The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

In many respects, the Irish Catholic Church is dealing with the same cultural headwinds facing all organized religion in the West. Yet there is an added element. The Catholic Church in Ireland long held a position of even greater influence than the government itself. Also: an unusual look at the power of the people in Russia, the enduring togetherness at some Texas schools after hurricane Harvey, and the legacy of an American senator who stood for something greater then himself. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

For years, the roar of warplanes in Syria has heralded imminent and indiscriminate devastation for millions of civilians caught in the middle of a catastrophic civil war. Today, however, something else is also accompanying that sound – a pulse of humanity that is saving lives. Also: a look at the interplay between global power and human rights in China, overcoming a legacy of prejudice in Russia, and whether humans will embrace an evolving view of predators. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Noelle Swan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

“Immigrants are not like puppies.” That may seem like an odd statement, but to Marion Davis, it’s a sentiment worth repeating. Also: our five stories that highlight taking responsibility, innovation in farming, and the various faces of progress. Join the Monitor's Noelle Swan and Eoin O’Carroll for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Is the #MeToo movement in trouble? Probably not. Although it may have lost some moral high ground, given the revelations about Asia Argento. She was one of the first of 87 women to accuse Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault. She now faces similar allegations with a then 17-year-old boy, according to The New York Times. Also: a look at the remarkable bull run of the US stock market, communities that have dramatically changed their practices to deal with wildfires, and new views of history in Canada. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Water – and the potential for life – is far more abundant than many expected. Why is that surprising? Well, what we see in our own neighborhood, or in our own narrow experience, tends to shape our perceptions of reality. Also: possible paths to stability between Israel and Gaza, new insights into stopping truancy, and funding compassion in the US. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

After the worst regional flooding in a century, the main task in India’s Kerala state, which saw some 250 percent more monsoon rain than normal last week, is rescuing the tens of thousands who are stranded. Also: Turkey’s standoff with the US, subtle economic shifts, and look at the Cape Cod fishing industry. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Eva Botkin-Kowacki for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

The spikes in the US political news cycle formed a jagged saw this week, a sure formula for exhaustion, division, and dismay. Where to look for some unity and affirming values? To stories that show our humanity. Also, we have shifts in thought on guns​ in Canada, on an old-conquerer in Siberia, and on our collective place in the universe. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Noelle Swan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Back-to-school season has begun, and with it are a number of “firsts.” One Alabama county opened its first integrated school this week in almost 50 years. Parents hope the new school will bring the community together, but parents in Puerto Rico are concerned about a plan to use charter schools there having the opposite effect. Also: a closer look at paths to progress in Saudi Arabia, policing in America, and the Catholic Church in Pennsylvania.

Join the Monitor's Kim Campbell and Ken Kaplan for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

One would hope that after a catastrophe like Tuesday’s bridge collapse in Genoa, Italy, the authorities would be focused on helping those affected. But the Italian government has moved on quickly to apportioning out blame. Also: our five stories for the day that highlight problem-solving, understanding others, and the importance of early education. Join the Monitor's Arthur Bright and Samantha Laine Perfas for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.

Tiger Woods finished second Sunday, yet seemed happy. Uncharacteristically, he waited to give a big hug to the winner. Woods played well, which may be part of his joy. But the other part might just be who won the PGA Championship. Also: a closer look at fostering innovation in education, law enforcement, and the movie business. Join the Monitor's Dave Scott and Eva Botkin-Kowacki for today's news. For more information, visit csmonitor.com/daily.