- Nascent French government under pressure on multiple fronts
- Angry French cognac makers see red over Chinese tariffs threat
- Protect the prosciutto: Italy battles swine fever
- UN holds 'Summit of the Future' to tackle global crises
- Marxist leader set to become Sri Lanka's next president
- From blades to pull-up bars: UK charity tackles knife crime
- Swiss vote on pensions and environment protections
- No pain, no gain: Chinese pro wrestlers fight for recognition
- UAE leader seeks to deepen 'strategic' ties in US visit during Mideast crisis
- Hezbollah takes heavy hits but still fighting Israel
- Floods, landslides hit central Japan months after major quake
- All Blacks coach Robertson demands better finishing
- Argentina edge South Africa to keep title hopes alive
- Biden says China 'testing us,' in hot mic remarks to Quad allies
- Dubois destroys Joshua to retain IBF world heavyweight crown
- Guardiola says critics want Man City wiped 'from face of the Earth'
- Biden says 'Quad' is 'here to stay' despite challenges
- Dubois knocks out Joshua to retain IBF world heavyweight crown
- Vinicius helps 'faster' Madrid overturn stubborn Espanyol
- Zelensky to press US on long-range missile strikes inside Russia
- PSG drop first points in draw at Reims
- Vinicius, Mbappe on target as Madrid crush plucky Espanyol
- Jeeno leads Ko by two at LPGA Queen City Championship
- Bottega Veneta goes for 'E.T.' chic as Madonna pops into D&G
- Messi, Miami frustrated by New York late leveler
- Musk's X platform takes first step toward lifting Brazil ban
- 'Business as usual' for Australia match-winner Carey amid boos
- Israeli jets pound Lebanon after deadly Beirut strike
- Ten Hag bemoans Man Utd's lack of killer instinct in Palace stalemate
- France's Macron appoints new government in shift to right
- Cheika proud of Leicester grit after winning start as boss
- Profligate Man Utd pay price in 0-0 draw at Palace
- Kane, Olise run riot as Bayern thump Bremen
- Diaz fires Liverpool top of Premier League, Man Utd held at Palace
- LIV champion Rahm out of LIV Team semis with severe flu
- Slot surprised by tearful Nunez's moment of magic
- Title rivals Norris, Verstappen on 'cool' front row for Singapore GP
- Biden talks China with 'Quad' leaders in hometown summit
- Juve and Napoli play out goalless draw in early Serie A title tussle
- Alcaraz fears tennis tour grind will 'kill us'
- Carey sparks recovery as Australia thrash England in 2nd ODI
- Leclerc, Sainz lament 'disappointing' Saturday in Singapore
- Bottega Veneta holds investors' aces as Madonna pops into D&G
- Beirut digs for victims at building flattened in Israeli strike
- Verstappen stages protest over 'ridiculous' swearing punishment
- Bayern boss Kompany lauds 'special talent' Olise
- Diaz fires Liverpool top of Premier League, Spurs bounce back
- Heavy fire over Israel-Lebanon border after deadly Beirut strike
- Ramos guides unbeaten Toulouse to Montpellier win despite Hogg scuffle
- Myanmar flood death toll jumps to 384
Biden root canal forces abrupt postponement of NATO meeting
President Joe Biden underwent a dental root canal Monday with little public warning, forcing postponement of all scheduled events, including a meeting with the NATO secretary general.
The planned meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, as well as an evening diplomatic reception, "will be rescheduled for tomorrow," the White House said.
Biden underwent the root canal on a premolar tooth in his lower right jaw, presidential physician Kevin C. O'Connor said in a statement.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the procedure was "successfully completed. The president is doing just fine and he'll certainly be working in the residence this afternoon."
Although the White House played down the episode, Biden is 80, the oldest person ever to be president. Scrutiny of his health is intense as he bids to win a second term in 2024, taking him to 86 by the time he would leave office.
The Stoltenberg meeting was set to follow White House talks last week with the prime ministers of allies Britain and Denmark, as Biden prepares for the NATO summit in Lithuania in July.
The Western alliance is heavily involved in assisting Ukraine to defend itself against Russian invasion, with all eyes now on the fate of a much-heralded Ukrainian offensive to liberate territory.
Another big issue for NATO to resolve is choosing a successor for Stoltenberg, whose mandate ends in October.
- Just 'a regular thing' -
O'Connor said Biden's tooth issue began with pain on Sunday.
He was immediately examined by a team from the Walter Reed presidential hospital sent to the White House.
The team "was able to perform an examination, to include X-rays, in the White House Dental Operatory. They determined that endodontic treatment (root canal) was most appropriate. Initial root canal procedure was performed at the time, with a plan for specialized endodontal follow up in the near future," O'Connor wrote.
The doctor said Biden "tolerated the procedure well. There were no complications."
On Monday, the president said he was "experiencing further discomfort," leading to the decision to complete the root canal, O'Connor said.
Because no public announcement was made of Sunday's dental work, questions were raised Monday about whether something more serious had happened.
Jean-Pierre dismissed this, saying the operation was "nothing unusual" and that "millions of Americans go through this."
She stressed that only a local anesthetic was used, meaning no need for invoking the 25th Amendment and temporarily passing presidential powers to Vice President Kamala Harris.
However, the dental intervention was a reminder of how medical issues can suddenly interrupt the administration's rhythm.
Despite assurances that there had been no emergency, the root canal appeared clearly to be unplanned because of the need to postpone the two high-level meetings in the White House.
Biden's appearance at a third event -- a celebration with university athletes -- was canceled less than an hour before it started, with Harris presiding instead.
Jean-Pierre said Harris herself found out Monday morning that she would take Biden's place at the event for athletes.
However, "there's nothing mysterious about it," Jean-Pierre said. "It is a regular thing that many people go through."
M.A.Colin--AMWN