Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

There's growing debate about what the alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump will do to a politically turbulent America. Trump was hit in the ear by a bullet after a shooter opened fire at a Republican rally in Pennsylvania. Presidential historian Allan Lichtman says the political violence may well have a silver lining, as it did after the shooting of Ronald Reagan in 1981. "Instead of seeking revenge or attacking his political opponents, he formed a campaign for gun control - and for a while, it brought the country together." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The newly-established UK Government is set to unveil at least 35 new bills as part of the first King's speech of its tenure. The raft of bills will likely include promises impacting housing, transport, jobs and clean energy - in line with Keir Starmer's mission for Britain. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says it's likely more will be revealed during Wednesday's announcement.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks managed to hold on to their record at Eden Park, largely thanks to Beauden Barrett's performance. The veteran fullback's 125th test match offered a game-changing 29 minutes of tactical kicking as well as setting up the go-ahead try by Mark Tele'a - leading to a 24-17 win over England. ZB sports reporter Andrew Alderson explains further, LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's stronger approach towards unruly Kainga Ora tenants has resulted in more being evicted. Housing Minister Chris Bishop ordered the public housing agency to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework in March this year, and strengthen management of disruptive tenants. Since then, 14 tenancies have been terminated, compared to only 8 last year. Community Housing Aotearoa chief executive Paul Gilberd says there were no consequences for the last six years. "It's a matter of last resort, the numbers are increasing because they were not evicting people at all - that's operating from a very low base. There's a whole lot of other considerations here we need to take into account." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a nail bitingly close match last week, the All Blacks are facing England in their second test of the season.  Both squads have been named with almost no changes except Finlay Christie replacing TJ Perenara following his injury.  England’s Joe Marler is also out of commission, being replaced with Fin Baxter.  They’ll be facing off at a packed out Eden Park on Saturday.  ZB Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith told Ryan Bridge that for the All Blacks, last week was more about setting some systems in place and this week is about fine tuning that.  He said they got the win last week, and with that up on the board, it’s time to improve.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Biden's mental capacity hasn't been a consideration for Christopher Luxon in his meeting with the US President.  He's had a chance to discuss Indo-Pacific issues with Biden at the NATO summit in Washington DC.  The Prime Minister says Biden was sharp and "on top of his brief".  He says Biden wanted to discuss US engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, and their interactions were positive and very engaging.  NZ Herald Political Editor Claire Trevett told Ryan Bridge that NATO leaders are nervous to comment on Biden’s mental state as Trump is less friendly towards the organisation.  She suspects things will get a bit messy once NATO is finished and Bien is no longer being made a fool of in front of world leaders.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever tried to buy a pair of shoes online recently? What about a book? Or even book a haircut? You would have been asked a billion questions. It starts with what day and time you want your haircut. Yep, fine, but then they want your; name, address, birthdate, postal address, how did you hear about us? What shampoo do you use? I didn't ask for all that. At this point I'd rather pull my hair out in clumps than sit here and answer all these stupid, irrelevant questions. I've been trying to get paid this week. I realise this is dangerous ground to be treading, I've only been here a week and the people are great but the processes, again, absurd. You'd think they just want my bank account number, IRD number and tax code. No. Every personal detail under the sun - my sex, title, home address, ethnicity. This sent me into a tailspin, why do you need to the colour of my skin to pay me? It's not a legal requirement, and the stupid drop-down box wasn't working. I tried to select European but wouldn't let me. What the hell

Retailers are hopeful, but wary, of the government's latest move to tackle retail crime.  It's announced a Ministerial Advisory Group for the victims of the continuing problem.  The group will speak with victims, workers and business owners over the next two years - before putting forward proposals to address offending. Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young told Ryan Bridge it's a positive move - but the solutions are pretty clear.  Young says that includes more visible police presence on the streets and quick action to apprehend offenders.  She says there is worry among retailers this will become a "talk-fest."  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday the 12th of July. The Government has a new Ministerial Advisory Group on retail crime, but is it actually going to make a difference? It looks like the Prime Minister has had a "pull aside" meeting with US President Joe Biden. And the All Blacks face England again this weekend, one week on from the nail biting finish in Dunedin, Ryan speaks to Rugby Editor Elliott Smith ahead of the big game. Forms - we fill them out all the time, but Ryan wants to know why companies ask all these unnecessary details.   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.

Economists' Official Cash Rate expectations have proven correct.  It's staying at 5.5% for the eight consecutive time.  But the Reserve Bank's tone has softened, and they’re hinting that inflation will return to its 1-3% target by the year's end.  ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner told Ryan Bridge that the Reserve Bank was pretty careful to leave all their options open regarding a rate cut.  She said that they see it as tilting the risks a little bit towards earlier cuts, but essentially, it’s going to be the data that decides when the inflation data is released next week.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An activist group is calling the Government's new climate change plan meaningless.  Minister Simon Watts has unveiled a five-point strategy for dealing with climate change which focuses on preparedness, clean energy, tech and nature-based solutions, and market support.   350 Aotearoa Co-Director Lisa McLaren told Ryan Bridge the announcement doesn't mean anything when the Government plans on making mining easier.  She says the plan is fundamentally inconsistent with the Government's other policies it's released since taking office.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 11th of July the OCR is out and the Reserve Bank's outlook is looking better than expected.  A five-point strategy for climate change has been released by the Government, but is there actually a strategy behind it or is it just words? Ryan finds out.  Building costs have dropped for the first time in 12 years, but so have the number of new construction projects. Ryan speaks to NZ Certified Builders' Malcolm Fleming.  Nancy Pelosi drops the equivalent of a NATO bomb on her old buddy Joe Biden, saying he needs to make a decision about running for re-election.  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.

Actor and Democratic donor George Clooney has urged Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race.   All eyes have been on Biden at the NATO summit in Washington DC.   Nancy Pelosi says time is running short for him to make a decision.   US correspondent Katherine Firkin told Ryan Bridge Clooney has written an essay in the New York Times saying they need a new nominee.   He says the Joe Biden he was with three weeks ago wasn't the Biden of 2010.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now could be the best time to build a house after costs fall for the first time in more than a decade.   Corelogic's Construction Cost Index shows building costs have dropped 1.1% in the three months to June.   It looks at the price of labour, material, plant hire, and subcontract services.  Certified Builders Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming told Ryan Bridge that global supply chains are no longer disrupted.   He says costs are returning to pre-pandemic levels while manufacturers and distributors are being more competitive.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy Pelosi's just dropped the equivalent of a NATO bomb on her old buddy Joe Biden.  The former house speaker is well connected and respected in the Democrat party.  Appearing on cable TV, she had this to say when asked about Biden's critics attacking his mental capacity during the NATO summit:  "I want him to do whatever he decides to do."  "Let's just hold off, whatever you're thinking either tell somebody privately, but you don't have to put that out on the table until we see how we go this week."  She added that Biden should make a decision about whether to continue to bid for re-election.  So, what's the problem with that?  Well Biden's already said, "I'm running and going to win again!”  So now you have one the most influential people in the Democratic party saying he needs to make a decision about whether to run.  That decision should be made after NATO.  Despite the White House saying this is all over and move on, it's huge and it doesn't stop there.  Overnight, Michael Bennett is now the first demo

The Reserve Bank is expected to make a “short and sweet” announcement today.  Economists are expecting the OCR to remain untouched at 5.5%, as it has the last six times.  Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge that the Reserve Bank said in May that interest rates would have to remain restrictive for a protracted period to get inflation down, so not much has changed for them. While some banks are predicting a cut this year, Westpac is holding firm on their prediction of early next year.  Eckhold said that they don’t think that will change today, and while they’re all hoping there will be some interest rate relief soon, the reality is that inflation won't go away by itself.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An EV advocacy group isn’t in favour of the changes to the clean car standards.  Transport Minister Simeon Brown's announced he's scaling back the previous Government's emissions standards, which charged importers for higher emitting vehicles.  Pollution targets for imported vehicles have been reduced, loosening penalties for importers of dirty cars.  Drive Electric Chair Kirstin Corson told Ryan Bridge that we’re heading in the wrong direction.  She said that although the legislation is set to align with Australia, it actually doesn’t.  Corson said that Australia’s penalties are a lot tougher than New Zealand’s, and they also have federal and state incentives in every state, so it’s much more appealing to go EV there.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The run at Wimbledon of New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun has come to an end.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge the 23-year-old has been beaten in three sets by 28-year-old Croatian Donna Vekic.  After winning the first set, and looking composed throughout much of the second in a classic back-and-forth slugfest, Sun looked on the edge of advancing further at just her second grand slam. However, she didn’t have an answer in the deciding set as the unseeded Croatian took control to book her maiden grand slam semifinal appearance.  Seven victories at Wimbledon means you’re the champion. Sun had seven under her belt before the quarter-final after coming through three qualifying wins and four more to reach the final eight, but she looked to run out of steam in the last set as rain poured down on the roof at Court 1.  Vekic will next play either seventh Jasmine Paolini or American Emma Navarro, 19th seed, for a spot in the final.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday the 10th of July it's OCR day, and Ryan speaks to Westpac's chief economist who isn't expecting a change any time soon.  A change to our clean car standards is on the way, but Drive Electric aren't in favour.  SailGP is on the way to Auckland next year, are dolphins going to be an issue? Ryan finds out.  The UK is talking about an inheritance tax of up to 40% and there are whispers of our Labour party looking at one as well.  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.

Auckland's leg of SailGP will bring the boats to the spectators.   The event will hold its first ever leg in Auckland in January.   Auckland was supposed to hold an event last year, but that was cancelled after land use issues with Wynyard Quarter.   Sail World Editor Richard Gladwell says Wynyard Point will probably be the main spectator base with necessary infrastructure already in place.   He told Ryan Bridge the boats may even come a little too close.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.