NPR News: 07-07-2026 8AM EDT

Louise Schiavone· Host0:01

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Louise Schiavone. A new allegation of sexual assault reported Monday in Politico has shaken the campaign of the main Democrat seeking to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins. Graham Platner is denying accusations of sexual assault by a woman that he had dated. Platner has issued a social media video saying he's considering the best next step. NPR's Elena Moore has details.

Elena Moore0:27

Almost instantly after Politico's story published, we started to see a steady drumbeat of calls for Platner to end his bid for Senate. That included calls from high-profile Democrats, most notably Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who said that the Senate Democrat's campaign arm wouldn't spend in the main race if Platner remains on the ballot.

Louise Schiavone· Host0:47

NPR's Elena Moore. Two explosions rocked Syria's capital, Damascus, this morning, injuring 18 people, including four police officers, according to Syrian officials. The bombs went off near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron held morning meetings on his official visit to Syria, the first by a European Union leader since the fall of the Assad dictatorship. NPR's Carrie Kahn reports.

Carrie Kahn1:12

Syria's Ministry of Interior says the bombs exploded outside the security perimeter set up for Macron's visit, and that, quote, "The official visit program was able to continue as planned." State media later showed images of Syria's President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, greeting Macron at the