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1.  The confusion surrounding the fate of Cambodia's notorious Khmer Rouge leader has deepened even further. Just a day after the confirmation of Pol Pot's arrest by the two co-premiers there is now word that Pol Pot is dead. Second Prime Minister Hun Sen claims to have got the report from Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng, who apparently heard it on Khmer Rouge Radio. But a government general said Pol Pot was still alive, having met him this morning. Earlier, First Prime Minister Norodom Ranariddh said Pol Pot was very sick, and there were no plans to move him to Phnom Penh for now.
2.  Thailand's new Finance Minister Thanong Bidaya says his immediate task is to balance the country's budget and bring Thailand out of the red.
3.  Taiwan has made final preparations for two days of military exercises, one week before China resumes control of Hongkong. The games in Southern Tianan Province and the Taiwan Strait have fuelled controversy with China and the US calling for Taiwan not to hold them. But Taiwan says the exercises have nothing to do with the handover. Reports say President Lee Teng-Hui is expected to make an important policy-statement relating to ties with China at the end of the games.
4.  In eight days, Hong Kong will become a Special Administrative Region under China. Following on the heels of that will be the return on December the 19th 1999, of Macau, which has been in Portuguese hands since 1557. Angela Ee travels to the tiny enclave of 400-thousand people to take-stock of Macau's preparations for its handover.
5.  Leaders from the world's most powerful nations meeting in Denver have called for renewed efforts to develop the economies of African countries. US President Bill Clinton urged the other leaders to undertake initiatives, similar to his own plan announced earlier this week. The US plan would ease poverty in Africa by opening US markets to African products, boosting investment and providing debt-relief. Other topics, raised during the talks, include United Nations reform, the environment and terrorism.
6.  Over in Britain, several people were injured in a suspected car-bomb blast in Belfast. The blast knocked out windows on both sides of the street, and damaged nearby vehicles. No one has claimed responsibility, but the attack has heightened tensions in the city. The incident comes as British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, called on the Irish Republican Army not to delay a ceasefire-truce which is stopping Sinn Fein from being admitted to peace-talks.
7.  Singaporeans are urged not to pin their hopes on large wage-hikes, to cope with higher public transport fares and water rates needed to achieve national goals like water conservation. Instead, the government says it will continue to help the lower-income through special grants and conservancy rebates. Labour Minister Lee Boon Yang stressed this in response to the Public Service's announcement that Civil Servants this year will get a lower wage-rise of just 4.5 percent.
8.  International experts say the root of environmental problems stems from over population. As the world population increases, the ability for world governments to cope with pressing environmental problems becomes more difficult. Our reporter spoke to environmental specialists recently in Singapore for the launching of the 'Asia-Pacific Environmental Law Journal'.
9.  Stepped up raids and investigations have succeeded in reducing the number of counterfeit goods being sold openly. Going by the experience of one luxury goods retailer here. Lau Joon-nie goes on the trail of the counterfeiters to bring you this story.
10. If Internet users are allowed to acquire whatever Web-Site names they want, it may open a Pandora's box, industry-people say. They were responding to the National Computer Board's announcement that domain names will be deregularized.
11. Starting next month, senior citizens, 55 and above will enjoy cinema tickets at a discount. 6 major cinema groups - the Cathay Organisation, Eng Wah Film Organisation, Golden Village, Studio City, United Artists and Shaw Theatres - will offer tickets at half price during weekdays before 5pm. Community Development Minister, Abdullah Tarmugi gave the news at the launch of this year's National Family week.

National Family Week opened at Sentosa where admission is free for Singapore Citizens and permanent residents. By 5 this evening, it attracted more than 55,000 people to the island. Other places of interests, such as the Singapore Discovery Centre, the Jurong Bird Park, and the zoo will also offer special family packages this week. Public talks on family-related issues will also be organized.

12. This year's National Day Parade will feature a musical for the very first time. Reporter Jasmine Tan found out more about the musical 'My Singapore, our Future', to present Singapore's past achievements and future aspirations.
13. Now Soccer. There was little change at the top of the Tiger Beer S-league Table with Tiong Bahru failing to take advantage of SAFFC's free weekend. But bottom club Tampines Rovers lifted itself with an inspiring 2-1 win over fellow stragglers Sembawang Rangers.
14. The final of the Eastbourne women's grasscourt tournament is now being played between Jana Novotna and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario. Sanchez Vicario earned her place in the final after a straight-set win over Brenda Shultz-McCarthy.
15. And finally we leave you with the strains of music at Pasir Ris Park. The four-hour concert 'Music and Harmony in the Park' brings together local 'established bands nad newer names; and proceeds are to go to the'Pasir Ris Community-Club Building Fund.' The concert will be recorded for the production of a CD, to be called 'Pasir Ris Live-Unplugged'.