The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

The fall of Syria’s autocratic leader Bashar al-Assad has created challenges and opportunities for both the United States and Russia. Howard LaFranchi and Fred Weir dive into how each country is approaching the new situation. Also in today’s package, preemptive presidential pardons, universities investing in rural students, and African art that liberates. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Ali Martin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

As the UnitedHealth CEO’s killer is apprehended, police tech and citizen awareness is centered as the heroes in this story. Is citizen cooperation coming back to serve justice?

Also: today’s stories, including the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Boston’s falling homicide rate, and new species popping up in the Southern Pacific Ocean.

Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Clara Germani for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

After decades of repression, the pace of political change in Syria over the weekend was stunning. But resetting the country’s institutions and reassuring the public will be painstakingly slow. Also: today’s stories, including why birthright citizenship matters and how it could change under Trump, Ghana’s opposition candidate elected president, and a Delhi cop who set up a school. Join the Monitor’s Mark Sappenfield and Ira Porter for today’s news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Issues of personal conduct have shadowed President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees. Will these problems become too polarizing or will they follow in Mr. Trump’s footsteps?

Also: today’s stories, including the rebuilding of a beloved cathedral, a changing New England forest, and how political writers anchor their stories.

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

The Syrian Civil War has reignited, with rebel forces pushing farther into President Bashar al-Assad’s territory. Scott Peterson looks at how Iran can help the Syrian president amidst a host of other regional issues. Also in today’s package, the powerful and intimate nature of radio to handle Malawian taboos, 2024 being both The Year of Elections and the Bonfire of the Incumbents, and a construction company’s next generation modular construction method. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Stephen Humphries for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

When Lenora Chu looked into the rise of the far right in the former East Germany, she found a feeling that no party looks out for “the people at the bottom.” Today’s stories also include old lines blurring with the ‘Trump Bible’ in public schools, martial law in South Korea, and Ukrainian civilians building drones in their homes. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Clara Germani for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The trial of Dominique Pelicot has transfixed people around the world but as it comes to a close the question remains: What is the impact that Gisèle Pelicot will leave?

Also: today’s stories, including what President Biden’s pardon says about executive power, how California voters are dealing with political ethics, and a return of Orca whales off Canada’s coast.

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

California is gearing up for a legal battle against Trump 2.0. Francine Kiefer dives into what steps Governor Gavin Newsom is preparing to take. Also in today’s package, why Syria’s civil war has reignited, one of the biggest transgender rights cases in U.S. Supreme Court History, and one writer’s journey towards living a hopeful and sustainable lifestyle. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Mary Tabor for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Hezbollah has emerged from its 13-month war with Israel leaderless and weak, no longer the powerful regional force that Iran has depended on. Will Israel seek to take advantage of Tehran’s new vulnerability? Also: today’s stories, including Canadians remembering a different Thanksgiving feast with settlers and Indigenous people, questions around Tulsi Gabbard’s trustworthiness if she’s confirmed as director of national intelligence, and how “History Alice” is getting Gen Z to learn about the past. Join the Monitor’s Mark Sappenfield and Clara Germani for today’s news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant. Dominique Soguel dives into the geopolitical implications of such a move. Also in today’s package, Donald Trump’s economic team, floating gardens in Mexico City, and turkey trivia. Join the Monitor's Noelle Swan and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.