iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Faith leaders in Idaho, what do you say to this?

Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

One of the best parts of running FāVS is hearing from readers. Sometimes it's a note. Sometimes it's a much-needed check. This week, someone sent me this sticker. I’ll take it. ❤️ It’s a pretty great reminder of the community we’re building here.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

As a new parent, I find myself wondering what I want to teach Stanley about service. This column is a good reminder that sometimes the lessons we want to teach our kids are things we have to practice alongside them. bit.ly/4xRXSOy

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Teaching Kids a Lesson: Joy of Service After Spokane Fires

A Spokane mother teaches a lesson: bringing her reluctant 11-year-old to sort donations for wildfire victims and discovers the lasting lesson of serving others.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

A new FāVS story, reported in partnership with RANGE Media. Aaron Hedge spent weeks reporting on Zeal Church, its New Apostolic Reformation connections, the ouster of a homeless ministry and the larger questions of faith, power & spiritual warfare playing out in Spokane. bit.ly/4dn3DeT

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Zeal Church Brings New Apostolic Reformation to Spokane

Zeal Church, a Mercy Culture church plant in Spokane, reflects the New Apostolic Reformation as it draws scrutiny over theology and its Shalom split.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Went for a gravel bike ride yesterday and came across a property with several “No Trespassing” signs that said: “Violators Will be Shot then Shot Again.” I turned around. 😂 It made me think of this line from a recent FāVS column: “We’ve replaced welcomes with warnings.” bit.ly/4hlZ3Qn

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Wendell Berry was one of those writers who changed how I think about place, community and what it means to live well. This FāVS reflection on Berry's “conservative gospel” — place, limits and grace — really resonated with me. favs.news/wendell-berr...

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Wendell Berry’s Conservative Gospel of Place and Grace

A tribute to Wendell Berry explores his conservative vision of place, limits, small farms, nature, grace and a life shaped by faith and simplicity.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

FāVS News is the only U.S. newsroom devoted solely to local religion news. Our campaign to raise $5,000 is off to a slow start. If our coverage has meant something to you, this is a good week to chip in. favs-news.fundjournalism.org/supportfavs/

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Join | FāVS News

FāVS News is supported by people like you. Support FāVS News today.

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Reposted by Tracy Simmons

Sojourners @sojo.net · 04/09/2026

"I felt fed by the sermons and got teary at the beloved community surrounding us. I was grateful to be in a place where other people’s vulnerabilities and struggles weren’t hidden but held collectively." sojo.net/articles/opi...

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My Father Has Dementia. A Church Became Our Refuge

The need for a public awakening around dementia and Alzheimer’s is only going to get bigger in the years ahead.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

This is a fascinating story from FāVS reporter Micah Yip about a growing movement of Christian men-only gyms — and the very different ideas of masculinity and faith behind them. It's also prompted some thoughtful questions about how we cover communities we can't always get inside. bit.ly/4gN1vhp

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Christian Men-Only Gyms and the Debate Over Masculinity

Christian men-only gyms are growing in Idaho and beyond, sparking debate over masculinity, faith, gender roles, sexual temptation and community.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

What if science and religion aren’t opposites? In this FāVS column, Bahá’í writer Sarah Haug explores the idea that the two can work together in the search for truth — and what that might look like. A different perspective on a familiar debate: favs.news/science-reli...

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How Science and Religion Can Work Together: Bahá’í Teachings

Bahá’í teachings explore how science and religion can work together through reason, observation and faith to understand the physical and spiritual world.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

First week back teaching has been a whirlwind. I’m behind on emails, behind on projects, and somehow haven’t ridden my bike once. Add an 8-month-old to the mix and… 😅 Trying to remind myself that getting through the week counts as an accomplishment, too.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

This FāVS story is getting some national attention today. LifeWise Academy, the Bible-based program that takes public school students off campus for religious instruction during the school day, is expanding rapidly across the Pacific Northwest. bit.ly/4xYUwsB

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LifeWise Academy Expands Programs Across the Pacific Northwest

LifeWise Academy is expanding its programs across the Pacific Northwest, drawing debate over religious education, public schools and church-state separation.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

One thing that's struck me in covering the Spokane wildfires: churches aren't just responding to the immediate crisis, but are already thinking about the long recovery. I talked with NWPB about how faith communities are helping—and what comes next. bit.ly/4xnmfn9

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Unpacked: Faith and fire recovery in Spokane

After devastating fires earlier this month in Spokane, several churches and religious organizations are stepping in to help people recover.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

First day of classes: ✅ Emails answered: absolutely not Tasks completed: lol Desk reorganized with the precision of a NASA launch:✅ Am I incredibly behind? Yes. BUT my desk has never been more ready to support the academic comeback I am apparently not currently having.

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Charles Apple @charlesapple.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

While Yellowstone became the world's first national park in 1872, it would be another 44 years before the National Park Service was created: 110 years ago Tuesday. My Further Review in today's Spokesman-Review.

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Reposted by Tracy Simmons

KOIN 6 News @koin6.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

The Human Rights Campaign announced Thursday that it estimates 25.6 million LGBTQ+ adults live in the U.S., a significant increase from previous estimates of the nation’s sexual orientation and gender identity minority.

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25.6 million LGBTQ+ adults in US; transgender population twice prior estimates: Study

12.54% of Texas adults are LGBTQ+, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Good news: I was selected as a 2026 Reporting on Religion Microgrant Recipient through RDRP + Reporting on Religion! The grant will support reporting on a rural congregation in Forks, WA. I'm excited to dig into rural religion—a part of Washington that doesn't get nearly enough religion reporting.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Important piece from FāVS columnist Lisa Ormond on supporting #Spokane #wildfire survivors. Her family lost a home in the 2017 Tubbs Fire. Her advice: show up, listen, be patient—and don't disappear when the crisis is over. bit.ly/4xDMIMN

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How to Support Spokane Wildfire Survivors After Loss

Learn how to support wildfire survivors through grief, recovery and rebuilding, with practical ways to offer care, patience, prayer and hope.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

While I was away, FāVS News had an exciting week—including a co-published story with @sojo.net One of my favorite things about building a nonprofit religion newsroom is seeing our reporters' work reach audiences beyond our own site. Proud of this collaboration! bit.ly/4xFZSJf

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Idaho Faith Leaders Challenge Transgender Bathroom Law

Progressive Idaho faith leaders are challenging HB 752, raising questions about transgender rights, religious freedom and church exemptions.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Fittingly, the Catholic Church in the North Pole is named Saint Nicholas. Had to pause the family vacation for a pic!

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

It finally happened. Someone asked if I was my kid’s grandma.

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The Oregonian @oregonian.com · 04/08/2026

The state has surpassed its acreage record just two months into wildfire season. mrf.lu/2Zrk_

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

I've been thinking about stillness lately—perhaps because I'm about to head to Alaska for a little vacation. I wrote about what I'm learning about the spiritual art of being still for FāVS. favs.news/learning-the...

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Learning the Spiritual Art of Stillness in a Busy Life

After a backpacking trip and time away from constant busyness, a FāVS editor reflects on Psalm 46, rest and rediscovering the spiritual practice of being still.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

One of our own lost his home in yesterday's devastating Spokane-area fires. We've started a GoFundMe to help our FāVS News reporter and his family begin to rebuild. If you can give or share, we'd be incredibly grateful. gofund.me/d3a0a0429

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Donate to Support Matthew and FāVS Writers After the Fire, organized by Tracy Simmons

Matthew Kincanon has spent nearly a decade telling other people's stor… Tracy Simmons needs your support for Support Matthew and FāVS Writers After the Fire

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Another little FāVS milestone: one of our stories was republished by The Christian Century this week. 🎉 We're a small nonprofit newsroom, so seeing our reporting picked up by publications we respect is pretty darn exciting. www.christiancentury.org/news/how-rur...

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How rural churches in the Pacific Northwest are sharing pastors across denominations

Across the Pacific Northwest, rural churches from mainline denominations are combating declining attendance and escalating costs through a novel solution: pastor sharing.“What we’re finding is it’s ge...

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

A reality many outside Jewish communities may not realize: security has become a significant part of the cost of gathering & worshipping. Read: how Jewish communities across WA are responding to persistent antisemitic threats & what those security demands mean for congregational life. bit.ly/45uUtbU

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Seattle Jewish Community Doubles Security amid antisemitism

A Jewish Community in Seattle expanding its SAFE Washington program as synagogues and Jewish organizations respond to ongoing antisemitic threats.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

One thing I've learned running a nonprofit newsroom: Partnerships are how local journalism grows.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Excited about a new partnership! Presbyterian Outlook will begin publishing one FāVS News story each month as they expand PNW coverage. Collaboration > competition.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Looking forward to joining a religion journalism panel at #SPJ26 this fall. Excited to talk about the challenges—and opportunities—of covering faith and religion in today's media landscape. bit.ly/4fBXyvE

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SPJ26 Convention - October 1-4, 2026, Columbus, Ohio

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Rural churches across Washington are finding creative ways to keep ministry alive—including sharing pastors across congregations. New from FāVS News on how faith communities are adapting to changing realities. bit.ly/4xc3NNU

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Rural Churches Share Pastors to Strengthen Ministry

Rural churches across the Pacific Northwest are sharing pastors across denominations, reducing costs, strengthening ministries and building new partnerships.

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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 27/07/2026

Houston-based creator Shawn Singh (@ShawnTheFoodSheep) and Jennifer Chang from the @houstonchronicle.com are joining the Lenfest Audience Community this week for a candid conversation on how the media and creator ecosystems are working together. Learn more this Thursday at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT:

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Inside Houston’s creator economy: What successful creator/newsroom partnerships look like

Creator Shawn Singh & The Houston Chronicle share how the media and creator ecosystems are evolving in this free workshop.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

New from FāVS News: Micah Yip reports from Kirkland, where protesters, clergy and Turning Point USA supporters offered sharply different visions of Christianity during Erika Kirk's "Make Heaven Crowded" tour stop. A thoughtful look at faith, protest and public witness. bit.ly/4fBdXjA

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Outside Erika Kirk's Kirkland rally, protesters ask who Christianity is for - FāVS News

Protesters gathered outside a TPUSA event featuring Erika Kirk in western Washington where speakers mixed Christian messages with conservative politics, sparking peaceful opposition.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

NEW: Former students, parents and a former teacher say The Oaks Classical Christian Academy caused lasting emotional and spiritual harm. Our latest investigation examines those allegations and the school's ties to Doug Wilson's Association of Classical Christian Schools. bit.ly/3T9sED6

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Former Students Allege Harm at Spokane Christian Academy

Former students, parents and a teacher say a Spokane Classical Christian Academy caused emotional and spiritual harm while promoting a rigid Christian ideology.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

"Too #queer for #Christian spaces, too Christian for queer spaces" — that's the tension #LGBTQ+ Christians across the Pacific Northwest are pushing back on, one affirming church group at a time. Our reporter Emma Maple talked to leaders in Kirkland, Seattle, Wenatchee and Bellingham - bit.ly/4vWuupB

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LGBTQ+ Christians Find Community in Northwest Churches

Affirming churches across the Pacific Northwest are creating LGBTQ+ faith groups that offer belonging, spiritual exploration and support.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Can faith communities help bridge rural and urban divides? Emma Maple reports on a grassroots Eastern Washington effort focused on information, trust and finding common ground. bit.ly/4wkSEtq #Journalism #Community #Faith

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Eastern Washington Group Focuses on Rural Healthcare

Prosperity Eastern Washington is raising awareness about rural healthcare challenges while exploring how faith communities can bridge urban-rural divides.

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RANGE Media @rangemedia.co · 01/07/2026

Spokane asylum seeker self-deports to Nicaragua, fearing detainment and separation from 1-year-old The Department of Homeland Security states 2.2 million unauthorized immigrants have self-deported since January 2025. Written by Monica Casillo-Casas, originally published by The Spokesman and SPR.

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Spokane asylum seeker self-deports to Nicaragua, fearing detainment and separation from 1-year-old

The Department of Homeland Security states 2.2 million unauthorized immigrants have self-deported since January 2025.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

What if the way we talk about gender says more about us than it does about God? Rev. Elizabeth Stevens explores gender, faith and sacred traditions — from Hinduism to Christianity — and challenges the idea that spirituality has always been confined to a binary. bit.ly/3QtTULM #Religion #Faith

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God's gender isn't male, female or even binary — so why are we? - FāVS News

The Rev. Elizabeth Stevens argues that Christianity and other faiths support gender diversity beyond modern, male, female and binary identities.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Breaking: tiny human begins daycare. Follow-up investigation reveals tiny human is also a highly efficient disease delivery system. I’m now reporting live from my couch, where I will be covering the World Cup for the foreseeable future. 🫡⚽️

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

In this FāVS News commentary, Janet Marugg argues that new education policies aimed at “woke” programs could have unintended consequences for Bible colleges, seminaries and divinity schools. Read: bit.ly/4eQ58mT #Religion #HigherEducation #FaithAndValues #Journalism

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How Education Cuts Could Impact Future Religious Leaders

New federal education policies could threaten theology and ministry programs, raising concerns about the future of religious education and pastoral care.

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Tracy Simmons @reportertracy.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

What happens when gospel music becomes a bridge across faith traditions? FāVS News reporter June Williams shares the story of Resounding Love, a Seattle interfaith choir bringing songs of justice, joy and resilience to a Juneteenth celebration. bit.ly/4v6Pklu #Juneteenth #Seattle #Religion

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Seattle Interfaith Choir Celebrates Juneteenth Through Music

Resounding Love, a Seattle-based interfaith choir, will celebrate Juneteenth with gospel music, messages of hope and a commitment to community.

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