The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

Just because a person is without a home, doesn’t mean they’re not without character. Also: justice for sex workers, US citizens collaborate with Canada to assist refugees, and the power of play in Mexico. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Around the world, digital censorship is growing. The health of the world’s democracy might depend on bolstering the positive reach of the internet. Also: how the US government shutdown reveals a trust deficit; Beijing’s attempt to erase the identity of Uighurs in Xinjiang; and in Jamaica, ‘security zones’ reduce murders -- but carry a cost. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Clay Collins for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

The see-sawing reputation of video games is well earned. Also: job horizons widen for people with disabilities, sister cities on the US-Mexican border fight water scarcity together, and cartoonists find creating a good Trump cartoon so hard it’s not even funny. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Almost exactly 13 years after leaving Earth on Jan. 19, 2006, the New Horizons spacecraft was set to rendezvous with the most distant object ever explored: Ultima Thule. Also: our five stories for today, exploring another first for space exploration that hits a bit closer to home, an innovative solution to the US recycling conundrum, and the rise of the chicken as a marker for modern times. Join the Monitor's Noelle Swan and Eoin O’Carroll for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

This weekend, something will happen that should not be happening. The Indianapolis Colts will play a National Football League playoff game. Also: a look at one country’s unusual take on a classic “religious/secular” debate, one city’s bid to address the roots of chronic poverty, and one man who has forced his homeland to wrestle with the definition of patriotism. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Noelle Swan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

This is the season when we wish peace and goodwill to our fellow man for the coming year. And if you’re like me, you might be tempted to do it a little tentatively, given all the upheaval of 2018. Also: our five stories for today, including a look by Monitor writers at seven global trends that, without much fanfare, could help shape the world in 2019 and beyond. Join the Monitor's Laurent Belsie and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Seldom has pessimism been an easier sell. So where – if anywhere – is there unity around optimism? Also: our five stories for your Friday, including an exploration of farmers’ faith in their ability to be better stewards of their lands and a reflection on Americans’ faith in democracy. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

If the term “therapy animal” brings to mind pet owners trying to sneak furry friends onto airplanes, you never met Murray the Owl. An ever-growing menagerie of animals are making forays into the therapeutic space. We also look at a Supreme Court practicing measured restraint, refugees caught in a “virtuous circle” of mutual assistance, and a New York community that breathed life back into a dead river. Join the Monitor's Noelle Swan and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Today Japan announced that it would resume commercial whaling in 2019, breaking with a global ban in effect since 1986. The move brings international condemnation, so it is logical to ask: Why is Japan doing it? Also: our five stories, including the deeper story behind the rural-urban divide in US politics, interfaith harmony in Jordan, and the Monitor’s favorite fiction of 2018. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Noelle Swan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Since it’s the holiday season, we wanted to try something a bit different today. We thought it would be fun to get into the holiday spirit. Four of our editors will share some of their favorite holiday stories, and read excerpts from these stories. In some ways, it’s a holiday card, from us to you. We hope you’ll enjoy. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins, Yvonne Zipp, Scott Armstrong, Amelia Newcomb, and Mark Sappenfield as they read their favorite holiday stories. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.