1The Government has hinted strongly at a future investment in another America's Cup challenge.

2United States President Barack Obama has accused his opponents of an 'idealogical crusade' as the partial shut-down of the American Government takes hold. 800,000 bureaucrats have been given an enforced unpaid holiday, which they have been warned could last for weeks.

3The Crown will use its special earthquake powers to compulsorily acquire property in Christchurch's CBD for the first time after it failed to reach agreement on price with the owners of the properties. However, out in the suburbs, owners of earthquake damaged homes in Christchurch are selling them off at only a fraction of their worth,

4Wellington Railway Station may have to undergo seismic strengthening to ensure its safety in the event of a significant earthquake.

5Prime Minister John Key has arrived in Canberra where he will meet with new Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. He is expected to discuss the rights of New Zealanders living in Australia.

6Hoyts is cracking down on annoying behaviour in its movie theatres.

7A New Zealander who smuggled Black Rock Scorpions into the country has returned from Australia to face the consequences.

8Scottish comedian Billy Connelly has announced he has received the all clear from cancer.

9A road rage incident in New York has led to two motorcyclists being run over from a terrified fleeing car driver.

10Alaska has been invaded by 10,000 walruses. Global warming is being blamed for fewer ice floes and less sea ice for walruses to rest on.

11Doctors in the United States and Japan have developed a ground-breaking technique that could allow women to become pregnant after menopause.

12A trailer for the second chapter in The Hobbit trilogy called "The Desolation of Smaug" has been released.

13The science fiction disaster movie "Gravity" opens in New Zealand tomorrow and is being hailed as a masterpiece for both its visual effects and its accuracy.