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The Pentagon is expected to replace Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez as the top U.S. commander in Iraq. President Bush called Sanchez "exemplary," and officials say his transfer is part of a long-planned reorganization. Nevertheless, the move leaves the impression in some quarters that the administration is not satisfied with Sanchez's performance in Iraq. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

American musical icon Ray Charles died of complications from liver disease Thursday at his Beverly Hills home. In a career that lasted more than half a century, Charles defied categorization and brought his soulful stylings to jazz, pop, country and R&B.

Terry Nichols is convicted on 161 counts of murder in the state trial over his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Nichols is already serving a life sentence in a federal prison. The jury that convicted him Tuesday will next be asked if he should be put to death. The penalty phase begins Wednesday. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and NPR's Wade Goodwyn.

Sen. John Kerry announces that he will accept the Democratic presidential nomination at the party's convention in July. There had been speculation that Kerry, the all-but-named nominee of his party, would put the acceptance off in order to generate more press and ease spending limits. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and NPR's David Welna.

Antonin Careme's designed culinary masterpieces for many of Europe's most rich and powerful: King George IV, Napoleon, the Romanovs. A new book by actor Ian Kelly recreates the life of the 19th century chef. NPR's Melissa Block talks with Kelly.

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.

International tributes pour in honoring President Ronald Reagan, who died Saturday after an extensive battle with Alzheimer's. President Reagan died at his Southern California home; funeral arrangements for include the former president's body lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda before being laid to rest on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Hear NPR's Linda Wertheimer and NPR's Mandalit del Barco.

Sen. John Kerry says President George Bush has taken the wrong approach to combating terrorism by waging war in Iraq. Kerry, in the first of several planned speeches on national security, called for improved alliances with other nations and modernizing the U.S. military. NPR's Wendy Kaufman reports.

U.S. troops engage in fighting with Shiite militants loyal to rebel cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in Kufa, near the southern Iraqi city of Najaf. The clashes come one day after Sadr agreed to pull his militia out of Najaf, provided U.S. forces withdrew to their bases outside the city. U.S. military officials say the truce remains in place. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Peter Kenyon.

This week Koko Taylor became the first female blues singer to received receive a National Heritage Fellowship. We take a moment to listen to her song "Spellbound."