Toyota aims to refute critic who blames electronics, not gas pedalsNEW 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. 
American al-Qaida spokesman says Fort Hood killer serves as role modelCAIRO (AP) — Al-Qaida’s American-born spokesman on Sunday called on Muslims serving in the U.S. armed forces to emulate the Army major charged with killing 13 people in Fort Hood.In a 25-minute video posted on militant Web sites, Adam Gadahn described Maj. Nidal Hasan as a pioneer who should serve as a role model for other Muslims, especially those serving Western militaries.Cablevision customers face Oscar night without broadcast amid feudNEW 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.Black, Latino businesses’ complaints rise as they get fewer stimulus bucksWASHINGTON (AP) — Hispanic and black businesses are receiving a disproportionately small number of federal stimulus contracts, creating a rising chorus of demands for the Obama administration to be more inclusive and more closely track who receives government-financed work.Latinos and blacks have faced obstacles to winning government contracts long before the stimulus. They own 6.8 and 5.2 percent of all businesses, respectively, according to census figures. Yet Latino-owned business have received only 1.7 percent of $46 billion in federal stimulus contracts recorded in U.S. government data, and black-owned businesses have received just 1.1 percent.E-mail compares first lady Michelle Obama to Tarzan’s sidekick CheetaNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The CEO of Tennessee’s hospitality association is apologizing for sending an e-mail to a group of public figures that compares first lady Michelle Obama to a chimpanzee.The Tennessean of Nashville reports that Tennessee Hospitality Association CEO Walt Baker’s e-mail compares the first lady to Tarzan’s sidekick Cheeta.Louisiana lawmaker targets cell phone users who text while driving(AP) — A Louisiana state lawmaker wants to strengthen laws that prohibit texting while driving.It’s already against the law in Louisiana, but it’s a secondary offense.That means police can’t pull you over for texting, but they can ticket you for the offense if they stop you for breaking another traffic law, such as speeding or running a stop sign.State Sen. Butch Gautreaux, D-Morgan City, calls the current law “ridiculous.”He wants to make it a primary offense, which will allow authorities to more aggressively enforce the ban approved by lawmakers two years ago.Gautreaux’s bill would keep the current fines in place — $175 for the first offense and $500 for subsequent ones. Fines are doubled if the driver is in a wreck.Teen charged with stealing car with 2-year-old child insideKENNER (AP) — Authorities have arrested a teenager who allegedly stole a car and sped off last month with the vehicle owner’s 2-year-old boy strapped into a car seat.Police said 17-year-old Joseph Leonard was arrested Friday, just one day after authorities identified him as a suspect.La. man buys Saints flag that hung outside Indiana Gov. Daniel’s officeALEXANDRIA (AP) — A Louisiana businessman has bought a noted piece of New Orleans Saints memorabilia — a flag that hung outside Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels’ office as part of a wager Daniels made with Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.Bryan Bossier, owner of Diamond B Construction in Alexandria, paid $6,852 for the flag in an online auction Thursday.