The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

In New Hampshire, voters say presidential candidate Joe Biden’s calls for unity resonate in a deeply divided country. Also: a look at China’s emerging vision for Hong Kong, a Belize reef that could help save other reefs, and a different kind of memoir on race in America. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Sarah Matusek for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

The opioid epidemic is hitting men harder, as they experience a crisis of masculinity. Also: why congress should spend more on itself, and 10 fantastic May books to whisk you away. Join the Monitor's Peter Ford and Molly Jackson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

It’s easy to dismiss monarchies – of which dozens remain, some of them purely ceremonial – as odd crystal bubbles around bloodlines in an increasingly less hierarchical world. Still, roles shift. Values shift. Royals can earn relevance by taking nonpolitical stands on issues that matter. Also: our five stories for your Monday, including a look at abortion-debate rhetoric and at the courage behind one activist’s fight for Liberians’ land rights. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

“Checks and balances.” It’s a phrase every schoolchild in the United States learns. The Constitution set up three branches of government with interlocking powers and responsibilities. To prevent tyranny, they’re supposed to check and balance each other. Also: our five stories, including unity in the European Union, how the Iran nuclear deal is faring, and Zimbabwe’s shifting perspective on adoption. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Our top story today takes a close look at how President Donald Trump and Congress differ on how to make Chinese trade fairer and what can be done to reconcile those differences. Also: what justice should look like in the opioid crisis, the surprisingly healthy recovery rate of PTSD veterans, and what it’s like to kick a ball around with Mia Hamm and other U.S. soccer stars. Join the Monitor's Laurent Belsie and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

For the first time in history, there are more people over age 65 than under age 5. For economists, this presents a problem. Also: our five stories, including a look at the deficit of hope in South African elections, questions of fairness in North American citizenship debates, and one Monitor reporter’s unique insight into China’s darkest corner. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Rebecca Asoulin for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

At 46 percent, President Donald Trump now has his highest job approval rating since taking office. The latest Gallup poll shows the biggest boost comes from Democrats and independents. That’s a significant shift. Republican support has not changed. Also: our five selected stories, including rebuilding trust after the US measles outbreak, the shifting roles of women in Jordan, and how China's dinosaur finds might spur the next generation of paleontologists. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Molly Jackson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Walking through Boston in May connects the Monitor’s Amelia Newcomb with a rite of passage that always brings a smile. Also: our five stories, which focus on bringing forward important conversations – about religion in politics, South African history, and DNA privacy. Join Amelia Newcomb and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Here’s big news you may have missed: In April, renewable sources of energy produced more electricity in the United States than coal. Also: the GOP warms to the idea of climate change policy, researchers try to hold the first line of defense in the AI race, and more states take a gamble on sports betting. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and Molly Jackson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Last night, in homes and synagogues around the world, single candles flickered in remembrance of a time that might seem easier to forget. Also: the implications for free speech in a new internet security law in Russia, a bipartisan breakthrough in disaster relief funding, and the lengths parents will go to to protect their children. Join the Monitor's Noelle Swan and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.