By FāVS News Staff
Eastern Washington
Whitworth University names Laura Galloway new dean of School of Business
Whitworth University has appointed Laura Galloway as dean of the School of Business, effective July 1. Galloway joins Whitworth from University of Massachusetts Global, where she served as associate vice chancellor for institutional curriculum, assessment and academic policy. She previously held leadership roles in business education and brings more than a decade of teaching experience.
University leaders praised Galloway’s commitment to Christian higher education, academic excellence and student development. Provost John Pell highlighted her dedication to students’ intellectual, professional and spiritual growth, as well as her nonprofit work supporting military veterans.
Galloway said Whitworth’s blend of rigorous academics, faith-based learning and strong community relationships made the university feel like home. Outside academia, she co-founded the Home Bound Veteran podcast and has extensive experience coaching volleyball at the high school and collegiate levels.
Western Washington
Seattle Scientology break-in reflects growing online “speedrunning” trend
Seattle police arrested multiple protesters after they allegedly forced entry into the Church of Scientology building in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood on Saturday. According to the Seattle Police Department, officers responded to a demonstration tied to a nationwide online trend encouraging people to “speedrun” Scientology facilities by entering and filming restricted interiors.
Authorities said protesters damaged rear metal doors to enter the building, and one suspect allegedly threatened a church member with a crowbar when confronted. After entering, the group reportedly shut off the building’s electricity, disrupting services and forcing church members to shelter in place. Officers detained the suspects after a short foot pursuit and later cited probable cause for second-degree burglary, felony harassment, and a hate crime investigation. The trend has spread nationally since April, fueled by online curiosity about Scientology’s secretive interiors, tight security and the church’s continued association with celebrities including Tom Cruise and John Travolta.
Idaho
Rural Pride in Idaho builds visibility, safety and community in hostile political climates
Matthew Danielson and Sarah Lynch describe rural Pride events as essential spaces of visibility, resistance and connection for LGBTQ+ communities in politically conservative regions like Idaho. Danielson, executive director of Spokane Pride, argues that Pride carries even greater importance in rural areas because it challenges exclusion and helps normalize queer identity through public presence and conversation. Lynch, executive director of North Idaho Pride Alliance, explains that the the Alliance supports isolated LGBTQ+ residents across thousands of square miles where anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and limited affirming services deeply affect youth and transgender people.
Both leaders emphasize that face-to-face interaction reduces prejudice and helps neighbors see LGBTQ+ people as friends, coworkers and community members rather than stereotypes. They believe visibility combats isolation, particularly for queer youth facing high rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Pride events also create opportunities for allies to learn, ask questions, and build authentic relationships.
Danielson encourages people from larger cities to support rural Pride efforts through volunteering, donations and attendance. Lynch invites the public to attend the 10th anniversary of Pride in the Park in Coeur d’Alene on June 6, highlighting the event’s strong safety planning, community partnerships, and new scholarship support for queer youth.
Latter-day Saints drift From GOP as Trump-era politics create cultural tensions
A new YouGov analysis found that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have become less aligned with the Republican Party since 2007. The share of Latter-day Saints identifying as Republican fell 12% by 2025, though support for Democrats rose only modestly.
Researchers say many church members remain culturally conservative but feel increasingly uneasy with the Republican Party’s confrontational political style and distrust of institutions. Boise State professor Sam Martin said LDS voters often value discipline, civic duty, moral seriousness and institutional respect, creating tension with the aggressive tone of Trump-era politics.
Immigration rhetoric has also contributed to the shift, as many church members have global experiences through missionary work and connections with diverse communities. Some Latter-day Saints are additionally uncomfortable with political messaging perceived as excluding non-Christians, reflecting the faith’s own historical experiences with discrimination and marginalization.
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