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Hayne rape trial wraps up

After almost two weeks of hearings, including days of testimony from the former NRL star, Jarryd Hayne's rape trial in Newcastle District Court is drawing to a close. Closing addresses were delivered today in court, where Mr Hayne has pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual assault against a woman in 2018.

Shocking video of cyclist clipped by car sparks heated debate

Police are investigating an incident on the Newcastle Inner City Bypass last weekend involving a collision between a car and a group of cyclists riding in the breakdown lane. A video of the crash sent social media into meltdown, sparking a heated debate about who was in the wrong.

COVID restrictions ease in time for Christmas

Christmas is coming up and, with the further easing of restrictions, residents in the Hunter will finally be able to spread some joy after a tumultuous year.
This week the State Government announced gathering sizes had increased, but it continues to urge caution when it comes to the elderly and people with underlying health conditions.

A 'magic' table helping people with dementia

A Hunter Valley nursing home is using technology to help residents who have dementia. The 'magic table' uses a light box and sensors to give people who often can't participate in many activities to use their hands to play with the images projected onto the table.

Records tumble during weekend heatwave

It wasn't just the lions at Hunter Valley Zoo that were hot last weekend. Ice blocks infused with blood were on the menu for the animals at the zoo near Cessnock, but the rest of us also sweltered through two days above 40 degrees.
 
Temperature records tumbled in the Hunter, with Newcastle's Nobbys Beach recording its hottest overnight temperature for November.

Next generation of street artists

Newcastle's streets have recently had a massive injection of life thanks to street art projects popping up across the city. A neon-coloured, eye-popping mural inspired by inhabitants of a fictional world is taking shape in a formerly grungy Cooks Hill laneway.

Stay connected with the ABC in an emergency

Here in the Hunter region we know what Mother Nature can throw at us, having experienced bushfires, floods and wild storms  in the past year. The ABC Newcastle team is always on hand to update you during an emergency, as is the wider ABC Emergency team.

And this summer we've made it faster and easier to get the latest warning information for where you live, on the ABC Emergency website. Add your postcode or town name to check current warnings. The new site also has tips on how to prepare for disasters. Keep it handy this summer season and stay safe.

These links will get you started:

• Find the frequency for your local ABC radio station or use the Listen app
• Survival kit: Things you'll need in an emergency
• How to plan before, during and after a bushfire
• Getting ready for a storm
• How to prepare for a heatwave

Putting your dog at ease during storm season

As a wild electrical storm hit the Hunter on Tuesday night, a lot of us stayed up all night trying to calm terrified pooches. So how do you help your dog stay cool when the sound of a storm sends them running scared? Dan and Jenny spoke to a local vet about whether it's best to give them extra cuddles or tough love.

Accessible bank branch opens at Glendale

Walking into your local bank branch is not something many of us worry about, but for people with disabilities it's not always an easy task. Beyond Bank has refurbished its Glendale branch to ensure it is accessible for all, and the ABC's Madeline Lewis went along with a few locals to check out what's changed.

Christie Dawes takes on Mornings with Kia

Today is International Day of People with Disability and we celebrated at ABC Newcastle with Australian Paralympian Christie Dawes. Christie co-hosted the Mornings show with Kia Handley, answering your questions about what it’s like to live with a disability. 

What else is making news?

Newcastle bumped by Supercars: There'll be no Newcastle 500 race to wrap up next year's Supercars Championship, with the city bumped from the schedule for the second year in a row. Organisers say instead, Newcastle's street circuit will host the opening race of the 2022 Supercars season.

Family dog attacks boy:  A five-year-old boy from the Lake Macquarie suburb of Sunshine was flown to a Sydney hospital on Sunday after he was bitten on the neck by the family dog. Police say the boy was in a stable condition and underwent plastic surgery. The family told police the dog would be euthanased.

Rail strike averted: A 24-hour strike by rail workers was called off last week. The union says testing was set to go ahead on the Newcastle line for a new fleet of intercity trains, but the tests were called off so that safety concerns could be discussed.

Carrington pump house restoration: The fences surrounding one of Newcastle's oldest industrial buildings came down this week. Over $1 million has been spent restoring the facade of the Hydraulic Engine House at Carrington, built in 1877. 

Broadmeadow sports precinct plan: Long-awaited plans for the Broadmeadow sports precinct moved a little closer to reality with a concept video released this week, showing a Homebush-style development of the site. Planning Minister Rob Stokes remained tight lipped about the project during a visit to Newcastle, saying the plans are still in the hands of Venues NSW. 

All Blacks smash Pumas: Despite the heat, Hunter Stadium in Newcastle was packed on Saturday night to see the All Blacks pummel Argentina 38-0. The win effectively gave New Zealand the Tri-nations series, putting them well clear of the Pumas and Wallabies.

How's the weather looking? 

There's some rain about and it'll be partly cloudy right through until the weekend. There's a high chance of showers on Saturday and temperatures will reach the low 30s. It should be mostly sunny on Sunday and remaining fine through until Wednesday.

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