What Pres. Oaks said in his first conference as the prophet

Two sister missionaries serving in the Texas Houston Mission were stabbed in a home invasion at 4 a.m. on Sunday. The missionaries told the Sheriff’s deputies they had never met the stranger who entered their apartment and attacked them.

When the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve this past year, my family celebrated in typical fashion with Chinese food, watching the ball drop in Times Square on television, and tromping around in the snow while banging pots and pans outside, despite the frigid temperature. The year 2020 promised to be a good one. Not only was it a nice, even number, but it brought in a new decade, and new hope in addition to a new year.

Randal Wright is a beloved author and speaker. He is also a lover of stories. If you’ve ever talked with him or heard him speak, you likely noticed how frequently he references his life experiences, either his own or someone’s else’s that he has learned from. But what is his motivation for sharing stories?

Last month, millions of hearts were touched when 6-year-old Bridger Walker shielded his little sister from a charging dog at high cost to himself. His act of bravery caught the attention of major news outlets and several celebrities, who sent him messages and get well gifts. Many Latter-day Saints were pleasantly surprised to learn than Bridger and his family are members of the Church.

Brigham Young University announced Thursday, August 14, that students applying for spring 2021 through winter 2022 will not have to submit their ACT/SAT scores as part of their application for general admission into the university. The decision comes as the result of limited availability of test options due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If a student would like to submit their scores for consideration in their application, they may do so, but the test scores are no longer required. Applications for spring, summer, and fall 2021 will be available beginning August 26.

Editor's note: Our bi-weekly Friday column, “Found in the footnotes,” explores some of the footnotes from remarks given by General Authorities and General Officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Editor's note: "This week from the pulpit" highlights recent messages by General Authorities, General Officers and leaders of the Church.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced today that, beginning in January 2021, the Church will replace its four current magazines with three global magazines: the Friend (for children), For the Strength of Youth (for youth) and the Liahona (for adults).

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released exterior renderings showing the planned design for two Pacific-area temples—Neiafu Tonga and Pago Pago American Samoa.