This Week in Latter-days

Links:

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/earthly-stewardship-a-look-into-the-april-2025-world-report

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/2024-caring-for-those-in-need-summary

https://www.instagram.com/p/DH2ALq6MAIY/

https://talksport.com/basketball/3037958/shawn-bradley-bike-crash-paralyzed-tallest-nba-player/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgwMyYxXZwo#:~:text=From%20NBA%20Star%20to%20Life,'%20series%20on%20KSL.com

https://www.sltrib.com/news/2025/03/31/therapy-sex-abuse-ex-therapist/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJZS-dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHQlRm7uHeSW6AWehFsXS4OW2klFkgOFISWO2HMlaKCGDNXgCsFDBw2LwqQ_aem_mT10u512RsVtv_pZw55k2g

https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2025/03/30/yvonne-chan-hong-kong-asl-deaf-church-member/

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/03/29/men-religion-gender-women-gap/

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-receives-award-for-reconstruction-preservation-of-ohio-historic-site?fbclid=IwY2xjawJYPhdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYCPBo01ndW-n32Syh3QBS87asDiq4Q0PIlsxTxmMQKmRqrKqynSwwbuew_aem_yTYY0Bi4NUgKM_UA_8y0gw

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/rendering-location-announced-for-retalhuleu-guatemala-temple

https://news-africa.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/the-church-donates-equipment-for-inmate-rehabilitation-in-ghana-prison

Stop Recycling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLkfpjJoNkA

6 Events by Stephen Covey https://amzn.to/43xVKzf

https://www.instagram.com/madisonpope.creative

Mike Huckabee’s thoughts on Members

https://www.deseret.com/politics/2025/03/26/john-curtis-questions-mike-huckabee-church-of-

jesus-christ/

New gig for former US Senator Gordon Smith

https://www.abc4.com/news/religion/former-u-s-senator-wife-to-be-next-directors-of-hosting-

for-lds-church/

New Hymns for Easter?

https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2025/03/14/new-hymns-for-easter-worship-jesus-

christ-resurrection/

Solar Panels and sustainable energy at BYU- Hawaii

https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2025/03/26/church-strives-energy-independence-

north-shore-oahu-hawaii/

Mia Love passes away

https://www.deseret.com/politics/2025/03/23/mia-love-obituary/

Fairview Temple, Round????

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/03/25/church-submits-application-for-smaller-mckinney-

texas-temple-fairview/

Curtin revealed, behind the scenes for conference

https://www.thechurchnews.com/general-conference/2025/03/25/behind-the-scenes-conference-

center-guest-services/

The Staging Crew for Conference

https://www.thechurchnews.com/general-conference/2025/03/20/behind-the-scenes-conference-

center-staging-crew/

Humanitarian effort was LARGE in 2024

https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2025/03/26/leaders-discuss-annual-caring-

summary/

New documentary about partnership in Ghana

https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2025/03/23/amos-brown-fellowship-ghana-

documentary-naacp/

Mormons in the Media:

Batchlor final this week

https://stylecaster.com/entertainment/tv-movies/1234810517/grant-litia-still-together-bachelor/

Kevin and Ruby Franke officially divorced

https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/inside-ruby-kevin-frankes-custody-

arrangement-after-finalized-divorce/

MBB:

Setting fire to a church, probably not a good idea

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/mississippi-man-indicted-federal-civil-rights-and-arson-charges-

setting-fire-mormon-church?

Popular Mormon Podcasters Resign from LDS Church, a Step Ahead of Excommunication

Publication Date: March 17, 2025

Source: Religion News Service

Valerie and Nathan Hamaker, hosts of the "Latter Day Struggles" podcast, resigned from the LDS Church ahead of a disciplinary council. The couple faced concerns from local church leaders over their podcast, which addresses faith crises among Mormons. They emphasized their commitment to helping those in faith crises and felt the disciplinary process was unjust. The Hamakers will continue their podcast and support groups despite their resignation.

https://religionnews.com/2025/03/17/popular-mormon-podcasters-hamakers-resign-from-lds-church-a-step-ahead-of-excommunication/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJKY0tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYOFtWY6QpzuYwVkrLtnTAZ4DQIoPFwYpHkZIba3rAlMDzaAF9WGeBskIg_aem_r0OhNgeIJ8k69s1Vt3ZBLQ

Church Announces New Gospel Library Resources

Publication Date: March 19, 2025

Source: The Church News

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints added new resources to its Gospel Topics and Questions section, focusing on race, women's service and leadership, and religion and science. These updates aim to provide more insightful answers to frequently asked questions about the Church's doctrine and policies.

https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2025/03/19/church-announces-new-gospel-library-resources-race-women-science/

Utah Couple on ‘The Amazing Race’ Describes Meeting at the Missionary Training Center

Publication Date: March 13, 2025

Source: Deseret News

Scott and Lori Thompson, a Utah couple competing on "The Amazing Race," met at the Missionary Training Center while serving as missionaries for the LDS Church. They shared their faith-based love story and how their mission experiences strengthened their relationship.

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/03/13/scott-lori-amazing-race-love-story/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJKZgVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRqzw-B3EbItmprKBj2YuUBngYu9BaSVHo8u6n76NGhl-ep_uY-k8msbbg_aem_3DgpQ69e9ktKofhCxUROtQ

Latter-day Saint Leader Seeks Positive Texas Temple Outcome

Publication Date: March 17, 2025

Source: Deseret News

A stake president from the LDS Church sent a letter to Fairview, Texas, asking the town to reaffirm its commitment to allow the construction of the McKinney Texas Temple. The Church and the town had previously negotiated a mediated agreement, but there are concerns that the town may not honor it, potentially leading to legal action.

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/03/17/fairview-texas-temple-latter-day-saints-letter-seeks-positive-outcome-mckinney/

Stories:

President Camille Johnson, the perfect diplomat.

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-johnson-participates-international-

womens-day-diplomacy-event

New book celebrating YW

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/03/12/carry-on-young-womens-history-book/

Water conservation, Church believes it do you?

https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2025/03/12/church-reduces-water-usage-western-

united-states-2025/

Sports:

Kevin Young, Slow start, strong finish

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/03/12/byu-basketball-coach-kevin-young-turnaround-nba-

assistant-methods-processes/

Alex Jensen coming home

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/03/06/alex-jensen-hired-utah-basketball-head-coach/

Jimmer Fredette and March Madness

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/03/13/jimmer-fredette-ncaa-tournament-yahoo-sports-

broadcasts/

Zack Wilson on the move again

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/03/10/zach-wilson-signing-miami-dolphins-free-agent/

Cougar Tail flavors ranked

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2024/09/21/ranking-best-byu-cougartail-flavors/

Music:

History of the Tabernacle Organ

https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/story-famed-salt-lake-tabernacle-organ?

If you are an Organ Nerd, this story is for you

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/8-tabernacle-organists-to-perform-march-11-on-

new-pipe-organ-at-byu

Mormons in the Media:

Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, release date and new cast info:

https://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/1234850002/miranda-hope-mcwhorter-the-

secret-lives-of-mormon-wives/

Lori Vallow speaks to Dateline

https://www.nbc.com/dateline/video/lori-vallow-daybell-the-jailhouse-interview/9000414341

MBB:

Judge and Fire Chief…oh my…

https://www.hjnews.com/news/local/court-documents-reveal-connection-between-high-profile-

box-elder-county-officials-arrested-for-alleged-child/article_bd76740a-ff52-11ef-8414-

b3062ea7a640.html

MATT

Church’s First Ever Global Youth Activity

MELISSA

Elder Rasband tells members in the Philippines to ‘REdedicate their lives” in preparation for the temples being built

MATT

Elder Uchtdorf recalls the two times he had to flee to a new country and the challenges he faced.

MELISSA

Giving Machines Changed Millions of Lives in 2024—Here Are the Final Numbers

MATT

The Latest Temple News from the Church of Jesus Christ

Related Southwest corner of Temple Square to reopen

MELISSA

Utah Christians — from Catholics to Lutherans to Latter-day Saints — begin countdown to Easter. A Post for Ash Wednesday.

MATT

Residents of Pinesdale, a Montana town founded decades ago by fundamentalist Mormons, are suing for the land they say rightfully belongs to them; the breakaway church maintains it was never theirs.

MELISSA

Managing Stress and Anxiety - the Church’s ‘Caring’ instagram page

Caring.churchofjesuschrist

 

MATT

A former branch president with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been charged with the rape of a teenager.

 

MATT: Famous Mormons:

Which Famous Mormon had his name dropped to President Trump this week?

Michael T. Benson (President West Virginia University)

Mike Leach (American football coach)

Danny Ainge (Basketball)

 

RELATED

Celebrities Who Have Opened Up About Growing Up Mormon: Katherine Heigl, Ryan Gosling, More

 

Big/Little/No Deal:

MATT

Tariffs. And Their Arch-Apostle

MELISSA

The debate over BYU Professors and orthodoxy isn’t over yet.

MATT

Newest LDS apostle says porn addicts can kick their habit through professional help and Jesus’ love

MELISSA

Toxic Perfectionism in perspective: Latter-day Saints' unique outlook

MATT

Pew study shows how Latter-day Saints’ political and social views have — and have not — shifted in the past 20 years

MELISSA

Utah Explains: What the Heck is “Mormon Cuisine”?

MATT

By bringing in a slew of 5-star prospects with no connection to Utah or the LDS church, BYU basketball has shown how quickly a school can change its standing in the modern era of college sports.

MELISSA

The Bachelor comes to Star Valley, Wyoming. Related. related.

MATT

Mormon Wives Star Jessi Ngatikaura Documents $2K+ Nose Job After Being Insecure About It During Filming.

RELATED

Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Star Mayci Neeley to Share 'Juicy Play-by-Play' in New Memoir Told You So.

This Week in Mormon History:

 

80 years ago - Feb 28, 1944

[David O. McKay]

Later, I went over to the Temple and instructed the [First] Presidency to take steps to have more reverence in the Temple. To that end suggested: first, the removal of the desk in the Celestial Room; second, not to have witnesses to marriages enter Celestial Room in street clothing; third, it will be well to consider the advisability of the General Authorities who perform marriages to be dressed in white.

 

90 years ago  - End of February 1935

[J. Reuben Clark]

Tithing-Death Benefit.

It is the intention of the First Presidency to give, as a matter of aid and reward for faithfulness, from and after January 1, 1936, to one or more or all of the faithful Church members of the family of a deceased tithe-payer dying after January 1, 1936, an amount equal to one-tenth (1/10) of the tithing paid by such deceased tithe-payer after January 1, 1935.

The First Presidency may change, modify, or discontinue the plan and practice thereof in whole or as to any individual case if wisdom or the necessities of the Church seem in their opinion to make such a course desirable.

 

175 years ago - Feb 28, 1850

Originally named the University of Deseret, the University of Utah is the oldest state university west of the Missouri River. Founded in Salt Lake City on 28 February 1850, the school's first term - for men only - in November of 1850. The second term was opened to both women and men.

Isaac Wright is a Coordinator at CTL Scouting's Los Angeles office, where he curates Longform and Podcast reports. Prior to joining CTL in 2024, he worked as a freelance reader for Amazon Studios and The Blacklist. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in Film and Media Studies, Isaac also runs Saints & Cinephiles, an interview newsletter highlighting members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints working in Hollywood.

Here is a link to his bio: https://www.ctlscouting.com/about

Here is a link to his newsletter: https://isaacbingwright.substack.com/

News Stories:

New Musical to rival BOM Musical, twist, its spiritual

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/02/24/faith-affirming-book-of-mormon-musical-messiah-in-

america/

Some name calling at the BYU AZ bb Game

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2025/02/23/arizona-basketball-byu-postgame-

handshake-line-brawl-incident-wildcats-ad-statement-fan-chant/79815526007/

Leaders can now assist in helping with names for the temple

https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2025/02/22/family-name-assist-easy-tool-

familysearch-elder-hamilton-elder-bragg/

President Holland visits Saints in CA

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2025/02/22/holland-wildfires-apostle-los-angeles-southern-

california-devotional/

Money in the SLC Temple, historians rejoice

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/02/21/salt-lake-temple-construction-updates/

Bishop dies in Alaska airplane crash

https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2025/02/12/he-didnt-text-landed-eagle-river-man-killed-

bering-air-plane-crash-remembered-by-family/

Influencer’s husband in helicopter crash

https://people.com/jennifer-houghton-reveals-husband-was-in-helicopter-crash-11685356

Is Utah politically lonely?

https://dnyuz.com/2025/02/18/a-lonely-holdout-where-republicans-still-resist-trump-utah/

Mormons in the Media:

Ruby Frankie Documentary on HULU

https://www.yahoo.com/news/hulus-new-ruby-franke-docuseries-features-family-members-1st-

public-interviews-and-unseen-video-footage-130050402.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall

Kevin Frankie advocates to Utah Legislature for protection children of bloggers

https://www.ksl.com/article/51256208/franke-family-speaks-in-support-of-new-protections-for-

child-actors-influencers

A Mormon on the bachelor

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/02/24/latter-day-saints-bachelor-grant/

Influences on Insta discussing the new garment styles

Calling all bearded, long hair, tattooed Members, Church casting is looking for you!

MBB:

Lori Vallow- No Camera’s in the courtroom in AZ

https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/lori-vallow-daybell-wants-cameras-banned-courtroom-

during-her-arizona-trial

He ran an “Amazon Store Front”

https://ksltv.com/local-news/amazon-scheme-wilde

Dr. Ben Schilaty a clinical social worker and professor of social work at Utah Valley University, specializing in therapy for LGBTQ clients and their families. He is the author of the award-winning book "A Walk In My Shoes: Questions I am Often Asked as a Gay Latter-day Saint" and co-hosts the podcast "Questions from the Closet." A multilingual professional speaking Spanish and Portuguese, Dr. Schilaty has lived and worked in Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, and Portugal. He is also the cofounder of the Gather Conference, which provides Christ-centered support to LGBTQ Latter-day Saints and their loved ones. We want a link to this blog post in the show notes, and perhaps a link to his podcast.

Here is the blog link:https://www.benschilaty.com/post/i-worked-at-byu-as-an-openly-gay-administrator

Here is the podcast link:https://alloutintheopen.org/about