Checkpoint

Local business, community, and medical leaders are reacting positively to the announcement of a new medical school at the University of Waikato. The government announced yesterday it will fund 82.5 million dollars towards the school, with the university paying the remaining 150 million, backed by philanthropists. Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports.

New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker has said he is only interested in serious fights and won't entertain a bout against an influencer turned fighter. Parker is being touted as a potential opponent for heavyweight boxing's undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk - a fight that Parker's manager believes would be a test for the New Zealander, but one he would be up for. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

It is considered the Oscars of the Board Game world, or the Spiel de Jahres and New Zealand has taken home one of the top prizes. Kiwis Carl de Visser and Jarratt Gray won the Expert Game Award for their game called Endeavor Deep Sea. The game has been a couple of years in the making and sees players representing an institute of oceanographers doing research and conservation work. Carl de Visser spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

United State correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about a number of developments concerning Donald Trump's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, as well as the number of people reported missing after the Texas floods droppping significantly.

According to leaked documents, managers in the ministry of education were considering using AI to help them craft the new school curriculum. Apparently it is becoming more common, with people using artificial intelligence more and more to do the work we find tricky or to make it better. So how much are we using it and what are the risks? Director of Research Strategy for Maxim Institute Paul Henderson spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

United Kingdom correspondent Edward O'Driscoll spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about the England women's football team who called in police after one of its stars revealed she'd been targeted by racist abuse, as well as the World Snail Racing Championship which was held in Norfolk over the weekend.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Netball New Zealand has announced that the Silver Ferns eligibility criteria will be relaxed. That means star shooter Grace Nweke might be able to play for the Silver Ferns later this year, despite playing in Australia. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

YMCA North staff who work in the Auckland accomodation team have said they are scared of losing their jobs, worry about their mental health deteriorating and safety being compromised if a proposed restructure goes ahead. The frontline accomodation staff at the Y's Pitt Street hostel and it's City Lodge had until tomorrow afternoon to give feedback on a restructure proposal. If the proposal goes ahead, workers called Guest Service Agents who have been working both across day and night shifts will only be able to work either in a day or night role. Staff question how the proposal fits with the YMCA's key values. Reporter Bella Craig spoke with two of the workers.

Two popular regional flights in the South Island are on the chopping block due to what is has been described as 'out of control' costs. Sounds Air will soon can its flights from Blenheim to Christchurch and Christchurch to Wanaka. It comes after the airline cancelled its services from Wellington to Taupo and Wellington to Westport last December, and sold an aircraft. It has been seen as not just a blow to hopes of boosting tourism but also for healthcare and those needing treatment at Christchurch Hospital. Tess Brunton reports.