French President Emmanuel Macron has called a snap election, following the performance of the far-right National Rally in the European elections.

New Zealand is leading the world in asthma management due to the nationwide uptake of a 2-in-1 inhaler regime.

It took just three days from pseudoephedrine to be back on his pharmacy's shelves for owner John Burt to be burgled. And the burglar was only interested in taking that product from his Unichem pharmacy in Motueka.

Electric vehicle charging poses a serious threat to the energy system if users charge at the wrong time, lines companies say.

Donna and Michele look at the lighter moments of the week, including Briscoes' hunt for a new bed sheet tester, and an electric spoon on sale in Japan which makes food taste saltier. An Italian village with 46 residents has 30 candidates running for the mayoralty. And the Crown car once used by former Prime Minister Helen Clark is up for sale on TradeMe, with a $1 reserve.

New Zealand begins its T20 World Cup campaign against Afghanistan tomorrow. And the tournament had its first big upset today, with the US beating Pakistan.

Jeremy Taylor brings new releases from recent tourist Arooj Aftab and Bat For Lashes, plus a reissue of an underrated REM classic.

The Christchurch City Council had resurrected its fight for tougher alcohol controls in the city after bailing out of its previous almost million dollar attempt in 2017.

Jenna Todd of Time Out Bookstore reviews Take What You Need by Idra Novey published by Daunt Books

US astronomer Dr Michael Brown's theory of a ninth planet, lurking on the very edge of our Solar System, is gaining momentum.