The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

How America reacts to the end of the federal transportation mask mandate might say more about the country than the ruling itself. Also: today’s stories, including what’s behind the flare up in violence in Jerusalem, brain drain from Russia and Ukraine, and a stunt man’s secrets. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Clara Germani for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

What might the Democrats do to galvanize American voters by the midterm congressional elections later this year, as support for Joe Biden declines? Also: today’s stories, including why most Russians support “denazification” of Ukraine and how the Western and Russian understanding of the term “Nazi” differ, a new U.S. “ghost gun” regulation closes a loophole allowing unregistered and unmarked firearms built from kits, and an essay on coping with cultural appropriation in the U.S. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Jessica Mendoza for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

How did many of today’s most fraught culture wars start? Also: today’s stories, including a look at the hard choices the U.S. and its allies face as the Ukraine battle escalates, Denver’s apology for an anti-Chinese race riot, and a nurdle hunter protecting California's beaches from hidden pollution. Join the Monitor's Stephen Humphries and Ali Martin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Anastasia Chukovskaya was in Moscow when her husband, Alexey Zelenskiy, called from their home of nine years in Budapest, Hungary. Russia had invaded Ukraine. She rushed back, and for several days, the couple, both Russians, were “devastated.” They didn’t know what to do. Then their phone started ringing. Also: today’s stories, including a look at Afghans living on what were the Taliban’s front lines in Wardak province, how curiosity can bridge political divides, and giving up flying air travel to fight climate change. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Clay Collins for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Spiking oil prices have heightened the debate over whether the U.S. should emphasize more drilling or saving the planet. In North Dakota, officials think they’ve found a third way. Also: today’s stories, including Jackie Robinson’s efforts for the Black community on and off the field, a controversial train project stirring up debate over ecological preservation and economic development in a small countryside town of Japan, and the IRS dropping its plan plan to use facial recognition for tax identification this year. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and Clara Germani for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The term “Finlandization” has been floated as a possible solution to the conflict over Ukraine. We explore what it means, and why it’s gotten a cold reception among Ukrainians. Also: today’s stories, including Oakland schools’ pandemic success, controversial Trump lawyer John Eastman, and the stories behind two high-profile murder trials – one in Saudi Arabia and the other in Burkina Faso. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The Muslim holiday of Ramadan is often a month of contemplation, celebration, and gratitude. But the Ukraine war is causing basic food shortages, forcing a shift in the holiday traditions, especially in the Middle East. Also: today’s stories, including how the war in Ukraine underscores the need for European energy security, the changing tide of federally secured personal rights, and a mother and daughter’s essay on forming relationships. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

War is generally a noisy affair, sometimes deafeningly so. But one of contributor Martin Kuz’s most enduring memories from Ukraine is the sound of silence. Also: today’s stories, including an insider’s view of the Shanghai lockdown, a look at a civil war battlefield in Spain, and how public art is strengthening community in Mississippi. Join the Monitor's Yvonne Zipp, Peter Ford, and Ken Kaplan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Pay for a national park pass and you’re doing your bit to preserve a monument to nature. You also get to go in and admire what you’re helping to save. Nice transaction. What about a $1,500 entry pass that you can’t use for 150 years? Also: today’s stories, including a look at Russian President Vladimir Putin’s nuclear threat, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's survival of a recall vote, and the metaverse explained. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Ali Martin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

A few weeks ago, French President Emmanuel Macron was a shoo-in for reelection. No longer. The far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is snapping at his heels; if she comes second in Sunday’s vote, she will go head-to-head with Mr. Macron in a closely fought second round in two weeks’ time. Also: today’s stories, including a conservative 
Florida county 
raising taxes 
to help children, a look at voting in France, and a Q&A with former Republican Rep. Will Hurd of Texas. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and April Austin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.