In this episode: heavenly realms. We're closer than ever to knowing whether life exists on other planets. A Notre Dame researcher talks about what he and other experts are recommending to find the answer in the next 20 years. And, what can be done at the moment a life passes from this world to the next? A scholar of Medieval chants finds surprising insight into how modern Americans respond to the end of life.

In this episode: helping the most vulnerable. A report from the White House Council of Economic Advisors declared the war on poverty largely over. A Notre Dame researcher, who helped produce much of the data behind the report, explains that statement, and talks about what can be done to continue to help those in need in the U.S. And, two Notre Dame students signed up to spend their summer at a shelter near the U.S.-Mexico border, helping migrant families who are seeking asylum. But they didn’t know the role that shelter – called Casa Vides – would play when the immigration issue exploded.

(Producer's note: The audio for the Casa Vides story was captured on-site and is extremely raw. It is best to listen through headphones or earbuds for clarity.)

Through expert interviews and feature spotlights, Notre Dame Stories showcases the work our faculty and students are doing to be a force for good in the world.

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Notre Dame Stories is produced by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications.