BYU Professor Creates AI Deepfakes of Children - Mormon News 7.24.26 | Ep. 2175

2026-07-24

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On today's episode of Mormon News, Nemo the Mormon and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.We begin with new research identifying seven trends shaping the future of the LDS Church, including changing missionary priorities, evolving member behaviors, and what the data suggests about where Mormonism may be headed.Link:https://religionnews.com/2026/07/16/more-about-jesus-less-about-coffee-seven-lds-church-trends-according-to-data/Next, we...

On today's episode of Mormon News, Nemo the Mormon and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We begin with new research identifying seven trends shaping the future of the LDS Church, including changing missionary priorities, evolving member behaviors, and what the data suggests about where Mormonism may be headed.

Link:

https://religionnews.com/2026/07/16/more-about-jesus-less-about-coffee-seven-lds-church-trends-according-to-data/

Next, we examine growing questions about whether the Church's rapid temple-building pace is outstripping its ability to staff those temples, as members continue raising concerns about volunteer shortages.

Link:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wUhf29KocOs

We'll also cover new developments in the Reese Riggin case, including newly released character letters submitted to the court, one of which was written by his LDS bishop, as prosecutors presented additional allegations while arguing he should remain in custody.

Links:

https://theelectricgf.com/2026/07/08/judge-denies-bail-reduction-for-riggin-based-on-new-allegations/

https://www.tiktok.com/@krtvgreatfalls/video/7657320783747878175?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://floodlit.org/a/b753/

We'll also discuss allegations against an AI executive and BYU adjunct professor accused of creating deepfake images of friends and children, and what this case says about the growing risks of AI technology.

Link:

https://www.ksl.com/article/51600979/ai-chief-technology-officer-accused-of-creating-deepfakes-of-friends-and-children

We'll also examine a widely shared faith-promoting miracle story involving Briel Adams-Wheatley and discuss some of the ethical questions surrounding how stories like these are presented and used.

Link:

https://youtu.be/uZKXCiAarBs?si=vrli_sl3967u1Bcf

Finally, we wrap up with two stories out of Rexburg Idaho that say a lot about Mormon Culture.

Link:

https://x.com/RealPlantBrah/status/2073394722219942098?s=20

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19G9xk7nbM/

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