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Our family had $214,000 in debt. Here's what we changed.
Our debt came from normal expenses. We sold our truck, stopped eating out, and are paying off $100,000 of our $214,000 debt this year.
Billy Crystal Delivers Emotional Tribute To Rob Reiner At The Oscars: The ‘Loss Is Immeasurable’
The “When Harry Met Sally” star was later joined by a slate of actors paying respects to the legendary director at the 98th Academy Awards.
People turn to private health care to beat long NHS waits, says watchdog
The patient watchdog warns of two-tier service as polling shows numbers paying for care is on the rise.
Exclusive | Tilman Fertitta in Talks to Buy Caesars for $7 Billion After Topping Bid From Icahn
The billionaire’s Fertitta Entertainment has been discussing paying around $34 a share.
'It's nature calling to humans, and humans deciding whether or not to reply': Why we need to start paying attention to our mutually beneficial relationships with other species
Live Science spoke with Rob Dunn, an applied ecologist and author of the book "The Call of the Honeyguide," about "mutualism" — how different species team up for their mutual benefit — and how humans can feel more connected to nature.
West Miami-Dade restaurant owner says family of 7 left her business without paying tab - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports
WEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A restaurant owner is speaking out after she said a family of seven dined at her business but left withoutRead More
Paying cash for healthcare could help cut your medical bills
With discounts of up to 80% on medical costs, it's becoming increasingly difficult not to consider cash-pay healthcare.
Ken Paxton Is Still Very Much in the Texas Senate Race
The Texas attorney general’s big electoral gambit is paying off, at least for now.
Live Nation settles lawsuit, will pay damages to states including Iowa
The monopoly lawsuit trial against Live Nation has ended in a settlement that includes paying more than $200 million to plaintiffs including Iowa.
Trump intervenes in NIL crisis that will 'destroy' college sports
US president Trump claims educational system will “go out of business” once colleges begin paying student-athletes later this year.
Trump predicts ‘whole educational system’ could go out of business without fixes to college sports
Many schools are drowning in red ink from paying players while the rules for those payments keep evolving.
Affordable healthcare clinic opens in Orem offering low-cost care for uninsured patients
For many Utahns with or without health insurance, a visit to the doctor can often get put on the back burner.Some face the reality of choosing between paying fo
Trump: soaring college football costs are hitting sports, Congress must act
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said the soaring cost of paying for football at colleges was harming school sports in general and the problem would need to be addressed by legislation, adding he might sign an executive order about it.
Fargo pharmacist files federal lawsuit against Sanford Health, alleges she was fired to avoid paying millions in medical bills
A federal complaint alleges Sanford violated ERISA, FMLA, the ADA, and Title VII.
Some PS5 Users Really Are Paying More for Their Games on PS Store Than Others
Sony's still testing out dynamic pricing
3L Kevin Afiesh Learns to Translate Legal Risk Into Business Strategy as FinTech Extern - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)
3L Kevin Afiesh strengthened his corporate and fintech skillset through an externship at Plaid, gaining real-world experience at the intersection of technology and financial services. 3L student Kevin Afiesh shares how UC Law San Francisco’s Corporate Counsel Externship provided immersive, practice-ready training inside Plaid’s in-house legal department. Reviewed and analyzed technology-focused agreements, including emerging AI provisions and liability terms Explored financial services regulation and data governance within a growth-stage company Learned how internal legal teams shape product, partnership, and compliance planning 3L student Kevin Afiesh: During my externship at Plaid, I worked with the in-house legal team supporting a rapidly growing company at the intersection of technology and financial services. My work focused primarily on corporate, commercial, and intellectual property matters. I helped review and analyze vendor and partnership agreements, paying close attention to emerging artificial intelligence-related provisions and risk allocation terms. I also investigated regulatory and compliance issues involving financial services and data governance, and I researched intellectual property litigation relevant to fintech companies. This work supported legal risk assessment to guide strategic decision making. I learned firsthand how an in-house legal team operates in a highly regulated, innovation-driven environment, where legal analysis is closely integrated with business decision making. I saw how attorneys balance legal risk with commercial priorities and how their advice shapes contracting, compliance, and intellectual property strategy. It reinforced that effective in-house lawyers need to understand both the law and the operational realities of the business. The experience also strengthened my ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-lawyers and to provide advice that is precise, practical, and commercially aware. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I’ve worked with technology companies at different stages. Plaid added a distinct perspective within the tech ecosystem, showing me how a growth-stage fintech company approaches regulatory complexity, innovation, and risk tolerance. This sharpened my ability to adapt to clients with different structures, priorities, and compliance needs. As I prepare to practice corporate law in the technology industry, this exposure has strengthened my ability to align legal advice with a company’s stage of growth, strategic objectives, and internal dynamics. I would absolutely recommend the Corporate Counsel Externship Program. Working directly with an in-house legal team provided a meaningful sense of day-to-day practice inside a technology company, and the attorneys at Plaid were generous with their time and mentorship. The classroom component was equally valuable. Professors Nira Geevargis and Scott Darling created a thoughtful environment where we reflected on our experiences, discussed real-world challenges, and developed practical skills that complemented our fieldwork. More broadly, UC Law San Francisco’s location offers a clear advantage for students interested in technology, corporate practice, and public-interest work. Proximity to courts, law firms, and innovative companies — combined with programs like the Corporate Counsel Externship and an extensive Bay Area alumni network — make it a strong option for students who want to build their careers in the region. The Evidence of Success series highlights UC Law SF students as they share how the college’s opportunities equip them with the experience, skills, and confidence to excel in the legal profession.
America is the oil king of the world. So why is the Iran war sending gas prices higher?
The United States is pumping more oil than any country in world history. Without all that crude, Americans could already be paying $4 or even $5 a gallon for gasoline, making the energy spike caused by the war with Iran even more painful.
Empowering Communities to Tackle Structural Racism Through New Health Equity Training Series
At a time when too many families are still forced to choose between buying groceries or paying rent, seeking care or staying silent, HCN Global is launching the ninth edition of the Culture of Health / la Cultura de Salud, a multicultural, bilingual multimedia programming series that addresses social determinants of health affecting Latino and Black communities in the US. This year the multimedia series will feature a new webinar series to help community leaders identify and address one of the r
Marathon dev Bungie responds to Server Slam feedback, particularly around UI, PC performance, and more
Bungie is continuing to respond to your feedback during Marathon's Server Slam event, paying particular attention to yo…
Flutter Entertainment Reassesses Growth As FanDuel Predicts Faces Regulatory Tests
Flutter Entertainment, NYSE:FLUT, missed recent revenue expectations and issued guidance for 2026 that some investors view as cautious. The company has launched FanDuel Predicts, expanding into prediction markets at a time when regulators are paying closer attention to the sector. These moves come as competition in online wagering and prediction products intensifies, raising questions about Flutter Entertainment's next phase of growth. For shareholders, the backdrop is already challenging...
Science and the Art of Paying Attention
From the daily newsletter: a science columnist on how everyday life changes when you start noticing things with a fresh perspective.
68% of Americans Say Trump Has the Wrong Priorities
As Mr. Trump prepares for his State of the Union address, polls show that most Americans say he isn’t paying enough attention to the country’s biggest problems.
Statewide alert: Unlicensed company selling health coverage in Tennessee
Tennesseans shopping for health coverage are being urged to pause before signing up.State officials are warning consumers that LifeX Research Corporation is not
Have You Been Paying Attention to Ryan Gerard?
He's got two runner up finishes and a T11 racked up already this year. Here's why Rick Gehman thinks he's a good bet at PGA National.
Italy throws farewell party, passes torch to France
The Milan Cortina Olympics ended Sunday with a closing ceremony paying tribute to Italian dance and music inside the ancient Verona Arena.
Kate Walsh recalls first 'Grey's Anatomy' scene with Eric Dane: 'He was so handsome...but can this guy act?'
While paying tribute to her late 'Grey's Anatomy' costar Eric Dane, Kate Walsh looked back on their first scene together: 'I believe it was his first scene on the show too and he was nervous,'
Egg prices have plummeted. That’s great news for consumers — and a crisis for farmers.
The average price of a dozen eggs at the grocery store is $2.58, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s more than half of what many consumers were paying a year ago.
Kevin Hassett says Fed researchers should be ‘disciplined’ over report that Americans are paying tariffs
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Wednesday that researchers at the New York Federal Reserve who produced a study finding American businesses and consumers are shouldering 90% of the cost of President Donald Trump’s tariffs should be “disciplined.”
Bipartisan bill aims to end health conflicts and bring down costs after years of complaints in Ohio
A bipartisan bill would prohibit health giants from providing services and paying for them. It would be the biggest antitrust law in decades.
'Plain scary' is paying for health insurance for some WA businesses
High premiums, wild volatility, weak coverage: Small businesses in Washington struggle to afford health insurance for employees.
'Plain scary' is paying for health insurance for some WA businesses
High premiums, wild volatility, weak coverage: Small businesses in Washington struggle to afford health insurance for employees.
10 Free TV Streaming Platforms Worth Trying in February 2026 — Hidden Gems, Classics, & More
For 2026, cord cutters can save money and enjoy great content by utilizing free, ad-supported streaming (FAST) platforms. FAST has quietly become the smartest way to watch, especially if you’re tired of paying for dozens of channels you never open. These services give you real choices of live channels that feel like TV, on-demand libraries […]
Federal judge orders Trump administration to keep paying Colorado public health grants
Colorado and three other states sued Wednesday to prevent the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from halting $600 million in ongoing public health grants.
Former Las Vegas business owner faces prison time for not paying $1.2M in taxes
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A former business owner pleaded guilty Thursday to not paying employment taxes on behalf of the cleaning company she owned, causing a tax loss to the government of $1.2 mil…
Monkey Rock Entertainment Center in El Paso closed; landlord cites lease break
Monkey Rock Entertainment Center in El Paso is closed after its landlord cited a lease break. The notice states the tenant can regain access by paying outstanding rent and fees.
St. Cloud entertainment center out, cannabis facility could take space
St. Cloud's entertainment center proposal failed; however, a new project looks to replace it. This new proposal could bring high-paying jobs.
Why the UC system is seeing a drop in computer science enrollment
It was once a degree to some of the highest-paying jobs in the world, but now the University of California is seeing a drop in enrollment for computer science.
Walmart boosts pay potential for some pharmacy staff, college degree not required
Walmart is expanding higher-paying pharmacy roles and creating new leadership opportunities that allow workers to advance through training rather than a college degree.
Trump cut science funding. Small businesses are paying the price.
Some federal contractors are feeling the squeeze after the president slashed support for climate programs and other research efforts.
Trump cut science funding. Small businesses are paying the price.
Some federal contractors are feeling the squeeze after the president slashed support for climate programs and other research efforts.
The Super Bowl, Advertising, and Small Business - Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
by Raymond J. Keating – Americans tend to watch the Super Bowl for three reasons: 1) the actual game 2) the halftime show 3) the Super Bowl advertisements. Looking at number three, it’s been widely reported that advertisers are paying $8 million to $10 million for a 30-second TV ad during this year’s Super Bowl. […]
Anthropic’s breakout moment: how Claude won business and shook markets
Start-up’s bet on enterprise users is paying off as coding tools fuel revenue and investor frenzy
Trump cut science funding. Small businesses are paying the price.
Some federal contractors are feeling the squeeze after the president slashed support for climate programs and other research efforts.
They help police with mental health calls. So why are 'mobile crisis' teams in crisis?
Interactions between police and someone in psychiatric crisis can end in violence. Communities have been sending mental health professionals instead, but paying for that service has been a struggle.
Hefty taxes kick back in for small Philly businesses
Many businesses are likely unprepared and unaware they need to start paying the city's Business Income and Receipts Tax.
Employers are spreading raises like peanut butter – and workers are paying the price
These across-the-board raises to all employees versus individual performance-based raises are simply lazy
Paying for health care is now Americans' top financial worry, KFF poll finds
GM's ability to balance profits, politics under Trump paying off for investors
GM's ability to walk such a tightrope has been easier to do when it can fall, if needed, onto $21.7 billion in cash to end 2025.
Minn. companies pool funds to help small businesses amidst immigration enforcement surge
A couple dozen Minnesota companies have contributed about $4 million to a grant fund to support small businesses in the state as they navigate the challenges of meeting payroll and paying rent amidst the immigration enforcement surge.
4 Incredible Techniques Combine to Advance Dark Energy Science
Big, recent investments are paying off as the world's dark energy observatories continue to produce results.
A Business Case For Looking Beyond The Usual Suspects Of Content Creators
Social Setting founder Christina Westley delivers under-the-radar content creators with quantifiable ROI to CMOs tired of overpaying for reach that doesn’t convert.
Texans are tightening their budgets to pay for health insurance after subsidies expired
Many who enrolled in Affordable Care Act health plans are paying steeper premiums this year. That means cutting back in other areas.
Paying attention to Texas Tech yet? You should. That and more from college basketball weekend
What we learned this weekend in college basketball: Texas Tech confirms contender status, Rick Pitino still has it and freshmen take center stage.
Is Melco Resorts & Entertainment (MLCO) Attractive After Recent Share Price Swings?
If you are wondering whether Melco Resorts & Entertainment is a bargain or a value trap at around US$6.35, you are not alone. The answer starts with looking closely at what you are really paying for its business today. The stock has had a mixed run, with a 3.6% gain over the last 7 days, a 20.7% decline over the last 30 days, a 15.4% decline year to date, but a 13.4% gain over the last year, set against much larger declines of 53.1% and 60.3% over the last 3 and 5 years. Recent coverage of...
Beth Israel Lahey Health’s CEO had a vision. It’s finally paying off.
Despite challenges, the state's second-largest health system posted a $100 million operating gain last year for the first time in four years.
Opinion | The Health Care Diaries of Five Americans
We heard from 300 people about what they are paying in health insurance premiums after Affordable Care Act subsidies expired.
K&C Sports & Entertainment Law Weekly Roundup
The evidence against the college basketball players indicted Thursday on federal sports gambling charges, and the alleged fixers involved in enticing and paying the players, appears strong enough...
The reason you should be paying attention to Seattle sports
From the Seahawks to the Mariners and more in between, here's why we may be entering a golden era of Seattle sports.
Trump's tariffs are paid almost entirely by Americans: German study
US tariffs under Donald Trump have been paid almost entirely by Americans, with foreign exporters paying for only 4%, a German study found.
Why more patients are paying doctors directly — and what it says about our health system
Patients and doctors are bypassing insurance for faster, simpler care — a trend highlighting a desire for relief from bureaucracy and widening inequities in the health care system.
The 10 Most Overrated Liquor Brands
Reputation can carry a lot of weight, and in competitive world of spirits, that can mean paying more for a product that isn't truly that impressive.
TikTok Blocks Thai Politicians From Paying for Ads Before Poll
Social media platform TikTok said it would block Thai election candidates from paying for advertising or monetizing their content during the election campaign period.
Executives' favorite explanation for spending big on AI: FOMO
If you're wondering whether JPMorgan's tech spend is paying off, here's Jamie Dimon's answer: "Trust me."
Trying to eat healthy in 2026? Get started with 3 new recipes
Eating healthier and paying attention to your diet does not mean you have to skimp on flavor.
10 high-paying jobs where job seekers can 'get hired and thrive'
Several healthcare jobs were among the top on Indeed's new list of the best jobs, which is based on postings and wage growth, and other factors.
Trump signs order to block defense companies from buying back stock until arms production improves
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to block defense companies from paying dividends or buying back stock until they improve production.
Intel Stock Is Soaring. Is the Turnaround Gamble Finally Paying Off?
Intel stock soared on Wednesday, extending a recent run-up fueled by increasing confidence in its foundry business.
The Odds: Are Americans paying attention to what’s happening in Venezuela?
The ultimate price Ford is paying to overhaul its business strategy
Ford and other carmakers must shift gears in their business plans away from EVs, a costly endeavor. Here is what it could mean for the industry.
Lane Kiffin Earns $500K Bonus From Ole Miss Win Over Georgia
LSU is paying Kiffin's full bonus structure from Ole Miss—even though he's not coaching them anymore. He can earn up to $1 million total.
Ballots, tax returns and other important mail may not get postmarked the day you turn it in, Postal Service warns
If you rely on postmarks when casting your ballot, filing your taxes or paying bills, a new US Postal Service rule makes it clear that you should plan ahead.
Florida Blue and Cigna disputes with South Florida hospitals push patients out of network, paying higher costs
Showdowns in Broward and Palm Beach counties between hospitals and insurers like Florida Blue and Cigna over contracts are pushing patients out of network and disrupting care as the new year arrive…
SNAP bans on soda, candy and other foods take effect in five states Jan. 1
Starting Thursday, Americans in five states who get government help paying for groceries will see new restrictions on soda, candy and other foods they can buy with those benefits.
Why patients don’t care about health care prices
The U.S. health care system is unable to progress in pricing transparency due to the fact that most patients do not have a financial incentive to care about prices, as someone else is paying the bi…
Were you paying attention to the big scientific discoveries of 2025?
From dire wolves to dementia risk, this quiz will test your knowledge on some of the biggest science news stories of the year.
Nursing home giant dodges millions in settlements for patient deaths
Genesis HealthCare used bankruptcy to avoid paying families after settling lawsuits over neglect, including cases with maggot-infested wounds and sexual assault.
N.J.’s ‘ghost malls’ need new life. Can these vibrant small businesses save them?
Some entrepreneurs are paying less than $1,000 monthly to rent storefronts that once housed major chains as New Jersey's malls turn to small businesses to survive.
Court: consultant liable after bad advice dooms laundry business
A southern Israel man hired a financial consultant after seeing Facebook ads, paying 200,000 shekels for his services; the business collapsed within months, and a court ruled the consultant was negligent
How not to misread science fiction
Focusing on the futuristic tech that appears in sci-fi without paying attention to the actual point of the story is a big mistake, says Annalee Newitz
Paying More, Getting Less: Rising health care costs, poor outcomes, and harmful federal policy decisions are putting New Yorkers at risk
Paying More, Getting Less: Rising health care costs, poor outcomes, and harmful federal policy decisions are putting New Yorkers at risk Key Takeaways Health care costs are rising sharply across all forms of coverage, while federal policy decisions are worsening affordability and access. Enhanced ACA premium tax credits are set...
California businesses continue to shoulder state's $20 billion debt to the federal government
Businesses large and small across California are paying even more on their payroll taxes to the federal government this year because of spending decisions the state's Legislature and governor made within the last few years.
I Spent $160,000 of My Family's Savings to Bootstrap a Startup — Here's What No One Tells You About Funding
Every dollar counts, and you quickly learn to focus on paying customers and measuring ROI before chasing vanity metrics.
Prosecutors claim Terry Rozier paying for co-defendant's legal defense in sports betting case
An attorney for the Miami Heat guard didn't deny that his client has helped childhood friend and co-defendant Deniro Laster.
Computer Science Grads Aren’t Landing High-Paying Jobs. But Don’t Trash Those Degrees Yet.
Recent college graduates are questioning the value of their computer science degrees because there aren't as many lucrative jobs available. What they need is a mindset shift.
Prison health workers are among the best-paid public employees. Why are so many jobs vacant?
California spent hundreds of millions on high-paying prison and hospital healthcare jobs, auditors found -- but vacancy rates rose since 2019, exceeding 30% at three facilities despite bonuses and pay raises.
Why Eagles defense wasn't satisfied with just a shutout
The Eagles’ defense was dominant on Sunday and they were paying attention to more than just a shutout.
Health insurance costs rising in 2026: What to know
Whether you have insurance through work, Medicare, or the exchange, you are likely paying more next year.
5 Free Apps That Can Replace Your Microsoft Office Subscription
If you are tired of paying a fortune for a Microsoft Office subscription, you must check out some alternative apps like Canva, Mailspring, and more.
Why America gave up on economists
Both parties have turned their backs on traditional economic advice. Is the country paying the price?
Sticker Shock: Obamacare Customers Confront Premium Spikes as Congress Dithers
With subsidies that give consumers extra help paying their health insurance premiums set to expire, lawmakers are again debating the Affordable Care Act. The difference this time: It’s happening in the middle of ACA open enrollment.
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
Older voters are gaining power. Young people are paying the price.
Seniors’ rising political influence is a threat to economic growth.
When News Becomes Entertainment; Check That Off The List
People want news, but not from news outlets; X’s blue checkmarks are coming home to roost; and Meta is finally paying publishers (kind of).
Tattoo Regret: Wyoming Residents Pay Big Money For Tattoo Removal
Across Wyoming, more people are paying big money to erase tattoos they regret having done. “I tell them don’t be embarrassed, because they were young and…
Health insurance premiums to double for over 500,000 Ohioans if ACA tax credits expire
Over half a million Ohioans face skyrocketing premiums if federal tax credits to help pay for their plans under the Affordable Care Act expire at year's end, with some families paying nothing now potentially owing thousands.
Ulta Beauty says its bet on K-beauty is paying off
CEO Kecia Steelman said in an earnings call that K-beauty is driving sales and bringing in new customers.
American Eagle's bet on Sydney Sweeney and Aerie's anti-AI pledge are paying off big time
American Eagle jeans, Aerie's anti-AI pledge, and Sydney Sweeney boosted revenue, stock, and customer growth in Q3 results.
For These Businesses, U.S. Tariffs Are a Price Worth Paying
Some British business owners are determined to keep their access to American consumers, but they are facing trade-offs.