The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

Presidential running mates are like understudies in a play: well-versed in the script but seldom seen or heard. Until now. On Wednesday night, Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris take center stage. Also: today’s stories, including the army’s new approach to basic training, an explainer on partisan politics, and our October book recommendations. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Rebecca Asoulin for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

After a weekend in which President Donald Trump was hospitalized with the coronavirus, followed by confused and contradictory reports and now a return to the White House, what are we to take away? Perhaps only that in hyperpolarized times, even the most extraordinary events have little power to change. Also: today’s stories, including the rise of conservative Christian legal groups, how small colleges are fighting to survive during the pandemic, and a new book on the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Jessica Mendoza for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Today, American disunity seems to be deepening even during the kind of crisis that might once have been expected to unite. Fundamental differences have swelled since before 2020 and probably won’t evaporate soon. To heal these differences, some groups are for more than just empathy. Also: today’s stories, including the way President Trump is handling his health struggle, the resurgence of a decades-old conflict in the South Caucasus, and the enduring appeal of Agatha Christie. Join the Monitor’s Clay Collins and Molly Jackson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Doris Miller was a World II hero who returned fire against Japanese bombers at Pearl Harbor at a time it was illegal for Black sailors to fire a gun. Also: today’s stories, including the implications of President Donald Trump COVID-19 diagnosis, a report on what fuels the U.S.-China clash, and an analysis on post-protest progress on law enforcement reforms. Join the Monitor's Kendra Nordin Beato and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Expulsion is a long-standing disciplinary measure in schools. But different ways of addressing problems can have a more far-reaching impact. Also: today’s stories, including a look at “no-knock” warrants; how educators track down missing students; and a bookmobile where kids pay for books with kindness tickets. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

NASA partners with private industry to help subsidize its $21 billion annual budget including putting Estée Lauder cosmetics in space. Also: today’s stories, including how citizens in the U.S., China, Mexico, Germany and India view tax avoidance and fairness; how voters in Wisconsin and Minnesota are responding to the Republican “law and order” message; and how masks affect communication in the classroom. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Rebecca Asoulin for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Unfortunately, chances are slim that a candidate in tonight’s American presidential debate will call his opponent’s policy “as thin as the homeopathic soup that was made by boiling the shadow of a pigeon that had starved to death.” Also: today’s stories, including a profile of Joe Biden, the future of outdoor dining, and a series of individual pandemic stories. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Molly Jackson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

In Noelle’s time as science editor, she’s seen political trench digging around climate change. But she’s also seen how empathy can turn battles into conversations. Also: today’s stories, including the ethics around president Trump’s tax news, religion and the Supreme Court, and women’s soccer achieving goals off the pitch. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Noah Robertson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

President Donald Trump won’t commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses the election. Given that, how worried should voters be about the state of democracy in America? Also: today’s stories, including an encouraging trend for startups, a look inside a protest caravan, and birds changing their tune. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and Molly Jackson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

In recent years, a buzzy term has taken hold, particularly among millennials: Self care. Also: today’s stories, including judicial implications for a filled Supreme Court seat, a newly green city in Ontario, and the power of nonprofit builders in Baltimore. Join the Monitor's Ken Kaplan and Kim Campbell for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.