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In central Baghdad, U.S. forces surround at least one presidential palace and move toward the Information Ministry. In southern Iraq, British troops consolidate their hold on Basra, where they reportedly find the body of "Chemical Ali," an Iraqi general who allegedly ordered poison gas attacks on Iraqi Kurds in 1988. Hear NPR's Nick Spicer and NPR's Eric Westervelt.

Facing no resistance from forces loyal to Saddam Hussein, Kurdish militia and U.S. Special Forces seize the key northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, one of the country's main oil-producing areas. Kurdish leaders also report advances elsewhere, including oil fields further north. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson.

A draft resolution by the United States asking for a greater U.N. role in Iraq is called "insufficient" by France and Germany. At a news conference, French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder say the resolution needs to cede more authority in Iraq to the United Nations. NPR's Vicky O'Hara reports.

Secretary of State Colin Powell tells a Senate hearing that the recent upsurge in violence in Iraq is "disquieting" but insists the United States won't be driven out. President Bush's supporters warn that the growing criticism of U.S. policy on Iraq undercuts efforts to establish a democracy in the country. Hear NPR's David Welna.

Two Iraqis suspected of involvement in the beheading of American Nicholas Berg earlier this month are under arrest. Also, there are reports of continued clashes in southern Iraq between U.S. forces and Shiite Muslim militiamen loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and NPR's Peter Kenyon.

The number of U.S. military deaths in Iraq surpasses 1,000, a figure that includes combat deaths and Americans killed by accidents and other causes. Most of the deaths occurred after President Bush declared an end to major combat operations last year. Hear NPR's Elaine Korry.

U.S. gymnast Carly Patterson, 16, nails a stunning routine on the balance beam and turns in a perfect floor exercise to become the first American to win the women's all-around Olympic gymnastics title in 20 years. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and Christine Brennan of USA Today.

Tensions rise in the slum area of Baghdad known as Sadr City. A radical young Shiite cleric there, Muqtadah al-Sadr, has refused to recognize the authority of the U.S. appointed governing council and has proclaimed a rival administration. Hear NPR's John Ydstie and NPR's Guy Raz.

An American colonel is killed and at least 17 other people are wounded after a barrage of rockets strikes the Al Rasheed hotel in central Baghdad. The hotel is home to many of the staffers working on the U.S. reconstruction effort. Visiting Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz was staying at the hotel but was unharmed. Hear NPR's Jacki Lyden.

Russia's President Putin hosts a meeting in St. Petersburg with French President Chirac and German Chancellor Schroeder. The three leaders, who led opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq, now seek a prominent role for the United Nations in governing and rebuilding Iraq. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Lawrence Sheets.