USA

Secretary of State Powell said he expects to return to the Middle East "in the not-too-distant future," after failing to win a cease-fire during last week's mission. Interviewed on NBC's "Meet the Press," Powell expressed satisfaction that Israel's military withdrawal from the West Bank "seems to be well under way." He described the humanitarian situation in Jenin, scene of the heaviest fighting, as "very troubling" and said the US was sending tents, water-purifying equipment, and other aid to displaced Palestinian families. (Stories, pages 1, 2; opinion, pages 12, 13.)

Organizers plan further rallies in Washington today after weekend protests against US military aid to Israel, the Jewish state's military operation in Palestinian areas, globalization, and other causes drew tens of thousands of people Saturday. In contrast to previous antiglobalization demonstrations in other cities, police reported no violence or arrests as marchers (above) chanted and brandished signs, flags, and street puppets. Police estimated the crowds at 35,000 to 50,000; organizers claimed as many as 70,000 took part.

At a meeting targeted for protests, finance chiefs from the Group of Seven wealthy nations agreed to improve cooperation against groups that fund terrorism. They also proposed changes to loans for emerging nations that would head off the type of debt crisis now facing Argentina. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank also held their semi-annual sessions over the weekend in Washington, with Argentina a major topic of discussion.

Investigators of last week's Amtrak derailment in northern Florida were looking into whether a heavy coal train may have damaged the tracks. The lead engineer on the Amtrak Auto Train told the National Transportation Safety Board he braked after seeing misaligned track, but no problems were reported by a coal train that previously had traveled the same area. Four people died in the accident.

Prosecutors were reviewing whether there is enough evidence to charge actor Robert Blake in the death of his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley. Blake, best known for the 1970s TV series "Baretta," was arrested Thursday along with a bodyguard. Bakley was found shot after dining with Blake at a California restaurant last May.

Quarterback David Carr of Fresno State was the No. 1 pick in the first round of the National Football League draft Saturday. Carr went to the expansion Houston Texans. With the second pick, the Carolina Panthers chose defensive end Julius Peppers from the Univeristy of North Carolina.