US Economy Tops AP's List As Top News Story of 2009

The convoluted American economy — restoring windfalls to a lucky few while leaving millions jobless and distraught — was the top news story of 2009, followed closely by the inauguration of President Barack Obama, according to U.S. editors and news directors voting in The Associated Press' annual poll. Rounding out the top ten: Health care, the auto industry, swine flu, Afghanistan, Michael Jackson's death, the Fort Hood shootings, the passing of Sen Edward Kennedy (D-MA), and the emergency landing of a commercial jet on the Hudson River.