Is Mitch McConnell alive? Three questions that could finally force answers

The lengthy absence of Senator Mitch McConnell from public view has sparked widespread speculation about the condition of the Kentucky Republican while fueling calls for change in the health disclosure requirements to which members of Congress are subject.
McConnell has not been seen publicly for weeks and has missed every roll call vote in the Senate since June 11, according to GovTrack.us. The office of the 84-year-old McConnell released a photo of him in a hospital bed in mid-July, as well as a statement saying the absence was a result of a fall and a case of pneumonia, though it has done little to quell suspicions regarding his health and whereabouts.
In a letter sent to McConnell's office on July 8, Democratic Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged McConnell to "fully update" his constituents regarding "the current status of your health."
Kentuckians, he said, were "increasingly concerned about the current state of your health and wellbeing, and ability to hold office in the United States Senate."
"Let's end the crazy speculation. Just tell us what's going on," Beshear posted to X on July 11.
He has called the lack of communication "concerning" and claimed to have received two calls from separate agencies suggesting McConnell had died. But Kentucky law prevents Beshear from calling a special election and ousting McConnell from his Senate seat by declaring it vacant, even if he believes he is no longer fit to serve.
In 2024, Kentucky lawmakers updated their Senate vacancy law, making it one of a handful of states that requires a special election to fill a vacant seat.