The Top Pittsburgh News Stories of the Year
A look back at the 10 most impactful moments of 2024.
PHOTO BY DAVE DICELLO
1. The Assassination Attempt of Donald Trump
Western Pennsylvania became the epicenter of the political universe for the 2024 U.S. presidential election. It also became the site of the first assassination attempt on Republican candidate Donald Trump, who was grazed by a bullet at a campaign rally at the Butler County Fairgrounds on July 13.
A Secret Service sniper killed the gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks of Bethel Park, but the agency was assailed for what was called the largest security breach in 40 years. Crooks, in the shooting, killed local firefighter Corey Comperatore and wounded two others.
2. Sara Innamorato Takes Office
Sara Innamorato, the first female Allegheny County executive, began her first term in January.
3. Duquesne University Makes March Madness
Duquesne University clinched a spot in March Madness for the first time in nearly 50 years.
4. An Expansion of International Nonstop Flights
Icelandair began nonstop flights from Pittsburgh International Airport to Iceland, and British Airways announced it would expand its nonstop flights to London to seven days a week.
5. Steelers Shakeup
In a stunning move, the Steelers traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles after just one season. The team picked up quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
6. Pittsburgh Secures the 2026 NFL Draft
Pittsburgh was selected to host the 2026 NFL draft, an event that could bring 775,000 people to the Steel City.
7. Paul Skenes Earns Rookie of the Year
In May, the Pirates called up dynamite rookie pitcher Paul Skenes, who struck out 170 players and posted a sparkling 1.96 ERA. He was selected as the National League Rookie of the Year.
8. Dave & Andy’s Closes — and Reopens
The beloved Dave & Andy’s Homemade Ice Cream in Oakland closed after 40 years in April, and was then reopened in September by a Baldwin family whose parents had their first date at the ice cream shop decades earlier.
9. Downtown’s Revitalization Efforts
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a $600 million revitalization plan for Downtown Pittsburgh.
10. Celebrating the Arts
Both Pittsburgh Public Theater and City Theatre opened their 50th anniversary seasons in the fall.
