McConnell Provides Health Update, Will Miss Fancy Farm Event

Why it matters locally: Senator McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, will not be attending the Fancy Farm political picnic, a significant annual event in the state's political calendar.

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WASHINGTON – Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., released a new photograph and provided an update on his health status on Saturday. McConnell confirmed he will not attend the upcoming Fancy Farm political picnic in Kentucky. The photograph shows McConnell, 81, smiling and dressed in a suit. He has been out of the Senate since March 8, when he fell at a private dinner event. McConnell sustained a concussion and fractured a rib during the fall. Doctors have advised him against traveling for the annual political gathering. The Fancy Farm picnic is scheduled for August 5. McConnell has undergone rehabilitation following the incident. He intends to return to the Senate. His office has not specified a precise date for his return to Washington.