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Iraq's national assembly elects a Sunni Muslim as its speaker. The selection of Hajim al-Hassani ends weeks of stalemate between Kurds and Shiites. Now, the legislative body is focusing on choosing a president and prime minister -- and then a cabinet.

Jalal Talabani is leader of one of the two main Kurdish factions in Iraq, and is likely to become Iraq's next president. The job is largely ceremonial, but the symbolism would be significant for the Kurds. Talabani is expected to present a series of tough demands for Kurdish autonomy.

The U.S. Senate begins debate on changes to consumer bankruptcy laws. Business groups started trying eight years ago to put new restrictions on bankruptcy filings by consumers. The number of filings was soaring at the time. More recently, they've declined, but the plan remains a Republican priority.

Forty-two of the nation's governors come to Washington to demand more funding for education at the National Education Summit. At issue are the costs many states are incurring in their attempts to follow the No Child Left Behind Act.

Despite recent publicity over government-produced news, the U.S. Department of Agriculture continues to crank out such programming for local radio stations. A look at journalistic independence and the government's involvement in local radio broadcasts.

The next pope will be elected at a conclave of 115 Roman Catholic cardinals scheduled to begin Monday. Piety and politics mark the days leading to the conclave, as cardinals consider who among them is a plausible candidate to follow John Paul II.

Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL) announces that after 32 years in Congress, he will not seek re-election next year. The 81-year-old Hyde, who is in poor health, is known for his opposition to abortion and for leading impeachment efforts against President Bill Clinton.

Protests are held in Washington, D.C., and in San Francisco, to oppose the continued U.S. occupation of Iraq. Demonstrators in the nation's capital also focused on the U.S.A. Patriot Act. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Andrea Seabrook.

After weeks of debate, the House and Senate approve bills endorsing nearly $87 billion in supplemental spending for rebuilding Iraq and continuing the battle against terrorism. But major differences remain between the two bills. NPR's Andrea Seabrook reports.

At least six rockets slam into the Al Rasheed hotel in central Baghdad, killing one U.S. soldier and wounding 15 other people. Visiting Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz was staying at the hotel but was unharmed. Hear NPR's Jacki Lyden.