GOODRICH, Mich. — A Michigan church is confirming that the man accused of opening fire at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township Sunday had a recent encounter just days before the deadly attack.

In an email to members, The River Church in Goodrich shared that Thomas Jacob Sanford, the suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting and fire at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Twp., visited its church on September 21 — a week before the attack. Church leaders say Sanford came with his family and spoke with staff about wanting to have his son baptized.

According to the church’s statement, Sanford became agitated during that conversation, though he showed no signs of physical violence and left without incident. “While he became agitated during that interaction, he did not show any indication of physical violence, and he and his family left without incident,” the statement read.

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Church leaders say Sanford had also rented space at the River Church back in 2015, when his family used the building for a fundraiser related to his son’s medical condition. They emphasized that the event was a simple facility rental, not part of church ministry.

Following the Grand Blanc tragedy, law enforcement conducted a full inspection of the Goodrich location and cleared it as safe. Officers also swept surrounding areas “in an abundance of caution.”

The church said it released this information “in the spirit of transparency” and to assure members that every safety step is being taken.

In its message, The River Church also expressed deep sorrow for the victims and their families, quoting Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

The email concluded by thanking security and medical teams who serve across the church’s nine campuses, noting that some members of its security staff are armed while serving. Leaders said a full review of safety procedures is now underway.

Background on the Grand Blanc Church Shooting

Authorities say 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford drove a pickup truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township on Sunday, opened fire on worshippers, and then set the building on fire.

Four people were killed and eight were injured, including children and elderly victims. Investigators later discovered explosive devices inside the suspect’s vehicle. The FBI continues to lead the investigation, calling it a targeted act of violence.

GRAND BLANC, Mich. — As of now, the only verified and credible way to donate to victims and families impacted by the Grand Blanc Township church shooting and fire is through a secure link provided by local officials associated with Elga Credit Union

👉 Click here to donate

Officials urge the public to be cautious of any GoFundMe or third-party fundraising pages that may not be connected to verified organizations. Always confirm the legitimacy of a donation link before contributing.

In addition to financial support, the FBI and local partners have opened a Family Assistance Center (FAC) to help those affected by Sunday’s tragedy at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.

The center is located at the Genesys Banquet and Conference Center, 805 Health Park Blvd., Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439, and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Friday, October 3.

The FAC provides emotional counseling, victim advocacy, and referrals to community services. Victims and family members unable to attend in person may call 800-231-1127 for help.

The FBI Detroit Field Office said its victim services team is working alongside federal, state, and local partners to provide on-site support and guidance for those impacted by the attack.

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Michigan to end its biggest business subsidy program

Early reports indicate that lawmakers have a deal to complete the state budget, and that it will include an end to the state’s largest business subsidy program. The state currently earmarks $500 million of the corporate income tax to the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve, which writes big checks to big companies. That earmark would end under the reported budget deal.

It’s a good move. The SOAR program is a waste of money. Lawmakers used the program to propose nine deals that offered $1.45 billion to create 14,779 jobs. However, $720 million has been spent and no jobs have been created, according to the latest state report.

Nor should lawmakers expect that deals deliver on their promises. The major deals that the lawmakers made from 2000 to 2020 produced just 9% of the jobs that were promised. Click here to read more.

 

Trump Scores $22M Payout After YouTube Settles Lawsuit Over Account Suspension

YouTube reportedly agreed to a $24.5 million settlement over a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump over the suspension of his account in 2021.

The vast majority of YouTube’s settlement will be directed toward funding construction of a new White House ballroom that Trump is building. Court documents say that $22 million will be given to the Trust for the National Mall, which is “dedicated to restoring, preserving, and elevating the National Mall, to support the construction of the White House State Ballroom,” according to FOX News.

The remaining settlement money, $2.5 million, will go toward other plaintiffs on the case, such as the American Conservative Union, according to the Wall Street Journal. Click here to read more.

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Chicago Teachers Union honors convicted murderer, wanted terrorist

The Chicago Teachers Union honored a convicted murder and wanted terrorist on social media following her death, drawing sharp condemnation from Chicago Alderman and governors from multiple states.

What did the Chicago Teachers Union do?

The Chicago Teachers Union posted on social media honoring the memory of Assata Shakur, a former Black Liberation Army member convicted in the 1973 killing of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster. CTU’s post quickly drew angry responses from across the nation.

CTU’s post read in part: “Rest in Power, Rest in Peace, Assata Shakur… Today we honor the life and legacy of a revolutionary fighter, a fierce writer, a revered elder of Black liberation, and a leader of freedom whose spirit continues to live in our struggle.” Click here to read more.

 

Michigan House Passes Pot Tax Hike to Pave the Roads

LANSING, Mich. — Lawmakers want Michigan drivers to dodge potholes with pot money. The state House voted September 25 to slap a new 24% wholesale tax on marijuana, projected to raise $420 million a year for local road repairs and bridge fixes.

The proposal, part of a larger budget framework to avert a government shutdown this week, sailed through the House in a 78–21 vote with bipartisan support. Ten Republicans and 11 Democrats opposed it.

House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) said Republicans negotiated Gov. Gretchen Whitmer down from her original ask of a 32% tax.

Still, industry leaders warn even the lower rate could drive customers back to the black market and put smaller dispensaries out of business. “Everyone knows that a large increase in cannabis taxes drives customers straight back to the illicit market,” Robin Schneider of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association said. Click here to read more.

 

Secrets of the deep, deep tunnels where nuclear waste is buried

The lift is accelerating into the earth, the geologists and engineers on board stifling groans as their bodies move faster than their stomachs.

“This is the fastest passenger elevator in Europe,” says Pasi Tuohimaa, 64, a spokesman for Posiva, the nuclear disposal company that runs this facility. The lift drops 433 metres in 66 seconds before the passengers, slightly unsteadily, step into a vast network of tunnels excavated below the island of Olkiluoto off Finland’s west coast.

This is likely to be the last group of visitors to make this journey down into the bedrock. Next month Posiva will close the tunnels for a series of tests.

Then, if all goes to plan, spent nuclear fuel will be transported early next year down dedicated lift shafts before robotic machines bury the 24-tonne copper and iron canisters in the rock where they will remain for the rest of time.

This is the world’s first deep geological disposal facility for nuclear fuel, a concept that has been discussed by engineers and politicians for half a century. More than 20 other countries including the UK, US, France and Sweden have plans to follow suit. But the Finns have got there first. Click here to read more.