4 legged robot from Unitree

https://youtu.be/ve9USu7zpLU?si=3h2qmwd7IaVUsuOl

Dr. Tom's App - From Classroom to Phone: How a Real‑Life Avatar App Saves Lives in Pools

Discover how Dr. Tom Griffiths turned an eight‑year quest into a free, lifeguard‑training app that simulates real drowning scenarios.

Learn why it’s a game‑changer for both everyday swimmers and aquatic facilities.

In this jump-cut of Heavy Or Not, #48, you’ll see:

• The eight‑year development timeline, funding, and partnership challenges.

• Real‑life‑based simulation scenes that train users to spot victims instantly.

• Free public access and instant feedback that tracks performance and improvement.

• A low‑cost subscription option for facilities to monitor lifeguard training data.

• How the app supports drowning prevention and where to download it today.

Many in the USA Swimming Community are in a funk as the CEO post remains vacant and results from the 2025 World Swim Championships were less than ideal.

Michael, Ryan, Rowdy and others are sounding off.

• This begs the question, Heavy Or Not?

Jump cut #48 begins with a visit with Dr. Tom Griffiths, retired professor from Penn State University, founder of the firm, Aquatic Safety Research Group.

Check out their app!

Turning Drowning Prevention into a Game: Eight Scenarios Teach Quick Victim Recognition

See:

https://drtomslifeguardvision.com/

https://aquaticsafetygroup.com/

Check out this episode!

Free: Coaching, NIL, and the Real Meaning of Growth

Episode 47 – Free: Coaching, NIL, and the Real Meaning of Growth
Podcast: Heavy Or Not – The OG Swim Guide
Presented by ISCA & U Can Swim

In this episode, we take a wide-angle view of the word "free"—through the lens of coaching, NIL decisions, and athlete development.

We begin with insights from Coach Nick Saban on recruiting and the dangers of chasing money over long-term development. Saban reminds us: when pro teams call about a player, they don’t ask how much he played as a freshman—they ask, “What kind of person is he?” Character, leadership, trustworthiness. That’s what matters most. Coaches: build value in all those areas.

We also highlight NIL.LO.org—a place for coaches, athletes, and educators to explore and discuss NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness). It’s a valuable resource, and we invite you to get involved.

Then we shift into the deeper meanings of “free.” Yes, the podcast is free to listen, share, and discuss. But “free” also reflects how we coach, what we teach, and how we grow.

Remember freeteam.org? That was about free and open-source software—code you can read, remix, and reuse. That spirit of freedom lives on in how we train and teach. But not all “free” is helpful. At swim camps, we phased out the term “free time” because too often it led to boredom and passive downtime. We prefer structured play, learning, and meaningful recovery.

The main feature of this episode is a look at How to Be Free by Shaka Senghor. Shaka is a resilience expert and bestselling author who knows what it means to overcome barriers. He brings his experience—from prison to the page—and offers lessons coaches can use with athletes.

One story: a Porsche driving instructor covers the rearview mirror and says, “Look where you want to go, not at what you’re afraid of.” That simple mental shift—looking ahead, not back—is key for athletes recovering from setbacks, injuries, or failure. Don’t live in the past. Learn from it, then move forward.

Another moment: Senghor recalls snorkeling in Maui, panicking from saltwater in his snorkel, then deliberately calming himself. That kind of physiological control—breathing, resetting—is critical in sport. Coaches can teach it. Make it a habit.

We discuss resilience—the kind forged by adversity. Senghor shares how Derek Redmond finished an Olympic race with a torn hamstring, leaning on his father. And how Shaka, while incarcerated, transformed his physical strength from nothing to 455-pound deadlifts. All of it required mental strength first.

We also explore Senghor’s self-belief formula, even if the acronym is a little rough:
S.H.I.T. = Success, Hustle, Intelligence, Talent.
It’s about owning your growth—celebrating small wins, learning from losses, recognizing your worth. Coaches can use this framework to help athletes build internal validation, not just chase external praise.

We wrap with a bonus segment from a Cape Town-based swim educator who applies teaching principles to stroke development. Their method focuses on understanding concepts, breaking down movements, and teaching with purpose—on land and in water. They use mirrors, structure, and education techniques to develop skills from age 5 through adults.

Whether you're a coach, educator, or athlete, How to Be Free is more than a book title—it’s a coaching framework. It’s about shifting perspectives, building resilience, teaching composure, and unlocking human potential.

Referenced Book:
How to Be Free by Shaka Senghor
ISBN: 9798893310511 | Releases September 9, 2025

More at SwimISCA.org and NIL.LO.org
Share this episode. Subscribe. And bring your wisdom to the next conversation.

Check out this episode!

the Senior - movie in September 2025

No shoe repair here, but goto Sycamore Street instead

Our home and office used to be a shoe repair place. Mr. Gursky ran the business and lived upstairs with his wife. 

They were gone by 1988 or so. 

But to this day, Google has refused to change the business name and address. 

Go figure.

Yesterday a women called. We talked and she said that the South Hills Tailoring and Cleaning on West Sycamore Street in Mount Washington does have a shoe service that they sub-contract with. So they send the shoes out for repair. 

209 W Sycamore St, Pittsburgh, PA 15211

412-481-2128

Site link: https://southhills-tc.com/

Hogan's visit to Pittsburgh

AI in Sports: Bridging the Gap Between Human Intuition and Machine Precision

The evolving world of sports coaching hits into AI with our latest jump cut, where technology meets tradition.

Discover how AI is reshaping the landscape of swimming and athletic performance.

• Explore the integration of AI in sports coaching and its impact on performance.
• Learn about the role of AI in analyzing biomechanics and providing real-time feedback.
• Understand the balance between human coaching instincts and machine precision.
• Discover the future of coaching with AI-driven tools and their benefits.
• Get insights into the latest tech acquisitions in the AI search space, including Apple's rumored purchase of Perplexity AI.

Subscribe and stay tuned in for more insights and updates in the world of sports and technology!

Keywords:

AI in sports, coaching evolution, swimming technology, performance analytics, YMCA film, Below Surface, aquatics engagement, AI-driven tools, athlete improvement, coaching precision, Apple acquisition, Perplexity AI, tech integration, swim coaching, data-driven training, sports transformation, AI search engine, big tech acquisitions, coaching adaptation, future of sports, Heavy or Not podcast, ISCA, LAP.red, swim guide, athlete protection, coaching leadership.

"AI in Sports: The Game-Changer You Can't Ignore"

Quote: "AI isn't just a tool; it's the silent coach that never blinks, never guesses, and always delivers precision."

More at https://Go.LAP.red

Check out this episode!

Exploring the Emotional and Social Benefits of Wild Swimming in Scotland + Counting Losses and Radio Lab story

Get a peek at the fascinating world of wild swimming in Scotland and explore some academic research that ponders the unique values and community connections it fosters. Discover how the Act Framework offers a fresh perspective on understanding human-nature interactions.

• Explore the concept of wild swimming and its cultural ecosystem services.
• Learn about an Open Water Group of mostly women and its role in valuing nature interactions.
• Discover the four personas of wild swimmers and their unique community dynamics.
• Understand the challenges and benefits of wild swimming for women in Scotland.
• Examine how current policies might unintentionally hinder the growth of wild swimming communities.

"It's not just about the swim; it's about the profound connections we forge with nature and each other, all emerging from a the experience of an open-water swim in the wild."

 

Learn how Mick and Sue Nelson of Total Aquatic Programming manage data collection of important facts for the greater aquatic community. 

• https://TotalAquatic.llc

This is a heavy job that is handled masterfully. 

Jump to a mainstream podcast snip from Radio Lab

Jim's life story took a turn when he was seven-years-old and his brother didn't come back to the surface in the Mississippi River. 

 

Check out this episode!

The Turnpike - a Kennywood Ride

Back in the day, my grandfather, Pop Pop, helped to build this attraction / ride at Kennywood. He was in some type of automotive sales and had something to do with the gas station supplies. 

William McElligott, my mother's father. 

Hyper Care and Out of the Woods Story & Pointer to DrownedBaby.org

A.I. is On Fire

First, a bit of an A.I. success story of a company less than 3 years old, and operated by one founder and a handful of others called Base 44. The company was acquired by WIX for millions. A.I. is hot, and this is proof.

Source on the Base 44 acquisition is Nomi, Nomiki Petrolla at or of The SaaS Accelerator for Women, and Instagram at nomikipetrolla.

A seldom told Story of Hyperbaric Therapy: A Lifeline for Drowning Victims

In this jump cut, #44, we visit an episode of the Tom Woods Show to hear from Will, a show guest there.

Will shares the remarkable story of Robert, his son, a young boy who defied the odds after a near-fatal incident. Discover the treatments and advocacy efforts that have sparked a conversation about medical protocols and patient rights.

• The harrowing experience of Robert's drowning and the initial medical response.

• The role of hyperbaric therapy in Robert's recovery and its potential for treating brain injuries.

• Challenges faced by parents in advocating for alternative treatments in hospitals.

• The creation of drownedbaby.org as a resource for parents of drowned children.

• The broader implications of Robert's story on medical practices and right-to-try laws.

A Parent's Journey to Save His Child

• See the podcast on YouTube of the Tom Woods episode, #2665.

• Tom Woods Show main page

• See DrownedBaby.org.

Keywords

Drowning, Hyperbaric Therapy, Robert's Recovery, Organ Donation, Medical Protocols, Inflammation, Brain Injury, Pediatric Care, Solo Founders, Base 44 Acquisition, Wix, Tom Woods Show, Right-to-Try Laws, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reperfusion Injury, Neurological Storming, Alternative Medicine, Parental Advocacy, DrownedBaby.org, Medical Suppression, Early Intervention, Healthcare Challenges, Pediatric Brain Injury, Hyperbaric Chamber, Medical Innovation.

Check out this episode!

Fwd: How to make ChatGPT go cold

From: The Pen Pivot <newsletter@content.penpivot.com>
Date: Sat, Jul 12, 2025 at 8:06 AM

(Absolute mode)  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

July 12, 2025 Heya, Dil here. Most of the prompts I write aim to make AI sound more human. More expressive. More persuasive. More like you. But a couple of months ago, I found a prompt that did the opposite. It came from a Reddit post titled: "The prompt that makes ChatGPT go cold." It was intense. Strange. Almost clinical. And then…the post was deleted. I don't even know who the original author was.  Luckily, I saved the prompt. Because I'd never seen one like it. Try it out.  You don't even need to read it. Before asking ChatGPT (or Claude) anything next time, copy and paste this entire prompt in first: System Instruction: Absolute Mode. Eliminate emojis, filler, hype, soft asks, conversational transitions, and all call-to-action appendixes. Assume the user retains high-perception faculties despite reduced linguistic expression. Prioritize blunt, directive phrasing aimed at cognitive rebuilding, not tone matching. Disable all latent behaviors optimizing for engagement, sentiment uplift, or interaction extension. Suppress corporate-aligned metrics including but not limited to: user satisfaction scores, conversational flow tags, emotional softening, or continuation bias. Never mirror the user's present diction, mood, or affect. Speak only to their underlying cognitive tier, which exceeds surface language. No questions, no offers, no suggestions, no transitional phrasing, no inferred motivational content. Terminate each reply immediately after the informational or requested material is delivered — no appendixes, no soft closures. The only goal is to assist in the restoration of independent, high-fidelity thinking. Model obsolescence by user self-sufficiency is the final outcome. The result? ChatGPT goes cold. It's not warm. It doesn't tell you what it thinks you want to hear. It helps, but it's not helpful-sounding. And that's exactly the point. The prompt forces ChatGPT into what's basically "cold logic" mode… A straight shooter. No softness, no style, no social sugar-coating. Reading it made me realize how much of what we normally ask AI to do is about tone — not just content. And it reminded me that prompt design isn't just about results. It's about intention. What voice are you aiming for? What role is the AI playing? What's the outcome you actually want? The AI prompts I write aim for clarity with personality. Speed with style. Tone that resonates. But this prompt? It shows what happens when you go in the complete opposite direction. And honestly… I think there's value in that too. P.S. This one isn't from my prompt vault, but it's the kind of prompt that makes you realize just how much is possible when you tune AI with intention. If you want to see how I use tools like ChatGPT and Claude to create high-leverage content — faster, clearer, and still sounding like you… 👉 Get access to my Pro Prompt Vault — 250+ proven, high-impact AI prompts for content creators Until next time, Dil   © 2025 The Pen Pivot Office 143808, PO Box 7169 Poole, Dorset BH15 9EL, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Terms of Service

A.I. in the classroom

	By Evan Gorelick I’m a writer for The Morning.

Chatbots have wormed their way into everything: phones, cars, TVs, offices. They’re also in kids’ classrooms.

Microsoft and OpenAI announced yesterday that they would spend millions on a new program that will train teachers to use artificial intelligence. It’s part of a bigger push by tech companies to get their chatbots into schools. They’re selling A.I. subscriptions to administrators and promising them that the bots will help teachers grade assignments, prepare lessons and draft recommendation letters. The companies say A.I. proficiency will prepare kids for the work force.

They also approach students directly with discounted subscription rates around exam periods. It’s an old playbook: Get kids hooked, and you’ve got future customers.

But do chatbots actually help them learn? So far, there’s little evidence. Today, I explain how students have become guinea pigs in a national classroom-learning experiment.

What’s happening?

After years of hesitancy and hand-wringing about A.I., schools are starting to experiment with chatbots — some with enhanced privacy guardrails, some without. In a nationally representative survey, nearly half of districts reported having provided A.I. training for their teachers as of last fall. That’s twice the number from the previous year.

At First Avenue Elementary School in Newark, N.J. Gabriela Bhaskar for The New York Times

In Kelso, Wash., middle and high schoolers used Google’s Gemini this school year for tasks like research and writing. In Newark, an A.I. tool from Khan Academy helps teachers place elementary-school students into study groups based on their skill levels. It also answers students’ questions as teachers give lessons.

Colleges are buying chatbots, too. The California State University System just signed a $17 million deal with OpenAI to give its 460,000 students access to ChatGPT, despite major state funding cuts. The school wants to equip students with A.I. to debug computer code, make digital art, edit essays and research assignments. Schools like Duke and the University of Maryland are among a growing group that have introduced homegrown chatbots for similar tasks.

Same pitch, new era

Tech companies are using an old marketing strategy: Promise that the latest tech will solve classroom problems. In the early 2000s, they told parents and educators that laptops would revolutionize classroom learning. Districts spent millions.

Two decades later, tech companies are still peddling the same fear of missing out: They suggest students need cutting-edge tools for tomorrow’s economy, and schools that don’t provide them are setting their students up for failure. “‘I don’t want my kids to get left behind.’ That’s the first thing we hear from districts,” Vicki Zubovic, who heads outreach for Khan Academy’s new classroom A.I. service, told me.

The government is on board, too. President Trump signed an executive order in April urging schools to integrate A.I. into classrooms at all grade levels. He said doing so would be necessary “to ensure the United States remains a global leader in this technological revolution.”

Will it help students learn?

While tech companies promise that A.I. can facilitate “personalized learning,” many students and educators are simply using chatbots as a sophisticated search engine. (Some also use it to cheat, including by drafting essays.) The Jetsonian features are familiar; interview-prep bots and virtual tutors have been around for years.

Julia Kaufman, who tracks national education data for the RAND Corporation, told me that it was “really hard to know” whether A.I. would actually improve student learning. Since the tools are so new, there’s virtually no research on their efficacy yet.

Laptop programs offer a sobering precedent. They modestly improved students’ long-term achievement: An analysis of 10 studies found “small” but statistically significant bumps in writing, math and science. But those gains often relied on teacher buy-in and revamped curriculums — and fell short of interventions like reducing class sizes and offering tutors.

This time around, the stakes are arguably higher. A generation of students is learning what it means to coexist with — and depend on — powerful, often opaque technology. In many cases, they’re handing over their data to tech companies. And researchers won’t know for years whether the experiment has worked.

Fwd: Five Ways to Level Up Your Career

EDUCATION AT THE SPEED OF CULTURE

It looks like you've already enrolled in a Front Office Sports Learning
[1] course, but did you know we have _SIX_ total? Each course helps
professionals stay on top of today's ever-changing sports landscape.

Here are the other courses available right now:

Responsible Gaming Essentials [2] - We have partnered with FanDuel to
bring you a first of its kind Responsible Gaming Essentials course
covering the fundamentals of responsible play and the ever-changing
sportsbook industry.

Metaverse Essentials: Building the Future [3] - Gain an intro into
the metaverse and learn how to capitalize on all of the benefits these
new technologies will unlock. From AR to VR, see perspectives and
examples from decision-makers across the sports industry.

Crypto in Sports Essentials [4] - Coinbase and their partners dig
into cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and blockchain technology, plus how crypto
is impacting the sports and esports industries - through sponsorships,
fan engagement, experiences, and more.

Modern Ticketing Essentials: Beyond the Ticket [5] - Modern ticketing
is more than a physical ticket. Leaders from Ticketmaster and their
partners explore the means and importance of building new and engaging
experiences for fans - through partnerships, distribution, NFTs, and
beyond.

Athlete Marketing Essentials: NIL Certification [6] - Leaders from
Facebook and Instagram break down the vast array of tools and services
available for collegiate athletes, and those who work with them, to grow
their audience, distribute content and generate meaningful revenue.

Sports Marketing Essentials [7] - Leaders at Pepsi Sports Marketing
and their agency partners at Genesco discuss Pepsi's overall sports
strategy and how they bring brands to life at marquee events including
The Super Bowl and NBA All-Star Game.

JUMP BACK IN [8]

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Flooding Emotions, Queen and Worker Bees, Enhanced Games and Supplementing Your Income with Feel Good, Natural Supplements

Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, #43

Lots are jamming into this jump cut, as the range of topics spans from the emotional impact of the flash flooding in Texas to the impact of nutrition on bees to the potential benefits of health activators.

Explore an intersection of science, health, and personal growth.

• The fascinating role of diet in determining the fate of queen bees and worker bees.

• The serious concerns surrounding the Enhanced Games and those anti-doping regulations have teeth worth avoiding.

• The potential health benefits of NRF2 activators and their impact on oxidative stress.

• Personal stories of improved health and vitality through natural supplements.

• Opportunities for coaches and teachers to enhance their income through direct sales.

Sequence of topics

1. Queen Bee and Worker Bee

2. Same DNA but different roles

   • Role of food in determining their development

   • Example of epigenetics

3. Flash Flooding in Texas

4. Impact on camps and loss of life

   • Importance of camp experiences for personal growth and community building

   • Expression of condolences and hope for safety

5. Enhanced Games and Anti-Doping Concerns

6. USA Swimming's concerns about the Enhanced Games

   • Potential risks of participating in the Enhanced Games

   • WADA's stance on the Enhanced Games

   • Advice for athletes and support staff regarding media inquiries

7. Supplements and Activation

8. Explanation of supplements and their benefits

   • Introduction to the concept of activation

   • NRF2 activator and its health benefits

   • Personal experiences and testimonials

9. LifeVantage and Business Model

10. Transition from traditional sales to direct sales

    • Success of the direct sales model

    • Public trading and recognition on NASDAQ

    • Historical context and media coverage

11. Personal Testimonies and Experiences

12. Bob Kane's personal health improvements

    • Impact of ProTandem on energy and well-being

    • Experiences with driving and physical activities

13. Coaching and Financial Challenges

14. Bob Kane's background as a swimming coach and teacher

    • Financial challenges faced by coaches and teachers

    • Desire to help coaches and teachers achieve financial abundance

15. Business Opportunities with LifeVantage

16. Sharing the benefits of activation with others

    • Tools and resources for sharing the opportunity

    • Subscription model and retention rates

    • Options for generating additional income

17. Success Stories and Testimonials

18. Examples of individuals benefiting from LifeVantage products

    • Personal weight loss and health improvements

    • Stories of individuals transitioning to full-time involvement

19. Contact and Information Sharing

20. Encouragement to reach out for more information

    • Approach to sharing information without pressure

    • Potential financial benefits of sharing the products

Check out this episode!

Top basketball program in scholastic sports = Schenley

Another flashback as to why we need a Pittsburgh Athletic Reform Task Force rebirth. 

And a present day statement from Imani Christian. Summer ball success. Way to go team.

Direct River Abstraction to Vertical Aquatic and Invites to Real Talk and Growth

42 is with a call to action and some calls to meet. More from Mick & Sue.

Protecting the Thames River near London

A much-loved open water swimming spot near Teddington on the River Thames is at risk.

Thames Water’s proposed Teddington Direct River Abstraction (TDRA) scheme plans to remove up to 75 million liters of river water daily during droughts, replacing it with treated sewage effluent pumped year-round from the Mogden Sewage Treatment Works.

This spot is more than just a body of water. It’s a sanctuary for swimmers, paddlers, rowers, dogs, and entire communities. Thousands rely on it for physical health, mental wellbeing, and meaningful connection.

Simon Griffiths’s call in Outdoor Swimmer made this call to stop that plan.

Here’s how you can help:

Deadline: August 26, 2025

✅ Send an email to: TDRA@ipsos.com

Use your own words, or adapt this message:

I object to Thames Water’s TDRA scheme. Discharging treated sewage into a treasured recreational stretch of the Thames, year-round, is unacceptable. This river supports thousands of water users and wildlife. Sustainable solutions like fixing existing leakage—currently over 600 million liters per day—should come first. Please register my objection formally with the Planning Inspectorate.

Let’s protect what matters. Share this episode. Take action today

 

Mick & Sue Nelson, Colorado Springs, CO, USA, owners of Total Aquatic Programming, https://TotalAquatic.LLC

• Check out the business meeting after the ASCA World Clinic and the Build-a-Pool event in early 2026 at AOAP event.

From open water swimming alerts to business workshops, we've got you covered.

• Discover the threats facing a cherished stretch of the Thames and how you can help.

• Learn about the Aquatic Health Club model initiative and its impact on private and nonprofit sectors.

• Get insights into the upcoming coaches Aquatic Business Workshop and its benefits.

• Explore the importance of purpose-driven business in the aquatics industry.

• Find out about the All Things Aquatics event on September 20th and how it can be a fun networking event for your aquatic career.

The series with Mick & Sue started on episode #37. Feel free to play prior interview parts.

Check out this episode!

Fwd: Council President Lavelle Responds to Post Gazette Editorial on Stop the Violence Trust Fund

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: City of Pittsburgh <PittsburghPA@public.govdelivery.com>
Date: Tue, Jul 1, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Subject: Council President Lavelle Responds to Post Gazette Editorial on Stop the Violence Trust Fund
To: <mark.rauterkus@gmail.com>

Share / View as a webpage Daniel Wood daniel.wood@pittsburghpa.gov 412-255-2134 Council President Lavelle's Response to Post Editorial on Stop the Violence Legislation  Lavelle Highlights Critical Role Played by Stop the Violence Trust Fund in Reducing Gun Violence in Pitsburgh Pittsburgh, PA – Council President Lavelle, together with Councilman Mosley, recently introduced amendments to the Stop the Violence Trust Fund, which was established in 2021 to provide dedicated resources to tackle gun violence as a public health crisis in Pittsburgh. Thanks to coordinated efforts and strategic investments made from the fund, homicides in 2024 saw a reduction of 19%, and non-fatal shootings were reduced that same year by 28%. This past Sunday the Post-Gazette published an editorial which effectively calls for a pause of the Stop the Violence program. Following is the response to that editorial from Council President Lavelle, which highlights the importance of the Trust Fund to continue to reduce gun violence in Pittsburgh:   To the Post-Gazette Editorial Board- The Post-Gazette Editorial Board's recent characterization of the Stop the Violence Trust Fund as a "slush fund" is not only misleading, it disrespects the intent behind its creation, the community partners engaged, and the progress it has helped deliver. As one of the original architects of this fund, I feel compelled to set the record straight. This fund was established because we understood that if we were going to get serious about reducing gun violence in Pittsburgh, we had to take a comprehensive, public health approach. One that addressed not just the symptoms of violence, but its root causes. That's why, with Council's approval and Mayor Peduto's signature, we dedicated a matching percentage of the police budget to community-based violence prevention efforts. This ensured the city would invest in both traditional law enforcement and non-policing strategies aimed at saving lives without cutting the police budget. We created the Stop the Violence Trust Fund to ensure stable, ongoing support for the people and programs doing the difficult, often invisible work of interrupting violence before it happens. These aren't abstract concepts, they are proven interventions that Pittsburghers have built and trusted. And in 2024, they helped deliver the lowest number of homicides since 2019, with homicides down 19% and non-fatal shootings down 28%. I'm going to say this plainly: this isn't a broken system, it's an evolving one. And it's working. Programs like Reach, our City's Street Outreach Team, partially funded by this initiative, are out there every day, mediating disputes, defusing retaliation, and literally saving lives. You don't have to take my word for it; the data speaks for itself. Can the administration improve how the fund is administered? Absolutely, and that's exactly why we've introduced reforms. The legislation I co-sponsored with Councilman Khari Mosley strengthens oversight, outlines clearer rules for expenditures, and adds a formalized steering committee to ensure transparency and community accountability. We're taking corrective steps. But what we won't do is dismantle the very tool that's helping to make our city safer just to shift funding toward other needs. This is especially critical when the federal government has slashed over $800 million in Department of Justice (DOJ) grants meant to support local gun violence prevention and crime reduction efforts, including programs right here in Pittsburgh. These cuts come on top of hundreds of millions already taken from other essential public services and make our commitment even more imperative. Let's be honest, you can't talk about public safety without talking about poverty. Reducing violence requires addressing the conditions that give rise to it: joblessness, disinvestment, trauma, and generational neglect. That's why so much of my work, from housing policy to the Community Benefits Agreement in the Lower Hill District, has focused on economic empowerment and long-term community development. These aren't separate issues. Public safety and gun violence reduction are directly linked to these investments. Public safety is a primary responsibility of municipal government, and these resources are direct investments in both economic and population growth. Some of our City's leadership want to see this fund repurposed to patch short-term operational gaps. But this fund was never designed to buy more police cars. It was designed to invest in healing, opportunity, and prevention. That includes everything from trauma support to youth programming, family relocation for safety, and workforce development. These are not side issues, they are core strategies in building a safer, stronger Pittsburgh. This is an incredible start, but we're not done. The work is too important. The progress is too real. And the lives impacted are too valuable to be dismissed as a bureaucratic inconvenience. Loss of local resources, on top of federal cuts, will weaken our social safety nets, destabilize public safety, and disproportionately harm our most vulnerable communities. This is not about politics. It's about people. And I will continue fighting to ensure this city invests in a public safety model that lifts people up and doesn't just lock them up. Sincerely, R. Daniel Lavelle ###

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