Phil Lewis

@phillewis

detroit native. deputy editor at huffpost. WABJ president. check out my free newsletter! -->

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Phil Lewis@phillewis· 29d

Mitch McConnell has released a photo and the first statement on his condition: "I was briefly unconscious and was taken to the hospital. While receiving excellent care over the past several weeks, I’ve also had to deal with a mild case of pneumonia."

A photo of Mitch McConnell and Elaine Chao

Mitch McConnell statement:

“To my fellow Kentuckians — When you elected me to a seventh term and made me our Commonwealth’s longest serving Senator, you did so trusting that I’d keep showing up to fight for you every day. And over the past several weeks, Elaine and I have appreciated both your well wishes and your honest questions about what was keeping me away from the Senate.

You all know how folks of my generation often hesitate to share the vulnerability that comes with growing older. Even in the public eye, I feel that same instinct – I can’t help it.

But at the same time, I’ve had more than my share of experience with physical vulnerabilities. Surviving childhood polio meant spending my entire life with mobility challenges. They haven’t exactly gotten easier to manage with age. And last month, I took a fall which landed me in the hospital.

My doctors have confirmed that I didn’t break any bones or suffer a concussion. I didn’t have a heart attack or a stroke. I don’t have any tumors or hemorrhages. But I was briefly unconscious and was taken to the hospital. While receiving excellent care over the past several weeks, I’ve also had to deal with a mild case of pneumonia.

I can assure you that I’ve been a good patient. At my age, I tend to do what my doctors tell me to do. I’ve submitted to every test they can think of to help figure out what caused this incident. And I’m continuing to do everything they ask to speed my recovery. In fact, with signs of continued progress, I’ve been able to move from hospital care to a rehabilitation center where I’ll keep regaining my strength.

As much as it frustrates me, this process takes time. And on the advice of my doctors, I won’t be able to return to the Senate floor to vote quite yet. But rest assured that, in the meantime, I’m not taking a break from the Senate business that matters to you. I’ve been working closely with my legislative staff on current issues, and with my Kentucky team who help me provide timely constituent services across our Commonwealth. I’ve also been keeping in touch with my Senate colleagues on the appropriations process, midterm politics, and everything in between.

You’re right to expect your representatives to work hard for you. And part of my decision to retire at the end of my term this coming January was being honest about the demands of Senate work. But I still have unfinished business to complete on your behalf, and I have every intention of finishing the job you elected me to do.

I’ll keep working hard to get back on the Senate floor as soon as possible. And I’ll keep you posted on the progress of my recovery. Until then, I’m so grateful for your prayers and well wishes.”

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jul 12

Statement from the office of Sen. Lindsey Graham:

WASHINGTON - The Office of U.S. Senator
Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) released the following statement.
"On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period."

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jul 8

'Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, Flesh-n-Bone and Wish Bone from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony pose on their newly unveiled star during their Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony'

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jul 8

The Washingtonian game said it, not me! Let me see your scores washingtonian.com/districted/

Your Districted Rank. DC Native. You know the city block by block

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jul 6

“Maine Democratic Party leadership is calling on Graham Platner to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.”

MAINE+
Democrats
Statement from Maine Democratic Party Leadership on Allegations Against Graham Platner
Augusta, Maine - "Maine Democratic Party leadership takes seriously our responsibility to hold every candidate who seeks to represent our state to the highest standard.
Over the past several weeks, multiple women have made serious, credible allegations against Graham Platner. Today's statements take those allegations even further.
Maine Democratic Party leadership is calling on Graham Platner to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.
The Maine Democratic Party leadership stands with women and survivors, and that principle does not bend based on party affiliation. We respect the women who made the hard decision to come forward. Speaking up is often costly.
We are entrusted with deciding who represents our values and who carries our banner. That responsibility requires judgment, leadership, and a willingness to act when circumstances demand it.
This Senate race comes at a pivotal moment in the struggle against a government, supported by Senator Collins, that serves the interests of the wealthy and powerful at the expense of ordinary Maine people. It is essential that we refocus this campaign on that struggle".
Charlie Dingman, Chair Imke Schessler, Vice Chair
Devon Murphy-Anderson, Executive Director

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jul 6

The roof of a BJ’s Wholesale Club collapsed during heavy rains in New Jersey; there were no injuries immediately reported www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jul 5

Some videos speak for themselves

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jul 5

WASHINGTON (AP) — Evacuation ordered for events at National Mall as storms gather near Washington ahead of Trump's July 4th speech.

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jul 4

There’s an exhibit for each U.S. state and territory at the fair. The longest lines I saw were for Arkansas, West Virginia and New York

The line to get into the West Virginia tent

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jul 4

It’s 100 degrees outside in DC. People have been waiting in line for about 45 minutes to get into the “Great American State Fair”

People wait in line to get into the event

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jul 4

"Members of the group Patriot Front ride the metro as a commuter looks on, during the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 4, 2026. REUTERS/Cheney Orr"

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jul 3

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are married in elaborate Madison Square Garden ceremony, Swift's publicist says.

A photo of a billboard that says JUST&T MARRIED! in nyc

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jul 2

An attendee at the Great American State Fair says none of the booths had air conditioning so she had to go to the baptism pool in one of the tents

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jul 1

NEW YORK (AP) — 2 people arrested after unfurling banner atop the Empire State Building's antenna.

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jul 1

Legendary actor Danny Glover reveals on TODAY that he’s been living with Alzheimer’s disease:

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jun 30

👀

According to Wayback Machine, the NPR article announcing Alito’s retirement was supposed to be published Friday

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jun 30

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Tom Kean Jr. explains long absence from Congress by saying he was being treated for depression.

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jun 30

NPR has retracted its story that said Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was retiring

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jun 29

Prisoners at a jail in Eastern North Carolina overpowered staff and have seized control of the facility, authorities said www.wral.com/news/state/b...

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jun 29

Lauryn Hill performs “Ex-Factor” during the Lauryn Hill tribute at the #BETAwards:

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jun 26

Gracie the Giraffe has been found after days-long search through Texas Hill Country www.khou.com/article/news...

Gracie the giraffe has been found! And a photo of her

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jun 23

23-year-old Daniel Cressy just became the first person in Louisiana to be functionally cured of sickle cell disease through gene therapy www.fox8live.com/2026/06/23/n...

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jun 18

Kenyan McDuffie has conceded to Janeese Lewis George in the D.C. Democratic mayoral primary

WASHINGTON, DC - Democratic Mayoral Candidate Kenyan McDuffie issued the following statement in reaction to the updated primary election results as of June 18:
"While the final certification process will continue, it is clear that the voters have chosen a different path. Earlier this morning, I called Councilmember Janeese Lewis George to congratulate her on her victory and wish her success as she prepares for the general election.
I want to thank every voter who participated in this election, the tens of thousands of Washingtonians who placed their faith in our campaign, and all of our volunteers, supporters, staff, family members, community leaders, and neighbors who believed in our vision for the future of our city.
The campaign may be over, but the work of building a safer, more affordable, more prosperous city continues."

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jun 16

The performers for the Obama Presidential Library opening on June 18 have been announced: Stevie Wonder John Legend Jennifer Hudson The Roots Bruce Springsteen Christina Aguilera Marsai Martin Common U2’s Bono and The Edge Eddie Vedder Marc Anthony Tems

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jun 15

Celebrated 160 years of Detroit’s medicinal beverage

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jun 14

Jalen, Josh and Mikal:

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jun 14

New York is on one right now!

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jun 13

As seen on Ticketmaster, sales for Game 5 of the NBA finals “will be restricted to customers residing within a 150-mile radius of Frost Bank Center” in San Antonio

Frost Bank Center is located in San Antonio, Texas. Sales to this event will be restricted to customers residing within a 150-mile radius of Frost Bank Center. Residency will be based on credit card billing address. Orders by residents outside of a 150-mile radius of Frost Bank Center will be canceled without notice and refunds given. Please note there is a 4 seat ticket limit for transactions through the venue.

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jun 13

“A tarp covers the newly removed name of US President Donald Trump from the facade of the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, US, on Saturday, June 13, 2026”

Phil Lewis@phillewis· Jun 13

There’s a rainbow outside the Kennedy Center right now as a crowd awaits Trump’s name to be pulled off the arts venue