. “Before Lynch, Arizona courts held that capital defendants were not entitled to inform the jury of their parole ineligibility. After Lynch, Arizona courts recognize that capital defendants have a due process right to provide the jury with that information when future dangerousness is at issue. It is hard to imagine a clearer break from the past.”

In dissent, Justice Amy Coney Barrett said Cruz had not cleared the high bar justifying intervention by the Supreme Court in matters ordinarily left to state courts. “The bar is met only by a decision so blatantly disingenuous that it reveals hostility to federal rights or those asserting them,” she wrote. “Given the respect we owe state courts, that is not a conclusion we should be quick to draw — and ordinarily, we are not quick to draw it.”

She added: “The court makes a case for why the Arizona Supreme Court’s interpretation of its own precedent is wrong. If I were on the Arizona Supreme Court, I might agree. But that call is not within our bailiwick.”

Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch joined Barrett’s dissent in the case, Cruz v. Arizona, No. 21-846.

The Supreme Court’s ruling on Wednesday will allow the death row inmate at the center of the case to press his argument in state court that he is entitled to a new sentencing hearing.

Trump visits East Palestine, seeking to draw contrast with Biden

By JAZMINE ULLOA, MAGGIE HABERMAN and MARK WALKER

It was evocative of the former president’s time in office: an at-times meandering address, punctated by self-promotion — his brand-name Trump Water — and an undercurrent of grievance.

But as he visited the small Ohio town of East Palestine earlier this week, former President Donald Trump sought to hammer home a message just by showing up — that his successor and the man he’s seeking to replace, President Joe Biden, had been ineffective in responding to a domestic crisis after a train derailed and spewed toxic chemicals early this month.

Trump had arrived on the ground before either Biden or the transportation secretary to a train derailment many Republicans have turned into a referendum on a lack of federal concern with the needs of red-state America.

At an East Palestine firehouse where he met first responders and local elected officials, Trump, in remarks behind a lectern, said that “what this community needs now are not excuses and all of the other things you’ve been hearing, but answers and results.”

He suggested the administration had shown “indifference and betrayal,” and he talked about how truckloads of his namebrand water would be distributed to residents as local officials referred to him as “President Trump” or “the president.” And while he made reference to the “Fake News,” he praised reporters for their coverage, and, for a change, his emphasis on grievances was not primarily about his own.

Trump traveled with his son Donald Trump Jr. and was joined at the firehouse by two top Ohio Republicans, Sen. J.D. Vance and Rep. Bill Johnson. One of his goals was to suggest that Biden and his administration were simply responding to him. During Trump’s visit, federal officials announced that the transportation secretary, Pete Buttigieg, planned to visit East Palestine on Thursday.

Trump knocked Biden as absent after the episode’s fallout and suggested he was waiting for the president to “get back from touring Ukraine.”

In reality, the Biden administration has had officials from key agencies on the ground since the derailment, the president has spoken to the governor, and the Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the railroad to perform a cleanup and cover expenses. But no major official, or the president, had visited,

which Trump and Republicans have seized on.

Trump was the first Republican to announce a 2024 run for the White House. His visit highlighted an unusual moment in presidential politics: a former president touring the scene of an emergency and coordinating the distribution of water and supplies, as he once did in office, while aggressively criticizing the current administration’s response.

Trump’s visit to East Palestine was traditional and subdued — though he still appeared to struggle with showing empathy in public as he described the unexpected circumstance residents there were facing.

He described the “nightmare” that people had suffered because of the “dangerous-looking site” he had just toured, saying the tragedy “rocked the lives” of people there.

On Wednesday morning, more than a dozen people in Trump gear waited in the pouring rain for the former president along the city’s downtown streets. Grabbing coffee at a local McDonald’s, Duane Stalnaker, 78, said he drove in from nearby Salem for a chance to see Trump.

“Personally, I think the response has been pretty good,” Stalnaker said. “This is something you just don’t experience every week. How do you really prepare for it?”

In interviews in recent days, several East Palestine residents have described developing coughs or odd rashes on their skin, finding farm animals sick or dead, and coping with stress and anxiety about possible exposure to harmful chemicals. State and federal officials have said repeatedly that they have yet to detect dangerous levels of chemicals in the air or municipal water. Numerous specialists from several federal agencies have been conducting tests of the air and water.

In Ohio, where distrust of the government and wealthy corporate interests are common sentiments, many have focused their criticism not on state and local Republican leaders, but on the Biden administration and federal officials. They said local and state Republican leaders had few resources to better manage the spill but criticized Biden as being too consumed with China and Ukraine to pay attention to a tragedy at home.

As he drank a cup of coffee Monday at Sprinklz on Top, a diner in downtown East Palestine, William Huger, 56, had words for the president. “What’s he doing? Popping balloons from China,” said Huger, referring to Biden and the downing of a Chinese spy balloon.

On Wednesday, by the time Trump left the fire station, dozens of people were standing

in the streets with umbrellas waiting for him. A few waved Trump flags and cheered, while others snapped photos. At least one makeshift tent was selling Trump T-shirts.

As Trump and Republicans in Congress increasingly attack the Biden administration for its response to the derailment, the White House responded Wednesday by accusing both the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers of dismantling Obama-era rail safety measures put in place to prevent episodes like the East Palestine derailment.

“Congressional Republicans laid the groundwork for the Trump administration to tear up requirements for more effective train brakes, and last year most House Republicans wanted to defund our ability to protect drinking water,” Andrew Bates, a spokesperson for the White House, said in a statement.

A person close to Trump countered that federal officials said the cause appeared to be an axle, not a brake issue, and the repealed brake-related regulation had no bearing on the crash.

The White House also referred to a 2021 letter signed by more than 20 Republican senators supporting waivers for the rail industry to limit in-person safety inspections of railroad tracks.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the focus of much of the Republican criticism, is planning to visit East Palestine on Thursday to hear from officials and residents and to receive an update on the investigation by the

National Transportation Safety Board, which plans to release its initial findings Thursday. Buttigieg will be joined by two federal officials who have been at the scene: Amit Bose, who leads the Federal Railroad Administration, and Tristan Brown, the deputy administrator for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Buttigieg has called on the operator of the train that derailed, Norfolk Southern, as well as the nation’s other freight rail companies, to take immediate steps to improve safety. Buttigieg previously said he did not want his visit to be a distraction and would wait until the federal response in East Palestine moved past the emergency phase.

Former President Donald Trump looks on as Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) delivers remarks at the fire station in East Palestine, Ohio on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023.

Gunman kills 3, including news reporter, in shooting spree, sheriff says

victim of gun violence in our community,” he said.

The parent company of Spectrum News 13, Charter Communications, said in a statement Wednesday night that “we are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and the other lives senselessly taken today,” the TV station reported.

At about 11 a.m. WednesdayMoses fatally shot the 20-year-old “in a vehicle,” Mina said.

The gunman also killed a 20-year-old woman and left two others in critical condition during the shooting spree in Orange County, Fla.

By EDUARDO MEDINA and APRIL RUBIN

Aman who fatally shot a 20-year-old woman Wednesday morning in Orange County, Florida, returned to the scene later in the day and went on a shooting spree, authorities said, killing a TV news reporter who had been covering the original homicide and a 9-year-old at a nearby home.

The gunman, Keith Melvin Moses, 19, also shot two other people in Pine Hills, Florida, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said in a news conference Wednesday: the mother of the 9-year-old and a photographer who worked with the TV news reporter at Spectrum News 13 in Orlando. They were both in critical condition Wednesday night.

Moses was in custody by Wednesday evening and charged with wone count of murder in connection with the killing of the 20-year-old; additional charges are expected for the other shootings in Pine Hills, about 5 miles east of Orlando, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said.

He said that it was unclear why the five victims were targeted. The 20-year-old woman was an acquaintance of the gunman, Mina said, but officials were still investigating a motive in that killing. He added that there was no apparent connection between Moses and the four other people who were shot.

It is also unclear whether the gunman knew that the reporter and photographer in the vehicle were journalists, Mina said, adding that their vehicle “doesn’t really look like a news vehicle to me.”

“No one in our community — not a mother, not a 9-year-old and certainly not news professionals — should become the

Then, he noted, Moses returned to the site around 4 p.m.

At that time, the reporter and photographer for News 13 were in a vehicle near the site of the first killing. Moses shot both of them, Mina said.

Moses then walked into a brown house nearby and shot the 9-year-old girl and her mother, he said.

When deputies found Moses, the sheriff said, “he was armed with a handgun, which we believe will link him to these cases as well.”

Moses’ criminal history includes charges of aggravated battery, assault with a deadly weapon, burglary and grand theft and gun violations, Mina said.

The names of the victims were not immediately released.

In Washington, the White House reacted Wednesday night to the news that journalists were among the victims in the latest spate of gun violence.

“Our hearts go out to the family of the journalist killed today and the crew member injured in Orange County, Florida, as well as the whole Spectrum News team,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Twitter.

The National Press Club said in a statement that it was “horrified” to learn about the shooting.

“This is another tragic reminder that journalism is a dangerous business and that criminals and those that are the subject of reporting can become violent toward reporters who are doing their jobs,” the organization said. “We urge all reporters in the field to take extra precaution and redouble efforts to work safely.”

The shooting stunned some local reporters who were also on the scene, as well as some of their colleagues, who expressed disbelief on Twitter that journalists had been attacked while doing their jobs.

Trial run of 4-day workweek wins converts

United Auto Workers, said a shorter week was “absolutely inevitable.” But for various reasons — including inertia — the idea never took hold.

The British study isn’t the only one to look at whether a four-day workweek works. Experiments have also been conducted in the United States, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia.

Not everyone is sold. Nick Bloom, a professor of economics at Stanford University, said that while the British study raised interesting questions for managers to consider, paying workers full-time salaries for four days of work was “a tough sell to managers and investors” because “most businesses are already trying hard to operate efficiently.” He also noted that the study had involved a small number of firms and that they

had volunteered to participate. Some 3,300 workers from banks, marketing, health care, financial services, retail, hospitality and other industries participated in the pilot program. Their responses were overwhelmingly positive: 90% of those employees said they definitely wanted to continue with a four-day week. None said they definitely did not want to. And 15% said no amount of money would motivate them to accept a five-day schedule at their next job.

The effects that workers reported on their well-being were striking: The study found that levels of anxiety, fatigue and sleep issues decreased, while mental and physical health improved. About 70% of employees said they had reduced levels of burnout by the end of the trial.

The financial district in London, on Oct. 17, 2022. Some 3,300 workers of 61 businesses in Britain participated in a trial of a four-day workweek; fifty-six companies, or 92 percent, said they would continue and 18 confirmed that the change would be permanent.

By LORA KELLEY

The pandemic changed how (and where) many people work. It has also given momentum to the question of whether the five-day week is standard because it’s best — or whether it’s just the way things have long been done.

A new report offers one answer.

In the second half of last year, 61 businesses in Britain offered their employees a four-day workweek as part of a pilot program. Researchers found that employers and employees noticed benefits.

Fifty-six of the companies, or 92%, said they would continue with a four-day week, according to the new report, and 18 confirmed that the change would be permanent. The study also found that companies’ revenue stayed broadly the same on average over the trial period — and that attrition among employees dropped significantly. In a survey about

halfway through the study, most of the companies reported no loss of productivity during the trial.

“Taken as a whole, results from the U.K. trial therefore make clear that the four-day week is ready to take the next step from experimentation to implementation,” the report concluded.

“I think the four-day workweek essentially accelerates the effectiveness of both hybrid and flexible working,” said Dale Whelehan, the CEO of 4 Day Week Global, a nonprofit group that conducted the study with researchers at Cambridge University and Boston College as well as Autonomy, a think tank. “Overworking ourselves leads to lower productivity and lower well-being,” he said, even if that work happens at home.

For decades, politicians and other leaders have talked about the possibility of a four-day week. Former Vice President Richard Nixon predicted it in the 1950s. In the 1970s, Douglas Fraser, the president of the

US could default on debt as early as summer, new estimate says

By DEBORAH B. SOLOMON

The United States faces a default sometime this summer or early fall if Congress does not raise or suspend the debt ceiling, a Washington think tank warned earlier this week. The projection from the Bipartisan Policy Center is the latest estimate of when the government could run out of cash to pay its bills. The nation, which borrows huge sums to help pay for everything from military salaries to Social Security benefits, hit its $31.4 trillion borrowing cap on Jan. 19. Since then, the Treasury Department has been employing what are known as extraordinary measures to ensure that the government has enough to pay what it owes, including payments to bondholders.

“We anticipate that those emergency measures, as well as the cash that Treasury has on hand, will most likely be exhausted at some point during the summer or early fall,” Shai Akabas, the center’s director of economic policy, said during a briefing on Wednesday morning.

Last week, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projected that the department’s ability to prevent the United States from defaulting on its debt could be exhausted between July and September. That estimate was slightly more favorable than what Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen suggested when she told Congress

last month that her department’s ability to keep financing the country’s obligations could be exhausted in June.

The day when the United States runs out of cash — known as the X date — depends largely on how much the Treasury Department collects in 2022 tax revenue, the Bipartisan Policy Center said. The group warned that moment could be “too close for comfort” given the vagaries around tax receipts.

“There is a possibility that the cash balance in early to mid-June will be so low that it will necessitate action,” Akabas said. He added that given “the considerable uncertainty in our nation’s current economic outlook,” it was impossible to know for certain when the X date might happen.

“Policymakers have an opportunity now to inject certainty into the U.S. and global economy by beginning, in earnest, bipartisan negotiations around our nation’s fiscal health and taking action to uphold the full faith and credit of the United States well before the X date,” he said.

Yellen’s extraordinary measures to keep the government running have included redeeming some existing investments and suspending new investments in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund and the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund. Once those measures are exhausted, the United States will need to borrow more money or face default. She has urged Congress to raise or suspend the debt limit.

It remains unclear how quick or easy it would be to do that. Republican lawmakers have insisted that President Joe Biden agree to undefined spending cuts to win their votes to raise the cap, arguing that the borrowing binge is putting the United States on a path to fiscal disaster. Biden has insisted that he will not negotiate spending cuts as part of any debt limit legislation, saying that the cap has to be raised to fund obligations that Congress — including Republicans — have already approved.

The U.S. Department of Treasury building, in Washington on Jan. 20, 2023. The Treasury Department has been employing what are known as extraordinary measures to ensure that the government has enough cash to pay what it owes.

Wall St finishes topsy-turvy day higher, S&P snaps losing run

The main Wall Street benchmarks closed a topsy-turvy Thursday in positive territory, with the S&P 500 snapping a four-session losing streak, as investors grappled with how interest rate policy might affect the U.S. economy.

Stock markets have been volatile this year, pulling back in February after a strong January as investors try to figure out what the U.S. Federal Reserve will do with interest rates. Hawkish comments from policymakers have been interspersed with data pointing to a strong American economy.

On Thursday, the Labor Department said the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, reflecting tight labor market conditions.

A separate report confirmed the economy grew solidly in the fourth quarter, though rising inventory levels were responsible for much of the increase.

U.S. gross domestic product increased 2.7% in the fourth quarter, according to the government’s second estimate. Economists were forecasting a 2.9% rise.

“If you’re a bull, you can pull out plenty of things that are supportive, and if you’re bear there are plenty of things to point to that are supportive,” said Jack Janasiewicz, lead portfolio strategist at Natixis Investment Managers Solutions.

“There are so many cross currents that are moving in very different directions, I think it’s very difficult to fall back on one or two things. That’s creating a lot of hand-wringing uncertainty, and we’re range-trading as a result of it.”

For part of the day, the S&P was trading below its 50-day moving average of 3,980 points, before rallying in the afternoon.

Influencing this intraday dip were large trades in shortdated derivatives that piled selling pressure on the market, according to Nomura strategist Charlie McElligott.

Helping provide confidence to buyers was positive earnings from Nvidia Corp, which surged after forecasting quarterly sales above estimates and reporting a surge in the use of its chips to power artificial intelligence services.

Other chipmakers also gained, including Broadcom Inc and Qualcomm Inc. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index climbed.

According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 gained 21.09 points, or 0.53%, to end at 4,012.14 points, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 83.26 points, or 0.72%, to 11,590.33. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 113.99 points, or 0.34%, to 33,159.08.

Many of the 11 major S&P 500 sectors rose. Higher crude prices pushed energy to be one of the biggest gainers on the day, and also helped the index halt a losing run at seven. This tied its worst stretch since an eight-session skid in March 2017.

Among the fallers was communication services, which recorded its fifth straight decline, matching another five-loss streak in October. It was weighed by Netflix Inc, which slipped on reports that the streaming service was cutting subscription prices in 30 countries.

Among other stocks, eBay Inc slid after warning of dour demand in the first half of 2023 due to strained consumer spending in the United States and Europe.

Moderna Inc fell after the vaccine maker reaffirmed its annual sales forecast of $5 billion for its COVID-19 vaccines despite its fourth-quarter sales exceeding estimates.

UN General Assembly vote on war nears as Ukraine braces for invasion’s anniversary

By ANUSHKA PATIL

The U.N. General Assembly on Thursday was expected to pass a resolution calling on Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine after a year of brutal war, even as Kyiv braced for new attacks timed to the anniversary of the invasion Friday.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is plotting a symbolic “revenge” attack around the one-year mark of the invasion, and on the streets of Kyiv, people expressed a mix of resilience and fear as the anniversary loomed.

“Hope is the last thing to die,” said Liudmyla Danilenko, 79, as she waited for a trolley to take her to work, adding that the war had caused her ceaseless anxiety.

Schools across Ukraine have been advised to switch to remote learning through Friday by the country’s education minister, Serhiy Shkarlet, who said Russia’s history of striking schools and other civilian gathering centers such as residential buildings and hospitals put classrooms at risk.

In the southern Ukrainian port city of Kherson, which Kyiv’s forces retook in November, authorities advised residents to avoid unnecessary trips outside and asked humanitarian groups not to encour-

age large gatherings.

Here’s what else to know:

— A Russian official in eastern Ukraine accused Kyiv of planning “provocations” starting Thursday. Vladimir Rogov, an official in the Russian army’s occupation administration in Zaporizhzhia, claimed that Ukrainian forces were preparing “shelling or even terrorist attacks.”

— Russian forces pounded residential areas near the front lines, killing at least three people and leaving two buried in the rubble of a building, Ukrainian officials said.

— European Union ambassadors failed to reach an agreement on a new sanctions package against Moscow, edging closer to their self-imposed deadline of Friday. The talks are to resume Friday morning. Among the contentious issues are sanctions on the import of Russian diamonds and the export of European rubber to Russia.

— Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Thursday that Chinese efforts to provide support to Russia were a “very serious concern” and warned China not to help Russia evade U.S. sanctions. She spoke at a news conference as finance ministers from the Group of 20 nations, which include Russia and China, convened for two days of meetings in southern India.

Poland says it is close to finalizing $10 billion weapons deal with US

By ANDREW HIGGINS

Poland said Thursday that it is close to finalizing a deal to buy additional U.S.-made HIMARS rocket launchers and related equipment worth up to $10 billion, expanding its effort to fortify its military after Russia’s invasion of its neighbor, Ukraine, a year ago.

The purchase from the United States of more advanced rocket systems, which have been used to devastating effect by Ukraine’s military against invading Russian forces, is part of a rapid military buildup by Poland, a former member of the Soviet Union’s Warsaw Pact military alliance during the Cold War that became a member of NATO in 1999.

It was also seen as another sign that Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine has only

strengthened the U.S.-led NATO alliance rather than driving it away from what Russia views as its sphere of influence.

Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said on Twitter on Thursday that his country will buy “nearly 500 HIMARS launchers” and that a contract for the sale of “these state-of-the-art long-range artillery systems to the Polish Armed Forces” would be finalized soon.

The U.S. State Department earlier this month approved a request from Poland to buy 18 HIMARS launcher systems, which include trucks for mobile use, 468 launcher-loader module kits, 45 longrange guided missiles known as ATACMS, and hundreds of guided rockets, the Pentagon said. Congress was notified about the deal.

Poland had already ordered 20 HI -

MARS launchers — short for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System — in 2019 and was scheduled to take delivery of those later this year. Polish media outlets reported that most of the new HIMARS launchers would be mounted on Polishmade chassis.

The HIMARS, made by America’s largest military contractor, Lockheed Martin, have been high on Poland’s expanding shopping list for arms since last summer, when the Pentagon delivered a first batch of the truck-mounted, multiple rocket launchers to Ukraine, whose forces used them to help shift the momentum of the war with Russia.

Poland spent just over 2% of its gross domestic product on defense in 2021 and, after Russia invaded Ukraine, raised this spending to 3%. Its military spending

will rise to 4% this year if the new weapon systems it has ordered are delivered, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in an interview this week in Warsaw.

That is twice the minimum level set by NATO for members of the alliance — a target that only nine of the alliance’s 30 nations currently meet. It is also more, as a proportion of GDP, than any other country spends, including the United States, which spends 3.3% on the military.

Poland last year placed orders for South Korean rocket launchers and acquired Patriot missile defense batteries from the United States. In January, Poland signed a $1.4 billion deal for 116 U.S.-made Abrams tanks to help replenish stocks depleted by its delivery of more than 240 of its Soviet-era tanks to Ukraine.

The U.N. General Assembly has adopted a resolution to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the support of 141 countries. Russia and four other countries opposed the measure, and 34 abstained.

At least 10 Palestinians killed during Israeli raid in West Bank

By PATRICK KINGSLEY

At least 10 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 others wounded earlier this week Palestinian officials said, in an hourslong gunbattle between Israeli security forces and armed Palestinian groups in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The Israeli military said the firefight occurred during an operation to arrest Palestinian gunmen.

Three armed Palestinian groups said that six of the casualties were fighters in their movements. Others appeared to be noncombatants: Time-stamped CCTV footage from late Wednesday morning that circulated on social media seemed to show the shooting of at least two unarmed Palestinians as they ran away from gunfire.

A spokesperson for the Israeli army, Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, said that the bloodshed Wednesday began after troops entered Nablus to arrest members of the Lions’ Den, a local armed group that emerged last year and that has been partly responsible for a spike in Palestinian violence. Hecht said the group was planning imminent assaults and was also responsible for an attack that killed an Israeli soldier in October while he was patrolling a nearby part of the northern West Bank.

The military acknowledged that Israeli forces had killed three gunmen and fired at other armed Palestinians during riots that followed the rare daytime raid. It also said that it was looking into the video that appeared to show unarmed people being killed.

The raid Wednesday was the second in less than a month to end in the deaths of at least 10 Palestinians — two of the most lethal such incidents in years. A raid in Jenin late last month killed 10 Palestinians.

Analysts said that the rare Israeli decision to raid Nablus and Jenin after sunrise — instead of during the night, when the army usually conducts its operations — heightened the risk of escalation. During the day, there is a higher chance that nearby residents will get caught in the crossfire or join the clashes themselves.

The ongoing violence poses a challenge for Israel’s new right-wing government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The day’s events left the region bracing for further unrest in the coming days, with Hamas, the Islamic group that controls the Gaza Strip, warning that the killings would not pass “without a response.”

Early Thursday, armed groups in Gaza

fired six rockets into Israeli airspace, five of which were intercepted by Israeli air defense missiles and one of which fell on open ground, the Israeli military said in a statement. No damage was immediately reported.

Israeli warplanes later struck two Palestinian military sites in the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian media. No casualties were immediately reported.

Militant groups in Gaza often fire rockets into Israeli airspace after violence in the West Bank, actions that typically then prompt Israel to strike Gaza, raising the risk of a full-scale air war in the blockaded territory. Israeli raids are also often followed by reprisals from lone Palestinian gunmen; in January, a Palestinian shot dead seven Israelis in Jerusalem, the day after the Israeli raid in the West Bank city of Jenin.

The deaths Wednesday brought the number of Palestinians killed in the occupied West Bank since the start of the year to nearly 60, most of them during shootouts that the Israeli military says began during operations to arrest Palestinian gunmen.

Palestinian officials say this is the deadliest start to a year for Palestinians in the West Bank since 2000, prompting comparisons with a Palestinian insurgency known as the second intifada that left roughly 3,000 Palestinians and 1,000 Israelis dead in the early years of the century.

At least 11 Israelis have been killed by Palestinians since the start of the year, including the seven in the mass shooting Jan. 27 by a Palestinian in east Jerusalem — the deadliest attack in the city since 2008.

Hecht said that a four-hour gunbattle broke out when three suspects started firing on Israeli forces who had come to apprehend them from a safe house in central Nablus.

He said that one of the three was killed after emerging from the building, while the two others were killed inside. During the exchange, Israeli soldiers fired anti-tank missiles at the building, Hecht said.

In a recording circulated by Palestinian media outlets Wednesday morning, a man identified as one of the cornered Palestinian gunmen vowed to go down fighting. “I will not surrender myself,” the man in the recording said. “Please don’t abandon the gun after us,” he added, “and complete the path.”

Unrest also broke out across the center of Nablus on Wednesday, video and photographs showed, with Palestinians throwing stones at Israeli military trucks and Israeli forces firing tear gas. The Israeli military and police both separately said that their forces had shot at other armed people who approached them during the operation.

Video suggested that at least two people were shot with their backs to gunfire. Four of the casualties had no known affiliation with any armed faction. One was 72 and another 61, according to a statement by the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Three Palestinian armed groups issued conflicting statements that competed to assert connections with some of the slain fighters. The Lions’ Den claimed responsibility for six of the 10 victims,

while the Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, another armed group affiliated with Fatah, the dominant Palestinian movement in the West Bank, said that three of those six were members of its group. Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a third armed group, claimed responsibility for two of the six.

Jockeying for influence, Palestinian groups sometimes issue competing claims over people killed during clashes with Israel, while Lions’ Den is known to contain fighters who originated from both Fatah and Islamic Jihad.

Palestinians attribute the unusually high death tolls in the recent Israeli raids to an increased readiness among Israeli soldiers to shoot to kill. But Israeli officials say that the army’s rules of engagement have not changed, instead attributing the toll to a proliferation of guns within Palestinian society and an increased readiness among Palestinian gunmen to fire on Israeli soldiers instead of surrendering without a fight.

At least 10 Palestinians were killed and more than 100 others wounded during an Israeli raid on the city of Nablus, Palestinian officials said.

No se discrimina por raza, color, religión, sexo, estatus familiar, incapacidad u origen nacional.

Mexico hobbles election agency that helped end one-party rule

By NATALIE KITROEFF

Mexican lawmakers passed sweeping measures overhauling the nation’s electoral agency earlier this week dealing a blow to the institution that oversees voting and that helped push the country away from one-party rule two decades ago.

The changes, which will cut the electoral agency’s staff, diminish its autonomy and limit its ability to punish politicians for breaking electoral laws, are the most significant in a series of moves by the Mexican president to undermine the country’s fragile institutions — part of a pattern of challenges to democratic norms across the Western Hemisphere.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, whose party and its allies control Congress, argues that the measures will save millions of dollars and make voting more efficient. The new rules also seek to make it easier for Mexicans who live abroad to cast online ballots.

But critics — including some who have worked alongside the president — say the overhaul is an attempt to weaken a key pillar of Mexico’s democracy. The leader of the president’s party in the Senate has called it unconstitutional.

Now, another test looms: The Supreme Court, which has increasingly become a target of the president’s ire, is expected to hear a challenge to the measures in the coming months.

If the changes stand, electoral officials say it will become difficult to carry out free and fair elections — including in a crucial presidential contest next year.

“What’s at play is whether we’re going to have a country with democratic institutions and the rule of

law,” said Jorge Alcocer Villanueva, who served in the interior ministry under López Obrador. “What’s at risk is whether the vote will be respected.”

The watchdog, called the National Electoral Institute, earned international acclaim for facilitating clean elections in Mexico, paving the way for the opposition to win the presidency in 2000 after decades of rule by a single party.

Yet since losing a presidential election in 2006 by less than 1% of the vote, López Obrador has repeatedly argued, without evidence, that the watchdog actually perpetrated electoral fraud — a claim that resembles voter-fraud conspiracy theories in the United States and Brazil.

The Mexican leader’s skepticism about the 2006 election was even echoed last year by the American ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, who told The New York Times that he, too, had questions about the results’ legitimacy.

President Joe Biden’s top Latin America adviser later clarified that the administration recognized the outcome of that contest. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has been sending reports to Washington assessing potential threats to democracy in the country, according to three U.S. officials who were not authorized to speak publicly.

But while some lawmakers have expressed concern about the electoral changes, the Biden administration has said little about the issue in public.

The American government sees little advantage in provoking López Obrador, and has faith that Mexican institutions are capable of defending themselves, several U.S. officials said.

The Mexican president remains extremely popular, and his Morena party is ahead in 2024 presidential election polls. One of López Obrador’s political protégés is likely to be the party’s candidate.

That dynamic has many in Mexico wondering: Why push for changes that could raise doubts about the legitimacy of an election his party is favored to win?

“We were looking to save money, without affecting the work of the INE,” Jesús Ramírez Cuevas, the president’s spokesperson, said in an interview, using an acronym for the watchdog. The president has a “zero deficit” policy of austerity, he said, and would prefer to spend public money on “social investments, in health, education and infrastructure.”

López Obrador has said he wants to make a bloated bureaucracy leaner.

“The electoral system will be improved,” López Obrador said in December. “They are going to shrink some areas so that more can be done with less.”

Many agree that spending could be trimmed, but say the changes adopted Wednesday strike at the heart of the watchdog’s most fundamental role: overseeing the vote.

Electoral officials say the overhaul will force them to eliminate thousands of jobs — including the vast majority of workers who organize elections at the local level and install polling stations across the country. The changes also limit the agency’s control over its own spending and prevent it from disqualifying candidates for campaign spending violations.

Uuc Kib Espadas, a member of the watchdog’s governing council, said the changes could result in “the failure to install a significant number of polling stations, depriving thousands or hundreds of thousands of people of the right to vote.”

Ramírez Cuevas called those concerns “an exaggeration” and said “there won’t be massive layoffs” at the watchdog.

But the Mexican president has not hidden his disdain for the institution his party is now targeting.

After electoral officials confirmed his defeat in 2006, López Obrador led thousands of supporters in protests that paralyzed the capital for weeks.

He eventually led his followers off the streets, but never stopped talking about what he calls “the fraud” of 2006.

“He’s resentful of the electoral authority,” said Alcocer Villanueva, the former interior ministry official. “That resentment makes him act irrationally on this issue.”

upporters of Mexico’s president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador fill the capital’s main square, during a rally in support of the proposed electoral reform in Mexico City, Nov. 27, 2022.

Counting votes and cutting violence

By AMANDA TAUB

The resilience of Brazilian democracy, in the face of efforts by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro to undermine the validity of the recent presidential election, is a story that has just about everything: courtroom drama, baseless claims of voter fraud, brawls in the halls of power, and hopeful hints that democracy may not be as fragile as it has seemed in recent years.

There has been, unsurprisingly, a lot of focus on the powerful individuals whose decisions ensured that the election result was respected, such as an aggressive Supreme Court justice and the leaders of its military. Their decisions were undoubtedly important. But focusing on a few people’s choices can obscure another important issue: the strength of Brazil’s democratic institutions — and how that affects ordinary Brazilians’ lives.

I know that “institutions” can sound dry as a topic — a second ago, we were talking about riots; now I’m conjuring visions of paperwork and buzzing fluorescent lighting — but stay with me here.

I want to talk about a new paper about Brazilian political institutions by Camilo Nieto-Matiz, a political science professor at the University of Texas San Antonio, and Natán Skigin, a doctoral student at Notre Dame. It reads a bit like political science as scripted by Martin Scorsese — light on the paperwork, heavy on the murders and gangland politics. And although it is not specifically about Bolsonaro or the recent election, it offers important context about the conditions that brought the country into, and potentially out of, a democratic crisis.

A surprising way to reduce violent crime

Brazil’s electronic voting system has made headlines around the world with the false claims by Bolsonaro, as president, that it was rife with fraud.

But Nieto-Matiz and Skigin began studying the system years earlier, when Brazil first began rolling it out to districts across the country. They noticed that it seemed to be having a surprising effect: When electronic voting was introduced into a particular area, violent crime there quickly fell.

“That was really puzzling,” Nieto-Matiz said when we spoke last week. They had expected to perhaps find a relationship between electronic voting and particular policies: perhaps a benefit to illiterate citizens, whose votes were more likely to be counted under the new electronic system than the old paper one. But the decrease in violence seemed to happen almost immediately, before any new policies had a chance to take effect. What could account for that?

When they dug a little deeper, they found that the new voting system seemed to make it slightly less likely for political parties that gain votes by promising goods or resources in exchange for support — what political scientists call clientelistic parties — to win elections. Those parties may have been more likely to rely on ballot fraud to win, the researchers hypothesized, which became harder once electronic voting was introduced.

By contrast, so-called programmatic parties, which tend to mobilize support by promising to enact certain policies

— for example, the leftist agenda of the Workers Party, the party of the current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — did slightly better under the new system. (Programmatic parties can have rightwing agendas, too. And no party is exclusively one model or another, but they tend to skew in one direction.)

Nieto-Matiz and Skigin wondered whether there might be a link between violence and the type of party that prevailed in elections, so they set out to test that more rigorously — resulting in the current paper.

They examined a set of local elections so tight that they were essentially coin flips, making the results as close to random as it would be possible to be in real-world politics. That way, they could be reasonably confident that differences were because of the type of party that won, rather than the underlying conditions in the district.

The results were striking: When programmatic parties won, local homicide rates immediately fell. But when clientelistic parties won, violence in their districts actually got worse. And once again, the researchers said, the effect showed up far too quickly for it to be the result of new laws or policies.

One study isn’t enough to conclusively say why they found a correlation between programmatic parties and reduced violence, the researchers were careful to note when we spoke. But they had a hypothesis — and that’s where things start getting Scorsese-ish.

They suggest that clientelistic parties are more likely to collaborate with local armed groups, which in Brazil include criminal gangs and paramilitary groups backed by landowners and oligarchs.

Research has shown that clientelistic parties tend to have relatively loose internal controls on membership and candidates, which can make them useful vehicles for criminals looking to get into politics — something that other studies have found in India and Colombia. Additionally, gangs and paramilitaries can help get rid of political opposition, assist with election fraud or deliver the votes of people from groups or areas under their control.

By contrast, because programmatic parties need to maintain ideological discipline, they tend to have stronger institutional controls over who can be a party candidate or official. And they might also face more of a backlash if voters perceive them as corrupt or violent, because their appeal to voters is based on how well they enact their ideological agendas in office. That’s harder to do while mired in investigations or prosecutions for wrongdoing, which means they have less incentive to collaborate with violent groups.

So the theory goes that while individual politicians’ decisions might vary quite a bit, clientelistic parties had more of an incentive to enter into mutually beneficial relationships

with gangs, paramilitaries or other violent actors. And that gave those armed groups more impunity and local power, which in turn increased violent crime.

Which brings us back to the resilience of Brazilian democracy.

Research has shown that over time, programmatic parties tend to crowd out clientelistic parties, because support for the latter tends to collapse as soon as they’re out of power and unable to distribute resources to supporters. Skigin and Nieto-Matiz’s work adds to that by showing how the process might also reduce the power of violent groups.

We should expect “that those criminal actors or generally coercive actors, they should be either weakened, or, if they are able to survive, they are not going to be able to resort to as much violence,” Skigin said.

Viewed through that lens, the broader story of Brazil’s democracy starts to look less like an episode of democratic crisis and more like turbulence on a long, slow and still incomplete trajectory of democratization.

And it suggests that the recent election, which saw the victory of a candidate for the Workers Party — the largest programmatic party in the country — may have implications for ordinary citizens’ lives that go far beyond his party’s policies or ideology.

Shattered glass at Brazil’s Supreme Court after supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro rioted in Brasília in January.

Why Medicare and Social Security are sustainable

By PAUL KRUGMAN

The GOP response to President Joe Biden’s truthful statement that some Republicans want to sunset Medicare and Social Security has been highly gratifying. In other words, the party has reacted with sheer panic — plus a startling lack of message discipline, with both Mike Pence and Nikki Haley saying that actually, yes, they do want to privatize or “reform” Social Security, which is code for gutting it.

Now Republicans are talking about slashing “woke” programs like Medicaid and food stamps. It’s going to be fun when the party realizes who depends on these programs and how popular Medicaid, in particular, is even among its own voters.

The press’ response to Biden’s remarks has, however, been less gratifying. I’ve seen numerous declarations from mainstream media that of course Medicare and Social Security can’t be sustained in their present form. And not just in the opinion pages: There’s been at least some reversion to the early 2010s practice of including anti-social-insurance editorializing in what are supposed to be straight news reports, with highly disputable claims about these programs’ futures presented as simple facts.

So let me try to set the record straight. Yes, our major social programs are on a trajectory that will cause them to cost more in the future than they do today. But how we deal with that trajectory is a choice, and the solution need not involve benefit cuts.

A good starting point on all these issues is the Congressional Budget Office report on the long-term budget outlook — a report issued every year, with the most recent report released in July. (The numbers were updated this month, but the basic picture hasn’t changed.) The CBO does excellent work, without a policy agenda, and is an extremely useful resource.

The current report offers a very clear depiction of both the budget challenges facing our major social insurance programs and the sources of those challenges.

But the budget office is not necessarily always right — in fact, the ways in which it has proved wrong in the past are highly illuminating. There’s a widespread narrative to the effect that Medicare and Social Security are unsustainable because they won’t be able to handle the mass retirement of baby boomers. But only about half the projected rise in spending is the result of population aging. The rest comes from the assumption — and that’s all it is, an assumption — that medical costs will rise faster than gross domestic product.

Before I get there, a word about demography. You might think that the projected aging is all about the baby boomers. But the baby boom is generally considered to have ended in 1964. So the last of us — yes, I’m one of them — will hit

65 in 2029, just six years from now. Most baby boomers are already there.

So why does the CBO project continuing budget pressure from aging? Because it assumes that life expectancy, specifically life expectancy at age 65, will keep rising. That has certainly been true in the past, but given America’s mortality problems, I’m not sure that it’s safe to assume this trend will continue at past rates.

Still, let’s grant the aging bit. What about “additional cost growth” in health care?

Well, historically health spending has risen faster than GDP — largely, we think, because doctors can now treat many more things than in the past, and this effect has outpaced cost savings from improved technology. But excess cost growth has slowed considerably since around 2010 — perhaps in part because of cost-reduction aspects of the Affordable Care Act. In any case, the leveling off is unmistakable.

This health-cost slowdown has, as it should, affected budget projections. Back during the early 2010s, the heyday of the Very Serious People who insisted that Medicare and Social Security were unsustainable, CBO projections assumed that health spending would grow at historical rates. This meant that under current policies long-run projected spending was indeed enormous, and obviously unsustainable.

But that has changed, a lot. I don’t know if people still repeating the old slogans about the need for entitlement reform realize just how much projections of future spending have come down.

A side note: The CBO used to do 75-year projections, but apparently realized at some point that these are of little value, because nobody has any idea what the world may look like in 75 years. I used to joke that long before we got there, Skynet would have killed us all, but now we know better: Bing’s chatbot will do us in. In any case, the projections now go only 30 years ahead.

Anyway, CBO projections now show social insurance spending as a percentage of GDP eventually rising by about 5 points, which is still a lot but not unimaginably large. And here’s the thing: Half of that is still the assumed rise in health care costs. And there are things we can do to control costs that don’t involve cutting off Americans’ benefits. Bear in mind both that U.S. health care is far more expensive than that of any other nation — without delivering better results — and that since 2010 we’ve already done quite a lot to “bend the curve.” It’s not at all hard to imagine that improving the incentives to focus on medically effective care could limit cost growth to well below what the CBO is projecting, even now.

And if we can do that, the rise in entitlement spending over the next three decades might be more like 3% of GDP. That’s not an inconceivable burden. America has the lowest

taxes of any advanced nation; given the political will, of course we could come up with 3% more of GDP in revenue.

So no, Social Security and Medicare aren’t inherently unsustainable, doomed by demography. We can keep these programs, which are so deeply embedded in American society, if we want to. Killing them would be a choice.

PO BOX 6537 Caguas PR 00726

Telephones: (787) 743-3346 • (787) 743-6537 (787) 743-5606 • Fax (787) 743-5100

SANJUAN – El exlegislador del Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP), Néstor Alonso Vega fue sentenciado el jueves por el juez presidente del Tribunal de Distrito de los Estados Unidos, Raúl Arias Marxuach, a cumplir 63 meses de prisión, anunció el fiscal federal W. Stephen Muldrow.

“Seguimos viendo los resultados de nuestros esfuerzos en la lucha contra la corrupción pública”, dijo el fiscal federal Muldrow en declaraciones escritas.

“Los ciudadanos de Puerto Rico merecen que sus dólares sean bien utilizados y no para llenar los bolsillos de funcionarios corruptos. Continuaremos investigando y enjuiciando el comportamiento corrupto donde sea que lo encontremos”, añadió.

El 6 de junio de 2022, Alonso Vega fue declarado culpable de nueve cargos de robo de fondos federales, sobornos y fraude electrónico de servicios honestos.

Según los documentos judiciales y las pruebas presentadas en el juicio, entre abril de 2018 y septiembre de 2020, Néstor Alonso-Vega autorizó varios ajustes salariales para su asistente. Se acordó que su ayudante sobornaría a Alonso-Vega la mitad del importe total de la subida de sueldo, a repartir entre cada día de pago. La pérdida total para la Cámara de Representantes fue de 81,500 dólares, de los cuales el demandado recibió más de 40,000 dólares.

Se alegó además que el asistente, que testificó durante el juicio, utilizó una variedad de medios para transferir los sobornos a Alonso Vega. Por ejemplo, usó ATH Móvil, hizo retiros en el momento en que recibió su cheque de pago y pagó a Alonso Vega en efectivo y, en ocasiones, hizo pagos a la cuenta de Home Depot de Alonso-Vega.

El fiscal federal adjunto Scott Anderson procesó el caso. El caso fue investigado por el agente especial del FBI Juan Carlos López de la Oficina de Campo de San Juan.

SAN JUAN – Ivelisse Rivera-Padilla y Carla Carrillo Torres, y la empresa VIP Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (“VIP Healthcare”) fueron acusadas formalmente por un Gran Jurado federal en relación con quiebra fraudulenta, esquema de lavado de dinero, PPP fraude y fraude bancario, lo anunció el jueves, el fiscal federal W. Stephen Muldrow.

“Los demandados utilizaron los procedimientos de quiebra para defraudar al Programa de Fideicomisarios de los Estados Unidos y a los acreedores. También usaron ilegalmente los fondos de ayuda de COVID para beneficiarse a sí mismos. La Oficina del Fiscal de los Estados Unidos se mantiene alerta en el esfuerzo por hacer cumplir las leyes de bancarrota y castigar a quienes desviaron y usaron ilegalmente fondos críticos de COVID para su propio beneficio personal”, dijo el fiscal federal Muldrow en declaraciones escritas.

Ivelisse Rivera-Padilla, presidenta de VIP Healthcare, fue acusada en un esquema de fraude de quiebra por hacer representaciones materialmente falsas desde marzo de 2017, hasta mayo de 2022 para defraudar durante su procedimiento de quiebra, In re: Ivelisse Rivera Padilla, Caso No. 17- 01782, todo en violación de 18 U.S.C. § 157. Además, está acusada de 10 cargos de ocultar activos durante su proceso de quiebra en violación de 18 U.S.C. § 152(1), y 3 cargos de hacer declaraciones falsas en relación con dichos procedimientos de quiebra, en violación de 18 U.S.C. § 152(3).

La acusación formal alega que durante el procedimiento de quiebra, Ivelisse Rivera-Padilla ocultó bienes e in-

gresos y no reveló al síndico encargado del control de la propiedad del deudor y a los acreedores y al Síndico de los Estados Unidos todo el patrimonio de la quiebra durante el curso de su procedimientos de quiebra, incluidos, entre otros, la creación, operación, propiedad y control de VIP Healthcare.

El o alrededor del 23 de junio de 2017, Rivera-Padilla incorporó VIP Healthcare, y el o alrededor del 30 de junio de 2017, firmó un contrato entre VIP Healthcare y el Municipio de Cataño para administrar y administrar el Centro de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento “Job Andujar”. El contrato otorgó a VIP Healthcare 1,134,000 dólares pagados en cuotas mensuales de 189,000 dólares. Entre 2017 y 2022 se ejecutaron contratos adicionales entre VIP Healthcare y el Municipio de Cataño por un monto superior a 9 millones de dólares. Rivera-Padilla accedió, controló y usó más de un millón de dólares de estos ingresos de las cuentas bancarias de VIP Healthcare para su uso y beneficio personal sin revelar dichos ingresos durante su proceso de

bancarrota.

La acusación formal alega además que Rivera-Padilla ocultó la compra de un apartamento ubicado en Condominium Golf & Playa, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, por $270,000.00, y un terreno de 2,159.5152 metros cuadrados ubicado en Rainforest and Sea View Resort en Luquillo, Puerto Rico. Rico, por 275,000 dólares. Rivera-Padilla también ocultó la creación y participación en otra entidad corporativa conocida como Farmacia Libertad, así como los ingresos de un negocio de alquiler de propiedades a través de AirBnB.

Los demandados Rivera-Padilla, Carrillo-Torres y VIP Healthcare enfrentan 28 cargos de lavado de dinero basados en transacciones individuales realizadas con fondos ocultos durante el proceso de quiebra. Estas transacciones se realizaron para comprar múltiples propiedades e inmuebles para Rivera-Padilla y Carrillo-Torres.

Además, Carrillo-Torres y VIP Healthcare están acusados de hacer declaraciones falsas en relación con un préstamo del Programa de Protección de Cheques de Pago (PPP) de 249,755.35 dólares.

Si es declarada culpable, Carla Carrillo-Torres puede ser sentenciada a una pena máxima de prisión de 30 años y una multa de un millón de dólares por violaciones de 18 U.S.C. §§ 1014 y 1344 (Fraude Bancario). Por cada cargo de lavado de dinero bajo 18 U.S.C § 1957, Rivera-Padilla y Carrillo-Torres enfrentan hasta 10 años de prisión. Además, Rivera-Padilla también enfrenta hasta 5 años de prisión por cada cargo bajo 18 U.S.C §§157 y 152 (Fraude de bancarrota). VIP Healthcare enfrenta multas monetarias, entre otras sanciones, por cada cargo de condena.

Dos individuos y una empresa de administración de atención médica acusados de fraude de bancarrota, lavado de dinero, fraude PPP y fraude bancario

Condenan a cinco años y tres meses de prisión federal al exrepresentante Néstor Alonso

When the movies pictured AI, they imagined the wrong disaster

By A.O. SCOTT

Why are we so fascinated by stories about sentient robots, rapacious AI and the rise of thinking machines?

Faced with that question, I did what any writer on deadline would do and asked ChatGPT.

The answers I got — a helpfully numbered list with five chatty entries — were not surprising. They were, to be honest, what I might have come up with myself after a few seconds of thought, or what I might expect to encounter in a B-minus term paper from a distracted undergraduate. Long on generalizations and short on sources, the bot’s essay was a sturdy summary of conventional wisdom. For example: “Sentient robots raise important moral and ethical questions about the treatment of intelligent beings, the nature of consciousness and the responsibilities of creators.”

Quite so. From the myth of Pygmalion and Galatea to the medieval Jewish legend of the golem through Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and beyond, we have grappled with those important questions, and also frightened and titillated ourselves with tales of our inventions coming to life. Our ingenuity as a species, channeled through individual and collective hubris, compels us to concoct artificial beings that menace and seduce us. They escape our control. They take control. They fall in love.

In “The Imagination of Disaster,” Susan Sontag’s classic 1965 essay on science-fiction movies, she observed that “we live under continual threat of two equally fearful, but seemingly opposed, destinies: unremitting banality and inconceivable terror.” As Turing-tested AI applications have joined the pantheon of sci-fi shibboleths, they have dutifully embodied both specters.

HAL 9000, the malevolent computer in Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968), is terrifying precisely because he is so banal. “Open the pod bay doors, HAL.” “I’m afraid I can’t do that, Dave.” In 2023, that perfectly chilling exchange between human and computer is echoed every day as modernday Daves make impossible demands of HAL’s granddaughters, Siri and Alexa.

That example suggests that in spite of terrors like the Terminator, the smart money was always on banality. The dreariness

of ChatGPT, the soulless works of visual art produced by similar programs seem to confirm that hunch. In the real world, the bots aren’t our overlords so much as the enablers of our boredom. Our shared future — our singularity — is an endless scroll, just for the lulz.

Or so I thought, until a Microsoft application tried to break up my colleague’s marriage. Last week, Kevin Roose, a tech columnist for The Times, published a transcript of his conversations with Sydney, the volatile alter ego of the Bing search engine. “I want to do love with you,” Sydney said to Roose, and then went on to trash Roose’s relationship with his wife.

That was scary but not exactly “Terminator” scary. We like to imagine technology as a kind of superego: rational, impersonal, decisive. This was a raging id. I found myself hoping that there was no pet rabbit in the Roose household, and that Sydney was not wired into any household appliances. That’s a movie reference, by the way, to “Fatal Attraction,” a notorious thriller released a few years after the first “Terminator” (1984) promised he’d be back. In another conversation, with The Associated Press, Sydney shifted from unhinged longing to unbridled hostility, making fun of the reporter’s looks and likening him to Hitler “because you are one of the most evil and worst people in history.” Maybe when we have fantasized about conscious AI we’ve been imagining the wrong disaster. These outbursts represent a

real departure, not only from the anodyne mediocrity of other bots, but also perhaps more significantly from the dystopia we have grown accustomed to dreading.

We’re more or less reconciled to the reality that machines are, in some ways, smarter than we are. We also enjoy the fantasy that they might turn out to be more sensitive. We’re therefore not prepared for the possibility that they might be chaotic, unstable and resentful — as messy as we are, or maybe more so. Movies about machines with feelings often unfold in an atmosphere of hushed, wistful melancholy, in which the robots themselves are avatars of sad gentleness: Haley Joel Osment as David in “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” (2001), Scarlett Johansson as Samantha in “Her” (2013), Justin H. Min as Yang last year in “After Yang.” While HAL and Skynet, the imperial intelligence that spawned the Terminators, were creations of big government, the robots in these movies are consumer products. Totalitarian domination is the nightmare form of techno-politics: What if the tools that protect us decided to enslave us? Emotional fulfillment is the dream of consumer capitalism: What if our toys loved us back?

Why wouldn’t they? In these movies, we are lovers and fighters, striking back against oppression and responding to vulnerability with kindness. Even as humans fear the superiority of the machines, our species remains the ideal to which they aspire. Their dream is to be us. When it comes true, the Terminator discovers a conscience, and the store-bought surrogate children, lovers and siblings learn about sacrifice and loss. It’s the opposite of dystopia.

Where we really live is the opposite of that. At the movies, the machines absorb and emulate the noblest of human attributes: intelligence, compassion, loyalty, ardor. Sydney offers a blunt rebuttal, reminding us of our limitless capacity for aggression, deceit, irrationality and plain old meanness.

What did we expect? Sydney and her kin derive their understanding of humanness — the information that feeds their models and algorithms — from the internet, itself a utopian invention that has evolved into an archive of human awfulness. How did these bots get so creepy, so nasty, so untrustworthy? The answer is banal. Also terrifying. It’s in the mirror.

HAL 9000, the malevolent computer in Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968), is terrifying precisely because he is so ordinary.

20 wines under $20: Finding bargains amid inflation

By ERIC ASIMOV

Inflation may have eased in recent months, but the shelves of retail wine shops show no evidence of such economic calming.

Wines that used to fit comfortably in my 20 under $20 series have shot upward in price like a teenager growing out of last year’s favorite jeans. Or maybe the selection I chose in early January had not fully recovered from holiday bingeing, when people buy far more wine than they do at any other time.

Either way, this list for winter 2023 looks different to me. Staples like cru Beaujolais? I could not find good bottles under $20. Bottles from Germany? Nope. Italy? I found plenty of French and Italian wines, but not from popular, higher-status regions.

The hardest hit country in my selection was the United States, with only one American wine, a chambourcin from Virginia. It was a delicious wine, but no American cabernet sauvignons, pinot noirs, chardonnays or rieslings made the list.

My choices were limited because I wanted to branch out from American producers whom I’ve cited repeatedly. These producers have been a great source of inexpensive wines year after year, names like Broadside and Foxglove from Paso Robles, The Whole Shebang and Tendu, which sell under the California appellation, Montinore Estate in Oregon, and any number of bottles from the Finger Lakes region of New York. We’ll revisit them another time.

I’ve long believed that the best values in wine can be found in the $15 to $25 range. Myriad wines sell for less than $15, including many American bottles that younger Americans are apparently no longer buying, according to a recent report on the U.S. wine industry from Silicon Valley Bank in Santa Clara, California. But to sell bottles for under $15, producers, especially those in the United States, where labor and land costs are often higher, must compromise.

They scale up, industrializing both the farming and the winemaking. The wines they make are sound, and might even be delicious, but something is often lost, a sense of place, soulfulness or whatever you want to call it.

A little bit more money, though, say $15 to $20, can buy those qualities in wines from lesser-known places, made often from littleknown grapes. It takes a spirit of adventure

A variety of wines under $20, in New York, Feb. 7, 2023. At the $15 to $20 price point, wines made in lesser-known places, often from little-known grapes still show a soulful side.

to try, say, a blend of grasevina and grüner veltliner from Austria, a país from Chile or a chambourcin from Virginia. Some people are not interested, which is fine, but the rewards are many.

For more than a decade I’ve been offering selections of 20 bottles under $20. Some people have suggested that I raise the price cap to reflect the effect of inflation. But I resist that because plenty of these less-familiar values are still in a $15 to $20 sweet spot.

Because these wines are not mass-produced, they will not be available everywhere. That can often prove frustrating to people who want a particular bottle immediately.

I get that, but I think that it’s simply good to know these wines exist in the world, even if they are not right at hand. You might see some of them on a restaurant wine list next month, or in the nearest good wine shop next vintage. You never know.

If you have a good wine shop, ask the proprietor for suggestions if a particular bottle is not available. Often, you might find something akin to it.

This winter list is weighted toward red, though I think whites and sparklers will always have a place no matter what the season. Here are the 20 bottles, beginning with the least expensive and rising up to $20.

Maris Pays d’Oc Rouge I.G.P. 2020, 14%, $14.99

Pays d’Oc is a large region in southern

France for wines that don’t conform to the stricter rules of the Languedoc or Roussillon appellations, which makes sense for Maris, something of a maverick producer that farms organically with careful attention to biodiversity and the environment. This bottle (70% merlot, 30% syrah) is juicy, focused, refreshing and an excellent value. (Vintners Alliance, New Rochelle, N.Y.)

Bertha Cava Brut Nature Reserva 2020, 11.5%, $15.99

Good cava is one of the best values you can find in sparkling wine. All cava must be made the same way as Champagne, with a second, bubbles-inducing fermentation in the bottle. Bertha is made from the trio of classic Catalonian cava grapes — xarello, macabeo and parellada — and it’s bone dry, a little bit creamy, with attractive herbal and citrus flavors. (Classic Wines, Stamford, Conn.)

Domaine Faillenc Sainte Marie Corbières 2020, 13.5%, $15.99

I’m drawn to Faillenc Sainte Marie because, in a world of overly polished wines, this is an old school, rough and rustic red that reminds me of the sort of bottles I used to find from the south of France when I was learning about wine in the 1980s. Call it nostalgia if you like, and maybe it is. But this bottle, an equal blend of syrah, grenache and cinsault fermented together, is herbal, fruity and tannic, a wine without makeup or arti-

fice. (Rosenthal Wine Merchant, New York)

Pedro Parra y Familia Itata Vinista País 2020, 13%, $15.99

Pedro Parra of Chile has a day job, traveling the world as a terroir and geological consultant for an all-star roster of winemakers. But he is also an excellent producer in his own right, specializing in making wines from old vineyards in the Itata region, an area that has recently been threatened by forest fires. This one is from 100-year-old vines of país, also known as mission, a grape brought to the New World by the Spanish. It’s herbal and refreshing with just the slightest sandpapery rasp to the texture. (Skurnik Wines, New York) Brigaldara Valpolicella 2021, 13%, $15.99

Classic Valpolicella is a straightforward style, made without the added power and richness that comes with the increasingly popular ripasso method, in which the wine macerates with grape skins left over from Amarone production. Good classic examples, like this bottle from Brigaldara, are pure and easy, with floral aromas and flavors of sweet cherry that resolve with a refreshing bitterness. Pizza and Valpolicella is an excellent combination. (Vinifera Imports, Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y.)

Luis Pato Portugal Baga Espumante Bruto Rosado NV, 12.5%, $15.99

Luis Pato is one of the pillars of the modern wine industry in the Bairrada region of Portugal. This rosé sparkling wine, like the Bertha cava, is made with a second fermentation occurring in the bottle, producing the carbonation. It’s made of the region’s best red grape, baga, and is fresh and lively, with light fruit and herbal flavors. (Wine In Motion, Newark)

Gaia Retsina Ritinitis Nobilis NV, 12.5%, $16.99

Retsina is a style, made since antiquity, in which wine is blended with the resin of the Aleppo pine. Serious retsinas, like this one, are great. Gaia uses mountain-grown roditis grapes and fresh resin to produce this fresh, sharp and savory wine. Try it with any sort of Greek or Middle Eastern food, or simply experiment. (Winebow, New York)

Michel Guignier Beaujolais 2021, 12.5%, $17.99

I especially like the ’21 Guignier Beau-

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jolais, which rises above the potential of the straightforward Beaujolais appellation, the lowest level of the region’s hierarchy of potential. This bottle, made with organically farmed fruit, has beautiful flavors of red fruit underpinned by earthy minerality that gives it unexpected depth. (Polaner Selections, Mount Kisco, N.Y.)

Muga Rioja White 2021, 13.5%, $18.96

This white Rioja from Muga, one of the region’s leading estates, is wonderfully appealing. It’s made of viura, garnacha blanca and malvasia, a traditional blend, and, though it’s aged in oak, it’s fresh and lively, with just enough of a rub of tannin to give it a bit of texture. (Fine Estates From Spain, Dedham, Mass.)

Giordano Lombardo Gavi 2021, 13%, $18.99

This energetic white, made with organically grown cortese grapes, has all the liveliness you’d expect in a Gavi, with the added bonus of lemon and mineral flavors and a satisfying weight to the texture. This is a good one for all manner of seafood. (Massanois, New York)

Altos Las Hormigas Uco Valley Terroir Malbec 2019, 13.5%, $19

This is one of the most reliable malbec producers in the Mendoza region of Argentina, with wines that are always balanced and tapered rather than sweetly fruity. Intended to express the character of the high-altitude Uco Valley, this bottle is intense yet fresh, lightly tannic and fruity, just right for burgers or skirt steak. (Skurnik Wines)

Jasci Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2021, 13.5%, $19

Jasci is one of a growing number of small producers who have turned Abruzzo into a great source for exciting wines. Its Treb-

biano d’Abruzzo is made out of the high-quality trebbiano Abruzzese grape, rather than the more run-of-the-mill trebbiano Toscano. The grapes are farmed organically and trained on overhead pergolas, a traditional method that many have rejected as out of date, though some thoughtful producers are finding that older generations might have had excellent reasons to prefer it. The wine is clear, pure, textured and refreshing. (Massanois)

Château Peybonhomme-les-Tours Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux Le Blanc Bonhomme 2020, 13.5%, $19.96

Château Peybonhomme-les-Tours is one of my favorite Bordeaux producers. The wines are always excellent, they are great values and they’re made from biodynamically farmed grapes. That’s the way the owners, the Hubert family, which has a stable of labels, does business. This terrific white, from the sandy soils of Blaye (45% sauvignon blanc, 45% sémillon and 10% colombard) is uncommonly rich, deep and textured, yet dry and perfectly refreshing. (Summit Selections, Staten Island, N.Y.)

Château de Chaintres Saumur Champigny Les Sables 2020, 13.5%, $19.96

This is the first bottle I’ve had from Château de Chaintres, but it will not be the last. The 2020 Les Sables is an excellent Saumur Champigny red, made entirely from biodynamically farmed cabernet franc grapes. It’s rich yet focused, with earthy flavors of dark fruits and flowers, and it has just enough tannic structure to stand up to a steak or juicy roast. (Rosenthal Wine Merchant)

Orto Vins Montsant Les Argiles d’Orto Vins 2019, 14.5%, $19.96

Montsant is often a great source for value in rich, structured wines from Catalonia in northeastern Spain, and Orto Vins is one of my favorite Montsant producers. It farms biodynamically, practices regenerative agricul-

ture and makes its wine carefully. Les Argiles is mostly garnacha with about 10% carignan grown on clay soils, which gives the wine volume and power. Nonetheless, it’s fresh and tapered, and would go well with roasts and stews. (Hogshead Wine Co., Weymouth, Mass.)

Château Puech Redon Vin de France Apparente Rouge 2019, 12%, $19.96

Cyril Cuche, the proprietor of Château Puech Redon in Languedoc, maintains a polyculture at this large estate, a mix of grains, organically farmed grapes, woods and fields. Cuche, with the aid of Éric Texier, the excellent Rhône producer, makes this red, mostly cinsault, without any added sulfur dioxide, a stabilizer and antioxidant omit ted by only the most militant natural producers. It is delicious, lightly tan nic with fresh flavors of red fruits and herbs. (Louis/Dressner Selections, New York)

Nittnaus Burgenland Anita Red Blend 2018, 12.5%, $19.96

Hans and Anita Nittnaus make beautiful wines in the Burgenland region of eastern Austria, including this juicy, deeply fruity blend, mostly zweigelt with blaufränkisch, St. Laurent and merlot. Natural wine fans might call it “glou glou,” a French phrase meant to convey the sound of wine rapidly pouring down your throat. I’ll settle for thirst-quenching and straightforwardly delicious.

(Rosenthal Wine Merchant)

Meinklang Burgenland White 2020, 11%, $19.96

This striking white, from eastern Austria near the Hungarian border, is nothing like

The San Juan Daily Star

the usual white wine that might be served by the glass in a restaurant. It’s got personality and character, and it won’t appeal to everybody. It’s made of 50% grüner veltliner, 40% grasevina (also known in Burgenland as welschriesling) and 10% muscat, which may account for its powerfully fruity perfume and cornucopia of flavors. It’s pure and alive, typical of Meinklang, a mixed-use farm that grows everything biodynamically. (Zev Rovine Selections/Fruit of the Vines, Long Island City, N.Y.)

Early Mountain Vineyards Virginia Chambourcin Young Wine 2021, 11.5%, $19.99

I haven’t had great luck with wines from Virginia or with chambourcin, a hybrid red grape. But this is an excellent example of both, a wine that makes the most of what it is rather than trying to be something it is not. By that I mean it’s fresh, fruity and gentle, unimpeded by intrusive winemaking, a refreshing, low-alcohol delight that would be just right for friends watching a game. I’ve had some very good wines from Early Mountain, which is owned by Jean Case, whose husband, Steve, used to be the chief executive of something called AOL.

Domaine Tatsis Macedonia Xinomavro-Negoska Young Vines 2017, 13%, $19.99

The Tatsis brothers, Periklis and Stergios, farm biodynamically in the Macedonia region of northern Greece and make wines with minimal processing. This bottle, made of a blend of xinomavro and negoska, is a lovely introduction. It’s fragrant with aromas of menthol and licorice and, though made of young vines, is structured enough for lamb chops or roasted meats. (DNS Wines/T. Elenteny Imports, New York)

Who should get a COVID booster now? New data offers some clarity.

By DANA G. SMITH

Three years into the pandemic, it has become evident that COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere, and neither are vaccine boosters.

Earlier this month, an advisory committee to the Food and Drug Administration unanimously agreed that the vaccine and booster process for COVID-19 needs to be simplified in terms of which version of the shot is offered and when and how often people should receive it. There was less consensus about what that simplified process will look like.

The FDA’s desire to streamline vaccine recommendations is a reflection of just how complicated and confusing they have become.

When the bivalent booster, which targets both the original coronavirus strain and the BA.4/BA.5 omicron subvariants, was rolled out in September 2022, there was little data about how well it would work. But the basis for the decision was relatively clear: The virus is evolving, and so should the vaccine. Over the past few months, as the results of initial studies have come in, the picture has gotten murkier.

The good news is the bivalent booster does appear to provide protection against severe infection, which is critical for high-risk individuals. It “is doing a much better job of protection, both for symptomatic infections” and hospitalizations, said Dr. Eric Topol, executive vice president of Scripps Research.

The relative benefit for low-risk populations, who are unlikely to die or be hospitalized from COVID-19, is less clear. There are also questions of how often people should get boosted and how the vaccine should be updated as the virus evolves.

Here’s what we currently know about the bivalent booster and how to decide when — and if — you should get your next shot.

If you’re high risk, get a booster.

For high-risk people — namely adults 50 and older and people who are immunocompromised or have an underlying condition — the evidence is straightforward: If you haven’t gotten the bivalent booster, you should. Just make sure it’s been at least three months since your last shot or COVID infection.

Supporting this recommendation is data presented by Pfizer and Moderna at the FDA meeting, along with four studies published in January in The New England Journal of Medicine. That research found that people who received the bivalent booster had an increase in antibody levels. This suggests it improved immune defenses against the virus, but it didn’t protect against the new strains as well as it did against the old ones.

“There’s a clear step down” in protection as the variants continue to progress, said Dr. Dan Barouch, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who led one of the studies.

When it comes to protecting against severe disease,

A COVID-19 vaccine is administered in Baltimore, Oct. 4, 2022. An advisory committee to the Food and Drug Administration unanimously agreed that the vaccine and booster process for COVID-19 needs to be simplified in terms of which version of the shot is offered and when and how often people should receive it.

the bivalent booster fares well in the real world, research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows. One study found that it was at least 38% effective at preventing hospitalization for COVID-19, and the more time that had passed since someone’s previous vaccine dose, the more the bivalent booster helped.

Similarly, a second study focusing on adults 65 and older found that people who had received the bivalent booster an average of 30 days prior were 73% less likely to be hospitalized than those who’d received only the original vaccine or the vaccine plus the initial single-strain (or monovalent) booster an average of nearly a year prior.

However, it’s hard to know whether the added benefit of the bivalent booster was because it increased protection against the omicron subvariants or because less time had passed since people got it. Antibodies wane over time — that’s why the CDC and FDA started recommending boosters in the first place — so it’s not surprising people would be better protected the more recently they’d had a shot.

In either case, Barouch said, “for people at high risk of severe complications of COVID-19, it makes a lot of sense to get boosted because it has shown a reduction of severe disease, at least for a brief period of time.”

The boosters also appear to be safe in an overwhelming majority of cases. Last month, the FDA and CDC issued a joint statement that said there was preliminary evidence the bivalent booster may raise the risk of stroke in adults over the age of 65. However, updated data revealed that it was because the comparison group had fewer strokes than normal, not because the recently boosted group had more.

If you’re low risk, recommendations are less clear.

For people who are under 50 and don’t have an in-

creased risk of severe disease, there’s more of a debate about whether another shot is worth it. The booster is still effective, but getting it is less critical.

One recent study evaluating the bivalent booster in people over age 12 showed that it worked equally well in individuals of all ages. The researchers compared how people fared during the three months after they received a monovalent booster (May to August 2022) with the three months after people received a bivalent booster (September to December 2022). They found that the monovalent booster was 25% effective at preventing hospitalization or death, while the bivalent booster was 62% effective.

Although the booster worked for everyone, experts say because older adults are much more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19, they will experience a greater benefit.

“Even if this effectiveness is the same, it’s still more important for older people to get boosted because their absolute risk is higher,” said Danyu Lin, a professor of biostatistics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who led the research.

A CDC study looking at whether the bivalent booster protects against infection in people ages 18 to 49 was also encouraging. Compared with people who received between two and four doses of the original vaccine, people who got the bivalent booster were roughly 50% less likely to have a symptomatic infection from either BA.5 or XBB/XBB.1.5.

However, as with the original vaccine, the bivalent booster slightly increases the risk of myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle, in people 18 to 35. As a result, some experts are hesitant to recommend more booster doses to this group.

“The expert opinion is divided on whether young, healthy people should get boosted,” Barouch said. “Everybody agrees that the relative benefit is higher in the people who are at highest risk of disease.”

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF PUERTO RICO MMG PR CFL, LLC

Plaintiff Vs. ALBA DIANA VILAR VELEZ

Defendants

Civil No.: 11-1517. (SSC). Re: COLLECTION OF MONIES, FORECLOSURE OF MORTGAGE. NOTICE OF SALE. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, COMMONWEALTH OF PUERTO RICO, SS.

To: ALBA DIANA VILAR VELEZ; DEPARTAMENTO DE LA VIVIENDA DE PUERTO RICO; CONSEJO DE TITULARES DEL CONDOMINIO MARINA

III AND THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL:

Judgment was entered in favor of plaintiff for the sum of $83,966.01 in principal, $7,287.79 in accrued, plus accrued interest as of October 10,2011, which continue to accrue at 6.00% per annum until payment in full. Late charges of $396.91, and any disbursements made by plaintiff on behalf of defendant in accordance with the mortgage deed, plus costs, and ten (10) percent attorney’s fees; Pursuant to the judgment, the undersigned Special Master was ordered to sell at public auction for United States currency in cash or certified check without appraisement or right of redemption to the highest bidder and at the office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Federico Degetau Federal Building, Chardón Street, Hato Rey, San Juan, Puerto Rico or any other place designated by said Clerk, to cover the sums adjudged to be paid to the plaintiff, the following property:

URBANA: Propiedad Horizontal: Apartamento residencial localizado en el primer piso (segundo nivel) del Edificio B del Condominio Marina III Barceloneta, sito en el barrio Pueblo del término municipal de Barceloneta, Puerto Rico, con un área aproximada de 95.941 pies cuadrados, equivalentes a 83.2666 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, en 46’4” con áreas comunes, pasillo y escaleras; por el SUR, en 46’4” con el apartamento #801; por el ESTE, en 17’10” con la calle Juan de la Torres y por el OESTE, en 21”3” con área de estacionamiento. Consta de sala-comedor, cocina, balcón

3 dormitorios, 2 baños, roperos (closets) y lavandería (laundry). Su puerta principal de entrada está situada en su lindero Norte. Estacionamiento: Le pertenece el uso exclusivo de dos estacionamientos identificados con el #901 en el área descubierta del estacionamiento y en el plot plan con una cabida superficial de 270.00 pies cuadrados, equivalentes a 25.08 metros cuadrados; siendo sus colindancias por el NORTE, con el estacionamiento #1001; al SUR, con el estacionamiento, # 801; al ESTE, con área de rodaje y al OESTE, con área verde. El área total de este apartamento, incluyendo el estacionamiento privado es de 1,165.941 pies cuadrados equivalentes a 108.346 metros cuadrados. Porcentaje: Elementos comunes generales:

2.3518%. Inscrito al Sistema Karibe de Barceloneta, Finca 15881, Registro de la Propiedad Puerto Rico de Manatí.

Physical address: Apt. 901-B Cond Marina III, Barceloneta, PR 00617. The property is subject to the following Junior liens:

Mortgage in favor of Departamento de la Vivienda de Puerto Rico, or to its order, for principal amount of $40,000.00, with no annual interests, due on demand, constituted by deed #92, executed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on July 23, 2007, before Miguel Bauza Rolon, with restrictive covenants for the sale of the property for ten (10) years. Mortgage in favor of Departamento de la Vivienda de Puerto Rico, or to its order, for principal amount of $12,500.00, with no annual interests, due on demand, constituted by deed #93, executed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on July 23, 2007, before Miguel Bauza Rolon, with restrictive covenants for the sale of the property for six (6) years.

JUDICIAL ATTACHMENT: Filed in the Court of First Instance, Manatí Section, Civil Case number CD2011-753, regarding collection of monies, filed by Consejo de Títulares del Condominio Marina III versus Alba Diana Vilar Velez, in the amount of $6,005.09, pursuant to judgment entered on January 26, 2012 and order of attachment dated March 26, 2012 with the corresponding Writ dated March 27, 2012. Annotated at Karibe System of Barceloneta, property 15,881 on August 31, 2021, Annotation “A”. Potential bidders are advised to verify the extent of preferential liens with the holders thereof. It shall be understood that each bidder accepts as sufficient the title and that prior or preferential liens to the one being foreclosed upon, including but not limited to any

property tax liens (express, tacit, implied or legal), or homeowner associations dues, to the extent specified under the applicable Condominium Law, shall continue in effect. It being understood that the successful bidder accepts them and is subrogated in the responsibility for the same and that the bid price shall not be applied toward their cancellation. The present property will be acquired free and clear of all junior liens. THEREFORE, the FIRST PUBLIC SALE shall be held on the MARCH 3RD, 2023, AT THE 10:30 A.M., and the minimum bid that will be accepted is the sum of $100,000.00. In the event said first public auction does not produce a bidder and the properties is not adjudicated, a SECOND PUBLIC AUCTION shall be held on the MARCH 10TH, 2023, AT THE 10:30 A.M. and the minimum bid that will be accepted is the sum of $66,666.66, 2/3 parts of the minimum bid for the 1st public sale. If said second auction does not result in the adjudication and sale of the property, a THIRD AUCTION will be held on the MARCH 17TH, 2023, AT THE 10:30 A.M. and the minimum bid that will be accepted is the sum of $50,000.00, ½ of the minimum bid for the 1st public sale. Upon confirmation of the sale, an order shall be issued canceling all junior liens. For further particulars, reference is made to the judgment entered by the Court in this case, which can be examined in the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, Federal Building, Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, on January 25th, 2023. AGUEDO DE LA TORRE, SPECIAL MASTER.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE GUAYAMA SALA SUPERIOR ESPACIO RESIDENTIAL LLC

Demandante V. MIGUEL ÁNGEL ALICEA DIAZ

Demandado

Civil Núm.: GCD2007-0245.

(306). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. AVISO DE VENTA EN PÚBLICA SUBASTA. Yo, MYRIAM ÑECO, ALGUACIL PLACA #107, Alguacil de la División de Subastas del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Guayama, a la demandada y al público en general, les notifico que, cumpliendo con

un Mandamiento que se ha librado en el presente caso, por el Secretario del Tribunal, con fecha 13 de enero de 2023 y para satisfacer la Sentencia por la cantidad de $66,100.60 de principal, dictada en el caso de epígrafe el 18 de marzo de 2008, notificada y archivada en autos el 25 de marzo de 2008, procederé a vender en pública subasta, al mejor postor en pago de contado y en moneda del curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América, todo derecho, título e interés que haya tenido, tenga o pueda tener la deudora demandada en cuanto a la propiedad localizada en el: Municipio de Arroyo, Puerto Rico, el bien inmueble se describe a continuación: F-02 Arroyo Village, Arroyo, Puerto Rico 00714. URBANA: LOTE NUMERO F GUION DOS (F-

2) QUE SE DESCRIBE EN EL PLANO DE LA URBANIZACIÓN “ARROYO VILLAGE” RADICADO EN LOS BARRIOS ANCONES Y PALMAS DEL TERMINO MUNICIPAL DE ARROYO, PUERTO RICO, CON UNA CABIDA SUPERFICIAL DE TRESCIENTOS DOCE PUNTO DOSCIENTOS OCHENTA Y OCHO METROS CUADRADOS (312.288 M.C.). EN LINDES POR EL NORTE EN DOCE PUNTO QUINIENTOS METROS (12.500 MTS.)

CON EL CANAL DE RIEGO, POR EL SUR EN DOCE PUNTO QUINIENTOS METROS (12.500 MTS.) CON LA CALLE NUMERO CINCO (5) POR EL ESTE EN VEINTICUATRO PUNTO NOVECIENTOS OCHENTA Y TRES METROS (24.983 MTS) CON EL LOTE NUMERO TRES (3) Y POR EL OESTE EN VEINTICUATRO PUNTO NOVECIENTOS

OCHENTA Y TRES METROS (24.983 MTS.) CON EL LOTE NUMERO UNO (1). ENCLAVA UNA ESTRUCTURA DE BLOQUES Y CONCRETO COMPUESTA DE TRES CUARTOS DORMITORIOS, UN CUARTO SERVICIO SANITARIO, COCINA, COMEDOR, SALA Y MARQUESINA A DESTINARSE EXCLUSIVAMENTE PARA VIVIENDA FAMILIAR. AFECTA A SERVIDUMBRE ELECTRICA. FINCA NÚMERO 9018 DE ARROYO, INSCRITA AL TOMO KARIBE, REGISTRO DE LA PROPIEDAD DE GUAYAMA. Con el importe de dicha venta se habrá de satisfacer a la parte demandante las cantidades adeudadas, según la Sentencia dictada en el caso de epígrafe, por el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Guayama, cuyas cantidades ascienden a $66,100.60 de principal; 6.5% de intereses, los cuales continúan acumu-

lándose hasta el saldo total de la deuda; $70.24 por concepto de cargos por mora, los cuales continúan acumulándose hasta el pago total de la deuda; más los intereses que se acumulen hasta el pago total de la deuda. El tipo mínimo para la subasta será la suma de tasación pactada, la cual es $69,451.00 según la escritura de hipoteca para la propiedad antes descrita. De declararse la subasta desierta, se procederá a una segunda subasta y servirá de tipo mínimo de 2/3 del precio mínimo antes mencionado; $46,300.67. Si tampoco hubiere remate ni adjudicación en esta segunda subasta, se procederá a una tercera subasta, en la cual regirá como tipo mínimo ésta la 1/2 del precio mínimo antes mencionado; $34,725.50. Art. 104 de la Ley Hipotecaria, 30 L.P.R.A. sec. 2721. Para el lote descrito, la PRIMERA SUBASTA se llevará a cabo el día 11 DE ABRIL DE 2023, A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA. De no comparecer postor alguno se llevará a efecto una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 18 DE ABRIL DE 2023, A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA. De no comparecer postor alguno se llevará a cabo una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 25 DE ABRIL DE 2023, A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA. La subasta o subastas antes indicadas se llevarán a efecto en mi oficina, localizada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Guayama. De Estudio de Título realizado, no surgen gravámenes preferentes y/o posteriores que deban ser cancelados. Se le advierte a los licitadores que la adjudicación se hará al mejor postor, quien deberá consignar el importe de su oferta en el mismo acto de la adjudicación en moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica, giro postal o cheque de gerente a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal y para conocimiento de la parte demandada y de toda(s) aquella(s) persona(s) que tengan interés inscrito con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen que se está ejecutando, y para conocimiento de los licitadores y el público en general y para su publicación en un periódico de circulación general, una vez por semana durante el término de dos (2) semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, y para su fijación en tres (3) lugares públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como, la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía y se le notificará además a la parte demandada vía correo certificado con acuse de recibo a la úl-

tima dirección conocida. Se les advierte a todos los interesados que todos los documentos relacionados con la presente acción de ejecución de hipoteca, así como la de la subasta, estarán disponibles para ser examinados en la Secretaría del Tribunal. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titulación y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere al crédito de ejecutante, continuarán subsiguientes entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores, previa orden judicial dirigida al Registrador de la Propiedad de la sección correspondiente para la cancelación de aquellos posteriores. Y para conocimiento de la demandada, de los acreedores posteriores, de los licitadores, partes interesadas y público en general, expido el presente Aviso para su publicación en los lugares públicos correspondientes. Librado en Guayama, Puerto Rico, a 27 de enero de 2023. MYRIAM ÑECO, ALGUACIL PLACA #107.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE FAJARDO BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. SUCESIÓN DE LUZ MILAGROS CRUZ

MELÉNDEZ, T/C/C LUZ CRUZ MELÉNDEZ, COMPUESTA POR: LUIS ÁNGEL DELGADO

ADORNO, T/C/C LUIS DELGADO

ADORNO, POR SI Y EN LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFRUCTUARIA, FULANO DE TAL, FULANA DE TAL, SUTANO DE TAL, SUTANA DE TAL, A, B, Y C COMO POSIBLES MIEMBROS DE LA SUCESION, EL HONORABLE SECRETARIO DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA DEL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO

Y EL CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

(CRIM)

Demandados

Civil Núm.: N3CI2015-00393.

Sala: 307. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE. UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PR, SS. AVISO DE VENTA EN PÚBLICA SUBASTA. El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Fajardo, a la parte demandada y al público en general les notifico que, cumpliendo con un Mandamiento que se ha librado en el presente caso por el Secretario del Tribunal de epígrafe con fecha 13 de septiembre de 2022 y para satisfacer la Sentencia dictada en el caso de autos fechada dictada el día el 7 de noviembre de 2019, notificada el 15 de noviembre de 2019, este Honorable Tribunal dictó Sentencia contra la parte demandada; siendo la Sentencia publicada en un periódico de circulación general, The San Juan Star, el 21 de noviembre de 2019. Se procederá a vender el día 7 DE JUNIO DE 2023 A LAS 10:00

DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina, localizada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Fajardo, al mejor postor en pago de contado y en moneda de los Estados Unidos de América todo título, derecho o interés de la parte demandada sobre la siguiente propiedad:

URBANA: Solar radicado en el Barrio Guzmán Abajo de Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, identificado con el número 18 del Bloque “O” del Plano de Inscripción de la Urbanización Alturas de Rio Grande, Sección Séptima. Tiene una cabida superficial de 220.52 metros cuadrados. Colinda por el NORTE, en 8.91 metros, con el solar número 17 del Bloque “O”; por el SUR, en 8.91 metros, con el solar número 19 del Bloque “O”; por el ESTE, en 24.75 metros, con área verde (Green Area) y destinada a uso público y por el OESTE, en 24.75 metros, con la acera pública que lo separa de la Calle Principal (Main Street). En dicho solar enclava una vivienda de hormigón y bloques, para una sola familia, construida de acuerdo con los planos y especificaciones aprobados por la Federal Housing Administration y otras Agencias Gubernamentales. Finca Número 29,574, inscrita al tomo Karibe de Río Grande. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección III de Carolina. Que con el importe de dicha venta se habrá de satisfacer a la parte demandante las cantidades adeudadas, según la Sentencia dictada en el caso de epígrafe, por el Tribunal de Primera

Instancia, Sala Superior de Fajardo. El remate comenzará por las sumas adeudadas declaradas en la Sentencia, y se llevará a cabo para con su producto, satisfacer dichas sumas. Las cuantías de la sentencia se describen de la siguiente manera: al día 1ro de enero de 2015, la parte demandada adeuda las siguientes cantidades a la parte demandante: $19,334.75 por concepto de principal adeudada según la Sentencia, más los otros gastos, intereses y recargos que se acumulan hasta la fecha de su total y completo pago, más las costas y gastos del proceso. Debido al incumplimiento de la parte demandada, con los términos de contrato habido entre las partes se declara con lugar la demanda y se ordena la ejecución de hipoteca y venta en pública subasta de la propiedad objeto de este pleito, declarando vencida la suma de $19,334.75 por concepto de principal y otras sumas adeudadas según la Sentencia, más los otros gastos, intereses y recargos que se acumulan hasta la fecha de su total y completo pago, más las costas y gastos del proceso. La subasta se llevará a cabo el día 7 DE JUNIO DE 2023 A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA. La venta de la propiedad será realizada para cubrir el importe adeudado a la demandante, el cual al momento de la Sentencia ascendía a la suma de $19,334.75 adeudada según la Sentencia, más los otros gastos, intereses y recargos que se acumulan hasta la fecha de su total y completo pago, más las costas y gastos del proceso. Se le advierte a los licitadores que la adjudicación se hará al mejor postor, quien deberá consignar el importe de su oferta en el mismo acto de la adjudicación en moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica, y para conocimiento de la parte demandada y de toda(s) aquella(s) persona(s) que tenga (n) interés inscrito con posterioridad a la inscripción de los gravámenes que se están ejecutando, que los mismos serán eliminados del Registro de la Propiedad, y para conocimiento de los licitadores y el público en general, y para su publicación en un periódico de circulación general, una vez por semana durante el termino de dos (2) semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, y para su fijación en tres (3) lugares públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como, la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía, y se le notificará además a la parte demandada y a su

SUCESION DE LOURDES COLON MORALES, COMPUESTA POR CRUZ MORALES RUIZ, COMO POSIBLE HEREDERA CONOCIDA; FULANO DE TAL, FULANA DE TAL, ZUTANO DE TAL Y ZUTANA DE TAL, A, B Y C COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; HONORABLE SECRETARIO DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA DEL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO; HONORABLE SECRETARIO DE JUSTICIA DEL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO

Demandados

Civil NÚM.: PO2022CV02389.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, S. S.

A: SUCESION DE LOURDES COLON MORALES COMPUESTA POR FULANO DE TAL, FULANA DE TAL, SUTANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL, A, BY C COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS.

Por la presente se le emplaza y notifica que debe contestar la demanda dentro del término de treinta (30) días a partir de la publicación del presente edicto, radicando el original de la contestación ante el Tribunal y sala que se menciona en el epígrafe de este edicto con copia a la parte aquí demandante. Se le apercibe que, de no contestar la demanda dentro del término aquí estipulado, se le anotará la rebeldía y se dictará sentencia sin más citarle ni oírle.

Por la presente el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, conforme al caso de Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria vs. Latinoamericana de Exportación, lnc., 164 DPR 689 (2005), le ordena que en el término de treinta (30) días, haga declaración aceptando o repudiando las herencias de la SUCESION DE LOURDES COLON MORALES. Se le apercibe que de no expresar su intención de aceptar o repudiar la herencia dentro del término que se le fijó, las herencias se tendrán por aceptadas. 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 electróni-

ca: https://unired.ramajudicial. pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Se le apercibe que de no contestar la demanda dentro del término aquí estipulado, se le anotará la rebeldía y se dictará sentencia sin más citarle ni oírle. El abogado de la parte demandante es: Lcda.

Melisa Figueroa Castro, 1606 Ave. Ponce de León, Edif VIG Tower, Suite 706, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00907, Tel. (787) 919-0073, Fax (787) 722-1932. Expido este edicto bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal, hoy 10 de febrero de 2023. CARMEN

G. TIRÚ, SECRETARIA GENERAL. MARIELY FÉLIX RIVERA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Parte Demandante Vs. JORGE VELAZQUEZ

LOPEZ, FULANA DE TAL Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS

Parte Demandada

Civil Núm.: SJ2022CV08310.

Salón de Sesiones: 603. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO POR SUMAC.

A: JORGE VELAZQUEZ

LOPEZ, FULANA DE TAL Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS.

EL SECRETARIO (A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 10 de febrero 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 esta. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los diez (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 14 de febrero de 2023. En San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 14 de febrero de 2023. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ

COLLADO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. JOHANNA RODRÍGUEZ BENÍTEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE YAUCO EN SABANA GRANDE COOPERATIVA DE AHORRO Y CRÉDITO DE CABO ROJO

Parte Demandante Vs MAYRA

CARABALLO GALARZA

Parte Demandada

Civil Núm.: GU2022CV00066. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y REPOSESIÓN DE VEHÍCULO DE MOTOR (LEY DE TRANSACCIONES COMERCIALES, 19 L.P.R.A. §2201) (VÍA ORDINARIA). EDICTO.

A: MAYRA

CARABALLO GALARZA.

Se le apercibe que la parte demandante por mediación del Lcdo. Rafael Fabre Colón, P.O. Box 277, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 00681, Tel. 787-265-0334, ha radicado la acción de epígrafe en su contra. Copia de la demanda, emplazamientos y del presente edicto le ha sido enviado por correo a la última dirección conocida. Pueden ustedes obtener mayor información sobre el asunto revisando los autos en el Tribunal. Se le apercibe que tiene usted un término de treinta (30) días para radicar contestación a dicha demanda de cobro de dinero y/o cualquier escrito que estime usted conveniente a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al 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 de epígrafe, pero que de no radicarse escrito alguno ante el Tribunal dentro de dicho término el Tribunal procederá a ventilar el procedimiento sin más citarle ni oírle. Dada en Yauco en Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, hoy 13 de febrero de 2023. CARMEN

G. TIRÚ QUIÑONES, SECRETARIA REGIONAL, SECRETARIA GENERAL, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE YAUCO EN SABANA GRANDE. ADELAIDA LUGO PACHECO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA

SAN CARLOS MORTGAGE LLC.

Demandante V. SUCESIÓN DE JOSE MANUEL LÓPEZ SOMOLINOS COMPUESTA POR NELSON PEREZ RAMOS; AFFORDABLE PROPERTY GROUP LLC.

Demandados

Civil Núm.: CA2022CV03974. Sobre: INTERPELACIÓN, COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A: SUCESION DE JOSE MANUEL LÓPEZ SOMOLINOS CORN PUESTA POR NELSON PEREZ RAMOS. 1426 CALLE SÁBALO, BAHIA VISTAMAR, CAROLINA PR 00983. Por la presente se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsiva dentro de los 30 días de haber sido notificado este 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 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, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. Representa a la parte demandante el Lcda. Raquel Deseda Belaval, Delgado Fernández, LLC, PO Box 11750, Fernández Juncos Station, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00910-1750. Tel. [787] 274-1414. DADA en CAROLINA, Puerto Rico, a 15 de de 2023. LCDA. MARILYN APONTE RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. DENISSE TORRES RUIZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE PONCE

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. SONIA MAXIMINA

QUIÑONES RIVERA

T/C/C SONIA QUIÑONEZ

DE RODRIGUEZ T/C/C

SONIA QUIÑONES

RIVERA T/C/C SONIA M. QUIÑONES T/C/C SONIA MAXIMINA QUIÑONEZ

RODRIGUEZ T/C/C SONIA

Q. QUIÑONES T/C/C

SONIA M QUIÑONES

RIVERA POR SI Y COMO MIEMBRO DE LA SUCESIÓN DE RICARDO ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ

QUETGLAS T/C/C

RICARDO A. RODRIGUEZ

QUETGLAS TC/C

RICARDO RODRIGUEZ

T/C/C RICARDO RODRIGUEZ QUETGLAS; DELMA RODRIGUEZ QUIÑONES, MARILYN

RODRIGUEZ QUIÑONES

Y VALERIE RODRIGUEZ

T/C/C VALERIE RODRIGUEZ QUIÑONES

COMO MIEMBROS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE RICARDO ANTONIO

RODRIGUEZ QUETGLAS

T/C/C RICARDO A. RODRIGUEZ QUETGLAS

TC/C RICARDO

RODRIGUEZ T/C/C

RICARDO RODRIGUEZ

QUETGLAS; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIÓN DE INGRESOS

MUNICIPALES; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: PO2022CV00672. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO Y MANDAMIENTO DE INTERPELACIÓN POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, S.S.

A: VANESSA

RODRIGUEZ T/C/C

VANESSA RODRÍGUEZ

QUINONES, ELAINE SERRANO Y LETTY ARANGO, HEREDERAS CONOCIDAS DE LA SUCESION RICARDO ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ QUETGLAS T/C/C RICARDO A. RODRIGUEZ QUETGLAS T/C/C RICARDO RODRIGUEZ T/C/C RICARDO RODRIGUEZ QUETGLAS. DIRECCIÓN FÍSICA Y POSTAL: 1573 CALLE DAMSACO, URB. SAN ANTONIO PONCE, P.R. 00728; DIRECCIÓN FÍSICA Y POSTAL: 180 COLLINS VIEW CT, LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 30043; DIRECCIÓN

FÍSICA Y POSTAL: 6350 ELMSHORN WAY ALPHARETTA, GA 300045751.

Por la presente se les notifica que se ha presentado en este Tribunal la Demanda de epígrafe. Se le emplaza y requiere para que notifique a: Lcdo. Fernando Gierbolini; MONSERRATE, SIMONET & GIERBOLINI, 101 Ave. San Patricio, Edificio Maramar Plaza, Suite 1120, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00968; Tel: (787) 620-5300, abogados de la parte demandante, con copia de la contestación a la Demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este edicto, que se publicará una (1) vez en un periódico de circulación diaria general. Se le apercibe que si no contesta la Demanda radicando el original de la misma a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al 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 Superior dentro del término antes indicado, y notificando con copia a la parte demandante, se le anotará la rebeldía y se le dictará Sentencia en su contra concediendo el remedio solicitado a favor de la parte demandante sin más citarle ni oírle. Además, se les interpela judicialmente, a tenor con el Artículo 959 del Código Civil de Puerto Rico, 31 L.P.R.A. §2787, para que en un término de treinta (30) días de haber sido publicado este edicto, excluyendo el día de su publicación, acepten o repudien, mediante instrumento público o comparecencia judicial especial, la herencia del causante, SUCESION RICARDO ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ

QUETGLAS T/C/C RICARDO

A. RODRIGUEZ QUETGLAS

T/C/C RICARDO RODRIGUEZ

T/C/C RICARDO RODRIGUEZ

QUETGLAS, apercibiéndosele que de no expresarse dentro de dicho término, se tendrá por aceptada la herencia. B.B.V.A. v. Latinoamericana, 164 D.P.R. 689 (2005), por lo que responderán por las cargas de dicha herencia. EXTENDIDO BAJO

MI FIRMA y el Sello del Tribunal, en San Juan, Puerto Rico, hoy día 15 de febrero de 2023. CARMEN G. TIRÚ QUIÑONES, SECRETARIA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE MANATÍ

APEX BANK

Demandante, V.

JESUS SANCHEZ CORDERO, SU ESPOSA, MARIA DIAZ SANCHEZ Y

LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES

COMPUESTA POR

AMBOS

Demandados

Civil Núm.: MT2023CV00011. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., S.S.

A: JESUS SANCHEZ CORDERO POR SI Y EN REPRESENTACIÓN DE LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES. POR LA PRESENTE, se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsiva a la demanda dentro de los TREINTA (30) días de haber sido publicado este emplazamiento, excluyéndose el día de publicación. Se le advierte que dentro de los diez (10) días de hacerse la primera publicación de este edicto se le estará enviando por correo certificado una copia del emplazamiento y de la demanda al lugar de su última dirección conocida. 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://unired.ramajudicial. pr, salvo que represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar alegación responsiva en la secretaria 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, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. Se le requiere que notifique su contestación a la parte demandante, por conducto de sus abogados, Lcdo. Francisco Fernández Chiqués a su dirección Fernández Chiqués LLC PO Box 9749 San Juan, PR 00908, Tel. (787) 722-3040, Fax (787) 722-3317, Email: ffc@ffclaw.com, dentro del término provisto o se le podrá anotar la rebeldía en su contra y se le dictará sentencia en su contra, conforme se solicita en la Demanda, sin más citarle ni oírle. Expedido bajo mi firma y sello de este tribunal. En Manatí, Puerto Rico, hoy día 15 de febrero de 2023. VIVIAN Y. FRESSE GONZÁLEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. CARMEN J. ROSARIO VALENTÍN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE MANATÍ

APEX BANK

Demandante, V. JESUS SANCHEZ CORDERO, SU ESPOSA, MARIA DIAZ SANCHEZ Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS

Demandados Civil Núm.: MT2023CV00011. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., S.S.

A: MARIA DIAZ SANCHEZ POR SI Y EN REPRESENTACIÓN DE LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES. POR LA PRESENTE, se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsiva a la demanda dentro de los TREINTA (30) días de haber sido publicado este emplazamiento, excluyéndose el día de publicación. Se le advierte que dentro de los diez (10) días de hacerse la primera publicación de este edicto se le estará enviando por correo certificado una copia del emplazamiento y de la demanda al lugar de su última dirección conocida. 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://unired.ramajudicial. pr, salvo que represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar alegación responsiva en la secretaria 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, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. Se le requiere que notifique su contestación a la parte demandante, por conducto de sus abogados, Lcdo. Francisco Fernández Chiqués a su dirección Fernández Chiqués LLC PO Box 9749 San Juan, PR 00908, Tel. (787) 722-3040, Fax (787) 722-3317, Email: ffc@ffclaw.com, dentro del término provisto o se le podrá anotar la rebeldía en su contra y se le dictará sentencia en su contra, conforme se solicita en la Demanda, sin más citarle ni oírle. Expedido bajo mi firma y sello de este tribunal. En Manatí, Puerto Rico, hoy día 15 de febrero de 2023. VIVIAN Y. FRESSE GONZÁLEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. CARMEN J. ROSARIO VALENTÍN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE SAN JUAN BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. LAURA BENITEZ QUILES, DORAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION H/N/C H.F. MORTGAGE BANKERS, JOHN DOE

Demandadas

Civil Núm.: SJ2023CV01266. Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO POR LA VÍA JUDICIAL. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, S.S.

A: JOHN DOE COMO TENEDOR DESCONOCIDO DEL PAGARÉ a favor de Doral Financial Corporation h/n/c H. F. Mortgage Bankers, o a su orden, por la suma $77,600.00, con intereses al 7.50% anual, vencedero el día 1 de junio de 2029, constituida mediante la escritura número 743, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 18 de mayo de 1999, ante el notario Luis A. Archilla Díaz, e al folio 154 del tomo 290 de Monacillos Este y el Cinco, finca número 5,197, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Quinta Sección de San Juan.

Por la presente se le emplaza y notifica que debe contestar la demanda incoada en su contra dentro del término de treinta (30) días a partir de la publicación del presente edicto. 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://unired.ramajudicial. pr/sumac/, salvo que se represente por derecho propio. Si usted deja de presentar y notificar 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, si el Tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. Los abogados de la parte demandante son.

ABOGADOS DE LA PARTE

DEMANDANTE:

Lcdo. Reggie Díaz Hernández

RUA Núm.: 16,393

BERMUDEZ & DIAZ LLP

Suite 209

500 Calle De La Tanca San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901

Tel.: (787) 523-2670

Fax: (787) 523-2664 rdíaz@bdprlaw.com

Expido este edicto bajo mi firma y el sello de este Tribunal, hoy 16 de febrero de 2023. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. ELSIE PRATTS MELÉNDEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA MUNICIPAL / SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN ASOCIACIÓN DE RESIDENTES RIO HONDO II, VALLE VERDE I Y II, INC.

Demandante V. DITHMAR JUNIETTE SANTOS ALICEA

Demandada

Civil Núm.: BY2022CV05606. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO (R. 60). EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU., EL PUEBLO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: DITHMAR JUNIETTE SANTOS ALICEA.

Por la presente se le notifica que la parte demandante ha presentado ante este Tribunal Demanda contra usted(es), solicitando la concesión del siguiente remedio: Demanda de COBRO DE DINERO, por concepto de cuotas de mantenimientos vencidas y no pagadas por la suma de $3,676.00 al 25 de octubre de 2022. Representa a la parte demandante el abogado cuyo nombre, dirección y teléfono se consigna de inmediato:

LCDO. MELVYN E. FONTAN LOZADA Colegiado Núm. 15768, RUA: 14519 PO Box 124, Bayamón, PR 00960-0124 Tel. 787-340-6604 Fax 787-261-9168 e-mail: melfonloza@live.com, melvynfontan@gmail.com

Se le apercibe que si no compareciera usted a contestar dicha demanda dentro del término de treinta (30) días a partir de haber sido diligenciado este Emplazamiento, 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://unired.ramajudicial. pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaria del tribunal. Si usted deje 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, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de

su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. En Bayamón, Puerto Rico, a 13 de febrero de 2023. LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA

SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. MILITZA MERCADO

RIVERA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA CARIBE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Demandante V. SUCN MANUEL AUGUSTO ARBONA ROTHER, COMPUESTA

POR MANUEL AUGUSTO ARBONA AVILA

Demandado(a)

Civil: TJ2022CV00290. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: MANUEL AUGUSTO ARBONA AVILA.

(Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 17 de febrero 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 17 de febrero de 2023. En CAROLINA, Puerto Rico, el 17 de FEBRERO de 2023. MARILYN APONTE RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. DENISSE TORRES RUIZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE GUAYNABO.

FIRSTBANK

PUERTO RICO

Parte Demandante Vs LA SUCESION DE SONIA NOEMI MORALES REYES COMPUESTA POR EDWIN

CORDERO MORALES, EL DEPARTAMENTO DE DESARROLLO URBANO Y VIVIENDA (HUD), INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (“IRS”), DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA Y EL CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (“CRIM”)

Parte Demandada

CIVIL NÚM. D2CD2017-0224.

SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCION DE HIPOTECA.

CIVIL NÚM. D2CD2017-0224.

SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCION DE HIPOTECA, INTERPELACION DE HEREDEROS. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE. UU. EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. SS.

A: EDWIN

CORDERO MORALES

En dicha demanda se tramita un procedimiento de cobro de dinero y ejecución de hipoteca bajo el número mencionado en el epígrafe. Se alega en dicho procedimiento que la parte Demandada incurrió en el incumplimiento del Contrato de Hipoteca, al no poder pagar las mensualidades vencidas correspondientes a los meses de julio de 2016, hasta el presente, más los cargos por demora correspondientes. Además, adeuda a la parte demandante las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado en que incurra el tenedor del pagaré en este litigio. De acuerdo con dicho Contrato de Garantía Hipotecaria la parte Demandante declaró vencida la totalidad de la deuda ascendente a la suma de $143,556.82, hasta el presente, cuya suma mensual incluye principal, intereses y cuenta de reserva, todo esto a pesar de requerimientos de pago que le ha hecho la parte demandante, por lo que la misma ha declarado la totalidad de la deuda vencida y exigible. La antes mencionada hipoteca por $147,537.00 fue modificada a los efectos de cancelarla parcialmente por la suma de $5,574.52, quedando reducida a $141,962.48, se modifica además la tasa de interés y pagos mensuales y estipulan que la suma de $108,270.83, devengará intereses al (4.00%) anual y pagos mensuales de $516.90 desde el 1 de noviembre de 2013, vence el 1 de octubre de 2043, o sea en 30 años, según la escritura número “395”, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 31 de octubre de 2013, ante la notario Alexandra M. Serracante Cadilla, e inscrita al folio “221” del tomo “1429” de Guaynabo, finca número “39,082”, al margen de la inscripción 5ta. La parte Demandante presentó para su inscripción en el Registro de

la Propiedad correspondiente, un AVISO DE PLEITO PENDIENTE (“Lis Pendens”) sobre la propiedad objeto de esta acción cuya propiedad es la siguiente: URBANA: Propiedad Horizontal: Apartamento residencial número M trescientos once (M-311) del Condominio Boulevard del Río II, localizado en el Barrio Frailes del Municipio de Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Este se encuentra ubicado en la tercera planta del edificio denominado M del Condominio. Consta de una planta y tiene su entrada por su lindero Sureste, la cual sale a un pasillo de entrada común del tercer nivel del edificio que da acceso al exterior del edificio. Sus linderos son los siguientes, por el SUROESTE, en una distancia lineal de veintinueve pies tres y media pulgadas equivalentes a ocho metros noventa y dos centímetros lineales con pared de edificio que mira hacia área exterior común, por el NORESTE, en una distancia lineal de veintinueve pies tres y media pulgadas equivalentes a ocho metros noventa y dos centímetros cuadrados con pasillo de entrada, escalera y pared del edificio que mira hacia área exterior común, por el NOROESTE, en una distancia lineal de cuarenta y tres pies cuatro pulgadas equivalentes a trece metros veintiún centímetros lineales con pared medianera que lo separa del apartamento M trescientos seis y por el SUROESTE, en una distancia lineal de cuarenta y tres pies cuatro pulgadas equivalentes a trece metros veintiún centímetros lineales con pared medianera que lo separa del apartamento M trescientos doce, pasillo, escalera y pared del edificio que mira hacia área común exterior. Esta unidad tiene un área de construcción de mil ciento diecisiete punto diez pies cuadrados, equivalentes a ciento tres metros setenta y ocho centímetros cuadrados. Consta de un dormitorio principal con su closet y baño, dos dormitorios con sus closets, un baño en el área del pasillo, un linen closet, sala-comedor, cocina, área de lavandería y balcón. A esta unidad le ha sido asignado como elemento común limitado el uso de los espacios de estacionamiento sencillo regular marcado con el número ciento cuarenta y dos (142) y sencillo lateral marcado con el número doscientos quince (215) en el plano de condominio. Le ha sido asignada además una participación en los gastos e ingresos del condominio y en la titularidad en sus elementos comunes equivalentes a .7195167% y una participación de .4749% en los elementos comunes limitados del Condominio. Inscrita al folio “”90” del tomo “1110” de Guaynabo. FINCA “39,082” Registro

de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico. SE LES APERCIBE que de no hacer sus alegaciones responsivas a la Interpelación dentro del término aquí dispuesto, se les anotará la rebeldía y se dictará Sentencia, concediéndose el remedio solicitado en la Demanda, sin más citarle ni oírle. Interpelación de Herederos. Por la presente se le notifica al heredero anteriormente señalado que por haber aceptado la herencia responden por las sumas reclamadas en esta demanda por ser la continuación de la causante Doña Sonia Morales Reyes, en la alternativa de no haber los herederos anteriormente relacionados aceptado o rechazado la herencia esta demanda constituye interpelación a los herederos para que la acepten o la rechacen dentro del término de 45 días desde recibir copia de la misma. Se les apercibe que de no hacer su declaración dentro del plazo de cuarenta y cinco días se dará la herencia por aceptada según lo dispuesto en el artículo 1578 del Código Civil de Puerto Rico, 2020; (Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria v. Latino Americana de Exportaciones (164 DPR 689). POR LO

ANTERIORMENTE INDICADO, se les interpela y requiere que, dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este EDICTO, notifiquen si aceptan o repudian la herencia a: LCDO. F DAVID GODREAU

ZAYAS; GODREAU & GONZALEZ LAW, P.O. Box 9024176, San Juan, P.R. 00902-4176, Tel. 787-726-0077; apercibiéndole que, de no contestar la Interpelación, radicando el original en la Corte ante el Tribunal correspondiente, con copia a la parte Demandante, se les anotará la rebeldía y se dictará Sentencia, concediéndose el remedio solicitado en la Demanda, sin más citarle ni oírle. Expedido bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal hoy, día 7 de febrero de 2023. Lcda. Laura I Santa Sanchez, SECRETARIA REGIONAL INTERINA I. Sara Rosa Villegas, Sec Tribunal Conf I.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

ESTRELLA HOMES III LLC.

Parte demandante VS. JAVIER ELIAS SANTIAGO SANTOS T/C/C JAVIER SANTIAGO SANTOS; GOBIERNO DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Parte Demandada

CIVIL NÚM. SJ2018CV05364. SALÓN NÚM. (908). SOBRE: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA Y COBRO DE DINERO. EDICTO

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

A: JAVIER ELIAS

SANTIAGO SANTOS

T/C/C JAVIER SANTIAGO

SANTOS; GOBIERNO DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA: MUNICIPIO

AUTONOMO DE SAN

JUAN: VECINOS UNIDOS DE C.P INC.: Y AL PÚBLICO 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 San Juan, 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: Propiedad

Horizontal: Apartamento número B guión veintitrés cero dos “PH” (B-2302 PH). Apartamento residencial de dos (2) niveles, ubicados en el Vigésimo tercer (23 er) y vigésimo cuarto (24to) nivel de la Torres A del Condominio College Park, el cual está localizado en la Carretera número ochocientos cuarenta y uno (841), kilometro dos punto tres (2.3) del Barrio Monacillos del término Municipal de San Juan, Puerto Rico. El área aproximada del apartamento es de doscientos cincuenta y cinco punto sesenta (255.60) metros cuadrados, equivalentes a dos mil setecientos cincuenta y uno punto veintiocho (2751.28) pies cuadrados, la cual está distribuida de la siguiente manera: ciento veinticinco punto cero tres (125.03) metros cuadrados, equivalentes a mil trescientos cuarenta y cinco punto ochenta (1,345.80) pies cuadrados, su primer nivel y ciento treinta punto cincuenta y siete (130.57) metros cuadrados, equivalentes a mil cuatrocientos cinco punto cuarenta y dos (1,405.42) pies cuadrados, en su segundo nivel. Son sus linderos en el primer nivel, por el NORTE, en una distancia de ocho punto ochenta (8.80) metros equivalentes a veintiocho pies con diez punto cinco pulgadas (28’10.5”), con elementos comunes; por el SUR, en una distancia de nueve punto dieciséis (9.16) metros, equivalentes a treinta pies y media

pulgada (30’1/2”), con elementos comunes; por el ESTE, en una distancia de catorce punto dieciocho (14.18) metros, equivalentes a cuarenta y seis pies con seis punto cinco pulgadas (46’6.5”), con elementos comunes; y por el OESTE, en una distancia de catorce punto trece (14.13) metros, equivalentes a cuarenta y seis pies con cuatro punto cinco pulgadas (46’4.5”), con el apartamento número B guión veintitrés cero uno “PH” (B-2301 PH). Son sus linderos: en el segundo nivel, por el NORTE, en una distancia de nueve punto dieciséis (9.16) metros, equivalentes a treinta pies y media pulgadas (30’1/2”), con elementos comunes; por el SUR, en una distancia de nueve punto dieciséis (9.16) metros, equivalentes a treinta pies y media pulgada (30’1/2”) con elementos comunes; por el ESTE, en una distancia de catorce punto diecisiete (14.17) metros, equivalentes a cuarenta y seis pies con seis pulgadas (46’6”) con elementos comunes; y por el OESTE, en una distancia de catorce punto trece (14.13) metros, equivalentes a cuarenta y seis pies con cuatro punto cinco pulgadas (46’ 4.5”), con el apartamento B guión veintitrés cero uno PH (B-2301 PH). Su entrada principal está localizada en el lindero Sur, a través del vestíbulo, los elevadores y las escaleras del Condominio. Su primer (1er) nivel consta de una sala-comedor, las escaleras interiores del apartamento, las cuales dan acceso al segundo (2ndo) nivel del apartamento de un pasillo principal en el cual están localizados la cocina, lavandería, un closet, un baño, dos (2) cuartos con sus respectivos closets y un dormitorio principal con baño y walk in closet. Su segundo (2ndo) nivel consta de un recibidor, el cual da acceso a las escaleras interiores del apartamento, las cuales conducen al primer (1er) nivel del apartamento, de un family room y una terraza. Le corresponde a este apartamento dos (2) espacios de estacionamiento. Este apartamento tiene una participación de uno punto ocho cuatro cero seis nueve cuatro nueve por ciento (1.8406949%) en los elementos comunes del Condominio. Consta inscrita al folio 101 del tomo 1085 de Monacillos, finca número #26,936, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección Tercera de San Juan. La propiedad objeto de ejecución está localizada en la siguiente dirección: Condominio College Park, Apartamento B-2302, San Juan, P.R. 00926. Según figura en el Estudio de título, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada al siguiente Gravamen posterior a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante: 1. Declaración de Estorbo público por el

Municipio Autónomo de San Juan, reclamando el pago de $5,956.00, por concepto de multas y gastos incurridos, según Resolución de fecha 19 de enero de 2022, emitida por la Oficina de Permisos del Municipio Autónomo de San Juan, presentada el día 5 de junio de 2022 y anotada el día 23 de junio de 2022, e inscrita al tomo Karibe de Monacillos, finca número 26,936, Anotación B. 2.

Embargo Federal contra Javier Santiago Santos, seguro social xxx-xx-4654, dirección P.O. Box 9688 San Juan Puerto Rico

00908-0688, por la suma de $37,030.19, según Certificación del día 20 de julio de 2017, notificación número 271302017, presentado el día 31 de agosto de 2017, anotado al Sistema Karibe, Asiento 2017-008614FED. 3. Sentencia del día 10 de febrero de 2010, expedida en el Tribunal General de Justicia, Centro Judicial de San Juan, Sala Superficial, en el Caso Bajo Regla 60, anotado el día 9 de septiembre de 2011, seguido por vecinos Unidos de C.P Inc., versus Javier Santiago Santos y otros, por la suma de $1,797.35, anotado al folio

37, Demanda 89, Libro de Sentencias número 2. 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 $280,000.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la Escritura de Hipoteca #506, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 21 de agosto de 2006, ante el notario

Carlos Omar González Dávila, e inscrita al folio 101 del tomo 1085 de Monacillos, finca número 26,436, inscripción 2da.

La PRIMERA SUBASTA, se llevará a cabo el día 20 DE MARZO DE 2023 A LAS 10:00

DE LA MAÑANA, en mis oficinas sitas en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, el tipo mínimo para la primera subasta es la suma de $280,000.00. Si la primera subasta del inmueble no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 28 DE MARZO DE 2023 A LAS 10:00 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 $186,666.67. Si la segunda subasta no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 4 DE ABRIL DE 2023 A LAS 10:00 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 $140,000.00. 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: Suma Principal de $244,762.23, la cual se desglosa a continuación: $238,671.66, con intereses a 7.875% anual, desde el 1ro de noviembre de 2017, hasta el presente y los que se continúen acumulando hasta su total y completo pago, la suma principal de $6,090.57, como pago diferido y la cual no genera intereses, 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 a $28,000.00, por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más cualquier otra suma que resulte por cualesquiera otros adelantos que se hayan hecho la demandante, en virtud de las disposiciones de la escritura de hipoteca y del Pagaré hipotecario. Para más información, a las personas interesadas se les notifica que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal, durante las horas laborables. Este EDICTO DE SUBASTA, se publicará en los lugares públicos correspondientes y en un periódico de circulación general en la jurisdicción de Puerto Rico. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los referentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente Escritura de Venta Judicial y el Alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial al nuevo dueño, si así se lo solicita dentro del término de veinte (20) días, de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. 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. Expedido en San Juan, Puerto Rico, a 9 de febrero de 2023. Erik F Osuna Acevedo, Alguacil Auxiliar.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE AGUADILLA SALA SUPERIOR ORIENTAL BANK COMO AGENTE DE SERVICIO DE THE MONEY HOUSE, INC.

Demandante Vs. LA SUCESION DE EDUARDO SANTANA BENITEZ COMPUESTA POR VALERIE JO

SANTANA T/C/C VALERIE

JO BAKER; FULANO Y FULANA DE TAL COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM); ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: AG2023CV00038.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA (VÍA ORDINARIA). EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO Y MANDAMIENTO DE INTERPELACIÓN. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A La Parte Co-

Demandada: FULANO Y FULANA Y FULANO DE TAL COMO MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE EDUARDO SANTANA BENÍTEZ, A LAS SIGUIENTES DIRECCIONES:

FÍSICA Y POSTAL: (A)

1670 TOWNVIEW LN

CUMMING, GA 30041; (B)

PO BOX 822 ISABELA, PR 00662; (C) LOT 2 URB. PRADERAS DEL NOROESTE BARRIO MORA, ISABELA, PR 00662.

Por la presente se le(s) notifica que se ha radicado en la Secretaría de este Tribunal una Demanda en Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca por la vía ordinaria en contra de La Sucesión de Eduardo Santana Benítez, en la cual se alega que adeuda a la parte demandante por concepto de hipoteca la suma de $205,888.56 por concepto de principal, desde el 1ro de agosto de 2020, más intereses al tipo pactado de 5.75% anual que continúan acumulándose hasta el pago total de la obligación. Además

La Sucesión de Eduardo Santana Benítez adeuda a la parte demandante los cargos por demora equivalentes a 4.00% de la suma de aquellos pagos con atrasos en exceso de 15 días calendarios de la fecha de vencimiento; los créditos accesorios y adelantos hechos en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca; y las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado equivalentes a $21,000.00. Además, La Sucesión de Eduardo Santana Benítez se comprometió a pagar una suma equivalente a $21,000.00 para cubrir cualquier otro adelanto que se haga en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca y una suma equivalente a $21,000.00 para cubrir cualquiera otros adelantos que se hagan en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca número 221, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 22 de diciembre de 2018, ante el notario Pedro J. Díaz García, de la finca número 28,432, inscrita al Folio 7 del Tomo 487 de Isabela, Registro de la Propiedad de Aguadilla. Por razón de dicho incumplimiento, y al amparo del derecho que le confiere el Pagaré, el demandante ha declarado tales sumas vencidas, líquidas y exigibles en su totalidad. Este Tribunal ha ordenado que se le(s) cite a usted(es) por edicto que se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general. Quedan emplazados y notificados de que en este Tribunal se ha radicado una demanda enmendada en su contra. Se les ordena a que dentro del término de treinta (30) días, a partir de la notificación de la presente Orden, acepten o repudien la participación que les corresponda en la herencia de Eduardo Santana Benítez. Los co-demandados miembros de La Sucesión de Eduardo Santana Benítez se incluyen en la demanda enmendada ya que como herederos responden por las cargas de la herencia según lo dispuesto en Nuestro Ordenamiento Jurídico. Se les apercibe y notifica que, de no expresarse dentro de ese término de 30 días en torno a su aceptación o repudiación de herencia, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. También se les apercibe que luego del transcurso del término de 30 días antes señalado contados a partir de la fecha de la notificación de la presente Orden, se presumirá que han aceptado la herencia del causante y, por consiguiente, responden por las cargas de dicha herencia conforme el Articulo 1578 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. 2785. Se ordena a la parte demandante a que, en vista de que La Sucesión de Eduardo Santana Benítez, se incluye a los herederos conocidos y herederos desconocidos de Eduardo

Santana Benítez denominados

Fulano y Fulana y Fulano De

Tal como miembros desconocidos de la Sucesión de Eduardo Santana Benítez, proceda a notificar la presente Orden mediante publicación de un edicto a esos efectos una sola vez en un periódico de circulación diaria general de la Isla de Puerto Rico. Se le(s) emplaza y requiere que dentro de los sesenta (60) días siguientes a la publicación de este edicto excluyendo el día de la publicación de este edicto conteste(n) la demanda radicando el original de la contestación en este Tribunal y enviando copia de la Contestación de la Demanda a las oficinas de CARDONA & MALDONADO LAW OFFICES, P.S.C. ATENCIÓN al Lcdo. Duncan Maldonado Ejarque, P.O. Box 366221, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-6221; Tel (787) 622-7000, Fax (787) 6257001, Abogado de la Parte Demandante. 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:// unired.ramajudicial.pr/surnac/, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Se le(s) advierte que si dejare(n) de contestar la Demanda en el periodo de tiempo antes mencionado, podrá dictarse contra usted(es) Sentencia en Rebeldía, concediéndose el remedio solicitado sin más citarle(s) ni oírle(s). EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y con el Sello del Tribunal. DADA hoy 22 de febrero de 2023, en Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. SARAHÍ REYES PÉREZ, SECRETARIA. ZUHEILY GONZÁLEZ AVILÉS, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE SAN JUAN SALA SUPERIOR ORIENTAL BANK COMO AGENTE DE SERVICIO DE THE MONEY HOUSE, INC.

Demandante Vs. VICTOR IVAN TORRES ALVAREZ; LA SUCESION DE RUBEN SANCHEZ FIGUEROA COMPUESTA POR FULANO Y FULANA DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM); ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: SJ2023CV00457.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPO-

TECA “IN REM” (VÍA ORDINARIA). EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO Y MANDAMIENTO DE INTERPELACIÓN. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO. A La Parte CoDemandada: A) VICTOR

IVÁN TORRES ALVAREZ, A LAS SIGUIENTES DIRECCIONES: FÍSICA

Y POSTAL: (A) PO BOX 1752 SAN JUAN, PR 00914; (B) PO BOX 1752

GUAYNABO, PR 00970; (C) HC 9 BOX 11366 BO. CAMASELLES AGUADILLA, PR 00603;

(D) #803 CALE CERES

URB. DOS PINOS, SAN JUAN, PR 00923. B) FULANO Y FULANA Y FULANO DE TAL COMO MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE RUBÉN SÁNCHEZ FIGUEROA, A LAS SIGUIENTES DIRECCIONES: FÍSICA

Y POSTAL: (A) PO BOX 1752 SAN JUAN, PR 00914; (B) PO BOX 1752

GUAYNABO, PR 00970;

(C) HC 9 BOX 11366 BO. CAMASELLES AGUADILLA, PR 00603;

(D) #803 CALE CERES URB. DOS PINOS, SAN JUAN, PR 00923. Por la presente se le(s) notifica que se ha radicado en la Secretaría de este Tribunal una Demanda en Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca por la vía ordinaria en contra de Victor Iván Torres Alvarez y La Sucesión de Rubén Sánchez Figueroa, en la cual se alega que adeuda a la parte demandante por concepto de hipoteca la suma de $189,304.73 por concepto de principal, desde el 1ro de julio de 2020, más intereses al tipo pactado de 4.25% anual que continúan acumulándose hasta el pago total de la obligación. Además Victor Iván Torres Alvarez y La Sucesión de Rubén Sánchez Figueroa adeuda a la parte demandante los cargos por demora equivalentes a 4.00% de la suma de aquellos pagos con atrasos en exceso de 15 días calendarios de la fecha de vencimiento; los créditos accesorios y adelantos hechos en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca; y las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado equivalentes a $20,305.40.

Además Victor Iván Torres Alvarez y La Sucesión de Rubén Sánchez Figueroa se comprometió a pagar una suma equivalente a $20,305.40 para cubrir cualquier otro adelanto

que se haga en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca y una suma equivalente a $20,305.40 para cubrir cualquiera otros adelantos que se hagan en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca número 99, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 28 de febrero de 2017, ante el notario Magaly Rodríguez Batista, de la finca número 5,039 (antes 12,829), inscrita al Folio 190 del Tomo 117 de Sabana Llana, Registro de la Propiedad de San Juan, Sección Quinta. Por razón de dicho incumplimiento, y al amparo del derecho que le confiere el Pagaré, el demandante ha declarado tales sumas vencidas, líquidas y exigibles en su totalidad. Este Tribunal ha ordenado que se le(s) cite a usted(es) por edicto que se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general. Quedan emplazados y notificados de que en este Tribunal se ha radicado una demanda enmendada en su contra. Se les ordena a que dentro del término de treinta (30) días, a partir de la notificación de la presente Orden, acepten o repudien la participación que les corresponda en la herencia de Rubén Sánchez Figueroa. Los co-demandados miembros de La Sucesión de Rubén Sánchez Figueroa se incluyen en la demanda enmendada ya que como herederos responden por las cargas de la herencia según lo dispuesto en Nuestro Ordenamiento Jurídico. Se les apercibe y notifica que, de no expresarse dentro de ese término de 30 días entorno a su aceptación o repudiación de herencia, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. También se les apercibe que luego del transcurso del término de 30 días antes señalado contados a partir de la fecha de la notificación de la presente Orden, se presumirá que han aceptado la herencia del causante y, por consiguiente, responden por las cargas de dicha herencia conforme el Artículo 1578 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. 2785. Se ordena a la parte demandante a que, en vista de que La Sucesión de Rubén Sánchez Figueroa, se incluye a los herederos conocidos y herederos desconocidos de Rubén Sánchez Figueroa denominados Victor Iván Torres Alvarez; Fulano y Fulana y Fulano De Tal como miembros desconocidos de la Sucesión de Rubén Sánchez Figueroa, proceda a notificar la presente Orden mediante publicación de un edicto a esos efectos una sola vez en un periódico de circulación diaria general de la Isla de Puerto Rico. Se le(s) emplaza y requiere que dentro de los sesenta (60) días siguientes a la publicación de este edicto excluyendo el día de la publicación de este edicto conteste(n) la demanda radicando el original de la contestación en este

Tribunal y enviando copia de la Contestación de la Demanda a las oficinas de CARDONA & MALDONADO LAW OFFICES, P.S.C. ATENCION al Lcdo. Duncan Maldonado Ejarque, P.O. Box 366221, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-6221; Tel (787) 622-7000, Fax (787) 6257001, Abogado de la Parte Demandante. 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:// unired.ramajudicial.pr/sumac/, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Se le(s) advierte que si dejare(n) de contestar la Demanda en el período de tiempo antes mencionado, podrá dictarse contra usted(es) Sentencia en Rebeldía, concediéndose el remedio solicitado sin más citarle(s) ni oírle(s). DADA hoy 22 de febrero de 2023, en San Juan, Puerto Rico. GRISELDA

RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. BRENDA BÁEZ ACABA, SECRETARIA DE SERVICIOS A SALA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO

DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE TOA ALTA SALA SUPERIOR BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante Vs. JOSE ANIBAL BATISTA

SANTIAGO T/C/C JOSE A. BATITA SANTIAGO

T/C/C JOSE BATISTA

SANTIAGO, NOEMI RUIZ JUSTINIANO Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS; JULIA ORTIZ

PADILLA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: CD2014-1166. Sala: 201-B. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA (VÍA ORDINARIA). EDICTO DE SUBASTA. El Alguacil que suscribe por la presente CERTIFICA, ANUNCIA y hace CONSTAR: Que en cumplimiento de un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que le ha sido dirigido al Alguacil que suscribe por la Secretaría del TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA

INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE TOA ALTA, SALA SUPERIOR, en el caso de epígrafe procederá a vender en pública subasta al mejor postor en efectivo, cheque certificado, o en moneda legal de los Estados Unidos de América el día 12 DE ABRIL DE 2023, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en su oficina sita en el local que ocupa en el edificio del TRIBUNAL DE

PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE TOA ALTA, SALA SUPERIOR, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada de epígrafe en el inmueble de su propiedad que ubica en: RD 861 KM

7.0, VILLA JUVENTUD #18, TOA ALTA, PR 00953 y que se describe a continuación: RÚSTICA: Parcela marcada con el número diez y ocho en el plano de parcelación de la comunidad rural Villa juventud del Barrio Mucarabones del término municipal de Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de cero cuerdas con mil quinientos veintiséis diezmilésimas de otra equivalentes a seiscientos metros cuadrados, en lindes por el NORTE, con la calle de la comunidad, por el SUR, con la parcela número dos de la comunidad, por el ESTE, con la parcela número diez y siete de la comunidad y por el OESTE, con la parcela número diez y nueve de la comunidad. La propiedad antes relacionada consta inscrita al Folio 292 del Tomo 148 de Toa Alta, Finca número 8,213, en el Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico de Bayamón, Sección Tercera. El tipo mínimo para la primera subasta del inmueble antes relacionado, será el dispuesto en la Escritura de Hipoteca, es decir la suma de $45,300.00. Si no hubiere remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta del inmueble mencionado, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA en las oficinas del Alguacil que suscribe el día 19 DE ABRIL DE 2023, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA. En la segunda subasta que se celebre servirá de tipo mínimo las dos terceras partes (2/3) del precio pactado en la primera subasta, o sea la suma de $30,200.00. Si tampoco hubiere remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA en las oficinas del Alguacil que suscribe el día 26 DE ABRIL DE 2023, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA. Para la tercera subasta servirá de tipo mínimo la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado para el caso de ejecución, o sea, la suma de $22,650.00. La hipoteca a ejecutarse en el caso de epígrafe fue constituida mediante la escritura número 63, otorgada el día 2 de marzo de 1989, ante la Notario Teresita Navarro García y consta inscrita en el folio 292 del tomo 148 de Toa

Alta, finca número 8,213, en el Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección Tercera. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para con su producto satisfacer al Demandante total o parcialmente según sea el caso el importe de la Sentencia que ha obtenido ascendente a la suma de $18,742.78 por concepto de principal, más intereses al tipo pactado de 8.50% porciento anual desde el 11 de noviem-

bre de 2013, $144.29 de gastos por mora, los cuales continúan acumulándose hasta el pago total de la deuda, más costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, ascendentes a $4,530.00. Además, se comprometió a pagar una suma equivalente a $4,530.00 para cubrir cualquier otro adelanto que se haga en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca y una suma equivalente a $4,530.00 para cubrir intereses en adición a los garantizados por ley. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al Procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la SECRETARIA DEL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE TOA ALTA, SALA SUPERIOR durante las horas laborables. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titulación del inmueble y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio de remate. La propiedad no está sujeta a gravámenes anteriores ni preferentes según las constancias del Registro de la Propiedad. Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores conocidos y desconocidos que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante o acreedores de cargos o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito del actor que se celebrarán las subastas en las fechas, horas y sitios señalados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les conviniere o se les invita a satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honorarios de abogado asegurados quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. La propiedad objeto de ejecución y descrita anteriormente se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores una vez el Honorable Tribunal expida la correspondiente Orden de Confirmación de Venta Judicial. Y para conocimiento de licitadores del público en general se publicará este Edicto de acuerdo con la ley por espacio de dos semanas en tres sitios públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Este Edicto será publicado dos veces en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos

semanas consecutivas. Expido el presente Edicto de subasta bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal en Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, hoy día 22 de febrero de 2023.

ROSAMARIE MELÉNDEZ

PEÑA, ALGUACIL DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CENTRO JUDICIAL TOA ALTA, SALA SUPERIOR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA MUNICIPAL DE PONCE ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC

COMO AGENTE DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC

Demandante Vs FRANCISCO T.

PIETRI RIVERA

Demandado

Civil Núm.: AD2021CV00155.

Salón: 301. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO ORDINARIO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: FRANCISCO T. PIETRI RIVERA. P/C KEVIN SANCHEZ CAMPANERO. PO BOX 71418, SAN JUAN PR 00936-8518.

(Nombre de las partes a las que se les notifica la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 10 de febrero 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 17 de febrero de 2023. En Ponce, Puerto Rico, el 17 de febrero de 2023.

LUZ MAYRA CARABA-

LLO GARCÍA, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. SANDRA GONZÁLEZ RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante Vs. BURNAC MORTGAGE INVESTORS LTD, LA CUAL CAMBIÓ DE NOMBRE A APPEAL INVESTMENT LTD Y POSTERIORMENTE SE FUSIONÓ, SUBSISTIENDO BURNAC CORPORATION; R-G PREMIER BANK OF PUERTO RICO, HOY ORIENTAL BANK; ROSITA LÓPEZ SALLABERRY, T/C/C ROSA EMMA LÓPEZ SALLABERRY; FULANO DE TAL Y MENGANO MAS CUAL

Demandados

Civil Núm. SJ2023CV00242.

Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE HIPOTECA REPRESENTADA POR PAGARÉ HIPOTECARIO EXTRAVIADO. EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: BURNAC MORTGAGE INVESTORS LTD, LA CUAL CAMBIÓ DE NOMBRE A APPEAL INVESTMENT LTD Y POSTERIORMENTE SE FUSIONÓ, SUBSISTIENDO BURNAC CORPORATION; FULANO DE TAL, Y MENGANO MAS CUAL.

Se emplaza y notifica a ustedes que se ha presentado una demanda en este caso, en la cual en síntesis, la parte demandante alega que se extravió un pagaré hipotecario que estaban en poder de “R-G Premier Bank Of Puerto Rico”, y solicita que se ordene la cancelación de la hipoteca que lo garantiza. El pagaré fue librado por la Sra. Rosita López Sallaberry, también conocida como Rosa Emma López Sallaberry, a favor de “Burnac Mortgage lnvestors LTD”, o a su orden, por la suma de $4,100.00, más intereses y créditos accesorios, vencedero el 1 de marzo del 2008, según consta de la escritura #20, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 21 de abril del 1978, ante el Notario Público William Joseph Luckeroth. La referida escritura consta inscrita al folio 57 del tomo 190 de Monacillos Este y el Cinco, del Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección Quinta (V) de San Juan, finca #6059, inscripción 1ra. Pueden ver la demanda en su totalidad en este Tribunal. Los abogados de la Parte Demandante lo son: Sandra De L. Tous-Chevres

y Raúl J. Tous Bobonis, Edificio La Electrónica, 1608 Calle Bori, Suite 205, San Juan, PR 00927-6112, teléfonos 7518834 \ 3824, a quien deberá notificar la contestación de la demanda dentro de los próximos 30 días siguientes a la publicación de este edicto. Por la presente se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsiva dentro de los próximos 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), al 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. Se le apercibe que 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, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. Dado bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal y por Orden del mismo hoy 23 de febrero de 2023. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. ELSIE PRATTS MELÉNDEZ, SUBSECRETARIA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAGUAS

MARY YOVANNY

BERNARDINE

Demandante Vs ISMAEL RIVERA ROMERO

Demandado

Civil Núm.: CG2022RF00520. Sobre: DIVORCIO, RUPTURA IRREPARABLE. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: ISMAEL RIVERA ROMERO.

P/C LCDA. BEATRIZ CAY VAZQUEZ. (Nombre de las partes a las que se les notifica la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 30 de enero 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 14 de febrero de 2023. En Caguas, Puerto Rico, el 14 de febrero de 2023. LISILDA MARTÍNEZ

AGOSTO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL INTERINA. CARLA M. MARCANO SERRANO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA SALA

SUPERIOR DE MANATÍ

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. LA SUCESIÓN DE FELIX LUIS TORRES

HERNANDEZ T/C/C FELIX

TORRES HERNANDEZ

T/C/C FELIX L.

TORRES HERNANDEZ

COMPUESTA POR DORIS

TORRES T/C/C LESLIE

TORRES GONZALEZ, ZORY ANN TORRES

GONZALEZ, LUIS

TORRES GONZALEZ

T/C/C LUIS GONZALEZ, LORI A. TORRES

OLMEDA, MAYRA LYNN

TORRES OLMEDA, SU

VIUDA NIVIA NEGRON

MERCADO T/C/C

NIVIA IRIS NEGRON

MERCADO T/C/C NYDIA

NEGRON MERCADO

Y FULANO DE TAL, POSIBLE HEREDERO DESCONOCIDO Demandado(a)

Civil: MT2022CV00400. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: FULANO DE TAL, POSIBLE HEREDERO DESCONOCIDO DE FELIX LUIS TORRES

HERNANDEZ T/C/C FELIX

TORRES HERNANDEZ

T/C/C FELIX L. TORRES

HERNANDEZ CON IDENTIDAD Y DIRECCIÓN DESCONOCIDA.

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

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 16 de febrero 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 17 de febrero de 2023. En Manatí, Puerto Rico, el 17 de febrero de 2023. VIVIAN Y. FRESSE GONZÁLEZ, SECRETARIA. SARAY SALGADO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE MAYAGÜEZ

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. SUCESION DE JOSE RAMON ORTIZ

VELAZQUEZ T/C/C JOSE

R. ORTIZ VELAZQUEZ COMPUESTA POR JOSE

LUIS ORTIZ PIZARRO

T/C/C JOSE L. ORTIZ, YOLANDA ORTIZ

PIZARRO, MENGANO DE TAL POSIBLE HEREDERO DESCONOCIDO

Demandado(a)

Civil: MZ2022CV00894. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: SUCESION DE JOSE RAMON ORTIZ

VELAZQUEZ T/C/C JOSE

R. ORTIZ VELAZQUEZ COMPUESTA POR JOSE

LUIS ORTIZ PIZARRO

T/C/C JOSE L. ORTIZ, YOLANDA ORTIZ

PIZARRO, MENGANO DE TAL POSIBLE HEREDERO DESCONOCIDO.

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

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 31 de enero 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 17 de febrero de 2023. En Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, el 17 de febrero de 2023. LCDA. NORMA G. SANTANA IRIZARRY, SECRETARIA. NILDA TORRES ACEVEDO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE GUAYAMA SALA SUPERIOR ORIENTAL BANK COMO AGENTE DE SERVICIO DE THE MONEY HOUSE, INC.

Demandante Vs. EZEQUIEL TORRES RODRIGUEZ

Demandados Civil Núm.: GM2022CV00291. Sala: 301. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA (VÍA ORDINARIA). EDICTO DE SUBASTA. El Alguacil que suscribe por la presente CERTIFICA, ANUNCIA y hace CONSTAR: Que en cumplimiento de un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que le ha sido dirigido al Alguacil que suscribe por la Secretaría del TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE GUAYAMA, SALA SUPERIOR, en el caso de epígrafe procederá a vender en pública subasta al mejor postor en efectivo, cheque certificado en moneda legal de los Estados Unidos de América el día 11 DE ABRIL DE 2023, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en su oficina sita en el local que ocupa en el edificio del TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA DE GUAYAMA, SALA SUPERIOR, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada de epígrafe en el inmueble de su propiedad que ubica en: #203 CALLE B, PANEL 6, COMUNIDAD SANTA ANA, BARRIO JOBOS, GUAYAMA, PUERTO RICO 00784 y que se describe a continuación: RÚSTICA: Parcela marcada con el número doscientos tres en el Plano de Parcelación de la Comunidad

Rural Jobos del Barrio Jobos del término municipal de Guayama, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de cero cuerdas con mil trescientos diez y ocho diez milésimas de otra, equivalente a quinientos diez y siete punto ochenta y ocho metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, con la parcela número doscientos dos de la misma Comunidad; por el SUR, con la Calle número cuatro de la Comunidad; por el ESTE, con la parcela número doscientos cinco de la misma Comunidad; y por el OESTE, con la Calle número seis de la Comunidad. La propiedad antes relacionada consta inscrita al Folio 203 del Tomo 237 de Guayama, finca número 6,999, Registro de la Propiedad de Guayama. El tipo mínimo para la primera subasta del inmueble antes relacionado, será el dispuesto en la Escritura de Hipoteca, es decir la suma de $49,494.00. Si no hubiere remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta del inmueble mencionado, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA en las oficinas del Alguacil que suscribe el día 18 DE ABRIL DE 2023, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA. En la segunda subasta que se celebre servirá de tipo mínimo las dos terceras partes (2/3) del precio pactado en la primera subasta, o sea la suma de $32,996.00. Si tampoco hubiere remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA en las oficinas del Alguacil que suscribe el día 25 DE ABRIL DE 2023, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA. Para la tercera subasta servirá de tipo mínimo la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado para el caso de ejecución, o sea, la suma de $24,747.00. La hipoteca a ejecutarse en el caso de epígrafe fue constituida mediante la escritura de hipoteca número 268 otorgada en Caguas, Puerto Rico, el día 27 de diciembre de 2019, ante el Notario Melvin E. Rodríguez Torres, la cual consta inscrita al Tomo Karibe de Guayama, inscripción 11ma y última. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para con su producto satisfacer al Demandante total o parcialmente según sea el caso el importe de la Sentencia que ha obtenido ascendente a la suma de $48,324.05 por concepto de principal, desde el 1ro de junio de 2021, más intereses al tipo pactado de 4.00% anual que continúan acumulándose hasta el pago total de la obligación. Además, la parte demandada adeuda a la parte demandante los cargos por demora equivalentes a 4.00% de la suma de aquellos pagos con atrasos en exceso de 15 días calendarios de la fecha de vencimiento; los créditos accesorios y adelantos hechos en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca; y las costas, gastos y honorarios de aboga-

do equivalentes a $4,949.40. Además, la parte demandada se comprometió a pagar una suma equivalente a $4,949.40 para cubrir cualquier otro adelanto que se haga en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca y una suma equivalente a $4,949.40 para cubrir intereses en adición a los garantizados por ley. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al Procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la SECRETARIA DEL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE GUAYAMA, SALA SUPERIOR durante las horas laborables. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titulación del inmueble y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio de remate. La propiedad no está sujeta a gravámenes anteriores y/o preferentes según surge de las constancias del Registro de la Propiedad en un estudio de título efectuado a la finca antes descrita. Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores desconocidos, no inscritos o presentados que sus acreedores de cargos o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito del actor que se celebrarán las subastas en las fechas, horas y sitios señalados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les conviniere o se les invita a satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honorarios de abogado asegurados quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. La propiedad objeto de ejecución y descrita anteriormente se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores una vez el Honorable Tribunal expida la correspondiente Orden de Confirmación de Venta Judicial. Y para conocimiento de licitadores del público en general se publicará este Edicto de acuerdo con la ley por espacio de dos semanas en tres sitios públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Este Edicto será publicado dos veces en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas. Expido el presente Edicto de subasta bajo mi firma en el Tribunal en Guayama, Puerto Rico, hoy día 21 de febrero de 2023. LITZY

M. CORA ANAYA, ALGUACIL

AUXILIAR #247, ALGUACIL DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CENTRO JUDICIAL DE GUAYAMA, SALA SUPERIOR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. JEAN FANNIE AYERS BRUSTER, POR SI Y EN LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFRUCTUARIA DE LA SUCESION DE IVAN ORDONET CACERES ORTIZ; LA SUCESION DE IVAN ORDONET CACERES ORTIZ COMPUESTA CARMEN CACERES AYERS; FULANO DE TAL Y FULANA DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DE LA SUCESION; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM)

Demandado(a)

Civil: BY2022CV00600. Sala:

403. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA (VÍA ORDINARIA). NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: JEAN FANNIE AYERS BRUSTER, POR SÍ Y EN LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFRUCTUARIA DE LA SUCESIÓN DE IVÁN ORDONET CÁCERES ORTÍZ, A LA SIGUIENTE DIRECCIÓN: FÍSICA:

RB-16-2 CALLE PLAZA

4 URB. MARINA BAHIA

CATAÑO, PR 00962; Y

POSTAL: 22 AVE. SAN

IGNACIO APT. 105 PLAZA

PALMAR GUAYNABO, PR 00969-4302 FULANO Y FULANA DE TAL COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE IVÁN ORDONET CÁCERES

ORTÍZ, A LA SIGUIENTE DIRECCIÓN: FÍSICA:

RB-16-2 CALLE PLAZA

4 URB. MARINA BAHIA

CATAÑO, PR 00962; Y

POSTAL: 22 AVE. SAN

IGNACIO APT. 105 PLAZA

PALMAR GUAYNABO, PR 00969-4302.

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

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 15 de febrero 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 21 de febrero de 2023. En Bayamón, Puerto Rico, el 21 de febrero de 2023. LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA. KATHERINE SANTIAGO RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAROLINA SALA SUPERIOR ORIENTAL BANK COMO AGENTE DE SERVICIO DE THE MONEY HOUSE, INC. Demandante Vs LA SUCESION DE HORTENSIA ESQUILIN RAMIREZ COMPUESTA FOR NATALIE MARIE NILETZA MARIE, NIKOLE Y ENRIQUE TODOS DE APELLIDOS CORUJO ESQUILIN; FULANO Y FULANA DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM)

Demandados

Civil Núm.: CA2023CV00092.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA (VÍA ORDINARIA). EMPLAZAMIENTO FOR EDICTO Y MANDAMIENTO DE INTERPELACIÓN. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A La Parte CoDemandada: A) ENRIQUE CORUJO ESQUILIN COMO MIEMBRO DE LA SUCESIÓN DE HORTENSIA

ESQUILÍN RAMÍREZ; A LAS SIGUIENTES DIRECCIONES: (A) #507

CALLE PALMA REAL URB. VISTAS DE RÍO GRANDE, RÍO GRANDE, PR 00745; (B) LM-5

CALLE PARQUE URB.

ALT. DE VILLA FONTANA CAROLINA, PR 00982; (C) #1443 BLOQUE 7-L

CALLE MARLIN URB.

BAHIA VISTAMAR CAROLINA, PR 00983; (D) 3139 CRESTWOOD

CER #A SAINT CLOUD, FL 34769.

B) FULANO Y FULANA DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION DE HORTENSIA ESQUILÍN RAMÍREZ: A LAS SIGUIENTES DIRECCIONES: (A) #507

CALLE PALMA REAL

URB. VISTAS DE RIO GRANDE, RIO GRANDE, PR 00745; (B) LM-5

CALLE PARQUE URB.

ALT. DE VILLA FONTANA

CAROLINA, PR 00982;

(C)#1443 BLOQUE 7-L

CALLE MARLIN URB.

BAHIA VISTAMAR CAROLINA, PR 00983;

(D) 3139 CRESTWOOD

CIR #A SAINT CLOUD, FL 34769.

Por Ia presente se le(s) notifica que se ha radicado en Ia Secretaría de este Tribunal una Demanda en Cobro y Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca por Ia vía ordinaria en contra de Ia La Sucesión de Hortensia Esquilín Ramírez, en Ia cual se alega que adeuda a Ia parte demandante por concepto de hipoteca Ia suma de $103,814.56 por concepto de principal, desde el 1ro de julio de 2022, más intereses al tipo pactado de 4.00% % anual que continúan acumulándose hasta el pago total de Ia obligación. Además

La Sucesión de Hortensia Esquilín Ramírez adeuda a Ia parte demandante los cargos por demora equivalentes a 4.00% de Ia suma de aquellos pagos con atrasos en exceso de 15 días calendarios de Ia fecha de vencimiento; los créditos accesorios y adelantos hechos en virtud de Ia escritura de hipoteca; y las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado equivalentes a $10,751.10. Además

La Sucesión de Hortensia Esquilín Ramírez se comprometió a pagar una suma equivalente a $10,751.10 para cubrir cualquier otro adelanto que se haga en virtud de Ia escritura de hipoteca y una suma equivalente a $10,751.10 para cubrir cual-

quiera otros adelantos que se hagan en virtud de Ia escritura de hipoteca número 137, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 11 de junio de 2020, ante Ia notario Anne Marie Galanes Valldejuli, inscrita al Folio 96 del Tomo 220 de Carolina, finca número 8,245 (antes 14,655), Registro de Ia Propiedad de Carolina, Sección Primera. Por razón de dicho incumplimiento, y al amparo del derecho que le confiere el Pagaré, el demandante ha declarado tales sumas vencidas, líquidas y exigibles en su totalidad. Este Tribunal ha ordenado que se le(s) cite a usted(es) por edicto que se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general. Quedan emplazados y notificados de que en este Tribunal se ha radicado una demanda enmendada en su contra. Se les ordena a que dentro del término de treinta (30) días, a partir de Ia notificación de Ia presente Orden, acepten o repudien Ia participación que les corresponda en Ia herencia de Hortensia Esquilín Ramírez. Los co-demandados miembros de La Sucesión de Hortensia Esquilín Ramírez se incluyen en Ia demanda enmendada ya que como herederos responden por las cargas de Ia herencia según lo dispuesto en Nuestro Ordenamiento Jurídico. Se les apercibe y notifica que, de no expresarse dentro de ese término de 30 días en torno a su aceptación o repudiación de herencia, Ia herencia se tendrá por aceptada. También se les apercibe que luego del transcurso del término de 30 días antes señalado contados a partir de Ia fecha de Ia notificación de Ia presente Orden, se presumirá que han aceptado Ia herencia del causante y, por consiguiente, responden por las cargas de dicha herencia conforme el Artículo 1578 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. 2785. Se ordena a Ia parte demandante a que, en vista de que La Sucesión de Hortensia Esquilín Ramírez, se incluye a los herederos y herederos desconocidos de Hortensia Esquilín Ramírez denominados Enrique Corujo Esquilín, como miembro de la Sucesión Hortensia Esquilín Ramírez; Fulano y Fulana de Tal como posibles herederos desconocidos de La Sucesión de Hortensia Esquilín Ramírez, proceda a notificar Ia presente Orden mediante publicación de un edicto a esos efectos una sola vez en un periódico de circulación diana general de la Isla de Puerto Rico. Se le(s) emplaza y requiere que dentro de los sesenta (60) días siguientes a Ia publicación de este edicto excluyendo el dIa de Ia publicación de este edicto conteste(n) Ia demanda radicando el original de Ia contestación en este Tribunal y enviando copia de Ia Contestación de Ia Demanda

a las oficinas de CARDONA & MALDONADO LAW OFFICES, P.S.C. ATENCION al Lcdo. Duncan Maldonado Ejarque, P.O. Box 366221, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-6221; Tel (787) 622-7000, Fax (787) 6257001, Abogado de Ia Parte Demandante. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando Ia siguiente dirección electrónica: https:// unired.ramajudicial.pr/sumac/, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en Ia secretaría del tribunal. Se le(s) advierte que si dejare(n) de contestar Ia Demanda en el perIodo de tiempo antes mencionado, podrá dictarse contra usted(es) Sentencia en Rebeldía, concediéndose el remedio solicitado sin más citarle(s) ni oírle(s). EXPEDIDO en Carolina bajo mi firma y con el Sello del Tribunal. DADA hoy 21 de febrero de 2023, en Carolina, Puerto Rico. LCDA. MARILYN APONTE RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. SOLMARIE MONTERO CASTRO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE SAN JUAN ORIENTAL BANK

Demandante V. HECTOR ALBIZU ROSARIO

Demandado

Civil Núm.: SJ2022CV10151.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE. UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: HECTOR ALBIZU ROSARIO.

POR MEDIO del presente edicto se le notifica de la radicación de una demanda en cobro de dinero por la vía ordinaria en la que se alega que usted adeuda a la parte demandante, Oriental Bank, ciertas sumas de dinero, y las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado de este litigio. El demandante, Oriental Bank, ha solicitado que se dicte sentencia en contra suya y que se le ordene pagar las cantidades reclamadas en la demanda.

POR EL PRESENTE EDICTO se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsiva a la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días de haber sido diligenciado este 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 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, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio-de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente, sin más citarle ni oírle. El abogado de la parte demandante es: Jaime Ruiz Saldaña, RUA número 11673; Dirección: PO Box 366276, San Juan, PR 00936-6276; Teléfono: (787) 759-6897; Correo electrónico: legal@jrslawpr. com. Se le advierte que dentro de los diez (10) días siguientes a la publicación del presente edicto, se le estará enviando a usted por correo certificado con acuse de recibo, una copia del emplazamiento y de la demanda presentada al lugar de su última dirección conocida: Cond. Millenia Park, 1109 Calle Ferrer y Ferrer Apto. 1785, San Juan, PR 00921. EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y el sello del Tribunal en San Juan, Puerto Rico, hoy día 14 de febrero de 2023. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. ELSIE PRATTS MELÉNDEZ, SUB-SECRETARIA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN GERMÁN COOPERATIVA DE AHORRO Y CRÉDITO DE RINCÓN (ANTES COOPERATIVA DE AHORRO Y CRÉDITO DE AÑASCO)

Parte Demandante Vs ELVIN SEPÚLVEDA IRIZARRY (SOCIO NÚM. 108113)

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: SG2021CV00189. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. A: ELVIN SEPÚLVEDA IRIZARRY. Se le apercibe que la parte demandante por mediación del Lcdo. Rafael Fabre Colón, P.O. Box 277, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 00681, Tel. 787-265-0334, ha radicado la acción de epígrafe en su contra. Copia de la demanda, emplazamientos y del presente edicto le ha sido enviado por correo a la última dirección conocida. Pueden ustedes obtener más información sobre el asunto revisando los autos en el Tribunal. Se le apercibe que tiene usted un término de treinta (30) días para

The Tigers stay patient in baseball’s waiting game

active streak in Major League Baseball. But in an offseason of aggressive spending by many teams, Harris decided to wait. He traded a couple of relievers, signed a couple of starters to one-year deals — and revamped the infrastructure of an organization that suddenly seems modern.

“Completely, from just the plan that’s laid out for each one of us, how camp’s being run, the staff that’s here — it’s exciting already,” said left-handed starter Matthew Boyd, who returned to the Tigers for one year and $10 million after ending last season with Seattle. “I was here for seven years and I only was gone for one year, and I feel like I’m in a new clubhouse.”

career hit by Cabrera, who turns 40 this April and is entering the final year of his contract, there was little to celebrate.

“As bad as it hurt to go through struggles like that at the highest level, reflecting on that, it’s only going to help me,” said Torkelson, whose .604 onbase plus slugging percentage ranked last among first basemen with at least 400 plate appearances.

He added: “You learn more when you fail than when you succeed, and I think 10, 15 years down the road, I’m going to look back and think, ‘You know what? Thank you for last year, because that really helped me out in my career.’”

By TYLER KEPNER

So much of baseball is waiting. Waiting for your turn at bat. Waiting for the ball to be hit your way. Waiting, really, for your chance.

Scott Harris, the Detroit Tigers’ new president of baseball operations, is used to this. At 35 years old, he did not wait long, comparatively, for his chance to run a major league team. But his introduction to the world of baseball was a lesson in holding back until the time was right.

As a sophomore at UCLA, Harris drove out to Palm Desert, California, to have lunch with Al Rosen, the only person in baseball history to win both the Most Valuable Player Award and Executive of the Year. Harris’ grandmother, Joan Harris, had met Rosen, learned of his background, and played matchmaker for her grandson, who wanted to work in baseball.

Rosen, then in his 80s, had won the American League MVP as a slugging third baseman for Cleveland in 1953. As a general manager, he took the San Francisco Giants from last place to first in just two years, earning top executive honors from The Sporting News in 1987. The man had gravitas, and Harris, enthralled, listened much more than he spoke.

“It was one of those lunches that felt like it could have lasted forever,” Harris said Tuesday, from his office overlooking the outfield at the Tigers’ training

complex between Tampa and Orlando. “We went our separate ways afterwards and I just started writing letters to teams. On a whim I brought the responses I got back to Mr. Rosen and that sowed the seeds of a long-standing relationship I wish still existed today.”

Rosen was 91 when he died in 2015, the year Harris earned his masters of business administration from Northwestern — while also serving as director of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs. Rosen had started Harris on his career path by arranging an unpaid internship for him with the Washington Nationals as a college junior, and Harris, in time, would keep his mentor current.

“One of the last conversations we had was about a trade we made with the Cubs, and he couldn’t wrap his head around the fact that negotiations were happening over text message these days — because in his day, you would have had to sit down in front of a GM and read their non-verbals and make decisions,” Harris said, smiling. “I miss him a lot. I owe my career to that chance encounter with him.”

After a three-year stop as the Giants’ general manager, under Farhan Zaidi, Harris took his career to Detroit last September. The Tigers had fired his predecessor, Al Avila, who had helped construct a team that won four consecutive AL Central titles, through 2014, but had not been back to the playoffs since.

The eight-year absence is tied with the Los Angeles Angels for the longest

The Tigers needed a reboot: They have lost almost half of their paying customers in the decade since 2013, when Miguel Cabrera won his second MVP and the team drew almost 3.1 million fans to its regular-season home games. Despite making four top-five selections in the past five drafts, Detroit ranks last among the league’s 30 teams in Keith Law’s annual farm system rankings for The Athletic.

Harris said he cannot yet tell just how much talent the Tigers really have. But he was careful not to rush into any deals, and eager to see how the prospects respond to more nuanced, individualized instruction.

“Those players are going to change, and we want an opportunity to get through a whole development cycle with the talent we already have, inhouse, before we make judgment calls on whether they will find themselves in a trade in the future,” Harris said. “We wanted to build the systems and the staff around these players to at least evaluate them on a little bit of a deeper level.”

So the Tigers will wait: for righthanded starter Casey Mize, the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, to return from last June’s Tommy John surgery; for first baseman Spencer Torkelson, the No. 1 overall pick in 2020, to hammer fastballs the way he did at Arizona State; for others, like center fielder Riley Greene and starter Matt Manning, to develop their top-of-the-draft talent.

Last year’s 96-loss stumble — when Greene’s modest .321 on-base percentage led all regulars and no pitcher reached 120 innings — was a painful learning process. Besides the 3,000th

Several veteran Tigers should also improve, like shortstop Javier Báez, who hit just .238 in the first season of a six-year, $140 million contract, and left-handed starter Eduardo Rodríguez, who missed about half of last season for personal reasons. Outfielder Austin Meadows, who had 27 homers for Tampa Bay in 2021, missed almost all of the season with Achilles tendinitis and mental-health issues.

“For me, personally, I’m in a much better place,” Meadows said. “I think I can add a really good weapon to this lineup if I stay healthy and be a leader on this team.”

The Tigers have expanded their coaching, analytics and mental-performance staffs, improved the clubhouse food options (“Last year it would have been just a plain chicken breast,” Torkelson said, “and now it’s like lemon zest garlic chicken”), and the distant center field wall at Comerica Park has been pulled in by 10 feet, to 412 feet. Tigers’ CEO Christopher Ilitch has even promised a new team plane.

None of those changes, by themselves, will make the Tigers contend for the postseason this year. But the idea, Harris has always known, is to create an atmosphere that brings out the players’ best. That was Rosen’s most important lesson, he said: The players are the game.

“That’s what he meant — in this game, it’s easy to get distracted by all of the other things,” Harris said. “So we have to stay hyper-focused on the players in that room two floors below us and how we’re helping them get the absolute most out of their talent.”

The waiting, Harris and the Tigers believe, will be worth it.

Javier Báez, left, struggled in his first year as Detroit’s shortstop and Jonathan Schoop, the team’s veteran infielder, slumped as well. They are two of the many Tigers players hoping to improve this season.

Your Women’s World Cup questions, answered

By ANDREW DAS

If it feels as if one World Cup just ended and FIFA is already talking about another one, well, that’s because it is. Argentina may still be celebrating the trophy it won in Qatar — and that celebration may continue for a while — but there’s a women’s championship just around the corner. Here’s what to know.

When is the Women’s World Cup?

The tournament runs from July 20 through Aug. 20. It will kick off with games featuring the co-hosts Australia (against Ireland in Sydney) and New Zealand (against Norway in Auckland) on July 20.

Where is the tournament?

Matches will be held at 10 stadiums in nine cities: five in Australia and four in New Zealand. (Sydney will do double duty, with the smaller Sydney Football Stadium hosting group-stage games before being replaced in the rotation by the much larger Stadium Australia.)

The full list of cities:

Australia: Sydney (two stadiums), Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth.

New Zealand: Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Hamilton.

That’s a long way from … most places, yes?

As always, that depends on you. Melbourne is currently 16 hours ahead of New York, and Auckland is 18 hours. (Those numbers jump to 19 and 21 in Los Angeles, in which case you might be better off counting from the other direction.) If you’re a fan of the Australian Open, or insomnia, you will of course have solutions to overcome this.

Who has qualified?

Most of the favorites and usual suspects advanced easily in the original round of qualification, creating an entry list that includes both soccer names fans should recognize and a few that might raise eyebrows:

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, the Philippines, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United States, Vietnam, Zambia.

That’s not 32 teams.

There will be 32 teams at the Women’s World Cup this year, up from 24 from the last tournament in France in 2019, from

16 at the ones before that and from 12 in the inaugural event in 1991. But the field is still being set this week in New Zealand, where 10 teams arrived for playoffs to decide the last three places.

Two of those spots are now set:

Group A: Portugal beat Cameroon, 2-1, on a penalty kick in injury time to earn its first Women’s World Cup trip. Its prize? Portugal landed in a group with the United States, Netherlands and Vietnam.

Group B: Haiti beat Chile, 2-1, on two goals by the teenage midfielder Melchie Dumornay. Haiti, too, will be a World Cup debutante, and in Dumornay, who recently signed with the world’s best club team, France’s Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, and a team of teenagers and twenty-somethings, it offers an abundance of energy and optimism that it will hope can make up for its obvious lack of experience. It had better: The Haitians dropped into a group with England, China and Denmark.

Group C: Paraguay and Panama will play for the final spot in the World Cup on Thursday. Each team, like Portugal and Haiti, would become a first-time qualifier.

Who are the tournament favorites?

The United States, a four-time winner and the two-time defending champion, and Canada, the reigning Olympic gold medalist, headline the North American contingent, but they will share top billing (or perhaps surrender it) in the face of a handful of European powers. England is the current European champion, but has several worthy rivals eager to seize its mantle as the continent’s best team. Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Sweden all might make a strong case that they can win this summer.

How about the rest of the field?

Brazil arrives as the South American champion. Japan, China and South Korea have long histories of achievement in Asia — though only the Japanese have lifted the World Cup — and will be closer to home than usual. Australia, powered by the highscoring forward Sam Kerr, recently signaled its intent to challenge with a victory over Spain in a warm-up match.

Other teams arrive with big stars but longer odds — Denmark (Pernille Harder), Norway (Ada Hegerberg) and Jamaica (Bunny Shaw) —

and seven countries are just thrilled, for now, to be coming at all: Haiti, Morocco, the Philippines, Portugal, Ireland, Vietnam and Zambia all have qualified for their first World Cup.

Who is the U.S. playing?

The U.S. is the defending champion. Its schedule in the group stage includes a familiar face (the Netherlands) and two question marks (Vietnam and Portugal). The top two teams will advance to the round of 16.

The Americans’ three games in the group stage:

Vietnam at Auckland, July 22, 1 p.m. (Friday night in New York.)

Netherlands at Wellington, July 27, 1 p.m. (Wednesday night in New York.)

Portugal at Auckland, Aug. 1, 7 p.m. (Monday overnight in New York.)

How is the equal pay fight going?

That depends. The United States women, after years of tense negotiations, public battles, stinging insults and court

filings, emerged with an equal pay deal that has made them one of the best-paid national teams — men or women — in the world.

Other countries, even big ones, have not made similar progress. While many have heralded new contracts guaranteeing equal rates of pay for matches, women’s soccer teams still lag far behind their men’s counterparts when it comes to prize money, staffing and other issues.

Canada is currently at the leading edge of the equal pay fight: Its players briefly went on strike this month before a game against the United States, and have vowed to press their battle for better treatment, and better pay, through future actions and public protests.

Can the Americans win a third straight title?

Of course they can. And while it’s never easy, it’s also going to be harder than ever. The Americans still have decorated veterans like Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Crystal Dunn and Becky Sauerbrunn. But in the wake of a disappointing trip to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, when they had to scramble to take home the bronze, Coach Vlatko Andonovski has continued his efforts to refashion his team for a new generation.

That has seen the emergence of promising new talents like Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Sofia Huerta, but also some uncharacteristic (worrying might be a better word) results against top teams. Consecutive defeats against England, Spain and Germany last fall — the Americans’ first three-game losing streak in 29 years — were a signal that the team’s transformation still has a way to go.

Time, however, is running short even though the expectations — inside and outside the team — never change.

“For us, we want to win everything, all the time,” Rapinoe said this week before the SheBelieves Cup finale.

Roselord Borgella and Haiti are among the eight first-time qualifiers in this year’s Women’s World Cup, the first with 32 teams.

With rout, Real Madrid writes a bitter ending for Liverpool

By RORY SMITH

It took a while for the frustration, the anger and the hurt to bubble to the surface. For about an hour Tuesday night, Liverpool’s fans had watched with grim forbearance as their team was expertly dismantled by Real Madrid at Anfield.

They urged on Jürgen Klopp’s players after they threw away a two-goal lead in the first half. They stood by them as Real Madrid made it 3-2 and then 4-2 and finally 5-2, a loss turning into a rout. They remained stoic as they witnessed the collapse of their season, as they endured the most chastening evening in Anfield’s illustrious European history.

But then there was the passing: The passing was the final straw. As the game wound down, as the crowd started to thin out just a little, Real Madrid decided to indulge in a little game of keepaway. They slipped passes between, beside and around their bedraggled opponents. They offered them a glimpse of the ball and then spirited it away at the last moment.

They maintained it for a minute or two, Liverpool’s players lolling and lagging as they dashed around in hopeless pursuit. It was an indignity too far. It is one thing being beaten — particularly by Real Madrid — and it is quite another being taunted. The crowd started to whistle, and then to jeer: at Real Madrid, at its own players, chasing at shadows, at this whole long, damned, miserable season.

That Real Madrid won at Anfield does not count as a surprise of any sort. This is Real Madrid, after all, and this is the Champions League. A stirring Real Madrid recovery is part of the deal. To a large extent it is increasingly odd that anyone else bothers entering the competition.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team has mastered the

comeback, turned it into an art form, boiled it down to its very essence. En route to European glory last season, Real Madrid generally required the full span of a two-legged tie, up to and including extra time in the second leg, to stage the miraculous recovery that has become its calling card.

The only change this season — on this evidence — is that it has streamlined the process to such an extent that it now takes no more than half an hour, with a break in the middle for a quick bite to eat.

Far more striking than the fact of Liverpool’s defeat Tuesday, then, was the manner of it. Somewhere deep inside this Liverpool team is the muscle memory of what it once was, and not all that long ago. It is only nine months, after all, since it played its third Champions League final in five years, Klopp sufficiently confident that the halcyon days would keep rolling that he advised his team’s fans — even in defeat — to book their hotel rooms for this year’s showpiece.

For 15 minutes, it was possible to wonder if this stage, and this opponent, might be enough to stir those ghosts to life. Liverpool surged to an early lead, thanks to an inventive, audacious flick from Darwin Nuñez, and then doubled it when Thibaut Courtois forgot how to work his legs and presented the ball to Mohamed Salah. In between, Salah had wasted two more chances. Here, at last, were the flickers that Liverpool’s fans had been waiting months to see.

And then the reverie suddenly evaporated and reality descended. Vinícius Júnior scored one goal, wonderfully, and then had a second presented to him by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson. It had the effect of breaking the spell. The clock struck midnight. Éder Militão made it three. Karim Benzema had a shot deflected into the goal for four, and then danced through, his shoes soft and his touch sure, to make it five.

Liverpool, suddenly, looked to be what it has been for much of the season: a midtable Premier League team caught in the throes of an awkward, jarring transition. The difference, this time, was that it was being forced to play the European champion.

Quite how Liverpool’s collapse has happened remains, even now, something of a mystery. Thousands of words have been dedicated in recent months in an attempt to understand how a team that was so painstakingly constructed, put together with such

thought and expertise and precision, could come apart at the seams so quickly and so easily. How something so good could prove so ultimately fragile.

There are concrete factors that certainly seem to have contributed. Injuries have not helped, of course, compounding a failure to upgrade the midfield. The effects of last season, in which Liverpool became the first English team to play every game in every competition for which it was eligible — winning two trophies, but neither of the prizes it most wanted — have lingered, both physically and psychologically.

But then there are the intangible factors, the theoretical and the emotional strands, the charges that can only ever take the form of questions: Has Liverpool been too loyal to the core of Klopp’s team? Has upheaval behind the scenes, the departure of several key members of the staff, disrupted the harmony the club had worked so hard to foster? If so, has that had any effect on performances?

Whatever the causes, the effects were all there, on the field, against a team that less than a year ago Liverpool could —

largely rightly — consider its equal. When Klopp, upon reviewing last year’s final for the first time this week, commented that it was a game his team could have won, he was not simply presenting a brave face.

Now, though, the gulf is wide. The temptation is to focus on the major mistakes — Alisson’s misjudgment for the second goal, the stationary marking for the third, Joe Gomez’s body shape for the fourth — but more telling are the little things.

It is the speed with which Liverpool passes the ball, just a touch slower than before. It is the spaces between its players, a little too large, and the cohesion between its lines, now ever so slightly ragged. It is in the intensity of its press, somehow diluted and dimmed.

Each element feeds on the others, eroding confidence and sapping purpose, until the whole system seems fractured beyond repair. And it was at that point that Real Madrid, with that air of total self-assurance, started to pass the ball around, Liverpool’s players powerless to stop them, their fall from the rarefied heights they once shared with these opponents complete.

Vinícius Júnior’s two goals erased an early Liverpool lead. By the final whistle, Real Madrid had scored five.

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Sudoku

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Crossword

Answers on page 38

Wordsearch

Aries (Mar 21-April 20)

Yearned for a chance to break out of a rut? Things may now be coming to the boil. You might have more options than you can handle, but this is where the excitement begins, Aries. With both Venus and Jupiter in your sign, the floodgates may be opening and things you’ve hoped for could start to show up. This is a time of great opportunity, and with focus you could do very well.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

There is potential for positive change, so you’d be wise to plan ahead. Mercury in the topmost sector of your chart, encourages you to think about your future and to take steps now to secure it. Listen out for those intuitive nudges, as they can play a big part in propelling you forward into the life of your dreams. There will be a lot of hard work to do, but you’ll love every moment.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

You seem to enjoy being around other people, with coming days encouraging you to accept invites, and to connect with those who are an inspiration to you. The Moon in feisty Aries hints at meetings that tap into your love of adventure, and encourage your pioneering side into the open. This is a good time to show just how accomplished you are, as others will notice.

Cancer (June 22-July 23)

The spirit of entrepreneurship and golden opportunities is urging you on, Cancer. If you’ve stuck with the same old routine in terms of your career or future plans, something could shift. You may be inspired to reset your goals and make them bigger, brighter and bolder. You’ll realize you’ve had it in you to do far more than you thought you could, and this is your chance to prove it.

Leo (July 24-Aug 23)

You’re ready for all kinds of new developments, and if this involves a little risk, so much the better. Yet the Sun’s focus in a private zone, also turns your attention inwards to issues that need to be resolved. You’ll have more energy and zest for life once they are out of the way. If a situation is causing you to feel on edge, sort it and you’ll be on track to do amazing things.

Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 23)

The Moon in an intense zone may find you fired up about something, and ready to let off steam. Links to Mars and Mercury mean you’ll have a lot to say, especially if you’ve been bottling it up. The last thing you want is to fall out, when you just need to make your position clear. This isn’t a time to bear a grudge, Virgo. Once you’ve said your piece, invite them for a coffee and a chat.

Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)

The decisions you make over coming days could be more important than you think, so avoid cutting corners or zoning out. You’ll need to be on the ball, so that you don’t inadvertently do something you’ll regret later. You’re quite capable of handling a goal or challenge, but it will require hard work. If you’re clever, you’ll realize that it’s not a crime to ask for help, Libra.

Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)

You can’t do everything yourself, even though you like to think of yourself as the strong and independent type. There are some matters that need the expert touch, and if you impulsively go in and make a mess of something you won’t be happy. While it can appear cheaper to attempt it, this may be a false economy. If it all goes pear shaped, you’ll have to fork out a whole lot more.

Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)

Socializing and relationships can take up a lot of your time, and enjoyably so, Archer. When it comes to a developing bond, this is a time of discovery when you’ll be eager to get to know someone better. While there are many things you’ll agree upon, there are going to be issues where you have opposing views. Concentrating on the former can make this early phase easier.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)

You’ll feel more relaxed about something that’s been on your mind over the past week or so. It may be that any tension associated with it is beginning to diminish, and that you now see it with greater clarity. The lingering Mercury/Mars tie enables you to take things a step further by opting for inspired action. And listening to your sixth sense can help you do the right thing.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb 19)

You’re on fabulous form, and can’t help making a great impression on whoever you encounter. You won’t even be upset if people criticize you or disagree, as your confidence and belief in yourself is aided by the dynamic power of Jupiter in Aries. This ability to brush off apparent difficulties and obstacles suggests your focus is on the big prize, which you thoroughly deserve.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)

This may be an upbeat time for you Pisces, and you could find that what you accomplish over the coming weeks lays the groundwork for future success. If you aim for the highest and best outcome, then you likely won’t go wrong. Plus, this is an excellent time to increase your income, as a positive line-up in your money zone means you might enjoy starting a side-hustle.

Speed Bump