TribLIVE readers dug into thousands of stories and accounted for millions of page views in 2021.
The news stories that got the most views? Well, a rare bourbon lottery from the state led the way. But readers also had an oversized interest in local TV news stations moves — three of the top 10 stories were focused on departing TV anchors. Throw in a couple other TV-related stories, and articles focused on TV and media took half of the top 10.
Readers were also looking for answers — like what is the best time to serve Thanksgiving dinner — and info, like a delay in stimulus checks.
Here are the top most-viewed stories for 2021.
1. State lottery open for rare Pappy Van Winkle bourbon
2021 kicked off with this story. The next Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board lottery could be coming up soon.
2. Student loans canceled for students who attended schools operated by Education Corp. of America
In April, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced an agreement resulted in the cancellation of about $2.6 million in private Pennsylvania student loans for 1,300 students who attended schools operated by Education Corporation of America.
3. Seth Meyers calls Ted Cruz a ‘jagoff’ after Pittsburgh vs. Paris comments
Yinz loved this story from last January.
NBC’s “Late Night” host Seth Meyers, whose father is a Pittsburgh native, delivered a Pittsburgh-centric clapback at Sen. Ted Cruz.
4. TV Talk: Kelly Frey exits WTAE after 2 decades
Viewers had a hunch something was up in November. They noticed the more frequent absences of anchor Kelly Frey on WTAE’s morning newscasts.
5. TV Talk: Weekend anchor Brittany Hoke leaves WTAE-TV
In January, WTAE-TV weekend evening anchor and reporter Brittany Hoke announced on her Facebook page she chose to walk away from her “dream job” at Channel 4 in favor of “freedom.”
6. Kelly Frey shares love of Pittsburgh in farewell message
“I love you Pittsburgh,” Kelly Frey wrote on Facebook. “Truly. From the bottom of my heart. And I won’t deny tears welling up as I write this.” Readers seemed to feel the same way about Frey.
7. TV Q&A: How were the ratings for ‘Dancing with the Stars’ with new host Tyra Banks?
Readers wondered in January: How were the ratings of “Dancing with the Stars” since Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews were fired?
8. What is the best time to serve Thanksgiving dinner?
Answer: A small, random, very unscientific Trib poll revealed a variety of Turkey Day meal times. So, do what works for you.
9. State Rep. Mike Reese of Mt. Pleasant Township dead at 42
State Rep. Mike Reese, elected in November 2020 to his seventh term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, died Jan. 2, 2021, following an apparent brain aneurysm.
10. Shapiro: Stimulus payments delayed for those who used tax preparation companies
Where’s my check? Pennsylvania residents who had their federal income tax returns prepared by a company saw a delay in receiving their stimulus checks.
Sports
As for sports stories? The Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger led the way.
Some of the top stories included columnist Mark Madden saying the Steelers’ 2021 season was over and Roethlisberger was done.
At the beginning of the year, readers were interested in a story about Roethlisberger sitting on the Heinz Field sideline for a long time after the last game (a loss to the Cleveland Browns) of the Steelers’ 2020 campaign.
After a curious tweet by Warren Sapp, Cameron Heyward said he has no relationship with the former player.
Madden also wrote that the Steelers’ next quarterback is already on the roster.
And those rumors about linking Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers? They were swirling last January.
