The year began with the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Many New Yorkers hoped for a new era in politics. But then a dramatic coup in the state Senate brought Albany to a month-long standstill. The headlines were filled with political scandals, and advocates of gay marriage lost their fight in the state legislature. New Yorkers also struggled with rising unemployment and economic hardship.

Still, it wasn't all bad. There were miracles -- a plane full of passengers landed safely on the Hudson River -- and the city streets were filled with bicycles and pedestrians lounging on chairs in Times Square. So as the year comes to a close we bring you the sounds and pictures of 2009.

Produced by Beth Fertig, mixed by Wayne Shulmister, and edited by Karen Frillmann. Online montage by Stephen Nessen.