1Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer has lashed out at the Reserve bank today, claiming they are putting pressure on banks to raise mortgage interest rates.

2A Picton yachtsman is recovering in hospital tonight following a dramatic rescue operation off the coast of Taranaki in atrocious weather conditions.

3Christchurch police say a convicted murderer, who escaped from Paparoa Prison tonight, is dangerous and should not be approached.

4There is uncertainty over the bid by Fletcher Challenge to buy Telecom. Cabinet will not change the rules to allow Fletchers to have a late look at the books as part of due diligence, but Fletchers say they are still in the contest for Telecom.

5The Government is promising to introduce a new law that would require all MPs to declare any financial interests they have, not just Cabinet Ministers.

6In a few hours, Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev will meet with leaders of the Baltic States to try to resolve tensions over their independence demands. Earlier this evening he addressed the Supreme Soviet and tried to persuade them to accept reform towards market economics, even if it meant high inflation.

7With polls now showing National increasing its already huge lead over the Labour Government, Opposition leader Jim Bolger looks increasingly likely to become New Zealand's next Prime Minister. Today he has been in Hawkes Bay, campaigning in three marginal seats.

8Fire fighters are struggling to prevent a major environmental disaster off the coast of Texas, following a series of explosions and fire on a Norwegian oil tanker.

9Admiral John Poindexter has been jailed for six months for his role in the Iran Contra affair.

10The United States Supreme Court today overturned a law passed last year making flag burning a crime, saying it violated the Constitutional right to freedom of expression. Congress now has to decide whether to abandon efforts to protect the Stars and Stripes against flag burners, or take the unusual step of amending the Constitution.

11How are maternity services managing now that St Helens Hospital has closed?

12The summer blockbuster season has begun in the United States, but the staggering costs associated with Hollywood movies are becoming as fantastical as the films themselves.