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Gulf Coast residents are preparing for Hurricane Ivan, a storm with sustained winds of 140 mph. While more than 1 million residents heed evacuation warnings, some weary of storm warnings are stocking up to ride out the hurricane. Hear NPR's Ari Shapiro.

Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr remains at an impasse with Iraqi government authorities. U.S. forces surround the Najaf mosque which Sadr's fighters have occupied. Some are hopeful Sadr will leave the shrine of Imam Ali soon, as promised. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and Rajiv Chandrasekaran of The Washington Post.

Reports emerge on an Islamic militant Web site that insurgents in Iraq have beheaded another U.S. hostage, Jack Hensley. The group led by Jordanian-born terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi killed one American captive Monday. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel and NPR's Peter Kenyon.

The U.N.-organized Iraqi National Conference adds a day, reflecting uncertainty over violence in the Shiite city of Najaf. Delegates gathered in Baghdad to appoint an assembly to organize national elections have so far been distracted by the situation in Najaf. NPR's Ivan Watson reports.

A German court is told that a Moroccan man charged with helping the Sept. 11 attackers knew nothing about their plans. Prosecutors had hoped to use evidence from captured al Qaeda leaders to convict Mounir El Motassadeq. Hear reporter Kyle James.

New York City police arrest nearly 1,000 protesters as they try to reach the site of the Republican convention. The marches began in various corners of the city, but police set up barricades to prevent protesters from reaching Madison Square Garden. Hear NPR's Margot Adler.

The 10-year ban on assault weapons expires, despite public opinion polls indicating strong support. President Bush had said he'd sign an extension, but the House's Republican leadership failed to act on renewal, which was strongly opposed by the NRA. NPR's Peter Overby reports.

With Hurricane Ivan approaching, oil companies evacuate hundreds of oil workers from drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Most of the workers are being evacuated by helicopter after they secure equipment on the platforms. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and Peter Velez of Shell Oil.

A special report on the CBS program Sixty Minutes II this week raises new questions about President Bush's service in the Air National Guard during the Vietnam War. The story relied in part on documents that critics say appear to be forgeries. NPR's Brian Naylor reports.

Election logistics in a chaotic Iraq are a major concern as the country prepares for January elections. Adnan Pachachi, a member of Iraq's National Assembly, says the country needs to concentrate on creating a climate secure enough to allow people to vote. He speaks with NPR's Steve Inskeep.