By
- Advance Local Express Desk
- Ryan Boldrey | rboldrey@mlive.com
Michigan has recorded 503 cases of a dangerous and sometimes deadly drug-resistant fungus this year, marking a significant increase from the 390 cases reported at the same time in 2025, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data
The state set record-high monthly totals in June and July for infections of Candida auris, a yeast that spreads easily in healthcare settings and resists most antifungal treatments. Michigan now accounts for 503 of the nation’s 3,130 cases as of July 18, trailing only Texas among states with reported infections
The story is one of five “must-read” stories from MLive not to miss this morning
Drug-resistant fungal infections have mortality rate of 30% or greater
The CDC has classified C. auris as an “urgent antimicrobial resistance threat,” its highest level of concern. The fungus has a mortality rate of 30% or greater, with bloodstream infections proving particularly deadly. However, deaths are difficult to measure because infected patients typically already have severe underlying health conditions
Patients most vulnerable to C. auris infections are those with serious medical conditions who require complex care, including breathing tubes, feeding tubes or catheters. These medical devices can create entry points for the organism to invade the body
The fungus can persist on surfaces in healthcare facilities for extended periods, and people may carry it without showing symptoms. This characteristic allows C. auris to spread silently through hospitals and other medical settings
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has implemented surveillance and prevention activities to help healthcare facilities prepare for treating infected patients
The full story, by Justin P. Hicks is available here
Michigan tailgate company owner faces fraud allegations totaling millions
John Klein, owner of University of Michigan tailgating company Hailgate, is under investigation by the Michigan Attorney General’s office and local police amid allegations of fraud, ticket scams and theft involving former professional athletes, college players and concert-goers
The Michigan Attorney General’s office confirmed this week that it is reviewing 11 complaints against Klein and Hailgate and that it has probable cause to believe the company engaged in unlawful business activities
Lawsuits filed in Wayne County Circuit Court by two different people allege Klein defrauded the alleged victims of more than $3 million. Klein also faces allegations from former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Aaron Ward and University of Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood over unauthorized merchandise issues
Furthermore, concert tour promoter AEG Presents has sent Klein a cease-and-desist letter accusing him of unauthorized advertising and sales of tickets and VIP experiences for Morgan Wallen’s concerts at Michigan Stadium
Klein, who served time in prison between 2013 and 2016 for identity theft and other fraud-related charges, maintains the allegations are largely business misunderstandings. While admitting to some “customer service issues,” Klein claimed he has been misconstrued and plans to pursue his own legal action against certain accusers
The full story, by Sam Jane and Jordyn Pair is available here
Search continues for three missing tubers as police find equipment, footprints near Muskegon River
Authorities searching for three Muskegon residents who vanished during a tubing trip have discovered inflatable tubes and footprints near the Muskegon River in Newaygo County
Michigan State Police and partner agencies are looking for Tare Jazzmin Hock, 28, Sarah Vida, 28, and Kayden Kovalcik, 9. The trio was reported missing Tuesday, Aug. 4, after failing to return from their outing
The search began after the father of one woman found her vehicle at the Maple Island boat launch with a broken window, according to police. Search and rescue teams have deployed ground, water and aerial re
In a Thursday evening update, state police confirmed searchers located two inflatable tubes believed to belong to the missing group. Investigators also identified footprints in the area, which are being evaluated as part of the investigation
The full story, by Ryan Boldrey is available here
Former township treasurer admits to stealing $747K in public funds to purchase vacation home
A 74-year-old woman who served as Ionia Township treasurer for decades has pleaded guilty to bank fraud after federal investigators uncovered she had stolen $747,025 from township accounts between 2014 and 2025 and used it to finance personal expenses
Marilyn Harp entered her guilty plea Thursday before U.S. District Judge Hala Jarbou in Lansing and now faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison
Federal investigators determined Harp wrote more than 80 checks from the township’s tax account to pay off her personal credit card bills. The money also funded construction of a vacation home, luxury purchases and travel expenses
When township officials grew suspicious, Harp attempted to cover her tracks by altering and destroying township records, according to a plea agreement signed by Harp and her attorney
The full story, by John Agar is available here
British influencers learn harsh lesson at Sleeping Bear Dunes
British social media personalities Josh Cauldwell-Clarke and Jason Riley discovered the hard way that Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore demands respect
The duo, who share their travels with followers as Josh and Jase, underestimated the challenge of the dunes during their current Michigan road trip. What began as a scenic adventure quickly turned into a physically punishing ordeal that pushed both men to their limits
“I don’t wish that on my worst enemy,” Cauldwell-Clarke said as he completed the 450-foot climb near Pierce Stocking Drive after bear-crawling the last bit to the top
The influencers started at the Dune Climb parking lot, mistakenly believing they were at Overlooks 9 and 10. They ignored National Park Service warnings that the hike to Lake Michigan spans 1.5 miles across five large dunes and typically takes three hours. Park officials describe it as the most strenuous hike in the Lakeshore
The duo posted on social media Aug. 5, telling viewers they “messed up bad and ended up in a horrible situation” after massively underestimating the terrain. The dunes visit is part of a larger Michigan trip sponsored by Meijer that has taken the influencers to Detroit, Saugatuck, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Traverse City
The full story, by Lindsay Moore is available here
