How 92yo Muriel's three-ingredient scones became a social media sensation

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Hunter scone baker, 92, is now very popular on social media

Muriel Halstead has been baking scones with the same simple recipe for years, and she and her recipe have now gone viral thanks to an ABC baking video that has notched up more than 4.6 million views.
Her phone has since been running hot as people ask for tips, and then there are those who are wondering if the star baker will adopt them. 😃 (And ironically, Muriel now lives in Scone!).

Newcastle nursing home defies PM

A Newcastle nursing home operator has vowed to defy the Prime Minister's calls to open homes to one or two visitors. Maroba Nursing Home boss Viv Allanson has accused Scott Morrison of throwing the aged care sector "under the bus".

How the Hunter commemorated Anzac Day under COVID-19 restrictions

Anzac Day was very different this year with commemorations curtailed due to coronavirus restrictions. But thousands of people in the Hunter took to their driveways to show their respect for our armed servicemen and women.

Wild dogs worse than drought for some farmers

Farmers in the Hunter are finally starting to see some relief from the drought, but they're now facing another issue that's devastating their stock ... wild dogs. They say bushfires have displaced many feral animals, moving the problem across the state.

Here's why we're in for such a cold weekend

It's going to get pretty chilly over the next few days as a wintry blast of weather makes its way across the country. And forecasters say it could be one for the record books. You can check out your local seven-day forecast here ... if you're game.

Coronavirus numbers stable in the Hunter

There have been no new cases of coronavirus in the Hunter region for the past four days. The number of confirmed cases in the region stands at 277, with Hunter New England Health revising down by three the number of cases.

What else made news this week?

Monday: A fire burnt out more than 200 hectares of bushland at Taylors Beach in Port Stephens. The fire started on Saturday and was elevated twice to Watch and Act status on Sunday.
Tuesday: An 18-year-old learner driver has been charged after a police pursuit in which he allegedly crashed through a Maitland backyard. The pursuit started on the New England Highway at Rutherford when the driver allegedly failed to stop for police.
Wednesday: Greyhound Racing NSW is investigating after two dogs had to be put down after they suffered injuries at a Maitland race meeting. A third dog also suffered injuries. Racing was abandoned after the injuries were incurred. Greyhound Racing NSW has called in independent track experts to audit the track.
Thursday: A 41-year-old woman will appear in court later this year after allegedly spitting on a security guard at a supermarket in Raymond Terrace. It's alleged the woman refused to make her way to the register as the supermarket was closing, and when she was asked again, she spat at the security guard and hit him with her bag.

What people liked on Facebook this week

Best bits on air this week

One half of our Breakfast team is broadcasting from home

Jenny Marchant and Dan Cox make up ABC Newcastle's Breakfast team. But during the coronavirus pandemic Jenny has been broadcasting from home. She says the pillows behind her computers are to dampen the sound and make sure her voice doesn't echo. Pretty good set-up don't you think?

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