- Fatal Shooting at Salt Lake City Meetinghouse
- The Story: A tragic shooting occurred in the parking lot of a meetinghouse on Redwood Road during a funeral, leaving two men dead and six wounded.
- Why it’s first: It is a violent event on church property involving the death of members. It touches on issues of safety at houses of worship.
- Key Detail: The victims were part of Utah’s Tongan community. The Tongan population in Utah is significant; per the 2020 Census, Utah has the largest Tongan population of any state, with over 18,000 residents identifying as Tongan alone or in combination with other races.
- Angle: Focus on the tragedy of violence interrupting a “celebration of life” and the community response.
- Funeral of President Jeffrey R. Holland & Leadership Changes
- The Story: Following President Holland’s passing in late 2025, his funeral is set, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf has been named Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve.
- Why it’s important: This is a major shift in the “ecclesiastical org chart.” With President Oaks now President of the Church and Holland passing, the leadership dynamic changes significantly.
- Visual Aid: Because the hierarchy has shifted rapidly (Nelson passing, then Holland passing), a visual aid helps the audience visualize the new seniority.
- “The Next Apostle” Speculation
- The Story: With the vacancy left by President Holland, there is speculation on who President Oaks will call next.
- Angle: Discuss the Op-Ed suggesting “history making” picks like a Black apostle or someone from a non-traditional background (like a sports coach, though that is unlikely). This is great engagement fodder for listeners.
- Dissolving the Temple Square Mission
- The Story: After 30 years, the all-female Temple Square Mission is ending. Sisters from surrounding missions will now rotate in.
- Why it matters: This is the end of a specific cultural era. The Temple Square sisters were a unique fixture of Church headquarters.
- Angle: The shift toward “hybrid” missionary work (tours + traditional proselytizing) and the hiring of paid guides to assist.
- 2026 Mission Leadership Assignments
- The Story: 188 new mission presidents and companions called; 55 newly created missions.
- Angle: The sheer volume of new missions indicates the growth or reorganization efforts previously announced by the late President Nelson.
- Love is Blind Villain “Disowned”
- The Story: Kacie McIntosh, a cast member on Season 9, claims her LDS family “shunned” her due to her appearance and discussion of sex on the show.
- Why it matters: This hits the intersection of pop culture and “faith crisis/family dynamics” that resonates with many listeners.
- Angle: The tension between reality TV fame and conservative religious family values.
- The “Mysterious” Youth Vote (Data Heavy)
- The Story: Young Latter-day Saints are identifying less as Republicans, though they still lean conservative on social issues.
- The Stats:
- 40% of LDS voters aged 18-29 identify as Republican.
- 35% identify as Democrat.
- 25% identify as Independent.
- Despite the shift in labels, 56% of older Gen Z/Young Millennial members still supported the Republican presidential candidate in 2024.
- BYU “Hot Mic” Moment
- The Story: BYU player Therrian Alexander III was caught swearing on a hot mic during the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
- Angle: A lighthearted but debated topic—the pressure on BYU athletes to represent the “Honor Code” perfectly on national TV versus the reality of high-stakes sports.
- Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt Update
- The Story: An update on the aftermath of the abuse case. Kevin Franke has remarried; Ruby is still in prison; Shari Franke has written a memoir.
- Why it matters: This story gripped the Mormon internet (and the world). The update provides closure on the family’s attempt to heal.
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