The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

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.

The three women leading the Belarus opposition – after what they say were fraudulent elections, on Aug. 9 – have been detained, expelled, or fled. But Nina Bahinskaya isn’t going anywhere. And therein lies a deeper problem for President Alexander Lukashenko, who’s been in power for 26 years. Also: today’s stories, including California’s efforts to help its neediest in the face of wildfires, the climate costs of post-pandemic economic revival efforts, and our 10 best books of September. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Jessica Mendoza for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

As fires continue to burn across Northern California, state and local fire crews have struggled to keep up. That means communities have had to look for help from unusual and extraordinary places – and the kindness of others is proving essential. Also: today’s stories, including how schools are facing their students’ return amid the pandemic; a look at the boat parades that have taken the place of President Trump’s raucous rallies; and this week’s Points of Progress. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Molly Jackson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Soon after the coronavirus halted in-person gatherings, Monitor editors and readers suggested we take our newsmaker breakfasts virtual. Also: today’s stories, including voting reform in Pennsylvania, perils of work-life balance during the pandemic, and an American odyssey via RV. Join the Monitor's Kim Campbell and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

This summer, Jessica McKenzie and her boyfriend set off on a backpacking trip with a different kind of scenery: New York City. Also: today’s stories, including Joe Biden’s needle-threading challenge in Kenosha, nuclear proliferation in the Arab world, and the role of movies in creating community. Join the Monitor's Eva Botkin-Kowacki and Noah Robertson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Steven Patterson could be quite grumpy. As a highway flagman, he stands all day in the North Carolina summer heat and shirt-soaking humidity. But for the past few months, as part of the rehabbing of the Dallas-Cherryville Highway, Mr. Patterson has done his job with joy. Also: today’s stories, including safety both on and off campus, why Trump banned WeChat, and how Nairobi’s ‘karate grannies’ are fighting back. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Molly Jackson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Last week, as the emotion of the police shooting of Jacob Blake swept through America, many sports teams paused. Some leagues held temporary strikes. Others canceled practices. For many, deep conversations happened. Also: today’s stories, including what’s happening in Kenosha, our podcast that looks at the purpose of prison, and how early female athletes paved the way for others. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

If you’re a home cook, you’ve probably heard of Penzeys Spices. Bill Penzey launched the company in the late 1980s in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Now he’s stirring himself into the debate over what constitutes a collateral cost of righteous protest and what’s just wanton destruction. Also: today’s stories, including young workers during a global downturn, deep-water fish farming in the Gulf of Mexico, and points of progress around the world. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

The wrecked homes, flooded streets, downed power lines left in the wake of Laura’s landfall early Thursday will look all too familiar to the survivors of powerful storms of the past. Also: today’s stories, including America’s moment of national anxiety, the threat and promise awaiting private schools, and a rich history of NBA activism. Join the Monitor's Noah Robertson and Kim Campbell for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

As our editor’s son starts college amidst COVID-19, she reflects on how this year’s freshmen class has already learned much about persistence in the face of anxiety. Also: Trump's complicated campaign message; inequality in Brazil’s prisons; and Asian actors who paved the way for ‘Mulan.’ Join the Monitor's Yvonne Zipp and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.