Greta bus crash: Trial continues as AFL club gets $1.7m

The Crown has alleged a Hunter Valley toddler was unlawfully killed after ingesting a toxic amount of an antidepressant drug.

Influenza B remains at concerning levels just as NSW students begin to return to schools from holidays and two children die after contracting the virus — a year 9 student from the Central Coast and an 11-year-old in Queensland.

The 55-megawatt hydrogen electrolyser will be built at Kooragang Island, with Energy Minister Chris Bowen saying he also wants the project to create pathways towards renewable hydrogen exports.

The federal government has declared an offshore wind zone off the NSW Hunter coast, but it is smaller in size than what was originally proposed.

Belinda Downes was born with a facial cleft and her mum had a gambling addiction. She says the latter impacts her more to this day.

Medical and employment records have been tendered in court for the coach driver charged over last month's deadly Hunter Valley bus crash.

The NSW government commits $1.7 million to the Singleton Roosters as the club takes to the field for the first time since last month's bus crash that claimed the lives of five of its members.

A woman who had planned her upcoming wedding at Newcastle venue 48 Watt St says she has been left in the dark after the company went into liquidation.

Greyhound Racing NSW sought approval to convert the property into a "world-first" rehabilitation centre for retired greyhounds, but was unsuccessful.

He's told Kia Handley the trip helped him reflect not only on the changes to the river, but in his own life as well.

Knights to kick off NRLW season: Hannah Southwell and Tamika Upton will lead the Newcastle Knights women this season, as the side prepares to kick off its premiership defence. The Knights' NRLW season-opener will be against the Dragons at Hunter Stadium on Saturday. Southwell has been named captain and Upton vice-captain.

New innovation hub opened: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Muswellbrook this week to open a new facility in the Hunter Innovation Precinct. The multimillion-dollar Donald Horne Building will provide opportunities for young people to pursue careers in science and technology with its STEM innovation lab. Mr Albanese was shown experiments with robotics, 3D printing, artificial intelligence and drones. A robot arm was given the honour of cutting the ribbon.

When will power stations close? New South Wales Premier Chris Minns says some power stations may need to operate beyond their earmarked closure dates to shore-up the energy grid. The government is awaiting a review of the state's energy market, due next month, before it makes a standpoint on the future of Origin Energy's Eraring power station, which is due to close in 2025. Vales Point power station was earmarked to close in 2029, but Delta Electricity last week said an assessment of the infrastructure has found it could stay open until 2033. The NSW Greens say if coal-fired power stations are kept open for longer the state won't meet net zero targets.

Hundreds arrested in police blitz: People in the Hunter are among almost 600 people arrested across the state as part of a major police operation. The four-day blitz targeted domestic violence offenders. Police searched a home at Heddon Greta where they allegedly found drugs, ammunition and an exotic snake. A 49-year-old man was arrested and charged with several offences.

Veterinary shortages concerning: The Hunter Equine Centre says a lack of overseas recruitment and graduate pathways are two of the biggest issues facing the veterinary industry. A New South Wales parliamentary inquiry has been set up to examine staff shortages and burnout as well as graduates leaving the sector. Dr Bridget Bester says across the board few Australians and young people are applying for jobs in the sector.

Cancer research boost: University of Newcastle researchers have received nearly $800,000 in state funding to investigate cancer-related heart disease. The funding is part of a $1.6 million statewide boost. A 2021 study, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, found heart disease was the leading cause of death among Australian patients who survived cancer.

Shark nets consultation: The NSW Department of Primary Industries is consulting with councils between Newcastle and Wollongong about their preferred shark mitigation methods before shark nets are reinstalled later this year. There have been widespread calls for shark nets to be permanently removed. A decision on whether the nets will be reinstalled from September will be made following the tender and council consultation process.

Sexual assault support: Newcastle-based not-for-profit group What Were You Wearing? has launched a new support service for sexual assault survivors. The group will hold monthly workshops to enable survivors to meet and learn coping methods with the support of a psychologist or counsellor.

Locals await bridge repairs: Major repairs to a key bridge at Clarence Town may not begin for another month. The Brig O'Johnston Bridge crosses the Williams River, connecting rural properties on the east to the main township. It's been closed for nearly a week following damage caused by a truck. Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell says residents have to take a half-hour detour to access groceries and schools.

Origin double for Best: Newcastle Knights men's centre Bradman Best scored two tries on debut for the NSW Blues last Wednesday. New South Wales avoided a State of Origin whitewash, defeating Queensland in game three of the series 24-10.