The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

President Donald Trump and his defense secretary are boasting of military success. But Iran’s peace proposal, which Mr. Trump says is “workable,” appeared to reflect Iran’s wishes without making meaningful concessions.

Also: today’s stories, including why Ukraine’s westernmost region of Zakarpattia is now a campaign hot button in Hungary's upcoming parliamentary elections; how the U.S. and China are competing to build a permanent presence on the moon; and our columnist’s thoughts on how the U.S. appears to be in a weaker position globally than when the war with Iran began.

Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

President Donald Trump’s energy strategy faces limits as the Iran war spikes U.S. gas prices, squeezing consumers and threatening Republican prospects in the midterms. He must now choose between escalating the war and backing down, risking both image and oil prices.

Also: today’s stories, including how some conservative groups are calling for the White House to broaden its immigration enforcement strategy with worksite raids; a look at diplomatic efforts in the Iran war after President Donald Trump’s threats of Iran’s obliteration; and a Q+A with environmental history professor and award-winning author Kate Brown on her new book, “Tiny Gardens Everywhere.”

Join the Monitor's Chris Sherman for today's news.

Despite President Donald Trump’s latest threats, diplomacy continues for an Iran ceasefire. He set an April 7 deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes, but he has moved deadlines before.

Also in today’s stories: Orbán plays on Hungarians’ worries about Ukraine war; why ICE is expanding detention; and whether Artemis II will boost a "lunar economy."

Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s removal of over a dozen senior officers during the war with Iran is raising concerns about what effect those decisions will have, and whether they could undermine the military’s non-partisan tradition through politicized appointments.

Also: today’s stories, including how oil shortages caused by the Iran war could be a boon for China’s energy sector; how U.S. political conservatives are putting their support behind renewable energy; and a look at Americana singer and songwriter Audrey Spillman’s latest album.

Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

Attorney General Pam Bondi was fired on Thursday by President Donald Trump. Her dismissal comes on the heels of Kristi Noem’s firing from the Department of Homeland Security. President Trump has now pushed out two Cabinet members – both women – as he faces growing challenges over the Iran war and the economy.

Also: today’s stories, including how Venezuela is still waiting for meaningful change after the capture of Nicolás Maduro; a look at two investigations underway at Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch; and how one couple in Nigeria is tackling the country’s dire education crisis.

Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

As more ground forces head to Iran, shifting threats and end goals could either baffle opponents and lead to success, or pull the United States into another forever war.

Also: today’s stories, including why Saudi Arabia says it’s ready to take “all necessary measures” to defend itself from Iran; why there's a push in Haiti to place children with relatives or in foster care; and how Supreme Court justices sounded wary of the government’s argument that the Constitution does not guarantee birthright citizenship.

Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

The U.S. and Israel aimed vast destructive power at regime targets in Iran. But the Islamic Republic’s true believers in the Revolutionary Guard Corps and Basij militia are operating diligently – and without known defections – to intimidate any Iranian who might heed the call to rise up.

Also: today’s stories, including why the Supreme Court will consider President Donald Trump’s effort to reinterpret birthright citizenship; why suspicions of impropriety with traders have sparked a wave of legislation in both houses of Congress; and how the Iran war’s impact is being felt by millions of people in countries such as the Philippines.

Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

In stark contrast with residents of other Arab countries in the Gulf region, Saudis exhibit a decidedly blasé attitude toward the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. Conversations focus on jobs and the economy and reveal a calm faith in their government’s ability to provide security.

Also: today’s stories, including why Pakistan is leading the charge to bring the United States and Iran to the negotiating table; how allegations of sexual abuse against Cesar Chavez, coming decades after his death, profoundly complicate his legacy; and why the Artemis II moon launch is a reminder of how the U.S. and Canada continue to work more closely together than ever.

Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

Fuel shortages are speeding a shift toward green energy and nuclear power across many countries, as the Iran conflict creates new urgency around energy security.

Also: today’s stories, including what’s behind the global push to ban social media for kids; how in the southern U.S., the arrival of newcomers — mostly from the midwest — are changing how locals speak and live; and how a professor's unconventional solution to texting in class turns discipline into something tender.

Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

President Donald Trump is urging a 15-point proposal for ending hostilities with Iran. But with the two sides far apart, he is also seeking leverage through threats against power plants, or the potential seizure of strategic Kharg Island with U.S. troops who are heading to the region.

Also: today’s stories, including how, under the cover of the Iran war, settler extremists have increased violent attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank; how taking care of those who can't afford essentials has become the core of Maine Needs organization; and our reviewers’ favorite books of March.

Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.