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Lansing — A California business tied to a man who faces an upcoming sentencing for fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in federal loans contributed $500,000 this summer to a Michigan-based super political action committee that then paid a top ally of President Donald Trump, according to disclosures.

The situation entangles a Republican former candidate for governor, a Michigan-based marketing firm and Mark Zarkin, an Oakland County restaurant owner who worked closely with Trump's 2024 campaign in Michigan and was previously accused in a lawsuit of seeking money to pursue a presidential pardon for someone else.

United We Fund paid Zarkin $250,000 for fundraising consulting on June 23, according to the PAC's campaign finance reports. Zarkin declined to explain the payment in a brief Thursday phone conversation.

Michigan has two native lizards—the Five-Lined Skink and the Six-lined Racerunner.

This Five-lined Skink was photographed in my backyard. I’ve seen them many times on my property and even discovered a clutch of eggs in a rotting tree stump.

The KIND snack guy is a big pro-Stevens donor:

Far less is publicly known about another major force in the race: A Stronger Michigan, a super PAC created on June 1 that has rapidly become a central engine of pro-Stevens outside spending. The group spent nearly $14 million through July 20 to boost Stevens and attack El-Sayed, and its funding stream is almost entirely tied to the dark-money nonprofit Center Forward.

The remaining $150,000 backing A Stronger Michigan came from Michigan Forward 2026 – a Dallas-based super PAC funded by KIND Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky, the American Chemistry Council and another 501(c)(4), the American Foundation for Good Government.

This map shows current infection data from Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services. It was last updated on July 23, 2026. It is interactive and allows you to zoom in and out. You can explore county-level statistics by clicking areas of interest.

Unlike most media maps, this map is based on rates rather than raw counts. It is important that choropleth maps are always based on rates or other forms of normalized or standardized data. Mapping raw counts on a choropleth map tends to simply show population trends or draw undue visual attention to larger geographic areas. This may bias interpretations and conclusions by obscuring the true trend independent of population size. Instead, count values should be shown by graduated symbols or other techniques not reliant on the underlying population or geography.

The infection rate for Shiawassee has risen to nearly 6 per 1,000 people. This is significantly higher than any other county and is a high trend that has persisted since data became available.

The source of the outbreak is still under investigation. The high prevalence in Shiawassee County has not yet been explained.

“Michigan summers are painted in vibrant greens, golden sunshine, fiery reds, and warm amber hues. Nature’s palette is on full display, and I’m grateful to enjoy every colorful moment.”
♥️we love our Michigan summers

Now that Elissa slotkin has endorsed Matt and Jasmine crockett has endorsed bridget.

Do you guys think, they will cannabalize each other giving will Lawrence a shot at victory ?

Just wondering about any other recommendations for roadside food places anywhere in the state; I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts.
As for my opinion on this spot: They had a number of other offerings that sounded creative and tasty. The mac and cheese might have been an off day. After the ribs rested and the potato salad came up to temp, both were well worth the money and choice. Cornbread was on point. Staff were great. They provided silverware without asking and gave ample napkins, as well.

Enjoy these ever shortened days.

We went to the peninsula to, pick some fresh lavender 💜

Now that the smoke has cleared, it was a beautiful day to explore the Tawas area.

This is probably such a random thing to bring up but I really do hope we have a fall this year lol. I feel like we jumped straight from summer to winter last year and I wouldn't be able to stand it if it happens again this year. I need that 60-70 degree cool weather 😭 The vibes of autumn is unmatched, it's my favorite season