Checkpoint

Two Northlanders are set to take part in the world's longest and arguably most grueling paddling race, the Yukon 1000. Named for the 1000 miles or 1600 kilometres the teams paddle it will take the pair through Canada into Alaska, traversing bear and wildfire country and freezing glacier fed waters. They will have to paddle about 18 hours a day to complete the journey inside the 9 day cut off and be totally self sufficent, carrying everything they need on the kayak. The paddling pair, Calvin Ball and Ryan Baxter spoke to Lisa Owen.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about the death toll from devastating floods that tore through Texa, which continues to rise. Authorities are pushing on with urgent search efforts for almost 200 people who are still missing but hopes of finding any survivors are starting to fade.

Fast food ads on bus shelters are a recipe for harming our children and should be banned according to a junk food marketing expert. Researchers from Auckland and Waikato University reviewed 172 ads on bus shelters near Auckland schools. They found all but one billboard showed supersized portions that exceed what's deemed a heathy serving for children. Lead Researcher Victoria Egli says the ads normalise overeating in children and should be banned in public places. She spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Grace Thomas spoke to Lisa Owen about the second day of French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the UK, as well as Greg Wallace, the face of Masterchef UK for 20 years, who has been sacked after dozens of people came about alleged misconduct

Is New Zealand getting short changed when it comes to big music concerts? Venue operators and promoters say that attracting the biggest artists to these shores is proving difficult. There was Taylor Swift last year, but since then several prominent acts have excluded New Zealand, despite booking Australian shows. And now there are calls now for the government to step in to help lure these artists back with financial incentives. Adam Burns reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The Central Stags will become the first New Zealand team to compete in the Global Super League when they touch down in Guyana this week. The second edition of the T20 cricket tournament brings together five top domestic teams from around the world to compete for a share of a US $1 million prize pool. This will be the first time the Stags have played overseas in 15 years. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

The number of business going belly up are in record numbers. In the six months to the end of June there been 594 applications to wind up businesses that owe money that's a six year high. IRD enforced liquidations made up more than 70% of applications last month. For the past two years IRD insolvency applications have outstripped all other creditors combined as the Department applies more pressure for failing businesses to cough up tax debts. Partner at specialist insolvency firm McDonald Vague Keaton Pronk spoke to Lisa Owen.

The leader of a union representing junior doctors has said she is dreading the day when a hospital worker's killed at work. Since a staff member was held up at gunpoint outside Palmerston North Hospital in April, Checkpoint has heard from many health workers who don't feel safe on the job. Health NZ has said it is continuously improving security and taking on feedback. But unions said the problem is still a big one and one even wants to see security guards with beefed up powers. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

Morningside's Kind cafe is shutting up shop after 7 years . The owner said it has been going backwards in the face of rapidly rising cost, including rent, changes in spending habits and staff leaving New Zealand for opportunities in Australia. The cafe started as mainly vegan, but last year introduced meat to the menu in a bid to stay afloat. But it has now been placed in voluntary liquidation. Kind cafe co-owner Nigel Cottle spoke to Lisa Owen.