These are the stories chosen by WAFF 48 News as the 10 most talked about topics of 2009.
- Swine flu, healthcare, economy: For many people, dealing with the spread of the H1N1 virus became a priority as some schools closed to attempt to stop the spread of the potentially deadly illness. Also, as the recession and healthcare reform dominated the headlines throughout the year, many people in the Tennessee Valley were laid off as businesses closed, and shrinking sales tax revenues forced Huntsville leaders to cut costs.
- Prominent trials: Christie Scott, Jamal Woods, and Daniel Wade Moore: Christie Scott was convicted and sentenced to death in the death of her son, Mason, in a house fire. Jamal Woods was also convicted in the shooting deaths of two people and the injuries to two others at a Huntsville restaurant; however, the district attorney later ruled out the death penalty. Finally, in a case that has lasted for more than a decade, Daniel Wade Moore was acquitted by a Decatur jury in the death of Karen Tipton.
- Lauderdale County quadruple homicide: Four people were found dead at a Greenhill residence in April. The suspected gunman, Kevin Garner, was subsequently found dead near his Priceville home by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- Lincoln County, TN mass murder with Jacob Shaffer: Five people were found dead at two Lincoln County, TN homes and another body was found at a Huntsville business owned by one of the victims. The alleged killer, who was the estranged husband of one of the victims, was taken into custody.
- Guntersville Officer Jason Austin shot: The Guntersville police officer was shot in the head during a high-speed police pursuit in Albertville. He later had a bullet removed from his head and is now recovering. Three people were taken into custody in connection with his shooting.
- Parker Griffith switches parties: After taking over the 5th District Congressional seat formerly held by Bud Cramer, Griffith surprised many by switching from the Democratic to the Republican Party. He said the change came after his opposition to healthcare legislation largely supported by Congressional Democrats.
- Sue Schmitz sentenced to prison: Schmitz was convicted on seven counts of felony fraud in connection to a position she held in the Alabama two-year university system. She subsequently lost her position in the Alabama State House and is due to begin a prison sentence in 2010.
- Teen found riding in box atop car in Albertville: A woman was arrested after her daughter was found riding atop a minivan in a box.
- Tammy Silas: Silas was arrested in Ardmore after she allegedly kidnapped a newborn from a Nashville home.
- Morgan County sheriff arrested: Sheriff Greg Bartlett was taken into federal custody after a judge cited him for contempt of court for failing to adequately feed jail inmates while profiting from the skimpy meals.
