AFP - Astronauts prepared for the first of three planned spacewalks Tuesday to detach a large Japanese laboratory from the US shuttle Discovery so it can be installed on the International Space Station.

AP - The Senate began what is expected to be a weeklong, contentious debate Monday over legislation to combat global warming by mandatory reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

AP - NASA's newest spacecraft got down and dirty on Mars, taking its first practice scoop of Martian soil ahead of the actual dig expected later this week, scientists said Monday.

AP - Shuttle Discovery's astronauts geared up for the first spacewalk of their mission Tuesday and the installation of Japan's giant lab to the international space station.

AFP - US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson assured Gulf investors on Monday that the United States will remain open to sovereign wealth funds and urged oil producers to open their energy sectors to foreign investment.

Reuters - Space shuttle Discovery slipped into a parking spot at the International Space Station on Monday after a two-day voyage to deliver Japan's first orbital laboratory.

AP - Clear skies were forecast Monday across most of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, although a lingering cold front was expected to cause more showers and thunderstorms in the Southeast.

AP - NASA's new robot on Mars has reached out and touched the soil for the first time, leaving behind a striking footprint-like impression, scientists said Sunday.