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Donald Trump has announced to reduce the costs of some weight loss drugs, or as he calls them 'fat shots'. The Trump administration claims that Americans could lose 61 billion kilogrammes combined because of this deal. A US$1 trillion pay package, endorsed by Tesla shareholders, could be headed for Elon Musk . Meanwhile, the Government shutdown, which has now reached 37 days, is leading to flight delays and cancellations at US airports. Jonathan Kearsley told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "what this is now doing is spreading the pain far beyond federal workers ... straight into American travellers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ongoing US federal government shutdown could stop many Americans returning home for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. The shutdown's now the longest in US history. Thousands of air traffic controllers and security screeners aren't being paid for their work, prompting a sharp drop in flights across the country. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that more than 5000 flights around the country were delayed in the past 24 hours. He says air traffic controllers are reportedly resigning every day due to the prolonged nature of the shutdowns. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zohran Mamdani's scored victory for the Democrats - making history as New York City's youngest mayor in a century. The 34-year-old candidate focused his winning campaign on working-class issues. It's a crushing defeat for the second-placed Trump-backed Independent Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says it's not gone down well with the US president. "He's blaming some of the losses, not just in New York but in governing races in Virginia and New Jersey on the Government shutdown that's been going on for well over 30 days - and also on a lack of presence of himself." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York City's new Mayor Elect says he will remain accessible and transparent. 34-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has become the city's first Muslim mayor and the first mayor of South Asian heritage. He's achieved a landmark victory over Donald Trump-backed independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. US correspondent Jagruti Dave told Ryan Bridge this is a real shift for the Democratic Party. She says they've been in the wilderness since Donald Trump became president, so this will put some wind beneath their wings. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former US Vice President Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84, from the complications of pneumonia, and cardiac and vascular disease. George W Bush says his VP's death is a "loss to the nation". Cheney's family say he taught his children and grandchildren fly-fishing, to love their country, and to live lives of courage, honour, love and kindness. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking he was the most powerful vice president in American history, pushing for the war on terror and the invasion of Iraq, among other things. Cheney gained the nickname Darth Vader for his role as well as his health, Arnold said, the VP experiencing his first heart attack at 37, with four more following before he got a heart transplant at 71. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Government shutdown has reached 32 days, 3 days away from the longest in history. President Donald Trump seems to be on-track to break his own record after the shutdown in late 2018 which lasted 35 days. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the shutdown is affecting US public services. 'More and more air traffic controllers are staying off work since they're not being paid.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns over potential US nuclear tests have arisen after Donald Trump posted on X saying 'I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis'. The announcement left questions about whether the US President meant testing weapons systems or actually conducting test explosions, which the United States has not done since 1992. Vice-President JD Vance failed to provide any clarification, telling reporters the President's statement “speaks for itself". US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Andrew Dickens he wasn't convinced the threats will be followed through- "as we know, the president tends to speak first sometimes and think after he has spoken". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricane Melissa is moving towards eastern Cuba, weakening further to a category three storm. The National Hurricane Center is still warning of powerful effects as it moves across Cuba and the Bahamas. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the hurricane's hit Jamaica hard, with heavy rainfall and damaging winds impacting the area. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the first game of the baseball World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays the province of Ontario aired an anti-tariff ad. The ad featured clips from Ronald Reagan's 1987 national radio address which focused on foreign trade. In retaliation US President Donald Trump slammed Canada with an additional 10% tariffs on goods imported from Canada to the United States. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Military tensions are escalating in the Caribbean Sea, as the US deploys the world's largest warship to counter drug-traffickers. The US says it has killed dozens of people in strikes on small vessels from Venezuela which it alleges carry 'narcotics' and 'narco-terrorists.' But US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Venezuela's fighting back. "The President of Venezuela, who's accusing the US of 'fabricating' this new war - but yet, we see the drug trail kind of leads back there as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An NBA player and coach are among dozens of people arrested in an FBI investigation into rigged, mafia-linked poker games. Miami Heat's Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were named as those arrested. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the NBA stars were used as bait to draw players to the table with the rigged game. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plans for a second Trump-Putin meeting to discuss the Ukraine war have been shelved, days after they were proposed. Last week, Trump said he and the Russian president would hold talks in Budapest to discuss the war in Ukraine. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says reports claim Russia isn't happy with some proposed terms. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shohei Ohtani made baseball history and ensured the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Milwaukee Brewers to reach the World Series. Ohtani made three home runs and struck out 10 Brewers batters in a comprehensive 5-1 victory as the Dodgers swept the series 4-0. US correspondent Leon Busby joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's warning Hamas will have their weapons taken off them - even if it falls to him to make it happen. Talks are underway in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh on the second phase of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Trump hasn't given Hamas a hard deadline as of yet, and it's unclear how this will go. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few hiccups in the journey towards peace in the Middle East. Hamas has released the 20 living Israeli hostages and almost 2000 Palestinians have been returned by Israel. Leaders including Donald Trump have signed the US-brokered peace deal at a summit in Egypt. However, US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking, despite Trump claiming the war is over, he had no input on how to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian standoff over rebuilding Gaza. He says the peace proposal lacks detail in key areas and its implementation remains tenuous. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump's confident the momentum will continue beyond the first phase of a Gaza peace plan. The Israeli Government's voting this morning on whether to implement the terms agreed with Hamas yesterday. It would see hostages released early next week and Israeli troops withdraw to agreed lines. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the remaining hostages are believed to be held by splinter groups, so getting them all together will be challenging. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Locking down a new trade deal is front of mind for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as he met for talks with US President Donald Trump. Negotiations have been ongoing since August, when Trump imposed 35 percent tariffs on Canadian goods. Canada remains the only G7 country without a deal - something Trump attributes to a 'natural conflict' stemming from their proximity. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says this meeting appeared to be a positive one, when compared to their previous discussion. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former FBI director James Comey is standing by his innocence after being targeted by US President Donald Trump. Comey was indicted last month and made his first court appearance in Virginia today. He's pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional investigation. US correspondent Nick Harper told Ryan Bridge Trump has described Comey and other political enemies as 'guilty as hell'. But he says Comey's lawyers are calling it a selective and malicious prosecution. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A view mass layoffs are imminent as the US Federal Government shutdown nears its third day. Democrats and Republicans failed to get their respective bills through the senate, suspending thousands of government workers without pay. US President Donald Trump's called it an unprecedented opportunity to slash spending. US Correspondent Jonathan Kearsley told Andrew Dickens layoffs are coming, it's just a question of how deep and wide they are. He says we know they're looking to slash spending to save billions, but the shutdown is also hurting the economy every day. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House Press Secretary's confirmed federal layoffs could happen within days thanks to the latest United States government shutdown. Federal funding expired yesterday after Democrats and Republicans failed to get their respective bills through the senate, furloughing thousands of government workers. Donald Trump is blaming the Democrats, threatening to follow through with mass layoffs in an effort to pressure them to back moves to end the shutdown. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that analysts are estimating approximately 750,000 federal employees will be furloughed. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A congressional deadlock's shut down the US Government. Congress failed to pass last-ditch attempts to extend federal funding failed, with Democrats and Republicans refusing to vote through each other's bills. The deadline's now passed - meaning the Government must strip back to essential services, and most federal workers won't be paid. President Trump's threatened major cuts. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says it's a monstrous situation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Trump and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announce a Gaza peace plan.

There's a belief a shooter in Dallas, Texas, was motivated by violent ideology and divisive rhetoric. One detainee is dead and two more are critically injured after a rooftop sniper fired indiscriminately at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facility, also known as ICE yesterday. The gunman later died from a self-inflicted gunshot. Dallas ICE Director Joshua Johnson says it's being investigated as an act of targeted violence. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the shooter reportedly left behind notes including a game plan of the attack and target areas at the facility. One note reportedly says he wanted to give ICE agents a sense of “terror”, the shooter describing ICE employees as "people showing up to collect a dirty pay check". LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump lashed out at the world on climate change and immigration while addressing the UN's General Assembly. With a MAGA style rally speech, Trump began by touting his own domestic achievements. He went on to say the United Nations doesn't come close to its tremendous potential. Trump also claimed open border policies are a failed experiment and warned against the 'green scam'. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley labelled the speech 'extraordinary' and raised concerns over what this could mean for the US' relationship with allies. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Secret Service has dismantled a massive network of electronic devices that could have been used to disable New York City's cellphone network, officials say. Investigators found devices in vacant properties within 55km of the UN General Assembly meeting that's taking place in Manhattan this week. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that allegedly foreign governments and criminals located in the US are using this network to run their organisations. He says they appear to have identified links to at least one foreign country and links to some known criminals, but have not said who. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Trump attends a memorial for Charlie Kirk and there's another Government shutdown looming over budget disagreements.

Thousands have gathered in Arizona for the memorial service of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. Among those in attendance is a number of Republican politicians and high-profile names including The President, Vice President and Elon Musk. US Correspondent Richard Arnold says that the rise of political discourse around free speech has grown alongside the grieving. 'Seen by most as completely abhorrent alongside the grieving, we've also seen a growing political debate over freedom of speech.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US correspondent Leon Busby joined Piney to discuss the Clippers scandal and the MLB playoffs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The axing of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show has sparked debate around freedom of speech. Kimmel has been pulled off air indefinitely by ABC over his comments relating to the Charlie Kirk killing. The late-night host suggested Kirk, who was shot at a Utah University last week, was killed by a pro-Trump Republican. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking reactions are sharply partisan. He says that some, like former Fox host Geraldo Rivera, believe Kimmel's statements were inappropriate and it's wrong to overthink the suspension and make it about government, censorship, and other issues. But on the other side, Arnold says, is people like former President Barack Obama, who says cancel culture has been taken to a new and dangerous level. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlie Kirk's murder accused allegedly told his roommate about the fatal shooting. 22-year-old Tyler Robinson is facing seven charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and witness tampering. US prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. US correspondent Charles Feldman says Robinson exchanged a series of texts and left a note for his roommate reportedly confessing to the murder. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 22-year-old charged with allegedly killing right-wing activist Charlie Kirk has made his first appearance in court. Tyler Robinson is facing seven charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University last week. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, which is something Trump had called for. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest from the USA with Washington bureau chief for The Guardian.

The fallout from Charlie Kirk's death continues as politicians, commentators and celebrities weigh-in on the situation. The likes of Stephen King, Ted Cruz and President Trump have all commented on the situation – with King and Cruz butting heads on twitter. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the investigation into the killing is ongoing. He said that only the roommate of the suspected shooter has acted cooperatively so far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The killing of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk is causing deep divide. He was shot while speaking at an event at a Utah University and later died in hospital. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says several people have lost their jobs for making comments after the assassination. He says it's caused other disruption as well, with a fight breaking out in Iowa after someone shouted profanities about Kirk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Authorities say they are making significant progress in the manhunt for Charlie Kirk's killer. The highly influential conservative activist and Donald Trump ally died after being shot at an event at Utah Valley University yesterday morning. Investigators say they've recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle and have good quality video of their latest suspect. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking there has been bipartisan denunciation of the murder. He says there have been statements not just from Trump, but every living former president condemning this attack and any and all political violence. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US is on edge after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed today. The Donald Trump ally died after being shot in the neck at a campus event at Utah Valley University. The shooter remains on the run after reportedly fleeing from a rooftop. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says this incident is another watershed moment in the history of American gun violence. "We've seen politically motivated attacks in Washington DC, we've seen the shootings of Minnesota senators, Minnesota politicians earlier this year - and now we're seeing a conservative commentator assassinated in full view of the public." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Poland's shot down drones over its territory after repeated violations of its airspace during a Russian attack on Ukraine. It's shut four of its airports after warning of the drones in its airspace. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says this has sparked concern among NATO nations, with investigations ongoing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump hosted a tech get-together with some of the biggest names in modern technology. The CEOs of ChatGPT, Google Facebook and Microsoft were all present at the high-profile dinner hosted by the President. Correspondent Jonathan Kearsley told Heather duPlessis-Allan that Trump's former right-hand-man and CEO of Tesla Elon Musk was invited but did not attend. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump says reports of his death have been greatly exaggerated. The US President addressed media in the White House after his recent absence from the spotlight over the weekend sent social media into a tailspin. Health rumours have been ramping up since his diagnosis of a chronic vein condition, with photos of his bruised hand circling online. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says Trump claimed he was active over the weekend - and he wasn't aware of the death rumours. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chicago is bracing for a major immigration enforcement operation.

Donald Trump says reports of his death have been greatly exaggerated. The US president is addressing media in the White House after his recent absence from the spotlight over the weekend sent social media into a tailspin. Health rumours have been ramping up since his diagnosis of a chronic vein condition, with photos of his bruised hand circling online. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking his reappearance comes after yet another federal judge ruled against his deployment of military tropes in Los Angeles in June. He says the ruling could have significant implications for the President's future plans if it holds, but the Trump Justice Department is planning on appealing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the repercussions of the US President's move to take over the Federal Reserve? 

A recent decision by the US Court of Appeal has ruled Trump's tariffs illegal. The court has said it will leave the tariffs in effect for the next few weeks, giving time for Trump to appeal the decision. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that although the President has been given the chance to appeal, his team are likely shaken by this ruling. ‘The back and forth shows the concern behind the scenes in Trump world. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether it's the government, international organisations, higher education, or the media, one of the defining dynamics of the social media age is the deteriorating trust in public institutions. It's extraordinary, really. At a time when humans are on the whole wealthier, healthier, and more dominant than at any other time in our species' history, we're more distrustful of the institutions that are supposed to serve us. Saturday Mornings is usually a monetary policy-free zone, and I promise to mostly keep it that way for now. But it was pretty remarkable at the close of play last night to see an announcement from the Finance Minister about the Chair of the Reserve Bank. Neil Quigley had resigned, effective immediately, following further revelations about his handling of former Governor Adrian Orr's departure. Nicola Willis confirmed to Newstalk ZB that if Quigley hadn't offered his resignation, she'd have asked for it. I don't expect everyone to follow all of the Reserve Bank dramas. But the long and short of it is that former Governor Adrian Orr got in a dispute with the government over the bank's funding. It turned into a showdown of sorts, the Reserve Bank Board raised concerns with him about his conduct (some of which he disputed), and after taking leave for a few days he ultimately resigned. But instead of being absolutely transparent about the dispute and what had actually happened, the RBNZ Chair Neil Quigley told media that Orr had resigned for “personal reasons”. If this was just some rando then no harm no foul. But Adrian Orr was the Governor of the Reserve Bank, one of the most powerful public servants in the country. His pen stroke and the decisions of his Monetary Policy Committee could be the difference between thousands or hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs or homes. Like many journalists, I didn't buy the “personal reasons” explanation and felt we all deserved to know more detail about what had actually happened. Ater all, this wasn't a private company. The Reserve Bank serves us. After Neil Quigley's explanation, and after the Reserve Bank declined for Adrian Orr to be interviewed, I even went to the extreme length of sending him a letter at his home asking him to front. It's something I'd almost never do, but the public deserved an explanation. And it's taken until now and a ruling from the ombudsman for us to get the full story. I think there are lessons in this for all of us who work in jobs that purport to serve the public. In my role, I think about trust a lot. And look, I know this is very different to the Reserve Bank, much lower stakes, but I had the chance to reflect on my own work this week, and tried to lean into the spirit of introspection and openness. I was on a podcast, re_covering, in which Newstalk ZB's Frank Ritchie asks journalists to reflect on a story they covered. I didn't choose one which I'd absolutely nailed. Instead, I reflected on my five years as TVNZ's US Correspondent, and on my surprise at the first election of Donald Trump. As I said on re_covering, the fact so many of us were so shocked by the result (including Trump!) shows I and the rest of the news media covering that election had done a massively insufficient job of reflecting the scale of the anger and dissatisfaction with the status quo in the US. That election changed the world. Ultimately, I hope reflecting on my surprise will make me more sceptical of conventional wisdom, and better at my job today. Humans are fallible. We all make mistakes. But the Reserve Bank episode demonstrates the best thing a public institution can do to protect its reputation is not try and protect its reputation. Just admit when you got things wrong. Admit things that make you look bad. Learn lessons the hard way. Convince the public you have nothing to hide by showing us you have nothing to hide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minneapolis' Police Chief says they'll be working to make sure schools are protected following a shooting which killed two children. Eighteen people were also injured when a gunman shot through church windows at Annunciation Catholic School, before turning a gun on himself. The FBI's investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crimes targeting Catholics. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking a survey reveals that in the last year, there were at least 91 shootings on school grounds – almost two a week. He says the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the United States is not illness or accidents, it's gun violence. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big day for Swifties - as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement. The multi-Grammy winner and NFL star took to social media this morning, sharing photos of the proposal. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says this story interrupted the US Open coverage - and even made its way into President Trump's cabinet meeting. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is escalating his threat to deploy the National Guard in Democrat-run cities. He's doing it under the guise of cracking down on crime, beginning with Washington DC. New York City, Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Chicago were among the cities singled out. The US President called Chicago a “mess”, and derided its mayor, Brandon Johnson, as “grossly incompetent”. The Illinois Governor, JB Pritzker, is hitting back at Trump, saying it's not about fighting crime but rather finding an excuse to deploy the military and intimidate his political rivals. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that in the past, the National Guard has been temporarily deployed by state governors only, not the federal government, so this is all new. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House is claiming plans are well underway for a meeting between Russia's President Vladimir Putin's and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. US President Donald Trump met with Zelenskyy and several foreign leaders earlier in the week, following his meeting with Putin in Alaska. Trump says he hopes Putin will move forward on ending the war in Ukraine but admits the Kremlin leader may not want to make a deal at all. Former US Correspondent Nick Bryant told Mike Hosking that this presumably will end with Trump issuing an ultimatum to Putin, but the crunch moment never seems to come. Before the talks in Alaska, Trump said if a ceasefire is not reached, there would be serious consequences and sanctions on Russia, but in the aftermath of the talks, Trump appears to have backed down. Bryant says that Trump seems to be influenced by the last person he speaks to and lacks a coherent strategy, so it's hard to see how this will end. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest from the meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump at the White House.

Donald Trump's focussing on a peace deal rather than a ceasefire as talks with Ukraine's President get underway. Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the White House for talks with Trump and several European leaders today. Trump also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday and says he'll have a phone call with him after today's talks. Channel 9 US Correspondent Lauren Tomasi told Mike Hosking the meeting has been quite warm so far, with it appearing to be a room full of friends as opposed to heads of state. She says that it's a good thing for Europe, who has come into this supporting Zelenskyy, as they know the security of Ukraine will have ramifications on Europe. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.