NPR News: 07-07-2026 12AM EDT

Giles Snyder· Host0:01

Live from NPR News, I'm Giles Snyder. Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is denying allegations of sexual assault reported Monday by Politico.

Graham Platner· Soundbite0:11

I wanted to directly address the troubling, serious, and false allegations against me. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false. Over the last 10 months, I have been deeply humbled.

Giles Snyder· Host0:25

In a social media video, Platner said he is reflecting on the best path forward. Democrats have been pulling their endorsements, and party leaders are urging Platner to withdraw as the party's nominee for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Senator Susan Collins. Belgium has ended American World Cup dreams with a 4-1 victory in Seattle. Steve Futterman is there.

Steve Futterman0:49

Flo Balogun did play, but it didn't make much difference. As the U.S.'s World Cup dreams come to a shattering end, Belgium easily beats the U.S. 4-1. Belgium led virtually from start to finish, taking a 1-0 lead in the ninth minute. The only U.S. goal came in the 31st minute on a free kick by Malik Tillman. But just two minutes later, Belgium regained the lead, and the U.S. never seriously threatened after that. Hanging over the match was the controversy involving Balogun. Initially, he was not supposed to play in the match because of a red card in his last match, but the U.S. strongly protested. Donald Trump made a phone call to FIFA's president. Eventually, Balogun was