The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

A San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit had a novel idea. What if those experiencing homelessness could have someone to talk to? Troy Aidan Sambajon reports on Miracle Messages, in which homeless residents and volunteers become phone buddies. Also; today's stories, including the release of Palestinian prisoners in Gaza and the West Bank, what DEI is and why Trump is targeting it, and the ramifications of President Donald Trump's and Elon Musk's thinning of the federal bureaucracy. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield for today's news.

American “soft power” takes many forms. Howard LaFranchi explores the possible effects of a federal foreign-aid funding freeze on America’s place in the world. Also in today's package, Syrians emerging to breathe free air are beginning to expose the mechanisms of the control used by the Assad regime, a presidential push to involve the U.S. military with border security and use Guantánamo Bay, and a contemporary troupe in East Africa transcending stigma surrounding disabilities and finding joy. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

Increasingly vulgar attacks in politics have become the new normal. The Monitor reached out to several thinkers to ask how we got here — and how we may forge ahead.

Also: today’s stories, including whether political scientists in Israel believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will maintain the Gaza ceasefire; the U.S. congregations suing to keep churches as protected areas from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); and how Botswana’s new president’s human rights background speaks to a transforming African nation.

Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield for today's news.

Can disruption be an actual plan? The word cropped up a lot in President Donald Trump’s first term – and is doing so again in his second term. Even as our story on this subject was being written, a very recent order issued by the White House was changing, underscoring the challenge that lies ahead. Also: today’s stories, including Trump going to war with the federal workforce, RedNote bringing Chinese and Americans face-to-face, and a deadly stampede interrupting the world’s largest holy festival.

A key aim of Israel’s war against Hamas was to eliminate the militant group. But with the ceasefire, Hamas has reasserted its rule over Gaza, emerging from its tunnels to stage rallies and parades.

Also: today’s stories, including how US students are slipping further behind, how the Navy is trying to focus more on the spiritual needs of its sailors, and how one artist is lifting her city ‘from blight to bright’

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

Public opinion on immigration has shifted right, but nuances remain. Chicago offers an interesting portrait of the mixed emotions.

Also: today’s stories, including a look at how money sent by unauthorized migrants in the U.S. to relatives back home may be affected by the Trump administration; an explainer on the cleanup of the LA fires; and how hopes to save Madagascar's unique forests may reside in the nation's youth.

Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield for today's news.

It’s been a busy week in the United States as President Donald Trump has burst out of the postinauguration gates. Linda Feldmann sorts through his many initiatives in our first story today. Our other stories include Palestinians returning home to Gaza devastation, police saying Jan. 6 pardons carry future risk for law enforcement, and touring Texas with ‘Somebody Somewhere’ star Jeff Hiller. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Laurent Belsie for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Organized religion provides space for worship and spiritual study. But in the case of the Los Angeles fires, organized religion can also provide a built-in system of caring and an active faith.

Also: today’s stories, including commentary on whether Trump’s second administration is the end of western liberalism; a boon in Ukraine’s book publishing amidst war; and how the head of the Los Angeles Public Library System is responding to both wildfires and book challenges.

Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Ira Porter for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The first Israeli hostages freed in the ceasefire are starting to come home. Today, Dina Kraft explores a profound moment in the nation’s history. Our stories also include what’s next for TikTok in the US, Georgia’s President Zourabichvili telling the West to stop ignoring Russia, and America’s egg prices soaring again – with no end in sight. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Stephen Humphries for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

President Donald Trump signed a historic number of executive orders on Day 1. The Monitor’s Sarah Matusek, Laurent Belsie, and Henry Gass dive into what he’s done – or has so far avoided – that reflects his priorities going forwards. Also in today’s package, the advice Ukrainians have for Donald Trump’s mission to end the war, Donald Trump’s mental calculus regarding the ceasefire in Gaza, and a group of blacksmiths turning guns into gardening tools. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ali Martin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.