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TST Best Bets- December 14, 2025
Sunday marks the heart of Week 15 in the NFL, with a full slate of games carrying playoff implications across both conferences.
NFL Week 15 Live Updates, Scores: Raiders-Eagles, Bills-Pats, Chargers-Chiefs, More
It's Week 15 in the NFL, and a handful of teams' postseason hopes hang in the balance. Here are Sunday's highlights!
How to watch Nebraska vs. Texas A&M in the NCAA volleyball Elite Eight
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are the lone undefeated team in the country and looking to punch their ticket to the Final Four on Sunday.
Watch Atlas V rocket launch 27 of Amazon's internet satellites to orbit early Dec. 15
Liftoff is scheduled for 3:49 a.m. ET on Monday (Dec. 15).
NFL Week 15 Preview: Stats and Storylines for 7 FOX Sports Games
FOX has a massive seven-game slate this Sunday, headlined by Lions vs. Rams.
Thomas Frank reaction — What did Spurs boss say after heavy defeat to Nottingham Forest?
Thomas Frank's reprieve from harsh, intense criticism following Tottenham Hotspur's recent poor performances was rather brief, as Spurs were wayward once again in a 3-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Cassidy: ‘There is a deal that could be made’ on ACA subsidies by end of year
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) on Sunday expressed cautious optimism about a bipartisan compromise on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies for a select group of Americans before the ta…
MLB rumors: Diamondbacks bring back Merrill Kelly, Brendan Donovan talks heat up
Here are your hot stove rumors for Sunday, Dec. 14
We think we found the most active Waymo rider in SF. Prove us wrong.
A mystery rider hailed over 400 Waymos in 2025 and spent nearly eight days in the driverless vehicles.
Can Lawmakers Find a Solution to Expiring Health Care Subsidies?
The United States Senate rejected a pair of health care bills that would have delivered relief to more than 20 million Americans before the end of the year. Now, cost-saving subsidies added to the Affordable Care Act in 2021 are likely to expire on New Year’s Eve, causing patient prices to increase by as much as 100%. NBC’s Anne Thompson reports in this week’s Sunday Focus.
Week in politics: Crunch time for new health insurance plans, Trump sued over White House renovations, Americans killed by ISIS
Despite being in control of the White House and Congress, Republicans have been unable to pass their health care agenda. We look at why that's the case, as well as a new lawsuit against the president.
Week in politics: Crunch time for new health insurance plans, Trump sued over White House renovations, Americans killed by ISIS
Despite being in control of the White House and Congress, Republicans have been unable to pass their health care agenda. We look at why that's the case, as well as a new lawsuit against the president.
Week in politics: Crunch time for new health insurance plans, Trump sued over White House renovations, Americans killed by ISIS
Despite being in control of the White House and Congress, Republicans have been unable to pass their health care agenda. We look at why that's the case, as well as a new lawsuit against the president.
Meet the young founders who have raised millions for their startups
In this Sunday edition of Business Insider Today, we're talking about the founders under 27 who are starting their own tech companies.
5 Michigan health systems defy federal vaccine panel's advice
Controversy erupted when a CDC panel changed recommendations for hepatitis B vaccines. These Michigan health systems say they won't follow it.
Fantasy football Week 15 rankings: PPR, non-PPR and FLEX
The 2025 fantasy football playoffs are here. Check out our Week 15 expert fantasy football rankings for PPR, half-PPR and standard leagues.
All LinkedIn Games Solutions for Today (December 14, 2025)
It's Sunday funday, and the LinkedIn Games are ending the week strong. Here are all the solutions for today!
Washington Twp. business owner is an immigrant whose family won a lottery to come to the U.S.
The journey from his birthplace in the island country of Fiji to becoming a business owner in Washington Twp. was decades long for Ashwin Narayan.
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview and Team News
Tottenham Hotspur travel to the City Ground on Sunday afternoon, aiming to secure three consecutive wins in all competitions for the first time under Thomas Frank.They face a Nottingham Forest side lo...
Pelicans, Bulls battling to build winning streak
The Chicago Bulls host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night in a matchup of teams that just ended their seven-game losing streaks.
Sunday holiday entertainment events canceled in Prichard due to cold weather forecast
All scheduled entertainment performances and the Christmas Extravaganza Movie Night planned for Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Old Historic Whistler Bike Trail have been canceled due to the forecast of extreme cold weather, officials announced.
Denfeld senior talks mental health in mom-daughter podcast
Through a grant from the Ann Bancroft Foundation, Ileini and Ashley Hirt share their journey of navigating mental health via shared podcast.
Packers vs Broncos Props & Best Bets for Week 15
Bo Nix has started throwing more frequently for Denver in recent weeks, and we expect that trend to continue in Sunday’s showdown against Green Bay.
Hyundai CEO pledges to 'ramp up' production at Metaplant in Georgia
Tariffs and an infamous immigration raid haven't dampened the automaker's plans in Georgia, based on bullish remarks by CEO José Muñoz.
Washington Commanders at New York Giants odds, picks and predictions
The Washington Commanders and New York Giants meet Sunday in Week 15 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET.
To 'graduate' from poverty, they can borrow to build a business. So why aren't they?
It's called the "graduation" approach — both financial and moral support to help people move from extreme poverty to self-sufficiency. But in this innovative Uganda project, something isn't clicking.
Business notes: Tommy’s Dutch Lunch reopens following renovations
The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday at 1203 W. Pine St.
He made his brothers get their arteries checked. Each had advanced heart disease.
Kevin Murray was his family's health watchdog. His vigilance helped his brothers "avoid a real catastrophe."
Game Preview: San Jose Sharks @ Pittsburgh Penguins 12/13/25
Who: San Jose Sharks (15-14-3, 33 points, 5th place Pacific Division) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (14-8-7, 35 points, 5th place Metropolitan Division) When: 3:00 p.m. ET How to Watch: Broadcast locally on Sportsnet Pittsburgh and NBC Sports California, streaming on ESPN+ Pens’ Path Ahead: The homestand continues Sunday against the Utah Mammoth, followed by what could be a reunion with […]
Arts and entertainment calendar
Events coming up in the Greenville area offer music, arts, theater and family fun. Here is a sampling. In this events listing, “today” refers to Dec. 13.
Sherrone Moore’s firing and its shocking aftermath raises tough questions about the culture of Michigan’s athletic department
A series of scandals over the last several years begs a simple, yet critical question: Is what happened with Sherrone Moore a serious, but isolated, incident or a symbol of a broader, cultural problem within the walls of Michigan athletics?
The Trump Effect: How One Man’s Politics Rewired Europe
From defense to trade to climate policy, Trump’s second term has shaken Europe’s foundations and forced leaders across the continent to adapt to a new transatlantic reality.
Nine science-backed ways to prevent overeating this Christmas
Flavour perception and food presentation can affect our brain and make us feel fuller earlier, so we eat fewer calories
Foothill College's Physics Show puts the fun in science fundamentals
After-school student violence worries nearby businesses, prompting police action
Business owners seek relief from rising -caused chaos including vandalism and fights.
Chemical Bonding: COSI demonstration, donated science kits get a big reaction at Marietta Elementary School
MARIETTA — Fifth and sixth grade students at Marietta Elementary School were paid a visit from COSI with a science experiment demonstration Friday morning. As part of the event, students also received the COSI Connects American Innovation Kits, which will arrive at the school Monday. COSI, in partnership with AT&T, selected Marietta for the opportunity […]
Science kits are donated along with a demonstration by COSI at Marietta Elementary School
Fifth and sixth grade students at Marietta Elementary School were paid a visit from COSI with a science experiment demonstration Friday morning. As part of the event, students also received the COSI Connects American Innovation Kits, which will arrive at the school Monday. COSI, in partnership with AT&T, selected Marietta for the opportunity which was […]
News4JAGs predictions: Jaguars will stay hot and clobber the Jets
Jaguars season is back and our News4JAX sports staff is back with its predictions as well. Each week, we’ll unveil our predictions for the week’s game. Jacksonville (9-4) hosts the New York Jets (3-10) on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Jaguars are leading the AFC South and need to keep winning to bolster their chances of holding off the Colts and Texans.
San Mateo Medical Center Health Campus Completes Major Renovation & Expansion
San Mateo, California – San Mateo County’s public hospital has been transformed into a state-of-the-art health care campus, rebuilt to meet California’s seismic safety standards and reimagined to better serve patients and staff. Community leaders gathered today to celebrate the opening, calling it a major investment in public health and a welcome upgrade for the tens of thousands of residents who rely on the County for medical and other care.
Best Packers vs Broncos Same Game Parlay for Week 15
Between Jordan Love & Bo Nix, there'll definitely be plenty of offense in the Mile High City as we dish on it all in our Packers vs. Broncos same-game parlay for Sunday, December 14.
The Republicans’ Endangered Health
The refusal to extend ACA subsidies becomes a huge political liability and signals deepening splits.
NFC playoff standings, Philadelphia Eagles' rooting guide for Week 15
With the Sunday and Monday night Week 15 games set to begin in just hours, here is who fans should root for with the Eagles looking to move back into the No. 1 seed
Former UNC Health Rex nurse faces more charges after 3rd sexual assault victim comes forward
Brayan Alvarez Ortiz's next court appearance is Monday.
Mounts of Mayhem challenges
Take on two challenges in the Mobs of Mayhem drop and earn dashing rewards! Defeat five mobs with a spear, or help the community spawn 75 million zombie horses! The challenges run from Friday Dec 12, 8:00 AM PT to Monday Dec 15, 10:00 AM PT.
Serato Debuts 'SLAB' – Its First Standalone Beatmaking Device
Created in partnership with AlphaTheta, it features a 7-inch OLED touch display, 16 RGB pads, stems control – and it's small enough to fit in your backpack.
Are we in a new era for EHRs?
The healthcare industry is experiencing a fundamental shift in digital health infrastructure, one that prioritizes interoperability, clinician efficiency and patient-centered care – and where AI and advanced analytics play key roles.
League Cup final victory would 'validate' Celtic process
Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy says victory in Sunday's Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren would "validate" what he is trying to implement at his new club.
NSF announces new initiative to launch and scale a new generation of transformative independent research organizations to advance breakthrough science
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) on Friday announced the launch of a new initiative designed to launch and scale a new generation…
Gameday Entertainment: Saints vs. Panthers | 2025 NFL Week 15
The New Orleans Saints host the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome for Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3:25 p.m. CT.
New photos from Epstein’s personal collection show Trump, Clinton and much more
The undated photographs are from Epstein’s email account and computer, according to Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, who published the photographs on Friday.
Gift-worthy USA TODAY Sports books capture legendary eras for fans
Celebrate the biggest wins in sports history with USA TODAY books—Dodgers’ dynasty, Lambeau legends, the Big Red Machine and more.
Gift-worthy USA TODAY Sports books capture legendary eras for fans
Celebrate the biggest wins in sports history with USA TODAY books—Dodgers’ dynasty, Lambeau legends, the Big Red Machine and more.
A top South Korean shipbuilder is arming the Philippines with a new fleet of warships built for tougher Pacific fights
HD Hyundai built two new guided-missile frigates for the Philippine Navy, giving it a firepower upgrade for South China Sea.
Scouting the Enemy: Green Bay Packers
The Denver Broncos take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. Here is a deeper look at their Week 15 opponent.
What makes the Eagles optimistic about offense after a 3rd straight loss?
The crazy thing about the Eagles’ offensive performance Monday night is that they actually did some good things.
Why did it take Eagles so long to get Britain Covey involved in return game?
Watching Britain Covey return punts and kicks Monday night against the Chargers it was easy to wonder why he hasn’t been doing it all year.
3 key players for Bengals vs. Ravens
Mike Gesicki could be in line for a big game this Sunday.
Mid-Michigan entertainment for the weekend of Dec. 12-14 and beyond
Check out what’s going on around the region.
What's on the agenda for Toure today?
Yes, that's right - Manchester City assistant Kolo Toure will be facing the cameras this lunchtime to preview Sunday's Premier League game at Crystal Palace. Boss Pep Guardiola has a "personal matter" to deal with so is not around today but is expected to return to work on Saturday and will be in the dugout at Selhurst Park. Toure is likely to field questions about City's magnificent win at Real Madrid during the week and the title race as it reaches an important juncture.
Connecting the dots with Sherrone Moore and other Michigan scandals
The Bear’s Den, December 12, 2025
The Chicago Bears face the Browns, and the cold, on Sunday
15 Big Ten sports scandals (including Rutgers) from the last 15 years
In the past decade and a half alone, the Big Ten has been marred by massive scandals at its most renowned institutions.
After more than a year in business, this Morton restaurant has closed
The Tazewell County Health Department learned of the permanent closure in late November.
The greatest Tyne-Wear derby moments?
When you have a rivalry as fierce and as storied as the Tyne-Wear derby, you are never short of memorable moments. With Sunderland and Newcastle set to face each other for the first time in the Premier League since 2016 on Sunday, we have taken a trip down Memory Lane to find some of the standout moments. Neither team came into the match in great form, but there was particular pressure on Newcastle boss Ruud Gullit after three defeats in the opening four games.
Past Ulster disappointments driving Kilcoo
With 13 Down titles over the past 14 years, one may get the impression that success can be taken for granted in Kilcoo, but current manager Martin Corey insists there is a sense they "have left a lot behind them" beyond their county boundary.
Policies | Business Conduct and Decisions
Abbott's transparent policies and standards guide our business decisions, ethical conduct and commitment to the environment.
Bandai Namco Entertainment CEO on A24’s ‘Elden Ring’ Movie, Big ‘Ace Combat 8’ Reveal and Hitting a Quicker Game Output Strategy (EXCLUSIVE)
Bandai Namco Entertainment CEO on new "Ace Combat 8" game and A24's "Elden Ring" movie.
Arts and Entertainment Agenda: Dec. 12-18
Arts and Entertainment Agenda: Dec. 12-18
Why Biya's victory damages Cameroon's electoral integrity
Cameroon looks calm — but the disputed election has shaken citizen's faith in the electoral system. Tomaino Ndam Njoya, the only female presidential candidate, joins us Under the Baobab, explains why there were no winners in Cameroon's election, and reveals surprising ways Cameroon's political elite can try to rebuild trust with the electorate.
Alabama board of education approves mandatory computer science courses
Schools have 18 months to implement the digital literacy and computer science course.
Employers join forces at career fair to boost local business hires post-Helene
Employers gathered at the Valley Hope Church in Swannanoa on Thursday, Dec. 11, to take part in the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber Foundation career fair.
Seahawks To Host Small Businesses At Marketplace During Inspire Change Gameday On Sunday
During pregame of Sunday’s game vs. the Colts, there will be a marketplace featuring small businesses that are a part of Seattle’s Hawks Huddle small business partnership.
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.”…
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.
Revived Patriots face Bills test in hunt for playoffs
High-flying New England face a mouth-watering test against Josh Allen's Buffalo Bills Sunday, seeking a win over their AFC East rivals that would secure the Patriots a playoff berth and the divisional title.They face a mountain to climb against their divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, who sit three wins ahead in the AFC West.
Florida House advances proposal to mandate E-Verify
Only companies with 25 or more employees are required to use the system under current state law.
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.
Navy delivers report to Hegseth on potential punishment for Sen. Mark Kelly over ‘illegal orders’ video
The US Navy has submitted its recommendations on potential punishments for Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly over his participation in a video that reminded US troops they have a duty to refuse illegal orders, a Pentagon official told CNN on Thursday.
Goldman on Lander challenge: ‘Politics will have to wait ’til 2026′
Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) on Wednesday declined to comment on New York City Comptroller Brad Lander’s (D) decision to challenge him in the party primary, instead homing in on legislative tasks to c…
The fact-checking mandate evolves from politics to personal security
"Online scams, phishing attempts, and fraudulent schemes have grown in both volume and sophistication, creating a new front in the war on falsehoods."
Pittsburgh’s Strength as Business Center Fuels Aer Lingus Entry into Market
With today’s announcement that Aer Lingus is introducing nonstop flights from Pittsburgh International Airport to Dublin Airport, Pittsburgh and Ireland have the opportunity to build on the powerful business and cultural connection that drives economic development in both regions. Flights on Aer Lingus, the Irish flag carrier, start on May 25, 2026, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
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
Capitol agenda: GOP’s health revolt heads to the Senate
John Thune and Mike Johnson can’t get Republicans on the same page on health care.
Warren Buffett watchers weigh in on Todd Combs' surprise exit
After praising Todd Combs for years, Warren Buffett gave him a "rather cool sendoff" in Monday's press release, one Berkshire watcher said.
Ed and Linda Whitacre contribute $7M to support health research, engineering and athletics at UT San Antonio - UT San Antonio Today
The Whitacres’ continuous investment in UT San Antonio demonstrates how philanthropy can advance education, discovery and health.
When does winter start? Your guide to the 2025 winter solstice.
Astronomical winter begins Sunday, Dec. 21 in the Northern Hemisphere. Here's how the solstice works.
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.
Kenya Court Halts $1.6 Billion Health Deal as US Courts Uganda
A Kenyan court temporarily froze the nation’s health deal with the US after a lobby group raised data-privacy concerns, even as President Donald Trump courts more African countries with similar pacts.
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.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025: Six contenders announced for SPOTY shortlist
A shortlist of six contenders has been announced for the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Footballers Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly, rugby union player Ellie Kildunne, darts player Luke Littler, golfer Rory McIlroy and Formula 1 driver Lando Norris are the nominees.
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.
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
The Herald's weekly entertainment picks
Looking to be entertained from Thursday, Dec. 11, through Wednesday, Dec. 17? Check out the Skagit Valley Herald’s weekly recommendations.
Louisville women's basketball routs Ball State ahead of North Carolina
Louisville women's basketball, behind its deep frontcourt, routed Ball State on Wednesday in its tuneup for an ACC game Sunday against North Carolina.
Korea's entertainment industry struggles as celebrity scandals derail productions
A string of personal scandals involving high-profile Korean entertainers is once again leaving broadcasters and production companies to absorb heav...
New group seeks to improve local business environment through work with government
A new business initiative led by Salem attorney Mark Hoyt was unveiled during a Salem Area Chamber of Commerce event on Monday. The group hopes to benefit the community by working with government on behalf of local businesses.