By FāVS News Staff
Washington
U.S. Supreme Court to hear challenge to Washington law protecting runaway transgender youth
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a legal challenge to a 2023 Washington state law that allows emergency shelters to notify state child welfare officials instead of parents when runaway youth seek shelter while pursuing gender-affirming or reproductive health care. Supporters say the law helps protect vulnerable youth who may face abuse or neglect, while opponents argue it unlawfully infringes on parents’ constitutional rights by withholding information about their children’s whereabouts and medical decisions.
The lawsuit, backed by conservative legal group America First Legal, was previously dismissed by lower courts, which ruled the parents lacked legal standing because they had not suffered actual or imminent harm. Washington officials maintain the law is constitutional and say they are prepared to defend it before the Supreme Court. The case is expected to become a significant national test of the balance between parental rights and state protections for transgender youth.
Central Washington
Thousands gather at Washington’s Freedom Con as conservative Christian men embrace political activism
GEORGE, Wash. — More than 4,500 men attended Freedom Con in central Washington over Father’s Day weekend, a two-day event blending evangelical Christianity, patriotism, physical competitions and conservative political activism. Organized by Grace City Church and Stronger Man Nation, the gathering encouraged attendees to embrace traditional masculinity, deepen their faith and become more engaged in politics.
The event featured obstacle courses, CrossFit contests, worship services and speeches from prominent conservative pastors and political figures. Speakers urged men to run for office, vote in local elections, support conservative candidates and oppose what they described as “woke” culture, gender ideology and secularism. A declaration signed at the event called on Christian men to “rise as statesmen.”
Pastors including Mark Driscoll, Josh McPherson and Russell Johnson framed political engagement as a religious responsibility, encouraging conservatives to remain in Democratic-leaning states like Washington rather than relocate elsewhere. Discussions also focused on issues including abortion, gender identity, housing affordability and family values.
Several speakers highlighted strategies for increasing church involvement in elections, including organizing congregants for local government meetings and supporting Republican candidates. Organizers said the conference aimed to strengthen men spiritually while inspiring them to shape their communities and government, reflecting a growing movement that combines conservative Christianity with grassroots political organizing.
Western Washington
Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk to bring ‘Make Heaven Crowded’ tour to kirkland
KIRKLAND, Wash. — Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk will appear at Pursuit Church in Kirkland on July 24 as part of the organization’s “Make Heaven Crowded” tour, a faith-based event promoting repentance, Christian faith and obedience to Jesus. Kirk will be joined by Russell Johnson, Ross Johnston, Arielle Reitsma and Pastor Lucas Miles. The Kirkland event is the tour’s only Pacific Northwest stop outside Anchorage, Alaska. Kirk became CEO of Turning Point USA following the 2025 assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk. She has drawn national attention for her conservative views, including recent criticism of feminism during the organization’s Women’s Leadership Summit.
Eastern Washington
WSU, Colville Tribes announce record $8.43 million athletics partnership
PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation announced a five-year, $8.43 million partnership — the largest sponsorship agreement in WSU Athletics history and the largest annual sponsorship by average yearly value. Beginning this season, the Colville Tribes’ logo will appear on all Cougar athletic uniforms, marking the first jersey patch sponsorship of its kind in the Pac-12 Conference. The agreement also includes a $250,000 contribution to the Cougar Athletic Excellence Fund during its first year.
Beyond branding, the partnership is designed to expand opportunities for Native youth through sports, education and mentorship. Planned initiatives include youth sports clinics in tribal communities, regional basketball development programs, an AAU tournament for tribal athletes, and a video series highlighting connections between WSU student-athletes and tribal youth. The agreement also features Colville Tribes-sponsored games and enhanced recognition across WSU Athletics platforms, building on a relationship between the university and the tribes that dates back to 1997.
Idaho
Idaho College Student Nears 1,000-Mile Walk to Raise Awareness of Tibet
REXBERG, Idaho — Eighteen-year-old college student Thomas King Jackson is nearing the end of a 1,000-mile walk to raise awareness about China’s control of Tibet, culminating in a 300-mile trek through Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Jackson, a student at BYU–Idaho, began the journey in May after witnessing Tibetan culture under Chinese rule during his travels abroad. He said the project aims to educate younger generations about Tibet’s history and ongoing political situation.
Jackson’s final route begins July 2 in Rexburg and passes through Island Park, West Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyoming, before returning to Rexburg on July 7. He plans to camp along the way while navigating remote wilderness and highways equipped with bear spray, a reflective vest and a headlamp.
Jackson has documented his journey on social media and says the overwhelming support from Tibetans worldwide has reinforced his mission to bring attention to their cause.
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