The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

Opportunity zones are an old idea with a good motive – to leave no community behind on jobs and well-being. Back in the 1980s, Republican Jack Kemp urged this concept of geographically targeted tax breaks to revive downtrodden communities. Now the idea is gaining fresh life. Also: our stories for today, including how church is being drawn into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a journalist who changed perceptions in South Africa, and help for animals disrupted by war. Join the Monitor's Mark Trumbull and Rebecca Asoulin for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

When Bea Johnson’s family of four moved most of their possessions into a storage unit in 2006, they thought their foray into living with just the bare necessities would be temporary. But the year of downsized living changed the family’s perspective on stuff – and prompted them to develop a zero waste lifestyle. Also: our five stories, including how communities cope with the loss of a cultural icon, why a university has become a beacon of hope for young Kurds in northern Syria, and a unique approach to waste reduction. Join the Monitor's Noelle Swan and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

The Boston Marathon – which had its 123rd running today – finishes not far from the Monitor’s newsroom. It’s a particularly tough race, and not just because of the city’s capricious April weather. Also: our five stories, including new perspectives on both the US southern border and Ukraine, and a look at how a community circus is changing lives in Ethiopia. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

President Trump’s actions in Israel may have broken new ground in America’s meddling in foreign elections. Also: why hardliner Stephen Miller is winning White House immigration battles, and how flooded Nebraskans are forming a network to save stranded animals. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and Molly Jackson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

The discovery of a new human species challenges textbook histories. Also: Mexico’s shifting tolerance of migrants, and an alternative way for low-income residents in Spain to earn their keep. Join the Monitor's Noelle Swan and Timmy Broderick for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Understanding why conversations on race and immigration have shifted so dramatically in recent years is essential to finding new ground for moving forward together. Also: an on-the-ground view from one of Syria’s Christian communities, an exploration of one university’s efforts to change the diversity debate, and how shoes from Massachusetts can change lives in Venezuela. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Molly Jackson for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

After an epic embarassment last year, the Cavaliers found redemption through learning from but not wallowing in the past. Also: the long arm of Canadian law, the battle for stability in Libya, and why Floridians are developing a taste for lionfish. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Sarah Matusek for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Last week, a non-Monitor journalist asked our newsroom a question. “You’ve been doing this for more than 100 years. How?” Also: the importance of fresh thinking about entrenched problems, integrity in politics, and avoiding stereotypes in how you portray the world. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Timmy Broderick for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Sandbags and solidarity have helped the small town of Lynch survive the worst Nebraska floods in memory. Also: how El Paso is holding up as the epicenter of border controversy, and a review of “Mayor Pete” Buttigieg’s housing record in South Bend. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and Eva Botkin-Kowacki for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Young Yazidi boys who survived forced service with ISIS begin long path to healing. Also: as China cracks down on Uyghurs, some keep their culture alive in US; and what happens when a hate-watch efforts hardens America's stiff divides? Join the Monitor's Yvonne Zipp and Timothy Broderick for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.