"White House Unaware: The Delay in Notifying Biden of Defense Secretary's Hospitalization"

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized on Monday due to surgery complications, but the White House was not informed until at least Thursday, prompting criticism and concerns about transparency and the chain of command. Austin has accepted responsibility for the lack of communication and is said to be recovering well, with Deputy Secretary of Defence Kathleen Hicks temporarily taking on his duties. President Biden has expressed confidence in Austin, while some Republicans have called for consequences over the delayed disclosure.