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Susan Collins heckled at Maine ribbon-cutting to delight of leftist challenger as pivotal Senate race heats up
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Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, faced repeated heckling from protesters on Tuesday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of a $9.2 million federally-funded Route 1 reconstruction project.
Collins’ remarks on securing federal money for the project were repeatedly drowned out, showing both her challenges on the home front and the broader fight for Senate control.
Senator Collins, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, has cast the Route 1 project as a major win for Maine communities.
Protesters, however, shouted her down with chants of «Shame! Shame! Shame!» while raising grievances over Medicare, Israel policy and her voting history for Trump-supported bills.
‘MAINE’S MAMDANI’: MAINE GOP CHIEF ISSUES WARNING ABOUT NEW CHALLENGER LOOKING TO OUST SUSAN COLLINS
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, center, cuts a ribbon with local officials during a ceremony in Searsport, Maine, Tuesday, celebrating completion of the Route 1 reconstruction project. (Office of Senator Susan Collins)
Her Democrat challenger, Graham Platner, quickly seized on the moment, sharing a close-up video of the heckling on X that has nearly 4k likes.
With the Senate hanging by a razor-thin margin, Maine’s race has emerged as one of the most closely watched in the country. Democrats see Collins’ seat as a potential pathway back to control, while Republicans, led by President Trump, are fighting to defend their fragile majority.
«I’m so disgusted with the cuts the Republican Party has made to this Big Ugly Bill…. Get outta here!,» shouted one protester, referencing the «One, Big Beautiful Bill.»
At one point during the ceremony, Collins attempted to reason with the demonstrators. «Could you please just listen, for just one—» she began, before being cut off by a protester shouting, «We’d like you to listen!»
VETERAN WHO SERVED IN MIDDLE EASTERN WARS LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN AGAINST SEN. SUSAN COLLINS
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, holds a blanket as she walks off the Senate floor after the Senate stayed in session throughout the night at the U.S. Capitol Building on July 1, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik)
«I have a suggestion. Would you listen to the suggestion?» asked Collins before another protester responded, «Vote Graham Platner!»
Graham Platner is a Democrat candidate seeking to challenge the longtime incumbent moderate Republican, who is facing a spirited reelection battle in an increasingly blue state.
Platner, a Marine and Army veteran turned oyster farmer, frames his candidacy as a fight against what he calls the «billionaire economy.» While his biography as a working-class veteran could resonate in a state with many independents, his policy platform leans hard to the left. He has called for banning billionaires from financing elections, raising the federal minimum wage, establishing postal banking and defending abortion.
U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) addresses the press at Washington Crossing Inn on November 6, 2022 in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)
He supports aggressive climate regulations, breaking up corporations he labels monopolies and ending what he terms «the mass deportation machine.» Platner has also demanded cuts to Pentagon spending, vowed to «stop pointless wars,» and backs expanding union powers. Those stances put him squarely in the progressive camp and open him to criticism that he is out of step with Maine’s moderates despite his veteran credentials.
Maine Republicans, meanwhile, were quick to paint Platner as out of step with the state. «Graham is a far-left progressive backed by national progressive operatives and environmental extremists. His views would be perfectly suited for a Portland City Council race – not for representing all of Maine,» Jason Savage, the executive director of the Maine Republican Party, told Fox News Digital. A Collins spokesperson likewise dismissed him as «just another progressive entering the race.»
Platner has also brought on Joe Cavello, a former senior aide to Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., as part of his campaign team, and tapped Democratic strategist Morris Katz, an adviser to New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, to produce his launch video.
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With Republicans clinging to their slim Senate majority, Collins’ reelection fight could help determine whether Trump’s influence continues to shape the legislative agenda or whether Democrats reclaim the upper hand.
Maine’s Senate primary is scheduled for June 9, 2026, with the general election set for Nov. 3, 2026. Senator Susan Collins and Graham Platner did not immediately return Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Pilar Arias contributed to this report.
maine,republicans,campaigning
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On his visit to Israel this week, Ambassador-Designate for International Religious Freedom Mark Walker said meeting families of hostages and survivors of Hamas captivity left him «overwhelmed,» reaffirming what he called the «spiritual and historic bond» between the United States and Israel.
Walker, a former Republican congressman and Baptist pastor from North Carolina, was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the nation’s top global envoy for religious liberty. He will officially assume the post once confirmed by the Senate, becoming the seventh American to hold the role since it was created by Congress in 1998.
His visit to Israel, he explained, was driven by both friendship and timing. «All these other historic landmark agreements are happening the same week we’re here,» Walker said. «It’s been amazing to see the excitement — literally banners hanging from buildings and parks thanking President Trump for his ongoing efforts and the strength he’s shown to drive the region toward peace.»
VANCE WARNS HAMAS AS GAZA PEACE PLAN’S CIVILIAN MILITARY COOPERATION CENTER OPENS
Ambassador-Designate Mark Walker, center, visits the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel, in October 2025. (Warren Cohn)
Walker said he was particularly moved by his meetings with hostage families.
«I was overwhelmed to spend some time with Keith Siegel, who endured 483 days of captivity and torture, and with Ruby Chen, whose son, Itay, was killed by Hamas — his body still not returned,» Walker said. «To hear the passion in Ruby’s voice, to see his perseverance, it’s overwhelming. In America, we’re watching this from a distance. But being here on the ground, seeing how the community has banded together to stand up for these hostages — alive or dead — has impacted me in a different manner.»
The experience, he said, deepened his appreciation for Israel’s resilience. «The people of Israel have stood resiliently in the face of evil,» he said. «Their faith and courage remind the world what strength looks like.»
With U.S. officials visiting Israel to monitor the fragile ceasefire, Walker said he remains confident in the administration’s leadership.
Ambassador-Designate Mark Walker for religious freedom with freed hostage Keith Siegel and Rubi Chen, father of hostage Itay Chen. (Warren Cohn)
ISRAEL IDENTIFIES 2 HOSTAGES RETURNED FROM GAZA AS RESIDENTS OF SAME KIBBUTZ
«I have no confidence in Hamas based on their history,» he said. «But I have great confidence in President Trump and what he’s doing. He’s committed to peace and showing it with his actions — sending Vice President Vance, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff here this week.»
He also praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio for advancing the administration’s diplomatic agenda. «This isn’t a photo opportunity,» Walker said. «It’s a real plan for long-term stability.»
When asked how he views Israel’s importance, Walker reflected on his years in Congress.
«I think historically, we’ve had a long-standing relationship of supporting each other through times of peril as well as times of success,» he said. «Certainly, military and business relationships, but from a spiritual standpoint, America was founded on Judeo-Christian principles.»
He added, «When you sit in the House chamber where President Trump gives the State of the Union, there are 22 or 23 philosophers — great men of genius — depicted above. But there’s only one historical figure looking directly at the speaker’s rostrum, and that’s Moses. That tells you a lot about the spiritual connection that binds our two countries.»
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the Knesset as President Donald Trump and Amir Ohana, speaker of the Israeli Knesset, look on at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 in Jerusalem. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool via AP)
When asked about criticism from some within the evangelical community regarding its close alignment with Israel, Walker said he welcomes open discussion but rejects efforts to undermine the partnership. «I don’t have a problem with anyone questioning — we ought to be able to defend those relationships,» he said. «But when you see some of the talk lately that aims to degrade that relationship, maybe for personal gain or attention, I do have a problem with it, and I think it needs to be condemned.»
He added that such views are far from mainstream. «The evangelical communities that I’m part of — and I happen to be a member of the largest Protestant organization in the United States — don’t have those issues,» he said. «There may be some who are loosely affiliated and use that kind of rhetoric, but the overwhelming majority of evangelicals in America applaud and encourage the relationship we have with Israel.»
Attendees wave Israel and the United States flags at the Christians United for Israel (CUFI) summit on July 17, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. GOP presidential hopefuls for 2024 are making their cases before the pro-Israeli group. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
On his new role, Walker said the mission was deeply personal.
«When President Trump reached out and asked us to serve as the ambassador for International Religious Freedom — that’s a global position — it was humbling,» he said. «The responsibility is to advocate for people of all faiths, especially in places where they’re persecuted or punished by blasphemy laws.»
EVANGELICAL LEADERS PRAISE TRUMP’S CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL AMID WAR WITH IRAN
Walker said he is already building relationships with governments and faith leaders to prepare for his official role advising both President Trump and Secretary Rubio.
«Our job is to engage, expose and eradicate atrocities — whether it’s Christians in Nigeria being massacred, Druze in Syria targeted or rising antisemitic behavior worldwide,» he said. «The United States must remain the beacon of hope for religious freedom. We’re the only country that has it written into law.»
He added that Israel’s example of tolerance stands out in the Middle East. «Christians should be able to live peaceably, share their faith and worship without fear,» he said. «The fact that Israel allows that in a region where so many others don’t is meaningful.»
U.S. President Donald Trump holds the signed agreement of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, October 13, 2025. (Reuters)
Walker said he plans to «push back wherever persecution exists — whether through diplomacy or by urging governments to repeal blasphemy and anti-conversion laws.»
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He concluded, «President Trump is the only president in American history who called a global conference on religious liberty at the United Nations,» Walker said. «That sent a message across the world — that faith matters, that freedom matters. What we see here in Israel is that same spirit of courage, and it reminds us why this partnership, rooted in faith and freedom, must endure.»
israel,donald trump,conflicts,terrorism,middle east,anti semitism
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The Coast Guard is bolstering its forces along western Texas’ Rio Grande to support President Donald Trump’s border security mission as part of a «surge operation,» according to the service.
Trump declared a national emergency at the border in January, and his administration stood up Joint Task Force Southern Border in March to allow troops under the Department of War to assist with the Department of Homeland Security’s border mission.
Dubbed Operation River Wall, the Coast Guard deployment aims to counter the influx of drugs into the U.S., and to deter and interdict illegal immigrants along the 260-mile stretch of the river that is part of the U.S. border, the service announced Monday.
The Coast Guard said it is dispatching additional response boats, shallow watercraft, command and control assets, and tactical teams to the area to support the operation.
WATCH: COAST GUARD SEIZES COCAINE, SUSPECTED NARCO-TERRORISTS IN PACIFIC VIPER RAID
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, right, pilots a U.S. Coast Guard response boat-small with the Maritime Security Response Team in San Diego, March 16, 2025. (Alex Brandon/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
The service said it is leading operations it is conducting alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of War under U.S. Northern Command to advance Trump’s border priorities.
«U.S. Coast Guard is the best in the world at tactical boat operations and maritime interdiction at sea, along our coasts, and in riverine environments,» Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the Coast Guard, said in a Monday statement. «Through Operation River Wall, the Coast Guard is controlling the U.S. southern border along the Rio Grande River in eastern Texas.»
COAST GUARD BURNS, SINKS SUSPECTED ‘DRUG BOAT,’ APPREHENDS 7 ALLEGED DRUG SMUGGLERS: VIDEO
A Coast Guard crew member assigned to Coast Guard Cutter Diligence wraps bails of illicit narcotics during a drug offload at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida, Sept. 22, 2025. (Petty Officer 1st Class Riley Perkofski/Coast Guard)
It’s unclear exactly how many Coast Guard personnel and assets are involved in Operation River Wall, and the Coast Guard did not provide specifics, citing operational security concerns.
«We are deploying a range of assets, personnel, and equipment appropriate to maximize coverage of the Rio Grande River,» Coast Guard spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Steve Roth said in a Tuesday statement to Fox News Digital. «Due to operational security concerns, we cannot provide specific details about deployment numbers or specific locations.»
However, the Coast Guard announced in March it was beefing up its operational presence along the southwest border for border security operations. Between January and March, the Coast Guard Southwest District announced it tripled its forces there.
The Pentagon said in July that roughly 8,500 troops are assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border to provide backup to the Coast Guard and Border Patrol, and have been tasked with responding to security threats along the border.
COAST GUARD OVERHAUL TAKES OFF AMID TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S IMMIGRATION, NARCOTICS CRACKDOWN
Coast Guard Cutter Seneca interdicted 5,500 pounds of cocaine northeast of the Galápagos Islands on Sept. 10, 2025, as part of Operation Pacific Viper. (Department of Homeland Security)
The Coast Guard has launched several high-profile operations in recent months. For example, the service kicked off Operation Pacific Viper in August — a joint effort between the Coast Guard and Navy aimed at countering the influx of illegal drugs to the U.S. as part of Trump’s larger effort to crack down on drug cartels.
So far, the Coast Guard has confiscated 100,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean since August, averaging 1,600 pounds of cocaine daily, according to the service.
homeland security,white house,immigration,drugs,coast guard
El popular cantautor griego Dionysis Savvopoulos, conocido por sus letras alegóricas y profundamente poéticas que abordaban la política, la identidad y la sociedad griegas, falleció. Tenía 80 años.
Savvopoulos, figura destacada de la escena cultural e intelectual griega, falleció el martes por la noche, según anunció su familia en su cuenta oficial de redes sociales. El músico había estado hospitalizado en los últimos días y llevaba varios años luchando contra el cáncer.
Conocido por su apodo Nionios —un apodo común para Dionisio—, Savvopoulos saltó a la fama en la década de 1960, alcanzando fama nacional con sus canciones sutilmente revolucionarias durante la dictadura militar de 1967-1974. Fue encarcelado brevemente por la junta, y sus canciones se convirtieron en himnos de resistencia para jóvenes y disidentes en Grecia.
Los homenajes a Savvopoulos llegaron desde todo el mundo político y cultural griego.
“No quiero creerlo, pero nuestro Dionisio ya no está aquí”, publicó el primer ministro Kyriakos Mitsotakis en sus redes sociales. “Savvopoulos se ha ido, dejando una profunda huella en la música, las letras y el estilo público. Porque con su trabajo y su postura, demostró ser un compositor maravilloso. Un griego sensible”.
Nacido en Tesalónica el 2 de diciembre de 1944, Savvopoulos estudió Derecho, pero nunca terminó sus estudios. Se mudó a Atenas en 1963 y comenzó su carrera musical, actuando en pequeños clubes de la capital griega.
Sus canciones mezclaban múltiples géneros, incluida la música popular griega con elementos de rock y folk-rock, la música de músicos estadounidenses como Bob Dylan y Frank Zappa, así como la música tradicional griega.
Compuso tanto la música como la letra de la mayoría de sus canciones, con un profundo contenido político, romántico y humorístico. Su álbum debut, “Fortigo” (que significa “Camión”), se lanzó en 1966 y se convirtió en un gran éxito, catapultándolo a la fama con su combinación de comentarios políticos, influencias del rock y modismos folclóricos griegos.
Consolidó su éxito con su segundo álbum, “The Fool’s Garden”, publicado tres años después, en 1969, durante la dictadura militar. Savvopoulos se convirtió rápidamente en una de las principales voces de la disidencia artística griega, y para la caída de la junta en 1974, era considerado uno de los compositores griegos más importantes y originales de su generación.
En 1972, lanzó el álbum “The Dirty Bread”, que incluía la canción “The Angel Herald”, una adaptación de “The Wicked Messenger” de Bob Dylan, mientras que en 1997 lanzó “The Hotel”, un álbum dedicado a artistas que lo habían inspirado, incluidos Bob Dylan, Nick Cave, Jethro Tull, Van Morrison, Lou Reed, Lucio Dalla y otros.
“Fue un gran artista, un hombre extraordinario, apreciado por el pueblo griego por su personalidad, su obra y su contribución al arte”, declaró el presidente griego Konstantinos Tassoulas en un comunicado. “Inflexible, innovador y audaz, encarnó el espíritu de cuestionamiento de la forma más sensible y poética a través de obras que marcaron la historia de la canción griega y se convirtieron en hitos de la cultura moderna de nuestro país”.
Savvopoulos, un talentoso artista escénico, cautivaba a públicos de todas las edades con su música y narrativa. Continuó actuando a lo largo de su carrera, participando en conciertos en vivo tan recientemente como este año, cuando actuó en un festival de música de verano a las afueras de Atenas.
Savvopoulos publicó su autobiografía, “Por qué pasan los años”, a principios de 2025, donde habló abiertamente sobre su batalla contra el cáncer de pulmón, diagnosticado en 2020.
“La muerte es algo inaceptable. Pero una vez que la aceptas, es cuando empiezas a vivir”, dijo en una entrevista televisiva.
A Savvopoulos le sobreviven su esposa Aspa, dos hijos y dos nietos. Los detalles del funeral se anunciarán más adelante, según informó su familia.
(con información de AP)
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