A crisis abroad and a new court pick

Plus: New CDC mask guidance [View this email online]( [NPR Politics]( Feb. 26, 2022 Given this news-heavy week we are focusing the newsletter on two big stories: Russia's invasion of Ukraine and President Biden's historic pick for the Supreme Court. Plus new CDC mask guidance. --------------------------------------------------------------- The Big Picture: In need of a reset [President Biden]( Drew Angerer/Getty Images Russia invaded Ukraine, a historic Supreme Court pick is made — and President Biden is seeing [the worst poll numbers of his presidency](. Inflation has risen to the top concern for Americans, and the president just isn’t seeing the kind of intensity of support among his base that he needs. It’s a lot of pressure that’s building on Biden and Democrats, coming as the midterm primary elections are beginning and Democrats worry about shrinking into the minority in Congress. That sets the table for Biden’s first formal State of the Union address Tuesday when he badly needs a reset. — [Domenico Montanaro]( NPR’s senior political editor/correspondent --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Top Stories Emilio Morenatti/AP Ukraine: Some key headlines as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues: - Russia [vetoed]( a U.N. Security Council resolution that denounces the invasion. - The U.S. joined its European allies in [sanctioning Russian President Vladimir Putin](. (The U.S. keeps turning to sanctions [despite their mixed record]( - A Russian warship told Ukrainian soldiers to surrender. [They profanely refused](. - For Ukrainian Americans, unity against Putin has [solidified their bonds](. - Here are [photos]( that show the growing toll of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For the latest news on Ukraine, head to [npr.org](. The Supreme Court: On Friday Biden nominated federal Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the court, calling her "one of our nation’s brightest legal minds." If confirmed, the 51-year-old Jackson would be the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. [Read all about her here](. ICYMI This Week: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images New CDC mask guidance: The CDC announced Friday it is [relaxing its mask guidance for communities where hospitals aren't under high strain](. Under the new guidance, nearly 70% of the U.S. population lives in areas considered to be low or medium risk and residents there are advised they can go indoors without masks. [Check your county here](. SCOTUS religious objectors: The Supreme Court has agreed [to hear a case that would allow the court to decide whether business owners can]( based on religious beliefs, decline to serve LGBTQ customers. It’s a similar case to a 2017 challenge to Colorado's anti-discrimination law from a baker who objected to creating cakes for same-sex weddings. Senate Dems on inflation: Senate Democrats are [scrambling to provide some relief to people struggling with the highest rates of inflation in roughly 40 years](. But there are limits on what they can do — and Democrats are divided on potential solutions. Republicans flock to Florida: Florida, with its lax COVID-19 rules and former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence, has [become the go-to state for Republicans]( and their meetings and fundraisers. That was evident this week as the state played host to the Conservative Political Action Conference, where speakers were [heavy on culture war issues and attacks on Biden]( — and muted in their response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. — [Brandon Carter]( NPR Politics social media producer Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Listen Live]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Twitter]( What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [nprpolitics@npr.org](mailto:nprpolitics@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! [They can sign up here.]( Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Daily News, Code Switch, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Politics emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [NPR logo]