NZ police retrieve body of slain officer, as armed siege continuesWELLINGTON, New Zealand — A loud explosion and gunshots rang out early Saturday as New Zealand police continued to surrounded the home of a man who has held authorities at bay for two days after allegedly killing a police officer. New Zealand police retrieve body of slain officer, as armed siege continuesWELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand police opened fire from armored personnel carriers Friday so they could retrieve the body of a colleague killed outside a house by a gunman who has held authorities at bay for more than 30 hours. NZ police surround house of man suspected in officer’s killing; standoff could last daysWELLINGTON, New Zealand — Volleys of gunfire from a man holed up in a house kept New Zealand police from retrieving the nearby body of a shot officer as they warned Friday the already hourslong standoff could continue for days. New Zealand police lock down city, surround gunman suspected of killing an officerWELLINGTON, New Zealand — Volleys of gunfire from a house kept police from retrieving the body of an shot officer early Friday as an hourslong standoff with the suspected gunman continued. Two billion people may get swine flu: WHOGENEVA - A third of the world could potentially become infected with the new H1N1 influenza virus, a senior World Health Organization (WHO) official said Thursday. McCullum not under captaincy pressure: New Zealand coachPORT ELIZABETH - New Zealand coach Andy Moles is not unduly bothered about Knight Riders’ skipper Brendon McCullum’s poor show in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and said he was confident that his key player for the Twenty20 World Cup in June will soon return to form. As Mexico returns to “normalcy,” swine flu experts fear a rebound; epidemic grows globallyMEXICO CITY — Mexico announced a return to “normalcy” on Monday, preparing to reopen businesses and schools even as the virus sickened more than 1,200 people in 20 countries. Experts warn swine flu could flourish in coming southern hemisphere winterSYDNEY, Australia — Southern hemisphere countries that have largely escaped swine flu infections could soon become more vulnerable, experts warn, as the approaching winter brings with it an elevated risk of the virus spreading and mutating. Worldwide swine flu cases top 1,000MEXICO CITY/GENEVA - Influenza A (H1N1), better known as swine flu, continued to spread across the world, particularly in the US and Europe, with the number of confirmed cases in 20 countries topping 1,000 Monday. China defends tough swine flu quarantines, New Zealand reports new caseHONG KONG — China on Monday defended its tough quarantine measures against Mexican tourists after a visitor from the Latin American country became Asia’s first swine flu case, while New Zealand recorded its sixth case of the disease. Otago center Daniel Bowden suspended for 1 match on dangerous tackle chargeWELLINGTON, New Zealand — Otago Highlanders center Daniel Bowden was suspended for one week when he pleaded guilty to a dangerous tackle charge at a Super 14 rugby judicial hearing. Hindu Lord Ganesha becoming favorite of museums in AmericaLord Ganesha appears to be becoming the favorite of museums in America and the West. Australia keeps faith in regulars for test against NZ; Benji Marshall to captain KiwisBRISBANE, Australia — Australia has retained the bulk of the team which lost the Rugby League World Cup final last year for next Friday’s test against New Zealand, while Benji Marshall will captain the Kiwis. Bulldogs on top of Australia’s National Rugby League after 22-20 win over Wests TigersSYDNEY — The Bulldogs edged Wests Tigers 22-20 on Sunday to move into first place in Australia’s National Rugby League while the St. George Illawarra Dragons kept pace with a 12-11 comeback win over the New Zealand Warriors. Mexico raises swine-flu deaths to 19MEXICO CITY - Mexican heath officials have raised the number of confirmed swine-flu deaths in the country to 19 after examining 1,303 cases, Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova has said. Round 12: Hurricanes, Chiefs lead New Zealand charge for Super 14 titleWELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand’s challenge for the Super 14 rugby title strengthened in the 12th round as the Wellington Hurricanes and Waikato Chiefs assumed the top two places and defending champions Canterbury moved within sight of the playoffs. Glaciers in Southern Hemisphere are growing out of step with those in NorthWASHINGTON - A new study has found that for the last 7,000 years, glaciers south of the equator in South America and New Zealand have often moved out of step with glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere, pointing to strong regional variations in climate. Swine flu gives the jitters to Indian tourismNEW DELHI - Already reeling under the impact of global recession, India’s travel and trade industry is afraid of being dealt a double blow by swine flu - which has hit the Western world and is said to be the worst health crisis in 90 years. Swine flu now appears less dangerous than feared; virus not spreading far in hard-hit areasThe swine flu outbreak that has alarmed the world for a week now appears less ominous, with the virus showing little staying power in the hardest-hit cities and scientists suggesting it lacks the genetic fortitude of past killer bugs. Fiji formally suspended from South Pacific bloc for refusal to return to democracyCANBERRA, Australia — South Pacific nations announced Saturday that military-ruled Fiji has been suspended from the 16-nation bloc for its rejection of democracy, freedom and human rights. Fiji formally ousted from South Pacific bloc for refusal to return to democracy forthwithCANBERRA, Australia — South Pacific nations announced Saturday that military-ruled Fiji has been suspended from the 16-nation bloc for its rejection of democracy, freedom and human rights. From New York to New Zealand, how fast-moving swine flu epidemic hopscotched the globeA 5-year-old Mexican boy takes ill in his dusty village. He coughs, he sneezes, he gasps for breath. 27 people in six European nations confirmed with swine fluSTOCKHOLM - At least 27 people in six European countries were Friday morning confirmed to have been infected with swine flu, a European health agency reported. Swine flu prompts NZ to discourage risky, but traditional, practices, including Maori greetingWELLINGTON, New Zealand — The Roman Catholic Church in New Zealand instructed priests Friday not to place communion wafers in worshippers’ mouths because of swine flu risks, and indigenous Maori were urged to stop using an ancient greeting that brings people nose-to-nose. Hurricanes guaranteed of staying top of Super 14 after 45-27 win over BluesWELLINGTON, New Zealand — Tamati Ellison and Ma’a Nonu each scored two tries as the Wellington Hurricanes consolidated first place in Super 14 rugby with a 45-27 win over the Auckland Blues on Friday. Swine flu check on air passengers reaching DelhiNEW DELHI - Authorities at the Indira Gandhi International Airport are screening passengers to check for swine flu symptoms. South Pacific Forum poised to suspend FijiWELLINGTON - The 16-member South Pacific Forum was poised Friday to suspend membership of Fiji, which has been ruled by military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama since he ousted the elected government in a bloodless coup 29 months ago. Lee will have to fight for his place in Ashes squad: PaperABU DHABI - While Australian fast bowler Brett has already stated on his website that he is ready to assume the lead role for the Ashes Tests, The Age newspaper feels he needs to get out of the bubble that he is living in and look at the real world that is about to confront him. Australia, NZ to make Super contingency plan if South Africa opts outSYDNEY — Australia and New Zealand rugby officials still hope to have South Africa in the Super tournament alliance beyond 2011, but said Friday they are planning for an Asia-Pacific competition in case an agreement cannot be reached. New Zealand minister self-quarantines amid swine flu scare; Australia urges food stockpilingWELLINGTON, New Zealand — A New Zealand government minister went into self-imposed isolation Friday after coming down with flu symptoms, as Australian health officials recommended people stockpile food in case a swine flu pandemic forces them to stay at home. |