Metro - News

US – Tuesday, February 9

Toyota set to recall 2010 Prius models

Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor Corp. said it was preparing a global recall of its new Prius model, risking a fresh dent to its battered reputation for quality and reliability.

Study: Autism risk increases with mom’s age

New research suggests that a couple’s risk of having a child with autism increases with the parents’ age — especially the mother’s. However, the report — published yesterday in the February issue of the Autism Research journal — also stresses the low-risk factor for autism in general.

Stern: I’d do ‘Idol’ for $100M

Howard Stern took to his radio show yesterday to address the rumors that he’s a possible replacement for Simon Cowell for the next season of “American Idol.” To sum it up? He’s not going for it.

Dancing while the skinny lady sings

You’ve heard of the jukebox musical? David Parsons and singers AnnMarie Milazzo and Tyley Ross of the East Village Opera Co. offer a jukebox opera, playing nightly at the Joyce. Eleven Parsons dancers share the stage with Milazzo and Ross, who clutch microphones cranked to 11 and stroll through the action. On the recorded soundtrack, three drummers create a wall of sound so loud you — well, I — want to hide under the seat. Digital video of abstract patterns, natural landscapes and stunning architecture change for each song.

‘Free’ ad leads to fraud suit

NEW YORK. A Wisconsin college student is suing credit firm Experian — the brains behind the ubiquitous FreeCreditReport.com jingles — for fraudulent advertising after she inadvertently signed up for a monthly $14.95 monitoring service.

Let me count the ways ...

‘Tis the season for writing love letters. But that can be a daunting endeavor, especially when you’re not sure where to start. Should you put it in verse, use flowery language, get erotic? As with almost anything in life, the simpler you keep it, the easier (and often better) it will be. It doesn’t sound that romantic, but think of your love letter as a laundry list of the reasons why you adore your sweetheart. It’s kinda like Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43: “How do you love your partner? Count the ways!” Here’s how to do it without rhyming or pulling out a thesaurus:

Photo: GETTY IMAGESPlant blast under investigation

Federal investigators headed to Connecticut yesterday to determine the cause of an explosion at an unfinished power plant that killed at least five workers and hospitalized dozens of others.

International

Pressure grows for sanctions

International pressure for new sanctions against Iran grew yesterday after Tehran announced plans to make higher-enriched uranium and add 10 nuclear sites in a year, raising Western fears it wants to develop atom bombs.

National

Second blizzard roaring toward blanketed East

Another big winter storm was forecast yesterday for the U.S. mid-Atlantic still struggling to dig out from a blizzard that dumped two feet of snow and closed the federal government.

The family of William Panas Jr., 21, including, from left, sister Lauren, father William and mother Karen, were happy to hear the news of the charges yesterday.

Metro: Rikard Larma

Philly

DA’s decision: Officer charged

PHILADELPHIA. For nearly three months, William Panas Sr. has been on a crusade to get his son’s alleged killer brought to justice.

National

At least five die in power plant blast

At least five people were killed and 12 injured yesterday when a massive explosion rocked a large gas-fired power plant being built in Middletown, Conn., the town’s mayor said.

New York

Woman: Police ignored groping

Georgia Warren felt “disgusted” with what she witnessed on a Brooklyn-bound N train as it pulled into Pacific Street around 8:45 p.m. on Feb. 1: A man shoved his crotch against a woman and touched her shoulder. The man then walked toward Warren, but she shouted, “Don’t you f—ing touch me, you pervert.”

Photo: GETTY IMAGESWeb rumors just a bunch of lies: Gov.

New York Democratic Gov. David Paterson is not planning to resign, his spokeswoman said yesterday, calling blog reports “entirely fabricated.”

New York

Senate to grapple with future of Monserrate

As soon as today — or sometime before it takes all of next week off to celebrate Presidents Day — the state Senate is expected to decide what to do with Hiram Monserrate, the Queens legislator convicted in October of the misdemeanor assault of his girlfriend.

New York

Security risk spotlighted in plane death

A body found in the landing-gear compartment of a Delta Air Lines Inc. jet that flew to Tokyo’s Narita Airport from JFK Airport may spur a re-examination of U.S. aviation security.

Photo: GETTY IMAGES

National

Palin may consider 2012 run

Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin said Sunday that she was open to a possible White House run in 2012 but has not made up her mind.

National

NYC rescue teams save 4 in Haiti effort

In 2010, Congress shooting for job creation

Cabinet meets out in open air

Still clinging to a ‘Hudson miracle’

Obama urges Wall Street tax to stem losses

Surviving trauma of miracle flight

Expert: Auto industry won’t rebound too well

New TSA lapse: TB patient flies from PHL to SFO

Reid: I’m sorry, now let’s move on

Finger-pointing ushers in Calif.’s case for gay nups

International

Afghan forces fend off major attack on Kabul

Man who shot pope out of jail

Pirates grab record ransom

Gang violence back after Haiti jailbreak

Quake survivors seek God’s help

Fourth death edict for ‘Chemical Ali’

Handshake signals new Irish dawn?

TitlePhoto: FEDERIC DUPOUX/GETTY IMAGESAbject poverty made forecasts useless in Haiti

QUAKE DAMAGE ‘UNIMAGINABLE’

Censorship fight grows for China, Google

The February MMMpod features conversation from Ozzy Osbourne. Michael Emerson from "Lost" tells us about his days enjoying punk rock in Boston. We also dig up an old interview from the late great Howard Zinn. We have a song from Delta Spirit and The Soft Pack, who tell us where they got their name.

[Flyers by PaperG]