58 minutes ago Modern day grave robbers are using emojis and codewords to secretly trade real human bones

The trade is flourishing online, experts say, as bone collectors exploit legal loopholes to buy and sell human remainsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA modern form of “grave robbery” is flourishing online, experts say, as bone collectors exploit legal loopholes to buy and sell human remains.In Australia, where it is illegal to buy or sell human remains (albeit with some exceptions), people sell photographs of the remains then add the bones as a “gift”.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Events

58 minutes ago Protecting the Green Triangle: experts warn of ‘irreversible’ groundwater decline

The groundwater system in western Victoria and south-east South Australia has begun to show signs of collapse, threatening the water security of SA’s second biggest citySign up for the Rural Network email newsletterSome of the best-quality groundwater in Australia underlies the upper and lower south-east of South Australia and parts of south-western Victoria.But almost 200 years of draw down for agriculture, farming and domestic use has changed the surface drainage. Underground water in some areas has collapsed and water quality is deteriorating, putting at risk not only a fragile natural ecosystem but a $5bn regional economy.Sign up to receive Guardian Australia’s fortnightly Rural Network email newsletter Continue reading...

Events

58 minutes ago Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces '£9billion NHS black hole' as Budget looms

Government insiders have warned that without extra funding at the Budget the NHS funding gap would see millions of patients' appointments, scans and operations cancelled

Economics

60 minutes ago BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans say ‘I miss’ as they spot former winner in the audience

One viewer said the special guest had performed their favourite dance of all time on the show

Events

64 minutes ago Hundreds of chemists close over lack of funding but Government wants them to help GPs

Pharmacies in some of Britain's most deprived areas are closing down or cutting opening hours due to lack of funding, despite the government pushing for chemists to share some load with GPs

Politics

89 minutes ago One person killed and homes evacuated after explosion and fire at house in Bedford

People advised to avoid Cleat Hill area of Bedford as investigation into cause of fatal blast continues

Events

91 minutes ago Bruno Tonioli seen for the first time at Britain's Got Talent auditions after stepping in for 'devastated' Simon Cowell as filming resumes following Liam Payne's tragic death

Filming was halted as a mark of respect before it was reported that Simon would be taking a step back, with ex judge Bruno drafted in as his replacement.

Events

92 minutes ago BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans 'obsessed’ as TV star spotted in the audience

Adam Woodyatt watched on as Jamie Borthwick wowed judges with his paso doble

Events

1 hour ago Britain's longest serving twin landladies claim they've served 500k pints in 20 years

Susan Stoten and Hazel Sturmer, who run the Hastings Arms in Hastings Old Town, think they must have served around 500,000 pints and sold at least the same number of bags of crisps

Events

1 hour ago How many more children like Sara Sharif will be killed before smacking is banned? | Catherine Bennett

Labour should not dither – it is time for England to follow the example set by Scotland and WalesBroadcasters have, understandably enough, been adding content warnings to reports about Sara Sharif, the 10-year-old girl who allegedly died at the hands of her father, stepmother and uncle, after two years of abuse.“This article features details that some people might find distressing” is the BBC’s slightly strange way of putting it, as if significant numbers of people are undistressed by reading about the horrific injuries found, an Old Bailey jury has heard, on the child’s body. And also by the evidence, sickening in its implications, that neighbours heard disturbing noises but did not report them. And by another disquieting detail, from a phone call said by the prosecution to have been m...

Events