Trends Arena

AP - Toyota says it is recalling about 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles worldwide to fix brake problems mdash; the latest in a string of embarrassing safety lapses at the world’s largest automaker.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AP - Michael Jackson’s doctor returns to court in April to find out the date for the next major step in the case mdash; 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.

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.

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.