Two Congressmen Resign, Iran Blockade Begins, and a Husband Walks Free

Good morning. It's Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, and the AM update opens with a pair of congressional resignations, a U.S. naval blockade going operational, a major defamation lawsuit dismissed, and a missing woman's husband released from Bahamian custody without charges.

Swalwell and Gonzales Exit Congress Within an Hour

Democrat Eric Swalwell of California and Republican Tony Gonzalez of Texas both announced their departures from the House of Representatives Monday evening, each under the weight of separate sexual misconduct scandals that had made continued service untenable.

Swalwell resigned after a former congressional staffer accused him of sexual assault in 2019 and 2024, claiming the encounters occurred while she was intoxicated and unable to consent—though she acknowledged remaining in contact with him and inviting him out for drinks the evening of the alleged 2024 incident. Swalwell had already suspended his campaign for California governor Sunday night as political support evaporated. With a vote to expel him looming, he stepped down Monday afternoon, writing: "I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I di