More troops are headed to the Middle East. Voters are turning against data centers.

And a baby elephant is about to take center stage. That's some of what we'll get to on the seven from the Washington Post.

I'm Hannah Jewell. It's Wednesday, April 15th. Let's get you caught up with today's seven stories.

Number one. The U.S. will send thousands more troops to the Middle East in the coming days.

The Trump administration is attempting to pressure Iran into a more permanent deal to end the war.

A temporary ceasefire is set to expire on April 22nd. That's one week from today.

When the clock on the ceasefire runs out, the administration is considering additional strikes on Iran or even ground operations.

That's according to officials who spoke to the post.

President Donald Trump's blockade of Iranian ports, meanwhile, has turned back six merchant ships trying to leave the strait of Hormuz.

The blockade, which took effect on Monday, is meant to pressure Iran to reopen that

critical waterway. Before the U.S. and Israel began the war against Iran, about 20% of global oil

supply passed through the strait. Its closure, and strikes on energy facilities throughout the region,

has caused gas prices to spike.

Trump said yesterday that U.S.-Iran peace talks may resume over the next two days in Pakistan.

And today, the Senate is set to vote on a resolution to block Trump from ordering further strikes on Iran.

Some Republicans have expressed increasing concern

about Congress's lack of input on the war, but the resolution still faces tough odds in the Senate.

Number two. A woman accused Eric Swalwell of raping her in 2018. Since Friday, multiple reports have emerged of women accusing the former California congressman of sexual assault and sexual misconduct. Yesterday, there was another.

Lana Drews accused the prominent Democrat of raping her in a West Hollywood hotel room in 2018.

She said she believed she was drugged.

Swalwell denies all the allegations against him.

Drews spoke at a news conference yesterday and explained why she is coming forward now.

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