Michigan is getting slammed by one of the worst flu seasons in years, and hospitals are nearing capacity.

At the same time, the Trump administration quietly changed federal vaccine guidance in a way public health experts warn could mean fewer kids get vaccinated, while more end up seriously sick.

Today, The ’Gander’s Kyle Kaminski has more on the severity of this surge, what changed in Washington, and why Michigan families are left dealing with the fallout.

Plus: The latest on a lawmaker’s plan to block utility rate increases in Michigan, and the launch of our new weekly segment giving you ways to take action and make your voice heard in the state.

Michigan burying results of tribal boarding school report, says author (Bridge Michigan): The Native American firm hired to study Michigan’s boarding schools says the state pressured it to cut and sanitize findings, accusing officials of whitewashing survivor experiences and government involvement. The dispute centers on a report commissioned by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2022 that took three years and $1.1 million to complete, but has not been released to the public. State officials say the report was too flawed to publish, while tribal leaders say shelving it leaves families without answers about abuse at the schools.

Activists call for stop to ICE flights out of SE Michigan (MI Advance): Activists urged the Wayne County Airport Authority this week to stop ICE deportation flights using Willow Run Airport, citing data showing 88 outbound ICE flights in 2025 to detention hubs in the South.

Airport officials said they have no authority over airlines’ contracts with federal agencies, but critics argued the board is complicit in allowing the flights to continue.

Not ‘paranoia’ to fear election disruptions, says Whitmer (NPR): Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Michigan is preparing for possible efforts to disrupt voting in the 2026 and 2028 elections, warning it would be “a mistake” to assume interference won’t happen. In an NPR interview, she said Democratic governors are running “tabletop” exercises to plan responses, citing concerns ranging from ballot-count disruptions to the use of federal deployments as election pressure.

Hospitals are slammed. Kids are getting sick. And the Trump administration just changed the rules.

On this edition of “so what, Michigan?,” Political correspondent Kyle Kaminski breaks down why this should make you furious.

(The ’Gander TikTok)

New state legislation aims to slow how often utility companies can request rate increases as Michigan’s electricity costs climb faster than most of the country. (Photo illustration/Canva)

By Kyle Kaminski

Michigan families’ electricity bills are now more than twice as expensive as they were 20 years ago, one of the steepest increases in the country over that time. And this year, a Democratic state senator is trying to change the rules that helped make that possible.

State Sen. Kevin Hertel (D–St. Clair Shores) on Thursday introduced legislation that’s aimed at slowing the pace of utility rate hikes, essentially by forcing companies to lock in their electricity and gas prices for three years at a time instead of allowing increases on an annual basis.

“Increased costs, including high energy bills, are making it hard to get by,” Hertel said in a statement. “I know my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are hearing this from their constituents as well. I’m not afraid to take on this fight, and while other politicians point fingers and fail to solve this problem, I’m focused on finding solutions and taking action to lower costs.”

By Abby Deatrick

Welcome to your weekly roundup of Michigan political events, protests, rallies, advocacy opportunities, and ways to take action statewide:

Friday (Jan. 23)

Indivisible – Indivisible ICE Out for Good DETROIT – MN Solidarity Day of Action, (Detroit, 4-5 p.m.)
A nationwide coalition of groups is organizing coordinated ICE Out For Good actions to stand with Minnesota after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good and to demand accountability.

Saturday (Jan. 24)

Indivisible – ICE Out for Good & Signs of Fascism March, (Saugatuck, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)
This event is part of the “Signs of Fascism” regional series led by Good Trouble Indivisible in West Michigan.

Indivisible – Immigrants’ Rights Presentation, (Hastings, 12-1:30 p.m.)
Learn about undocumented immigrants’ rights with guest speaker Dan Oropeza of the United Farm Workers Foundation.

Voters Not Politicians – Your Story. Your Power. Your Vote. Detroit Community Storytelling Event, (Detroit, 12-3 p.m.)
Join Voters Not Politicians, Common Cause, All Voting Is Local, the Voting Access for All Coalition, and local voting rights groups to share your story about proposed proof-of-citizenship laws that could restrict your right to vote.

Sunday (Jan. 25)

Macomb Defenders Rising – Rally: Stop The Washington Township Data Center, (Washington, 1-3 p.m.)
Join Washington Township residents and neighbors to rally and say no to the proposed data center in the area. 

Tuesday (Jan. 27)

Michigan League of Conservation Voters – Volunteer Huddle, (Kalamazoo, 6-8 p.m.)
Learn more about the work Michigan LCV is doing, enjoy free food, and hear updates on their work and ways you can get involved. 

Wednesday (Jan. 28)

Common Cause Michigan – Volunteer Info Session, Virtual (6–7 p.m.)
Learn more about the pro-democracy work the Common Cause Michigan team is organizing this year, and different ways that you can take action. 

Michigan League of Conservation Voters – Game Night for Our Future, (Royal Oak, 6:15-7:45 p.m.)
Learn more about the work Michigan LCV is doing, play games, and hear updates on their work and ways you can get involved. 

Michigan League of Conservation Voters – Volunteer Huddle – Trivia Night, (Ann Arbor, 6:30-8:30 p.m.)
Learn more about the work Michigan LCV is doing, play trivia, and hear updates on their work and ways you can get involved. 

Have an event to add? Email State Organizing Coordinator, Abigail Deatrick, abigail@couriernewsroom.com with details (please send details at least one week before the event).

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with stories from Kyle Kaminski and Abby Deatrick. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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