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N.J. Chamber: Let’s help small businesses make their goals for the World Cup
Tom Bracken: New Jersey has the talent and infrastructure to deliver an exceptional experience. Local and state government need to engage to support local economies.
NFL injury tracker: Latest injury news, fantasy implications for Week 16 as Rashee Rice ruled out, Tee Higgins expected to play
Strengthening U.S.-Nigerian Health Cooperation under the America First Global Health Strategy - U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria
Strengthening U.S.-Nigerian Health Cooperation under the America First Global Health Strategy The United States signed a five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Republic of Nigeria December 19 to advance the America First Global Health Strategy, supporting resilient, self-reliant, and durable health systems while promoting accountability and shared responsibility. Under the five-year MOU, the United States intends to commit nearly $2.1 billion in health assistance, with nearly $3.0 billion in new domestic health expenditures by the Government of Nigeria over the same five-year period. This represents the largest co-investment any country has made to date under the America First Global Health Strategy and underscore Nigeria’s commitment to greater national ownership of its health system. Under the MOU, the United States will continue to support surveillance and outbreak response, laboratory systems, health commodities; frontline healthcare workers, and data systems. Nigeria faces significant health challenges, including one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates globally and approximately30 percent of the global malaria burden. U.S. assistance under the MOU will expand access to affordable, preventive and curative services for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, polio, and maternal and child health, strengthening health outcomes across Nigeria. The MOU places a strong emphasis on Christian faith-based healthcare providers, recognizing their indispensable role in delivering care to communities in need. Nigeria’s more than 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals serve more than 30 percent of the country’s 230 million people, often in areas where healthcare facilities are limited or absent. The MOU provides approximately $200 million in dedicated support to strengthen and support these Christian facilities, enhance workforce capacity, and expand access to integrated HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal child health services. Investments in Christian faith-based health institutions are uniquely positioned to complement public-sector facilities and reinforce Nigeria’s overall health infrastructure. The MOU was negotiated in connection with reforms undertaken by the Government of Nigeria to prioritize the protection of Christian populations from extremist violence. As with all U.S. foreign assistance, the President and Secretary of State retain the right to pause or terminate programs that do not align with U.S. national interests, and the United States expects Nigeria to continue making measurable progress in combating religiously motivated violence against Christian communities. This five-year MOU is the latest of several health cooperation MOUs signed in Africa this month. The United States will continue to sign multi-year Bilateral Agreements on Global Health Cooperation with countries receiving U.S. health assistance to advance the America First Global Health Strategy.
Hidden seismic signals hint at a tsunami threat in Alaska
Researchers studying a massive landslide in Alaska have detected strange seasonal seismic pulses caused by water freezing and thawing in rock cracks. These faint signals could become an important early clue to changes that might someday trigger a dangerous landslide-driven tsunami.
German business welcomes pending return of UK to Erasmus Programme
German business has welcomed the United Kingdom's re-entry into the European Union's Erasmus youth education programme from 2027 and hopes that it will lead to an easing of visa requirements. Ulrich Hoppe, head of the German-British Chamber of Commerce (AHK) described the decision as "a very significant step" in remarks made to dpa days after Brussels and London agreed on the step.
Gov. Pillen appoints new director of Nebraska DHHS Division of Public Health
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has appointed a director in the Department of Health and Human Services.
I Bought a Used iPhone 13 Mini and Learned a Hard Lesson
Commentary: The iPhone Air intrigued me but I didn't want to spend $1,000. So I got a $353 used iPhone 13 Mini, and found it quite capable despite a major drawback.
This “mushroom” is not a fungus, it’s a bizarre plant that breaks all the rules
Balanophora is a plant that abandoned photosynthesis long ago and now lives entirely as a parasite on tree roots, hidden in dark forest undergrowth. Scientists surveying rare populations across East Asian islands uncovered how its cellular machinery shrank but didn’t disappear, revealing unexpected similarities to parasites like malaria. Some island species even reproduce without sex, cloning themselves to colonize new habitats. This strange survival strategy comes with risks, leaving the plant highly vulnerable to habitat loss.
Nebraska football adds two more coaches to staff
Nebraska added two more coaches to the staff. Lonnie Teasley is now the running game coordinator and Roy Manning is the defensive edge rushers coach.
Alabama crashes Oklahoma's playoff party with historic CFP comeback win
Oklahoma donned 'Hard to Kill' hoodies, but it was the Crimson Tide who lived the mantra in a first-round College Football Playoff win
“Tis the season” of viruses: health officials urge caution before holiday gatherings
Winter viruses have become a seasonal greeting that both health care professionals and schools have come to dread.
Business affected by UPS plane crash regain more access as cleanup continues
Crews continue to make progress cleaning up near the site of the UPS plane crash.
NFL injury tracker: Latest injury news, fantasy implications as Rashee Rice ruled out, Tee Higgins remains in concussion protocol ahead of Week 16
Impact on global mental health care delivery and research
According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 billion people worldwide live with a mental health condition, yet most do not receive adequate care. Persistent barriers such as underfunding, workforce…
YouTube Shorts is testing a new location and fresh phrasing for its Dislike button
Google is testing out new ways to improve dislikes on YouTube Shorts, and it could come with hiding the button in a new menu.
Taylor Swift addresses politics briefly in Eras Tour docuseries
The comment appears during a behind-the-scenes look at the tour's final U.S. shows days before the 2024 election.
The big wrinkle in the multi-trillion-dollar AI buildout
There’s a giant question mark hanging over the tech industry’s future: How long will its massive investments in AI infrastructure really last?
Football gossip: Semenyo, Neves, Fernandes, Rashford, Smit, Jackson, Saka, Guilherme
Manchester United target Antoine Semenyo in January transfer, Ruben Neves wants Premier League return, Bruno Fernandes' release clause revealed and Bukayo Saka on the verge of signing new Arsenal contract.
Climate Science’s ‘Global Mothership’ Is Crashing
And somehow the Trump administration plans to keep its weather forecasting powers intact.
Witness video of fiery business jet crash at North Carolina regional airport
A business jet crashed Thursday at a regional airport in North Carolina used by NASCAR teams and Fortune 500 companies, erupting in a large fire and killing multiple people, authorities said.
A business jet crashed while landing at an airport in North Carolina, erupting in a large fire
Authorities say a business jet crashed while landing at a regional airport in Statesville, North Carolina, erupting in a large fire.
A business jet crashed while landing at an airport in North Carolina, erupting in a large fire
Authorities say a business jet crashed while landing at a regional airport in Statesville, North Carolina, erupting in a large fire.
Deaths reported after business jet crashed at an airport in North Carolina
A sheriff has confirmed fatalities in a business jet crash Thursday at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The Federal Aviation Administration reports that a Cessna C550 crashed while landing around 10:20 a.m.
Business jet crashes in North Carolina with
The plane crashed while landing at the Statesville Airport outside of Charlotte.
A business jet crashed while landing at an airport in North Carolina, erupting in a large fire
Authorities say a business jet crashed while landing at a regional airport in Statesville, North Carolina, erupting in a large fire. The Federal Aviation Administration said a Cessna C550 crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport around 10:20 a.m. Thursday. The National Transportation...
Cessna business jet crashes at North Carolina airport; plane owned by NASCAR driver reports say
A private jet crashed Thursday morning at a North Carolina regional airport and the wreckage burst into flames.
A business jet crashed while landing at an airport in North Carolina, erupting in a large fire
Authorities say a business jet crashed while landing at a regional airport in Statesville, North Carolina, erupting in a large fire.
NFL playoff picture: Ranking the 10 most important remaining games
With just three weeks left in the regular season, 17 teams are fighting for 12 playoff spots.
Rashid Shaheed start or sit: Week 16 fantasy football advice
We break down the fantasy football outlook of Rashid Shaheed ahead of the Seahawks’ Week 16 matchup vs. the Rams.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 tipped to upgrade two cameras next year
Galaxy Z Fold 8 is rumored to get major camera upgrades next year, including higher-resolution telephoto and ultrawide shooters.
Letter from the Sports Editor: ‘We sleep in May’
Popularized by Jon Rothstein and shamelessly overused by personnel of The Daily Beacon sports department, the phrase “We sleep in May” is the epitome of college basketball. This time of year is chaos. And that is what makes it like no other. No other sport does the overlapping that college basketball does. In the 2024...
Everyone caught up to Oregon’s business model. Can Ducks win it all in a world they pioneered?
Oregon has never been better, but the Ducks are no longer gate-crashers. The transformation that took them decades now takes mere months.
Famous Astrophysicist Defied The Odds To Become Science Star
Odds didn't favor a successful career in science for Neil deGrasse Tyson. But he had a key edge: parents who set no limits.
The unlikeliest journey to NCAA volleyball's final four
Kyndal Stowers was medically retired because of concussions before transferring to Texas A&M. After helping the Aggies oust No. 1 Nebraska, she's ready to star in the final four.
The 12 best needle drops of 2025
These songs made their scenes indelible, from classic rock and dance pop to old-timey blues and thrash. There's even a former Beatle on here.
Omaha community health expert talks Pillen's new Medicaid work requirements
Nebraska is the first state require proof of work for those using expanded Medicaid services. One health expert shares what the changes could mean for
JD Sports: Former employee awarded £65k after male boss sexually harassed her
A student has settled a sexual harassment case against her former employer JD Sports Fashion PLC for £65,000.
This Jurassic Park science is now a reality
Researchers say they can use the talents of pesky blood-sucking mosquitoes to their benefit
The head of Amazon's AGI team is leaving
Rohit Prasad led Amazon efforts to build leading AI models. That hasn't happened so far, with the company's Nova models trailing rival offerings.
Wilkes Weekly: Two wins and a dud
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins won their first two games last week before the rare blowout loss took them down a notch. Nick Hart at WBSPenguins with more: Wednesday, Dec. 10 – PENGUINS 3 at Hartford 0Sergei Murashov thwarted a first-period barrage from the Wolf Pack, earning to a 34-save shutout. Phil Tomasino and Avery Hayes scored on […]
OpenAI is the latest in Silicon Valley to hire a former British politician
The ChatGPT maker has hired former British Chancellor George Osborne to run the global arm of its "Stargate" AI infrastructure initiative.
Starmer urged to ensure rejoining Erasmus is ‘first step to closer relationship’ with EU
British students will be able to participate in EU-wide scheme from January 2027, sources say
Russia's wartime economic relationship with China is critical, but an 'embarrassing reversal': think tank
China buys Russian oil and gas at steep discounts while supplying Moscow with machinery and electronics as Western sanctions tighten.
Fox News Politics Newsletter: Dems push DOJ to reveal hidden Jack Smith report as GOP readies deposition
Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content.
Tipitina's Unveils Entertainment Schedule for Mardi Gras 2026: Galactic, The Rumble, Big Freedia, Dumpstaphunk and More
New Orleans beloved music venue, Tipitina’s, has unveiled its nightly schedule for Mardi Gras 2026. Festivities at the location will begin on Friday,
Tipitina's Unveils Entertainment Schedule for Mardi Gras 2026: Galactic, The Rumble, Big Freedia, Dumpstaphunk and More
New Orleans beloved music venue, Tipitina’s, has unveiled its nightly schedule for Mardi Gras 2026. Festivities at the location will begin on Friday,
Every media business becomes an events business
"People show up for figures who can build strong parasocial connections. But none of that matters if the other people who show up can't hang."
McAllen floats rezoning downtown entertainment district following fatal crash
McAllen’s downtown entertainment district has been the centerfold of a polarizing conversation here lately – and it hasn’t been pretty.
Scott Evans' 'House Guest' redefines the interview show by putting the vibe first, cameras second
Scott Evans House Guest Q&A
Sharks place wingers Will Smith, Philipp Kurashev on injured reserve; no timetable for return given
The San Jose Sharks recalled wingers Igor Chernyshov and Ethan Cardwell in corresponding moves on Monday.
Resetting the QB transfer portal market after busy day of high-profile departures
The portal does not officially open until January, but the dominoes have already begun to fall
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.
Access Health CT website crashes on key enrollment day
Access Health CT’s website crashed Monday with a 500 internal server error on the last day to enroll in coverage starting Jan. 1.
Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola to enter transfer portal; Oregon potential suitor
Raiola will join an intriguing QB portal class for 2026 with two years of eligibility remaining
Oregon’s economy is struggling, but its women’s sports industry could be a lifeline
The state’s economy has yet to recover from the pandemic, but leaders hope the success of women’s sports can help spark economic growth while preserving its grassroots culture.
50 Years of the Paisley Family Business
Danny Paisley’s latest album, 'Bluegrass State of Mind,' showcases and celebrates the bluegrass tradesman’s staying power.
Oregon’s economy is struggling, but its women’s sports industry could be a lifeline
The state’s economy has yet to recover from the pandemic, but leaders hope the success of women’s sports can help spark economic growth while preserving its grassroots culture.
Palantir CIO Jim Siders leaves to become head of Thrive Capital's new IT services business
Siders spent more than 12 years at Palantir, recently overseeing its global IT operations, business applications and infrastructure.
Silhouette Shoppe receives $200k small business grant from state
QUINCY — The Silhouette Shoppe, an intimate apparel boutique located at 117 N. Sixth St., was awarded a $204,010 small business grant last month through the Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program. Nearly $10 million in total was awarded to 47 businesses throughout the state to support capital improvement and infrastructure projects. The Silhouette...
More South Korean actors seek Hollywood dream after global success of Korean entertainment
The global success of “Parasite,” “Minari” and “Squid Game” has opened Hollywood’s doors to South Korean actors, but for those without major agency backing, navigating the American industry remains a challenge.
More South Korean actors seek Hollywood dream after global success of Korean entertainment
The global success of “Parasite,” “Minari” and “Squid Game” has opened Hollywood’s doors to South Korean actors, but for those without major agency backing, navigating the American industry remains a challenge
Windows Remote Access Connection Manager Vulnerability Enables Arbitrary Code Execution
A critical security issue involving the Windows Remote Access Connection Manager (RasMan) that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with System privileges.
Aggies shock unbeaten volleyball No. 1 Huskers
The NCAA women's volleyball tournament was rocked Sunday as Texas A&M upset previously unbeaten No. 1 Nebraska 3-2, sending the Aggies to the program's first final four.
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.
Shabana Mahmood dismisses White House’s ‘civilisational erasure’ claims
Home secretary says UK has managed the challenges of multiculturalism ‘very well’
Mental Health Matters, People with Mental Illness Matter Too
Personal Perspective: Amid the mental health positive catchphrases, deep-rooted prejudice still exists toward people living with serious mental health conditions.
Repairs needed after business hit-and-run
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A family-owned business in Scranton is reeling after a hit-and-run crash that badly damaged their property. The owners are now looking for answers, hoping someone will come forward. The family told 28/22 News while there have been instances when someone sideswiped their fence, they’ve never seen anything quite like this […]
Illinois falls to unbeaten Nebraska in heartbreaker
Illinois came close, but it was too late.
Pryce Sandfort has 26 POINTS at half 🤯
Pryce Sandfort had 26 POINTS at half for Nebraska.
MLB rumors: Tigers land Kenley Jansen; Red Sox interested in Wilson Contreras
Here's the latest hot stove rumors
CNN’s Jake Tapper Finally Calls BS on White House Over Trump’s Health
Jake Tapper said the White House is “not telling us” the truth about Trump after a frazzled Karoline Leavitt finally responded to the Daily Beast’s queries.
2025 College Football Bowl Game Picks: Back Utah to Win Big Over Nebraska
Geoff Schwartz breaks down how he's wagering on a few of the upcoming college football bowl games, including Utah to cover big against Nebraska.
Everything Greg Gard said after blowout loss to Nebraska
The Badgers had a tough day on the road on Wednesday.
Taylor Swift gave her Eras Tour crew bonuses in amounts that literally made their jaws drop
In the new Eras Tour docuseries, Taylor Swift distributes bonuses and handwritten letters to her dancers, musicians, and crew members.
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Ensemble? Forme Science
Taylor Swift was seen in her latest Eras Tour documentary wearing Forme Science's Power Bra. We're debreifing on the bra and where you can buy it now.
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.
BMW crashes into Santa Monica business, leaving driver seriously injured
A vehicle crashed into a building in Santa Monica late Thursday night, causing significant damage to the structure and sending the driver to the hospital.
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.
Former Notre Dame starter who transferred declares for the NFL
Former Notre Dame offensive line starter Rocco Spindler spend the last season at Nebraska, has declared for the NFL.
Science Quiz: Sneaky Parasites and Productive Pizza
Put your science knowledge to the test with this week’s news quiz. Play now.
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.
Surprise: Samsung has a new camera sensor for its next flagships after all
Samsung is apparently working on a new smartphone camera sensor that might solve shutter lag woes on future flagships.
Health and safety rules holding UK infrastructure back, says writer of government report
Exclusive: John Fingleton says regulators need to change their attitude to risk to end the country’s economic stagnation
Trump announces pardon for Tina Peters, increasing pressure to free her though he can’t erase state charges
President Donald Trump announced Thursday he is granting Tina Peters a full federal pardon, which is likely to increase the pressure campaign to free the former Colorado clerk from state prison even though he cannot erase her state charges.
Google spinout proposes Oakland County data center nearly as large as Oracle megaproject
While controversy stirs around OpenAI’s Stargate data center project in Saline Township, another data center complex nearly as big is being quietly planned 45 miles northeast in Lyon Township.Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners, a spinout of Google parent company Alphabet Inc., has submitted plans to…
US Senate rejects dueling health care bills. How Iowa senators voted:
The US Senate rejected a bill to extend expiring ACA subsidies, leaving little time to stop health care premiums from spiking for Obamacare enrollees.
12 Days of Regulatory Insights: Day 6 – Sports Wagering, Player Proposition Bets, and Prediction Market Battles
In this episode of our special 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Stephen Piepgrass is joined by Cole White from our RISE Practice Group's
House GOP axes $645M from funds aiding infrastructure, children, vets
House Republicans invoked a rarely used tool that allows a committee to deny administration requests to carry over funding from one year to the next.
Kennebunkport business reopens after car crashes into store
Police say the 21-year-old driver was coming home from work early in the morning when he fell asleep at the wheel.
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
Full-length Replay: Wisconsin at Nebraska
No. 23 Nebraska tries to push the nation's longest win streak to 14 games when it hosts Wisconsin.
Mets showing interest in Cardinals' Willson Contreras: reports
The Mets reportedly approached the Cardinals with interest regarding a potential trade for three-time All-Star Willson Contreras.
El Sereno business owners fear concrete wall could collapse on nearby homeless encampment
Several El Sereno business owners are sounding the alarm over a concrete wall they fear could come crashing down on a nearby homeless encampment and possibly kill people.
ENTERTAINMENT: Gingerbread Extravaganza, ‘Charlie Brown Christmas’ lead weekend list
Stage 13 Foundation for Performing Arts stages its inaugural production, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Dec. 18, 4 p.m. Sunday, 5 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 20-21 at Wildwood Park for the Arts.
Democrats are doing nothing to control 'out of control' health care costs: Sen. Bill Cassidy
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., contrasts the Republican and Democratic Party's plans for health care on 'America Reports.'
Tracking Key Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Actions Under the Trump Administration
A new KFF tracker highlights key federal policy actions during President Trump’s second term that concern issues related to mental health and substance use. The second Trump administration has emphasized law-and-order strategies and scaled back several mental health and substance use-related services, while also continuing some treatment-focused initiatives. The tracker can be viewed in multiple ways, including chronological order of policy actions and by category (Mental Health; Opioids/Substance Use Disorder; Federal Infrastructure/ Data/Guidance; and Gun Violence).
2 Democrats, 2 strategies: Texas Senate race shows party split on Trump-focus in midterm elections
In Texas, Democratic candidates Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico have launched their Senate campaigns with contrasting strategies
Alaska Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 includes Sean Rash, Dick Griffith and Butch Lincoln
There were also two moments inducted for the 18th Hall of Fame class.