With thanks to our sponsor

Good morning! Here are today’s temperatures:

🌤️ 55 – 89° in Logan

🌤️ 69 – 94° in Salt Lake

☀️ 71 – 102° in St. George

One scenario has played itself out a number of times across the country: two religious denominations with the same historical roots start moving in different directions and drifting apart.

When a schism like this happens, the differing fates of the two denominations provide an interesting compare and contrast. Conventional wisdom would hold that the branch that is more self-consciously socially progressive would attract younger parishioners.

However, in many cases, this is not what the available statistics suggest at all.

Read more from Stephen Cranney about the decline of liberal-leaning churches.

Also on our minds:

Colby Jenkins requests recount in CD2 race against Rep. Celeste Maloy
How to watch Jimmer Fredette’s Olympic debut — and 9 other can’t-miss events
New study suggests this summer’s wildfire smoke harms brain health

A medical school will be created at BYU, church announces

BYU is going to build a medical school.

The announcement was made Monday morning by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which sponsors BYU.

“The First Presidency is pleased to announce the decision now to create a medical school at BYU,” the church statement said. “A major focus will be on international health issues affecting members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the church’s worldwide humanitarian efforts.”

The announcement did not say where the school would be located, when it might open or how large its first class will be. Church leaders did say the BYU medical school would be focused on teaching, that it would draw students from around the world and that research would emphasize areas of strategic importance to the global church.

Read more about how other Utah schools and leaders responded to the news.

Jordan School District selected as a lead plaintiff in national school districts’ lawsuit against social media companies

Jordan School District has been named as one of the main plaintiffs in a lawsuit that pits school districts across the country against the largest social media companies: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat.

The lawsuit stems from growing concerns about student safety with respect to social media use and the impact of the platforms on students’ mental health and wellness.

“This is based on the significant costs Jordan and other school districts have incurred as a result of the various harms that come from student use of social media, including the increased need for student mental health services,” a Jordan School District press release states.

More in Utah

Colby Jenkins requests recount in Utah’s 2nd District race against Rep. Celeste Maloy (Deseret News)
See photos of Utah’s hazy sunset this week (Deseret News)
2 women abused by Sandy man they met on dating apps speak out (KSL)
As the Great Salt Lake dries up, it’s also emitting millions of tons of CO2 (NPR)

FROM OUR SPONSOR UTAH PUBLIC LANDS

Stand for Our Land

Recently, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has significantly restricted access to Utah public lands and continues to restrict access. We need you to get involved. Learn how your access is being affected and voice your concerns to the BLM. Your input will help shape the future of Utah.

Politics

Who will be Kamala Harris’ running mate? Here’s the latest (Deseret News)
Sen. Mike Lee criticizes President Joe Biden’s proposals to reform the Supreme Court (Deseret News)

The U.S.

Housing market sees lower costs, but buyer hesitancy remains (Deseret News)
Massive California wildfire moves up the list of state’s largest blazes (Axios)

The World

Stabbing at children’s dance class in Southport, England, leaves 2 dead, 9 injured (Deseret News)
Crowds take to Venezuelan streets to protest what they say is president’s attempt to steal election (The Associated Press)

Sports

‘I’m playing this time’: Cam Rising’s return to football inches closer as Utes open fall camp (Deseret News)
Protesters confront Tony Finau before annual clinic and charity golf tournament (Deseret News)
Stopping the run tops agenda for BYU defense (Deseret News)
For BYU, surviving each other is priority No. 1 heading into fall camp (Deseret News)

Olympics

10 Olympic events you don’t want to miss — and how to watch them (Deseret News)
U.S. women’s rugby just made history. Now they’ll have a chance to win an Olympic medal (Deseret News)

Health

Wildfire smoke hard on brain health, increases dementia risk (Deseret News)

Check your inbox tomorrow morning for more news from the Beehive State and beyond!

And reply to this email or email newsletters@deseretnews.com to tell us what you think of Utah Today.

Thanks for reading!

— Ariel