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NPR's Ivan Watson in Baghdad reports Shia Muslim clergymen have mobilized militias and money in a growing bid to fill the vacuum left by the ouster of Saddam Hussein. Some Shiite clerics are advocating establishment of an Islamic state in Iraq, similar to the government in neighboring Iran.

Canadian health officials take steps to prevent the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, after 13 deaths and more than 300 probable cases. In Toronto, churches are being asked to alter centuries-old rituals beginning with Easter weekend services. NPR's Vicky Que reports.

A list of 1,000 potential sites housing weapons of mass destruction in Iraq has been pared to about three dozen facilities. So far, there's scant evidence of the weapons that helped trigger the war to depose Saddam Hussein. Hear former U.N. weapons inspector Terry Taylor, international relations expert Ellen Laipson and NPR's Linda Wertheimer.

NPR's Mike Shuster in Nasiriyah reports on today's talks between U.S. officials and Iraqi political figures on the prospects of establishing an interim authority now that Saddam Hussein's regime has been ousted. No firm decisions were expected from this opening round of talks. The participants will gather again in about 10 days.

NPR's Snigdha Prakash reports that in the 50 years since the discovery of DNA's structure, genetic research has moved from a race for pure knowledge to a pursuit of profit. The scientific work of researchers James Watson and Francis Crick is now at the center of the entrepreneurial economy, and is erasing the traditional line between academia and industry.

U.S. officials say several members of the media and a U.S. serviceman have attempted to ship items from Iraq, including portraits of Saddam Hussein's family and gilded weapons, back to the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement says postwar souvenir-hunting is considered theft and illegal under U.S. law. Hear NPR's Eric Niiler.

NPR's Guy Raz in Baghdad reports on U.S. plans to step up the process of forming an interim government in Iraq, to replace the ousted regime of Saddam Hussein. Retired Gen. Jay Garner, the U.S. civil administrator for Iraq, told reporters he will convene another meeting of Iraqis next week to discuss formation of an interim administration.

Many challenges await U.S. companies that will receive contracts to rebuild Iraq's schools. Iraq's public education system once was one of the most progressive in the Middle East, but it has suffered from years of neglect. NPR's Larry Abramson reports.

Iraq's Shia Muslims have made it clear they intend to play a major role in any new government. But rivalries among Shia leaders have already led to two murders, and the possibility of further violence looms. Najaf -- one of Shia Islam's holiest cities -- has become the focus of intense political maneuvering. NPR's Mike Shuster reports.

Puzzle master Will Shortz quizzes one of our listeners, and has a challenge for everyone at home. (This week's winner is Rick Rauppius from Rock Hill, S.C. He listens to Weekend Edition on member station WFAE in Charlotte.)