Bridge Michigan asked gubernatorial candidates for their stance on the hot-button issue of data centers, amid concerns surrounding Benson’s familial and professional connections to a data center developer. Here’s what they said.
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
Michigan quietly kills effort to restructure mental health care system
The decision follows a judge’s order to block the state’s request for proposal. The state says its aim in seeking bidders was to introduce ‘consumer choice’ to the Medicaid-backed system.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Desperate for doctors: Michigan looks to expand who can provide care
Lawmakers are trying to ease dangerous short-staffing in health care by tweaking laws — expanding the ability of some mid-level practitioners and, in some cases, creating new types of workers.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Planned Parenthood offers vasectomies in Michigan as abortion access drops
The organization is seeing rising demand for ‘permanent birth control’ in the years following the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn national abortion rights.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
40,000 fewer Michiganders seek Affordable Care Act health insurance
About 40,000 fewer state residents are signing up through HealthCare.gov, as health care subsidies expire and premiums increase.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
‘Pain in the neck’ for Michigan patients as UnitedHealthcare, Corewell battle
Contract negotiations between Michigan’s largest hospital system and the nation’s leading health insurer have stalled. Coverage is phasing out for more than 100,000 patients without a working plan.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Judge: Michigan bid to rebuild mental health care has ‘significant conflicts’
A judge is asking the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to revise its ‘competitive procurement process’ as it sets out to restructure its Medicaid-supported mental health programs.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan doctors criticize changes to US childhood vaccination schedule
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reducing the number of shots it recommends for American kids. Michigan public health experts say the decision is ‘not based on science.’
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan’s death doulas bring solace to those navigating the end of life
Death doulas are helping individuals and families navigate end-of-life care amid what experts call a ‘crisis’ in services for Michigan’s aging population.
Posted inMichigan Government, Michigan Health Watch
Michigan set to lose millions under Trump SNAP reforms
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says “significant” changes are occurring as the federal government prepares to penalize states for food assistance error rates.