What a year.

Fred decides to run for president, the Predators have new owners, Nashville has a new mayor, Gordon Gee takes his bowtie back to the Buckeye state, and much more.

As we have done since 2000, NashvillePost.com continued to provide the breaking news that Nashville's leaders needed — thanks to your subscriptions, your readership and your tips. Thanks for that last one, especially. We have broken all-time records and are poised for an even bigger year in 2008 that promises to expand on and provide more of the news you need.

Before we jump into 2008, let's take a look back at your most-read stories of the past twelve months. You may be surprised at what you missed, or realize that some of these things happened not that long ago.

The top 10 stories of 2007, according to our site statistics, were:

News Analysis: Fred Thompson....President?

The Watergate lawyer-turned-senator-turned TV idol may run, but there are many questions that will have to be answered (12 March 2007)

• Current status: Thompson may be looking back on the good old days of last spring as the high point of his campaign so far, as the giddy excitement of his early flirtation has run up against the hard realities of life on the campaign trail. Can he pull a New Year's surprise in Iowa? We'll see.

Sources: PREDS SOLD

Co-chief of Blackberry purveyor to buy hockey firm (23 May 2007)

• Current status: Rival bidders in a local consortium won control of the team in a deal reached last month.

Vanderbilt Chancellor Gee and wife agree on divorce

Parting of ways comes five months after WSJ revelations of Constance Gee's marijuana-smoking and couple's lavish spending on official residence (28 Feb. 2007)

• Current status: The divorce case is still open.

90's country star files bankruptcy

Business debt apparently drove the former hitmaker into filing Chapter 13 (8 Feb. 2007)

• Current status: The case, now a Chapter 7 liquidation, remains open. Last week, the judge approved the hiring of an auctioneer to sell off various "personal possessions," which were not further described.

Residential developer sued over secret sex videotapes

Ex-girlfriend, alerted by another former girlfriend, claims builder of upscale homes in Nashville made the videotapes without her consent -- and worries they have made it to Internet (31 January 2007)

• Current status: The case is open. Defendant has not filed an answer, but plaintiff has not moved for default judgment.

Senate resolution is evolution of Scopes trial

Maryville lawmaker wants state education authorities to weigh in on creationism (26 Feb. 2007)

• Current status: A majority in the Senate deemed this bill somewhat less than intelligently designed. Amid nationwide ridicule, it went away.

Comdata chief fired for talking to activist shareholder

Krow, who led parent Ceridian's cash cow, denies breaching confidentiality in meeting at Nashville airport with Pershing Square hedge fund -- earlier, he and CFO walked in on meeting to hand secret letters to directors (14 May 2007)

• Current status: He's still gone.

AT&T's new chief says company will invest if legislators act

'Tennessee is surrounded' by states that have won AT&T capital, says new AT&T Tennessee president (6 Sept. 2007)

• Current status: Expect another round of cable/AT&T wars in 2008.

Metro Council candidate has history of arrests

DUIs, assault, and drugs among charges (29 May 2007)

• Current status: The candidate was not elected.

Sources: Connery forced out at Essent Healthcare

Essent founder and 30-year industry veteran, Hud Connery, no longer the company's chief exec; replaced by CFO Browder (9 Nov. 2007)

• Current status: He's still gone.

In the past year, Nashville has also lost some great leaders, friends, and community stalwarts. These individuals made their mark on our great city and will forever be missed. Please keep their families in your thoughts this holiday season, and don't forget to remember to tell your loved ones how much you care for them.

Obit: Former Lipscomb President Collins dead at 92

Credited with steering college out of financial difficulty in 1970s and '80s

Visitation this afternoon and evening for member of original Metro Council and former night court magistrate

Prominent lobbyist dies in his sleep

Original Houston Oiler and brother of former UT football coach passes away