It'll be 26 in the city and 27 in Parramatta today. There's again the threat of a 30 per cent chance of rain, but this week reminds us that to an optimist this is a 70 per cent chance of staying dry.

Two fates, one state

It's good economic news for NSW, so it is often said.

But today's paper shows that there's a more complicated story below the surface. For up to 2.7 million of us at least one of the last three years has been in recession.

Economic growth in Sydney averaged 2.2 per cent between 2012 and 2015, while regional areas of NSW contracted by 0.3 per cent in that period, the research, by SGS Economics and Planning has revealed.

Five boom areas are driving the economy with plus four per cent growth: Ryde-Macquarie Park, Northern Sydney, the CBD and surrounds, the northern beaches and Baulkham Hills.

Political parties need more money: representatives of political parties

Some MPs have been tasked with looking at how much money their parties receive under public election funding, an issue recently at the forefront of state politics.

To everyone's surprise they concluded parties deserve about $2 million more a year from the taxpayer to continue their important work, through a change in the way funding is calculated.

I'm sure the give-us-less-money option was only narrowly defeated after several late-night drafting sessions and urns of coffee.

Cheeses, priced

Is it possible to buy a decent cheese at the supermarket? (Who knew they were sold elsewhere?)

A team of experts finds you have to be choosy.

Semi's deal not complete

Rugby league star Semi Radrada has arrived back in Sydney to face three charges of domestic violence levelled by his former partner.

There's two stories about whether he'll head to France to play rugby union or stay at Parramatta next year.

"I'm getting tired of Semi now," said Eels great Brett Kenny.

Chinatown explosion

Seven people were taken to hospital last night after a gas cylinder exploded in a Haymarket food court. They are believed to have suffered cuts and lacerations.