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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.

Also: Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen testifies before Congress today; the 2022 World Cup in Qatar may be played in November and December; and a Philippine bamboo organ festival faces closure.

CIA Director George Tenet resigns, effective in July. The move, announced by President Bush on the White House's South Lawn, comes after Tenet faced harsh criticism over intelligence failures related to Iraq and the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The president praised Tenet's leadership and work in seven years at the CIA. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly reports.

The host of All Songs Considered shares the albums he loved this year. Many of Bob Boilen's favorite albums of 2013 were danceable. Many were intimate. Some managed to be both at once.

When it first opened in 1965, some called the Houston Astrodome – the first domed stadium – the Eighth Wonder of the World.

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.

New Zealand's bird of the year is not a bird. The long-tailed bat, or pekapeka-tou-roa, won by a wide margin.

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.