Wednesday Jul 5, 2023

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.

Holiday shopping at super centers appears somewhat slowed by tropical wave

By RICHARD GUTIÉRREZ richardsanjuanstar@gmail.com

Even though Puerto Rico is not a state and is instead a territory that belongs to the United States of America, many island residents celebrate U.S. Independence Day.

As is normally the case for holidays on the island, many people go on a shopping spree to get the items they need for their respective festivities, and stores tend to fill up with people, lines become very long and employees get overwhelmed with work. However, even though some may have expected the 4th of July to be one of those days where super centers might be impossible to visit, the STAR passed by two super stores in Caguas only to find out that traffic at the stores was pretty normal.

“Shopping traffic right now is basically normal here in Costco,” Felipe Báez, an assistant manager at the Costco store in Caguas, told the STAR. “We’re working with the same number of people we usually work with on any given day of the week; everything is under control.”

According to several weather news sources, a tropical wave was expected to pass over the island on Tuesday, which according to some employees might have slowed down traffic.

At the Walmart store in Caguas, an employee who asked to remain nameless due to company policies confirmed the expectation of low traffic on Tuesday.

“Due to the rain, we don’t expect there to be a

surge in people coming over today,” the employee told the STAR. “People tend to come over the day before a holiday, that’s when the store gets super full.”

“The fact that stores are less cluttered on an actual holiday was also confirmed by one of the employees at Costco, Tomás Rodríguez, who believes shopping on the holiday is a lot less stressful than coming the day before.

“It’s the Fourth of July and I’m gladly taking the opportunity to buy some stuff on time,” he said. “Fewer people come on the actual holiday, so I try to take the opportunity and get the Fourth of July errands over with.”

Báez, the Costco assistant manager, said the items people buy were also affected by the rain.

“Right now I don’t see anyone buying beach things, which tend to be the hottest items on the Fourth of July,” he said. “I believe because of the tropical wave heading toward the island, there won’t be that many people going to the beach; therefore, there’s not many people buying beach items.”

Due to the weather conditions, many might not have been heading for the beach Tuesday, which gave store employees a somewhat slower day than they might have expected.

Báez pointed out that even though there was a long line right outside the store with people waiting to get in, that is something that happens every day.

And for those who thought it may be too late to do their grocery shopping on a holiday, the indications on Tuesday were that that’s not always the case; it might actually be better to shop on the holiday.

Customers lined up outside the Costco store in Caguas on Tuesday, the Fourth of July holiday, in numbers that an assistant store manager said were typical for any day of the week. (Richard Gutiérrez/The San Juan Daily Star)

Fiscal board nixes transparency group’s request for documents

By THE STAR STAFF

The Financial Oversight and Management Board has rejected a documents request from Espacios Abiertos (Open Spaces), arguing that it is immune from actions related to Puerto Rico’s constitutional right of access to public information.

The oversight board’s move followed a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in May that sided with the federally appointed entity in a public records dispute with a group of journalists. The justices by an 8-1 vote reversed an appeals court ruling in favor of the Centro de Periodismo Investigativo seeking documents about debt restructuring. The court’s majority found that Congress had not written anything into the board’s founding statute that “deprived the board of sovereign immunity.”

The oversight board said any right to access documents under the Puerto Rico Constitution does not apply to it.

“Moreover, the Supreme Court has determined that PROMESA [the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act] does not abrogate the Oversight Board’s sovereign immunity in federal district court, and therefore, the Oversight Board is immune from actions seeking to enforce TEPPRA (Transparency and Expedited Procedure for Access to Public Information Act of 2019) or Puerto Rico’s constitutional right of access to public information,” the board said.

In a letter addressed to Robert Mujica, the executive director of the oversight board, as well as each of the board’s members, Espacios Abiertos in June requested two categories of documents from the board.

The requested documents were “all spreadsheets (including, raw data and financial models), interim and final reports, and all related documentation the FOMB [the acronym for the oversight board] has generated” and which were listed in a

36-page document identifying work proposed to be performed by several consultants engaged by the Oversight Board, as well as specific data, models, and projections incorporated into certified fiscal plans, including the 2023 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan, certified on April 3, 2023,” according to the letter.

Espacios Abiertos also requested “all spreadsheets (including raw data and financial models), interim and final reports, and all related documentation generated by certain contractors hired by the FOMB and/or used by those contractors in completing their work for the FOMB.”

Espacios Abiertos said it was entitled to the information pursuant to TEPPRA and the constitutional right to access public information in the 1982 court ruling, Puerto Rico, Soto v. Srio. de Justicia.

While the oversight board denied the Espacios Abiertos request, the entity noted that it makes many documents available to the public.

“The board publishes much of its correspondence and other materials related to its official acts on its public website, including some or all information related to the subject matter of your requests,” the oversight board said. “Moreover, testimony given by the Oversight Board’s advisers for purposes of the Title III cases and related proceedings are publicly available on the case website for the Title III cases, which is maintained by Kroll Restructuring LLC.”

Governor threatens veto if Electoral Code bill limits voting by mail

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia said Tuesday he is prepared to veto amendments to the Electoral Code if the measure limits mail-in voting.

“If the measure seeks to significantly limit voting by mail, I anticipate from now on that a veto is on the way,” the governor said in response to questions from the press.

Pierluisi underscored the importance of voting by mail: “Voting by mail is an option used in numerous jurisdictions. It’s a very useful method, especially for people

Governor: Senate has

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia said Tuesday that the island Senate seems to have “desire to annoy” with regard to his cabinet appointments, and defended in particular the interim secretary of education, Dr. Ángel Toledo López, who has been criticized for comments he made 10 years ago on social networks.

“Those are not reasonable ways to act, on the contrary,” the governor said in response to questions from the press. “All

a

60 and older.”

The governor said the amendments significantly limit mail-in voting. Regarding concerns that there are not the resources to adequately monitor postal voting, he said: “If the problem is a lack of resources, we must find them. Voting by mail is an important right for our older citizens.”

Pierluisi’s statements came after his participation in the official government commemoration of the 247th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.

The governor also announced Tuesday his intention

to renominate Judge Francisco Rosado Colomer to the Court of Appeals and confirmed that the alternate chairperson, Judge Jessica Padilla, will temporarily preside over the State Elections Commission (SEC).

He noted that according to the Electoral Code, the alternate chairperson assumes the helm of the SEC.

“That will be the case until further notice,” he said without specifically addressing the possibility of appointing another person to lead the SEC. “The decision at this time is that the chair of the commission should be Judge Jessica Padilla, and she has my support for that purpose.”

‘desire to annoy’ in holding up appointments

nominees have the right to a fair, balanced evaluation and they cannot be, because he made some statements 10 years ago that for some are not to their liking, but in any case they have to evaluate all his personal, academic, professional, administrative background, before reaching those conclusions. What I see there is that they do not even give my appointees a chance; those are not attitudes, those are the desire to obstruct, the desire to annoy.”

Pierluisi defended Toledo López, noting that the comments were made long before he was in public service and that the official should be judged by his extensive academic and ad-

ministrative career.

“They more than prepare him to occupy that post,” he added.

The governor said the focus should be on the upcoming resumption of classes and the continued transformation of the Education Department, and not on “isolated statements.”

Pierluisi also insisted that he did not fire the former education secretary, Eliezer Ramos Parés.

“I know he will continue to collaborate with my administration,” he said.

While the Financial Oversight and Management Board denied the Espacios Abiertos request for information, the entity noted that it makes many documents available to the public.

Governor marks July 4th with call for ‘complete’ US citizenship for islanders

By THE STAR STAFF

In commemoration of the 247th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia reiterated Tuesday that the democratic rights of freedom and equality, based on the common well-being of the people, is an evolution that must continue and be fully extended to the millions of American citizens residing in Puerto Rico.

“We, the majority of Puerto Rican men and women, are not willing to accept half a citizenship. We want it complete for everyone,” Pierluisi said from the Plaza Paseo del Mar in Cataño, where the central government’s official July 4th commemoration took place. “We are going to continue fighting for that equality, for our soldiers and veterans, for our most vulnerable citizens, for our young and old, for our working class, for our companies, and to have the right to vote for president and have voting representation in Congress.”

The governor, accompanied by host mayor Julio Alicea Vasallo, stressed that a large part of the rights achieved in the American nation are due to the Puerto Rican soldiers who have worn and continue to wear the uniform of the U.S. armed forces and that “liberty, equality, and justice are fought for and demanded, not given up.”

“I have said it and I repeat it, it takes guts to risk and give your life for the principles of freedom and equality that the American nation represents,” Pierluisi said. “But the Puerto Rican guts are even more extraordinary because they come from a man or a woman who gives everything for their nation, without their nation treating them with the equality and respect they have earned.”

During his address, the governor highlighted other contributions that Puerto Rico makes to the United States and how being part of the nation as a state would greatly benefit the island’s millions of residents. As an example, he noted that Puerto Rico, through science, engineering, politics, art, sports, local production, shopping, companies and with tax contributions, contributes to the socioeconomic development of the U.S.

Regarding the protection and services that Puerto Rico has received from the United States since 1898, Pierluisi pointed out how federal laws and the U.S. Constitution, and the defense of the rights to free expression and free association

At Tuesday’s official Fourth of July commemoration in Cataño, Gov. Pedro Pierluisi reiterated that the democratic rights of freedom and equality, based on the common well-being of the people, is an evolution that must continue and be fully extended to the millions of American citizens residing in Puerto Rico.

protect the island. Puerto Rico also receives resources for security against crime, drug trafficking and corruption, and assistance in the reconstruction process, he said. Likewise, the United States supports citizens’ health, nutrition, education and retirement with federal funds and initiatives.

However, Pierluisi said that despite the advances in American democracy in such areas as the right to vote, this evolution must continue and extend to the island, preserving Puerto Rican culture and tradition.

“We Puerto Ricans want Puerto Rico to become a state so that our government belongs to the people; we want to vote for the president and have equal representation in Congress so that our government is by the people; and we want the actions of that government and that nation to also seek the benefit of the American citizens who live in Puerto Rico and so be for the people,” the governor said.

Alicea Vasallo, the Cataño mayor, took the opportunity in his welcome message to call for “the right to equality not to be yielded; it is fought for and demanded, firmly, not half-heartedly,” he said in a reference to the struggle to achieve statehood for the island.

“On this day, brothers and sisters and visitors, I invite you to reflect, to continue tirelessly waging the good fight for equality, for justice for American citizens like you, like me, like our children and their children, who inhabit this precious and beloved Borincan soil, to enjoy here the same rights that protect our citizens of the 50 states of the federation of the United States of America,” he added.

The mayor also urged the unity of purpose of all to achieve the common goal of equality for those who reside in Puerto Rico.

“It is up to our elected leaders to fulfill the mandate of this city, when 60% of the Catañeses people voted for the admission of the island as a federated state in the plebiscite held in 2020,” Alicea Vasallo said. “It is NOT time to divert attention, but rather to call for unity in our government to fulfill the sacred vow of our statehood-seeking brothers and sisters.”

The 4th of July celebration was dedicated to the Puerto Rico Department of Disabled American Veterans in honor of the organization’s 50th anniversary. Secretary of State Omar Marrero Díaz read the Proclamation and Dedication of the Act, which Cmdr. Delvis Collazo Rivera accepted. Disabled American Veterans is an organization dedicated to supporting and assisting disabled veterans.

At the Cataño event, Brig. Gen. Collazo Rivera read the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. Subsequently, from El Morro in Old San Juan, the Puerto Rico National Guard gave the so-called “Salute to the Canyon,” and a group of agencies participated in the traditional July 4th parade.

Likewise, the Mita Congregation Band was present and the group Voice 21 interpreted the official hymns.

During the afternoon, at the Condado Lagoon, a musical show with Atención Atención, Limi T-21, Sonora Ponceña, and the Puerto Rico Concert Band directed by maestro Cucco Peña was slated. The event was to conclude with a light show over the lagoon.

Rep. Aponte Hernández calls on Biden to prioritize statehood

By THE STAR STAFF

Rep. José Aponte Hernández on Tuesday called on President Joe Biden to prioritize statehood for Puerto Rico in his agenda before Congress this year.

“Today our nation commemorates 247 years since independence from England. It was based on the principles of freedom, democracy, justice, and equality for all,” Aponte Hernández said, adding that he would be sending his request in a letter to Biden. “Today is a momentous day in our journey as a people. I call on the President of the United States, just as the Founding Fathers of our Nation fought for respect for themselves

and their descendants, to do the right thing today by placing justice and full equality for Puerto Rico, through admission as a State, at the top of his legislative agenda for this Congress and to promote it with all the power of the White House.”

“U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico, nearly 3.2 million, deserve the same equal rights as those living in the states of the union,” the statehood leader said. “Our men and women have participated, with great distinction, in every war in the nation since the First World War. However, your benefits are reduced by living in the territory of Puerto Rico. We have to correct this contradiction and it can only be achieved with admission. Today the com-

memoration of independence should be marked with a claim for human rights, constitutional and civil rights for those of us who live on the island.”

“In democracy, the majority of voters rule, the people are sovereign,” the at-large lawmaker continued. “In 2012, a majority of voters favored statehood. The same thing happened in 2017 and 2020. These electoral exercises are the footing of our demand for equality. It’s been 125 years since the United States [established its] rule over Puerto Rico; it’s been quite some time now. We are the oldest colony in the world. The President has the power of the White House and the Senate in his favor; it is time for them to give us equal rights, statehood.”

About those July 4 fireworks and climate change

By DELGER ERDENESANAA

The American practice of setting off fireworks on July 4 stretches back to the first Independence Day celebration in Philadelphia in 1777. Today, it’s a beloved tradition that almost seems impossible to replace.

But with concerns over air quality, wildfires and supply chains, some cities are doing just that.

This year Salt Lake City replaced its fireworks with synchronized dancing drone displays to avoid worsening air quality and setting off more wildfires. Boulder, Colorado switched to drones, too, and Minneapolis opted for lasers, simply because those technologies have been easier to source than fireworks in recent years.

And as wildfire smoke from Canada again blanketed much of the United States last week, New York City officials debated whether to set off fireworks on the 4th but, as of Monday night, had not called them off.

Across the border, Montreal canceled July 1 Canada Day fireworks, citing poor air quality from the more than 100 wildfires burning across Quebec.

“They’re definitely going to compound those existing sources of air pollution,” said Grace Tee Lewis, a public health researcher at the Environmental Defense Fund who specializes in air pollution and public health.

Fireworks cause a spike in a form of air pollution called particulate matter, the same type of pollution that is elevated from wildfire smoke. While there’s not much research on the risks of fireworks specifically, particulate matter less than 2.5 microns wide (about one-30th the width of a human hair) is known to enter people’s lungs and bloodstreams and cause breathing problems and inflammation. Children, older people and those with existing health conditions like asthma and chronic heart disease should take special care, Tee Lewis said.

“Watch it from a distance,” she recommended. “The closer you are, the more particulate matter exposure you’re going to have.”

Tee Lewis added that since the spread of the coronavirus, more people may be more vulnerable to air pollution, especially people suffering from long COVID or heart complications as a result of their infections. For those determined to get their pyrotechnic fix, wearing the same N95 face masks that protect against the virus is one way to protect yourself from smoke and air pollution, she said.

On July 4 and 5, fine particulate matter levels across the country rise by 42% on average, according to a 2015 study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Alongside the fireworks party, particulate matter pollution can rise as much as 370%.

These levels often exceed what’s allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency for day-to-day outdoor air quality, but local, state and tribal governments are generally allowed to flag one-time events like fireworks, as well as wildfires, as “exceptional events” and avoid officially violating national air standards. Other countries see similar spikes in air pollution around their own major holidays, said Dian Seidel, an author of the

2015 study and a retired NOAA climate scientist. Background air pollution from wildfire smoke is certainly something for cities to consider as they plan fireworks or alternative celebrations like drone shows, Seidel said. “Maybe there are ways not to be a party pooper, but to still have something pretty in the sky to look at, and not cause a big amount of pollution,” she said.

Besides air pollution, fireworks come with other risks. Dogs and other household pets are known to hate July 4, and many

humane societies and animal shelters prepare for an influx of lost or runaway pets after the holiday. Fireworks lead to problems for wild animals, too. A 2022 study of wild geese in Europe found that during crucial rest stops on their long migrations, many birds abandoned their sleeping sites on New Year’s Eve.

In 2022, Americans suffered an estimated 10,200 fireworksrelated injuries and 11 reported deaths, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Many of the injuries resulted from smaller firecrackers and sparklers set off by people at home, not during large public or commercial shows.

But the adrenaline rush of sparks, whistles and booms, and a little bit of danger, socially acceptable for one day, is exactly why so many people love fireworks. Even Tee Lewis said her children set off small July 4 fireworks at their grandparents’ house, where they are legally allowed.

She and Seidel don’t want to stop the holiday festivities. They simply urge caution, and for people to consider alternatives.

In the end, holiday fireworks lead to just a couple of days of particularly visible air pollution. Around the country and around the world, communities deal with less visible but still unhealthy air daily or seasonally from things like vehicle traffic, industrial pollution and wildfires.

This year, the EPA proposed strengthening its air quality standard for fine particulate matter to better protect public health, but said it would still allow special consideration for “exceptional events.”

Crowds in Lake View Terrace, a suburb of Los Angeles, watched lighted drones fly in various formations to celebrate Independence Day.

A year after July 4 parade shooting, some Americans rethink big gatherings

By JULIE BOSMAN

Luca and Lennyn Fantasia, ages 7 and 5, were bouncing around the Park Ridge, Illinois, Memorial Day parade in May in giddy holiday mode. They wore red, white and blue outfits, admired the marching band and darted into the street to scoop up hard candy.

Their parents, Megan and John, were quietly discussing whether it was safe to even be there.

“We had this conversation right before we came,” said Megan Fantasia, a physician assistant, adding that they had chosen a spot near the beginning of the parade route, reasoning that it was the best place to be if they needed to make a quick exit.

“The kids love this kind of stuff,” she said. “We don’t want to miss out on experiences. But is it really worth it?”

Americans gathered in packed, public celebrations around the country on Tuesday, in both big cities and idyllic small towns, marking the Fourth of July with festivals, Main Street parades and fireworks shows.

But as mass shootings have proliferated nationwide in recent years, some people say they have increasingly felt a sense of unease or fear of gun violence overtaking their sense of security at public events that were once considered unquestionably safe, whether concerts, worship services or parades. Others are carrying on their holiday celebrations without concern, saying that they consider the possibility of random violence to be remote.

But for many, especially in the Chicago area, the fear of gun violence has particular resonance. Tuesday marked one year since a mass shooting took place at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, a suburb 25 miles north of the city.

The massacre unfolded as a man climbed onto the roof of a downtown business with a high-powered rifle and fired into the crowd, killing seven people and injuring dozens. Robert E. Crimo III, 22, who faces 117 criminal charges, including murder, has pleaded not guilty.

The city of Highland Park was to observe the national holiday and anniversary not with a traditional parade, but with a memorial ceremony, community walk, picnic and concert. The city said security was to include metal detectors and bag checks.

Jacqueline von Edelberg, an artist and activist in Highland Park, said she planned to attend the day’s events, but acknowledged that many people have opted out.

“Some people are going in enthusiastic about it because they want to stand in solidarity with people, and other people can’t put themselves in that kind of environment,” von Edelberg said.

Having to consider security risks at public gatherings these days, she said, “is indicative of how normalized gun violence is in America.”

As if to underscore the issue as the holiday approached, at least two people died and 28 others were wounded in a shooting at a block party in Baltimore early Sunday, police said. A motive for the shooting, which was reported at 12:30 a.m. in Baltimore’s southern neighborhood of Brooklyn, was unclear.

In Chicago’s suburbs, police departments have added officers to protect Fourth of July events.

In Evanston, just north of Chicago, city officials announced that there would be an increased presence of police officers, heightened security at intersections along a parade route there,

K-9 patrols and drone flights.

Other suburbs, including Glencoe, pledged to add more security and traffic controls during their holiday events.

Research shows that Americans view gun violence as a growing threat in their communities, whether they live in rural areas, suburbs or cities.

A poll conducted last year by the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed widespread fears of armed attackers. About 4 in 10 Americans believe it is at least somewhat likely that they will become a victim of gun violence within the next five years, with young adults the group most likely to report that concern, the survey said.

Those fears can be amplified during events that are outdoors and difficult to secure, even with police officers present.

“Everybody goes out to crowded public events, even sometimes,” said Jens Ludwig, director of the University of Chicago Crime Lab. “It’s really striking that this is now a shared feature of the American experience: to worry and hope that some mentally ill person isn’t also there with an AR-15.”

In some cases, guns have not been the issue. In 2021, the driver of an SUV plowed through an annual Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, killing six people and injuring dozens more.

Some people at the parade in Park Ridge, Illinois, in May said they still felt safe in public, or were determined not to let their experience be clouded by worries about security.

“I’ve been going to this for 50 years,” said Sue Caldwell,

85, as she walked over to the Memorial Day parade in Park Ridge. “We can’t just give up on everything.”

Sharone Marck, a 49-year-old lawyer in Highland Park, is one resident who decided to avoid the festivities on the Fourth of July.

She was at the parade in Highland Park last year. After she heard the staccato pop of gunshots and saw people fleeing, she dropped what she was holding in her hands, grabbed her young son and her mother and helped them sprint away to safety.

This year, both of her children are away at camp. Marck and her husband planned to join their neighbors for a cookout, have some drinks and listen to music, away from the center of town, where the shooting took place.“I want to go there to pay my respects, but I don’t want to go with hundreds of people and a huge police presence,” she said.

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A Memorial Day parade crowd in Park Ridge, Ill., May 29, 2023. Concerns about gun violence at large public events leave some contemplating safety measures or even staying home.

A Baltimore party, a hail of gunfire and a neighborhood shattered

By KAYLA GUO and NICHOLAS BOGEL-BURROUGHS

In videos from a block party Saturday night, hundreds of teenagers and young adults are seen dancing in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Baltimore and singing along to the lyrics of local rappers. As they shout and move their hands through the air, many hold up phones to record the revelry on a hot summer night.

But the videos that emerged from shortly after midnight tell a story of terror and tragedy: teenagers running from gunfire, people falling to the ground, and a mother wailing as she met police officers at the vast crime scene where her daughter had been fatally shot.

A barrage of gunfire had torn through the Brooklyn Day party in South Baltimore, leaving two young people dead and 28 more people wounded. Half of those shot were younger than 18, police said.

Even for a city plagued by gun violence in recent years, the number of victims was staggering, representing more people than would sit in an average high school classroom. Over the past decade, only 10 other shootings in the United States have resulted in so many gunshot victims, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a research group, although many mass shootings have taken more lives.

On Monday, many people in the Brooklyn neighborhood remained shaken, and many of the city’s leaders were urging people to come forward with information, even as police faced pointed questions about why there were no officers at the event. Although it does not have a set date, the event has been held every summer for 27 years, Mayor Brandon Scott said, and officers were on hand last year.

Baltimore’s acting police commissioner, Richard Worley, said the department had learned of the party’s existence only “several hours” before the shooting, which unfolded just after

12:30 a.m. Sunday. He said that multiple guns had been used and that police had not yet arrested anyone.

He and Scott deflected questions about the absence of officers and sought to focus attention on the perpetrators of the violence.

“We won’t stop until we find those responsible and hold them accountable — we won’t,” Scott said. “With that said, we need the help of our residents and anyone that knows anything to come forward and say something, so that we can bring those who are recklessly carrying out acts of violence like this to justice.”

Scott referred to a video circulating on social media that shows a teenage boy showing off a gun at the party and said that adults in attendance had shirked their responsibility to keep younger people in check.

“There were grown adults filming young people with guns who said nothing, did nothing, who didn’t say to the police, ‘Hey, I know this teenager is out here at this event with a gun,’” Scott said. “There was a time when even those who were the toughest of the tough in the street, if they saw some young kid with something like that, they would step in there, do something.”

Still, city leaders shed little light on why police had not known about the event earlier. In the days leading up to the party, several people had mentioned it on social media platforms. On Twitter alone, a handful of people discussed the event in public posts two days before it took place. One user wrote Thursday that the “whole Baltimore” was “talking about going to Brooklyn Day.”

Worley said that, in past years, the department had found advertisements or social media mentions of the party and had sent officers to monitor it. But this year, he said, analysts and one of the department’s top intelligence officers had not found any of the posts. He also noted that no one had applied for a permit for the event, although he acknowledged that the same was true of previous Brooklyn Day parties.

“We knew it was coming up at some point, but we had no indication that it was happening that day because we had never seen any advertisements for it,” he said.

The shooting comes as the number of homicides in Baltimore has dropped slightly from recent years, according to The Baltimore Banner. But it has brought fears that such a large, public shooting could set off a wave of retaliatory violence. The city saw an average of about 333 killings each year from 2015-2022, according to The Baltimore Sun.

Krystal Gonzalez, whose 18-year-old daughter, Aaliyah, was one of the two people killed, said Monday that she was feeling more pain than she had ever felt in her life. She said through tears that she had recently thrown a party for Aaliyah to celebrate her graduation from high school.

Aaliyah had been working at Starbucks, taking extra shifts and saving up money for a car, her mother said. For much of high school, Aaliyah had yearned to go to college out of state, but she changed her mind shortly before graduation, planning instead to enroll at Anne Arundel Community College near her home in the Baltimore suburb of Glen Burnie.

“All of a sudden, in senior year as it’s coming to a close, she said, ‘Mom, I don’t want to leave; I want to stay here,’” Gonzalez recalled. “She wanted to stay with us.”

Gonzalez said that she did not think Aaliyah had ever been to the Brooklyn neighborhood before and that Aaliyah had been spending the night with a friend in a Baltimore suburb who decided to go to the party.

“She was such a good girl,” Gonzalez said. “She would analyze people — ‘Why are they feeling this way? What can I do to help?’ — that’s who Aaliyah was. She was so, so bright and sensitive, and I swear this world did not deserve her. She was too good to be here.”

On Sunday morning, Gonzalez said, she woke up to her husband’s shout of “No!” after someone used Aaliyah’s phone to call and tell him that she had been shot. Gonzalez said she could not believe that the victim was her daughter and raced to the scene, only to be held back by officers who told her that she would not want to see her daughter’s body.

“We need to find who did this,” Gonzalez said. “It hurts so bad.”

Police identified the other victim as 20-year-old Kylis Fagbemi. Worley said officers were still reviewing videos and interviewing victims.

On Monday afternoon, remnants left around the Brooklyn Homes, the public housing complex that was the center of the event, made for a haunting reminder of what had taken place a day earlier. A snow-cone truck was still parked in the complex’s parking lot. A few lawn chairs and a purple fluffy stool were set up outside rows of identical, squat, red brick apartments.

People who live nearby said the party had started out as expected, though perhaps with more young children than usual. There was a DJ in the parking lot, people dancing and vendors serving food.

Anthony Wicks, who lives in the neighborhood, said he had been watching over his 6-year-old daughter while she played in their front yard near the party Saturday night.

When he heard gunshots, Wicks grabbed his daughter and ran. As he ran, he was struck in the side of his torso by a bullet that had ricocheted off something else.

“It almost was me; it almost was my daughter,” he said Monday. “The kids can’t even come outside. It’s too much.”

Food, water and other resources are provided to residents after a mass shooting in the southern neighborhood of Brooklyn, in Baltimore, July 3, 2023.

Republicans are divided on impeaching Biden as panel begins new inquiry

By KAROUN DEMIRJIAN

Republicans are deeply divided over impeaching President Joe Biden, with newly energized lawmakers on the far right applying pressure to do so and leaders and rank-and-file members concerned they have undertaken a politically risky battle that they cannot win.

A vote last month to send impeachment articles against Biden for his border policies to the Homeland Security Committee alongside the Judiciary Committee amounted to a stalling tactic by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to quell the urgent calls for action from the hard right. But it has also highlighted the rifts in the House GOP over moving forward and complicating a separate monthslong drive by the panel to prepare an impeachment case against Alejandro Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, for the same offenses.

Neither pursuit appears to have the votes to proceed, and many Republicans are worried that without a stronger case against the president, even trying the move could be disastrous for their party.

Several rank-and-file Republicans from politically competitive districts had balked at the idea of impeaching Mayorkas, even after McCarthy endorsed that push. Few believe that the new investigation of Biden — a hastily arranged effort designed to halt a right-wing attempt to impeach the president outright with no investigation — will yield anything that could persuade them to oust him.

“We’re supposed to impeach on high crimes and misdemeanors,” said Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., and a moderate who previously stated he opposed impeaching Mayorkas over a policy disagreement. When asked whether he was any more inclined to support impeaching Biden for the same reason, he answered, “Not really.”

Even among Republicans who support removing Biden, there is deep skepticism about whether focusing on his border policies is the best place to build an impeachment case against him.

“To be frank with you, I think that our issue is a side issue — it’s not the main issue here,” said Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., and a member of the homeland security panel. He said accusations of financial

impropriety involving the president’s son, Hunter Biden, which are being investigated by the House Oversight Committee, are “where the president really is going to have the majority of his problems.”

But that panel has yet to produce any evidence of wrongdoing by Biden despite months of scrutiny and the frequent public claims by top Republicans that he has engaged in corrupt and potentially criminal behavior.

The push to impeach Biden comes amid a fierce struggle between McCarthy and a right-wing faction of his party that has been in open revolt ever since he struck a debt ceiling deal with the president. That faction includes Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., who forced a vote in June demanding Biden be investigated on allegations of having “intentionally facilitated a complete and total invasion at the southern border.” Her resolution made no mention of Mayorkas.

The measure thrust McCarthy into an awkward position. Despite his frequent criticism of Biden for having “failed” the country with “open-border policies,” the speaker has pushed back on efforts to impeach the president, arguing Republicans had yet to articulate a good reason for doing so.

The move also forced the House Homeland Security Committee to abruptly pivot barely a week after Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., the chair of the panel, presented a 55-page report detailing “why Secretary Mayorkas must be investigated for his border crisis” — the preliminary findings of an inquiry he has been heralding for months.

Since early spring, Green has been laying out a sprawling case against Mayorkas. The representative took his panel to visit points along the U.S.-Mexico border as he tried to back up his assertion that the secretary is to blame for rising unlawful entries, drugs and cartel-related crime and a drop in morale among Border Patrol officials.

He recently suggested to reporters that the mandate to investigate Biden could be an extension of his current plans for scrutinizing Mayorkas, which he has said will take place in five phases, beginning with a look at whether the homeland security secretary was derelict in his duty.

“We’ve been looking into the complete failures, the Biden administration’s complete failures at the southwest border,” Green told reporters, adding that when it comes to Biden’s personal actions, “we will dig deeply into it.”

What exactly he meant was not clear. While Green has frequently claimed Mayorkas is culpable for carrying out the Biden administration’s border plans, he has also argued that the case against the secretary is more egregious than mere policy disagreements. He has accused him of having “either violated or subverted at least 10 laws” and having “blatantly lied to the United States Congress under oath on multiple occasions and lied to the American people at least 58 times” — charges the Department of Homeland Security denies.

Green has also avoided describing the goal of his panel’s work as “impeachment,” saying it would be up to the Judiciary Committee to make such determinations. That stance now clashes with the House’s explicit instruction to his committee to investigate Biden on impeachment charges.

The Judiciary Committee traditio-

nally writes and approves articles of impeachment before they are sent for a vote by the full House. The recent vote on Boebert’s measure sent the articles against Biden to both panels.

In the absence of clear direction, Republicans on the homeland security panel are struggling to figure out how to prioritize their new Biden-focused charge without undermining their ongoing inquiry into Mayorkas. Some suggested that the new priority would prolong the committee’s work on Mayorkas, which Green had predicted would wrap up in early fall.

“It might change timing,” said Rep. Austin Pfluger, R-Texas, adding that while it was “probably important” to continue on both tracks, the referral for Biden made that line of inquiry “really important.”

Others suggested that completing a case against Mayorkas would only help them to build an argument against Biden, who set the policies Mayorkas has carried out.

“Our focus on Secretary Mayorkas has been squarely over enforcement of immigration law and border policy, but I think the subject matter was limited,” said Rep. Dan Bishop, R-N.C. “This inevitably opens it up to other questions.”

The push to impeach President Biden comes amid a fierce struggle between Speaker Kevin McCarthy and a right-wing faction of his party.

The surprising striver in the world’s space business

fleets track their catch. Satellites bring phone signals to the country’s remotest corners and help operate solar farms far from India’s megacities.

Since June 2020, when Modi announced a push for the space sector, opening it up to all kinds of private enterprise, India has launched a network of businesses, each driven by original research and homegrown talent. Last year, the space startups raked in $120 million in new investment, at a rate that is doubling or tripling annually.

As ISRO, pronounced ISS-ro, makes room for new private players, it shares with them a profitable legacy. Its spaceport, on the coastal island of Sriharikota, is near the equator and suitable for launches into different orbital levels. The government agency’s “workhorse” rocket is one of the world’s most reliable for heavy loads. With a success rate of almost 95%, it has halved the cost of insurance for a satellite — making India one of the most competitive launch sites in the world.

And there is money to be made launching equipment into space: That market is worth about $6 billion this year and could triple in value by 2025.

By ALEX TRAVELLI

When it launched its first rocket in 1963, India was a poor country pursuing the world’s most cutting-edge technology. That projectile, its nose cone wheeled to the launchpad by a bicycle, put a small payload 124 miles above the Earth. India was barely pretending to keep up with the United States and the Soviet Union.

In today’s space race, India has found much surer footing.

In a sleek and spacious rocket hangar an hour south of Hyderabad, a hub to India’s tech startups, a crowd of young engineers pored over a tiny, experimental cryogenic thruster engine. The two founders of Skyroot Aerospace, talking between blasts of hissing steam, explained their exhilaration at seeing a rocket of their own design mount India’s first private satellite launch last November. These new thrusters will guide Skyroot’s next one into orbit this year, with a much more valuable payload.

Andeno Co

Tasa mínima, promedio ponderado, y máxima para préstamos personales pequeños otorgados para la semana que terminó el sábado, 1 de julio de 2023

Tasa Mínima (%)

Suddenly India has become home to at least 140 registered space-tech startups, comprising a local research field that stands to transform the planet’s connection to the final frontier. It’s one of India’s most sought-after sectors for venture capital investors. The startups’ growth has been explosive, leaping from five when the pandemic started. And they see a big market to serve. Pawan Kumar Chandana, 32, Skyroot’s CEO, anticipates a global need for 30,000 satellites to be launched this decade.

India’s importance as a scientific power is taking center stage. When President Joe Biden hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington last month, the White House’s statement said the two leaders “called for enhanced commercial collaboration between the U.S. and Indian private sectors in the entire value chain of the space economy.” Both countries see space as an arena in which India can emerge as a counterweight to their mutual rival: China.

For its first three decades, the Indian Space Research Organization, or ISRO, the local version of NASA, made the country proud: An image of India’s first satellite graced the 2-rupee note until 1995. Then for a while India paid less attention to its space ambitions, with young researchers focused on more tangible developments in information technology and pharmaceuticals. Now India is not only the world’s most populous country but also its fastest-growing large economy and a thriving center of innovation.

The business of space has changed, too. Driven more by private enterprise than by gigantic government budgets, space technology is fulfilling smaller-scale, commercial purposes. Imaging systems feed information about the planet back to Earth, helping India’s farmers insure their crops or commercial fishing

In Hyderabad, the working loft occupied by Dhruva Space, which deploys satellites and was India’s first space startup, is modishly littered with dummy satellites, atmospherically controlled labs known as clean rooms and an artificial-gravity testing rig. In any given month, Kranthi Chand, its head of strategy, is hardly there, as he spends about one week in Europe and another in the United States, rounding up clients and investors.

India’s vendor ecosystem is staggering in size. Decades of doing business with ISRO created about 400 private companies in clusters around Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and elsewhere, each devoted to building special screws, sealants and other products fit for space. One hundred may collaborate on a single launch.

Skyroot and Dhruva work in the relatively sexy sectors of launch and satellite delivery, but together those account for only 8% of India’s space business pie. A much bigger slice comes from companies that specialize in collecting data beamed by satellite.

Pixxel is a notable startup in that area. It has developed an imaging system to detect patterns on the Earth’s surface that lie outside the range of ordinary color vision. It has headquarters in Bengaluru and an office in Los Angeles — as well as a contract with a secretive agency within the Pentagon. Even bigger chunks of the satellite business will inevitably go to consumer broadband and TV services, beamed down from low orbit.

In Skyroot’s hangar, its engineers turned entrepreneurs, educated at two of the original Indian Institutes of Technology and given on-the-ground experience working at ISRO, talk the language of venture-capital funding. After “the seed round,” Chandana recounts, “next is the series A, that was around 11 million, and then there’s a bridge round of 4.5 million.”

Their company is now valued at $68 million, after four rounds. But they have no plans to cash out anytime soon. They are palpably more excited about the science than the business, which neither of them studied. Running a company, Chandana said, is “just common sense.”

Engineers work at the Skyroot Aerospace facility in Hyderabad, India, June 1, 2023. India has become home to at least 140 registered space-tech start-ups, leaping from five when the pandemic started.

Wall St ends slightly higher in shortened session, Tesla jumps

Wall Street’s main indexes ended with slim gains in a holiday-shortened session on Monday, helped by a surge in Tesla and strength in bank shares as the second half of the year kicked off on a subdued note.

Tesla TSLA.O shares jumped 6.9% as the electric vehicle maker said it delivered a record number of vehicles in the second quarter.

Shares of major banks gained after the companiesraised dividends as they sailed through the Federal Reserve’s annual health check. Wells Fargo WFC.N shares rose 1.7%, Citigroup C.N shares climbed 1.5%, while the S&P 500 banks index .SPXBK ended up 1.5%.

Trading volumes were lighter than average as the stock market closed at 1 p.m. ET ahead of the July 4th Independence Day holiday on Tuesday.

“You have got a lot of people that are just not in the market today,” said Chuck Carlson, chief executive at Horizon Investment Services in Hammond, Indiana. “Nobody is really placing any big bets on either side of the market right now.”

The Dow Jones Industrial Average .DJI rose 10.87 points, or 0.03%, to 34,418.47; the S&P 500 .SPX gained 5.21 points, or 0.12%, at 4,455.59; and the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC added 28.85 points, or 0.21%, at 13,816.77.

While nine of the 11 S&P 500 sectors rose, healthcare .SPXHC fell the most, dropping 0.8%, while the heavyweight technology sector .SPLRCT fell 0.3%.

Stocks ended higher on Friday, closing out a strong first-half of the year for major equity indexes. The Nasdaq Composite posted its biggest first-half gain in 40 years, rising 31.7%.

Outsized gains for megacap stocks have led indexes this year, but recent signs have shown a broadening rally.

“You have a stronger market and the likelihood of a more sustained upside move when you have broader strength,” Carlson said.

A widely watched section of the U.S. Treasury yield curve hit its deepest inversion on Monday since 1981, reflecting financial markets’ concerns about the economy.

U.S. manufacturing slumped further in June, a survey showed, reaching levels last seen when the economy was reeling from the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Advancing issues outnumbered decliners on the NYSE by a 2.27-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 1.51-to-1 ratio favored advancers.

The S&P 500 posted 20 new 52-week highs and no new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 59 new highs and 47 new lows.

About 6 billion shares changed hands in U.S. exchanges, compared with the 11 billion daily average over the last 20 sessions.

The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Con-

MOST ASSERTIVE STOCKS

PUERTO

sumption Expenditure index (PCE) for May, will be released on Friday. Economists polled by Reuters expect core rates to remain steady at 4.7%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq was still on track for a gain of more than 29% in the first half of the year, its biggest such gain in 40 years. On Thursday it managed to pare losses and close barely lower but was under pressure throughout the day from losses in megacaps including Amazon, Meta Platform, Nvidia and Microsoft.

The Philadelphia semiconductor index managed a small 0.13% gain but underpeformed during the session, with a 4% decline in Micron Technology shares leading losses even though the chipmaker beat estimates for thirdquarter results.

Occidental Petroleum rose 1.8% after Berkshire Hathaway Inc said it added more shares of the oil firm, boosting its stake to above 25%.

Shares in sportswear maker Nike closed up 0.3% but then fell around 1% after the bell, even though its financial report showed that it beat Wall Street estimates for quarterly revenue with buoyant demand for sneakers such as Air Jordan and LeBron 20.

Attack in Tel Aviv wounds 8 as Israel’s deadly raid in West Bank continues

By ISABEL KERSHNER and AARON BOXERMAN

Eight people were wounded by a Palestinian in a carramming and stabbing attack in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, the Israeli authorities said, raising fears of tit-for-tat violence on the second day of the Israeli military’s large-scale incursion aimed at rooting out Palestinian armed groups in the West Bank city of Jenin.

The Palestinian death toll in the Jenin operation, the biggest that Israel has mounted in the area in many years, rose to 12, according to Palestinian health officials. Four were younger than 18, at least two of whom were claimed by Palestinian militant groups as fighters. At least 120 people were injured, including 20 in serious condition, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.

The military operation in Jenin and the attack in Tel Aviv add to the sense of uncertainty and tension in the region, after the most right-wing government in Israeli history took power six months ago. The coalition government’s leaders promised to expand Jewish settlements in occupied territory and to administer a tougher response to violence, while the Palestinian Authority has increasingly lost control of hotbeds of militancy in the occupied West Bank.

The sun rose on Tuesday on deserted alleyways in Jenin’s refugee camp, a usually crowded quarter abutting the West Bank city that is the focus of the military incursion. The military activities sent people fleeing, with as many as 3,000 of the camp’s roughly 17,000 residents seeking shelter in schools and other public buildings, or with families elsewhere.

“We were huddling together in the middle of our house, terrified that a rocket might strike us at any moment,” said Omar Obeid, 60, a resident of the camp who fled the fighting with his children late Monday.

A day after Israel launched the operation, which began with a rare use of airstrikes in the region, about 1,000 troops continued searching the camp on Tuesday after earlier finding and confiscating caches of weapons, explosive devices and other military equipment, according to the Israeli military, which added that its forces had also destroyed laboratories for manufacturing explosives.

Although gunfire and explosions could still occasionally be heard, the situation in the refugee camp was “calmer today than yesterday,” the deputy governor of Jenin, Kamal Abu al-Rub said on Tuesday. Neither electricity nor running water was available in the camp because of the destruction caused by the operation, he added.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Tuesday afternoon, during a visit to an army base near Jenin, that the operation was in its final stages. “At this moment we are completing the mission,” he said.

Jenin, long a militant stronghold, has been at the center of escalating tensions and violence in the year leading up to the incursion early Monday, and, as the military continued its operation there, Israeli authorities said that a West Bank Palestinian had attacked Israeli civilians in Tel Aviv. A pregnant woman injured in the attack lost her baby, Israeli television reported.

In security camera footage broadcast on Israeli television, a car can be seen slamming into a curb in a residential area in the northern part of the city. The driver then leaves his car and chases and stabs at passersby, brandishing a heavy object. He was then shot and killed by a civilian, Israeli security officials said. Three people are in serious condition, the police said.

The Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic intelligence service, identified the attacker as Abd al-Wahab Khalaila, a 20-year-old Palestinian from Samua, a small town in the southern West Bank. Khalaila had no prior security record, the agency said.

“We’ve assessed that because of our activity in Judea and Samaria, the motivation and potential for attacks would rise,” the Israeli police chief, Yaakov Shabtai, told reporters, using the biblical name for the West Bank. Netanyahu vowed the attack would not deter Israel “in our struggle against terrorism.”

Hamas, the Palestinian militant faction that controls Gaza, claimed Khalaila as a member and praised the at-

tack as a response to “the Zionist occupation’s aggression in Jenin.” But Palestinian groups have been known to claim as members or publicly honor all those killed by Israel, and Hamas stopped short of taking direct responsibility for the assault.

Jenin is a bastion for the militant groups Islamic Jihad and Hamas, as well as being home to newer armed militias that have sprung up and do not answer to the established organizations, and the area has been the source of dozens of shooting attacks on Israelis, according to Israeli military data.

Israeli officials said that the latest military incursion was not intended to conquer or hold territory in Jenin, adding that it would continue for as long as it took for the mission to be completed.

Israel’s chief military spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said on Tuesday that 120 wanted men had been arrested and were being interrogated by the security services.

“There is no point in the camp that we have not reached, including its core,” Hagari wrote on Twitter Tuesday morning. He said that each of the military units operating in the camp had been given a number of defined targets to search during the day, adding, “If we encounter friction with terrorists — we will fight them as well.”

Hussein al-Sheikh, a senior official in the Palestinian Authority, called on the international community, including the United States, “to intervene immediately” to “stop the Israeli aggression and force Israel to withdraw immediately from Jenin and its camp,” warning of the displacement of large numbers of residents.

The Palestinian Authority announced that it was ceasing all contact with Israel over the Jenin raid.

The operation began shortly after 1 a.m. on Monday with airstrikes from drones, a new tactic being employed by Israel in the West Bank. The strikes were the most intense use of air power in the occupied territory in about two decades.

Israel said that all those who had been killed so far were combatants; militant groups have claimed five of them as members. The Palestinian authorities have not specified whether those who died were all combatants or included civilians.

Some Palestinian officials said that Israel had threatened and forced camp residents to evacuate their homes.

“Houses have been demolished, broken into, and the people were forced out of their own homes,” the mayor of Jenin, Nidal Obeidi, told the radio station Voice of Palestine on Tuesday. According to reports from the scene aired on the station, the sound of explosions and exchanges of fire had rung around the camp since dawn.

Israeli officials denied that they had carried out any forced evacuations but confirmed that some residents had received text messages from Israeli numbers advising them to leave their homes temporarily. Hagari said that the Israeli forces had allowed and even encouraged women and children to leave.

Analysts and former generals with the Israeli military said that it would be in Israel’s interest to wrap up the operation as soon as possible to avoid escalation in Jenin and to prevent any spillover of tensions into other areas, such as the Hamas-run territory of Gaza, which could result in a broader conflict.

The video shows people fleeing Jenin’s refugee camp as Israeli forces fired stun grenades and tear gas during a raid.

Lic. Michelle M. Colón Naturópata/Iridióloga

Canada offers lesson in the economic toll of climate change

By LYDIA DePILLIS

Canada’s wildfires have burned 20 million acres, blanketed Canadian and U.S. cities with smoke and raised health concerns on both sides of the border, with no end in sight. The toll on the Canadian economy is only beginning to sink in.

The fires have upended oil and gas operations, reduced available timber harvests, dampened the tourism industry and imposed uncounted costs on the national health system.

Those losses are emblematic of the pressure being felt more widely as countries around the world experience disaster after disaster caused by extreme weather, and they will only increase as the climate warms.

What long seemed a faraway concern has snapped into sharp relief in recent years, as billowing smoke has suffused vast areas of North America, floods have washed away neighborhoods, and heat waves have strained power grids. That incurs billions of dollars in costs, and also has longer-reverberating consequences, such as insurers withdrawing from markets prone to hurricanes and fires.

In some early studies of the economic impact of rising temperatures, Canada appeared to be better positioned than countries closer to the Equator; warming could allow for longer farming seasons and make more places attractive to live in as winters grow less harsh. But it is becoming clear that increasing volatility — ice storms followed by fires followed by intense rains and now hurricanes on the Atlantic Coast, uncommon so far north — wipes out any potential gains.

“It’s come on faster than we thought, even informed people,” said Dave Sawyer, principal economist at the Canadian Climate Institute. “You couldn’t model this out if you tried. We’ve always been concerned about this escalation of damages, but seeing it happen is so stark.”

Nonetheless, Sawyer and his colleagues did try to model it out. In a report last year, they calculated that climate-related costs would mount to 25 billion Canadian dollars in 2025, cutting economic growth in half. By midcentury, they forecast a loss of 500,000 jobs, mostly from excessive heat that lowers labor productivity and causes premature death. Then there are the increased costs to households, and higher taxes required to support government spending to repair the damage — especially in the north, where thawing permafrost is cracking roads and buildings.

It is too early to know the cost for the current fires, and several months of fire season remain. But the consulting firm Oxford Econom-

ics has forecast that it could knock between 0.3 and 0.6 percentage points off Canada’s economic growth in the third quarter — a big hit, especially since hiring in the country has already slowed and households have more debt and less savings than their neighbors to the south.

“We already think we’re teetering into a downturn, and this would just make things worse,” said Tony Stillo, director of economics for Canada at Oxford. “If we were to see these fires really disrupt transportation corridors, disrupting power supply to large population centers, then you’re talking about even worse consequences.”

Estimates of the overall economic drag are built on damage to particular industries, which vary with each disaster.

The recent fires have left some lumber mills idle, for example, as workers have been evacuated. It’s not clear how widespread the damage will be to forest stocks, but provincial governments tend to reduce the amount of timber they allow to be harvested after large blazes, according to Derek Nighbor, CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada. Infestations of pine beetles, which have flared up as milder winter temperatures fail to kill off the pests, have curtailed logging in British Columbia.

Although lumber prices have been depressed in recent months as higher interest rates have weighed on home construction, Canada is confronting a housing shortage as it works to bring in millions of new immigrants. Reduced availability of wood will make its housing problem more difficult to solve. “It’s safe to say there’s going to be a supply crunch in Canada as we work through this,” Nighbor

said.

The tourism industry is also being hit, as the fires erupted just as operators were going into the crucial summer season — sometimes far from the fires. Business plunged in the peninsula town of Tofino, a popular destination for whale watching off Vancouver Island, when its only highway access was cut off by a fire two hours away. The road has since reopened, but only one lane at a time, and drivers need to wait up to an hour to get through.

Sabrina Donovan is the general manager of the Pacific Sands Beach Resort and the chair of Tofino’s local tourism promotion organization. She said that her hotel’s occupancy sank to about 20% from 85% in the course of June, and that few bookings were coming through for the rest of the year. Employers commonly house their staff during the summer, but after weeks without customers, many workers left for jobs elsewhere, making it difficult to maintain full service in the coming months.

“This most recent fire has been pretty devastating for the majority of the community,” Donovan said, noting that the coast had never in her career had to deal with wildfires. “This is something we now have to be thinking about in the future.”

Regardless of the severity of any particular episode, the costs mount as disasters get closer to critical infrastructure and population centers. That is why the two most expensive years in recent history were 2013, when major flooding hit Calgary, and 2016, when the Fort McMurray fire wiped out 2,400 homes and businesses and hamstrung oil and gas production, the area’s main economic driver.

This year, most of the burning has been in rural areas. While some oil drilling has

been disrupted, the damage overall to the oil industry has been minor. The greater longterm threat to the industry is falling demand for fossil fuels, which could displace 312,000 to 450,000 workers in the next three decades, according to an analysis by TD Bank.

But there is still a long, hot summer ahead. And the insurance industry is on alert, having watched the increasing damage in recent years with alarm. Before 2009, insured losses in Canada averaged around CA$450 million a year, and now they routinely exceed CA$2 billion. Large reinsurers pulled back from the Canadian market after several crippling payouts, increasing prices for homeowners and businesses. That is not even counting the life insurance costs likely to be incurred by excessive heat and smoke-related respiratory ailments.

Craig Stewart, vice president of federal affairs for the Insurance Bureau of Canada, said climate issues had become a primary concern for the organization over the past decade.

“Back in 2015, we sent our CEO across the country to talk about the need to prepare for a different climate future,” Stewart said. “At the time, we had the Calgary floods two years before in the rear view mirror. We thought, ‘Oh, we’ll get another event in two to three years.’ We never could’ve imagined that we’re now seeing two or three catastrophic events in the country per year.”

That’s why the industry pushed hard for the Canadian government to come up with a comprehensive adaptation strategy, which was released in late June. It recommends measures like investing in urban forests to reduce the health effects of heat waves and developing better flood maps that help people avoid building in vulnerable areas. Fire and forestry experts have called for the forest service, decimated by years of austerity, to be restored, and prescribed burns be scaled up — all of which costs a lot of money.

Mike Savage, the mayor of Halifax, doesn’t have to be convinced that the spending is necessary. His city was the largest to sustain fire losses this spring, with 151 homes burned. That calamity came on the heels of Hurricane Fiona last year, which submerged much of the coastline. Savage worries about the fate of the isthmus that connects Nova Scotia to New Brunswick, and the power systems that now peak in the hot summer instead of the frigid winter.

“I certainly believe that when you invest in mitigation there’s a dramatic positive impact from those investments,” Savage said. “It’s going to be a challenging time. To think we got through this fire and say, ‘OK, that’s good, we’re done,’ that would be a little bit naive.”

The aftermath of a wildfire in Drayton Valley, Alberta, Canada, May 18, 2023. Wildfires are hurting many industries and could strain households across Canada, one of many countries reckoning with the impact of extreme weather.

Yellen’s China visit aims to ease tensions amid deep divisions

By ALAN RAPPEPORT, KEITH BRADSHER and ANA SWANSON

The last time a U.S. treasury secretary visited China, Washington and Beijing were locked in a trade war, the Trump administration was preparing to label China a currency manipulator, and fraying relations between the two countries were roiling global markets.

Four years later, as Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen prepares to arrive in Beijing, many of the economic policy concerns that have been festering between the United States and China remain — or have even intensified — despite the Biden administration’s less antagonistic tone.

The tariffs that President Donald Trump imposed on Chinese goods are still in effect. President Joe Biden has been working to restrict China’s access to critical technology such as semiconductors. And new restrictions curbing American investment in China are looming.

Treasury Department officials have downplayed expectations for major breakthroughs on Yellen’s four-day trip, which begins when she arrives in Beijing on Thursday. They suggest instead that her meetings with senior Chinese officials are intended to improve communication between the world’s two largest economies. But tensions between the United States and China remain high, and conversations between Yellen and her counterparts are likely to be difficult. She met in Washington with Xie Feng, China’s ambassador, on Monday, and the two officials had a “frank and productive discussion,” according to the Treasury. Here are some of the most contentious issues that have sown divisions between the United States and China.

Technology and trade controls

Chinese officials are still smarting at the Biden administration’s 2022 decision to place significant limitations on the kinds of advanced semiconductors and chipmaking machinery that can be sent to China. Those limits have hampered China’s efforts to develop artificial

intelligence and other kinds of advanced computing that are expected to help power each country’s economy and military going forward.

And the Biden administration is mulling further controls on advanced chips and on U.S. investment into cutting-edge Chinese technology.

Semiconductors have always been one of the biggest and most valuable categories of U.S. exports to China, and while the Chinese government is investing heavily in its domestic capacity, it remains many years behind the United States.

The Biden administration’s subsidy program to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor industry has also rankled Chinese officials, especially since it includes restrictions on investing in China. Companies that accept U.S. government money to build new chip facilities in the United States are forbidden to make new, high-tech investments in China. Beijing swiped back Monday, announcing that it will restrict the export of certain minerals used in the production of some chips.

And while Chinese officials — and some American manufacturers — were hopeful that the Biden administration would lift tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese imports, that does not seem to be in the offing. While Yellen has questioned the efficacy of tariffs, other top officials in the administra-

tion see the levies as helpful for encouraging supply chains to move out of China.

The administration is employing both carrots and sticks to carry out a policy of “derisking” or “friend-shoring” — that is, enticing supply chains for crucial products like electric vehicle batteries, semiconductors and solar panels out of China.

Deteriorating business environments

Companies doing business in China are increasingly worried about attracting negative attention from the government. The most recent target was Micron Technology, a U.S. memory chipmaker that failed a Chinese security review in May. The move could cut Micron off from selling to Chinese companies that operate key infrastructure, putting roughly one-eighth of the company’s global revenue at risk. In recent months, consulting and advisory firms in China with foreign ties have faced a crackdown.

U.S. officials are growing more concerned with the Chinese government’s use of economic coercion against countries like Lithuania and Australia, and they are working with European officials and other governments to coordinate their responses.

Businesses are also alarmed by China’s ever-tightening national security laws, which include a stringent counterespionage law that took effect Saturday. Foreign businesses in China are reassessing their activities and the market information they gather because the law is vague about what is prohibited.

“We think this is very ill advised, and we’ve made that point to several members of the government here,” said R. Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China, in an interview in Beijing.

In the United States, companies with ties to China, like the social media app TikTok, the shopping app Temu and the clothing retailer Shein, are facing increasing scrutiny over their labor practices, their use of American customer data and the ways they import products into the United States.

Currency

China’s currency, the renminbi, has often been a source of concern for U.S. officials, who have at times accused Beijing of artificially weakening its currency to make its products cheaper to sell abroad.

The renminbi’s recent weakness may pose the most difficult issue for Yellen. The currency is down more than 7% against the dollar in the past 12 months and down nearly 13% against the euro. That decline makes China’s exports more competitive in the United States. China’s trade surplus in manufactured goods already represents one-tenth of the entire economy’s output.

The renminbi is not alone in falling against the dollar lately — the Japanese yen has tumbled for various reasons, including rising interest rates in the United States as the Federal Reserve tries to tamp down inflation.

Chinese economists have blamed that factor for the renminbi’s weakness as well. Zhan Yubo, a senior economist at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, said the decline in the renminbi was the direct result of the Fed’s recent increases in interest rates.

Global debt

China has provided more than $500 billion to developing countries through its lending program, making it one of the world’s largest creditors. Many of those borrowers, including several African nations, have struggled economically since the pandemic and face the possibility of defaulting on their debt payments.

The United States, along with other Western nations, has been pressing China to allow some of those countries to restructure their debt and reduce the amount that they owe. But for more than two years, China has insisted that other creditors and multilateral lenders absorb financial losses as part of any restructuring, bogging down the loan relief process and threatening to push millions of people in developing countries deeper into poverty.

In June, international creditors including China agreed to a debt relief plan with Zambia that would provide a grace period on its interest payments and extend the dates when its loans are due. The arrangement did not require that the World Bank or International Monetary Fund write off any debts, offering global policymakers like Yellen hope for similar debt restructuring in poorer countries.

President Joe Biden chats with construction workers at the site of TSMC’s Arizona plant in Phoenix on Dec. 6, 2022.

What we celebrate when we celebrate the Fourth of July

By BRET STEPHENS

In the spring of 1859, Abraham Lincoln was invited by a committee of Boston Republicans to attend a festival in honor of Thomas Jefferson’s birthday. He couldn’t make it. Instead, he sent a letter that explains, perhaps better than anything else Lincoln wrote except for the Gettysburg Address, what it is that we celebrate when we celebrate the Fourth of July.

Lincoln began by noting a historical irony: Roughly 70 years earlier, America’s two main political parties had gotten their start. At the time, it was the party of the South, the Democratic-Republicans, that was “formed upon their supposed superior devotion to the personal rights of men,” while it was the party of the North, the Federalists, that was mainly devoted to the rights of property.

Things had changed. By the late 1850s, it was Lincoln’s Republicans who held fast to Jeffersonian principles — that all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights — while it was the Democrats who “denied and evaded” them. “One dashingly calls them ‘glittering generalities’; another bluntly calls them ‘self-evident lies’; and still others insidiously argue that they apply only to ‘superior races,’” Lincoln noted, in veiled digs at

John C. Calhoun and Stephen Douglas.

The Democrats of his day held “the liberty of one man to be absolutely nothing, when in conflict with another man’s right of property,” Lincoln wrote. “Republicans, on the contrary, are for both the man and the dollar, but in cases of conflict, the man before the dollar.”

One can argue with Lincoln’s sense of history: Jefferson and other leading Democratic-Republicans were mostly slaveholders. Alexander Hamilton, one of the original Federalists, helped found the New York Manumission Society, an early abolitionist group. Lincoln himself almost surely understood this. A line in his letter — “he who would be no slave, must consent to have no slave”— comes across as a thinly disguised critique of Jefferson as a man.

But Lincoln’s letter has a larger political and philosophical purpose than pointing out Jefferson’s profound moral shortcomings.

In the years before the Civil War, Lincoln was interested in questions of political change, decay and salvation. That parties switch places ideologically should be familiar to us: Democrats were once the party of lower taxes, free trade and segregation; Republicans were once the party of migrant amnesty, moral virtue and being tough on Russia.

The larger and more worrying question to Lincoln was whether nations, like parties, could also abandon formerly sacred principles. “It is now no child’s play to save the principles of Jefferson from total overthrow in this nation,” Lincoln warned, just two years before Fort Sumter. “The principles of Jefferson are the definitions and axioms of a free society” — as self-evident, he believed, as “the simpler propositions of Euclid.”

The lesson Lincoln drew is how easily a republic could deny its own foundational principles if personal or political self-interest dictated otherwise. America, he warned, was forgoing “free government” for the sake of “classification” and “caste.”

Which brought Lincoln to his extraordinary conclusion.

All honor to Jefferson — to the man who, in the concrete pressure of a struggle for national independence by a single people, had the coolness, forecast and capacity to introduce into a merely revolutionary document an abstract truth, applicable to all men and all times, and so to embalm it there, that today, and in all coming days, it shall be a rebuke and a stumbling block to the very harbingers of reappearing tyranny and oppression.

What is it, then, that we celebrate on the Fourth of July?

Not the long litany of overwrought and misdirected

complaints that makes up the bulk of the Declaration of Independence. Not the glaring hypocrisy of men who held others in bondage from the moment of their birth while insisting that all men are born equal.

And not the example of those for whom the pursuit of happiness was not a universal ideal. As Lincoln wrote in his letter, “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves, and, under a just God, cannot long retain it.”

What we celebrate, instead, is a decision: one that would outgrow the circumstances of the American Revolution, outstrip its significance as a historical event and outshine the men who waged it, and perhaps, eventually, will outlive the nation for which it was conceived. It was the remarkable decision by Jefferson and his fellow revolutionaries to do something more than revolutionary: to implant a philosophical truth in a foundational document, so that nobody then or in the future could call himself a patriot or a traditionalist without also subscribing to a universal principle that goes beyond patriotism and tradition.

That is why every great champion of freedom looks to our Declaration. That was true of Martin Luther King Jr., who spoke of it as a “promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.” And of the brave protesters in Tiananmen Square, who in 1989 built a 33-foot-tall papier-mâché Goddess of Democracy that recalls the Statue of Liberty before they were gunned down by their own regime. And of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who in a Wall Street Journal essay on Sunday compared July 4, 1776, to Feb. 24, 2022, when the Ukrainian people also chose to fight for freedom and independence.

When we celebrate the Fourth of July, we celebrate this, just as we give thanks to those who transcended their own failings and prejudices to give us the language of liberty.

Senadora Elizabeth Rosa invita a masiva Feria de Reciclaje este jueves en el Acrópolis de Manatí

POR EL STAR STAFF

SAN JUAN – La senadora por el distrito de Arecibo, Elizabeth Rosa Vélez, invitó a toda la comunidad a un evento dedicado a educar sobre la importancia de aumentar los niveles de reciclaje en Puerto Rico. “Este jueves, 6 de julio de 2023 estaremos en las facilidades del Acrópolis de Manatí de 9:00 de la mañana a 12:00 del mediodía, para aportar a crear conciencia en la ciudadanía sobre la importancia de la separación de la basura y el reciclaje y así ayudar a mantener comunidades más limpias”, señaló la legisladora.

“Esta es una gran oportunidad para las familias con niños y jóvenes en vacaciones, para que juntos se integren en la meta de recaudar la mayor cantidad de materiales reciclables y fomentar prácticas que impacten positivamente nuestro ambiente. Hay muchos materiales de uso doméstico que podemos

reciclar, como los plásticos, el cartón, latas de aluminio, aceite de cocinar y textiles. Agradecemos al alcalde de Manatí, José Sánchez González, por su amplia colaboración en esta iniciativa, así como la asistencia del Centro Envejecientes Blanquita Dávila y el Campamento de Verano Municipio de Manatí”, añadió Rosa Vélez.

Entre los recursos que participarán está la empresa Martin Peña Recicla, Inc., que sirve de centro de almacenaje y preparación para la entrega del material reciclado, así como Reciclaje del Norte, el Museo de Reciclaje, Departamento de Turismo, con charlas educativas. La entidad Basura Cero Puerto Rico (BCPR), una organización sin fines de lucro enfocada en estrategias de manejo de desperdicios sólidos a través de la educación y la acción de la academia, la industria y la comunidad, también ha confirmado.

Las entidades La Vega Eco Park Recycling and Renewable, establecida en 2007 en Vega Baja, PR Textile

Recycling, Tais Puerto Rico, Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales, Girl’s Scout, Extensión Agrícola y Club 4H estarán en la actividad. A eso se suma una veintena de artesanos y artesanas puertorriqueños que también participarán del evento de este jueves en el Acrópolis de Manatí.

Abre el taekwondo con plata y bronce en la modalidad poomsae

POR CYBERNEWS

SANTO DOMINGO, República Dominicana – Miguel Ramos y Fabiola Ruiz, taekwondistas puertorriqueños, inauguran la jornada con medallas en los XXIV Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe San Salvador 2023. El evento tuvo lugar el martes en la subsede de Santo Domingo, República Dominicana.

Ramos aportó la primera presea del día a Puerto Rico en la modalidad poomsae con un puntaje de 7.370. “Siento mucha emoción por esta medalla de bronce que gané. Dedicó este premio a mi madre, mi familia, los que me apoyan y a Dios”, comentó Ramos, debutante en estos Juegos.

La siguiente medalla llegó con Fabiola Ruiz en

“freestyle poomsae”. La atleta puertorriqueña obtuvo una puntuación de 6.960. “Me siento contenta. Hice el trabajo. Di todo por Puerto Rico. Estoy muy orgullosa de mi trabajo y del equipo. Logramos esa medalla tan ansiada”, compartió Ruiz, ganadora de bronce por equipo en Barranquilla 2018.

El poomsae tuvo su debut en los Juegos de Barranquilla 2018. En aquella ocasión, Puerto Rico obtuvo una medalla de bronce individual y otra de bronce por equipo.

Por otro lado, el equipo nacional de voleibol femenino logró una victoria en cuatro parciales contra México, con marcadores de 25-15, 25-20, 21-25 y 25-23, marcando un inicio victorioso en el torneo de San Salvador 2023.

Bronce para Puerto Rico en competencia de rifle mixto

S AN SALVADOR, El Salvador – La pareja puertorriqueña compuesta por Yarimar Mercado y Gustavo Enríquez se adjudicó la medalla de bronce en la modalidad de rifle de aire 10 metros mixto, el martes en horas de la mañana.

“Esta medalla significa mucho para nosotros. Nos enfrentamos a equipos fuertes y logramos salir victoriosos”, compartió Mercado en declaraciones escritas. Ganaron el bronce al vencer al equipo guatemalteco de Centro Caribe Sports (CCS), compuesto por Jazmine Matta y Donalson Muñoz, con una puntuación de 179. La medalla de oro fue para los mexicanos Andrea

Palafox y Edson Ramírez, mientras que la plata la obtuvieron los guatemaltecos Polymaría Alvarado y Douglas Oliva de CCS.

Con este triunfo, Mercado se consolida como una de las atletas más laureadas de la delegación, sumando un oro en rifle tres posiciones 50 metros, plata en rifle de aire 10 metros y bronce en rifle 10 metros mixto. Entre este grupo selecto de deportistas también se encuentran los tenismesistas Adriana Díaz y Brian Afanador, Kristen Romano y Yeziel Morales, todos con tres o más medallas en San Salvador 2023.

Por su parte, Enríquez finaliza su participación con dos medallas de bronce: en hombres 10 metros aire por equipo y 10 metros aire mixto. “Estoy satisfecho con

lo que hemos logrado. Vamos a seguir trabajando duro para mejorar”, afirmó Enríquez.

Will America be ready for its 250th birthday?

By JENNIFER SCHUESSLER

For those planning the United States’ Semiquincentennial in 2026, the past few years have sometimes felt like one long winter at Valley Forge.

They’ve had to battle public apathy toward the impending 250th anniversary of American independence, which has hardly been helped by the false starts, recriminations and lawsuits plaguing the federal commission charged with coordinating the celebration.

And then there’s the tongue-twisting word itself, which has left more than a few people puzzling over not just what a semiquincentennial is, but how the heck you say it.

Still, as another July 4 comes and goes, the effort is stepping into overdrive, as planners hit what some wryly call the annual panic button. On Tuesday, the rebooted United States Semiquincentennial Commission, also known as America250, will roll out a public engagement campaign at American Family Field in Milwaukee, where the Chicago Cubs will face the hometown Brewers. And so far, at least 33 states have created commissions, while institutions across the country are steaming ahead with plans for exhibitions and events of their own.

In some places across the country, there’s a sense of excitement and cautious optimism, along with no small amount of worry over how to create a unifying commemoration at a moment when fighting about American history seems to be the real national pastime.

“The effort to do inclusive history is bumping up against this other view of history, which is exclusive, exclusionary, simplistic and whitewashed,” said John Dichtl, the president and CEO of the American Association for State and Local History. And now it’s all coming together, he said, “in a ferocious and fascinating way.”

Partisan political battles have yet to embroil Semiquincentennial planning specifically. “But as we talk to people,” Dichtl said, “the No. 1 thing they want is more help navigating these times, which are probably only going to get worse.”

In May, unease ran through the historical community when former President Donald Trump released a campaign video pledging to hold a yearlong “Salute to America 250,” including a “Great American State Fair” with pavilions from all 50 states, nationwide high school sports competitions and the construction of his proposed “National Garden of American Heroes.”

And a growing number of state-funded historical institutions have come under political

fire. Last month, Republican lawmakers in Alabama threatened to defund the state archives after it hosted a lecture on LGBTQ history.

In Texas, where the state’s historical association has been mired in discord for months, the executive director, J.P. Bryan Jr., a billionaire energy executive, has filed a suit alleging that the group’s board is illegally stocked with leftleaning academics who want to distort authentic Texas history.

But Rosie Rios, the chair of America250, said politics had not been an issue for the federal commission, which includes both Democratic and Republican legislators.

The commemoration will be “bipartisan, nonpartisan, all-partisan,” she said, adding, “All constructive voices are welcome.”

In some ways, the messiness of the planning is a back-to-the-future moment. Today, the Bicentennial — with its painted fire hydrants and explosion of 1776-themed products — is mostly remembered through a hazy lens of nostalgia. But the period preceding 1976 also came during a polarized moment after the Vietnam War and Watergate.

In 1973, Congress disbanded the original federal Bicentennial commission, after leaked documents suggested that President Richard Nixon was seeking to manipulate it for political gain. In 1975, The New York Times reported that the impending celebration featured a crowded calendar but “an uncertain focus.”

And the history on view was not just a whitewashed celebration. There was a growing attention to complexity, contradiction and dissent, thanks to groups like the Afro-American Bicentennial Corp. and the left-wing People’s Bicentennial Commission (which disrupted the official commemoration of the Boston Tea Party and even hanged Ronald McDonald in effigy from a Liberty Tree).

One of the biggest legacies of the Bicentennial, scholars say, was increased popular interest in history, and what the scholar M.J. Rymsza-Pawlowska in her book “History Comes Alive” calls a more emotional, personal engagement with the past.

The anniversary also generated major investments in history-related infrastructure, and not just in the places where Paul Revere rode or Betsy Ross sewed. According to an 1982 survey, as many as 40% of the nation’s roughly 23,000 historical organizations were created in the Bicentennial era.

Whether there’s still time, or money, for similar projects is uncertain. And the stumbles by the federal commission, established by Congress in 2016, haven’t helped.

In June 2022, Meta, then the sole corporate sponsor, withdrew from a $10 million partnership, amid concerns over leadership. Several months earlier, four female employees of the commission’s supporting foundation filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the group had fostered

a sexist environment, while engaging in “cronyism, self-dealing” and “mismanagement of funds.” (The foundation denies the allegations, noting in its most recent annual report that an independent investigation did not find support for them.)

In July 2022, the commission’s chair, Daniel M. DiLella, a Philadelphia developer, was replaced by Rios, a former U.S. treasurer in the Obama administration. This past March, DiLella, who remains on the commission, filed his own lawsuit, alleging that three fellow commissioners had conspired to oust him.

Rios, who has served on the commission since 2018, declined to comment on the lawsuits. But she said the commission was now united and ready for a “fresh start.”

In the meantime, other groups have been coordinating on their own. In March, some 300 people from three dozen states gathered at Colonial Williamsburg for a three-day convening, timed to the 250th anniversary of the Committees of Correspondence, which fostered communication among the growing number of colonists angered by British policies.

During a lightning round of state updates, Jason Hanson, the chief creative officer at History Colorado, said his state’s commission hoped to piggyback on the positive energy around Colorado’s 150th anniversary on Aug. 1, 2026.

“Everyone loves Colorado, so that feels safe,” he said.

Many planners are careful to describe the 250th as a “commemoration,” rather than a celebration. Others disagree.

“It has to be a celebration: not an observance, not a memorial, not a wake, not an occasion for national gloating or repentance,” said Wilfred M. McClay, a professor of history at Hillsdale College and a member of the federal commission.

But McClay, the author of the textbook “Land of Hope,” also said it didn’t have to present a “false front” of unity. “Part of what we are, at our best, is a nation that protects the freedom to dissent and disagree,” he said.

Hanson, of History Colorado, also said there should be room for shared joy.

“We all talk about doing inclusive history, and this is our greatest opportunity in a generation to really show what that looks like,” he said. “But also, we want this to have moments where it feels like when the Nuggets win the NBA,” a reference to Denver’s recent championship.

“I just want to be high-fiving strangers,” he said. “Because we are not strangers. And we’re all out here for the same reason.”

Preparations before the Independence Day parade in Washington, July 4, 2019. History is a partisan battleground. A troubled national planning commission is attempting a reboot. Here comes the Semiquincentennial, ready or not.

Once upon a time in Paris

By IRIS EDÉN SANTIAGO Special to The STAR

With Paris’ fabulous joie de vivre threat ened on Sunday by violence, rioting and looting, and fashion houses canceling shows, it was uncertain if the House of Patou’s fashion show would even happen. But it did.

The French company painted La Ville Lumiére fuchsia, literally. Walls and buildings were covered in neon pink advertising with dancing shoes announcing Patou’s Spring Sum mer 2024 Collection.

And how could they not? This is a courageous brand that has been deliver ing fashion for over a century, through thick and thin, through war and peace. label that has been helmed by fashion insti tutions the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Jean Paul

Gaultier and Christian Lacroix doesn’t shy away from a little commotion. After all, is this not what fashion is all about? To keep people up when things are down? Didn’t we all appreciate the efforts some designers went through to keep us smiling through the pandemic? There.

Since 2018 Patou has been in the hands of creative director Guillaume Henry. He has maintained the elegant and chic style of Jean Patou, who founded the label in 1914. Patou was known as “the most elegant man in Europe.” His philosophy was “Elegance, beauty, fine arts and fantasy, in these four words you’ll find my collections.”

On Sunday we saw the pioneer’s philosophy, in fast forward. Modern. Festive. We saw Henry’s take on fantasy and beauty, “the extraordinary in the ordinary.”

“Dancing Diaries,” the collection, is a nod to the 1920s, but also to party girls everywhere. The 1980s? Perhaps. He designed playful mini dresses in pink, orange, black, turquoise and seafoam. Very short, very tight and very feminine.

We loved his bralettes and tailored slacks, short skirts and blowsy crop tops. Also winning? Big breezy cotton blouses with butterfly sleeves. Orange mini jackets and boleros, turquoise body-hugging dresses, and baby doll dresses in shimmering white. Attention to details: sparkle everywhere. In straps, borders and hems, everything is trimmed with recycled crystals.

“Dancing Diaries” was staged at Salle Wagram, a historic auditorium 200 yards down the hill from the emblematic Champs-Élysées.

When does anxiety become a problem?

By CHRISTINA CARON

How much anxiety is too much?

Last week, a panel of influential medical experts recommended for the first time that doctors screen all adult patients under 65 for symptoms of anxiety.

The new guidelines were issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force after a draft was released in September. Earlier in 2022, the experts had made similar recommendations for children ages 8 to 18.

Millions of Americans struggle with anxiety: About 1 in 5 adults in the United States has an anxiety disorder, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Having some anxiety isn’t necessarily a problem: Experts say an internal alarm system benefits us in various ways, helping to improve our performance or recognition of danger and encouraging us to be more conscientious. In addition, it’s common to feel more anxious when faced with stressful events like starting a new job, experiencing the death of a loved one or moving to a new city.

At times, however, anxiety can become more pervasive and overwhelming.

How do you distinguish the protective anxiety from the more problematic anxiety? And what do you do if you’re 65 or older and have been feeling anxious?

Dr. Petros Levounis, the president of the American Psychiatric Association, answered these questions and more via email. These are edited excerpts.

How do you know if your anxiety is in need of evaluation?

Anxiety can cause people to try to avoid situations that trigger or worsen their symptoms. Some signs to look out for include a sense of dread or worry that won’t go away or trouble sleeping or eating.

Other symptoms may include rest -

lessness, a sense of fear or doom, increased heart rate, sweating, trembling and trouble concentrating.

If you feel as if the worry is too much and it starts affecting your work, your relationships or other parts of your life — or you feel depressed — it might be time to speak with a primary care provider or a mental health professional. The anxiety may get worse if you don’t ask for help.

What are “normal” levels of anxiety? How much is too much?

We all feel anxious from time to time. If you have a big test, family worries or concerns about paying your bills, you can start feeling nervous. Your heart may beat faster, you’ll notice you are sweating more, you feel on edge. Sometimes that feeling disappears as quickly as it arrives. But if that worry and fear are there constantly, you need some help.

What is treatment like?

The first step is to see your doctor to make sure there is no physical problem causing your symptoms. If an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, a mental health professional can work with you on finding the best treatment. Most people respond well to psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” and medications. A combination of both has been found to be

the most effective.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of talk therapy, can help a person learn a different way of thinking, reacting and behaving to help feel less anxious. Medications will not cure anxiety disorders but can provide significant relief from symptoms. The most commonly used medications are anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants.

The new recommendation does not include patients 65 and older. If a

doctor doesn’t offer to screen older adults, what should they do?

Ask! You may know that anxiety often comes with an overwhelming feeling of nervousness, fear and worry for long periods of time. But anxiety can also have physical symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain or gastrointestinal issues. Older adults may think this is just a sign of aging. But it’s important to share all of your symptoms — including your emotional concerns — with your doctor. Does a positive screening mean that you will need treatment?

Clinicians should follow up positive screens with a few questions, such as the duration of symptoms, degree of distress and impairment, and treatment history.

Screening for any mental disorder without appropriate follow-up is potentially harmful. Steps like screening and brief interventions for those with depression and anxiety can go a long way toward increasing early detection of mental health disorders as well as the prevention of lost life to suicide.

A stir-fry that will convert the skeptics

By ERIC KIM

“The only pepper I cannot abide is a green pepper,” cookbook author Nigella Lawson once wrote, aptly calling out the fruit’s bitter, undeveloped flavor.

“In an emergency,” she recently told me, “I can eat grilled or pan-cooked green bell peppers, as the heat and char give them a more balanced flavor, but they do really still taste underripe to me.”

It’s understandable. Next to its older siblings in blazing red, orange and yellow, the green bell pepper has never had the best reputation.

But, if you’re trying to capture the edge of bitterness, where savory and sweet intermingle, then the green pepper might be your ideal implement. That inbetween flavor can be used to your advantage, whether infusing a gin cocktail with a vegetal aroma or lending clarity and balance in flavor bases, like sofrito, epis and the “holy trinity” of onion, pepper and celery in Cajun and Louisiana Creole cooking.

Perhaps the one dish where the diner must confront the unripe pepper head-on is pepper steak. For many Americans, what comes to mind is the saucy beef stir-fry seen on takeout menus and strewed with crunchy panels of Christmassy red and green bell peppers.

But in the Chinese culinary canon, peppery beef dishes take at least a couple of other forms. There’s a Cantonese-style banquet staple of beef punctuated with black pepper or a homey stir-fry of thin matchsticks of beef, with long hot peppers (which, contrary to their name, actually have a gentle, moderate heat). Sometimes called “shredded beef” on menus, it’s a dish that Sarah Leung, one-fourth of the power family behind the Woks of Life blog and cookbook, has seen linked to Sichuan and Fujian cuisines.

The Chinese American pepper steak, she said, “feels like a culmination of all of those influences.” The Leungs — Sarah, Kaitlin, Bill and Judy — published

their first proper pepper steak recipe only recently, in April, using oyster sauce, chicken stock and red bell peppers in addition to the green.

What all these beef and pepper dishes have in common, ultimately, is their reliance on just a handful of impactful ingredients to flavor the meat, including the bell pepper, which lends its grassy (in a good way) fragrance to the sauce. In this interpretation, thin slices of flank or skirt steak, marinated in a simple, pareddown mix of soy sauce, honey and black pepper, cook up gloriously soft, caramelized and burnished.

The stir-frying is easy: A couple of minutes on high heat is all you need to sear the steak, along with enough fire under the wok or skillet to blister onions and the peppers’ delicate skins. (Look for “little brown dots,” Sarah Leung said.)

Handled like this, just charred but still crunchy within, a green bell pepper can positively gleam.

Pepper steak

The Chinese American stir-fry dish, pepper steak, celebrates the oft-maligned green bell pepper in all its savory, vegetal glory. In this version, thin slices of flank or skirt steak, marinated in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, honey and black pepper cook up beautifully tender yet burnished and caramelized at the edges. Be sure to chop all of your vegetables before you start cooking, since time at the stove is hot and fast with this easy recipe. — ERIC

KIM

Preparation:

Yield: 4 servings

Total time: 40 minutes, plus marinating time

Ingredients:

1 pound beef flank or skirt steak (see Tip)

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving

3 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce, plus more to taste

2 tablespoons neutral oil, plus more for stir-frying

2 medium fresh green bell peppers or Cubanelle peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

3 garlic cloves, crushed and thinly sliced 1 (1 1/2-inch) piece ginger, peeled, crushed and thinly sliced

Salt

1/4 cup Shaoxing wine or dry sherry

2 tablespoons honey

Cooked white rice, for serving

1. Marinate the beef: Cut the steak into 2- or 3-inch-wide pieces along the grain, then cut into thin slices against the grain. In a bowl, combine the steak, cornstarch, black pepper, 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce and 2 tablespoons oil. Toss to mix, cover and marinate at room temperature for up to 30 minutes (see Tip), or in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours.

2. Stir-fry the beef: Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high until a splash of water dropped into the pan evaporates quickly. Add enough oil to generously coat the pan, then add the beef in a single layer. Cook without flipping until the meat is browned around the edges, 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, then stir constantly until browned all over, about 30 more seconds. Transfer to a plate.

3. Add the peppers, onion, garlic and ginger to the same wok, still over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes.

4. Add the meat back to the pan, along with the Shaoxing wine, honey and the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Cook, stirring constantly and scraping up any stuck-on bits, until the liquid reduces greatly and slicks the vegetables and beef, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper or soy sauce as desired. Serve immediately with rice.

Tips: If using a tougher cut like bottom round steak, add 1/4 teaspoon baking soda to tenderize the meat, but don’t let it marinate for longer than 30 minutes or it’ll turn mushy.

Pepper steak in New York, May 4, 2023. In Chinese American pepper steak, crunchy panels of blistered peppers are the star.

The dark universe is waiting. What will the Euclid telescope reveal?

By KATRINA MILLER

At 11:12 a.m. Saturday, the Euclid spacecraft launched into its mission to chart the history of our universe as far back as 10 billion years ago.

The space telescope, built by the European Space Agency, will use its instruments to record more than one-third of the extragalactic sky over the next six years, creating the most accurate 3D map of the cosmos to date.

Researchers plan to use Euclid’s map to explore how dark matter and dark energy — mysterious stuff that makes up 95% of our universe — have influenced what we see when we look out across space and time.

“Euclid is coming at a really interesting time in the history of cosmology,” said Jason Rhodes, a physicist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory who leads Euclid’s U.S. science team. “We are entering a time when Euclid is going to be great at answering questions that are just now emerging. And I am certain that Euclid is going to be fantastic for answering questions we haven’t even thought of.”

The spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The weather was almost perfect for the flight. Euclid, still attached to the rocket’s second stage, separated from its booster three minutes after launch, amid a round of applause. It entered a stable orbit around Earth nearly nine minutes after the flight. About 40 minutes later, the telescope separated from the second stage and began a journey of 1 million miles to a point in space where the mission’s scientific journey would begin.

“Unbelievable,” said Guadalupe Cañas Herrera, a theoretical cosmologist on the Euclid mission, when asked about the launch on the ESA video stream. “I’m super emotional, but also extremely thankful for everything that has been done so far so that we can actually have a telescope in space.”

The European astrophysics mission had no choice but to fly American. ESA had planned to launch the spacecraft on either a Russian Soyuz rocket or Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket. But because of a break in the European-Russian space re-

lationship after the invasion of Ukraine, and delays for Ariane 6, ESA moved some launches to SpaceX, including Euclid.

The spacecraft will not be alone in peering into the cold storage of our universe. But unlike the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes, which focus deeply on one part of the sky at a time, scientists will use Euclid to cover wide swaths of the extragalactic sky at once. In three of the regions it records, Euclid will reach back even farther, imaging the structure of the universe about 1 billion years after the Big Bang.

One of the space telescope’s targets is dark matter, the invisible glue of the cosmos that doesn’t emit, absorb or reflect light. Dark matter has so far evaded direct detection, despite physicists’ best efforts, but they know it exists because of its gravitational influence on the way that galaxies move.

Dark energy is a much more mysterious force that pushes galaxies apart — so much so that our universe is expanding at an accelerating rate.

Euclid’s maps of the cosmos will reveal how dark matter is distributed across space-time based on how it warps the light from galaxies behind it, an ef-

fect known as weak gravitational lensing. (That’s distinct from strong gravitational lensing, more dramatic warping by galactic clusters that creates arcs, rings or even multiple images of a single source.)

These measurements contribute to more direct efforts to figure out what dark matter actually is.

“We’re looking for the same thing from different angles,” said Clara Nellist, a particle physicist at CERN in Europe who is not a part of the Euclid mission. Researchers on Earth-based experiments hunt for signs of dark matter particles colliding with their detectors. “Any information we gather about how it’s distributed in our universe helps us to look for it in our collisions in a more focused way.”

With Euclid, scientists hope to be able to test if Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity works differently on cosmological scales. That could be related to the nature of dark energy: whether it is a constant force in the universe or a dynamic one whose properties vary with time.

“If we find out this is not a constant but something that changes in time, then it would be revolutionary,” said Xavier Dupac, an ESA cosmologist on the Euclid mission, because it would overturn what

is known about fundamental physics. Such a discovery could even shed light on the ultimate fate of what seems to be our ever-expanding universe.

Euclid hosts a visible imager consisting of a 600-megapixel camera that can photograph an area as wide as two full moons’ worth of sky at a time. With this instrument, scientists will be able to glean how the shapes of galaxies get distorted by dark matter in front of them.

It also has a near-infrared spectrometer and photometer, which will be used to record galaxies in nonvisible wavelengths as well as measure their redshift, the wavelength-stretching effect in light arriving from the faraway cosmos that results from the expansion of the universe. When used with a suite of ground-based instruments — including the Subaru and Canada-France-Hawaii telescopes at Mauna Kea Observatory, and eventually the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile — scientists will be able to convert redshift into measurements of distance from Earth.

Euclid is setting off on a journey nearly 1 million miles from Earth to orbit around what is known as the second Lagrange point, or L2 — a place in the solar system where the Earth and sun’s gravitational pulls cancel out. Facing directly away from the sun, this location also strategically places Euclid in a spot to conduct wide surveys of the sky without the Earth or the moon blocking its view. The James Webb Space Telescope orbits L2 for the same reason.

It will take about a month for the spacecraft to arrive at L2, and another three months to test the performance of Euclid’s instruments before it begins sending data back to Earth for scientists to analyze. That data will be publicly released in 2025, 2027 and 2030.

At a prelaunch news briefing, Yannick Mellier, an astronomer at the Institut d’Astrophysique de Paris, said that beyond its main science goals, Euclid will create a unique sky survey of 12 billion galaxies with an image quality rivaling that of the Hubble.

It will be “a gold mine for all fields of astronomy for several decades,” Mellier said.

A photo by M. Pedoussaut/European Space Agency of the Euclid spacecraft at Thales Alenia Space in Cannes, France, in early 2023. The craft launched from Cape Canavera on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, its telescope set on a mission to record billions of galaxies over the next six years.

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF PUERTO RICO LIME HOMES, LTD.

Plaintiff, Vs. ELIZARDO MATOS CRUZ

Defendant(s)

Civil No. 3:20-CV-01024. (ADC). FORECLOSURE OF MORTGAGE AND COLLECTION OF MONIES. NOTICE OF SALE.

To: ELIZARDO MATOS CRUZ. URB. CAPARRA HILLS, I-3 CALLE NOGAL, GUAYNABO, PR

00968.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

WHEREAS: On March 10, 2023, this Court entered Default Judgment in favor of Plaintiff, against Defendant. On June 14, 2023, this Court entered Order for Execution of Judgment, stating that Defendant has failed to pay the sums of monies adjudged to be paid under the judgment. The In the Judgment, this Court stated that Defendant has defaulted on the repayment obligation to LIME HOMES, LTD., and ordered to pay the Plaintiff the principal sum of $307,352.52, plus interest at 5.25000% per annum from October 1st, 2017, which will continue to accrue interest at the contractual rate. The defendant also owes, and the Court ordered to pay LIME HOMES, LTD. all advances made in accordance with the mortgage note, including, but not limited to, insurance premiums, taxes and inspections, as well as 10% of the original principal balance, or $23,400.00 to cover costs, expenses, and attorney’s fees guaranteed by the mortgage obligation. The records of the case and of these proceedings may be examined by the parties at the office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, Federal Building, Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. WHERAEAS, Pursuant to the terms of the aforementioned judgment and the order of execution thereof, the following property belonging to Defendant will be sold at a public auction: URBANA: Solar 3 bloque

I del plano de inscripción de la Urbanización Caparra Hills en Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, con un área de 657.636 metros cuadrados. Lindando al NORTE, en 30.670 metros con solar 4; por el SUR, en 30.00 metros con solar 2; por el ESTE, en 23.809 metros con solar 8 y por el OESTE, en 20.01 metros con Calle 2. Consta inscrita al folio 191 del tomo 186 de Guaynabo, finca número

12779, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico de Guaynabo. WHEREAS: The property is subject to the following lien: HIPOTECA en garantía de pagaré a favor de Popular Mortgage Inc., o a su orden, por la suma de $234,000.00 con intereses al 8 3/4% anual y vencimiento 4 de febrero de 2022. Constituida por la Escritura 37 otorgada en San Juan el 29 de enero de 2000 ante la notario Mireya Ocasio García, e inscrita al folio 217 del tomo 1416 de Guaynabo, finca 12779, inscripción 15ª. Senior Lien: None. Junior Lien: None. Potential bidders are advised to verify the extent of preferential lien with the holders thereof. It shall be understood that each bidder accepts as sufficient the title and that prior and preferential lien to the one being foreclosed upon, including but not limited to any property tax, lien (express, tacit, implied or legal), shall continue in effect it being understood further that the successful bidder accepts them and is subrogated in the responsibility for the same and that the bid price shall not be applied toward their cancellation. The present property will be acquired free and clear of all junior liens. WHEREAS: For the purpose of the First Judicial Sale, the minimum bid agreed upon by the parties in the mortgage deed will be $234,000.00 for the property and no lower offers will be accepted. Should the first judicial sale of the abovedescribed property be unsuccessful, then the minimum bid for the property on the Second Judicial Sale will be two-thirds of the amount of the minimum bid for the First Judicial Sale, or $156,000.00. The minimum bid for the Third Judicial Sale, if the same is necessary, will be onehalf of the minimum bid agreed upon by the parties in the aforementioned mortgage deed, or $117,000.00 (Known in the Spanish language as: “Ley del Registro de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, 2015 Puerto Rico Laws Act 210 (H.B. 2479), Article 104, as amended. WHEREAS: Said sale to be made by the appointed Special Master is subject to confirmation by the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and the deed of conveyance and possession to the property will be executed and delivered only after such confirmation. NOW

THREFORE, PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the appointed Special Master, pursuant to the provisions of the Judgment herein before referred to, will

on the JULY 28, 2023 AT 10:00 AM, in the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, Room 150, Federal Building, Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico in accordance with 28 U.S.C. §2001 will sell at public auction to the highest bidder, the property described herein, the proceeds of said sale to be applied in the manner and form provided by the Court’s judgment. Should the first judicial sale set hereinabove be unsuccessful, the SECOND JUDICIAL SALE of the property describes in the Notice will be held on the AUGUST 5 2023 AT 10:00 AM, in the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, Room 150, Federal Building, Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. Should the second judicial sale set hereinabove be unsuccessful, the THIRD JUDICIAL SALE of the property described in this Notice will be held on the AUGUST 12 2023 AT 10:00 3 AM, in the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, Room 150, Federal Building, Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, this 20 day of June 2023. JOEL RONDA FELICIANO, SPECIAL MASTER.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU-

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN

WILMINGTON SAVINGS

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

ACQUISITION TRUST

2018-HB1

Demandante Vs. SUCESION RAFAEL

GENARO GARCIA

ORTEGA T/C/C RAFAEL

G. GARCÍA ORTEGA

T/C/C RAFAEL GARCIA

ORTEGA T/C/C RAFAEL

GENARO GARCIA T/C/C

RAFAEL G. GARCIA

T/C/C RAFAEL GARCIA

COMPUESTA POR

RAFAEL GARCIA PAGAN, RICARDO GARCIA

PAGAN, EDMEE GARCIA

PAGAN, ARTURO

GARCIA PAGAN; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; SUCESION ANA DELIA

Wednesday, July 5, 2023 22

PAGAN NAZARIO T/C/C

ANA D. PAGAN NAZARIO

T/C/C ANA PAGAN

NAZARIO T/C/C ANA

DELIA PAGAN T/C/C ANA

D. PAGAN T/C/C ANA PAGAN COMPUESTA

POR RAFAEL GARCIA

PAGAN, RICARDO GARCIA PAGAN, EDMEE GARCIA PAGAN, ARTURO GARCIA PAGAN; JOHN ROE Y JANE ROE COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES Demandados

Civil Núm.: BY2022CV04477.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: LA PARTE DEMANDADA, AL (A LA) SECRETARIO(A) DE HACIENDA DE PUERTO RICO Y AL PÚBLICO

GENERAL:

Certifico y Hago Constar: Que en cumplimiento con el Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por el (la) Secretario(a) del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Bayamón, en el caso de epígrafe, venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América y/o Giro Postal y Cheque Certificado, en mi oficina ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Bayamón, Cuarto Piso, Oficina de Alguaciles de Subastas, el 10 DE AGOSTO DE 2023, A LAS 9:15 DE LA MAÑANA, todo derecho título, participación o interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación: RÚSTICA: ”Solar localizado en la Carretera Estatal Número 686, Km 12.5, del Barrio Puerto Nuevo del término municipal de Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de 469.87 metros cuadrados., equivalente a 0.1195 cuerdas. En lindes por el NORTE, con la Calle vega Mar, en una distancia de 20.75 metros; por el SUR, con José Enrique Rodríguez, en una distancia de 20.00 metros; por el ESTE, con la Carretera Estatal

Número 686, en una distancia de 24.31 metros; y por el OESTE, con María Cordero, en una distancia de 21.91 metros. Enclava una casa construida de concreto armado de dos plantas, la superior consta de sala-comedor-cocina, tres dormitorios, dos baños y balcón en forma de L; la primera planta contiene sala-cocina y baño, con un área de estacionamiento.” Inscrita al folio 191 del tomo 443 de Vega Baja, finca 32282, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección IV. La Hipoteca Revertida consta inscrita al folio 191 del tomo 443 de Vega Baja, finca 32282, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección IV, inscripción 2ª. Propiedad localizada en: PR 686 KM 12.5 BO. PUERTO NUEVO, VEGA BAJA, PR 00694. Según figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada por las siguientes cargas anteriores o preferentes: Nombre del Titular: N/A. Suma de la Carga: N/A. Fecha de Vencimiento: N/A. Según figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada por las siguientes cargas posteriores a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante: Nombre del Titular: Secretario de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano. Suma de la Carga: $288,000.00. Fecha de Vencimiento: 9 de julio de 2088. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad de la propiedad y que todas las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito ejecutante antes descritos, si los hubiere, continuarán subsistentes. El rematante acepta dichas cargas y gravámenes anteriores, y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se establece como tipo de mínima subasta la suma de $288,000.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la escritura de hipoteca. De ser necesaria una SEGUNDA SUBASTA por declararse desierta la primera, la misma se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Bayamón, Cuarto Piso, Oficina de Alguaciles de Subastas, el 17 DE AGOSTO DE 2023, A LAS 9:15 DE LA MAÑANA, y se establece como mínima para dicha segunda subasta la suma de $192,000.00, 2/3 partes del tipo mínima establecido originalmente. Si tampoco se produce remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se establece como mínima para la TERCERA SUBASTA, la suma

de $144,000.00, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado y dicha subasta se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Bayamón, Cuarto Piso, Oficina de Alguaciles de Subastas, el 24 DE AGOSTO DE 2023, A LAS 9:15 DE LA MAÑANA. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para, con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante, el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor ascendente a la suma de 219,904.75 por concepto de principal, más la suma de $41,412.35 en intereses acumulados al 25 de noviembre de 2022 y los cuales continúan acumulándose a razón de 5.060% anual hasta su total y completo pago; más la sumas de $14,070.37 en seguro hipotecario; $4,200.00 en tarifas de servicio; $680.00 de inspecciones; $4,976.30 de adelantos pendientes; más la cantidad de 10% del pagare original en la suma de $28,800.00, para gastos, costas y honorarios de abogado, esta última habrá de devengar intereses al máximo del tipo legal fijado por la oficina del Comisionado de Instituciones Financieras aplicable a esta fecha, desde este mismo día hasta su total y completo saldo. La venta en pública subasta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga o gravamen posterior que afecte la mencionada finca, a cuyo efecto se notifica y se hace saber la fecha, hora y sitio de la PRIMERA, SEGUNDA Y TERCERA SUBASTA, si esto fuera necesario, a los efectos de que cualquier persona o personas con algún interés puedan comparecer a la celebración de dicha subasta. Se notifica a todos los interesados que las actas y demás constancias del expediente de este caso están disponibles en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante horas laborables para ser examinadas por los (las) interesados (as). Y para su publicación en el periódico The San Juan Daily Star, que es un diario de circulación general en la isla de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, así como para su publicación en los sitios públicos de Puerto Rico. Expedido en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hoy 07 de junio de 2023. Frances Torres Contreras, Alguacil Regional. Maribel Lanzar Velázquez, Alguacil Placa #735.

The San Juan Daily Star

SALA SUPERIOR DE GUAYNABO BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante Vs. JAIME ALBERTO ACOSTA LEZCANO, SU ESPOSA MARIA ELENA ALVAREZ TORRES Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS

Demandados

Civil Núm.: GB2019CV01238. (202). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO (EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA). EDICTO DE SUBASTA. Al: PÚBLICO EN GENERAL.

A: JAIME ALBERTO ACOSTA LEZCANO, SU ESPOSA MARIA ELENA

ALVAREZ TORRES Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS; ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, POR TENER EMBARGOS ANOTADOS

A SU FAVOR POR LAS SUMA DE $87,224.93; $19,024.70 Y $10,805.96.

Yo, ALG. HUGO BASCÓ MEDINA, PLACA #807, Alguacil de este Tribunal, a la parte demandada y a los acreedores y personas con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, HAGO SABER: Que el día 8 DE AGOSTO DE 2023, A LAS 10:40 DE LA MAÑANA en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Guaynabo, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, venderé en Pública Subasta la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria al mejor postor quien hará el pago en dinero en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del o la Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Guaynabo durante horas laborables. Que en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta a celebrarse, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA para la venta de la susodicha propiedad, el día 15 DE AGOSTO DE 2023, A LAS 10:40 DE LA MAÑANA y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una

TERCERA SUBASTA el 22 DE AGOSTO DE 2023, A LAS 10:40 DE LA MAÑANA en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. La propiedad a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: URBANA: Solar radicado en la URBANIZACIÓN TINTILLO GARDENS, situado en el Barrio Juan Domingo de Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, descrito en el plano de inscripción de la Urbanización con el No. 16 de la manzana “E”, con un área superficial de 563.577 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el Norte, con “Camp Buchanan”, en una distancia de 19.389 metros; por el Sur, con la Calle No. 8, en una distancia de 15.241 metros; por el Este, con el solar E-17, en una distancia de 31.289 metros; y por el Oeste, con el solar E-15, en una distancia de 34.840 metros. Contiene una casa de concreto reforzado, diseñada para una familia. La escritura de hipoteca se encuentra inscrita al folio 129 del tomo 1251 de Guaynabo, Registro de la Propiedad de Guaynabo, finca número 14186, inscripción 8ª y 10ª. Modificada la hipoteca de la inscripción 8va., en cuanto a que se cancela parcialmente por la suma de $37,000.00, para un nuevo principal que será por $265,000.00 y el interés que será al 4.625% anual, vencedero el día 1ro. de diciembre de 2044, según la escritura número 209, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 13 de noviembre de 2014, ante el Notario Público Francisco J. Del Valle Torres, inscrita al folio 66 del tomo 1517 de Guaynabo, finca 14,186, inscripción 10ma. La dirección física de la propiedad antes descrita es: Urbanización Tintillo Gardens, Calle 8, E-16, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. La Subasta se llevará a efecto para satisfacer a la parte demandante la suma de $245,401.16 de principal, intereses al 4.625% anual desde el 1ro. de abril de 2019, hasta su completo pago, más la cantidad de $26,500.00 estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más recargos acumulados, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta para el inmueble será de $265,000.00 y de ser necesaria una segunda subasta, la cantidad mínima será equivalente a 2/3 partes de aquella, o sea, la suma de $176,666.67 y de ser necesaria una tercera subasta, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado, es decir, la suma de $132,500.00. De declararse desierta la tercera

subasta se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si esta 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. La propiedad se adjudicará al mejor postor, quien deberá satisfacer el importe de su oferta en moneda legal y corriente de los Estados Unidos de América en el momento de la adjudicación y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, 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. La propiedad hipotecada a ser vendida en pública Subasta se encuentra afecta a los siguientes gravámenes posteriores: Embargo a favor del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, por la suma principal de $87,224.93, contra María E. Álvarez Torres, seguro social número xxx-xx--2065, según Embargo número BAY18-2065, Certificación de fecha 12 de octubre de 2018, presentado y anotado el día 12 de octubre de 2018, al Asiento 2018-008424-EST del Sistema Karibe, Registro de la Propiedad de Guaynabo. Embargo a favor del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, por la suma principal de $19,024.70, contra Jaime Acosta Lezcano, seguro social número xxx-xx--8871, según Embargo número GUA22-0056, Certificación de fecha 14 de octubre de 2021, presentado y anotado el día 14 de octubre de 2021, al Asiento 2021-007148-EST del Sistema Karibe, Registro de la Propiedad de Guaynabo. Embargo a favor del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, por la suma principal de $10,805.96, contra Jaime A. Acosta Lezcano, seguro social número xxx-xx--8871, según Embargo número GUA22-0403, presentado el día 11 de julio de 2022, anotado al Asiento 2022-006554-EST del Sistema Karibe, Registro de la Propiedad de Guaynabo. La propiedad a ser vendida en pública subasta se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Podrán concurrir como postores a todas las subastas los titulares de créditos hipotecarios vigentes y posteriores a la hipoteca que se cobra o ejecuta, si alguno o que figuren como tales en la certificación registral y que podrán utilizar el montante de sus créditos o parte de alguno en sus ofertas. Si la oferta aceptada es por cantidad mayor a la suma del crédito o créditos preferentes al suyo, al obtener la buena pro del remate, deberá satisfacer en el mismo acto, en efectivo o

en cheque de gerente, la totalidad del crédito hipotecario que se ejecuta y la de cualesquiera otro créditos posteriores al que se ejecuta pero preferente al suyo. El exceso constituirá abono total o parcial en su propio crédito. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, 13 de junio de 2023. ALG.

HUGO BASCÓ MEDINA PLA-

CA #807, ALGUACIL DE LA DIVISIÓN DE EJECUCIÓN DE SENTENCIAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE GUAYNABO.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN

JUAN

CASCADE FUNDING

MORTGAGE TRUST AB1

Demandante Vs.

LA SUCESION DE JOSE

HUMBERTO GRAU ORTIZ

COMPUESTA POR JOSE

H. GRAU BRULL, NURIS

GRAU BRULL, CAROL M.

GRAU BRULL, JOHN DOE

Y JANE DOE; BLANCA

MARGARITA BRULL JOY

POR SI Y SU CUOTA

VIUDA USUFRUCTUARIA;

CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

(CRIM) DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA Y ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: SJ2022CV03616. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA.

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

A: LA PARTE DEMANDADA, AL (A

LA) SECRETARIO(A) DE HACIENDA DE PUERTO RICO Y AL PÚBLICO

GENERAL:

Certifico y Hago Constar: Que en cumplimiento con el Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por el (la) Secretario(a) del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, en el caso de epígrafe procederá a vender en pública subasta al mejor postor en efectivo, cheque gerente, giro postal, cheque certificado en moneda legal de los Estados Unidos de América al nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, en mi

oficina ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de San Juan, el 02 DE AGOSTO DE 2023, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, todo derecho titulo, participación o interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar marcado con el número dieciocho en el plano de la Urbanización San Ramón del término municipal de Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, con un área de cuatrocientos metros cuadrados con treinta y dos centímetros y en colindancias: por el NORTE, en quince metros noventa y un centímetros, con el solar número cinco; por el SUR, en dieciocho metros, con la Calle “B”; por el ESTE, en veintinueve metros, con el solar número seis de Ramón Abay; y por el OESTE, en veintiocho metros noventa y dos centímetros, con el solar número diecisiete. Sobre el descrito solar se ha construido una casa de concreto de hormigón y bloques. Consta inscrita al folio 64 del tomo 548 de Monacillos, finca número 20,483, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección Tercera de San Juan. Propiedad localizada en: 139 Calle Nogal Urb. San Ramon, San Juan, PR 00927. Según figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada por las siguientes cargas posteriores a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante: Federal Attachment against José Grau Ortiz & Blanca Brull Joy, in the amount of $3,184.35, under notification number 195199316, social security number xxx-xx-0412, as per Certification dated January 20, 2016, annotated on February 12, 2016, at Entry 2016-000686-FED of the Karibe System. Federal Attachment against José Grau Ortiz, in the amount of $11,861.47, under notification number 195199416, social security number xxxxx-0412, as per Certification dated January 20, 2016, annotated on February 12, 2016, at Entry 2016-000688-FED of the Karibe System. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad de la propiedad y que todas las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito ejecutante antes descritos, si los hubiere, continuarán subsistentes.

El rematante acepta dichas cargas y gravámenes anteriores, y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se establece como tipo mínimo de subasta la suma de $517,500.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la escritura de hipoteca. De ser necesaria

una SEGUNDA SUBASTA por declararse desierta la primera, la misma se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de San Juan, el 09 DE AGOSTO DE 2023, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, y se establece como mínima para dicha segunda subasta la suma de $345,000.00, 2/3 partes del tipo mínimo establecido originalmente. Si tampoco se produce remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se establece como mínima para la TERCERA SUBASTA, la suma de $258,750.00, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado y dicha subasta se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de San Juan, el 16 DE AGOSTO DE 2023, A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para, con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante, el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor ascendente a la suma de $207,456.42 de principal, intereses al tipo del 5.560% anual hasta el pago de la deuda en su totalidad, más la suma de $51,750.00 por concepto de honorarios de abogado y costas autorizadas por el Tribunal, más las cantidades que se adeudan mensualmente por concepto de seguro hipotecario, cargos por demora, y otros adeudados que se hagan en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca. La venta en pública subasta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga o gravamen posterior que afecte la mencionada finca, a cuyo efecto se notifica y se hace saber la fecha, hora y sitio de la PRIMERA, SEGUNDA Y TERCERA SUBASTA, si esto fuera necesario, a los efectos de que cualquier persona o personas con algún interés puedan comparecer a la celebración de dicha subasta. Se notifica a todos los interesados que las actas y demás constancias del expediente de este caso están disponibles en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante horas laborables para ser examinadas por los (las) interesados (as). Y para su publicación en el periódico The San Juan Daily Star, que es un diario de circulación general en la isla de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, así como para su publicación en los sitios públicos de Puerto Rico. Expedido en San Juan, Puerto Rico, hoy día 22 de agosto de 2023. JUAN A.

SANTANA GARCÍA, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR, ALGUACIL DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CENTRO JUDICIAL DE SAN JUAN, SALA SUPERIOR.

****

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN FIRSTBANK

PUERTO RICO

Parte Demandante Vs. WEYINMI EFEJUKU ROSE

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: SJ2022CV05799. Salón Núm.: (508). Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA Y COBRO DE DINERO. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS.

A: WEYINMI EFEJUKU ROSE: Y AL PÚBLICO EN GENERAL:

El Alguacil que suscribe, certifica y hace constar que en cumplimiento de Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América. Todo pago recibido por el (la) Alguacil por concepto de subastas será en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del (de la) Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Todo derecho, título, participación e interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación: URBANA: PROPIEDAD HORIZONTAL: Apartamento 2 A 7 del Condominio Villas del Monte localizado en el Municipio de San Juan, con un área superficial de mil setecientos noventiun (1,791) pies cuadrados, equivalentes a ciento sesentiseis punto tres ocho tres nueve (166.3839) metros cuadrados. Colinda por el NORTE, con apartamento 2 -A-8, por el SUR, con apartamento 1 - A- 8, por el ESTE, con pared exterior del módulo, Por el OESTE, con pared exterior del módulo. Consta de dos niveles, en el tercer piso: de sala - comedor, dos baños, tres dormitorios, cocina y balcón, un “walk - in - closet” y otros tres “closets”, y el segundo nivel en el quinto piso: de estudio cubierto y terraza descubierta. Tiene una puerta principal que da acceso a la escalera por donde se llega a la salida del condominio se obtiene acceso a la vía pública. Le corresponde un a participación de uno punto tres cero cinco (1.305%) por ciento en los elementos comunes del condominio. Le corresponde el uso exclusivo del elemento co-

mún limitado estacionamiento para dos autos marcado 2-A-7. Finca número 18,947, inscrita al folio 151 del tomo 601 de Río Piedras Sur. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección IV de San Juan. La propiedad objeto de ejecución está localizada en la siguiente dirección: Condominio Villas del Monte, 2 A 7, San Juan, P.R. 00926. Se informa que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravamen posterior, una vez sea otorgada la escritura de venta judicial y obtenida la Orden y Mandamiento de cancelación de gravamen posterior. (Art. 51, Ley 210-2015). En relación a la finca a subastarse, se establece como tipo mínimo de licitación en la Primera Subasta la suma de $165,000.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la Escritura de Hipoteca #219, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 13 de agosto de 2015, ante la notario Waleska C. Colón Villanueva, inscrita al folio 70 del tomo 865 de Río Piedras Sur, finca # 18,947, inscripción 5ta. La PRIMERA SUBASTA, se llevará a cabo el día 8 DE AGOS-

TO DE 2023 A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en mis oficinas sitas en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, el tipo mínimo para la primera subasta es la suma de $165,000.00. Si la primera subasta del inmueble no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 15 DE AGOSTO DE 2023 A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo sitio y servirá de tipo mínimo las dos terceras partes del precio pactada para la primera subasta, o sea, la suma de $110,000.00. Si la segunda subasta no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 22 DE AGOS-

TO DE 2023 A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar y regirá como tipo mínimo de la tercera subasta la mitad del precio pactado para la primera, o sea, la suma de $82,500.00. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo, para con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: Suma Principal de $162,084.74, la cual se desglosa a continuación: la suma de $153,300.38, con intereses a 5.875% anual, desde el 1ro de septiembre de 2020, hasta el presente y los que se continúen acumulando hasta su total y completo pago, la suma de $8,784.36, como pago diferido y la cual no genera intereses, más los cargos por demora que se corresponden a los plazos atrasados desde la fecha anteriormente indicada a razón de la tasa pactada de 5% de cualquier pago que éste

en mora por más de quince (15) días desde la fecha de su vencimiento, más una suma equivalente a $16,500.00, por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más cualquier otra suma que resulte por cualesquiera otros adelantos que se hayan hecho la demandante, en virtud de las disposiciones de la escritura de hipoteca y del Pagaré hipotecario. Para más información, a las personas interesadas se les notifica que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal, durante las horas laborables. Este EDICTO DE SUBASTA, se publicará en los lugares públicos correspondientes y en un periódico de circulación general en la jurisdicción de Puerto Rico. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los referentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente Escritura de Venta Judicial y el Alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial al nuevo dueño, si así se lo solicita dentro del término de veinte (20) días, de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante u ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del deudor la ocupen. Expedido en San Juan, Puerto Rico, a 26 de junio de 2023. PEDRO HIEYE GONZÁLEZ, ALGUACIL.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA SALA

SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING, LLC

Demandante V. THE MONEY HOUSE, INC Y OTROS

Demandado(a)

Civil: CA2022CV01661. Sala: 407. Sobre: SUSTITUCIÓN O RESTITUCIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: JAMES B. NUTTER & COMPANY; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO

POSIBLES TENEDORES DESCONOCIDOS DEL PAGARE EXTRAVIADO; JOHN

DOE Y JANE ROE COMO POSIBLES MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION JOSE RAMON PEREZ PORTALES

T/C/C JOSE R. PEREZ PORTALES T/C/C JOSE PEREZ PORTALES T/C/C JOSE RAMON PEREZ Y DE LA SUCESION RUFINA ESTHER DOMINGUEZ

MARTINEZ T/C/C RUFINA E. DOMINGUEZ

MARTINEZ T/C/C RUFINA DOMINGUEZ MARTINEZ

T/C/C RUFINA ESTHER DOMINGUEZ. (Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 17 de 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 27 de junio de 2023. En CAROLINA, Puerto Rico, el 27 de junio de 2023. LCDA. MARILYN APONTE RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA. MARICRUZ APONTE ALICEA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE JUANA DÍAZ ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC

COMO AGENTE DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC

Demandante V. CRISTÓBAL FRANCO CRUZ

Demandado(a)

Civil: JD2022CV00670. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: CRISTÓBAL FRANCO CRUZ. P/C LCDO. EDWIN

OMAR SERRANO PEÑA PARA SER PUBLICADA POR EDICTO.

(Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 28 de junio 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 28 de junio de 2023. En Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico, el 28 de junio de 2023. CARMEN G. TIRÚ QUIÑONES, SECRETARIA. DORIS A. RODRÍGUEZ COLÓN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO

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

COMO AGENTE DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC

Demandante Vs. VERONICA A VASQUEZ TORRES

Demandado

Civil Núm.: PO2022CV02776.

Salón: 504. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: VERONICA A. VASQUEZ TORRES.

P/C LCDO. EDWIN O. SERRANO PEÑA. PO

BOX 71418, SAN JUAN

PR 00936-8518.

(Nombre de las partes a las que se les notifica la sentencia por edicto)

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 23 de junio 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 no-

tificación 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 28 de junio de 2023.

En Ponce, Puerto Rico, el 28 de junio de 2023. CARMEN TIRÚ

QUIÑONES, SECRETARIA

REGIONAL. SANDRA GONZÁLEZ RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN

JUAN

GITSIT SOLUTIONS, LLC

Demandante V.

SUCESION DE NELLY

CELESTE FIGUEROA

CORTES T/C/C NELLIE

CELESTE FIGUEROA

CORTES, T/C/C NELLIE

C. FIGUEROA CORTES

T/C/C NELLIE FIGUEROA CORTES COMPUESTA

POR: NEFTALI ROSADO

GARCIA POR SI Y EN LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFRUCTUARIA Y SANDRA ROSADO

FIGUEROA COMO

HEREDEROS CONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION; FULANO DE TAL, FULANA DE TAL, ZUTANO DE TAL, ZUTANA DE TAL, HEREDEROS A, B Y C COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION; HONORABLE SECRETARIO DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA DEL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO; HONORABLE SECRETARIO DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE JUSTICIA DEL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO

Demandados

Civil Núm.: SJ2018CV11194.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTA-

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

A: LA PARTE DEMANDADA, AL (A LA) SECRETARIO(A) DE HACIENDA DE PUERTO RICO Y AL PÚBLICO GENERAL:

Certifico y Hago Constar: Que en cumplimiento con el Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por el (la) Secretario(a) del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de San Juan, en el caso de epígrafe procederá a vender en pública subasta al mejor postor en efectivo, cheque gerente, giro postal, cheque certificado en moneda legal de los Estados Unidos de América al nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, en mi oficina ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de San Juan, el 9 DE AGOSTO 2023 A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, todo derecho título, participación o interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar marcado con el número cinco (5) del plano de inscripción y segregación para la parcela número trescientos noventa y cinco (395), Calle cuatro (4), Comunidad Hill Brothers, Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, con un área superficial de seiscientos cincuenta y nueve punto dos mil trescientos cuarenta y siete metros cuadrados (659.2347 m.c.), equivalentes a cero punto dieciséis mil setecientas setenta y tres cuerdas (0.16773 cdas.). En lindes por el NORTE, con el solar número tres (3), en ocho punto nueve mil setecientos treinta y tres metros (8.9733 m.) y con servidumbre de paso de nueve punto dos mil setecientos sesenta y siete metros (9.2767 m.); por el SUR, con la calle número cuatro (4), en veintiuno punto mil ciento cuarenta y ocho metros (21.1148 m.); por el ESTE, con el solar denominado Remanente, en treinta punto tres mil seiscientos catorce metros (30.3614 m.); y por el OESTE, con el solar número cuatro (4), en cuarenta punto mil ciento ochenta y cinco metros (40.1185 m.).

Consta inscrita al Folio Móvil del Tomo 980-A 1 de Sabana Llana, finca número 32,707, del Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección Quinta (V) de San Juan. Propiedad localizada en: CALLE 4 #395 URB HILLS BROTHERS, SAN JUAN, PR 00924. Según figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución no está gravada por cargas

preferentes o cargas posteriores a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad de la propiedad y que todas las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito ejecutante antes descritos, si los hubiere, continuarán subsistentes. El rematante acepta dichas cargas y gravámenes anteriores, y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se establece como tipo mínimo de subasta la suma de $72,000.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la escritura de hipoteca. De ser necesaria una SEGUNDA SUBASTA por declararse desierta la primera, la misma se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de San Juan, el 16 DE AGOSTO 2023

A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA se establece como mínima para dicha segunda subasta la suma de $48,000.00, 2/3 partes del tipo mínimo establecido originalmente. Si tampoco se produce remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se establece como mínima para la TERCERA SUBASTA, la suma de $36,000.00, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado y dicha subasta se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de San Juan, el 23 DE AGOSTO 2023

A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para, con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante, el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor ascendente a la suma de $64,356.58 de principal; intereses al 9.066% anual según ajustado desde el día 5 de junio de 2017 hasta el pago de la deuda en su totalidad, más la suma de $7,200.00 por concepto de honorarios de abogado y costas autorizadas por el Tribunal, más las cantidades que se adeudan mensualmente por concepto de seguro hipotecario, cargos por demora, y otros adeudados que se hagan en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca. La venta en pública subasta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga o gravamen posterior que afecte la mencionada finca, a cuyo efecto se notifica y se hace saber la fecha, hora y sitio de la PRIMERA, SEGUNDA Y TERCERA SUBASTA, si esto fuera necesario, a los efectos de que cualquier persona o personas con algún interés puedan comparecer a la celebración de dicha subasta. Se notifica a todos los interesados que las actas y demás constancias del expediente de este caso están disponibles en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante horas laborables para ser exa-

minadas por los (las) interesados (as). Y para su publicación en el periódico The San Juan Daily Star, que es un diario de circulación general en la isla de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, así como para su publicación en los sitios públicos de Puerto Rico. Expedido en San Juan, Puerto Rico, hoy día 29 de junio de 2023. EDWIN E. LÓPEZ MULERO, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR, ALGUACIL DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CENTRO JUDICIAL DE SAN JUAN, SALA SUPERIOR.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

COMO AGENTE DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC.

Demandante V. HÉCTOR GARCÍA ESCUDERO

Demandado(a)

Civil: LU2022CV00198. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: HÉCTOR GARCÍA ESCUDEROURB BRISAS DEL MAR N5 CALLE 9 LUQUILLO, PUERTO RICO 00773. (Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 28 de junio 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 29 de junio de 2023. En Fajardo, Puerto Rico, el 29 de junio de 2023. WANDA I. SEGUÍ REYES, SECRETARIA

REGIONAL. IVELISSE SERRANO GARCÍA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

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

Demandante V. NITZALE SEPÚLVEDA VEGA

Demandado(a)

Civil: VI2022CV00097. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: NITZALE SEPÚLVEDA VEGA POR CONDUCTO DEL LCDO. EDWIN OMAR SERRANO PEÑA PARA SER PUBLICADA POR EDICTO.

(Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 28 de junio 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 28 de junio de 2023. En Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico, el 28 de junio de 2023. CARMEN G. TIRÚ QUIÑONES, SECRETARIA. DORIS A. RODRÍGUEZ COLÓN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Y SUN WEST MORTGAGE C0MPANY, INC. COMO

AGENTE DE SERVICIO

Demandante Vs. SUCESIÓN DE EBER GUTIERREZ CUSTODIO COMPUESTA POR SU VIUDA YULY CHALA DE GUTIERREZ T/C/C YULY Y. CHALA SANTANA; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y/O PARTES CON INTERÉS EN DICHA SUCESIÓN; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: BY2023CV01069.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE. UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCCIADO DE P.R., SS.

A: YULY CHALA DE GUTIERREZ T/C/C YUL Y Y. CHALA SANTANA COMO HEREDERA CONOCIDA DE LA SUCESION DE EBER GUTIERREZ CUSTODIO; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE DICHA SUCESIÓN. URB. URB. QUINTAS DE DORADO II SOLAR 10-BB CALLE LAUREL N DORADO, PR 00646-4751. DIRECCIÓN POSTAL:

QUINTAS DE DORADO II

3N BB 10 ST DORADO, PR 00646.

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. Se alega en dicho procedimiento que la parte demandada incurrió en el incumplimiento del Contrato de Hipoteca y la parte demandante declaró vencido el préstamo reclamado en la demanda. La suma adeudada asciende a $381,862.16 de principal, intereses y recargos contractualmente pactados hasta el 31 de enero de 2023. Dicho monto continúa aumentando intereses bajo la tasa de interés acordada, recargos, costas, honorarios de abogados y otros gastos inherentes al presente procedimiento hasta el saldo total de la deuda. Las sumas antes descritas están vencidas, son líquidas y exigibles. Dichas partes demandadas también le adeudan a la demandante un monto equivalente al 10% del balance del principal del pagaré hipotecario para la de-

mandante así cubrir las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado. Dicho monto está pactado contractualmente con la demandada. El inmueble gravado ubica en URB. QUINTAS DE DORADO II, SOLAR 10-BB, CALLE LAUREL N, DORADO PR 00646-4751. Identificado como la Finca Número 8,469, inscrita al folio 195 del tomo 172 de Dorado. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección IV de Bayamón. 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. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. Representa a la parte demandante, la abogada cuyo nombre, dirección y teléfono se consigna de inmediato: LCDO. JUAN C. FORTUÑO FAS

RÚA NÚM: 11416

FORTUÑO & FORTUÑO FAS, C.S.P. PO BOX 9300 SANTURCE, PR 00908

TEL: 787-751-5290 /

FAX: 787-751-6155

E-MAIL: ejecuciones@fortuno-law.com

Se le apercibe que, si no compareciere usted a contestar dicha demanda dentro del término de 30 días a partir de la publicación de este edicto, radicando el original de la contestación ante el Tribunal correspondiente, con copia a la parte demandante, se le anotaría la rebeldía y se le dictará sentencia concediendo el remedio solicitado sin más citarle ni oírle.

Se le apercibe que conforme al Artículo 1578 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. §11021, usted tiene 30 días para aceptar o repudiar la herencia desde la publicación de este edicto. A esos efectos, de no rechazarla, se tendrá la herencia por aceptada. En Bayamón, Puerto Rico, 27 de junio de 2023. LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. VIVIAN J.

PIEDRAS

ORIENTAL BANK Demandante V. SUCESION DE CARMEN

MARIA MORGES

LLAMAS COMPUESTA

POR GUALBERTO

SOLER MORGES, DAVID SOLER MORGES, MINERVA SOLER MORGES; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS

MUNICIPALES, DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA

Civil: NG2022CV00140. Sobre: INTERPELACIÓN, COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: SUCESIÓN DE CARMEN MARIA MORGES LLAMAS COMPUESTA POR GUALBERTO SOLER MORGES, DAVID SOLER MORGES Y MINERVA SOLER MORGES.

BARRIADA SANTIAGO Y LIMA, CALE 4 NÚMERO

162, NAGUABO PR 007183010 (PROPIEDAD);

3062 MANDOLIN DRIVE, KISSIMMEE FLORIDA

34744 (GUALBERTO SOLER MORGES);

25318 FELICITY COURT, LEESBURG, FLORIDA

34748 (DAVID SOLER MORGES); 10313

SUMMERVIEW CER, RIVERVIEW, FLORIDA

33578 (MINERVA SOLER MORGES).

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

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 16 de junio 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 30 de junio de 2023. En LAS PIEDRAS, Puerto Rico, el 30 de junio De 2023. IVELISSE C. FONSECA RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA.

DALISSA REYES DE LEÓN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Parte Demandante Vs. SUCESIÓN DE JORGE

LUIS SANTIAGO DÍAZ, COMPUESTA POR

SU VIUDA TERESA

RAMOS HAUSSEN, POR SÍ; SU HEREDERO CONOCIDO JORGE

ALBERTO SANTIAGO

RAMOS; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS

DESCONOCIDOS Y/O PARTES CON INTERÉS EN DICHA SUCESIÓN; TARGET DEVELOPMENT CORP.

Parte Demandada

Civil Núm.: SJ2018CV07110.

Salón de Sesiones: 504. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO POR SUMAC.

A: SUCESIÓN DE JORGE

LUIS SANTIAGO DÍAZ, COMPUESTA POR

SU VIUDA TERESA

RAMOS HAUSSEN, POR SÍ; SU HEREDERO CONOCIDO JORGE

ALBERTO SANTIAGO

RAMOS; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS

Y/O PARTES CON INTERÉS EN DICHA

SUCESIÓN; TARGET DEVELOPMENT CORP. COND. VERDEMONTE

APT 612, SAN JUAN PR 00924; VILLA ANDALUCIA SUITES, 1 CALLE RONDA, APT 403, SAN JUAN, PR 00926-2360; 282 6TH STREET SAINT JUST, PR 00978. EL SECRETARIO (A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 29 de mayo de 2019, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de esta. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los diez (10) días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando

usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 28 de junio de 2023. En San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 28 de junio de 2023. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. JANE VILLEGAS, SECRETARIA DEL TRIBUNAL CONFIDENCIAL I.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE ARECIBO

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante Vs. CARLOS HERIBERTO VEGA MORALES; P.R.A. INVESTMENT, CORP.

Demandados

Civil Núm.: AR2022CV00685.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO

Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE. UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS.

A: P.R.A. INVESTMENT, CORP. CARR. 484 KM 0.1, BO. COCOS SECTOR LOS PÉREZ, QUEBRADILLAS, PR 00678. DIRECCIONES

POSTALES: PO BOX 874

QUEBRADILLAS, PR 00678 Y BUZÓN 8690 BO.

COCOS, QUEBRADILLAS, PR 00678.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza para que presente al tribunal su alegación responsiva dentro de los 30 días a partir de 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. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente.

Representa a la parte demandante, la representación legal cuyo nombre, dirección y teléfono se consigna de inmediato.

BUFETE FORTUÑO & FORTUÑO FAS, C.S.P.

LCDO. JUAN C. FORTUNO FAS RÚA NÚM.: 11416 PO BOX 3908, GUAYNABO, PR 00970 TEL: 787-751-5290, FAX: 787-751-6155

E-MAIL: ejecuciones@fortuno-law. com

En Hatillo, Puerto Rico a 29 de junio de 2023. VIVIAN Y. FRESSE GONZÁLEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. SUHAIL SERRANO MOYA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

Demandante Vs. JOSELIN LEONOR VILORIO NUÑEZ

Demandado (a)

Civil Núm.: SJ2023CV02658. Sala: 508. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO, EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTOS.

A: JOSELIN LEONOR VILORIO NUÑEZ.

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 26 de junio 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 27 de junio de 2023. En San Juan, Puerto Rico, el 27 de junio de 2023. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. MARTHA ALMODÓVAR CABRERA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA

Wednesday, July 5,

TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. FÉLIX ORESTES DONES FALÚ POR SÍ Y COMO MIEMBRO DE LA SUCESIÓN DE ROSA JULIA SANTANA MELECIO (CUOTA VIUDAL), SABDIASEP DONES SANTANA POR SÍ Y COMO MIEMBRO DE LA SUCESIÓN DE ROSA JULIA SANTANA MELECIO, ASOR JOHANNIEM DONES SANTANA, POR SÍ Y COMO MIEMBRO DE LA SUCESIÓN DE ROSA JULIA SANTANA MELECIO, JAFET ELIM DONES SANTANA, POR SÍ Y COMO MIEMBRO DE LA SUCESIÓN DE ROSA JULIA SANTANA MELECIO, CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (C.R.I.M.)

Demandados

Civil Núm.: CA2023CV00189. Sala: 409. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. 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 Carolina, Carolina, 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 21 de junio de 2023, 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 1-A de forma rectangular y destinado a fines residenciales, localizado en el extremo izquierdo, visto de frente a la Primera planta del Edificio número B-20, en la Segunda Sección de la Etapa B del Condominio Residencial Interamericana, sita en el Barrio Las Cuevas del Municipio de Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, tiene un área neta total de setecientos veintiocho punto treinta y seis pies cuadrados equivalentes a sesenta y siete punto setenta y cinco metros cuadrados, y colinda por el NORTE, con el patio común que da a la

Calle número veintiuno, en una distancia de treinta y tres pies y cinco pulgadas; por el SUR, con el área común de la Segunda Sección de la Etapa B, en una distancia de treinta y tres pies con cinco pulgadas; por el ESTE, con el Edificio B-21, en una distancia de veintiséis pies cuatro pulgadas; por el OESTE, con el apartamento 1-B, en una distancia de 24 pies 2 pulgadas. Consta de tres cuartos dormitorios, un cuarto de baño, cocina, comedor y sala, cuya puerta conecta a la escalera exterior con salida directa a la Vía Pública. La casa tiene gabinetes de cocina y calentador de agua. Le corresponde en los elementos comunes generales una participación de .2949%. Inscrito en la finca número 11,642, al folio 45 del tomo 235 de Trujillo Alto. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección IV de San Juan. Propiedad ubicada, según pagaré, en: C/ Interamericana B-20 1-A Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico 00976. Dirección también conocida como: Cond. Interamericana, B20 Calle 21 Apt. 191, Trujillo Alto, PR 00976. El producto de la subasta se destinará a satisfacer al demandante hasta donde alcance, la SENTENCIA dictada a su favor, el día 9 de mayo de 2023, archivada en autos y notificada el 11 de mayo de 2023, y publicada en periódico de circulación general, “The San Daily Star”, el 18 de mayo de 2023 en el presente caso civil, a saber la suma de $84,143.88 por concepto de principal; $36,294.11 por concepto de principal; generando intereses a razón de 3.50% desde el 1ro de enero de 2022; 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 $3,907.12 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 2 DE AGOSTO DE 2023 A LAS 1:30 DE LA TARDE, Oficina de Alguaciles de Subastas de Centro Judicial de Carolina, Carolina, Puerto Rico. Que el precio mínimo fijado para la PRIMERA SUBASTA es de $39,071.23. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una SEGUNDA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 9 DE AGOSTO DE 2023 A LAS 1:30 DE LA TARDE, Oficina de Alguaciles de Subastas de Centro Judicial de Carolina,

Carolina. El precio mínimo para la SEGUNDA SUBASTA será de $26,047.48, 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 16 DE AGOSTO DE 2023 A LAS 1:30 DE LA TARDE, Oficina de Alguaciles de Subastas de Centro Judicial de Carolina, Carolina. El precio mínimo para la TERCERA SUBASTA será de $19,535.61, 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 Carolina, Puerto Rico, hoy día 29 de junio de 2023. HÉCTOR L. PEÑA RODRÍGUEZ, ALGUACIL, DIVISIÓN DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

FIRSTBANK

PUERTO RICO

Parte Demandante Vs. ÁNGEL ALEXIS MIRÓ VEGA, SU ESPOSA DIANA AURORA LÓPEZ DE VICTORIA T/C/C DIANA AURORA LÓPEZ DE LA VICTORIA Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES

COMPUESTA POR AMBOS

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: GM2021CV00715. Salón Núm.: (306). Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA “IN REM”. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS.

A: ÁNGEL ALEXIS MIRÓ

VEGA, SU ESPOSA

DIANA AURORA LÓPEZ DE VICTORIA t/c/c

DIANA AURORA LÓPEZ DE LA VICTORIA Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES

COMPUESTA POR

AMBOS: Y AL PÚBLICO EN GENERAL:

El Alguacil que suscribe, certifica y hace constar que en cumplimiento de Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Guayama, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América. Todo pago recibido por el (la) Alguacil por concepto de subastas será en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del (de la) Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Todo derecho, título, participación e interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar radicado en la Urbanización Jardines de Monte Olivo, situado en el Barrio Algarrobo

del municipio de Guayama, Puerto Rico: Número del solar:

7 del bloque M, área del solar: 407.30 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el Norte, en 13.50 metros, con la calle número 4 de la urbanización; por el Sur, en 13.50 metros, con el solar número 2 del bloque M de la urbanización; por el Este, en 30.17 metros, con los solares número 5 y 6 del bloque M de la urbanización; y por el Oeste, en 30.17 metros, con el solar número 8 del bloque M de la urbanización. Enclava una casa. Consta inscrito al folio 106 del tomo 386 de Guayama, finca #13,723, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de Guayama. La propiedad objeto de ejecución está localizada en la siguiente dirección: Jardines de Monte Olivo, M-7 Calle Aves, Guayama, P.R. 00784. Se informa que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravamen posterior, una vez sea otorgada la escritura de venta judicial y obtenida la Orden y Mandamiento de cancelación de gravamen posterior. (Art. 51, Ley 2102015). En relación a la finca a subastarse, se establece como tipo mínimo de licitación en la Primera Subasta la suma de $88,400.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la Escritura de Hipoteca #25, otorgada en San Isabel, Puerto Rico, el día 28 de febrero de 2006, ante la notario Cándida R. Rentas Anciani, inscrita al folio 79 del tomo 469 de Guayama, finca #13,723, inscripción 8va. La PRIMERA SUBASTA, se llevará a cabo el día 17 DE AGOSTO DE 2023 A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en mis oficinas sitas en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Guayama, el tipo mínimo para la primera subasta es la suma de $88,400.00.

Si la primera subasta del inmueble no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 24 DE AGOSTO DE 2023 A LAS 9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo sitio y servirá de tipo mínimo las dos terceras partes del precio pactada para la primera subasta, o sea, la suma de $58,933.33. Si la segunda subasta no produjere remate, ni adjudicación, se celebrará una

TERCERA SUBASTA el día 31 DE AGOSTO DE 2023 A LAS

9:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar y regirá como tipo mínimo de la tercera subasta la mitad del precio pactado para la primera, o sea, la suma de $44,200.00. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo, para con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: Suma Principal de $84,848.18, la cual se desglosa a continuación: $78,520.27,

con intereses a 7.50% anual, desde el 1ro de septiembre de 2019, hasta el presente y los que se continúen acumulando hasta su total y completo pago, la suma de $6,237.91, como balance diferido y la cual no genera intereses, más los cargos por demora que se corresponden a los plazos atrasados desde la fecha anteriormente indicada a razón de la tasa pactada de 5% de cualquier pago que éste en mora por más de quince (15) días desde la fecha de su vencimiento, más una suma equivalente a $8,840.00, por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más cualquier otra suma que resulte por cualesquiera otros adelantos que se hayan hecho la demandante, en virtud de las disposiciones de la escritura de hipoteca y del Pagaré hipotecario. Para más información, a las personas interesadas se les notifica que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal, durante las horas laborables.

Este EDICTO DE SUBASTA, se publicará en los lugares públicos correspondientes y en un periódico de circulación general en la jurisdicción de Puerto Rico. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los referentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente Escritura de Venta Judicial y el Alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial al nuevo dueño, si así se lo solicita dentro del término de veinte (20) días, de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante u ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del deudor la ocupen. Expedido en Guayama, Puerto Rico, a 2 de junio de 2023. HÉCTOR E. MÁRQUEZ NERIS, ALGUACIL CONFIDENCIAL PLACA #875.

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU-

NAL

CHRISTIAN K. RAMOS TORRES

Demandado

Civil Núm.: CA2022CV03990.

Salón: 406. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO ORDINARIO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO.

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

A: CHRISTIAN K. RAMOS TORRES - COND.

VIZCAYA 200 CALLE 535 APT. 731 CAROLINA, PR 009853.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza y requiere para que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), la cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda o cualquier otro sin más citarle ni oírle, si el tribunal en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. El sistema SUMAC notificará copia a los abogados de la parte demandante, el Lcdo. Kevin Sánchez Campanero cuyas direcciones son: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 009368518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la dirección kevin.sanchez@ 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 22 de mayo de 2023. En Carolina, Puerto Rico, el 22 de mayo de 2023. LCDA. KANELLY M. ZAYAS ROBLES, SECRETARIA. MARICRUZ APONTE ALICEA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL

GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTAN-

CIA SALA DE CAMUY BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante Vs. MIRIAM MARTÍNEZ LUGO, Y LA SUCESIÓN DE REYNALDO QUIÑONEZ

RIVERA COMPUESTA

POR FULANO DE TAL, FULANA DE TAL Y MIRIAM MARTÍNEZ

LUGO, VIUDA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: HA2023CV00042. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO Y DE INTERPELACIÓN JUDICIAL. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A: FULANO DE TAL, FULANA DE TAL Y MIRIAM MARTÍNEZ LUGO, VIUDA, POR SI Y COMO MIEMBROS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE REYNALDO QUIÑONEZ RIVERA.

POR LA PRESENTE: Se le notifica que contra usted se ha presentado la Demanda sobre Cobro de Dinero de la cual se acompaña copia. Por la presente se le emplaza a usted y se le requiere para que dentro del término de TREINTA (30) días desde la fecha de la Publicación por Edicto de este Emplazamiento presente su contestación a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired.ramajudicial. pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Camuy, P.O. Box 659, Camuy, P.R. 00627 y notifique a la LCDA. GINA H. FERRER MEDINA, personalmente al Condominio Las Nereidas, Local 1-B, Calle Méndez Vigo esquina Amador Ramírez Silva, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 00680; o por correo al Apartado 2342, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 0068 1-2342, Teléfonos: (787) 832-9620 y (845) 3453985, Abogada de la parte demandante, apercibiéndose que en caso de no hacerlo así podrá dictarse Sentencia en Rebeldía en contra suya, concediendo el remedio solicitado en la Demanda sin más citarle ni oírle. ORDEN DE INTERPELACIÓN JUDICIAL: Vista la Moción Radicando Emplazamiento Diligenciado, Solicitud de Cambio de nombre, Solicitud Emplazamiento por Edicto e Interpelación Judicial en el caso de epígrafe, y examinado los autos de este caso y la ley aplicable, este Tribunal declara CON LUGAR la solicitud de Interpelación Judicial, y en su consecuencia se ordena a que la parte demandada Fulano de Tal, Fulana de Tal y Miriam Martínez Lugo, viuda, por si y como miembros de La Sucesión de Reynaldo Quiñonez Rivera y conforme lo dispone el Artículo 1578 del Código Civil de Puerto Rico 2020, a que dentro del término legal de treinta (30) días

contados a partir de la fecha de la notificación de la presente Orden, acepte o repudie la participación que les corresponda en la herencia de los causantes. Se le apercibe que de no expresarse dentro de ese término de treinta (30) días en torno a su aceptación o repudiación de herencia, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. También se le apercibe a los demandados que luego de transcurso del término antes indicado, se presumirá que han aceptado la herencia del causante, por consiguiente responden por las cagas de dicha herencia conforme al Artículo 1587 del Código Civil de Puerto Rico 2020. Se Ordena a la parte demandante a que proceda a notificar la presente orden mediante publicación de un edicto a esos efectos una sola vez en un periódico de circulación diaria general de la isla de Puerto Rico. DADA en Camuy, Puerto Rico, hoy 22 de junio de 2023. VIVÍAN Y. FRESSE GONZÁLEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. YOLANDA RIVERA COLÓN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

RESIDENTIAL, LLC

Demandante V. MIGUEL FLORES COLÓN

Demandado

Civil Núm.: SJ2023CV04165. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS.

A: MIGUEL FLORES COLÓN. COND. PARK PLACE, 176 CALLE SAN JORGE APT 2A, SAN JUAN, PR 00911; 176 CALLE SAN JORGE APT 2A, COND. PARK PLACE, SAN JUAN, PR 00911; WINDSOR TOWER COND., APT 211, SAN JUAN, PR 00923. 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://unired.ramajudicial. pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación

responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. Representa a la parte demandante el Lcdo. Javier Montalvo Cintrón, Delgado Fernández, LLC, PO Box 11750, Fernández Juncos Station, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00910-1750. Tel. [787]

274- 1414. DADA en San Juan, Puerto Rico, a 23 de junio de 2023. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. BRENDA HERNÁNDEZ ZAVALA, SECRETARIA DE SERVICIOS A SALA.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

Demandante Vs. JAREL SANTIAGO RIVERA

Demandado

Civil Núm.: BY2022CV06602.

Salón: 502. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO ORDINARIO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO.

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

A: JAREL SANTIAGO

RIVERA - REPTO.

TERESITA E-14 CALLE 10, BAYAMÓN, PR 00961. POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza y requiere para que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), la cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal.

Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda o cualquier otro sin más citarle ni oírle, si el tribunal en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. El sistema SUMAC notificará copia a los abogados de la parte demandante, el Lcdo. Kevin

Sánchez Campanero cuyas direcciones son: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 009368518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la dirección kevin.sanchez@ orf-law.com, y a la dirección notificaciones@orf-law.com. EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y el sello del Tribunal, en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hoy día 26 de mayo de 2023. En Bayamón, Puerto Rico, el 26 de mayo de 2023. LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. SANDRA BÁEZ HERNÁNDEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC

Demandante Vs. SUCESION MARIA

FONTANEZ CASTRO

T/C/C MARIA GASPAR

FONTANEZ CASTRO

T/C/C MARIA FONTANEZ

T/C/C MARIA P.

FONTANEZ CASTRO

T/C/C MARIA CASTRO

COMPUESTA POR

MARIA LUISA OROZCO

FONTANEZ, MARIA

EUGENIA OROZCO

FONTANEZ, CONFESORA

OROZCO FONTANEZ, MIGUEL ANGEL

OROZCO FONTANEZ, HECTOR LUIS OROZCO

FONTANEZ, MARGARITA

OROZCO FONTANEZ, JOSE ANTONIO OROZCO

DIAZ, CARLOS RUBEN

OROZCO DIAZ, MARITZA

OROZCO DIAZ, DAISY OROZCO DIAZ, JESSICA

OROZCO PASTRANA, JACQUELINE OROZCO PASTRANA; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; SUCESION PASCUAL OROZCO FONTANEZ COMPUESTA POR JOSE

ANTONIO OROZCO

DIAZ, CARLOS RUBEN

OROZCO DIAZ, MARITZA

OROZCO DIAZ, DAISY OROZCO DIAZ, JESSICA

OROZCO PASTRANA, JACQUELINE OROZCO PASTRANA; JOHN ROE Y JANE ROE COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES; ESTADOS

UNIDOS DE AMERICA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: CG2023CV00826. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. A: MARIA EUGENIA OROZCO FONTANEZ, CONFESORA OROZCO FONTANEZ, HECTOR LUIS OROZCO FONTANEZ, JOSE ANTONIO OROZCO DIAZ, CARLOS RUBEN OROZCO DIAZ, MARITZA OROZCO DIAZ, DAISY OROZCO DIAZ, JESSICA OROZCO PASTRANA, JACQUELINE OROZCO PASTRANA; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO POSIBLES MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION MARIA FONTANEZ CASTRO; JOHN ROE Y JANE ROE COMO POSIBLES MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION PASCUAL OROZCO FONTANEZ. POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza para que presente al Tribunal su alegación responsiva a la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días a partir de 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: http://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberé presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaria del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente.

Greenspoon Marder, LLP

Lcda. Frances L. Asencio-Guido

R.U.A. 15,622

TRADE CENTRE SOUTH, SUITE 700 100 WEST CYPRESS CREEK ROAD

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33309

Telephone: (954) 343 6273

Frances.Asencio@gmlaw.com

Expedido bajo mi firma, y sello del Tribunal, en Caguas, Puerto Rico, hoy día 21 de junio de 2023. LISILDA MARTÍNEZ AGOSTO, SECRETARIA. VIONNETTE ESPINOSA CASTILLO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

At Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic eyes cleaning up on the grass

By DAVID WALDSTEIN

Novak Djokovic, bent over with a towel in hand, delighted the Centre Court crowd during a rain delay at Wimbledon earlier this week when he mopped some moisture from the grass. It seemed appropriate for someone who has been doing the same general thing to his opponents over the past five years at this tournament.

Djokovic has not lost a match at Wimbledon since 2017, and with a victory over Pedro Cachín of Argentina in their first-round meeting Monday, he extended his record over the past five Wimbledon tournaments to 29-0. He has won the last four men’s singles titles, and one more this year would set himself up to eclipse even more names in the record book.

If Djokovic can claim a fifth consecutive title at London’s All England Club, he will have taken home the first three major trophies of 2023 and increased his chances of winning the first men’s Grand Slam (all four majors in the same year) since Rod Laver did it in 1969. He would also become just the third man to do it, joining Laver (1962 and 1969) and Don Budge in 1938. Three women have accomplished the feat: Maureen Connolly in 1953, Margaret Court in 1970 and Steffi Graf in 1988.

Djokovic would also tie Roger Federer for most Wimbledon men’s singles titles with eight and tie Bjorn Borg for the most consecutively with five. Finally, he would match Court’s record of 24 major titles, and would be the only player to do it entirely in the Open era. (Court won 13 majors before 1968, during a time when professionals were not allowed to play in the majors.)

On Monday, Djokovic, the No. 2 seed but the overwhelming title favorite, walked onto Centre Court absorbing a moment that only a happy few have experienced.

“It’s a feeling like no other tournament in the world, of walking out on the Centre Court of Wimbledon as a defending champion, on the fresh grass,” he said. “It’s amazing, amazing to be back to a dream tournament, and to be able to get the first match out of the way.”

Wimbledon was the first tennis tournament Djokovic watched on television when he was growing up in Serbia, and it has held an allure for him since. And while that is true for thousands of players, few have enjoyed it as much as Djokovic, who ingests blades of grass immediately upon winning his titles (unlike when he wins on the red clay of Roland Garros).

Winning on grass, especially in an era

when there are so few tournaments on the surface, and the season is so short, is particularly challenging, and Djokovic rarely plays the warm-up tournaments anymore. There are many tactical aspects that make grass distinct from clay and hard courts, even now, when the Wimbledon surface is much bouncier and faster than it once was.

For Djokovic, who likes to slide across hard courts and clay as he reaches for balls out wide and at the net, the grass at Wimbledon does not allow for the same kind of horizontal movement. But Djokovic has become as adept as anyone at adjusting from clay to grass in short order.

“I had to learn how to move,” he said, “how to walk, how to play, how to read the bounces, etc.”

But the grass was actually too slippery for a while on Monday after a light rain fell toward the end of the first set of Djokovic’s victory, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (4) over Cachín. It was Djokovic’s toughest obstacle of the day.

The match was halted, the tarp spread over the court and the roof rolled closed. Normally the courts dry off in less than half an hour. But the moisture mysteriously persisted Monday, and tournament officials and the players returned to a still slippery court.

In all, the delay lasted almost 90 minutes, a surprising duration for a court with a roof. But Djokovic, who plays Jordan Thompson of Australia today in a second-round match, endeared himself to the disappointed specta-

tors by employing his towel and joking with them, as if he could clean it all up himself. Considering his success on that patch of grass — he hasn’t lost on Centre Court since 2013 — some might have expected him to do it. Some wondered whether his good temper was an indication that Djokovic, with a men’s singles record 23rd major title safely in hand, was now in a more relaxed and jovial

mood.

“I wouldn’t particularly say it’s quite a unique feeling for me just because I’ve won my 23rd Slam,” he said. “I’ve always tried to have fun in particular circumstances where I guess you can’t control things. I’ve had some funny rain delays in Paris, as well, New York, where I joked around.”

He acknowledged being physically and emotionally exhausted after winning the French Open in June. So he and his wife, Jelena, went to Portugal’s Azores Islands to hike and relax. They were even forced to spend an extra day there because fog grounded their original flight home.

“It was great because I’ve been through a lot of different emotions during the clay season,” he said, “particularly obviously reaching the climax in Paris, and I needed to get away, get isolated a little bit.”

One player Djokovic will not have to contend with this year is Nick Kyrgios, his opponent in last year’s Wimbledon final. Kyrgios, who has been recovering from surgery on his left knee in January, withdrew from the tournament on the eve of the first day after a scan revealed a torn ligament in his wrist.

“I think people just forget how strenuous this sport is, how physical it is,” Kyrgios said Sunday, before announcing his wrist injury. “I dare someone to go out there and play four hours with Novak and see how you feel afterward.”

Since Djokovic’s current run began in 2018, they’ve all been wiped away.

Novak Djokovic wiped the court with a towel when play in his first-round match against Pedro Cachín was suspended because of rain. He ended up winning in straight sets.

By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN

The New York Mets and the New York Yankees have the two largest payrolls in Major League Baseball, with more than $600 million in combined player salaries, according to Spotrac. Luxury tax bills, which will be finalized later this year, will push the combined number well over $700 million.

For all of that money, the teams had a total of three players selected to the rosters of this year’s All-Star Game, which were announced Sunday night. Pitcher Gerrit Cole and injured outfielder Aaron Judge will represent the Yankees at the game in Seattle on July 11. First baseman Pete Alonso will represent the Mets.

Last year, with both teams thriving, they combined for 10 All-Star selections.

The Yankees, who are 46-38 and currently in position for the American League’s third wild-card spot in the playoffs, have had at least one player appear in 90 of the 92 All-Star Games, which have been held since 1933. But because of injuries and rest, it remains an open question if they will have anyone participate in this year’s game.

Judge, who was elected as a starter for the AL, has 19 home runs but has been limited to 49 games because of a toe injury that will keep him out indefinitely. Cole, who is having a stellar season with a 2.79 ERA, pitched Sunday, and would normally pitch next on Friday,

leaving him a day short of his normal rest. But with Carlos Rodón expected to come off the injured list to start Friday’s game, Cole could move to Saturday, giving him even less time to recover before the All-Star Game.

Despite the rest issue, Cole talked as if he intended to play in the game.

“One of these days, I would really like to start it,” Cole told reporters over the weekend. “I’ve got to check that one off. I’m not sure how that shakes out over the next week. I know there’s a lot of deserving guys out there.”

His competition to start would include former Yankee Nathan Eovaldi, who is thriving for the Texas Rangers, and Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar of the Los Angeles Angels who started for the AL last year.

For the Mets, who have been a colossal disappointment at 38-46 despite their record payroll, Alonso is a reasonable choice as their lone representative. His .221 batting average is the worst of his career, and he trails outfielder Brandon Nimmo and shortstop Francisco Lindor for the team’s lead in wins above

replacement, but his 25 home runs are second in the National League to Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves.

Additionally, Alonso announced that he would participate next Monday in the Home Run Derby, an event he has dominated in the past. He won the derby in 2019 and 2021 and was a quarterfinalist last year. While the formats change from year to year, making comparisons difficult, his 174 home runs in three contests are the most combined homers in the event’s history.

Manager Buck Showalter told reporters over the weekend that he thought the All-Star selection and participation in the Home Run Derby could help bring Alonso out of his recent slump.

“I hate to see good people beat themselves up,” Showalter said. “But I think it is good timing for him to be reminded how good of a player he is. I think he is one of the league leaders in unluckiness, so to speak. Pete is as real as it gets.”

The Mets came into the season with World Series aspirations only to have the team’s owner, Steven A. Cohen, acknowledge last week that they could be sellers at the trading deadline. Putting some salt in that wound: Atlanta, which leads the Mets by 18.5 games in the NL East despite spending more than $100 million less in payroll than their division rival, will send an MLB-high eight players to the All-Star Game.

There won’t be much New York in Seattle at this year’s All-Star Game Cricket dispute has Australia leading and England crying foul

By VICTOR MATHER

It just wasn’t cricket.

Even as salaries soar and stakes mount, professional cricket has clung to the notion that it is a game for gentlemen and ladies, with players held to a higher standard of sportsmanship.

Ball-doctoring and betting scandals have taken some of the shine off the traditions of the game, but the sense that fair play is the highest goal still hangs on, especially at Lord’s, the London venue that is the traditional home of cricket.

But an incident Sunday in the Ashes series between England and Australia led to a fierce dispute among partisans of both teams, a comment from a prime minister and even

some ugly scenes in the hallowed grounds of Lord’s.

England trailed the five-match series, 1-0, and the second match was coming down to the wire in its fifth and final day.

Jonny Bairstow of England let a ball from the Australian bowler go past, and then, thinking the play was over, took a step or two forward. He had left his crease, the rough equivalent of a base runner stepping off the bag. But the ball was not yet dead, and the quick-thinking Australian wicketkeeper, Alex Carey, threw the ball in, knocking over the wicket, and Bairstow was called out.

No one disputed that the umpires were correct in calling him out. The question was whether the Australians exploiting Bairstow’s casual steps were not adhering to the spirit

of the game.

The largely English crowd certainly thought so, and boos and chants of “Same old Aussies, always cheating” rang out at the ground. (The chant seemed to allude in part to Australians being caught ball-doctoring in 2018.)

As the Australians left for the lunch break, they passed through the members-only Long Room, normally a solemn shrine to cricket. There they were surrounded and confronted by angry members of the venerable Marylebone Cricket Club, many of them quite venerable themselves.

The club announced that three members had been suspended after the incident.

Reaction was swift and reached as high as the prime minister of Britain, Rishi Sunak.

His spokesperson said Sunak believed the play violated the spirit of the game.

The England captain, Ben Stokes, said: “For Australia, it was the match-winning moment. Would I want to win a game in that manner? The answer for me is no.”

Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, understandably saw it differently: “I thought it was fair. It’s a really common thing for keepers to do. Jonny left his crease. You leave the rest to the umpires.”

Australia, aided by Bairstow’s dismissal, went on to win the Test and take an almost unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series. It’s a deep hole: Only once has a team come back to win the Ashes from such a deficit: Australia in 1937. Test No. 3 starts Thursday.

Pete Alonso will represent the Mets at the All-Star Game and will also participate in the Home Run Derby.

Sudoku

How to Play:

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

Sudoku Rules:

Every row must contain the numbers from 1 through 9

Every column must contain the numbers from 1 through 9

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

Crossword

Answers on page 30

Wordsearch

Aries (Mar 21-April 20)

You have quite the juggling act on your hands today, Aries. Things may fly at you from all directions, all demanding your attention. Give equal weight to your needs. You will be on an important road with a great deal of responsibility. Don’t shy away from a starring role. You have the diplomacy and peaceful nature required to be a successful leader.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Tension may build today from all directions, Taurus. Everyone may seem to be operating as part of a great conspiracy against you. Don’t get paranoid. This scenario is most likely far from the truth of the matter. Try to embrace change and don’t treat it like an enemy. Outdated ways of doing things may get in the way of important progress toward success.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

Spread your ideas out to the world, Gemini. Now is a great time to go on a long trip, or at least begin planning one. Explore the far reaches of your space, literally and figuratively. Join others who share a similar spiritual mission. By reaching out to new and different people, you can have some unforgettable experiences with the potential to have a positive impact on your life.

Cancer (June 22-July 23)

Take time out to change the things in your life that need restoring, Cancer. Explore your emotional needs and find ways to satisfy them. You may need to adopt a radically different approach in order to get where you need to go. Even if things seem unstable at first, they’re likely to smooth out and be much more dependable eventually. Be an individual.

Leo (July 24-Aug 23)

Today may be quite emotionally intense, Leo. Your greatest gifts may get you into trouble on a day like this, but that doesn’t mean you should stop being yourself for even one minute. There’s a great deal of important information to exchange, so remain open to all opportunities and possibilities. Meet the world with open arms.

Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 23)

You may need to make some distinct mental adjustments in order to fit in with the energy of the day, Virgo. Try to tune into these energies and see what kind of balance they can bring to your life. Be more mindful of your words and don’t say things you don’t really mean. Be genuine in all your interactions.

Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)

There’s likely to be a bit of tension today regarding your position in society, Libra. Maybe you’re running into issues that stem from your involvement in the collective versus your focus on your personal issues. Make sure these two aspects of your life are in balance. Unexpected things may pop out of the woodwork to keep you on your toes.

Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)

There’s a bit of rigidity in the air today that might leave you feeling as if you’re butting heads with everything you come in contact with, Scorpio. Try not to get too bent out of shape if people disagree with your opinions. People need their space, and emotions will be operating at a fairly high level. Consider this during all your encounters.

Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)

Your emotions may surprise you today as unexpected issues crop up out of nowhere, Sagittarius. Take time to smooth the wrinkles in your current plan of attack regarding your involvement with the world. A self-centered approach will create barriers between you and those you wish get near. Consider how your actions affect those you love, and make any necessary adjustments in your approach.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)

You may wonder what all the fuss is about today, Capricorn. People may be getting all worked up over nothing. Don’t get absorbed in the melodrama. Set the record straight and bring out the truth as you see it. Don’t let others hide behind façades, and don’t do the same. It’s important that everyone be aware of how you feel.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb 19)

Today is a wonderful and productive day for you, Aquarius. Don’t hog the limelight. Let other people feel like they’re being heard, too. You might get into trouble if your head gets too big or your attitude too stubborn. Opinions will be strong, so give people room to voice their own. They will appreciate your patience and tolerance.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)

Stand back and let someone else take the reins today, Pisces. Trust in others. There are many helpful hands out there to guide you. The most important thing is to let go and have confidence that others will direct you. They will if you let them. Your brain may buzz to the point that you feel you’ve lost control. Relax your mind and calm your nerves.

Speed Bump