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There are close to half a dozen investigations into abuse of detainees by U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan -- and in each of these probes, the military is investigating itself. Some experts say that's appropriate, because only the military has the expertise to investigate violations of its procedures. But other experts say there should be an independent, bipartisan commission to conduct an overarching investigation -- one that reaches to the highest levels of government. NPR's Jackie Northam reports.

In the wake of the prisoner abuse scandal at the now-notorious Abu Ghraib prison outside Baghdad, U.S. military authorities make some significant changes. The number of detainees at the sprawling complex has been sharply decreased, and living conditions appear to be improving. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

Long-deferred maintenance, a changing climate and the construction of homes, businesses and highways below previously remote dams are all contributing to the soaring numbers.

At least 12 people, including five foreign contractors, are killed in a car bombing in Baghdad. Over the past three days, a series of attacks have killed numerous Iraqis, including a senior civil servant and a top official in the foreign ministry. The attacks illustrate the security concerns Iraq's new government faces as it prepares to assume sovereignty June 30. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt.

A federal judge rules that a sex-discrimination lawsuit against Wal-Mart can become a class-action suit, encompassing 1.6 million current and former female employees. Wal-Mart said it would appeal the decision. The class-action status makes the suit the largest discrimination case ever brought against a private employer in the United States. NPR's Elaine Korry reports.

The casket of former President Ronald Reagan is loaded onto a caisson in Washington, D.C., after arriving from California. After a procession, the late president's body will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda until Friday. Hear NPR's Brian Naylor.

The Pentagon announces new procedures for investigating the deaths of people in U.S. military custody. The new rules call for every death to be reported to military investigators and the Armed Forces medical examiner, who will decide if an autopsy is required. The guidelines are seen as an attempt to quell criticism of detainee deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry makes his first joint appearance with his running mate, Sen. John Edwards. After their families met in Pennsylvania, the pair headed to Ohio for a traditional political rally. Kerry and Edwards addressed supporters before heading to Florida, beginning a tour of seven battleground states. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

President George Bush says he might not name a successor to outgoing CIA Director George Tenet before November's election. Tenet, whose post will be filled by a deputy when he steps down on Sunday, is leaving as the Senate Intelligence Committee prepares to release its report on the CIA's intelligence work on Iraq's weapons programs. Hear NPR's Michele Norris and NPR's Mike Shuster.

Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge says at a Senate briefing and a news conference that al Qaeda is actively interested in disrupting this year's presidential election season. The nation's terror alert level remains unchanged. Ridge offered few details about potential threats, leading some Democrats to question the timing of his remarks. NPR's Pam Fessler reports.