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It was an unusually strong year for great unknown artists. While bigger, more established bands continued to attract the most attention, smaller, lesser-known acts made the most memorable music of 2008. All of the great unknown artists featured here made music that was inspired, original and heartfelt.

The federal debt is growing even faster than expected. Just paying interest on the $40 trillion balance is now the government's second-largest expense, outpacing everything but Social Security.

Also: Tens of thousands of Muslims continue to flee violence in Myanmar; publisher Tronc is buying the New York Daily News; and today's the 40th anniversary of the Voyager II launch to deep space.

Kevin and Tony open with an intense discussion of the bus pass (good) versus the Donner Pass (less good unless traversed using a bus pass).

When Western Kentucky takes on South Florida in the Miami Beach Bowl, they'll be led by the country's top-ranked quarterback two years running, and he's as concerned about his soul as he is about TDs.

The economy still takes the top spot as the most pressing concern, but preserving democracy continues to rank high in NPR's polling, an aberration in American history.

Illinois leads the U.S. in group psychotherapy sessions for Medicare patients. Some top billers aren't mental health specialists. The state's Medicaid program has cracked down, but the feds haven't.

Sure, kids have been playing with tops forever. But Beyblades are battling tops, and they come with their own fighting arena. They're a hit, and if you haven't been nagged for one this year, there's still time.

SSO Music Director James Lowe and mezzo-soprano soloist Ashley Dixon discuss the 80th anniversary season-opening concert, "The Mahlers"

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson reports on a handful of newcomers to the pop charts.