Checkpoint

A New Zealand born man who has lived in America for more than half his life and even served in the US Marine Corps now faces deportation from the country. Paul Canton was a Marine for seven years and has built a life for himself in Florida, where his children have grown up. But a judge has denied his bid to stay, and he was born in a decade that automatically means he has birthright citizenship here. Amy Williams filed this report.

Rural families worried about whether their children are still eligible for government-funded buses to school can for now breathe a sigh of relief. The Ministry of Education has confirmed it's pushed pause on reviews into compliance with rules such as attending the closest high school. It's a welcome decision for regions where changes were due to soon take hold but has left those already affected feeling frustrated. Jimmy Ellingham reports

The long-anticipated decision on the future of Twenty20 cricket in New Zealand still appears to be a way off. Speculation had been mounting that Monday was "D-Day" for New Zealand Cricket. The board had been expected to decide whether to back the proposed NZ-20 franchise competition, or pursue a plan to enter a New Zealand team in Australia's Big Bash League. However it appears the decision has been deferred - extending a process that has already exposed deep divisions within the sport. Sports editor Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

Nelson Rugby football club is scrapping registration fees for under 18's in a bid to entice more young players into the game. Subs are normally $100 for the young players adding up to $8000 a year. But the club was able to convert the fees free idea into reality thanks to a sponsor. Nelson Rugby Football Club committee and life member, Quentin Harwood spoke to Lisa Owen.

Americas correspondent Katie Silver spoke to Lisa Owen about US President Donald Trump levelling threats at Cuba. Secretary of state Marco Rubio says the Cuban economy "doesn't work" and has called for a change of leadership. All of this comes as the country grapples with a deepening fuel and energy crisis, made worse by a US oil blockade.

Is the price of beer too much to bear? The Brewers Guild and Hospitality New Zealand reckons so; they're calling on the government to halve the tax on draught beer to encourage people back into pubs and keep struggling businesses going. Breweries say they're under pressure from rising production, and compliance costs and excise tax is adding to the burden. Brian Watson, Chair of the Brewers Guild, and owner of Good George Brewing spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about Australians being warned to expect tough times ahead as a result of the economic impact of the war in the Middle East -- and the prospect of interest rates being on their way up.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen about the latest in T20 cricket double header between New Zealand and South Africa in Hamilton.

A petrol bill that's tripled to over $300 a week, and that's before the latest price hikes at the pumps. That's the reality for a mother who has to make an hour-long trip twice a day to drop her teen at school, because he's no longer eligible for a government-funded bus. The Ministry of Education says it's reviewing routes around the country to make sure they comply with its rules, such as students going to their nearest school. But Checkpoint has learned that changes due to begin in the Gisborne area at the start of Term 2 next month will no longer happen. Jimmy Ellingham reports.