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Speculation over the condition of Sen. Mitch McConnell erupted across social media Monday after conservative commentator Laura Loomer and journalist Desiree Townsend each claimed, citing unnamed sources, that the Kentucky Republican had been declared brain dead. McConnell’s office, however, firmly rejected the reports, saying the senator remains hospitalized and continues to recover.

Responding to the claims, a spokesperson for McConnell said the senator’s health is improving and that he remains actively involved with his staff despite being away from Washington.

“Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital. The Senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session,” the spokesperson told Breitbart News.

Before the statement from McConnell’s office, Loomer posted on X that a senior source she described as being close to the White House had informed her the senator had been declared brain dead and would not recover.

“High level source close to the White House tells me Mitch McConnell is officially brain dead. He’s not coming back,” Loomer posted.

Townsend later echoed the allegation, saying her own sources had conveyed the same information. She also asserted that McConnell’s Capitol Police protective detail remained stationed at the hospital.

“I have heard the same thing from my sources for days,” Townsend wrote. “At this point, I am at the hospital for when they eventually decide to move cut him off of life support and move his body. His Capitol police detail is still here as of 3:39pm ET.”

McConnell was admitted to a hospital on June 14, although his office has not revealed why he was hospitalized or provided specific information about his medical condition. At 84 years old, McConnell is the longest-serving Senate leader in American history and is currently serving the final term of his Senate career, which concludes in January.

Three days after McConnell entered the hospital, his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, traveled to Beijing for meetings with Chinese officials. During her visit, she met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, who urged the United States and China to deepen cooperation and continue efforts to build what he described as a more stable relationship between the two nations.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Monday pointed to new price reductions at Walmart as evidence that his administration is making headway in lowering the cost of everyday essentials, a central economic priority as critics continue to fault the White House over the high cost of living.

According to Business Insider, Trump said Walmart agreed to cut prices on a variety of products, including ground beef, after his administration encouraged major retailers to help make household necessities more affordable as part of events commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.

Trump called on other large retailers to adopt similar measures, saying lower prices at the nation’s biggest retailer would provide meaningful relief to millions of Americans.

The White House said Walmart’s decision followed a request from the administration and was part of a broader initiative tied to the country’s 250th anniversary celebration aimed at reducing costs for consumers.

Reuters later reported that Walmart confirmed it would be lowering prices on a number of products sold in its stores, including meat, fresh produce, beverages, and other consumer staples. Ground beef was among the items that will see a price reduction.

The announcement comes as Trump continues to face attacks from Democrats and other political opponents, who argue that Americans are still struggling with elevated prices and contend that some administration policies have made affordability more difficult.

Critics have cited inflation, tariffs, and the administration’s handling of the conflict with Iran as factors they believe have contributed to higher costs for consumers.

They have also argued that the fighting involving Iran has injected uncertainty into global energy markets, raising concerns that disruptions to oil production and shipping lanes could drive up the price of gasoline, transportation, and a wide range of consumer goods.

Energy experts have noted that instability in key oil-producing regions has the potential to push crude oil prices higher while increasing broader economic risks through rising fuel and shipping costs.

The White House has rejected those claims, maintaining that Trump’s agenda is centered on lowering prices, increasing domestic energy production, strengthening the U.S. economy, and safeguarding America’s national security by preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Trump has repeatedly maintained that he inherited an economy burdened by inflation and says his economic agenda is designed to restore the purchasing power of working Americans.

The debate over affordability has emerged as one of the defining political issues confronting the administration, with grocery prices serving as one of the clearest indicators voters use to judge the health of the economy.

Food prices remain particularly important because grocery shopping is one of the most frequent and visible expenses faced by American households.

Newsweek reported that Trump has personally urged Walmart and other major retailers to lower prices as the administration seeks to demonstrate measurable progress in reducing everyday costs.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that many retailers have cautioned that tariffs could place additional pressure on prices by increasing costs associated with imported products and global supply chains.

Trump’s latest effort involving Walmart underscores the growing role major retailers are playing in the national debate over the economy, with the president insisting his policies are bringing prices down while critics argue that tariffs, international conflicts, and other administration decisions could continue to strain household budgets.

Two minors from Bnei Brak have been indicted in connection with a series of break-ins across the city, including the theft of approximately 100,000 shekels (about $30,000) worth of silver items from the private room of the Chernobyler Rebbe at the Chernobyler beis medrash on Rechov Aharonovitch.

According to police, the suspects—ages 14 and 16—are accused of carrying out three separate burglaries in recent months, targeting the Chernobyler beis medrash, a residential facility, and a supermarket in Bnei Brak. Following the investigation, prosecutors filed indictments against both youths and requested that they remain under house arrest until the conclusion of legal proceedings.

Police launched the investigation after receiving three burglary complaints from locations throughout the city.

Investigators say that in June, the two suspects entered the Chernobyler beis medrash, made their way into the Rebbe’s private room, forced open a safe, and stole silver items valued at approximately 100,000 shekels.

The stolen silver was ultimately recovered and returned to the beis medrash. According to local reports, however, the items were not located by police. Instead, they were discovered in the yard of a home on Rechov Harav Rozovsky in Bnei Brak by a civilian, who turned them over to police. Investigators then processed the silver for fingerprints before returning it to the gabbai of the beis medrash.

Police also allege that in May, the suspects broke into a residential facility on HaYarden Street by smashing a window and stealing cash and a checkbook from the administration office.

In April, the pair allegedly broke into a supermarket on Rechov Aharonovitch, making off with snacks and soft drinks.

Following the collection of evidence, investigators identified and arrested the two Bnei Brak teenagers.

The Tel Aviv District Police Juvenile Prosecution Unit has charged them with burglary of a house of worship and residence, theft committed jointly, breaking into a non-residential building with intent to steal, malicious property damage, and criminal trespassing committed jointly. Prosecutors have also requested that both minors remain under house arrest pending the completion of the court proceedings.