McConnell Reveals He Was Hospitalized Last Month After a Fall, Then Contracted Pneumonia

Drudge Report—Mitch McConnell disclosed that he was hospitalized the previous month following a fall and subsequently contracted pneumonia during his recovery — the first public explanation for his extended absence from the Senate. The senator's disclosure brought relief in some quarters and concern in others, given his long history of health incidents over recent years. The explanation resolved weeks of speculation about what was keeping the 83-year-old Senate leader away from Washington.

• Drudge Report — Drudge Report ran the headline 'HE LIVES!' capturing Washington's dramatic surprise at his reappearance
• Washington Post — McConnell confirmed hospitalization from a fall last month, followed by a pneumonia diagnosis during recovery