The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

Research on policing has not yielded consistent results showing racial disparity in police killings. But that's not to say racism doesn't exist in law enforcement. We need an “honest and uncomfortable” conversation about policing. And improving the system could make all Americans safer. Also: Why this year’s California wildfires are so intense; what major changes made the Israel-UAE peace deal possible; and how chummy microbes yield clues on the origin of life. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Jessica Mendoza for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Americans are now one week and two days into the new world of virtual presidential conventions. So are balloons and streamers and halls filled with unreasonably exuberant people now a thing of the past? Or are we desperately awaiting their return? Also: today’s stories, including remote learning, incarceration, and ancient Indian grain. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

These are not easy times when it comes to education. But a group of Chicago teens just got a crash course in the power of connection, commitment, and vision to spur positive change – and aced it. Also: today’s stories, including Trump’s challenge at the RNC, forest fires in California, and how Ohio is combatting human trafficking. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Noah Robertson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

This week, national Democrats’ nightly telethon offered a mix of moving testimonials and apocalyptic warnings about President Donald Trump. Also: today’s stories, including a renewable shift in U.S. energy, continued debate over police budgets, and the constancy of online chess. Join the Monitor's Kim Campbell and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

The case for optimism, even in trying times. Also: today’s stories, including a profile on Joe Biden as he accepts the Democratic nomination for president, why New England has handled the pandemic so well, and how a Kenyan entrepreneur is speeding up snail mail. Join the Monitor's Ken Kaplan and Rebecca Asoulin for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

At least 10 professional sports teams in the U.S. are turning their vacant arenas into places to vote. Why stadiums are becoming polling stations. Also: today’s stories, including why Sen. Kamala Harris’ background is a portrait of America today, the European Union edges its way toward defining a “new Europe,” and a new book explores if the U.S. has a caste system. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Eva Botkin-Kowacki for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

When Nwabisa Makunga saw a female reporter on television at age 11, she just knew. She wanted to tell stories for a living. Today, Ms. Makunga, editor of one of South Africa’s most-read newspapers, hoped to provide the same inspiration for Ava, an 11-year-old Monitor reader. “I would tell her, her voice matters.” Also: today’s stories, including The US postal service, Belarus, and research proving that cows are social animals. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Molly Jackson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Today begins a week in which American opportunity should shine, with a major party set to name as its vice presidential candidate a woman of Black and South Asian heritage – 100 years after women won the right to vote. Also: today’s stories, including the democratic convention, Israel’s deal with UAE, and Zimbabwe’s protests. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

On Thursday President Donald Trump used the one neat trick he often employs to say things he wants to be able to distance himself from later, or even disavow. Also: today’s stories, including surprising success in the Middle East, this year’s “she-cession,” and poets of rock ‘n roll. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and Molly Jackson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

For parents-to-be, the ultrasound is typically a powerful moment: They get a first glimpse of their child. But traditional ultrasound technology doesn’t allow that experience for people who are visually impaired.

So a doctor in Maryland has turned to 3D printing technology for a touching solution. Using specialized ultrasound technology, she was able to print a model of the face of the fetus that the expectant parents could feel.

Also: today’s stories, including NRA lawsuits, Jordan’s teachers, and the innovation of lobertermen . Join the Monitor's Eva Botkin-Kowacki and Noah Robertson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.