NPR News: 07-06-2026 10PM EDT

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Ryland Barton· Host0:16

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. Maine Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, Graham Platner, is denying an allegation of sexual assault that was reported today by Politico.

Graham Platner· Soundbite0:30

Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins.

Ryland Barton· Host0:46

The story alleges that five years ago, Platner forced a woman he was dating to have sex with him despite her repeated objections. NPR has not independently verified these allegations. Platner is facing incumbent Republican Susan Collins. Democrats believe the race is key to their chances of winning control of the Senate during this year's elections. Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer has called for Platner to drop out of the race. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to discuss Russia's war at a NATO summit this week in Ankara, Turkey. It comes as Russia and Ukraine have been trading heavy strikes. NPR's Joanna Kakissis has more.

Joanna Kakissis1:21

Ukraine and Russia remain so far apart on what an end to this war actually means. I mean, Ukraine does not want to accept