State
Gov. Whitmer Announces Tremblay Appointed to the Bench
LANSING, Mich. —Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the upcoming appointment of Patti Tremblay to the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County.
“Patti has been an instrumental member of my team and will bring decades of experience to the Ingham County Circuit Court,” said Governor Whitmer. “As a trained lawyer who has served in both the executive and legislative branches, I know Patti will treat every case with dignity and respect and bring a deep sense of empathy to the bench.”
30th Circuit Court – Ingham County
Patti Tremblay is the outgoing Director of Legislative Affairs for the Executive Office of the Governor, where she also previously served as a deputy legal counsel and deputy director of legislative affairs. Prior to her time in the executive office, Tremblay worked in the Michigan House of Representatives for nearly two decades and served in many different roles during her tenure, including Chief Legal Counsel. Tremblay holds a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from the Michigan State University College of Law.
“I am deeply honored to be appointed to serve on the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County,” said Patti Tremblay.” “It has been a privilege to work alongside of Governor Whitmer and serve the people of Michigan as the Director of Legislative Affairs. I am excited to bring my passion for justice, commitment to fairness, and dedication to public service to the bench. I look forward to serving the community in this new capacity with integrity and respect for the law.”
This appointment will be made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Joyce Draganchuk. Judge Tremblay’s term will commence on March 3, 2025, and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.
“I have known Patti Tremblay as someone who has succeeded for Michigan residents in the Legislature, as an advocate, and as a trusted leader in Governor Whitmer’s office,” said Mayor Andy Schor, City of Lansing. “She has incredible integrity, and a passion and love for our state. Patti will be fair to all, and a tremendous champion for the families of Lansing and Ingham County. Her passion and hard work has made a lasting impact, and we are excited to see all she will continue to accomplish in this next chapter. We are lucky to have someone of her intellect, talents, and compassion, serving on the bench for our circuit court.”
"Patti has been an invaluable member of the executive office, demonstrating unwavering dedication and tireless commitment to improving the lives of Michiganders,” said State Senator Sam Singh, 28th Senate District. “Her passion and hard work has made a lasting impact, and we are excited to see all she will continue to accomplish in this next chapter."
MDHHS reports first influenza-associated pediatric deaths in Michigan this season
All Michigan residents ages six months and older urged to get the flu vaccine
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has confirmed the first two influenza-associated pediatric deaths in Michigan for the 2024-2025 influenza season.
The reported deaths involve children in Wayne and Genesee counties who contracted seasonal Influenza A (H1N1). Nationally, there have been at least 57 influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported this flu season. Unfortunately, several other Michigan pediatric influenza deaths are currently under investigation and future updates can be found in the weekly Michigan Flu Focus report.
“We are heartbroken for the families who have experienced this loss,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Last season, influenza claimed the lives of nearly 200 children across the United States. Influenza rates are currently very high, and if you did not receive a flu vaccine last fall, it is not too late to get one. It can still prevent the severe complications of influenza, including hospitalization and death. If you get sick this flu season, it is a good idea to get tested for COVID-19 and influenza since we have antiviral medications that are effective against those viruses. Talk to your health care provider to find out more.”
“This loss is a somber reminder of the serious impact flu can have, especially on vulnerable groups such as young children and older adults,” said Dr. Michela Corsi, medical director, Genesee County Health Department. “Vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications from the flu. Even at this point in the season, getting vaccinated can make a significant difference in preventing serious outcomes and safeguarding our communities.”
“Flu kills and this is a tragic reminder. But we have life-saving vaccines,” said Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Wayne County Health Director and Director of Health, Human and Veterans Services. “And the best way to protect your kids is by getting them and ourselves vaccinated.”
Outpatient visits for influenza-like illness are the highest they have been in Michigan over the last 15 years, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. Since the start of this influenza season, nearly 10,000 flu-related hospitalizations have been reported in Michigan and influenza hospitalizations have increased each week since Saturday, Nov. 30. There were 2,586 hospitalizations reported the week ending Saturday, Feb. 1. Additional information is available in the Michigan Flu Focus report and at Michigan.gov/covidflursv.
According to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry, pediatric influenza vaccine coverage in Michigan this season is at 15.1%, the lowest in recent seasons. It’s not too late to get the flu vaccination this season. Everyone older than 6 months of age is recommended to receive a flu vaccine. Pregnant individuals should also get vaccinated, which helps protect themselves and their baby. Vaccine recommendations for those at a higher risk of developing serious flu complications are available on the CDC website.
For individuals who do get influenza, early treatment with an antiviral medication can help prevent flu infections from becoming more severe. Check with your doctor promptly if you are at higher risk of serious flu complications. To find flu vaccine near you, call your health care provider, local health department or visit Vaccines.gov. For more information about the flu, visit Michigan.gov/flu.
-courtesy story
US Executive Order: Keeping Education Accessible and Ending Covid-19 Vaccine Mandates in Schools
Washington, DC. Feb 15 2025: By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose and Policy. Some school districts and universities continue to coerce children and young adults into taking the COVID-19 vaccine by conditioning their education on it, and others may re-implement such mandates. Parents and young adults should be empowered with accurate data regarding the remote risks of serious illness associated with COVID-19 for children and young adults, as well as how those risks can be mitigated through various measures, and left free to make their own decisions accordingly. Given the incredibly low risk of serious COVID-19 illness for children and young adults, threatening to shut them out of an education is an intolerable infringement on personal freedom. Such mandates usurp parental authority and burden students of many faiths.
It is the policy of my Administration that discretionary Federal funds should not be used to directly or indirectly support or subsidize an educational service agency, State educational agency, local educational agency, elementary school, secondary school, or institution of higher education that requires students to have received a COVID-19 vaccination to attend any in-person education program.
Sec. 2. Definitions. For the purposes of this order:
(a) The term “educational service agency” has the meaning given in 20 U.S.C. 1401(5).
(b) The term “elementary school” has the meaning given in 34 C.F.R. 77.1(c).
(c) The term “institution of higher education” has the meaning given in 20 U.S.C. 1001(a).
(d) The term “local educational agency” has the meaning given in 34 C.F.R. 77.1(c).
(e) The term “secondary school” has the meaning given in 34 C.F.R. 77.1(c).
(f) The term “State educational agency” has the meaning given in 34 C.F.R. 77.1(c).
Sec. 3. Ending COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Coercion. (a) The Secretary of Education shall as soon as practicable issue guidelines to elementary schools, local educational agencies, State educational agencies, secondary schools, and institutions of higher education regarding those entities’ legal obligations with respect to parental authority, religious freedom, disability accommodations, and equal protection under law, as relevant to coercive COVID-19 school mandates.
(b) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall provide to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, a plan to end coercive COVID-19 school mandates, consistent with applicable law, and including, as appropriate, any proposed legislation. Such plan shall also include:
(i) a list of discretionary Federal grants and contracts provided to elementary schools, local educational agencies, State educational agencies, secondary schools, and institutions of higher education that are non-compliant with the guidelines issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this section; and
(ii) each executive department or agency’s process for, to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, preventing Federal funds from being provided to, and rescinding Federal funds from, elementary schools, local educational agencies, State educational agencies, secondary schools, and institutions of higher education that are non-compliant with the guidelines issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.