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Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. could reshape entertainment industry
Netflix is making one of the biggest moves in entertainment history. On Dec. 5, the company announced plans to acquire the film and television businesses of Warner Brothers Discovery in a deal valued at roughly $72 billion in equity. If approved, the acquisition would bring together two of the most powerful forces in modern entertainment....
Future of federal support for Va. minority-, women-owned businesses in transportation in question
Business owners in Virginia, Illinois and Arkansas say the program has offered systemic corrections, created jobs, and built a workforce pipeline, but fear all of it is at risk with the pending federal changes.
Sudanese bloc declares Nairobi roadmap, but is it a civilian breakthrough?
The new bloc's roadmap echoes the Quad plan, but observers say this only splinters civilian forces in Sudan.
Scott’s Addition parking enforcement changes spark mixed reactions from residents, business owners
New parking enforcement measures will begin Jan. 5 in Scott's Addition, with timed-parking zones in high-demand commercial corridors while residential blocks maintain free parking. Residents and business owners expressed mixed reactions, with many worried the changes will make parking more difficult for people visiting breweries and restaurants.
Football gossip: Strand Larsen, Isak, Fullkrug, Karetsas, Bouaddi, Jacquet, Wolfe
West Ham express interest in Jorgen Strand Larsen, Alexander Isak's injury could force Liverpool to buy Antoine Semenyo, Aston Villa join race to sign David Moller Wolfe, plus more.
Alexander Isak: Liverpool fear 'significant' lower leg injury for striker
Liverpool fear Alexander Isak has sustained a significant lower leg injury after the striker was forced off against Tottenham on Saturday.
Fearing ICE, California’s Immigrant Seniors Retreat From Social and Health Services
Experts in the Bay Area and Los Angeles report that older patients and social service clients are staying home to avoid rampant immigration enforcement.
Strengthening U.S.-Nigerian Health Cooperation under the America First Global Health Strategy - U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria
Strengthening U.S.-Nigerian Health Cooperation under the America First Global Health Strategy The United States signed a five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Republic of Nigeria December 19 to advance the America First Global Health Strategy, supporting resilient, self-reliant, and durable health systems while promoting accountability and shared responsibility. Under the five-year MOU, the United States intends to commit nearly $2.1 billion in health assistance, with nearly $3.0 billion in new domestic health expenditures by the Government of Nigeria over the same five-year period. This represents the largest co-investment any country has made to date under the America First Global Health Strategy and underscore Nigeria’s commitment to greater national ownership of its health system. Under the MOU, the United States will continue to support surveillance and outbreak response, laboratory systems, health commodities; frontline healthcare workers, and data systems. Nigeria faces significant health challenges, including one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates globally and approximately30 percent of the global malaria burden. U.S. assistance under the MOU will expand access to affordable, preventive and curative services for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, polio, and maternal and child health, strengthening health outcomes across Nigeria. The MOU places a strong emphasis on Christian faith-based healthcare providers, recognizing their indispensable role in delivering care to communities in need. Nigeria’s more than 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals serve more than 30 percent of the country’s 230 million people, often in areas where healthcare facilities are limited or absent. The MOU provides approximately $200 million in dedicated support to strengthen and support these Christian facilities, enhance workforce capacity, and expand access to integrated HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal child health services. Investments in Christian faith-based health institutions are uniquely positioned to complement public-sector facilities and reinforce Nigeria’s overall health infrastructure. The MOU was negotiated in connection with reforms undertaken by the Government of Nigeria to prioritize the protection of Christian populations from extremist violence. As with all U.S. foreign assistance, the President and Secretary of State retain the right to pause or terminate programs that do not align with U.S. national interests, and the United States expects Nigeria to continue making measurable progress in combating religiously motivated violence against Christian communities. This five-year MOU is the latest of several health cooperation MOUs signed in Africa this month. The United States will continue to sign multi-year Bilateral Agreements on Global Health Cooperation with countries receiving U.S. health assistance to advance the America First Global Health Strategy.
User accidentally buys GeForce RTX 3080 Ti 20GB engineering samples
GeForce RTX 3080 Ti 20GB engineering sample shows up on Reddit, needs patched drivers to work A Redditor "Tommyjones91" says he bought what looked like
Santander entertainment facilities earn national recognition [Spotlight]
Santander Arena and Santander Performing Arts Center continue to reinforce their status as leading entertainment destinations in eastern Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania's role in ACA subsidies debate crystalized health care as a dominating political force in 2026 midterms
WASHINGTON — Lynn Weidner, a 42-year-old home care worker from Allentown, had already spent much of this year frustrated with her congressman...
Pennsylvania's role in ACA subsidies debate crystalized health care as a dominating political force in 2026 midterms
WASHINGTON — Lynn Weidner, a 42-year-old home care worker from Allentown, had already spent much of this year frustrated with her congressman...
Mesa 26.0 NVK Driver Lands Improvement For NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20 "Turing" GPUs
In addition to the open-source NVIDIA 'NVK' Vulkan driver in Mesa merging compression support for big performance wins, another performance optimization was merged earlier in the week that stand to benefit GeForce RTX 20 'Turing' graphics processors.
Bulgarian Chicago business owner dies in ICE custody, sparking calls for 'immediate investigation'
A Bulgarian man from Chicago arrested during an immigration enforcement 'blitz' has died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a Michigan private prison, the ABC7 I-Team has learned.
Rob Reiner Was More Than a Hollywood Legend. He Helped Shape California Politics
Rob Reiner may be best known for his Hollywood films, but he was also a Democratic political force in California.
Trump says he will haul in 'rich' health insurance CEOs to force them...
Impact on global mental health care delivery and research
According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 billion people worldwide live with a mental health condition, yet most do not receive adequate care. Persistent barriers such as underfunding, workforce…
Some Republicans defied Mike Johnson on Obamacare subsidies. How will he respond?
WASHINGTON — House Speaker Mike Johnson’s usual calm expression hardened last week after learning that a handful of Republicans had joined a Democratic effort to force a vote on extending
Water Droplet Science
NASA astronaut Don Pettit demonstrates electrostatic forces using charged water droplets and a knitting needle made of Teflon. This series of overlapping
Opinion: Chicago's civic power players must act now on Latino representation
In a city where Latinos, especially Mexicans, are essential to economic growth and workforce strength, their lack of representation on key leadership platforms is notable.
USA Ultimate and 2-4-1 Sports Join Forces to Bring Ultimate to Youth Nationwide
Colorado Springs, Colo. and Hartford, Conn. (December 19, 2025) — USA Ultimate, the national governing body for the sport of ultimate in the United States,
Disney Inches Closer to 3D-Printed Attractions With a Jungle Cruise Polymer Prop Canoe
3D-printed boats? Anything is possible when Disney's Imagineers combine forces with new tech companies.
These Are The Best Fictional Spaceships, According To Astronauts
Are we boldly going with the force, or what? Shiny.
Defensive injuries force Patriots to adapt ahead of Ravens game
The Patriots had four starters missing from practice on Thursday.
4 Takeaways From the Seahawks' Win Over the Rams
Trailing by 16 points in the fourth quarter, the Seattle Seahawks rallied to force overtime, with Sam Darnold finding tight end Eric Saubert for a two-point conversion and a 38-37 victory over the visiting Seattle Seahawks on a wet night at Lumen Field on Thursday.
TikTok owner agrees to sell US business
The deal would end years of efforts by Washington to force ByteDance to sell its US operations.
TikTok reaches deal with investors on its US business
The deal comes more than a year after Congress passed a law that forced the Chinese company to divest its US operations or face a ban.
Cornerstone University Launches Two In-Demand Business Degrees Through SOAR™
Cornerstone University launches two SOAR™ business degrees with flexible learning and 50% less tuition to help adults and employers grow workforce-ready talent.
In a first, a US Navy warship in the Middle East just launched a one-way attack drone
A top US commander called the launch a "significant milestone" in delivering cheap drones to American forces.
Four GOP lawmakers break with leadership, force vote on ACA subsidy extension
Drama unfolded on Capitol Hill Wednesday
Republicans defy House leadership to force vote on healthcare subsidies
Democrats push vote on extension of healthcare subsidies that millions of people rely on for coverage.
A moderate mutiny adds to the GOP’s Obamacare woes
By now, it’s become conventional wisdom about Congress: “Moderates always cave.” The more extreme elements sometimes force leadership’s hand, but those near the political center have a tendency to lose their nerve.
Judge blocks ICE policy restricting congressional oversight visits
A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked US Immigration and Customs Enforcement from enforcing new rules limiting congressional oversight visits, finding that Democratic lawmakers are likely to succeed in their claim that the policy violates federal law governing congressional access to detention facilities.
Retired cop jailed for 37 days over Charlie Kirk meme sues, saying his First Amendment rights were violated
A retired Tennessee law enforcement officer was held in jail for more than a month this fall after police arrested him because of a Facebook post of a meme related to the September assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Congress Might Vote on Health Care Subsidies, But First: Vacation
In a rebuke to House Speaker Mike Johnson, four Republicans broke ranks to force a floor vote. Next year.
GenAI users Larian forced to build Divinity around RAM shortage caused by GenAI
Larian's new Divinity game is having to be made with the current RAM storage in mind - a shortage caused by generative AI tools like the ones Larian employ.
Moderate Republicans force House vote on expiring healthcare subsidies
The vote is a last-ditch effort by some Republicans to show support for extending healthcare subsidies in some form.
Republicans Clinch Democrats’ Bid to Force Vote on ACA Subsidies
After the speaker denied them a vote on extending the subsidies, four Republicans from competitive districts joined Democrats’ bid to go around G.O.P. leaders and force action.
Republicans defy Speaker Mike Johnson to force House vote on extending ACA subsidies
Four centrist Republicans have broken with their party's leadership over health care.
In leadership-defying move, Republican backs Democratic push to extend key Obamacare subsidies
GOP centrist Brian Fitzpatrick dramatically stepped up his public battle against Republican leadership this morning as he signed onto a Democratic effort to force a vote on extending soon-to-expire enhanced Obamacare subsidies.
Centrist Republicans revolt, signing a petition to force a vote on Obamacare funding
The Affordable Care Act subsidies are still expected to expire at the end of this year, however, raising insurance premiums for millions of Americans.
Blog emphasizes importance of self-care for health care workers
As part of the AHA’s stress and coping resources, Zelia Baugh, JPS Health Network senior vice president of behavioral health, and April Jastrzab, JPS behavioral health director, write about how self-care is vital to the health care workforce, especially during the holiday season.
Congress live updates as GOP lawmakers join Democrats to force vote on extending health care subsidies
Inside GM’s $242M push to rebuild America’s skilled trades workforce
General Motors is investing $242 million in a skilled trades apprenticeship program, training 600 new journeypersons yearly through hands-on experience.
State-County Mental Health Talks Blow Past Deadlines
“Let’s be real. If all we are doing is restoring somebody—which, to be blunt, is forced medication and flash cards on basic court procedures like ‘Who is a judge?’ ‘What does your lawyer do?’—it is not treatment.”
NVIDIA Plans to Reduce RTX 50 Production by Up to 40% in Early 2026
Reports from Asian supply chain sources suggest that NVIDIA might cut back on making GeForce RTX 50 series GPUs in the first six months of 2026, Videocardz reports. According to Board Channels, overall supply during H1 2026 could be down by roughly 30-40% compared to the same period in 2025, althoug...
Nvidia plans heavy cuts to GPU supply in early 2026
Nvidia reportedly plans to axe as much as 40% of its GeForce RTX 50 series GPU production in early 2026. Why? Memory costs...
Musk’s doubts about DOGE spotlight political risks for U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans
Republican U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia Beach is heading into the 2026 election cycle with one of the most precarious political balancing acts in the country, as her strong support for the Department of Government Efficiency collides with new doubts about the program — and the realities of representing a district heavily reliant on federal jobs.The challenge sharpened last week when Elon Musk, the billionaire tech executive who helped architect DOGE, told GOP podcaster Katie Miller that the initiative had been only “somewhat successful” and said bluntly that he would not do it again. In the interview, Musk acknowledged the political and practical blowback from DOGE, which was launched early in President Donald Trump’s second term with the stated goal of slashing government spending and reshaping the federal workforce.
Apparent serial scammer cons Toledo business owner out of a donation to a fake charity event
“Miss Alex” has ripped off multiple businesses this year and is wanted by law enforcement
‘We feel safer at church.’ Latino community works together to provide health care access amid fear, high costs
A recent health fair offering vaccines, physicals and more moved to a different Weld County location due to immigration enforcement fears.
Arizona bill would force businesses to allow people with concealed guns
A new bill filed would force Arizona businesses to let anyone with a concealed weapons permit to bring their guns inside.
Application Security Code and Protecting the Digital Heart of Today’s Business
Creating strong protections requires a mix of testing, monitoring, and policy enforcement.
How a Trump business deal with a crypto firm exposes potential conflicts of interest
Crypto.com was under siege — investigated by President Joe Biden's Democratic administration and told enforcement action was likely. Then Donald Trump won the 2024 election, and the company’s legal peril dissipated.
Space Force Uses Magic: The Gathering-Style Cards To Announce The War Names For Its Satellites
You've really got to see the cards to believe them.
Rob Reiner was more than a Hollywood legend. He helped shape California politics
Rob Reiner may be best known for his Hollywood films, but he was also a Democratic political force in California.
RODENTS GALORE: These 5 Central Florida restaurants shut down over health issues
Another five Central Florida eateries were forced to shut down, and they all reportedly shared one feature in common: rodent droppings.
Task force says SF should cull commission system
Voter-approved body recommends significant reforms.
Will Congressional Inaction Force Farmers to Choose Between Health Insurance and Their Farm Budget?
Farmers likely need to prepare for substantially higher premiums and healthcare costs for 2026, unless Congress acts now to address the problem.
What does losing Harris Democratic Party endorsement mean for John Whitmire?
Harris County Democratic Party officials argue that today’s political climate will force them to be more outspoken in future races — even the nonpartisan ones.
RiverStone Health announces crackdown on kratom sales in Yellowstone County
RiverStone Health announced Monday it will begin enforcement against the sales of kratom in Yellowstone County.
Blindsided: Iconic Gainesville businesses included in 49 ADA lawsuits
Owners forced to settle or spend after dozens of mirror suits.
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.
White House launches 2-year 'Tech Force' hiring for roughly 1,000 jobs that will pay $130,000 to $195,000
US Tech Force employees will have recruitment opportunities with a host of private companies ranging from Meta and Google to Apple and Nvidia.
A JetBlue jet had a near-miss with an Air Force plane close to Venezuela. Cockpit audio shows how it happened.
A JetBlue flight was ascending out of Curaçao, near Venezuela, when the pilot spotted an Air Force plane. "It's outrageous," he told ATC.
ASUS launches GeForce RTX 5060 DUAL Evo series, slimmer design and shorter PCIe interface
ASUS quietly lists Dual GeForce RTX 5060 EVO and RTX 5060 Ti EVO models ASUS has added new Dual GeForce RTX 5060 EVO and Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti EVO
Apple and Google forced into emergency patching 0-day
: Both admit attackers were already exploiting the bugs, with scant detail and hints of spyware-grade abuse
Trump is taking on America's college debate
Trump is expanding short-term credential programs through the Workforce Pell grant, while the debate over the value of a college degree continues.
To control costs, State Health Plan leaders look to invest in members’ health
As NC Treasurer Brad Briner trims a massive budget deficit, he says part of the puzzle will be addressing the health of the workforce.
Rob Reiner used his fame to advocate for progressive causes. 'Just a really special man. A terrible day'
The Hollywood director known for 'Stand by Me' and 'When Harry Met Sally' was also a political force and an outspoken voice for same-sex marriage and early childhood education.
Homicide detectives investigating at address connected with Hollywood director Rob Reiner
Homicide detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department are on scene and conducting an investigation at an address associated with Hollywood director Rob Reiner, a law enforcement source tells CNN.
Dell and Lenovo may limit mid-range laptops to 8GB DDR5 RAM in response to rising memory prices
With DDR5 RAM prices skyrocketing, some mid-range laptops could soon ship with budget-level specs. TrendForce expects companies like Dell and Lenovo to stock more notebooks with 8GB of memory. These reasonably priced options may no longer handle intense office and gaming tasks.
America Needs a Tech Skeptic in the 2028 Race
A long-shot 2028 run by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox could force tech and social media into the center of the presidential debate.
ASUS claims No. 1 OLED monitor market share at 21.9%, citing TrendForce
ASUS surpasses samsung to take top OLED monitor share in Q3 2025 ASUS says it has reached the No. 1 position in global OLED monitor market share after a
ICE arrests employee of a Brooklyn Park business
An employee at Crumbs and Coffee was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Brooklyn Park Friday.
Universal Health Services (UHS): Reassessing Valuation After Strong Q3 Earnings Beat and Revenue Growth
Q3 earnings power recent move in UHS shares Universal Health Services (UHS) recently delivered an upbeat Q3 earnings report, with revenue jumping about 13% year on year and topping expectations. This reinforced confidence in its operations during a tough backdrop for hospital operators. See our latest analysis for Universal Health Services. The strong Q3 print has helped Universal Health Services hold on to a solid uptrend, with the 90 day share price return of 16.1% and one year total...
Who is Al Carns? Former Marine and Labour minister with sights on leadership
Ex-special forces colonel, who is sounding alarm on Russia, has risen swiftly to role of armed forces minister
Andrew DiCuirci
Andrew DiCuirci is continuing a proud family tradition, earning his degree and commissioning to the Air Force with family by his side.
The Trump Effect: How One Man’s Politics Rewired Europe
From defense to trade to climate policy, Trump’s second term has shaken Europe’s foundations and forced leaders across the continent to adapt to a new transatlantic reality.
BIA Business Perspective: Connecting political and business leaders creates solutions
At the BIA’s 11th annual Leadership Summit this week a consistent theme arose: access to talent and available workforce is critical for New Hampshire’s economic future.
Amazon Pulls AI Recap Video After 'Fallout' Mess
Amazon is being forced to repeatedly learn a lesson: use AI slop, and get people yelling at you until you don't.
Space Force officials fear program delays from small business fund fight
The Space Rapid Capabilities Office already is seeing an impact from the congressional impasse on reauthorizing Pentagon use of Small Business Innovation Program grants, Director Kelly Hammett said.
Doctors: Florida plan to repeal vaccine rules a 'direct threat' to health
Florida’s medical community came out in force on Friday at a Department of Health workshop in Panama City on vaccine requirements in Florida.
Stock ban fight, Memphis task force and TN governor race endorsement
The week in politics: A showdown over a proposed stock ban; Memphis Safe Task Force updates and a new governor's race endorsement.
Health Technologies: Where We Are Now and a Look Ahead to 2026
More than ever before, digital solutions are transforming how health care is accessed and delivered. The potential of health technologies to bring about transformative change is especially pronounced in rural areas where health care challenges such as hospital closures and health workforce shortages are acute.
‘Pig butchering’ cryptocurrency scam cheats Minnesota business owner out of $500K
The scam’s target went to law enforcement after being asked for another $240,000, according to a court filing.
Benin settles after failed coup attempt, but regional concerns remain
Loyalist troops aided by Nigeria's air force foiled putsch, but confidence in nation's democratic stability is shaken.
Why Indiana is such a major unforced error for Trump
The Indiana state Senate’s rejection of President Donald Trump’s redistricting push is one of the most significant GOP rebukes of Trump to date, and at a particularly inauspicious time for him.
Distrust of Trump, fear of China propel new political force in Taiwan
The Kuomintang party’s new leader, Cheng Li-wun, is pushing much closer ties with China, reflecting growing fears Washington would not help in a war over Taiwan.
Employers join forces at career fair to boost local business hires post-Helene
Employers gathered at the Valley Hope Church in Swannanoa on Thursday, Dec. 11, to take part in the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber Foundation career fair.
Sherrone Moore fired: Inside the industry reaction after Michigan's move
With most of the carousel settled, Michigan's decision forces a rare late-cycle reset and could reshape the remaining coaching market.
HR's big challenge with AI will force HR people to reinvent themselves
Workers fear AI, so one of HR's biggest challenges is getting workers to trust and adopt it by building credibility and addressing employee concerns.
Republicans struggle to unite on health care as Obamacare subsidies expire
Recent weeks have showcased a free-for-all of competing GOP ideas and reinforced deep partisan divisions over the issue.
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
At the Intersection of Science and Faith: Institute for Water and Health and 12 community leaders unite to protect Brunswick’s waterways
In a remarkable collaboration, residents of Brunswick, Georgia, have joined forces with scientists and faith leaders to address critical water quality issues. Their innovative approach, centered on community involvement, is not only protecting local waterways but also setting a precedent for other cities facing similar challenges.
Virginia City business owners face steep rent increases from state
Virginia City business owners say new state lease agreements increasing rent to 15% of gross revenue could force closures in the historic town.
DealBook Summit: Business Executives Share Tips for Leadership
Executives on a DealBook Summit task force panel said fear was not the way to build teams capable of navigating difficult times.
Downtown St. Louis entertainment district to deploy mounted police force starting next year
Downtown St. Louis entertainment district to deploy mounted police force starting next year
Downtown St. Louis could get a permanent mounted police patrol and more mega-concerts as part of a new entertainment district launching in 2026.
America’s Emotional Divide: Navigating the Powerful Decision-Making Forces Impacting Politics, Policies & Personal Choices Pt. 2
CEO Brent Buchanan, alongside VP Chris Kratzer, unpacks the insights behind his #1 Amazon bestseller in Elections America’s Emotional Divide: Navigating the Powerful Decision-Making Forces Impacting Politics, Policies & Personal Choices.
UAMS to Train 75 Community Health Workers with Support from Arkansas Office of Skills Development
LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation will work with partners to continue building the community health worker (CHW) workforce across the state after receiving $375,000 in support from the Arkansas Office of Skills Development Training Grant Program. The Office of…