Politics
Idaho OB-GYN supported abortion measure until Church opposed it
An Idaho obstetrician-gynecologist who is a practicing Latter-day Saint says she was "100% yes" on supporting the state's abortion-access ballot measure until the Church announced its opposition. Dr. Heather Pugmire tells the Salt Lake Tribune she witnesses daily the healthcare crisis Idaho's current abortion laws have created.
October 14, 2026 at 7:03 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 6 sources
Moore, Crosby debate economy and AI in Utah's 2nd District race
Republican Rep. Blake Moore and Democratic challenger Peter Crosby met for a debate in Logan on Tuesday evening as they campaign to represent Utah's 2nd Congressional District, KSL reports. The debate was described as fairly tame, with the candidates discussing economic issues, artificial intelligence, and privacy.
October 14, 2026 at 1:03 AM MT · via KSL · 3 sources
COVERAGE
KUER examines how Utah Latter-day Saints are grappling with what constitutes gambling as the Church renews its opposition and the state moves against prediction-market apps like Kalshi. The reporting explores member debates over where to draw the line between prohibited gambling and modern financial products, fantasy sports, and other activities.
October 13, 2026 at 10:02 PM MT · via KUER · 6 sources
Utah members debate definition of gambling as Church renews warnings
Utah Latter-day Saints are questioning what activities constitute gambling after church leaders warned against it at general conference and the state moved to block prediction apps, NPR Utah reports.
October 13, 2026 at 8:03 AM MT · via NPR Utah | KUER · 3 sources
Former Utah senate candidate sentenced in forcible sexual abuse case
A former Utah state senate candidate was sentenced in a forcible sexual abuse case, ABC4 Utah reports. The story identifies the individual and details the sentencing but does not specify the candidate's religious affiliation in the available summary.
October 12, 2026 at 6:02 PM MT · via ABC4 Utah
Conference urges Latter-day Saints to advocate for life 'with love'
A Latter-day Saints for Life conference encouraged members to engage in anti-abortion advocacy while emphasizing compassionate messaging, according to Deseret News.
October 11, 2026 at 7:03 PM MT · via Deseret News · 6 sources
Analysis: Church abortion initiative letter raises institutional questions
A By Common Consent post examines the institutional process behind the North America Central Area Presidency's letter to Idaho members urging opposition to Prop 1, the Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act.
October 11, 2026 at 12:02 PM MT · via By Common Consent · 10 sources
Rep. Moore says Iran war, gas prices complicate GOP midterm message
Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, acknowledged that high gas prices and the ongoing war in Iran have complicated Republicans' economic messaging ahead of November's midterm elections, according to KSL. Moore said he still believes Republicans have a strong chance of maintaining congressional control despite the headwinds.
October 11, 2026 at 3:03 AM MT · via KSL
Sen. Curtis condemns proposed public execution as 'bloody spectacles'
Utah Senator John Curtis sharply criticized a proposed public execution of an Army officer convicted in a 2009 mass shooting, comparing it to ancient Roman gladiatorial violence. Curtis told FOX 13 he opposes making executions public spectacles.
October 9, 2026 at 12:02 PM MT · via FOX 13 Salt Lake City · 2 sources
Utah Rep. Blake Moore endorses ballot measure raising initiative threshold
U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah) has endorsed Amendment B, a proposed state constitutional amendment that would raise the threshold for citizen-led ballot initiatives dealing with taxes. The measure would require a higher percentage of voter approval for tax-related initiatives to pass.
October 8, 2026 at 3:34 AM MT · via ABC4 Utah
Utah Supreme Court hears challenge to Legislature's constitutional court
The Utah Supreme Court heard arguments challenging the Legislature's creation of a new "constitutional court" designed to review ballot initiatives before they reach voters, the Salt Lake Tribune reports. Critics argue the body violates separation of powers and undermines direct democracy.
October 7, 2026 at 11:03 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 3 sources
Utah Legislature overrides voter-approved ballot measures
Harvard Political Review examines how Utah's Republican-supermajority Legislature has repeatedly overturned or weakened ballot initiatives approved by voters, including Medicaid expansion, independent redistricting, and medical marijuana legalization. The pattern reflects tension between Utah's conservative legislative culture—heavily influenced by LDS Church positions on some issues—and a more moderate electorate on ballot questions.
October 7, 2026 at 8:02 AM MT · via Harvard Political Review