Michigan
Michigan Supreme Court upholds most of Benson’s changes for poll challengers guidance • Michigan Advance
Most of the guidance on election challengers provided by Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is legal and can be used for the upcoming Nov. 5 presidential election.
That’s after a 4-3 ruling Wednesday from the Michigan Supreme Court, which decided along party lines that Benson was not required to use the full rules-making process to issue guidance on the credentialing of election challengers and the procedures by which challenges could be reported.
Writing for the Democratic-nominated majority, Justice Kyra Harris Bolden noted Benson’s authority to set the guidelines.
“Under the Michigan Election Law, the secretary of state is the chief election officer of Michigan, and as such, the secretary has supervisory control over local election officials in the performance of their duties,” she wrote.
The decision brings to a close a legal battle that began in 2022 when a lawsuit was filed by two Republican legislative candidates and three Republicans who served as election challengers. They argued that new guidance issued by Benson violated Michigan election law by requiring polling places to have an election inspector designated as the “challenger liaison” through whom all challenges would be communicated. They further argued, among other issues, against a uniform credential form for challengers, and provisions permitting challengers to be ejected from polling sites if they fail to follow instructions.
The plaintiffs, which also included the Michigan Republican Party and Republican National Committee, additionally argued that the rule changes had not gone through the Administrative Procedures Act (APA), which provides for “processing, promulgation, publication, and inspection of state agency rules.”
In October, the Michigan Court of Appeals had agreed, ruling that the Secretary of State “must follow the requirements of the Michigan Administrative Procedure Act and that under the state law a department can set new rules only after it has gone through the public notice and comment process.”
In its opinion, however, the majority overturned that decision, noting exceptions written into the law exempting from the rulemaking process “a form with instructions, an interpretive statement, a guideline, an informational pamphlet, or other material that in itself does not have the force and effect of law but is merely explanatory.”
In a dissent, Republican-nominated Justice Brian Zahra said the majority opinion that the revisions to the guidelines were merely explanatory did not square with the fact that challenges by credentialed election challengers would be “subject to the arbitrary whim of the newly designated challenger liaison who is vested by the Secretary’s new rules with authority to deem a challenge “impermissible.” The Secretary’s revisions to the manual are, in fact, ‘rules’ that must be followed and followed without a trace of public discussion, accountability, or transparency.”
Benson, in a statement after the opinion was issued, said she was grateful the court had recognized her department’s legal responsibility to issue guidelines to clerks.
“As Michigan’s chief elections officer, the authority provided by the Legislature to issue uniform guidance to more than 1,600 clerks throughout the state is necessary to ensure every eligible voter can cast their ballot, while maintaining the security of our elections and the safety of our polling places,” said Benson.
“As our guidance has consistently made clear, challengers have a right to participate in the election process and they play an important role. But election officials have a responsibility to maintain order in the polling place and ensure voters can cast a ballot without interference. This clarity will help election officials, poll workers, challengers, and voters alike as we prepare for the November General Election and beyond. As always, we are committed to following the law as we administer accessible, secure, and transparent elections for Michigan citizens.”
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Michigan
Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for Dec. 16, 2025
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 16, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Daily 3 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
Midday: 8-9-0
Evening: 9-0-2
Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily 4 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
Midday: 8-7-2-6
Evening: 5-6-3-7
Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
03-04-19-24-39, Lucky Ball: 11
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Poker Lotto numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
QS-KS-AS-5C-5D
Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
11-20-31-32-38
11-18-28-29-34
Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily Keno numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
09-17-22-23-24-27-30-36-43-44-49-51-55-58-59-60-62-69-70-71-73-79
Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lottery’s Regional Offices.
To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to:
Michigan Lottery
Attn: Claim Center
101 E. Hillsdale
P.O. Box 30023
Lansing, MI 48909
For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a driver’s license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2.
If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows:
- Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325
- Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325
- Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325
- Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325
- Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325
- Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325
For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery’s prize claim page.
When are Michigan Lottery drawings held?
- Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m.
- Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily
- Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily
- Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily
- Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Michigan
‘Michigan is like an oil field’: Why the coaching search could deliver an elite upgrade despite the chaos
CLEV ELAND, Ohio — The Michigan coaching search has dominated college football headlines this week, creating both uncertainty and opportunity for the defending national champions.
Despite the chaotic nature of the situation, college football analyst Josh Pate makes a compelling case that Michigan will ultimately emerge with a significant upgrade at head coach.
“I think they’re going to end up so much better for this. They’re not in a great place right now, but I mean once the fog clears, like Michigan will have clearly upgraded at their head coaching position,” Pate claims on the latest episode of his podcast, setting an optimistic tone despite the current turmoil.
One of the most significant developments has been Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer’s definitive statement removing himself from consideration.
“I don’t think Kalen DeBoer is going anywhere. Feel pretty good about our sourcing on that,” Pate said. “You guys are free to believe whatever you want, but I do believe that he’ll be at Alabama this Friday and well beyond this Friday, no matter what the outcome of that game is. I hope I’ve been pretty clear there.”
With DeBoer firmly committed to Alabama, the podcast makes an impassioned case for Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham as the ideal candidate to revitalize Michigan’s program.
“I think Kenny Dillingham is a wonderful candidate for Michigan. That would be the guy that I would pursue,” Pate said. “I look at that guy and I see what he’s done in terms of quarterback development. I see what he’s done in terms of lighting a fan base on fire. I love the energy. I love the passion. I love how much his guys will go over a cliff for him.”
What makes this endorsement particularly compelling is the podcast’s vivid metaphor about Michigan’s untapped potential and why someone with Dillingham’s energy could be transformational.
“Michigan is like an oil field. I’ve been watching Land Man lately. It’s like an oil field that really hasn’t been drilled properly,” Pate said. “When you do, money is flying all over the place. It’s there. It’s there. I’ve got it on good word. A little birdie has flown in my ear recently and told me, you know, maybe since the Sherrone Moore firing, there’s a little bit of an uptick even in NIL contribution.”
This assessment suggests Michigan’s NIL and donor resources remain largely untapped, creating an opportunity for an energetic, passionate coach like Dillingham to unlock unprecedented support.
Pate notes that despite Michigan’s recent national championship, no one has “really drilled deep at Michigan yet” when it comes to maximizing resources in college football’s new era.
The podcast also addresses the complexity of the search process, noting it’s moving “way differently than the Penn State search” with Michigan employing “search firm stages” that will lead to a search committee.
This methodical approach suggests Michigan is prioritizing making the right hire rather than the fastest hire.
Other candidates mentioned include Lincoln Riley, Eli Drinkwitz and Jedd Fisch, though the podcast clearly positions Dillingham as the transformational choice who could best capitalize on Michigan’s dormant potential.
Interestingly, the podcast draws a distinction between Dillingham and DeBoer’s public statements about being happy at their current jobs: “I don’t think those were the same thing,” hinting that while DeBoer is genuinely staying put, Dillingham might still be in play despite expressing love for Arizona State.
For Michigan fans enduring a turbulent week, the podcast’s perspective offers a compelling reason for optimism.
Despite the messy nature of the coaching change, Michigan appears poised to emerge with a dynamic leader who could elevate the program to even greater heights.
Michigan
Michigan Gov. Whitmer lays out student literacy plan, says it will be her top priority
Literacy is on the decline in Michigan, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she wants to stop it in its tracks.
The governor shared during this year’s Michigan Literacy Summit that one in three students in Michigan tests below average.
Michigan used to rank higher, but nowit is 44th in the nation when it comes to reading at grade level. Whitmer says it’s due to multiple things, from decades of disinvestment in education to the pandemic.
“Literacy is directly correlated to higher incomes, greater productivity more innovation,” Whitmer said at the summit.
For the rest of her term as governor, Whitmer says literacy will be her top priority.
“A literate population is more civically engaged, more empowered, more equal,” said Whitmer.
In a room filled with educators from across Michigan, the governor didn’t place blame for the problem, but encouragement and next steps to improve literacy, such as proper resources and training.
“They’re taught by skilled, qualified educators who are getting more and more of every year with scholarships, retention and recruitment programs,” said Whitmer.
Educators say support, such as funding, has helped them be better educators to their students. Teachers say helping them pay for expensive training has allowed them to reach their students in a new way.
“All of these things accelerated my knowledge and just gave me hope for Michigan’s direction,” said educator David Pelc
However, Whitmer recognized it’s not just the knowledge they are teaching, it’s the ability to connect with the young minds, especially in a world that is ever changing.
“They are growing up against rapidly changing technology, rising mental health challenges, increasing political division, they see violence playing out, and its a uncertain economic environment,” said Whitmer.
From the state Capital, the governor emphasized the bills she has passed that help lead to improving literacy, such as free pre-K and school lunches.
Whitmer says she plans to offer advice to future budgets and leaders to continue to improve literacy in Michigan.
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