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From the versatility of the violin to the virtuosity of a mysterious opera composer, NPR's Tom Huizenga and host Guy Raz spin an eclectic set of the year's best classical recordings.

The investigation that forced the resignation of CIA Director David Petraeus has ensnared Gen. John Allen, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. The two cases raise questions about the relationship between top officers and their civilian boss. It can be awkward but on occasion the president must disregard the counsel of military commanders.

President Obama started the first round of talks Friday about how to avoid fiscal calamity. He has been pushing to end Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthy, a plan strongly opposed by some House Republicans. But in the end, a deal with the House may come down to Speaker John Boehner and the president.

As its economy prospers, the country has gained an enviable reputation in its often-turbulent West African neighborhood. It's admired for being a relative oasis of stability and peace in the region — despite tensions in the build-up to the vote.

The Barcelona star has broken several records this year — and many say the 25-year-old still hasn't peaked.

Two top food policy experts square off on the role the food industry should play in the global battle against obesity recently, and the answers are as complex, interconnected and political as ever.

Once referred to as the Muslim Brotherhood's "spare tire," Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has proven much more formidable than many Egyptians expected. But critics say his latest moves, including one to push through a hastily drafted constitution, could tear Egypt apart.

The U.N. Security Council is expected to take action soon to approve an African military intervention force for Mali. Morocco is nervous about the al-Qaida affiliate based in Northern Mali, a group that is now training and supporting extremists across the continent. That's a fear the head of U.S. Africa Command is also raising. But both he and officials in Morocco say there needs to be a two-tracked approach — a military intervention to root out al-Qaida and a big diplomatic push to reunite Mali. A coup led to a power vacuum with al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb now controlling the north.

Since Monday's announcement by Pope Benedict that he will step down, the world has been abuzz. Catholics and the rest of the world are grappling with the implications of the pope's stunning announcement that he will resign on Feb. 28.

If you can't develop a real rooting interest in the Super Bowl, perhaps you can come up with something almost completely arbitrary to help you care.

Federal officials plan to sue the credit ratings agency, Standard & Poor's for fraud. S&P gave top ratings to many mortgage-backed securities in the years leading up to the financial crisis in 2008. The securities turned out to be far riskier than anyone imagined. S&P said the suit is without factual or legal merit.

Following the lead of cities like San Francisco and Washington, D.C., New York wants to permit passengers to use smartphone apps to find a yellow cab. But the prospect of change has prompted a lawsuit from private car services, whose passengers already use smartphones to hail drivers.

Girdles and hormone therapy for grapes? California farmers go to great lengths to plump and firm up grapes as much as possible. But don't worry: None of these techniques hurts the grapes or those who love them.

Tom Goldman talks to Robert Siegel about Tuesday's World Baseball Classic championship game in San Francisco.

China's ruling Communist Party has announced that disgraced senior politician Bo Xilai has been expelled from the party and faces criminal charges. His fall began when a local police chief told authorities about the murder of a British businessman.

Francine Segan, author of Dolci: Italy's Sweets, discovered the unusual treat while traveling in Tuscany.

Nearly 7 million people visit the Chateau at Versailles a year. But one day a week, it's closed. That's a spa day of sorts, when conservation work and cleaning takes place at the Grande Dame of France royal residences. The hardwood floors alone require nearly 1,000 gallons of wax a year.

The Bullitt Foundation's new Seattle headquarters, billed as the world's "greenest" building, is designed to be entirely self-sustaining. The developers hope it can inspire others to build this way.

The ongoing European debt crisis is expected to pose major challenges to the next U.S. administration.

One business that flourishes in Pakistan these days is the generator business. Pakistan's chronic power outages are worsening amid stifling summer heat. Incoming Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says he has a plan but many are skeptical.