09 Apr 26 07:47 UTCenhttps://www.freedommag.org/rss.xmlhttps://www.freedommag.org/news/quebec-laws-target-religious-expression-push-educators-from-classrooms-727f03Teachers are being pushed out of Quebec classrooms for wearing hijabs, turbans and other religious symbols. Civil liberties groups say the province’s escalating secularism laws are targeting faith itself.2026-04-08https://www.freedommag.org/news/church-of-scientology-los-angeles-hosts-thousands-at-family-friendly-easter-festival-on-l-ron-hubbard-way-892429Thousands fill the brick-lined thoroughfare as the Church of Scientology opens its doors to the public, turning a holiday tradition into a living model of community life.2026-04-07https://www.freedommag.org/news/uk-marijuana-boom-driven-by-just-10-doctors-writing-half-of-all-prescriptions-c19732A handful of doctors is driving a massive prescription surge in the UK’s $6.6 billion-a-year medical cannabis industry—even as new data links the drug to higher rates of depression, anxiety and heart disease.2026-04-06https://www.freedommag.org/news/public-school-district-settles-religious-freedom-lawsuit-restores-training-access-for-students-e5e921The agreement between the Chicago Board of Education and Moody Bible Institute resolves a four-month dispute over whether public school programs can impose hiring conditions on faith-based institutions.2026-04-05https://www.freedommag.org/news/california-church-files-federal-suit-after-mob-blocks-worshippers-and-families-during-services-794e67Repeated attacks forced parishioners to abandon services, prompting a lawsuit that highlights escalating threats to houses of worship across the country.2026-04-04https://www.freedommag.org/news/ashleigh-banfields-career-ends-anti-scientology-reporting-claims-another-victim-23573dHaving fallen to one of America’s least-watched cable news networks, even they rejected Ashleigh Banfield’s virulent hate—as did her former audience. 2026-04-03https://www.freedommag.org/news/celebrating-a-decade-helping-atlanta-rise-dbbc2dAs the Ideal Church of Scientology of Atlanta marks its 10th anniversary, a Destination: Scientology episode highlights a city defined by welcome, resilience and forward motion.2026-04-02https://www.freedommag.org/news/euthanasia-cases-surge-as-psychiatrists-expand-abusive-treatments-to-include-death-4013e8Assisted suicide is no longer limited to terminal illness, with psychiatric patients now deemed capable of giving “informed consent” to die—even as the same system treats them as too insane to live.2026-04-01https://www.freedommag.org/news/the-world-is-her-classroom-across-90-countries-dr-mary-shuttleworth-teaches-human-rights-f30ce1Through decades of global outreach, Dr. Shuttleworth has transformed human rights from paper into practice in communities worldwide with one powerful tool: education.2026-03-31https://www.freedommag.org/news/virginia-jury-awards-usd20-million-in-child-abuse-case-at-psychiatric-facility-85de1fThe jury deliberated only three hours before reaching their verdict, after video showed a psychiatric worker dragging a 13-year-old across a room by a shirt wrapped around his neck.2026-03-30https://www.freedommag.org/news/wisconsin-bill-targets-delete-button-loophole-that-lets-lawmakers-erase-public-records-f2d4c4A new proposal would require legislators to retain emails and correspondence just like other public officials, reviving a long-running fight over transparency, accountability and public trust in state government.2026-03-29https://www.freedommag.org/news/arkansas-department-of-human-services-liable-for-neglect-deaths-in-human-development-centers-e502a9With limited video oversight and dozens of abuse reports, advocates say Arkansas’ Human Development Centers fail to adequately protect vulnerable residents from harm.2026-03-28https://www.freedommag.org/news/uk-sees-surge-in-fatal-nitazene-overdoses-tied-to-sales-on-telegram-messaging-app-e4408eExperts warn potent synthetic opioids are spreading rapidly across Europe and may devastate users who believe they are buying other drugs.2026-03-27https://www.freedommag.org/news/child-welfare-caseworker-arrested-for-fentanyl-use-while-on-duty-in-ohio-216475A Marion County Children Services employee was arrested after police say she was found driving high on fentanyl during a workday, despite a prior dismissal for violating drug-free workplace rules at a previous agency.2026-03-26https://www.freedommag.org/news/ashleigh-banfield-may-be-the-only-woman-rebuffed-by-jeffrey-epstein-8efd7eIn public, Banfield accurately described him as a creep, a sleaze and a pedophile. In private, she begged a friend to find out if he wanted to date her.2026-03-25https://www.freedommag.org/news/watchdog-finds-nursing-homes-use-schizophrenia-diagnoses-to-justify-drugging-of-elderly-patients-c111ebInvestigations by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General show that 17 percent of long-stay nursing home residents receive antipsychotics.2026-03-24https://www.freedommag.org/news/foia-expert-dr-david-cuillier-warns-you-dont-miss-access-until-its-gone-7502d2Dr. David Cuillier says “secrecy creep” has steadily eroded US FOIA compliance over three decades, calling it a growing threat to democracy itself if left unchecked.2026-03-23https://www.freedommag.org/news/japans-shame-dissolution-of-unification-church-sparks-outrage-and-condemnation-ab8954A first-of-its-kind ruling in Japan orders the dissolution of a major religious organization, raising urgent questions about the state of religious freedom in modern democracies—and how quickly it can erode.2026-03-22https://www.freedommag.org/news/historical-clothiers-bill-and-virginia-watson-on-building-a-marriage-a-business-and-a-life-all-by-hand-9a6799From a card table in an attic to a thriving business in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bill and Virginia Watson have created a world of craftsmanship in which artistry, entrepreneurship and Scientology are deeply intertwined.2026-03-21https://www.freedommag.org/news/federal-jury-awards-usd667k-to-muslim-inmates-pepper-sprayed-by-prison-guards-while-praying-70eb98A guard with a history of Islamophobic remarks initiated pepper-spraying a group of Muslim men praying at a Missouri state prison. Jurors found First Amendment violations and awarded damages.2026-03-20https://www.freedommag.org/news/where-hollywood-creates-illusions-this-valley-church-helps-angelenos-build-something-real-d9946cIn the backstage capital of American entertainment, the Church of Scientology of the Valley is a place where the craft of creation gives way to the deeper work of connection, community and human betterment.2026-03-19https://www.freedommag.org/news/sunshine-week-spotlight-foia-fees-put-government-transparency-behind-a-paywall-b61ec5Research by Dr. David Cuillier and Dr. A. Jay Wagner shows public records are increasingly out of reach for citizens, nonprofits and journalists. 2026-03-18https://www.freedommag.org/news/47-young-women-claim-hunger-games-torture-at-michigan-mental-health-facility-6ff366Attorney Michael Jaafar represents dozens of girls who allege beatings, forced stripping and sexual misconduct at Vista Maria. The facility ended its residential program amid mounting complaints. 2026-03-17https://www.freedommag.org/news/college-student-leads-volunteers-nationwide-to-transform-abandoned-texas-school-into-mosque-and-community-hub-f4c5ffMohamad Altabaa, a third-year med student, rallied nearly 200 volunteers from across the country to renovate a 6-acre derelict school into the Unity Center, a mosque and hub for interfaith engagement and community service. 2026-03-16https://www.freedommag.org/news/children-as-young-as-11-seek-treatment-for-cannabis-addiction-as-cases-surge-nationwide-928afdAs potency rises, even preteens are experiencing severe health effects, forcing families to seek emergency care for cannabis-related conditions.2026-03-15https://www.freedommag.org/news/richmond-officials-under-scrutiny-for-foia-violations-and-missing-evidence-19cf0bConnie Clay alleges she was fired for exposing repeated FOIA breaches and refusing to mislead the public. The city now faces mounting legal and financial consequences. 2026-03-14https://www.freedommag.org/news/tampa-ideal-church-of-scientology-marks-15-years-of-preserving-history-and-serving-the-community-b79ae0Dedicated on L. Ron Hubbard’s centennial birthday, the Church restored Tampa’s first cigar factory into a vibrant spiritual hub of uplift, culture and outreach.2026-03-13https://www.freedommag.org/news/uscirf-annual-report-names-global-religious-freedom-violators-hungary-among-nations-under-scrutiny-fe6ccfThe bipartisan commission details mass persecution worldwide and flags Hungary for targeting the Church of Scientology.2026-03-12https://www.freedommag.org/news/a-decade-on-the-churchs-brussels-victory-still-stands-as-a-cornerstone-of-religious-freedom-in-europe-3319dbA Belgian court dismissed all charges and condemned the prejudiced investigation behind them—a decision widely viewed as a landmark affirmation of the right to freedom of religion across the continent.2026-03-11https://www.freedommag.org/news/drug-dealers-who-ran-bronx-day-care-sentenced-after-toddler-dies-of-fentanyl-d9cb05Prosecutors say operators of a Bronx day care hid kilos of fentanyl under a trap door above which children played and slept. A 22-month-old boy died and three other children were hospitalized after exposure.2026-03-10https://www.freedommag.org/news/foia-ruling-court-orders-education-department-to-release-records-behind-usd37-7-million-university-fine-977538Landmark decision opens federal records behind the largest penalty ever imposed by the US Department of Education—a penalty later withdrawn entirely.2026-03-09https://www.freedommag.org/news/video-evidence-leads-to-child-abuse-charge-against-florida-therapist-9c6be4Footage shows a therapist striking a nonverbal autistic boy with a shoe, racket and other objects—an incident that has reignited scrutiny of abuse risks within behavioral and mental health systems.  2026-03-08https://www.freedommag.org/news/how-david-kitchens-creates-the-sounds-that-bring-movies-to-life-7fed51The Emmy-winning sound recordist discusses craft, communication and the quiet principles that sustain a creative life. 2026-03-07https://www.freedommag.org/news/quebec-police-dismantle-elite-synthetic-opioid-network-exporting-deadly-pills-to-us-da9989Authorities warn the shift of drugs from Mexico to Canada increases the reach of synthetic opioids, with fentanyl derivatives 100 to 10,000 times stronger than morphine. 2026-03-06https://www.freedommag.org/news/iowa-state-run-psychiatric-facility-fined-again-after-neglect-abuse-and-deaths-bff86dInspectors found a resident with a body temperature of 105.7 degrees left in a bathtub while staff ignored required checks and emergency protocols.2026-03-05https://www.freedommag.org/news/sinaloa-drug-cartel-leaders-indicted-with-new-federal-charge-of-narcoterrorism-96d1e0Authorities allege the brothers controlled the critical Tijuana drug corridor for 15 years, moving massive quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana into the United States.2026-03-04https://www.freedommag.org/news/california-bill-would-make-disrupting-religious-services-a-felony-393175Lawmakers seek stronger legal tools as attacks on houses of worship in California rise, threatening congregants’ ability to worship in peace.2026-03-03https://www.freedommag.org/news/from-abolition-to-backpage-how-tony-ortega-enabled-modern-day-sexual-slavery-aff914Two centuries ago, US Congress banned the slave trade. Against that backdrop, Tony Ortega’s defense of Backpage child sex trafficking shows how exploitation evolves—and enablers evade accountability. 2026-03-02https://www.freedommag.org/news/psychiatric-trade-journal-admits-severe-ssri-withdrawal-is-common-and-prolonged-99b2adAfter decades of warnings from watchdogs and researchers, the psychiatric establishment finally acknowledges that stopping SSRIs can trigger debilitating physical and mental effects.2026-03-01https://www.freedommag.org/news/newsroom-cuts-and-editorial-bias-drive-shrinking-religion-coverage-worldwide-ec2459Public demand for better coverage remains strong, in spite of declining newsroom expertise on faith and religion.2026-02-28https://www.freedommag.org/news/leaders-from-30-faiths-unite-in-washington-dc-to-confront-global-religious-persecution-2760b7The sixth annual International Religious Freedom Summit gathered more than 90 organizations in Washington to defend freedom of belief as a cornerstone of global stability, dignity and peace. 2026-02-27https://www.freedommag.org/news/utah-could-be-the-next-state-to-ban-electroshock-for-minors-f041e2FDA still allows ECT for children as young as 13 despite mounting evidence of harm and global calls to outlaw the practice.2026-02-26https://www.freedommag.org/news/korean-human-rights-commission-finds-psychiatric-hospital-illegally-restrained-patients-for-months-a638b7The National Human Rights Commission of Korea says 53 patients were falsely labeled “voluntary” admissions and 52 were illegitimately restrained. 2026-02-25https://www.freedommag.org/news/teen-cannabis-use-linked-to-serious-mental-health-diagnoses-later-in-life-7f83a8Tracking 460,000 teens with no prior mental health problems, researchers found those who used cannabis faced sharply higher rates of serious psychiatric diagnoses by young adulthood.2026-02-24https://www.freedommag.org/news/german-federal-court-rules-employers-cannot-discriminate-against-applicants-for-religious-attire-bbd6c1Germany’s highest labor court awards €3,500 to a Muslim woman denied a job because of her hijab. In a nation facing persistent anti-Muslim discrimination, the decision marks a landmark victory for religious rights.2026-02-23https://www.freedommag.org/news/bay-area-operation-rescues-73-trafficking-victims-after-super-bowl-5d47ecA sweeping, 11-county operation led by Santa Clara County’s Human Trafficking Task Force recovers dozens of survivors—including a 12-year-old—while law enforcement pivots toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.2026-02-22https://www.freedommag.org/news/major-study-finds-0-of-22-new-psychiatric-drugs-were-clinically-helpful-3dd78cThe peer‑reviewed analysis reveals that psychotropics have failed to produce benefit for patients even as their use has surged and serious risks accumulate, prompting calls for regulatory overhaul.2026-02-21https://www.freedommag.org/news/pew-ranks-america-most-religiously-diverse-among-large-nations-62e26bPew finds the US surged from moderately to highly diverse in a decade, while 31 smaller countries surpass its score globally.2026-02-20https://www.freedommag.org/news/epstein-fallout-widens-as-scrutiny-turns-to-tony-ortegas-history-defending-pedophiles-36d1edAmid the collapse of careers over even distant ties to Jeffrey Epstein, Tony Ortega’s public contempt for efforts to expose predators set the stage for a lifetime of defending the sexual exploitation of kids. 2026-02-19https://www.freedommag.org/news/where-the-future-boots-up-so-does-the-spirit-e461c1On its eighth anniversary, the Ideal Church of Scientology Silicon Valley stands as a human-centered “operating system” for a region built on invention—as spotlighted in Destination: Scientology.2026-02-18