The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

Michael Jordan and NASCAR superstar Denny Hamlin formed a new Cup Series racing team, aimed at promoting diversity in NASCAR. Also: The US slides in global rankings; why Germany makes little room for working moms; and our reporter’s essay on her mother’s relationship with Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Eva Botkin-Kowacki for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Trees can communicate with one another, warn one another, even recognize their own offspring and help them grow. Also: Armed protesters create stress test for police; Supreme Court battle threatens global image of US judiciary, and tips on making your ballot count. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Jessica Mendoza for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Local news can highlight division, but it’s perfectly positioned to also foster communal thinking. A revived Minnesota paper offers a model. Also: the legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the comfort of Britain’s corner shops, and the future of America’s child care system. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

In normal times, the National Zoo in Washington can be a haven from hectic city (and political) life. Now it’s a special source of joy. Also: today’s stories, including a 75th birthday for the United Nations, education (or lack thereof) in Bolivia, and language learning through video games. Join the Monitor's Jessica Mendoza and Noah Robertson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Throughout the worst pandemic in a century, economies have shown remarkable resilience. Also: today’s stories, including a look at Afghanistan’s peace talks, a potential climate test for Democrats, and an ice cream parlor making a difference one scoop at a time. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Molly Jackson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

For people and governments trying to get through hard times, research suggests the answers lie in building relationships and trust. Also: today’s stories, including how U.S. mayors balance right to free speech and assembly, and public safety; a new U.S. military policy demands fair treatment for moms who serve; and some Canadians consider a shift from city to country life. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Rebecca Asoulin for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

What do you picture when you think of the U.S. Marine Corps? How about protectors of threatened species? This summer, Marines in Hawaii have been keeping watch over baby sea turtles. Also: today’s stories, including the nomination of Greta Thunberg and President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, different approaches to fixing America’s justice system, and why scientists say we should resist the urge to identify a scape-bat in times of crisis. Join the Monitor's Noelle Swan and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Even in the context of El Salvador’s brutal civil war, the 1989 massacre of five Spanish Jesuits was shocking, spurring global calls for justice. On Friday, 31 years later, those calls were answered. Also: today’s stories, including how to make nursing homes safer, taking the temperature of India-China relations, and the pursuit of fair housing in South Africa. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

When unthinkable terror struck New York City 19 years ago, Fire Chief Peter Ganci Jr. grabbed a hard hat and headed straight for ground zero. Also: today’s stories, including America’s two-speed economy, fundamental changes in Belarus, and an Arab heatwave like no other. Join the Monitor's Noelle Swan and Noah Robertson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

There’s a fine line between cheerleading to pick people up, and misleading them about dangers ahead. Also: today’s stories, including a balance of inflation and stimulus, the puzzling success of Brazil’s president, and mobile homes that aren’t mobile homes. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and Rebecca Asoulin for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.