Getting offered a record deal still feels like a milestone, and in many ways it is. The advance hits your account, the label's name carries weight, and suddenly the years of grinding feel validated.

Last week, Catarina Macario reset the market. The U.S. women’s national team forward signed a record-breaking five-year deal with the San Diego Wave of the NWSL after leaving English club Chelsea.

Why is Christian Science in our name? Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and we’ve always been transparent about that. The church publishes the ...