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Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Richard Meyers face tough questioning from the Senate Armed Services Committee about the progress of the U.S. mission in Iraq. Senators question the doubling of the mission's cost and the extension of tours of duty for U.S. reservists to one year. Hear NPR's David Welna.

Testifying before a Senate panel, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Richard Meyers say more money is essential for military operations and reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lawmakers question the administration's request for $87 billion and say it is a "bitter pill to swallow." Hear NPR's David Welna.

Deep divisions remain within the U.N. Security Council over the political future of Iraq. Foreign ministers from the five nations met Saturday to work on a U.N. resolution that the U.S. hopes would pave the way for other countries to contribute to peacekeeping and reconstruction of Iraq. But there was no breakthrough. NPR's Nick Spicer reports.

In Fallujah, Iraq, crowds angry over a U.S. "friendly fire" incident that killed at least nine people stage angry protests. Meanwhile, in Najaf, the U.S. military seeks to rein in militia force loyal to the slain Shiite cleric Ayatollah Hakim. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

Conan O'Brien will mark 10 years as host of NBC's Late Night with an upcoming prime-time special -- an event many critics would have doubted when O'Brien made his first shaky foray onstage in 1993. O'Brien talks with NPR's Scott Simon about surviving the first season and the daily challenge of being funny. Listen to extended audio from the interview.

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's new memoir is simply called Madam Secretary. In an interview with NPR's Juan Williams, Albright discusses what it was like to be the first female secretary of state, her opinion about the timing of the recent war in Iraq and the lessons of the U.S.-led war in Kosovo. Hear the extended interview.

NPR's Daniel Schorr, senior news analyst, says that six months after the invasion of Iraq, the war still lacks a rationale.

Lawmakers question the Bush administration's $87 billion request for Iraq and Afghanistan, but GOP leaders say they expect congressional approval. U.S. officials say the funds will boost the estimated federal deficit to more than $525 billion. And Secretary of State Powell prepares for a Saturday meeting with the permanent U.N. Security Council members. Hear NPR's David Welna, NPR's John Ydstie and NPR's Vicky O'Hara.

Alan Cheuse reviews Saul and Patsy, by Charles Baxter.

The children's books by the author and artist who goes by just one name -- Demi -- are works of art. With brilliant jewel-toned colors, intricate patterns and gold leaf on every page, the books look like they belong on a museum wall instead of in a children's playroom. NPR's Michele Norris talks with Demi about her work.