Evidence of ancient tree-climbing 'drop crocs' found in Australia

Multiple schools in New Zealand have temporarily closed following the detection of asbestos in several brands of coloured play sand. The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment confirmed a voluntary recall for two brands of sand sold in New Zealand after testing in Australia revealed asbestos in similar products. Hundreds of educational facilities are now seeking guidance from officials regarding the safety of the play sand used in their premises.

Book publishing websites in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand are reportedly using fake testimonials and AI-generated staff profiles to deceive aspiring authors into paying for services. An Australian writer encountered a suspected scammer in person, leading to an investigation by Australia's National Anti-Scam Centre into these dubious international publishing operations. The Guardian has identified similar fraudulent websites in the UK and New Zealand, highlighting a concerning trend in the self-publishing industry.

On Monday morning, 69 schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) canceled playtime due to concerns over a potentially hazardous batch of colored sand. The Australian regulator has issued a recall for several sand products used in children's play, citing asbestos contamination risks. The situation has raised alarms among parents and educators, prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of students.

Nearly 70 schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are set to close on Monday due to concerns over asbestos contamination in recalled coloured play sand. Authorities have issued warnings regarding the potential health risks associated with the sand, prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of students and staff. The closures come as a precautionary measure while investigations are conducted to assess the extent of the risk and to determine the necessary steps for remediation.