Company won’t expand air-bag recall
DETROIT – Japan’s Takata Corp. refused to comply with a U.S. government demand for an expanded recall of its air bags that can explode and shoot out shrapnel, and instead passed along the crucial decision to automakers.
The response, which the U.S. immediately criticized as inadequate, sets the stage for a showdown between the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the company, when they appear before U.S. Congress on Wednesday.
So far, 14 million vehicles worldwide have been recalled due to the air bag problem, including 8 million in the U.S. Takata has yet to pinpoint a cause, even though the recalls started a decade ago.
The U.S. government wants Takata and automakers to add millions of cars across the U.S. to recalls now limited to areas with high humidity. The automakers indicated Tuesday that they want to do their own testing, in addition to tests underway at Takata.
House approves bill to help disabled
WASHINGTON – The House has overwhelmingly passed a bill to allow Americans with disabilities to open tax-free bank accounts to pay for certain long-term expenses.
The 404-17 vote on Wednesday approves the most sweeping legislation to help the disabled since 1990, affecting as many as 54 million people. It now goes to the Senate, which was expected to move quickly in favor next week.
Under the measure, families would be able to set up tax-free savings accounts at financial institutions to pay for expenses such as education, housing and health care. Supporters say it would especially benefit those who require intensive forms of care and help the disabled become financially independent.
Ancient farm found underneath Rome
ROME – Archaeologists have unearthed an ancient commercial farm in the heart of modern Rome, taking advantage of subway construction to explore deeply in urban settings.
They worked some some six stories deep near St. John in Lateran Basilica. Today’s Rome rests upon medieval layers and, under those, more ancient strata of life.
Rossella Rea, the dig’s leader and a culture ministry official, said Wednesday that archaeologists discovered a first-century agricultural business, the closest to Rome’s ancient center ever found, an irrigation basin measuring 115 feet by 230 feet, and an extensive drainage system near the ancient Aqua Crabra water source.
Associated Press
