Checkpoint

United States correspondent Zach Montellaro spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about a major election that has wrapped up in Michigan, with the result potentially sending major shockwaves through the Democratic party.

Nine new secondary school subjects have been announced by the Government. Subjects like Next-Gen Manufacturing and Applied Intelligent Systems will be developed by industry bodies and taught to senior students from 2029. Business leaders are excited but teachers have questions. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

Christopher Luxon has promised to hold a MMP referendum if re-elected, saying he wants to know if it's a system New Zealanders want. Back in 2011 former MP Peter Dunne urged people to consider the importance of their vote when New Zealanders last had the chance to have their say in a referendum. But the Prime Minister says he wants to avoid coalitions with parties who don't have the same values in cabinet. Former United Future Leader Peter Dunne spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about Prime Minister Andy Burnham announcing a raft of changes to the prison system, as well as police in Scotland investigating after several athletes failed to return home following the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Budget-conscious travellers will need to think twice before rolling their carry-on case to the airport - from next year. From February next year, Jetstar customers will have to pay to use the overhead lockeer, with prices starting at $23, depending on availability. Consumer NZ Chief Executive Jon Duffy spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Smashed cars and crumpled bicycles were left on a main road in Central Auckland after a man allegedly went on a violent rampage during this morning's busy commute. A 49-year-old has been arrested. He's alleged to have assaulted a jogger before stealing the car of a concerned passer-by and driving it into a group of schoolboys. Police say he then strangled a dog to death, all within a matter of minutes on Epsom's Manukau Road. Jessica Hopkins reports.

Netball New Zealand is understood to be in talks with a private investor to secure the future of the domestic competition. It comes amid a period of uncertainty for the sport, which is facing losses of up to $6 million. Sports editor Dana Johannsen spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

RNZ Money Correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Melissa Chan-Green about what the cold snap could mean for household power bills as energy use soars.

A cold snap has people reaching for the heater switch, with a record for the country's highest electricity use recorded this morning and another peak approaching. The electricity grid operator has issued what's called a Customer Advice Notice to power companies advising that there will be a potential shortfall of energy at peak times over the next couple of days. Transpower's Executive General Manager Operations, Chantelle Bramley spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.