By FāVS News Staff
Western Washington
Incarcerated Native carver launches groundbreaking totem pole program at Washington Prison
At Cedar Creek Corrections Center, incarcerated master carver Albert “Al” Smith has helped establish what may be the first Indigenous totem pole carving program in a U.S. correctional facility. The program allows Native inmates to reconnect with culture, learn traditional carving skills and participate in healing-centered mentorship.
Smith, who has carved for nearly 50 years, completed a totem pole that now stands at the prison entrance, unveiled during a ceremonial awakening attended by staff, community members and tribal supporters. Working with nonprofit Unkitawa and prison officials, Smith transformed a longtime dream into a permanent program.
Participants say carving provides purpose, pride and spiritual connection while incarcerated. One apprentice, Ordez Kompkoff, painted eagle wings symbolizing new beginnings. Supporters hope to expand similar programs to other Washington prisons, crediting Smith’s talent, leadership and commitment to preserving Indigenous traditions while helping others heal and prepare for life after release.
Eastern Washington
EWU considers cutting gender studies program under new enrollment standard
CHENEY, Wash. — Eastern Washington University trustees are set to decide whether to eliminate nine academic programs, including Gender, Women’s & Sexuality Studies (GWSS), under a new policy requiring programs to average at least 10 graduates annually over five years. The standard was introduced by Provost Lorenzo Smith as part of a broader effort to align resources with student demand.
Faculty members in GWSS, which looks at social issues through feminist and queer lenses, recently received notices warning their positions could be eliminated by June 2027 if the program is cut. Supporters argue the program provides valuable education on social issues and serves as an important part of the university’s diversity-focused academic offerings.
Students, faculty, community leaders and nearly 700 petition signers have urged trustees to preserve GWSS. Critics say the proposed cuts prioritize budget concerns over educational value, noting the university has reduced support for the program for years. University officials say the review process considers enrollment, community support and student feedback, and that eliminating a degree would not necessarily end related courses.
Pullman church grows despite ongoing criticism of Network founder
PULLMAN, Idaho — Hills Church in Pullman is expanding even as its parent organization, the Network, continues to face criticism and declining membership. The church recently purchased a former movie theater building for $3 million, citing growth and future church-planting plans.
The Network was founded by pastor Steve Morgan, whose past involvement in a sexual misconduct case involving a teenage boy became public in 2021. Since then, former members and leaders have accused the organization of operating as a high-control, “cult-like” network that isolates followers and lacks accountability. Nearly half of the Network’s congregations have left or closed in recent years.
Former Network leader Andrew Lumpe warns that Hills Church’s proximity to Washington State University could expose students to what he describes as manipulative recruitment practices. Hills Pastor Ern Menocal has defended Morgan, saying the misconduct occurred decades before his conversion to Christianity and ministry work. Menocal also maintains that Hills Church operates independently, though critics argue Morgan continues to exert significant influence over affiliated congregations.
Central Washington
Washington rescue mission faces new court review over hiring practices
The Yakima Union Gospel Mission’s legal battle over faith-based hiring practices is headed back to court after the full 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated an earlier ruling that favored the ministry. The Washington-based homeless rescue mission, led by CEO Scott Thielen, argues that state anti-discrimination laws would force it to hire employees who do not share its Christian beliefs on religion, sexuality, and gender.
A federal district court and a three-judge appeals panel previously ruled in the mission’s favor, allowing it to hire only applicants who affirm its statement of faith. However, the full appeals court has now agreed to rehear the case, setting aside the panel’s January decision.
Judge Patrick Bumatay criticized the move, warning it could weaken religious-liberty protections. Legal scholars note the case may ultimately hinge on First Amendment free exercise and association rights rather than church autonomy. New oral arguments are scheduled for late September, with a decision expected before year’s end.
Idaho
Schweitzers give $1 million to support new Family Promise Navigation Center
MOSCOW, Idaho — Ed and Beatriz Schweitzer have donated $1 million to Family Promise of the Palouse, providing a major boost to the nonprofit’s campaign to establish a new Navigation Center in Moscow. The gift will help fund the purchase and renovation of a building at 324 N. Jackson St., which will serve as a homeless shelter and resource center focused on preventing family homelessness.
Family Promise is seeking to raise $2.7 million through its capital campaign to complete the project. Renovations are expected to begin this fall, with the facility slated to open in early spring 2027. Organization leaders say the new center will expand services for families facing housing instability and provide a centralized location for shelter, support and homelessness-prevention programs throughout the Palouse region.
‘Extremely American’ Podcast Shifts Focus From Christian Nationalism to Neo-Nazi Networks
BOISE, Idaho — The award-winning podcast “Extremely American” is preparing a new season that will expand its investigation of U.S. extremist movements, moving from Christian nationalism into the history of neo-Nazi and white supremacist networks. Hosted by Heath Druzin, the series has previously been embedded with militia groups and Christian nationalist communities, including reporting on Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, one of the movement’s prominent centers.
The podcast, produced by Boise State Public Radio and NPR, has reached more than a million downloads for its in-depth reporting on political extremism. Season two focused heavily on Christian nationalism and its growing influence on American politics.
In the upcoming season, Druzin will trace connections between modern extremist movements and earlier violent neo-Nazi networks in the American West. The series continues its immersive journalism approach, drawing on years of reporting and fieldwork inside fringe political and religious groups shaping contemporary ideological landscapes.
Driver charged after crashing through LDS temple fence
REXBURG, Idaho — A 22-year-old man is facing misdemeanor charges after allegedly driving under the influence and crashing through a fence at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple in Madison County. Court records show Kody P. Baxter was arrested following the June 20 incident and later released on $500 bail.
Police say Baxter drove onto temple grounds after ramming a fence, became stuck and then struck another gate while attempting to leave. Witnesses and a trail of vehicle debris helped officers track him to his home, where he was arrested. He is charged with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident and has pleaded not guilty. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for July 1.
Temple workers secured the damaged fence shortly after the crash.
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