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Leah Bowers
Leah Bowers

Leah Bowers is a Utah, Politics and the West reporter with the Deseret News.


The Church donated to Punjab, Pakistan, following monsoon floods in 2025 and again to support people with disabilities in 2026.

Church leaders shared social media posts with their testimonies of covenant connections and blessings — from family relationships to sacrament ordinances.

Before "Speak to Us, Lord" was in the hymnbook, it was in a collection of poems by J. Scott Miller’s grandfather.

In the last few months, the Church has donated equipment, funds and a new building to improve infant and maternal care — from Mongolia to Thailand.

Robert and Cristy Jones hand-built a tabernacle replica and planned for Eagle River Alaska Stake’s youth camp — determined to help youth feel God’s love through the Old Testament.

On social media, Church leaders shared heartfelt “goodbye” testimonies, shared their experiences on Pioneer Day and taught viewers to use critical thinking skills.

Local members open Church meetinghouses and their homes to evacuees

Kris Sorensen and her sons, Danny, who has fragile x syndrome, and Matthew, who has autism, serve in temples across Utah.

This week on social media, Church leaders reminded Latter-day Saints of the importance of the Spirit, the blessing of modern-day temples and the joy of service.

Across Asia, Latter-day Saints ventured into new religious communities: a Jewish synagogue, a Catholic soup kitchen and a multifaith dinner.

“We cherish the opportunity to spend time together,” President Oaks said about time with his family.

Wayúu children had never seen a toilet — new water infrastructure was intimidating. Now, the buildings are filled with sacred art.

Dr. Raymond Price spent nearly two decades advancing surgical care in Mongolia. Now, he has been appointed the country’s Honorary Consul in Utah

Doctrine and Covenants 134 claims governments have no right to make laws that "bind the consciences of men." For years, Church leaders have returned to it in crisis.

Since April, presidency members have explained ministering is much more than a calling — It’s an "opportunity to practice being disciples of Jesus Christ."

See resources for Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s April 2026 general conference message to enrich gospel learning individually and in the home.

Hundreds received degrees and certificates from Church education programs in historic ceremonies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Jinja, Uganda

“Testify of Jesus Christ to a world that suffers without knowledge of His divine mission,” President Dallin H. Oaks shared on social media this week, among other messages from Church leaders such as President D. Todd Christofferson and President Camille N. Johnson.

Maria Martinez, Maryland governor’s senior advisor, accepted the award on his behalf for launching the JustServe platform across the state.

David Dixon, member of the Farmington Utah North Stake, was instrumental in updating an old tabernacle replica and encouraging youth and YSA to participate

"Even though we’re far away, it’s brought us closer in that great cause of helping people, inviting them and helping them come unto Christ," Alan Farrell said.

After years of questioning her faith, the birth of an Arizona Latter-day Saint’s son inspired her recommitment to the gospel.

"Every little bit counts. Look for the needs and the wants. Then, just give what you have," Young Women general president said.

President Uchtdorf proclaimed each stake center and temple dedication turns “our hearts in worship to our Heavenly Father and to His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.”

In a video presented at the IDCT Conference in Abu Dhabi, Elder Bednar instructs policymakers to help youth become a cohesive and resilient generation as they use technology

A new BYU report shows Latter-day Saints soar above other religions in attendance, familial spirituality and well-being

Church leaders such as President D. Todd Christofferson, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and President Emily Belle Freeman shared insights on temple and missionary work in social media messages this week.

"It’s that connecting with the divine that really makes the big differences in our lives," the BYU researcher said.

"We are happy and we thank God for what you have done," said a district governor in Kenya.

This week on social media, Elder Quentin L. Cook shared that everyone deserves the freedom “to choose the faith that they wanted to follow." Other leaders, including President D. Todd Christofferson and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, shared similar messages about unity.