1The latest news and issues from the United States: including; new Defense Secretary's difficult trip to Afghanistan; New York's soda ban.

2The so-called 'pen-pal' of serial sex offender Stuart Murray Wilson has spoken out about the phone call that resulted in him breaching his bail conditions and being returned to prison. Interview with Stuart Murray Wilson's Lawyer, Andrew McKenzie

3A group of lawyers plan to sue for excessive default fees by banks and New Zealanders are being urged to sign up for what may become the biggest legal battle in New Zealand's history. Interview with the lawyer leading the campaign, Andrew Hooker and a financial commentator specialising in banking issues.

4Depression in farming communities is again being talked about following the release of new statistics showing that suicide rates in rural areas are higher than in urban centres, and with this year's drought adding additional stress, there is potential for things to get even worse.

5Politics: including; former Solid Energy Chief Executive Don Elder says he will front to a Select Committee on Thursday; Marriage Equality Bill; Monday-isation Bill.

6The latest news and issues from the Pacific: including; new developments in the Fijian Police brutality video; update on tropical cyclone Sandra.

7A new technology called NFC is promising to make people's lives much easier by enabling them to use their phones to pay for groceries and even unlock their front door. What is "NFC"?

8This week is Brain Awareness Week. How can people keep their brains healthy and active?