1Police are preparing search warrants on the media in an effort to seize the material relating to the "teapot tapes".

2Act leader Don Brash says it is possible his leadership was discussed over a cup of tea between PM John Key and Act's Epsom candidate John Banks.

3The Greens want to hold an independent inquiry into the grounding of the Rena off the Bay of Plenty coast.

4Salvers say removing containers off the damaged Rena is a slow and dangerous process.

5Other news.

6US President Barack Obama will address the Australian Parliament after announcing a strengthening of US and Australian military ties.

7Syrian army defectors have attacked a military base near Damascus.

8Italy's new PM has formed a new Coalition Government which will try to save Italy from financial disaster.

9Russian PM Vladimir Putin has said Russia is willing to help Europe avoid financial ruin as a result of the Eurozone debt crisis.

10Other news.