The U.S. Office of Personnel Management issued new guidance today affirming federal employees’ rights to express religious beliefs at work, including displaying symbols, praying during breaks, and discussing faith—while reinforcing protections for all religions under longstanding federal law.
Indigenous Land
Pagan Community Notes: Week of July 17, 2025
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Mystic South sets a new attendance record; the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida takes legal action to stop the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center; Indigenous leader Betty Osceola calls for prayers—which local Pagans answer; and more.
Europe
Evidence of a shrine to Odysseus found on Ithaca
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Archeologists with the University of Ioannina have used decades of excavations on the Greek island of Ithaca to identify the site of a shrine that was the center of a cult to Odysseus, hero of Homer’s Odyssey.
News
Lawsuit seeks to block Christian-centric Social Studies Standards
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A new lawsuit challenges Oklahoma’s Bible-based public school standards, alleging they violate religious freedom, promote Christian nationalism, and include political misinformation—prompting urgent calls to block implementation before the upcoming school year begins.
News
Religious Liberty Commission Begins Work amid Concerns over Church–State Separation
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Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission launches with Christian nationalist overtones, drawing criticism for lacking diversity and threatening church–state separation. Critics warn it weaponizes religious freedom to serve a narrow ideological agenda.
Culture
Pagan Community Notes: Week of June 19, 2025
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In this week’s Pagan Community Notes: We honor Juneteenth and share Solstice Blessings as the Wheel turns once more. We report on Pakistan’s controversial move to criminalize magical practitioners, highlight a divination conference in Southern California, and bring you Star’s Tarot of the Week. Happy Litha, Happy Midsummer, and Happy Yule—wherever you are in the world, may the season bring light, insight, and joy!