7.19.23 NPC

Simply put, Ulish Carter was a man of the Black Press.

In his own words, Carter wrote in the New Pittsburgh Courier in 2011 that “after graduating from Southern Illinois University with my degree in hand...I was ready to see what was out there. I wanted to work for a Black newspaper, and nothing less would do. I wanted to make a difference in the Black community.”

Making a difference in the Black

community, specifically Pittsburgh’s Black community, is exactly what Ulish Carter did. Carter, who came to the Courier in 1973 as a sportswriter and later became managing editor, died on Wednesday, July 12, in the Pittsburgh area. He was 72. There wasn’t one part of the Courier editorial operation that the hard-working Carter didn’t touch. He excelled in the sports department; in layout and page design; in the news department; in mentorship of other staff writers; in the selection of the best photos for the newspaper; on the entertainment beat; and as an opinion

columnist. Carter and his team at the Courier won countless local, state and national awards. Carter, not one to toot his own horn, was calm and steady, unabashed in his opinions, the person you could count on to get things done. Ulish Carter was born in Huntingdon, Tennessee.

As a child, Carter moved to Paducah, Ky., before settling in Champaign, Ill. Patricia Lewis, one of Carter’s two sisters, told the Courier that Carter loved sports and was a member of his Centennial High School basketball team. As a high-schooler in the ‘60s, the Civil Rights Movement had

a profound impact on Carter. He would often write about equal rights, along with sports, and Lewis would sneak into her older brother’s room and read Carter’s writings. While those writings weren’t published, it wouldn’t be long before Carter’s writings would reach the masses. At Southern Illinois, Carter majored in Black History, American, African and World History. But then he took a journalism class, and “was hooked,” as he wrote in the Courier in 2011. “Communications be-

Rev. Frederick Haynes III succeeds

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. as President and CEO of Rainbow PUSH Coalition

Tributes have continued to pour in for the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who announced on July 14 his retirement as President and CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the influential civil rights organization he started decades ago to carry on the struggle for equality and justice that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought heroically.

The organization said Rev. Frederick Haynes III will succeed Jackson.

“The promise of America is that we are all created equal in the image of God and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. While we’ve never fully lived up to that promise, we’ve never fully walked away from it because of extraordinary leaders like Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr.,” President Joe Biden stated.

“Throughout our decades of friendship and partnership, I’ve seen how Reverend Jackson has helped lead our nation forward through tumult and triumph.”

The President continued:

“Whether on the campaign trail, on the march for equality, or in the room advocating for what is right and just, I’ve seen him as history will remember him: a man of God and of the people; determined, strategic, and unafraid of the work to redeem the soul of our nation.”

One of Jackson’s comrades in the civil rights struggle, National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., echoed Biden’s remarks.

“On behalf of the NNPA, representing the Black Press of America, I am so pleased to issue the NNPA’s highest regards and respect to the Honorable Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.,” Chavis remarked.

“I have known and worked with the Rev. Jackson all of my adult life as a fellow freedom fighter in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, NAACP, Rainbow PUSH, United Church of Christ Commission for Racial Justice, and the National African American Leadership Summit.”

Chavis continued:

“Rev. Jackson’s transformative ‘Run Jesse Run’ presidential campaigns in the 1980s irreversibly changed America for the better.

“The Black Press resolutely salutes Jesse Jackson’s outstanding national and global leadership, and we pledge to keep fighting for freedom, justice, equality, and equity.”

Jackson, a renowned fig-

This Week In Black History A

• JULY 19

1848— Anti-slavery activist and the foremost Black leader of his day Frederick Douglass gives a stirring speech at the First Women’s Rights Convention, which took place in Seneca Falls, N.Y. Douglas helped sway the 260 women and 40 men present to back a women’s right to vote resolution being pushed by Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Initially, many of the delegates opposed the resolution fearing it was too radical an idea for the times but changed their minds after hearing Douglass’ presentation. Women would not finally get the right to vote until 1920.

world gathered to plot strategies for bringing about rights for all people of African ancestry, independence from colonialism for African countries and international Black unity. This “conference” was the precursor of all the subsequent Pan African “Congresses.” Among the most prominent names present in 1900 were African-American activist and intellectual W.E.B. DuBois and West Indian lawyer H. Sylvester Williams.

ure in the fight for civil rights, founded PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in 1971 and established the National Rainbow Coalition in 1984.

In 1996, the two organizations merged to form the powerful and influential Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Organization officials said Rev. Haynes, a Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference Inc. co-chair, has exempli-

tions is ever more needed at this time,” he said in a news release.

In an interview with a CBS television affiliate in Dallas, Rev. Haynes said he was first approached by Jackson in 2019 to eventually take over the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

“He has seen not only my commitment to the fight for social justice, he has noted my growth and he has felt

1941— The first U.S. Army Flying Academy for Black cadets is officially dedicated at Tuskegee, Ala. Between 1940 and 1946, 992 pilots were trained. More than 400 would see action in World War II even though many Whites initially felt Blacks were not intelligent enough to fly airplanes. The Tuskegee Airmen , as they became known, would fly with great distinction during the war. They were credited with downing 109 German planes and destroying numerous enemy fuel dumps, trucks and planes. Approximately 150 of them lost their lives during training or combat. Finally, in March 2007,more than 300 surviving members and their wives were honored and the airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal.

1952—Joe Louis Reliford broke the color barrier in Georgia State Baseball in Statesboro, Ga. He pinch hit, threw out a runner from left field and robbed the Statesboro Pilots best hitter, Jim Shuster of a home run—all in one inning and at the age of 12. His historical catch is on display in Cooperstown, N.Y., where he is the only batboy among Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees. Reliford is the author of “From Batboy to the Hall of Fame.”

• JULY 20

fied the same passion and commitment to global racial justice that characterizes Jackson’s legacy.

As a co-founder of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (SDPC) Inc., Haynes has been a guiding force for over two decades, upholding the mission and ministry of the organization.

“This nation has entered a new era of struggle against racial injustices, hate speech, new forms of institutional oppression against the poor, people of color, and those marginalized due to religion or sexual orientation,” said Dr. Iva Carruthers, general secretary, and co-founder of the SDPC.

Bishop Leah Daughtry, co-chair of the SDPC, highlighted the necessity for collaboration between national and local organizations during what he called critical times.

“Collaboration between national and local organiza-

that I have an ability to reach multiple generations,” Haynes said on CBS Dallas.

“Which is quite necessary at this time.”

Haynes is the longtime Senior Pastor at Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas.

“As much progress as we have made as a nation,” said Haynes, “sadly, we live in a day, where there appears to be an all out war on all of the progress that has been made led by generals of justice, such as Jesse Jackson.”

CNN reported that Haynes, 62, has grown his church in Dallas from 100 members to over 13,000 in the past four decades. Under his leadership, the church founded the THR!VE Intern and Leadership Program, which employs young Black people with local businesses and the church – an effort that earned praise from then-President Barack Obama in a 2014 speech.

(Rob Taylor Jr. contributed to this story.)

1967— The first Black Power Conference takes place in Newark, N.J. More than 1,000 delegates representing 126 organizations attended. The conference represented a break with the integration-with-Whites thrust of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Instead, delegates called for greater focus on Black political empowerment, economic development, community control and the building of Black institutions.

• JULY 21

1864— Amazingly, what is now considered the first Black daily newspaper begins publishing on this day during slavery. The New Orleans Tribune was founded by wealthy Black Doctor Louis C. Roudanez and edited by a Belgium Jean-Charles Heuzean. The Tribune, however, actually followed the Daily Creole which began publication in 1856. But it was so pressured by Whites that it adopted pro-slavery positions. The Tribune, meanwhile, would begin as a tri-weekly and become a full-fledged daily in October.

1896— The National Association of Colored Women is founded in Washington, D.C., and Mary Church Terrell is elected president. The association would establish nurseries, help orphans, and battle for a woman’s right to vote. Terrell became an activist and power broker in the nation’s capital fighting for desegregation of restaurants and helping build schools. She was born in 1863 and died in 1954.

2001— Blues legend John Lee Hooker dies. He was 83.

• JULY 22

1861— President Abraham Lincoln submits the first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation to his cabinet. The order freeing slaves, however, was not actually issued until Jan. 1, 1863. And even then, it benefited very few slaves. The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the rebellious Southern states. But the federal government at the time did not have control of the South so no slaves actually went free. In the so-called Border States where the federal government did have authority, the Proclamation did not apply. About the only slaves who benefited were those who had already escaped and fled to the Union side during the Civil War.

1939—Jane Matilda Bolin becomes the first Black female judge in America. New York City Mayor Fiorella LaGuadia appointed her a judge in the court of domestic relations.

1963—Floyd Patterson loses his heavyweight boxing title to Sonny Liston and Liston would later lose it to a young fighter by the name of Cassius Clay—later Muhammad Ali.

2001— Actor Whitman Mayo dies in Atlanta, Ga., of a heart attack. He was 71. Mayo is best known for his role as “Grady” in the popular 1970s television series “Sanford and Son.”

• JULY 23

1900— The first Pan African conference took place in London, England. Blacks from throughout the

1948— The Progressive Party Convention begins in Philadelphia. The convention nominates Henry Wallace for president and he makes the strongest showing of virtually any third-party candidate in American history. More than 150 Blacks were at the convention and dozens ran for office on the Progressive Party ticket. They were attracted by the party’s call for an end to segregation, full voting rights for Blacks and universal government sponsored health insurance. The party was populated mainly by liberals and leftists. Wallace’s candidacy was even endorsed by the then relatively strong American Communist Party. The party came under vicious attack during the anti-Communist hysteria of the 1950s. But positions taken by the Progressive Party forced the Democratic Party to adopt meaningful changes in order to hold onto the Black vote.

1984— The first Black Miss America Vanessa Williams is forced to give up her crown as a result of the discovery of some sexually explicit photographs. She was replaced by the first runner-up (another African-American) Suzette Charles. Williams bounced back, however, and became a successful singer and actress.

• JULY 24

1651—Anthony (or Antonio) Johnson , a free Black man who had purchased freedom for himself and his wife, is awarded 250 acres of land in North Hampton, Va. Johnson was among the first group of 20 Black indentured servants brought to America in 1619. Indentured servitude was a form of slavery which allowed the person to either work for or purchase his freedom. After becoming free, Johnson became the first wealthy Black person in America. He even purchased five indentured servants of his own. He probably picked up the name “Johnson” from his original owner but in official records from the period he is simply referred to as “Antonio the Negro.”

1802— Famed French writer Alexander Dumas is born. He was the product of a French general and a light-complexioned Black Haitian woman. Dumas would go on to become one of the world’s greatest and most prolific writers. He is best known for his classics such as “The Three Musketeers” and “The Count of Monte Cristo.” His Blackness caused him some problems in French society, but by and large his fame and the money from his books enabled him to live an extravagant lifestyle.

1904— This is the day it is believed that actor Ira Aldridge was born in Africa. He would come to America, learn English and German, and develop into one of the world’s most accomplished Shakespearean actors. He played the role of the Moor Othello on many occasions.

• JULY 25

1916— The Black inventor of America’s first gas mask, Garrett T. Morgan made national headlines on this day when he and a team of volunteers used his invention to rescue 32 workers trapped in a gas-filled tunnel 250 feet under Lake Erie. Morgan called his device “the Morgan safety hood and smoke protector.” But it has become known simply as the gas mask. Morgan also invented America’s first traffic light. He was born in 1877, did most of his inventing in Cleveland, Ohio, and died in 1963.

1972— Faced with possible exposure by the media, the federal government (specifically the U.S. Public Health Service) finally acknowledges its involvement in the horrific and immoral Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment During the experiment, 399 Black men (mostly poor sharecroppers from Alabama) were led to believe they were being treated for syphilis while the doctors and nurses involved (some of them African-American) were actually fooling the men with fake medicines in order to discover the long-term effects of syphilis on the human body. The “experiment” lasted from 1932 to the time it was exposed in 1972. Finally, on May 16, 1997, President Clinton issued an official apology to the eight surviving members of the experiment saying, “The United States government did something that was wrong—deeply, profoundly, morally wrong…and clearly racist.”

Pittsburgher Daniel Moore wows the nation in dominant Jeopardy! wins

It pays to be smart.

Daniel Moore, “a contract compliance analyst from Pittsburgh,” as announcer Johnny Gilbert boisterously says, won $25,000 in dominating fashion on the game show Jeopardy! on Friday, July 14. Moore, who is African American, then turned around and defended his title on Monday, July 17, winning $14,800, for a twoday total of $39,800.

Seemingly everyone has noticed Moore, the clean-cut 38-year-old who, according to Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, works in the City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Business Diversity. “Comma Unity join me in congratulating Daniel Moore, Contract Compliance Analyst in the Office of Business Diversity, for a great 1st win on the game show Jeopardy!!!” the mayor wrote on Twitter on Friday night, July 14.

It’s no secret; African Americans are rare on Jeopardy!, but when a Black contestant wins not once, but twice in a row, it makes headlines. It’s so rare that a search of “Black Jeopardy winners” on YouTube or Google primarily brings up the “Black Jeopardy!” spoofs that sometimes spring up on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”

But Moore, who, like many people who appear on national game shows, aren’t allowed to publicly discuss the results of a show that’s been taped weeks in advance, was downright dominant in his first-ever appearance on the show on July 14. Moore, with his suit perfectly tailored, actually missed his first guess to start the July 14 show. But then Moore took a bulldozer to the Jeopardy! board.

“Margerie Durant, who set out to popularize air travel in 1931, was the daughter of the founder of this Big 3 car company...”

“What is General Motors?” answered Moore.

“Correct,” said the Jeopardy! host, Ken Jennings.

Other correct “questions” that Moore got right on his glorious opening night were: “Macropus Giganteus, the Eastern Grey type of this marsupial, can cover 30 feet in a single bound...” Moore’s response: “What is a kangaroo?”

“The synthetic slippery resin polytetrafluoro-ethylene, or PTFE for short, has been

trademarked under this name...” Moore said: “What is teflon?”

During Double Jeopardy!, Moore picked both of the clues that turned out to be a “Daily Double.” One of the “answers” came from the category, “Dying in the Capital City:” “Suddenly ex-president for life, Papa Doc Duvalier...”

Moore, after a pause, the entire studio audience quiet as a church mouse, responded: “What is Port Au Prince?”

“Correct, in Haiti,” the host said, the studio audience following with its usual clap in unison.

For those who aren’t history junkies, “Papa Doc” was the nickname for longtime Haitian president Francois Duvalier, who served as president from 1957 until his death in 1971. In 1964, he claimed he would be “President for Life” in Haiti, though his dictatorship was often criticized. His son, “Baby Doc,” Jean-Claude Duvalier, took over as Haitian president following his father’s death. JeanClaude Duvalier ruled until 1986.

Knowledge about the “Duvalier Dynasty” and super-fast recall are among the ways one can make almost $40,000 in less than an hour, like Moore did on the two Jeopardy! shows. However, not all the clues were steeped in science, history or medieval times. Even the casual African American Jeopardy! watcher on Friday, July 14, could have correctly guessed these clues:

“John Amos played the father on this ‘70s sitcom until he was killed off and JJ became the man of the house...” And, “Last name of Ricky, Michael, Ronnie, the R&B trio who dripped ‘Poison’ in the ‘90s...”

Like Moore on the show, if you guessed, “What is Good Times?” and “What is Bel Biv Devoe?”, then you are correct.

So, along with Moore’s high IQ and fast recollection, how did Moore begin enjoying Jeopardy! in the first place?

During the Monday, July 17 episode, which is shown in Pittsburgh at 7:30 p.m. on WPXITV (Channel 11), Moore said he’s watched the show with his parents and grandparents seemingly his “entire life.”

Moore’s dominant run on Jeopardy! ended on Tuesday, July 18, when he lost by $1 — yes, just $1 — in a photo finish. But Moore’s accomplishments on Jeopardy! won’t soon be forgotten.

A new day is dawning for New Granada Theater

Groundbreaking celebration marks beginning of its restoration

Like a lot of people in the ‘90s, Marimba Milliones, the longtime president and CEO of the Hill Community Development Corporation (Hill CDC), didn’t have it in her mind originally to restore the historic theater, designed by Black architect Louis Bellinger, which played host to the legends; Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, and countless others. Milliones was the first web developer for the City of Pittsburgh, when the Internet was in its infancy.

In the late ‘90s, Milliones decided to have a meeting with the former Hill CDC leader Elbert Hatley. She had an idea to give African Americans in the Hill District and elsewhere a place to come to train on web coding, which is a highly-paid profession.

“I was super green and super young,” Milliones recalled, “and I didn’t know I was being cultivated for volunteer work. So, I walked in pitching to him (Hatley) and I walked out on his list of people he was going to recruit to the (Hill CDC) board.”

As part of their con -

versations, Milliones said she remembered Hatley wanting to raise money to save the New Granada Theater. “He thought we should save that building,” Milliones said, “and he was the one who planted that seed in my heart to carry that struggle forward.”

Fast forward more than 20 years later, and here we are. In the year 2023, May 25 to be exact, the hard hats and shovels were out in front of the New Granada Theater, symbolizing the official groundbreaking to the restoration of the historic building that means so much to African Americans, means so much to Pittsburgh. It took more than 7,300 days of fighting ferociously for the funding, the capital for the project. More than 7,300 days of being told “No,” “Yes,” “Maybe,” “Not right now,” “Why are you doing this?” and more. More than 7,300 days of hearing from longtime Hill District African Americans, telling Milliones to keep pushing forward.

About 100 people celebrated the milestone on a sunny Thursday afternoon, hugs and handshakes abound, knowing that the endless

fighting for the tens of millions of dollars needed for the project had been secured, and it was time to “get to gettin’.”

“I want to lift up Marimba and the Hill CDC and all of their boards for years of fighting, scratching, working hard to try to make this a reality,” voiced Jake Wheatley, Mayor Ed Gainey’s Chief of Staff. Wheatley previously was the longtime state representative whose district included the Hill. In fact, Wheatley’s office, “The People’s Office,” was located, literally, steps from the New Granada. “When we first started this, Marimba was on the board of the CDC... and Marimba would tell me that we needed to do something significant for this community, we gotta save this building because it was on the demolition list, the roof was caving in, it was left abandoned...and I looked at Marimba and said, ‘What do you want me to do?’”

The crowd laughed at that remark, because the crowd already knew that everything turned out alright.

“She (Milliones) was able to leverage the money we were able to bring in from the

state to some foundations (in Pittsburgh) who were willing to invest in a dream to save a building,” Wheatley said during the May 25 groundbreaking event. “This wasn’t yesterday, this wasn’t last year, we’re talking almost 20 years ago. She’s been fighting this fight for almost 20 years. She’s taken ‘L’s’ (losses), she’s taken personal attacks, she’s been criticized for being selfish, singularly focused and without community support, but I’m going to tell you all in front of her how great of a champion she’s been to see this vision through.”

A highlight of the New Granada Theater will be the University of Pittsburgh as its anchor tenant. Pitt’s Hill District Community Engagement Center will be housed on the top floor, featuring a STEAM studio, which will offer programming around science, technology, engineering, arts and math. There will also be programming for Pitt’s Center for African American Poetry and Poetics.

Next to the New Granada Theater will be 5,000 square feet of retail space, so expect many small businesses,

cafes and eateries, all under the “New Granada Square” moniker.

Bill Generett Jr., Senior Vice President of Civic Engagement and External Relations for Duquesne University and Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee, said that he “didn’t know a leader who is more intelligent than Marimba.” He also called Milliones “fearless. There were walls pushed in front of her; Marimba didn’t care because she goes through walls.”

Generett wasn’t done. He said Milliones was resilient and was in it for the long haul. “In today’s society, people think you can get (major) things done in a 3-to-5-year cycle; Marimba has been at this for 20-plus years and it’s a true testament to who she is as a leader.”

Seventeen funders and partners came together to raise the $36 million in funding for the initial phase of the New Granada Square development, according to the Hill CDC. A separate group of funders collaborated on the $16.5 million for the New Granada Square Apartment building, which is already built and fully occupied on Centre. Some

organizations were part of the funding for both the apartments and the theater.

Milliones, in her remarks, reiterated that it wasn’t just her and the Hill CDC that wanted to save the New Granada Theater. Hundreds of Hill District residents wanted it saved, in concert with the revitalization of Centre Avenue as a whole. But, with a chuckle, she also said she didn’t know it would take two decades to see the change. “If I had known then what I know now, I would not have accepted the duty or the responsibility,” Milliones said, “because (the responsibility) has been tremendous and quite frankly, it has changed the trajectory of my life unexpectedly and unplanned for.”

However, Milliones said, recalling the conversations more than 20 years ago with Elbert Hatley: “The thing that stands out to me about that moment, is that it is our duty to carry forth the work of prior generations...at the end of the day, if we are not preserving the culture, what are we really doing?”

Ulish Carter, longtime Courier managing editor, passes

came my major,” Carter wrote, while detailing his four decades in the Black Press. “I read the Pittsburgh Courier, the Afro American, the Chicago Defender and their contributions to the Black struggle.

I enjoyed reading Jet, Ebony and Muhammad Speaks, which was the only means of information on Blacks, for Blacks, by Blacks, for those of us in small cities or towns.”

Carter got the call from the Courier to become a sportswriter in 1973. “Even though I really wanted to write news, I would do anything to just get my foot in the door,” Carter wrote. “So I came to a city I had never seen, hundreds of miles from my family and friends to fulfill my dream.”

In 1979, after six years in sports and entertainment, Carter moved to the Courier news department, and eventually became managing editor. He left in 1981, but returned as managing editor from 1996-2004, and from 2008-2017. Some of Carter’s more notable accomplishments at the Courier include working with Bill Nunn in selecting the Pittsburgh Courier “Black All Americans,” which highlighted star athletes in HBCUs. Following Nunn’s departure from the Courier, Carter continued the tradition of selecting those popular Courier

teams filled with stars from Black colleges.

Later, Carter was instrumental in compiling a similar team for star athletes in the Pittsburgh City League high schools. Carter was also known for his “Record Rack” columns, which would introduce Black Pittsburghers to a wide variety of music and its artists.

Away from journalism, Carter was involved

with the Westgate Village Residence organization (Pittsburgh’s West End) as a volunteer, and worked with many community organizations based on the North Side. Carter was the father to two sons, one of whom is deceased.

“Ulish was the consumate journalist dedicated to the Black Press and the Black community,” said Rod Doss, editor and publisher.

“Ulish could not escape the passion he felt for the Courier and the community it served. He left the Courier a few times and returned with a renewed sense of dedication to the work he loved doing. And he did it well.”

“Ulish was the heart and soul of our editorial department for many years,” said Stephan Broadus, Courier assistant to the publisher. “He was our resident sports historian and his knowledge of the Black

be missed dearly.”

Allison Palm, Courier office manager, called Carter a “kind, intelligent, even-tempered man” who “embodied a wealth of knowledge of history, music and sports. Humble, he was never one to brag or accept accolades for the contributions he made to the Courier or the community he served.

I was fortunate enough to spend many hours with Ulish discussing the Steelers and the world of football, many

ish, the first thing that comes to mind is a man of honor and respect, and also a very kind and caring person,” said Rev. A. Marie Walker, who writes an inspiration column for the Courier. “I am so blessed to have known him.”

Carter, who had five brothers and two sisters, lent a helping hand to his sister, Patricia Lewis, early in Lewis’ adult life. Fully entrenched in Pittsburgh, he offered Lewis the opportunity to stay

Press was unequaled. His commitment to serving the community showed in the pages of the Courier. With a small staff and dedicated freelance writers, Ulish provided steady leadership in putting out an award-winning newspaper every week.”

“Ulish Carter was such a gentle, warm-hearted person,” remarked Ashley Johnson, Courier sales director. “He was dedicated to the Courier and committed to making sure the community was covered. When it came to business, he didn’t play, but he also had a great sense of humor. No matter one’s role on the team, Ulish appreciated everyone and treated them with respect. I am honored to have worked in the editorial department under his leadership. He was well-respected and will

times, agreeing to disagree. It was that spirit of fairness he possessed that led us to a trusted friendship (discussing our families, current events, movies, music and life journeys for almost 20 years). His calm nature and trust in his constituents extended to his co-workers, his freelancers and many who passed through the walls of the Courier. His editorial leadership was admirable, leaving many with a fond memory of a man who not only emitted respect and confidence, but gave it to others. That same respect and confidence opened the door of diverse styles of newspaper articles for many local journalists/freelancers as they touched the lives of the New Pittsburgh Courier community.”

“When I think of Ul -

at his residence. Lewis moved from Champaign to Pittsburgh, and it allowed Lewis to get back on her feet. After working for multiple Fortune 500 companies, she’s now retired and living in suburban Atlanta. “I wouldn’t have been able to do that if it wasn’t for Ulish,” Lewis told the Courier. Lewis added about her brother: “He was a quiet giant, he got things done but he was very quiet about it. If you knew Ulish, you didn’t think he was doing the things he was doing. He wasn’t boastful but behind the scenes he was always active...he had a kind heart, he always rooted for the underdog.”

(Editor’s note: A memorial for Ulish Carter is being planned by the family, to be held in August.)

IAMWMW holds annual conference in Pittsburgh

The 82nd Annual International Association of Minister’s Wives and Minister’s Widows (IAMWMW) Conference was held in Pittsburgh.

The conference began on Friday, June 23, with Mrs. Deborah Faye Cooper, Pennsylvania State President, Rev. Dr. Barbara J. Terry, Co-Chair and The Pennsylvania Sisters welcoming Dr. Margaret Brown Payton, International President and Dr. Jannie Daniels,

Vice President at Large along with Ministers’ Wives and Widows from across the United States and Islands Nations.

During the seven-day conference there were many activities which began with a welcome program hosted by the Pennsylvania Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows. The welcome program included: The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh, Greetings and Proclamation giv -

en by Councilman Rev. Ricky V. Burgess. He declared the week of the conference as Ministers’ Wives Week. The organization’s community outreach event “Dress For Success” which prepares women to be successful in the workforce was chaired by Mrs. Fran Collier-Clemmons of Connecticut. Also, this year’s conference had many first-time activities such as: the Leadership Academy

First Cohort Completion Celebration led by IAMWMW President Emeritus Dr. Shirley Alexander Hart and a Book Symposium featuring IAMWMW’s Authors.

The Awards Banquet was the highlight of the conference. This event recognized several Ministers’ Wives for their contributions to the organization throughout the year. Debra Faye Cooper, President of the Pennsylvania Associa -

tion of Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows and Convention Host was the recipient of the “State President of the Year Award.”

The week-long conference ended on Friday, June 30, 2023, with closing activities.

consumed, because His compassions fall not. (Lamentations 3:22)

How Black Americans can build and establish credit

Why is it important to establish good credit? Because better credit equals better financial opportunities— and, in many cases, better financial outcomes.

Unfortunately, not all Americans have easy access to the resources, tools and experiences that help people build and establish good credit.

“One of the big factors affecting Black Americans and credit scoring is how things are scored,” explains Felicia Gopaul, a certified financial planner (CFP) who has served as a CFP Board Ambassador and currently runs Financial Control Mastery. “Black Americans are 30 percent less likely to be homeowners, for example, but credit scoring does not include rent payments.”

Since mortgage payments benefit your credit score but rent payments do not, this puts a lot of Black Americans at a disadvantage. “I know a lot of people who pay their rent and utilities on time, but those payments are not factored into their credit,” says Gopaul. Although services like Experian Boost are working to fill this gap by helping people add their bill payment history to their credit reports, there’s still a lot of ground to cover—and a lot of history to overcome.

“Ultimately, many of the issues in our system affecting Black Americans boil down to a lack of multigenerational wealth and inadequate representation,” explains James Cooley, a financial counselor who works with the Financial Empowerment Centers to expand access to the credit system and create a more equitable society.

When you have a community of people who have been historically denied access to the types of financial opportunities that create wealth, and whose everyday financial activities—such as rent and bill payments— are not represented in our current credit scoring system, you end up with not only a racial wealth gap, but also a racial credit score gap.

Fortunately, there are ways to close both of these gaps—and one way to start is by building better credit.

How Black Americans can build better credit

If you want access to better financial opportunities, establishing a good FICO credit score is one way to get there. “Our credit system is far from perfect,” says Cooley, “but having above a 670 credit score has the potential to make life a bit easier and dreams more affordable to grasp.”

Danielle M. Burns, vice president and head of business development at CNote, agrees. “Black Americans have been left out of the credit-building conversation, which has led to a massive credit gap,” she explains. “If Black Americans understand the credit cycle and usage analysis, they can save on fees, high interest rates or other unfavorable terms.

“Being able to take those savings from potentially high interest rates and fees and then invest that money into a high-yield savings account and begin to contribute to an IRA or other investment strategy can help put them on a path to closing the racial wealth gap.”

Here’s how to get started.

Becoming an authorized user

If you’re having trouble opening a line of credit on your own—or if you’re still too young to open your first credit card—you might want to consider becoming an authorized user on a friend or family member’s credit card.

“I have a teenager getting ready to go off to college,” Gopaul says. “One of the things we talked about is her becoming an authorized user on our accounts. This gives her access to our credit, and she can leverage that. It’s a great way to start.”

When you become an authorized user on another person’s credit card, any activity on the card has the potential to become part of your credit history and improve your credit score. “It’s incredibly low-risk, high reward,” Cooley explains.

Unfortunately, the person who allows you onto their credit account takes on a slightly higher risk. Since they are legally responsible for all balances charged to the card, it’s important to make sure you don’t make any purchases that max out the credit card or create unwanted credit card debt.

“You have to be careful about who you add as an authorized user,” Gopaul advises, “so that they are not cre-

5 ways to build or rebuild your credit

Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase

Having strong credit can make it easier to get a car loan, mortgage, an apartment and even some jobs. Because lenders use your credit score to help assess your reliability as a borrower, a high credit score can help you qualify for lower loan interest rates—saving you money over the course of your lifetime. There’s no fast track to building credit or improving your current score, but you can help make the process much easier. These five steps can help:

1. Find out your current credit score

Most adults already have a credit score that can be obtained by requesting a credit report and reviewing it carefully. You’re entitled to one free report each year and can request it at AnnualCreditReport.com. Chase Credit Journey® can also help you manage, monitor and protect your credit.

2. Apply for a credit card

If you’re starting to build credit, credit cards can speed up the process if used responsibly. Since credit card companies report activity to credit agencies, healthy activity can be a huge help when it comes to building your

credit. Student and other new-to-credit credit cards are a good option for those who are looking to build credit. Establishing a credit score and history requires having an account open for at least six months, so be patient and diligent about practicing healthy credit habits.

3. Address debt impacting your score

It’s expected for consumers to have some debt, but significant credit card debt and missed loan payments can have a major impact on your credit score. Pay bills on time and don’t overspend —maxing out a credit card or coming close to your limit will lower your score. If you’re working to rebuild your credit, pay down debt as much as possible and catch up on past-due bills. Also be careful about searching for new lines of credit while carrying significant debt—lenders could see this as a risk and your score could drop.

4. Practice good financial habits in other areas

Establishing a savings and checking account, renting an apartment

and paying utility and other bills on time are among the activities that help show lenders you’re fiscally responsible. While these actions might not directly affect your credit score, they’re beneficial practices lenders will notice when considering your application for a car loan, mortgage or other major life goal.

5. Help your children build credit Opening checking and savings accounts for your children can help teach them about everything from depositing your paycheck to easily paying your bills—the basic building blocks of your financial infrastructure.

You can also consider making your teenager an authorized user on your credit card account to assist them in establishing their own positive credit history. Take this approach if you consistently pay your credit card bill in full and on time, as late payments can also impact your child’s credit report, in addition to your own. Building and rebuilding credit takes time and patience, but the results are worth it. A solid credit history can help you build generational wealth, reach your financial goals and establish long-term fiscal stability for you and your family. For more information on the basics of building credit, visit chase.com/ personal/credit-cards/education.

What to do if you win the Powerball

I recently received this question on Facebook. “Damon, what do you believe should be the first steps for the winner of this jackpot (Powerball)? I don’t think Ohio allows for winners to remain anonymous so my thoughts would be to set up a trust and then have the trust claim the prize.”

I responded with a short, quick reply. First thing you do is allocate a portion to have fun!!

Then place the remaining money in a general savings account and do nothing for 6 months. The emotion is too high and the wealth experience is too new to make well thought out, rational decisions. During this 6-month period, become educated on money management. Six months from now, the thrill of winning has subsided. You’re less emotional. Plus you now have a baseline understanding of personal finances. At this point, hire trusted advisors to help make informed decisions about your next money moves.

A day later I came across a meme on Facebook shared by Melissa Fox. It read, “How delusional am I? Every day I hope to win the

lottery knowing I don’t even play it?” I’d say, VERY DELUSIONAL!! Yet, that delusion is something many of us have imagined.

I’m not a lottery player but when I see people in the news who won the jackpot, I secretly wished it was me. I recall working at a large bank. All the bank employees would chip in and purchase lottery tickets whenever there was a huge jackpot. Although it was against my core beliefs to partake in playing the lottery, the idea of my co-workers hitting the big jackpot and retiring without me didn’t sit well with me. As a result, I’d chip in on the lottery. We didn’t win!

Not only is it delusional to not play the Powerball and hope you win, the odds of winning the Powerball are so miniscule, it’s delusional to play the Powerball and hope you win. You have an approximate 1 in 292 million chances in winning the Powerball.

To give that perspective, the odds of an individual getting struck by lightning in a given year are estimated to be around 1 in 700,000.

That means your chances of winning the Powerball are equivalent

to your chances of being stricken by lightning 418 times. There is one thing that comes to mind with worse odds of winning the Powerball. That’s two distinct individuals having the exact same fingerprint. The chances of two individuals having the same fingerprint is 1 in 64 billion. Even identical twins have different fingerprints. Even with those insane odds, here’s an interesting statistic: 21 percent of employees see winning the lottery as an important part of their wealth-building strategy. If that doesn’t surprise, perhaps this statistic will: Lottery winners have a losing track record of holding on to their winnings. Roughly 70 percent lose it all within five years, regardless of how much their luck earns them.

For that 1 in 292 million persons who luck up and win the Powerball, here’s some steps to take to avoid being a part of the 70 percent of lottery winners who lose all their winnings within 5 years. Confirm your winning ticket: Double-check your ticket against the official winning numbers and make sure it’s validated by the lottery authorities. Keep ticket safe: Place the winning ticket in a fireproof/waterproof secured location where it can’t be stolen or lost before you’re able to claim your cash prize.

Maintain privacy and security: Keep your win as private

as possible to protect yourself and your newfound wealth. Avoid sharing the news with everyone until you have a plan in place. Seek professional advice: Consult with a team of trusted professionals, including financial advisors, accountants, and lawyers experienced in handling large sums of money. They can guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions.

Decide on the payout option: You’ll typically have the choice between a lump sum or an annuity payout. Consider the pros and cons of each option and assess which one aligns better with your

financial goals and personal circumstances. Set up a financial plan: Work with your financial advisors to develop a comprehensive plan for managing your winnings. This may include budgeting, investing, tax planning, and estate planning. Maintain a long-term perspective: Consider your longterm financial goals and aspirations. It’s important to resist the urge to splurge excessively and instead focus on creating a sustainable and secure financial future.

A good credit score is a critical part of a healthy financial future.

$2.2 billion relief initiative to support Black farmers

For New Pittsburgh Courier (NNPA)—The Biden-Harris Administration has unveiled a $2.2 billion relief initiative aimed at providing support to Black farmers and other individuals who have faced discrimination within federal government lending programs. The Inflation Reduction Act, part of Biden’s commitment to addressing historical injustices, includes a total of $5.3 billion dedicated to offering relief to tens of thousands of farmers across the country.

Of the allocated funds, $3.1 billion reportedly will be used to assist distressed borrowers in paying off their farm debts without losing their land or becoming ineligible for future assistance.

An additional $2.2 billion will be allocated specifically to farmers who have suffered discrimination through USDA farm programs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that applications are now being accepted for the Discrimination Finan-

cial Assistance Program, which aims to provide financial aid to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who have experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending prior to 2021.

“The opening of the application process is an important step in delivering on our commitment to providing financial assistance to those who faced discrimination in USDA farm lending, as swiftly and efficiently as possible,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized. The initiative comes after decades of Black farmers accusing the USDA of discrimination and being denied loans crucial for their livelihoods and land preservation.

A study conducted in May 2022 revealed that Black farmers had lost over $326 billion in land value throughout the 20th century.

The Washington Informer reported in 2022 that researchers considered that figure to be a conservative estimate of the actual financial impact racist practices have had on Black American

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) announced that applications are now being accepted for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, which aims to provide financial aid to farmers, ranchers, and forest land

owners who have experienced discrimination in USDA

farmers since 1920.

Biden issued an executive order last year, instructing the USDA to establish a 15-member independent equity commission aimed at rectifying discrimination within its policies and practices concerning Black farmers. Under the initial Build Back Better plan, the Biden administration said it want-

ed to allocate significant funds to support Black farmers. However, the plan was scuttled after White farmers filed lawsuits claiming that the earmarking of funds specifically for Black farmers amounted to discrimination. The legal action has resulted in the tying up of $4 billion as the administration

continues to defend the action in court.

Further, a 2021 report from ProPublica also shed light on the systematic discrimination faced by Black farmers at the hands of various federal agencies, including the USDA.

The report detailed how the USDA impeded Black farmers’ access to critical federal funds through discriminatory loan denials and deliberate delays in financial aid.

“If you are Black and you’re born south of the Mason-Dixon Line and you tried to farm, you’ve been discriminated against,” Lloyd Wright, the director of the USDA Office of Civil Rights under Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, and a Black Virginia farmer, stated in the report.

In an earlier interview with the Informer, John Wesley Boyd Jr., founder, and president of the National Black Farmers Association in Bakersville, Virginia, added, “The oldest occupation in this country for Black people is farming. But from slavery through Jim Crow, the USDA, and the banks—

all these things put together means we are facing extinction.”

Boyd added:

“What’s troubling is when the brown bear, the black bear, and the bald eagle were facing extinction, Congress put harsh laws in place until their numbers came back up. So why can’t they do the same thing for the oldest occupation in history for Black people, which is farming?”

The White House said the launch of the $2.2 billion relief initiative represents a significant step towards rectifying the historical injustices faced by Black farmers and marks the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to addressing systemic discrimination in federal lending programs.

With the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program now accepting applications, eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners should now have access to needed financial assistance.

(Stacy M. Brown is NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent)

How Black Americans can build and establish credit

ating problems for you.”

Applying for a secured credit card

Another good way to build credit quickly is by applying for a secured credit card. With a secured card, you put down a small security deposit—often around $200—and receive a small credit limit. This gives you the opportunity to practice using credit responsibly and build a positive credit history.

“I love secured cards,” says Gopaul. “You put a deposit down and are able to charge against it—and that’s a good thing.”

By making everyday purchases on your secured credit card and paying your statement balances on time, you’ll establish a history of good credit habits.

At that point, your lender is likely to return your security deposit and graduate you to an unsecured credit card.

“A secured credit card that can help you build credit is often a good starting point,”

says Burns. “Just make sure you pay off your balance every month!”

Taking out a starter credit card

In some cases, you may not need to become an authorized user or open a secured credit account to start building a credit history of your own. Many people with no credit history or limited credit experience are able to successfully open a starter credit card, especially if they already have a checking or savings account with a bank that issues starter lines of credit.

Starter credit cards generally have lower-than-average credit limits and may offer fewer rewards than today’s top credit cards—but a good starter card is a great way to start building credit.

Cooley suggests looking for a starter card that doesn’t charge an annual fee and recommends building credit quickly by using the card to automatically pay small bills every month.

“It’s important to pay on time,” Cooley explains. “I

have seen the best successes from clients who set the credit card to pay their Netflix and pay the card in full each statement cycle.”

Finding Black credit unions

Another good way to establish a positive credit history is by working with a credit union—especially if you can find a credit union designed to serve the Black community.

“They have something which is called credit builder accounts,” Gopaul explains. “You’ll typically find them in smaller community banks and credit unions.”

Credit builder accounts, sometimes called credit-building loans, work a bit like secured credit cards.

“It’s the same sort of concept,” Gopaul says. “You put money down, and you can charge against it.”

If you decide to open a credit builder account with a credit union or community bank, ask whether your credit activity will be reported to the three national credit bureaus (Equifax,

Experian and TransUnion).

“If you can find one that reports to all three, that’s more helpful than one that reports to just one,” Gopaul explains.

Then, all you have to do is use your credit-building loan wisely.

Tip: By making on-time payments, keeping any balances low and paying off any debt you charge, you’ll quickly establish a positive credit history. By building a relationship with a community-based credit union, you may be able to access not only better credit options but also financial advice, in-person classes, community-building opportunities and more. Accessing financial resources for Black Americans

One of the best ways to build a solid financial future is by setting yourself up with a good financial education. And one of the best ways to give back to your community is by sharing what you learn.

“If you can educate peo-

ple, they will often take that information back into their communities to build it back,” says Gopaul. “That has been my experience.”

Free financial resources If you want to access free financial resources, you have plenty of options. You can use a credit-building app like CreditWise from Capital One or Discover’s Credit Scorecard to track your credit score and learn how your everyday spending habits affect your credit. You can also look for organizations designed to teach financial management skills, including how to build a good credit score.

“Many groups out there —including local governments, through services like the Financial Empowerment Centers—provide no-cost financial counseling to get folks moving in the right direction and have a focused knowledge of the system,” Cooley explains. “Counselors can work with people on establishing and building credit, accessing safe financial products, creating a budget, paying down debt and increasing savings.”

Hiring a financial professional

As your credit and finances improve, you might want to consider hiring a financial professional. “I highly encourage everyone to consider working with a certified financial planner,” Burns says. “CFPs work in service of their clients to help them achieve their financial goals. They can help with everything from creating a personal budget, buying a house and saving for retirement to understanding how best to man-

What

Pay off debts and prioritize financial obligations: Take care of any outstanding debts or financial obligations that you may have. This will help you start your new financial journey on a solid footing.

Create an emergency fund: Set aside a portion of your winnings to establish an emergency fund that can cover unexpected expenses or provide a safety net for the future.

Treat yourself and loved ones: After taking care of the essentials, don’t forget to enjoy your newfound wealth. Treat yourself and your loved ones with well-deserved vacations, experiences, or even thoughtful gifts.

Invest wisely: Work with a financial advisor to create an investment strategy that aligns with your long-term goals and risk tolerance. Diversifying your investments can help grow your wealth over time.

Plan for the future: Assess your long-term financial objectives, such as retire-

age your credit based on your overall financial goals and objectives.”

Gopaul agrees. “Credit-building apps are beneficial,” she says. “But as you get more educated, sometimes these sorts of things do not help you move the lever.” By talking to a financial planner, you can get specific answers to personalized questions— like whether you can save money by improving your credit score before you buy a home. “The nice thing about CFPs is that we’ve been trained in a lot of different area,” Gopaul says.

Bottom line

“While the credit system is not perfect and has been discriminatory, it can be utilized to provide opportunities to individuals and communities that were even more limited by the old systems,” says Cooley. Whether you’re hoping to buy a home, buy a car, rent an apartment or use a credit card to purchase your next vacation, having a good credit score will make these kinds of financial transactions easier and more affordable—and, if you have the right kind of credit card, more rewarding.

Understanding how the credit system works also gives you the opportunity to share what you learn with others, helping even more people in your community take advantage of the benefits that good credit can offer.

(Nicole Dieker is a freelance writer with a focus on personal finance and habit formation.)

ment or building generational wealth, and allocate funds accordingly. This could involve setting up trusts, purchasing properties, or investing in businesses.

Donate to charity: If you’re passionate about a particular cause or organization, consider making a charitable contribution to support their work and make a positive impact on the world.

Everyone’s situation is unique, so it’s crucial to tailor your actions and decisions to your specific circumstances. Take your time making decisions and be cautious about sharing your winnings publicly. It’s essential to prioritize your financial well-being while also considering how you can make a positive impact on the world around you. Professional advice and careful planning will be instrumental in managing your newfound wealth responsibly.

(Damon Carr, Money Coach can be reached @ 412-216-1013 or visit his website @ damonmoneycoach.com)

Guest Editorial

The naked truth

Is there anything essentially immoral about the human body? Will the increasing trend of people, especially female performers, to dress provocatively serve as an indicator of a decline in morals among people? Once upon a time a person could watch television and/or movies without being overly concerned with the attire worn by public figures. Times have changed drastically, and one of the best places to observe this trend is among the previously mentioned female performers.

Recently, Keke Palmer, a public figure of many talents, has come into the public consciousness because of the actions of her significant other. Keke, an outgoing vivacious character, was in the news because she became pregnant and delivered her first child. Her baby’s daddy is Darius Daulton Jackson, reportedly a fitness trainer with ambitions to become an actor. Keke and Darius are not married.

The baby seems to have opened up a radiant aspect of Keke’s personality that is absolutely infectious, according to those who have been in her presence. However, that radiance is not being embraced by certain people who are concerned about her appearance and behavior at a recent concert.

Keke, in one of her most high-profile appearances since her pregnancy, attended a concert featuring Usher, who called her to the stage to interact with him like he does with people in many of his concerts. Keke obliged, and sweet fireworks appeared to fly between the two performers.

Exacerbating the situation was Keke’s outfit. From the front it appeared tasteful, but revealing. Basically, it was reminiscent of a swimsuit with a see-through full-length veil-like covering. It was a sheer Givenchy dress that covered a bodysuit. This in itself was not especially problematic; it wasn’t until she turned around and the see-through covering revealed a thong underneath that was surprisingly skimpy. This, coupled with her sensual antics while interacting with Usher, was quite a spectacle.  What happened next was a surprise to many. Her boyfriend, Darius, who was not in attendance but who had access via the Internet, posted a video of her and Usher, with criticism about the outfit she wore.

He wrote: “It’s the outfit tho…. You a mom.” He later added, “We live in a generation where a man of the family doesn’t want the wife & mother to his kids to showcase booty cheeks to please others & he gets told how much of a hater he is.  “This is my family & my representation. I have standards & morals to what I believe. I rest my case.”

This came across as controlling and generated a huge backlash that was not favorable toward Darius. He has been viewed as jealous, controlling and totally inappropriate in his attempt to “shame” Keke for her outfit. Some ask why he didn’t address this matter in private, because it came off as totally immature to bash his baby’s mama in public.

As Keke is a beloved person who seems to be taking control of her life in a very positive manner after her pregnancy, she generated a LOT of public support. Keke’s response was to share pictures that she had and said, “I wish I had taken more pictures but we were running late. She also created some “merch,” affirming the fact that “I am a Motha.”

Since all of this started, both Keke and Darius, at press time, have stopped following each other on social media, and a large number of Keke’s fans are hoping they break up. Most people agree it was inappropriate for Darius to attempt to shame his significant other in front of the world.

The other issue, however, is that this incident has opened up a can of worms regarding the way female performers are dressing. Some of the outfits have been so revealing that they make what Keke wore look like a nun’s habit.

The real question is whether or not the trend toward extremely sheer or revealing outfits worn by female entertainers is something we should actively oppose. Is this trend an indication of the decadence of modern society? It might be.

This nakedness might be one of the indicators of a heightened focus on hedonism and debauchery generated by popular culture. Nakedness in itself is not evil; it’s just that it can be seen as a gauge of a descent into thinking that generates cloudy minds. If so, we should consider creating public forums to address this issue with an eye toward developing a coping strategy. A Luta Continua.

(Reprinted from The Chicago Crusader)

Where are we?

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—As children, when my siblings and I did something good, my mother never failed to compliment us. On the other hand, when we did something bad, she never failed to chastise us by providing a bit of corrective action! Whichever we were to face, my mother did it with love.  At times she would add, “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you!” We found that hard to believe; however, we tried our best to do better or make improvements the next time. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our Supreme Court and our politicians did the same thing—make things better?

Some people like to talk about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s dream. They talk about equality, but somehow forget that our nation has never been equal for many of us.  So, just declaring equality does not make it so. Forward positive movement makes it so. Donald Trump, the twice impeached, several times indicted, once convicted, many times exerciser of super bad behavior, made the phrase “Make America Great Again” famous. My friend, Dick Gregory, always responded with, “You act like America has already been great for some of us!”

Sure, there was a time when many of us thought taking something to the Supreme Court would provide justice for our righteous causes. No longer are we under that illusion. Our only consolation is that we have three of the four

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women on the United States Supreme Court willing to make America great for all of us. We’re grateful for Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Elena Kagan—but for all their strong voices for justice for all, we need more! We need a new Civil and Human Rights Movement because those rights we once thought we had are now slipping away faster than we’re moving forward in basic rights. The hatred we are experiencing is coming from so many directions. It’s sad to say that too much hate and the blocking of our moving forward are coming from within. One glaring example of blocking our forward movement is Clarence Thomas. His hatred for us is so glaring that he not only takes advantage of affirmative action for himself, but he votes to deny it for those who’ve come after him. Let me be clear. I am not suggesting that attending Harvard University is any better for a Black student than attending Howard University or any of our fine

predominantly and historically Black colleges and universities.  Learning to appreciate diversity in this country is not exclusively for Black people. That is the way it is treated, however. So many things people other than White people have created are used by them, and some are presumably used by the Thomas family.

Let’s name a few: The gas mask grabbed by Members of Congress when they were under siege in the Capitol on January 6, 2021, the blood bank, improved ironing board, home security system, yield traffic light, refrigerated truck, automatic elevator doors, tissue holder, automatic gear shift helping people to drive uphill, clothes dryer, dust pan, folding chair, golf tees, lawnmower, lawn sprinkler, modern toilet, the mop and too many things to mention here, but I am sure you get the idea.

My point for mentioning these things that benefit all people is that many of those who invented them didn’t say, “We are inventing these things for ourselves, and for nobody else.” No doubt, they were happy to benefit everybody.  Just look at where we are now.  Just look at where our Supreme Court is. They seem to be happy to take us back to a day when we had no rights and now they’re taking away others we once had!

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of The Dick Gregory Society and President Emerita of the National Congress of Black Women)

Safeguarding charitable medicines programs in America

All Americans should have equal access to high quality healthcare.  As our nation steadily emerges out of the awful debilitating aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of communities of color, and in particular the African American community, are all facing lingering challenges and prolonged difficulties in having access to affordable and quality healthcare.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has many important and life-saving public health related programs that are structured and funded to ensure access to the best of healthcare offerings including the provision of affordable pharmaceuticals with respect to the most vulnerable and underserved communities across the nation.

One of those important governmental healthcare programs is known as the Charitable Medicines Program (340B). The 340B program began in the early 1990s when Congress wanted to require pharmaceutical manufacturers, as a condition of benefiting from government programs, to donate at low or no cost prescription drugs to charitable hospitals. These hospitals, overwhelmingly located in underserved urban and rural communities with patients of all races and ethnicities, were in turn expected to use these discount price medicines to serve patients who otherwise could not afford these drugs.

Today, Americans are facing unprecedented times. We are rebuilding our economy from a global pandemic. But there is another epidemic in this country (Entities putting profits over people) which must be addressed, and it must be addressed now. It’s one of the few things reasonable Americans on all sides of the political spectrum can agree on these days. Where it happens, there ought to be robust, bipartisan reform efforts to fix it. When it happens inside the context of a government program meant to help the poorest among us, it should mean robust oversight from the Congress and the Administration. That’s exactly what’s going on now with the charitable medicines program known as “340B.”

For a while, the program worked as intended. The average discount on a 340B drug is nearly 60 percent, and for many drugs it’s much more than that. But over time, greed has cropped up and made a mockery of the program resulting in practices which furthers health inequities in our

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nation.

The definition of a “charitable hospital” was never well-defined in law, and today 57 percent of all hospitals participate in the drug discount program. They are happy to accept the cheaper medicines, but where do they end up?

Out of the nearly 13,000 hospitals and community pharmacies participating in the 340B program today, fully six in ten are in middle class and affluent areas, not the poorer zip codes the program is meant to serve.

How is this possible? How has a program Congress created to get Big PhRMA to give affordable drugs to charitable hospitals gone so far off the rails? The answer is that no one is minding the store in Washington. There are zero requirements for hospitals to use the cost savings from 340B to help needy patients, and there isn’t any rule requiring these hospitals to let patients know they are eligible for these drugs.

In addition, stand-alone hospitals are now the exception compared to the rule of a broad hospital network with facilities in diverse income areas. A hospital or clinic that qualifies for the discounted drugs in this program might be one of dozens of health care centers in a network conglomerate.

As a result, the drug price reductions are eagerly gobbled up and the drugs fed into the larger system. To put a fine point on it, medicines intended for poor urban and rural areas are being re-routed and sold at full price to insured patients in more affluent areas. That’s the definition of health inequity.

This is not a mere theoretical concern. Last year, the New York broke a story that Bon Secours, a hospital network in the Richmond, VA area, was accepting 340B discount drugs at Richmond Community Hospital, not telling local patients they were eligible for these free-to-inexpensive medicines, and selling the drugs for full price to patients in more affluent hospitals in their network. This led Richmond mayor Levar Stoney to send a letter to Bon Secours, charging them with using “loopholes [to increase] profit margins for the hospital system

Founded 1910

while they have reduced services in one of our predominantly Black communities.”

Notably, Mayor Stoney also called on the Biden Administration to increase oversight of the 340B program: “I request for your administration to urgently investigate the effectiveness and unintended consequences of 340B–not only regarding Bon Secours in the City of Richmond, but in other localities across the country.”

Untold stories like this exist in communities across the country. But the fact is the hospital lobbyists have influenced Congressional and Administration oversight officials from both political parties for decades. Every Congressman has a hospital in their district, and the 340b program must be used by the hospitals as Congress mandated.

That’s why I was proud to hear about a panel earlier this year organized by the Rev. Al Sharpton on this topic where he stated, “This affects everybody. If you are having people abuse government funds that should be reinvested, this is not a right-wing or left-wing issue.”

The executive branch runs the 340B program out of the Health Resources and Services Administration, a branch of the Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA, as it’s known, makes determinations of what entities are covered by the program, and they have been very generous over the years. According to the Government Accountability Office, the number of hospitals and clinics HRSA has approved has increased from fewer than 10,000 in 2010 to nearly 13,000 today–an increase of 30 percent in a little over a decade.

And while HRSA is supposed to collect information and conduct audits on 340B covered entities, they simply don’t have the manpower to do so. The little number of questions they do raise are answered and accepted, because there is no real oversight possible. There are only the staff resources to facilitate drug discounts to hospitals.

What’s urgently needed is a combination of Congressional hearings and a more inquisitorial HRSA. Until that happens, low income patients across America will be the excuse giant hospital chains use to get drugs at a discount rate and sell them at full price to more affluent patients.

Election season is always upon us!

Enjoy this summer because it’s about to be another election season. While folks are already gearing up for the 2024 elections, campaigns have already been launched and there will be elections before and after the 2024 March primaries and November general election. Expect people to come to you with solutions, observations, lies, and pledges. Vote for them and they will do better than the Emancipation Proclamation or any army, they say. Let’s talk about seeking political office.

Actually the Democratic and Republican Parties could start off with filling vacant precinct chair seats. That’s actually a great place to start if you are having any thoughts about seeking political office. You can learn all you need about the political process. Actually I’d suggest this route for those wannabe political consultants too, but that’s another subject for another day. We have people who feel “called,” to seek elective office. Some had a dream.

Some are visionary or see a need/op-

portunity. Still there are others who began a journey or were recruited. Whatever the situation, we do need candidates. We need people who are going to do the work and more. The really good, elected officials are the ones who do their jobs and also do more because they see that from where they are positioned they have access to more resources to do more for the benefit of the masses. Wow, that’s a mouthful. But you still get the people who are going to perform their duties—nothing more, nothing less. And while we are saddled by the dilemma of people not being able to seek an office because the position doesn’t pay; we also have those seeking positions only for the money! I guarantee you that somewhere there’s an election going on, even if it is for camp leader, choir director, team captain; whatever.

But we have those oh so important positions, for people right in your neighborhood—who you can reach out and tough, to effect change. While we don’t need folks out there bursting

people’s bubbles or being dream killers; we don’t need people encouraging folks to step up to a battle that we know we don’t support.

Which brings me to my truth.

Time and time again, I’ve heard from candidates who say they entered a race because they were encouraged by people saying, “you should run,” or “get in there,”—only to jump in the race and find those same people don’t help finance the campaign, they have a million and one things to do so they can’t knock on doors or kiss the babies with you and they ofttimes don’t even vote and if they do; well after you count “me, honey, mom and dad, and the next door neighbor— based on the numbers, you know they didn’t vote for you! So the point is, if you aren’t going to get in the game and give your all, support those who will. Give money, time, encouragement, critiques (HONEST CRITIQUES), and VOTE!

(Cheryl Smith is the owner, Publisher and Editor of I Messenger Media LLC the umbrella for Texas Metro News, Garland Journal, and I Messenger digital magazine.)

Bad Affirmative Action decision won’t

stop equal rights

progress

The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to end Affirmative Action in higher education is much more than just a bad ruling; this is an embarrassment on a global scale.

It’s based on the misguided notion that the Constitution, and even our society today, is colorblind. That’s so far from the truth. In reality, what we have is a judicial authority that is in denial; denial of racism, denial of facts, denial of the consequences of this decision, denial of the harm to the people affected, and denial of the hierarchy of human value that this nation was built upon and still reigns supreme in too many minds and institutions today.

Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts concluded that the approach used by Harvard University and the University of North Carolina violated the 14th Amendment and “cannot be reconciled with the guarantees of the Equal Protection Clause.”  That is duplicitous—that clause was designed to remedy the harm caused by denying rights and protection to people of color over centuries. For this court to use it to deny educational opportunities to people of color in the 21st century is hypocrisy at best and cruel at worst. Their decision lacks empathy and compassion for millions.

Dr. Gail C. Christopher

Commentary

Our Constitution was conceived in an environment of racial hierarchy. It was dedicated to the proposition that some people were not human. Blacks could be enslaved and had no human rights. During the 1787 United States Constitutional Convention, the infamous Three-fifths Compromise relegated enslaved people to be counted as 3-5ths of Whites in a state’s population.

That created an inequitable and unfair American society. Harvard Professor Roland G. Fryer, Jr. has quantified the consequences. Relative to Whites, Blacks earn 24 percent less, live five fewer years, and are six times more likely to be incarcerated on a given day.

Hispanics make 25 percent less than Whites and are three times more likely to be incarcerated. At the end of the 1990s, there were one-third more Black men under the corrections system’s jurisdiction than those enrolled in colleges or universities.

Despite improvement by Blacks and Hispanics, there remain stark differences in access to quality education and opportunity that education affords.  In a recent NCHE paper, Susan Eaton, Director of the Sillerman Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy at the Heller School for Social Policy at Brandeis University, cited the racial disparity in poverty nationwide. About 24 percent of Native Americans, 20 percent of Blacks, and 17 percent of Latinos live in high-poverty neighborhoods compared to just 4 percent of Whites. Disparities in schools are even more extreme, with 74 percent of Black and Latinos, 70 percent of Native Americans, and just 32 percent of Whites attending schools where at least half of the students qualify for free and reduced lunches.

Clearly, American society remains far from a colorblind state where equity and equality are spread across all communities, rich and poor, Black, White, and Brown.

It’s astounding that the Supreme Court chose to ignore centuries of racism that has created a society where Blacks, Native Americans, and other people of color are forced to confront bias daily in their everyday life, at school, at work, at play, and in their communities.

But there is hope for America. This Supreme Court is not a reflection of the people. This Court represents the opinions of a minority of our population.

That has been demonstrated by the political uprising after the Court’s rejection of a woman’s right to her own reproductive decisions. We may see a similar reaction to this Court decision limiting access to the nation’s top educational institutions to people qualified to attend but have faced discrimination because of their skin color every day since birth. NCHE has conducted research, which will soon be released, demonstrating that the American people want to put racism and political divisiveness behind us and move forward to create equitable communities. America made tremendous progress after the murder of George Floyd. A watershed of honesty and sincerity opened up to address the realities of police brutality and the legacy of denial of humanity.  Anytime there is a moment creating a seismic wave in society, one representing a transformation from the norm, there will be resistance. In this case, the opposition has a high level of authority and power, but it contradicts the minds and hearts of the majority of America.

The march towards an equitable society will continue.

(Dr. Gail C. Christopher is the Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity, Senior Scholar at the Center for Advancement of Well-Being at George Mason University, and former Senior Advisor and Vice President of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation.)

Affirmative Action, statute of limitations, and historical burdens

In 2003, the Supreme Court upheld Affirmative Action in college admissions in Grutter v. Bollinger. The Court ruled 5-4 that admission processes that benefited “underrepresented minorities” did not violate the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause as long as race was only one component of a holistic admissions strategy.

According to the Court, a diverse student body increased educational benefits for all who sought higher education. However, the Court stated that in the future, perhaps in 25 years, racial Affirmative Action will no longer be essential to encourage diversity and that a “color-blind” procedure will be implemented.

Twenty years later, the Supreme Court ruled that Affirmative Action in college admissions was unconstitutional. The Court ruled that it was discriminatory toward other minority groups and that it was time for a procedure that did not consider race.

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disagreed, but she didn’t articulate the educational benefits of diversity. She claimed that “our country has never been colorblind,” and the Court’s ruling failed to reflect the nation’s well-documented “intergenerational transmission of inequality.”

Due to this legacy of racism, Jackson didn’t merely argue for the continuation of affirmative action but for its permanence. She stated that Blacks and other minorities have done better, but only because institutions were willing to embrace affirmative action in order to grapple with the burdens of history.

At some point in time, it must be asked: when does the statute of limitations expire on historical burdens when temporary policies were put in place to address the lingering effects of slavery, segregation, and discrimination? Also, how many generations does it take for the negative effects of past discrimination to fade?

The British once dominated the globe, but they were not always dominant.

J.

Check

It Out

The Romans enslaved the inhabitants of Britain. Julius Caesar referred to the British as the most ignorant people he had ever conquered, while Cicero noticed that British slaves could not be taught to read. After Rome collapsed, Vikings and then Normans enslaved the British. Slavery increasingly blended into serfdom during the Norman Conquest. Be that as it may, the descendants of these slaves and serfs started the industrial revolution and built an empire where the sun never set.

Obviously, the negative effects of slavery and serfdom wore off with time.

People rising out of slavery to make significant contributions to civilization aren’t anomalies; it’s a normal historical pattern, and former Black slaves continued this pattern after slavery was abolished in America.

William Wells Brown, America’s first ex-slave novelist, frequently used British enslavement and advancement to demonstrate what was achievable for former Black slaves.

White supremacists dismissed Brown’s comparison, claiming that African descendants lack the intellectual aptitude to do so. Other Whites believed that former Black slaves, like the descendants of British slaves, could advance, but only after generations of White nurturing in America. Brown thought both assertions were incorrect. He stated that the flourishing status of the enormous free-colored population of the Southern States was the clearest proof

of the possibility for advancement without White paternalism.

Brown noted, “All of these free people were slaves or descended from slaves.”

Despite southern anti-Black laws and race prejudice, they amassed vast sums of property. It was this industry, intelligence, and wealth of the free colored people of the south that created so much prejudice against them. On June 8, 1860, the Southern Rights Convention met in Baltimore and asked for legislation to drive free colored people out of the state in order to ensure the obedience of slaves. Other Whites opposed driving away the free colored people because they were the best mechanics, artisans, and industrious laborers in the state, and driving them out would be an injury to the state itself.

Brown stated, “This is certainly good evidence on their behalf.”

When Booker T. Washington received an honorary degree from Harvard in 1886, a Boston paper wrote that Washington didn’t receive the honor because he was colored or had been a slave. It was because he showed genius, which counts for greatness in any man, whether Black or White.

Right after the Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action, a host on the urban radio show The Breakfast Club stated that without Affirmative Action, Black people have no chance. Unfortunately, this host believes that the historical burden of past discrimination is too much for Black Americans to bear in the twenty-first century. The host wasn’t alone. Black democratic officeholders, Black progressive professors, and civil rights activists all echoed the same sentiment.

It’s often suggested that those who do not know their history are bound to repeat it, but, in this case, historical patterns of achievement cannot be replicated if Black Americans are oblivious to them.

(NNPA NEWSWIRE)—There is an increased focus on “Bidenomics” as President Joe Biden and his administration implement and communicate his economic policy agenda to the American people. President Biden gave a major speech on the subject in Chicago last month. Listening to that speech, I was struck by one line in particular: “I believe every American willing to work hard should be able to say where they grew up and stay where they grew up.”

Focusing on struggling communities has been a priority of mine for many years. For too long, communities like many of those I represent have been victimized by government policies, overlooked for private investments, and neglected for economic development.

President Biden understands that we must make America’s greatness accessible and affordable for everyone, everywhere

Back in 2009, as we began to plot our recovery out of the Great Recession, I remembered how the New Deal was a raw deal for many of the communities I represent, as it largely excluded African Americans.  Careful to avoid repeating that shameful history, I insisted that resources be targeted to long-struggling communities.

We came up with what we called the 10-2030 formula, which required at least 10 percent of funds in designated accounts to be spent in persistent poverty counties, which are defined as counties that have had a poverty rate of at least 20 percent for at least 30 years.  There are more than 400 such counties in America. These counties are as diverse as our country. They are majority Black in the South, majority White in Appalachia, majority Latino in the Southwest, and majority Native American in the Great Plains.  Far more are represented by Republicans than by Democrats.

The Recovery Act applied the 10-20-30 formula to three rural development accounts: the Rural Community Facilities Program Account, the Rural Business Program Account, and the Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account. The results were impressive. According

Commentary

to the USDA, the 10-20-30 formula was responsible for funding 4,655 projects totaling nearly $1.7 billion in persistent poverty counties.  These projects ranged from drinking water infrastructure in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, to a public safety building in New Madrid County, Missouri, to a “green” administration building for a tribal housing authority in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. We increased the number of accounts subject to the 10-20-30 formula from the 3 in the Recovery Act to 15 for the past several years.  Billions of federal dollars have been invested under these provisions, and the benefits have continued. Funded by a USDA Community Facilities Grant, the Bamberg-Barnwell Emergency Medical Center opened in 2019 in rural South Carolina, filling an essential need in two communities where two hospitals had closed in 2012 and 2016. Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative in New Mexico took advantage of the formula to improve reliability and affordability, and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians received a $1.4 million water and waste disposal grant to improve the water infrastructure on their reservation.

A more recent investment by the Economic Development Administration at the Department of Commerce illustrates the promise of these targeted investments in persistent poverty counties. An EDA grant of nearly $4 million was awarded to Panola County, Mississippi, to support the county, and I’m quoting the Department, “with renovating a former outlet mall building for use as a workforce training center that will serve North Mississippi.” That is what the 10-20-30 formula is all about.

Our work to target funds to distressed communities has not stopped with the 10-20-30 formula focused on persistent poverty counties. We recognize that county poverty rates are not necessarily the best metric by which to assess the level of need in urban areas, so we have set aside funds for both persistent poverty counties and high-poverty census tracts, including in the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant program. Late last month, a $22.8 million RAISE grant was awarded to build a pedestrian bridge and multi-modal transit hub in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to connect downtown with surrounding neighborhoods and two HBCUs, South Carolina State and Claflin. This investment will be transformational for that community.

We have been working to target resources to communities in need across the entire federal government while recognizing that different targeting measures will work better for different programs. Last Congress, we developed and introduced the Targeting Resources to Communities in Need Act, which would direct the Office of Management and Budget to work with agencies to take steps to better target funds to struggling communities and report to Congress on the steps that they have taken and the results that they have had. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and I introduced this legislation on a bipartisan basis last year with Hal Rogers (R-KY-05) in the House and Rob Portman (R-OH) in the Senate. It passed the House and was marked up in the Senate. It came up just short of being enacted into law, but our work continues. We have achieved remarkable progress. We cannot help struggling Americans unless we help the communities they call home. We have a president of the United States who understands that. His vision of a country where “every American willing to work hard should be able to say where they grew up and stay where they grew up” is within reach.

(James E. Clyburn (SC-06) is Assistant Democratic Leader)

Tuberville’s defense of White nationalists

“Tuberville’s attempt to downplay and erase the racism of actual racists echoes attempts to downplay the violence of the largely White mob on January 6. More broadly, it’s part of the attempt to erase and downplay the role of race, racism and racists in American history and culture … While Tuberville might not be a student of history, he certainly has learned well the lesson of rewriting history, downplaying racism and absolving White nationalists.”—Nia-Malika Henderson

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—

According to former football coach Tommy Tuberville, who incomprehensibly remains a U.S. Senator, efforts to eliminate White nationalists from the U.S. armed services are “making this country weaker.”

Eliminating White nationalists, he said, would do away with most White people in this country, out of the military.”

White nationalists espouse White supremacy and advocate enforced racial segregation. But is that racism? According to Tuberville, that’s a matter of opinion.

Instead of calling for his resignation, as they should have done in October when he called Black Americans “the people

that do the crime,” Tuberville’s colleagues pressured him into conceding that yes, White supremacists who advocate enforced racial segregation are racist.

He has not attempted to explain why he thinks “most White people in this country” fall into the category of White nationalists, or why purging racists from the armed services would destroy military readiness.

Perhaps the larger question is how he can defend “White nationalists” while claiming in the same breath that he is “totally against racism.”  That’s easier to explain: Tuberville is part of an extremist campaign to gaslight Americans on racism.  The logic, such as it is, goes like this: If there are White nationalists in the military—and there are—then White nationalists must not be racist because there’s no racism in the military.    Tuberville and his fellow extremists don’t want the electorate to consider them racist. Racism, as a brand, is toxic. So the only politically-acceptable way to condone and perpetuate racist behavior, institutions, and policies is simply to deny that they are racist.  How could they be, when systemic racism doesn’t exist?

Realistically, Tuberville and his allies

cannot marshal public opinion against efforts to dismantle systemic racism by declaring they want to preserve systemic racism. By framing the movement as an attack on White Americans, Tuberville and his allies hope to fan the flames of racial resentment and White grievance. If they occasionally are force to employ pretzel logic they employ to defend themselves, no matter: the tactic is an appeal to emotion, not facts.

In the 1944 film which gave birth to the term “gaslighting,” a murderous husband persuades his wife that the very real evidence of his criminal activities—noises and flickering gaslights as he searches the attic for jewels he intends to steal— are figments of her imagination and a sign of her derangement.

The injustices that Tuberville’s band of extremists are trying to obscure are no less real. Racial bias and discrimination continue to pervade our economic, educational, criminal justice, and civic institutions. Persuading Americans that they are figments of our imagination gives cover for the continued plundering of the “jewels in the attic” of voting rights, economic and educational opportunity, and bodily autonomy that rightfully belong to us all.

‘Bidenomics’ builds on efforts to invest in struggling communities

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. The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office shall provide for up to twenty-five persons to participate in person with physical distancing in the Gold Room, 4th Floor Allegheny County Courthouse. 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 7, 2023 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 8, 2023, BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8:30AM AND 2:30PM IN THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE. And the balance in CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, OR CASHIERS CHECK, on or before MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 2023 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 OF A NEW 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 record their deeds and 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:

“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.”

2 AUGUST 23

DEFENDANT: Debra A. Young

**************************************

CASE NO.: MG-23-000028

DEBT: $24,331.97

NAME OF ATTORNEY: Robert P. Wendt, Esquire ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 275 Curry Hollow Rd., Bldg. 1, Ste. 280, Pittsburgh, PA 15236

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

All the following described real estate situated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, and Borough of Rankin. Having erected thereon a residential dwelling being known and numbered as 214 Fleet Street, Braddock, PA 15104. Deed Book 16953, Page 145.

8 AUGUST 23

Pauline S. McKnight

CASE NO.: MG-22-000941 DEBT: $26,532.32

NAME OF ATTORNEY: Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454 ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 855-9521

DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF TARENTUM:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE

FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 592 EAST 7TH AVENUE, TARENTUM, PA 15084. DEED BOOK VOLUME 18068, PAGE 463. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 1224-E-98.

9 AUGUST 23

DEFENDANT(S): Maureen Zeher a/k/a

Maureen C. Zeher and Paul Zeher a/k/a Paul S. Zeher

CASE NO.: MG-23-000051

***********************

DEBT: $280,008.73

*****************

NAME OF ATTORNEY: Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire

**************************************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Hladik, Onorato and Federman, LLP 298 Wissahickon Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454

***************************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

(215) 855-9521

***************************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, MUNICIPALITY OF BETHEL PARK:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 2899

O’NEILL DRIVE, BETHEL PARK, PA 15102. DEED BOOK VOLUME 10832, PAGE 140. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 567-L-315.

10 AUGUST 23

PLAINTIFF(S) PLUM BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT vs DEFENDANT(S): JAMIE F. PECORARO

************************************** CASE NO.: GD-22-012880

DECEASED AND ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THERESA REIBERT, DECEASED CASE NO.: GD-21-009517 DEBT: $3,507.15 ***************** NAME OF ATTORNEY: CHRISTOPHER E. VINCENT ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 546 WENDEL ROAD, IRWIN, PA 15642 ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF OAKMONT:

ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 375 TERRACE PLACE, OAKMONT, PA 15139.

DEED BOOK 16117, PAGE 69. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 362-R-384

14 AUGUST 23

DEFENDANT(S): Jason Thomas Moore a/k/a Jason T. Moore, Robyn Moore

CASE NO.: MG-16-000569

*********************** DEBT: $150,497.51 ***************** NAME OF ATTORNEY: LOGS Legal Group LLP ************************************** ADDRESS

19106 *************************************** ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 627-1322 *************************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: *************************************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF EAST MCKEESPORT: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 913 PUNTA GORDA AVENUE, EAST MC KEESPORT, PA 15035. DEED BOOK 10590, PAGE 324. BLOCK AND LOT

16 AUGUST 23 DEFENDANT(S): Unknown Heirs, Successors,

$55,467.94

NAME OF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C. ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

627-1322

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, 19TH WARD CITY OF PITTSBURGH:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING

BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS

506 BERWIN AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15226. DEED BOOK 10773, PAGE 61.

BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 62-L-314.

24 AUGUST 23

DEFENDANT(S): THOMAS DAVIS AKA

THOMAS M. DAVIS

**************************************

CASE NO.: MG-22-001061

***********************

DEBT: $60,458.37

NAME OF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C. **************************************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY:

SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

(215) 627-1322

SHORT DESCRIPTION: *************************************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF SWISSVALE:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING

BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS

2404 WOODSTOCK AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15218. DEED BOOK 13854, PAGE 49. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 235-J-227.

28 AUGUST 23 PLAINTIFF(S) SHALER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT vs DEFENDANT(S): CHARLES R. ROTHERT, JR. AND PATRICIA A. ROTHERT HUSBAND AND WIFE

CASE NO.: GD 22-002290

DEBT: $32,140.11 *****************

NAME OF ATTORNEY: JOHN T. VOGEL, TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C..

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. 1500 ONE PPG PLACE PITTSBURGH, PA 15222 *************************************** ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 412.594.3943 *************************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: *************************************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF SHALER: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 6 MARIE AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15223-1418, DEED BOOK VOLUME 9729, PAGE 447, BLOCK AND LOT 221-G-254. 29 AUGUST 23 DEFENDANT(S): TRUONG BUI, PHUC NGUYEN AND TUOI DAM CASE NO.: MG-23-000161 *********************** DEBT: $141,254.76 *****************

NAME OF ATTORNEY: Michelle Pierro, Esq. (PA ID No. 317454) ************************************** ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: Tucker Arensberg, P.C. 1500 One PPG Place Pittsburgh, PA 15222 *************************************** ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 566-1212 ***************************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Hampton Township

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 5013 MEADOW CREST DR, ALLISON PARK, PA 15101. DEED BOOK VOLUME 15886. PAGE 460, PARCEL NUMBER .1213-G00009

31 AUGUST 23 DEFENDANT(S): JAMES J. SAPP ************************************** CASE NO.: MG 15-001279 *********************** DEBT: $161,776.31

NAME OF ATTORNEY: LEON P. HALLER, ESQUIRE ************************************** ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: PURCELL, KRUG AND HALLER 1719 NORTH FRONT STREET HARRISBURG, PA 17102 ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 717-234-4178 *************************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:

the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of West Mifflin:

ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 4028 EVERLAWN STREET, WEST MIFFLIN, PA 15122. DEED BOOK VOLUME 16723, PAGE 36. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 238-F-30.

34 AUGUST 23

PLAINTIFF: SHALER AREA SCHOOL

DISTRICT, VS. DEFENDANT(S) ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, EXECUTORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST, FROM OR UNDER ANTHONY J. NIST, DECEASED,

************************************** CASE NO. GD 22-001941

*********************** DEBT: $16,806.67

NAME OF ATTORNEY: JOHN T. VOGEL, TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. **************************************

OF ATTORNEY: TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C., 1500 ONE PPG PLACE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222

SHORT DESCRIPTION: *************************************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF SHALER:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 110 SUNSET LANE, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15209-1027, DEED BOOK VOLUME 4352, PAGE 261, BLOCK AND LOT 354-E-8 . 35 AUGUST 23

PLAINTIFF: SHALER AREA SCHOOL

DISTRICT, VS. DEFENDANT(S)

WILLIAM STEVE ROSS JOYCE P. ROSS, HUSBAND AND WIFE, ************************************** WRIT NO.GD 22-005281

*********************** DEBT: $21,201.29

NAME OF ATTORNEY: JOHN T. VOGEL, TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C.

**************************************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C., 1500 ONE PPG PLACE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222

***************************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

412.594.3943

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

*************************************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF RESERVE:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A RESIDENTIAL

DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 914 GEYER ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15209, DEED BOOK VOLUME 14490, PAGE 523, BLOCK AND LOT 164-S-90

36 AUGUST 23

PLAINTIFF: SHALER AREA SCHOOL

DISTRICT VS.

DEFENDANT(S)

GERALD L. PETERSON AND SUSAN M. PETERSON, HUSBAND AND WIFE

**************************************

CASE NO. GD 22-001940

***********************

DEBT: $32,573.08

NAME OF ATTORNEY: JOHN T. VOGEL, TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C., 1500 ONE PPG PLACE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222

***************************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

412.594.3943

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

*************************************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF SHALER: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 817 BREEZEWOOD DRIVE, GLENSHAW, PENNSYLVANIA 15116-1509, DEED BOOK VOLUME 14133, PAGE 445, BLOCK AND LOT 519-S-98.

37 AUGUST 23

PLAINTIFF: SHALER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT VS. DEFENDANT(S) CHRISTOPHER T. BURNS AND CHRISTINE BURNS, HUSBAND AND WIFE, ************************************** CASE NO. GD 22-005284

*********************** DEBT: $23,356.27

23

PLAINTIFF(S) DEER LAKES SCHOOL

DISTRICT vs DEFENDANT(S): JOANN FILBERT

************************************** CASE NO.: GD-22-011452

***********************

DEBT: $20,802.02

NAME OF ATTORNEY: CHRISTOPHER E.

VINCENT **************************************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY:

546 WENDEL ROAD, IRWIN, PA 15642 ***************************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

724-978-0333 ***************************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION: ***************************************

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, TOWNSHIP OF WEST DEER:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING

BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1767

SAXONBURG BOULEVARD, TARENTUM, PA 15084. DEED BOOK 14368, PAGE 395. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 1837-M-044

27 AUGUST 23

PLAINTIFF(S) MT. LEBANON SCHOOL

DISTRICT, vs DEFENDANT(S): EDWARD CHRISTIAN

DUERR CASE NO.: GD 19-001269

OF ATTORNEY: JOHN T. VOGEL,

ARENSBERG, P.C.

Borough of Bellevue: Having erected thereon a one and one-half story frame house being known as 43 Union Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202 Deed Book Volume 9236, Page 505, Block and Lot 215-K-253.

33 AUGUST 23 PLAINTIFF: MT. LEBANON SCHOOL DISTRICT VS. DEFENDANT(S) GREGORY A. MORRISON, INDIVIDUALLY, AND AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF MARYANN MORRISON, DECEi\SED. AND ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST FROM, OR UNDER MARYANN MORRISON, DECEASED. CASE NO. GD 20-002816 *********************** DEBT: $52,636.07 ***************** NAME OF ATTORNEY: JOHN T. VOGEL, TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C. ************************************** ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C., 1500 ONE PPG PLACE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222 ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 412.594.3943

SHORT DESCRIPTION: IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, MUNICIPALITY OF MT. LEBANON: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 112 DUPONT CIRCLE, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15243-1317, DEED BOOK VOLUME 15935, PAGE 90, BLOCK

NAME OF ATTORNEY: JOHN T. VOGEL, TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C.

************************************** ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: TUCKER ARENSBERG, P.C., 1500 ONE PPG PLACE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

412.594.3943

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

*************************************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, TOWNSHIP OF SHALER: PARCEL 1) HAVING ERECTED THEREON A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 182 DEWEY STREET, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 152231769, DEED BOOK VOLUME 16702, PAGE 485, BLOCK AND LOT 221-P-66; PARCEL 2) BEING A VACANT PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED ON DEWEY STREET, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 152231769, DEED BOOK VOLUME 16702, PAGE 485, BLOCK AND LOT 221-P-78.

AUGUST 23

County of Allegheny VS. DEFENDANT(S) Me Lyng Restaurant, Inc.

NO. GD 23-000413

OF ATTORNEY: Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire

OF ATTORNEY:

38 AUGUST 23

DEFENDANT(S) BEYOND PAPER, INC. ************************************** CASE NO. GD-14-018545

DEBT: $119,349.25

NAME OF ATTORNEY: KIMBERLY S. TAGUE & CAROLYN 0. BOUCEK

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY:

ECKERT SEAMANS CHERIN & MELLOTT, LLC, 600 GRANT STREET, 44TH FLOOR, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15219

***************************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 412-566-6851

SHORT DESCRIPTION: *************************************** ALL OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED

REAL ESTATE SITUATED IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, 7TH WARD OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH, DEED BOOK VOLUME 11365, PAGE 208. HAVING ERECTED THEREON A CONDOMINIUM UNIT KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 6109 FIFTH AVENUE, UNIT 3, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15232, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 85-C-32-3-000.

40 AUGUST 23

PLAINTIFF(S): Municipality of Bethel Park VS. DEFENDANT(S) Patrick T. Mcguire, Trustee of the Justine McGuire Trust ************************************** CASE NO. GD 22-012358

*********************** DEBT: $2,994.09

NAME OF ATTORNEY: Joseph W. Gramc, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 525 William Penn Place, Suite 3110 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ***************************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

(412) 281-0587

SHORT DESCRIPTION: ***************************************

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Bethel Park:

Having erected thereon a one story brick house being known as 2670

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 8536 PERSHING ST, PITTSBURGH, PA 15235. DEED BOOK

PAGE 521.

AND LOT NUMBER 231-8-386.

Wilkinsburg School District and Wilkinsburg Borough VS.

BRYCE PETERS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

NO. GD 22-003865

NAME OF ATTORNEY: Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203

TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Glassport:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 942 ELM ST GLASSPORT, PA 15045. DEED BOOK 17172, PAGE 436. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 558-M-369.

71 AUGUST 23

DEFENDANT(S): Carrie Krupa, known Heir of Paul V. Lukart, deceased, John Lukart, known Heir of Paul V. Lukart, deceased, Paul Sean Lukart, known Heir of Paul V. Lukart, deceased, Lianna Lukart, known Heir of Paul V. Lukart, deceased, Unknown Heirs, Successors, Assigns and All Persons, Firms or Associations Claiming Right, Title or Interest from or under Paul V. Lukart, deceased

CASE NO. MG-22-000359

DEBT: $57,872.61

*****************

NAME OF ATTORNEY: LOGS Legal Group LLP

**************************************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY:

3600 Horizon Drive, Suite 150 King of Prussia, PA 19406

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

(610) 278-6800

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Township of Elizabeth:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1000 CLYDESDALE AVENUE, MCKEESPORT, PA 15135. DEED BOOK VOLUME 8834, PAGE 495, BLOCK AND LOT 0652-H-003030000-00.

72 AUGUST 23

DEFENDANT(S): Elizabeth E. Pilarski, Thomas J. Pilarski

CASE NO. MG-19-001316

*********************** DEBT: $234,511.32

***************** NAME OF ATTORNEY: LOGS Legal Group LLP

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 3600 Horizon Drive, Suite 150 King of Prussia, PA 19406 ***************************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

(610) 278-6800 ***************************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

***************************************

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, MUNICIPALITY OF MT. LEBANON:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 246 ASHLAND AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15228. DEED BOOK VOLUME 1062, PAGE 522, BLOCK AND LOT 0141-P-000480000-00

75 AUGUST 23

DEFENDANT(S): ALBERTA L. CHEREPKO

AKA ALBERTA CHEREPKO **************************************

CASE NO. MG-23-000234

DEBT: $61,164.69

NAME OF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C.

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY:

SUITE 5000, 701 MARKET STREET

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 ***************************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

(215) 627-1322 ***************************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION: *************************************** IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF WHITE OAK:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING

BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 123

OLNER DRNE, MC KEESPORT, PA 15131. DEED BOOK 13872, PAGE 442. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 551-K-355.

76 AUGUST 23

DEFENDANT(S): CATHLEEN M. HARBAUGH **************************************

CASE NO. MG-23-000227

DEBT: $115,561.72

Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054 *************************************** ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 855-225-6906 *************************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Municipality of Monroeville: Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and nwnbered as 1227 Harvest Dr., Monroeville, PA 15146. Deed Book Volume 9857,

80

JACOB K. MORRIS

Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC ************************************** ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 855-225-6906

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Brackenridge:

Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 940 9th Avenue Brackenridge, PA 15014. Deed Book Volume 15504, Page 467. Block and Lot 1367-P-00056-0000-00.

DEFENDANT(S):

85 AUGUST 23

TIMOTHY STINE; CHRIS STINE

**************************************

CASE NO.MG-23-000016

DEBT: $45,624.56

NAME OF ATTORNEY: Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC **************************************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY:

133 GAITHER DRIVE, SUITE F MOUNT LAUREL, NJ 08054

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

855-225-6906

Wilkinsburg School District and Wilkinsburg Borough VS. DEFENDANT(S): Christopher Younger CASE NO. GD 23-001606 *********************** DEBT: $33,639.73 *****************

NAME OF ATTORNEY: Jennifer L. Cerce, Esquire ************************************** ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 424 S. 27th Street, Ste. 210 Pittsburgh, PA 15203 *************************************** ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (412) 242-4400 SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, Borough of Wilkinsburg: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 1442 FOLIAGE STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15221. DEED BOOK 18370, PAGE 541. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 232-J-229.

91 AUGUST 23 DEFENDANT(S): Lauren Shoup, CASE NO. GD-23-004671 DEBT: $143,334.24 ***************** NAME OF ATTORNEY: Kristine M. Anthou, Esq., ************************************** ADDRESS

CASE NO. MG-22-000116

DEBT: $63,322.61

NAME OF ATTORNEY: Stephen Panik, Esquire

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY:

Brock & Scott, PLLC 2011 RENAISSANCE BOULEYARD, SUITE 100 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406

***************************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

(844) 856-6646

***************************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

*************************************** In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF BELLEVUE

Having erected thereon a dwelling

NUMBER: (215) 572-8111

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny and 27th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh:

Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 1308 Jawett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Deed Book Volume 10602, Page 365. Block and Lot Number 045-N-025.

104 AUGUST 23

DEFENDANT(S): Benjamin Felder and Maria Wilson-Felder

CASE NO. MG-18-001278

*********************** DEBT: $76,542.72

***************** NAME OF ATTORNEY: Stem & Eisenberg, PC ************************************** ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: The Shops at Valley Square, 1581 Main Street, Suite 200 Warrington, PA 18976 ***************************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 572-8111 ***************************************

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny and Municipality of Penn Hills:

Having erected thereon a residential dwelling being known and numbered as 148 Conestoga Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. Deed Book Volume 10116, Page 150. Block and Lot Number 295- N-320

105 AUGUST 23

DEFENDANT(S): Gregory L. Clarke and Karen Clarke

**************************************

CASE NO. MG-21-000245

*********************** DEBT: $535,196.32

NAME OF ATTORNEY: Stem & Eisenberg, PC

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: The Shops at Valley Square, 1581 Main Street, Suite 200 Warrington, PA 18976

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 572-8111

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny and Borough of Thornburg:

Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 1130 Dartmouth Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. Deed Book 6891, page 569. Block and Lot Number 105-D-050.

106 AUGUST 23

DEFENDANT(S): Cindy A. Liberi and Gregory S. Liberi

Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15215-1119. Deed Book Volume 13300, Page 143. Block and Lot Number 286-H- 106.

100 AUGUST 23

DEFENDANT(S): SARVER REALTY ANDRE PLAZA, LLC, SARVER REALTY MCKNIGHT PLAZA, LLC, SARVER REALTY REGENT SQUARE, LLC

CASE NO. GD-22-015529

*********************** DEBT: $4,468,213.84

***************** NAME OF ATTORNEY: JOSEPH A. FIDLER, ESQUIRE ************************************** ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 4091 MT. ROYAL BOULEVARD, ALLISON PARK, PA 15101 ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 412-487-8173

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

*************************************** ALL THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE SITUATED IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY, BOROUGH OF EDGEWOOD: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A COMMERCIAL BUILDING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED

CASE NO. MG-17-000777

*********************** DEBT: $325,991.32

*****************

NAME OF ATTORNEY: Stem & Eisenberg, PC **************************************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: The Shops at

PITTSBURGH, PA 15202. DEED BOOK 15551, PAGE 534. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 161-E-287. 110 AUGUST 23 DEFENDANT(S): Lisa Grochowski, known Heir of Delores J. Grochowski, deceased, Amy Grochowski, known Heir of Delores J. Grochowski, deceased, Sean Grochowski, known Heir of Delores J. Grochowski, deceased, Unknown Heirs, Successors, Assigns, and All Persons, Firms, or Associations Claiming Right,

ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 3 SAINT THOMAS STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15203. DEED BOOK VOLUME 10845, PAGE 460, BLOCK AND LOT 0014-D00154-0000-00.

111 AUGUST 23 DEFENDANT(S): ADRIENNE J. ANDERSON ************************************** CASE NO. MG-22-000855 *********************** DEBT: $132,632.16

NAME OF ATTORNEY: Joseph A. Sulon, Esquire. Hill Wallack LLP ************************************** ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 1000 Floral Vale Blvd. Suite 300,Yardley, PA 19067 ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 579-7700

DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, PENN HILLS MUNICIPALITY: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A TWO STORY DWELLING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 248 CYPRESS HILL DRIVE PITTSBURGH, PA 15235 DEED BOOK 37035 AND PAGE 211 BLOCK

A. Vickers CASE NO.MG 19 000050 *********************** DEBT: $381,190.14 ***************** NAME OF ATTORNEY: Stem & Eisenberg, PC ************************************** ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: The Shops at Valley Square, 1581 Main Street, Suite 200 Warrington, PA 18976 ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 572-8111

DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny and Township of North Versailles:

1: HAVING ERECTED THEREON AN INDUSTRIAL MULTI-TENANT WAREHOUSE BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 3840 CROOKED RUN ROAD, NORTH VERSAILLES, PA 15137. DEED BOOK VOLUME 15820, PAGE 415, BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 548-F-93. PARCEL 2: BEING VACANT INDUSTRIAL LAND

BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 3840 CROOKED RUN ROAD, NORTH VERSAILLES, PA 15137. DEED BOOK VOLUME 15820, PAGE 415, BLOCK AND

124 AUGUST 23 DEFENDANT(S): OLUBUNMI ADEBOYE, GRACE ADEBOYE, AZEEZ AKINTAYO CASE NO.GD-17-013913 DEBT: $53,704.04

NAME OF ATTORNEY: FIDELITY NATIONAL LAW GROUP ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 1515 Market Street, Suite 1410 Philadelphia,

OF WHITE OAK VS. DEFENDANT(S): ARLENE CUBAKOVIC, DAVID CUBAKOVIC AND ALLAN CUBAKOVIC, AS KNOWN HEIRS OF ALBERT E. CUBAKOVIC, DECEASED AND DOLORES

M. CUBAKOVIC, DECEASED AND ALL

UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ALBERT E. CUBAKOVIC, DECEASED AND DOLORES M. CUBAKOVIC, DECEASED

CASE NO. GD-22-004502

DEBT: $36,078.28

*****************

NAME OF ATTORNEY:

CHRISTOPHER E. VINCENT

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY:

546 WENDEL ROAD, IRWIN, PA 15642

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

724-978-0333

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF WHITE OAK:

HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING

BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS

3322 EISEHOWER DRIVE, MCKEESPORT, PA 15131. DEED BOOK 4006, PAGE 388.

BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 551-C-315

126 AUGUST 23

PLAINTIFF(S) DEER LAKES SCHOOL

DISTRICT VS. DEFENDANT(S): DAVID G. KLEPFER

CASE NO. GD-22-012655

DEBT: $33,515.07

*****************

NAME OF ATTORNEY:

CHRISTOPHER E. VINCENT

**************************************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY:

546 WENDEL ROAD, IRWIN, PA 15642

***************************************

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER:

724-978-0333

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

***************************************

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, TOWNSHIP OF WEST DEER:

PARCEL ONE HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 552 BAIRDFORD ROAD, GIBSONIA, PA 15044. DEED BOOK 14365, PAGE 45. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 1669-H-043.

PARCEL TWO

HAVING ERECTED THEREON VACANT LAND BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS BAIRDFORD ROAD, GIBSONIA, PA 15044. DEED BOOK 14365, PAGE 45. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER 1669-H-045.

AUGUST 23

DEER LAKES SCHOOL DISTRICT VS. DEFENDANT(S): WILLIAM G. KRAFT

NO. GD-22-012062

DEBT: $7,367.93

OF ATTORNEY: CHRISTOPHER E. VINCENT ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 546 WENDEL ROAD, IRWIN, PA 15642

DESCRIPTION:

the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, TOWNSHIP OF WEST DEER:

ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 4107 BAKERSTOWN CULMERVILLE ROAD, GIBSONIA, PA 15044. DEED BOOK 13643, PAGE 567. BLOCK AND LOT NUMBER

$81,416.95

OF ATTORNEY:

Horizon Drive, Suite 150 King of Prussia, PA 19406

TELEPHONE NUMBER: (610) 278-6800 SHORT DESCRIPTION: In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, 13TH WARD OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH: PARCEL 1: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 7407 IDLEWILD STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15208. DEED BOOK VOLUME 10899, PAGE 77, BLOCK AND LOT Ol 74-K00002-0000-00.

PARCEL 2: HAVING THEREON VACANT LOT BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS 7407 IDLEWILD STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15208. DEED BOOK VOLUME 10899, PAGE 77, BLOCK AND LOT O l 74-K00003-0000-00.

131 AUGUST 23

DEFENDANT(S): Louis R. Pearson

CASE NO. MG-20-000020

*********************** DEBT: $42,352.59

***************** NAME OF ATTORNEY: LOGS Legal Group LLP

**************************************

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: 3600 Horizon Drive, Suite 150 King of Prussia, PA 19406 ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (610) 278-6800

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, BOROUGH OF MT.

OLIVER:

PARCEL 1: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A DWELLING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS

132 AMANDA AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15210. DEED BOOK VOLUME 1010 l, PAGE 591, BLOCK AND LOT 0014-L00232-0000-00.

PARCEL 2: HAVING ERECTED THEREON A COMMERCIAL AUXILIARY BUILDING BEING KNOWN AND NUMBERED AS

132 AMANDA AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15210. DEED BOOK VOLUME 10101, PAGE 591, BLOCK AND LOT 0014-L00233-0000- 00.

132 AUGUST 23

DEFENDANT(S): Cheeryl Lee Ford-Tait, solely in her capacity as known heir of Gwendolyn E. Ford AIK/ A Gwendolyn Elizabeth Ford AIK/ A Gwendolyn E. Rash (Ford), deceased and The Unknown Heirs of Gwendolyn E. Ford AIK/ A Gwendolyn Elizabeth Ford AIK/ A Gwendolyn E. Rash (Ford), deceased **************************************

CASE NO. GD-22-012378

DEBT: $26,760.53

NAME OF ATTORNEY: Stem & Eisenberg, PC

ADDRESS OF ATTORNEY: The Shops at Valley Square, 1581 Main Street, Suite 200 Warrington, PA 18976 *************************************** ATTORNEY TELEPHONE NUMBER: (215) 572-8111 *************************************** SHORT DESCRIPTION: ***************************************

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny and City of McKeesport:

Having erected thereon a dwelling being known and numbered as 1703 Bailie Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132-4612. Deed Book Volume 11316, Page 130. Block and Lot Number 382- G-42

NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Notice is hereby given to the following persons, their heirs, successors or assigns, and to all persons whatsoever, that the City of Pittsburgh, by John Miller, Assistant City Solicitor, 328 City County Building has petitioned the Court of Orders quieting title to the following tax acquired real estate, pursuant to Act No. 171, approved December 11, 1984.

GD –2023-007045 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Theodore Goodwine; Mable Goodwine; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 25th Ward, Pittsburgh. Lot 15.43 x 87 Marquis St. Block & Lot 22-H-273. Rights or claims of parties in possession not shown by the public records. Rights of others in 10 foot private alley and 2 foot 5 inch private alley as set forth in deed from Thomas F. Ventresca, et ux. To Theodore Goodwine, et ux., dated August 17, 1963 and recorded in Deed Book Volume 4071, page 17. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

GD –2023-007047 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Henry R. Coennen; Harriet A. Coennen; GLS Capital, Inc.; Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 18TH Ward, Pittsburgh. 1128 Arlington Ave. Michaels Plan Pt of 25 Lot 25 X AVG 67.69 Arlington Ave. Block & Lot 14-B-323. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

GD –2023-007049 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Henry R. Coennen; Harriet A. Coennen; GLS Capital, Inc.; Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 18TH Ward, Pittsburgh. 840 Carnival Way. Michaels Plan Part 25. Lot 25.91 X Average 43.98 Carnival Way. Block & Lot 23F-131. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

GD –2023-007050 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Larry Hillwig; Randall McLean; Erin McLean; South Central Consumer Discount Company; Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 15th Ward, Pittsburgh. 22 Exeter St. Kishon 1 Plan 414 Lot 25 x 90 Exeter St. Block & Lot 88E-90. Rights or claims of parties in possession or under agreements of sale not shown by public records. Excepting and reserving that portion of the premises lying in and along the roadbed(s); subject to public and private rights thereon. Subject to all matters shown on the Plan as recorded in the Recorder’s Office of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania in Plan Book Volume 17, page 18, etc. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

GD –2023-007051 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs James K. Jackson; Helen M. Jackson; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 15th Ward, Pittsburgh. 238 Mansion St Mansion Hill Plan Pts 132-133 Lot 26 X 120 in all Mansion St. Block & Lot 57C-18. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

GD –2023-007055 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Estate of Mark J. Barry c/o Edward Barry; William B. Froelich; Annastazia Jedlicka; heirs of Joseph Jedlicka; Allegheny Home Rental, Inc.; Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 26th Ward, Pittsburgh. 3604 Perrysville Avenue. J N Davidson Plan Pt 7. Lot 21.06 x avg 144.5 x 9.25 rr Perrysville Avenue. Block & Lot 116-J-237. Easements, or claims of easements, not shown by the Public Records. Subject to all matters shown on the Plan as recorded in the Department of Real Estate Office of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania in Plan Book Volume 19, Page 137. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

GD –2023-007058

CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Joe C. Davias; Vahane Costanian; Eric Gerber; Allegheny County Criminal Division; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 26th Ward, Pittsburgh. McIntyre Plan 2 Lot 80.5 X 220 X 49.12 Rr Perrysville Av. Block & Lot 46-F-228. Easements, or claims of easements, not shown on public records. Subject to all matters shown on the Plan as recorded in the Recorder’s Office of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania in Plan Book Vol. 8, page 265. All roads public and private affecting the premises and the rights of others therein. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

LEGAL

PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY D.B.A. PRT

Electronic Proposals will be received online at PRT’s

Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 Estate of MELISSA SASSO, deceased, of Wilkinsburg, PA, No. 4579 of 2023, Janice Zelen George, Exec., 12 Churchill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 or to Jennifer Roller Chontos, Chontos & Chontos, P.C. 561 Beulah Road, Turtle Creek, PA 15145 ETHEL GRISOM deceased, of Pittsburgh, No. 022304534., Allegra Flournoy, appointed Administrator on June 23rd, 2023. Quinntarra Morant, Counsel, Morant Law Offices, 500 Regis Ave. Unit 10946, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. DAVID LEE BUSH deceased, of Pittsburgh, No. 022304528., Tara N. Dean, appointed Administrator on June 23, 2023. Quinntarra Morant, Counsel, Morant Law Offices, 500 Regis Ave. Unit 10946, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings

Racks - Coach

To join the bid opening through Microsoft Teams meeting on your computer, mobile app or room device Meeting ID: 279 564 854 81

Passcode: pge5mr

Or call in (audio only)

412-927-0245 Phone Conference ID: 557 215 080#

No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held via tele-conference on each of the above items at 10:00 AM, July 25, 2023 through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conference.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Meeting ID: 259 504 448 100

Passcode: r6Zqg9

Or call in (audio only)

Petition to Determine

412-927-0245

Phone Conference ID: 553 390 282#

Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. 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 Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Contractor 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 proposal 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.

FOR BIDS

ADVERTISEMENT

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

July 12, 2023

The Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, in conjunction with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Contract Awards Room; 7th Floor; Commonwealth Keystone Building; 400 North Street; Harrisburg, PA 17120 will receive bids through ECMS until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, Thursday, August 10, 2023. Bids will be opened through ECMS at approximately 11:00 a.m. and can be viewed publicly in the Contract Awards Room, for the following:

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

KENMAWR AVENUE RAMP BRIDGE

BOROUGH OF RANKIN

COUNTY PROJECT NO. MA07-KN04

FEDERAL PROJECT NO. X111-895

MPMS NO.: 93917

THIS PROJECT WILL BE BID THROUGH PENNDOT ECMS

As a prospective bidder, please note the following general Project data regarding: Pre-Bid Information, Bidding Requirements, and Contract Conditions. See the Project Manual and Drawings (Proposal Report) for detailed information, responsibilities, and instructions.

PRE-BID INFORMATION: View the Project Manual and Drawings (PROPOSAL REPORT) on the PennDOT ECMS website (https://www.ecms. penndot.gov/ECMS/) or in Room 504, County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

GD –2023-007059

CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs

Ralph Tune, Jr.; Audrey C. Tune; Jamie Lynn Williams; Fleet Consumer Discount Co.; Fleet Financial Inc.; Wilshire Credit Corp.; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry; Allegheny County Criminal Division; Pennsylvania Attorney General; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. 28th Ward, Pittsburgh. 2108 Mazette Place. Manorside Plan 2 Lot 40 X 100 Mazette Pl 1 Sty Fra Hse 2108. Block & Lot 107-M-40. Covenants, conditions and restrictions as appear in Deed Book Volume 3020, Page 380. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

WHEREUPON the Court granted a rule on the aforesaid persons, and all persons, whatsoever, to appear and show cause within thirty days from this notice why the title of the CITY OF PITTSBURGH to the aforesaid real estate should not be adjudicated and decreed valid and indefeasible as against all mortgages, ground-rents, rights, title, interest in or claims against the aforesaid real estate, and to further show cause why the sale of the said real estate should not be made free and clear of all the aforesaid claims whatsoever.

BIDDING REQUIREMENTS: THIS PROJECT REQUIRES PREQUALIFICATION OF BIDDERS, INCLUDING SUBCONTRACTORS, AS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 102.01 OF COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SPECIFICATIONS 2020 (PUBLICATION 408) ON THIS PROJECT. ALL QUESTIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH ECMS AND IF NEEDED ADDENDA WILL BE ISSUED ELECTRONICALLY. INSTRUCTION TO BIDDERS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE PROPOSAL REPORT WHICH CAN BE VIEWED THROUGH ECMS.

SUBMIT YOUR BID USING ECMS.

CONTRACT CONDITIONS: U.S. Department of Labor minimum salaries and wages apply to this Project.

PUBLIC NOTICE CLOSING OF WAITING LISTS

Effective Friday, July 21, 2023, at 11:59 p.m., the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) will close the following Project Based Voucher Program waiting lists:

• Allegheny Union Baptist Association (AUBA)

• Hillcrest Senior Residences

• Legacy Apartments

• Lemington Senior Homes

• Milliones Manor

No pre-applications will be accepted for these waiting lists after the closing date and time. Public Notice will be provided when the HACP determines to re-open specific waiting lists.

BOROUGH OF BELLEVUE

The Town Council of the Borough of Bellevue will be voting on the adoption of the following Ordinance at its Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 25, at 7:00 pm.

Ordinance No. 23-04, Establishing Criteria for the Issuance of Disability Parking Permits within the Borough of Bellevue.

Copies of the ordinance may be obtained by contacting the Borough of Bellevue Administrative Offices at 412/766.6164 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays. The meeting will be held in the 2nd floor Council Chambers at the Bellevue Borough Municipal Building, 537 Bayne Avenue, Bellevue, PA 15202

Cindy L. Bahn Director of Administrative Services

Subscribe to the Courier today by calling 412-481-8302, ext. 136. Support the publication that is ALWAYS focused on Pittsburgh’s African American community. COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO! COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO! COURIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS! COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO! CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS! CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

The County Manager reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The County of Allegheny, in accordance with the Davis Bacon Act and other Federal Labor Standards Provisions; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21 Non-discrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the County of Allegheny issued pursuant to such Act; Executive Order 11246; Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968; Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974; and Executive Order 11625 (Utilization of Minority Business Enterprises), hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract pursuant to this Advertisement, the County will afford disadvantaged business enterprises full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and the County will not discriminate against disadvantaged business enterprises on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. It is a condition of the bidding process/ contract that responsive bidders/contractors shall follow the disadvantaged business enterprise procedures in the Bidding and Contracting Documents.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (“ALCOSAN”) is soliciting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications (collectively, “Submittals”) from firms interested in qualifying to provide Professional Services to update the Plant and Clerical Entry Exams & Apprenticeship for union staff.

RECALIBRATE PLANT AND CLERICAL ENTRY & APPRENTICESHIP EXAMS

ALCOSAN is seeking experienced firms to provide all services necessary to provide ALCOSAN with reliable assessments for plant, clerical entry workers and maintenance apprenticeship candidates. This procurement is described in greater detail in the RFQ located at: https:// www.alcosan.org/work-with-us/ planned-and-active-bids.

An informational meeting will be held via Teams at 2:00 p.m. (EST) July 28, 2023. This meeting is not mandatory but interested parties are strongly encouraged to attend. Electronic submittals must be received by the ALCOSAN Contracts Department no later than 2:00 p.m. on August 23, 2023. Late submittals will not be considered. ALCOSAN intends to award the services to one firm to perform these services.

Allegheny County Sanitary Authority

3300 Preble Ave. Pittsburgh PA 15233

Attention: Suzanne Thomas, Procurement Officer procurement@alcosan.org

All questions shall be submitted, in writing, to Ms. Suzanne Thomas. ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities, disadvantaged and women’s business enterprises to submit qualification statements or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the selected Consultant/Firm. The Party selected shall be required to utilize minority, disadvantaged, and women’s business enterprises to the fullest extent possible. The goals of the ALCOSAN’s Minority and Women Business Policy are listed on the ALCOSAN website at www.alcosan.org.

Julie Motley-Williams

Director of Administration

THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

Sealed bids will be received in the Bellefield Avenue Lobby, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time July 25, 2023 and will be opened at the same hour in the administration building cafeteria:

Window Cleaning -Various Loactions

General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Purchasing Office, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, RM 349 Pittsburgh, PA 15213. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: www.pghschools.org

Click on Our Community; Bid Opportunities; Purchasing - under Quick Links. The Board of Public Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or select a single item from any bid.

We are an equal rights and opportunity school district

THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH

Sealed bids will be received in the Bellefield Avenue Lobby, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time July 25, 2023 and will be opened at the same hour in the administration building cafeteria:

Science Supplies (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)

General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Purchasing Office, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, RM 349 Pittsburgh, PA 15213. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: www.pghschools.org

Click on Our Community; Bid Opportunities; Purchasing - under Quick Links. The Board of Public Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or select a single item from any bid.

We are an equal rights and opportunity school district

CITY OF PITTSBURGH OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET ADVERTISEMENT

Separate and sealed Bid Proposals will be received electronically starting on Wednesday, July 14th, 2023 and for both:

2023-IFB-182– Structural Steel for William Street Walls 2023-CDS- 191 HVAC Upgrades for Womenspace East

Information on solicitations is available on the City of Pittsburgh website: http://purchasing.pittsburghpa.gov

Bid proposals are requested on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh.

All bids must be submitted via the above website and all required documents must be provided or the bid proposal may be considered non-responsive.

The contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity requirements for Federally Assisted construction contracts. The contractor must assure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Attention is called to Executive Order 11246, to Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, 12 U.S.C. 1701U, and to the Section 3 Clause and Regulations set forth in 24 CFR, Part 135.

The Contractor will be required to comply with the following laws, rules and regulations:

All provisions of US Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, as amended by US Executive Order 11375 and as supplemented in US Department of Labor Regulations (41 CFR, Part 60), and of the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the US Secretary of Labor.

Contractor shall comply with all applicable standards, orders, or requirements issued of the Clean Air Act (42 USC 1857 et. seq.)

Section 508 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1368), Executive Order 11738, and Environmental Protection Agency regulations (40 CFR, Part 15).

Contractor shall comply with the Davis-Bacon Act the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 276a to 276a-7) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR part 5)

Procedures for compliance to these acts shall be as follows:

All specifications for construction contracts and subcontracts will contain the prevailing wage rates (as enclosed in this bid package) as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 276-a to 276-C-5) and provision that overtime compensation will be paid in accordance with the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act Regulations (29 CFR, Parts 5 and 1926). The contract provisions shall require that these standards be met.

Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity (Executive Order 11246): Bidder’s attention is called to the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth in 41 CFR Public Contracts and Property Management Part 60-4.3 Equal Opportunity Clauses.

Goals for minority participation: 18% Goals for female participation: 7%

These goals are applicable to all construction work (whether or not Federal or Federally-Assisted) performed in the “covered area.”

As used in this notice, and in the contract resulting from this solicitation, the “covered area” is Pittsburgh SMSA (Allegheny, Washington, Beaver and Westmoreland counties)

The contractor shall comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1988, as amended, Section 109 of the Community Development Act of 1974, with Executive Order 11625 (Minority Business Enterprise) and Executive Order 12138 (Women’s Business Enterprise).

The Proposers will be required to submit the package of certifications included with the contract documents relating to Equal Employment Opportunity.

Vendors submitting responses on federally funded projects must register on SAM.gov and provide proof of registration.

The City of Pittsburgh reserves the right to withhold the award of contract for a period of sixty (60) calendar days after the opening of bids.

The City of Pittsburgh reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals.

COURIER CLASSIFIEDS

CONTRACT NO. 1779

SHALLOW

Sealed Bids for CONTRACT NO.

1779 – Annual Interceptor Cleaning Contract 2023-2024 shall be received at the Engineering Department office of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15233, until 11:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, Wednesday, August 16, 2023, and then shall be publicly opened and read. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held via a video conference call on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., Prevailing Time. Prospective Bidders attendance is mandatory. ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities and women to submit bids on Authority Contracts or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to successful Bidders. Successful Bidders are to use minority and women’s businesses to the fullest extent possible.

Contract Documents may be examined and obtained at the Engineering office of the Authority. A non-refundable fee of One hundred dollars ($100) (no cash or credit cards will be accepted) will be charged for each set of Contract Documents received. Bid Security in the amount of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) is required. The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a Performance Bond equal to the Bid Price. Contract documents must be purchased directly from ALCOSAN to qualify as an eligible bidder.

Any questions regarding the Technical Specification in the Contract Bidding Documents should be directed to Steven Bristol, ALCOSAN, via email to Steven.Bristol@alcosan.org .

Any questions regarding the Purchase of Contract Bidding Documents should be directed to Kathleen P. Uniatowski, ALCOSAN, via email to contract.clerks@alcosan.org

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid and to accept any bid should it be deemed in the interest of the Authority to do so.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY

Michael Lichte, P.E. Director of Regional Conveyance HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) FOR GEOTHERMAL SUPPORT AUTHORITY WIDE

IFB#300-23-23

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests bids from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s):

Geothermal Support Authority Wide IFB#300-23-23

The documents will be available no later than July 10, 2023, and signed, sealed bids will be accepted until 10:00 AM on August 3, 2023.

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical bids dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 10:00 AM on August 3, 2023, in the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site; the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the IFB. Sealed bids may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832

A pre-submission meeting will be held on July 25, 2023, at 10:00 AM via Zoom. Please see meeting information below:

Meeting ID: 821 0316 4160

Passcode: 209810 Dial in +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/ RFPs documentation.

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT

CONTRACT NO. ACHA-1701,

RESIDENT COUNCIL TRAINING

The Allegheny County Housing Authority is seeking the services of an individual or firm to provide professional development training to ACHA’s Residents Councils that will allow them to operate successful and effective resident councils in a professional manner, and to assist the councils with the development of strategic plans to identify, implement, and manage supportive social service programs that would benefit their developments and residents. Documents are on file and may be obtained at no charge from the Allegheny County Housing Authority, 301 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks, PA 15136, or by contacting Guy Phillips @ gphillips@achsng.com.

Bid submittals are due no later than 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 14, 2023 at 301 Chartiers Ave., Mckees Rocks, PA 15136. The Authority encourages responses from §3 business concerns, small firms, minority firms and firms that have not previously performed work for the ACHA. The Allegheny County Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any and all submissions.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY

Frank Aggazio, Executive Director

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

ARMED AND UNARMED

GAURDS AUTHORITY WIDE

RFP#350-26-23

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests bids from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s):

Armed and Unarmed Guards Authority Wide

RFP# 350-26-23

The documents will be available no later than July 3, 2023, and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 9:00 AM on July 25, 2023. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only be accepting physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 AM on July 25, 2023, in the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh PA 15219. Bids may be uploaded to the Authority’s online submission site; the link is accessible via the HACP website and within the RFP. Sealed proposals may still be mailed via USPS at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at the lobby of 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested in responding may download a copy of the Solicitation from the Business Opportunities page of www.HACP.org. Questions or inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Kim Detrick Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

Procurement Department 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2832

A pre-submission meeting will be held on July 13, 2023, at 9:00 AM via Zoom. Please see meeting information below:

Meeting ID: 812 8282 3336

Passcode: 581942 Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/ RFPs documentation.

Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh

HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.

JOB

SOUTH FAYETTE TWP.

SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking an anticipated: HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL POSITION Applications must be received by 4:00 PM, July 21, 2023

Complete job descriptions and directions on how to apply are available at: www.southfayette.org

BUSINESS ANALYST/ PROJECT MANAGER.

The University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks a Business Analyst/Project Manager. This is a hybrid office-based/work-fromhome position that will coordinate systems development, from implementation through deployment and maintenance of assigned applications. Apply at https://join.pitt.edu, #23004775. Applicants should upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and salary requirements. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity.

EOE, including disability/vets.

David E. Wooster and Associates, LLC seeks Staff Engineer – Traffic in Pittsburgh, PA to be responsible for prep of traffic studies. Apply by sending CV/resume to jcrosby@dewooster.com w/subject line “Application for Staff Engineer-Traffic position”.

STAFF TECH LEAD MANAGER Aurora Innovation, Inc. seeks position in Pittsburgh, PA Staff Tech Lead Manager to develop computer and network software. Email resumes to Mary Ellen Mahoney at jobs@aurora.tech using ref# 00341.

PPG Industries, Inc. headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA has work-at-home Senior PowerBI Developer position (w/ability to telecommute w/approp. telecommuting sys.; remote worksite must be w/in commuting distance of Pittsburgh, PA for weekly trips to corp. office) responsible for designing & building scalable data models, cleaning & transforming data, & enabling advanced analytic capabilities in PowerBI. Apply online at ppg.com

PRODUCT SPECIALIST –PERFORMANCE MODULES

SMS group Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks a Product Specialist – Performance Modules to work in Pittsburgh, PA or as a work-from-home position responsible for design, developing, testing, & enhancing Performance Modules (i.e., electronics & automation systems) used to ensure the proper operation of Long Products for continuous casting & rolling/finishing equipment as well as providing technical support & service. 20% domestic travel required. Apply at: sms-group.us/careers.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER (INNERMEDIA, INC./ WEXFORD, PA). Working on ASP.NET 4.5 & C# to dvlp & unit test various code artifacts; Working on DevExpress Controls (UI/UX SDK) for rich user exp along w/ JavaScript & JQUERY client-side validations; involved in n-Tier architecture; coding cmplx stored procdrs, views, & T-Sql in MS Sql Server; dvlpng various modules in .NET MVC 5 for Windows Apps; working on SSIS & SSRS for data ETLS (ExtractTransform-Load); writing automated unit test cases w/ MS Test & NUnit; working as member of Agile team; working in all phases of S/w Dvlpt Life Cycle (SDLC). Reqs: Master’s in Comp Eng’g, Info. Sys.Eng’g, Comp. & Info. Tech or closely rltd tech field; also reqs 1 year of exp. in job offered or as D/b Analyst or rltd tech occupation to incl: exp. dvlpng front-end code using Javascript, HTML, & SVG; exp. in reqs gathering & analysis for database, rprting sys, & subsystem dvlpmt ; exp. utilizing GIT for source code mgmt & version control; exp. w/ XML data; exp. using language-integrated query (LINQ to SQL); exp. using RESTFUL web APIs; exp. in coding w/ C#, ASP.NET, & Blazor UI. Pos allows for up to 100% work from home in any U.S. state. Salary range is $84,614/yr - $90,000/yr. Innermedia offers cmpny paid mdl, dental, & vision insurance. Innermedia also offers PTO, 6 annual paid holidays, & a 401k plan w/ a 3% Safe Harbor annual employer contribution. Addt’l details regarding the benefits offered can be found at http://www.innermedia.tv/ Innermedia/Jobs/main.html Interested ind should visit http://www.innermedia.tv/Innermedia /Jobs/main.html to apply.

Brentwood Borough is seeking an enthusiastic team player with an excellent attitude to work with a top crew, performing skilled labor in the maintenance and repair of public works facilities. Duties include maintenance of storm water sewer systems, sanitary sewer systems, streets, traffic systems, sidewalks, signs, parks, graffiti removal, tree trimming and planting, abatement of nuisances in the public right-of-way, as well as performing related duties as required. Applicant must possess a current PA Driver’s license at the time of employment. The successful candidate must be able to respond to emergency call outs in the evenings and on weekends when necessary. Qualifications require graduation from high school or GED equivalent and approximately three (3) years of experience in a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work. The applicant is required to know how to operate, maintain and repair equipment and vehicles as well as have experience in carpentry and related building trades. Employer will secure drug testing for all new job applicants per the collective bargaining agreement. New employee will be on a six (6) month probationary period from the date of hire as a full-time employee.

A written test will be scheduled on the date of a candidate’s oral interview. Applicants must be free from conditions that would preclude satisfactory performance of the essential functions of the job applied for.

APPLICATION PROCESS: This is an open recruitment. Only those candidates who appear best qualified, based on the requirements listed, and review of all submitted applications, resumes and supplemental materials for background, experience and training, will be invited to any combination of written, performance or oral appraisals to further evaluate their job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities. It is the candidate’s responsibility to accurately provide all pertinent information on the application. The Borough of Brentwood will NOT accept any additions, corrections or revisions to candidate’s applications after the eligibility determination has been made. Candidates will be notified of all times and dates of examinations. Employment applications and a complete job description are available at the Brentwood Municipal Building, or can be downloaded from the borough website, www.brentwoodboro.com. Applications may not be hand written. Applications and resumes are to be mailed to: Borough of Brentwood, ATTN: Susan Toth, Finance/HR Director, 3735 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227. No phone calls will be accepted. The deadline for applications is Friday, August 10th, 2023 at 3:00 PM.

SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGERS, LEARNING SCALING

Duolingo, Inc. seeks multiple Senior Product Managers, Learning Scaling (Pittsburgh, PA) to cntrbte to the grwth of Duolingo’s pltfrms by anlyzng trnds w/ bus strtgy implctns. Reqs a Mstr’s dgr (or frgn equiv) in Bus Admin or rltd fld & 3 yrs of exp in budgeting & resource mngmnt, goal sttng & strategic planning, prgrm mngmnt , data vslztion, data analytics, usr accptnce tstng, & Agile SW dvlpmnt. Mst have knwldg or crsewrk in: prdct life cycle; R; SPSS; STATA; & Minitab. Local telecommuting permitted up to 2 days/wk. To apply, email resumes to jobs@duolingo.com, reference code 800

HARVEST TIME

What in the world has happened to your Pittsburgh Pirates?

The 2023 season for the Pittsburgh Pirates started out as if a barrage of “cluster bombs” had been unleashed on Major League Baseball. If they could be compared to an Indy 500 race car, then you could describe them as “running on all cylinders.” If they were surfers, they would be “hanging ten.” Just two months ago on May 17, their W-L record was 23-20. As of July 17, 2023, I swear to all of you that this is not a misprint. The W-L record for the Pirates was 41-52 and they are a whopping 10.5 games out of the top spot in the NL Central Division. They have won 18 and lost 32 games since mid-May. I know and you know, injuries and subpar performances can come and go, but one thing that doesn’t disappear is the reckless, frugal, self-destructive, and greedy practices of ownership. There should be no rumors, true, false, or otherwise of the Pirates buying, selling, or trading any of their homegrown and developed players. They should be stockpiling, even hoarding their best and average talented players for next year and beyond because if their opponents’ players were that good, they wouldn’t be on the trading block.

A few weeks ago, I wrote a column honoring Andrew McCutchen for amassing 2,000 hits. I wrote, “If McCutchen had not been traded and passed around like a journeyman and had remained on the Pirates roster for his entire career it is a distinct possibility that he could be approaching 2,700 to 3,000 hits as opposed to just now accomplishing the feat of 2,000 hits. The Pirates didn’t sacrifice him to sign multiple players to strengthen their roster, he was simply sacrificed

to increase their bottom line. Yet he remained steadfast, while fat cats sat in smokefilled back rooms, chomping on fat cigars, chillin’ in leather-covered easy chairs, making ill-advised deals, infected with the pathogen of narcissism.”

Owners can only sell what the public buys. Please allow me to offer a brief explanation as to why. Johan Arndt, Norwegian School of Business Administration and Economics once said this: “Demographic segments are forced to depend upon the dominant culture for economic and social direction, but many studies suggest that cities dependence happens only because of market manipulation by the dominant economic population.”

In other words, whether it’s good for them or not, the seller is going to spin it and spin it again and again until the lower-class buyer is convinced that a “mud-shake” tastes even better than a milkshake. If the Pirates faithful continues to buy tickets, why would

to trade on Wall Street, do not pay dividends, and do not fluctuate in value based on performance. There have been only five public offerings of team shares over the past century, and outside of direct purchase during these periods, buying or selling of shares is forbidden. The only way to pass shares from one owner to another is within an immediate family. No one may amass more than 4 percent of team shares. This structure has kept the team in the town of Green Bay, the smallest market in all of North American sports. The Packers will never have to contend with an Art Modell or Dean Spanos, who moved beloved teams from their homes to cities.”

the Pirates ownership change their modus operandi?

There was an article posted by Bonnie Johnson on theguardian.com on September 7, 2020. Ms. Johnson points out the unique and almost corrupt free ownership structure of the Green Bay Packers, she wrote the following: “The Green Bay Packers are the only publicly owned team in U.S. professional sports. From its early years a century ago, the team has belonged not to a tycoon but to the people of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and their descendants as a nonprofit corporation. Like my brother, sister, father, aunt, uncles and cousins, I inherited shares in the Green Bay Packers from my great-grandfather, Packers Hall of Famer Jerry Atkinson. Our family called him Poppy.

“Unlike other stocks, Packers shares are not available

There are two very simple and dark reasons that cities and communities are prohibited from owning specific professional sports franchises: 1. Control, and 2. Greed. Many times, sports franchises have held cities hostage, by holding the threat of relocation over their heads if they didn’t give in to demands for a new football or baseball stadium, hockey, or basketball arena. Cities were forced to pay hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to stop the moving vans from coming in at the crack of dusk with moving vans moving their team to another more “lucrative” location. There is an uneasy feeling that if the fans stop supporting the team, they might become the Charlotte, N.C. Pirates or the New Orleans, L.A. Pirates so the fans suck it up and keep on coming. There should be a law that states if a city provides funding for a stadium or arena for an ownership group and that group fails to field a competitive team within 10 years, there should be a public purchasing option available for that city or municipality, with the owner being compensated no more than 150 percent of the original purchase price. At this point in time, the Pittsburgh Pirates ownership again appears to be returning those smoke-filled back rooms, chomping on fat cigars making ill-advised deals, still infected with the pathogen of narcissism. They are again in the process of throwing the Phoenix of the Pirates back into the furnace of losing.