Toyota seeks damage control, in public and private
WASHINGTON (AP) -- In public, Toyota is running apologetic TV ads and vowing to win back customers' trust. Behind the scenes, the besieged carmaker is trying to learn all it can about congressional investigations, maybe even steer them if it can....

Despite all the nice talk, partisanship reigns
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Partisanship is reaching new heights in Washington, even as President Barack Obama makes almost daily pleas to get along....

Lawmaker's death a reminder of surgery risks
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Gallbladder surgery is usually a very safe operation, but a powerful congressman's death is a reminder of the known risks....

Murtha's death sets stage for marquee House race
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (AP) -- Democrats have long dominated the late Rep. John Murtha's district in western Pennsylvania, but Republicans have made inroads in recent years that could help them win back the seat - and some longtime Murtha supporters say they're open to voting for a GOP candidate....

Obama speaks hopefully of movement on jobs bill
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama says he doesn't think it's necessary to get an ideal jobs package out of Congress, but that passing something quickly could build momentum toward greater achievements....

GOP blocks Obama labor board nominee
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Democrats on Tuesday failed to push through President Barack Obama's choice of a union lawyer to serve on the National Labor Relations Board after two of their own joined Republicans to block the nomination....

Obama says US developing new sanctions for Iran
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama said Tuesday that Iran remains on an "unacceptable" path to nuclear weapons, despite its denials, and that the U.S. and like-minded countries will soon produce a set of punishing sanctions against the Islamic republic....

Cribs recalled after 3 deaths
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Government safety officials Tuesday announced a recall of more than 500,000 drop-side cribs sold at Buy Buy Baby, Kmart, Wal-Mart and other stores after the death of three infants....

White House mocks Sarah Palin from podium
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Even the White House's top spokesman is getting in on the act of mocking former Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin for looking to talking points written on her palm during a speech to "tea party" activists....

White House hastens concert to beat snow
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Facing another wintry wallop, the White House decided to move a concert celebrating civil rights music from Wednesday to Tuesday night to beat what could be a second crippling storm in a week....