Religion News LLC, a Spokane-based nonprofit organization affiliated with Religion News Service, in Washington, D.C., has launched a local online publication called Religion News Spokane.

The publication covers religion news in the Spokane area through daily news coverage, feature writing, blogging, and multimedia production, says Tracy Simmons, the Spokane-based editor and community manager. Twenty-seven local bloggers help provide content, and include Christian pastors, an atheist, a Muslim, Buddhists, Mormons, and a yoga instructor, Simmons says. She works on the publication out of her home.

The Washington, D.C.-based Religion News Service's goal is to open 19 similar publications in different cities across the country during the next three years, Simmons says.

"It's no secret that newspapers are struggling. Over the years, countless papers have gotten rid (of), or reduced, their religion sections. That means religion isn't getting the coverage it deserves. These hubs are a way to keep the religion beat alive," Simmons says.

Simmons plans to promote Religion News Spokane through social media outlets.