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Rocket-propelled grenades fired at a hotel and nearby store in downtown Baghdad cause structural damage but no reported injuries. Earlier, in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, a car bomb outside a popular hotel killed at least four people and left several others wounded. The blast came less than 24 hours after a massive car bomb attack in Baghdad. NPR's Ivan Watson reports.

Spanish-led troops in Iraq exchange fire with armed militiamen amid a large demonstration near Najaf, killing at least 14 and leaving more than 100 wounded. Four Salvadoran soldiers also died in the shooting. Protestors had gathered at a Spanish base to express anger over the arrest of an aide to anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Hear NPR's Liane Hansen and NPR's Philip Reeves.

The White House declassifies most of a presidential intelligence briefing from August, 2001 that said Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda were threatening strikes inside the United States. The document was the source of many questions as National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice testified before the Sept. 11 commission Thursday. Hear NPR's Cheryl Corley and NPR's Pam Fessler.

U.S. officials, political opponents of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and heavily armed rebels discuss plans for an interim government for Haiti. Rebels, who rode triumphantly into Port-au-Prince Monday, aren't laying down their arms as promised. The White House denies Aristide's allegations that U.S officials forced him to resign. Hear NPR's Gerry Hadden and NPR's Michele Kelemen.

CIA director George Tenet testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee, for the first time since former chief Iraq arms hunter David Kay said he doubted Iraq had weapons of mass destruction when the U.S. invaded. A senior Democrat on the panel has accused Tenet of giving false testimony to Congress shortly before the invasion got underway. Hear NPR's David Welna.

President Bush says his administration won't cut Social Security benefits for retirees or those about to retire. Bush's comments follow calls from Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan to reduce the federal deficit through adjustments to Social Security and Medicare. Greenspan did not suggest cuts for current beneficiaries, but did urge lawmakers to raise the eligibility age for retirees. Hear NPR's Jack Speer.

Secretary of State Colin Powell says Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide should examine his position and consider what's best for the Haitian people -- a sign U.S. officials want Aristide to consider resigning. Meanwhile, rebel forces advance on Haiti's capital, but the U.N. Security Council says it's not ready to authorize peacekeepers. Hear NPR's Michele Kelemen.

Nearly 90 U.S. soldiers and Marines have died in the last 16 days of violence in Iraq. U.S. military commanders call for stepped-up efforts to end standoffs between U.S. forces and insurgents in Fallujah and Najaf. Meanwhile, key issues surrounding who will govern Iraq after the June 30 transfer of power remain unresolved. Hear NPR's Bob Edwards and NPR's Anne Garrels.

The first U.S. military tribunals in more than 50 years are scheduled to begin in late August at the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.The charges against the men include conspiracy to commit war crimes and having links to al Qaeda. Convictions could bring up to life in prison. NPR's Jackie Northam reports.

Federal Reserve policymakers raise a key short-term interest rate by one quarter of a percentage point, putting the Fed Funds rate at 1.5 percent. In a statement, the Fed said the economy seems "poised to resume a stronger pace of expansion" despite a recent slowdown in growth and job creation. NPR's Jim Zarroli reports.