AFP - The head of Israel's space agency on Monday played down concerns over Iran's announcement it sent a rocket into space, saying the real threat came from Tehran's nuclear programme.

AFP - Tropical storm Fay pummeled western Cuba early Monday and barreled toward the Florida Keys after claiming at least 11 lives in the Dominican Republic and Haiti amid forecasts it would hit hurricane force.

AP - Iran has test launched a rocket it plans to use to carry a research satellite into orbit, state television reported Sunday.

AP - Democrat Barack Obama met Sunday with Texas oil baron and longtime conservative activist T. Boone Pickens to discuss strategies for developing alternative energy.

AFP - Iran said it had launched a rocket carrying a test-satellite into space on Sunday, in a move that could further exacerbate tensions with the West over its nuclear drive.

AP - Tropical Storm Fay lashed southeastern Cuba with downpours and heavy winds Sunday and was expected to churn its way over the center of the island before heading toward Florida.

AP - Democrats' stance against offshore drilling has shifted more, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signaling on Saturday her willingness to consider opening up more coastal areas to oil and gas exploration.

AP - Residents and tourists in the Florida Keys braced for Tropical Storm Fay, which forecasters said could strengthen to a hurricane by Sunday night and begin battering the island chain as soon as Monday.

AP - Nine years of sleuthing, advanced DNA science and cutting-edge forensic techniques have finally put a name to a mummified hand and arm found in an Alaska glacier.

AP - Democrats' stance against offshore drilling has shifted more, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signaling on Saturday her willingness to consider opening up more coastal areas to oil and gas exploration.

AP - Cuba's government has issued a hurricane watch for parts of the country as Tropical Storm Fay approaches.