Top news Sunday morning from AP

25 die as Iraqis defy violence to vote in election

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqis voted Sunday in an election testing the mettle of the country's still-fragile democracy as insurgents killed 25 people across the Iraq, unleashing a barrage of mortars intent on disrupting the historic day. About 19 million Iraqis are eligible to vote for who will lead the country after U.S. forces pull out, in an election that will determine whether Iraq can overcome the jagged sectarian divisions that have defined it since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

STIMULUS WATCH: Less stimulus for minority firms

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is hearing a rising chorus of demands to steer more stimulus money to Hispanic and black businesses. Those businesses are getting a disproportionately small number of federal stimulus contracts. Latinos own 6.8 percent of businesses but have received only 1.7 percent of federal stimulus contracts recorded in U.S. government data. Blacks own 5.2 percent of businesses but have gotten only 1.1 percent of that money.

Taliban, other militants battle in Afghan province

KABUL (AP) — Gunbattles between the Taliban and another Islamist faction have left at least 50 fighters dead in northeastern Afghanistan, as militants apparently fought over control of several villages where the government has almost no presence, officials said Sunday. Fierce clashes were continuing Sunday, with militants using heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades, the governor of Baghlan province said.

3.1M customers face Oscar night without broadcast

NEW YORK (AP) — Millions of cable subscribers faced the prospect of Oscar night without the Academy Awards broadcast Sunday after ABC's parent company switched off its signal to Cablevision customers and the two companies blasted each other for failing to reach a deal in a dispute over fees. In dueling statements dispatched early Sunday, the two companies traded blame for the stalemate ahead of one of the most-watched nights of television.

Iran launches new cruise missile production line

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran on Sunday launched a new production line of highly accurate, short range cruise missiles capable of evading radar, state TV reported. The report quoted Iranian defense minister Gen. Ahmad Vahidi as saying that the Nasr 1 (Victory) would be capable of destroying targets up to 1,000 tons in size.

Symbolic building demolished in quake-hit Chile

CONCEPCION, Chile (AP) — Workers demolished a fallen 15-story apartment building that has come to symbolize Chile's earthquake after officials said there was no more hope for finding survivors inside. The only known remaining victim not recovered from the Alto Rio building was 21-year-old Jose Luis Leon, whose father on Saturday shouted desperately into holes in the concrete cut by rescuers looking for trapped victims.

Toyota disputes critic who blames electronics

NEW YORK (AP) — Toyota Motor Corp. plans Monday to try to undercut suggestions that its electronics systems caused the sudden acceleration problems that led to the recall of more than 8 million vehicles. The automaker plans an event in which it will seek to debunk a critic who claims faulty gas pedals did not cause the sudden acceleration.

China says it's up to the US to improve relations

BEIJING (AP) — China said Sunday that it is up to the United States to improve relations that soured over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and a meeting between President Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama. Despite the tough line, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said China's newly assertive diplomacy is simply an attempt to safeguard its core interests and shouldn't be interpreted as combativeness.

Bullock, ‘Transformers' make Razzies worst list

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sandra Bullock warmed up for the Academy Awards with a stop at the Razzies to collect a dubious honor: a worst-actress prize for her romantic comedy flop "All About Steve." Bullock swung by the Razzies on the eve of her expected triumph at Sunday's Oscars, where she is considered the favorite to win best actress for "The Blind Side." If she wins Sunday, Bullock will be the first person to win an Oscar and a Razzie over the same weekend.

Louisville shocks No. 1 Syracuse in Hall finale

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Louisville gave Freedom Hall a memorable send-off. Kyle Kuric scored all of his career-high 22 points in the second half and the Cardinals upset No. 1 Syracuse 78-68 on Saturday, providing one last highlight at their 54-year-old home.