1Dennis Connor's Stars and Stripes is currently slightly ahead of New Zealand yacht KZ7 in the first leg of the latest race in the America's Cup Challenge final.

2The Contract Work Scheme, a work scheme established to help gang members, has been suspended by the Government. The Labour Department has been told not to accept any further contracts for the scheme until a review has been completed. However, some worry that abolishing the scheme could result in an upsurge of gangs and crime.

3New Zealand's balance of payments worsened in November 1986, in spite of predictions that the situation would improve.

4The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) and National Bank have both increased their interest rates today.

5France has made a $15 low-interest loan to the Cook Islands to help them recover from Cyclone Sally. Cook Islands Prime Minister Sir Tom Davis says the loan is without strings and will not influence the Cook islands' opposition to Fre4nch nuclear testing in the Pacific.

6Baghdad was hit by an Iranian surface-to-surface missile today, the second rocket site within 24 hours. It also appears likely that the latest Iranian offensive may have secured them a vital foothold near the southern Iraqi port city of Basra.

7Seventy-seven people have died in the Soviet Union, and millions throughout Europe continue to battle one of the coldest winter s in history.

8New Zealand's last Scott Base huskies have been rehomed in Minnesota to provide breeding stock for an outdoor centre.

9Buckingham Palace announced today that Prince Edward has resigned from the Royal marines and is unlikely to take up an alternative military career.

10Veteran newsreader Philip Sherry has resigned from Television New Zealand (TVNZ) and will move to Radio New Zealand (RNZ) where he will read the morning news on 1ZB. A tribute to Sherry's long broadcasting career.