Thursday, May 27, 2021: Top stories from the Newcastle Herald, your trusted voice in the Hunter

A Hunter couple trapped in a notorious ocean cave at Catherine Hill Bay for nearly 13 hours has thanked the rescue team that pulled them to safety and the friend who tracked them down.
Newcastle Airport’s chief executive has said a $55 million upgrade to the passenger terminal is crucial to capitalising on the federal government's recent runway budget commitment.
Paterson MP Meryl Swanson has defended herself against claims she failed to declare a conflict of interest during a Labor party-room debate over JobKeeper subsidies, describing the caucus leak as "deeply troubling".
Fifteen Hunter Junior Rugby Union clubs will play 26 games in four age divisions, involving more than 1000 players, on 'Super Saturday' at Tuggerah Sports Complex this weekend.
The Torres Straight Islander flag was raised above Newcastle City Hall on Wednesday for the first time in the iconic civic building's 92-year history.