The Washington Post (National)
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United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 1877
Ownership
The Washington Post was founded in 1877 by Stilson Hutchins. Since October 1, 2013, it has been owned by Nash Holdings LLC, the private holding company of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who bought it from the Graham family for $250 million. Nash Holdings is operated separately from Amazon, and Bezos is the sole controlling owner.
Funding
The Post is a commercial newspaper financed by digital and print subscriptions, advertising, and licensing of its publishing technology, supplemented by its billionaire owner's capital during periods of operating losses. It does not receive party or state funding.
Affiliation & stance
The Post is privately and commercially owned with no party or government control, making it INDEPENDENT. Its news coverage is generally seen as center-left, though owner Bezos has intervened editorially (e.g., reshaping the opinion section in 2025); that owner influence is commercial, not partisan-state, so the independent classification holds.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 125
76/100
Factual
76/100
Objective
144
Articles
144
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
Jim Bakker, televangelist who co-founded "The PTL Club" empire, dies at 86
Jim Bakker, a prominent televangelist who co-founded 'The PTL Club' television network with his first wife Tammy Faye, has died at the age of 86. The couple gained fame through their charismatic ministry and television programs but faced significant downfall due to a sex scandal involving Bakker's relationship with a young woman named Amy Davis, as well as allegations of financial misconduct. Their empire, which included churches and businesses, was severely damaged by these controversies. Bakker's death marks the end of a career that was both influential and controversial within Christian broadcasting.
Why the U.S. Bomber Withdrawal From a U.K. Air Base Is Significant
The U.S. has withdrawn its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in southern England, a decision made amid heightened security concerns following a suspected terror plot linked to Iran. The move was confirmed by a U.S. Defense Department official, who stated that the bombers have returned to their home stations in the U.S., though no specific reason for the withdrawal was provided. The timing of the removal coincides with the arrest of five U.K. nationals on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses near the base, following intelligence about suspicious vehicles approaching the facility. A dual British-Iranian national was also arrested in London in connection with the case. Experts suggest the withdrawal reflects growing concerns about the safety of U.S. military assets stationed overseas, particularly in light of potential Iranian involvement.
Christa Pike survived lethal injection. How your state carries out executions
Christa Pike, a woman convicted of murdering a classmate over three decades ago, survived two lethal injection doses during her scheduled execution in Tennessee, sparking renewed debate over execution protocols across the United States. This incident has raised questions about the reliability and safety of lethal injection, which accounts for approximately 89% of all executions since 1976. While lethal injection is the most commonly used method, other states employ alternatives such as electrocution, lethal gas, and firing squads. Tennessee’s case highlights variations in execution procedures, with some states allowing inmates to choose their method. The Supreme Court mandates that the death penalty be reserved for the most severe crimes, yet the controversy surrounding Pike’s survival underscores ongoing concerns about the ethics and effectiveness of capital punishment.
How did the Cornell rape case go so wrong?
In October 2024, a student at Cornell University reported a sexual assault by multiple men at a fraternity house, which was initially treated as a campus matter. Two years later, the victim, referred to as 'Jane Doe,' filed a civil lawsuit against the university, fraternity, sorority organizations, and a local bar, alleging they failed to protect her. The accused men's lawyers denied the claims, while Cornell stated disciplinary actions resulted in suspensions and expulsions. When Doe reported the incident to campus police, the district attorney's office determined the allegations did not meet the criteria for criminal charges. Despite reopening the investigation, the district attorney defended his initial decision. Governor Kathy Hochul appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor, expressing loss of confidence in the district attorney. Legal experts like Lauren Hersh discuss the handling of such cases, limitations of consent laws, and potential reforms.
Attorney for accused Cornell student calls on Letitia James to step aside over prior comments
New York Attorney General Letitia James is being called to step aside from investigating an alleged sexual assault at Cornell University due to her prior public statements supporting the accuser. Andrew Miltenberg, attorney for one of the accused fraternity members, argues that James' previous comments create an appearance of bias, undermining public confidence in the investigation's impartiality. The case involves a woman alleging seven former fraternity members drugged and sexually assaulted her, though the men deny wrongdoing. Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James' office as special prosecutor, replacing the local district attorney. Miltenberg emphasizes that his concerns are not political but rather about ensuring the investigation remains objective. He urges James to recuse herself and allow other prosecutors to handle the case.
Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak is the country’s largest in three decades
Pennsylvania is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in the U.S. in three decades, surpassing South Carolina's previous record of 997 cases. As of Monday, Pennsylvania reported 1,004 cases, including 198 hospitalizations, with nearly a third of cases involving children. Doctors note severe complications such as dehydration, liver issues, and neurological damage, with five deaths reported. The outbreak centers in Lancaster County, home to the nation's largest Amish population, where vaccination rates remain low despite no inherent religious opposition to vaccines. Experts warn that similar outbreaks could occur elsewhere if vaccination rates remain below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
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.
Disgraced Former House Speaker Dead At 84
Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL), known for his long tenure as the longest-serving Republican Speaker, has passed away at age 84. He died at his home in Kendall County, Illinois, according to the county coroner. Hastert faced significant personal and legal challenges later in life, including admitting to sexually abusing boys during his time as a high school wrestling coach. He served prison time for illegal financial activities aimed at paying hush money to one of his victims, becoming the highest-ranking elected U.S. official to serve a prison sentence. Prior to his political career, Hastert was a teacher and wrestling coach, earning recognition as Illinois Coach of the Year in 1976. He entered politics in 1986 and held various roles in Congress before becoming House Speaker in 1999. His leadership ended in 2007 after Republicans lost their majority. Following his release from prison in 2017, Hastert lived privately until his death.
Fewer young Americans are ‘thriving,’ poll finds
A recent Gallup poll indicates that fewer young Americans are describing themselves as 'thriving' compared to previous years, with only 44% of adults aged 18 to 29 reporting this sentiment. This figure has dropped significantly since 2010, and similar declines are observed among those aged 30 to 44. The decline in self-reported well-being is linked to rising rates of depression and other factors. Middle-aged adults (ages 45 to 64) also report lower levels of thriving, comparable to the 2008 financial crisis. Conversely, individuals aged 65 and older are more likely than ever to say they're thriving, primarily due to satisfaction with their economic circumstances.
Inside the Business of Trump’s Third-Country Deportations
The article discusses the expansion of third-country deportation policies under the Trump administration, which involves forcibly removing undocumented immigrants to countries where they have no prior ties or legal protections. Over 25,000 individuals have been affected by this practice, which critics argue is designed to intimidate and displace migrants. While third-country removals were historically used as a last resort for those facing persecution, the Trump administration has repurposed the policy to bypass legal and humanitarian safeguards. Recent legal challenges have failed to halt these operations, with the Department of Homeland Security continuing to schedule flights to countries like Burundi and Rwanda despite court orders. The administration has also engaged in secretive practices, including non-disclosure agreements and untransparent contracting, to avoid public oversight.
Banned book or not? Can you guess from the plot?
The article discusses the increasing number of book bans in U.S. schools, citing concerns over content such as sexual material, profanity, racial slurs, and stereotypes. According to PEN America, there were nearly 12,000 book bans during the 2025-2026 school year. These bans reflect broader societal debates over censorship, freedom of expression, and the role of education in addressing sensitive topics. The issue has sparked controversy among educators, parents, and advocacy groups, who argue over the appropriate balance between protecting students and preserving intellectual freedom.
Thousands of public servants are stuck waiting for student loan forgiveness
The article discusses a federal program designed to assist borrowers in catching up on student loan payments, which has become overwhelmed due to significant staffing reductions and a sharp increase in application numbers. This situation has led to delays in processing, leaving thousands of public servants unable to receive the relief they need. The program's inefficiency highlights broader challenges in managing large-scale financial assistance initiatives during periods of high demand. The issue underscores the strain on administrative systems and the potential impact on individuals reliant on such programs for financial stability.