Rubio Skips Ukraine Talks, Reassures Europe; New Drug for Pregnancy

US Deputy Health Secretary's Role Under Scrutiny Amidst Shifting Vaccine Guidelines

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Jim O'Neill, the US Deputy Health Secretary, is facing scrutiny amidst reports of his impending departure from his roles within the Department of Health and Human Services. O'Neill, who oversaw a department with a budget exceeding a trillion dollars and signed the decision memorandum on the US's new vaccine schedule, discussed his plans to increase human healthspan through longevity-focused research supported by ARPA-H, according to an exclusive interview with MIT Technology Review.

O'Neill's position has made him one of the most powerful figures in public health over the past year. His responsibilities included overseeing the country's federal health and science agencies. The news of his potential departure comes as vaccine guidelines remain subject to change, as stated in the MIT Technology Review interview.

In other news, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to NPR, pulled out of a high-level meeting on Ukraine. However, he delivered a reassuring message to America's allies at the Munich Security Conference, striking a less aggressive tone regarding the Trump administration's intent to reshape the trans-Atlantic alliance, according to the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, Venezuela is debating a sweeping amnesty for political prisoners, as reported by NPR. Relatives of political prisoners have been seen hoisting banners outside the National Assembly, according to an Associated Press report.

In medical news, a new drug is showing promise in treating preeclampsia, a dangerous complication of pregnancy. Abigail Hendricks, who benefited from a new drug trial, shared her experience with NPR, stating, "For me, a baby is a blessing."