Bourbon connoisseurs may have a few guesses as to which brand has sold the priciest bottles in history, but wait until you hear how much this one sold for.
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Rubbery ribs are basically life’s way of telling you to find a better cooking method. Thankfully, the 2-2-1 method could be just the thing you’re looking for.
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Susan Collins on Trump, tariffs and the state of her senate race over Maine lobsters
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President Donald Trump has a vision for next week’s GOP convention in Dallas: a televised spectacle putting Republican candidates in front of midterm voters and top party donors just two months before the Election Day — with Trump himself headlining the show.
But a POLITICO survey of more than 70 GOP candidates and members revealed that most either do not plan to attend or are still weighing whether to go. Dozens more declined to share their plans.
The 45 Republicans cited a variety of reasons for skipping the first midterm convention put on by a major party in more than four decades. Some cited prior obligations such as fundraisers or events in their districts that were planned before the convention was scheduled in June. Others had personal conflicts, like weddings and family events, and still others raised qualms about the five-figure-minimum fees that party officials want attending lawmakers to pony up.
And some Republicans in tough races are steering clear of the gathering — which has come to be called “Trump-a-palooza” in some GOP circles — as they face growing hesitation about associating themselves with the polarizing president so close to the election.
“I just felt I’d be more useful in my district,” said Rep. Tom Barrett, who is facing a tough campaign to keep his central Michigan seat. “I travel a lot for this job and if I can be back home and see my family and do the job back home as well, then that’s sort of what I lean toward doing.”
Asked if the president’s remarks might cause him problems back home, Barrett said: “I can’t control what the president’s going to say at the convention, but I can control where I’m at, what I’m doing.”
Several other Republicans in key races targeted by Democrats said they weren’t committing to attend.
“I’m going to be in my district,” Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) said when asked about his plans, while Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.) said, “I’m not sure yet.” Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) isn’t planning to go, according to people granted anonymity to describe his decision. And Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) said he instead plans to visit colleges with his daughter.
Trump will be the headline speaker of the two-day convention inside the American Airlines Center, with Vice President JD Vance also set to address Republicans.
Most top House and Senate GOP leaders will be in attendance, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Some potential 2028 presidential contenders, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), will also be in attendance, as will some Senate Republicans from marquee battleground races.
Former Rep. Mike Rogers, who is trying to flip retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters’ seat in Michigan, and Sen. Jon Husted, who is working to fend off a challenge from former Sen. Sherrod Brown in Ohio, will both attend, according to their campaigns. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), who is expected to be the next Senate GOP campaign chair, is also planning to be there.
Johnson said he has been “promoting this everywhere” as an important event for the party but also acknowledged it’s a crucial time for some of his members to spend time in their districts.
“They’ve got to all make their own individual decision … but the people that do come are going to have a great time,” Johnson said in an interview, adding that he expects high attendance during the convention. He acknowledged in a news conference Tuesday, however, that some members will need to be in their districts because “it’s critical time right before early voting begins nationwide.”
With Trump front and center at the convention, some Republicans are privately fretting about slipping presidential approval ratings in their districts amid the ongoing conflict in Iran, a trade war with Canada and rising prices from both. Other moves by the administration, such as a deal tackling beef imports to address affordability, have angered other key GOP constituencies.
One House Republican not attending the convention who was granted anonymity to speak candidly called the event “a waste of time” and said the planning has been “a mess.”
“You shouldn’t be having to rally your base at this point,” the member said. “You should be trying to convince independents. Independents are not attending nor watching the midterm convention.”
RNC national press secretary Natalie Baldassarre said in a statement responding to those claims that “the outreach and enthusiasm to attend, participate, and speak at this historic midterm convention has been incredible.”
“Republicans across the country are rallying behind President Trump’s America First agenda that’s brought lower drug prices, lower taxes, and a secure border, and this convention will provide the momentum needed to expand our majorities in November,” she added.
But even some Republicans who might benefit from campaigning with Trump said the costs members are being asked to pay to attend were getting in the way. Another House Republican granted anonymity to speak candidly pointed to the $25,000 minimum attendee donation suggested by the National Republican Congressional Committee, which is distributing RNC-provided tickets to members.
“I didn’t want to go anyways. That made it easier,” the member said.
According to an NRCC memo obtained by POLITICO, that donation gives a member the right to book one hotel room in the committee’s block as well as two tickets to a welcome reception and the convention itself. Higher tiers of giving up to $100,000 come with access to additional rooms, tickets and events. An NRCC spokesperson declined to comment.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) cited the price tag in explaining why he is still “not sure” whether he would attend.
“It’s $25,000, apparently — I just got a bill,” said Burchett.
With the convention being seen inside the party as a key late fundraising opportunity, several GOP lawmakers who intend to be there, including some committee chairs, plan to give much more than $25,000, according to three people familiar with the planning for the event.
But other powerful members are taking a pass, including two of the most senior members of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee. Ohio Rep. Bob Latta, who chairs the panel’s Energy subcommittee, said he had events back in his district, and Virginia Rep. Morgan Griffith, who chairs the Health subpanel, said he preferred to be home campaigning.
“I should be safe,” Griffith said in an interview. “But no member of Congress from the 9th Congressional District of Virginia has left voluntarily since 1952.”
House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole said he is not attending because he has a dove-hunting event back home in Oklahoma.
Several northeastern members, including Reps. Chris Smith of New Jersey and Andrew Garbarino of New York, said they have commitments in their districts related to the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Less surprising are the alternate plans being made by moderate Republicans who are facing tough elections in the fall and don’t necessarily benefit from being associated with the president.
A campaign spokesperson for Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said she will not be in attendance, citing a “long standing practice of not going to conventions while she is in cycle.”
“I’m not a party guy,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) said in an interview Tuesday, explaining why he won’t be in Texas next week. “I believe in ending the two-party system. Get back to our roots as a country.”
Riley Rogerson, Kelsey Brugger, Katherine Tully-McManus and Calen Razor contributed to this report.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article incorrectly described Rep. Morgan Griffith’s committee leadership post. He is chair of the Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Health.Politics
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Teams across the league continue managing injuries and fine-tuning rosters as the regular season inches closer. San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was back at practice Tuesday, while Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles addressed ongoing uncertainty surrounding cornerback Kyler Gordon’s return. New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson remains sidelined while rehabilitating an ankle injury and when Pittsburgh Steelers Joey Porter Jr. was asked about whether or not he will play for the Steelers in Week 1, he responded, “I don’t know.” Keep up with the latest news from around the league on Tuesday. After weeks of speculation, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is back on the field practicing. He was seen on a Tuesday afternoon making cuts and looking explosive during team drills, showing he’s ready for the Week 1 opener. McCaffrey missed more than two weeks of training camp while dealing with what was described as general “tightness.” It’s unclear if the issue was related to the Achilles tendinitis that sidelined him in 2024 or simply a precaution for other injuries he’s dealt with over his career. However, this should be an encouraging sign as he looks fully healthy heading into Australia, when the 49ers take on the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1. McCaffrey is coming off the heaviest workload season of his career, accumulating a career-high 413 total touches. He logged 311 rushes for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns, while adding 102 receptions for 924 yards and seven touchdowns in the passing game. If McCaffrey stays healthy, the 49ers offense could make serious noise in a competitive NFC West. The additions of Mike Evans and rookie De’Zhaun Stribling, alongside a healthy McCaffrey and Brock Purdy, make this offense one of the most intriguing units in the league. Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles expressed uncertainty Tuesday regarding when defensive back Kyler Gordon will return to action as he continues to recover from a lingering calf injury. Gordon, who signed a three-year, $40 million contract extension in April 2025, has appeared in just five games since signing the deal and has been sidelined throughout the entire offseason. When asked Tuesday if he envisions Gordon playing for Chicago during the upcoming 2026 season, Poles offered a guarded response. “I don’t know. I would hope so,” Poles said to reporters Tuesday. “I still have hope there. He’s going to have to continue to work hard and get back to playing.” Poles declined to provide specifics on Gordon’s recovery process, confirming that the defensive back is working with team trainers while also consulting outside medical personnel. “When people come back from injuries, there’s different things that happen,” Poles said. “Sometimes they return fast, sometimes they’re slow. So it’s really a timing thing and a healing thing and a confidence thing. Anytime you have an injury and you’re coming back from something, there’s discomfort that you have to push through, and that’s what it comes down to. So we haven’t been able to get over that hump, and we’re not progressing as fast as we would like.” As Gordon remains on the reserve list, the Bears made additional roster moves Tuesday. Chicago placed safety Coby Bryant and tight end Hayden Large on injured reserve, leaving open the flexibility to designate both for return later in the season. To fill those roster spots, the Bears signed defensive tackle James Lynch and linebacker Jack Sanborn to the active 53-man roster. Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. returned to practice on Tuesday after dealing with a back injury, but remained noncommittal about whether he will play in the season opener without a new contract. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Porter addressed his Week 1 availability when asked if he would suit up against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 13. “I don’t know,” Porter said. “I’ve got to talk to the front office and my agents about that one.” General manager Omar Khan stated Monday that the team wants Porter to remain with the franchise long-term, but Pittsburgh holds a long-standing policy of ceasing all contract negotiations once the regular season begins. While Porter acknowledged that navigating the business side has been difficult, he noted that teammates and coaches have offered support as he continues preparing. “I could hope and think all day, but it’s really up to the front office and what they want to do with this team,” Porter said. “So all I can do is just show up every day to work and be prepared.” New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson hasn’t practiced in over a week due to an ankle injury suffered in training camp. It’s an injury that has flown under the radar, especially with Ashton Jeanty also grabbing headlines after suffering a scary ankle injury of his own.Henderson returned to Patriots practice on Tuesday afternoon but has not yet been cleared for full participation, ESPN first reported. While he continues to rehab a right ankle injury on the side, he was seen walking normally in the locker room, but his Week 1 status is unclear. He is coming off a productive rookie season in the Patriots offense. On just 180 carries, Henderson racked up 911 yards and nine touchdowns, while adding 35 receptions for 221 receiving yards and a score in the pass game.If Henderson can’t suit up next Wednesday night against the Seattle Seahawks, Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to see a full workload. Even though Stevenson is already the featured back, he could turn into a true three-down workhorse early in the season.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
ANGEL STADIUM (Anaheim, Calif.) — The only direction from here is up, Angels fans. Amid an 11th straight losing season, after a decade of destitution, owner Arte Moreno is finally heeding his fans’ advice and selling the team. Stan Kroenke, the owner of the Los Angeles Rams, is acquiring a controlling interest in the Angels for a reported $4 billion, a Major League Baseball record. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to MLB approval, according to the Angels and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. Moreno, who bought the Angels in 2003 for $183.5 million, will retain a minority stake in the club. But it’s the dawn of a new day in Anaheim. “Fresh start,” said Mike Trout. “You kinda felt that was needed. No hard feelings against Arte, but we’re super excited. The guys are excited. There’s a good vibe around the clubhouse, vibe around the stadium.” Trout was among the many Angels players and executives stunned by the news but encouraged by what it could mean. The Rams have made the playoffs seven times in the last nine years. In 2016, Kroenke moved the team from St. Louis to Los Angeles. The Rams hired Sean McVay as their head coach in 2017, went to the Super Bowl in 2018 and won it in 2021, a year after moving into their brand-new SoFi Stadium. (For what it’s worth, the Angels’ lease at Angel Stadium runs through 2032.) KSE, Kroenke’s holding company, also owns the Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Arsenal F.C. (Premier League) and the Colorado Rapids (MLS), among its vast sports portfolio. The Rams, Nuggets, Avalanche and Arsenal have all won championships since 2022 under KSE’s ownership. “What a track record,” Trout said. “Wherever he buys, he wins.” Trout, who has never won a playoff game in 16 years with the Angels, and teammate Zach Neto both reached out to Rams players shortly after hearing the news of the sale. The feedback they received about Kroenke was encouraging. “Most important thing that they said is he just wants what’s important for us,” Neto said. “That’s to make the clubhouse better, in the sense of whatever we need, we get — whether that’s amenity-wise, speakers, whatever it is. He’ll make sure we get those.” That has not always been the case under Moreno, whose tumultuous tenure started promisingly and ended hopelessly, with the owner unwilling to invest in the resources or put the infrastructure in place to return the Angels to relevance. Moreno bought the team in 2003, a year after the Angels won the World Series. The next year, he brought in Vladimir Guerrero and watched him win MVP. The Angels made the playoffs five times from 2004-09. Since 2010, however, they’ve made the postseason just once, in 2013, when they were swept in the American League Division Series. They wasted the primes of Shohei Ohtani and Trout, unable to get them to the postseason over their six years together or acknowledge the reality of their plight. The Angels sought quick fixes, routinely rushing prospects through the system. Moreno’s unwillingness to make the difficult choice to rebuild prevented the kind of change necessary to chart a prosperous path forward. In July 2023, instead of trading Ohtani to get the requisite pieces to reshape the farm system, the Angels dealt more prospects away and finished the year 73-89. Ohtani left in free agency and won the World Series in each of his first two seasons with the Dodgers. This year has marked a season of change in Anaheim. The announcement of the ownership sale comes months after team president Molly Jolly dismissed general manager Perry Minasian in June. John Mozeliak, who spent 18 years running baseball operations for the Cardinals — a stretch that included 10 postseason appearances, six division titles and a World Series championship — took over as the interim GM and began charting a new path forward. In an effort to revive a rudderless franchise, he started making the wholesale changes the team refused to do for years, including a deadline fire-sale that injected the Angels’ lagging farm system with needed talent. He has also started making changes to the coaching staff — pitching coach Mike Maddux, bullpen coach Dom Chiti and assistant pitching coach Darryl Scott were fired in August — and reshaping the front office. Just a day before the announcement of the ownership sale, Mozeliak promoted Matt Swanson and Michael Lord as assistant general managers while restructuring the scouting department. Then, on Tuesday morning, Jolly dropped a folder down on his desk and let him know his day was going to change. “Obviously, this was news to me,” Mozeliak said of the ownership change. “When I first came here, I spoke with Arte, and he had mentioned that this was a possibility. But to learn it this morning from Molly, I was definitely surprised. But it wasn’t a shocker. I think it’s exciting news for everybody. I think change is what I came in to try to start doing.” Mozeliak plans to continue to do that with an eye toward the future, until he’s told otherwise. “Obviously, the new ownership is going to have to give us some direction on what they want to see that to look like,” Mozeliak said. “But I do think they should be part of that calculus.” Moreno explored a sale in 2022 before ultimately remaining in place, much to the chagrin of fans whose chants to “sell the team” have reverberated throughout Angel Stadium in recent years. If a change was going to be made, many expected it would come after the next collective bargaining agreement. The timing took most by surprise. Jolly was one of the few who did not sound shocked. She didn’t divulge exactly how long Moreno had been in talks with Kroenke, other than to say it did not come together quickly. “I knew he was contemplating it as far as, what is your legacy and your exit strategy?” Jolly said. “So, that didn’t surprise me at all that, at some point, he was going to transfer to the right next person.” How long Mozeliak and the current Angels regime remain in place is to be determined. Kroenke could start with a clean slate, should he choose to do so. Mozeliak’s contract goes through December. Kurt Suzuki is managing on a one-year deal. The only players under contract beyond this year are Trout and Yusei Kikuchi. For many years, the Angels under Moreno maintained a top-10 payroll in the sport. That has since changed in recent seasons. But under Kroenke, who now becomes MLB’s richest owner, there is hope for a brighter future. “We’re excited for the new guy to come in and hopefully change things around and get some new life in here,” Neto said. It couldn’t be much worse. “You look at the track record, I know the No. 1 thing on his mind is going to be to get to the World Series and win a championship,” Trout said. “As a player, it makes you feel good to have that and to feel that.” Rowan Kavner is an MLB writer for FOX Sports. He previously covered the L.A. Dodgers, LA Clippers and Dallas Cowboys. An LSU grad, Rowan was born in California, grew up in Texas, then moved back to the West Coast in 2014. Follow him on X at @RowanKavner.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
From caffeinated and non-caffeinated beverages to Oklahoma-made jerky, Sam’s Club is carrying new items that customers are touting as some of the best.
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