1The United States sharemarket plunged today amid panic selling triggered by word that a deal involving United Airlines had collapsed due to lack of finance. It is expected New Zealand will feel some impact when the markets reopen on Monday.

2There has been surprisingly high voter turnout in the local body elections. Results will begin to filter through shortly.

3There has been another alleged kidnapping of Christchurch teenager Kelly Skinley by Kevin Jarden - the convicted serial rapist who has abducted her on three previous occasions.

4Talks between employers and harbour workers are unlikely to resume until Monday over manning of the country's container ports, which are currently sitting idle into a third week.

5South African police used tear gas to disperse well wishers outside the home of Black Nationalist leader Walter Sisulu, who, along with seven other activists, is about to be released from prison after 25 years.

6King Country farmer Arthur Cowan, who devoted much of his life to fighting to preserve large tracts of bush, has been awarded the prestigious Loder Cup for Conservation.

7Apprehensive Chatham Islanders want to know what the Government has in store for them over the next few years following a Government Review suggesting they be given more control over the Islands' economic affairs.

8Thousands of people in the Soviet Union are tuning in to a new national craze, television faith healing by psychic healers.