• General Motors Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra tried to convince a panel of U.S. lawmakers that her company has banished the “cost culture” that delayed a recall of faulty vehicles for almost a decade. GM has hired attorney Kenneth Feinberg, who oversaw massive settlements tied to the Sept. 11 tragedy and the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Feinberg said his mandate is to “consider the options for dealing with issues surrounding the ignition switch matter.” The carmaker reported a 4 percent increase in vehicles sold in the U.S. in March.
• President Obama’s health-care plan showed signs of life, as the White House announced that 7.1 million Americans signed up for new insurance by the March 31 deadline for 2014 coverage.
