Texas Education Agency warns districts of potential state takeovers for “encouraging” student protests
The state education agency issued guidance to districts after Gov. Greg Abbott directed its commissioner to investigate the student protests of killings by federal agents.
White House approves Medal of Honor for fallen Army Staff Sgt Michael Ollis after years-long push
The White House has approved the Medal of Honor for fallen Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a Staten Island, New York, native who died in Afghanistan in 2013, while shielding an allied soldier, according to Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., who said she was notified of the decision in a statement posted to social media. The decision follows years of advocacy from veterans’ groups, elected officials and the Staten Island community to formally recognize Ollis’ actions, which supporters have long argued met the standard for our nation’s highest military honor. In a Facebook post, Malliotakis said she had been notified directly by the White House. “We were notified by the White House that Staten Island’s hometown hero, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis, has been approved for the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary act of heroism,” Malliotakis wrote. REP BRIAN MAST: CONGRESS HAS THE PERFECT WAY TO HONOR OUR NATION’S FALLEN HEROES Ollis was killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 28, 2013, when he used his body to shield a Polish Army officer during a suicide bombing. He was 24 years old. “In 2013, Staff Sergeant Ollis gave his life to save an allied soldier, and his courage, selflessness, and sacrifice represent the very best of our nation,” she continued. Malliotakis credited years of advocacy efforts, adding: “After years of advocacy from the American Legion, our elected officials, and the Staten Island community, we are grateful to President Donald Trump for recognizing Staff Sergeant Ollis’ extraordinary heroism with our nation’s highest military honor.” The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military decoration and is awarded for acts that go above and beyond the call of duty. While the standards for awarding the medal have evolved over time, it has always recognized “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life,” according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. The current criteria were established in 1963 during the Vietnam War. TRUMP SIGNS MEDAL OF HONOR ACT TO RAISE PENSIONS FOR AMERICA’S MILITARY HEROES Under those standards, the medal may be awarded for actions taken against an enemy of the U.S., during military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving alongside friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict in which America is not a belligerent party. Awarding the Medal involves a rigorous review process. Each recommendation requires detailed reports on the act itself and battlefield conditions, at least two sworn eyewitness statements, and additional corroborating evidence. Recommendation packets must be approved through the full military chain of command before reaching the president, who serves as commander-in-chief. Federal law also imposes strict timelines on the process, with recommendations requiring submission within three years of the valorous act and the medal awarded within five years. Any submission outside those limits requires an act of Congress to waive time restrictions. NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS ATTACKED BY AFGHAN REFUGEE IN DC HONORED BY UNANIMOUS HOUSE VOTE Ollis’ family also addressed the reports in a statement shared by the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation. “We are extremely grateful to the President of the United States for recognizing the heroism of our son, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, with the Medal of Honor,” the statement said. “Knowing that Michael’s life, legacy and final act of courage have not been forgotten leaves us with a feeling of overwhelming pride and eternal gratitude.” The statement also thanked supporters in a separate statement who have advocated for the recognition. “We also greatly appreciate the letters, emails and phone calls of support from government and military officials, local leaders, non-profit organizations and the many friends we are blessed to know here in Staten Island and beyond. It is deeply moving to know that you haven’t forgotten Michael or our family.” Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House and the Department of War for additional details regarding the Medal of Honor process, including timing and ceremony plans. The Ollis family did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for additional comment.
Lawmakers probe National FFA over Chinese Communist Party ties and DEI programs
Federal lawmakers are demanding answers from the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) over its partnership with a Chinese Communist Party-controlled agribusiness and its push for DEI initiatives, citing national security concerns and questions about its tax-exempt status. The inquiry is being led by the House Ways and Means Committee and the Congressional FFA Caucus, which say the organization’s relationship with Syngenta Group raises concerns about foreign influence and whether FFA is operating in line with its stated mission as a tax-exempt nonprofit. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith and Congressional FFA Caucus co-chair Tracey Mann sent a letter to National FFA CEO Scott Stump demanding documents and answers related to the partnership, Syngenta’s role in shaping internal policies and the organization’s compliance with federal tax law. “Working with our nation’s foreign adversaries and prioritizing woke policies over your mission raises serious concerns regarding whether the National FFA is complying with the requirements to maintain tax-exempt status,” the lawmakers wrote. MOST SHOCKING EXAMPLES OF CHINESE ESPIONAGE UNCOVERED BY THE US THIS YEAR: ‘JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG’ In the letter, the committee emphasized FFA’s role in educating future agricultural leaders, noting the organization serves more than one million students through thousands of chapters across the country. The lawmakers devoted a significant portion of the letter to detailing Syngenta Group’s ownership structure and its ties to the Chinese government, arguing the relationship raises red flags for a U.S.-based, tax-exempt youth organization tied to agriculture. Syngenta has been wholly owned since 2017 by China National Chemical Corp., or ChemChina, a Chinese state-owned enterprise that later merged into Sinochem Holdings. AMERICA HAS TO RESPOND WITH A UNITED FRONT TO CHINA’S MASSIVE ECONOMIC WARFARE Both ChemChina and Sinochem were designated during the first Trump administration as Communist Chinese military companies, a classification used to identify firms linked to Beijing’s military-civil fusion strategy and restrict their access to U.S. government funding. Lawmakers noted that while those designations were removed in 2021 under the Biden administration, Syngenta was later redesignated as a Chinese military company, underscoring ongoing concerns about its ties to the Chinese state. The letter also pointed to actions by U.S. states and federal agencies to limit Chinese ownership and influence in American agriculture. It included efforts to force Syngenta subsidiaries to divest farmland and initiatives aimed at preventing the sale of U.S. agricultural land to Chinese entities on national security grounds. MORE THAN 160 HOUSE DEMS VOTE AGAINST CRACKDOWN ON FOREIGN INFLUENCE IN US SCHOOLS Against that backdrop, lawmakers said Syngenta’s access to FFA leadership, programming and students raises concerns about the influence a Chinese state-owned company could exert over future American agricultural leaders. “The CCP has a well-documented history of economic espionage to steal biotechnology and agriculture-related intellectual property, and the fact that the National FFA has provided one of their state-owned companies direct access to the future leaders of America’s farming industry is alarming,” the letter states. The lawmakers also criticized FFA’s embrace of DEI initiatives, arguing the programs risk shifting the organization away from agricultural education and toward identity-based priorities that could divide students. HOUSE GOP LAUNCHES BLITZ OF BILLS TO SHUT DOWN CCP INFILTRATION OF US SCHOOLS: ‘COMMONSENSE’ They questioned whether Syngenta’s role in DEI-related efforts gave the company undue influence over FFA’s strategic direction. “The goal of the National FFA should be to bring student members together as a community — not force them into specific categories,” the lawmakers wrote. Smith and Mann said the inquiry is part of broader congressional oversight of tax-exempt organizations and their exposure to foreign influence, particularly as farm and food security are increasingly viewed as matters of national security. FCC, STATE AGS TO JOIN FORCES IN CRACKDOWN ON CHINA-LINKED COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY Smith and Mann cited a statement from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins that “farm security is national security.” Ultimately, the letter directs National FFA to turn over documents and provide detailed answers about its partnership with Syngenta Group, including contracts and financial contributions, the role Syngenta employees play in leadership or advisory positions, and the company’s involvement in shaping FFA’s diversity and strategic programs. In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, Smith said the committee is expanding its investigation to include the FFA over concerns about foreign influence and its impact on the organization’s mission. “The Ways and Means Committee is expanding our investigation into the malign foreign influence in the U.S. tax-exempt sector to include the FFA in light of deeply concerning reports that the organization has maintained ties to an entity controlled by the Chinese Communist Party — a relationship that appears to have influenced its decision-making,” Smith said. “The FFA plays a vital role in educating the next generation of farmers, strengthening American agriculture, and safeguarding our nation’s food supply and national security. That important mission must not be compromised.” Fox News Digital reached out to the National FFA for comment on the matter.
California business group unveils Times Square billboard comparing Newsom to NY Jets during Super Bowl week
As speculation swirls over whether California Gov. Gavin Newsom will run for president in 2028, a business group on Tuesday unveiled a billboard in New York City’s Times Square, comparing the Democratic leader to one of the NFL’s most consistently underperforming – some would say sorriest – franchises: the New York Jets. The California Business and Industrial Alliance (CABIA), which announced the ad, said it coincides with Super Bowl week and represents Newsom’s track record on homelessness and higher taxes. NEWSOM WARNS ‘PATHETIC’ FOREIGN LEADERS TO GROW A BACKBONE IN BIZARRE TAKEDOWN LIKENING TRUMP TO A T.REX “Before trying to quarterback national politics, Gavin Newsom should take a hard look at how his game plan worked out in California,” said Tom Manzo, founder of CABIA. “Much like New Yorkers feel about the Jets, Californians expected more than what they’ve seen from Governor Newsom.” The billboard features a green background in Jets colors and features Newsom wearing a Jets Jersey with “California” emblazoned” on the front. “His record is worse than the Jets,” the billboard states. #1 in High Taxes and Homelessness.” ROB GRONKOWSKI PRAISES PATRIOTS’ TURNAROUND, SAYS TITANS FIRING MIKE VRABEL WAS FRANCHISE-ALTERING Newsom has been heavily criticized by Republicans over the state’s homelessness crisis, which has grown over the past few years despite billions in spending. A 2024 state audit found that California failed to track results from an unprecedented $24 billion spent on combating the issue. In addition, California has one of the country’s highest tax burdens and costs of living. Meanwhile, the comparison to the Jets is meant to highlight Newsom’s perceived failures at governing the state. The Jets finished the 2025 NFL season with a 3-14 record, frustrating the team’s already demoralized fan base. The team lost its first seven games of the season before finally notching a win. The Jets last made the NFL playoffs during the 2010 postseason. Fox News Digital has reached out to Newsom and the Jets front office.
Mike Johnson backs ‘America Is Back!’ message as Trump debuts new hat design
A new slogan and accompanying red hat made its debut at the White House on Tuesday as President Donald Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, reopening the federal government with a room full of Republican lawmakers in attendance. The hat, bearing the phrase “America Is Back!” sat on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office during the bill-signing ceremony, as House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the message while standing alongside the president. “This is good for the country, and America is back,” said Johnson, who added that the hat was “appropriate” and “the right slogan.” Trump confirmed the item’s novelty during the signing event, looking toward the hat held in Johnson’s hands. “It’s a new hat,” Trump said. “[It] just came out. America is back.” Trump noticed CNN’s Kaitlan Collins in the press pool and quipped, “Look, CNN is thrilled [about the hat]. Look at her. She never smiles. I’d never see her [smile]. But someday I’ll see her smile.” ‘OPENING PANDORA’S BOX’: MIKE JOHNSON BACKS TRUMP AFTER WARNING WHITE HOUSE ABOUT DEAL WITH DEMOCRATS While the event focused on passage of the sweeping government funding package, the hat quickly became a visual focal point. As of Tuesday afternoon, however, the “America Is Back!” hat had not yet appeared for sale on the Trump Store official site, which currently features other Trump-branded merchandise, including MAGA hats. Johnson’s remarks came as Republicans sought to champion the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) after days of uncertainty, with Johnson standing behind Trump as the president signed the bill reopening the government. The CAA signed Tuesday funds most federal agencies through the end of the fiscal year, though separate negotiations remain ongoing over longer-term funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN ENDS AS TRUMP SIGNS BILL, BUT DHS FUNDING DEADLINE LOOMS Trump later argued that the new phrase does not replace his longtime political slogan, “Make America Great Again.” “We’ll never forget MAGA,” he said. “But I thought this was very appropriate.” Sen. Barasso, R-Wyo., added, “Love it.” It is unclear when or if the “America Is Back” hat will be made available for purchase in the Trump online store. Upon request for comment, the White House referred Fox News Digital to Trump’s stated remarks. Fox News Digital’s Diana Stancy contributed to this reporting.
These are the 21 House Republicans who held out against Trump, Johnson on $1.2T spending bill
Twenty-one Republicans broke with President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., on Tuesday evening in an attempt to derail a $1.2 trillion spending bill to end a government shutdown, citing concerns that the legislation didn’t do enough to advance GOP priorities. Among a range of reasons, lawmakers argued the bill needed to include provisions shoring up election integrity, come with full-year funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and eliminate Democrat-requested earmarks. The lawmakers that voted against the measure included: Reps. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., Eric Burlison, R-Mo., Kat Cammack, R-Fla., Eli Crane, R-Ariz., Byron Donalds, R-Fla., Randy Fine, R-Fla., Brandon Gill, R-Texas, Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., Thomas Massie, R-Ky., Cory Mills, R-Fla., Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., Scott Perry, R-Pa., Chip Roy, R-Texas, David Schweikert, R-Ariz., Keith Self, R-Texas, Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., Greg Steube, R-Fla., and William Timmons, R-S.C. TRUMP UNDERCUTS GOP PUSH TO ATTACH SAVE ACT TO SHUTDOWN BILL AS CONSERVATIVES THREATEN MUTINY Thomas Massie, R-Ky., condemned what he saw as a failure to shore up election integrity with the exclusion of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act — a bill requiring photo ID for registering voters looking to participate in federal elections. “And most importantly… BLOCKED: the inclusion of the SAVE Act to protect our elections from illegal aliens — a top priority for conservatives,” Massie said in a long list of reasons he posted to X on why he had voted against the package. Massie alongside other Republicans like Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., had called for Republicans to tie the SAVE Act into the 2026 funding bill. He wasn’t the only Republican to vent frustrations online. Other lawmakers voted against the bill because of a distrust that Democrats would negotiate in good faith over outstanding considerations to fund DHS. “The fact that Chuck Schumer is able to somehow get Republicans to pass a version that includes all of their stuff — but only a two-week funding measure for Homeland Security, I think, is a fool’s bet,” Rep. Eric Burlison, R- Mo. said. The bill, which now heads to the desk of President Donald Trump for his signature, includes funding for the departments of War, Education, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services. REPUBLICANS, DEMS BREAK THROUGH RESISTANCE, MOVE FORWARD WITH TRUMP-BACKED FUNDING PACKAGE Despite the opposition from the 21 Republicans, the bill passed by a bipartisan 217-214 vote. Tuesday marks the second time the House of Representatives has considered this legislation. The bill hit roadblocks after the House passed it for the first time in January, when Democrats in the Senate balked at its lack of safeguards for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the wake of two fatal confrontations in Minnesota between immigration enforcement and civilians. Democrats across both chambers of Congress have demanded new restrictions on ICE’s operations, such as a prohibition against wearing masks, an elimination of ICE’s roaming patrols, body camera requirements, stronger warrant restrictions and visible law enforcement identification. As a part of the package, lawmakers included a two-week extension to DHS funding, giving negotiators time to work through disagreements on provisions for ICE while avoiding a broader government shutdown. Having passed that compromise bill, lawmakers have until the end of next week to hammer out an agreement on funding for DHS or else risk a lapse in its funding. In addition to ICE, the DHS bill covers funding for the Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Lawmakers concerned about that funding also voted against the bill on Tuesday, expressing disappointment Republicans hadn’t used the moment to push for DHS fundng. “I voted NO on the 5-bill minibus,” Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., said in a post to X on Tuesday. “Republicans have the trifecta and we should fund DHS at Trump levels for strong border security,” Boebert said. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., blasted the bill for, in his view, not utilizing Republican negotiating power. “We gotta start negotiating from power,” Burchett said in a video he posted. “Trump will tell you: negotiate from power.”
Mitch McConnell hospitalized after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was hospitalized Monday evening with flu-like symptoms, his office announced. “In an abundance of caution, after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend, Senator McConnell checked himself into a local hospital for evaluation last night,” a spokesperson for McConnell said in a statement. “His prognosis is positive and he is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving,” the statement continued. “He is in regular contact with his staff and looks forward to returning to Senate business.” The announcement comes after a number of health scares for McConnell, who has fallen multiple times and frozen during public remarks. FORMER GOP SEN. JON KYL ANNOUNCES DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS, STEPS AWAY FROM PUBLIC LIFE Last October, the 83-year-old Kentucky Republican suffered a fall on Capitol Hill. Video captured him walking down a hallway when a woman approached him with a question about the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity. McConnell stumbled to the ground before being helped back up. He then waved at the person filming the video and walked away. Nearly one year ago, McConnell fell on a set of stairs as he was exiting the Senate chamber. The long-serving Republican announced last year that he would not seek re-election in 2026 and would retire at the end of his term. McConnell has served in the Senate for decades, including as Senate majority leader during President Donald Trump’s first administration. He is a survivor of childhood polio.
Who was Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the man once seen as Libya’s next leader?
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the most prominent son of slain Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been killed in the country’s western city of Zintan. Saif al-Islam, who was 53 when he was killed, was Gaddafi’s second son and had been based in Zintan since 2011 – first in prison, and then, after 2017, as a free man, plotting a return to politics. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list Figures close to him, including his political adviser, Abdullah Othman, and his lawyer, Khaled el-Zaydi, confirmed his death on Tuesday, although the exact circumstances are still unclear. Saif al-Islam had been seen by many before the 2011 uprising as his father’s heir-apparent and the second-most powerful man in Libya. He remained prominent throughout the violence that gripped Libya in the wake of the Arab Spring protests, which led to a civil war. There were numerous allegations against him of torture and extreme violence against opponents of his father’s rule. By February 2011, he was on a United Nations sanctions list and was banned from travelling. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi (left), son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, registers to run in presidential elections in 2021 [Libyan Electoral Commission Handout via EPA-EFE] In March 2011, NATO began bombing Libya after the UN authorised “all necessary measures” to protect civilians from Gaddafi’s forces in the civil war. In June 2011, Saif al-Islam announced that his father was willing to hold elections and to step down if he did not win them. However, NATO rejected the offer, and the bombardment of Libya continued. Advertisement By the end of June, the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued an arrest warrant against Saif al-Islam, but he remained at large until after the death of his father and his brother, Mutassim, in Sirte, on October 20, 2011. Prison Following long negotiations with the ICC, which had been calling for his extradition, Libyan officials were granted the authority to try Saif al-Islam in Libya for war crimes committed during the 2011 uprising. At the time, Saif al-Islam’s defence lawyers feared that a trial in Libya would not be motivated by justice, but a desire for revenge. The UN estimated that up to 15,000 people were killed in the conflict, while Libya’s National Transitional Council placed the figure as high as 30,000. In 2014, Saif al-Islam appeared via videolink in the Tripoli court where his trial was held, as he was imprisoned in Zintan at the time. In July 2015, the Tripoli court sentenced him to death in absentia. However, in 2017, he was released by the Abu Bakr as-Siddiq Battalion, a militia that controlled Zintan, as part of an amnesty issued by Libya’s eastern authorities, which are not recognised internationally. But he did not re-emerge publicly for years, and continued to be wanted by the ICC. In July 2021, Saif al-Islam gave a rare interview to The New York Times, in which he accused authorities in Libya of being “afraid of … elections”. Explaining his underground persona, he said he had “been away from the Libyan people for 10 years”. “You need to come back slowly, slowly. Like a striptease,” he added. He went on to make his first public appearance in years in November 2021, in the city of Sebha, where he filed to run for the Libyan presidency in an attempt to resurrect the ambitions of his father’s former supporters. Initially banned from taking part, he was later reinstated, but the election did not take place as a result of Libya’s tumultuous political situation, with two rival administrations vying for power. ‘Progressive’ face A Western-educated and well-spoken man, Saif al-Islam presented a progressive face to the oppressive Libyan government. He received a PhD from the London School of Economics in 2008. His dissertation dealt with the role of civil society in reforming global governance. He was prominent in his calls for political reform, and was extremely visible and active in the drive to repair Libya’s relations with the West between the year 2000 and the start of the 2011 uprising. The London School of Economics was later condemned for having sought a relationship with the Libyan regime, namely for accepting Saif al-Islam as a student, who had signed an agreement for a $2.4m gift from the Gaddafi International Charity and Development Foundation on the day of his doctorate ceremony. Advertisement As an internationally prominent negotiator and influencer, Saif al-Islam could claim a number of victories and prominent roles. He played a pivotal role in the nuclear negotiations with Western powers, including the United States and the UK. He was also prominent when negotiating compensation for families of victims of the Lockerbie bombing, the Berlin nightclub attack, and the UTA Flight 772, which detonated over the Sahara Desert. And he mediated the release of six medics – five of whom were Bulgarian – who were accused of infecting children with HIV in Libya in the late 1990s. The medics were imprisoned for eight years in 1999 and, upon their release, announced that they had been tortured while in detention. He had several other proposals, including “Isratine”, a proposal for a permanent resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through a secular one-state solution. He also hosted peace talks between the Philippine government and leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which resulted in a peace agreement that was signed in 2001. Adblock test (Why?)
US House passes $1.2 trillion spending package to end government shutdown
The legislation heads to US President Donald Trump’s desk for signature. By AP and Reuters Published On 3 Feb 20263 Feb 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share The United States House of Representatives has approved a $1.2 trillion spending package to end a partial government shutdown. The bipartisan legislation, passed on Tuesday, restores lapsed funding for key federal programmes, including those within the Departments of Labor and Education. The bill passed with 217 voting for it and 214 voting against in the Republican-controlled House. Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list Twenty-one Republicans voted against the bill, while 21 Democrats ended up voting for the legislation, which is now headed to President Donald Trump’s desk, where he will sign it into law. Immigration was a major point of contention. The bill temporarily extends funding to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) but leaves room for lawmakers to negotiate changes and reforms to immigration enforcement in the wake of federal agents killing two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, last month. The spending package only funds DHS for two weeks, through February 13. Otherwise, Congress wrapped up 11 annual appropriations bills that fund government agencies and programmes through September 30. Democrats are also demanding new restraints for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. “Democrats are united in our commitment to compel substantial reform at the Department of Homeland Security. Dramatic changes such as a mask ban, judicial warrant requirement, independent investigations when agents break the law, use of force protocols, mandatory body cameras and an end to the targeting of sensitive locations like houses of worship, schools and hospitals must be part of any full-year appropriations bill,” Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement after the vote. Advertisement Speaker Mike Johnson said he expects the two sides will be able to reach an agreement by the deadline. “This is no time to play games with that funding. We hope that they will operate in good faith over the next 10 days as we negotiate this,” said Johnson. “The president, again, has reached out.” Some Republicans on the party’s right flank had sought, unsuccessfully, to modify the bill to include a provision that would tighten voting requirements. House Republicans have only a 218-214 majority, which means they can lose only one Republican vote in the face of united Democratic opposition. The last government shutdown lasted a record 43 days in October and November, furloughing hundreds of thousands of federal workers and costing the US economy an estimated $11bn. Adblock test (Why?)
Collision between Greek coastguard vessel, migrant boat kills at least 14
Greece’s coastguard says 26 other people have been rescued from Aegean Sea as search-and-rescue operations continue. Published On 3 Feb 20263 Feb 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share A boat carrying migrants and asylum seekers has collided with a Greek coastguard vessel in the Aegean Sea near the island of Chios, killing at least 14 people, the coastguard says. The incident occurred around 9pm local time on Tuesday (19:00 GMT) off the coast of Chios’s Mersinidi area, Greece’s Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA) reported. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list The coastguard said 26 people were rescued and brought to a hospital in Chios, including 24 migrants and two coastguard officers. It said it was not immediately clear how many others had been on the speedboat. Seven children and a pregnant woman were among the injured, Greek media reported. A search-and-rescue operation involving patrol boats, a helicopter and divers was under way in the area, AMNA said. Footage shared by Greece’s Ta Nea newspaper appeared to show at least one person being brought from a boat docked next to a jetty into a vehicle with blue flashing lights. An unnamed coastguard official told the Reuters news agency that the collision occurred after the migrant boat “manoeuvred toward” a coastguard vessel that had instructed it to turn back. Greece has long been a key transit point for migrants and refugees from the Middle East, Africa and Asia trying to reach Europe. In 2015 and 2016, Greece was on the front line of a migration crisis, with nearly one million people landing on its islands, including in Chios, from nearby Turkiye. But arrivals have dropped in recent years as Greece has toughened its asylum seeker and migrant policies, including by tightening border controls and sea patrols. Advertisement The country has come under scrutiny for its treatment of migrants and asylum seekers approaching by sea, including after a shipwreck in 2023 in which hundreds of migrants and refugees died after what witnesses said was the coastguard’s attempt to tow their trawler. The European Union’s border agency said last year that it was reviewing 12 cases of potential human rights violations by Greece, including some allegations that people seeking asylum were pushed back from Greece’s frontiers. Greece has denied carrying out human rights violations or pushing asylum seekers from its shores. Adblock test (Why?)