Wednesday, May 19, 2021: Top stories from the Newcastle Herald, your trusted voice in the Hunter

The federal government has confirmed it will build a $600 million gas-fired power station at Kurri Kurri as part of its strategy to avoid a spike in power prices following the closure of Liddell Power Station in 2023. Hunter federal Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon says he is delighted that the Upper Hunter by-election has demonstrated an "almost universal" political commitment to the coal industry. City of Newcastle has unveiled changes to its planned Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade, repositioning a pool access ramp, altering shade structures and retaining a heritage staircase. Knights coach Adam O'Brien has given his advisor Anthony Seibold a more hands-on coaching role as the club looks to dig itself out of a hole when they meet the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville tomorrow night. And council is calling for feedback on its "Stairway to Heaven" project which could link the harbour foreshore with Christ Church Cathedral.