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The Iraqi Governing Council signs an interim constitution Monday after weeks of negotiations. The constitution, meant to pave the way for establishing a sovereign Iraqi government, aspires to balance the nation's Shiite majority with protections for minority Sunnis and Kurds. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel and professor Nathan Brown of George Washington University.

British Defense Secretary Jeff Hoon says a decision will soon be made on whether to prosecute British soldiers over the alleged abuse of Iraqi prisoners. Prime Minister Tony Blair's government is under increasing pressure to respond to allegations of abuse from the Red Cross and Amnesty International. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

The commander of U.S. detention facilities in Iraq says there are no plans to shut down Abu Ghraib prison, where U.S. guards were photographed abusing Iraqi prisoners. NPR's Eric Westervelt visits the prison, where military officials are working to improve conditions.

Sen. John Kerry takes another step toward clinching the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday with victories in Southern states. Kerry, who no longer faces substantial competition in his bid to oppose President George Bush, had campaigned heavily in Florida, a likely November battleground. Hear NPR's David Welna.

Four Southern states hold primaries this week, and Sen. John Kerry is making an all-out effort to have impressive victories in the South on his way to the nomination. The Democratic candidate made several jabs at President George Bush at a campaign rally in San Antonio, Texas. NPR's David Welna reports.

Authorities in Iraq announce that an arrest warrant has been issued for Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in connection with the murder of a rival cleric last spring. Attacks by Sadr's followers left at least eight coalition soldiers dead in Najaf and Baghdad Sunday. Hear NPR's Philip Reeves, NPR's Michele Norris and professor Juan Cole of the University of Michigan.

President George Bush's re-election campaign begins running hard-edged ads against likely Democratic challenger Sen. John Kerry, with the election eight months away. Analysts are divided on the effectiveness of negative campaign ads, saying they lower voter turnout. NPR's Don Gonyea reports. Hear NPR's Elizabeth Blair.

Witnesses in Iraq say a U.S. military convoy has been attacked near Fallujah. The U.S. military won't confirm the reports, but says it will have a measured and overwhelming response to attacks in and near the restive town Wednesday that killed nine Americans, including four civilian contractors. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson.

Negotiations continue to end the fighting between U.S. Marines and insurgents in Fallujah. U.S. forces have besieged the Sunni stronghold after the killing and mutilation of four U.S. security contractors there last month. Hear NPR's Liane Hansen and Washington Post correspondent Karl Vick.

The Bush administration considers dropping special gasoline formulations aimed at reducing air pollution in an effort to rein in rising gas costs. Advocates in California and New York blame the higher prices on the addition of ethanol, which they say doesn't help prevent pollution. NPR's Allison Aubrey reports.