🥁 Axios PM: SUVs conquer Earth

Plus: Gaming while driving | Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Open in app View in browser   Presented By Facebook   Axios PM By Mike Allen ·Dec 22, 2021 Today's PM — edited by Justin Green — 346 words, a 1.5-minute read. 🚨 Situational awareness: The FDA authorized Pfizer's antiviral pill for people at high risk.     1 big thing: SUVs conquer Earth Data: IEA; Chart: Axios Visuals SUVs' share of the global auto market reached fresh records this year, climbing to 46%, reports Axios Generate co-author Ben Geman. The big picture: "If SUVs were an individual country, they would rank sixth in the world for absolute emissions in 2021," the International Energy Agency said in a new analysis. SUVs are heavier than typical passenger cars and hence use more fuel, which generates more CO2. Between the lines: The growth of electric vehicles — including electric SUV models — is offsetting more CO2 from internal-combustion SUVs than in the past. "The good news is that skyrocketing electric car sales in 2021 are expected to be just about sufficient to cancel out the additional emissions stemming from the 35 million SUVs that were purchased instead of average-sized cars," IEA notes.     2. Rethinking isolation Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios   Health care experts say hospitals will face even more severe staff shortages unless the CDC shortens its isolation period for vaccinated people who test positive, Axios' Bob Herman reports. The big picture: Several experts believe isolation doesn't need to surpass five days — especially if vaccinated people are returning multiple negative rapid tests.     A message from Facebook Why Facebook supports updated internet regulations, including Section 230     Aaron is one of 40,000 people working on safety and security issues at Facebook. Hear more from Aaron on why Facebook supports updating regulations on the internet's most pressing challenges, including reforming Section 230 to set clear guidelines for all large tech companies.     3. Catch up quick Photo: Gillian Flaccus/AP   Above, Tesla owner Vince Patton demonstrates on a closed course in Portland, Oregon, how he can play video games on his console while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into the potential for Tesla drivers to play while moving. Go deeper. 🎓 The Biden administration will extend the moratorium on student-loan payments to May 1. The current COVID pause would have expired Jan. 31, and millions of borrowers would have had to resume payments after nearly two years. Go deeper. 🎙️ Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made an open plea for Sen. Joe Manchin to join the GOP, saying on Hugh Hewitt's radio show: "If he were to join us, he'd be joining a lot of folks who have similar views on a whole range of issues." Listen ... Go deeper.     4. 1 hopeful thing Via Twitter     A message from Facebook Facebook puts your safety and security front-and-center     Since July, Facebook's safety and security teams have taken action on: 1.8 billion fake accounts. 9.8 million terrorism-related posts. But our work to stop bad actors is never done. Learn more about how we're working to help you connect safely.   Like this email style and format? Bring the strength of Smart Brevity® to your team — more effective communications, powered by Axios HQ.   Axios thanks our partners for supporting our newsletters. If you're interested in advertising, learn more here. Sponsorship has no influence on editorial content. Axios, 3100 Clarendon B‌lvd, Suite 1300, Arlington VA 22201   You received this email because you signed up for newsletters from Axios. Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.   Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get Axios in your inbox.   Follow Axios on social media: