DEAR ABBY: My husband and I married 20 years ago. We have a blended family of eight kids, but it’s just us now. Our kids are scattered across the country. Over all these 20 years, we have never taken a.
https://www.unionleader.com/nh/lifestyles/abby-husband-invites-son-to-be-a-third-wheel-on-couples-trip/article_8a8aec91-20f2-461f-a98c-8ae2192bd419.html
Dogecoin ETF Debut Fails To Impress, Taking In Only $1.4 Million
The post Dogecoin ETF Debut Fails To Impress, Taking In Only $1.4 Million appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. According to trading records and company filings, Grayscale’s new spot Dogecoin ETF — ticker GDOG — opened quietly, pulling in just $1.4 million in trading volume on its first day on NYSE Arca. Muted Debut On NYSE Arca Reports have disclosed that the debut fell well short of some public forecasts. Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas had suggested the fund might see roughly $10–12 million in opening-day volume, a target that the actual figures did not meet. That gap has drawn quick commentary from traders and analysts, who say the launch exposure was smaller than expected for a high-profile first spot product. Grayscale’s paperwork shows the ETF began life with holdings of about 11 million DOGE and roughly 94,700 shares outstanding, with assets under management reported at roughly $1.7 million at the time the fund started trading. The sponsor set a management fee of 0.35%, but that charge is being waived — the fund will carry a 0% expense ratio either until it reaches $1 billion in assets or for the first three months, whichever happens first. $GDOG (first Doge ETF) saw $1.4m volume on Day One.. solid for an avg launch but low for a ‘first-ever spot’ product. Not too surprising tho, we actually made a rhyme a while ago predicting this: ‘The further away you get from BTC, the less asset there will be.’ pic.twitter.com/ermlOcID1J — Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) November 25, 2025 Market Shifts To Other Altcoins Based on reports from market trackers, other recent altcoin ETFs saw stronger early demand, leaving GDOG’s debut looking muted by comparison. Some XRP and Solana vehicles drew faster inflows during their openings, and that contrast has been used to explain why meme-coin exposure did not attract as much fresh cash on day one. Traders say that where money goes now may reflect…
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/dogecoin-etf-debut-fails-to-impress-taking-in-only-1-4-million/
Trump says lax migration policies are top national security threat after National Guard members shot
WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump said Wednesday’s “heinous assault” on two National Guard members near the White House proves that lax migration policies are “the single greatest national security threat facing our nation.” “No country can tolerate such a risk to our very survival,” he said. Trump’s remarks, released in a video on social media, underscores his intention to reshape the country’s immigration system and increase scrutiny of migrants who are already here. With aggressive deportation efforts already underway, his response to the shooting showed that his focus will not waver. The suspect in the shooting is believed to be an Afghan national, according to Trump and two law enforcement officials. He entered the United States in September 2021, after the chaotic collapse of the government in Kabul, when Americans were frantically evacuating people as the Taliban took control. The 29-year-old suspect was part of Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden-era program that resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the U. S. withdrawal from the country, officials said. The initiative brought roughly 76, 000 Afghans to the United States, many of whom had worked alongside American troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators. It has since faced intense scrutiny from Trump and his allies, congressional Republicans and some government watchdogs over gaps in the vetting process and the speed of admissions, even as advocates say it offered a lifeline to people at risk of Taliban reprisals. Trump described Afghanistan as “a hellhole on earth,” and he said his administration would review everyone who entered from the country under President Joe Biden a measure his administration had already been planning before the incident. During his remarks, Trump also swung his focus to Minnesota, where he complained about “hundreds of thousands of Somalians” who are “ripping apart that once-great state.” Minnesota has the country’s largest Somali community, roughly 87, 000 people. Many came as refugees over the years. The reference to immigrants with no connection to Wednesday’s developments was a reminder of the scope of Trump’s ambitions to rein in migration. Administration officials have been ramping up deportations of people in the country illegally, as well as clamping down on refugee admissions. The focus has involved the realignment of resources at federal agencies, stirring concern about potentially undermining other law enforcement priorities. However, Trump’s remarks were a signal that scrutiny of migrants and the nation’s borders will only increase. He said he wants to remove anyone “who does not belong here or does not add benefit to our country.” “If they can’t love our country, we don’t want them,” Trump added. Afterward, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it would indefinitely stop processing all immigration requests for Afghan nationals pending a review of security and vetting protocols. Supporters of Afghan evacuees said they feared that people who escaped danger from the Taliban would now face renewed suspicion and scrutiny. “I don’t want people to leverage this tragedy into a political ploy,” said Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac. He said Wednesday’s shooting should not shed a negative light on the tens of thousands of Afghan nationals who have gone through the various legal pathways to resettling in the U. S. and those who await in the pipeline. Under Operation Allies Welcome, tens of thousands of Afghans were first brought to U. S. military bases around the country, where they completed immigration processing and medical evaluations before settling into the country. Four years later, there are still scores of Afghans who were evacuated at transit points in the Middle East and Europe as part of the program. Those in countries like Qatar and Albania, who have undergone the rigorous process, have been left in limbo since Trump entered his second term and paused the program as part of his series of executive actions cracking down on immigration. Vice President JD Vance, writing on social media, criticized Biden for “opening the floodgate to unvetted Afghan refugees,” adding that “they shouldn’t have been in our country.” “Already some voices in corporate media chirp that our immigration policies are too harsh,” he said. “Tonight is a reminder of why they’re wrong.” ___ Amiri reported from New York. Associated Press writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.
https://mymotherlode.com/news/national/us-government/10235992/trump-says-lax-migration-policies-are-top-national-security-threat-after-national-guard-members-shot.html
Stores Open on Thanksgiving with Adjusted Hours From Dunkin’, ShopRite, and McDonald’s (Walmart Still Closed)
Last-minute Thanksgiving shoppers face limited options as major US retailers adopt highly varied strategies. Some chains are maintaining early morning hours, while others are shutting entirely for the holiday. Dunkin’, ShopRite, Food Lion, and McDonald’s: Varying Schedules Many Dunkin’, Food Lion, ShopRite, and McDonald’s locations will be open on Thanksgiving Day 2025. However, hours are generally reduced or stores close earlier than usual to allow staff time with their families. Exact timings vary widely depending on franchise ownership and local decisions. This fragmented landscape reflects the franchise model many retailers employ, allowing individual store owners to determine holiday operations based on local demand and staffing considerations. Dunkin’ Opens Early with Reduced Hours Many Dunkin’ stores will open at their usual times-often between 4am and 6am-and operate through late morning or early afternoon. A company spokesperson confirmed to Fox Business that while many locations will remain open, hours will differ by store. Customers are advised to check the Dunkin’ mobile app for specific opening times before visiting. According to Parade, nearly all Dunkin’ outlets are independently owned and operated by franchisees. The decision to open, close, or reduce hours ultimately rests with individual store owners. However, historical trends suggest most Dunkin’ locations will be open on Thanksgiving morning. Grocery Chains’ Mixed Schedules Food Lion stores are expected to be open, though many will operate on limited hours-generally from 7am to 3pm. All Food Lion pharmacies will remain closed for the holiday. ShopRite’s Thanksgiving hours vary significantly by franchise. Some locations will be closed entirely, as reported by Axios. Those that open are expected to close by mid-afternoon, typically between 2pm and 4pm. This variation highlights the decentralised nature of US retail, where franchise agreements and local regulations create significant differences even within the same chain. McDonald’s Maintains Widespread Availability Most McDonald’s outlets will be open on Thanksgiving 2025, but hours differ by location. Many restaurants will remain open, although franchise owners decide operating hours locally. A McDonald’s spokesperson confirmed to Fox Business that most locations will be open, but hours may vary. Customers are encouraged to use the store locator for specific timings. Fast-food chains like McDonald’s often maintain holiday operations to serve travellers and families seeking convenient meals. However, hours tend to differ based on franchise decisions. Major Retailers Extend Holiday Closure Policies Walmart will remain closed nationwide on Thanksgiving for the sixth consecutive year-a policy shift that began in 2020 and is now permanent. Stores will reopen early on Black Friday, often around 6am. Similarly, Target, Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Publix have committed to staying closed on Thanksgiving, prioritising employee wellbeing over holiday trading. Regional Variations Affect Opening Hours State laws in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island mandate most stores remain closed on Thanksgiving, according to Axios. Local regulations in other areas may also restrict operating hours. Many convenience stores, including 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Wawa, will operate on near-normal schedules, with many 24-hour locations remaining open continuously. CVS stores will largely remain open with reduced hours; some 24-hour outlets will keep regular hours, but pharmacy counters may close earlier or be shuttered entirely. Whole Foods generally operates with reduced hours-around 7am to 1pm-while Kroger-owned chains such as Ralphs, Fred Meyer, and King Soopers tend to close by mid-afternoon or early evening, around 5pm. Balancing Business and Employee Wellbeing This patchwork of holiday hours reflects broader industry trends. Retailers are balancing commercial opportunities against evolving expectations around work-life balance and employee satisfaction. The move away from Thanksgiving Day openings began as a pandemic-era employee-wellness measure and has since gained widespread acceptance, especially as families increasingly rely on early Black Friday online deals that now start earlier in the week. Planning Your Shopping Trip Shoppers planning to make purchases on Thanksgiving Day should verify specific store hours through mobile apps or direct calls to avoid unnecessary journeys.
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/stores-open-thanksgiving-adjusted-hours-dunkin-shoprite-mcdonalds-walmart-still-closed-1758382
Tony Stewart once revealed the hidden sponsor drama behind dating Leah Pruett: “Two or three people that knew who I was with”
It is tricky for two race car drivers to start dating when they represent rival manufacturers. Such was the case with Tony Stewart and his wife, Leah Pruett, back in the day. While Stewart was a Mobil 1 and Ford athlete, Pruett was backed by Dodge and Pennzoil at the time. Stewart, also known as ‘Snoke’ by his fans, said that himself on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s NASCAR podcast. Before announcing that they were engaged back in 2021, Stewart and Pruett had to address their conflicting interests. Thanks for the submission! Recalling the same, Tony Stewart said (42: 53), “She’s sponsored by Dodge; I’m sponsored by Ford. So, no joke. I called my PR guy and said, ‘Hey, this is what’s going on’ because nobody knew we were doing anything together. Like, there were two or three people that knew who I was with and where I was at.” Luckily, neither Dodge and Pennzoil, nor Ford and Mobil 1 had a problem with the relationship between Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett, who originally met through drag racing legend Don Prudhomme through FaceTime back in 2019. In fact, they were willing to work around it. Stewart also made sure not to wear clothes with Ford or Mobil 1 branding whenever he went to Pruett’s events. Needless to say, Pruett did the same. Recalling a trip back from Swing Arm City, Utah, Stewart said (43: 15), “I remember on the way home from Swing Arm (City) with Ken (Block), I’m driving the motorhome, she’s on the right side of the motorhome and I’m on the phone with Mobil 1, she’s on the phone with Pennzoil and we hang up from that call and I’m calling Ford and she’s calling Dodge at the same time and we’re three feet from each other having these conversations.” Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett finally tied the knot in 2021. In December 2025, the couple welcomed their first child into the world, a baby boy they named Dominic. Today, Stewart competes full-time in the NHRA Top Fuel class and is expected to represent Elite Motorsports in 2026. Pruett, on the other hand, will drive the NHRA Top Fuel dragster for Tony Stewart Racing. “I was just keeping Leah’s seat warm”- Tony Stewart opens up on vacating his wife Leah Pruett’s Top Fuel seat following NHRA return Shortly after announcing her pregnancy, Leah Pruett decided to quit racing for a while. She had motherly duties to carry out, so her husband, Tony Stewart, offered to help. Throughout the 2024 and 2025 NHRA seasons, the former NASCAR Cup Series champion served as the interim driver for Pruett’s Tony Stewart Racing dragster. Stewart won his maiden Top Fuel event in 2025, also capturing the NHRA regular-season championship. He also earned the NHRA Rookie of the Year honors in 2024. However, Stewart knew he would have to step away from the TSR Top Fuel machine if and when Pruett decides to return to formal racing. “I said from the very beginning that I was just keeping Leah’s seat warm and that it was hers as soon as she was ready to come back,” Tony Stewart said in a statement. “And as much as I wanted to continue driving, TSR is not in a position to add a second Top Fuel car.” “But with Richard (Freeman, owner of Elite Motorsports) buying Josh Hart’s team and our recent alliance, I can still work as an owner and a driver to help both our organizations grow,” he added. 2026 marks Stewart’s third straight year competing full-time in the NHRA. He finished 2025 fifth on points, with Doug Kalitta topping the leaderboard.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nascar/tony-stewart-revealed-hidden-sponsor-drama-behind-dating-leah-pruett-two-three-people-knew-i-with
5 Best Black Friday Luggage And Accessory Deals You Should Snag Before Your Next Vacation
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. If you’re an avid traveler, skip the fight for the flatscreen TV at Walmart this Black Friday and keep your eyes peeled for travel accessories instead. Not only is this a great time of year to get clothing and gear for your next trip, but you’ll need some good-quality luggage to get it to your destination, too. From bag scales to suitcases, organizational tools, and more, now is the time to stock up before the holiday travel season. If you plan to travel over Christmas or New Years, grab a new suitcase and some accessories while they are on sale instead of waiting. Here are the five best Black Friday luggage and accessory deals you can snag before your next vacation. And, if you’re looking for a specific kind of suitcase, these are the best carry-on suitcases in 2025 for every kind of traveler, according to research. Over 40% off select colors for Black Friday, this Samsonite Freeform 2-Piece Luggage Set in sky blue is currently available for $196. 34 (down from $349. 88) on Amazon. This set includes two rolling suitcases with dual spinner wheels. With one slightly larger than the other, you could use one suitcase as a carry-on and check the other, or use one at a time for different-length trips. The luggage pieces in this set are both hard-shell suitcases, made from “scratch-resistant polypropylene.” Prices vary based on which color you choose, and the luggage set is available in 10 colors, including black, white, amethyst purple, light grey, mint green, navy, pink rose, powder blue, sky blue, and white/grey. The carry-on suitcase measures 23 inches by 15 inches by 10 inches, and it weighs 6. 5 pounds. The larger, checked suitcase measures 31. 1 inches by 20. 9 inches by 13. 8 inches, and it weighs 9. 6 pounds. Inside each suitcase are dividers, elastic straps to hold your belongings down, and an organizational pouch. On Amazon, this set has an average of 4. 3 stars out of over 16, 000 reviews at the time of writing. The reviews for these suitcases are overwhelmingly positive. Samsonite is a well-known brand, and many users report the suitcases are well-made and durable. One reviewer wrote after using Samsonite’s suitcase that “the size is perfect for airline travel. It meets cabin requirements, and the extra interior space surprised me. The straps, divider, and little pouch kept everything neatly in place no more rogue items sliding around like a tornado passed through my suitcase.” If you don’t need two new suitcases, Samsonite also has several other suitcases on sale for Black Friday. Another piece of rolling luggage, this product can work for both short and long trips, with the ability to expand to accommodate more items. The American Tourister Stratum 2. 0 is a hard-shell suitcase that is expandable and has spinner ball wheels, allowing it to be pulled along easily in an airport or train station. Price varies by color on Amazon, with sets ranging from $78. 10 to $115. 59. Colors available for this suitcase include slate blue, jade green, purple haze, soft coral, jet black, and white. Measuring 28 inches long, it’s recommended for a one- to three-day-long trip on Amazon; however, reviewers found that it had a much longer lifespan given its size. Currently, this suitcase in slate blue is on sale for $83. 66 (down 44%). On Amazon, this suitcase has an average rating of 4. 5 stars out of over 2, 000 reviews. Reviewers of the bag say that it is durable, surviving multiple long trips and time in checked baggage. As one of the brand’s larger suitcases, reviewers stated that the bag had enough space for trips of up to two weeks long, making it versatile. One user said about this model: “2 trips from Germany to Hawaii with several stops along the way, this suitcase has held up great, I average about 25-30lbs of items. Wheels are strong even over the cobblestones of Europe.” Maybe you don’t need a whole new suitcase. If you’re looking for a weekend bag to take with you on a quick trip or even to the gym, this Etronik bag is on sale for Black Friday and is very affordable for a small duffel bag. On Amazon, this bag comes in two different sizes. The medium bag in beige is on sale for $19. 99, and the large is on sale for $32. 99 at the time of writing. Both bags include a USB port, so you can charge your phone while traveling with your own portable charger, and there is a separate zippered bag for any wet items or items that could leak. The medium bag measures 18 inches by 8. 7 inches by 13. 5 inches. The large bag measures 20. 5 inches by 8. 8 inches by 15. 7 inches. This multi-purpose duffel bag includes a shoulder strap and handles. Those who have bought the bag generally have good things to say about it, noting in particular that it’s of good quality and spacious for a weekend bag. It currently has an overall 4. 6 star rating with over 12, 000 reviews on Amazon. One reviewer said the bag can hold about two to three outfits, but this will depend on what you want to carry and where you’re going. Another buyer said about the bag, “So many pockets to fit things in. The design is great and the straps are very comfortable, while in the airport I’ll often take the small flap on the bag and put it over my suitcase handle.” This accessory could come in handy when you’re packing for a trip especially if you don’t want to be surprised with extra fees at the airport. For travelers who tend to overpack, this could save you money (and it’s a good way to figure out if you really need those extra 15 pairs of underwear in your suitcase). The Travel Inspira Luggage Scale is a portable, digital, hanging baggage scale. It’s the number 1 best-selling item among luggage scales on Amazon with 4. 7 stars out of over 4, 000 reviews at time of writing. This little device will tell you if your bag or suitcase is over the airline’s weight limit for checked baggage. If it is, you’ll have time to remove some items or move them around between bags at home before the airline fines you for the extra weight. Air travel is expensive enough nowadays. For only $7. 80 (40% off) on Amazon, this product can help you avoid unexpected extra costs when traveling. The luggage scale has a capacity of up to 110 pounds and comes in multiple colors. The scale comes with a battery already installed, so you’re able to use it as soon as it’s delivered. And if you find your suitcase is over the airline’s limit, try one simple trick that just might get your overweight luggage under the limit in a flash. Lastly, for under $20, this This BAGSMART travel toiletry bag is on sale for Black Friday. When traveling, in addition to a suitcase or duffel, you need a separate toiletry bag. In hotels (and particularly hostels, if you’re a budget traveler), it’s helpful to have a toiletry bag that can be hung in a small space. The BAGSMART travel toiletry bag comes in two sizes, has a hanging hook, and unfolds to reveal four different compartments. At the time of writing, this product is listed at $14. 99 for a medium bag (34% off) and $18. 04 for a large bag (22% off) on Amazon. Folded, the medium bag measures 10. 8 inches by 3. 5 inches by 7. 9 inches, and the large bag measures 12. 6 inches by 4. 3 inches by 9. 1 inches. When unfolded, while the larger bag is bigger, both have four zippered compartments made of waterproof plastic, plus one exterior pocket. Easy to travel with, this bag can work for short or long trips or even visits to the gym. The toiletry travel bag comes in 12 different colors/patterns, so you can pick one that matches your new suitcase. This is a great way to organize your toiletries while traveling and keep them consolidated in one place. With 4. 8 stars and over 60, 000 reviews, it’s clear that consumers like this product. There are a lot of travel-related Black Friday deals out there, and among them, a lot of reduced-price luggage options and accessories. In order to come up with this list, we considered the types of luggage that one may be looking for and made sure to have some variation in the products recommended (i. e., suitcases versus weekend bags versus other necessary luggage accessories). Among each category, we looked for the best bang for your buck. Of the sales going on, these picks offer good price reductions for the type of items presented. In addition, we considered positive reviews when compiling this list to make sure these items were generally well-liked by consumers. All these items currently have over 4 star ratings. Now that you’ve got luggage taken care of, skip Black Friday and Cyber Monday and book your vacation on Travel Tuesday.
https://www.islands.com/2037480/black-friday-2025-luggage-deals-vacation/
Female former AEW star is not joining WWE
WWE isn’t an ideal wrestling destination for everyone. As such, former AEW star and UFC fighter Paige VanZant recently addressed the possibility of joining the Stamford-based promotion someday.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-female-former-aew-star-joining-wwe
Thailand Orders Worldcoin to Halt Operations, Delete User Data
TLDR Thailand has ordered Worldcoin to suspend operations and delete user data for violating local data protection laws. Authorities instructed Worldcoin to remove all biometric data, including 1. 2 million iris scans, collected from Thai users. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society cited the exchange of iris scans for Worldcoin tokens as a violation of national privacy standards. Despite halting operations, Worldcoin maintains compliance with local regulations and denies any wrongdoing. Worldcoin’s token price dropped following the regulatory action, reflecting market concerns about the company’s operations. Thailand has ordered Worldcoin to cease operations and delete user data following violations of the country’s data protection laws. The suspension affects around 1. 2 million iris scans collected from Thai users, marking another regulatory hurdle for the digital identity platform. Authorities claim the platform’s practices violated the Personal Data Protection Act, which governs the collection and use of personal data. Thai Authorities Demand Immediate Action The Economic and Social Development Board of Thailand has instructed Worldcoin to delete all biometric data collected through its iris-scanning technology. This follows a raid on one of the company’s iris-scanning locations in October, during which authorities raised concerns about potential violations of digital asset laws. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society confirmed the company’s practices conflicted with local data protection standards, particularly around the exchange of iris scans for Worldcoin tokens. Worldcoin responded by confirming that it had paused its verification activities and removed Thailand from its list of available locations. “We have complied with local regulations and will continue to maintain open communication with the authorities,” the company said. However, Worldcoin stopped short of admitting any wrongdoing. The platform emphasized the benefits it provides in protecting users from identity theft and fraud. It argued that its technology offers a critical layer of security for Thai users concerned about AI-driven scams. Despite the regulatory challenge, Worldcoin maintained its stance that it has prioritized user privacy and data protection. Regulatory Pressure Expands Globally Thailand is not the only country to scrutinize Worldcoin’s operations. On November 22, 2025, Colombia ordered the deletion of biometric data and suspended Worldcoin’s operations. The Philippines followed suit with similar measures, and countries such as Indonesia, Germany, Kenya, and Brazil have expressed concerns about the platform’s data privacy practices. Worldcoin has consistently defended its methods, claiming that biometric data is anonymized and not stored on the Orb devices used for iris scanning. “We ensure that all data collected is anonymized and protected from breaches,” the company reiterated. Despite these assurances, concerns continue to mount across various nations about the risks of storing sensitive biometric data. Worldcoin’s Market Impact The ongoing regulatory challenges have directly impacted Worldcoin’s market performance. Following the Thai authorities’ directive, the price of Worldcoin (WLD) dropped to an intraday low of $0. 6172. The price later recovered slightly to around $0. 6192, but this was part of a broader decline in the token’s price. Worldcoin has faced a prolonged bear market, with its token price falling by nearly 33% over the past year. Further compounding the issue, 37 million WLD tokens, worth approximately $23 million, were unlocked on November 22, 2025. These tokens quickly moved to exchanges, increasing the circulating supply and contributing to additional selling pressure. While historical trends suggest that regulatory interventions may lead to short-term price rebounds, broader market conditions, including rising supply, suggest a more cautious outlook. Traders and investors will need to monitor the immediate support at $0. 573, as any further breach could trigger a more profound decline. The post Thailand Orders Worldcoin to Halt Operations, Delete User Data appeared first on Blockonomi.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/thailand-orders-worldcoin-to-halt-operations-delete-user-data/
The Duffer Brothers Finally “Let The Cat Out Of The Bag” With A Nightmarish ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Episode 2 Cold Open
SPOILER ALERT: This post spoils the beginning of Episode 2 of Season 5 of Stranger Things, “The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler. Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer have finally brought a Demogorgon into Mike Wheeler’s (Finn Wolfhard) house, which Ross previously teased as “the craziest cold open we’ve ever done.” The end of the first episode of Season 5 Volume 1 watches the agile and destructive creature rip a gash in Holly Wheeler’s (Nell Fisher) bedroom ceiling in an attempt to kidnap her just like Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) was kidnapped in Season 1. “This was the cool thing about it being the final season because [we] could really let the cat out of the bag as far as the entire town is concerned,” Matt Duffer told Deadline. “We always explored what it would look like if Karen and Ted and the rest of town were to find out what was going on, but it just created all sorts of problems. They would not let their family stay there or whatever, so we kept them rather oblivious.” Holly initially escapes the monster and runs to her mother Karen (Cara Buono), who is drawing a bubble bath to ABBA’s “Fernando,” to frantically try and tell her about the horrific encounter. Karen, who has had a bottle of wine, doesn’t believe her daughter until she finds blood on her hand after cradling the back of Holly’s head. Lights flicker, and mother and daughter hide in the bath tub until Ted (Joe Chrest) realizes something is happening in the house and distracts the creature for a bit. “It was fun to unleash the horror in the Wheeler house. We had always wanted to do a Wheeler house attack. I think we talked about it all the way back in Season 1, so it’s something that we’ve been dying to do, and it was a blast to shoot,” Matt Duffer continued. “And we’ve always wanted to give Cara a real hero moment, because she has, even as a person, a real ferocity and strength. We wanted to show really, where Nancy’s courage and strength comes from.” As revealed in the opening moments of Episode 2, Karen breaks her now-empty wine bottle and gets in some good hits with the jagged glass before the monster slashes her chest and takes Holly into the alternate dimension known as The Upside Down. “It’s not Ted,” Ross Duffer added to his brother’s point about Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer) getting her determination and ferocity from her mother versus her father. Ted was hitting golf balls into trees from the backyard until he saw the house’s flickering lights and ventured inside with his golf club to apprehend the intruder. “He has a slight moment. I mean, he does swing the golf club. It doesn’t do a whole lot, but he gets one good swing in,” Matt added. “We said in the script that it’s the best swing of his life. I’m not sure that came across. He’s struggling outside, and he gets [the Demogorgon] right in the head. He does probably as much damage as one could possibly do with a golf club.”.
https://deadline.com/2025/11/stranger-things-5-episode-2-duffer-brothers-interview-1236626282/
Nabil Anane admits he thought Hiromi Wajima was going to be “a little bit harder” as an opponent
Undisputed ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Nabil Anane of Algeria and Thailand was surprised by how easily he defeated Hiromi Wajima at ONE 173 last Nov. 16. The 21-year-old striker had his way with ‘The Purple Comet’ across three rounds, battering him with ballistic kicks and punches from long range. After outclassing the three-time K-1 Champion from bell to bell in his featherweight kickboxing debut, Anane admitted he expected a more difficult fight. The Team Mehdi Zatout prodigy told Nick Atkin in his post-event interview: “I thought he was going to be a little bit harder, you know. But it was good, he was good. He performed, he was performing good. He had a good performance. I wasn’t really happy about my performance. I don’t know why. I was a little bit stuck, you know.” Anane didn’t look lost in his first foray at 155 pounds and used every inch of his massive 6-foot-4 frame to give Wajima a miserable ONE debut. The Japanese star had a lot of hype behind him and was no slouch, but Anane’s brilliance was just too much even against a formidable foe. After beating Wajima, the bantamweight Muay Thai king made it clear that he’s here to stay in his quest for two-sport glory. Check out Anane’s full interview below: Nabil Anane says the featherweight division is in trouble Nabil Anane looked incredible in his featherweight debut, but he believes there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Despite the change in opponent on short notice, the Thai-Algerian surgically dissected Hiromi Wajima. According to the bantamweight Muay Thai king, he’ll display a more frightening form once he gets used to the weight class. “This was short notice, two weeks, and they said featherweight against K-1 champion. I have had only one last fight, which was my first fight in kickboxing. Now it’s my second fight. I don’t have experience in kickboxing, but I did a good job against a K-1 champion. I need more experience. If I have more experience than this, man, you guys are in trouble,” he told Nick Atkin.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-nabil-anane-admits-thought-hiromi-wajima-going-a-little-bit-harder-opponent