Thousand of young Brazilians are living a bleak and dangerous life as the number of crack addicts soars.

Despite weather extremes, an Auckland climate scientist is unconvinced about the role of human-induced global warming.

Want to know what you've missed? Check out the day's sports in photos from New Zealand and across the globe.

Once-solid financial securities are losing their safe status.

Misbehaving politician part of trivia captivating Washington at expense of more important issues.

A place on the San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants has become one of the most sought-after honours for restaurateurs.

The jewels in Brazil's crown range from opulent beaches to colourful slums, writes Geoff Cumming.

Rio de Janeiro balances the dreamy opulence of sunny beaches with the reality of life in the favelas.

Police and soldiers charged into Rio's most dangerous slum at daybreak to arrest a leading drug lord.

Jon Bon Jovi admits he has seen better days. But after a quarter century of non-stop hits, stadium tours and large-haired sexiness, what do you do for an encore? On the eve of his Auckland show, Polly Vernon caught up with the rock god.

Portable eateries are the US' latest food craze. One of the best draws from Brazil's rich culinary culture.

From the Sharpe books to Arthurian sagas, the prolific output of Bernard Cornwell has topped best-seller lists around the world. The secret is in the plot, he tells Robert McCrum.

Had Red Bull elected to adopt team orders and let Webber win, he would have left Brazil with 245 points - just one point off the lead.