Also today: The decision from Germany not to sign off on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline could fog up the energy picture for Europe. Learning pods were an innovative educational solution during the pandemic, but as kids return to school, some see pods as both a superior method as well as a business opportunity.

From the BBC World Service: Western nations have unleashed what they call the “first tranche” of sanctions against Russia. Critics say the moves don’t go far enough, so we’re asking what other levers policymakers could pull. Plus, the Champions League title game is due to be played in St. Petersburg in May, but there are growing calls for the match to change cities as geopolitical tensions threaten to boil over.

Also today: Scott Wren of the Wells Fargo Investment Institute discusses what the effect of Russia’s actions could have on the markets.

Also, the White House is poised to announce new economic sanctions to punish Russia after Vladimir Putin recognized two break-away regions of Ukraine as independent states – and ordered Russian troops into those areas.

From the BBC World Service: The U.S., U.K. and European Union are all set to impose fresh sanctions on Russia – we have the latest on what shape those might take. Also today, the world’s biggest gas producers are meeting in Qatar, with global gas supplies right at the center of those geopolitical tensions.

Also today: The BBC’s Victoria Craig discusses the activity on the European markets, as the U.S. markets are closed for today. And while inflation has boosted food prices, the extra money people are paying isn’t necessarily finding its way back to farmers. 

Also today: The BBC reports on how a data leak has put Credit Suisse on the defensive. Also, some new data indicated some rural communities that could be left behind in the infrastructure bill.

From the BBC World Service: Nearly 50 media organizations have spent months combing through data which found evidence Credit Suisse accounts had been used by clients involved in serious crimes such as money laundering or drug trafficking. Also, Africa’s biggest hydroelectric power plant officially opens, and Australia re-opens is borders to travelers for the first time in two years.

Also today: Christopher Low helps us wade through what the markets have to tell us today. The BBC reports on the use of “smart water” (not the drinking kind) as a tool against waste crimes.