Tumultuous 2020 Provided Unforgettable Moments For Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA - To find a single word to sum up a cataclysmic 2020 is difficult, but two come instantly to mind: tragic and turbulent.

The year was chaotic, both nationally and in southwestern Pennsylvania. The coronavirus disrupted almost every aspect of normal life. The Black Lives Matter movement that arose after the death of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, being taken into custody by white police officers in Minneapolis, increased the tumult. So did President Trump’s continued attempts to overturn the results of an election he lost, attempts that have included dozens of legal challenges laughed out of court.

The virus, BLM movement and the election dominated the headlines, but there was no dearth of other stories that demanded to be told by Patch. Here are some to the top ones locally from 2020:

Trump, Biden focus on Pittsburgh area, Pennsylvania during the presidential campaign

President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden made western Pennsylvania appearances during the campaign and for good reason: Biden’s victory in the state won him the presidency.

Pittsburgh Black Lives Matter Protest Turns Violent

Nine police officers were injured and 20 arrests were made as protesters clashed with law enforcement officials at the end of what had been a peaceful event in East Liberty.

Trump rips Pittsburgh Black Lives Matter protesters

Trump took to Twitter to label protesters who interrupted outdoor diners in Pittsburgh as anarchists.

Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor’s Wife Called Racial Slur

Pennsylvania second lady Gisele Fetterman recorded the insult, uttered in the parking lot of a Pittsburgh-area grocery store, on her phone.

Pennsylvania Turnpike crash near Pittsburgh leaves five dead, 60 injured

The fatal wreck 30 miles east of the city involved a tour bus, two tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles.

Steeler quarterback’s barber fires back at Gov. Tom Wolf’s criticism

Wolf criticized Ben Roethlisberger after a video surfaced of him getting a haircut when salons were closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Big Ben’s hair stylist promptly came to his defense and cut down the governor’s remarks.

KDKA-AM takes Wendy Bell off the air

The controversial talk show host was removed from the air, and ultimately departed the station, after she suggested that park rangers should shoot people who vandalize monuments honoring historical figures.

WPXI-TV reporter reveals cancer diagnosis

Cara Sapida disclosed she is battling breast cancer.

Kennywood retires legendary rides, announces chaperone policy

The West Mifflin amusement park disclosed that four rides that have been mainstays for decades will not return in 2021. Kennywood also announced that minors will require chaperones beginning next year.

Say it isn’t so, O.
Without any advance warning, the legendary Original Hot Dog Shop in Oakland closed in April. Then came word that Mt. Lebanon native and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was interested in buying and reopening it. When that didn’t happen, the O’s new owners revealed the future fate of the property.

Legendary Pittsburgh pizza maker retires

After 40 years of tossing dough at one of Pittsburgh’s most revered pizzerias, this man took his final pie out of the oven.

Coronavirus vaccinations are doled out in Pittsburgh

Some hope for 2021: The vaccines are here. Now it's just a matter of enough people getting them.