🥁 Axios PM: Trump's social bomb

Plus: "Like bears coming out of hibernation" | Wednesday, March 02, 2022

Open in app View in browser   Presented By Amazon   Axios PM By Mike Allen ·Mar 02, 2022 Good afternoon: Today's PM — edited by Justin Green — is 444 words, a 1.5-minute read. ⚡️Breaking news: The southern Ukrainian city of Kherson has fallen to the Russian military, per The New York Times.     1 big thing: The anti-Putin coalition Data: United Nations; Map: Danielle Alberti/Axios Only four countries — Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea and Syria — joined Russia today in voting against a non-binding UN resolution that condemned the invasion of Ukraine. Another 35 abstained, including India and China, Axios' Ivana Saric and Zachary Basu report. Between the lines: India has military ties with Russia from the Soviet era, causing headaches for the U.S. as it seeks to integrate India into an alliance to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. 141 countries voted in favor of the resolution.     2. Trump's social bomb Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios Former President Trump is blowing the launch of his new social media company, Axios Pro Rata author Dan Primack reports. As of this morning, Truth Social had fallen to No. 57 in the App Store, just behind Tinder and Planet Fitness Workouts. Trump has posted only once — about two weeks ago. Instead, he's given his comments to radio and TV hosts. Had he prioritized his reactions to Truth Social, it would have caused every media outlet to mention the app. The bottom line: The SPAC that agreed to take Truth Social public is valued at over $3.5 billion — and seems to be betting that a large percentage of Trump's 88 million Twitter followers will migrate over to Truth Social. Nearly two weeks after launch, his dormant account has fewer than 80,000 followers. Share this story.     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's important: Amazon's starting wage gives employees like Chatonn the freedom to do more.     3. Sick leave comeback First Lady Jill Biden introduces President Biden today at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, as administration officials fanned out after last night's speech. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images   The Biden administration included paid sick leave provisions as part of its new COVID-19 preparedness plan, reports Axios' Emily Peck. Why it matters: The emergency sick leave provisions weren't renewed after they expired in 2020. The big picture: The administration wants to push America into a post-pandemic phase, reports Axios' Tina Reed. The plan includes: Test-to-treat program to speed access to antiviral drugs. Boosting vaccine manufacturing capacity by 1 billion doses per year. Accelerating R&D on a single vaccine for all known COVID variants. Maintaining a network for delivering the shots. Ensuring an adequate supply of free tests and masks.     4. 🕶️ Spring break '22: "Like bears coming out of hibernation" Last year's spring break in Port Aransas, Texas. Photo: Courtney Sacco/Corpus Christi Caller Times Spring break was big in red states last year but now is starting to bounce back everywhere, the L.A. Times reports. "People planning spring travel are like bears coming out of hibernation," said Expedia's Melanie Fish. "We are awake and planning to travel — but not ready to go too far." Vrbo reports a nearly 50% increase in demand for vacation-home rentals this spring, compared with last year, The Times said. The catch: Gas prices are soaring. Domestic airfares could pass 2019 levels by March, according to The Points Guy.     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? 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: