Tracy Simmons
LightNews LightNews
banner
reportertracy.bsky.social
Tracy Simmons
@reportertracy.bsky.social
330 followers 270 following 200 posts
Journalism prof, religion reporter and media entrepreneur always trying to find more time to hike and ride my road bike.
Posts Replies Media Videos
reportertracy.bsky.social
This is worth a read. Appreciate this reporting on how #Catholics in #Greenland are feeling about all this. www.ncronline.org/news/greenla...
Greenland's small Catholic community weighs uncertainty as global tensions rise
In Nuuk, Greenland's capital, a Catholic community of about 300 people — many of them Filipino immigrants — is following international debate over the future of their home with concern, detachment and...
www.ncronline.org
January 22, 2026 at 8:44 PM
Reposted by Tracy Simmons
columjournreview.bsky.social
The home of Hannah Natanson, a Washington Post reporter, was searched by the FBI. Her devices were seized. Maddy Crowell speaks with Runa Sandvik whose life’s work is protecting journalists’ digital security, to assess the damage—and what news organizations need to know. www.cjr.org/news/hannah-...
The home of Hannah Natanson, a Washington Post reporter, was searched by the FBI. Her devices were seized. Runa Sandvik, whose life’s work is protecting journalists’ digital security, assesses the dam...
The home of Hannah Natanson, a Washington Post reporter, was searched by the FBI. Her devices were seized. Runa Sandvik, whose life’s work is protecting journalists’ digital security, assesses the dam...
www.cjr.org
January 14, 2026 at 10:51 PM
Reposted by Tracy Simmons
jackjenkins.me
NEW from me: In MN, George Floyd-era faith networks have reignited after Renee Good's killing by ICE.

They often partner w/others: last night, a church, brewery & bookstore hosted an event.

If you showed up w/a whistle (to warn people of ICE), you got a free drink. religionnews.com/2026/01/11/i...
In Minneapolis, George Floyd-era faith networks reignite after Renee Good's killing by ICE
MINNEAPOLIS (RNS) — The faith-based networks, which developed organizing infrastructure and relationships during the Floyd era, are joined by newcomers as resistance efforts have intensified following...
religionnews.com
January 11, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Reposted by Tracy Simmons
rns.org
Israel’s decision to deny registrations to 37 aid groups comes at a perilous time for Palestinians in the occupied territories and especially in Gaza.
religionnews.com/2026/01/02/i...
Israel's ban on humanitarian relief groups will severely impact aid to besieged strip, letter warns
(RNS) — Israel’s decision to deny registrations to 37 aid groups comes at a perilous time for Palestinians in the occupied territories and especially in Gaza.
religionnews.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:00 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
This column means the world to me. 💛
Buddhist nun Thubten Chodron shares why @favsnews.bsky.social — and our shared values across faiths — matter so much right now.
Read & support: bit.ly/4pgJGtq
#FAVSNews #ValuesMatter #Interfaith
Why FāVS News’ Values Still Matter to Me
A Buddhist nun reflects on shared values, faith, and why supporting FāVS News helps sustain hope, connection and compassion across differences.
bit.ly
December 30, 2025 at 4:29 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
With food insecurity rising, Feed Spokane with their network of volunteers & partners is redistributing over 1 million pounds of food a year across Eastern Wash.

🎧 Listen to and read the story: bit.ly/3Lb20pL
From - @favsnews.bsky.social

#FoodInsecurity #FoodRescue #Spokane #EasternWA
Food rescue program combats rising hunger, reduces waste in Spokane region - FāVS News
Feed Spokane rescues food from restaurants from going in the trash that would otherwise damage the atmosphere to reduce rising food insecurity.
bit.ly
December 18, 2025 at 5:41 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
Are Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 “liberal”? In this commentary, Mark Griswold wrestles with faith, politics, personal responsibility & what it means to care for “the least of these.” A timely reflection for Advent & beyond.

🔗 bit.ly/4pFubvV

#FaithAndPolitics #Matthew25 #ChristianEthics #Advent
Caring for the least of these should not be a partisan issue
A Christian reflection on Matthew 25, political labels, subsidiarity, and what Jesus’ call to care for “the least of these” really demands of us.
bit.ly
December 16, 2025 at 4:11 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
Spokane Public Schools has a new board president.
Jenny Slagle (Yakama Nation) is the first Indigenous woman to hold the role, centering belonging and community voice.

By Matthew Kincanon | @favsnews.bsky.social News
🔗 bit.ly/4pJCuXK

#SpokaneSchools #IndigenousLeadership #NativeEducation
First Indigenous Woman Slagle Named School Board President
Jenny Slagle, the first Indigenous woman elected to the Spokane Public Schools Board, was appointed president.
bit.ly
December 15, 2025 at 4:38 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
So proud of the incredible reporting from @favsnews.bsky.social reporters. This collaborative piece with RANGE Media examines the rhetoric around Christian nationalism locally and its real-world impact. Worth the read.
bit.ly/3MVuzYI

#Spokane #Journalism #ReligionNews #ChristianNationalism
Christian Nationalism Debate in Washington State
FPIW’s rhetoric on immigration, Islam and American identity sparks concerns about rising Christian nationalism and its impact on Washington politics.
bit.ly
December 12, 2025 at 4:18 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
This is one of my favorite features on @favsnews.bsky.social - Ask a Buddhist. What questions do you have?
bit.ly/3XJYAx0
#buddhism #religion #interfaith
Is Artistic Creativity Compatible With Buddhist Practice?
A Buddhist teacher explains how creativity, motivation and mindfulness shape artistic practice, and why art can support compassion and wisdom.
bit.ly
December 10, 2025 at 10:37 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
Church shopping as a Buddhist journalist about to become a parent wasn’t on my bingo card — but here we are. A new column on values, faith, and the search for spiritual community in a complicated world. 🍼🙏
bit.ly/4rJzwDT
#Religion #Parenthood #FaithJourney #Journalism
Searching for a Spiritual Home at church Before Baby Arrives
A Buddhist reporter and her wife visit progressive Spokane churches in a search for a welcoming faith community to raise their son.
bit.ly
December 8, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Reposted by Tracy Simmons
washingtonpost.com
The Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House this week underwent thorough vetting by counterterrorism authorities before entering the U.S., according to people with direct knowledge of the case.
Counterterrorism officials vetted Guard shooting suspect before he entered U.S.
Individuals with knowledge of the process that Rahmanullah Lakanwal went through contradicted senior Trump officials’ claim that he was not scrutinized.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 28, 2025 at 11:45 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
I love love love running a nonprofit newsroom - except this time of year when we have to ask for money. So please, if you value religion coverage donate what you can! It will help us pay our deserving reporters

favs.news/fund-indepen...

#nonprofit #localnews #religion #journalism
Fund Independent Faith Journalism Across the Inland Northwest - FāVS News
Help us raise $15,000 to sustain a part-time reporter for all of 2026—covering the stories that connect communities across Washington and Idaho.
favs.news
November 24, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Reposted by Tracy Simmons
mmfa.bsky.social
After Fox News’ pollsters found that Trump’s job approval had plummeted, the network buried the results while puffing up the president as the “ultimate dealmaker” who is doing “incredible things” and promising that “the whole world” will soon “come kiss the ring of the king.”
Fox News hid its brutal Trump job approval number from viewers — while showering him with praise
www.mediamatters.org
November 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
Refugee moms arriving in Spokane are finding support and celebration through World Relief’s baby showers.
Read more: bit.ly/43D7DDo

#Spokane #RefugeesWelcome #WorldRelief
World Relief Spokane’s Baby Showers Support Refugee Moms
Refugee women in Spokane find community, joy, and support through World Relief Spokane’s baby showers, offering resources and connection for new moms.
bit.ly
November 20, 2025 at 4:29 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
Help us raise $15,000 to sustain a part-time reporter for 2026. @favsnews.bsky.social covers Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Sikh, atheist communities & more across WA/ID.
Donate: bit.ly/4i4tvxl
#ReligionReporting #InlandNorthwest #NonprofitNews #Spokane #journalism
Fund Independent Faith Journalism Across the Inland Northwest - FāVS News
Help us raise $15,000 to sustain a part-time reporter for all of 2026—covering the stories that connect communities across Washington and Idaho.
bit.ly
November 14, 2025 at 8:56 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth of the UMC is encouraging people to “go the M.I.L.E.” through a new podcast sharing stories of callings and service. 🎙️

Read more on FāVS News: bit.ly/4hXSTVe

#UnitedMethodist #FaithStories #Podcast #PNWMinistry #FAVSNews
Bishop Bridgeforth’s “Going the M.I.L.E.” Podcast Inspires
United Methodist Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth’s “Going the M.I.L.E.” podcast shares real stories of callings, ministry, and faith across the Northwest.
bit.ly
November 13, 2025 at 3:35 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
How do faith, religion, and philosophy intertwine — and where do they diverge? In this @favsnews.bsky.social column, one writer reflects on the roots of belief and the shared pursuit of wisdom across traditions. Read more 👉 bit.ly/3Jun0qV

#Faith #Religion #Philosophy #Interfaith #ReligionNews
Faith, Religion and Philosophy: Finding the Common Thread
A personal reflection on how faith, religion and philosophy intertwine — from Jesus to the Buddha — in humanity’s shared pursuit of wisdom and compassion.
bit.ly
November 11, 2025 at 5:20 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
🎹 For 50+ years, Idaho’s Chris James Gootherts has used his “God-given” gift to connect people through jazz and worship. Now retired from corporate life, he’s relaunching his music career full-time and sharing his faith through every note.

Read more: bit.ly/49aNBDK

#Idaho #FaithAndArt #Jazz
Idaho Pianist Chris Gootherts Finds Faith Through Music
After 50 years on stage, Idaho musician Chris Gootherts relaunches his music career, blending jazz, faith and community in a spirit-filled revival.
bit.ly
November 9, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Reposted by Tracy Simmons
us.theconversation.com
Puerto Rican Muslims are sometimes told they're "not real Puerto Ricans" because of their faith. A religion scholar explores how, like Bad Bunny, they remix what it means to be Boricua in the face of colonialism and marginalization. buff.ly/UCuViaD
Bad Bunny and Puerto Rican Muslims: How both remix what it means to be Boricua
Like Bad Bunny’s music, Puerto Rican Muslims’ lives challenge ideas about race, religion and belonging in the Americas.
theconversation.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:28 AM
reportertracy.bsky.social
We don’t always know when a small act of compassion will stay with someone for a lifetime. This beautiful column by Hyphen Parent asks: Will your memory be a blessing? A reminder to see each other, especially in moments of grief.
bit.ly/49yw7kM

#Judaism #Grief #Compassion #Kindness #Legacy
Will Your Memory Be a Blessing or a Curse?
A reflection on compassion, grief, and legacy—how small acts of kindness can make our memory a lasting blessing.
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 4:40 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
A retired Methodist pastor reflects on stepping “off the curb” to stand with immigrant families — and how following Jesus means showing up with courage and love.
Powerful call to walk the talk.
bit.ly/4oN8qtp
#FaithInAction #ImmigrantJustice #ClergyForImmigrants #InterfaithSolidarity #PNWFaith
Oregon Pastor Joins ICE Protest, Cites ‘Subversive Jesus’
At an Oregon protest, a pastor reflects on ICE intimidation, faith in action, and how Jesus’ subversive love inspires the Interfaith Immigrant Justice movement.
bit.ly
November 2, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Reposted by Tracy Simmons
unraveledpress.com
Even with shields confiscated, remaining protesters and clergy have linked arms in front of state troopers.

Behind the lines of police, no one inside the soundproof and overcrowded detention center will be able to hear any of this.

Chanting, "free them all!"
November 1, 2025 at 6:58 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
@favsnews.bsky.social is looking for more volunteer columnists! If you live in Washington or Idaho and want to write about faith or ethics - message me! We especially need Jewish, Muslim and Evangelical columnists
November 1, 2025 at 5:37 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
Aging comes with surprises — like realizing just how much fear, propaganda, and “apocalypse salespeople” swirl around us. In this sharp, witty, thought-provoking column, Janet Marugg explores skepticism, brainwashing and the power of standing firm for truth and peace.
bit.ly/47CSSBC
Propaganda, Skepticism, and the Wisdom of Age
A sharp, funny reflection on aging, doubt, and propaganda — from WWII brainwashing to modern “megaphones” selling apocalypses at your doorstep.
bit.ly
October 31, 2025 at 1:31 AM