Local Time Line

A spending bonanza before the tournament made it look as though the government cares about glitzy showmanship more than its workers. This week their frustration boiled over.

A strong earthquake hit near New Zealand’s second-largest city, Christchurch, early Saturday. Radio New Zealand described the quake as “severe” and reported that power and water services were out across the city. New Zealand – South Island – Christchurch – Oceania – Travel and Tourism

At 84 and having dusted off his military uniform, Fidel Castro on Friday addressed his first political rally since becoming ill and resigning as president in 2006. Fidel Castro – Cuba – United States – Caribbean – Politics

The designer of the original GoldenEye game is concerned that Activision won’t do the franchise justice in its upcoming remake. And he wants the world to know it.

A bomb blast rocked a Shiite rally held to express solidarity with the Palestinian people in Pakistan’s southwestern city of Quetta on Friday, at least 22 .