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

As tensions rise, Gov. Whitmer faces Michigan showdown on quarantine order

May 12, 2020 | Riley Beggin

A potentially armed demonstration looms Thursday. Republican lawyers will ask a judge Friday to rein in Whitmer’s emergency powers. And a small-town barber refuses to close. It’s a big week for the future of the governor’s coronavirus plan.

Health board accuses Michigan State Police of being lax on Capitol protesters

May 12, 2020 | Robin Erb, Jonathan Oosting, Riley Beggin

An Ingham County community health board said state and Lansing officials endanger public safety by not cracking down on anti-Whitmer protesters who do not follow restrictions intended to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Police say they will take enforcement action when necessary.

Michigan lawmaker seeks Capitol gun ban ahead of coronavirus protest

May 12, 2020 | Riley Beggin

The debate over whether to ban weapons within the Michigan Capitol is coming to a head as another protest is planned for later this week.

Michigan launches coronavirus contact tracing. Here’s what you need to know.

May 9, 2020 | Kelly House, Riley Beggin

Contact tracers are a key to reopening Michigan safely. With some setbacks, the state is on track to meet the need. On Saturday, state officials announced a contract with a company affiliated with billionaire Dan Gilbert to help the effort.

Michigan manufacturing resumes Monday, stay-at-home order extended to May 28

May 7, 2020 | Riley Beggin

The change comes as part of a six-step economic reopening plan announced Thursday by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Gov. Whitmer urged coronavirus tests for all key workers. Don’t bank on it

April 28, 2020 | Riley Beggin, Brie Zeltner

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said last week that all of Michigan’s essential workers should get tested, even those without symptoms. That’s easier said than done, as many hospitals and test sites say they still lack capacity to test workers with no symptoms.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants 28-day extension of emergency powers

April 27, 2020 | Riley Beggin

The Democratic governor on Monday said she will seek another extension of her sweeping powers, potentially setting up a clash with the Republican-led Legislature that has questioned her approach to the coronavirus pandemic in recent weeks.

What Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home executive order means to Michigan

April 24, 2020 | Riley Beggin

You’re required to wear a mask in public enclosed spaces, but you can buy non-essential items for curbside pickup, among other changes.

Michigan’s new stay-home order allows landscaping, boating and golf

April 24, 2020 | Jonathan Oosting, Riley Beggin

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday extended Michigan’s stay-at-home order through May 15 but relaxed rules for large retailers while allowing landscapers, plant nurseries, bike repair shops and other select businesses to resume operations.

Michigan Republicans launch attack on Gov. Whitmer’s emergency powers

April 23, 2020 | Riley Beggin, Jonathan Oosting

The GOP-led Legislature announced plans to vote on limiting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency powers and form a panel to conduct oversight of her actions during the state’s economic shutdown.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to extend stay-home order past May 1

April 22, 2020 | Jonathan Oosting, Riley Beggin

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer seeks to tamp down expectations that the economy will reopen next week, saying the state likely needs more time to avoid a second wave of coronavirus. Republicans have signaled an opposition to any extension.

Six years after Flint water switch, residents fear justice may never come

April 21, 2020 | Riley Beggin

Six years is the statute of limitations for most felonies in Michigan. That has many residents worried the stalled criminal case related to the water contamination is going nowhere. Michigan officials promise they will bring charges.

Stay home, don’t stay safe. Domestic violence calls up amid Michigan lockdown

April 19, 2020 | Riley Beggin

Michigan’s coronavirus lockdown has abuse victims facing a hellish choice: Endure or flee to uncertainty of global pandemic. Many may be sticking it out, as calls for help have increased, but requests for shelter beds and to police are flat.

Court denies Republicans’ bid to halt Michigan’s redistricting commission

April 15, 2020 | Riley Beggin

A panel of three federal judges determined two GOP challenges to the state’s redistricting commission don’t stand a chance.

‘Operation Gridlock’ protest of Gov. Whitmer stay-home order jams Lansing

April 15, 2020 | Riley Beggin

SLIDESHOW: Hundreds of cars descend on downtown Lansing to protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-home order. Protesters say the new limits go too far and infringe on liberties. Whitmer says they’re necessary to save lives.

As Michigan coronavirus cases slow, Gov. Whitmer eyes reopening economy

April 13, 2020 | Riley Beggin

The end of Michigan’s coronavirus nightmare may be in sight, but ‘we need to get this right,’ Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Monday. The business shutdown from the virus has left more than 1 million residents jobless.

Can you buy seeds in Michigan? Confusion reigns over Whitmer stay-home order.