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.
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
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.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Nurses allege toxic workplace under Michigan county medical director
St. Clair County’s medical director has been the subject of several complaints throughout his tenure, with nurses alleging gender-based discrimination in the county health department.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Some fear ‘domino effect’ as disabled adults lose lifeline in northern Michigan
A Charlevoix day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is set to close this month. Families are left with few options for care as providers warn of systemic issues to maintain services.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Bridge Listens: Health care costs climbing, challenges loom. What to know
Bridge readers say health care is a big concern, with rising costs, limited access and federal policy changes straining the state’s system. We break down the facts, trends and possible solutions.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Mental health advocates optimistic about Michigan reforms
Bipartisan support for early intervention legislation and newly outlined recommendations on bed capacity have renewed faith in revamping the state’s behavioral health system.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan kids in mental health crisis sent out of state as facilities close
Michigan has a shrinking capacity for children and teens in severe psychological crises. Families are finding care hundreds of miles away, and a growing number of kids are sent away by courts.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Supreme Court ruling puts Michigan’s ‘conversion therapy’ ban in jeopardy
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.
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.