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U.S. News

Major U.S. news stories, from Occupy Wall Street to Penn State

by Jennie Wood

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The United States' economy almost came to a halt in 2011, but a last minute deal avoided a default. Protestors made sure their voices were heard in battles with state legislators over unions and in the Occupy Wall Street movement. As the 2012 presidential campaign heated up, eyes fell on election 2011 for signs of voting trends. The nation was inspired by the brave recovery of Gabby Giffords, but shocked over the scandal at Penn State. Here's a look at these stories and other hot topics in the nation this year.

The U.S. Avoids Default in 11th Hour

What a default would mean for the U.S.

Occupy Wall Street

An organized protest takes on Wall Street

Campaign 2012

In 2011, several Republican candidates emerge and campaign for the chance to take on Obama

Election 2011

Voters Reject Conservative-Backed Measures

States Attempt to Weaken Unions

Teacher and state employees protest in Wisconsin and other states

Penn State Child Molestation Scandal

Child abuse allegations shake up a celebrated university

The Tenth Anniversary of 9/11

Revisiting September 11 Ten Years Later

Danger in Dixie Alley

Tornadoes Ravaged Parts of the Southeast U.S. in April and May 2011

Goodbye Mr. Chips?

New evaluations raise the stakes for teachers

Trying Times

A nation gets caught up in the trials of Casey Anthony, Conrad Murray as well as the homecoming of Amanda Knox

Gabrielle Giffords

After being shot in the head by an attacker in January, Giffords makes a remarkable return to Congress in August to cast an important vote on the debt ceiling