Highlights of the Week (May 20, 2022)

For all that has been said about pandemic shortages affecting prices, inflation, and wait times, there is seemingly no scarier shortage, especially for moms with young babies, than the one affecting baby formula supply right now. The shortages, which began in April, have created a nightmarish scenario for families. On an issue that should be a no-brainer, politicians and reporters have managed to make it a partisan issue. Even Bette Midler can't avoid controversy.

But help is finally on the way. The Biden administration released emergency funding to the FDA and invoked the Defense Production Act to force suppliers to hand over the ingredients necessary to make formula before selling to others. In addition, the Abbott manufacturer that shut down after a voluntary recall has made plans to reopen.

Meanwhile, check out the top stories this week from PrivCo:

• Another day, another tech company laying off huge swaths of its workforce. We looked at what’s happening with all the layoffs on the heels of the Great Resignation. Check it out.

• Speaking of layoffs, when are robots going to take over my job? We checked out the booming industry of robotics and the future of work. Learn more.

• With public stocks tanking, private equity investors are on the lookout for good deals. We’re entering an era of M&A for both public and private companies. Check out some promising contenders here.

• In terms of name recognition, this firm is like the Chicago Bulls of venture capital. Andreessen Horowitz has signed checks with the biggest companies. That makes the firm's newly founded gaming fund something to keep an eye on. Learn more.