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 120
79/100
Factual
74/100
Objective
139
Articles
139
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
What to know about recent A.I. hacks.
The article titled 'What to know about recent A.I. hacks' from The New York Times (World) section aims to provide readers with information on recent incidents involving artificial intelligence systems being hacked. While the specific details of the hacks are not provided in the headline alone, the focus appears to be on understanding the implications, vulnerabilities, and potential risks associated with AI technology. Given the lack of detailed content, the summary remains general but highlights the importance of awareness regarding cybersecurity threats in the realm of artificial intelligence.
Far Right Makes Gains in Brazil as Flávio Bolsonaro Tops Lula in First Round of Presidential Race
Brazil's presidential election will proceed to a runoff between leftist incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and far-right Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, as neither candidate secured over 50% of the vote in the first round. Flávio Bolsonaro received 47% of the vote, while Lula received 45%. The second round of voting is scheduled for October 25. If elected, Flávio Bolsonaro has pledged to grant amnesty to his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest for planning a coup in 2022 to overturn Lula's previous victory. Additionally, Flávio Bolsonaro has expressed intentions to strengthen relations with the Trump administration, which has been accused of attempting to influence the election outcome in his favor. Brazilian philosopher Rodrigo Nunes attributes the rise of the far right to public disillusionment with politics, noting that many view the far right as offering relief from increasingly competitive societal conditions.
Supreme Court wrestles with energy companies' bid to block major climate suit
The U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether to allow a lawsuit brought by Boulder, Colorado, against energy companies Exxon and Suncor Energy over climate change impacts. The case, Suncor Energy v. Commissioners of Boulder County, involves whether state lawsuits against energy firms fall under federal law. Eight justices heard arguments, with Justice Samuel Alito recusing himself due to potential conflicts of interest. Alito’s absence raises concerns about a possible 4-4 deadlock, which would let the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling stand. The Trump administration supports Exxon and Suncor, while Boulder argues its case seeks compensation for environmental harm. The court is examining if it has jurisdiction to review the lower court’s decision.
A SCOTUS Petition Argues That Pot Growers, Like Pot Smokers, Cannot Be Categorically Disarmed
Joseph Johnson, a Colorado resident convicted of unauthorized marijuana cultivation in 2015, received probation but later faced federal charges under 18 USC 922(g)(1) due to his felony record, resulting in a 2025 federal prison sentence. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit upheld his conviction, rejecting his claim that it violated the Second Amendment. Johnson is now seeking Supreme Court review to challenge the application of Section 922(g)(1), arguing that nonviolent felons should not be categorically disarmed. This follows the Supreme Court's 2025 ruling in United States v. Hemani, where the Court struck down a similar law against cannabis users. Lower courts remain divided on whether the Second Amendment limits prosecutions under Section 922(g)(1), with some circuits allowing as-applied challenges while others block them. The 10th Circuit previously rejected such challenges in Vincent v. Bondi, involving a nonviolent felony conviction for check fraud.
Precis AI to roll out Willard tool for the Washington policy crowd
Precis AI, a Washington-based public relations company, is set to launch an AI tool designed for lobbyists and congressional staff. The tool aims to address concerns about AI-generated misinformation by helping users verify the accuracy of information. This development comes amid ongoing congressional discussions about regulating artificial intelligence. The tool reflects growing interest in using AI to support legislative processes while managing potential risks associated with the technology.
Israel, a Jewish and democratic state, maintains Arab citizens’ representation
In the lead-up to a significant election, Israel's highest court overturned a ban on two Arab-Israeli political parties. This decision reinforces Israel's commitment to maintaining a democratic framework that includes all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion. The ruling highlights the tension between majority rule and minority rights in a democracy. While Israel defines itself as both a Jewish and democratic state, this case underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure equal political representation for its Arab citizens. The court's action reflects broader discussions about balancing national identity with inclusive governance.
Low water levels, high demand force a reckoning for the Colorado River
The Colorado River and Lake Powell are experiencing historically low water levels, raising concerns about the sustainability of water supplies for millions of people. Authorities are now under pressure to find viable solutions to address the growing imbalance between water availability and demand. The situation highlights broader challenges related to climate change, overuse, and management practices affecting the region's water resources.
The butterfly monarch: A Kenyan lepidopterist’s collection archives a kingdom
The article discusses Steve Collins, a lepidopterist from Kenya, who is securing a permanent home for his extensive collection of 4.2 million butterflies. This collection represents a significant archive of butterfly species, highlighting the biodiversity and ecological importance of these insects. Collins' work contributes to scientific research and conservation efforts by preserving specimens for future study. His dedication to cataloging and protecting butterfly species underscores the value of such collections in understanding environmental changes and supporting biological research.
Our World: The week of Oct. 5, 2026
The article provides a global news roundup compiled by the Christian Science Monitor’s international team, covering developments from October 5, 2026. It includes updates on various international issues such as politics, economics, and social affairs across different regions. The piece highlights key events and trends but does not focus on any single country or issue. As a general overview, it aims to inform readers about significant global happenings during that specific week.
Reporters on the Job: From Toronto to Nairobi
This article introduces a recurring feature in which reporters from The Christian Science Monitor share their experiences, challenges, and insights from covering news stories across different regions of the world. The piece highlights the global reach of the publication and emphasizes the diverse perspectives brought by journalists working in various locations such as Toronto and Nairobi. It serves as an introduction to the series, encouraging readers to follow the ongoing reports and reflections from journalists in the field.
The American Sign Museum is an illuminating trip through time
The American Sign Museum in Cincinnati, founded in 1999, showcases the historical and artistic significance of signage in attracting customers to businesses. The museum highlights the evolution of sign design and its role in commerce over time.
My life sentence? Diagramming.
The article discusses the author's personal experience with learning grammar by breaking down clauses, highlighting how this approach transformed their perception of language from a tedious task into an engaging intellectual exercise. The piece focuses on the educational value of analyzing grammatical structures and how such practice can enhance both understanding and appreciation of linguistic patterns.
Trump says he’s banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House
President Donald Trump announced that he had banned CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, accusing them of spreading 'fake news' and 'fiction and lies.' In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that these media outlets should not be allowed to report on him if they are publishing falsehoods. Despite the alleged ban, reporters from these outlets were still present at the White House as of Friday afternoon. Trump warned that other media outlets might face similar restrictions but did not specify which ones. The affected outlets have not commented publicly yet, though CNN expressed support for its journalists and emphasized their constitutional right to report freely. Politico denied Trump's claim that it received government subsidies and vowed to defend its First Amendment rights. Trump's allegations about a government subsidy to Politico come from the Trump administration's assertion that DOGE uncovered such payments. This move is part of Trump's broader strategy to penalize media outlets for critical coverage, including previous actions against The Associated Press and legal battles with the BBC, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.