Michigan Lottery Contributes More Than $1 Billion to Schools

Michigan Lottery Contributes More Than $1 Billion to Schools

by | Jan 7, 2026 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 7, 2026

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Announces Michigan Lottery Contributes More Than $1 Billion to Schools for Seventh Consecutive Year

Tops $30 Billion in Contribution Since 1972

 

LANSING, Mich.  – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Lottery contributed more than $1 billion to the School Aid Fund for the seventh consecutive year in FY25. The contribution of $1.16 billion brings the Lottery’s total contribution to Michigan’s public schools to more than $30 billion since it began in 1972.

 

“Here in Michigan, we’re connecting our kids with the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive whether they’re in pre-K or their senior year,” said Governor Whitmer. “That includes record per-pupil funding of more than $10,000 for every child in every school, free breakfast and lunch for all to save parents almost $1,000 a year per kid, and record investments to help kids read. This year’s lottery contributions will help build on that progress and make a difference for students, educators, and schools across Michigan. Let’s keep working together to make a difference for our kids.”

 

“The Lottery team is extremely dedicated to our mission of providing funds to support public education in Michigan. We are especially proud of our record-breaking seventh consecutive yearly contribution of more than $1 billion to the School Aid Fund,” said Acting Lottery Commissioner Joe Froehlich. “I am also very proud of the support we provide to local businesses across Michigan. In FY25, Lottery retailers earned more than $300 million in commissions for the sixth straight year. The support the Lottery provides to public education and to businesses throughout the state is critical and far-reaching.”

 

Since the Lottery began in 1972, it has contributed more than $30 billion to the School Aid Fund which supports public education programs in Michigan. In each of the last seven fiscal years, the Lottery has contributed more than $1 billion to the School Aid Fund, totaling nearly $8.7 billion in contributions over that seven-year span.

 

Lottery retailers in Michigan earned more than $330 million in commissions in FY25. Since FY19, when the Lottery’s streak of billion-dollar contributions to the School Aid Fund began, retailers have earned more than $2.3 billion in commissions. Lottery products are sold at more than 10,000 locations across Michigan, including both independently owned businesses and large chains. In FY25, more than 700 retailers sold $1 million or more in Lottery games.

 

Michiganders won big playing Lottery games in FY25, taking home more than $2.8 billion in prizes. Since the Lottery began in 1972, players have collected more than $58 billion in prizes.

 

For each dollar spent on a Michigan Lottery ticket in FY25, approximately:

  • 63 cents went to players as prizes
  • 25 cents went to the School Aid Fund to support public education
  • 9 cents went to commissions for retailers and vendors
  • 3 cents funded the Lottery’s operations and administrative costs

 

Under state law, all profits from the Lottery go to the School Aid Fund. Financial results reported in this release are unaudited and pending final review. Audited financial results and the Lottery’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report are expected to be available early next year.

 

The Lottery is also committed to promoting responsible gaming. Responsible gaming information and resources are available on the Lottery’s website at: www.michiganlottery.com/responsible-gaming.

Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench

Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench

by | Jan 6, 2026 | Regional News

 

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 6, 2026

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench

 

LANSING, Mich. —Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Tanya Grillo to the 16th Circuit Court in Macomb County and Magistrate Tamara Garwood to the 15th District Court in the City of Ann Arbor.

 

“Today, I am proud to appoint Tanya and Tamara to the bench,” said Governor Whitmer. “These skilled legal professionals bring years of experience and dedication to their communities to their new roles. I am confident they will serve the people of Michigan admirably and uphold the rule of law.”

 

16th Circuit Court – Macomb County

Tanya Grillo, of Saint Clair Shores, is managed assigned counsel coordinator at the City of Southfield, an administrative hearing officer at the City of Mount Clemens, and the founding and managing partner at Grillo Law, P.L.L.C.  She also previously served as regional manager at the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission for Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair Counties. Grillo is the president of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan’s Executive Board and is a board member of the National Conference of Women’s Bar Association.

 

Tanya Grillo holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Central Florida and a Juris Doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

 

“I am deeply honored by Governor Whitmer’s appointment and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Macomb County and the State of Michigan,” said Grillo. “I take this responsibility seriously and am committed to serving with integrity, fairness, and respect for the rule of law. I will work every day to uphold the trust placed in me and to serve with the dignity this office deserves.”

 

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term following the upcoming resignation of Judge Diane Druzinski. Judge Grillo’s term will expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.

 

Bench 1

 

15th District Court – City of Ann Arbor

 

Tamara Garwood, of Ann Arbor, is magistrate at the 15th District Court. Garwood previously served as attorney and partner at Baker, Stringer & Garwood, LLP. Garwood is co-chair of the State Bar of Michigan UPL Committee and an instructor for the Michigan Judicial Institute. In 2025, Garwood was awarded the A. Thomas Truesdell Distinguished Service Award by the Michigan Association of District Court Magistrates for Outstanding Dedication and Service.

 

Tamara Garwood holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University.

 

“I would like to thank Governor Whitmer for providing me with the opportunity to serve as the next judge of the 15th District Court,” said Garwood. I’m deeply honored and humbled by the appointment. It will be my privilege to continue to serve my community.”

 

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Karen Valvo. Judge Garwood’s term will expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.

 

Bench 2

 
January at the NOCC

January at the NOCC

by | Jan 6, 2026 | Local News, Nonprofit

Happy New Year!

As we say goodbye to 2025 and give 2026 a warm welcome, NOCC has some exciting information to share heading into the new year! Below, we will cover:

  • Supporting your mental health in the new year
  • Information about Dry January and what it can mean for you
  • Opportunities to get involved in YAB
  • Level Up Camp Dates for 2026

Here’s to another amazing year of connecting with others, serving our community, and supporting the well-being of us all!
As we enter 2026, a new year can be an opportunity to pause and reflect not just on goals or resolutions, but on how we’re really doing. Mental health matters at every stage of life, whether you’re feeling steady, overwhelmed, or anywhere in between.

For some, the new year can be a chance to build new routines that support their well-being. For others, it may be the right time to reach out for extra support. Connecting with a therapist or mental health professional can be a powerful step toward understanding yourself, managing stress, and building healthy coping skills—and you don’t have to be in a moment of crisis to benefit. Maybe 2026 is the year that you gift yourself the time with a therapist to invest in yourself and mental health!

NOCC is committed to supporting mental wellness in our community. If you’re looking for local counseling options, crisis support, or mental health resources for yourself or your family, take a moment to explore our website: you can find local mental health services here, and more information about the importance of mental health support, coping strategy ideas, and more here.

Help is always available, and taking care of your mental health is ALWAYS worth the time!
Dry January is an awareness initiative where individuals choose to reduce or pause alcohol use in the month of January. People participate for many different reasons: some are curious about how alcohol affects their sleep, mood, or energy, others see it as a way to reset healthy habits and support their mental or physical health, and some are curious about sobriety as a whole and want to try something new.

Participating in Dry January doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, and there’s no “right” reason to take part. Dry January is about being more intentional around alcohol, exploring alternatives, and learning what feels best for them. It can also be an opportunity to discover creative and flavorful non-alcoholic options that still allow for connection and enjoyment in social settings.

Many of our local establishments have delicious non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails on their menus—have some fun exploring their options!
A new year brings new opportunities—for Oxford and Lake Orion High School students, one of those opportunities is getting involved with the North Oakland Community Coalition’s Youth Action Board!

YAB is a group of like-minded students who play an active role in shaping prevention and wellness initiatives throughout the school. This year, students may have recognized YAB involvement in campaigns at their schools, like Smart Dragons and Wise Wildcats Don’t Drink, No Vape November, and our recent bear raffle activity that encouraged family conversations around prescription drug safety. YAB members also support mental health initiatives such as Mindful Mornings or Mindful Mondays, promoting connection and stress management for their peers.

YAB gives students the chance to earn service hours, build leadership skills, let their voices be heard, and gain hands-on experience in advocacy work–all while making friends along the way!

If your student is looking for a meaningful way to get involved in their school and community in 2026, YAB could be a great fit. Interested students can email nocc@noccmi.org, and you can keep up to date on meeting schedules, events, and more by following YAB on Instagram! You can find the Lake Orion Instagram page here, and the Oxford Instagram page here.
It may not feel like summer, but it’ll be here before we know it! NOCC is already preparing for fun in the sun, and you can too: Level Up Camp dates are here, and registration opens on Tuesday, February 3rd!

Have fun. Make Friends. Build Character.

Rising 6th graders in Lake Orion and Oxford Community Schools are invited to join the NOCC for a 4-day summer camp!

Camp will run Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Your camper will play games, create art, and participate in fun group activities that will prepare them for middle school.

Students must attend the camp of the school they will be attending in the fall. Each camp is held at the middle school that your camper will be attending. See below to identify the week that your child can enroll in Level Up Camp for their school:

  • Oxford Middle School: Monday, June 8 – Thursday, June 11, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • Oakview Middle School: Monday, June 15 – Thursday, June 18, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • Waldon Middle School: Monday, June 22 – Thursday, June 25, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • Scripps Middle School: Monday, June 29 – Thursday, July 2, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Visit noccmi.org for more information now, and for registration starting Tuesday, February 3rd! We’re looking forward to a super fun summer!
New Year Storylines

New Year Storylines

by | Jan 6, 2026 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

New Year Storylines.

Written Thursday January 1st at 11:14 AM

Happy New Year to OAA Nation, here are some storylines to watch heading into 2026.

The White is the toughest division in Boys Basketball.

The White looks to be the most competitive division in boys basketball. Avondale and Clarkston stand out in the Red. Bloomfield Hills looks to be the favorite in the Blue. The Gold looks to be a mess between Harper Woods, Oak Park, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Waterford Kettering. The White with Waterford Mott, Lake Orion, Stoney Creek, Rochester, Adams, and Oxford looks very interesting. Each team has flaws but also has strengths as well. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if the winner of this division has at least five losses.

 

Could this be the year for Ferndale in Division Two???

The Eagles have a Division Two State Championship to their name (2023) in this century but can they get a second remains to be seen in boys basketball. Ferndale has the talent and experience to get back to the Breslin Center. They play a very tough non conference schedule along with being in the Red. The Eagles will have some challengers in their district with Detroit Old Redford Academy and eventually Warren Lincoln and whomever is in the west side of the state. It certainly looks doable for Ferndale.

 

Girls Basketball Outlook.

Groves has taken the league by storm and is firmly in the White title picture. They introduced a new but very familiar college style type of game where they want to go run and gun and up tempo. Coach Jessica Duebla learned this pace in college to which they want to go up tempo and not stop leading to open shots and dribble drive possibilities. The Falcons had two early losses to Farmington Hills Mercy and Livonia Stevenson but has won two straight by putting up 103 and 92 points respectively. Harlem Simpson has become a Miss Basketball candidate and she’s only a junior.  Is Bloomfield Hills for real, they have a high MPR but a very young team. West Bloomfield is starting to look like a State title contender again led by Sheridan Beal and company to make another run in Division One. There are other challengers that could make a run like Clarkston or Stoney Creek but for now the two to watch are the Lakers and the Falcons.

 

Does an OAA team stand out in football???

Football is going to be the most interesting heading into this fall. A lot of the contenders lost a lot of proven players to graduation. Harper Woods could be the most interesting especially at the quarterback spot but they should be a title contender in Division Four. Groves should be in the mix and could be a contender in Division Two. How will both Waterford schools adjust to life in the OAA??? Stoney Creek and Oxford have a lot coming back but can both teams make the next step. West Bloomfield, Clarkston, and Adams lost a lot of talent from last season. There will be new coaches at Avondale and Berkley will have new coaches. Also another team to watch is Lake Orion after having a 1-8 season, what will their outlook be heading into this season. There are a lot of questions in the OAA this fall.

 

Expansion if any???

The OAA has been no stranger to expansion and loss when it comes to adding and subtracting schools. The league brought back Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott from the Lakes Valley Conference this past winter and is going to lose North Farmington and Farmington to the Lakes Valley Conference this fall. This will be something to watch and see what the OAA does when it comes to this area.

 

Early Spring Sports Outlook.

Spring sports are not too far away. Lake Orion, Adams, Rochester, West Bloomfield are teams to watch in baseball. Lake Orion and Stoney Creek looks like they could be the teams to beat in softball. Track should be very interesting in both boys and girls. Birmingham is the team to watch in girls lacrosse. Clarkston looks to be the team to beat in boys lacrosse. Soccer looks to be wide open with Bloomfield Hills, Adams, Rochester, Stoney Creek, Troy Athens, and Troy look like they are the teams to beat. Spring is not too far away as mentioned but this is the early indicators.

 

There will be more storylines to come, stay tuned to OAA Now, the blog, and our website https://aroundtheoaa.weebly.com/ for all the information.

MDHHS statement about changes to childhood vaccine schedule

MDHHS statement about changes to childhood vaccine schedule

by | Jan 6, 2026 | Health and Wellness

 

 

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 6, 2026

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov   

MDHHS issues statement about federal
changes to childhood vaccine schedule 

LANSING, Mich. – Following updates to the U.S. childhood immunization schedule made today by Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neill, in his role as acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued the following statement:

“For decades, vaccines have played a critical role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases and significant reductions in childhood illnesses and fatalities.

On Thursday, Dec. 18, Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian issued a Standing Recommendation advising health care providers and families to follow the child and adolescent immunization schedule produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). We continue to stand by that recommendation.”

The underlying scientific evidence remains unchanged and continues to support the full AAP and AAFP vaccination schedules for children. Families should still be able to access the full range of childhood immunizations as recommended by the AAP and AAFP to protect their children from serious diseases.

All vaccines, including those moved to shared clinical decision-making, remain covered with no out-of-pocket cost by Affordable Care Act-regulated private insurance plans and federal coverage programs such as Medicaid and the Vaccines for Children program, as HHS affirmed in its announcement.

Bagdasarian noted that the changes announced today may create confusion for families and clinicians regarding school vaccine requirements, clinical workflows and the supply and use of combination vaccines.

“MDHHS will continue to provide clear guidance, backed by science to help protect Michigan families,” Bagdasarian said.