The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

There are a few things we can say pretty clearly about the National Mall protest videos that have turned America’s umbrage meter to 11. Also: our five stories, which range from how “principle” is playing out in Congress to why racist place names can hang around for so long. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

There’s something uniting about a movie theater. Today’s announcement of the film nominees for the 91st Academy Awards is another chance to come together. Also: our five stories, including making deals in Washington, the future of Putin, and a look at deepening divides in Kenya. Join the Monitor's Laurent Belsie and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Reading the releases of the organization Human Rights Watch is like scanning a police blotter of the world’s toughest neighborhoods. But amid all the crises, the organization chose to cite as the year’s most important trend the rising global pushback against authoritarians. Also: our five stories for your Friday, including ones from where the arts intersect with prison life and with Brexit politics. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

The silencing of an outspoken voice for tolerance this week has some Poles questioning their country's hard-right turn. Also, an emergency declaration to build a US-Mexico border could create political and legal problems; a Texas town works to end the cycle of poverty; and cuddly foxes show the “soft side” of evolution. Join the Monitor's Kim Campbell and David Scott for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

In the battle against toxic partisanship in the United States, the Supreme Court hasn’t always been a shining light. That’s what made Tuesday so interesting. Also: a look at the world’s evolving moral compass in Africa, new thinking about what diversity is, and a unique attempt to change the outlook among Native American communities. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Cesare Battisti must have known this moment would come. After nearly four decades on the run from Italian police, the former leftist militant was returned home on Monday from his Bolivian hide-out under armed guard. Also: our five stories, including political dilemmas, the impact of pop culture in Syria, and a reporter’s reflection on Andy Murray. Join the Monitor's Peter Ford and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Embattled on many fronts, French President Emmanuel Macron has a suggestion for his compatriots: Let’s talk. So he’s kicking off the “The Great National Debate.” Also: our five stories, including a Brexit update, a look at why adolescents are slowing their path to adulthood, and what’s behind the global decline in suicide. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

If you were in Hawaii a year ago this Sunday, the phrase “this is not a drill” might recall 38 minutes of soul-searching. Also: Guatemala’s 180 on corruption, conservative values wobble in the era of President Trump, and two Monitor reporters journey to the Sahara. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Eva Botkin-Kowacki for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Most Americans can sing Woody Guthrie’s song “This Land Is Your Land.” But lately, some people have been living it. Also: our five stories for today, highlighting a renewed commitment to voter rights in Missouri, a community effort to support children affected by the Flint water crisis, and the role of teamwork in helping newcomers to Spain feel welcome. Join the Monitor's Eva Botkin-Kowacki and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

In the UK, an emboldened Parliament seems to be setting itself against a no-deal Brexit. Also: the impasse over US-Mexico border barrier reflects broader disagreements in US politics, geopolitics enters Russia’s GMO debate, and enthusiasts of plogging marry running and picking up trash. Join the Monitor's Arthur Bright and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.