Republicans reel after defeats avoid blaming Trump | JQJO

Republicans reeled after defeats, fearing President Trump’s low approval would weigh on midterms. As blame ricocheted, they faulted flawed candidates, a government shutdown, a focus on demonizing transgender issues, and a weak economic pitch; Speaker Mike Johnson cast Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City and a democratic socialist, as the new leader of the Democratic Party. No one blamed Trump, who loomed but did little: no fundraisers or rallies, only phoned-in calls to New Jersey and Virginia, and an endorsement that omitted Winsome Earle-Sears’s name. Democrats surged to the polls as Republicans struggled to rouse MAGA base.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth quietly visited Israel on Monday and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a senior U.S. military official. The unannounced visit occurred just over a week before Netanyahu’s Likud party faces elections. It also follows President Trump’s suggestion of resuming military operations against Iran after the midterm elections. Hegseth confirmed his presence in U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility on X, sharing a photo of himself addressing American service members on a historic mission. The Pentagon declined to comment, and CBS News has sought Israeli government input.

Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin was carted off in an air cast after a significant knee injury early in Monday night’s 23‑17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. McLaurin fell near the sideline during a route in the first quarter; replay showed his left knee buckling as he planted to the outside. He remained on the field in pain before a cart arrived, and he hopped onto the vehicle with his entire left leg in a full air cast. The Commanders ruled him out with a knee injury, and head coach Dan Quinn said the injury could be significant. McLaurin had one 27‑yard catch before going down. He entered the game with 203 receiving yards and a touchdown in four games this season. The injury comes as Washington sits 1‑4‑1, last in the NFC East, and could complicate quarterback Jayden Daniels’ plans as the team heads toward the midway point of the season.

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians 7‑3 in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series, clinching the pennant and earning a spot in the 2026 World Series. The win, highlighted by Junior Caminero’s series‑sealing home run and Yandy Díaz’s 416‑foot blast, gave the Rays a 5‑1 lead that the Guardians could not overcome. Milwaukee, who swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, will face Tampa Bay in the Fall Classic. The Rays’ victory marks their first appearance in a World Series.

Kayem Foods Inc. voluntarily recalled about 1,584,361 pounds of ready‑to‑eat meat and poultry products, including hot dogs, bacon, brisket and ham, after a temperature abuse incident during storage. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) classified the recall as highest‑level, indicating a reasonable probability that consumption could cause serious health consequences or death. The affected items, produced from March 31 to Oct. 7, were shipped nationwide and to Hong Kong. The recall was triggered by a customer complaint on Oct. 1 about warm product temperatures, which the company traced to a cooling‑system malfunction at one of its warehouses. No illnesses have been reported so far. Consumers are advised to check the USDA mark of inspection numbers and contact a healthcare provider if they suspect illness.

Mitchell Fairbarn, a 27‑year‑old tourist from Ontario, was found guilty of felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty after he snatched a 27‑year‑old Chilean flamingo named Peachy from the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino on March 3. Prosecutors said Fairbarn, who was intoxicated, carried the bird into his hotel room, causing it to lose several feathers and sustain injuries. The bird was later found with blood on its feathers and wing injuries. Fairbarn remains in custody pending a December 1 sentencing hearing, where he faces up to four years in prison for the felony and six months for the misdemeanor. Peachy is reportedly physically fine but remains anxious during veterinary evaluations. The case was described by prosecutors as a drunken and malicious act. The defense argued that Fairbarn intended no harm, citing his intoxication. The trial was held in a Nevada court.

The Atlanta Dream captured their franchise’s first WNBA Finals victory, defeating the Golden State Valkyries 79‑65 in Game 2. Star forward Angel Reese led the win with 30 points and 16 rebounds, including 12 defensive boards. After a close first half, the Dream exploded in the third quarter, outscoring Golden State 21‑9 and capitalizing on 23 fouls to score 30 free‑throw points. The Valkyries finished with 14 points from Gabby Williams and 14 from Tiffany Hayes, but turnovers and fouls proved costly. With this win, Atlanta now holds home‑court advantage for the remainder of the series.

The San Francisco 49ers’ wide receiver Mike Evans recorded three catches for 94 yards before aggravating an Achilles soreness late in the first half. Evans entered the game with 24 catches for 326 yards and three touchdowns. After a 16‑yard reception with 1:10 remaining in the first half, he walked to the training room for treatment and has not returned to the sideline for the second half. With the 49ers leading 20‑3 at halftime, Evans’ return appears unlikely.