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ABC News •

Georgia couple arrested for leaving 3-year-old in a backyard shed without electricity or running water

A Georgia couple is now behind bars after allegedly leaving a 3-year-old alone in a backyard shed for weeks, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.Sarah Elizabeth Pombert, 34, and Joseph Matthew Turner, 35, were arrested on Monday after allegedly keeping 3-year-old Bjorn Turner in a backyard shed in Douglasville, Georgia, from May 1 to May 22, according to an arrest warrant obtained by ABC News on Friday.The shed was described as a "dirty living space" that did not have running water...
ABC News •

Father who killed 3 daughters was 'active dad' but the 'system failed' him, ex-wife's attorney says

Travis Decker has been on the run after allegedly murdering his three daughters.Travis Decker, the father accused of murdering his three young daughters near a Washington campground, lacked mental health resources and struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder, his ex-wife's attorney told ABC News.Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5, were killed after they left home for a "planned visitation" with Decker at approximately 5 p.m. on May 30, officials said. At approximately...
ABC News •

Good Samaritan speaks out after stopping couple from 'dumping' kittens in dirt field

Elisabeth Lomeli was driving along a main road in San Bernardino, California, when she suddenly saw two people "dumping" cats in a dirt field, she told ABC News on Thursday.The incident occurred on May 30, when Lomeli and her friend saw a woman allegedly abandoning four kittens and a cat in the field, where she said they were exposed to triple-digit temperatures and coyotes."If they would have been left out there, they would have never had a chance," Lomeli told ABC News.Lomeli said she immediat...
ABC News •

As Canadian wildfire smoke travels down to US, here's why it can be so dangerous

As hundreds of wildfires burn across Canada, Americans' health could be impacted.As of Wednesday, 203 wildfires were burning in Canada, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.The smoke forced health officials in the U.S. to send air quality alerts across parts of the Upper Midwest on Tuesday and caused hazy conditions in New York, according to National Weather Service NY.Readings from AirNow show air quality alerts in the Northeast, Midwest and Great Plains range from "moderate...
ABC News •

Manhunt continues for father police say killed 3 young daughters near Washington campground

The manhunt continued on Wednesday for 32-year-old Travis Decker, who is accused of killing his three young daughters near a campground in Washington, with officials saying he could be "anywhere within the nation."Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5, were killed after they left home for a "planned visitation" with Decker at approximately 5 p.m. on Friday, according to the Wenatchee Police Department.At approximately 3 p.m. on Monday, officials located Decker's vehicle unoccu...
ABC News •

7-year-old shot while sleeping in her own home, suspect remains at large

A 7-year-old South Carolina girl remains in critical condition after she was shot while sleeping in her own home over the weekend, according to the Pageland Police Department.At approximately 1:17 a.m. on Sunday, police responded to shots being fired into the Pageland home, hitting the girl -- identified as Skylar Baker -- in the head, officials said.Skylar received first aid at the scene and was flown to an area hospital with "life-threatening injuries," according to police.Police said the inci...
ABC News •

3 young sisters found dead after being reported missing in Washington, police searching for father

Travis Decker, the girls' father, is suspected to be involved in their deaths.Three young sisters in Washington who had not been seen since they left home for a scheduled visitation with their father have been found dead, according to the Wenatchee Police Department.Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5, were last seen at approximately 5 p.m. on Friday when they left to be with their father, Travis Decker, on a "planned visitation," police said.At approximately 3 p.m. on Monda...
ABC News •

Canadian wildfire smoke continues to worsen air quality in several US states

There are 208 active wildfires in Canada as of Tuesday, officials said.Smoke from raging wildfires in Canada continues to bring dangerous air quality conditions to parts of the northern United States, with hazy and smoky skies also possible for the East and South.As of Tuesday, there are 208 active wildfires burning in Canada, with 107 of these considered to be "out of control," meaning fires that are being observed and assessed, but not immediately suppressed, according to the Canadian Interage...
ABC News •

Woman arrested for leaving dog outside in crate during extreme heat

A Nevada woman was arrested after her dog was trapped outside in a crate and died due to the extreme heat, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.At approximately 2:02 p.m. on Saturday, police received a call for assistance from the Clark County Animal Protection Services in reference to "a dog who was deceased at a residence" in Las Vegas, police said in a statement on Sunday.Once on the scene, animal cruelty detectives took over the investigation, determining that the dog ha...
ABC News •

Canadian wildfire smoke poses threat to several US states

There are 181 active wildfires in Canada as of Monday, officials said.With more than a hundred wildfires burning in Canada, the smoke is bringing potentially dangerous air quality conditions to parts of the northern United States.As of Monday, there are 181 active wildfires burning in Canada, with 92 of these considered to be "out of control," meaning fires that are being observed and assessed, but not immediately suppressed, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.The smoke fro...
ABC News •

Grandfather sacrifices his life to save twin granddaughters from a fallen tree limb

The 78-year-old was struck in the head by the tree limb on Wednesday.Manuel Pinzon, a 77-year-old outdoorsman, father, and grandfather is now being described as a "hero through and through" after sacrificing his life to save his twin granddaughters from a fallen tree limb, his son-in-law told ABC News.The incident occurred on Wednesday, when Pinzon's 8-year-old twin granddaughters were spending time at his home in Dacula, Georgia, according to Pinzon's son-in-law, Jason Krause.The granddaughters...
ABC News •

2 teens found dead in remote area of Arizona, officials investigating as possible homicide

Officials are investigating a possible homicide after two teenagers were found dead in an isolated area of Arizona, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.On Tuesday morning, deputies responded to a call for service in the area of Mount Ord, a remote hiking and camping area between the cities of Mesa and Payson.Once on the scene, officials located "two deceased individuals," the sheriff's office said in a statement.Officials said they are thoroughly looking at the circumstances surrou...
ABC News •

Map: US states could face unhealthy air quality due to Canada wildfires

States bordering the Great Lakes are under air quality alerts on Friday.Several dozen wildfires burning in Canada have led local authorities to declare states of emergencies and forced thousands of people to evacuate. Now, they are expected to send smoke drifting into the United States on Friday.As of Friday, there are 174 active wildfires in Canada, with 94 of these considered to be "out of control," meaning fires that are being observed and assessed, but not immediately suppressed, according t...
ABC News •

Iowa cold case cracked more than 40 years after young man was killed following DNA breakthrough

More than 40 years after a 24-year-old man was killed in rural Iowa, a suspect has now been arrested in connection to his murder through DNA research, according to the Linn County Sheriff's Department.Michael Schappert, 64, was arrested on Wednesday for the 1983 murder of Ronald Lee Novak, who was brutally killed on Dec. 23, 1983, in rural Walker, Iowa, officials announced on Wednesday.At the time of the incident, a friend of Novak found him "deceased in an unheated room in his home" after "what...
ABC News •

4-year-old girl who receives medical treatment in US could die if deported, lawyer says

Deysi Vargas and her daughter, 4, have been in the U.S. since 2023.A 4-year-old girl receiving "lifesaving medical treatment" in the United States could die "within days" if she is deported, according to the family's lawyers.The 4-year-old child, identified by the pseudonym "Sofia," suffers from "short bowel syndrome," which prevents her from being able to properly absorb nutrients and fluid from food on her own, her lawyers said during a press conference on Wednesday. The lawyers said they are...
ABC News •

'Evil man': Search continues for ex-police chief who escaped Arkansas prison

The manhunt continues for Grant Hardin, the escaped former Arkansas police chief serving a 30-year sentence for murder and rape, as officials enter their fourth day of search efforts.Grant Hardin, 56, who has been in prison since 2017 for first-degree murder and rape, escaped the Calico Rock North Central Unit on Sunday at approximately 2:50 p.m., the Stone County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.Hardin escaped custody through a sally port by impersonating a corrections officer "in dress and...
ABC News •

Suspects who allegedly attacked woman in McDonald's because of her sexual orientation face hate crime charges

Two males, including one juvenile, are facing hate crime charges after allegedly physically attacking a 19-year-old woman and calling her "derogatory" names at a McDonald's in Illinois, according to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.The incident occurred on May 13, when police responded to a report of a fight at a McDonald's in Carpentersville, Illinois, which is about an hour outside of Chicago.Once on the scene, officials determined the incident "involved an aggravated battery against...
ABC News •

Inmate apprehended after 'unlawfully' walking away from Oklahoma prison

The inmate has been serving a five-year burglary sentence since October 2024.The search has ended for an inmate at an Oklahoma correctional facility who "unlawfully" walked away from prison, according to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.At approximately 8:25 p.m. on Monday, William D. Brainard, 44, was "determined to have unlawfully walked away" from the Clara Waters Correctional Center in Oklahoma City, the department of corrections said in a statement on Monday.Brainard was apprehended b...
ABC News •

Driver in Liverpool parade ramming arrested for attempted murder, believed to have been on drugs

The suspect accused of ramming a car into a crowd in Liverpool at a Premier League victory parade on Monday has been arrested for attempted murder, reckless driving and is believed to have been on drugs during the incident, officials said during a press conference on Tuesday.Merseyside Police said on Tuesday that 65 people were injured in the incident, and 11 — all in stable condition — still remain in the hospital.Officials said a robust traffic plan was in place for the parade, which included...
ABC News •

After weekend of tornadoes in South, more severe weather possible on Memorial Day

More than 12 million people are under flash flood watches on Monday.More than 12 million people are on alert for flash flooding from Oklahoma to Mississippi on Memorial Day as potentially strong storms hit the South.In the overnight hours heading into Memorial Day, six tornadoes -- five in Texas and one in New Mexico -- were reported and hail up to 6 inches in diameter fell in Afton, Texas.Nearly 100,000 customers were without power from Texas to Alabama on Monday afternoon, with more storms exp...
ABC News •

Former Arkansas police chief sentenced for murder and rape escapes from prison

A former Arkansas police chief serving a 30-year sentence for murder and rape has escaped from prison, according to the Stone County Sheriff's Office.Grant Hardin, 56, who has been in prison since 2017 for first-degree murder and rape, escaped the Calico Rock North Central Unit on Sunday at approximately 2:50 p.m., the sheriff's office said in a statement.Hardin, who was the former police chief of Gateway, Arkansas, allegedly escaped through a sally port "wearing a makeshift outfit designed to m...
ABC News •

What we know about the 2 Israeli Embassy staffers killed in DC shooting: 'Young couple with bright future'

Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, two staff members at the Israeli Embassy, were killed outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.The young couple were not diplomats, but instead Lischinsky was a researcher in the political department of the Israeli Embassy, and Milgrim organized U.S. missions to Israel."The couple that was gunned down tonight were about to be engaged," Yechiel Leiter, Israeli...
ABC News •

2 Israeli Embassy staffers killed in 'act of terror' in Washington, DC

Two staff members with the Israeli Embassy -- a couple about to get engaged -- were gunned down outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday in what FBI Director Kash Patel called an "act of terror."The shooting has sparked outrage and has been condemned as an "unspeakable" act of antisemitism after officials said the suspect, who is in custody, shouted "free, free Palestine" following the shooting.Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim were identified by Isra...
ABC News •

Former USPS employee sentenced to 27 months in jail for stealing $1.9 million in checks

Dontavis Romario Truesdale worked at the USPS from November 2022 to April 2023.A former United States Postal Service employee in North Carolina was sentenced to 27 months in prison after he allegedly stole over $1.9 million in checks from P.O. boxes, according to federal prosecutors.Dontavis Romario Truesdale, 28, was sentenced Tuesday to 27 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for financial institution fraud after he "stole $1.9 million in business checks from the post o...
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Features: Fashion/Lifestyle/Entertainment

INTERSECT MAGAZINE •

Can we please stop talking about men all the time?

Now, perhaps this is because I just went through a breakup six months ago, and any sight of testosterone makes me want to hurl my guts out. Nevertheless, I have tried to avoid anything remotely concerning dating, relationships, and men (gag) as soon as I was on my own. Thus, I embraced the single life by spending copious amounts of time (and slurping down an ungodly amount of espresso martinis) with my friends. I also partook in all the girly activities (because feminism is the sole breakup anti...
INTERSECT MAGAZINE •

The Rise of the Coach Brooklyn Bag

At the start of autumn, I expect my social media feeds to be filled with Gilmore Girls watch parties, someone trying the latest Starbucks drinks, and where to find the best lightweight sweaters. But I wouldn’t expect one single handbag to take over my entire TikTok For You Page.Remember in “Schitt’s Creek,” when Moira (played by Catherine O’Hara) is devastated because David stole her beloved brown crocodile bag? She is screaming in agony, not because her son took off, but because she no longer h...
Medill Reports Chicago •

Q&A: Meet Abbey Sadleir, an influencer reinventing the London's ‘It-Girl’

LONDON — Every Tuesday, with hot-pink rollers in her honey blond hair and a black “mob wife” fur coat around her shoulders, Abbey Sadleir records a few new TikTok videos about her home in central London. During the other days of the week, when she hits up restaurants and vintage stores, she gets her tally up to two dozen. Although the 28-year-old grew up in New Zealand, she has lived in the U.K. for nearly two years – where she became a 20-something’s “expert” source for where to eat, drink and
Medill Reports Chicago •

Flowers or tomatoes? Theatergoers share mixed reviews of ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ and ‘Dear Octopus’ revivals

By Medill Explores: Arts and Culture in London students

Medill Reports

Two reimagined classic shows — one on the West End and another at the Royal National Theatre — earn stars from some Medill master’s students who recently traveled to London. But even the curtain calls come with caveats.

Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” sound like they belong on a playlist for a mediocre karaoke bar — not the score for a West End show. With sequined corse
Medill Reports Chicago •

To read or not to read: British books to binge before your London holiday

By Medill Explores: Arts and Culture in London students

Medill Reports

Why not grab a cup of tea and curl up with an England- or royals-themed novel, guide or exposé? Medill master’s students turned hundreds of pages to immerse themselves in U.K. culture before heading across the pond.

“The Diana Chronicles,” British journalist Tina Brown’s 2007 biography of “the people’s princess,” thoroughly covers both famous and intimate moments from a highly scrutinized life and death. The former editor
Patch •

Andersonville Typewriter Poets Take To The Street To Personalize Prose

She approached the table and discovered two poets – Edgewater resident Lisa Marie Farver, 42, and her literary partner, 33-year-old Uptown resident who goes by the single name Coelti – writing custom poems for people on the corner of Clark Street and Berwyn Avenue. The rules were simple: Smith provided a prompt and in the span of a few minutes, a poem appeared, written by Coelti, who then read it aloud.

The poem was about her and her partner, Warren, who would soon become her fiancé. It was tit
Newport Beach News •

Newport Beach Teen Spreads Laughter Through Community Service Project

By Megan Forrester | Special to the NB Indy

Back in the first grade, Newport Beach resident Emma LeSieur told her very first joke. “Why did the chicken cross the road? To get more diapers,” LeSieur said.

Sure, it might not have been as sophisticated as most jokes, but to LeSieur at the time, it was pure comedy gold. She recalls even receiving a few chuckles from her parents, even though she now recounts them as pity laughs.

All these years later, now about to start her senior year at Newport
Newport Beach News •

Newport Beach Elected Officials Face Off in Mac and Cheese Eating Contest to Support Make-A-Wish Foundation

By Megan Forrester | Special to the NB Indy

Growing up, one of Anaheim Hills resident Zach Mauldin’s fondest memories was riding his bike from his home to the landmark Newport Beach restaurant Cappy’s Cafe. The combination of being with friends and indulging in Cappy’s famous fluffy pancakes made the restaurant a beloved part of his childhood.

Now, years later, Mauldin has returned to Cappy’s for a different reason. Instead of a plate of pancakes, Mauldin supervised 10 servings of mac and chee
Newport Beach News •

Newport Beach Resident Donates $25K in Gift Cards to Newport Beach Police Department - Newport Beach News

By Megan Forrester | Special to the NB Indy
When Newport Beach resident Dotty McDonald first started volunteering at the Newport Beach Police Department back in 2015, she realized two important things: each member of the department cares significantly for the community and every cop loves a good slice of pizza.
So, after hearing everyone at the station praise Sgt. Pepperoni’s pizza (a longtime Newport Beach favorite), and McDonald notably remembering one officer loving a ham and pineapple pie, s...
The Panther Newspaper •

Chapman alumna designs ‘real, honest clothing’ in online storefront — The Panther Newspaper

"She would be like, 'Yes, after this we are going to Limited Too,'" Hancock O'Neill said. "We finished and she was like, 'Oh, we spent all the money, we can't go to Limited Too.' And every year I was like, 'Okay maybe next year.' I literally never got to go to Limited Too. But, I still wear a lot of the lux styles that I grew up wearing."

With her mom's sense of style as an inspiration, Hancock O'Neill strived to create clothing that any simple dresser could attain at an affordable price. Her s
The Panther Newspaper •

Chapman's next top model balances catwalks with college life — The Panther Newspaper

"I was walking into one of my finals, and I got a call from my agent in Arizona and he was like, 'Check your email, Wilhelmina wants to sign you,'" Jaclyn Reid said. "I was like, 'What? What are you talking about?' I was so happy and I couldn't even focus on my final.”

Since becoming a part of Wilhelmina, Jaclyn Reid has been offered around 10 modeling jobs this past school year, including a Bulgari jewelry show in San Diego and an Oscar de la Renta show in Indian Wells. Recently, on April 20,
The Panther Newspaper •

Chapman professor gains national recognition over challenge proposed to his social media marketing course — The Panther Newspaper

In order to affirm the power of social media, Prince created the TikTok challenge, which Bastardo achieved through her viral video of her and her friend sitting in Prince's classroom. The story has gathered the attention of people across the country, with Bastardo and Prince featured in The New York Times, CBS Los Angeles, KNX News Radio and more.

"The point I was trying to make through the challenge was that anyone has the potential of going viral and having influence," Prince said. "Everyone
The Panther Newspaper •

Love, and a little Harry Styles, emphasized in Chapman student's business — The Panther Newspaper

With that, her online business Lovers in Lace skyrocketed.

"Someone wants to spend money on something that I created, that's crazy!" Leong said. "This person works $15 an hour and they're going to spend $100 on an order? The people that support Lovers in Lace are very loyal."

Lovers in Lace is an online storefront that strives to "spread love and kindness throughout the world." Leong started out with just an Etsy shop in 2018 and now the store has its own website with over 1,000 orders on an a
The Panther Newspaper •

Chapman student wins $20,000 on 'The Price is Right' — The Panther Newspaper

McGarry said she has always been fond of games involving strategy, not any revolving around pure luck. So when Carey announced they would be playing "Time is Money," McGarry was thrilled. The game is simple: the player has 10 seconds to place five grocery items into three different price categories. With all her practice leading up to this moment, McGarry successfully matched each item, meaning she would go home with $20,000 in her pocket.

"I didn't even know how to react (when I won)," McGarry
The Panther Newspaper •

Chapman can't help falling in love with Austin Butler — The Panther Newspaper

Along with discussing the trajectory of his career, Butler joined an audience of Chapman students on March 1 for a Master Class to disclose his dedication to the craft, his career shifts from Nickelodeon to theater and the recognition he has received from his portrayal of the music icon.

The Master Class, which was held in the Folino Theater, was moderated by Executive Editor of Awards at The Hollywood Reporter and trustee professor Scott Feinberg and was preceded by a screening of "Elvis," whi
The Panther Newspaper •

Meet Toby: the unofficial mascot of Dodge College —

That soulfulness has been with Toby from the very beginning — with Galloway noticing that characteristic the moment he scooped him up at an animal shelter in San Fernando Valley five years ago.

Toby, who spent the first year and a half of his life in Mexico, was separated from his family due to a devastating earthquake, which led to animal nonprofits taking stray animals to Los Angeles to find a home. As far as the name Toby, that was not up to par for Galloway, who sought to connect his dog to
Newport Beach News •

Sage Hill School in Newport Beach Impacts the Community One Hand at a Time

By Megan Forrester | Special to the NB Indy

Two years ago, junior high school student Serena Chao saw a young girl receive a prosthetic hand for the very first time. When she saw the little girl beaming from ear-to-ear in excitement, Chao knew she wanted to be a part of whatever was helping this child’s dreams come true.

Chao found out the prosthetics were made possible through an elective at her school, Sage Hill School in Newport Beach. The class, titled 3D Design, Modeling and Fabrication,
The Panther Newspaper •

Singer-songwriter ella jane mixes media consumption and personal stories into heartfelt anthems —

Although it started as a high school English assignment, one of the first singles by singer Ella Jane Roth — who goes by the stage name ella jane — amassed over 26 million streams on Spotify since its release in 2020.

The song, titled "nothing else i could do,” is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" and pulls one of Jay Gatsby's lines: "I wrecked my house a hundred times just to see you walk into a room." A memorable theme throughout the 1925 novel is the imagery of the green ligh
The Panther Newspaper •

Two bi-coastal friends develop sustainable fashion brand —

Despite becoming "pandemic friends" while they were both in New York, each socially distanced outdoor dining session revealed how much common they truly have. Thus, during the height of the COVID-19 quarantine, the duo told The Panther they knew they wanted to start a project together — but the question was what kind of endeavor would they pursue?

"It was a podcast at first, then it was a magazine and then it was a blog,” Chan said, “Nothing really worked out. We've always done these very weird
TV Tea •

Comedy Spotlight: Meet Sarah Tollemache

Comedian Sarah Tollemache suffers from stress induced by buying avocados. When she bought five on sale, she realized that there is only a quick window of time where they are ripe enough to be eaten in their perfectly green color.

“‘I’ll just call into work and be like ‘I don’t know if I’m going to make it to work today I think my avocados might be hatching at any second,” Tollemache said during her stand-up at New York Comedy Club. “Or you’re just running home to scarf three in a row over your
Newport Beach News •

Unique Local Father-Son Duo Emphasizes Love and Acceptance No Matter the Curveballs

By Megan Forrester | Special to the NB Indy

Sports can have an extremely positive impact on a father-son relationship. Whether it’s learning how to ride a bike, throw a baseball or swim a lap, the practice of sports creates a bond between any two people.

For Newport Beach resident Paul Miller, he said he dreamed of teaching his son to play hockey. Since Paul grew up playing the sport in his home state of Minnesota and was even drafted for the North Stars in 1982, his passion for hockey was som
The Panther Newspaper •

Content creator Eli Rallo empowers women to share their voice — The Panther Newspaper

Back in 2020, life for Eli Rallo was solely about the aesthetic of Chex Mix.

Even though she was a recent graduate of the University of Michigan and about to begin a master’s program in journalism at Columbia University, the peace in her life was putting together a jar of snacks with her brother during quarantine.

Despite the chaos of a worldwide pandemic, Rallo grabbed a large jar — which she would fill with a variety of gluten-free snacks to help with her celiac disease — and propped her pho

Food Stories

Food Republic •

The Simple Way To Enjoy Baileys Chocolate Liqueur That's Not In A Drink - Food Republic

It's a no-brainer that Baileys, the iconic Irish cream liqueur, is the perfect companion for an Irish coffee or any dessert cocktail. But have you ever thought about adding it to your food?
By combining Baileys chocolate liqueur with ice cream, you can create the ultimate sweet and decadent treat. After scooping any flavor of ice cream or gelato you'd like (vanilla serves as a great foundation) into a bowl, pour the liqueur on top and adorn it with sprinkles or chocolate shavings. If you want to...
Food Republic •

The Fascinating Tennessee Origins Of The Moon Pie - Food Republic

When you think of Tennessee, you probably picture loads of country music, the Smoky Mountains, and copious amounts of Nashville-style hot chicken. But did you know that the moon pie dessert also comes from the Volunteer State? 
This sweet treat — marshmallow sandwiched between graham crackers and dipped in chocolate — actually goes all the way back to 1917. According to MoonPie, a Kentucky coal miner approached a traveling salesman for the Chattanooga Baking Company, questioning why there wasn't...
Food Republic •

Which Spices Does The Pioneer Woman Use In Her Chicken Pot Pie Filling? - Food Republic

In one of "Weird Al" Yankovic's comedic songs notably named "Chicken Pot Pie," he sings, "If there's one thing in the world that I like better than a corned beef on rye, it's chicken pot pie." This classic dish, known for its flaky exterior and hearty interior, is a household staple. It's comforting, simple, delicious, and somehow feels like you are getting a hug while you are eating it. But want to know how to make it even better? Ree Drummond, known as the Pioneer Woman, adds a selection of sp...
Food Republic •

Forget Bread And Make One Breakfast Item The Star Of Your Next PB&J Sandwich - Food Republic

It's no secret that the U.S. loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In fact, according to a survey by Peter Pan, the average American is expected to indulge in about 3,000 PB&Js during their entire lifetime (via Daily Mail). Even though the sandwich is known for its straightforward ingredients, have you ever wanted to give it a little twist? Well, you should try swapping the bread for waffles. 
You can use either store-bought toaster waffles or make your favorite homemade version (we have a r...
Food Republic •

How Katie Lee Combines Pizza And Salad For The Ultimate Mashup - Food Republic

When you're dining at a local pizzeria or making homemade pepperoni pies, there is a certain question that always arises: What should we have as a side dish with our cheesy star of the show? Well, many settle on Caesar salads. But, have you ever thought about combining the two together into one food? Lucky for you, Katie Lee already has you covered. 
Lee, author of several cookbooks and host of the Food Network show "The Kitchen," posted a video on Instagram detailing how to make a Caesar salad...
Food Republic •

Ina Garten's Favorite Store-Bought Cookies Are A Southampton Icon - Food Republic

You might think that Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, would never dare incorporate store-bought food into her culinary creations. However, she actually does love grocery store vanilla ice cream and the Trader Joe's French apple tart. And as for Garten's favorite store-bought cookie? Why, that honor goes to Tate's Bake Shop chocolate chip cookies.
That's right, something you can scoop up during your next grocery run has received an enthusiastic thumbs-up from the queen of cuisine....
Food Republic •

The Muffin Pan Hack To Make Mini Pie Shells - Food Republic

Suppose one day, you have the biggest hankering for a particular dessert: a slice of homemade pie. But you cannot, for the life of you, find the proper pie dish to use in your kitchen. Well, luckily you are not at a total loss because there is a hack to making mini pie shells: a handy dandy muffin pan.
Using puff pastry (you can either make that yourself or pick it up at the store), just roll it into one large log, cut it into 1-inch thick slices, and press each slice into the cups of your muffi...
Food Republic •

The Parchment Paper Hack For An Easy Piping Bag - Food Republic

We've all been there: you just finished baking a delectable birthday cake and are getting ready to adorn it with frosting, sprinkles, and candles. But then you realize, you don't have a piping bag! Should you just settle for using a butter knife to slather the spread on like an amateur? Not today. Luckily, there is a hack to frost a beautiful confection in a flash, and that is by using parchment paper.
Simply take a sheet of parchment paper, roll into a cone shape, and cut a hole at the bottom –...
Food Republic •

Change Up Plain Store-Bought Ice Cream With A Popular Salty Snack - Food Republic

There is nothing like a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's comforting, classic, and never goes out of style. But of course, there are several ways to spice it up a little. Sprinkles or a "cherry on top" are the obvious choices, but have you ever thought about adding Fritos?
The popular deep-fried corn chip, known for its curved shape and salty taste, is the unexpectedly perfect companion for your frosty dessert. Whether you're using Tillamook Old-Fashioned Vanilla or Van Leeuwen Vanilla Bea...
Food Republic •

Alton Brown's Egg Carton Hack Makes Storing Condiments Hassle-Free - Food Republic

If you're like us, you probably have a ton of condiments in your fridge. Whether it's ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, or packets of sauce from your favorite fast food establishment, these all can take up significant real estate in your refrigerator, especially if they're nearly empty. Leave it to celebrity television personality Alton Brown to give us the secret to storing condiments and getting the most out of them: an egg carton. 
In a highly dramatized video clip on YouTube, after Brown searche...
Food Republic •

Ice Cubes Are All You Need For Creamier Homemade Dips - Food Republic

In the hit television series, "Only Murders in the Building," Oliver Putnam (played by Martin Short) has an obsession with dips. He admits in an episode, "This is all I eat" (per MovieWeb). If you can relate to Oliver and are a fellow dip enthusiast, you are probably always on the hunt for the perfect recipe. Here's one big tip: For the creamiest dip you have ever tasted, add some ice cubes.
When you are just about finished combining your dip ingredients, toss in a couple of ice cubes, and blend...
Food Republic •

Never Break One Utensil Rule When Dining At A Restaurant - Food Republic

Some of the most important dining etiquette tips include starting with the smallest fork or utensil and working your way inward toward your plate, not placing your elbows on the table, and chewing with your mouth closed. You should also put your phone away at the dinner table, keep your napkin on your lap during the meal (and only use it for light dabbing on your face), and always keep the salt and pepper shakers together. However, there are some other, slightly more obscure rules you should als...
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The Right Way To Break Graham Crackers For An Even Split Every Time - Food Republic

Picture this: You just opened a fresh sleeve of graham crackers and are ready to whip up the gooiest s'more your taste buds have ever experienced. But, when you attempt to break the cracker in half, it splits in an uneven matter or separates into a million little crumbly pieces. Why even have designated lines on the snack when they don't even help? Well, we have actually been doing it wrong the whole time. 
Instead of looking at the front of the cracker (with the holes and two perpendicular line...
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The Best Shortcut For Tasty Soups Is Already Sitting In Your Fridge - Food Republic

When the temperatures start to drop and you break out your favorite turtleneck sweater, it's the perfect time to whip up your favorite comforting soup recipe. Whether it's split pea or classic chicken noodle, adding pickle brine to your broth is the secret to creating the most delectable soup you've ever tasted.
You might be thinking, "Pickle juice? With soup? What?" But surprisingly, just a small splash of this brine will liven up the dish, bringing to life a saltier, tangier flavor profile. Th...
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The Fascinating Story Of How Taco Bell Flopped In Mexico - Food Republic

Tacos, quesadillas, nachos — all of these dishes bring to mind Mexican cuisine. So, one might assume a dining establishment that offers these items, like Taco Bell, would thrive in Mexico. Yet, even though the chain has tried two times, ultimately it failed at becoming a staple in the country. 
Taco Bell began its efforts in 1992, when it introduced a food cart in Mexico City where customers could purchase soft-shell tacos, burritos, and Pepsi. The chain opened several other locations in Mexico,...
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With One Extra Step, You Can Make Slicing Pizza A Breeze - Food Republic

Picture this: You just pulled a piping hot pepperoni or margherita pizza out of the oven and are drooling as you prepare to cut the perfect slice for dinner. But as soon as your pizza cutter graces the pie, the ingredients slide all over the place — utterly ruining your culinary masterpiece. But luckily, there is a hack to preventing pizza mayhem. The solution? Rearrange your toppings before cooking to ensure each slice looks as delectable as it tastes. 
Before you pop a frozen pizza into the ov...
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The Appliance That Transforms Canned Biscuits Into A Crispy Treat - Food Republic

When you return home from a long day at the office, there is nothing more satisfying than the "pop" sound that comes from opening a can of biscuits. That simple noise means you are minutes away from a delectable carb, the perfect accompaniment to any meal. But, instead of baking them in the oven, have you ever thought about cooking them in the air fryer?
Rather than waiting for the oven to pre-heat, line your air fryer with parchment paper (eliminating any clean-up time) and place your favorite...
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How Often Do You Need To Replace Sheet Pans? - Food Republic

Think about everything you put your sheet pans through: roasting vegetables, baking chocolate chip cookies, broiling meat (the list goes on). They are an integral tool for daily cooking. But did you ever think about how long you can put these pans through the wringer before they need to be replaced? 
Well, it depends on how often you use them. If you're someone that lives in the kitchen and cooks with the pans more than three times a week, you are looking at a life expectancy of four to five yea...
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Oil Vs Butter: What's The Best Choice For Making French Toast? - Food Republic

Back during the days of the Roman Empire, there was a recipe circling around called "pan dulcis." This is believed to be the earliest version of one of our favorite breakfast dishes, and many are often surprised by these unexpectedly ancient origins of French toast. Back in the fourth century, Romans gathered bread, drenched it in a milk and egg mixture, and fried it in oil or butter. Ever since, there has been a debate as to whether to cook your French toast in oil or butter — but why not both?...
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The Intense Coffee Drink Ina Garten Calls Rocket Fuel — in A Good Way - Food Republic

In season one, episode two of the hit television series "Gilmore Girls," Lorelai Gilmore (played by Lauren Graham) rushes into her favorite diner and exclaims, "This is a coffee morning. This is a jumbo coffee morning, I need coffee in an IV." For those days when you feel the same — not only needing coffee, but something with enough caffeine to make you feel like the Energizer Bunny — you need to try the drink that's Ina Garten's go-to: a vanilla coffee shakerato. 
This cuppa joe, which Garten r...
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Whatever Happened To Ben & Jerry's Fossil Fuel Ice Cream? - Food Republic

It can be heartbreaking when something you've grown fond of is removed from your life forever. For many, those pangs of sadness were felt in 2016 when Ben & Jerry's announced it would be discontinuing its beloved Fossil Fuel flavor. Sweet ice cream swirled with pieces of chocolate cookies, fudge dinosaurs, and even more moist fudge throughout — gone forever. But have you ever wondered why?
While the name referenced the prehistoric era of raptors and T-Rexes, the company feared it might suggest i...
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Your Homemade Iced Coffee Is Yearning For A Fresh Strawberry Twist - Food Republic

In the modern age, java fans can choose from all kinds of creative embellishments for iced coffee, whether it be sweet cream cold foam, pumpkin spice, or sprinkles. But day after day, if your drink starts with just espresso or cold brew (and maybe a hint of milk or creamers), you can easily get bored by this beverage. To avoid repetitiveness, switch up the base of your drink and add strawberries to your next cup of joe. 
A strawberry latte is a fruity, juicy, sweet spin on this beloved refreshme...
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Swap Out Salad Croutons With A Crunchy Snack Already In Your Pantry - Food Republic

The crunch and flavor of croutons can perk up any bag of lettuce and dressing, whether store-bought or homemade (and we have the secret to making the best croutons out there). But if you want to stray away from salad norms while still achieving the crispiness that croutons offer, try adding potato chips.
It might sound unconventional — a snack you can buy at a gas station mingling with fresh vegetables — but it's actually the perfect way to get the crunch you've been craving in your bowl. Simply...
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Seriously, Try Adding Some Vanilla To Your Mashed Potatoes - Food Republic

Mashed potatoes: a reliable food that's always there for you when you need it. Just had your wisdom teeth removed and can only eat soft foods? Mashed potatoes. Looking for the perfect side dish for your steak dinner or holiday gathering? Mashed potatoes. The smooth texture and creamy flavor bring comfort to any meal, but there's an ingredient that can make your mashed potatoes even better: vanilla.
Everything you already love about mashed potatoes — the cottony softness, the buttery taste — is h...
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