Checkpoint for Wednesday 17 October 2018

6:25 PM.US President Donald Trump has again defended Saudi leaders from international criticism over the disappearance of the Saudi journalist Jamal Khoshoggi. CNN correspondent Jomana Karadsheh joins… Read more Video, Audio

6:21 PM.An appearance by former National leader Don Brash at Massey University, that was mired in controversy when it was cancelled in August, went ahead today without protest. Video, Audio

6:17 PM.Lawyer and former ACT MP and National Party candidate Stephen Franks says Jami-Lee Ross has betrayed his party and should be embarrassed, but the public benefits when "uncomfortable truths" come out.

5:51 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Video, Audio

5:39 PM.Simon Bridges addresses media in Wellington, saying he's apologised to Maureen Pugh for his comments, and says Jami-Lee Ross has defamed him and is a "liar". Video, Audio

5:24 PM.There is no single donation of $100,000 to the National party recorded as been made in 2018 nor no donation in the name of Zhang Yikun, Political Editor Jane Patterson says. Video, Audio

5:18 PM.Jami-Lee Ross spent two hours with three detectives today, going through his accusations against National leader Simon Bridges. He explained to media what was discussed. Video, Audio

5:17 PM.Former Attorney General, GCSB Minister and current National MP Chris Finlayson says the fact Simon Bridges named him as one of the MPs who needs to go doesn't concern him as he wants to go anyway. Audio

5:16 PM.Checkpoint broke the news to National MP David Carter that he party leader Simon Bridges named him as one of the MPs who should go. Video, Audio

5:09 PM.Jami-Lee Ross has released a recording of a phone call he had with Simon Bridges about a $100,000 donation from businessman Zhang Yikun, about whether it's better to have two Chinese or two Indian… Read more Video, Audio

5:00 PM.Watch Wednesday's full programme here. Video