As he tried to overcome a wave of negative ads, Gingrich was forced to answer questions about two potentially damaging news stories on Tuesday — one about his previous support for Gov. Mitt Romney's health care plan and another about his first divorce.

As NPR takes to the road in Iowa this week, we are collecting the words and images of Iowa Republicans still uncertain who they will vote for in next Tuesday's state GOP presidential caucuses.

Of course, the economy is the main issue for voters in Iowa's Jan. 3 caucuses. But as the state's Hispanic population surges, Republican candidates are struggling with how best to deal with voter concerns around illegal immigration.

With more social conservatives in the race this time around, the Romney camp hopes the evangelical vote will splinter, propelling him to a top-two finish in Iowa.

When Sally Daher died ten years ago, she left behind unpaid nursing home bills. She also left a shoe store she'd owned. In 2008, the store's new tenant got rid of a heavy old safe. A tow truck driver dumped the safe in an empty lot. Authorities found $178,000 inside, and now a judge has decided the money will pay Daher's debts.

Three years ago, scientists found plenty of cod in the region but data this season indicates just the opposite. Federal regulators say stocks are at such dangerously low levels, cod fishing might need to be shut down. Fishermen say they don't believe the reports.

GOP presidential candidates are touring Iowa ahead of next week's caucuses. The main issue for many voters there is the economy, but another hot topic is emerging: overhauling immigration policies. Iowa's Hispanic population is surging, and Republican candidates are struggling with how best to deal with voter concerns.

Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich continues his bus tour of Iowa. After leading in the polls, he's had setbacks in recent days. Negative campaign ads by his opponents have hurt him with some voters. And on Tuesday, the former House speaker found his message side tracked by new disclosures involving the divorce from his first wife.

It's been more than three years since the government bailed out mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Gretchen Morgenson, of The New York Times, has co-authored a book about Fannie and Freddie called Reckless Endangerment. Morgenson talks to Linda Wertheimer about the taxpayer-owned entities.