Thursday, February 4 2021: Top stories from the Newcastle Herald, your trusted voice in the Hunter

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is due to return to the Hunter on Monday, his second visit to the region in six months. University of Newcastle has distanced itself from Emeritus Professor Robert Clancy, the immunologist whose analysis of COVID-19 treatments has been used to justify the controversial views of Liberal MP Craig Kelly. Lake Macquarie council has added 27 new trainees as part of its education to employment program aimed at young adults leaving school, university of TAFE. Jets executive chairman Shane Mattiske expects to appoint a head coach early next week - giving interim boss Craig Deans one more game to push his claims. THE City of Newcastle will invest $20,000 to get local music firing during this month's inaugural New Annual arts festival.