Thursday Mar 2, 2023

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

Rep. Méndez Nuñez urges passage of tax reform bill

By THE STAR STAFF

The New Progressive Party minority leader in the House of Representatives, Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez, asked the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) majority delegation on Wednesday to approve, expeditiously, House Bill (HB) 1645, filed by the administration, which establishes significant tax reductions for the island’s working class.

Méndez Nuñez added that he will be talking with the spokespeople of the PDP, Puerto Rican Independence Party, Dignity Project and Citizen Victory Movement.

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“As you know, for the past four years I have worked to achieve a real reduction in the taxes paid by our people and small and midsize enterprises, with the filing of HB 1645 a significant reduction has materialized, particularly in the homes of our working class, which have not received concrete relief since 2011,” he said in a written statement. “I call on the delegations of the Popular Party, both in the House of Representatives and the Senate, to expedite the processing of this bill for the benefit of all taxpayers.”

The former House speaker noted that households with incomes, whether individual or combined, between $41,500 and $61,500, will see a reduction at a rate of 24%, while from households with incomes between $61,500 and $81,500 would also enter the new rate of 24%, thus expanding the base benefiting from the tax decrease.

The measure also retains the 5% and 3% discounts established in laws 257-2018 and 40-2020, respectively, for taxpayers with incomes of $100,000 or less.

“This is the bill that our delegation has requested since 2021 and today it is a reality because we put the house in order,” Méndez Nuñez said. “The measures for control of expenses, the fiscal administration mechanism and the historic boom in economic activity allow converting this bill into law. We achieved $727 million more in revenue per individual taxpayer in 2022 ($3,679 million) than in 2021; that is a clear sign of dizzying progress.”

“In four years (2017-2020) we lowered the tax burden, eliminated the so-called ‘B2B’ (a 2015 tax on transactions between merchants and merchants, as well as professional services), eliminated the national ‘patente’ [business tax]; we sought and approved in the House of Representatives the elimination of the inventory tax, as well as reinstated the bonus for seniors. With this bill (1645) we continue on that path toward reducing the tax burden, leaving more money in the hands of our people to administer.”

Méndez Nuñez has been advocating for “serious” tax reductions for several months in the face of Puerto Rico’s fiscal and economic reality.

According to the projections of the governing administration’s economic team, the application of the proposed reform would result in savings for the individual that exceed $262.5 million.

Rep Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez

Senator: Panel’s faulty rejection of bill a missed opportunity for broader press protections

By THE STAR STAFF

The Senate Judiciary Committee has rejected legislation that would prevent the government or private entities from forcing journalists to reveal their sources or punishing them for refusing to show them, according to a statement Wednesday.

Penned by Sen. Joanne Rodríguez Veve, Senate Bill (SB) 734, the “Law for the Protection of Journalistic Sources,” would make it the law that reporters in Puerto Rico, as well as the media, cannot be forced by the government or private entities to reveal the identity of any of their sources of information, nor are they penalized for refusing to disclose them.

The bill creates specific causes of action in protection against retaliation. On Feb. 2, 2022, several senators from the Popular Democratic Party delegation introduced SB 743, which sought to create the reporter/source privilege within the Puerto Rico Rules of Evidence. The Senate approved SB 743 on Aug. 15.

Subsequently, on Feb. 16 of this year, the Senate Judiciary Committee submitted a report on SB 734, declining to recommend the approval of Rodríguez Veve’s bill.

The report said that when the Senate passed SB 743 on

the creation of the evidentiary privilege, SB 734 became moot. A single reading of the two bills shows that the com-

mittee’s determination needs to be corrected because SB 734 was not redundant as its protections for reporters are broader, Rodríguez Veve said.

In any case, they were complementary measures since the approval of the first did not make the second moot, but rather the second strengthened and expanded the rights recognized in SB 743, she added.

“The source/journalist protection created by Senate Bill 743 would only apply when there is a case before the courts, leaving it under the discretion of the judge, on a caseby-case basis, the recognition of this privilege of evidence,” Rodríguez Veve said. “On the other hand, my bill, Senate Bill 734, constituted special and comprehensive legislation on the rights and obligations that journalists and the media would have with their sources, created specific causes of action against retaliation, and established specific remedies before the government or private entities that sought to force the journalist or media outlet to reveal the identity of the source.”

“I believe that the determination of the Judiciary Committee was completely wrong and that the Senate lost an opportunity to establish true protections, broadly and clearly, for the exercise of freedom of the press in Puerto Rico,” Rodríguez Veve said.

Scam at some auto inspection centers said enabled by paper forms

By JOHN McPHAUL jpmcphaul@gmail.com

The Senate Committee on Economic Development, Essential Services and Consumer Affairs held a public hearing Wednesday to address Senate Resolution 361, which seeks to investigate an alleged scam perpetrated by some automobile inspection centers that supposedly use a subterfuge in the process of issuing inspection stickers, which are known locally as “marbetes,” to defraud motorists.

According to the reports, one of the scams consists of the inspection centers in question placing blank pieces of paper between the original license page and the carbon paper used in the license to block out the information in the license and then pocket the premium paid by the motorist.

“For years, the existence of illicit practices between insurers and authorized entities has been alleged, violating the right of consumers to the free selection of the insurer of their preference,” said Sen. Gretchen M. Hau, chairwoman of the committee. “For this reason and after passing

Senate Resolution 361, this committee requested comments from the insurance commissioner and the Insurance Companies Association of Puerto Rico (ACODESE by its Spanish acronym), and as part of the data they shared with us, questions arise, particularly those issues that affect the free selection of the insurance of [drivers’] preference.”

The measure aims to investigate compliance by authorized entities and participating insurance companies with Law 253-1995, as amended, known as the “Law on Compulsory Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance,” and the applicable regulations regarding the selection of compulsory liability insurance (SRO by its Spanish initials), using the selection form adopted by Law 245-2014, in order to guarantee the will and the right of free choice of any consumer insured under the coverage of the SRO.

The chairwoman stressed that the committee has information on some inspection centers in which a single insurer manages to get 90 percent of all consumers to choose it for compulsory insurance, which,

she said, constitutes a “suspicious fact.”

In response to that comment, ACODESE legal adviser Jessica Forti Díaz said the company they select the most is Multinational, but in the inspection centers they do not send the premium. She added that insurers suggest a monetary amount to the inspection centers so that, at the time of the selection of the insurer of consumer preference, they change it and mark their company.

Forti Díaz stated that the insured learns of the change of insurer when he has an accident with the motor vehicle, because when communicating with the insurer that he understands he selected, they inform him that he is not under their coverage.

In her presentation, the ACODESE official suggested that when the client selects the SRO “it be done electronically and not through a paper form as is currently done.”

“This is so that the form cannot be altered in authorized entities and inspection centers,” Forti Díaz said, adding the possibility of the SRO selection being carried out through the vehicle registration application at the Driver Services Center (CESCO) so

that the selection is reflected automatically. “Law 253 of 1995 establishes that the form has to convert from paper to the digital method, but does not establish the date,” Hau said. “The legislative path is, what we must have is how we must execute and establish a date.”

Jessica Forti Díaz, legal adviser for the Insurance Companies Association of Puerto Rico

Sen. Joanne Rodríguez Veve

Fiscal board: Gov’t must claw back $200

board said.

Nevertheless, the possibility of such increased funding was contemplated by the Certified 2022 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan.

The oversight board reserves the right to revise the projected General Fund appropriation for ASES.

”Accordingly, based on the enactment of HR 2617, the Oversight Board has revised the projected general budget appropriation for ASES to reflect the additional funding provided by the Act,” the board said. “Please be advised that ASES’ total General Fund Budget appropriation for FY2023, after considering all other cost concepts (including PayGo), should be amended from $814.6 million to $565.5 million.”

By THE STAR STAFF

The Financial Oversight and Management Board has told the government it must claw back some $200 million from the Health Insurance Administration (ASES by its Spanish acronym), cutting its budget to $565.5 million.

The information is in a letter to Treasury Secretary Francisco Parés Alicea, ASES head Edna Marín Ramos and Office of Management and Budget Director Juan Carlos Blanco Urrutia.

On Dec. 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law House Resolution (HR) 2617, also known as the “Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.” HR 2617 assigns $3.2 billion to Puerto Rico for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2023 and extends the increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage of 76% for Puerto Rico’s Medicaid program through Sept. 30, 2027.

Additionally, HR 2617 grants a $300 million ap-

By THE STAR STAFF

Police Commissioner Antonio López Figueroa said Wednesday that he knows the identities of those responsible for the slayings that occurred on Feb. 20 in which a four-year-old boy died and two other children were wounded by bullets during a birthday party at a public housing project in Cataño.

“Because just as you [the press] have the interest, we also and all of Puerto Rico have an interest in collecting the evidence to be able to sustain the case,” the police commissioner said in response to questions from the press. “As soon as we manage to have the necessary evidence, which I gather with information and citizen cooperation, because, the moment we are looking for them, we will give the photographs to you so that you

propriation during FFY 2023 if the secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) certifies that Puerto Rico’s Medicaid program establishes a reimbursement floor, implemented through a directed payment arrangement plan, for physician services covered under the Medicare Part B fee schedule, in Puerto Rico, established under the Social Security Act.

The reimbursement floor must be not less than 75% of the payment that would apply to such services if they were furnished under Part B of Title XVIII of the Social Security Act during FFY2023, the letter dated Feb. 28 notes.

In addition, a further increase of $75 million may be granted if the HHS secretary determines Puerto Rico fully satisfies the requirements set forth in the Social Security Act.

“Given that the Fiscal Year 2023 General Fund Budget for the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration was certified prior to the enactment of HR 2617, the FY2023 GF Budget did not account for the additional federal appropriations or increased FMAP funding,” the oversight

To the extent that the full appropriation has already been transferred to ASES, the oversight board also asked that the island Treasury Department withhold any future disbursements to ASES and coordinate with ASES the return of the surplus funds already appropriated less the withheld funds.

“Any such surplus funds must be transferred back to the Government to its ‘Unallocated Capital Expenditures – Clawback Medicaid’ account under the Custody of the Office of Management and Budget,” the board said in the letter.

Consistent with past practice, the $249.1 million in funds impacted by the oversight board’s decision must be used by the government to continue strengthening the island’s healthcare infrastructure and to address other priorities identified at the health agencies, including improvements to public hospital information technology; settlement of past due debts or lawsuits (i.e., utilities, 330 Centers); health facility infrastructure improvements, including design, construction costs, and strategic/technical advisory services; and state fund matching for capital projects funded by federal funds, among others, the oversight board noted.

can take them and help us.”

“We know who they are,” López Figueroa added. “We know who the people are, but we are in the process of gathering evidence so that we can then work with them directly.”

An adult male was also killed in the shooting. The police chief said he and the Police Major Crimes Division have “a solid case.”

“We have to gather solid evidence to support this case. It is a case that affects me, right, as a father of children, a four-year-old boy,” he said. “I know what the family is going through and believe me, I’m giving it more attention.”

López Figueroa noted that a community impact program continues in the residential area of Cataño where the fatal shooting took place.

Office of Management and Budget Director Juan Carlos Blanco

UPR museum posts a pair of videos on island’s art history

By THE STAR STAFF

To promote the dissemination of and knowledge about Puerto Rican history, anthropology and art, the Museum of History, Anthropology and Art (MHAA) on the University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus has just published on its YouTube platform a two-part video entitled “Reflections of Puerto Rico History in Art.”

The first video covers indigenous cultures to the American invasion in 1898, with 155 images. The second covers everything from the U.S. military regime to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, with 110 images. Both videos are based on the book of the exhibition of the same name organized by the MHAA in 2015, with an essay by Dr. Lizette Cabrera Salcedo, a professor in the Department of History.

“The images presented in the videos include engravings in various media, paintings, murals, drawings, caricatures, posters, photographs of the historical period, maps, numismatics, philately, logos, documents, prints

belonging to government institutions, as well as private collectors and artists, who gave us the right of repro-

duction for the videos,” MHAA Director Flávia Marichal Lugo said. “At the end of each video, the credits and acknowledgments are included, as well as the images used in order of presentation.”

Marichal Lugo, who produced the project, added that one of the urgent needs the museum plans to address is the use of video as a technological tool.

“Today we spend more time using internet services to maintain social contact, work, play or study,” she said. “Through these subtitled documentary videos, in which we tell the history of Puerto Rico with works of art, we fulfill the mission of the museum, promote humanistic themes and serve as a complement to virtual classes,” he added.

This project was produced thanks to the support after an economic contribution from the Puerto Rican Foundation for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities with funds from the special donation Sustaining the Humanities Through the American Rescue Plan, through a grant of $20,000.

Alliance formed to promote growth in island manufacturing

By THE STAR STAFF

Puerto Rico Manufacturing Extension (PRiMEX) and the Economic Development Bank for Puerto Rico (BDEPR by its Spanish initials) joined efforts Wednesday to open a space of significant growth opportunities for manufacturing firms.

The agreement meets the objective of facilitating and supporting the competitive growth of small and midsize industries in Puerto Rico in the financial area and integrated services aimed at directing and strengthening manufacturing, PRiMEX said in a statement.

“We have established a strategic alliance for the benefit of manufacturing companies so that we can improve the competitiveness of the local industry, promoting financing alternatives and opportunities to access capital, contributing to the economic development of our island,” PRiMEX Executive Director Ramón Vega said.

Both institutions intend to strengthen public policy to promote the development of a stable and self-sustaining economy, contributing to human development and social responsibility, they said.

Economic Development Bank President Luis Alemañy González highlighted the alliance’s contribution, part of the public policy of Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia to support the development and strengthening of Puerto Rican entrepreneurship.

“Manufacturing is one of the main pillars of our economy, representing 48% of the gross national product of Puerto Rico, which, thanks to technology and the globalization of services, now has greater capacity for expansion and benefits for our businessmen and the development of Puerto Rico,” Alemañy González said. “The year 2022 closed with a total of 85,300 jobs in manufacturing. This brought us back to 2010 employment levels and reflects growth of 7.4%, which compares very favorably with the U.S. manufacturing job growth of 3.8%.”

“Similarly, the year 2022 closed with 2,039 establishments

dedicated to manufacturing, 5% above the end of 2021 and reaching the same levels as 2011,” he noted. “Our role from the BDEPR is to be facilitators of financial alternatives and services that are integrated and accessible so that small and midsize business people, as well as emerging entrepreneurs, have the economic and human resources to make their projects a reality and direct them to be sustainable and successful. Thanks to this alliance with PRiMEX, we plan to reach more people with businesses with great potential and who, due to lack of financing, cannot materialize it.”

The BDEPR is allocating $20 million of the $109.3 million approved by the U.S. Treasury Department to encourage local manufacturing and exports.

The alliance proposes, among other benefits, to cover direct loans or lines of credit with the BDEPR for up to $1 million. PRiMEX will support the promotion of financing services and programs.

The first video covers indigenous cultures to the American invasion in 1898, while the second covers everything from the U.S. military regime to the commonwealth Constitution.

By SARAH MASLIN NIR

When Democrats in Connecticut introduced legislation to ban the word “Latinx” from government documents, they found themselves with unlikely allies: Republicans including Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas, who barred “Latinx” from state documents as her first official act.

Their reasons differ: Conservatives argue that the word, coined about 20 years ago as an inclusive, gender-neutral term to describe people of Latino descent, is a trope of liberal “wokeism.” But the bill making its way through Hartford was introduced by several Democratic members of the Black and Puerto Rican caucus. They argue, among other things, that the Americanized word disfigures the Spanish language and in doing so, is an act of cultural appropriation.

The situation has made for some of the oddest bedfellows in the culture wars. Sanders, who initiated her state’s ban in January, said the term “Latinx” was “ethnically insensitive and pejorative language.” Around the same time, she also forbade the teaching of “critical race theory” in Arkansas schools and the use of TikTok on state-issued devices — statements that have set the tone for her conservative administration.

“One can no more easily remove gender from Spanish and other romance languages than one can remove vowels and verbs from English,” she said.

In Connecticut, where the bill would bar the use of “Latinx” from government and state education documents, state Rep. Geraldo Reyes Jr., who introduced the measure, called the term “offensive and unnecessary” in a statement. “The Spanish language has been around for 1,500 years, and it identifies male, female and neutral gender,” he said.

Reyes, who represents Waterbury, cited the limited use of the word in Latin American countries and the lack of widespread discussion around its initial adoption.

His staff said the term has been used in state government documents, but infrequently.

He said that he did not intend his proposed legislation to be divisive, but the use of the word has stirred a passionate debate from Connecticut to Arkansas and beyond about

“Latinx,” the value of inclusive language and the very idea of banning individual words.

The term “Latinx” emerged in the early 2000s. Its precise origins are unclear, springing from academia or activists or perhaps both.

It was created to address a characteristic of Spanish that doesn’t exist in English: Spanish is among the many languages where words are gendered, and the male ending — here, “Latino” — is typically used to refer to a group broadly, even if it’s mixed-gender.

The x in “Latinx” serves a similar function as it does in Mx., the gender-neutral version of the honorifics Mr. or Ms.; it creates an alternative to “Latino” and “Latina.” The word was first added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in 2018. Alternative terms exist, including “Latine” and even “Latin@.”

“The origin was specifically referring to people who didn’t want to be pigeonholed in the traditional gender binaries, but now it is about Hispanic culture in general,” said Orin Hargraves, a lecturer in semantics at the University of Colorado Boulder. “It is in line with everything that has been going on since the turn of this century of equalizing gender, the #MeToo movement, all of that together is one big bucket that you can put ‘Latinx’ into.”

Meilene Belmont, the transgender services manager at Translatinx Network, a New York City-based advocacy and support group for transgender people, embraces the term for its sense of inclusion. She said “Latina” is her preferred term as a transgender woman, though she values “Latinx” for peers who feel differently.

“I believe that ‘Latinx’ is for anyone, for anyone who identifies as trans, gay, bisexual, cis gender — anyone,” Belmont said. “The X at the end stands for everybody.”

Some critics, like U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., has spoken out about his distaste for the term, reject “Latinx” not because of its attempt at inclusivity, but because, he says, it has been imposed by outsiders on a community. In an interview, Gallego said he has asked his staff not to use it.

Others take issue with the “x” itself: It is not a plural ending original to the language, and they argue that the letter’s inclusion whitewashes a Spanish word. The Royal Spanish Academy, which oversees the most

authoritative dictionary in the language, has not approved it.

But attempts to restrict the language via government decree have also drawn criticism.

“Hispanic, Chicano, Latino, Latinx, Latine, Latino American — none of those terms encompass everyone in our community,” John Lugo, the director of Unidad Latina en Acción, a Connecticut-based workers advocacy organization, said in a statement. He has called Connecticut’s effort to bar the term “an attack on our diversity.”

“We should not be policing the language that people are using to describe their identity,” Lugo said.

The word “Latino” was first added to the U.S. census in 2000; before that, starting in 1980, the survey’s questions about ethnicity used the word “Hispanic.”

“At the time, similar conversations arose about the appropriateness of that term,” said Mark Hugo Lopez, the director of race and ethnicity research at the Pew Research Center. Critics then argued that “Hispanic” was a label foisted upon people, not one they selected for themselves. Today, respondents to Pew’s polls regarding how they define themselves prefer country of origin, like Mexican American, or Cuban American, Lopez said.

Some concerns about “Latinx” echo

that 1980s debate: “It’s a very white term, and a white term shouldn’t represent a nonwhite population,” said Victoria Almazan, 20, a psychology student at the University of Connecticut, who supports the Connecticut legislation. (There is also a movement in Spanish-speaking countries to create gender neutral alternatives.) The Republicans in Arkansas, Almazan added, were right, too — but for the wrong reasons.

“I think inclusivity is important, but it’s better to find a different word to use,” she said.

For all the political and academic debate, “Latinx” seems of little concern to many people who describe themselves as Latino or Hispanic. That’s mostly because it’s largely unknown: According to a 2019 poll conducted by the Pew Research Center, just about one-quarter of Hispanic Americans were familiar with the term, and only 3% used it to refer to themselves.

About two years later, an Axios-Ipsos Latino Poll taken in partnership with Noticias Telemundo showed about half of the respondents of Spanish-speaking origins had no objection to being referred to as Latinx.

“If it’s more inclusive, that’s a good thing, I don’t see anything wrong with that,” Marvin Estrada, 34, a cook at a local restaurant, said on a recent afternoon in Stamford. “But honestly, I hadn’t heard the word until today.”

Some Republicans want to ban ‘Latinx.’ These Latino Democrats agree.

State Representative Geraldo Reyes Jr., a Democrat from Waterbury, Conn., introduced legislation barring the use of the word “Latinx” in government documents.

Many immigrants are departing after decades illegally in the US

By MIRIAM JORDAN

In August 2021, more than three decades after sneaking across the southern border as young adults to work and support their families in Mexico, Irma and Javier Hernandez checked in at LaGuardia Airport for a one-way flight from New York to Oaxaca. They were leaving behind four American children, stable jobs where they were valued employees and a country they had grown to love.

But after years of living in the United States without legal status, the couple had decided it was time to return to their homeland. Irma Hernandez’s mother was 91, and they feared she might die — as Irma Hernandez’s father and in-laws did — before they saw each other again. With dollar savings, they had built a little house, where they could live, and had invested in a tortilleria, which they could run. Their children, now young adults, could fend for themselves.

“Only God knows how hard we worked day after day in New York,” said Irma Hernandez, 57. “We are still young enough that we could have kept going there, but ultimately we made the difficult choice to return.”

The Hernandezes are part of a wave of immigrants who have been leaving the United States and returning to their countries of origin in recent years, often after spending most of their lives toiling as workers without legal status. Some of them never intended to remain in the United States but said that the cost and danger of crossing the border kept them here once they had arrived — and they built lives. Now, middle-

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aged and still able-bodied, many are making a reverse migration.

Mexicans, who represent the largest and most transformative migration to the United States in modern history, started a gradual return more than a decade ago, with improvements in the Mexican economy and shrinking job opportunities in the United States during the last recession. But departures have recently accelerated, beginning with crackdowns on immigrants under the Trump administration and continuing under President Joe Biden as many older people decide they have realized their original goals for immigrating and can afford to trade the often-grueling work available to them for a slower pace in their home country.

Their departures are one of many factors that have helped keep the total number of immigrants living in the country illegally relatively stable, despite a flood of migrant apprehensions at the southern border that reached 2 million last year.

“It’s a myth that everyone comes here and nobody ever leaves,” said Robert Warren, a senior visiting fellow at the Center for Migration Studies, a think tank, who wrote a recent report on the trend.

“There’s a lot of people leaving the country, and they’re leaving voluntarily,” said Warren, who is one of several demographers, including academics at Emory University, Princeton University and the University of California, Los Angeles, who have been documenting the trend.

The current population of migrants living in the U.S. illegally has stayed relatively constant at about 10.2 million over the past several years after peaking at nearly 12 million in 2008, even with the large number of new arrivals at the border.

An emergency health order adopted to slow the transmission of the coronavirus has allowed border authorities to quickly expel more than 2.5 million of the new arrivals since 2020; hundreds of thousands of others have been al-

lowed to enter the country during that period. But a largely voluntary exodus of other immigrants has kept overall population numbers relatively steady, demographers say. (While deportations accelerated under the administrations of both Barack Obama and Donald Trump, those numbers were too small to be a significant factor.)

The number of people living in the U.S. illegally who migrated from about a dozen countries, including Poland, the Philippines, Peru, South Korea and Uruguay, declined 30% or more from 2010 to 2020.

The population of migrants living in the U.S. illegally who come from Mexico, the principal source of immigrants to the United States, dropped to 4.4 million from 6.6 million during that period.

Declines were recorded in all but two states during the decade, plunging 49% in New York; 40% in California, which lost 815,000 Mexicans; 36% in Illinois; and 20% or 267,000, in Texas. The data suggests that those residents were not moving to other states but returning to their home countries, Warren said.

There has long been an ebb and flow in illegal immigration. People leave home in response to push factors, such as financial duress, drought and escalating violence, as well as in response to pull factors in the United States, chiefly jobs and safe haven.

The number of Polish immigrants living in the U.S. illegally shrank by half from 2010 to 2019 amid improving conditions in Poland. Brazilians returned in large numbers when their country’s economy was thriving, thanks to a food export boom and successful bids to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics that spurred a construction bonanza.

Rubén Hernández-León, a sociologist at UCLA who has conducted field research of Mexicans who have returned home, said that the primary reason people gave for leaving the United States was a desire to reunite with family.

Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric, coupled with his administration’s crackdown on unlawful immigration, caused anxiety that also drove some people living in the U.S. illegally, especially Mexicans, to leave, Hernández-León said.

“Most of them never wanted to stay. We gummed up the works when we militarized the border,” said Douglas S. Massey, an immigration scholar at Princeton. “They spent longer and longer time and had families.”

Now, he said, census data suggests that many of them are electing to go home.

“If they have savings and a house in Mexico, they can retire there,” he said. ”Their kids born in the States are now old enough to take care of themselves and can go back and forth to visit.”

Irma and Javier Hernandez dance during the celebration for the Virgin of Guadalupe, the town patron of Guadalupe de Cisneros in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, on Feb. 13, 2023. After years of living in the United States without legal status, Irma and Javier Hernandez decided it was time to return to their homeland.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago loses her bid for reelection

By JULIE BOSMAN and MITCH SMITH

Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago lost her bid for a second term Tuesday, The Associated Press said, a resounding defeat that reflected widespread dissatisfaction from voters over her handling of crime and policing in the nation’s thirdlargest city.

Four years ago, Lightfoot made history as the first Black woman to be elected mayor of Chicago when she swept all 50 of the city’s wards. But she saw her popularity plunge during the coronavirus pandemic as Chicago suffered a spike in violent crime, with looting and destruction on its famed Magnificent Mile in 2020.

The two candidates to emerge from Tuesday’s first round of voting — Paul Vallas, a former public schools executive, and Brandon Johnson, a county board commissioner — will advance to a runoff election April 4.

Lightfoot, who is the first sitting mayor in Chicago since 1989 to lose reelection, said in a concession speech late Tuesday that she “will be rooting and praying for our next mayor to deliver for the people of this city for years to come.”

“I stand here with my head held high and a heart full of gratitude,” Lightfoot said.

With an estimated 94% of ballots counted as of Tuesday night, Vallas had won 34% of the vote, and Johnson 20%.

The race showcased the political divide that has emerged in some of America’s largest, most liberal cities, where hard-oncrime policies have increasingly resonated with voters. But it also demonstrated the uniquely Chicago peril of leading the city with no natural base or ward to count on for loyal support in tough times: Lightfoot, an Ohio native, had never held elective office before becoming mayor.

The contest for mayor is now narrowed to two candidates with starkly different views on policing and education. Vallas has portrayed Chicago as being in a state of turmoil under Lightfoot’s leadership. With an endorsement from the local Fraternal Order of Police, he has run an aggressive campaign arguing that he can make the city safer, calling for bolstering the police force, improving arrest rates for serious crimes and expanding charter schools.

“The city clearly is in crisis, and people want a crisis manager who can come in and focus on getting things done,” Vallas

said after casting his ballot Tuesday in an elementary school gym on the South Side.

Johnson, 46, an educator who was endorsed by the Chicago Teachers Union, staked out a position to the left of Lightfoot, at one point suggesting that he agreed with the movement to reduce funding to police departments, although he later backtracked.

At a polling place Tuesday, Serena Mascio, 40, said she moved to Chicago from the suburbs in 2017 and was voting for mayor in the city for the first time.

“I’m voting for Brandon Johnson because instead of more police, he’s focused on more mental health needs,” she said. “He brings a different perspective.”

Lightfoot, whose victory four years ago also made her the first openly gay person to lead Chicago, was challenged on the campaign trail by residents unimpressed with her handling of crime, an issue that loomed above all others in the campaign.

Johnson, who was one of seven Black candidates, won over many political progressives, while Vallas consolidated support in more conservative neighborhoods. Vallas was the only white candidate in the race; Chicago has roughly equal numbers of Black, white and Hispanic residents.

In the days leading up the election, Lightfoot remained hopeful that she would secure a spot in the runoff, despite a clear loss in support. She told voters that crime was on its way down — homicides and

shootings had, in fact, decreased in 2022 from the peak during the pandemic. But in 2022, robberies, thefts and burglaries increased from the year before, leaving many Chicagoans unsettled about the direction of the city.

Lightfoot had pointed to investments in long-neglected neighborhoods and made the case that the city had emerged from the pandemic in a strong position.

On Tuesday, she greeted Chicagoans outside a grocery store and a sandwich shop on the West Side, telling them that she was hearing from voters who were “fearful” of Vallas and his views.

Tina Marie, a West Side resident who had just finished buying groceries when she spotted Lightfoot, said she was impressed by the mayor’s leadership during the pandemic.

“When the pandemic broke out, her and the governor shut Chicago down,” said Marie, a retired department store worker. She said there was “no telling where we would be if they hadn’t shut Chicago down.”

On the South Side, Lindsay Ramirez, a 47-year-old medical worker and Lightfoot supporter, said crime would continue to be a problem for Chicago, no matter who won the election.

“There’s not much a mayor can do about all these guns,” she said. “You’d have to be Superman to solve it.”

But many voters said they were unwilling to give Lightfoot another chance.

Chicago mayors have wide-ranging powers, even compared with mayors in New York City and Los Angeles: They oversee the sprawling public transit system, police and fire Departments, schools, parks and other agencies. And when crime spikes or potholes go unfilled, Chicagoans tend to blame their mayor.

Lightfoot, 60, faced a cascade of crises since taking office that went beyond public safety. In 2019, she clashed with the powerful teachers union, leading to an 11-day strike, the longest in decades. Then, in 2020, the pandemic hit, sending unemployment soaring and leaving skyscrapers in the Loop mostly empty of workers and Chicago businesses struggling to survive.

The economy has since rebounded, and downtown Chicago is attracting tourists and conventions again. But Lightfoot appeared to have made more enemies than friends as mayor, struggled to find support on the City Council and gained a reputation as a pugilistic and mercurial leader.

Vallas, 69, enters the next stage of the race as the clear front-runner, but a candidate who has at times been dogged by ideological inconsistencies. He said in a television interview in 2009 that he considered himself more of a Republican than a Democrat, a strike against Vallas in the eyes of many voters in overwhelmingly liberal Chicago. Last week, the Chicago Tribune reported that Vallas’ Twitter account had liked a series of tweets that used insulting and racist language; Vallas suggested that hackers were to blame.

Jesús García, a congressman and well-known figure in Chicago, ran a tepid campaign that failed to attract sizable support from progressives.

Some voters remained unsure of who to back even as they approached the polls Tuesday, but were confident of one thing: They were not willing to support Lightfoot.

Jimmy Cooks, 66, who voted for her in the last election, said he would not do so again because of what he saw as her unsteady handling of both the pandemic and crime.

Cooks, a retired Comcast contractor, said he was against seasoned politicians like Lightfoot, Vallas and García.

“We need new blood, new ideas,” he said, adding that he “likes the look” of Johnson.

“Whoever wins is going to have a tough job,” he said.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot carries her lunch at Manny’s Deli in Chicago, on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. There’s an Election Day tradition of politicians dining with constituents at Manny’s Deli in Chicago.

Supreme Court appears skeptical of Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan

By ADAM LIPTAK

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority on Tuesday seemed deeply skeptical of the legality of the Biden administration’s plan to wipe out more than $400 billion in student debt, heightening the prospect that the justices would thwart efforts to forgive the loans of tens of millions of borrowers.

Chief Justice John Roberts indicated that the administration had acted without sufficiently explicit congressional authorization to undertake one of the most ambitious and expensive executive actions in the nation’s history, violating separation-ofpowers principles.

“I think most casual observers would say,” the chief justice said, that “if you’re going to give up that much amount of money, if you’re going to affect the obligations of that many Americans on a subject that’s of great controversy, they would think that’s something for Congress to act on.”

The court’s three liberal members said Congress had already acted, by passing a law in 2003 that authorized the secretary of education to address emergencies.

“Congress could not have made this much more clear,” Justice Elena Kagan said, adding: “We deal with congressional statutes every day that are really confusing. This one is not.”

By the end of about 3 1/2 hours of arguments in two separate cases, the court’s conservative majority seemed likely to dash the hopes of the 26 million borrowers who have already applied for loan relief, including millions who have received approval. If the administration is to prevail, it would probably be on the ground that none of the plaintiffs in the two cases had established standing to sue, but that outcome did not seem likely, either.

The chief justice, joined by other members of the court’s six-member conservative majority, invoked the “major questions doctrine,” which requires that government initiatives with major political and economic consequences be clearly authorized by Congress.

There was something close to a consensus that the debt forgiveness program qualified as major.

“We’re talking about half a trillion dollars and 43 million Americans,” Roberts said, referring to the number of affected borrowers. Justice Samuel Alito indicated that the ordinary colloquial meaning of “major questions” encompassed “what the government proposes to do with student loans.”

Even Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a liberal, said the sums involved were legally significant. “That seems to favor the argument that this is a major question,” she said.

Hundreds of protesters outside the court, many of whom were college students from across the country, underscored that point. Biden’s plan would relieve them of vast amounts of debt, they said.

Kaylah Lightfoot, a sophomore at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, described the prolonged court fight over the program as stressful. “I’m truly just trying to stay focused and keep on going,” she said.

The administration was spurred to act because of the pandemic and its lingering effects. The law the administration relied on, the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003, usually called the HEROES Act, gives the secretary of

education the power to “waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision” to protect borrowers affected by “a war or other military operation or national emergency.”

Roberts and Justice Clarence Thomas were skeptical that the words “waive or modify” allowed outright cancellation. “It doesn’t say modify or waive loan balances,” the chief justice said.

Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, representing the administration, said its plan fit comfortably within the statutory language, which she said had authorized the secretary of education to act. “The whole point of this statute, its central mission and function, is to ensure that in the face of a national emergency that is causing financial harm to borrowers, the secretary can do something,” she said.

Prelogar noted that the Trump administration had also relied on the 2003 law.

In March 2020, President Donald Trump declared that the coronavirus pandemic was a national emergency, and his administration invoked the HEROES Act to pause student loan repayment requirements and to suspend the accrual of interest.

The Biden administration followed suit. As of April, the payment pause has cost the government more than $100 billion, according to the Government Accountability Office.

“That has been an economically significant program,” Prelogar said of the pause. “It’s currently costing the federal government more per year than this loan forgiveness plan would cost the government annually.”

In August, the administration said it planned to switch gears, ending the repayment pause but forgiving $10,000 in debt for individuals earning less than $125,000 per year, or $250,000 per household, and $20,000 for those who received Pell Grants for low-income families. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated the plan’s price tag at $400 billion.

In separate cases, six Republican-led states — Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas and South Carolina — and two individuals sued to stop the new plan, relying on recent decisions employing the major questions doctrine.

The first question in both cases is whether the plaintiffs have suffered the sort of direct and concrete injury that gives them standing to sue.

The point of the standing doctrine, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said, is to “allow the political branches to hash this out without interference, you know, from a torrent of lawsuits brought by states and entities and individuals who don’t have a real personal stake in the outcome.”

Much of the argument focused on a nonprofit entity that services federal loans, the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, also known as MOHELA. The challengers argued that its potential losses from the loan forgiveness program were enough to confer standing because it is effectively an arm of the state of Missouri. They also argued that the authority might fail to make payments to Missouri if the program were allowed to proceed.

Kagan said it was significant that the loan authority itself had not sued over the debt forgiveness program.

“Usually we don’t allow one person to step into another’s shoes and say, ‘I think that that person suffered a harm,’ even if the harm is very great,” she said.

If Missouri really controlled the loan authority, Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked James A. Campbell, Nebraska’s solicitor general, who represented the states, “why didn’t the state just make MOHELA come then?”

Campbell said that it was “a question of state politics.”

Prelogar conceded that the loan authority would have standing had it chosen to sue in its own name. But it did not, she said, and Missouri was not entitled to sue on its behalf.

Jackson said that the authority was independent of the state.

“Its financial interests are totally disentangled from the state. It stands alone; it’s incorporated separately. The state is not liable for anything that happens to MOHELA,” she said. “I don’t know how that could possibly be a reason to say that an injury to MOHELA should count as an injury to the state.”

Given the inclination of the conservative justices to question the legality of the program, if the administration is to prevail it may have to do so on the standing question. But there was little evidence that the conservatives were particularly receptive to the administration’s position on that issue in the first case, Biden v. Nebraska.

The second case, Department of Education v. Brown, was brought by the two borrowers, Myra Brown and Alexander Taylor, and it also raised questions about standing. Brown is ineligible for relief under the plan because her loans are held by commercial entities rather than the government, while Taylor is eligible for $10,000 rather than $20,000 because he did not receive a Pell Grant.

A trial court ruled that they had standing to sue because they had been deprived of the opportunity to urge the administration to expand the plan to provide greater debt relief.

Justices across the ideological spectrum seemed unconvinced by the borrowers’ position.

“Talk about ways in which courts can interfere with the processes of government through two individuals in one state who don’t like the program,” Justice Neil Gorsuch said, and “can seek and obtain a universal relief barring it for anybody anywhere.”

If the Supreme Court rules that at least one plaintiff in one of the cases has standing, it will address whether the debt forgiveness plan is lawful.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) speaks during a student debt relief rally outside the Supreme Court, which is hearing two cases Tuesday about student debt, in Washington, Feb. 28, 2023.

Third top FTX executive pleads guilty in fraud investigation

By DAVID YAFFE-BELLANY and MATTHEW GOLDSTEIN

Aformer high-ranking colleague of Sam Bankman-Fried on Tuesday became the third person to plead guilty to criminal charges arising from the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX and agree to cooperate with federal prosecutors.

Nishad Singh, 27, an FTX founder who went on to serve as the company’s its director of engineering, pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud, commodities fraud, securities fraud, money laundering and campaign finance violations. The plea requires him to work with federal prosecutors as they pursue the billion-dollar fraud case against Bankman-Fried.

“Today’s guilty plea underscores once again that the crimes at FTX were vast in scope and consequence,” Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement. “They rocked our financial markets with a multibillion-dollar fraud. And they corrupted our politics with tens of millions of dollars in illegal straw campaign contributions.”

Andrew D. Goldstein and Russell Capone, Singh’s lawyers, said in a statement that “Nishad is deeply sorry for his role in this and has accepted responsibility for his actions.” Singh wants to assist the government and “make things right for victims,” the statement said.

The charges against Singh carry a maximum prison term of 75 years, though plea deals often result in significantly reduced sentences.

Singh’s cooperation heightens the pressure on Bankman-Fried, 30, who has been charged with orchestrating a scheme to use billions in customer deposits to finance political contributions, fund more than 300 ventures and cover other lavish spending. Bankman-Fried was extradited to the United States on Dec. 21 after his arrest in the Bahamas, where FTX was based. That night, federal prosecutors announced that two executives in his inner circle, Gary Wang and Caroline Ellison, were cooperating with the investigation and had pleaded guilty to fraud.

Singh was a key figure at FTX who

worked closely with Bankman-Fried, Wang and Ellison. In the plea agreement, authorities said Singh had knowledge of or participated in an effort “to artificially inflate FTX’s revenue,” and that he had provided false or misleading information to auditors and regulators.

On Tuesday, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission also filed civil complaints against Singh. The complaints said that he had been aware that FTX and its sister hedge fund, Alameda Research, were misusing customer funds and that he had helped create software code that enabled the fraud.

According to the SEC, Singh also assigned fraudulent dates to a series of transactions to make it appear that FTX’s 2021 revenue was $50 million higher than it was, and then lied about the scheme to auditors. And last September and October, the complaint said, he withdrew roughly $6 million from FTX for his personal use, spending the money on charitable donations and a multimillion-dollar house, when he knew FTX customer funds were being misappropriated.

FTX filed for bankruptcy in November after the crypto equivalent of a bank run exposed an $8 billion hole in its accounts. Its implosion was the worst moment in a year-

long crypto industry meltdown that sent the market spiraling and cost investors billions of dollars in lost deposits.

The investigation into FTX has gained steam in recent weeks. On Feb. 23, federal prosecutors announced a revised indictment against Bankman-Fried that included several new charges and detailed the alleged scheme to defraud customers and investors and funnel tens of millions in illegal campaign contributions to political candidates and political action committees.

Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty in January to the original indictment and is expected to return to court in the next few months to be arraigned on the revised charges, according to a court filing. A spokesperson for Bankman-Fried declined to comment.

Singh is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. He worked as a software engineer on the applied machinelearning team at Facebook and then joined Alameda, the crypto hedge fund that Bankman-Fried founded and owned. Singh has also been a close friend of Bankman-Fried’s younger brother, Gabe, who ran Guarding Against Pandemics, an organization that received much of its financial support from FTX.

In 2019, Bankman-Fried, Wang and Singh founded FTX in Hong Kong, before

moving the company to the Bahamas two years later. The three founders and Ellison were active in the effective altruism movement, a brand of philanthropy that urges donors to use data to maximize the longterm impact of their donations. They all sat on the board of the FTX Foundation, Bankman-Fried’s philanthropic operation, and lived together in a luxurious penthouse at Albany, a resort on the Bahamian island of New Providence.

As FTX grew, Bankman-Fried became its public face while Wang and Singh were crucial behind the scenes, responsible for writing the software code for FTX.

According to FTX’s bankruptcy filings, Singh received a $543 million loan from Alameda, and the hedge fund paid lawyers at Sullivan & Cromwell to provide him with legal advice on tax matters and estate planning.

As FTX took off, Singh was one of a handful of its executives, led by BankmanFried and Ryan Salame, who suddenly emerged as political megadonors.

In all, FTX employees and others associated with the crypto exchange contributed $93 million to political campaigns over the past several years. Singh and BankmanFried mainly backed Democratic candidates while Salame funded Republicans.

Prosecutors have argued that FTX orchestrated a “straw donation” scheme — in which a person makes a contribution in someone else’s name to avoid limits on individuals or companies — to build influence in Washington and shape crypto regulations. Singh appears to have been a key figure in that effort.

Sam Bankman-Fried, center, founder of the crypto firm FTX, leaves Federal District court in Manhattan, on Jan. 3, 2023

How environmentally conscious investing became a target of conservatives

from some of the nation’s biggest banks on their views about climate change, social issues and more.

There are some indications that the conservative pushback is gaining traction. Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment firms, recently withdrew from the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative, an effort intended to get institutional money managers engaged in the fight against climate change.

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has been going out of its way to remind politicians that it still invests in fossil fuel industries, even as it supports efforts to reduce planet warming emissions.

“We are seeing major companies respond to this political pressure,” said Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., who last month helped start the House Sustainable Investing caucus and who is a proponent of ESG investing.

the CEO of BlackRock, who has called on companies to reach beyond profit statements to consider the role the private sector could play in addressing societal problems.

That advocacy has made him a target of scathing critiques from conservative commentators and politicians, as well as dark conspiracy theories.

“For the first time in my professional career, attacks are now personal,” Fink said at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, last month. “They’re trying to demonize the issues.”

The current ESG backlash can be traced to Texas, where in 2020 oil executives began complaining that big banks like JPMorgan had stopped lending them money.

By DAVID GELLES

It’s been a widely accepted trend in financial circles for nearly two decades. But suddenly, Republicans have launched an assault on a philosophy that says that companies should be concerned with not just profits but also how their businesses affect the environment and society.

More than $18 trillion is held in investment funds that follow the investing principle known as ESG — shorthand for prioritizing environmental, social and governance factors — a strategy that has been adopted by major corporations around the world.

Now, Republicans around the country say Wall Street has taken a sharp left turn, attacking what they term “woke capitalism” and dragging businesses, their onetime allies, into the culture wars.

The rancor escalated Tuesday as Republicans in Congress used their new majority in the House to vote by a margin of 216-204 to repeal a Department of Labor rule that allows retirement funds to consider climate change and other factors when choosing companies in which to invest. In the Senate, Republicans are lining up behind a similar effort that has been joined by Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.

The Capitol Hill strategy has pulled President Joe Biden into the fray, with the White House saying Biden will veto any bill to overturn the rule.

As if to underscore the issue’s sudden visibility, former Vice President Mike Pence let loose on Twitter on Tuesday. “Disappointing that President Biden is putting ESG and woke policies above hard-working Americans’ retire-

ment accounts!” wrote Pence, a potential 2024 candidate for the White House. “We will keep fighting until we put a stop to ESG once and for all!”

ESG investing has been routine on Wall Street for years. Most major companies issue extensive reports about their efforts to combat climate change and commitment to workplace diversity.

But in recent months, conservatives have increasingly attacked the practice, arguing that it promotes liberal priorities ranging from renewable energy to the Black Lives Matter movement.

And while ESG applies to everything from diversity among corporate leaders to corruption controls, it’s the “E” in ESG — the idea that the private sector needs to consider its impact on the environment — that has emerged as the top target of Republicans.

Officials in Republican-led states argue that it would lead to disinvestment in fossil fuel companies that provide tax revenue and jobs in their states, making it a top target of right-wing commentators and politicians.

The Labor Department rule is likely to remain on the books, as Republicans do not appear to have the votes to overturn a promised veto.

But the House vote Tuesday was just the start of what’s expected to be a lengthy campaign against ESG.

Already this month, Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., who leads the House Financial Services Committee, announced the formation of a “Republican ESG Working Group.” Republicans plan hearings this year at which conservative lawmakers are likely to grill executives

Even before Tuesday’s vote on Capitol Hill, the Labor Department rule had drawn a legal challenge from 25 Republican attorneys general, led by Ken Paxton of Texas.

As the Securities and Exchange Commission considers a new rule that would require corporations to disclose their carbon emissions, industry groups and Republican lawmakers have been pushing to limit its scope.

Around the country, Republican state treasurers have been withdrawing billions of dollars from firms like BlackRock that they deem “woke.”

And Vivek Ramaswamy, a conservative business owner and commentator, has created what he considers an apolitical investment firm, Strive Asset Management, positioning it as an alternative to BlackRock. Ramaswamy recently announced he was running for president on what is effectively an anti-ESG platform.

To the ranks of wonky risk management professionals who have toiled over the minutia of ESG reports for decades now, the political fracas is perplexing.

“Until very recently it was both obscure and also just accepted as a general part of investing,” said Josh Lichtenstein, a partner at the law firm Ropes & Gray who is tracking the ESG backlash.

The term ESG was first introduced in a 2004 report prepared by the United Nations and 20 financial firms including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and UBS.

As more companies began talking about their efforts to combat climate change and improve diversity, the issue was pushed to the forefront of the corporate agenda. Among the loudest proponents of ESG has been Larry Fink,

Republican legislators in Austin, Texas, as well as officials at the Texas Railroad Commission, the state’s energy regulator, took up their cause.

“If ESG is not put in check, not only will future retirees face challenges in the years ahead, but we could see record bankruptcies and layoffs in the energy sector,” Wayne Christian, one of the railroad commissioners, said in 2021.

That year, Gov. Gregg Abbott signed a law prohibiting the state from contracting with or investing in any business that was “boycotting” fossil fuels.

It is unclear whether applying environmental and social principles to investing is actually good for business. Some studies have shown that companies that embrace environmental and social goals outperform their peers in the long run. But other studies show the opposite. And as the stock market slumped last year, oil and gas stock prices rose sharply.

Another point of contention is that ESG rankings, which are compiled by companies like S&P Global, arrive at sometimes counterintuitive conclusions about which companies are doing the most for the environment and society.

Last year Elon Musk lashed out after Tesla, his electric car company, was ousted from a major ranking of companies with the best ESG scores, while Exxon Mobil, one of the world’s biggest oil producers, was included. “ESG is a scam,” he wrote on Twitter. “It has been weaponized by phony social justice warriors.”

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., said he believed the Republican position on ESG was more about ginning up outrage than about just how much of a financial risk climate change posed to long-term investments.

“They invent culture-war provocations that drive clicks, and woke capitalism is part of that,” he said.

The BlackRock headquarters in New York, March 23, 2022. The business world has been pulled into partisan politics, with Republicans bringing their battle against socially conscious investing to Congress.

Analysis: Watch out risk assets, the rout in bonds is coming your way

The selling gripping the world’s biggest bond markets, on fears that stubbornly high inflation will keep central banks hiking interest rates for some time, is a warning sign that riskier assets will likely be next in the firing line.

After all, if central banks hike rates for longer than expected, that raises risks of a sharp economic downturn, a scenario markets have put aside given robust economic data.

That means bond pain may soon weigh on equities and credit, markets that have held up well so far.

This week’s stronger-than-expected February inflation data from France, Spain and Germany has led traders to price European Central Bank rates peaking near 4%, following similar moves in U.S. money markets.

That has pushed 10-year bond yields across the euro area to levels last seen during the bloc’s 2011-2012 debt crisis. Yet, European shares are not far off one-year highs.

And while U.S. 10-year Treasury yields rose almost 40 basis points in February - their biggest monthly jump since September - the S&P 500 ended the month down just 2.6% and is up almost 3.5% so far in 2023.

“We are starting to reach a level in pricing on rates that any move up in yields is becoming more problematic,” said BlueBay Asset Management chief investment officer Mark Dowding.

“There will be a landing for the economy and if we see more robust data and inflation staying high it will bring the idea of hard landing back into prospect,” Dowding said, noting that he had closed out of a position betting on further weakness in longer dated bonds and turned more negative on risk assets.

In its weekly note, the BlackRock Investment Institute said it preferred short-term government bonds and investmentgrade credit over long-term government debt and was underweight developed market equities because “they’re not pricing the recession we see ahead.”

Expectations that inflation would ease and central banks could pause aggressive tightening soon had already turned around in February on resilient data.

But rate-rise expectations have taken another leg higher this week, led by Europe. Data on Wednesday showed no letup in stubborn price pressures in Germany. Spain and France posted unexpected inflation rises on Tuesday.

A key gauge of the market’s long-term euro zone inflation expectations has risen to 2.51%, its highest level in over a decade, pushing above U.S. peers in a rare occurrence.

Euro vs US market inflation expectations https://fingfx. thomsonreuters.com/gfx/mkt/lbpggljkepq/euro%20vs%20 us%205y5y.png

Deutsche Bank strategist Jim Reid said the rates repricing in Europe was “pretty astonishing” given that just a year ago there were doubts about whether the ECB would be able to lift rates at all and German Bund yields briefly turned negative as war in Ukraine broke out.

U.S. and German bond yield curves meanwhile remain

deeply inverted, with short dated borrowing costs well above longer dated peers in a classic sign of looming recession.

“Major economies still have a long way to go to achieve comfortable inflation levels. As a result, policy rates are still at risk of staying higher for longer, and fixed income markets have adjusted accordingly,” said Bruno Schneller, a managing director at INVICO Asset Management. “Equity markets appear expensive when considering the possibility of prolonged

PUERTO RICO STOCKS

COMMODITIES

CURRENCY

higher rates.”

Patrick Saner, head of macro strategy at Swiss Re, added that rising government bond yields also made risk assets relatively less attractive.

A classic 60/40 portfolio of equities and bonds now yields less than six-month U.S. Treasury bills for the first time in around 20 years, he noted.

And while government bonds were seen vulnerable to further selling, higher yields are still viewed as a buying opportunity.

Snigdha Singh, co-head of fixed income, currencies and commodities trading for EMEA at BofA, expected investor allocations to return to bonds, especially in Europe where negative yields have disappeared.

In an epic battle of tanks, Russia was routed, repeating earlier mistakes

By ANDREW E. KRAMER

Before driving into battle in their mud-spattered war machine, a T-64 tank, the three-man Ukrainian crew performs a ritual.

The commander, Pvt. Dmytro Hrebenok, recites the Lord’s Prayer. Then, the men walk around the tank, patting its chunky green armor.

“We say, ‘Please, don’t let us down in battle,’” said Sgt. Artyom Knignitsky, the mechanic. “‘Bring us in and bring us out.’”

Their respect for their tank is understandable. Perhaps no weapon symbolizes the ferocious violence of war more than the main battle tank. Tanks have loomed over the conflict in Ukraine in recent months — militarily and diplomatically — as both sides prepared for offensives. Russia pulled reserves of tanks from Cold Warera storage, and Ukraine prodded Western governments to supply American Abrams and German Leopard 2 tanks.

The sophisticated Western tanks are expected on the battlefield in the next several months. The new Russian armor turned up earlier — and in its first widescale deployment, was decimated.

A three-week battle on a plain near the coal-mining town of Vuhledar in southern Ukraine produced what Ukrainian officials say was the biggest tank battle of the war so far, and a stinging setback for the Russians.

In the extended battle, both sides sent tanks into the fray, rumbling over dirt roads and maneuvering around tree lines, with the Russians thrusting forward in columns and the Ukrainians maneuvering defensively, firing from a distance or from hiding places as Russian columns came into their sights.

When it was over, not only had Russia failed to capture Vuhledar, but it also had

made the same mistake that cost Moscow hundreds of tanks earlier in the war: advancing columns into ambushes.

Blown up on mines, hit with artillery or obliterated by anti-tank missiles, the charred hulks of Russian armored vehicles now litter farm fields all about Vuhledar, according to Ukrainian military drone footage. Ukraine’s military said Russia had lost at least 130 tanks and armored personnel carriers in the battle. That figure could not be independently verified. Ukraine does not disclose how many weapons it loses.

“We studied the roads they used, then hid and waited” to shoot in ambushes, Knignitsky said.

Lack of expertise also bedeviled the Russians. Many of their most elite units had been left in shambles from earlier fighting. Their spots were filled with newly conscripted soldiers, unschooled in Ukraine’s tactics for ambushing columns. In one indication that Russia is running short of experienced tank commanders, Ukrainian soldiers said they captured a medic who had been reassigned to operate a tank.

The Russian army has focused on, and even my-

thologized, tank warfare for decades for its redolence of Russian victories over the Nazis in World War II. Factories in the Ural Mountains have churned out tanks by the thousands. In Vuhledar, by last week Russia had lost so many machines to sustain armored assaults that they had changed tactics and resorted only to infantry attacks, Ukrainian commanders said.

The depth of the Russian defeat was underscored by Russian military bloggers, who have emerged as an influential pro-war voice in the country. Often critical of the military, they have posted angry screeds about the failures of repeated tank assaults, blaming generals for misguided tactics with a storied Russian weapon.

Grey Zone, a Telegram channel affiliated with the Wagner mercenary group, posted on Monday that “relatives of the dead are inclined almost to murder and blood revenge against the general” in charge of the assaults near Vuhledar.

In a detailed interview last week in an abandoned house near the front, Lt. Vladislav Bayak, the deputy commander of Ukraine’s 1st Mechanized Battalion of the 72nd brigade, described how Ukrainian soldiers were able to inflict such heavy losses in what commanders said was the biggest tank battle of the war so far.

Ambushes have been Ukraine’s signature tactic against Russian armored columns since the early days of the war.

Working from a bunker in Vuhledar, Bayak spotted the first column of about 15 tanks and armored personnel carriers approaching on a video feed from a drone.

“We were ready,” he said. “We knew something like this would happen.”

They had prepared a kill zone farther along a dirt road that the tanks were rumbling down. The commander needed only to give an order over the radio — “To battle!” — Bayak said.

Anti-tank teams hiding in tree lines along the fields, and armed with American infrared-guided Javelins and Ukrainian laser-guided Stugna-P missiles, powered up their weapons. Farther away, artillery batteries were ready. The dirt road had been left free of mines, while the fields all about were seeded with them, so as to entice the Russians to advance while preventing tanks from turning around once the trap was sprung.

The column of tanks becomes most vulnerable, Bayak said, after the shooting starts and drivers panic and try to turn around — by driving onto the mine-laden shoulder of the road. Blown-up vehicles then act as impediments, slowing or stalling the column. At that point, Ukrainian artillery opens fire, blowing up more armor and killing soldiers who clamber out of disabled machines. A scene of chaos and explosions ensues, Bayak said.

Russian commanders have sent armored columns forward for a lack of other options against Ukraine’s well-fortified positions, however costly the tactic, he said.

Over about three weeks of the tank battle, repeated Russian armored assaults floundered. In one instance, Ukrainian commanders called in a strike by HIMARS guided rockets; they are usually used on stationary targets like ammunition depots or barracks, but also proved effective against a stationary tank column.

The Ukrainians also fired with American M777 and French Caesar howitzers, as well as other Western-provided weaponry such as the Javelins.

The Ukrainian tank crew that prayed before each battle nicknamed their tank The Wanderer, for its wandering movements around the battlefield. Between missions it remained hidden in trees under a camouflage net, beside a road churned into a panorama of mud by passing tanks, 5 miles or so from the front line.

Ukraine’s 72nd brigade drives an armored personnel carrier near the front line outside Vuhledar in the Donetsk region of Ukraine on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023.

Train crash in Greece kills at least 38

By NIKI KITSANTONIS and JASON HOROWITZ

Rescue workers in Greece frantically searched for survivors through flattened carriages and smoking wreckage Wednesday after a high-speed, head-on collision between a freight train and a passenger train killed at least 38 people and injured scores of others in what appeared to be the country’s deadliest rail accident.

Kostas A. Karamanlis, the Greek transport minister, announced hours after the crash that he would resign, saying in a statement that “when something so tragic happens, it’s impossible to continue as if nothing had happened.”

“It’s a fact that we inherited the Greek railway in a state that is not fitting for the 21st century,” he added. “In those 3 1/2 years we made every effort to improve this reality. Unfortunately, those efforts were not adequate to avert such a tragedy.”

It was not immediately clear what led to the crash, which happened as the passenger train traveled from Athens to the northern city of Thessaloniki just before midnight Tuesday. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told reporters after visiting the crash site that “tragic human error” had led to the crash but gave no further details.

Greek police on Wednesday afternoon arrested the station manager in Larissa, about 20 miles south of the crash site, without giving a reason. Greek news media reported that the station manager had directed the freight train onto the same track as the passenger train, but authorities declined to confirm or deny those reports.

The fire service said there had been two people on the freight train and 342 passengers and 10 railway staff members on the passenger train. Many of the passengers were college students and other young people, Greece’s health minister, Thanos Plevris, told reporters. Greek news media reported that many of the young passengers had been returning from carnival celebrations in Athens. “It is a terrible process for parents and relatives,” Plevris said.

Survivors described scenes of horror, with the impact sending passengers hurtling through train car windows or trapping them under buckled cars.

“Windows were shattering and peo -

ple were screaming,” a young man, who was not identified, told a television crew after surviving the crash. “There was panic in the carriage. A huge chunk of metal from the other train had come through one of the windows.”

Video of the crash, which occurred moments after the passenger train emerged from under a highway underpass, showed the graffiti-scrawled passenger cars derailed, overturned and burned to a shell.

“Carriage 1 and 2 no longer exist, and the third has derailed,” Costas Agorastos, the regional governor of the Thessaly area, told the Greek channel Skai Television.

As 85 people were taken to hospitals with injuries, Mitsotakis hurried to visit the site, and trepidation grew about a rising death toll. Greeks began to look for answers.

A railway official, who insisted on speaking anonymously because he was not authorized to discuss the crash, said electronic monitoring and warning systems along the track did not work properly. That was in part because of budget problems and in part because the system was not fully operational to prevent such accidents, the official said.

Yiannis Ditsas, head of the Greek rail workers union, told Greek television that the two trains had raced toward each other for 12 minutes before colliding.

Experts noted that the country already had the worst record for rail safety in Europe and that endemic problems of maintenance had not been addressed for decades, even before austerity measures enforced by Europe after Greece’s 2009 financial crisis led to drastic budget cuts.

Outside the Larissa General Hospi-

tal, where most of the injured were being treated and coroners were working to identify the dead, relatives awaited news about missing loved ones.

Two women, Elisavet, 60, and Georgia, 59, were sitting on the steps outside the hospital awaiting word about their sister, who worked as a ticket inspector and had been on the Athens-Thessaloniki train.

“The worst thing is this awful waiting,” said Georgia, who had arrived in Larissa in the morning from Corfu. “They won’t tell us anything,” she added, drawing deeply on a cigarette Elisavet, who had traveled from Athens and like her sister declined to give her surname because she did not want more exposure, said, “The myth about the safety of traveling by train has finally collapsed.”

Karamanlis, who choked up earlier in the day while talking to reporters at the site of the crash, said later that he was resigning “as the minimum expression of respect to the memory of those who were so unfairly lost” and that he was “assuming responsibility for the chronic ailments of the Greek state and the political system.”

The prime minister said he had appointed Giorgos Gerapetritis, who is a close aide, as a temporary successor to Karamanlis. The minister was given the task of setting up a cross-party independent committee to investigate the cause of the disaster, and Mitsotakis said that the Greek judiciary would also do its work.

Greece is expected to hold a general election in the coming weeks, probably in early April. It was unclear if or how the tragedy would reverberate across the political landscape. But the crash clearly struck a nerve. The toll surpassed that of a 1968 collision involving two passenger trains near Corinth, about 40 miles west of Athens, which left 34 people dead.

A spokesperson for the Greek police, Constantina Dimoglidou, said that the process of identifying the dead had begun, and she asked relatives of passen-

gers to call a hotline for information.

Asked by reporters about the cause of the crash, Plevris said that it was not the right time to focus on the circumstances of the disaster.

“The priority now is to nurse the injured and support the families who have lost their loved ones. Everything else we will deal with afterward,” he said.

But experts and critics quickly raised their voices Wednesday.

“Nothing works,” Kostas Genidounias, president of the association of Greek train drivers, told state television.

“Everything is done manually,” he said, adding that neither the signals nor the traffic control system worked. “If they had been working, the drivers would have seen the red light, and the trains would have stopped 500 meters away from each other,” he added, noting that he and colleagues had frequently reported malfunctioning systems recently.

The country’s railway officials have been aware of the issue.

“Preventive maintenance has been a problematic issue for years now,” Spyros Pateras, the president of the Hellenic Railways Organization, the body that oversees rail infrastructure in Greece, said at a transport conference last year.

He said that while the government had allocated 25 million euros (about $26.5 million) for maintenance, funding and staff have “been lacking in recent years.”

A train with about 350 passengers collided with a freight train near the city of Larissa in northern Greece.

Blinken finds receptive leaders in Central Asia, where Russia seeks aid

By EDWARD WONG and ANDREW HIGGINS

Secretary of State Antony Blinken came to Central Asia to press his case that the region should hold the line against Russian efforts to seek economic aid as Moscow grapples with Western sanctions.

Within hours of landing earlier this week in Astana, the snow-draped capital of Kazakhstan, he received a sign that the United States had some leverage. The Kazakh president stood next to Blinken in the blue-domed presidential palace and thanked the Americans for their support of his nation’s “independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty.”

The president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has not criticized Russia’s war, and neither have leaders of the four other Central Asian nations, former Soviet republics with decadeslong ties with Moscow. But his pointed statement suggested that, after the invasion of Ukraine, also a former Soviet republic, there was concern that President Vladimir Putin of Russia could try to seize parts of their own nations or encourage separatists.

Parts of northern Kazakhstan are inhabited largely by ethnic Russians and are viewed by Russian nationalists as territory that should belong to Russia. So there is concern that those Kazakh residents could fall victim to Putin’s logic that Moscow has a duty to “protect” ethnic kin wherever they are.

Blinken quickly gave assurances, saying at a news conference later that the United States was a committed partner of the Central Asian nations and that “our support for their independence and sovereignty, their territorial integrity, is real.” His remarks came after a group meeting with the foreign ministers of the five Central Asian nations.

Blinken’s visit to Kazakhstan was the first by a Biden administration Cabinet official to any Central Asian nation. It occurs at an important moment in American efforts to rally nations to buttress Ukraine in preparation for its defense against a broader Russian offensive expected this spring and for Kyiv’s own potential military push.

On the battlefield in eastern Ukrai-

ne, however, the symbolism of Blinken’s push to help Ukraine was overshadowed by what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as the “more and more difficult” situation for his troops fighting to hold Bakhmut, an obliterated city that holds symbolic importance for Russia as it struggles to show some headway after military setbacks.

Blinken’s meetings in Kazakhstan and a visit to Uzbekistan, which follow recent trips to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, by President Joe Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, are a crucial part of American diplomatic efforts this winter. Gen. Mark Milley, the country’s most senior military adviser, on Tuesday addressed a Rome conference of military chiefs from Africa, where Russia has some allies. Milley will later head to Germany, where he will meet with Ukrainian troops, Pentagon officials said.

The visit to Central Asia is a strike against Moscow in the heart of what it considers its sphere of influence.

U.S. officials say they are realistic about their diplomacy in Central Asia: The five nations — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — maintain close diplomatic, security and economic ties to Russia as well as to China, the other superpower rival to the United States, and Russia’s strongest strategic partner.

But the Americans hope at least to encourage the countries to resist pressure from Russia to give it more support at a time when it is struggling on the battlefield and Western allies believe powerful weapon shipments could help Ukraine make serious gains this spring.

One sticking point: Countries in Central Asia say the United States needs to greatly increase trade ties and economic aid if it hopes to counterbalance Russia and China.

Blinken also acknowledged at the news conference with the Kazakh foreign minister, Mukhtar Tileuberdi, that sanctions on Russia, Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner, had had an “economic spillover effect.” He said the U.S. government was issuing “licenses that make sense” for foreign companies to continue conducting legitimate commerce with Russia while “watching compliance with

sanctions very closely.”

Consequences from the sanctions on Russia have rippled across Kazakhstan. When the United States, Europe and some Asian nations first imposed them in February 2022, the Kazakh tenge, the local currency, fell 20%. It has gradually climbed back to just under its prewar value.

After meeting the five foreign ministers, Blinken announced an additional $20 million in U.S. funding for economic programs in the region, on top of $25 million from last year. He said the United States would also give $5 million this year to promote “regional connectivity” through economic and energy programs.

That is a small sum compared with the amount of trade between the nations and Russia and China.

Even Central Asian leaders who have benefited from Putin’s policies voice skepticism over the war. Last summer, Tokayev pushed back against Putin while sharing a stage with him at an economic conference in St. Petersburg, declaring that Kazakhstan would not recognize the “quasistate territories” that Russia was propping up in eastern Ukraine.

That surprised many observers, since Putin had sent military support to Toka-

yev months earlier, when street protests in Kazakhstan threatened to bring down the Kazakh leader.

Tokayev is the only Central Asian leader who now speaks with Zelenskyy, a senior Central Asian official said, and Tokayev recently pledged humanitarian aid.

Kazakh diplomats have deflected criticism from Moscow of a project in the ravaged Ukrainian city of Bucha. The project, called the “yurt of invincibility” and set up by private companies, consists of traditional nomadic structures erected to give Ukrainians Kazakh food and tea, and a place to charge electronic devices, since Russian strikes knocked out power and heat.

The geopolitical quake and toll of the war in Ukraine are felt keenly in Kazakhstan. About 200,000 Russians fleeing the draft have sought sanctuary here in the past year. Outside of that, the country has 3.5 million ethnic Russians and 250,000 ethnic Ukrainians, in a population of 19 million.

“Kazakhstan cannot help but consider the case of Russian policy toward Ukraine, which, if Moscow succeeds, may also threaten Kazakhstan,” said Arkady Dubnov, an expert on Central Asia in Moscow.

The U.S. secretary of state, Antony J. Blinken, and the Kazakh president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday.

Bola Tinubu, a political ‘godfather’ in Nigeria, sought the presidency for years

By RUTH MACLEAN

The winner of Nigeria’s presidential election, Bola Tinubu, is a divisive figure in Africa’s most populous country.

Tinubu is revered by some as a political wizard and the man who turned around the fortunes of Lagos, Nigeria’s labyrinthine megacity. His supporters are hoping he can repeat that performance on a national level.

Others deride Tinubu, the candidate of the governing All Progressives Congress party, as “corruption personified” and accuse him of looting state coffers as the governor of Lagos.

And many simply worry that Tinubu is a potential embarrassment to Nigeria, sometimes sounding incoherent and appearing unwell. He says he is 70, but his real age is a matter of dispute.

This is a real concern in Nigeria, where several leaders have died in office, and where the current president, Muhammadu Buhari, spent a large chunk of his first term absent, receiving medical treatment in London, for an illness he refused to discuss.

Many Nigerians believe that their country, as Africa’s biggest economy, needs an energetic leader.

Tinubu ran Lagos as governor for eight years, and then mentored his successors, giving him a reputation as a political “godfather,” able to ensure that some people’s careers took off while others’ sank.

He has also said that without his influence, Buhari, who lost the presidential elections several times before winning his first term in 2015, would never have become president.

In the run-up to this election, Tinubu used the slogan “It’s my turn” — flaunting his role as kingmaker but also alienating many voters.

A Muslim from Nigeria’s southwest, Tinubu may struggle to unite Nigeria’s diverse population. He ran for president with another Muslim on the ticket — Kashim Shettima, a former governor of Borno state in the northeast, which has been the epicenter of Boko Haram’s campaign of terrorism for over a decade.

Nigeria’s Christian population is almost as big as its Muslim one, and traditionally presidential candidates pick running mates of a different religion.

Tinubu has promised fiscal policy changes, and to fix the worsening security situation. An outbreak of kidnappings by armed gangs has affected people from all walks of

life and parts of the country. In the northeast, militants with the extremist groups Boko Haram and a local affiliate of the Islamic State have killed thousands and driven millions from their homes.

Before the election, voters cited insecurity as their main concern.

Tinubu has also pledged to improve

Nigeria’s deteriorating infrastructure and to remove a crippling government fuel subsidy. He has faced allegations of corruption and questions over the source of his wealth. The U.S. government filed a complaint in 1993 accusing him of banking the proceeds from narcotics trafficking. The case was settled, and Tinubu has denied any wrongdoing.

Foreign efforts to subvert Canada’s last 2 elections failed, report says

By IAN AUSTEN

Foreign governments tried to interfere with the last two federal elections in Canada, but they did not succeed in “impacting” the voting results, according to an independent review released earlier this week.

That conclusion comes as opposition politicians and others are pressing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to open a separate, public inquiry into allegations of election interference by Chinese diplomats based in Canada, as well as by informal agents of the Chinese government — a move that Trudeau has rejected.

The report released Tuesday was a review of the work of a special panel of five senior public servants, created to work with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to alert the public to any “incidents that threaten the integrity of a federal election.”

Morris Rosenberg, the former deputy justice minister who wrote the report, said the panel had “determined that the government of Canada did not detect foreign interference that threatened Canada’s ability to have free and fair elections,” adding: “National security agencies saw attempts at foreign interference, but not enough to have met the threshold of impacting electoral integrity.”

The report singles out China, Russia and Iran as having tried to interfere in the votes held in 2019 and 2021, and it indicates that social media sites were important tools to that end. It makes particular note of activity by China.

It says that Canada’s main intelligence agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, was concerned that “China notably tried to target elected officials to promote their national interests and encouraged individuals to act as proxies.” China’s techniques, the agency told Rosenberg, included threatening members of the Chinese community in Canada.

The report cites an editorial in Global Times — a Chinese Communist Party-run newspaper — that falsely suggested that the Conservative Party “almost wants to break diplomatic relations with China.”

It also notes a post on the Chinese messaging app WeChat, which made the claim that a bill to establish a registry of individuals lobbying for foreign governments — introduced by Kenny Chiu, who sought reelection in 2021 as a Conservative — “suppresses the Chinese community.”

Chiu was defeated by a candidate from Trudeau’s Liberal Party.

While the report said the foreign efforts had not affected election integrity, it added that it was difficult to precisely

measure the total effect of Chinese disinformation on election results.

“Were Conservative losses in several ridings with large Chinese diaspora communities due to attacks on the Conservative platform and on one of its candidates by media associated with or sympathetic to the Chinese government?” the report asks. “Or were they the result of the Conservatives simply not being able to connect with sufficient numbers of voters in those communities?”

The question of whether China is influencing Canadian elections has long been a political issue in Canada. Pressure from opponents on Trudeau to call for an inquiry grew after The Globe and Mail, a Toronto newspaper, published reports that it said were based on a viewing of top-secret Canadian intelligence documents, showing that China “employed a sophisticated strategy to disrupt Canada’s democracy” in 2021.

The newspaper said the documents indicated that officials in Beijing wanted Trudeau’s Liberals reelected — but only with a power-limiting minority in Parliament — because they believed that a Conservative government would take a harder line against China.

Citing secrecy laws, Trudeau has not discussed the specifics of those reports. But the prime minister and his staff have said that they contained “many inaccuracies.”

A portrait of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, at a party press conference in Abuja, Nigeria, on Monday.

On Ukraine, Biden outshines Macron, Scholz — and DeSantis

during a struggle for national survival.

That’s why, as the war in Ukraine enters its second year, I feel grateful for Joe Biden. Fault him all you want on many issues, particularly his gradualist approach to arming Ukraine, but on the most consequential question of our time he has the big thing right. “Appetites of the autocrat cannot be appeased,” he said last week in Warsaw, Poland. “They must be opposed.”

That’s not a voice of fusty morality. It’s one of experience, foresight, military realism and political prudence.

Experience, because the world has come to know Vladimir Putin very well over his 23 years in power. We know he does not honor the terms of any agreements to which Russia is bound, from the Cold War-era INF Treaty to the more recent Minsk agreements. We know that he has launched unprovoked invasions in the past and will, if not checked, launch them again in the future.

That political fact should weigh on the minds of Biden’s foreign policy team. Public support for Ukraine is eroding, particularly among Republicans, and conservatives who know better, including Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, are shamefully hedging their bets.

Biden likes to say that the United States will support Ukraine for as long as it takes. But that promise could expire Jan. 20, 2025, if he doesn’t win a second term. He owes it to his own legacy not to hazard what is potentially the most historic accomplishment of his presidency on next year’s race.

By BRET STEPHENS

To President Emmanuel Macron of France, a suggestion:

If, as a report in The Wall Street Journal suggests, you are convinced the war in Ukraine is destined for a bloody stalemate, and would like to encourage Ukraine to enter “peace talks” with Moscow that would leave Russia in possession of large tracts of conquered territory, why not lead by example? Publicly suggest the return of Alsace to Germany as evidence that you, too, believe that territorial sovereignty should be negotiable.

To Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, another suggestion:

If you’re going to dangle the prospect of closer ties between Ukraine and NATO (but not full membership) as a way of pushing Ukraine into a diplomatic settlement with Moscow, why not invite several battalions of Russian armor to the vicinity of Berlin? That would demonstrate that you, too, are willing to adjust the verdict of 1991 to mollify the Kremlin’s resentment, greed and paranoia.

These are preposterous suggestions. That’s the point. Those who now argue that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine needs to be “realistic” or “pragmatic” — that is, that he should stop short of pursuing a complete Russian withdrawal from all occupied Ukrainian territories — are proposing a solution they would never countenance for their own countries under ordinary circumstances, let alone

Foresight, because a negotiated settlement would create more problems than it would solve. Iran would see that nuclear blackmail works. China would draw the lesson that, if there are limits to what the United States and our allies are prepared to do for Ukraine (which fights for itself and shares a land border with NATO), there will be much sharper limits to what we are prepared to do for Taiwan. Russia would conclude that, fumbled though its invasion was, it nonetheless gained territory, froze the conflict in place, and could still have another go at Ukraine in a few years.

Military realism, because the lesson of the first year of war is that Moscow can be defeated. The Russian army was beaten in the battle for Kyiv, the counteroffensive near Kharkiv, and the fight for Kherson. The Ukrainians did all this without the benefit of Western tanks, Predator drones or fighter jets. Imagine how swiftly they could win if they had all three in adequate quantities.

As for prudence, musing openly about the need for eventual negotiations harms Ukraine’s solidarity and morale, both key factors for its survival and success. An overwhelming majority of Ukrainians want to retake all the territory seized by Russia, including Crimea. How is it pragmatic or realistic to demand that Zelenskyy ignore the wishes of his own people, forsake their sacrifices, and abandon the Ukrainians still living under Russian occupation?

Calls for negotiation also undermine public support for Ukraine in the United States. When it comes to foreign policy, Americans will sooner pay heavily for great causes and high principles than they will for smaller causes and realpolitik. To arm and finance Ukraine in its fight for freedom and independence against an evil tyrant is a great cause. To arm and finance it for the sake of a shaky cease-fire is a small one.

That’s why it makes no sense for the administration to slow-roll arms deliveries to Ukraine or drop heavy hints that Ukraine is unlikely ever to retake Crimea. Biden’s goal for 2023 should be clear and direct: victory for Ukraine. He can accomplish it through the rapid delivery of game-changing military equipment combined with a diplomatic offensive in which we propose Ukrainian membership in NATO if Russia doesn’t withdraw. Maybe that could even give Putin his off-ramp for surrender.

After a year of war, I’m more confident than ever that Biden will make the right choice. That’s more than can be said for Macron, Scholz and the other pale shadows of what passes for statesmanship in the free world.

Telephones:

President Biden in Warsaw last week reaffirming American support for Ukraine.

POR EL STAR STAFF

SAN JUAN – Miembros de la Asociación y Federación de Alcaldes de Puerto Rico tuvieron el miércoles su primer encuentro con el nuevo director ejecutivo de la Junta de Supervisión Fiscal (JSF), Robert Mujica, identificar los recursos necesarios para atender las necesidades de los municipios en términos de servicios directos.

Por determinación de la JSF, desde el año 2016 se ha ido reduciendo el Fondo de Equiparación, mecanismo donde el gobierno central hacía asignaciones presupuestarias a los municipios, de acuerdo a la población en los 78 municipios. Ante dicha realidad, el gobierno central y los municipios presentaron a la JSF un nuevo mecanismo denominado Fondo de Servicios Esenciales, para cubrir las necesidades de las comunidades como el manejo de desperdicios sólidos, salud, ama de llaves y asfaltado, entre muchas otras.

“Fue un buen encuentro en términos de llevar

nuestro mensaje sobre la importancia de lograr los mecanismos que promuevan el bienestar del País por medio de los 78 municipios. Presentamos la propuesta para detener el colapso de los servicios esenciales tras la eliminación del Fondo de Equiparación. El gobierno y la JSF tienen dos semanas para tomar esta decisión crucial. Espero que la determinación sea en beneficio del pueblo”, señaló Luis Javier Hernández Ortiz, presidente de la Asociación de Alcaldes.

El también alcalde de Villalba abundó que que durante el encuentro, se presentaron varías ideas como lo es la descentralización de algunas áreas en el gobierno, la creación de consorcios en áreas de salud pública, bienestar animal, permisos y las operaciones del Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales (CRIM). Por su parte, la alcaldesa de Loíza, Julia Nazario Fuentes señaló la importancia de “sentarnos todos en la misma mesa para juntos lograr soluciones en beneficio de Puerto Rico completo”.

Al evento acudieron además el alcalde de Ca-

muy Gabriel Hernández, presidente de la Federación de Alcaldes, los alcaldes de Loíza y Bayamón, Julia Nazario Fuentes y Ramón Luis Rivera Cruz, respectivamente, así como Omar Marrero el secretario de Estado y los equipos de trabajo de las respectivas organizaciones. Se estableció que próximamente se coordinarán encuentros adicionales.

CAPITOLIO – Los portavoces de las compañías aseguradoras arremetieron el miércoles contra el Proyecto de la Cámara 1533 que pretende darle mayores poderes y facultades a la Oficina del Comisionado de Seguros de Puerto Rico para que determine la valorización de los daños en las reclamaciones de seguros y permitirle que intervenga con el procedimiento de reclamaciones de seguros.

“Este proyecto de ley no tiene precedente ni cabida en las jurisdicciones en los Estados Unidos y, como parte de la Asociación Nacional de Comisionados de Seguros (NAIC, por sus siglas en inglés), nos preocupa que el referido proyecto dé la imagen de inestabilidad jurídica de negocios con la que se asocie a Puerto Rico. “De aprobarse este proyecto, lesionaría a la industria de seguros y reaseguros en la isla, los cuales, contrario a la percepción popular, son un componente necesario para el adecuado funcionamiento del país”, indicó la licenciada Israelia Pernas, directora ejecutiva de la La Asociación de Compañías

de Seguros de Puerto Rico ACODESE.

Según Pernas “Hay unas 1,800 reclamaciones pendientes, de las cuales 1,400 están en litigio en los tribunales. A pesar de todos los obstáculos, y si bien es cierto que varias reclamaciones de seguros han llegado a los tribunales, de todas las reclamaciones presentadas ante los aseguradores solo resta resolver el .06 por ciento. Esto demuestra que la industria de seguros sí ha respondido a sus asegurados”, expuso Pernas.

Por su parte, la licenciada Hilda Surillo, vicepresidenta ejecutiva de MAPFRE, comentó que esta medida “es una insólita en la industria de seguros, particularmente porque en la jurisdicción del NAIC no está contenida en ninguna legislación modelo”.

Entretanto, el presidente de la Federación de Condominios y Control de Acceso (FEDCCA), Ignacio Veloz, denunció que todavía no se han pagado reclamaciones a más de 100 condominios, desde el huracán María.

“Por la falta del pago, muchos condominios tuvieron que acudir a los Ajustadores Públicos y luego a los abogados para poder obtener una compensación justa para poner como estaba el condominio antes del Huracán (María). Después de más de cinco años del Huracán María las aseguradoras no han pagado las reclamaciones a más de 100 condominios y a diez que representa la FEDCCA”, dijo Veloz.

“Al día de hoy, todavía existen titulares que no pueden vivir en su apartamento ya que el Huracán se llevó todas las ventanas y muebles que tenían”, añadió.

Aseguradoras arremeten contra proyecto que pretende que la OCS intervenga en reclamaciones

Alcaldes asociados y federados se reúnen con el nuevo director ejecutivo de la Junta de Supervisión Fiscal Robert Mujica

After half a century, ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ still reverberates

By JON PARELES

Glum, ponderous songs about madness, mortality and greed, punctuated with tense instrumentals. Was that a blueprint for a blockbuster? It hardly sounds like the makings of one of the bestselling albums of all time.

But there’s no denying the popularity and tenacity of “The Dark Side of the Moon,” the indelible album that Pink Floyd released 50 years ago, on March 1, 1973. Looming like an inscrutable monolith, “Dark Side” spent nearly all of the next 14 years — through punk, disco, early hip-hop and the pop heyday of MTV — lodged in Billboard’s Top 200 album chart. It arrived during the analog, material days of record stores and vinyl LPs, when an album purchase was a commitment. And no matter how familiar “Dark Side” went on to become as an FM radio staple, people still wanted their own copy, or perhaps a new copy to replace a scratched-up one. In the digital era, “The Dark Side of the Moon” album returned to the charts on CD, selling and then streaming more millions.

The success of “Dark Side” stoked the ambitions of Pink Floyd and its leader, Roger Waters, who has toured arenas and stadiums ever since; Waters, 79, is playing his “first ever farewell” dates this year. He conceived the “The Wall,” a narrative rock opera released in 1979, that would foreground his anti-authority reflexes, from schoolmasters to heads of state; he has performed it against the backdrop of the Berlin Wall. Decades later, Waters would go on to spout cranky, conspiracy-theory-minded, pro-Russia political statements that many former fans abhorred. When “Dark Side” appeared, all that was far in the future.

There will, of course, be another deluxe edition for the latest “Dark Side” anniversary. Arriving March 24, the new boxed set has high-resolution and surround-sound remixes and other extras, though it’s largely redundant after the exhaustive “Immersion Edition” reissue in 2011. Both “Immersion” and the new set include a worthy 1974 concert performance of “Dark Side,” with brawny live sound and extended onstage jams.

Waters has also announced his own fulllength remake of “Dark Side,” that will have his own lead vocals — not the husky, doleful voice of Pink Floyd’s guitarist, David Gilmour — with Waters’ spoken words over the album’s instrumentals, along with “no rock ’n’ roll guitar solos.”

Uh-oh.

In 1973, “Dark Side” was an album that worked equally well to show off a new stereo — or, for a few early adopters, a quadraphonic system — or to be contemplated in private communion with headphones and a joint. The ticking clocks, alarms and chimes that open “Time” are startlingly realistic even when they’re no longer a surprise, and the perpetualmotion synthesizers and desperate footfalls of “On the Run” are eternally dizzying.

Stately tempos, cavernous tones and solemn framing announce the high seriousness of “Dark Side,” which begins and ends with the sound of a heartbeat. The album juxtaposes overarching sonics and grand pronouncements with human-scale experience. Its tracks are punctuated with voices from Pink Floyd’s road crew and friends, dispensing loop-ready tidbits like “I’ve always been mad” in workingclass accents.

Like other overwhelming bestsellers of the 1970s and 1980s — Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” the Eagles’ “Hotel California,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” — “Dark Side” deals with disillusionment, fear and resentment despite the polish of its production. It’s troubled and obsessive at heart, not tidy. Countless bands and producers would learn from Pink Floyd how to fuse grandeur and malaise, how a few well-placed sounds can say far more than a showy display of virtuosity.

“Dark Side” was very much a product of its era. The early 1970s were prog-rock’s heyday, particularly in Britain, where bands such as Genesis, King Crimson and Yes were constructing suite-length songs and unveiling elaborate conceits. But the early 1970s were also a time when the utopian promises of the hippie era were fading, pushed back by entrenched interests and corporate co-optation. “Dark Side” captures naïve hopes falling away.

It was Pink Floyd’s eighth album, the continuation of a cult career that had been synonymous with psychedelia and progressive rock: with extended structures and open-ended jams, with verbal conundrums and with an oh-wow appreciation of reverberant textures and spatial effects.

Pink Floyd’s founding songwriter, Syd Barrett, left the band in 1968 with mental health problems, taking its sense of whimsy with him. Waters emerged as its new, more saturnine leader. But it took a string of uneven albums, full of amorphous studio jams, before the relative concision and clarity of “Dark Side” came into focus. While the album unfolds as a 42-minute prog-rock suite — despite the necessity, in 1973, of flipping over an LP — it also features clearly delineated verse-chorus-verse songs that radio stations could play. Waters deliberately made his lyrics blunter and more down-to-earth than he had before: “Money, it’s a gas/Grab that cash with both

hands and make a stash.”

Waters tackled big topics: “Time,” “Money,” war, the inevitability of death, the triviality of daily life, the importance of seizing the moment. His perspective is dour. In “Breathe (in the Air),” he describes life as a “race towards an early grave”; in “Time, he observes that every sunrise brings you “One day closer to death.” But the reason “Dark Side” became a blockbuster is that Pink Floyd’s music — the full band, with Richard Wright’s self-effacing but fundamental keyboards, Waters on bass, Nick Mason’s steadfast drumming and Gilmour’s probing, slashing, keening guitar — defies all that miserabilism.

The album builds dramatically and inexorably toward the songs that close each side of the LP. “The Great Gig in the Sky,” which ends Side 1, is a progression of tolling, processional keyboard chords from Wright, topped by spoken words denying fear of death — “You’ve got to go sometime” — followed by Clare Torry’s leaping, soaring, riveting vocal improvisation. She’s a pure life force, with pain and freedom and determination in her voice, refusing to accept oblivion. (Torry only received composer credit for her top line in 2005, along with an undisclosed settlement, after suing the band.)

The album’s conclusion — “Brain Damage” seguing into “Eclipse,” both written by Waters — reads as bleak but feels like transcendence. In “Brain Damage,” the singer feels himself succumbing to mental illness. “The lunatic is in my head,” he warns, answered by a snippet of maniacal laughter; in the chorus, he sings, “If your head explodes with dark forebodings too/I’ll see you on the dark side of the moon.”

Then, in “Eclipse,” he makes his way toward a revelatory oneness — “All that is now and all that is gone/And all that’s to come and everything under the sun is in tune” — only to see it swallowed by darkness as “the sun is eclipsed by the moon.” But in both songs, the music swells behind him, with churchy organ and robust major chords, pealing guitar and gospelly choir harmonies. As the album ends, tidings of catastrophe sound like triumph; it’s a fist-pumping arena-rock finale.

In recent interviews, Waters has described the message of the album more positively. “What is really important is the connection between us as human beings, the whole human community,” he told Berliner Zeitung in February. That’s revisionist; “Dark Side” luxuriates in alienation, futility and desperation. Its persistence reveals just how many listeners feel the same.

From left: Nick Mason, David Gilmour, Roger Waters and Richard Wright of Pink Floyd. The group’s 1973 album, “The Dark Side of the Moon,” has had a long life on radio playlists and the Billboard chart.

Stream these 5 TV shows and movies before they leave Netflix in March

By JASON BAILEY

This month’s departing titles on Netflix in the United States include two cult-favorite television shows worth your attention, a slapstick comedy with a peculiar origin story and two dramas that should have won more Oscars than they did. Stream them while you can. (Dates indicate the final day a title is available.)

‘Hap and Leonard’ Seasons 1-3 (March 5)

“The Wire” wasn’t the only topnotch television showcase for the dearly departed Michael K. Williams; eight years after that show’s finale, he took a leading role in this excellent adaptation of the crime novels by Joe R. Lansdale. (The series was developed by Nick Damici and Jim Mickle, whose screen adaptation of Lansdale’s “Cold in July” is one of the hidden gems of 2010s genre cinema.) Williams plays Leonard Pine, a gay Vietnam veteran, and James Purefoy plays Hap Collins, an ex-cop who is Leonard’s best friend. Their adventures in East Texas in the late 1980s have a lowdown, chewy snap that recalls Elmore Leonard, and the show’s supporting cast (including Andrew Dice Clay, Brian Dennehy, Irma P. Hall, Christina Hendricks and Jimmi Simpson) is delightfully eclectic.

‘The Butler’ (March 16)

Director Lee Daniels followed up the triumph of “Precious” (and the somewhat less enthusiastically received “The Paperboy”) with something utterly unexpected: a historical drama. He tells the story of Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker), a character based on the true figure Eugene Allen, who served as the White House butler from the Eisenhower through Reagan administrations. But this is no staid biopic; Daniels uses his signature wild humor, unpredictable tempo and gonzo casting choices (Robin Williams as Ike Eisenhower! John Cusack as Richard Nixon! Jane Fonda as Nancy Reagan!) to create a one-of-akind take on an overdone genre.

‘Shtisel’ Seasons 1-3 (March 24)

This Israeli drama began airing in 2013, years before it could benefit from being labeled an ultra-Orthodox “Suc-

cession.” But when it began streaming on Netflix in late 2018, that simple and apt comparison turned it into a word-ofmouth hit, prompting a third season five years after the Season 2 finale. It’s not hard to figure out why; the series is filled with the kind of familial betrayal, stifled sexuality and sibling rivalries typical of prestige TV mainstays like “Succession,” “The Sopranos” and “Mad Men” but with an added layer provided by its setting in an insular community. In other words, it is highly bingeable, so get on it.

‘30 Minutes or Less’ (March 31)

Director Ruben Fleischer and his “Zombieland” (2009) star Jesse Eisenberg re-teamed in the wake of that hit for this slapstick action-comedy. Eisenberg stars as Nick, a pizza delivery guy who is merely doing his job when he is kidnapped by bumbling criminals, who strap a bomb to his chest and threaten to detonate it unless he robs a bank for them. If the plot sounds familiar, it should: The script is based loosely on a true story, which inspired the Netflix true crime docu-series “Evil Genius.” And while turning a real (and tragic) crime into a wacky comedy is perhaps questionable, Fleischer orchestrates the manic proceedings with style, and the supporting cast of comic MVPs (including Aziz Ansari, Danny McBride, Michael Peña and Nick Swardson) land plenty of laughs.

‘Brokeback Mountain’ (March 31)

This 2005 drama from Ang Lee has become so synonymous with Os-

car injustice — although Lee won best director, the best picture prize went to the comparatively didactic and graceless “Crash” — that it is easy to focus on that loud aftermath rather than the film. And that’s unfortunate for such a modest picture, such a firm but quiet whisper of need and desire. “Brokeback” is based on a short story by Annie Proulx and has a commensurate narrative and emotional focus, telling the story of two cowboys (Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal) in Wyoming, circa 1963, whose drunken sexual encounter turns into a decadeslong secret relationship. This is one of Ledger’s most wrenching performances; Gyllenhaal provides potent contrast as the more expressive and emotional of the two, while Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway are heartbreaking as the spouses who don’t know, but do.

Michael Aloni in a scene from Season 2 of “Shtisel.”

How a consistent sleep schedule might protect your heart

By DANI BLUM

There are a few tried and true pieces of advice that sleep doctors always give for battling insomnia: Watch those alcoholic drinks at dinner, cut the afternoon coffee, stop scrolling before bed. And please, they beg: Keep your sleep schedule consistent.

Flip-flopping between wake-up times — jolting awake at 7:30 on a Friday morning and then dozing until the afternoon on Saturday — wreaks havoc on our internal body clocks. Sleep experts refer to this as “social jet lag,” said Dr. Sabra Abbott, a sleep medicine specialist at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. Similar to changing time zones, heading to bed at vastly different times from night to night may throw off your circadian rhythm.

And still, as anyone who’s worked a night shift, taken care of a toddler or fumbled back home after a party might tell you: Going to bed and waking up at the same times is easier said than done. “It’s a luxury, right?” said Kelsie Full, a behavioral epidemiologist and an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Full is the lead author of a new study that tied irregular sleep to an early marker of cardiovascular disease. Researchers examined a week’s worth of sleep data from 2,000 adults older than 45 and found that those who slept varying amounts each night and went to bed at different times were more likely to have hardened arteries than those with more regular sleep patterns.

People whose overall sleep amounts varied by two or more hours from night to night throughout the week — getting five hours of sleep on Tuesday, say, and then eight hours on Wednesday — were particularly likely to have high levels of calcified fatty plaque built up in their arteries, compared with those who slept the same number of hours each night.

The study could not confirm that inconsistent sleep patterns definitively caused the heart issues, Full said. And the findings don’t necessarily mean that the occasional late night or very early morning should be off the table.

“An off day or two is OK,” said Dr. Tianyi Huang, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a co-author of the study. “It’s more about the long-term pattern.”

For most people, if you have a night or two of inconsistent sleep timing, you’re likely not going to throw off your entire circadian rhythm, said Aric Prather, a psychologist and

sleep specialist at the University of California, San Francisco. And if you go to bed at 4 a.m. on a Saturday, you’re probably better off sleeping until noon and avoiding some of the acute effects of sleep loss than forcing yourself awake at the time you get up for work, he said.

But the new study supports what previous research has theorized: Consistent sleep is crucial for health. A 2020 study found that people ages 45 to 84 with erratic sleep schedules were nearly twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease as those with more regular sleep patterns. An analysis of more than 90,000 people linked circadian rhythm disruptions with a greater risk of mood disorders. Researchers have even tied irregular sleeping patterns to high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Over the last decade, researchers have strengthened the link between sleep and heart health, specifically. Last summer, the American Heart Association added sleep duration to its checklist for measuring cardiovascular health. One theory for why consistent sleep helps your heart is that maintaining your circadian rhythm — the 24-hour cycle of your body’s internal clock — helps regulate cardiovascular function, Huang said. And a mounting body of research shows that catching up on your sleep during the weekends can’t compensate for staying up during the week, he added.

People often think that sleeping in after several nights of limited sleep or insomnia will make them feel better, said Dr. Marri Horvat, a sleep specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, “but it usually doesn’t help.”

“Keeping a regular, set schedule,” she continued “is more likely to put your body in a place where it needs to be to get a full night’s sleep going forward.”

So how do you actually get yourself to bed and wake up on a schedule? We asked sleep doctors to share tips.

How to build a consistent sleep schedule

— Treat yourself.

Set a wake-up goal that feels attainable (even if it’s challenging), Prather said — and then reward yourself for getting out of bed. That could mean heading to your favorite coffee shop or saving the show you’ve been looking forward to for Saturday morning instead of Friday night.

— Focus on your pre-bedtime ritual. A regular bedtime routine — reading a few pages of a novel after you brush your teeth, for example — can help lock in a set

sleep schedule. But the hours before you wind down for bed matter, too, Horvat said. In the four hours or so before you head to bed, avoid alcohol, she suggested, and don’t work out (you may want to switch your dedicated exercise time to the morning). These shifts will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

— Find an accountability partner. Recruit a friend or a family member to get up around the same time you do, Prather recommended, and hold yourselves accountable by texting each other when you wake up. Even better: Make an early(ish) plan for brunch or a morning walk to give yourself added motivation for getting up.

— Get some sun.

Light helps regulate our circadian rhythm, Abbott said, signaling to our bodies that it’s time to wake up. Take a walk first thing, if the weather allows, to expose yourself to sunlight around the same time each day, she recommended.

— Make your alarm as annoying as possible.

If you can’t pry yourself out of bed on the weekends, Prather said, go for the nuclear option: Opt for an alarm you can’t ignore. Set a grating song as your alarm tone, or try a puzzle alarm — an app that makes you solve a puzzle to shut it off. For extra incentive to wake up, keep your phone across the room at night, instead of by your bed, so you have to force yourself out of your covers to turn off the alarm.

— Give yourself grace.

“How aligned you are with your biological clock and how consistent you keep things does matter,” Prather said. “But that doesn’t mean every little moment, every week, matters.” Long-term sleep patterns are more important for overall health, he added, rather than worrying about one or two nights’ bad sleep. “It takes the pressure off,” he said.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN

CARMEN MILAGROS

MALDONADO CRUZ, ETC. Peticionaria EX-PARTE

Civil #: BY2022CV05851.

705. Sobre: EXPEDIENTE DE DOMINIO. EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU., ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: LAS PERSONAS IGNORADAS Y DESCONOCIDAS A QUIENES PUDIERA PERJUDICAR LA INSCRIPCIÓN DEL DOMINIO A FAVOR DE LA PARTE PETICIONARIA

EN EL REGISTRO DE LA PROPIEDAD DE LA FINCA

QUE MÁS ADELANTE SE DESCRIBIRÁ Y A TODA

PERSONA EN GENERAL

QUE CON DERECHO

PARA ELLO DESEE OPONERSE A ESTE EXPEDIENTE.

POR LA PRESENTE: se les notifica para que comparezcan, si lo creyeren pertinente, ante este Honorable Tribunal dentro de los veinte (20) días contados a partir de la última publicación e este edicto a exponer lo que a sus derechos convenga en el expediente promovido por la parte peticionaria para adquirir su dominio sobre la finca que se describe más adelante. Usted deberá presentar su posición 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 en la secretaría del Tribunal. Si usted deja de expresarse dentro del referido término, el Tribunal podrá dictar sentencia, previo a escuchar la prueba de valor de la parte peticionaria en su contra, sin más citarle ni oírle, y conceder el remedio solicitado en la petición, o cualquier otro, si el Tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. El abogado de la parte peticionaria es el Lic. Jaime Rodríguez Rivera, cuya dirección es #30 Calle Reparto Piñero, Guaynabo, PR 00969-5650, Teléfono 787-7209553. Según sus títulos: “RÚS-

TICA: Predio de terreno en el barrio Santa Roas de Guaynabo, Puerto Rico con una cabida de 680 metros cuadrados (según sus títulos) según plano de segregación de 698.0135 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE: con terrenos de Domingo Maldonado; por el Sur con terrenos de Tomas Ramos; por el ESTE: con Cándido Negrón y por el OESTE: con finca Sucesión Marcano. Enclava una estructura para fines residenciales.” Según Mensura: “RÚSTICA: Predio de terreno en el barrio Santa Roas de Guaynabo, Puerto Rico con una cabida de 638.877 metros cuadrados equivalente a 0.1625 de cuerda. En lindes por el NORTE: con terrenos de Miguel A. Maldonado Rodríguez; por el Sur con calle municipal; por el ESTE: con terrenos de lvette Dávila Rodríguez y por el OESTE: con camino municipal. Enclava una estructura para fines residenciales.” Se le informa, además, que el Tribunal ha señalado vista en este caso para el - de n/a de -, a las n/a, mediante videoconferencia, a la cual usted puede comparecer asistido por abogado y presentar oposición de la petición. Este edicto deberá ser publicado en tres (3) ocasiones dentro del término de veinte (20) días, en un periódico de circulación general diaria, para que comparezcan si quieren alegar su derecho. Toda primera mención de persona natural y/o jurídica que se mencione en el mismo, se identificará en letra tamaño 10 puntos y negrillas, conforme a lo dispuesto en las Reglas de procedimiento Civil, 2009. Se le apercibe que de no comparecer los interesados y/o partes citadas, o en su defecto los organismos públicos afectados en el término improrrogable de veinte (20) días a contar de la fecha de la última publicación el edicto, el Tribunal podrá conceder el remedio solicitado por la parte peticionaria sin más citarle ni oírle. En Bayamón, Puerto Rico, a 3 de febrero de 2023.

LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL.

NÉLIDA OCASIO ORTEGA, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF PUERTO RICO

WILMINGTON SAVINGS

FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE

TRUSTEE OF BOSCO CREDIT II TRUST SERIES

2017-1, BY FRANKLIN

CREDIT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION AS

SERVICER

Plaintiff V.

UNKNOWN HEIRS, FORCED HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING

AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF EDUARDO ORTIZ DE LEON, DECEASED

; CARMEN L. LOPEZ MORALES; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM)

Defendants

Civil No.: 19-CV-1733. (ADC). FORECLOSURE OF MORTGAGE (IN REM ONLY). NOTICE OF SALE.

To: UNKNOWN HEIRS, FORCED HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING

AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF EDUARDO ORTIZ DE LEON, DECEASED

; CARMEN L. LOPEZ MORALES; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM), ANY OTHER PARTY WITH INTEREST OVER THE PROPERTY MENTIONED BELOW, AND, GENERAL PUBLIC.

WHEREAS: Consent In Rem

Final Judgment was entered in favor of Plaintiff to recover from the Defendants the sum of Principal Balance of $286,338.24, Deferred Principal of $2,073.69, Interest Due through December 18, 2020 of $19,012.19, Funds owed by Borrower $2,024.59, Late Charge Payment of $1,318.80, NonSufficient Funds Fee of $30.00 and Attorney fees and Costs of 10% in the total amount of $30,273.17 plus interest thereafter at the daily accrual rate of 3% until final payment, and costs, and that plaintiff have execution therefore due in the above cause, plus all expenses and advances made by the plaintiff. The records of the case and of these proceedings may be examined by interested parties at the Office of the Clerk of

Thursday, March 2, 2023 24

the United States District Court, Room 150, Federal Office Building, 150 Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. WHEREAS: Pursuant to the terms of the aforementioned Judgment, Order of Execution of Judgment and the Writ of Execution of Judgment thereof, the undersigned Special Master was ordered to sell at public auction for U.S. currency in cash or certified check without appraisement or right of redemption to the highest bidder and at the office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Room 150 – Federal Office Building, 150 Carlos Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, to cover the sums adjudged to be paid to the Plaintiff, the following property:

URBANA: Solar marcado con el numero veintiocho de plano de Urbanización levantado por el Doctor Rafael Bernabe y cuyo solar mide cuatrocientos sesenta y tres punto veinte metros cuadrados. En lindes por el Norte en una distancia de veintinueve punto noventa metros con el solar numero veintiséis; por el Sur, en una distancia de veintiocho metros con el solar numero treinta; por el Este en una distancia de dieciséis metros con la calle número dos; por el Oeste en una distancia de dieciséis punto once metros con el solar numero doce. Enclava una casa. Consta inscrita al Folio 219 del tomo 244 de Rio Piedras Norte, Finca número 692, de Registro de la Propiedad de San Juan, Sección Segunda. WHEREAS: This property is subject to the following liens: Senior Liens: None. Junior Liens: None. Other Liens: None. Plaintiff’s mortgage in the amount of $281,000.00 was recorded at the San Juan Property Registry, Page 70, Volume 1477 of Rio Piedras Norte, property number 16,889, 4th inscription. The loan since then was modified pursuant to mortgage constituted by deed number 443, executed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 30, 2016, before notary public Julio E. Pijem Berrios, which MODIFIED it regarding its interests and due date, being now its new principal in the amount of $302,731.72 accruing interest at a 3% annual rate, starting on November 1, 2016 through September 1, 2021 and then will accrue interest at 3.375% until its due date on December 1, 2044, which was presented for recording on October 13, 2016 at entry 2016-101894SJ02 at Karibe. Deed of Clarification number 538 executed on November 14, 2016, which clarifies the due date of the first period of interest related

to the Deed of Modification number 443, it should read accruing interest at a 3% annual rate from November 1, 2016 to November 1, 2021, which was presented for recording on November 15, 2016 at entry 2016-115031-SJ02 at Karibe. Potential bidders are advised to verify the extent of preferential liens with the holders thereof. It shall be understood that each bidder accepts as sufficient the title and that prior and preferential liens to the one being foreclosed upon, including but not limited to any property tax, liens, (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 same and that the bid price shall not be applied toward their cancelation. THEREFORE, the FIRST PUBLIC SALE shall be held on the 14 DAY OF MARCH, 2023 AT 9:15 AM. The minimum bid that will be accepted is the sum of $281,000.00. In the event said first auction does not produce a bidder and the property is not adjudicated, a SECOND PUBLIC AUCTION shall be held on the 21 DAY OF MARCH, 2023 AT 9:15 AM and the minimum bid that will be accepted is the sum of $187,333.33, which is two thirds of the amount of the minimum bid for the first public sale. If a second auction does not result in the adjudication and sale of the property, a THIRD PUBLIC AUCTION will be held on the 28 DAY OF MARCH, 2023 AT 9:15 AM and the minimum bid that will be accepted is the sum of $140,500.00, which is one half of the minimum bid in the first public sale. Should there be no award or adjudication at the third public sale, the property may be awarded to the creditor for the entire amount of its debt if it is equal to or less than the amount of the minimum bid of the third public sale, crediting this amount to the amount owed if it is greater. The Special Master shall not accept in payment of the property to be sold anything but United States currency or certified checks, except in case the property is sold and adjudicated to the Plaintiff, in which was the amount of the bid made by said Plaintiff shall be credited and deducted from its credit; said plaintiff being bound to pay in cash or certified check only any excess of its bid over the secured indebtedness that remains unsatisfied.

conveyance and possession to the property will be executed and delivered only after such confirmation. Upon confirmation of the sale, an order shall be issued cancelling all junior liens. For further particulars, reference is made to the judgment entered by the Court in this case, which can be examined in the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, this 9th day of February of 2023. PEDRO A. VELEZ-BAERGA, SPECIAL MASTER.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

CENTRO JUDICIAL DE PONCE SALA SUPERIOR BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Parte Demandante Vs. JORGE LUIS MELÉNDEZ

SANTIAGO T/C/C

GEORGE LUIS

MELÉNDEZ SANTIAGO

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: PO2022CV01268. Sala: (406). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO, EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. AVISO DE PÚBLICA SUBASTA. El Alguacil que suscribe por la presente anuncia y hace constar que en cumplimiento de la Sentencia el dictada el 19 de agosto 2022, la Orden de Ejecución de Sentencia del 4 de enero de 2023 y el Mandamiento de Ejecución del 9 de enero de 2023 en el caso de epígrafe, procederé a vender el día 26 DE ABRIL DE 2023

WHE-

REAS: Said sale to be made by Special Master subject to confirmation by the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and the deed of

A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina, localizada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Centro Judicial de Ponce, Sala Superior, en 2150 Avenida Santiago de los Caballeros, Ponce, Puerto Rico, al mejor postor en pago de contado y en moneda de los Estados Unidos de América, cheque de gerente o giro postal, todo título, derecho o interés de la parte demandada sobre la siguiente propiedad: En caso de que el producto de la subasta sea insuficiente para satisfacer las sumas adeudadas a la parte demandante, se ordena la venta en pública subasta de cualesquiera otros bienes de la parte demandada hasta que cualquier parte insatisfecha de la sentencia sea totalmente cubierta. La propiedad hipotecada a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: URBANA: Solar Número

Dieciocho (18) del Bloque E de la Urbanización Costa Sur con una cabida de 312.00 metros cuadrados. Colindando por el NORTE: en 24.00 metros, con el Solar Número Diecisiete (17); por el SUR: en 24.00 metros con el Solar Número Diecinueve (19); por el ESTE: en 13.00 metros con la Calle B de dicha urbanización; y por el OESTE: en 13.00 metros con un área de recreo. Inscrita al Folio 168 del Tomo 207 de Yauco, Finca 6695. Registro de la Propiedad de Ponce, Sección II. La escritura de hipoteca consta inscrita al tomo Karibe de Yauco, Finca 6695. Registro de la Propiedad de Ponce, Sección II. Inscripción sexta. Dirección Física: Urb. Costa Sur, E18 Calle B, Yauco PR 00698. Número de Catastro: 60-385-012-22618-001. El tipo mínimo para la primera subasta será de $80,514.00. De no haber adjudicación en la primera subasta se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA, el día 3 DE MAYO DE 2023, A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA en el mismo lugar, en la cual el tipo mínimo será de dos terceras partes del tipo mínimo fijado en la primera subasta, o sea, $53,676.00. De no haber adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 10 DE MAYO DE 2023, A LAS 11:30 DE LA MAÑANA en el mismo lugar, en la cual el tipo mínimo será la mitad del precio pactado, o sea, $40,257.00. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si ésta es mayor. Dicho remate se llevará a cabo para con su producto satisfacer a la demandante el importe de la Sentencia por la suma de $75,077.97 de principal, más intereses sobre dicha suma al 3.25 % anual desde el 1 de enero de 2020 hasta su completo pago, más $294.42 de recargos acumulados, más la cantidad estipulada de $8,051.40 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogados, así como cualquier otra suma que contenga el contrato del préstamo. Surge del Estudio de Título Registral que sobre esta propiedad pesan los siguientes gravámenes posteriores a la hipoteca que por la presente se pretende ejecutar: a. Aviso de Demanda: Pleito seguido por Banco Popular de Puerto Rico como Vs. Jorge Luis Meléndez Santiago también conocido como Gorge Luis Meléndez Santiago, ante el Tribunal de

Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Ponce, en el Caso Civil Número PO2022CV01268, sobre Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca, en la que se reclama el pago de hipoteca, con un balance de $75,077.97 y otras cantidades, según Demanda de fecha 16 de mayo de 2022. Anotada al Tomo Karibe de Ponce. Anotación A. Se notifica al acreedor posterior o a su sucesor o cesionario en derecho para que comparezca a proteger su derecho si así lo desea. Se les advierte a los interesados que todos los documentos relacionados con la presente acción de ejecución de hipoteca, así como los de Subasta, estarán disponibles para ser examinados, durante horas laborables, en el expediente del caso que obra en los archivos de la Secretaría del Tribunal, bajo el número de epígrafe y para su publicación en un periódico de circulación general en Puerto Rico por espacio de dos semanas y por lo menos una vez por semana; y para su fijación en los sitios públicos requeridos por ley. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante, continuarán subsistentes; entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate y que la propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores tal como lo expresa la Ley Núm. 210-2015. Y para el conocimiento de los demandados, de los acreedores posteriores, de los licitadores, partes interesadas y público en general, EXPIDO para su publicación en los lugares públicos correspondientes, el presente Aviso de Pública Subasta en Ponce, Puerto Rico, hoy 23 de enero de 2023. MANUEL MALDONADO, ALGUACIL, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, CENTRO JUDICIAL DE PONCE, SALA SUPERIOR.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC.

Demandante Vs. SUCESION MARIA

TERESA BELFORT

RODRIGUEZ T/C/C MARIA

BELFORT RODRIGUEZ

COMPUESTA POR MARIA VICTORIA

T/C/C SYLVIA BATINE DE ROSA T/C/C

SYLVIA E. BATINE

T/C/C SYLVIA BATINE; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

Demandados

Civil Núm.: CA2022CV00521.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA - IN REM. EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

Al: PÚBLICO EN GENERAL.

A: SUCESIÓN DE PLÁCIDO LUIS ROSA

RODRÍGUEZ T/C/C

PLÁCIDO L. ROSA

RODRÍGUEZ T/C/C

PLÁCIDO ROSA

RODRÍGUEZ A/C/C

PLÁCIDO LUIS ROSA

T/C/C PLACIDO L.

ROSA T/C/C PLÁCIDO

ROSA COMPUESTA

POR SYLVIA ELENA

BATINE VELÁZQUEZ

T/C/C SYLVIA E. BATINE VELÁZQUEZ

T/C/C SYLVIA BATINE

VELAZQUEZ T/C/C

SYLVIA ELENA BATINE

T/C/C SYLVIA BATINE DE ROSA T/C/C SYLVIA

E. BATINE T/C/C SYLVIA

BATINE, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DE NOMBRES DESCONOCIDOS;

SYLVIA ELENA BATINE

VELÁZQUEZ T/C/C

SYLVIA E. BATINE

VELÁZQUEZ T/C/C

SYLVIA BATINE

VELAZQUEZ T/C/C

SYLVIA ELENA BATINE

T/C/C SYLVIA BATINE DE ROSA T/C/C

SYLVIA E. BATINE

T/C/C SYLVIA BATINE; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS

MUNICIPALES.

Yo, HÉCTOR L. PEÑA RODRÍGUEZ, ALGUACIL PLACA

#278, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Carolina, a los demandados, acreedores y al público en general con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, por la presente CERTIFICO, ANUNCIO y HAGO CONSTAR: Que el día 28 DE MARZO

DE 2023, A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, Carolina, Puerto Rico, procederé a vender en Pública Subasta,

al mejor postor, la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria mediante Sentencia dictada en el caso de epígrafe, la cual se notificó y archivó en autos el día 18 de agosto de 2022. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría durante horas laborables. Que en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta a celebrarse, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA para la venta de la susodicha propiedad, el 4 DE ABRIL DE 2023, A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA; y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 14 DE ABRIL DE 2023, A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. Que en cumplimiento de un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que ha sido liberado por la Secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Carolina, en el caso de epígrafe con fecha de 25 de octubre de 2022, procederé a vender en pública subasta y al mejor postor, todo derecho, título e interés que tenga la parte demandada de epígrafe en el inmueble que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar treinticinco de la Manzana ciento doce de la Urbanización Villa Carolina, del Barrio Hoyo Mulas de Carolina, Puerto Rico, con un área de trescientos treintiseis metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, con la Calle Setentinueve, distancia de catorce metros; por el SUR, con el solar ocho distancia de catorce metros; por el ESTE, con el solar treinticuatro, distancia de veinticuatro metros; y por el OESTE, con el solar treintiseis, distancia de veinticuatro metros. Contiene una casa de cemento diseñada para una familia. Finca número 25,745, inscrita al folio 138 del tomo 641 de Carolina. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección II de Carolina. Dirección de la Propiedad: 112-35 Calle 79, Urb. Villa Carolina, Carolina PR 00985. La subasta se llevará a cabo para satisfacer, hasta donde alcance, el importe de las cantidades adeudadas a la parte demandante conforme a la sentencia dictada a su favor, a saber: de $93,143.17 en concepto de principal con interés al 4.606% anual, los cuales acumulan a un total de $128,573.81 a la fecha de 2 de mayo de 2022 los cuales continúan acumulándose, así como la cantidad líquida estipulada en los documentos del préstamo para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado en caso de reclamación judicial y que correspondan a intereses y cargos por demora posterior a dicha fecha,

y la suma equivalente al 10% de la suma principal original pactada, estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado; más recargos acumulados hasta la fecha en que se pague la deuda; más cualquiera suma de dinero por concepto de contribuciones, primas de seguro hipotecario y riesgo, así como cualesquiera otras sumas pactadas en la escritura de hipoteca, todas cuyas sumas están líquidas y exigibles. La hipoteca a ejecutarse en el caso de epígrafe fue constituida mediante la escritura número 120 otorgada el día 8 de junio de 2017, Carolina, Puerto Rico, ante el Notario Público Corally Veguilla Torres y consta inscrita al tomo Karibe de Carolina, finca número 25,745, Registro de la Propiedad de Carolina, Sección II de Carolina. Por la presente se notifica a los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante o acreedores de cargos o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca del actor y a los dueños, poseedores, tenedores de o interesados en títulos transmisibles por endoso o al portador garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito del actor que se celebrarán las subastas en las fechas, horas y sitios señalados para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les conviniere o se les invita a satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, otros cargos y las costas y honorarios de abogado asegurados quedando subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante. Entiéndase: Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor de Secretario de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de Estados Unidos de América, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $232,500.00, con intereses al 4.606% anual, vencedero el día 20 de mayo de 2089, constituida por la escritura número 121, otorgada en Carolina, Puerto Rico, el dia 8 de junio de 2017, ante la notario Corally Veguilla Torres, e inscrito al tomo Karibe de Carolina, finca número 25,745, inscripción 11ma. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta del inmueble antes descrito será la suma de $232,500.00 según se establece en la escritura de hipoteca antes relacionada. En caso de que el inmueble a ser subastado no fuera adjudicado en su primera subasta se ordena la celebración de una segunda subasta de dicho inmueble, en la cual, la cantidad mínima será una equivalente a 2/3 parte de aquella, o sea la suma de $155,000.00; desierta también la segunda subasta de dicho inmueble, se ordena la celebración de una tercera subasta en

la cual, la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado para la primera subasta, es decir la suma de $116,250.00. 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, entiéndase efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad no está sujeta a gravámenes anteriores y/o preferentes según surge de las constancias del Registro de la Propiedad en un estudio de título efectuado a la finca antes descrita. Una vez efectuada la venta de dicha propiedad, el Alguacil procederá a otorgar la escritura de traspaso al licitador victorioso en subasta, quien podrá ser la parte demandante, cuya oferta podrá aplicarse a la extinción parcial o total de la obligación reconocida por la sentencia dictada en este caso. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Si el producto de la venta fuere insuficiente para satisfacer la cantidad reclamada, se procederá a la ejecución de la sentencia en contra de la parte demandada por el remanente de las sumas no satisfechas, mediante embargo y venta en ejecución de cualesquiera otros bienes propiedad de la parte demandada en cantidad suficiente para dejar cubierta y totalmente satisfecha a la parte demandante cualquier deficiencia o parte insoluta de la sentencia dictada a su favor según dispuesto en la sentencia dictada en este caso. Se dispone, conforme con la sentencia dictada en este caso que, una vez efectuada la subasta y vendido el bien inmueble, los adjudicatarios sean puestos en posesión del mismo dentro del término de veinte (20) días por el Alguacil de este Honorable Tribunal y los actuales poseedores lanzados del referido inmueble. Y para la concurrencia de licitadores y para el público en general, se publicará este Edicto de acuerdo con la ley, mediante edicto, en un periódico de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, una vez por semana, por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, y para su fijación en tres (3) lugares públicos del municipio en que ha de celebrarse la venta, tales como la

Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía, y se le notificará además a la parte demandada vía correo certificado con acuse de recibo a la última dirección conocida. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto de Subasta para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Carolina, Puerto Rico, a 9 de enero de 2023.

HÉCTOR L. PEÑA RODRÍGUEZ, ALGUACIL PLACA #278, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA DE CAROLINA. ***

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE PONCE BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Y SUN WEST MORTGAGE COMPANY, INC. COMO AGENTE DE SERVICIO Demandante V. SUCESIÓN DE HÉCTOR TOMÁS MATÍAS VÉLEZ COMPUESTA POR SU VIUDA MYRTA DALIA VÁZQUEZ ROMÁN T/C/C MIRTA DALIA VÁZQUEZ ROMÁN, POR SÍ; SUS HEREDEROS CONOCIDOS JOLIMALIS MATÍAS T/C/C JOHMALIS MATÍAS VÁZQUEZ, JUAN MATÍAS VÁZQUEZ, JORGE MATÍAS VÁZQUEZ, JOMYRVA MATÍAS VÁZQUEZ, HÉCTOR MATÍAS LEÓN, RALPHY MATÍAS LEÓN T/C/C RALPHI MATÍAS LEÓN Y JUDITH MATÍAS LEÓN; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y/O PARTES CON INTERÉS EN DICHA SUCESIÓN; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA

Demandado(a)

Civil: PO2021CV00791. 406. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO, EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: SUCESIÓN DE HÉCTOR TOMÁS MATÍAS VÉLEZ COMPUESTA

POR FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y/O PARTES CON INTERÉS EN DICHA SUCESIÓN. BARRIO CANAS, SECTOR QUEBRADA, PARCELA 10, PONCE PR 00732; HC-1 BOX 10112, PEÑUELAS PR 00624-

9728. P/C LCDO. JUAN C. FORTUÑO FAS. PO BOX 3908, GUAYNABO, PR 00970. (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 18 de octubre de 2022, 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 24 de febrero de 2023. PONCE, Puerto Rico, el 24 de febrero de 2023. CARMEN G. TIRÚ QUIÑONES, SECRETARIA. JANICE N. SEGARRA ROSADO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE HUMACAO SALA SUPERIOR ORIENTAL BANK

COMO AGENTE DE SERVICIO DE THE MONEY HOUSE, INC. Demandante Vs. LA SUCESION DE ANDREW ORTIZ JR. T/C/C ANDREW ORTIZ AGOSTO T/C/C ANDREW JR. ORTIZ T/C/C ANDRE ORTIZ COMPUESTA POR FULANO Y FULANA DE TAL COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM

Demandados

Civil Núm.: HU2023CV00038.

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

A La Parte Co-

Demandada: FULANO Y FULANA DE TAL COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS

DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION ANDREW

ORTIZ JR. T/C/C ANDREW

ORTIZ AGOSTO T/C/C ANDREW JR. ORTIZ

T/C/C ANDRE ORTIZ, A LA SIGUIENTE DIRECCIÓN:

FÍSICA: E-4 CALLE 4 URB.

SAN ANTONIO HUMACAO, PR 00791; Y POSTAL: D-26 CALLE 10 URB.

VILLA UNIVERSITARIA

HUMACAO, PR 007914323.

Por la presente se le(s) notifica que se ha radicado en la Secretaría de este Tribunal una Demanda Enmendada en Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca por la vía ordinaria en contra de La Sucesión de Andrew Ortiz Jr. t/c/c Andrew Ortiz Agosto t/c/c Andrew JR. Ortiz t/c/c Andre Ortiz, en la cual se alega que de adeuda a la parte demandante por concepto de hipoteca la suma de $139,658.85 por concepto de principal, desde el 1ro de abril de 2022, más intereses al tipo pactado de 3.50% anual que continúan acumulándose hasta el pago total de la obligación. Además, La Sucesión de Andrew Ortiz Jr. t/c/c Andrew Ortiz Agosto t/c/c Andrew JR. Ortiz t/c/c Andre Ortiz adeuda a la parte demandante los cargos por demora equivalentes a 4.00% de la suma de aquellos pagos con atrasos en exceso de 15 días calendarios de la fecha de vencimiento; los créditos accesorios y adelantos hechos en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca; y las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado equivalentes a $14,100.00. Además

La Sucesión de Andrew Ortiz Jr. t/c/c Andrew Ortiz Agosto t/c/c Andrew JR. Ortiz t/c/c Andre Ortiz se comprometió a pagar una suma equivalente a $14,100.00 para cubrir cualquier otro adelanto que se haga en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca y una suma equivalente a $14,100.00 para cubrir cualquiera otros adelantos que se hagan en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca número 160, otorgada en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, el día 10 de junio de 2010, ante la notario Teresita Navarro García, de la finca número 4,518, inscrita al Folio 238 del Tomo 146 de Humacao, Registro de la Propiedad de Humacao. Por razón de dicho incumplimiento, y al amparo del derecho que le confiere el Pagaré, el demandante ha declarado tales sumas vencidas, líquidas y exigibles en su totalidad. Este Tribunal ha ordenado que se le(s) cite a usted(es) por edicto que se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación

general. Quedan emplazados y notificados de que en este Tribunal se ha radicado una demanda enmendada en su contra. Se les ordena a que dentro del término de treinta (30) días, a partir de la notificación de la presente Orden, acepten o repudien la participación que les corresponda en la herencia de Andrew Ortiz Jr. t/c/c Andrew Ortiz Agosto t/c/c Andrew JR. Ortiz t/c/c Andre Ortiz. Los codemandados miembros de La Sucesión de Andrew Ortiz Jr. t/c/c Andrew Ortiz Agosto t/c/c Andrew JR. Ortiz t/c/c Andre Ortiz se incluyen en la demanda enmendada ya que como herederos responden por las cargas de la herencia según lo dispuesto en Nuestro Ordenamiento Jurídico. Se les apercibe y notifica que, de no expresarse dentro de ese término de 30 días en torno a su aceptación o repudiación de herencia, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. También se les apercibe que luego del transcurso del término de 30 días antes señalado contados a partir de la fecha de la notificación de la presente Orden, se presumirá que han aceptado la herencia del causante y, por consiguiente, responden por las cargas de dicha herencia conforme el Artículo 1578 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. 2785. Se ordena a la parte demandante a que, en vista de que La Sucesión de Andrew Ortiz Jr. t/c/c Andrew Ortiz Agosto t/c/c Andrew JR. Ortiz t/c/c Andre Ortiz, se incluye a los herederos y herederos desconocidos de Andrew Ortiz Jr. t/c/c Andrew Ortiz Agosto tic/e Andrew JR. Ortiz t/c/c Andre Ortiz denominados Fulano y Fulana De Tal, proceda a notificar la presente Orden mediante publicación de un edicto a esos efectos una sola vez en un periódico de circulación diaria general de la Isla de Puerto Rico. Se le(s) emplaza y requiere que dentro de los sesenta (60) días siguientes a la publicación de este edicto excluyendo el día de la publicación de este edicto conteste(n) la demanda radicando el original de la contestación en este Tribunal y enviando copia de la Contestación de la Demanda a las oficinas de CARDONA & MALDONADO LAW OFFICES, P.S.C. ATENCIÓN al Lcdo. Duncan Maldonado Ejarque, P.O. Box 366221, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-6221; Tel (787) 622-7000, Fax (787) 6257001, Abogado de la Parte Demandante. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https:// unired.ramajudicial.pr/sumac/, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación

responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Se le(s) advierte que si dejare(n) de contestar la Demanda en el período de tiempo antes mencionado, podrá dictarse contra usted( es) Sentencia en Rebeldía, concediéndose el remedio solicitado sin más citarle(s) ni oírle(s). EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y con el Sello del Tribunal. DADA hoy 27 de febrero de 2023, en Humacao, Puerto Rico. IVELISSE C. FONSECA RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. MICHELLE GUEVARA DE LEÓN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU-

NAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAGUAS SALA SUPERIOR ORIENTAL BANK

COMO AGENTE DE SERVICIO DE THE MONEY HOUSE, INC.

Demandante Vs. DAISY FLORES

CUADRADO (DEUDOR HIPOTECARIO); FELICIANO COTTO JOVET POR SI Y EN LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFRUCTUARIA

DE LA SUCESION DE FELICITA GONZALEZ BAEZ; LA SUCESION DE FELICITA GONZALEZ BAEZ COMPUESTA

POR HERIBAN Y VILMARIE AMBOS DE APELLIDOS COTTO GONZALEZ; FULANO Y FULANA DE TAL COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION (TITULARES REGISTRALES); CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (CRIM)

Demandados

Civil Núm.: CG2023CV00266.

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

A La Parte Co-

Demandada: A) FULANO Y FULANA DE TAL, COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE FELICITA GONZÁLEZ BAEZ (TITULAR REGISTRAL), A LAS SIGUIENTE DIRECCIÓN: (A) PR 946

KM 0.4 LOT 2 PLACITA II

COMUNIDAD GURABO

ABAJO, JUNCOS, PR 00777.

Por la presente se le(s) notifica que se ha radicado en la Secretaría de este Tribunal una Demanda Enmendada en Cobro de Dinero y Ejecución de Hipoteca por la vía ordinaria en contra de la parte co-demandada Daisy Flores Cuadrado, en la cual se alega que adeuda a la parte demandante por concepto de hipoteca la suma de $86,987.38 por concepto de principal, desde el 1ro de junio de 2022, más intereses al tipo pactado de 3.00% anual que continúan acumulándose hasta el pago total de la obligación. Además la parte co-demandada Daisy Flores Cuadrado adeuda a la parte demandante los cargos por demora equivalentes a 4.00% de la suma de aquellos pagos con atrasos en exceso de 15 días calendarios de la fecha de vencimiento; los créditos accesorios y adelantos hechos en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca; y las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado equivalentes a $8,774.40. Además la parte co-demandada Daisy Flores Cuadrado se comprometió a pagar una suma equivalente a $8,774.40 para cubrir cualquier otro adelanto que se haga en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca y una suma equivalente a $8,774.40 para cubrir intereses en adición a los garantizados por ley cualquiera otros adelantos que se hagan en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca número 451, otorga a en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 17 de noviembre de 2021, ante el notario Juan Manuel Casanova Rivera, consta presentada al Asiento 2019-102970CA02 del Sistema Karibe y en su día será segregación de la finca número 7,521, inscrita al Folio 281 del Tomo 194 de Juncos, Registro de la Propiedad de Caguas, Sección Segunda. Por razón de dicho incumplimiento, y al amparo del derecho que le confiere el Pagaré, el demandante ha declarado tales sumas vencidas, líquidas y exigidles en su totalidad. Este Tribunal ha ordenado que se le(s) cite a usted(es) por edicto que se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general. Quedan emplazados y notificados de que en este Tribunal se ha radicado una demanda enmendada en su contra. Se les ordena a que dentro del término de treinta (30) días, a partir de la notificación de la presente Orden, acepten o repudien la participación que les corresponda en la herencia de Felicita González Baez (Titular Registral). Los co-demandados miembros de la Sucesión de Felicita González Baez (Titular Registra)) se incluyen en la demanda enmendada ya que como herederos responden por las cargas de la herencia según lo dispuesto en Nues-

tro Ordenamiento Jurídico. Se les apercibe y notifica que, de no expresarse dentro de ese término de 30 días en torno a su aceptación o repudiación de herencia, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. También se les apercibe que luego del transcurso del término de 30 días antes señalado contados a partir de la fecha de la notificación de la presente Orden, se presumirá que han aceptado la herencia del causante y, por consiguiente, responden por las cargas de dicha herencia conforme el Artículo 1578 del Código Civil, 31 L.P.R.A. 2785. Se ordena a la parte demandante a que, se incluye a los herederos conocidos y herederos desconocidos de Felicita González Baez (Titular Registra)) denominados Fulano y Fulana de Tal, como posibles herederos desconocidos de la Sucesión de Felicita González Baez (Titular Registra)), proceda a notificar la presente Orden mediante publicación de un edicto a esos efectos una sola vez en un periódico de circulación diaria general de la Isla de Puerto Rico. Se le(s) emplaza y requiere que dentro de los sesenta (60) días siguientes a la publicación de este edicto excluyendo el día de la publicación de este edicto conteste(n) la demanda radicando el original de la contestación en este Tribunal y enviando copia de la Contestación de la Demanda a las oficinas de CARDONA & MALDONADO LAW OFFICES, P.S.C. ATENCIÓN al Lcdo. Duncan Maldonado Ejarque, P.O. Box 366221, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-6221; Tel (787) 622-7000, Fax (787) 6257001, Abogado de la Parte Demandante. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https:// unired.ramajudicial.pr/sumac/, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Se le(s) advierte que si dejare(n) de contestar la Demanda en el período de tiempo antes mencionado, podrá dictarse contra usted( es) Sentencia en Rebeldía, concediéndose el remedio solicitado sin más citarle(s) ni oírle(s). EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y con el Sello del Tribunal. DADA hoy 27 de febrero de 2023, en Caguas, Puerto Rico. LISILDA MARTÍNEZ AGOSTO, SECRETARIA. SANDRA J. TRINIDAD CAÑUELAS, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE SAN

JUAN SALA SUPERIOR SAMUEL FIRPI MARQUEZ Y MARIBEL COLÓN NIEVES

Parte Demandante Vs. DEWAYNE OWENS Y FULANA DE TAL POR SI Y EN REPRESENTACION DE LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS; DARON PORTER Y FULANA DE TAL POR SI Y EN REPRESENTACION DE LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS; ASEGURADORAS

1-10; DEMANDADOS DESCONOCIDOS 1-10

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: SJ2022CV10128. Sobre: DAÑOS Y PERJUICIOS. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PR, SS.

A: DARON PORTER POR SI Y EN REPRESENTACION DE LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS.

Por la presente se le notifica que se ha presentado una Demanda de Daños y Perjuicios en su contra donde se solicita el pago de la suma de $60,000.00 dólares por concepto de daños. Por el presente Edicto, se les emplaza y requiere que conteste la demanda dentro de un término de treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación del mismo y presente el original de dicha 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 y notificar copia de la misma dentro del mismo término al Lcdo. Luis Domínguez Fuertes a la siguiente dirección: PO BOX 364566, SAN JUAN, PR 00936-4566, Tel. 787-2960000, ldominguezfuertes@ gmail.com, abogado de la parte demandante. Por la presente se les apercibe que de no comparecer a formular alegaciones dentro de treinta (30) días contados a partir de la fecha de la publicación de este Edicto, se le anotará la rebeldía y se dictará Sentencia de acuerdo con lo solicitado en la demanda, sin más citarle ni oírle. Expedido bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal, en SAN JUAN, Puer-

to Rico, 22 de febrero de 2023. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA. CARLA J. RIVERA CLIMENT, SECRETARIA DE SERVICIOS A SALA.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

DÍAZ

AIDY MARÍA RODRÍGUEZ

SANTOS T/C/C HAYDEÉ MARÍA RODRÍGUEZ

SANTOS

Peticionaria EX PARTE

Caso Núm.: JD2022CV00118. Sobre: EXPEDIENTE DE DOMINIO. Número de Castrato: 294-081-038-03. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A: JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE, posibles interesados que incluye a colindantes desconocidos, anteriores dueños desconocidos, Milla Figueroa y posibles herederos de dueños anteriores desconocidos de la propiedad que se describe a continuación:

URBANA: Predio de terreno sitio en el Barrio Pueblo Sector Borinquén carretera número 149 kilómetro 44 del término municipal de Villalba de una cabida de SEISCIENTOS TREINTA Y CUATRO PUNTO TRES MIL SETECIENTOS CUARENTA Y SEIS (634.3746) METROS CUADRADOS, equivalente a Cero punto Mil Seiscientos Catorce (0.1614) Cuerdas, colindante por el NORTE, con Laboratorio Clínico Alfeciza, Inc; por el SUR con Camino Municipal; por el ESTE, con terrenos de Aguedo Maldonado; y por el OESTE, con Calle Borinquen hacia la carretera PR# 149. No consta inscrita en el Registro de la Propiedad. Los interesados incluyen a colindantes desconocidos, anteriores dueños desconocidos y posibles herederos de dueños anteriores desconocidos de la Propiedad antes descrita. Por la presente quedan notificados que Aidy Maria Rodrí-

guez Santos también conocida como Haydeé María Rodríguez Santos, han radicado en este Tribunal una Petición de Expediente de Dominio sobre la propiedad antes descrita, alegando que Don Pedro Juan Rodríguez Pérez quien adquirió por compra a Milla Figueroa y luego su Sucesión siendo dueños y ha poseído tanto por sus anteriores dueños como por ellos como dueños dicha propiedad por más de 30 años y por ello solicitan Orden para que Ordene al Registrador de la Propiedad de Ponce II que inscriba dicha finca a nombre de los hijos de Don Pedro Juan Rodríguez Pérez cuyos miembros son Aidy María Rodríguez Santos también conocida como Haydeé María Rodríguez Santos (Peticionaria); Ana Teresa Rodríguez Santos; Pedro Miguel Rodríguez Santos y Celenia Rodríguez Santos en partes iguales. Se apercibe que si transcurrido Veinte (20) días desde la publicación de este Edicto, no ha habido reparos u oposición contra la demanda interpuesta, este Tribunal dictará Sentencia de acuerdo a lo solicitado en la misma. Copia de la contestación deberá ser notificada al Licenciado Rubén Román Toro a su dirección en: Apartado Postal número 1831, Yauco, Puerto Rico 00698. En cumplimiento de una orden dictada por este Tribunal expido el presente bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal en Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico, a 28 de febrero de 2023. CARMEN G. TIRÚ QUIÑONES, SECRETARIA REGIONAL DEL TRIBUNAL. DORIS A. RODRÍGUEZ COLÓN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA MUNICIPAL DE SAN

JUAN

San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00918.

Teléfono (787) 751-4391, abogada de la parte demandante, copia de la Contestación a la Demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la notificación de este Edicto. Se le apercibe que de no comparecer dentro de un término de treinta

(30) días, a partir de la publicación de edicto, se concederá el remedio solicitado en la Demanda, sin más citarle ni oírle. DADA en San Juan, Puerto Rico, a 17 de febrero de 2023.

GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. VIVIAN CASTRO SÁNCHEZ, SUB-SECRETARIA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE CAGUAS ROBERTO ROSA

ROSA, EDITH NEREIDA RÍOS RIVERA Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS

Demandante Vs. BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO, THE WORLD MORTGAGE CORPORATION, FULANO DE TAL

Demandadas

Civil Núm.: CG2022CV03893.

Salón: 801. Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. EDICTO. EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO:

1-267-392-3959; dirección de correo electrónico, bufetehectorclaudio@gmail.com. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired.ramajudicial. pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del tribunal. Se le advierte que de no contestar la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de éste Edicto, radicando el original de la contestación ante el Tribunal, con copia a la parte demandante, se le anotará la rebeldía y se dictará sentencia concediendo el remedio solicitado sin más citarle ni oírle. Expedido bajo mi firma, y sello de este Tribunal, en Caguas, Puerto Rico, a 28 de febrero de 2023. LISILDA MARTÍNEZ AGOTO, SECRETARIA. SANDRA J. TRINIDAD CAÑUELAS, SECRETARIA DE SERVICIOS A SALA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA SALA SUPERIOR DE AGUADILLA NOEL RAUL SÁNCHEZ SABELLA, PAUL SANCHEZ SABELLA, CHRISTINA SÁNCHEZ SABELLA

ESTHER MARIE

MORALES ALICEA

Demandante V. JEHU GONZÁLEZ MONTERO

Demandada

Caso Número: SJ2022RF01634. 703. Sobre: DIVORCIO (RUPTURA IRREPARABLE). EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A: JEHU

GONZÁLEZ MONTERO.

Por la presente se le notifica a usted que se le ha presentado ante este Honorable Tribunal, una Solicitud de DIVORCIO - RUPTURA IRREPARABLE. Se emplaza y se le requiere para que notifique a la Lcda. Edith Marie Echevarría Suárez, cuya oficina queda en el Condominio El Centro 1, Suite 249,

A: FULANO DE TAL. Por la presente se le notifica que se ha radicado en la Secretaría de este Tribunal una Demanda en solicitud de cancelación de pagaré extraviado en contra los demandados Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, The World Mortgage Corporation y Fulano de Tal. En la demanda se solicita la cancelación del pagaré que suscribieron los demandantes por la suma principal de $30,800 bajo una tasa de interés anual de un 9.00%, vencedero el 1 de octubre de 2008 bajo afftdávit número 7984, a favor de The World Mortgage Corporation. El pagaré garantiza el préstamo hipotecario que grava el solar 6-F inscrito a la Finca 22,644 del Registro de la Propiedad, Demarcación CA0101 - Caguas del sistema Karibe, sección primera de Caguas, inscripción cuarta. Como remedio se solicita la cancelación del pagaré y la garantía hipotecaria que constan en el Registro de la Propiedad, Sección I de Caguas, gravando la propiedad ante descrita. Representa a la parte demandante el Lcdo. Héctor L. Claudio Rosario, 167 Calle Pedro Flores Urb. Monticielo, Caguas, Puerto Rico 00725; número de teléfono 787-635-1220 / Telefax:

Demandante V. LA SUCESION DE DELIA MARIA HAU COMPUESTA POR DELIMAR RIVERA HAU, MIRELLE RIVERA HAU Y GERMAN ARMANDO DE ORNELLAS HAU, LA SUCESION DE BIENVENIDA DELIZ GONZALEZ COMPUESTA POR JOSE LEMA MOYA, NOELIA ABREU DELIZ, ADALGISA ABREU DELIZ, JOSE R. ABREU DELIZ, CARLOS J. ABREU DELIZ, JORGE F. ABREU DEL VALLE, MYRNA DEL C. ABREU DEL VALLE, REINER A. ABREU DELIZ, WILMA ABREU CACERES, XAVIERI GONZALEZ ABREU, ANIBAL FRANCISCO GONZALEZ ABREU, EVELYN DEL C. GONZALEZ ABREU, DORA T. GONZALEZ ABREU, CARLOS C. ABREU DEL VALLE Y NILDA ABREU DELIZ Y LA SUCESION DE VALENTIN DELIZ CORTESE COMPUESTA POR MARIA MERCEDES

DELIZ TERRON, MARIA JOSEFINA DELIZ TERRON, MARIA VALENTINE DELIZ TERRON Y CARMEN JOSEPHINE DELIZ

TERRON, JOHN DOE, JANE DOE Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANACIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS PARTE DEMANDADA

NOEL RAUL SANCHEZ SABELLA, PAUL

SANCHEZ SABELLA, CHRISTINA SANCHEZ SABELLA PARTE RENCONVENIDA

Demandado(a)

Civil: AG2019CV00048. Sobre: SENTENCIA DECLARATORIA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: WILMA ABREU CACERES. DIRECCIÓN:

5481 JAMAICA ROAD

COCOA, FLORIDA 32927. P/C LCDO. ISMAEL

PÉREZ NIEVES. P.O. BOX

534, ISABELA, PR 006620534.

(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 21 de febrero de 2023, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 24 de febrero de 2023. En Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, el 24 de febrero de 2023. SARAHÍ REYES PÉREZ, SECRETARIA. NATHALIE I. ACEVEDO QUIÑONES, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL

GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA FAJARDO

LOURDES DOLORES

LEÓN ESCALERA

Demandante V. CARLOS L DÁVILA COCA; FULANO DE TAL Demandado(a)

Civil: FA2022CV00673. Sobre: CANCELACIÓN PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: FULANO DE TAL. CARLOS L. DAVILA COCA: CALLE FERNANDEZ GARCIA 123, LUQUILLO, P.R. 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 27 de febrero de 2023, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 28 de febrero de 2023. En Fajardo, Puerto Rico, el 28 de febrero de 2023.

WANDA I. SEGUÍ REYES, SECRETARIA. JENIFFER CARRASQULLLO GONZÁLEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE CA-

GUAS

(RUA 8431)

APARTADO 1251 CAGUAS, PR 00726 TEL. 787-258-3636/raultirado1@ gmail.com abogado de la parte demandante, cuya dirección es la que deja indicada, con copia de su Contestación a la Demanda, copia de la cual le es servida en este caso de la demanda, dentro de los treinta (30) días de haber sido diligenciado este Emplazamiento, excluyéndose el día del diligenciamiento.

Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://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 discresión, lo entiende procedente.

EXTENDIDO BAJO MI FIRMA y Sello del Tribunal hoy día 24 de febrero de 2023. LISILDA

MARTÍNEZ AGOSTO, SECRETARIA. KATHERINE CARRASQUILLO HERNÁNDEZ, SUBSECRETARIA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA DE FAJARDO

EDMUNDO

AYALA OQUENDO

Parte Demandante Vs. MIGDALLA IVETTE

GONZÁLEZ MUNET

Parte Demandada

Civil Núm.: FA2022CV00989.

Sala: 307. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO (VÍA ORDINARIA).

EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

A: MIGDALIA IVETTE

CARMELO ENRIQUE

RAMIREZ PEREZ

Demandante V.

LA SUCN. DE CARMELO

RAMIREZ MERCADO Y OTROS

Demandados

Civil Núm.: CG2022CV04071.

Sobre: DIVISIÓN DE HERENCIA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR

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

A: LEDDATALIZ PEDROGO, T.C.C.

LEDDATALIZ RAMÍREZ.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza y requiere para que notifique a:

LCDO. RAUL TIRADO, HIJO

GONZALEZ MUNET, DIRECCIÓN FISICA Y

POSTAL:

URB. FAJARDO GARDEN #155 CALLE ALMACIGO

FAJARDO, PR 00738.

LCDO. EDMUNDO AYALA

OQUENDO: P.O BOX 1105 FAJARDO, PR 00738.

EMAIL:

EMNRN4@YAHOO COM.

AL PÚBLICO EN

GENERAL:

El Alguacil del Tribunal que suscribe anuncia y hace constar: A La Alguacil al que suscribe del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Fajardo, por el presente Edicto ANUNCIA y hace saber al público en general que en cumplimiento de una Orden y Mandamiento en Eje-

cución de Sentencia expedido el día 16 de febrero de 2023, procederé a vender en Pública Subasta y al mejor postor y por dinero en efectivo (dólares) y/o cheque oficial bancario y/o cheque de gerente a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal, todo titulo, derecho, e interés que tengan la demandada Migdalia lvette Gonzalez Munet, todo derecho, titulo o interés que tenga la Parte demandada en el bien inmueble que se describe a continuación: “URBANA”: Solar radicada en la Urbanización Fajardo Garden (Extensión Baralt) situada en el Barrio Quebrada de Fajardo con el número 3 de la manzana J (3J). Con cabida de 301.30 m/c. En lindes por el NORTE, con el solar Dos (2), distancia de 23 metros por el SUR, con el solar cuatro (4) distancia de 23 metros; por el ESTE, con el canal abierto distancia de 13.10 metros y por el OESTE, con la calle cuatro (4), distancia de 3.10 metros. Contiene una casa de concreto reforzado. Inscrita al Folio 106 del Tomo 147 de Fajardo en el sistema KARIBE, Finca 4,797 en el Registro de la Propiedad, Sección de Fajardo. B. El inmueble sita en: Urb. Fajardo Garden # 155 Calle Almacigo Fajardo, PR 00738. C. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado están de manifiesto en la Secretaría de este Tribunal durante las horas laborales bajo el epígrafe de este caso. D. Que se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los presentes, si los hubiere, al crédito ejecutante, continuaran subsistentes, entendiéndose que el remanente los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad para ejecutar tiene un gravamen anterior y ningún gravamen posterior. E. La Propiedad a ejecutar y subastar se encuentra afecta al siguiente gravamen anterior: Según la inscripción 4ta., y la Escritura Núm. 291 sobre Hipoteca otorgada en Fajardo el 23 de diciembre de 1992, ante el Notario Bernardo Colón Barbosa, la referida finca se encuentra afectada por una hipoteca en garantía de Pagaré en la cantidad $15,000.00 al 8.1/2% de interés anual a favor de Doral Mortgage Corporation o a su Orden, pagadero a plazos mensuales de $237.55. F. El remate y/o la subasta es en cobro de dinero en ejecución de la sentencia dictada en el presente caso que asciende a la suma de $14,998.58 por concepto de Principal, intereses legales pactados, más las costas del litigio y gastos de ejecución que se desglosan como sigue: A) Principal adeudado por el Pa-

garé. $11,000.00. B) Intereses legales pactados (4.5%) desde abril de 2022. $412.50. C) Costas del litigio. $1,500.00. D) Intereses legales (8%) desde emitida la sentencia. $86.08. E) Gastos de ejecución Regla 51.2 P.C. $2.000.00. Total adeudado a ésta fecha. $14,998.58. G. Según la Orden y Mandamiento de Venta Judicial se harán formar parte de la venta judicial los intereses legales que se sigan acumulando desde emitida la sentencia hasta su total pago y solvento en su día. H. Conforme a la Orden y Mandamiento sobre Venta Judicial el remate a efectuarse es en cobro de dinero en ejecución de sentencia y se llevará a cabo a través del procedimiento que proveen las Reglas 51.2, 51.3 y 51.7 de Procedimiento Civil, razón por lo cual no será necesario establecer un precio mínimo (Justiprecio) para la primera y única subasta, según lo resuelto por el Honorable Tribunal Supremo de Puerto Rico en el caso: Arkel Ramón Sánchez Torres v. Fundación Dr. Manuel de la Pila Iglesias 2012 TSPR 130. La Primera y única subasta pública se celebrará el día 10 de agosto de 2023, a las 9:30 de la mañana, en la Oficina del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Fajardo. Para obtener más información en relación con la Subasta Pública aquí anunciada pueden comunicarse y/o visitar con cita previa durante horas laborables al Lcdo. Edmundo Ayala Oquendo, con los números telefónicos (787) 603-4277 y/o con el Depositario Judicial designado Sr. Lebrón al (787) 470-5966. Y PARA QUE ASÍ CONSTE, y para su publicación en un periódico de circulación general y por el término de dos (2) semanas en los sitios públicos conforme a la ley. Expido el presente Edicto bajo mi firma y sello de este Tribunal, hoy 21 de febrero 2023, en Fajardo, Puerto Rico. JORGE A. ORTIZ

ESTRADA, ALGUACIL REGIONAL INTERINO #622. DENISE BRUNO ORTIZ, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR #266.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO

DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN RICARDO ISAAC

PAGÁN SAN MIGUEL

Peticionario

EX-PARTE Civil Núm.: BY2023CV00882. (605). Sobre: EXPEDIENTE DE DOMINIO. CITACIÓN POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, S.S.

A: PERSONAS

IGNORADAS Y DESCONOCIDAS A QUIENES PUDIERA PERJUDICAR LA INSCRIPCIÓN DEL DOMINIO A FAVOR DE LA PARTE PETICIONARIA EN EL REGISTRO DE LA PROPIEDAD DE LA FINCA QUE MÁS ADELANTE SE DESCRIBIRÁ Y A TODA PERSONA EN GENERAL QUE CON DERECHO PARA ELLO DESEE OPONERSEA ESTE EXPEDIENTE.

POR LA PRESENTE se les notifica para que comparezcan, si lo creyeren pertinente, ante este Honorable Tribunal dentro de los veinte (20) días contados a partir de la última publicación de este edicto a exponer lo que a sus derechos convenga en el expediente promovido por la parte peticionaria para adquirir su dominio sobre la finca que se describe más adelante. Usted deberá presentar su posición a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired.poderjudicial. pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación en la secretaría del Tribunal. Si usted deja de expresarse dentro del referido término, el Tribunal podrá dictar sentencia, previo a escuchar la prueba de valor de la parte peticionaria en su contra, sin más citarle ni oírle, y conceder el remedio solicitado en la petición, o cualquier otro, si el Tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente. URBANA: SOLAR de seis varas de frente por veinticinco varas de fondo, radicado en la Calle Toa Baja de Bayamón, Puerto Rico, con una casa de madera, terrera, techada de zinc, colindando por la derecha entrando con solar de Carmen Tibot, antes, hoy Fortunato Román; por la izquierda, o sea, el SUR, con un callejón que la separa del solar y casa de José Romas Rivera, antes, hoy Carmen Jiménez; por su frente, o sea, por el ESTE, con la Calle Toa Baja; y por su fondo, con terrenos de Sebastián Bauzá, antes, hoy Josefa Torres. Alega el Peticionario que adquirió la finca descrita mediante ocupación de la misma a título de dueño de forma pacífica, pública e ininterrumpidamente por más de treinta (30) años, sin justo título. Alega, además el peticionario que de acuerdo a mensura practicada y datos que surgen del portal del catastro digital, la descripción del inmueble al presente es la siguiente: URBANA: Solar marcado con el número ciento noventa y dos (192) en

DE PUERTO RICO

TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN

VIG MORTGAGE CORP.

Demandante Vs. JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE

Demandados Civil Núm.: SJ2023CV01351. Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A: JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE. POR LA PRESENTE se le notifica a usted, que se ha radicado en esta secretaría la Demanda de epígrafe. En dicha Demanda se reclama que usted es el último tenedor del pagaré hipotecario a favor de BAYAMON FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOC. OF PUERTO RICO, por la suma de $75,000.00, con intereses al 9.5%, vencedero el día 1 de diciembre de 2008, y garantizado con la escritura número 848, otorgada en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, el día 30 de noviembre de 1978, inscrita en la finca 9,537 de Río Piedras Sur, Registro de la Propiedad Sección Cuarta de San Juan, inscripción 1ra. Se le emplaza y requiere que dentro del término de treinta (30) días conteste la Demanda. Se le apercibe que de no contestar la misma dentro del término antes dicho, presentando su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired.ramajudicial. pr/sumac/, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la Secretaría del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Tribunal Superior, Sala de San Juan, con copia al Lcdo. Armando J. Martinez Vilella, PMB 458, 100 Grand Paseos Blvd. Suite 112, SAN JUAN, P.R. 00926-5955, E-mail: amartinez@amvlawpr. com, TEL. 787- 763-9777 FAX. 787-763-9444 se le anotará la Rebeldía y se le dictará Sentencia concediendo el remedio solicitado sin más citarle ni oírle. Se expidió bajo mi firma y sello de este Honorable Tribunal, en San Juan, Puerto Rico, a 21 de febrero de 2023. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA. MICHELLE RIVERA RÍOS, SUB-SECRETARIA.

SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA

el plano de inscripción para una parcela de terreno propiedad del señor Carlos J. Dávila, localizado en la Calle Dr. Santiago Veve, Barrio Pueblo del término municipal de Bayamón, con una cabida superficial de ciento cincuenta y uno punto nueve mil ciento treinta y dos (151.9132) metros cuadrados equivalentes a cero punto trescientos ochenta y seis (0.0386) cuerda. En lindes por el Norte, en una distancia de veintiséis punto cero quinientos ochenta y ocho (26.0588) metros con el solar ciento noventa y cuatro (194) perteneciente a Quintín Collado Ortiz; por el Sur, en una distancia de veinticinco punto ocho mil seiscientos veintitrés (25.8623) metros con el solar ciento noventa (190) perteneciente a Pérez Graulau Properties, lnc.; por el Este, en una distancia de cinco punto cuatro mil setecientos veintinueve (5.4729) metros con la calle Dr. Santiago Veve y por el Oeste en una distancia de seis punto dos mil ochocientos cuarenta y un (6.2841) metros con el solar ciento ochenta y ocho (188) perteneciente a.P.G. Properties, lnc. Ubicación física actual: Dr. Santiago Veve 192, Barrio Pueblo, Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Catastro número: 085-014-01512-000. El número de codificación del CRIM para la finca descrita es: 085-014-015-12-000 y su ubicación física es Calle Dr. Santiago Veve número 192, Barrio Pueblo. Bayamón. Puerto Rico. Se le informa, además, que el Tribunal ha señalado vista en este caso para el ____ de ______ de 2023, a las _______ mediante videoconferencia, a la cual usted puede comparecer asistido por abogado y presentar oposición a la petición. Este edicto deberá ser publicado en tres (3) ocasiones dentro del término de veinte (20) días, en un periódico de circulación general diaria, para que comparezcan si quieren alegar su derecho. Toda primera mención de persona natural y/o jurídica que se mencione en el mismo, se identificará en letra tamaño 10 puntos y negrillas, conforme a lo dispuesto en las Reglas de Procedimiento Civil, 2009. Se le apercibe que de no comparecer los interesados y/o partes citadas, o en su defecto los organismos públicos afectados en el término improrrogable de veinte (20) días a contar de la fecha de la última publicación del edicto, el Tribunal podrá conceder el remedio solicitado por la parte peticionaria, sin más citarle ni oírle. En Bayamón, Puerto Rico, a 22 de febrero de 2023. LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA

REGIONAL.

NÉLIDA OCASIO

LEGAL NOTICE

ORTEGA,

SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE TOA ALTA

ORIENTAL BANK

Demandante Vs. JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE

Demandados

Civil Núm.: TA2023CV00120.

Sala: 703. Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE.

POR LA PRESENTE se le notifica a usted, que se ha radicado en esta secretaría la Demanda de epígrafe. En dicha Demanda se reclama que usted es el último tenedor del pagaré hipotecario a favor de Doral Bank, o a su orden, por la cantidad de $89,269.00, con intereses al 6.00% anual, vencedero el 1 de enero de 2037, y garantizado con hipoteca mediante la escritura número 680, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 28 de diciembre de 2006, ante el Notario Público Juan Manuel Casanova Rivera, Inscrita al 109 del Tomo 605 de Toa Baja, Finca número 28,417, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección II. Se le emplaza y requiere que dentro del término de treinta (30) días conteste la Demanda. Se le apercibe que de no contestar la misma dentro del término antes dicho, presentando su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired.ramajudicial. pr/sumac/, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la Secretaría del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Tribunal Superior, Sala de Ponce, con copia al Lcdo. Armando J. Martinez Vilella, PMB 458, 100 Grand Paseos Blvd. Suite 112, SAN JUAN, P.R. 00926-5955, E-mail: amartinez@amvlawpr. com, TEL. 787- 763-9777 FAX.

787-763-9444 se le anotará la Rebeldía y se le dictará Sentencia concediendo el remedio solicitado sin más citarle ni oírle. Se expidió bajo mi firma y sello de este Honorable Tribunal, en Puerto Rico, a 17 de febrero de 2023. LCDA LAURA I. SANTA

SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. LUREIMY ALICEA

GONZÁLEZ, SECRETARIA

AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU-

NAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA

TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE MAYAGÜEZ

WILMINGTON SAVINGS

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

ACQUISITION TRUST

2018-HB1

Demandante V.

LUZ MARIA RODRIGUEZ

MORALES T/C/C LUZ M. RODRIGUEZ MORALES

T/C/C LUZ RODRIGUEZ

MORALES T/C/C LUZ

MARIA RODRIGUEZ T/C/C

LUZ M. RODRIGUEZ

T/C/C LUZ RODRIGUEZ; SUCESION ANGEL

MANUEL CRUZ RIVERA

T/C/C ANGEL M. CRUZ

RIVERA T/C/C ANGEL

CRUZ RIVERA T/C/C

ANGEL MANUEL CRUZ

T/C/C ANGEL M. CRUZ

T/C/C ANGEL CRUZ T/C/C

AGAPITO JUAN CRUZ

RIVERA T/C/C AGAPITO

J. CRUZ RIVERA T/C/C

AGAPITO CRUZ RIVERA

T/C/C AGAPITO JUAN

CRUZ T/C/C AGAPITO

J. CRUZ T/C/C AGAPITO CRUZ COMPUESTA

POR SU VIUDA LUZ

MARIA RODRIGUEZ

MORALES, EDUARDO

CRUZ RODRIGUEZ, ANGEL MANUEL CRUZ

RODRIGUEZ; JOHN DOE

Y JANE DOE COMO

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

Demandado(a)

Civil: MZ2022CV00211. Sobre:

EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO

POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE SUCESION ANGEL

MANUEL CRUZ RIVERA.

(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 02 de febrero de 2023, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando

usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 23 de febrero de 2023. En Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, el 23 de febrero de 2023. LCDA. NORMA G. SANTANA IRIZARRY, SECRETARIA. NILDA TORRES ACEVEDO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBU-

NAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA

TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INS-

TANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE FAJARDO

REVERSE MORTGAGE

FUNDING LLC

Demandante V.

SUCESION JUAN NATAL

CRUZ COMPUESTA POR

JUAN NATAL DIAZ, JOSE

NATAL DIAZ, ANGEL

NATAL DIAZ, DIANA

NATAL DIAZ; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO

POSIBLE HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; SUCESION ALICIA DIAZ

FEBUS T/C/C ALICIA

DIAZ COMPUESTA POR

JUAN NATAL DIAZ, JOSE

NATAL DIAZ, ANGEL

NATAL DIAZ, DIANA

NATAL DIAZ; JOHN ROE Y JANE ROE COMO

POSIBLE HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

Demandado(a)

Civil: RG2022CV00422. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: DIANA NATAL DIAZ; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO

POSIBLES MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION JUAN NATAL CRUZ; JOHN ROE Y JANE ROE COMO

POSIBLES MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION ALICIA DIAZ FEBUS T/C/C ALICIA DIAZ; PO BOX 1229, RIO GRANDE PR 00745; PO BOX 779, MIDDLE TOWN, NY 10940.

(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 22 de febrero de 2023, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 23 de febrero de 2023. En Fajardo, Puerto Rico, el 23 de febrero 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 HUMACAO PALMAS DEL MAR HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC

Demandante V. RICHARD KUSHNER

Demandado(a)

Civil: HU2022CV00704. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: RICHARD KUSHNER: A SU DIRECCIÓN CONOCIDA: 1654 FIFTH AVENUE BAY SHORE, NEW YORK, ESTADOS UNIDOS 11706; P/C LIC. JOSÉ R. GONZÁLEZ RIVERA. (Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 16 de febrero de 2023, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos

de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 22 de febrero de 2023. En HUMACAO, Puerto Rico, el 22 de febrero de 2023. IVELISSE C. FONSECA RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA. ILEANETTE RIVAS SERRANO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA BOXCO IX OVERSEAS, LLC, BY FRANKLIN CREDIT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION AS SERVICER

Demandante V. SUCN MARK DAVID PAGAN JIMENEZ COMP POR JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y OTROS

Demandado(a)

Civil: CA2022CV01879. Sala: 403. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA, PROPIEDAD RESIDENCIAL. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: JANET COTTO RODRIGUEZ POR SI Y EN LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFRUCTUARIA, JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO POSIBLES MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION MARK DAVID PAGAN JIMENEZ. (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 23 de febrero de 2023, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará

hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 23 de febrero de 2023. En CAROLINA, Puerto Rico, el 23 de febrero de 2023. LCDA. MARILYN APONTE RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA. LILLIAM ORTIZ NIEVES, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOT ICE

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

FINANCE OF AMERICA

REVERSE LLC

Demandante Vs. SUCESION HECTOR RIVERA ALVAREZ COMPUESTA POR

GLORICEL RIVERA, JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES Demandados

Civil Núm.: BY2022CV05991.

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: GLORICEL RIVERA; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO POSIBLES MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN HECTOR RIVERA ALVAREZ.

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 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.

LLP

Frances.Asencio@gmlaw.com

Expedido bajo mi firma, y sello del Tribunal, en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hoy 3 de febrero de 2023. LCDA. LAURA I.

SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. IVETTE M. MARRERO BRACERO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, FOR THE CSMC 2015-PR 1 TRUST MORTGAGE-BACKED NOTES, SERIES 2015-PR1

Parte Demandante V. POPULAR MORTGAGE, INC; JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE COMO POSIBLES TENEDORES DESCONOCIDOS

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: BY2023CV00825. Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE. UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE COMO POSIBLES TENEDORES DESCONOCIDOS.

POR LA PRESENTE se les emplaza y requiere para que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto. Usted deberá radicar 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/ sumac/, salvo que se presente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá radicar el original de su contestación ante el Tribunal correspondiente y notifique con copia a los abogados de la parte demandante, Lcda. Marjaliisa Colón Villanueva, al PO BOX 7970, Ponce, P.R. 00732; Teléfono: 787-8434168. En dicha demanda se tramita un procedimiento de cancelación de pagaré extraviado. Se alega en dicho procedimiento que se extravió un pagaré hipotecario, a favor de Popular Mortgage, lnc., o a su orden, por la suma de setenta y un mil dólares ($71,000.00), al interés al cinco punto tres cuarto por ciento (5.3/4%), anual, vencedero el primero (1ro) de mayo de dos mil diecinueve (2019), según consta en el testimonio número mil novecientos

once (1,911) de la escritura número trescientos treinta y seis (336), otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día treinta (30) de abril de dos mil cuatro (2004) ante la Notario Maria Isabel García Mantilla. Inscrita al folio al sistema Karibe, finca número dieciséis mil doscientos veintiocho (16,228) de Toa Alta, inscripción segunda (2da). 3. Que la propiedad sobre la cual se constituyó dicha hipoteca es la siguiente: URBANA: Solar marcado con el número veintiuno (21) del Bloque “L” de la calle número diecisiete (17) de la Urbanización La Madelaine, localizada en el Barrio Mucarabones del término municipal de Toa Alta, con una cabida superficial de doscientos noventa y cinco punto sesenta y dos (295.62) metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, en una distancia de once punto treinta y siete (11.37) metros, con la calle número diecisiete (17) ; por el SUR, en una distancia de once punto treinta y siete (11.37) metros, con el solar L guión cuatro (L-4) y 1 guión cinco (L-5); por el ESTE, en una distancia de veinte seis punto cero cero (26.00) metros, con el solar L guión veintidós (L-22); y por el OESTE, en una distancia de veintiséis punto cero cero (26.00) metros, con el solar L guion veinte (L-20). Enclava casa. Inscrita al folio veintiséis (26) del tomo trescientos veintinueve (329) de Toa Alta, finca número dieciséis mil doscientos veintiocho (16,228), Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón Sección Tercera (3ra). SE LES APERCIBE que, de no hacer sus alegaciones responsivas a la demanda dentro del término aquí dispuesto, se les anotará la rebeldía y se dictará Sentencia, concediéndose el remedio solicitado en la Demanda, sin más citarle ni oírle. Expedido bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, a 21 de febrero de 2023. LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. VIVIAN J. SANABRIA, SUB-SECRETARIA.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

WILMINGTON SAVINGS

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

ACQUISITION TRUST

2018-HB1 Demandante Vs. SUCESION RUBEN CACERES PEREZ T/C/C RUBEN CACERES COMPUESTA POR

RUBEN CACERES

GONZALEZ, CLAUDIA CACERES CAMILLA, GABRIEL CACERES, YVAN CACERES; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

Demandados

Civil Núm.: SJ2022CV02189.

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 San Juan, 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 San Juan, el 3 DE ABRIL DE 2023, A LAS 10:30 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: URBAN: Apartment

B dash seven hundred fifteen (B-715): Trapezoidal shaped Building two bedroom duplex apartment with a total surface area of one thousand sixty two (1,062) square feet, equivalent to ninety eight point sixty seven (98.67) square meters. Its general maximum measurements area approximately thirty four feet (34’) long by sixteen feet (16’), one inch wide, excluding balcony area. This is a two level apartment located on the seventh and eight floors of the high rise building. The main entrance is located on the lower level and faces North to a communal corridor. Its boundaries are: on the North, with a common wall that separates it from a communal corridor on the first level of the apartment, and from the exterior of the building on the second level; on the South, with a communal wall that separates it from the exterior of the building; on the East, on the first level, with a communal wall that separates it from apartment

B dash seven hundred fourteen (B-714) and on the second level with a communal wall that separates it from apartment B dash seven hundred fourteen (B-714); and on the West, with a communal wall that separates it from apartment B dash seven hundred sixteen (B-716), and on the second level with a communal wall that separates it from apartment B dash seven hundred sixteen (3-716). The lower level contains an entrance foyer with a coats closet, a guest bathroom, the kitchen, the living-dining room, a balcony and the staircase leading to the second level. The second level contains a linen closet, a corridor, one bathroom and two bedrooms with closet. This apartment has been assigned the use of parking space number seventy eight (78) of the regimen whose location is as indicated on the parking plan that was presented for recordation at the Registry of the Property, together with the Master Deed of the Regime. The parking spaces with the parking building located on the North side of Hostos Avenue, form part of Horizontal Property Regimen known as El Monte parking Condominium, with Regime was formed pursuant to deed number sixty five (65) of November six (6) nineteen seventy eight (1978) before Notary public Silvestre M. Miranda, and recorded at page two hundred fifty (250) of volume one thousand seven (1007) of the Registry of the Property of Puerto Rico, Second Section of San Juan. The aforesaid El Monte Parking Condominium consists of five hundred fifty seven (557) parking spaces of which two hundred seventy three (273) were dedicated to the Horizontal Property Regime Known as El Monte North Tower Condominium and the remaining two hundred eighty four (284) parking spaces were dedicated to the El Monte South Condominium. The apartment has an undivided interest on the common elements of the Regimen equivalent to point zero zero two six eight three percent (.002683%). Inscrita al folio 101 del tomo 1,150 de Rio Piedras Norte, finca 32,889, Registro de la Propiedad de San Juan, Sección II. La Hipoteca Revertida consta inscrita al folio 193 del tomo 1,594 de Rio Piedras Norte, finca 32,889, Registro de la Propiedad de San Juan, Sección II, inscripción 7ª. Propiedad localizada en: COND. EL MONTE SUR APT. B-715, SAN JUAN, PR 00918. 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 certi-

ficación 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: $274,500.00. Fecha de Vencimiento: 17 de septiembre de 2089. 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 $274,500.00, 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 11 DE ABRIL DE 2023, A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA, y se establece como mínima para dicha segunda subasta la suma de $183,000.00, 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 $137,250.00, 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 18 DE ABRIL DE 2023, A LAS 10:30 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 $185,585.47 de principal, más los intereses acumulados al 5.560% anual hasta su total y completo pago, contribuciones, recargos y primas de seguro adeudados y los cuales continuarán en aumento hasta el saldo total de la deuda, más $27,450.00, para las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, según pactado. 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 21 de febrero de 2023. EDWIN E.

LÓPEZ MULERO, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR PLACA #368.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

Demandante V. IRVING D MIRANDA SANCHEZ

Demandado(a)

Civil: AÑ2018CV00111. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: IRVING D MIRANDA SANCHEZ.

(NOMBRE DE LAS PARTES A LAS QUE SE LE NOTIFICAN LA SENTENCIA POR EDICTO)

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 16 de febrero de 2023, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 23 de febrero de 2023. En Añasco, Puerto Rico, el 23 de febrero de 2023. LCDA. NORMA G. SANTANA IRIZARRY, SECRETARIA. LUZ NELDY CHICO ACEVEDO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

HUMACAO BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. SUCESIÓN DE LUZ PAQUITA MALDONADO SÁNCHEZ; SUCESIÓN DE ROCA IRIZARRY NIEVES, COMPUESTA POR SUS

HIJOS JORGE LUIS

GUTIERREZ IRIZARRY, WANDA I. GUTIERREZ IRIZARRY Y JORGE IGNACIO RODRÍGUEZ IRIZARRY; FULANO DE TAL Y ZUTANO DE TAL, COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS O POSIBLES TITULARES DEL INMUEBLE OBJETO DE EJECUCIÓN; WALESKA ST KITTS FIGUEROA

Demandado(a)

Civil: HU2021CV00871. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA PROPIEDAD RESIDENCIAL, COBRO DE DINERO - ORDINARIO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: FULANO DE TAL Y ZUTANO DE TAL, COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE ROCA IRIZARRY NIEVES O POSIBLES TITULARES DEL INMUEBLE OBJETO DE EJECUCIÓN A SU DIRECCIÓN CONOCIDA: F-11 C/C TROPICAL BEACH, NAGUABO, PR 00718; WALESKA ST KITTS FIGUEROA A SUS DIRECCIONES

CONOCIDAS: F-11 C/C TROPICAL BEACH, NAGUABO, PR 00718 Y 80 CALVARY TERR. HAMPTON, VA 23666. P/C LCD. (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 23 de febrero de 2023, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta

notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 24 de febrero de 2023. En HUMACAO, Puerto Rico, el 24 de febrero de 2023.

IVELISSE C. FONSECA RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA. MICHELLE GUEVARA DE LEÓN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF PUERTO RICO

FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE, LLC.

Plaintiff Vs. NILDA LUZ SANTIAGO

MEDINA A/K/A NILDA

L. SANTIAGO MEDINA

A/K/A NILDA SANTIAGO

MEDINA A/K/A NILSA

SANTIAGO MEDINA A/K/A

NILDA LUZ SANTIAGO A/K/A NILDA L.

SANTIAGO A/K/A NILDA

SANTIAGO A/K/A NILSA

SANTIAGO; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Defendants

Civil Action No.: 17-cv-1627. NOTICE OF SALE.

To: NILDA LUZ

SANTIAGO MEDINA A/K/A

NILDA L. SANTIAGO

MEDINA A/K/A NILDA

SANTIAGO MEDINA

A/K/A NILSA SANTIAGO

MEDINA A/K/A NILDA

LUZ SANTIAGO A/K/A

NILDA L. SANTIAGO

A/K/A NILDA SANTIAGO

A/K/A NILSA SANTIAGO; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

GENERAL PUBLIC.

WHEREAS: Judgment was entered in favor of plaintiff to recover from defendants the principal sum of $86,409.11, plus interest at a rate of 5.060% per annum until the debt is paid in full. The defendant Nilda Luz

Santiago Medina a/k/a Nilda L.

Santiago Medina a/k/a Nilda

Santiago Medina a/k/a Nilsa

Santiago Medina a/k/a Nilda

Luz Santiago a/k/a Nilda L.

Santiago a/k/a Nilda Santiago a/k/a Nilsa Santiago to pay Finance of America Reverse, LLC., all advances made under the mortgage note including but not limited to insurance premiums, taxes and inspections as well as 10% ($17,100.00) of the original principal amount to cover costs, expenses, and attorney’s fees guaranteed under the mortgage obligation. The records of the case and of these proceedings may be examined by interested parties at the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court, Room 150, Federal Office Building, 150 Chardon Avenue,

Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. WHEREAS: Pursuant to the terms of the aforementioned Judgment, Order of Execution, and the Writ of Execution thereof, the undersigned Special Master was ordered to sell at public auction for U.S. currency in cash or certified check without appraisement or right of redemption to the highest bidder and at the office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Room 150 – Federal Office Building, 150 Carlos Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, to cover the sums adjudged to be paid to the plaintiff, the following property. “URBANA: Solar número seis de la Manzana H, Urbanización Santa Mónica, Barrio Pájaros de Bayamón, Puerto Rico, compuesta de 325.00 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, con el solar número 5, en 25.00 metros; por el SUR, con el solar número 7, en 25.00 metros; por el ESTE, con la Calle número 6, en 13.00 metros y por el OESTE con el solar número 21, en 7.00 metros y con el solar número 20, en 6.00 metros, con un total la distancia de 13.00 metros.”

Property Number 19,829 recorded at page 146 of volume 438 of Bayamon Sur, Registry of the Property of Puerto Rico, Section I of Bayamón. The mortgage being foreclosed is recorded at page 37, volume 1,933 of Bayamon Sur, property 19,829, 12th inscription, Registry of the Property of Puerto Rico, Section I of Bayamon. WHEREAS: This property is subject to the following liens: Senior Liens: None. Junior Liens: Reverse mortgage securing a note in favor of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, or its order, in the original principal amount of $171,000.00, due on March 30, 2094 pursuant to deed number 84, issued in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on June 9, 2014, before notary Magaly Rodriguez Batista, and recorded, at page 37 of volume 1,933 of Bayamon Sur, property number 19,829, 13th inscription. Other Liens: None. Potential bidders are advised to verify the extent of preferential liens with the holders thereof. It shall be understood that each bidder accepts as sufficient the title and that prior and preferential liens to the one being foreclosed upon, including but not limited to any property tax, liens, (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. THEREFORE, the FIRST PUBLIC SALE shall be held on the 4TH DAY OF APRIL, 2023 AT 9:15 AM. The minimum bid that will be accepted is the sum of $171,000.00.

In the event said first auction does not produce a bidder and the property is not adjudicated, a SECOND PUBLIC AUCTION shall be held on the 11TH DAY OF APRIL, 2023 AT 9:15AM, and the minimum bid that will be accepted is the sum $114,000.00, which is twothirds of the amount of the minimum bid for the first public sale. If a second auction does not result in the adjudication and sale of the property, a THIRD public auction will be held on the the 18th day of April, 2023 at 9:15am, and the minimum bid that will be accepted is the sum of $85,500.00, which is one-half of the minimum bid in the first public sale. The Special Master shall not accept in payment of the property to be sold anything but United States currency or certified checks, except in case the property is sold and adjudicated to the plaintiff, in which case the amount of the bid made by said plaintiff shall be credited and deducted from its credit; said plaintiff being bound to pay in cash or certified check only any excess of its bid over the secured indebtedness that remains unsatisfied. WHEREAS: Said sale to be made by the Special Master 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. Upon confirmation of the sale, an order shall be issued cancelling all junior liens. For further particulars, reference is made to the judgment entered by the Court in this case, which can be examined in the Office of Clerk of the United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, this 24th day of February of 2023. Pedro A. Vélez-Baerga, Special Master, specialmasterpr@gmail.com, 787-672-8269.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

ORIENTAL BANK

Demandante Vs CARLOS RAUL MALAVE MALDONADO

Demandado

Núm Caso: CD2022CV00071. Sala: 702. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO, POR LA VÍA ORDINDARIA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: CARLOS RAUL MALAVE MALDONADO. EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 17 de febrero de 2023, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debi-

damente 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 22 de febrero de 2023. En Caguas, Puerto Rico, el 22 de febrero de 2023. LISILDA MARTÍNEZ AGOSTO, SECRETARIA REGIONAL INTERINA. ENEIDA ARROYO VÉLEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

CENTRO JUDICIAL DE CAROLINA SALA DE CAROLINA

REVERSE MORTGAGE

FUNDING, LLC

Demandante Vs.

PABLO MADERA

APONTE, T/C/C PABLO

MADERA JR., T/C/C

PABLO MADERA POR

SÍ Y COMO MIEMBRO DE LA SUCESIÓN DE MARINA GUTIÉRREZ

PACHECO T/C/C

MARINA GUTIÉRREZ

T/C/C MARINA MARÍA

PACHECO T/C/C MARÍA

PACHECO; GLADYS MADERA; LYMARI

MADERA; BENITO

GUTIÉRREZ; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE MARINA GUTIÉRREZ

PACHECO T/C/C

MARINA GUTIÉRREZ

T/C/C MARINA MARÍA

PACHECO T/C/C MARÍA

PACHECO; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

Y LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: CA2022CV04086.

Sala: 402. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA - IN REM. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO E INTERPELACIÓN. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ES-

TADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO

LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A: SUCESIÓN DE MARINA GUTIÉRREZ

PACHECO T/C/C

MARINA GUTIÉRREZ

T/C/C MARINA MARÍA

PACHECO T/C/C MARÍA

PACHECO COMPUESTA

POR PABLO MADERA

APONTE, GLADYS

MADERA, LYMARI

MADERA, BENITO

GUTIÉRREZ Y FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO MIEMBROS DE NOMBRES DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE MARINA GUTIÉRREZ

PACHECO T/C/C

MARINA GUTIÉRREZ

T/C/C MARINA MARÍA

PACHECO T/C/C MARÍA

PACHECO.

POR LA PRESENTE, se les emplaza y se les notifica que se ha presentado en la Secretaría de este Tribunal la Demanda del caso del epígrafe solicitando la ejecución de hipoteca y el cobro de dinero relacionado al pagaré suscrito a favor de The Money House Inc., o a su orden, por la suma principal de $148,000.00, con intereses computados sobre la misma desde su fecha hasta su total y completo pago a razón de la tasa de interés de 3.566% anual, la cual será ajustada mensualmente, obligándose además al pago de costas, gastos y desembolsos del litigio, más honorarios de abogados en una suma de $14,800 equivalente al 10% de la suma principal original. Este pagaré fue suscrito bajo el affidávit número 1,493, ante el notario Laura Mía Gonzalez Bonilla.

Lo anterior surge de la hipoteca constituida mediante la escritura número 292 otorgada el 4 de junio de 2009, ante el mismo notario público, inscrita al tomo Karibe de Cayey, finca número 9,870, inscripción 7ma.

La Hipoteca Revertida grava la propiedad que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar radicado en la Urbanización Villa Fontana situada en el Barrio Sabana Abajo del término Municipal de Carolina, Puerto Rico, marcado con el número nueve de la manzana Cuatro JN, con un área de trescientos metros cuadrados con siete centésimas de metro cuadrado, en lindes; por el NORTE, con la calle número trescientos uno, distancia de trece metros con ochocientos sesenta milésimas de metro; por el SUR, con el solar número veintiocho y un área de siembra, distancia de trece metros con ochocientos sesenta milésimas de metro; por el ESTE, con el solar número

diez, distancia de veintiún metros con seiscientos cincuenta milésimas de metro; y por el OESTE, con el solar número ocho distancia de veintiún metros con seiscientos cincuenta milésimas de metro. Contiene una casa de concreto para una sola familia. Finca Número 11,242 inscrita al folio 18 del tomo 297 de Carolina, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección I de Carolina. Se apercibe y advierte a ustedes como personas desconocidas, que deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Administración y Manejo 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 no contestar la demanda radicando el original de la contestación ante la secretaría del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Región Judicial de Carolina, Sala de Carolina, y notificar copia de la contestación de esta a la parte demandante por conducto de su abogada, GLS LEGAL SERVICES, LLC, Atención: Lcda. Genevieve López Stipes, Dirección: P.O. Box 367308, San Juan, P.R. 00936-7308, Teléfono: 787-758-6550, dentro de los próximos sesenta (60) días a partir de la publicación de este emplazamiento por edicto, que será publicado una sola vez en un periódico de circulación diaria general en la isla de Puerto Rico, se le anotará la rebeldía y se dictará sentencia, concediendo el remedio solicitando en la Demanda sin más citarle ni oírle. Vista la interpelación judicial presentada por la parte demandante al amparo del Artículo 1578 del Código Civil de Puerto Rico se ordena a Pablo Madera Aponte, Gladys Madera, Lymari Madera, Benito Gutiérrez y a Fulano de Tal y Sutano de Tal como miembros de nombres desconocidos de la Sucesión de Marina Gutiérrez

Pacheco t/c/c Marina Gutiérrez

t/c/c Marina María Pacheco

t/c/c María Pacheco que notifiquen si aceptan o repudian la herencia de la causante dentro del plazo de 30 días contados a partir de la notificación de la orden. Se le apercibe que de no comparecer en dicho termino a aceptar o repudiar la herencia, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. Expedido bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal hoy Carolina a 27 de febrero de 2023. LCDA.

MARILYN APONTE RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. SOLMARIE MONTERO CASTRO, SUB-SECRETARIA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA

SALA SUPERIOR DE ARECIBO

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. SUCESIÓN DE ELIGIO COLÓN VALENTÍN, COMPUESTA POR: ELLIOT COLÓN ROBLES, CRISTOFER COLÓN ROBLES, RENÉ COLÓN ROBLES, JEFFREY COLÓN ROBLES, CINTHIA COLÓN ROBLES, FULANO Y MENGANO DE TAL, COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; DOLORES MEDINA GUERRERO, EN LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFRUCTUARIA

Demandados

Civil Núm.: AR2019CV01603. (402). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE GARANTÍAS. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: PÚBLICO EN GENERAL. El Alguacil del Tribunal que suscribe anuncia y hace constar: A. Que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento que me ha sido dirigido por la Secretaria del Tribunal de Primera Instancia de Puerto Rico, Sala de Arecibo, en el caso de epígrafe, venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor de contado y en moneda de curso legal y corriente de los Estados Unidos de América y cuyo pago se efectuará en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, todo derecho, título o interés que tenga la Parte Demandada en el bien inmueble que se describe a continuación: RÚSTICA: Predio de terreno radicado en el Barrio Hato Viejo de Arecibo, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de setecientos dieciocho punto cincuenta y siete metros cuadrados (718.57) y en lindes por el NORTE, ESTE y OESTE, en diecisiete punto ochenta y cinco metros, en cuarenta metros y en cuarenta punto cuarenta metros, respectivamente, con el remanente de la finca principal de la cual se segrega; y por el SUR, en diecisiete punto noventa metros, con una carretera municipal. Dirección Física: RD 123 KM 78.8 BO. ARIZONA HATO VIEJO, ARECIBO PR 00612. Finca 18,203, inscrita al folio 100 del tomo 1,021 de Arecibo, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de Arecibo. B. Que los autos y todos los documentos corres-

pondientes al procedimiento incoado están de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante las horas laborables bajo el epígrafe de este caso. C. 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 ejecutante, continuarán subsistentes, entendiéndose que el rematente los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. D. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para satisfacer a la parte demandante el importe de la sentencia que ha obtenido ascendente a la suma principal de $16,823.56, la suma de $10,054.81, que incluye intereses según pactados, cargos por demora y otros cargos, que se acumulan diariamente hasta su total y completo pago, más la suma de 10% del principal, por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado. La PRIMERA SUBASTA se celebrará el día 12 DE ABRIL DE 2023 A LAS 1:30 DE LA TARDE en la Oficina del Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia de Arecibo, por el tipo mínimo de $75,000.00. De declararse desierta dicha subasta se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 19 DE ABRIL DE 2023 A LAS 1:30 DE LA TARDE en el mismo lugar antes mencionado. El precio para la segunda subasta lo será 2/3 partes del precio mínimo de la primera, o sea, $50,000.00. De declararse desierta dicha segunda subasta, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 26 DE ABRIL DE 2023 A LAS 1:30 DE LA TARDE en el mismo lugar antes mencionado. El precio para la tercera subasta lo será 1/2 del precio mínimo de la primera, o sea, $37,500.00. Y PARA QUE ASÍ CONSTE, y para su publicación en un periódico de circulación general y por un término de catorce (14) días en los sitios públicos conforme a la ley, expido la presente bajo mi firma y sello de este tribunal, hoy 24 de febrero de 2023 en Arecibo, Puerto Rico. ÁNGEL DE J. TORRES PÉREZ, ALGUACIL #770.

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF PUERTO RICO BAUTISTA REO PR CORP. Plaintiff V. THE ESTATE OF JUAN

MARGARITA CARRUCINI DELGADO A/K/A MARGARITA CARRUCINI, BY HERSELF AND AS MEMBER OF THE ESTATE OF JUAN VÁZQUEZ PEDROZA

Defendants Civil No.: 3:20-cv-01494. (JAG). COLLECTION OF MONIES AND FORECLOSURE OF MORTGAGE. NOTICE OF SALE.

To: DEFENDANT AND GENERAL PUBLIC.

On June 13, 2022, this Court entered Judgment by Stipulation in favor of Bautista Cayman Asset Company, now Bautista REO PR Corp. (“Bautista REO”). To date, Defendants have not satisfied the Judgment. As of September 15, 2021, the Defendants owe Bautista REO a total amount of $212,729.79 comprised as follows: (i) $123,838.78 in principal; plus (ii) interests in the amount of $68,472.52 which continues to accrue, even postjudgment as per the agreement of the parties, until full payment of the debt at $25.80 per diem; plus (iii) accrued late charges in the amount of $4,191.96; plus (iv) other expenses in the amount of $2,226.50 and any other advance, charge, fee or disbursements made by Bautista REO, as well as under the other loan documents; plus (v) costs and agreed attorney’s fees in the amount of $14,000.00. Pursuant to said judgment and the Order of Execution of Judgment, the undersigned appointed Special Master was ordered to sell, at public auction for U.S. currency in cash or certified check, without appraisement or right to redemption, to the highest bidder, at the office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Room 150 - Federal Building, 350 Carlos Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, or at any other place designated by said Clerk, to cover the sums adjudged to be paid to the plaintiff, the following property:

URBAN: Lot number 39 of the Gonzalez Seijo Development plot plan, located in the Sabana Llana ward of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, with a surface area of 334.96 square meters.

Adjacent to the North, at 12.00 meters with the Insular Highway number 3; to the South, at 11.98 meters with lot number 37 of the development; to the East, at 27.64 meters with lot number 40 of the development; and to the West, at 28.28 meters with lot number 38 of the development. Enclaves a residential house for a family. The property described above is recorded at page 181 of volume 192 of Sabana Llana, property number 8,614, Registry of Property, Fifth Section of San Juan. Di-

rección Física: Calle De Diego #562, Urb. González Seijó, Barrio Sabana Llana, San Juan, PR 00924. The Property is described in the Spanish language as follows: URBANA: Solar número 39 del plano de la Urbanización Gonzalez Seijo, sito en el barrio Sabana Llana del Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, con un área superficial de 334.96 metros cuadrados. Colindando por el Norte, en 12.00 metros con la Carretera Insular numero 3; por el Sur, en 11.98 metros con el solar número 37 de la urbanización; por el Este, en 27.64 metros con el solar número 40 de la urbanización; y por el Oeste, en 28.28 metros con el solar número 38 de la Urbanización. Enclava una casa residencial para una familia. The property described above is recorded at page 181 of volume 192 of Sabana Llana, property number 8,614, Registry of Property, Fifth Section of San Juan.

Physical Address: #562 De Diego Street, González Seijó Dev., Sabana Llana Ward, San Juan, PR 00924. The property is subject to the following liens: BY ITS ORIGIN: Easement in favor of Puerto Rico Water Resources Authority. BY ITSELF: MORTGAGE in guarantee of note in favor of New York Mortgage Bankers, or to its order, in the principal amount of $140,000.00, with a yearly interest rate of 7½%, due on April 1, 2020, as per Deed No. 189, executed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 29, 2005, before Notary Public Oscar M. González Rivera, recorded at page 162 of volume 983B of Sabana Llana, 16th abbreviated inscription. COMPLAINT ANNOTATION: The object of this annotation is the Mortgage in favor of New York Mortgage Bankers for the amount of $140,000.00 arising from inscription #16.

Plaintiff: Bautista Cayman Asset Company; Defendant: Juan Vázquez Pedroza, amount owed $123,838.78, for principal plus interest, according to United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico Lawsuit in Civil case #3:20-CV-01494GAG on September 23, 2020, recorded in volume Karibe of Sabana Llana, Annotation A. Potential bidders are advised to verify the extent of preferential liens with the holders thereof. It shall be understood that each bidder accepts as sufficient the title and that prior and preferential liens to the one being foreclosed upon, including but not limited to any property tax, liens, (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 lien executed is over the property, and for the pur-

poses of the first judicial sale the minimum bid amount is as follows: a. The amount of $140,000.00, as set forth in the mortgage deed, shall serve as the minimum bidding amount for the first public sale. Should the first public sale fail to produce an award or adjudication, two-thirds of the aforementioned amount or $93,333.33 shall serve as the minimum bidding amount for the second public sale. Should there be no award or adjudication at the second public sale, the minimum bidding amount for the third public sale shall be $70,000.00. 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 may be executed and delivered after the judicial sale. Upon confirmation of the sale, an order shall be issued canceling all junior liens. THEREFORE, PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the appointed Special Master, pursuant to the provisions of the Judgment herein before referred to, will, on the 21ST DAY OF APRIL, 2023, AT 10:30

A.M., in the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Room 150 - Federal Building, 350 Carlos Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, 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 described in this Notice will be held on the 28th day of April, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., in the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Room 150 - Federal Building, 350 Carlos 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 5TH DAY OF MAY, 2023, AT 10:30 A.M., in the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Room 150 - Federal Building, 350 Carlos Chardón Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. 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. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, this 9th day of February, 2023. AGUEDO DE LA TORRE, APPOINTED SPECIAL MASTER.

Jacob deGrom liked the Mets. But the Rangers liked him more.

By JAMES WAGNER

Watching from afar while he played for the New York Mets, Jacob deGrom said he had his eye on the Texas Rangers. He did not get to see them play often, but definitely noticed when they doled out $581 million in contracts before the 2022 season to a group of free agents headlined by the All-Star infielders Corey Seager and Marcus Semien.

“You see those headline names, two of the best players in the game up the middle sign here, it definitely sparks interest,” deGrom said.

After a 102-loss season in which their team had one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball, Rangers officials were public about their desire to improve in that area. To do so, the team’s majority owner, Ray Davis, authorized another winter spending spree. DeGrom noticed that, too.

“Sitting down in the offseason and going over places where you can see yourself, they were on the top of the list,” he said at his locker before a spring training game in Surprise, Arizona over the weekend.

After 13 years in the Mets organization — he was drafted in 2010, he won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2014 and he was named the NL Cy Young Award winner in 2018 and ’19 — deGrom surprised some by joining the Rangers this winter. They lured him to Texas with a fiveyear, $185 million contract. Based on certain conditions, the deal could add another year and reach $222 million.

That is a lot of money for a pitcher of deGrom’s age (34) and injury history (he has started a total of 26 games over the last two seasons). It was also a lot more than the Mets reportedly offered to keep him. Of course, Mets fans most likely don’t want to hear that. And it does not make the move

any less surprising when deGrom, a year after the Mets won 101 games, repeatedly talks about joining the Rangers because he wants to win.

The Rangers, after all, haven’t had a winning season or reached the playoffs since 2016, and they play in the same division as the defending champion Houston Astros. The Mets, with plenty of stars and a recordsetting $370 million payroll, are among the World Series favorites this season.

“For me, the amount of the interest that the Rangers showed right away was huge for me,” deGrom said.

“And the vision here,” he continued, before alluding to the teams’ differing outlooks. “That’s been said before about the chances of winning, but it all boils down to getting out there and seeing where you are when the season ends.”

At that point, he knows, anything can happen. Even though deGrom missed the first four months of last season with a shoulder injury, the Mets finished with the second-highest win total in franchise history but were bounced from the playoffs in the first round by the San Diego Padres.

The 87-win Philadelphia Phillies, who slipped into the postseason as the final

NL wild-card team, ended up in the World Series and got within two victories of a title.

“What we’ve done with the pitching here,” deGrom said of the Rangers, “you get these guys in the playoffs and you’ve got a chance.”

With the playoff field having expanded to 12 teams from 10 before last season, the Rangers and deGrom are hoping that their improvements are enough to put them in contention. In hopes of remaking the team’s starting rotation, General Manager Chris Young complemented his aces, deGrom and Jon Gray, by signing the free-agent pitchers Nathan Eovaldi and Andrew Heaney, re-signing Martín Pérez and trading for Jake Odorizzi. In all, the Rangers spent $246 million in free agency this winter.

“I signed here and they continued to make moves to make the playoffs,” deGrom said. “The goal is to win a World Series.”

DeGrom said that the most fun he has had playing baseball was reaching the 2015 World Series with the Mets. Coincidentally, they lost that series to the Kansas City Royals, a team that had Young on its pitching staff. During an hourlong video chat before he signed, deGrom said he heard Young’s World Series goals for the Rangers and how they wanted him to be a big part of that plan. DeGrom said he also spoke with manager Bruce Bochy, who won three World Series titles with the San Francisco

Giants and was lured back to the dugout by Young this winter.

DeGrom was a free agent because he triggered the opt-out clause in the five-year, $137.5 million contract extension he signed with the Mets in 2019. Although he said throughout last season that he wanted to remain with the Mets for his entire career, there was fear all along that he would leave.

When the offseason began, Mets general manager Billy Eppler said he made a pact with Stephen Veltman, deGrom’s agent, about staying in touch. It wasn’t until after deGrom chose the Rangers that the Mets signed Justin Verlander, a three-time winner of the American League Cy Young Award, to replace him.

“They did everything right by me,” deGrom said of the Mets. “I’m very thankful for my time there.”

DeGrom insisted he was comfortable in New York. He knew the organization and vice versa. His family knew the area. Fans knew him as the team’s longest-tenured star. Coming to the Rangers will mean starting from scratch; in addition to the personal changes, deGrom said he had never previously been teammates with anyone in the Rangers clubhouse.

“It was never that I wanted to leave New York,” he said. “It’s not like I wanted out of there. I enjoyed my time there. I have great friends still from there. And it was just that the Rangers pursued me and came after me, and when you sit down and try to go over the places you can see yourself playing, the Rangers were definitely atop that list.”

Little by little, deGrom is getting to know his teammates. Jonah Heim, the Rangers catcher who lives in the Dallas area in the winter, said he first sat down with deGrom after the pitcher’s introductory news conference in December. DeGrom said his adjustment, so far, has been smooth.

The Rangers have been cautious with him as he works his way back from side tightness that cropped up when he first arrived in camp two weeks ago. And his 6-year-old son, Jaxon, is getting used to wearing Rangers gear.

“He just wants to pitch, and I think he’s going to fit in well with this group,” Bochy said.

“He’s pitched in New York,” the manager added, “and you spend some time there, you can handle just about anything.”

Jacob deGrom has won two Cy Young Awards but injuries have limited him to 26 starts over the last two seasons.

In the aftermath of a would-be dynasty, the Cubs begin to build

By SCOTT MILLER

This season’s Chicago Cubs should come packaged in a wax wrapper with a stale stick of bubble gum. No other team can better replicate one of the thrilling rites of spring: opening a new pack of baseball cards. Hey, there’s a Dansby Swanson … wow, a Cody Bellinger … look, an Eric Hosmer and a Tucker Barnhart! And Trey Mancini, too?

“The spoils of riches,” starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks said with a smile. “I feel like every time you opened social media this offseason, it seemed like we were getting another guy.”

Seven years after the greatest moment in club history, the Cubs’ 2016 World Series championship, Hendricks is the last remaining player from that title team. He looks around a clubhouse dotted with fresh, young faces and rich, new free agents and acknowledges the glory days of the past and the impending challenges of the now. Sometimes, he admitted, it makes him feel old at 33.

But baseball players are wired to stay in the moment. And after Chicago’s rebuilding project made an abrupt U-turn this winter, into splurging some $310 million to sign 10 free agents, there is renewed energy in Cubs camp. From owner Tom Ricketts to Hendricks to the least-tenured rookie, the emphasis is back on results, rather than development.

How the Cubs ended up in a steep descent after playing in three consecutive National League Championship Series from 2015-17, is something people around the team still cannot fully explain.

A decade or so ago the Cubs and the Houston Astros stripped their rosters down and began building from the ground up. The process worked, with both clubs ending up with stacked rosters of star players they had developed. But since 2017, the Cubs, who had once appeared on the verge of being a dynasty, have instead spent their Octobers watching the Astros win the World Series twice, lose a third, and play in the ALCS six consecutive times — and counting.

The past two seasons have seen the Cubs bottom out, finishing a combined 34 games under .500. The Astros, who have continued to churn out star prospects, have used that development pipeline to weather the losses of free agents like George Springer, Carlos Correa and Gerrit Cole — a process that continued when Justin Verlander signed with the New York Mets this winter.

The Cubs, meanwhile, blew up a core that will be re -

membered forever in Wrigleyville for ending 108 years of futility, but did so without having replacements ready to step in. They let Kyle Schwarber leave as a free agent in December 2020, rather than going to salary arbitration with him, and traded away Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Báez at the trading deadline in 2021 — an acknowledgment that the team was getting more expensive but playing worse.

“Obviously, the Cubs and the Astros were in the same boat 10 years ago, or whatever it was, and they have been more successful at sustaining their success,” Ricketts said in Mesa, Arizona last week. “I’m not sure why that is. I don’t think I could tell you why that is.

“But it’s obviously something we’d like to be more consistent with here.”

Ricketts said Jed Hoyer, the Cubs’ president of baseball operations, “had a great offseason” in acquiring talent, filling holes and positioning the Cubs to get back to winning games.

“If you take the second half of last year and take the guys we put on the team the last couple of months,” Ricketts said, “I think you’re pretty optimistic.”

As Ricketts noted, the sudden strategic shift can be partially attributed to the team’s going 39-31 to close out the 2022 season. The optimism that the franchise was finally moving in the right direction was real.

But so, too, was this: The Cubs drew the fewest fans to Wrigley Field in a full

season since 1997. And since the debut of their regional television network in February 2020, ratings for their broadcasts have declined by 56%.

The franchise remains flush enough to have outspent 25 other clubs on the free-agent market this winter (only the New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Mets and Philadelphia Phillies spent more). But the sharp declines in attendance and television ratings made it clear that the fan base was not dealing well with the team’s extended teardown.

Ricketts dryly noted that part of the “pulse” of the fan base “comes straight to my email box.” Hoyer insisted the fans’ sour mood did not influence the team’s spending directly, but admitted the dissatisfaction factored into its thinking.

“Absolutely,” Hoyer said. “Just in terms of, you were a team that could sell out a Tuesday night game in the middle of May against a last-place team. I feel like, when you have that kind of fan support, you want to honor the fans as much as you can with a competitive team. And we obviously did that for a long time. But, you know, we took a step back when we made some of those trades.”

Hoyer emphasized the importance of the baseball operations department’s steadfastly making “the right decisions for the short term and long term based on baseball knowledge and our beliefs” and not allowing emotions to influence direction.

Rather than thinking about what was lost or what could have been, Hendricks said, “I think it was exactly what it should have been.”

“It was so emotional and so tough,” he added. “Onehundred eight years, everything going on behind that, to go and accomplish that feat as a group together, it took a lot. It takes a lot. And it was time for guys to go and see their hard work fulfilled and get what they get.”

In shifting gears this winter, Hoyer’s vision was sharp and consistent. He patched holes that were not filled via trade at first base (Hosmer), shortstop (Swanson), center field (Bellinger), catcher (Barnhart) and designated hitter (Mancini). He added free agents Jameson Taillon and Drew Smyly to the team’s starting rotation.

There was an emphasis on run prevention: Swanson, Bellinger and Barnhart all are Gold Glove winners, and with Nico Hoerner moving to second base from shortstop to accommodate Swanson, few teams will be better defensively up the middle than the Cubs.

“My smile just kept getting bigger and bigger,” Hendricks said.

By design, most of the deals are short so as not to block the paths of key minor league prospects. Bellinger, Hosmer and Barnhart are on one-year deals. Mancini got a two-year deal. Of the position players, only Swanson (seven years, $177 million) is signed long-term.

Staying put in Chicago had benefits beyond dollars for Swanson: In December he married soccer star Mallory Swanson (formerly Pugh) who plays for the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League.

“Probably the best way to sum it up is that we felt this is where we were called to be, to spend the next seven years of our life together,” Swanson said. “And we’re excited to see what’s in store for us.”

After their World Series curse was lifted, the Cubs faded away and jettisoned their stars. The brutal process of starting over took a turn this off-season thanks to $310 million in free agents.

EN ALUMINIO

PRESENTAR ANUNCIO. Aprobado por DACO

Jake Paul finally fought a real boxer. He lost.

By MORGAN CAMPBELL

Moments into his cruiserweight bout Sunday, which headlined a heavily-hyped pay-per-view card in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, Jake Paul connected on Tommy Fury with the kind of right hand that usually makes highlight reels.

In October, a similar shot dropped retired mixed martial arts star Anderson Silva in his showdown with Paul, who gained fame through YouTube videos before turning to pro boxing. And in December 2021, Paul landed an overhand right against Tyron Woodley, another aging MMA standout, knocking him unconscious.

But Fury, a 23-year-old pro boxer from England, barely flinched. Instead, he closed out the first round with a series of sharp jabs, followed by a straight right and a left hook just before the bell.

The bout was sold on the premise that it would settle the question of whether Paul, 26, a social media influencer with high-profile wins against a retired basketball player and MMA fighters, could defeat a legitimate boxer. Those opening sequences provided an early clue.

Paul entered Sunday’s contest with a lopsided social media advantage — 22.7 million Instagram followers to Fury’s 4.7 million. But Fury, the half brother of Tyson Fury, the World Boxing Council heavyweight champion, had better boxing skills.

He deployed a longer, sharper jab, landed the more authoritative power punches and used superior timing to achieve a splitdecision win. Two judges scored the bout 76-73 for Fury, while a third favored Paul 75-74.

“Tonight, I made my own legacy,” Fury said in the ring immediately after the fight.

“I had the world on me. I had pressure on my shoulders, and I came through.”

Fury improved his record to 9-0, while Paul absorbed his first professional loss.

This is definitely a humbling experience,” said Paul, now 6-1 with four knockouts. “I’ll take it on the chin.”

That an eight-round fight between fighters who entered with a combined 14 professional fights headlined a pay-per-view event that retailed for $49.99 highlighted the power of Paul’s selfpromotion and the development of his boxing franchise.

Paul’s rise as a boxer had been built mostly on buzz, with his succession of wins over widely known parttimers creating the perception, stoked by Paul himself, that he could compete with world-class practitioners. He

has called out retired welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather, who pummeled Paul’s brother, Logan, in a 2021 exhibition; Paul has also suggested that he could defeat super-middleweight champion Saúl Álvarez by 2024.

Three years after his first pro bout, though, Paul had headlined four pay-perview events, but he still had not faced a full-time boxer.

Enter Fury, the youngest, most chiseled and most social media-savvy member of a boxing family. But whereas Tyson Fury, 34, has been a heavyweight champion since 2015, Tommy Fury is best known for his role on the reality television show “Love Island.”

His two previous scheduled meetings with Paul had fallen through, most recently because Fury was denied a visa to travel to the United States because of his family association with Daniel Kinahan, the reputed head of an Irish drug cartel who is wanted by U.S. authorities.

But Fury was free to travel to Saudi Arabia, where the country’s sport ministry, backed by its sovereign wealth fund, has bankrolled a long list of pro sports events and has lured significant boxing matches with extravagant purse guarantees. Saudi backers put up $77 million to bring an August rematch between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk to the Jeddah Superdome.

Sunday’s fight took place in a tempo -

rary outdoor arena, with boxing figures like Mike Tyson, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder ringside. Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined a Saudi club team after last year’s World Cup, also attended. The WBC created a ceremonial title for the occasion: the Diriyah Champion Belt.

Paul and Fury entered the ring with a level of hype and pageantry befitting the Super Bowl, but the skill level on display was akin to an XFL game — professional but not elite.

“This was high-level boxing — for this level,” Shawn Porter, a former world welterweight champion who worked the fight as a broadcast analyst, said after the final bell.

Paul landed occasional counter left hooks and lead right hands but never adjusted to Fury’s long, steady left jab. Fury landed straight rights and uppercuts but couldn’t prevent Paul from wrapping him up in clinches. Whereas top-tier boxers might have adjusted to those tactics, Fury and Paul kept repeating them, clinching so much that the referee deducted a point from each fighter for excessive holding.

Paul scored the bout’s only knockdown — a jab in the eighth round made an off-balance Fury touch the canvas with his gloves — but Fury racked up a lopsided statistical advantage: He landed 88 of his 302 punches, compared with 49 of 157 by Paul.

“This, to me, was a world title fight,” Fury said.

Paul’s first professional loss came in the first bout that strayed from the formula that had brought him boxing fame. After defeating several nonboxers in their late 30s and mid-40s, Paul finally faced a younger opponent whose main sport was boxing.

Those circumstances could complicate Paul’s countermoves. His appeal, after all, has rested on the curiosity about what would happen when he faced a real boxer. Sunday provided some answers.

Paul’s most recent highly viewed social media clip involved him on HBO’s “Game Theory,” snapping at the show’s host, Bomani Jones, who had asked Paul how he would react if he lost to Fury.

But Paul already knew. His contract with Fury contained a rematch clause, and after the bout Paul said he intended to exercise it.

“We did big business.” Paul said at the post-fight news conference. “For that reason, the rematch is gonna be even bigger.”

Jake Paul, at left in black trunks, scored the fight’s only knockdown, but Tommy Fury landed more punches and earned a split-decision win.

Ramos Director Funerario “Tus

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 38

Wordsearch

Aries (Mar 21-April 20)

You’re in your stride and raring to go, Aries. Yet you could be inclined to take the path of least resistance. And if you’re offered a treat, trip, meal or pampering session, you may be ready to down tools and go have some fun. With the Moon in sensitive Cancer, it’s a good time to nurture yourself by eating good food, relaxing when you can, and generally being kinder to yourself.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

It’s a good day to bring one of your hidden fears out into the open, and talk it over with a friend or trusted confidante. There’s so much more benefit to doing this, than keeping it under lock and key and feeling stressed out and down about it. Their perspective could be very enlightening, and they might even offer a solution or two. Once it’s out, you’ll feel so much more at peace, Taurus.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

A group or club of like-minded people might appeal so much, that you’re tempted to pay handsomely to enrol. Your zeal and enthusiasm knows no bounds today, and you could find yourself very excited to be a part of this crowd. And yet the savvy Moon in Cancer, may give you reservations Gemini, so think carefully before paying up in case you get disillusioned.

Cancer (June 22-July 23)

It’s time to overcome any doubts, and be ready to go big on a bold idea that may take your career or reputation to the next level. You’ll sense that you are onto something special, but you may need to push yourself to get it off the ground. If you know someone who wants to collaborate with you, their presence makes it less likely you’ll give up, and more likely you’ll succeed.

Leo (July 24-Aug 23)

Things are looking up today, as a fabulous blend of influences could bring you an experience that proves to be unforgettable. If you’re on vacation or doing anything that takes you out of your comfort zone, there is potential for an opportunity, a romance or something else, that you’ll really appreciate and that might take your game plan to the next level where you’ve long wanted it.

Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 23)

As Venus and Jupiter are on the verge of merging in a passionate and intense zone, the feelings in your partnership could be rekindled. You might also meet someone who you click with powerfully, and you’ll feel the instant chemistry. There is also potential for a windfall or perhaps news of a business deal. Something bright may be on the cards for you over coming days.

Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)

Social occasions could be filled with joy and happiness, whether you’re going on a special date or fun gathering with friends. With Venus and Jupiter holding hands in your sector of relating, encounters sparkle with promise. And you might connect with someone who is so impressed with you, they want you on their team or to be a part of their life. Be ready for a bold offer!

Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)

You’ll have extra energy to burn today, so you might want to explore new ways of working out or new trails to walk or hills to climb, as this will give you more options in the future. Better still, go with someone else and you might find this a good way to stay accountable on your fitness journey. And if there’s an area of life that’s overwhelming, now is the time to do something.

Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)

The romance factor is high now and over the next day or so, encouraging you to pull out all the stops and take your partner on a surprise date. A new love affair could blossom too. Make it something fresh and different, and you’ll be amply rewarded. This is also a good time for promoting your creative talent to the world at large. Good things can come from doing so.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)

There could be a celebration due to an event on the home front. If you’ve just got the keys to a property and are excited about it, you may want to get friends together and toast your new start. With Venus and Jupiter in alignment, this is a good day for entertaining or choosing the décor for a homely makeover. Whatever you’re doing, make time to relax and enjoy the good vibes.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb 19)

Don’t opt for the same old routine, as a lively aspect hints that changing it could put you in the right place at the right time to enjoy a lucky break. It could be an opportunity, an encounter or even a bargain buy. Take a different route to work, go to another café for a coffee and vary your day as much as possible. Plus, you never know what might happen if you trust your intuition.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)

There are so many opportunities calling out to you that could enhance your income, with the coming days being a high point. Nobody likes to be short of cash, and if you play your cards right you could generate more of it on an ongoing basis. There may be one opportunity that seems too good to be true, but if you feel it has your name on it, what are you waiting for?

Speed Bump