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The number of fires so far this year — 42,745 — is down from the same period in 2011. But blazes have been larger. Many have been fueled by parched conditions in much of the nation.

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.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosts Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders of the BRICS nations for a summit on trade, investment, and global conflicts.

As U.S. forces seek an interim administration to run Iraq until elections can be held, the Iraqi National Congress -- a group that opposed Saddam from exile -- is likely to have major influence. Shia Muslims also expect to play a part. Hear from NPR's Jackie Northam, NPR's Melissa Block and Christian Science Monitor reporter Peter Ford.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to discuss postwar arrangements in Iraq. The three leaders are expected to urge the United Nations to lead Iraq's reconstruction. Hear NPR's Lawrence Sheets.

As Florida residents continue the post-hurricane clean up, economists are tabulating the overall cost of Frances. Government and insurance industry officials estimate the insured losses from the storm will fall somewhere between $3 billion and $6 billion. NPR's David Schaper reports.

A lawsuit filed Monday takes aim at federal agencies' use of waivers to expedite construction of a wall along the border with Mexico and claims that landowner's constitutional rights are being violated.

The world's top skier, Bode Miller, has apologized after admitting on 60 Minutes that he has skied in a race while still drunk from the night before. Miller is perhaps the greatest American alpine skier ever and will be one of the most visible U.S. athletes at the upcoming Olympics in Turin, Italy.

New York Times Executive Editor Howell Raines and Managing Editor Gerald Boyd step down in the wake of an ethics scandal involving former reporter Jayson Blair. Raines faces intense criticism for his handling of the Blair case. NPR's Juan Williams reports.

New York Times Executive Editor Howell Raines and Managing Editor Gerald Boyd step down in the wake of a scandal involving former reporter Jayson Blair. Raines and Boyd faced intense criticism after Blair was accused of various ethical transgressions during his four years at The Times. Hear Jack Schaffer of Slate magazine.

Many Pakistani men are trying to leave the United States for Canada to avoid a Feb. 21 deadline to register with the American INS. Some with legal papers say they fear being wrongly detained. But Canada is refusing entry to many. Hear North Country Public Radio's Brian Mann and NPR's Jacki Lyden.

Democratic presidential hopefuls are already competing to command the largest share of the black vote in 2004, and to increase the turnout at polls. White candidates must contend with the Rev. Al Sharpton, and possibly former Illinois senator Carol Moseley-Braun. NPR's Mara Liasson reports.