The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

For a culture writer who has dived fearlessly into the tough issues of race, a piece rating Beyoncé’s 10 best and 10 worst songs seemed harmless. But the story went viral. And for the writer, it became a reminder of how often America’s race conversation turns to using identity as a weapon – and a reason to keep writing the deeper stories that help us wrestle with the complexity of race. Also: today’s stories, including the challenges testing President Biden’s campaign promises; what happens when protesters take over for the police; and a Ugandan refugee helping others tell their stories. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Jessica Mendoza for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

As the pro football season begins Thursday, there’s a noteworthy attempt to raise the bar on good sportsmanship. NFL referees have been instructed to strictly enforce the no-taunting rule. Two taunting violations during a game will result in a player’s ejection, and a possible fine or suspension. The most popular sport in America is taking a modest stand for respect. Today’s stories look at the debate surrounding content moderation on social media, a Swedish city trying to reduce gang violence, and the value of Martin Luther King Jr.’s practice of nonviolent resistance. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

We all have that “where were you when” memory of events like 9/11, the Apollo moon landing, or JFK’s assassination. But the meaning of those memories can percolate over time. Our columnist shares her two enduring flashbulb moments of 9/11. Also, today’s stories, – all part of a commemorative issue on 9/11’s legacy – which include: the tragedy’s effect on three generations of one family in Queens; how the attacks brought East and West closer in the years that followed; and a conversation about coming of age in the post-9/11 era. Join the Monitor's Kim Campbell and Jingnan Peng for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Henry the rescue chicken struts around the parking lot of a New Zealand preschool in a fluorescent vest, to make sure parents drive safely. With all the tough news today, a vest-wearing chicken is a refreshing story. Today’s stories explore the future of Biden’s global agenda, the role of Hispianic voters in California’s recall election, the new jihadist landscape in Afghanistan, and other topics. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and Yvonne Zipp for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Today’s stories look at the Supreme Court’s curtailing of abortion rights in Texas, the leverage of unions in pandemic economy, a new book on astronaut Christa McAuliffe, as well as other topics. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and April Austin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Lithuanian Aleksandr Sorokin could be considered the epitome of resilience. This past weekend, Mr. Sorokin shattered a world record that’s stood since 1997 by running 309.4 kilometers (the equivalent of seven consecutive marathons) in 24 hours. Also: today’s stories, including whether the Taliban's governance style has shifted, how three U.S. towns are making progress on clean drinking water, and what a tiny house village is doing to help those experiencing homelessness. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Jessica Mendoza for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

How can journalists fight polarization? "One way is to answer questions such as: Why do the people in this group behave the way they do? What is the disagreement really about?” says writer Amanda Ripley in a conference with Monitor staffers. In today’s stories, we look at life lessons from young people starting college in 2021, a former refugee’s work to help Afghan asylum seekers, the legal consequences of the “Kraken” lawsuits, and other topics. Join the Monitor's April Austin and Jingnan Peng for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

What do puns have to do with the environment? Lots, if you are rising fifth grader Merwan Robinson, who spent his summer writing, illustrating, and publishing – with help from his parents – the two-book series “Martha’s Vineyard Puns to Bring a Smile.” Also: today’s stories, including why Bolsonaro’s military courtship is raising concerns, Pakistan’s domestic workers who are confronting abuse, and an Afghanistan veteran's jagged path from war to peace. Join the Monitor's Trudy Palmer and Ken Kaplan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The U.S. relied, in part, on Taliban pledges to curb terrorism as it negotiated its exit from Afghanistan. Terrorism experts say the attack in Kabul underscores their doubts about the militants’ abilities and intentions. Also: today’s stories, including Mexico’s aim to curb violence by suing U.S. gunmakers, locals in Menorca, Spain, work to protect a critical species, and a new documentary explores the resiliency of Broadway. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and April Austin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Terrorist bombings outside Kabul's international airport on Thursday were a humanitarian tragedy – and may increase pressure on both the U.S. and Taliban. There are a few conditions the international community as a whole, led by the five powers of the United Nations Security Council, will want to set with the Taliban government in order for foreign assistance to resume. Also: today’s stories, including how Indonesia is adapting to climate change, the shift college campuses are making to focus on well-being as students return, and a new World Heritage Site brings harmony in Salt, Jordan. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.