1The Islamic group which kidnapped four professors from Beirut last week has threatened to kill all four hostages unless Israel releases 400 Palestinians from Israeli prisons within the next week. Americans have been ordered to leave Lebanon by the United States State Department. Meanwhile, fears continue for the safety of British hostage negotiator Terry Waite, who has been missing for twelve days.

2Both Iran and Iraq are claiming success in the latest Gulf War battle. The war is taking a huge toll on both sides and deeply affecting the way people live in both countries. In Iran, however, not all share the hardships the fighting and the strict regime have brought to most Iranians.

3The wife of jailed Irish Republican leader Dominic McGlinchey (aka "Mad Dog McGlinchey") has been shot dead while bathing her two children. Her death is thought to be linked to an internal feud within the extremist group, the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA).

4Philippines President Corazon Aquino is taking a hardline approach to her opposition as the country prepares for tomorrow's referendum on a new Constitution.

5Norwegian explorer Monica Christensen has abandoned her attempt to reach the South Pole by foot.

6Ansett New Zealand has begun a daily service between Christchurch and Auckland this evening, using a Newmans Air aircraft.

7The Government's use of advertising to promote social policies has been extended to fight unemployment. Full page newspaper advertisements are asking unskilled unemployed people to phone in and receive information about how to change their situation.

8Organisers decided to keep the media out for the bulk of the closing ceremony for the Dunedin stage of the Te Maori Exhibition.

9The extremely rare Spotted Kiwi pair at the Otorohanga Kiwi House are struggling to reproduce.