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The FBI warns that al Qaeda may be planning what the FBI terms a "spectacular" terrorist attack. National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice says Americans should "remain vigilant" and that U.S. authorities are working behind the scenes to protect the nation's "critical infrastructure." NPR News reports.

The Senate approves legislation to create a new Homeland Security Department. It's the largest reorganization of the federal government since World War II. The new department's goals include gathering intelligence to fend off terrorism threats. But some critics are concerned the department's new powers could erode privacy rights. Hear NPR's Pam Fessler and Larry Abramson.

A damaged tanker sinks off the coast of Spain, spilling tons of oil into the ocean. Salvage crews work to contain the spill; officials fear an environmental disaster worse than the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill off Alaska. NPR's Christopher Joyce reports.

President Bush travels to the Czech Republic for three days of meetings with leaders of NATO member nations. Seven eastern European countries will be formally invited into the organization. NPR's Alex Chadwick speaks with Sen. John Warner (R-Va.), the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

A land mine explodes under a bus in Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing at least 12 people, including six Indian soldiers. Two dozen are injured, many critically, and the death toll is likely to rise. Islamic militants are suspected in the attack. NPR's Michael Sullivan reports.

President Bush and Russian President Putin issue a joint statement that echoes NATO's earlier demand that Iraq comply with a U.N. Security Council order to disarm. The statement does not indicate what role Russia might play if military force is used in the Persian Gulf. NPR's Don Gonyea reports.

Rep. Martin Frost (D-TX) announces he will run to succeed Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-MO) as House minority leader. Gephardt said Wednesday he's giving up the post. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is also expected to run for minority leader. NPR News reports.

Rep. Dick Gephardt (D-MO) is expected to announce that he will no longer serve as House Democratic leader. Gephardt's decision comes after midterm elections in which Democrats lost seats in the House of Representatives. NPR's Bob Edwards speaks with NPR's Cokie Roberts.

Federal Reserve Board policy makers meet today in Washington, D.C. After a series of interest rate cuts last year, the Fed has kept rates at their current levels since December. But many economists expect the Fed to cut interest rates after today's meeting. NPR's Jack Speer reports.

Federal authorities transfer custody of Washington, D.C.-area sniper suspects John Allen Muhammad and John Lee Malvo to Virginia. The two will face trial separately in state court in two different counties. NPR's Barbara Bradley Hagerty reports.