Seniors struggling with smartphones, and hear from a man found not guilty of killing a burglar

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Newcastle homeowner found not guilty over burglar's death

A Newcastle homeowner who was accused of killing a burglar has been found not guilty of murder and manslaughter.
Benjamin Batterham, 36, spent two weeks on trial in Newcastle Supreme Court over the 2016 death of Richard Slater.
The Crown alleged he choked Mr Slater to death, but the defence rejected that, saying Mr Slater was obese, had a heart problem and had toxic levels of the drug ice in his system.

Coal exporter heading for record figures

Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) says it's expecting a record year of coal tonnage through its terminal at the Port of Newcastle.
It comes at a time when protests over coal and climate change are on the rise.
But the group says it's working to re-engage with the local community.

Smartphones creating a generational divide

Desmond White is 93, lives on his own and leads a very active life.
But recently he became the owner of a smartphone, which he's found difficult to use. Figuring out how to make a simple phone call has been a challenge.
So, he turned to a computer club in Newcastle to teach him the basics.

Plans for 'duel fuel' power station

Electricity and power supply is a hot topic, with concerns New South Wales could run short of power.
Power company AGL has been under pressure over its decision to shut down the Liddell power station in the Upper Hunter by 2023.
It has now unveiled plans for its Newcastle Power Station, which would be capable of operating on natural gas and liquid fuel.

Hunter's water storage falling

The hot weather and lack of rain is taking its toll on water storage levels in the Hunter.
This week the region has hit a milestone, with total water storage now at 60 per cent ... the first time it has fallen to that level in 25 years.
Newcastle is currently on level 1 water restrictions but Hunter Water says that could go to level 2 in January.

KISS concert cancelled

Fans were left devastated when US supergroup KISS had to cancel its End of the Road concert tour in Australia after singer and guitarist Paul Stanley came down with a bad case of the flu.
As a result the Newcastle Supercars concert, featuring KISS and The Screaming Jets, had to be cancelled.
But the group, minus Stanley, did give a small one-off performance for fans in another state.

Want to help bushfire victims? Here's how

Parts of Australia are experiencing the worst bushfire conditions in recent memory. We're dedicated to helping during natural disasters and as communities recover and rebuild.
On our ABC Appeals page, you can get behind the charities assisting affected communities and donate now. Charities include the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Vinnies and GIVIT.

It's a big week for....

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