Thursday, July 16, 2026 - The Christian Science Monitor Daily

With many of the hawkish voices on China muted or sidelined, the Trump administration has a dearth of seasoned China hands, raising questions about who is helping guide U.S. policy toward China. Other countries may be taking note. Also: today’s stories, including why Syrians are voicing confidence in public safety even as some distrust official accounts of recent bombings; how Utah residents are reacting to President Donald Trump’s proclamations that dramatically shrink two of Utah’s national monuments; and our film critic’s round-up of great classic literary film adaptations. Join the Monitor's Matthew Bell for today's news.