Year in review: The top 10 news stories of 2011
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Some of the headlines dominating news coverage in 2011 might have been predicted at the beginning of the year, based on growth in health care rivalries and gas drilling, but no one could have foreseen a shocker out of Happy Valley. There were other big legal dramas during the year and other troubles befalling local sports icons, but nothing like the surprise, sleaze and sorrow connected to actions of powerful figures at the state's biggest academic institution.
Here's a rundown of the region's top stories of 2011, as voted by the Post-Gazette staff:
Graphic allegations that former football coach Jerry Sandusky repeatedly used young males for his sexual gratification stunned Penn State fans and non-fans alike and damaged the image of the university, its vaunted football program and legendary coach Joe Paterno. A grand jury report charged that Mr. Sandusky spent years abusing multiple boys entrusted to his care in the Second Mile charitable program and that university officials irresponsibly failed to stop it. The scandal drew national media to State College while costing Mr. Paterno and longtime university President Graham Spanier their jobs. It also led to criminal charges against Mr. Sandusky and two university officials accused of turning a blind eye toward the accusations, with their trials expected in 2012.
The most powerful entities in Pittsburgh's health care industry waged a nasty, public dispute that had much of the region worried about the fallout. Highmark Inc. moved to acquire West Penn Allegheny Health System in a deal its officials said was essential to ensure health care competition in the region. UPMC announced plans to quit accepting Highmark insurance coverage for use of its facilities, since it now viewed the insurer as a competitor. Government officials, business leaders, physicians and others expressed alarm about the damage the dispute could do to patient care and costs. Use of a mediator helped assure the current contract terms between Highmark and UPMC would continue until mid-2013, but after that, there's no telling.
First Published January 1, 2012 12:00 am
