U.S. team heading to India...Russian visit to Cuba...Space feast

MUMBAI, India (AP) There's been no word so far on the outcome of an assault launched by commandos at a Jewish center in Mumbai, India. Suspected Muslim militants have been holed up there, possibly with hostages. Sharpshooters fired on the building as commandos dropped from a helicopter onto the building. It was one of at least 10 sites targeted by teams of gunmen.

Washington (AP) A U.S. State Department official says an American investigative team is being sent to Mumbai, India. It's expected to check on the fate of Americans there. A Virginia man and his daughter are unaccounted for. And at least three other Americans were injured in attacks launched by suspected Muslim militants.

HAVANA (AP) Russia's president has spent hours on a visit today with Cuba's President Raul Castro. The visit with an old Cold War ally capped the end of a Latin America tour by Dmitry Medvedev (med-VYEH'-dyev). Moscow says the trip isn't meant as a provocation to the U.S.

UNDATED (AP) Food banks and shelters across the country say they're struggling to cope with a spike in demand for their services and a decrease in donations. Chicago-based Feed America says it's seeing lots of new faces. Donations to the Salvation Army in the Washington area have dropped 20 percent.

HOUSTON (AP) First a holiday meal, then handshakes, hugs and farewells. That was the scene today at the international space station. Endeavour's seven astronauts were thanked for their work on the outpost. The shuttle is set to undock early Friday for a return to Florida on Sunday.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-27-08 2154CST | save this article / add to your favorites list