The end of the year is only days away and, as always, many people reflect on the news from the past 12 months.
We are no different here at ConnectMidMichigan.com. Therefore, we are bidding 2010 a fond farewell with something people love to debate -- a list.
When adding up all the stories that were reported on suspected serial stabber Elias Abuelazam or 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun, they would have easily topped the list. However, this list is measured strictly in individual story page views.
So, while these might not be the most important or the most intriguing stories of 2010, they were the most read on our site for 2010.
1. Two University of Michigan students die in car crash on I-75
Jessica Harthorn was the first to report on a tragic accident involving five Chinese graduate students. A car, with four students from the University of Michigan and one from Michigan State University on a trip to northern Michigan, crashed, killing Ran Xu and Zhangain Xie and injuring Chang Gong, Linling Cai and Wenting Cheng.
2. Competing currency accepted across Mid-Michigan
Dan Armstrong looked into new types of payment that has been seen across Mid-Michigan. Supporters say it's not counterfeit, but rather a competing currency.
3. A forced abortion, or life-saving medical decision?
Kim Russell told the story of 20-year-old Caitlin Bruce. Bruce claimed that Dr. Abraham A. Hodari forced on her an abortion she didn't want after seeing the ultrasound image of her unborn baby.
4. Harsh words for serial killer from his victims
Jessica Harthorn spoke to the grieving family of Arnold Minor. Minor's family cried in relief after learning that his suspected killer, Elias Abuelazam, had been arrested. Abuelazam is the suspect in 18 stabbing attacks, which have resulted in five deaths.
5. Mother of 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun asks for justice
In a story that took a series of twists and turns, Corrine Baker came to our studio to talk with Kim Russell just days after her son's death. She, along with her boyfriend, Brandon Hayes, later were charged with 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun's death.
6. Four children testify in sex for drugs case
Allison Hillaker reported the story in which four children, ages 9 to 14, testified against Angela Blackwell and Johnnie Griffin, claiming they were pandered by a grandmother in exchange for drugs. Three of the four witnesses are Blackwell’s grand-daughters.
7. MidMichigan religious leaders challenge hate crimes law
Some MidMichigan religious leaders say the hate crimes act is unconstitutional and prohibits their right of free speech. They claim the law could be used against them for saying homosexuality is a sin.
8. Garfield comic stirs up controversy on Veterans Day
A Garfield comic on Veterans' Day depicted a spider, about to be killed by Garfield. The spider states, “If you squish me, I shall become famous. They will hold an annual day of remembrance in my honor.” It then shows the spider in front of a group of spiders stating, “Does anyone here know why we celebrate ‘National Stupid Day?’ ”
Author Jim Davis wrote an apology on his website, saying, "It absolutely, positively has nothing to do with this important day of remembrance.”
9. New program boosts enrollment at Catholic schools
Four Catholic schools in the Diocese of Saginaw were closed last year because of poor enrollment. Now, as Jessica Harthorn reported, All Saints Central Catholic High School in Bay City is offering a program that gives students free tuition for their first quarter.
10. Serial stabber suspect in custody
The NBC25 Newsroom was the first to report that the police were looking for a serial stabber in the slashing attacks in our area. We continually updated ConnectMidMichigan.com when Elias Abuelazam was taken into custody in an Atlanta airport on Aug. 12 and are still following the story as Abuelazam faces numerous charges in Michigan, Ohio and Virginia.
Stories 11-20
HTC Droid Incredible review: Touchscreen phone is all that
Can't See 3D? Here's why!
Competing Currencies: Part Two
Text-disabling application for phones
Palm Mobile Hotspot now free from Verizon; Pre Plus review
Defense asks, "Is Brandon Hayes competent for trial?"
Dozens involved in weekend Bay City brawl
Mother of 4-year-old killed speaks of torture they endured
Timeline of torture: 4-yr-old died after days of abuse
Parents react after police find numerous guns at school