US Deputy Health Secretary Jim O'Neill, a key figure in shaping the nation's vaccine guidelines, was reportedly leaving his roles within the Department of Health and Human Services, according to MIT Technology Review. This development comes as the US grapples with rising beef prices, China's increasing support for Russia's war in Ukraine, and a landmark election in Bangladesh.
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, had become one of the most powerful people in public health, MIT Technology Review reported. In an exclusive interview, O'Neill discussed his plans to increase human healthspan through longevity-focused research.
Meanwhile, beef prices in the US have surged, with the beef and veal category up 15% over the past year as of January, according to Fortune. Uncooked ground beef reached a fresh record, the largest increase since June 2020. This rise contrasts with other grocery items, such as chicken, which rose only 1.1% in the past 12 months, and milk, which saw little change. The White House has faced pressure to respond to the price surge.
China's support for Russia's war in Ukraine has also intensified, Western officials said, as reported by Fortune. China is likely to deepen cooperation with Moscow further this year, casting doubt on efforts by European leaders to improve relations with Beijing. "Russia's war in Ukraine wouldn't be able to continue without ongoing Chinese support," officials stated, highlighting the export of dual-use components and critical minerals used in Russian drone production.
In other news, Bangladesh held what observers say is the country's first fair election in nearly two decades, NPR Politics reported. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party emerged with a landslide victory. The winners now face pressure to tackle corruption and a battered economy.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, urged European allies to view Donald Trump's brand of politics as temporary, according to Fortune. Newsom predicted Trump would suffer heavy losses in the midterm elections and face legal setbacks. "President Donald Trump's brand of politics does not represent enduring American values," Newsom added. He encouraged leaders to maintain stable subnational partnerships with US states during what he called a period of instability for America.
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