The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” found success as it became more political and biting at a moment of polarization. Can humor still bring us together?

Also: today’s stories, including why an overwhelming majority of Democrats now view Israel negatively; how the current Argentine administration, focused on cost-cutting, may negatively impact workers and labor laws; and how Iran caught the United States completely off guard with its viral social media campaign.

Join the Monitor's April Austin for today's news.

Ukraine has turned its enviable advances in drone technology into a diplomatic asset. Not so long ago, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited foreign capitals to beg for assistance. Now, he seals deals for drone sales and tech-sharing – making Ukraine a desirable security partner.

Also: today’s stories, including how Vladimir Putin’s trip to China is intended to bolster Russia’s long-standing relationship with the country, and to limit their vulnerability to the effects of U.S. adventurism; how Ukraine has turned its enviable advances in drone technology into a diplomatic asset; and how enrollment of graduate students from abroad is plunging at U.S. schools, leaving them with gaping holes in their budgets.

Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

Before the war, Qatar had built itself into a diplomatic power by mediating disputes near and far. Hit hard by Iran, the tiny Persian Gulf country is not wavering in that mission, seen as central to its identity. Still, it recognizes it has security needs, too.

Also: today’s stories, including how one nonprofit finds new uses for furnishings students discard on college move-out day; a look at the 161 UFO files released by President Trump; and one Monitor contributor’s review of Ben Lerner’s new book, “Transcription.”

Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

Beyond the flattery and pomp, the Trump-Xi summit underscores the narrative that China has risen to peer status with the United States, with Xi Jinping ever more confident that his long-game strategy is paying off, while U.S. leverage is shrinking.

Also: today’s stories, including why Tuesday’s GOP primary in Kentucky could test President Donald Trump’s power; how Labour Party challengers could push the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer out of power; and our reviewers’ favorite books of May.

Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

Talks between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday struck a positive tone, as Mr. Trump avoided sensitive issues and focused instead on business.

Also: today’s stories, including how Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh will navigate surging inflation and pressure from President Trump; how consumers worldwide are adapting to economic strains; and one reviewer’s take on Jayne Anne Phillips' memoir "Small Town Girls."

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

With an unfinished war in Iran – which is also unpopular at home – President Donald Trump is in Beijing this week looking for a big political win. But it’s China that holds many of the cards in this complex relationship.

Also: today’s stories, including how the Make America Healthy Again movement and President Trump’s hold on the Republican party may depend on how GOP Senator Bill Cassidy fares in Louisiana's primary; why France is trying to bolster its fading influence in Africa; and how libraries are reinventing themselves as foundational spaces for teaching democracy.

Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

This year’s partisan contest over redrawing political maps has been expanded – and extended – by the recent Supreme Court decision reframing a section of the Voting Rights Act. The last-minute rush is the latest sign that many election norms aren’t locked in stone.

Also: today’s stories, including how President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss the future of AI in Beijing; how in Taiwan, people’s willingness to stand up to coercion from China is closely related to their trust in the United States; and whether legal code is enough to change society in Brazil, which has some of the toughest racism laws in the world.

Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

Russia is no longer making noteworthy battlefield gains. If anything, it’s been Ukraine, aided by its technological prowess, taking back small pieces of territory. After a punishing winter, Ukraine is in a surprisingly encouraging place.

Also: today’s stories, including a look at the booming business women’s professional sports; how the rise of three-year college degrees could affect society; and how one remote Indigenous community in the Philippines runs on water, gravity, and cooperation.

Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

Despite close working ties between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, there is a crisis in the U.S.-Israel relationship, with American public support for Israel plummeting. But do Israelis see it? Do they wonder about how to fix it?

Also: today’s stories, including how the American Revolution’s influence endures globally; a look at recent local elections in the UK amid widespread dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Keir Starmer; and why a number of Republicans want to restrict immigrant children’s right to education in the U.S.

Join the Monitor's Chris Sherman for today's news.

Since late 2024, and especially so now as part of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, Lebanon’s Tehran-backed Hezbollah militia has been the target of powerful and persistent Israeli attacks. So, how is it that it keeps on fighting, even intensifying its own attacks on Israel?

Also: today’s stories, including why President Trump’s retaliatory stance with NATO allies over Iran is influencing Europe’s efforts to strengthen independent defenses; how one volunteer neighborhood patrol in Britain is helping to respond to antisemitic attacks; and one Monitor writer’s film review of a murder mystery that follows a flock of sheep on the hunt for their shepherd's killer.

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