The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

As the Major League Baseball playoffs begin (Go, Red Sox!), we would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the majesty of a once-in-a-century player. Japan’s Shohei Ohtani is the first true two-way player in U.S. baseball since Babe Ruth. Like Ruth, Mr. Ohtani has challenged the concept of sports specialization and redefined the limits of what’s humanly possible. Also: today’s stories, including a look at the global supply chain, the inclusion of more minorities in Norway’s parliament, and how one city in Mozambique is fairing years after Cyclone Idai. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

On Saturday, Ludwig van Beethoven’s new symphony will premiere in Bonn, Germany. Technically speaking, the German composer’s 10th Symphony is a co-write. His collaborator? A computer. Also: today’s stories, including what Biden needs to become the next FDR, how ​​Daughters of the American Revolution are trying to reshape their image, and what’s driving a surge in the number of white Evangelicals. Join the Monitor's Stephen Humphries and April Austin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

How do you “see” silence? For photographer Pete McBride, who has documented the world’s remotest spots, it’s about understanding that a place derives its beauty as much from its soundscape as from its visual power – something we caught glimpses of amid pandemic quiet. Also: today’s stories, including the one case that could define the Supreme Court’s legacy, the shift towards solar farming in the U.S., and why local wheat is gaining importance in Jordan. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ken Kaplan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

When Harry Bruinius was a student learning the profession of journalism over two decades ago, he had to report and write stories on deadline that illustrated such topicless themes as “altered states” or “remembrance of things past” or “overcoming obstacles.” These exercises emphasized the necessary sinews that hold stories together as recognizable human experiences. Also, today’s stories, including a look at Emmanuel Macron’s leadership in Europe, how Dar Williams is using her music to promote optimism, and an organization that is opening doors for the formerly incarcerated. Join the Monitor's Ken Kaplan and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Monitor reader and friend Duncan Newcomer, says, “Breaking out of COVID isolation never felt so good or valuable. Something different, not consumerist capitalism, some spiritual economy was suggested.” Also, today’s stories include name, image, and likeness rights for NCAA athletes, a debut for the The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and how under government attack, Salvadorian judges seek international remedy. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Noelle Swan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Dr. Joshua Miele lost his eyesight at age 4. But as an adult, he’s been finding ways to help blind and visually impaired people perceive the world through touch and sound. On Tuesday, Dr. Miele was among the 25 people, including artists, poets, historians, and scientists, selected for a $625,000 MacArthur Fellowship, the annual “genius grant.” Also: today’s stories, including how a rural community in Newfoundland is rebounding, a quest to save a forest of longleaf pines, and a new book that challenges European concepts of beauty. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The Roots of Progress aims to offer a vision of the possibilities for solving problems such as poverty, climate change, pollution, job loss, and pandemics. Also, today’s stories include the identity of Republicans in a post-Trump world, the link between vaccine mandates and being “pro-business,” and Chattanooga’s inequitable urban planning. Join the Monitor's Stephen Humphries and Sam Laine Perfas for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Misinformation does more than arm dinner-table combatants with dubious talking points. With social media reach it bolsters false narratives, sways political constituencies, and influences policymakers on issues from abortion to climate science to vaccines. Also: today’s stories, including the Pentagon’s role after Afghanistan, how rural New Mexicans are meeting drought with a culture of water sharing, and talking about race head-on with neighbors. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Ashley Lisenby for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The Republican-backed review of the 2020 election in Arizona’s largest county, Maricopa, probably did not come out like former President Donald Trump wanted. But it may still have accomplished some of its main goals. Also: today’s stories, including why Congress is bringing the US to the brink of default, why carbon offsets are stirring controversy, and how creative solutions have kept high school sports going during the pandemic. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and Ashley Lisenby for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The country is catching up to what has always been true: Love bridges racial differences. That’s true among friends, parents and children, husbands and wives. Also, today’s stories include, Afghans’ moral dilemma, energy efficient buildings, and ‘mudlarking’ on the River Thames. Join the Monitor’s Trudy Palmer and Dave Scott for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.