Woman accuses Graham Platner of sexual assault. And, NATO summit begins
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Democratic lawmakers are calling on Graham Platner to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race in Maine, after a former girlfriend said that he sexually assaulted her. Yesterday, Politico reported the allegation that in 2021, Platner allegedly entered her home while intoxicated and forced her to have sex despite her repeated objections. The news outlet says it corroborated the allegations by reviewing past messages exchanged between the accuser and her therapist, as well as speaking with individuals to whom she confided. NPR has not independently verified these claims.
Graham Platner speaks to voters at a town hall at the Elks Lodge 188 on June 7, 2026 in Portland, Maine. Laura Brett/Getty Images hide caption
toggle caption
Laura Brett/Getty Images
President Trump and NATO leaders gather today in Ankara, Turkey, for the defense alliance's annual summit. Ahead of his arrival, the president expressed his dissatisfaction with the organization. On July 2, he posted on social media, "The United States spends more money on NATO than any other country, by far, to protect them, without getting any benefit from so doing." This meeting comes amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and the unresolved U.S.-led conflict with Iran.
The dangerous heat wave that swept across much of the eastern U.S. over the July Fourth weekend could be the nation's new normal this time of year, according to experts. Scientists say climate change is driving more extreme temperatures and heavier rainfall. Both can contribute to significant, costly damage to roads. These extreme weather changes can cause pavement to expand, crack and warp, rendering some roads unusable until they are repaired. Engineers suggest that using a more durable — and more expensive — asphalt blend could be a solution for some roads that are subject to extreme temperatures. The way the U.S. has traditionally approached infrastructure, such as roads, is no longer sufficient for the future, says Mikhail Chester, a professor of engineering at Arizona State University. Here's what else experts say can be done to help.
by Juliana Kim, general assignment reporter
By tonight, 42 teams will have been eliminated, including the U.S. men's national team, which lost in the Round of 16 once again. Belgium beat the U.S. 4-1. It also marks an end of an era for some of the greatest players seen in our lifetime.
On Sunday, a day before Portugal's match against Spain, Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that he was savoring every moment of his last World Cup. Portugal ended up losing 0-1.
"God has been so generous towards me. He has given me everything. Much more than I ever expected to achieve," he said on Sunday.
Ronaldo made his first World Cup appearance at 21. This summer marked his sixth — a feat only shared with Argentina's Lionel Messi. At 41, Ronaldo was also the tournament's second oldest player. Nonetheless, he was a force to be reckoned with — having scored three goals.
Brazil's top goalscorer Neymar completed his last dance at the very New Jersey field where he made his international debut back in 2010. It came after his team lost to Norway 2-1 on Sunday. Brazil's single goal was achieved by Neymar in a penalty kick. At the final whistle, Neymar got on his knees, lowered his head and wept before a teammate came to console him.
"I tried," said Neymar, according to the AP. "It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over."
Other notable mentions are Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who kissed the post and bowed to his fans before leaving the pitch. Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was already in his international retirement but briefly came out to represent his home country one last time.
"It has always been an honor," Neuer wrote on Instagram.
Here's who else is retiring after this year's World Cup.
Click through to watch the latest Soccer Edition video clips from across the NPR Network.
What to watch for this week
🗑️ Host City report cards are starting to come in as some wrap up their scheduled events. While it will be a while til the official analysis is done, successes and short-comings are already being reported. Seattle had their last World Cup match last night, and already some lessons on how to handle the increased traffic, transit demands and trash have shown off the strength of Seattle's infrastructure. Boston's hosting its last game on Thursday, but the area's soccer bars are already planning for what's next in hopes of keeping their winning streak going.
🇨🇻 How do you find victory in defeat? On paper, Cape Verde's 3-2 loss to Argentina on Friday. "To see the commitment and the resiliency with the players and the pride, made us proud," said Paulo De Barros, president of the Cape Verdean Association of Boston. The tiny African nation capturing our hearts all over again.
Doug Wilson speaking to NPR for a Newsmakers interview. Nickolai Hammar/NPR hide caption
toggle caption
Nickolai Hammar/NPR
Go face-to-face with the person of the moment. NPR's Newsmakers video podcast brings the biggest names in politics, business, sports, arts, and culture out of the headlines and into the interview chair to discuss the mark they're making on the world. Follow the Newsmakers podcast or subscribe to NPR's YouTube channel to get new episodes as soon as they're available.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth invited Pastor Doug Wilson to deliver a sermon at the Pentagon earlier this year as part of his monthly Christian worship service. Wilson self-identifies as a Christian nationalist, and his appearance at the Pentagon was controversial. He has advocated for the repeal of women's right to vote, defended slavery and believes that homosexuality should be criminalized. His extreme views were once considered fringe, but religious scholars say his teachings are now making their way into the mainstream. In an episode of NPR's Newsmakers, Morning Edition's Leila Fadel sat down with Wilson at his home church in Idaho to discuss why he wants the U.S. to become a Christian theocracy and the implications it would hold for women and non-Christians across the nation.
Watch or listen to the interview or read the article about their discussion.
Spectators take photos with their smartphones during a World Cup match at the Houston Stadium in Houston on June 23. The Supreme Court is allowing Texas to enforce a law that limits minors' access to app stores on mobile devices while lawsuits continue in the lower courts. Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
toggle caption
Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
Read the full story at NPR ↗
A woman has accused Graham Platner, a U.S. Senate candidate in Maine, of sexual assault in 2021. Politico reported the allegation and reviewed messages between the accuser and her therapist and spoke with individuals she confided in to corroborate the account; NPR has not independently verified the claims. Democratic lawmakers have called on Platner to withdraw from the race. Separately, President Trump and NATO leaders are meeting at the alliance's annual summit in Ankara, Turkey. Trump has publicly stated his view that the United States contributes disproportionately to NATO without receiving corresponding benefit. The summit occurs during ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and between the U.S. and Iran. In other news, recent extreme heat across the eastern U.S. has prompted experts to assess infrastructure vulnerability. Scientists attribute intensifying temperature extremes to climate change, which can damage roads through pavement expansion and cracking. Some engineers propose more durable asphalt formulations as a potential solution. Finally, several prominent soccer players concluded their World Cup participation this week, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.
Read the full story at NPR ↗
Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.
Democratic lawmakers are calling on Graham Platner to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race in Maine, after a former girlfriend said that he sexually assaulted her. Yesterday, Politico reported the allegation that in 2021, Platner allegedly entered her home while intoxicated and forced her to have sex despite her repeated objections. The news outlet says it corroborated the allegations by reviewing past messages exchanged between the accuser and her therapist, as well as speaking with individuals to whom she confided. NPR has not independently verified these claims.
Graham Platner speaks to voters at a town hall at the Elks Lodge 188 on June 7, 2026 in Portland, Maine. Laura Brett/Getty Images hide caption
toggle caption
Laura Brett/Getty Images
President Trump and NATO leaders gather today in Ankara, Turkey, for the defense alliance's annual summit. Ahead of his arrival, the president expressed his dissatisfaction with the organization. On July 2, he posted on social media, "The United States spends more money on NATO than any other country, by far, to protect them, without getting any benefit from so doing." This meeting comes amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and the unresolved U.S.-led conflict with Iran.
The dangerous heat wave that swept across much of the eastern U.S. over the July Fourth weekend could be the nation's new normal this time of year, according to experts. Scientists say climate change is driving more extreme temperatures and heavier rainfall. Both can contribute to significant, costly damage to roads. These extreme weather changes can cause pavement to expand, crack and warp, rendering some roads unusable until they are repaired. Engineers suggest that using a more durable — and more expensive — asphalt blend could be a solution for some roads that are subject to extreme temperatures. The way the U.S. has traditionally approached infrastructure, such as roads, is no longer sufficient for the future, says Mikhail Chester, a professor of engineering at Arizona State University. Here's what else experts say can be done to help.
by Juliana Kim, general assignment reporter
By tonight, 42 teams will have been eliminated, including the U.S. men's national team, which lost in the Round of 16 once again. Belgium beat the U.S. 4-1. It also marks an end of an era for some of the greatest players seen in our lifetime.
On Sunday, a day before Portugal's match against Spain, Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that he was savoring every moment of his last World Cup. Portugal ended up losing 0-1.
"God has been so generous towards me. He has given me everything. Much more than I ever expected to achieve," he said on Sunday.
Ronaldo made his first World Cup appearance at 21. This summer marked his sixth — a feat only shared with Argentina's Lionel Messi. At 41, Ronaldo was also the tournament's second oldest player. Nonetheless, he was a force to be reckoned with — having scored three goals.
Brazil's top goalscorer Neymar completed his last dance at the very New Jersey field where he made his international debut back in 2010. It came after his team lost to Norway 2-1 on Sunday. Brazil's single goal was achieved by Neymar in a penalty kick. At the final whistle, Neymar got on his knees, lowered his head and wept before a teammate came to console him.
"I tried," said Neymar, according to the AP. "It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over."
Other notable mentions are Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who kissed the post and bowed to his fans before leaving the pitch. Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was already in his international retirement but briefly came out to represent his home country one last time.
"It has always been an honor," Neuer wrote on Instagram.
Here's who else is retiring after this year's World Cup.
Click through to watch the latest Soccer Edition video clips from across the NPR Network.
What to watch for this week
🗑️ Host City report cards are starting to come in as some wrap up their scheduled events. While it will be a while til the official analysis is done, successes and short-comings are already being reported. Seattle had their last World Cup match last night, and already some lessons on how to handle the increased traffic, transit demands and trash have shown off the strength of Seattle's infrastructure. Boston's hosting its last game on Thursday, but the area's soccer bars are already planning for what's next in hopes of keeping their winning streak going.
🇨🇻 How do you find victory in defeat? On paper, Cape Verde's 3-2 loss to Argentina on Friday. "To see the commitment and the resiliency with the players and the pride, made us proud," said Paulo De Barros, president of the Cape Verdean Association of Boston. The tiny African nation capturing our hearts all over again.
Doug Wilson speaking to NPR for a Newsmakers interview. Nickolai Hammar/NPR hide caption
toggle caption
Nickolai Hammar/NPR
Go face-to-face with the person of the moment. NPR's Newsmakers video podcast brings the biggest names in politics, business, sports, arts, and culture out of the headlines and into the interview chair to discuss the mark they're making on the world. Follow the Newsmakers podcast or subscribe to NPR's YouTube channel to get new episodes as soon as they're available.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth invited Pastor Doug Wilson to deliver a sermon at the Pentagon earlier this year as part of his monthly Christian worship service. Wilson self-identifies as a Christian nationalist, and his appearance at the Pentagon was controversial. He has advocated for the repeal of women's right to vote, defended slavery and believes that homosexuality should be criminalized. His extreme views were once considered fringe, but religious scholars say his teachings are now making their way into the mainstream. In an episode of NPR's Newsmakers, Morning Edition's Leila Fadel sat down with Wilson at his home church in Idaho to discuss why he wants the U.S. to become a Christian theocracy and the implications it would hold for women and non-Christians across the nation.
Watch or listen to the interview or read the article about their discussion.
Spectators take photos with their smartphones during a World Cup match at the Houston Stadium in Houston on June 23. The Supreme Court is allowing Texas to enforce a law that limits minors' access to app stores on mobile devices while lawsuits continue in the lower courts. Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
toggle caption
Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
Read the full story at NPR ↗
A woman accused Graham Platner of sexual assault, alleging he entered her home while intoxicated and forced her to have sex despite her objections in 2021 Politico corroborated the allegations by reviewing messages between the accuser and her therapist and speaking with individuals to whom she confided NPR has not independently verified the claims Democratic lawmakers called on Platner to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race President Trump and NATO leaders convened at the alliance's annual summit in Ankara, Turkey Trump stated that the United States spends more on NATO than any other country without receiving benefit Scientists say climate change is driving more extreme temperatures and heavier rainfall Extreme weather changes can cause pavement to expand, crack and warp Using more durable asphalt blends could be a solution for roads subject to extreme temperatures The U.S. traditional approach to infrastructure is no longer sufficient for the future Cristiano Ronaldo completed his sixth World Cup at age 41 Neymar scored in his final World Cup match as Brazil lost to Norway 2-1
Read the full story at NPR ↗
- Democratic lawmakers call on Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw after a woman alleges he sexually assaulted her in 2021; Politico corroborated the account through messages and source interviews, though NPR has not independently verified it
- President Trump and NATO leaders convene at a summit in Ankara, Turkey, as the U.S. president continues expressing concerns about American spending on the alliance
- Extreme heat waves in the eastern U.S. are linked to climate change; infrastructure experts warn current road construction standards may be insufficient for future temperature extremes
- Multiple notable soccer players end their World Cup careers, including Cristiano Ronaldo at age 41 and Brazil's Neymar