Daily Skimm: Don't ever trust an Earthling

The Story

The largest baby formula manufacturing plant in the US has restarted production.

Remind me how we got here.

In February, the Abbott Nutrition plant in Sturgis, MI, was forced to shut down due to contamination concerns. That, along with ongoing supply chain issues, caused a weeks-long national baby formula shortage. Leaving parents to scramble for formula from milk banks, their friends, and doctor’s offices. Now, the factory is meeting the FDA’s “initial requirements” to open its doors after nearly four months.

So is the shortage over?

Not yet. The Biden admin has taken steps to address the crisis by importing formula from Europe and Australia, and invoking the Defense Production Act to ramp up production at home. But the out-of-stock rate for formula was 74% by the end of May, according to one report. And while Abbott's reopening will jump-start production, it'll take some time before it's widely accessible.

Why's that?

Abbott says it’s prioritizing specialty formula for babies with food allergies and digestive problems. That will reportedly be distributed through health care providers first, and available to consumers around June 20. Meanwhile, the FDA has warned that formula will still be hard to find until at least late July.

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Abbott's reopening is a light at the end of the tunnel for parents who have been desperately searching for formula. But supply won’t reach normal levels overnight. And it doesn’t solve the problem of how one plant’s closure caused a nationwide crisis.

PS: Struggling to find formula? Here's what you should (and shouldn't) do, according to pediatricians.

Where people are mourning…

Nigeria. At least 50 people are believed to have died in an attack on a Catholic church in the southwestern town of Owo yesterday. It's reportedly the deadliest attack on a church in the country in years. The assailants detonated explosives, fired into the church, and kidnapped the priest. It's still unclear who's behind the violence. While this happened in one of the country's more peaceful states, Nigeria has recently experienced a surge in violence. Now, many are calling on officials to do more to fix this issue in Africa’s most populous country. And it puts pressure on the gov ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming presidential election.

What people are watching…

Kyiv. Yesterday, Russia launched airstrikes on Ukraine’s capital for the first time since April. The strike came as Ukraine has reportedly reclaimed significant ground in Sievierodonetsk. The eastern city — located in the Donbas region — has been a central focus of Russia's recent military efforts. Now, Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly warning of further escalation like the strikes in Kyiv if Western countries deliver longer-range missiles to Ukraine.

A grim milestone: The latest attacks on Kyiv came as the war in Ukraine reached its 100th day over the weekend.

What had a jolly good weekend…

The UK. Over the weekend, the country commemorated Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, marking her 70 years on the throne. She's the first British monarch to reach that milestone. The historic celebration included a military parade, a corgi puppet show, and a concert with celebs like Ed Sheeran, Diana Ross, andAlicia Keys. But the real star of the weekend was Prince Louis. Even though the Queen wasn't able to attend some events, she said she was "humbled and deeply touched" by the weekend's festivities.

…Oh and speaking of parties, British Prime MinisterBoris Johnson will face a no-confidence vote over lockdown parties later today. Depending on how it goes, Britain may get a new PM.

Who’s off to see the midterms…

Dr. Oz. The Trump-backed celebrity doctor has won the GOP primary in Pennsylvania's Senate race. His opponent, David McCormick, conceded amid a statewide recount. Now, Oz will face the state's Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D) in November.

Who served their very best…

Rafael Nadal and Iga Świątek.

What we can’t help falling in love with…

Doja Cat’s new music video.

72%

That’s the percentage of people who said they didn’t take time off work when they needed or wanted to because they couldn’t afford to miss out on a paycheck, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. Yeah, not great.

And no, you aren’t the only one who isn’t cool with that. Enter: Sparrow. Aka the experts when it comes to managing your leave plan (or ya know, creating one in the first place). They’ll work with your HR team to cover all the harder stuff. Like filing — and understanding — all the paperwork. And keeping an eye on your paystubs. Plus they’ll connect you with a personal leave specialist that can answer all your Qs every step of the way. Check ‘em out.

If you’re someone who consistently has 10 tabs open, we get it. So much to read, so little time. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our best recent product recs to keep ya fully in the know. Check out…

Wedding guest dresses and jumpsuits for every budget

No-fail gifts for your best friend under $75

Our fave workout clothes for warmer weather

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Something to help Dad catch better Zzz’s. Ah, the (literal) dream. This brand’s got soft, machine-washable robes and thermoregulating silk sleep sets so he can lounge in luxury. Plus you can get ‘em just in time for Father’s Day if you shop right now.*

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3. Easy-prep meals that are tasty and good for you. Got a lot on your plate? This brand’s gotchu. They’ll ship chef-crafted bowls, smoothies, and flatbreads (made with sustainably sourced fruits and veggies, btw) riiiight to your doorstep. Here’s up to $40 off your first box.*

4. The support you need to unleash your inner investor. Putting your money in the market can be intimidating. Enter: Fidelity. If you open an account and deposit $50, they’ll give you a step-by-step guide to investing. Plus $100.† Get the deets.*

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.

Ballin’ on a budget…Christine S (DE). She and her husband saved up enough money to quit their jobs and travel full-time. The duo has also started BudgetHappy to help anyone who wants to take control of their money like they did.

(Some) Birthdays…Eric Miller (CA), Isabel Krause (MD), Shalei Holoway (NY), Carolyn Selwood (MD), Judah Grinberg (MA), Sarah Smith (TX), Shalei Holway (NY), Brianna Persons (MD), Nadia Doutcheva (WI), Mendy Haskin (OK), Jen Hemmerdinger (MA), Olivia Sherman (SC), Alana Sordello (CA), Delaney Carroll (TX), Amy Musgrave (NE)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Watch our video with Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder (aka the stars of “Hacks”) as they share the advice they’d give their characters, the funniest person in the cast, and more. And season 2 is out on HBO Max — no joke.

Psst...Triple the sign up points* ends tomorrow. Sign up for theSkimm Loyalty Program between now and June 7th and 3x the points* are yours. Hello, fast-tracked rewards.