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It's been a year since Congress gave President Bush a green light to go to war in Iraq. Now, six months after Saddam Hussein was ousted from power, Congress must decide on the president's request for an additional $87 billion -- most of which would be used to pay for Iraq's reconstruction. NPR's David Welna reports.

U.S. administrator Paul Bremer signs off on a plan to overhaul Iraq's Soviet-style economy. The proposal opens up to foreign investment all parts of the country's economy, except its oil industry, and eliminates limits on foreign ownership. Hear Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University.

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld appears before the Senate Appropriations Committee to press the case for President Bush's $87 billion funding request for Iraq and Afghanistan. In a lengthy and at times combative session, Rumsfeld argues that money for rebuilding Iraq is just as essential as funds for the military. Hear NPR's David Welna.

Stopped short of his target by a barrier and a hail of bullets, a suicide bomber's car explodes near a hotel filled with foreigners, including many Americans. At least six people are killed and dozens wounded outside the Baghdad Hotel, where members of Iraq's Governing Council were also believed to be staying. Hear NPR's Deborah Amos.

Three scientists win this year's Nobel Prize for physics for their work with superfluids and superconductivity. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences cites Alexei Abrikosov, Anthony Leggett and Vitaly Ginzburg for their theories. Hear NPR's David Kestenbaum.

As actor Arnold Schwarzenegger denies a new flurry of allegations about past sexual misconduct, a poll shows 54 percent of the population still supports the recall of California Gov. Gray Davis. Voters will decide Davis's fate -- and select a potential successor -- on Tuesday. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Richard Gonzales.

Rockets strike Baghdad's Al-Rashid Hotel, the temporary home for many U.S. military and civilian personnel in Iraq. The building was damaged, but no injuries were reported. U.S. authorities say projectiles also hit nearby Iraqi homes. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Emily Harris.

U.S. forces raid three homes near Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit, detaining several Iraqis. Six months after the end of major combat in Iraq, progress in rebuilding the country is offset by continued disenchantment with American occupying forces. NPR's Guy Raz reports.

While deadly attacks on U.S. troops continue in Northern and Central Iraq, Basra in Southern Iraq has remained free from major combat incidents since August. Officials in the British-controlled port city, however, worry about interference from neighboring Iran. NPR's Guy Raz reports.

Now that the U.S. and several allies have pledged $33 billion to help rebuild Iraq, the focus turns to potential troop commitments. The situation on the ground remains dangerous for the U.S.-led force as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches. NPR's Jacki Lyden reports.