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Immigration raids could threaten the rise of youth sports
The Aspen Institute’s National State of Play details how raids of parks where children play as well as rising costs, NIL, AI could reshape landscape.
These Orcas Are on the Brink—And So Is the Science That Could Save Them
Inside the desperate rush to save the southern resident killer whales
Rob Reiner was more than a Hollywood liberal. He was a sophisticated political operator.
Reiner could “code switch from directing actors into political strategy,” one friend recalled.
Pending vote could bring entertainment complex to Albany Mall
A tennis center proposed years ago in Albany is moving closer to reality after a local investor offered to donate property near the Albany Mall for the project.
iOS 26.3 beta arrives launch of new Siri nears
This beta release should bring more polish to iOS 26, but the next release could be a big one.
Chicago small business advocate pushes for less red tape
(The Center Square) – Small Business Advocacy Council President Elliott Richardson prides himself on tirelessly pushing the envelope when it comes to making life more bearable for Chicago small business owners. “Small businesses really could use a point person at City Hall to help them through the process,” Richardson told The Center Square.
OPB’s First Look: Women’s sports could be an economic win for Portland
How the WNBA and NWSL could factor into the city's post-pandemic economy. Here's your First Look at Monday's news.
Oregon’s economy is struggling, but its women’s sports industry could be a lifeline
The state’s economy has yet to recover from the pandemic, but leaders hope the success of women’s sports can help spark economic growth while preserving its grassroots culture.
Dark matter ‘nuggets’ could explain the Milky Way’s mysterious glow
A mysterious excess of far-ultraviolet light seen across the Milky Way could come from the annihilation of clumpy dark matter.
Oregon’s economy is struggling, but its women’s sports industry could be a lifeline
The state’s economy has yet to recover from the pandemic, but leaders hope the success of women’s sports can help spark economic growth while preserving its grassroots culture.
How mammograms could transform to predict the future
And other health news from the Morning Rounds newsletter
Johnson’s health bill hits snag with GOP moderate drama
Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a rebellion among moderates, which could blow up the GOP's proposed Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act.
'Scary' if Foden still to improve
Former England forward Theo Walcott says that if there is "a lot more to come" for Manchester City's Phil Foden then it could be "scary". Boss Pep Guardiola was critical of Foden in his post-match interview with Match of the Day after their 3-0 win over Crystal Palace and Foden agreed with his manager in his own response to the game. "It was constructive criticism I felt," Walcott said.
Quantum science research is full of promises. When will they happen? : Short Wave
This year, quantum science and computing came up a lot. There have been broad claims that quantum science and engineering could one day help cure diseases, design new materials, optimize supply chains -- or help in other ways not yet fathomable. And, while the Trump administration has made strides to cut scientific funding, quantum research is one of two things they’ve pledged to continue investing in – along with artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, scientists have been hard at work, pushing the research to move quantum engineering from sci-fi to real-world usefulness. All of this got science correspondent Katia Riddle wondering: When will all of this effort actually pay off? She talked to a lot of scientists to figure it out -- and to figure out how much scientist really understand about quantum science. She brings everything she learned onto the show today. To hear more Short Wave reporting on quantum clocks, check out this episode: Quantum Mechanics For BeginnersInterested in more quantum science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Brice Turang Could Be .300 Hitter For Brewers Next Season
Milwaukee second baseman has shown marked improvement at plate in his three MLB seasons. Hitting .300 might not be that much out of range for Turang.
AI Is Getting Dangerously Good at Political Persuasion
For a while last year, scientists offered a glimmer of hope that artificial intelligence would make a positive contribution to democracy. They showed that chatbots could address conspiracy theories racing across social media, challenging misinformation around beliefs in issues such as chemtrails and the flat Earth with a stream of reasonable facts in conversation. But two new studies suggest a disturbing flipside: The latest AI models are getting even better at persuading people at the expense o
32 things we learned in NFL Week 15 takeaways: Painful fallout for big injuries
NFL Week 15 featured some painful outcomes for playoff contenders, but injuries to superstars could be even harder to stomach.
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.
Combination pills for high blood pressure may simplify treatment, improve long-term health
Statement Highlights: Single-pill medications that combine two or more blood pressure medications could simplify treatment to help more adults with high blood pressure achieve target blood pressure levels faster and maintain blood pressure goals...
Hassett says Federal Reserve can reject Trump's views if he is chair
A leading candidate to be President Donald Trump’s choice for Federal Reserve chair says he would present the president’s views to Fed officials for their consideration but they could reject them if they chose when making decisions on interest rates
Hassett says Federal Reserve can reject Trump's views if he is chair
A leading candidate to be President Donald Trump’s choice for Federal Reserve chair says he would present the president’s views to Fed officials for their consideration but they could reject them if they chose when making decisions on interest rates.
Cassidy: ‘There is a deal that could be made’ on ACA subsidies by end of year
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) on Sunday expressed cautious optimism about a bipartisan compromise on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies for a select group of Americans before the ta…
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.
‘SNL’ Weekend Update Sends Stern Warning About ‘Stranger Things’ Child Actors
Jane Wickline doesn't think AI will be the end of humanity — but the 'Stranger Things' cast could easily harness their influence.
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.
Browns vs. Bears: Offensive line outlook for week 15
Cleveland could be without four offensive line starters against Chicago.
These moms are thankful for SSRIs during pregnancy. Now the drugs are an FDA flashpoint.
Medical experts are concerned that a panel discussion convened by the Food and Drug Administration could lead to more cases of untreated depression.
Experts urge caution as Trump’s big bill incentivizes AI in healthcare
Analysts say benefits could be felt in under-resourced rural hospitals but warn against AI as a cost-cutting measure
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.
Small Business Technology News This Week: Does Microsoft Have “Shoddy” Products?
Also: Agents are increasingly being used in the enterprise and some think AI could replace seasonal workers.
Toledo could follow other Ohio cities with entertainment fee
In 2011, Kyle Miasek, the finance director for the city of Youngstown, went out on a limb and created an additional tax levied on admission to events at ...
Elon Musk just hit Sam Altman with an $800 billion counterpunch
OpenAI overtook SpaceX as the most valuable private company. SpaceX could soon reclaim the title. It's the latest in the rivalry between Musk and Altman.
What Rams need to keep #1 seed
How the Rams could either stranglehold the 1-seed or nearly fall out of the playoffs entirely
Netflix Is Reinventing Its Business Again. Could the Stock Be Heading Higher?
The streaming wars have escalated as tensions rise in the industry.
Is Fresno on an entertainment hot streak? Here are bands, comedians with new shows
Spring tours are being announced now. Could another big stadium show be coming, too?
LaNorris Sellers nearing return to South Carolina as top QB bypasses transfer portal
The Gamecocks are closing in on a result that could stabilize the program and alter the transfer quarterback market
This Could Be a Huge Catalyst for Nvidia's Business in 2026
Nvidia may finally be able to sell its advanced chips to a huge market: China.
Android 17 could mimic this helpful iOS feature to reduce motion sickness
Android 17 may introduce a new feature called Motion Assist that could help reduce motion sickness in moving vehicles.
Game Preview: San Jose Sharks @ Pittsburgh Penguins 12/13/25
Who: San Jose Sharks (15-14-3, 33 points, 5th place Pacific Division) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (14-8-7, 35 points, 5th place Metropolitan Division) When: 3:00 p.m. ET How to Watch: Broadcast locally on Sportsnet Pittsburgh and NBC Sports California, streaming on ESPN+ Pens’ Path Ahead: The homestand continues Sunday against the Utah Mammoth, followed by what could be a reunion with […]
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.
VA plans to abruptly eliminate tens of thousands of health care jobs
Strains on the system could grow with the elimination of as many as 35,000 mostly unfilled health care positions, including doctors, nurses and support staff.
Starmer to pick new US ambassador as relations with Trump tested
Exclusive: a trio of candidates have been interviewed by the PM, but he could still decide to directly appoint someone else
Report: Lakers' future first-round picks have become less valuable
The Lakers don't have that many attractive trade assets they could use to upgrade their roster in the coming months.
The Birth Keepers: I choose this, episode one
The Free Birth Society was selling pregnant women a simple message: they could exit the medical system and take back their power by free birthing. But Nicole Garrison believes FBS ideology nearly cost her her life
Tom Brady thinks he could pull a Philip Rivers at 48 years old, but he can't because of Raiders co-ownership
House G.O.P. Releases Health Plan That Would Allow Subsidies to End
The legislation, expected to come to a vote next week, would make changes that could eventually affect health care costs but are unlikely to immediately curb rising premiums.
Five Bold Moves for the Astros This Offseason
The MLB offseason is always overflowing with rumors and ideas, major national voices saying where players could sign or who could be traded. It makes for a lot of fun in the winter keeping the hot stove burning. In keeping with this tradition, here are 5 bold moves the Astros could make this offseason that […]
Sources: Big 12 nearing private capital deal that could raise up to $500 million
The Big 12 deal closely follows the finalization of an equity partnership that one of the league’s members, Utah, struck earlier this week.
For Republicans, Trump’s Hands-Off Approach to Health Care Is a Problem
The prospect of soaring health care costs could exacerbate Americans’ feelings about affordability, an issue that President Trump has tried to downplay. But Democrats plan to keep the issue front and center.
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
Trump order blocking state AI laws could slow health AI adoption, leave patients vulnerable
Trump's order to block state AI laws could help the tech industry but hurt health systems looking to adopt AI safely, and leave patients vulnerable.
Liquid Glass-Hating Homies Rejoice: iOS 26.2 Gives You Yet Another Way to Adjust
The update also offers updates to the Music, Podcast and News apps and patches two bugs that could lead to "extremely sophisticated" attacks.
NASA Satellite Images Could Soon Lead to Safer Bridges Worldwide
Researchers are turning to satellite data to monitor the world’s longest bridges. Due to high costs and logistical challenges, fewer than 1 in 5 bridges
Samsung's new camera sensor could make motion blur issues a thing of the past
Samsung is working on a new camera sensor, and once it finds its way into a next-gen Galaxy S-series device,...
Eckerd College marine science professor helps track shifting seaweed that could alter ecosystems in Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea
News | Eckerd College
Illinois cannabis industry poised for major tax relief if Trump reclassifies marijuana
Reclassifying marijuana could save cannabis firms billions in taxes, but it won't solve all the industry's woes, Illinois operators said.
U.S. could owe businesses $168 billion if Supreme Court rules against Trump tariffs, analysis finds
2025 NFL Odds: Back Burrow's Bengals to Win AFC North
Will Hill spells out exactly why — and how — the Bengals could make a miracle end-of-season run and capture the AFC North.
The Search for Life Tops NASA's Science Goals for the First Human Mars Mission
A new report identifies searching for life as the top science priority for humanity's first landing on Mars, ranking it above understanding water cycles, mapping geology, or even studying how the Martian environment affects astronaut health. The report outlines four possible exploration campaigns, with the highest ranked approach calling for missions totalling 330 sols at a single scientifically rich site where crews could investigate everything from ancient lava flows to active dust storms. By placing the search for extraterrestrial life at the centre of human Mars exploration, the report reimagines the first crewed mission not just as a milestone for spaceflight but as humanity's best chance to answer whether we're alone in the universe.
RFK Jr is a danger to public health – but local Maha laws could be a bigger threat
An array of under-the-radar initiatives are taking hold across the US, often tied to immunization, fluoridation and raw milk
Scientists Created Hydrogel ‘Micromachines’ That Could Revolutionize Medicine
The extracellular matrix, a complex 3D structure made of proteins and sugars, is essential for healing wounds and homeostasis.
New 'DNA cassette tape' can store up to 1.5 million times more data than a smartphone — and the data can last 20,000 years if frozen
Scientists have discovered that over half a mile of DNA could hold over 360,000 terabytes of data.
Is a Netflix-Warner Bros. merger bad for the entertainment industry?
The deal could mean Netflix would own valuable DC Comics and HBO assets.
Kirby Air Riders team is disbanding soon, but game could get another balance patch
According to director Masahiro Sakurai, the team behind Kirby Air Riders will be disbanding soon. At this point there largely isn’t a reason to keep everyone together. Development is finished, and as previously announced, the game isn’t getting DLC. However, we’re likely to get one more balance patch. Sakurai shared the following on social media: “As discussed in Air Riders...
Trump calls affordability a "hoax"; Democrats take note
In the first year of his second term, President Donald Trump has focused his attention on foreign policy and made numerous trips abroad – with an eye toward the Nobel Peace Prize. But as he discusses peace deals with foreign leaders, his ratings domestically have fallen. Critics say that he isn’t doing enough to ease American’s economic concerns. So, this week, Trump returned his attention stateside and kicked off his affordability tour in Pennsylvania, while simultaneously branding “affordability” as a democratic “hoax.” Today on the politics roundtable, we discuss why Trump’s tour signals the administration’s concerns about the politics of affordability, and how some Democrats could use this as a way to gain an edge during the 2026 midterms. Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with Dan Merica, the co-anchor of our politics newsletter, The Early Brief, and White House Bureau Chief Matt Viser.
3 key players for Bengals vs. Ravens
Mike Gesicki could be in line for a big game this Sunday.
Timothée Chalamet won’t confirm or deny rumors he’s mysterious British rapper EsDeeKid
Timothée Chalamet is feeding speculation that he could be the anonymous British rapper EsDeeKid.
The OnePlus 15R is about to get a version we didn’t expect
The Electric Purple 15R Ace Edition, previously China-only, could reach global buyers.
Cook County property tax incentives need a refresh: study
A new study could lay the groundwork for big changes to Cook County's incentive programs designed to spur economic development.
Amputees often feel disconnected from their bionic hands. AI could bridge the gap
Sensors and artificial intelligence help a prosthetic hand act more like a natural one, new research shows.
Column | Why Mormonism may have an answer for our toxic politics
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox draws on teachings from his Mormon faith to ‘disagree better.’ Studies show his approach could change public attitudes.
Scientists have been studying the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 e. Could it harbor alien life? : Short Wave
Want to be a top notch candidate for hosting alien life? Then there's a few key requirements you should be aware of: Ideally, you're a large object like a moon or a planet; scientists suspect you also have an atmosphere and water; plus, you should orbit your star from a nice mid-range distance — in the "Goldilocks Zone" of habitability. Until recently, you would be competing against TRAPPIST-1 e. It's a planet outside of our solar system. TRAPPIST-1 e is also only 40 light years away, rocky and the same size as Earth, which prompted researchers to investigate whether it also has an atmosphere — and the potential for alien life. A team of researchers has been investigating TRAPPIST-1 e to learn more about its potential. Their answers, recently published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, say a lot not just about this exoplanet, but about how scientists should refocus their hunt for alien life.Interested in more space science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Metro Atlanta doctor warns health insurance premiums could spike 800%, leaving thousands at risk of losing coverage
A metro Atlanta physician says her monthly insurance bill is set to jump from $100 to $800 — and she fears millions of Americans may soon face the same impossible choice.
Google's new browser experiment turns your open tabs into custom apps
Imagine if Chrome could build the app you need before you think of it.
Riverside outlasts Ascension Catholic and secures second LHSAA state title
Riverside took possession for the final time knowing that it needed only to kneel out the remaining minute and 15 seconds before it could secure a football state championship.
FBI official says antifa is top domestic concern. He couldn’t say why.
Michael Glasheen, operations director of the National Security Branch at the FBI, called antifa the agency’s 'primary concern right now.'
Business owners fear wall could collapse, crush homeless encampment east of L.A.
Business owners in El Sereno, a neighborhood east of downtown Los Angeles, are raising concerns about a cement block wall along an alley, saying it could collapse and cause serious injuries or deat…
House GOP leaders could unveil health plan this weekend
Speaker Mike Johnson is committing to a vote next week on legislation to lower health care costs.
James Webb telescope spots 'monster stars' leaking nitrogen in the early universe — and they could help solve a major mystery
Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope spotted huge stars leaking nitrogen in an early galaxy, hinting that such 'monster stars' might have been the source of ancient supermassive black holes.
SpaceX’s possible $1.5 trillion IPO could be big business for Texas
SpaceX, the Elon Musk-owned aerospace company, is planning to go public next year with a potential $1.5 trillion IPO, which would set a new record for a new public offering and have a huge impact on the Texas economy.
New AirTag 2 leak reveals five improved features coming
When AirTag 2 finally arrives, a new leak has revealed five improved features that could be included with the long-awaited update.
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.
HB 289 could expand wrongful death act to unborn children in the Sunshine State
Two possible abortion bills already sparking debate.
Final Fantasy 7’s Nier Crossover Has Aerith Fans Acting Up
The look’s an odd choice considering Aerith and Kaine could not be more different
I'm a millennial tech nerd. Here are 15 geeky gifts and gadgets I'd buy for myself!
'Tis the season to get the perfect gift. It could be for your nerdy self or even your geeky friends. I have ideas.
Wetzel: Beware, college sports, private equity has arrived
The University of Utah approved a groundbreaking private equity deal. Dan Wetzel writes that big changes could follow.
Q&A: What does the Netflix-Paramount bidding war mean for your streaming future?
Netflix and Paramount, entertainment companies known for promoting drama within the shows and movies on their platforms, are now caught up in their own theatrics. What’s it all mean? And how could the result affect how you consume your favorite movies and shows? We asked the University of Virginia’s Anthony Palomba, an assistant professor of business administration at the Darden School of Business and an expert in the media and entertainment industry, to share his insights.
This startup is launching an AI personal health assistant that'll face off with Big Tech from Verily to OpenAI
The startup's new tech could compete with Big Tech's health AI projects from heavyweights like Alphabet and OpenAI.
Could Georgia’s 2026 statewide races be runoff free?
The Libertarian Party of Georgia is having trouble qualifying for the ballot. Without their candidates, statewide races would likely be settled on Election Day.
Plan for new business jet hangars could boost revenue at underused Sikorsky Airport
The city's airport commission approved negotiations with Sky Harbour to build and manage business plane sites at the Stratford-based facility.
Scientists say thousands of tiny black holes may be passing through your home every day | - The Times of India
Trending News: Physicists reveal that thousands of primordial black holes may drift through your home every year, undetected. Learn how these tiny, ancient black holes could be linked to dark matter and what that means for us.
Tiny tracker following monarch butterflies during California migration
When this monarch butterfly hits the sky it won't be traveling alone. In fact, an energetic team of researchers will be following along with a revolutionary technology that's already unlocking secrets that could help the entire species survive.
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
El Sereno business owners fear concrete wall could collapse on nearby homeless encampment
Several El Sereno business owners are sounding the alarm over a concrete wall they fear could come crashing down on a nearby homeless encampment and possibly kill people.
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.
You can now share live video with emergency services on Android
This feature could help give emergency dispatchers context in circumstances like car accidents, fires, or medical crises.
Back Bills to Win Super Bowl ... Because What Could Go Wrong?
Sammy P surmises that there are no bad reasons to bet the Bills to win the Super Bowl.
Federal health policy changes could upend coverage across U.S., experts warn | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Significant changes in federal policy slated to take effect in the coming months could disrupt health care coverage, costs, and access to care for millions of people, according to experts who spoke at a Studio event at Harvard Chan School.
Musk reportedly plans record IPO for SpaceX. Here’s what that means
Elon Musk, already the world’s richest man, could soon be much richer. Bloomberg reports he’s planning one of the largest initial public offerings in history for SpaceX.