{"id":6675,"date":"2026-08-05T12:00:06","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T12:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/?p=6675"},"modified":"2026-08-05T12:00:07","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T12:00:07","slug":"michigan-democratic-race-to-close-to-call-with-el-sayed-in-narrow-lead-first-thing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/?p=6675","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Democratic race to close to call with El-Sayed in narrow lead  First Thing"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-gu-name=\"media\" class=\"dcr-14sl0e4\">\n<div class=\"dcr-17l77cs\">\n<figure id=\"95af3449-4312-4f3d-a0f0-4ea34a486052\" class=\"dcr-191xnya\">\n<div id=\"img-1\" class=\"dcr-1t7hdmw\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/52c6cf62c386ab96a1f10eb8e853b6150ab7bf76\/332_140_1398_1118\/master\/1398.jpg?width=465&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" width=\"465\" height=\"371.86695278969955\" loading=\"eager\" class=\"dcr-up96pv\"><span class=\"dcr-kogzpx\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"dcr-18mnkpm\">\n<div class=\"dcr-1294qmb\"><label for=\"the-checkbox\" class=\"dcr-4sl2vt\"><\/label> <\/p>\n<div id=\"the-caption\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-1mfxiaj\"><span class=\"dcr-13i4yc9\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1cipnsy\">Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive former public health official, was on 48.7% of the vote as of 4pm local time, and the establishment-backed congresswoman Haley Stevens was on 47.3%.<\/span> Photograph: Dieu-Nalio Chery\/EPA<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><a href=\"#img-1\" data-ignore=\"global-link-styling\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-zwabc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><button data-element-id=\"95af3449-4312-4f3d-a0f0-4ea34a486052\" type=\"button\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-1bitgpn\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\"><span class=\"dcr-1shbixy\">View image in fullscreen<\/span><\/button><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-qda0hp\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-1e9iiy9\"><span class=\"dcr-13i4yc9\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1cipnsy\">Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive former public health official, was on 48.7% of the vote as of 4pm local time, and the establishment-backed congresswoman Haley Stevens was on 47.3%.<\/span> Photograph: Dieu-Nalio Chery\/EPA<\/figcaption><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-gu-name=\"headline\" class=\"dcr-ql9l8l\">\n<div class=\"dcr-6mja0y\">\n<h1 class=\"dcr-l0wuod\">First Thing: Michigan Democratic race in the balance with El-Sayed holding narrow lead<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-gu-name=\"standfirst\" class=\"dcr-1xpojbf\">\n<div class=\"dcr-1gm5ptv\">\n<p>Haley Stevens trails progressive in Senate primary as counting continues. Plus, meet the man who names cockroaches after Tolkein and Pok\u00e9mon characters<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-gu-name=\"body\" class=\"dcr-x1al2c\">\n<div class=\"dcr-11gq2tx\">\n<div id=\"maincontent\" class=\"dcr-1w2vkyc\">\n<div class=\"article-body-commercial-selector article-body-viewer-selector dcr-ogvvui\">\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Good morning.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">A Democratic Senate primary in Michigan <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/aug\/05\/abdul-el-sayed-haley-stevens-michigan-primary-election\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">remains too close to call<\/a>, with Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive former public health official, holding a narrow lead over the establishment-backed congresswoman Haley Stevens. The battleground state is crucial to the party\u2019s hopes of winning back control of the Senate in November.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">At about 4am local time, El-Sayed had 48.7% of the vote and Stevens 47.3%, with 95% of votes counted, according to the Associated Press. In remarks to supporters, El-Sayed said: \u201cWe\u2019re going to have to wait a little longer to see the outcome of this race, but as I look in front of me, I already see [it].\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">In Missouri, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/aug\/04\/wesley-bell-missouri-democratic-primary-congress\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Democratic congressman Wesley Bell won his primary<\/a>, ending the progressive former representative Cori Bush\u2019s comeback attempt and blunting the momentum that pro-Palestinian candidates have shown in recent elections.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\n<li class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><strong>Who won in <\/strong><strong>the crowded primary in Washington state? <\/strong>The Democratic representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez secured one of two spots in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/aug\/04\/marie-gluesenkamp-perez-washington-primary-election\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">all-party primary<\/a>, overcoming criticism from both the left and the right. She will face the Republican state senator John Braun in November.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><strong>Why are citizens being denied a voice in Missouri?<\/strong> The state\u2019s top election official has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/aug\/04\/missouri-redistricting-plan-vote\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">rejected a petition<\/a> seeking a statewide referendum on redistricting. Hundreds of thousands of petition signatures had been submitted in an effort to force a vote on whether to use a new US House map approved by the Republican-led state legislature. The Republican secretary of state, Denny Hoskins, said the number submitted did not matter because challenging a congressional map was unconstitutional under Missouri law.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"us-revokes-brazil-ambassadors-visa-in-escalation-of-diplomatic-feud\" class=\"dcr-8418j6\"><strong>US revokes Brazil ambassador\u2019s visa in escalation of diplomatic feud<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"c788070d-a4ef-4b3e-abbf-1cbba27af9c2\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div id=\"img-2\" class=\"dcr-1t7hdmw\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti.\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/261cc5d09071f07757bc324bf14ad434f575ede5\/186_0_3728_2982\/master\/3728.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" width=\"445\" height=\"355.95225321888415\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"dcr-up96pv\"><a href=\"#img-2\" data-ignore=\"global-link-styling\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-zwabc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><button data-element-id=\"c788070d-a4ef-4b3e-abbf-1cbba27af9c2\" type=\"button\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-1bitgpn\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\"><span class=\"dcr-1shbixy\">View image in fullscreen<\/span><\/button><\/a><\/div><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-174mzkf\"><span class=\"dcr-vyhg7z\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1cipnsy\">The confrontation over Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti is the latest in a series of clashes between presidents Trump and Lula.<\/span> Photograph: Wolfgang Kumm\/DPA\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Donald Trump\u2019s administration has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/aug\/04\/us-revokes-brazil-ambassador-visa\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">revoked the visa of Brazil\u2019s ambassador to the US<\/a>, in a sharp escalation of a diplomatic feud with the Brazilian president, Luiz In\u00e1cio Lula da Silva. The administration stopped short of expelling Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">The confrontation is the latest in a series of clashes between Trump and Lula, with their governments sharply diverging over Latin American politics, Venezuela, Cuba and the role of the US in the region. Trump has repeatedly intervened in political contests across Latin America, while Lula has made national sovereignty a central theme of his campaign.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\n<li class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><strong>What is the dispute about?<\/strong> The US Department of State said Viotti\u2019s visa had been cancelled in retaliation for Bras\u00edlia\u2019s refusal to approve Trump\u2019s nominee for ambassador to Brazil and its decision last month to deny visas to two US diplomats. Bras\u00edlia swiftly condemned the decision, calling it part of a deliberate campaign to influence the outcome of the presidential election in Brazil this October. Lula, 80, is seeking a fourth, non-consecutive term against Fl\u00e1vio Bolsonaro, the senator son of the former president Jair Bolsonaro and a close political ally of Trump.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"openai-pays-32m-to-settle-claims-it-discriminated-against-us-workers\" class=\"dcr-8418j6\"><strong>OpenAI pays $3.2m to settle claims it discriminated against US workers<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"0ba0c9ab-4a9e-4e8e-9843-28a70a9f925f\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div id=\"img-3\" class=\"dcr-1t7hdmw\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"OpenAI logo.\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/5db8e59cbd6842019ce85d0e19df962cc9c7bef1\/664_0_3333_2667\/master\/3333.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" width=\"445\" height=\"356.0801080108011\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"dcr-up96pv\"><a href=\"#img-3\" data-ignore=\"global-link-styling\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-zwabc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><button data-element-id=\"0ba0c9ab-4a9e-4e8e-9843-28a70a9f925f\" type=\"button\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-1bitgpn\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\"><span class=\"dcr-1shbixy\">View image in fullscreen<\/span><\/button><\/a><\/div><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-174mzkf\"><span class=\"dcr-vyhg7z\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1cipnsy\">OpenAI has denied wrongdoing in the hiring bias settlement.<\/span> Photograph: Dado Ruvi\u0107\/Reuters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/aug\/04\/openai-worker-discrimination-claims-settlement\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">OpenAI and a subsidiary will pay $3.2m<\/a> to settle US government claims they \u2060favored foreign workers with temporary employment visas and discriminated against US job applicants in recruiting and hiring, the justice department has said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">The assistant attorney general Harmeet Dhillon said: \u201cThis substantial settlement ensures that OpenAI redresses harm and changes its recruitment practices so US workers receive a fair opportunity for highly sought-after technology positions.\u201d OpenAI did \u200cnot immediately respond to \u200ca request for comment. The company denied wrongdoing in the settlement agreement.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"el-nino-could-push-50m-people-into-acute-hunger-before-end-of-2027\" class=\"dcr-8418j6\"><strong>El Ni\u00f1o could push 50m people into acute hunger before end of <\/strong><strong>2027<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"e00b771a-d314-471c-99a6-ba7df28cd6be\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div id=\"img-4\" class=\"dcr-1t7hdmw\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A maize crop affected by lack of rain in Zimbabwe.\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/b57b8dd95edd1935e02ddb078532162bdbc9324c\/96_0_2500_2000\/master\/2500.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" width=\"445\" height=\"356\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"dcr-up96pv\"><a href=\"#img-4\" data-ignore=\"global-link-styling\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-zwabc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><button data-element-id=\"e00b771a-d314-471c-99a6-ba7df28cd6be\" type=\"button\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-1bitgpn\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\"><span class=\"dcr-1shbixy\">View image in fullscreen<\/span><\/button><\/a><\/div><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-174mzkf\"><span class=\"dcr-vyhg7z\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1cipnsy\">Hundreds of millions of people already facing dangerous levels of hunger, owing to years of drought in parts of Africa and pressure on food prices.<\/span> Photograph: Aaron Ufumeli\/EPA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">About 50 million people are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/environment\/2026\/aug\/05\/el-nino-could-push-50m-people-acute-hunger-next-year\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">likely to be pushed into acute hunger<\/a> before the end of next year by the rapidly developing El Ni\u00f1o weather system, according to forecasting. This is in addition to the hundreds of millions of people already facing dangerous levels of hunger, owing to years of drought in parts of Africa and pressure on food prices caused by the Iran war.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Even if the forecasted El Ni\u00f1o is less strong than some models predict, it will tip many countries over the edge, adding more than a fifth to the 225 million people in 45 countries in acute food insecurity, the UN\u2019s World Food Programme said on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"in-other-news\" class=\"dcr-8418j6\"><strong>In other news \u2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"a99f0073-5276-4377-93c7-634d8903db2c\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div id=\"img-5\" class=\"dcr-1t7hdmw\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Firefighters put out a fire after Russian missiles hit a warehouse in Kyiv.\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/af8e876887f2113b76013bb343d402e242adbfd7\/0_0_6778_5424\/master\/6778.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" width=\"445\" height=\"356.1050457362054\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"dcr-up96pv\"><a href=\"#img-5\" data-ignore=\"global-link-styling\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-zwabc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><button data-element-id=\"a99f0073-5276-4377-93c7-634d8903db2c\" type=\"button\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-1bitgpn\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\"><span class=\"dcr-1shbixy\">View image in fullscreen<\/span><\/button><\/a><\/div><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-174mzkf\"><span class=\"dcr-vyhg7z\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1cipnsy\">The intensifying Russian attacks have prompted Kyiv to plead for more US-made Patriot interceptors<\/span> Photograph: Dan Bashakov\/AP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\n<li class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><strong>A Russian attack on Kyiv has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/aug\/05\/russia-kyiv-attack-kills-at-least-14-people-ukraine-authorities\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">killed at least 17 people<\/a><\/strong> after Ukraine was unable to shoot down any incoming missiles. The intensifying attacks have prompted Kyiv to plead for more US-made Patriot interceptors.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><strong>The celebrity blogger <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/media\/2026\/aug\/05\/perez-hilton-hospitalised-after-live-streaming-self-harm-on-tiktok\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Perez Hilton has been hospitalised<\/a><\/strong> after apparently livestreaming acts of self-harm on TikTok.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><strong>The Trump ally <\/strong><strong>Mike Lindell<\/strong><strong> is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/aug\/04\/mike-lindell-mypillow-ceo-minnesota-governor\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">leaving his role with the MyPillow company<\/a> to focus on his campaign to become the next governor of Minnesota<\/strong>. Lindell has spent millions of dollars trying to prove the 2020 election was rife with fraud.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><strong>An armed man has been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/aug\/04\/man-arrested-trump-california-golf-course\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">arrested at Trump\u2019s California golf course<\/a><\/strong>. Jeanine John Taele allegedly took photos and videos of the property days before the president\u2019s visit.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><strong>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reportedly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/aug\/04\/cyclosporiasis-outbreak-15-states-cdc\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">expanded the scope<\/a> of the largest known <\/strong><strong>cyclosporiasis<\/strong><strong> outbreak in the US to 15 states<\/strong>. Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina are now said to be affected.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"stat-of-the-day-ufcs-white-house-spectacle-led-to-losses-of-about-30m-company-reveals\" class=\"dcr-8418j6\"><strong>Stat of the day: UFC\u2019s White House spectacle led to losses of <\/strong><strong>about $30m, company reveals<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"25c408de-db6f-47eb-9a33-8ca306c2da43\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div id=\"img-6\" class=\"dcr-1t7hdmw\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"UFC Freedom 250 on the south lawn of the White House.\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/0790fe2420af8d23642ebdf9bb2dfd6d4fa96ab5\/968_0_9680_7744\/master\/9680.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" width=\"445\" height=\"356\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"dcr-up96pv\"><a href=\"#img-6\" data-ignore=\"global-link-styling\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-zwabc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><button data-element-id=\"25c408de-db6f-47eb-9a33-8ca306c2da43\" type=\"button\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-1bitgpn\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\"><span class=\"dcr-1shbixy\">View image in fullscreen<\/span><\/button><\/a><\/div><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-174mzkf\"><span class=\"dcr-vyhg7z\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1cipnsy\">UFC Freedom 250 on the south lawn of the White House was one of the most-watched mixed martial events ever.<\/span> Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein\/AP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Freedom 250 at the White House garnered 8.2 million viewers domestically and about 34 million worldwide, making it one of the most-watched mixed martial events of all-time, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2026\/aug\/04\/ufc-freedom-250-white-house-losses-trump\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">led to losses of about $30m<\/a>, the company\u2019s owners announced.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"well-actually-skip-the-run-here-are-six-joint-friendly-cardio-alternatives-suggested-by-experts\" class=\"dcr-8418j6\"><strong>Well Actually: Skip the run \u2013 here are six joint-friendly cardio alternatives suggested by experts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"8629b339-ed37-4e78-b1fd-0041c52ea8e2\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div id=\"img-7\" class=\"dcr-1t7hdmw\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Wild swimming.\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/8b8609ab8210acd0525aea2ff6bc50c0c85d946d\/560_0_5600_4480\/master\/5600.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" width=\"445\" height=\"356\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"dcr-up96pv\"><a href=\"#img-7\" data-ignore=\"global-link-styling\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-zwabc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><button data-element-id=\"8629b339-ed37-4e78-b1fd-0041c52ea8e2\" type=\"button\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-1bitgpn\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\"><span class=\"dcr-1shbixy\">View image in fullscreen<\/span><\/button><\/a><\/div><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-174mzkf\"><span class=\"dcr-vyhg7z\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1cipnsy\">Swimming is a great cardio option, offers a full body workout and puts minimal stress on the joints.<\/span> Photograph: Gary Calton\/The Observer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Whether you\u2019re nursing a joint, have a condition or just don\u2019t feel like running, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/wellness\/2026\/aug\/04\/joint-friendly-running-cardio-alternative-exercises\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Rae Witte suggests these exercises<\/a> to help still get your cardio in. And hobbies can improve your health \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/wellness\/2026\/jul\/31\/hobbies-can-improve-your-health\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Julia Hotz has four tips for choosing one<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dont-miss-this-the-cockroach-lord-who-names-new-species-after-tolkien-and-pokemon-characters\" class=\"dcr-8418j6\"><strong>Don\u2019t miss this: The \u2018Cockroach Lord\u2019 who names new species after Tolkien and Pok\u00e9mon characters<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/environment\/series\/invertebrate-of-the-year-2026\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">invertebrate of the year 2026 competition<\/a> is running, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/environment\/2026\/aug\/05\/cockroach-lord-cristian-lucanas-new-species-tolkien-pokemon-aoe\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Rebecca Ratcliffe has spoken to Cristian Luca\u00f1as<\/a>, who has discovered multiple species of cockroach in the Philippines. He believes there is far more to the much-maligned insect than meets the eye. Here are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/environment\/2026\/aug\/04\/six-mind-bendingly-amazing-facts-about-invertebrates\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">six mind-bendingly amazing facts<\/a> about invertebrates to intrigue you, but in my book <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/environment\/2026\/aug\/04\/when-you-kill-it-it-doesnt-die-the-jellyfish-that-has-cracked-the-secret-of-immortality\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">this \u201cimmortal\u201d jellyfish<\/a> is going to take some beating.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"-or-this-protesters-occupy-200-year-old-tree-at-us-mexico-border-to-stop-its-destruction\" class=\"dcr-8418j6\"><strong>\u2026 or this: Protesters occupy 200-year-old tree at US-Mexico border to stop its destruction<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"ce0f3da0-b636-4479-9a2d-24bd48274c86\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div id=\"img-8\" class=\"dcr-1t7hdmw\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Community members stage a protest to protect an ancient cottonwood tree from demolition.\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/271b5105dc3cec94a1a215c920c9d9744b5926fc\/565_0_6483_5189\/master\/6483.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" width=\"445\" height=\"356.1784667592164\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"dcr-up96pv\"><a href=\"#img-8\" data-ignore=\"global-link-styling\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-zwabc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><button data-element-id=\"ce0f3da0-b636-4479-9a2d-24bd48274c86\" type=\"button\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-1bitgpn\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\"><span class=\"dcr-1shbixy\">View image in fullscreen<\/span><\/button><\/a><\/div><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-174mzkf\"><span class=\"dcr-vyhg7z\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1cipnsy\">Community members stage a protest to protect an ancient cottonwood tree from demolition.<\/span> Photograph: Rebecca Noble\/Reuters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/aug\/04\/protesters-occupy-tree-us-mexico-border\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Protesters are staging a \u201ctree sit\u201d<\/a> in a tiny Arizona town to prevent the destruction of a grove of ancient cottonwood trees as federal contractors race to build a row of two 30ft walls along the border with Sonora, Mexico.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"climate-check-three-lions-die-of-suspected-heatstroke-at-tokyo-zoo-as-japan-swelters\" class=\"dcr-8418j6\"><strong>Climate check: Three lions die of suspected heatstroke at Tokyo zoo as Japan swelters<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"831f787c-7e71-47c3-8e08-691104be6a01\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div id=\"img-9\" class=\"dcr-1t7hdmw\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Three-year-old female lion Mugi, one of three lions in Tama Zoological Park that died recently.\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/58b56ae03d7734c4998a0dd927845ef1529992d6\/0_0_6000_4000\/master\/6000.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" width=\"445\" height=\"296.66666666666663\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"dcr-up96pv\"><a href=\"#img-9\" data-ignore=\"global-link-styling\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-zwabc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><button data-element-id=\"831f787c-7e71-47c3-8e08-691104be6a01\" type=\"button\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-1bitgpn\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\"><span class=\"dcr-1shbixy\">View image in fullscreen<\/span><\/button><\/a><\/div><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-174mzkf\"><span class=\"dcr-vyhg7z\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1cipnsy\">Three-year-old female lion Mugi, one of three lions in Tama zoological park that died recently.<\/span> Photograph: Tokyo Zoological Park Society\/Reuters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Three lions from a Tokyo zoo have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/aug\/04\/three-lions-dead-suspected-heatstroke-japan-zoo-heatwave\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">died from suspected heatstroke<\/a> as Japan swelters. Japan experienced its hottest summer on record last year, and in recent weeks parts of the country have hit 40C, qualifying for the new \u201ccruelly hot day\u201d designation.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"last-thing-ai-generated-stories-rated-better-quality-than-human-written-ones-study-finds\" class=\"dcr-8418j6\"><strong>Last Thing: AI-generated stories rated better quality than human-written ones, study finds<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"be736975-7e1a-42f1-b9a2-72f8af5e1868\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div id=\"img-10\" class=\"dcr-1t7hdmw\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"People playing as robots.\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/fab6331a0dcd2104e45c54620c3f9167f746715e\/253_0_4927_3941\/master\/4927.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" width=\"445\" height=\"355.94580880860565\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"dcr-up96pv\"><a href=\"#img-10\" data-ignore=\"global-link-styling\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-zwabc0\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><button data-element-id=\"be736975-7e1a-42f1-b9a2-72f8af5e1868\" type=\"button\" class=\"open-lightbox dcr-1bitgpn\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\"><span class=\"dcr-1shbixy\">View image in fullscreen<\/span><\/button><\/a><\/div><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-174mzkf\"><span class=\"dcr-vyhg7z\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1cipnsy\">Rise of the robots?<\/span> Photograph: MoMo Productions\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">In a development that sounds rather worrying for people who write for a living \u2013 yours truly, for example \u2013 a study has found participants who read an AI-generated story <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/aug\/05\/ai-generated-stories-rated-better-quality-than-human-written-ones-study-finds\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">rated it as more absorbing and of higher quality<\/a> than those who read a human-written one. Uh-oh.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sign-up\" class=\"dcr-8418j6\"><strong>Sign up<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"876f27a8-92f7-49a7-83e6-cc30f2755a37\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.EmbedBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div data-testid=\"embed-block\" class=\"dcr-bim5uz\">\n<div class=\"dcr-1uhxjbp\">Sign up for the US morning briefing<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">First Thing is delivered to thousands of inboxes every weekday. If you\u2019re not already signed up, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/info\/2018\/sep\/17\/guardian-us-morning-briefing-sign-up-to-stay-informed\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">subscribe now<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"get-in-touch\" class=\"dcr-8418j6\"><strong>Get in touch<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">If you have any questions or comments about any of our newsletters please email <a href=\"mailto:newsletters@theguardian.com\" data-link-name=\"in body link | mailto:newsletters@theguardian.com\">newsletters@theguardian.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-print-layout=\"hide\" class=\"dcr-swayiu\"><span class=\"dcr-1xhbmzr\">Explore more on these topics<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"dcr-2c03t5\">\n<ul class=\"dcr-p7nd18\">\n<li class=\"dcr-r721ee\"><a href=\"\/us-news\/us-news\" class=\"dcr-856iwi\">US news<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-r721ee\"><a href=\"\/us-news\/series\/guardian-us-briefing\" class=\"dcr-856iwi\">First Thing newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-r721ee\"><a href=\"\/tone\/news\" class=\"dcr-856iwi\">news<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dcr-313bdz\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Michigan%20Democratic%20race%20to%20close%20to%20call%20with%20El-Sayed%20in%20narrow%20lead%20|%20First%20Thing&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/aug\/05\/first-thing-michigan-democratic-primary-too-close-to-call-el-sayed-narrow-lead?CMP=share_btn_url\" class=\"dcr-ncybeu\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"dcr-19bkree\"><a data-link-name=\"meta-syndication-article\" href=\"https:\/\/syndication.theguardian.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fus-news%2F2026%2Faug%2F05%2Ffirst-thing-michigan-democratic-primary-too-close-to-call-el-sayed-narrow-lead&amp;type=article&amp;internalpagecode=us-news\/2026\/aug\/05\/first-thing-michigan-democratic-primary-too-close-to-call-el-sayed-narrow-lead\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"Reuse this content\" class=\"dcr-1c41onw\">Reuse this content<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-gu-name=\"right-column\" class=\"dcr-1kq7f60\"><span class=\"dcr-1ryr20k\"><\/span><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive former public health official, was on 48.7% of the vote as of 4pm local<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":6677,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6675","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-us-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6675","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6675"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6675\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6678,"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6675\/revisions\/6678"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6677"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6675"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6675"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6675"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}