General News

LDS Church Announces Three More Temples in California

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Friday that it will build three additional temples in California, bringing the total in the state to seven, the most in any US State outside of Utah. The announcement generated excitement among local members near Sacramento and near Redlands and Newport Beach, California, where the three temples will be built. The announcement also brought news articles in the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times, and Sacramento Bee in addition to an Associated Press article that appeared in many other newspapers, especially in California.

Local News

Winter Quarters Latest of Unique 'History Temples'

The dedication yesterday of the Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple adds a second to what may be a series of unique temples connected to LDS historical sites. The series started when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the Palmyra New York Temple last year, and will continue when the Nauvoo Illinois Temple is dedicated next year. Like the Palmyra Temple, the Winter Quarters Temple is literally next door to an important historic site, and like that temple, it features artwork that reflects its historical context.

LDS Family Decimated in Las Vegas Car Accident

Police in Las Vegas are looking for a motorist who fled the scene of an accident Sunday night after causing the deaths of two members of an LDS family and another motorist and severely injuring the father in the LDS family. Holly Barton, 33, and her 8-year-old son Benjamin Barton were killed, while James Barton, 32, husband and father in the family, was critically injured. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that the three were on their way to the broadcast of the Winter Quarters Temple dedication at a local stake center.

Sports

'Fearless' LDS Football Player Heap Chosen in First Round

Arizona State tight end Todd Heap was chosen in the first round of the NFL draft this past weekend by the Superbowl champion Baltimore Ravens, giving Heap exactly what he wanted -- a chance to play on a winning team. "Who wouldn't want to be here?" Heap said at a news conference after he arrived at the Raven's complex in Owings Mills, Maryland. "I've been playing for ASU for the last two years and .500 ball is not my style. I want to win."

'Mr. Irrelevant' Strives to be Anything But

Saying that line usually comes much later in a professional football player's career -- generally after making the team, after the team wins the Super Bowl, and even after being chosen Most Valuable Player of the game. But Tevita Ofahengaue could have said the line on Sunday, after being chosen in the NFL draft's last round, as its very last pick. That position earns him the title "Mr. Irrelevant" and the right to reply, if asked what he'll do next, "I'm going to Disneyland!"

Ward's Comments Recall, Lead to Erroneous Statements on Mormons

In the wake of "anti-Semitic" comments by the New York Knicks' Charlie Ward, several sports columnists at newspapers across the nation recalled that then-Chicago Bulls player Dennis Rodman made disparaging remarks about Mormons. But the incident also drew comments that drew on Mormon stereotypes and showed ignorance of Mormon beliefs.

Politics

Utah Appeals, and Files New Census Lawsuit

Not content with the answer given by a three-judge panel that heard its challenge to the US Census Bureau's calculations, the state of Utah has appealed that decision to the US Supreme Court. And not content to leave an issue by the way, it has also filed a new lawsuit, claiming that the Census Bureau used statistical methods barred by the court.

Internet

LDS Polynesia, LDS Jews and LDS City

The variety of Mormon websites will truly amaze the surfer. This week, sites have been newly listed for LDS Church members of jewish heritage, members in Polynesia and those suffering from depression. Some of the sites have existed for a while, but are only now appearing in the Mormon website directories.

People

LDS Educator is New President of CEU

Ryan L. Thomas is looking forward to the opportunity to return home to Price, Utah where he will become President of the College of Eastern Utah on July 1. "My roots run deep," Thomas said of the small town where his father was born and raised. "We hope our family will establish even deeper connections here."

Arts & Entertainment

Dutcher to Film Joseph Smith Movie in Palmyra

LDS filmmaker Richard Dutcher's planned film on the life of Joseph Smith will be filmed on location in Palmyra, says a news report on Rochester's WHEC TV10. Dutcher announced last week that his upcoming film project would be a biography of Joseph Smith with a budget of $10 million, significantly larger than the budgets of his previous films.

Business

Former ZCMI Stores Open on Sunday for First Time

Evidenced by a move that ends a 133-years of closed-on-Sunday business policy, Meier &Frank, formerly ZCMI, are now open on Sunday. Meier &Frank's parent company, the Oregon-based St. Louis May Department Stores who bought ZCMI in 1999, announced the new hours this week along with the scheduled name change starting April 18th, as part of a $60 million renovation.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]