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U.S. forces are on the outskirts of Baghdad. Several key points of access to the capital now are under U.S. control. NPR's Eric Westervelt, embedded with the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, provides a view of the fighting near Baghdad over the last 24 hours.

Britain, the United States' chief war ally, reaches out to other nations by promoting a lead role for the United Nations in post-war Iraq. But U.S. officials remain deeply divided over the issue of U.N. involvement and other crucial questions of post-war planning. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

U.S. and British warplanes continue to strike government buildings inside Baghdad and key defenses on the outskirts of the Iraqi capital. Despite the almost constant bombardment, reporters inside the city say life there seems remarkably close to normal. Hear NPR's Anne Garrels.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in two cases testing affirmative action in higher education. Three white students who have challenged the University of Michigan's admissions programs allege the university uses a quota system that unfairly benefits minority applicants. Hear NPR's Nina Totenberg.

NPR's Michele Norris gets an update from NPR's John Burnett, traveling with the Marine 1st Division in Iraq. After a three-day break, the Marines have renewed their push toward Baghdad.

As warplanes continue to pound Republican Guard positions near Baghdad, Gen. Tommy Franks says there has been no "operational pause" in the war in Iraq. But he warns the toughest fighting in Iraq is still ahead. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

Elements of the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division attack Iraqi Republican Guard positions near Baghdad, while further south, Army units surround the Shiite holy city of Najaf. In Baghdad, U.S.-led warplanes strike facilities including the information ministry and a presidential palace. Hear NPR's Nick Spicer and NPR's Anne Garrels.

Fires burn in Baghdad as the U.S.-led bombardment of the city and nearby Republican Guard positions reportedly steps up in frequency. Inside the city, the infrastructure begins to degrade as telephones fail and supply shortages threaten. Yet, reporters in the city say Saddam's regime seems in complete control. Hear Paul Eedle.

Iraqi television broadcasts an alleged statement from Saddam Hussein, urging Baghdad's residents to fight U.S. forces with their hands if necessary. Hoping to avoid drawn-out urban warfare, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld appeals to Iraqi soldiers to surrender, saying they "can still survive and help to rebuild a free Iraq." NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

Speaking to Marines at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, President Bush says "a vise is closing" on Saddam Hussein's regime and that the United States "will not stop until Iraq is free." Bush also offers condolences to families of U.S. Marines killed in the war with Iraq. Hear NPR's Bob Edwards, NPR's Christopher Joyce and NPR's Don Gonyea.