You might detest his politics, but can cracking jokes at the expense of an 81-year-old having a very public health episode ever be a good look? In July Republican Senator Mitch McConnell appeared to freeze mid-sentence during a press conference, before being led away by his team, social media was quickly inundated with reaction. McConnell stopped speaking for 19 seconds before being escorted away by concerned colleagues, appearing to sway slightly and lose focus. An aide explained that McConnell had “felt lightheaded and stepped away for a moment”. They continued: “He came back to handle Q&A, which as everyone observed was sharp.” Sadly this happened again to McConnell on Wednesday when he was speaking at a press event in Covington, Kentucky and froze for around 30 seconds when he was asked about his intention to run for re-election in 2026. He was then assisted by an aide and answered two more questions before leaving without addressing the incident. "Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today," McConnell's spokesperson said after the incident. The memes following both incidents were relentless, with people calling on him to retire. Again, much like the reaction to the Titan submersible tragedy and the riots in France earlier this summer, it shows the often cruel, reactionary nature of social media, with people quick to chip in on major incidents in the name of a few easy likes. Calling for younger leaders to represent Americans is perfectly valid, but outright mocking and joking about what appeared to be a serious health concern shows the internet at its least empathetic. Yes, it’s a buzzkill sentiment, and McConnell’s brand of politics has been completely oppositional to many over the years, but that shouldn’t excuse piling on an elderly public figure suffering an episode in the most public of spaces, should it? Some did express similar thoughts online, with one writing: “Oh also about this McConnell business. Y’all need to keep it cute with your insults! Not about McConnell (**** him) but because several people are making ableist and ageist jokes. You can talk about him without elderly and disabled people catching strays.” Another said: “All the people in the comments joking about this - i dont find it funny at all. I’m no Mitch McConnell girlie in the slightest but he’s had some serious health issues… Lets not joke about people’s health and scary situations like this.” It’s not the first time health concerns have been raised about McConnell. In March, the 81-year-old suffered a fall at a Washington DC hotel and was hospitalised due to concussion and a minor rib fracture. After undergoing rehab, he returned to Congress in April. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

By Brenda Goh and Joe Cash SHANGHAI/BEIJING A veritable parade of overseas CEOs including Tesla's Elon Musk and

National Orgasm Day is steadily approaching. And although though the big climax doesn’t arrive until Monday, July 31, we are already tingling all over. But the holiday is for raising more than just your heart rate. It’s to help raise awareness for female sexuality and the orgasm gap. So, if you’re ready to help lessen that gap and start orgasming ASAP, we’ve got a deal you’re going to want to hear about. Sexual wellness brand Frenchie has already started to celebrate with 15% off its self-pleasure bundle when you use the exclusive code LETSORGASM all month long.

Australia needs to encourage new investment in natural gas production to help prevent any domestic energy crunch and

'What business is it of yours to require that I fulfill your inability to think of gender on a spectrum?' Neil DeGrasse Tyson said in a TikTok video

The lawsuit, filed on Thursday by Ventura, alleged a disturbing history of abuse, rape, and control by the music producer spanning over a decade

Allies of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny say he has refused to leave his cell and skipped a court hearing in protest after his writing supplies were taken away

A Harry Potter fan was reportedly angered by a fanfiction play in which one actor told audience members to "suck his balls". The Spontaneous Potter performance took place on 13 May at the Salisbury Arts Centre, with one diehard Harry Potter fan telling the Salisbury Journal they left early as the performance wasn't what they expected. "It’s not really what I paid £20 each for a ticket for, not what I think many people around me really thought that they paid for. We decided to leave early, it wasn’t anything to do with Harry Potter," Victoria told the outlet. "It was just a group of four people that were doing some improvised comedy, and it had no bearing on Harry Potter." "The first thing that the main character said when opening the show was, 'I have never watched a single Harry Potter film or read a single Harry Potter book,'" she went on to tell the Swindon Advertiser. The audience then allegedly gasped, to which the actor replied, "and you can suck my balls!" She later requested a refund on her ticket but has not yet received a response. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Despite this, The Spontaneous Players’ website, does disclaim the show was "an entirely improvised wizarding comedy play, based on an audience suggestion of a fanfiction title." The Spontaneous Players told Indy100: "We have performed Spontaneous Potter: The Unofficial Improvised Parody over 500 times to over 100,000 people across the UK, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for seven years now. "We’ve headlined improv festivals, achieved a slew of five-star reviews, and won a Scottish Comedy Award for the show. It is a critically-acclaimed, unofficial Potter parody show." They continued: "It has always been clearly labelled as a 16+ parody show, which contains adult language. This is evident from reading the marketing blurb on our website and on all third-party sites. The 16+ age rating and adult language warning is made clear to all customers when purchasing tickets. "We also offer a family-friendly children’s version of the show, for ages 5+." Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

The Jets keep on losing. Following their worst loss of the season, Robert Saleh will finally bench Zach Wilson.

STOCKHOLM (This July 6 story has been refiled to say that Sweden government is considering changing the law

Iceland’s prime minister and women across the island nation are on strike to push for an end to unequal pay and gender-based violence

I do a lot of activities alone. Not because I don’t have any friends or family who love me and share similar interests, but I’ve grown to enjoy my own company and stepping outside of my comfort zone. The first time I took the plunge was when I went to the Apollo Theatre in Victoria, London, to watch the iconic Wicked The Musical alone for my 21st birthday. I hated it and silently cried throughout the interval, watching people converse with their loved ones. But it taught me several lessons and I have since stopped thinking twice about going anywhere alone. Now, you’d happily find me at the cinema, gig, concert, restaurant, on a solo travel trip and yes, even the theatre, alone. For those thinking about it, but still need convincing, here are some of the reasons why you should try doing activities alone this summer. Increased independence and confidence Apart from learning to appreciate the peace that comes from silence, you could also start learning a new skill or invest in a talent, such as playing an instrument or knitting. “Trying out activities alone can boost your independence and confidence,” said Natalie Viglione, a life, business and spiritual coach who runs Team Gu and the Disrupt Now Program, which helps people and their businesses. “It’s an opportunity to rely on your own judgment and decision-making skills, which can make you feel empowered and more self-assured.” You learn more about yourself It may be easier to coast through life, but taking the time to be self-reflective to learn more about who you are – your likes, dislikes, values and how you are in uncomfortable situations – will provide you with great insight, direction and depth. You might discover new things and experience personal growth along the way too. “The lessons are endless, because the opportunities are too,” said Radha Vyas, CEO and co-founder of group adventure travel company Flash Pack. “Outside of the safety net of your friends and family, you are more open to meeting others, making new friends and creating new connections. The fear of loneliness dissipates almost immediately. Taking on new adventures and experiencing new things [like] solo travelling is life-affirming, and also brings with it a triumphant sense of achievement.” Making new friends Making new friends as an adult isn’t straightforward. But doing activities alone will provide you with countless opportunities to meet people who have similar interests as you. Using solo travelling as an example, Vyas said: “People often feel nervous to travel alone for fear they will be lonely or feel isolated. I’ve travelled solo a lot and have met others at every stage of my journey. “In fact, it’s often hard to have time alone. I think that’s the beauty of travelling solo – you are more open to meeting others and, as a result, wonderful and interesting new friendships form.” Reduced stress and improved mental health There’s a difference between doing activities alone and being lonely. For Lowri-Dowthwaite Walsh, a senior lecturer in psychological interventions at University of Central Lancashire, some people may be more reluctant to spend time alone, because we are often told that we should be with other people. “We are social creatures and tend to crave companionship. We are also aware of negative messages and stereotypes around solitude,” said Walsh. “Some people feel a sense of loneliness when they are alone and may not spend a great deal of time in their own company. Introverted individuals may be more used to being alone than extroverts.” But Walsh goes on to explain that throughout the centuries many philosophers, artists, poets and spiritual leaders have advocated for solitude. “Spending time alone enables you to get to know yourself better. Being alone with one’s thoughts and feelings deepens the relationship with oneself. It also allows for more spiritual and philosophical reflection. Being alone in nature has also been shown to improve wellbeing.” Walsh recommends journaling as a good reflective activity that can be done alone with plenty of time and space. Going for a walk in nature, doing some crafting or painting are also valuable ways to spend time by yourself. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How to make your summer tan last longer Why do I get sick when I go on holiday? As Katie Boulter takes Wimbledon by storm, we look at her best on-court fashion so far