Lauren helps us to unpack the situation in the US re abortion; how we got here and what are the proposed legal changes being mooted.

The incredible multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Amy Vee is back performing following a tough few years due to COVID. She joined us in the studio to chat and perform a live track!

Amy will support the Mark Wells Big Band as a part of Live Music Lake Mac at Rathmines Theatre from 6 pm tomorrow (Thursday 5th May).

Don’t miss this incredible night of music in one of Lake Macquarie’s most iconic live music venues.

Live Music Lake Mac is a series of COVID-safe live music events taking place in Lake Macquarie, supporting local and NSW performers.

The Salvation Army has witnessed an increase in demand across its services over the past twelve months and it shows no sign of easing.

In 2022 the Salvation Army needs to raise $36 million to ensure services and programs addressing issues such as family and domestic violence, homelessness, addiction, financial hardship and much more to serve the most marginalised and disadvantaged in our community.

Major Mark Everitt is the local area officer for the Salvos and joined Newcastle Live to tell us how you can assist them top assist others.

It was a right of passage if you grew up in Newcastle in the 80s and 90s, especially on a Sunday afternoon and evening; the front bar at the Beaches was the meet-up spot.

But it's now big business with the Merewether Beach Hotel selling for almost $40 million to Sydney hotelier Glenn Piper and a small syndicate including three Novocastrians.

What does Mr Piper see as the future of this much-loved venue?

Bus privatisation and the Wickham School of Arts are both in the spotlight this week; with an upper house inquiry into bus services and with the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) releasing the final three hectares of land for expressions of interest with no plans to ensure the future of the heritage school on the land.

State MP Tim Crakanthorp joined us with the latest ahead of his appearance at the inquiry.

The Fine Art of Deception is a new comedy thriller about money, art, and friendship written and performed by Carl Caulfield.

Suzanne Faith, a glamorous former model, has a portrait of herself by Francis Bacon worth millions of pounds. A handyman attends her beautiful Chelsea home to do a repair job. Suzanne’s old friend Margo pays an unexpected visit and refuses to leave. Her business partner visits with important documents. And a stranger pays a call. Who is deceiving whom? And how far will they go?

It's a play that has been in his mind for quite a deal of time; how does it get from his head to the stage? Carl joins us in the studio to talk about "The Fine Art of Deception" opening at Newcastle Theatre Company on May 7.

Today we talk about the Americanization of the Australian election, ANZAC day in the US and the godawful moustache he has at the moment.

It's the topic on many people's conscience at the moment; affordable and emergency housing.



In Newcastle today, Labor has promised to provide $1.2 million for additional crisis accommodation which could help as many as 108 women and children to find refuge.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon joined us to talk about the promise and the wider Housing Australia Future Fund plan to build 30,000 social and affordable homes across the country.

Health authorities are gearing up for the first real influenza season in three years, with experts particularly worried about the impact on young children.

Flu circulation is likely to increase with lockdowns ending, social-distancing being relaxed and greater population movement as people return to workplaces, schools, and transportation.

University of Sydney infectious disease expert Robert Booy has predicted Australia will have a "moderate flu season as a minimum" in 2022, triggering concerns about the risk to children.

Professor Booy joined us to explain the reasons why we need to get our flu jab before its too late.

Cruelty to animals is one of the lowest levels of human behaviour and sadly 17-year-old Jet has seen some of the worst of human beings.

He was allegedly left to starve for over 12 months and eat his own faeces in a shocking case of neglect that has sparked renewed calls for an overhaul of Australia’s animal protection system.

Jet, a chestnut gelding, was allegedly assessed by the RSPCA NSW over 12 months ago as being underweight with a vet called to provide a health assessment in March 2021.

So what has happened since then? Darren Brollo from Animal Justice joined us.

Warning; some of this discussion may cause distress.