Miami zoo apologizes for treatment of threatened kiwi bird

MIAMI (AP) — Officials at a South Florida zoo have apologized and promised to end its “Kiwi Encounter” experience after a viral video showed humans petting one of the threatened birds, which are a national symbol for New Zealand. Zoo Miami spokesperson Ron Magill said in a...

New Zealand's central bank raises key interest rate to 5.5% but signals next move will be a cut

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand's central bank raised its benchmark interest rate again Wednesday to 5.5% but signaled its next move would be a cut, sparking a sell-off in the currency. Wednesday's quarter-point rate rise was the 12th straight hike imposed by the Reserve...

US signs new security pact with Papua New Guinea amid competition with China

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (AP) — The United States signed a new security pact with Papua New Guinea on Monday as it competes with China for influence in the Pacific. Papua New Guinea's location just north of Australia makes it strategically significant. It was the site of...

7.7 magnitude earthquake causes small tsunami on South Pacific islands

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A 7.7 magnitude earthquake caused a small tsunami to wash ashore on South Pacific islands Friday. No damage has been reported, and the threat passed in a few hours. Waves 60 centimeters (2 feet) above tide level were measured off Lenakel, a port town...

New Zealand police lower hostel fire death toll to 5; man held in jail on arson charges

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand police on Friday lowered the confirmed death toll from a Wellington hostel fire from six people to five, although they said they still haven't finished searching the dangerous four-story building. And in another development, a man charged...

7.7 magnitude earthquake shakes far Pacific, tsunami threat for Vanuatu, smaller waves for Fiji and New Zealand

Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen gets NASCAR ride for Chicago road race

Three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen will run the Cup Series race on the streets of Chicago in July, becoming the latest acclaimed international driver to venture to NASCAR's top series for Trackhouse Racing. Van Gisbergen takes over in the No. 91 Chevrolet from former...

New Zealand police arrest, charge man in connection with hostel fire that killed at least 6

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand police said Thursday they had arrested a man and charged him with two counts of arson in connection with the fire at a Wellington hostel that killed at least six people. Police said the investigation is ongoing and they could file more...

New Zealand police arrest, charge man with arson in connection with hostel fire that killed at least 6

FIFA's Infantino optimistic about Women's World Cup TV deals in Europe

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Although the clock is rapidly dwindling, FIFA President Gianni Infantino seems slightly more optimistic about reaching what he sees as an acceptable deal for the broadcast rights to the upcoming Women's World Cup in five key European countries. While Infantino...