Politics
Romney issues second rebuke of Trump's Russia hostage deal
Former Utah Senator Mitt Romney invoked historical warnings from Winston Churchill and George Washington to criticize a Trump administration hostage deal with Russia, arguing the short-term diplomatic win risks long-term strategic consequences. The statement marks a second public divergence between the Republican ex-president and the LDS politician on Russia policy.
October 22, 2026 at 9:01 PM MT · via KSL · 3 sources
Idaho Catholic leader voices concern as Church opposes abortion rights referendum
An Idaho Catholic leader's letter published in the Salt Lake Tribune expresses concern about the LDS Church's active opposition to a state referendum on abortion access, arguing that institutional religious campaigning against reproductive rights carries political and social costs. The letter frames the church's stand against the ballot measure as an intervention with measurable consequences for interfaith relations and public discourse in a heavily religious state.
October 22, 2026 at 7:01 PM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 2 sources
LDS Church abortion policy remains unchanged since 1976, despite perception of recent shifts
By Common Consent publishes analysis of the LDS Church's official position on abortion, noting the Central Area Presidency's recent claim that the Church's stance is "clear and unchanged" since 1976 — a statement the author questions. The piece documents how Church abortion policy has actually shifted in phrasing and interpretation over decades, creating confusion among members about what is permitted. The timing follows the Church's known political activity against Idaho's abortion-access referendum.
October 22, 2026 at 6:02 PM MT · via By Common Consent
Utah Supreme Court justice signed anti-gerrymandering repeal effort before appointment
A newly appointed Utah Supreme Court justice signed a petition supporting the repeal of Proposition 4—the state's anti-gerrymandering law—seven months before Governor Spencer Cox appointed him to the bench, according to ABC4 Utah. The discovery raises questions about judicial impartiality as the court continues to hear cases related to Utah's redistricting and the controversial repeal effort.
October 20, 2026 at 8:01 PM MT · via ABC4 Utah
Idaho abortion initiative PACs raise $2.5M as Church contributes $1M
Political action committees opposing Idaho's Proposition 1 abortion initiative have raised more than $2.5 million since the end of September, driven by major donations including the Church's announced $1 million contribution. The spending reflects intense institutional and organizational mobilization ahead of the November vote on reproductive rights.
October 18, 2026 at 6:01 PM MT · via Idaho Capital Sun · 2 sources
Arizona Latter-day Saints navigate faith and politics in 2026 governor's race
As Arizona's governor's race heats up, Latter-day Saint voters face tensions between their religious identity and political affiliation, with the Church historically influential in Arizona's Republican-leaning politics but some members now crossing party lines. The story examines how faith shapes voting decisions in a closely watched 2026 race where the Mormon electorate remains a significant constituency. Coverage reflects broader LDS political fragmentation in the Southwest.
October 18, 2026 at 8:01 AM MT · via KTAR News 92.3 FM · 2 sources
Faith groups speak out on both sides of abortion ballot measures nationwide
Faith groups across the political spectrum are speaking out on abortion-related ballot measures in Idaho, Missouri, Nevada and Virginia, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Religious organizations are taking positions on both sides of the various state initiatives.
October 17, 2026 at 6:02 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 5 sources
Why churches can donate to abortion campaigns without losing tax-exempt status
The Salt Lake Tribune examines how religious organizations, including the LDS Church, can legally engage in political activity and donate to ballot measure campaigns without jeopardizing their federal tax-exempt status. The analysis comes as the Church's $1 million contribution to an Idaho anti-abortion PAC has sparked debate among members.
October 15, 2026 at 7:03 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 5 sources
LDS Church's $1M donation to Idaho abortion PAC sparks member debate
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' $1 million donation to oppose Idaho's Proposition 1 has sparked discussion among members about the Church's political involvement. The contribution went to the Too Extreme for Idaho PAC, which is fighting the abortion rights initiative.
October 15, 2026 at 6:03 AM MT · via NPR Utah | KUER · 13 sources
Rep. Moore emphasizes policy focus; Crosby calls himself 'chance for change'
Republican incumbent Rep. Blake Moore and Democratic challenger Peter Crosby debated at Utah State University in the race for Utah's newly-drawn 2nd Congressional District. Moore emphasized putting policy over what he called "toxic" politics, while Crosby positioned himself as an opportunity for change.
October 14, 2026 at 1:03 PM MT · via Utah News Dispatch
Moore, Crosby debate data centers and Great Salt Lake in Utah's 2nd District
Republican Rep. Blake Moore and Democratic challenger Peter Crosby faced questions about data centers and the Great Salt Lake during a debate for Utah's 2nd Congressional District seat. The Box Elder County area's recent controversy over Project Stratos shaped the discussion.
October 14, 2026 at 1:03 PM MT · via KUER
Rep. Blake Moore says he has found 'productive lane' in Congress
U.S. Rep. Blake Moore and Democratic challenger Peter Crosby faced off in their final debate Tuesday night, with Moore defending his congressional record and Crosby arguing the incumbent lacks courage on key votes. The debate covered issues including data centers, Great Salt Lake preservation, tariffs, and solar power.
October 14, 2026 at 10:03 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune