PHILADELPHIA — Michigan health authorities have issued a warning regarding a “large and growing” outbreak of a parasitic infection that is currently spreading across the state.
On Thursday, it was revealed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) that over 300 cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection, have been confirmed. This marks a significant increase from the roughly 50 cases the state usually records annually, according to MDHHS data shared with ABC News.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) point out that the spread of the parasite typically occurs through the consumption of food or water contaminated with fecal matter.
“We are working closely with our state and local partners to identify the source of this outbreak that is making so many people ill as quickly as possible,” stated Lynn Sutfin, the public information officer for MDHHS, during an interview with ABC News.
Meanwhile, outside Michigan, the CDC has reported 145 cases across 17 states as of June 15, with at least 20 individuals having been hospitalized.
Residents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are among those
Islanders’ Draft Pick Malte Gustafsson Poised for Rapid Ascent
Malte Gustafsson hasn’t allowed himself the luxury of dreaming about a future on the Islanders’ blue line alongside Matthew Schaefer. Both young talents, drafted in the first round and sharing left-handedness and the age of 18, are poised for significant roles.
Tom Jankovic, who coaches the HV71 under-20 team and assists Sweden’s under-18 national team, shared, “He’s remarkably down-to-earth and modest about his path.”
In Buffalo, during the introduction of Gustafsson as the Islanders’ 13th pick in the recent NHL draft, Schaefer’s presence by his side felt symbolic of their intertwined journeys.
It was a moment where one future cornerstone welcomed another, who could swiftly establish his presence.
Enthused about the prospect of skating with Schaefer, Gustafsson has made a name for himself in Sweden as a vital defenseman. He is set to continue with HV71 for the next season.
After that, though, the Islanders might have a decision to make with the 6-foot-4, 230-pounder who “came as advertised” to development camp last week, Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer said.
“I think he will be a top Swedish defenseman in the NHL someday,” Jankovic told The Post. “If it’s when he’s 24 or when he’s 28, I don’t know, but I think he will be there because he has all the tools. He has the right mindset.”
There’s no rush, either. Gustafsson planned to improve his offensive game and add muscle next season in the Swedish Hockey League.
Niklas Eriksson, his HV71 head coach who took over near the end of last season, said that he can use the larger rinks in Sweden to prepare for the smaller ones in North America.
It’ll force Gustafsson to simplify his game and to make first passes quickly, something on which he’ll get to work while likely logging 20-plus minutes a game and filling roles on both the power play and penalty kill.
Jankovic thought Gustafsson, a self-described “annoying” defenseman, would get picked earlier in the draft.
He can skate alongside both defensive and offensive defensemen, seamlessly complementing both and able to pick up either role when needed.
He constructed a two-way game where size, reach and an ability to carry the puck became his defining traits, and his movement near the blue line and passing ability could make him an option to quarterback a power-play unit in the NHL — perhaps the Islanders’ second one behind Schaefer, Jankovic said.
“He has so many tools when it comes to what he can do,” Jankovic said, “so I think that’s his biggest strength, and as a coach, you want that on the ice.”
Even before the draft, Gustafsson appeared in plenty of games with stakes attached.
He collected 12 points in 19 games with the under-20 team last season and added another three points in 27 regular-season games in the SHL.
He helped Sweden earn a gold medal at the U18 World Championship, skating over 28 minutes against Canada in the quarterfinals, over 29 against Czechia in the semifinals and another 26:39 against Slovakia in the gold-medal game.
Gustafsson helped HV71’s men’s team avoid relegation in the SHL, too, by contributing to their sweep in a best-of-seven series between the 13th- and 14th-place teams — with massive financial ramifications at stake if HV71 lost.
He quarterbacked the second power-play unit and impressed general manager Johan Hult with how he handled the pressure of those games.
“How I use my size and length to shut down players, play physical, really being annoying on the ice, showing that I’m there,” Gustafsson told The Post after the Islanders’ development camp scrimmage last week, “I think that’s the biggest part of my game.”
And if Gustafsson adds strength in his legs to become more explosive, Hult said, he’ll “be even more annoying, that’s for sure.”
Hult found it difficult to describe a ceiling for him because, in his eyes, “the ceiling is not set.”
Gustafsson could represent Sweden in the Olympics.
He could live up to Jankovic’s prediction as one of the best Swedish defensemen in the NHL.
He could make the five other teams who took other defensemen ahead of the Islanders in the first round look foolish.
That would all unfold years in the future.
That takes more than an initial introduction at development camp to actually achieve.
This — the draft, the HV71 games, the final SHL season before taking the leap to what’s next — has been just the start for Gustafsson.
“I think the sky’s the limit for this kid,” Jankovic said.
Unprecedented Police Mobilization Across South Africa as Violent Anti-Immigration Unrest Escalates
In response to widespread protests against illegal immigration, authorities in South Africa mobilized thousands of police officers on Tuesday. The demonstrations resulted in violent confrontations that rippled through several major cities.
The civil unrest, which involved numerous protestors, occurred just before a deadline set by certain organizers. These groups have called for the expulsion of all undocumented migrants by June 30, as reported by Reuters.
The protests attracted large crowds, predominantly made up of South Africans facing economic hardship. They argue that foreign migrants are accepting lower wages, securing jobs they need, and are contributing to the rising crime levels.
As chaos spread across the nation, at least four fatalities were reported amidst the ongoing violence and looting, according to Reuters.
Protesters opposing immigration marched through the streets of Johannesburg on June 30, 2026. This date marked an informal deadline by anti-immigrant factions for illegal migrants to exit the country. (REUTERS/Oupa Nkosi)
The clashes mark the largest migration-related protests since anti-migrant violence erupted in South Africa in 2008.
While thousands of foreign nationals from other African countries had already fled ahead of Tuesday’s so-called deadline, tensions have remained high, Reuters said.
Multiple businesses and properties were vandalized in several areas, according to reports.
In anticipation of further attacks, many shops reportedly closed, with foreign workers staying home.
Landlords in Durban and Johannesburg also evicted foreign tenants illegally to avoid further trouble, witnesses alleged.
Reuters added that 100 Congolese nationals were reported sleeping on the streets of Durban.
Protesters stand with wooden sticks near a fire burning in the street in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 30, 2026. (Reuters)
While many marches were considered peaceful, police reported that they arrested several looters and fired rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
National broadcaster SABC added that protesters looted shacks belonging to foreign nationals in the Soweto township.
In Thembisa, a suburb of Johannesburg, rioters reportedly threw stones at police and suspected migrants, with witnesses saying sporadic gunfire was heard.
Police deployed tactical vehicles and fired shots in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, after being confronted by a group of roughly 500 protesters, Daily Maverick reported.
Thousands of police officers have been deployed nationwide, while the military was placed on standby, a defense spokesperson said in a statement.
“To those who intend to break the law tomorrow, our message is simple: do not test the resolve of the State,” Lt. Gen. Tebello Mosikili said.
Protesters start a fire in the streets of Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 30, 2026. (Reuters)
The “March and March” group, one of the more prominent organizations behind the unrest, addressed the violence, saying it cannot be held responsible for spontaneous incidents breaking out during the demonstrations.
“Unfortunately, we can’t be in every single community telling them … how to behave,” Jacinta Ngobese, leader of the March and March group, told Reuters two weeks ago.
Ngobese said the group plans to hold weekly marches until its demands are met, despite the government rejecting the deadline and saying only authorities can enforce immigration laws.
“For the next six months, we are asking for our national resources to be used to take the illegal immigrants out of this country. From building to building — they must go,” Ngobese said, according to ZimLive.
Despite South Africa’s high unemployment rate, the country remains Africa’s largest economy and continues to draw migrants.
The immigrant population stands at about 3 million, or roughly 4% of the total, according to StatsSA.
NFL Star Dismisses Diva Wedding Guest Rumors Surrounding Taylor and Travis at MSG
Critics have taken aim at the guest list for Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s star-studded wedding, but one guest, fortunate enough to score an invitation, has vigorously defended the couple’s choices.
The American power couple curated an impressive guest list, inviting around 1,000 people to commemorate their union at Madison Square Garden, a venue that stands as an iconic centerpiece in New York City. Exclusive images from the Daily Mail showcased the arena’s transformation into a magical setting for the event.
However, some fans observing from a distance expressed surprise over certain names that appeared on Kelce and Swift’s prestigious shortlist, sparking discussions online.
Among the notable attendees was popular NFL analyst Rich Eisen, accompanied by his wife, Suzy Shuster, herself a renowned sportscaster. Eisen shared a cherished memory from the event on Instagram, allowing fans a glimpse into the glittering affair.
“Quite the NYC night,” Eisen captioned the photo. “Storybook doesn’t do the expression of love we witnessed justice,” he added, encapsulating the enchantment felt by many present at the ceremony.
Amid the array of comments on the post complimenting the couple on how they looked for the big day, however, the NFL personality took exception to a critic accusing Kelce of inviting famous names instead of some of his friends.
Rich Eisen and his wife Suzy Shuster attended Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s wedding
Eisen then slammed critics of the power couple’s guest list for their New York wedding
‘Am I the only one that thinks it’s super weird that outside of Mahomes and Reid, they invited tangential “sports” people like Rich Eisen but less than a handful of Chiefs,’ one comment on Eisen’s post read.
The man himself replied in order to set the record straight, writing: ‘Beyond false. Most Chiefs were there.
‘Both sides of the ball and coaching staff and front office and FORMER teammates of @killatrav (Kelce’s Instagram handle).’
Eisen stating that ‘most’ Chiefs players made it to the big day was intriguing after the Daily Mail reported on Friday that kicker Harrison Butker was not in the Big Apple for teammate Kelce’s wedding.
Butker sparked uproar two years ago when he suggested women should prioritize being stay-at-home mothers over their careers during a commencement speech at Kansas City’s Benedictine College.
Amid the controversy, led by plenty of Swifties, Kelce stood up for his teammate against the cancel culture backlash, describing him as a ‘great person’ – despite admitting he disagreed with almost every opinion he shared in the speech.
‘When it comes down to his views and what he said at the Saint Benedict’s commencement speech, those are his. I can’t say I agree with the majority of it or just about any of it outside of just him loving his family and his kids,’ he said about Butker on his New Heights podcast in May 2024.
‘And I don’t think that I should judge him by his views, especially his religious views, of how to go about life, that’s just not who I am.
Kelce’s Chiefs teammate Harrison Butker was not at the wedding – sources said he was not invited to the big day in New York
‘I grew up in a beautiful upbringing of different social classes, different religions, different races and ethnicities in Cleveland Heights and that’s why I love Cleveland Heights for what it was.’
The three-time Super Bowl champion Butker also appeared to condemn then-President Joe Biden’s pro-abortion stance and the LGBTQ+ community, igniting outrage at the time.
A petition for Butker to be cut by the Chiefs was signed by more than 260,000 people.
As well as the majority of Chiefs stars making Kelce’s big day, he invited plenty of other notable names from across the world of football.
Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford and Mike Vrabel were there, as well as former teammates such as Trent McDuffie and Juju Smith-Schuster.
Kelce and Swift are expected to attend Smith-Schuster’s wedding in Orange County, California next weekend.
AMC CEO’s Swift-Deleted Play-by-Play of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Wedding Sparks Online Frenzy
AMC Theatres CEO, Adam Aron, enthusiastically shared details about the extravagant wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden, only to remove the post shortly after.
In a post on X, Aron expressed his excitement about attending the event, saying, “It was such a privilege to be THERE,” according to screenshots taken before the post was deleted.
Aron, who has been closely associated with Taylor Swift since AMC premiered her Eras Tour movie worldwide in 2023, mentioned the historical connection, noting, “With AMC’s headquarters ironically based in Kansas City, home of the Chiefs, I recognized early signs of a genuine romance,” and announced that a significant chapter in their love story began on Friday.
Aron shared that Madison Square Garden had undergone a complete transformation, with every surface—”floors, walls, ceilings”—decorated in peach and white, a theme corroborated by leaked footage of the occasion.
He also revealed that there were large photo displays of Taylor and Travis, capturing each year of their lives, from age one through their late teenage years.
Aron noted that no trace of the famed sports arena existed during the celebration for the “Opalite” songstress and NFL star, as it had “magically” turned into “an outdoor garden at a lush countryside retreat.”
“Real flowers and I think artificial trees welcomed fifteen rows of maybe 75 or so chairs,” Aron wrote. “They say there were around one thousand attendees, but surprisingly, it all felt intimate and small. Everything was close.”
Aron continued the play-by-play with details of the ceremony, which began with “a few violins and cello” ushering in the wedding party, which was “headlined by handsome Travis in a white tux, and a jaw-dropping Taylor in a stunning white wedding dress with a long veiled train.”
The movie chain exec did not identify the “officiant” who “talked and sang and talked” during the ceremony, but a press release following the celebration revealed that Adam Sandler officiated and Swift and Kelce’s fits were Christian Dior Haut Couture.
The vows, Aron wrote, were “long, entertaining, personal, charming, emotional, irreverent and endearing explorations by each as to how they met, why they want to be with each other for all eternity, the promises they made in joining their much-beloved two whole families as one, and committing to their new mutual life together.”
at MSG:
The moment was followed by a “sweep you off your feet kiss,” he added. During the “exquisite” reception, Aron shared that there was “superb food and drink” and “music, music, music.”
“I wish you were all could have been there with me, to witness real, pure, true joy,” he wrote.
Aron was among 1,000 high-profile guests at the couple’s massive celebration at New York City’s landmark arena, following a much more intimate rehearsal dinner including 100 members of the couple’s inner circle Thursday evening.
The long-awaited wedding was announced on Friday evening on lit signs outside Madison Square Garden reading, “JUST&T MARRIED.”
Meanwhile, at the iconic Empire State Building spires, a spectacular blue light show commenced as the Grammy winning bride’s “something blue.”
Celebrities Criticize Trump Administration in Somber Video for America 250 Event
In a spirited commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, a coalition of well-known Hollywood figures and activists have launched a compelling video campaign. The message, aimed squarely at opposing President Donald Trump’s administration, underscores the urgency the group feels about the current political climate.
This star-studded video premiered on Variety and features an impressive lineup of celebrities. Among the prominent names are Mark Ruffalo, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ted Danson, and Judd Apatow. The nearly 10-minute video showcases these personalities as they articulate key principles from “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century,” a thought-provoking book by historian Timothy Snyder.
Early in the video, Snyder himself sets the tone by cautioning viewers about the significance of the impending midterm elections. He describes them as a pivotal “turning point” for the nation, stressing that voters’ choices will either guide the country in a positive direction or exacerbate existing challenges.
Snyder reflects on the Republic’s 250-year journey, interweaving his personal connection, as his book “On Tyranny” has coincided with the Republic’s narrative for the past decade, having been penned in November 2016. The sentiment of both reflection and urgency infuses his message.
Looking toward November, Snyder expresses a sense of foreboding and hope. He sees this moment as a critical juncture where the trajectory of the Republic hangs in the balance, capable of veering toward either promising advancements or significant setbacks.
Reading from the book and its suggestions on how a nation turns to tyranny, celebrities recited lines including “Do not obey in advance,” delivered by Leslie Odom Jr., Sheryl Lee Ralph and Holland Taylor. Another, “Beware of the one-party state,” was read by Isabel Allende and Lisa Rinna.
Actor Mark Ruffalo, known for appearing in Marvel’s “Avengers” films, explained his reason for participating in the video when speaking with Variety. Ruffalo has long been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration.
“My hope is that after this very bad and corrupt time we are living through now, we move away from a government that caters to the wealthy and powerful and focuses on the needs, desires and dreams of the children and young people,” Ruffalo told Variety, later adding, “Keep America moving toward its great promise and not the measly mistakes and cruelty of its past.”
Ruffalo also called for closing the wealth gap, cherishing the planet and leaving behind the “colonial mindset of land theft, extractive economies, domination and materialism; embrace the Indigenous wisdom and worldview of circular economies, respect for all things and beings as our relatives and, therefore, worthy of our care and thoughtfulness.”
Snyder also posted his Substack video to X with the caption: “To celebrate a rebellion is to know that, from a flawed world, we can make new things. We can hold on, we can find each other, and not just imagine but create a much better America. It is a special 250th – it is ours.”
Under the description of his video, Snyder directly took aim at the current 250th anniversary celebrations, writing that the leaders behind them represent a “threat to liberty.”
“Sadly, those who lead our official celebration today represent every threat to liberty that the founders named: arbitrary rule; indifference to law; undue accumulation of wealth; corruption of the government to attain that wealth; collusion with foreign powers to attain power,” he wrote.
He also listed the participants, including Isabel Allende, Judd Apatow, Margaret Atwood, Joan Baez, Sophia Bush, Misha Collins, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Ted Danson, Ron Funches, Tony Goldwyn, Eric Holder, Jenifer Lewis, Leslie Odom Jr., Sarah Jessica Parker, Billy Porter, Maria Ressa, Lisa Rinna, Molly Ringwald, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Mark Ruffalo, J. Smith-Cameron, Holland Taylor, Viet Thanh Nguyen and Bradley Whitford.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
How the Socceroos Are Poised to Surpass Expectations in the Next World Cup Campaign
While their journey may have concluded, the Socceroos have once again won over the hearts of Australians nationwide.
Despite the biting cold, thousands gathered at live sites and filled pubs across Australia, eager to watch the early-morning World Cup Round of 32 match against Egypt.
Millions more tuned in from home, sharing in the collective disappointment of the players after their elimination in a tense penalty shootout.
This concluded a remarkable campaign for the Socceroos, who achieved a second-place finish in their group and advanced to the World Cup knockout stages for only the third time. It marked their debut in a World Cup penalty shootout.
Although the outcome was harsh, the Socceroos and Australian football have much to look forward to with renewed optimism.
The 26-man squad had an average age of 26.8 — the second-youngest Australia has taken to a World Cup.
Some of the team’s standout performers were also among its youngest, including Nestory Irankunda, 20, Jordy Bos, 23, Patrick Beach, 22, Paul Okon-Engstler, 21, Cristian Volpato, 22, Alessandro Circati, 22, and Lucas Herrington, 18.
Those players are expected to attract growing interest from top European clubs in the years ahead — Barcelona lodged a bid for Herrington on the eve of the tournament — and they will only continue to improve with age and experience.
By the time the 2030 World Cup rolls around, many will be entering their physical and tactical prime. They will play key roles for the national team, with several World Cups potentially still ahead of them.
The diversity of the 26-man squad — comprising at least 15 cultural and ethnic backgrounds — also became a focal point of the team’s World Cup campaign, with the players releasing a video celebrating their migrant roots on the eve of the tournament.
Migrant advocates said the team’s diversity offered an important counterpoint to anti-migrant sentiment and political attacks on multiculturalism.
Speaking after the loss, veteran Socceroo Aziz Behich said the side had “set the bar” for the future.
“Two World Cups in a row; we’ve reached the knockout stages.”
“No one else has set the bar for us. That’s us as a squad and as players and staff.
“We’ve done that from the way we’ve worked and the way we’ve played to get ourselves in this position.
“So I think that’s got to be the standard from now on, getting out of the group and hopefully next World Cup we’ll be knocking on the door and getting out the knockout stages.”
Former Socceroo Tommy Oar was equally optimistic about the future.
“I think we have the most exciting young squad that we’ve had in a number of years, since I can remember,” he told SBS News.
“Maybe the Golden Generation players [from the 2006 World Cup] playing at very good clubs across the world, but also at the very start of their careers.”
Despite the heartbreaking exit, coach Tony Popovic said his players had given everything throughout the tournament.
“I’ve always maintained it’s a wonderful group. They showed how good they are tonight,” he said.
“At this moment right now, everything’s a little bit tough to take, but I’m sure every Australian is proud of the group and what they did throughout the tournament and tonight.”
The Socceroos will next turn their attention to next year’s Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
— With additional reporting by Haylena Krishnamoorthy
Legendary Comeback: Lionel Richie Thrills Fans With Return to Stage Post Health Scare
Lionel Richie has made a spirited return to the concert scene, diving back into his tour after experiencing a medical emergency onstage that led to the cancellation of two performances the previous week.
During his show last week at the Grand Casino in St Paul, Minnesota, the 77-year-old artist had to remain seated while performing. He informed the audience that he felt ‘dizzy’ and ended the concert early due to health concerns.
Following this event, the legendary singer, known for hits like “All Night Long,” announced that he would postpone his forthcoming weekend concerts in Chicago, Illinois, and Columbus, Ohio.
Nevertheless, Richie made a victorious comeback on Tuesday, performing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and then moving on to deliver another vibrant show in Detroit, Michigan.
On Saturday, July 4th, Richie took to Instagram, sharing photos from the concerts and reassuring his fans that he was ‘doing well’ and back in action.
Richie, who is in the midst of his Sing a Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind & Fire, has yet to confirm the exact nature of the health problems he had last week.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Richie’s representative for comment.
Lionel Richie has returned to the stage and plunged back into his tour, after suffering a medical emergency onstage and canceling two shows last week; pictured Wednesday in Detroit
‘Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love,’ wrote Richie in a new Instagram post: ‘I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you’
‘Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love. I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you,’ wrote Richie in the caption.
In the caption of his new Instagram post, he added: ‘Pittsburgh and Detroit were an absolute joy. The energy, the dancing, the faces in the crowd… we made real memories together. See you in Toronto… let’s party all night long!’
Shortly after the medical emergency, a source had told the Daily Mail that his loved ones fear Richie – whose best-selling album is 1983’s Can’t Slow Down – may be more focused on entertaining audiences than focusing on his own health.
‘Family, friends, and even his bandmates are definitely concerned about Lionel’s health, but nobody is about to tell him to slow down,’ the insider said. ‘They all want him better and to do what he loves to do.’
They emphasized his incredible work ethic, which has made him a reliably popular entertainer for decades, going back to his time in the 1970s and ’80s in The Commodores.
‘The Lionel we see on tour and on American Idol is the same Lionel we have known for decades – he’s always moving, always working, and always looking ahead to the next show,’ the source continued. ‘And with that, depending on what doctors tell him, his mindset is already focused on getting back out on the road as quickly as possible because that’s simply who he is.’
‘Music isn’t just his job; it’s what keeps him going. He’s not someone who sits still, and retirement has never really been part of the conversation unless his health leaves him with no other choice,’ they added.
‘Right now, Lionel is actually more upset that fans didn’t get the full show they paid for than he is about himself and his health. That’s where his head is,’ the insider said. ‘He hates disappointing people and feels terrible that the concert couldn’t continue as planned.’
While neither the singer or his team have addressed his health, the United Center in Chicago issued a statement on his behalf revealing Richie has postponed his next two shows on the Sing A Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind & Fire
A source tells the Daily Mail that those close to Lionel Richie, 77, worry he won’t slow down after a health emergency that forced him to end Wednesday’s concert and go to the hospital via ambulance; pictured in 2024 in Inglewood, Calif.
‘Family, friends, and even his bandmates are definitely concerned about Lionel’s health, but nobody is about to tell him to slow down,’ the insider said. ‘They all want him better and to do what he loves to do’; seen May 15 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
The source close to Richie suggested he wasn’t going to worry for the time being.
‘As far as he’s concerned, while he awaits results, this is just a temporary setback. He fully expects to be back doing what he loves, and he’s already hoping to make it to Chicago this weekend if everything checks out,’ they shared.
‘He’s still waiting for a few more answers on what he is dealing with, but he feels that it could be just a bit of an episode over something super serious.’
Sources close to the star told TMZ that paramedics met the hitmaker backstage, and he was taken by ambulance to a hospital.
It was noted that the move was a precautionary measure.
The drama first unfolded during the start of Richie’s joint Sing A Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind & Fire.
He announced an unusual intermission after a performance of Three Times A Lady from his piano, according to Minnesota’s Bring Me The News.
Richie’s band reportedly also left the stage minutes later but, more than 40 minutes after he cut off the show, a band member returned to announce he wouldn’t be able to return because he was feeling ill.
‘Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,’ said saxophonist Dino Soldo, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. ‘He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.’
On social media, fans who attended the show shared their concerns and revealed that the singer had signaled throughout the performance that he wasn’t feeling well.
Videos of him performing showed the singer stopping to sit down multiple times during his second-to-last song Dancing On The Ceiling and he reportedly told the crowd he was feeling ‘dizzy’ while performing.
‘Music isn’t just his job; it’s what keeps him going. He’s not someone who sits still, and retirement has never really been part of the conversation unless his health leaves him with no other choice,’ the source said; seen May 15 in Grand Rapids
‘Lionel is actually more upset that fans didn’t get the full show they paid for than he is about himself and his health . . . As far as he’s concerned, while he awaits results, this is just a temporary setback. He fully expects to be back doing what he loves…’ they shared’; pictured May 15 in Grand Rapids
Richie is seen sitting down on stage before ending the show
Richie was able to sit at the piano bench for what turned out to be his last song of the evening.
A fan who attended the concert told the publication Richie ‘said he has been in this business long enough, if you feel dizzy you sit down! And if you don’t feel right, you sit down!’
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune’s Jon Bream, Richie was even saltier with his advice, quoting the singer as saying, ‘When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your a** down.’
One video posted by journalist Patrick Kessler on X on Wednesday night showed a portion of his Dancing On The Ceiling performance in which he appeared unsteady as he walked across the stage, before he made an unexpected stop and sat down on the edge of a large stepped platform.
Despite apparently feeling unwell, Richie appeared to be singing throughout his seated portion of the song, rather than relying on a guide vocal.
Richie was seated for less than ten seconds before he stood up and started making his way across the stage again.
Richie reportedly told the crowd that he was feeling ‘dizzy’ while performing; pictured on American Idol
However, less than 30 seconds later, he stopped to sit down again on the risers on the opposite side of the stage, even as he continued singing.
According to the Star Tribune, Richie’s saxophonist Dino Soldo, who later confirmed that the rest of the show was canceled, took a seat with the singer during Dancing On The Ceiling.
The publication reported audience members began to file out of the venue as soon as Richie’s band left the stage, about 15 minutes after he announced the surprise intermission.