🥁 Axios PM: Biden's red line

Plus: Cardi's helping hand | Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Open in app View in browser   Presented By Facebook   Axios PM By Mike Allen ·Jan 19, 2022 Good Wednesday afternoon: Today's PM — edited by Justin Green — is 481 words, a 2-minute read.     1 big thing: Biden's red line Photo: Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images President Biden declared at a long-awaited news conference this afternoon that he expects Russian President Vladimir Putin to move against Ukraine — with severe repercussions. "It's one thing if it's a minor incursion and we end up having to fight about what to do and not do," Biden said. "But if they actually do what they're capable of doing with the forces amassed on the border, it's going to be a disaster for Russia if they invade Ukraine." "My guess is he will move in. ... He has to do something." Biden allowed for the possibility Russia could do "something significantly short of a significant invasion," such as a cyberattack. "It's very important that we keep everyone in NATO on the same page," he added. "If there's something ... where there's Russian forces crossing a border killing Ukrainian fighters, etc., I think that changes everything." Between the lines: The remarks were sure to be greeted with alarm in Kyiv, Axios politics editor Glen Johnson tells me. The Ukrainian government is trying to bolster the public and buttress its troops in the face of an onslaught. ABC's Mary Bruce asks a question. Photo: Susan Walsh/AP Biden told reporters earlier in the East Room press conference that he still believes he can pass "big chunks" of the Build Back Better safety-net expansion. Biden said that before November's midterm elections, "I'm confident we can get pieces — big chunks — of the Build Back Better law signed into law." "I've been engaged a long time in public policy," Biden continued, "and I don't know many things that have been done in one fell swoop."     2. Omicron fills U.S. hospitals Data: Our World in Data. Chart: Will Chase/Axios America is seeing more COVID hospitalizations than other wealthy countries during the Omicron surge, Axios health care reporter Caitlin Owens notes.     A message from Facebook Why Facebook supports updated internet regulations     Rochelle is one of many experts working on privacy at Facebook—to give you more control over your information. Hear more from Rochelle on why Facebook supports updating regulations on the internet's most pressing challenges, including federal privacy legislation.     3. Catch up quick Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street today. Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images   Prime Minister Boris Johnson could be ousted from power within the week, after a longtime ally compared Johnson to Neville Chamberlain, Axios' Zachary Basu writes. Go deeper. Starbucks abandoned plans for a vaccine mandate for U.S. staff after the Supreme Court overturned President Biden's vaccine mandate for large employers. Go deeper. The University of Michigan reached a $490 million settlement with victims who allege they were sexually assaulted by a former physician in the school's athletic department.     4. Cardi's helping hand Cardi B in November at the American Music Awards red carpet rollout. Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Cardi B has offered to pay the burial costs for all 17 people killed in the Bronx high-rise fire that was New York City's deadliest in three decades, AP reports. The Grammy-winning rapper said in a statement: I'm extremely proud to be from the Bronx and I have lots of family and friends who live and work there still. So, when I heard about the fire and all of the victims, I knew I needed to do something to help. How you can help: The Bronx Fire Relief Fund has raised more than $2.5 million from a mix of grassroots, philanthropic and business donors.     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: