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The Anti-Sports Personality of the Year awards 2025
On Thursday night the BBC will honour the heroes. But here are the year’s best dark, devious and downright dumb sporting stories
The issue that's animating a key slice of the Democratic base: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Trump's chief of staff in the spotlight.
Republicans need to 'stand up’ to leadership amid health care fight: Democratic Caucus chair
Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss the ongoing fight over health care legislation in Congress as millions of Americans are set to face skyrocketing premiums.
Top takeaways from White House chief of staff Susie Wiles's interviews with Vanity Fair
Wiles reflected on the last 11 months in a series of interviews for a profile by the magazine. She called the article "a disingenuously framed hit piece" on Tuesday.
‘Bo Schembechler would never stop throwing up’: How Michigan’s scandal reveals college sports’ transformation
Legendary Michigan-based columnist Mitch Albom says Bo Schembechler would be sickened by today's college sports landscape where player poaching and money have replaced loyalty in an era unrecognizable to the iconic coach.
Trump stays on sidelines as GOP falters in push to unite on healthcare plan
Republicans have two weeks to decide on Obamacare subsidies affecting 24 million enrollees, while President Donald Trump takes a hands-off legislative approach.
Michigan coaching search lingers as top targets send mixed signals
Michigan football’s coaching search remains unresolved as Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham addresses rumors.
Access Health CT extends enrollment period after website outage
People who were unable to enroll for health care coverage through Access Health CT due to intermittent website outages before the deadline at midnight on Monday still have a chance to sign up. The website has been restored, but anyone who missed out can contact Access Health CT by Saturday, Dec. 20 to enroll. “We understand how important access to…
Warning: Apple’s iOS 26.2 Update Is Quietly Altering A Key iPhone Feature
The latest iPhone update is here, and it’s already proving controversial, with some users finding an unrequested change being made. Here’s what to do.
Illinois marketplace extends health insurance enrollment deadline
Using its new power as a state-run marketplace, Get Covered Illinois is giving residents until Dec. 31 to enroll in health insurance coverage that begins with the new year.
HOF Resort & Entertainment Co. reports on Q3 loss, pending merger
The HOF Resort & Entertainment Co. reported a net loss of $14.36 million and that the agreement to go private has not been completed.
Apple Developing iMac Pro With M5 Max Chip
Apple is developing a high-end iMac featuring the M5 Max chip, according to information from leaked internal software. The finding comes from leaked kernel debug kit files used by Apple engineers. These kernel debug kit files enumerate unreleased Apple hardware by internal identifiers, such as codenames and platform names, and they can also include separate references that map platform identifiers to chip codenames and marketing names.
Apple Best Positioned to Weather DRAM Price Surge, Says Counterpoint
Apple and Samsung are best equipped to handle rising memory chip costs that could drive down global smartphone shipments by 2.1% in 2026, according to new data from Counterpoint Research. Image credit: iFixit In its latest projection for the smartphone market next year, the firm has downgraded its forecast from a previously expected 0.45% growth, citing a memory shortage that has pushed component costs up 10% to 25%.
Mahmood Mamdani on how Uganda's history shaped his belonging — and his son's moment
NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Professor Mahmood Mamdani about his new book, "Slow Poison." The book is a firsthand report on the tragic unraveling of Uganda's struggle for independence.
AppleInsider.com
An unreleased build of iOS 26 has revealed details about more than a dozen Apple hardware projects currently in development.
LG quietly added an unremovable Microsoft Copilot app to TVs
The latest place you may find Microsoft Copilot is on your LG smart television, whether you want it or not.
Public safety issues in St. Johns continue to hurt business
The owner of StormBreaking brewing says safety issues in the St. Johns area hurting their bottom line.
Access Health CT experiencing issues ahead of deadline for health insurance enrollment
Monday at midnight is the deadline to enroll for health care insurance through Access Health CT, and agency posted on Facebook that it is experiencing some issues. Access Health CT said because of a high volume of calls and visits to its website on Monday, people are having trouble getting on the website or reaching its call center. They urge…
Americans face higher health care costs as Congress stalls on ACA subsidies
The deadline to enroll in Affordable Care Act plans for coverage starting Jan. 1 is Dec. 15, as key subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year unless Congress intervenes
Americans face higher health care costs as Congress stalls on ACA subsidies
The deadline to enroll in Affordable Care Act plans for coverage starting Jan. 1 is Dec. 15, as key subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year unless Congress intervenes
3 things to know from the latest NBC News Decision Desk Poll: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Trump's Rob Reiner comments spark backlash from Republicans.
Access Health CT experiencing delays on final enrollment deadline day
Connecticut residents rushing to sign up for health insurance before tonight’s deadline are experiencing delays on the Access Health CT website and phone lines due to heavy traffic on the final day of enrollment.
Trump's religious freedom nominee is being held up by a former political foe, his allies say
Eight months after being nominated for an ambassadorship, former Rep. Mark Walker hasn’t had a hearing because of a senator he once ran against, sources say. Now, Trump is involved.
Access Health CT website crashes on key enrollment day
Access Health CT’s website crashed Monday with a 500 internal server error on the last day to enroll in coverage starting Jan. 1.
The best 8 movies Rob Reiner directed during his career
Rob Reiner created the mockumentary genre with "This Is Spinal Tap," scared us with "Misery," and made us fall in love with "When Harry Met Sally."
$1.57M Alliance Entertainment and DirectToU class action settlement
DirectToU and Alliance Entertainment have agreed to pay $1.57 million to resolve claims they violated the Video Privacy Protection Act by sharing consumer information.
Warning: Apple’s iOS 26.2 Update Is Quietly Changing A Key iPhone Feature For Some Users
The latest iPhone update is here, and it’s already proving controversial, with some users finding an unrequested change being made. Here’s what to do.
2025 Has Been a Year of Unraveling Progress in Health
From vaccine hostility to the dismantling of USAID, the consequences of this year’s retrenchments will be felt for years to come.
Award of Merit, Sports/Entertainment: Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion
Combining living habitats, hands-on exploration and behind-the-scenes functions, the $141-million, 50,000-sq-ft Ocean Pavilion differs from other aquariums by highlighting the interconnectedness of human and marine life.
Deadline tonight: Enroll now for ACA health insurance or risk going uninsured
Monday is the deadline to enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance for coverage beginning Jan. 1. Many are facing tough choices for their healthcare as Congress's failure to extend pandemic-era tax credits has spiked premiums.
Deadline tonight: Enroll now for ACA health insurance or risk going uninsured
Monday is the deadline to enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance for coverage beginning Jan. 1. Many are facing tough choices for their healthcare as Congress's failure to extend pandemic-era tax credits has spiked premiums.
Family of referee who died Friday touched by support, stories, memories
Longtime referee Jeff Tamarri died Friday while working a girls' basketball game at Monrovia. His family is appreciative of community support.
NBA Total Health Fair offers free screenings and groceries in Las Vegas
The inaugural NBA Total Health Fair, presented by Evernorth Health Services, took place at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA on Sunday, providing no-cost health s
Trattles named 2025 Michigan 4-H Animal Science Adult Sportsperson of the Year - 4-H Animal Science
St. Joseph County 4-H leader Steve Trattles wins prestigious sportsmanship award for his leadership in 4-H animal science projects.
Oregon State Finds Ex-Staffer’s LLCs Unrelated to Blueprint Sports
Former OSU Deputy AD Brent Blaylock left the university in late October amid scrutiny over his role in the controversial Blueprint Sports NIL deal.
The Galaxy Z TriFold is an impressive feat of innovation, but here's why it leaves me concerned
Samsung is finally releasing the Galaxy Z TriFold, but it might not be a slam dunk
'Knives Out 4'? Director Rian Johnson shares update on his next Benoit Blanc mystery
'Knives Out' filmmaker Rian Johnson has already thought about another Benoit Blanc mystery after 'Wake Up Dead Man': 'I have some basic, elemental, conceptual ideas.'
Business School Undergrads Are Still Coming — But They’re Taking Longer To Decide
Applications to undergraduate business programs climbed 38% over five years, but global enrollment remained largely flat.
Watch Atlas V rocket launch 27 of Amazon's internet satellites to orbit early Dec. 15
Liftoff is scheduled for 3:49 a.m. ET on Monday (Dec. 15).
Warning: Apple’s iOS 26.2 Update Is Quietly Changing A Key iPhone Feature For Some Users
The latest iPhone update is here, and it’s already proving controversial, with some users finding an unrequested change being made. Here’s what to do.
Sen. Rand Paul says redistricting could lead to political violence
The Kentucky Republican said he believes redistricting efforts across the political aisle are a "mistake" that could lead voters to feel disenfranchised.
Poll: Most are satisfied with their health insurance, but a quarter report denials or delays
A large majority of Americans, 82%, said they’re satisfied with their coverage in the new NBC News Decision Desk Poll.
Can Lawmakers Find a Solution to Expiring Health Care Subsidies?
The United States Senate rejected a pair of health care bills that would have delivered relief to more than 20 million Americans before the end of the year. Now, cost-saving subsidies added to the Affordable Care Act in 2021 are likely to expire on New Year’s Eve, causing patient prices to increase by as much as 100%. NBC’s Anne Thompson reports in this week’s Sunday Focus.
A shakeup not seen in a decade is taking over NFL standings
The rise of once-lowly teams, and the regression of established powers, has combined to turn the playoff picture upside down
UNC Brewing Science Program Goes Down the Drain
The University of Northern Colorado has canceled its Brewing Laboratory Science program as part of 50 total staff layoffs implemented due to a projected $14 million budget shortfall, causing dismay among enrolled students. Sean Johnson, the program manager for eight years, who helped forge local commercial partnerships, has been laid off with his remaining classes moving online. Students praised the program's practical science and networking opportunities. Affected students expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, the university's prioritization of larger programs, and the sudden loss of learning opportunities and mentorship. UNC's Chemistry department stated the decision was part of university-wide budget cuts and is focused on supporting affected students.
Scientists warn federal funding cuts could undermine walleye recovery in Minnesota
The Trump administration froze grant money awarded to the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center in August and wants to cut its budget next year.
D-FW business datebook for the week of Dec. 14
The Dallas-Fort Worth business datebook with holiday shopping pop-ups, metro job numbers and earnings.
Revitalized Jets Earn 5-1 Victory in Hellebuyck's Return
LG Update Installs Unremovable Microsoft Copilot on Smart TVs, Ignites Backlash
LG's recent software update has forcibly installed Microsoft Copilot, an AI assistant, on smart TVs without removal options, sparking widespread user backlash over privacy, bloatware, and loss of control. This highlights growing tensions in smart devices, where monetization often overrides user preferences.
Kirby Air Riders development team to be disbanded soon according to Masahiro Sakurai
It would seem that patch 1.2.0 for Kirby Air Riders has begun its distribution process. This update fixed some issues involving certain events while also applying a few balance adjustments.However, Masahiro Sakurai took this as an opportunity ...
Teen’s video a ‘Breakthrough’ in science communication
Seventeen-year-old Grace Lee from Chula Vista is gaining national attention as a finalist in the global Breakthrough Junior Challenge, an annual competition that invites students to create original videos explaining complex scientific ideas in creative and engaging ways. Founded in 2015, the contest encourages young people to break down advanced scientific theories using imagination and storytelling— “Steven Spielberg meets Albert Einstein,” as organizers describe it. Lee’s submission centers on the principle of least time in physics, a concept that explains why light always travels the path that takes the least amount of time. To bring the idea to life, she used intricate origami characters and stop-motion animation, along with simple at-home experiments, she said. “The fact that light always travels via the path that takes the least amount of time sounds simple at first, but nature is full of surprises,” she said. “This principle is actually very profound and underlies many different fields in physics that seem completely unrelated, from optics to Newton’s laws to Einstein’s theory of relativity.” Also, origami has long been one of her passions and integrating it into her project felt natural. She often makes origami gifts for friends and teaches origami in her school clubs. “A single 10-second scene would take hours to craft,” she said, noting the mixture of stop-motion and post-production editing required to animate expressions and movement. To ensure the science remained accurate and accessible, she spent time reading books and online resources, writing a script, creating a storyboard, and filming and editing repeatedly until the visuals worked.The experiments were among the biggest challenges. To demonstrate water waves, she used everyday household items — “a spatula and an electric toothbrush to vibrate the waves, glass in a baking pan for different depths, and an iPhone flashlight so the waves would be visible.” She also put careful thought into explaining the principle through analogies, including a gingerbread man and a fox. “Analogies and visuals are incredibly important,” she said. “Visual demonstrations allow viewers to see how the science actually works.” Beyond the competition, Lee is deeply involved in science leadership and advocacy. She serves as International President of miRcore, the world’s largest student computational biology organization, with 136 chapters across five countries. She leads a 20-member executive board, organizes outreach connecting schools worldwide, and has helped run workshops at locations including Scripps Research Institute and the University of Michigan. “I used to be intimidated,” she said, but she gradually grew her skills and confidence. “Now I am no longer afraid to use my voice and enthusiasm to bring out the best in others.” Her research experience includes two peer-reviewed papers on asthma and vaping. Misconceptions around vaping, she said, show why clear science communication matters. “Our research shows that there is long-term harm to your lungs on the cellular level that isn’t obvious unless you come down with an illness like the flu,” she said. Lee also founded Full Hearts at Eastlake High School, transforming the small club into one of the school’s largest, with hands-on service projects in partnership with local nonprofits. She continues mentoring younger students to sustain the mission. If she wins the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, Grace hopes the $100,000 science lab prize for her school will expand opportunities for students who have limited access to equipment and hands-on science outside the classroom.
Higher cost, worse coverage: Affordable Care Act enrollees say expiring subsidies will hit them hard
Costs are poised to jump.
Higher cost, worse coverage: Affordable Care Act enrollees say expiring subsidies will hit them hard
Americans are feeling the strain already with less than three weeks to go until the expiration of COVID-era tax credits that have helped many people pay for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
How U.S. Soccer aims to improve physical, mental health of female soccer players
The Kang Institute, announced last week, is committed to researching the major issues affecting women athletes today.
Amazon Prime Video is offering its U.S. subscribers a major upgrade for free
Amazon Prime Video just pulled a noticeable move that could make the streaming platform even more of a worthy contender.
Trump attacks on political opponents spur a surge of threats, NBC News review finds
In recent weeks, nearly two dozen elected officials on both sides of the aisle said they were targeted after getting caught in the president's crosshairs.
Why both parties' health care proposals are failing
NBC News’ Ryan Nobles stopped by “Here’s the Scoop” to talk about why the Republican-controlled Senate voted to reject health care bills offered by each party as the U.S. barrels toward a cliff with steep premium hikes for millions of Americans.
Tunisia sentences opposition leader Abir Moussi to 12 years in jail
Dozens of opposition figures being targeted in nation once seen as beacon for democracy after sparking the Arab Spring.
Business busted for selling hundreds of fake 'luxury' items out of Hamilton, Monroe County
Ivestigators have exposed a fraudulent business for selling hundreds of fake 'luxury' items out of Hamilton, Monroe County
DHS rule could limit international student visas
As immigration advocates warn a proposed rule could dissuade international students from studying in the United States, enrollment has already dropped 17% from last year
Why redistricting fell flat in Indiana: From the Politics Desk
Plus, three questions ahead of our new poll this weekend.
Apple Releases iOS 26.2 With Alarms for Reminders, Lock Screen Changes, Enhanced Safety Alerts and More
Apple today released iOS 26.2, the second major update to the iOS 26 operating system that came out in September, iOS 26.2 comes a little over a month after iOS 26.1 launched. iOS 26.2 is compatible with the iPhone 11 series and later, as well as the second-generation iPhone SE. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
SYSK's 12 Days of Christmas… Toys: How the Nintendo Entertainment System Changed Gaming Forever - Stuff You Should Know
Award of Merit, Sports/Entertainment: New Alamein City Tourist Promenade
Located along the Mediterranean coast, the $36.6-million project transforms the waterfront into a vibrant public promenade.
Senate rejects health care bills as deadline looms
Senate rejects health care bills as deadline looms
3 theories that explain Trump’s collapsing support
How Trump’s winning coalition is unraveling in real time.
Sticker Shock: Obamacare Customers Confront Premium Spikes as Congress Dithers
With subsidies that give consumers extra help paying their health insurance premiums set to expire, lawmakers are again debating the Affordable Care Act. The difference this time: It’s happening in the middle of ACA open enrollment.
TikTok’s mental health ‘rabbit hole’? It’s not in your head.
It’s not just you: Data shows the app’s algorithm makes some topics ‘stickier’ than others
The nation’s cartoonists on the week in politics
Every week political cartoonists throughout the country and across the political spectrum apply their ink-stained skills to capture the foibles, memes, hypocrisies and other head-slapping events in the world of politics. The fruits of these labors are hundreds of cartoons that entertain and enrage readers of all political stripes. Here's an offering of the best of this week's crop, picked fresh off the Toonosphere. Edited by Matt Wuerker.
Jason Buechel, the man who's tasked with energizing Amazon's grocery business
Jason Buechel, a longtime Whole Foods leader with roots in food and tech, is now tasked with unifying Amazon’s sprawling grocery business.
Amazon Game Studios announces two new ‘Tomb Raider’ games coming in 2026 and 2027
Lara Croft returns in a reimagined version of her 1996 debut and an all-new adventure that builds on her iconic legacy, both powered by Unreal Engine 5.
YouTube TV to offer new plans, including Sports package with ESPN
YouTube TV will expand its subscription options in 2026 with more than '10 genre-specific packages' including a Sports Plan with ESPN.
Many Obamacare premiums expected to spike after votes on health care plans fail
The Senate failed to pass two different health care plans, which means premiums will spike for many people who rely on Obamacare. One breast cancer survivor told NBC News she feels caught in the middle of a political fight. NBC News’ Ryan Nobles reports.
US Senate rejects dueling health care bills. How Iowa senators voted:
The US Senate rejected a bill to extend expiring ACA subsidies, leaving little time to stop health care premiums from spiking for Obamacare enrollees.
A controversial Democratic message makes a return: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Trump's political dilemma on the economy.
School of Science welcomed new faculty in 2024
Shaoyun Bai, Abigail Bodner, Jacopo Borga, Linlin Fan, Whitney Henry, Gian Michele Innocenti, Christoph Kehle, Aleksandr Logunov, Lyle Nelson, Sergey Ovchinnikov, and Shu-Heng Shao joined the MIT School of Science in 2024.
DOJ sues Colorado Secretary of State for refusing to release voter information
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold after she refused to provide the agency with voter information. Last week, the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division asked Griswold’s office to provide unredacted voter data, including full names, dates of birth, residential addresses, and driver’s license numbers. Federal authorities […]
Nail tech shares negative impact salon chemicals had on her son’s health
Multiple studies have identified correlations between harsh chemicals used in nail salons and health issues including skin, respiratory, cancer and birth defects. NBC News’ Zinhle Essamuah spoke to a nail salon tech about the health repercussions she faces as a result of her job.
Apple AirTag 2: Four New Features Found in iOS 26 Code
The AirTag 2 will include a handful of new features that will improve tracking capabilities, according to a new report from Macworld. The site says that it was able to access an internal build of iOS 26, which includes references to multiple unreleased products. Here's what's supposedly coming: An improved pairing process, though no details were provided. AirTag pairing is already fairly simple, but there's room for improvement with the naming and emoji selection.
CDC study says Covid shots continue to protect healthy kids from severe illness
Researchers found that Covid vaccines reduced the risk of emergency room and urgent care visits by 56% to 76%. It comes as some federal health officials have sowed doubt in the shots.
Senate rejects ACA funding and a Republican alternative with premiums set to spike
Two bills failed to secure the necessary 60 votes to break a filibuster and advance Thursday. Congress has no deal ahead of a Dec. 31 deadline to avoid premium hikes under Obamacare.
A guide to self-employment tax for small business owners
Self-employment tax isn't an "extra" tax — it's the same payroll tax that was always there, now just fully visible to new small business owners.
Trump administration live updates: U.S. Senate to vote on dueling health care bills; Indiana Senate to consider new maps
The Senate is expected to vote on a GOP health care proposal that aims to put money in health savings accounts, alongside a Democratic bill to extend expiring ACA tax credits.
IRS releases health savings account expansion details under Trump's 'big beautiful bill'
IRS releases health savings account expansion details under President Donald Trump's "big beautiful bill." What it means for ACA health plan enrollees.
U.S. seizes oil tanker amid tensions with Venezuela and health care disagreements plague the GOP: Morning Rundown
Plus, a test of AI-powered children's toys reveals a not so kid-friendly side.
Global Politics Meet the Classroom
Dr. Gabriel de Arruda Castro, a former Brazilian political journalist, joins Cedarville University as assistant professor of international relations, enriching...
Mamdani and top New York rabbis will meet privately, but their core divide remains unresolved
The Friday after Zohran Mamdani won, Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch gave a sermon saying that he believed the incoming New York mayor’s criticisms of Israel aligned with Hamas and that critics of Israel wanted to separate “good Jews” from “bad Jews” in a way that endangers the city’s Jewish community.
The health care affordability wars
The Senate will vote on competing health care bills today, and both Democrats and Republicans claim their plans are the more affordable option for tens of millions of enrollees.
Maker’s Mark nets first sports league sponsorship with Unrivaled
The bourbon brand will have a significant presence around the women's basketball league both on-premise and digitally.
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
Coca-Cola is getting a new CEO. He's a company veteran.
The beverage company's COO, Henrique Braun, will become its next CEO on March 31, 2026, the company said on Wednesday. He will succeed James Quincey.
AppleInsider.com
A new pick-your-package setup is on the way as YouTube TV readies genre-specific plans for early 2026.
YouTube TV Launching Cheaper Sports, News, and Entertainment Bundles in Early 2026
YouTube TV will be updated with more than 10 genre-specific television packages in 2026, YouTube announced today. The upcoming YouTube TV Plans will be more affordable than the current version of YouTube TV, which is priced at $82.99 per month. There will be packages for sports, news, family, entertainment, and more. A YouTube Sports Plan will include top broadcast networks along with all ESPN networks and sports networks like FS1 and NBC Sports networks.
Bargy named 2025 Michigan 4-H Animal Science Youth Sportsperson of the Year - 4-H Animal Science
Antrim County 4-H member Wyatt Bargy wins prestigious sportsmanship award for his involvement in 4-H animal science projects.
Recent trends in commercial health insurance market concentration - Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker
Insurer concentration has increased in the fully insured group health insurance markets while the individual market has grown more competitive, particularly since 2020.
The GOP's health care woes: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Ukraine at a crossroads.
The GOP's health care woes: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Ukraine at a crossroads.
'I love an underdog': Trump-Zohran Mamdani voters are at the center of an unexpected relationship
NBC News exit polling from the November vote found that about 1 in 10 Trump voters who showed up to the polls backed Mamdani.