The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

The world's second-largest economy, China, is deciding its economic strategy for the next five years, a decision with high global stakes. Also: today’s stories, including how a ceasefire could help Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban lessen the tension; a look at the challenges facing those seeking to reestablish democracy in Venezuela; and commentary on how the murders of civil rights activists have been lost in the current conversation about the Voting Rights Act at the Supreme Court. Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

When President Donald Trump hiked the cost of H-1B visas, Indian professionals looked to be the hardest hit. But with the West shunning immigrants, India may also be the beneficiary of the new pool of job seekers. Also: today’s stories, including how Pittsburgh wants to be a hub for artificial intelligence that makes a difference in peoples' daily lives, how one solution to chronic absenteeism in schools is gaining traction, and whether boycotts of Israeli academic and artistic institutions further the cause of peace. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

Democrats and Republicans are at odds nationally, as the continued government shutdown shows. But in Three Rivers, Michigan, local leaders are setting aside differences for the common goal of real problem-solving. Also: today’s stories, including how one scientist is turning marshes around in India, how the docuseries “Mr. Scorsese” probes the innermost thoughts of the Oscar-winning filmmaker, and how market changes and a shifting world order in the last 20 years may be why gold is gaining new ground. Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

The volume of U.S. military hardware headed to Puerto Rico suggests an escalation of the Trump administration’s military campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The president says land strikes might follow. Also: today’s stories, including a look at the state of Indigenous rights in Bolivia; how some French voters still have faith in government despite turmoil; and a review of Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s latest movie, “It Was Just an Accident.” Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

As the Justice Department moves to indict people President Donald Trump says have done him wrong, the weaponization of the legal system is pushing the country into uncharted waters. Also: today’s stories, including how Donald Trump is trying to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine after his success with a Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal, whether Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan holds the key to peace in the Middle East, and one author's look at how supporters of expanded rights in the U.S have shifted their fight to the courts. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a case asking whether using race as a factor in congressional maps violates the Constitution. If the justices decide it is, the decision could open the door for Republican politicians to redraw maps to eliminate a number of Black and Hispanic districts. Also: today’s stories, including whether tungsten mining in Yukon might prove influential in mending the U.S.-Canada relations; how an Altadena family navigates the red tape that is hampering recovery after California’s Eaton fire; and how volunteers are reconnecting communities along the Blue Ridge Parkway after mudslides from Hurricane Helene. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

With harvest under way, China’s response to President Trump’s tariffs has frozen America’s soybean farmers out of the huge Chinese market. A soybean deal could lead to a broader agreement on trade. Also: today’s stories, including how Estonian women are aiding in their country’s defense through volunteer reservist forces, how U.S. immigration enforcement has affected the agriculture industry, and what’s at stake in Tanzania’s election as authoritarianism rises in East Africa. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

The organization Shakespeare Behind Bars has helped violent offenders rediscover their humanity. In this story, two murderers come to “be wise hereafter / And seek for grace.” Also: today’s stories, including how China’s new climate pledge marks a modest step forward for one of the most populous countries in the world, whether Europe can retain its welfare systems in the face of competing demands, and how author Susan Orlean’s approach to writing involves remaining a perpetual beginner, rather than becoming an expert. Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

As Israel and Hamas finalize the first phase of President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, many in the region are focused on what can go wrong after two years of war. Even so, joy is enveloping many Israelis and Palestinians eager for emotional and physical relief. Also: today’s stories, including how airport delays have resurfaced this week because of air traffic controller shortages, why students are saying “no” to AI for school work, and why poet laureate Arthur Sze hopes you’ll take time to read a poem today. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

California has spent decades trying to extinguish fires. But residents here are embracing the long-held Indigenous practice of coming together to intentionally burn land – to reduce the power of wildfires, help the ecosystem, and to transform fear into healing. Also: today’s stories, including how US President Donald Trump is pushing the US as an investor in for-profit companies; how China’s new climate pledge marks a modest step forward; and how Ukrainian drones are slowing down Russia’s advance in the east. Join the Monitor's Stephanie Hanes for today's news.