The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

The death of George Floyd is, often for the first time, compelling white athletes to join their black colleagues in calling for racial change. Also: President Donald Trump eschews unity-building as nation remains on edge, resourceful artists adapt to produce face masks, and a Congressional commission explores mandatory national service. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Rebecca Asoulin for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Excessive force by police and destructive protests have deeply shaken America. But two bystander videos posted Sunday may hint at how to deal with both problems. Also: today’s stories, including how food pantries are meeting demand, mail-in voting during the pandemic, and the rediscovery of video games. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Earlier this year, they eased fear and isolation as the pandemic crescendoed. Now, as Americans absorb the killing of George Floyd, an African American, as he was detained by Minneapolis police officers, they are again offering a salve. Peaceful protests have been punctuated by nights of looting and violence, as well as police brutality. But alongside those images is another narrative: of people hearing each other. Also in today’s news: Nuclear arms control, Ohio’s popular governor, and Suadi Arabia’s archeology. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Clay Collins and for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

At a time of heightened racial tensions around the country, consider the case of Cooper vs. Cooper – an incident that ended with no physical harm, but which raised questions on race, danger, and reconciliation. Also: How long can Americans live in a state of emergency; how idle restaurants fire up to feed the hungry; and 10 books to enrich your May. Join the Monitor's Samantha Laine Perfas and Peter Grier for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Motivated college students and teens are using the summer months to work on masks that measure vital signs and volunteer at food banks. But what if some of that innovation and helpfulness could also be aimed at schools? Also in today’s news: commentary on Michael Flynn, the US-China relationship, and Canada’s senior centers. Join the Monitor's Kim Campbell and Clay Collins for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

The video of George Floyd’s arrest reminds us of the humanity at stake in our conversation around police brutality. Also: the debate over aid to states; Saudi Arabia’s cultural awakening; and a Seattle opera singer sharing his gift in his yard. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Jessica Mendoza for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

An Indian girl pedaled her father home on a 700 mile bike ride amidst the lockdown– a journey that captivated the nation. Also: lessons on self-sufficiency from Somaliland, a new era in private space flight, and a monk’s inspired approach to social justice. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Rebecca Asoulin for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Have you heard the one about people posting jokes in public to try to cheer everybody up during these difficult times? Yes, it's true. Though this is about dad jokes – and bad jokes. Also: our five stories, including a look at how past crises brought change, one individual embracing the staycation era, and the enthusiasm of amateur radio operators. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and Noelle Swan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

We hear that the world will never be the same again – from energy use to office spaces to education. And undoubtedly there will be change. But each moment presents an opportunity to put aside fears and be guided by reason, wisdom, and humanity. Also in today’s news: how leaders are weighing tough questions as states reopen, a lack of seasonal workers in Italy, and one globe-trotter’s homebound holy month. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Noelle Swan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

This spring has been full of changes. But we hope the changes in today’s issue will be welcome, since they were suggested by your fellow readers.

When we launched the Monitor Daily three years ago this month, it wasn’t just a new product, it was a promise to help the Monitor fit into your life and how you read the news. So many of you have said it does just that. But you’ve also pointed out how we can do better.

Also in today’s news: how medical workers are helping each other, a new law about meat production, and how gangs are helping with the COVID-19 response. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Mark Sappenfield for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.