Is the Hunter abandoning Labor?

Bickham Coal Company says after decades of deliberations it has "no intention" of resurrecting plans for mining on its controversial site in the NSW Upper Hunter.

Decklen Deaves-Thornton is accused of the shooting murder of 18-year-old Ekampreet Sahni Singh in a car park at Bar Beach on Wednesday.

Family and friends of a 21-year-old woman stabbed 78 times by her former boyfriend paint a picture of a death "that was no surprise".

Protest organisers decried the lack of action around violence against women as hundreds marched in the NSW Central Coast following the death of local Audrey Griffin.

The Liberals and the Nationals are both eyeing off working class seats that were once unquestionably Labor territory, but has the Coalition's nuclear policy blown wind farms out of the water as an issue for voters?

Across the country candidates are making their case for how they can put a lid on the rising cost of everything, but if the cost-of-living debate shows anything this election, it’s just how many people still feel forgotten.

Hunter Valley Operations has been granted an approval extension just two months before it was due to close.

Political texts from parties are frustrating voters on social media in the week leading up to the election, but they are completely legal.

NSW Crime Commissioner Michael Barnes says the decision not to confiscate the money was one he did not want to make.

Three scent-detection dogs help to locate an elusive orchid that is "almost impossible to find with the naked eye", as part of efforts to protect the plant.

Election countdown: The federal election will take place this Saturday and the ABC Newcastle and Upper Hunter teams have again been out in the community broadcasting live, speaking with candidates and the community. Newcastle Breakfast host Paul Culliver and the Upper Hunter Breakfast presenter Amelia Bernasconi (pictured above) joined forces last week to broadcast live from Scone in the seat of New England. On Thursday, Newcastle Drive presenter Jenny Marchent will broadcast live from Toronto foreshore in the seat of Hunter.

Image credit: ABC Upper Hunter/Sean Murphy

Wind feasibility study on hold: The company offered a feasibility licence for an offshore wind project off the coast of Newcastle is awaiting the federal election outcome before making a decision on the project, a senior government minister says. Earlier this year Novocastrian Wind was offered a feasibility licence for the project that the government says would create about 3,000 jobs during construction. The opposition indicated it would scrap the project if elected. Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the company has delayed its decision until after the election.

Focus on women's safety: Organisers of an event aimed at making Newcastle running paths safe say they want to empower local women after a recent attack along a popular track. The run and walk is planned for this Sunday along the Fernleigh Track after a woman was attacked by a man who grabbed her from behind at Whitebridge last week. Police have ramped up patrols along the track after similar incidents. Organiser Tegan Broster says women should feel safe exercising in public.

Parts of region still in drought: Singleton remains the only local government area in the Hunter still in drought. The latest Combined Drought Indicator map shows 40 per cent of the LGA is in drought or recovering from drought, while 60 per cent is drought-free. It comes at a time when the Lower Hunter dam storage levels in Chichester, Grahamstown and local sand beds are sitting at 85 per cent capacity. Glenbawn, Lostock and Glennies Creek Dams, operated by WaterNSW, are all at capacity.

Horse museum plan: Plans are underway for a first-of-its-kind equine museum and education centre in Scone. The proposed Museum of Australian Horse Country will include an exhibition and education centre to celebrate Scone's equine history and attract tourists. A business case for the proposed facility has been prepared on behalf of the Upper Hunter Shire Council. It suggests the facility be located in the existing Hunter Valley Equine Precinct to increase financial viability, and that it not be council-owned or operated.

Five straight for Knights: Newcastle Knights coach Adam O'Brien says the team is down on confidence after recording a fifth consecutive loss. The Knights lost to the Warriors 26-12 in their Anzac Day clash in New Zealand. Newcastle will be looking to bounce back against the Rabbitohs during Magic Round this weekend in Brisbane.

Crisp pastry, creamy seafood filling — it's perfection in every bite.