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The killing of four U.S. civilians working for a private security contractor raise doubts about whether employees of private firms receive adequate training and oversight. The U.S. military is increasingly giving such businesses more responsibility in Iraq -- including jobs that U.S. troops have traditionally done. Hear NPR's Eric Westervelt.

U.S. military officials say American Marines will go into Fallujah, Iraq, "sooner rather than later" in response to the deaths of four U.S. security contractors. U.S. forces are studying tapes of the televised incident to identify those responsible. NPR's Philip Reeves reports on the latest developments from Iraq.

American occupation authorities close two major highways in Iraq in an effort to keep U.S. supply lines open. Persistent attacks by insurgents have damaged the routes and food is running low at administrative headquarters in Baghdad. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

As members of Congress head home for their spring break, they have little to tout in the way of legislative success. A pattern has developed: Republicans propose legislation, Democrats attach amendments that win support from moderate Republicans, and the Republican leadership pulls the bills before a vote, apparently out of deference to the White House. Hear NPR's Howard Berkes and NPR's David Welna.

As pilgrims gather in Karbala for the Shiite Muslim holiday al-Arbaeen, militants loyal to firebrand cleric Muqtada al-Sadr take control of the streets. U.S.-led forces have yet to reassert control. Hear NPR's Cheryl Corley and NPR's Anne Garrels.

Operators of America's mass transit systems have increased security in the wake of the Madrid train bombings, which killed nearly 200 and injured thousands more. Officials say the public's help is critical to spotting suspicious activity. NPR's Brian Naylor reports.

North Carolina Sen. John Edwards is expected to end his quest for the Democratic presidential bid Wednesday after failing to win a single state contest Tuesday, when more than 1,100 delegates were at stake. Speculation abounds that Edwards may be picked as Sen. John Kerry's running mate in November. NPR's Adam Hochberg reports.

An Israeli air strike kills the spiritual leader of Hamas, Sheik Ahmed Yassin, a quadriplegic, as he exited a mosque in Gaza City. Seven other people die in the attack, including bodyguards. Thousands of Palestinians take to the streets in protest. Militant Palestinian groups have vowed revenge. Hear NPR's Peter Kenyon.

Secretary of State Colin Powell makes a surprise visit to Baghdad on the first anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. At a news conference marking the anniversary, Iraq journalists stage a walkout to protest the lack of security in the country and the killing of two of their colleagues by U.S. troops on Thursday. NPR's Steve Inskeep reports.

The Food and Drug Administration says patients on some popular antidepressants should be closely monitored for warning signs of suicide. The agency asked the makers of 10 drugs to add the caution to their product labels. In changing its requirement, the FDA stressed that it is not yet clear that the drugs actually lead to suicide. NPR's Richard Knox reports.