Outside super PACs backing U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens are outspending Abdul El-Sayed on television by more than 12 to 1 during the final five weeks of Michigan's Democratic Senate primary.

• The total: $26.9 million for Stevens versus $2.1 million for El-Sayed, from July 1 to the Aug. 4 primary, according to AdImpact.

Why it matters: That's a massive cash advantage in an expensive state — and it underscores how outside groups have reshaped the race's closing stretch in what is turning into a proxy war for the future of the Democratic Party.

Between the lines: Despite Stevens' spending edge, El-Sayed has continued to attract notable progressive support in the race's closing weeks, a sign his backers believe the primary remains winnable.

By the numbers: A constellation of super PACs is fueling Stevens' advertising blitz.

• United Democracy Project, the AIPAC-affiliated super PAC, has reserved roughly $19 million in broadcast television ad time in the closing five weeks, according to AdImpact.
• A Stronger Michigan, a pro-Stevens super PAC, has reserved about $5 million.
• Unite to Win, a new super PAC working for Stevens, has reserved another $2 million.

On El-Sayed's side:

• Fighting for Michigan, a super PAC supporting El-Sayed that planned to spend millions in direct mail, digital advertising and organizing, has reserved $375,000 for broadcast television.
• The El-Sayed campaign itself has spent or reserved roughly $1.7 million.

What they're saying: "Congresswoman Stevens is relying on massive outside spending from AIPAC and Trump-aligned billionaires to manufacture momentum," El-Sayed spokesperson Roxie Richner said in a statement to Axios.

• "This race is truly the many versus the money."

State of play: The spending gap was already lopsided a month ago, when Stevens and her allies had booked roughly $17 million in advertising, compared with about $2.1 million for El-Sayed.

• The race narrowed from three candidates to two after state Sen. Mallory McMorrow ended her campaign in early June.

Go deeper: What Michigan primary voters need to know

The growing Cyclospora outbreak is raising questions about produce safety and whether washing fruits and vegetables is enough to prevent infection.

Why it matters: Cyclosporiasis can cause severe diarrhea, and experts say washing produce may reduce — but not eliminate — the risk of infection.

• Health officials say consumers should follow the same basic food safety practices recommended to reduce the risk of Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria contamination — including avoiding bagged and precut produce for now and thoroughly washing fresh fruits and vegetables.

The latest: The state health department yesterday reported 6,571 cases since June 22 — about 400 more than the day before.

What foods should you avoid during the Cyclospora outbreak?

Driving the news: Health officials and investigators pointed to fresh produce as the main culprit, potentially including products from Taylor Farms, which are sold at Taco Bell.

• The Food and Drug Administration said Monday it still thinks Taylor Farms lettuce is likely behind a Cyclospora outbreak, even after pulling back earlier test results linking the produce to the parasite.

Experts generally suggest avoiding bagged salads and produce until the main source is identified.

How to clean and wash your vegetables

Even if produce is labeled "prewashed" or "triple washed," some experts say consumers may want to rinse it again during the current Cyclospora outbreak.

How it works: According to the FDA, the most effective way to wash your fruits and veggies is to:

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds.
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas of the food.
• Rinse produce before peeling.
• Rub produce under running water.
• For harder produce like melons and cucumbers, use a clean vegetable brush.
• Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• For lettuce and cabbage, remove the outermost leaves

Other health experts tell Axios that people can clean their vegetables and fruits with vinegar or baking soda in order to destroy the parasite.

Why cleaning might not stop the outbreak

Reality check: Research suggests that washing produce can reduce risk, but it cannot reliably remove Cyclospora because the parasite's protective shell resists water and many sanitizers.

• "In terms of prevention, the honest reality is that there is no foolproof way for consumers to eliminate the risk at home," says Steven Goldberg, a former USDA official.

Other methods to kill the parasite

🌿 Michigan's cannabis market hit record-low prices as sales stayed sluggish, squeezing growers and retailers across the state.

• The average cost of an ounce of marijuana flower for recreational use was $58.18 in June. (Crain's 🔒)

🎶 A local music census found Detroit musicians and venues are struggling with finances and sustainability despite the city's deep talent base. (Detroit News 🔒)

⚾ Rival MLB executives increasingly believe the Tigers will keep ace Tarik Skubal beyond the Aug. 3 trade deadline. (ESPN)

🎨 Join a free tour today at 5pm exploring the DIA's outdoor art installation along the city's Southwest Greenway and riverfront, where reproductions of seven museum masterpieces will be displayed in parks and public spaces. (WDIV)

The purest form of Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" can only be seen in 25 U.S. theaters — all equipped with 70mm IMAX screens.

Zoom in: Michigan's only theater showing the 70mm version is Celebration Cinema's Grand Rapids North location.

The big picture: Movie theaters are enjoying their strongest run since COVID — driven in part by major film studios turning major releases into can't-miss events like Nolan's latest.

Context: Nolan's preferred presentation format can only be shown on 70mm IMAX screens, which offer the highest-quality image and sound from the original film.

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