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President-elect Donald Trump has already picked two former generals, Michael Flynn and James Mattis, for top positions and is considering at least one more, David Petraeus.

An Iranian scientist, who U.S. intelligence says is one of Iran's top nuclear officials, has been assassinated. NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Iran Middle East expert Ariane Tabatabai about the news.

Karen O teams with Danger Mouse, Stephen Malkmus rushes the "acid frat," and The Cinematic Orchestra releases its first album in 12 years.

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.

Two daredevils, one from Russia, the other from the Ukraine, sneak onto the construction site at the as-yet-unfinished world's second-tallest building and climb to the top.

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.

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.

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: Michelle Obama touts free speech in address to Chinese students; Turks strike back at attempt to ban Twitter; and upsets bust almost everyone's NCAA brackets.

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.