NPR is reporting that Democrat Graham Platner has ended his U.S. Senate campaign in Maine following rape allegations from a former girlfriend. Platner denies the allegations, stating his decision was not an admission of guilt but a reflection of a "political system not built for normal people." The move leaves Democrats scrambling to find a new candidate before the state's July 27 deadline. NPR's Elena Moore said many Democrats view the Maine race as crucial for regaining control of the Senate, seeing incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins as a beatable opponent. The state's Democratic Party plans a nominating convention. Moore noted that Platner's supporters, frustrated with the political establishment, hope a new candidate will continue his momentum on issues like affordability. Strategists told Moore that an experienced, scandal-free candidate could campaign effectively on these key issues.
NPR is also reporting that the U.S. launched strikes on southern Iran overnight, targeting approximately 90 military sites along the coast and the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Central Command. In retaliation, Iran launched air attacks against U.S. military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain, with Kuwait's military reporting intercepted missiles and drones. Countries across the Middle East are on high alert for further conflict. NPR's Emily Feng, reporting from Israel, said the situation surrounding talks to end the war remains uncertain, with both the U.S. and Iran seemingly waiting for the other to back down. Israeli military forces are at "full readiness," and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz held an emergency security meeting. Feng added that while the Israeli government generally supports the U.S. strikes, there is significant ambiguity regarding the U.S.'s ultimate objectives.
NPR's Franco Ordoñez reported that President Donald J Trump, at the NATO summit in Turkey, sharply criticized Iranian leaders, accusing them of dishonesty and failing to keep ceasefire commitments. This marks a shift from his recent praise for them. Ordoñez described Trump's rhetoric as a familiar pattern of swinging between admiration and aggression, and weaving threats with diplomacy, making his intentions unclear to observers.
Additionally, NPR is reporting that the family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, found dead on Horn Island off Mississippi after a Fourth of July trip, has enlisted civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump. Wells was the only one from his group who did not return. Crump announced his office would conduct an independent investigation into the death. Crump told Don Lemon that officials have not informed the family of any suspicions of foul play. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is seeking photos or videos to aid its ongoing investigation.