Speaking in public for the first time since June, embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad said he would not leave power. According to Reuters, Assad blamed "foreign planning" for the uprising that has engulfed his country. Calling the protesters terrorists, he vowed to respond to threats with an "iron hand."

The AP adds:

Some in New Hampshire have already cast their votes this morning. As they do traditionally, voters in Dixville Notch and Hart's Location, both small northern New Hampshire towns, cast their ballots shortly after midnight.

The Washington Post reports on the results:

Blue Ivy Carter is only days old, yet the proud father released a song called "Glory." In the song, Jay-Z raps that his daughter is "the most beautiful thing in the world." The newborn chimes in with a few cries at the end of the song.

Last month, a passenger was traveling with the cupcake packed into a jar filled with icing. Too much icing says the Transportation Security Administration. In its blog, the agency explained icing counts as a gel, and some gels can be used to make explosives.

Five candidates spent Monday campaigning in the state. And we now hear from five NPR reporters, covering those candidates. They include: Ari Shapiro on Mitt Romney, Robert Smith on Ron Paul, Andrea Seabrook on Newt Gingrich, Don Gonyea on Rick Santorum and Tovia Smith on Jon Huntsman.

There are two kinds of compelling football games. One, when teams battle back and forth to a dramatic ending. The other, when one team dominates to such an extent that all you can do is watch in awe. Monday night, the University of Alabama treated football fans to the latter. The Crimson Tide won the BCS championship game 21-0.

Transcript

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

Now, this past Sunday, Mitt Romney's campaign reserve a school gym in Exeter, New Hampshire. The details of that event tell you the style in which the Republican candidate is presenting himself. The campaign selected a small gym, far too is small for the crowd had arrived.

UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: The next president of the United States, Mitt Romney.

(SOUNDBITE OF CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

David Greene has the Last Word in business.

David Greene has business news.

One of the most powerful producers in Hollywood is black, female, middle-aged and Muslim. Mara Brock Akil produces, along with her husband,The Game -- one of the biggest hit TV shows on cable. Last year, the couple collaborated on the film "Jumping the Broom.