Early Wednesday, the State Department ordered evacuation of all non-emergency personnel in Iraq. The Trump administration said it was in response to threats from neighboring Iran, which also led to sending more U.S. warships and bombers to the area. But a British military official said he saw no increased risk from Iran or from Iranian-backed militias in Iraq or Syria. [NYTimes] [TheHill]
Topping the news: -> Lt. Gov Spencer Cox announced he is running for governor in 2020, vowing a ‘different’ and positive campaign. [Trib]
-> Sen. Mitt Romney joined Democrats as the lone Republican voting against the confirmation of Judge Michael Truncale, who called former President Barack Obama a “un-American imposter.