Thousands of protesters rallied in cities across America demanding that President Obama tackle immigration reform immediately.

The burqa is getting all the attention in the debate over Muslims in France. But another controversial tradition among some immigrants is less noticed and far more widespread.

Police were called to SkyCity casino yesterday after a child was found abandoned while his grandparents played bingo.

Some 'doulas' - women who provide personal support during childbirth are now also offering their services during abortions, writes Dita De Boni.

The Govt has cancelled pumping $430m into superannuation, tax credits and benefits that would have, in effect, been compensation for higher tobacco taxes.

Elton John says he's been sober for 20 years, since shortly after the death of an Indiana teen with Aids who the musician credits with inspiring him to turn his life around.

A law expert says Waitakere City Council is wrong to think it cannot help a school that wants a nearby brothel removed.

Australia is poised to introduce the world's harshest anti-smoking laws, with tobacco companies forced to sell cigarettes in plain packets resembling prescription drug packs.

Gus and Irene Fisher have won the fifth annual Arts Foundation award for patronage.

An opponent of raising the drinking age says if John Key was 18 right now, he would be unlikely to support it.

A school chairman calls for Waitakere City to step in after learning Rodney has a bylaw stopping a brothel opening near a school.

The owner of a brothel opposite a school says people should be more worried about children watching violent TV than his business.

Victoria is attracting immigrants in record numbers and building new homes at twice the rate of NSW.

Matthew Newton, who played Terry 'Mr Asia' Clark in the second series of Underbelly, has been admitted to a private hospital.

A mother died four days after her claim for ACC-funded counselling for sex abuse was rejected.

Hollywood, aromatic with the scent of gorgeous and available young women, still remains a sexualised and sexist ecosystem.

Australia's Opposition Leader says cutting the dole for people under 30 would reduce the need for skilled migrants to staff mines.