The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

American farmers are seeing fertilizer prices spike as supply is choked off by Iran’s threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, in response to attacks by the U.S. and Israel. It’s a sign of how the war is affecting the global economy – including spring planting.

Also: today’s stories, including how African students in Iran are finding themselves increasingly affected as the conflict widens; how higher education institutions are tightening their fundraising practices in the wake of the Epstein files; and how “Sinners” has added to the cultural dialogue around what makes a great movie and who gets to make it.

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

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s tone in his public statements about the war in Iran is drawing criticism that it glorifies violence and is posturing that runs counter to professional soldiering.

Also: today’s stories, including a look at Japan’s return to nuclear energy, 11 years after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident; how as the UK’s Labour Party tacks right, the Green Party is scooping up its spurned voters; and how locals in Jordan are inviting stranded foreigners to “break-the-fast” evening Ramadan meals amid the stress of war.

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

Choosing continuity amid war, Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father, despite President Donald Trump’s criticism and Israel’s threats. He has a hard-liner’s pedigree, but will his tenure be confrontational, or aimed at broadening internal support for the regime?

Also: today’s stories, including why oil prices spiked to near $120 per barrel Monday before retreating below $100; why 17 candidates are competing in Tuesday's special election for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District; and why Balendra Shah is on track to become Nepal’s next prime minister.

Join the Monitor's Matthew Bell for today's news.

Once again, a crisis in the Middle East has the U.S. appealing for military help from the stateless Kurds, this time as boots-on-the-ground proxies in Iran. Affecting any desire to contribute is the memory of letdowns after vital roles played in Iraq and Syria.

Also in today’s stories: why Kristi Noem lost President Trump's trust; how war in Iran adds to existing strains on U.S. employment; and contributor Murr Brewster shares her enduring love of libraries.

Join the Monitor's Stephanie Hanes for today's news.

The U.S. and Israeli leaders have made it clear they want regime change in Iran. But the Islamic Republic had prepared for this day, with a political succession plan and a battlefield strategy. The result so far is Iranian confidence, despite the existential threat of the war.

Also: today’s stories, including how the Iran conflict is generating criticism from many prominent MAGA commentators; why the U.S. is blocking oil shipments to Cuba; and how some Democrats seek to reclaim a moderate version of Christianity to attract voters they've lost to Republicans.

Join the Monitor's Matthew Bell for today's news.

Gulf Arab states lobbied hard for the United States to engage in talks with Iran. Yet in the war, 1,800 Iranian missiles and drones have been intercepted in Gulf airspace, with hundreds breaking through. The Gulf is being transformed by conflict. Will that last?

Also: today’s stories, including how America’s recent strikes on Iran have underscored the task of ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens abroad during the escalating conflict; a look at the results of Texas’ primary elections, and what lies ahead for the candidates; and how, in Nepal, the country’s first elections since protests overthrew the government are a reason for some youth to stay.

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

For many Iranian opponents of the regime, news of the supreme leader’s death at the start of the new war brought elation. But, says a Tehran student who risked his life in protests before the war, there are concerns that the job of regime change is incomplete.

Also: today’s stories, including how the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran are sending political ripples through Congress; a look at how a partial U.S. government shutdown is affecting TSA; and how China is engaged in a huge nuclear weapons expansion, growing the size and capabilities of its arsenal.

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

Airstrikes against Iran were effective in the early days of the mission. But there’s more to do – both offensively and defensively – if the U.S. hopes to crack Iran’s regime.

Also: today’s stories, including what’s at stake for global oil prices as the Iran conflict escalates; a look at a hardball battle for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination in Texas; and how Mexico's diplomatic support to Cuba has long boosted the communist island.

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

For former President Bill Clinton, who left office 25 years ago, the impact of the Epstein scandal may only further damage his image, particularly among younger Democrats, amid changing mores around sexual misconduct by powerful men.

Also: today’s stories, including, how in Boston, a Monitor reporter set off to find out what cities do with an abundance of snow; how India has increasingly used cricket as an extension of its foreign policy with Pakistan; and how a contributing writer finds respite in his postcard pastime despite living in a digital world.

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

President Donald Trump has issued executive orders on voting, and his administration is suing states that have refused to turn over voter rolls. Congress has taken up legislation that would require proof of citizenship for voter registration. Last month, the FBI raided an election center in Georgia as part of a criminal investigation into the 2020 election.

Also: today’s stories, including how students in Iran have courageously protested for days despite leadership claims; how in a politically red Texas, Democrats have hope in the upcoming primaries; and how the misconduct investigation into the former Prince Andrew is putting the British monarchy under a harsh glare.

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