Saturday, May 9, 2026 - The Christian Science Monitor Daily

India and Pakistan are accelerating a largely under-examined arms build-up. After last year's military flare-up, the shift toward faster, less predictable technologies is raising new concerns about future confrontation between old rivals. Also: today’s stories, including how the Trump administration is upending decades of precedent for foreigners seeking U.S. permanent residency; why Colombia’s security crisis gives conservatives a chance at returning to office; and how a common love of hummingbirds nurtures a special bond between our writer and her grandmother. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

India and Pakistan are accelerating a largely under-examined arms build-up. After last year's military flare-up, the shift toward faster, less predictable technologies is raising new concerns about future confrontation between old rivals. Also: today’s stories, including how the Trump administration is upending decades of precedent for foreigners seeking U.S. permanent residency; why Colombia’s security crisis gives conservatives a chance at returning to office; and how a common love of hummingbirds nurtures a special bond between our writer and her grandmother. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

U.S. colleges are offering hundreds of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in AI. And much more is in the works. In today’s stories, we also look at Norway’s high sense of community, electric motorcycle taxis in Kenya, and the potential uses of empty federal buildings. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today’s news.

U.S. colleges are offering hundreds of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in AI. And much more is in the works. In today’s stories, we also look at Norway’s high sense of community, electric motorcycle taxis in Kenya, and the potential uses of empty federal buildings. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today’s news.

Los Angeles last had a Republican mayor 25 years ago. But reality TV star Spencer Pratt has seen a flurry of donations and support in the run-up to the vote on June 2nd, in a campaign shaped by last year’s Palisades Fire and a series of provocative AI videos. Also: today’s stories, including a look at how as the United States and Iran move toward a peace deal, the “asymmetric nature” of the conflict is coming into sharper focus; how a people’s movement in the Philippines aiming to limit political dynasties is inspiring hope for the 2028 election; and how homeless writers are getting an empowering platform in North Carolina. Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

Los Angeles last had a Republican mayor 25 years ago. But reality TV star Spencer Pratt has seen a flurry of donations and support in the run-up to the vote on June 2nd, in a campaign shaped by last year’s Palisades Fire and a series of provocative AI videos. Also: today’s stories, including a look at how as the United States and Iran move toward a peace deal, the “asymmetric nature” of the conflict is coming into sharper focus; how a people’s movement in the Philippines aiming to limit political dynasties is inspiring hope for the 2028 election; and how homeless writers are getting an empowering platform in North Carolina. Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

Most Americans know Abraham Lincoln’s story. But the historical guides at his home come to know him on a deeper level, connecting with his principles of fairness and his rise from the ordinary. Also: today’s stories, including how a bloc of Mideast middle powers has become more assertive in pushing the sides toward a ceasefire; how many are wondering whether sanctions are effective as heavily sanctioned countries such as Russia and Iran keep pursuing their goals; and how one reporter is jumping into a housing search in one of the most expensive rental markets in the country. Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

Most Americans know Abraham Lincoln’s story. But the historical guides at his home come to know him on a deeper level, connecting with his principles of fairness and his rise from the ordinary. Also: today’s stories, including how a bloc of Mideast middle powers has become more assertive in pushing the sides toward a ceasefire; how many are wondering whether sanctions are effective as heavily sanctioned countries such as Russia and Iran keep pursuing their goals; and how one reporter is jumping into a housing search in one of the most expensive rental markets in the country. Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

Despite coming from different ends of the political spectrum – and lingering tensions between their countries – Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung are forging a deep partnership. Recent visits have been a show of pragmatic cooperation and, it seems, genuine warmth. Also: today’s stories, including how a newly-opened library in Gaza City hopes to rekindle a culture of reading with a collection salvaged from the rubble; renewed attention on how young people are radicalized online after a fatal shooting at a San Diego mosque; and why some congressional Republicans are now pushing back at President Donald Trump. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

Despite coming from different ends of the political spectrum – and lingering tensions between their countries – Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung are forging a deep partnership. Recent visits have been a show of pragmatic cooperation and, it seems, genuine warmth. Also: today’s stories, including how a newly-opened library in Gaza City hopes to rekindle a culture of reading with a collection salvaged from the rubble; renewed attention on how young people are radicalized online after a fatal shooting at a San Diego mosque; and why some congressional Republicans are now pushing back at President Donald Trump. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.