Top Stories of 2011 In Metro Detroit And Beyond

As 2011 draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on the year that's ending.

The world was rocked with everything from tornadoes and earthquakes to national political scandals (yes, we're talking about you Anthony Weiner).

Closer to home, a father was recorded bragging about his 9-year-old daughter's driving while she chauffeured him around after a drunken bender, a mother had a 12-hour standoff with police, and the former mayor was released from prison just in time to face new charges.

Nickelback faced an uphill battle to play the halftime show on Thanksgiving Day at Ford Field, Detroit was occupied, and it turned out a whole lot of residents couldn't read.

Then the year ended with the heartbreaking story of a smiling toddler disappearing in an alleged carjacking.

So, what were the top stories of 2011? See the gallery here.