The weekday report for the topics and people that are trending on

Yahoo! and across the Web for Wednesday April 18, 2012.

Research by Search editor Liz Streng

The nation mourned the news that America's oldest teenager had died. Meanwhile, in the ongoing election season, one of Arizona's district stands out for surviving a political tragedy. And the future is uncertain for the baked goods icon Hostess, known for Ding Dongs, Twinkies, and those peculiar pink coconut balls. Chew on what else has been trending online.

STANDOUT SPIKES

Dick Clark Dead: TMZ reported that the 82-year-old producer and America's eternal teenager died of a heart attack at St. John's hospital in Los Angeles.

Gabrielle Giffords: Arizona's 8th congressional district holds its primary today for the June 12 election. Ron Barber, the former district director for the congresswoman, is running unopposed with Giffords' endorsement.

Twinkies Strike: Hostess Brands Inc., which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January, made its union a final offer Tuesday in a court proceeding that should last two days. Unions threatened a strike, but the company threatens liquidations and the end of Twinkies (except for those which live in preservative perpetuity).

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