The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

In response to an increase in illegal border crossings, Texas is trying a new, confrontational approach to using its National Guard. We look at how National Guard use has evolved. Also: today’s stories, including local humanitarian workers in the Gaza Strip, an innovative way to preserve elephant populations, and what the Baltimore bridge collapse means for local residents. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Mary Tabor for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Six months after what Israelis see as the worst day in their history, civil society’s response to Oct. 7 is planting the seeds of a new political class. That’s one of few hopeful changes believed to be taking place. Also: today’s stories, including moms in government defy expectations and rats in Washington prove hard to eradicate. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Caitlin Babcock for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The challenges Gazans face to observing Ramadan are immense. But the holy month’s tradition of charity is sustained, and sustaining. Also: today’s stories, including African journalists investigating military corruption, a birth control pill that’s accessible without a prescription, and the force of faith in peacemaking. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Many Estonians appear deeply invested in their country’s e-government programs, which were developed over decades to make life easier and more secure. How did the government build this trust? Also: today's stories, including why NATO still matters, New York City's new $15 congestion toll, and what you need to know about the April 8 eclipse. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Ali Martin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

The man regarded by many as Palestinians’ Mandela looms larger than ever amid the devastating Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Could Marwan Barghouti hold the key to a lasting peace? Also, today’s stories, including Pakistan’s shifting stance on trade with India, watching the stars in Madrid, and Beyoncé’s boundary-breaking approach to the new album “Cowboy Carter.” Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Stephen Humphries for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Transportation spending surges to historic levels. Will the US get historic results? Also: today's stories, including the hard choices that low birth rates force on societies, Argentines brace for radical change, what a reporter learned about listening to Trump, and a review of the new 'Steve! (Martin)' documentary. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Caitlin Babcock for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Israeli communities near Gaza are being urged to start getting their lives back on track, safely. But that will depend on how much they trust government assurances and their neighbors over the border. Also: today’s stories, including democracy in Senegal, what the loss of Key Bridge means for Baltimore, and Moldova’s resilience to Russian interference. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and JJ Wahlberg for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

In the United States and beyond, declining birth rates are triggering societal shifts. Some experts blame economic pressures on families and the uncertainty couples often face when trying to budget for child rearing. Also: today’s stories, including: the collapse of a major bridge in Baltimore raises questions of safety, Canadians no longer trust their immigration policies, and cultural beliefs help Indian sacred groves stay unharmed. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Ali Martin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the best polling third-party presidential candidate in 30 years, announced his running mate today. Democrats have a plan. Also: today's stories, including the Supreme Court justices and the issue of "standing", how community support helps people aging in rural areas, and a look at why the U.S. hasn't succeeded in deterring Yemen's Houthis. Join the Monitor's Mark Sappenfield and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Last Friday’s horrific slaughter at Crocus City Hall has jolted Muscovites out of the sense of complacency they’ve enjoyed, even throughout the war in Ukraine. How will it change the rules Russia plays by? Also: today’s stories, including Kenya’s police intervention on the other side of the world, Donald Trump’s cash crunch, and an innovative solution to the U.S. child care crisis. Join the Monitor's Amelia Newcomb and Ira Porter for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.