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.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.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 thei...