Your weekend must reads🗞️

Another school shooting sparks an all-too-familiar sense of dread in parents. This fall’s presidential election may still come down to undecided voters, despite our increasing political polarization. And a new NFL season brings a trio of intriguing rule changes to America’s most popular sport.
👋Good morning! John Riley here, bringing you some of USA TODAY’s best stories of the week. Let’s get right to it.
But first: A new kind of NOPE!: Scientists have identified a new species of tarantula in the U.S.🕷️
A wave of familiar dread set in for parents across the country this week in the wake of the Georgia school shooting. Each time a new tragedy grips the country, parents contend with a renewed sense of foreboding about sending their children into school environments many feel can’t guarantee their safety. How to cope with those feelings – of anxiety, fear and helplessness – is something every parent approaches differently.🙏
With two months to Election Day, 8% of likely voters are either undecided or will select a third-party candidate in November. In the August USA TODAY/Suffolk University national poll of likely voters, we asked some of these voters what was holding them back from voting for former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Here’s what these “Torn 20” voters − all of whom live in swing states − had to say.🗳️
The NFL is going to look a lot different this season − from the first play of the game. The league’s new “dynamic kickoff” more resembles a play from scrimmage than the traditional kick-off. And that won’t be the only change this season intended to make the game safer. Some players may be wearing a soft, protective covering over their helmet. And some may incur a 15-yard penalty for a “hip-drop” tackle. Here’s a brief look at each of the game’s new wrinkles.🏈
This is not the end: There are more great stories below.👇 Have a great weekend!