Confessions of a Night Owl: 2010 Top New Stories

I had a really hard time finding a Top 10 list of the news stories for 2010. Maybe because so many huge things happened this year. Anyway, here are some of the years highlights (or lowlights). All of the content including pictures came from latimes.com

On January 12, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake shook Port-au-Prince, Haiti, toppling buildings and destroying most of the country's infrastructure. The Haitian government estimated 230,000 people were killed, more than 300,000 injured, and more than one million people left homeless. Humanitarian aid began flowing into the country within hours of the quake, however it was not enough to prevent rioting in the economically ravaged nation.

January 12 - Haiti earthquake

(Photo by NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)

On January 12, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake shook Port-au-Prince, Haiti, toppling buildings and destroying most of the country's infrastructure. The Haitian government estimated 230,000 people were killed, more than 300,000 injured, and more than one million people left homeless. Humanitarian aid began flowing into the country within hours of the quake, however it was not enough to prevent rioting in the economically ravaged nation.

On January 19, Republican Senate candidate Scott Brown shocked the political world, upsetting Democrat Martha Coakley in a special election for Sen. Ted Kennedy's seat. Brown's victory tipped the Senate away from a Democratic Super Majority.

January 19 - Scott Brown elected to Senate

(Photo by TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty Images)

On January 19, Republican Senate candidate Scott Brown shocked the political world, upsetting Democrat Martha Coakley in a special election for Sen. Ted Kennedy's seat. Brown's victory tipped the Senate away from a Democratic Super Majority.

On January 22, twelve days after NBC confirmed it would be returning Jay Leno to host the 'Tonight Show', Conan O'Brien officially ended his reign as show host, leaving NBC after a bitter dispute. O'Brien announced later in the year that he would be reappearing with his own late night show on TBS called 'Conan'.

January 22 - Conan's last 'Tonight Show'

(Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

On January 22, twelve days after NBC confirmed it would be returning Jay Leno to host the 'Tonight Show', Conan O'Brien officially ended his reign as show host, leaving NBC after a bitter dispute. O'Brien announced later in the year that he would be reappearing with his own late night show on TBS called 'Conan'.

On January 27th, after months of speculation, Apple Inc. CEO, Steve Jobs, unveiled the company's first tablet computer, the iPad. The mobile tablet provided the functionality of a MacBook laptop and the mobility of an iPhone. The iPad hit shelves in April of 2010 and sold more than 3 million units in just 80 days.

January 27 - Apple unveils the iPad

(Photo by Ryan Anson/AFP/Getty Images)

On January 27th, after months of speculation, Apple Inc. CEO, Steve Jobs, unveiled the company's first tablet computer, the iPad. The mobile tablet provided the functionality of a MacBook laptop and the mobility of an iPhone. The iPad hit shelves in April of 2010 and sold more than 3 million units in just 80 days.

On February 18, Joseph Stack, a 53-year-old software engineer committed suicide by flying a small plane into an IRS building in Austin, Texas. Internal Revenue Service manager Vernon Hunter, who was in the building at the time of the crash, also died. Thirteen others were hurt, two seriously. After the crash police found Stack's rambling suicide note criticizing the government.

February 18 - Plane flown into IRS building

(Photo by Jana Birchum/Getty Images)

On February 18, Joseph Stack, a 53-year-old software engineer committed suicide by flying a small plane into an IRS building in Austin, Texas. Internal Revenue Service manager Vernon Hunter, who was in the building at the time of the crash, also died. Thirteen others were hurt, two seriously. After the crash police found Stack's rambling suicide note criticizing the government.

February 19 - Tiger Woods apologizes

On February 19th, golf legend Tiger Woods made an emotional apology after rumors of several extra-marital affairs. Woods' wife Elin Nordegren was not in attendance at the press conference. The announcement broke three months of silence and speculation following Woods' apparent car crash in front of his house.

On February 24, Sea World trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed when an orca whale grabbed her by the hair during a show and pulled her underwater. The death forced Sea World to halt whale shows at all of its parks. Sea World announced a day after the death it would be keeping the whale, and not destroying it, or setting it free.

February 24 - Sea World employee killed by whale

(Photo by Matt Stroshane/Getty Images)

On February 24, Sea World trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed when an orca whale grabbed her by the hair during a show and pulled her underwater. The death forced Sea World to halt whale shows at all of its parks. Sea World announced a day after the death it would be keeping the whale, and not destroying it, or setting it free.

On February 27, an 8.8-magnitude earthquake shook the Maule Region of Chile, triggering a tsunami. The death toll from the two natural disasters reached 800. Aftershocks were felt for nearly a month after the initial quake. On March 11, a 6.9-magnitude aftershock killed one more person.

February 27 - Chilean earthquake & tsunami

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

On February 27, an 8.8-magnitude earthquake shook the Maule Region of Chile, triggering a tsunami. The death toll from the two natural disasters reached 800. Aftershocks were felt for nearly a month after the initial quake. On March 11, a 6.9-magnitude aftershock killed one more person.

On March 15, the TSA began testing new body scanners at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. The scanners show a full body X-ray through clothing, and is meant to check for metallic and non-metallic threats including explosives. Passengers who chose not to go through the security scanners have to go through a pat down inspection.

March 15 - Full body scanners installed

(Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

On March 15, the TSA began testing new body scanners at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. The scanners show a full body X-ray through clothing, and is meant to check for metallic and non-metallic threats including explosives. Passengers who chose not to go through the security scanners have to go through a pat down inspection.

On March 23, after months of debate, President Obama signed into law the the one of the most sweeping pieces of social legislation ever passed by Congress. It ensured medical coverage for almost all Americans. The legality of the law was challenged in several states. Much of the bill will not go into effect until 2014.

March 23 - Obama signs health care into law

(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

On March 23, after months of debate, President Obama signed into law the the one of the most sweeping pieces of social legislation ever passed by Congress. It ensured medical coverage for almost all Americans. The legality of the law was challenged in several states. Much of the bill will not go into effect until 2014.

On April 5, an underground explosion at the Upper Big Branch coal mine at Montcoal in Raleigh County, West Virginia left 29 people dead. High methane levels where detected in the mine. It was the worst coal mining disaster in the U.S. since 1970 when 38 workers died.

April 5 - West Virginia mine explosion

(Photo by Kayana Szymczak/Getty Images)

On April 5, an underground explosion at the Upper Big Branch coal mine at Montcoal in Raleigh County, West Virginia left 29 people dead. High methane levels where detected in the mine. It was the worst coal mining disaster in the U.S. since 1970 when 38 workers died.

On April 10, Polish President Lech Kaczyński, his wife, and several other top government officials were killed when their Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft crashed near Smolensk, Russia. All 96 people aboard the plane were killed in the crash. Heavy fog may have played a factor it it going down.

April 10 - Polish president killed in plane crash

(Photo by NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP/Getty Images)

On April 10, Polish President Lech Kaczyński, his wife, and several other top government officials were killed when their Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft crashed near Smolensk, Russia. All 96 people aboard the plane were killed in the crash. Heavy fog may have played a factor it it going down.

On April 14, Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted for a second time, causing a massive plume of smoke and ash. In just one week the cloud had forced the cancellation of 95,000 flights over Europe.

April 14 - Iceland volcano eruption

(Photo by Heidar Kristjansson/AFP/Getty Images)

On April 14, Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted for a second time, causing a massive plume of smoke and ash. In just one week the cloud had forced the cancellation of 95,000 flights over Europe.

On April 20, The Deepwater Horizon, an offshore floating oil rig exploded, killing 11 workers and forcing other workers onto life boats. The explosion set off a three month oil leak that reached American shores in Louisiana, Missisippi, Alabama and Florida. The leak was not stopped until July 15.

April 20 - BP oil well explodes

(Photo by MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

On April 20, The Deepwater Horizon, an offshore floating oil rig exploded, killing 11 workers and forcing other workers onto life boats. The explosion set off a three month oil leak that reached American shores in Louisiana, Missisippi, Alabama and Florida. The leak was not stopped until July 15.

On April 23, despite opposition from the White House, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed SB 1070, one of the most stringent immigration laws in the country. The new law requires police officers to detain people they suspect are in the country illegally, and makes it a misdemeanor crime to not carry immigration papers. The law drew criticism from the Hispanic community, which claimed it would encourage racial profiling. Governor Brewer claimed the federal government had waited too long for immigration reform.

April 23 - Arizona passes immigration law

(Photo by MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

On April 23, despite opposition from the White House, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed SB 1070, one of the most stringent immigration laws in the country. The new law requires police officers to detain people they suspect are in the country illegally, and makes it a misdemeanor crime to not carry immigration papers. The law drew criticism from the Hispanic community, which claimed it would encourage racial profiling. Governor Brewer claimed the federal government had waited too long for immigration reform.

On May 1, an attempted bomb plot shut down New York's Times Square. Security cameras showed a man walking away from a smoking SUV. The SUV was found to have explosive materials, but never detonated. Two days later the U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced the arrest of Faisal Shahzad while reportedly attempting to board a plane to Pakistan. Shahzad was sentenced on October 5th to life in prison without parole.

May 1 - Attempted Times Square bombing

(Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

On May 1, an attempted bomb plot shut down New York's Times Square. Security cameras showed a man walking away from a smoking SUV. The SUV was found to have explosive materials, but never detonated. Two days later the U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced the arrest of Faisal Shahzad while reportedly attempting to board a plane to Pakistan. Shahzad was sentenced on October 5th to life in prison without parole.

On May 23, after six seasons, ABC aired the series finale of ' Lost'. Viewers were expecting the final show would answer all their questions about the plot, however many questions were still left unanswered. 13.5 million viewers tuned in for the series finale.

May 23 - 'Lost' finale

(Photo by Marc Stamas/Getty Images)

On May 23, after six seasons, ABC aired the series finale of ' Lost'. Viewers were expecting the final show would answer all their questions about the plot, however many questions were still left unanswered. 13.5 million viewers tuned in for the series finale.

On July 21, President Barack Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The measure was the most sweeping financial reform in the U.S. since the 1930s, and promised Americans would no longer have to pay for Wall Street mistakes.

July 21 - Obama signs financial reform bill

(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

On July 21, President Barack Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The measure was the most sweeping financial reform in the U.S. since the 1930s, and promised Americans would no longer have to pay for Wall Street mistakes.

On July 25, the website Wikileaks releases thousands of classified military intelligence documents dating from 2004-2009. The documents revealed startling information on what the U.S. knew about the Taliban, Iran and Pakistan's involvement in the insurgency, and the amount of civilian casualties. Wikileaks founder Julian Assange (pictured) would not reveal the source of the leaked documents. The Wikileaks website continued several more 'document dumps' through the year.

July 25 - Wikileaks releases war documents

(Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images)

On July 25, the website Wikileaks releases thousands of classified military intelligence documents dating from 2004-2009. The documents revealed startling information on what the U.S. knew about the Taliban, Iran and Pakistan's involvement in the insurgency, and the amount of civilian casualties. Wikileaks founder Julian Assange (pictured) would not reveal the source of the leaked documents. The Wikileaks website continued several more 'document dumps' through the year.

On August 4, U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker struck down California's Proposition 8, claiming it violated the federal constitutional rights of gays and lesbians to marry. Proposition 8, which passed in 2008 banned same sex unions in the state. However later that month the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals imposed an emergency stay on Proposition 8, putting a hold on gay marriages in the state.

August 4 - Judge strikes down Prop. 8

(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

On August 4, U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker struck down California's Proposition 8, claiming it violated the federal constitutional rights of gays and lesbians to marry. Proposition 8, which passed in 2008 banned same sex unions in the state. However later that month the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals imposed an emergency stay on Proposition 8, putting a hold on gay marriages in the state.

August 7 - Elena Kagan sworn in to Supreme Court

On August 7th, Elena Kagan, a 50-year-old woman from New York City became the fourth ever female Supreme Court Justice, taking the position left by John Paul Stevens.

On October 13, after nearly 70 days trapped below the earth in a Chilean mine, 33 miners were rescued through a tiny capsule taken like an elevator up a narrow shaft. All 33 miners were in good condition. The miners became instant celebrities and each was greeted by Chile's president upon their rescue.

October 13 - Chilean miners rescue begins

(Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)

On October 13, after nearly 70 days trapped below the earth in a Chilean mine, 33 miners were rescued through a tiny capsule taken like an elevator up a narrow shaft. All 33 miners were in good condition. The miners became instant celebrities and each was greeted by Chile's president upon their rescue.

On October 29, two U.S.-bound cargo planes were grounded after suspicious packages were found aboard. Both packages were reportedly heading to a Jewish synagogue in Chicago from Yemen. The planes were intercepted in Dubai and England . According to U.S. and British officials the packages included wires and explosives. One of the packages was reported to have enough explosives to bring down the plane. Government officials in Yemen reportedly arrested a woman in connection with the mailings.

October 29- Explosive devices found on planes

(Photo by KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images)

On October 29, two U.S.-bound cargo planes were grounded after suspicious packages were found aboard. Both packages were reportedly heading to a Jewish synagogue in Chicago from Yemen. The planes were intercepted in Dubai and England . According to U.S. and British officials the packages included wires and explosives. One of the packages was reported to have enough explosives to bring down the plane. Government officials in Yemen reportedly arrested a woman in connection with the mailings.

On November 2, a GOP tide rolled through Washington as Republicans won full control of the House and picked up six seats in the Senate. Most called the sweeping change a statement against the Obama agenda, including health care and rising deficit. Nancy Pelosi lost her position as House speaker. That job will be filled in 2011 by House Minority Leader John Boehner.

November 2 - Midterm elections

(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

On November 2, a GOP tide rolled through Washington as Republicans won full control of the House and picked up six seats in the Senate. Most called the sweeping change a statement against the Obama agenda, including health care and rising deficit. Nancy Pelosi lost her position as House speaker. That job will be filled in 2011 by House Minority Leader John Boehner.

On November 23, North Korea fired dozens of military shells at the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong, killing two soldiers. The attack came as South Korea was conducting military drills. The United States condemned the attack.

Nov. 23 - North Korea shells South Korea

(Photo by STR/AFP/Getty Images)

On November 23, North Korea fired dozens of military shells at the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong, killing two soldiers. The attack came as South Korea was conducting military drills. The United States condemned the attack.

On December 6, President Barack Obama announced he had reached a deal with Republican leaders to extend Bush era tax cuts for all Americans for two more years. In exchange the president received an extension of unemployment benefits. The president had been fighting the tax cuts for most of 2010, and the deal angered most liberal Democrats, but signed the bill into law on December 17.

December 6 - Obama reaches tax deal

(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

On December 6, President Barack Obama announced he had reached a deal with Republican leaders to extend Bush era tax cuts for all Americans for two more years. In exchange the president received an extension of unemployment benefits. The president had been fighting the tax cuts for most of 2010, and the deal angered most liberal Democrats, but signed the bill into law on December 17.

On December 7 - Elizabeth Edwards, the former wife of Sen. John Edwards died after a six year battle with cancer. Edwards separated from her politician husband after he revealed earlier in the year that he had fathered a child with a mistress. Her death came just one day after it was announced she would end her cancer treatment, and didn't have much longer to live. She was 61.

December 7 - Elizabeth Edwards dies

(Photo by Toby Canham/Getty Images)

On December 7 - Elizabeth Edwards, the former wife of Sen. John Edwards died after a six year battle with cancer. Edwards separated from her politician husband after he revealed earlier in the year that he had fathered a child with a mistress. Her death came just one day after it was announced she would end her cancer treatment, and didn't have much longer to live. She was 61.

http://www.latimes.com/sns-yir-2010-news-timeline-pictures,0,4998225.photogallery

Confessions of a Night Owl

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

2010 Top New Stories