US firebug sought Facebook views: police

US police say a man has admitted starting a fire to draw attention to his Facebook selfie videos.

US city voters elect dead candidate

US voters in Oceanside City have re-elected a candidate even though the man died in September.

Bowie's art collection sells for $US39.7m

David Bowie's private collection of paintings and sculptures has been sold at Sotheby's auction house in London.

China graft fugitive 'returns from NZ'

Chinese media reports say corruption suspect Yan Yongming has returned to China after 15 years in Australia and New Zealand.

US mental facility knife attack injures 7

Seven people have been hospitalised after a knife attack at a mental health facility, US officials say.

Toss out UN bribery statements: defendant

A man has asked a US judge to toss out statements he made to the FBI after his arrest in a United Nations bribery case.

Rally to call for S Korean leader's ouster

Police anticipate a large turnout in the South Korean capital for a protest against President Park Geun-hye.

Trump gathers US president transition team

President-elect Donald Trump has ditched Chris Christie in favour of his running mate Mike Pence to lead his White House transition team.

US man accused of stalking Taylor Swift

A US man has been charged with violating a lifetime restraining order allegedly stalking singer Taylor Swift.

US teen's parents sue over sexting charges

A US teen girl's parents are suing a prosecutor to try to stop him from filing criminal charges against the teen over photos she sent of herself to a boy.

Slovak brothers win burial competition

Two Slovak brothers have been declared the winners in a grave-digging competition.

Stings reopens Bataclan hall in France

Sting will reopen the Bataclan concert hall today, as mourners prepare to mark one year since the Paris terrorist attacks.

Comedy Central cancels Nikki Glaser show

The Not Safe With Nikki Glaser show has been cancelled, Comedy Central says.

Redford to quit acting, focus on directing

Film star Robert Redford has said in an online interview that he wants to focus on directing.

US Mrs Doubtfire home fetches $US4.15m

The US house that featured in the 1993 movie Mrs Doubtfire has sold for $US4.15 million.

Flying Robot Drone Film Festival returns

The US will host a film festival highlighting videos taken using drones.

Trump might keep parts of US Obamacare

US President-elect Donald Trump says he may leave in place parts of the country's Affordable Care Act.

Computer outage briefly grounds US flights

US airlines have blamed delays on a breakdown in systems operated by Sabre Corp.

Parisse expecting no NZ favours

The All Blacks will field an experimental line-up in Saturday's Test in Rome but Italian captain Sergio Parisse is still expecting a tough battle.

Cosby plans a comeback, lawyer says

Bill Cosby's lawyer says the US comedian intends to resume his career once litigation surrounding sexual assault allegations against him draws to a close.

Trump kids may manage US president's firms

Three of US President-elect Donald Trump's children and a team of executives will take control of a portfolio of businesses, the Trump Organization says.

Halt NATO advance, create detente: Russia

The United States could create "a kind of detente in Europe" if it slows down the eastward expansion of the NATO military alliance, Russian officials say.

Ayotte possible new US defense secretary

A newspaper report says US President-elect Donald Trump is considering outgoing Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire for the post of defense secretary.

US military inspiration for unity: Obama

President Barack Obama has told a divided America to look to its veterans for unity.

France, Prince Harry mark Armistice Day

Leaders in Western Europe have reflected on the fallen soldiers of World War I.

Robert Vaughn dies at 83

Robert Vaughn, best known for his role in the 1930s hit The Man From U.N.C.L.E., has died from cancer aged 83.

IMF approves $US12 billion loan for Egypt

Egypt will receive a three-year bailout totalling $US12 billion after economic reforms, the International Monetary Fund says.

Trump ignorant of Europe: EU president

EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker says Donald Trump is ignorant of the EU and it'll be " two years before Mr Trump tours the world he does not know".

Women plan mass march on Washington

Some 35,000 people have said they plan to attend the Million Women March in Washington the day after Donald Trump is sworn in as president.

Winfrey reflects on newly 'humbled' Trump

Donald Trump has been humbled, says Oprah Winfrey, as he realises being US president means he has "the weight of the world" on his shoulders.

Russia wants chemical watchdog in Aleppo

Russia wants the international chemical weapons watchdog to investigate the use of chemicals in Aleppo by the Syrian opposition rebels.

Turkish governor dies after bomb attack

Turkish district governor Muhammed Fatih Safiturk has died after a bomb attack on his office, and has been claimed by Kurdish militants.

Fake news didn't help Trump: Zuckerberg

Those blaming Facebook for Donald Trump's win haven't listened to the voters, says the social media platform's founder, Mark Zuckerberg.

Germany lowers CO2 reduction targets

A document seen by Reuters shows Germany is planning to lower its carbon reduction targets.

'Heartbroken' voter runs into Clinton

A disappointed Hillary Clinton supporter says she took herself for a hike and ended up bumping into the presidential candidate.

Charges dropped over Cecil the lion death

A court has dropped charges against a Zimbabwean hunter accused of failing to stop an American hunter killing Cecil the lion, causing a global outcry.

Merkel, Trump speak about German-US ties

US President-elect Donald Trump has had a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Six dead in Taliban attack on consulate

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for a truck bomb attack on the German consulate in the Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif, which left six people dead.

Body found of boy stuck in Chinese well

Rescuers in China have recovered the body of a six-year-old boy who was trapped down a 40m well.

Six crew members abducted in Philippines

Gunmen have kidnapped six crew members of a cargo ship in the southern Philippines.

Failed Mars probe 'came close to success'

The British-built Beagle 2 is thought to have crash on Mars more than a decade ago, but came much closer to success than previously thought.

Markle 'staying at Kensington palace'

Meghan Markle has been spotted in London amid reports she's staying at Kensington Palace for the first time since it was revealed she's dating Prince Harry.

Prince's museum offers new fan packages

Prince fans will soon be able to take up new themed packages at the late pop star's Paisley Park museum.

60 Minutes lands interview with Trump

60 Minutes will has been granted the first extensive interview with US president-elect Donald Trump following Tuesday's election.

Rob Kardashian, Blac Chyna have baby girl

Reality TV stars Blac Chyna and Rob Kardashian - Kim's younger brother - have welcomed their first child together, a girl named Dream.

Thai crown prince back on official duty

Thailand Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will undertake his first official duty since the death of his father.

At least 13 die in India factory fire

At least 13 workers are dead after a fire trapped them as they slept in the basement of a garment factory in India.

Turkish governor dies after bomb attack

Turkish district governor Muhammed Fatih Safiturk has died after a bomb attack on his office, which is suspected to have been carried out by Kurdish militants.

Oregon 'riot' as Trump protests surge

People have taken to the streets across the US again to protest Donald Trump's presidential election victory, with police in Portland declaring a riot.

Trump's foreign policy same as Putin's

Donald Trump's foreign policy approach is "phenomenally close" to that of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a Kremlin spokesman says.

Japan's PM Abe to meet Trump next week

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet US President-elect Donald Trump in New York next week.

No need for gloom about Trump: Boris

It's time for Europe to snap out of the "general doom and gloom" about the outcome of the US election, says Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

Celebrity backing failed to lift Clinton

A massive celebrity backing failed to lift the electoral fortunes of Hilly Clinton.

JK Rowling creates new wizardry

JK Rowling has hinted her new film series will explore rumours of a gay relationship between two key characters.

Trump calls protests 'very unfair'

Donald Trump has complained about "very unfair" protests against his forthcoming presidency as demonstrators marched through US cities for another day.

108yo off to White House for Veterans Day

Bill Mohr, a 108-year-old World War II veteran, will attend the annual Veterans Day breakfast at the White House.

Attacks on Muslim students post vote

Two suspects who assaulted a Muslim student on a US college campus made comments about Donald Trump's election, police say.

Several dead in German consulate attack

Several civilians have been killed and scores more wounded after a Taliban attack on a German consulate in a northern Afghan city.

Bird flu hits Europe

Germany, Austria, Croatia and Switzerland have all officially reported outbreaks of bird flu, says the World Health Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Trump bucks protocol on press access

Donald Trump has refused to allow journalists to travel with him to Washington for his first meeting with President Barack Obama and congressional leaders.

Taiwan set to legalise gay marriage

Taiwan is set to legalise gay marriage in a first for the Asia region.

Climate lawsuit against feds can proceed

A US federal judge has denied motions by the federal government and big energy companies to dismiss a lawsuit filed by climate change activists.

Trump open to settlement in uni lawsuit

Donald Trump's lawyer has asked for a delay in a lawsuit involving the now-defunct Trump University because his client needs to transition to the presidency.

Maine chooses to legalise marijuana

Adults in the US state of Maine will now be allowed to legally use up to 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana.

Yahoo took time to investigate breach

A timeline outlined in a regulatory filing raises further questions about why it took Yahoo so long to realise the severity of its security breakdown.

Chile calls public health emergency

Hospitals across Chile are only treating emergencies while passengers endure long delays in airports after an almost two-week long public sector strike.

Suspect US police shooter found dead

The suspected shooter of two police officers in southwestern Pennsylvania where police are searching for the shooter, local media say.

Trump can't treat NATO like a business

Germany's defence minister has advised Donald Trump against getting too close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that NATO stood by the US after 9/11.

Trump invites British PM to visit

Donald Trump has told the British Prime Minister Theresa May of his close and personal connections to the UK during their first call, Downing Street says.

Philippines still 'friends' with US

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has spared the US one of his trademark verbal lashings and taken a more conciliatory tone than usual.

Dinosaurs thrived on eve of destruction

Dinosaurs were doing well on earth right up until the time they were wiped out by an asteroid, a fossil discovered in China shows.

Post-election attacks by Russian hackers

Cyber expert suspect hackers for Moscow are seeking information on the incoming Donald Trump administration

Accused NY bomber appears in court

The alleged New York bomber, who injured dozens with a homemade bomb, has appeared in court in Manhattan, but didn't enter a plea.

Rations run out in east Aleppo: UN

Food is running out in Aleppo's east, with UN urging for a trade deal before winter causes mass hunger in the besiged Syrian city.

Paris attack probe sight new suspect

Nealy a year after the Paris attacks investigators are still working to establish who was the mastermind, and think it may be a Belgian militant now in Syria.

Aust mum faces death penalty in Malaysia

An Australian mum accused of trafficking drugs through Kuala Lumpur has faced court for the first day of her trial.

Trump told shoomze UK PM, don't touch her

Nigel Farage has welcomed Donald Trump's presidency, but has urged him not to grope the British Prime Minister Theresa May.

Anniversary of Paris attacks approaches

France and the rest of Europe is preparing to mark one year since the Paris terror attacks.

Iraq claims villages from IS near Mosul

Iraqi forces have liberated four villages from Islamic State as part of an ongoing major campaign to retake the extremist militia's key stronghold of Mosul.

Aust mum faces death penalty in Malaysia

An Australian mum accused of trafficking drugs through Kuala Lumpur has faced court for the first day of her trial.

Trump invites Irish PM to White House

US president-elect Donald Trump has invited Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny to the White House to celebrate St Patrick's Day next March.

Two police shot in US, manhunt launched

Two police officers have been shot in southwestern Pennsylvania where police are searching for the shooter, local media say.

Indians rush to ditch old banknotes

People are queuing up outside banks across India to exchange 500 and 1,000 rupee notes after they were withdrawn as part of anti-corruption measures.

Scientists develop HIV test on a USB stick

Scientists in Britain have developed a type of HIV test using a USB stick.

Driver in fatal UK tram crash released

The driver of a tram that crashed killing seven people in south London has been released on bail.

Kate Bush hints at new music

British singer Kate Bush says she hopes to write new music again soon.

Russia detains Ukrainian 'saboteurs'

Russia's security service has detained several people in Crimea, accusing them of being saboteurs sent by Kiev.

Trump pledges commitment to defend S Korea

US President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly pledged his commitment to defend South Korea.

Anti-Trump protests sweep US cities

Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in US cities to protest against the election of Donald Trump.

China satellite to detect signs of pulsar

China has launched a satellite to detect signs of pulsar, which are very high density stars formed exclusively by neutron.

Duterte wants to stop quarrelling with US

Following Donald Trump's election win, Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte says he does not wish to continue quarrelling with the US.

Obama, Trump to set aside differences

President-elect Donald Trump has pencilled in his first meeting with President Barack Obama in the Whitehouse.

Celeb express dismay, hope over Trump

Donald Trump's election stunned many, including celebrities who overwhelmingly supported Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Five shot in downtown Seattle

Five people have been shot in Seattle near protests over the victory of Donald Trump.

NZD falls as Trump win stokes volatility

The kiwi was down at the end of the trading day as financial markets across the world took stock of what Donald Trump's US presidential win would mean.

Prince Harry to appear in public

Prince Harry will today carry out his first public engagement since he confirmed US actress Meghan Markle is his girlfriend.

Japan PM to meet Trump in NY

Japan's Prime Minister is expected to meet President-elect Donald Trump in New York next week.

Trump likely to reward loyalty in Cabinet

Jeff Sessions, an Alabama senator who was one of Donald Trump's most fervent supporters in the US Congress, is under consideration for a prominent role.

Mexico nixes same-sex marriage bill

A proposal by Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto to legalise same-sex marriage has been voted down.

Bodies at serial killer home identified

The bodies of a young married couple discovered on the property of an alleged serial killer in the US have been identified.