NPR News: 07-07-2026 10PM EDT

Ryland Barton· Host0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. Democrats across the country are withdrawing support from Maine US Senate candidate Graham Platner after a sexual assault allegation, which he denies. If he drops out, Democrats are defided, are divided on who should replace him, and Maine law has tight deadlines for replacing candidates, as Maine Public's Steve Mistler explains.

Steve Mistler0:23

That deadline is Monday, July 13th at 5:00 PM, and if Platner formally withdraws from the race with the Secretary of State by then, Democrats can actually replace him on the ballot, but they have only until July 27th to, to do so, and that's about two weeks away. So just like with President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, that's just not a lot of time for state Democrats to figure out a process to replace him.

Ryland Barton· Host0:48

Maine Public's Steve Mistler reporting. Kentucky Republican Senator Mitch McConnell is facing new scrutiny over his health as he remains hospitalized. NPR's Claudia Grisales reports his office has shared few details since the former Senate majority leader was admitted for care weeks ago.

Claudia Grisales1:04

Top Senate Republican leaders said they had lengthy and substantive conversations with McConnell by phone this week. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who succeeded McConnell in the job, said they discussed national security, while Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso said over a 20-minute conversation, he and McConnell caught up on Senate races, the July recess, and a defense funding bill. The 84-year-old polio survivor has not been seen or heard from