After the death of a Michigan State Police officer, state lawmakers entered a bill that would mandate physician reporting of patients with epilepsy. Many doctors oppose the legislation.
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
Ten months later, McLaren reveals 740,000 impacted by ransomware attack
The hospital system’s August 2024 data breach caused delays for critical medical services. Patients are encouraged to monitor and review their financial statements and insurance claims.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Bird moving ban has some worried swimmers will be itching for relief
Amid the multi-state outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, a federal decision to stop the relocation of waterfowl like the common merganser has caused concerns about swimmer’s itch for those who flock Up North this summer.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan health department rebrands DEI office
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has quietly renamed its minority health office at a time when DEI programs are being threatened.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Should refusing vaccines be a civil right in Michigan? Some lawmakers say yes
State legislators have entered legislation that would make ‘vaccination status’ a civil rights class and curb the government’s ability to enforce vaccine mandates for children.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
HIV prevention treatment rising among young adults, U-M study finds
Researchers find pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP has seen an eightfold increase in the last decade among young adults. Meantime, a Supreme Court case could reduce access to such treatments.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID vaccine not needed for kids, pregnant women, US says. What to know
Some medical experts say the decision to stop recommending the vaccine for these groups makes sense given the lessened severity of COVID-19 infections. Others cautioned that the move makes the vaccines less available to everyone in the long term.