You can let us know what you think of this newsletter by offering feedback here. And do you know others who might enjoy it? Send on this sign-up link. 

The violent death of 18-year-old Emerald Wardle in her home in 2020 shocked the couple's family, neighbours and our whole community. Her boyfriend Jordan Miller is charged with murder and this week his trial began in Newcastle Supreme Court.

It's hard to imagine the pain of a child or a friend going missing without a trace. For 28 years, Gordana Kotevski's family have been looking for answers.

The bulk carrier that brought a shipment of cocaine into Australia via the Port of Newcastle earlier this month quietly departed local waters in the early hours of Friday morning. Meanwhile, our journalist Giselle Wakatama revealed the identity of the scuba diver who died during the botched delivery.

As the dust settles on another federal election, we figure you might be sick and tired of hearing about politics. Then again, you might be totally gripped by every new development as the final votes are counted and Australia's 47th parliament takes shape. For detailed local results, have a look at our news briefs later in the newsletter.

The final score of 36 to 12 against the men's Brisbane Broncos indicates a thumping. But there were two decisions by the video referee that certainly turned Thursday night's match on its head.

Women's rugby league is forging ahead with a new season of the NRLW set to kick off in August. And if you haven't already taken an interest in our local team, it might be time because they just pulled off a big "recruitment coup".

Most of us are guilty of it. We buy things we think will be useful but they end up buried away in a cupboard.

An update for you on this heartwarming story. A Scone artist is on a mission to create something meaningful for the people of war-torn Ukraine.

Do you shop around for petrol to try and save money? We've noticed fuel prices are wildly varied between parts of our region.

After a marathon session in parliament over amendments, voluntary assisted dying has been made legal in New South Wales. Of course, it's a sensitive subject. But Kahibah local Mark Gilmour wants you to know why he supports the bill.

Hunter election results: Labor retained the key coal mining seat of Hunter thanks to former coal miner and Olympian Dan Repacholi. In our other local electorates, Labor's Meryl Swanson succeeded in Paterson, Pat Conroy held onto Shortland and Sharon Claydon comfortably held Newcastle. Swimming against the sea of ALP red across the Hunter, Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce retained the seat of New England, albeit with a swing against him. And Nationals MP David Gillespie looks set to retain his seat of Lyne.

Local political analyst notes 'clear shift': Emeritus Professor at the University of Newcastle Jim Jose says neither of the major parties were given a big nod by voters in the seats of Shortland and Newcastle. He says both parties experienced swings against them in the primary vote. The Greens saw significant gains in Newcastle and there was "a clear shift" away from One Nation and the United Australia Party.

Catholic school teachers to strike: Hundreds of teachers from the Hunter's catholic schools will join strike action on Friday May 27. The Independent Education Union says more needs to be done to combat a teacher shortage.

Leisl Smith murder trial nears an end: The defence says it's a nonsense that a man murdered his younger lover in the Upper Hunter Valley so he could pursue an older wealthy woman. James Scott Church has pleaded not guilty to murdering Leisl Smith in 2012. Her body is believed to have been dumped in a national park near Merriwa. The trial has heard from hundreds of witnesses. 

Want a snapshot of local news first thing in the morning? We're up bright and early on the radio and on Facebook where you'll find our Newcastle and Hunter morning briefing. It's a super-fast read and a great way to stay across any important local news and weather info before you start the day.

This beautiful golden sunrise over the Merewether Ocean Baths was snapped by Sarah Muratore. How did we notice it? Sarah shared her image via #ABCmyphoto on Instagram.

You can show everyone what the world looks like where you live by using the hashtag on Instagram or by uploading your photos online here. 

Those sultry skies and intermittent showers aren't done with us yet. There's a medium chance of showers on Friday and Saturday along the coast. On Saturday, partly cloudy and a medium chance of showers across the whole region. Daytime temperatures will be similar to the past few days, between 17 and 21 degrees. Overnight, as cool as 7 degrees on Friday but 9 degrees seems to be about average as we approach the final week of Autumn.

Jennifer Bennett took this pic at Caves Beach late afternoon with no filter. She loved the "sultry tones" of the sky. And so do we! 

We love receiving your feedback on our local newsletter. Are we offering the stories you want to read? Is there something more we could include? Send us your thoughts. 

Visit our local website. Listen live to our local programs or download the ABC listen app to take us with you.

Catch the daily news bulletin via ABC listen or on our website.

Visit us on Facebook, or contact us via email.

ABC Newcastle acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.