General News

President Hinckley unexpectedly visits and speaks at missionary funeral LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley unexpectedly visited and spoke at the funeral of Elder Jaysen R. Christiansen, one of the four missionaries killed in an automobile accident on Friday, January 28th. Members of the First Presidency also visited the funerals of the other three missionaries killed in the accident, expressing their condolences to the families.

Local News

Most LDS Institutes to Dump Greek Letters in Fall Many of the LDS Church's Institutes of Religion will discontinue using the two 'greek letter' organizations this fall, replacing Lambda Delta Sigma and Sigma Gamma Chi with the Institute Men's Association and the Institute Women's Association on campuses that don't have other Greek-named fraternity and sorority organizations.

Sports

Stanford's RM Madsen Punishes Opponents, With A Smile LDS college basketball star Mark Madsen is the heart of the Stanford defense, helping hold opponents to 33 percent shooting, best in the nation. Madsen is gaining a name for himself as one of the most intense and physical players in the game.

People

WSU Chooses LDS Church Member for President Washington State University has reportedly selected LDS Church member V. Lane Rawlins as its new president. Rawlins, who is currently president of the University of Memphis, The Board of Regents released their short-list of candidates for the position on February 3rd, and Rawlins was the only name on the list. Since he hasn't yet visited the campus, a formal offer hasn't yet been extended. But with Rawlins' long-time ties to the area, the board is hopeful they will convince him to come.

Arts & Entertainment

Salon Columnist Blasts LDS Author Card Salon columnist Minkowitz blasts LDS author Orson Scott Card in her write-up of an interview with Card. Minkowitz, a self-described 'Jewish lesbian radical,' once wrote a book about what she found in common with the Christian right. But Minkowitz, who loves Card's books "Ender's Game" and "Ender's Shadow," was disgusted to discover Card's anti-gay-rights position.

Business

New Structure Symbolizes Mormon Growth The New York Times calls the LDS Church's new Conference Center a symbol of the Church's growth since the Tabernacle on Temple Square opened in October 1867. The Tabernacle, which seats 6,000, is dwarfed by the new Conference Center, which will seat 21,000.

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