Reporters on the Job

from the April 21, 2008 edition

• Chased in Sadr City: As staff writer Howard LaFranchi fled Sadr City Sunday, with armed members of the Madhi Army in pursuit, he thought: "That will teach me to listen to Moqtada al-Sadr."

Just two days before, Mr. Sadr's office in Sadr City had announced the neighborhood was officially reopened to Western journalists (see story). On Saturday some Westerners attended the funeral of a young man who was a casualty of the fighting.

But on Sunday it seemed not all of the area's militants had gotten Sadr's message. Howard was rushed to safety by his security team. But leaving proved more difficult than expected. He was grilled for 30 minutes by Iraqi Army forces at a checkpoint, who wouldn't let him go until an official note was provided by nearby US forces.

– David Clark Scott

World editor

• Monday, April 21:Sebokeng, South Africa – Trial begins for dormitory matron accused of abusing students at Oprah Winfrey's school for disadvantaged South African girls.

• Tuesday, April 22:London – British Muslims launch counter-extremism organization.Geneva – Former UN chief Kofi Annan outlines plans for a global meeting on humanitarian impact of climate change. Earth Day

• Thursday, April 24:Canberra, Australia – Pro-Tibet protests expected as Olympic Torch relay arrives.

– Associated Press

Tike on a trike: A Filipino boy joined thousands of cyclists Sunday on the 'Tour of the Fireflies,' an event in Manila that promotes a pollution-free environment. Cheryl Ravelo/AP More cultural snapshots

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