By FāVS News Staff
9th Circuit backs Yakima Union Gospel Mission’s faith-based hiring rights
A unanimous ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Jan. 6 allows Yakima Union Gospel Mission to continue requiring employees, including those in non-ministerial roles, to adhere to its Christian beliefs. The Yakima Herald-Republic reported that the court agreed with the mission’s challenge to Washington’s anti-discrimination law, which bans hiring based on sexual orientation but includes limited religious exemptions. Citing the First Amendment, the judges said government interference is barred when a religious organization’s hiring decisions are rooted in sincerely held beliefs. The mission sued in 2021, arguing the law and threat of enforcement hindered its ability to hire staff.
Supported by Alliance Defending Freedom, the mission said Tuesday’s ruling protects its religious mission. State officials said they are reviewing the decision, while civil liberties advocates warned it could weaken workplace discrimination protections. More information about the case can be found on Courthouse News Service’s website.
Interfaith leaders to gather at Idaho Capitol to call for justice-focused governance
As the 2026 Idaho Legislative Session begins, people of faith and conscience will gather for an Interfaith Worship Service on Jan. 11, from 2–3 p.m. on the steps of the Idaho State Capitol in Boise. The service will call state leaders back to the sacred responsibility of governing with justice, humility and care for all people. The Rev. Josh Lee, senior pastor of Boise First United Church of Christ, will offer the sermon as participants unite to reject legislation that dehumanizes neighbors and to resist the misuse of religion and Christian nationalism in public policy. Through prayer, music, reflection and witness, attendees will urge leaders to govern for the common good rather than fear or exclusion. All are welcome, regardless of faith tradition.
Shine 104.9 launches “The Loft Sessions” Indie-Christian concert series at Northtown Mall
Shine 104.9 is bringing live music and community together with “The Loft Sessions,” a free Indie-Christian concert series hosted by Chaplain TK at Northtown Mall in Spokane. Running Jan. 10 through April 11, the events will take place from 6–8 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month near the mall’s food court, 2nd floor stage. The series features intimate performances from local and regional Indie-Christian artists, creating a welcoming space to discover new music, connect with others and experience faith in a fresh way. Admission is free and open to the public, with artists including RCA, Jona Gallegos, Victor Byrne, Mountains in the Sea, and Kingdom & Co. More information on dates and artists can be found online.
In case you missed it: CHAS Health honors lives lost to homelessness during December memorials
On Dec. 22, 2025, CHAS Health held its annual Homeless Memorial events in Spokane, Washington, and Lewiston, Idaho, honoring individuals who died while experiencing homelessness. Community partners, advocates and speakers gathered to recognize the dignity and humanity of unhoused community members and to reaffirm a shared commitment to ending homelessness. During the memorials, participants paid tribute to 220 people known to have died this year while living without stable housing in CHAS Health’s service area. One of the ways was through a 16-minute video when CHAS staff read all 220 names. The events coincided with the Winter Solstice, joining nationwide observances highlighting the ongoing tragedy of homelessness affecting more than 771,000 people on any given night in the United States.
Spokane Giving Machine raises over $225,000 for charities
The Light the World Giving Machine at Spokane Valley Mall raised more than $225,000 for local and global charities during its 21-day run that ended Jan. 1. Donors completed 2,282 transactions and purchased 7,820 items through the charitable vending machine, with 54 donors completing the “777 Challenge” by purchasing one of every available item.
The funds will support five local nonprofits — Teen and Kid Closet, Project Beauty Share, Second Harvest, SNAP and Vanessa Behan — as well as two global organizations, CARE and Water for Good. The initiative, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of its annual Light the World campaign, was staffed entirely by volunteers and allowed donors to give as little as $5, with 100% of donations going directly to participating charities.
YWCA Spokane announces 2026 Women of Achievement honorees
YWCA Spokane announced its 2026 Women of Achievement honorees, recognizing nine outstanding women whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on the Spokane community. The honorees will be celebrated at the Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon on Friday, March 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Davenport Grand.
Avista Foundation awards 76 grants, investing over $832K in Northwest communities
Some summaries created with help of AI. Staff still carefully edited material for content quality and publication standards.
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