August 13th, 2025 – Join FFRF Co-President Dan Barker, Secular Humanist Society of Peru (Santiago de Surco, Peru)
The Secular Humanist Society of Peru invites you to a powerful evening of critical reflection and open dialogue as part of Café Humaniste, a global event series by Humanists International.
Join us on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the Lima Central Tower for an exploration of The Sodalicio Case—one of the most significant religious abuse scandals in Latin America. The evening will feature a keynote by Dan Barker, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, followed by a roundtable discussion with journalists Pedro Salinas, Paola Ugaz, and José Enrique Escardó Steck—all key voices in uncovering the truth.
Event Schedule:
-
- 7:00 PM – Reception
- 7:30 PM – Opening Lecture: Dan Barker
- 8:20 PM – Roundtable: The Sodalicio Case
- 9:50 PM – Book Signing with Pedro Salinas (The Truth Made Us Free)
Registration is required and space is limited to 90 attendees. Secure your spot here.
Open to the public; DNI required for entry.
This event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the journalists and activists who have challenged institutional religious power and advocated for justice. Don’t miss it!
The post August 13th, 2025 – Join FFRF Co-President Dan Barker, Secular Humanist Society of Peru (Santiago de Surco, Peru) appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Court blocks Arkansas law requiring 10 Commandments in every public school
In a victory for religious freedom and church-state separation, a federal district court has issued a preliminary injunction in Stinson v. Fayetteville School District No. 1 prohibiting the school district defendants from implementing an Arkansas law that requires all public schools to permanently display a government-chosen, Protestant version of the Ten Commandments in every classroom and library.
In his decision, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Brooks held that Arkansas Act 573, due to take effect on Aug. 5, “is plainly unconstitutional” under both the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment.
Ruling that the law would lead to unconstitutional religious coercion of the child plaintiffs and interfere with their parents’ rights to direct their children’s religious education, Judge Brooks explained:
“Students receiving instruction in algebra, physics, engineering, accounting, computer science, woodworking, fashion design and German will do so in classrooms that prominently display (the King James version of) the Ten Commandments. Every day from kindergarten to 12th grade, children will be confronted with these Commandments — or face civil penalties for missing school.”
The decision also sounds the alarm against growing state efforts to “experiment” with government establishments of religion: “Why would Arkansas pass an obviously unconstitutional law? Most likely because the state is part of a coordinated strategy among several states to inject Christian religious doctrine into public-school classrooms.”
“Act 573 is a direct infringement of our religious-freedom rights, and we’re pleased that the court ruled in our favor,” says Samantha Stinson, who is a plaintiff in the case along with her husband, Jonathan Stinson. “The version of the Ten Commandments mandated by Act 573 conflicts with our family’s Jewish tenets and practice, and our belief that our children should receive their religious instruction at home and within our faith community, not from government officials.”
“We are delighted that reason and our secular Constitution have prevailed, and that children will be spared this unconstitutional proselytizing,” says Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. “Our public schools exist to educate, not to evangelize a captive audience.”
“Public schools are not Sunday schools,” says Heather L. Weaver, senior counsel for the ACLU’s Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief. “The decision ensures that our clients’ classrooms will remain spaces where all students, regardless of their faith, feel welcomed and can learn without worrying that they do not live up to the state’s preferred religious beliefs.”
“The ruling is a victory for Arkansas families and for the First Amendment,” says John Williams, legal director for the ACLU of Arkansas. “The court saw through this attempt to impose religious doctrine in public schools and upheld every student’s right to learn free from government-imposed faith. We’re proud to stand with our clients — families of many different backgrounds — who simply want their kids to get an education.”
“The decision will ensure that Arkansas families — not politicians or public-school officials — get to decide how and when their children engage with religion,” says Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. “It sends a strong message across the country that the government respects the religious freedom of every student in our public schools.”
“We are heartened by the well-reasoned decision that underscores a foundational principle of our nation: the government cannot impose religious doctrine,” says Jon Youngwood, co-chair of Simpson Thacher’s Litigation Department. “This ruling is critical to protecting the first amendment rights of students and families to make their own decisions as to whether and how they engage with religion.”
The preliminary injunction, issued by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, prohibits the school-district defendants, including Fayetteville School District No. 1, Springdale School District No. 50, Bentonville School District No. 6, and Siloam Springs School District No. 21, from “complying with Act 573 of 2025 by displaying the Ten Commandments in public elementary- and secondary-school classrooms and libraries.”
Represented by the Freedom from Religion Foundation, American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, the ACLU and Americans United for Separation of Church and State, with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP serving as pro bono counsel, the plaintiffs in Stinson v. Fayetteville School District No. 1 are a group of seven multifaith and nonreligious Arkansas families with children in public schools.
The post Court blocks Arkansas law requiring 10 Commandments in every public school appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Golden Corral suspends Preacher Appreciation Sundays promotion after alleged complaint from resident
WVNS 59 News (Ghent, WV)
By Cameron Gunnoe
The post Golden Corral suspends Preacher Appreciation Sundays promotion after alleged complaint from resident appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Judge blocks 4 districts from enforcing Arkansas law requiring Ten Commandments in classroom
AP News
By Andrew Demillo
The post Judge blocks 4 districts from enforcing Arkansas law requiring Ten Commandments in classroom appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Court Blocks Arkansas Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Every Public School Classroom and Library
ACLU
By Staff
The post Court Blocks Arkansas Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Every Public School Classroom and Library appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Federal judge issues injunction keeping Fayetteville schools from enforcing Ten Commandments law
Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette (Fayetteville, AR)
By Daniel McFadin
The post Federal judge issues injunction keeping Fayetteville schools from enforcing Ten Commandments law appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Jefferson County, Illinois Relocates Ten Commandments Monument Following Lawsuit
Atheism Daily
By Staff
The post Jefferson County, Illinois Relocates Ten Commandments Monument Following Lawsuit appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
A New Threat For Federal Workers: Being ‘Persuaded’ About Their Religion
HuffPost
By Nathalie Baptiste
The post A New Threat For Federal Workers: Being ‘Persuaded’ About Their Religion appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Texas pastors poised to wield political power after IRS says churches can endorse candidates
Fort Worth Report (Fort Worth, TX)
By Marissa Greene
The post Texas pastors poised to wield political power after IRS says churches can endorse candidates appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: The Seeds of Salvation #1” Review by Fanbasepress.com
Fanbasepress.com has added a new review for Robbie Thompson‘s “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: The Seeds of Salvation #1”:
Just in time for the all-new third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on Paramount+, IDW released a new series of adventures for Captain Pike and the Enterprise crew. Written by Robbie Thompson with art by Travis Mercer, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Seeds of Salvation takes place sometime after the first episode of season three.
Buy on Amazon.com
Buy On Books-A-Million.com
Buy On Book Depository.com
Find on E-Bay
DTI Treklit Investigation for the week of August 5, 2025
Here’s a look at the books printed this week in the past.
“Star Trek: A Singular Destiny” Review by Treknews.net
Treknews.net has added a new review for Keith R.A. DeCandido‘s “Star Trek: A Singular Destiny”:
We’ve been following Star Trek novels for a few years, and it feels like there’s an endless frontier of stories to explore. We love knowing there’s always a new adventure waiting in the vast literary universe of this franchise we know and cherish. The most recent book to come to our attention is one that serves as a sequel to the landmark Star Trek: Destiny trilogy. Star Trek: A Singular Destiny, published in 2009 and authored by Keith R.A. DeCandido, is kind of like The West Wing for Star Trek, in that it proves to be an enjoyable read for fans eager to delve deeper into galactic politics instead of thrilling action scenes.
Buy on Amazon.com
Buy On Books-A-Million.com
Buy On Book Depository.com
Find on E-Bay
Star Trek Book Deals For August 2025
This month’s ebook deals have landed with 18 books on sale for $1.99 each, books that have never been on sale are in bold:
The sale is back! Lots of repeats this month, but boy howdy am I happy to see this list show up again. What will you be buying?
Oh, while I have you here, there’s a new subscription service on the site, so if you want to get an email about these sales posts, just find the subscribe button in the sidebar over there –>
Star Trek
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
Star Trek: 101
Star Trek: 11 Yesterday’s Son
Star Trek: 38 The Idic Epidemic
Star Trek: Dark Victory
Star Trek: Day Of Honor 4: Treaty’s Law
Star Trek: Destiny Book 1: Gods Of Night
Star Trek: Destiny Book 3: Lost Souls
Star Trek: Errand of Fury Book 3: Sacrifices Of War
Star Trek: New Frontier: No Limits (Anthology)
Star Trek: Picard: The Dark Veil
Star Trek: Picard: The Last Best Hope
Star Trek: Spock’s World
Star Trek: The Next Generation: Death in Winter
Star Trek: The Original Series: No Time Like the Past
Star Trek: Titan: Sword of Damocles
Star Trek: VI The Undiscovered Country
“Inspired Enterprise” Review by Thespacereview.com
Thespacereview.com has added a new review for Glen E. Swanson‘s “Inspired Enterprise”:
In spring 1967, only a short time after the devastating Apollo 1 fire, Leonard Nimoy, who played Mister Spock on Star Trek, visited NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland where he was greeted enthusiastically by NASA employees. Although demoralized over the tragic deaths of the astronauts, many at NASA were fans of Star Trek and thought of the Enterprise and its crew as the NASA of the future, a positive future of humans exploring the stars. This is one of the many connections that the show had to NASA at the time that is recounted in a new book by my friend Glen Swanson.
Buy on Amazon.com
Buy On Books-A-Million.com
Buy On Book Depository.com
Find on E-Bay
Trump admin says federal workers may proselytize
Baptist News Global
By Jeff Brumley
The post Trump admin says federal workers may proselytize appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Just how ‘high and impregnable’ is the wall between church and state in the US?
Crikey
By Charlie Lewis
The post Just how ‘high and impregnable’ is the wall between church and state in the US? appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
‘God, Why Me?’: Why Deion Sanders Never Asked That While Battling Cancer
Religion Unplugged
By Bobby Ross Jr.
The post ‘God, Why Me?’: Why Deion Sanders Never Asked That While Battling Cancer appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Trump seems to want a tent revival — in the federal workplace
Salon
By Amanda Marcotte
The post Trump seems to want a tent revival — in the federal workplace appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
This ‘topsy turvy’ Trump order will make your work life a living hell: columnist
Raw Story
By Adam Nichols
The post This ‘topsy turvy’ Trump order will make your work life a living hell: columnist appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
FFRF will fight Calif. school board’s costly attempt to revive prayer lawsuit
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is fighting back against a California school board that is improperly seeking to resurrect a closed civil rights case.
The Board of Education of the Chino Valley Unified School District is attempting to end a court injunction that prohibits board members from opening their public meetings with prayer. FFRF, a national state/church watchdog, secured decisive court decisions against unconstitutional religious practices by the Chino Valley School Board, winning before a federal district court in 2016 and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2018. FFRF will fight the board’s motion in court.
“Rather than focus on educating students, it is unfortunate that the Chino Valley Board remains intent on pushing evangelical Christianity on district students and residents,” comments FFRF Co-President Dan Barker. “The move to reopen this case is going to cost taxpayers again when the district loses yet again.”
In a closed session vote on Feb. 20, the board authorized Advocates for Faith and Freedom to try to reopen FFRF’s landmark lawsuit. This move is an attempt to overturn FFRF’s appeals court victory and well-established legal precedent against government-sponsored religious ritual at school board meetings.
The board filed a motion to reopen the case on July 31, arguing that the injunction issued in 2016 by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California should be lifted. The board incorrectly claims the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District means that the legal basis for the district court order no longer exists.
FFRF filed suit in 2014 on behalf of 22 local students, parents and employees unhappy to be subjected to the board’s routine lengthy practice of opening meetings with sectarian prayer, bible reading and proselytizing. In 2016, a U.S. district court ruled in FFRF’s favor, a decision unanimously upheld by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2018, affirming that the board’s actions violated the First Amendment. As a result, the school district was ordered to pay more than $275,000 in FFRF’s legal fees.
The court ruling unequivocally condemned the board’s blatant promotion of Christianity. Then-Board President James Na routinely injected religion into official statements, once urging attendees who “do not know Jesus Christ to go and find Him,” after which another board member closed the meeting by reading Psalm 143. The appeals court noted that these prayers “typically take place before groups of schoolchildren whose attendance is not truly voluntary and whose relationship to school district officials, including the board, is not one of full parity.” The court further emphasized that the board’s practice was discriminatory toward secular residents.
Despite this clear ruling, current Board President Sonja Shaw mischaracterized FFRF’s legal challenge as “intimidation tactics” and an “example of overreach.” She claimed that holding the board accountable was a matter of “activist groups bully[ing] [them] into silence.”
Barker responds: “No child or parent should feel pressured to participate in religious activities at school board meetings. That conduct is bullying and inappropriate.” He adds, “The Chino Valley Board’s decision to revisit this case is an alarming attempt to revive unconstitutional practices that remain firmly prohibited by precedent relating to prayer at school events.”
The board’s move seems designed to promote Christian nationalism, which is the false notion that the United States is a Christian nation giving privileges to certain believers. Such Christian prayer excludes the 33 percent of Californians who are atheist, agnostic or do not identify with a particular religion and the additional 9 percent who identify with non-Christian religions.
The board’s latest move is a troubling effort to defy longstanding constitutional protections and reintroduce religious coercion into public meetings. FFRF remains steadfast and committed to ensuring that Chino Valley residents, regardless of belief or nonbelief, are free from school board-imposed religious ritual and proselytizing. The state/church watchdog will file a forthcoming response to the board’s motion and seek to keep the injunction in place.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a national nonprofit organization with over 42,000 members and several chapters nationwide, including more than 5,400 members and two chapters in California. FFRF’s purposes are to protect the constitutional principle of separation between church and state and to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism.
The post FFRF will fight Calif. school board’s costly attempt to revive prayer lawsuit appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
“Star Trek Adventures: Second Edition: Exploration Guide” Review by Trekcentral.net
Trekcentral.net has added a new review for ‘s “Star Trek Adventures: Second Edition: Exploration Guide”:
Hot on the heels of the Technical Manual, which was available in PDF format back in March, but only launched this month in print. Modiphius has another supplement for Star Trek Adventures game masters and players to feast upon. Today, we’re looking at the Star Trek Adventures 2E Exploration Guide. This time, we’re taking a deep dive into another core component of Star Trek as a franchise, and of Starfleet as an institution. Exploration.
Buy on Amazon.com
Buy On Books-A-Million.com
Buy On Book Depository.com
Find on E-Bay
August 3rd, 2025 – FFRF Legal Director Patrick Elliot to Speak to the Lake Superior Freethinkers (Duluth, MN)
Join FFRF Legal Director Patrick Elliott for a compelling discussion on recent threats to the constitutional separation of state and church. Elliott will shed light on how religious organizations are advancing their agendas through the courts and legislation—particularly efforts to insert religion into public schools.
The talk will examine key legal cases and the growing influence of Christian nationalism, as well as the work FFRF is doing to protect secular government and First Amendment freedoms.
This free, in-person event is open to the public. No RSVP is required.
The post August 3rd, 2025 – FFRF Legal Director Patrick Elliot to Speak to the Lake Superior Freethinkers (Duluth, MN) appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Susan & Tilly Bridges on Strangenewpod.com discussing “Voyager: Homecoming”
(no image available)Susan & Tilly Bridges was recently featured on Strangenewpod.com to discuss Voyager: Homecoming:
On this special bonus edition of Strange New Pod, Julian and Girafe are thrilled to be joined by the writing duo behind Star Trek Voyager: Homecoming, the upcoming IDW comic series hitting shelves this fall! Please welcome Susan and Tilly Bridges!
Check out the Susan Bridges author page to view other sightings and a full list of books!
Buy on Amazon.com
Find on E-Bay
Detroit newspaper publishes FFRF op-ed denouncing blasphemy law
FFRF Regional Government Affairs Manager Mickey Dollens has had a piece published in the Detroit News decrying the state’s still-standing blasphemy law.
“Michigan is one of only six states that still have archaic anti-blasphemy laws, alongside Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Wyoming,” Dollens writes. “These kinds of antediluvian statutes often harken back to America’s colonial era, before the U.S. Constitution, when church and state were entangled and civil rights were routinely curtailed.”
Dollens highlights the dangers that Michigan residents may face if this law is not struck down:
You might assume statutes like this are forgotten “blue laws” never enforced in modern times. But in Pennsylvania, enforcement happened as recently as 2010. George Kalman attempted to register a film production company named I Choose Hell Productions. State officials rejected his application because Pennsylvania statute says corporation names are not allowed to be “blasphemous.” A federal district court ruled that the enforcement of the state’s blasphemy statute violated the First Amendment. And yet, the unconstitutional law remains on the books, just like Michigan’s law remains today.
Why? Not because anyone is defending it. Not because it’s needed. But because no one has taken the time to repeal it. Leaving laws like this in place sends the wrong message. It tells citizens that legislators think their rights are conditional, that religious speech is protected, but religious dissent can still be punished. And it leaves open the possibility that someone could misuse the law again, especially since the U.S. Supreme Court has shown a willingness to rewrite constitutional law in favor of religious litigants.
Even conservative evangelical politicians agree that blasphemy laws are wrong. In 2020, U.S. Sen. James Lankford introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution calling for the global repeal of blasphemy laws. The resolution condemned foreign governments that jail or persecute individuals for religious speech and nonbelief. It passed unanimously in the Senate and was also approved in the House by a vote of 386–3. Such rare and overwhelming support demonstrates that protecting religious expression, including the freedom to question or reject religion, is a shared American value that transcends party lines.
Faith-based religious liberty advocates agree. Groups such as the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty support repealing blasphemy laws. They understand what the Founders believed: True religious freedom requires the freedom to criticize, question, reject religion and speak freely without fear of censorship or punishment.
“Repeal the state’s blasphemy law and bring Michigan in line with constitutional principles,” the piece concludes, urging reason to prevail over a dogma-fueled law.
You can read the full op-ed here.
This column is part of FFRF’s initiative to engage with pertinent national and state issues and spread the messages of freethought and nontheism to a broader audience.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a national nonprofit organization with over 42,000 members nationwide, including more than 1,100 members in Michigan. FFRF’s purposes are to protect the constitutional principle of separation between church and state, and to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism.
The post Detroit newspaper publishes FFRF op-ed denouncing blasphemy law appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Freethought Radio – July 31, 2025
Incursions of Christian nationalism at the federal and state level are increasing, and we are fighting back. We report a quick legal victory removing a Ten Commandments monument from an Illinois county courthouse. Then, we remember the lives of two precious freethinkers who died this month: long-time FFRF member Dick Hewetson, an Episcopal priest turned gay/atheist activist, who died at age 95; and satirical songwriter Tom Lehrer (“Vatican Rag”), who died at age 97.
The post Freethought Radio – July 31, 2025 appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Bill Krause on Vinividiscripsi.com discussing “Star Trek Modeling”
(no image available)
Bill Krause was recently featured on Vinividiscripsi.com to discuss Star Trek Modeling:
Before we dive in, a note: today’s post shifts toward model-building and sci-fi—in particular, the ever-expanding world of Star Trek, another interest of mine. It’s a different kind of creativity, but still one that reaches for something beyond ourselves: vision, story, and beauty that stirs the imagination.
Check out the Bill Krause author page to view other sightings and a full list of books!
Buy on Amazon.com
Find on E-Bay
Massachusetts paper publishes FFRF op-ed urging blasphemy law repeal
FFRF Regional Government Affairs Manager Mickey Dollens has been given space in the Massachusetts newspaper Telegram & Gazette to urge the repeal of an archaic anti-blasphemy law.
“Until 1697, [blasphemy] was punishable by death, and later by branding the blasphemer’s tongue with a hot iron,” Dollens writes. “To this day, you can still be fined $300 or jailed for up to a year for ‘willfully blaspheming the holy name of God.’”
Dollens details the problems that have resulted from anti-blasphemy laws — and how Massachusetts has a chance to fix it:
Massachusetts is one of just six states that still have archaic anti-blasphemy laws on the books, alongside Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Wyoming. This antediluvian statute dates back to America’s Colonial era, before the U.S. Constitution, when church and state were entangled and Puritan orthodoxy was enforced by law.
You might assume statutes like this are forgotten “blue laws” never enforced in modern times. But in Pennsylvania, enforcement happened as recently as 2010. George Kalman attempted to register a film production company named I Choose Hell Productions. State officials rejected his application because Pennsylvania statute says corporation names are not allowed to be “blasphemous.” A federal district court ruled that the enforcement of the state’s blasphemy statute violated the First Amendment. And yet, the unconstitutional law remains on the books, just like Massachusetts’ law remains today.
Letting laws like this stay in place sends the wrong message. It tells citizens that their rights are conditional, that religious speech is protected, but religious dissent can still be punished. And it leaves open the possibility that someone could misuse the law again, especially since the U.S. Supreme Court has shown a willingness to rewrite constitutional law in favor of religious litigants.
Thankfully, a Massachusetts lawmaker is working to fix this issue. State Sen. Rebecca Rausch has introduced SB 1251, a bill to repeal the state’s anti-blasphemy statute. The bill has successfully advanced out of its first committee and is now awaiting a vote in the Senate Rules Committee, just one step away from a full Senate vote. Massachusetts lawmakers should support and pass SB 1251 to finally bring state law in line with constitutional protections.
Dollens concludes by showing that religious liberty doesn’t need to be a partisan issue: “Faith-based religious liberty advocates agree. Groups such as the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty support repealing blasphemy laws. They understand what the Founders believed: True religious freedom requires the freedom to criticize, question, reject religion, and speak freely without fear of censorship or punishment.”
You can read the full op-ed here.
This column is part of FFRF’s initiative to engage with pertinent national and state issues and spread the messages of freethought and nontheism to a broader audience.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a national nonprofit organization with over 42,000 members nationwide, including more than 800 members in Massachusetts. FFRF’s purposes are to protect the constitutional principle of separation between church and state, and to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism.
The post Massachusetts paper publishes FFRF op-ed urging blasphemy law repeal appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
New Star Trek Book: “Star Trek: Defiant #5”
Star Trek: Defiant #5 by Christopher Cantwell has been added to the Star Trek Book Club!
Captain Worf struggles to maintain order among the Defiant’s crew with the addition of two reluctant new recruits, causing friction on board the stolen vessel. And with Klingon adrenaline still surging through Kahless’ veins, the need to find-and stop-him has never seemed so urgent.
The book is currently scheduled to be published on July 5, 2023
Buy on Amazon.com
Buy On Books-A-Million.com
New Star Trek Book: “Star Trek Adventures: Second Edition: Exploration Guide”
Star Trek Adventures: Second Edition: Exploration Guide by has been added to the Star Trek Book Club!
For nearly 60 years, Star Trek
has celebrated exploration as its central theme, using it as a vehicle for storytelling and social commentary in time-honored science fiction fashion.
This Exploration Guide is essential reading for any Star Trek Adventures crew interested in expanding their characters, missions, and campaigns into the final frontier and creating new sectors, worlds, and environments to discover and explore.
Use the wealth of advice and random tables in this book to create original galactic sectors, star systems, planets, and planetary terrains, and then explore those unique locations in your crew’s original Star Trek stories!
The 144-page full-color Star Trek Adventures Second Edition Exploration Guide features:
- New player character options, including two new career paths, 10 new career events, 21 new character talents, and five new options for awards and honors.
- Options for characters who want to possess secret values, talents, or traits that are then revealed throughout a campaign.
- Advice and random tables to create entirely new sectors of space for your player characters to discover and explore.
- Tools to populate those new space sectors with notable star systems and cosmic features, including stars, number of planets, and spatial phenomena.
- Advice and random tables to populate those new star systems with a variety of inner and outer worlds, moons, and ringed worlds for your crew to study, visit, and explore.
- Guidance on exploring planets and planet-like stellar bodies, and nine different planetary terrains: cave systems, deserts, forests, jungles, mountains and hills, plains, swamps, tundra, and water.
- Terrain-specific details and random generators for the terrain types and elements unique to that terrain.
- Random tables designed to help you generate story hooks, advantages, and complications for each terrain type.
- Includes a full-color double-sided poster depicting a 23rd century map on one side and an updated 25th century map on the reverse!
This second edition supplement is compatible with both first edition Star Trek Adventures and the Captain’s Log Solo RPG.
The book is currently scheduled to be published on October 15, 2025
Buy on Amazon.com
Buy On Books-A-Million.com
DTI Comic Book Investigation for the week of July 31, 2025
Here are all the comics printed this week in years past.
FFRF joins 1,000 nonprofits defending Johnson Amendment’s nonpartisan rules
The Freedom From Religion Foundation and its legislative arm, the FFRF Action Fund, are proud to be among some 1,000 nonprofit organizations signing onto a public letter calling on President Trump and Congress to champion nonpartisanship and public trust by defending the Johnson Amendment.
“Today, the National Council of Nonprofits, American Humanist Association, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Independent Sector, Interfaith Alliance, Public Citizen and other leading nonprofit organizations launched a national sign-on letter addressed to President Trump,” announced the press release from Public Citizen, which helped coordinate the campaign.
“Undermining the Johnson Amendment would do lasting harm to our democracy,” the press release quotes Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of FFRF and president of FFRF Action Fund. “That’s why such a broad coalition — spanning secular and religious organizations, good governance advocates and nonprofits across the political spectrum — is speaking out together.”
The letter to Trump condemns efforts to ignore or weaken the Johnson Amendment. This longstanding federal law prohibits 501(c)(3) nonprofits from using their tax-exempt resources to endorse or oppose political candidates.
“For more than 70 years,” the letter states about the Johnson Amendment, “it has ensured that all tax-exempt charitable nonprofits — including houses of worship — do not become conduits for partisan politics, protecting public trust in religious institutions and preserving the integrity of elections.” The signatories remind Trump that churches and faith leaders already have the right to speak out about political issues in their personal capacity, and even run for office, and can speak out on policy concerns in a nonpartisan manner.
The letter was sparked by a proposed legal settlement involving the Internal Revenue Service and National Religious Broadcasters, in which the IRS shocked the nation by saying that “communications from a house of worship to its congregation in connection with religious services” do not violate the Johnson Amendment.
At a press conference today announcing the group letter, Guthrie Graves-Persimmons of the Interfaith Alliance cited survey after survey showing that the public, including 98 percent of evangelical leaders, do not want churches to endorse from the pulpit. He pointed out the U.S. Catholic bishops have announced that Catholic parishes will not be endorsing from the pulpit and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) has likewise eschewed politics from the pulpit.
Representing the National Council of Churches, Rev. Leslie Copeland-Tune, a Baptist, noted that worshippers consider church a “safe and sacred place” that would be sullied by partisan politicking, and that such actions would damage public trust in clergy.
Rob Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, noted how the overturning of the Johnson Amendment “threatens to be the most catastrophic degradation of campaign finance law since Citizens United.” He warned, “Expect huge amounts of dark money to flow — not just dark money but tax-deductible dark money.”
That there is such broad support, from the public, religious groups and sects of diverse persuasions, and hundreds of other nonprofits, underscores the importance of ensuring that the Trump administration is not allowed to do an end-run on the Johnson Amendment.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting the constitutional principle of separation between state and church and educating the public on matters of nontheism. With more than 42,000 members, FFRF advocates for freethinkers’ rights across the globe. For more information, visit ffrf.org.
The post FFRF joins 1,000 nonprofits defending Johnson Amendment’s nonpartisan rules appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
‘We Dissent’ wraps up remaining Supreme Court decisions
The latest “We Dissent” episode breaks down the last few state-church Supreme Court decisions coming down from the U.S. Supreme Court this judicial term.
On Episode 44, FFRF Deputy Legal Director Liz Cavell and Americans United Legal Director Rebecca Markert explain the final three Supreme Court rulings with huge stakes for true religious freedom. They discuss the court’s continued zeal for religious favoritism in the Catholic Charities, Mahmoud and Skrmetti rulings — the further expansion of exemptions from the law for religious employers, the granting of veto power to ultraconservative religious parents over public school curriculum, and the upholding of state bans on gender-affirming care for minors with gender dysphoria.
“We Dissent,” which first aired in May 2022, is a legal affairs show for atheists, agnostics and humanists, offering legal wisdom from the secular viewpoint of women lawyers. The show is a collaboration of the Freedom From Religion Foundation and Americans United.
Find previous episodes here, which examine developments affecting the separation of church and state, particularly in the U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal courts. Past episodes include discussions about court reform, religion behind bars and abortion, and also feature a range of expert guests.
Episodes are available at the “We Dissent” website, YouTube channel, Spotify or wherever your podcasts are found. Be sure to stay up to date with the “We Dissent” podcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bluesky.
Tune in regularly at “We Dissent” for compelling legal discussion and insights!
The post ‘We Dissent’ wraps up remaining Supreme Court decisions appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
VICTORY: Jefferson County, Ill., moves Ten Commandments monument, residents dismiss lawsuit
Following Jefferson County’s removal of a large Ten Commandments monument from the lawn of the county courthouse, the plaintiffs have withdrawn a lawsuit challenging the display. Represented by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the ACLU of Illinois and the ACLU, a group of religious and nonreligious Jefferson County, Ill., residents filed suit last month in state court, alleging that the religious monument violated Illinois’ constitutional protections for the separation of church and state.
During a meeting in late June, immediately after the lawsuit was filed, members of the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted to remove the Ten Commandments monument from county property. Earlier this month, the monument was relocated to a more appropriate location, the West Salem Trinity Church in Mount Vernon. In yesterday’s Joint Motion to Dismiss, the county affirmed that “the monument will not return to county property.”
“We’re happy that the county eventually complied with Illinois’ church-state guarantees,” says Hirsh M. Joshi, Patrick O’Reiley Legal Fellow at the Freedom From Religion Foundation. “It was an honor to help my fellow Illinoisans keep their local government secular.”
“We’re delighted that after we sued, the county acted with alacrity to remove these biblical edicts from the seat of county government,” adds FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. “This action shows that Jefferson County understands it has no right to tell residents which gods to worship, how many gods to worship or whether to worship any gods at all.”
Kevin Fee, legal director for the ACLU of Illinois, noted the role that local residents played in the victory: “Our clients showed great courage in coming together and challenging this illegal action by their local elected officials. It is easy to be silent and not speak up. But these brave residents stood up for constitutional values and demanded change.”
Daniel Mach, director of the ACLU’s Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief, applauded the county’s decision: “This is a victory for religious freedom. Although county officials had no business prominently displaying biblical scripture at the seat of local government, we’re glad that they’ve now fixed their constitutional error.”
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting the constitutional principle of separation between state and church and educating the public on matters of nontheism. With more than 42,000 members, FFRF advocates for freethinkers’ rights.
The post VICTORY: Jefferson County, Ill., moves Ten Commandments monument, residents dismiss lawsuit appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Trump Administration Lets Federal Employees Push Religion in Workplaces
Common Dreams
By Brett Wilkins
The post Trump Administration Lets Federal Employees Push Religion in Workplaces appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Dollens: Blasphemy law needs to be repealed
The Detroit News
By Mickey Dollens
The post Dollens: Blasphemy law needs to be repealed appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Trump team loosens restrictions on feds talking religion at work
The Washington Times
By Jeff Mordock
The post Trump team loosens restrictions on feds talking religion at work appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Trump admin bolsters religious freedom for federal workers
The post Trump admin bolsters religious freedom for federal workers appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Trump administration says federal employees can encourage co-workers to “re-think” their religious beliefs
CBS News
By Joe Walsh
The post Trump administration says federal employees can encourage co-workers to “re-think” their religious beliefs appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
With Christian Civic League support, can Susan Collins claim to be a moderate? | Opinion
The Portland Press Herald (Portland, ME)
By Ray Vensel
The post With Christian Civic League support, can Susan Collins claim to be a moderate? | Opinion appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Le Mars vows to end religious events in schools, unless student-led
Radio Iowa
By Staff
The post Le Mars vows to end religious events in schools, unless student-led appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
“Star Trek: Red Shirts #1” Review by Comicsonline.com
Comicsonline.com has added a new review for Christopher Cantwell‘s “Star Trek: Red Shirts #1”:
Star Trek: Red-Shirts is a fresh addition to the world of Trek, filled with wild concepts and interesting (yet expendable) new characters. There are some clear favorite characters, but I wouldn’t get too attached as history has a habit of repeating itself…
Buy on Amazon.com
Buy On Books-A-Million.com
Buy On Book Depository.com
Find on E-Bay
“Star Trek: The Next Generation: Dominion War: Book 3: Tunnel Through The Stars” Review by Deepspacespines.com
Deepspacespines.com has added a new review for John Vornholt‘s “Star Trek: The Next Generation: Dominion War: Book 3: Tunnel Through The Stars”:
In today’s episode, a rare double replicator malfunction forces Picard to bend the knee to some dollar-store Ferengi knockoffs. Meanwhile, Riker sets aside his boner to help a starbase commander with a more important matter of the heart. Is there time for hugs in the middle of war? Is Ro Laren looking for a Canuck-buddy? And is it possible to want to spend more time in a part of a book you also wanted to spend less time in? All this and more in Tunnel Through the Stars, the book that makes Jack a dull boy.
Buy on Amazon.com
Buy On Books-A-Million.com
Buy On Book Depository.com
Find on E-Bay
Happy 2025 Birthday to Wil Wheaton!
()
Happy birthday to Wil Wheaton!
Wil Wheaton may be one of the most unusual celebrities of our time. Born into stardom with the movie “Stand By Me”, and then growing up on television as Wesley Crusher on “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, Wil was in the spotlight nearly his entire childhood. Instead of burning out as a child star, he left fame behind and became a computer specialist in what Hollywood might consider the middle of nowhere: Topeka, Kansas. Now, Wil considers himself “just a geek”, and both Dancing Barefoot and the forthcoming biography Just a Geek are about his journey in rediscovering himself and coming to terms with what it means to be famous, or, ironically, famous for being previously famous.
Check out the Wil Wheaton credit page to view more updates and a full list of credits!
Find Wil Wheaton’s work on Amazon.com
Iowa district backtracks, bans faith-based groups from holding events on school grounds after complaints
The Heartlander
By Shanxi Omoniyi
The post Iowa district backtracks, bans faith-based groups from holding events on school grounds after complaints appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
First Liberty Files Briefs Supporting Ten Commandments Displays & Churches That Care for the Homeless
First Liberty
By Jayla Ward & Jorge Gomez
The post First Liberty Files Briefs Supporting Ten Commandments Displays & Churches That Care for the Homeless appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Le Mars Schools to stop allowing religious events on grounds & Siouxland National Guard may help federal immigration enforcement
Siouxland Public Media KWIT-KOJI (Sioux City, IA)
By Bret Hayworth
The post Le Mars Schools to stop allowing religious events on grounds & Siouxland National Guard may help federal immigration enforcement appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Angry Atheists Pounce After Florida’s New Ed Commissioner Sends Much Needed Message About God and Kids on Day 1
The Western Journal
By C. Douglas Golden
The post Angry Atheists Pounce After Florida’s New Ed Commissioner Sends Much Needed Message About God and Kids on Day 1 appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
This Day in Liberal Judicial Activism—July 25
National Review
By Ed Whalen
The post This Day in Liberal Judicial Activism—July 25 appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Opinion/Guest column: Relegate state’s archaic law against blasphemy to history
Worcester Telegram (Worcester, MA)
By Mickey Dollens
The post Opinion/Guest column: Relegate state’s archaic law against blasphemy to history appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
DTI Treklit Investigation for the week of July 29, 2025
Here’s a look at the books printed this week in the past.
Office of Personnel Management religion-workplace changes shockingly unconstitutional
The Freedom From Religion Foundation deplores as outrageous and unconstitutional a memo the Office of Personnel Management released today that purports to protect religious expression in the federal workplace but encourages outright proselytizing.
“These shocking changes essentially permit workplace evangelizing, but worse still, allow supervisors to evangelize underlings and federal workers to proselytize the public they serve,” says Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-president. “This is the implementation of Christian nationalism in our federal government.”
In an appendix to the memo, this example of permissible conduct is cited: “During a break, an employee may engage another in polite discussion of why his faith is correct and why the nonadherent should rethink his religious beliefs.” It adds, “However, if the nonadherent requests such attempts to stop, the employee should honor the request.”
The memo continues: “Employees may also encourage their coworkers to participate in religious expressions of faith, such as prayer, to the same extent that they would be permitted to encourage coworkers participate (sic) in other personal activities.” It adds, “The constitutional rights of supervisors to engage in such conversations should not be distinguished from non-supervisory employees by the nature of their supervisory roles.”
As an example of acceptable conduct for a supervisor, the appendix states: “On a bulletin board meant for personal announcements, a supervisor may post a handwritten note inviting each of his employees to attend an Easter service at his church.”
While the memo says “unwillingness to engage in such conversations may not be the basis of workplace discipline,” FFRF contends that when a power imbalance is involved, and someone’s job security and promotions are at stake, employees will feel they must go along with the religious conversation or attend that Easter service.
Equally concerning is a section on “Expressions in Areas Accessible to the Public.” Any religious expressions in areas accessible to the public have to be treated in the same manner “as if those expressions are made in areas inaccessible to the public,” the memo states. The memo says bibles, religious artwork, crosses, crucifixes and mezuzahs are allowed for display, meaning if someone serves the public, they apparently may display religious icons in public areas.
Examples of how religious expression may be directed at members of the public include: “A park ranger leading a tour through a national park may join her tour group in prayer. A doctor at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital may pray over his patient for her recovery. A receptionist in a doctor’s office at a VA Medical Center may pray with a co-worker in the patients’ waiting area.”
The only caveat offered in the memo is that such religious expressions should “not occur during on-duty time.” Similarly, an agency may restrict all posters, but if it allows some it must allow religious posters. The memo seemingly would not accommodate atheistic beliefs, saying all beliefs are not covered under Title VII, such as “social, political or economic philosophies, and mere personal preferences.”
An earlier memo directed to heads and acting heads of departments and agencies from Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor cites the Supreme Court’s Groff v. DeJoy decision, saying the U.S. Post Office must meet an “undue hardship” standard or else provide religious accommodation. The memo goes on to elaborately detail telework, religious compensatory time off and many other accommodations.
The Hill reports that the White House Faith Office worked with the Office of Personnel Management to produce the memo. The result is, unsurprisingly, extremely problematic.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting the constitutional principle of separation between state and church and educating the public on matters of nontheism. With more than 42,000 members, FFRF advocates for freethinkers’ rights.
The post Office of Personnel Management religion-workplace changes shockingly unconstitutional appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
FFRF renews opposition to extremist bible study at highest levels of U.S. government
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is raising a red flag over the resurgence of a bible study group featuring senior U.S. officials, including members of President Trump’s cabinet.
Capitol Ministries, led by Christian nationalist pastor Ralph Drollinger, relaunched its cabinet-level bible study in March. The group holds weekly sessions with members of Congress, senators and high-ranking Trump administration officials, pushing a rigid theocratic worldview under the guise of spiritual guidance. Despite claiming nonpartisanship, the studies aggressively promote far-right policy positions — on immigration, abortion, environmental regulation, criminal justice and more — framed as biblical mandates. FFRF condemns these sessions, which take place inside the halls of government, as an attempt to erode the wall between state and church.
Drollinger’s teachings are clear. He believes elections are “first and foremost a spiritual battle,” that LGBTQ-plus rights are incompatible with Christianity, and that Christian leaders who support marriage equality are “Satan’s pawns.” He has even cited Scripture to justify the Trump administration’s family separation policy. Capitol Ministries exists for one purpose: to influence public policy through fundamentalist religion.
Sponsors of the revived cabinet study include U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, both of whom have used their official positions to invite fellow cabinet members to participate. Drollinger also leads separate weekly sessions for members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, respectively.
FFRF has previously uncovered documents showing that senior Trump officials used government time and resources to organize these bible studies, including a major event hosted at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. In 2023, Drollinger expanded the program to include weekly Zoom-based bible studies with sitting and former governors.
“This isn’t a private devotional group. It’s a publicly connected, politically motivated ministry trying to shape U.S. law to match Drollinger’s theocratic vision,” says FFRF Co-President Dan Barker. “When cabinet officials participate, it’s not about faith. It’s about advancing a sectarian, partisan crusade.”
The Constitution prohibits public officials from using their office to advance their personal religious beliefs. When bible studies organized and promoted by high-level officials promote specific political outcomes, they cross a bright constitutional line. FFRF warns that such programs marginalize nonbelievers, religious minorities and anyone who does not share Drollinger’s extremist ideology.
“It’s deeply troubling that someone with Drollinger’s views has unfettered access to the highest levels of government,” Barker adds. “These bible sessions directly influence policies affecting reproductive freedom, LGBTQ-plus rights, science education and environmental protections.”
FFRF urges cabinet members and elected officials to cut ties with Drollinger and disassociate from Capitol Ministries. It will continue closely monitoring these bible study meetings and take any available action to curtail this group’s improper influence on U.S. government policy.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting the constitutional principle of separation between state and church and educating the public on matters of nontheism. With more than 42,000 members, FFRF advocates for freethinkers’ rights across the globe. For more information, visit ffrf.org.
The post FFRF renews opposition to extremist bible study at highest levels of U.S. government appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
August 24, 2025 – FFRF Co-Presidents Annie Laurie Gaylor, Dan Barker and Author Kate Cohen to Attend Upstate New York Freethinkers 2nd Annual Chapter Gathering (Fayetteville, NY)
Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT (Doors open at 9:40 AM)
Location: The Craftsman Inn & Suites, 7300 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Join Upstate New York Freethinkers for their 2nd Annual Chapter Gathering! This exciting event is open to the public (tickets required) and features a stellar lineup of speakers from the Freedom From Religion Foundation and beyond.
Throughout the day, you’ll have opportunities to meet and chat with our distinguished speakers, including Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker!
Featured Speakers:
- Annie Laurie Gaylor: FFRF Co-President
- Dan Barker: FFRF Co-President
- Kate Cohen: Author of “We of Little Faith”
The day’s agenda includes insightful presentations, a delicious hot buffet luncheon, and tours of the historic Matilda Joslyn Gage museum (a short drive from the conference). Attendees will also have the opportunity for book signings with the featured speakers.
Optional Saturday Evening Dinner: An optional dinner is available on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Craftsman Wood Grille and Tap House (at participant’s expense, ticket RSVP required).
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow freethinkers and engage with leading voices in the movement! I
FT = I Love Freethought
For more details and to purchase tickets, please visit: unyft.org/go
The post August 24, 2025 – FFRF Co-Presidents Annie Laurie Gaylor, Dan Barker and Author Kate Cohen to Attend Upstate New York Freethinkers 2nd Annual Chapter Gathering (Fayetteville, NY) appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Happy 2025 Birthday to Adeena Mignogna!
()
Happy birthday to Adeena Mignogna!
Adeena Mignogna is a dedicated STEM speaker and science fiction author. With over 25 years of experience in aerospace engineering, she has contributed significantly to satellite and space station projects, specializing in satellite command-and-control systems, software design, and systems engineering. Currently serving as a Mission Architect in the aerospace industry, Adeena is also a passionate advocate for the use of VR in engineering and a mentor to aspiring engineers.
As an author, Adeena leverages her extensive background in physics, astronomy, and computer science to craft captivating stories that blend scientific accuracy with imaginative fiction. She is the creator of the 4-book Robot Galaxy Series and the novel “Lunar Logic.” Adeena also shares her love for science fiction as a co-host on The BIG Sci-Fi Podcast.
Adeena’s multifaceted career and her dedication to inspiring others through both her professional work and her writing make her a unique and influential voice in the world of STEM and science fiction. Discover more about her work at adeenamignogna.com.
Check out the Adeena Mignogna credit page to view more updates and a full list of credits!
Find Adeena Mignogna’s work on Amazon.com
New Star Trek Comic Books Announced To Preorder! July 2025 Edition
IDW August 2025 Catalog
Four graphic novels that let fans of the Paramount+ series dive deeper into the world of Star Trek: Discovery!
This omnibus collects Star Trek: Discovery—The Light of Kahless, Star Trek: Discovery—Succession, Star Trek: Discovery—Aftermath, and Star Trek: Discovery—Adventures in the 32nd Century.
In The Light of Kahless, journey back in time to a decade before Captain Kirk and the Enterprise set out on their five-year mission, when the United Federation of Planets is locked in conflict with the mysterious Klingon Empire. But just who are these formidable foes? By Kirsten Beyer, Mike Johnson, and Tony Shasteen.
In Succession, the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery visited the infamous Mirror Universe, and they didn’t like what they found. Now journey deeper into the alternate reality, and uncover more about the Mirror versions of Michael, Saru, Ash, Paul, and Sylvia as they learn that “Succession” can be a truly dangerous concept. By Kirsten Beyer, Mike Johnson, and Angel Hernandez.
In Aftermath, after the disappearance of the U.S.S. Discovery, Captain Pike and Chancellor L’Rell seek to forge a peace treaty between the Federation and the Klingons. But when a new enemy threatens to sabotage the negotiations, Spock must reclaim his place in Starfleet to save his friends and prevent the outbreak of a new war! By Kirsten Beyer, Mike Johnson, Tony Shasteen, and Angel Hernandez.
In Adventures of the 32nd Century, explore the far future of Star Trek in these adventures set after the U.S.S. Discovery’s jump forward in time at the end of season two! By Mike Johnson and Angel Hernandez.
Following the action of Star Trek: Day of Blood, an all-new crossover event between Star Trek and Defiant is here!
Lore War shows us a universe rebuilt in Lore’s image. The crews of the Theseus and the Defiant are scattered across the universe with no memory of who they once were—some even worship Lore as their God. Lore has won; his rule is absolute. But the Sisko remains, and there are forces who wish to remind him of his power.
From the Eisner-nominated writers of Star Trek, Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly; the critically acclaimed writer of Star Trek: Defiant, Christopher Cantwell; the Eisner-nominated writer of Shaxs’ Best Day, Ryan North; and artists Davide Tinto and Derek Charm comes the next big Star Trek event!
Includes Star Trek: Lore War #1, Star Trek issues #31–32, Star Trek: Defiant issues #26–27, Star Trek: Lore War—Shaxs’ Worst Day, and Star Trek: Omega.
The Lower Deckers and Cetacean Ops officers Kimolu and Matt continue their mission to replenish Earth’s population of humpback whales! The krill situation is getting out of control, and the songs they sing are just too good to let them die out. There’s also the pesky situation where Ronald (the last whale!) has to occasionally talk that uptight space probe (whenever it shows up) into sparing the Earth from doom and destruction. But Ronald’s getting on in age and won’t be around forever…so the crew needs to find him a love match, stat, or Earth might face its end.
Star Trek: Lower Decks, Vol. 2: Mixed Signals
In this hilarious comic book series, the Lower Deckers of the U.S.S. Cerritos face intergalactic hijinks, infighting, and even morality!
Everything is topsy-turvy on the Lower Decks. Intergalactic bungles, gambling, horrifying hijinks, and even good behavior?
Out of the blue, the now-perfect Stepford Crew takes charge and saves the ship. Freeman knows something is off and begins the hunt for the real (awful) Lower Deckers! To get her crew back, Freeman will have to travel dimensions, put on a show, and even cause a massacre!
In an equally horrible tragedy, Boimler is up for promotion to full lieutenant! The only thing standing in his way is a personality test—his greatest challenge yet. Follow everyone’s favorite chaotic Lower Decks crew as they fight deranged, inept creatures, and we’re not talking about them!
Ensigns Raad and Miller find themselves on a dark ship and face to face with…Klingons. The two red shirts are accused of being spies, and their captors brutalize and torture them for any information they can get on how the Romulans were able to access a Starfleet subspace antenna feed. Meanwhile, DeMatrio, Amiga, and Lanier engage in a tense starship battle with a Romulan Bird-of-Prey.
If all six remaining red shirts are going to make it off Arkonia 89 alive, someone is going to have to make a sacrifice—but for what? How many red shirts have died to ferret out the Romulans? There must be more to the story than Starfleet is letting on…
Star Trek: Shaxs’ Best (and Worst) Day
From the humorous world of Lower Decks comes two adventures featuring the U.S.S Cerritos’ security chief doing what he does best, fighting fascists, in these comics based on the hit series!
See the battle to stop the fascist, god-killing clone Kahless II from declaring war on non-followers across the galaxy from the eyes of the man, the myth, the legend, Lieutenant Junior Grade Shaxs! See the Bajoran’s beast-mode brawl showcasing all the behind-the-scenes Klingon-zealot butt-kicking in full animated glory!
Then, Shaxs had his best day, but now that the universe has been rewritten by the mad android Lore, he’s about to have his worst. Starfleet has been distorted into a machinery of oppression antithetical to everything it once stood for, and Shaxs has been made into the one thing he despises most in the universe: a fascist. Now free of Lore’s hold over his mind, it’s up to Shaxs to revert everyone in Starfleet back to their old selves and save the cosmos.
For the first time, get both issues by writer Ryan North and artist Derek Charm in one collection! Shaxs’ Best Day was nominated for a 2024 Eisner Award for Best Single Issue/One-Shot and a 2024 Ringo Award for Best Single Issue or Story.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: The Seeds of Salvation #2
Now deep under the ice-crusted surface of the planet Poilant in search of a missing team of Starfleet researchers, Una, Chapel, La’An, Spock, Scotty, and D6 discover a mysterious alien temple. It’s covered in vines and the tech on the crew’s submersible is showing the researchers are inside—but before they can investigate further, a new enigma appears…and this one’s got tentacles!
Star Trek: Voyager: Homecoming
Moments before returning to Earth, the crew of Voyager are betrayed by insurgents hidden on board! With her ship’s deflector dish broken and the ship itself out of her control, Janeway must convince the aliens that Starfleet means them no harm if she’s ever going to get her found family home. If that weren’t enough to handle, there’s a ticking clock to contend with: Tuvok’s disease has accelerated, and he must get home to mind-meld with a family member to cure himself with Fal-tor-voh…before it’s too late!
2025 Scribe Award Winners Announced
SciFi Bulletin has the full list of winners, there are two Star Trek stories that won!
Star Trek – Strange New Worlds: Asylum by Una McCormack
“Family History” by David Mack (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
2025 Scribe Award Nominees Announced
Jonathan Maberry has announced on his personal Facebook page that the 2025 Scribe Award Nominees have been announced:
Each year the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers (iamtw.org) presents the SCRIBE AWARDS to celebrate outstanding works tied to popular licenses such as novelizations
of movies and TV shows, as well as numerous original works set in the worlds of Star Wars, the
MCU, the DCU, video games, popular TV shows, and much more.
The awards will be given this Friday at San Diego Comic-Con (2-3pm, Room 32AB)
Huge congrats to all of the nominees!!!
ADAPTED NOVEL
• Blast from the Past! By Chris McGuire (The Racoons)
• Cwej: Requiem by James Hornby (Doctor Who)
• Doctor Who: 73 Yards by Scott Handcock
• Doctor Strange: Dimension War by James Lovegrove
• Terrifier 2: The Official Novelization by Tim Waggoner
AUDIO DRAMA
• Archipelagio by Tim Foley (Doctor Who)
• Cass-Cade by James Moran (Doctor Who)
• The Krillitane Flint by John Dorney (Doctor Who)
• Nowhere Never by Katherine Armitage (Doctor Who)
• Star Cops – Blood Moon by James Swallow
GRAPHIC NOVEL
• Alex Rider: Snakehead by Antony Johnston
• Dark Souls: The Willow King by George Mann (Dark Souls)
• Godzilla vs. Cthulu by Jonathan Maberry
• Infinite Darkness: The Beginning by Keith R.A. DeCandido (Resident Evil)
• Wheel of Time by Rik Hoskin
• Wrath of Beth by Jake Black (Rick and Morty)
ORIGINAL NOVEL, GENERAL
• A Bitter Taste: A Daidoji Shin Mystery by Josh Reynolds (Legend of the Five Rings)
• Murder, She Wrote Murder Backstage by Terrie Farley Moran
• Off Beat (Top Drek 1) by Marie Bilodeau (Shadowrun)
• Quantum Paradox by Justin Sloan (PlanetQuest A game by Galactic Entertainment)
ORIGINAL NOVEL, SPECULATIVE
• Arkham Horror: The Forbidden Visions of Lucius Galloway by Carrie Harris
• Batman: Resurrection by John Jackson Miller
• Firefly: Aim to Misbehave by Rosiee Thor
• Runescape: The Gift of Guthix by Erin M. Evans
• Star Trek – Strange New Worlds: Asylum by Una McCormack
SHORT STORY
• “Family History” by David Mack (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
• “Here There Be Monsters” by Tim Waggoner (The Mythago Wood novels by Robert Holdstock)
• “The Lilac and the Stone” by Catherynne Valente (World of Warcraft)
• “O’ Deadly Deathtrap” by Bobby Nash (Remo Williams, The Destroyer: The Adventures Continue)
• “The Tomorrow Ghost” by Robert Jeschonek (Kolchak: The Night Stalker)
YA/MG
• Down in the London Underground by George Ivanoff (Doctor Who)
• Life is Strange: Heatwaves by Brittney Morris
• Prince of Glass and Midnight by Linsey Miller (Disney’s Cinderella)
• The Raccoons: The One That Got Away by Iain McLaughlin
• Star Wars: The High Republic: Tears of the Nameless by George Mann
• Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft (Disney Fairies)
“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Toward The Night” Review by Scifichick.com
Scifichick.com has added a new review for James Swallow‘s “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Toward The Night”:
This latest Star Trek novel is another fantastic installment in the Strange New Worlds series!
Buy on Amazon.com
Buy On Books-A-Million.com
Buy On Book Depository.com
Find on E-Bay
“Star Trek: The Next Generation: Q-Squared” Review by Spreaker.com
Spreaker.com has added a new review for Peter David‘s “Star Trek: The Next Generation: Q-Squared”:
Chrissie and Thad talk about the Peter David novel Q Squared with Carl Wonders.
Buy on Amazon.com
Buy On Books-A-Million.com
Buy On Book Depository.com
Find on E-Bay
“Star Trek: Omega #1” Review by Aiptcomics.com
Aiptcomics.com has added a new review for Christopher Cantwell and Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing‘s “Star Trek: Omega #1”:
A Trek story that deserves to be in the conversation with some of the best movies and series.
Buy on Amazon.com
Buy On Books-A-Million.com
Buy On Book Depository.com
Find on E-Bay
Scopes ‘Monkey’ Trial venue has Ten Commandments display during centennial
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is calling for the removal of a Ten Commandments plaque from the historic Rhea County (Tenn.) Courthouse — the site of the famed 1925 Scopes “Monkey” Trial.
FFRF co-hosted the Scopes Trial Centennial Conference in Chattanooga last weekend alongside the Center for Inquiry. As part of the event, attendees visited the courthouse in Dayton, where John T. Scopes was famously tried 100 years ago for teaching evolution in defiance of Tennessee’s religiously motivated ban. To their dismay, several participants noticed a Ten Commandments plaque on public display in the building, a clear violation of the constitutional principle of separation between state and church. FFRF also received a separate complaint about the display from a Rhea County resident.
“It’s outrageous that a century after the Scopes trial, Rhea County is still promoting religious dogma rather than upholding constitutional neutrality,” says Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-president. “The county has no business favoring religion in a public courthouse — especially not one that symbolizes the fight for secular, science-based education.”
FFRF has sent a letter to Rhea County Mayor Jim Vincent urging the removal of the Ten Commandments. FFRF points out that such displays have been repeatedly struck down by federal courts, including in a 2005 Supreme Court case involving a nearly identical display in two Kentucky courthouses. The nation’s highest court made clear that showcasing the Ten Commandments in public buildings violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment by promoting religion.
FFRF explains that the religious nature of the Ten Commandments is undeniable. The text explicitly demands belief in a monotheistic god and lays out religious duties and prohibitions rooted in specific faith doctrines. “The government has no business telling citizens which god they must have, how many gods they must have, or that they must have any god at all,” FFRF Anne Nicol Gaylor Legal Fellow Kyle Steinberg writes.
“The Scopes trial was about resisting religious control over public institutions and a hundred years later, Rhea County is still getting that wrong,” adds Gaylor. “County courthouses should reflect our shared civic values, not religious dogma.”
FFRF is urging Rhea County officials to respect the history and constitutional obligations of the courthouse by removing the religious display and ensuring that public buildings remain inclusive to all citizens — regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a national nonprofit organization with over 42,000 members and several chapters nationwide, including more than 500 members and a chapter in Tennessee. FFRF’s purposes are to protect the constitutional principle of separation between church and state, and to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism.
The post Scopes ‘Monkey’ Trial venue has Ten Commandments display during centennial appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Freethought Radio – July 24, 2025
This week on Freethought Radio, guest hosts Ryan Jayne and Leo Costello talk about a Christian state representative in Texas who’s speaking out against a new law that would place the Ten Commandments in every public school in the state. Plus, we listen to debates featuring FFRF co-presidents Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker as they address the questions “Is religion a force for good?” and “Can religion cure the loneliness epidemic?”
The post Freethought Radio – July 24, 2025 appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.
“Star Trek: Red Shirts #1” Review by Getyourcomicon.co.uk
Getyourcomicon.co.uk has added a new review for Christopher Cantwell‘s “Star Trek: Red Shirts #1”:
The Star Trek franchise has a long, storied history with the idea of the Red Shirts. The idea of these throwaway characters, often dispatched without ever uttering a line has proliferated itself far beyond the franchise. I’d go as far as to say the pop culture zeitgeist is well aware of what it can mean to put on a red Starfleet Uniform if you aren’t looking over your shoulder at all times. Well as of today IDW Publishing is putting the curse of the Red Shirts in the spotlight with a new five-issue series.
Buy on Amazon.com
Buy On Books-A-Million.com
Buy On Book Depository.com
Find on E-Bay
“Star Trek #32” Review by Positivelytrek.com
Positivelytrek.com has added a new review for Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing‘s “Star Trek #32”:
In this episode of Positively Trek, hosts Dan and Brandi discuss the comics Star Trek #32 (Lore War Part 5 of 5) and Star Trek: Omega, the grand finale to three years of epic Trek comic storytelling from IDW!
Buy on Amazon.com
Buy On Books-A-Million.com
Buy On Book Depository.com
Find on E-Bay
Happy 2025 Birthday to Robert Greenberger!
()
Happy birthday to Robert Greenberger!
A writer, editor, and project manager, Robert Greenberger has been working in publishing since 1980. A lifelong fan of comics and science fiction, he watched dreams become reality when he first joined Starlog Press in 1980. There, he created Comics Scene which he edited during its initial run. In 1984, he moved to DC Comics where he worked as an editor or administrator until 2000, earning plaudits for his work on the Star Trek comic book. After a brief sojourn to the Internet, he returned to comics in 2001, this time working as an executive at Marvel Comics. This turned out to be a stormy, frustrating year and in 2002 he returned to DC as a senior editor in their growing collected editions department. In 2006, he left DC and found himself having the time of his life as Managing Editor at Weekly World News unitl its clueless management shuttered the paper.
Since then he has been a freelance writer, working on media tie-in properties, original fiction, non-fiction for your young adults and adults, and whatever else has come his way. He has cofounded the digital Crazy 8 Press.
He currently teaches high school English and Creative Writing in Baltimore County.
He makes his home in Maryland. For more.
Check out the Robert Greenberger credit page to view more updates and a full list of credits!
Find Robert Greenberger’s work on Amazon.com
Out Today: “Outside In Can Live With It”
Out today: “Outside In Can Live With It“, by .
Put ten DS9 fans in a room, and you’ll wind up with eleven opinions, fourteen heated debates about the ethics of the Dominion War and somebody cosplaying Odo shapeshifting into Quark. That’s because DS9 fans are gloriously weird, uniquely different and sometimes entirely outlandish. And so is this book.
Celebrating over 30 years of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, OUTSIDE IN CAN LIVE WITH IT is a collection of 171 brand new reviews, one for every episode of DS9. Well, we say “reviews”, but we mean that loosely: within these pages, you’ll find game reviews, lesson plans, quizzes, fashion blogs, redacted articles, gossip columns, wine labels, exit interviews, parables and even a talk show. Not to mention insightful and thoughtful articles, examining DS9 from just about every aspect imaginable… and then some!
Provocative, engrossing, hilarious and utterly gonzo. This is OUTSIDE IN.
Featuring contributions from Derek Tyler Attico, Maggie Bandur, Diana Dru Botsford, Kelli Fitzpatrick, Talia Franks, David R. George III, Janet Hetherington, Susanne Lambdin, David A. McIntee, Jill Sherwin, and 161 more!
Buy on Amazon.com
Buy On Books-A-Million.com
Out Today: “The Modern Afterlives of Old Irish Travel Narratives: From Gulliver to Star Trek”
Out today: “The Modern Afterlives of Old Irish Travel Narratives: From Gulliver to Star Trek“, by Natalia I Petrovskaia.
This book explores the reception of the medieval Irish tradition of fantastic journey tales in Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels, C.S. Lewis’s The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Umberto Eco’s Baudolino, and the science fiction television franchises Star Trek and Stargate. In doing so, the book opens the door to a new history of literary reception, using Old Irish genre categories to analyse post-medieval texts. It aims to show that there is a family of texts produced in the post-medieval period that are heirs of the medieval Irish literary tradition of fantastic voyage narratives and that using Old Irish genre categories to analyse post-medieval works can open up new perspectives in our understanding of these works.
Buy on Amazon.com
Buy On Books-A-Million.com
DTI Comic Book Investigation for the week of July 24, 2025
Here are all the comics printed this week in years past.
