American families are certainly being put through the wringer this week. After the epic revelations of August: Osage County, we have this new 105-minute play by Neil LaBute about psychologically damaged siblings. But, for all its intensity, it feels too much like a piece of confessional theatre in which the playhouse becomes the equivalent of the analyst's couch. LaBute confronts us with ...

3rd annual chili cook-off at Sts. Peter and Paul on Dec. 7 (County Press)

NORTH BRANCH -- Families and individuals in need are expected to be the beneficiaries from the third annual chili cook-off contest slated for noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 6645 Washington St. in North Branch.

Top marks for review of teacher scheme (Wairarapa Times-Age)

A $400,000 development scheme for primary and intermediate teachers is set to roll on in Masterton after scoring a triumphant review.

Golden Gate Estates home destroyed in fire Sunday (Collier Citizen)

A stilt home on 10th Avenue Southeast was destroyed in a fire Sunday afternoon.

Ministers look to widen role of post offices (Guardian Unlimited)

Ministers are to hold a series of meetings with Labour and Tory backbenchers to discuss what extra services the Post Office network could provide, including helping credit unions, dealing with payment of energy bills and the provision of identity-card services. They are also expected to dust down a Cabinet Office report into potential future services for the Post Office. The move follows ...