The CIA has released records that show US concerns about the rise of communism in New Zealand and Russia's spreading influence in the Pacific.

Ricky Gray is the second person to be executed in the United States this year. His chilling confession reveals details of how he slashed the throats of his victims, including a 4-year-old girl.

Three men were overcome by poisonous fumes and a firefighter attempting to save them narrowly escaped death.

Handover a huge moment for US - and two families at centre of transition.

Reality fails to meet expectations when Alexander Bisley travels from Toronto to New York.

Sadie Whitelocks' legs turn to jelly when a great white grips the side of her cage.

Tourists have been caught up in a deadly shooting at an electronic music festival in Mexico, which left at least five people dead and sparked a stampede.

Audrey Young flies UA1885 across the USA.

A record number of New Zealand students have received early round offers to some of the world's best tertiary institutions, including the Ivy League.

A newborn baby who was kidnapped from a Florida hospital 18 years ago has been found alive and well in South Carolina.

Miller Patane's long lost sister "bawled her eyes out" when she saw her long lost brother's photo in the Herald after he was given food by newlyweds.

You may have thought Auckland house prices were bad, but check out these palatial homes from around the world that fetched huge sums.

Re-enact Ferris Bueller's day off in your very own Ferrari Spyder. All you need is $17 million.

A West Auckland pupil is packing his suitcase to fly out to a prestigious music college.

Donald Trump has taken to Twitter to comment on Meryl Streep's Golden Globes speech.

Police in Orlando, Florida are hunting for a suspected murderer who shot and killed a policewoman on Monday morning.

Grace Packer became a foster child at age 3. At age 14, she suffered a slow and painful death at the hands of those she was meant to trust.

The Pioneer's Cabin Tree was one of Calaveras Big Trees State Park's most popular features for more than 100 years.

A Chicago judge has denied bail for four teens who filmed themselves beating a mentally ill youth, saying she believes they were "a danger to yourself and society".

The Disney hit been nominated for best animated motion picture and best original song for a motion picture.

A week of explosive tweets from the American President-Elect have stoked anxiety, moved markets and altered plans.

Having fun in the Big Apple on a budget? It's easy, writes Shandelle Battersby.

The Florida airport shooting rampage that killed five people, and wounded eight others left a New Zealand traveller terrified.

For the first time in 20 years, Lyle Menendez - who along with his brother killed his parents - has spoken out in a revealing interview with ABC.

WARNING - GRAPHIC PHOTO: A fishing trip almost had a grim ending for a man, who ended up with a spear through his head.

LA pranksters were in high spirits on New Year's Eve, as the Hollywood sign was altered to read "Hollyweed".

Herald photographer Brett Phibbs has been recognised by Newsweek in their annual 'most iconic photos' section.

Wide open spaces, geysers and lofty mountains lend this state's parks unusual grandeur.

Warning: Disturbing content. It's a pretty house with a pretty name. But the recently sold Wisteria Cottage was a chosen killing ground.

An American motoryclist was found dead with his crashed motorbike two days after he left a hotel, and failed to turn up for work the next morning.