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Massachusetts lawmakers discuss for a second day the wording of a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage but legalize civil unions. The floor debate has been marked by passionate and emotional speeches. Outside the chamber where the special legislative session is being held, supporters of both sides of the debate have gathered to chant and protest. Hear NPR's Tovia Smith.

A senior U.N. envoy wraps up a week of talks with Iraqi leaders with an apparent consensus on the need for elections later this year to choose members of a transitional national assembly. The fate of U.S. plans to transfer sovereignty to an interim Iraqi government by the end of June remain in doubt. NPR's Deborah Amos reports from Baghdad.

Police have arrested nine people, including the building owner, on suspicion of ignoring building codes or committing other violations.

The White House has asserted that most of the terrorism currently undermining U.S. efforts in Iraq is perpetrated by non-Iraqis. Terror analysts and Middle East experts differ in their opinion of the nature of the attacks -- and who is behind them. Hear NPR's Michele Kelemen and Rand Corporation policy analyst John Parachini.

Difficulties and disagreements remain as the U.S. vies to meet a June 30 deadline to transfer the governing of Iraq to Iraqis. NPR's Steve Inskeep discusses prospects for Iraqi sovereignty with Joost Hilterman of the International Crisis Group, Juan Cole of the University of Michigan and Isam al-Khafaji, of the Open Society Institute.

President Bush courted NASCAR fans and potential voters Sunday at the Daytona 500 in Florida. So-called "NASCAR dads" are considered key swing voters in this year's presidential election. Analysts say the group tends to vote conservative on social issues, although Democrats may be able to win votes on economic concerns. Hear NPR's Ari Shapiro.

The five Democrats vying for their party's presidential nomination prepare for Wisconsin's Tuesday primary and Sunday night debate. Opinion polls show Sen. John Kerry holding the lead in voter support, as he often has in the string of primaries and caucuses held so far. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Scott Horsley.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is the most famous practitioner of the a cappella singing style derived from traditional South African isicathamiya music. A quarter-century after its formation, the group gained worldwide acclaim when it collaborated with Paul Simon on his best-selling 1986 album Graceland. South Africa's most famous singing group has a new CD celebrating a decade worth of democracy in its homeland. Hear highlights from the group's performance in NPR's Studio 4A.

Malian guitarist Habib Koite issues a new live album, Foly!. The double-disc release is an attempt to capture the flavor of Koite's live performances, which bring out the many influences in his blend of Afro-pop, from jazz to classical and rock. Music critic Banning Eyre has a review.

Authorities confirm that the white powder found Monday in the offices of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is the deadly toxin ricin. Three Senate office buildings have been closed; Senate staffers and Capitol Hill police officers who were near the area where the ricin was discovered Monday have reportedly not been exposed to dangerous levels of the poison. NPR's Allison Aubrey reports.