Tuesday Jul 23, 2024

2 GOOD MORNING

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.

AES and Total Energies get federal financing for solar plants Guayama, Salinas

By The STAR STAFF

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) has granted a $861.3 million loan to Clean Flexible Energy, LLC to finance the construction of two solar photovoltaic (PV) farms equipped with battery storage and two standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Puerto Rico.

The facilities will be located in the municipalities of Guayama (Jobos) and Salinas and will help deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power throughout Puerto Rico. The borrower is an indirect subsidiary of AES Corporation (AES) and TotalEnergies Holdings USA, Inc. and is managed under a joint venture agreement between the two, according to a July 18 announcement.

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to create good-paying, high-quality job opportunities in communities across the country, this project will support approximately 750 construction jobs and more than 50 full-time jobs once fully operational.

Collectively, the project comprises 200 MW of solar PV and up to 285 MW (1,140 MWh) of stand-alone BESS capacity. Annually, the solar installations will produce approximately 460,000 MWh of energy, enough to power approximately 43,000 homes, and enhance Puerto Rico’s grid reliability and energy security. The co-location of the new solar and battery resources will help maximize the project’s energy production and improve grid stability. Battery storage will allow the project to continue to provide energy to residents even during adverse weather conditions. The operation of the solar and storage systems — collectively known as Project Marahu — is expected to eventually replace existing fossil fuel-based generation and reduce emissions by nearly 2.7 million tons of CO2e per year, an amount roughly equivalent to the annual emissions of around 533,000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles.

Project Marahu will play an integral role in improving Puerto Rico’s energy resilience and affordability while helping Puerto Rico meet its ambitious clean energy and climate goals, the statement notes. The project will support replacing retired fossil fuel power plants reliant on imported fuel, increase renewable energy generation, and enhance grid resilience. The clean, affordable electricity generated by this project will replace the power produced by Puerto Rico’s diesel and coal plants, eliminating the pollution associated with those plants. The project will generate power directly to Puerto Rico’s grid and provide energy storage benefits necessary for Puerto Rico’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy resources by 2050.

The project also supports outgoing President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which established the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments, including LPO financing, flow to disadvantaged communities, which includes most of Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican residents pay energy costs significantly higher than the U.S. average. According

to the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, including the communities surrounding the Salinas and Jobos projects, faces some of the greatest energy burdens in the United States. Widescale solar deployment can help benefit communities across the island by reducing Puerto Rico’s high energy costs.

LPO borrowers are also expected to develop and ultimately implement a comprehensive Community Benefits Plan that ensures meaningful community and labor engagement, improves the well-being of residents and workers, and incorporates strong labor standards during construction, operations, and throughout the life of the loan guarantee.

The Project Marahu team includes two community relations managers who are from the Guayama community and a group of local community engagement advisors. Local labor leaders will be engaged for the construction and operations planning at both the Jobos and Salinas sites. AES, through existing facilities operating in Puerto Rico, has forged partnerships with the Technological Institute and the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico — both of which are minority-serving institutions. AES has also worked with The Trust for the Americas to lead capacity-building and entrepreneurship programs for Guayama and Salinas community members for six years and has formalized programs offering targeted training and career development opportunities for women.

The financing for this project would be through the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment (EIR) program under Title 17 Clean Energy Financing Section 1706. Created by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EIR can finance projects that retool, repower, repurpose, or replace energy infrastructure that has ceased operations or enable operating energy infrastructure to avoid, reduce, utilize, or sequester air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions. In support of President Biden’s efforts to support economic revitalization in energy communities, Project Marahu will assist in replacing coal energy infrastructure with clean energy facilities — creating new job opportunities while lowering harmful emissions. The Puerto Rico Energy Public Policy Act (Act 17) requires Puerto Rico’s utility to cease all coal-fired energy generation by 2028 and shift to a 100% renewable energy mix by 2050.

Organizations call to boycott UHT milk from Suiza Dairy in support of workers’ strike

By The STAR STAFF

Various union, political and social organizations called on Puerto Rican citizens on Monday to join the boycott against Suiza Dairy’s long-life UHT milk, in support of the workers of the General Central of Workers (CGT), who have been on strike for 41 days demanding an increase in the employer contribution to the medical plan.

“The Grupo Gloria conglomerate, owner of Suiza Dairy, has been petty by refusing to negotiate in good faith with the CGT workers to reach an agreement that meets their demands for improvements in their medical coverage. Faced with this intransigent attitude of these abusers, all these organizations have joined together to initiate an active boycott of Suiza Dairy’s UHT product while the strike continues. We demand that the employer sit down to negotiate in good faith,” said José Maldonado, president of the UIA and spokesperson for the union organizations, at a press conference.

In recent days, Puerto Rico Police arrested 17 protesters in front of the Suiza Dairy plant in San Juan. Among those arrested were José Adrián López Pacheco, president of the CGT, Scott Barbés Caminero, organizational secretary of the CGT, other members of the union and people in solidarity with other labor unions.

“The bosses and the government thought that with the arrests of the leadership they were going to stop the strike and the struggle at Suiza Dairy. Well, we want to let you know that you have achieved the opposite. Now more than ever, solidarity and support are being felt. The Suiza Dairy work-

ers on strike are not alone and have the support of multiple sectors of the Puerto Rican people,” said Mercedes Martínez Padilla, president of the Puerto Rico Teachers Federation. Currently, the plants in San Juan and Ponce are completely paralyzed due to the strike, with the only operational

plant being that of Aguadilla, where UHT milk is produced. “It is precisely Suiza Dairy’s UHT milk that is the main product that we are going to be boycotting. Our call is for Puerto Rican families not to sponsor a product that belongs to scoundrels who do not care about the lives of workers and their families. These individuals constantly deceive workers when they call them to negotiate. We have to stop this abuse NOW,” said Ian Camilo Cintrón, MST spokesperson.

On July 24, at 10:00 in the morning, the arrested protesters will appear before the Court of First Instance in San Juan. “We urge all fellow union members to respond to this call for solidarity. We invite everyone who can to come together and be present to support our colleagues, who are being repressed for demanding better employment and salary conditions for workers,” concluded María del Mar Rosa Rodríguez, president of the APPU.

The boycott is signed by various organizations, including Agitarte, Puerto Rican Association of University Professors (APPU), Puerto Rican Workers’ Central (CPT), Feminist Collective in Construction, College of Social Work Professionals of PR, Socialist Democracy, EDUCAMOS, El Hangar, PR Federation of Teachers (FMPR), Puerto Rican Federation of Workers (FPT), FLEURUM, Brotherhood of Exempt Non-Teaching Employees (HEEND), La Colmena Cimarrona, LIUNA, Socialist Workers Movement, Trade Union Solidarity Movement (MSS), Poets on the March , ProSol UTIER, Toabajeños in Defense of the Environment, Communist Workers and Students for Social Change, UAW PR, General Union of Workers (UGT), UNETE and UTIER.

UPR’s debt with its retirement system goes up

By The STAR STAFF

UPR Retirement Board President Luis Vicenty Santini said on Monday that the University of Puerto Rico’s (UPR) debt with its Retirement System increased to $107.7 million at the close of the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

He explained that the university administration stopped paying $38.7 million in employer contributions during the 2023-2024 fiscal year, which adds to an accumulated debt of $69 million that goes back to 2014.

“The contribution failure violates the 2016 Trust Deed and the PROMESA Law because it deliberately defunds the Retirement System. It is unbelievable that the president of the UPR, Luis Ferrao, is playing with the future of the pensions of all university workers by sending less money to his pension system than budgeted and mandated by law,” said Vicenty Santini in written statements.

In a collection letter sent to the Central Administration of the UPR on July 15, officials emphasized that the actuaries’ recommendation for employer contributions to the UPR Retirement System was $154.7 million, distributed in monthly payments of $12.9 million. As of June 30, UPR paid $115.9

million, which left a deficit of $38.7 million concerning the actuarial recommendation.

“Not only did they fail to comply with the actuarial recommendation, but they paid less than what they had

budgeted, which was $123 million, an amount less than that set by the actuaries, and even so, they did not meet that number,” said Vicenty Santini. In addition, he blamed Budget Director Wilson Crespo for not having delivered the budgeted amounts.

The UPR Retirement Board had previously denounced the deficiency in employer contributions and filed a collection lawsuit against the UPR Governing Board and the university administration for $59 million for deficiencies in payments and reimbursements from 2015 to 2022. In January, the lawsuit was amended to add $10 million for deficiencies through the end of fiscal year 2023. Vicenty Santini indicated that they will update the lawsuit to include the new numbers as UPR declines to provide required payments.

Vicenty Santini also criticized the Financial Oversight and Management Board executive director, Robert Mujica, for allowing the university administration to continue failing in its employer contributions in violation of the PROMESA Law. He recalled that in 2019, the then executive director of the Board, Natalie Jaresko, warned the UPR Governing Board that, if they did not make the contributions suggested by the actuary, they would put the UPR Retirement System at risk.

At center, UPR Retirement Board President Luis Vicenty Santini.

The Aguadilla plant is the only one in operation and is where UHT milk is produced.

They invest $5.6 million in Aguada in the New Nativo Alers South Detour

By The STAR STAFF

The mayor of Aguada, Christian Cortés Feliciano, received Governor Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia Monday for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Nuevo Desvío Sur Nativo Alers project, which has a total allocation of $5.6 million. This road runs from east to west with an average traffic of 13,836 vehicles per day.

“When I took office as mayor in January 2021, one of the goals was to resolve the terrible state of our roads and traffic situation. We have been working on this problem since day one. So far, we have invested more than $11 million in an intense asphalt program that we call ‘Operation Brea’, a commitment to the safety and comfort of everyone. This project that begins construction today is an essential part of this commitment to improving traffic in our Municipality.”

The New Nativo Alers South Detour represents a sub-

ternational urban planning standards, such as streets with fluid and safe traffic, wide and safe sidewalks, reforestation which provides adequate vegetation along the road, cutting-edge lighting and high-quality asphalt throughout the road.

The road connects the urban center of Aguada with several communities, sports, cultural, recreational and commercial facilities, as well as the Professor Juana Rosario school, state government facilities such as the Court of First Instance and federal, such as the Post Office (USPS) , shops of all kinds and sports and recreational facilities. In addition, Nativo Alers serves as access to the Pico de Piedra Spa and the PR-115 highway that connects with the Municipality of Rincón.

stantial improvement to the road flow in the center of Aguada. It is a modern avenue, equipped with all the comforts and in-

The mayor pointed out that this work is added to other large-scale works, such as the reconstruction and reopening of the Chavalillo Delgado Coliseum and a broad reconstruction of sports and community facilities, for the enjoyment of families and economic development in sectors such as tourism.

Governor supports Harris for president

By The STAR STAFF

While the governor of Puerto Rico threw his hat behind U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris to replace President Joe Biden in the 2024 race after he withdrew from the running, his colleague from the U.S. Virgin Islands refrained from doing so.

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia, a lifelong Democrat, voiced his support for Harris on Monday, highlighting her strong credentials.

“As Governor of Puerto Rico, I endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States. Vice President Harris is uniquely qualified to hold the highest elected position in our nation. She has been loyal and trustworthy at President Biden’s side in this administration. She has also served with great

distinction in the United States Senate and as Attorney General of California,” Pierluisi said in written statements.

Biden endorsed Harris Sunday after he resigned from his reelection campaign amid criticism that questioned his ability to lead the United States for four more years.

The vice president accepted Biden’s nomination on Sunday. Since then, she has received the endorsement of significant influencers among Democrats, such as former President Bill Clinton.

The head of the local Democratic Party, Charlie Rodriguez, said that given that the general election and the Democratic Party Convention, which is on August 19, are very near, Harris represents the best alternative and continuity of Biden’s work for Puerto Rico.

Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan took a different approach, emphasizing his commitment to the democratic process and the needs of the Virgin Islands. He stated that he would not be endorsing a specific candidate to replace Biden, a decision that underscores his dedication to ensuring the needs of his community are heard and addressed.

“I need to clarify that my recent comments weren’t meant as an official endorsement of any candidate for the Democratic Presidential Nominee. I just acknowledged Vice President Harris’s leadership and commitment to social justice. Let me be clear: I will fully support whoever becomes the Democratic nominee,” he said.

He added, “No matter who the next president is, they need to focus on the unique challenges faced by the U.S. Virgin Islands

Arthur J. González designated chair of the Oversight Board

BY THE STAR STAFF

The members of the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico designated Judge Arthur J. González as chair on an interim basis. The Oversight Board will designate a permanent chair when the appointments of all members are complete and effective.

“Our mission at the Oversight Board is to help Puerto Rico stand on its own again,” González said. “Continuing our effort to complete PREPA’s bankruptcy and reduce the

debt burden on Puerto Rico and its economy is one of our primary tasks. But restructuring the debt is only one step to a better future for Puerto Rico.”

“Puerto Rico must become more competitive to ensure a better future. Education, healthcare, and economic development are essential to build the economic foundation that enables Puerto Ricans to see their future here in Puerto Rico. The Oversight Board will continue to work with the Government and the people to make sure Puerto Rico will not fall back into the stranglehold of oppressive debt,” said

and other territories. I support policies and actions that help our community and ensure we are treated equally.”

González.

González’ designation as chair follows the departure of David Skeel, who decided not to stand for a third term as board member. His seat on the board is filled by Luis A. Ubiñas, whose appointment by President Joseph Biden is now effective.

González is a Senior Fellow at the New York University School of Law. González served on the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York from 1995 to 2012, retiring as Chief Judge. During his tenure, Judge Gonzalez presided over many large complex corporate reorganizations, including the Enron, WorldCom and Chrysler cases. He was first appointed to the Oversight Board at its inception in 2016 and continues to serve.

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia voiced his support for Harris on Monday.

The new road connects the urban center of Aguada with several communities, sports, cultural, recreational and commercial facilities.

The San Juan Daily Star Tuesday, July 23, 2024 5

The promise, and risks, in turning to Kamala Harris

By SHANE GOLDMACHER

Vice President Kamala Harris swiftly established herself as the Democratic front-runner to take on Donald Trump within hours of President Joe Biden’s exit Sunday, fundamentally rewiring the presidential contest at warp speed.

Now the race has been transformed into an abbreviated 106-day sprint that more closely resembles the snap elections of Europe than the drawn-out American contests. The tight timeline will magnify any missteps Harris might make but also minimize the chances for a stumble.

And in a race that Trump had been on a trajectory to win, Harris immediately becomes the ultimate X-factor.

Biden quickly endorsed Harris, who would be a barrier-breaking nominee as the first woman, the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian descent to serve as president. As the Democratic Party rallies behind her — the loudest voices of dissent were simply those not publicly endorsing her — here are six ways her candidacy holds both promise and peril.

She inverts the age argument.

During the Republican primaries, Nikki Haley had warned everyone who would listen that the first party to swap out its octogenarian candidate — Trump will turn 80 while in office if elected to a second term — would win. She was making the argument for herself but the logic applies to Harris, too.

Unlike the 81-year-old Biden, Harris, 59, is not old — and just that fact neutralizes what has been one of the most potent Trump lines of attack.

Within minutes of Biden’s quitting, Democrats and anti-Trump Republicans were questioning Trump’s capacity to govern into his 80s, a daring attempt to reframe an age debate that has been so damaging to Democrats.

“She can make the issue of age and fitness a liability for Trump,” Erin Wilson, Harris’ deputy chief of staff, said on a call Sunday with the group Win With Black Women.

She’s a former prosecutor. Trump’s a convicted felon.

Harris has often been at her best politically when she has taken on the role of prosecutor-in-chief, whether on the debate stage when she first bore into Biden in June 2019 over busing or as a senator on the Judiciary Committee where her intensive cross-examinations went viral.

When she ran for president, among her tag lines — and her struggling campaign cycled through a few catchphrases — was that she was best positioned to “prosecute the case” against Trump.

Now she will have the chance to do so in the same year in which an actual prosecutor in New York scored 34 felony convictions against him and Trump still faces more than one future criminal trial.

People who have worked with Harris believe that framework could allow her to play to some of her strengths — and expose some of Trump’s weaknesses. Polls have shown a noteworthy share of voters think Trump has committed crimes yet were still planning to vote for him.

Biden was ‘Scranton Joe.’ Harris will be tagged a California liberal.

If Biden was widely seen as too elderly to lead, he had other advantages built up over 50 years in the public spotlight. Namely, he has long been viewed as a more moderate Democrat who pushed back against the more extreme elements of his party. It helped him appeal to the political middle.

“Do I look like a radical socialist with a soft spot for rioters?” he fumed at one point in the 2020 race. His image was such that at times Republicans opted to attack him by suggesting he was being directed by other forces.

Harris does not have that advantage.

Instead, Harris got her start in politics as the district attorney of one of the nation’s most famously liberal cities, San Francisco, before winning statewide in one of the nation’s most famously liberal states, California. (Trump, notably, was among her donors then.)

And while Harris did not carve out a reputation in California as an outspoken progressive — her tagline as DA was about being “smart on crime” — when she ran for president in 2020 she regularly staked out positions to Biden’s left, including embracing a “Medicare for All” system that he had avoided.

As Biden’s partner for the last 3 1/2 years, Harris faces the added burden of supporting the agenda of a president who has become deeply unpopular.

The Trump team has already signaled they plan to attack her on immigration in particular. The question is whether Harris can successfully find a way to campaign on some of the Biden-Harris administration’s most popular accomplishments without the current unpopularity of the man who previously led the ticket.

She gives Democrats a much-needed jolt of momentum.

Trump and his advisers were not looking to shake up a race he was winning by almost every metric. As Republicans gathered last week in Milwaukee, they were downright jubilant about the direction of 2024, seeing Trump as almost a candidate of destiny days after he had survived an assassination attempt.

Now his team must shift to run a very different race against a very different candidate. Harris has the ability to potentially energize the Democratic base — especially some of the core constituencies who had felt alienated — in ways Biden no longer seemed capable of. The president had struggled, relative to his 2020 performance, among Black voters and younger voters in particular, constituencies that Harris’ historic potential candidacy would seem poised to improve upon.

Her gender could galvanize Democrats — and also Republicans.

In the 2020 primary, Democratic voters wrestled for months with the question of who would be the strongest candidate against Trump. They wondered, often aloud, about the idea of nominating a woman.

Trump, after all, had just defied expectations and defeated Hillary Clinton in 2016. The party ultimately selected an older white man in Biden.

For much of the Trump presidency and beyond, Democrats have benefited from a gender gap. Women voted for Democrats by a bigger margin than men favored Republicans. But Trump has swelled his advantage so much among men of

President Kamala Harris arrives aboard Air Force Two in Buzzards Bay, Mass., July 20, 2024. Powerful leaders of the Democratic establishment quickly embraced Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday, July 21, after President Joe Biden’s shocking exit from the race, hoping that a seamless succession could end a month of damaging chaos and transform a contest widely believed to be tipping toward Republicans. (Erin Schaff/ The New York Times)

late that the gender gap has been suddenly favoring the GOP. Harris has a chance to reverse that and has already proved herself a far more compelling messenger than Biden on the issue that Democrats believe can win them the 2024 race. Biden rarely would say the word abortion; Harris visited an abortion clinic.

Harris faces other distinctive challenges as a Black candidate and a woman, in a country and a political system where both groups are often held to different standards. And in Trump, she faces an opponent with a history of exploiting stereotypes for his own advantage.

She can be transcendent, but also tentative.

One of the notable facts of Harris’ speedy rise to the pinnacle of Democratic politics in a little more than a decade is how few loyalists have been along for the full ride.

If Biden surrounded himself with a small, sometimes insular, coterie of advisers — a recent Biden inner-circle addition could have served him for a decade — Harris has relatively few similarly long-standing aides. Early on as vice president, her staff turned over significantly.

She has few advisers dating back even to her days in the Senate, let alone her time as attorney general of California. She parted ways with a swath of the senior team on her 2020 presidential primary run, which was wracked with infighting. Those who have worked both for and against her say she has few equivalents when she nails a big speech, or delivers an acerbic line on the debate stage or a committee hearing. But they also say she can get in her own head, retreat back to canned comments and make tentative, self-inflicted mistakes.

Now she is inheriting Biden’s enormous campaign apparatus. And she has little more than 100 days to capture both the Democratic nomination and the presidency.

Vice

Democrats donate more than $50 million online after Biden’s exit

By SHANE GOLDMACHER

Democrats greeted President Joe Biden’s departure from the presidential race with an avalanche of cash, donating more than $50 million online on Sunday and making it the single biggest day for online Democratic contributions since the 2020 election — with hours to go.

The massive amount is based on a New York Times analysis of the online ticker of contributions maintained by ActBlue, the leading site processing Democratic donations.

With Biden gone and Vice President Kamala Harris building momentum to claim the nomination, Democrats went online to contribute at a startling pace. Donations spiked from an average of less than $200,000 per hour in the hours before Biden quit to nearly $11.5 million in a single hour later Sunday, the analysis shows.

President Joe Biden walks to speak to reporters before boarding Air Force One in Madison, Wis., July 5, 2024. Democrats greeted Biden’s departure from the presidential race with an avalanche of cash, donating more than $30 million online on Sunday, July 21, and making it the single biggest day for online Democratic contributions since the 2020 election — with hours still to go. (Tom Brenner/The New York Times)

As of 10 p.m., Sunday was ActBlue’s third biggest day for online donations in its history.

The ActBlue ticker accounts for all donations made on the platform, not just

those made to Biden or Harris. It includes contributions made to nearly every Democratic House and Senate candidate and to an array of politically minded nonprofits.

“This might be the greatest fundraising moment in Democratic Party history,” wrote Kenneth Pennington, a Democratic digital strategist, on the social platform X.

The previous single biggest day for donations on ActBlue came the day after Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away in September 2020. ActBlue processed roughly $73.5 million that day. It is one of only two days the platform ever surpassed $50 million in donations before Sunday

The latest deluge is significant as the party seeks to recover from a month of political infighting and stalled momentum in the race against former President Donald Trump. Party fundraising had slowed considerably among major Democratic donors in the weeks after Biden’s poor debate performance.

The northwest bakes again, but relief may be coming for some

By ISABELLE TAFT

Aheat wave that brought dangerously high temperatures near 110 degrees to some inland parts of Washington, Oregon and Idaho this weekend is forecast to recede for some areas early this week — but not in Boise, Idaho, where Sunday’s high of 108 degrees broke the daily record.

Parts of the three states, along with northern Nevada, encountered blistering heat once again Sunday, the continuation of a hot July for the whole region, where extreme heat was linked to hundreds of deaths in 2021.

In Boise, Sunday’s high of 108 degrees also made it the 14th straight day with highs of 99 degrees or above in southern Idaho, said Les Colin, a senior forecaster at the National Weather Service office in Boise. On most of those days, the temperature was above 100.

One marker of how long the area has been broiling: The Boise Farmers Market closed early for the second Saturday in a row, to keep vendors safe in the heat.

Temperatures there will not drop significantly until the end of the week, according to forecasters. If forecasts hold, Thursday will be the 10th straight 100-degree day, a record for the number of consecutive days

with triple-digit temperatures in the city.

In Spokane, Washington, the high reached 106 degrees Sunday, and triple-digit temperatures are forecast to continue Monday. After that, a dry cold front is expected to bring cooler temperatures.

Temperatures were more normal in the region’s most populated areas, closer to the coasts. In Portland, Oregon, Sunday’s high of 81 was actually a bit below the typical highs for late July, the weather service said. In Seattle, the high of 81 was close to average, and cooler than recent days.

In western Washington, forecasters expect highs to fall into the mid-70s Monday.

For meteorologists and residents of the region, the extreme heat of late has recalled the devastating heat wave of 2021, when overall temperature records were broken by several degrees in many cities, and hundreds of people died. Unlike parts of the country where summer has long meant sweltering conditions, the Pacific Northwest is in many ways not built for heat. Seattle residents have famously long eschewed air conditioning, and homes are often designed to keep the sun and the heat in, not out.

During a heat wave in 2021, a lack of air conditioning was a factor when two men

on the same floor of an apartment building died on the same hot night in Spokane. Overall, heat was a factor in the deaths of 20 Spokane residents that summer.

On Sunday morning, William Richard was taking the garbage out at the New Washington apartments, the complex where the two men had died in 2021. He said he was lucky enough to have acquired a window unit, a gift from a friend’s mother, when he moved into one of the tiny units in April. Even then, he said, it only managed to lower the temperature to about the same as it was outside.

Early Sunday afternoon, the temperature outside was 101 degrees. The rooms without air conditioners, he said, felt anywhere from 5 to 15 degrees hotter without a window unit.

For Spokane, this heat wave has lasted longer than the heat event in 2021, but the high temperatures have been lower and, significantly, nights have been cooler, said Brian G. Henning, the director of the Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water and the Environment.

“Bodies are able to recover,” he said. “I think that’s one of the reasons why we’re having fewer visits to the emergency department.”

areas

Scientists said that climate change appears to be increasing the intensity and duration of heat events in the Northwest.

“We’re used to heat, we’d get some extreme heat, that would be normal,” Henning said of Spokane. “It’s just that now, the severity is worse, and the duration is longer.”

Paul Loikith, an associate professor of geography at Portland State University, said it was safe to assume that climate change had added about three degrees to the summer temperatures in the Pacific Northwest — on days of “extreme heat” and normal days alike. That means cool days are not as cool, and warm days are warmer.

The current heat wave has also aggravated fires in the region, said Colin, the senior forecaster in Boise. That city’s Sunday forecast included “areas of smoke,” mostly produced by two wildfires in eastern and central Oregon.

“When there’s an existing fire, which is created by lightning or even by people, those fires tend to become very active, and spread rapidly,” Colin said.

But the smoke, which partly filters the sun, would reduce high temperatures by a couple of degrees Sunday and Monday, the weather service predicted.

Google close to its biggest acquisition ever, despite antitrust scrutiny

By NICO GRANT and LAUREN HIRSCH

Google, which became one of the world’s the most valuable companies through its search engine and other consumer internet services, is nearing its largest acquisition to improve what it can offer to business customers.

Google is in talks to buy Wiz, a New York-based cybersecurity startup, according to three people with knowledge of the discussions, who were not authorized to discuss them. Wiz was last valued at $12 billion.

The companies have valued the deal at roughly $23 billion, said one of the people, easily making it Google’s most expensive acquisition and nearly double what the company paid for Motorola Mobility in 2012.

Although a deal looks likely, talks could still fall apart, the people said. Google and Wiz did not respond to requests for comment. The Wall Street Journal earlier reported that the companies were

discussing a deal.

Google has moved forward with negotiations despite the possibility that regulators might try to block the deal. But the company may be willing to fight to beef up its cloudcomputing division, which lags behind Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.

Google was sued by the Justice Department in two separate antitrust cases, one targeting its ubiquitous search engine and another seeking to break up its digital advertising-technology business. A verdict in the search case is expected this summer.

Regulators under President Joe Biden have taken a hard line against acquisitions by all the tech giants and corporate consolidation in general. It blocked deals such as the publishing giant Penguin Random House’s $2.18 billion acquisition of rival Simon & Schuster and JetBlue’s $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines. Amazon abandoned its $1.7 billion acquisition of iRobot after pushback from European and U.S. regulators. And the Federal Trade Commission

unsuccessfully sued to block Microsoft’s acquisition of video game company Activision.

For years, Google executives have focused on making money outside of online advertising, but Google search, YouTube and its other platforms still bring in three-fourths of Google’s revenue. Buying Wiz would not move the needle overnight, but would forge a connection between Google Cloud and companies that use Wiz to safeguard data held in AWS, Azure and other cloud computing systems.

Such a splashy purchase would be unusual for Google, which has been cautious about large acquisitions. Less than two years after buying Motorola for $12.5 billion, Google sold it to computer-maker Lenovo — at a loss. More recently, in 2021, Google paid $2.1 billion for fitness-tracker company FitBit, a deal that also faced regulatory scrutiny before it was approved.

Google has made a number of acquisitions to improve what it can offer to cloud computing customers. In 2022, it bought

Mandiant, a cybersecurity company, for $5.4 billion. The same year, it bought Siemplify, another cybersecurity firm.

Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, has led the push to buy Wiz, one of the people familiar with the talks said. He has sought to make cybersecurity a distinguishing strength of his division, and Wiz would go a long way to helping with that. The startup tries to help corporate customers, including BMW, Slack and Morgan Stanley, reduce security threats when they use cloudcomputing services.

Wiz, which was founded in Israel in 2020 and is now headquartered New York, said in May it had raised $1 billion in funding and was now valued at $12 billion. The company has grown rapidly. Earlier this year, it said it had $350 million in annual recurring revenue, up from $100 million two years earlier.

Wiz’s investors include Andreessen Horowitz, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Thrive Capital.

Stocks

Analysis-geopolitics is back to break markets’ stride

Politics has toppled global markets from record peaks and over a turbulent few weeks stepped to the fore as investors confront the prospect of an increasingly fractious Europe, isolationist America and a slowdown in the pulse of world trade.

Geopolitics topped the risk list of sovereign money managers this year and, after a roaring rally, money is rushing out of potential flashpoints - such as Taiwan’s stock market - and into havens such as gold, which hit an all-time high last week.

The line of thinking is that a period of peace and free trade is finished and the next one looks less profitable.

Nearly half the globe votes this year and results so far underpin the shift in mood: Taiwan elected a president detested in Beijing, voters lurched to the right in France and installed the largest left-wing majority in Britain for a generation.

Over just eight days, the U.S. campaign trail created shock waves: frontrunner Donald Trump was grazed by a bullet and Joe Biden quit with less than four months to go until polling day.

Markets are tuning in and the news has pulled geopolitical concerns to the front of investors’ minds.

“It is definitely one of the more important considerations we have been working into our process all year,” said Erik Knutzen, multi-asset chief investment officer at Neuberger Berman, which manages $481 billion in assets.

“The high-level way that that is being manifested is by assessing our overall portfolio risk levels,” he said.

“An environment of elevated geopolitical risk would lead you to turn that risk dial down.”

That has already been evident in prices as markets immediately focus on two potential pitfalls likely to be heightened by a Trump victory: inflation and restrictions or disruptions to semiconductor sales, particularly for Taiwan.

Gold, considered an inflation hedge and a beneficiary of demand from central banks in a climate of mistrust, shot to a record high above $2,450 an ounce in the days after the attempt on Trump’s life, an event that has galvanised his supporters.

“All of Trump’s policies are likely to be inflationary - be it tax cuts, immigration, or re-shoring, and hence dollar bearish...so the dollar is likely to depreciate against gold,” said Prashant Kothaari, CEO at Alpha Alternatives.

At the same time more than $100 billion has been wiped from the market value of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co in less than a week after Trump sounded equivocal about his commitment to Taiwan’s protection and chip industry.

Goldman Sachs’ cross-strait risk indicator, which analyses news, is below peaks but has rebounded over the past week. Taiwan’s currency slumped to its lowest in more than eight years on Monday as investors fled the island which is at the forefront of chipmaking technology and the front line of U.S.-China tension.

Netanyahu, who clashed with Biden, prepares for a delicate farewell

By PATRICK KINGSLEY

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is unlikely to immediately change his approach to the war in the Gaza Strip following President Joe Biden’s decision to stand aside, even if he may privately welcome the president’s departure from the race, analysts said.

Netanyahu would most likely have freer rein in Gaza under a potential new Trump administration, but the prime minister must still work with Biden for the next six months, leaving him with little immediate room for maneuver, they said.

Until January, Biden will control the delivery of U.S. munitions to Israel, as well as the level of U.S. diplomatic support at the United Nations at a time when global scrutiny of Israel has rarely been higher.

“Of course, Netanyahu benefits from a politically weak Biden, who is blamed by the Israeli right for restraining Israel,” said Mazal Mualem, an Israeli political commentator and a biographer of Netanyahu. “But Biden is still president and Netanyahu needs him,” she said.

Netanyahu has clashed with the Biden administration over the scale of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, the delivery of aid to Palestinian civilians and Israel’s failure to set out a clear vision for the territory’s postwar governance. Under U.S. pressure, Israel has slowed its military campaign in Gaza since January and has so far avoided a land war along Israel’s border with Lebanon, where for months it has exchanged missile strikes with Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Lebanese militia that is allied to Hamas.

By contrast, Donald Trump has indicated that he would allow Israel to use greater force in Gaza, arguing that Israeli forces have “got to finish what they started, and they’ve got to finish it fast.” Trump also supports taking a more aggressive stance against Iran, and his reelection might allow Netanyahu to conduct more strikes on Iran and its proxy militias like Hezbollah, as well as the Houthis in Yemen.

Still, with more than three months before the U.S. election, it is too early for Netanyahu to bank on Trump’s return. Netanyahu left Monday morning for Washington, where he is set to make a speech Wednesday to a joint session of Congress. Before taking off, he said he would use the speech to “tell my friends on both sides of the aisle that regardless who the American people choose as their next president, Israel remains America’s indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East.”

Asked if Biden’s decision affects Netanyahu’s approach to Gaza, an Israeli government

Prime

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, right, meets with President Joe Biden in Tel Aviv on Oct. 18, 2023. Netanyahu could expect a freer hand if Donald Trump returns to the presidency, but he must rely on Biden for another six months. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times)

spokesperson, David Mencer, said: “The short answer is no.”

Mencer added: “We’re going to thwart every future threat to the state of Israel from Gaza, and we will return home all of our hostages. None of that changes.”

In an illustration of the bind in which Netanyahu finds himself, Vice President Kamala Harris will sit behind him as he speaks Wednesday. By January, she could be sitting in the Oval Office as Biden’s successor.

Analysts say that Netanyahu was likely to try to maintain a functional relationship with Biden and Harris while avoiding causing offense to Trump. The prime minister once had strong ties with Trump, who helped him forge diplomatic relations with several Arab states and moved the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, all moves that benefited Netanyahu’s legacy.

But Netanyahu angered Trump in 2020 by congratulating Biden on his return to office, and their relationship is still considered fragile.

Netanyahu’s initial response Sunday to Biden’s decision provided a template for how the prime minister would approach that balancing act.

Netanyahu did not immediately comment on Biden’s departure or thank him for his decades of sup-

port for Israel. That diplomatic nicety was left to Israel’s figurehead president, Isaac Herzog, and the defense minister, Yoav Gallant, both of whom hailed Biden’s relationship with the Jewish state.

But Netanyahu did swiftly announce that Israel would continue to negotiate for a ceasefire in Gaza, a move that is likely to please Biden, who has personally pushed for a truce for several months. And the following morning he said that the meeting with Biden would be “an opportunity to thank him for the things he did for Israel in the war and during his long and distinguished career.”

It is still possible that Netanyahu will agree to a cease-fire deal once the Israeli parliament, or Knesset, begins its summer recess at the end of July, according to Nadav Shtrauchler, a former strategist for Netanyahu.

Without a sitting parliament, Netanyahu will be freer to act against the wishes of his

far-right coalition allies. Some of them have threatened to bring down the government — a move that requires a vote in parliament — if

Netanyahu agrees to a truce with Hamas.

Biden’s announcement “will make Netanyahu more confident that he’ll have Trump as a colleague again,” Shtrauchler said. “But he’ll still be careful and walk a line that keeps all options open — including a deal during the Knesset recess.”

It is also unclear whether Biden will change his own approach to Gaza, now that he is unburdened by the need to campaign for reelection.

Some analysts say he could take a stronger line against Netanyahu, mirroring some past presidents who took stronger stances against Israel in the final months of their tenures.

In a similar way, Biden may push “even harder now to end the fighting, since he’s going to want to leave some semblance of quiet behind as part of his legacy,” said Michael Koplow, an analyst of Israeli and U.S. politics at the Israel Policy Forum, a New York-based research group.

But there is no guarantee that Netanyahu will soften under greater pressure, given how he has already resisted months of U.S. calls for a cease-fire.

“Netanyahu has been making decisions based more on his domestic politics than on Biden’s preferences anyway, and that’s not going to change,” Koplow said.

Besides, Biden may simply stick to the same approach — broadly supporting Israel’s war while criticizing certain battlefield tactics and calling for a cease-fire. Even when he was still running for reelection, Biden repeatedly showed that he was ready to pay a political price among parts of his base for continuing to supply Israel with arms.

That suggests his decisions on Gaza were already “dictated by principle rather than politics,” Koplow said. “So I don’t think removing the election from his equation is going to lead to significant shifts.”

World leaders, with outlook uncertain, praise Biden but speak carefully

By SARAH MASLIN NIR

Some were valedictory, praising a U.S. president’s legacy. Others lauded the courage they said it took to walk away from power. But a few world leaders struck another note over President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection: trepidation.

“I am keeping my fingers crossed for the USA that a good president emerges from the democratic competition of two strong and equal candidates,” said the prime minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala.

With its outsize effect on governments large and small, U.S. presidential politics is closely watched around the world, but perhaps never more so than this year. As if the prospect of a Donald Trump redux presidency had not preoccupied foreign leaders enough, there was another urgent question of recent weeks: Would Biden even stay in the race?

On Sunday, he gave his answer, throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, a political figure who, unlike Biden, lacks a long history of involvement in U.S. foreign diplomacy.

In Germany, where Trump’s antipathy toward the NATO alliance and somewhat impenetrable stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine have raised anxiety, Chancellor Olaf Scholz pointed notably toward Biden’s starkly different approach from Trump’s isolationist bent.

“Thanks to him, trans-Atlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us,” Scholz said in a statement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he respected Biden’s “tough but strong” decision and thanked him for his “unwavering support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom.”

A resident of Lewis, Del., holds his dog as he wears a t-shirt of Vice President Kamala Harris in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Sunday July 21, 2024. President Joe Biden on Sunday abruptly abandoned his campaign for a second term under intense pressure from fellow Democrats and threw his support to Vice President Kamala Harris to lead their party in a dramatic last-minute bid to stop former President Donald Trump from returning to the White House. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed that sentiment Monday. Biden has “been a magnificent supporter of democracy around the world,” Albanese said in an interview with his country’s national broadcaster. He cited “the struggle of the people of Ukraine” as well as “the presence of the United States in the Indo-Pacific,” where many countries are concerned about China’s rise.

The leaders of Japan and South Korea, key American allies in Asia, said they would not comment on domestic U.S. politics. The

office of South Korea’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, said it believed there was bipartisan support in the United States for the countries’ alliance, and that his government would “continue to cooperate closely with the United States” to further it.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that Biden had “wanted to make the best political decision.” He added, “The U.S.-Japan alliance is, needless to say, the axis for Japan’s diplomacy and security, and I will watch the further developments.”

Foreign leaders did not wade directly into the morass now facing the Democratic Party, veiling any concerns they had after the bombshell announcement. Many opted instead for congratulations and statements of empathy for an 81-year-old leader who reached the pinnacle of power only to find it nearing an end earlier than he had hoped.

In Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised Biden for “making the world safer, and democracy and freedom stronger” throughout his career, including by deciding not to run.

“I know that you were guided by the same principles when announcing your latest decision — perhaps the most difficult one in your life,” he said.

Keir Starmer, the newly installed British prime minister, said he respected the decision. “I know that, as he has done throug-

hout his remarkable career, President Biden will have made his decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people,” he said in a statement.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, speaking to Reuters, noted that the American president “justifies the decision by saying that he wants to put the country before himself” and said “that reasoning commands respect.”

In Ireland, Simon Harris, the taoiseach, or prime minister, on Sunday evening called Biden “a voice for reason” and “a proud American with an Irish soul.” He wrote of a visit that Biden made to Ireland last year, which the president had described as “like coming home.”

“The outpouring of love and support from the public, even in the pouring Irish rain,” Harris wrote, “Was testament to how highly the president is held in his ancestral home.”

Biden’s response elicited a predictably less-effusive response from Russia, which has regularly and stridently denounced U.S. military backing for Ukraine in the war.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said achieving its aims in its war was more important for Russia than the results of U.S. elections. He said that “much could still change” before the vote in November, according to state news agencies.

“We need to be patient and see what happens next,” Peskov said.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan during an interview in Traverse City, Mich., Jan. 19, 2024. The governors of Pennsylvania, Michigan, California and Illinois have attracted attention as potential contenders to replace President Biden atop the ticket. (Sarah Rice/The New York Times)

A critical gap in democracy? ‘Yawn,’ s Canadian politicians.

Outside a mall in Markham, Ontario, Canada, Oct. 12, 2023. (Ian Willms/The New York Times)

By NORIMITSU ONISHI

It is the “Wild West” of Canada’s political system, a “critical gap” in its democracy. But Canadian political leaders — and some foreign nations — are big fans.

Canadian elections have long rested on what many experts say is an undemocratic foundation: opaque nomination races in which political parties select their candidates for general contests in a process mystifying to most Canadians.

Party bosses enjoy an unshakable grip. Money flows, often unaccounted for. Rules tend to be lax, with no impartial judge in sight.

“After Tammany Hall, the U.S. went through a series of reforms that resulted in the modern primary system,” said Michael Chong, a high-ranking lawmaker from the Conservative Party. “But our system is largely based on a 19th-century system.”

Though the machinations behind nominations have long been an open secret among insiders, they have recently come under a harsh spotlight with Canada’s continuing sweeping investigation into foreign meddling in its political system.

Nominations have been singled out as glaring weaknesses in the country’s democratic system that some foreigners — primarily China and India — are increasingly exploiting to back certain candidates and oppose others.

Lawmakers from Canada’s major parties passed a bill last month to help fend off and prosecute foreign meddling, including with the creation of a registry of foreign agents.

But the new law did not address how parties choose their candidates despite increasing calls to overhaul nominations — including by placing them under the oversight of Elections Canada, the nonpartisan agency responsible for conducting federal elections.

The holdouts? Parties themselves.

“Party leaders want to have a level of power so that they can abuse their power and not be held accountable,” said Duff Conacher, a founder of Democracy Watch, an Ottawabased watchdog organization.

In each federal electoral riding, or district, parties hold nomination races to choose candidates for parliamentary elections. Those vying to win try to sign up as many party members as possible and then must ensure they show up for the nomination vote.

A yearlong public inquiry into foreign interference described nomination races as “gateways for foreign states who wish to interfere in our democratic processes.” A special parliamentary committee’s redacted report concluded that nominations were “a particularly soft target” and “a critical gap” in Canada’s democracy, recommending that they be regulated the same way general elections are.

The findings were of little surprise in the immigrant-rich suburbs of Toronto that, along with similar neighborhoods around Vancouver, have been the main targets of foreign interference.

In Brampton — home to a large Indian diaspora, including Canada’s biggest Sikh population — Sikh activists have warned for years about interference by Indian government officials and their proxies in nomination races.

India uses pressure and money, activists say, to sideline Sikh candidates — especially those critical of the Indian government’s policies toward the Sikh minority population in India and those who advocate a separate Sikh homeland in India.

“In Brampton, the Indian Consulate decides who they want to help and who will be a party’s candidate,” said Jarmanjit Singh, a mortgage broker and Sikh activist who ran unsuccessfully in 2017 for a nomination for a provincial election. Community organizations with ties to the consulate then back the candidates on the ground, he added.

Sikh activists say the Indian government tries to curtail the influence of Canadian Sikhs, who otherwise have had an outsize impact on Canada’s political system through elections and appointments to senior government positions.

The parliamentary committee described India as the second-biggest perpetrator of foreign meddling after China.

Sanjay Kumar Verma, India’s ambassador to Canada, said in an email that the Indian government “does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries” and has not been given “concrete evidence” backing up the accusations.

Jaskaran Sandhu, a criminal lawyer and former leader of the World Sikh Organization of Canada who has been involved in political campaigns for several parties, said he had observed widespread foreign meddling in nominations.

“Parties are not very inclined to speak about nominations publicly,” he said, “because nominations are messy, nominations are often corrupt. Nominations are the dirty laundry of every political party.”

Nominations are a mystery to most Canadians and even to party members because each party has different rules, said Fred DeLorey, a former national campaign manager for the Conservative Party who said he had overseen more than 1,000 nominations.

“Political parties in Canada are private clubs,” DeLorey said, allowing them to carefully screen candidates and choose the strongest ones.

“At the end of the day, political parties are about winning elections,” he said.

Still, DeLorey does not believe party nominations need to be regulated, arguing that foreign meddling in Conservative nominations was not “something that’s happening widespread, if anywhere.”

In many districts, local party associations are often inactive, and candidates form committees only during

nomination contests, said Jack Heath, a former deputy mayor of Markham, a suburb north of Toronto, and a veteran of Liberal Party campaigns.

“This is the Wild West,” Heath said.

In the past, buying memberships was a “relatively widespread” practice, he said. A candidate, he added, would gain instant supporters before a nomination vote by paying for their annual party membership fees — $10 before the Liberals made membership free in 2016.

Nominations are an appealing target for foreign meddling, according to the report, “because the number of votes required to sway riding nominations is so small.”

And while all parties require members to be residents of a district to vote there, it is “relatively easy to show an altered phone bill with the wrong address, or a fraudulent letter from a school, in order to vote in a nomination,” the report said.

“You can fake it in five minutes,” said Bob Mok, a Hong Kong-born Canadian who has campaigned against Chinese government interference in the Toronto region. The Chinese Embassy in Ottawa, which has denied interfering in Canadian politics, did not respond to a request for comment.

Mok, who has been active in Conservative politics, said buying party memberships remained common. An individual pays for membership but is reimbursed later by a candidate, Mok said.

Still, party leaders are reluctant to tighten the system, Mok said.

“That would take away the absolute power of the absolute dictator of each party,” he said.

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UPR presente en el primer internado Europa ICONS de NASA

Dosestudiantes del Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez (RUM) y un egresado del recinto de Río Piedras de la Universidad de Puerto Rico (UPR), forman parte del selecto grupo de 40 universitarios seleccionados por la Administración Nacional de la Aeronáutica y del Espacio (NASA) para participar durante este verano en el novel programa de internado Europa ICONS (Inspiring Clipper: Opportunities for Next-generation Scientists).

Las colegiales Beverly Jane Malugin Ayala, del Departamento de Geología, y Arianna K. Rodríguez Ortiz, del Departamento de Física, del RUM; así como Jeansel Johnson Ayala, egresado del Departamento de Física del recinto riopedrense de la UPR, son los tres primeros universitarios de Puerto Rico en participar en este nuevo proyecto de la NASA.

Europa ICONS apoya a la misión Europa Clipper, que consta del lanzamiento de la nave espacial, previsto para el 10 de octubre de 2024, con el fin de estudiar la luna helada de Júpiter, también conocida como el satélite galileano Europa. Asimismo, conecta a estudiantes con mentores del equipo científico de la misión durante un programa de 10 semanas en el Laboratorio de Propulsión a Chorro (JPL) de la NASA en California, que comenzó el 3 de junio y concluirá el 9 de agosto. El objetivo es realizar investigaciones científicas originales sobre temas relacionados con la misión.

“La experiencia ha sido sumamente enriquecedora. He profundizado y creado conexiones con los

científicos investigadores que trabajan en JPL con la misión de Europa. Me ha ayudado a visualizar el camino hacia los estudios graduados y ha reafirmado mi pasión por la geología planetaria. Incluso, he comenzado a hablar con mis mentores sobre posibles temas para una tesis en el futuro”, destacó Beverly Jane.

Su proyecto veraniego está enfocado en utilizar ArcGIS Pro para la digitalización y modificación del mapa geológico de Tyre, el cráter más grande en la superficie de Europa, que tiene un diámetro de 43.41 kilómetros. “Para referencia, esta distancia es aproximadamente la misma que trazar una línea desde Mayagüez hasta Yauco”, explicó.

Por su parte, para Arianna esta oportunidad forma parte de sus metas de estudiar el espacio.

“Este internado ha sido una experiencia única en mi tiempo como estudiante. Colaborar con científicos de todo el mundo para aprender sobre Júpiter y Europa ha sido una gran experiencia para mí. Cada día surgen más preguntas sobre este sistema que solamente se podrán resolver con datos obtenidos con Europa Clipper.

Añadió que su estudio se centra en la radio astronomía del ambiente en Júpiter.

“La investigación está directamente relacionada con el instrumento científico de Europa Clipper REASON. Me emociona mucho representar al Colegio, a la UPR y a Puerto Rico en este internado. ¡Es la primera vez que salgo de Puerto Rico para un internado como estudiante del sistema de educación pública!”, puntualizó.

Jeansel, Arianna y Beverly son parte del grupo de 40 universitarios seleccionados por la NASA para participar durante este verano en el programa de internado Europa ICONS.

Mientras que para Jeansel, quien obtuvo su grado de bachillerato en Física en 2023, en el recinto de Río Piedras de la UPR (IUPI), este logro “representa el portal, el próximo escalón en mi carrera hacia el trabajo de mis sueños como investigador de ciencias planetarias”.

Su investigación consiste en buscar análogos en la Tierra para la luna de Júpiter, Europa.

La misión Europa Clipper de la NASA es investigar si existen áreas bajo la superficie helada de la luna Europa de Júpiter que podrían albergar vida.

Abre convocatoria para Medalla Ricardo Alegría 2024

Con el fin de reconocer la labor de individuos y entidades que impactan positivamente el desarrollo de la Arquitectura o la Arquitectura Paisajista en Puerto Rico, el Colegio de Arquitectos y Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico (CAAPPR) anunció que continúa abierta la convocatoria para someter nominaciones para la Medalla de la Arquitectura Dr. Ricardo Alegría 2024, la cual honra la memoria del reconocido antropólogo puertorriqueño Dr. Ricardo Alegría.

La Medalla Ricardo Alegría 2024, a ser otorgada en una de tres categorías: Individual, Servidor Público o Institucional, pretende destacar a aquella persona o entidad que promueva directamente los valores de la Arquitectura y la Arquitectura Paisajista, o cuya gestión esté dirigida a promover el enriquecimiento de la sociedad puertorriqueña y su medio ambiente. Igualmente, informó el CAAPPR, que la Medalla podrá otorgarse a quien impulse un esfuerzo puntual de gran importancia, así como a aquel cuya labor reiterada a través del tiempo haya impactado a largo plazo. La Medalla será entregada como parte de la celebración de la Semana de la Arquitectura, el 13 de septiembre a partir de las

6:00 p.m.

Para ser elegibles, los candidatos nominados deberán cumplir con los siguientes requisitos según la Categoría: Individual: Individuos no adiestrados en la arquitectura o la arquitectura paisajista y cuyas aportaciones sean significativas y hayan rebasado las responsabilidades de su profesión; Servidor Público: Individuos no entrenados en la arquitectura o la arquitectura paisajista que fungen o fungieron como servidores públicos, cuyas aportaciones rebasan la misión y las responsabilidades de sus puestos, e Institucional: Grupos de personas, organizaciones, agencias y otras instituciones cuyo quehacer no esté directamente relacionado a estas disciplinas (exceptuando organizaciones sin fines de lucro y/o fideicomisos) y cuyas aportaciones sean significativas y rebasen la misión y responsabilidades propias de la entidad.

Las nominaciones podrán ser realizadas en la sede del Colegio en la Calle del Parque 225, en Santurce, por arquitectos o arquitectos paisajistas, así como por cualquier persona o entidad interesada en o antes del 30 de agosto.

23, 2024 13

Richard Simmons, ‘the clown prince of fitness,’ dies at 76

By ALEX TRAUB

Richard Simmons, who with dances, confessions, screeches, comedy sketches and pep talks established himself as America’s most popular fitness instructor, died Saturday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 76.

A representative for Simmons, Tom Estey, confirmed the death.

The Los Angeles police and fire departments responded to Simmons’ address at 10 a.m. Saturday. A Fire Department spokesperson said that personnel there determined he had died of natural causes.

In March, Simmons said he had been treated for basal cell carcinoma, which he said first appeared as a “strange looking bump” under his eye.

From the 1980s until his death, Simmons was the dominant incarnation of a long-standing figure from American pop culture, dating at least to the muscle show impresario and magazine publisher Bernarr Macfadden (1868-1955). Simmons shared much with Jack LaLanne. Each man became a television and self-help sensation by promoting a personal story of being born again: a miserable youth of sinful junkfood gluttony, followed by the discovery that physical fitness confers happiness and virtue.

boyant, visible and rambunctious exercise evangelist this world has ever seen.”

His TV show, “The Richard Simmons Show,” went into national syndication in 1980. He developed a series of gags and characters, including Reverend Pounds (“a man of the cloth — the tablecloth”) who intoned, “Though I waddle through the valley of linguine and clams, I shall fear no evil.” He dressed as Scarlett O’Hara gorging herself during a picnic before war rations might go into effect.

And he ran and leaped around the stage, performing and explaining cardio workouts to his live audience and viewers at home, his body bronzed and his curly hair

plugs motionlessly in place.

road each year, traveling to promote his products, give motivational speeches and meet fans. He flew around the country napping across two first-class seats in his signature gym shorts.

“I think I’m just a good example of a chubby, fat, unhappy kid who lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, and dreamed, and now all my dreams are coming true,” Simmons told TV host Huell Howser in 1980.

A TV fitness act would seem to demand a balance between masculinity and theatrics. Simmons showed otherwise. He transformed exercise and healthy eating into a realm of cross-dressing skits, squealing exhortations, sequined tank tops, teeny-weeny short shorts and saucy repartee. He preached not musclebound pride but the joie de vivre of self-love.

In two 1981 profiles, People magazine called Simmons a “hyperkinetic elf in an emerald-green track suit” and “the clown prince of fitness.” In 2017, The New York Times labeled him “the most loquacious, flam-

Simmons went off the air in 1984, but he developed a wide array of other products and performances to replace his show. There were many iterations of “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” on VHS and DVD (in 2008 The Denver Post called it “the ‘Citizen Kane’ of workout videos”), weight-loss cruises, infomercials and bestselling books.

Simmons attained such ubiquity that late in life, when he retired from making public appearances, a hit podcast dedicated itself to speculating on his reasons for doing so.

He appeared as himself on “General Hospital,” and on talk shows including “The Dr. Oz Show,” “Ellen” “The Dr. Ruth Show” (whose host, Ruth Westheimer, died Friday) and the “Late Show with David Letterman,” where he and Letterman focused less on fitness than on mocking each other’s dress and mannerisms.

Simmons was no less in character during the roughly 200 days he spent on the

Tour buses would arrive at his home in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood, and rather than avoid the gawking out-of-towners, Simmons would race onboard, helping the ladies with their makeup.

Jared Gutstadt, a Canadian musician and entrepreneur, once loudly complained at an airport while waiting for his bags at the carousel — and then he heard a voice call him a “meanie weanie” and demand he do push-ups. He was being scolded, he wrote in a 2015 Times article, by Richard Simmons.

“I turned five different shades of red, but I did the 10 push-ups, and people started laughing,” Gutstadt wrote. “That incident made me realize that I have to be a lot more Zen.”

Fans were promised the real Richard Simmons, and they got it. “You’re actually inside my real exercise studio, Slimmons, and these are my honest-to-goodness teachers,” he said in one workout video. Into the late 2000s, a lesson with Simmons cost just $12.

He was born Milton Teagle Simmons in New Orleans on July 12, 1948. His mother,

Shirley, was disowned by her Jewish family when she set out to become a dancer for the Ziegfeld Follies, Simmons told Dr. Ruth. He became an “extreme Catholic,” the religion of his father, Leonard, who once performed in a vaudeville act and was a master of ceremonies for big bands in Chicago.

He told varying stories about how he came to be called Richard — that an uncle had paid for him to attend college, at Florida State University, if he took his name, or that he simply disliked the name Milton.

Simmons frequently said that he began overeating at a young age. “While other kids my age began exploring their sexuality, I spent time exploring food,” he wrote in “Still Hungry — After All These Years,” his autobiography. “Food became sex for me — it became my pleasure.”

Yet for all his openness and availability, Simmons reserved some of his life for himself. He rarely left his hotel room when traveling and avoided restaurants. He described himself to The Denver Post as a loner with few friends whose main company consisted of pet Dalmatians and live-in housekeepers.

“I don’t have a lot to offer one person,” he said about his lack of a romantic partner. “I have a lot to offer to a lot of people.”

Richard Simmons, teaches a class at his gym in Beverly Hills, Calif., Nov. 21, 2009. Simmons, who for years was the face of home fitness through his wildly popular videos and energetic personality, died on Saturday morning, July 13, 2024, in Los Angeles. He was 76. (Stephanie Diani/The New York Times)

In constant battle with insurers, doctors reach for a cudgel: AI

By TEDDY ROSENBLUTH

At his rehabilitation medicine practice in Illinois, Dr. Azlan Tariq typically spent seven hours a week fighting with insurance companies reluctant to pay for his patients’ treatments.

He often lost.

There was the 45-year-old man who spent five months in a wheelchair while his insurer denied appeal after appeal for a prosthetic leg. Or the stroke survivor who was rehospitalized following a fall after his insurer determined his rehab “could be done at home.”

Over the course of Tariq’s 12-year career, these stories had become more common: The list of treatments that needed preapproval from insurers seemed ever broadening, and the denials seemed ever rising.

So, in an effort to spare his patients what he deemed subpar care, and himself mountains of paperwork, Tariq recently turned to an unlikely tool: generative AI.

For a growing number of doctors, AI chatbots — which can draft letters to insurers in seconds — are opening up a new front in the battle to approve costly claims, accomplishing in minutes what years of advocacy and attempts at health care reform have not.

“We haven’t had legislative tools or policymaking tools or anything to fight back,” Tariq said. “This is finally a tool I can use to fight back.”

Doctors are turning to the technology even as some of the country’s largest insurance companies face class-action lawsuits alleging that they used their own technology to swiftly deny large batches of claims and cut off seriously ill patients from rehabilitation treatment.

Some experts fear that the priorauthorization process will soon devolve into an AI “arms race,” in which bots battle bots over insurance coverage. Among doctors, there are few things as universally hated.

“If you want to see a physician go apoplectic at a cocktail party, mention prior authorizations,” said Dr. Robert Wachter, chair of the medicine department at the University of California, San Francisco.

The process was designed by insurance companies to keep health care costs down by reining in doctors’ use of unne-

cessary and expensive treatments.

But Dr. Jonathan Tward, a radiation oncologist based in Utah, said insurers often demanded so much exhaustive documentation and paperwork — even for standard cancer treatments — that he felt he was on the losing side of a “war of attrition.”

Doctors and their staff spend an average of 12 hours a week submitting priorauthorization requests, a process widely considered burdensome and detrimental to patient health among physicians surveyed by the American Medical Association.

With the help of ChatGPT, Tward now types in a couple of sentences, describing the purpose of the letter and the types of scientific studies he wants referenced, and a draft is produced in seconds.

Then, he can tell the chatbot to make it four times longer. “If you’re going to put all kinds of barriers up for my patients, then when I fire back, I’m going to make it very time-consuming,” he said.

Tariq said Doximity GPT, a version of the chatbot compliant with he federal law restricting release of medical information, had halved the time he spent on prior authorizations. Maybe more important, he said, the tool — which draws from his

patient’s medical records and the insurer’s coverage requirements — has made his letters more successful.

Since using AI to draft prior-authorization requests, he said about 90% of his requests for coverage had been approved by insurers, compared with about 10% before.

Generative AI has been particularly useful for doctors at small practices, who might not ordinarily have time to appeal an insurer’s decision — even if they think their patient’s treatment will suffer because of it.

Nearly half of doctors surveyed by the AMA said that when they didn’t appeal a claim denial, it was at least in part because they didn’t have the time or resources for the insurance company’s lengthy appeals process.

Dr. Michael Albert, an obesity medicine specialist in Oklahoma, said AI had enabled his small, resource-strapped telehealth practice to go from almost never appealing insurance denials to sending 10 to 20 appeals per week.

Now, Albert said he could “operate at the same level as companies that have essentially infinite resources.”

While AI is still primarily used by individual, tech-savvy doctors, a growing num-

ber of companies are trying to bring the technology into the mainstream.

Epic, one of the largest electronic health record companies in the country, has rolled out a prior-authorization tool that uses AI to a small group of physicians, said Derek De Young, a developer working on the product.

Several major health systems are piloting Doximity GPT, created to help with a number of administrative tasks including prior authorizations, a company spokesperson said.

But the insurance companies aren’t sitting still, either. Chris Bond, a spokesperson for America’s Health Insurance Plans, said insurers welcomed attempts to streamline the process, including those involving the “appropriate use of AI.”

Dr. Jeff Levin-Scherz, a health policy expert at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said he believed that most health plans were at least evaluating how to use artificial intelligence in their claims review process, if they weren’t using it already.

At the same time, these AI tools may make it easier for ill-intentioned players to bill for medically unnecessary treatments, Levin-Scherz noted.

As doctors use AI to get faster at writing prior-authorization letters, Wachter said he had “tremendous confidence” that the insurance companies would use AI to get better at denying them.

“You have automatic conflict,” said Wachter, who wrote a book about digital technology in medicine. “Their AI will deny our AI, and we’ll go back and forth.”

Wachter said he hoped that some day, with more advanced AI technology, insurers and providers could create a new system that relies less on sending letters back and forth and more on automation.

Insurance coverage could be automatically approved based on an algorithm’s analysis of the most up-to-date scientific literature, for example. An AI tool might also notify a doctor that the $100,000 drug she’s about to prescribe could be substituted with a similarly effective $250 pill.

Until then, many doctors are enjoying a newfound, if temporary, foothold in the battle over insurance claims.

“It is definitely an AI race,” Tariq said, “but I think it wouldn’t be fair if the physicians didn’t have AI.”

Dr. Jonathan Tward, a radiation oncologist, in Salt Lake City on July 3, 2024. Tward says he feels that he is often on the losing side of a “war of attrition.” (Niki Chan Wylie/The New York Times)

The San Juan Daily

He monitors solar flares. Here’s what keeps him up at night.

By KATRINA MILLER

In May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a watch for a possible solar storm. A gigantic cluster of spots on the sun was flaring and expelling material headed straight toward Earth.

Hours later, the watch was replaced by a warning: A storm classified as G4 — on a “G” scale of 1 to 5 — was coming. That weekend, the solar activity was even stronger, creating northern lights that stunned people as far south as Arizona. Behind the scenes, space weather scientists were working around the clock to make sure that the potential for catastrophic effects, like widespread power outages or communication blackouts, remained at a minimum.

Mike Bettwy, a meteorologist and the operations chief for NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, said a lack of data can make solar storm forecasting difficult. The agency is working to change that: On Tuesday, SpaceX launched the agency’s GOESU spacecraft, the latest in a family of satellites that monitor the sun’s impact on our atmosphere, particularly as it approaches a peak in its activity cycle.

Bettwy spoke with The New York Times about what goes into predicting space weather, and the challenge of trying to make sense of an often unpredictable sun. This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Q: How does the space weather forecasting system work?

A: Our office in Boulder [Colorado] is one of many regional watch centers worldwide. There are others in Sweden, the United Kingdom and Australia. We collaborate by comparing and sharing our forecast models, which are all slightly different.

Similar to terrestrial weather, storm watches go out first, and a warning is issued when we are more confident about what is coming. Alerts go out when the weather has actually been observed.

We regularly work with NASA’s Moon to Mars Space Weather Analysis Office, which does a lot of computer modeling of the sun. And we give a heads up to NASA’s Space Radiation Analysis Group anytime there might be potential radiation exposure to astronauts on the International Space Station.

We also talk with the North Ameri-

ca Electric Reliability Corporation, which makes sure the power grid stays up, every day about what might be coming. They then inform their own subsidiaries throughout the country and Canada.

Q: What instruments are used to monitor solar activity?

A: The Solar Ultraviolet Imager, which is on the GOES-16 satellite, is what we use most. It monitors temperatures on the surface of the sun, and shows us the evolution of sunspots and their surrounding environments.

Two other critical satellites are NASA’s Advanced Composition Explorer and our Deep Space Climate Observatory. These are about a million miles out from Earth. That sounds far, but there are actually 93 million miles between us and the sun, and the plasma that flows from it travels at high speeds. By the time it reaches these satellites, we really only have about an hour or less to know that something is going to hit us.

There is also a system of magnetometers, sensors that detect changes in the sun’s magnetic field, scattered around the world.

Q: How might the forecasting system be improved?

A: More satellites would be incredibly helpful. Ideally — and this won’t ever

happen, because it’s not financially attainable — we’d have a satellite every million miles between Earth and the sun. With more satellites, we could see how solar material evolves and changes as it approaches us.

The new GOES-U satellite will have a coronagraph to take images of the sun, and get us higher-resolution data to help with forecasting.

Better space weather modeling is also underway. With terrestrial weather, there’s loads of data. We are just absolutely spoiled with tons of observations. With space weather, we just don’t have that. It’s hard to make tough decisions with only one or two pieces of key data.

We are also working on changing our watch, warning and alert system. Right now, we don’t actually have the ability to issue a G5 watch. When we issue a G4 watch, it technically means G4 or greater. And with warnings, we can only issue up to a G3.

We’re collaborating with our international partners to revise this. Not only will it give us the ability to communicate more precisely, but it will be easier for folks without a technical background to understand what we are talking about.

Q: Isn’t it scary knowing that we are at the whims of an unpredictable sun?

A: It can be daunting. But over the past decades, we’ve learned how to live with the sun. We’ve learned its power and what it can do. Most agencies have appropriate precautions in place to deal with it.

When you get a really intense storm, there is always the possibility that there will be a greater impact than what we have planned for. And that’s the part that keeps us up at night. We want to make sure that even during a worst-case scenario, everything will be OK.

Q: What is the worst-case scenario?

A: The Carrington Event of 1859 is like the granddaddy of events when it comes to space weather. It was the most intense geomagnetic storm ever recorded, with widespread impact on communications across the globe.

We live in a different world now. Technology has come a long way since then. So, that’s what we are trying to prepare for. If we have another Carrington Event, we want our infrastructure — the power grid, satellites, aviation and the internet — to remain, for the most part, functional.

Q: What should we expect as the sun approaches maximum activity?

A: The sun is definitely entering its more active phase. A few days after the last solar storm, we had one of the strongest flares we’ve seen since 2005. It came from the same sunspot cluster, right before it rotated off the west side of the sun.

But we don’t know when solar maximum occurs until after it has happened. The overall consensus is that it will be between the end of 2024 and early 2026. Over the next couple of years, the probability of getting more G4 events is quite high. G5 activity is a little more uncertain, but the chances of seeing it again is possible.

You can prepare for space weather the same way you would for thunderstorm or tornado season. Have emergency kits ready to go. Be ready for power outages and interruptions.

I was working at NASA during the Halloween storm of 2003, and my biggest takeaway from it was that it could have been worse. Now, more than 20 years later, our overall preparedness is even greater. So even if we got a more significant event than what we saw in early May, I’d like to think the ramifications will be fairly minimal.

Mike Bettwy, operations chief for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center, in Boulder, Colo., June 21, 2024. Bettwy, who focuses on potential threats from space weather, says we are more prepared than ever — and that forecasting is only getting better. (Rachel Woolf/The New York Times)

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Parte Demandante Vs. LA SUCESIÓN DE SONIA NIVIA COLÓN

MARRERO T/C/C SONIA COLÓN MARRERO

COMPUESTA POR JOSÉ

RAFAEL HERNÁNDEZ COLÓN, FULANO Y MENGANO DE TAL, POSIBLES HEREDEROS

DESCONOCIDOS, ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA REPRESENTADO POR EL SECRETARIO DE LA VIVIENDA Y DESARROLLO URBANO (HUD)

Parte Demandada

Civil Núm.: BY2023CV01661. (502). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO, EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. AVISO DE PÚBLICA SUBASTA. El Alguacil que suscribe por la presente anuncia y hace constar que en cumplimiento de la Sentencia dictada el 15 de abril de 2024,, la Orden de Ejecución de Sentencia del 7 de junio de 2024 y el Mandamiento de Ejecución del 7 de junio de 2024 en el caso de epígrafe, procederé a vender día 7 DE AGOSTO DE 2024, A LAS 9:15 DE LA MAÑANA en el Cuarto Piso de la Oficina del Alguacil de Subastas, localizada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Centro Judicial de Bayamón, Sala Superior, ubicado en la Carretera Número Dos (#2), Kilómetro 10.4, Esquina Esteban Padilla, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, al mejor postor en pago de contado y en moneda de los Estados Unidos de América, cheque de gerente o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal; todo título, derecho o interés de la parte demandada sobre la siguiente propiedad: URBANA: Apartamento número 3721. Apartamento residencial de forma irregular, constituido por un nivel, localizado en la segunda planta del Edificio J de Alborada. El Condominio que está situado en la carretera número 2, kilómetro 8.6,

Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Consta de un nivel, siendo sus linderos los siguientes: por el NORTE: con espacio exterior; por el SUR: con corredor de uso común y espacio exterior; por el ESTE: con el apartamento número 3722, con corredor de uso común y con espacio exterior; y por el OESTE: con el apartamento número 3622 y con espacio exterior. Consta el mismo de 3 habitaciones con sus respectivos closets, una sala-comedor, cocina, 2 baños, área de almacenar, laundry, terraza. Los baños están equipados con bañera, lavamanos y servicio sanitario. Se incluye bidet en el baño del cuarto principal. El área del apartamento es de 110.98 metros cuadrados. La puerta de entrada de este apartamento está situada en su lindero Sur y por ella se sale a la escalera y al área de circulación del proyecto. Este apartamento tiene una participación de 0.2807% en los elementos comunes generales del Condominio. De modificarse o enmendarse la escritura matriz de Alborada, El condominio a los efectos de añadir 150 unidades de vivienda adicionales el por ciento de participación de este apartamento en los elementos comunes generales del Condominio será de 0.1771%. Le corresponde y se le asigna a este apartamento como elemento común limitado los estacionamientos identificados con los números 397 y 398. Inscrita al folio 171 del tomo 1721 de Bayamón, Finca 71980. Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección I. La escritura de hipoteca consta inscrita al folio 30 del tomo 1913 de Bayamón, Finca 71980. Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección I. Inscripción tercera. DIRECCIÓN FÍSICA: COND. ALBORADA, APT 3721, BLDG J, BAYAMÓN PR 00959. Número de Catastro: 15-085-029006-22-219. El tipo mínimo para la primera subasta será de $121,591.00. De no haber adjudicación en la primera subasta se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA, el día 14 DE AGOSTO DE 2024, A LAS 9:15 DE LA MAÑANA de la mañana, en el mismo lugar, en la cual el tipo mínimo será de dos terceras partes del tipo mínimo fijado en la primera subasta, o sea, $81,060.66. De no haber adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se celebrará una tercera subasta, el 21 DE AGOSTO DE 2024, A LAS 9:15 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar, en la cual el tipo mínimo será la mitad

del precio pactado, o sea, $60,795.50. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si ésta es mayor. Dicho remate se llevará a cabo para con su producto satisfacer a la demandante el importe de la Sentencia por la suma $94,684.34 de principal, más intereses sobre dicha suma al 3.50% anual desde el 1 de septiembre de 2022 hasta su completo pago, más $747.23 de recargos acumulados, los cuales continuarán en aumento hasta el saldo total de la deuda, más la cantidad estipulada de $12,159.10 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogados, así como cualquier otra suma que contenga el contrato del préstamo, incluyendo pero sin limitarse a gastos de mantenimiento, inspecciones y otros adelantos “corporate advances”.Surge del Estudio de Título Registral que sobre esta propiedad pesa el siguiente gravamen posterior a la hipoteca que por la presente se pretende ejecutar: Hipoteca: a favor de Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, por $3,857.85, sin interés, Vencimiento: 1 de Noviembre de 2042, Tasación: $121,591.00, según Escritura Pública Número 523 otorgada en Bayamón a 5 de Octubre de 2018 ante el Notario Público Roberto L Varela Ríos, inscripción 4. Aviso de Demanda: Pleito seguido por Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Vs. La Sucesión de Sonia Nivia Colón Marrero t/c/c Sonia Colón Marrero compuesta por José Rafael Hernández Colón, Fulano y Mengano de tal posibles herederos desconocidos, Estados Unidos de América Representado por el Secretario de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (HUD) demandado, ante el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Bayamón, en el Caso Civil Número BY2023CV01661 sobre Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca, en la que se reclama el pago de hipoteca, con un balance de $94,684.34y otras cantidades, según Demanda de fecha 27 de marzo de 2023, Anotación A. Se notifica al acreedor posterior o a su sucesor o cesionario en derecho para que comparezca a proteger su derecho si así lo desea. Se les advierte a los interesados que todos los documentos relacionados con la

presente acción de ejecución de hipoteca, así como los de Subasta, estarán disponibles para ser examinados, durante horas laborables, en el expediente del caso que obra en los archivos de la Secretaría del Tribunal, bajo el número de epígrafe y para su publicación en un periódico de circulación general en Puerto Rico por espacio de dos semanas y por lo menos una vez por semana; y para su fijación en los sitios públicos requeridos por ley. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad 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 del remate y que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores tal como lo expresa la Ley Núm. 210-2015. Y para el conocimiento de los demandados, de los acreedores posteriores, de los licitadores, partes interesadas y público en general, EXPIDO para su publicación en los lugares públicos correspondientes, el presente Aviso de Pública Subasta en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hoy 18 de junio de 2024. MARIBEL LANZAR VELÁZQUEZ, ALGUACIL PLACA #735, ALGUACIL DEL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CENTRO JUDICIAL DE BAYAMÓN, SALA SUPERIOR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA

TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE BAYAMÓN SALA SUPERIOR

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. WILFREDO RIVAS HERRÁN y JASMINE

ECHEGARAY LÓPEZ

Demandados

Civil Núm.: BY2023CV03361. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA - IN REM. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. AVISO DE SUBASTA. El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior, Centro Judicial de Bayamón, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hago saber, a la parte demandada y al PÚBLI-

CO EN GENERAL: Que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el día 20 de junio de 2024, por la Secretaría del Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor la propiedad que ubica y se describe a continuación: URBANA: PROPIEDAD HORIZONTAL: Apartamento residencial número B-303 en el tercer piso del Edificio B del Condominio River Park, localizado en el Barrio Juan Sánchez del término Municipal de Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Tiene un área aproximada de fabricación de 786 pies cuadrados, equivalente a 73.04 metros cuadrados, siendo sus mayores medidas lineales aproximadas, 34 pies ½ pulgada en su mayor largo y 25 pies 3 pulgadas en su mayor ancho. Colinda por el ESTE, con pared que lo separa del apartamento residencial B-304; por el OESTE, con pared exterior del Edificio B; por el NORTE, con pared exterior del Edificio B y con pared que lo separa del apartamento residencial B-305; y por el SUR con pared que lo separa de un vestíbulo de uso común y el exterior del Edificio B. Su puerta principal de entrada está situada en la Colindancia Sur y lo comunica a un vestíbulo común que le da acceso a espacios comunes dentro de los límites del Condominio y sus terrenos que a su vez le da acceso a una vía pública. Se compone de sala-comedor, cocina, balcón, dos habitaciones dormitorios, baño, pasillo y closet. A este apartamento le corresponde una participación de 0.1866% en los elementos comunes generales del Edificio del cual forma parte. A este apartamento le corresponde un espacio de estacionamiento marcado con el mismo número y letra del apartamento. Inscrita en la finca número 3,732, al folio 56 del tomo 90 de Bayamón Norte, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección III de Bayamón. El producto de la subasta se destinará a satisfacer al demandante hasta donde alcance, la SENTENCIA dictada el 3 de mayo de 2024 y notificada en este caso el 6 de mayo de 2024, en el presente caso civil, a saber la suma de $83,018.54 por concepto de principal; generando intereses a razón de 6.875% desde el 1ro de noviembre de 2019; cargos por demora los cuales al igual que los intereses continúan acumulándose hasta el saldo total de la deuda reclamada en este

pleito, y la suma de $11,200.00 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado; y demás créditos accesorios garantizados hipotecariamente. La adjudicación se hará al mejor postor, quien deberá consignar el importe de su oferta en el acto mismo de la adjudicación, en efectivo (moneda del curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América), giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del alguacil del Tribunal. LA PRIMERA SUBASTA se llevará a efecto el día 8 DE AGOSTO DE 2024 A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en el cuarto piso, Oficina de Alguaciles de Subastas de Centro Judicial de Bayamón, Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Que el precio mínimo fijado para la PRIMERA SUBASTA es de $112,000.00. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una SEGUNDA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 15 DE AGOSTO DE 2024 A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en la oficina antes mencionada del Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la SEGUNDA SUBASTA será de $74,666.66, equivalentes a dos terceras (2/3) partes del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una TERCERA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 22 DE AGOSTO DE 2024 A LAS 10:00ADE LA MAÑANA, en la oficina antes mencionada del Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la TERCERA SUBASTA será de $56,000.00, equivalentes a la mitad (1/2) del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente; se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor, todo ello a tenor con lo dispone el Artículo 104 de la Ley Núm. 210 del 8 de diciembre de 2015 conocida como “Ley del Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquiere libre de toda carga y gravamen que afecte la mencionada finca según el Artículo 102, inciso 6. Una vez confirmada la venta judicial por el Honorable Tribunal, se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente escritura de venta judicial y se pondrá al comprador en posesión física del inmueble de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Para conocimiento de la parte

demandada y de toda aquella persona o personas que tengan interés inscrito con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen que se está ejecutando, y para conocimiento de todos los licitadores y el público en general, el presente Edicto se publicará por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas, con un intervalo de por lo menos siete días entre ambas publicaciones, en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico y se fijará además en tres (3) lugares públicos del Municipio en que ha de celebrarse dicha venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Se les informa, por último, que: a. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la secretaría del tribunal durante las horas laborables. b. Que se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, 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. EXPIDO, el presente EDICTO, en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hoy día 27 de junio de 2024. EDGARDO ELÍAS VARGAS SANTANA, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR PLACA #193, DIVISIÓN DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

Demandante V. SUCESIÓN DE IRIS

DELIA HERNÁNDEZ LOPERENA COMPUESTA POR “JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE” COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LAS SUCESION DE IRIS

DELIA HERNÁNDEZ LOPERENA, CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (C.R.I.M.) – parte con interés

Demandados Civil Núm.: SS2023CV00971. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE

AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. AVISO DE SUBASTA. El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Sebastián, San Sebastián, Puerto Rico, hago saber, a la parte demandada y al PÚBLICO EN GENERAL: Que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el día 24 de junio de 2024, por la Secretaría del Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor la propiedad que ubica y se describe a continuación: RÚSTICA: Predio radicado en el Barrio Guatemala del Municipio de San Sebastián, Puerto Rico, denominado en el plano de inscripción solar veintiuno (21) con una cabida de cuatrocientos setenta y dos punto seis mil seiscientos catorce metros cuadrados (472.6614 mc). En lindes: por el NORTE, con Comunidad Laberinto (William Quiñones) y uso público uno; por el SUR, con solar veinte; por el ESTE, con uso público uno; y por el OESTE, con Comunidad Laberinto. La servidumbre a favor de la Junta Reglamentadora de Telecomunicaciones de Puerto Rico afectará el solar veintiuno por su lado este, en una distancia de trece punto setecientos ochenta y siete, cinco punto seiscientos cincuenta y siete y de diez punto veintiséis metros para un total de veintinueve punto siete cero cuatro metros cuadrados. Inscrita en la finca número 29,257, al folio 196 del tomo 619 de San Sebastián, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de San Sebastián. Además, el Alguacil que suscribe, hago saber a todos los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante, o de los acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca ejecutada y las personas interesadas en, o con derecho a exigir el cumplimiento de instrumentos negociables garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito ejecutado, siempre que surjan de la certificación registral, para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecu-

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 Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hoy día 8 de julio de 2024. ROSAMARIE MELÉNDEZ PEÑA, ALGUACIL DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CENTRO JUDICIAL DE BAYAMÓN, SALA SUPERIOR. ***

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE MAYAGÜEZ FIRSTBANK PUERTO RICO

Parte Demandante Vs. ELIEZER RIVERA LOPEZ, TAMBIÉN CONOCIDA COMO ELIEZER DAVID RIVERA LÓPEZ

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: MZ2022CV00336. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA Y COBRO DE DINERO. ANUNCIO DE SUBASTA. El suscribiente, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia de Puerto Rico, Sala de Mayagüez, a los demandados de epígrafe y al público en general hace saber que venderá en pública subasta en la Oficina de Alguaciles, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Mayagüez, al mejor postor, en moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América en efectivo, cheque certificado, o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, el derecho que tenga la parte demandada en el inmueble que se relaciona más adelante para pagar la SENTENCIA por $151,428.04 de balance de principal, el cual se compone de un primer principal por la suma de $148,587.60 y un principal diferido por la suma de $2,850.44, más los intereses adeudados sobre la suma de $148,587.60 y computados al 5.75% anual hasta su total pago y completo pago desde el primero de octubre de 2020; cargos por demora devengados, más la suma de $16,000.00 estipulada para honorarios de abogado pactada en la escritura de hipoteca y cualesquiera otras sumas que por cualesquiera concepto legal se devenguen hasta el día de la subasta. La propiedad a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: URBANA: PROPIEDAD

HORIZONTAL: Apartamento ciento veintitrés (123) que ubica en la segunda planta del edificio el cual consiste de tres (3) dormitorios, dos (2) baños, área de lavandería, cocina, comedor, sala y balcón. Ocupa un área de mil ciento noventa y ocho punto ochenta y cuatro (1198.84) pies cuadrados, equivalentes a ciento once punto treinta y ocho (111.38) metros cuadrados. Las colindancias son las siguientes: Por el Norte, en treinta y tres pies con cinco pulgadas (33’5”), equivalente a diez punto veintiocho (10.28) metros, con pared exterior que da al área de jardín; por el Sur, en una distancia idéntica, con pared exterior que da hacia el área de jardín y estacionamiento; por el Oeste, en treinta y cuatro pies (34’), equivalente a diez punto cuarenta y seis (10.46) metros, con pared que la separa del apartamento ciento veintidós (122); y por el Este, en treinta y cuatro pies con seis pulgadas (34’6”) equivalentes a diez punto sesenta y dos (10.62) metros, con pared interior en donde ubica la puerta de entrada principal que la separa de áreas de escaleras y área designada para la instalación de acondicionadores de aire. Le corresponde una participación de seis punto cincuenta y dos por ciento (6.52%) en los elementos comunes generales al igual que un veinticinco por ciento (25%) del elemento identificado como área asignada para la instalación de acondicionador de aire la cual ubica en el área de escaleras este del edificio. Inscrita al folio cinco (4) del tomo mil trece (1013) de Cabo Rojo, finca número treinta y cuatro mil novecientos treinta y siete (34937). Registro de la Propiedad de San Germán. Dirección Física: Condominio Hacienda de la Baume, Apto. 123, Edificio 1W, ` Cabo Rojo, PR 00623. La PRIMERA SUBASTA se llevará a cabo el día 20 DE AGOSTO DE 2024, A LAS 1:30 DE LA TARDE, y servirá de tipo mínimo para la misma la suma de $160,000.00 sin admitirse oferta inferior. En el caso de que el inmueble a ser subastado no fuera adjudicado en la primera subasta, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 27 DE AGOSTO DE 2024, A LAS 1:30 DE LA TARDE, y el precio mínimo para esta segunda subasta será el de dos terceras partes del precio mínimo establecido para la primera subasta, o a sea la suma de $106,666.67. Si tampoco hubiera remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 3 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2024, A LAS 1:30 DE LA TARDE, y el tipo mínimo para esta tercera

subasta será la mitad del precio establecido para la primera subasta, o sea, la suma de $80,000.00. El mejor postor deberá pagar el importe de su oferta en efecto, cheque certificado o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se dará por terminado el procedimiento, pudiendo adjudicarse el inmueble al acreedor hipotecario dentro de los diez días siguientes a la fecha de la última subasta, si así lo estimase conveniente, por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada conforme a la sentencia, si ésta fuera igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta y abonándose dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si ésta fuera mayor. Se avisa a cualquier licitador que la propiedad queda sujeta al gravamen del Estado Libre Asociado y CRIM sobre la propiedad inmueble por contribuciones adeudadas y que el pago de dichas contribuciones es la responsabilidad del licitador. Que se entenderá por todo licitador acepte como suficiente la titulación y que los cargos y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes en entendiéndose que el rematador los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse su extinción al precio rematante. Todos los nombres de los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante, o de los acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca ejecutada y las personas interesadas en, o con derecho a exigir el cumplimiento de instrumentos negociables garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito ejecutado, siempre que surgen de la certificación registral, para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Y para conocimiento de licitadores, del público en general y para su publicación en un periódico de circulación general diaria en Puerto Rico y en los sitios públicos de acuerdo a las disposiciones de la Regla 51.7 de las de Procedimiento Civil, así como para la publicación en un periódico de circulación general diaria y en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas

con antelación a la fecha de la primera subasta y por lo menos una vez por semana. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento indicado estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante las horas laborables. (Art. 102 (1) de la Ley núm. 210-2015). Expedido el presente en Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, a 24 de junio de 2024. IVELISSE FIGUEROA VARGAS, ALGUACIL #924, ALGUACIL DEL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE MAYAGÜEZ.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

CENTRO JUDICIAL DE SAN JUAN SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN

ISLAND PORTFOLIO

SERVICES, LLC COMO AGENTE DE ACE ONE FUNDING, LLC

Demandante V. HECTOR M MENDEZ ROSA

Demandado(a)

Caso Núm.: SJ2023CV10082. (Salón: 802 CIVIL). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO - ORDINARIO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO. NATALIE BONAPARTE SERVERANATALIE.BONAPARTE@ORF-LAW. COM.

A: HECTOR M MENDEZ ROSA.

(Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 09 de julio de 2024, 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. de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 15 de julio de 2024. En San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 15 de julio de 2024. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA. MARÍA DE JESÚS RAMOS, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE FAJARDO SALA SUPERIOR DE FAJARDO

ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC COMO AGENTE DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC

Demandante V. AIDA J. FUENTES PIZARRO

Demandado(a) Caso Núm.: RG2023CV00526. (Salón: 307). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO - ORDINARIO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO. GABRIEL ANTONIO RAMOS COLÓN GABRIEL.RAMOS@ORF-LAW.COM. KENMUEL JOSÉ RUIZ LÓPEZKENMUEL.RUIZ@ORF-LAW.COM.

A: AIDA J FUENTES PIZARRO, PO BOX 2287, RIO GRANDE PR 00745-2287. (Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 15 de julio de 2024, 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 15 de julio de 2024. En Fajardo, Puerto Rico, el 15 de julio de 2024. WANDA SEGUÍ REYES, SECRETARIA. LINDA I. MEDINA MEDINA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

CENTRO JUDICIAL DE SALINAS SALA SUPERIOR ORIENTAL BANK COMO AGENTE DE SERVICIO DE THE MONEY HOUSE, INC. Demandante Vs. LA SUCESION DE ELLIOT

RODRIGUEZ TORO T/C/C

ELLIUD RODRIGUEZ TORO COMPUESTA

POR FULANO Y FULANA DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS

DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM)

Demandados

Civil Núm.: SA2023CV00293. 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, SALA SUPERIOR DE SALINAS, 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 14 DE AGOSTO DE 2024, A LAS 9:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en su oficina sita en el local que ocupa en el edificio del TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE SALINAS, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada de epígrafe en el inmueble de su propiedad que ubica en: URB. PARQUE GABRIELA II Z-5 CALLE 1 SALINAS, PR 00751 y que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Urbanización Parque Gabriela II de Salinas, Puerto Rico. Solar: Z-5. Cabida: 300.85 metros cuadrados. Linderos: NORTE, en 14.32 metros lineales, con la Calle número 1, antes, hoy Giovani. SUR, en 14.32 metros lineales, con la Servidumbre de la A.E.E.; ESTE, en 21.00 metros lineales, con el Solar Z-6 de la Urbanización; OESTE, en 21.00 metros lineales, con el Solar Z-4 de la Urbanización. Enclava en dicha propiedad una casa propia para vivienda, de una planta construida totalmente en hormigón. La propiedad antes relacionada consta inscrita al Tomo Karibe de Salinas, finca número 13,967, en el 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 $99,990.00. 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 21 DE AGOSTO DE 2024, A LAS 9:00 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 $66,660.00. Si tampoco hubiere remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA en las oficinas del Alguacil que suscribe el día 28 DE AGOSTO DE 2024, A LAS 9:00 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 $49,995.00. La hipoteca a ejecutarse en el caso de epígrafe fue constituida mediante la escritura de hipoteca número 293 otorgada en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, el día 15 de noviembre de 2019, ante el Notario Rey Javier De León Colón, la cual consta inscrita al Tomo Karibe de Salinas, finca número 13,967, inscripción 3ra en el Registro de la Propiedad de Guayama. 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 $93,836.26 por concepto de principal, desde el 1ro de mayo de 2023, más intereses al tipo pactado de 4.00% anual que continúan acumulándose hasta el pago total de la obligación. Además, la parte co-demandada La Sucesión de Elliot Rodríguez Toro t/c/c Elliud Rodríguez Toro 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 $9,999.00. Además, la parte co-demandada La Sucesión de Elliot Rodríguez Toro t/c/c Elliud Rodríguez Toro se comprometió a pagar una suma equivalente a $9,999.00 para cubrir cualquier otro adelanto que se haga en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca y una suma equivalente a $9,999.00 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 TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE SALINAS 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 Salinas, Puerto Rico, hoy día 9 de julio de 2024. ROLANDO RODRÍGUEZ RIVERA, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR PLACA #037, ALGUACIL DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE SALINAS. LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE CAGUAS BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Demandante V. LA SUCESIÓN DE DEMETRIO DIAZ FLORES COMPUESTA POR XYZ (HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS); LA SUCESIÓN DE LUCIA FLORES DIAZ COMPUESTA POR ENEIDA FLORES T/C/C

ENEIDA LOPEZ POR SÍ Y COMO MIEMBRO DE LA SUCESIÓN, JOHN DOE Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS; Y CRIM Demandados Civil Núm.: CG2023CV04244. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. AVISO DE SUBASTA. El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Caguas, Caguas, Puerto Rico, hago saber, a la parte demandada y al PÚBLICO EN GENERAL: Que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el día 24 de junio de 2024, por la Secretaría del Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor la propiedad que ubica y se describe a continuación: RÚSTICA: Solar marcado con el número I guion doce (I-12) del Plano de Inscripción del proyecto número setenta guion mil doscientos treinta y nueve setenta guion P (70-1239-P), aprobado por la Junta de Planificación, denominado Los Tamarindos, radicado en el Barrio Hato del término municipal de San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de doscientos sesenta y tres punto noventa y cinco (263.95) metros cuadrados; en lindes por el NORTE, con la Calle número 5 (5), en distancia en curva y línea de dieciséis punto veinticinco (16.25) metros; por el SUR, con el Solar I guion once (I-11), en 19 punto setenta y un (19.71) metros; por el ESTE, con el Solar I guion trece (I13) en distancia de veintiuno punto sesenta y nueve (21.69) metros; y por el OESTE, con la Calle número seis (6), en distancia de curva y línea de once punto cincuenta y cinco (11.55) metros. Enclava una casa. Inscrita en la finca número 8873, inscrita al folio 190 del tomo 175 de San Lorenzo, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección II de Caguas. Además, el Alguacil que suscribe, hago saber a todos los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante, o de los acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca ejecutada y las personas interesadas en, o con derecho a exigir el cumplimiento de instrumentos negociables garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito ejecutado, siempre que surjan de la

certificación registral, para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante: Aviso de Demanda de fecha 26 de abril de 2023, expedido en el Centro Judicial de Caguas, en el Caso Civil ntimero CG2023CV01225, por concepto de Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca, por la Vía Ordinaria, seguido por el Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, versus la Sucesión de Demetrio Díaz Flores, compuesta por XYZ (herederos desconocidos); la Sucesión de Lucía Flores Díaz compuesta por Eneida Flores, también conocida como Eneida López por sí y como miembro de la Sucesión John Doe y la Sociedad Legal de Bienes Gananciales compuesta por ambos; Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico y CRIM, por la suma de $86,491.89 más intereses y otras sumas, anotado el día 9 de mayo de 2023, al tomo Karibe de San Lorenzo, finca ntimero 8,873, Anotación A. El producto de la subasta se destinará a satisfacer al demandante hasta donde alcance, la SENTENCIA dictada a su favor el día 24 de abril de 2024 y notificada el 6 de mayo de 2024, en el presente caso civil, a saber la suma de $86,491.89 de principal, más intereses sobre dicha suma al tipo de 4.000% por ciento anual desde el día 1 de noviembre de 2021, hasta su completo pago, más las primas de seguros estipuladas en la escritura de hipoteca, contribuciones de la propiedad, de aplicar, y contra riesgos, más recargos por demora, más los intereses devengados y la cantidad estipulada de $10,119.00 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado. La adjudicación se hará al mejor postor, quien deberá consignar el importe de su oferta en el acto mismo de la adjudicación, en efectivo (moneda del curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América), giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del alguacil del Tribunal. La PRIMERA SUBASTA se llevará a efecto el día 12 DE AGOSTO DE 2024 A LAS 9:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en el Centro Judicial de Caguas, Caguas, Puerto Rico. Que el precio mínimo fijado para la PRIMERA SUBASTA es de $101,190.00. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una SEGUNDA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 19 DE AGOSTO DE 2024 A LAS 9:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en la oficina antes mencionada del Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la SEGUNDA SUBASTA será de $67,460.00,

equivalentes a dos terceras (2/3) partes del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una TERCERA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 26 DE AGOSTO DE 2024 A LAS 9:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en la oficina antes mencionada del Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la TERCERA SUBASTA será de $50,595.00, equivalentes a la mitad (1/2) del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente; se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor, todo ello a tenor con lo dispone el Articulo 104 de la Ley Núm. 210 del 8 de diciembre de 2015 conocida como “Ley del Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquiere libre de toda carga y gravamen que afecte la mencionada finca según el Artículo 102, inciso 6. Una vez confirmada la venta judicial por el Honorable Tribunal, se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente escritura de venta judicial y se pondrá al comprador en posesión física del inmueble de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Para conocimiento de la parte demandada y de toda aquella persona o personas que tengan interés inscrito con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen que se está ejecutando, y para conocimiento de todos los licitadores y el público en general, el presente Edicto se publicará por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas, con un intervalo de por lo menos siete días entre ambas publicaciones, en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico y se fijará además en tres (3) lugares públicos del Municipio en que ha de celebrarse dicha venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Se les informa, por último, que: a. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la secretaría del tribunal durante las horas laborables. b. Que se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, 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. EXPIDO, el presente EDICTO, en Caguas, Puerto Rico, hoy día 3 de julio de 2024. ALEJANDRO URBINA ROQUE, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR PLACA #997, DIVISIÓN DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE CAGUAS.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

Demandante Vs. LUIS J. CASTRO ROSARIO

Demandado

Civil Núm.: CA2024CV00505. Salón: 408. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. A: LUIS J. CASTRO ROSARIOBO BUENAVENTURA 645 CALLE CLAVEL #261, CAROLINA PR 00987 / 24 NISA LN APTO 1 ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14606 USA.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza y requiere para que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), la cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://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 sin más citarle ni oírle, si el tribunal en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. El sistema SUMAC notificará copia a los abogados de la parte demandante, el Lcdo. Gabriel Antonio Ramos Colón cuyas direcciones son: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-8518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la dirección gabriel.ramos@orf-law.com y a la dirección notificaciones@ orf-law.com. EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el sello del

Tribunal, en Carolina, Puerto Rico, hoy día 28 de mayo de 2024. En Carolina, Puerto Rico, el 28 de mayo de 2024. LCDA. KANELLY ZAYAS ROBLES, SECRETARIA. KEILA GARCÍA SOLÍS, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE FAJARDO ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC, COMO AGENTE DE ACE ONE FUNDING, LLC. Demandante Vs. JOSÉ A. FERNÁNDEZ RODRÍGUEZ

Demandado

Civil Núm.: FA2024CV00215. Salón: 206. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: JOSÉ A. FERNÁNDEZ RODRÍGUEZ - URB ALTURAS DE SAN PEDRO AA9 CALLE SAN PATRICIO, FAJARDO, PR 00738.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza y requiere para que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), la cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://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 sin más citarle ni oírle, si el tribunal en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. El sistema SUMAC notificará copia a los abogados de la parte demandante, el Lcdo. Gabriel Antonio Ramos Colón cuyas direcciones son: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-8518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la dirección gabriel.ramos@orf-law.com y a la dirección notificaciones@ orf-law.com. EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el sello del Tribunal, en FAJARDO, Puerto Rico, hoy día 28 de mayo de 2024. En Fajardo, Puerto Rico, el 28 de mayo de 2024. WANDA I. SEGUÍ REYES, SECRE-

TARIA REGIONAL. ZULMA I. RIVERA VEGA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

COOPERATIVA DE AHORRO Y CRÉDITO DE LA INDUSTRIA BIOFARMACÉUTICA

Parte Demandante V. JOSÉ COLÓN CARRASQUILLO

Parte Demandada Caso Núm.: CA2024CV01987. Acción Civil De: COBRO DE DINERO (ORDINARIO) - MATERIA O ASUNTO. EMPLAZAMIENTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. A: JOSÉ COLÓN

CARRASQUILLO (NOMBRE DE LA PARTE DEMANDADA QUE SE EMPLAZA) - BO. CACAO SECTOR ARRALLANES, CARR. 3 R 853 KM 4.3 INT., CAROLINA, PUERTO RICO 00987 (DIRECCIÓN DE LA PARTE DEMANDADA QUE SE EMPLAZA).

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsiva dentro de los 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 el caso sea de un expediente físico o que se represente por derecho propio en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la Secretaría del Tribunal y notificar copia de la misma al (a la) abogado(a) de la parte demandante o a esta de no tener representación legal. 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. Además, se le apercibe que en los casos al amparo de la Ley Núm. 572023 titulada Ley para la Prevención del Maltrato Preservación de la Unidad Familiar

y para la Seguridad Bienestar y Protección de los Menores, entre los remedios que el Tribunal podrá conceder se incluyen la ubicación permanente de un (una) menor fuera de su hogar el inicio de procesos para la privación de patria potestad y cualquier otra medida en el mejor interés del (de la) menor (Artículo 33 incisos b y f de la Ley Núm. 57-2023). Se le advierte de su derecho a comparecer acompañado(a) de abogado(a) en las casos que proceda. Lcda. Erika F. Morales Marengo Nombre del (de la) abogado(a)de la parte demandante, o de la parte, si no tiene representación legal 18,542

Numero ante el Tribunal Supremo (RUA), si es abogado(a) Aponte & Cortés, LLC PO Box 195337

San Juan, Puerto Rico 00919-5337 Dirección (787) 302-0014

Número de teléfono; número de fax emarengo@apontecortes.com Correo electrónico Expedido bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal el 26 de junio de 2024. LCDA. KANELLY ZAYAS ROBLES, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. JACQUELINE MEDINA DONES, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE PONCE ORIENTAL BANK

Parte Demandante V. NOEMI CRUZ CLAS

Parte Demandada Caso Núm.: GY2024CV00076. Acción Civil De: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. EDICTO. А: NOEMI CRUZ CLAS - URB. VILLA DEL RÍO, G-22 CALLE CAYUCO, GUAYANILLA, PR 00656; G-22 CAYUCO, URB. VILLA DEL RÍO, GUAYANILLA, PR 00956; 377 ROAD 0.5 KM, QUEBRADA WARD, GUAYANILLA, PR 00656; PO BOX 560672, GUAYANILLA, PR 00656; 22G CAYUCO ST, VILLA DEL RÍO DEL, GUAYANILLA, PR 00656; URB. VILLA DEL RIO, G22 CALLE 2, GUAYANILLA, PR 00956; URB. VILLA DEL RIO, G22 CALLE COAYUCO, GUAYANILLA, PR 00956-1113; 950 EVERGREEN AVENUE, APT. 16A, BRONX, NY

10473. POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsiva dentro de los 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 el caso sea de un expediente físico o que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la Secretaría del Tribunal y notificar copia de la mismas al (a la) abogado(a) de la parte demandante o a ésta, de no tener representación legal. 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. Además, se la apercibe que, en los casos al amparo de la Ley Núm. 572029, titulada Ley para la Prevención del Maltrato, Preservación de la Unidad Familiar y para la Seguridad, Bienestar y Protección de los Menores, entre los remedios que el Tribunal podrá conceder se incluyen la ubicación permanente de un (una) menos fuera de su hogar, el inicio de procesos para la privación de patria potestad, y cualquier otra medida en el mejor interés del (de la) menor. (Artículo 33, incisos b y f de la Ley Núm. 57-2023). Se le advierte de su derecho a comparecer acompañado(a) de abogado(a) en los casos que proceda. Representa a, la parte demandante el Ledo. Javier Montalvo Cintrón, RUA #17,682, Delgado Fernández, LLC, PO Box 11750, Fernández Juncos Station, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00910-1750. Tel. [787] 274-1414, jmontalvo@ delgadofernandez.com. Expedido bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal en Ponce, Puerto Rico, a 28 de junio de 2024. CARMEN G. TIRÚ QUIÑONES, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. EREINA AGRONT LEÓN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL. LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE CEIBA ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC, COMO AGENTE DE ACE ONE FUNDING, LLC. Demandante Vs.

LARRY BELTRÁN PAGÁN

Demandado

Civil Núm.: CE2024CV00029. Salón: 206. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: LARRY BELTRÁN PAGÁN - COND BRISAS DE CEIBA 299 CALLE 8 APT 519, CEIBA PR 00735-3135.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza y requiere para que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), la cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://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 sin más citarle ni oírle, si el tribunal en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. El sistema SUMAC notificará copia a los abogados de la parte demandante, el Ledo. Gabriel Antonio Ramos Colón cuyas direcciones son: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-8518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la dirección gabriel.ramos@orf-law.com y a la dirección notificaciones@ orf-law.com. EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el sello del Tribunal, en FAJARDO, Puerto Rico, hoy día 29 de mayo de 2024. En Ceiba, Puerto Rico, el 29 de mayo de 2024. WANDA I. SEGUÍ REYES, SECRETARIA. IDALIA PIÑERO REYES, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE MAYAGÜEZ SALA SUPERIOR DE MAYAGÜEZ ORIENTAL BANK

Demandante V. RAFAEL SEPULVEDA AYALA

Demandado

Civil Núm.: MZ2024CV00574. 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: RAFAEL SEPULVEDA AYALA.

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. 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, 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: Bo. Duey Bajo, Carr. 330 KM 3.1, San German, PR 00683; PO Box 769, San German, PR 00683-0769. EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y el sello del Tribunal en SAN GERMAN, Puerto Rico, hoy día 25 junio de 2024.

LCDA. NORMA G. SANTANA IRIZARRY, SECRETARIA REGIONAL II. CAROLINE HERNÁNDEZ VALENTÍN, SUBSECRETARIA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL

DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAGUAS SALA SUPERIOR BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Demandante V. SUCESION DE ALFREDO CARRASQUILLO MORALES COMPUESTA POR FULANO DE TAL, FULANA DE TAL, ZUTANO DE TAL, ZUTANA DE TAL, A, B, Y C COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS, LISSETTE CONTRERAS CONTRERAS, SECRETARIO DE DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA, SECRETARIO DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE JUSTICIA DEL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PR Demandados Civil Núm.: ECD2013-0608. (611). 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: LISSETTE CONTRERAS CONTRERAS Y FULANO DE TAL, FULANA DE TAL, ZUTANO DE TAL, ZUTANA DE TAL, A, B Y C COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESI6N DE ALBERTO CARRASQUILLO MORALES.

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, Inc., 164 DPR 689 (2005), le ordena que en el término de treinta (30) días, haga declaración aceptando o repudiando la herencia de sucesión de Alberto Carrasquillo Morales. Se le apercibe que de no expresar su intención de aceptar o repudiar la herencia dentro del término que se le fijó, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. 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. La parte demandante ha radicado una acción de cobro de dinero y ejecución de hipoteca por deuda vencida y la misma está garantizada sobre la siguiente propiedad Urb. Boneville Gardens G-12 Calle 6 Caguas, P.R. 00725 y descrita de la siguiente manera: URBANA: Solar número (12) del Bloque “G” de la Urbanización Bonneville Terrace Extensión, radicada en el Barrio Turabo del término municipal de Caguas, Puerto Rico., con un área superficial de trescientos sesenta y cuatro metros cuadrados (364 m.c.). En lindes por el NORTE, en trece punto cero cero metros (13.00 m.), con terrenos propiedad de la Urbanización y con terrenos de Domingo Matanzo; por el Sur, en Trece Punto Cero Cero metros (13.00); con la calle número Seis (6) de la Urbanización; por el Este, en Veintiocho Punto Cero Cero metros (28.00 m.), con el solar Once (11) del Bloque G de la Urbanización. Enclava una casa. Consta inscrita al folio diez y seis (16) del tomo seiscientos diez (610) de Caguas, finca diez y nueve mil novecientos treinta y dos (19,932), Sección Primera, Registro Propiedad de Caguas. El abogado de la parte demandante es: LCDA.

MARICELI PEREZ GONZALEZ, 1225 Ave. Ponce de León, VIG Tower, Suite 706, SanJuan, Puerto Rico, 00907, Tel. (787) 977-1932 Fax (787) 722-1932. Expido este edicto bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal, hoy 27 de junio de 2024. IRASEMIS DÍAZ SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA GENERAL. ENEIDA ARROYO VÉLEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR. LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE CAGUAS

FIRSTBANK

PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. MILDRED

TORRES RIVERA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: JU2024CV00042. Sobre: INCUMPLIMIENTO DE CONTRATO; COBRO DE DINERO Y REPOSESIÓN. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: MILDRED TORRES RIVERAURB. MADRID #32 CALLE MUÑOZ RIVERA, JUNCOS PR 00777.

De: FIRSTBANK PUERTO RICO. Se le emplaza y requiere que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este edicto. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), 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. Este caso trata sobre Incumplimiento de Contrato y Cobro de Dinero en que la parte demandante solicita que se condene al demandado a pagar la suma principal de $14,155.52 de principal, más los intereses acumulados a razón del 16.95% anual hasta el total y completo pago de la deuda, más cargos los cuales continúan acumulándose hasta el total y completo pago de la deuda, más una suma equivalente al 5% del total adeudado para honorarios de abogados según pactado. Además, se solicita se ordene la reposesión del vehículo en controversia y de no ser suficiente el producto de la venta del mismo para cubrir la suma total adeudada, se solicita la ejecución de la sentencia que en su día se dicte sobre cualesquiera otros bienes del demandado. Se le apercibe que, si dejare de hacerlo, se dictará contra usted sentencia en rebeldía, concediéndose el remedio solicitado en la demanda, sin más citarle ni oírle.

Lcdo. José Antonio Lamas Burgos, Número del Tribunal Supremo 16,882 Po Box 0194089, San Juan PR 00919 Teléfono: (787) 296-9500, Correo Electrónico : jlamas@lvprlaw.com

EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y Sello del Tribunal, hoy 17 de junio de 2024 . IRASEMIS DÍAZ SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA. MARTA E. DONATE RESTO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR. LEGAL NOTICE

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. SUCESIÓN DE CARMELO RIVERA, COMPUESTA POR SU ESPOSA

CARMEN ESCALONA

GARCÍA, POR SÍ Y COMO VIUDA DEL CAUSANTE; “JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE” COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE CARMELO RIVERA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (C.R.I.M.)

Demandados

Civil Núm.: MZ2023CV01663. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO E INTERPELACIÓN. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, S.S. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO E INTERPELACIÓN DIRIGIDO A: CARMEN ESCALONA GARCÍA; “JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE” COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION DE CARMELO RIVERA - #29 SAN JUAN ST., DULCES LABIOS, MAYAGÜEZ, PR 00680; 29 CALLE SAN JUAN S, BO. DULCES LABIOS, MAYAGÜEZ, PR 006823260.

Queden emplazados, notificados e interpelados, que en este Tribunal se ha radicado Demanda sobre Ejecución de Hipoteca In Rem de la que surge lo siguiente: Que se ha incumplido con las cláusulas de la escritura de hipoteca objeto de ejecución por haberse dejado de pagar las mensualidades vencidas desde el día 1ro de abril de 2023, adeudándosele a la parte demandante la totalidad de la deuda ascendente a: $27,949.81 por concepto de principal; generando intereses a razón de 6.75% desde el 1ro de marzo de 2023; cargos por demora los cuales al igual que los intereses continúan acumulándose hasta el saldo total de la deuda reclamada en este pleito, y la suma de $4,600.00 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado; y demás créditos accesorios garantizados hipotecariamente. La propiedad hipotecada cuya ejecución se solicita tiene la siguiente descripción y localización: URBANA: Solar radicado en el Barrio Sábalos del Municipio de Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Marina Meridional del Municipio de Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de doscientos trece metros noventa y siete centímetros cuadrados. En lindes

por el NORTE, en veintitrés metros ochenta y tres centímetros, con Joaquín Nazario; por el SUR, en veintiún metros noventa y cuatro centímetros, con el solar número dos; por el ESTE, en siete metros cincuenta y cinco centímetros, con Rosa Correa; y por el OESTE, en nueve metros cuarenta y tres centímetros, con la Calle San Juan. Contiene una casa residencial. Inscrita en la finca número 24,371, al folio 185 del tomo 840 de Mayagüez. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de Mayagüez. 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. Además, en cuanto a la interpelación de los herederos del causante, a que dentro del término legal de treinta (30) días contados a partir de la fecha de la notificación de la presente Orden, acepten o repudien la participación que les corresponda en la herencia del causante conforme dispone el Artículo 1578 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. §11021, de no expresarse dentro de ese término de treinta (30) días en torno a su aceptación o repudiación de herencia, se tendrá por aceptada. También se les APERCIBE a los herederos antes mencionados que luego del transcurso del término de treinta (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 dispone el Artículo 1579 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. §11022. 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 BERMÚDEZ & DÍAZ, LLP

Edificio Ochoa, 500 Calle De La Tanca Suite 209 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901 Tel.: (787) 523-2670 / Fax: (787) 523-2664 rdiaz@bdprlaw.com

Expido este edicto bajo mi firma y el sello de este Tribunal, hoy 8 de julio de 2024. LCDA. NORMA G. SANTANA IRIZARRY, SECRETARIA GENERAL. EVELYN GONZÁLEZ HERNÁNDEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

CENTRO JUDICIAL DE ARECIBO SALA SUPERIOR DE MANATÍ

ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC, COMO AGENTE GESTOR DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC. Demandante V. NANETTE FLORES RIVERA Demandado(a) Caso Núm.: MT2022CV00771. (Salón: 101 SALA MUNICIPAL). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO - REGLA 60. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO. JOSÉ FRANCISCO AGUILAR VÉLEZ - JF@AGUILAR-VELEZ.COM.

NATALIE BONAPARTE SERVERANATALIE.BONAPARTE@ORF-LAW. COM. A: NANETTE FLORES RIVERA - REPTO ROSELLO II, 33 CALLE ROBERTO CLEMENTE, MANATI PR 00674-5772. (Nombre de las partes que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 23 de mayo 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 julio de 2024. En Manatí, Puerto Rico, el 17 de julio de 2024. VIVIAN Y. FRESSE GONZÁLEZ, SECRETARIA. ANA CELIZ ARROYO DÍAZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

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A post-Euros, post-copa mailbag

By RORY SMITH

This week’s column has been designed as a monument to late-stage capitalism, in that the writing of it has largely been outsourced, but I am still taking credit for it. There are two issues, however, that arose perhaps a little too late in soccer’s month of festivities but which nevertheless warrant our attention.

The first is the departure of Gareth Southgate after eight years as England’s manager, a period in which he not only achieved the sort of success which would have looked like a golden age to most of his predecessors, but managed to do so while also largely embracing the absurd political and social expectations the country places on the role.

One aspect that has been missing from much of the coverage of Southgate’s departure is that of boredom. There had been (understandable) pressure on Southgate because of the soccer he played. There was (unwarranted) pressure on him because of his perceived social stances. But there was also pressure on him because he had been around for so long, and people like change.

England is not used to having a successful national team. England is not, in fact, used to having a national team not dogged by scandal and outrage. Southgate’s tenure has, essentially, been a quiet one.

The team has worked. The players have enjoyed it. But the lack of drama has been a source of frustration, too, a sense that England is just not interesting enough. Problems have not been imagined, but they have probably been exaggerated, by both the news media and fans, because England without noise is alien and unsettling and somehow unfulfilling.

The second issue, the much more serious one, comes in the form of the appalling scenes from the final of the Copa América, a match that was delayed after what appeared to be the complete breakdown of security outside the stadium in Miami. It was a fitting end to a tournament that was, organizationally, a disgrace.

The immediate, predictable response of the authorities was to suggest that the problems were caused by thousands of ticketless fans who rushed the gates, breaking and entering, and how that ruined the experience for some fans who had paid thousands of dollars to attend. This is a playbook soccer has seen many times, and it is to be resisted.

The responsibility of the safe staging of an event is on those who have organized it. Why were so many people without tickets — if that is what happened — allowed to get so close to the stadium? Why were they in a position to rush the gates? Why did the authorities re-

spond to this by allowing anyone in, and then blocking the gates to everyone?

There will always be people who wish to attend a game and do not have the right to do so. It is the job of the authorities to filter them out. That is the case at every other major event. Soccer should not be considered different.

And with that, we open the mailbag.

How do you think Euro 2024 will be remembered? — Bracken Godfrey

Well, there’s a very good chance it will be mentioned on an almost daily basis in England for the next half-century or so. But plenty of other nations will have cause to remember it fondly: Slovenia, after playing the first knockout game in its history; Georgia, which thrived at its first major tournament appearance; Turkey, Romania, Albania for the sheer exuberance (and numbers) of their fans.

More broadly, though, my guess is that Euro 2024 will come to be seen as the start of something, the tournament at which the outline of soccer’s immediate future was drawn. The soccer was not always thrilling, in truth, but it was the stage on which Kobbie Mainoo, Arda Guler and, particularly, Lamine Yamal confirmed that they are the sport’s coming things.

This year’s Euros have been a bit of a letdown, outside of a few matches involving Turkey and Georgia. The top players seem a step slower when summer rolls around. Is it time to rethink our traditions and advocate for midyear tournaments and breaks? — Bob Leon

That fatigue has been an issue in both the European Championship and the Copa América is not in doubt, but whether there is anything that can be done about it is a little more complex. Most major leagues in Europe do have some sort of winter break but, Germany aside, it is hardly enough to make up for the demands placed on the players before and after.

My feeling has always been that soccer benefits from taking one of every two summers off, granting the players a fallow spell in those years that do not bring a continental championship or a World Cup. That, though, appears to be a thing of the past — there’s a Club World Cup next summer — and the expanded Champions League will only add to the burden.

Staging these big international tournaments in the middle of the season had not occurred to me, but it does make sense: It was a factor in what made the 2022 World Cup so compelling. As a rule, the leagues themselves would not countenance it on a regular basis, but they will doubtless make an exception for Saudi Arabia 2034.

My hope is that soccer’s elite teams will have seen the Euros and want to play more like Georgia or Turkey. My theory is that you can’t win a tournament playing like that, because of the work rate it requires. What is the solution? Larger rosters? Unlimited substitutions? — Tony Bankston

I would be wholly on board if everyone decided to play more like Georgia or Turkey, Tony, but I’m just as skeptical as you are. Fatigue is not the only issue: More experienced, higher-quality teams are generally quite adept at absorbing pressure, rerouting energy and then picking off opponents who afford them vast expanses of green space.

Whether there is a structural measure that might level the playing field is hard to say. My sense, though, is that the point at which soccer essentially has unlimited substitutions is not too far away: maybe a couple of decades at the outside. That is not said with any approval, to be clear, but it is the general direction of travel.

At a time when the Copa América and the Euros are going on, I would expect you to write something about the Copa. I haven’t seen much, other than a discussion of Marcelo Bielsa’s philosophy. — Pablo Echeverri

This is, sadly, an accurate depiction of my coverage, and for that I can only apologize. I would point out, however, that I am just one person, and a person who has been in Germany, rather than the Copa, at that. But this question does raise a significant issue: the somewhat unilateral relationship European soccer has with, well, everyone else.

The Copa América has never made an especially large imprint on the other side of the Atlantic. Some of that, of course, is unavoidable: The games kick off in the middle of the night, meaning that only the most tenacious fans are likely to watch.

If Conmebol, the organizer, wanted to change that, it could play games at more appealing times for European fans, but the reality is that Europe is not an especially important — soccer’s preferred euphemism for “lucrative” — market. The United States, and Asia, are much more significant.

That said, it did feel like a misstep scheduling the semifinals and finals of the Copa to coincide with the conclusion of the European Championship. There would have been an audience for Argentina against Colombia in Europe; a niche one, yes, but an audience nonetheless. Scheduling that game so it would air well after midnight in Europe, and many hours after the Euro 2024 final, was not the best way to reach it.

Attendance at the Copa América and Euro 2024 was roughly the same, but Copa ticket

prices were much higher, sometimes thousands of dollars more. The Copa charged for the show, not the game. — Andrzej Franks Yes, it did, and that is a mistake. Soccer is governed by market forces, of course, much like the United States. Conmebol’s position most likely would be that if people are prepared to pay that much for a ticket, then there is no reason not to charge it. Nobody is shocked that it costs a lot of money to see Taylor Swift.

Unfortunately, that is not quite the whole picture. Total attendance at the Copa was strong, but there also were large patches of empty seats at games: almost 20,000 when Mexico played in Houston, and more than 30,000 to watch the United States in Arlington, Texas. Perhaps making tickets cheaper might have enticed more people to turn up and watch? It would be a shame, certainly, if the same thing happened at the World Cup in 2026.

I was born and raised in Asia before moving to the United States, but it’s truly surprising how many people here seem to overestimate the allure of coaching the U.S. national team. It is an attractive job for some, but it is by no means one of the premier job opportunities in international soccer. — Walid Neaz

This is almost certainly true, and only partially because it is true of every nation. Elite managers are incredibly reluctant to move to international management — most prize the cut-and-thrust of working with players on a daily basis — until they reach the autumn of their careers.

But, and this is important, living and working (and building a brand) in the United States is something that people in soccer take extremely seriously. It may not appeal to everyone. It would not, for example, tempt Pep Guardiola or Mikel Arteta at this point. But there are advantages that, leveraged correctly, make the job more appealing than the team’s world ranking might suggest.

The San Juan Daily Star

Gareth Southgate I WIKIPEDIA

Answers to the Sudoku and Crossword on page 21