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A car bomb that tore apart Iraq's holiest Shiite Muslim mosque Friday killed at least 100 people, authorities say. Among them was Ayatollah Mohammed Baqer al-Hakim, a prominent Shiite cleric. Six suspects are being questioned, but their identities and allegiances are unclear. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Emily Harris.

Thousands take to the streets of Najaf, Iraq, mourning the death of more than 100 people -- including key Shiite cleric Ayatollah Mohammed Baqer al-Hakim -- in the bombing of one of Islam's most revered shrines -- the Imam Ali Mosque. Hear NPR's Emily Harris, NPR's Jacki Lyden and Imam Sayed Moustafa al-Qazwini of the Islamic Educational Center of Orange County, Calif.

Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) confirms that he will seek the Democratic presidential nomination. Kerry has campaigned and raised money for more than a year. The official announcement comes as he trails rival New England Democrat Howard Dean, the former Vermont governor, in early polls for the critical New Hampshire primary. NPR's Anthony Brooks reports.

Tens of thousands of Muslims begin a three-day march to mourn Ayatollah Mohammed Baqer al-Hakim, a revered Iraqi Shiite cleric killed by a car-bomb attack Friday. Al-Hakim, a long-time opponent of Saddam Hussein, was one of more than 100 people killed in the bombing of the Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson.

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan says the United Nations will remain in Iraq, despite an attack on its headquarters in Baghdad that killed its top envoy and at least 20 others. Analysts say the bombing may signal a shift in tactics by groups opposed to the American occupation of Iraq, with attackers now targeting civilians. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson and NPR's Eric Westervelt.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld holds a news conference after a three-day fact-finding mission to Iraq. He emphasizes progress in restoring order there, but acknowledges ongoing difficulties. He says it's not advisable to send more U.S. troops, though he would support additional foreign troops to maintain control of the nation. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Emily Harris.

President Bush will soon send Congress a request for $87 billion to fund reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some Capitol Hill lawmakers pledge to approve Bush's request quickly, calling it essential for troops on the ground. But others say the request prompts new questions about the direction of the U.S. mission in Iraq. Hear NPR's Andrea Seabrook.

Two more U.S. soldiers are killed in Iraq -- one in an area controlled by Shiites that has until now been relatively calm. And an American special operations soldier dies after a "hostile fire" incident in Afghanistan. A U.S. plea for military help from U.N. allies to restore order in Iraq is not gaining much support. Hear NPR's Anne Garrels.

Three British troops are killed and another is seriously wounded after coming under small arms fire in Basra, in southern Iraq. Basra is largely populated by Shia who were oppressed by the Saddam Hussein regime and has been relatively calm. But U.S. officials say Saddam loyalists and foreign fighters are moving further south of Baghdad. Hear NPR's Anne Garrels.

A Washington Post report reveals that Halliburton -- formerly headed by Vice President Dick Cheney -- has received Pentagon contracts worth $1.7 billion to aid in the rebuilding of Iraq. The contracts cover everything from building construction to logistical support. Hear Post reporter Michael Dobbs.