Election of Obama Top Story of 2008

A new year is upon us. It's time for The Associated Press to announce the top stories of 2008. Editors and news directors in the U.S. chose the election of Barack Obama, the first African-American president, as the year's No. 1 story. The election was followed closely in the poll by the global economic crisis. Rounding out the 10 were:
3. The see-saw price of oil
4. Iraq war and the reduction of violence and timetable for withdrawal of U.S. troops
5. Beijing Olympics highlighted by the record-breaking performance of swimmer Michael Phelps
6. Chinese earthquake that killed 70,000 and left millions homeless
7. Sarah Palin, who was chosen as John McCain's running mate
8. Mumbai terrorism that killed 164
9. Hilary Clinton, who made a historic run for the White House and subsequently was chosen as Obama's secretary of state
10. Russia-Georgia five-day war

Tribune Breaks News on Blagojevich Pick

The Chicago Tribune's Web site breaks the news that embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich plans to pick the state's former attorney general for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama. Beyond the news report, the site has a gallery of 15 photos of Roland Burris, 71. A poll and reader comments accompany the news. Expect updates by the Tribune shortly, as Blagojevich has a press conference scheduled for this afternoon. Blagojevich has been accused of corruption and trying to sell the Senate post. The Chicago Sun-Times chronicles the accusations on its "Blagobusted" page.

What Went Wrong?

In a three-part series about the "origins of the economic crisis," The Washington Post publishes a narrative about AIG. Today's first part, called The Beautiful Machine, covers events and characters from 1987-1998. The series is written by Robert O'Harrow Jr. and Brady Dennis. Today's installment was among the most viewed stories on the Post Web site.

Missile Strikes into Gaza

Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel

Around the world, grim images from the Gaza Strip made top news after Israel struck Hamas locations in retaliation for rocket attacks. The Gulf News of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, called it the "New Year Massacre" and printed a large photo of the dead and injured. Large photos filled the front pages of newspapers in Turkey. U.S. news organizations were more restrained in their choice of images.

In Israel, Yedioth Ahronoth, the largest newspaper, inset an image into a large photo and a printed a map. The Jerusalem Post, the country's oldest English-language newspaper, printed six related stories and used a main, two-line banner headline, "225 killed as Israel rains fire on Hamas in bid to end Kassams." Among its stories was an analysis: "Fighting Hamas in the shadow of 2006's mistakes/Have the lessons of the war against Hizbullah been learned?"

Elsewhere, the Province of Vancouver, British Columbia, called the attacks the "Deadliest Day in 60-Year Conflict." The Daily Telegraph of London said, "Biggest Israeli Air Strikes Yet Signal New Phase in Conflict."


An-Nahar, Beirut, Lebanon

Season's Greetings

If ever there were days to do something special with the front page, today -- Christmas -- is one of them. The holiday spirit was overflowing in Kansas, where The Topeka Capital-Journal, The Wichita Eagle and The Hutchinson News used full page photos or art to capture the spirit of the day. Said a note on the News: "Dear Friends, May this season's joy enrich you year-round."

Obama Report Top News in Illinois

Across Illinois, the investigation into the actions of Gov. Rod Blagojevich made top headlines again today. What prompted the headlines? An internal report by the Obama team that concluded White House Chief of Staff-designate Rahm Emanuel did not have improper discussions with the governor about filling Obama's U.S. Senate seat. In a staff-written report, the Chicago Tribune said in its lead story: "Internal review clears staffers/Emanuel role called innocent, appropriate." Some newspaper used an AP report and highlighted the news that President-elect Barack Obama met with investigators probing the corruption allegations against the governor. "Obama talked with investigators," the Springfield Journal-Register said. The state capital newspaper pictured Emanuel and added, "Transition team's internal probe finds no improper contacts with Blagojevich." Said the Northwest Herald in Crystal Lake, "Obama, aides met with Feds/Blagojevich investigators eyed transition team's role." The Daily Herald of suburban Chicago used two words: "No impropriety."

First Day of Winter

From sea to shining sea, the U.S. is caught under the influence of Old Man Winter. In the Northwest, "Region hunkers down for week of snow, cold," The Seattle Times said, noting "cold and snow ... have disrupted almost every aspect of life throughout the region for more than a week." The newspaper pictured travelers stranded at Sea-Tac Airport and residents dealing with gusty winds and blowing snow. The Web site of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer asked: "Will it ever stop?" while offering links to updates on the commute, closings, photos and vignettes. In a "My Seattle Pix" album, more than 200 snow photos were shared with the PI. "Hello, winter," said the Sun Journal in Lewiston, Maine. "White Christmas comes wrapped in Northeaster," the paper added. The Bangor Daily News' main headline said, "Strong nor'easter socks state with heavy snow, high winds." In a promotion to an inside story incorporated into its nameplate, the Daily News called snow "white gold" for state ski areas. What's your weather forecast, and how will it be included in your holiday coverage?