August 27, 2026
FDA Approves New Treatment for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
“This drug showed unprecedented results in an area of high unmet need.”
FDA Oncology Center of Excellence Director Dr. Angelo de Claro on Wednesday after the agency approved Rasonque, a first-of-its-kind targeted treatment for pancreatic cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
The study involved 500 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, one of the most difficult cancers to treat; those who received the new drug, a once-daily pill, lived an average of 13 months — as opposed to less than 7 months on standard chemotherapy. Despite the promising results, NYU cancer researcher Anirban Maitra stressed, “We have not cured pancreas cancer.”
Learn More:
- FDA Approves First in Class Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer (FDA)
- FDA Approves Drug for Pancreatic Cancer in Milestone for Treatment of Deadly Disease (WSJ)
- A new pancreatic cancer pill may be a game changer for patients (Science News)
Trial Set for Alleged 9/11 Mastermind
“Trial on the merits shall begin on Monday, 5 June 2028.”
Military judge Lt. Col. Michael Schrama on Wednesday, setting a 2028 trial date for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed — the alleged mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
Mohammed was captured in 2003 and transferred to Guantánamo Bay in 2006, but his prosecution has faced years of delays — including disputes over how his treatment in CIA custody may have affected evidence against him, and also over a 2024 plea deal that was later revoked. If the trial proceeds as scheduled, it will begin nearly 27 years after the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.
Learn More:
- Alleged 9/11 mastermind’s long-awaited trial scheduled for 2028 (ABC)
- Trial date set for man accused of planning 9/11 attacks (KTVB)
Secret Service Officials Placed on Leave Amid Misconduct Investigation
“Our critical work demands that our workforce maintain an unwavering commitment to duty, honesty, and courage…“
A spokesperson for the U.S. Secret Service after the agency placed three communications staffers on administrative leave amid an investigation into “potential misconduct.”
The employees also lost their security clearances and access to work devices while the agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility investigates. The Secret Service protects the president, vice president and other high-level officials; officials have not disclosed what prompted this investigation.
Learn More:
- Secret Service officials placed on leave in inquiry over ‘potential misconduct’ (NBC)
- 3 Secret Service officials put on leave amid investigation into “potential misconduct” (CBS)
NFL Eliminates Annual Pro Bowl Game
“A Pro Bowl selection will return to its original purpose, honoring the best of the best.“
NFL executive Peter O’Reilly on Wednesday as the league announced it will end the American Football Conference vs. National Football Conference Pro Bowl game — the annual matchup between top players from the NFL’s two conferences.
Instead, the Pro Bowl will become an honorary title for the 88 players originally selected by fans, players and coaches. The NFL says the change, which ends a 75-year tradition meant to showcase the league’s top players, came after conversations with players about what they value most from the Pro Bowl — which has come under recent criticism from players and fans over lack of competitiveness, many alternates on the roster, and “lack of meaning” to the title.
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by Katie Larsen,
