Michigan health officials confirm a third pediatric flu death, and the state reports its first measles case of 2026.
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
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.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan’s ‘RFK Jr.’: Who is Dr. Remington Nevin?
Why is St. Clair County’s medical director making recommendations that subvert the public health consensus? The doctor speaks for himself.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Blue Cross, Michigan Medicine dispute leaves 300,000 patients in lurch
Come July 1, hundreds of thousands of subscribers to Michigan’s leading health insurance may not be able to access the Ann Arbor-based hospital system because of a payment dispute.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan paid consultants $2.9M for failed mental health redesign
Michigan paid McKinsey & Co. about $2.9 million to design a Medicaid behavioral health overhaul that a judge later struck down — hiring a firm the state had previously sued for its role in the opioid crisis.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Report: Michigan lags in preparing students for mental health careers
Michigan is tied for the fewest behavioral health vocational training programs in the nation, contributing to a school mental health workforce shortage.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan county’s argument against solar farms? They’re a health hazard
St. Clair County plans to appeal a judge’s decision striking down the county’s attempt to use health policies as a way to regulate large-scale renewable and battery storage projects.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Oakland County diverts mental health patients to ERs amid crisis center takeover
Critics fear service disruptions as Oakland County’s community mental health agency asks law enforcement to divert crisis cases to local emergency departments.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan wants schools ready for cardiac emergencies, fails to provide funds
A recent Michigan law requires schools to better prepare for cardiac emergencies. But without money from the state, some schools lack resources to put those measures in place.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
St. Clair County makes it easier for parents to opt out of vaccines
The health department announced a streamlined approach Monday to expedite vaccine waivers and reminded families they can opt out of the state’s data reporting system.