Some rural healthcare leaders say the first round of funds allocated from the Rural Health Transformation Program don’t go far enough to stabilize their industry amid federal cuts.
Eli Newman
Eli Newman covers public health, access to care and policy for Bridge Michigan's Health Watch team. A lifelong Michigander with a decade of public radio experience, he previously served as assistant news director at WKAR in East Lansing and spent nearly nine years at WDET in Detroit covering breaking news, politics and community affairs. His 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. Eli earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. He lives in Detroit.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
How many kindergarteners in your Michigan school are vaccinated? Find out here
Statewide, nearly 8% of Michigan kindergarten students received vaccine waivers in 2025, up from less than 7% a year earlier.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Vaccination rates drop to 10-year low for Michigan’s school–age children
Michigan students receiving exemption waivers for vaccines jumped to 7.1% in 2025, marking a five-year streak of worsening vaccine participation in the state.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan Affordable Care Act marketplace enrollment slumps amid rising costs
Michigan lost 130,000 enrollments in marketplace plans in February 2026, part of a national wave of dropoffs.
Posted inUncategorized
Where can you buy cooked food with SNAP in Michigan? Use our map
Michigan’s Restaurant Meal Program lets older adults, homeless people and those with disabilities use their Bridge Card at restaurants across the state. Search our map to find a participating restaurant near you.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Sturgis closure may be ‘first of more’ for Michigan rural hospitals
After more than 100 years, Michigan’s only federally recognized rural emergency hospital closed its doors citing ‘years of ongoing financial challenges.’ Experts say more could follow given the current health care landscape.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Is ignoring a child’s doctor ‘neglect’? Michigan bill would allow an exception
A Michigan mom’s embrace of ‘holistic’ medicine for her daughter’s condition triggered a CPS investigation. Her story prompted a bill that would redefine medical neglect for parents who refuse the advice of their doctors.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan forgives $200M in medical debt. Should it help prevent debt instead?
About 690,000 Michigan residents have some form of medical debt. The state has put up $4.5 million to erase some of it.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan lawmakers revive push to legalize physician-assisted suicide
Michigan House Democrats are renewing an effort to legalize physician-assisted death. Opponents worry the framework is morally dubious and may create new pressures in health care.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Study of PFAS levels in Michigan firefighters raises cautious optimism
Despite being at greater risk, a new study indicates the state’s firefighters have similar exposure to the toxic ‘forever chemicals’ as the rest of America.