CBNNews.com

January 1, 2009

CBNNews.com -  A history making election season. An economy on the skids. Political rock stars and a Christian music star's unimaginable grief.

These are just a few of the stories that grabbed your attention this year, and have dominated the headlines for past 12 months.

TOP 10 EDITOR'S PICK:  

1. America Elects the First Black President 

On November 4, Sen. Barack Obama was elected the nation's 44th President, after a grueling two-year campaign. He beat out rival Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in a drawn-out Democratic primary battle, and bested Republican veteran Sen. John McCain in the general election in a landslide victory.

Obama was labeled a political "rock star" as he created a grassroots movement with his campaign ultimately labled "netroots" because of so many of his supporters being connected with him through the internet. He gave CBN News several interviews along the campaign trail.

2. Palin Sensation

Little known Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was picked as Republican John McCain's running mate. Political observers quickly pointed out McCain's selection of an evangelical running mate  gave the McCain camp a much needed charge among its conservative base. She set the GOP base on fire with her first nationally, televised speech at the Republican National Convention in August. Palin also spoke to CBN News about her faith and how it has shaped who she is.  

3. The Economy

For some Americans, reports of a looming recession seemed far fetched earlier this year. However, consumers, who felt the impact of a tanking stock market, a credit crisis fueled by market greed, and government bailout talks started staying home and spending less as the year progressed.

4. Gay Activism

In May, four California supreme court judges legalized gay marriage, prompting another push for a state amendment defining the institution as between one man and one woman. CBN News has reported extensively on the rise in gay activism and the legal actions around the country that could redefine marriage as it has traditionally been known.

5. Natural Disasters

Unimaginable human tragedy grabbed our attention for weeks as major disasters struck places like China, Burma, and here the United States. CBN News reported from each disaster region, also bringing you stories of hope, faith, and human goodwill in the midst the devastation. 

6. Steven Curtis Chapman Daughter's Death

The tragic death of the Christian music star's youngest daughter gripped hearts and prompted an outpouring of compassion for the grieving family.  Since then, the Chapmans have spoken openly about their faith in the midst of such incredible grief.

7. Christians Facing Persecution

Ongoing violence against Christians in India and in Iraq have remained largely absent from mainstream media coverage.  CBN News has covered the persecution, including special reports from correspondents on the ground in some of these regions where Christians are threatened, in many cases on a daily basis.

8. Tracking Troops and Terror

While the election and the economy dominated the news this year, the ongoing war on terrorism is an important story CBN News follows. We traveled with troops on the battlefield to bring you their stories first hand and to highlight their work for freedom around the world. We also tracked the latest from terror camps, bringing you stories about the terrorist agendas and efforts in America and around the world.

9. Lakeland Revival

For months, charismatic evangelist Todd Bentley captivated audiences and thousands around the world with reports of a healing revival in Lakeland, Fla. The meetings were soon broadcast across the Internet, and people from around the country booked trips to get a taste of Bentley's "revival fire." The revival ended later in the year as Bentley resigned due to personal and family troubles.

10. Beijing Olympics Dreams

From the spectacular opening ceremonies to the closing of the 2008 games, our CBN News team was there to bring you behind-the-scenes reports on Olympic dreams, Christianity in China, and an inside look at life for the new generation of China as the nation grows into one of the world's developing economic powerhouses.