United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 1908
Ownership
The Christian Science Monitor is owned and published by The First Church of Christ, Scientist (the Christian Science church), headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The church's Board of Directors appoints the Monitor's editor but, by long-standing policy, leaves day-to-day editorial decisions to the editor's professional judgment. It was founded in 1908 at the urging of church founder Mary Baker Eddy as a counter to the sensationalist press of the era.
Funding
The Monitor is financed through reader subscriptions and digital memberships, supplemented by direct financial support from the church, which subsidizes the operation above what subscription revenue covers. It also solicits reader donations to support its journalism.
Affiliation & stance
Although it carries a single daily religious article, the Monitor is a general-interest news organization with editorial independence rather than a proselytizing publication, and it is widely regarded as centrist and credible. Because it is owned, published and financially subsidized by a specific church body (a non-state, non-commercial controlling entity), it is best classified as DEPENDENT rather than a purely independent commercial outlet.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 95
77/100
Factual
72/100
Objective
132
Articles
132
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
U.S. and Iran agree to cease attacks and return to talks
'The View' co-host Joy Behar says Americans 'should all be' embarrassed by U.S.
Trump taps former Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer to head ICE
Ten years after Brexit, the U.K. marks a lost decade
Key measure of inflation climbed in May as surging oil prices pushed costs higher
I Am A Woman Who Had To Compete Against A Man And It’s Anything But Fair Play
D.L. Hughley calls White House UFC crowd 'racists' in social media tirade
Supreme Court's Hawai'i gun law ruling narrows playbook for other states
EU observers back Colombia vote count amid challenge to results
Recent coverage
Three things to watch amid Anthropic’s latest feud with the government
Anthropic, an AI company based in the United States, developed an advanced AI model called Mythos, which demonstrated exceptional capabilities in handling code. Concerned about potential cybersecurity risks, Anthropic shared limited access with cybersecurity experts before releasing a modified version called Fable to the public. However, the U.S. government quickly intervened, citing national security concerns and imposing export restrictions on Fable. Anthropic subsequently revoked access to both models. This incident has sparked discussions about the broader implications of AI regulation, with some arguing that the government's response was overly reactive rather than well-planned. Additionally, the event has raised questions about the reliability of American AI companies, prompting European leaders to consider accelerating their own AI development efforts. Meanwhile, open-source AI models from China have gained attention due to their affordability and accessibility, potentially influencing global AI strategies.
Born in the U.S.A.: Protecting the right of birthright citizenship
The article discusses the legal concept of birthright citizenship in the United States, as outlined in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. It states that anyone born in the U.S., except for children of diplomats or invading forces, is automatically a citizen. Professor Amanda Frost explains that the wording of the amendment leaves little room for interpretation. However, public opinion remains split, with roughly half of Americans supporting granting citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants and the other half opposing it. In January 2025, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order attempting to reinterpret the 14th Amendment to exclude most children of undocumented immigrants from automatic citizenship, but this was blocked by a lower court and is currently under review by the Supreme Court. The article references historical cases such as Dred Scott v. Sandford, where the Supreme Court ruled that Black individuals could not be citizens, leading to the creation of the 14th Amendment. Another landmark case, Wong Kim Ark v. United States, affirmed birthright citizenship for those born in the U.S., including children of immigrants.
Putin recognizes the oil map for the first time
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged for the first time that Russia is building 'some oil reserves' during a meeting focused on energy issues. He emphasized the need to strengthen domestic oil production and increase output. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued their attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, detonating an oil purification plant in the southern Krasnodar region, which produces around four million tons of crude oil annually. The Krasnodar region is one of Russia's largest oil-producing areas located near the Black Sea. On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces launched large-scale air strikes on Sevastopol, the largest city on Crimea, including attacks on oil facilities. In response, Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, has restricted fuel sales to the public to counteract the energy shortages. According to reports, these attacks have had no impact on the front line. During an interview with a Russian state television station, Putin described the Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as an attempt to destabilize Russian society. He stated that Ukraine's goal was to halt the deployment of Russian military units to improve their position in arms control talks.
The American Revolution Isn't Over
The article reflects on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, examining the American Revolution not just as a historical event of independence from Britain but as a foundational shift in political philosophy regarding governance and individual rights. It highlights Thomas Jefferson's emphasis on resistance to tyranny and the idea of self-rule, referencing quotes from historical figures like Jefferson and Thomas Paine. The piece contrasts this revolutionary ideology with contemporary challenges, suggesting that elements of a 'counterrevolution' are emerging, which view the current system as a failed liberal regime. It mentions J.D. Vance's comments on the state of American democracy and his association with postliberal thinkers such as Patrick Deneen, who argue for a radical rethinking of the existing political order.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
A private company, Katalyst Space, in collaboration with NASA and Northrop Grumman, launched an experimental space tug called LINK to rescue the $250 million Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which is set to re-enter Earth's atmosphere by year's end. The mission, conducted using an air-launched Pegasus XL rocket from a modified L-1011 transport plane, aims to extend the telescope's operational life by reboosting it to a higher orbit. The spacecraft, developed under an $30 million NASA contract, faces challenges including delays due to weather and technical issues. If successful, the mission could provide the telescope with an additional 10 years of service, allowing it to continue monitoring cosmic phenomena. NASA officials emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that without intervention, the telescope would eventually fall back to Earth.
Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement
Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement on Friday in Washington, mediated by the Trump administration, marking a diplomatic breakthrough. The agreement aims to end Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon and restore Lebanon's territorial integrity, though implementation remains uncertain due to Hezbollah's continued influence. The framework includes immediate steps like pilot projects where Israeli forces will withdraw from specific areas and Lebanese troops will deploy, with U.S. involvement to ensure these zones are free of Hezbollah. A senior Israeli official emphasized maintaining security until Hezbollah is disarmed, while a Hezbollah-affiliated leader criticized the agreement, warning of potential civil conflict. The agreement comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel conducting targeted strikes against perceived threats. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, praised the agreement as a step toward peace, promising $100 million in aid for Lebanon.
Lead Iran negotiator tells allies Tehran will go to war again if U.S. does not fulfill commitments
Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned allies China and Belarus that Iran would consider resuming hostilities if the U.S. fails to uphold commitments outlined in a recent memorandum of understanding. This statement came during meetings in Tehran with delegations from China and Belarus, who were present for the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Ghalibaf emphasized Iran's expectation of non-interference by the U.S. in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route previously disrupted by conflict. He also discussed strengthening economic ties with China, highlighting its role as a major buyer of Iranian oil and a potential strategic ally. Recent tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated after an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to reciprocal military actions before both sides agreed to de-escalate and hold indirect talks in Doha.
Extreme heat bears down as America 250 celebrations ramp up. Trump heads to Mount Rushmore
As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence from Great Britain, festivities are taking place nationwide amid concerns over extreme heat affecting both events and public health. President Donald Trump is set to attend events at Mount Rushmore and deliver speeches in Washington, D.C., while other celebrations include a ball drop in New York City and large-scale fireworks displays. However, high temperatures have led to adjustments in event planning, such as canceling rehearsals for the Capitol Fourth concert and adding hydration and cooling measures at various locations. The anniversary has also highlighted political divisions, with two competing organizations—Freedom 250, associated with the White House, and the bipartisan America250—organizing different aspects of the celebrations. Public sentiment toward the anniversary remains mixed, with about 40% of Americans feeling proud and 30% excited.
9 colleges recall when the American Revolution came to campus
The article discusses how nine colonial-era American colleges played significant roles during the American Revolution. These institutions, including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and others, either hosted soldiers on their campuses or educated individuals who later became pivotal figures in the founding of the United States. During the war, some campuses were repurposed for military use, such as turning dormitories and libraries into hospitals or barracks. Today, these universities highlight their historical ties to the Revolution through exhibits, lectures, and archival materials. Notable alumni include Founding Fathers like Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison, whose educations at these institutions contributed to their leadership roles. Some schools have even sought compensation for wartime damages, such as Harvard's claim for losses incurred during the Siege of Boston.
Trump Claimed to Run Venezuela. After Earthquakes, He’s Walking That Back.
Following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, U.S. President Donald Trump initially asserted that the U.S. would 'run' Venezuela, declaring 'we're in charge.' However, after two major earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing significant casualties and destruction, Trump shifted to offering limited humanitarian assistance rather than asserting direct control. A U.S. government official suggested that Trump's response does not reflect the extent of U.S. influence over Venezuela, which they describe as a 'vassal state.' Meanwhile, Venezuelan American organizations and progressive foreign policy groups plan to request substantial, unconditional humanitarian aid from the Trump administration, citing U.S. responsibility for the crisis caused by sanctions and military actions. These groups argue that U.S. aid must match the scale of the harm inflicted. Trump has previously claimed that the U.S. has profited significantly from Venezuela's oil resources, recovering war costs 28 times over, but critics highlight economic analyses indicating that U.S. policies have exacerbated Venezuela's struggles.
America’s next 250? A revival of civic virtues might hold the key.
The article discusses the concept of 'civic virtue' and its potential role in revitalizing American democracy. It profiles George Morris, an Idaho-based musician who founded the nonprofit Innerbeast, which offers free cooking and art classes aimed at fostering community engagement. Morris shares his personal experience of homelessness and how acts of kindness inspired him to contribute to society. The piece highlights broader trends of renewed civic participation, such as increased voter turnout and military recruitment success, while acknowledging challenges like institutional decline and rising feelings of isolation. It references historical perspectives on civic responsibility and quotes experts like Eboo Patel and Arlie Russell Hochschild to contextualize these developments.
Team Trump squares up to rip Red and Blue critics of Iran peace deal
The Trump administration faces criticism from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress over a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Iran aimed at ending hostilities and advancing broader negotiations. Critics argue the deal represents a significant concession to Iran, including provisions for the release of frozen Iranian assets and funding for Iran's reconstruction, which they compare unfavorably to the 2015 nuclear deal under former President Barack Obama. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) called the MOU 'the worst foreign policy blunder in decades,' while Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) accused the administration of betraying Israel. Democratic senators such as Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey have also criticized the deal, with Warren comparing it to the Obama-era agreement and Markey demanding congressional rejection. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has been vocal in opposing the deal, describing it as 'the art of surrender.' The 2015 law requiring congressional review of agreements involving Iran's nuclear program may provide a legislative avenue for challenging the MOU.
Hong Kong mirrors China’s larger challenges on trust
The article discusses the evolving relationship between Hong Kong and China, focusing on the challenges to freedom of expression and political autonomy since Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 under the 'one country, two systems' framework. It highlights recent actions by the Chinese government, including the imposition of a national security law, the imprisonment of media activist Jimmy Lai, and the arrest of bookstore owners for distributing books deemed seditious. These measures are seen as efforts to suppress dissent and maintain control over information flow. Meanwhile, Hong Kong residents and others across China continue to resist through online activism and protests, despite increased surveillance and repression. The article notes that while China invests heavily in stability maintenance, human ingenuity in communication continues to challenge state control.
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