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If one defining thread ran through 2016's best albums, it was an air of mystery: a sense of myth, otherworldliness, storytelling ambition or multimedia wizardry.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has nominated a four-star general to take command of U.S. forces in Iraq. Gen. George W. Casey, Jr. would replace Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez. Colleagues say Casey has demonstrated the ability to work closely with U.S. diplomats, a skill that will be needed in Iraq when the U.S. embassy goes into business in July. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

Japan has its first Japanese sumo champion in 19 years. In recent decades the sport has been dominated by Mongolians. Sumo commentator Doreen Simmons explains the shift.

Brig. Gen. Mark Martins says he hopes the decision will drain some of the politics out of the position.

It was a great year for lyricists, says All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen. His favorite albums of the year are proof of that richness.

The Alt.Latino and El Tiny host shares his favorite records of the year, including jazz musicians from across Latin America as well as vocalists inspired by folk, rock and pop whose work defies genre.

To Lam, who oversaw police and intelligence operations at a time when rights groups say basic freedoms had been suppressed, was confirmed amid a major reshuffle of the country's top leadership.

Alabama has hit the trifecta of political scandal. Three top elected officials — one from each branch of government — are embroiled in controversy and could be forced from office.

The Mexican telecom magnate and his family are worth $73 billion. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is ranked No. 2. The list boasts 442 Americans, including the founders of Google, Facebook and Amazon.

The Princeton Review's guide to colleges comes out Tuesday. Colleges fiercely compete to be No. 1 for most of the categories in the guide. That's not the case for the dubious distinction of top party school in the nation.