Thursday, August 27, 2026 - The Christian Science Monitor Daily

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.