The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

The social and economic problems facing Appalachia residents are severe. But Appalachia “has all the skills it needs to solve its own problems,” says author Cassie Chambers Armstrong. Also: States balance priorities in anticipation of vaccine rollout. Food banks try new models for fighting hunger. And a Dutch designer creates coats for unhoused people. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Eva Botkin-Kowacki for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Love and thoughtfulness dominate the top 25 most-viewed GIFs of 2020. Also: Will rural America respond to Biden’s call for masks? Why investors are supporting women’s startups in Africa. And Native American veterans get their first memorial. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

From the end of the Civil War to World War II, Black Americans were racking up patents at an impressive clip. Also: today’s stories, including why Congress may yet pass pandemic help for Americans; U.S. women in combat; and a storied narrative’s translation prompts a fresh look at the slave trade. Join the Monitor's Noelle Swan and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Why did the moose cross the road? Because it was finally safe to get to the other side. Also: today’s stories, including education during the pandemic, an assassination in Iran, and common ground between the president and president-elect. Join the Monitor's Eva Botkin-Kowacki and Noah Robertson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Coronavirus has stretched many states beyond their limits. But a reporter in upstate New York is showing how journalism can change to meet the need. Also: today’s stories, including why Joe Biden’s win is a good step for Palestinians; for “war children” in London, grit and resilience come naturally; and India’s vast dinosaur fossil heritage. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Molly Jackson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

The conservative writer David French recommends an injection of justice, mercy, and humility into U.S. politics. Also: today’s stories, including President-elect Joe Biden’s choice for secretary of state offers clues on his foreign policy; why Republicans made gains with Black voters this year; and transracial adoptees insist on being seen. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

After a week brimming with examples of giving thanks at a difficult moment, we’re also getting lessons in the power of giving back – literally and figuratively – as we head deeper into the holiday season. Also: today’s stories, including the upcoming American presidential transition, rethinking wildfires in California, and why lynxes are making a comeback. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

On the eve of Thanksgiving, let’s spare a moment to thank our health care workers for their year of sacrifice, grace under fire, and resilience. Also: the 2020 Election is a stress test for American democracy, one Massachusetts difference maker lends an ear, and a graceful essay on blessings, love, and gratitude. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Rebecca Asoulin for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

In the coming months, there will be countless attempts to understand the past four years in American politics. But among these first drafts of history, one stood out. Also: today’s stories, including inconsistent rules regarding the pandemic, why a new Canadian Green leader believes ‘this is the moment,’ and a day of Thanksgiving for a historic Mississippi church. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

At a time of waiting – for an orderly transfer of political power, for humility in leadership, for a more unified pandemic response – patience may be the virtue that’s most prized. Also: today’s stories, including certifying state-level votes, the evolution of activism in sports, and our culinary turkey tips. Join the Monitor's Clayton Collins and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.