USA TODAY is reporting that Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive Democrat, secured his party's nomination for Michigan's U.S. Senate race, defeating U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens. It said this victory marks a turning point for Democrats, who must unite behind El-Sayed and attract moderate voters to defeat Republican nominee Mike Rogers in November. Winning this seat, which Democratic Sen. Gary Peters is vacating, is crucial for Democrats to have a chance at reclaiming the GOP-controlled Senate.
The newspaper also reported that the cyclospora outbreak continues to grow, and President Donald J Trump's third nominee for CDC director has been confirmed. Additionally, 170,000 borrowers are set to have their student loan debt erased.
In other news, USA TODAY said firefighters are battling the Old Trails, Fairview and Autumn Lane fires, which have burned more than 10,500 acres in the Spokane area of Washington. It also highlighted the growing use of Flock Safety's license plate reader cameras and surveillance systems across the country, noting the ongoing debate between their crime-stopping benefits and concerns over personal privacy.
The Department of Justice's felony criminal case against a former Olympian for damaging the Reflecting Pool has collapsed, marking the latest in a series of legal misfires, USA TODAY reported. Federal health officials have linked a salmonella outbreak to jalapeños, sickening people in 27 states and resulting in 36 hospitalizations. In Florida, Broward County Public Schools expects more closures due to 50,000 empty seats, and Mariner High School's football coach and five staff members were dismissed just one week before the season opener.
The cast of "Ted Lasso" Season 4 reunited for its Apple TV premiere in New York City, with a separate premiere event held at the NWSL stadium in Kansas City. USA TODAY also noted a new wave of young birdwatchers, drawn to the activity by technology, community and a more inclusive vision of outdoor recreation.