The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

By its nature, science reveals the extraordinary. But there are moments when it opens windows that astonish even scientists themselves. Also: today’s stories, including a look at the Senate confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, universities opening their doors to Ukrainian students and professors, and why a rebound of sheep in the Navajo Nation is a signal of hope. 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 sounds of opening day return Thursday. The smack of maple on cowhide. The cries of “Popcorn here-ah!” The eighth inning Fenway chorus of “Sweet Caroline.” These are some of the rites of a North American spring. But when does cherished tradition become ossification, sapping vitality? Also: today’s stories, including life in Russia-occupied Khersonа, a look at African support for Russia against Ukraine, and how women in India are doggedly pursuing justice on the issue of criminalization of marital rape. Join the Monitor’s Dave Scott and Clara Germani for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

After years without it, a Navajo family finally gets running water. A Monitor reporter brings you their relief and joy. Also: Europe's reaction to horrific images coming out of Ukraine, Indonesia’s decision to move its capital city, and a Colorado high school's efforts to preserve a WWII internment camp. Join the Monitor's Yvonne Zipp and Ken Kaplan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Oksana Markarova became Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States just a year ago. When Russia invaded Ukraine, her job took on monumental proportions.

But to hear her talk about her role in this pivotal moment is not to hear about its weight. “It is no longer work,” she told a group of Monitor writers and editors Saturday at the annual Gridiron Club dinner in Washington. It is “everything.” Also: today’s stories, including how one cop became the face of Jan. 6; why threats against GOP lawmakers are on the rise; and how an animated film about the moon landing prompts viewers to ponder how memories form and shape us. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Clay Collins for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

When you think about the basic needs of Ukrainian refugee children, books would seem to occupy a place much farther down the list than food, clothing, and shelter. But for Maria Deskar, CEO of Poland’s Universal Reading Foundation, the idea of giving books to children is nearly as urgent. “The help for kids here is crucial,” Ms. Deskar explains in a video chat from Warsaw. “Reading to a child creates a sense of safety, the feeling that ‘If we have time to read a book, that means we are OK,’” she says. Also: today’s stories, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s close ties to Russia, mysteries of a changing Antarctica, and the round-the-world journey of a single pair of Levi’s made in a factory in Lesotho. Join the Monitor's April Austin and Ken Kaplan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Fahad Shah, a Monitor contributor Kashmir, has bailed himself out of jail four times since his arrest 40 days ago. But each time Indian authorities rearrest him. Here’s what you can do to help. Also: today’s stories, including how a war crimes investigation actually works, Russians dissenting despite a crackdown, and Democrats getting a taste for gerrymandering. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Clara Germani for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Western media has largely focused on the outpouring of support for Ukraine. But why are many nations not openly backing pro-democracy Ukraine? Also: today’s stories, including how Hungary’s LGBTQ political rhetoric echoes the ideologies of Florida’s new law banning sexual orientation instruction in schools, Why young Russians are fleeing their country and moving to Georgia, and an essay exploring watching Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearings through a lens of love. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Ali Martin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Newsrooms have been busy debating the spelling of Ukrainian place names. Many of us in the media have long used Russian transliterations for some places, such as Odessa, while using Ukrainian ones for others, like Kyiv. Starting this week, the Monitor has shifted entirely to using the renderings established by Ukraine’s government. Also: today’s stories, including a look at how grassroots groups in Chicago are curbing crime, a Guatemalan judge’s flight into exile, and how one chef helped her hometown recover from Hurricane Ida. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Stephen Humphries for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Last night’s Academy Awards were, as we say in the news business, “a talker.” It should have been an evening centered on the academy’s efforts to represent minorities after previous ceremonies were labeled #OscarsSoWhite. Notable winners included the first deaf best supporting actor, best picture “CODA,” a breakout Latina star, and Will Smith, finally winning best actor. But before he claimed his statue, Mr. Smith leaped on stage and assaulted presenter Chris Rock. Also: today’s stories, including Shanghai’s citywide COVID-19 lockdown, a look at Ukrainian Jews seeking refuge in Israel, and how the Ukraine war exposed education inequity in India. Join the Monitor's Stephen Humphries and Amelia Newcomb for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

It was, by far, the loudest noise I’d ever heard come out of my 2008 Toyota Prius. So loud, I immediately pulled back into the driveway and called the dealership. “Your catalytic converter has been stolen,” they said. Thus was launched a two-week odyssey. Also: today’s stories, including a look at the outpouring of global compassion for Ukraine, population growth in Texas Hill Country, and Lingít language revival efforts in Alaska. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann and Stephen Humphries for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.