Stockton woman killed on her doorstep

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Stockton grandmother shot dead in 'targeted attack'

One of Newcastle's most senior police officers says the shooting death of Stacey Klimovitch at her front door doesn't get much worse.

Murdered toddler's dad tells court his pain is 'unbearable'

The father of a toddler murdered near Newcastle sobbed in court while asking his former partner why she didn't get help to save their daughter's life.

Queen's Birthday honours list recognises residents of the Hunter

After those harrowing stories, here is some good news. Twenty residents of the Hunter have been named in the Queen's Birthday honours list, from doctors fighting the pandemic to local community sports organisers.

Central Coast high jumper Nicola McDermott gears up for Olympic Games

Talk about a high achiever! Central Coast high jumper Nicola McDermott has told students at Maitland's Grossman High School about how she jumped 2 metres at a recent Olympic qualifying event, the highest jump recorded by an Australian woman. "Nobody goes to the Olympics for fourth place," she says.

Jets captain hangs up his A-League boots

Jets captain Nigel Boogaard struggled to hold back tears as he announced his retirement from the men's team.

Local up for Rural Consultant of the Year

Keep your fingers crossed for Liz Riley, who has been nominated for Rural Consultant of the Year in the 2021 Australian Farmer of the Year Awards. Liz provides specialist generalist viticultural advice from her home town of Nulkaba.
Jack Laurie from Moppy is another young local who's been nominated for Agricultural Student of the Year. He's been studying a Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England.
They're both up against some stiff competition so we wish them well. You can catch all the action by joining Warwick Long on the Country Hour for a broadcast of the awards on Thursday, June 17 at 12.40pm, live from Canberra's Parliament House. Tune in to your Local ABC via radio or on the ABC Listen App.

Newcastle Uni lecturer wins award for coastal research

Dr Hannah Power's work to learn more about our changing coastlines has been recognised with the NSW Young Tall Poppy award.

How to fix muscle cramps without drugs

Recently published research discusses non-drug treatments for leg and foot cramps.

Georgie Darr on life, music and her debut album

Going into the studio with just two words, Denman singer Georgie Darr came out with not just one song but a full album!

What else made news this week?

Art gallery funding: Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is urging the state government to set up a fund the city can access to help pay for an upgrade to its art gallery. He says it's a disgrace that over $1 billion has now been allocated for Sydney Powerhouse Museum projects but $10 million can't be found for Newcastle's art gallery expansion.
Top cop headed for Newcastle: The incoming Northern Region police commander says when he arrives in Newcastle he wants to build on his previous work cutting Indigenous youth crime. Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna starts in his new role overseeing commands from Gosford to Tweed Heads at the end of the month.
Youngster falls into open fire: An 18-month-old girl was treated in a Sydney hospital after falling into an open fire in the Hunter Valley at the weekend. She suffered burns to her hands. She was treated on scene by paramedics and taken to Merriwa Hospital, before being flown to The Children's Hospital in Westmead in a stable condition.
Finke desert race: The Hunter's Toby Price has made history by becoming the first to win Australia's Finke Desert Race on a bike and now in a car. Toby has already won Finke in the motorbike category six times but on Tuesday he crossed the finish line first in a buggie.
Spray ignites environmental fears: The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party is warning of a potential environmental disaster off the coast north of Hawks Nest, amid fears marine life is dying from toxic weed sprays. Residents between the Myall Coast and Hawks Nest had been assured that sprays used on the noxious weed Bitou Bush are safe and only sprayed in the right weather conditions. In recent days dead beach worms and pippis have sparked concerns.
Operation Ironside: A Hunter Valley man is facing up to 25 years jail for allegedly laundering almost $5 million, concealed in a shed wall. The man didn't apply for bail in Cessnock Local Court and it was formally refused. He's due back in court in August.
MP pleads not guilty: NSW Member for Swansea and ex-Aboriginal affairs Minister Milton Orkopoulos has pleaded not guilty to 24 child sex and indecent assault offences relating to four boys in the 1990s. He also entered a not guilty plea to one count of perverting the course of justice. His lawyer told the court an adjournment was needed to finalise the former MP's legal aid application, adding that extra time would also allow for the matter to be resolved to go to sentence.

The best photos from around the country

The whales are back! This shot was captured by @lisaskeltonphotography at Port Stephens recently.
The #ABCmyphoto team is always on the lookout for the best photos from around Australia. You can show us what the world looks like where you are by using the hashtag on Instagram, or by uploading your photos online here. Let's make sure more photos from the Hunter are featured across the ABC!

How's the weekend weather looking?

Winter is certainly here and this weekend there's a high chance of showers, with temperatures reaching a top of 18 degrees. Thanks to @TomShakir for this lovely picture!

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