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Indonesia and Australia finalise ‘significant’ defence pact

Indonesia and Australia finalise ‘significant’ defence pact

The move comes as Indonesia’s president-elect Prabowo Subianto prepares to take office later this year. Australia and Indonesia have finalised a new defence pact, cementing closer ties between the countries as Prabowo Subianto prepares to take office as Indonesia’s next president in October. The details of the defence agreement, which has been in the works since February 2023, have not been announced. It is believed to include provisions for joint military drills, deployments to each country, and greater maritime cooperation in the disputed South China Sea. Prabowo, who is presently defence minister but is set to become leader of the world’s third-largest democracy on October 20, is currently on a two-day official visit to Australia. The deal will officially be signed within days when Australia’s Minister for Defence Richard Marles visits Jakarta. Speaking to reporters at Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra following a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Prabowo described the deal as a “very good outcome”, adding that it would be “beneficial to both our countries in the future”. He also expressed a desire for greater cooperation with Australia on issues beyond defence, including the economy, food security, agriculture, and curbing international drug trafficking. “We would like to see more Australian participation in our economy,” he said. “I am determined to continue this good neighbour relationship … Australia plays a very important role for us.” An Australian Department of Defence statement said Albanese and Marles met Prabowo and discussed “Australia’s continued commitment to working in partnership with Indonesia on shared economic, security and net zero transition priorities”. Marles described the defence pact as one of the most significant agreements ever negotiated between the countries, saying the countries were “working closer together than we have before”. “What this agreement will do is provide for much greater interoperability between our defence forces, it will provide for much more exercises between our defence forces, it will see us working together the global commons to support the rules-based order and, importantly, it will allow us to operate from each other’s countries,” he told reporters. “In that sense, this agreement will be the deepest, the most significant agreement that our two countries have ever made.” A stronger interest in foreign affairs is anticipated under Prabowo, an ex-special forces commander in Indonesia’s military, than with outgoing President Joko Widodo, who has never attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York and rarely conducts interviews in languages other than Indonesian. However, concerns remain over Prabowo’s human rights record. The 72-year-old former son-in-law of Soeharto, Indonesia’s long-ruling authoritarian president between 1967-98, was dismissed from the military in 1998 for kidnapping student activists. Prabowo was also indicted for alleged atrocities in East Timor in 1983, then occupied by Indonesia after a UN-sponsored report accused him of leading the massacre of as many as 200 Timorese men. Prabowo has denied the accusations. Daniela Gavshon, Australia director at Human Rights Watch, called on Albanese to press Prabowo about Indonesia’s chequered human rights record, including on religious freedom and LGBTQ rights. “Australian leaders should not let Prabowo’s egregious rights record deter them from forcefully raising current human rights concerns,” she said. “They should emphasise that the new president has an important opportunity to restore Indonesia’s standing on West Papua and other human rights issues.” Adblock test (Why?)

Former teacher reveals which students suffered ‘the most’ under Walz’s pandemic-era guidelines

Former teacher reveals which students suffered ‘the most’ under Walz’s pandemic-era guidelines

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – A former teacher and Minnesota congressional candidate charges that Gov. Tim Walz’s leadership during the coronavirus pandemic resulted in a learning loss for immigrant students. May Lor Xiong, a Republican candidate in Minnesota’s 4th Congressional District who taught public school for 20 years, told Fox News Digital during a recent interview that 50% of students in Minnesota are not reading on their grade level following the pandemic. “Our immigrant students, students of color, suffered the most in the educational system,” Xiong told Fox of her experience teaching under pandemic-era rules. “Many of the students were not able to read and write at their grade level and even way below their grade level. So, that’s something that we still have to continue to teach them.” Xiong said that many of her student’s parents are new to the country, so she would have to travel to their homes in order to show them how to use the internet and iPads required for virtual learning. MINNESOTA BUSINESS OWNERS SOUND ALARM ON HARRIS’ ‘NIGHTMARE’ VP PICK: ‘REALLY BAD FOR THE US’ Also in 2020, the former teacher said that Walz “allowed the city of Minneapolis to burn down. And so if he and Harris were to be elected, the possibility of this country burned down on their watch would be very high. “ ‘LET MINNEAPOLIS BURN’: RETIRED POLICE LIEUTENANT RIPS GOV WALZ FOR SURRENDERING CITY TO RIOTERS Xiong, who describes herself as “the product of the American dream” after being born in a refugee camp, said that she is running in a “very diverse district.” “We have a lot of Hmong Americans, Korean, Hispanic and Somali immigrants and this district,” she said. “And what we’re focusing on is going to these different communities and talking to them about what are some of the issues that are impacting them.” Xiong said that after spending time in diverse communities in her district, she’s found that the economy, education, and crime are the top issues of concern to voters. “They want to make sure that their kids can go to school and learn how to read and write. And it seems like that’s not an option right now because of all the indoctrination and all these crazy socialists that are being put into our school system,” she said. “We need to make sure that we get our message across,” Xiong told Fox. “We need a leader who will bring prosperity to the communities here to the district and also who cares about this country and wants to make a difference.”

Obama to headline 2nd night of Democratic National Convention

Obama to headline 2nd night of Democratic National Convention

CHICAGO — Former President Obama will headline the second night of the Democratic National Convention under the banner of the Democrats’ “Bold Vision for America’s Future.”  The convention, which is being held at United Center, started Monday and runs through Thursday, when Vice President Harris will formally accept the Democrat presidential nomination with her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. The Democrats’ theme Tuesday night is “A Bold Vision for America’s Future.” The night is expected to focus on how the Harris-Walz ticket intends to present a “brighter vision where everyone will have a chance not just to get by, but to get ahead.”  DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION: BIDEN, OBAMA, CLINTONS TO ADDRESS THE PARTY AHEAD OF HARRIS’ NOMINATION The Democrats have stressed that the 2024 presidential race “isn’t just a choice between two candidates.”  “It’s a choice between two very different visions of America,” the DNC said. “While Donald Trump believes our best days are behind us, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz know the best days lie ahead.” On Tuesday night, the Democrats plan to draw a “stark contrast” between their vision and former President Trump’s.  Sources told Fox News Digital it was a group of Obama allies and former advisers who helped to lead the charge in calling on President Biden to drop out of the race last month, including his former adviser, David Axelrod, George Clooney, a personal friend of the Obamas, and others.  Obama, who had Biden as his vice president for two terms, ultimately endorsed Harris after Biden exited the race, but not immediately.  BARACK, MICHELLE OBAMA ENDORSE KAMALA HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT AFTER DAYS OF SILENCE At first, Obama declared that the party would be “navigating uncharted waters” but said he had “confidence” that the Democratic Party would “be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.” Obama later endorsed Harris, calling her a “happy warrior.” Former first lady Michelle Obama is also expected to speak at the convention Tuesday night.  Tuesday’s programming is also expected to include a speech from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker as well as an address by Harris’ husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff. The first day of the convention saw delegates voting on the 2024 Democratic Party platform, which laid out priorities for the party, but it still named Biden as the candidate running for re-election.  “President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Democrats are running to finish the job,” the 92-page document reads.  The platform calls for overturning federal and state laws “that create barriers” to abortion, continuing to advance green energy initiatives that can help slow climate change, capping low-income families’ child care costs and urging Congress to approve a pathway to U.S. citizenship for “long-term” people in the country illegally. TRUMP, VANCE HITTING THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL THIS WEEK TO COUNTERPROGRAM DEMOCRATS’ CONVENTION The platform also said Israel’s right to defend itself is “ironclad” while endorsing the Biden administration’s efforts to broker a lasting cease-fire deal that could suspend the fighting between Israel and Hamas.  But outside United Center, hundreds of anti-Israel protesters gathered throughout the day Monday and are expected throughout the week in an effort to “send a strong message to Kamala Harris and Joe Biden.”  Groups were heard chanting “from the river to the sea” — a chant that has been widely used at antisemitic protests around the country and is described by the American Jewish Committee as “a rallying cry for terrorist groups and their sympathizers.” More anti-Israel demonstrators descended on the convention center as officials anticipate seeing as many as 100,000 protesters during the week. Biden addressed the convention Monday night in a speech that the White House said represented a “fulfilling moment” for the president as he “passed the torch” to Harris. Biden suspended his re-election campaign in a stunning move amid pressure from within the Democratic Party after a disastrous debate performance against Trump in June.  The unprecedented announcement to exit the race came as an increasing number of Democrat lawmakers and top Democrats began to publicly call for Biden to step aside. The party’s leadership was also engaged in efforts to convince Biden, 81, he could not win in November’s general election against Trump.  Biden quickly offered his “full support and endorsement” for Harris to take over as the party’s presidential nominee.  Fox News’ Emma Colton and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.

Florida’s Rick Scott, Matt Gaetz to face primary challengers as several states head to polls Tuesday

Florida’s Rick Scott, Matt Gaetz to face primary challengers as several states head to polls Tuesday

Republicans and Democrats head to the polls Tuesday to choose their party’s nominee in primary races across Florida, Wyoming and Alaska. Republicans will keep a keen eye on the Florida primary races of Rep. Matt Gaetz, amid his feud with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and Sen. Rick Scott, who hopes to lead the party in the Senate next Congress.  Scott is expected to easily win his primary race on Tuesday against two candidates with little name recognition or financial backing. The Democrat primary, however, is more contentious, with a race between former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Navy veteran and businessman Stanley Campbell, Army veteran and businessman Rod Joseph, and Brian Rush, a former four-term Florida state representative.  Mucarsel-Powell, who in 2018 became the first Ecuadorian American and first South American-born woman elected to Congress, is the favorite among the Democrats. She lost her former House seat after just one term. FORMER DEMOCRAT REP DEBBIE MUCARSEL-POWELL ANNOUNCES PLAN TO CHALLENGE FLORIDA SEN RICK SCOTT IN 2024  Scott in May officially announced his bid for Republican leader in the next Senate after Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced he’d be stepping down. “I have decided to run for Senate Republican leader because I believe now is a moment we need dramatic change,” he wrote in a letter to fellow Senate Republicans. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., is also gaining attention, largely because McCarthy’s political committee has spent $3 million attacking him and backing his primary opponent, former Navy aviator Aaron Dimmock. Gaetz led a group of eight Republicans to oust McCarthy from the speakership with the help of Democrat members last year.  McCarthy’s attacks on Gaetz stem from a House Ethics Committee investigation into alleged sexual misconduct and drug use. But the allegations aren’t new, and Gaetz has a loyal following in his district, making an upset unlikely. Since winning office in 2016, Gaetz has easily won primaries with between 65% and 80% of the vote, the Associated Press reported. Outside of Gaetz’s race, incumbents are running for 27 of Florida’s 28 House seats, and all should be safe in the primary barring any surprises, the Associated Press reported. Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., a military veteran and first-term Republican, is running for re-election in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. He is facing a challenge from small business owner Jennifer Adams, who labeled herself a moderate and Mills an “extremist incumbent.” KEVIN MCCARTHY SAYS MATT GAETZ SHOULD GET PROFESSIONAL HELP AFTER VIRAL SPAT: ‘HE LOOKS VERY UNHINGED’ Gen Z Democrat Rep. Maxwell Frost is up for re-election in Florida’s 10th Congressional District. Frost, 26, formerly worked for the anti-gun group March for Our Lives and is expected to speak at the DNC later this week. On the state and local front, for the first time ever, Florida Democrats have fielded a candidate for all 120 state House and 40 state Senate seats. Still, the GOP built a strong supermajority in both chambers, and Republicans will likely maintain their dominance in the legislature in November. The AP reported that at the voter deadline for the primary, Republicans outnumbered Democrats 5.3 million to 4.3 million, with 3.5 million voters choosing not to register with a party. FLORIDA GOP LAWMAKER WANTS TO BAN SMOKING ON STREETS BUT SUPPORTS LEGALIZING MARIJUANA Meanwhile, in Alaska, both parties are fighting for control of Democrat Rep. Mary Peltola’s seat, which had been in Republican hands for decades until Rep. Don Young died in 2022. Peltola has served since 2022 after winning the seat in a special election.  Peltola will face Republicans Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and Nick Begich, who shares a name with his late grandfather, a Democrat congressman who was on a plane that disappeared in 1972, according to the AP. In Wyoming, Republican Rep. Harriet Hageman faces a primary challenge from Steven Helling, who has yet to report any fundraising to the Federal Election Commission. Hageman, the freshman congresswoman, defeated Rep. Liz Cheney in 2022. Republican Sen. John Barrasso, who has served Wyoming since 2007, faces businessman Reid Rasner, though Barrasso is expected to win handily. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Trump says Kamala Harris will not participate in Fox News debate on Sept. 4

Trump says Kamala Harris will not participate in Fox News debate on Sept. 4

Former President Trump said Monday night that Vice President Kamala Harris’ team told his campaign that she would not participate in a Fox News presidential debate on September 4. The proposed debate would have been held in Pennsylvania and moderated by Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. “I am not surprised by this development because I feel that she knows it is very difficult, at best, for her to defend her record setting Flip-Flopping on absolutely everything she once believed in, including her statements that THERE WILL BE NO FRACKING IN PENNSYLVANIA and her HORRIBLE Performance on the Border,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. TRUMP, HARRIS SET FOR PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE ON ABC ON SEPTEMBER 10 The former president had initially been reluctant to debate Harris after President Biden suspended his re-election campaign because she was not the Democratic Party’s official candidate before later agreeing to debate her once she secured the party’s nomination for president. Trump and Harris have both confirmed they would participate in a Sept. 10 debate on ABC News. Trump previously said he also agreed to an NBC News debate on Sept. 25.  The Harris campaign has said it would consider a second presidential debate in October. Both campaigns have also agreed to a vice presidential debate on CBS News on Oct. 1 between Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Republican Sen. J.D. Vance. TRUMP AGREES TO DEBATE KAMALA HARRIS ON FOX NEWS “Voters deserve to see the candidates for the highest office in the land share their competing visions for our future,” Harris’ campaign communications director Michael Tyler said in a statement last week. “The more they play games, the more insecure and unserious Trump and Vance reveal themselves to be to the American people. Those games end now.” In place of the Fox News debate, Trump says he will participate in a town hall in Pennsylvania with Fox News host Sean Hannity.