“F*ck off” — The phrase reportedly on a man’s headstone. Boundaries goals.
Baby Formula
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The Story
The country’s largest baby formula manufacturer is pausing production...again.
Not good.
Not good at all. Baby formula has been running low on shelves for months now. In February, the Abbott Nutrition plant in Sturgis, MI, was forced to close its doors after contamination concerns. Mix that in with supply chain issues and parents have been scrambling to feed their babies. Things were looking up when the factory announced it was opening its doors earlier this month. Now, they seem to be taking a step in the wrong direction.
What do you mean?
Earlier this week, parts of the plant were flooded after a severe thunderstorm. Abbott is hitting pause on the production of its EleCare specialty formula at its Sturgis plant to assess the damage and re-sanitize. Reminder: Abbott has been prioritizing producing specialty formula for babies with food allergies and digestive problems. Now, Abbott estimates the floods will delay production and distribution by a few weeks. It comes as data reportedly found that about 25% of infant formula products were out of stock last week.
When will the shelves be stocked?
The FDA has previously warned that formula will still be hard to find until at least late July. The company says it’s still on track to produce 8.7 million pounds of infant formula this month. Meanwhile, President Biden has invoked the Defense Production Act to require that suppliers prioritize formula ingredients and has called on other countries for backup.
theSkimm
Between the flooding, supply chain issues, and contamination reports, parents who rely on formula to feed their infants can’t seem to catch a break. In the meantime, many are in search of answers.
PS: We spoke to moms and moms-to-be about how the baby formula shortage is impacting their families. Here's what they said.
And Also...This
Who the Jan 6 committee is talking about...
Former VP Mike Pence. Yesterday, the House committee investigating Jan 6 looked into Pence’s role during the insurrection. Specifically, then-President Trump’s attempt to pressure Pence to refuse to certify the 2020 election results. In videotaped testimony, Pence’s chief of staff said the VP told Trump “many times” that he doesn’t have the authority to reject the votes. Trump later tweeted that Pence didn’t have the “courage” to do what needed to be done, while the violent mob was at the Capitol — and eventually within 40 feet of the vice president.
Ginni Thomas. The Jan 6 committee panel also said it wants to hear from the conservative activist and wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Ginni reportedly worked to overturn the results of the 2020 election, including by communicating with Trump associates and pressuring Arizona state officials to reject Biden’s win in the state. She said she “can’t wait” to talk to the committee to “clear up misconceptions.” Her husband has so far resisted calls to recuse himself from Trump-related cases.
Who’s got Ukraine’s back...
France, Germany, Italy, and Romania. Yesterday, during a visit to Kyiv, the leaders said they’d back Ukraine’s candidacy to join the EU. It comes as the European Commission is set to decide on whether to recommend Ukraine as an EU candidate as soon as today. But even if all of the EU member states give Ukraine the thumbs up, the process could take years. Meanwhile, Russian troops are advancing in eastern Ukraine as they continue to target Sievierodonetsk. The eastern city — located in the Donbas region — has been a central focus of Russia's recent military efforts. And as Russian troops close in, hundreds of civilians are sheltering in the city's Azot chemical plant.
What needs to make up for its losses…
Revlon. Yesterday, the cosmetics giant announced it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Revlon is struggling with debt, supply chain issues, and inflation. Mix that in with growing competition from celeb-backed brands like Kylie Cosmetics and Fenty Beauty — something micellar water can’t wipe away. But the company plans to stay in business. But the company plans to stay in business, with the CEO saying the filing will provide a “clearer path” for future growth. And that the $575 million they expect to receive will give them the funds to keep day-to-day operations going. Next steps: Revlon’s waiting for the court to sign off.
PS: If you're looking for "clean beauty" products, here are some shopping tips.
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…
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Dog food so good, your pup will forget to beg at the picnic table. Kickstart your furry friend’s summer season with this human-grade kibble alternative. It’s made with real meats and veggies. Aaaaand it ships right to your door. Psst…here’s 50% off your first box.*
2. An undergarment sale you don’t want to overlook. Never underestimate the power of good underwear. Right now, everything (yep, everything) on Maidenform’s site is on sale. But only through July 4. Psst…we’re stocking up on their best-selling t-shirt bras. Excited is an understatement.*
3.Can’t-miss advice on mastering motherhood, meetings, and milestones. In our latest ep of “9 to 5ish,” sponsored by Travel Iowa, we chat with CNN host and former NPR co-host Audie Cornish about how she reframed her mindset and redefined her voice. Tune in.*
4. The best sales to shop this week. From Everlane to Brightland, we rounded up some major discounts that won't last for long. Get to it.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
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.
Racing for change…Brittany M (CO). In honor of her late uncle, she’s raising money to provide a safe space, mental health and physical health resources for LGBTQ+ communities. Check it out here.
(Some) Birthdays…Sophie Alpert (CA), Amy Laslett-Berger (CA), Nina Mariano (IL), Steve Fiverson (FL), Shantel Dixon (FL), Rachel Sabol (NH), Susan Baroncini-Moe (IN), Emi Hammond (NC), Kim Minor (NJ), Annie Trout (NY), Alexandra Roth (NY), Devin Zahn (CA), Sandy Feller (WI), Caren Samplin (NY), Kathi Ryan (TX)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
Kid-size doses of Pfizer and Modern’s COVID-19 vaccines have the FDA’s approval for children under five. On our newest ep of “Skimm This,” we’ll explain how the shots differ from adult vaccines, when they’ll be available, and possible side effects. Daycare’s future? Vaxxed, snacks, and mid-day naps.
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