There's no better way to build a team than to start a band, say the executives of one telecom firm who met while playing music. Soon, their employees will play against each other in a companywide battle of the bands. The only rule is they have to pick an instrument they don't already know how to play.

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman bypassed Iowa's Jan. 3 primary to focus on Tuesday's competition in New Hampshire. Now, the latest polls suggest that he could be gaining ground in the Granite State. "You've got to beat market expectations," Huntsman tells NPR's Robert Siegel.

The consensus seems to be that tonight's BCS championship game between No. 2 Alabama and No. 1 LSU will be a defensive struggle, similar to the touchdown-free game they played on Nov. 5. But while they field elite defenses, LSU and Alabama's squads have very different strengths.

The United States Mint says demand for quarter, dimes, nickels, and pennies was up this year. During the financial crisis, demand for coins hit record lows as people dug into their piggy banks and coin jars for extra cash.

A Georgia hospital has launched an advertising campaign that grimly highlights the risks of childhood obesity. The goal of the "Stop Sugarcoating It, Georgia" ads is to shock families into recognizing that obesity is a problem. The ads are making an impact, but the tactics are raising questions.

The U.S. reacts to the conviction and death sentence in Tehran for an Iranian American accused of spying for the CIA. The move is likely to further escalate tensions between Iran and the U.S., largely over Tehran's suspect nuclear program.

New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary is Tuesday. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has a commanding lead in polls, and Texas Rep. Ron Paul looks likely to finish second. But a tight race for third has developed among three of the remaining candidates — including former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.

White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley is stepping down. He's held the position for about a year. Jack Lew, the director of the Office of Management and Budget will replace Daley. Melissa Block talks to NPR's Scott Horsley for more.