defense secretary is still in the hospital but is recovering well. they do not know yet when he will be released. this comes after revelations that president biden and senior leaders were kept in the dark about his whereabouts until thursday. three days after he checked into the hospital for a elective surgery. austin saying he could have done a better job of notifying the public. next, anthony blank and is in the region speaking with officials amid heightened tensions and the continuing war in gaza. ukraine says russia has intensified aerial and grounund attacks s in recenent weeks s a there e are no signsns of momos slowing dodown. detatails after r the break.k.