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AP Top News at 3:21 a.m. EST -Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Toyota recalls 437,000 Priuses, hybrids globally

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 apologize for causing trouble and worries for many customers over the quality and safety of Toyota," President Akio Toyoda said at a press conference Tuesday in Tokyo.

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

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 northas Boston. Some areas are already under nearly 3 feet of snow.

Iran to stop enrichment if given nuclear fuel

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - The head of the Iran's atomic agency says it will not enrich uranium to a higher level if the West provides fuel for the Tehran research reactor. Ali Akbar Salehi told the state TV late Monday, "whenever they provide the fuel, we will halt production of 20 percent."

Rep. John Murtha, voice for veterans, dies at 77

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Rep. John Murtha, the tall, gruff-mannered former Marine who became the de facto voice of veterans on Capitol Hill and later an outspoken and influential critic of the Iraq War, died Monday following complications from gallbladder surgery. He was 77. Rep. Bob Brady, a longtime friend, said the late congressman's large intestine was damaged during surgery and an infection led him to be hospitalized with a fever.

Astronauts inspect shuttle on way to space station

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.

AP Interview: NY's Paterson lashes back at rumors

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York Gov. David Paterson on Monday lashed back at what he called a "callous and sleazy" assault on his character in statehouse rumors and media reports that include accusations about womanizing and drug use, allegations he flatly denied. The Democratic governor told The Associated Press that the media and New York politics have hit new lows, but that the situation won't stop him from serving in office or seeking election to a full term in the fall.

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

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.

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