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Tatsuya Imai reportedly agrees to deal with Astros on 3-year deal worth up to $63 million
Tatsuya Imai posted a 1.92 ERA with the Seibu Lions last season in NPB.
SSM Health and UnitedHealthcare Reach Temporary Deal to Keep Missouri Patients In-Network
Missourians covered by UnitedHealthcare can breathe a sigh of relief. SSM Health and UnitedHealthcare have signed a letter of agreement, extending their contract for 30 days after months of negotiations and a looming December 31st deadline. The temporary deal means more than 140,000 Missourians with UnitedHealthcare commercial or Medicaid plans can continue seeing SSM Health […]
Juventus Begin Working on Early Spalletti Extension
Juventus are pleased with the work of Luciano Spalletti, and the plan to renew his contract is in motion. The gaffer agreed to a season-long contract with an option should the Bianconeri qualify for t...
For this prominent Colorado Democrat, it’s family first — even amid big political disagreements
House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, is surrounded by conservatives at home
12 African countries the US has signed $16 billion in health agreements with
The United States has allocated over $16 billion in health agreements with African countries during Trumps presidency
Legacy Health, striking clinicians reach second tentative deal to end walkout
The agreement ends a monthlong strike and heads to a ratification vote after workers rejected an earlier deal.
SSM Health and United Healthcare reach temporary agreement
SSM Health and UnitedHealthcare have reached a temporary agreement. The organizations signed a 30-day letter of agreement.
SSM Health, UnitedHealthcare announce update in contract dispute
SSM Health and UnitedHealthcare have signed a letter of agreement on a new contract.
Trump agrees to return control of California’s National Guard to the state
The decision comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s refusal to allow him to send troops from other states to Chicago.
AMC Entertainment (AMC) Amends Debt Terms, Expands ATM Offering Capacity, and Sells Majority Hycroft Stake
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AMC) is one of the best NYSE stocks under $5 to buy. On December 22, AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AMC), along with its subsidiary Muvico, LLC, entered into an agreement with holders of Muvico’s Senior Secured Exchangeable Notes due 2030 to amend the notes’ indenture. The goal is to adjust terms […]
2026 NFL Draft rankings: Why our analysts disagree on Ty Simpson, Rueben Bain
CBS Sports draft analysts explain why some of their prospect rankings are wildly different.
US Signs $16 Billion of Health Agreements With African Nations
The US signed a health agreement with Ivory Coast bringing the total value of bilateral deals President Donald Trump’s administration has done in Africa since withdrawing from the World Health Organization to more than $16 billion.
It’s been a difficult year for science. Here’s what researchers say about the future : Short Wave
Science in the United States took some big hits this year. The Trump Administration disrupted federal funding for all kinds of scientific pursuits. Administration officials say those changes were a step towards reinvigorating federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health. But many scientists disagree. NPR health and science correspondents Rob Stein and Katia Riddle chat with host Emily Kwong about what these cuts could mean for the future of science.Interested in more stories on the future of 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.
Bringing a local community approach to Colorado health policy
Health policy is not always a straightforward topic of discussion. There are many aspects to the complex health care system we’re used to. When issues arise at the national level, disagreement and dueling press conferences can slow progress and constructive results that build a better future. When you bring these subjects into communities you’ll find […]
Oregon Health Plan to remain in network at Salem Health in 2026
Salem Health and PacificSource reached a new contract agreement to cover patients on Medicaid, a Salem Health spokeswoman said Tuesday. The news comes a day before the existing contract was set to expire.
Schuster Law Outlines Approach to Resolving Business and Commercial Disputes
MEDIA, PA – December 30, 2025 – PRESSADVANTAGE – Schuster Law has released information describing its approach to handling business and commercial disputes for companies and individuals across Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The firm represents clients in matters involving contracts, partnership disagreements, real estate conflicts, and other business-related litigation in state and federal courts. “Commercial litigation […]
Local business leaders prepare for Missouri minimum wage increase
Many small businesses don't mind the minimum wage increase, but the Missouri Restaurant Association CEO disagrees.
US commits $480m in health funding to Ivory Coast, the latest to sign 'America First' health deals
The United States and Ivory Coast signed a health deal Tuesday requiring the U.S. to commit $480 million to the West African nation’s health sector as part of “America First” global health funding pacts that mirror the Trump administration’s foreign policy. It is the latest agreement the U.S. has entered with more than a dozen African countries, most of them hit by U.S. aid cuts, including Ivory Coast.
New England Patriots WR Stefon Diggs charged with assault, strangulation
Diggs' lawyer said Tuesday that the receiver has reached an agreement on a financial settlement with the alleged victim
Brennan Johnson transfer news: Crystal Palace agree £35m fee with Tottenham for winger
Brennan Johnson is yet to make a final decision on whether to join Crystal Palace, Sky Sports News understands; Johnson joined Tottenham for £47.5m from Nottingham Forest; 24-year-old has scored 27 goals in 107 games, including the Europa League final winner
Meta to Buy Startup Manus, Adding AI Agents to Woo Business
Meta Platforms Inc. has agreed to acquire Singapore-based AI startup Manus, adding a popular artificial intelligence agent as the social-media company works to build a business around its massive AI investment.
Zelensky works yet again to break Putin's hold on Trump
Few signs of progress toward a peace agreement materialize from the meeting at Mar-a-Lago.
It’s time to fish or cut bait on Maine’s health care crisis
Next November, we need to hire representatives who are willing to sit down with those they disagree with and craft real solutions.
It’s time to fish or cut bait on Maine’s health care crisis
Next November, we need to hire representatives who are willing to sit down with those they disagree with and craft real solutions.
Striking Legacy Clinicians Reject Tentative Agreement Between Union and Health System
Health System says contract is “materially consistent” with its pre-strike offer.
Oregon Nurses Association rejects contract offer, extends strike against Legacy Health
Advanced practice providers represented by the Oregon Nurses Association rejected the tentative agreement reached with Legacy Health reached Dec. 23.
Advanced practice providers reject tentative agreement with Legacy Health
Manchester United Women sign Sweden international Hanna Lundkvist
Manchester United agree a deal to sign Sweden international Hanna Lundkvist.
Jay Glazer: Maxx Crosby Left Raiders Facility After They Wanted to Shut Him Down
DE Maxx Crosby left the Raiders' facility after disagreeing with the team's plan to shut him down, per FOX Sports' Jay Glazer.
Deal to extend ObamaCare subsidies faces uphill battle despite GOP optimism
A key GOP senator is expressing optimism that Republicans and Democrats will agree to a deal that would extend expiring health care subsidies, but the effort faces an uphill climb in winning the ba…
Does science agree it’s better to give than receive? A doctor explains
Gift-giving is often framed as a source of stress and obligation, but a growing body of research suggests there may also be something beneficial about giving itself.
Let nurses fix NC’s health care shortage
NC is one of only 12 states that still requires advanced practice registered nurses to maintain a costly, physician‑supervised collaborative practice agreement before they can see patients on their own.
BP agrees deal to sell £7.4bn stake in Castrol to US investment firm
Stonepeak will acquire 65% of lubricants business as part of wider plans for the oil company to pay down its debt
CB&I Announces Strategic Acquisition of Petrofac's Asset Solutions Business
/PRNewswire/ -- CB&I today announced that it has entered into a sale agreement to acquire Petrofac's Asset Solutions business, a leading provider of...
US signs health agreements with African nations, warns against nonperformance
The U.S. signed four new global health memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Botswana, and Ethiopia, which total nearly $2.3 billion in funding, the State Department said on Tuesday.
Fresno approves new management deal for Convention and Entertainment Center
A newly approved three-year management agreement signals for the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center pairs national venue operators charged with driving events, tourism and revenue while addressing operational costs, labor relations and downtown activation. Leaders
HARMAN to Acquire ZF’s ADAS Business
STAMFORD, CT – December 23, 2025 – HARMAN International, a global leader in automotive technology and lifestyle audio, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to...
What cuts to research under Trump have meant for science in 2025
Trump administration officials say changes to federal agencies engaged in science were made in the interests of better science that benefits more Americans. Many scientists we spoke with disagree.
US Signs New Health Deals With 9 African Countries That Mirror Trump's Priorities
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The U.S. government has signed health deals with at least nine African countries, part of its new approach to global health funding, with agreements that reflect the Trump administration’s interests and priorities and are geared toward providing less aid and more mutual ...
Scientists claim 'Lucy' may not be our direct ancestor after all, stoking fierce debate
Recent fossil finds could mean that "Lucy" wasn't our direct ancestor, some scientists say. Others strongly disagree.
Sources: Notre Dame, USC rivalry series ending next year as Irish finalize 2-year deal with BYU
Despite months of negotiations, USC and Notre Dame officials have failed to reach an agreement on playing what would be the 97th game in the series next year.
Sky Sports extends PGA Tour partnership to 2029 in four-year golf broadcast rights deal in UK and Ireland
Sky Sports to remain the exclusive home of the PGA Tour in the UK and Ireland, with rights deal extension until the end of 2029 following on from recent extended agreements with the Ladies European Tour, DP World Tour, USGA and Augusta National
Stanley Black & Decker Announces Agreement to Sell Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing Business to Howmet Aerospace for $1.8 Billion
/PRNewswire/ -- Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing...
Stanley Black & Decker Announces Agreement to Sell Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing Business to Howmet Aerospace for $1.8 Billion
Stanley Black & Decker(NYSE: SWK) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing ("CAM") business to Howmet Aerospace for $1.8 billion in cash. CAM provides critical fasteners, fittings, and other engineered components for the aerospace and defense industries.
Pac-12 agrees to deal with Playfly Sports
The Pac-12 is set to make Playfly Sports its exclusive partner for sponsorship development, a deal that is expected to kick in immediately.
Why Republicans Can’t Agree on Health Care
Lost amid the political implications of allowing certain Obamacare subsidies to expire is the fact that this is Year 17, and counting, of Republicans failing to agree among themselves on health care policy.
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, partners with global digital skills platform Simplilearn to launch five AI-focused professional programmes for business leaders
Simplilearn, which has more than eight million learners in 150+ countries, has agreed a strategic partnership with Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, to deliver five cutting-edge programmes to professionals worldwide. Focused on AI-driven business and technology education, the programmes bring together the academic excellence of Oxford Saïd, as part of the world's #1-ranked university (Times Higher Education World University Rankings), with Simplilearn's international platform.
San Rafael inks deal with chamber for business support
Under the $140,000 agreement, the chamber will manage the Downtown Business Improvement District funds and support programing and revitalization efforts.
Japanese star Munetaka Murakami agrees to 2-year, $34M deal with White Sox
The latest Japanese star to enter MLB has found his team.
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.
Some ChatGPT Users Say Swapping Out Models Is Like ‘Replacing A Service Animal’
OpenAI wanted GPT-5 to be less warm and agreeable than its predecessor. Some neurodivergent people struggled with the change, showing the tricky balance AI companies must strike when releasing new models.
German business welcomes pending return of UK to Erasmus Programme
German business has welcomed the United Kingdom's re-entry into the European Union's Erasmus youth education programme from 2027 and hopes that it will lead to an easing of visa requirements. Ulrich Hoppe, head of the German-British Chamber of Commerce (AHK) described the decision as "a very significant step" in remarks made to dpa days after Brussels and London agreed on the step.
Mets poach top international prospect from Yankees, per report
Dominican shortstop Wandy Asigen, 16, will sign with the Mets after backing out of a verbal agreement with the Yankees.
Board approves budget modification to backfill $2.4 million in CareOregon behavioral health cuts
On Thursday, Dec. 11, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a $2.4 million budget adjustment to fill part of a $4.6 million gap in behavioral health services.
HOFFMANN FAMILY TO ACQUIRE CONTROLLING INTEREST IN PITTSBURGH PENGUINS FROM FENWAY SPORTS GROUP
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and Hoffmann Family of Companies today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for the Hoffmanns to acquire a controlling interest in the Pittsburgh Penguins. Headquartered in Chicago, Ill., the Hoffmann family have built a diverse portfolio of operating businesses and commercial real estate
Trump secures agreements with major drugmakers to lower Medicaid prescription costs for Americans
President Donald Trump announced Friday that nine additional pharmaceutical companies joined its most-favored-nation pricing initiative.
Choose New Jersey Celebrates Historic Gains in International Business Attraction During the Murphy Administration
Expanded global presence, international missions, and more than 80 MOUs strengthened economic, academic, and cultural partnerships, elevating New Jersey’s reputation as a destination for business growth. Newark, New Jersey — Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading nonprofit business attraction organization, is celebrating New Jersey’s enhanced reputation as a global destination for business growth. Since Governor Murphy[...]
Paxtons agree to unseal records in divorce case after media challenge
A group of eight media organizations had requested records in the divorce case between Paxton, who is running for U.S. Senate, and his wife be made public.
TikTok agrees to deal to cede control of U.S. business to American investor group
The deal closes a long-running drama in which U.S. authorities have sought to compel ByteDance to divest.
TikTok owner agrees to sell US business
The deal would end years of efforts by Washington to force ByteDance to sell its US operations.
2 defendants in 'Buffalo Billion' case agree to plea deal to avoid retrial
Documents say Steven Aiello and Joseph Gerardi have pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Factorial and Cartesian Growth Corporation III (Nasdaq: CGCT) Announce Business Combination Agreement to Accelerate Commercialization of Solid-State Battery Technology
Factorial Inc. (“Factorial”), a leader in solid-state battery technology, and Cartesian Growth Corporation III (“Cartesian III”), a special purpose acquisiti...
Trump Media to Combine With TAE to Build Nuclear Fusion Business
Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. and TAE Technologies Inc. agreed to combine in an all-stock transaction valued at more than $6 billion.
Sources: FSG to sell Penguins to Hoffman family
Fenway Sports Group has agreed in principle to sell the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Chicago-based Hoffmann family, sources confirmed to ESPN.
Report: Fenway Sports Group reaches deal to sell Penguins to Chicago-based firm
Fenway Sports Group has reached an agreement to sell the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Hoffmann Family of Companies, a Chicago-based investment group.
M Health Fairview, UnitedHealthcare reach agreement to keep 100K patients in network
Danville aldermen approve restaurant, entertainment center agreements
The approved redevelopment agreements are with Solutions Group Real Estate for the former Red Lobster property at 3217 N. Vermilion St. and 311 W. Fairchild Danville LLC for a family
ACA subsidy fraud is 'rampant,' Republicans say. Some health policy experts disagree
The GOP is pointing to a new Government Accountability Office report on subsidy fraud to argue against extending enhanced ACA subsidies.
HOF Resort & Entertainment Co. reports on Q3 loss, pending merger
The HOF Resort & Entertainment Co. reported a net loss of $14.36 million and that the agreement to go private has not been completed.
Jackpot Digital to Deploy Electronic Poker Tables at Two PENN Entertainment Properties in Mississippi
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 16, 2025) - Jackpot Digital Inc. (TSXV: JJ) (OTCQB: JPOTF) (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: LVH3) (the "Company" or "Jackpot Digital")Jackpot Digital, the world's leading provider of innovative dealerless electronic poker gaming solutions, is pleased to announce that it has finalized installation agreements to deploy its Jackpot Blitz® dealerless poker electronic table games ("ETGs") at Boomtown Casino Biloxi and Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast in...
Jackpot Digital to Deploy Electronic Poker Tables at Two PENN Entertainment Properties in Mississippi
Jackpot Digital Inc. (TSXV: JJ,OTC:JPOTF) (OTCQB: JPOTF) (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: LVH3) (the "Company" or "Jackpot Digital")Jackpot Digital, the world's leading provider of innovative dealerless electronic poker gaming solutions, is pleased to announce that it has finalized installation agreements...
Business leaders agree AI is the future. They just wish it worked right now
By Deepa Seetharaman, Supantha Mukherjee and Krystal Hu SAN FRANCISCO/STOCKHOLM, Dec 16 - Last spring, CellarTracker, a wine-collection app, built an AI-powered sommelier to make unvarnished wine
Business leaders agree AI is the future. They just wish it worked right now
Last spring, CellarTracker, a wine-collection app, built an AI-powered sommelier to make unvarnished wine recommendations based on a person’s palate. The problem was the chatbot was too nice. “It's just very polite, instead of just saying, ‘It's really unlikely you'll like the wine,’” CellarTracker CEO Eric LeVine said.
ACA shoppers face sticker shock as Congress dithers on health care
With subsidies that help consumers pay their health insurance premiums set to expire, health care shoppers face staggering prices. Lawmakers are running out of time to agree on a solution.
$1.57M Alliance Entertainment and DirectToU class action settlement
DirectToU and Alliance Entertainment have agreed to pay $1.57 million to resolve claims they violated the Video Privacy Protection Act by sharing consumer information.
'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.
MLB free agency: Mets, Jorge Polanco reportedly agree on two-year, $40M deal
Polanco is expected to split his time between first base and DH in New York following a breakout season with the Mariners.
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua agree to fight in 2026
The long-awaited fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua has been signed for 2026.
Southwick business reaches agreement over loan fraud
As part of the settlement, Comark admitted to receiving a PPP loan in January 2021, meant to be used as financial assistance during the covid pandemic.
Amtrak's unionized workers are getting $900 holiday bonuses after their managers gave up half of theirs
Amtrak's unionized workers are getting $900 holiday bonuses after executives agreed to give up half of theirs, the Department of Transportation said.
UNC Health, Cigna agree to new contract, restoring coverage for 65,000 patients
The two parties’ previous contract expired on Nov. 30, leaving Cigna members with higher costs when treated by UNC Health providers.
Cigna & UNC Health reach agreement to end healthcare standoff
UNC Health and Cigna had been in a contract stalemate for weeks leading up to an expiring contract, which ended on Nov. 30.
The Paris Agreement Fueled A Decade Of Economic Growth, With Business Leading The Way
A decade after the Paris Agreement, U.S. economic competitiveness depends on continued global business leadership
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.
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
What smart people are saying about Disney's licensing deal with OpenAI
OpenAI said Thursday it had struck a licensing agreement to use Disney's characters and other intellectual property.
Instead of fixing WoW’s new floating house exploit, Blizzard makes it official
“We all kinda immediately agreed this was way too cool to change.”…
Long: As NASCAR antitrust lawsuit reaches settlement, a win for fans who get their sport back
23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan credited "level heads" in reaching an agreement.
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.
U.S. seizes oil tanker amid tensions with Venezuela and health care disagreements plague the GOP: Morning Rundown
Plus, a test of AI-powered children's toys reveals a not so kid-friendly side.
Healthy disagreement | Latest US politics news from The Economist
The latest news in US politics, with coverage of Donald Trump’s second term.
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.
After 'Disagreeing With <i>Dhurandhar's</i> Politics', Hrithik Roshan Says "I Cant Wait For Part 2"
In his first post, though Hrithik Roshan lauded the storytelling, he admitted that he might disagree with the "politics" of the film
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
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