The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

Over the 19 months since Donald Trump’s election, the Trump family's wealth has grown. We look at how, on matters of personal-finance, a president might be constrained less by laws than by norms that are vulnerable to testing.

Also: today’s stories, including how leading opposition politicians in Israel are trying to undercut the incumbent, Benjamin Netanyahu, on security issues; how a Chilean children's show has gained a national following, and captivated fans in Mexico; and how Boston's Clover Food Lab was set to close – before a last-minute bid came in.

Join the Monitor's Melanie Stetson Freeman for today's news.

International scientists decided it is no longer useful to study the most extreme model of runaway global warming. So why are some people upset?

Also in today’s stories: sanctions on Russia failed to work as planned; US courts renew hopes for asylum seekers; and superstar Victor Wembanyama seeks his first NBA title against the New York Knicks. Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

With warning signs flashing about New York City’s economy, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing questions about whether he has a plan to spur job creation. If he fails on that front, a lagging recovery could squelch his affordability agenda.

Also: today’s stories, including whether a new leader in Iraq could repair relationships with the country’s Gulf Arab neighbors; why members of Gen Z are finding fulfillment in crosswords; and how surfers in Côte d'Ivoire are trying to change some locals’ fears of the ocean.

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

Artificial intelligence is viewed with less optimism in the U.S. than in other countries. The reason for that could be related to messaging around the rapidly advancing technology: In America, the focus is on potential job loss; elsewhere, AI is pitched as an economic boon.

Also: today’s stories, including how the Israeli military is escalating its campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon; how skyrocketing energy costs have the U.K. looking for solutions — including more drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea; and how one group of widows in Kosovo show that loss does not have to define a life.

Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann 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.

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.

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.

Even before the war, Iran’s economy was in trouble – fueling massive anti-regime protests that ended in a deadly crackdown. Now, ordinary Iranians are struggling, caught between a failing economy and a regime that’s even more determined to crush dissent.

Also: today’s stories, including how a growing number of younger conservatives have become skeptical of U.S. aid to Israel and of Jewish political influence in the U.S.; whether a middle power like Norway will help to fill gaps in international humanitarian efforts left by the U.S.; and how author Victor Mallet examines the far right’s transformation in France in his new book.

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