Compiled by FāVS News Staff
Latinos en Spokane seeks funds for healthcare, housing center
Latinos en Spokane is starting to raise money for a new community hub that will expand healthcare and housing for the Latino population in East Central Spokane, reported Spokane Business Journal this week. The idea is born out of the organization’s need for more space to expand their growing programs that already include immigration, social and small business services. The new hub will also expand their collaboration with Community Health Association of Spokane (CHAS) to provide respite housing for people in between hospital stays. Latinos en Spokane also plans to create their own full-service clinic and around 50 housing units. They in the initial stage of creating the plan to raise money and pursue grants for the project. Building is expected to start in 2026 and to be complete in 2028 or 2029.
Spokane church event to aid refugee services
The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane and St. John’s Cathedral will host “Cultural Crossings,” a benefit concert at 4 p.m. June 22 to support Thrive International’s refugee programs. The event at St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E. 12th Ave., will feature musical performances celebrating global traditions while raising funds for the nonprofit organization, which helps refugees transition into new communities through housing assistance and support programs for women and youth.
The concert aims to address severe funding challenges facing Thrive International after recent reductions in federal and state support threatened the organization’s ongoing programming. Admission is by donation, with all proceeds supporting Thrive International’s refugee services across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho.
Idaho federal judge to rule on public funding for religious institutions
A federal judge may soon decide whether Idaho’s Blaine Amendment violates the U.S. Constitution’s protections of religious freedom. The Truth Family Bible Church sued after Sage International, a public charter school, canceled the church’s lease to use its gym for Sunday services. Sage acted on advice from the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA), which warned that the lease might jeopardize $15 million in public bonds due to the Blaine Amendment — a state provision barring public aid to religious entities. The church claims this violated its First Amendment rights.
While IHFA argues it followed Idaho legal precedent, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador contends IHFA misapplied the Blaine Amendment, which doesn’t ban fair-market leases with churches. The case, set for a July 29 hearing, could influence broader debates on public funding and religion, including challenges to Idaho’s new Parental Choice Tax Credit. The ruling may clarify how far states can go in separating public funds from religious institutions. Read a more detailed story on this Idaho Education News June 5 article.
Splash Bash swim nights for the LGBTQ+ community return
The second annual Splash Bash — a free, all-ages summer pool party series of swim gatherings celebrating “the queer and trans community” — will begin June 22 at Comstock Aquatic Center from 5 to 7 p.m. The swim nights are hosted by Spectrum Center, Odyssey Youth Center and Trans Spokane and sponsored by Empire Health Foundation. The events aim to be body-positive by offering private, inclusive access to the pool, all-gender changing rooms and pool lifts. There will also be snacks, community resources and fun giveaways. The next two swims will take place on July 27 at AM Cannon Park and August 23 at Witter Aquatic Center, also from 5 to 7 p.m. To find out more and to register, visit Spectrum Center’s website.
FāVS columnist wins Indigenous Media award
Becky Tallent of FāVS News received third place in the Professional Division III – Print and/or Online – Best Column category at the 2025 Indigenous Media Awards.
The Indigenous Journalist Association recognized Tallent’s column work, which included pieces on President Joe Biden’s apology to Native Americans for boarding schools, U.S. bishops’ response to family trauma and a state senator’s claims about racism in Idaho.
This year’s contest drew a record 870 entries. The Indigenous Media Awards are the first and only awards contest dedicated to honoring Indigenous and non-Indigenous journalists covering Indigenous peoples and communities.
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Some summaries created with help of AI. Staff still carefully edited material for content quality and publication standards.
Congratulations, Becky! Your award is well deserved. Your reporting and commentary are essential to our understanding of the indigenous perspective.
Yes, congrats Becky!