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Carly McBride murder trial jury told to remain 'dispassionate' 

A judge has warned members of the jury not to be swayed by emotion in the trial of a man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend and dumping her in a shallow grave. Carly McBride's mother, Lorraine Williams, gave what Justice Mark Ierace described as "emotional" evidence before the court, with the judge saying, "You would not be human if you were not moved by that evidence." But he stressed that jurors needed to assess the facts objectively.

Politicians focus on coal while business outpaces them on renewables

While the major parties are reluctant to commit to a transition away from coal, the mine services sector is voting with its corporate boots. An industry group largely made up of members in the Hunter region says a third of its membership has already transitioned to renewables.

Minister announces inquiry into Central Coast Council's $200m budget blowout

A commissioner has been appointed to lead a public inquiry into the financial failure of one of the largest councils in the state. Central Coast Council was plunged into a financial crisis last year, with a budget blowout of more than $200 million and accrued debts of more than $500 million.

Newcastle's lockout laws easing, but has city's drinking culture changed?

Newcastle is set to introduce a year-long trial to lift its lockout laws, with proponents of eased restrictions saying it’s time for Newcastle to embrace its night-time economy and prove the city's drinking culture has changed for the better. The lockouts have been so successful in driving down assault rates, Sydney implemented a similar regime for several years after two high profile one-punch deaths. But not everyone is convinced easing the restrictions is a good idea.

Mozzie-repelling clothing makes a difference

When a group of university students from Newcastle got together to create a new business idea two years ago, they had no idea how successful it would become. Bal Dhital and three fellow students launched apparel line Borne Clothing last year with a mission to tackle mosquito-borne diseases around the world.

Migrant English program 'life-changing' for flamenco guitarist Paco Lara

Imagine being famous for talents you've mastered over nearly four decades, but then love and family leads you to the other side of the world where you have to start all over again. On top of that, you don't understand or speak one word of the native language. That's the situation Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco Lara faced when he arrived in Australia four years ago. 

Upper Hunter group releases rap track about life beyond disability

The idea of starring in a music video for the first time would be daunting for many, but for a disability group in the NSW Upper Hunter region, it was the perfect outlet for personal expression. Members of the group have developed a song that was given a superstar premiere at a local cinema this week.

How to get rid of mould in your home

Has the recent rain and cooler weather meant that mould has started to pop up around your home? The University of Newcastle's Professor Brett Mitchell, an expert in infection prevention and control, explains how mould can cause infection and why it's important to get rid of it.

Hidden chapter in Newcastle's war-time history uncovered

Newcastle's war-time history is strongly remembered thanks to historians. We know a Japanese submarine shelled Newcastle in 1942, but there are other stories that went untold during that time. Kia Handley finds out more.

Government caps some short-term rentals

A coal mine in the Hunter Valley has been thrown a five-year lifeline after the Independent Planning Commission approved an expansion of the Mangoola mine near Muswellbrook, subject to 179 conditions. Glencore had sought planning approval to build a new pit to the north of the current site in the Wybong Valley, and mine an additional 52 million tonnes of coal.

What else made the news this week?

Newcastle Uni's future uncertain: An academic has described an all-staff meeting with the University of Newcastle's Vice Chancellor as dire and distressing. Professor Alex Zelinsky addressed staff yesterday, revealing the organisation will go broke if it continues on the same path. A complete restructure is underway in an effort to find $35 million in savings. Engineering associate professor Terry Summers says it appears the changes will only be a short-term fix.

Rental scam: Homelessness services in the Hunter are warning people about rental scammers trying to capitalise on the region's desperate housing situation. Ann Fletcher from Port Stephens and Family Neighbourhood Services says online scammers are offering rental properties and securing deposits from would-be renters, before vanishing. She says there have been several cases in recent weeks.

Ambulance shortage: The Australian Paramedics Association says chronic under-staffing in the Hunter led to the Hamilton station in Newcastle only having one ambulance crew to cover an overnight shift last week. The association's president Chris Kastelan says the station was already short-staffed last Thursday when paramedics were sent to cover other areas, leaving one solitary crew to cover the Newcastle CBD and surrounds. He says the situation is dangerous and must be addressed. Meanwhile, Mr Kastelan says it's crucial a new ambulance station at Medowie comes with funding for staff. The station is included in an additional $100 million the State Government has announced for new regional ambulance infrastructure. 

Death in custody: The NSW Aboriginal Legal Service says the answer to preventing more Indigenous deaths in custody is to prevent people from being locked up in the first place. An investigation is underway into the death of the 37-year-old man at Cessnock jail in the Hunter Valley. Corrective Services NSW says he was found unresponsive in his cell yesterday morning and was pronounced dead about an hour later. Read more here.

Jets loss: The Newcastle Jets' woes continue with a two-nil loss to Western United in Melbourne last night. The Jets conceded an own goal early in the match before Dylan Pierias secured a goal in the second half. Newcastle remains in last place, having now gone 10 games without a victory.

School break-in: Singleton Heights Public School has been rocked by another break-in, one of several in recent weeks. Students were urged to stay home yesterday after the latest robbery caused significant damage to school property. Police say the alleged offence occurred at some point between 5pm on Sunday night and 5am on Monday morning. 

Nurses protest: Nurses in the Hunter have described their jobs as a whirlwind in which patients don't always get appropriate care due to a lack of staff. The Nurses and Midwives Association held a protest in Newcastle at the weekend calling for the Government to implement legislated nurse-to-patient ratios. Belmont Hospital nurse and union spokeswoman Kaitlin Arvidson told the crowd that staff to patient ratios saved lives, saved money and increased nurses' job satisfaction.

Sporting precinct: The State Government has been under pressure to reveal why there is limited progress on the Hunter Sports and Entertainment Precinct. The Government will complete $30 million worth of projects in the precinct this year, including the Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence and the International Hockey Centre. The Government has also stressed Hunter Stadium is a FIFA-compliant venue, but that didn't help the region secure any games in the 2023 Fifa Womens World Cup.

The best photos from around the country

How great is this photo of the milky way shining bright above Little Paddocks Chapel in Glendon. Captured by @jackh.photography and shared via #ABCmyphoto

The #ABCmyphoto team is always on the lookout for the best photos from around Australia. You can show us what the world looks like where you are by using the hashtag on Instagram, or by uploading your photos online here. Let's make sure more photos from the Hunter are featured across the ABC! 

How's the weekend weather looking?

Possible showers around the Hunter this weekend with temperatures reaching a top of 24 degrees.

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