1Breaking News The United States Congress has refused to pass President Obama's Budget. As a result, more than 700,000 Government employees can not be paid.

2The Government has announced a scheme to help some first home buyers. They will receive up to $20,000 towards a deposit to buy surplus State houses in the provinces. However, critics of the scheme say the houses are in all the wrong places.

3Police figures show the crime rate has dropped in the past year, but there has been an increase in sex crimes.

4The Government has unveiled a $230 million rescue package for Solid Energy. However, questions remain over its long-term viability.

5A revolutionary new commercial fishing method that some claim could change the way the world fishes has been unveiled in Auckland.

6New Zealand doctors have been introduced to a new wand device that slashes the amount of radiation therapy required to fight breast cancer.

7The United States Congress has refused to pass President Obama's Budget. As a result, more than 700,000 Government employees can not be paid.

8A West Auckland man has become the biggest ever Lotto Powerball winner with a $33 million win.

9From today, visitors to Stewart Island will be charged a $5.00 levy to fund community projects for the island's 200 residents.

10Disgraced Auckland lawyer Davina Murray has been sentenced to 50 hours community service for smuggling contraband into prison for convicted murderer and rapist Liam Reid.

11Eight out of nine rare Rowi Kiwi have died at Wellington Zoo after they inhaled a poisonous fungus in the bark they were living on.

12Bay of Plenty anglers have declared the start of the trout season a success.

13Scientists say they may have found the secret to getting children to eat their vegetables.