Search results for

Under an emerging plan to end the siege of Fallujah, U.S. Marines pull back from some positions, to be replaced by a newly formed Iraqi security force commanded by one of Saddam Hussein's former generals. Fighting continues in parts of Fallujah, and two Marines were killed in a bombing outside the town. NPR's Anne Garrels reports.

National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice tells the Sept. 11 panel that most of the warnings the White House received prior to the Sept. 11 attacks were "frustratingly vague." She says the Bush team was aware of al Qaeda and took the threat of terrorism seriously, but admits it had other priorities. Hear NPR's Larry Abramson.

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.

Lawmakers in the Republican-controlled House and Senate take up President Bush's challenge to pass a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Majority Leader Bill Frist says the Senate could take up such a bill by summer. But many warn the process of ratifying a constitutional amendment is often lengthy. Hear NPR's David Welna.

Sen. John Kerry celebrates his near-sweep of the 10 presidential contests Tuesday, with some 1,100 delegates at stake. Kerry thanked his supporters -- as well as his rival, Sen. John Edwards. Edwards, who earlier complimented Kerry on his victory, will reportedly drop out of the race Wednesday. Hear Kerry, NPR's Melissa Block and NPR's Scott Horsley.

Saturday marks two years since final congressional approval of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform bill. Conventional wisdom predicted the law would reduce big money's influence in Washington and cripple fundraising by Democrats. In fact, both major parties are raising more funds under the new law than before. Hear NPR's Peter Overby.

American Thomas Hamill, who escaped from his Iraqi captors over the weekend, is on his way home by way of Germany, where he will be checked by doctors. After learning Hamill was safe, residents of Macon, Miss., began celebrating the U.S. civilian contract worker's escape. Melanie Peeples reports.

President Bush visits an estuary in Wells, Maine, to mark Earth Day, an event observed since 1970 to highlight environmental-conservation efforts. The president said his administration is tough on polluters but friendly to industry as well. Democratic challenger John Kerry took a far dimmer view of Bush's environmental record. NPR's Don Gonyea reports.

As Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld prepares to testify Friday before a Senate panel investigating the abuse of Iraqi prisoners, critics call for his resignation. President Bush has privately rebuked Rumsfeld for failing to tell him about pictures of prisoner mistreatment. A White House spokesman says Bush wants Rumsfeld to stay on the job. Hear NPR's Don Gonyea.

The Pentagon issues a denial of charges that Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld began a secret program to collect intelligence from foreign detainees independently of the CIA. The report, in a New Yorker article by Seymour M. Hersh, describes Rumsfeld approving the use of Special Access Programs personnel for interrogations in Iraq. Hear NPR's Liane Hansen and Hersh.