The House Ethics Committee found Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick guilty of 25 ethics violations related to the misuse of $5 million in federal pandemic relief funds, following a rare public hearing and a three-year investigation. Despite her denial of wrongdoing and ongoing federal criminal charges, the committee plans to hold a disciplinary hearing after the House’s spring recess, with potential sanctions ranging from censure to expulsion. House Republicans have strongly pushed for her removal, signaling a contentious battle over her future in Congress.
News Mash
Houston authorities have arrested Floyd William Parrott, 64, in connection with the 1990 "Lovers' Lane" murders, charging him with capital murder in the deaths of Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson. The cold case was solved after DNA evidence from a 1996 sexual assault case involving Parrott matched samples collected from Henry, leading to his identification through the national CODIS database. Harris County officials praised the persistence of investigators in solving one of Houston's most infamous cold cases, bringing renewed hope to the victims' families.
A group of Jeffrey Epstein survivors has filed a class-action lawsuit against the Trump administration and Google, alleging violations of privacy laws after their personal information was disclosed in government documents released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The lawsuit claims that despite the Justice Department’s efforts to remove unredacted survivor data, platforms like Google have continued to republish the information, causing ongoing harassment and trauma. The plaintiffs seek damages and a court order requiring Google to permanently remove the survivors’ personal details, criticizing both the government’s rushed disclosures and Google’s failure to protect their privacy.
The Senate approved a bill to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security except for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and parts of Customs and Border Protection, continuing a partial government shutdown centered on immigration enforcement funding. The bill aims to restore funding for key agencies like TSA and FEMA amid operational challenges, including TSA staffing shortages and long airport security lines, prompting President Trump to order emergency payments for TSA workers. While Democrats praised the bill for excluding immigration enforcement funding without reforms, House Republican leaders criticized it and have yet to commit to advancing the measure, leaving the shutdown unresolved.
A helicopter operated by Airborne Aviation crashed off the coast of Kauai near Kalalau Beach, resulting in three deaths and two injuries among the pilot and four passengers. Emergency teams from multiple agencies quickly responded, rescuing survivors and transporting them to Wilcox Medical Center, while the FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation into the incident. The crash occurred during a period of severe weather in Hawaii, and authorities have yet to release details on the cause.
Savannah Guthrie is set to return to NBC’s "Today" show on April 6 after nearly two months away following the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, in Tucson, Arizona. In a heartfelt interview, Guthrie described the show as her "greater family" and emphasized her commitment to hope, faith, and resilience amid the ongoing investigation, which authorities are treating as a possible kidnapping. The "Today" team has expressed strong support for her return, while Guthrie continues to appeal for public assistance in finding her mother and bringing peace to her family.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remain high as Iran rejects U.S. claims of progress in negotiations and continues to enforce a blockade, turning back commercial ships and imposing hefty transit fees that violate international law. The situation has drawn condemnation from Gulf neighbors and global markets have reacted negatively, with rising oil prices and falling stock markets amid uncertainty. Internally, Iran’s leadership has shifted toward a hard-line, military-dominated faction led by figures like Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Ahmad Vahidi, signaling a tough stance in any potential talks with the U.S.
Rex Heuermann, accused of the Gilgo Beach serial killings on Long Island, is expected to change his plea to guilty at his next court appearance, potentially resolving charges involving seven victims. Initially pleading not guilty, Heuermann was linked to the crimes through DNA evidence, cellphone data, and a witness tip connecting his vehicle to one of the victims. His anticipated guilty plea marks a major development in the decades-old case that has deeply affected the Long Island community.