By FāVS News Staff
Western Washington
Archbishop offers prayers after deadly Seattle center shooting
SEATTLE — Seattle Archbishop Paul Etienne has offered prayers and condolences following the July 26 shooting at Seattle Center that killed three people and injured four others during the Bite of Seattle festival. In a letter to Mayor Katie Wilson, Etienne expressed sorrow for the victims, their families and the community, calling for an end to gun violence that “violates human life, human dignity and the peaceful existence we strive for.” Police believe the shooting was a gang-related exchange of gunfire that struck bystanders. A 15-year-old suspect has been arrested, while another suspect remains at large as the investigation continues.
Bellingham’s ‘Karate Church’ brings martial arts back through Tai Chi classes
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Bellingham’s historic “Karate Church” has returned to its martial arts roots with tai chi classes led by instructor Gene Golden. The century-old building, once home to a karate dojo, now serves as a community gathering space where Golden teaches The Golden School of T’ai Chi Ch’uan. Since 2024, his classes have introduced students to tai chi as both a martial art and moving meditation focused on balance, awareness and de-escalation. Golden says the “Academy of Elf Defense” sign, created when an “S” fell off the original name, fits the building’s unique spirit. Classes are held weekly, bringing a new chapter to the iconic Bellingham landmark.
Central Washington
Interfaith partnership helps feed thousands as Tri-Cities food insecurity rises
PASCO, Wash. — An interfaith partnership is helping thousands of Tri-Cities families facing growing food insecurity as inflation and reductions in SNAP benefits increase demand for assistance. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently donated 40,000 pounds of food to St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank in Pasco, which is temporarily hosting Riverview Seventh-day Adventist Church’s food distribution during construction. Together, the organizations expect to provide food for up to 3,000 families.
St. Vincent de Paul now serves more than 1,700 households weekly and recently received a $200,000 state grant to purchase fresh, nutritious foods. Washington survey data shows nearly half of households rely on food assistance, highlighting the increasing need for community partnerships to combat hunger.
Eastern Washington
Ex-Spokane mayor sues city for $10 million over council’s prayer event resolution
SPOKANE, Wash. — Former Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward has filed a federal lawsuit seeking $10 million in damages, alleging the Spokane City Council unlawfully retaliated against her after she attended a 2023 prayer rally. The lawsuit claims a council resolution denouncing her appearance at the Let Us Worship event violated her constitutional rights, damaged her reputation and hurt her unsuccessful 2023 reelection campaign. Woodward says she attended the event to pray for the city, despite sharing the stage with controversial figures including former state Rep. Matt Shea and Sean Feucht. Named defendants include council members Betsy Wilkerson, Zack Zappone, Lori Kinnear and Karen Stratton. Zappone defended the resolution as constitutional and said he expects the federal court to dismiss Woodward’s claims.
Mexico, Ukraine and Canada Lead Spokane’s Foreign-Born Population
SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — New U.S. Census Bureau data compiled by Stacker shows Mexico remains the largest source of immigrants in the Spokane-Spokane Valley metro area, with 3,405 residents, or 11.1% of the region’s foreign-born population. Ukraine ranks second with 2,696 residents (8.79%), followed by Canada with 2,595 (8.46%). Other leading countries of origin include the Philippines, China, the Marshall Islands, Vietnam, the United Kingdom and Iraq. The data, based on 2024 five-year Census estimates, highlights Spokane’s growing cultural diversity, with immigrants from at least 50 countries now calling the region home. Nationally, immigrants account for more than 15% of the U.S. population and contribute to the nation’s economy, culture and workforce.
Gonzaga Climate Institute announces fall 2026 lecture series
The Gonzaga Climate Institute will host four public events this fall exploring the intersections of law, public policy, community organizing and climate resilience. The series opens Sept. 1 with Maya Van Rossum discussing “Green Amendments,” state constitutional provisions that establish environmental rights as inalienable. On Sept. 15, Anna Marandi will examine climate-induced migration and how communities can prepare for and welcome newcomers displaced by climate change. Gonzaga’s Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment will host its annual, nonpartisan Spokane Candidates Climate Change Forum on Oct. 7, giving local candidates a chance to share their views on climate policy ahead of the November election. The series concludes Oct. 22 with Rachel Kurtz-McAlaine’s lecture on the “Rights of Nature” movement, which argues for recognizing ecosystems as subjects with legal rights rather than property to be regulated.
Registration details for the events can be found online.
