Trump rally sparks backlash over racist remarks

In today's newsletter: Donald Trump headlines a rally in Madison Square Garden after racist and crude remarks from his allies. Quarter Pounders are back on the menu at McDonald's after tests show patties were not the source of the E.coli outbreak. And highlights from Week 8 of the NFL.

Here's what to know today.

Trump’s MSG rally overshadowed by his allies’ crude remarks

Former President Donald Trump delivered his standard lines on topics from immigration to the economy at a packed rally in Madison Square Garden, but his remarks were overshadowed by comments from his warm-up speakers.
They included a comedian's racist jokes about Latinos and Black Americans and were condemned by multiple Republican members of Congress, as well as speakers who used increasingly inflammatory language to describe Vice President Kamala Harris.

Stand-up comedian Tony Hinchcliffe targeted Latinos, Black Americans and Puerto Rico, describing it as “a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now.” His jokes included saying Latinos “love making babies” because “there’s no pulling out. They don’t do that. They come inside, just like they did to our country.”

There was an uncomfortable reception to his punchlines in the arena. Within hours of the remarks, multiple pro-Trump members of Congress condemned him. Warm-up speaker David Rem, who announced his candidacy for mayor of New York on stage, echoed a rallygoer who called Harris “the devil” and added that she is “the Antichrist.” Tucker Carlson joked that Harris, who is of Black and Indian descent, would be “the first Samoan Malaysian low IQ, former California prosecutor ever to be elected president.”
Melania Trump, who rarely appears on the campaign trail, introduced her husband as he took the stage in her first campaign rally speech this cycle. Trump railed against opponents he sees as “the enemy from within,” described the media as “the enemy of the people,” and referred to Harris’ “low IQ.”

The rally reflected Trump’s fixation on his home state of New York, which he and his allies made clear from the stage they hope to win, despite it having been won by Democrats for the past 40 years.
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Follow along with NBC News' latest election coverage.

More election coverage:

➡️ Harris’ campaign has been stacking up Republican endorsements in Wisconsin, a key swing state that has been central to her effort to attract voters from across the aisle.

➡️ During an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, JD Vance declined to characterize Russian President Vladimir Putin as an “enemy,” and rather as an “competitor.”

➡️ Harris is counting on expanded support from suburban voters and former Republicans to overcome dissent from the traditional Democratic base — especially in Michigan.

➡️ One major thing is missing from the GOP campaign to reclaim Michigan's state House.

➡️ In key battleground states, food banks are reporting record levels of need that has been increasing over the past few years.

➡️ Harris campaigned in Philadelphia over the weekend, marking her 14th visit to Pennsylvania since she entered the race in July.

McDonald's Quarter Pounder beef patties not the source of E. coli outbreak, company says

No E. coli was detected in samples of beef patties used in McDonald's Quarter Pounders that have been linked to a deadly outbreak, tests by the Colorado Agriculture Department found.

The department has no further plans to test the patties, a McDonald's spokesperson said, and they have been ruled out as the source of the outbreak. The most likely source of contamination was slivered onions from a single source, they said, citing the Food and Drug Administration. McDonald’s stopped sourcing slivered onions from that source — Taylor Farms Colorado Springs — indefinitely on Sunday, days after it removed the onions from its supply chain. The onions from Taylor Farms were sold in stores in Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming and parts of other states in the region. At least 75 people across 13 states were infected with the E. coli strain and one person died, according to the CDC.

Quarter Pounders are expected to be available in restaurants this week.

Highlights from NFL Week 8

This season has been a roller cosater for the San Francisco 49ers, one that continued in their 30-24 victory over Dallas on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 8.

NBC News sports editor Greg Rosenstein shares more highlights from Week 8 of the 2024 season.

🙌 49ers TE George Kittle had a breakout performance with 128 yards and a touchdown as his team improved to 4-4. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott had 243 yards passing, two scores and two interceptions in the loss that brought Dallas’ record to 3-4.
🙏 Commanders QB Jayden Daniels threw a 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown as time expired to beat the Chicago Bears at home. Trailing 15-12, the rookie heaved a ball that was tipped at the goal line by a Bears defensive back and directly into the arms of Commanders receiver Noah Brown. Daniels, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, threw for 326 yards with the touchdown. Bears signal-caller Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick, had 131 yards passing and no scores. Washington improved to 6-2 while Chicago dropped to 4-3.
👑 The Kansas City Chiefs (7-0) remained the only undefeated team in the NFL with a 27-20 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Chiefs TE Travis Kelce had his best game of the season, hauling in 10 receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown in the victory.
👋 Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, who has not played since suffering a concussion in Week 2, returned to action against the Arizona Cardinals. Tagovailoa had 234 yards passing with a touchdown but his performance was spoiled as Arizona’s Chad Ryland drilled a 34-yard field goal as time expired to win 28-27.

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Gentle parenting is proving too much for many parents

A 30-minute argument over socks might sound crazy, but that can be the unintended byproduct of gentle parenting. It's an approach that emphasizes a parent’s emotional self-regulation and deep respect for a child’s feelings. But gentle parenting is getting pushback. Over 40% of self-identified gentle parents feel burnout and self doubt, and experts say it creates “unrealistic expectations.” Even some celebs are saying it offers “no results.” So how did parents get here — and what could be the way out? Writer Lynda Lin Grigsby dives into the issue to find out.

— Jessi Prois, NBC Asian America editorial director

Heating pads reduce your body’s perception of pain and stiffness and reduce inflammation. Whether you're dealing with muscle aches, menstrual cramps or other discomfort, these expert-recommended and editor-tested heating pads will help you to feel more relaxed. Plus, the Sephora sale starts up in a few days. Here's what you need to know.

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