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

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.

Fresh Air's rock critic presents his playlist for 2016. It includes big pop stars, beloved cult stars and a couple of not-yet-stars.

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.

The last time the monument's height was measured was in 1999. And with scaffolding in place for earthquake repairs, engineers have a rare opportunity to take official measurements of the iconic obelisk.

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

Members of the House and Senate return to Washington for a "lame-duck" session of the 107th Congress. Meanwhile, the White House and lawmakers reach agreement on a compromise plan to create a new Department of Homeland Security. Hear NPR's David Welna, Pam Fessler and Mara Liasson.

From Tyler, the Creator's lovesick turn to Jamila Wood's funky second album, May had a ridiculous amount of stellar music to offer just before summer arrives.

In its 12th week on the Billboard 200 albums chart, the soundtrack to KPop Demon Hunters finally hits No. 1. Elsewhere on the charts, Justin Bieber zooms back into the top 10 thanks to a deluxe edition and sombr's debut makes a move

Also: Protests build in Egypt; gay pride events set across the U.S.; Obama pledges $7 billion to upgrade Africa's power systems; Kerry leaves Middle East, saying peace talks are "within reach;" and Google Reader is about to disappear.