Thursday's podcasts stories
The second phase of war in Ukraine
Russian troops have surrounded the last remaining Ukrainian stronghold in the city of Mariupol early Thursday morning. President Putin has ordered his forces not to storm a massive steel plant in the city where about 1,000 civilians are sheltering.
This comes days after Ukrainian President Zelenksy announced the long-awaited Russian offensive in the Donbas had begun. This attack could be a decisive second phase of the war.
- Plus, how to talk to your kids about climate change.
- And, a new, shorter number to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Guests: Axios' Dave Lawler and UK-based science and education consultant Claire Seeley.
Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, and Lydia McMullen-Laird. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.
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Mask mandates disappear as COVID cases rise
If you’re traveling in the U.S. — whether it's by plane, bus, or train, you're no longer required to wear a mask. The change comes after a federal judge earlier this week struck down the Biden administration’s public transit mask mandate.
Almost immediately, airlines and other transportation companies like Amtrak and Uber lifted their mask requirements as well. These announcements come as COVID cases are starting to tick back up — 43% in the last two weeks.
- Plus, the link between how much energy we consume and our health and happiness.
- And, American Airlines resumes practice flights for kids who have autism.
Guests: Axios' Tina Reed and Ben Geman.
Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, and Lydia McMullen-Laird. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.
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