NPR News: 07-13-2026 12AM EDT

Dale Willman· Host0:01

Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Wilman. Former senator, uh, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he's still recovering from a fall that forced a weeks-long hospitalization. As NPR's Claudia Grisales tells us, it's the first update from the Kentucky Republican since he began facing persistent rumors about his well-being.

Claudia Grisales0:19

McConnell shared a picture with his wife, Elaine Chao, by his side while holding today's issue of The Washington Post. McConnell said he was hospitalized for several weeks after falling from a post-polio condition and sustaining minor injuries. He later developed pneumonia. The eighty-four-year-old said he was able to move from hospital care to a rehabilitation center recently to continue to build his strength until his doctors release him to return to work in the Senate. McConnell said he hopes that the return comes as soon as possible. And in the meantime, he is keeping in close touch with his legislative team and colleagues. He is set to finish out the remainder of his last term in office, which ends in January. Claudia Grisales, NPR News.

Dale Willman· Host1:06

Friends and colleagues of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham continue to speak out after the Republican lawmaker died late Saturday. In a post on social media, New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker said that despite their political differences, Graham had a positive influence on his life.

Cory Booker· Soundbite1:23

My prayers are with his family and all those who loved and cherished him. I will miss