The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

For some migrants originally bound for the U.S. border, dream opportunities have been found in Mexico. Whitney Eulich and Alfredo Sosa dig explain why.

Also: today’s stories, including how the media continues to wrestle with how to assess former President Donald Trump’s impact on the political environment, and a look into Senegal’s sole woman candidate for president. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Mary Tabor for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Tension is common at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, a space for worship that can be jolted by extremists. What’s the climate now, during Ramadan, with nearby Gaza inflamed? So far, so good. Also: today's stories, including a look at the vortex Mike Johnson is riding, Spain's approach to trans youth, Hungary's prime minister, and how one teen trusted that college wasn't his path. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Ira Porter for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The legal drama unfolding around Texas’ new immigration law points to the uncertainty surrounding a state attempt to use authority traditionally reserved for the federal government. Also: today’s stories, including peace activists in Ethiopia, hurdles for third-party candidates, and support for young caregivers. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Ali Martin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Faced with shaky Western support for Ukraine and NATO, European leaders are taking steps to demonstrate they can defend themselves, even if less aid flows from the United States. Also: today’s stories, including challenges to political cooperation in India, resourceful nurses in Ukraine, and a legal settlement that is changing real estate. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Caitlin Babcock for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

As the pressures grow on President Joe Biden to restrain Israel in Gaza, his administration’s rhetoric has gotten tougher. Is the pressure having an effect? Also: today’s stories, including the aftermath of Alabama’s IVF controversy, Pakistan’s crackdown on media freedom, and mixed results for Donald Trump’s many legal proceedings. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Barring the unforeseen, Vladimir Putin is certain to win Russia’s presidential election, which ends March 17. Given the lack of real competition, it’s become common to dismiss the whole process as a meaningless charade. Also: James Foley’s mother has a new book on forgiving her son’s killers, the people of China retain faith in their institutions, and Brazil’s President Lula struggles to protect the Amazon. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Caitlin Babcock for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Across the Gaza Strip, frustrations with Hamas are on the rise. How will Palestinian civilians make themselves heard? Also: today’s stories, including some universities reinstating their standardized testing requirements, Miami’s spring break crackdown, and women in the lead at this year’s Carnival. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Clara Germani for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Mortgage rates are down a full point since peaking last October – raising hopes that an extraordinarily tough housing market is finally about to ease, allowing millennials to tiptoe towards a better chance for home ownership. Also: today’s stories, including how Russian elections became a futile exercise for opposition, Congress takes a swing at TikTok, and how the nation's capital is a symbol of wider challenges facing many U.S. cities in redefining their future. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Ali Martin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

As more Palestinians in Gaza edge toward starvation, law and order is breaking down across the besieged strip. Also: today’s stories, including a Monitor Breakfast with Poland's Foreign Minister, the pandemic’s impact on education, and the adaptation of a beloved indie album for the stage. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ira Porter for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

New England is on the verge of becoming the first region in the United States to go coal-free. What lessons does the last coal-fired plant in New Hampshire hold for the rest of the country? Also: today’s stories, including the shift to electric vehicles in Africa, how to rebuild trust in U.S. politics, and a season of peace in a time of war. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Stephen Humphries for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.