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Elinor Epperson

Elinor Epperson is a state policy reporter for Heartland Signal. She earned her master’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University in 2024. Based in southeast Michigan, Elinor likes to write about the environment, energy, health, and LGBTQ issues. She has written for Michigan Public, Michigan Advance, and Planet Detroit. In her free time, Elinor plays roller derby. Read Elinor’s Reporting.

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Elinor's Latest Articles

Missouri House chamber during debate on HJR 73, a reproductive health care measure, with vote board displayed and gallery full of spectators.
Abortion rights and gender-affirming care are on the Missouri ballot

Missouri Amendment 3 comes two years after voters approved abortion rights in 2024, with lawmakers placing this new amendment on the ballot rather than it originating from a citizen initiative. Reproductive rights advocates are rallying voters to see through what they call “tricky measures.”

On the left is a photo of Michigan state Sen. Sean McCann, the Democratic candidate for Michigan's 4th Congressional district. He is wearing a red shirt and standing in front of trees on a sunny day. On the right is U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, the Republican incumbent for the seat. He is speaking into a microphone with a black background.
Michigan 4th District race: McCann, Huizenga split over energy costs

In Michigan's 4th Congressional District, a close race pits state Sen. Sean McCann (D) against longtime Rep. Bill Huizenga (R), who supports federal rollbacks of clean energy subsidies and expanded fossil fuel production. Both candidates diverge sharply on why utility prices are so high and solutions.

Mike Rogers gestures while speaking during a debate as Abdul El-Sayed looks on smiling.
2026 midterm debates: Why candidates are skipping or stalling them

Election debate scheduling has become increasingly contentious across several midterm races this year. Candidates across the Midwest have had disputes over debate participation, logistics and host selection, with some candidates declining to debate altogether.

Side-by-side composite photo shows Rob Sand on the left speaking indoors and Zach Lahn on the right speaking into a microphone.
Iowa governor race: Who’s funding Zach Lahn and Rob Sand

The Republican Governors Association has given Zach Lahn more than $15 million. Most of Rob Sand’s money comes from Iowa donors, including his wife’s family.

A man speaks at podium reading "Lower Costs, Better Care, Delivering Healthcare Solutions," flanked by colleagues and flags
Michigan state Sen. Mark Huizenga holds stocks in the same companies he regulates

A review of state Sen. Huizenga’s personal financial disclosures and campaign finance reports shows that he owns stock and accepts contributions from pharmaceutical companies while serving on the Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee.

On the left, official portrait of Garlin Gilchrist II in a suit, smiling, with American and Michigan flags behind him. On the right, Headshot of Anthony Forlini, Macomb County clerk and Republican candidate for Michigan secretary of state.
Gilchrist and Forlini debate experience and federal intervention at Michigan secretary of state debate

Garlin Gilchrist II and Anthony Forlini, candidates for Michigan secretary of state, debated at the University of Michigan over election security, voter access and trust in state election processes.

Jocelyn Benson and John James smile as they shake hands on a debate stage in front of a "DEBATE WEEK MICHIGAN" backdrop.
Data centers investments, personal finances take center stage at Michigan governor debate

Michigan gubernatorial candidates Jocelyn Benson and John James faced off over rising living costs, government reform and data center developments. While both candidates agreed on a couple issues, they clashed over transparency and who is best equipped to lead the state.

Tom Barrett and William Lawrence appear in a split-screen broadcast wearing suits beneath a "Michigan's 7th Congressional District Debate" banner.
Michigan’s Barrett and Lawrence clash over Iran War, tariffs and data centers, but agree on college sports

As rising gas prices and trade tariffs hit Michigan, Rep. Tom Barrett and Democratic candidate William Lawrence clashed in East Lansing over military action in Iran, data center regulations, and economic stability.

Woman's hand holding stickers that says: "I voted." background with USA flag
Sprague, Russo, and more secretary of state candidates weigh in on Trump’s expanded voter database

The Supreme Court cleared the way for the federal government to share Social Security data to build a nationwide voter database. But election officials in Minnesota, Ohio and South Dakota are divided on whether the error-prone tool will protect voter rolls or disenfranchise eligible citizens.

U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden speaks to reporters while arriving for a Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol.
Cooke calls Van Orden’s AI deepfake videos defamatory, threatens legal action

Incumbent Derrick Van Orden (R) has posted numerous AI-generated deepfake videos of Rebecca Cooke on his X account. Cooke and her lawyers have issued a cease-and-desist letter to Van Orden, arguing that his conduct meets the legal standards for defamation.