Michigan
Michigan mom fired for taking leave to care for dying daughter who was battling breast cancer: lawsuit
A grieving mother claimed she was fired from the Detroit bank she worked at for 30 years while on Family Medical Leave to take care of her dying daughter who was battling breast cancer.
Terri Estepp, a former longtime employee of Huntington Bank, used up the majority of her vacation days and paid time off to tend to her daughter Samantha who was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer while living in California in April 2023, according to WZZM 13.
Her daughter’s condition worsened a year later.
Estepp — with no days left from her job to take off — said she used four of her 12 weeks of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) — a federal law that requires employers to provide job-protected, unpaid leave for medical and family reasons — to be with her daughter while she underwent treatment.
When she returned to work, she told the bank’s management she needed more time off to be with Samantha.
That same day, Estepp said she was fired following years of dedicated service to the bank.
“I was in complete shock. I was not ready for anything like this,” Estepp revealed.
“I requested medical leave or Family Medical Leave Act. My previous boss had recommended that I do that, just in case I needed to take any spur-the-moment time off to care for my daughter.”
The blow stung even more when Samantha blamed herself for her mom losing her job.
“It really hurt her. She started to cry on the phone. She said, ‘Mom, you lost your job because of me,’” the heartbroken mother told the outlet while fighting back tears.
Samantha died of breast cancer in 2024. She was 31 years old.
“Within ten days of them letting me go, my daughter passed away,” she told the outlet.
Estepp claims she was never given a reason for her firing.
Her attorney, Sarah Prescott, filed a lawsuit against Huntington Bank on Monday, alleging that the grieving mother — who was trying to be there for her dying daughter — was fired for using the FMLA.
“She represented through her bank, 6,000 plus different businesses, families at any given time,” Prescott said of her client.
“I want people to know that what they did was wrong, so they don’t do this to someone else,” Estepp told Click on Detroit.
A Huntington Bank spokesperson told Click on Detroit that they “were saddened to learn of her daughter’s passing and extend our condolences to Ms. Estepp and her family.”
“While Huntington Bank does not comment on active litigation, we are committed to compliance with all employment laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act, and we acted appropriately in this matter,” the bank said.
“Ms. Estepp’s departure from Huntington Bank was unrelated to an FMLA leave of absence.”
The Post has reached out to Huntington Bank for comment.
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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