New stem-cell research rules
The White House last week issued new rules on stem-cell research but left in place some Bush-era restrictions on government funding. The guidelines would allow federal financing for research on stem cells derived from surplus embryos at fertility clinics. But the guidelines would still bar federal funding for research on cells created solely for research purposes and on embryos created through a technique known as therapeutic cloning.
Bailout fraud inquiries
A government watchdog has launched nearly 20 criminal investigations related to the government’s $700 billion bank-bailout program. Neil Barofsky, special inspector-general of the bailout program, is focusing on alleged wrongdoing by recipients of funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program. He is investigating cases of possible mortgage fraud, tax evasion, and insider trading, as well as an unnamed bank that he said was “cooking their books” to qualify for bailout funds.
