Nine To Noon

Danielle says candidates are shunning debates this year: It was once a given that candidates, especially those seeking statewide office in a midterm election year - would face off with their main opponent for three or more one-on-one debates, so voters could see them side by side and hear them answer questions and explain their positions on the issues. But she says many candidates are skipping the debate ritual all together. In Nevada and Missouri, it appears likely there will be no debates between major party Senate nominees. And the House GOP has unveiled a roadmap for if they win in November: The "Commitment to America" includes four broad pillars focusing on the economy, safety, individual freedom and government accountability. Danielle Kurtzleben is a political correspondent assigned to NPR's Washington Desk

University of Canterbury epidemiolgist Associate Professor Arindam Basu says it's crucial to combine disease surveillance and climate modelling to pre-empt future pandemics. In the last three years the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared two public health emergencies of international concern: COVID-19 and monkeypox. Dr Basu says these are not separate issues The spread of disease from animals to humans is on the rise with the increasing destruction of natural habitats from global warming, more international travel and a sharp rise in wildlife trade. Dr Basu says this makes for a perfect storm of transmission and as long as surveillance systems depend on diseases that have already emerged, we run the risk of more frequent pandemics.

The political temperature in Russia is rising after President Putin's mobilisation decree. Last week, he announced that 300,000 reservists would be called up to boost Russia's war in Ukraine. Media reports say people with no military experience - or who are too old or disabled - are being called up. There is growing public opposition to the draft with thousands of Russian men leaving the country to avoid being sent to war, and sporadic protests particularly in Moscow and St Petersburg. Meanwhile the United States has warned Russia of "catastrophic consequences" if nuclear weapons are used. Andrew Roth is the Guardian's Moscow correspondent - he's been in Russia's capital for a decade, previously reporting for The Washington Post. He says this is "the most dangerous moment in Putin's 22 years in power".

Our comedians Michele A'Court and Pinky Agnew bring some levity the end of the week

Sam covers off the unique Eden Park triple header with the All Blacks, Black Ferns and All Whites all playing at the venue inside 2 days, plus the mayhem that has been the Silver Ferns/Jamaica series.

Cynthia Morahan reviews The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté, published by Penguin Random House

Research shows exercise has a positive impact on mood and mental health. Professor of Kinesiology (the study of movement) at Indiana University, Jack Raglin recommends making exercise part of our lifestyle and everyday activities to improve mood almost immediately. He offers hacks like going to bed in gym clothes to make sure you get up and at it when the resolve is fading on cold mornings. The benefits? Jack's research shows cardio exercise can reduce anxiety. You'll feel better, less stressed and more relaxed, whether you exercise alone or in a class, or just dance around the room for three minutes everyday.

Of the leaders from 12 Pacific Island countries in the line up to speak at the UN General Assembly in New York, the Marshall Islands' President David Kabua has not pulled any punches., Sāmoa is limiting the RSE worker intake for New Zealand, and Fiji's  military camp to become Pacific disaster response hub and prepositioning depot for humanitarian aid.

A medical bassinet designed for modern postpartum care, a personal skin cancer detection system and pet friendly anaethetic masks are three award winning product designs by my next guests who are Massey University students. They've been successful in the the James Dyson NZ Awards - which celebrate and encourage the next generation of design engineers, to create products that solve problems and work better. Sarah Lakomy was the National Winner with Hatch the bassinet designed to reduce the physical demands on new mums with limited mobility and pain after childbirth. Runner-up Thomas Mackisack's SPOT CHECK combines advanced camera hardware with artificial intelligence to catch melanoma early. Jillian Miller was also runner-up for her series of different pet-sized anaesthesia to prevent waste gas leaks at vet clinics.

The Covid pandemic caused huge disruptions in the global supply chain - with businesses struggling to import goods and get products offshore. Now that our borders have reopened and Covid restrictions relaxed, what is the situation? The Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation says sky-high shipping rates are coming down - meaning it's slightly cheaper to get products here and away again. But as consumers tighten their belts, shipping lines may begin to come here less frequently. Kathryn speaks with Rachel Madden, President of the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation, and manager at First Global Logistics Limited; and Simon Dedman, Federation council member and Managing Director at Kuehne+Nagel, one of New Zealand's largest freight forwarders.