SALT LAKE CITY — Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined in the excitement over Salt Lake City securing the approval to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, noting “We celebrate this news recalling feelings of unity, peace and friendship that characterized the event when it was last hosted in Utah in 2002.” In a statement early Wednesday morning, the Church’s First Presidency said they stand prepared to welcome athletes, visitors, and volunteers who will come to the Beehive State for the Games from around the world. “The Church is committed to efforts that make Salt Lake a host city that embodies values of service, cooperation and mutual respect,” the Church’s First Presidency stated. They added that they will collaborate with local and international organizers to “welcome the world” as the 2034 Olympic Winter Games approach.   The full statement issued by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reads as follows: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extends its heartfelt congratulations to Salt Lake City on securing the bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics. We celebrate this news, recalling the feelings of unity, peace and friendship that characterized the event when it

PARIS (AP) — Salt Lake City will be an Olympics host again after the IOC formally awarded the 2034 Winter Games to the United States bid on Wednesday, after a power move by Olympic officials who want to shut down a U.S. federal investigation of suspected doping by Chinese swimmers. The capital city of Utah was the only candidate after the International Olympic Committee gave Salt Lake City exclusive negotiating rights last year in the process that was fast-tracked for 2034. The campaign team presenting the bid on stage to IOC members included the Governor of Utah Spencer Cox, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Alpine ski great Lindsey Vonn. Back home, a 3 a.m. public watch party gathered to see a broadcast from Paris. Before the vote, Cox agreed to pledges demanded by IOC leaders. The Olympic officials inserted a clause in the host city contract that said local officials must work with current and future U.S. presidents and members of Congress “to alleviate your concerns” about the federal investigations into doping. What was set to be a simple coronation of Salt Lake City became tangled up by the IOC. President Thomas Bach is angry that the FBI is investigating