L-plater dies in horror crash at Black Hill

Emergency service crews were called to John Renshaw Drive at Black Hill, north-west of Newcastle, where a Holden Commodore and a Ford utility had collided.

An ABC investigation reveals police may have failed to identify another victim of convicted healthcare killer Garry Davis, who was found guilty of murdering two nursing home residents and attempting to kill a third by injecting them with lethal doses of insulin.

Alleged high-ranking Sydney members of the Finks outlaw motorcycle gang have been charged with what police describe as a targeted attack on a home south of Newcastle.

A man accused of a domestic violence murder has expressed anger that it has taken three years before he gets to stand trial.

Authorities are investigating the deaths of hundreds of birds across the inner suburbs of Newcastle, testing whether the birds died of a disease, such as bird flu, or were deliberately poisoned.

Anna Fenton had to travel more than two hours to access an ultrasound during an ectopic pregnancy. Now, a petition before the NSW parliament is calling for an inquiry into regional and rural maternity care.

The NSW EPA said it was the sight and stench of dead fish, and not machinery sensors, that prompted their investigation that landed a power station company in court.

Offshore wind faces community and political opposition as well as support for its promise of ample renewable energy and while some claims can be ruled out, experts say other concerns are valid.

Bob Geldof is sharing some of his life through songs and stories in a new concert tour.

Adam O'Brien explains why the incoming playmaker could be a perfect fit in the Hunter.

Noah James is incredibly patient. He made his A-League debut in the middle of COVID lockdowns before spending years waiting in the wings. Now, his stunning return to form has underpinned the Jets' surge up the ladder.

Surfest QS 1000: Jahly Stokes (pictured above) claimed the top women's spot in the Surfest WSL Qualifier Series 1000 at the weekend, beating Newcastle-based surfer Sarah Baum with a combined score of 13.44. The men's final resulted in Julian Wilson's triumphant return to competitive surfing. The 36-year-old hasn't competed since 2022 but beat young surfer Axel Curotta with a two-wave total of 13.70.

Image credit: ABC Newcastle/Bridget Murphy

Fatal unit fire: A report is being prepared for the coroner after a man died in fire in a Newcastle East unit this week. Fire and Rescue NSW was called to the Colliers Close unit block just before 4pm on Monday. A man, believed to be aged in his 60s, was found inside the unit suffering burns and died at the scene. The cause of the fire is being investigated.

Bus drivers strike over safety issues: Transport company Keolis Downer didn't appropriately respond to a safety incident involving one of its bus drivers in Newcastle, the New South Wales Rail, Tram and Bus Union says. Drivers stopped work last Thursday, bringing school buses and public buses to a halt over safety concerns after a passenger allegedly threatened to attack a driver with a machete on a public bus. The union says the incident comes after other attacks on drivers in recent weeks. In a statement, a Keolis Downer spokesperson said the safety of its team and customers was its top priority. The company says it has robust safety procedures in place to protect drivers.

More nurses for busy hospital: The John Hunter Hospital will welcome an extra 48 nurses, bringing the site in line with new safe staffing levels. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park visited the hospital last week where he also announced the beginning of a body-worn camera trial for hospital security staff. Five hospitals in the state are participating in the 12-month trial. Mr Park says safe staffing ratios are key to improving staff and patient safety.

Dredging underway: About 100,000 cubic metres of sediment will be removed from key channels in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area as part of the Myall Lake project, jointly funded by the state government and MidCoast Council. The sand will be stockpiled at Winda Woppa for future renourishment of Jimmys Beach as part of continuing coastal protection works. Dredging should be complete by late October.

Dungog Shire struggling with road repairs: Two recent storms have devastated roads in the Dungog Shire and the council is struggling to keep up with repairs, Mayor Digby Rayward says. Storms which hit the Hunter in January and damage from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred have caused flash flooding damage to small bridges and unsealed roads in the area. The Dungog Shire maintains all local roads and has no state roads. The mayor says the New South Wales government needs to direct more road funding to rural councils.

Full-strength beer at stadiums: Football fans now have the option of drinking full-strength beer at three New South Wales stadiums. A six-month trial is underway at stadiums at Parramatta, Olympic Park and Newcastle. Fans will have access to full-strength, mid-strength, light and zero alcohol options, and police and Venues NSW will monitor results during the football season.

Two in a row for Knights: The Newcastle Knights made it back-to-back wins to start the NRL season after a 14-point victory over the Dolphins last week. Captain Kalyn Ponga played a part in four of the Knights' five tries in the 26-to-12 victory. Newcastle will take on the Gold Coast Titans in round three of the NRL.

Known as sfouf, this beloved Lebanese cake is perfect for Ramadan and is simple to make yet packed with flavour.

The ABC is calling on community organisations to help bring inspiring ideas developed by young people at this year's Heywire Regional Youth Summit to life.