"Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Hospitalized for Emergent Bladder Issue Amid Hostage Release Progress"

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized again, this time for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue, leading him to transfer his duties to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. This comes after his previous hospitalization for a minimally invasive surgical procedure for prostate cancer, which led to a urinary tract infection and serious intestinal complications. Austin has publicly apologized for not informing President Biden earlier about his health issues, and an internal review and investigation by the Defense Department inspector general are ongoing.