News

FAFSA filers can enter for a chance to win one of forty $10,000 prizes or one of ten $50,000 prizes 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Whitmer and the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) announced the Ticket to Tuition sweepstakes at Lansing’s Eastern High School. Ticket to Tuition is a statewide initiative to encourage Michiganders enrolling in college for the first time, especially high school seniors, to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to lower the cost of college through valuable financial aid opportunities such as the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee.  

“Filling out your FAFSA can help you save thousands of dollars on your education and with today’s sweepstakes, you can also enter to win up to $50,000 for your education expenses,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office, we have made record, bipartisan investments to drive down the cost of earning a degree or skills certificate, and I’m proud that a majority of graduating seniors are now eligible to lower or completely eliminate their college tuition. As we continue working together to save Michiganders money, I encourage all high school seniors who want to go to community, private, or public college to fill out their FAFSA, save thousands of dollars while attending school, and enter to win our sweepstakes!” 

“Filling out your FAFSA can help you punch your ticket to a college degree, a skills training certificate, more opportunity, and a better life,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “The ‘Ticket to Tuition’ sweepstakes will help more Michiganders get the skills they need to support their families at good-paying jobs. Let’s keep Standing Tall so every student can ‘make it’ in Michigan.” 

Contest Details: To enter the Ticket to Tuition sweepstakes, complete the FAFSA and text CASH to 855-50K-TICKET by 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025. To be eligible, participants must be Michigan residents who completed the FAFSA for the first-time to use during the 2025-26 academic year.  

Prizes will be awarded in Michigan Education Savings Program accounts, which can be used for a variety of qualified educational expenses such as tuition and fees, living expenses, and computers and textbooks. Forty winners will receive $10,000 and ten winners will receive $50,000. For full contest details, visit TicketToTuition.com.  

MiLEAP is proud to partner with MCAN to help provide resources, programming and support for students to pursue their educational and career goals. 

“The new streamlined FAFSA can open scholarship and grant opportunities like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee, providing students an affordable path to a postsecondary credential,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “With Ticket to Tuition, we are encouraging students to complete their FAFSA by offering tens of thousands of dollars in prizes, but the real prize is the degree or skill certificate that will help them achieve their goals for themselves and their families.” 

“College and skills training are keys to economic prosperity, which is why state financial aid opportunities such as the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and the Community College Guarantee are vital to Michigan families,” said Sen. Sean McCann. “It is critical that we do all we can to encourage students to complete the FAFSA and understand the financial aid they have earned through their academic careers so they can make informed decisions about their future.” 

“Michigan College Access Network is committed to increasing the number of students who access and complete college, and the Ticket to Tuition Sweepstakes is another way we are working to incentivize more students to explore postsecondary options,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of the Michigan College Access Network. “We want graduating seniors and their families to know that the FAFSA is the key to unlocking federal, state, and institutional financial aid, and now, completing it can give them the chance to win up to $50,000 to help with their future educational expenses.” 

"Now more than ever, it's crucial to make college and postsecondary opportunities accessible for young people,” said Ben Shuldiner, superintendent of Lansing Schools. “Programs like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee have made career training more affordable—but completing the FAFSA remains the most important step. That’s what makes the Ticket to Tuition sweepstakes so exciting." 

Since Governor Whitmer took office, she has worked with a bipartisan Legislature to lower the cost of college for over 120,000 students annually through meaningful investments in state student financial aid including: 

• Michigan Achievement Scholarship to support recent high school graduates on their postsecondary education including a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate through the Community College Guarantee, up to $27,500 to earn a four-year degree, and up to $4,000 to enroll in career training. Today, nearly 60,000 students are saving Michiganders families more than $4,200 per year.  

• Michigan Reconnect to offer Michiganders 25 and up tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate in high demand careers. Over 207,000+ accepted. Temporarily lowered the age for participants to 21 and recruited 35,000 Reconnect applicants. Temporarily launched the Michigan Reconnect Short-term Training Program to lower the cost of career training for over 4,300 Michiganders.  

• Mi Future Educator Fellowship which is offering 2,600 future teachers $10,000 scholarships in exchange for a commitment to teach in Michigan    

• Futures for Frontliners program to temporarily recognize Michiganders who served on the frontlines of the pandemic and offer them tuition-free paths to postsecondary education or skills training. Over 85,000 student have been accepted.  

Students and families can complete the FAFSA online by visiting FAFSA.gov or by submitting a paper form. Recent updates to the application include reducing the number of questions to 36 from the previous 108, allowing for a more streamlined process. Most students and families can complete the application in less than 15 minutes. 

-press release Michigan.gov

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Childcare shortages across Michigan have made it difficult to fill around 9,000 vacancies for early childhood educators. This shortage has affected the state’s ability to provide care to children, a critical service that’s not only important for early childhood development and school readiness but necessary for a strong Michigan workforce and economy.

This shortage of caregivers — released by a state report in 2024 — applies to both childcare centers and licensed in-home care facilities. Much of the shortage is for children under 3, with rural communities facing the most limited options.

Because these staff shortages impact children and families, Michigan State University’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies is working to counter the deficit by providing graduates skills and experience through its child development major: Birth to Kindergarten and Special Education, or BK.

“As the demand for qualified professionals has intensified, our students are rising to the challenge, gaining expertise and hands-on experience at our Child Development Laboratories, and securing in-demand, rewarding positions after graduation,” said Andrea Wittenborn, professor and chair of the department.

The degree program, housed in the College of Social Science, prepares students interested in early childhood education by offering teacher certification and licensure for teaching in infant/toddler, preschool and kindergarten classrooms.

MSU student gains experience in supporting child development in the infant/toddler room at one of MSU’s Child Development Laboratories. Photo credit: Jacqueline Hawthorne, MSU College of Social Science.  MSU student gains experience in supporting child development in the infant/toddler room at one of MSU’s Child Development Laboratories. Photo credit: Jacqueline Hawthorne, MSU College of Social Science. For example, 100% of MSU BK students passed the state teaching licensure exam during the last review period, between 2021 and 2024.  

The program also provides a way for undergraduates to continue into graduate study through the Shared Undergraduate to Master’s Degree Program, or four plus one program.

“We’re so excited about this four plus one program because we find it to be a very cutting-edge way to train students and get them on this accelerated path toward their graduate studies,” said Amanda Guinot Talbot, assistant professor and undergraduate program director. “We are excited to see the growth of this, helping our students to get a leg up on their competition and move further into their studies.”

Michigan’s population is expected to increase by over 200,000 through 2034, suggesting a growing need for early childhood educators. While the period between 2013 and 2023 saw a period of around 5% employment decrease, employment for childcare workers is expected to grow by 2% as well as 4.3% for preschool teachers as of the end of 2025’s second quarter.

 MSU Department of Human Development and Family Studies graduates all agree that the most impactful part of their degree program was the opportunity to work with children at the MSU Child Development Laboratory. Photo credit: Jacqueline Hawthorne, MSU College of Social Science.  

MSU Department of Human Development and Family Studies graduates all agree that the most impactful part of their degree program was the opportunity to work with children at the MSU Child Development Laboratory. Photo credit: Jacqueline Hawthorne, MSU College of Social Science.

The department is graduating qualified educators who are looking to take on these open positions, bringing with them strong skills and passion for the work.  

“I hope to make a positive impact on children in the future in my career in early childhood education by providing the first foundational steps of development in all sorts of aspects,” said Ava Fredericks, a undergraduate senior.

The department hopes to attract more students to the program through recruitment and awareness efforts to help address the statewide employment vacancies.

“You can tell the people in this program really want to make sure that the pre-service teachers that are coming in have the best experience that they can and leave here with having as much knowledge as they can,” said Kate Logee, a master’s student. “This program cares so much about making sure that they’re putting teachers into classrooms because that’s where the most learning can happen, and you can only learn so much in a lecture hall.”

Interested individuals who want to learn more can visit the MSU Department of Human Development and Family Studies website.

-press release Michigan State University

 Legislation aims to permanently include 21- to 24-year-olds in tuition-free college program

LANSING, Mich.  — This week, Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) introduced Senate Bills 232 and 233 to strengthen the Michigan Reconnect Program by codifying the age expansion to include Michiganders ages 21-24. During the program’s temporary expansion last year, 12,500 applicants aged 21-24 enrolled.

“Expanding the Michigan Reconnect program has opened doors for so many Michiganders — people who might not have otherwise had the chance are now finding jobs in skilled trades, healthcare, manufacturing and more,” said Sen. Anthony, Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This program is transforming lives and powering Michigan’s workforce. We are putting your tax dollars at work – creating real opportunities for Michiganders no matter where they are in life.”

To ensure continued fiscal responsibility, the bills include a 2032 sunset and are subject to funding approval. These measures align with Michigan Democrats’ goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a skills certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030. This expansion will offer tuition-free education to more Michiganders, supporting our workforce and benefiting the state’s economy.

“Lowering the age for Michigan Reconnect is a game-changer for our workforce,” said Rep. Jaime Greene (R-Richmond), who introduced similar legislation in the House. “This will open the door for countless hard-working adults in their 20’s and enable them to step in and strengthen our economy. When we invest in people, we don’t just build careers — we build confidence, communities and a future where Michigan leads the nation in opportunity.”

Senate Bills 232 and 233 are a reintroduction from last term and are supported by an array of stakeholders — including the Michigan College Access Network, Michigan Community College Association, Small Business Association, and Detroit Chamber, among others. 

“This is an important step toward expanding access to skill-building opportunities that lead to technical certificates, applied associate degrees, and pathways to four-year institutions, said Brandy Johnson, President of the Michigan Community College Association. “Lowering the age for Reconnect recognizes that students need options early, and that timing matters. Michigan’s community colleges are ready to welcome these learners with flexible, high-quality programs that meet them where they are and help them move forward with purpose.” The Michigan Reconnect program was first created through bipartisan legislation and initially was open to individuals 25 years and older who return to school to earn their first associate degree or skilled trades certification. Since its launch in February 2021, the program has helped more than 66,500 Michiganders enroll in community or tribal colleges tuition-free.  

-press release Sen. Sarah Anthony

The directive comes after congressional Republicans proposed the largest cut to Medicaid in the history of the program, threatening to terminate millions of Americans' access to health care. 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive instructing the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to compile a report identifying the impact Republican-proposed cuts to Medicaid will have on the 2.6 million users in Michigan. Specifically, the report will investigate the potential impact the cuts would have on people’s health. 

"Medicaid provides a lifeline to 2.6 million Michiganders, whether they need their annual physical or their third round of chemotherapy," said Governor Whitmer. "Cuts to Medicaid could take health care away from 750,000 of our friends, neighbors, and families. That's why I'm proud to support access to Medicaid in our state by signing this executive directive. I'm committed to helping folks get the care they need without worrying about the bill. Because here in Michigan, getting sick shouldn't mean going broke. I'll work with anyone who is serious about protecting access to affordable health care. Let's get it done." 

Medicaid Executive Directive 

Under the executive order, MDHHS must review federal budget proposals and prepare a report quantifying the impact of Congress’ proposal within 30 days. The report, drawing from available analyses, should delineate the specific impact of proposed cuts to including Medicaid, including: 

· The number of Michiganders who would lose health care if the proposed cuts go into effect.  

· The effect of the proposed cuts on hospitals, especially in rural and other underserved communities, including reductions in services and closures of facilities  

· The impact on timely access to care for Michiganders, such as the creation or expansion of healthcare deserts in areas of the state.  

· The ways in which reductions in federal money would impact the state’s budget, including the need for cuts to other vital services.  

Today’s executive directive bolsters the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration's commitment to protecting and expanding access to affordable health care for all Michiganders. 

“Medicaid cuts could impact more than 750,000 Michiganders, including children, people with disabilities, veterans, rural communities, and the elderly,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “They will make you pay more and travel farther to get care. Today, we are taking action to protect access to affordable health care for working families. We’ll stand tall so every Michigander can go to a doctor when they’re sick without going broke.”  

Republican-Proposed Cuts to Medicaid 

Recently, Republicans in Congress announced a plan to cut $880 billion from Medicaid, so they can deliver a $4 trillion tax cut that would primarily benefit the rich. If passed, this would be the largest cut to Medicaid in its 60-year history. Nationwide, millions would lose access to health care and the cost of health care will go up for every single American.  

In Michigan, as many as 750,000 people could lose access to basic, lifesaving health care. The cuts will be particularly stark in small town and rural Michigan where 37% of residents are covered by Medicaid. Additionally, they would force providers in Michigan to close their doors and reduce the variety of services, affecting coverage for those who can least afford care, including children, disabled people, and the elderly. 

“Beyond the 2.6 million individuals directly covered, Medicaid supports health care infrastructure in every community across Michigan — from rural hospitals to community health centers to nursing homes to home care and mental health," said U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin. "If Medicaid is cut, it will impact all Michiganders, whether you use it directly or not. It's important the State is being clear eyed about what’s coming and will issue a report detailing those impacts.”   

“Congressional Republicans have proposed the biggest cuts to Medicaid in history, which would strip health coverage from millions of Americans, including 2.6 million Michiganders,” said U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell. “Medicaid is already a lean program. With few options for how to fill the budget hole left by cuts to Medicaid funding, our state will have no choice but to consider cuts to coverage and benefits, leaving more people uninsured and underinsured. I’m thankful to Governor Whitmer for her efforts to fight against these cuts, and I will continue to do absolutely everything I can to prevent millions of Michiganders from losing their health care.” 

“Medicaid is a lifeline for over 3 million Michiganders, and in my district, 291,000 families, seniors, and people with disabilities depend on Medicaid,” said U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib. “I’m grateful that Michigan is taking this critical step to shine a light on the real harm these cuts would cause to our communities. From Detroit to Dearborn to Livonia, I’ve heard from countless constituents who are terrified that they may be losing essential benefits and care. We can’t let that happen. Grandmothers raising grandkids with special needs, mothers who need prenatal and postpartum care, are at risk of losing coverage without warning. We cannot allow partisan cruelty to rob our communities of the care they need to survive.” 

“In Michigan’s 13th District alone, over 333,000 people rely on Medicaid, including nearly 140,000 children and 24,000 seniors," said U.S. Representative Shri Thanedar. "I applaud Governor Whitmer for taking action to expose the devastating consequences of Republican budget proposals. The data will show what we already know: slashing Medicaid would devastate working families and put the lives of Michiganders at risk.” 

“Millions of Michiganders, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities, depend on Medicaid to survive,” said U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten. “We need to fully understand the devastating consequences that cuts to this lifeline would have on our communities because no one should be forced to choose between their health and their financial stability. This report is urgently needed because the stakes couldn’t be higher. While Trump pushes cruel cuts to hand more tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy, we will keep fighting to protect this vital program.” 

“Gutting healthcare for Michigan’s working families to give a tax break to billionaires is unconscionable,” said U.S. Representative Haley Stevens. “I will continue to fight these attacks on Michiganders’ care in Congress and work alongside our great Governor to protect our state’s workers, families, and children.” 

Medicaid's Role in Supporting Michigan's Economy 

Medicaid plays a key role in supporting the health of Michigan's economy. Michigan’s health care industry has a total economic impact of $77 billion per year: greater than any other industry in the state. Medicaid expansion alone sparked the creation of more than 30,000 new jobs. These jobs boost the personal spending power for Michigan residents by about $2.3 billion each year and result in approximately additional $150 million in tax revenue annually.  

If Republicans succeed, Michigan hospitals could lose out on half a billion dollars in Medicaid funding annually, threatening thousands of jobs. As a result, hospitals in local and rural communities across Michigan will close, threatening access to care, raising prices, and forcing people to drive further for health care. This could drive Michiganders out of our state, reducing our population growth and crippling our economy. 

“Ever since the original federal funding freeze that was implemented months ago on Medicaid payments to hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs,) I have been deeply concerned about the impact on the health of our most vulnerable residents," said state Representative Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), Ranking Member of the Medicaid and Behavioral Health Appropriations subcommittee. From seniors to newborns, these across the board slash and burn tactics do nothing to increase government efficiency. In fact, the proposed deep cuts will have the opposite effect: as primary care offices empty, hospitals will be over-crowded, and costs will dramatically go up. I applaud Governor Whitmer for taking a proactive approach to conduct an assessment of the potential impact to Michigan." 

“Over 2.5 million Michiganders rely on Medicaid for their health coverage. This program is a vital lifeline for families, seniors, children, and people with disabilities across our state," said state Senator Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), Chair of the Senate DHHS Appropriations subcommittee. "Access to affordable, quality care isn’t just a convenience — it’s a necessity that protects lives, strengthens communities, and ensures that no one is left behind. Without Medicaid, countless Michiganders would face impossible choices between their health and their financial stability.” 

“Michigan families will lose their health care under these proposed Medicaid cuts,” said Elizabeth Hertel, Director of MDHHS. “Studies show a lack of access to health care can lead to higher mortality rates, worse health outcomes, increased health disparities and strain the state’s emergency care system. MDHHS is committed to fighting for Michigan residents so they can keep their health care coverage and access the services they need and when they need them.” 

"Here in Michigan, Medicaid covers nearly 300,000 Michiganders, ensuring they can get the care they need without compromising on costs," said Julie Shaw, Executive Director of the Upper Peninsula Superior Alliance for Independent Living. "I'm grateful to Governor Whitmer for taking this critical action to support access to Medicaid, so disabled Michiganders can continue receiving basic and lifesaving care in the UP and across the state." 

“In Northern Michigan, 75,000 residents across the region and 61 percent of our births at Cadillac Hospital are covered by Medicaid,” said Ed Ness, President and CEO of Munson Healthcare President. “In addition to impacting thousands of people and families who are already struggling, without adequate funding healthcare facilities like ours will face immense challenges in maintaining operations and serving our communities.”    

“Hospitals serve as the backbone in our communities and Medicaid is key for maintaining the viability of a hospital and access to care for Michiganders,” said Laura Appel, Michigan Health & Hospital Association Executive Vice President of Government Relations & Public Policy. “Going after and restricting existing Medicaid financing programs will harm access to care for not just Medicaid beneficiaries, but all community members who depend on health care services, particularly those in rural Michigan.” 

Protecting and Expanding Michiganders' Access to Health Care 

Since taking office, the Whitmer-Gilchrist has worked to lower the cost of health care and support Michiganders' access to critical programs like Medicaid: 

· Extended Healthy Michigan Plan to over one million people, expanding access to care and lowering costs for working families.   

· Signed bills codifying the Affordable Care Act into state law, protecting care for millions.   

· Signed a budget increasing reimbursement rates to Medicaid, expanding access to mental health services at schools, and expanding Plan First!,helping 25,000 Michiganders strengthen reproductive freedom.   

· Expanded access to dental carefor Medicaid or Healthy Michigan enrollees, lowering their costs. Expanded access to telemedicine and required insurers to cover telehealth.  

· Established and expanded Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies, an initiative to address disproportionate racial impacts of maternal and infant mortality and ensure moms have the support they need for healthy pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum care.  

· Established and expanded RxKids, the nation’s first-ever program that puts money directly in the pockets of new moms and babies to improve their finances and health.  

· Committed to working across the aisle to reduce the burden of medical debt for nearly 700,000 Michiganders.  

-press release Michigan.gov

GARDEN GROVE, California - The Michigan State Police is proudly announced that the department was recently awarded national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. in the Advanced Law Enforcement Accreditation program.

CALEA’s standards are based on international best practices in public safety and the accreditation process is how a public safety agency voluntarily demonstrates it meets professionally recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.

The accreditation follows a multi-year self-assessment phase that began in October 2020, which was followed by an independent assessment that included a site-based assessment of community engagement, policy, procedures, equipment and facilities, as well as interviews with MSP members and others to assess the agency’s effectiveness and overall service-delivery capacities. The decision to accredit was rendered by a governing body of 21 commissioners following a public hearing and review of all reporting documentation.

The MSP is one of seven Michigan agencies awarded the prestigious advanced level accreditation.

-press release Michigan State Police

Vatican City, 21 April 2025

DECLARATION OF DEATH OF HIS HOLINESS FRANCIS

I hereby certify that His Holiness Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) born in Buenos Aires (Argentina) on December 17, 1936, resident in Vatican City, Vatican citizen, died at 7:35 a.m. on 21/04/2025 in his apartment at the Domus Sanctae Marthae (Vatican City) from:

- STROKE

- COMA

- IRREVERSIBLE CARDIOVASCULAR COLLAPSE

In a subject suffering from:

- Previous episode of acute respiratory failure in the context of bilateral multimicrobial pneumonia

- Multiple bronchiectasis

- Arterial hypertension

- Type II diabetes

Ascertainment of death was by electrocardio-anatomical recording.

I declare that the causes of death to the best of my knowledge and belief are as stated above.

Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene
of Vatican City State
Professor Andrea Arcangeli