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18 March 2026

🌧️ Grandad's gun shock

Plus: safety rule chaos hits derbies, and twins' healing art ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
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Morning Post

Newcastle

Thursday, 19 March 2026  •  Issue #626

🌧️24°/20°
Rain today, shower or two tomorrow. UV high at 7.9.
☀️ UV 7.9  •  🌅 Sunset 7:06 PM
 

Good morning! A road rage incident with a firearm has shocked locals, while safety rule changes are causing headaches for agricultural shows. Plus, a touching story about twin resilience.

— Nathan, Editor

At a Glance

🌧️ 24°/20° — Rain today, shower or two tomorrow. UV high at 7.9.

📰 77-year-old pulls gun in Kooragang road rage

🛒 Newcastle City Farmers Market

💰 Money Matters: The Downsizer Super Contribution

🕰️ On this day in 1932: The Sydney Harbour Bridge officially opened in Sydney, connecting the...

Today's Newcastle

77-year-old pulls gun in Kooragang road rage

A grandfather has admitted to pulling a pistol during a road rage incident at Kooragang, threatening to shoot another driver. The 77-year-old was arrested after his victim photographed him and his car registration. It's a disturbing reminder that anger on the roads can escalate dangerously.

via Newcastle Herald

Demolition derbies cancelled over safety ruling chaos

Agricultural show societies are out thousands of dollars after late and inconsistent SafeWork NSW rulings forced demolition derby cancellations. The safety precaution requirements came too late for organisers to implement, leaving crowds disappointed and coffers lighter.

via ABC Newcastle

Around Australia

Japan crushes South Korea to meet Matildas in final

Japan delivered an ominous 4-1 dismantling of South Korea in the Women's Asian Cup semi-final, setting up a daunting showdown with Australia. The Matildas will need to be at their absolute best.

via ABC News

NDIS group home neglect reports surging

The disability services regulator is fielding increasing reports of abuse, injuries and unauthorised restraint in group homes, despite the NDIS promise to improve care standards. Documents obtained under Freedom of Information reveal a troubling trend.

via The Guardian Australia

Around the World

Iran's intelligence minister killed in Israeli air strike — Israel confirmed it killed Esmail Khatib in a strike, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirming his death on Wednesday.

via BBC World

At least 23 killed in suspected suicide bombings in Nigeria — Multiple bombings targeting a post office, market areas and hospital in Maiduguri left more than 100 others injured.

via The Guardian World

What's On

Markets & Food

Every Thursday we feature markets and food events around Newcastle.

Market

Newcastle City Farmers Market

Newcastle Showground, Every Sunday 8am-1pm

Browse fresh Hunter Valley produce and artisan goods in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Got an event to share? Let us know →

Money Matters

Every Thursday we share a practical money tip.

The Downsizer Super Contribution

If you're 55 or older and sell your home, you can contribute up to $300,000 (or $600,000 for a couple) into your super from the proceeds. It doesn't count toward your usual contribution caps. It's a powerful way to boost your retirement savings — but there are eligibility rules to check first.

Source: Australian Taxation Office

Have you or someone you know used the downsizer contribution? Was it worth it?

Just hit reply and tell us — we'll share the best answers on Tuesday.

Daily Brainteaser

🧩

I am an odd number. Take away one letter and I become even. What number am I?

Answer revealed at the bottom of today's edition.

Daily Games

✏️ Today's Featured Game

Crossword

10 clues · ~3 min

1 Across Instruct in a classroom
6 Across Bonus or additional
7 Across Book of maps
Play Crossword →
🧠 Trivia · Food & Drink · 7 Qs→
What is the main ingredient in the Greek sauce tzatziki?
💡 Word Ladder · 6 steps→
SLOW → ??? → FAST
🧩 Sudoku · 3 difficulties→
Gentle · Moderate · Tricky

On This Day

Anniversary of

• The Sydney Harbour Bridge officially opened in Sydney, connecting the city's northern and southern shores. (1932)

• The United States, United Kingdom, and coalition forces began the invasion of Iraq. (2003)

• Argentine forces landed on South Georgia Island, escalating tensions that led to the Falklands War. (1982)

• France began military operations in Libya as part of international intervention during the Libyan Civil War. (2011)

🎂 Born on this day: American action film star Bruce Willis (1955) and American actress and producer Glenn Close (1947).

Brainteaser Answer
Seven — remove the 's' and you get 'even.'

One Last Smile

One Last Smile illustration

Debating Merewether versus Bar Beach is Newcastle's favourite indoor sport.

Send this to a friend who’d laugh

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