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Michigan’s $20 million grant scandal and another signature fight

Fay Beydoun speaking
Bill Chapman
/
USA Today
The week in Michigan politics: Criminal charges tied to a controversial $20 million state grant and renewed battles over petition signatures in Michigan’s governor’s race.

Criminal charges have now been filed against businesswoman Fay Beydoun in connection to a controversial $20 million state grant that became a symbol of Michigan’s freewheeling pandemic-era spending.

This week on It’s Just Politics, Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta talk with Detroit News politics editor Chad Livengood about how a $4,500 coffee maker helped uncover allegations of weak oversight surrounding millions in taxpayer dollars.

Plus, yet another fight over petition signatures in Michigan’s governor’s race and why campaigns still can’t seem to avoid ballot access scandals.

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Zoe Clark is Michigan Public's Associate General Manager and Political Director. In these roles, Clark guides coverage of the state Capitol, elections, and policy debates. She hosts the weekly show It's Just Politics. As Associate General Manager, she helps to guide Michigan Public’s strategic direction, content vision, and cross-platform integration.
Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987.