Saturday, March 21, 2026 - The Christian Science Monitor Daily

The U.S. military is the most powerful and best-funded in the world, but sea-mine defense has become an example of how key capabilities can be lost or neglected. Now, the Navy must scramble to address minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz. Also: today’s stories, including why more than 2,000 U.S. Marines are headed toward Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf; how six states are considering legislative proposals that protect the First Amendment rights of student journalists; and how our essayist practices birding as a way to slow down and notice the natural world. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.