10.8.25 NPC

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

Homicides in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County are on a drastic decline

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

While one homicide is still too many, there is very positive news when it comes to homicides in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. The homicide numbers are down. Drastically down. As in, there were 40 less homicides in the county from Jan. 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2025, as opposed to the same period in 2024. The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned exclusively that there were 87 homicides in the county from Jan. 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2024. This year, though, there were 47 in the same time frame. In a county that regularly sees well over 100 homicides per year, such as the 110 recorded in 2024, the 107 recorded in 2023, the 129 in 2022, and the 125 in 2021, there's realistically no chance that Allegheny County will record at least 100 homicides in 2025. The county more than likely won't reach 75 homicides this year, either. During a press confer-

ence outside Mayor Ed Gainey's office at the City-County Building, Sept. 15, the mayor, elected officials and plenty of members of anti-violence organizations in the county celebrated the city's "Stop The Violence Fund," which sets aside up to $10

million per year to combat crime in the city. Specifically, on Sept. 15, officials celebrated a historic $1.75 million allocation to community organizations to continue their work in the community.

by Bill Neal

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Good fortune generally comes to those who work the hardest, and no better example of that is demonstrated by The Honorable Dwayne D. Woodruff, who through grit and grind was able to “tackle” the enormity of becoming an attorney while applying the same focus in bringing down some of the greatest athletes in the world. It should be noted that according to my records, he’s the only NFL player to acquire his law degree while playing pro football...be mindful, we’re not talking during the offseason. He was getting this done during the season.

Add to that the evidence of what hard work can do for you, the crowning glory of winning Super Bowl XIV in 1980 as part of your Pittsburgh Steelers

and the greatest defense known to mankind, bar none.

Now, as the late, great national radio personality Paul Harvey would say...“Here is the rest of the story.”

The Honorable Dwayne D. Woodruff was the recent recipient of the Dr. John E. Murray Jr. Meritorious Service Award, Friday, Sept. 26, at the Duquesne University 73rd Law Alumni Reunion Dinner, held at the University Power Center Ballroom. Judge Woodruff is currently a judge on the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, presiding in the Family Court Division since 2005 and appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as Supervising Judge of the Juvenile Section in February 2019, serving in that

Obama fills the void in a fading Democratic Party

by Stacy M. Brown

Former President Barack Obama has stepped back into the political arena, delivering some of his sharpest critiques yet of President Donald Trump as the Democratic Party struggles through one of its weakest moments in modern history. With the party’s leadership approval at historic lows and its ties to Blackowned media nearly nonexistent, Obama’s renewed visibility has exposed both the vacuum and the disillusionment threatening to fracture the Democratic coalition.

In recent weeks, Obama has spoken out against Trump’s authoritarian-style intimidation of universities and the administration’s crackdown on the press, declaring that America must “resist being intimidated” and warning that protecting democratic values may require “sacrifice.”

At Hamilton College, he admonished Trump’s White House for suspending security clearances and canceling contracts with law firms and schools tied to perceived political rivals. “That kind of behavior is contrary to the basic compact we have as Americans,” Obama said. “Imagine if I had done any of this.” Days later, he took to social media to denounce media companies for capitulating to Trump’s threats. “After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level,” Obama wrote, urging journalists and networks to “get a spine” and stand up for free speech.

Late in September at London’s O2 Arena, Obama expanded his message beyond immediate politics, telling a packed crowd that true leadership means constant vigilance and the courage to “show up and speak out even when it’s uncomfortable.” He cautioned against complacency, arguing that progressives had grown “smug” and unprepared for the rise of authoritarianism. “True democracy is a project much bigger than any one of us,” he said. “It’s a job for all of us.” Obama’s renewed activism comes at a time when his party’s base has grown increasingly restless. A Pew Research survey found that 59 percent of Democrats disapprove of their party’s leadership—the highest level

of dissatisfaction since the question was first asked more than a decade ago. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s approval among Democrats has collapsed to 35 percent, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries remains little known to nearly four in ten Democratic voters. That lack of visibility and engagement has been felt most acutely within the Black com -

compared with Trump’s -15 and Joe Biden’s -24. Even so, Obama’s return to the spotlight underscores a sobering truth: the Democratic Party, battered by infighting and a failure to connect with its own base, still lacks a clear, trusted voice. Obama’s critiques of Trump’s policies— whether over healthcare rollbacks or media suppression—stand in contrast to the muted response from current

“Imagine if I had done any of this.” Days later, Obama took to social media to denounce media companies for capitulating to Trump’s threats. “After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level,” Obama wrote, urging journalists and networks to “get a spine” and stand up for free speech.

munity. At the Black Press of America’s annual Leadership Awards, where Jeffries and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke were to be honored, anticipation filled a packed ballroom. But neither showed up Civil rights attorney Ben Crump had just pledged $50,000 to support the struggling Black Press, urging others to follow suit. “Typical of Democrats,” one attendee said afterward. “They don’t spend money with us. They don’t show up. And then they expect us to deliver their message for free.” The snub, just 18 months before the Black Press’s bicentennial , struck a nerve among publishers who have covered every chapter of America’s freedom struggle—from emancipation to civil rights—without the financial support they deserve. “Our ancestors built this press through every trial in this country,” said one Black publisher after the event. “The least Hakeem Jeffries could do was show up.”

Obama’s reemergence has not gone unnoticed by voters—or by Trump. During a recent Navy celebration in Virginia, Trump attempted to incite the crowd to boo Obama, but the attempt backfired. As he invoked “Barack Hussein Obama,” the crowd met him with dead silence. Meanwhile, polls show that Obama remains the most admired living president. A Marquette Law School survey found Obama with a +17 net favorability,

This Week In Black History A Courier Staple

• OCTOBER 8

1775—Slaves and free Blacks are officially barred by the Council of Officers from joining the Continental army to help fight for American independence from England. Nevertheless, a significant number of Blacks had already become involved in the fight and would distinguish themselves in battle. Additional Blacks were barred out of fear, especially in the South, that they would demand freedom for themselves if White America became free from Britain.

1941— National Black political leader and two-time candidate for president of the United States Rev. Jesse Jackson was born on this day in Greenville, S.C. After the 1968 assassination of Civil Rights Movement icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson, who was one of his top aides, would become the nation’s most prominent and influential civil rights leader.

• OCTOBER 9

1806—Benjamin Banneker dies in Ellicott Mills, Md., at age 74. Banneker was a brilliant mathematician with a great memory and is credited with completing the layout and design of Washington, D.C.

1823—Mary Ann Shad is born. She becomes publisher of Canada’s first anti-slavery newspaper—The Provincial Freeman. In fact, she is the first woman in the U.S. or Canada to edit and publish a newspaper.

1962— The east African nation of Uganda becomes independent from British rule.

1984—W. Wilson Goode makes history by becoming the first Black mayor of Philadelphia, Pa. 2009— In a move which surprised just about everyone, President Barack Obama is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Obama had been in office for less than 9 months at this time last year but the Nobel Committee in Oslo, Norway, said it was impressed by his “promise” of disarmament and diplomacy.

• OCTOBER 10

Democratic leaders, who have failed to mobilize voters around issues that once defined their moral compass.

Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act have revived Obama’s signature policy as the centerpiece of a national political showdown. Democrats, scrambling to extend ACA subsidies that prevent premiums from skyrocketing, have tried to make healthcare their rallying cry again—but without strong, unified leadership, the message has struggled to resonate. For all his measured tone, Obama’s message has sharpened into something closer to alarm. He warns that complacency, even within his own party, has opened the door to authoritarianism. “Progressives assumed our trajectory would bend inevitably toward progress,” he told the audience at the O2. “That complacency left us unprepared.” As Trump wields federal power to punish dissent, the former president’s words carry the weight of both warning and legacy. But even as Obama reasserts his influence, the party he once led remains uncertain and divided—still ignoring the independent Black media that carried it through generations, and still searching for leadership that matches the gravity of this moment. Obama may have left office eight years ago, but in 2025, he appears to be the last Democrat still leading.

1778— What is believed to be the first formal school for Blacks— the Africa Free School —opens in New York City.

1899— Black inventor Isaac Johnson patents the bicycle frame.

1901—Frederick Douglass Patterson is born. He grows up to become President of Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn. From there he would later launch an effort that leads to the 1944 founding of the United Negro College Fund.

1917— Famed Jazz pianist Theolonius Monk is born in Rocky Mount, N.C.

1935—George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” a Black spiritual opera, premiers on Broadway in New York City. It starred Todd Duncan from Howard University. The play becomes one of the most popular Black-themed shows ever to hit Broadway. The 1959 movie version stars Sidney Portier and Dorothy Dandridge.

• OCTOBER 11

1887—Alexander Miles patents a major safety improvement to the elevator. Miles did not invent the elevator. But he made it safer with an automatically closing door which prevented people from accidentally falling down elevator shafts.

1890— Black inventor Charles Orren Bailiff patents the shampoo headrest.

1939— The NAACP organizes the NAACP Education and Legal Defense Fun d, which goes on to win many important legal battles guaranteeing civil and educational rights for Blacks.

1991— Comedian and actor Redd Foxx dies at age 68. He

was born John Elroy Sanford in St. Louis, Mo. An IRS raid on his Las Vegas home to collect back taxes is thought to have hastened his death.

• OCTOBER 12

1854—Lincoln University is founded in Pennsylvania.

1932—Richard Claxton “Dick” Gregory is born in St Louis, Mo. Gregory is an American civil rights activist, social critic, writer, entrepreneur, conspiracy theorist and comedian.

1945— The lynching of Jesse James Payne takes place in Madison County, Fla. The lynching came to typify the lies that prompted many a lynching. Payne got into an argument with his White boss and threatened to expose some of his boss’ illegal dealings. But the boss then spread a rumor that Payne had molested his daughter and Payne was lynched.

1972— Nearly 50 Black and White sailors were injured in a race riot aboard the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam War.

1999— Basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain dies at age 63. The 7’1”, 280 pound great included among his records the scoring of 100 points in one game when the Philadelphia Warriors beat the New York Knicks 169 to 147 on March 2, 1962.

• OCTOBER 13

1902—Arna W. Bontemps (1902-1973) is born. He was a noted poet and librarian of Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn. Bontemps frequently collaborated with another noted Black poet Langston Hughes.

1914—Garret Morgan , an African American inventor and community leader, invents and patents the gas mask. He is renowned for a heroic rescue in 1916 in which he and three others used the mask he’d developed to save workers trapped within a water intake tunnel, 50 feet beneath Lake Erie.

1919—Whites riot in Phillips County, Ark., leaving nearly 80 Blacks lynched.

1926—Jesse Leroy Brown is born. He became the first Black naval aviator.

1970— Communist and activist Angela Davis is arrested as a fugitive in New York City for her alleged role in a California courthouse shootout that left four dead. She is later found not guilty.

• OCTOBER 14

1902—William Allison Davis is born. He earns a PhD and becomes a leading educator and anthropologist. Among his lasting legacies were his well-documented challenges to the cultural bias of IQ tests which generally portrayed Blacks as less intelligent than Whites.

1916— Washington and Lee University of Virginia refuses to play Rutgers University of New Jersey because it has a Black player on its team. That player was Paul Robeson who withdrew from the game, but later became world famous as an actor, singer and advocate of Black and socialist causes.

1964—Martin Luther King Jr. becomes the youngest man ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He was 35 and had already become world famous for his leadership of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.

1999— Former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere dies at 77 of cancer. He had led his country to independence and called on American Blacks to come to Africa to help rebuild the “motherland.”

BARACK OBAMA

Frances S. Diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Breast Cancer

Community shows support for Bonez Barber Shop

Ramone Pierce one of a few Black business owners on E. Carson

by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer

On Monday afternoon, Oct. 6, a man came into the Bonez Barber Shop on E. Carson Street, South Side. He owned a hair salon. He dropped off $100 at Bonez and said that he was supporting and standing with the barber shop. Less than an hour later, a woman came into the barber shop. Unexpectedly, she paid for the haircuts for two kids she didn't even know who were in the shop. She, too, said that she was standing with the barber shop, and that everything would be OK. She then blessed the owner, Ramone Pierce, and the barber shop as a whole.

"That brought me to tears," Pierce told the New Pittsburgh Courier. Bonez Barber Shop, 1221 E. Carson St., was the scene of a deadly shooting, Saturday, Oct. 4. Two women who had a prior beef happened to be inside the shop at the same time. According to Pittsburgh Police, one of the women shot the other multiple times. 26-year-old Rayon Williams later died at UPMC Mercy Hospital. 25-year-old Myairah

Carter has been charged with homicide.

Pierce, who was at the barber shop when the shooting occurred, told the Courier that he's been receiving an outpouring of support from the community since the shooting, including the two people who came on Monday to show their support.

"So many phone calls and text messages," Pierce told the Courier, Oct. 7. "Even our clients still coming to the shop is a major support. No one is in fear of coming to the barber shop."

Pierce has repeatedly said that the incident was isolated, and had nothing to do with the shop itself.

Pierce, who grew up in the South Side Flats, is a 2004 Carrick High School graduate, and told the Courier it was a dream come true to open his own barber shop in the community in which he was raised.

"I couldn't believe it when I had the opportunity, and to be honest with you, I wasn't fully ready," Pierce said. "I just knew I couldn't pass up on the opportunity. I had to take a leap of faith and do it."

Pierce opened up Bonez Barber Shop in August 2023. He said of late, busi-

ness has been amazing. "I couldn't ask for a better career. More freedom in my job and being able to work and being my own boss, not have to answer to anybody, and be in the neighborhood that I grew up in."

Pierce employs five additional barbers in the shop, a shop that's open every day from, typically, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., excluding Tuesdays.

"Work doesn't feel like work," he told the Courier. For Pierce, he's one of just a few Black-owned businesses on East Carson Street. None of the nightclubs are Blackowned, and most of the restaurants are not Blackowned. Historically, it's been a tough road for African Americans to sustain businesses in the South Side Flats.

Pierce's message to all who've shown him support? "Thank you. I'm grateful, it's humbling, I appreciate the opportunity that I'm given, and I don't take it for granted."

Family Services United expands to McKeesport

Family Services United’s motto is “providing a supportive environment for the intellectual disabled and veterans,” and the organization has been doing as such since 2017.

On Sept. 13, the non-profit organization held a community open house event letting residents know that it has a clubhouse in McKeesport, at 625 Walnut St. Family Services United also has locations in Point Breeze, Penn Hills and Wilkinsburg.

Currently, Family Services United serves 70 adults with I/DD. Family Services United’s founder is Stephanie Hill, and Hill was given a proclamation by Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey for her efforts and impact in the city and beyond. September 12, 2025, was officially “Stephanie Hill Day” in the City of Pittsburgh. For more information on Family Services United, call 412-599-1235.

RAMONE PIERCE, OWNER OF BONEZ BARBER SHOP. (PHOTO BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)

STEPHANIE HILL, HOLDING THE PROCLAMATION, IS FOUNDER OF FAMILY SERVICES UNITED. (PHOTOS BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)

Homicides in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County are on a drastic decline

40 less homicides in the county through Sept. 30

Dubbed the "Stop The Violence Fund 2025 Community Investment Grants Bill," it awarded funding to 39 community organizations. For forever and a day, Mayor Gainey has said that bringing down homicides was a major goal for his administration, and the numbers tell that the job is getting done. In 2022, the city had 71 homicides, his first year as mayor. Since that time, though, homicides have been declining. In 2023, there were 52 homicides in the city. In 2024, there were 42 homicides. Through the first nine months of 2025, there have been 22 homicides in the city, according to data provided to the Courier by Allegheny County. That means 25 homicides had occurred in the first nine months of the city in other parts of Allegheny County, totaling the 47.

The city has seen two homicides in the first week of October; 23-year-old Gerald Bogen III of East Liberty, in the Hill District, Oct. 2; and 26-yearold Rayon Williams, of McKeesport, on the South Side, Oct. 4. Still, it's probable that the City of Pittsburgh, under the Gainey Administration, will not reach the 40 homicide mark in 2025, which would keep the decline of homicides in tact.

“As mayor, I take seriously my responsibility to protect our communities, but it was the community itself that came out and advocated to secure this funding, said Mayor Gainey about the Stop The Violence Fund not being touched in any way by City Council, even when there were rumors of a possible "raiding" of some of the funding over the summer. “It is your commitment, your presence, and your advocacy that made this possible. This is what shared leadership looks like. This is what joy looks like.”

The Courier obtained the list of the 39 organizations that received funding through the city's Stop The Violence Fund initiative. Some of the organizations are: 1 Hood Media Academy ($50,000), YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh ($50,000), West End P.O.W.E.R. ($50,000), The Kingsley Association ($50,000), Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh ($50,000), Mt. Ararat Community Activity Center ($50,000), Community Empowerment Association ($50,000), Homewood Children's Village ($50,000), East

End Cooperative Ministry ($50,000), Garfield Jubilee Association ($50,000), A's Vision ($50,000), Hill District Youth Sports ($25,000), Josh Gibson Foundation ($35,000), and Za'Kiyah House Housing ($50,000).

Mayor Gainey's Press Secretary, Olga George, in a statement, said that the 39 organizations "are not only grantees; they are guardians of our youth, advocates for change, and partners in healing."

George said the organizations are in the community, mentoring youth, mediating conflict, supporting families, and creating safe spaces.

"These groups are transforming lives and by extension, transforming the city," George said in a statement.

Oftentimes, homicide reduction is the result of a collective effort by individuals and organizations to try to get to the root of problems and concerns first, before they turn into larger problems that could escalate into violence.

“We work together to save our children," Mayor Gainey said in a statement. "We stand together to protect our neighborhoods. We rise together with love, purpose, and unity. This is a win for all of us. I also want to thank our police officers for working hand in hand with community groups to help save lives and build a safer future.”

“As mayor, I take seriously my responsibility to protect our communities, but it was the community itself that came out and advocated to secure this funding,” said Mayor Ed Gainey about the Stop The Violence Fund not being touched in any way by City Council, even when there were rumors of a possible “raiding” of some of the funding over the summer.

“It is your commitment, your presence, and your advocacy that made this possible. This is what shared leadership looks like. This is what joy looks like.”

THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH’S FELICITY WILLIAMS SPEAKS AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, SEPT. 15. (PHOTOS BY CHIEF IKHANA-HAL-MAKINA)

Take Charge Of Your Health Today. Be Informed. Be Involved.

Safe housing and fair wages help families and pets thrive

This month’s New Pittsburgh Courier health page focuses on the role of support animals and pets in healthy living. The feature highlights how income and housing impact the way people care for their animal companions.

Esther L. Bush, Interim President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, reminds readers the Urban League is here to help.

Q: Esther, how does the Urban League view the importance of safe housing and a fair income for Black families—including their animal companions?

Esther: Both housing and income are basic needs and human rights that form the foundation for healthy living—and

that extends to the ability to care for beloved pets and support animals. In many Black households, systemic barriers such as income inequality and housing discrimination make it more difficult to maintain the stability needed to provide for animal companions. Pets aren’t just “nice to have.” For many people, especially those facing health challenges, they’re vital sources of comfort, stress relief, and emotional support.

Q: So true! What resources does the Urban League offer to help people provide for their pets?

Esther: We continue to advocate for housing equity and offer programs like rental assistance,

workforce development initiatives, and even hunger initiatives. By helping families secure safe, affordable housing

and pathways to sus-

tainable employment, we also make it possible for them to provide for their pets—without sacrificing

other essentials. Stability doesn’t just benefit the family; it also benefits the animals they love.

Q: This month’s feature also highlights the difficulty some pet owners face during a crisis, such as a hospital stay. How can family members and neighbors help? What programs are in place to support strong community outreach?

Esther: We know pets can present a difficult challenge when someone needs medical care. Too often, people delay or refuse necessary procedures because they worry about what will happen to their pets. No one should have to choose between their health and their animal companion. Through our

community-building programs, senior outreach, and partnerships with local service organizations, we foster networks of care where neighbors look out for one another. That includes making sure a loved one’s pet is walked, fed, or temporarily housed, for example. By strengthening community trust and connection, we ensure that people can focus on healing. Our mission has always been about developing equity and opportunity. However at its heart, it’s also about building strong, caring neighborhoods. Pets are included in that and supporting the people who love them is part of the work we do every day.

Pets are family. Keeping them safe in a crisis takes planning and community support.

For many of us, pets are valued family members that give us joy and impact our well-being. In fact, our love and care for our pets can improve our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, helping us meet and talk to our neighbors, and giving us a sense of purpose. Our animal companions also affect our physical health. For example, humans who take their dogs outside regularly for a walk or run are rewarded with exercise that may help lower their blood pressure and cholesterol and even boost their heart health and immune systems.

Rescuing an animal may benefit society, too.

A recent study found that people with lower incomes often rescued stray dogs directly off the streets or via family members and friends. This type of rescue keeps a dog from being abandoned at an already-overburdened shelter—or captured and processed by taxpayer-funded animal control staff. The stray dog gets a shot at a better life and the dog’s human feels good about their compassionate act. (The study also suggested this benefit may be strengthened if the new pet owner receives community support.)

Social determinants of health—especially income and housing—can affect the way people care for and bond with their animal companions. For example, if a pet has health problems, their human may be forced to choose between paying for a vet visit and pet medicine vs paying rent or buying groceries. If someone is the victim of intimate partner violence, they may delay leaving their partner because they’re worried about abandoning their animal companion. (Fortunately, in Allegheny County, a new law (Act 146 of 2024) signed in Nov. 2024, allows for pets to be included in Protection from Abuse [PFA} orders. University of Pittsburgh’s Dr. Grace Drnach-Bonaventura, Assistant Professor, School of Public Health, and Dr. Mary Rauktis, Research Associate Professor, School of Social Work, study human and pet wellness. Through ongoing research and outreach, they’ve discovered basic, affordable things pet parents can do to prepare for emergencies in advance. They’ve also identified the important role community support plays in this preparedness.

In their most recent research grant proposal, Dr. Drnach-Bonaventura, Dr. Rauktis, and their co-researchers are hoping to capitalize on Pittsburgh’s strong network of community-based animal advocates. “The aim is to build a wellness collaborative whose members are focused on supporting pet-and-human health during times of crisis,” Dr. Drnach-Bonaventura explains.

Harmony Dog Rescue supports dog owners in crisis

Established in 2023, Harmony Dog Rescue is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit. The organization offers temporary, crisis-based veterinary and foster care for dogs when their human owners find themselves facing mental health challenges, intimate partner violence, medical emergencies, and/or housing insecurity. Through a confidential network of foster homes in Western Pa., Harmony Dog Rescue supports people in crisis for up to 40 days. They make sure dogs are not left behind in dangerous situations or surrendered to shelters. Instead, they reunite dogs with their humans when a crisis become more stable or is resolved. The Harmony Dog Rescue’s website includes information for dog owners who need help, as well as op-

portunities to become a foster or to donate, including sponsoring a dog. In 2024, Harmony Dog rescue worked with students from Carrick High School Career and Technical Education to build a Free Dog Library. The library is in front of the Phillips Park Recreation Center in Carrick and functions like a self-sustaining, community-driven Little Free Library. Instead of taking a book and/ or leaving a book, the dog library encourages people to take and/or donate unopened dog food/treats and dog supplies, like toys, leashes, and collars. For more information about Harmony Dog Rescue, visit the website at harmonydogrescue.org

The members would include full-service, shelter-based organizations like Animal Friends, Human Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP), and Paws Across Pittsburgh, as well as volunteer-lead and foster-based groups like Harmony Dog Rescue Pittsburgh Hill District Cats Trash Cat Rescue, and others.

“The organizations already have great relationships and a willingness to work together,” says Dr. Drnach-Bonaventura. “If our research proposal receives funding, the money will allow them to come together more formally and focus on emergency management from a petand-human health perspective.” That includes identifying what they’re already doing well and pinpointing and filling service gaps. On a personal preparedness level, humans can do a few basic things to prepare for a crisis that involves their animal companions. “First, have conversations with family members and friends you trust to care for your pet during a crisis,” offers Dr. Rauktis. “Would this person be willing to provide pet care during an emergency like an unplanned hospital stay? What would that look like?”

Second, Dr. Rauktis suggests humans create an easy-to-grab “go bag” that includes an emergency supply of pet food, bottled water, and medicine if needed. The bag should also include a folder with the pet’s veterinarian name and number, vaccination and vet-visit paperwork, contact information for shortterm pet caregivers, and a pet profile.

“For the profile, include things like how friendly your pet is with other animals and kids,” says Dr. Rauktis. “Does your pet have any medical conditions? What’s their food brand, feeding and potty schedule? How about their exercise, play, and sleep habits? Do they have separation anxiety or funny quirks? The more insight, the better.”

More preparedness suggestions are available (including a pet power of attorney) in the Pitt Social Work document Aging in Place with Pets. You can find the document by logging on to socialwork.pitt.edu, and choosing links ‘Research,’ ‘Research Projects,’ ‘Aging Initiatives & Programs,’ ‘Aging in Place with Pets,’ and ‘Resource Guide for Aging in Place with Pets (PDF).’

Dr. Drnach-Bonaventura also encourages readers to speak up for their animal companions if they’re seeking resources for housing, food, and healthcare—just as they would for a family member. “Your pet is an important part of your family tree. It’s right that you advocate for their health and well-being along with yours.”

ESTHER L. BUSH

DR. MARY RAUKTIS

DR. GRACE DRNACH-BONAVENTURA

2025 Hall of Fame Inductees

INDUCTEE JOSH NEWCOMER, WITH DR. MURPHY KELLER III AND MICHAEL GAY.

INDUCTEE HAROLD “BIG H” HAMLIN

INDUCTEE

DR. MURPHY KELLER III AND MICHAEL GAY LEAD THE PITTSBURGH SOFTBALL FEDERATION. AND OVER THE SUMMER, THE ORGANIZATION INDUCTED SEVERAL PEOPLE INTO ITS HALL OF FAME. PICTURED ABOVE ARE DR. KELLER, GAY AND SOME OF THE INDUCTEES FROM 2024 AND 2025. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)

INDUCTEE JACKSON THOMS

INDUCTEE CLEMENT “SWOOTIE” PAYNE

Hank Commodore continues to give back

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FORABATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

RFP #600-34-25

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

RFP #600-34-25 ABATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

The documents will be available no later than October 6, 2025, and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 2025. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only accept physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 2025, in the lobby of One Stop Shop at 412 Boulevard of the Allies Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Proposals 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 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 6th Floor - Procurement, 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:

Brandon Havranek

Associate Director of Procurement/Contracting Officer 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor - Procurement Department Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-643-2890

A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting; on October 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Please see the

and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. The Board of PRT

Seven Black women honored at Point Park University

On August 29, Point Park University celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Ph.D. Community Engagement and Leadership program. Seven Black women scholars who named themselves the “Heavenly Seven” from the inaugural cohort were honored for their roles in shaping the foundation of the program.

“You all were designing the plane while flying it,” said Dr. Heather Starr Fiedler, the first Vice President and Managing Director, Center for Civic and Community Engagement, Point Park University.

In the Alumnae Panel the Heavenly Seven’s Dr. Atiya Abdelmalik, Dr. Sheila Beasley, Dr. Danielle Davis, Dr. Aliya Durham, Dr. Trisha Gadson, Dr. Kendra Ross, and Dr. Leatra Tate shared reflections, insights, and truths about their journey through the program and beyond. Dr. Tahirah Walker, current chair of the Department of Community Engagement and Leadership, expressed:

“There is a brilliance and sisterhood you modeled in that very first cohort that laid the foundation for so much of what unfolded over the next decade.”

In an article drafted, “Reflections from the Heavenly Seven: Our Doctoral Journey to a

Life-Long Sisterhood,” the Heavenly Seven wrote how they were seven Black women who made up half of an inaugural Ph.D. cohort of 14 in the program. The Heavenly Seven acknowledged spiritual guidance from the heavens along with the support they gave each other as critical to their success.

The Community Engagement and Leader-

ship program is designed for leaders who want to further their effectiveness and understanding of public policy, program development, community psychology and best practices in leadership engagement. “Community Engagement is one of three drivers of the Pioneer Vision 2030 Strategic Plan,” Dr. Chris W. Brussalis, Point Park University Presi-

COURIER CHURCH DIRECTORY

BAPTIST TEMPLE CHURCH

Sunday Worship: 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

7241 Race Street Pittsburgh, Pa., 15208

EBENEZER MISSIONARY

BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday Worship Service: 11 a.m.

Pastor—Rev. Dr. Rodney Adam Lyde

dent, said. The Heavenly Seven ended the panel with words of inspiration for

the current and future cohorts: “you are enough,” “your voice matters,” “lead with well-being,”

PATRICIA MAE WILLIAMS

“resilience,” “Voice—you have one,” and, “you are the one you’ve been waiting for. ”

Patricia Williams, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, entered eternal rest on September 28, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on August 14, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Patricia was the cherished daughter of the late Charles and Evelyn Squires Williams and the first grandchild of the late George and Carrie Mae Fisher Squires. She shared a unique and tender bond with her grandparents, and under her grandmother’s guidance, she joyfully accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior—a commitment that shaped her life and her legacy. Raised in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, Patricia graduated with high honors in 1962 from Fifth Avenue High School. Mentored by the late Dr. William A.G. Fisher, she earned a full scholarship to Cheyney University. Although her mother encouraged her to remain close to home, Patricia continued her studies at Secretarial School and pursued courses at both the University of Pittsburgh and Carlow College.

Patricia built a remarkable career defined by dedication and excellence. She served faithfully at Magee Hospital, Mercy Hospital, the United Mine Workers Union, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western Pennsylvania/Highmark, where she retired after more than 30 years of devoted service. Not one to slow down, Patricia continued her professional journey as a manager at Promark, bringing her warmth and leadership to every endeavor.

Outside of work, Patricia found joy in traveling, sharing laughter with friends and family, and most especially, caring for her beloved grandchildren. She was a faithful member of Monumental Baptist Church and Mount Ararat Baptist Church, where her strong alto voice graced the choirs. Patricia’s radiant smile, gentle spirit, and loving kindness touched every heart she encountered.

She united in love with the late John Davis, and together they raised three children— April, Vance, and Courtney—who were the center of her world.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Evelyn, her husband, John Davis, and many beloved family members who welcomed her into glory. She leaves behind a devoted family to carry her memory forward: her children, April Williams, Vance Williams (Haley-Comer), and Courtney Glenn (Jerry); her grandchildren Adjua, Jackie, Whitney, Nia, and Daniel; and her great-grandchildren Bryndira, Mark, Winter, Jackie, A’Blessing, and Keyshawn and her great-great grandchildren Brazil, and Major. Patricia also leaves behind her sweet and loving aunts, Delores Squires, Delores Steath, and Betty Frazier, brother-in-law Larue Davis (Andrea) of Lathrup Village, MI along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and countless friends who will cherish her memory and miss her dearly.

Patricia’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and unconditional love. She lived each day with a steadfast devotion to Christ, a work ethic that inspired, and a smile that uplifted all around her. Though she has departed this earthly home, the seeds of kindness and faith she planted in others will continue to flourish for generations to come.

“Her children arise and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28).

Sr. Pastor—Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell 2001 Wylie Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 www.baptisttemple.church www.ebenezerbaptistpgh.org

Bountiful Blessings: 1st, 3rd Tuesday, 5-7 p.m. 312 Viola St. Duquesne, Pa., 15110 116 South Highland Ave. Pittsburgh, Pa., 15206 412-441-3800

Pastor—Rev. Dorothy Stubbs

Reverend A. Marie Walker’s Weekly Inspiration

REV. WALKER SAYS: Matthew 25:35 For I was hungered, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in, etc...

Help someone in these times of WICKEDNESS.

DR. TAHIRAH WALKER (LEFT) WITH MEMBERS OF THE HEAVENLY SEVEN, DR. DANIELLE DAVIS, DR. KENDRA ROSS, DR. TRISHA GADSON, DR. ATIYA ABDELMALIK, DR. ALIYA DURHAM, DR. SHEILA BEASLEY AND DR. LEATRA TATE (ON SCREEN). (DR. LEATRA TATE IS MISSING FROM PHOTO)

ALL RISE

The Hon. Dwayne Woodruff receives prestigious award from Duquesne School of Law

role through 2023.

Judge Woodruff earned a degree in Business Finance from the University of Louisville (1979) and Juris Doctor from Duquesne Kline School of Law (1988), which he attended full-time at night during his professional football career

Steelers. In 1997, he became a founding partner of Woodruff Flaherty law firm. In 2006, Judge Woodruff was one of four judges appointed by the Pa. Supreme Court to the Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice, tasked with investigating and

ents experience during court proceedings.

Judge Woodruff founded and chairs the Pittsburgh chapter of the National Campaign to Stop Violence’s “Do the Write Thing” program, an initiative which gives middle school students the opportunity to write about the impact

with the Steelers. With the Steelers, he played 12 seasons, including in Super Bowl XIV (1980) as a rookie and being voted Steelers MVP in 1982.

Judge Woodruff has the unprecedented distinction of a dual career in professional sports: simultaneously practicing law with the Meyer Darragh firm and playing football for the Steelers for his final three years from 1988 through 1990, at which time he also served as a team captain for the

making recommendations to the state following the Luzerne County “Kids for Cash” scandal that resulted in two judges serving long prison terms. Judge Woodruff was subsequently appointed chairman of the Pittsburgh Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice and was able to enact a rule that non-violent juvenile delinquents are no longer brought into the courtroom in handcuffs and shackles, thereby lessening the trauma that they and their par-

of violence in their lives, and their thoughts on the causes of violence and how to end violence. Through his job, Judge Woodruff considers it a privilege to be in a position to give guidance to youth, especially the young Black males who come before him in court. He feels his work with youth is a calling with responsibilities that do not end with the job. He is a regular speaker at Duquesne Kline School of Law, including at the annual Future Voices of the People event.

The recipient of numerous awards for community service and his work with youth, on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2020, the Allegheny County Bar Association (Homer S. Brown Division) awarded him and his wife, Joy Maxberry Woodruff, with the Drum Major for Justice Award.

Most significant among his many blessings are his marriage of 47 years to Joy and his three adult children; Jillian Woodruff, M.D., an OB/ GYN physician in Alaska; Jenyce Woodruff,

Esq., a corporate attorney in Philadelphia; and John B. Woodruff II, Esq., also an attorney and a Major in the United States Marines. Judge Woodruff and Joy Maxberry Woodruff worship at Allegheny Center Alliance Church, where he serves as an Elder.

“It is our deepest privilege to honor these remarkable alumni," said April Barton, Dean and Professor of Law at the Kline School of Law at Duquesne University. Barton also referenced the other honorees

who received awards on Sept. 26, The Hon. Michael E. McCarthy and Kate L. Stoy, Esq. "Each have dedicated themselves to upholding the highest ideals of our profession and have achieved remarkable success in their respective legal careers. While doing so, they have lived the call for service to others. They have been extremely impactful to Duquesne Kline School of Law, and we are very appreciative of their ongoing and lasting contributions to our school."

Steelers are 3-1, but can they sustain the winning?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are exiting their bye week with a 3-1 record and atop the NFL’s AFC North Division. They have also gotten some good fortune from injuries within their division than the overall performance of the Steelers, especially their offense. The Steelers defense may have been slightly porous during the first few games of the season. However, the defense has caused 10 turnovers but the offense has coughed up the ball three times, giving the team a plus7 in the turnover battle so far in 2025. If the Steelers had not been so eager to expedite the departure of a once-in-a generation talent, they might be on the verge of greatness in 2025. With the unceremonious departure of George Pickens, the yinzers got what they wanted: the power to dropkick another player who was culturally incompatible with them straight into the chilly waters of the "Mon" wearing only a bubblegum lifejacket. There is a huge difference in the media coverage of Black athletes. I have preached this next phrase or a phrase similar to it for

more than four decades. I have chosen my life’s work to validate and maintain the Afrocentric paradigm of sports.

Others have chosen to use the generational Eurocentric paradigm as a method to violate and castigate the excellence of Black athletes and their contributions to the world of sports. Now that ex-Steeler wideout George Pickens has been exiled to the Lone Star State, all of a sudden the yinzers have attended the latest tent revival out on the range and it has been revealed to them after the fact, that all of men's room, gather-round-the-toilet chatter was just that. Pickens was defined as a possible "cancer" in the locker room of the Black and Gold. In the interim, many folks have pined and whined for wide receiver Roman Wilson to step up and show out. Hell, that being the case, they might

as well as throw Woodrow Wilson, Flip Wilson, Jackie Wilson, or Wilson’s meats into the mix. It doesn’t really matter,

The unholy roller's tent meeting is over. A few folks are seeing the results of their “get rid of Pickens campaign” and it has them sinking in the “quicksand of stupid.” All of the George Pickens haters are suddenly experiencing seller’s remorse. There was a recent article posted on sports. yahoo.com: "Steelers fans lament the George Pickens trade."

An excerpt from the article says: “The trade that sent wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys was supposed to be addition by subtraction for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Trade away a talented malcontent and use that draft capital to help the team next offseason. Meanwhile, the team traded for wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, who didn't have the same reputation for being a maturity red flag and was nearly as talented.”

There are many times in the case of certain athletes, maturity is defined by silence and the acceptance of the

status quo. At this point in the season, the 3-1 won-loss record may be a hybrid of performance and smoke and mirrors. Despite the hype, the offense of Pittsburgh is ranked 28th out of 32 NFL teams. Pickens has also been vilified as a troublemaker and just a general malcontent and a terrible teammate. The article continues on pointing out that: “Some Steelers fans are having seller's remorse as they watch Pickens not only put up great numbers with the Cowboys but also be a great teammate. The first part doesn't surprise us but the second is a different matter.”

It doesn’t surprise folks that George Pickens is a great player, but according to some folks, his character and attitude are lacking. "MetcalfBurgh" posted on "Cesspool-book" (Facebook) that “George Pickens is a horrible teammate and a locker-room cancer!”

You see how "MetcalfBurgh" tossed the name of the Steelers' number one wide receiver into the tapestry of lies about George Pickens long after he has fled the North Shore and is not only surviving but

thriving down in cattle country. There is an article written by Anthony G. Halkias and posted on steelernation. com that the Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith may have joined the bus drivers’ union as he attempts to drive the bus over his own players and his offensive scheme. Halkias quotes Arthur Smith as saying, "When it's the run game, I believe we had three possessions in the first half," Smith told reporters. "The first two got 14 points, got in a rhythm. Then we missed that third down, and then they had that long drive, I believe, right? Then we got the interception and took a knee. So, it wasn't a lot of possessions. I think even some of the runs we didn't hit, if you just look at the combination blocks, that's what's exciting," Smith said. "We had a run that, I think, that bounced, those are the things you've got to work on. At the point of attack, Troy [Fautanu] and Mason [McCormick], that's about as good of a duo blocking you'll see. We've just got to continue to keep working. Obviously, in the third quarter, we stalled out. Then we

had the penalties, and we were just off track. Then in the fourth quarter, we did run the ball late. That last drive, we chewed up a lot of the clock. You don't want to give up on it just because you stall out in the third quarter. So, we weren't just an obvious one-dimensional offense."

“So, it wasn't a lot of possessions.” The Steelers offense has been gift wrapped turnover after turnover and has been predictable by running the ball on first down after first down and Arthur Smith has the nerve to say, “We weren't just an obvious one-dimensional offense.” So you are running a onehalf dimensional offense and it is obvious to every defensive coordinator in the NFL. The Steelers coaches, fans and the rottweilers protecting the house should not feel good about the Steelers offense, especially when their upcoming schedule will be far from a walk in the park, OK? No, not really.

THE HON. DWAYNE WOODRUFF WITH WIFE, JOY MAXBERRY WOODRUFF.

THE HON. DWAYNE WOODRUFF, WITH FAMILY. (PHOTOS BY CHIEF IKHANA-HAL-MAKINA)

What the government shutdown means for Black homeownership

A government shutdown isn’t just a headline, it’s a shockwave that ripples through every corner of the economy. For the African American community already facing structural barriers to homeownership, the fallout can be especially harsh. In times of federal gridlock, the systems that help level the playing field—housing programs, mortgage support, and regulatory oversight, can slow or stall. This makes it more important than ever to be informed, prepared, and active in defense of Black homeownership.

The Black community enters shutdown periods from a position of vulnerability. Many buyers are already stretched financially, so delays or disruptions hit harder when there’s less room to absorb unexpected costs. First-time buyers, in particular, can lose momentum when

contracts expire or closings drag out. Some will face extra fees or even lose the deal entirely. Others may walk away discouraged, widening the gap between Black and White homeownership rates. These disruptions deepen inequality, as well-resourced buyers are better able to navigate or wait out the uncertainty. For too many Black households, the process reinforces doubt about whether the system is stable enough to trust, creating a chilling effect on participation.

What Happens During a Government Shutdown

When Congress fails to pass funding, many federal agencies must furlough staff, curtail services, or suspend nonessential operations. The housing sector is not exempt. With limited staffing and paused authorizations, some government-backed housing programs and mortgage processes can be delayed or disrupted. In past shutdowns, HUD has slowed or paused loan processing functions, especially for FHA and USDA mortgages. Borrowers in flood zones may also be blocked from closing if the National Flood Insurance Program cannot issue or renew policies. Mortgage underwriting often requires tax transcript verification from the IRS, and when the IRS is short-staffed, approvals are held up. Industry estimates warn that as many as 1,400 home sales per day could fall through if a shutdown is prolonged. Meanwhile, Black federal workers and contractors, who make up a significant share of government employment, face delayed paychecks, creating

If

They say love conquers all — but let’s keep it real: love won’t conquer poor money management. You can have all the chemistry and connection in the world, but if your partner’s financial habits are reckless, your relationship is built on shaky ground. Dating or marrying the wrong person can wreck your finances faster than unemployment, bad credit, high-interest loans, or missed payments. When it comes to relationships, you can’t afford to ignore the money factor.

Love May Be Blind, but Money Sees Everything In the game of love, people chase sparks—the butterflies, the late-night talks, the chemistry that makes your heart skip. But while romance might light up your world, it won’t light up your bank account if you’re with the wrong one. You can post “couple goals” and matching outfits on social media all day, but if your relationship is financially toxic, your wallet will tell a different story. Love might feel good, but financial

by Aimee D. Griffin For New Pittsburgh Courier

Every October, we observe Estate Planning Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on the importance of protecting families, preserving wealth, and planning for the future. Estate planning is not just about preparing documents. It is about aligning your values with your valuables and ensuring that what you build in your lifetime continues to strengthen your family and community for generations to come.

At Life & Legacy Counselors, our vision is to serve as a premier global network of professionals committed to supporting the creation, protection, and transfer of wealth. We recognize

that true legacy building goes beyond the accumulation of assets; it is about passing forward stability, values, and opportunity. Guided by this vision, our mission is to educate, collaborate, and strategically plan with individuals, families, businesses, and communities so they can build multigenerational wealth. This mission fuels our daily work, reminding us that every plan we design carries the potential to change the trajectory of a family’s future.06

Why Estate Planning Matters in Our Community For far too many families, planning for the future is delayed until it is too late. Studies show that more than 60 percent of Americans do not have a will

or trust. Among African Americans, the percentage is even higher. Without intentional planning, families lose homes, businesses, and hard-earned wealth that could have been preserved for generations.

In the Black community especially, the absence of estate planning has contributed to the devastating loss of property, businesses, and financial security. Estate planning interrupts this cycle by ensuring that what has been built is not only preserved but expanded. It transforms personal achievement into a collective legacy.

What We’re Doing

This Month

During Estate Planning Awareness Month, Life & Legacy Counselors is working to bring knowledge and tools directly to the community through educational webinars and workshops that simplify complex concepts, private Legacy Strategy Sessions for families ready to take action, and collaborations with churches, civic groups, and professional organizations that extend our reach. These efforts reflect our commitment to making estate planning accessible, understandable, and achievable for everyone—not just the wealthy.

A Call to Action

This October, I encourage every family to take three critical steps: Start the Conversation —Talk openly about your wishes and your family’s future.

Work with Trusted Professionals—Online forms cannot replace the wisdom of advisors who know your values and your goals. Review Regularly—As life changes, so should your estate plan.

Estate planning is not about death—it is about life, love, and the future we choose to create. It is about leaving more than memories; it is about leaving direction, protection, and peace of mind.

At Life & Legacy Counselors, our vision and mission remind us daily that estate planning is not an event but a journey—a journey that allows families to pass forward not only wealth but also wisdom, strength, and hope. This Estate Planning Awareness Month, let us commit to turning our values into action and our hard work into legacies that endure.

stress will test that love like nothing else. Love is powerful, but it doesn’t pay rent, erase credit card debt, build an emergency fund or fund retirement. When you mix romance with poor money management, you’re signing up for stress, arguments, and regret.

Financial Recklessness Is Costly

Financial recklessness goes beyond impulse shopping or bad credit. It’s a mindset. It’s the partner who sees budgeting as optional, savings as “boring,” and debt as “normal.” It’s the person who laughs off financial goals or calls you “cheap” because you want stability. Before you know it, you’re co-signing loans, covering bills, and trying to clean up a mess you didn’t make. Job loss or emergencies happen— those can be managed. But chronic overspending, gambling, lack of savings or a “you only live once” attitude toward money? That’s a guaranteed path to going broke.

Financial Compatibility: The Make-or-Break Factor You and your partner don’t have to

earn the same income, but you must share similar money values. When one person budgets and builds while the other spends recklessly, tension builds, resentment grows, and the relationship suffers.

first,

PROPERTY IS POWER!

Government shutdown means

additional stress for households already preparing to buy.

What It Means Specifically for Black Homeownership

The Black community enters a shutdown period from a position of vulnerability. Many buyers are already stretched financially. Delays or disruptions hit hardest those with less cushion, smaller credit margins, or tighter timelines. Some specific consequences:

Loss of momentum for first-time buyers

People trying to break into homeownership can see their timelines slip. What was a firm contract may become unstable under delays.

Increased costs & uncertainty

When closings stretch or rework, unexpected fees, higher interest, or contract renegotiations can erode financial edge.

Widening the disparity

These disruptions deepen inequality: White or more-resourced buyers may absorb delays better. Black buyers, without that buffer, may lose deals or walk away.

Chilling effect on trust & participation

Frequent systemic breakage reinforces skepticism: “Is the system stable enough to rely on?”

This discourages new entrants into homeownership.

Tips & Strategies for Black Homeownership during a Shutdown

Lock in early and request firm commitments

Aim to have key steps completed; inspections, underwriting, firm commitments before any shutdown threat becomes real. The more you can push your timeline forward, the better protected you are.

Build a margin of time in your schedule

Expect delays. Leave buffer days (or weeks) before deadlines or closing dates. Don’t assume everything moves on “normal” timelines.

Ask lenders about processing backup plans

Ask whether your lender has contingency plans for IRS transcript access, HUD staffing lapses, or other outage risks. Work with lenders who have multiple underwriting paths.

Diversify your loan type options

If you’re eligible, consider conventional or non-government backed mortgage options. Those are less directly affected by federal furloughs compared to FHA, USDA, or HUD-dependent programs.

Strengthen your documentation ahead of time

If you may need tax transcripts or additional income proof, request them early before potential shutdowns. Keep copies of all financials so that interruptions don’t leave gaps.

Stay politically active and vocal Advocate for housing stability policies. Support leaders who protect funding for HUD, NFIP, fair housing, and anti-discrimination enforcement. Track federal budgets and call representatives when threats of cuts arise.

Educate your community

Share knowledge: inform neighbors, church groups, or local associations about how shutdowns can affect closings. Community awareness protects more households.

Final Word

In a government shutdown, the machinery behind homeownership inspections—documentation, underwriting, insurance—can slow, stall, or even seize altogether. For the Black community, which has long wrestled with inequities in access and outcomes, these moments carry outsized risk. But knowledge is power. By understanding how shutdowns affect housing, preparing ahead, choosing resilient strategies, and staying politically engaged, Black buyers can navigate uncertainty. Property is Power! In periods of disruption, that power lies in vigilance, strategy, and collective action to defend the right to own, build, and preserve wealth in Black America.

(Dr. Anthony O. Kellum – CEO of Kellum Mortgage, LLC Homeownership Advocate, Speaker, Author NMLS # 1267030 NMLS #1567030 O: 313-710-9025 W: www.KelluMortgage.com .)

If

warning signs: The Chronic Borrower: Always asking to “hold something” until payday.

The Bill Dodger: Dodges calls from creditors like it’s a sport.

The Big Spender, Small Saver: New shoes, new phone, no savings.

The Cash-Flow Mystery: Makes good money but always broke.

The Credit Ghost: Bad credit, no plan, no accountability.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not dating a partner—you’re dating a problem. When one partner builds wealth and the other builds debt, it’s not “opposites attract.” It’s “opposites collapse.”

Financial stress breaks more couples than infidelity. It exposes priorities, spending habits, and truth behind “for better or worse.”

I’ve seen strong, disciplined people spiral into financial ruin because they let emotions (love) override logic (money). Love can cloud judgment, but the end result of making good or bad money decisions will give you 20/20 vision fast. Protect Your Bag Before You Share It

Before you merge your life with someone, merge your goals. Before you share money, share honesty. Would you create a business partnership with this person? Because mar-

End-of-year tips to purchase your dream vehicle

by JP Morgan Chase

As we near the holiday season, you may be looking to treat yourself to those set of wheels you’ve been eyeing, or perhaps it’s time to purchase your loved one their dream car. In today’s financial climate, managing your vehicle costs efficiently is key, as it could help you save money and limit potential headaches down the road. Here are some helpful tips to finally make that purchase for your (or a loved one’s) dream vehicle this holiday season: Set your holiday budget, and stick to it. There are a variety of different expenses that come with getting a car—the purchase cost, insurance, maintenance and fuel being a few of them. Knowing how much you can afford, especially if you plan to pay for it over time, is key to avoiding a car bill that stretches your finances. Look for access to different  budgeting tools and tips that can help you save for your purchase.

Look for the best holiday deals. Like many other items, vehicles have a price cycle; the end of the year tends to be when you can find a better deal, as dealers may need to meet quotas or clear out inventory. Generally, make sure you are considering multiple vehicles and shopping around at several dealerships to get the best price.   Test drive the vehicle to make sure it fits your needs. This is your time to see how the vehicle looks

riage is the ultimate partnership. Marriage is an emotional, spiritual, and financial partnership rolled into one.

Here’s your playbook:

1. Date Wisely Ask the right questions early. How do you handle unexpected expenses?

Do you budget or track your spending?

What’s your biggest financial goal? If they get defensive, that’s a red flag. Don’t ignore it.

2. Marry Carefully

Before you say “I do,” say “let’s talk.” Pull credit reports. Disclose debts. Discuss saving, investing, and future goals.

Financial transparency isn’t unromantic—it’s maturity. You’re not signing up to fix someone’s chaos; you’re signing up to build a future.

3. Set Boundaries Love doesn’t require blind trust with money. Don’t merge accounts too soon.

Don’t co-sign loans. Don’t “loan” what you can’t afford to lose. If they can’t manage one hundred dollars responsibly, don’t trust them with ten thousand.

When Two Builders Connect Now let’s flip it. When two financially disciplined people connect, it’s power.

and feels, try out the interior systems and figure out if the vehicle fits your needs. Schedule test drive appointments to ensure the car you want is still available, ideally a few in the same day or week to keep your impressions fresh in your mind. It’s also helpful to simulate your daily driving conditions as much as possible, such as bringing any car seats or equipment you may have in your car daily. After your test drive, you can ask about the car’s warranty and fuel and maintenance requirements, as well as the possibility of getting an extended test drive or bringing the car to your own mechanic for a second opinion.

Determine whether you are financing or leasing. There are benefits of both a lease and a loan. With a loan, there is no milage limit and you are free to customize and change the car as you see fit. After completing your finance payments, you own it. Leases typically have lower upfront costs than loan payments, and at the end of the term you can return, purchase or trade the vehicle in. But keep in mind that most leases have a mileage limit, so it might not be the best option if you travel often.   How to know if an electric vehicle is right for you. With so many major manufacturers building EVs, there are more options than ever before. However, cost, maintenance, range and charging logistics are all key factors to consider. For maintenance, EVs typically require

That’s wealth energy—two people aligned with shared vision and purpose. They budget together, save together, invest together, and celebrate progress together. They’re not arguing about money and bills; they’re strategizing their life goals. They’re using their income to better their lives together. That’s what financial intimacy looks like: transparency, teamwork, and trust.

Love Is Emotional. Money Is Mathematical.

Love makes you feel. Money makes you think.

That’s why so many couples end up heartbroken and broke—they lead with emotion and ignore the math.

If your partner can’t handle one thousand dollars responsibly, marriage won’t make them handle ten thousand better. Marriage doesn’t fix financial immaturity—it magnifies it. You can’t build a mansion on a cracked foundation. Love is the emotion. Money is the structure. You need both solid to stand tall. The Real Love Talk Don’t wait until after the honeymoon to talk about money. Talk before you fall too deep.

Ask the tough questions: How do you feel about debt? Do you save or spend first?

less maintenance than traditional cars. EV batteries tend to be covered by 8-10 year warranties (outlasting the amount of time most people own their cars) but EV tires degrade faster due to the weight of the battery.  And just as gas prices vary, so do electricity costs—based on your location, your driving style and the size of your battery.

The median range of an EV with a fully charged battery is roughly  250 miles, but that number depends on the make and model as well as other factors like weather, traffic conditions and driving style. And when it comes to charging infrastructure, some cities and states may have more charging stations than others. Make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and map your route.

Be sure to do your homework first before making that big purchase. There are many tools available that can help you plan for costs in addition to the vehicle loan or lease payments, such as sales taxes, registration fees, and insurance— which can vary depending on the car make, model and even the color. For instance, using a  car payment calculator can help estimate your monthly car payment for different scenarios, by inputting the ballpark amount you’d like to finance along with some other basic info.

For more auto budgeting tools and tips, visit  autofinance.chase. com

What’s your five-year financial vision?

If that conversation feels uncomfortable, that’s exactly why you need to have it. Silence about money leads to struggles about money. Choose Growth, Not Debt Attraction might be instant, but commitment is a decision. Choose someone who wants to build with you—not break you down financially and emotionally. A supportive partner adds peace to your purpose, not pressure to your paycheck. When you date someone who respects money, your goals multiply. When you date someone who abuses money, your goals will never materialize. Don’t let loneliness rush you into a costly relationship. It’s cheaper to stay single than to marry a spendthrift. Bottom Line When you date wisely, marry carefully, and protect your bag, you create a love that thrives emotionally and financially. So before you fall for looks, charm or swag, look for a partner that mirrors your money mindset. Before you dream about matching rings, make sure you share matching values—especially about money.

Guest Editorial

Black people should embrace economic warfare!

Once upon a time before Donald John Trump ascended to his imaginary throne in the White House, Americans lazily took democracy for granted. They were warned by numerous people that a Trump presidency would be a catastrophe for America, but due to propaganda and a liberal sprinkling of abject ignorance, the warnings were ignored. As a result, today we find the United States in the process of deconstruction. People are astonished at how quickly this deconstruction is proceeding, and a lot of them are giving the credit to Trump, amazed by the speed in which things are progressing. But this is misleading; the regressive elements that are becoming an unfortunate part of our society are “gifted” to us by Project 2025, courtesy of the Heritage Foundation and their minions. In essence, everything was already decided upon before Trump was elected, and all he has to do is implement the plan. His oligarchal compatriots have come together to ensure that Project 2025 becomes reality.

This is why the country is devolving at such an alarming rate; if things continue at the current rate, it is only a matter of time before the United States becomes unrecognizable and will go down in history as the country that could, but wouldn’t do the right thing!

At this point, there is still a sliver of a chance to turn the tide of the current state of events…but actions must be taken immediately, if not sooner. We are almost at the point of no return! Unfortunately, the White supremacist gaggle of goof-offs that are planning to bag for themselves the riches and benefits of America no doubt think that they have the prize in the bag! But they are not guaranteed to succeed. Success will depend totally upon what people do, which can definitely change the current political trajectory. Actually, things are not as bleak as they seem if people would just remove the blindfolds that are resulting in an inability to perceive truth long enough to unify with other Americans against the oligarchs. The Jimmy Kimmel debacle has provided us with the kind of strategic blueprint needed to make a difference in this regard. As we now know, Kimmel was sanctioned and his late-night program was suspended due to a joke that he made about the murder of White supremacist activist Charlie Kirk. As a result of an overwhelming response by concerned citizens, the oligarchs were not able to make Kimmel permanently disappear because people hit them where it hurt, in the pocketbook!

Therein lies the rub; America is a worshipper of the dollar, the oligarch’s life-blood, and because of this, they present a fair game for an economic boycott that has the potential to bring the American economy and their human economic engines to their knees. This is a distinct possibility Essentially, African Americans are especially able to influence events in such a way that those who are hell-bent on destroying America are thwarted in their malevolent efforts to re-construct her in their own regressive image. African Americans collectively represent the spending power of over a trillion dollars. This is the equivalent of the economy of a whole country. Because of this, if the right strategy is utilized, African Americans can turn the country around through a process of targeted economics. In other words, a boycott of selected industries could make a very real difference in the outcomes.

In addition to boycotts, strategic voting is another tool that can be utilized to change the current trajectory of our country. Unfortunately, too many African Americans stayed home instead of voting. This is partially due to a feeling that they are powerless and that their vote doesn’t count, which is a partial cause of the current predicament that we face. Don’t believe the hype: our votes count! That’s why they are attempting to use gerrymandering to disenfranchise Black voters. Understand this, wake up, and rescue our country from the demon oligarchs that want us to return to enslavement or to disappear altogether! Aluta continua.

(Reprinted from the Chicago Crusader)

The horrifying ‘war within’

(TriceEdney Wire.com) Who could have imagined hundreds of our top military personnel  being ordered to the United States to hear Donald Trump (multi-times draft dodger) and Pete Hegseth rap about their personal grievances, and how they’re working toward putting even more people who proudly serve  in the military in jeopardy because of their weight, personal grooming, denying women and gay people to serve in combat—except Trump and his sons who served nowhere! It seems the Secretary of War and the President think their kind are the only ones truly capable of serving.   They’ve decided cities they don’t like (meaning those with a lot of Black people, Democrats and Progressives) can expect to be military training grounds!  Looks like they’ve already started doing that. Look at Los Angeles; Washington, DC; Chicago, Memphis, Portland and others threatened. One assumes they’ll use the same tactics as those used outside the country on the real enemy.

Those leading our nation now are embarrassing, and all of us should apologize to friends in other nations. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to work or travel abroad and meet people, I know you hang your head in shame as you listened to the absolutely horrible nonsense our high ranking officials had to endure while sitting in that disgusting meeting in which Hegseth and Trump put on at millions of dollars in costs to our taxpayers.

The real tragedy is their performance has leaders in other nations laughing at what happened. We’re not perfect here in this nation and never lived up to its promise for people of color (especially African Americans), Hispanics, Native Americans—and now Immigrants. Trump’s family came here as immigrants. He’s married at least two women from other nations, and all of them were given every benefit Americans who came here from somewhere else.  Those of us who were born here, work hard every day to perfect our union, but have never fully enjoyed the benefits.  Yet, we persist in hope, and work to build this nation to what it professes to be. While we obey the Constitution, we’re not benefiting from doing so while Trump and his crowd ignore the rules and still prosper. Trump and his friends continue to discriminate against us and try to erase our history. They’re trying to keep others in the dark about all we have given to the prosperity of this nation while they continue to drain our coffers with foolishness, fire hard working people and

deny the evil they continue to protect such as what Trump’s buddy, Epstein, did to ruin the lives of so many young White women.

I’m a peace activist and appreciate the loyalty of protectors of this nation. I don’t like their being summoned here to sit stone-faced to listen to the disrespect they faced in that meeting. Along with the Generals and Admirals, we were served up complaints about women not being worthy of combat roles, about men (meaning Black men) who for medical reasons, can’t do the clean shaving, and about their expressions that women and minorities are incapable of rising to the top without “special treatment”.

The meeting of those men and women ordered here was evidence of disrespect for them, implying they don’t know how to do their jobs without the garbage spewed to them by a draft dodger and a man who didn’t know how to control his drinking and other bad behavior. Now they’re ordering highly experienced men and women who’ve learned from training and experience to do the real work of keeping America safe.

Trump says we’re under invasion from within as citizens peacefully protest the wrongdoing of our so-called leaders; therefore, he has to send men who slam men and women roughly to the ground, take frightened children from parents and more. We can’t be too afraid to at least speak out!

How government shutdown could end today

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—“What is at the center of this fight? … 20 million Americans are going to see their health care costs skyrocket. Fifteen million people are going to be jettisoned from Medicaid. They’re going to decimate Medicaid. This is historic. This has not happened in U.S. history. In addition, your hospitals were shut down. Nursing homes shut down, clinics.”

—U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro

If the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits are allowed to expire, premium payments for the more than 20 million Marketplace enrollees will more than double in 2026.  At least 4 million Americans could lose health care coverage altogether.

If the healthcare cuts in the “Big Ugly Bill” are allowed to stand, 700 rural hospitals—one in three—could shut down, and another 15 million Americans could become uninsured.

Legislation pending in Congress could prevent this catastrophe and end the government shutdown that is devastating families and communities across the country.

It’s no wonder the Trump administration and its allies in Congress would rather fear-monger with lies about undocumented immigrants than confront the facts.

The fact is, as long as the shutdown continues, local communities are

What happened to Rome and its destruction from within is now being experienced by Americans in Real Time. The meeting that the Secretary of Defense held with all the senior military leaders is a prime example of the effort to not only force all senior military leaders to resign or quit out of protest and frustration, but to also undermine the position of women in the military, many of whom have earned their way to some of the highest ranks in our armed forces. President Trump’s added comments on deploying active duty military to the streets of our nation’s cities is another step in the direction of using the military to intimidate citizens at every level of our democracy.

The shutdown of the Federal government by the Republicans refusing to even consider or debate the Continuing Resolution provisions that the Democrats want in order to save crucial social service programs, is also a part of the plan to destroy America from within, from the firing of key personnel, destruction of the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services from within, with the insane actions of RFK Jr. all represent a part of a plan which

losing access to over $60 billion in federal funding, jeopardizing essential services and infrastructure.

The fact is, veterans are being denied transition assistance, career counseling, and outreach. Families aren’t even able to place headstones at their loved ones’ graves in veterans’ cemeteries. Active-duty military families, many of whom already struggle to make ends meet, are working without pay, making it harder to cover basic living expenses.

The extremists in the White House and Congress are willing to deny nutrition assistance to mothers and children who rely on the WIC program … to withhold surgeries and treatment from patients at military treatment facilities … to delay progress on life-saving research and public health initiatives at the NIH and CDC … to disrupt Social Security and Medicare services for seniors and vulnerable populations

… to jeopardize the health and safety of our workforce while Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspections are ceased.

And all of this is happening in defense of a crusade to strip health insurance from millions of working-class Americans and leave vast swaths of the country without access to critical care.

To be clear: unauthorized immigrants are ineligible to purchase health insurance on government exchanges established by the Affordable Care Act. They are ineligible for Medicaid, Medicare and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The legislation that could prevent the health care catastrophe and end the government shutdown does not make them eligible for these programs.  Anyone who claims that it does is not telling the truth.

The government shutdown is not simply a conflict between conflicting political ideologies. It’s a conflict between fact and falsehood. It’s a conflict between responsible stewardship of public resources and a reckless grasp of those resources for billionaires. We can continue to fuel bitter partisan division while working Americans continue to lose ground to the wealthiest among us, or we can work together toward and equitable, stable, and healthy future.

former Vice President Harris said in her new book “was decades in the making.” “We must not go quietly in the night”. It’s not enough to just march and protest; We have already stated before and will continue to do so, we must pray and we must register people to vote at every protest site and now we must get out and support those Redistricting Proposals like Proposition 50 here in California and any similar measures in other states that will redraw electoral boundaries so as to deny Republicans from adding more seats in their effort to retain control of the House of Representatives in the 2026 Mid Term elections. Our prayers must be for the House of Representatives and the Democratically elected new members of Congress needed to take back control of the House of Represen-

tatives. That’s why in California and every state that’s redrawing its boundaries to add democratic members, we the people must register and vote. We outnumbered Trump and his MAGA supporters, but they were smart enough to rig state elections by drawing boundaries that put them in power. One only needs to look at what was just done in Texas, where the newly redrawn congressional districts eliminated two Black members of Congress. The difference is the MAGA people have stayed the course with their agenda. We have the numbers but lack the willingness to vote.

Again, I remind you, the reader, of Dr. King’s May 17, 1957 speech in which he said, “Give us the vote and we will elect the right people to our legislative halls.” Let’s move from talk and fear to action. We can change history by blocking the Destruction of America from within. Let’s hold on to every position any of us have and fight to keep those positions until we can retake our government. We can win if we pray and fight while protesting.

(Dr. John E. Warren is Publisher, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper Chairman of the Board of NNPA)

In the 1986 horror movie “The Fly,” a character uttered these words, “Be afraid, be very afraid.”

These iconic words are very apropos today when our Constitutional rights and our very democracy are in imminent danger. Can we stand silently by while the Trump administration perpetuates the firing of late-night hosts like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel because Trump doesn’t like what they say? Can we stand silently by while people lose their jobs for online posts? Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, people losing their jobs for posts about Charlie Kirk, who’s next? George Washington warned, “If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”

Well, I, for one, refuse to be a sheep. Trump and his administration feel free to call politicians names and threaten them without retribution, but Trump sues media outlets because he doesn’t like what was said or printed. The administration is now talking about taking away people’s passports. Under Republican-proposed

legislation, the secretary of state would be able to deny passports to people whom they determine have “knowingly aided, assisted, abetted, or otherwise provided material support to an organization the Secretary has designated as a foreign terrorist organization.” This would give wide discretion to the State Department to define those groups and to define what constitutes aid. In the movie, “The Fly,” the person who is given the warning, “Be afraid, be very afraid,” heeds the warning. America, we need to heed the warning, “Be afraid, be very afraid,” or we will be led like sheep to the slaughter.

Don’t let pharmacy deserts swallow our communities

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—We certainly live in challenging times. Shortly before RFK Jr.’s hand-picked CDC panel met last week to abandon its COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, Senator Adam Schiff publicly asked insurers to cover routine vaccines for illnesses, no matter what the group recommended. I applaud Sen. Schiff for continually fighting the good fight. Throughout my time in Congress, I was also a lifelong advocate for health equity. I spent decades fighting to make healthcare more accessible in underserved communities like the one I represented in Brooklyn. It was both an opportunity and a challenge to fight these inequalities. But lately, some of our health equity challenges are quietly morphing into crises right before our eyes. I’m talking about pharmacy deserts, which continue to expand as pharmacies close in our cities and surrounding neighborhoods. Take Sen. Schiff’s efforts, for instance. If pharmacists aren’t around to administer vaccinations, insurance coverage of these COVID-19 shots won’t matter for the millions of Americans stuck in pharmacy deserts.

Pharmacies are closing at an alarming pace. Across America: CVS closed 900 stores between 2022 and 2024, and they will close 270 more stores in 2025; Walgreens is shuttering 1,200 stores; and Rite-Aid, which recently filed for bankruptcy, closed more than 310.  I cannot sit on the sidelines and watch as pharmacies, the lifelines of community healthcare, vanish before our eyes. These pharmacies are essential institutions that serve as trusted, accessible points of care for millions of

Edolphus Towns

families with nowhere else to turn. Nationwide, local drugstores are shutting their doors. These aren’t just a loss for businesses big and small; they are a loss for entire communities. For many, especially in under-resourced areas, these pharmacies are where people fill prescriptions, get vaccinated, manage chronic conditions, and ask health questions they can’t afford to take to a doctor. They’re a pillar of public health. So why is this happening?

One major reason is a coordinated attack by the pharmaceutical industry on the very companies, the so-called middlemen that help keep drug costs down. These are the organizations that negotiate discounts, enable mail delivery, and manage the logistics that make medicine more affordable and accessible. Despite their role in lowering prices, they’re being blamed in ads, in the press, and in legislation. But without them, drug prices will rise and the pharmacies serving vulnerable neighborhoods will keep disappearing. When lawmakers pass bills that strip away these providers’ ability to negotiate or operate pharmacies, the effects are swift and severe. Just look at Arkansas, where a new law is shutting down pharmacies and cutting off health care access in communities already struggling to meet basic needs. Other states are considering similar legislation, and minority communities will be hit first and worst.

This expanding patchwork of pharmacy deserts is not just inconvenient. It is a looming public health emergency that puts our communities at risk. Already, one-third of neighborhoods in major U.S. cities lack a local pharmacy, and those hardest hit are Black and Hispanic communities. If this trend continues, millions more will lose access to medications they need to stay healthy, manage diabetes or heart disease, or treat depression and anxiety. The list goes on. We can’t afford to let that happen. Yes, our medicines must be cheaper. I am a lifelong Democrat. And when Republicans and President Trump are wrong, I hold them accountable. As such, the President deserves some acknowledgement with his recent executive order that aims to stop big drug companies from charging Americans the highest prices in the world. As did President Biden, who fought to allow Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices. But the real problem is that big drug companies are responsible for high drug prices, not the companies working to deliver medications affordably and efficiently. Tearing down the system that negotiates lower drug costs is like smashing a fire alarm because it’s too loud. It doesn’t stop the fire. It creates chaos and puts more people in danger. Let’s stop attacking the parts of the system that are helping people. Parts that our everyday communities rely on. Let’s protect the pharmacies, services, and tools that keep our most vulnerable neighbors connected to care. Because once a pharmacy leaves a neighborhood, it rarely comes back, and the consequences can last a lifetime.

Looking for a lynching while ignoring high rates of Black suicide

September 15—Campus personnel found the body of Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old Black student at Delta State University in Mississippi, hanging from a tree.

Following the discovery, university police indicated that there were no signs of foul play. The Delta State Police Chief stated that there was no indication of continued threats to students or faculty and that they were being assisted by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations, as well as local police and sheriff’s deputies.

Given Mississippi’s history of racist violence against Blacks, the initial news report about a “Black man found dead hanging from a tree” read like a Jim Crow-era lynching. Online Rumors spread suggesting that Reed’s body was discovered with shattered bones, which contradicted the campus police’s claim that there was “no foul play” and a cover-up was taking place.

The police commissioner said, “We haven’t had a documented case of a lynching in decades. So, when somebody jumps to that conclusion, I would believe that they’re just trying to get the clickbait and get you to come look at their stuff.”

The county coroner disproved the rumors. The office concluded the student did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault.

September 16—Nationally known civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump announced that Reed’s family retained him because they were deeply concerned and demanded answers. Crump indicated that he will work with other civil rights organizations to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.

September 18—The local police stated the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s autopsy findings are “consistent with the initial investigation, determining the cause of death to be hanging and the manner of death as suicide.”

J. Pharoah Doss Check It Out

Reed’s family questioned the autopsy results.

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick volunteered to cover the cost of an independent autopsy. In a statement, the NAACP said, “While initial reports offered no evidence of ‘foul play,’ you’d have to excuse our skepticism amidst growing racially motivated violence targeted at our communities across this nation. So, while we await more formal autopsy reports and information, we offer this piece of history with a level of certainty: Our people have not historically hung themselves from trees.”

Michael Curtis, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, has researched Black men and suicide. He was skeptical of Reed’s suicide, citing gun violence as the most predominant method among Black men and that “hanging is very uncommon.”

According to data from the National Violence Death Reporting System, 2,308 Black men committed suicide in 2020. 60 percent died from gunshot wounds— like Professor Curtis explained. However, 24 percent of suicides were due to asphyxiation or hanging, with the majority taking place in a home or apartment; fewer were found in jail cells. Of the 2,000 suicides among Black males, just 34 occurred outside, with only 10 occurring in a tree or natural area.

Professor Curtis was right that suicide by hanging is uncommon for Black men, but the official ruling that Reed’s death was a suicide would be easy to believe if the NAACP, Black academics, Black Lives Matter, and the Black media had acknowledged the rise in suicides in

Black America over the past decade.  In 2015, JAMA (The Journal of the American Medical Association) published an alarming study titled “Suicide Trends among Elementary School-Age Children in the United States.” It indicated that suicide is the leading cause of death among children younger than 12, and the number of Black children—mostly boys—under 12 that have committed suicide doubled from 1993 to 2012.

The researchers added, “To our knowledge, this is the first national study to observe higher suicide rates among US Black individuals compared with White individuals.”

In 2020, MD/PhD Joshua A. Gordon, the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, wrote, “One often overlooked aspect of the rising rates of suicide in the U.S. is its impact on youth— and in particular, its impact on Black youth. Black people face increased rates of risk factors, including experiences of racism, higher rates of unemployment and financial and food insecurity, disparities in other aspects of health, and limited access to care, all of which result in an increased burden of mental illness in Black communities. Despite this heavy burden, Black people and individuals in other racial and ethnic minority groups have historically had relatively low rates of suicide. But this has been changing recently, especially for Black youth. As of 2018, suicide became the second leading cause of death in Black children aged 10-14 and the third leading cause of death in Black adolescents aged 15-19.”

According to the Substance and Mental Health Services Administration, suicide rates among Black youth aged 10 to 24 have increased by roughly 37 percent between 2018 and 2021. Reed’s death should draw attention to the disturbing suicide rate among Black youth in America, rather than serving as a reminder of the country’s racist past.

The City of Pittsburgh has decided to move forward with plans for a public safety facility that could cost roughly $86 million. While some may see it as just another training facility or community growth, it brings about various concerns that need to be unpacked. I will approach this in two parts. The first one will focus on the effects it will have on the Black community and lack of community engagement. The second part will address the role of “progressive politics” and neocolonialism. While this is being marketed as a public safety center for Police, Fire and EMS, it mirrors a “Cop City.” Cop cities have been popping up throughout the U.S. There are 69-plus being built or in development. They are police training facilities that have burn buildings, firing ranges, mock cities, and K-9 training, etc. Basically, further militarizing the police. The one here in Pittsburgh would have similar features like K-9 training and a firing range. I do recognize that there were amendments made that are supposed to ensure it will not be used to train officers for urban warfare, etc. However, just because an amendment is added doesn’t guarantee that police won’t find a way to justify their training “needs.” Also, 47 and the current administration have made it clear that their plan is to use Black communities as training for police. For instance, just recently, 47 revealed that he had told the defense

(TriceEdneyWire.com)—The United States economy is cruising for a bruising.  Inflation keeps ticking up thanks to, among other things, rising inflation.  The job market is not performing as expected, and unemployment rates are ticking up.  Private sector employment shed 22,000 jobs last month, while forecasters thought that private sector employment would increase.  The government shutdown will cost jobs, and that man who lives in the House that Enslaved People Built (HEPB) says he will lay off or fire more people each day that the government is shut down.  And health care costs are rising, which is one of the reasons Democrats held firm on dealing with health care as a condition to keeping government open.  Bottom line, our economy is precarious. Implosion may be a strong term.  Economic indicates suggest we might experience stagflation, which means economic stagnation, combined with inflation.  We might experience a mild recession, which means two quarters of negative economic growth.  We might experience a deep recession or even a depression.  But we know that the economy will not generate growth, stable inflation and rising employment unless something changes.  That means that the majority of us will suffer.  People will lose jobs and perhaps also their homes, businesses will close, and wealth will disappear.  Uncertainty will make it challenging for both individuals and businesses to make decisions.  Even in recession, though, there are winners, people who find opportunity in economic distress and maximize it.  During the 2008 recession, I remember meeting some young men in an Atlanta suburb who made thousands by packing and storing the belongings of evicted people.  During COVID I met women who started catering businesses after they lost their restaurants.  There is opportunity

secretary “to use inner cities as training grounds for war.” So, I highly doubt that they will even accept these amendments. Moreover, the facility will be built in the Lincoln-Lemington area, a predominately Black community. This is dangerous and further exposes our people to more state violence in their own backyards, something that continues to be a reality for Black people. Additionally, there has been resistance to “cop cities” around the world, with police often responding with violence. During the Stop Cop City Atlanta protest, police killed a Venezuelan environmental activist named Tortuguita Manuel Esteban Paez Terán. Locally, people are already organizing, and 20-plus people have spoken out against this at the last five Council standing committee meetings. As someone who has lost relatives to community violence, I do get that some will highlight the dangers within our communities as reasons why they support this. However, I would challenge that and

point out the need to unlearn how we have internalized White supremacy, in respect to being single-issue focused and respectability politics. This shows up with being comfortable not holding those you have political relationships with accountable for police violence, but collaborating with them on other issues such as housing, etc. Also, with the belief that police reform, training, and doing donuts with cops will stop police from hurting Black communities. There are also issues with the lack of community engagement. This has been before the Pittsburgh City Council since 2018. Why wasn’t the public notified earlier, and why were meetings not held? Council has stated that meetings would occur after the master plan is complete. How can you engage the community after decisions have already been made? In addition, the last voting meeting was changed with little notice, only giving a two-hour notice to those who signed up to speak. This raises concerns about political maneuvering that could affect community voices and possibly violate the PA Sunshine Law. Pittsburgh does not need a militarized million-dollar police training facility. Instead, funds could be redirected to affordable housing and environmental justice. We must do the internal work to unlearn our complacency in upholding White supremacy and actively advocate against this!

everywhere, though many have neither the resources nor the resilience to take advantage of those opportunities.  Structurally, there are always “high rollers” who are gainers.  This is important because we should look at these structural gainers as possibilities for taxation, not exploitation.  In other words, if you are going to benefit from other people’s pain, you should have to pay for it. Who are some of the winners when the economy implodes?  The greatest gainers are those who are cash rich.  People or corporations who used advantageous tax policies to stack cash in the past.  It’s now cash they can invest in hard times.  They can buy up foreclosed homes, distressed businesses, abandoned assets and more.  They can even steal assets as those who leave property or resources on the table are not always legally equipped to protect their stuff.  While this Congress is not likely to protect these people, especially given the near shuttering of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the current hostility to government regulation. Economic instability benefits the wealthy.  It also benefits speculators, who short stocks, bonds or currencies and profit when markets lose value.  Further, there are the hedge fund investors called “vulture investors” who buy the debt of a failing business and then benefit when the business recovers.  They are called vultures for obvious reasons – they thrive on the death, or failure, of some businesses.

The others who benefit are those who are politically well-positioned.  Banks lobbied for their bailouts during the 2008 recession, and they got them because they were perceived as “too big to fail”.  This administration, the man who lives in the HEPB is notorious for self-serving double-dealing economic policy.  Count on him, and his grifting family, to figure out ways for them to gains when the rest of the country loses.  Consider their dealings in bitcoin and cybercurrency as an example of their perfidy.

When America has a cold, Black America has a fever, so while many will be affected by an economic implosion it will hit Black America most severely. The wealthy, the powerful, and the well-positioned gain, while those already on the margins, particularly Black communities, pay the steepest price. Indeed, recession-induced instability is partly responsible for the rapid gentrification of some Black communities after the 2008 recession.  In addition to job losses, then, there are also housing losses that reshaped communities. Black women, backbones of the Black community, are especially hard-hit.  The much-reported fact that Black women lost more than 300,000 jobs in the past several month trickles down to students whose tuition may be unpaid, families who spiral down to instability, and communities in crisis, Economic crisis benefits some people.  We must do whatever we can to help those who have been further marginalized, but from a policy perspective, we must also target the winners and demand that they do their part to ameliorate the pains that economic implosion causes. (Dr. Julianne Malveaux is a DC based economist and author.  Juliannemalveaux.com)

Julianne Malveaux

Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108

Estate of JOANN HART A/K/A JO ANN HART (DECEASED), of Pittsburgh,PA 15214, Estate No. 06028 of 2025, Mark Brown, Executor, c/o Dornish Law Offices, P.C.,

or

Dornish

Wexford,

Fischman,

Offices, P.C.,

Wexford,

of WAYNE W. JELINEK, Deceased of Pittsburgh, No.: 06095 of 2025, Wayne J. Jelinek,or to Alex Ostojich, Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky , 444 Liberty Avenue, Ste. 2200, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Estate of BARBARA J. PARNELL A/K/A BARBARA JOAN PARNELL, Deceased of the Borough of Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, No.: 02-25-4754, John A. Stiver, Executor or to David J. Nichols, Atty, 6 Clairton Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236

Estate of YAKOV M. REZNIK, Deceased of Bridgeville, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, No.: 02-25-01867, Yulya R. Catena, Administrator, 740 Bayberrt Drive, Bartlett, IL 60103 or to AUBREY H. GLOVER, Atty; BRENLOVE & FULLER, LLC. 401 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Estate of PHYLLIS BERNICE SEIDENSTEIN (deceased), of Monroeville, Estate No. 06405 of 2025, Judith Tobe, Extr or to Ryan Brode, Esq., Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky, 444 Liberty Avenue, Ste. 2200., Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Estate of MR. MICHAEL SERECIN A/K/A MICHAEL J. SERECIN, deceased, of 210 Elsie Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15225, Estate No. 02-25-01116 , Ms. Deborah Mottess, Executrix c/o Feldman Law Group, 1322 5th Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108

Estate of PAUL T. SMONSKEY Deceased of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Estate No. 02-256249, Thomas V. Smonskey, Administrator, or to David J. Nichols, Atty., 6 Clairton Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15236

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Meetings

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE FY 2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE CDBG, HOME, ESG, AND HOPWA PROGRAMS

Notice is hereby given by the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA that it will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., prevailing time. The location of the public hearing will be City Council Building, 414 Grant Street, 5th Floor, City Council Chambers, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The building is handicapped accessible through the Ross Street entrance. If special arrangements need to be made to accommodate persons with disabilities and/or persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), translation services, to be able to participate in the public hearing or comment on the FY 2023 Annual Action Plan, please email omboureach@pittsburghpa.gov or via phone at (412) 255-2667 or the TDD number is 711, by Monday, October 13, 2025.

The purpose of this meeting is to gather information for the City’s Annual Action plan for FY 2026, with the City must submit to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the four federal grant programs: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). Residents are also invited to share comments on the housing, community and economic development, and fair housing needs in the City. In order to obtain the views of residents, public agencies and other interested parties, the City of Pittsburgh has placed the 2026 draft Capital Budget online for comment at pittsburghpa.gov/omb/budgets-reports. Information will be available for review for a period of at least 15 days. Written or verbal public comments will be received until 5:00 P.M. on Friday, October 31, 2025

All interested persons, groups, and organizations are encouraged to attend this public hearing and will be given the opportunity to present oral or written testimony concerning the proposed plan and use of FY 2026 Federal funds. To provide comments outside the public meeting, please email community.development @pittsburghpa.gov or via phone at (412) 255-2667. Written comments may be addressed to the City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Community Development Division, attention Mr. Kelly L. Russell, Assistant Director/Labor Compliance Officer, 414 Grant Street, Room 501, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Mr. Kelly L. Russell Assistant Director Community Development Division, OMB

1-800-Pack-Rat (PA-Leetsdale-5463) 142 Ferry St Leetsdale, PA 15056

877-774-1537 Notice of Sale

Tenant: Unit #

Barkus, Ben D55179

Barone & Psaros, Cleopatra & Teddi D61725

Carter, Raymond D58552

Cindric, Joseph D04228

Cronin, Autumn D71169

Cushey, David 705217

Fluker, Terry 700859

Jones, Kevin D65319

Kenny, Erin D00805

Lehrman, Carrie 804381

Lowrey & Schidek, Heather & Cristopher D56650

Lucas, Saria D03154

Moon, Briona D05212

Salera, Donald B60096

Stoyanoff & Swartz, Nick & Betsy D72065

1-800-Pack-Rat (PA-Leetsdale-5463), 142 Ferry St, Leetsdale, PA 15056, has possessory lien on all of the goods stored in the units above. All these items of personal property are being sold pursuant to the assertion of the lien on 10/8/2025 at 10:00 AM in order to collect the amounts due from you. The sale will take place on www.storagetreasures.com from 10/8/2025 to 10/15/2025 at 12:00 PM

United Way of Southwestern PA announces an opportunity for a grant available to human service agencies in Allegheny County from its Maurice Falk Endowment Fund. The application will open on October 6, 2025. Grants assist eligible nonprofits with capital improvement under $15,000 that are not the result of deferral of normal maintenance. For further criteria or questions, go to Falk Facilities and Technology Improvement Fund - United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE

WHEREAS, on November 19, 2004, a certain mortgage was executed by ROSE MARIE MOORE, as mortgagor in favor of ALL-PENNSYLVANIA REVERSE MORTGAGE, INC. as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County in Mortgage Book VL 29112 Page 438 Instrument # 2004-217454 (“Mortgage”); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 1209 Swissvale Avenue aka 1209-1211 Swissvale Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15221, parcel number 0232-P-00101-0000-00(“Property”); and WHEREAS; the property at 1209 SWISSVALE AVE IS IN SERIOUS DEFAULT due to violation of 9(b)(iii). An obligation of the Borrower under this Security Instrument is not performed.: and WHEREAS, the Property was owned by ROSE MARIE MOORE by virtue of deed dated 7/10/1986 and recorded 7/16/1986 in Instrument No. 18016; and WHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“Secretary”), pursuant to an assignment recorded on 11/16/2017 in Book VL 48639 Page 44 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS the entire amount delinquent as of 7/11/2025 is $56,214.08 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, l2 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR Part 29, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on 06/28/2012 in Misc. Bk-DE, Vl-14933, Pg 17, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, notice is hereby given that on 10/21/2025; at 10:00 AM at the Main Entrance of the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 all real property and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises will be sold at public action to the highest bidder: ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PIECE OF GROUND SITUATE IN THE FIRST WARD OF THE BOROUGH OF WILKINSBURG, COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY AND COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS, TO-WIT:

BEGINNING ON THE WESTERLY SIDE OF WATER STREET (NOW SWISSVALE AVENUE) IN JAMES KELLEY’S PLAN OF LOTS IN THE BOROUGH OF WILKINSBURG AT A POINT DISTANT 132 FEET NORTHWARDLY FROM NORTH STREET (NOW NORTH AVENUE) IN SAID PLAN; THENCE ALONG SAID SWISSVALE AVENUE, NORTHWARDLY 33 FEET AND EXTENDING BACK WESTWARDLY, RETAINING THE SAME WIDTH, BY LINE PARALLEL WITH NORTH AVENUE, 160 FEET MORE OR LESS, TO AN ALLEY 18 FEET WIDE, LAID OUT BY JOHN D. MCCUNE PARCEL NO: 232-P-101

The sale will be held 10/21/2025; at 10:00 AM at the Main Entrance of the Allegheny County Courthouse located at 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $56,214.08 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date. Ten percent (10%) of the highest bid is the deposit required at the sale. The amount that must be paid to HUD by the mortgagors or someone acting on their behalf so that the sale may be stayed is the total delinquent amount of $56,214.08 as of 07/11/2025, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner’s attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement.

There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.

When making their bid, all bidders, except the Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling ten percent 10% of the Secretary’s bid as set forth above in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check made out to the Secretary of HUD. Each oral bid need not be accompanied by a deposit. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of ten (10%) percent must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within thirty (30) days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier’s check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyance fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them.

The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for fifteen (15) days, and a fee will be charged in the amount of $150.00 for each fifteen (15) day extension requested. The extension fee shall be paid in the form of a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due.

If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder’s deposit will be forfeited, and the Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer the Property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder. There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein.

KML LAW GROUP, P.C. Foreclosure Commissioners (215-825-6305)

Assigns of James M. Shanley Sr., Michael Armenti and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of Michael Armenti, Donna Armenti and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of Donna Armenti, PWSA its successors and assigns.; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 3206 Rothpletz Street. Block & Lot 76-K-200. 27th Ward, Pittsburgh. Cloud 13. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-25-007229 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs PWSA, Allegheny County Court Records--Criminal Division, Michael J. Nydes , Ann C. Riley and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of Michael J. Nydes and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of Ann C. Riley; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 242 Johnston Avenue. Block & Lot 56-R-10. 15th Ward, Pittsburgh. Cloud 14. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-25-007224 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs David Bey and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of David Bey.; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 568 Sickles Street. Block & Lot 232-A-76. 13th Ward, Pittsburgh. Cloud 15. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-25-007247 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs James H. Ellison, Mildred D. Ellison, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of James H. Ellison, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Mildred D. Ellison; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents.

Concerning the Following Property: 1440 Oberlin Street. Block & Lot 173-R-109. 12th Ward, Pittsburgh. Cloud 9. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-25-007226 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Michael Poslusny aka Michael Poslusyny, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of Michael Poslusny aka Michael Poslusyny. John Robbins and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of John Robbins, Auburn Worthen and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Auburn Worthen; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 0 Armorhill Avenue. Block & Lot 90-R-166 / 90-R-167. 31st Ward, Pittsburgh. Jump 1. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-25-007246 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Rudy Lopez, PWSA, Allegheny County Department of Court Records: Criminal Division, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Rudy Lopez; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents.

Concerning the Following Property: 17 Plough Street. Block & Lot 44-H-49. 27th Ward, Pittsburgh. Jump

10. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-25-007227 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs James C. Cronin, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of James C. Cronin.; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 3580 Elmhurst Avenue. Block & Lot 75-B-84. 27th Ward, Pittsburgh.

Jump 2. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-25-007232 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs PWSA, Phillip J. Geisler, Jr. , and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of Phillip J. Geisler, Jr.; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents.

Concerning the Following Property: 939 Manton Way. Block & Lot 14-C-354. 18th Ward, Pittsburgh. Jump 3. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-25-007235 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs PWSA, Joseph H. Novi , Mark Wetmiller and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Joseph H. Novi, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Mark Wetmiller.; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents.

Concerning the Following Property: 943 Manton Way. Block & Lot 14-C-280-0-1. 18th Ward, Pittsburgh. Jump 4. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-25-007237 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Eileen S. Berry

EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-25-007244 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Rose Marie Shoup aka Rose Marie Mowry, United States of America, Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Shoup Rose Marie aka Rose Marie Mowry; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 2410 Carey Way. Block & Lot 12-L-282. 16th Ward, Pittsburgh. Jump 9. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-25-010045 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Frances M. Salvati, Samuel E. Nutbrown, Mary Ann Scalise, Frank D. Scalise, Delbert T. Cutright, Dessie B. Cutright, Ann Nutbrown, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Francis M. Salvati, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of Samuel E. Nutbrown, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Mary Ann Scalise, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of Delbert T. Cutright, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors and Assigns of Dessie B. Cutright, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Ann Nutbrown, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Frank D. Scalise; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 1518 Fallowfield Avenue. Block & Lot 35-C-12. 19th Ward, Pittsburgh. Neon 4. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-25-010046 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs John A. Farrell, Anne M. Farrell, Anthony Still, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of John A. Farrell, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Anne M. Farrell, and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Anthony Still, Flatbrush Savings Bank, its successors and assigns, The Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, its successors and assigns.; their heirs, successors, assigns and respondents. Concerning the Following Property: 321 Cedarhurst Street. Block & Lot 15-M-39. 18th Ward, Pittsburgh. Neon 2. SUBJECT TO ALL ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS, ENCROACHMENTS, AGREEMENTS, ETC. OF RECORD.

–GD-25-010047 CITY OF PITTSBURGH Vs Donnell S. Jones Sr. aka Donnell Saint Jones, Sr., and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assigns of Donnell S. Jones, Sr. aka Donnell Saint Jones, Sr., Estate of Robert E. Jones and the Unknown Heirs, Successors, and Assignes of the Estate of Robert E. Jones, PWSA, ALCOSAN,

PUBLIC ADVERTISEMENT TO BID HILL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (Hill CDC) New Granada Square Retail Fitout 2023-2033 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received by the Hill Community Development Corporation (Hill CDC) for furnishing all labor, materials, tools, equipment, and services necessary for the construction work associated with the New Granada Square Retail Fitout, located at 2023-2033 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. This solicitation actively invites participation from general contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, and specialty contractors interested in submitting proposals for this project. The Hill CDC is committed to expanding opportunity and broadening participation among qualified firms, including certified small, disadvantaged, minority, women, and locally based firms, in its procurement and subcontracting. The Hill CDC seeks to reduce barriers, promote competition, and enhance utilization of underrepresented firms.

Project Description: The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, selective demolition, structural framing, interior finishes, mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) systems, to complete a ground-floor commercial redevelopment project that encompasses five (5) future Tenant Spaces totaling approximately 4,454 square feet of gross floor area. All work must be performed in accordance with the project drawings, specifications and local building codes. This project is federally assisted and subject to Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended. Contractors will be required to comply with Section 3 requirements regarding employment, training, and contracting opportunities for low-income residents.

Bid Documents: A full set of the construction documents, specifications and Contractor Bid Tabulation (Bid Package) will be available beginning Wedneday, October 1, 2025, starting at 9:00am (EST). The construction documents will be issued in PDF format and the Contractor Bid Tabulation will be issued in Excel. All bidders who wish to participate in the bidding must request the Bid Package via email from bmiller@hilldistrict.org and jpakrul@talsonsolutions.com. All bidders are required to respond to the email transmission within 24 hours to confirm receipt.

Pre-Bid/Site Walkthrough: Hill CDC’s pre-bid meeting will be held at the project site located at 2023-2033 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The meeting will take place at 9:00 AM on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

Bid Due Date (email copy): October 30, 2025 Time: No later than 5:00 PM (EST) Delivery Email: bmiller@hilldistrict.org and jpakrul@talsonsolutions.com

Bid Due Date (hard copy): October 31, 2025 Type: Overnight delivery service, UPS, FedEx, etc. Hill Community Development Corporation 2015 Centre Avenue, Suite 2 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Attention: Bret Miller

Hill CDC reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive informalities in the bidding, and to award the contract in the best interest of the organization.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA October 2, 2025

The Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Contract Awards Room; 7th Floor; Commonwealth Keystone Building; 400 North Street; Harrisburg, PA 17120 will receive bids through ECMS or a diskette delivered to the aforementioned address until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, Thursday, November 6, 2025. 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 CAMPBELLS RUN ROAD ALLEGHENY COUNTY COUNTY PROJECT NO. 6072-0401

MPMS NO.: 27219 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.pa.gov/ECMS/) or in Room 504, County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

BIDDING REQUIREMENTS: THIS PROJECT REQUIRES PREQUALIFICATION OF BIDDERS, INCLUDING SUBCONTRACTORS, AS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 102.01 OF COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SPECIFICATIONS (PUBLICATION 408/2020, CURRENT EDITION) ON THIS PROJECT. ALL QUESTIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH ECMS AND IF NEEDED ADDENDA WILL BE ISSUED ELECTRONICALLY. INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE PROPOSAL REPORT WHICH CAN BE VIEWED THROUGH ECMS.

SUBMIT YOUR BID USING ECMS OR MAIL A DISKETTE TO THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, CONTRACTS AWARD ROOM.

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

The County Manager reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

The anticipated Notice-to-Proceed for this project is February 2, 2026 and the project is to be completed by June 6, 2031.

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. Corey O’ Connor CONTROLLER COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY

Westmoreland County

Authority is requesting

construction bids for the

project through

bids

will be received by the Westmoreland County Housing

until November 3, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. (eastern standard time). Bids shall be deposited at the Administrative Office of the Westmoreland County Housing Authority, 167 South Greengate Road, Greensburg PA 15601. Bids received will then be opened publicly. A Pre-Bid Meeting is scheduled for October 16, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. (eastern standard time) at Troutman Building – Address: 200 South Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15061. Electronic Bid Documents are available for downloading at www.wchaonline.com. Bidders are required to register online at the www.wchaonline.com to view bid documents. Plan holders proposing to bid shall also register their intent to submit a bid with Westmoreland County Housing Authority via email to lindam@wchaonline.com and eriks@wchaonline.com in accordance with the bid requirements.

Westmoreland County Housing Authority, Michael L. Washowich, CEO / Executive Director / Contracting Officer

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) is seeking proposals from a masonry restoration contractor (Contractor) to perform the described masonry repairs and restoration at 501 Larimer Avenue in the 12th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh (City) in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on the corner of Larimer Avenue and Meadow Street.

Issue Date Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Due Date Wednesday, October 29, 2025

There will be a virtual pre-proposal meeting for the Masonry Repairs and Restoration Contract through Zoom on Monday October 13th, 2:00PM-2:30PM. All interested parties can reach out to Emily Jaquay ejaquay@ura.org for more information on the pre-proposal/pre-bid meetings. Proposals will be accepted no later than 2:00 PM prevailing time on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Bids will only be accepted through IWT (Ion Wave Technology). https://ura.ionwave.net/Login.aspx A public opening will occur at the URA offices at 3:30 PM on Wednesday, October 29, 2025

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) is seeking proposals from a roofing contractor (Contractor) to perform the described roof replacement at 501 Larimer Avenue in the 12th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh (City) in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on the corner of Larimer Avenue and Meadow Street.

Issue Date Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Due Date Wednesday, October 29, 2025

There will be a virtual pre-proposal meeting for the Roof Replacement Contract through Zoom on Monday October 13th, 2:30PM-3:00PM All interested parties can reach out to Emily Jaquay ejaquay@ura.org for more information on the preproposal/pre-bid meetings. Proposals will be accepted no later than 2:00 PM prevailing time on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Bids will only be accepted through IWT (Ion Wave Technology). https://ura.ionwave.net/Login.aspx A public opening will occur at the URA offices at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, October 29, 2025