Elaine Rojas-Castillo

Detroit

Multi-Skilled Journalist at CBS News

Articles

Michigan congressional leaders discuss federal budget bill at Mackinac Policy Conference

1 week ago | cbsnews.com | Elaine Rojas-Castillo

By a razor-thin margin, the federal spending reconciliation bill passed by the U.S. House last week and now heads to the Senate. Dubbed the "big, beautiful bill," it includes sweeping legislation that extends and increases tax cuts, eliminates many environmental subsidies, and limits Medicaid coverage for low-income adults. At the Mackinac Policy Conference, Democratic Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet says the late-night vote sent a clear message.
Residents still frustrated nearly 3 months after massive water main break in Southwest Detroit

1 week ago | cbsnews.com | Elaine Rojas-Castillo

Nearly three months after the major water main break in Southwest Detroit, residents say they are still recovering and frustrated with the city's response. "We have not been able to use the building at all. We have no gas and no electricity, still, from that day," said Jaime Carrillo. Jaime Carrillo, the owner of the Ballet Folklorico Moyocoyani Izel studio on Rowan Street, says he has been working to get the space back open, but is running into one obstacle after another.
Planned Parenthood of Michigan braces for impact of federal cuts

1 week ago | cbsnews.com | Elaine Rojas-Castillo

Reproductive health resources face federal cuts As part of the federal spending reconciliation bill currently heading to the U.S. Senate, which would cut billions of dollars from health care programs, like Medicaid, Planned Parenthood would potentially see immediate effects.
City of Detroit gears up for busy Memorial Day weekend

2 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Elaine Rojas-Castillo

Detroit prepares for busy Memorial Day weekend Memorial Day weekend is finally here, and with it comes the start of festival season in Metro Detroit. While it may be chilly, the city is not canceling its unofficial start of summer. Visit Detroit says it is anticipating close to 300,000 people making their way downtown this weekend. "This is definitely the entertainment capital of the world, at least in the Midwest," said Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Visit Detroit.
Metro Detroit nonprofit awaits impact of spending bill cuts

2 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Elaine Rojas-Castillo

After an 11th-hour vote ahead of Speaker Mike Johnson's Memorial Day deadline, House Republicans narrowly passed the Trump administration's sweeping tax and spending cuts package, paving the way for the elimination of nearly $880 billion from energy and health care programs over the next 10 years. "We were devastated. Like, the bare minimum of this is that what we do saves lives," said Ciera Renee, Director of Programs for FORCE Detroit.
Michigan organizations speak on possible impact of federal Medicaid cuts

2 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Elaine Rojas-Castillo

House Republicans are debating a federal spending bill that would cut at least $880 billion over the next 10 years from energy and health care programs, like Medicaid. Metro Detroit organizers, including Danielle Atkinson with Mothering Justice, say those decisions could have major local impacts. "When we're talking about these cuts, these drastic cuts, we're talking about really the difference between thriving and surviving," said Atkinson.
Proposed bill in Michigan targets medical guardianship

2 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Elaine Rojas-Castillo

Proposed next of kin bill heads to Michigan House A new bipartisan bill package hopes to streamline the process for Michigan families making medical guardianship decisions, also known as next of kin. "If they only have a few days to live, you don't want — and I didn't want — to spend those last three days trying to fight in court," said State Rep. Jamie Thompson, R-Brownstown Township. "Things can happen.
Detroit student pilots perform flyover to honor Tuskegee Airmen: "They mean a lot to this country"

3 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Elaine Rojas-Castillo

Clear skies in Detroit on Friday made the perfect backdrop for a special flyover for one of the nation's heroes. "I was very excited, very happy to honor the Tuskegee Airmen. They mean a lot to this country and the Air Force history," said student pilot Trinity Sims. Lt. Col. Harry Stewart was one of the two last surviving combat pilots of World War II's famous 332nd fighter group, the Tuskegee Airmen.
New surveillance program gives Dearborn police access to real-time videos

3 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Elaine Rojas-Castillo

New surveillance program gives Dearborn police access to real-time videos A new surveillance program will soon make its way to Dearborn, offering police access to real-time video from private businesses and residents. In April, Dearborn City Council members unanimously approved a five-year contract worth $720,000 for police to use the FUSUS program, which gives police the ability to view the private camera feeds of businesses and residents.
Metro Detroit youth speak on election of Pope Leo XIV

3 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Elaine Rojas-Castillo

As the world learned of Pope Leo XIV's election as the first American pope, Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger spoke of the need to listen to the youth to determine the church's future direction. "I really believe that people, especially teenagers and those in their 20s, are taking a hard look at the world that they're living in, and they're asking questions and they're wanting something more," said Weisenburger.