Michigan
Governor Whitmer erases $144 million in medical debt for more than 210,000 Michigan residents
(WXYZ) — Michigan has eliminated $144 million in medical debt for more than 210,000 residents as part of a state initiative announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday.
Watch Jolie Sherman’s video report:
Medical debt relief on the way
The debt relief comes through a partnership with the nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt, which purchases medical debt for pennies on the dollar.
“We believe that getting sick or getting hurt shouldn’t have to mean going broke,” Whitmer said.
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist noted the widespread impact of medical debt in the state, saying, “We estimate that there are more than 700,000 adults who carry medical debt. That’s more than the combined populations of Grand Rapids, plus Lansing, plus Ann Arbor.”
The initiative aims to address cases like that of Naqua Atkinson, a 23-year-old who died from a severe infection after avoiding dental treatment due to fears of accumulating more medical debt.
Jenn Strebs, chairperson of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, shared Atkinson’s story: “You know he had had serious diabetes most of his life, and he was suffering from a pretty severe toothache at work. And all of us were encouraging to go and get it checked out.”
“It was enough debt to make him fear going for care, and that’s reality for a lot of people,” Strebs said.
Allison Sesso, president and CEO of Undue Medical Debt, explained how the organization operates: “We buy medical debt for pennies on the dollar. One dollar gets rid of at least 100 dollars of medical debt. That’s not magic, that’s math. There is a for-profit market for medical debt that we take advantage of.”
Sesso also expressed concern about recent Medicaid cuts enacted by Congress, warning they could exacerbate the problem.
“It’s going to make a lot of people uninsured, which is going to increase the medical debt people have. On top of that, it’s going to make it more expensive for everybody else. Because insurance works like a pool of people, and the more people who are in it, the cheaper it is for everybody.”
Michigan residents whose debt has been relieved will receive notification letters in the mail.
“So, look for that letter in the mail. That’s why we’re doing this press. Because we want to make sure people see this and they know about it and they believe that letter,” Sesso said.
—————————————
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
BENTON HARBOR — Vinyl collectors and music fans are invited to dig through thousands of records and music collectibles at the Southwest Michigan Record Show.
The event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16 at Grand Upton Hall inside Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center in Benton Harbor, according to a press release.
Now in its fourth season, the show features 25 vendors from five states, offering 70 tables filled with vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, record supplies and music memorabilia.
Free admission begins at 10 a.m.
General admission is free starting at 10 a.m., while early entry is available at 8:30 a.m. for $5. Door prize drawings are planned for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., including $25 shopping certificates and record supplies from BCW Supplies. The first 75 attendees will receive free tote bags.
A food truck will be on site, and cash is preferred for purchases. Some vendors may accept cards, PayPal, Venmo and other payment methods, but there is no ATM on site.
Vendors from across the Midwest and beyond
The show is expected to feature a wide selection of music genres, including classic rock, pop, ’80s, metal, punk, jazz, blues, R&B, country and soundtracks.
“This show is still being discovered, and that’s part of what makes it exciting,” event organizer Jeremy D. Bonfiglio said in the release. “We’ve built a strong group of experienced vendors, so whether you’re just getting into vinyl or digging for something rare, there’s a real opportunity here to find something unexpected.”
Free parking is available near the entrance of Mendel Center, 2755 Napier Ave.
Future dates planned
The Southwest Michigan Record Show is also scheduled to return Sept. 19.
For more information, visit southwestmichiganrecordshow.com or follow the event on Facebook.
This story was created by reporter Cheryl Morey, with the assistance of artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing.
ALGOMA TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The spirit of curling is one of friendship.
While memory of the Winter Olympics may have long melted away in the minds of many Americans, there some whose curiousness for the sport of curling has extended all the way into the springtime.
“Everybody’s having fun,” said Paul Curran, league manager for the Grand Rapids Curling Club. “It’s a really weird sport in that it’s really friendly.”
The club, which plays at the Cedar Rock Sportsplex in Algoma Township, has seen a recent spike in interest in its beginners leagues and learn to curl classes.
“We’re all here to curl and learn,” said beginner Aaron Schwieterman. “Everyone’s making mistakes, but still having a great time learning the sport and trying to mimic what the professionals do at the Olympics.”
“I recommend it to anybody who wants to try something different,” said beginner Margaret Steketee. “If I can do it, anybody can do it.”
For a period of time on the ice, these newcomers to the sport turn into competitors. Then, at the conclusions of their games, they revert to being friends.
“Largely, what you’ll find with curlers is that when they’re done curling, they want to be friendly and hang out,” Curran said. “Which is what our league is doing right now.”
As long as people are interested, Curran says the club will continue to put on beginners leagues and lessons.
“The more people we get out here curling, the better,” he said.
For more information on ways to play and learn how to curl in West Michigan, visit the Grand Rapids Curling Club’s website.
Follow FOX 17: Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – YouTube
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 May 9, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Daily 3 numbers from May 9 drawing
Midday: 9-1-0
Evening: 3-1-5
Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily 4 numbers from May 9 drawing
Midday: 9-5-1-3
Evening: 9-7-3-0
Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Poker Lotto numbers from May 9 drawing
AD-3C-5D-6H-9H
Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from May 9 drawing
02-12-16-20-37
04-25-28-29-36
Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily Keno numbers from May 9 drawing
01-02-04-07-09-11-12-14-18-23-26-27-29-30-35-41-51-54-63-66-69-73
Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Classic Lotto 47 numbers from May 9 drawing
02-07-12-14-26-34
Check Classic Lotto 47 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto Double Play numbers from May 9 drawing
04-13-27-35-36-45
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 9 drawing
08-11-17-29-49, Bonus: 02
Check Millionaire for Life 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
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 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.
-
North Carolina5 minutes agoNorth Carolina (NCHSAA) High School Softball 2026 State Playoff Brackets, Matchups, Schedule – May 11
-
North Dakota10 minutes agoFire burns at Pallet Green Recycling storage yard in rural Williston
-
Ohio17 minutes ago60% of Ohio children aren’t ready for kindergarten when they start; what’s the plan?
-
Oklahoma23 minutes ago2026 NBA Playoffs: Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers best bet, odds, prediction
-
Oregon29 minutes ago
Federal and state agencies urge caution as fire season begins in parts of Oregon
-
Pennsylvania35 minutes agoHersheypark in Pennsylvania could be forced to close this summer
-
Rhode Island41 minutes agoLieutenant governor candidate wants the office to be RI’s inspector general
-
South-Carolina47 minutes agoAlan Wilson says affordability a top issue for SC voters this year
