The Christian Science Monitor Daily Podcast

The International Criminal Court was set up to bring individuals to justice for war crimes. But its future is now being questioned by the United States. At issue is whether the U.S. should maintain its commitment to international justice or try to end an organization it sees as flawed and overreaching its authority. Also: today's stories, including how a new round of strikes by the United States and Iran threatens to restart a conflict in the Middle East; a look at how Boston is making strides in composting; and how in Somaliland, a major book fair is putting the unrecognized country on the literary map. Join the Monitor's Matthew Bell for today's news.

Iran's economy was in ruins even before the war, and before U.S. President Donald Trump's latest “D-Day” sanctions. So far, ordinary Iranians are bearing the brunt and feeling apathetic, meaning surviving leaders, for now, might face a lower risk of an uprising. Also: today's stories, including why tech leaders are moving to put data centers in space; why small-scale nuclear reactors are drawing interest as stable, economically feasible power generators; and a look at Côte d'Ivoire's economic aspirations as its capital, Abidjan, will soon be home to Africa's tallest building. Join the Monitor's Chris Sherman for today's news.

Utah aims to be industry-friendly. But choosing a fragile ecosystem to house a sprawling data facility has generated intense grassroots opposition. Also: today's stories, including whether a U.S.-Venezuelan oil deal could bolster schools, hospitals, and infrastructure in the country; how farmers across Europe are trying to adapt to hotter summer temperatures and less rainfall; and how one former Marine is celebrating the lives of resilient public servants in his latest book. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

Many countries and companies are competing to be the first to achieve “artificial general intelligence,” a theoretical AI that can match or beat humans in any task. China hopes that putting AI in a body – by investing in humanoid robots – will give their developers an edge. Also: today's stories, including what Iceland is weighing before it votes on whether to restart talks about joining the European Union; how a global initiative to pay-what-you-can for high end dining started by a restaurant in Mexico City has expanded; and a Monitor writer's review of DéLana R.A. Dameron's last novel, “Fairfield County.” Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

The Trump administration wants to put tougher vetting in place for mail-in voting. Despite a preliminary Supreme Court win this week, it remains to be seen if new rules will go into effect before the midterms, with a number of lawsuits in play. Also: today's stories, including a look at Meta's new rules for minors after a historic legal settlement; why local journalists in Sudan are being targeted by rival military forces; and how one organization in Massachusetts celebrates vintage base ball (yes, two words!). Join the Monitor's Mackenzie Farkus for today's news.

During Syria's long civil war, Russia propped up the Assad regime with military and diplomatic support. Now, the new government in Damascus is recalibrating the power dynamic with Moscow. Also: today's stories, including how Iowans could elect a Democratic governor for the first time in two decades, how a drought in the western United States has affected food sources for black bears, and a tribute to one of America's most beloved and iconic performers and songwriters, Dolly Parton. Join the Monitor's Matthew Bell for today's news.

One key goal for Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi has been the disarming of Iraqi militias, including those backed by, and serving, Iran. The Trump administration robustly endorses that goal, but its economic pressure on Iran is making it harder to attain. Also: today's stories, including how the Russia-Ukraine war is impacting Ukraine's North Azovian Greek community; why the WNBA is dealing with a string of controversies despite a growing fanbase and increased revenue; and a look at a new documentary on the poet Mary Oliver. Join the Monitor's Chris Sherman for today's news.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hopes that he can use the collapse of trade talks with Washington to show that Canada and other “middle powers” can navigate geopolitical storms without ceding their sovereignty to nations like the United States. Also: today's stories, including a look at President Donald Trump's latest tariffs and sanctions; why Washington's curtailing of joint military drills in South Korea could push the country on a path to self-reliance; and how Native Americans along Route 66 are grappling with the highway's legacy. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

We've got a little something different — and sweet — in today's Daily. Our reporters traveled the globe to find out more about skyrocketing cocoa prices, taking a look behind the scenes at cocoa farmers and boutique chocolatiers as they grapple with social, economic, and environmental questions. Join the Monitor's Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news.

The Federal Communications Commission may cut funds for internet access at schools and libraries. Schools and libraries say that cuts could leave them with hard choices. Also in today's stories: French parents rethink childhood safety after reports of abuse in after school programs; midterm elections may allow Democrats to put new scrutiny on self-dealing in Washington; and in Africa, a push for more kid-friendly cities. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

Among Israelis working to protect West Bank Palestinians from settler attacks, members of the leftist religious group Bnei Avraham are outliers. The group aims to show “another face of Judaism,” one member says. Also in today's stories: why milestone diplomatic moments in Iran and Gaza fell flat; why Russia banned an anti-war party from legislative elections; and what the updated Endangered Species Act means for the species it protects. Join the Monitor's Matthew Bell for today's news.

In the United Nations' 80 years, it has been led by nine secretaries-general, none of them women. But as the U.N. begins the process of electing a successor to António Guterres, pressure is mounting to shatter its glass ceiling. Four top candidates are women. Also: today's stories, including how a spate of cyberattacks on water utilities across the United States has spurred calls for increased cybersecurity requirements; a look at the latest Gen Z trend, “Chinamaxxing”; and why the University of Michigan is dropping first-year letter grades. Join the Monitor's Mackenzie Farkus for today's news.

President Donald Trump's announcement that he is scaling back U.S. participation in long-standing, joint military drills in South Korea is another example of Washington's willingness to turn away from traditional allies. It also shows how faraway wars might be reshaping security dynamics in the Pacific. Also: today's stories, including a look at the depletion of U.S. missile stockpiles due to the U.S.-Iran war; why growing food in water is providing a green line of defense in Saudi Arabia; and a look at a turtle conservation effort along Kenya's coast. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

Human rights advocates say women and girls in Afghanistan have seen most of their basic human rights taken away. These accounts from two Afghan women offer a glimpse of what life is like under Taliban rule. Also: today's stories, including a look at the new Women's Pro Baseball League in the U.S.; how Europeans are considering how waterways shape communities, economies, and sense of place amid recent drought; and a Q&A with an Iraqi American director on her latest film, about a young Muslim woman who moves to a Chaldean Christian neighborhood in Detroit. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

Who suffers when AI gets things wrong? In Brazil, where fighting crime is a top priority for citizens, facial-recognition technology is exploding, even though the legislature is still working on laying out clear rules. Also: today's stories, including a look at how a rising pragmatic approach to clean energy is slowing Europe's green transition; how AI is rattling the book publishing industry; and a photo essay on climbing in Damascus and its uplifting effect on Syrian life. Join the Monitor's Matthew Bell for today's news.

The AI boom is proving complicated for everyday Americans. It's raising the cost of living and stopping the Fed from lowering interest rates. It is making some things faster and easier, but it is also changing how we live. Also: today's stories, including how Israel's new left-wing party is not focusing on peace within its campaign; how Kazakhstan is questioning Russia's invasion of Ukraine; and how parents are advocating for less screen time in schools. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

The United States struggles with traffic safety in comparison with the track records of other developed nations. There are some bright spots, such as the city of Somerville, Massachusetts, where use of road safety tools and community engagement has brought success. Also: today's stories, including a town's repurposing of a closed college campus to help foster community; lawmakers' involvement in the new era of revenue-generating college sports; and our Africa editor's enlightening experience in starting a letter exchange between South African students and students from America and Mexico. Join the Monitor's Chris Sherman for today's news.

The Saudi-Turkish-Pakistani compact is a response to the prolonged Iran war, an Israel seen as seeking hegemony, and the failure of other diplomatic initiatives. It also anticipates a reduced U.S. regional posture. Does that help the United States? Also: today's stories, including how Massachusetts students are suing for continued segregation in school districts; how Tulsa is offering incentives to relocate remote workers; and a review of books about AI. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

As Silicon Valley titans and startups cash in, educators and parents are struggling to decide which artificial intelligence tools help – or harm. Also: today's stories, including how President Donald Trump is trying to limit birthright citizenship through executive orders; how a comedy candidate is playing political spoiler in Britain; and how class pets are helping students refine their social skills and learn how to handle emotions. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

The Trump administration let a contract to provide legal services to tens of thousands of immigrant children lapse. The interruption potentially leaves more children without legal representation in a complex and accelerating immigration court system. Also: today's stories, including how the aftermath of the U.S. government's slashing of two revered national monuments in Utah could determine how vast public lands in the western U.S. are managed; why the clock is ticking on the Trump administration's ability to complete more of the Project 2025 agenda; and how residents of one Indian village look forward to an annual cleanup and fishing festival. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

Many soldiers in Ukraine are spending long periods on the front lines, as Ukraine struggles against Russia's numerical advantage. One infantryman, in the trenches for nearly a year and a half straight, tells us his story. Also: today's stories, including how the Trump administration is stepping in as AI models are evading corporate controls; how a bipartisan Truth Commission in New Mexico is aiming to tell the story of what happened at Zorro Ranch, formerly owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein; and how a new law signed by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey will narrow cooperation between the state and federal immigration authorities. Join the Monitor's Mackenzie Farkus for today's news.

The U.S. intervened in Japan to help steady the yen. A move not taken since the height of the Asian financial crisis, it was motivated as much by American self-interest as it was by a desire to help out a close ally. Also: today's stories, including how two Republican senators temporarily withheld approval of President Trump's attorney general nominee over concerns with an administration policy; the big expectations many Syrians have of their new lawmakers, as their country's Parliament reconvenes with limited amount of leverage over government decisions; and how China's ancient tradition requiring a month of special postpartum care is evolving and slowly migrating to the West. Join the Monitor's Chris Sherman for today's news.

Wisconsin, a political bellwether, might see a Democratic takeover after 15 years of Republican rule. But having a socialist at the top of the ticket raises questions for some voters. Also: today's stories, including how in the wake of the U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal, other countries are asking whether they, too, need to develop nuclear power; how images of thousands of migrants surging from Morocco into the Spanish city of Ceuta, in North Africa, have led EU ministers to try to find new solutions; and how “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” asks what it really means to grow up or to make fresh starts. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

Cheap, mass-produced drones are changing modern warfare by exposing vulnerabilities in the field. The U.S. military is taking notes, and transforming the way American troops train and fight. Also: today's stories, including how Massachusetts' large Haitian community is navigating the loss of temporary protected status; why Uruguay's decades-old cooperative housing model is gaining new attention; and how India has changed the process for how individuals identify their gender, sparking protests and court challenges. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

The success of India's “Cockroach” protests is reinvigorating something that experts say has been lost under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 12 years in power – and that's a sense that dissent matters. This is good news for India's democracy. Also: today's stories, including the launch of the Women's Professional Baseball League; the changing goals of the U.S. and Iran war; and how the new U.S. military service designed to ensure American space superiority was tested in Iran and Venezuela. Join the Monitor's Matthew Bell for today's news.

Tuesday's primary for Michigan's open Senate seat is serving as a proxy battle over the Democratic Party's future, underscoring racial and generational divisions over everything from healthcare to immigration to aid for Israel. How it all plays out could shape the direction of the party, including the 2028 presidential race. Also: today's stories, including how the collapse of a possible compromise to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could expand the conflict in the Middle East; how Japan's first female prime minister is navigating a challenging first year in office; and how some states are suing the Trump administration for redirecting wind power funding towards fossil fuels. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

Federal law and Trump administration rules lay out transparency requirements for the U.S. government's use of artificial intelligence. When the Monitor asked about one tool designed to vet immigrant children's sponsors, information about it disappeared. Also: today's stories, including how some major US firms are rethinking staffing strategies amid a global collapse of entry-level jobs; a look at one woman's conflicted campaign to expel South Africa's migrants; and how Seattle is giving city streets back to kids as spaces to play. Join the Monitor's Chris Sherman for today's news.

Europe is dealing with record-breaking wildfires. Some of them are so intense, the authorities are unable to contain them. Climate change is part of the story. But forest management is another factor. Also: today's stories, including how despite extensive Iranian retaliation, people in the UAE are coming through the U.S. and Israel's conflict with Iran with a new sense of national pride; how the U.S. government is spending well beyond its means at a breathtaking pace; and how an unregulated market for hemp in the Carolinas is raising public safety concerns. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

The stalemate between the U.S. and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz has created a global economic shock. Now, the conflict is threatening to disrupt international shipping through the Red Sea. Also: today's stories, including how Palestinian villagers are facing discrimination by Israeli forces in South Hebron Hills, an explainer outlining how Trump v. Slaughter may impact federal agencies, and how the Ukrainian Bat Rehabilitation Center is growing in popularity thanks to social media. Join the Monitor's Matthew Bell for today's news.

There have been three federal government shutdowns during President Donald Trump's second term. The potential for a fourth this fall is driving Senate Republicans' political strategy months ahead of the budget deadline. Also: today's stories, including how U.S. tariffs rattled allies and rivals, stressed household budgets, failed to boost manufacturing, but also raised big revenue; how long-simmering frustrations with corruption and youth unemployment have bubbled over into India's streets; and how Ancient Greek, it turns out, is not dead. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

Two recent killings of immigrants by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have raised questions about whether the shootings were justified. Officers wearing body cameras would add a piece of evidence to contested encounters. Also: today's stories, including a look at the Trump administration's expected announcement of a civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia; how the recent Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship signals that the national discussion about the topic is not settled; and a review of Andrea Wulf's biography of 18th century naturalist George Forster, exploring how his globe-trotting youth made him more tolerant of Indigenous peoples and customs. Join the Monitor's Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news.

As U.S.-Iran fighting reignites, American ally Jordan, which hosts U.S. forces, has increasingly come under Iranian fire. Dependent on U.S. aid, but eager to avoid angering Iran or creating domestic concerns, it is choosing its words carefully. Also: today's stories, including how the killing of a Colombian man by an ICE officer in Biddeford, Maine, has made other immigrants and Latinos feel less secure; how local humanitarian groups in a city near the front lines in Sudan's civil war have set up Emergency Response Rooms; and how young people are both creating hit content and filling seats for the in-person moviegoing experience. Join the Monitor's Jingnan Peng for today's news.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's dismissal of a popular defense minister, an architect of Ukraine's effective high-tech warfare, has sparked protests across the country. More than just strategy, youth appears part of his appeal. Also: today's stories, including a reflection on how fans were brought together during the World Cup, a dive into why Greeks are using social networks instead of traditional media for their news, and a look at Joplin, Missouri, and how they've rebuilt after a devastating tornado 15 years ago. Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

The World Cup final on Sunday is booked. But much focus will be on how the match highlights the changing of the guard at the pinnacle of soccer, between Argentine elder statesman Lionel Messi and Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal. Also: today's stories, including how a resurgence of group songs and anthems at World Cup games offers a reminder on how shared music can bridge divides; how one bicentennial class of students reflect a divided yet hopeful America; and how a traveler's frantic sprint for a seat in Amtrak's Quiet Car led to a humorous breach of conduct. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

President Donald Trump has kept election security a front-burner issue since his loss in 2020, though his claims of fraud have been disproved. He is again elevating the issue ahead of this year's midterms, which could see Democrats regain control of at least one chamber of Congress. Also: today's stories, including how federal law enforcement participating in immigration operations have killed four people this year; how each side in the U.S.-Iran war is internally divided on the way forward, making resolution of the conflict problematic; and how England's national soccer team was dealt a semifinal loss to Argentina in the World Cup. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

With many of the hawkish voices on China muted or sidelined, the Trump administration has a dearth of seasoned China hands, raising questions about who is helping guide U.S. policy toward China. Other countries may be taking note. Also: today's stories, including why Syrians are voicing confidence in public safety even as some distrust official accounts of recent bombings; how Utah residents are reacting to President Donald Trump's proclamations that dramatically shrink two of Utah's national monuments; and our film critic's round-up of great classic literary film adaptations. Join the Monitor's Matthew Bell for today's news.

A U.S.-Iran deal in mid-June caused oil prices – and inflation rates – to plunge globally. What happens next depends on the antagonists vying over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Also: today's stories, including how Senator Mitch McConnell's ongoing recovery could keep him away at a time Republicans need all the votes they can get; why Africa has overtaken Europe as the region with the largest number of French speakers; and how a black-and-white rescue dog named Tsunami has become a symbol of promise. Join the Monitor's Chris Sherman for today's news.

No one else in Congress had the kind of relationship with President Donald Trump that Senator Lindsey Graham, who died Saturday, had. The Republican from South Carolina influenced the president's thinking on consequential matters, particularly in the realm of foreign policy. Also: today's stories, including how Ukrainians in Odesa finding hope after its worst winter of Russian attacks in recent years; how voters respond when politicians face allegations of sexual misconduct; and a peek into a day in the life of a World Cup volunteer. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

Norway punches far above its weight as a sporting nation. The success of its athletes might be rooted in the way young Norwegians learn sports – by first focusing on the process, rather than on wins and losses. “It's a human-centered blueprint,” a sports wellness expert tells our writer. “It puts the person first by looking at the player pathway as a human journey, not just a sports journey.” Also: today's stories, including how residents of one Memphis neighborhood are weighing challenges with an AI data center; a look at new cuts to U.S. intelligence operations; and our reviewer's thoughts on “The Wreck of the Mentor,” a strange, true story of a shipwrecked crew on a South Pacific island. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

The collapse of Graham Platner's Senate campaign in Maine has state Democrats wrestling with questions over candidate vetting and whether the next nominee should come from the party's moderate or progressive wing. Also: today's stories, including how Turkey is becoming a bigger player in NATO and the Middle East; why other election changes could affect U.S. midterms besides President Donald Trump's focus on proof of citizenship; and a look at an automobile festival on Route 66 that's the ultimate event for gearheads. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

The back-and-forth talk of strikes and ceasefires in the Iran conflict at the NATO summit this week risks straining the alliance's renewed efforts at partnership and unity, a cornerstone of Western defense for decades. Also: today's stories, including how the Iran war's cost to Americans has already climbed well beyond early estimates; how Venezuela's earthquakes have created a new test for the exiled political opposition; and how aboard the train to Kashmir, a Monitor writer sees a region at a crossroads. Join the Monitor's Matthew Bell for today's news.

Polls show younger voters are less fearful of socialism and more likely to question the benefits of capitalism as it relates to their lives. But while anti-communist rhetoric is red meat for the Republican base, it might not persuade many other voters. Also: today's stories, including why French far-right leader Marine Le Pen's is again appealing her embezzlement conviction; a look at the launch of the new “Little House on the Prairie” series on Netflix this week with a broader diversity of characters; and how government officials, local volunteers, and others are offering support to people and their livestock after a large wildfire in Southern Colorado. Join the Monitor's Stephanie Hanes for today's news.

The Supreme Court's latest term featured landmark cases on presidential authority. While the high court deepened the president's power over the executive branch, the justices also restrained it in some areas. Also: today's stories, including how the fall of Iran's former regime has led to growth in the country's confidence; how one Italian island is offering a compassionate response towards migrants; and how World Cup fans are building community by trading stickers. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

In a pair of immigration rulings Thursday, the court held that the law permits the government to turn away asylum-seekers on the Mexico side of the U.S. border and end temporary protected status for Haitians and Syrians living in the United States. Also: today's stories, including a look at cultural exchange during the World Cup; our columnist's examination of Britain's governability after the ouster of Prime Minister Keir Starmer; and how the Philippines is reconsidering nuclear power. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

The Mississippi River still captures the imagination, though it is today meticulously managed to ensure the flow of a nation's commerce. Changing conditions make that a constant effort, reflecting America's economic growth and transformation. Also: today's stories, including how the legal principle of birthright citizenship, which isn't unique to the U.S, still stands across most of the Americas; how voters are expressing their opposition to the construction of data centers in local elections across the U.S.; and how an annual festival in Cambridge, Massachusetts, instills the idea that dance is for everyone, regardless of ability. Join the Monitor's Stephanie Hanes for today's news.

As Israelis prepare for fall elections, Gadi Eisenkot is surging in polls to edge out Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The retired general's security credentials and perceived integrity appear to resonate with voters exhausted by war and division. Also: today's stories, including a look at the impact of falling birthrates in Southeast Asia; why a federal judge ruled that state-level bans on SNAP benefits for junk food are in violation of federal law; and the resurgence of the typewriter community in a digital world. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

Could the Trump-Vance administration reach détente with Iran? That would run against the views that President Trump himself espoused in going to war, but the administration is eager for a peace deal and voices optimism about the talks. Also: today's stories, including what U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation means as the seventh to leave the position in the past decade; what impacts the latest farm bill could have on the U.S.; and how a non-profit café in Illinois is helping youth experiencing hardship find success. Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

The temporary ceasefire agreement reached between the U.S. and Iran is meant to end the war, reopen vital shipping lanes in the Gulf, and address Iran's nuclear ambitions – at a later time. It includes big economic incentives for Tehran and comes up short on President Donald Trump's stated goals for starting the war in the first place. Also: today's stories, including our columnist's thoughts on how President Trump and President Putin are handling their respective wars; how one woman in Missouri is preserving Black history along Route 66; and an essay from our staff photographer on how persistence, humanity, and instant connection create lasting joy during a recent trip to Côte d'Ivoire. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

A series of dominoes might be starting to fall that could lead to Andy Burnham becoming the next prime minister of the United Kingdom. But first, he has to win Thursday's by-election in the constituency of Makerfield. That's not guaranteed. Also: today's stories, including how rapid advances in artificial intelligence models raise questions about national security; how the G7 summit shows Europe's enduring desire to work with the United States; and how the newly opened Obama Center pilots a community model. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

During the Iran war, Tehran's most potent leverage vis-à-vis the U.S. and global economies proved to be its ability to clamp down on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The search for overland routes for oil and other goods has led directly to Syria, an old crossroads revived. Also: today's stories, including how civics education is coming back to American schools; how funds are rising for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, so are detention complaints; and a look at how Colombia's national soccer jersey became political. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

A U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal leaves many Israelis feeling vulnerable and abandoned by their most important ally. They expressed concerns for Israel's security and freedom of action against its enemies, and some criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to achieve his war aims. Also: today's stories, including a closer look at the peace deal with the U.S. and Iran; how one Kansas mayor's imminent deportation has some Trump supporters conflicted on immigration enforcement; and how a fish farm in Algeria is bringing the sea's bounty to the Sahara. Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.