Peter Harvey joins Weekend Today to take a look back at the five biggest news stories this decade.
September 11, 2001
It was the day that changed our world forever. On September 11, 2001 Al-Queda coordinated a series of attacks on the United States of America. Nineteen Al-Queda terrorists hijacked four aeroplanes, flying one into each tower of the World Trade Centre in New York, one into the Pentagon in Washington, with the forth plane crashing into a field in Pennsylvania. 2,976 people died in the attacks and the United States responded by launching a War on Terrorism, that is still being fought to this day.
Boxing Day Tsunami
On December 26, 2004 the second deadliest earthquake in history struck the Indian Ocean, causing a tsunami of gigantic proportions. Over 230,000 people lost their lives, and there was mass destruction in over 15 different countries.
Michael Jackson's death
While preparing for his This Is It concert tour in 2009, Michael Jackson died at the age of 50 after suffering cardiac arrest. His death triggered an outpouring of grief from around the world, with his globally broadcast memorial service attracting an audience of up to one billion people. The exact cause of his death is still being investigated, but it has been ruled a homicide of the Los Angeles County coroner.
Global Financial Crisis
The financial crisis of 2007-2009 has been called the worst financial crisis since the great depression of the 1930's. Economies worldwide have slowed as credit is tightened and international trade declines. The stock market has crashed, unemployment has risen, and governments around the world have issued unprecedented fiscal stimulus packages.
Barack Obama elected president
On November 4, 2008 Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States, bringing hope not only to black Americans, but also to millions of people around the globe. He represented change in a world desperate for answers. His slogan was "Yes we can" and his election marked a turning point in American history.
