Yesterday, President Biden officially announced his re-election bid for 2024. In a three-minute video, Biden called on supporters to "defend democracy. Stand up for our personal freedoms. Stand up for the right to vote and our civil rights." He called out "MAGA extremists" for putting those rights at risk. The president also echoed a similar message from his 2019 election bid, saying there's still "a battle for the soul of America." Now, at 80 years old, Biden's running for a second term and saying, "let's finish this job."
As an incumbent, Biden is expected to win the Democratic primary. Still, polls have shown that a majority of Americans — and Democrats — would prefer he didn't run, citing his age as a major issue. Earlier this year, Biden said concerns around his age are "totally legitimate" but didn't address it in his re-election video. The president's campaign could set up a second showdown against former President Trump, who's the favorite in an already crowded field of Republican candidates. Yet, some aren't ruling out Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), who's expected to announce his campaign as early as next month. Some key issues that could define this election include social security and medicare, reproductive rights, education, and crime.
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President Biden faces a different set of challenges this time around. America's dealing with a shaky economy and growing restrictions to reproductive and voting rights. Now, Biden will have to prove to voters that he's the best candidate for the job, regardless of his age and some failed campaign promises.
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."
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. How to score up to 80% off that home decor you've been eyeing.
Wayfair's 'Way Day' event is officially here. And they're offering major deals alllll day long. Not to mention free shipping on everything. (Yes, everything.) But don't wait. The sale ends tomorrow.*
2. Game-changing tech that'll help upgrade your mood and downgrade your stress.
We'll take ten. This wearable uses proven touch therapy (AKA low-frequency sound waves that feel like soothing vibrations) to help you get more sleep, focus better, and up your energy. Here's $40 off.*
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Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Fang-tastic…Sejal P(CA). She had a chance to write on the TV show, "Tooth Pari," which is about a vampire who falls in love with a dentist. It's trending on Netflix in India.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Sonal Patel (NY), Kristen Robinson (WI), Ali Rhodes (MA), Tracy Jabbal (BE), Kim Thomas (RI), Nadine Shurland (VA), Katie Steketee (NY), Jill Burya (NY), Lacey Kiriakou (CA), James Shobear (VA), Justin M Bibb (OH), Marci Levine (KY), Tresa Sanders (GA), Casey Fritz (CO), Gavriella Seftel (NY), Laura Bauman (IA)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, Chantal Vaca, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Mariza Smajlaj
