Politics
Utah report says parents should decide what children learn about faith, gender
A new Sutherland Institute report argues parents should have primary authority over what children learn about faith, health, and gender identity in schools and other settings. The report comes as Utah and other states with large LDS populations debate parental rights legislation and school curriculum standards. The religiously oriented think tank frames the issue as protecting family autonomy against institutional overreach.
August 19, 2026 at 8:05 AM MT · via Deseret News
Idaho Gov. Little appoints Jason Scott to Supreme Court
Idaho Governor Brad Little appointed Fourth District Judge Jason Scott to the Idaho Supreme Court, filling the seat left by retiring Chief Justice Richard Bevan. Scott is an Idaho native who earned an accounting degree before his legal career. His appointment continues the significant Latter-day Saint presence on Idaho's highest court, though the governor's announcement did not reference Scott's religious affiliation.
August 18, 2026 at 5:06 PM MT · via Idaho Capital Sun · 5 sources
Wheat and Tares examines Trumpification of LDS Church internationally
A blogger examines whether the political alignment between American Latter-day Saints and Donald Trump has extended to church members in other countries. The post explores patterns of political identification among Mormons beyond the United States.
August 18, 2026 at 1:04 PM MT · via Wheat and Tares
Investigation reveals Utah education apps violated data privacy agreements
A joint investigation by the Utah State Board of Education, Brigham Young University, and Internet Safety Labs found that more than half of audited educational technology applications used in Utah public schools collected student data without authorization, according to ABC4 Utah. The investigation examined apps deployed across Utah's public school system and discovered widespread violations of data privacy agreements. The findings raise questions about student privacy protections and vendor compliance with state education technology contracts.
August 18, 2026 at 11:06 AM MT · via ABC4 Utah · 2 sources
Critic questions Utah anti-trafficking group's $244M legal contract
A critic called a Utah anti-trafficking organization "wholly unqualified" to receive a $244 million legal services contract from the state, raising questions about the selection process and the group's capabilities. The Salt Lake Tribune reported on concerns about whether the organization has the expertise and infrastructure to handle such a large contract.
August 17, 2026 at 12:05 PM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 3 sources
Supreme Court case could alter religious accommodation in 401(k) plans
By Common Consent examines how a 2023 Supreme Court decision expanding religious accommodation requirements under Title VII could affect employer-sponsored retirement plans. The post analyzes whether employers must accommodate religious objections to certain 401(k) investment options, a question with potential implications for religious employees nationwide.
August 15, 2026 at 9:05 PM MT · via By Common Consent · 2 sources
Utah AG warns college sports bill could override transgender athlete restrictions
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes warned that pending federal college sports legislation could override the state's restrictions on transgender athletes competing in women's sports, according to the Deseret News. Reyes argues the federal bill would preempt state law in this area.
August 15, 2026 at 12:18 PM MT · via Deseret News
Arizona governor Hobbs picks Republican mayor as running mate
Deseret News reports that Arizona Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs has chosen former Republican Mesa Mayor John Giles as her running mate for the 2026 gubernatorial race, a striking cross-party move aimed at moderate and independent voters. Giles, a Latter-day Saint, left the Republican Party over Trump and has positioned himself as a voice for traditional conservatism alienated by MAGA politics.
August 15, 2026 at 12:08 PM MT · via Deseret News · 6 sources