🥁 Axios PM: Squeezing Putin

Plus: McBargo hits Russia | Tuesday, March 08, 2022

Open in app View in browser   Presented By Amazon   Axios PM By Mike Allen ·Mar 08, 2022 Good afternoon: Today's PM — edited by Justin Green — is 393 words, a 1.5-minute read.     1 big thing: Squeezing Putin Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP President Biden heralded today's ban on Russian oil imports as a hit on "the main artery of Russia's economy." "We will not be part of subsidizing Putin's war," Biden said after banning the imports of Russian oil, natural gas and coal. "The American people will deal another powerful blow to Putin's war machine." The big picture: Gas prices hit an all-time high today (not adjusted for inflation). Biden acknowledged that the decision "is not without costs here at home." "I'm going to do everything I can to minimize Putin's [gas] price hikes," Biden said. "This crisis is a stark reminder that to protect our economy over the long term, we need to become energy independent," Biden added. "It should motivate us to accelerate a transition to clean energy." The bottom line: Russia accounts for only 3% of U.S. crude oil imports, versus 27% for Europe as of 2019, Bloomberg reports.     2. Des Moines horror Police investigate a shooting outside of East High School in Des Moines. Photo: Zach Boyden-Holmes/Des Moines Register via USA Today Network Six Des Moines teens are facing murder charges following a shooting yesterday that killed a 15-year-old boy and seriously injured two others, reports Axios Des Moines co-author Linh Ta. The teens, who range in age from 14 to 17, are each charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. Axios does not name minors who are charged in criminal cases. Des Moines detectives learned the shots were allegedly fired by multiple people from several vehicles. Police recovered six firearms in connection to the shooting.     A message from Amazon "Amazon allows me to be the parent I want to be"     Chatonn got a raise when she chose to join Amazon, where starting wages are at least $15 an hour. A bigger paycheck boosted her buying power and allowed her to afford art supplies for her daughter and karate classes for her son. "I'm earning $15 an hour instead of 10-something," says Chatonn. "It allows me to take better care of my family." Why it matters: Amazon's starting wage gives employees like Chatonn the freedom to do more.     3. Catch up quick Photo: House of Commons/PA Images via Getty Images Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky became the first foreign leader to virtually address the U.K.'s House of Commons, where he channeled Winston Churchill while detailing Ukraine's experience under 13 days of Russian assault. The Polish government is prepared to deploy its entire fleet of used MiG-29 fighter jets to a U.S. airbase in Germany, giving the U.S. the option to then transfer the Soviet-era aircraft to Ukraine's military. Go deeper. 🍔 McBargo: McDonald's is temporarily closing all stores in Russia, but will keep paying its 62,000 Russian employees and continue operations of local Ronald McDonald House charities. Go deeper. Proud Boys leader Henry "Enrique" Tarrio was arrested on a conspiracy charge in connection to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.     4. 🇺🇦 International Women's Day solidarity Photo: Maja Hitij/Getty Images   People support Ukraine as part of an International Women's Day demonstration in front of the Russian Embassy in Berlin today.     A message from Amazon "Amazon has allowed me to live a comfortable life"     Getting great health care benefits was Luv-Luv's top priority during her job search. That's why she chose Amazon. Thanks to Amazon's starting wage of at least $15 an hour and comprehensive benefits, she lives life on her own terms. Watch her story.   Like this email style and format? It's called Smart Brevity®. Over 200 orgs use it — in a tool called Axios HQ — to drive productivity with clearer workplace communications.   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: