Pittsburg, PA

Pennsylvania's Supreme Court will weigh in on Pittsburgh's 'jock tax'

Published

42 mins ago

July 24, 2024

Pennsylvania's Supreme Court will weigh in on Pittsburgh's 'jock tax'

Pennsylvania’s highest court will weigh in on the legality of Pittsburgh’s tax on out-of-town athletes and performers. In an order issued Monday, the state Supreme Court said it would hear arguments about whether lower courts misinterpreted a constitutional requirement that taxes be levied uniformly.

An appeals court this winter upheld a Common Pleas Judge’s ruling that struck down the city’s Non-Resident Sports Facility Usage Fee — the so-called “jock tax.” The tax is a 3% levy on the income earned by out-of-town athletes and performers when they use city-owned venues. The city appealed that ruling in February.

Pittsburgh officials say the tax evens the playing field between visiting players and home-team athletes: Those who live within the city pay taxes of 3% of their earnings to the city and its school district.

The city’s appeal argues that judges failed to properly apply earlier precedents to the matter. And on Monday, the state Supreme Court said it would hear the city’s appeal on that basis, while rejecting other arguments the city made.

Mayor Ed Gainey issued a statement Tuesday that said he was “pleased that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear our case. … We believe that this tax is constitutional and will continue to collect it as we prepare to present our arguments to Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court.”

Common Pleas Court Judge Christine Ward had previously issued an injunction to halt collection of the tax, but the city has argued that it can collect the tax while its appeal is pending.

Lawyers who spoke privately with WESA said they were puzzled by that claim, but Stephen Kidder, a lawyer for the athletes, did not contest it Tuesday night.

“We look forward to the opportunity to demonstrate to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that both the Commonwealth Court and the Court of Common Pleas correctly decided this issue,” he said.

Monday’s court order initially caused some confusion, with some media outlets, and one local official, interpreting the order as a blanket refusal to take up the issue.

City Controller Rachael Heisler has voiced concern about city finances and the fate of the “jock tax,” and on Tuesday afternoon posted a statement on social media that the city needed to be “honest” about its fiscal situation. But later in the day, she said that the post had relied “in part on news reports” and that she “was not correct relaying inaccurate reports about the complete dismissal of the appeal.”

Still, Heisler argued the city should prepare for a future without the tax: “I remain concerned about whether the city can continue to rely on revenue” from the jock tax, she said.

Gainey said Tuesday his administration is “doing all that we can to ensure the financial strength and security of our city.”

The city’s five-year financial plan estimates that the tax will bring in an average of $4.6 million per year. That’s a small sum in the context of an overall operating budget that runs well over half a billion dollars annually. But the impact could snowball if the city loses its legal battle: Those who’ve paid the tax would be eligible for refunds, and would have a three-year window to file a claim.

The uncertainty surrounding the jock tax is just one financial headache facing the city. Plunging property reassessments, especially among commercial properties Downtown, and the end of federal COVID aid also mean lean years ahead, and potentially a hotly debated budget season this fall.

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21 photos from Liverpool's walk around Pittsburgh on Tuesday – Liverpool FC

Published

8 hours ago

July 23, 2024

Press Room

21 photos from Liverpool's walk around Pittsburgh on Tuesday – Liverpool FC

‌

Published 2 hours ago

By Glenn Price in Pittsburgh

The Liverpool squad’s acclimatisation to the USA began with a gentle walk around Pittsburgh on Tuesday evening.

Shortly after touching down in Pennsylvania for the first leg of their pre-season tour, the Reds underwent a stretching session at their hotel and a brief stroll around its surroundings.

View the team’s opening activities in the photo gallery below…

Photos by Nikki Dyer

Get tickets for Liverpool’s pre-season matches in the USA here

LFCTV GO is the home of all pre-season coverage this summer – watch every pre-season game live, exclusive Inside Training episodes and much more. Subscribe now and get one month FREE

Published 2 hours ago

This article has been automatically translated and, while all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some errors in translation are possible. Please refer to the original English-language version of the article for the official version.

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Pittsburg, PA

Specific Makes, Models Targeted In Rash Of Pittsburgh Vehicle Thefts

Published

15 hours ago

July 23, 2024

Press Room

Specific Makes, Models Targeted In Rash Of Pittsburgh Vehicle Thefts

PITTSBURGH, PA — Police are investigating the theft of at least 10 vehicles in city neighborhoods overnight. All but one of the thefts was either a Kia or Hyundai, which police believe are being targeted because a security vulnerability in certain models make them easier to steal.

Officers observed at least four of the vehicles driving erratically at dangerously high speeds on the North Side. Two of them were found crashed and abandoned at Eckert Street and Shadeland Avenue.

The suspects, believed to be juveniles, fled on foot.

Find out what’s happening in Pittsburghwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

No arrests have been made.

In order to try to thwart additional thefts, Pittsburgh police provided the following tips:

Find out what’s happening in Pittsburghwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Never leave a vehicle running and unlocked, even to run a quick errand
Always ensure all vehicle doors are locked and windows closed. Most thieves take the path of least resistance, going from car to car looking for unlocked doors at night
Kia and Hyundai owners should take advantage of the manufacturer’s recall and security updates and/or use a club lock to immobilize the steering wheel
Invest in technology such as Apple Air Tags, inexpensive GPS trackers that connect to cell phone apps, or utilize individual vehicle manufacturers’ security and tracking technology when possible
Install outdoor security camera systems trained toward where the vehicle is parked
Bluetooth enabled dashboard cameras can be useful tools to help catch car thieves
If Kia or Hyundai models must be parked in a driveway, police advise blocking them in with another vehicle when possible
Never leave firearms inside a vehicle under any circumstance.

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To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.

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Kozora: Pittsburgh Steelers Pre-Training Camp 53-Man Roster Prediction

Published

22 hours ago

July 23, 2024

Press Room

Kozora: Pittsburgh Steelers Pre-Training Camp 53-Man Roster Prediction

With training camp 24 hours away and the first practice the day after, it’s time for my updated Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 53-man roster prediction. My last prediction came right after the draft, and since then, the team has made roster moves that have changed some of my predictions. Those will be reflected below.

My next roster prediction will come either right before or after the Steelers’ first preseason game.

OFFENSE – 24

Quarterbacks (3) – Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen

Analysis: No changes here; the overall theme of this updated prediction. Wilson and Fields may nominally have a battle, but it’ll be a major upset if Fields wins it. Allen brings experience and comfort as the team’s third-stringer.

Running Backs (3) – Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson

Analysis: I’ve begun to feel skeptical about Patterson’s usefulness this season on offense or even in the return game. But he should still make the roster as the primary kick returner. Harris and Warren will be the Steelers’ lead horses in an offense that could finish top-five in rush attempts.

Fullback (0) – None

Analysis: No true fullback though Connor Heyward could be used here. Keep an eye on Jack Colletto in training camp.

Tight Ends (4) – Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt

Analysis: In my off-season analysis, I left Pruitt versus Rodney Williams at a literal coin flip. Williams is younger and the better athlete/special teamer but Pruitt knows the system and is a stronger in-line blocker. An underrated but fun camp battle. Heyward could log time at fullback.

Wide Receivers (5) – George Pickens, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Dez Fitzpatrick

Analysis: One change here. Putting Fitzpatrick in place of Marquez Callaway. Callaway brings intriguing height/weight/speed, but Fitzpatrick’s calling card is special teams. That’s different than the other veteran wideouts fighting for their spot. Austin earned plenty of praise in the spring, giving him an initial leg up in the fall. Jefferson has size and versatility and is familiar with Smith’s system.

Offensive Tackles (4) – Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Dan Moore Jr., Dylan Cook

Analysis: Lots to watch here. How much play does Moore get at RT? Can Fautanu win the job? Can Cook continue his ascent, and if so, will Moore become expendable? Overall, it’s a talented and deep group.

Offensive Guards (4) – Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, Nate Herbig, Mason McCormick

Analysis: I wanted to find a way to shoehorn Spencer Anderson in here, but he’s still the tenth offensive lineman. Herbig will battle Frazier at center but is likely to lose the job.

Centers (1) – Zach Frazier

Analysis: Frazier, the only true center on this 53 configuration, may have to earn the right to start. But he should capture it by the time the season begins. Interested to see if Anderson or McCormick get any work at center.

DEFENSE – 26

Defensive Ends (4) – Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Dean Lowry, Isaiahh Loudermilk

Analysis: Maybe the buzz on DeMarvin Leal is real. Best shape of his life, the light’s come on, all that good stuff. But he’s gotta play his way onto the roster and my roster prediction. If he shows up, Loudermilk’s spot may become shaky. Ogunjobi needs to get through a camp healthy, always nagged by a foot or toe issue.

Nose Tackles (2) – Keeanu Benton, Montravius Adams

Analysis: Benton will start after entering last year as the backup. Adams signed a multi-year deal and should stay. The Steelers will keep at least six defensive linemen.

EDGE Rushers (4) – T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon

Analysis: David Perales lost weight and is in his second season, but I’m still putting Moon over him. Moon is bigger, stronger, and more proven on special teams. An intriguing name to watch in camp.

Inside Linebackers (5) – Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Tyler Matakevich

Analysis: A change here now that Matakevich has been signed. He bumps Mark Robinson off the Steelers roster for the role of “core special teamer.” The question is if Holcomb is healthy to begin the year. We’ll see if he starts camp on Active/PUP. If he avoids it, it’ll be a tremendous sign. Position group here is strong.

Cornerbacks (6) – Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Darius Rush, Cory Trice Jr., Beanie Bishop, Josiah Scott

Analysis: Cam Sutton will start the year on the Suspended list and does not need to begin on the initial 53. He won’t play until Week 10. The slot corner battle swings wide open. Bishop was the team’s best UDFA add, but they probably want a veteran ready in Scott, who served as the Eagles’ slot corner in 2022. This position will probably be handled by committee.

Don’t overlook the outside corner depth battles, either. Rush and Trice have plenty to prove and will be pushed by Anthony Averett.

Safeties (5) – Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Ryan Watts

Analysis: Lots of moving and shaking here. Trenton Thompson was released for reasons that still don’t make much sense. Jalen Elliott has also been shown the door. It boosts the odds for the rookie Watts, though he’ll have to prove he can make the transition from corner. Winning a special teams spot will also be key for him.

SPECIAL TEAMS – 3

Kicker (1) – Chris Boswell

Analysis: Boswell’s spot is safe, though Matthew Wright will audition for other teams this summer. He’s worth rostering, making it the most interesting note at kicker, provided Boz stays healthy.

Punter (1) – Cameron Johnston

Analysis: Johnston is the only punter on the Steelers roster, speaking to the team’s level of confidence in him. He was a key free agency signing, though hopefully, Pittsburgh will do a lot less punting in 2024.

Long Snapper (1) – Christian Kuntz

Analysis: Fresh off a three-year contract, Kuntz’s spot is safe.

Gameday Inactives: Allen (Emergency Third QB), Jefferson, McCormick, Trice Jr., Watts

PRACTICE SQUAD (17)

QB: John Rhys Plumlee
RB: Daijun Edwards, Jonathan Ward
FB: Jack Colletto
WR: Marquez Callaway, Duece Watts
TE: Rodney Williams
OG: Anderson Hardy, Spencer Anderson
DL: Logan Lee, Breiden Fehoko
EDGE: Julius Welschof*, Kyron Johnson
ILB: Jacoby Windmon
CB: Thomas Graham, Anthony Averett
S: Nate Meadors