EastEnders’ Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) is finally diagnosed next week amid his ongoing mental health storyline. 

The popular character’s well-being has been spiralling in recent months following his involvement in the cuckooing plot involving Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho) and Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway). 

Fans of the BBC soap have seen him start self-harming as well as holding up a hostage situation at the local pharmacy. 

This week’s episodes have also seen him drop the bombshell on his son Nugget Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) that he was the person responsible for his horrific attack in the street earlier this year. 

The revelation left their family in tatters as Ravi’s deeply concerned partner Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan-Levy) has been at a loss of how to help him. 

In forthcoming scenes, Priya tricks him into going to hospital by suggesting they all leave Walford together, but the family end up in a car accident involving Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins). 

In the aftermath of the crash, Ravi is at a crisis point and goes missing, but it’s not long before Priya finds him feeling suicidal on a bridge. 

Fortunately, she’s able to get him down to safety and make him see that he needs help and is taken to a mental health unit. 

Next week, Ravi receives a diagnosis of complex PTSD and begins his therapy sessions. 

EastEnders has been working with Samaritans on this part of Ravi’s mental health storyline, with the show’s executive producer Ben Wadey explaining: ‘EastEnders always takes great care when researching storylines such as Ravi’s and we’re grateful to Samaritans for the advice they have given us, helping us ensure Ravi’s story is told with the care and sensitivity it deserves.’ 

Lorna Fraser, Head of Media Advisory Service at Samaritans, added: ‘Storylines responsibly reflecting experiences of mental health and suicide can help tackle stigma and encourage viewers who might be struggling to talk about how they are feeling. 

‘We’re proud to have supported EastEnders with covering Ravi’s self-harm and mental health crisis sensitively and grateful for their efforts in making this as safe as possible. We hope it helps anyone watching to seek support if they need it.’

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MORE: EastEnders confirms devastating Ravi scenes as Nugget is left staggered

MORE: EastEnders confirms unexpected comeback as character from murder story returns after 4 years

MORE: Ravi’s EastEnders situation spirals as he refuses to free his terrified family

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two U.S. officials killed in a vehicle crash as they returned from destroying a clandestine drug lab in northern Mexico over the weekend were working for the CIA, according to a U.S. official and two other people familiar with the matter.

Two Mexican investigators also were killed in the crash, which Mexican authorities said occurred while the convoy was returning from an operation to destroy drug labs of criminal groups. There have been discrepancies in the public accounts of what happened from U.S. and Mexican officials, which experts say underscores heightened American involvement in security operations in Mexico and across the region.

The CIA’s involvement was confirmed Tuesday by the three with knowledge of the crash, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence matters. That the U.S. officials worked for the CIA was reported earlier by The Washington Post.

It comes after days of contradictions from Mexican and U.S. authorities about the role that American officials played in an operation to bust a narco-laboratory in northern Chihuahua state.

The lack of clarity from authorities reignited a debate over the extent of U.S. involvement in Mexico’s security operations as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum faces extreme pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to crack down on cartels. Trump has taken a more aggressive stance toward Latin America than any leader in recent U.S. history, capturing Venezuela’s president, blockading oil shipments to Cuba and launching joint military operations in Ecuador, a country also marked by criminal violence.

Trump has repeatedly offered to take action on Mexican cartels, an intervention that Sheinbaum has said was “unnecessary.”

The CIA officers were initially identified as U.S. embassy personnel by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson, who is himself a former CIA employee.

The U.S. Embassy declined Monday to identify the individuals or which entity of the U.S. government they worked for, but said the officials were “supporting Chihuahua state authorities’ efforts to combat cartel operations.” The embassy, State Department and CIA declined to comment on the identities of reports of CIA involvement in the operation.

Local Mexican officials originally claimed they were working with the U.S. on an operation, but later walked those comments back after the effort came under scrutiny from Sheinbaum.

Sheinbaum said she knew nothing of a joint operation between Chihuahua’s government and the U.S. despite reports that the Mexican army was also involved in the raid on the lab.

She maintained in a Tuesday press briefing that she didn’t know if the officials were part of the CIA but acknowledged that state officials and the U.S. “were working together.”

It’s a sensitive issue for the Mexican leader as she walks a careful line with the Trump administration, working to maintain a strong relationship to offset threats of U.S. intervention on cartels and tariffs while also underscoring Mexico’s sovereignty.

The CIA has recently expanded its collaboration with Mexican authorities, part of the Trump administration’s effort to stop the flow of illicit drugs.

The presence of U.S. intelligence officials in Mexican territory has been the subject of ongoing debate, which has only intensified after Trump’s military actions in Venezuela and Iran.

Last year, Sheinbaum said the U.S. had conducted surveillance drone flights at Mexico’s request after a series of conflicting public statements.

The most recent controversy surfaced in January over the detention in Mexico of former Canadian athlete Ryan Wedding, one of the United States’ most wanted fugitives. While Mexican officials claim he surrendered at the U.S. Embassy, U.S. authorities have described his capture as the result of a binational operation.

“There is a rise of hidden operations by the United States in Mexico under Trump,” said David Saucedo, a Mexican security analyst. “They’re hidden because … the Mexican government has a discourse that they can’t permit the presence of armed U.S. agents — it’s a kind of violation of sovereignty. The Mexican government has always tried to hide this collaboration.”

___

Janetsky reported from Mexico City. AP writer Zeke Miller contributed to this report.

“The voluntary four-day week gives Tube train drivers an extra 35 days off every year with rosters based on a 34-hour working week in return for some fairly minor changes to working conditions and moving to electronic, rather than paper-based, systems for booking on for duty.

The Alice Ruggles Trust, named after Alice Ruggles who was killed by a former partner in 2016, will continue delivering school assemblies across the Northumbria Police force area to teach young people about stalking, healthy relationships and how to seek help.

The programme is funded through the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC)’s Supporting Victims Programme, with support from Northumbria PCC Susan Dungworth.

Sandhill View Academy assembly (Image: Supplied)

Ms Dungworth said: “The school assemblies programme is a great example of prevention work in action.

“I’ve seen these assemblies being delivered – the young people were presented with emotionally resonant stories and relatable scenarios.

“It not only helps them recognise harmful and complex behaviours like stalking, but it also helps them see the emotional impact on victims and the importance of seeking support.

“We need to keep reaching more and more students with these assembles to get important messages out there and help prevent what happened to Alice from happening to others.”

The trust was founded by Alice’s parents, Clive Ruggles and Sue Hills, who have dedicated themselves to raising awareness about the dangers of stalking and the importance of recognising unhealthy behaviours in relationships.

School assemblies have become a key part of the charity’s outreach, prompting “thought-provoking and hard-hitting” discussions among students and increased confidence among students, with high levels of participation and curiosity in lessons.

Academic evaluations from a team of three universities have highlighted the positive impact the assemblies had on student knowledge levels.

Last year, the Government included stalking in its official Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) guidance for schools, and the work of the Alice Ruggles Trust was mentioned in its strategy to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.

This recognition has led to a rise in schools signing up for the programme.

Since its launch in Northumbria in October 2024, the programme has reached 3,661 students in the region.

Mr Ruggles said: “Since we set up the Alice Ruggles Trust, raising awareness about stalking amongst young people has become a core priority for us, and school assemblies have shown themselves to be the most effective way of doing this.

“Only through education will we reduce stalking in the long term: it’s about changing the mindset of future generations.

“While our volunteers present assemblies in schools around the country, we are hugely grateful for the support from the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner which has enabled us to establish, and now to sustain, a concentrated project in the area in which Alice lived happily, but sadly died.

“It is a real boost to our efforts to prevent what happened to Alice happening to others.”

Stalking affects one in five young people in the UK, according to the trust.

A large proportion of cases now involve digital abuse, with 47 per cent of young victims reporting that the stalking took place online.

Stalking can cause lasting emotional, psychological, and in some cases, physical harm.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner also funds specialist support services for victims, including the Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service.

The trust and the PCC’s office both encourage young people, educators, and families to use the Victims Services Directory on the PCC website to find tailored support in their area.

The Alice Ruggles Trust continues to advocate for broader education and conversation around stalking, particularly at a time when digital communication and social media make it easier for perpetrators to maintain unwanted contact.

More details can be found at alicerugglestrust.org.

One mum is warning others after her daughter suffered a very nasty reaction to a temporary henna tattoo while on the picturesque island on her travels – she is now ‘slowly recovering’

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A mum has issued a stark warning to holidaymakers and parents after her daughter suffered burns on holiday that could leave her with permanent scars. The Australian woman shared a warning against temporary henna tattoos whilst on holiday in Bali, Indonesia, after her daughter suffered a nasty reaction after a mini-break on the popular tourist island. She shared before and after photos of her daughter’s temporary henna tattoo, adding that her daughter had it done while at a beach. “My daughter came back with what she thought was a henna tattoo,” the mother said on the Australian Bali Info for Travelling Facebook page. “Approximately one week afterwards, the dye had almost completely faded.”

She shared before and after photographs of her daughters henna tattoo. The first, showed a shiny, black, intricate henna tattoo. Seven days later, photographs showed it had faded to leave behind stinging, itchy skin with pinks welts.

“She is now on day four of a course of steroid cream and slowly recovering,” the mum said, adding doctors fear the temporary tattoo may become a forever addition to her skin. “There is a concern that this will leave a long-lasting or even permanent scar on her hand. We talked about not buying knock off perfumes and makeup because we don’t know what is in them, but clearly I should have added temporary tattoos and henna to the list.” Unlike natural henna, which is orange or brown and is designed not to stain the skin, black henna contains a chemical called paraphenylenediamine (PPD). PPD is a toxic chemical added to make temporary tattoos appear dark black, dry faster, and last longer. Black henna with PPD can cause severe allergic reactions, permanent scarring, oozing blisters, and long-term sensitisation to hair dyes and other substances. Which is precisely what the poor mum was told by others in the group as they shared their horror stories. One user said: “They use hair dye for their tattoos. I got a dolphin tattoo about 25 years ago, and I’m still sporting the scar. It was awful.”

A second added: “As a result of this, I am now completely allergic to hair dye, so I would suggest if she uses hair dye, to do a patch test before using in your hair.”

A third chimed in with: “This exact same thing happened to my son. It did scar for a while but has since faded. He will never get another given the pain he was in.” Others attacked the young woman’s decision, arguing she should have known better. One said: “People have known not to get this crap for years, it’s nothing new”, while another added: “Black henna has been known as dangerous for many years.”

Approximately 300,000 British tourists visit Bali annually, making the UK one of the top source markets for the Indonesian island. In 2024, the UK ranked among the top five countries for visitors, with roughly 295,326 recorded arrivals.

The Office of the Public Guardian has confirmed that households on low incomes or certain benefits can apply to reduce the cost of registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) or an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA).

Registering these documents normally costs £92 – but many people won’t have to pay the full amount.

Who can pay less – or nothing at all

Support is split into two main types:

• Full exemption (pay £0):
  If the person making the application (known as the donor) receives certain means-tested benefits, they won’t have to pay any fee.
• 50% reduction (pay £46):
  If the donor earns less than £12,000 a year before tax, the fee is cut in half.

Repeat applications can also be reduced to as little as £23.

However, there has been an important update for those on Universal Credit.

From February, people receiving Universal Credit will no longer qualify for a full exemption – but may still be eligible for the 50% discount depending on their income.

A Power of Attorney is more important than a Will. Should you get one?

Just a snippet from my Wills & Power of Attorney Martin Lewis Money show which includes how to DIY a PoA. Watch it back on https://t.co/ChFj8Kq0cD pic.twitter.com/6wEWmpVCeL

— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) March 5, 2026

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The changes, detailed in an updated document on gov.uk, come as more families turn to power of attorney arrangements to manage finances and care for loved ones – often during periods of illness, ageing or financial stress.

For households already struggling with rising living costs, even a £92 fee can be a barrier.

There is also extra support available for those facing severe financial pressure.

If someone does not qualify for an exemption or reduction but still cannot afford the fee, they can apply for a hardship review, which may lower the cost further.

What is a Power of Attorney, and why do I need one?

Martin Lewis has been very clear that it is a vital document, and one we should all consider.

There’s more information here, but in short, he said: “I think in many ways, a Power of Attorney is more important than a will, because if you die, you die and the money is going to go on to other people and you won’t use it anymore.

“But if you lose your faculties, if you lose your ability to look after yourself mentally, then the question is what happens to your finances? And the truth is, let’s say it’s a dementia or an accident or a stroke – severe ones – don’t assume your family can access your money, not even if it’s the money needed to pay for your care.

“It can be locked away without anyone being able to touch it. To get it they’ll need to apply via the Court of Protection or equivalent. That’s a hassle. It’s long. It’s costly. You might not get the right person appointed that you would have wanted to take over your faculties.”

There’s more details on his Money Saving Expert website.

How to apply for a Power of Attorney for free or a reduced rate

To get help, applicants must submit a fee support form along with evidence of income or benefits when registering the power of attorney.

The Office of the Public Guardian said applications without the correct documents may be rejected – meaning the full fee would still need to be paid.

Decisions can also be challenged, with applicants given 28 days to request a review if they believe they were wrongly refused support.

Recommended reading:

Scottish types of Power of Attorney (PoA)

Power of Attorney rules are broadly similar across the UK, but Scotland does have some key differences, under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.

These are:

Continuing Power of Attorney

This gives powers to deal with money and/or property

Continuing (financial) powers can be used by the attorney immediately after the PoA document has been registered with us. If the PoA is only to be used in the event of your incapacity, it must clearly state that the powers are not to be used until this happens. You may wish to add a statement about who should make this decision about your incapacity.

For details, contact:

Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland)   

Hadrian House                                                             
Callendar Business Park
Callendar Road
Falkirk
FK1 1XR                                          
Telephone: 01324 678300

Email: opg@scotcourts.gov.uk      

Welfare Power of Attorney

This gives powers to make decisions around health or personal welfare matters

Welfare powers may only be acted upon after the PoA has been registered with us and when you have lost capacity to make decisions on matters to which the powers apply. Read the definition of incapacity.

Combined Power of Attorney

This is the key difference as it gives both continuing and welfare powers

The majority of PoAs registered with the Scottish Public Office of the Guardian are a combination of continuing and welfare powers. However, it is your choice as to the type of PoA you wish to grant.

The queue at the Liverpool Street station taxi rank is growing.

Finance worker Anthony Craft was waiting for a taxi with two friends.

He said: ‘Typically our journey home takes around 30-40 minutes but now it’s looking like an hour and a half, so not very pleasant.’

His friend Joe Carter, who owns Pure Health Care recruitment firm, said: ‘We are waiting for an Uber, a Bolt and a black cab, so contingency planning.’

The pair said they are already seeing surge pricing on the apps.

‘It’s £60-£70 to get back to Woodford in Essex,’ Joe said, adding that the journey usually costs around £30.

He continued: ‘We usually get on the Weaver line and that was supposedly meant to be okay today and it was just meant to be the Tube strike. But unfortunately there’s a signal failure on the Weaver line, of all days. No Central line, no Weaver line, so we should have worked from home.’

The Moon and Jupiter link in Cancer, bringing perspective, empathy and kindness to the day ahead. This is a great opportunity to foster connections.

Taurus, Cancer and Virgo, you’re feeling generous. This placement allows your life to be bountiful, so share this good fortune with others.

Don’t just extend compassion today, but do some self relfexing. Be gentle with yourself and go forward with grace.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Wednesday April 22, 2026

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To download your free Unique Personal Horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com/free-birth-chart/.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Today’s Moon-Jupiter energies expand feelings bringing warmth and deeper perspectives. Home, family, or a place that appears safe may offer encouragement, so be open to receive it. You are usually the one who starts the fire, yet today growth comes from tending the hearth. Kindness multiplies, and a caring gesture or chat could open a very fortunate road ahead.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Today’s lunar mode adds plenty of generosity and sincerity into conversations and daily encounters. Words carry kindness and people will notice, so a friendly chat, thoughtful message or mutual laugh can lead to something interesting. It pays to ask questions, listen, and share your natural insights for you can often see more deeply than some people realise.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Notice what catches your attention, as a practical idea about money, resources, or self-worth may appear just when you least expect it. If so, treat it seriously. Giving also has positive potential under today’s cosmic blend. Tender but flowing energies can see you keen to buy gifts, share your resources with others or make a donation to a good cause or charity.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Cancer 22 June – 23 July

The Moon joins Jupiter in your sign, meaning you’ll find it easy to share comfort and laughter. Your warmth travels far now, and people notice your kindness, your sense of fun, and your wisdom. Welcome the spotlight, as opportunities will grow by doing so. A plan or creative idea could expand in lucky ways, and an encounter could lead to a nice friendship.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

A positive lunar link lights up your inner world, which means you’ll benefit from a relaxing pause. Today emotions offer powerful insight, and a memory, dream, or kind gesture may remind you what really matters. A little reflection can refill your creative well, allowing you to deal with issues that have been put on hold. Compassion for yourself goes a long way too.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

A positive social experience expands the circle of goodwill around you. Friendships, local ties, and common hopes feel warmer and more encouraging. Today you may be the one organising, fixing, and improving things, yet joy comes from connecting with others rather than doing things alone. A conversation could lead to an offer that’s ideal for you.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

This is a good day for your ambitions and image, as something exciting is on the way. If you allow your feelings into the mix, it will allow people to see the kindness behind your efforts. A thoughtful decision or compassionate leadership could lead to opportunity. You’re usually keen on harmony, yet your emotional intelligence is now your greatest gift. Use it well.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

The Moon and Jupiter blend widening your emotional horizons in wonderful ways, as curiosity, compassion, and optimism flow together. You may feel drawn towards learning, travel, or a conversation that shifts your perspective about your path in life. Your intuition already runs deep, and today it carries a hopeful current that alerts you to dazzling options.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Your bold soul loves to gaze at the horizon, yet today you may be happier closer to home. A conversation, shared memory, or moment of trust could strengthen an important bond. You are ruled by Jupiter, and a link involving the Moon buzzes with familiar optimism. Kindness and transparency work better than big promises, so enjoy being with family and friends.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 20

The feeling of tenderness within your closest relationships expands. This is a day for giving and receiving, and you might want to surprise a friend by purchasing a gift or offering them an impromptu meal. Equally, someone may have something they want to give to you, such as a thank you present for a past kindness or an opportunity that would be very good for you.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 21 to February 19

A simple habit, helpful routine, or thoughtful gesture at work could feel deeply satisfying. You often have dazzling ideas, yet today it’s your kindness that can light up a room. Offer encouragement or lend a helping hand. Generosity spreads, and your practical actions can inspire others more than any theory, making productivity lighter and more joyful.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

The Moon and Jupiter link up in Cancer, sending a tide of imagination and affection your way. Happiness is not a distraction; it is more like a sign revealing what is working for you. A hobby, romantic spark, or playful idea could grow into something meaningful – if you give it time and attention. Your imagination swims in deep waters, yet optimism adds buoyancy.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of April here.

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MORE: Daily horoscope April 21, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

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North Yorkshire Police said the theft happened on a Persimmon building site in Kingsley Drive, Harrogate, between 4pm on Friday, April 10 and 7am on Monday, April 13.

Recommended reading:

A force spokesperson said: “We are appealing for witnesses and information following this business burglary.

“We are particularly keen in speaking to anyone who may have any information or who may have seen anything suspicious in the area during this time frame.

“If you think you can help, please email grace.haigh@northyorkshire.police.uk.

“Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Grace Haigh, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

“Please quote reference 12260065477 when passing on information.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida resigned from office on Tuesday moments before the start of a hearing that could have led to a recommendation that she be expelled from Congress.

Cherfilus-McCormick was the subject of a more than two-year investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which had determined recently that she had violated multiple federal laws and House rules. Support from her own party was increasingly in doubt.

It’s the third resignation in a little more than a week from a House lawmaker. Reps. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, and Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, announced within hours of each other that they were leaving Congress. Both men were facing sexual misconduct allegations and possible expulsion.

In a statement, Cherfilus-McCormick said the House committee denied her new attorney’s request for more time to prepare a defense. She also said she would not pretend that the investigation had been anything other than a “witch hunt,” and rather than play political games, she would resign, effective immediately.

“But let me say this plainly: we should be very careful about the precedent we are setting in this country, we do not punish people before due process is complete,” she said. “We do not allow allegations alone to override the will of the people. That is a dangerous path, and one that should concern every American, regardless of party.”

Cherfilus-McCormick is also facing federal criminal charges accusing her of stealing $5 million in federal disaster funds and using the money to buy items such as a 3-carat yellow diamond ring.

She has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges and says she is not guilty of ethics violations, either.

The allegations against the congresswoman center on how she received millions of dollars from her family’s health care business after Florida mistakenly overpaid the business by roughly $5 million with COVID-19 disaster relief funds. She is accused of using that money to fund her 2022 congressional campaign through a network of businesses and family members.

Cherfilus-McCormick declined to testify during a previous Ethics Committee hearing, citing her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Her attorney, William Barzee, sparred with some of the lawmakers and argued that they should have allowed a thorough ethics trial, at which he could present witnesses and evidence to counter the conclusions of House investigators.

Some supporters weighed in against expulsion

A group of supporters in Cherfilus-McCormick’s congressional district had weighed in on her behalf with the lawmakers who lead the Ethics Committee, urging committee leaders to proceed with caution in sanctioning her.

“Our communities deserve stability. Our voices deserve to be heard. And our right to representation must be protected,” said one of the letters signed by about a dozen local faith leaders, union officials and others.

Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, along with other members of the caucus, issued a statement that praised Cherfilus-McCormick’s time in Congress. They said Cherfilus-McCormick “worked to uplift her constituents and elevate issues impacting underserved communities at home and abroad.”

“We extend our appreciation for her service and offer our prayers for her and her family,” the caucus members said.

In all, the Ethics panel’s more than two-year investigation led to the issuance of 59 subpoenas, 28 witness interviews and a review of more than 33,000 pages of documents.

House Democratic leaders had declined to condemn Cherfilus-McCormick, saying they wanted to see the ethics process play out.

Still, leadership had been in conversations with her for weeks, ever since the Ethics committee released its findings, about the situation and the likelihood of an expulsion vote.

A high threshold for expulsion

The House has historically been reluctant to serve as the final arbiter of a lawmaker’s career, preferring to give that final say to the voters.

Of the six House members expelled, the first three fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War and were expelled for disloyalty. The next two had been convicted of crimes. The final one was George Santos, the scandal-plagued freshman who was the subject of a blistering ethics report on his conduct as well as a federal indictment.

Santos, a New York Republican, served time in prison for ripping off his campaign donors before President Donald Trump granted him clemency, and he has apologized to his former constituents.

Under the Constitution, at least two-thirds of the House has to vote for expulsion for it to occur, a high threshold that requires enormous bipartisan support.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters last week he believed the House would move to expel Cherfilus-McCormick.

“The facts are indisputable at this point,” Johnson said.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., took exception to Cherfilus-McCormick’s characterization of the Ethics Committee’s investigation.

“Well, if you steal money, it’s called theft. It’s not called a witch hunt, and stealing taxpayer money is not going to be tolerated,” Scalise said.

___

Associated Press writer Lisa Mascaro contributed.