The LDS Church’s abortion fight

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a global faith institution headquartered in Salt Lake City, is getting involved in two neighboring states’ business ahead of the upcoming election.

• What’s happening? LDS Church leaders are urging Nevada members to oppose Question 6, a November ballot measure that would enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution. The move comes days after church leadership opposed a similar measure in Idaho — Proposition 1 — which would expand abortion access. [Salt Lake Tribune]
• The church has long opposed elective abortion for “personal or social convenience,” stating it takes political positions only on issues of “significant moral consequence.” But they may be weighing in now because polling suggests Idaho’s Proposition 1 could pass in a state where about a quarter of residents are LDS. [Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake Tribune, Boise State University]
• It's not the church's first political rodeo: In 2008, leaders mobilized members and money behind California's same-sex marriage ban. In the years that followed, the church brokered compromises on LGBTQ rights and Utah's medical cannabis ballot initiative. [Deseret News, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]
• We talk about what the LDS church’s involvement could mean for Utahns, and how it could set the tone if a similar measure comes to the state. Reminder: Abortion remains legal in Utah up to 18 weeks. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Pro Football Is Coming

The United Football League is adding Utah as one of two expansion teams in 2028, bringing the league to 10 teams. They’ll play at America First Field in Sandy through a partnership with Larry H. Miller Co. The team name and branding will be announced later. [Salt Lake Tribune]

Utah App Aims to Reduce Food Waste

Cultivate.Garden, a Utah-based app, is helping neighbors swap produce. Users can filter listings by seeds, donations, and preserved food, and connect to garden experts and workshops. [City Weekly]

Indie Feature Film Set in Helper

Helper, Utah, is the backdrop for the new feature film “Salt & Honey.” The film will be directed by Amy Redford, daughter of the late actor and filmmaker Robert Redford, and will follow a young girl growing up in a small Utah town with big aspirations. [Deadline]

Data Center Moves Forward

Spanish Fork’s City Council approved an amendment to the city’s code allowing a data center to move into a warehouse in Spanish Fork Canyon. The Volition project has faced strong opposition from residents, but can now move forward as any other development. Volition CEO puts the price tag at $3 billion and expects a three-year build. [FOX 13]

Have a place you can’t stop gushing about? City Cast Salt Lake neighbors are sharing their favorites, and they never disappoint!

📣 Zach S. wants to shoutout “Pioneer Theater Company on the U of U campus. Affordable and fun, the Meldrum Theater is such a unique experience.”

📣 Colleen L. loves “Osteria Amore on 1300 East for the consistently delicious food and the always excellent hospitality and service.” Colleen says this place is a favorite spot for lunch or dinner.

📣 Chris B. wants you to know about the Continuing Education program at the University of Utah. Chris says there are classes for all ages and interests, and they're hosting a free Open House on Saturday, Sept. 26.

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