Good morning. It's Wednesday, May 12, and we're covering a pivotal House leadership vote, a breakthrough in treating a rare disease, and much more. Have feedback? Let us know at [email protected].

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NEED TO KNOW

Cheney Vote

House Republicans will vote today on whether to oust Rep. Liz Cheney (R, WY-At large) from her leadership position over her continued criticism of former President Donald Trump. Cheney, the No. 3 ranking member, was one of 10 GOP House members to vote to impeach Trump following the Jan. 6 storming of the US Capitol. Unlike the others, Cheney has continued to consistently criticize the former president, publicly rejecting his claims of election fraud. A number of members have said her impeachment vote is not the issue, but rather her ability to speak on behalf of the Republican Conference.

Cheney easily survived a February referendum to remove her, 145-61, but observers say she is likely to lose today's vote. Both Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R, CA-23) and Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R, LA-1) have publicly endorsed removing Cheney and replacing her with  Rep. Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21). The 36-year-old Stefanik entered Congress as a moderate in 2015, eventually transitioning into an ardent Trump ally.

Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, gave a floor speech last night (watch here) reiterating her beliefs ahead of today's vote.

Bubble Baby Breakthrough

An experimental gene therapy harnessing a modified AIDS virus has been shown effective in fighting a rare childhood disease that prevents the body from building a healthy immune system. Colloquially referred to as "bubble baby" disease, patients are born extremely vulnerable to illness and infections and often spend significant time in sterile environments. The study is the most robust to date, demonstrating the use of such therapy to fight the disease.

Those with the condition have inherited genetic defects preventing the production of a key enzyme required for fully functioning white blood cells. To treat patients, doctors extracted white blood cells from 50 young patients, used a disabled version of the AIDS virus to transport a healthy version of the gene into the cells, and injected the cells back into the patient. The study found only two children failed to establish healthy immune systems after 24 and 36 months. 

Separately, read about the legacy of David Vetter, who gave rise to the term "bubble boy."

Gas Shortages Grip the Southeast

Multiple states across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic reported gas shortages yesterday, as worried consumers flocked to stations on fears of a continued shutdown of the region's biggest gas network. Analysts said the Carolinas, Georgia, and Virginia were particularly vulnerable, with fewer sources of incoming fuel. By yesterday, prices in the region had jumped 40% week-over-week. Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina declared states of emergency yesterday.

Colonial Pipeline, which supplies an estimated 45% of the East Coast's gasoline, was proactively shut down Friday after officials revealed the company had been the victim of a ransomware attack. The 5,500-mile network stretches from Texas to New Jersey.

Experts said the shortages are largely artificial, primarily driven by panic buying rather than the pipeline running dry. Officials warned stations against price gouging—spiking prices to take advantage of the rush. The company hopes to return most service by the end of the week.

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NOT YOUR FATHER'S CARGO SHORTS

You know the shorts. They're 2 inches too long, the pockets bulge out, the fabric could cut diamonds, and they're some shade of khaki.

But we're not here to judge. There's something incredible about how much you can carry when wearing cargo shorts. They could, however, use a bit of a facelift. And Vuori's Ripstop Climber Shorts are the ultimate travel adventure shorts. They combine five pockets (including zippers) with a modern fit and a game changing two-way stretch fabric. Durable, versatile, and available in seven colors, you can wear your Ripstop Climber Shorts with just about any outfit.

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IN THE KNOW

Sports, Entertainment, & Culture

> “Hamilton,” “Wicked,” and “The Lion King,” three of the most popular Broadway shows, announce Sep. 14 return (More) | Dua Lipa wins Album of the Year at 2021 BRIT Awards, the UK’s premier music awards (More)

> MLB's Athletics threaten to leave Oakland over stadium dispute with local government (More) | Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit cleared to enter Preakness Stakes; trainer admits to using ointment on horse which contained banned steroid (More)

> Norman Lloyd, prolific actor, producer, and director whose career spanned more  than 80 years, dies at 106 (More) | Ex-Hawaii QB Colt Brennan, Heisman finalist who set multiple NCAA records, dies at 37 of apparent drug overdose (More)

Science & Technology

> Biden administration approves the first large-scale offshore wind farm in the US, to be located off the coast of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts (More)

> New hydrogel material helps heal wounds while protecting against all types of bacterial infections, including antibiotic-resistant bugs (More)

> Archaeologists discover the bodies of 10 Neanderthals in a cave near Rome; researchers believe hyenas killed them and dragged the bodies to their den 50,000 to 100,000 years ago (More)

Business & Markets

Brought to you by The Ascent

> US stock markets fall (S&P 500 -0.9%, Dow -1.4%, Nasdaq -0.1%) on mounting inflation fears; Dow posts worst day since February (More) | US job openings increase to all-time high of 8.1 million in March as employers struggle to fill open positions (More) 

> Dallas judge dismisses National Rifle Association’s bankruptcy filing to seek protection and reorganize in Texas (More)

> Uber and Lyft to provide free rides to vaccination sites until July 4 under new partnership with White House (More) | Oat milk producer Oatly files for initial public offering seeking to value company at $10B—investors include Oprah, Jay-Z, and former Starbucks chief Howard Schultz (More)

From our partners: Don’t miss this historic refi window. No matter what you bought your home at, there's no stopping you from refinancing at the incredible market rates today, which can amount to thousands in savings. Carpe diem, while it lasts.

Politics & World Affairs

> Senate Rules Committee advances sweeping federal election and voting reform bill along a party-line vote (More) | See an overview of the House-passed bill, which includes independent redistricting committees (More)

> Death toll rises to 48—five Israelis, 43 Palestinians—as violence in Jerusalem escalates (More) | Video of missiles hitting Israel's Iron Dome goes viral (More)

> Suspect who killed eight people, including six Asian women, at Atlanta-area spas in March to be indicted on terrorism, murder, and hate crime charges (More) | Robert Aaron Long claims he was driven by a sex addiction clashing with religious beliefs (More)

POCKETS FOR DAYS

In partnership with Vuori Clothing

Vuori's Ripstop Climber Shorts have five pockets—that's a lot of storage. Two of them even come equipped with zippers. But you wouldn't know it.

Walking around in a pair of Ripstops, you'll feel both stylish and comfortable. The pockets don't stick out several inches: Thanks to Vuori's Dura Terra fabric, you can enjoy a slim, stretchy fit with all the durability of other pocket-loaded shorts. You can't go wrong with Vuori: Ripstops or otherwise. Check out their incredible selection today for 20% off your first order.

Please support our sponsors!

ETCETERA

The real-life voice behind Alexa has been revealed.

Want more workplace gossip? There's an app for that.

Muslims begin celebrating the end of Ramadan today.

Snake scales top the month's best science images.

The world's loneliest bus ride.

Army of feral cats released in Chicago to tackle rat problem.

Wildlife is thriving around Chernobyl. 

That feeling when you accidentally brush up against a great white shark. (via YouTube)

Clickbait: Retriever finds lost duckling; become instant best friends.

Historybook: Modern nursing innovator Florence Nightingale born (1820); Actress Katharine Hepburn born (1907); Charles Lindbergh’s son found dead two months after being kidnapped (1932); HBD skateboarding legend Tony Hawk (1968); Ex-President Jimmy Carter visits Cuba, the first American president to visit since 1959 revolution (2002).

"If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased."

- Katharine Hepburn

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