Two interesting stories on the hostage situation in the Philippines are "Negotiator enters lair of kidnappers" at
http://www.philstar.com/philstar/index.htm
and "One of Sayyaf hostages a Cebuana" ; interesting comments of the mother of one of the hostages; while hoping for a delay by the military she is not opposed to their ultimate if need be intervention.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/top.2002/08/27/index.php3
Other news
Over the weekend some 6,000 Jws held a convention in Africa. "Zimbabwe: 6,000 Jehovah's Witnesses Expected in Chitungwiza." You will need to scroll down to find.
http://allafrica.com/religion/
Humorous article entitled "The true or ridiculously false story about nudists in Pequea." You will need to scroll down for that one as well. There is a mention of Jehovah's Witnesses.