This Week in Latter-days

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Hosts: TWiM Sisters!

Former deputy district attorney appears in court in child sexual assault case

Woman accused of poisoning her husband now accused of witness tampering

Grief writer Kouri Richins claims letter instructing brother to falsely testify about dead husband’s drugs was excerpt from new book

Tim Ballard, former CEO of Operation Underground Railroad, issues response to church statement

Allegations against Tim Ballard, inspiration behind ‘Sound of Freedom,’ explain rebuke by LDS Church

Operation Underground Railroad Child-Rescue Missions Were Based on Psychic Intelligence

‘Sound of Freedom’ Producer Felt the Naked Breasts of Apparently Underage Trafficking Victim

Tim Ballard’s Departure From Operation Underground Railroad Followed Sexual Misconduct Investigation

Mormon Church Denounces Tim Ballard’s “Morally Unacceptable” Activities

Young service missionaries to be integrated into teaching missions, Church announces

Full-time missionary from Washington dies of illness in Philippines

‘They used cayenne pepper and honey to dress the wounds’: Warrant sheds new light on Ruby Franke, Jodi Hildebrandt child abuse case

Ruby Franke: Judge considers making custody case private, which could limit oldest daughter’s access

Hostess Ding Dong Twinkie Mash-Up

The Coco Berthmann Story

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Quick Clips:

MELISSA

The presidents of the BYUs gave speeches about the changes to the honor code and dress and grooming standards this week. Each spoke about it differently. BYU President Reese spoke of an “elevated standard”.  BYU-I President Meredith talked about it in terms of integrity and specifically stated that the dress and grooming standards are not matters of personal morality, BYU-Hawaii President Kauwe said that even some things not specifically prohibited by the standards might not be ok and encouraged men to “to carefully consult some women in your life about whether you should have a mustache or not.”

MATT

A lot of people are excited about the new three year online degrees being offered by BYU-Idaho. They get accreditation for this because they are very specific degree programs. They have been using a unique structure that pushes all of the GE requirements to the end of the program. Basically, they asked to have an accredited Bachelor’s degree that does not require GE courses. MELISSA

New Church streaming app

MATT

This month marks the 30th anniversary of the September 6 excommunications of LDS scholars. Benjamin Park has a piece about this in The Conversation and Signature Books has something coming out from a non-LDS religious historian about this moment. Looking back, what has been the impact of this moment?

MELISSA

The Church commissions a new biography of Joseph Smith

MATT

The church is going to dedicate three temples in one day this Sunday.

MELISSA

Mormons are among the most likely Americans to have a gun in their household.

Famous Mormons:

MATT

Which famous YouTuber is a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Mark Rober

Ruby Franke

The Yeager Family

Big/Little/No Deal:

MATT

LDS Bishop has a different take on church finances. He writes about all of the good things the church does with its money.

MELISSA

It is now possible to make group reservations for endowment sessions online.

MATT

The church clarifies that Operation Underground Railroad founder Tim Ballard betrayed his friendship with President M. Russell Ballard when Tim claimed that the LDS church supported his cause.

MELISSA

Few — if any — public figures since Brigham Young have done more to shape America's impression of Mormonism than Mitt Romney.

MATT

Hot off the presses this week. Richard Bushman wrote a biography of the Gold Plates and Grant Hardy has an annotated version of the Book of Mormon that will make it much easier for people to read and understand.

MELISSA

Elder Holland is released from the hospital and is recuperating at home.

Mormons Doing Goodly:

Seniors delight kids at the water park with ice cream treats. (Matt)

General Conference Predictions

MELISSA

Temples: number and locations

Fillmore or Richfield Utah

Rigby Idaho

Tremonton Utah?

Mexico City Style multi-temples in Brazil?

Female Speakers:

Last conference was a big disappointment in this area, 2 females in 5 sessions.

Topics Discussed:

Melissa - Focus on Youth, FSY successes

Any unexpected announcements?

Melissa - Significant policy changes? YES, From YW General Board

Saturday Evening session changes?

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This Week's Hosts: TWiM Sisters

Links:

2023 Mrs. American goes viral saying motherhood makes her feel empowered

‘8 Passengers’ YouTube star, and business partner arrested on suspicion of child abuse

Are your ancestors more attractive than you? According to this TikTok hypothesis, they might be

A 3-year college degree? BYU-Pathway Worldwide wins approval to launch revolution in higher education

Concerns about Ruby Franke’s children reported to police, DCFS more than a year ago

Donny Osmond's Rocky Relationship With His Son Jeremy Explained

See inside the newly renovated St. George Utah Temple as media, special-guest tours begin

Church announces changes for scheduling use of recreational properties

Meet the 14 new members of the Young Women general advisory council

Latter-day Saint testifies of Jesus Christ at interfaith event in Mongolia hosted by Pope Francis

An Unexpected Hotbed of Y.A. Authors: Utah

Unraveling Utah’s paradox: Study on LDS Church members examines high cosmetic surgery rates in the highly religious state

2024 Best Colleges in the U.S.