Four people and two dogs have serious injuries after they were attacked by five armed men in a violent home invasion in the New South Wales Hunter region.

Around 30 schools are closed in New South Wales with temperatures set to reach well into the 30s, and more than 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, in heatwave conditions expected to last up to several days.

When he was growing up, his principal told his family their gifted boy could be the first Aboriginal astronaut. At the age of 37, he died in a NSW prison cell.

A friend of a boy allegedly abused by Milton Orkopolous has told a court he used to smoke "pot" with the former New South Wales MP two or three times a week.

Newcastle firefighter Natalie Tarrant is specially trained in search and rescue, but nothing could have prepared her for what she experienced when arriving in earthquake-devastated Türkiye.

The "Grand Old Lady", as it is fondly referred to by some workers, holds an impressive life span of nearly 52 years.

Glen Jennings managed security for some of the world's biggest musical artists including Michael Jackson and the Rolling Stones. Recently he's been managing champion boxer Tim Tszyu and his younger brother Nikita.

But how did a bloke from Broadmeadow become a security guard to the rich and famous?

Merewether Surf Club joins forces with Challenge to improve beach access for people with disabilities.

Many newsagencies in the Hunter region have closed over the past few years due to dwindling business. The latest to call it quits is the iconic Merewether Newsagency on Ridge Street, which is shutting shop after 64 years.

Back in the 1950s, Pommy Town was the place to be. That was the nickname for Belmont North in Newcastle where 50 Nissan huts housed British migrants. Now, 70 years later, more than half of that temporary accommodation has been knocked down. A few people reckon there's a place for this history alongside modern housing.

Laurise Dickson hits the streets with Darlene Cameron who grew up in a tin can home on Somerset St and speaks with Susan Sedgwick, who helped renovate one of the houses.

Vehicles damaged in Singleton fire: At least five cars at a Singleton business were destroyed by fire on Sunday. Emergency services were called to the premises on Enterprise Crescent about 3am following reports of a fire and explosions. Fire and Rescue NSW took about an hour to extinguish the blaze, which caused extensive damage to a truck, five cars and a forklift. Police are investigating.

Alleged animal cruelty: An 18-year-old Port Stephens man has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after he allegedly threw an eight-week-old dog against a wall during a physical altercation with his brother. The cattle cross kelpie suffered a broken leg which had to be amputated by a local vet. Jordan Blair was also charged with domestic violence after allegedly injuring his brother. He has been granted bail to reappear in the Raymond Terrace Local Court in March.

Motorcycle crash: A critical incident investigation is underway after a motorcyclist was injured in a crash near Singleton on Sunday. Police Highway Patrol allegedly detected a motorcycle travelling 145 kilometres per hour in a 100kph zone on Putty Road at Bulga about 11.15am. A short time later, an officer discovered the motorcycle and another vehicle had collided on Bulga Road. The rider of the motorcycle – a 71-year-old man – was treated at the scene by paramedics for multiple injuries before being flown to the Royal North Shore Hospital.

Airport delays: The Department of Defence says normal operations resumed at Newcastle Airport on Monday morning after runway issues resulted in some flights being delayed at the weekend. Defence says it discovered a section of uneven asphalt linked to major runway works last Friday. As a result, the runway — which is used by Defence and civilian aircraft — was operating at a reduced capacity. More then 20 commercial flights were cancelled.

Supercar event concerns: Hunter Street business owners say heavy traffic caused by Supercars infrastructure and road closures is significantly affecting business. Traffic was gridlocked in parts of the CBD for hours on Sunday as thousands of locals swarmed to beaches. Supercars Australia says it's committed to working with businesses and residents to ensure its Newcastle event this weekend runs with as little disruption to the community as possible.

Teachers walk off job: Teachers at Merriwa Central School walked off the job on Thursday afternoon in response to staff shortages, as six permanent vacancies remain at the school. Upper Hunter Nationals MP Dave Layzell says the union needs to work with the Education Department to solve the problem instead of taking industrial action.

Indigenous voices missed?: The Plains Clans of the Wonnarua People say the Singleton Shire Council should have included them in discussions about the future of the historic Ravensworth homestead. The council last week voted against endorsing a proposed heritage listing for the homestead.

Port container facility: The Port of Newcastle says it's a step closer to developing a container facility, with the state's Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal appointed to decide how much compensation its operators should pay. Previously the port would have received financial penalties if it operated a container terminal in addition to its coal facilities. The state government announced the firm restrictions would be lifted at a cost determined by the tribunal.

Dredging delays: Swansea MP Yasmin Catley says plans to dredge the Swansea Channel are now well overdue. In September last year the NSW government promised dredging would happen before Christmas. Ms Catley says the delays are affecting tourism and boaters.

Road funding: Almost $50 million will be spent upgrading country roads across the Hunter. Some of the projects include improving Stanhope Road and the replacement of Kilfoyles Bridge at Lambs Valley. The joint Commonwealth and state funding is part of the Regional Roads Betterment Program.