The governor’s directive comes ahead of a pivotal meeting of a federal vaccine advisory panel this week, which is set to issue new guidance on childhood immunizations.
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
Corewell Health drops gender-affirming care for minors amid federal crackdown
It’s the second major system to drop transgender services after Michigan Medicine announced last month it would stop providing hormonal therapies and puberty blocker medications for young patients.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Vaccine skepticism puts Michigan kids’ health at risk, doctors group warns
As the federal government moves away from widely recommending vaccines, the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians continues to promote immunizations as safe and effective.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
What you need to know about getting the COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan
Changes at the federal level are making access to the mRNA shot, as well as insurance coverage challenging, while doctors still tout the treatment as effective in treating and preventing coronavirus infection.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Syphilis on rise in Michigan newborns as some adult cases decline
State health officials report a three-year decline in primary and secondary syphilis infections while grappling with a surge in cases passed from mothers to babies.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
State lawmakers describe ‘lack of service’ in Michigan’s mental health system
With too few psychiatric beds and staff to manage them, people with severe mental illness find themselves in emergency departments and county jails.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan lawmakers push to expand Rx Kids, but does ‘no strings’ cash work?
A Michigan Senate committee held a hearing Tuesday on expanding Rx Kids, which offers recipients $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 a month for their children in their first year of life.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan regulators to hear arguments on restricting factory farm pollution
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is holding a public hearing to discuss a contested permit that regulates manure runoff.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan Head Start, health programs scramble amid immigration crackdown
Some immigrants are barred from using federally backed social programs like health centers and Head Start following the Trump administration’s reinterpretation of a decades-old rule.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Brother: Walmart attack suspect a danger for years, ‘fell through cracks every time’
A man charged with stabbing 11 people at Walmart had a history of schizophrenia, violence and incarceration. ‘It’s been an absolute nightmare,’ says his brother. Advocates say Michigan needs to do more.