VANDALISM on Victoria's rail tracks is rife, with youths deliberately attempting to derail a train so the footage could be put on the internet.

RARE behind-the-scenes footage of screen legend Marilyn Monroe failed to reach its estimated auction price after going under the hammer in Melbourne.

TASMANIANS could die because of ambulance delays and paramedics say there is nothing they can do about it.

TASMANIA'S population has reached a record high and is expected to hit the half million mark soon.

THE Director of Public Prosecutions has found no prospect of conviction in relation to allegations of interference in the appointment of a magistrate and bargaining for public office.

A HOBART woman laced her husband's sandwiches with crushed glass to hurt him and force him to address his drinking problem, a court has heard.

MEN can take heart from new research showing Australian women don't actually want their mate to have bulging biceps or a washboard stomach.

THE share market finished weaker after directionless trading as major traders stood aside on uncertainty over the US government's proposed $US700 billion ($840 billion) financial markets rescue package.

THE share market finished weaker after directionless trading as major traders stood aside on uncertainty over the US government's proposed $US700 billion ($840 billion) financial markets rescue package.

INVESTMENT firm Babcock & Brown (B&B) says it is unaware of rumours in financial markets that it is the target of a bid by a "European interest."

Nufarm today affirmed its earnings guidance for fiscal 2009 after strong demand for chemicals from farmers seeking to take advantage of high crop prices helped the company to a record annual operating profit.

THE RBA has welcomed a $US700 billion plan to bailout Wall St, and says our banks are in much better shape than their US counterparts.

COMMONWEALTH Bank of Australia says it is unable to guarantee matching any further reduction in official interest rates.

NEW Zealand rugby league international Sione Faumuina has been left with a $1000 bill after smashing a mirror at a Brisbane nightspot.

OLYMPIC gold medallist Cathy Freeman will set up a program to fight disadvantage in honour of her brother, whose funeral was held in central Queensland today.

A TEENAGER killed his grandmother during a heated argument that started over dirty clothes and an unmade bed, a Brisbane court has heard.

THIRTY-three public hospital operations have been performed on the wrong patient or body part in only a year, with four of the bungles killing or permanently impairing patients.

A BRISBANE CBD street has been closed after reports of a gas leak in a 24-storey office building, police say.

A SPORTS ground in Queensland's southeast will continue to use a racist term to honour the city's first international rugby league player.

A TEENAGER who murdered his grandmother during a heated argument that started over dirty clothes and an unmade bed has been sentenced to life imprisonment.