Mass shooting at Grand Blanc Twp church; 4 dead, 8 injured

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Federal government shutdown takes place as state government gets one-week funding bill to stay open for now as Governor vows deal near

BY GARY JACKSON

CCN Staff Writer

(CCN) — The federal government is shut down again today and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is saying she expects a deal to be reached by the end of the week on passing a budget for the new fiscal year.

The federal government shut down on Tuesday after members of Congress failed to pass a new budget by the

BY GARY JACKSON

CCN Staff Writer

The federal government shut down on Tuesday after members of Congress failed to pass a new budget by the midnight deadline a day earlier.

State legislators also failed to reach a deal by the Oct. 1 deadline in Michigan but a 2 am special resolution passed to fund the state government operations for one week.

Governor Whitmer says Senate Democrats have reached a deal with House Republicans who vowed to make $5 million in cuts because of what they claim were "phantom jobs" that allowed people to get paid without performing any work.

Click here for details on the federal stalemate on the new fiscal year budget in today's Nation & World Section

Click here for details on the state budget in today's State News Section of My AM Advantage

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Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints member sets up GoFundMe to help shooter's family

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

BURTON (CCN) — Mormons across the USA are supporting a local man's request to help the 40-year-old Burton shooter's family in the mass shooting and fire at the Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints Church in Grand Blanc Township.

Despite Thomas Jacob Sanford burning the church and shooting at people after ram

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

Despite Thomas Jacob Sanford burning the church and shooting at people after ramming his pick-up truck through the front doors on Sunday (Sept. 28, 2025), David Butler of Genesee County offered prayers for Sanford's family and asked for fellow Mormons to donate money for them.

As of 7:30 pm Wednesday night (Oct. 1, 2025), more than $210,000 had poured in from Mormons around the globe.

Butler made his request on the internet fundraising platform known as GiveSendGo.

Butler, who said he has no connection to the Sanford family, posted the following request:

My name is Dave. Like all of you, I was shocked by the murders at the LDS chapel in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on September 28. Multiple families were left grievously wounded and in need of help.

One of the families that suffered a terrible loss on that day was the family of Thomas Jacob Sanford, the shooter. Sanford leaves behind a wife and children who must be grieving. They will face financial hardship and psychological trauma as a result of this week's horrifying events.

On top of that, one of the Sanford sons deals with serious medical challenges that require ongoing care, treatment, and specialized support. In the past, the family attempted to raise funds for him, but with limited success.

I have no connection to the Sanfords or to Grand Blanc. I am an ordinary member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'm a fantasy and science fiction writer, and if you know me at all, it's probably because you've seen me on an LDS YouTube channel such as the Stick of Joseph or Ward Radio.

But James teaches us that "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction." The purpose of this GiveSendGo is to do that. Every donation will go to help provide for the Sanford family daily needs, provide for ongoing medical treatment, and create some stability in a time of heartbreak and upheaval.

Thank you for your kindness, your compassion, and your willingness to lift up those who are suffering.

Editor's Notebook column salutes Christian nature of Dave Butler and Mormons

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