U.S. Deputy Health Secretary Jim O'Neill, a key figure in shaping the nation's vaccine guidelines, is leaving his roles within the Department of Health and Human Services, according to MIT Technology Review. Simultaneously, concerns over rising beef prices and China's increasing support for Russia's war in Ukraine are making headlines, while U.S. and European leaders navigate shifting political landscapes.
O'Neill, who oversaw a department with a budget exceeding a trillion dollars and signed the decision memorandum on the controversial new vaccine schedule, was also a longevity enthusiast, according to MIT Technology Review. In an exclusive interview, O'Neill discussed plans to increase human healthspan through longevity-focused research.
Meanwhile, beef prices 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, with the gains standing out from the rest of the consumer grocery basket. Chicken prices rose only by 1.1% in the past 12 months, while milk was little changed. The White House has been pressured to respond to the rising costs, with President Donald Trump vowing to increase competition in beef processing, according to Fortune.
China's support for Russia's war in Ukraine has also intensified, Western officials said, casting doubt on European efforts to improve relations with Beijing, according to Fortune. China is the key facilitator of the war, particularly through the export of dual-use components and critical minerals used in Russian drone production, officials said. President Xi Jinping has become more assertive in supporting Vladimir Putin, making it more challenging for Europeans to persuade China to help end the war, according to Fortune.
In Europe, California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the Munich Security Conference, reassuring allies that the influence of former President Donald Trump is temporary, according to Fortune. Newsom predicted Trump would face legal setbacks and urged leaders to maintain stable subnational partnerships with U.S. states. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also delivered a keynote speech at the conference, with European stakeholders reassured but still wary, according to NPR Politics.
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