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Germany and France stake out a "European position" on Iraq. French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder at a summit underscore their commitment to avoiding war with Iraq. Hear NPR's Nick Spicer, and NPR's Robert Siegel talks to Karsten Voigt at the German foreign affairs ministry.

Thousands demonstrate in the bitter cold in Washington -- some against abortion, others in favor of abortion rights -- on the 30th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that made abortion legal in the United States. NPR's Jacki Northam reports.

The Securities and Exchange Commission approves new rules to assure that accounting firms maintain independence from companies they audit. The rules stem from legislation Congress passed last summer in the wake of accounting scandals at companies such as Enron and WorldCom. Critics say the new regulations aren't as strict as they should be. NPR's Jim Zarroli reports.

In Seoul, U.S. Undersecretary of State John Bolton says he expects the U.N. Security Council to begin discussions on North Korea's nuclear weapons program by the end of the week. NPR's Eric Weiner reports.

A Virginia grand jury indicts Washington, D.C.-area sniper suspect Lee Malvo on capital murder charges, moving the 17-year-old into adult court where he faces the prospect of the death penalty. NPR's Larry Abramson reports.

A Senate committee unanimously recommends Tom Ridge be confirmed as head of the new Department of Homeland Security. A final Senate vote is anticipated next week. NPR's Pam Fessler reports.

The Bush administration files a friend-of-the-court brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down the University of Michigan's affirmative action program. Three white students allege the university uses a quota system that unfairly benefits minority applicants. NPR's Libby Lewis reports.

The Council on American Islamic Relations is calling for a complete and independent investigation of the killing in Caldwell County, about 40 miles from Austin.

The Federal Reserve is adopting new restrictions on investments after active trading last year by two regional Fed bank presidents drew criticism.

South Korea is sending a special envoy to its communist northern neighbor to discuss North Korea's nuclear weapons program. And South Korea's president-elect Roh Moo-hyun is proposing a summit with the north's reclusive leader, Kim Jong Il. NPR's Eric Weiner reports.