Travel Insurance pays claim
Just as further update, my annual travel insurance policy paid 50% of the cost of the air ticket, as settlement for flight cancellation by AA. Pandemic/government regulation didn't enter into the consideration. Policy is to pay 50% of loss. There was no "cancel for any reason" clause.
If I am fully refunded by AA or Expedia or bank issues 100% chargeback, I will return the insurance payment to the insurance company.