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Julianne Murray steps down as Delaware U.S. Attorney, citing politics
Delaware's top federal prosecutor for the past six months submits her resignation, and has a lot to say about it.
These new 2026 health care laws are taking effect in Pa., N.J. and Del.
Bills on diagnostic breast cancer testing, GLP-1 medications, lead paint and breastfeeding were signed into law.
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
BMW crashes into Santa Monica business, leaving driver seriously injured
A vehicle crashed into a building in Santa Monica late Thursday night, causing significant damage to the structure and sending the driver to the hospital.
Tory transport culture wars risked making roads less safe, says minister
Lilian Greenwood condemns Conservative ‘mixed messages’ and promises a system that works for everybody
Trump signals willingness to work with Democrats on health care
President Trump suggested Thursday that he would be willing to work with Democrats on the issue of health care, as concerns over rising insurance premiums grow. “What a nice group of Democrats,” Tr…
Supporting Breakthrough Health Advancements in Eswatini Under the America First Global Health Strategy - United States Department of State
Today, the United States and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on global health cooperation that includes strategic investments to strengthen national health efforts, leverage American technology, and facilitate the long-term sustainability of Eswatini’s health system. The Department of State, working with Congress, intends to provide up […]
Health inspections found moldy coconuts, room-temperature eggs
Pink buildup in an ice machine and signs of a pest infestation were among the violations found by Washoe County health inspectors from Nov. 8-14.
The best recent science fiction, fantasy and horror
Halcyon Years by Alastair Reynolds; Paris Fantastique by Nicholas Royle; All Tomorrows by CM Kosemen; The Salt Oracle by Lorraine Wilson; The Witching Hour by various authors
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.
I’m 24. I learned up close that politics isn’t intimidating
My earlier trepidation dissipated after covering a campaign visit
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.
Wisconsin candidates decry money in politics, promise to raise a ton of it
Wisconsin is among the worst states in the union for high-dollar elections and loose regulations of campaign cash
The top 10 gadgets of 2025
A tiny sunlight emulator, a video player for your dreams and a vest for listening to trees feature in this roundup of our favourite gadgets.
WTHR to serve as the official broadcast partner for the 2026 Indy Ignite season
How Political Alignment Between Cities and Governors Shapes Municipal Borrowing Costs
In new research, Ramona Dagostino and Anya Nakhmurina discuss how political misalignment between state governors and city leadership can affect how cities access financing, particularly in municipal bond pricing and crisis prevention investment.
Republicans and Democrats can work together on healthcare, says Trump, as rise in premiums looms
President spoke at Congressional ball after Senate rejected two competing proposals to address imminent expiration of Obamacare subsidies
The Grinch is surprisingly more popular than ever. Here's how that happened.
The Grinch seems to be everywhere lately. At McDonald's. In the aisles at Walmart. In memes online. It's a sign of our times.
Rachel Reeves to blame for economy shrinking before budget, Tories claim
Shadow chancellor says unexpected contraction is ‘direct result of Labour’s economic mismanagement’
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.
Sports quiz of the week: big climbs, unlikely comebacks and elite camels
Have you been following the big stories in cricket, football, motor racing, darts, climbing, athletics and the NFL?
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.
New laws to be considered after ‘harrowing stories’ from ex-Vodafone franchisees
Concerns about power imbalance in franchise agreements amid claims over firm’s treatment of small-business owners
UK GDP report to show if economy struggled in October before the budget
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
The real reason behind Trump’s nasty breakup with Europe
Jonathan Freedland speaks to the US military scholar Joseph Stieb about the Trump administration’s national security strategy
Health and safety rules holding UK infrastructure back, says writer of government report
Exclusive: John Fingleton says regulators need to change their attitude to risk to end the country’s economic stagnation
Stand Against Mephisto: Pre-Purchase Lord of Hatred
Make your final stand against the Prime Evil Mephisto in a rich new campaign, master two new classes, and discover the ancient region of Skovos.
Science and Innovation | Medical Technologies Designed for All
Abbott’s strong culture of science and innovation in the service of human health makes us one of the most innovative healthcare companies in the world.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Storms The Game Awards 2025, Wins Coveted Game of the Year
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stormed The Game Awards 2025, winning all but one category it was nominated in, including the main prize: Game of the Year.
Mega Man: Dual Override Revealed by Capcom With First Gameplay Trailer and 2027 Launch Plans | The Game Awards 2025
As revealed at The Game Awards 2025, Capcom is bringing the Blue Bomber back with a new video game called Mega Man: Dual Override.
Trump announces pardon for Tina Peters, increasing pressure to free her though he can’t erase state charges
President Donald Trump announced Thursday he is granting Tina Peters a full federal pardon, which is likely to increase the pressure campaign to free the former Colorado clerk from state prison even though he cannot erase her state charges.
Total War: Warhammer 40,000 Announced From Creative Assembly | The Game Awards 2025
Creative Assembly has finally confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in video games: Total War: Warhammer 40,000.
LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Release Date Announced | The Game Awards 2025
LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight emerged from the shadows this evening at The Game Awards with a new trailer, revealing the anticipated adventure's release date.
Control: Resonant Announced by Remedy for 2026 Release | The Game Awards 2025
Remedy Entertainment has announced Control: Resonant, the follow-up to IGN’s 2019 Game of the Year, Control at the 2025 Game Awards. It’s due out in 2026 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X and S, and it aims to be anything but a straightforward sequel.
Capcom Finally Confirms Leon S. Kennedy Is In Resident Evil Requiem | The Game Awards 2025
After months of speculation and a revealing leak earlier this week, Capcom has finally, officially confirmed what we all knew: Leon S. Kennedy is in Resident Evil Requiem, and he's here to kick butt.
Warlock: Dungeons and Dragons Is a New Single-Player RPG That Leans Into 'Expressive Magic' | The Game Awards 2025
The Dungeons & Dragons franchise has been steadily making more attempts to expand into video games, and we're seeing that next effort with Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons, a new open-world single-player action-RPG that's all about wielding dark magic to battle foes.
The Witness and Braid Creator Jonathan Blow Announces New 250-Hour Puzzle Game, Order of the Sinking Star | The Game Awards 2025
Order of the Sinking Star is an upcoming puzzle game that features 1,000 puzzles that can take up to 500 hours to complete, and we saw it in a live demo.
Jonathan Blow has spent the past decade designing 1,400 puzzles for you
Preview: Order of the Sinking Star started small but became a “combinatoric explosion.”…
Yup, That Weird Statue Was Teasing a New Divinity Game | The Game Awards 2025
After some unusual teases and a trademark inadvertently showing Larian Studios' hand, the Baldur's Gate 3 developer's next game has been officially revealed at The Game Awards with one heck of a disturbing trailer. It's Divinity. Just Divinity.
A political year in review with Melissa Clarke and Michael Read
In the final episode for 2025, political editor Tom McIlroy speaks with Melissa Clarke from ABC RN Breakfast and Michael Read from the Australian Financial Review about criticisms of Albanese’s ambition for reform and the future of Sussan Ley’s leadership
Mario + Rabbids Creator Davide Soliani Announces New Platforming Game Bradley the Badger | The Game Awards 2025
Davide Soliani, the lead creator behind Mario + Rabbids games, has revealed Bradley the Badger — his first new project since leaving Ubisoft and forming a new studio.
Michael Jordan was already a basketball legend. Now, he’s one in NASCAR too
Thursday's settlement was that significant for NASCAR's teams that Jordan just made himself a transformative figure in yet another sport.
Our California Health Plans Honored With Top Ratings
Kaiser Permanente receives 5 out of 5 stars for overall quality of care from the California Center for Data Insights and Innovation and from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
A new dawn in global health: UHC as the path toward national health stewardship
The UHC High‑Level Forum in Tokyo marked an unmistakable turning point. It signaled a shift from dialogue to pragmatic action, with health and finance ministries jointly designing country‑owned, fiscally grounded UHC strategies to move beyond fragmented, crisis‑driven responses toward resilient, durable health systems that can make Universal Health Coverage (UHC) a reality. UHC means ensuring...
Local business owner introduces monthly hands-on AI workshops
GRAND JUNCTION Colo. (KREX)- A local business owner and educator is launching a new AI training series designed specifically for small business owners in Grand Junction. Nick Gumpert, owner of the UPS Store on 12th Street and Patterson Road, is introducing a monthly lineup of hands-on artificial intelligence workshops beginning in February. Gumpert said after […]
C of I Students Shine at Murdock College Science Research Conference - The College of Idaho
Twenty-five members of The College of Idaho community traveled to Vancouver, Washington, on November 7–8 to participate in the annual Murdock College Science Research Conference, a leading regional event showcasing undergraduate scientific research. Every C of I student in attendance presented the results of their summer research projects, reflecting the College’s strong commitment to hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
Hochul signs several bills into law on artificial intelligence regulations
One piece of legislation aims to stop artificial intelligence from being used to essentially recreate people who have died.
AI Bubble Or Business Revolution? Essential Business Insights
Most AI companies will fail, yet the industry will transform business. The trial and error economy drives today's AI revolution alongside significant risks.
Health insurance subsidies expire this month but Congress can't agree on a fix : The NPR Politics Podcast
The enhanced subsidies 22 million Americans use to help pay for health insurance are set to expire at the end of this month, and when they do, many Americans will see their insurance premiums balloon. We discuss Democrats' and Republicans' competing proposals to address rising healthcare costs and whether Congress is likely to come to an agreement before — or after — the looming deadline. This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and health policy correspondent Selena Simmons-Duffin.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Indiana Senate Republicans reject Trump’s redistricting push
The Indiana Senate on Thursday voted down a plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts to hand Republicans two more seats, dealing President Donald Trump a rare rebuke from his own party in the face of the president’s months-long campaign to pressure the GOP supermajority in the deep-red state to bend to his will.
Lurie expands inpatient psychiatric unit amid ongoing youth mental health care shortage
The four new beds and 20 new staffers are designed for kids with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. The $4.5 million addition is a first for the state but can't fill the major dearth in youth psychiatric beds across Illinois.
Ben Davis' Mr. Football headed back to familiar sport for Notre Dame basketball
The reigning Mr. Football played for Marcus Freeman and the Irish football team, and will pull double duty this winter - and he won't have to introduce himself to many teammates.
WATCH: Rep. Thompson calls on Noem to resign for 'making America less safe'
After a year of Trump-inspired inaction, some Republicans in Congress are growing restless
A year after President Donald Trump’s election and with next year’s midterms looming, congressional deference to the White House is showing signs of wearing on some Republicans.
Ars Live: 3 former CDC leaders detail impacts of RFK Jr.’s anti-science agenda
Join us Tuesday, December 16, at 2 pm ET to hear from leaders who resigned in protest.
Bulgaria Faces More Political Turmoil Just as It Adopts the Euro
Bulgaria faces a fresh wave of political turmoil after street protests over rampant corruption led to the resignation of the prime minister just weeks before the country joins the euro.
Harger: Washington's floods don't care about your politics
Governor Ferguson declared a statewide emergency yesterday. And you know what I'm seeing online? People attacking him. Viciously.
MLB rumors: Tarik Skubal trade talks continue, Braves sign reliever Robert Suarez
Here are your hot stove rumors for Thursday, Dec. 11
Einstein was right: Time ticks faster on Mars, posing new challenges for future missions
Clocks on Mars tick faster by about 477 microseconds each Earth day, a new study suggests. This difference is significantly more than that for our moon, posing potential challenges for future crewed missions.
Sports360, the newest immersive exhibition at the Science Center, opens this weekend
The 9,500-square-foot Sports360 exhibition is designed to immerse visitors in the science of athletic performance.
Asked about The Donald’s national security strategy, the Commons was remarkable for its absences
You’d think MPs would be lining up to decry the US president’s threat to destabilise Europe. Instead, only backbenchers and a few junior ministers bothered to turn up
World of Warcraft Players Figured Out How to Make Flying Houses, and Blizzard Has Given Them Its Official Seal of Approval
World of Warcraft players have discovered a trick that makes their houses float in the air, which a number of people have used to make wild flying creations. Better yet, instead of patching it out, Blizzard has surprisingly given its blessing for airborne abodes.
FMOL Health has purchased this property near Our Lady of the Lake
FMOL Health has acquired a kidney care facility property on Flanders Drive near Essen Lane. The system purchased the site through Our Lady of the Lake Hospital Inc. from Flanders Building LLC f… Already an INSIDER? Sign in. We are glad you enjoy reading Business Report. Continue reading this story and get ACCESS to all […]
Cursor Launches an AI Coding Tool For Designers
The 300-person startup hopes bringing designers aboard will give it an edge in an increasingly competitive AI software market.
Bulgarian government resigns after mass protests
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov says cabinet stepping down before parliament had been due to hold no-confidence vote.
CNBC Sport: Utah breaks the private equity seal with historic $500 million investment
Utah may have designed a template for other schools to bring in private capital to help fund their athletic programs.
Man Utd financial results: Cost-cutting having an impact in first quarter numbers for new financial year
Redundancies and other cost-cutting measures at Man Utd have been reflected in their latest quarterly financial results; there have been small losses that will not be significant for a business of their size; the results will also not affect their plans for the January transfer window
I went hands-on with the Galaxy Z TriFold at Dubai Mall — Samsung's tri-fold has a distinct advantage over the Huawei Mate XT, and the design is much better than I expected
It costs an absurd amount of money, but the Galaxy Z TriFold isn't just a tech demo — this is a tablet-sized foldable you can actually use.
Braid and The Witness Creator Jonathan Blow Teases The Game Awards Announcement
Jonathan Blow has just "announced an announcement," teasing he just may be getting on a plane today to join a "gaming industry event coming up." All roads lead to The Game Awards!
Thirty Years of Onion Politics: Bosnia and Herzegovina on the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement
The Dayton Peace Agreement ended the Bosnian War, establishing the constitutional framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It achieved its immediate aim of ending direct violence, yet ended up creating a state apparatus that obstructs social equality and economic sovereignty. This Spotlight argues that the evaluation of its success must take two problems into account: the cementation of ethnic categories as foundational levels of governance and the resulting failure to address or transform war legacies; and the institutionalized international involvement undermining democratic self-determination.
Mamdani and top New York rabbis will meet privately, but their core divide remains unresolved
The Friday after Zohran Mamdani won, Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch gave a sermon saying that he believed the incoming New York mayor’s criticisms of Israel aligned with Hamas and that critics of Israel wanted to separate “good Jews” from “bad Jews” in a way that endangers the city’s Jewish community.
Trump calls affordability crisis a "hoax," touts the economy ahead of midterms
As Democrats campaigning on affordability pick up wins, Trump's messaging about a strong economy is at odds with widespread voter sentiment that he's not doing enough to tackle rising costs.
Mental health needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can't be ignored
William Skipworth’s three-part investigation in the New Hampshire Bulletin has laid bare the ongoing traumas experienced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The community’s response has been swift — shock, grief, and a collective demand for action to prevent future harm. As the dust settles, pressing questions are emerging about oversight and accountability: Which […]
RWS Global entertains over 7.5 million guests at worldwide attractions this winter
The company has created more than 150 custom holiday experiences, including concept, decor, show production, casting and operations
Steelers sign fourth-year offensive tackle ahead of Week 15
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed OT Dylan Cook to the active roster off the practice squad ahead of the Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Maker’s Mark nets first sports league sponsorship with Unrivaled
The bourbon brand will have a significant presence around the women's basketball league both on-premise and digitally.
The EPA website got the basics of climate science right. Until last week.
The Trump administration purged 80 pages of facts about climate change — including that it's caused by humans.
Disappointing Oracle results knock $70bn off value amid AI bubble fears
Weaker-than-forecast quarterly data for Larry Ellison’s tech company shows slowdown in revenue growth but big rise in spending
Is the universe ending sooner than we thought? New physics suggests a much shorter lifespan | - The Times of India
Science News: A groundbreaking study from Radboud University suggests the universe may end in approximately 10^78 years, significantly earlier than the previously assumed 10^1100 years. By revisiting Hawking radiation, researchers argue that all compact massive objects will evaporate, altering our understanding of cosmic lifespans.
Peers told they risk ‘constitutional crisis’ after surprise vote to continue blocking employment rights bill
Government lost Lords vote on employment rights bill by 24 votes, just hours after the creation of 25 new Labour peers
Sports Personality of the Year 2025: Lionesses square off on six-strong shortlist
England teammates Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton are up against one another for BBC Sports Personality of the Year on a shortlist that also includes Lando Norris, Rory McIlroy, Luke Littler and Ellie Kildunne.
Democrats voice concerns about Venezuelan tanker seizure: ‘sounds a lot like the beginning of a war’
Senator Rand Paul said it was ‘not the job of the American government to go looking for monsters around the world’
Oracle shares slide as earnings fail to ease AI bubble fears
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
Oracle shares slide as earnings fail to ease AI bubble fears
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
Analysis: What Trump’s latest dramatic Venezuela move means
The Trump administration’s seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela is one of the most dramatic twists yet in a military pressure campaign against Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.
It’s not just Americans who are feeling US tariffs. Five charts show their global impact
There are signs steeper US tariffs, introduced by US President Donald Trump, are feeding through to higher prices for Americans. But they are also inflicting pain beyond US borders. We look at examples from around the world.
A divided GOP forges ahead on health care message — without plan to address spiking premiums
Congressional Republicans are taking a major political gamble this week, laying out a GOP health care agenda that ignores the soon-to-expire enhanced subsidies that help tens of millions of Americans afford Obamacare — despite pleas from some in their own party.
A divided GOP forges ahead on health care message — without plan to address spiking premiums
Congressional Republicans are taking a major political gamble this week, laying out a GOP health care agenda that ignores the soon-to-expire enhanced subsidies that help tens of millions of Americans afford Obamacare — despite pleas from some in their own party.
Social media and ADHD diagnosis, new mpox strain in England and early firestarters
Science editor Ian Sample sits down with co-host Madeleine Finlay to discuss three eye-catching stories from the week
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
Rena Striegel and Transition Point Business Advisors Announce New National Succession Planning Initiative for Family Businesses
DES MOINES, IA / ACCESS Newswire / December 10, 2025 / President of Transition Point Business Advisors, has introduced a national initiative designed to help family-owned businesses approach succession planning with more structure, clarity, and unity. ...
OPINION: You’re about to see even more money in politics. Don’t panic (too much).
OPINION: You’re about to see even more money in politics. Don’t panic (too much). Read more at The Nevada Independent.
Google DeepMind to build materials science lab after signing deal with UK
Big Tech group will work with Sir Keir Starmer’s government to enhance AI use across public sector
Deputy mayor for public safety submits resignation
Kaz Daughtry began his career with the NYPD in 2005.
Trump officially launches 'gold card' immigration program
The price tag is $1 million for individuals and $2 million for companies on a foreigner's behalf, who would be eligible for citizenship in five years.
Costco stayed out of politics. Then it sued Donald Trump.
Costco's lawsuit against the president's signature economic policy has sowed discord among its unusually loyal membership. Will shoppers defect?
Democrats target ‘vulnerable’ Republican senators ahead of high-stakes health care showdown
The Democratic National Committee launches ad campaign targeting four vulnerable Republican senators ahead of crucial Senate votes on ACA tax credits affecting 20 million Americans.
Supreme Court considers vastly expanding the president’s powers : The NPR Politics Podcast
The Supreme Court is considering whether President Trump should be able to fire the head of the Federal Trade Commission and other independent agencies without cause. We discuss why Congress created these independent agencies in the first place and the broader impact of the court eroding the 90-year-old precedent that protects them from presidential politics.This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, labor and workplace correspondent Andrea Hsu, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
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.
Mysterious X-ray signal from deep space may be the scream of a star ripped apart by two black holes
A strange X-ray signal spotted decades ago may be the result of a star that got attacked by two black holes, one after the other.