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U.S. forces consolidate their hold over Baghdad, but continue to engage in sporadic clashes with forces loyal to Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. At least one Marine is reported killed and almost 20 wounded after a three-hour battle to seize a presidential palace. Hear NPR's Anne Garrels.

The Bush administration says the war in Iraq has cost $20 billion already, and will require another $20 billion over the next five months. The Pentagon cautions there are variables in the long-term costs. Even so, the estimate is less than private analysts and economists had predicted. NPR's Jack Speer reports.

Efforts to gather a new goverment are under way in Iraq, but the process is slowed by the diversity of competing interests. Shia leaders were absent from a meeting in Nasiriyah this week, saying they wouldn't take part in talks led by the U.S. military. Hear NPR's Linda Wertheimer and NPR's Mike Shuster.

Canadian health officials take steps to prevent the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, after 13 deaths and more than 300 probable cases. In Toronto, churches are being asked to alter centuries-old rituals beginning with Easter weekend services. NPR's Vicky Que reports.

World Health Organization investigators say China under-reports cases of the deadly SARS virus in Beijing military hospitals and bars the release of details. WHO officials think China has 100 to 200 SARS cases, and that's three to five times more than China has reported. In Beijing, Anthony Kuhn reports.

Iraqi forces withdraw from several more frontline positions along the dividing line between Baghdad-controlled Iraq and the autonomous Kurdish enclave in the country's north. The move comes after Iraqi troops clashed with Kurdish militia in what may have been the first ground battle between the two sides. NPR's Ivan Watson reports.

Another Iraqi civilian dies in a shooting at a U.S. military checkpoint in Iraq. The incident comes a day after seven civilians were killed at another checkpoint. As the death toll climbs, U.S. troops find it harder to win the popular support of Iraqis. NPR's Mike Shuster reports.

Bush administration officials are counting on oil revenue from Iraq to offset the cost of rebuilding the country. But lawyers and analysts are raising legal questions about U.S. plans to manage Iraq's oil industry, even on a temporary basis. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

U.S. Army and Marine units move north after a one-week pause, signaling that the battle for Baghdad may soon begin in earnest. U.S. forces engage Republican Guard units in heavy fighting near two key cities on the way to the Iraqi capital. Hear NPR's Nick Spicer.

Police, investigating the theft of the 7-foot-tall metal lawn ornament, say it has a rusty brown color with various sharp edges to resemble the fur of sasquatch.