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Larian CEO Responds to Divinity Gen AI Backlash: 'We Are Neither Releasing a Game With Any AI Components, Nor Are We Looking at Trimming Down Teams to Replace Them With AI'
This morning, the news broke that Larian Studios, developer of Baldur's Gate 3 and the upcoming, just-announced Divinity, is apparently using generative AI behind the scenes. The backlash has been swift, and now Larian founder and game director Swen Vincke is responding to clarify his remarks.
Metro Atlanta health facility owners indicted for stealing over $1.4 million in Medicaid, AG says
"They’re abusing a program that’s meant to care for our most vulnerable Georgian," the attorney general said.
Sabres introduce new general manager to the public
Jarmo Kekäläinen was named as the team’s general manager on Monday and Kevyn Adams was fired.
iPhone 17e and iPhone 18 Pro Modem Specs Leak Online
Internal Apple code suggests the iPhone 17e may ship with Apple's first-generation C1-series cellular modem technology while omitting Apple's N1 wireless chip, and it indicates Apple is still deciding between the C1X and C2 for the iPhone 18 Pro. The details come from internal kernel debug kit files derived from an Apple prototype device running an early build of what became iOS 26. The considerable leak has revealed specific details about dozens of upcoming Apple devices.
Larian want to complete Divinity in "three to four years", and they're making limited use of generative AI
Larian are hoping to get their latest Divinity RPG out a lot faster than Baldur's Gate 3, care of a larger development team.
Larian is using generative AI, confirms CEO, but Divinity won't contain anything AI-generated
Larian is using generative AI as part of its game development process, but the studio's new Divinity game won't include anything AI-generated.
Adobe Firefly now supports prompt-based video editing, adds more third-party models
Adobe is updating its AI video-generation app, Firefly, with a new video editor that supports precise prompt-based edits, as well as adding new third-party models for image and video generation, including Black Forest Labs' FLUX.2 and Topaz Astra.
RSM US Middle Market Business Index Improves on Rising Revenues and Earnings
The RSM US Middle Market Business Index (MMBI), presented by RSM US LLP ("RSM") in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, rose to 131.5 in the fourth quarter from 123.3 in the prior period on a seasonally adjusted basis. The survey results are supported by rising revenues and earnings and reflect growing optimism among middle market firms, even as attitudes on the general economy remain sour.
Bruins to Host Mental Health Awareness Night, Presented by Mass General Brigham, on Dec. 16
The Boston Bruins will host Mental Health Awareness Night, presented by Mass General Brigham, on Tuesday, December 16, during their home game against the Utah Mammoth at 7 p.m. at TD Garden. During the game, the Bruins will recognize Dr. Rahel Bosson as the Community All-Star. Bosson is a Medical
Letters to the Editor: Readers remember Rob Reiner’s contributions to both Hollywood and politics
'Rob Reiner's work has impacted generations of Americans. The characters, dialogue and visuals he brought to life in film and television are woven throughout our culture,' writes an L.A. Times reader.
Column | More than 100 scientists told me what kids books inspired their careers
Want to inspire the next generation of scientists? Here are the best books recommended by experts in ecology, biology, entomology and other fields.
“The faces of CERN” at the Globe of Science and Innovation
Originally created for the Cité des métiers, the exhibition “The Faces of CERN: People Advancing Science” will be displayed in CERN's Globe of Science and Innovation from December 17, 2025 to March 1, 2026. From 25 to 30 November, CERN was the guest of honour at the Cité des métiers, held at Geneva’s Palexpo. During the fair more than 112,000 visitors had the opportunity to discover the CERN stand and exhibition, talk to those who advance science on a daily basis and explore the world of CERN through a range of immersive activities. Designed by interior design students from IPAC Design Geneva, the exhibition was inspired by the birth of the World Wide Web at CERN. Woven together from reusable ribbons and modular structures, symbolises a living network where ideas, knowledge, and collaboration come together. Come and immerse yourself in this network, where each thread tells a story of curious collaboration and showcases your talents. Free admission | Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
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.
WHO highlights health risks and opportunities in the global waste crisis
A new World Health Organization (WHO) report, Throwing away our health: the impacts of solid waste on human health – evidence, knowledge gaps and health sector responses, warns that poorly managed solid waste is driving a public health crisis and calls for urgent action to protect people and the environments they live in.Globally, the volume of municipal solid waste is growing at an unprecedented rate. Yet, many countries still lack the systems and resources to manage this waste safely. “Solid waste reflects how our societies produce and consume, and how we treat people and the environment in the process,” said Dr Ruediger Krech, Director a.i., Department of Environment, Climate Change, One Health & Migration at the World Health Organization. “If we continue to treat waste as an afterthought, we will lock in avoidable disease, climate pollution and deep social inequities. This report is a clear call to put health and equity at the centre of how we design, manage and ultimately reduce waste.”The report summarizes evidence on how solid waste – especially municipal solid waste – affects health through polluted air, water, soil and food. When waste is not collected, or is dumped, burned or not poorly treated, it can release hazardous chemicals, contaminate drinking-water sources and create breeding grounds for insects and rodents.Communities underserved by waste management services, those living near dumpsites and poorly managed landfills and incinerators, children and pregnant women, as well as waste workers – particularly those working informally – face the greatest risks. For the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) community, the report underlines that safe management of municipal and health care waste is integral to safely managed, climate-resilient systems.A large share of municipal solid waste is still not collected or is disposed of in uncontrolled conditions, including open dumpsites and open burning. These practices damage ecosystems, contribute to climate change and undermine efforts to build healthy cities. When waste is properly managed, however, it can become a resource – generating energy and creating green jobs. The report calls for a coordinated, multisectoral response grounded in the waste hierarchy: preventing waste where possible, then reducing, reusing and recycling, with safe recovery and disposal.Key actions for governments and partners include reducing waste generation at source; expanding affordable and reliable waste collection services, especially in underserved communities; improving control at recovery and disposal facilities; and eliminating open dumping and burning, including hazardous waste. The new report identifies a central role for the health sector in addressing solid waste as a public health threat. The health sector can prevent and minimize health-care waste at source, improve segregation and safe treatment, invest in cleaner climate-resilient technologies, and advocate for health-protective policies and standards. The report also encourages more surveillance, research and biomonitoring to strengthen the evidence base, and promotes social protection and inclusion of informal waste workers.“This report gives countries and health authorities a very practical agenda,” said Mr Bruce Gordon, Head, Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health Unit, WHO. “Health ministries can start now by ensuring safe management of health-care waste, developing strong occupational health programmes for waste workers, and working with municipalities to reduce health risks from solid waste by closing open dumps and burn sites and gradually improving towards safe services. These concrete steps save lives today and will make cities cleaner and healthier in the future.
World leaders adopt a historic global declaration on noncommunicable diseases and mental health
Leaders from across the world at the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have adopted the political declaration to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges through a fully integrated approach. This is the outcome of the intergovernmental negotiations in advance of and considered by the fourth high-level meeting of the UNGA on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, held on 25 September 2025.
Money lessons from generational family businesses
We spoke with three families who told us what it really takes to inherit and keep a family business alive for generations.
Apple Seeds First Betas of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to Developers
Apple today seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming just a few days after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.
Three international companies get tax incentives for jobs in central Ohio
The Ohio Tax Credit Authority projects may result in more than $148 million in new payroll and generate over $1.1 billion in Ohio investments.
GM Revamps In-Car Entertainment, Adds Apple Music Directly to Cadillac and Chevrolet
General Motors ($GM) is taking a major step to modernize its in-car entertainment experience. The company is rolling out a built-in Apple ($AAPL) Music app to selec...
Penn State Health Lancaster, Milton S. Hershey medical centers earn 2025 Leapfrog Top Hospital Awards for outstanding quality, safety
The Leapfrog Group has named Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center a Top Teaching Hospital and Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center a Top General Hospital for 2025.
Sports generate up to $280 million in local economic activity for Colorado Springs, study finds
The inaugural Pikes Peak Sports Economy Report was released this month.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 Receives Surprise Free Upgrade For Xbox Series X|S
"Now available on the latest generation of consoles!"
Dominic Thiem takes to the court and slopes in exhibition in Austria
AI in entertainment: The real revolution is operational
Discussions about AI in the entertainment industry often conjure images of algorithm-generated scripts and digitally ... Read More
MedX Health 2025 YEAR REVIEW
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, December 15, 2025--MedX Health Corp. (TSXV: MDX) ("MedX" or the "Company") is a data-driven health analytics business underpinned by proprietary intellectual property and regulated medical technologies. MedX’s platform generates and analyses high-fidelity skin health data using patented imaging, Teledermatology, and Photobiomodulation systems, creating a growing, defensible data asset and IP moat. MedX operates as an ISO 13485–certified medical device manufacturer and maint
The OpenFold Consortium Names Dr. Jan Domanski as Senior Science Lead to Drive the Next Generation of Open Source AI Models for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery
DAVIS, Calif., December 15, 2025--Dr. Domanski embodies the spirit of OpenFold: a deep scientific understanding of proteins with engineering expertise and a builder’s mindset
Tencent Music Entertainment Group's (NYSE:TME) largest shareholders are public companies with 61% ownership, institutions own 28%
Key Insights Significant control over Tencent Music Entertainment Group by public companies implies that the general...
Adelanto City Council’s gift makes science camp possible for local kids
Students at Gus Franklin Jr. Elementary School will attend science camp thanks to a generous contribution by the Adelanto City Council.
The AI industry wants to turn the routine mammogram into a powerful multitool
A new generation of AI algorithms aim to go beyond detecting cancers to predicting risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Vote for Week 2 Delaware HS Athlete of the Week, presented by Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists
Voting is free on Delaware Online. The winner will be announced on Dec. 19.
Rob Reiner's life in photos
Rob Reiner, one of the preeminent filmmakers of his generation who directed movies such as “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally …” and “This Is Spinal Tap,” died Sunday
Japan’s retreat from global health funding hands China diplomatic opening
Tokyo’s over 52 per cent funding cut to a global body fighting Aids and malaria risks damaging its hard-won reputation as a ‘peace nation’.
WHO launches call for high-level experts to join the Science Council
The World Health Organization (WHO) is today soliciting the interest of internationally-renowned experts to serve on its Science Council, one of the Organization’s highest-level advisory bodies to the WHO Director-General.
Witness describes Hannukah massacre in Australia: ‘It was absolute terror’
Christmas movies are big business. Connecticut is using the boom to drive tourism and convince people to live in the state
The holiday movie industry, estimated to generate hundreds of millions of dollars a year, has expanded beyond Hallmark and Lifetime.
Ben Gibson reappointed General Counsel of Republican National Lawyers Association
Gibson was one of Florida’s electors in the presidential election for 2024 in the Electoral Collage.
Scientists finally sequence the vampire squid's huge genome, revealing secrets of the 'living fossil'
The genetic link between squids and octopuses may just be found in the vampire squid genome.
The day the creator of Tetris met the inventor of the Rubik’s Cube: ‘We have to look for entertainment that challenges us’
Alexey Pajitnov and Ernő Rubik had a conversation with EL PAÍS in Spain, where the video game designer received an honorary award
‘We are dying’: Cuba sinks into a health crisis amid medicine shortages and misdiagnosis
Hospitals are overwhelmed and fatalities are soaring. The island is suffering from combined viruses that include dengue, chikungunya, Oropouche and other respiratory diseases
Kindle’s New AI Feature Can Answer Questions About Your Books (Whether Authors Want It or Not)
The Kindle app's new feature will provide AI-generated tips to explain your book's plot or how the characters relate to one another, though it's currently only available on the iOS version.
Democrat likens Trump’s economic messaging to famous Ron Burgundy moment
2025 Was The Year True Crime Entertainment Went Too Far
Netflix's 2025 true crime documentary The Perfect Neighbor raises serious ethical questions and concerns when it comes to true crime media in general.
Black-owned businesses highlighted in holiday market
G.I.F.T. stands for Generating Income for Tomorrow's Goal. The organization provides grants to Black-owned businesses in Kansas City with a specific interest in those operating in low-income areas.
YouTube TV offering subscribers generous gift this holiday season: Here’s what we know
YouTube TV subscribers, a post-Christmas gift is headed your way.
The next generation of heirs is rewiring family offices — and triggering a talent war
Wealthy heirs are reshaping family offices around impact and innovation, but the talent to run them is scarce, a new IMD report says.
College Football Playoff betting line movement, including Alabama at Oklahoma
SportsLine college football expert Gene Menez tracks the biggest point spread moves for the College Football Playoff
How Bayer transforms Pharma R&D with a cloud-based data science ecosystem using Amazon SageMaker
In this post, we discuss how Bayer AG used the next generation of Amazon SageMaker to build a cloud-based Pharma R&D Data Science Ecosystem (DSE) that unified data ingestion, storage, analytics, and AI/ML workflows.
Amazon pulls its bad AI video recaps after Fallout fallout
Amazon removed AI-generated video recaps it was testing in Prime Video after viewers noticed errors.
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
Democratic states sue Trump administration over new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas
A coalition of blue states is suing the Trump administration over its fee of $100,000 for H-1B Visas, several Democratic attorneys general announced on Friday.
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.
NASA’s Webb, Curiosity Named in TIME’s Best Inventions Hall of Fame
Two icons of discovery, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and NASA’s Curiosity rover, have earned places in TIME’s “Best Inventions Hall of Fame,” which
Former UNC Health Rex nurse faces more charges after 3rd sexual assault victim comes forward
Brayan Alvarez Ortiz's next court appearance is Monday.
NSF announces new initiative to launch and scale a new generation of transformative independent research organizations to advance breakthrough science
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) on Friday announced the launch of a new initiative designed to launch and scale a new generation…
Who Really Won 2025? The Top-Earning Black Women In Entertainment This Year
From billion-dollar empires to history-making tours, these are the Black women who generated the biggest earnings in entertainment this year.
December 12, 2025
Over the past century, most cancer research has focused on the tumor itself. Rakesh Jain focused on the tumor’s environment instead. Plus, a glacier’s edge can be a dangerous place to do research. One team is using robots and sound samples to monitor the melting ice. And, when cases of plague pop up in the US, it can feel straight up medieval. It’s treatable, but how and why does it persist?
Steve Moore on redistricting: ‘Politicians shouldn’t choose voters, voters should choose politicans.’
Control Resonant steps into a larger world that's inspired by Neon Genesis Evangelion
Just ahead of the reveal at The Game Awards, we got an early look at Control: Resonant, the next game in the Remedy Connected Universe.
Sugar23 Reorganizes Amid Evolution Into Next-Generation Branded Entertainment Studio, Six Managers Expected To Depart
Sugar23 has announced a comprehensive reorg amid its transition into a next-gen branded entertainment studio.
Amendment 29: F.6 Science Activation Final Text and Due Date.
The Science Mission Directorate Science Activation Program encourages all people to actively participate in science through activities and resources developed
Justice Department fails to reindict Letitia James for a second time
A grand jury, for a second time, declined to bring a new indictment against Letitia James, the New York attorney general who defeated President Donald Trump and his company in court, according to multiple sources.
Amazon's Official 'Fallout' Season 1 Recap Is AI Garbage Filled With Mistakes
Prime Video's latest needle-poke into generative AI's bubble comes on the heels of its anime dubbing debacle.
Disney CEO Bob Iger Says OpenAI Deal Gives Entertainment Giant 'A Way In' to AI
The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI announced a deal Thursday that will make Disney characters available through the ChatGPT maker's image and video generation tools, and see Disney invest $1 billion in OpenAI.
Texas Files Antitrust Suit Against Epic Systems Over Health Data
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Epic Systems Corp. for antitrust violations, accusing the healthcare software company of leveraging its control over patient medical records to maintain dominance in the market.
iOS 26.2 Coming Soon With These 8 New Features on Your iPhone
Apple seeded the second iOS 26.2 Release Candidate to developers earlier this week, meaning the update will be released to the general public very soon. Apple confirmed iOS 26.2 would be released in December, but it did not provide a specific date. We expect the update to be released by early next week. iOS 26.2 includes a handful of new features and changes on the iPhone, such as a new Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more.
Inside Iowa Politics: Why Iowa farmer wanted to sit next to President Trump
Cordt Holub, a fourth generation Iowa farmer, wanted to join President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. to share his experiences.
In search for autism's causes, look at genes, not vaccines, researchers say
After more than 50 years of research, scientists still don't know exactly what causes autism. But the data make clear that genetics are an essential piece of the puzzle.
Lehigh Sports Central: Women's Wrestling
On the latest episode of Lehigh Sports Central, hear from Lehigh Women's Wrestling head coach Brazel Marquez and first year Genevieve An as they discuss the ...
Turning Passion Into Purpose Through Science and Resilience
A first-generation college student and parent, Tearica Moore is graduating Saturday with a bachelor's degree in biology.
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
Buffalo Bills fan survey: Week 15
Do the Buffalo Bills have what it takes to defeat the New England Patriots in Week 15, and the AFC in general, later on?
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...
UT Southwestern biochemist to receive O’Donnell Award from TAMEST
Yunsun Nam, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at UT Southwestern Medical Center, will receive the 2026 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Biological Sciences from the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science & Technology (TAMEST) for her research into how RNAs and proteins interact at the molecular level. Her work has shed light on gene regulation, cancer biology, and RNA-based therapeutics.
McDonald's AI Christmas ad controversy explained: How the fast food chain has responded to the backlash
McDonald's is under fire for releasing an AI-generated Christmas ad. Here's everything to know about the controversy, and how the fast food chain responded to the criticism.
iPad 12 Rumored to Get iPhone 17's A19 Chip, Breaking Apple Tradition
The next-generation low-cost iPad will use Apple's A19 chip, according to a report from Macworld. Macworld claims to have seen an "internal Apple code document" with information about the 2026 iPad lineup. Prior documentation discovered by MacRumors suggested that the iPad 12 would be equipped with an A18 chip, not an A19 chip. The A19 chip was just released this year in the iPhone 17, and it would be unusual for Apple to use a current-generation chip in the low-cost iPad due to cost.
Paxton cites fraud in trans health care lawsuits against Dallas doctors
The Texas attorney general adds health care fraud claims to lawsuits against Dallas doctors who allegedly provided gender-affirming care to minors.
I lived in Europe for almost a decade. Here are the 6 cities you should visit during the holiday season.
When I lived in Europe, I visited a variety of Christmas markets. I enjoyed the scenery, food, and trinkets at markets in Vienna, Geneva, and Bruges.
AMD FSR 4 Redstone Review
AMD's FSR Redstone is finally here—and it's more than just another FSR update. With ML-powered frame generation that can match (and sometimes beat) DLSS, smarter ray tracing cleanup, and excellent driver-level support, Redstone turns FSR into a competitive performance solution.
Scientists uncover the hidden survival trick that lets cancer bounce back
Scientists discovered that certain cancer cells use a low-level activation of a DNA-dismantling enzyme—normally seen in cell death—to survive treatment. Instead of dying, these “persister cells” leverage this sublethal signal to regrow. Because the mechanism is non-genetic, it appears much earlier than typical resistance mutations. Targeting this enzyme could help stop tumors from returning.
(BPRW) USHER and Big Sean Announce $1 Million Entertainment Incubator to Power the Next Generation of Creators with Generous Support from Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Emory University Goizueta Business School | Black PR Wire, Inc.
(Black PR Wire) DETROIT, MI — Global entertainment icons and Boys & Girls Clubs alumni USHER and Big Sean have announced a landmark $1 million investment in Detroit youth with the creation of the Detroit Entertainment In...
Scientists Thought Parkinson’s Was in Our Genes. It Might Be in the Water
New ideas about chronic illness could revolutionize treatment, if we take the research seriously.
Investment Firm APEX Is Raising $350 Million To Target European Sports Assets
Large private equity funds have mostly scorned the continent’s smaller teams and leagues, but CEO António Caçorino thinks he can generate outsize returns with deals from $15 million to $50 million.
Escalona wins Miami District 3 runoff, upending Carollo political dynasty
Rolando Escalona, general manager of Brickell’s Sexy Fish restaurant, has defeated Frank Carollo, a veteran city commissioner.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition Out Now on Nintendo Switch 2
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition is available now on Nintendo Switch 2, bringing the epic adventure to the next generation of portable systems with new technical enhancements!
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.
Massachusetts seeks to block Kalshi from operating sports-prediction market
Massachusetts' attorney general will ask a judge on Tuesday to block prediction-market operator Kalshi from letting state residents bet on sports through its online platform, arguing that the company is running an unlicensed gambling enterprise.
Future plans for the Science Center | FOX 13 Tampa Bay
FOX 13's Genevieve Curtis shares what the future plans are for the St. Pete Science Center.
HBO Won’t Have To Do “Gymnastics” To Make Itself A General Entertainment Brand Under Netflix Ownership
Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters were talking about buying Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming and studio operations.
THE WEEK OF DEC 8, 2025
- NDAA text released - S&T nominees face vote - Genesis Mission to get hearing
Kiss frontman Gene Simmons prepares to rock Capitol Hill as conservatives rally behind radio royalty reform
Conservative groups rally behind American Music Fairness Act as rock legend Gene Simmons prepares to testify before Senate on radio royalties for recording artists.
Uber is turning trip and takeout data into insights for marketers
Uber has said its ad business is on track to generate $1.5 billion in revenue in 2025. It's hoping a new insights platform will encourage more spend.
Viewpoint: Follow the science? In this era of hyper-partisanship, Republicans and Democrats follow different paths
e’re often told to “follow the science” — a comforting phrase that suggests clarity, objectivity, and consensus. But in today’s hyperpolarized world, even
How we’re supporting the next generation of innovators
An overview of Google’s latest funding announcement for computer science education and the newest AI Quest.
An 88-year-old worked 5 days a week at a supermarket. Then strangers raised almost $2 million so he could finally retire.
The internet rallied behind 88-year-old Ed Bambas, who has been working at a supermarket after losing his pension from General Motors.