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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Navy Secretary John Phelan leaving 'immediately,' Pentagon says

Navy Secretary John Phelan leaving 'immediately,' Pentagon says

April 22, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

John Phelan, the Secretary of the Navy, is leaving his position immediately, according to the Pentagon. It is not clear if he chose to leave or was asked to leave.

Key Facts

  • John Phelan served as the Secretary of the Navy.
  • The Pentagon announced his departure as effective immediately.
  • Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell gave the announcement.
  • The reasons for Phelan’s departure are not yet known.
  • It is unclear if Phelan resigned or was removed.
  • The news is ongoing, and updates may follow.
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ABC News
John C. Phelan Leaving Navy Secretary Post, Pentagon Announces

John C. Phelan Leaving Navy Secretary Post, Pentagon Announces

April 22, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

John C. Phelan has stepped down as Secretary of the Navy, effective immediately. The Pentagon announced that Undersecretary Hung Cao will serve as Acting Secretary of the Navy until a permanent replacement is named.

Key Facts

  • John C. Phelan resigned from his role as Secretary of the Navy.
  • The resignation was effective immediately, with no further details given.
  • Pentagon leadership thanked Phelan for his service to the Navy and the Department of Defense.
  • Undersecretary Hung Cao will act as the temporary Secretary of the Navy.
  • Phelan took office on March 25, 2025, after Senate confirmation.
  • The Navy is heavily involved in operations in the Middle East amid tensions with Iran.
  • The leadership change occurs during a critical time of naval deployments and regional security challenges.
  • No timetable has been announced for choosing a permanent successor.
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Newsweek
2 University of South Florida doctoral students have gone missing, authorities say

2 University of South Florida doctoral students have gone missing, authorities say

April 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Two 27-year-old doctoral students at the University of South Florida, Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, have been missing since April 16. Authorities are actively searching for them in the Tampa area, and their families are very worried because this is out of the ordinary for both students.

Key Facts

  • Both missing students are originally from Bangladesh.
  • Zamil Limon studies AI in environmental science and was about to present his doctoral thesis.
  • Nahida Bristy studies chemical engineering.
  • They were last seen on April 16 in the Tampa area, with Limon last at his residence and Bristy at the USF campus.
  • Authorities from the University of South Florida Police and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office are investigating and searching in multiple counties.
  • Friends and family say their disappearances are unusual because they maintained regular contact and had planned to travel to Bangladesh later.
  • Limon had asked family not to contact him before his thesis presentation to focus on his work.
  • Anyone with information is asked to contact university authorities at 813-974-2628.
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CBS News
Senate defeats Democrats' 5th attempt to limit Trump's war powers in Iran

Senate defeats Democrats' 5th attempt to limit Trump's war powers in Iran

April 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The Senate voted against a Democratic resolution that aimed to limit President Trump's power to use military force in Iran without Congress’s permission. The resolution would have required the U.S. to stop military actions against Iran unless Congress approved a war or specific military authorization.

Key Facts

  • The Senate vote was 46 in favor and 51 against, failing to move the resolution forward.
  • This was the fifth time Democrats tried to limit President Trump’s war powers on Iran since the conflict started eight weeks ago.
  • The resolution was led by Senator Tammy Baldwin and would have required U.S. forces to stop hostilities against Iran unless Congress approved.
  • Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat, voted with Republicans against the measure; Senator Rand Paul, a Republican, voted with Democrats for it.
  • President Trump extended a two-week ceasefire with Iran just before the Senate vote.
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will keep pushing for war powers votes each week until Republicans support limiting the president.
  • The 1973 War Powers Resolution limits unauthorized military actions to 60 days, but the president can extend that by 30 days if he says there is an unavoidable military need.
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans are waiting to see how the situation develops before deciding on supporting any military authorization.
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CBS News
House Democrat questions DOJ on possible Ghislaine Maxwell pardon

House Democrat questions DOJ on possible Ghislaine Maxwell pardon

April 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi sent a letter to the Department of Justice opposing talks about pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell was convicted for her role in crimes connected to Jeffrey Epstein.

Key Facts

  • Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is a Democrat from Illinois.
  • He wrote a letter to the DOJ on Wednesday.
  • The letter opposes a possible pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell.
  • Maxwell was Jeffrey Epstein's longtime partner and was convicted of crimes.
  • The DOJ reportedly considered pardoning Maxwell.
  • Krishnamoorthi expressed strong disapproval of this idea.
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The Hill
Navy Secretary stepping down 13 months into job

Navy Secretary stepping down 13 months into job

April 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving his job after slightly more than a year in office. The Pentagon announced his departure and thanked him for his service to the Navy and the Department of Defense.

Key Facts

  • John Phelan served as Navy Secretary for just over one year.
  • The Pentagon announced his resignation on a Wednesday.
  • Pentagon officials expressed gratitude for Phelan’s work.
  • Phelan worked for the Department of the Navy and the Department of Defense.
  • The announcement mentioned both the Secretary of War and Deputy Secretary of War titles.
  • Phelan’s departure will require a replacement to lead the Navy.
  • The timing of his resignation is 13 months after he started the role.
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The Hill
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Rogan: Trump ‘called me a liberal’ at White House

Rogan: Trump ‘called me a liberal’ at White House

April 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Podcaster Joe Rogan said President Donald Trump called him a liberal at a White House event. The event focused on speeding up research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine. President Trump signed an executive order during the event.

Key Facts

  • Joe Rogan is a popular podcaster.
  • President Trump called Rogan a liberal at a White House event.
  • The event was about speeding up research on certain psychedelic drugs.
  • One drug mentioned is ibogaine, which is used in some treatments.
  • President Trump signed an executive order related to this research.
  • Rogan shared this information during his podcast.
  • Another guest, Luis J. Gomez, said some people were upset by President Trump’s remarks at the event.
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The Hill
Trump's Approval Rating Among Republicans Dips to New Low: Poll

Trump's Approval Rating Among Republicans Dips to New Low: Poll

April 22, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A recent poll shows President Donald Trump's approval rating among Republicans has fallen below 80 percent for the first time during his second term. Overall, his national approval rating is 39 percent, with the highest support coming for border security.

Key Facts

  • President Trump's approval rating among Republicans is now 78 percent, down 11 percent since the start of his second term.
  • His overall national approval rating is 39 percent, while 60 percent of people disapprove of his job performance.
  • The approval rating has declined since February 2025 (48%) and January 2026 (42%).
  • The poll surveyed 982 adults from April 8 to April 16 with a margin of error of 3.4 percent.
  • President Trump has a positive net approval only on border security (52% approve, 47% disapprove).
  • Approval ratings on immigration, the economy, the war in Iran, and cost of living are all negative.
  • White House spokesman emphasized Trump’s 2024 election win and ongoing efforts on jobs, inflation, and housing.
  • Declining approval among key voter groups like Gen Z and independents could affect the Republican Party's chances in upcoming elections.
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Newsweek
Trump administration reaches $1.25 million settlement with Carter Page

Trump administration reaches $1.25 million settlement with Carter Page

April 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The Trump administration has agreed to pay Carter Page $1.25 million to settle claims related to surveillance warrants the FBI used during its 2016 investigation into Russian interference. The settlement covers some claims but does not include lawsuits against individual FBI officials.

Key Facts

  • Carter Page was an informal foreign-policy adviser to President Trump during the 2016 campaign.
  • The FBI used four surveillance warrants under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to monitor Page between 2016 and 2017.
  • The Justice Department inspector general found 17 significant mistakes in the FBI’s warrant applications related to Page.
  • One reason for errors was the FBI relied heavily on opposition research known as the Steele dossier, which contains unproven allegations.
  • Page sued the Justice Department and FBI officials in 2020, claiming the warrants were based on false information.
  • A lower court dismissed Page’s lawsuit in 2022, and the appeals court upheld the dismissal in 2024 because of the statute of limitations.
  • The $1.25 million settlement only resolves claims under the PATRIOT Act, not those against the individual FBI employees.
  • The Trump administration and Page reached the settlement as part of ongoing legal processes related to these surveillance allegations.
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CBS News
Vaccines, budget cuts and affordability: Takeaways from RFK Jr’s gauntlet of congressional hearings

Vaccines, budget cuts and affordability: Takeaways from RFK Jr’s gauntlet of congressional hearings

April 22, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before Congress to defend President Donald Trump’s proposed budget for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which includes major funding cuts. He denied responsibility for recent measles outbreaks and falling vaccination rates, blaming a loss of trust in government health advice instead.

Key Facts

  • Kennedy appeared before multiple congressional committees to discuss the 2027 budget request for HHS.
  • The proposed budget includes more than a 12% cut to HHS funding but increases defense spending.
  • Kennedy described the budget cuts as necessary due to the federal government’s $39 trillion deficit.
  • Democrats strongly criticized the cuts and Kennedy’s past positions on vaccines.
  • Kennedy denied he is anti-vaccine and said he supports science, despite past statements urging resistance to CDC vaccine guidelines.
  • He claimed rising measles cases are a global issue, not caused by his policies or actions.
  • Kennedy said fewer Americans vaccinate due to lost trust during the COVID-19 pandemic and is working to rebuild that trust.
  • A Democratic lawmaker expressed concern that Kennedy’s views have led to parents refusing other standard newborn health treatments.
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AP News
Democrats win in Virginia but it won’t be the final say in a national redistricting competition

Democrats win in Virginia but it won’t be the final say in a national redistricting competition

April 22, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Virginia voters approved a new congressional map that may help Democrats win up to four more U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterm elections. However, this redistricting plan faces legal challenges and is not final until courts, including the Virginia Supreme Court, review its approval process.

Key Facts

  • Virginia voters narrowly approved a new redistricting map on April 21, 2026.
  • The map could help Democrats gain up to four additional U.S. House seats.
  • A judge in southern Virginia ordered a hold on certifying the election results.
  • The state attorney general is appealing this ruling.
  • The Virginia Supreme Court will decide if the new map follows legal procedures.
  • Similar redistricting efforts are happening in Florida, led by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court will soon rule on a case that may affect voting laws in the South.
  • These legal and political battles are part of a broader national conflict over congressional district boundaries ahead of the 2026 elections.
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AP News
"The Amtrak of the skies"? Trump's interventionism comes for Spirit Airlines

"The Amtrak of the skies"? Trump's interventionism comes for Spirit Airlines

April 22, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Spirit Airlines is discussing a possible government loan of up to $500 million with the Trump administration to avoid bankruptcy. This bailout could give the government a large ownership share in Spirit and marks a shift toward more direct government involvement in private companies.

Key Facts

  • Spirit Airlines is near bankruptcy and seeks a $500 million loan from the U.S. government.
  • The loan may include equity warrants, potentially giving the government up to 90% ownership in Spirit.
  • President Trump has previously used government investments to gain ownership stakes in companies tied to strategic goals.
  • Spirit holds about 3.4% of the U.S. airline market, much smaller than companies bailed out during the 2008 financial crisis.
  • Some worry that government ownership of Spirit could hurt other airlines by creating unfair competition.
  • The Trump administration is monitoring the airline industry’s health amid economic challenges.
  • A past attempt by Spirit to merge with JetBlue was blocked by the Biden administration over antitrust concerns.
  • Government aid to airlines has historical precedent, including support after 9/11 and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Axios
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RFK Jr. apologizes for comments about Black kids he claims he didn’t say

RFK Jr. apologizes for comments about Black kids he claims he didn’t say

April 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. apologized for comments he made about Black children being “re-parented.” However, he also said he did not make those remarks, even though there is a recording of him saying it.

Key Facts

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Health and Human Services Secretary.
  • He apologized for comments about Black children being “re-parented.”
  • Kennedy said he did not make those specific remarks.
  • A recording exists where he can be heard making those comments.
  • Senator Angela Alsobrooks asked Kennedy if he would admit to the remarks.
  • The issue has drawn attention because of Kennedy’s role in government and the sensitive nature of the comments.
  • The comments relate to race and children, which can be a sensitive and important topic in U.S. politics.
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The Hill
Student Loan Change Impacting Millions Sparks New Warning From Senators

Student Loan Change Impacting Millions Sparks New Warning From Senators

April 22, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The U.S. Education Department plans to end the Biden administration’s SAVE student loan repayment plan, affecting over 7 million borrowers. Borrowers will have 90 days starting in July to switch to other repayment plans, or they will be automatically placed into plans with higher monthly payments.

Key Facts

  • The SAVE plan was created in 2023 to make student loan payments based on income and family size, lowering many borrowers' monthly bills.
  • Over 7 million people are currently enrolled in the SAVE plan.
  • Borrowers must leave the SAVE plan within 90 days of notification, starting no earlier than July 1.
  • Those who do not choose a new plan will be placed in the Standard Repayment Plan or a new Tiered Standard Plan, which usually costs more monthly.
  • Democratic senators have warned the Education Department to slow down and provide more support to borrowers during the transition.
  • The SAVE plan ended after legal challenges from Republican-led states, and the Trump administration finalized a settlement that ended the program this year.
  • The end of SAVE marks a major change in student loan repayment since payments restarted after the pandemic pause.
  • Some experts and senators worry that many borrowers will face higher payments that could be hard to afford.
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Newsweek
Officials release cause of death for teen found dead in singer D4vd's trunk

Officials release cause of death for teen found dead in singer D4vd's trunk

April 22, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

Officials have confirmed that 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez died from multiple stab wounds, ruling her death a homicide. The body was found in the trunk of a car owned by singer D4vd, who has pleaded not guilty to murder charges.

Key Facts

  • Celeste Rivas Hernandez, age 14, was found dead in the trunk of a Tesla registered to singer David Anthony Burke (known as D4vd) in September.
  • The Los Angeles County medical examiner ruled the cause of death as multiple penetrating injuries.
  • The death was officially declared a homicide.
  • Singer D4vd was arrested and charged with murder but maintains his innocence.
  • The medical examiner's office delayed publicly releasing the cause of death due to ongoing police investigations.
  • Celeste was reported missing in April 2025 and found dead months later in September 2025.
  • D4vd has been held without bail and has canceled his world tour and endorsement deals since the arrest.
  • The family has publicly asked for justice and described Celeste as a loving and strong girl.
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BBC US
WATCH: Leavitt says Trump has not set 'firm deadline' for Iranian proposal to extend ceasefire

WATCH: Leavitt says Trump has not set 'firm deadline' for Iranian proposal to extend ceasefire

April 22, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The White House said President Donald Trump has not set a specific deadline for Iran to send a proposal to extend their ceasefire. President Trump is continuing the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely while peace talks are paused.

Key Facts

  • Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said no firm deadline is set by President Trump for Iran’s proposal.
  • The timeline for any decisions depends on President Trump as commander in chief.
  • The U.S. is extending its ceasefire with Iran for an indefinite period.
  • Peace talks between the U.S. and Iran are currently stalled.
  • President Trump believes Iran is in a weak position.
  • The U.S. has a naval blockade related to the conflict with Iran.
  • President Trump is in control of the situation regarding the ceasefire and negotiations.
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PBS NewsHour
Senate Democrats press USPS to reject Trump mail-in voting order

Senate Democrats press USPS to reject Trump mail-in voting order

April 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senate Democrats have asked the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) not to follow President Donald Trump's executive order that limits mail-in voting. They sent a letter urging the USPS to comply with existing laws that protect voting by mail.

Key Facts

  • Dozens of Senate Democrats signed the letter to the USPS.
  • The letter was led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senators Gary Peters, Alex Padilla, and Dick Durbin.
  • They oppose President Trump’s executive order restricting mail-in voting.
  • The order aims to limit how mail-in ballots are handled and processed.
  • Democrats argue the USPS must follow the law that supports mail-in voting.
  • They want to ensure voters can use mail ballots without new limits from the executive order.
  • The issue centers on voting access and election rules before upcoming elections.
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The Hill
Trump says Iran's government is 'seriously fractured’ after praising its new leaders

Trump says Iran's government is 'seriously fractured’ after praising its new leaders

April 22, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

President Donald Trump stated that Iran’s government is "seriously fractured" and announced he is extending the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely. Previously, Trump had praised Iran’s new leaders as more reasonable and rational compared to past officials, while also mentioning ongoing negotiations and efforts to avoid conflict.

Key Facts

  • President Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely.
  • He described the Iranian government as "seriously fractured."
  • Trump previously called Iran’s new leaders more reasonable and rational.
  • U.S. and Israeli strikes killed several senior Iranian leaders before these statements.
  • Trump said Pakistan’s leaders requested holding off attacks on Iran.
  • Trump has discussed negotiating with "rational" individuals in Tehran.
  • Efforts to restart peace talks in Islamabad recently fell apart.
  • Iran said it will return to talks when "necessary and logical grounds" exist.
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ABC News
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Democrats fight back against Trump in Virginia… and win

Democrats fight back against Trump in Virginia… and win

April 22, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Voters in Virginia approved a plan to redraw political districts that could help Democrats gain up to four more seats in the November midterm elections. This change might shift control of the U.S. House of Representatives, affecting President Donald Trump’s second term.

Key Facts

  • Virginia voters approved a new political map favoring Democrats.
  • The new map could give Democrats up to four extra seats in Congress.
  • President Donald Trump currently has a slim majority in the House of Representatives.
  • This shift might allow Democrats to take control of Congress after the midterms.
  • The issue relates to “gerrymandering,” which is redrawing districts to favor one party.
  • President Trump encouraged Republicans to redraw maps in their states to help their party.
  • Democrats argue the new map restores fairness, while Republicans call it hypocritical.
  • The battle over redistricting is happening nationwide and could influence election outcomes.
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BBC Top Stories
2 San Antonio homes explode on same street hours apart

2 San Antonio homes explode on same street hours apart

April 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Two homes on the same street in San Antonio, Texas, exploded just a few hours apart. At least five people were injured in these incidents.

Key Facts

  • The explosions happened on the same street in San Antonio.
  • They occurred within a few hours of each other.
  • At least five individuals were hurt.
  • The incidents involved two separate homes.
  • Emergency responders were involved in handling the situation.
  • The cause of the explosions has not been mentioned.
  • Authorities are likely investigating the events.
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