Top 10 Stories of 2009

1. The Top of the Class
The complete list of the 1,500 top U.S. high schools.

2. The End of Christian America
The percentage of self-identified Christians has fallen 10 points in the past two decades. How that statistic explains who we are now—and what, as a nation, we are about to become.

3. A Tragedy That Won’t Fade Away
When grisly images of their daughter's death went viral on the Internet, the Catsouras family decided to fight back.

4. Who, Exactly, Is Outraged at Michelle Obama’s Shorts?
Michelle Obama wore shorts to visit the Grand Canyon. Have you heard? Everyone is up in arms.

5. Live Your Best Life Ever
Why health advice on Oprah could make you sick.

6. When a Young Mother Dies
Why the untimely losses of Natasha Richardson and Jade Goody struck such a chord.

7. My Father the Dope Dealer
When I was young, we lived the high life. Then it all went up in smoke.

8. Octomom Hypocrisy
The real reasons Octomom drives us crazy.

9. When Knox Finally Talks
A look at the preparations before 'Foxy Knoxy' got her day to speak in court.

10. 118 Days, 12 Hours, 54 Minutes
NEWSWEEK reporter Maziar Bahari's ordeal in Iran's Evin Prison.