Former Federal Reserve Adviser Indicted for Economic Espionage

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum recently voiced support for "de-extinction" technology following the creation of three dire wolf puppies by Colossal Biosciences. In a post on social media, he emphasized the potential benefits of such innovation for wildlife conservation and biodiversity, stating that the Endangered Species List resembles "Hotel California," where species, once listed, never leave. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 currently includes over 1,300 species at risk of extinction in the U.S., according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Burgum argued for a shift in focus from regulation to innovation, advocating for advancements in genetic engineering to bolster recovery efforts for endangered species. He expressed a desire for a future where the list becomes redundant due to successful species revival. Colossal’s CEO, Ben Lamm, highlighted that the dire wolf project utilizes DNA from ancient remains, illustrating the far-reaching implications of such biotechnology in conservation efforts. Beyond the dire wolf, Colossal aims to also revive the woolly mammoth and other extinct species, redefining approaches to environmental challenges.

A 28-year-old woman from Yonkers, New York, is suing two DNA testing laboratories following a paternity testing error that she claims led her to terminate her pregnancy, causing emotional distress and the end of her long-term relationship. According to The New York Post, the woman alleged that Winn Health Labs in the Bronx and DNA Diagnostics Center in Ohio provided misleading results, which indicated that her unborn child was fathered by another man. The woman, who requested anonymity, stated she was devastated to learn she was carrying what she believed to be her fiancé's child but later sought testing due to concerns over a brief encounter with another man. After paying over $1,000 for multiple tests, she received results showing an almost certain paternity from the other man, leading her to proceed with an abortion at nearly 20 weeks gestation, just before New York's legal limit. On Valentine's Day, months later, the DNA Diagnostics Center contacted her to admit the results were incorrect due to an "IT error." Her attorney questioned the significant delay in correcting such a serious mistake, highlighting potential regulatory issues in DNA testing practices.

A 17-year-old from Wisconsin, Nikita Casap, has been charged with killing his parents to gain financial means to assassinate former President Donald Trump and overthrow the U.S. government, according to court documents filed by federal authorities. In early March, Waukesha County Sheriff's Department discovered the bodies of Casap's mother, Tatiana Casap, 35, and stepfather, Donald Mayer, 51, at their home. Casap faces two counts of first-degree murder and associated charges, including theft exceeding $10,000 and concealing a corpse. Federal prosecutors are exploring charges related to conspiracy, presidential assassination, and using weapons of mass destruction. Investigators uncovered that Casap expressed extremist views linked to "The Order of Nine Angles," an alleged neo-Nazi group, with writings advocating for Trump's assassination and a revolution aimed at "saving the white race." Federal authorities reported that Casap was in contact with accomplices, purchasing a drone and explosives intended for the assassination. He remains in custody and is scheduled for an arraignment on May 7.