May 2012

WASHINGTON, DC—The Food & Drug Administration's advisors voted 6-4 against expanding the use of the Johnson & Johnson's drug Xarelto.

The blood thinner has already been approved in the U.S. to reduce the risk of blood clots in patients who have undergone knee or hip replacement surgery and prevent strokes in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem, according a report on NJ.com.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Proposed city laws must be approved twice by the City Council and then signed by the Mayor before they take effect.  Most of these laws, also called "ordinances," are introduced in New Brunswick's City Council and passed unanimously without a fight.

But one law that all five members supported on "first reading" drew enough criticism at a required public hearing for its "second reading" to force the council to back down and elect not to pass no law at all.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Hundreds of community members came out to the dead-end block of Sandford Street next to the headquarters of the Puerto Rican Action Board (PRAB) to celebrate the organization's 40th birthday.

Food and dessert vendors sold hot and cold dishes, while live musicians serenaded the crowd on stage.  Nearby, a man offerred himself as a victim in the event's dunk tank.  But by far the longest line was for free face-painting.