Graham Platner ends Senate bid. And, why Nolan Wells' death captured national attention
Democrat Graham Platner announced last night that he has ended his U.S. Senate campaign in Maine. The politician faced pressure from party leaders to end his bid after one of his former girlfriends accused him of rape. He denies this allegation. In a video, Platner said his decision to drop out was not an admission of guilt and instead blamed a "political system not built for normal people." Now the race is on for Democrats to find a new candidate to replace Platner before the state's July 27 deadline to name someone new.
An empty stage is seen at a Graham Platner campaign event on June 9, 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine. CJ Gunther/Getty Images hide caption
Overnight, the U.S. launched strikes on southern Iran, targeting around 90 military sites along the coast and the vital Strait of Hormuz, according to the U.S. Central Command. In retaliation, Iran launched air attacks in Kuwait and Bahrain against U.S. military installations. Kuwait's military reported intercepting missiles and drones. Countries in the Middle East are on high alert as they brace for the possibility of further conflict in the region.
The family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, who was found dead on Horn Island off the coast of Mississippi after a Fourth of July getaway with friends, has enlisted the help of civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump. It's still a mystery why Wells, last seen at the northwest tip of the island around 3 p.m. on July 4, was the only one from his group who didn't return. The case has garnered national attention online. Crump announced that his office will conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances of Wells' death. In a recent interview with Don Lemon, Crump said that officials have yet to inform the family about any suspicions of foul play. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is calling for people to submit any photos or videos that could help determine what happened the day Wells went missing as they continue their investigation. Here's what we know about the case so far.
Stay safe this summer. Make sure you know the five water safety skills, designate a water-watcher when kids are swimming, know the signs of heat exhaustion and more. Kaz Fantone/NPR hide caption
Summer can be an exciting time for adventure, but it has some risks. Extreme heat, tempting open bodies of water and outdoor critters can all prove deadly. But don't let that hold you back from having fun. Here are proactive ways to keep yourself safe this season:
Scenes in Primm, Nevada outside the Buffalo Bills Casino on Wednesday June 24, 2026. Krystal Ramirez for NPR Krystal Ramirez for NPR hide caption
A determined family is taking on a challenge like no other: resurrecting a town. Primm, Nevada, was once a bustling, family-friendly casino hotspot. But it has experienced a steep decline and has gradually become a ghost town as more casino options have emerged across the United States. In the 1990s and 2000s, Primm attracted visitors with affordable accommodations, gambling, concerts, rodeos and attractions like a roller coaster. Since then, that ride has shut down, and two of the town's three hotels have closed in recent years. The once-thriving outlet mall now features only a single thrift store. When the Primm family learned that the last operating casino-hotel, Primm Valley Resort & Casino, was on the brink of closure, they joined forces with the Nevada-based convenience store chain Terrible's to breathe new life into this fading town. Take a look at how the town stands today.
The Kennedy Center on June 28, with its facade signage still covered by a tarp and scaffolding. Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images hide caption