The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

During a very breaking-news week, the Monitor takes the long view on Russia, the Supreme Court, and Afghanistan. Also: today’s stories, including a look at how Black LGBTQ Christians are taking on faith and identity and a stroll through New York City’s music scene. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Why isn’t Europe joining the U.S. in a united front in the Ukraine crisis? Our London columnist notes the transatlantic alliance has had trust issues for years. Also: today’s stories, including a profile of a woman who has spearheaded animal advocacy, solutions to pandemic-induced staff shortages in schools, and three American cities where church edifices are being converted into new centers of community. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and April Austin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

At age 9, Marin Alsop told her violin teacher that she wanted to become a conductor. The tutor’s response? “Girls can’t do that.” The New Yorker wasn’t deterred. Also: today’s stories, including a look at growing food insecurity in Afghanistan, a stand against gerrymandering in Ohio, and how Americans are responding to new bans on natural gas hookups. Join the Monitor's Stephen Humphries and Jessica Mendoza for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

We’ve all heard about the big find at an estate sale or flea market. But for Chelsey Brown, found treasure is something else entirely – as she discovered last year when an old, handwritten letter caught her eye at a New York City flea market, one of many she frequents for her budget interior design business. One dollar later, it was hers, along with a self-imposed challenge: Trace the name on the envelope. Also: today’s stories, including omicron and the return to normalcy, Mexico’s Mayan Train, and the shift of British drinking culture. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ken Kaplan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Thor Vikström could see the island, Île Ronde, across a narrow stretch of river from his home near Montreal. He and his family explored it often – at one point they even built a cable ferry across. But the rules were clear: Leave the environment as untouched as possible. Also: today’s stories, including a look at nuclear energy, asylum seekers welcomed in Canada, and vaccine tensions between Russia and the West. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and Noelle Swan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

How deep is the Arab world’s new relationship with Israel? Also: today’s stories, including Biden’s first term blues, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s misadventures, and an instrument you play with your eyes. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Jessica Mendoza for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

On Sunday afternoon, the Bethel Park High School football coach sent this tweet to players: “Due to expected severe weather, Monday’s weightlifting workout has been cancelled. Find an elderly or disabled neighbor and shovel their driveway. Don’t accept any money – that’s our Monday workout.” Barbells were dutifully traded for snow shovels. Also: today’s stories, including a look at President Biden’s diverse judicial appointments, how single mothers plan to cope with the end of monthly U.S. child tax-credit checks, and shifting values in Israel with respect to mandatory military service. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Two days after being held hostage, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker was in a pulpit on Monday doing what he is known for: bringing people together. Also: today’s stories, including a look at Biden’s foreign policy, voting reform in Alaska, and a comeback for independent bookstores in Spain. Join the Monitor's Kim Campbell and Clay Collins for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

“More than 1,700 congressmen once enslaved Black people.” This headline in Monday’s Washington Post is at once arresting and unsurprising. Also: today’s stories, including a look at support for a Trump 2024 campaign, the Supreme Court’s vaccine ruling, and how teachers and NGOs in El Salvador are addressing violent atrocities of the past. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann and Laurent Belsie for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The Minnesota Vikings just did something no team in the National Football League has ever done. They have asked to interview a woman to become their general manager. Also: today’s stories, including a look at the Arab Gulf’s relations with Iran, a referee for 5G, and how art is helping in the fight against climate change. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and April Austin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.