Top 20 Loop 21 Stories of 2012

Since the massive earthquake that leveled many densely populated regions of Haiti, the need for humanitarian aid has been nearly unquenchable. Above, Lina Millien's shelter withstood the winds as Tropical Storm Isaac passed over Haiti this year. Andre Lambertson/Loop 21

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From Trayvon to Obama's reelection, 2012 was shaped by tragedy and triumph

As we get ready to ring out 2012 and ring in 2013, here's a look back at 20 of the year’s biggest stories on Loop 21. Take a trip down memory lane with us and let us know in the Comments section what, if anything, we missed!

Trayvon Martin – The February slaying of 17-year-old Florida high school junior Trayvon Martin refocused black America’s and the whole nation’s attention on racial profiling, gun laws and fairness in the legal justice system. The teen’s shooter, George Zimmerman, awaits a June trial on a single second-degree murder charge. He has pleaded not guilty and claims he shot Trayvon in self-defense. To see our complete coverage of the case, click here.

Million Hoodie March – As outrage grew over the Sanford (Fla.) Police Department’s failure to arrest Trayvon Martin’s shooter, George Zimmerman, protests were staged throughout the nation. Loop 21 had exclusive coverage of the grassroots Million Hoodie March in New York City. To see our coverage, click here.

Marissa Alexander – Following the slaying of Trayvon Martin, attention paid to Florida’s Stand Your Ground law brought Marissa Alexander’s story to national prominence.  The mother of three was convicted and sentenced to a minimum 10 years in prison simply for firing a gun in the direction of her abusive ex-husband, who had previously acknowledged abusing Alexander and other women. Alexander believed the Stand Your Ground statue applied to her, as she argued she fired the gun in self-defense. To see our coverage, click here.

Republican Presidential Primary – During the Republican presidential primary season, it became clearer to Americans why the GOP is overwhelmingly white and male. From racially tinged comments about food stamps to controversies over women’s access to contraception, much of the rhetoric until – and arguably after – the party’s nomination of Mitt Romney amounted to side issues that voters didn’t base their votes on. For more on the GOP primary, click here.

Whitney Houston – The “I Will Always Love You” singer’s death this year shocked both the music world and her fans internationally, who witnessed her downward spiral but grew hopeful after a earnest try at a comeback. See our coverage by clicking here.

Penn State Scandal – The Penn State child-rape scandal involving former Littany Lions assistant coach Jerry Sandusky brought down the storied reputation of several big names in the Penn State University community, including late head coach Joe Paterno. Sandusky was found guilty on 45 counts of child sex abuse charges and is serving a 30- to 60-year prison term. To see our coverage, click here.

Haiti – Since the massive earthquake that leveled many densely populated regions of Haiti, the need for humanitarian aid has been nearly unquenchable. In an exclusive, Loop 21 put boots on the ground during Tropical Storm Isaac. To see the coverage, click here.

Black Unemployment – If there was one thing that many in the black community felt anguish over in 2012 it was the inadequate action by political leaders, including President Barack Obama, to address the disproportionately high unemployment rate for African Americans. Loop 21 tackled the topic at length. Click here to see our coverage.

Obamacare Upheld – In a huge pre-election victory for President Barack Obama, the United States Supreme Court upheld the most controversial elements of the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare. To see our coverage, click here.