Cancer drug success raises questions about costs...New pollution rule is controversial...Biden addresses alma mater

CHICAGO (AP) — For the first time in a decade, an experimental drug has extended the life of patients with advanced lung cancer who relapsed after standard chemotherapy. But the benefit of Eli Lilly and Co.'s drug Cyramza (sih-RAM'-zuh) was just six extra weeks, on average, raising questions about the value of some costly new cancer medicines. The drug is currently sold for stomach cancer and costs $6,000 per infusion. The study is being discussed today at a cancer conference in Chicago.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A pollution rule the Obama administration will announce on Monday could be one of the most significant U.S. environmental regulations in decades. It's also likely to provoke a drawn-out fight with states and companies that produce electricity. The rule aims to limit the pollution blamed for global warming from power plant by setting goals for reducing greenhouse gases and giving states flexibility to decide how to meet the goals. Critics say the costs will kill jobs and hurt the economy.

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Prompted by the health care overhaul law, several states are updating their rules for insurance networks to better reflect who is covered and how people shop for and use their benefits. Washington state just implemented new regulations, and discussions are underway in several others, including Arkansas, Minnesota, California and New Hampshire. Insurance officials say the old standards haven't kept up with changes in how and where people get health care.

NEWARK, Del. (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden tells University of Delaware graduates they're stepping into a rapidly changing world that presents profound dangers and challenges as well as incredible opportunities. Biden says the threats the world faces include international terrorism, pandemic disease, climate change and global inequity. But told the graduates at his alma mater they have both the tools and the education they need to shape the world they live in.

BELLEVILLE, Ill. (AP) — With the start of June tomorrow, counties in Illinois must begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses, under legislation signed into law late last year. Gay couples and advocates will be marking the date with blessing ceremonies and group weddings. Several county clerks' offices will offer Sunday hours to issue licenses to those who don't want to wait for Monday morning.

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