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The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress after campaign finance charges

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress after campaign finance charges

April 21, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has resigned from Congress after an investigation found she broke campaign finance rules and other ethics violations. She faces federal charges for allegedly stealing disaster aid money and could go to trial in 2027.

Key Facts

  • Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned from Congress amid a House Ethics Committee investigation.
  • The investigation found over 20 ethics violations, including breaking campaign finance laws.
  • She is accused of using FEMA disaster funds to pay for her 2021 election campaign.
  • Cherfilus-McCormick denies wrongdoing and says the investigation prevented her from defending herself.
  • Federal prosecutors charged her with stealing $5 million in disaster relief funds.
  • Money was allegedly diverted to friends and family, who then donated it back to her campaign.
  • Her federal trial is postponed until February 2027, and she faces up to 53 years in prison if convicted.
  • Her resignation follows similar departures by two other members of Congress facing serious accusations.
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BBC US BBC Top Stories
Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress before Ethics hearing on sanctions

Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress before Ethics hearing on sanctions

April 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida resigned from Congress just before the House Ethics Committee was set to decide on sanctions against her for alleged theft and other wrongdoing. She pleaded not guilty to charges of stealing nearly $5 million in federal relief funds but resigned to avoid a likely expulsion vote.

Key Facts

  • Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick resigned immediately before an Ethics Committee hearing on misconduct allegations.
  • She is accused of stealing about $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds for her campaign.
  • The Ethics Committee found strong evidence of misconduct, including false campaign finance reports and improper spending on luxury items.
  • A rare public hearing by the Ethics Committee judged that most of the allegations against her were proven.
  • Her lawyer argued that the committee’s actions could harm her chance for a fair trial in court.
  • Democratic leadership had not yet decided whether to support her expulsion, which would need a two-thirds House vote.
  • She is the third member of Congress to resign recently amid misconduct allegations.
  • Rep. Michael Guest, chair of the Ethics Committee, said they lost authority over the case once she resigned.
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CBS News
Trump says he will ‘remember’ any company that doesn’t request tariff refund

Trump says he will ‘remember’ any company that doesn’t request tariff refund

April 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump said it would be smart if U.S. companies do not ask for money back from tariffs that the Supreme Court found unconstitutional. He mentioned companies like Apple and Amazon, which have not yet applied for refunds on tariffs they paid.

Key Facts

  • President Trump discussed tariffs he imposed that the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional.
  • He said it would be "brilliant" if companies do not seek refunds for those tariffs.
  • Some large companies, including Apple and Amazon, have not requested tariff refunds.
  • The tariffs were part of trade policies during Trump's administration.
  • The issue arose during a phone interview with CNBC.
  • The tariffs caused extra costs for companies that imported goods.
  • The Supreme Court decision allows companies to request refunds for these tariffs.
  • Trump’s statement suggests he is watching which companies ask for refunds.
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The Hill
‘Self-serving stuff’: anger remains high in Whitehall over Olly Robbins sacking

‘Self-serving stuff’: anger remains high in Whitehall over Olly Robbins sacking

April 21, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Anger remains high in the UK government after Olly Robbins, a senior civil servant, was fired by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Robbins was dismissed because he did not tell the prime minister about security problems related to the former US ambassador Peter Mandelson.

Key Facts

  • Olly Robbins was sacked for not informing Prime Minister Starmer about Mandelson failing UK security checks.
  • Many civil servants believe Robbins was punished for quickly approving Mandelson's vetting while managing risks.
  • Starmer called the failure to disclose the vetting issue “staggering.”
  • Robbins learned of his dismissal by letter several days after Starmer's decision.
  • The firing worsened tensions between the Prime Minister’s office (No 10) and the civil service.
  • Former senior officials and civil service unions criticized Robbins’ treatment as unfair and damaging.
  • Robbins has worked under many prime ministers and appeared shocked by his dismissal.
  • Concerns exist about the impact of this event on security processes and civil service morale.
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Guardian World
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns before facing ethics panel meeting

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns before facing ethics panel meeting

April 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from Florida resigned from Congress just before a House Ethics Committee meeting about her alleged wrongdoing. She faces charges of stealing nearly $5 million from FEMA funds to use in her campaign and has pleaded not guilty.

Key Facts

  • Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is a Democratic representative from Florida.
  • She resigned from her position in Congress on a Tuesday.
  • Her resignation came moments before a House Ethics Committee meeting.
  • The committee was set to decide if she should be punished for alleged misconduct.
  • She is accused of stealing about $5 million from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
  • The stolen funds were allegedly used to support her political campaign.
  • Cherfilus-McCormick has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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CBS News
Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida resigns amid ethics investigation

Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida resigns amid ethics investigation

April 21, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida is resigning from Congress amid an ethics investigation into her use of campaign funds. The House Ethics Committee found she committed 25 violations and was about to recommend punishment, while she also faces federal criminal charges related to misuse of COVID-19 relief funds.

Key Facts

  • Cherfilus-McCormick chose to resign rather than face formal punishment from the House Ethics Committee.
  • The committee found she broke 25 House rules and ethics standards, including campaign finance laws.
  • Republicans had called for her expulsion from Congress.
  • She is also charged with stealing $5 million in coronavirus relief funds, which she allegedly used to finance her campaign and buy personal items.
  • Cherfilus-McCormick pleaded not guilty to both the ethics violations and criminal charges.
  • Her attorney argued she was not given enough time or a fair process to defend herself.
  • The Ethics Committee’s investigation took two years, involved 59 subpoenas, 28 witness interviews, and over 33,000 pages of documents.
  • Some local leaders supported her, asking the committee to be cautious and protect representation for their community.
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AP News
Samuel Alito Wants His Clerks to Realize They're in 'War': Book

Samuel Alito Wants His Clerks to Realize They're in 'War': Book

April 21, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito asks his law clerks to see their work as part of a serious fight over the future of the Constitution and the country. Alito views the Court as under attack from political and public pressure, especially after the leak of his draft opinion on the abortion case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

Key Facts

  • Justice Alito tells his clerks they are in a “war” and fighting for America, not just building their careers.
  • Each justice usually has four clerks who help with research, drafting opinions, and managing cases.
  • Alito expects his clerks to share his conservative views and work to protect those values.
  • Alito compares his chambers to an elite military unit, sometimes called the “Green Berets” of the Supreme Court.
  • One important issue for Alito is protecting religious freedom, shown in cases like allowing a Muslim inmate to have a beard in prison.
  • Alito believes the Court faces attacks from politicians, activists, and media trying to influence decisions.
  • He sees threats like court-packing and impeachment as efforts to weaken judicial independence.
  • The leak of Alito’s draft opinion on Dobbs caused trauma inside the Court and increased security concerns.
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Newsweek
Paxton alleges ActBlue misled Congress, public about donation vetting

Paxton alleges ActBlue misled Congress, public about donation vetting

April 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against ActBlue, a fundraising platform used by the Democratic Party. He claims ActBlue gave false information to Congress and the public about how it checks donations.

Key Facts

  • Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed the lawsuit against ActBlue.
  • ActBlue is a major platform used by Democrats to raise money.
  • Paxton says ActBlue misled Congress and the American public.
  • The lawsuit alleges ActBlue did not follow state laws against deceptive practices.
  • The claim states that ActBlue did not properly vet donations as it said it did.
  • Paxton wants ActBlue to face legal consequences for these actions.
  • This case focuses on transparency and honesty in political fundraising.
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The Hill
RFK Jr. to revamp influential preventive services panel

RFK Jr. to revamp influential preventive services panel

April 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to change the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a group that decides which preventive health services insurance companies must cover without charging patients. The government has started asking for nominations to fill positions on the 16-member panel.

Key Facts

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
  • He wants to remake the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
  • This task force recommends which medical prevention services insurers cover for free.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services announced a call for nominations to join the task force.
  • The notice did not state how many of the 16 seats will be appointed.
  • The task force is important because its decisions affect insurance coverage for preventive care.
  • The call for nominations was issued on a recent Tuesday.
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The Hill
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Leaving Congress Before Ethics Investigation

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Leaving Congress Before Ethics Investigation

April 21, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick announced she will resign from Congress amid an ethics investigation into her use of campaign funds. The House Ethics Committee found multiple violations related to money tied to her family’s health care business and is preparing recommendations for punishment.

Key Facts

  • Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is a Florida Democrat serving her third term in Congress.
  • The House Ethics Committee detected 25 violations of rules, including campaign finance issues.
  • The investigation linked millions of dollars from her family’s health care business that were used improperly in her campaign.
  • The money came from about $5 million overpaid to the family business through coronavirus relief funds.
  • Cherfilus-McCormick denied wrongdoing and did not testify, citing her Fifth Amendment right.
  • She faces separate federal criminal charges related to stealing disaster relief funds but pleads not guilty.
  • Republicans, including the House Speaker and Florida GOP members, pushed for her expulsion from Congress.
  • After her resignation, a special election will be held in Florida to fill her seat, as required by the Constitution.
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Newsweek
Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress in face of expulsion vote

Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress in face of expulsion vote

April 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from Florida resigned from Congress on Tuesday. She stepped down just before the House Ethics Committee planned to discuss possible punishment related to allegations of financial wrongdoing and federal charges against her.

Key Facts

  • Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is a Democratic member of Congress from Florida.
  • She resigned on Tuesday before the House Ethics Committee meeting.
  • The committee was set to consider penalties for her financial misconduct.
  • Cherfilus-McCormick faces federal charges connected to these allegations.
  • Her resignation avoids a possible expulsion vote by the House.
  • The timing of her resignation happened shortly before the Ethics Committee session.
  • The details of the financial misconduct have not been fully described in the article.
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The Hill
From Epstein to sock puppets: Key takeaways from Kevin Warsh's Fed confirmation hearing

From Epstein to sock puppets: Key takeaways from Kevin Warsh's Fed confirmation hearing

April 21, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

Kevin Warsh faced tough questions during his Senate hearing to become Federal Reserve chairman. Senators challenged his independence from President Donald Trump and questioned his financial ties, including links to Jeffrey Epstein.

Key Facts

  • Senator Elizabeth Warren called Warsh a potential "sock puppet" for President Trump but Warsh denied this, saying the Fed must stay independent.
  • Warsh was questioned about investments possibly connected to Trump, money laundering, Chinese firms, and Jeffrey Epstein but did not directly answer. He said he would sell his holdings if confirmed.
  • President Trump expects Warsh to cut interest rates soon to help the economy. Warsh denied agreeing to any deal with the president about rates.
  • Senator Thom Tillis supports Warsh but wants an investigation into Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s building renovation costs resolved before confirming Warsh.
  • The interest rate set by the Fed affects loans like mortgages, car loans, and business borrowing.
  • Warsh proposed changes to how the Fed measures inflation and communicates its policies during the hearing.
  • Jerome Powell plans to stay in the Fed chair role past May 15 if Warsh is not confirmed.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories BBC US BBC World
Flu vaccine no longer mandatory for soldiers, says US military chief

Flu vaccine no longer mandatory for soldiers, says US military chief

April 21, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The U.S. military will no longer require all soldiers to get the flu vaccine, following a decision by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This change supports personal choice and religious freedom, but military branches can still ask to keep the requirement for a short time.

Key Facts

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the flu vaccine is no longer mandatory for all U.S. military members.
  • The decision is based on medical autonomy (personal control over medical decisions) and religious freedom.
  • Military services have 15 days to request keeping the flu vaccine mandate if they choose.
  • This policy change is part of President Donald Trump’s wider effort to reduce vaccine mandates in the federal government.
  • Public health experts recommend flu vaccines for almost everyone aged six months and older.
  • The U.S. experienced a severe flu season before this decision.
  • More than 8,400 military personnel were dismissed in 2021 for not following the COVID-19 vaccine requirement.
  • The Trump administration also reduced vaccine recommendations for children, a change currently challenged in court.
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Al Jazeera
Lori Chavez-DeRemer stepping down amid multiple scandal investigations

Lori Chavez-DeRemer stepping down amid multiple scandal investigations

April 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Lori Chavez-DeRemer has announced she is stepping down while facing several investigations related to scandals. These events have raised concerns about the stability within the government administration.

Key Facts

  • Lori Chavez-DeRemer is leaving her position amid ongoing investigations.
  • Multiple scandals are currently being investigated involving her.
  • The situation has caused questions about government stability.
  • The article implies there is notable staff turnover in the administration.
  • No specific details about the scandals or investigations are provided.
  • The reasons behind the investigations are not explained.
  • The impact on the administration’s future is uncertain.
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The Hill
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress

April 21, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from Florida has resigned from Congress after the Ethics Committee found her guilty of several charges, including using $5 million in COVID relief money for her campaign. She denied any wrongdoing but stepped down before lawmakers could vote to expel her.

Key Facts

  • Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) resigned from Congress on Tuesday.
  • The Ethics Committee found her guilty of multiple charges, mainly for redirecting $5 million in COVID relief funds to her campaign.
  • Cherfilus-McCormick denied the accusations.
  • Lawmakers were preparing to vote on expelling her before she resigned.
  • The Ethics Committee was scheduled to meet to decide on disciplinary actions.
  • This is the third lawmaker resignation this month.
  • Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) planned to push for a vote to expel Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) over allegations of financial and sexual misconduct.
  • Cory Mills is currently under investigation by the Ethics Committee.
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Axios
Early takeaways from Kevin Warsh's Fed chair confirmation hearing

Early takeaways from Kevin Warsh's Fed chair confirmation hearing

April 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Kevin Warsh, nominated by President Trump to lead the Federal Reserve, told senators that the central bank will stay independent from political influence. Warsh answered questions during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday.

Key Facts

  • Kevin Warsh is President Trump's choice to become chair of the Federal Reserve.
  • The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States, which controls money and interest rates.
  • Warsh emphasized that the Fed will stay "strictly independent," meaning it will make decisions without political pressure.
  • The confirmation hearing took place before U.S. senators.
  • This hearing is part of the process to approve Warsh's appointment as Fed chair.
  • CBS News covered the hearing and reported on the main points.
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CBS News
WATCH LIVE: House lawmakers weigh punishment for Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick for ethics violations

WATCH LIVE: House lawmakers weigh punishment for Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick for ethics violations

April 21, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The House Ethics Committee is deciding what punishment to recommend for Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida after she was found to have broken 25 House rules, including campaign finance laws. She also faces federal criminal charges for allegedly stealing $5 million in coronavirus relief funds.

Key Facts

  • Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is a Democrat from Florida in her third term.
  • The House Ethics Committee found she violated 25 rules and ethical standards.
  • Violations include breaking campaign finance laws.
  • Republicans want to expel her from the House.
  • She faces federal charges of stealing $5 million in coronavirus relief money.
  • Allegedly used stolen money to buy expensive items like a large diamond ring.
  • Cherfilus-McCormick denies both the ethics violations and criminal charges.
  • The Ethics Committee hearing began at 2 p.m. EDT on Tuesday.
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PBS NewsHour
Watch live: RFK Jr. testifies before Senate on 2027 HHS budget request

Watch live: RFK Jr. testifies before Senate on 2027 HHS budget request

April 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee about the department’s budget request for the year 2027. The discussion includes topics like leadership changes, updates to childhood vaccine schedules, and other programs under President Donald Trump’s "Make America Healthy Again" plan.

Key Facts

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
  • He is testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee.
  • The hearing is focused on the HHS budget request for fiscal year 2027.
  • Senators are asking about leadership changes within the department.
  • Questions include updates to childhood vaccination schedules.
  • The discussion covers initiatives from President Donald Trump’s "Make America Healthy Again" agenda.
  • The hearing is taking place on a Tuesday afternoon.
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The Hill
Insane: Michigan Dems pick Amir Makled, who praised terrorists and calls Jews demons?

Insane: Michigan Dems pick Amir Makled, who praised terrorists and calls Jews demons?

April 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Amir Makled, a candidate chosen by Michigan Democrats, has been criticized for past social media posts. These posts included praising groups like Hamas and Hezbollah and making negative statements about Jewish people.

Key Facts

  • Amir Makled was selected by Michigan Democrats for a government position.
  • He has posted tweets praising Hamas and Hezbollah, groups considered terrorist organizations.
  • Makled called Jewish people "demons" in a retweet.
  • He shared a message mourning the death of Hassan Nasrallah, a former Hezbollah leader.
  • Some of these posts were deleted after criticism.
  • The controversy arises from the content of his social media rather than his political platform.
  • This story focuses on political candidates and social media behavior in the United States.
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The Hill
Watch: Kevin Warsh sidesteps question about Trump's attempt to fire Lisa Cook

Watch: Kevin Warsh sidesteps question about Trump's attempt to fire Lisa Cook

April 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve official, avoided answering questions about President Trump’s effort to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board. The issue is currently being reviewed by the Supreme Court. Warsh said the Federal Reserve should focus on its own responsibilities.

Key Facts

  • Kevin Warsh was questioned about President Trump’s attempt to fire Lisa Cook.
  • Lisa Cook is a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.
  • The attempt to remove her is now a case before the Supreme Court.
  • Warsh declined to comment directly on President Trump’s action.
  • Warsh said the Federal Reserve should "stay in its lane," meaning it should focus on its core duties.
  • Democratic Senator Angela Alsobrooks asked the questions.
  • This situation involves the independence of the Federal Reserve from political influence.
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CBS News