NPR News: 07-09-2026 9AM EDT

Speaker 10:00

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Windsor Johnston· Host0:13

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. Democrats in Maine are up against the clock to find a new U.S. Senate candidate. Graham Platner suspended his campaign after a woman accused him of rape, an allegation he's denied. The state's Democratic Party has until July twenty-seventh to name a replacement to take on Republican Senator Susan Collins in the fall. Kevin Miller from member station Maine Public reports.

Kevin Miller0:42

Platner continues to deny recent accusations that he raped a former romantic partner five years ago. But during an emotional video filmed outside, he accused Washington interests of using the allegations to neutralize his populist, anti-establishment campaign.

Graham Platner· Soundbite0:57

We believe that for the movement to continue, it can't be me.

Kevin Miller1:06

The Marine Corps veteran and oysterman handily won Maine's Democratic primary last month. The state party will now select a new nominee to take on Republican Senator Susan Collins in a race that could decide control of the Senate. For NPR News, I'm Kevin Miller.

Windsor Johnston· Host1:22

The fighting between the U.S. and Iran shows no signs of easing. After a second night of U.S. strikes,