The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

So, are you a democracy is half full kind of person? Almost half of eligible voters turned out Tuesday, according to the Elections Project. Now, 47 percent of voters might not sound like reason to celebrate – but that’s the highest percentage in 50 years. Also: our five stories of the day, including a look at how, even in our polarized times, there are states that are happy to vote for “the other team” when it comes time to choose a governor. Join the Monitor's Yvonne Zipp and Eoin O’Carroll for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

The 2018 midterms are over. Now the battle over their meaning begins. To Democrats they mean control of the House of Representatives and an increase in the number of Democratic governors. To Republicans they mean an expanded margin in the Senate and the defeat of some Democratic rising stars. Also: our five stories, including an opening door to bipartisanship, creativity in hiring, and how one Georgia town is integrating newcomers. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

There’s something soothing about a polling place, as if after all the frenetic campaign debates and attack ads the nation lets out a collective sigh of relief. Also: our five stories for today, including a look at how Monitor writers are seeing the election across the country. Join the Monitor's Laurent Belsie and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

It’s a big week for Americans. Many have commented on the contentious tone ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections. But it’s worth noting as well the heart on display. Also: our five stories of the day, including the looming midterm elections in the US, the surprising cause of most gun deaths, and how one duke is salvaging Jordan’s heritage. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Mark Sappenfield for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Are any societies getting it right? Also: a new tool to combat election interference, what Steve Bannon may have missed about the transferability of “nationalism,” and how a common history of being “the other” created interfaith bonds. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Eva Botkin-Kowacki for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

“Someone needs your help.” The text alert came on a particularly busy Monday morning. Also: our five stories for today, delving into the roots of compassion, the limitations of tribalism, and the wonders of an ever-changing universe. Join the Monitor's Noelle Swan and Eoin O’Carroll for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

To the reporter, there was a jarring irony. The man accused of killing 11 Jews at a Pittsburgh synagogue was given critical care by Jewish doctors. But to Jeff Cohen, the Jewish president of the hospital, there was only a duty to care. Also: our five stories for today, including a look at a problem-solving insurgency in Congress, a humanitarian dilemma for Syrian refugees, and the message behind the world’s largest statue. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Almost every year over the past two decades, a New England pro baseball, football, basketball, hockey, or soccer team has won – or contended for – a championship. Also: our five selected stories, including a look at the role of presidential rhetoric, paths to a safer world, and building community in Toronto. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

If language can incite, it can also heal. In Boston Sunday, hundreds gathered to speak loudly in support of the Jewish community a day after a gunman’s anti-Semitic rampage killed 11 worshipers at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue. Also: dark money in politics, migration as a last resort, and the impact of sanctions on one Iranian charity. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

The isolating notion of “the other” spiked again in a week dominated by news of improvised explosive devices. Also: a presidential candidate seen as a kind of savior in Brazil, rare civility in a US Senate campaign, and how one community in Massachusetts worked together to save their homes. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Eva Botkin-Kowacki for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.