Riley Beggin

Riley Beggin is a Capitol reporter covering Michigan politics, including legislative, gubernatorial and other statewide elections. She joined Bridge in January 2018 after working at KPCC, Los Angeles’ NPR member station. Before that, she was a fellow at ABC News’ Washington Bureau and an intern with NPR’s investigative unit. Riley majored in history and international relations at the University of Wisconsin—Madison. She also holds a master’s degree in investigative journalism from the University of Missouri. You can reach Riley at rbeggin@bridgemi.com or call her at 517-657-3580.

Articles

Gov. Whitmer extends Michigan COVID-19 state of emergency through Sept. 4

August 7, 2020 | Riley Beggin

The extended state of emergency allows the governor to continue issuing executive orders such as the mask-wearing requirement and stay-at-home order.

Map: Trump counties less likely to vote absentee in Michigan primary

August 7, 2020 | Riley Beggin, Mike Wilkinson

Heavily Republican counties were less likely to embrace mail-in voting than their Democratic counterparts. Counties with more coronavirus cases also were more likely to cast absentee ballots.

Michigan’s new coronavirus order: masks for little kids at camp, child care

August 6, 2020 | Riley Beggin

Following an outbreak at a camp, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday issued another executive order requiring masks for those older than 2. Child care officials say most already were taking similar precautions.

Michigan passes absentee ballot voting test. November could be another story.

August 5, 2020 | Riley Beggin

Despite fears of multiple-day waits and long lines, Michigan’s primary Tuesday experienced few major issues. Even more absentee voting is expected this fall and clerks say there’s no guarantee of smooth sailing without new laws.

Michigan primary results: Rashida Tlaib cruises, Peter Meijer wins big

August 5, 2020 | Jonathan Oosting, Riley Beggin

An absentee ballot surge that broke records during the coronavirus pandemic delayed some counting, but Michigan’s congressional delegation was taking shape by Wednesday afternoon.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer orders state police to enforce COVID executive orders

August 4, 2020 | Riley Beggin

As coronavirus cases rise in Michigan — and enforcement of social distancing rules is spotty statewide — the governor orders state police to enforce her executive orders like any other law and requires state agencies to consider pulling licenses of violators.

Masks, sanitizer and absentee ballots: What to know about Michigan’s primary

August 3, 2020 | Riley Beggin

Absentee voters are likely to make a big difference in an election marked by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Masks aren’t required but are encouraged, and there will be plenty of hand sanitizer at polling places. Here’s what else to expect.

Postal delays could cause trouble for Michigan’s primary election

July 29, 2020 | Riley Beggin

Michigan clerks report complaints about long waits for absentee ballots, as voters rush to vote by mail amid the coronavirus pandemic. Pro tip: Drop your ballot off now rather than mailing it if you want it to count for Tuesday.

Michigan Aug. 4 primary election: What you need to know to vote

July 26, 2020 | Riley Beggin

Anyone can vote absentee for any reason and you can register to vote up to and on Election Day.

Michigan closing budget gap with layoffs and cuts to roads, PFAS cleanups

July 22, 2020 | Riley Beggin, Jonathan Oosting

The Michigan Senate agreed to cut spending and use up federal dollars to bridge a hefty budget gap caused by the coronavirus. The next budget is due at the end of September.

Coronavirus emptied Michigan’s jails without crime surge. Time for reform?

July 22, 2020 | Riley Beggin

The number of inmates in county jails has fallen by half amid the pandemic and crime hasn’t spiked. Reformers say that’s proof Michigan should stop sending so many people to jail for nonviolent offenses.

Michigan Right to Life scraps abortion ban ballot drive

July 21, 2020 | Riley Beggin

The anti-abortion group acknowledges defeat in a failed ballot drive, after facing the highest signature-gathering hurdle in decades.

As Michigan COVID cases soar, infected residents won’t cooperate with tracers

July 15, 2020 | Riley Beggin

State officials say a third of people contacted by tracers are refusing to say who they’ve potentially exposed, helping fuel a recent jump in coronavirus cases that has Michigan health officials worried.

Michigan’s eviction ban is ending, prompting fears of mass displacement

July 15, 2020 | Riley Beggin

A moratorium on evictions ended Wednesday night. That has housing advocates on edge, as state officials have warned of up to 75,000 looming evictions.

Whitmer: Michigan school reopening threatened by rising coronavirus cases

July 9, 2020 | Ron French, Riley Beggin

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer warned Michigan families Thursday: If you want kids back in school in September, wear face masks today. She also hinted at stronger enforcement actions in the coming days.

Michigan Democrats push to open police disciplinary files, limit immunity

July 8, 2020 | Riley Beggin

The success of sweeping police reforms sought by Michigan’s Black and Detroit legislative caucuses may turn on how well private discussions proceed with House Republicans, who have taken steps to meet with the Democratic groups.

Federal judge dismisses GOP case against Michigan redistricting commission

July 6, 2020 | Riley Beggin

The case is the latest in a number of legal victories for the new commission for drawing voting district lines in Michigan.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer closes most bars as coronavirus cases spike

July 1, 2020 | Riley Beggin, Paula Gardner

As some service workers and others call for even more restrictions, Whitmer says ‘we need to take aggressive action right now to ensure we don’t wipe out all the progress we have made.’

Michigan police defend surplus military gear, as debate about force grows

June 29, 2020 | Riley Beggin

A federal program that gifts military equipment to local police is under scrutiny as protesters raise concerns over police brutality. Police say the gear saves money and is used only in emergencies. See what's in your community.

Last-minute ruling keeps Michigan gyms closed, hours before they could reopen

June 24, 2020 | Riley Beggin

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wins big victory, as Republican-nominated federal judges affirm her authority to act unilaterally amid the coronavirus pandemic. That means gyms in southern Michigan will stay closed for now.

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