The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

Monday morning, humankind completed its first controlled flight on another planet. A tissue-box sized helicopter with an adorable solar-panel hat and the outsize rotors of a jug-eared kid flew 9 feet into the Martian sky, stayed aloft for 39 seconds, and then obediently touched back down. Also: today’s stories, including what safe schools look like in Minneapolis, how one Chinatown curbs anti-Asian violence, and the Black female architects blazing a trail for the next generation in South Africa. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Molly Jackson for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

As the nation awaits a verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin over the death last May of George Floyd, the list of police confrontations leading to citizen deaths in the United States grows – by three a day since that trial began March 29, reports The New York Times. Also: today’s stories, including a look at the life of media mogul Jimmy Lai, Iran’s nuclear weapons status, and how young Sufi women are defying one tradition to preserve another. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Ernest E. Evans, the first Native American from the Navy to win the Medal of Honor, died when his ship went down in the Pacific during World War II. For years, it’s been lost at sea, his final resting place a mystery – until now. Also, today’s stories, including: the resumption of U.S. aid to Palestinians, sanctions against Russia following hacks against the U.S., and Trump’s post-presidency influence on the GOP.

Chloe Maxmin saw a climate emergency. Like many 20-somethings, she saw climate change as something that demanded immediate action. What’s interesting is what she did next. Also: today’s stories, including society’s shifting view on taxes, how Germany supports its opera singers, and a review of the movie ‘Gunda.’ Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Molly Jackson for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

In 2006, when Buffalo Police Officer Cariol Horne saw a white officer using a chokehold on a handcuffed Black suspect, she intervened. But that act ended her 19-year career. In New York on Tuesday, after a 14-year legal battle, a judge annulled Ms. Horne’s dismissal and ruled she is entitled to her full pension, benefits, and back pay. Also: today’s stories, including corporate stands on cultural issues, pandemic learning gains, and an essay on a humble yet thriving bookstore. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

As Muslims celebrate the start of Ramadan this week, they draw closer to their faith through prayers and fasting. But the holy month also means tighter enforcement of piety laws in some countries. Also: today’s stories, including the group of unarmed residents interrupting a trend of violence in Minneapolis, the debate about a new coal mine in northwest England, and the key to stopping procrastination. Join the Monitor's April Austin and Noah Robertson for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The power of personal stories to counter bigotry and indifference is well documented. Listening to them, even when it’s uncomfortable, increases respect and empathy. In fact, it can be the starting point for healing. Also: today’s stories, including the hot debate around how to leave Afghanistan “responsibly,” the search for peace and accountability in Tigray, and how pandemic relief is addressing the problems facing Black farmers in the United States. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Jingnan Peng for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Sixty years ago, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to enter space. And when the National Air and Space Museum in Washington reopens, visitors can view symbols of U.S.-Russian cosmic friendship. Also, today’s stories, including protests in Myanmar, “vaccine passport” debates, and a closure of a storied grocery store. Join the Monitor's Ken Kaplan and Noelle Swan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

In 2015, South Dakota's juvenile justice system pivoted from punishment to rehabilitation. The turnaround is a lesson in how fresh and constructive thinking can make a difference, not just in budgets but in young lives. Also: today’s stories, including: Biden’s push to revive the Iran nuclear deal, outrage that could lead to police reform in Mexico, and the return of big government in Western nations. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Molly Jackson for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

When a diner disgruntled by COVID-19 restrictions left no tip to a waitress, her community came to her aid with kindness beyond her imagination. Also, today’s stories: a drop in suicide rates amid COVID-19, an experiment in free school lunches for all, and a college song that’s raising controversy in Texas. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Noelle Swan for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.