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NASA's investigation into the Columbia disaster is wide open, the agency saying there's insufficient evidence that damaged heat tiles caused the crash. Meanwhile, another memorial service is held for the crew, and future manned science missions come under scrutiny as critics argue that most of the work doesn't need humans at all. Hear from NPR's Richard Harris and NPR's Joe Palca.

NASA is exploring several theories about what could have caused the break-up of the space shuttle Columbia. One likely cause also is one of the most difficult to prove -- that the space shuttle was hit by a piece of debris in orbit. NPR's Richard Harris reports.

The White House and Congress react to North Korea's suggestion it might launch pre-emptive attacks should it feel threatened by the United States. The administration calls the threat "saber rattling." But senior Democrats in the Senate demand the situation be treated as a crisis. NPR's David Welna reports.

Secretary of State Colin Powell tells the Senate Foreign Relations Committee the Iraqi weapons matter will be brought to conclusion "within weeks, one way or another." Meantime, there's skeptical reaction from France and many Muslim countries to Powell's U.N. presentation on Iraq Wednesday. Hear reports from NPR's Michele Kelemen, NPR's Nick Spicer and Khaled Al-Maeena, editor-in-chief of Arab News.

President Bush sends Congress a 2004 budget totaling $2.23 trillion, with the largest increases going to defense and homeland security. The budget assumes a new round of tax cuts, but doesn't account for a possible Iraq war. The proposal also includes the largest deficit in America's history -- more than $300 billion. NPR's Don Gonyea reports.

Marty Mankamyer resigns as president of the U.S. Olympic Committee, amid infighting within the organization. Mankamyer's feud with Olympic chief executive Lloyd Ward prompted hearings last week in the Senate, and concern that politics overshadows athletes' efforts. NPR's Howard Berkes reports.

A car bombing at a nightclub in Bogota, Colombia, kills at least 30 people and injures more than 150. Authorities blame the leftist insurgent group known as the FARC, but there are doubts in some circles. Security at the club was tight and the attack was sophisticated. Hear NPR's Martin Kaste and NPR's Jacki Lyden.

The White House prepares to reveal intelligence to the U.N. Security Council in hopes of persuading reluctant members that Iraq remains in defiance of U.N. resolutions on weapons. Secretary of State Colin Powell is to present the evidence Wednesday. NPR's Vicky O'Hara reports.

Reports say the U.S. economy grew at a decent pace in much of 2002, but the recovery fizzled in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve releases its analysis of the nation's wealth. Hear from NPR's Jack Speer, NPR's Robert Siegel and Nancy Kimmelman of SEI Investments in Oaks, Pa.

External efforts to end a nearly two-month-old strike in Venezuela gain momentum. Former President Jimmy Carter's plan to address the crisis is embraced by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. The strike has crippled oil production in one of the world's major exporters. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.