A 17-year-old girl will remain in custody after being charged over the fatal stabbing of her younger sister in a suburb of Lake Macquarie.

Three men apprehended at a central Queensland boat ramp are accused of attempting to import around 500kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $162 million.

The death of 27 women this year in Australia has prompted mass protests across the country, with demonstrators calling on the government to take action.

There are renewed calls to halt a shark netting program as data reveals the toll meshing is taking on endangered and "non-target" species.

Hunter Valley teacher Daniel Raymond Belcher has his case heard for the first time, accused of offences between June and December last year.

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to forget to stop and listen. Diana Chester is recording ocean sounds for people to connect and listen to the environment.

New evidence is set to be heard at an inquest into the 1994 disappearance and presumed death of Sydney escort, model and dancer Revelle Balmain.

A federal minister says a bailout for airline Bonza is "not something that the government has before us" after the carrier went into voluntary administration.

Thanks to a stalled high-pressure system, known as a "blocking high", rain — and potentially flooding — could be on the cards for New South Wales.

Australians hoping for energy bill relief next financial year have been delivered a blow, with the cost of energy transmission set to rise in different parts of the country.

Research finds the knee may have a better ability to heal than previously thought, and suggests that some patients may be better off without surgery.

Are you or do you know a dynamic early-career PhD scholar? The ABC TOP 5 program is accepting applications now! Tailored for early career researchers, graduates are equipped with career-long skills, knowledge and confidence to communicate with media and their audiences about their field of expertise. Hurry, applications close May 5.

Community pays respect at Anzac services: Thousands of people turned out for Anzac Day services across the Hunter last week, with the largest event the dawn service at Nobbys Beach. The guns at Fort Scratchley were fired four times, once to honour those who have served and died, and once each for the Royal Australian Army, Navy and Air Force. A F-35 Lightning aircraft from the Williamtown RAAF Base conducted a flyover beginning at Medowie and finishing at Cessnock.
 

Photo: Servicemen and women and their families took part in a march along King Street Newcastle. Image credit: ABC News/Jesmine Cheong
 

Plans for energy hub at mine site: A Hunter energy company has told the federal government its proposed pumped hydro hub at Gloucester could power homes for up to 80 years. Yancoal's open cut Stratford Mining Complex is due to stop operating this year after more than two decades. The company is now turning its attention to post-mining and has proposed the Stratford Renewable Energy Hub made up of pumped hydro and a solar farm. Yancoal's plans are now before the federal Environment Department. It's told department officials constructions will take three to five years, and it could operate for at least 80 years if it remains commercially viable.
 

Flood funding extended: Disaster assistance has been extended to the Port Stephens local government area following heavy rain and flooding across New South Wales in April. The joint government funding is available under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. The money can be used for emergency accommodation, essential items, structural repairs, restoring public assets, and concessional interest rate loans.
 

Liddell demolition update: The head of transition for the Liddell Power Station expects demolition on the site to begin later this year. It's been 12 months since the historic site closed after more than 50 years of operation. AGL's Brad Williams says the company is about 94 per cent of the way through decommissioning and hopes development approval for demolition, including the power station's iconic stacks, will be granted towards the end of the year.
 

Tree removal investigated: A City of Newcastle councillor would like to see harsher penalties for people who illegally remove trees on public land following a recent incident in Tighes Hill. Cr Charlotte McCabe says a 20-metre strip of mature-aged mangroves was cut down along Throsby Creek in April. The council and Hunter Water are investigating whether the trees were illegally removed to improve the view for a nearby property.
 

Squirrel glider research: Newcastle researchers are stepping up efforts to protect threatened squirrel gliders across the Lower Hunter. University of Newcastle researchers and the FAUNA Research Alliance are teaming up with the Newcastle City Council to address threats like habitat loss, heat stress and vehicle strikes. The research team will monitor squirrel gliders' movements and identify ways to help maintain their genetic diversity to help prevent local extinction. They will also look at whether structures like rope bridges could help them get the squirrel gliders around.
 

Parvo virus spike: A Hunter Valley veterinarian is urging owners to vaccinate their dogs following a spike in parvo virus cases. Parvo is an infectious disease that causes illness in dogs, and can result in death. The Maitland Animal Management Facility has been closed for two weeks to limit the spread.
 

Knights debutant stars in win: Fullback David Armstrong scored a try in his NRL debut, helping Newcastle to an 18-14 win over the Dolphins at the weekend. The 23-year-old also impressed by making several line breaks and putting his body on the line to stop the Dolphins scoring.
 

Jets sale: Newcastle Jets men's coach Rob Stanton hasn't provided details, but suggests a deal to sell the A-League club is imminent. His side went down to the Central Coast Mariners 3-1 in their final game of the season at the weekend. Stanton told the after-match press conference he's confident a deal is progressing and hoped the sale will be announced soon. Meanwhile, the Jets women's season came to an end on Sunday after going down to Melbourne City 3-0 in the second leg of their semi-final on Sunday.