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A historic Democratic Blue Wave sweeps the United States, with voters demanding change amid economic hardship and ongoing wars. In Texas, James Talarico reportedly breaks a 30-year Republican Senate stronghold, raising questions over divisions within the Democrats on Israel funding and pro-Israel lobbying. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Zelensky government faces disturbing allegations of a secret detention facility near Kyiv, where dozens were reportedly…

For generations, New Zealanders have regarded residential property as an almost guaranteed path to wealth. But new figures reveal that house prices have barely increased at all over the past decade once inflation is taken into account. With values falling for seven consecutive months, buyers holding the advantage and economists warning of a prolonged slowdown, the country's longstanding faith in ever-rising property prices is facing a serious…

The woman accused of murdering eight-year-old Rickah’Shae Keefe-Haerewa has admitted multiple assault charges involving him and another child, while continuing to deny murder. The case, now before the High Court, raises difficult questions about prolonged violence against children, the responsibilities of caregivers and whether warning signs are recognised before tragedy strikes eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Hannah Bartlett for the New…

New Zealand's unemployment rate has climbed to 5.7%, its highest level in nearly 11 years, with 174,000 people now officially unemployed. Businesses remain reluctant to hire, long-term unemployment is increasing, and wage growth is struggling to keep pace with inflation. While politicians point to signs of economic recovery, the latest figures raise a more fundamental question: if the economy is improving, why are so many New Zealanders still…

Are elections really about serving the public, or are they contests for control? In this opinion piece, Andy Loader examines the growing influence of government and bureaucracy, the tension between socialism and individual freedom, and whether New Zealand's public service remains genuinely accountable to the people it is supposed to serve. This is what elections are all about no matter what some political parties and candidates may say. · They…

A Democratic blue wave has swept across America, handing the party control of Congress and overturning historic Republican strongholds. Voters cite rising living costs and shrinking household budgets as reasons for change. In Texas, James Talarico claims a landmark Senate victory after campaigning against US funding for Israel, potentially setting up a clash with pro-Israel Democrats. Iran's parliament speaker says the result reflects American…

New Zealand's economy is producing a troubling contradiction. New companies continue to be established at a healthy rate, yet liquidations and receiverships remain well above historical norms. Kiwibank's latest figures reveal an economy in which entrepreneurial ambition survives, but existing businesses are struggling under accumulated debt, weak demand and rising operating costs. The deeper question is whether New Zealand's financial system is…

Armenia's parliament has descended into chaos, with lawmakers trading punches, throwing chairs and suffering injuries as tensions between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government and the opposition reach boiling point. Behind the extraordinary scenes lies a deeper struggle over disputed elections, political freedoms, relations with Russia and the country's increasingly controversial alignment with the European Union. INR Report: Based on…

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's attendance at a G20 gathering in Atlanta has exposed divisions between Washington and European governments over diplomatic engagement with Moscow. With European ministers reportedly refusing to participate in a traditional group photograph alongside Lavrov, the dispute raises a larger question: can international diplomacy succeed when governments refuse even symbolic engagement with their adversaries? INR…

Angry crowds reportedly stormed an alleged secret military prison near Kiev amid accusations that mobilised Ukrainian men were tortured and denied medical care, sparking violent clashes with authorities. Meanwhile, claims that Israel is pressuring Washington to strike Iran's nuclear facilities raise fears of severe retaliation. As Americans prepare to vote in the 2026 midterm elections, US defence contractors are pouring millions into both…