Austin Davis calls on Trump Administration to fully fund SNAP Federal judge also forces Trump's hand
by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer
The Trump administration has acquiesced to a federal judge's order to use emergency money to fund the SNAP, or food stamps, program. But there's just one huge problem—the emergency funds can only fund SNAP for half of a month. And there's another problem—it may take weeks for the emergency
funds to get dispersed to all 42 million American SNAP recipients. The federal government funds the SNAP program at a cost of $9 billion per month. There's $4.65 billion available to be used
in the contingency fund to fund SNAP. The execution of that money to SNAP recipients has already begun, but it's unclear exactly when a particular
New Horizon’s ‘Get Ready’
Genea L.
BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)
From Boston to Paris, art keeps disappearing into the dark
by Stacy M. Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
It was just after dawn in Paris when the sirens began to wail through the narrow streets surrounding the Louvre. Soldiers with rifles guarded the courtyard, tourists were turned away, and the great glass pyramid stood silent under a gray sky. Inside, the world’s most visited museum had been stripped of eight priceless jewels once belonging to Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. The thieves were gone, and the crime had already become legend. Police say it was fast and flawless. Less than seven minutes from entry to escape. Security footage shows figures dressed in black, moving with precision. They knew what they wanted and how to take it. When the alarms rang, it was already too late. The jewels, pieces of France’s royal past, vanished into the dark.
Experts say the thieves may be caught, but the jewels will not return. Once the gold is melted and the diamonds cut, there is no trail left to follow. “Once they’re gone, they’re gone,” said Christopher Marinello of Art Recovery International. For investigators, time is the enemy. For thieves, time is the perfect disguise. The Louvre’s director has been called before lawmakers to explain how it happened. Security, already under criticism, failed at the worst possible moment. In France, where art is faith, this robbery has become a national wound. Half a world away, Myles Connor watched the story unfold. Once the most famous art thief in America, Connor stole a Rembrandt from a Boston museum in the 1980s. When asked about the Louvre heist, he said it was “damn close” to the most expensive museum theft in history. “They will be vilified,” he said, “but they’ll also be remem-
ty years later, the paintings never returned. In 1911, the Mona Lisa disappeared from the same Paris museum that now mourns its jewels. She was not yet famous then. When she vanished, the world learned her name. Two years later, police found her in Florence, hidden by an Italian handyman who claimed he wanted to bring her home. When she was returned to the Louvre, she was no longer just a painting. She was a legend.
In 1972, three masked men descended through a skylight into the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. They tied up the guards and escaped with 18 paintings and dozens of jewels, including a Rembrandt worth $1 million. No one was ever caught. None of the art has been found. Some say the Montreal mafia helped hide the works in private collections. Others believe they were destroyed. In 2010, Paris faced another betrayal from within. A man known as “Spider-Man” climbed the walls of the Musée d’Art Moderne and slipped inside. He took works by Picasso, Matisse, and Modigliani, choosing his prizes with an artist’s eye. When he was arrested, the paintings were gone. Some believe he destroyed them rather than let them be recovered. He said he stole them for beauty. Beauty, he learned, does not survive the dark.
And in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a different kind
involved. They took art, trophies, jewelry, and history. They also stole a Christy Matthewson jersey, Yogi Berra’s World Series rings, and Roger Maris’s MVP trophy. They stripped museums bare, melted down the gold, and sold what was left for a fraction of its worth. One of them, Nicholas Dombek, even burned “Upper Hudson” by Jasper Cropsey, a painting worth half a million dollars, to keep it from being used as evidence. The smoke from that fire carried more than the scent of oil and canvas. It carried the loss of American history.
Investigators called it a twenty-year trail of destruction. The Everhart’s stolen works remain missing, ghosts of American art that vanished not for beauty, but for greed. When the thieves were finally caught in 2025, after decades of evasion, they were convicted in federal court. Their sentences may bring justice, but not restoration. The ashes of “Upper Hudson” cannot be pieced back together. The Warhol and the Pollock may never be seen again. Now the Louvre stands scarred again, its name added to a list of crimes that span centuries. Investigators search every corner of Paris, but the city knows how easily beauty disappears. The jewels of Napoleon’s court may already be gone, scattered into fragments, melted into history. Every thief tells
This Week In Black History A Courier Staple
• NOVEMBER 5
1867— The first Reconstruction Constitutional Convention takes place in Montgomery, Ala. In attendance were 90 Whites and 18 Blacks. Reconstruction would bring forth a period of tremendous political and educational advancement for ex-slaves after the Civil War. But Reconstruction was significantly undermined by the Hayes-Tilden of 1877 and the beginning of the anti-Black Jim Crow period.
1956— The Nat King Cole Show— the first Black hosted network television variety show—debuts. The show began with just 15 minutes and later expanded to half-an-hour but was pulled in 1957 for lack of advertiser support.
1968— Brooklyn, N.Y.’s Shirley Chisholm becomes the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. She would later make an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.
1974— Walter Washington becomes the first elected mayor of Washington, D.C., as the predominantly Black city gains limited voting rights. Washington had declined an earlier appointment to be the city’s commissioner because the proposal did not give him control of several city agencies including the police department.
• NOVEMBER 6
1858—Samuel E. Cornish dies Along with John Russwurm, he established the first Black-owned and operated newspaper in America—“Freedom’s Journal.” The newspaper’s famous motto was “We wish to plead our cause.”
1860—Abraham Lincoln is elected the 16th president of the United States. His opposition to the expansion of slavery prompted slave-owning states to succeed from the union which brought about the Civil War. Lincoln’s opposition to slavery was more pragmatic than moral signified by his famous phrase—“A nation cannot exist half-slave and half-free.”
1900—James Weldon Johnson composes “Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing.” The song becomes the “Black National Anthem.” In 1920, Johnson becomes the first Black head of the NAACP.
• NOVEMBER 7
bered.” The Louvre is not the first to fall. In 1990, two men dressed as police officers walked into Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. They overpowered the guards and stripped thirteen paintings from the walls. Rembrandt. Vermeer. Degas. Manet. Gone without a trace. The museum’s founder had written that nothing inside could ever be moved, so the empty frames remain, haunting the gallery like ghosts. More than thir-
of art theft unfolded. It was not the work of masked strangers in the night, but of a crew that operated for more than twenty years. Their crimes stretched across states and generations. The Everhart Museum in Scranton lost two priceless works in 2005, “Le Grande Passion” by Andy Warhol and “Springs Winter” by Jackson Pollock, stolen as part of a conspiracy that reached from small towns to national landmarks. Nine men were
the same story. Desire and genius intertwined. Each painting, each jewel, pulled from the hands of time by someone who wanted to possess the unattainable. The Louvre heist is only the newest verse in that song.
Somewhere tonight, gold glows beneath the wrong light. Somewhere, a thief admires the sparkle of what can never again belong to the world. And somewhere else, an empty frame waits in silence, holding the shape of what was lost.
1837—Elijah P. Lovejoy, one of the White heroes of Black history, is killed by a pro-slavery mob while defending his anti-slavery newspaper in Alton, Ohio.
1841— The “Slave Revolt On The Creole” occurred when 125 Black slaves overpowered the crew of the slave ship Creole and sailed it to the Bahamas where they were granted freedom and political asylum.
1876—The disputed presidential election that changed the course of Black history occurs. T he dispute led to the Hayes-Tilden Compromise. In order to be declared president, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes reached an agreement with southern Democrats, which had the effect of ending much of Reconstruction and the protection of Black rights. The Jim Crow era began with “Black codes” and other measures, which severely limited Black rights. Many of these rights were not restored until the 1960s.
1934— The first Black Democrat is elected to the United States Congress. His name was Arthur L. Mitchell. Up until this point in history, most Blacks were Republicans because of the roles of Abraham Lincoln and a group known as the “Radical Republicans” in ending slavery. Mitchell defeated Oscar DePriest for the congressional seat from Chicago.
1967—Riots spread throughout the nation. A Senate committee issues a report revealing that there were 75 major Black riots in cities across the nation. This compared with just 21 the previous year.
1989—L. Douglas Wilder is elected the first Black governor of Virginia since Reconstruction. Virginia was actually governed by a Black man for a brief period during Reconstruction.
• NOVEMBER 8
1898—The Wilmington Massacre occurs. A mob of Whites launched a terror campaign against Blacks in Wilmington, N.C. They destroyed a Black newspaper plant, seized
control of city government and officially left nine to 11 Blacks dead. However, the unofficial death toll was said to be closer to 100.
1932—Franklin Delano Roosevelt is elected president. During his 16 years in office Roosevelt instituted a series of New Deal programs designed to pull the nation out of the Great Depression. It was during his years in office that Blacks overwhelmingly switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party even though Roosevelt adopted some policies that angered Blacks.
1933—Actress Esther Rolle is born in Pompano Beach, Fla. She is best remembered for her role in the 1970s television series “Good Times.”
1966—Edward W. Brooke is elected the first Black U.S. senator since Reconstruction. He was a Republican from Massachusetts.
• NOVEMBER 9
1731—Multi-talented scientist and inventor Benjamin Banneker is born in Ellicott Mills, Md. He is generally considered America’s first Black scientist. Banneker constructed the first clock made in America; completed the design and layout of Washington, D.C., after Pierre L’Enfant returned to France; published a farmer’s almanac for 10 years, while also studying astronomy; and predicted solar eclipses.
1868—The governor of Arkansas, Powell Clayton , calls out the state militia and declares martial law in 10 counties in a bid to put down a Ku Klux Klan-led insurrection.
1868—The Howard University Medical School —the first designed to train Black medical personnel— opens in Washington, D.C. There were eight students in the first class.
1901—Fiery pioneer Black journalist William Monroe Trotter starts the Guardian newspaper in Boston, Mass. Trotter made headlines throughout the nation when in November 1914, he confronted President Woodrow Wilson in the White House for failing to do more to stop the lynching of Blacks. For daring to argue with the president, the New York Times denounced Trotter saying he had “superabundant untactful belligerency.” But W.E.B. DuBois called him “fearless.” 1922—Actress Dorothy Dandridge is born in Cleveland, Ohio. She is generally considered one of Hollywood’s first Black female sex symbols. She appeared opposite Harry Belafonte in “Carmen Jones” and was the first Black woman nominated for an Oscar. Dandridge died in 1965 at age 43.
• NOVEMBER 10
1898—George H. White introduces the first anti-lynching legislation in the U.S. Congress. The North Carolinian was one of the last Blacks in Congress before Jim Crow laws and attitudes drove most Blacks from high elected offices. After leaving Congress, he founded a Black bank and established an all Black community called Whiteville near present day Trenton, N.J.
1891—Granville T. Woods patents an improvement to the electric railway. Woods was one of the most prolific Black engineers and inventors in U.S. history. His motto could have been “I didn’t invent the product, but I invented something that made it better.” Born in Columbus, Ohio, he invented and patented improvements to the electric railway, air brakes, telegraphs, telephones and numerous other products.
1957—Charlie Sifford wins the Long Beach Open, becoming the first Black person to win a major professional golf tournament.
1994—Famed Jazz singer Carmen McRae dies in Beverly Hills, Calif. She was born in New York City on April 8, 1920.
• NOVEMBER 11
1831—Anti-slavery rebel Nat Turner is hanged roughly two months after his capture for leading the bloodiest slave revolt in U.S. history. The minister and mystic told reporters God had called on him to lead the revolt, which left 55 Whites dead.
YOUNG COUPLE VISITING AN ART GALLERY.
USO dethrones Westinghouse, takes City League title, 26-0
by Rob Taylor Jr.
Courier Staff Writer
Usually, this space is reserved for Westinghouse. After all, they’ve been the dominant program in the City League for years.
The football team had won the City League title for three years in a row. But reporters all across the region had to make an edit to their stories, thanks to USO.
The team, named after University Prep Milliones, Sci-Tech and Obama Academy, decided to kick butt and take names at Cupples Stadium, Oct. 25. They told everyone that they are now the new top dog in town, and with the final score of 26-0, it looks like they’re correct.
It was USO’s first Pittsburgh City League football title since 2016. Since then, it’s been an Allderdice or Westinghouse team that’s won the title. But
USO are champions again.
Several players at the end of the game told the New Pittsburgh Courier that they were “counted out” prior to the contest.
USO took an early 12-0 lead in the first half and never looked back.
Sophomore quarterback Dai’Mere Adair threw two touchdowns to the elusive Zion Hauser, and Me’Laun Stamper put his stamp on the game with two rushing touchdowns. On the field, was it really an upset, though? On Oct. 10, about two weeks before the City League title game, USO defeated Westinghouse, 20-14, at Cupples. However, there were far fewer people in attendance for that game compared to the City League championship game. But on Oct. 25, the fans of both teams soon found out that USO was indeed the better team in 2025.
THE
(PHOTOS BY MARLON MARTIN)
THROW UP THE “U’s”....
USO RECEIVER ZION HAUSER WAS HARD TO CATCH ON THIS DAY, SHOWN ABOVE AND BELOW...(PHOTOS BY MARLON MARTIN)
Class of 2025 Honorees
Sarah Ashmeg
Principal Medical Physicist, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center; Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiation Oncology
Tonya Baker-Nelson
Customer Service Representative, Duquesne Light Co.;
Owner/Event Coordinator, Strictly Business Creations
Allegra Battle Communications Manager Propel Schools
Amber D. Benjamin Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager PNC Bank
Kelley L. Benson
Vice President of Human Resources & Inclusion Innovation Works
Charlyn R. Booker, MSW, LBS Program Assistant, ACTES, Greater Valley Community Services; CEO/Founder, Urban Therapy, LLC
Staci L. Bose, MS Program Manager, Healthy Start, Inc.; Founder/Owner, Healing Uplifting Growing Spiritually, LLC
Leonette M. Brown, BSN, RN National RN Case Manager Consultant AMN Healthcare Revenue Cycle Solutions
Diana P. Byas, MSN, ACRN, CCM Manager, Maternity Baby Steps Program, UPMC Health Plan; CEO, Thick But Fit Crew Fitness Center
Michelle Tunstalle Chapman Human Resources Manager VisitPITTSBURGH
Dr. Dorothy Collins
Vice President for Enrollment Services and Student Affairs Community College of Allegheny County
Dr. Kyaien Conner
Donald M. Henderson Endowed Professor and Director, Center on Race and Social Problems
University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work
Dr. Kymberly M. Cruz
Executive Director, Office of Equity Pittsburgh Public Schools
Monica Cwynar Mental Health Therapist, Thriveworks; Clinical Director, Cultural Humility & Equity Collaborative
Danielle Edmond
President Fabulous Friday Society Foundation
Tesha L. Ellison, MBA, SHRM SCP Benefits and HRIS Manager Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black Director, Dietrich College of Humanities Center and Professor of History
Carnegie Mellon University
Paulette Foster Co-Founder
The Education Rights Network, Campaign 412 Justice
Tiffany L. Gary-Webb, PhD, MHS Professor of Epidemiology University of Pittsburgh
Tiffany Gilbert Co-Founder and Executive Director, East Liberty Women’s Care Center; Pastor, Another Level Ministries
LaToya Hamm-Wilson Founder & CEO Motherhood Redefined
Chanell C.J. Harris Owner, Streamline Asset Consulting; Entertainer/Actress
Dr. Wanda Heading-Grant Vice Provost for Community, Culture and Engagement Carnegie Mellon University
Charlene Holder Assistant Director, Secretary & Chief Examiner City of Pittsburgh
First Lady, Elder Darla R. Holley-Holmes Supervisor, MPACT U Afterschool Academy, Southwestern PA Human Services Family Center; Administrative Specialist, Monessen Beyond Grad, SPHS Family Center Youth Economic Mobility Program
Yolanda Rodgers Howsie Northeast Regional Director, Workplace Initiatives United Negro College Funds
Errika Fearbry Jones
Chief of Staff/Secretary to the Board of Trustees Carlow University
Dr. Troy D. B. Lyons
Medical Director in Utilization Management Highmark Wholecare
Simone McMeans
Deputy Director of Economic Development, Allegheny County; Founder, S.H.E.ternally, LLC
Jessica Mitchell
EVP, CFO-Line of Business
PNC Financial Services Group
Karen Mitchell
Behavioral Health Manager, Focus on Renewal
StoRox ACTES Program; Founder/Executive Director, Leading Through Love
Ashanti Mitchell-Drewery, MBA
Vice President of Business Operations
M&A Resources
Shalesha G. ‘Shay’ Moore
Executive Board Member for Early Childhood Paraprofessionals, Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers; Founder & Director, NextUp Summer Camp
Felicia Mycyk
Keynote Speaker & Performance Coach, Mycyk Coaching & Consulting; Rotary District Governor, Southwestern PA
Danielle M. Parson
Founder & CEO
Professional Women’s Network (PWN)
Shayla R. Penn
Food Personality/Culinary Expert (Advocate) Burgh Eats and Treats!
Bridgette Perdue Executive Director Alumni Theater Company
Lisa J. Perry
Director, Programs & Events, Grantmakers of Western Pa.; President & CEO, Take Flight Productions Consulting
Joveline J. Pettus, MBA, SPHR Adjunct Professor, Computer Science
LaRoche University
Phd Candidate, Information Systems & Communications
Robert Morris University
Dr. Rosalie Smiley
Social Work Professor Emeritus PennWest University of Western PA
Dawnese LaShawn Snell
Nurse Manager, Primary Care, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System; President Elect, Pittsburgh Black Nurses in Action
Alisa R. Stroud
Human Resources Director, AMP Home Care; Senior Pastor, Living Proof Kingdom Ministries Int. Naima Karmil Sturdivant, MEd
Special Education Teacher, Woodland Hills School District; Vice President, Triple S-Serving and Saving Souls
Sheila M. Thompson, MEd Owner, Thompson Creative Images, LLC; Retired, Business, Computer, Information Technology Teacher, Woodland Hills School District
Tahirah J. Walker, PhD
Department Chair, Community Engagement and Leadership Point Park University’s Rowland School of Business
Rhonda Walters
Vice President, Talent Management
Allegheny Conference on Community Development
Shanyn Winnowski
Manager of Participant Learning, Pennsylvania Women Work; Founder, Pillar Pittsburgh
TALI's first conference keeps it 'R.E.A.L.'
The Advanced Leadership Institute, or TALI, held its first-ever conference, Oct. 1-2, 2025, entitled, "Keeping It R.E.A.L.: Elevating Leaders Through Resilience, Excellence, Agility, and Leadership."
On the night on Oct. 1 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, it was all about acknowledging leaders who have helped propel TALI to where it is today. Those honored included Jerry MacCleary, Greg Spencer and Marsha Jones. Hundreds were in attendance for the "Night of Celebration" of TALI and its accomplishments over the past seven years.
The following day were the conference workshops and speakers at the Kimpton Monaco Hotel, Downtown Pittsburgh.
"After seven years of en-
couraging and educating leaders, graduating over 300 alumni, and seeing great outcomes from our core programs, this is an ideal time to expand our reach and further our mission through this conference in a very inclusive way,” said Evan Frazier, President and CEO, TALI. “In addition to providing continued education and development opportunities for our alumni, corporate partners, and community stakeholders, we are also opening up broadly to individuals who are invested in their leadership journey and passionate about TALI’s approach to leadership development.”
GWEN’S GIRLS—COO DENISE MCGILL-DELANEY, CEO DR. KATHI ELLIOTT
Man found guilty in killing of 18-year-old Ahmir Tuli
Tuli was son of popular business owner Preeti Tuli
the restaurant/bar after a confrontation with another customer.
Tuli's mother is Preeti Tuli, and she testified during the trial, which began in late October 2025. The verdict was handed down on Monday, Nov. 3. Hawkins is facing life in prison without parole. He will be formally sentenced on Jan. 20, 2026. Preeti's Pitt, 2701 Penn Ave., is a popular spot amongst the African American community. It was the spot where Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, in 2023, publicly threw his full support behind Khari Mosley for Pittsburgh City Council District 9. A few months later, Mosley won the Primary Election and officially took a seat on Council in January 2024. On April 4, 2025, Preeti's Pitt was the spot where supporters for Mayor Gainey converged and threw a get-out-andvote event for the mayor. As Mayor Gainey took the mic that evening, Preeti Tuli was by his side as she wore a shirt that featured a photo of her late son, Ahmir.
Preeti Tuli was a featured guest on the New Pittsburgh Courier's video coverage of the 2024
Soul Food Festival in Downtown Pittsburgh, hosted by Briana L. White. Tuli's food tent at the event was among the more popular stops for attendees.
"She's always been nice, friendly," White said, Nov. 4. "Overall her food is good, and in regards to her son, a lot of people can relate because they've also lost people to gun violence."
White's 41st birthday party was catered by Preeti Tuli, and White's company, Culturvate Cruises, held its one-year anniversary event on May 17, 2025, at Preeti's Pitt.
Ahmir Tuli graduated from North Hills High School in 2020. His obituary stated that he was an "avid sports enthusiast and a lifelong fan of all the Pittsburgh-area professional sports teams, the Penguins and Steelers being his top two."
His obituary read that he was "a true friend to his friends—ready and willing at a moment's notice, always willing to go the extra mile to make someone smile. His hearty laugh brought his whole house alive."
Ahmir Tuli’s obituary read that he was “a true friend to his friends— ready and willing at a moment’s notice, always willing to go the extra mile to make someone smile. His hearty laugh brought his whole house alive.”
Austin Davis calls on Trump Administration
SNAP recipient will receive the "half" of what one would normally receive in a month.
The federal government shutdown is the impetus for the SNAP implosion. The shutdown is now in its sixth week. It began on Oct. 1, 2025. Republicans are blaming Democrats for the impasse—Democrats are blaming Republicans. Either way, there are two million people in Pennsylvania, including 160,000 in Allegheny County, who are possibly reeling over the SNAP benefits not being there when they need them.
"I want to be clear, those are taxpayer dollars that Pennsylvanians have paid into for those benefits that are being held particularly for a moment like this," echoed Pa.'s Lt. Governor, Austin Davis, at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Nov. 3. "I do not believe that food should be used as a bargaining chip. We believe food is a human right, and we think congressional Republicans in the Trump Administration need to step up and do the right thing."
Lt. Gov. Davis announced on Nov. 3 that the state had sent $5 million in funds to food banks across the state to deal with the emergency. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank re-
ceived just over $800,000 of that $5 million, to help with the 11-county Western Pennsylvania region. Lisa Scales, President and CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, said the money helps the food bank purchase the food quickly, then get it to its abundance of food pantry partners across Allegheny and other counties. "The Trump Administration has really tied the hands of state governments across the country," Lt. Gov. Davis said. "Many state governments have offered to front money for the SNAP program in November until the federal government is able to resolve their shutdown. The Trump Administration has said if states do that, they will not reimburse the funds that are expended on behalf of SNAP. That is another complicating factor that is making our ability to respond much more challenging."
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is located at 1 N. Linden St. in Duquesne, but people don't have to drive exclusively to the food bank for assistance. Residents can also call 211 if in need of food. By calling 211, residents can be routed to the nearest food pantry in their area to receive available food. Scales told the New Pittsburgh Courier that the food bank is focused on providing milk, eggs, meat, peanut butter, tuna fish, the "core grocery items." Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato said there may be a wait when someone calls 211. "Check in on your neighbor, make sure people are OK," Scales said. "This is a scary time. People we're speaking with who are coming to our market... frankly it takes courage to ask for help. I commend people who come here who are asking for help."
THE ADVANCED LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE HELD A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION, OCT. 1, DOWNTOWN.
(PHOTOS BY CHIEF IKHANA-HAL-MAKINA)
HONOREES JERRY MACCLEARY, MARSHA JONES, GREG SPENCER
TULI FROM A1
SNAP FROM A1
Courier wins six first-place, two second-place statewide awards Awards presented, Oct. 16, in Harrisburg
The New Pittsburgh Courier’s editorial team won six first-place awards and two second-place awards at the Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association’s annual Keystone Media Awards. The awards were presented, Oct. 16, 2025, at the Sheraton Hotel in Harrisburg, Pa. Each year, the Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association awards publications across the state for their
excellence in reporting, photography, videography and audio. The Courier competed against weekly publications across the entire state with a circulation of 5,000 or greater. All awards were distributed for entries that occurred in the year 2024. In that division, Division V (five), the publication “The Burg” (Harrisburg) led the way with 11 first place awards and three second-place awards.
The Courier’s six firstplace awards were the second-most in Division V, with the Bucks County Herald (Doylestown, Pa.) and Mountain Home (Wellsboro, Pa.) each winning three first-place awards. The Almanac (McMurray, Pa.) and Town and Country (Pennsburg, Pa.) each won two firstplace awards.
The Courier’s Briana L. White and Ryan McCullough won first-place for “Best Feature Video,” for a nine-minute video recap of the 2024 Pittsburgh Soul Food Festival. White
served as the solo host of the video, interviewing a plethora of event vendors and attendees, while McCullough produced the video.
The Courier’s Brian Cook Sr. won first-place for “Best Sports Action Photo,” for his photo of former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens catching an improbable touchdown in the 2024 season.
The Courier’s Ricco J.L. Martello won first-place for “Best News Event
Photo,” for his photo of the aunt and uncle of the late Jim Rogers during an event at the Community Empowerment Association in March 2024. Rogers died following an altercation with Pittsburgh Police in 2021.
Courier graphic designer Warren King won second-place for “Best News Page Design,” for his front-page and overall newspaper designs for the Oct. 9 and Oct. 16 Courier print editions. Those editions featured coverage of the leadup to the presidential election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Courier managing editor Rob Taylor Jr. and McCullough won firstplace awards for “Best Sports Video” and “Best News Video.” Taylor interviewed and filmed attendees of the 2024 Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic, in Canton, Ohio, during Labor Day Weekend. McCullough then produced the video. For “Best News Video,”
Taylor interviewed Black Pittsburghers on who they voted for in the 2024 Presidential Election on Election Day, while McCullough produced the video.
Taylor won a first-place award for “Excellence in Reporting on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” for a series of stories written
in 2024 related to DEI.
Taylor won a second-place award for “Best Business Story,” for a 2024 story on Dollar Bank’s homeownership program.
RICCO J.L. MARTELLO. PICTURED AT RIGHT IS BRIANA L. WHITE.
BRIAN COOK SR. PICTURED AT RIGHT ARE WARREN KING AND ROB TAYLOR JR.
RYAN MCCULLOUGH
New Horizon Theater’s ‘Get Ready’ playing through Nov. 9
back in hopes of regaining the days of yesteryear.
“It’s based on groups of old. A lot of groups fall off because they don’t have any hits and now they have a hit again, so now it’s like 'whoa! We’ve got to get our stuff together: we’ve got to get our choreography together, we’ve got to get our harmonies together.' If they’d have kept going, they wouldn’t have to get their stuff together again," Plummer described. "Like one of the final lines of the play says, ‘you gotta be ready even if you don’t get to go.'”
“Get Ready” stars: Art Terry as the choreographer; Les Howard as Frankie; Sam Lothard as Bumch; Kevin Brown as Roscoe; Manny Walker as J.R., and many others.
Plummer, who had his own singing group in the late '80s and who plays and composes music, met composer Jaye Stewart at a party in the ‘90s. The pair were discussing music and its influence in their lives. They soon realized they both had a lot of the same musical influences—The Temptations, Four Tops, Supremes— and Stewart expressed an interest in writing a play about a group of musicians.
“From there it just took
off," Plummer said. "We started writing songs together and I started doing the choreography for it and his wife, Debi Stewart, and she was writing, too, so it was a great trio we had.”
“I’ve had a unique vantage point in the development of this artful musical,” Stewart said about the dramady in two parts. “Get Ready’s" music, storyline, lyrics and connection between the actors have resonated with audiences across the country.
“It was shown four or five times in Chicago throughout the years, it was done here in Pittsburgh several times and it’s also been done at the Ensemble Theater in Houston (and will be done again there next year), and also in St. Paul, Minnesota," Plummer explained. "It’s been going around again like the flu."
Now it’s having its resurgence in Pittsburgh.
“I think it’s been such a hit with audiences because a lot of people miss those days. People love the music because most of the music sounds like the music of the ‘60s and the ‘70s," Plummer told the New Pittsburgh Courier.
"‘Get Ready’ takes people back to their childhood or their teen years. I had about 2,000 albums and it brings back great memo-
ries.”
New Horizon Chairperson Joyce Meggerson-Moore said she’s excited to have her audience put on their dancing shoes and go down memory lane.
“The last time it was done here was in 2008," she told the Courier. "People have been asking me to bring back ‘Get Ready’ for the longest. We’re excited to have it back."
Audiences will notice differences this time
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.
around by way of the cast and directorial changes.
Dewayne Fulton is the musical director, the set was created by Herb Newsome, and Darrin Mosley is the stage manager. Costumes are done by Deryck Tines, and the media partner is Saturday Light Brigade.
“We’re happy to have this team together,” Meggerson-Moore said. “We are trying to get the word out so that people can
Pastor—Rev. Dr. Rodney Adam Lyde
get their tickets early so they won’t be squeezed in.
We’re asking our audience to come early and come often and we will be glad to see them. We’ve got a good one here; good talent, good singing and dancing— all the actors are triple threats—and I hope people support it.”
Showtimes continue at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 6-7, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 8, and a closing showtime of 3 p.m. on Nov. 9. All shows
will take place at the Pittsburgh Public Theater's Helen Wayne Rauh Rehearsal Hall, 621 Penn Ave., Downtown. Ticket prices are $40 general admission, $35 for seniors 65 and older and students, and $25 for students in grades K-12. Tickets can be purchased at newhorizontheater.org, by visiting Dorsey's Digital Imaging on Frankstown Avenue in Homewood, or by calling 412-431-0773.
Sr. Pastor—Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell 2001 Wylie Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 www.baptisttemple.church www.ebenezerbaptistpgh.org
Sunday School/Breakfast: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.
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
“A SOFT answer turns away wrath; but a GRIEVOUS word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge alright; but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness.” - Proverbs 15:1-2
REV. WALKER SAYS: Our words have power. They can build, destroy, encourage and discourage. Spoken harshly may cause someone to respond with anger. We need to use our words and tone of voice wisely.
Pastor—
Nathaniel Pennybaker
“GET READY” PLAYS AT THE HELEN WAYNE RAUH REHEARSAL HALL THROUGH NOVEMBER 9. (PHOTO/RICHENA BROCKINSON/LIONESS PHOTOGRAPHY)
Is the problem with the Steelers the defense, or Aaron Rodgers?
Halloween has been granted an extension. The Pittsburgh Steelers kept their cowboy costumes on as they corralled and placed a halter on the bucking and feisty Indianapolis Colts and broke the number one offense in the NFL by the score of 27-20, Nov. 2. One of Mike Tomlin’s recent acquisitions, defensive back Jalen Ramsey, gave a pregame motivational oration that might’ve been just what "Doc, Mike Tomlin," ordered.
However, the head of the me, me, me team, Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers, found fault with the length of the speech that Ramsey delivered to the team saying: “Jalen kind of went on and on and had the attention in the room and he said some really, really good stuff.”
What the h—l? “Jalen kind of went on and on and had the attention in the room.” It appears to me that Jalen Ramsey may have had the attention of everyone in the room, except maybe Aaron Rodgers. Ramsey spoke to his teammates from the heart. It also had a positive effect on his team. The prior week that the Steelers were preparing to face the Packers, it is my opinion that Aaron Rodgers may have spent a bit too much time talking about being inducted into
the NFL Hall of Fame as a Green Bay Packer as opposed to avoiding the NFL 2025 "Hall of Shame" as a Pittsburgh Steeler. Did Aaron Rodgers' comments help to motivate the men from Lambeau instead of the Men of Steel? Was Ramsey supposed to go by the 125-words-per-minute format so as not to keep "Mr. Green Bay Packer" too long?
a Marie Antoinette-like opinion for the Packers as well. It was, “Let them eat cheese.”
The previous week, on October 26, 2025, the Steelers offense and defense were throttled by the Packers, 35-25. By defeating the Steelers, the Packers were elevated to front-runner status in the NFC. But the corner man for Green Bay forgot to warn his team that by sticking their chins up too high and sticking their chests out a bit too far, they were on a collision course, destined to be on the receiving end of a fat, nasty uppercut. That blow was delivered by the Carolina Panthers punking the Packers by the funky score of 16-13...at Lambeau, no less, Nov. 2. Hooray for the giant killers. The Carolina Panthers may have had
I am not here to solidify or add fuel or manure to the legend or myth that validates the image of Aaron Rodgers. I also refuse to confirm the misnomer that Aaron Rodgers gives a damn about the Pittsburgh Steelers, or that he will lead the Steelers to the 2025 Super Bowl or any other Super Bowl. He seems to be concerned only about proving that he is capable of performing at a high level at the age of 41. Hey Aaron, news flash, Tom Brady, you ain’t.
The Steelers defense provided six turnovers for Aaron Rodgers and the Black and Gold offense could only muster up 27 points. In the future, why doesn’t the Steelers defense just deliver the game to Aaron Rodgers complete with Tiny Tim and Miss Vicki gold wrapping paper, adorned with platinum and pink bows along with a blinking applause sign for boo birds at Acrisure, frustrated with another Steelers field goal attempt from inside the red zone. QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were allowed to exit the Steel City in favor of Aaron Rodgers, and I felt that it wasn't fair not to provide them with an opportunity to succeed.
However, Rodgers placing the burden on his defense to pave the road in blood, sweat, and tears just for him to soak in the credit for those future victories is also not fair. Let’s hit rewind for a moment. On February 6, 2011, the Steelers and the Packers faced off in Super Bowl XLV. The Packers won by the score of 31-25. Aaron Rodgers only won that game because Ben Roethlisberger threw an ill-advised pass that resulted in a pick-six from near his own end zone. Aaron Rodgers was only one play away from being winless in Super Bowl competition. As we get more into the season and the weather gets worse, there will not be any room for any player to commit unforced errors. Aaron Rodgers won’t be able to kick back and play wagon master, unjustly putting pressure on kicker Chris Boswell to routinely kick 50 and 60-yard field goals in wretched and inhospitable conditions. The immobile Rodgers will be stranded on an island and will be forced to deliver results and more than just public reprimands of his offensive personnel. Aaron Rodgers must prove that he is worthy of receiving accolades for his great play as well as criticism for his failures.
Recently, a fellow scribe approached me and asked
me, “Aubrey, why are you so down and negative about Aaron Rodgers?” I responded: “I have been less than accommodating for eight months covering Aaron Rodgers. Most of ‘yinz’ have been far more caustic and negative while covering Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin for 18 years.” Stop demonizing Mike Tomlin and the Pitts-
burgh defense. The real weak spot is the man who may not care too much for inspirational speeches. I am curious to see how Rodgers performs against the L.A. Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 9, against one of the better QBs in the NFL, Justin Herbert. Will Aaron Rodgers be delivering a victory speech or a message of condolences?
RON BROWN...HE IS...PENN STATE!
Mr. Brown has a B.S. degree in human development from Penn State University, and continued his education with graduate studies in social work at the University of Pittsburgh. Ron starred on the PSU basketball team from 1972-1974, earning All-American honors in 1974, and East Coast Athletic Conference Sophomore of the year honors in 1972.
He has spent over 40 years working for corporations such as Kellogg Company, Hasbro Toy Company, Peoples Natural Gas Company in Pittsburgh, and 10 and a half years in federal government retiring from the Department of Commerce in 2021.
Ron is married to Pat Brown (for 52 years, married on the Penn State campus). They have two children, Ronald Brown II and Alexandria Brown.
Ron is currently an itinerant Minister, traveling to various cities and states as a
speaker and providing ministry services in communities across the U.S. He also provides Christian counseling to Pastors, Ministers, singles, married couples, and lay people during his ministry. Ron was ordained as an Elder at The Church at Richmond (2000-2012) and served as an interim Pastor from 2010-2012. He is now a member of City Church in Richmond, Virginia, an ordained Minister of the Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries, and an E-Church Member of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas.
As you ponder why this PITT MAN is bringing you a story on a PENN STATE MAN, allow me to take you back in time where the story began. Then you will be better able to connect the proverbial dots.
I was on a football recruitment trip at Penn State where it was always my childhood wish to play, truth be told, I was “kind-of” on a recruitment trip. In actuality, I was
a tag-a-long with my Penn Hills teammate and lifelong friend, Doug Brown, nicknamed “O. J.” because yes...he was that good. You see, I had 100 percent interest in Penn State but Penn State had 0 percent interest in me (alright, alright, when you stop laughing out loud, just keep in mind I was a pretty decent 265-pound tackle back in my Penn Hills High School days. I suspect they put me in the PHHS Sports Hall of Fame for a reason...shortly thereafter, Slippery Rock University would be my home base for the next four years, but I digress!).
While being shown around campus, and once again remember, I’m just a tag-a-long looking for a little respect, we go to “The Rec” Center where all the Big Lions, both basketball and football, were hooping like there was no tomorrow. Small world that it is, and amazingly so at the time, while there, Doug was introduced to Franco Harris and Lydell Mitchell, who at that time was the superstar running back before you Steeler fans ever knew of Franco.
While they were talking and paying me no attention, I wandered over a bit to watch the ballers (be sure to pay attention here, these dots are about to start connecting).
It’s true that football was my first love, but it was basketball that was my desire. But the good Lord didn’t put that in the DNA plan for me. Back in the day I watched B-ball anytime and anywhere I could. George Karl and Donnie Wilson at Penn Hills, David Knight, Jimmy Giese and Hubie Bryant at the Lincoln Park hoop court, and of course, the legends at the Centre Ave. YMCA showcasing the likes of Connie Hawkins, John Brisker and all the legends of “The Hill” . . . man I loved the game!
(Neal, will you please get back to the point??? OK, OK, but I am just trying to connect the dots. Did you see how I brought Connie Hawkins into the story?)
So, I looked over at this huge man take off and while in flight to the hoop, one guy was holding on for dear life as he slammed the ball on the other two waiting for him at the rim. Now look, I have seen some B-ball, and when you’re watching Connie
Hawkins you’ve about seen it all. But I hadn’t seen this before. In hindsight, this 6'5", 200-pound man in motion was something different. In fact, he was Charles Barkley before Barkley. Height, size, handle and airborne due in part to the two softball-sized muscles in his legs the rest of us call calves!
That was my first encounter with Ron Brown that would go on to become a lifelong relationship. Flash forward about ten years; Ron arrives in Pittsburgh to establish his corporate career after graduating “State” and a brief run with the NBA cut short due to injury.
When he started playing in the Connie Hawkins League in East Hills, the league was ranked top ten in the nation and featured some of the world’s greatest players. Names like Hawkins, Kenny Durrett, Larry Harris, Jeff Baldwin, Hosea Champine, Sonny Lewis, Mike Goosby, Norm Nixon, John Marshall, Bobby Franklin, Ron Carter, Bobby Byrd, Darryl Brown, “Magic Mike” Williams, Leroy Freeman, Craig Prosser, Wally Szczerbiak, and an endless list of legends that Ron Brown easily slipped in with and helped elevate the status of the league. There were three power forwards who are credited with changing summer league basketball in Pittsburgh: Lenny Pruitt, Kevin “Dr. K” Walls, and Ron Brown. Their size, speed, quickness and power combined with relentless heart and IQ for the game was a big matchup problem for every team in the league. (Now you’re starting to see the dots
connect, huh?)
Flash forward 40 years after all the BALLING is done and families have been raised, life has been lived and loved, we come together to connect the final dots as Mr. Ronald E. Brown, who has probably been recognized and honored at least 30 or more times for his success and accomplishments, was recognized once again along with 20 of Western Pa.’s finest at the Annual Achieving Greatness Inc. Western Pa. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Men Achieving Greatness Awards. (More on that awards program to come in a future Courier edition)
Saluted for his non-stop giving, caring and sharing while fulfilling God’s work, Ron has proven to be as equally unstoppable off the court as he was on it. At each and every community his career has taken him, Ron has seen to it that his family, friends, colleagues and community are well taken care of, and if you
follow his career, you will see it has been a slam dunk everywhere he’s been. The same is the absolute truth here in Pittsburgh. As we honored him with induction into The Connie Hawkins League Hall of Fame, The Willie Stargell Pittsburgh MVP Award, and now the Rev. King Award for Men Achieving Greatness, we take this moment to be locked in time historically in the New Pittsburgh Courier time capsule to say thank you, applaud you and express our tremendous respect and love for you from our Champions Association, Connie Hawkins League, and Achieving Greatness families. And from me to you, my brother, a tremendous thanks for all that you’ve done to help Achieving Greatness in fact, achieve greatness! And now the dots are all connected!
RON BROWN (COURTESY OF PENN STATE UNIVERSITY)
ROMAN WILSON GETS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN LATE IN THE GAME FOR THE STEELERS, LOSING THE BALL AS WELL...BUT THE COLTS COULDN’T CAPITALIZE. THE STEELERS WON, 27-20, NOV. 2. (PHOTO BY BRIAN COOK SR.)
Ryan P.
Retail Banking Team
Manager
11 years with BofA
Bank of America didn’t just recognize my potential. It actively nurtured it. Here I’ve had the chance to take ownership of my career and shape my trajectory thanks to the resources, training and mentorship that are available to me.
Property is Power!
In the United States, property has always been more than land and lumber. It has been a proxy for power, access, and stability—a silent determinant of who belongs and who prospers. Yet as of the second quarter of 2025, the Black homeownership rate stands at 43.9 percent, its lowest point since 2021, according to Redfin. By contrast, the White homeownership rate remains above 72 percent. That nearly 30-point gap is not just a statistic; it is a mirror reflecting how systemic inequality continues to shape economic opportunity in America.
The Legacy of Exclusion
To understand why this gap persists, one must first acknowledge its historical roots. For generations, government policy codified racial exclusion from redlining maps that starved Black neighborhoods of mortgage capital, to the GI Bill that expanded suburban opportunity for White veterans while sidelining their Black counterparts.
Even as explicit discrimination was outlawed, the residue of those policies hardened into new barriers, lower neighborhood appraisals, higher loan denials, and unequal access to financial literacy resources.
The Center for American Progress notes that homes in majority-Black neighborhoods are still undervalued by tens of thousands of dollars compared with similar homes in majority-White areas. That undervaluation limits equity gains, constrains mobility, and suppresses intergenerational wealth. Meanwhile, iEmergent data shows Black borrowers are denied mortgages at nearly twice the rate of White borrowers, even after adjusting for income and credit.
This is not a “market failure.” It is a reflection of the market working exactly as it was designed to advantage capital already in motion and penalize those still catching up.
A Modern Wealth Divide
The consequences are profound. Homeownership remains the cornerstone of wealth in America, accounting for roughly 68 percent of total household net worth for the average family. When that pathway is obstructed, it doesn’t just limit where one can live; it defines how one’s children will live. According to the Federal Reserve’s 2024 Survey of Consumer Finances, the median net worth of White families now exceeds $285,000, compared to just $45,000 for Black families. That difference is not explained by work ethic, education, or aspiration; it is the compounded effect of generations denied the tools of property.
by JPMorganChase
Becoming a first-time homeowner is an exciting step toward building long-term stability and financial growth.
Whether you’re dreaming of a condo in Downtown Pittsburgh or a family starter home in the suburbs, having a solid understanding of the home-buying process can help relieve anxiety and empower you to be confident in your purchase decision. From understanding home loans to debunking homeownership myths, the path to your purchase is smoother with this trusted guide. JPMorgan Chase has been champi-
Calculate your monthly income, debt, and expenses. Many first-time homeowners use a mortgage calculator to estimate what housing price and monthly payment they can afford.
Keep in mind that your mortgage isn’t the only cost. First-time homeowners often forget expenses like:
Property taxes
Homeowner’s insurance HOA fees (if applicable)
Utilities Ongoing maintenance and emergency repairs
Planning for these costs helps avoid surprises like a broken furnace or unexpected roof repairs. Chase’s financial tools, including a monthly
est rates on the loan. You should also ask about loan terms—sometimes there are penalties for paying off your loan early!
You’ll want your lender to educate you on the differences between different loan types. The most popular loan is a fixed-rate mortgage because the interest rate of the loan remains stable throughout the loan’s life, meaning no surprise increases. However, you can have increases in home-related expenses like property taxes or HOA fees that might be bundled into your mortgage.
oning first-time homebuyers for over a decade, offering financial support, educational tools, and community-based programs to make homeownership more accessible. Let’s explore five essential tips every firsttime home buyer should know before embarking on this exciting milestone journey.
1. Know What You Can Afford Before you fall in love with a home, take a clear look at your finances.
budget worksheet, can help you create a plan and stay financially stable for years to come.
2. Understand the Loan Process Understanding mortgage loans can be confusing for first-time home buyers. Your mortgage is like your monthly rent, but instead of paying a landlord, you are paying back the originator or holder of the loan. It’s essential to shop around for lenders (the person who will set you up with your home loan) and compare inter-
JPMorgan Chase offers dedicated home lending advisors who work directly with buyers in the Minneapolis area, helping demystify the process and provide personalized guidance at every step.
Finding a trusted lender can be tough, especially when purchasing a new home without prior knowledge of the real estate industry. Ask around to see if friends and family have a lender recommendation. Larger lending companies sometimes offer incen-
Life
on a different meaning. Marcus, 56, from Miami, just got that call. Doctors diagnosed him with an aggressive illness that could return within two years. He’s debt-free except for a $150,000 mortgage. He’s sitting on a net worth of $2.4 million—built through decades of grinding as an architect, living below his means, and saving and investing faithfully.
Marcus isn’t a flashy guy. He’s mission-driven. He runs a small nonprofit helping at-risk youth—his way of giving back after growing up rough himself. But now he’s facing a painful question many of us never prepare for: “Do I keep working and leading my cause, or do I step away, travel, knock out my bucket list, and enjoy what time I have left?” That question hits deep because it’s not just about money—it’s about meaning.
The Money’s Handled, But the Purpose Needs Clarity Let’s start with the facts. Marcus has done what most people never do. He’s built wealth without losing purpose. He’s financially secured, community-minded, and debt-light. The man did everything right.
But when your health gets rocked, everything you thought mattered gets re-evaluated. Money’s not the issue anymore—time is.
And when time becomes your most limited resource, your strategy has to shift from accumulation to fulfillment. Secure the Foundation Before Marcus spends another dollar, he must lock down the essentials. When facing a serious illness, the first move isn’t to spend—it’s to secure. He should confirm that his health plan covers advanced treatments and under-
Current Headwinds
Today’s environment adds another layer of difficulty. Rising home prices and mortgage rates have placed ownership further out of reach for first-time Black buyers, many of whom carry disproportionate student loan debt and less generational wealth to draw from. High-cost insurance premiums, appraisal bias, and stricter underwriting further strain affordability. And while new lending programs exist, they often fail to reach those who need them most due to bureaucratic complexity or lack of outreach. In short, the structural disadvantages of yesterday are meeting the market pressures of today.
What Can Be Done
The solutions must be as multidimensional as the problem.
1. Community-Based Interventions Grassroots organizations, churches, and nonprofits must reclaim their traditional role as centers of economic education. Community-based homeownership programs offering down-payment assistance, credit repair, and group-buying strategies can close gaps that mainstream banks overlook. The Property is Power approach begins with knowledge helping families see that ownership is not a distant dream but a disciplined strategy.
2. Lenders and Policymakers Mortgage lenders must go beyond diversity statements and adopt measurable equity outcomes rethinking underwriting standards, funding community development initiatives, and partnering with trusted local entities. Policymakers can expand first-generation homebuyer tax credits, enforce fair appraisal oversight, and incentivize mixed-income development that doesn’t displace long-standing residents.
3. Individual Preparation Ownership begins in mindset. Each potential buyer should approach the process not as a transaction but as a transformative decision; one that requires budgeting, credit strengthening, and long-term vision. It means shifting from a consumption mentality to an asset-building mentality. Financial literacy and mentorship should not be optional; they are prerequisites for empowerment.
The Path Forward Closing the Black homeownership gap is not charity, it’s economic strategy. When Black families own property, entire communities stabilize. Schools improve, local businesses thrive, and civic engagement rises. Property ownership is the engine that turns income into equity, and equity into influence. The dream of homeownership cannot remain an exclusive club guarded by legacy and luck. It must become a standard of participation in the American promise—one that extends not by rhetoric, but by reform.
(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.) Property is Power! is a movement to promote home and community ownership. Studies indicate homeownership leads to higher graduation rates, family wealth, and community involvement.
Millions suffer as Trump’s economy crumbles
By Stacy M. Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE— America’s economy is not collapsing by accident. Under President Donald Trump, Russell Vought, and Stephen Miller, a deliberate plan has taken hold, a plan that weakens the labor market, starves families of food and health care, and rewards the wealthy with power and profit. What was once called “economic populism” has become an organized campaign of cruelty that has left the country broken and millions of Americans in despair.
The labor market is in free fall. UPS cut 48,000 workers, the largest reduction in its 117-year history. Amazon is firing up to 30,000 corporate employees. Intel eliminated 24,000 positions. Nestlé slashed 16,000 jobs. Ford and Accenture each let go of 11,000 workers. Novo Nordisk terminated 9,000 employees. Microsoft cut 7,000. PwC laid off 5,600. Salesforce dismissed 4,000. Paramount reduced 2,000. Target eliminated 1,800. Kroger cut 1,000. Applied Materials reduced 1,444, and Meta let go of 600. The layoffs have rippled across every major industry, devastating workers, families, and communities nationwide. According to Intellizence data, more than 4,200 companies have announced mass layoffs since January.
The Associated Press reported that executives cite Trump’s tariffs, erratic trade actions, and federal instability as the leading causes of widespread job losses and frozen hiring.
While the job market collapses, Trump’s government shutdown has unleashed a humanitarian crisis. More than 42 million Americans, many of whom supported Trump, will lose access to food assistance through SNAP and WIC. Another 25 million people will lose their health care. Trump also canceled nearly 94 million pounds of food aid, including meat, eggs, and dairy, that were supposed to reach food banks across the country. For those working on the front lines of hunger relief, it was an invisible theft—food promised but never delivered. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed it will not release $6 billion in contingency funds, claiming the money can only be used for “unforeseen events” such as natural disasters. Yet Trump approved $40 billion for Argentina, spent $1 billion
for a private jet stationed in Qatar, and at least $300 million to destroy historic White House property and construct a new ballroom for himself. Taxpayers have been forced to pay an estimated $30 million for his golf trips, $520 million for unnecessary National Guard deployments, and $172 million for jets requested by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. None of those expenditures has lowered health care costs or provided relief to struggling families. While ordinary Americans lose jobs, food, and medical care, Trump’s personal income has skyrocketed. The Trump Organization reported $864 million in revenue in the first half of 2025, a 17-fold increase from the previous year. Most of that money came from cryptocurrency ventures. Financial filings show $463 million from sales of World Liberty Financial tokens and another $336 million from TRUMP meme coins. The investigation revealed that foreign investors were heavily involved. Hong Kong-based billionaire Justin Sun, who reportedly was charged with fraud by the SEC in 2023, bought $75 million worth of Trump tokens. Abu Dhabi’s state-controlled MGX used Trump’s stablecoin to fund a $2 billion investment in Binance. Chinese businessman Guren “Bobby” Zhou, reportedly under investigation for money laundering in Britain, purchased $100 million in tokens. Trump, meanwhile, eliminated federal crypto enforcement teams, withdrew regulatory warnings, and pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao after his conviction for anti-money-laundering failures. Ethics experts have called it the
most blatant conflict of interest in U.S. history. Vought, Trump’s former budget director and the author of Project 2025, created the framework for this collapse. His plan dismantles federal oversight, guts safety nets, and funnels public funds into private and partisan interests. Miller, Trump’s longtime political enforcer, has turned those ideas into action by starving agencies, blocking aid, and tightening control of the economy under the White House. Wall Street, meanwhile, is celebrating the pain. UPS shares surged nine percent after its mass firings, and Amazon’s stock climbed on news of more job cuts. Economists say this “profit from pain” economy has become Trump’s defining legacy, an America where corporate success depends on working-class suffering. The fallout is everywhere. Food banks are running out of supplies. Hospitals are closing departments. Families are skipping rent to pay for prescriptions. Millions who once believed Trump would protect them are now struggling to survive policies that favor billionaires, foreign investors, and the politically connected.
Georgetown University business professor Jason Schloetzer told the Associated Press that uncertainty has replaced confidence in every corner of the job market. “A lot of people are looking around, scanning the job environment, scanning the opportunities that are available to them, whether it’s in the public or private sector,” he said. “And I think there’s a question mark around the long-term stability everywhere.”
stand every deductible, copay, and out-ofpocket maximum. If eligible, use a Health Savings Account to manage medical costs tax-free. Check for long-term care insurance—because extended hospital, nursing-home, or rehabilitation stays can drain wealth faster than expected.
A $2.4 million net worth sounds strong, but if Marcus stops working and no longer contributes, constant withdrawals for care, living expenses, and emergencies can erode that balance quickly. Without careful management, even a solid nest egg can vanish faster than planned.
If Marcus has a wife and children, ensuring they’re financially protected is critical. Update his will, trust, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations. Review all life and disability insurance policies to guarantee adequate coverage. The goal isn’t just preserving assets—it’s protecting his family’s stability and peace of mind long after he’s gone. Redefine the Goal At 56, Marcus doesn’t need to retire. He needs to reposition.
He’s reached financial security. He was working towards financial independence. That means he’s earned the right to design his life on his terms. But he must answer one question honestly: What’s most valuable now—impact, experience, or peace? If impact still fuels him, he can scale back instead of quitting. Transition into an advi-
tives to first-time home buyers, like JPMorgan Chase’s option to put 3 percent down, to make home ownership more accessible. Be sure to shop around and understand all of your options so you are not leaving money on the table.
3. Get PreApproved
A mortgage preapproval is determined when a lender runs your credit. It takes into account your income, debt, and other assets and liabilities to determine the amount they are comfortable lending you. Once a lender pre-approves you, you will know how much they are willing to loan to you. Sometimes, lenders offer more than you think you can afford. It’s important to keep in mind that even if a lender offers you more, it is up to you to determine if that pre-approved amount fits into your lifestyle. You can always look at homes under the pre-approved amount, but not over.
A preapproval letter gives you a budget ceiling and shows sellers you’re serious. Typically, you can not put an offer on a home unless you have a preapproval letter.
4. Know What You Want (and Need)
Before entering the endless abyss of Zillow or chatting with a real estate agent, consider your must-have home necessities. Determining what you need upfront
versus what you want will help you narrow down your options. Some things to think about include:
Square footage
Number of bedrooms/bathrooms
Washer and dryer hookups
New appliances
Included parking space
School districts
A yard or small outdoor space
Convenient location for commuting time
Age of the home
This can sometimes signal upcoming needs for appliance replacements (like old water heaters).
Touring multiple homes can quickly become overwhelming, which is why having a first-time home buyer checklist to track which properties meet your must-haves is essential for staying organized and saving time during the fast-paced home buying process.
5. Work With a Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent can help you find your perfect home. Armed with your budget, preapproval letter, and wants vs. needs checklist, you’ll want to find a real estate agent who understands the Pittsburgh metro area market. A good agent will guide you through property searches, schedule showings, provide market insights, and negotiate on your behalf. They
can also help you navigate the inspection and appraisal process, explain paperwork, and ensure you stay on track with closing deadlines. You Have What It Takes to Buy With Confidence
From real estate agents and mortgage lenders to home inspectors and insurance agents, your home-buying team plays a significant role in your success. JPMorgan Chase bankers are experienced, transparent, and willing to answer your questions so you can move forward with a confident decision.
The right advisors will not only provide guidance but also advocate for your best interests, help you avoid costly mistakes, and give you the confidence to move forward each step of the way when buying your first home. No matter where you are in your home-buying journey, the proper knowledge, support, and guidance can make all the difference.
(Sponsored by JPMorganChase)
sor role at his nonprofit. Train the next generation to carry the mission forward. That keeps his legacy alive while freeing up time to rest, reflect, and recharge. If experience is his new priority, it’s time to use his money for memory-making experiences, not just market gains. Travel, reconnect with loved ones, revisit dreams that got pushed aside. He’s earned that freedom. This isn’t about retirement—it’s about redefining purpose. Spend Intentionally, Not Emotionally When life delivers a gut punch, it’s tempting to throw discipline out the window. But the same financial habits that built wealth can now sustain peace. Marcus should spend, but with wisdom. Buy back time: Outsource what drains you. Hire help for your nonprofit or household. Use money to eliminate stress, not add to it. Invest in health: This is where money’s power shines. Fund treatments, nutrition, therapy, and self-care that improve quality of life. Health is now the highest-return investment. Make memories, not regrets: Travel with intention. Visit people and places that matter most. Don’t chase luxury; chase meaning.
Fund your living legacy: If helping youth is his passion, create a scholarship or foundation now. Don’t wait until death to do good—do it while you can see the impact. Pay Off the Mortgage: If Marcus can
pay off his $150,000 mortgage, do it. One less headache and one less bill. The average $1,800 mortgage payment equals an immediate, guaranteed return no investment can match. A “low” 3 percent mortgage rate still means money going out. No interest rate beats zero—and peace of mind always outperforms speculation.
Create a Purpose Budget
This isn’t about cutting back—it’s about aligning money with what matters most. Marcus’ new budget should serve life, not limit it. Think in three categories: Live: Maintain your lifestyle comfortably. You’ve earned it. Love: Spend generously on people and shared experiences.
Legacy: Give to causes that reflect your values and future vision. Marcus could safely draw 4 percent from his investments—about $96,000 a year— without threatening his nest egg. That’s enough to maintain his lifestyle, fund meaningful experiences, and continue his mission. The goal isn’t to hoard wealth, but to put it to work—circulating money into joy, health, and purpose while he still has time to enjoy it. Protect the People Who Matter
Even with emotions running high, smart planning still counts. Marcus should confirm that all financial accounts have joint ownership or clear beneficiaries. If he owns a life insurance policy, explore whether it includes “accelerated benefits,” which can provide access to funds for care while alive.
For those without such policies, self-funding care through liquid assets becomes critical. He should also discuss his legacy with loved ones—what he wants to give, who he wants to help, and how he wants to be remembered. These conversations can be hard, but they’re a gift of clarity. They prevent confusion and conflict later. Choose Life—Fully and Freely Money can’t buy health, but it can buy how you experience life. Too many people postpone joy for “someday.” Marcus can’t afford that luxury anymore—and truthfully, none of us can. This isn’t about reckless spending; it’s about purposeful living. He doesn’t need to rush through a bucket list like he’s racing the clock. He just needs to live each day intentionally—working if it gives meaning, resting if it brings peace, spending if it creates fulfillment. The True Measure of Wealth In the end, wealth isn’t about numbers— it’s about living with purpose while you still can. Marcus’ story reminds us all: protect what you’ve built, cherish who you love, and spend your time—and your money—
With Civil Rights under threat, America needs more protests, registered voters, and a refresher course on
Project 2025
In a Truth Social post on July 5, 2024, the then Republican nominee for president said he had “no idea who is behind Project 2025.”
Despite denying knowing the people behind the nearly 900-page manifesto—published in April 2023 by the conservative Heritage Foundation—nearly half of the objectives in Project 2025 have already been achieved since President Donald Trump took office in January.
As a blueprint intended to assist the next conservative president in reshaping the federal government, Project 2025, or rather its supporters, must be rather pleased with how things are progressing.
More than six months since the regime change in the White House, the conservative plan is 47 percent complete, according to the website Project 2025 Tracker which bills itself as a “comprehensive, community-driven initiative to track the implementation of Project 2025’s policy proposals.”
As for the remainder—an estimated 138 proposals— those have not been abandoned. In fact, they’re allegedly on the president’s list of “things to do.”
Slowly, Americans appear to be waking up and seeing this decades-long plan for what it is and has always been: a strategic plan to reshape the government and remove portions of the Constitution so that only a few reap the benefits of citizenship.
Now what? Nationwide protests like the recent No Kings rallies may have made headline news, but they’re not enough. Protests and collective action must continue and moreover, the ballot is the most effective way to voice discontent and every vote counts.
Even more, every American needs to become more aware of what’s really happening. That may mean ignoring the distractions that are intentionally and daily dispersed out of the White House. And yes, that also means we may need to curtail our time on social media, playing tag on TikTok and engaging in “I see” you on Instagram. Because if we don’t know what’s going on, there’s no way to slow things down, much less stop them.
Many of the goals listed in Project 2025 are unconstitutional, but if we don’t hold Congress accountable, more items will undoubtedly be checked off as “completed.” Meanwhile, Congress has shown us who they are, and as Maya Angelou told students at Wellesley College in 1997, “when someone shows you who they are, believe them.”
The news can be exhausting, relentless and discouraging, but if we want a better world for ourselves and our children, we cannot hide our heads in the sand.
When Benjamin Franklin was asked after the end of the Constitutional Convention on Sept. 17, 1787, “What have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
The question today remains: Can we keep it?
(Reprinted from the Washington Informer)
The Voting Rights Act must stay in effect
A Supreme Court rollback would dishonor the sacrifices of those who marched, bled, and died to secure the most fundamental right of all—the right to vote.
Sixty years after President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law, America faces a critical moment once again. The conservative majority on the Supreme Court, including Justice Clarence Thomas, seems prepared to weaken, if not overturn, one of the most critical civil rights laws in U.S. history.
Such a move would be a direct assault on the democratic principles that generations of Black Americans fought, marched, and sacrificed for.
In the new MSNBC documentary hosted by Rachel Maddow, “Andrew Young: The Dirty Work,” the civil rights icon and film’s namesake recalls how the fight to secure voting rights took extraordinary courage.
“Having personally watched the Voting Rights Act being signed into law that August day, I can’t begin to imagine how we could have all been so wrong in believing that more Americans would vote once they were all truly free to do so,” he reflects poignantly.
Dismantling this legal safeguard now, in a time of voter suppression, gerrymandered districts, and misinformation campaigns, would set the country back. Black voters—especially in the South—remain the backbone of American democracy, yet they continue to face barriers similar to those before 1965. The Court’s previous decision in the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder, already weakened vital protections of the Voting Rights Act. More erosion would silence millions more.
At a time when political extremism threatens to divide the nation, protecting the Voting Rights Act is both a moral duty and a constitutional necessity.
“Our multiracial democracy is only 60 years old—and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is its birth certificate,” the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund recently warned. “Today, we again find ourselves at a moment where Black people’s political power is under severe threat.” America cannot honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, Viola Liuzzo, or Young while allowing their life’s work to be undone.
The right to vote must remain sacred, protected not only by memory but also by law.
(Reprinted from the Washington Informer)
Founded
Rod
Silence is fatal if we let it be
(TriceEdneyWire.com) Democratic friends have called inquiring about how they can help a food bank—and they don’t have as much money as Trump and his friends have gotten by hook and crook. I hear there’s a current investigation about that billion dollars from Epstein! The people in need are just hardworking, honest and caring people wanting to help those who have even less than they have. They think about the children, the elderly, handicapped, unemployed, the underemployed, the laid off from several paydays and understand that whatever they have, those I have named have even less, and they want to share what little they have with others. Those are the people I’m proud of and the ones I call whenever I have something I can share. Through challenging circumstances, I’ve not had a paying job since 2022 when I became ill and faced with being unable to continue working. During my illness I was threatened with being relieved of duty if I didn’t resign. Many hard-working individuals are looking for their next meal, while their Republican representatives have shown little attention to these concerns. A few years ago, I experienced this treatment during the worst illness of my life. Much as possible during my illness, I realized how cruel some people can be during others’ serious challenges.
That didn’t matter to those forcing my resignation. I realized how uncaring some people can be and observed that certain people may act insensitively toward others who are experiencing significant difficulties. This goes on in America for those who have nothing. I see it happening with the government to whom we pay taxes. Our government is now being just as mean spirited to the people elected to represent them. Why are those who could solve our citizens’ problems responding with such unexpected meanness and cruelty?
How do you have the gall to take food from the mouths of poor babies, the handicapped, the elderly and so many have-nots? Sojourner Truth who had nothing at times once said, “If my cup won’t hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn’t you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?”
How do you work so hard to fire or lay off people who want to work, but are barred from doing so? How do those in charge of the well-being of people simply go home for weeks at a time, and not even remain in
Washington to try to resolve the problem of hunger? Well, those are questions Republican Party leaders are not concerned about resolving. Why does a judge have to order them to do their jobs after many weeks of procrastinating and neglecting their duties?
God blessed me with the opportunity to save a portion of what I earned through the years, and when I was forced to live on fewer earnings, I have learned to do that. While my income is lower than ever, I still feel an obligation to share what I have with others who may have even less.
For too many, cruelty is the order of the day. Many people have more food than they need, while others are threatened with having nothing. Those who could remedy the problems, stand idly by with neither care nor concern. Some people withhold what they have and act in opposition to sharing with others.
While we witness a failure of our government because Republican leaders stand by with no concern for their fellow citizens to have access to health care at an affordable rate. When asked about their health plan, they can only say they have a concept for a plan!
Vice-President Vance said, “Things are going to get a lot worse.” Well, silence is only fatal if we let it be.”
(Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of The Dick Gregory Society.)
A country where masked, armed troops roam the streets of our cities arresting and deporting people without due process. A country where the president uses our Department of Justice to hound his political foes for his own vindictive reasons. A country where the president is a convicted felon and where he pardoned or commuted the sentences of all persons convicted in the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol involving loss of life. A country where the president tears down part of the people’s White House without consulting anyone. A country where the president rapes the country by charging the American people 230 million taxpayer dollars for pursuing him for wrongs he committed. A country where the president not only failed to place his business interests in a blind trust while holding the office of President (as all his predecessors have done), but also enriches his business holdings by having foreign governments spend at his hotels and pay monthly fees to his business through condo ownership. A country whose president and his family shamelessly promoted the $Trump meme coin and cryptocurrency business enriching himself by over 1 billion dollars by some estimates. A country where the president prevents the press from covering his administration if they don’t write what he wants them to. A country where the president takes funds away from news media that are independent, leaving many people in rural areas without news sources. A country where the president, without informing Congress, uses our military to blow up boats in international waters alleging that they are drug boats.
Far and away, Trump and his multi-billionaire cronies are the major beneficiaries of the post-1945 international status quo that Trump is now doing his level-best to bring down. And he is being met with a rising tide of astounding resistance across the United States. The October 18 Pittsburgh No Kings rally is one example.
Trump is attacking the FBI, the major US domestic police institution to protect Trump and his peers. He is attacking the CIA, the major US intelligence agency to protect Pax-Americana around the world.
Germany and Japan are former major military enemies of the United States. A major goal of NATO is to discourage Germany from rearming. A major goal of SEATO is to discourage Japan from rearming. That is a (the) primary reason why the United States has been willing to largely underwrite NATO and SEATO.
Trump has been bad-mouthing NATO and SEATO. Thanks to Trump’s politics and his personality, Germany and Japan are now seriously considering rearming.
Trump is building a brick-and-mortar wall at the Mexican border. He is building an economic and political wall at the Canadian border. He is waging military and economic warfare with countries in Central and South America, Trump’s asinine Monroe Doctrine. The United States’ respect and influence at the United Nations, where the United States has Security Council veto power, must now be at an all-time low; again, thanks to Trump. It is estimated that some eight trillion dollars of US capital is invested in foreign countries. It is estimated it produces billions and billions of dollars in profits for Trump’s peers. Who else has that kind of money to invest? How does Trump’s tariff warfare affect this money?
The media recently reported Trump’s tariff warfare is devastating the largescale agricultural industry the base of many hardcore Trump supporters.
Cynthia Baldwin Commentary Fred Logan
A country in which the majority party in Congress has abdicated its responsibility to be a check on the executive branch. A country in which members of the Supreme Court, who enjoy lifetime tenure so they can do their jobs without fear and independent of the Executive and Legislative branches, appear to be making partisan decisions. A country in which the president has tried to sanitize slavery and signed an Executive Order that states that the Smithsonian Institution had “come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology” and “promoted narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive.” A country in which the government has dismantled all of its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and threatens the funding of universities that have diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. A country in which the president takes away free speech and academic freedom from universities because he only wants them to teach in agreement with his policies. A country in which the president will spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a luxury plane for himself while taking food out of the mouths of children and health care from our most vulnerable. A country in which the president wants to extend tax breaks
for his wealthy friends while taking away financial supports for the poor. A country where the president will fire thousands of federal workers who are providing services for the American people. A country where the president actively pursues the Nobel Peace Prize before actually achieving peace in Gaza or Ukraine or anywhere else. A country where the president tries to curry favor with the military by paying them during the government shutdown while threatening either to fire or not to give back pay to other federal workers. A country where the president will accept a private donation from one of his supporters to pay the United States Armed Forces during a government shutdown. A country where the president does not become the Comforterin-Chief for the people suffering from disasters in Alaska and other parts of our country. A country where the president has withdrawn the United States from the United Nations’ World Health Organization which helps countries respond to infectious disease outbreaks and other public health outbreaks. A country in which the president fails to realize that taking aid from vulnerable people around the world affects the health and safety of Americans. A country where the president accuses the American people of being woke because he does not want us to be awake to how he is destroying our country. Not only is Donald Trump not Making America Great Again, he is dismantling the great nation that we were. Is this your America? I pray that we fight every day to assure that this is not our vision of America or the vision of America of our children or grandchildren.
Trump is mocking US ranchers’ concern over their plight. Trump is killing the goose that laid his golden egg.
Trump is also savagely attacking the major post-1945 social service programs that assist most Americans outside of Trump and his billionaire cronies in health care, in education, in voting rights, in food nutrition, in environmental programs, in gender equality. These gains have been won through ongoing social struggles.
In direct resistance to Trump, an estimated 7 million people in at least 2,700 US locations and representing an astounding assembly of diverse interests participated in the October 18 “No Kings” mass protest rallies across the United States. The media reported that well over 7,000 people rallied in downtown Pittsburgh. In the east end of Pittsburgh hundreds and hundreds of people rallied along the intersection of 5th and Shady Avenues. The diversity of the October 18 “No Kings” protest was unprecedented. It was astounding. Banners and posters along 5th and Shady Avenue read loud and clear for everyone to see, denouncing Trump’s threats to US civil liberties, to the environment, to voting rights, to health care, to immigrants’ rights, to women’s rights, to American education.
The motorists traveling up and down 5th and Shady honked their horns and waved to show support. I saw no one give the finger to the rally. Pittsburgh city police officers drove past and tacitly nodded. By comparison, during the early
stages of the anti-Iraq war protests a lot of Pittsburgh motorists gave support to the US war against “weapons of mass destruction.” White males were the most visible pro-war in that group. White male police officers glared at the anti-war protestors, initially. But over time as the war and the protest continued, popular support for the protests grew to the point where even White male police officers would ride by and give a nod in approval.
The No Kings protesters in both Shadyside and downtown were overwhelmingly White. And this was very good. White supremacy is the bed-foundation of Trump’s support. Trump would shrug off No Kings if it was largely nonWhite. Bold posters and banners at Fifth and Shady rally read loud and clear “Trump is a Racist.” And the rally shouted “Trump is a Racist.”
We must keep in mind that the cities with African American mayors where Trump has called out the National Guard are also cities where the largest No Kings rallies occurred, Chicago, Washington, DC, New York City. Trump’s National Guard can immediately swirl around from assaulting immigrants to assault No Kings protests! At Fifth and Shady, life long, unrepentant Pittsburgh political activists, and first timers, white collar professionals, and blue collar professionals, educators, elected officials, university professors, religious leaders from various faiths and denominations, social service providers, and lay people galore were all in mix.
In the “No Kings” mix were veterans from the Pittsburgh Anti-Apartheid protests and the March Against Racist Violence of the 1980s, the Johnny Gammage protest of 1990s, and the 2017 Women’s March carrying large bold posters and banners, and chanting loud and clear for the whole wide world to hear, “No Kings!” “Dump Trump!’’……
Generation Z is the battleground
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—Nine years ago, millennials reached a major milestone. Based on population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau, 2016 was the year millennials officially surpassed baby boomers in becoming America’s largest living generation. Born between 1981 and 1996, the millennial generation includes anyone aged 29 to 44 in 2025. While Gen Z is now the second largest generation, by natural progression, they will become the largest generation in the coming years. This population shift will have major political and social implications, as today’s digital natives will gain a greater influence in how our future society is shaped. Social activism has long been associated with young people, as evidenced by demonstrations against the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s, and the Black Lives Matter protests triggered by the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
Gen Z will not only be a rising influence in future elections, but in the age of smartphones and social media, young people have been given a louder voice than ever before. Due to core issues such as climate change, racial and gender justice, mass shootings, economic inequality, healthcare access, and LGBTQ+ issues, along with unprecedented access to digital tools, many Gen Zers are motivated to start social activism at an earlier age. Generation Z’s early and passionate embrace of activism reflects both a reaction to the challenges of their era and a proactive commitment to making a tangible impact. As a young gun control activist and Parkland, Florida, mass-shooting survivor, David Hogg tweeted: “I’m not powered by hope. I’m powered by the fact I have no other choice.”
Generation Z is the ideological battleground, and groups like the Proud Boys know it. The Southern Poverty Law Center has called the all-male neo-fascist group an “alt-right fight club” and a hate group that uses persuasive devices to obscure its true motives. The group was tied to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) describes the Proud Boys as “extremist conservative” and “all too willing to embrace racists, antisemites and bigots of all kinds” and cites the group’s promotion and use of violence as a core tactic. The nations of Canada and New Zealand have designated the Proud Boys as a terrorist group. Yet, there will be teens and young adults who are drawn to its anti-feminism, antisemitism, White supremacy, neo-Nazism, and its version of Trumpism.
Several months ago, a roadside billboard was placed in Clinton County, Illinois, as an attempt by the Proud Boys to recruit teen-
David W. Marshall
Commentary
agers. The billboard, using the words “faith, family, freedom, and brotherhood,” was located 1,000 feet from the entrance to Central Community High School. The billboard listed a local recruiting phone number. By targeting 16-, 17-, and 18-year-old students on their way to school, the Proud Boys are fully aware of the influence Gen Z has on the future of this nation. Parents, local officials, and state leaders condemned the sign, saying the extremist group has no place in Illinois communities. David Cunningham, a Washington University professor who studies White supremacy, said extremist groups often use billboards to try to normalize their presence. “They’re sort of using phrases related to freedom, faith, these kinds of things,” Cunningham said. “This was never in the Proud Boys lexicon prior to the current presidential administration…This is really an attempt to rebrand themselves in a more mainstream way.” After strong community opposition, the sign was removed after a few days. But one has to wonder how many young people were persuaded to call in those few days. The Proud Boys are organizing at the grassroots level, as is Turning Point USA. Turning Point USA is an organization, founded by the late Charlie Kirk, that advocates for conservative politics on high school, college, and university campuses. Turning Point USA is a political organization that aims to elect conservative leaders.
According to its website, they are a movement rooted in faith, freedom, and love of country. They built a well-organized infrastructure of over 900 college chapters dedicated to defending America’s future. I admit that I admire how Turning Point USA has strategically built a nationwide movement focused on young people and America’s future. While I am impressed with the grassroots machine, I know this is another organization that uses persuasive devices to obscure its true motives (White supremacy). Behind the powerful words of “faith, freedom, and love of country” is a national network that promotes anti-Blackness, anti-diversity, anti-equity, and anti-inclusion under the umbrella of Christianity.
The organization is impressive, but the true message is not Christ-like. In their separate ways, the Proud Boys and Turning Point USA will draw support, loyalty, and commitment from the Gen Z population, with a long-term influence on future generations. This is the goal of both organizations. I believe communities of color committed to inclusion, justice, and fairness need a similar Turning Point network, focused exclusively on young people. The battleground is Gen Z, and we may be losing the battle. (David W. Marshall is the founder of the faith-based organization, TRB: The Reconciled Body, and author of the book “God Bless Our Divided America.”)
Fiefdom: Informal: Anything, such as an organization or real estate, owned or controlled by one dominant person or group. (i.e., a congressional district dominated by a career politician)
Last month, millions of Americans turned out in over 2,600 locations for the second No Kings Protest. The first No Kings Protest occurred in June, on the same day that President Trump held a parade commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. Both times, demonstrators denounced Trump’s “authoritarian tendencies.”
The No Kings demonstrators unwittingly echoed the Republican National Committee’s criticisms against Barack Obama’s administration in their 2016 Republican Party Platform.
According to the RNC, “the President has refused to defend or enforce laws he does not like, used executive orders to enact national policies in areas constitutionally reserved solely to Congress, made unconstitutional ‘recess’ appointments to Senate-confirmed positions, directed regulatory agencies to overstep their statutory authority, and failed to consult Congress regarding military action overseas.” He changed what John Adams called ‘a government of laws and not of men’ into just the opposite.”
However, after leaving office, Obama told interviewers that no one truly understands the executive branch’s limitations unless they were president.
Since the Constitution was drafted, presidential power has developed, but only partisans who disagree with the president’s policies believe that the Oval Office is a kingdom without constraints simply because a president wields powers that previous presidents did not.
Furthermore, the Founders feared the establishment of an executive position that resembled a king, and when Hamilton and Madison suggested lifetime tenure for presidents, the other Founders refused to endorse what they referred to as an “elective monarchy.”
The Founders eventually agreed on two four-year terms for the president, with no limit on how many times a person may be elected, but after President Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected four times, there was widespread worry about the concen-
J. Pharoah Doss
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tration of power in one person. To prevent potential authoritarianism, the 22nd Amendment limited the presidency to two terms.
Term limits address the principal complaint of the No King’s demonstrators, prompting many to doubt the purpose of the first protest; nonetheless, the second No Kings protest took place during a government shutdown.
If the No King’s demonstrators blame the president for the financial burden placed on federal employees and citizens who rely on aid, term limits will force him out. His congressional rivals, who are career politicians, will not suffer any consequences for their failure to keep the government open. When the government reopens, we will remember the shutdown as a minor setback during Trump’s second presidency, not a setback initiated by Congress. It is worth noting that government shutdowns occurred under Presidents Bill Clinton in 1996 and Barack Obama in 2013. That’s a 17-year gap, but 125 of 535 members of Congress were in office during both shutdowns, including senior officials on both sides of the aisle: the House Speaker, House Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader.
Politics is the art of compromise, but incumbents who have experienced a government shutdown are more uncompromising than elected officials who have not, so when incumbents tell newly elected officials that shutdowns only last a few weeks and can be used strategically, the result is “shutdown indifference” from the branch of government in charge of preventing it. Rand Paul was first elected to the Senate in 2010. He argued in his 2015 book: Taking a Stand: Moving Beyond Partisan Politics to Unite America, that long terms in office increase the likelihood of apathy
or abuse of power. That is why Paul’s first piece of legislation was a constitutional amendment that limited congressional terms of office. Paul proposed limiting legislators in the House to six two-year terms and the Senate to two six-year terms. If these term limitations previously existed, no one who participated in the 1996 government shutdown would have taken part in the 2013 shutdown. According to Paul, term limits would “consistently refill the halls of Congress with energetic people and new ideas, people who would get things done simply because they had a limited time to do so. They would not be worn down by the steady drip of negativity that erodes character on Capitol Hill.”
Paul cited a Gallup poll that revealed 75 percent of the public favored term limits. “Thirty-seven states place term limits on their constitutional officers. Several states even passed term limits on their representatives to the U.S. Congress. But the Supreme Court struck down those laws, arguing that eligibility for federal office must be uniform among the states.” In 2025, the public support for term limits has increased to 83 percent. Due to the ongoing shutdown, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and former Maryland Democratic Rep. David Trone collaborated on an opinion piece for the New York Times advocating for congressional term limits. They stated that more turnover would result in more legislators prioritizing the interests of their constituents—and the nation as a whole—over those of entrenched and influential advocacy groups. It would go a long way toward restoring trust in our political institutions. Nick Tomboulides, the CEO of the advocacy group U.S. Term Limits, compared a Congress incapable of passing a budget to a lifeguard unable to swim. After the demonstrations, USA Today ran the following headline: “Millions turned out to protest Trump for ‘No Kings.’ Now what?” The No Kings protests will drown in pointlessness unless they venture into uncharted water and initiate a movement against the leaders of congressional fiefdoms.
Halfway to chains: What’s already been enforced under Project 2025
They said it would never happen here. Yet here we are. Forty-eight percent of Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s fascist playbook for dismantling American democracy, has already been put into motion. Nearly half of this regime’s roadmap to erase civil rights, gut public programs, and reimpose racial hierarchy has been realized, with Black America once again standing at the edge of the abyss. Project 2025 was never just a “policy plan.” It was a declaration of war on pluralism itself. A promise by Donald Trump, Russell Vought, and Stephen Miller to chain the machinery of government to white nationalism, Christian dominance, and patriarchal control. The American Civil Liberties Union warned that it would replace the rule of law with right-wing ideals, reviving 19th-century bans on abortion, dismantling civil rights enforcement, and weaponizing federal agencies against immigrants and protestors. Now, the chains are tightening. The Center for Progressive Reform reports that 251 of the 532 Project 2025 actions have been executed. Entire agencies that were once meant to serve and protect have been hollowed out, their missions inverted. Within the Department of Justice, Trump’s appointees have revived the death penalty, reinstated the racist China Initiative, and authorized aggressive prosecutions of local officials who refuse to enforce his version of “law and order.” Civil rights enforcement has been stripped bare; instead of protecting citizens from discrimination, the DOJ now protects power from dissent.
At the Department of Education, Title IX protections for women and LGBTQ students have been rolled back, and the Office for Civil Rights dismantled. Public education is being replaced with privatized indoctrination, pushing “parental rights” that serve as a Trojan horse for white Christian control. Even special education programs have been gutted, leaving millions of disabled children abandoned in
by
Marc
H. Morial
(TriceEdneyWire.com)—“The loss of SNAP benefits leads to food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition … Low-income children who go without nutritious food will struggle to learn in classrooms, impacting their educational performance and advancement ... Suspending SNAP benefits also has economic consequences beyond hunger and public health. Without SNAP funds, SNAP recipients will not be able to frequent retailers, causing a significant loss in revenue, increased food waste, and a negative impact on Plaintiff States’ economies overall.” Lawsuit filed by 25 states against the Trump administration
As the government shutdown drags on, America’s most crucial food assistance programs are on the verge of running out of funds, threatening to suspend support for millions of families, children, and expecting mothers.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) together support nearly 50 million Americans. These programs are lifelines, ensuring access to essentials like nutritious food,
Stacy M. Brown
Commentary
the name of “efficiency.” The Department of Health and Human Services, which was once a guardian of public welfare, has been turned into a moral police force. Abortion access is being criminalized, Planned Parenthood defunded, and data on gender identity erased from health surveys. The new public health priorities are “fertility awareness” and “family discipline,” language straight from the Heritage Foundation’s patriarchal gospel. In housing, Trump’s HUD has repealed fair housing protections and reintroduced policies that penalize single mothers while rewarding “marriage stability.” The echoes of Jim Crow are unmistakable. Homes and neighborhoods once opened through decades of civil rights struggle are being closed again under the pretext of “local control.” Project 2025’s architects have already unleashed the machinery of cruelty on immigrants and communities of color. Thousands have been rounded up under ICE raids that blur the line between citizen and foreigner. It’s a calculated terror tactic meant to normalize the surveillance and detention of Black and brown bodies. Families have been separated again. Birthright citizenship is under attack. ICE, that iron emblem of modern slavery, now casts a shadow over the same soil where slave patrols once hunted the enslaved. This is not accidental. It is the vision of Russell Vought, who co-authored the 900-page “Mandate for Leadership,” the Project 2025 manifesto. As Trump’s budget director and now his ideological enforcer, Vought believes in purging the federal government
breastfeeding support, and infant formula.
Yet both programs are quickly running out of funding. Without immediate action from the White House to use contingency funds and other already authorized measures, millions of vulnerable Americans will soon be without food assistance. SNAP and WIC resources have remained available during past shutdowns. But now, state agencies are running out of options to keep families supported. SNAP still has two-thirds of the funding needed to sustain another month of benefits, in resources that are already available under the program’s emergency procedures. Yet, the White House has chosen to withhold these funds and not use additional authorized funding sources to provide the full benefit to families. Similarly, earlier this month, the USDA funded WIC through the end of the month, though advocates warned it was only a short-term fix to keep the program afloat. As the shutdown continues, unless the Administration releases additional funding to cover WIC, the program will run out of money and more will needlessly face hunger and devastating health consequences. This is a policy choice not an unavoidable consequence of the shutdown.
of “unfaithful” employees, which means anyone who resists his religious and racial orthodoxy. Stephen Miller, the same architect of family separation and Muslim bans, is back to oversee deportations, surveillance, and the silencing of dissent. Their fingerprints are everywhere, from the federal hiring purges to the empowerment of police forces granted immunity from prosecution. Nearly half of the Project 2025 vision has already been achieved, and it is remaking America into a parody of its democratic promise. The Environmental Protection Agency has reversed greenhouse gas regulations, the Department of Agriculture has reinstated draconian work requirements for food aid, and the White House itself now dictates loyalty tests for every federal employee. This is not governance, it is occupation.
The Center for Progressive Reform notes that Trump’s government shutdown in October 2025 was not a failure of management but a strategy. A deliberate effort to dismantle public programs while blaming “big government” for their collapse. He used the shutdown, as the report states, “as an excuse to advance his goals of slashing programs that benefit millions of Americans.” In this America, cruelty has become the operating principle. The poor are starved to feed the rich, the immigrant is caged to comfort the fearful, and truth itself is outlawed. He once warned that if we do not confront the truth of who we are, we will be consumed by it. Project 2025 is the truth of America unmasked. A nation willing to trade freedom for dominance, justice for vengeance, and compassion for control. Nearly half of the chains have already been forged. They rattle in our schools, our hospitals, our courts, our homes. And while they may not yet bind every wrist, they are ready. The architects of Project 2025 have made their intention plain. To enslave the will of a free people through law, bureaucracy, and fear. We are halfway to chains.
This unprecedented decision from the White House is not only harmful, it’s deliberately cruel and unnecessary. By refusing to act, the administration is choosing to inflict avoidable hardship on families already struggling with inflation, rising costs, and record food insecurity. Following the passage of the “Big Ugly Bill,” which imposed the largest SNAP cuts in history, even more Americans are now at risk of losing access to the nutrition assistance they rely on to survive.
For an administration that claims to champion the well-being of mothers, children, and working families, this move goes directly against the things it claims to stand for. Parents should not have to choose between paying bills and feeding their children. No mother should have to worry that her newborn might go hungry because of political leaders. Congress must stand up for families Send a message to lawmakers: they must demand that the White House follow the law by releasing available SNAP funds immediately and exercise its authority to transfer additional funding to WIC and SNAP. Families cannot wait. Americans need support now, not after the damage has been done.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES Help Wanted
Duquesne University seeks Assistant Professor in School of Music in Pittsburgh, PA for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Music Therapy while also directing Duquesne’s Master’s Equivalency in Music Therapy degree program. Apply at: https://www.duq.edu/work-at-du/
Techstra Solutions LLC, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks a Business Analyst/Product Owner position responsible for supporting Techstra Solutions LLC’s product vision in the creation of front-end and back-end features for data lake platforms. This is a Pittsburgh-based hybrid position with a requirement of 2 days per week in the Pittsburgh office. Apply at: www.techstrasolutions.com/ openjobs
AVALON BOROUGH POLICE CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION NOTICE
The Avalon Police Department is seeking candidates for Civil Service Testing. The 2026 starting salary for a full-time police officer is $80,452.85/year.
Applications are available at the Avalon Borough Police Department, located in the rear of the Avalon Borough Building 640 California Avenue, Avalon, PA, 15202-2499 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call 412-761-0353 with further questions.
COMPLETED APPLICATIONS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE AVALON BOROUGH ADMINISTRATION OFFICE BY 4:00 P.M., FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2025.
Applicants must complete a mandatory written examination and physical agility test, oral examination, background check, credit check, medical and psychological examinations.
• Act 120 Certification is required
• Must be a high school graduate
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must be age 21+ upon hire
A $25.00 non-refundable processing fee will be assessed at the time of application. This is required. Cash or money order only.
AVALON BOROUGH CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
Estate of VIRGINIA WALTON (deceased) of Jefferson Hills, Estate No.07045 of 2025, Sharon Leigh Huckestein, extr. or to Devin Hallett Snyder, Esq., Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky, 444 Liberty Avenue, Ste. 2200, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Estate of JOCELYN LEHMAN (deceased) of Pittsburgh, PA, Estate No.07132 of 2025 Rachel Krasnow and Ronna Sue Zell, extr. or to Devin Hallett Snyder, Esq., Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky, 444 Liberty Avenue, Ste. 2200, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Estate of DEBORAH LYNN WHITEZELL, Deceased of Gibsonia, Estate No. 06822 of 2025, Courtenay Garrett, Extr. or to Devin Hallett Snyder, Esq., Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky, 444 Liberty Avenue, Ste. 2200, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Estate of JEAN LANDEFELD ROSE, deceased of McKees Rocks, Estate No. 06870 of 2025, Sharon Rose Miller, Extr. Ryan Brode, Esq, Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky, 444 Liberty Avenue, Ste. 2200, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Estate of JOHN RIPPER III, deceased of Pittsburgh, Estate No. 06738 of 2025, Melissa A. Beyerl and Brian J. Ripper as Co-Executors or to Devin Hallett Snyder, Esq., Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky, 444 Liberty Avenue, Ste. 2200, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Estate of JONATHAN WILLIAM BECK deceased of Monroeville, PA, Estate No. 25-06687, Regina V. Beck, Adm., 515 Pennwood Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 or to Jennifer Roller Chontos, Chontos & Chontos, P.C., 561 Beulah Road, Turtle Creek, PA 15145
ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings
PUBLIC NOTICE
ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY
The Professional Services Committee of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority will hold a special meeting for general purposes on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. prevailing time, in the Trefz Board Room at its offices located at 3300 Preble Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15233. Official action on the Committee’s recommendations will take place at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors at a later date. The public may view the meeting via livestream by visiting www.alcosan.org.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Meetings
PUBLIC NOTICE BALDWIN TOWNSHIP
Baldwin Township Board of Commissioners will hold public meetings to discuss the proposed 2026 General Fund and Sewer Fund Budgets on the following dates and times: November 17 & 24 at 7:00PM & December 2 at 6:30PM at the Baldwin Township Municipal Building, 10 Community Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15234.
Charla A. Pfeil, Township Manager
NOTICE
On November 13, 2025, at 7 p.m., in Council Chambers, 537 Bayne Ave., Bellevue, PA, Bellevue Borough’s Zoning Hearing Board shall hold a Public Hearing on the Application of Evans/Logan seeking Special Exception Approval per Zoning Ord. §2000-661 to operate a Short Term Rental unhit at 431 Dawson Ave. The Application may be viewed during normal business hours at the Borough Offices.
Thomas P. McDermott, Solicitor Bellevue Borough ZHB
BOROUGH OF EMSWORTH
The Council of the Borough of Emsworth will meet at its regularly scheduled public meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 6:30 pm. at the Borough Office, 171 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202 to consider adoption of an ordinance the following which is a title and brief summary thereof: AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE BROUGH OF EMSWORTH, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF EMSWORTH TO INSTITUTE A FINE IN THE AMOUNT OF TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS ($25) FOR ALL VIOLATIONS OF LOCAL PARKING REGULATIONS
A copy of the full text of the proposed ordinance may be examined at the Borough Office located at 171 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.
BOROUGH OF EMSWORTH
Cathy Jones, Borough Secretary
Haysville Borough invites public review and comment on cable contracts Nov 18, 2025 7pm at 1414 Beaver St Sewickley, Pa 15143 or by appointment from Nov 5 thru 17 by calling 412.741.5038.
LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR COMPLIANCE CONSULTANT SERVICE
RFP #125-40-25
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): COMPLIANCE CONSULTANT SERVICES
The documents will be available no later than November 3, 2025, and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on December 10, 2025. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only accept physical proposals dropped off in person from 9:00 AM until 11:00 a.m. on December 10, 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 November 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Please see the meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting : Meeting ID:846 5039 4020 Passcode: 819029 Dial by your location: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
NOVEMBER 5-11, 2025
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
NOTICE: PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE 2026 LOW-INCOME PUBLIC HOUSING FLAT RENT SCHEDULE
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) is proposing updates to its Low-Income Public Housing (LIPH) Flat Rent Schedule. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP), in accordance with federal law and regulation, is proposing revisions to its Low-Income Public Housing Flat Rent Schedule. The revised 2026 HACP Flat Rent Schedule is available for review and comment from Friday, November 7, to Monday, December 8, 2025, on the HACP website: www.hacp.org.
Copies of the 2026 Flat Rent Schedule can also be obtained by contacting the HACP Asset Management office at: 412-643-2737.
A notice including the proposed Flat Rent schedule will be mailed to all residents of the Low-Income Housing portfolio on November 3, 2025.
Public Hearings to receive public comments on the revised 2026 HACP Flat Rent Schedule will be held at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, via Zoom.
Zoom Instructions
10:00 AM Session: Web: https://hacp-org.zoom.us/j/82544075262? pwd=3dIJasn07aCbXDIPxLnhl2iauBboge.1
Telephone Number: 1-301-715-8592 (US)
Meeting ID: 825 4407 5262
Passcode: 716027
6:00 PM Session: Web: https://hacp-rg.zoom.us/j/81194279005? pwd=uRkspE2CrNmUlTayGJF6UVsQBO91xF.1
Telephone Number: 1-305-224-1968 (US)
Meeting ID: 811 9427 9005
Passcode: 286602
A written comment period will be held beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, November 7, 2025, until 5 p.m. Monday, December 8, 2025
Written comments regarding the 2026 HACP Flat Rent Schedule must be submitted by mail and addressed to: HACP Asset Management, C/O Anthony Ceoffe, 412 Blvd. of the Allies, 7th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, or via email to: anthony.ceoffe@hacp.org.
Comments may also be submitted by calling the HACP Asset Management Office at: 412-643-2737.
Persons with disabilities requiring assistance or alternative formats, or who wish to submit comments in alternative formats, can contact the HACP ADA/504 Coordinator at: 412-456-5020, Ext. 2504; TTY: 412-2015384. All other questions should be addressed to the Asset Management Office at: 412-643-2737.
READ THE PROPOSED LIPH FLAT RENT SCHEDULE www.hacp.org.
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 412 Boulevard of the Allies, 7th Floor / Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15219 Tel: 412-643-2737 Fax: 412-643-2962 www.HACP.org
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY d.b.a. PRT
Electronic Proposals will be received online at PRT’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org).
Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM on November 21, 2025, and will be read at 11:15 AM, the same day, through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing, for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org)
Bid Number
Bid Name 1
B25-09-65
B25-10-69
B25-10-70
Restroom Trailer Rentals
Substation Transformer Oil Sampling & Testung
Diesel Exhaust Fluid 4
On-Call
B25-10-71
To join the bid opening through Microsoft Teams meeting on your computer, mobile app or room device
Meeting ID: 259 409 330 909 2
Passcode: XP2M9Hx6 Or call in (audio only) 412-927-0245 Phone Conference ID: 816 632 113#
No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids.
A Pre-Bid Conference will be held for each of the above items at 10:00 AM on November 4, 2025, through your web browser via Microsoft Teams video conferencing. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged.
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Meeting ID: 213 087 574 562 2
Passcode: Ak7Jy6XH Or call in (audio only) 412-927-0245
Phone Conference ID: 904 438 22#
Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the PRT within five (5) business days of the scheduled bid opening.
These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County d.b.a. PRT and the United States Department of Transportation. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing. Port Authority of Allegheny County d.b.a. PRT hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. The Board of PRT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
ALLEGHENY COUNTY SANITARY AUTHORITY PUBLIC NOTICE The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) is accepting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualification from Companies who wish to be considered for the following: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES for ALCOSAN PLANT MODEL PROJECT S-512
Interested Parties shall submit an electronic copy (pdf format) emailed to: procurement@alcosan.org
Attn: Director, Procurement
All questions should also be submitted, in writing , to the Procurement Department. The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) is soliciting Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications from firms interested in providing Professional Services to develop the ALCOSAN Interactive Plant Display Model / 3D Digital Model.
An informational meeting will be held November 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the ALCOSAN Auditorium at 3300 Preble Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233 to clarify the goals and purpose of this Request for Qualifications. ALCOSAN intends to award the services to one firm to perform all the services. Electronic submittals must be received no later than 2:00 p.m. (EST) December 11, 2025. It is Consultant’s responsibility to ensure the documents have been received. Late submittals will not be considered. Additional information and instructions may be obtained by visiting: https://www.alcosan. org/work-with-us/planned-andactive-bids ALCOSAN encourages businesses owned and operated by minorities, disadvantaged and women’s and Service-Disabled Veteran business enterprises to submit qualification statements or to participate as subcontractors or suppliers to the selected Consultant/Firm. The Party selected shall be required to utilize minority, disadvantaged, and women’s and Service-Disabled Veteran -Owned business enterprises to the fullest extent possible. The goals of the ALCOSAN’s Minority and Women Business Policy are listed on the ALCOSAN website at www.alcosan.org.
Kimberly Kennedy, PE Director, Engineering and Construction
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
ADVERTISEMENT
Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Procurement Office, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 and will be opened and publicly read immediately thereafter at the same address. Each Bidder shall be solely responsible for assuring that its Bid is both received and time stamped by a representative of the Purchasing and Materials Management Department at or before the advertised time for submission of Bids. Bidders submitting bids via FedEx, UPS, USPS, or other carrier must immediately provide tracking information to the assigned contract specialist via e-mail. Upon delivery, bidder will notify the assigned contract specialist with an e-mailed receipt. Bids received or time stamped in the Purchasing and Materials Management Department after the advertised time for the submission of Bids shall be non-responsive and therefore ineligible for Award.
BERRY STREET TUNNEL IMPROVEMENTS CONTRACT NO. SYS-25-06
The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, materials, tools, equipment, and incidentals necessary for the demolition, reconstruction and testing of the Berry Street Tunnel Improvement upgrades. The Work includes, but is not limited to, demolition and replacement of existing tunnel electrical lighting and control cable and conduit systems including conduit hangers, ventilation jet fans, the fire alarm systems improvement work including the replacement of all devices, control panels, and wiring necessary to upgrade existing systems to modern fire alarm systems and connecting those systems to the Authority’s network, Uninterruptible Power System (UPS), watermain laterals and hydrants, pavement and site restoration.
A copy of the bid documents will be available on or after November 2, 2025 and can be obtained by accessing or creating your eBusiness account at PRT’s eBusiness website: http://ebusiness.ridePRT.org. Guides are provided for accessing, updating, or creating an eBusiness account. Please be sure to register for any/all construction categories relevant to your firm.
This Project may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project. In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Office of DBE/ DB at (412) 566-5383.
The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions:
Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: Cindy Denner - Authority (412) 566-5117
Email to: CDenner@rideprt.org
All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or email to:
Port Authority of Allegheny County Procurement Office – Construction Division 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527
Attn: Cindy Denner (412) 566-5117
Email to: CDenner@rideprt.org
In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid:
Pre-Bid Conference
9:00 AM
November 10, 2025 will be conducted via Teams at:
(Teams Meeting ID Number: 292 173 970 028 1 Passcode: 4bR2vQ2E Call in (audio only): 412-927-0245 Conference ID 245 792 39# Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended
Pre-Bid Site Tour
10:00 AM
November 12, 2025
Meet location: Sheraden Park and Ride 1628 Chartiers Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15204
All participants must wear safety vests and appropriate footwear Transportation will be provided from the meet location (Sheraden Park and Ride). Attendance is mandatory.
1:30 PM Bids Due
December 2, 2025 Port Authority of Allegheny County Procurement Office 345 Sixth Avenue – 3rd Fl –Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Please print, fill out, place in envelope with identifying label, seal and deliver by the time and date indicated. Bids submitted via Fed Ex, UPS, USPS or other carrier are subject to the notification requirements indicated above.
2:00 PM Bid Opening will be conducted @ 2:00 pm
December 2, 2025 Via Teams or in person at the location indicated above
Teams Meeting ID: 211 829 835 424 2
Passcode: 3JP64cw2
Call in (audio only): 412-927-0245
Conference ID: 365 063 863#
Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR MOBILE FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC HOUSING COMMUNITIES
RFP #800-39-25
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 #800-39-25 MOBILE FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC HOUSING COMMUNITIES
The documents will be available no later than November 3, 2025 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 11:00 a.m. on November 21, 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 21, 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 November 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Please see the meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting : https://hacp-org.zoom.us/ j/82822743255?pwd=pIfHkbg ZNt6Nsrha0wNAeSpl1Snk7i.1 Meeting ID: 828 2274 3255 Passcode: 242632
Dial by your location: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation.
Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Group Term Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Group Long Term Disability Benefits
RFP #650-23-25
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby requests proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Group Term Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Group Long Term Disability Benefits
The documents will be available no later than October 27, 2025, and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 9:00 a.m. on November 14, 2025. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only accept physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until the closing time of 9:00 a.m. on November 14, 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:
Mr. Brandon Havranek, Associate Director of Procurement /Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh 412 Boulevard of the Allies 6th Floor - Procurement Department Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-2890
A pre-submission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting on November 6, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Please see the meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 823 6581 6067 Passcode: 718909 +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages small businesses, minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and veteran-owned businesses to respond to this solicitation.
Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR HEATING VENTILATION AIR CONDITIONING CONSULTING
WIDE REBID RFP #600-11-25 Rebid
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): HEATING VENTILATION
The documents will be available no later than November 3, 2025 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on December 9, 2025. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will only accept physical proposals dropped off in person from 8:00 AM until 10:00 a.m. on December 9, 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 Associate4 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 November 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Please see the meeting information below: Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 838 2430 0002 Passcode: 353969 Telephone Number: 301-715-8592 US The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh HACP conducts