The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

The Federal Reserve’s independence from partisan politics is a cornerstone of U.S. economic stability and market confidence. A Justice Department criminal probe of Fed Chair Jerome Powell may signal new risk to this principle.

Also: today’s stories, including how AI is steadily becoming a greater part of people’s daily lives, how Central American politicians are offering fewer freedoms to win more votes, and one Monitor writer's selection of recently released art books.

Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from dozens of global organizations – many focused on climate issues and human rights – was swiftly condemned by U.S. allies. One power that increasingly has stepped into the leadership breach is China.

Also: today’s stories, including a look at two Supreme Court cases involving whether the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection under the law extends to transgender people competing in single-sex sports; how more women are emerging into leadership roles in Latino Christian churches; and the rise of women’s sports in England.

Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

The killing of a protester by an ICE agent in Minneapolis has reignited debates over the appropriate use of force in immigration raids.

Also in today’s stories: how European leaders are responding to Washington’s threat to invade Greenland, how a symbolic bill hints at GOP pushback against the Trump administration, and how volunteers are rallying to tackle growing rural homelessness.

Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

After directing military action in Venezuela, President Donald Trump appears to be eyeing Greenland again. That is challenging Europe’s understanding of its relationship with the U.S., and whether it can respond effectively to Mr. Trump’s demands.

Also: today’s stories, including how Iran’s leaders are juggling chronic economic malaise amid dissent; questions over the cost and the political instability that could be caused by the U.S. intervention in Venezuela; and how an influencer’s unverified report on Minnesota fraud sparked White House action.

Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

Wildfires devastated LA-area communities about a year ago. There are some signs of recovery, but many residents remain uncertain about whether, or when, they will be able to rebuild their homes.

Also: today’s stories, including how South Carolina offers a new take on stand-your-ground laws; what steeper challenges lie ahead for French first lady Brigitte Macron after securing her legal victory over those who lied about her gender; and how South Sudanese youth use music to push back against war and ethnic conflict.

Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

The U.S. military’s removal of Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela to face trial in a U.S. courtroom raises a host of questions about the legality of the Trump administration’s actions. We look at what international law, domestic law, and historical precedent say about the legal rationale.

Also: today’s stories, including how U.S President Donald Trump campaigned on “No forever wars,” but his administration’s intervention in Venezuela could test those promises; how ice melting in the Arctic may lead to Russia ramping up efforts to take advantage of the new territory; and why across the United States, jurisdictions are seeking to enact rent regulations.

Join the Monitor's Sara Miller Llana for today's news.

Efforts to stop black market oil tankers from entering or leaving Venezuela signal that U.S. goals go beyond the narcotics trade to include pressure on the Maduro regime.

Also: today’s stories, including how Ukrainians are simultaneously lamenting a corruption scandal among the president’s inner circle, but encouraged by anticorruption institutions; how Senegalese women are picking up the pieces after their husbands leave for Europe; and a look at one essayist’s fondest Christmas memories.

Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

The long, emotionally exhausting ordeal of hostages held in Hamas tunnels, and the general trauma of October 7th, has led to a visible rise in religious belief among Jewish Israelis. As one hostage notes: “God will always listen. He does not get tired.”

Also: today’s stories, including why Latin America’s authoritarian leaders are leaning into Christmas; a remembrance of Rob Reiner from our film critic; and which traditions our staff and contributors partake in to tap into the true meaning of Christmas.

Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

In Boston and other cities, some lawful permanent residents are having their naturalization ceremonies canceled, amid a Trump administration review of applicants from 19 countries identified as posing high security risks.

Also: today’s stories, including how Europe looking to conscript able-bodied citizens is a big ask after decades of peace and prosperity; how experts say there are ways society can defuse potential acts and reduce the risk of terrorism; and how Europe is fighting to preserve its identity in the teeth of U.S. opposition.

Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

The Trump administration’s more aggressive approach to Latin America is welcomed by many in the Cuban diaspora. They see one of their own – Secretary of State Marco Rubio – as an architect of the shift that, for them, has been a long time coming.

Also: today’s stories, including how Australian Jews are reacting to a mass shooting that targeted Bondi Beach’s Jewish community; what’s next for U.S.-Syrian relations following an Islamic State attack on U.S. soldiers; and how the fragile peace in Gaza affords an opportunity for Palestinian families whose relatives have gone missing to search for them.

Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.