Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
The word "debt" has been associated with Pittsburgh Technical College for a long time.
In the fiscal year 2019, the college had a debt of $46.4 million, the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned, before Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith ever
stepped foot in Pittsburgh, or on the college's grounds in Oakdale.
Dr. Harvey-Smith is the president of Pittsburgh Technical College, or PTC for short. Today, the school is pretty much no more.
The school's Board of Trustees decided in June 2024 to close the college altogether in August following declining enrollment and a host of investigations and local TV news stories that, according to some at the college who
spoke with the Courier, including Dr. Harvey-Smith, portrayed the college in a very bad light.
A group that referred to themselves as "The Whistleblowers" filed a number of complaints against the PTC president in 2023, specifically pertaining to decisions she had made and the alleged financial spending she had done.
The college's board responded by hiring an independent law firm to conduct an investigation. Following the investigation, the Board of Trustees wrote that "the vast majority of the allegations were summarily found to be without merit, but the report highlighted three areas of concern for further evaluation by the board."
Those concerns included
by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
Black women have had enough.
A Black woman calls the police on her own, looking for help, as there may be a prowler around her home. And she's the one who ends up dead. It didn't happen in Pittsburgh—it happened in Springfield, Illinois, in the early morning hours of July 6, to 36-year-old Sonya Massey. Sangamon County deputies responded to the call, including 30-year-old Sean Grayson. Once inside Massey's home, Grayson ended up shooting and killing Massey, seemingly for
no reason. Grayson tried to say he feared that she would use a pot of hot water on him, but Grayson's boss was having no part of that explanation. Two officers were there, including Grayson, when the situation unfolded, and the other officer had no plans of firing his weapon towards an unarmed person, where there was no danger present.
“It is clear that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards,” Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell said in a statement posted on the agen-
Project FREEDOM unveiled to combat controversial Project 2025
by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
A group of well-known Black Democratic leaders unveiled Project FREEDOM, a fresh strategy to combat Project 2025, a contentious 922-page plan to reform the federal government put forth by a conservative Washington think tank and other political allies.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have repeatedly warned in campaign speeches that if Donald Trump wins a second term, he plans to use the conservative blueprint to exert unprecedented presidential power, eliminate the Department of Education and federal housing assistance, and significantly cut or restrict food stamps and other social welfare programs.
Trump has tried to distance himself from Project 2025, calling some of the proposals “seriously extreme,” but its architects helped shape his Republican Party platform.
Project FREEDOM, the organizers said in a virtual news conference, is designed to engage Black voters in four key battleground areas.
In the plan, the group says it aims to mobilize voters of color through town halls, community events, digital campaigns, and phone banks in Michigan, North Carolina, Las Vegas, and the Pennsylvania/Tri-State area.
Project FREEDOM aims to provide voters with a substantial policy agenda for Democrats ahead of the November election, offering a clear and precise contrast to Project 2025. Organizers say Project FREEDOM is based on four pillars: Freedom to Live, Freedom to Learn, Freedom to Vote, and Freedom to Thrive.
“When people show you who they really are, you
have a responsibility to speak your Truth. Project FREEDOM is our opportunity to speak in one collective voice and say, ‘This will not stand,” said Rev. Michael McBride, co-founder of Black Church PAC and the National Black Brown Gun Violence Prevention Consortium, which work to center Black and brown gun violence prevention practitioners and scale up life-saving interventions related to urban and communal violence.
They said Freedom to Live is born from the idea that the Black community should be able to “live freely and without fear.”
Organizers are calling for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which Republicans in the U.S. Senate have stalled. “The way to really engage voters to go to the polls is to make sure they know we’re not just going for a celebratory vote. Instead, we’re going to the polls with our bag of demands with us,” said Tamika Mallory, co-founder of Until Freedom, an intersectional social justice organization.
Mallory emphasized the need to address income inequality, educational challenges, and police violence. She referenced the case of Sonya Massey, an unarmed 36-year-old Black woman and mother of two, who was fatally shot by former deputy Sean Grayson in her Illinois home. Grayson’s troubled history in law enforcement, including prior disciplinary issues, highlights systemic problems in policing that Project
FREEDOM aims to address.
Meanwhile, Freedom to Thrive calls for expanding the Child Tax Credit, increasing the federal minimum wage to match inflation, and a pilot program for Universal Basic Income in low-income communities nationwide.
Additionally, Freedom to Learn focuses on education, including canceling student debt and protecting Black American history in public schools. Freedom to Vote aims to strengthen voting rights, advocate for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act’s passage, and reshape the U.S. Supreme Court.
Michael Blake, founder of Project FREEDOM and CEO of KAIROS Democracy Project, emphasized the urgency of the initiative. “Our democracy is under siege by a man and political machine that put themselves above all those in whom they detect ‘otherness,’” said Blake a former vice chair of the Democratic Party. “We cannot afford to forget the pain inflicted on our people throughout Donald Trump’s administration, and we certainly cannot afford the destructiveness a second term would normalize,” Blake stated.
Project FREEDOM officials said, “Make no mistake: Communities of color are the frontline communities targeted by the poison that is Project 2025’s Christian Nationalist vision for the future, and Project FREEDOM is the antidote.”
This Week In Black History A Courier Staple
•JULY 31
1874—Father Patrick Francis Healy becomes the first Black president of a major White university when he is inaugurated on this day as president of Georgetown University. Healy was also the first African American to earn a PhD. However, racial prejudice forced him to earn his degree in Europe not the United States. Healy was born in Macon, Ga., in 1834 to a Black slave woman and a White plantation owner who decided to acknowledge his five bi-racial children. They were all sent north to be educated. Although some felt he could have passed for White, Healy openly acknowledged his African ancestry. Healy died in 1910.
1960—Nation of Islam founder Elijah Muhammad calls for an all-Black state in America during a speech in New York City. Muhammad was a fearless critic of American discrimination against and the mistreatment of Blacks and he also advocated independent, Black owned businesses, institutions and religion.
1961—One of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile performers and the recipient of a truckload of NAACP Image awards, Laurence John Fishburne III is born on this day in Augusta, Ga. He began his acting career in his first play, “In My Many Names and Days,” at the age of 10.
•AUGUST 1
1619—This is possibly the day that the history of Blacks in America begins. However, no one knows for sure the exact day that the ship arrived in Jamestown, Va., carrying at least 20 Africans who were sold as indentured servants. There is some authority that the ship arrived in late August. All that appears certain is that the month was August and the year was 1619—the beginning of Black history in America.
1834 Slavery is officially abolished in all British territories. It would take another 31 years and a Civil War before it was abolished in America.
1920—The national convention of Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association begins at Liberty Hall in Harlem, N.Y. The next night Garvey addresses more than 25,000 Blacks at Madison Square Garden. This period represented the height of the Garvey movement and the Black nationalism (non-integration with Whites) tendency within Black America. Garvey built the largest Black mass movement in history advocating Black pride, independent Black businesses and institutions as well as a strong and united Africa. He also brought motivation and showmanship unlike that of any other Black organization before or since.
•AUGUST 2
1924—A man who would grow up to become one of the most prolific and complex Black writers of the 20th Century is born on this day in New York City. James A. Baldwin was a novelist, short story writer and poet. His works frequently had racial and sexual themes. In addition, he penned powerful essays on the Civil Rights Movement. Baldwin’s homosexuality is believed by many to have been a result of being raised by a “hard and often brutal father” and a submissive mother. Among his best known works are “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “Giovanni’s Room,” and “The Fire Next Time.” In that last book, he predicted major upheavals in America if profound efforts were not taken to resolve the nation’s racial problems. He wrote, “If we do not now dare everything, the fulfillment of that prophecy, recreated from the Bible in song by a slave, is upon us. God gave Noah the Rainbow sign, no more water, the fire next time.” Baldwin died in France on Nov. 30, 1987.
1966 The Charles R. Drew Post Graduate Medical School (now Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science) is chartered in Los Angeles, Calif. The school was named in honor of the foremost Black doctor and research scientist of the first half of the 20th Century. Drew did pioneering work in blood transfusions and in the development of blood plasma. Drew’s life was cut short on April 1, 1950 as a result of an automobile accident in North Carolina.
1980 Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns wins the WBA welterweight title. It was one of the titles he won in five different weight classes. Hearns was the first Black boxer to achieve that feat.
•AUGUST 3
1928—The Atlanta Daily World begins publication as the first Black daily newspaper in modern times. It was founded by William A. Scott III. Amazingly, the first Black daily newspaper in history—the New Orleans Tribune— was founded one year before the end of slavery in 1864.
•AUGUST 4
1901—Legendary Jazz trumpeter Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong is born in New Orleans, La. Abandoned by his desperately poor parents, he was for a while a ward of the state. But by 1922, he followed the migration of Blacks to the North and ended up in Chicago where his Jazz skills really began to develop. Armstrong was frequently criticized for trying too hard to please his White audiences. Song stylist Billie Holliday once said of him, “Sure Satch-
mo toms but he toms from the heart.” Nevertheless, he would later become a major financial backer of Dr. Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement. In addition in 1957, he backed out of a State Department sponsored tour of the then Soviet Union declaring, “The way they are treating my people in the South, the government can go to hell!” Armstrong would die on July 6, 1971.
1931—Pioneering physician Dr. Daniel Hale Williams dies. The Pennsylvania born Williams was a principle founder of Chicago’s Provident Hospital and helped train many of the nation’s early Black doctors and nurses. But he is probably best known for performing America’s first successful open heart surgery. His patient—a young Black man named James Cornish—would live for another 20 years after the surgery.
1964—The bodies of three civil rights workers are found on a farm near Philadelphia, Miss. The three (one Black and two Whites) were participating in “Freedom Summer”—when thousands of people journeyed south to participate in the Civil Rights Movement and help Blacks register to vote. James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner were kidnapped on June 21 and killed the same night. Eighteen White men, including several law enforcement officers were indicted for the killings but only seven were convicted. One of the ringleaders, a local minister named Edgar Allen Killen, would not be found guilty until June 21, 2005 after the case had been reopened. Ironically, Killen was found guilty of manslaughter 41 years to the day that the three civil rights workers were killed. The murders of Chaney, Goodman and Schwerner helped galvanize support for the Civil Rights Movement by turning much of the nation against the terrorist-type tactics being employed by those opposed to it. Ironically, Philadelphia, Miss., elected its first Black mayor in May 2009.
•AUGUST 5
1865—President Andrew Johnson reverses an order giving land abandoned or confiscated from slave-owning Whites to former Black slaves. The order—Special Field Order #15—had been issued in January by conquering Union Major General William T. Sherman as he and his troops marched through the South. Over 40,000 exslaves had received over 400,000 acres of land in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. But after Lincoln was assassinated, Johnson reversed the order and returned the land to the Whites. Johnson, a Southerner, did much to reverse the policies of Lincoln and stifle progress for Blacks. Indeed, an argument can be made that President Johnson had a more negative post-Civil War impact on Black progress than any president in American history.
•AUGUST 6
1870—In one of the most brazenly racist incidents of the post-Civil War period, White conservatives and racists employ assassinations and widespread violence to suppress the Black vote and take control of the Tennessee legislative from a coalition of Blacks and progressive Whites. The violence and the election effectively ended Reconstruction in the state.
1941—Blacks started being inducted into the U.S. military around April of 1941 and one result was a series of violent incidents between Black soldiers and White soldiers and between Black soldiers and White civilians. The first major incident takes place on this day in August of 1941. A group of Black soldiers board a bus in Fayetteville, N.C., headed to Ft. Bragg. The White driver complains they are being “rowdy” and asks for help from Military Police (MPs). The MPs arrive and began hitting the Blacks with nightsticks. One of the Blacks grabs an MP’s gun and begins shooting. Additional fighting and shooting break out. When the dust settled, one Black private and one White MP were dead and two Whites and three Blacks had been wounded.
1965—President Lyndon Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act which was designed to guarantee the right of African-Americans to vote. The Act ended a wide range of discriminatory voting practices in the South including literacy tests. The Act was probably the most significant piece of civil rights legislation ever passed. It was renewed for another 25 years in July of 2006. It was weakened a bit by a 2009 U.S. Supreme Court decision but remains in effect.
Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith stands on her record
Pittsburgh Technical College president stands strong as school closes
the award of a presidential scholarship to a Black student at a predominantly Black local high school. The board found that Dr. Harvey-Smith was within her authority to award such a scholarship, "and that the scholarship promoted the College and advanced its mission."
The second concern dealt with an award of a copying contract to a local, Black-owned business. Again, the board ruled that Dr. Harvey-Smith "had the authority to award the contract and under the circumstances the award represented an appropriate exercise of that authority."
The third concern dealt with PTC paying in some part for a book that was authored by Dr. Harvey-Smith. "Dr. Harvey-Smith did not break any law, regulation, rule, policy, or directive with respect to the College's payments and upon publishing the book in 2022, had offered to donate proceeds from the book to the College's scholarship fund," the board wrote.
Near the end of the letter in response to the "Whistleblowers'" allegations, the board wrote that Dr. Harvey-Smith was "offered the Presidency at Pittsburgh Technical College with the understanding that she would be an agent for change as the institution continues its metamorphosis from a for-profit technical institute saddled by crushing debt to a non-for-profit college striving for financial stability. Change is never easy, but often necessary, and the Board of Trustees reaffirms its full support and confidence for Dr. Harvey-Smith and transformative change."
That said, it boggled and continues to boggle the mind of Dr. Harvey-Smith, Michael Russell (the school's Academic Chair, School of Information Systems and Technology, and the School of Design and Engineering) and Dr. Bev Moore, a current trustee member, how reports continued to flood local TV about Dr. Harvey-Smith's alleged financial transgressions, with even one student alleging on TV that "students were never the top priority at the school; it was always her (Dr. Harvey-Smith) lining her pockets..."
Dr. Harvey-Smith, who is Black, told the Courier in an exclusive interview, June 26, that she believes a series of "orchestrated attacks" were made against her. Dr. Harvey-Smith, who is Pittsburgh Technical College's first Black president, stopped short of saying that racism played a role or was behind the attacks, which she called wholly inaccurate. However, the attacks on her character, alleged financial mismanagement and overall leadership style, according to Dr. Harvey-Smith, caused the domino effect of board members resigning, students not wanting to go to PTC, the school's accreditor, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, threatening to withdraw the school's accreditation, and financial donors not wanting to be part of the "smoke," ultimately leading to the board's decision to close the school altogether.
The Courier has learned that the college's debt decreased each year after Dr. Harvey-Smith's first full year as president. Data reviewed by the Courier revealed that during the 2019-2020 fiscal school year, which was Dr. Harvey-Smith's first full year as president, the overall debt increased from $46.4 million to $47.6 million.
“I finish what I start. You’re not going to scare me off; that’s not who I am. What it takes, I think, to lead in a moment like this, is courage, and not everyone has that.”
- DR.
ALICIA B. HARVEY-SMITH PTC PRESIDENT
But by 2021, the debt fell to $44.4 million, and by 2022, the debt fell to $39.8 million.
How did Dr. Harvey-Smith get the debt down? She told the Courier it was a mix of renegotiating contracts, competing for and acquiring grants now that the college was a non-profit, and more. "We were frugal," Dr. Harvey-Smith told the Courier exclusively. "We did the best with what we had."
Dr. Harvey-Smith said the college was able to open a health and wellness center through a series of strategic partnerships and not with funds that would have added to the debt load.
In three years, Pittsburgh Technical College's debt decreased by nearly $7 million with Dr. Harvey-Smith at the helm. Those kinds of things, which she considered positive milestones, were left out of all the Pittsburgh-area media reports about her performance as PTC president, she told the Courier.
"If there's one message, it's that the debt was inherited," Dr. Harvey-Smith told the Courier exclusively. "This is not debt that I brought. I did not add to it, I decreased that debt. What was missing (from the local media reports) was the full picture."
With Russell and Dr. Moore in attendance, Dr. Harvey-Smith told the Courier that the "Whistleblowers," she believed, were a small number of disgruntled former and, at the time, current employees. As of Fall 2023, PTC had 160 or so fulltime faculty and staff, and another 65 or so that were part-time faculty and staff, according to data on its website. Obviously, no one will be employed by PTC as of August 2024. It got ugly, Dr. Harvey-Smith told the Courier. She said some of the "disgruntled" former/current employees disguised as the "Whistleblowers" were calling PTC board members at their homes, and even sending negative emails about Dr. Har-
vey-Smith on the college's own email system.
"I got threats, the board got threats," Dr. Harvey-Smith told the Courier. "I tried to look at, what are the other possibilities," the PTC president said. "Is it performance? Has this woman (Dr. Harvey-Smith) performed at a higher-than-average level? There's no way you can say I haven't. That's documented. Have I mistreated someone? Well, no, so it's not behavioral. So then, why do you have an issue with me other than, we came in, we strategically created a plan that's being implemented (at other institutions) across the country...we tried to implement it...I think it became a little too much for them."
Dr. Moore chimed in and said that maybe some people thought attacking Dr. Harvey-Smith or trying to discredit her in the media would cause her to be "intimidated, or breakable, and that didn't happen."
Then, Russell, the school's Academic Chair,
School of Information Systems and Technology, and the School of Design and Engineering, chimed in. "I will not say that the fact that Dr. Harvey-Smith is a Black female had nothing to do with things being as aggressive as they had become. I asked people in the hallways, have you talked to Dr. Harvey-Smith? 'No.' Have you been to her office? 'No.' So how is it that you have this opinion...why do you have a negative opinion about her leadership when you haven't (gone to her) and asked the questions...?"
Dr. Harvey-Smith, sitting with the Courier in her waterfall-less office (it was alleged in various local media reports that her office was so elaborate that there was a waterfall in the office), said she was blindsided by all the allegations. After all, things started out great for her at PTC. When a national search was conducted for the next president at PTC in 2018, Dr. Harvey-Smith saw it at the time as a
wonderful opportunity. Not that she needed the job; she was the Executive Vice Chancellor of Lone Star College in Houston, one of the largest college systems in the country. She had served in that position since 2016. Prior to Lone Star College, Dr. Harvey-Smith served as President/CEO of River Valley Community College, in New Hampshire; and Vice-President of Student Affairs at Baltimore City Community College, among other roles.
Dr. Harvey-Smith, a Baltimore native, graduated from the HBCU Morgan State University in 1984, earned her master's from Johns Hopkins University, and earned her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland School of Education in 2003. All of those qualifications and work experiences were music to the PTC Presidential Search Committee's ears.
“Pittsburgh Technical College could not be more
DR. ALICIA B. HARVEY-SMITH SPEAKS WITH THE NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER IN JUNE 2024 AT PITTSBURGH TECHNICAL COLLEGE. (PHOTO BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)
pleased to welcome Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith. Throughout her career, Dr. Harvey-Smith has embraced the values that are the foundation PTC is built on—providing an immersive, career-focused education,” said Eli Shorak, at the time the chair of PTC’s Presidential Search Committee, in a statement from 2019. “She is a deeply engaged leader who has a demonstrated history of emphasizing skills-based, experiential education, the very tenets of PTC.” “It seemed like an amazing opportunity to be honest,” Dr. Harvey-Smith told the Courier. “An opportunity to build a college from the ground up. The ads for the particular post spoke of building a college, moving it from for-profit (employee-owned) to non-profit to really re-establishing an organization, and those kinds of challenges excite me.”
In the summer of 2019, Dr. Harvey-Smith officially became PTC’s president, and Dr. Harvey-Smith and husband, Donald Smith,
B. HARVEY-SMITH WITH PTC GRADUATES ON JUNE 22, 2024 — PTC’S FINAL COMMENCEMENT.
traded in the Texas heat for the hilly terrain—and snow—that all Pittsburghers are used to.
“There was much celebration around her and her husband, both being introduced to the community on the same day at the same time,” Russell recalled to the Courier.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, an official “public installation,” or inauguration ceremony, was held for Dr. Harvey-Smith in June 2022. Russell estimated about 1,000 people were there. He said some people were in tears there.
“It was about hope and it was time for us to step up and take our place in the academic world,” Russell, who is also Black along with Dr. Moore, said. “It’s acknowledged by the employers in the area, but not really recognized by other colleges and universities in the area, even though they all received our students who went on to master’s degrees and other things and saw that our students were superior.”
The going was so good, Dr. Harvey-Smith said, that she and other faculty and staff had a “dream walk” on the campus. They walked on the campus and began to imagine “what could be. Not just what’s here, but what could be... the future is by our design.”
Dr. Harvey-Smith enlisted more than 70 faculty and staff to contribute to what would be the school’s new six-point strategic plan, which, at least Dr. Harvey-Smith thought, had everyone’s blessing.
The strategic plan for PTC included expanding student access, enabling success and skills for the future, aligning workforce demand and curriculum focus, elevating public and private partnerships, enhancing the school’s financial stability and stewardship, and promoting a culture of excellence and accountability.
“As PTC’s first President to emerge from outside of the organization and the
first African American to lead the College,” Dr. Harvey-Smith wrote in the college’s strategic plan booklet, “I am humbled to be embraced by a college community that is united by values and a commitment to student success and organizational excellence. Together we will accomplish our goals.”
Turns out, not everyone was united. And it turns out, in Dr. Harvey-Smith’s words, she was made the scapegoat.
“I don’t believe any of the decisions that I made caused the nonsense that we’ve just endured,” Dr. Harvey-Smith told the Courier exclusively. “I think that it was contrived for other reasons; I don’t think it had to do anything with performance.”
When the attacks were coming, when the TV reports were flashing, when a student alleged that, in so many words, she was stuffing the college’s money in her back pocket, when it was said that her office cost $500,000 to furnish, when board members were jumping off the ship, Dr. Harvey-Smith fought back, told her side of the story to anyone who would listen, and stayed at PTC.
But why did she stay?
“I finish what I start,” she told the Courier. “You’re not going to scare me off; that’s not who I am. What it takes, I think, to lead in a moment like this, is courage, and not everyone has that.”
Public Hearing & Comment Period for Proposed PRTner Pass Program
In 2023, Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) received a grant from the Heinz Endowments to conduct a limited scope and time universal pass pilot study (Pilot).
During the Pilot, PRT worked with designated employers identified via an application process, and a total of 113 passes were issued to four employers across Allegheny County for use by their employees. Employees participating in the Pilot completed pre- and post-pilot surveys, and their travel patterns were analyzed using PRT’s Ready2Ride application. Initial results showed that the passes were highly valued, increased transit use, and influenced job choice, with the participating employers eager to continue the program beyond the Pilot. PRT utilized an outside consultant to review the Pilot findings and provide insight into similar programs at other transit agencies to help create a proposed permanent universal pass program at PRT.
Based upon this Pilot and analysis effort, PRT is now considering implementation of a permanent universal pass program that would be made available to employers, secondary and post-secondary schools not eligible to participate in PRT’s University Pass Program, residential apartment and other muti-unit housing unit owners and operators or similar eligible entities where riders commute with regular frequency with over 10 employees, eligible students or units. This program would offer monthly passes at an approximately 70% discount from PRT’s standard monthly pass rate, or $28.00 per monthly pass based upon the current standard monthly pass cost, through PRT’s Ready2Ride account-based ticketing application and would require the participating entity to purchase passes for 100% of their eligible employees, students, and apartment or housing unit occupants, with certain specific exceptions and exclusions, such that the cost is pooled. The proposed name for the program is PRTner Pass.
Accordingly, PRT is conducting a public comment period for the purpose of receiving public comment regarding this proposed new fare program beginning at 9 AM EST on Monday, August 12, 2024, and ending at 5 PM EST on Friday, October 11, 2024. Public comment will be accepted via any of the following ways:
1) Written comments submitted online at www.rideprt.org/PRTnerPass; or
2) Written comment sent by U.S. mail or hand delivery to: Pittsburgh Regional Transit Attn: Proposed PRTner Pass Program Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh PA 15222; or
3) Oral comment by calling 412.566.5335 and leaving a message on a recorded line; or
4) Pittsburgh Regional Transit will also hold a public hearing to receive oral public comment regarding these proposed major service changes.
In advance of the public hearing, Pittsburgh Regional Transit will host a public information session to provide an overview of the proposed PRTner Pass program to the community and allow community members to ask clarifying questions about the proposed changes. No public comment will be taken at this information session.
For the public hearing, registrants are asked to only sign up for one time slot to allow time for others’ comments to be heard. No walk-ins will be allowed – those wishing to provide official public comment at the public hearing must register for a speaking time. Oral testimony will be limited to three minutes per speaker. All PRT public hearings are recorded and transcribed by a court reporter and made part of PRT’s official records. Registration for the public hearing will close at 5 PM on Wednesday, September 11. If the informational session and/or the hearing complete all public questions or receipt of comments, as applicable, prior to the scheduled informational session or hearing end time, the informational session or hearing may be terminated early in PRT’s sole discretion. In the case of inclement weather or other emergency situations that requires cancellation of an in-person informational session or public hearing, PRT will contact in-person registrants to move them to an online, phone, or other alternative method of submitting questions or providing public comment, as applicable.
INFORMATIONAL SESSION (ONLINE OR PHONE ONLY)
Tuesday, September 10 from 1 to 2 p.m. And 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (same day).
Online Link: To be provided upon completion of registration Register: www.rideprt.org/PRTnerPass or call 412.442.2000
*Note that this informational session will be recorded and placed on the www.rideprt.org website following the session. No official public comments will be accepted at the informational session.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (ONLINE AND IN-PERSON)
In person – Pittsburgh Regional Transit Board Room, 345 Sixth Avenue, 5th floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Online - Teams application (by phone or computer)
Thursday, September 12 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Registration for the hearing will close the day before, Wednesday, September 11
Online Link: Please register for a time to provide oral public comment, or register to listen in only online or via phone Register: www.rideprt.org/PRTnerPass or call 412.442.2000
ACCOMMODATIONS
Pittsburgh Regional Transit will provide an American Sign Language interpreter at all hearings. If any other ADA accommodations or language translation of a speaker’s comments if not being made in English are required, please contact PRT’s Director of Systemwide Accessibility, Deborah Phillips, at (412) 566.5323 or via e-mail at dphillips@rideprt.org at least ten (10) business days before the hearing date to submit your ADA accommodation or language translation request. If an ADA accommodation request for a hearing cannot be fulfilled for some reason, PRT will work with the individual(s) seeking the accommodation to provide their public comment via an alternative method. It is anticipated that language translation of a speaker’s recorded comments if not made in English would be made post-hearing and then made part of the public comment record. However, if that cannot be completed, PRT will work with the individual(s) seeking language translation to provide their public comment via an alternative method.
For more information, call Customer Service at 412.442.2000 (TTY 412.231.7007) or visit www.rideprt.org
Summary of PRTner Pass Program
The following proposed new fare program, known as the PRTner Pass Program, is proposed to be implemented by PRT in PRT’s Fiscal Year 2025. Current Product – Pricing Proposed New Product – Pricing 31 Day Pass full fare – $97.50 31 Day PRTner Pass fare – $28.00*
* Pricing may be further adjusted by PRT, including potential tiered pricing, approximately 18 months after launch of the PRTner Pass Program, based upon PRT’s assessment of the Program’s effectiveness.
Description of the PRTner Pass Program:
The PRTner Pass would be made available to employers, secondary and post-secondary schools not eligible to participate in PRT’s University Pass Program, residential apartment and other muti-unit housing unit owners and operators or similar eligible entities where riders commute with regular frequency with over 10 employees, eligible students or units. This program would offer monthly passes at an approximately 70% discount from PRT’s standard monthly pass rate, or $28.00 per monthly pass based upon the current standard monthly pass cost, through PRT’s Ready2Ride account-based ticketing application and would require the participating entity to purchase passes for 100% of their eligible employees, students and apartment or housing unit occupants such that the cost is pooled. Participating entities must buy monthly passes for 100% of their eligible employees, secondary students 12 years of age or older and post-secondary students, or residential apartment or other housing units to participate.
Additional PRTner Pass Program Exceptions and Exclusions:
1. Eligible participating employers may opt to, but are not required to, buy a monthly pass for an employee who works 100% remotely; that is less than full time and/or does not qualify for employer-provided benefits (working less than 24 hours a week on a 40 hours week schedule); or independent contractors. On-call and temporary employees, along with unpaid volunteers, are ineligible to participate in the PRTner Pass Program. Other employer exclusions may be considered and approved by PRT with adequate justification presented by the subject employer.
2. Secondary school students under the age of 12 are ineligible for participation in the PRTner Pass Program.
3. Seniors over the age of 65 who qualify for free Senior Passes are ineligible to participate in the PRTner Pass Program.
4. Anyone residing outside of Allegheny County is ineligible to participate in the PRTner
5.
DR. ALICIA B. HARVEY-SMITH GREETS A PTC GRADUATE ON JUNE 22, 2024.
DR. ALICIA
DR. ALICIA B. HARVEY-SMITH, AT PTC’S COMMENCEMENT.
Community Empowerment Association
4th Annual Health and Wellness Summit
CITY COUNCILMAN KHARI MOSLEY, PITTSBURGH MAYOR
GAINEY,
RASHAD BYRDSONG, CHIEF OF STAFF JAKE WHEATLEY
WAMO 107.3’S MIKE DEAN, DJ PURPLE HAZE
MARYN FORMLEY, FOUNDER AND CEO OF VEEEM PITTSBURGH
DANCIN’ IT UP AT THE CEA ANNUAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS SUMMIT!
KIA BROOKS AND ANGEL JONES REPRESENTIN’ COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT ASSOCIATION...
THE TILLMANS—DERRICK TILLMAN, NYKIA TILLMAN, WITH CHILDREN, DANIELLE, NOAH AND DERRICK JR. (PHOTOS BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)
SHARON MURRAY, KHAVAH MURRAY
Pittsburgh’s Black women rally for Sonya Massey
Massey was killed, July 6, by a White police officer in Illinois
For rate information, call 412-4818302, ext. 128. We want to feature positive youth from our Pittsburgh church community. Please mail their bio and photo to:
cy’s Facebook page. “With our badge we accept enormous responsibility, and if that responsibility is abused, there should be consequences.”
And even though it didn't happen in Pittsburgh, Black women in the region were so appalled, that they held a rally for Sonya Massey in Beltzhoover, July 28. The rally was held at the FroGang Lot of Love, founded by Kelli Shakur.
"Before God gave me the vision to cultivate, nourish, protect and do the
upkeep on this space, it (the lot on Climax Street and Curtain Avenue) was vacant, abandoned, used, abused, overlooked, left to be forgotten to fend on its own kinda space, kinda like a Black woman," said Shakur, who founded the FroGang organization which aims to unify Black girls from all over Pittsburgh. "For decades, people walked past this vacant lot and didn't acknowledge or even fathom how special this space was and what it could actually become if it was protected, nurtured and invested in, kinda like a Black wom-
an. As we stand on what was once a vacant lot, we, too, get overlooked, overused but no more. We will use today as a new way of thinking, making our words become actions, as we stand in solidarity for our sister, Sonya Massey, and all of the other Black women and girls who have been left unprotected and disrespected."
Activists across the U.S. declared Sunday, July 28, as a "National Day of Mourning for Sonya Massey." The day was met with rallies in New York City, Pine Bluff, Ark., Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chica-
go, St. Louis, and others. Pittsburgh's rally for Sonya Massey was filled with passion. Speakers did not hold back. They didn't care that the temperature was nearly 90 degrees—they were already hot over what happened to Massey, who, by all accounts, should be alive today. "I don't see the outrage like it should be for Sonya, and that happens so often with Black women," voiced Dena Young, one of the speakers. "...We are tired of coming out here in these streets and protesting and rallying for
our protection...we show up for everyone, but who is showing up for us? Who is protecting us? Who is loving on us? Who is just giving us a phone call saying, 'Hey sis, are you OK?'" The officer who killed Massey was a White male who has had a checkered history as a police officer. He was immediately fired by the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office following the shooting and is now charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. Grayson has pleaded not guilty. Grayson, the officer in question, has worked for six police departments since 2000. He obtained the job with Sangamon County in 2023. Superiors with other departments have said that Grayson would brag about drug arrests, showed a propensity to falsify reports, and showed no respect for those above him.
"I don't understand how you hire a volcano and don't expect for it to erupt," said an angry Springfield resident during a town hall meeting with local police, Sunday evening, July 28. Hundreds of community members were in attendance.
"We failed. We did not do our jobs," Sheriff Campbell said in response to the crowd.
Other speakers at the Pittsburgh rally for Sonya Massey included, among others, Beulah Baptist Church Pastor Katrina Organ, Congresswoman Summer Lee, Terri Minor Spencer and Amanda Neatrour.
Right before she was shot, Massey told the officers, "I rebuke you in
“These things have I spoken unto you, being yet PRESENT with you. But the COMFORTOR, which is the HOLY GHOST, whom the FATHER will send in MY NAME, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
REV. WALKER SAYS: The GODHEAD is God the FATHER, God the SON JESUS, God the HOLY GHOST, the Holy Ghost lives within the Saved believers in Jesus. He the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit will comfort, teach and remind us of the WORD OF GOD.
PEOPLE REMEMBER SONYA MASSEY, AT THE FROGANG LOT OF LOVE IN BELTZHOOVER, JULY 28. (PHOTOS BY ROB TAYLOR JR)
KELLI SHAKUR, FOUNDER OF THE FROGANG ORGANIZATION.
the name of Jesus.” To that, Pastor Organ told the crowd: “We who were raised in the church, or who have studied and believed in the Word of God, know that when these words are spoken in a voice or command of boldness, it is when we are facing or feeling the presence of wickedness.”
Pastor Organ continued:
"I know this world can feel overwhelming, especially when we hear on a daily basis, tragedy, police violence, continuous mass shootings with no legislation or intervention in sight. But as people of God, even during what appears to be hopeless and demonic times, we must keep our focus on Jesus Christ and walk by faith, and not by sight."
Congresswoman Lee, who spends her professional life trying to introduce and pass legislation to help those who may be overlooked or underappreciated, said that the overall "system" fails Black women.
"It's time that we all come together and we decide that we're done simply speaking names; that we decide that we're done seeing sisters pour their hearts and their souls out," Congresswoman Lee said. "I'm in a place where we should be able to get these things done...and I have colleagues on both sides of the aisle who will
say and give lip service, but when it comes time to actually appropriating money or resources," they don't come through.
As for Neatrour, her testimony was direct and personal. She said that in June, she caught poison ivy, and went to a lo-
cal urgent care center to get a shot for treatment. She said not only was she denied the shot, but when she wanted to call in a complaint to the office's customer complaint line, she was threatened by employees that they would call the police on her.
And they did. Neatrour said she found herself surrounded by three officers within minutes, and her life briefly flashed in front of her eyes.
"I knew this could go
very wrong," Neatrour said. "And despite the fact that I knew I had truth and justice on my side, by the grace of God, it was the officers who were the ones who saw my humanity that day."
Neatrour said that when the police are called, one never knows if one of those officers will have a mindset just like Sean Grayson, who pulled the trigger on the defenseless Black woman, Sonya Massey.
"Despite the fact that
these individuals weaponized the police against me, I'm alive to still take care of my children, to still take care of my mother. My anxiety and blood pressure has been through the roof since that day."
Neatrour added: "Black women, disabled Black women, disabled people deserve to not have who they are used as justification of violence against them."
WOMEN OF ALL ETHNICITIES CAME OUT TO PITTSBURGH’S RALLY FOR SONYA MASSEY, JULY 28, IN BELTZHOOVER. (PHOTOS BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)
AMANDA NEATROUR
CONGRESSWOMAN SUMMER LEE
Class of 2O24 Honorees
LEGACY HONOREE
Robert Hill
Retired, Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs University of Pittsburgh
James Willie Anderson Jr.
Elder, King of Kings Baptist Church CEO, Jiggity Marketing LLC
Demario Andrews
Site Director, Family Support Center Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
Rev. William A. Baker IV
Discipleship Pastor Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh
James M. Carter
Life Coach
Achieva
Kiel Chapman
Production Manager
PPG
Robert Cherry
Chief Executive Officer
Partner4Work
Bernard Clark Jr.
Head Football Coach
Robert Morris University
Micheal “Mike” Dean
Community School Site Manager
Pittsburgh Public Schools
Radio Personality, WAMO
J.E. Clark Delanois
Managing Director and Credit Division
Head of Private Banking
BNY Mellon
Chuck Durham
Business Diversity Manager City of Pittsburgh
Dr. Shawn Keith Ellies, Cmdr., CPP, CPTED, CPD, PSA
Protective Security Advisor and Adjunct Professor University of Pittsburgh
Rev. Brian Carswell Flannagan Sr. Field Service Provider Solutions Specialist FedEx Corporation
Michael Lee Gay Sr.
Detective Pittsburgh Bureau of Police-Intelligence Unit
Sam W. Gibson
Executive Director
We The People 412
Rev. Jerrel T. Gilliam
Executive Director
Light of Life Rescue Mission
Nathaniel K. Goodson
CEO, The Promise Center of Homewood
Owner, Nate’s Landscaping & Hauling
Ricky Hardy
Program Manager, Family Foundation Through Community Human Services
Owner, RH3 Commercial Cleaning LLC
Lance J. Harrell
Director, Workforce Development and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Master Builders’ Association of Western Pa., Inc.
Saint “Larry” Harris
Supervisor, South Pittsburgh Peacemakers South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace
Mark D. Henderson
Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer University of Pittsburgh
Dr. Chuck Herring
Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
South Fayette Township School District
Edgar G. Jackson Jr.
Owner
Hysyde Lounge and Excellent Care Professionals
Emmanuel D. Key
Owner ZoliCare Enterprise LLC
Terence King
Teacher Wilkinsburg School District
Michael A. Knight
Fiscal & Contracting Supervisor City of Pittsburgh
Sebastian Lacy
Vice President of Equity & Culture
YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh
Majestic Lane
Chief Equity Officer
Allegheny Conference on Community Development
Mike Logan
Founder Logans Heroes
Clyde D. Manns Jr.
Owner, EIT Basketball Training Site Supervisor, Greater Valley ACTES
Marshall Franklin Medrano
Licensed Pennsylvania Funeral Director
White Memorial Chapel School Counselor, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Kevin J. Miller
Chaplain and Dean Imani Christian Academy
Pastor E. Keith Moncrief
Senior Pastor Kingdom Light Ministries International
Bishop Marvin C. Moreland
Jurisdictional Bishop
Pennsylvania Western First Ecclesiastical
Jurisdiction Church of God In Christ
James Myers Jr.
Senior Director, Business Investment Allegheny Conference on Community Development
Michael C. Nelson
Senior Manager of Security Operations Duquesne Light Co.
Michael J. Nichols
Retired, Public Works Laborer, City of Pittsburgh
Volunteer Reader, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Robert Poston
Youthbuild Supervisor and City Parks Manager City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation
Timothy Powell
Clinical Director UPMC
Johnathan D. Rideau
BU Mission Assurance Manager Northrop Grumman
Shawn A. Shannon
Central Access Supervisor Wesley Family Services
Alphonso Sloan
Retired, Police Detective
Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Artist, Method Lab Studios LLC
Morton D. Stanfield Jr.
Senior Vice President of Community Development Dollar Bank, Federal Savings Bank
Brian Vincent Starks
Marketing and Community Outreach Liaison Pittsburgh Public Theater
Alfred B. Valentine
President
100 Black Men of Western Pennsylvania
Wendell E. Wade Jr.
Vice President, Branch and Business Center Manager PNC Bank
Dr. Evon Walters
Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement Community College of Allegheny County
Terrel R. Williams
Teen Outreach Program Manager
Homeless Children’s Education Fund
W.Eugene Wilson
Owner, Cloud 33 Premium Cigar Lounge
Basketball Coach
James D. Wimberly III
General Manager Block by Block
Michael Young
Assistant Professor
Mellon College of Science and
Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Carnegie Mellon University
PROPERTY IS POWER!
Addressing appraisal racism in the mortgage industry
Appraisal bias, a significant yet often overlooked issue, is a form of discrimination in the home appraisal process that can result in lower valuations for homes based on the race or ethnicity of the residents. This bias can have profound financial consequences for homeowners, such as limiting their ability to take out loans, pay property taxes, and build generational wealth.
The Impact of Appraisal Bias
According to a 2021 Freddie Mac study, Black and Latino homeowners are twice as likely as White homeowners to receive low appraisals. In predominantly Black census tracts, 12.5 percent of properties are appraised for less than their contract price, compared to 7.4 percent in majority White tracts and 15.4 percent in Latino tracts. Furthermore, a
2018 report from Gallup and the Brookings Institution found that homes in majority Black neighborhoods are valued at 23 percent less than similar homes in majority-White neighborhoods, resulting in cumulative losses of $156 billion for Black homeowners.
Ways to Remove Appraisal Bias
1. Implement Standardized Training and Certification: Appraisers should undergo standardized training that includes education on recognizing and mitigating unconscious biases. Certification programs should be updated to ensure appraisers are well-versed in fair housing laws and cultural competency.
2. Increase Diversity in the Appraisal Industry: Encouraging a more diverse workforce within the appraisal industry can help bring different perspectives and reduce the likelihood of biased valuations. Providing scholarships and mentorship programs for underrepresented groups can be a step in the right direction.
3. Enhance Transparency and Accountability: Creating a more transparent appraisal process where homeowners can access and challenge their appraisals can help address discrepancies. Implementing regular audits and reviews of appraisals in minority communities can also ensure fairness.
4. Utilize Technology and Data Analytics: Leveraging technology and data analytics can help identify patterns of bias and discrepancies in appraisals. Automated valuation models (AVMs) and machine learning algorithms can provide a more objective baseline for property valuations, reducing the influence of human bias.
BUSINESS
The best financial tools for remote work professionals
by Finances FYI
Presented by JP Morgan Chase Freelancers, digital nomads, and telecommuters are reshaping traditional notions of employment. With this shift comes a demand for innovative tools and services tailored to remote work’s unique needs and challenges. From managing finances to coordinating projects and appointments, numerous digital solutions have emerged to streamline workflows and enhance productivity for modern professionals.
Here are some of the best tools for remote workers.
Digital Wallets: Streamlining
Financial Transactions
Digital wallets have become indispensable companions for remote workers, offering convenience and security in managing finances across borders. These services enable seamless transactions, whether receiving client payments or paying for accommodations while traveling.
With features like multi-currency support and instant transfers, digital wallets provide remote workers the flexibility they need to easily navigate global transactions.
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Stripe
Invoicing Tools: Get Paid Fast-
er Invoice and payment apps are indispensable for freelancers, offering
streamlined solutions for invoicing clients and receiving payments promptly. Features to look for include professional invoices, expense tracking, accepting online payments, and accounting applications if needed. By leveraging these apps, freelancers can ensure prompt payment for their services and focus on what they do best—delivering quality work to their clients.
• Freshbooks
• Wave
• QuickBooks
• Xero
• Square
• Honeybook
Time-Tracking Apps: Maximizing Productivity and Accountability
Time-tracking apps help remote workers manage their schedules and optimize productivity. Platforms offer features such as timers, activity categorization, and detailed reporting, allowing users to monitor their time spent on tasks and projects for invoicing or client accountability.
• Toggl
• Harvest
• Clockify
Client Management Platforms: Nurturing Relationships
Client management apps are essential tools for remote workers seeking to maintain and grow their client base. Comprehensive solutions allow for managing contacts,
tracking leads, and streamlining client communication. By centralizing client information and automating tasks, these platforms enable remote workers to nurture relationships, optimize sales processes, and drive business growth effectively.
• Salesforce • HubSpot
• Zoho CRM • Honeybook Appointment Schedulers: Simplifying Meeting Coordination Appointment scheduling apps streamline the process of coordinating meetings and appointments. With features such as automated booking, calendar integration, and customizable meeting types, these platforms eliminate the hassle of scheduling conflicts and backand-forth communication. Remote workers can effortlessly share their availability and coordinate meetings across different time zones, ensuring efficient use of their time and resources.
• Calendly • Doodle • Acuity Scheduling Website Builders: Establishing a Professional Online Presence Website builders have democratized the process of creating and managing websites, allowing remote workers to establish a professional online presence. Platforms offer
When you think of retirement, you think of a life of ease and luxury, traveling the world, and having fun in the sun. That’s the retirement image we see in movies and magazines. Think about the people you know who are retired. Is that the life they’re living? For the vast majority of retirees, the answer is an emphatic no! Many retirees struggle or barely get by financially in retirement because they failed to avoid making one or more of these retirement planning mistakes.
If you desire to live a fulfilling retirement, free of financial stress, a life of ease and luxury, traveling the world and having fun in the sun, here are some retirement planning mistakes you should avoid.
Mistake 1: Not Saving Enough for Retirement
Many people spend more time planning vacations than planning for retirement, leading to insufficient savings when they finally retire. To avoid this, start planning and saving as early as possible. By your mid-to-late 40s, work with a certified financial planner to ensure you’re on track. If you’re behind, consider working longer to save more or reducing living expenses to increase savings. Downsizing your home can also make a big difference. Start planning now for a comfortable future.
Mistake 2: Not Being Debt-Free Before Retirement Entering retirement with debt can be
a significant burden, making it difficult to pay off loans and mortgages without a steady paycheck. This financial stress can limit your ability to enjoy retirement. Prioritize being debt-free before retiring to avoid these issues. Imagine retiring without credit card, car, or mortgage payments, and the peace of mind that comes with it. Plan your retirement income to ensure you can cover your costs, and work towards a debt-free retirement for a secure and fulfilling life.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
Only 52 percent of Americans contribute to their employer-sponsored retirement plans, like 401(k)s, missing a significant opportunity. Investing in your 401(k) now, even with small amounts, can make a huge difference. Many employers offer matching contributions, essentially free money for your retirement. According to Ramsey Solutions, 79 percent of millionaires became wealthy by investing in these plans, highlighting the importance of consistent, long-term investing. Start participating in your employer’s retirement plan today to secure your future.
Mistake 4: Failing to Diversify Investments
Putting all your retirement savings in one type of investment is risky and can lead to significant stress and poor decision-making during market volatility. The key to a successful investment strategy is diversification, which balances risk and reward by distributing your portfolio among different asset classes like stocks, bonds, and cash. This approach considers your goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon, aiming to optimize risk-adjusted returns. Diversifying your portfolio can help reduce risk and improve long-term returns.
Mistake 5: Underestimating Healthcare Costs
Ignoring healthcare costs in your retirement plan can lead to major financial surprises. A 65-year-old couple retiring now might need around $315,000 just for medical expenses, not including long-term care. To prepare, familiarize yourself with Medicare benefits, consider long-term care insurance, and save more than you think you’ll need. Utilizing a health savings account offers a triple-tax benefit. Staying informed about
potential future medical expenses can save you stress and ensure your retirement is everything you dreamed of.
Mistake 6: Relying Too Heavily on Social Security Social security is designed to replace about 40 percent of an average worker’s pre-retirement earnings. However, living on just 40 percent of your current income can be challenging. The average monthly social security benefit in 2024 is around $1,800, which may not cover all your expenses. Historically, retirement was supported by pensions, social security, and personal savings, but pensions are now rare. Relying too heavily on social security is risky due to rising costs and potential future changes. Diversify your retirement savings with 401(k)s, IRAs and personal investments to ensure financial stability and flexibility.
Mistake 7: Tapping Into Retirement Funds Prematurely Retirement plans have rules, incentives and provisions like tax advantages, employer matches, automated enrollment, and automatic escalation to encourage contributions. However, life emergencies can tempt you to dip into retirement funds early, reducing the amount available later. Avoid using retirement funds for anything other than their intended purpose to ensure you
ANTHONY O. KELLUM
Financial tools for remote work
intuitive tools and customizable templates for designing visually stunning websites. Your website is the central hub, seamlessly integrating your invoicing, payment processing, client management, and project coordination tools, creating a cohesive ecosystem for efficient freelancing. Whether showcasing a portfolio, promoting services, or selling products online, website builders empower remote workers to showcase their skills and attract clients in the digital realm.
• Wix
• Squarespace
• GoDaddy Project Management Apps: Enhancing Workflow Management Project management apps are indispensable for remote teams seeking to collaborate effectively and track project progress. These platforms offer a range of features, including task assignments, timelines, and file sharing, to streamline project workflows. By providing a centralized communication and task management platform, these apps empower remote teams to stay organized, meet deadlines, and confidently achieve project goals.
• Asana
• Trello
• Basecamp
• Notion
Online Investment Tools: Elevate Your Financial Future
Online investment tools have revolutionized how individuals manage and grow their wealth, offering accessible and intuitive platforms for investing in various assets. These tools allow individuals to diversify their portfolios and build long-term financial security, from stocks and bonds to cryptocurrencies and peer-to-peer lending. Robo-advisors offer automated investment solutions based on personalized risk profiles and financial goals, making investing effortless for anyone from beginners to seasoned investors. Meanwhile, other platforms like E-Trade provide commission-free trading and real-time market data, empowering users to take control of their investments and make informed decisions.
• Betterment • Wealthfront • E*Trade • Fidelity • Vanguard Modern professionals’ success hinges on their ability to harness the power of digital tools and platforms. By embracing these tools and leveraging technology, remote workers can optimize their workflows, enhance productivity, build wealth, and thrive in today’s dynamic work environment.
The price of ignoring diversity costs Hollywood $30 billion a year
by Hunter Gilmore
Hollywood’s failure to engage with diverse audiences has proven to be a costly mistake.
Over the last four years, McKinsey & Company has produced three separate reports revealing the staggering financial toll of this oversight— an estimated annual loss of $30 billion. This loss stems from the inability of Hollywood to effectively connect with Black, Latinx, and Asian-American/Pacific Islander communities.
McKinsey & Company state in its report: “As our research and analysis have demonstrated, executives don’t need to act out of altruism. The reward for getting it right could create real impact for the industry—and the prize will only grow. Progress may not be easy, but when the enhanced richness of storytelling is accompanied by a multi-billion-dollar opportunity, the business case is clear.”
According to McKinsey’s research, the lack of representation has cost the film industry $10 billion for not engaging Black audiences. It’s an even larger gap for Latinx communities, with the gap ranging from $12 to $18 billion per year. Meanwhile, lack of Asian-American/ Pacific Islander representation cost Hollywood $2 to $4.4 billion.
The disparities in representation are stark, as highlighted by The Hollywood Reporter. While Asian-American actors receive some attention, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are vastly underrepresented, often reduced to just a handful of notable figures such as Jason Momoa and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
McKinsey’s reports delve deeper into the systemic issues that perpetuate this lack of diversity. In 2021, their findings revealed sparse representation of Black talent in off-camera roles, with former studio executives turned independent producers expressing the inequities.
A Black writer shared with McKinsey, “Even though I was staff writing on a popular, well-received show, it was still
tough to find an agent. Your average agent is a 50-year-old White guy… who never had to stretch to see [himself] in other people or spaces.”
Similarly, Latinx representation suffers from a lack of support in Hollywood as well. According to a Latinx producer, there is no shortage of Latinx actors and writers, the industry struggles to effectively market content created by Latinx creators.
“The broken part is the business side: they don’t know how to support or market content made by Latinos.”
Both Black and Latinx off-screen talent often find themselves in positions where they are tasked with providing opportunities for others from their communities.
The authors also added: “As with Black representation in film and
television, Latinos who rise to prominence in the industry play an outsize role in providing opportunities to other Latino talent: the likelihood of a Latino producer, writer, or lead signing on to a project is an average of 15-fold higher if the director or showrunner is Latino.
Given that only five percent of films have Latino directors and 1 to 5 percent of TV and streaming shows have Latino showrunners, Latinos’ ceiling of opportunity is low.”
In essence, Hollywood’s failure to prioritize diversity is not just a moral issue—it’s a financial one. The industry’s reluctance to embrace diverse perspectives not only alienates audiences but also leaves billions of dollars on the table.
Addressing appraisal racism in the mortgage industry
5. Community Education and Advocacy: Educating homeowners about their rights and the appraisal process empowers them to advocate for fair treatment. Community organizations and advocacy groups can play a crucial role in raising awareness and providing support to those affected by appraisal bias.
6. Policy and Legislative Changes: Enforcing stricter regulations and penalties for discriminatory appraisal practices can deter bias. Supporting legislation that promotes fair housing and equal opportunity in homeownership is essential to address systemic issues. Conclusion Addressing appraisal bias is crucial for creating a fair and equitable housing market. By implementing standardized training, in-
creasing Diversity, enhancing transparency, utilizing technology, educating communities, and advocating for policy changes, we can work towards eliminating discrimination in the appraisal process. Homeownership should be a pathway to financial stability and generational wealth for all, regardless of race or ethnicity. Property is Power, and by tackling appraisal bias, we ensure that Power is distributed fairly and justly across all communities.
(Dr. Anthony O. Kellum – CEO of Kellum Mortgage, LL C)
(Property is Power! is a movement to promote home and community ownership. Studies indicate, homeownership leads to higher graduation rates, family wealth, and community involvement.)
Retirement planning mistakes you should avoid
have sufficient savings when you retire.
Mistake 8: Not Reviewing Your Retirement Plan Regularly Your retirement plan needs regular checkups. Life circumstances change, and so should your retirement plan. Without regular reviews, your plan might become outdated and unable to meet your financial goals. You could miss new investment opportunities, tax benefits, or fall behind on savings. Re-balance your investment portfolio periodically to maintain an appropriate level of risk and return. Make it a habit to review your retirement plan yearly or whenever significant life changes occur, such as marriage, divorce, a new job, the birth of a child, or the death of a spouse.
Mistake 9: Not Considering the Impact of Inflation
Failing to account for inflation can erode the purchasing power of your
PROPERTY
Guest Editorial
Another look at Project 2025
When people talk about “democracy,” it’s probable that every person has a different definition of the term in their heads. That must be the main reason for the large number of people poised to vote against it. Could it be they just don’t really understand the concept? Possibly. But whichever road they choose, it is heading toward a specific destination—the destruction of human rights. By now, most people have heard about Project 2025. It is also known as the 2025 Presidential Transition Project and is described in a lengthy book titled “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,” which is designed to dismantle and reconstruct the government. It was laid out by conservative groups and is slated to be utilized by the GOP president if elected.
The fact that there are groups of people who want to see America change by losing democracy is frightening. But the rift in America seems to suggest that it is, indeed, a problem. People are willing to give up freedoms, rather than work together with others to make a better world for all of us.
Some people have said Black people will have specific challenges if Project 2025 is ever implemented. The following issues have been identified: crackdown on peaceful protests, especially those led by Black activists; dismantling of Civil Rights protections from the 1960s, affecting affirmative action and diversity programs; reduced educational and employment opportunities for Black Americans; and rolling back LGBTQ+ rights in healthcare, education, and workplaces.
In addition to the above, there are other items in Project 2025 that are problematic for certain populations. The main document, Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise, outlines four main aims: restoring the family as the centerpiece of American life, dismantling the administrative state, defending the nation’s sovereignty and borders, and securing God-given individual rights to live freely.
The problem with the foregoing is that large numbers of people would most likely be disenfranchised by these plans due to biased implementation. This is going in the opposite direction of that which would be most beneficial for all. Progress is (or should be) the hallmark of civilization.
More of these “detrimental” items include taking partisan control of various government departments and agencies, dismantling the Department of Homeland Security, and reducing environmental and climate change regulations.
Additional items include passing sweeping tax cuts for the rich, limiting the U.S. role in NATO, and developing new nuclear weapons.
Further, abolishing the Department of Education and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, reversing the FDA’s approval of abortion pills, reducing legal immigration, and ending Head Start are items of concern. These items, if implemented, would create a problem for many Americans.
Now, it must be said that we should remain vigilant regarding tactics and strategies wielded to throw us off course, causing people great harm. Because of this threat, people should pay attention to details in the political arena to keep from being hoodwinked by false information.
On another note, it is very, very sad that so far, people have lost their lives in a botched assassination attempt against presidential candidate Donald Trump. This occurred during a GOP rally held on July 13. Some people are saying they suspect that the assassination attempt was “staged,” while others disagree with that idea.
What is true, however, is that Trump, who emerged with what amounts to small abrasions, lends credence, in the eyes of some, that he is “anointed,” divinely inspired and protected as an emissary of “god.” People who hold that belief might ask themselves, “Would a divinely inspired person tell blatant lies and behave in a manner that endangers others?”
The January 6 Insurrection, in which several people lost their lives, was motivated by Trump. He, therefore, bears some responsibility for what happened, and that is certainly not “divine” behavior! Trump literally dodged a bullet during the assassination attempt, and ironically, he may actually benefit from it by generating “sympathy” votes. Meanwhile, Democrats and others should endeavor to sharpen their critical thinking skills in order to keep from being hoodwinked, resulting in a loss of Democratic rights.
Aluta Continua.
(Reprinted from the Chicago Crusader)
Founded 1910
Rod Doss Editor & Publisher
Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher
The Harris Effect
As the Democratic Party stands at a pivotal juncture, the question of leadership looms large.
With President Joe Biden’s announcement on Sunday that he will step down from the presidency, the path forward for Democrats hinges not just on continuity but on the promise of a transformative leader who can unite and inspire the nation.
In this crucial moment, Vice President Kamala Harris emerges not just as a candidate but as a beacon of hope—a leader whose vision and values can propel America towards a future of equity, justice and prosperity for all.
Who is Kamala Harris?
Beyond the titles and accolades lies a remarkable journey—a daughter of immigrants, a graduate of Howard University and UCLA Law and a fierce advocate for equal rights. Harris’s career has been defined by a relentless pursuit of justice, from her groundbreaking work on LGBTQ+ rights and women’s health to her advocacy for climate action, Medicaid improvements for seniors and gun safety reforms.
Her legacy was further solidified by her decisive role in the confirmation of Justice Kentanji Brown Jackson, the first African American woman on the United States Supreme Court—a testament to Harris’s unwavering commitment to diversity and fairness in our judicial system.
The stakes for the Democratic Party couldn’t be higher.
Skipping over Kamala Harris would not only disregard her qualifications but also risk alienating crucial constituencies. In 2020, African American women played a critical role in carrying President Joe Biden to victory in 2020, which was driven by the historic nature of Harris’s Vice President candidacy. To ignore her now would be to forsake the trust and support of not just Black voters but also progressives and women across the nation
James Bridgeforth
Commentary
who see in Harris a champion for their rights and aspirations.
Recent polling data paints a compelling picture of Harris’s electoral strength.
Surveys by Bedixen & Amandi (Forbes, 2024) and analyses in USA Today and The Nation consistently show Harris slightly outperforming former President Donald Trump in hypothetical matchups. Her ability to connect with voters on critical issues—from healthcare and economic equity to environmental sustainability and civil rights— positions her as the strongest contender to lead the Democratic charge in 2024.
The nomination of Kamala Harris isn’t just about winning an election; it’s about ushering in a new era of leadership that reflects the diversity and values of America today. Her candidacy has already injected a renewed sense of hope and purpose into the Democratic Party, energizing supporters with the prospect of history in the making—a woman, and a Black woman at that, poised to lead the nation.
Harris’s impact transcends partisan lines. Her focus on women’s reproductive health and her commitment to expanding rights for all Americans resonate deeply in an era marked by divisive policies and threats to civil liberties. As President, Harris would work tirelessly to secure women’s reproductive rights, enact meaningful gun safety legislation and champion economic relief measures that benefit the middle class. A Harris presidency promises not just progress, but transformation—a renewed emphasis on civil rights, equality and the
pursuit of a more just society.
The road ahead won’t be easy.
A campaign against Donald Trump will undoubtedly be fierce and unrelenting. Yet, Harris possesses a secret weapon: the ability to galvanize voters across racial, gender and generational lines. Her historic nomination as the first African American female candidate for the U.S. presidency symbolizes a watershed moment for American democracy—one that inspires young voters, mobilizes communities of color and rallies progressives to the cause of a more inclusive and equitable future.
Imagine a United States where the Supreme Court defends the rights of all Americans, where economic opportunities are accessible to every citizen and where leadership reflects the rich diversity of our nation. Kamala Harris represents not just a candidate but a catalyst for change—a leader who embodies the promise of a more perfect union and the resilience of the American spirit.
As we stand on the brink of history, the choice before us is clear.
Kamala Harris represents the best hope for the Democratic Party to reclaim the presidency and steer America towards a future defined by unity, progress and justice for all. The Democratic National Convention must seize this momentous opportunity to nominate Harris—a decision that will not only shape the next presidency but also define the soul of our nation for generations to come.
Dr. James Bridgeforth holds a Ph.D. from The University of Southern Mississippi; he has served as an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech, the University of South Alabama, The University of Southern Mississippi and Westfield State University. Dr. Bridgeforth is the author of Race, Gender and Faculty Advancement at American Colleges and Universities (2014), Examining the Campus Culture for African American Males at Predominately White Institutions (2018), and Multicultural Leadership in Higher Education (2020).
While a Black woman runs for president, a Black woman is killed by police; Part 1
On July 6, Sonya Massey, a Black and disabled woman, was shot by former Deputy Sean Grayson. After protests, the body cam footage was released on July 22.
On July 21, President Biden dropped out of the election and endorsed VP Kamala Harris, a Black and South Asian woman.
Like many, especially Black women, I felt a range of emotions. It didn’t take long for me to connect internalized White supremacy and the responses I observed to the reactions I was seeing; specifically, with urgency, either/or thinking, White proximity and fear of open conflict.
For me, I immediately felt anger and sadness that once again Black bodies are needed to prompt national concern. Watching your people being killed on video repeatedly, and then having to protest for justice is a true mind-bending trauma. Feeling frustrated that calls for abolition were being overshadowed by reform policies, with safe language that prioritizes the comfort of White people.
Despite experiencing these emotions, myself and other Black women were urged to advocate for the possibility of having the first Black woman as president. Once again, we were expected to rush with a spirit of urgency, to save a country and party that has consis-
Fawn Walker Montgomery
Commentary
tently failed us.
Now, I will say that in this situation, a few things can be true at the same time. We can feel excitement and joy that leads us to mobilize and fundraise. While also recognizing that rushing leaves little room for analysis. This push was made without any clear demands, campaign platform, and a clear call for accountability with being complacent on past systematic racism and silence on ongoing genocides in places such as Palestine and Congo. And no, mentioning Palestine doesn’t mean that I am a one-issue voter, etc. This is about humanity, not politics.
I do recognize the recent speech calling for a ceasefire. Due to timing and the comments on protestors, it’s hard to assess if it’s genuine. However, I am hopeful and recognize that the switch was a result of continued pressure. We should continue to apply pressure! It’s not an either/or situation. Both the building, mobilizing and fighting will need to take place simulta-
neously. It’s important to note that Black people must look past the need to maintain White comfort in our organizing methods, language and focus. Too much compromise can lead to liberation tactics that are whitewashed and rooted in liberalism. Additionally, going past the romancing of identity and representation politics to move towards principled alignment. While Black people are not a monolith and don’t think alike, one thing we should all agree on is that we cannot just relax. We must continue to mobilize and demand a fair society regardless of who is in power. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the complex emotions and trauma that arose for some Black women. From the frustration of yet another of our own being killed by police, to witnessing a Black woman struggle for her reputation, you can already see this starting to occur with VP Harris being labeled as the “DEI candidate.” To some, these are called micro/macro-aggressions but I simply call this racism and it’s not OK. All of us should make an effort to call these instances out. July 2024, a month where a lot of things happened. And I will continue to address and unpack these things in my upcoming columns. In the meantime, continue to “mobilize, organize, rest and repeat.”
Sonya Massey should still be alive
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—In many ways our nation has changed, but it hasn’t changed. When the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, informally known as the National Lynching Memorial, opened in Montgomery, Alabama, it was to commemorate the Black victims of lynching in the United States. Its focus was to acknowledge past racial terrorism and advocate for social justice throughout our nation. Symbolically placed on high ground overlooking the city, it is located approximately a mile from the state capitol building and the city’s overabundance of Confederate statues. The powerful museum explains lynching as a direct legacy of slavery and a way of enforcing white supremacy. Lynching often involved amputations, mutilation, torture and castration. The bodies were publically lifted up and displayed in full view because they wanted to intimidate and traumatize Black communities. The spilling of innocent blood is their legacy which was tolerated and often aided by law enforcement and elected officials. Exhibits explore a consistent history of violence and control over Black Americans. More than 4,400 Black people were killed in racial terror lynching between 1877 and 1950. They are remembered having their names engraved on more than 800 monuments—one for each county where a lynching took place. As this memorial confronts the shameful history of racial terror, it also reminds us that this legacy of fear and trauma continues today by way of unjust killings of Black people at the hands of law enforcement. George Wallace once occupied the Alabama state capitol as governor. His idle words would eventually become deadly. He provoked public violence in the south where people were inspired to put violent action behind their personal feelings of resentment and rage. Many of Wallace’s speeches were rallying cries which indirectly motivated acts of domestic terror, harassment and even murder. During the same year as his infamous “segregation now” speech, Wallace in a newspaper interview, said he believed Alabama needed a “few first-class funerals” to stop racial integration. One week later, four young girls were killed and over 20 others were injured in a bombing at the 16th Street Baptist Church in downtown Birmingham. Martin Luther King later informed Wallace that “the blood of four little children….is on your hands. Your irresponsible and misguided actions have created in Birmingham and Alabama the atmosphere that has induced continued violence and now murder.” Wallace changed, but he didn’t change. In his case, while campaigning for president in Maryland, Wallace was shot as part of an assassination attempt leaving him permanently paralyzed. Being bound to a wheelchair can make a person humble. Each person is ultimately held accountable for their actions. A contrite Wallace met with various civil rights activists and addressed Black congregations to personally ask for their forgiveness. While speaking before a Black church in Montgomery, Wallace showed that a man can change his ways. “I think I can understand some of the pain that Black people have come to endure,” he said. “I know I contributed to that pain, and I can only ask for your forgiveness.” In Wallace’s public campaign for forgiveness, John Lewis said that while he could never forget the hatred Wallace unleashed and his “political opportunism” he could forgive him. “George Wallace should be remembered for his capacity to change,” Lewis wrote years later in The New York Times. “And we are better as a nation because of our capacity to forgive and to acknowledge that our political leaders are human and largely a reflection of the social currents in the river of history.” The forgiveness helps to address the personal and community trauma, but did Wallace go far enough?
Harris’ presidential nomination: From the grassroots up, not top down?
On July 21, President Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race. Over 30 congressional Democrats asked Biden not to run for reelection because of his poor health.
The 30 Democratic leaders questioned Biden’s ability to serve another term. It’s no coincidence that these dramatic events occurred after Biden’s terrible debate performance against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Following the debate, public opinion polls indicated that Biden would not win the election.
When Biden dropped out of the race, he told the American people, “I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
For Biden supporters, the phrase that stood out was “in the best interests of the party.”
Of course, that raises the question: who is “the party?” Is it the registered Democrats who voted for Biden in the primaries, or the congressional Democrats who wanted a candidate with a better chance of beating Trump in November?
Biden then endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee. Following Biden’s departure from the race, Harris told the American people, “With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life service: put the American people and our country above all else. I am honored to have received the President’s endorsement, and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.”
The next day, every Democratic governor and 90 percent of Democratic congressional members vowed to back Harris. The day after that, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies held a press conference to endorse Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee.
Schumer said, “We’ve seen the Democratic Party swiftly coalesce behind Vice President Kamala Harris. When I spoke with her Sunday, she said she wanted the opportunity to win the nomination on her own and to do so from the grassroots up,
not the top down.”
It appeared that Harris preferred voter nomination to party leadership selection. Schumer went on to say, “We deeply respected that; Hakeem and I did. She said she would work to earn the support of our party, and—boy—has she done so in quick order. Vice President Harris has done a truly impressive job securing the majority of delegates needed to win the Democratic Party’s nomination to be our next President of the United States. The vast majority of my senators quickly ... endorsed her. So now that the process has played out from the grassroots—bottom up—we are here today to throw our support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.” Schumer clapped, but no reporters applauded.
Then a reporter asked Schumer the obvious question: I understand you claimed this was a bottom-up process, but Kamala Harris is the Vice President of the United States. There was no other competition. Party delegates, who are essentially insiders, will choose Harris for the nomination. What’s your explanation to the American people and Democrats who voted for Joe Biden that this is not a Harris coronation? Schumer responded, “The bottom line is that it was a bottom-up process, and people rallied around her. The enthusiasm in this large, diverse, and representative party was amazing.”
It would have been amazing if anyone had believed that a bottom-up process could occur after two days. Black Lives Matter, a social justice activist organization, was the first to call out the problem with Harris’ nomination.
BLM stated, “For the past few years, the Democratic Party has proclaimed that ‘democracy is on the ballot’ in an effort to persuade Black voters to participate in
the upcoming general election. They have presented this as the most serious election for democracy in our lifetimes. However, democracy isn’t just an ideal to be protected against Republicans; it must also be safeguarded from erosion within the Democratic Party. Calls for “unity” cannot come at the expense of democracy. The Democratic Party, which has been the loudest in defending democracy, is now poised to commit some of the most undemocratic maneuvering to avoid listening to the will of the voters.”
“Let us be clear,” BLM continued. “This is about the Democratic Party following a process that protects the legitimacy of any future Democratic president following this unprecedented moment. Installing Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee and an unknown vice president without any public voting process would make the modern Democratic Party a party of hypocrites. It would undermine their credibility on issues related to democracy. Imagine our first Black woman president not having won some sort of public nomination process. The pundits would immediately label it as affirmative action or a DEI move, and any progress made by President Harris would be on shaky foundations. If Kamala Harris is to be the nominee, it must be through a process that upholds democratic principles and public participation.”
The day after Schumer’s press conference, President Biden addressed the nation to explain his withdrawal from the presidential election and refute rumors that Democratic Party leaders forced him out. Biden stated, “In recent weeks, it has become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor. I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, and my vision for America’s future all merited a second term. But nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition. So, I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.”
This raises another question: who is supposed to pass the torch in “our democracy,” primary voters or party leaders? If the answer is primary voters, then Democratic Party leaders may be the actual threat to democracy.
Sheila Jackson Lee—
An ‘Energizer Bunny’ for justice
History makes it clear that Wallace, who once had Ku Klux Khan members for advisors, went to the Black community for their forgiveness. It is not clear what message a contrite Wallace had for the white church and community. As Wallace went to Black congregations for forgiveness, did he return to white congregation with a message of racial reconciliation? Did he ask for forgiveness from the white church and community for perpetuating their racial hatred toward Blacks for his political gain? Did he challenge the White power structure to change? The oppressed can forgive, but can the oppressors repent? The forgiveness by members of one community is only part of the equation if we are to see a true end to America’s legacy of lynching. Forgiveness is really the second part. The first and critical half is the repentance by specific members of the white church and community who still uphold this legacy of White supremacy and the lack of value for a Black life. Wallace changed, but he didn’t change enough to boldly correct to his counterparts. Today, the Black community is still paying a heavy price as a community as Whites fail to boldly confront their counterparts. This out of control legacy of lynching is one of the root causes behind our police misconduct problem. For the hanged and beaten. For the shot, drown, and burned. For the tortured, tormented and terrorized. For those abandoned by the rule of law. We will remember. William Donnegan was a shoemaker and once a conductor on the Underground Railroad. During the Springfield massacre of 1908, a White mob unsuccessfully attempted to lynch Donnegan and left him for dead. Police later cut him down from a tree outside his home. He was transported to the hospital where he later died from his injuries. In July 2024, Sonya Massey was shot by law enforcement in her home over a pot of hot water. Massey was a descendent of William Donnegan. She, like any concerned citizen, called police in fear of a home intruder. As we make the generational connection, Sonya Massey and William Donnegan died at the same St. John’s hospital 116 years apart. Two lives cut short over a senseless attack. Things change, but they don’t change.
(David W. Marshall is the founder of the faith-based organization, TRB: The Reconciled Body, and author of the book God Bless Our Divided America.)
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) didn’t lose many battles, but she succumbed to pancreatic cancer on July 19. She tackled the disease like she tackled so many other challenges, working with her doctors on a treatment plan, making the most of the time that she had, and speaking with optimism about the future. Even though she had been ill, took to the streets to provide food, baby formula, and other supplies in the wake of Hurricane Beryl. And until the end, she worked. I know a journalist who had an appointment set up with her a few days after her death. Her office called Wednesday before her Thursday death to cancel. What optimism to think that, even battling a deadly disease, she might still want to do an interview. What faith, resilience, focus to keep working through it all. Sheila said she wanted to be an “Energizer Bunny” for Houston, and indeed she was. She was also an Energizer Bunny for social and economic justice. The congresswoman was able to get federal appropriations for her beloved 18th Congressional District because she worked tirelessly to get things done. She was especially effective around race matters, successfully lobbying President Biden to make Juneteenth, the day when enslaved Black Texans learned that they were free, a national holiday. She also took HR40, the Congressional bill that would study reparations and develop remedies for the economic injustice African American people experienced because of enslavement and its aftermath, to the point that more than two hundred members of Congress
by Marc H. Morial (TriceEdneyWire.com)—
“Russia remains the most active foreign threat to our elections. The Russian government’s goals in such influence operations tend to include eroding trust in U.S. democratic institutions, exacerbating sociopolitical divisions in the United States, and degrading western support to Ukraine. Russia relies on a vast multimedia influence apparatus, which consists of its intelligence services, cyber actors, state media, proxies, and social media trolls. Moscow most likely views such operations as a means to tear down the United States as its perceived primary adversary, enabling Russia to promote itself as a great power.”—U.S. Director of National Intelligence
In the spring of 2019, the National Urban League’s State of Black America report was the first to highlight the extent of Russian efforts to deceive, manipulate and exploit Black voters in the 2016 presidential election. Five months later, a Senate Intelligence Committee report confirmed our findings: Russian trolls targeted Black Americans more
cosponsored it. President Biden should sign an executive order to implement HR 40, especially now, in tribute to our fallen Congresswoman. It would be fitting recognition to a sister who took the baton that Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) passed her and ran with it.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was selected by Congressman Conyers to shepherd the legislation he introduced in every congressional session since 1989. She never failed to acknowledge his effort and made herself available to reparations activist. She was especially helpful to the National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC), which was creat4ed in 2015, partly to support HR 40. (Full disclosure—I am a member of NAARC). She traveled to many of our town hall meetings, that took place all over the country. Always a forceful and fiery speaker, she made a solid case for reparations. From her perch on the Judiciary Committee, she convened a hearing on June 19, 2019, the first time Congress held such a hearing. (Again, full disclosure, I was among those testifying at that hearing).
Reparations and racial justice weren’t the only things that impassioned the Texas Congresswoman. She was passionate
than any other group to dissuade them from voting.
Now, as the 2024 presidential election approaches, the Russians are at it again, armed with new technology and new techniques. Videos, spewing disinformation, with voices and images manipulated by artificial intelligence, are the medium of choice for Russian operatives. Falsely represented as the work of independent journalists or whistle-blowers, the videos are considered more likely thank simple blog or social media posts to enter the mainstream discourse.
Though the tactics are new, the goal remains the same: the election of Donald Trump and the implementation of Trump’s pro-Russia policies. Trump has said he would encourage Russia to do “whatever the hell they want” to our NATO allies who don’t meet defense spending guidelines. He would end U.S. support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion.
Key to Russia’s disruptive plan is the promotion of racial strife and the suppression of Black votes.
“By far, race and related issues were the preferred target of the information warfare campaign designed to divide the
about children and their opportunities, supporting Head Start, children’s health, and women’s rights. She fought to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, which first passed in 1994, but subsequently lapsed. She was successful in getting it expanded and reauthorized. She supported the CROWN Act, legislation that prevents discrimination against people because of their natural hair styles and spoke out when a young Texas man was put out of school because of the length of his dreads.
It seems that no issue was too big or too small for Sheila. Her office provided excellent constituent services, but beyond services, she offered the personal touch attending weddings and funerals and neighborhood gatherings. Yet she shone on the big stage, on the. Floor of Congress, in her Africa work, in the world. She worked hard, she shone brightly, She cared for our nation, for Black people, justice. And Sheila Jackson Lee was my friend. I was blessed to have a personal relationship with the fierce, fiery, forceful, fantastic and, yes, fashionable fighter. The sister could rock some African attire! She stood on strong shoulders—that 18th district had previously been represented by the esteemed Barbara Jordan and the impactful Mickey Leland. She once told a reporter she had both of her predecessors “in her soul”, modeling her work after theirs. Now, she is in our soul, that Energizer Bunny for Justice. Her memory is both a blessing and an inspiration.
(Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist and author based in Washington, DC. Juliannemalveaux.com)
country in 2016.” the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee concluded. Of Russian operatives’ top 10 Instagram accounts, five were focused on African American issues and audiences. Their Twitter content was “heavily focused on hot-button issues with racial undertones such as the NFL kneeling protests.” And 96 percent of their YouTube content was targeted at racial issues and police brutality. “Some of the videos featured expressly voter suppressive content intended to dissuade African American voters from participating in the 2016 presidential election,” the committee found.
Russia continued to target Black Americans through the 2020 presidential election.
Our best defense against disinformation, national security experts say, is identifying and publicizing the propaganda push.
“The great antidote to all of this is being able to shine a light on it,” former NSA director Gen. Paul M. Nakasone told the Senate Intelligence Committee. “If they are trying to influence or interfere in our elections, we should make it as hard as possible for them.”
J. Pharoah Doss Check It Out
Julianne Malveaux Commentary
David W. Marshall Commentary
CONDITIONS OF SALE
Effective with the August 3, 2020, Sheriff Sale of real estate and all such monthly public sales thereafter shall be conducted virtually through video conferencing technology or live streaming. ALL PARTICIPANTS OR BIDDERS MUST BE REGISTERED AT LEAST 7 DAYS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE SALE IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE (VIRTUALLY OR IN PERSON) AT THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SALES OF REAL ESTATE. REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SHERIFF’S WEBSITE: SHERIFFALLEGHENYCOUNTY.COM. The Successful bidder will pay full amount of bid in CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK OR CASHIERS CHECK at time of sale, otherwise the property will be resold at the next regular Sheriffs Sale; provided, that if the sale is made on MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2024 the bidder may pay ten percent of purchasing price but not less than 75.00 in CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, OR CASHIERS CHECK THE DAY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SALE, e.g. TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2024, BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8:30AM AND 2:30PM IN THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE. Failure to pay the 10% deposit will have you banned from future Sheriff Sales. And the balance in CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, OR CASHIERS CHECK, on or before MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024, at 10:00 O’CLOCK A.M. The property will be resold at the next regular Sheriff’s Sale if the balance is not paid, and in such case all money’s paid in at the original sale shall be applied to any deficiency in the price of which property is resold, and provided further that if the successful bidder is the plaintiff in the execution the bidder shall pay full amount of bid ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST MONDAY OF THE FOLLOWING MONTH, OTHERWISE WRIT WILL BE RETURNED AND MARKED “REAL ESTATE UNSOLD” and all monies advanced by plaintiff will be applied as required by COMMON PLEAS COURT RULE 3129.2 (1) (a).
FORFEITED SALES WILL BE POSTED IN THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND LISTED ON THE SHERIFF OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY WEB SITE.
AMENDMENT OF THE CODE SECOND CLASS COUNTY NEW CHAPTER 475 THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 475, ENTITLED TAXATION IS HEREBY AMENDED THROUGH THE CREATION ARTICLE XII, ENTITLED, “SHERIFF SALES”, AND COMPRISED AS FOLLOWS: SUBSECTION 475-60: RECORDING OF DEEDS AND NOTIFICATION OF SHERIFFS SALES TO TAXING BODIES.
A. FOR ANY REAL PROPERTY OFFERED AT SHERIFFS SALE DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF REAL ESTATE TAXES AND PURCHASED BY A THIRD PARTY THROUGH SUCH SALE, THE SHERIFF SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FILING THE DEED AND, WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF FILING OF THE SHERIFFS DEED, PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE CONVEYANCE TO THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY OFFICE OF PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS. THE WRITTEN NOTICE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION SHALL INCLUDE THE DATE OF THE SALE, IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY SOLD BY BOTH ADDRESS AND LOT AND BLOCK NUMBER, AND THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE INDIVIDUALS OR OTHER ENTITY THAT PURCHASED THE PROPERTY.
B. AT THE TIME OF THE SALE THE SHERIFF SHALL COLLECT ALL REQUISITE FILING COSTS, REALTY TRANSFER TAXES AND FEES, NECESSARY TO PROPERLY RECORD THE DEED. C. WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF RECEIPT OF WRITTEN NOTICE FROM THE SHERIFF, THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY OFFICE OF PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS SHALL FORWARD COPIES OF SUCH NOTICE TO ALL TAXING BODIES LEVYING REAL ESTATE TAXES ON THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE MUNICIPALITY AND SCHOOL DISTRICT WHERE THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED.
AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 14 OF ACT NO. 77 OF 1986, THE COST OF ALL DOCUMENTARY STAMPS FOR REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAXES (STATE, LOCAL, AND SCHOOL) WILL BE DEDUCTED BY THE SHERIFF FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE. Purchasers must pay the necessary recording fees. Pursuant to Rule 3136 P.R.C.P. NOTICE is hereby given that a schedule of distribution will be filed by the Sheriff not later than 30 days from date of sale and that distribution will be made in accordance with the schedule unless exceptions are filed thereto within 10 days thereafter. No further notice of the filing of the schedule of distribution will be given.
A Land Bank formed under 68 Pa. C.S.A. 2101 et seq. may exercise its right to bid pursuant to 68 Pa. C.S.A. 2117(d) (2) through Pa. C.S.A. 2117(d) (4) on certain properties listed for sale under the municipal claims and Tax Lien Law, 53 P.S. 7101 et seq. The Sheriff of Allegheny County will honor the terms of payment which the Land Bank has entered with any municipalities having a claim against the property. If the Land Bank tenders a bid under Pa. C.S.A. 2117(d)(3) or 2117(d)(4) the property will not be offered for sale to others and the Property will be considered sold to the Land Bank for the Upset Price as defined in P.S.7279 and no other bids will be accepted.
NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT ALL SHERIFFS DEEDS TENDERED TO PURCHASERS WILL CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING:
NOTICE: The undersigned, as evidenced by the signature(s) to this notice and the acceptance and recording of this deed, (is/are) fully cognizant of the fact that the undersigned may not be obtaining the right of protection against subsidence, as to the property herein conveyed, resulting from coal mining operations and that the purchased property, herein conveyed, may be protected from damage due to mine subsidence by a private contract with the owners of the economic interest in the coal. This notice is inserted herein to comply with the Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act of 1966. as amended 1980. Oct. 10, P.L 874, No. 156 §1. “This document may not sell, convey, transfer, include, or insure the title to the coal and right of support underneath the surface land described or referred to herein and the owner or owners of such coal may have the complete legal right to remove all of such coal, and in that connection damage may result to the surface of the land, any house, building or other structure on or in such land.”
14JULY24
DEFENDANT(S): UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, AND/OR PERSONALREPRESENTATIVES OF AG-
E. JONES, DECEASED; MARCIA J.
SOLELY AS HEIR OF AGNES E. JONES, DECEASED
855-225-6906 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 13th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 1222 Pineridge St Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Deed Book Volume 19221, Page 466. Block and Lot 0174-G-00277-0000-00.
1AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): ERICA GRIFFIN SOLELY IN HER CAPACITY AS HEIR OF NANCY L. GRIFFIN AKA NANCY GRIFFIN AKA NANCY GRIFFIN SMITH, DECEASED, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF NANCY L. GRIFFIN AKA NANCY GRIFFIN AKA NANCY GRIFFINSMITH, DECEASED *************** CASE NO.: MG-23-000975 DEBT: $41,225.79 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): KML LAW GROUP, P.C. ***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, 7TH WARD CITY OF MCKEESPORT: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1301 EVANS AVENUE, MCKEESPORT,PA 15132. DEED BOOK 9609, PAGE238. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 381-A-l.
2AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): TRIPLE DS ESTATE LLC, DARRELL
JOHNSON *************** CASE NO.: MG-24-000018
DEBT: $142,815.13 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): KML LAW GROUP, P.C. ***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 ***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF MT. OLIVER: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 215
ANTHONY STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15210. DEED BOOK 18830, PAGE 8. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 33-D-281.
3AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): JOSHUA R. WOOD AKA JOSHUA RYAN WOOD AKA JOSHUA WOOD
*************** CASE NO.: MG-24-000114
DEBT: $83,807.43
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): KML LAW GROUP, P.C.
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY:
SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106
************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322
*************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* IN THE COMMONWEAL TH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF HARRISON:
PARCEL ONE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS I 017 OLIVE AVENUE, NATRONA HEIGHTS, PA 15065. DEED BOOK VOLUME 18360, PAGE 587, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 1846-N-198.
PARCEL TWO: HAVING THEREON A VACANT LAND BEING KNOWN AS OLIVE AVENUE, NATRONA HEIGHTS, PA 15065. DEED BOOK VOLUME 18360, PAGE 587, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 1846-N-194.
4AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): NATHANIEL BLANK, REMY HARRIS
*************** CASE NO.: MG-22-000287
DEBT: $283,396.51 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): KML LAW GROUP, P.C. ***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 ***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF FOREST HILLS: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 228 WOODSIDE ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15221. DEED BOOK 16269, PAGE 40. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 298-P-84.
5AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): BIANCA GERVASONI, KANE R.T. GERVA-
SONI AKA KANE GERVASONI
*************** CASE NO.: MG-24-000005
DEBT: $100,684.40 ***** NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): KML LAW GROUP, P.C.
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106
************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 ***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: IN THE COJMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF PLUM: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 4130 NEW TEXAS ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15239. DEED BOOK 17354, PAGE 106. BLOCK AND LOT: NUMBER 850-M-80. 6AUG24
PLAINTIFF: SHALER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT, VS. DEFENDANT(S): JEANNE T. SIX
*************** CASE NO.: GD 23-008203 ********** DEBT: $20,940.59
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): JOHN T. VOGEL, TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. ***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. 1500 ONE PPG PLACE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222
************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 412.594.3902 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF MILLVALE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 116 BECKERT STREET, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 152092510, DEED BOOK VOLUME 19273, PAGE 101, BLOCK AND LOT79-B-184.
7AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): Ross King, Jr *************** CASE NO.: GD-24-001122 ********** DEBT: 53,992.75
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Kristine M. Anthou, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Grenen & Birsic, P.C. One Gateway Center, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-7650
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Homestead:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING KNOWN AS 227 E. 15TH AVENUE, HOMESTEAD, PA 15120. DBV 16419 PG 53, BLOCK & LOT NO. 131-C-183.
8AUG24
PLAINTIFF: EAST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND TOWNSHIP OF NORTH VERSAILLES
VS. DEFENDANT(S): WILLIAM LOVELL *************** CASE NO.: GD-23-012388 ********** DEBT: $ 25,942.97
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): CHRISTOPHER E. VINCENT
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 546 WENDEL ROAD, IRWIN, PA 15642
************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 724-978-0333 ***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, TOWNSHIP OF NORTH VERSAILLES:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 111 UNION AVENUE, NORTH VERSAILLES, PA 15137. DEED BOOK 16471, PAGE 371. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 458-M-235.
9AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): JACK SHRUM; MARY ANN SHRUM
*************** CASE NO.: GD-22-010162
DEBT: $28,733.69
*****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054
************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 855-225-6906
***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, South Fayette Township: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 205 Marshall Road Oakdale, PA 15071. Deed Book Volume 11242, Page 590. Block and Lot 0491-J-00003-0000-00. Alternate ID: 9946-X-00663-0000-00.
10AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): SARVER REALTY ANDRE PLAZA, LLC, SARVER REALTY MCKNIGHT PLAZA, LLC, SARVER REALTY REGENT SQUARE, LLC
*************** CASE NO.: GD 22-015529
DEBT: $3,108,509.57 ***** NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): JOSEPH A. FIDLER, ESQUIRE
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 4091 MT. ROYAL BOULEVARD, ALLISON PARK, PA 15101
************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 412-487-8173 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ALL THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE SITUATED IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF ROSS HAVING ERECTED THEREON A COMMERCIAL BUILDING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 4818 MCKNIGHT ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15237, DEED BOOK VOLUME 17413, PAGE 111, BLOCK AND
RANDELL L. RUSCH, Jr. a/k/a RANDALL L. RUSCH, Jr. AND LESLIE A. RUSCH, AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA *************** CASE NO.: MG-22-000410 DEBT: $311,607.85
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 465-9718 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* ALL OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE SITUATED IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, AND THE MUNICIPALITY OF BETHEL PARK: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 934 DELFIELD DRIVE, BETHEL PARK, PA 15102.
1679-F-27.
Jeff Calcagno, Esquire ***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406 ************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (844) 856-6646 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF WHITEHALL Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 502 WEYMAN RD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15236. Deed Book Volume 18084, Page 387. Block and Lot Number 0249-H-001500000-00
24AUG24
17AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): James Long; Judi Long
CASE NO.: MG-23-001151 DEBT: $263,408.44 NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Manley Deas Kochalski LLC
10224, Page 457. Block and Lot Number 0538-G-00241-0000-00.
20AUG24 DEFENDANT(S): Denise Lloyd
$21,368.79
NAME OF
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, City of Pittsburgh, Ward 4:
Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 3219 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Document Number 099967, Deed Book Volume 09737, Page 554. Block and Lot Number 0028-A-00163-0000-00.
21AUG24
$118,302.84
DEFENDANT(S): ANTHONY D. FORD; DEVONE M. FORD *************** CASE NO.: MG-22-000208 ********** DEBT: $ 82,232.53
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jeff Calcagno, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (844) 856-6646
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 3RD WARD OF THE BOROUGH OF HOMESTEAD Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 1218 SYLVAN AVENUE, HOMESTEAD, PA 15120. Deed Book Volume 14797, Page 182. Block and Lot Number 0131-E-002930000-00
25AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): SHARON RUSNAK GAITENS AKA SHARON R. GAITENS *************** CASE NO.: MG-24-000003 ********** DEBT: $12,287.06 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jeff Calcagno, Esquire ***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406 ************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (844) 856-6646 ***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 3RD WARD OF THE BOROUGH OF CRAFTON
Having erected.thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 89 SOUTH LINWOOD AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15205 A/K/A 89 SOUTH LINWOOD AVENUE #A, PITTSBURGH, PA 15205. Deed Book Volume 10879, Page 571. Block and Lot Number 0068-G00236-0000-00
26AUG24
PLAINTIFF(S) PLUM BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT VS DEFENDANT(S): BLAIR M. CESSNA, III & DANIELLE M. CESSNA *************** CASE NO.: GD-22-012781
DEBT: $13,920.44 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Elizabeth P. Sattler, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 445 Fort Pitt Boulevard, Suite 503, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 412-391-0160 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF PLUM:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING, KNOWN AS 134 COXCOMB HILL ROAD, NEW KENSINGTON, PA 15068. DEED BOOK 17473, PAGE 294. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 845-P-379.
27AUG24
PLAINTIFF(S) PLUM BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT VS DEFENDANT(S): BLAIR M. CESSNA, III *************** CASE NO.: GD-22-012779
DEBT: $10,793.62
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Elizabeth P. Sattler, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 445 Fort Pitt Boulevard, Suite 503, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 412-391-0160 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: *********************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF PLUM:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A COM-
MERCIAL BUILDING, KNOWN AS 132 COXCOMB HILL ROAD, NEW KENSINGTON, PA 15068. DEED BOOK 12999, PAGE 454. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 845-P-346.
28AUG24
PLAINTIFF(S) PLUM BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT VS DEFENDANT(S): BLAIR M. CESSNA, III *************** CASE NO.: GD-22-012778
DEBT: $28,623.78 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Elizabeth P. Sattler, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 445 Fort Pitt Boulevard, Suite 503, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 412-391-0160 ***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF PLUM:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A COM-
MERCIAL BUILDING, KNOWN AS 138
COXCOMB HILL ROAD, NEW KENSINGTON, PA 15068. DEED BOOK 12999, PAGE 449. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 845-N-48.
29AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): Richard A. Goldman and Kimberly A. Goldman *************** CASE NO.: GD-22-003596
**********
DEBT: $177,423.43
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): PATRICK J WESNER, ESQUIRE
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 9000 MIDLANTIC DRIVE, STE 300, PO BOX 5054, MT LAUREL, NJ 08054
************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (856) 810-5815
*************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Wilkinsburg, having currently erected thereon a Three-family dwelling being known as 439 Franklin Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15221 Deed Book 11583 Page 130, Block and Lot 0176-C-000700000-00.
30AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): John H. Ordean, Sr. a/k/a John Ordean and Nicole F. Ordean
***************
CASE NO.: MG-23-000760
DEBT: $181,348.05
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Roger Fay, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 14000 Commerce Parkway, Suite H, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (856) 724-1888
***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
*********************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, West Deer Township:
Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 4216 Havencrest Drive, Gibsonia, PA 15044. Deed Book Volume 13080, Page 240, Instrument Number 2006-40786. Block and Lot Number 1507-M-00371-0000-00.
31AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): CHARLES J. ULRICH AND BRIANNE D.
BOLLINGER
***************
CASE NO.: MG-23-000705
**********
DEBT: $151,553.60
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): CHRISTINE L. GRAHAM, ESQUIRE
***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: McCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC 216 HADDON AVENUE, SUITE 201 WESTMONT, NJ 08108
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (856) 858-7080
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Shaler Township: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 160 Seavey Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15223. Deed Book Volume 16839, Page 498, Block & Lot No. 0166-H-00128- 0000-00.
32AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): Jason W. Weathers aka Jason Weathers *************** CASE NO.: MG-23-000970
DEBT: $46,415.69
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stern & Eisenberg, PC
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: The Shops at Valley Square, 1581 Main Street, Suite 200 Warrington, PA 18976
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 572-8111
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
*********************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny and the 13th Ward of The City of Pittsburgh: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 1959 Robinson Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Deed Book Volume 12758, PAGE 93. Block and Lot Number 232-D-112. 33AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): Peachy Pelican Properties LLC; Gianina Ainsley Romito *************** CASE NO.: GD-23-011581
DEBT: $476,130.13
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Nelson Diaz
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 475 County Road 520, Ste. 200, Marlboro, NJ 07746 ************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 212-536-3529 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, City of Pittsburgh, 11th Ward HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 6513 STANTON AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206 DEED BOOK VOLUME 18742, PAGE 535, BLOCKAND LOT NUMBER 124-B-16
34AUG24
PLAINTIFF(S) Keystone Oaks School District vs DEFENDANT(S): Pittsburgh South Hills Realty LLC *************** CASE NO.: GD 23-007829
DEBT: $13,952.34 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203 ************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Dormont: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 2722 DWIGHT AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15216. DEED BOOK 18113, PAGE 37. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 63-0-298.
35AUG24
PLAINTIFF(S) Penn Hills School District and Municipality of Penn Hills vs DEFENDANT(S): Constance B.J. Parker, with Notice to Heirs and Assigns *************** CASE NO.: GD 22-000739 ********** DEBT: $9,479.29 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire ***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400
SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Penn Hills:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 2185 SAMPSON STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15235. DEED BOOK 7326, PAGE 396. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 296-8-212.
36AUG24
PLAINTIFF(S) South Allegheny School District vs DEFENDANT(S): ANDREW MICHAEL MILLER *************** CASE NO.: GD 23-013162 DEBT: $8,453.02
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203
************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400
*************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Glassport:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON AN OF-
FICE/APARTMENTS OVER BUILDING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 433 MONONGAHELA AVE., GLASSPORT, PA 15045. DEED BOOK 11977, PAGE 352. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 467-P-76.
37AUG24
PLAINTIFF(S) Wilkinsburg School District and Wilkinsburg Borough vs DEFENDANT(S): The Unknown Heirs of Marion L. Young, Deceased *************** CASE NO.: GD 23-012881
DEBT: $16,427.98
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203
************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400
***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Wilkinsburg: (PARCEL 1) HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1320 MILL STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15221. DEED BOOK4116, PAGE 555. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 232-N-255; AND (PARCEL 2) BEING ALL THAT VACANT LAND KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS MILL STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15221. DEED BOOK 4665, PAGE 173. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 232-N-254.
PLAINTIFF(S)
38AUG24
SONNY BOY
OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire ***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Bethel Park: Having erected thereon a one story frame house being known as 2925 Idaho Avenue, Bethel Park, PA 15102. Deed Book Volume 13362, Page 492. Block & Lot No. 476-L-82.
49AUG24
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS.
DEFENDANT(S): Cheryl A. Beagle *************** CASE NO.: GD 23-008764 ********** DEBT: $5,992.06 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire ***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY:
525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION: *********************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, City of McKeesportWard 5:
Being thereon vacant residential land known as Union Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132. Deed Book Volume 12137, Page 88. Block & Lot No. 307-L-112.
50AUG24
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS.
DEFENDANT(S): Holly McIntosh a/k/a Holly Moore ******************** CASE NO.: GD 23-007453 ********** DEBT: $7,135.03
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY:
525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION: *********************
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Monroeville:
Being thereon vacant residential land known as Willow Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146. Deed Book Volume 12084, Page 434. Block & Lot No. 640-K-l 18.
51AUG24
PLAINTIFF(S): County of Allegheny VS.
DEFENDANT(S): Joan Raszewski a/k/a Joan Alice Raszewski, With Notice to Heirs and Assigns
CASE NO.: GD 23-003736 ********** DEBT: $3,698.81 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire ***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 525 William Penn Place, Ste. 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-0587
SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Glassport:
Having erected thereon a one story frame house being known as 311 Euclid Avenue, Glassport PA 15045. Deed Book Volume 7646, Page 372. Block & Lot No. 467-L-176.
52AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): Jacqueline DeMartin ******************** CASE NO.: MG-23-000984 ********** DEBT: $115,496.56
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Perry Russell, Esq.
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160, Garden City, NY 11530 ************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (212) 471-5100 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, and Borough of Greentree:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1118 GREENTREE ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15220. DEED BOOK VOLUME 12194, PAGE 487. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 0036-E-00154-0000-00.
53AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): JOANNE D. RUSH
********************
CASE NO.: GD-23-013736
********** DEBT: $41,494.64
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jeff Calcagno, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (844) 856-6646
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF PLEASANT HILLS Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 28 W BRUCETON RD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15236. Deed Book Volume 4701, Page 677. Block and Lot Number 0471-A-002720000-00
54AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): JAMES D. WYLIE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA C/O WESTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
CASE NO.: MG-23-000723
**********
DEBT: $116,525.64 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jeff Calcagno, Esquire ***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (844) 856-6646 ***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF ELIZABETH Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 922 3RD AVE, ELIZABETH, PA 15037. Deed Book Volume 10950, Page 589. Block and Lot Number 1133-P-000840000-00
55AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): DESIREE LEWANEWSKY, KNOWN HEIR OF DAVID CHARLES LEWANEWSKY, DECEASED; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER DAVID CHARLES LEWANEWSKY
********************
CASE NO.: MG-23-000924
DEBT: 263,453.20
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jeff Calcagno, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEVARD, SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (844) 856-6646
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF BELLEVUE Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 124 N BALPH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15202. Deed Book Volume 17635, Page 362. Block and Lot Number 0160-H-000570000-00
57AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): Robert E. Myers, Jr., Administrator of the Estate of Virginia B. Myers a/k/a Virginia Myers, Deceased
CASE NO.: MG-23-001036
DEBT: $167,981.40 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454
************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 855-9521
*************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, TOWNSHIP OF NORTH FAYETTE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1081 MCKEE ROAD, OAKDALE, PA 15071. DEED BOOK VOLUME 4440, PAGE 701. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 495-H-1.
58AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): Unknown Surviving Heirs of Vernell Taliaferro a/k/a Vernell B. Taliaferro, Deceased
CASE NO.: MG-23-001132
********** DEBT: $37,141.11 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire
***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454
************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 855-9521
***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 18TH WARD OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 432 CHALFONT STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15210. DEED BOOK VOLUME 4551, PAGE 169. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 14-J-265.
59AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): Mark E. Salac and The United States of America CASE NO.: MG-23-000129 ********** DEBT: $204,600.05
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire
***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454 ************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 855-9521
***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 17TH WARD OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 2030 SOUTH 18TH STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15203. DEED BOOK VOLUME 12909, PAGE 121. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 13-A-82.
60AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): George H. Carson, Jr. ******************** CASE NO.: MG-24-000076 **********
DEBT: $102,082.30
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 855-9521
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF SPRINGDALE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 204 CENTER STREET, SPRINGDALE, PA 15144. DEED BOOK VOLUME 11818, PAGE 273. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 733-8-48.
62AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): ARG MEDIA LLC ******************** CASE NO.: GD-21-004314
DEBT: $105,431.99
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC ***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054
************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 855-225-6906
SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Penn Hills: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 127 Greenview Dr., Verona, PA 15147. Deed Book Volume 17722, Page 467. Block and Lot 0446-H00371-0000-00.
63AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): ETHEL M. ELLIS aka ETHEL M. ADAMS
CASE NO.: MG-23-000956
DEBT: $102,768.43
*****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054
************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 855-225-6906
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 12th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 7061 Campania Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Deed Book Volume 11142, Page 468. Block and Lot 0172P-00099-0000-00.
65AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): Rebecca A. Scalzo a/k/a Rebecca Ann Scalzo a/k/a Rebecca Scalzo and Jaclyn Napoletano
CASE NO.: MG-20-000239
DEBT: $128,414.58 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stern & Eisenberg, PC
***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: The Shops at Valley Square, 1581 Main Street, Suite 200 Warrington, PA 18976
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 572-8111
***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny and the Municipality of Monroeville: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 622 Brightberry Road, Monroeville, PA 15146. Deed Book Volume 17123, Page 23. Block and Lot Number 637-H-274.
66AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): Odell A. Watson, Jr. and Yvonne Watson
********************
CASE NO.: GD-19-012160
**********
DEBT: $58,694.18
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Roger Fay, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 14000 Commerce Parkway, Suite H, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (856) 724-1888
***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 13th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh:
Being vacant land (formerly having erected thereon a residential dwelling) being known as Idlewild Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 f/k/a 7332 Idlewild Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Deed Book Volume 18358, Page 533. Block and Lot Number 0174-K-00041-0000-00.
DEFENDANT(S): Bryan G. Dees
67AUG24
************************ ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 572-8111
SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny and the Borough of Whitehall: Having erected thereon a
known and numbered as 4964 Flamingo Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. Deed Book VOLUME 18133, PAGE 504. Block and Lot Number 314-P-042.
68AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): FREIGHT EXPEDITERS INC., RAJKUMARIE SINGH and ANAND SINGH CASE NO.: GD-24-005465
DEBT: $119,423.07 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Nicholas R. DiNardo, Esq. *********************** ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 301 Grant St. Ste 270, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406 ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (844) 856-6646
SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 13TH WARD OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH Having erected thereon a dwelling
74AUG24 DEFENDANT(S): Kelly Dziaminski
$121,568.42 NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): PATRICK J WESNER, ESQUIRE
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY:
MIDLANTIC DRIVE, STE 300, PO BOX 5054, MT LAUREL, NJ 08054
PHONE NUMBER: (856) 810-5815
DESCRIPTION:
In the Borough of Elizabeth, County of Allegheny and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, currently erected thereon a single family dwelling being known as 909 9th Avenue, Elizabeth, PA 15037 aka 909 9th Street, Elizabeth, PA 15037, Deed Book 11292 Page 301, Block and Lot 1272-C-00205-0000-00.
75AUG24 DEFENDANT(S): Peachy Pelican Properties LLC; Gianina Ainsley Romito ******************** CASE NO.: GD-23-012235 **********
76AUG24
PLAINTIFF(S) Penn Hills School District and Municipality of Penn Hills VS DEFENDANT(S): EDWARD J. BLASCO
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400
SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Penn Hills:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE
FAMILY DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1086 INDIANA ROAD, VERONA, PA 15147. DEED BOOK 14913, PAGE 157. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 534-L-31.
77AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): Anthony H. Griffith
CASE NO.: GD-17-008168
DEBT: $180,503.01 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Jeffrey A. Golvash, Esquire
***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: GOLVASH & EPSTEIN, LLC 9 Dewalt Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15227
************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 412.882.4717 ***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, MU-
NICIPALITY OF MT. LEBANON:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 557 AUDUBON AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15228. DEED BOOK VOLUME 14266, PAGE 148. BLOCK AND LOT NO.: 140-K44.
78AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): Raymond E. Newhouse, Jr. and Carolyn S. Newhouse, Known Heirs of the Estate of Joshua Newhouse and the Unknown Heirs, Executors and/or Administrators of the Estate of Joshua Newhouse ******************** CASE NO.: MG-24-000103 ********** DEBT: $147,546.62
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Kristine M. Anthou, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Grenen & Birsic, P.C. One Gateway Center, 9th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (412) 281-7650
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Monroeville:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 608 BLUEBERRY ROAD, MONROEVILLE, PA 15146. DBV 13653, PG 395, B/L #742-K395.
79AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): Donna Adamski CASE NO.: MG-22-000065 ********** DEBT: $126,227.58 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Shnayder Law Firm, LLC ***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 148 East Street Road, 352, Feasterville, PA 19053
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 215-834-3103
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Baldwin:
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 504 NORTH STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15227. DEED BOOK VOLUME 9103, PAGE 279. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 59-F-18.
80AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): David Johnson, aka David W. Johnson, Administrator of the Estate of Oliver P. Johnson, Jr., Deceased Mortgagor and Real Owner, and David Johnson, aka David W. Johnson, Real Owner
******************** CASE NO.: MG-11-000410 ********** DEBT: $147,863.09
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): PADGETT LAW GROUP
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 700 Darby Road, Suite 100 Havertown, PA 19083 ************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: 850-422-2520 *************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ********************* ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PIECE OF GROUND SITUATE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PENN HILLS, FORMERLY TOWNSHIP OF PENN HILLS, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, AND COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA.
HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE-STORY BRICK DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 537 GUYLYN DRIVE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15235. DEED BOOK VOLUME 15273, PAGE 581, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 538-H-246.
81AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): MARY L. COOKE
CASE NO.:MG-22-000177
********** DEBT: $69,732.42 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): CHRISTINE L. GRAHAM, ESQUIRE ***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: McCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC 216 HADDON AVENUE, SUITE 201 WESTMONT, NJ 08108
************************
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (856) 858-7080
***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Braddock Hills Borough:
Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 1219 Circle Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15221. Deed Book Volume 15742, Page 241. Block and Lot Number 0234-R- 000340000-00.
82AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): David Suchevich and Rosalinda Suchevich
********************
CASE NO.:MG-23-000424
**********
DEBT: $176,802.86
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 855-9521
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, MUNICIPALITY OF PENN HILLS: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1406 ELLIOTT STREET, VERONA, PA 15147. DEED BOOK VOLUME 947, PAGE 113. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 365-G156.
83AUG24
DEFENDANT(S): Jennifer L. Hummel and Shawn D. Hummel CASE NO.:MG-14-001273 **********
DEBT: $189,844.36 *****
NAME OF ATTORNEY(S): Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire ***********************
ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454
ATTORNEY PHONE NUMBER: (215) 855-9521
***************************
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, TOWNSHIP OF RESERVE: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 2361 EAST BECKERT AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15212. DEED BOOK VOLUME 12344, PAGE 498. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 79-N-172.
LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
Petition to Determine Title to 402 Mifflin Street, West Mifflin, PA 15122, formerly owned by PATRICIA ANN MCLINDON POSIPANKA, deceased, filed June 27, 2024 by Robert J. Posipanka, No. 4228 of 2024. Peter B. Lewis, Counsel, Neighborhood Legal Services, 928 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Petition to Determine Title to 204 Florien Street, Verona, PA 15204, formerly owned by Joanna M. Lancaster, deceased, filed July 15, 2024 by Ronald Duane Barber, No. 4609 of 2024. Peter B. Lewis, Counsel, Neighborhood Legal Services, 928 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meetings
LEGAL AD
NOTICE IS HEREBY given the Emsworth Zoning Hearing Board has scheduled a public hearing on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 7 p.m., prevailing time, at the Emsworth Borough Building, 171 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15202, regarding the application from Tammy Biswick for property at 151 Walliston Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202, seeking a Variance from Emsworth Borough Ord. Zoning Section 245.38C, setback relief for a proposed addition. All those interested in the above hearing should be present at the above time and place and you will have an opportunity to be heard.
CATHY JONES Borough Secretary
NOTICE In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Docket No. CS-24-00036, Petitioner Marlex Properties, LLC v. Respondents Betty June Cushion, Deceased and Known and Unknown Heirs. To Respondents, whose last known address is 13 3rd Avenue, Braddock, PA 15104. You are hereby notified that Petitioner has filed a Petition for the Appointment of a Conservator against you in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, at Docket No. CS-24-00036, wherein Petitioner seeks to be appointed conservator over property known as 13 3rd Avenue, Braddock, PA 15104, Block and Lot No. 236-F-143. YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against all claims set against you, you must take action within twenty (20) days by entering a written appearance personally, or by your attorney, filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed against you and a judgment entered against you by the court without further notice for any money claimed in the complaint or for any claim or relief requested by the Petitioner. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY BE ABLE TO OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE. Lawyer Referral Service, Allegheny County Bar Association, Koppers Building, 11th Floor, 436 7th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, (412) 261-5555, www.acbalrs.org. Matthew J. Kalina, Esq., 966 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA, 15237, (412)366-6629.
NOTICE
In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Docket No. CS-24-00037, Petitioner Penn Pioneer Enterprises, LLC v. Respondents Kathleen Probo, Deceased and Known and Unknown Heirs. To Respondents, whose last known address is 341 Thompson Street, Turtle Creek, PA 15145. You are hereby notified that Petitioner has filed a Petition for the Appointment of a Conservator against you in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, at Docket No. CS24-00037, wherein Petitioner seeks to be appointed conservator over property known as 341 Thompson Street, Turtle Creek, PA 15145, Block and Lot No. 455-K-161. YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against all claims set against you, you must take action within twenty (20) days by entering a written appearance personally, or by your attorney, filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed against you and a judgment entered against you by the court without further notice for any money claimed in the complaint or for any claim or relief requested by the Petitioner. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY BE ABLE TO OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE. Lawyer Referral Service, Allegheny County Bar Association, Koppers Building, 11th Floor, 436 7th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, (412) 261-5555, www.acbalrs.org. Matthew J. Kalina, Esq., 966 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA, 15237, (412)366-6629.
TOWNSHIP OF WILKINS PUBLIC NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT PROPOSED ORDINANCE NUMBERS 1127 AND 1128
The Wilkins Township Board of Commissioners will consider adoption of the following ordinances at a public meeting to be held on the 12th day of August 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 110 Peffer Road, Wilkins Township, Pennsylvania. The complete text of the Ordinances is on file and may be inspected in the Office of the Township Secretary at the aforesaid Municipal Building during normal business hours. The title and a summary of the ordinances is as follows.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE #1127
TITLE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WILKINS, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE WILKINS TOWNSHIP BOOK OF CODIFIED ORDINANCES, ARTICLE II, SECTION 450-7 TO DEFINE SHORT-TERM RENTALS, ARTICLE III, SECTION 450-10 TO PERMIT SHORT TERM RENTALS IN ALL RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS, AND ARTICLE IV, SECTION 450-23 TO ADD OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR SHORT TERM RENTALS.
SUMMARY
The Ordinance amends the Zoning ordinance to provide specific zoning regulations for short term rentals.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE #1128
TITLE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WILKINS, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE WILKINS TOWNSHIP BOOK OF CODIFIED ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 310 TO ADD ARTICLE IV, REGULATING SHORT-TERM RENTAL UNITS WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP AND ESTABLISHING PENALITES FOR VIOLATIONS.
SUMMARY
The Ordinance provides regulations governing the use of residentially zoned dwelling units as short-term rental units.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE AVALON BOROUGH ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 640 CALIFORNIA AVE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15202:
NOTICE OF ZONING HEARING BOARD The Zoning Hearing Board of Avalon Borough, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania will hold a Hearing on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 6:00 pm at the Avalon Borough Administration Building to consider the following applications:
• An application from Frederick H. Bentzel III for property located at 616 Semple Ave., Lot and Block Number 214-M-168, in the R-M: Moderate Density Residential Zoning District. Applicant is seeking a special exception to operate a short-term rental pursuant to the Avalon-Bellevue-Ben Avon Joint Zoning Ordinance and Avalon Borough Ordinance 1387.
• An application from Alex Sortino for property located at 712 Ridge Ave, Lot and Block Number 215-E-68, in the R-M: Moderate Density Residential District. Applicant is seeking a special exception to operate a short-term rental pursuant to the Avalon-Bellevue-Ben Avon Joint Zoning Ordinance and Avalon Borough Ordinance 1387.
• An application from Story of PA CR, LLC and Avalon Commercial Properties, LLC for property located at 851 Ohio River Boulevard, Lot and Block Numbers 159-M-37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43 and 46, in the C-HC: Highway Commercial District. Applicant is pursuing (1) an appeal of the June 26, 2024, Zoning Determination that the Pennsylvania Gunsmith School (“Trade School”) is a school within the meaning of Section 2000-423 of the Avalon-BellevueBen Avon Joint Zoning Ordinance (“Zoning Ordinance”); (2) an alternative request for a dimensional variance from Section 2000-423 of the Zoning Ordinance to locate a Medical Marijuana Dispensary use within 1,000 feet of the Trade School; and (3) a Validity Challenge to Section 2000423 of the Zoning Ordinance pursuant to Sections 909.1(a)(1), 53 P.S. §10909.1(a)(1), 53 P.S. §10916.1(a)(1), of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, and Section 2000-1062(E)(1)(a) of the Zoning Ordinance. Copies of the applications are on file at the Avalon Borough Administration Office. Please call (412) 761-5820 or visit the Administration Office, 640 California Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15202 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm) if you wish to review these materials. Leanne McLaughlin Assistant Borough Manager
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT
INVITATION FOR BIDS: Affordable Housing Holdings is requesting bids from qualified contractors for:
CONTRACT: No. AHH-2024-01 GENERATOR INSTALLATION of A.J.
DEMOR TOWERS; Bids must be accompanied by a bid bond, certified check, or bank cashier’s check, payable to the Affordable Housing Holdings, Inc. in the amount of five percent (5%) of the bid amount.
DOCUMENTS: Bid documents & specifications for consideration, will be available on/after Wednesday, July 31, 2024, on the Pittsburgh Builder’s Exchange, or the McGraw-Hill websites. Complete IFB Documents with Bid Package may be requested by contacting Dean Allen, Modernization Manager by email: dallen@achousing.org or by calling 412-402-2469
FEE: No Charge for Emailed / Electronic Transfer documents.
PRE-BID CONFERENCE SITE WALK THRU: (non-mandatory) Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 10:00AM EST at A.J. DEMOR TOWERS, 1 Demor Drive, Verona, PA 15147
QUESTION SUBMITTAL DEADLINE: Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 3:00PM EST
BIDS DUE: Wednesday August 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM EST at the Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) Central Office, 301 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY D.B.A. PRT Electronic Bids will be received online at PRT’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org). Bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on August 6, 2024, and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing, for the following: Electronic Bid - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org)
BID NUMBER BID NAME
1 B24-05-53 TWC Antennas
2 REV24-07-60A Waste Oil Removal Services for Revenue
3 B24-07-61A LRV Split Disc Rotors
4 B24-07-62A Asbestos Free Brake Assembled on Shoes
5 B24-07-63 Railroad Cross Ties
6 B24-07-64A Differential Gear Lubricant
7 B24-07-66A Graphic Film and Pre-Masking Tape
8 B24-07-68A Bus Manufacturing Inspection Oversight Services
9 B24-06-56A Contactless Smart Fare Media
10 B24-07-65A Panasonic Toughbooks
No bidder may withdraw a submitted Bid for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.
A Pre-Bid Conference will be held for each of the above solicitations on July 23, 2024 , through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged. Teams meeting information is available within the Bid Documents for each solicitation on rideprt.org and eBusiness.rideprt.org. Potential bidders may also email the contract specialist assigned to the solicitation. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the PRT within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening. These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County d.b.a. PRT and the United States Department of Transportation. The Supplier will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. The Supplier is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s pricing. Port Authority of Allegheny County d.b.a. PRT hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.
The Board of PRT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS AND STRATEGY MANAGER
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. seeks a Portfolio Analysis and Strategy Manager in Pittsburgh, PA to participate in all aspects of PNC’s Loan Pricing Management Team. Position allows for the ability to work from home two days per week with appropriate telecommuting systems, with a minimum of three days per week in the office. Specific duties include: (i) lead the quantitative analysis of PNC’s Home Equity loan profitability and price competitiveness in the market; (ii) provide technical training to team members and guide the team in solving technical issues; (iii) work with the Product team and other Lines of Business to understand the product, systems and processes in order to drive efficiency in carrying out business; (iv) understand and communicate regulatory impacts to the product, and interact with regulators and internal auditors to comply with the regulatory landscape; (v) draft and maintain the necessary documentation and controls to reduce operational risk and ensure compliance through supervision; (vi) develop, document and present pricing methodologies to sen ior management, business partners and regulators; and (vii) perform in-depth analysis of PNC’s large datasets to produce reporting that helps deliver profitable growth, improve risk adjusted returns, and communicate conclusions and recommendations to senior leadership and business partners for decision making. Master’s degree in Finance, Computational Finance, Financial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or Economics plus 3 years of experience conducting quantitative analysis in the financial services industry working with investment portfolios, portfolio optimization models and financial risk management is required. Must have experience with: (i) mathematics of financi al instruments (bond pricing via Discounted Cash Flows, options pricing via Stochastic Calculus Equations and other securities to include futures and swaps), and marketed securities (United States Treasury (UST) Instruments, Asset-Backed Securities, Stocks and ETFs); (ii) programming/tools: databases via SQL and open source, specifically Python and R; Microsoft Excel to include pivot tables, V-lookups, linear regressions, and Boolean indexing; (iii) application of Statistical Modeling (distribution fitting, hypothesis testing and stochastic simulation) and optimization models via Operations Research (linear and quadratic programming and numerical analysis); (iv) onboarding of third party data, financial model vendors and financial services vendors; (v) regulatory and auditing requests and responses in the financial services industry; (vi) managing quantitative and analytic staff, to include technical training (computer programming, financial markets and marketed securities, and applied mathematics); (vii) quantitative and analytic presentations, particularly to Senior Leadership and Partners with no technical background; and (viii) measuring financial risk (Value at Risk, Expected Shortfall, statistical variance, tracking error). 40 hours/week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Interested individuals apply online at www.pnc.com using keyword R166907 . PNC provides equal employment opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.
FLEET MAINTENANCE
COORDINATOR
Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Fleet Maintenance Coordinator to coordinate all support level maintenance for revenue vehicle bus fleet maintenance completed outside the Bus divisions of Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT). Provides technical aid/support and advice to managers, supervisors and employees in the field. Meets with division maintenance managers, supervisors, maintenance training coordinators and employees on a regular basis to address fleet maintenance issues or problems. Analyzes bus mechanical failures and recommends best course of action to remedy situation and avoid future issues, in cases of mechanical failures and post-accident investigations. Works with PRT personnel, vendors and components manufacturers for support maintenance at their respective shops and coordinates transport of vehicles to shops. Performs inspections for new bus builds and operates fleet for testing purposes. Communicates with PRT personnel and vendors about service and maintenance issues.
Essential Functions:
· Directly coordinates and oversees all support level maintenance for fleet maintenance activities completed outside the bus divisions, and all general overall maintenance management activities in support of service delivery.
· Provides technical aid/support and advice to managers, supervisors and employees in the field. Meets with division maintenance managers, supervisors, maintenance training coordinators and employees on a regular basis to address fleet maintenance issues or problems.
· Analyze bus mechanical failures and associated data. Recommend best course of action to remedy the current problem and avoid future issues, writing technical bulletins as needed. This includes mechanical failures as well as post incident investigations such as bus fires and accidents.
Job requirements include:
· High school diploma or GED.
· Associate’s degree or two (2) years of college in business or related field from an accredited college or university. Related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
· Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in maintenance experience with bus fleets and/or heavy automotive vehicles.
· Valid Commercial Driver’s License, Class B with Passenger Endorsement and Air Brake Restriction removed or must possess a valid driver’s license and acquire a Commercial Driver’s License as described above within 90 days of appointment to the position.
· Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows.
· Effective and professional communication skills.
· Customer-focused, well organized and results-oriented.
· This is a Safety-Sensitive position subject to all testing provisions under the Drug and Alcohol Policy, including random drug and alcohol testing. The person selected for this position may be required to be tested prior to being awarded the job.
Preferred attributes:
· Bachelor’s degree in business or directly related field from an accredited college or university.
· Experience in managing maintenance of bus fleets or other fleets of heavy automotive vehicles and equipment.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to:
Taylor McBride
Employment Department
345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 TMcbride@RidePRT.org EOE
Hitachi Rail STS USA, Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks a Senior Installation Engineer to work in unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. The employee will have to relocate, but travel is not required from any particular location. The Senior Installation Engineer will be responsible for the planning, design, installation, and maintenance of various railway systems and infrastructure. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring the safe and efficient designs of railway networks. Apply at: https://careers.hitachi.com.
SENIOR TRANSIT SCHEDULER
Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Senior Transit Scheduler to support the development and production of efficient operating schedules, production and dissemination of timetables and designing of service to meet the needs of Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) and the public. Coordinates activities with division personnel. Assists with community outreach to support service planning initiatives. Accomplishes activities that support the department’s and organization’s Long-Range, Strategic, and Tactical Plans.
Essential Functions:
• Uses HASTUS to develop cost-efficient operation scenarios to support service change recommendations. Supports transit scheduling, routing design and service change activities. Reviews, evaluates, and makes schedule changes to ensure service and schedules are effective and efficient. Responsible for cost effective scheduling of service which includes ensuring the schedules are within budget. Supports activities related to PRT’s ongoing plans and programs.
• Performs the trip building, blocking, run cutting, and other transit scheduling related activities to produce an efficient, effective, and equitable service plan. Develops, prepares and disseminates operating schedules in accordance with provisions of contract agreement; supervises implementation of schedule changes.
Accomplishes the production and distribution of picking materials. Oversees the design, production and distribution of public timetables and other customer information materials related to service.
Job requirements include:
• Associates Degree in Urban Planning, Transportation or Transit Planning, Public Administration or Policy, Economics, Information Systems, Logistics, or directly related field from an accredited school.
• Two (2) years of Scheduling, Planning, Transit Operations, Business, or directly related work.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Strong work ethic with ability to multi-task.
• Strong decision-making and innovative problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills are essential. The ability to gather data and prepare clear and concise reports, to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and to work independently.
• Demonstrates considerable initiative.
• Proactive and achievement driven.
• Excellent collaboration skills with both internal and external clients.
• Knowledge of research and statistical theories and methods.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple complex projects.
• Knowledge and familiarity with computer systems and database applications.
• Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows and Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Valid PA driver’s license must be obtained within 90 days of starting the position.
Preferred attributes:
• Knowledge in transit scheduling software preferably HASTUS or other transit scheduling software is highly desirable
• Knowledge of trip building, blocking, and run cutting.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to:
Danielle Jacobson Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 DJacobson@RidePRT.org EOE
DIRECTOR OF TRANSIT
AMENITIES
Pittsburgh Regional Transit is seeking a Director of Transit Amenities to be responsible for the strategic direction, training/ development, and daily tasks of the Field Data and Transit Amenities Managers and their staff. Ensures that goals for tasks such as asset inventories, public communications for new projects, and inspection activities are met and that assets are kept in a state of good repair. Assets and programs include: bus stops, bus shelters, park and ride facilities, layover facilities, paper timetables, and wayfinding signage.
Essential Functions:
• Directs activities of the Manager of Transit Amenities and the Manager of Field Data and their staff. Provides direction on Goals and Objectives and meets regularly with staff to deliver feedback on achievement of goals to advance the mission of Port Authority. Responsible for the training/development and guidance for employee development to increase work process efficiencies.
• Responsible for planning and development of transit amenity programs and the public communications related to these programs. Ensures that assets are inventoried on a regular basis to maintain the system’s state of good repair and safety. Reviews recommendations for implementation of changes to the placement of bus stops. Works with the Planning and Service Development Department, Engineering Departments, contractors, and others as necessary to ensure changes are designed and implemented appropriately.
Job requirements include:
• BA/BS Degree in Business Administration, Transportation, Planning or directly related field from an accredited school. Directly related experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in Transportation Planning for mass transit, scheduling, service planning, customer service, asset management, management, or related field. Experience may be substituted by advanced education on a year for year basis.
• Minimum of three (3) years of management experience.
• Demonstrated ability in the use of Windows and Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Customer focused, well organized, and results oriented.
• Professional and effective communication skills.
• Valid PA driver’s license or ability to obtain one. Preferred attributes:
• Knowledge of Port Authority transit system and Allegheny County.
• Asset management experience.
• Union staff management experience.
• Project Management experience.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume to:
Missy Ramsey Employment Department 345 Sixth Avenue, 3rd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 MRamsey@RidePRT.org EOE
Clerical Assistant for the Federal Public Defender in Pgh. The FPDO provides defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel. Duties include receptionist in a busy atmosphere, greet visitors, receive/route incoming deliveries, file documents with court, make deliveries to court agencies, process mail, copy/scan legal documents, and other duties as assigned. Applicant must be a high school graduate or equivalent; motivated and responsible with excellent organizational and communication skills; ability to function independently. Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required. Salary range is $36,572 - $65,894 depending on experience and education and within federal guidelines. Generous benefits and leave package. Must be a U.S. Citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. and to receive compensation from a federal agency. We value diversity, are committed to equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people affected by the criminal legal system and people from other underrepresented and marginalized groups. To apply, send letter of interest and a current and detailed resume as one file in .pdf format to paw_employment@fd.org. Please reference “2024-12” in the subject line of your email. Applications that do not comply with these instructions will not be considered. EOE. See full announcement at https://paw.fd.org/employment.
No ‘calming down’ for Rema; he’s an Afrobeats superstar
by Rob Taylor Jr.
Courier Staff Writer
In 2023, one song dominated the urban music charts.
Everyone knew the words to it.
It was smooth, relaxing, catchy, but still something you could dance to.
The song was called, “Calm Down,” by Rema, featuring Selena Gomez. It was the song that officially put Rema on the map as a mainstream artist in the U.S.
Rema, real name Divine Ikubor, was born in Benin City, in Nigeria. According to many published reports, his upbringing was tough. His father and brother both passed away when he was younger. By the age of 15, the responsibility was on him to keep things going in the family.
Rema, where aggressive and determined are two words that describe him to a tee, recorded a freestyle and posted it online about six years ago. It went viral, and the musician D’Prince offered Rema a record deal in 2019. He’s been on the rise ever since.
Rema is a superstar in the world of Afrobeats, and he is a headliner for the huge, two-day festival Afro Nation, held, Aug. 17-18, at Bedrock’s Douglass Site in Detroit,
Michigan. Other featured performers include Ayra Starr, Lil Wayne, Asake, Partynextdoor, Adekunle Gold, Kizz Daniel, Omah Lay, Shenseea, Amaarae, Detroit’s own Kash Doll, King Promise and Ruger. On the Piano People Stage, scheduled featured artists include Scorpion Kings, Uncle Waffles, Musa Keys, DBN Gogo, Kelvin Momo, TXC, Kamo Mphela, 2WO-Bunnies, DJ Moma, Blakito, Donavan Glover and DJ Mobu.
In 2022, he released his first studio album, “Rave & Roses,” which featured the “Calm Down” banger. It took some time for the song to hit the airwaves in the U.S., but when it finally did, with the help of Gomez, it took Rema to a new stratosphere.
In the summer of 2023, Rema was arguably the hottest Afrobeats artist in the U.S. during the “Calm Down” domination. The song was played not just on urban radio stations, but it ruled the pop charts, too. “Calm Down” is actually the longest-charting and most successful Afrobeats song on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. It stayed on the charts for 64 consecutive weeks.
Yes, the song was that big.
Some of the other singles he’s known for are “Soundgasm” and “Dumebi.”
And let’s not forget that Rema just dropped his second studio album, “Heis,” in July 2024. It has 11 songs on the album. To say the album has been highly-anticipated would be a gross understatement. Rema has been everywhere on this meteoric rise. He performed at the famed Balloon d’Or ceremony in Paris, France, in 2023. He performed at the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City in 2023. And, with the world watching the Summer Olympics in Paris, it was Rema who just performed at the Jordan Brand’s “The One Finals” event at Le Trainon et L’Elysee, in Paris, on July 27. The event was meant as a symbol of the Jordan Brand to cultivate great athletes and celebrate their accomplishments.
At the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, N.J., with people screaming his name at every opportunity, he stopped to do a brief interview with Billboard Magazine. He said the advice he would give to others trying to make it in the music business was to “be true to yourself, be true to your sound...Keep real ones around you, people who will tell you if it’s good or if it’s not good. Stay grounded, whatever level you get to, and keep your family close.”
AFROBEATS STAR REMA