Year In Review-Erin’s Top 10 Stories

Who could forget this awful tragedy after Jared Loughner opened fire outside a grocery store during a meeting with constituents in Arizona. Six people were killed and 13 others were wounded, including Giffords who was shot in the head. Giffords is recovering and doing well and will decide soon if she'll continue to represent Arizona.

Known as one of the largest earthquakes, Japan got hit with an 8.9 quake, followed by a 30 foot Tsunami. There were also more than 50 aftershocks. The earthquake killed hundreds of people, while damaging dozens of cities and villages.

I'll never forget when President Obama announced the death of Osama bin Laden. He was killed by U.S. forces near a Pakistani military academy where he was hiding out in a compound. Later we learned that his guards were frequent shoppers at the local store buying random items all the time. Justice has been served, as the president said in his announcement.

In May, over 100 people were killed by the deadliest single tornado in nearly 60 years in Joplin, Missouri. The American Red Cross and other organizations were there to help the victims but they still need help. The city is slowly recovering as they look to repair schools, businesses, churches and everything else that was destroyed in the tornado.

I think most people were shocked and angry when jurors found Casey Anthony not guilty for first degree murder in the death of her daughter Caylee. Her stories never added up and I think we all know she really did it, but unfortunately prosecutors didn't have enough evidence. Instead, she was found guilty on four counts of providing false information to police. She was released from prison shortly after because of time already served.

Do you remember when the stage collapsed at the Indiana State Fair? Due to heavy winds it collapsed, killing at least five people and injuring roughly 40 people. It happened just before Sugarland was about to perform. It was horrible watching the video of the collapse.

Angry protesters moved into a Wall Street park and promised to occupy it while demanding social justice. The movement has since spread across other cities including Flint, as demonstrators continue to call out politicians, government and banks. They really haven't accomplished anything except leaving their jobs to protest. Time Magazine actually named the protester the Person of the Year.

Back in October, President Obama announced the end of the Iraq war. He said troops would be leaving at the end of this month, calling this a victory. The majority of troops have left and are home or currently on their way home. It was also announced that some groups will stay overseas for a few more months.

This trial seemed to go on a long time, but in the end many people were happy with the outcome. Jurors found Conrad Murray guilty in the death of Michael Jackson. He was sentenced to four years in jail, but will probably be released in two years because of overcrowding and good behavior. He has another hearing next month to see if he has to pay restitution to Michael's children in lost wages from not being able to go on his final tour.

Of course let's not forget the latest scandal involving Penn State University. Former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky has been accused of sexually assaulting young boys while he was at Penn State. Joe Paterno has been fired and the investigation continues. Sandusky waived his right to a hearing and his defense team will be back in court next month. Shame on Penn State for looking the other way when this was going on.