The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

How has Lyman, a battered community in eastern Ukraine, endured two years of a war that never feels far away? The abnormal is the new normal. Also: today’s stories, including what the war has cost Ukraine and Russia, why Haley focuses on her long game, learning to winter like the Danes, and a podcast excerpt about the Harlem renaissance of today. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Caitlin Babcock for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The most popular politician in Israel is not Israeli. Can Joe Biden coax the Israeli public toward regional peace? Also: today’s stories, including life in Russia two years into its invasion of Ukraine, the young rebels fighting Myanmar’s junta, and the conflict over Trump loyalists’ fight to take over Republican Party infrastructure. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Noelle Swan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

In recent years, the U.S. and China have had to learn how to navigate growing mistrust and make progress toward stability. Also: today’s stories, including Ukraine’s frontline runs low on ammo, an unelected coalition of politicians takes on governing Pakistan, and newsrooms in Utah pool resources to combat the Great Salt Lake drought. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Jasper Davidoff for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Only five states executed people last year. Oklahoma was one of them – and some GOP state lawmakers worry they cannot trust their system to get it right. Also: today’s stories, including public trust Poland, progress on lightning safety in India, and five debut novels by Black authors worth reading – now or any month. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Ira Porter for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Alexei Navalny’s death in prison on Friday brings a tragic end to a struggle the Kremlin had already largely contained. Also: today’s stories, including President Biden visits the site of the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment, AI as a learning tool in US classrooms, and Representative Michael McCaul on bipartisanship on foreign aid. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Caitlin Babcock for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The US has wrangled historically over playing a large role on the global stage or turning inward. As the pull of ’America First’ intensifies, the current battle could have significant security consequences for Ukraine and the rest of Europe. Also: today’s stories, including what’s behind mideast distrust of the UN, a new change in college sports, and Ecuador’s guardians against illegal mining. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and April Austin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Can soccer help El Salvador turn from terror to trust? One community in El Salvador is turning to soccer to help overcome divisions sown by years of brutal gang violence and impunity. Also: today's stories, including American's increasingly positive views on the economy, jeepneys adapting in the Philippines, and Why Boston’s wealthy Back Bay said yes, in our backyard. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Israeli forces have moved into Rafah, where more than one million displaced Palestinians now live. Concern among world leaders — even those supportive of Israel — is growing.

Also: today’s stories, including a rising minimum wage and this week's Points of Progress. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Stephen Humphries for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

On paper, court fees and ticket fines help balance local budgets. But a deep dive suggests the harm they cause far outweighs any revenue raised. Also: today’s stories, including GOP isolationism on Ukraine, George Santos’ special election, and how food can bridge divides within families. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ira Porter for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The war in Ukraine is at a pivotal point, after a disappointing counteroffensive and a halt of U.S. aid. To help shore up Western support, Ukraine must now demonstrate a clear strategy. Also: today’s stories, including a call for empathy in Poland, a controversial vote in Pakistan, and Las Vegas’ transformation into a pro sports hub. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.