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U.S. forces arrest a key aide to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and wage battles with militia loyal to the Shiite leader. The aide, Riyadh al-Nouri, was taken captive at a house in Najaf. He is al-Sadr's brother-in-law. An Army spokesman said a "very large number" of youths -- members of al-Sadr's militia -- were killed in fighting in Najaf and Sadr City. NPR's Peter Kenyon reports.

Pentagon officials confirm that Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq, will give up his command this summer. But officials deny the move is linked to allegations that Sanchez knew about abuses at the Abu Ghraib prison. Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the Army's second-ranking general, will replace Sanchez. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Michele Kelemen.

The Washington Post reports new pictures and short videos show prisoners being physically and sexually abused at Abu Ghraib last year. Sworn statements from detainees describe a range of abuse more brutal than previously reported. Meanwhile, Iraqi officials say they've made several arrests in connection to the beheading of American civilian Nick Berg. Hear NPR's Mary Louise Kelly.

The United States and Britain circulate a revised draft U.N. resolution on Iraq that gives the new Iraqi government complete control over its own security forces, and sets an approximate timetable for the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces. Meanwhile, the interim Iraqi government named Tuesday begins setting its governing priorities, but some question how truly independent it will be from U.S. authorities. Hear NPR's Emily Harris.

Former New York Stock Exchange Chairman Richard Grasso says he'll fight an effort to make him return much of his controversial $188 million pay package. New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer filed suit Monday against Grasso, a board member and the exchange, demanding that Grasso return about $100 million of the $140 million he's received to date. NPR's Jim Zarroli reports.

A top official at Iraq's foreign ministry is killed in Baghdad during an ambush by unknown gunmen. Bassam Kubba, who had been a career diplomat, is the first member of Iraq's new interim government to lose his life amid continuing violence and security problems. Hear NPR's Linda Wertheimer and NPR's Emily Harris.

U.S.-led special operations troops in Iraq free four Western hostages who had been kidnapped in April. Although few details were available about the operation, a security source said three Italians and a Pole were released in a raid 11 miles south of Baghdad. Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez said a number of men were captured during the raid. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel and NPR's Emily Harris.

Attorney General John Ashcroft says the United States is in danger of being "hit hard" by the al Qaeda terrorist organization, noting intelligence suggesting a looming attack. Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller drew new attention to photos of seven suspected al Qaeda operatives at a news conference prompted by what Ashcroft called "a clear and present danger." NPR's Larry Abramson reports.

The U.S. military suspends offensive operations in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf. The move is part of a deal, brokered by Shiite leaders, to have insurgent cleric Muqtada al-Sadr withdraw his militia from the besieged city. Sadr's fighters have suffered heavy casualties in recent clashes with U.S. forces. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Peter Kenyon.

Major Gen. George Fay, who is investigating the role of U.S. military intelligence personnel in abuses at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison, has asked to be replaced by a higher-ranking general. Fay says he cannot effectively investigate those who outrank him. It's likely that a four-star general will be named to head the investigation. NPR's Robert Siegel talks with NPR's Mary Louise Kelly.