10. One-year Anniversary of Haiti Earthquake

The massive earthquake that devastated most of Haiti in February 2010 is still fresh in everyone's minds, and the country continues to rebuild from the widespread damage. (Photo by Allison Shelley/Getty Images)

9. 2012 Republican Presidential Race

The Republican presidential candidates - namely Herman Cain, Mitt Romney, Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich - continue to battle for the top spot to challenge President Obama in next year's election. No matter which side you fall on, between the scandals and debate moments, the race has been nothing short of fascinating. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

8. Tenth Anniversary of 9/11

The 10th anniversary of 9/11 was highly anticipated throughout the year in America and around the world. Thankfully the day came and went with nothing but touching tributes to the victims, and no further tragedies. (Photo by David Handschuh-Pool/Getty Images)

7. Conrad Murray Trial

Whether or not you believe Michael Jackson abused himself to death, his doctor Conrad Murray undoubtedly was at least negligent in his treatment of the late pop star. His conviction of a four-year prison term was among the most buzzworthy stories of the whole year. (Photo by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department via Getty Images)

6. Tornado in Joplin, Missouri

Unfortunately, no list of top news stories is without its catastrophes. 139 people died and millions of homes were destroyed in Joplin, Missouri by a massive tornado in May, adding to an unusually tragic year filled with natural disasters. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

5. Amy Winehouse Death

In a tragic yet sadly predictable death, singer Amy Winehouse died of apparent alcohol poisoning on July 23 at age 27. The talented but troubled Winehouse had struggled with drug & alcohol addiction for years prior to her death. (Photo by Sylvia Linares/Getty Images)

4. Earthquake/Tsunami in Japan

In one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent world history, much of northern Japan fell victim to a powerful earthquake that triggered tsunami waves as high as 130 feet. Over 15,000 people died in the tragic event. (Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images)

3. Hurricane Irene

It's very rare that the northeastern United States has to worry about a hurricane, but Irene took the entire east coast by surprise in the summer as it rode straight up from the Carolinas to New England. North Carolina received most of the damage, while cities like Boston and New York suffered tree damage and electricity problems but luckily avoided the worst parts of the storm. (Photo by Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images)

2. Osama bin Laden Death

One of the major victories for the U.S. and many others around the world occurred in May when U.S. forces raided Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan and killed the former al Qaeda leader, who had been on the run from the U.S. military since masterminding 9/11. The major military victory will go down as one of the biggest highlights of the presidency of Barack Obama. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

1. Casey Anthony Trial

In a matter of months as her trial progressed, Casey Anthony became one of the most hated figures in America as the mother accused of murdering her daughter escaped conviction due to lack of sufficient evidence. What we all do know, however, leads most of us to believe she was guilty. Her verdict will go down as one of the most infamous of this decade. (Photo by Red Huber-Pool/Getty Images)