The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

There was a college baseball tournament in Los Angeles last weekend. And all the players were women. It’s the first steppingstone to wider recognition of women’s baseball, many of the players and coaches say. Also: today’s stories, including Biden’s diplomacy in Europe, refugees in Poland, and the European far right regretting their close embrace of Vladimir Putin. Join the Monitor's Kendra Nordin Beato and Ken Kaplan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

As Russian troops wage their so-called special military operation in Ukraine, what does it mean for Russian journalists to pursue the truth while navigating personal and moral crises amid more Kremlin censorship rules? Also: today’s stories, including a look at the generational shift in careers, perceptions of their country, and life’s purpose for young Ukrainian professionals who prepare for the Russian onslaught; what it takes to prove the attacks on schools and hospitals in Ukraine qualify as war crimes; and why highly educated, unemployed Jordanians are entering local politics. Join the Monitor's David Scott and Erika Page for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

I stopped at the gas station the other day and shelled out $72.19. Thought No. 1: I’ve never, ever paid $70 to fill up a car. Thought No. 2: Wisconsin. Also: today’s stories, including a look at why foreign fighters are heading to Ukraine, Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation process, and how Americans feel about shouldering higher prices at the pump. Join the Monitor's Laurent Belsie and Jessica Mendoza for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

When the early 1970s brought the OPEC oil crisis, gas prices soared and many American drivers embraced a wave of mostly Japan-made economy cars that affected trends in car ownership for decades. But today many Americans still need or want big vehicles. Last year’s top three sellers: all full-size trucks. Also: today’s stories, including a look at the autocratic style of leadership, how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens global food supply chains, and volunteers stepping up to clean up France’s dirtiest city. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Clara Germani for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Roiling global oil markets have led to the fast rise and not-so-fast fall of gasoline prices. One community effort in San Diego is helping those who feel the pinch most acutely. Also: today’s stories, including the United States Senate voting unanimously this week in favor of daylight saving time, Syria’s attention towards Ukraine’s resilience in the face of Russia’s military onslaught, and a review of the latest Pixar movie about puberty and identity. Join the Monitor's Clayton Collins and Clara Germani for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Bloomberg and CNN have both shuttered their operations in Russia as President Vladimir Putin cracks down on independent media. But the Monitor’s Fred Weir is staying put. We talk about how and why. Also: today’s stories, including the agonizing decision whether to flee Ukraine, a very important element called Lithium, and how communities are saving affordable housing. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Lindsey McGinnis for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

In his compelling video address before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ended by addressing President Joe Biden directly. Also: today’s stories, including how the U.S. Federal Reserve may manage the challenge of preventing a recession while slowing price hikes, why many fear that Moldova may soon be the next nation to be invaded by Russian troops, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine proving awkward for Beijing. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and April Austin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The app Ukraine Take Shelter, created in record time by two Harvard University freshmen, connects Ukrainian refugees with people around the world ready to house them. Also: today’s stories, including a look at how sanctions against Russia are affecting residents, what constitutes fair competition for transgender athletes, and how native speakers of Yaakunte are reviving the language. Join the Monitor's Trudy Palmer and Stephen Humphries for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Talking about Ukraine’s art treasures might not seem the most pressing issue as Ukraine throws its all into fighting Russia’s invasion. But art was at the heart of a conversation the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb had last week with Martin Kuz, who has been reporting in country for several weeks. It was prompted by eye-catching pictures of volunteers and officials of Lviv’s Andrey Sheptytsky National Museum taking time to protect their artistic heritage even as their world was being upended. Also: today’s stories, including residents in the bunkers of the besieged Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, more diverse buyers shifting firearm culture, and a look at same-sex marriage in India. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ken Kaplan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The Monitor’s former Moscow correspondent recalls her visit to the grand opening of the first McDonald’s in Moscow in 1990 in light of McDonald’s decision to shutter all 847 Russian locations in response to the invasion of Ukraine last week. Also: today’s stories, including a dispatch from the frontlines in southern Ukraine, the Ukrainian diaspora in Brazil, and the moral quandary of a no-fly zone. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann and Ken Kaplan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.