Checkpoint for Thursday 26 May 2011

6:56 PM.Seven earthquake experts in Italy are to stand trial for manslaughter for failing to warn the public about a deadly earthquake. Audio

6:52 PM.News from the Waatea team. Audio

6:48 PM.Now this new story from the "robots are taking over the world" file. Audio

6:34 PM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

6:28 PM.The New Zealand dollar has made major gains this afternoon. Audio

6:24 PM.Mainfreight says a recovery in world freight volumes has helped its underlying profit to climb by almost a quarter. Audio

6:21 PM.Area schools say their existing funding is inadequate to meet special demands such as having to pay relief teachers to travel long distances to and from class. Audio

6:19 PM.News from the Waatea team. Audio

6:15 PM.The Christchurch Casino opens again tonight for the first time since February's earthquake left about 500 people out of work. Audio

6:11 PM.The Electoral Commission will monitor social media sites like Twitter on election day to ensure electoral rules are not breached. Audio

6:07 PM.The union representing some bookstore workers at Whitcoulls and Borders says there was palpable relief when they were told they have new owner. Audio

5:49 PM.It's being reported the Chinese government's state investment company may have $6 billion set aside to invest in New Zealand. Audio

5:47 PM.Thousands of scientists around the world are rallying to defend a group of earthquake specialists in Italy who are charged with causing the deaths of more than 300 people. Audio

5:44 PM.Raukawa iwi from Waikato are criticising the ACT party leader Don Brash and people in some of Auckland's more affluent suburbs for suggesting Maori are receiving privileged treatment. Audio

5:39 PM.The police are making it easier for frontline officers to use Taser stun guns. Audio

5:36 PM.The law is being laid down to make clear the ban on election day campaigning also applies to social media websites like Twitter and Facebook. Audio

5:33 PM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

5:26 PM.The senior army officer who fled Fiji for Tonga is reported to be on the verge of asking for asylum. Audio

5:23 PM.News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

5:19 PM.A Nelson hillside home has been left teetering after a land slip caused by torrential rain which forced people from their homes and closed roads. Audio

5:17 PM.A Hamilton accountant who appeared to live a life of luxury in a palatial home has pleaded guilty to the multi-million dollar fraud of a number of family trusts he was managing. Audio

5:14 PM.A creditor owed nearly $13 million by embattled property developer Terry Serepisos has run out of patience and called in the receivers. Audio

5:10 PM.The Liquor giant, Lion, has axed 38 jobs at its Canterbury Brewery. Audio

5:08 PM.There's relief for more than 900 workers this evening with the news that Whitcoulls and Borders bookstores have been sold as going concern to a New Zealand owned company. Audio

5:00 PM.Whitcoulls and Borders sold to James Pascoe group; Lion Brewery axes 38 Christchurch jobs; two properties owned by Terry Serepisos go into receivership; accountant pleads guilty to multi-million fraud… Read more Audio