The White House is expected to extend the transportation mask mandate through Jan. 18, reports say. The federal mandate, which began Feb. 1, was originally due to expire May 11 but was extended in April through Sept. 13. This latest extension will last through the upcoming holiday travel season. Airlines began requiring masks early in the pandemic and sought fedearl support after some passengeres refused to wear them and became aggressive with flight crews. #covid_19 #maskmandate