Tennessee's top 10 stories of 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) — Here are the top Tennessee news stories of 2011 as chosen by The Associated Press staff:

1. 37 die in April tornadoes.

2. Pat Summitt diagnosed with early onset dementia.

3. Lawmakers repeal teachers' collective bargaining rights amid union, tea party protests.

4. (Tie) Occupy Nashville protesters gather at Capitol; win court battle to keep going.

4. (Tie) Mississippi River floods parts of Memphis, West Tennessee.

6. Bruce Pearl fired as Tennessee basketball coach.

7. Woman who spent 26 years on death row is released.

8. Former Gov. Ned McWherter dies.

9. Legislators approve photo ID for voting.

10. General Motors announces plans to restart assembly work at Spring Hill plant.