Laurels & lances: Highs and lows of 2023
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As 2023 comes to a close, we look back on some of the highs and lows of the past 12 months.
Laurel: To healing wounds. Five years after the deadliest antisemetic attack in U.S. history, the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting finally had its day in court. Shooter Robert Bowers was convicted in June for the horrific attack, including the murders of 11 members of the Tree of Life, Dor Hadash and New Light congregations
That was only the start of the court process. The case dominated the conversation from jury selection in April through the guilt phase, sentence eligibility portion and finally the death penalty and formal sentencing in August. It arguably continues as Bowers’ attorneys have appealed, seeking a new trial.
The verdict was not joyous, as even within the affected congregations, the death penalty was debated. Ultimately, no sentence could give back the lives lost. An end to the process does allow the focus to move to healing.
Lance: To perpetuated cycles. The Bowers trial prompted a new arrest when Pittsburgh native Hardy Carroll Lloyd, 45, of Follansbee, W.Va., was arrested in August for making threats toward witnesses and jury members in the case.
The self-proclaimed white supremacist pleaded guilty in September to federal obstruction charges. He was sentenced this month to more than six years in federal prison.
Laurel: To a birthday celebration. Westmoreland County partied all 2023. This was the county’s 250th anniversary, and everyone was invited.
There were events from the courthouse in Greensburg to Historic Hanna’s Town and beyond. In addition, we highlighted special aspects of dozens of Westmoreland communities along the way.
Lance: To going off the rails. East Palestine, Ohio, was the kind of place few people knew about until Feb. 3, when a Norfolk Southern train derailed. That was followed by towering plumes of smoke when toxic vinyl chloride cargo was deliberately set fire by officials seeking to head off an explosion.
The incident has prompted problems that will take a lot of money to address. From cleanup to fines to aid to communities on the Ohio and Pennsylvania sides of the state line, the final tally has been estimated at more than $800 million.
It also has prompted questions that need to be answered about oversight and responsibility. Almost 11 months later, those questions still need to be addressed.