The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints funded and constructed eight new classrooms, three science laboratories and sanitation facilities at Machona Combined School in Kitwe, Zambia, to improve learning conditions for students. The project, completed in partnership with Zambia’s Ministry of Education, also included a solar-powered water system to help address overcrowding at the school, where approximately 2,500 students previously shared just 15 classrooms. During the September 11, 2026, turnover ceremony, local education officials expressed gratitude to the Church for its contribution to improving educational opportunities and supporting the community’s future.

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated the Montpelier Idaho Temple on Sunday, October 18, 2026. The sacred building becomes the Church’s 225th operating temple worldwide and the eighth dedicated temple in Idaho, serving more than 15,000 members across Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. During the dedication, President Eyring emphasized the eternal nature of families and taught that temples bring peace, spiritual strength and opportunities to draw closer to Jesus Christ.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Managua Nicaragua Temple on Sunday, October 18, 2026, marking the first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central American nation. Hundreds of Church members attended the dedicatory service, while thousands more participated through broadcasts in meetinghouses across Nicaragua. The temple becomes the Church’s 226th worldwide, fulfilling a long-awaited hope for Nicaraguan Latter-day Saints who previously traveled abroad to participate in sacred temple ordinances.

A Christian missionary went viral after a lighthearted encounter with a mascot at a fast-food restaurant in Cavite, Philippines. The missionary and his companions had stopped for dinner following a day of missionary service when mascots unexpectedly appeared during a birthday celebration. One mascot playfully interacted with the missionary, drawing smiles and laughter as he warmly embraced the unexpected moment with good humor.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles called for stronger moral and ethical guidance in the development of artificial intelligence during the G20 Interfaith Forum in Salt Lake City on October 17, 2026. Speaking before religious leaders, scholars and public officials from around the world, the Apostle emphasized that AI must be guided by faith, human dignity and moral responsibility. “AI will not fulfill its full potential until we make it as morally good as we make it powerful,” Elder Gong said, urging humanity to ensure technology serves the common good.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf was spotted greeting security personnel and fans during BYU’s thrilling football victory over Notre Dame.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held a historic groundbreaking ceremony for the Vienna Austria Temple on Saturday, October 17, 2026, marking the beginning of construction on the country’s first temple. Approximately 250 Church members, friends and local dignitaries attended the ceremony, presided over by Elder Michael Cziesla of the Europe Central Area Presidency. The milestone represents a significant development for Austrian Latter-day Saints, who have spent decades traveling to neighboring countries to worship in temples.

Hundreds gathered near the Mexico City Mexico Temple on October 17, 2026, for a special premiere of the third episode of Dedicate, a new series produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Titled “Covenant Connections,” the episode follows young adults from seven countries as they explore the Church’s ancient Jerusalem film set in Utah and learn how sacred covenants can provide strength and guidance through personal challenges. Two participants, Bella Machado Guimarães of Brazil and Lehi Balboa León of Mexico, attended the screening and shared how their experiences filming the series strengthened their faith in Jesus Christ.

Brigham Young University student Carter Smith, dressed as Spider-Man, won $3 million after successfully kicking a 33-yard field goal during ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast in Provo, Utah, on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Smith missed his first attempt but converted his second kick, triggering celebrations among hundreds of students gathered on campus ahead of BYU’s football game against Notre Dame. The prize included $1 million each from ESPN personality Pat McAfee, Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and businessman Ryan Sweeney.

The Book of Mormon and the gospel of Jesus Christ received national attention during ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, on Saturday, October 17, 2026. ESPN personality Pat McAfee read from the Book of Mormon during the live broadcast, while BYU head football coach Kalani Sitake openly discussed his faith in Jesus Christ. The religious references drew attention during the program’s first visit to BYU since 2009, highlighting the university’s connection to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

President D. Todd Christofferson and Elder David A. Bednar shared a lighthearted moment during BYU’s football game against Notre Dame on Saturday, October 17, 2026. A message displayed on the stadium’s video screen read “Don’t bet on it, Notre Dame,” referencing a remark from President Christofferson’s General Conference address. The humorous reference drew a genuine laugh from President Christofferson, who was seen smiling alongside Elder Bednar as spectators enjoyed the moment.

Brigham Young University delivered a major college football upset Saturday night, defeating second-ranked Notre Dame 28–24 and snapping the Fighting Irish’s 16-game winning streak. The eighth-ranked Cougars overcame a late three-point deficit when quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw the game-winning touchdown pass to Walker Lyons with 1:47 remaining. Notre Dame reached BYU’s 9-yard line on its final possession, but an incomplete pass in the end zone sealed the Cougars’ victory in front of their home crowd.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles attended Brigham Young University’s football game against Notre Dame on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in Provo, Utah. The Apostle was spotted on the sidelines at LaVell Edwards Stadium as thousands of fans gathered for the highly anticipated matchup. Elder Uchtdorf was seen greeting security personnel and fans during his visit to the stadium.

Laws can protect our rights, but only love, kindness, and respect can truly bring us together.

Our differences should never divide us, for we are neighbors first, united by our common humanity and the need for peace, respect, and understanding.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints marked 125 years of missionary work in Japan, commemorating Elder Heber J. Grant’s dedication of the country for the preaching of the gospel on September 1, 1901. To honor the milestone, Church historian Conan Grames conducted seminars across seven locations in Japan from September 13 to 27, highlighting the faith, sacrifices and perseverance of early Japanese Latter-day Saints. The presentations traced the Church’s history from its first converts and the Japanese translation of the Book of Mormon to the challenges of war and the reopening of missionary work in 1948.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated nearly ₱1 million (approximately US$16,000) worth of medical equipment to the municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto in Negros Occidental, Philippines, during a turnover ceremony on October 2, 2026. The donation was funded through fast offerings contributed by Church members who voluntarily sacrifice meals and donate the equivalent cost to help those in need. Mayor Nehemiah Joe Dela Cruz expressed gratitude for the assistance, recognizing the generosity of Church members and their commitment to supporting local healthcare services.

Utah has been named the best state in the United States for the fourth consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. The recognition highlights the state's continued success in the national rankings. Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed gratitude to residents, crediting their dedication to raising families, building businesses, and serving their communities.

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encouraged people of different religions to build bridges of understanding during the 2026 Forum on Faith at New York University on October 14. Speaking before more than 800 faith leaders, he emphasized that genuine unity does not require people to abandon their beliefs but instead calls for mutual respect, compassion and cooperation. Elder Soares invited religious communities to work together in serving others, promoting peace and strengthening society despite their differences.