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Good morning! Here are today’s temperatures:

☀️ 44 – 87° in Logan

☀️ 58 – 88° in Salt Lake

🌤️ 72 – 101° in St. George

Former President Donald Trump’s campaign staff clashed with officials at Arlington National Cemetery earlier this week at a ceremony honoring fallen soldiers. Federal law prohibits political campaign activities in national cemeteries.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox issued a statement apologizing for a campaign email that used pictures of the ceremony, but the controversy has raised questions about whether Americans respect sacred places.

“Americans often take their cues from the actions of people at the top of state and national governments. The record there is slipping. We should demand better,” Jay Evensen writes. “Sacred places are important because they convey solemn and often silent messages about things that are of real value to society.”

Read more about what the actions at Arlington National Cemetery can teach Americans about sacred places.

Also on our minds:

U.S. surgeon general issues advisory on the mental health crisis plaguing American parents
Hockey season is starting soon — meet the Utah Hockey Club forwards
Sen. Mike Lee says Speaker Johnson will attach voter ID bill to continuing resolution

Utah kicks off Constitution Month celebrations at state capitol

Gabby Peterson writes: "Leaders and residents of the Beehive State gathered under the bright dome of the rotunda in the state Capitol building on Thursday morning for an event focusing on the United States Constitution, kicking off celebrations a few days early in preparation for Constitution Month.

"The event, organized by 'Why I Love America” and sponsored by the Constitution Education Foundation, featured music from the American Heritage School Choir, a presentation of colors and speeches from Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Congressman Burgess Owens, state Rep. Doug Owens, D-Millcreek and Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi.

"During his speech, Cox declared the month of September as American Founders and Constitution Month and Sunday, Sept. 1 as a Day of Prayer, Fasting and Contemplation for our nation.

"This marks a continuation of Utah’s expansion upon Constitution Day celebrations, which long has been recognized on Sept. 17. Last year Utah state lawmakers passed HB179, a bill that proclaimed all of September as “American Founders Month,” a law Cox said he “proudly signed.”

"At Thursday’s event, Cox said he’d like other states in the union to join Utah in celebrating the supreme law of the United States."

Highlights, key plays, photos from No. 12 Utah’s season-opening blowout win over Southern Utah

No. 12 Utah welcomed the return of quarterback Cam Rising and tight end Brant Kuithe, and the duo came up big in a blowout victory over Southern Utah in the season opener for both schools Thursday night.

Even though he only played just under one half, Rising completed 10 of 15 passes for 254 yards and a career-high five touchdowns in leading the Utes to touchdowns on each of his five possessions. He had a QB rating of 318.9.

Kuithe caught three of those touchdown passes — all in a 28-point second quarter — and finished with four catches for 69 yards.

Read more about a win for the Utes that ended a final score of Utah 49, Southern Utah 0.

More in Sports

‘We have a clear-cut starter right now’: BYU’s Aaron Roderick updates QB situation ahead of season opener (Deseret News)
Legends in the making: Meet the Utah Hockey Club forwards (Deseret News)
Tony Finau is 3-under at the Tour Championship and he hasn’t even teed off yet. Here’s how (Deseret News)
How the Kelce brothers are making their larger-than-life personalities even larger (Deseret News)
Reports: Jaren Hall, Tyler Huntley both released in post-cutdown day transactions (Deseret News)

FROM OUR SPONSOR SUTHERLAND INSTITUTE

Sutherland Institute released new research covering policy recommendations to boost parent engagement and provide teacher incentives in schools

In its new research, Sutherland Institute highlights the impacts of parental engagement on student outcomes and development, along with the need for an incentive program for teachers who are going above and beyond to make classroom materials accessible to parents. Read the research here.

Utah

Gov. Cox declares Sunday a day of prayer and fasting (Deseret News)
Driving this weekend? AAA and UDOT have some advice on how to do it safely (Deseret News)
Camille S. Williams: How the Utah Supreme Court could turn family law principles upside down (Deseret News)
Gov. Cox apologizes for Arlington National Cemetery campaign email (Deseret News)

The U.S.

Kamala Harris first interview (Deseret News)
Sen. Lee expresses confidence Speaker Johnson will attach voter ID bill to continuing resolution (Deseret News)

The World

WHO says its deal with Israel will allow limited pauses in Gaza fighting for polio vaccinations (The Associated Press)
Mexico's judicial reform plans spark protests, clash with U.S. embassy (Axios)

Faith

‘The Rings of Power’ showrunner and Latter-day Saint J.D. Payne reflects on how mission lessons, faith shaped his career (Deseret News)
What Jesus might look like, according to the Shroud of Turin and AI (Deseret News)

Family

(Un)true love: When AI enters the dating scene (Deseret News)
Holly Richardson: Supporting our children’s autonomy leads to happier, healthier children and adults (Deseret News)

Health

‘Sloth fever’ outbreak strikes traveling Americans (Deseret News)
U.S. moms and dads have a mental health crisis (Deseret News)

Photo of the week

BY BRICE TUCKER

Bill Clements, left, laughs with David Jager, right, both from West Jordan, while playing a practice bocce ball game during the Veterans Golden Age Games at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. Read more.

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Thanks for reading!

— Ariel