YouTuber Mr Beast has come out with his own reality TV show called Beast Games.  The show will see one thousand contestants playing to win a grand prize of $5 million.  Entertainment reporter Richard Martin joins the show to discuss this and the new 'Bluey' movie on its way.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Palmerston North Hospital is cutting back on some of its bowel cancer screening procedures, and Health New Zealand is unable to say if this is happening in other regions around the country.  852 patients who are at a high risk of developing cancer are on the waiting list for a colonoscopy in Palmerston North. Professor and Medical advisor at Bowel Cancer New Zealand Frank Frizelle said this will result in people having cancer who otherwise would not.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter Luigi Mangione has been extradited to New York. Earlier this week the 26-year-old faced 11 charges at the state level, but now the FBI and and the US government have levelled federal charges against him.  41% of young voters say the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO was acceptable, according to new research.  The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a month-long ban on drone flights over much of New Jersey after thousands of drones flew over military bases.  International Correspondent Mitch McCan joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A social media blunder by a Labour finance spokesperson stirs controversy, with the finance minister calling it a major oversight. Meanwhile, the government presses on with plans to replace aging Air Force passenger jets, navigating tricky economic waters. Lastly, shifting alliances among the Labour Party, the Greens, and Te Pāti Māori hint at exciting changes on the political horizon. Tune in for insights from Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper!

What everyone hoped would happen has happened: A kiwi has made it to a full time drive with Formula One.  Liam Lawson goes into the Red Bull team alongside big name Max Verstappen.  Auckland FC will play back at home tomorrow.  Weekend Sport host Jason Pine think they are able to keep their winning momentum going, despite a few injuries among the players.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson has been promoted into Red Bull's senior team in Formula One. He'll race alongside Max Verstappen next season after Red Bull parted ways with Sergio Perez.  Founder of the Toyota Racing Series Barrie Thomlinson says Red Bull will have chosen Lawson based on his future talent.  Thomlison says if Lawson performs at a high level, he will likely be the person to replace Max Verstappen.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new study has revealed the amount of steps you take per day could lead to a reduction in depression symptoms. Spanish researchers have debunked the earlier finding that 10,000 steps a day is the optimal amount - and revealed that 7,000 will translate to better mental health outcomes. UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacks the results of the study - and reveals the role step trackers can play in generating positive results. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the US, share prices have slumped after the US Federal Reserve hinted at a slower than expected pace for rate cuts in the new year. The Federal Reserve set its key lending rate in a target range of 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent - down a full percentage point since September. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country's Jamie Mackay has been catching up with politicians and farming experts to discuss their picks for Ag Person of the Year. There's been a diverse range of favourites - but who is Jamie's? He revealed his favourites for 2024, ahead of his final show for the year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was a dire week for the economy - but experts say things can only go up from here. Stats NZ revealed that GDP was down 1 percent in the September quarter, and had been down 1.1 percent the previous quarter. This is the biggest drop since 1991, excluding the Covid-19 lockdowns. Despite the gloomy outlook, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says this will likely be as bad as things get before things pick up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.