How did a single media inquiry stop a multi-million-dollar health programme for prisons? Also: political parties competing for media attention on their election policies - and politicians talking s*** - literally - and an unexpected local story from startling 'spycops' revelations in the UK.

Former market analyst and RNZ business reporter Jeffrey Halley joins Jim to discuss Korea's worst share market crash in history, and the slump in Australia's property market.

Former Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall is with us with a curly question for today's quiz.

Professor André Spicer joins Jim to discuss headlines in the UK including the by-election capturing attention because of its controversial and novelty candidates.

This morning's top stories and other headlines

A wrap of the day's big stories

Coming up on Tagata o te Moana: Australia overtakes China as Pacific's biggest aid donor. We ask what are the issues facing Cook Islands voters? And a new documentary about rugby icon Jonah Lomu premieres. But first, Kiwi climbers stranded on a Solomon Islands mountain are rescued. All that and more stories from the week at RNZ Pacific.

All the top stories and other headlines from the day

The top stories and other headlines at midday

Made outside of traditional funding structures, 'Uncle' is a true number 8 wire story. The debut feature from Ryan Alexander-Lloyd was realised with the support of friends, whanau and community. The film follows a man who unexpectedly becomes the caregiver for his best friend's young son after an accident. It aims to platform a side to Maori men that isn't often portrayed on screen. At the heart of the film is the screen debut from three-year-old RJ Lloyd (the director's son), who had no idea a film was being made, let alone that he was in one. Uncle is currently screening as part of the NZIFF. Writer and director Ryan Alexander-Lloyd and lead actor Rihari Te Are speak with Kate and Mihi.