Platner Pressured To Drop Out, NATO Summit In Turkey, US Out Of World Cup

Graham Plattner faces calls to drop out of the senate race in Maine. A woman he dated says the Democratic candidate raped her in 2021. Plattner denies it, but says he is considering his best path forward. What are his options? I'm Steve Inskeep with a Martinez, and this is up first from NPR News. President Trump is in Turkey today meeting with NATO allies he has spent years berating. He wants them spending more on their own defense. As Russia's attacks on Ukraine intensify, Europe wants to know if America still has their back. And The US is out of the World Cup after a blowout loss to Belgium in the round of 16 at cap team USA's tournament full of promise and political controversy. Stay with us. We've got news you need to start your day. This message comes from Wise, the smart way to manage your money around the world. With Wise, you can send, spend, and receive money in over 40 currencies at the mid market rate. Learn more at wise.com. T's and c's apply. This message comes from BetterHelp. People talk about mental health more openly now, but asking for help can still feel hard. BetterHelp's 2026 state of stigma report surveyed 2,000 Americans and found that 85% believe getting support is wise, yet 74% say society discourages people from doing so. Don't let stigma stand in the way of support. Start therapy with BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/npr. The fatal shooting of a teenager at a protest in Seattle has gone unsolved for six years. This is open in your face. How are there no answers? Our investigation has uncovered new evidence and witnesses who say they've never talked to police. Did police ever call you? Not once. Listen to We Keep Us Safe, a new true crime series on the embedded podcast from NPR. Graham Plattner is under pressure this morning to end his bid for the US Senate. Yeah. The Democratic Party has been depending on Plattner to win a race considered vital to their hopes in the midterm elections. Elections. And on Monday, Politico published allegations by a woman he dated. She also gave an interview to CNN and accused Plattner of raping her. Plattner denies this allegation, but posted a video saying he is assessing his next steps. Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, been mindful of the political reality it will inflict. We are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward. NPR political reporter Elena Moore has been tracking the latest developments. And a warning to our listeners, this story contains descriptions of sexual assault. Elena, tell us about, these, serious allegations. Politico's story details an account made by a former girlfriend of Plattner, Jenny Rasicotte, who alleges that in 2021, Plattner entered her home intoxicated and forced her to have sex with him despite her repeatedly saying no. Here's part of how she described it in an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper. He violated multiple layers …