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All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen shares his list of the 10 best albums of 2014 (and a few honorable mentions).

Osama bin Laden's top deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, is reportedly cornered by Pakistani soldiers near the Afghan border. The United States has offered a $25 million reward for the Egyptian-born Zawahiri's capture. Pakistani officials say a fierce battle with al Qaeda fighters is being waged. NPR's Eric Westervelt reports.

Surprises nevertheless abound in the top 10, as a vinyl reissue lands cult singer-songwriter Ethel Cain on the Billboard 200 for the first time ever and two artists — Alex Warren and BigXthaPlug — experience their first-ever top 10 singles.

Discover a broad range of the year's best classical albums, from groundbreaking teenage percussionists and innovative opera singers to fierce orchestral composers and brainy pianists.

Also: FBI officials say missing texts affiliated with the Russia investigation are recovered; Trump is sorry for retweeting anti-Muslim tweets; and French shoppers brawl over discounted Nutella.

Though more Republican-held seats are up for grabs in November, Democratic struggles mean the GOP has improved its likelihood to take control of the Senate. Here are the key contests to watch.

HOST INTRO: Colorado is second in the nation for voter turnout this year. KDNK’s Amy Hadden Marsh has more.

Pakistani authorities say they believe their troops have cornered Osama bin Laden's top deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, near the Afghan-Pakistan border. Pakistani forces are engaged in a fierce battle there with tribal leaders and al Qaeda fighters. U.S. officials say they cannot confirm the reports. Hear NPR's Mary Louise Kelly.

The Pentagon is expected to replace Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez as the top U.S. commander in Iraq. President Bush called Sanchez "exemplary," and officials say his transfer is part of a long-planned reorganization. Nevertheless, the move leaves the impression in some quarters that the administration is not satisfied with Sanchez's performance in Iraq. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

Lana Del Rey balanced bleak beauty with real insight, Young Thug's So Much Fun culminated his influence and Bon Iver offered an album just in time for autumn.