An in-depth Politico report shows how powerful non-governmental organizations wielded incredible influence in shaping the global response to the COVID pandemic—with almost no oversight. The report notes that four global non-governmental organizations, all with ties to Bill Gates—the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Wellcome Trust, Gavi, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)—took on the role often played by national governments, except they aren’t accountable to democratic institutions. Read more.