Morning Shot: Herald photographic co-ordinator Darren Pateman shared this sunrise at Nobbys.
Weather: Hot with a possible shower in Newcastle (39 degrees), possible afternoon storms in Scone (39 degrees) and Maitland (39 degrees). Across the weekend showers are likely, with the mercury expected to soar as high as 42 degrees in Maitland and Scone on Sunday.
Traffic: No major incidents on Hunter roads.
Trains: Buses replace trains between Scone and Maitland and some trains between Maitland and Telarah until 10.10pm on Friday. Trains between Maitland/Dungog and Newcastle may run up to 15 minutes later due to trackwork. If you are connecting with Central Coast & Newcastle Line trains, please catch an earlier service to ensure you meet your connection at Hamilton Station.
Beachwatch: The wind will be north to north-west early heading more to the north-east in the afternoon with the swell from the south-east around half to one metre. The cleaner waves will be found early but there’s not a lot to choose from.
Newcastle rail kiosk to go Christmas Eve: FOR 27 years, Alex Hudson has served up the morning coffee to Newcastle’s rail commuters and fried up the hot chips for the kids on their way to the beach.
Waratah man pleads guilty to bus bashing: VIDEO MATTHEW James McAlister says he can’t recall brutally attacking a bus driver who was simply doing his job, but judging by the screams of the passengers on board it will live with them forever.
Warkworth mine approval a gift for workers: HUNTER Valley miners say the recommended approval of the Warkworth coal mine is ‘‘an early Christmas present’’.
Tinkler jets off on A-League junket: HE has admitted he ‘‘can’t wait’’ to get the Newcastle Jets off his hands but that appears unlikely to deter Nathan Tinkler from accepting a VIP junket on the club’s behalf.
