Dr. Erica Schwartz was confirmed by the Senate as CDC director, becoming the first Black woman to lead the agency after a brief and contentious prior tenure. Public-health officials are tracking a salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños that has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, while cyclospora cases have been reported in at least 15 states. The FDA approved Moderna’s seasonal mRNA flu vaccine for adults over 50, and wildfires near Spokane have damaged or destroyed nearly 850 structures with no reported deaths.
CDC Gets New Leader as Salmonella and Cyclospora Outbreaks Spread
Erica Schwartz attends her confirmation hearing to become director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. | Finn Gomez/Getty Images
Good morning. As late summer produces peak, enjoy sweet corn, ripe tomatoes and stone fruit — and try those taco recipes topping many lists. Here are the headlines you need to know today.
CDC Leadership
The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A former deputy surgeon general, Schwartz is the first Black woman to lead the agency. She succeeds Dr. Susan Monarez, who was removed weeks into the role amid clashes over vaccination policy. Schwartz brings experience in vaccination programs and government crisis response.
Foodborne Outbreaks
Public-health officials are investigating multiple outbreaks. The CDC reports at least 345 people in 27 states have fallen ill in a salmonella outbreak recently linked to jalapeño peppers. Cases of cyclospora (cyclosporiasis) are also rising, with reports from at least 15 states. Officials advise careful food handling and staying updated on public-health alerts; note that simple produce rinses often do not eliminate Cyclospora.
An orange sun at sunrise in the background of a burned home during the Old Trails fire in Spokane, Washington. | Matt Mills McKnight/Reuters
Vaccine News
The Food and Drug Administration approved what Moderna calls the first seasonal flu vaccine using mRNA technology, authorized for adults older than 50. The approval comes amid debate over mRNA-based approaches from some public figures.
Wildfires Near Spokane
Hot, dry conditions have hundreds of firefighters working long shifts to slow wildfires near Spokane, Washington. The fires have damaged or destroyed nearly 850 structures since Saturday; officials report no deaths so far.
Politics & Government
After winning Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, Abdul El-Sayed was labeled a “communist” who “hates” Israel and Jews by former President Donald Trump. El-Sayed denied the accusations as campaigns ramp up toward the midterms.
A24/Goode Films/HBO
The Department of Health and Human Services is moving to decertify a Kentucky organ-donation organization over alleged patient-safety failures, including reports that an attempted organ retrieval occurred when a patient showed signs of life.
Sports
The Los Angeles Dodgers have dropped six straight games after being swept by the Chicago Cubs, prompting questions about how the team slid from one of MLB’s best records to a steep losing streak. Pete Crow-Armstrong drew attention for standout plays during the sweep.
WNBA: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham — who recently drew headlines for comments about transgender athletes — says she wants to keep the focus on basketball. The Fever face the Las Vegas Aces tonight on the WNBA App.
Illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Bettmann
Baseball Today: The Toronto Blue Jays, coming off a win over the Astros, play the Chicago Cubs at 2:20 p.m. ET on MLB.TV. Football: The NFL preseason opens with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at 8 p.m. ET on Peacock, as the Arizona Cardinals meet the Carolina Panthers.
Entertainment & Culture
Actor Michael B. Jordan surprised an Oklahoma grandmother with a FaceTime call and gifts after she went viral for putting his photo on her family wall and joking he was her grandson. Jordan thanked fans for the outpouring of support.
Docuseries: Monster of God, from filmmaker Eric Goode (of Tiger King), premieres on HBO at 9 p.m. ET and examines the illicit trade in exotic animals, including snakes.
Julia Zaborowski-Casper
On This Day
In 1926, 20-year-old Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim the English Channel, breaking the men's speed record of the era. Her story inspired the film Young Woman and the Sea, starring Daisy Ridley.
Human Interest & Health Tip
Chicago parents Julia Zaborowski-Casper and Phil Casper continue a family tradition of giving each child a full day of one-on-one activities for their birthday to make them feel celebrated. Health tip: if you're worried about the cyclospora outbreak, follow official guidance — thorough washing alone may not eliminate the parasite; peeling and cooking produce when possible and paying attention to recalls and advisories can reduce risk.
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