Tracy Simmons
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reportertracy.bsky.social
Tracy Simmons
@reportertracy.bsky.social
320 followers 270 following 190 posts
Journalism prof, religion reporter and media entrepreneur always trying to find more time to hike and ride my road bike.
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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
Reposted by Tracy Simmons
caitlinyarsky.bsky.social
Here is a list of food pantries in Portland OR if you or someone you know in PDX is about to be affected by the snap cuts: www.foodpantries.org/ci/or-portland
Find Food Assistance in Portland, OR: A Comprehensive Directory of Food Pantries
Discover 69 food pantry locations in Portland, OR plus additional food pantry resources nearby.
www.foodpantries.org
October 26, 2025 at 1:17 AM
reportertracy.bsky.social
As Halloween & All Souls’ Day approach, Julie Ferraro reflects on mortality, faith & what it really means to live until the very last second.
A moving column inspired by the wisdom of many traditions.

bit.ly/4quRiKs

#Franciscan #DeathAndDying #SpiritualReflections #Catholic
Reflecting on Death, Faith and St. Francis’ Legacy
As Franciscans mark 800 years of St. Francis’ Canticle of Creation, one writer explores death, faith and wisdom found in life’s final journey.
bit.ly
October 27, 2025 at 3:12 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
“Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?”
In this column, Patrick McCormick reminds us that both Scripture & the Constitution demand protection of the innocent — and that Trump’s mass deportation plans violate both.
🔗 bit.ly/3JdS2mI
#FaithAndJustice #Immigration #BiblicalJustice #FAVSNews
Trump, Faith, and Justice: The Truth About Mass Deportation
Biblical and constitutional principles call us to protect the innocent and resist false witness in the face of Trump’s mass deportation plans.
bit.ly
October 23, 2025 at 2:37 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
“I think I fit in everywhere,” says 79-year-old Christine Lette — a transgender woman who finds strength and belonging through faith, even when others told her she couldn’t.
🔗 bit.ly/3JlDDVn
#TransJoy #Faith #Catholic #UnitedMethodist #FāVSNews
Transgender Catholic Finds Faith and Belonging in Church
Christine Lette, a 79-year-old transgender Catholic, embraces faith and identity across religions, finding courage and acceptance in her journey.
bit.ly
October 22, 2025 at 3:22 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
How many words does it take to change a life? In this column, Julie A. Ferraro explores why Jesus' seven-word blueprint—"Love God, love your neighbor as yourself"—speaks louder than volumes of theological analysis.
bit.ly/4hkFy9r
#faith #spirituality #Christianity #Jesus #writing #religion
Jesus and the Power of Simple Words in Spiritual Writing
After decades of writing, one author reflects on spiritual storytelling, the wisdom of simplicity, and why seven words from Jesus still say it all.
bit.ly
October 20, 2025 at 3:40 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
Proud to have two reporters on the ground yesterday covering #NoKings protests in Seattle and Spokane. An estimated 90,000 turned out in Seattle, 10,000 in Spokane — part of 2,700+ protests nationwide. Read their coverage and see photos: bit.ly/43mULAP
#NoKingsProtest #Seattle #Spokane #PNW
Thousands Rally in "No Kings" Protests Nationwide
Spokane, Seattle, and 2,500+ U.S. cities joined "No Kings" protests. From nuns to youth, thousands stood for democracy, justice, and solidarity in the rain.
bit.ly
October 19, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Reposted by Tracy Simmons
apnews.com
BREAKING: Immigration officers in the Chicago area will be required to wear body cameras after the use of tear gas and other actions against protesters, a judge rules.
'Startled' judge orders agents in Chicago area to wear body cameras after violent clashes
A judge says federal immigration officers in the Chicago area will be required to wear body cameras after the use of tear gas and other aggressive steps against protesters.
bit.ly
October 16, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Reposted by Tracy Simmons
rns.org
BREAKING: Dallin H. Oaks, a former Utah Supreme Court justice, was named to lead The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its more than 17 million members worldwide.
religionnews.com/2025/10/14/d...
Dallin H. Oaks, former Utah Supreme Court justice, is selected to lead Mormon church
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — As president, Oaks is considered a prophet and seer who will guide the church through divine revelation from God alongside two top counselors and members of the Quorum.
religionnews.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:38 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
Two new co-executive directors are leading Salish School of Spokane into its next chapter. Read about their shared leadership and vision for the future: bit.ly/4ojprv0
#Spokane #NativeEducation #LanguageRevitalization #IndigenousLeadership #SalishLanguage
Salish School of Spokane Ushers in 2 new leaders
Two new co-executive directors bring shared leadership to the Salish School of Spokane, continuing its mission of language and cultural revitalization.
bit.ly
October 14, 2025 at 3:21 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
From pandemic idea to reality — Casa MiA will offer survivors of domestic violence a safe space to heal and thrive. An inspiring project from Mujeres in Action in Spokane. bit.ly/3ILHTNU

#Spokane #FāVSNews #DomesticViolenceAwareness #CommunityHealing #LatinxVoices
Casa MiA: Housing for Domestic Violence Survivors in Spokane
MiA is building Casa MiA, a permanent housing community for domestic violence survivors in Spokane, set to open in 2027. A safe place to heal and thrive.
bit.ly
October 13, 2025 at 4:10 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
@favsnews.bsky.social has followed this story from the start. After lawsuits from Catholic and Orthodox churches, Washington revised its clergy reporting law to protect confessional secrecy — praised by religious liberty groups, condemned by survivor advocates.
🔗 bit.ly/3J28Xs3
#Washington
State Preserves Clergy Confession Privilege in Abuse Law
A new WA law makes clergy mandated reporters but preserves the confessional privilege, raising debate over religious freedom vs child safety.
bit.ly
October 11, 2025 at 3:23 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
Witches, pagans & occultists might be onto something — claiming personal power over chaos and choosing intuition over institutions. This column explores what we can learn from modern witchcraft, even for the skeptics among us.
🔗 bit.ly/491NAlc
#Witchcraft #Spirituality #Humanism #Faith #FāVSNews
Witchcraft, Humanism, and the Search for Meaning
Exploring modern witchcraft and occultism as spiritual self-direction, with a humanist lens, a critical mind, and a respect for doing no harm.
bit.ly
October 9, 2025 at 3:09 PM
reportertracy.bsky.social
Ever wonder why Hanukkah is sometimes spelled Chanukah (or even Hanukah)?
This columns explains the history and meaning behind these varied spellings — and what they say about language, culture & faith.

Read it on @favsnews.bsky.social - bit.ly/4mP5BXv
#Language #Judaism #Hanukkah #FaithAndCulture
Ask a jew: Why Spelling Matters More Than You Think
Ask a jew: Transcribing Hebrew and Yiddish into English is complex. “Chanukah” vs. “Hanukkah” isn’t just spelling, it’s about culture, accuracy, and identity.
bit.ly
October 7, 2025 at 4:11 PM