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Since 2008, Bella has been the city's most popular dog name. That's when the last of Stephenie Meyer's vampire-themed Twilight novels featuring heroine Bella Swan was published.

Music affords an escape, takes us back in time to reflect on the present, mirrors our aches and joys and offers serenity. These albums were gifts during difficult times.

Justin Bieber, Adele and Beyoncé also made the list, as you might have imagined.

Pentagon officials confirm that Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq, will give up his command this summer. But officials deny the move is linked to allegations that Sanchez knew about abuses at the Abu Ghraib prison. Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the Army's second-ranking general, will replace Sanchez. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Michele Kelemen.

Also: Top military official removed from post in North Korea, where young leader may be purging old guard; Microsoft and NBC call it quits — MSNBC.com will become NBCNews.com; some Egyptians protest as Secretary of State Clinton passes by.

State law lets any member of the bar be appointed as a public defender. Gov. Jay Nixon was assigned a client, but Nixon's spokesman says you can't appoint an attorney without the attorney's consent.

Climbers who conquer Japan's tallest mountain will now be able to upload their achievement online immediately. Mount Fuji is getting eight hotspots with free Wi-Fi.

Also: NPR's Senior Vice President for News resigns over harassment allegations; scientists say they've found space inside a huge Egyptian pyramid; and the Houston Astros win the World Series.

Also: Kenya's president takes the oath of office for a second term; President Trump will visit Capitol Hill today; and the Bali volcano keeps erupting.

The best albums of 2017 delivered both comfort and challenge — both salve and spur. (That also applies to the honorable mentions listed, any of which could easily have come off the bench.)