  The energy dependence of the electron - positron hadronic cross section can
be measured not only by a straightforward energy scan, but also by means of the
radiative return method. To provide extensive comparisons between theory and
experiment a Monte Carlo event generator is an indispensable tool. We have
developed such a generator called PHOKHARA, which simulates e+e- -> mesons +
photon(s) processes. In this paper we present its latest tests and upgrades.
