Commodore Schmidlapp

Kicked off the morning at the grand opening of Fresh Market on Centre Avenue — not only do they provide great food options, but they’ve created over 80 great new local jobs.

Before ANYONE can proclaim “Downtown Pittsburgh is wonderful” You MUST read this and WE must do something about it! “Marty… My 54 year old wife was assaulted by a group of youths on the corner of Strawberry Way and William Penn this past Wednesday, March 4th, at approximately 5:15 pm in broad daylight. These kids were apparently playing some social media challenge where you sucker punch someone in the back of the head. Fortunately I pick her up in town every day, and witnessed my wife on the ground being beaten by this group of animals when I pulled up. I was able to break it up before it got worse.”

Two Men Arrested in Norristown Human Trafficking Case; One Also Charged With Attempted Murder Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele and Norristown Police announced the arrests of Efran Flores-Rodriguez, 24, of Norristown, and Fernando Meza-Ramirez, 42, of Corona, New York, on human trafficking charges. Flores-Rodriguez is also charged with attempted murder. The investigation began February 13, 2026, after a ShotSpotter alert for gunfire on the 400 block of Sandy Street. Police found Meza-Ramirez inside a Toyota RAV4 with a gunshot wound to the thigh. Detectives later determined the shooting stemmed from a turf dispute between two alleged sex trafficking operations. Investigators allege Meza-Ramirez transported women from New York to Norristown for prostitution. Flores-Rodriguez is accused of operating a rival operation and shooting Meza-Ramirez from a stolen Acura TLX. During a February 17 search of Flores-Rodriguez’s Jacoby Street home, detectives recovered the suspected vehicle, two loaded firearms, and located a woman identified as a trafficking victim. She told investigators Flores-Rodriguez, known as “Guerro,” arranged clients and kept half of her earnings. She also identified Meza-Ramirez, known as “Leo,” as another trafficker operating locally. Both men were arrested February 17 and denied bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 10, 2026. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

To everyone observing Ash Wednesday: God bless you.  In a city of such staggering inequality, let this be a season of reflection, repair, and service. May you have a meaningful Lenten season of prayer, fasting, and spiritual renewal.