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Toyota recalls 437,000 Priuses, hybrids globally

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TOKYO (AP) - Toyota says it is recalling about 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles worldwide to fix brake problems - the latest in a string of embarrassing safety lapses at the world's largest automaker. "I don't see Toyota as an infallible company that never makes mistakes," President Akio Toyoda said at a press conference Tuesday in Tokyo. "We will face up to the facts and correct the problem, putting customers' safety and convenience first."

GOP wary of pitfalls in Obama's health care summit
WASHINGTON (AP) - Even as Republicans publicly welcome President Barack Obama's call for a bipartisan confab on health care, some privately worry that he might be laying a trap to portray their ideas as flimsy. If so, a shaky showing by GOP leaders could possibly embolden congressional Democrats to make a final, aggressive push to overhaul the nation's health care system, with or without any Republican votes.


Another major storm headed to snowy Mid-Atlantic

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WASHINGTON (AP) - A second major storm in less than a week was blowing Tuesday toward the Mid-Atlantic region, where plows still hadn't touched some roads, utility workers were struggling to restore power and shovels were in short supply. Forecasters predicted the snow would start Tuesday afternoon and continue into Wednesday, along with wicked winds. A foot or more was forecast for Washington and as many as 18 inches for the Northeast travel hub of Philadelphia - which could cause travel problems as far north as Boston. Some areas are already under nearly 3 feet of snow.

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Iran to stop enrichment if given nuclear fuel

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TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - The head of Iran's atomic agency said the Islamic Republic would not enrich uranium to a higher level if the West provides the fuel it needs for the Tehran research reactor. Iran is set to start enriching its stockpile of uranium to 20 percent on Tuesday, in a move sure to antagonize Western nations who fear that the process of enrichment could eventually yield material for a nuclear weapon.

Pa. Dem Murtha remembered as military advocate

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Rep. John Murtha, who said the Bush administration's handling of the war in Iraq was based on "flawed policy wrapped in illusion" and called for a withdrawal of U.S. troops there, is being remembered as an advocate on Capitol Hill for those serving in military uniform. The Pennsylvania Democrat died Monday at a hospital after suffering complications from gallbladder surgery. He was 77.

Astronauts inspect shuttle on way to space station

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - Endeavour's astronauts inspected their ship early Tuesday for any launch damage as they raced toward a 200-mile-high rendezvous with the International Space Station. Barely a day after blasting into orbit, the space shuttle crew used a 100-foot, laser-tipped boom to check the thermal shielding on the wings and nose. A few pieces of foam insulation broke off the external fuel tank during Monday morning's launch, including a narrow 1-foot strip. But there was no indication anything hit the shuttle.

Vote on NLRB nominee first test of GOP's new power
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Republicans' first test of their new Senate clout could come in a vote to block President Barack Obama's choice of a union attorney for a seat on the National Labor Relations Board. Senate Democrats need 60 votes, one more than they control since Scott Brown of Massachusetts was sworn into office last week, to clear a GOP procedural hurdle to advance Craig Becker to a final Senate confirmation vote. That procedural vote had been scheduled for Monday but was postponed until Tuesday because of a Mid-Atlantic snowstorm over the weekend.


Jackson hearing mirrors past for family

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LOS ANGELES (AP) - The scene was eerily familiar, Katherine Jackson and her family walking grimly into a courtroom, occupying a special family row, demonstrating their love for their beloved son and sibling, Michael. It could have been a photograph from the pop superstar's long ago trial in Santa Maria. But the one face missing from the tableau on Monday was the most famous one - Michael Jackson, dead seven months, his premature passing the painful subject that had brought the family to court once more.

Rapper Lil Wayne to be sentenced in NYC gun case
NEW YORK (AP) - Little more than a week ago, Lil Wayne was reinforcing his place in rap's pantheon with a commanding performance at the Grammy Awards ceremony. His latest album, "Rebirth," was officially released Feb. 2. Now Lil Wayne, one of music's biggest sellers and rap's hottest stars, is poised to spend as much as the next year in a jail cell instead of a spotlight.


Parade to give another jolt of Saints euphoria

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NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Another jolt of Saints euphoria is on tap for New Orleans Tuesday when the Super Bowl champs board floats borrowed from Mardi Gras krewes for a victory parade through the grateful city. The Carnival-flavored parade honoring the team's 31-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts is scheduled to start in the afternoon at their home turf, the Louisiana Superdome. It will include 12 marching bands and one float each from 10 krewes. Float builder Barry Kern said he believes it's the first time the groups - which celebrate Carnival season with separate parades - will combine floats in one procession.