By STEPHEN GROVES, LISA MASCARO and KEVIN FREKING Associated Press
Dozens of Democratic lawmakers are saying President Donald Trump should be removed from office after he threatened Iranian civilization would "die" if it didn't meet his demands. The episode unleashed demands for Democrats to oppose the Republican president in the strongest possible terms even though he eventually pulled back on his threat and agreed to a two-week ceasefire. Lawmakers are showing no sign they'll back off as they return to Washington. The new imperative from Democrats underscores how seriously many in Washington take Trump's talk of a mortal threat to a country of 91 million people. The White House has defended Trump's rhetoric as effective.
California Rep. Eric Swalwell is vowing to aggressively push back on federal immigration officers if elected governor. The Democrat says he would use the office to make federal agents ineligible for state jobs and take away their driver's licenses if they refuse to unmask while on duties. He hasn't specified how he'd advance those policies. Swalwell is among a crowded field jostling to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom who terms out after this year. Swalwell says he has a proven record of fighting Trump. Mail-in ballots begin going out next month ahead of the June 2 primary.
By MICHAEL R. BLOOD and SOPHIE AUSTIN Associated Press
Does California's race for governor finally have a leader? The contest to succeed outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is considered wide open. But a string of recent attacks on Rep. Eric Swalwell suggest his rivals might be getting antsy about him gaining ground in advance of a June primary. To listen to his competitors, he has a no-show job in Congress and he might not live in California. Swalwell has disputed those claims while picking up key endorsements from U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and powerful labor groups. Mail-in voting begins in early May. A large Democratic field has raised the possibility of a surprise outcome.
On Feb. 13, 1945, Allied forces in World War II began a three-day bombing raid on Dresden, Germany, killing as many as 25,000 people and triggering a firestorm that swept through the city center.
On Jan. 13, 2021, President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House over the violent Jan. 6 siege of the Capitol, becoming the only president twice impeached; 10 Republicans joined Democrats in voting to impeach Trump on a charge of "incitement of insurrection." (Trump would again be acquitted by the Senate in a vote after his term was over.)
By BRUCE SCHREINER and KEVIN FREKING Associated Press
Kentucky Republicans are considering the race for the U.S. Senate seat being opened by Mitch McConnell's announcement he's retiring. McConnell is ending a decadeslong tenure as a power broker who championed conservative causes but ultimately ceded ground to the fierce populism of President Donald Trump. McConnell chose his 83rd birthday on Thursday to share his decision to retire when his current term ends in 2027. U.S. Rep. Andy Barr says he'll make a decision soon about his future. Former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron says "it's time for a new generation of leadership" in the Senate. Another looming GOP candidate is businessman Nate Morris. Barr, Cameron and Morris have professed loyalty to Trump.
On Feb. 13, 1945, Allied forces in World War II began a three-day bombing raid on Dresden, Germany, killing as many as 25,000 people and triggering a firestorm that swept through the city center.
Former President Donald Trump is getting back on the campaign trail at his flagship Miami golf resort as Democrats face tough calls over President Joe Biden's reelection chances. Ever since his dismal debate performance, Democrats have been wrestling with whether the 81-year-old Biden should continue as the party's nominee. Biden has stood firm against calls for him to drop out of the race. Against this backdrop, NATO leaders are converging on Washington for a summit marking the organization's 75th year. The summit aims to shore up support for Ukraine in its battle against Russia but for Biden the summit is also about showing he's up for the grinding demands of the presidency for another term.
