The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

Editor Ken Kaplan mostly watches the world these days from our international news desk. But he’s just back from a vacation in Spain. What stood out to him? It wasn’t just the architecture and the Andalusian olive groves. Also: today’s stories, including the challenges of reporting, discontent with the political status quo, and California focusing on mental illness to reduce homelessness. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Americans head into a consequential election season with inflation high on their minds, leading to trouble for Democrats. Also in today’s stories: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak grapples with an economic crisis that started with Brexit, a Ukrainian psychologist fights through ingrained Soviet stoicism to help her traumatized patients, and funding equality falls flat in America’s historically Black colleges. Join the Monitor’s Amelia Newcomb and Ken Kaplan for today’s news.

As the effects of pandemic lockdowns on education become clear, an authors ponders America’s failure to act within the best interests of its children. Also in today’s stories, Ukrainian civilians reflect on the horrors of Russian occupation, Toronto’s soaring housing costs reach a boiling point, and an Indian newspaper tells the stories of the country’s 18 million street children. Join the Monitor’s Kim Campbell and April Austin for today’s news

Political debates hold a special place in American history. But for more than a decade, the debate tradition has been in decline, a sign of the eroding norms of democratic engagement. Also: today’s stories, including Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, the 2024 campaign quietly underway, and the ascent of Xi Jinping loyalists. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann and Ali Martin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

As American Latinos become a more powerful voting demographic, Latino scholars attempt to define Latino identity. Also in today’s stories, a dramatic political is materializing in the Rio Grande Valley, Britons look towards a new leader in the wake of Liz Truss’ resignation, and a small Indonesian island sues a Swiss concrete manufacturer for its detrimental effects on the islands ecology and tourism. Join the Monitor’s Noelle Swan and Stephen Humphries for today’s news.

Yesterday, Philadelphia embraced the start of “Avogeddon.” A nonprofit named Sharing Excess is giving away 1 million free avocados through Friday in Philly’s FDR Park. First come, first served. Bring your own tortilla chips or plates of toast. Also: today’s stories, including Britain regaining voter’s trust, the housing search after Hurricane Ian, and finding a sense of community at a laundromat. Join the Monitor's Stephen Humphries and Clara Germani for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Seeking solutions to gender inequality need not be a zero-sum endeavor. Also: today’s stories, including the upcoming winter in Ukraine, Germany’s recent uptick in Holocaust-related crime prosecutions, and Yellowstone National Park’s 150th anniversary. Join the Monitor's Mark Trumbull and JJ Wahlberg for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

An Iranian protest song written with protesters’ tweets becomes an anti-government anthem. Also in today’s stories, the Haitian government looks for outside help to solve its violence, an agriculturist in rural Nigeria plants trees to prevent flooding, and a novelist reckons with technology’s effects on the human psyche. Join the Monitor’s April Austin and Kendra Nordin-Beato for today’s news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

If you keep innovators in view, it’s hard not to feel at least a little optimistic. Also: today’s stories, including the uncrossable red line of nuclear weapons, a look at evacuation orders in Florida, and Xi Jinping’s transformation of China. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins and Ali Martin for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.

Far from flippers, in Beverly, Massachusetts, Shoebert the Seal seems to have legs. Also: today’s stories, including China’s increasingly isolationist policies, restoring trust in Los Angeles leadership, and the legacy of South Africa's first Black ultramarathon winner. Join the Monitor's Peter Grier and Clara Germani for today's news. You can also visit csmonitor.com/daily for more information.