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In the 16th century, Copernicus published a book that launched the scientific revolution. In it, he declared the planets revolved around the sun, not Earth. But modern day scholars say the book was barely read in its day. Author Owen Gingerich talks with NPR's Robert Siegel about whether that claim is true.

Leaks of any kind are rare at the Supreme Court, but in 1973, the original Roe decision was leaked to the press before the court formally announced it. The chief justice was furious.

Shiite Muslims take steps to ensure their safety as the Ashoura celebration draws to a close. Iraqis establish checkpoints to protect the Kadhimiya mosque, site of one of several bomb attacks Tuesday that left hundreds of Shiite pilgrims dead or wounded. Criticizing U.S. security efforts, Shiites renew calls for an armed militia. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Ivan Watson.

Britain's biggest bookie has stopped taking bets on the existence -- current or past -- of life on Mars. NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Warren Lush, spokesman for Ladbrokes betting service, about the decision, which Lush says stemmed from NASA's scientific findings announced this week.

Bombings at Shiite Muslim shrines in Baghdad and Karbala have led to increased demands for Shiite militiamen to be given authorization to help maintain security in Shiite areas. Officials of the U.S. occupation authority remain opposed to the idea. NPR's Ivan Watson reports.

Numerous organizations are trying to advance a United Nations call to get medicines to developing countries, but the challenges of following through on such health initiatives are formidable. In Africa, nearly 30 million people are living with HIV, but only 2 percent of people who need AIDS treatment receive it. NPR's Brenda Wilson reports.

Film critic David Edelstein reviews the new Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson comedy Starsky & Hutch.

Pak is an award-winning writer and director who has made his first feature film, Robot Stories. It tells four stories of love between humans and robots. The film has been received warmly by critics, winning more than 23 awards. Previously Pak made a number of very short films including Asian Pride Porn, Cat Fight Tonight, Fighting Grandpa and Mr. Lee.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger welcomes a vital political success, as California voters approve a bond measure aimed at helping finance the state's debt crisis. The governor engineered the measure's passage, overcoming its initial unpopularity. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and columnist Phil Matier of The San Francisco Chronicle.

NPR's John Ydstie talks with Robert Fatton about the latest developments in Haiti's crisis, and the factors contributing to the country's instability. Fatton is a professor at the University of Virginia and author of Haiti's Predatory Republic: The Unending Transition to Democracy.