US Federal Reserve downgrades economic outlook, keeps interest rates low (+ analysis); UN calls for more Pakistan flood aid, says international response is disappointing; Venezuela and Colombia restore ties; FIFA investigates reports the North Korean football coach has been sentenced to hard labour; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday August 11
Obama administration to cut billions from Pentagon budget; More than 700 die in Chinese landslide, millions displaced by flooding; 1200 civilians killed in Afghanistan so far this year; Hezbollah blames Israel for al-Hariri assassination; and more
Read MoreHone Harawira and the partnership pickle
Hone Harawira's view that he doesn't want his children going out with pakeha is already last week's water cooler debate. But his words will come to haunt both him and the Maori Party as they cut to the heart of Maori progress
Read MoreOn the horns of a dilemma: housing cows
The quashed ‘cubicle dairy’ consents and withdrawn applications were only the opening line of a much more difficult conversation: can you tell happy cows in a barn from sad ones in a so-called factory?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday August 10
Pakistan floods have affected six-13 million, undermining government and boosting military and Taliban (+ analysis); Netanyahu says flotilla raid legal, blames Turkey; Bali bomber Abu Bakar Bashir detained by police; North Korea snatches South Korean fishing boat; and more
Read MoreHow can we be there to fight the terrorists when the terrorists have left?
The government says we're in Afghanistan to stop it becoming a safe haven for terrorists. Problem is, the war has changed and that rationale no longer stands up to scrutiny
Read MoreSunday Star-Times: Can you look me in the eyes and apologise?
The Sunday Star-Times is very big on the need for accountability in others. How about it demonstrates a bit itself?
Read MoreThe Nation misses the hint: Labour's new-old big idea
It was all hints and mirrors, but the Labour Party seems set to embrace one of the big ideas from its own past, one that our grandkids would thank us for
Read MoreYou get mistaken for strangers by your own friends
The latest episode in the unfolding story of Justice Bill Wilson sees our intrepid hero, Sir Edmund (Ted) Thomas, radically reduce the number of Christmas cards he will have to answer this year.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday August 6
Pakistan floods force hundreds of thousands more from their homes, undermines anti-terrorism efforts; Gay marriage legal again in California; Troops in Afghanistan get new combat rules; South Korea's anti-submarine drills; and more
Read MoreUnemployment is up, so where's the plan?
Unemployment and benefit figures keep rising, but Government continues with misguided and dangerous reforms; Jobs Summit passion a faded memory
Read MoreOIA uncovers 2nd quango, trying to evade the Act
DOC papers released to me, under the OIA, show Meridian deleting key email to pre-empt its release, and slowing down DOC decision-making
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday August 5
BP declares oil spill 'under control', three-quarters of oil evaporated (+ graphics); Death toll in Pakistan floods reaches 1500 as food becomes the issue; UN backs Israel's version of events after Lebanon border skirmish; Republican opposition stalls nuclear treaty; and more
Read MoreChris Carter: what next for Labour?
It's not the first time an MP has fallen apart under the public's gaze, but under the Labour Party constitution Chris Carter's breakdown creates new political challenges
Read MoreFlotilla inquiry will mean vitriol for Palmer, perhaps promotion for Clark
Sir Geoffrey Palmer's Gaza flotilla inquiry already looks beset by political storms, but could it turn out to be another step up the ladder for Helen Clark at the UN?
Read MoreThe same law for MPs Bill
A new Bill proposes that incumbents shouldn't be able to use public funding to pay for their election ads. Surely that's cause for celebration?
Read MoreToday I write like Shakespeare, tomorrow Dan Brown
You too can write like a Booker Prize winner or a pulp fiction bazillionaire; plus Chelsea Clinton's wedding
Read MoreGoff’s stormy ride is far from over
Chris Carter’s slide into the political wilderness shifts the focus to Labour leader Phil Goff’s ability to be an election-winner. Goff has a stormy ride ahead
Carl who? New Families Commission head a complete unknown
The appointment of Carl Davidson raises some problematic questions about the future of the Families and Children's Commissions
Read MoreCarers or teachers? Why early childhood education matters
If a 3-year-old's teacher adds $320,000 to the future income of that child's class, should we pay a bit more to keep that teacher in ajob? Or would you rather have a tax cut now?
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