Two US marines investigated over alleged rape at military base in Okinawa

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Allegations come days after Japanese authorities increased efforts to deter crimes by US servicemen on island

Two US marines based on the Japanese island of Okinawa are being investigated for alleged rape, days after local authorities stepped up efforts to deter sexual and other crimes by US service personnel.

A marine in his 20s is suspected of raping a Japanese woman in a bathroom at a US military base last month, while a second man, also a marine in his 20s, allegedly raped a woman at a base in January, according to media reports.

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EVs to cost more under a Coalition government, after Dutton’s apparent backflip on popular tax break

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Polestar says Dutton’s move shows ‘a complete lack of understanding of the significant cost-of-living, climate and health benefits of EVs’

Electric vehicles would cost more under a Coalition government, after Peter Dutton confirmed he would scrap a popular tax break for EV drivers in an apparent backflip that has caused confusion and anger among clean car advocates.

The initiative, which was introduced by the Albanese government in 2022, has meant if a person buys an EV priced under $91,387 through a novated lease program via their employer (when a lease is paid off through pre-taxed salary deductions) they do not have to pay fringe benefits tax (FBT) – even if the car is only for personal use.

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‘Morally repugnant’: Brazilian workers sue coffee supplier to Starbucks over ‘slavery-like conditions’

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Brazil has been the world’s leading coffee producer due to the forced labour of enslaved Africans and Afro-Brazilians

“John” was just days from turning 16 when he was allegedly recruited to work on a Brazilian coffee farm that supplies the global coffeehouse chain Starbucks.

Soon after his birthday, he embarked on a 16-hour bus journey to the farm in the state of Minas Gerais – only to discover that none of what he had been promised would be fulfilled.

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After Militant Attack in Kashmir, Pakistan Braces for Strike by India – The New York Times

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  1. After Militant Attack in Kashmir, Pakistan Braces for Strike by India  The New York Times
  2. Pahalgam attack: How will India respond to the Kashmir killings  BBC
  3. India calls all-party meet, summons top Pakistani diplomat after Kashmir attack on tourists  Reuters
  4. After Kashmir attack, India downgrades ties with Pakistan and suspends water treaty  NPR
  5. SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme Suspended For Pak Nationals: What It Means  NDTV
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Kyiv hit by deadly Russian missile and drone attack – mayor – BBC

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  1. Kyiv hit by deadly Russian missile and drone attack - mayor  BBC
  2. Trump says he may meet Putin 'shortly' after May Middle East visit.  The Kyiv Independent
  3. Russian drones batter Ukraine's Odesa as peace talks come to a crux  Defense News
  4. Russia steps up strikes on Ukraine after Easter ceasefire ends  Al Jazeera
  5. Russian drone attack injures three people in Ukraine's Odesa, governor says  Reuters
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Albanese condemns Dutton’s pledge for mass public service cuts ‘only in Canberra’

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Opposition leader’s comments suggest close to two-thirds of capital’s public service roles – which include many key agencies – would be slashed

Peter Dutton has pledged to cut almost two-thirds of Canberra’s federal public servants if elected, in a move Anthony Albanese has criticised as “outrageous”.

In a testy press conference in Tasmania on Thursday morning, the opposition leader batted away questions about not visiting a single proposed nuclear power station site, as well as confusion over shifting positions on migration targets, tax breaks for electric vehicles and Coalition support for recognising West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

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Israel’s European allies urge lifting of ‘intolerable’ Gaza aid blockade – The Washington Post

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  1. Israel’s European allies urge lifting of ‘intolerable’ Gaza aid blockade  The Washington Post
  2. Israel rejects ‘ethically outrageous’ E3 statement demanding restart of Gaza aid  The Times of Israel
  3. Macron's Vision: Peace, Security for Israel and a Palestinian State Without Hamas  Haaretz
  4. Gaza is burning. UK NGOs must abandon failed diplomacy and fight back  Al Jazeera
  5. Germany, France, Britain call on Israel to allow aid into Gaza  Reuters
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Pope Francis latest: Tens of thousands of mourners view Pontiff’s open casket at St Peter’s Basilica – The Independent

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  1. Pope Francis latest: Tens of thousands of mourners view Pontiff’s open casket at St Peter’s Basilica  The Independent
  2. In photos: Thousands line up to pay respects to Pope Francis  Axios
  3. Cardinals prepare to battle over the future direction of the Catholic Church  CNN
  4. Did Pope Francis ‘Pack’ the Conclave?  Time Magazine
  5. In a bastion of Catholicism, Filipinos mourn Pope Francis and wonder who comes next  The Guardian
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