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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.

The list of nominees for the 80th Academy Awards are announced. No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood both earn eight nominations, leading the field.

Michelle Bachelet defeated her conservative rival Sunday with 62 percent of the vote. The center-left candidate was previously president from 2006-10. Although extremely popular when she left office, Bachelet was constitutionally barred from seeking a second consecutive term.

There are no surprises among the top seeds in the NCAA men's basketball tournament. But the larger field, as always, contains some unexpected dancers. Renee Montagne talks to sports commentator John Feinstein about the NCAA Tournament's present, and past.

The massively popular BBC show, Top Gear, relaunches Monday on BBC America. Following the painfully public downfall of its former host, the new hosts have big gears to grind.