This Week in Latter-days

Temple Announced in Otavalo, Ecuador

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/new-temple-otavalo-ecuador

Photo of rarely-seen “Holy of Holies” released by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

https://www.abc4.com/news/religion/lds-church-holy-of-holies/

Related: Salt Lake Temple Square much more “Christ” centered

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/05/15/temple-square-visitors-center-update/

Elder W. Mark Bassett Dies at Age 59

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-mark-bassett-dies-at-age-59

Latter-day Saint leaders discuss migrant support with leaders of International Organization for Migration

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/05/13/church-of-jesus-christ-migrant-support-international-organization-for-migration-visits-salt-lake-city/

Sunday School General Presidency talks about upcoming Sunday schedule and lesson changes

https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2026/05/14/sunday-school-general-president-and-counselor-on-upcoming-sunday-schedule-changes/

The Mormon church is asking the 10th Circuit to reinstate insurance coverage for a 2018 sexual abuse settlement

https://www.courthousenews.com/mormon-church-battles-insurers-over-sex-abuse-settlement-coverage-at-10th-circuit/

Martyrdom Stories Museum reopened

https://www.mississippivalleypublishing.com/journalpilot/martyrdom-stories-museum-reopened/article_9fc18f03-ce64-49a5-9d55-4e142e1f4782.html

At 93, how healthy is LDS President Dallin H. Oaks?

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/05/09/lds-church-president-dallin-h-oaks/

Mormon horror movies — about the religion or made by believers — are having a moment

https://www.kjzz.org/the-show/2026-05-11/mormon-horror-movies-about-the-religion-or-made-by-believers-are-having-a-moment

“Trust Me” (Netflix FLDS documentary)

https://www.netflix.com/title/81758532

America’s 250th: Defending our Divinely Inspired Declaration?

https://bycommonconsent.com/2026/05/14/americas-250th-defending-our-divinely-inspired-declaration/

Thanks to “Mormon Wives,” Dirty Soda Is a National Obsession

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/10/style/dirty-soda-mormon-wives-utah-tiktok.html?unlocked_article_code=1.ilA.fULw.ZAub2rWXrso2&smid=url-share

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is expanding into one of reality television’s founding landmarks of Orange County

https://www.imdb.com/news/ni65809832/

Leader of Black LDS group says he fell victim to a racist threat while hiking in Utah

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/05/15/black-lds-genesis-group-leader/

Who Marries Whom? Faith, partners, and who actually marries within their religion

https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/who-marries-whom-faith-partners-and?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=1561197&post_id=192015699&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=69jb7h&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Should LDS husbands take a back seat to their wives’ careers?

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/05/10/lds-church-stance-gender-roles-has/

Jana Riess: LDS Church’s post about working moms does indeed clash with past teachings

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/05/11/jana-riess-lds-churchs-post-about/

Kouri Richins sentenced… after family members, lawyers, and Kouri herself get a chance to speak

https://www.ksl.com/article/51496745/watch-live-kouri-richins-sentenced-for-murdering-husband-her-sons-say-they-fear-her

150 years ago today (May 13, 1876) – Today in Mormon History

https://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/05/150-years-ago-today-may-13-1876.html

News:

5 th Sunday and the Constitution

https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/05/05/church-provides-discussion-guide-

resources-5th-sunday-lesson-religious-freedom/

Sending in letter of support

https://www.sltrib.com/news/2026/05/08/utah-county-prosecutors-alerted/

New TABCATS Album

https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/05/08/tabernacle-choir-orchestra-album-this-

new-day-reflection-devotion/

What is 25 minute RS going to look like?

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/what-the-sunday-second-hour-changes-mean-

for-relief-society

Sewing and Service

https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/05/08/sewing-hope-a-service-project-

oklahoma-impacts-women-in-uganda/

Updates to the gospel library app

https://www.ldsdaily.com/church-lds/new-gospel-library-member-tools-features-help-members-

more-effectively-study-and-serve/

Four missionaries at once

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/latter-day-saint-family-in-idaho-prepares-to-

send-4-siblings-on-4-missions

A new way to get cheap airline tickets

https://universe.byu.edu/metro/provo-budget-airlines-offer-in-person-deal-for-cheaper-tickets

Mormons in the Media

They make music, lots and lots of music

https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/2026/05/08/utah-company-amphibious-zoo-music/

Secret Lives update

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/whitney-leavitt-leaving-secret-lives-mormon-

wives-cast-1236584517/

Summer Bachelorette?

https://www.thewrap.com/media-platforms/tv/abc-summer-premieres-the-bachelorette-taylor-

frankie-paul/

MBB:

Police Beat

https://universe.byu.edu/police-beat/police-beat-april-27-may-3

News:

Temple Square:

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/04/14/see-inside-lds-temple-square/

There is an App for that

https://www.ldsdaily.com/church-lds/new-temple-square-app-website-visitors-center/

TABCATS- Taking the show on the Road

https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/04/14/tabernacle-choir-orchestra-hollywood-

bowl-california-tickets-june-2026/

We don’t know if anyone else has a plan, but Emily Belle Freeman does

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/how-young-women-classes-will-be-structured-

during-shorter-25-minute-classes

Ensign College teams up with Utah Dept of Corrections

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2026/04/15/ensign-college-utah-state-prison-graduation/

Prestigious Award for BYU

https://www.deseret.com/education/2026/04/14/cosmo-honors-president-oaks-after-he-and-other-

byu-presidents-receive-prestigious-award/

What would you put in a time capsule?

https://universe.byu.edu/campus/byu-packs-new-time-capsule-with-memorabilia-for-2075-

bicentennial

Cracking the top 25…

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2026/04/13/byu-university-of-utah-law-school-ranking/

A Phoenix rises from the ashes

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/04/15/southern-california-latter-day-saints-find-hope-

pacific-palisades-meetinghouse-rededication/

Sports:

A fighting Mormon

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2026/04/14/lani-daniels-lds-boxer-to-fight-at-madison-square-

garden/

She is speedy

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2026/04/11/the-byu-sprinter-almost-called-it-quits-then-became-

a-school-record-holder/

The Great 8 – https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/04/07/gordon-monson-ranks-great-eight/

Man arrested for stripping in Utah Mormon church – https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/man-arrested-stripping-utah-mormon-church-b2952429.html

New Primary General Presidency Called at the April 2026 General Conference – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/new-primary-general-presidency-april-2026-general-conference

Seminary and Institute enrollment surpasses 1 million students worldwide – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/seminary-and-institute-enrollment-surpasses-1-million-students-worldwide

2025 Statistical Report – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/2025-statistical-report

How the LDS Church is growing and shrinking – https://religionnews.com/2026/04/06/how-the-lds-church-is-growing-and-shrinking/

Church growth in 2025: What stands out in the statistical report – https://www.ldsliving.com/church-growth-in-2025-what-stands-out-in-the-statistical-report/s/13210

Mormon Barrio: Latino Belonging in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – https://www.amazon.com/Mormon-Barrio-Latino-Belonging-Latter-day/dp/1479833835

LDS Latinos worry about MAGA – https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/04/07/lds-latinos-worry-about-maga/

Utah Author Marc J Gregson – https://marcjgregson.com/about-me

Metrics of Faith – http://www.matthewrmiles.com/metrics-of-faith.html

Emma, Love on the Spectrum star, talks about how the show has helped her reimagine dating – https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2026/04/08/emma-utah-love-on-the-spectrum/

The LDS Church’s new Sunday schedule – https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/04/04/lds-churchs-new-sunday-schedule/

New Sunday curriculum and For the Strength of Youth guide and magazine – https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2026/04/01/new-sunday-curriculum-for-the-strength-of-youth-fsy-guide-magazine/

If the LDS Church wants its Sunday meetings concise and consequential, here’s a better way to do it – https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/04/04/gordon-monsons-plan-reshaping-lds/

Taylor Frankie Paul and LDS domestic abuse allegations – https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2026-04-06/taylor-frankie-paul-lds-mormon-church-domestic-abuse-allegations

Taylor Frankie Paul is distancing herself from the Church – https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2026/04/06/taylor-frankie-paul-mormon-lds/89481677007/

‘Mormon Wives’ aren’t the only influencers stoking curiosity about the LDS Church – https://www.kuer.org/race-religion-social-justice/2026-04-03/mormon-wives-arent-the-only-influencers-stoking-curiosity-about-the-lds-church

Whitney Leavitt is cashing in on dirty soda and helping take the Mormon-fueled trend nationwide – https://www.inc.com/ali-donaldson/whitney-leavitt-is-cashing-in-on-dirty-soda-and-helping-take-the-mormon-fueled-trend-nationwide/91328143

Mormon leaders double down on transgender exclusion in new handbook update – https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/mormon-leaders-double-down-on-transgender

New poll shows Latter-day Saints leaving Republican Party affiliation as rest of nation trends away from the Democratic Party – https://www.deseret.com/politics/2026/04/01/new-poll-shows-latter-day-saints-leaving-republican-party-affiliation-as-rest-of-nation-trends-away-from-the-democratic-party/

Are Utahns shifting political alliances? – https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2026/04/08/are-utahns-shifting-political-alliances/

‘The Book of Mormon’ celebrates 15 years of Broadway shows – https://www.altoonamirror.com/life/go-magazine/2026/04/broadway-bookofmormon-15years-celebrates/

195 years ago today – Apr 07, 1831 – http://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/04/195-years-ago-today-apr-07-1831.html

175 years ago today – Apr 7, 1851 – http://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/04/175-years-ago-today-apr-7-1851.html

170 years ago today – Apr 6, 1856 – http://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/04/170-years-ago-today-apr-6-1856.html

Journal of Discourses 3:280 (Milk Strippings story) – https://jod.mrm.org/3/280

Journal of Discourses 5:206 – https://jod.mrm.org/5/206

Kurt Francom is joined by Richie from  ?@TheCulturalHall?  and Pastor Jeff from  ?@HelloSaints? 

1. Church of Jesus Christ announces new Sunday meeting schedule https://www.ksl.com/article/51475230/church-of-jesus-christ-announces-new-sunday-meeting-schedule 2. Over a thousand people join Lindon Palm Sunday walk https://www.ksl.com/article/51474714/over-a-thousand-people-join-lindon-palm-sunday-walk 3. Dallas Jenkins says Easter should be celebrated like a BYU victory https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2026/03/29/dallas-jenkins-poscast-latter-day-saint-easter/ 4. Historic Church Growth: A Preview of the April 2026 World Report https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/a-preview-of-the-april-2026-world-report 5. Watch the April 2026 Edition of the World Report https://www.ldsdaily.com/church-lds/watch-the-april-2026-edition-of-the-word-report/ 6. Utah faith, community leaders consider: What would Jesus do? https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/04/01/pamela-atkinson-faith-roundtable-humanitarian-what-would-jesus-do-deseret-news/ 7. New poll shows Latter-day Saints leaving Republican Party affiliation as rest of nation trends away from the Democratic Party https://www.deseret.com/politics/2026/04/01/new-poll-shows-latter-day-saints-leaving-republican-party-affiliation-as-rest-of-nation-trends-away-from-the-democratic-party 8. Solemn assemblies: What to know before conference https://www.ldsliving.com/solemn-assemblies-what-to-know-before-conference/s/13202 9. Presiding Bishopric member for nearly 20 years, Bishop Richard C. Edgley dies at 90 https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2026/03/27/presiding-bishopric-member-20-years-bishop-richard-edgley-dies-90/ 10. 91 New Area Seventies Sustained at the April 2026 Conference Leadership Meeting https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/april-2026-general-conference-leadership-meeting

News:

Influencers

Taylor Frankie Paul the Bachelorette:

https://www.npr.org/2026/03/20/nx-s1-5754587/bachelorette-canceled-taylor-frankie-paul-

mormon-wives

The opposite of TFP

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/03/28/lds-influencer-mormon-faith/

Staying on influencers…..Emily Jackson had a face procedure and you can follow her

progression on Instagram, Co2 laser resurfacing. CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser resurfacing uses

targeted beams of light to remove the superficial layer of your skin. This stimulates newer skin to

grow in its place.

Moving on to music…..

The global choir participants are all set to sing in G.C.

Demark

Sweden x2

England

Puerto Rico

Spain

Paraguay

New Zealand x 2

Wales

Philippines

Norway

The Organ whisper

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/03/29/meet-music-man-who-cares/

BYU Celebrates 150 with the Mens Chorus, sing “Rise and Shout” See it on Instagram on the

official BYU page known as “brighamyounguniveristy”

SLC Temple open house

Tickets will be available in late summer 2026

https://www.moronichannel.org/newsroom/temples/salt-lake-temple-open-house-tickets-to-be-

released-in-late-summer-2026/

New Statutes on Temple Square

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/03/25/2-new-statues-of-christ-at-temple-square/

Natural Disasters

Flooding in Hawaii

https://www.ldsdaily.com/world/what-we-know-about-laies-church-sites-after-major-flooding-

on-oahu/

Buildings for sale

Need a church building? We got a couple for sale.

1. “Lighthouse Church” former North Jordan Stake Center, build 1949, Vision: Community

Resource Center, Local History museum. Both groups interested working with West

Valley City Got lots of red brick, pretty cool looking. No word on price.

2. Stake Center Cerritos CA, $14.9 million, 32,816 sf, five acres, built 1977, (Looks like

standard Church issue) Still actively used as a Stake Center in Institute building. Is sale

related to construction of newer facilities near regional temples?

Mormons Behaving Badly

Stealing keys from the temple lockers

Opps he allegedly violated the Fish and Game laws

https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/03/idaho-fish-and-game-commissioner-charged-with-

poaching-bull-elk/

News:

Handbook updates, and there is a BIGGIE

https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2026/03/18/general-handbook-update-ordinances-

covenants-ward-sunday-school-presidencies/

Temple news, new exhibit at the church history museum

https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2026/03/19/firm-foundation-church-history-museum-

exhibit-salt-lake-temple/

Temple News, SCL temple to be open on Sunday

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/03/16/salt-lake-temple-open-house-will/

Those food trucks keep rolling…

https://www.deseret.com/politics/2026/03/19/america-250-chuch-latter-day-saint-food-bank-

donations/

Brother Reid Joins the TabCATS

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/tabernacle-choir-to-mark-us-250th-anniversary

The hymn that changed everything

https://www.ldsliving.com/this-latter-day-saint-hymn-led-my-entire-family-to-join-the-church/

Sister Freeman talks Pornography

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/create-personalized-armor-of-god-in-fight-

against-pornography-president-freeman-teaches

Five Times the blessings

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/5-callings-1-purpose-quintuplets-serve-

missions-at-same-time

If you can’t drink at BYU then invent stuff!

https://news.byu.edu/intellect/byu-ranks-among-top-schools-with-the-most-alumni-on-shark-

tank-who-will-be-next

Big 12 they say the are committed……

https://www.ksl.com/article/51459941/eliminating-anti-mormon-chant-from-campuses-personal-

for-big-12-commissioner-brett-yormark

Rise and shout the Cougars are OUT!

https://universe.byu.edu/sports/byus-kylie-olson-is-living-her-dream-with-cheer-experience-on-

game-day

MBB:

https://universe.byu.edu/campus/police-beat-march-11-17

Jasmin Rappleye: https://www.instagram.com/jasminrappleye/

Art Olivas: https://www.instagram.com/artolivas1/

The Church’s 2025 Caring Report Shows Global Relief and Service to Millions

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/caring-report-2025-church-jesus-christ-latter-day-saints[newsroom.churchofjesuschrist]?

The First Presidency Appoints New Commissioner for the Church Educational System

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/commissioner-church-educational-system-james-rasband[facebook]?

Church News Today – Lindon Utah Temple Open House (media day and open house coverage)

https://www.facebook.com/TheChurchNews/videos/church-news-today-tuesday-march-10-2026/2147236252716447/[newsroom.churchofjesuschrist]?

2026 Church Broadcast Events and Other Important Dates (RootsTech and Family Discovery Day section)

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/event/2026-churchwide-broadcast-events[newsroom.churchofjesuschrist]?

New Official Photos Feature the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/new-official-photos-feature-the-first-presidency-and-quorum-of-the-twelve-apostles[facebook]?

President Johnson Provides Relief in Eurasia

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/news-releases (listed in the March 6, 2026 items as “President Johnson Provides Relief in Eurasia”)[news-in.churchofjesuschrist]?

Apparent Break-in and Substance Spread at Utah LDS Meetinghouse

https://nationaltoday.com/us/ut/orem/news/2026/03/08/apparent-break-in-and-substance-spread-at-utah-lds-meetinghouse/[thechurchnews]?

April 2026 General Conference: 4 Sessions and a Solemn Assembly Over Easter Weekend

https://www.thechurchnews.com/general-conference/2026/03/13/april-2026-general-conference-schedule-solemn-assembly-easter/[thechurchnews]?

Here are the top four vote-getters of notable Latter-day Saints — from outside the ranks of the church’s general authorities and officers — whom you would like to have speak at next month’s General Conference?

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/02/26/hows-this-lds-conference-speakers/

New “Greater Love” Easter video celebrates Jesus Christ’s love for “you”?

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/03/01/new-greater-love-easter-video-celebrates-jesus-christ-love-for-you/

Watch Elder Caussé play, speak of this newly added Easter hymn?

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/02/27/watch-elder-causse-play-piano-speak-of-new-hymn/

Watch: Free Easter lesson for families to learn about Christ (title inferred from page references)?

https://www.ldsliving.com/watch-free-easter-lesson-for-families-to-learn-about-christ/s/13168

Find long-lost family at LDS Church–sponsored event (RootsTech 2026 coverage)?

https://www.abc4.com/news/wasatch-front/find-long-lost-family-at-lds-church-sponsored-event/

Iconic LDS Church temple in San Diego offering once-in-a-generation public access?

https://fox5sandiego.com/san-diego-guide/san-diego-lds-church-temple-open-house-2026/

Joyful photos from Zimbabwe’s first temple dedication?

https://www.ldsliving.com/joyful-photos-from-zimbabwes-first-temple-dedication/s/13166

Harare Zimbabwe Temple (almanac entry; title on Church News almanac page)?

https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/harare-zimbabwe/

Utah wife allegedly killed rich Mormon husband in their mansion so she could be with new lover... now HIS marriage secrets are aired in court?

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/crime-desk/article-15608361/kouri-richins-utah-trial-affair-husband.html

LIVE UPDATES | Day 9 of Kouri Richins murder trial ?

https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/03/live-updates-day-9-of-kouri-richins-murder-trial/

‘Word of Wisdom Amendments’ introduced as alternative in Utah kratom ban debate (exact headline styling may vary)?

https://www.fox13now.com/news/politics/mormon-word-of-wisdom-introduced-in-bill-debate-over-utahs-kratom-ban

‘Rise Up and Speak’ showcases Eliza R. Snow’s timeless discourses in early days of LDS Church (ABC4 religion feature)?

https://www.abc4.com/news/religion/rise-up-and-speak-book-eliza-r-snows-discourses/

New LDS book highlights words of Eliza R. Snow?

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/03/04/new-lds-book-highlights-words/

No forgiveness: ‘Murder in the Mormon Frontier’ with journalist, author Dan Neal?

https://buckrail.com/no-forgiveness-murder-in-the-mormon-frontier-with-journalist-author-dan-neal/

‘Let scripture surprise you’ — LDS authors on how to teach the Old Testament to children?

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/03/01/lds-authors-teaching-old-testament/

Quentin L. Cook on AI’s ‘unique spiritual challenges’ (guidance facing the AI age)?

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/03/03/elder-cook-guidance-facing-ai-age-unique-spiritual-challenges/

LDS Church–backed A.I. bill would make it easier to sue over damaging ‘deepfakes’?

https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2026/03/03/deep-fakes-lds-church-backs-bill/

The truth behind Utah’s latest plastic surgery phenomenon: the ‘Mormon makeover’?

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/lifestyle/beauty/article-15547481/mormon-face-truth-utah-plastic-surgery-trend-craze-cosmetic.html

Church of Jesus Christ releases statement on Iran strikes?

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/02/28/church-of-jesus-christ-releases-statement-on-iran-strikes/

Following cartel-related violence, Mexico Area Presidency invites members to pray for peace in the country?

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/02/27/following-cartel-related-violence-mexico-area-presidency-invites-members-to-pray-for-peace-in-the-country/

An LDS pioneer-era extermination order still weighs on the Timpanogos Nation?

https://www.kuer.org/race-religion-social-justice/2026-03-02/an-lds-pioneer-era-extermination-order-still-weighs-on-the-timpanogos-nation

60 years ago today (Mar 6, 1966) – Today in Mormon History?

http://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/03/60-years-ago-today-mar-6-1966.html

105 years ago today (Mar 5, 1921) – Today in Mormon History?

http://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/03/105-years-ago-today-mar-5-1921.html

175 years ago today (Mar 4, 1851) – Today in Mormon History?

http://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/03/175-years-ago-today-mar-4-1851-tuesday.html