Transcript
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Live from NPR News, I'm Giles Snyder. California Democrat Eric Swalwell is resigning from Congress as he faces growing backlash over allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. His decision comes just one day after he suspended his campaign for governor of California and in the face of a potential vote to expel him from the house. Here's NPR's Elena Moore reporting.
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Swalwell has been at the center of controversy since last Friday after at least four women spoke with the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN about experiences ranging from unwanted sexual advances by Swalwell to allegations of rape. NPR has not independently verified the allegations and Swalwell has forcefully denied them. He repeats that in his latest statement, but goes on to say it's quote, wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Just one week ago, the seven term Democrat was seen as a front runner in the California governor's race. Elena Moore, NPR News.
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Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzalez is also bowing to pressure following sexual misconduct allegations. He says he will file to retire tomorrow when the House returns from its two week Easter recess. Gonzalez has acknowledged an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide. He was also facing renewed calls for expulsion. The US Military now blockading Iranian ports as the Trump administration seeks to force Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz and accept a deal to end the war after talks broke down over the weekend And Islamabad, here's NPR's Tom Bowman.
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It's possible that fighting could start again if Iran starts hitting US Warships or commercial ships trying to transit through the Strait of Hormuz or attacking the energy sector of Gulf allies. The Iranians have said they have major untouched levers to pull in response to the blockade, but we don't know what that means at this point. It's an economic war trying to get Iran back to negotiating table.
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And Iran is threatening to retaliate against Gulf ports in neighboring countries. Crude oil prices hovering around $100 a barrel as markets continue to watch what's happening in the strait of Hormuz NPR's Camilla Dominowski reports that last week's ceasefire deal brought prices down, but President Trump's blockade sent them back up today.