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Metro GM To Testify About Increased Federal Oversight

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By Patrick Madden

The general manager of Metro is expected to testify on Capitol Hill today as the federal government looks to take greater control over subway and light rail systems across the country.

The Obama Administration is asking Congress to give the Federal Transit Administration authority to set standards and inspect local rail systems. Right now, there are only volunteer standards produced by industry groups.

Metro G.M. John Catoe will join Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood and others at the senate hearing to offer input on a proposed bill.

Nine people were killed and 70 injured in a metro accident in June.

An investigation into the crash revealed the group monitoring metro, the Tri-State Oversight Committee, lacked any real regulatory authority over the transit system.

NPR

Book News: Alice Munro, Author Of Pensive Short Stories, May Retire

Also: The Apple ebook trial wraps up; the unique horror of Kafka's stories; James Salter's woman troubles.
NPR

And The Winner Of The World Food Prize Is ... The Man From Monsanto

The prize is sometimes called the "Nobel Prize for food and agriculture." And this year's winners include Monsanto executive Robert Fraley, a pioneer in genetically engineered crops. If there's a single person who personifies the company's controversial role in American agriculture, it's probably Fraley.
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Associate Of D.C. Businessman To Plead Guilty To Making Straw Political Donations

Lee Calhoun, a former associate of the D.C. businessman at the center of a wide-ranging investigation into D.C. corruption, is said to have made campaign contributions in the names of other people.

NPR

Will Video Ruin Instagram's Appeal?

The popular photo-sharing service is reportedly adding a video feature. But if the current user experience "ain't broke," should Facebook, Instagram's owner, fix it? Let's zoom through some possible fears about the new feature.

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