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AP Top News at 6:42 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 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

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.

Iran to stop enrichment if given nuclear fuel

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

Afghan avalanches kill at least 28, strands 1,500

KABUL (AP) - Avalanches on a mountain pass north of Kabul have killed at least 28 people, with another 1,500 stranded in their vehicles on snow-blocked roads, Afghan officials said Tuesday. The Afghan Defense Ministry released a statement saying another 70 people have been injured and transported to hospitals as the military and police continued rescue efforts to dig out those trapped in the snow.

Pa. Dem Murtha remembered as military advocate

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

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 doctor out on bail, back for April hearing

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Michael Jackson's doctor returns to court in April to find out the date for the next major step in the case - a proceeding that will reveal for the first time the evidence the prosecution believes will show his "gross negligence" was the direct cause of the pop star's death. Dr. Conrad Murray pleaded not guilty Monday to a charge of involuntary manslaughter and a judge released him on $75,000 bail.

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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