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Former Vice President Joe Biden was steadier than in past debates; South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg came under attack; and the candidates defended their least diverse debate stage yet.

The results mirror an earlier USA Todaycoaches poll that also put the Crimson Tide in the No. 1 spot. The team is going for a third-straight national title.

Also: Tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula; President Obama reportedly plans to propose some cuts in projected spending on social programs; building collapse in India kills and injures dozens of people.

Also: Survivors have harrowing tales after Brazilian nightclub fire; unrest continues in Egypt; Toyota regains No. 1 spot among auto companies; French and Malian forces move into Timbuktu.

Barbara Bodine, the U.S. official assigned to govern central Iraq, will leave her post and return to the United States to take a position at the State Department. The move comes just days after the top civilian administrator in Iraq, retired Gen. Jay Garner, is replaced by L. Paul Bremer, a longtime State Department official. Bodine and Garner have been criticized for being slow to restore services and form an interim government. Hear NPR's Guy Raz.

One word soared because of historic events. The other rose because of Charlie Sheen. Other words or phrases that were used a lot include "Japan," "rad on Osama bin Laden" and "McLobster."

Also: George Saunders wins the Story Prize; and the murder trial continues for "blade runner" Oscar Pistorius.

Also: One Iowa Republican thinks Santorum might have won the caucuses; Iran plans more war games; gasoline prices start year at a high.

Also: Jobless claims drop; Greek government reaches austerity deal; new nuclear reactors likely in Georgia.

NPR's Steve Inskeep revisits some of the biggest business stories of 2002 with our financial experts Tom and David Gardner, co-hosts of NPR's The Motley Fool Radio Show.