Briefly

UNITED STATES

Military planes to airlift baby formula

The government will fly in baby formula on commercial planes contracted by the military in an airlift aimed at easing the major shortage plaguing the country, the White House said on Wednesday. The lack of formula－the result of a perfect storm of supply chain issues and a massive recall－is leaving parents increasingly desperate, and has become a political headache for President Joe Biden as midterm elections loom. Biden has also invoked the Defense Production Act to give baby formula manufacturers first priority in supplies. Initially caused by supply chain blockages and a lack of production workers, the shortage was exacerbated in February when manufacturer Abbott announced a "voluntary recall" for formula made at its factory in Michigan and shut down that location after the death of two infants.

Severe hepatitis cases increase in children

A total of 180 children with acute hepatitis of unknown cause have been reported as of Wednesday, according to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The new number is an increase of 71 cases from the 109 cases reported on May 5. It is not yet clear what is driving these cases in young children. Adenovirus has been detected in nearly half of the children and continues to be a strong lead, the CDC said.

FRANCE

Michelangelo's ink drawing fetches $24m

An ink drawing of a nude man by Michelangelo sold for more than $24 million at an auction in Paris on Wednesday, auction house Christie's said. The work had been designated a French national treasure, which barred it from being exported from the country for 30 months. But the French government recently removed the designation, allowing the drawing to be offered without restriction to collectors anywhere in the world. The drawing, A Nude Man (after Masaccio) and Two Figures Behind Him, is thought to be one of Michelangelo's early works, dating back to the late 15th century.

Agencies Via Xinhua