Laurel: To increasing numbers. The Community College of Allegheny County is seeing its enrollment rise. The student population is climbing by about 9% over last school year.

‘This is probably the largest increase we’ve experienced in the last five years,” President Quintin Bullock said.

That’s about 10,800 students at CCAC. It’s a positive for the students, who get a good start on their college career by paying just about $4,000 a year instead of 10 times that or more at some of the more marquee universities in Southwestern Pennsylvania. It also means about 81% of students graduate debt-free, according to Bullock.

But it could also be a reflection of recent events. Penn State announced the closing of its New Kensington and Fayette campuses at the end of the spring 2027 semester. For some students, that might make community college, with its lower price tag, a more attractive option rather than starting studies at Penn State and having to pivot later.

It can also reflect changing priorities in education.

Students may not be opting out of college but reevaluating what they want out of their experience, like different specialties and diploma or associate programs. Community college programs can be more nimble about working with local employers as well as reaching out to high school students interested in accumulating credits before graduation.

Like career and technical schools, community colleges are filling gaps being left by universities. The numbers show it’s working.

Lance: To terrible loss. Maria Vernon lost her husband, Michael, on Jan. 16, 2024, when the couple’s Chevy Equinox was struck by a Jeep Compass that crossed the center line.

Maria watched Michael’s head hit the windshield and bounce off. It came to rest on her shoulder.

“I knew he was gone,” she said Tuesday, speaking at the plea and sentencing hearing for Alyssa J. Galiano.

Galiano, 30, pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence and other related charges. She also pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of children; her son was in a car seat during the crash. She will spend 2½ to 5 years in prison.

“You turned your car into a weapon when you decided to get in drunk that evening,” Vernon told her.

Galiano’s blood alcohol was 0.294%. That’s more than three times the legal limit. She was driving 75 mph in a 55 mph zone at the time.

There were those who stood up for Galiano, like her father-in-law, who submitted a letter of support. Vernon couldn’t stand. She’s endured 18 surgeries in the last 20 months and had to sit at a table to give her statement.

“Please remember our names, Alyssa: Mike and Maria,” Vernon said.

Let’s hope it isn’t just the names she remembers. The terrible consequences should be hard to forget.

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