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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

World in brief: Discovery docks at space station

In this image from NASA TV,  Discovery prepares to dock with the international space station  on Tuesday.  (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

Space shuttle Discovery arrived at the international space station Tuesday, delivering one last set of solar wings that should boost the orbiting complex to full power.

The two craft linked up 220 miles above Australia.

“Welcome … we are dang glad to see you,” said Mike Fincke, the station’s skipper.

The two crews – 10 people in all – shook hands and hugged when the hatches between them swung open. Fincke paid a special welcome to newcomer Koichi Wakata, “first long-duration Japanese guy in space ever.”

Loaded aboard Discovery are two solar wings that will be installed at the space station later this week. The electricity-producing panels will join six others already in place – four on one side and two on the other – and finally make the outpost look balanced and like the artist renderings.

Topeka, Kan.

Sebelius to get anti-abortion bill

Kansas legislators approved an anti-abortion bill Tuesday that would ensure that women and girls seeking abortions are able to see ultrasound images or hear their fetus’ heartbeat before the procedure.

The bill now needs the approval of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who has repeatedly vetoed anti-abortion bills in the past. Anti-abortion groups are opposing her appointment by President Barack Obama to serve as U.S. secretary of health and human services, but the bill’s backers are hopeful she’ll sign it to ease her confirmation in the Senate.

“I think there’s an awfully good chance, for a variety of reasons, that she’ll sign this bill,” said Kathy Ostrowski, a lobbyist for the anti-abortion group Kansans for Life. “It’s the right thing to do, but politically, it’s probably very helpful to her to sign this bill.”

New York

Salvation Army had record donations

Salvation Army administrators say the annual Red Kettle campaign set a record of $130 million in donations last year despite the recession.

Red Kettle donations were up 10 percent from 2007 and represented biggest one-year jump since 1997, yet came during a holiday season when many retailers suffered financially.

The Salvation Army attributes the increase to partnerships with Wal-Mart and the National Hockey League, its use of “cashless kettles” that accepted credit card donations, and a text messaging service that allowed cell phone users to contribute via their phone bills.

The Salvation Army said Tuesday that donations helped nearly 29 million Americans, including nearly 5 million who received holiday assistance with rent, clothing and toys.

From wire reports