🚙 Axios PM: The slowest commutes

Plus: Austin admits fault | Thursday, February 01, 2024

Open in app View in browser   Presented By Walmart   Axios PM By Mike Allen · Feb 01, 2024 Good afternoon. Today's newsletter, edited by Sam Baker, is 477 words, a 2-min. read. Thanks to Sheryl Miller for copy editing.     1 big thing: Rush hour gets slower Data: TomTom. Map: Axios Visuals Washington, New York and Boston have the slowest-moving traffic in the country, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick and Kavya Beheraj report. In D.C., a 6-mile trip took 97 seconds longer last year than it did in 2021, according to new data from mapping and location-tech giant TomTom. In New York, it took 87 seconds longer. In Boston, it took 86 seconds longer. 🚦 The big picture: Traffic is slowing because more people are driving. Workers returning to offices even a few days a week puts more cars on the road, and the new infrastructure law also sparked construction projects that may be slowing drivers down. ⚠️ Reality check: Slow-moving traffic can have positive side effects, especially in cities — including New York, Boston and D.C. — with lots of pedestrians and cyclists. Manhattan recently implemented a congestion pricing plan designed specifically to get people out of their cars and onto mass transit. The other side: Traffic actually got faster in a handful of cities, including Indianapolis (-39 seconds for that 6-mile trip); Grand Rapids, Mich. (-29 seconds); and Orlando (-20 seconds). Go deeper.     2. Austin: Hospital secrecy was a mistake Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin today. Photo: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP Via Getty Images "We did not handle this right, and I did not handle this right," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said today at his first press conference since his undisclosed hospitalization in early January. "I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I take full responsibility," Austin said, per AP. ⚡️ What's next: Austin indicated that the U.S. will take more aggressive action against Iran-backed militias in the Middle East, following the attack that killed three Americans. "At this point, it's time to take away even more capability than we've taken in the past," he said. "I don't think the adversaries are of a 'one and done' mindset. And so they have a lot of capability. I have a lot more," Austin said. "We're going to do what's necessary to protect our troops."     A message from Walmart From entry-level job to building a career: Daidrian's Walmart story     In 2008, Daidrian started her Walmart career as a cashier. Today, 15 years and many promotions later, she's a senior manager at Walmart's home office. The background: 75% of Walmart management started as hourly, entry-level employees. Just like Daidrian did. Explore more stories like Daidrian's.     3. Catch me up Former President Trump and his lawyers at closing arguments in the Trump Organization civil fraud trial at N.Y. State Supreme Court on Jan. 11. Photo: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters 💸 Former President Trump's political fundraising apparatus spent more than $50 million on legal costs last year, Axios' Emma Loop reports. ✈️ American Express is adding new perks to Delta SkyMiles cards in an effort to retain customers who were upset after Delta weakened their benefits last year. The details. 📺 Frito-Lay bought a third of ABC's ad inventory for tomorrow so that it can run eight versions of a new "Groundhog Day" commercial, Variety reports.     4. 🏈 NFL coaching carousel is now complete Dan Quinn at an NFL wild card game against the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 14 in Arlington, Texas. Photo: Perry Knotts/Getty Images The Washington Commanders have an agreement to hire a new head coach: Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. The team's new owners want a coach who can provide some leadership for a team that hasn't been consistently good in a long time, ESPN reports. Eight NFL teams have hired new head coaches this year, as some of the most legendary coaches in the sport's history stepped aside.     A message from Walmart "I'm a living example of the benefits Walmart provides"     When his daughter was born, Johnny was able to take advantage of paid parental leave offered by Walmart to spend six weeks bonding with her. Why it's important: Parental leave and other Walmart benefits help associates nationwide build families and careers. Explore more stories like Johnny's.   Are you a fan of this email format? Your essential communications — to staff, clients and other stakeholders — can have the same style. Axios HQ, a powerful platform, will help you do it.   Axios thanks our partners for supporting our newsletters. Sponsorship has no influence on editorial content. Axios, 3100 Clarendon B‌lvd, Arlington VA 22201   You received this email because you signed up for newsletters from Axios. To stop receiving this newsletter, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences.   Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get Axios in your inbox.   Follow Axios on social media: