New Zealand International News

Poor Alabama county celebrates 'Obama Day'

Sun, 08th Nov

The sign going on the front door at the Perry County courthouse reads: "Closed for the Obama Holiday." The rural, mostly black county has proclaimed Monday as an official holiday celebrating the election of the first black US president, Barack Obama.

Swine flu fears can't stop the hajj

Sun, 08th Nov

The Saudi health minister said Saturday that the kingdom will not bar anyone considered high-risk for swine flu from performing the hajj pilgrimage this year, though he urged countries where pilgrims set out from to take precautions.

Fall of the Berlin Wall marked 20 years on

Sun, 08th Nov

Massive colourful dominoes painted by German students were placed Saturday along the former path of the Berlin Wall to mark the 20th anniversary of the opening of the barrier that divided the city for nearly three decades.

US to look at life in prison for juveniles

Sun, 08th Nov

Joe Sullivan was sent away for life for raping an elderly woman and judged incorrigible though he was only 13 at the time of the attack.

Fort Hood gunman showed signs he was about to crack

Sun, 08th Nov

There was the classroom presentation that justified suicide bombings. Comments to colleagues about a climate of persecution faced by Muslims in the military. Conversations with a mosque leader that became incoherent.

Wanted British man dislikes mug shot, sends in new picture

Sun, 08th Nov

A British man on the run from police sent a picture of himself to his local newspaper because he didn't like the mug shot they had printed of him.

UN calls on Karzai to fight corruption

Sat, 07th Nov

The UN Security Council joined calls Friday on Afghan President Hamid Karzai to fight corruption, with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calling the country's political situation "delicate" following deeply flawed elections.

Night club promoter turns water crusader

Sat, 07th Nov

New Yorkers are being challenged not to take for granted the water that runs from their taps. A night club promoter turned charity owner is taking on his own city and confronting residents about the basic necessity millions in the world are missing out on.

Moment of silence held for gunman's victims

Sat, 07th Nov

US President Barack Obama said on Friday the entire nation is grieving for those killed at Fort Hood, and he urged people not to jump to conclusions while law enforcement officers investigate the shootings.

Drunk, vomiting man calls 911 to report marijauna stolen

Sat, 07th Nov

Oregon police have charged a man with drunken driving after he called 911 to report his marijuana as stolen but the dispatcher couldn't understand him because he was vomiting while on the road.

Democrats struggle for final healthcare votes

Sat, 07th Nov

Amid intense lobbying by the Obama administration, House Democratic leaders struggled Friday for the final votes needed to pass sweeping health care legislation, working to ease concerns among Hispanic holdouts and abortion foes.

Neighbour: Fort Hood suspect emptied his apartment

Sat, 07th Nov

An Army psychiatrist suspected of opening fire on fellow soldiers at Fort Hood cleaned out his apartment in the days before the rampage that left 13 people dead, a neighbour said Friday.