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Trump’s second term is reshaping US science with unprecedented cuts and destabilizing policy changes
The Trump administration is rewriting the 80-year-old American social contract for science research.
Trump’s second term is reshaping US science with unprecedented cuts and destabilizing policy changes
The Trump administration is rewriting the 80-year-old American social contract for science research.
Robinhood Expands Sports Betting Via Prediction Markets
Since the end of last year, 11 billion event contracts have been traded on Robinhood’s platform which allows investors to wager on sports, politics, and other categories.
Rangers Reach Contract Deals With Danny Jansen, Tyler Alexander
Jansen will help shore up Texas' catching situation; Alexander brings left-handed pitching element to Rangers' staff.
Mears: Life in the asylum hotels generating 'excessive profit'
Asylum accommodation provider Mears has had to return £13.8m to the Home Office after making more profit than its contracts allow.
UNC Health, Cigna agree to new contract, restoring coverage for 65,000 patients
The two parties’ previous contract expired on Nov. 30, leaving Cigna members with higher costs when treated by UNC Health providers.
Cigna & UNC Health reach agreement to end healthcare standoff
UNC Health and Cigna had been in a contract stalemate for weeks leading up to an expiring contract, which ended on Nov. 30.
Fintech, AI Very Strong in UK: British Business Bank CEO
The UK economy is at risk of its first quarterly contraction since Labour returned to power, after growth disappointed again by shrinking ahead of Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves' tax-raising budget. Can the UK's tech sector come to the rescue? British Business Bank CEO Louis Taylor weighs in with Ed Ludlow and Caroline Hyde to discuss on "Bloomberg Tech." (Source: Bloomberg)
Senator Demands Federal Agencies Halt Small Business Contracts, Citing Investigation of Native Hawaiian Firm
Joni Ernst, chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, sent letters to 22 federal agencies saying the no-bid contracts granted through a Small Business Administration program are a “fraud magnet.”
Rachel Reeves to blame for economy shrinking before budget, Tories claim
Shadow chancellor says unexpected contraction is ‘direct result of Labour’s economic mismanagement’
Ireland Contracting Nightly Sports Call: Dec. 11, 2025
Billings contractor receives “F” rating from Better Business Bureau over unfinished work
The Better Business Bureau has given Greenhaw Buildings LLC an "F" rating due to numerous customer complaints of incomplete or shoddy work, lack of communication, and failure to provide refunds.
The New WHO Pandemic Treaty and Global Health Governance: Incorporating Common but Differentiated Responsibilities into PABS - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
On May 20, 2025, the World Health Assembly unanimously adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement, an international treaty designed to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The product of three years of arduous negotiations, the treaty marks a new era of global cooperation in public health. However, core aspects of the agreement remain unresolved—notably the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System, which is intended to ensure equitable access to pandemic-related materials and benefits. To support the successful implementation of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Introduction For the first time, an international treaty has enshrined the principle of “One Health,” the compelling idea that the health of animals, humans, and the environment all contribute to pandemic risks. SARS (2003), H1N1 (2009–10), Ebola (2014–16), and COVID-19 all emerged through zoonotic spillover from animal hosts—respectively, civets, hogs, and bats. Together, they underscore the need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach. The Pandemic Agreement responds to this call, requiring state parties to acknowledge the ecological interplay and commit to a comprehensive “One Health” strategy. Specifically, Article 5 charges governments to address “the drivers of pandemics and the emergence and re-emergence of infectious disease at the human-animal-environment interface,” including wild animal markets, deforestation, and antibiotic overuse. Yet the effectiveness of this “One Health” vision depends equally on the free flow of scientific information and data among countries and institutions. Just as environmental and animal health factors have been neglected in past global frameworks, so too has data sharing been marginalized, despite its centrality to timely detection and response. The Pandemic Agreement takes an important step by requiring governments to enhance data collection and cooperate with the World Health Organization (WHO). However, these provisions will remain aspirational without a robust Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex. The PABS system will determine whether countries and researchers can rapidly exchange pathogen samples and genetic data while ensuring equitable access to resulting research and development, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Without such mechanisms, the treaty’s promise to operationalize “One Health” and strengthen global preparedness will risk becoming largely symbolic, echoing earlier failures to translate shared principles into coordinated action. Equity Concerns When the 2025 Health Assembly adopted the Pandemic Agreement, it left the difficult question of access to pathogens and the sharing of resulting benefits to be addressed in a separate agreement. Negotiations on this separate agreement, PABS, are now underway in Geneva. Yet governments remain divided over fundamental questions of equity between the countries that primarily contribute to the system and those that primarily draw from it—and consequently benefit. For example, wildlife in countries bordering the equator is likely to produce PABS materials, but companies in Europe are likely to use them to develop lucrative products. The most likely contributor countries are likely to be those biodiverse countries around the equator, such as Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Indonesia, where the number of human-mammalian viral host interactions is large. Conversely, countries most likely to benefit from this material are those with the technology, investors, and infrastructure to capitalize on genomic data, such as the United States, EU member states, and Japan. This imbalance reflects a broader pattern seen in prior international frameworks. Now, as in the past, the wealthiest countries in the world (a useful heuristic is membership of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)) disproportionately benefit from systems in which pathogens and genomic sequencing data are contributed to a common source. Under the International Agreement on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (the “Plant Treaty” or “Seed Treaty”) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, companies from Europe and North America disproportionately withdraw biological samples and data for development into lucrative medical products. Their governments and companies have both statutory and contractual claims to the products that those companies correspondingly produce. PABS appears poised to follow the same pattern. The text calls for strong language on access to pathogens and associated data, but the corresponding benefits that should flow to poorer countries are couched in equivocal or non-binding language. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities To address these inequities, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Common but differentiated responsibilities are often a feature of climate change negotiations. The basic principle is that, even though all countries should reduce carbon emissions, governments that became rich and powerful through massive carbon emissions (e.g., France, the United Kingdom, the United States) should have a greater obligation to address the resulting crises. Applied to PABS, it would require that governments hosting and supporting companies developing lucrative products carry greater obligations toward the cost of running the PABS system; share benefits or final medical products; and transfer technology to help countries worldwide develop their own capacities to innovate and manufacture vaccines during an emergency. For example, an annex could mandate that any company based in an OECD country that withdraws PABS material would be obligated to donate the resulting diagnostics, therapeutics, or vaccines to the WHO during a public health emergency or pandemic. Questions remain about how robust those donations would be, but the principle is that they should deliver highly significant lifesaving benefits to be equitably shared. Theoretically, this approach mirrors the PIP Framework, in which companies withdrawing influenza samples are required to pay half of the operating costs. In practice, however, the framework has fallen short. The PIP Framework Secretariat has struggled to secure payments from companies, with companies often disagreeing over how much is owed. Additionally, without another pandemic influenza to test the strength of the agreement during a public health emergency, corporate compliance with sharing mechanisms remains unknown. Even if these limitations did not characterize the PIP Framework, partially paying for operating expenses does not address the inequity in access to genetic data and pathogen samples that left less developed countries last in line for COVID-19 vaccines (and, before them, H1N1). Common but differentiated responsibilities would go further, addressing governments’ legitimate grievances regarding information sharing. It would make withdrawals of PABS material and resulting products more transparent, building trust across the board. Enforcement and Enduring Success A key implication of this approach is that the governing mechanism of the PABS must have real enforcement authority. The WHO Pandemic Agreement delegates its core governance responsibilities to a Conference of the Parties (COP)—a governing body composed of one representative from each participating government, similar to those established under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The proposed WHO Pandemic Agreement COP is charged with oversight functions but ultimately possesses no real authority to compel a government to take any action it does not wish to take. The text does not give the COP the ability to, for example, sanction a party that does not comply with either textual obligations or PABS provisions. In other words, there are no effective mechanisms in place to ensure compliance. Perhaps just as significant, establishing a meaningful enforcement mechanism within the PABS system would strengthen the WHO’s credibility and its ability to ensure compliance across global health governance. By setting a precedent for accountability, such a mechanism could enhance the organization’s authority not only within the Pandemic Agreement but also in enforcing the revised International Health Regulations and other frameworks for public health emergencies. Conclusion The PABS annex can—and should—be different. It should establish clear responsibilities for funding as well as for sharing the diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines that result from contributions to the system. The system, in turn, must include a dedicated body empowered to hold governments and the corporations they sponsor accountable for their responsibilities before, during, and after pandemics. Doing so would restore trust in the broader agreement, which was eroded as commitments were repeatedly diluted while parties scrambled to meet their own self-imposed deadlines during the Pandemic Agreement negotiations. A robust PABS Annex would cement a grand social bargain. Wealthier countries and their corporations would gain unimpeded access to scientific information essential for developing and manufacturing lifesaving medical products. As such, they would stand to gain considerable economic benefit. Yet that privilege must be matched with responsibility. The grand bargain must include not only the right to innovate, but also the duty to ensure that innovation serves all. As medical products are developed and produced through collective contributions, every person must have equal access. All human beings deserve an equitable chance to survive—to save their own life, the lives of their families, and the well-being of their communities. … Sam Halabi, JD, MPhil, is the Bette Jacobs Endowed Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Health and the Director of the Center for Transformational Health Law at Georgetown Law. He serves as the co-lead for the WHO’s Working Group on Regulatory Consideration on AI and Health’s training workstream. He earned his JD from Harvard, his MPhil from Oxford, and undergraduate degrees from Kansas State University. Lawrence Gostin, LLD (Hon.), JD, BA, is University Distinguished Professor and Founding Director and Timothy and Linda O’Neill Professor of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. He is the author of Global Health Security: A Blueprint for the Future (Harvard University Press, 2021); Global Health Law (Harvard University Press, 2014); Public Health Law: Power, Duty, Restraint (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2016); Public Health Law and Ethics: A Reader (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2018); Law and the Health System (Foundation Press, 2014); Principles of Mental Health Law & Practice (Oxford University Press, 2010). He also directs the WHO Collaborating Center at Georgetown University. Image Credit: United States Mission Geneva, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ireland Contracting Nightly Sports Call: Dec. 10, 2025
How New Growth Drivers Are Shaping What Analysts Think Gives BrightSpring Health Services The Edge
BrightSpring Health Services latest update nudges its fair value estimate slightly higher to about $40.54 per share, underpinned by steady revenue growth expectations of roughly 12.49% and a largely unchanged discount rate near 6.96%. The modest bump reflects growing conviction in the companys ability to win additional limited distribution drug contracts and unlock further upside from generic conversions and Provider Services opportunities. Read on to see what is driving this evolving...
'It's a great way to get exposure:' Pittsburgh area businesses land contracts for NFL Draft
About 120 businesses from the 10 counties surrounding Pittsburgh have been accepted into the NFL Draft’s Source Program.
Northampton boss Dowson & coaching duo agree new deals
Director of rugby Phil Dowson, head coach Sam Vesty and senior coach James Craig agree contract extensions with Northampton Saints.
These Multnomah County jobs are on the chopping block, and more could follow
A sizable reduction in contracts from CareOregon, which manages Oregon Health Plan benefits, is trickling down to the county’s mental health network.
Louisiana yanks a Medicaid contract, pushing 345,000 people to other plans
Gov. Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill have been battling some of the nation’s largest health care companies in the legislature and in court.
Kyle Schwarber re-signs with Phillies: Slugger returns on five-year, $150M contract
Schwarber hit a National League-leading 56 home runs in 2025
Louisiana abruptly cuts two Medicaid contracts, putting care options for 488,500 in limbo
Gov. Jeff Landry’s administration is abruptly ending contracts with two of the six companies that provide Medicaid insurance in Louisiana, a move that could leave 488,500 residents uncertain of what health care they will have starting Jan. 1.
Disney extends contract with Jimmy Kimmel for another year through May 2027
The late-night host has signed a one-year extension to stay on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" through May 2027.
China’s exports grow 5.9% in November despite major drop in US shipments
China’s exports returned to growth in November following an unexpected contraction the month before, although shipments to the United States dropped nearly 29% from a year earlier in an eighth straight month of double-digit declines.
iam8bit sues Skybound Games for $4m, claiming breach of contract and theft of designs
Iam8bit is suing Skybound Games for £2.9 million ($4 million), alleging breach of contract, fraudulent expenses, theft …
Billionaire who moved business to Florida now selling final property in blue city at discount
Billionaire Ken Griffin set to complete Chicago real estate exit as final condo reportedly goes under contract.
Texas scraps women and minority-owned business support in sweeping contracting shift
Texas retools its Historically Underutilized Business program into VetHUB, limiting eligibility and revoking race / sex-based certifications.
Ireland Contracting Nightly Sports Call: Dec. 5, 2025
Rail construction costs accessibility business hundreds of thousands
The latest setback came when contractors destroyed the sidewalk that people in wheelchairs needed to access the company’s vehicle display space on Dillingham Boulevard.
Governor McMaster's order sparks debate on minority business opportunities in SC
Gov. Henry McMaster’s executive order restricting state agencies from awarding business contracts based on race is prompting a debate over fairness, opportunity
For many contractors, losing ACA subsidies means losing health care
The GOP's unprecedented premium hikes put chronically ill workers—especially freelancers—in peril.
Residents confused after getting letters from City of LA saying they owe business taxes
If you're a gig worker, independent contractor or anybody who gets a 1099, you may have gotten a letter in the mail from the City of Los Angeles -- saying you owe a business tax.
PEOPLE: Jeff Shultz to join Radial Entertainment’s C-suite next year
Also, Kidscreen alum Nelson Huynh will manage content sales in the Americas for Mattel on contract in 2026, and Paramount has added LatAm to franchise director Lee Harris-Gibbs' remit.
Analysis: Kalani Sitake’s decision to stay at BYU another indication that the school is all-in on achieving sports success
Ten-year Cougars coach ended three days of heavy speculation that he would leave for Penn State by signing another contract extension in Provo
UNC Health-Cigna contract expires: Check other health care contracts in NC
More than 4,000 UNC Health patients with Cigna insurance are facing uncertainty after the insurer’s contract with the health system expired this week.
Patients in limbo as Aetna changes coverage for UConn Health
Thousands of people are caught in the middle of a contract fight between UConn Health and Aetna. Now, the health system is considered out-of-network for many patients with Aetna insurance. Months of negotiations have so far failed to reach a deal. And now it means a lot of frustrations and uncertainties for what we’re told is about 15,000 patients who…
Ireland Contracting Nightly Sports Call: Dec. 1, 2025
South Shore Health resolves contract dispute that could have affected 2,000 patients
Patients had faced losing access to their doctors starting in January.
UNC Health, Cigna insurance miss deadline over new contract
Cigna patients will now be considered out-of-network if they get care from UNC Health.
Lane Kiffin LSU contract: Detailing the $91 million package
Thanks to the LSU deal, Lane Kiffin joins Ryan Day and Kirby Smart as college football's highest paid
Jean-Philippe Mateta's contract talks with Crystal Palace stall
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta's long-term future is uncertain as talks stall over a new contract.
'Out of network:' UNC Health-Cigna contract expires
UNC Health and Cigna have not reached an agreement as of Monday morning, leaving Cigna subscribers facing "out of network" costs for UNC providers and hospitals.
A legal tech funding frenzy sparked in 2025 with these 7 notable deals
Legal tech gained $3.2 billion in VC funding fueling startups in contract review, due diligence, and predictive analytics for law firms.
Local pop singer Breleigh Curtis signs two-year entertainment contract
Breleigh Curtis, who performs as Breleigh Rael, will begin working on her first project Dec. 9 in Columbus.