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2016 Pittsburgh News Year In Review

PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) – It's hard to believe, but 2016 is nearly over.

Before we turn the calendar to 2017, let's take a look back at some of the biggest stories in Pittsburgh over the past year.

JANUARY:

Photo Credit: KDKA Photo Credit: KDKA

Hulton Bridge Implosion

Just before 10 a.m. on Jan. 26, the 107-year-old Hulton Bridge was imploded and four sections fell into the Allegheny River. It took 150 pounds of dynamite and 51 charges to take the bridge down. The implosion cleared the way for the completion and opening of the new bridge.

FULL STORY: Implosion Marks End Of 107-Year-Old Hulton Bridge (Jan. 26, 2016)

In other news this month:

FEBRUARY:

Photo Credit: KDKA Photo Credit: KDKA

Zika Virus

On Feb. 9, state Health Department officials confirmed the first cases of the Zika virus in Pennsylvania. Two woman tested positive for the virus, which caused so much concern throughout 2016. Later in the year, it even forced the MLB to move a series between the Pirates and Marlins from Puerto Rico to Miami.

FULL STORY: Pa. Health Dept.: 2 Woman Test Positive For Zika Virus (Feb. 9, 2016)

In other news this month:

MARCH:

Photo Credit: KDKA Photo Credit: KDKA

Wilkinsburg Ambush

In the late-night hours of March 9, an "ambush" shooting during a backyard barbecue in Wilkinsburg left six people dead, including an unborn baby, three others were wounded, and the incident launched an intensive manhunt for suspects. According to police, ballistic evidence at the scene indicated that possibly, "two different weapons were discharged from two different people."

FULL STORY: Police: 5 Dead, 3 Wounded In Wilkinsburg Shooting Spree (March 9, 2016)

In other news this month:

APRIL:

Photo Credit: KDKA Photo Credit: KDKA

Trump Visit Protests

It was a contentious election year, and Pittsburgh felt the impact. Things got heated on April 13 when Republican presidential candidate and eventual winner, Donald Trump, made a campaign visit to Pittsburgh. During his speech at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, police had a hard time separating Trump's supporters and protesters.

FULL STORY: Trump Makes 2 Campaign Stops In Pittsburgh, Protesters Demonstrate Across City (April 13, 2016)

In other news this month:

MAY:

Photo Credit: KDKA Photo Credit: KDKA

Plum High School Scandal

A grand jury recommended no criminal charges against officials in the Plum School District over a scandal involving teachers having sex with students. The report by the Allegheny County D.A.'s Office found "systematic failures to protect students," but concluded no school official broke laws.

FULL STORY: Grand Jury: No Charges In Plum School Sex Scandal, Reforms Urged (May 19, 2016)

In other news this month:

JUNE:

Photo Credit: KDKA Photo Credit: KDKA

Questions Over Superintendent's Résumé

Concerns arose that the incoming Pittsburgh Public Schools superintendent inflated his achievements before being hired. At a press conference, Dr. Anthony Hamlet told reporters of his previous job in Florida: "The academic environment, the behavioral environment, the engagement with teachers, the positive culture, all of that has transformed under my leadership." After further investigation, the school board voted to keep Hamlet and he was sworn-in over the summer.

FULL STORY: Résumé Questions Raised About Incoming PPS Superintendent (June 6, 2016)

In other news this month:

JULY:

Photo Credit: KDKA Photo Credit: KDKA

FBI Office Gate Crasher

State and federal charges were filed against an Ohio man after he rammed his dump truck into the security gates of the FBI building on the South Side. But investigators said there appeared to be no connection to terrorism: "There's no nexus to terrorism at all from what we know now. There's no reason to believe that was the case."

FULL STORY: FBI: "No Connection To Terrorism" After Dump Truck Crashes Through Security Gates (July 26, 2016)

In other news this month:

AUGUST:

Photo Credit: KDKA Photo Credit: KDKA

Oakland Roof Leaper Fail

A Pitt student fell three-stories and became wedged between two buildings when he tried leap from one to the other. Crews had to open up a gaping hole inside the Qdoba restaurant in order to free him. So, why did he do it? Officials say he was out to impress a girl, but he ended up failing miserably.

FULL STORY: Man Rescued After Being Stuck Between 2 Oakland Buildings For Hours (Aug. 23, 2016)

In other news this month:

SEPTEMBER:

Photo Credit: Thurner Photography Photo Credit: Thurner Photography

Liberty Bridge Fire

The Liberty Bridge was closed down for much of the month of September after a spark from a workman's blow torch caught a tarp on fire, sending smoke billowing into the air over the city and causing significant damage to the structure. PennDOT said the damage was very serious and could have caused a "catastrophic failure."

FULL STORY: PennDOT: Liberty Bridge Damage Could Cause 'Catastrophic Failure' (Sept. 2, 2016)

In other news this month:

OCTOBER:

Photo Credit: KDKA Photo Credit: KDKA

Aliquippa Double Homicide

The young man who went missing after the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy in Aliquippa was found dead days later in the backyard of a home not far from the shooting scene. Police described the incident as a "drug deal gone awry." The suspect eventually turned himself in.

FULL STORY: Police Find Body Of Young Man Missing Since Fatal Shooting During Alleged Drug Deal (Oct. 4, 2016)

In other news this month:

NOVEMBER:

Photo Credit: KDKA Photo Credit: KDKA

Fallen Canonsburg Officer

While responding to a domestic dispute call in the early morning hours of Nov. 10, Canonsburg Police Officer Scott Bashioum was fatally wounded in an ambush attack. Another officer was wounded and the suspect's estranged, pregnant wife was also killed. During Officer Bashioum's emotional funeral service, his wife remembered him, saying: "I will be eternally grateful for each day spent with him, each laugh and for each smile."

FULL STORY: Fallen Canonsburg Officer Laid To Rest Following Emotional Service (Nov. 16, 2016)

In other news this month:

DECEMBER:

Photo Source: Above The Law Photo Source: Above The Law

Pittsburgh Man Dies In California Warehouse Fire

Nick Walrath grew up in Point Breeze and attended Taylor Allderdice High School. After a devastating fire at a warehouse in Oakland, California, he was one of the many presumed dead. He texted his girlfriend from inside the burning structure, saying there was a fire and that he loved her.

FULL STORY: Pittsburgh Native Presumed Dead In Oakland Warehouse Fire (Dec. 6, 2016)

In other news this month:

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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