Donald Trump is arguably the most controversial and polarizing political figure in recent American history, but it's likely that many Mormons will agree with one of his potential nominees for the U.S. Supreme Court.

One of the most prominent displays on BYU–Hawaii’s Laie campus is the large tile mosaic showcasing an American flag-raising ceremony on February 7, 1921, attended by then Elder David O. McKay and Hugh J. Cannon. The two were on assignment from the First Presidency to visit Church members throughout the world when they stopped in Laie. It was at this flag-raising ceremony that Elder McKay, then of the Quorum of the Twelve and Church President from 1951 to 1970, saw an institution of higher learning that would bring students together from all across the globe and then send them back as learners, leaders, and builders in their respective countries. On Saturday, February 16, against the backdrop of this mosaic in Laie, another flag-raising ceremony took place—this time with representatives from 68 countries each hoisting their banners around the historic flag circle at BYU–Hawaii.

July 4 is when Americans traditionally celebrate Independence Day (even though the correct date is July 2, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve independence from Britain). The holiday has become synonymous with BBQs and fireworks, but the event we celebrate is too meaningful to let pass by without something more memorable. In hopes that you’ll commit to make this year’s holiday more substantive, here are 10 ways you, your family, and friends can celebrate Independence Day.

A recent apostolic trip to the southern nations of South America demonstrated the growing ties between the Church and the leaders of many Latin American governments — even as the Church continues to develop in both membership and devotion. On Nov. 14-15, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and Elder D. Todd Christofferson, both members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, together with Elder Ulisses Soares of the Presidency of the Seventy, participated in a review of the South America South Area. Several training meetings highlighted their tour with priesthood leaders, members and missionaries — along with cordial visits with civic and religious leaders in Chile and Paraguay. Just over a year ago the Chile Area and the South America South Area were consolidated into a single area consisting of four countries — Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

As the "Mormon moment" extends into 2012, the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life Thursday releases a groundbreaking new survey, the first ever published by a non-LDS research organization to focus exclusively on members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their beliefs, values, perceptions and political preferences.Entitled "Mormons in America: Certain in Their Beliefs, Uncertain of Their Place in Society," the survey was conducted between Oct. 25 and Nov. 16, 2011, among a national sample of 1,019 respondents who identified themselves as Mormons. The results validate a number of long-held stereotypes (most American Mormons are white, well-educated, politically conservative and religiously observant) while providing a few interesting surprises (care for the poor and needy is high on the list of LDS priorities, while drinking coffee and watching R-rated movies aren't as taboo among the rank and file as you might think).

Newsmaking young Colombian President Iván Duque asked for the prayers of President Russell M. Nelson during a meeting between the national leader and the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and thanked him for the church’s influence in the country.

We all play a part in preserving the critical resources needed to sustain life—especially water—and we invite others to join us in reducing water use wherever possible.

Sometimes it can be difficult to stand up and step forward for what you believe, as LDS musician and a member of Mercy River Whitney Permann knows, especially when what you believe is constantly challenged.

From TV shows to charity foundations to a member of their family being knighted, there is no doubt the Osmond family has become one of the icons of entertainment throughout the 1960s to today.

The year 2015 has seen a lot of exciting changes in the Church. From five new temples built in Argentina, Utah, Peru, Indiana, and Mexico,to three new apostles being called to the Quorum of the Twelve, we've experienced a lot of joy and even a little heartache as we've moved forward in the work of the Lord.