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Senator Mitch McConnell, 83, Hospitalized With ‘Flu-Like Symptoms’
Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell was admitted into the hospital after suffering “flu-like symptoms” over the weekend.
“In an abundance of caution, after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend, Senator McConnell checked himself into a local hospital for evaluation [on Monday, February 2],” a spokesperson for McConnell told Us Weekly on Wednesday, February 4. “His prognosis is positive and he is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving. He is in regular contact with his staff and looks forward to returning to Senate business.”
It is unclear how long McConnell is expected to remain in the hospital.
The politician has publicly shared his health issues over the years, while a recent fall that took place in the hallway of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., was witnessed and filmed by reporters.
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Shared by local Louisville, Kentucky, news outlet WHAS11, via its YouTube account on October 17, 2025, a video of the incident also captured McConnell walking while assisted by the arm of a colleague just prior to his fall.
The tumble occurred while McConnell was being questioned over his perspective on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
His Capitol Building fall marked the third public fall of 2025, and the politician has publicly fallen twice in the building in total.
McConnell also suffered a public concussion after tripping and falling inside Washington’s Waldorf Astoria in 2023. His recovery involved reliance on a wheelchair, per reporting at the time by NBC News.
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He has also demonstrated public freezing episodes over the years, several of which were captured by news outlets during press conferences. The results of the episodes have left McConnell completely non-responsive in the face of questioning.
McConnell has held the seat of Kentucky since 1985 and is currently in his seventh Senate term. From 2007 to 2025, he also served as the leader of the Senate Republican Conference. He announced last year that he would not seek reelection in 2026.
In 2015, McConnell, who has been married to former government official Elaine Chao since 1993, was first listed as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. He was awarded the same honor in 2019 and 2023.
He is a polio survivor, having endured a polio attack in 1944 when he was two years old. His upper left leg was paralyzed as a result of the attack. Successful treatment from medical staff at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institution for Rehabilitation at the time, prevented McConnell from developing a permanent disability.
Leo DiCaprio Misses Awards Show Due to U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela
Leonardo DiCaprio was unable to appear at a California awards show on Saturday, January 3, because of the fallout of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela.
DiCaprio, 51, was supposed to accept a Desert Palm Achievement Award for his acclaimed performance in Oscar contender One Battle After Another at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala but was unable to travel to the event.
“Leonardo DiCaprio is unable to join us in person tonight due to unexpected travel disruptions and restricted airspace,” a Palm Springs International Film Festival spokesperson confirmed to Us Weekly. “While we will miss celebrating with him in person, we are honored to recognize his exceptional work and lasting contributions to cinema. His talent and dedication to the craft continue to inspire, and we are delighted to celebrate him with the Desert Palm Achievement Award this evening.”
The actor was supposed to depart St. Barts for California in order to attend the Palm Springs gala on Saturday night but his scheduled flight could not take off due to air travel restrictions in the surrounding area related to U.S. military action in Venezuela, according to Variety. People reported on Saturday, January 3, that DiCaprio and his girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti hung out with NFL legend Tom Brady on a yacht off the coast of St. Barts on New Year’s Day.
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Us has reached out to DiCaprio for comment.
Others likely faced similar travel issues since the Palm Springs International Airport announced via X on Saturday that “an FAA air traffic control issue” was impacting flights.
“Departing flights are currently under a ground stop,” the airport tweeted. “Aircraft have been able to arrive, though some inbound flights have diverted and delays are expected. This is not specific to PSP and is affecting multiple SoCal airports. Travelers should check directly with their airline for the latest flight information. PSP will share updates as needed.”
Flights were grounded for around four hours before the Palm Springs International Airport confirmed that “ground stop” orders had finally been “lifted” at around 4:20 p.m. PT.
Earlier on Saturday, President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces conducted a military raid that led to the arrest of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores. The politician and his wife were initially held on the USS Iwo Jima before being brought ashore in New York City to face a criminal trial.
Shortly after Maduro’s arrest in a pre-dawn raid, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Venezuelan leader would be tried for “narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices” and “conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the United States.” At a press conference on Saturday, President Trump said the U.S. was “going to run” Venezuela until it can guarantee “a safe, proper and judicious transition.” (Maduro has repeatedly denied narco-terrorism charges levied by the U.S.)
“We don’t want to be involved with having somebody else get in, and we have the same situation that we had for the last long period of years,” Trump, 79, told reporters. “So, we are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition, and it has to be judicious.”
The Associated Press reported on Saturday that no airline flights were seen crossing over Venezuelan airspace following Maduro’s arrest. Hundreds of other commercial flights in the eastern Caribbean region were canceled. (Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has indicated that normal travel will resume in the region on Sunday, January 4.)
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Meanwhile, the Palm Springs International Film Awards announced back in November that DiCaprio would be a guest of honor and receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for One Battle After Another.
“In One Battle After Another, Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a riveting and emotionally charged performance, embodying a man pushed to his breaking point in the face of relentless adversity,” festival chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi said at the time. “Across his career, DiCaprio has continually redefined what is possible in screen acting — bringing emotional depth, artistic integrity, and fearless commitment to every role. It is our honor to present him with the Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor, in recognition of his enduring influence and exceptional body of work.”
While DiCaprio missed the gala, Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, Adam Sandler and Kate Hudson were all expected to attend Saturday’s ceremony.
Russell Brand Takes Aim at Ex Katy Perry’s Relationship With Justin Trudeau
Russell Brand is not a fan of his ex-wife Katy Perry striking up a romance with former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau.
Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix on Thursday, December 18, Brand, 50, took a swipe at his ex’s current partner.
“Look, Katy Perry, I was married to her. I love her still, and I’m glad that her mom’s in the room to hear me say this, but look,” he said. “I was okay with Orlando Bloom, but Justin Trudeau? Come on, man! Don’t put me in a category with that guy! That globalist stooge.”
Despite not being a fan of Trudeau, 53, Brand had a much more positive assessment of Perry’s parents, noting they were in the audience at the event.
“My ex-wife’s parents are here. They’re Christians and I love them. I love Mary Perry,” Brand said on stage. “God bless you, thank you for bringing the message to me.”
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Brand and Perry, 41, were married from 2010 to late 2011, with the “Roar” singer learning her marriage was over via text message while on tour.
Perry addressed the split in an interview with Vogue in June 2013, telling the outlet at the time, “He’s a very smart man, and I was in love with him when I married him. [But] let’s just say I haven’t heard from him since he texted me saying he was divorcing me December 31, 2011.”
Earlier this year, the Forgetting Sarah Marshall star spoke about their marriage breakdown during an episode of his podcast, “Stay Free with Russell Brand”
“What can I tell you is, when I was married to Katy Perry, she’s like, not entirely normal, because she’s an extraordinary, massive star — but she’s not weird or off key,” Brand said on the podcast in April. “And wasn’t involved in anything nefarious, as far as I could tell.”
He added, “The reasons that a marriage didn’t work are the normal human reasons [why] marriages don’t work, and I have nothing but respect for her.”
Following her break up with Brand, Perry later moved on with Bloom, 48, with whom she shares five-year-old daughter Daisy. Meanwhile, Brand married Laura Gallacher in 2017.
Bloom and Perry ultimately went their separate ways earlier this year, with news of their split after a decade together making headlines in June.
The “Firework” singer was then linked to Trudeau over the summer before confirming their romance by going “Instagram official” in December.
While visiting Japan for her Lifetime Tour, the singer posted a series of photos via her Instagram on December 6, which showed her enjoying her downtime with the politician.
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“Tokyo times on tour and more,” she captioned the carousel of images and videos, which included a photo of the pair cozying up for a selfie. Another clip showed the pair enjoying a sushi dinner date together.
The couple were also photographed together during a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The photo was posted via Instagram on December 4, marking the duo’s public debut.
“Former Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau came to Japan with his partner Katy Perry and had lunch with us,” Kishida, 68, wrote via Instagram on December 4. “During my time as Prime Minister, I met Prime Ministers many times, and when I visited Canada, we worked together to strengthen bilateral relations, including formulating the ‘Nikka Action Plan.’ I am glad that we are continuing this friendship.”
He continued, “Canada is an extremely important partner to Japan in all areas of politics, security, economics, culture, etc. We will continue to work hard for friendship and cooperation between Japan and Canada.”
Zooey Deschanel Weighs in on Katy Perry’s Romance With Justin Trudeau
Zooey Deschanel has given her stamp of approval to Katy Perry’s relationship with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The New Girl alum, 45, shared her thoughts of the blossoming romance while appearing on the Thursday, December 11 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
During the episode, she received a question from fans. They asked Deschanel, “What do you think about your friend Katy Perry hard launching her relationship with Justin Trudeau?”
Deschanel admitted she was a fan of the pairing, responding, “I love it. I’m so in.”
She then drew parallels to her own relationship with fiancé Jonathan Scott who hails from the same country as the politician. “I’m with a Canadian guy. She’s with a Canadian guy!” Deschanel added.
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Perry, 41, and Trudeau, 53, cemented their relationship status by going Instagram official earlier this month.
The “Dark Horse” singer shared a sweet post via her social media on December 6 which showed photos of herself and Trudeau cozying up while on a trip to Japan.
“Tokyo times on tour and more,” she captioned the carousel of images and videos.
Another clip showed Perry and Trudeau enjoying a dinner date together. “My first Uni,” Perry said in the video as she tried a piece of sushi while Trudeau lovingly looked on with a smile.
In between Perry’s Japanese Lifetime Tour concerts, she and Trudeau made their public debut during a meeting with former Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida.
“Former Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau came to Japan with his partner Katy Perry and had lunch with us,” Kishida, 68, wrote via Instagram on December 4. “During my time as Prime Minister, I met Prime Ministers many times, and when I visited Canada, we worked together to strengthen bilateral relations, including formulating the ‘Nikka Action Plan.’ I am glad that we are continuing this friendship.”
He continued, “Canada is an extremely important partner to Japan in all areas of politics, security, economics, culture, etc. We will continue to work hard for friendship and cooperation between Japan and Canada.”
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Perry and Trudeau were first linked this summer after her split from Orlando Bloom following a decade together was revealed in June.
“Katy and Orlando have split but are amicable,” a source close to the pair exclusively told Us Weekly at the time. “It’s not contentious at the moment. Katy is of course upset but is relieved to not have to go through another divorce, as that was the worst time in her life.”
Meanwhile, Perry previously spoke about her friendship with Deschanel and how much she appreciated her support as she navigated being a new mother to daughter Daisy, who was born in August 2020. (Perry shared Daisy with Bloom.)
“I was so happy being a mother, but I was like ‘Oh, there’s this idea in the back of my head,’” Perry told People in January 2021. “I knew that time marches on and now was the time so I reached out to her personally, and it was amazing. She showed up for me while I was on maternity leave, basically.”
Perry continued, “As a pop star, you don’t really have a 9 to 5, so it’s all up to me to create a schedule and balance, and she was totally down and thought it was fun.”
She added, “I truly believe that mothers are the most powerful beings on the planet, and when women get together and support each other, it’s incredible.”
Jenna Bush Hager Sends Love to Dick Cheney’s Daughters After His Death
Former President George W. Bush‘s daughter Jenna Bush Hager is offering her support to Dick Cheney‘s daughters, Mary and Liz, after his death at age 84.
News broke on Tuesday, November 4, that Cheney died from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Bush Hager, 43, spoke out about Cheney’s passing after he served in office alongside her father, 79.
“Of course, I think everybody is waking up and thinking about his family,” Bush Hager said on the Today show. “When you hear of a politician who passes, there’s tons of coverage about what they are like as a politician, but as a daughter of a politician, as a granddaughter of a politician, I just am thinking of his daughters and who they are missing, which is not necessarily a man who casts votes, but rather a man who raised them.”
Bush Hager issued a message specifically to Cheney’s children.
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“So, I am thinking of Mary and Liz this morning, who I’m going to reach out to as well just to send my love, and I know my parents are thinking the very same,” she continued. “I think public grieving can be very difficult because there’s a lot about who the person is as a public figure, but very little about who they are as a dad, as a granddad, as a husband, and so I’m thinking of his family.”
Bush Hager noted that her husband, Henry Hager, is also close to Mary, saying, “Mary was very close, is close, with Henry, so Henry’s out of town, but I texted him this morning and I’m sure he’s going to reach out to her as soon as he wakes up.”
Cheney’s family released a statement after his Monday, November 3, death.
“His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed,” read the statement. “For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyoming’s Congressman, Secretary of Defense and Vice President of the United States.”
His family continued: “Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness and fly-fishing. We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man.”
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Cheney had a history of cardiovascular issues, which resulted in multiple heart attacks. He suffered the first in 1978 at age 37 and then had four more through the years before undergoing a heart transplant in 2012 at age 74.
“Although the former vice president and his family do not know the identity of the donor, they will be forever grateful for this lifesaving gift,” Cheney’s office said in a 2012 statement.
Cheney later opened up about the procedure, sharing on a 2013 episode of 60 Minutes, “When you emerge from that gift of life itself, there’s a tremendous feeling of emotion, but it’s very positive. I think my first words when I came out from under the anesthetic and they said it had worked great was, ‘Hot damn.’ Literally.”
He concluded: “You wake up every morning with a smile on your face because you’ve got a new day you never expected to have. And there’s a sense of wonderment. Nothing short of magical.”
Malema slams ‘drama’ around Afrikaner migration to U.S: ‘It’s fiction’
In a recent interview with local dailies, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Julius Malema vehemently denied claims of widespread violence towards the white farmers who are majorly the Afrikaners.
Malema termed the reports as “fiction” and “drama” as he also took a direct jab at the recent move by the United States to resettle 49 Afrikaners, refuting the stories as fake, calling them part of a larger media fabrication.
“There’s no one who has been killed here in South Africa. It’s not true,” Malema declared. “There are no 49 Afrikaners who have left South Africa. You all know that it’s fiction, it’s drama. America, when it comes to drama, is number one.”
President Donald Trump had initially told reporters that he’s admitting them as refugees because of the “genocide that’s taking place.” He said that in post-apartheid South Africa, white farmers are “being killed,” and he plans to address the issue with South African leadership next week.
That characterization has been strongly disputed by South Africa’s government, experts and even the Afrikaner group AfriForum, which says farm attacks are not being taken seriously by the government.
South Africa’s government says the U.S. allegations that the white minority Afrikaners are being persecuted are “completely false,” the result of misinformation and an inaccurate view of the country. It cited the fact that Afrikaners are among the richest and most successful people in the country.
Malema, on the other hand, denied media reports that the farmers were being attacked and if indeed they had moved to the United States, their land should be expropriated.
“If those people were farmers, it would mean there are 49 farms available,” Malema argued. “Why are we not expropriating them because they have abandoned them? But why is the media not telling us this? Why doesn’t the media, through its own investigation, tell us who the real farmers are?”
The EFF leader further called upon the International bodies including the United States warning them against using land issues to silence South Africans who are advocating for justice and equality.
“If those people were farmers, it would mean there are 49 farms available,” Malema argued. “Why are we not expropriating them because they have abandoned them? But why is the media not telling us this? Why doesn’t the media, through its own investigation, tell us who the real farmers are?”
The firebrand politician, who was expelled from South Africa’s then-ruling African National Congress party in 2012, has been calling for land reforms, a move that has attracted strong criticism from various bodies and foreign countries.
Politician tied to tree for not fulfilling campaign promise
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A politician in Mexico made the headline weeks ago when he was reportedly tied to a tree by his constituents for not fulfilling his campaign promise.
Residents of Southern Mexico were angry with their mayor Óscar Ramírez who had promised to ensure that series of public projects for the city of Frontera Comalapa in the state of Chiapas get improved.
He promised improvements to the water system among others leading to his election, Elite Readers reported.
During a meeting with representatives from the town’s communities, the mayor was questioned about the poor state of the water system after he unveiled a water tank.
The residents alleged that the tank was broken down and had just been patched up using cement.
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A resident was quoted as saying that the mayor “promised us that it would be a decent work for the people of Comalapa, but it was all a sham because the water system does well.”
“It is a long-standing problem that must be dealt with properly and t be a priority in this [term], because he came to see us at our houses promise and now he does not want to comply,” the resident added.
The representatives at the meeting captured in a picture then forced the mayor to stand beside a tree and tied him with his hands behind his back.
But Mayor Ramírez has denied that he was tied to the tree despite the photos downplaying the incident.
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Comuneros del municipio de Frontera Comalapa en #Chiapas, amarraron al edil Óscar Ramírez Aguilar, por entregar una obra de mala calidad. @lopezdoriga pic.twitter.com/DCy9pTXOIV
— Darinel Zacarias (@Darinelzacarias) January 12, 2021
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Source: Africafeeds.com