The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee described the aftermath of flooding in Humphreys County, which left 18 dead Saturday, as tragic. But the portraits of heartache are also colored with hues of courage, compassion, and resilience. Also: today’s stories, including veterans’ efforts to save their Afghan comrades, how schools are attempting to bridge digital divides, and an old-fashioned means of food preservation in Newfoundland. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Five years ago, Wendy Wang was at work when a child care center sent her a photo of her daughter taking her first step. Balancing work and child care during the pandemic isn’t easy, especially for those in blue-collar jobs that require on-site work. So Ms. Wang changed to a new job that allowed her to work from home with her child. Also: today’s stories, including why Trump wants 10 GOP lawmakers gone, why Turkey is Africa's newest friend, and the 10 best books of August. Join the Monitor's Stephen Humphries and Noelle Swan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

When most people think of Afghanistan, a war-torn, tumultuous country comes to mind. But the Monitor’s Ann Scott Tyson holds a much more nuanced image. “Afghanistan is a very complicated place,” she says. Also: today’s stories, including an essay on Afghanistan, a look at electric vehicles, and how tribal colleges are honoring students’ pasts. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ken Kaplan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

A giant inflated duck that mysteriously appeared in a Maine harbor has brought joy to the residents of Belfast. There’s good reason for joy to stay in our headlines alongside the stories of still-unmet aspirations for peace, health, and security. Today’s stories explore how the Taliban turned ethnic minorities against the U.S.-backed Afghan government, how grassroots conservationists are fighting for cleaner groundwater in Florida, and how changing lifestyles are affecting the ice cream industry. Join the Monitor's Stephen Humphries and Ashley Lisenby for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The Monitor has long had close ties with Afghanistan. As the Taliban took over the country, our reporters are working to support Afghans who once helped them on reporting assignments. In today’s stories, we explore how the Taliban leverages Afghan history and culture, how “native gardens” are repairing local ecosystems, how a director fought for deaf actors, and other topics. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Angry Americans, we reported last week, are taking out their frustrations on servers, flight attendants, hotel clerks, and all kinds of frontline workers. But at a hotel in Maine, one man who stomped out after waiting more than an hour to be seated went out of his way to make up for his behavior. Also: today’s stories, including the effects of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan on America’s position as a global power; a high-flying – if controversial – solution to drought in the western US; and a reflection on art and authenticity from one of our reporters. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and April Austin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Nothing snaps the world to attention like a natural disaster – and Haiti has been here before. Money is needed, of course, but equally important are patience and a willingness to recognize the agency and expertise of the Haitian community. Also: today’s stories, including the GOP voters still looking back, why Russian vs. Ukrainian divides so deeply, and how anglers from Colorado are making sacrifices to save the trout. Join the Monitor's Noelle Swan and Clay Collins for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Just months ago we were reading reports of the resilience of Afghan girls. Yesterday their country fell into Taliban control. Yet Monitor journalists have regularly covered Afghanistan, looking for light and forging ties. And they continue to support those who have supported us there over the past 20 years. Also: today’s stories, including how Afghans are bracing for Taliban rule as the U.S. exits the country; what the move means for America’s role globally; and how the Southwest is handling its water emergency – and finding progress. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Jessica Mendoza for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Recently released census data is painting a new portrait of the nation. Among the notable findings was that the number of white people in the U.S. declined for the first time since 1790. Also: today’s stories, including grassroots efforts to save lives and homes in the Greek island of Evia, U.S. and European diplomatic efforts deployed as Iran’s nuclear program builds tension in the Middle East.

Water is at the heart of trust. When you turn on the tap and get clean water, trust is slowly fortified. But when that turn of the faucet delivers something you wouldn’t bathe in, let alone drink, trust can only erode. With sharp disparities in access to clean water across North America, how can that trust be rebuilt? Also: today’s stories, including an interview on policing with Senator Tim Scott, efforts to heal the wounds left by the Partition of the Indian subcontinent, and the creation of a new water agency in Canada. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ken Kaplan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.