By FāVS News Staff
Local leaders respond to Michigan church shooting with calls for peacemaking
After a tragic shooting at a ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, that left four dead and eight injured, faith leaders, an Idaho senator and a religious scholar responded with messages of mourning, compassion and a call for change. Brad Moss, a church leader in Post Falls, Idaho, expressed sorrow for the victims — and compassion even for the shooter, citing the need for mental health support.
Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho emphasized that places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace. Mt. Spokane Stake President Robert Sanders echoed late church President Russell Nelson’s words: “Anger never persuades.” Gonzaga professor John Sheveland called for early intervention strategies and greater government focus on deradicalization and addressing root causes of violence.
With over 325 mass shootings in 2025 alone, Sheveland highlighted the need for both hard and soft power solutions. The Spokesman-Review reported that anyone who wanted to pass along a message to the Church can email sendcondolences@churchofjesuschrist.org.
Boise couple faces 100+ charges after posting ‘Kill List’ driven by religious extremism
Jonathan and Jolene Harms of Boise face over 100 criminal charges after allegedly creating and distributing a violent manifesto that listed judges, law enforcement, bankers and ex-church members as targets for murder. Prosecutors say the couple, fueled by extreme religious beliefs, posted the “kill list” online and sent it directly to potential victims, calling for their murder and mutilation. The Harmses, excommunicated from Table Rock Church, claimed religious authority, with Jonathan Harms calling himself the “crown prince of heaven.” Both face multiple counts of first-degree stalking and witness intimidation, with bonds set at $15 million each.
Jolene Harms threatened a police officer’s wife and children in text messages, earning her a guilty plea and probation. Jonathan Harms remains in custody awaiting a January 2026 trial. Police found weapons and ammunition at their home and continued monitoring revealed ongoing discussions between the couple about the manifesto, even after Jonathan Harms’ arrest. Protection orders were issued for 20 individuals.
South Hill Library to host series on death and dying
South Hill Library will present “Demystifying Death,” a four-part educational series throughout October designed to help participants approach end-of-life topics with greater understanding. The series begins Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. with “Reframing Death: From Fear to Sacred Passage,” followed by sessions on Oct. 8, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29, all at 4 p.m.
Topics will include the dying process, legal requirements and final planning, and living consciously. All programs are free and open to the public.
Habitat-Spokane opens registration for Women Build 2025 Oct. 8–11
Registration is now open for Habitat-Spokane’s Fall 2025 Women Build, happening Oct. 8–11. This biannual event invites women and community partners to help build affordable homes and support local families. A $50 registration fee covers materials, a T-shirt, lunch and supports Habitat’s mission. After registering, participants can choose a build shift and launch a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign.
Women Build celebrates the impact of women in homeownership — over 60% of Habitat-Spokane’s homeowners are women-led households. Presented by STCU, the event empowers volunteers to create lasting change. Sign up at habitat-spokane.org.
Meaningful Movies Spokane to host doc on salmon rights and ongoing struggles
Meaningful Movies Spokane, in collaboration with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane, presents a free screening and discussion of a powerful documentary on Indigenous treaty rights and salmon harvesting on Oct. 10 from 6:30-9 p.m. The film explores the historic Fish Wars, featuring voices like Nisqually Chairman Willie Frank III, and the landmark U.S. v. Washington case. Though the court ruling affirmed tribal rights, threats like habitat destruction and climate change continue. The event is open to the public.
Post Falls Adventist Church to host Fall Festival with games, derby and chili contest
Post Falls Adventist Church will hold its Fall Festival on Oct. 18, beginning with vespers at 5:30 p.m. and the main festivities at 6:00 p.m. Highlights include a bounce house, fall-themed games, a pine box derby race and a vegetarian chili contest. Free derby car building is offered on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m., with final touch-ups allowed at 6 p.m. on race day. The race begins at 7:15 p.m. Participants can register at postfallssda.org. Chili contest setup starts at 5:15 p.m., and judging at 6 p.m. Register at postfallssda.org.
Some summaries created with help of AI. Staff still carefully edited material for content quality and publication standards.
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