The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

People who love browsing in actual bookstores will be elated to learn that small, independent shops are thriving. And becoming more diverse. Also, today’s stories: what the people who organized the Watergate hearings think of the Jan. 6 ones, a look at how a food shortage triggered by the war in Ukraine is beginning to affect Africa, and why Meals on Wheels still matters more than 30 years after it got its start. Join the Monitor’s April Austin and Luke Cregan for today’s news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Does the term “proxy war” apply to a conflict that is formally between Russia and Ukraine? Whatever you call it, how are the U.S. and NATO seeking creative ways to affect the outcome while keeping war at arm’s length? Also: today’s stories including why Ukrainian artists try to inspire French compassion amid war, how a minor league team got more followers than the Yankees, and why Italians are finding pride in a leader’s humility. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ken Kaplan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Known for embracing immigrants, Portland, Maine, is straining to handle the most recent surge. It is trying to balance two competing interests: compassion and limited resources. Also, listen to today’s Daily for a look at Sri Lanka’s government and a focus on Ukrainian refugees. Join the Monitor’s Linda Feldmann and Ken Kaplan for today’s news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Journalism is key to understanding our world. And, through their platform, writers have the ability to highlight both dignity and agency. An opinion piece posted on the Washington Post’s website recently mentioned the Monitor’s perspective. Also: today’s stories, including an analysis of the bipartisan gun rights bill, a look at President Biden’s visit to the Middle East, and a focus on the James Webb Telescope. Join the Monitor’s Mark Sappenfield and Clara Germani for today’s news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

President Joe Biden’s Saudi Arabia trip is being criticized as a jettisoning of his human rights agenda to secure an easing of world oil supplies. But as Mr. Biden would say: “Life is a matter of really tough choices.” Also: today’s stories, including a trip to the world’s first human rights museum, how some Americans are planning the FIRE (financial independence, retire early) lifestyle and a look at how summer camps may be short on staff and supplies, but still have an abundance of fun. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and April Austin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

In an emergency situation, why do some people instinctively risk their own lives to try to save others? Some believe that heroism can be nurtured. “Anyone can be a hero at any time an opportunity arises to stand up for what is right and just,” according to Dr. Philip Zimbardo, a Stanford University psychologist. Also: today’s stories, from what’s ahead for Mike Pence, to a meeting of minds between President Joe Biden and Israel’s Yair Lapid, to our picks for the best books of July. Join the Monitor's Stephen Humphries and Ali Martin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in February, high school junior Sean Tavis learned on social media that a basketball coach in Latvia was hosting 90 Ukrainian players, ages 12 to 17, at his basketball academy. So Mr. Tavis dreamed up the idea of holding a basketball tournament and fundraiser with his teammates in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Hear how that went and catch today’s stories, including a look at the part that history has played in Supreme Court decisions, the fate of Soviet monuments in Ukraine, and burgeoning successes for female politicians in Nigeria. Join the Monitor's Laurent Belsie and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Following the assassination of Japan’s former prime minister, Abe Shinzo, Japan is left wondering: how will this shocking moment of violence may ripple through Japanese politics and society? Also: today’s stories: How the US abortion ruling is putting women around the world on alert, how the ‘Resurgent, radical’ center is facing political headwinds worldwide, and why every year, thousands of parents watch their children make the perilous journey to the U.S. border – alone. Join the Monitor’s Kendra Nordin Beato and Clay Collins for today’s news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Our reporters cover different countries’ responses to gun regulations and the larger culture that surrounds gun ownership. Also: today’s stories include a look at Boris Johnson’s resignation, a focus on India’s male-female population ratio, and the rise of Native American comic books. Join the Monitor’s Clara Germani and Luke Cregan for today’s news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping hailed the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return from a British colony to Chinese rule last week with a call to strengthen national unity. Also: today’s stories, including how Ukrainians are holding onto hope even after ceding land on the Eastern front, how a Kenyan woman is rescuing girls from sex traffickers and a look at how pickleball is slowly taking over America. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Clara Germani for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.