Checkpoint

Home favourite Coco Gauff and world number two Elena Rybakina have sailed into the US Open quarter-finals, while an underdog has pulled off another huge upset in the women's draw. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.

Is it time to ditch postal voting? It's a question prompted by allegations of wide spread ballot paper theft and fraudulent voting in the South Auckland suburb of Manurewa. It alleged bundles of voting papers were stolen from letter boxes during last years local body elections, and the votes cast by someone else. University of Otago Professor of Law, Andrew Geddis spoke to Lisa Owen.

Europe correspondent, Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about Germany's far-right 'Alternative for Deutschland' party heading for major victory, as well as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage fronting up after the latest allegations about his party's finances.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

FIFA president, Gianni Infantino remains committed to standing for re-election next year amid renewed opposition to his candidacy. Infantino, who had previously announced that he would seek a fourth term, has doubled down, with FIFA releasing a statement saying nothing has changed despite recent fallout. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

Thousands of skilled regional jobs are at risk, unless the government puts a stop to cheap aluminium imports flooding into the country, according to an industry group. Aluminium extrusions are shaped components that can be used in windows, door frames and thousands of other construction and everyday times. The local industry say there's been nearly a 40% increase in low cost imports in the past year, and MBIE launched an investigation in May. Chair of the Aluminium Extruders Association, Nick Collins spoke to Lisa Owen.

"We are in a healthcare crisis". That's the message from overworked Plunket nurses who are facing an unprecedented workload amid the surge in winter illnesses. Now they're calling on Winston Peters to make good on the Coalition Agreement between New Zealand First and National to adequately fund Whanau Awhina Plunket. The government, though, says funding has increased over the past couple of years. Bella Craig reports.

Spending more money on medicines would pay for itself and strengthen the economy, according to a new report comissioned by Business New Zealand. Currently 5 percent of Aotearoa's health spending goes on pharmaceuticals, compared to an OECD average of just over 13 percent. Business NZ's director of advocacy, Catherine Beard spoke to Lisa Owen.

A leopard seal that came ashore on Petone Beach in Wellington over the weekend has drawn crowds of excited spectators. But, despite advice from the Department of Conservation to give it space, some people decided to taunt the animal. Sammy Carter reports.

New Zealand could outlaw social media for under 16's if National has its way, so nine months in, how is the ban working in Australia? Two weeks ago Christopher Luxon announced plans for a ban, despite coalition partners ACT and New Zealand First opposing the bill. University of Melbourne Professor, Jo Robinson is a world leading expert in suicide prevention, and spoke to Lisa Owen.