Obama campaigns in Va., NJ, in return to political life
Obama campaigns in Va., NJ, in return to political life
WASHINGTON
Former President Barack Obama is stepping back into the political spotlight for the first time since leaving the White House, publicly stumping for Democratic gubernatorial candidates in Virginia and New Jersey in preparation for this fall’s elections.
Unlike more low-key appearances earlier this year, Obama’s foray into two states today won’t be a one-and-done. The former president is planning more public appearances as the year closes, and preparation for the all-important 2018 midterm elections begins.
“Obama seems to be determined to be an engaged and active former president who’s playing a role in different issues and is involved in politics,” Rutgers University professor David Greenberg said.
FDA OKs 2nd gene therapy for blood cancer; 1st for adults
TRENTON, N.J.
U.S. regulators have approved a second gene therapy for blood cancer.
The one-time treatment is for aggressive lymphoma in adults.
The Food and Drug Administration approved sales of the therapy from Kite Pharma on Wednesday.
The treatment involves removing immune system cells called T cells from a patient, reprogramming them to target and kill cancer cells and giving them back to the patient. It uses the same technology as the first gene therapy approved in the U.S., Novartis AG’s treatment for childhood leukemia.
US wants quick vote on Syria chemical weapons inspectors
UNITED NATIONS
U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said Wednesday the United States is circulating a resolution that would extend by another year the work of inspectors seeking to determine who is behind chemical weapons attacks in Syria.
Haley told reporters the United States wants a quick vote so the Joint Investigative Mechanism is renewed before its expected report Oct. 26 on responsibility for the April 4 attack on the opposition-held town of Khan Sheikhoun that killed more than 90 people.
She said “there’s overwhelming support” in the Security Council to renew the inspectors’ work for another year. But, she added, “Russia has made it very clear that should the report blame Syria” for the attack “they won’t have faith in the JIM. If the report doesn’t blame the Syrians then they say that they will.”
NC deal would expand transgender protections
RALEIGH, N.C.
North Carolina’s governor launched a two-part strategy Wednesday that could end protracted litigation over the state’s so-called bathroom bill and its replacement, while expanding LGBT protections lawmakers aren’t inclined to endorse.
Plaintiffs who had sued the state claiming discrimination asked a judge to approve a settlement with the governor that would ensure transgender people can use restrooms corresponding to their gender identity in facilities run by executive branch agencies that oversee the environment, transportation and Medicaid, among others.
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper also issued an executive order prohibiting Cabinet-level departments under his control, including their contractors, from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Associated Press