In the Nation

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Seven astronauts returned to NASA's launch site yesterday to prepare for Thursday afternoon's scheduled liftoff of the shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station.

NASA wrapped up a last repair Sunday night involving a radiator hose. Atlantis' mission was waylaid in December by erratic fuel gauges.

Atlantis will carry the European Space Agency's science lab, Columbus, to the orbiting outpost. It will be the second science lab at the station; the United States operates one there already.

Atlantis' mission now faces only weather concerns, NASA officials said.

- AP

NORFOLK, Va. - Family members of the 17 sailors killed in the 2000 attack on the USS Cole in Yemen want to use a new federal law to reopen their lawsuit seeking more than $100 million in damages from Sudan.

U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar ruled in July that Sudan provided training and logistics that allowed al-Qaeda terrorists to bomb the Navy destroyer. Doumar ordered Sudan to pay about $8 million for lost wages and earnings potential but said he was barred by law from awarding the families money for pain and suffering.

Lawyers for the families filed court papers last week asking him to reopen the case. They cited the Justice for Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Act, which President Bush signed Jan. 28. It allows terrorism victims to seek punitive damages for pain, suffering and emotional distress.

- AP

SALT LAKE CITY - Thomas S. Monson, 80, a leader who became known for his folksy storytelling as he ascended through church ranks, was introduced yesterday as the 16th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Monson succeeds Gordon B. Hinckley, who died last month. Out of respect for the deceased president, the Mormon Church never names a successor until after the funeral. Hinckley, 97, was buried Saturday.

The church relies on a pattern of apostolic succession in selecting a president. Since the early 20th century, the post has always passed to the most senior member of its Council of Twelve Apostles. Monson was formally chosen Sunday and ordained in a private ceremony.

- AP

Taxi drivers in Washington

went on a 12-hour strike yesterday to protest Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's decision to require that they use meters rather than a fare-zone system starting in April. Drivers worry the change will mean less business because passengers won't be able to predict their fares.

A judge denied bail

yesterday for Nicholas Browning, 15, of Cockeysville, Md., who is charged with shooting his parents and two younger brothers to death Friday as they slept. His attorney had cited the honor student's strong academic background and lack of a criminal record in seeking to have it set at $1 million.