The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

I’ve been watching the Olympics here in Germany, there are so many good stories and athletes. A lesson I learned covering the Olympics: the greatest joy comes from a willingness to see amazingness everywhere. Also: today’s stories, including how Harris’ candidacy is shifting the electoral map, the killing of Israel’s foes in Beirut brings a shaken region to the edge, and the Olympics feeding interest in women’s sport.

Russia has intensified its use of “glide bombs,” but residents of Ukraine’s Donetsk region have proved resiliency and community are still possible. Also: today’s stories, including President Joe Biden’s Supreme Court reforms, Team USA earning both medals and friendships at the Paris Olympics, and a deeper look at recycling in the U.S. Join the Monitor’s Amelia Newcomb and Noelle Swan for today’s news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

As Northern California battles the Park Fire, now the largest active fire in the country, the state is searching for solutions to quell the giant wildfire in a year that’s seen five times the 5-year average of acres burned in California. Also: today’s stories, including Kamala Harris’ border security record, mental health for Olympic athletes, and a cow in a box. Join the Monitor’s Mark Sappenfield and Stephen Humpries for today’s news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Bangladeshis are reeling from one of the most violent weeks in their country’s recent history. At the center of the chaos are young people striving to be heard.

Also: today’s stories, including Venezuela’s upcoming election, LeBron James’ last Olympics, and Elon Musk’s entanglement in politics.

Join the Monitor’s Mark Sappenfield and Jingnan Peng for today’s news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

What’s it like to be in the room at a key moment in politics? Washington Bureau Chief Linda Feldmann was one of only three members of the “restricted press pool” allowed in the Oval Office last night as the president addressed Americans about his decision not to seek a second term. You’ll get details that would have not been apparent from the TV feed. Also: today’s stories, including whether the Paris Olympics can give the world a jolt of optimism, Mapping how the Olympics are transforming Paris, and Harris’ choice for veep hinges on who can lead.

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington to try to win Congress’ support. But Washington has other things on its mind: the U.S. presidential campaign. Also: today’s stories, including what a Kamala Harris presidency would look like from abroad, how Kamala Harris is using the election campaign to rebrand herself, and Ukrainian women taking on physically demanding work like coal mining. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Olympic glory isn’t just about medals. For these athletes, the honor and joy of competition are their own triumphs. Still, gold would be good, too.

Also: today’s stories, including five things to know about Kamala Harris, Filipinas challenging gender roles in the South China Sea, and our favorite reads for July.

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

After President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race, the spotlight pivoted to Vice President Kamala Harris, leading the world to wonder: Can Ms. Harris salvage the Democratic party’s prospects? Also: today’s stories, including Congress’ investigation into the security lapse that allowed a shooter to come close to assassinating former President Donald Trump, a fresh enthusiasm for teen summer jobs, and one Nigerian town’s welcoming attitude toward refugees. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Mary Tabor for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Donald Trump accepted the Republican presidential nomination with a speech envisioning a unified nation. But quickly he shifted back to old patterns. Also: today’s stories, including Ukrainians exploring their identity through the arts, Venezuelans innovation ahead of upcoming elections, and Bernice King’s reflection on political violence today. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Laurent Belsie for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

In polarized times, it can be hard to plumb why people hold views that differ from your own putting thoughtful reporting that is neither credulous nor sneering at a premium. Also: today’s stories, including Trump’s near-miss signaling divine involvement to some Republicans, the experiences of Gazans in Egypt, and entrepreneurial Olympic athletes.

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