The federal government's mandate concerning masks on transportation was dropped this week after a judge in Florida overturned it. Airlines announced the change abruptly on social media, in terminals, and in some cases mid-flight. The Justice Department has announced it will appeal the decision.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced this week a new phase of his country's war in Russia is beginning as fighting continues to rage in Ukraine's Donbas region.

Bloomberg is reporting Kremlin insiders are quietly labeling Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a colossal mistake given the toll the conflict and resulting sanctions are taking on the country. They also say that Russian President Vladimir Putin is in no danger of losing power.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.