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EXCLUSIVE: Collins pits record built in Maine potato fields against Platner’s ‘angry rhetoric’
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EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, learned hard work in the dirt.
When she was 10 years old, like several other children in Caribou, Maine, she left school to pick potato fields to aid farmers with the harvest deep in potato country in Aroostook County, dubbed «The County» by locals.
«I remember my mother saying to me when I was going to pick for the first time at age 10, saying, ‘Now, Susan, this is really hard, back-breaking work, but you cannot quit. The farmers are depending on you, and you can’t let them down,’» Collins told Fox News Digital. «And those words have always stayed with me.»
SCHUMER’S ‘NUMBER ONE TARGET’ SAYS VOTERS WILL SEE HER DEMOCRAT SENATE CHALLENGER AS TOO EXTREME
Sen. Susan Collins blasts Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner’s mocking of a U.S. wounded soldier as the two are headed toward a likely November showdown as old Reddit posts continue to resurface from Platner. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images; Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
It’s that work ethic born in her hometown of Caribou, molded by her parents’ separate stints as mayor of the small town in the county that helped shape her into the political titan she is today, propelling her to a record 10,000th straight vote in the Senate and a gavel atop the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.
It’s also caused her to have the biggest target on her back in a highly contentious election cycle where Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is once again trying to flip her seat.
Collins’ race has also become the most-watched and controversial of the cycle because of her unlikely opponent, Democratic nominee Graham Platner, who over the last several months has been rocked by scandal after scandal.
Speaking to Fox News Digital on the drive between Bangor, Maine and Portland, one she’s made several times since joining the Senate in 1997, Collins acknowledged Platner’s rocky past and present but that she still was taking him seriously as an opponent.
MAINE DEMOCRATS DECIDE FATE OF SENATE CANDIDATE DOGGED BY EXPLOSIVE ALLEGATIONS
«I am surprised that [Gov. Janet Mills] is not my opponent,» Collins said. «That’s what I would have predicted, particularly given the very serious allegations against Graham Platner. Plus, his own words over many years, including recently. So, I think that he has a lot of questions to answer, but I do take him very seriously as a candidate.»
Platner has been no stranger when it comes to attacking Collins in his insurgent campaign, skewering her for her vote to authorize the Iraq War two decades ago or her backing of parts of President Donald Trump’s agenda.
During his acceptance speech earlier this week, he accused her of being «just as spineless and corrupt as the establishment she now serves.»
Collins, who is no stranger to heated campaigns, argued that her ability to produce results was a better metric for Mainers.
«I think when people look at the accomplishments and results that I’ve delivered for the people of Maine, that the contrast is enormous,» Collins said. «And angry rhetoric does not produce results.»
She knows how to bring the bacon home to Maine. In her climb to the top of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she’s sent back $1.5 billion over five years, dozens of new or renovated fire stations, billions in rural healthcare funding and a fire boat that saved key businesses along Portland’s waterfront when a blaze broke out.
Still, she’s in a tight race with Platner, despite the scandals and baggage.
And Schumer, who has spent years trying to beat her, hopes to seize the opportunity in this cycle, even with a candidate who was not his first choice.
WATCH: CHUCK SCHUMER SIDESTEPS PLATNER SCANDALS, CONFIRMS SUPPORT FOR CONTROVERSIAL DEM
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference following a weekly policy luncheon with Senate Democrats at the U.S. Capitol on June 2, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Schumer told Semafor that Collins is «weaker than in 2020,» when they last squared off, arguing that her defense of Trump, her vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the role that vote played in overturning Roe v. Wade have weighed her down.
«To me, this is déjà vu all over again,» Collins said, noting that six years ago, Schumer and Democrats spent over $160 million to defeat her.
Collins contended, «Democratic leaders always distort my record,» and added that when she voted to advance Trump’s «big, beautiful bill» last year, it was so she and others could modify the bill. She ultimately voted against the final product but scored a $50 billion rural hospital fund nonetheless.
«If we can’t get on the bill, I can’t help fix that,» Collins said.
And on Kavanaugh, Collins noted that she disagreed with how he voted on Roe v. Wade, but that she also voted «for people who voted on the other side of that decision.»
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«I voted for Sonia Sotomayor. I voted for Elena Kagan. I voted for Justice Jackson,» Collins said. «And that always seems to get left out.»
She doesn’t vote in lockstep with Trump, either, who recently said that Collins was «not my best friend at all,» but was a «sane woman.» That prompted a laugh from the longtime lawmaker, who noted, «I’ve worked with five different presidents, and I have never agreed with a single one of them on every issue.»
«I know that there’s some people who want me to oppose President Trump, just because he’s President Trump, and that’s not how I operate,» Collins said. «I look at each individual issue and then make my decision. And based on whether it’s helpful to the state of Maine, and improves the lives of families in the state of Maine.»
midterm elections, chuck schumer, graham platner, campaigning, senate elections, maine
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Hegseth steps in to ‘fix’ situation after Apache pilots suspended for ‘Salute from the Shores’ flyover
Military flyover, Parade of Sail mark America’s 250th birthday in New York City
New York City hosts a spectacular military flyover and parade of tall ships up the Hudson River for America’s 250th birthday. The event features a reenlistment ceremony on the USS Nimitz, which is preparing for retirement after 51 years of service. Various military aircraft, including Black Hawks and A-4 Skyhawks, perform precision flyovers, showcasing the nation’s military might and celebrating its rich history.
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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stepped in quickly after reports that the pilots of eight Apache helicopters were suspended following a low-altitude flyover during South Carolina’s «Salute from the Shores» event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Video of the Apache helicopters conducting a low-altitude flyover as beachgoers cheered and waved flags quickly went viral. However, Fox affiliate Fox Carolina reported Thursday that after the pilots landed, they were informed they had been suspended pending an investigation.
Their suspension did not last long. Shortly after news broke of the suspension, Hegseth posted on X, «We’ll fix this. Carry on, Patriots.»
Early the next morning, Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman and senior advisor to Hegseth, announced that «effective immediately, the suspension of all involved South Carolina pilots has been lifted.» Echoing Hegseth, he added, «Carry on Patriots.»
HEGSETH SAYS PENTAGON WILL REVIEW MARK KELLY’S PUBLIC STATEMENTS ABOUT CLASSIFIED BRIEFING AMID ONGOING FEUD
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth quickly stepped in to «fix» the situation after it was reported that eight National Guard pilots had been suspended following their participation in a low-level flyover at a South Carolina «Salute from the Shore» event on July 4th. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images; ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Fox Carolina reported on Thursday that South Carolina National Guard spokesperson Maj. Lisa Alle clarified the suspension was intended to be temporary and that the pilots remained in good standing with the military.
Alle emphasized to the outlet, «We want to assure the community that a temporary suspension from flight duties is a routine administrative measure whenever a flight profile is under review. This is not punitive.»
While suspended, the pilots were continuing to work and getting paid.
Despite this, the pilots’ suspension outraged many online who expressed anger that they would be under review for participating in a patriotic event.
FIRST ON FOX: BEHIND THE SCENES OF ARLINGTON’S MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE FOR AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY
A flight of U.S. Army helicopters flies past the Washington Monument and over the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, July 3, 2026. (Andrew Leyden/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Conservative influencer Matt Van Swol posted on X, «WHAT ON EARTH??!!!! The National Guard has just SUSPENDED all 8 pilots of the Apache helicopters that flew on the ‘Salute to the Shore’ flyover across the South Carolina coast. No reason has been given for their suspension. A source says as soon as the pilots landed, they got a message saying they were suspended pending an investigation.»
Another popular influencer who goes by the username Jammles9 reacted, «Are you kidding me?? This was incredible!!»
Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., wrote, «Leave it to a beach Karen to make a frivolous complaint about the most EPIC flyover ever on Independence Day. Newsflash— we LOVED the flyovers!!!»
The congressman added, «These heroes deserve to be CELEBRATED, not chastised. We stand with each of the Apache pilots!»
‘THE VIEW’ CO-HOST SUNNY HOSTIN LAMENTS ‘I SUDDENLY FEEL UNSAFE’ IN NEIGHBORHOODS WITH AMERICAN FLAGS
Attendees watch the Independence Day fireworks display along the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (Probal Rashid/LightRocket via Getty Images)
In a statement shared with Fox News Digital Friday morning, the South Carolina National Guard confirmed the state adjutant general had lifted the administrative suspension of the eight pilots.
The statement referred to the pilots as «.experienced aviators» and noted that returning them to flight status «ensures that the South Carolina National Guard maintains its peak operational readiness and remains fully postured to support both state and federal missions.»
«The South Carolina National Guard’s 59th Aviation Troop Command is an exceptional helicopter unit, renowned throughout the Army and the National Guard for its unwavering commitment to excellence and Soldier safety,» the statement read. «As is the hallmark of any professional organization, the 59th Aviation Troop Command continuously self-examines and critically evaluates its training and operations to ensure that the highest levels of professionalism and safety are maintained.
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«The subject events of July 4th are no exception, as our pilots remain deeply committed to excellence and the highest standards of safety,» the South Carolina National Guard continued, adding, «The South Carolina National Guard appreciates the outpouring of concern and support from our community and state leaders. Go Guard!»
Praise poured in for Hegseth after the decision, with Mike Davis, a former Capitol Hill staffer, posting, «This is why I love Pete.»
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Swol commented, «Really appreciate @PeteHegseth lifting this suspension. My wife and I were on that beach and we watched the flyover with my son… it was absolutely epic. This right here is why I love Pete Hegseth. Thank you @SecWar.»
pete hegseth, national guard, south carolina, military, defense, military tech, america 250
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Descubrieron en Uruguay un dinosaurio gigante de 83 millones de años y lo llamaron “el protector”
Dos huesos de la cola hallados en el norte de Uruguay bastaron para cambiar lo que se sabía sobre los dinosaurios que habitaron allí. Esos huesos pertenecen a una especie que nadie conocía.
Se llama Mesetasaurus protector y es un titanosaurio, un subgrupo de los saurópodos, los dinosaurios de cuello largo más grandes que existieron, que vivió en el Cretácico Tardío, hace 83 millones de años.
“Con su nombre quisimos rendir un homenaje a José Artigas, el prócer uruguayo conocido como “Protector de los Pueblos Libres”, cuya capital estuvo a pocos kilómetros del lugar donde aparecieron los fósiles», contó a Infobae el doctor en biología Daniel Perea, profesor de paleontología de vertebrados en la Facultad de Ciencias de la Universidad de la República de Uruguay y uno de los científicos que hizo el análisis de los restos fósiles.
Trabajó con Matías Soto Núñez y Felipe Montenegro, que también forman parte del Instituto de Ciencias Geológicas de la Facultad de Ciencias. La investigación se publicó en la revista Ameghiniana, de la Asociación Paleontológica Argentina.
Aunque los titanosaurios fueron el grupo de dinosaurios más abundante y diverso del Cretácico Tardío en América del Sur, Uruguay tenía muy pocos registros propios. El conocimiento sobre estos animales estuvo durante décadas sesgado hacia las formas patagónicas, y países como Uruguay quedaban fuera de ese mapa prehistórico.
A ese vacío se sumaba una pregunta sin respuesta: nadie sabía con certeza qué tan antigua era la Formación Guichón, la capa de roca del noroeste uruguayo donde aparecen estos fósiles.
Estudios anteriores ubicaban a esa formación en períodos mucho más viejos, lo que generaba confusión sobre la fauna que realmente habitó esa región.
Hasta este trabajo, además, solo se conocía una especie de dinosaurio saurópodo en Uruguay: el Udelartitan celeste, un titanosaurio de una rama familiar distinta.
El objetivo de la nueva investigación fue describir dos vértebras caudales —huesos de la cola— halladas en la Meseta de Artigas, en el norte del departamento de Paysandú, y determinar a qué grupo pertenecían.
Los aeolosaurinos son un grupo de titanosaurios que vivió exclusivamente en el Cretácico Tardío, entre hace unos 89 y 66 millones de años, y su presencia en una formación geológica sirve como pista para fechar las rocas donde aparecen.
El equipo de investigadores también buscó usar ese hallazgo para resolver el misterio de la edad de la Formación Guichón y establecer si la fauna prehistórica de Uruguay tenía vínculos con la de Argentina y Brasil en ese mismo período.
Los restos fósiles del dinosaurio fueron encontrados por Guillermo Sena y Daniel Montano en la década de 1980, en un pequeño acantilado cerca de la orilla oeste del río Uruguay.
“Sena y Montano fueron a pescar a esa zona, y allí los encontraron”, señaló Perea. Décadas después, los científicos fotografiaron y midieron los restos con un calibre de precisión y los compararon con vértebras de otras especies de titanosaurios de América del Sur.
Con esos datos en la mano, realizaron un análisis filogenético (una especie de árbol genealógico basado en características físicas compartidas entre especies) para saber a qué familia de dinosaurios pertenecía el animal.
Usaron una matriz de datos con decenas de especies y el software TNT, que fue inventado por Pablo Goloboff, investigador del Conicet, James Farris y Kevin Nixon.
Para resolver también el misterio de la edad de la Formación Guichón, los investigadores uruguayos construyeron una tabla con la presencia o ausencia de 46 grupos de animales prehistóricos en 36 formaciones geológicas de Uruguay, Argentina, Brasil, Chile, África y Madagascar.
El objetivo era detectar qué faunas se parecían entre sí y, a partir de eso, estimar en qué período vivieron.
El árbol genealógico ubicó al Mesetasaurus protector dentro del grupo de los aeolosaurinos, lo que lo convirtió en una especie completamente nueva para la ciencia.
Además, pasó a ser la segunda especie de saurópodo registrada en Uruguay, de un linaje distinto al del Udelartitan celeste. “La nueva especie de dinosaurio habría medido diez metros de longitud”, dijo Perea a Infobae.
La comparación de las especies dio otro resultado relevante: la Formación Guichón se agrupa con formaciones patagónicas del Cretácico Tardío, como las formaciones Allen y Los Alamitos de Argentina, con las que comparte la presencia de aeolosaurinos y otros grupos animales del mismo período.
Eso indica que esa capa de roca es más reciente de lo que se creía: se formó probablemente entre hace 83 y 86 millones de años.
Esa datación más reciente también cambia la lectura sobre otros animales hallados en la misma formación. El cocodrilo prehistórico Uruguaysuchus, por ejemplo, podría haber sobrevivido hasta el Cretácico más tardío de lo que se pensaba.
El material de otros dinosaurios hallados en la Formación Guichón, como terópodos y ornitópodos —dinosaurios carnívoros y herbívoros de dos patas, respectivamente— aún está bajo estudio.
Esos análisis futuros, según los investigadores, podrían aportar más precisión sobre la edad y los vínculos de esta capa geológica con otras regiones de América del Sur.
barcelona,cataluña,españa,europa
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