Daily Skimm

Where there’s growing concern…

Sudan. Yesterday, the World Health Organization said there’s a “high risk of biological hazard” in the capital Khartoum after fighters took over the National Public Health Laboratory. For over a week, two top generals have been fighting for control of Sudan. The violence has killed over 450 people and injured thousands of others. Those numbers could be an undercount. Now, it’s unclear which side has taken control of the lab — which stores measles, polio, and cholera pathogens. The WHO is concerned that lab technicians haven’t been able to “safely contain the biological material and substances available.” One expert said if fighting breaks out at the lab, it could turn into a “germ bomb.” The news comes amid a 72-hour ceasefire that’s mostly stayed intact.

• More at stake:The WHO also said the lab is without electricity or working generators, raising concerns that donated blood could go bad. Meanwhile, hospitals and emergency services have been put on pause because of the infighting, leaving people without access to medical supplies, food, and water.

Where there are updates…

Afghanistan. Yesterday, US officials said the Taliban killed the ISIS-K leader who planned the deadly 2021 attack at the Kabul airport. Amid the US’s hectic withdrawal from Afghanistan, a suicide bombing at one of the airport’s gates killed 13 US troops and at least 170 Afghans. ISIS-K, an affiliate of the terrorist group in Afghanistan, claimed responsibility. Now, US officials have confirmed the ISIS-K leader died weeks ago. Officials didn’t name him and said they had no involvement in his death. The Biden admin reportedly called the Taliban's actions “significant.” Meanwhile, families of the killed US service members said they want more accountability from the admin for the chaotic withdrawal.

What’s got people looking at the fine print…

Melatonin gummies. Yesterday, a new study found that brands have been mislabeling sleeping aid supplements. Researchers found that 22 out of 25 brands had a different amount of melatonin in gummies than what was written on the label. One had as little as 74% of the total amount listed, while another had as much as 347% more than the amount advertised. Another brand didn’t include melatonin at all…but CBD instead. Unfortunately, the study didn’t say which brands were in dreamland when advertising their gummies. The research has put a spotlight on how the FDA doesn't regulate supplements as strictly as other products.

…Oh and speaking of the FDA, it gave accelerated approval to Biogen’s Qalsody — a new ALS drug. The first-of-its-kind drug will target a genetic mutation that affects 2% of ALS cases in the US. 

Who's “Thinking Out Loud” in court...

Ed Sheeran. Yesterday, the pop singer-songwriter testified in a copyright infringement trial. In 2017, the heirs of Marvin Gaye’s co-writer sued Sheeran for allegedly copying the soul classic “Let’s Get It On.” In court, Sheeran maintained he and his co-writer composed the Grammy-winning “Thinking Out Loud.” The Manhattan trial could last up to two weeks. The case has struck a chord with the music industry amid a list of copyright infringement lawsuits — one of which was between Robin Thicke's “Blurred Lines” and Marvin Gaye's “Got to Give It Up.”

What’s saying ‘Houston, we have a problem’…

A Japanese lunar lander.

What’s taking a step toward inclusivity…

Barbie’s first doll with Down syndrome.

Who might be taking their roles a little too seriously…

Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell.