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World Cafe features daily interviews and live in-studio performances from seasoned music veterans and new sensations, in genres ranging from rock to blues to folk to alternative country and beyond. From NPR station WXPN, host David Dye chooses his favorite albums of 2006.

It was a tremendous year for upbeat music that reflected on aging and ennui in wise, wonderful ways.

Five out of these 10 records are debuts — a statistic that fits perfectly in the spirit of finding new music to fall in love with this year.

NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with Retired U.S. Navy admiral James Stavridis about Ukraine claiming to have killed the commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet.

Also: IRS's actions add to conservatives' case against Obama; Pakistanis go to polls after campaign marred by violence; astronauts prepared for spacewalk to station's leaks; survivor of Bangladesh building collapse said to be "doing great."

NPR reviewer Tom Moon shares his picks for the year's best CDs, from the lo-fi, indie folk of Iron and Wine to a newly discovered live recording by Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane.

NPR music reviewer Meredith Ochs shares her picks for the year's best CDs, from the "sacred-meets-profane" rock of the White Stripes to outlaw country singer Merle Haggard.

Also: "Silver Fire" spreads in Southern California; Powerball jackpot winners include 16 county workers in New Jersey; and actress Karen Black dies.

Residents in South Gate, Calif., vote to oust the mayor, treasurer and two council members, amid allegations that they conducted city business through backroom deals and gave city contracts to friends. Adolfo Guzman-Lopez of member station KPCC reports.

President Bush and the U.S. Senate turn their attention to immigration as the president helps to swear in new citizens while a Senate committee writes a bill to control the flow of undocumented workers. The full Senate is expected to debate the issue for the next two weeks.