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Business concerns as Abingdon reservoir consultation ends
Thames Water plans a £7.5bn reservoir to serve 15 million customers across south-east England.
Country legend to miss her star-studded birthday celebration amid health concerns
The "Jolene" singer turns 80 later this month.
Trump calls for cap on credit card interest rates in latest appeal to affordability concerns
President Donald Trump on Friday called for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates of 10%, saying the American public is being “ripped off” in a Truth Social post.
Officer-involved shooting sparks mental health concerns
HINSDALE, Mass. (NEWS10)– The tragic officer-involved shooting in Hinsdale on Wednesday that left one civilian dead, is affecting the community deeply. It’s sparked an important conversation …
iPhone Air 2 could get two of the most requested feature upgrades
Apple may have fixes coming for iPhone Air 2 that address two major concerns with the first model. Here are the details.
ADA webinar to address how to talk to patients about mental health
The ADA will host a webinar Jan. 23 to help prepare dentists and their team members to discuss mental health concerns with their patients.
Health district concerns mount over new chicken plant
TIFFIN — Seneca County’s health commissioner has raised concerns with state environmental regulators about a controversial livestock facility recently ...
Thomas Massie Thinks Trump and Republicans Are ‘Gaslighting’ on Venezuela
Representative Thomas Massie, a rare Republican critic of President Trump’s military intervention, explained his concerns in an interview with The New York Times.
LEGO Says Smart Brick Won't Replace Traditional Play After CES Backlash
LEGO has responded to concerns that its newly announced Smart Brick technology represents a departure from the company's foundation in physical, non-digital play, a day after the official reveal at CES drew criticism from child development advocates. Federico Begher, SVP of Product, New Business, to...
Seven takeaways from a new audit show major shortfalls in state monitoring of behavioral health grants
An audit found extensive problems with behavioral health grants and deeper concerns at the Department of Human Services.
We we want to play T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka
Asif Nazrul said the BCB would attempt to convince the ICC of the gravity of their security concerns in India | ESPN.com
Monterey County scraps proposed Salinas mental health campus over cost, location concerns
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors voted against a proposed mental health facility in Salinas after public opposition and concerns over escalating costs.
Texans Initial Analysis and Concerns Facing the Pittsburgh Steelers
The writer’s got together to discuss the Wild Card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers
Potential health concerns with drinking water on some airlines, study finds
LEGO Says Smart Brick Is 'Here to Stay,' and Responds to 'Questions and Concerns' Around Abandoning Non-Digital Play
A day on from the official reveal of LEGO Smart Brick, the company has responded to concerns that its big announcement poses a risk to its core basis in physical play.
2025: Another Big Year Of Change For Reading Women
Reading Women have been through another whirlwind 12 months, and although things are looking up on the pitch, concerns remain off it…
Oklahoma Health Department Refuses to Share County-Level Measles Data
Oklahoma’s refusal to share county-level measles data during outbreaks has sparked concerns from health experts, including Dr. George Monks, who argues the data is crucial for public safety. The state's stance contrasts with how it handles other diseases like West Nile.
Lawmakers return to Washington facing Venezuela concerns, shutdown threat
Congress faces major decisions on how to address rising costs of healthcare, prevent another government shutdown and deal with the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein files.
Oil prices slip on ample supply despite political turmoil in Venezuela
Oil prices slipped in early Asian trade on Monday on ample supply despite concerns about political upheaval in OPEC member Venezuela disrupting shipments.
Canadian officials say US health institutions no longer dependable for accurate information
Misinformation from the Trump administration is cited as fuelling Canadians’ concerns over childhood vaccinations
Political science expert reacts to Maduro capture
The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces is raising questions about what comes next for Venezuela and the United States. A Southern Colorado political science professor said the move could signal a shift toward a more aggressive United States foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere, while also raising legal and constitutional concerns about the operation and its long term impact.
Patients Air Their Concerns During Healthcare Town Hall as Logan Health Providers Look to Unionize
Union representatives sat in front of a room full of patients and healthcare providers on Saturday afternoon, listening as members of the audience shared their personal experiences receiving care at Logan Health facilities. Organizers from the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD) hosted the town hall to hear the opinions of patients as Logan […]
Trump defends health after concerns over bruised hand
Trump defends health after concerns over bruised hand
Friday letters: Leadership and health care concerns
What kind of leader do we want for America? One passes a major infrastructure bill that benefits the states that voted against him slightly more than states that voted for him, but overall helps the...
How new protest laws are impacting political demonstrations
More than a dozen states have passed laws regulating protests in recent years, raising concerns among free-speech advocates.
Commission recommends denial of late-night entertainment permit
Suffolk planners unanimously oppose late-night permit for “Thee Establishment” on N. Saratoga St., citing neighborhood, noise and safety concerns; City Council to decide Jan. 21.
Midlands business owners raise concerns over new liquor liability law
A new law set to take effect this week aims to alleviate the financial strain on bars and restaurants in the state by allowing them to lower the $1 million liqu
Midlands business owners raise concerns over new liquor liability law
A new law set to take effect this week aims to alleviate the financial strain on bars and restaurants in the state by allowing them to lower the $1 million liqu
Local business owner offering weekly specials to combat rising costs as businesses close across Milwaukee
Devin Eichler of the Crafty Cow is among multiple local business owners voicing concerns about escalating costs that are plaguing restaurants across the region.
Report: Apple's AI Strategy Could Finally Pay Off in 2026
Apple's restrained artificial intelligence strategy may pay off in 2026 amid the arrival of a revamped Siri and concerns around the AI market "bubble" bursting, The Information argues. The speculative report notes that Apple has taken a restrained approach with AI innovations compared with peers such as OpenAI, Google, and Meta, which are investing hundreds of billions of dollars in data centers, chips, and large language model training.
Residents raise concerns over potential health effects from Castaic natural gas leak
While some residents raised concerns over the potential health impact of a natural gas leak in Castaic, Eyewitness News spoke to an expert who explained why they don't have much to worry about.
Youth baseball becoming year-round sport in Wis., producing more talent but with concerns
Youth sports have become a year-round reality for many as more and more indoor sports facilities are being built in Wisconsin.
American parents said social media and screen time were among the top health concerns for their kids in 2025
To lower kids' screen time, experts recommend keeping screens out of bedrooms and having a special place for devices in the house.
Why AMC Entertainment (AMC) Stock Is Falling Today
Shares of theater company AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) fell 3.2% in the morning session after investor concerns about the company's underlying financial health overshadowed a report of strong moviegoer attendance over the final weekend of 2025. The company reported that 5.5 million people visited its theaters globally. Despite this positive attendance, the stock's decline reflected deep skepticism about the company's future. Financial data revealed significant challenges, including a substantial
What’s ahead for metro Atlanta business in 2026
The new year brings big things to watch. How will Atlanta’s return to the global sports stage go? Can state and federal leaders grapple with concerns about affordability?
Mental health among concerns in search for missing 19-year-old, Bexar County sheriff says
Camila Mendoza Olmos, 19, has been missing since the morning of Christmas Eve. Since then, her loved ones, friends and strangers haven’t stopped looking.
2025: AI and AR Transform Communication and Entertainment
In 2025, communication and entertainment sectors evolve through AI-driven personalization, immersive technologies like AR/VR, and interactive social platforms, fostering seamless hybrid experiences and authentic content. Challenges include privacy concerns and infrastructure needs. Ultimately, these innovations amplify human connections while demanding ethical adaptations.
The 10 Senate races that will decide the balance of power in 2026
Democrats still face an uphill battle to net four seats and take control of the Senate, but they see a path amid Trump’s poor ratings on the economy and concerns about health care.
This is ‘brain rot,’ a slang term with something to it
Teens talk about their “brain rot” online. While there isn’t data to back it up, per se, experts do have concerns about the effect on kids and adults.
Opinion: Slow walking compliance with PFAS regulations delays protection of public health
Study reveals that PFAS exposure in New Hampshire may lead to increased infant deaths. The EPA's proposed weakening of drinking water standards raises concerns.
Downtown Colorado Springs brewery working toward "nice list" status after health dept. concerns
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - A well-known brewery in Downtown Colorado Springs is working hard to get back on the “nice list” after a run-in with the
Resident shares concerns over possible entertainment district for downtown Oxford
OXFORD — There was a light agenda for the Oxford City Council meeting Tuesday night.
NY advocates raise concerns over gender-related proposals
Advocates said the new stance could cause harm to a population that’s already vulnerable.
New flu variant hits SoCal, raises concerns among public health experts
Holiday travel is in full swing and flu cases are ramping up. Some experts are worried about a new flu variant making its way to Southern California.
Bill from Rep. Deluzio targets 'ripoff' of costly sports stadiums hot dogs and beer
As President Donald Trump calls affordability concerns a “hoax” and Democrats look to highlight the issue in the upcoming midterm elections,...
Sphere Entertainment: High Short Interest And A Promising Outlook (NYSE:SPHR)
Sphere Entertainment Co. (SPHR) is rated Hold, balancing strong immersive entertainment growth against high short interest and valuation concerns.
'Fragmented' Microsoft tools undercut efficiency at Amazon and Whole Foods, internal Deloitte review found
Whole Foods' use of Microsoft 365 apps remained disconnected from Amazon, leading to inefficiencies and security concerns, a Deloitte review found.
Japan's former emperor turns 92 as heart condition stabilizes after health concerns
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s beloved former Emperor Akihito marked his 92nd birthday Tuesday as his heart condition stabilized, palace officials said, following health concerns earlier this year.
Japan's former emperor turns 92 as heart condition stabilizes after health concerns
Japan’s beloved former Emperor Akihito is marking his 92nd birthday as his heart condition stabilizes, palace officials say, following health concerns earlier this year
The Year in Politics: Analysts describe 2025 as ‘overwhelming, crazy, chaotic’
For a special edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott talks with several guests for a recap of local and federal politics in 2025. Guests also shared their thoughts about what they feel are some of the most pressing concerns for voters, the mishaps of both Democrats and Republicans and what each party must do as America turns 250 years old.
Donald Trump’s Odd Behavior Sparks New Health Concerns
Trump seemed more cautious than usual. The post Donald Trump’s Odd Behavior Sparks New Health Concerns appeared first on Reality Tea.
Trump admin pausing all off shore wind project construction due to national security concerns
President Trump's Interior Department announces immediate pause on all large-scale offshore wind project leases, citing classified national security risks.
Prairie Grove residents rally against proposed concrete plant amid health, environmental concerns
Inside RFK Jr.’s scrapped plan to adopt the Danish vaccine schedule in America
Legal and political concerns prompted the health department to cancel a planned announcement on Friday, officials said.
Deputies looking for missing man with 'mental health concerns' last seen in Wyoming, MI
Deputies are looking for a missing man with "mental health concerns" who has not had contact with family for multiple days.
New poll shows 70 percent of Americans are concerned sports betting will impact game integrity
As sports betting continues to spread in America, concerns continue to grow regarding the potential, if not inevitable, impact of wagering on the integrity of the games.
3 Trump interview takeaways: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Americans' sports gambling concerns.
Mikado cleared to open again after health board closure - The Martha's Vineyard Times
A popular Asian restaurant on Main Street in Vineyard Haven was temporarily closed for unsafe food handling practices last week but was cleared to open again on Friday. The Tisbury Board of Health penalized Mikado Asian Bistro and cited several public health concerns, including that soup and rice were left out overnight to be served […]
Grand jury: Man's fraudulent service dog business scammed families out of nearly $600K
The president of a since-shuttered Raleigh company that provided service dogs to those with medical concerns appeared in court on Friday, years after he was charged with fraud.
Oracle stock jumps 5% as cloud provider joins investor group to run TikTok's U.S. business
The new joint venture will prevent TikTok from shutting down in the U.S. due to national security concerns.
Doctor explains health symptoms to watch for this holiday season
ABC7 was joined by Dr. Tiffany Hackett, who talked with us about symptoms not to ignore this holiday season - from heart and stomach concerns to colds, flu, and even mental health.
Video Ted Cruz on defense bill, helicopter safety and rising use of AI in politics
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, joins ABC News Live to discuss the defense authorization bill, his ROTOR Act on helicopter safety, public frustration with Congress and concerns over AI in politics.
NU administration addresses employee concerns about health care shift at special Faculty Senate meeting
Following Northwestern’s announcement that UnitedHealthcare will replace Blue Cross Blue Shield as the University’s employee health care administrator, human resources representatives fielded faculty concerns at a special Faculty Senate meeting Thursday. The University announced June 12 that all medical plans for NU faculty and staff will be administered by UnitedHealthcare starting Jan. 1, 2026. Faculty...
American Academy of Pediatrics loses HHS funding after criticizing RFK Jr.
HHS cuts key AAP grants, citing concerns about “identity-based language” and insufficient focus on agency priorities. The organization said the cuts could harm child health.
Jackson reduces parking fees, expands free options amid business concerns
City council votes 6-1 to reduce daily parking fees from $10 to $7 and add another free lot for downtown employees.
Poll: Jerry Demings, David Jolly are tied, but concerns remain about nominating another former Republican
A PPP survey found 22% support for both Democrats now, but there's trouble for Jolly the more respondents learned about his record in Congress.
Entertainment Industry Humans Launch 'Creators Coalition on AI'
A group of artists and entertainment pros have formed the Creators Coalition on AI, an agnostic convening organization to address concerns.
Long-awaited jobs report to give snapshot of labor market strength
The Labor Department’s jobs report will provide insight into the labor market’s direction, amid concerns of a potential downturn.
Public safety issues in St. Johns continue to hurt business
The owner of StormBreaking brewing says safety issues in the St. Johns area hurting their bottom line.
Iowa Farmers Union says rising health care costs are threatening farm families
Iowa farmers are sharing concerns about health care costs.
’60 Minutes’: Scott Pelley Gives Blunt Verdict on New CBS Owners
The longtime news anchor admits they were 'concerns' following Paramount-Skydance merger.
Growing GLP‑1 drug costs squeeze Minnesota employers and health plans
The Metropolitan Airports Commission recently moved to cut coverage for weight loss medications, citing cost concerns.
Meta's AI restructuring and policy changes spark employee departures and morale concerns in 2025
Meta's AI overhaul, culture shifts, layoffs, and performance crackdowns have sparked internal clashes, employee exits, and morale concerns in 2025.
Franklin County's 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment prioritizes food security
The 2025 Baystate Franklin Medical Center Community Health Needs Assessment identified food security, maternal and infant health, behavioral health and substance use disorders as priority health concerns in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region, with the assessment highlighting the need for increased attention to and resources for food insecurity, mental health and substance use prevention.
2025 Was The Year True Crime Entertainment Went Too Far
Netflix's 2025 true crime documentary The Perfect Neighbor raises serious ethical questions and concerns when it comes to true crime media in general.
As Netflix and Paramount circle Warner Bros. Discovery, Hollywood unions voice alarm
Several Hollywood unions, including the Writers Guild of America and Teamsters, have expressed serious concerns over a potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery or its assets to Netflix or Paramount.
Health Experts Slam Possible FDA ‘Black Box’ Warning for COVID Vaccines
The FDA is reportedly considering the addition of high-level warning labels to COVID vaccines, a move that some experts say may cause unfounded concerns over safety
Trump signals willingness to work with Democrats on health care
President Trump suggested Thursday that he would be willing to work with Democrats on the issue of health care, as concerns over rising insurance premiums grow. “What a nice group of Democrats,” Tr…
Trump calls affordability a "hoax"; Democrats take note
In the first year of his second term, President Donald Trump has focused his attention on foreign policy and made numerous trips abroad – with an eye toward the Nobel Peace Prize. But as he discusses peace deals with foreign leaders, his ratings domestically have fallen. Critics say that he isn’t doing enough to ease American’s economic concerns. So, this week, Trump returned his attention stateside and kicked off his affordability tour in Pennsylvania, while simultaneously branding “affordability” as a democratic “hoax.” Today on the politics roundtable, we discuss why Trump’s tour signals the administration’s concerns about the politics of affordability, and how some Democrats could use this as a way to gain an edge during the 2026 midterms. Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with Dan Merica, the co-anchor of our politics newsletter, The Early Brief, and White House Bureau Chief Matt Viser.
GOP defectors raise the heat on Republicans over health vote subsidies
GOP leaders in both chambers of Congress are under growing pressure from rank-and-file Republicans to address health insurance premiums that are expected to soar next year, fueling concerns the nat…
Benin settles after failed coup attempt, but regional concerns remain
Loyalist troops aided by Nigeria's air force foiled putsch, but confidence in nation's democratic stability is shaken.
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
Science sleuths raise concerns about scores of bioengineering papers
Nature - Prominent bioengineer Ali Khademhosseini has so far corrected more than 40 of the papers in question, but critics say some should have been retracted.
Business owners fear wall could collapse, crush homeless encampment east of L.A.
Business owners in El Sereno, a neighborhood east of downtown Los Angeles, are raising concerns about a cement block wall along an alley, saying it could collapse and cause serious injuries or deat…
NJ senator declares war on Dem ‘machine,’ pledges primary battles against old-guard power brokers
Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., breaks with the Democratic Party establishment, citing corruption concerns after state Sen. James Beach allegedly dismissed a constituent at a hearing.
HR's big challenge with AI will force HR people to reinvent themselves
Workers fear AI, so one of HR's biggest challenges is getting workers to trust and adopt it by building credibility and addressing employee concerns.
Senate set to vote on dueling health care measures as Americans express concerns over costs
Kenyan court suspends US health aid deal over data privacy concerns
The landmark $2.5bn Kenya-US deal has been stopped until the court hears the case over data privacy.
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.
Republicans worry Trump is missing the mark on affordability
President Donald Trump’s high-profile economic speech on Tuesday night was meant to alleviate Americans’ concerns about the cost of living. Instead, it mainly appeared to deepen fears within the GOP that he’s not quite getting it.
Democrats voice concerns about Venezuelan tanker seizure: ‘sounds a lot like the beginning of a war’
Senator Rand Paul said it was ‘not the job of the American government to go looking for monsters around the world’
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
Deadly shooting near Horseshoe Casino raises safety concerns in entertainment hub
A deadly shooting outside a Royal Farms store near the Horseshoe Casino in south Baltimore has left residents concerned about safety.
Steelers vs Dolphins: 4 big concerns for this week
The Steelers square off with the Dolphins on Monday night and there's plenty to worry about coming off of a big win
Political consultant talks about Trump's stance on affordability
President Trump minimized concerns about the economy during a Pennsylvania rally Tuesday. NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with political consultant Frank Luntz about Trump's latest take.
Vance expected to travel to Pennsylvania next week to continue administration’s push on affordability
Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Pennsylvania next week to deliver remarks on the economy and the cost of living, continuing the administration’s newfound push to convince voters that the White House is focused on affordability concerns, a spokesperson said.
HBO Max subscriber sues Netflix to halt merger
As concerns emerge about Netflix's plan to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery assets, an HBO Max subscriber sued Netflix on Monday to prevent the merger from happening.
Netflix vs Paramount: politics could decide battle for Warner Bros
Antitrust concerns and ties to Trump administration complicate picture of who may ultimately own media group