32 h. ago NSW floods: three dead, one missing as state faces worse flooding than many have seen in their lifetimes

With more intense rain forecast, the SES has a fleet of 500 boats and nine helicopters trying to assist 48,000 people isolated in flood watersNSW floods live updates: latest flooding newsNSW floods map: record-breaking rain in charts and mapsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA third person has died in flood waters on the New South Wales mid-north coast and authorities hold grave fears for one person still missing.NSW police advised late on Thursday that the bodies of three people had been recovered. One remains missing in floodwaters on the mid north coast.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

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34 h. ago NSW floods: second person dead and ‘grave fears’ for two still missing as crisis worsens

With 48,000 already isolated, forecasters say intense rainfall has spread north bringing life-threatening riskNSW floods live updates: latest flooding newsNSW floods map: record-breaking rain in charts and mapsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA second person has died in flood waters on the New South Wales mid-north coast and authorities hold grave fears for two people still missing.NSW police said the body of a man, likely in his 30s and who was missing since Wednesday night, was found near Rosewood on Thursday morningSign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

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38 h. ago NSW floods: one dead and ‘grave fears’ held for three missing people as crisis worsens

With 48,000 already isolated, forecasters say ‘heavy, intense rainfall’ has spread north bringing life-threatening riskNSW floods live updates: latest flooding newsNSW floods map: record-breaking rain in charts and mapsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOne man has died and authorities hold grave fears for another three people reported missing in unprecedented flooding on the New South Wales mid-north coast.The premier, Chris Minns, said the region had experienced “a very difficult 48 hours” with more to come as communities braced for 100mm of additional rainfall over the next 24 hours and up to 300mm in some isolated areas. Continue reading...

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45 h. ago NSW floods: one dead and thousands stranded as BoM warns of ‘intense’ rain and flash flooding

With 48,000 already isolated, forecasters say ‘heavy, intense rainfall’ has spread north bringing life-threatening riskAustralia news live: latest politics updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastDevastating floods along Australia’s east coast have killed at least one man, after a body was found on a flooded property.Emergency services were called to Moto, on the New South Wales mid-north coast, on Wednesday afternoon and located the body of the 63-year-old.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

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55 h. ago ‘It’s better for them than being in a cage!’ Why are cat cafes suddenly so controversial?

More and more cafes offer you the chance to pet a cat as you sip your cappuccino. Some see themselves as shelters more than businesses. Why do animal protection charities want them closed?It’s just gone 3pm on a sunny Wednesday in Norwich, and the mid-afternoon, midweek slump is hitting hard at the cafe on Dereham Road. Almost everyone here is asleep – before they’re roused by the rattle of the Dreamies tub, that is. The Cat House, which opened nearly two years ago, is the city’s first cat cafe. From Wednesday to Sunday, for a cover charge of £10, punters can spend 60 minutes (or £13 for 90 minutes) enjoying feline company over a beverage and a snack. There are a few people already here – as well as the 20 resident cats dotted around the spacious converted building. They’re curled up above eye level in cat trees, hunkering in boxes and tunnels, weaving in between the table legs. The visitors hover respectfully in their orbit, hoping to be favoured by their attention. From the hushed...

Politics

56 h. ago Residents stranded in tower block for a week after lifts break down

Residents stranded in tower block for a week after lifts break down  The Times

Politics

58 h. ago NSW floods: almost 50,000 people isolated by record flooding on mid

Residents describe anxious waits for rescue as unprecedented level of flooding strikes the Manning riverAustralia news live: latest politics updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastMore than 48,800 people and 23,200 dwellings were isolated by record flood waters on the mid-north coast of New South Wales on Wednesday, the State Emergency Service said, as it predicted another 200mm of rain in the next 24-48 hours.Residents described anxious waits for rescue as unprecedented flooding struck the Manning river, inundating homes and businesses across the region. The Manning river has already surpassed its 1929 record flood level.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

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61 h. ago NSW floods: residents stranded ‘awaiting rescue since 1am’ in Taree as unprecedented flooding hits NSW mid

Two days of heavy rainfall still on way as SES carries out 130 rescues amid flooding along Manning River in Taree and nearby areasAustralia news live: latest politics updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastResidents of the mid-north coast of New South Wales have described anxious waits for rescue in the dark as unprecedented flooding inundates homes and businesses across the region.The State Emergency Service has warned another 200mm of rainfall was predicted to fall in the next 24-48 hours. It has performed 284 rescues in the past 24 hours, the bulk of those in Taree, Wingham and Glenthorne, and now has nine helicopters working the area.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

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3 d. ago BBC Life on Mars cast now from Hollywood fame to quitting acting

The show was a huge hit with viewers and ran from early 2006 to mid 2007 and focused on a Manchester police force

Politics

9 d. ago Switzerland's Eurovision star hit with major 'technical problems' mid

The Eurovision Song Contest returned tonight for the first semi-final of the competition but things didn't seem to go to plan for host Switzerland's act Zoë Më in a performance

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