Pennsylvania
Election, Olympics, Mangione, drones and more: The biggest stories of 2024
From the Keystone state’s pivotal role in the presidential election to a tragedy that shocked the NHL world to the capture of an alleged CEO killer, 2024 was an eventful year for the Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware region. Take a look at the biggest stories of the year below and watch NBC10’s look back at 2024 in the video embedded above!
Pennsylvania’s pivotal role during the presidential race and election
The presidential race was arguably the biggest story of the year and Pennsylvania played a pivotal role.
Republican Donald Trump was wounded during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, over the summer. Trump and his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris also heavily focused on Pennsylvania – a key battleground state – throughout their campaigns with multiple rallies and in the case of Harris, a star studded campaign event in Philadelphia on election eve.
Trump and Harris also held their first and only presidential debate in Philadelphia.
Ultimately, it was Trump’s victory in Pennsylvania that paved the way to him winning the presidential election.
There were also plenty of viral moments during the presidential race, including a giant naked statue of Trump in Philadelphia as well as Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner repeatedly warning potential election disruptors to “F around and find out.”
CHOP doctor struck, killed while riding bike in Philly
The death of Dr. Barabara Friedes rocked Philadelphia’s biking community.
Friedes – a pediatric doctor who had just been named a chief resident at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – was struck and killed by a driver while she was riding her bike in Center City over the summer. Police said the driver of the striking vehicle was speeding and collided with Friedes while she was riding in a designated bike lane.
The driver, Michael Vahey, was eventually arrested and charged with DUI.
Friedes’ parents spoke out after their daughter’s death, stating they were working to ensure changes that will help keep bikers safe throughout the city.
Philly-area and NJ athletes shine during the Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics was a rousing success and the Philadelphia-area was represented well during the games.
Philadelphia native Kahleah Copper and Pennsylvania Alyssa Thomas were members of the U.S. women’s basketball team that took home the Gold.
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid also won Gold as a member of the U.S. men’s basketball team.
New Jersey native Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone won Gold in the Women’s 4x400m event as well as the Women’s 400m hurdles.
Take a look at the full list of local winners here.
A wild year in Philly sports
As usual, sports was a big story for Philadelphia this year.
Both the Phillies and Eagles had promising starts to their seasons that ended in disappointment, with the Phils losing to the Mets in the NLDS and the Eagles losing six of their last seven games after starting the season 10-1.
After the season ended, Eagles legend Jason Kelce announced his retirement.
Months after his retirement, Kelce was involved in a high profile incident off the field in which he was captured on video smashing a man’s phone after hearing a gay slur being directed at his brother, Travis, for dating star artist Taylor Swift.
The Sixers’ promising start to the 2023-2024 season also ended in disappointment as the team struggled following an injury to Joel Embiid. They then fought their way from the play-in to the playoffs only to lose to the New York Knicks in a wild first-round series.
The Sixers’ troubles continued at the start of the 2024-2025 season with a losing record despite the acquisition of Paul George and issues for Embiid with lingering injuries and an altercation with a reporter.
But the biggest Sixers story of the year happened off the court with the team’s controversial plan to move from the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia and build an arena in Center City’s Market East neighborhood.
City Council ultimately approved the $1.3 billion plan which has been met by continuous protests from residents living in the city’s Chinatown community.
The deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
The sports world suffered a major loss with the deaths of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Both brothers were riding their bikes in South Jersey on the eve of what was supposed to be their sister’s wedding in August when they were struck and killed by a car.
The driver, Sean Higgins, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.
After their deaths, tributes for the brothers poured out from the hockey community and beyond.
Family tragedies in Bucks, Delaware counties
Two horrific family tragedies rocked communities in Bucks and Delaware counties this year.
In February 2024, Xuong Le killed five of his own family members before taking his own life in a shooting and house fire in East Lansdowne, officials said.
In April 2024, Andre Gordon allegedly killed his stepmother, Karen Gordon, his teen sister Kera Gordon and Taylor Daniel, the mother of his two children, in Bucks County, before being captured hours later in Trenton, New Jersey.
Spectacles above and below
A pair of cosmic spectacles captured the entire region.
In April 2024, a solar eclipse was visible across the United States, including in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, though it wasn’t quite as visible as people expected due to cloud cover.
A near-total solar eclipse over Philadelphia was obscured by cloud cover for some, just ask Flyers mascot Gritty. However, in places along the path of totality from Mexico to Texas to the Midwest, skies remained clear enough to see the celestial show. Plus, video shows a slashing attack on two South Jersey police officers. And, a Florida woman says she couldn’t believe it when an alligator walked into her home. Finally, cherry blossom season is in bloom in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. NBC10’s Keith Jones and Lucy Bustamante deliver The Lineup on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
In October 2024, there was a rare sighting of the Northern Lights across the Philadelphia region.
A geomagnetic storm led to the northern lights being visible Thursday night over Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Did you get a chance to see it?
The spectacles weren’t just in the sky however. In April 2024, an earthquake hit New Jersey and its impact was felt throughout the East Coast, including Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Our very own Brian Sheehan experienced an aftershock while preparing for his live shot, leading to a viral moment.
Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses
Amid the Israel-Hamas War, pro-Palestinian protests and encampments occurred at college campuses across the country throughout the year, including Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania.
New Jersey wildfires and drones
Autumn’s dry conditions led to several wildfires in New Jersey as fire crews fought flames throughout the Garden State.
Camden County’s health director Caryelle Lasher caught up with NBC10’s Aaron Baskerville to discuss the impacts of the four wildfires in New Jersey.
Also in New Jersey, mystery drone sightings in November and December led to concerns from residents and politicians.
Alleged CEO killer’s Philly connection
University of Pennsylvania graduate Luigi Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania after shooting and killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside of a New York City hotel, investigators said.
Thompson’s murder and the subsequent search and capture of Mangione sparked a nationwide conversation about the healthcare system following the discovery of the alleged killer’s manifesto which was strongly critical of the healthcare industry.
One of the top 2027 Pennsylvania high school quarterbacks from the 2025 season has announced that he’s leaving for a new home.
Per an announcement by Class of 2027 signal caller Mikal Shank Jr., the quarterback has left Harrisburg (Pa.) and is now at Coatesville (Pa.) for his senior season. Shank Jr. last season started 14 games for the Cougars and is arguably one of the state’s top returning players behind center heading into the 2026 campaign.
Per a PennLive report, Shank’s mother said the enrollment to Coatesville was due to “employment relocation.”
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With Shank now leaving Harrisburg, the Cougars lose another piece of the starting offense from 2025 as the team is set to graduate running back Messiah Mickens (Virginia Tech enrollee), wide receiver Elias Coke (Rutgers enrollee) and interior offensive lineman Kevin Brown (West Virginia enrollee).
Shank last season through 14 games completed 191 of 280 passes for 2,505 yards and 24 touchdowns. The Cougars made a deep playoff run in the PIAA playoffs, finishing the season at 13-1 and ranked No. 10 according to the final Pennsylvania 2025 High School Football Massey Rankings.
Coatesville went 10-3 last season and finished as the state’s No. 30 ranked team, according to the final Pennsylvania 2025 High School Football Massey Rankings. The Red Raiders bring back 2027 5-Star Plus offensive lineman Maxwell Hiller to the trenches.
More about Coatesville High School
Coatesville Area High School (CASH) serves as the central high school for the Coatesville Area School District in Pennsylvania. Established in the late 1800s and relocated to its current campus in 1968, it features extensive facilities, including a football stadium and a vocational center. Known for its “Red Raiders” athletics teams, CASH provides students with a robust sports program and extracurricular activities that build school spirit and community engagement.
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How to Follow Pennsylvania High School Football
For Pennsylvania high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Keystone State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the Pennsylvania high school football excitement across the state.
Is Pennsylvania the most wrestling-centric state in the country? Does the Keystone State have the most talent? Or even the top talent? Is it harder to win a state title there than anywhere else?
These all are terrific questions, and the answers may vary depending on who you ask and where they’re from, much like our nation’s great pizza debate, where the answers will vary by region.
What we do know for sure, is that Pennsylvania is well-represented in the 2025-2026 FloWrestling High School Wrestling Rankings, but with the 2026 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Boys & Girls Individual State Wrestling Championships on the horizon, where do the competitors rank amongst their peers?
If you follow high school wrestling, you’ve probably already heard many of the names, whether it was at past PIAA events, national tournaments, international competition, college recruiting news or signings, etc.
Now, here they are listed by weight class in FloWrestling’s latest Pennsylvania-only rankings.
Among the most recognizable are Bishop McCort senior Bo Bassett (152 pounds), his brother and teammate Melvin Miller (172 pounds) and Adam Waters (189 pounds) from rival school Faith Christian Academy.
As you get ready to see who takes home the titles at the 2026 PIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships, set for March 5-7 at GIANT Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, here’s a look at where everyone falls in the pecking order:
What Are The Weight Classes For High School Wrestling In Pennsylvania?
- Boys: 107, 114, 121, 127, 133, 139, 145, 152, 160, 172, 189, 215, 285
- Girls: 100, 106, 112, 118, 124, 130, 136, 142, 148, 155, 170, 190, 235
Pennsylvania High School Wrestling Rankings Before 2026 PIAA State Championships
As of Feb. 22, 2026
Boys
Girls
When Are The 2026 PIAA Boys & Girls Individual State Wrestling Championships?
The 2026 PIAA Boys & Girls Individual State Wrestling Championships will take place March 5-7, live on FloWrestling and the FloSports app.
The first girls wrestling champions in PIAA action were determined in 2024.
The road back to GIANT Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, began with regional competition across 12 sites (eight boys, four girls) in February (Feb. 20-21; Feb. 22; Feb. 27-28; Feb. 28)
Among the highlights at the 2025 event was Bassett winning his second individual PIAA state championship and helping Bishop McCort to a Class AA runner-up finish behind Faith Christian.
Read more: 2025 PIAA Wrestling State Championship Results And Brackets
How To Watch The 2026 PIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships
Live coverage of the 2026 PIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships on March 5-7 will be broadcast on FloWrestling and the FloSports app, with news, notes, stats and more available on both platforms.
Archives will be available immediately following the conclusion of each match.
If you’re going to be in the area and want to catch the action in person, click here for spectator and ticket information.
Read more: 2026 PIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships Schedule & Brackets
2026 PIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships Brackets
Here’s where you’ll be able to find the brackets for the 2026 PIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships:
2026 PIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships Schedule
Here’s a look at when everything is going down:
All Times Eastern
Wednesday, March 4
- 4-7 p.m. – Media registration
- 4-7 p.m. – School registration (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 4-7 p.m. – Qualifying wrestlers’ workout (AA/Girls/AAA) (six mats)
- 6 p.m. – Officials’ meeting
Thursday, March 5 (Session 1)
- 7:30 a.m. – Media registration
- 7:30 a.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (AA)
- 7:30 a.m. – Late school registration (AA)
- 7:45 a.m. – Skin condition check (AA)
- 8 a.m. – Weigh-ins (AA)
- 9 a.m. – Preliminaries and first round (AA), six mats (52/104 matches)
- 12:30 p.m. – First-round consolations (AA), six mats
- 12:30 p.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (Girls)
- 12:30 p.m. – Late school registration (Girls)
- 12:45 p.m. – Skin condition check (Girls)
- 1 p.m. – Weigh-ins (Girls)
- 2 p.m. – First round (Girls), six mats (104 matches)
- 3 p.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (AAA)
- 3 p.m. – Late school registration (AAA)
- 3:15 p.m. – Skin condition check (AAA)
- 3:30 p.m. – Weigh-ins (AAA)
- 3:30 p.m. – First-round consolations (Girls), six mats (52 matches)
- 4:30 p.m. – Preliminaries and first round (AAA), six mats (52/104 matches)
- 8 p.m. – First-round consolations (AAA), six mats (52 matches)
Friday, March 6 (Session 2/Session 3)
- 6:30 a.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (AA)
- 6:45 a.m. – Skin condition check (AA)
- 7 a.m. – Weigh-ins (AA)
- 8 a.m. – Quarterfinals (AA), three mats (52 matches)
- 8 a.m. – Second-round consolations (AA), three mats (52 matches)
- 10:15 a.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (Girls)
- 10:30 a.m. – Third-round consolations (AA), three mats (52 matches)
- 10:30 a.m. – Skin condition check (Girls)
- 10:45 a.m. – Weigh-ins (Girls)
- 11:45 a.m. – Quarterfinals (Girls), six mats (52 matches)
- 12:45 p.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (AAA)
- 1 p.m. – Skin condition check (AAA)
- 1:15 p.m. – Weigh-ins (AAA)
- 1:15 p.m. – Second-round consolations (Girls), six mats (52 matches)
- 2:15 p.m. – Quarterfinals (AAA), three mats (52 matches)
- 2:15 p.m. – Second-round consolations (AAA), three mats (52 matches)
- 4:45 p.m. – Third-round consolations (AAA), six mats (52 matches)
- 6:15 p.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 7 p.m. – Semifinals (AA/Girls/AAA), 2/2/2 mats (26/26/26 matches)
- 9 p.m. – Fourth-round consolations (AA/AAA), 2/2 mats (26/26 matches)
- 9 p.m. – Third-round consolations (Girls), two mats (26 matches)
Saturday, March 7 (Session 4/Session 5)
- 8 a.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 8:15 a.m. – Skin condition check (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 8:30 a.m. – Weigh-ins (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 8:45 a.m. – Skin condition check, finalists (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 9 a.m. – Weigh-in, finalists (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 9:30 a.m. – Fifth-round consolations (AA/AAA), 2/2 mats (26/26 matches)
- 9:30 a.m. – Fourth-round consolations (Girls), 2 mats (26 matches)
- 11:30 a.m. – Third-, fifth- and seventh-place matches (AA/Girls/AAA), 2/2/2 mats (39/39/39 matches)
- 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. – Admit coaches and contestants (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 3:40 p.m. – Parade of Champions (AA/Girls/AAA)
- 4 p.m. – Championship Finals (AA/Girls/AAA), 1/1/1 mats (13/13/13 matches)
When Was The 2026 PIAA Team Wrestling State Championships?
The 2026 PIAA Team Wrestling State Championships took place Feb. 6-7 at the 1st Summit Arena in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and included 20 teams that survived the preliminary and first round of the tournament, which was held Feb. 3 at host schools across the state.
The advancing teams made their way to Johnstown for two more days of intense competition, with the 1st Summit Arena hosting the quarterfinals through the championship matches.
In Pennsylvania this year, there were 475 schools participating in boys wrestling.
They were divided into two classifications – 228 schools in AA and 247 schools in AAA – which are further split into 12 districts. Class AA is for schools with 1-308 male enrollees, and Class AAA wrestling includes schools with 309-9999 male students.
Read more: 2026 PIAA Team Wrestling State Championships Schedule & Brackets
Did You Know: PIAA Wrestling Has A Long History
The first state wrestling championships in Keystone State happened in 1938, while the girls were added to the action in 2024. The PIAA Team Wrestling State Championships debuted in 1999.
There are 14 four-time individual state champions in Pennsylvania. Another 30 have won three times.
2025-2026 FloWrestling High School Wrestling Rankings
Top 20 as of Feb. 18, 2026
Curious about how the top wrestlers from each state stack up against competitors from across the country?
Click here to see the latest high school rankings from FloWrestling.
FULL DUAL: Bishop McCort vs. Faith Christian | 2026 PIAA AA Team State Finals
Faith Christian has been dominant in team wrestling in Pennsylvania, and Bishop McCort keeps falling just short.
Trackwrestling Has Joined The New FloWrestling
Trackwrestling officially has merged with FloWrestling, bringing its powerful tournament tracking tools and live data into a modern, all-in-one platform.
Fans can follow every bout with pro-grade brackets, mat schedules, team rosters and detailed wrestler profiles—all seamlessly integrated within FloWrestling.
This move delivers a faster, smarter and more connected experience for the wrestling community. Through the updated FloSports app, users can track live results, explore brackets and even sign up for free alerts so they never miss a match.
FloWrestling Archived Footage
Video footage from all events on FloWrestling will be archived and stored in a video library for FloWrestling subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.
Join The State Wrestling Conversation On Social
A man has been cited after police said he drove a vehicle into a frozen pond at a country club in Pennsylvania, left the scene, then spent the night in a hotel.
According to the East Lampeter Township Police Department, on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, around 10:38 a.m., officers were called to the Lancaster Country Club after receiving reports about a vehicle in a pond.
Police said that, through an investigation, it was learned that Sung Chun, a 50-year-old man from Hoboken, New Jersey, had driven onto the property the day before around 8:30 p.m., crossed portions of the golf course, and ultimately ended up in a pond.
Chun then exited the vehicle and walked away without reporting the incident and spent the night at a nearby hotel, according to police.
Credit: East Lampeter Township Police Department
Credit: East Lampeter Township Police Department
Credit: East Lampeter Township Police Department
Police said Chun returned to the location while police were on scene investigating the incident and was ultimately cited with “Trespass by Motor Vehicle.”
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