McConnell Makes Senate Return, Hayden Panettiere Death Probe, China's AI Response: AM Update 9/15

SPEAKER_1 (0:00)

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Megyn Kelly (0:17)

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Tuesday, September 15th, 2026, and this is your AM Update.

After three months out of the public view and mounting speculation about his condition, Senator Mitch McConnell returning to Capitol Hill yesterday in a wheelchair. A possible fentanyl-laced pill, the suspected cause of actress Hayden Panettiere's death.

Greg Lukianoff (0:39)

We have to do them prudently, but that doesn't mean we're going to stop an industry.

Megyn Kelly (0:43)

The great AI debate going global, China pushing back against calls to slow development as President Trump warns, America cannot afford to fall behind.

Greg Lukianoff (0:53)

There's like a sense that sort of like woke one was over, but that's just not true. And I do think that we continue to expand the number of things that people can't talk about.

Megyn Kelly (1:04)

And a failing grade for free speech on America's college campuses as nearly half the schools in a new nationwide ranking earn an F. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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After more than three months away from Washington, Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican from Kentucky, returning to the Capitol yesterday, putting an end to weeks of questions about whether he would come back at all. The 84-year-old former Senate leader seen leaving his Washington home in a wheelchair, flashing a thumbs up before being quickly helped into an SUV and driven to the Senate. Ahead of the vote, Senator McConnell telling reporters it was, quote, time to get back to work and to, quote, finish the job for this Congress, identifying the Farm Bill and continued support for NATO allies fighting Russia among his priorities. The Senator arriving on the Senate floor just minutes before the Monday vote, casting the deciding yes vote to advance the nomination of President Trump's pick Matthew Byrne to serve as a federal judge in southern Ohio. The 47-46 vote in favor of cloture or allowing a substantive vote on the nominee, clearing the way for a separate confirmation vote in the coming days. Senator McConnell's return coming after he acknowledged in a statement that he is still not fully recovered, describing the past three months as a quote, long and often frustrating process. Mr. McConnell adding that he will continue physical therapy while promising Majority Leader Thune that he will do his best to return for close votes whenever Republicans need him.

Senator McConnell hospitalized June 14th after his team says he fell inside his Washington home and briefly lost consciousness, later revealing that doctors also treated him for a mild case of pneumonia. EMT dispatches from the scene reported a cardiac arrest and that CPR was administered, the senator later denying that he had a heart attack. Senator McConnell eventually transferred to a rehab facility for turning home in early August to continue his recovery.

The lack of public information surrounding his condition fueling intense speculation during his absence as Mr. McConnell gave no interviews and his office released only two photographs during his recovery, his return coming at a critical moment for Senate Republicans ahead of a major vote today on cryptocurrency legislation. Senator McConnell's vote expected to prove essential Wednesday as well when Republicans make another attempt to advance their stalled farm bill out of committee. The previous committee vote falling one vote short during McConnell's absence, forcing party leaders to postpone another attempt until his return. Senator McConnell now entering the final months of a Senate career, spanning more than four decades. His term expires in January after a record 18 years leading Senate Republicans.