USA TODAY is reporting that preliminary findings from an independent autopsy of Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old football player at Southwest Mississippi Community College, indicate he died of undetermined causes. Wells was reported missing after a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island, and his body was recovered July 6. His family has raised questions about his disappearance.
The outlet also reported that President Donald Trump criticized Sen. Jon Ossoff. Separately, actress Kaylee Hottle, known for "Godzilla vs. Kong," died at 18 following a car crash.
Regarding international affairs, USA TODAY said a dignified transfer brought home four U.S. soldiers killed, as House Speaker Mike Johnson called for an end to the Iran war. In other news, a freed Cuban artist has brought his cause to Miami, with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, former Cuban president Raúl Castro’s grandson, stating Cuba is willing to release "people deemed political prisoners" under the right conditions.
In sports, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark received her seventh technical foul of the season during a game against the Connecticut Sun. USA TODAY Sports Columnist Nancy Armor criticized Clark's frequent flopping, stating she "has raged over non-calls and spun a narrative easily debunked by video." The publication also noted that USA TODAY filed a motion to intervene in the Shilo Sanders bankruptcy case after secret developments. Additionally, unsigned quarterback Fernando Mendoza and the Raiders are at odds over a bonus, with Mendoza leading the top four NFL draft quarterbacks yet to sign contracts. ESPN reportedly had minutes to decide to lay off ex-analyst Ryan Clark during a live "NFL Live" taping.
On environmental news, Tropical Storm Bertha is being torn apart by wind shear, a characteristic impact of El Niño on the Atlantic hurricane season.
Finally, USA TODAY reported on the growing cyclospora outbreak, noting differing statements from Mexico, RFK Jr., and Taylor Farms regarding its origin and control.