Podcast appearances and mentions of The Christian Science Monitor

The U.S. has entered a new age of political violence, evidenced by the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Those who work in conflict resolution say Americans need to engage in the hard work of seeing those we disagree with as fully human and worthy of respect. Also: today's stories, including how the U.K. is grappling with the controversial public display of St. George's flag; how Moscow is ignoring war in favor of nonstop celebration this summer; and how one essayist chooses to cherish September. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Susan Glimore about her wonderful novel, The Curious Calling of Leonard Bush (Blair, 2025).  Young Leonard Bush buries his lost leg and saves his whole East Tennessee town in this winsome and miracle-making novel. When twelve-year-old Leonard Bush loses his leg in a freak accident, he decides to give his leg a proper burial in the hilltop cemetery of his East Tennessee town. This event somehow sets off a chain of miraculous and catastrophic events--upending the lives of Leonard's rigidly God-fearing mother, June; his deeply conflicted father, Emmett; and his best friend, Azalea, and her mother, Rose, who is also the town prostitute. While the local Baptist minister passes judgment on events and promises dire consequences, the people of this small community on the banks of Big Sugar move together toward awakening. Susan Gilmore's love of storytelling flows naturally from her Tennessee roots. She's the daughter of a revival preacher's son, brought up on the land and streams that populate this novel that is, as Appalachian novelist Lee Smith says, a "homespun Pilgrim's Progress." Susan Gregg Gilmore is the author of the novels The Curious Calling of Leonard Bush, Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen, The Improper Life of Bezellia Grove, and The Funeral Dress. She has written for the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Los Angeles Times, and the Christian Science Monitor. Born in Nashville, she lives in Tennessee with her husband. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Susan Glimore about her wonderful novel, The Curious Calling of Leonard Bush (Blair, 2025).  Young Leonard Bush buries his lost leg and saves his whole East Tennessee town in this winsome and miracle-making novel. When twelve-year-old Leonard Bush loses his leg in a freak accident, he decides to give his leg a proper burial in the hilltop cemetery of his East Tennessee town. This event somehow sets off a chain of miraculous and catastrophic events--upending the lives of Leonard's rigidly God-fearing mother, June; his deeply conflicted father, Emmett; and his best friend, Azalea, and her mother, Rose, who is also the town prostitute. While the local Baptist minister passes judgment on events and promises dire consequences, the people of this small community on the banks of Big Sugar move together toward awakening. Susan Gilmore's love of storytelling flows naturally from her Tennessee roots. She's the daughter of a revival preacher's son, brought up on the land and streams that populate this novel that is, as Appalachian novelist Lee Smith says, a "homespun Pilgrim's Progress." Susan Gregg Gilmore is the author of the novels The Curious Calling of Leonard Bush, Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen, The Improper Life of Bezellia Grove, and The Funeral Dress. She has written for the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Los Angeles Times, and the Christian Science Monitor. Born in Nashville, she lives in Tennessee with her husband. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature

Inflation posted a 2.9% annual rate in August, up from 2.3% in April. Job creation has slowed sharply. These key indicators put pressure on Republicans as the party in power – even as they push blame toward the Federal Reserve and Democrats. Also: today's stories, including how gruesome footage of the killings of Charlie Kirk and a Ukrainian refugee has renewed debate about safeguards for online content; whether Israel and Syria can find common ground on border issues; and how the U.S. Department of War will differ from the Defense Department. Join the Monitor's Cameron Pugh for today's news.

Chinese students and scholars have long made up the largest foreign scientific community in America, a major talent pool. The Trump administration has not made them feel welcome; can Beijing tempt them to return home? Also: today's stories, including whether Gaza peace talks are possible after a failed Israeli Hamas assassination; how residents of Gaza City are struggling to find places to go after an Israeli evacuation order; and our film critic's guide to the Toronto International Film Festival. Join the Monitor's Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news.

Rather than replacing workers, AI is making humans more productive, the evidence so far suggests. In today's stories, we look at the Trump administration's plan to downsize the State Department, the potential U.S. government shutdown, and how New England states are dealing with a Canadian travel boycott. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

Reading and math skills among U.S. high school seniors have fallen to their lowest levels on record, according to an upcoming report. “If we are serious about helping kids to learn … we need to carve out the time for it,” an advocate of science and math learning tells the Monitor. In today's stories, we also look into the U.S. missile attack against an alleged crime boat, the lives of Ukraine's front-line medics, and the horror film boom in Indonesia. Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

A sizable number of teens and young adults in the U.S. are not in school, employed, or in job training. Civic leaders want to reconnect them to a path toward productive adulthood. Also: today's stories, including how grand juries in Los Angeles and Washington, DC, are pushing back against indictments; how a vote of confidence in French Prime Minister François Bayrou reveal a nation at political loggerheads; and how young Americans are seeking more in-person connection through team sports from softball to kickball. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

Both parties agree in principle that health policy should be driven by facts and science, not by politics. But translating science into policy involves human judgments. And an uproar this week around vaccines shows rising tension over public health. Also: today's stories, including how some Latin Americans are embracing U.S. intervention amid record violence; whether current laws designed to stop potential gun violence by people deemed a threat to themselves or others could have prevented a recent shooting in Minnesota; and how Lebanon's government is facing a new test in disarming a weakened Hezbollah. Join the Monitor's Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news.

Liz Butterfield Wallingford, from Chesterfield, Missouri, USAYou can read Liz's article in The Christian Science Monitor.We'd love to hear your inspiration. To submit your Daily Lift, go to christianscience.com/dailylift.

Vladimir Putin and other world leaders alienated by the West gathered in China this week – first for an economic summit in Tianjin and then a military parade in Beijing. The meetings offer a glimpse of what Chinese leader Xi Jinping's New World Order might look like. Also: today's stories, including how U.S. President Donald Trump's normalizing armed troops patrolling Washington absent a security crisis could impact how Americans are governed in years to come; concerns over President Trump's executive order to create a “quick reaction force” using National Guard units; and how one grassroots organization in India is fighting for women's legal rights against human traffickers. Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

David Sterritt is a film critic, author, teacher and scholar. He is most notable for his work on Alfred Hitchcock and Jean-Luc Godard, and his many years as the Film Critic for The Christian Science Monitor, where, from 1968 until... Read More ›

David Sterritt is a film critic, author, teacher and scholar. He is most notable for his work on Alfred Hitchcock and Jean-Luc Godard, and his many years as the Film Critic for The Christian Science Monitor, where, from 1968 until... Read More ›

David Sterritt is a film critic, author, teacher and scholar. He is most notable for his work on Alfred Hitchcock and Jean-Luc Godard, and his many years as the Film Critic for The Christian Science Monitor, where, from 1968 until... Read More ›

Funding for the federal government runs out at month's end. To prevent a shutdown, bipartisanship will be required. The good news is that talks might be in the offing. Also, today's stories: how the National Guard court ruling affects President Trump's plans for other cities; whether President Trump's gains among Latinos will stick; and how a new statue aims to revitalize Massachusetts' oldest neighborhood. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

The tragic shooting of children at Annunciation Catholic School in Minnesota comes after the assassination of a state legislator earlier this summer. The incidents have revealed divides over how to reduce gun violence – as well as a universal desire to emerge from the turbulence stronger. Also: today's stories, including how some religious leaders and volunteers are standing with immigrants at court hearings; how the U.S. and China are racing to build humanoid robots capable of performing many daily tasks; and how the end of tax exemptions for small parcels entering the U.S. is affecting the Indian diaspora. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

The shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis was the third such tragedy involving a Christian school in as many years. Security has long been top of mind at Jewish and Muslim schools; now there are growing efforts within Christian school communities to fortify their institutions. Also: today's stories, including how sending a U.S. naval force off the coast of Venezuela has revived regional anxiety over U.S. militarism, how laws protecting asylum-seekers in Europe are under fire from the public, and what changes Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill' will bring to colleges and students. Join the Monitor's Harry Bruinius for today's news.

Brazil has the world's second-largest rare earth reserves. The country is trying to rewrite the rules of global extractive industries. In today's stories, we also write about in-person summer schools in Ukraine, a job-creating but environmentally risky project in Spain, and we share our favorite books of August. Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

David Sterritt is a film critic, author, teacher and scholar. He is most notable for his work on Alfred Hitchcock and Jean-Luc Godard, and his many years as the Film Critic for The Christian Science Monitor, where, from 1968 until... Read More ›

Among all the shortages in war-ravaged Gaza, clean water is one of the most critical. Already facing the perils of famine and a new Israeli military offensive, families must engage in a daily hunt for water that often is barely usable. Also: today's stories, including the latest on U.S. President Donald Trump's attempt to oust Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board; how a Syrian comedy renaissance is blooming in Damascus; and how some states are attempting to impose campaign spending limits. Join the Monitor's Kendra Nordin Beato for today's news.

Ken Makin, cultural commentator for the Christian Science Monitor, connects the current attacks on the Smithsonian with a recent conversation he had with his seven-year-old son about slavery and freedom.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

A lawsuit by the Trump Department of Justice is unprecedented in that it sues all the federal District Court judges in Maryland at once. At stake is a case involving deportation, rights of habeas corpus, and the Constitution's separation of powers. Also: today's stories, including how the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) might spur an international aid response in Gaza, how a Boston neighborhood and a college cope with a housing crisis, and a ballet school showing Kenyans that dance is for everyone. Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina threatened to snuff out the spirit of New Orleans. Two decades later, our reporter and photographer chronicle the city's healing journey. Also: today's stories, including how carmakers like Ford are focusing on EVs; how Syrian seamstresses are bringing an ancient craft to life; and our columnist's visit with his son to the Equal Justice Initiative's sculpture park in the wake of President Donald Trump's order to review America's museums. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

FBI Raids John Bolton. Ukraine Summit. But No Ukraine Progress. Troops in DC. Gerrymander Fight. Epstein Not Going Away. Smithsonian/Slavery. With Katherine Doyle, White House Reporter for NBC News, Linda Feldmann, Washington Bureau Chief and White Correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor and Kirk Bado, Editor, The National Journal Hotline. Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Teachers. More information at AFT.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beyond wrangling over whether sending thousands of federal troops to Washington, D.C., is needed or even legal, residents and crime experts say real community investment – not a show of force – is the better anti-crime strategy. Also: today's stories, including why some Russian observers believe Russia is content to wait out a peace deal with Ukraine; how foreign leaders are adjusting their diplomatic strategies to a more personal approach when dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump; and how one social media influencer tries to shed light on deportation - and showcase the unexpected joys of making a fresh start. Join the Monitor's April Austin for today's news.

David Sterritt is a film critic, author, teacher and scholar. He is most notable for his work on Alfred Hitchcock and Jean-Luc Godard, and his many years as the Film Critic for The Christian Science Monitor, where, from 1968 until... Read More ›

An era of abundant low-cost imports faces a reckoning – but not necessarily an end – as the Trump tariffs take hold. America's long pivot from thrift toward consumption is deeply engrained. So is the economics of global supply chains. Also: today's stories, including how film can bring together India and Pakistan, how two historic Black churches share one vision of freedom and a review of Alix Morris' book “A Year with the Seals: Unlocking the Secrets of the Sea's Most Charismatic and Controversial Creatures.” Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

Christina Baker Kline is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of eight novels, including The Exiles, Orphan Train, and A Piece of the World. Published in more than forty countries, her novels have received the New England Prize for Fiction, the Maine Literary Award, and a Barnes & Noble Discover Award, among other accolades, and have been chosen by hundreds of communities, universities and schools as “One Book, One Read” selections. Christina divides her time between New York City and Maine. While PLEASE DON'T LIE is her first thriller, she has a penchant for writing characters who meet untimely ends.Anne Burt's debut novel, The Dig, was an ABA IndieNext pick, the Strand Book Store's top mystery selection for spring 2023, and IndieNext's lead “Thrills & Chills” reading group title for summer 2024. Anne is also the editor of My Father Married Your Mother: Dispatches from the Blended Family and coeditor, with Christina Baker Kline, of About Face: Women Write About What They See When They Look in the Mirror. Her essays and fiction have appeared in numerous publications and venues, including Salon, NPR, and The Christian Science Monitor; she is a past winner of Meridian's Editors' Prize in Fiction. Anne graduated from Yale University with a BA in history, and from New York University with an MFA in creative writing. She lives in New York City, Weston CT, and the dark corners of her own imagination.Killer Women Podcast is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network#podcast #author #interview #authors #KillerWomen #KillerWomenPodcast #authorsontheair #podcast #podcaster #killerwomen #killerwomenpodcast #authors #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair #suspensebooks #authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip #writers #writersinspiration #books #bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted #bookaddiction #bibliophile #read #amreading #lovetoread #daniellegirard #daniellegirardbooks #christinabakerkline #anneburt #amazonpublishing #thomasandmercer

Christina Baker Kline is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of eight novels, including The Exiles, Orphan Train, and A Piece of the World. Published in more than forty countries, her novels have received the New England Prize for Fiction, the Maine Literary Award, and a Barnes & Noble Discover Award, among other accolades, and have been chosen by hundreds of communities, universities and schools as “One Book, One Read” selections. Christina divides her time between New York City and Maine. While PLEASE DON'T LIE is her first thriller, she has a penchant for writing characters who meet untimely ends. Anne Burt's debut novel, The Dig, was an ABA IndieNext pick, the Strand Book Store's top mystery selection for spring 2023, and IndieNext's lead “Thrills & Chills” reading group title for summer 2024. Anne is also the editor of My Father Married Your Mother: Dispatches from the Blended Family and coeditor, with Christina Baker Kline, of About Face: Women Write About What They See When They Look in the Mirror. Her essays and fiction have appeared in numerous publications and venues, including Salon, NPR, and The Christian Science Monitor; she is a past winner of Meridian's Editors' Prize in Fiction. Anne graduated from Yale University with a BA in history, and from New York University with an MFA in creative writing. She lives in New York City, Weston CT, and the dark corners of her own imagination. Killer Women Podcast is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network #podcast #author #interview #authors #KillerWomen #KillerWomenPodcast #authorsontheair #podcast #podcaster #killerwomen #killerwomenpodcast #authors #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair #suspensebooks #authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip #writers #writersinspiration #books #bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted #bookaddiction #bibliophile #read #amreading #lovetoread #daniellegirard #daniellegirardbooks #christinabakerkline #anneburt #amazonpublishing #thomasandmercer

School meal debt has been rising. Now, changes to SNAP and Medicaid could reduce automatic eligibility for free and reduced price meals. How are schools responding to prevent hunger and save their budgets? Also: today's stories, including how the demise of USAID has fractured communities, how a female Hindu priest is defying norms, and how the end of Assad's leadership allows Syrians to read previously banned books. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy walked into the Oval Office on Monday to confront an essential question: Will his country, Ukraine, remain Ukrainian? In today's stories, we also look into Trump's crime crackdown in D.C., massive anti-war protests in Israel, and the worries of Afghan asylum seekers in the U.S. Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

Since the fall of Kabul four years ago, about 200,000 Afghans have arrived in the United States, many of whom supported U.S. war efforts. Now, some Afghans are questioning whether their status in the U.S. is secure, while they also try to bring more family here. Also: today's stories, including how ‘docufiction' helped director Kate Beecroft capture wild horses, Denzel Washington and Spike Lee's reunion in their new film “Highest 2 Lowest,” and our essayist's birding journey. Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for his summit with President Donald Trump on Friday, his refusal to countenance a ceasefire in Ukraine before peace talks could pose a stumbling block to negotiations. Also: today's stories, including how the current political fight in Texas over redistricting is a sign that hard-nosed politics are now the norm; why some Pakistanis aren't thrilled with a budding U.S.-Pakistan friendship; and how one artist is painting New Orleans' many contrasts, from struggle to rebirth. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

Akira Kurosawa is one of the world’s most revered directors, his films often cited as inspiration amongst other auteurs. Sometimes that inspiration has led to full-on remakes of Kurosawa’s films, such as Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest (2025), an adaptation of Kurosawa’s High and Low (1963). Other adaptations of Kurosawa’s work include Seven Samurai and Yojimbo. Kurosawa himself liked to adapt pre-existing stories. Many of his films are interpretations of Shakespeare plays. Even High and Low is based on a novel. So how does one go about adapting and remaking a film by a great director like Kurosawa? How is the story updated for new audiences? And what kind of films lend themselves to adaptations? Today on FilmWeek, we discuss Hollywood’s attempts to remake some of Kurosawa’s most beloved films and what makes a good adaptation. Joining Larry Mantle is Peter Rainer, film critic for LAist and the Christian Science Monitor, Tim Cogshell, film critic for LAist, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com, and Charles Solomon, film critic for LAist, Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine. Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

As Ukrainians field swarms of destructive Russian drones, the world is watching modern warfare unfold. Here is what Russia's summer drone blitz in Ukraine says about the future of war. Also: today's stories, including an Israeli women's group protesting war in Gaza; why Democrats' are poorly rated despite President Donald Trump's similarly low approval ratings; and how Trump can negotiate between Russia and Ukraine. Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

In Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine, a battle is on over national identity, as teens face intense efforts to convince them that their real identity is Russian. In today's package, we also explore how schools are bracing for absenteeism among immigrant children, how China is making gains in the AI race, and why France is cracking down on ‘ultrafast' fashion. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

President Trump, citing high crime, said Monday that he is placing the District of Columbia police department under federal control and deploying the National Guard. But the move comes as statistics show violent crime in the city at a 30-year low, and is stirring controversy. Also: today's stories, including how a new diploma gives Indiana students the option to earn different “seals” depending on whether they want to go straight to work, serve in the military, or head to college; how abductions have become a weapon in Sudan's civil war; and how one pending federal rule could provide safety guidelines to keep outdoor workers safer in high temperatures. Join the Monitor's Erika Page for today's news.

While Black Lives Matter protests may not have brought lasting reforms nationwide, in Sanford, Florida, the town where Treyvon Martin was killed in 2012, change has taken root. Also in today's stories: the people fighting to keep local news alive, the stand-up comics testing free speech in India, and the role of Monopoly in rescuing POWs from German prison camps. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

TX Dems Stand-up. CA-NY-IL Dems Fight Back. Epstein Still. Selling the BBB. GOP Town Hall Problems. Trump: Obama Committed Treason. Treason Claims=Epstein Distraction. Tariff Price Hikes are Here. With Allan Smith, Political Reporter for NBC News, Amanda Becker, Washington Correspondent for 19th News and Cameron Joseph, Senior Washington Reporter for the Christian Science Monitor.Today's Bill Press Pod is supported by The American Federation of Government Employees. More information at AFGE.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Russia's military presence on a narrow sandbar controlling a major Black Sea access point has badly disrupted Ukraine's economy. What can Kyiv do about that? Also: today's stories, including how Trump may reach a peace deal between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, why Italy's far-right premier wins plaudits from European neighbors, and an impression of Provence, where the Tour de France took place. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

Japan is the only country in the world to have experienced nuclear war. As the country marks the 80th anniversary of the United States' bombing of Hiroshima, some activists wonder if the city is as committed to disarmament as it once was. Also: today's stories, the Trump administration's tariffs take effect on dozens of nations, our Paris correspondent takes a dip in the Seine, and British painter David Hockney's glorious art book that captures his 60-year career. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

In Florida, National Guard troops were activated to support Immigration and Custom Enforcement officers in nine cities. The move is part of a larger escalation that expands the military's involvement in immigration operations. Also: today's stories, including residents rebuilding after a volcano eruption in the Canary Islands, aid matchmakers filling the gap left by USAID funding cuts, and the wider impact of Corporation for Public Broadcasting's shutdown on the media landscape. Join the Monitor's Yvonne Zipp for today's news.

Famine is threatening tens of thousands in Gaza. To avert it, humanitarian assistance must ramp up fast, experts say. Also in today's stories: why young Indonesians remain discontent with the job market despite a new tariff deal, how sea food arrives on your table, and how young people in Massachusetts are working to protect an endangered turtle species. Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

While elite institutions shaped the pandemic response, critics say they sidelined dissenting views, deepening distrust and contributing to Donald Trump's reelection. As the pandemic divided the United States, could a full accounting help the nation heal? Also: today's stories, including European and Arab governments making diplomatic progress towards peace, an artist pulling her work from the National Portrait Gallery, and a national opera house serving as a bomb-shelter cathedral in Ukraine. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

The international community has unified around the question of Palestinian statehood, diverging from the U.S. and Israel. But will it make a difference? Not since the mid-1950s under Dwight Eisenhower has a U.S. president held such sway over Israel. Also: today's stories, including how Sudanese women exiled by war are finding freedom from female genital mutilation; why Europeans have been pushing back on cruise ships; and a photo essay from Massachusetts' famed Brimfield Antique Flea Market. Join the Monitor's Linda Feldmann for today's news.

Growing global outrage over the hunger crisis in Gaza has many asking if Israel had a deliberate policy of starving civilians. Israelis say that was never the case, but an ignorance of Palestinian suffering allowed an inconsistent government policy to lead to a calamity. Also: today's stories, including how the president has recently touted a trade deal with the EU, but the overall economic outlook is uncertain, how staff are working to help patrons stay connected to reading, education, and daily life, and how Finland has been ranked the world's happiest country for years. But that doesn't mean Finns are a smiling, perky people. Join the Monitor's Kurt Shillinger for today's news.

President Trump's tariff threats are in some cases turning into tariff deals. The details of the broad agreements are yet to come and may determine whether the U.S. comes out ahead. Also: today's stories, including how Europeans feel in the wake of a new U.S.-EU trade deal; why Argentines are struggling economically despite efforts to tackle inflation; and a look at how volunteerism in Japan has surged in the decades following the devastating 1995 Kobe earthquake. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.

The Trump administration faces pressure to release additional files from investigations of sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein. Here's what's known from two decades of lawsuits and what could come from efforts to reveal more. Also: today's stories, including a look at the effects of Syria's drought crisis, the Monitor's Francine Kiefer's farewell letter to readers and a new generation of journalists, and how the ceasefire reached between Thailand and Cambodia could help hundreds of thousands of displaced people return home. Join the Monitor's Christa Case Bryant for today's news.

Bobby Lewis, CS, from Buena Vista, Colorado, USAYou can read Bobby's article in The Christian Science Monitor.

Robert Witney, CS, from Boston, Massachusetts, USAYou can find the Christian Science Monitor podcast, Why We Wrote This, as well as a wide range of other audio content, at christianscience.com/audio.