Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

US President Joe Biden's expected to dominate the first day of the Democratic National Convention.   It starts in Chicago today and is where Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Governor Tim Walz will accept their presidential and vice presidential nominations.  Biden's expected to give an address and make a symbolic handover to Harris.  FSN Correspondent Simon Marks told Ryan Bridge they're getting the uncomfortable bits out of the way on the first day.   He says President Biden will be the main speaker, alongside First Lady Jill Biden and former First Lady, Hillary Clinton.  Harris will be looking to ride her wave of momentum into the convention.  She currently has a six-point lead over Donald Trump in the latest Fox News poll, Marks saying that Harris will be wanting the convention to go flawlessly over the next few days.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered what the funniest joke in the world is?  Well, I can tell you because the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has declared the funniest joke.  It's a ship gag, a gag about a ship, as in like a vessel that goes in the ocean. To be honest, it's not that funny and maybe I'm just getting older and mingy about life.  I don't know, maybe I don't find things as funny anymore.  Have you tried to find a funny movie lately? Have you managed to find one?  No, because they don't make them anymore and they certainly don't make jokes that are actually funny at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  And I should preface this by saying that, look, I'm not funny. So, you know, it is a hard thing to do. I get it.  But I just wonder whether we're not being a little too safe with our comedy. Something Jerry Seinfeld spoke about when he was in New Zealand recently, people can't push the boundaries anymore.  Let me just read you a few in the top 10 funniest jokes at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  And actually, you can try and guess

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 20th August 2024, it's day one of the Democratic National Convention. We cross live to Chicago to get an insight into what’s going down.  Crime numbers are down in our biggest city, but are businesses on the ground actually seeing any difference? Heart of the City's Viv Beck speaks to Ryan.  St John ambulance workers are on their first day of a withdrawal of labour strike - what does it mean for people needing emergency assistance? Mark Quin from the New Zealand Ambulance Association joins the show to explain.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASB's quarterly report reveals economic pressure and inflation showing signs of easing. We're seeing early signs of a turnaround for the economy... ASB's quarterly forecast shows signs inflation will fall below 3% over the second half of this year and remain well contained beyond 2024. They're also expecting GDP to remain flat-to-down over the rest of the year. ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge even though mortgage rates have started to come down, for some, it'll take time until they see a change in their pay packet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outrage at the weekend over the Human Rights Commission.  The Chief Human Rights Commissioner has been announced as Dr Steven Rainbow and he was once accused of being transphobic or anti trans.  And it's one of those terms that can quickly change the tone or the perception of an article that you're reading.  I remember this from the university college campus protests over in the States.  You would read the CNN copy on the story and it would say they were pro Palestinian protesters, then you would read the Fox News version and it would say they're anti-Israel.  Who decides what you are? If you're pro one thing, does it automatically make you anti the other?  Women's rights campaigners, and this was the point that I think was being made about Dr Steven Rainbow, the women's rights campaigners, do they hate or are they anti trans people, or are they just pro women's rights as they would claim that they are?  And equally just because you want a ceasefire in Gaza, it doesn't mean you're anti Semitic, does it?  Ther

Details of the government's $1.3 billion dollar road policing investment programme have been revealed. It includes new targets for roadside breath and drug tests. Police are expected to carry out 3.3 million breath tests per year. 65% of those have to be done in high risk areas or during high risk times. $72 million of the funding will be put aside as a performance incentive. Police won't receive the money unless they meet the targets. Police Association President Chris Cahill told Ryan Bridge police currently have a target of around 3 million, which they've only hit twice in the last 10 years.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 19th August 2024. New cash for police, but they have to meet targets for roadside breath and alcohol tests - are the targets achievable? Police Association President Chris Cahill joins Ryan.  ASB say economic relief is on the way. Chief Economist Nick Tufley has the latest from their quarterly report.  The All Blacks have recovered from their loss against Argentina a week ago and the America's cup starts in Barcelona this week. Adam Cooper has your weekend sport wrap.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will the All Blacks redeem themselves after last week’s loss?  This Saturday they’ll be facing Argentina in a rematch at Eden Park, a week on from losing to 30-38 in Wellington.  Scott Robertson has made some major changes to the Kiwi side, including the return of former captain Sam Cane.  Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith told Ryan Bridge the All Blacks need to bounce back, which they traditionally do when they lose to Argentina.   He said that it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to happen tomorrow night, but you would hope there’s some form of response from the All Blacks after last week.  Smith said that last week seems to be a bit of a reality check for Robertson.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

501s will be the hot button topic in Christopher Luxon's meeting in Canberra today with the Australian Prime Minister.  Anthony Albanese's government has pulled a recent u-turn on the common-sense approach he'd agreed to with former Prime Minister Jacinda Arden in 2022.   Australia is no longer considering a person's ties to the country before deporting them, making the safety of Australians the top priority.  Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller told Ryan Bridge Luxon's comments in Sydney yesterday hinted he wasn't expecting to make much headway.   He says Luxon had said they would agree to disagree on the issue - but he'd continue to voice New Zealand's displeasure.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim Dotcom could have his fate sealed by early next year.   The tech mogul may soon find himself on trial in the US after Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed he'd signed his extradition.   Former Auckland University Professor of Law Bill Hodge told Ryan Bridge Dotcom's penultimate step is a judicial review, but he can't precisely predict how long this would take.   He says if it's a typical judicial review, it could ideally be done within six months, and wonders if the court will expedite it.  Hodge says his Kiwi family may be his strongest defence.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a reason politicians can't agree on much of anything.  Luxon is in Australia at the moment, he's on an infrastructure whistle stop tour.  The question - why are we so bad, and the Aussies seemingly so much better at it?  There are many reasons like public, private partnerships and user pays. In New South Wales, they've used asset sales to fund this stuff, but it's also crucially bipartisan agreement on what to build.  Luxon says that the Nats and Labour need consensus on what projects will get cash.  "The challenge in New Zealand is you get a change in political cycle or economic cycle, and you get on off, on off, on off and nothing's happening."  So the construction industry, they need to know the pipeline of work that's in front of them or it's not going to be viable. You know, the roads of national significance they were on and then they're off, and they're on and then they're off.  And another example was Energy Resources Aotearoa on this show calling for bipartisan Agreement on Oil and gas explor

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday the 16th of August, Kim Dotcom's extradition order has been signed by the Justice Minister, can he fight it? Former law professor Bill Hodge joins the show to give his thoughts.  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is meeting with his Australian counterpart today. Geoffrey Miller talks to Ryan about what could be on the agenda.  Is it redemption time for the All Blacks? They face Argentina in Auckland on Saturday, a week on from their shock loss in Wellington. Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith speaks to Ryan ahead of the game.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kamala swing continues. New polling out today shows Harris is leading slightly or tied in six of the seven swing states. Back in May, Former President Donald Trump was leading in almost all swing states. US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge it illustrates just how much this race has changed.  He says Trump is trying to take back the narrative.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a chance your home-reno could keep you from selling your house.  A couple in the UK was recently unable to sell their home after installing spray foam insulation.  The way the foam is installed and how much ventilation it has could cause damage to roofing timber, particularly in colder climates, and New Zealand installers have to produce a statement saying the work complies with the building code.  Healthy Homes Cooperation Director Damian McGill told Ryan Bridge that there’s nothing wrong with spray foam per se, and it can be a great product when used correctly.  But he said that when you add retrofit insultation, you have to improve the ventilation as well, otherwise there’s a risk moisture could build up in the cavities.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions remain over how blocks of methamphetamine in lolly wrappers made their way to the Auckland City Mission.   The mission distributed the Rinda pineapple lollies in food parcels over several weeks.   The hand-outs could affect up to 400 people, and at least three people, including a child and teenager, have received medical treatment.   Drug Detection Agency chief executive Glenn Dobson told Ryan Bridge a lot of techniques are used to smuggle methamphetamine.   He says it's often suspended in liquids or pill form - disguised as lollies isn't unknown but isn't overly common.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis won't be drawn on the Reserve Bank's sudden change of tune on the Official Cash Rate.  It's lowered the rate to 5.25% due to further signs of falling inflation.  Economist Brad Olsen says the central bank needs to take accountability for radically changing its forecast without a radical change in circumstances.  Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge it isn't appropriate for her to get involved in the debate.  She says the economy has slowed down and seeing interest rates come down is logical, but this is ultimately an independent decision for the Reserve Bank.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've got to ask yourself who's running the show. There's been another example of bureaucracy seemingly undermining the government on its cost cutting plan which, remember, from outset they said wouldn't impact the front line.  A Health New Zealand manager has done a PowerPoint to 90 staff about upcoming changes, and they indicated that jobs could be cut including 470 doctors and 1400 nurses.  Who on earth thought that was okay?  Did they do it on purpose? Is it a middle finger to the government and to the Commissioner Lester Levy?  The truth is we don't really know at this point, Levy asks is this reluctance, is this resistance, or is this sabotage?  Fair question. He's promising consequences. It's totally unacceptable, but it's not an isolated incident.  Oranga Tamariki is another agency cutting funding left, right, and centre to services.  The stories get in the press and then there's a back down.  And we've had public service leaking against the government, loads of examples. At least six major leaks tha

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday the 15th of August, the Reserve Bank has cut New Zealand's Official Cash Rate. Ryan gets the thoughts of Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  Spray foam insulation - could it installing it incorrectly prevent you from selling your house?  Meth has been found in lollies given out by the Auckland City Mission - Glenn Dobson from the Drug Detection Agency talks to Ryan about where it could have come from.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A thirteen-year-old girl has pleaded guilty to threatening unlawful violence during a protest in the UK.  The event took place during a week of unrest over asylum seekers and illegal migrants, and follows two twelve-year-old boys pleading guilty to other offences in a similar riot.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge the girl was among a crowd gathered outside a hotel used to house asylum seekers, and was seen punching and kicking at the entrance of the hotel.  He said that a police officer was injured when disorder broke out at the demonstration, and there was roughly 200 protestors there.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s an important call today for the Reserve Bank as they decide whether to drop the Official Cash Rate.   Bank economists are divided, Westpac, ANZ and Kiwibank anticipate the Reserve Bank to hold the OCR at 5.5%.   BNZ is expecting it to go down, as is ASB, who predicts it'll fall by 25-basis points to 5.25% , which would be the first drop since 2020.  John Carran, Jarden Economist and Investment Strategist, told Ryan Bridge he’s erring on the side of hold.  He said that although they may hold today, they will signal that interest rate cuts are coming much sooner than they previously indicated.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.