Half the country’s junior doctors are walking off the job again today as they continue to fight pay and work conditions.

More than two thousand junior doctors with the Resident Doctors' Association are striking for 49 hours from today.

They haven't reached an agreement with Health New Zealand on pay and working conditions.

Dr Deborah Powell, National Secretary for the NZ Resident Doctors Association, told Andrew Dickens that the good news is that they’re still talking and working on it.

However they still haven’t received a solution to the problems she said.

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A 71-year-old man remains in police custody in Slovakia, accused of attempting to assassinate Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Fico was airlifted to the hospital after being shot in the stomach, arm, and leg.

Christopher Luxon's joining other world leaders in condemning the attack, saying it's shocking and nothing justifies such horrific violence in our democratic systems.

Newstalk ZB Europe correspondent Enda Brady —who made a documentary about Fico— told Andrew Dickens it's interesting the alleged assailant picked a town where the Prime Minister is well supported.

He says the man probably really doesn't like Fico's politics, or the way Slovakia is going under his leadership.

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Some influencers are losing millions of social media followers in protest of their silence on the Israel-Gaza conflict.

#Blockout2024 began after the Met Gala, as celebrities used their platforms to share the luxurious affair amid worldwide protests.

Taylor Swift has lost more than 300,000 and Kim Kardashian has lost more than 3 million since the event.

Gorilla Technology Chief Executive Paul Spain told Andrew Dickens he's unsure of the difference it'll make.

He says the people unfollowing are probably those who interacted least with their content.

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The Housing Minister's asking questions of Kainga Ora over revelations the Dunedin holiday park it owns has sat empty for four years.

The Crown housing agency bought Aaron Lodge in Kaikorai Valley for more than $4 million, intended to become a social housing development.

But it's remained vacant, covered in weeds and temporary fencing.

Chris Bishop told Andrew Dickens that it's a 'pretty crazy' situation, particularly given our housing crisis.

He says while development does sometimes take a while, four years is a long time for no action so he's asking Kainga Ora to explain.

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On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 16th of May, Andrew Dickens is once more filling in for Mike Hosking. Both the Police Association and Minister Mark Mitchell joined to discuss NSW's increased push to steal our cops to their shores.

The Brits are both shocked and in awe of King Charles first official portrait. Andrew gave his thoughts.

Christchurch country-pop singer Miranda Easten gave a world premiere of her new single ahead of her upcoming sophomore album.

Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Kiwi country-pop singer Miranda Easten has been finding international success.

Her debut single ‘Cowboy Lullaby’ reached 16 on the official Top 40 Country Music Chart in Australia, and she also featured on Compass FM’s ‘Voices of Country’ compilation album.

Easten is currently working on her second album, ‘Concrete and Honey, which is due for release in July.

She told Andrew Dickens that while there’s not a whole lot of new material on the album, there’s definitely a few songs that haven’t been heard.

One of which is ‘Kip Moore Smile’ and she gave listeners a taste of the yet to be released single.

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New Zealand can't match what Australia's putting on the table for police officers.

New South Wales is 1500 officers short and has announced it'll fast-track New Zealand officers, shorten training, and allow experienced cops to keep their rank.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Andrew Dickens that they've been doing this for decades.

However, he said, we can’t compete with Australia’s economy although they’re trying to close that gap.

Mitchell said that the government is focused on making the economy stronger so we can provide a country that people actually want to come back to, as they see a future to raise their families.

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There’s want for changes to police officers pay conditions to combat New South Wales' poaching attempts.

The state is 1500 officers short and has announced it'll fast-track New Zealand officers, shorten training, and allow experienced cops to keep their rank.

Police Association President Chris Cahill told Andrew Dickens that while we can't compete on wages, there are issues we can address.

For example, it takes 21 years for a constable to reach their maximum earnings, compared to the six or years it takes a nurse or a teacher.

That needs to change Cahill said.

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