A federal appeals court ruling in December blocked Michigan’s law meant to protect LGBTQ+ youth from taking effect. The state’s law faces significant challenges following the US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down a similar ban in Colorado.
Eli Newman
Eli Newman joined Bridge Michigan as a health reporter in May 2025. A lifelong Michigander with a decade of public radio experience, he brings a steadfast commitment to community-focused journalism and deep, impactful reporting.
Prior to joining Bridge, Eli served as assistant news director and editor at WKAR in East Lansing, where he managed the creation of meaningful and thought-provoking multimedia news content for the capital region. Before that, he spent nearly nine years as a reporter at WDET in Detroit, covering breaking news, politics and community affairs — including extensive reporting on the COVID-19 response and other quality-of-life issues that impact public health.
His award-winning work has been recognized by the Public Media Journalists Association, the Michigan Associated Press Media Editors, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and the Society of Professional Journalists, Detroit Chapter.
Originally from West Bloomfield, Eli earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He now lives in Detroit.
As a member of the Health Watch team, Eli reports on public health policy, access to care and health equity issues across the state. You can reach him at enewman@bridgemi.com and on social media at @other_eli.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Providers face ‘extreme shortage’ of paramedics, EMTs in rural Michigan
Paramedics and EMTs regularly handle the state’s worst medical traumas and receive wages similar to fast-food workers. Even with state assistance to promote workforce development, gaps remain.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
EMS providers battle money, staffing woes in rural Michigan’s ambulance ‘deserts’
Rural emergency medical services in Michigan are burdened by the high cost of keeping crews ready and insurance payouts that fail to cover calls. Hospital closures and mergers and a lack of local dollars aren’t helping matters, leaving local residents in a bind to keep services afloat.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan measles outbreak: Confirmed cases grow to seven, including child under 5
The Washtenaw County outbreak has seven confirmed cases and one hospitalization. Officials are asking that anyone unvaccinated or not already immune to measles stay away from others for a full 21 days after exposure.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
ICE presence rising at Michigan health care facilities, rights groups say
The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center and the ACLU of Michigan have sent guidance to more than 400 hospitals and providers in the state to outline law enforcement changes to ‘sensitive locations’ policy.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan confirms measles outbreak in Washtenaw County: What to know
An initial case was identified in an unvaccinated adult who visited sites in Ypsilanti and Canton earlier this month. Since then, two more related cases have been reported.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan boosts bed capacity in ‘horribly underserved’ mental health system
Michigan mental health care providers, patients and their families and law enforcement have said the state does not have enough resources to care for people in psychiatric crisis.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Opinion | I’m a Jewish journalist. At Temple Israel, the news came to my community
A Bridge Michigan reporter reflects on the Temple Israel attack and what it means to confront your own worst fears.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan confirms third pediatric flu death, first measles case of year
Michigan health officials confirm a third pediatric flu death, and the state reports its first measles case of 2026.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
St. Clair County public health gets ‘MAGA’ makeover, from fluoride to vaccines
The medical director of a health department on Michigan’s Thumb is bucking a decades-long trend in public health leadership. Not all are thrilled.