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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
In a delightful twist of fate, reality TV personalities Kyle Cooke and Meghan King experienced a spontaneous, flirtatious encounter while enjoying a night out in New York City.
According to an insider speaking exclusively to Us Weekly, “Kyle was unfamiliar with Meghan before coincidentally attending the same event. She made the first move as soon as she noticed him.” The source added, “Kyle was enjoying a few drinks and having a good time with her. While it wasn’t anything serious, they spent the entire evening together, even after the event ended, and shared several public kisses.”
Paparazzi captured photos of the 43-year-old Summer House star and Meghan, 41, in a romantic moment as they strolled through Manhattan. This came after they attended a ’90s-themed bash hosted by Page Six at the trendy Temple Bar on Thursday, April 16.
A different source revealed that Kyle, who recently became single, had arrived at the gathering with a group of friends around 8:30 p.m. and was eventually seen mingling with Meghan and other attendees.
This unexpected encounter emerges amid drama involving Kyle’s estranged wife, Amanda Batula. Amanda’s budding romance with fellow Summer House cast member West Wilson has created a stir among their circle. In a candid TikTok interview with Adam Glyn on April 1, Kyle expressed his feelings: “It’s a lot to digest. It’s not just about me, Amanda, and West; it’s affecting our entire friend group, including Ciara [Miller].”
“He seemed in great spirits, catching up with friends and being especially warm and appreciative with staff,” the insider explains. “Meghan did seem interested and gravitated toward him more as the night went on.”
After the event wrapped around 10 p.m., the source tells Us that Kyle and Meghan left with a group and headed to Bar Bianchi, where they stayed until around 1 a.m.
“It felt more like a fun, slightly flirty night out than anything serious,” the insider shares. “The kissing seemed like something just after a few drinks and a good night with friends.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Kyle and Meghan’s teams for comment.
While both parties have yet to speak on their night out in the Big Apple, the first insider says the In the City star likely won’t be bothered by what fans think about the innocent situation.
“He doesn’t care what people think,” the source explains, adding that Kyle is just.“having fun right now and going out and meeting new people.”
Insiders are revealing Summer House’s Kyle Cooke reaction when he learned about estranged wife Amanda Batula and fellow costar West Wilson’s romance. “Kyle always knew Amanda would eventually move on, but he never imagined it would be with a castmate or anyone within their own circle,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. “The idea of […]
Meghan — who shares three kids with ex-husband Jim Edmonds — previously appeared on The Real Housewives of Orange County between 2015 and 2017. She primarily lives near St. Louis, where she has worked as a concierge realtor.
As for Kyle, he’s trying to move on after separating fromAmanda Batula in January after four years of marriage. Their split became even more public — and complicated — when news broke in March that Amanda, 34, was dating Kyle’s costar West Wilson.
The drama is expected to play out on the Summer House season 10 reunion, which is reportedly set to tape later this month.
Australia’s agricultural sector is feeling the strain as international conflicts impact local farms, leading farmers to reduce their planting efforts and caution about potential increases in grocery store prices.
At the heart of this issue is a supply chain that most consumers have never had to consider—until now.
Crucial resources like fertilizer and diesel, foundational to contemporary farming, are shipped through the Strait of Hormuz.
Global conflict has unearthed how dependent Australia is on imported fertiliser and fuel. (Supplied)
When disruptions occur in this critical shipping route, costs surge, and supplies dwindle, forcing farmers to question if they can even afford to plant crops.
According to Matthew Evans, a chef, farmer, and author, the current crisis starkly highlights Australia’s susceptibility in these challenging times.
“What’s happening right now is a wake-up call,” Evans said.
“Our entire food system relies on imported fertiliser and diesel. When that gets disrupted, everything gets more expensive, and that flows straight through to supermarket prices.”
“What’s happening right now is a wake-up call,” Evans said. (Supplied)
New figures from AUSVEG show more than a quarter of vegetable growers have already reduced or halted planting.
The impact won’t be exclusive to farms. Tighter supply later in the year is likely to push up prices for everyday staples like bread, pasta and beer – not just fresh produce.
Toowoomba grazier and agricultural services system DIT AgTech founder Mark Peart said farmers are already adjusting their operations to stay afloat.
“Some are cutting back on fertiliser use, some are reducing stock numbers, and others are delaying or rethinking parts of their operation because the cost of diesel and inputs has become so unpredictable,” he said.
Mark Peart is a beef industry operator with over 40 years’ experience working with producers. (Supplied)
Peart said uncertainty is driving those decisions, with farmers often unsure what they’ll be paying or if supplies will arrive on time.
“We’re also seeing a move towards efficiency – farmers are looking at ways to use less diesel, reduce labour and get more out of what they’re already doing,” he said.
Cutting costs can only go so far in a system built on imported fertiliser and fuel.
University of Sydney senior economics lecturer Chandana Maitra said the problem sits at the core of how Australian farms, with urea – a nitrogen-rich compound used in fertilisers – and diesel both sourced from overseas.
The latest global crisis could be a turning point for Australia’s food production. (Supplied)
When shipping routes run into trouble, fertiliser becomes harder to secure. At the same time, higher fuel costs run through every stage of farming, cutting output and lifting prices.
Australia relies on imported fertiliser, much of which moves through key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint.
The result can be broader price pressures across the economy. If sustained, this may delay interest rate cuts or keep inflation elevated for longer.
The Middle East is also an important market for some Australian agricultural exports. Ongoing instability could weigh on export earnings, while disruptions to fuel and fertiliser markets continue to drive up costs at home.
Evans said the focus now should be on how the nation responds.
“This might be the moment that finally forces us to rethink how we grow food,” he said.
“Because it doesn’t have to be this way.”
China’s move toward electrified transport and logistics shows how quickly systems can change across industries. With less diesel in the mix, its urban transport and delivery networks are less exposed when oil prices spike.
For Australian farmers, attention is now turning to the winter planting window – a key period that will determine supply later in the year.
Many are already scaling back after successive shocks, including COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, both of which drove up fertiliser prices.
Australia produces enough food to feed three times its population. (Peter Rae)
“At some point, you have to ask, how many times do we need to learn the same lesson?” Evans said.
Evans sees an opportunity at the farm gate. Healthier soils, using less fertiliser and a wider mix of crops can ease the burden on farmers in the long haul.
“It’s small, practical changes that reduce costs, improve soil, and make farms less dependent on expensive inputs,” he said.
Australia still produces enough food to feed three times its population and exports most of what it grows – a strong position, though one Evans said won’t hold without adapting to volatile markets.
“We have the land, the knowledge and the people. What we need now is to apply that knowledge in a way that makes us less exposed to global shocks.”
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An ambitious contender for Nancy Pelosi’s congressional seat, often touting his connections with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, found himself in an awkward position recently. Despite his frequent promotions of their past association, the progressive stalwart refrained from backing him during a recent video interview.
While speaking to a reporter from Drop Site, Ocasio-Cortez was questioned about her views on Saikat Chakrabarti. Chakrabarti, who had a brief stint as her chief of staff following her 2018 congressional win, is now pursuing a seat in Congress representing San Francisco.
When asked about her former aide, Ocasio-Cortez artfully dodged the inquiry. “For me, overall, I’m trying to think about the role I’m trying to play more broadly in these things,” she commented, steering clear of a direct endorsement.
Chakrabarti, a wealthy progressive Democrat, has used his past association with the Bronx congresswoman as a central theme in his campaign materials and public statements. His efforts to leverage their prior professional relationship highlight the complex dynamics of political endorsements and alliances.
Chabrakarti, a multimillionaire lefty Democrat who was Ocasio-Cortez’s congressional aide for roughly six months before resigning, has prominently featured the Bronx congresswoman in campaign literature and talking points.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who has yet to endorse her former campaign manager and chief of staff Saikat Chakrabarti in his bid to succeed Nancy Pelosi in representing California’s 11th district, told Drop Site’s Julian Andreone that she is “trying to think about the… pic.twitter.com/A2t9naEMXW
“Having worked with AOC, I can safely say she’s one of a kind. But I’d be honored to represent San Francisco in Congress and join AOC to build a society that truly works for all,” Chakrabarti boasted in an X post announcing his campaign last year.
Chakrabarti, 40, struck it rich working for financial tech firm Stripe and has plowed $5 million into his own campaign for retiring Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s seat.
The Harvard-educated tech multimillionaire describes himself as a former tech director with Sen. Bernie Sanders’ failed 2016 presidential bid and “the architect of the Green New Deal.”
He worked for Ocasio-Cortez’s 2018 campaign for Congress, when she defeated incumbent Rep. Joe Crowley in an upset.
Chakrabarti then joined the new congresswoman in the House of Representatives — where he quickly gained a difficult reputation after instigating nasty public spats with Democratic colleagues, according to media reports at the time.
Ocasio-Cortez went on to explain that she has a “lean” political staff in the Thursday interview.
“There are 435 seats in Congress, right? And there is this moment where it’s like — and not just in this race but any race, once you go in it’s like ‘what about this one, and this one?’” she said.
Chakrabarti is competing against state Sen. Scott Wiener, city Supervisor Connie Chan and Marie Hurabiell, a lawyer and activist.
The Texas native has racked up endorsements from drag performer Peaches Christ and former congressman Jamal Bowman, who lost his 2024 reelection bid after pulling a fire alarm at the Capitol, resulting in a $1000 fine.
Chakarabarti also raised eyebrows for gushing over the polarizing far-left streamer Hasan Piker, whose racist tirades calling Asian Americans “dogs for white people” came to light this month.
Chakrabarti did not respond to a request for comment.
Young Turks host Cenk Uygur, Chakrabarti’s pal who has attempted to brand him as a “West Coast Zohran Mamdani,” furiously denounced Ocasio-Cortez and demanded she endorse him in a video posted Friday.
“I can’t believe she hasn’t endorsed him yet,” he fumed.
CHICAGO — After a foggy morning, residents of Chicago are advised to brace for potentially severe weather as storms are forecasted to roll in by Friday evening.
The day started with a warm and dry afternoon, but conditions are expected to change as storms make their way into the region later in the day.
A Tornado Watch has been issued for several counties in Illinois, including Cook, DuPage, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, Livingston, and Will. This watch is set to remain in effect until 11 p.m.
Meanwhile, DeKalb, LaSalle, and McHenry counties in Illinois, along with Racine, Walworth, and Kenosha counties in Wisconsin, are under a Tornado Watch until 8 p.m.
In areas just outside Chicago, a Tornado Warning has been announced for Boone and Winnebago counties in Illinois, which is valid until 7:45 p.m. Additionally, Walworth County in Wisconsin is under a Tornado Warning until 7:15 p.m., and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties, extending until 8:15 p.m.
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ABC7 AccuWeather meteorologists said a line of potentially severe storms was expected to start moving into the far western suburbs between 5-7 p.m., bringing heavy rain and strong winds. It will then move into the city between 8-9 p.m.
The Storm Prediction Center has most of the Chicago area at a Level 3 Risk for severe weather except for northwest Indiana, which is under a Level 2 Risk.
The storms are causing delays at Chicago’s airports.
A Ground Delay for O’Hare airport is scheduled to go into effect at 8 p.m. and last until 2 a.m. Saturday, the FAA said. Average delays due to thunderstorms were about 3.5 hours as of 6 p.m.
Residents brace for flooding
The threat of more storms and rain has people living along the Des Plaines and Fox Rivers concerned.
A Flood Warning is in effect for Cook County until 5:15 a.m. Saturday.
A Flood Warning is in effect for Kane, Kendall, Lake and McHenry counties in Illinois until 5:30 a.m. Saturday.
A Flood Watch is in effect for the Chicago area until 5 a.m. Saturday.
A lot of people in the northwest suburbs have already been dealing with some flooding this week and are bracing for more with promised rain on the way.
Officials have fortified areas prone to flooding as the Des Plaines River continues to swell.
The fire department is monitoring the river’s levels, which are now not expected to crest as high as they were originally, but below the major flood stage around 17 feet.
“We’re advising everyone to stay out of those flood waters,” Des Plaines Fire Battalion Chief Brian Hoffman said. “There can be currents underneath. They’ve gotta also be washed out manhole covers, which creates hazards of falling into one of those so if they’re any flood waters, we advise I’m going to stay out of them.”
People who live near the Fox River are also keeping watch. They’ve already had some flooding, too.
Parts of Chicago weren’t spared either. The city said they’ve gotten hundreds of calls about waterlogged streets and flooded basements.
Forecasters say Illinois is experiencing a very active severe weather season.
“With all the events that we’ve been happening, people kind of see all this, and they’re hopefully not scared by it, but hopefully they’ll educate themselves,” said Victor Gensini, a meteorology professor at Northern Illinois University. “Hopefully they’ll tune in to ABC 7. Hopefully they’ll tune into the National Weather Service and get those official watches and warnings and understand when in the forecast this week, do I need to be paying attention? Because there’s a likelihood for severe weather, and then know what to do if the watches and warnings are actually issued.”
The city’s public works department is providing sandbags to anyone who wants them.
After losing a lot of personal items in the last big flood a few years ago, Des Plaines resident Ariana Gomez is keeping her eyes on the skies.
“Like any person whose apartment usually floods, they’re always concerned,” Gomez said. “We always tend to check in the laundry room because that’s where it usually, but everything’s been good there.”
Cook County Radar DuPage County Radar Will County Radar Lake County Radar (IL) Kane County Radar Northwest Indiana Radar
Ben Smith, a garden designer hailing from Stourbridge, has captivated audiences as a contestant on the 2026 edition of BBC One’s “Interior Design Masters.” Known for his penchant for vintage finds and his dedication to upcycling, Ben’s unique aesthetic is further complemented by an unexpected admiration for the British Royal family. His bedroom, adorned with portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria, speaks volumes about his distinctive taste.
Before embarking on his journey into furniture design, Ben spent time in the hospitality industry. It was during the lockdown that he discovered a new passion for restoring furniture pieces he found online. This newfound interest quickly blossomed into a full-fledged desire to craft entire interiors that showcased his upcycled creations.
Despite his youthful appearance and tattooed skin, Ben describes himself as an “old soul,” a sentiment echoed in his love for the Royal family and antique upcycling. “I don’t think people expect a 27-year-old who’s covered in tattoos to love the Royal family and be into upcycling antiques. I guess I’m an old soul,” Ben remarked, reflecting on the unexpected facets of his personality.
Ben Smith Age
Born in 1999, Ben, now 27, is one of the contenders on the seventh series of “Interior Design Masters.” The show, often regarded as the pinnacle of interior design competitions, features ten aspiring designers competing for a coveted breakthrough in the industry. This season, viewers will be entertained by the charismatic hosting of comedian Alan Carr, while interiors authority Michelle Ogundehin serves as the head judge, joined each week by a rotating panel of guest judges.
Interior Design Masters 2026
Outdoor furniture designer Ben Smith is a contestant on series 7 of Interior Design Masters on BBC One. The series follows 10 design hopefuls competing for their big break in the world of interior design. Often hailed as the ultimate Interior Design competition, the show will be hosted by comedian Alan Carr, with interiors expert Michelle Ogundehin as head judge, joined each week by a roster of guest judges.
“This April, you’ll catch me on BBC’s Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr and Michelle Ogundehin,” Ben announced. “Chaos, creativity, and the biggest design challenge of my life. I’m beyond excited for you to see what went down.”
The Interior Design Masters 2026 designers include Ajeet Jugnauth, Ben, Duran ‘Dee Dee’ Abdullah, Emmely Elgersma, Frankie Ratford, Jonni Knight, Kate Hewitt, Lia Gold, Sophie and Teo Villacci.
Tattoos
27-year-old Ben Smith is covered in tattoos from his neck to his arms.
Millions across the Midwest are currently under extreme weather alerts as the National Weather Service has identified a ‘highly dangerous’ tornado sweeping through Wisconsin.
The tornado, spotted around 5 p.m. CDT, was located approximately 6 miles northeast of Weston, close to Green Bay. Traveling at a speed of 35 miles per hour, this fierce storm has already impacted at least five towns, according to the NWS.
Residents were cautioned by the weather service about the confirmed tornado, urging them to seek shelter in the innermost room on the lowest floor of a sturdy structure. Those in mobile homes, vehicles, or outside were advised to move to the nearest shelter to avoid flying debris.
The NWS further warned of the potential for mobile home destruction and significant damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles, stating that complete devastation is a possibility.
As of 6:45 p.m. CDT, active tornado warnings are in place for Rock County in south-central Wisconsin, Southern Hancock and Knox Counties in west-central Illinois, and parts of St. Clair County in Missouri.
Small towns in Missouri south and southeast of Kansas City, including Butler, Rich Hill, Rockville, and Foster, are also at risk of getting hit by tornados. These areas could also get pelted with hail as large as two inches across, according to the NWS.
Storms will continue to develop from Wisconsin to Texas throughout Friday evening, according to weather forecasts.
More than 50 million people live in this stretch of the country, which is about to be hurricane-level winds and thunderstorms, according to Fox Weather.
A picture provided to the Daily Mail of a tornado near massive tornado that was near the Minnesota towns of Chester and Marion on Friday
Pictured: A tornado spotted near Rochester, Minnesota, on Friday afternoon. It’s unclear if this is the same tornado that was near Chester and Marion, as both towns are near Rochester
Debris from a home in Union Center, Wisconsin, that was destroyed by a tornado on Tuesday. Severe storms have been hitting the Midwest all throughout the week
People in affected areas have already shared photos of houses and other structures that were ravaged by the storms, which have been going on intermittently throughout the week.
A storm chaser, only identified as Matt, shared a video with the Daily Mail of a massive tornado that was near the Minnesota towns of Chester and Marion.
There have also been reports that there are children hunkering down in an elementary school in Lena, Illinois, where another tornado has struck.
A tornado warning had been issued for Lena, as well as nearby Freeport and Orangeville by the NWS.
According to radio traffic from Stephenson County, local officials were contacted by the NWS about a large and ‘extremely dangerous’ tornado west of Lena. A short time later, those same officials were discussing ‘quite a bit’ of damage, according to CBS News.
No injuries were reported in Lena and students were kept safe inside the impacted elementary school according to the radio traffic. The school’s exterior though was severely damaged, per chatter from officials.
The Daily Mail approached the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office for comment on the conditions in Lena.
There were also reports of a tornado touching down in Belton, Missouri, a town just south of Kansas City.
Pictured: Downed trees in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from Tuesday’s storm
Eleven states are at risk of severe thunderstorms, flooding and tornados on Friday
The siding from multiple homes in the neighborhood have been ripped off, according to FOX 4.
Trash cans and other debris was seen scattered around the sidewalks and streets. Belton officials have said they are aware of the damage, urging residents to call 911 if they are experiencing an emergency.
Tornados, though dangerous, are isolated to the areas they form in. The chief concern for the millions of people living under storm watches are the thunderstorms and the ensuing floods.
Meteorologists with AccuWeather warned that the highest risk of severe thunderstorms will be seen in Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas.
Major cities, including Chicago, Minneapolis, St Louis, Kansas City, Madison, Wichita, Oklahoma City and Dallas, are expected to experience severe thunderstorms imminently.
The NWS has issued various flood warnings and watches, including in central and west Michigan, much of Wisconsin, the Chicago area of Illinois, and parts of Kansas and Missouri.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski said in a statement: ‘People in the path of these storms should stay alert and be ready to act.’
‘Make sure your phone is charged, alerts are on, and your storm shelter or safe place is ready and stocked with emergency supplies. Never drive on flooded roads, especially at night,’ Pydynowski added.
Katie Pladl’s initial reunion with her biological parents began as a joyous occasion.
However, the situation soon took a dark turn when her father, Steven Pladl, developed romantic feelings for his teenage daughter, leading to her becoming pregnant and their secret marriage—a situation that ultimately led to their arrest.
As Katie attempted to escape the relationship, authorities report that Steven killed their infant child. He then allegedly pursued Katie and her adoptive father, fatally shooting them before ending his own life.
Here are the key details surrounding this shocking relationship and the deadly events that ensued:
Who Was Katie Pladl?
According to those who knew her, Katie—then known by her adoptive name Katie Fusco—was an happy, average American teenager growing up with her adoptive parents Tony Fusco and Kelly Fusco.
“They had a very, very normal life,” her uncle Cary Gould told The Associated Press. “My nickname for Katie was Pac-Man. She was always eating. She loved animals. She was a vegetarian.”
But while in high school, Katie—who had also been a talented artist—began to wonder about her biological roots.
When Did Katie Pladl Reconnect with Her Birth Parents?
Her birth parents Steven Pladl and Alyssa Pladl had placed her up for adoption when she was 8 months old. Alyssa told The AP that she had just been 15 when the relationship with a then 20-year-old Steven began.
They later welcomed a daughter they named Denise, but their age, lack of money and Alyssa’s suspicions that Steven may have been physically abusing his daughter, caused them to place the child up for adoption.
“It was so hard to give her up,” Alyssa remembered, “but I had to because I wanted her to live and be happy.”
The baby was adopted by the Fuscos, who changed her name to Katie and raised her in upstate New York.
After turning 18, Katie reached out to Steven and Alyssa, who were happy to reconnect. Katie held off on attending college to move in with her the Pladls in August of 2016.
Steven Pladl Begins Sexual Relationship With Daughter Katie Pladl
Not long after, Alyssa—who was having marital problems with her husband—noticed Steven taking more care of his appearance and sleeping on the floor of Katie’s bedroom, she told the AP.
She moved out, then learned in May 2017 after reading her 11-year-old daughter’s journal that Katie and Steven had begun a romantic relationship and Katie was pregnant.
“I started to become hysterical, and I called him,” Alyssa told the AP. “I said, ‘Is Katie pregnant with your baby?’ He just said, ‘I thought you knew. We’re in love.’”
Horrified, Alyssa went to the police.
Steven and Katie illegally wed in a ceremony attended by her adoptive parents, who felt there was nothing they could do to stop the union.
The couple welcomed son Bennett Kieron Pladl on Sept. 1, 2017.
Then, in January 2018, they were arrested and charged with incest in Virginia’s Henrico County, according to a statement from the Knightdale Police. Steven’s mother was granted custody of their child as the legal case played out.
Meanwhile, Katie decided to end the relationship and moved back in with her adoptive parents, WVIT reported.
Steven Pladl Begins Alleged Murder Spree
On April 11, 2018, police said Steven asked his mother to take the baby to his house, saying that he planned to Skype with Katie. Later that night, he spoke to his mother again and said he was taking the baby to see Katie in New York.
Hours later—on the morning of April 12—Steven called his mother to tell her that he had killed Katie and her adoptive father, police said.
“When asked about the baby, Steven told his mother he had killed the child and left him at the residence in Knightdale,” police said in the statement. “Pladl’s statement immediately prompted calls to 911 by his mother.”
Police arrived at the couple’s home and found the baby dead in the house.
The bodies of Katie and Tony Fusco were found in their car at the intersection of Route 55 and Route 7 in New Milford, Connecticut.
As a man told a 911 dispatcher, per WVIT, ”Somebody just went by and shot this guy in the truck.”
Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps told the station that Steven had gone to New Milford “for the specific purpose of making some confrontations.”
Steven Pladl Found Dead in New York After Allegedly Killing Katie Pladl
Steven was found dead several miles away in Dover, New York in his vehicle from what police determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“Yesterday’s events were sad and devastating,” Capps said in the 2018 statement from police. “We may never understand the mindset or motives of Steven Pladl, but we do know his actions have shattered the lives of countless people.”
Meanwhile, Alyssa was still struggling to come to grips with her former husband’s alleged actions.
“I’m grieving. I’m sad. I’m upset,” she told the AP. “But I also want to have something good come out of this. If it’s to get truth out there, to open people’s eyes to incest.”
Following the buzz and mixed reactions surrounding the series finale of “Stranger Things,” the franchise is set to expand its universe by delving into untold stories from the past. “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85” offers fans a nostalgic journey, filling in the narrative gap between Seasons 2 and 3. This midquel revisits the early days in Hawkins, a time when the young protagonists faced less daunting monsters and life seemed closer to ordinary.
This marks the first spin-off to emerge from the beloved sci-fi series, sparking curiosity among fans eager to learn more about its release, storyline, and cast. Rest assured, this article provides all the essential details on what to expect from “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85,” including its mood, setting, and the actors reprising their roles.
In a manner reminiscent of the epic finale of “Stranger Things,” “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85” made its debut with special screenings before its Netflix release. Fans had the opportunity to catch these exclusive showings in 34 AMC theaters nationwide, as well as at Netflix House in Philadelphia and The Paris Theater in New York. These screenings took place on April 18 at 12 PM and 3 PM, offering a cinematic experience before the series became available for streaming.
When will Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 be released?
Netflix
Much like the feature-length series finale of “Stranger Things,” “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85” launched early in select movie theaters before hitting Netflix. Fans were be able to watch it in 34 AMC theaters across the country, plus Netflix House in Philadelphia and The Paris Theater in New York. The showings took take place on April 18 at 12 and 3 PM.
For those who missed out on seeing it on the big screen, the wait won’t be too much longer. The series drops on the streamer on April 23. As per usual, it will be released at 12:00 AM PST. The first two episodes will drop on the same day, and there’s no word as to how long each episode will be. Fans will have to keep their eyes on the clock to find out how much extra time they’re going to have with El and her friends.
Who is starring in Stranger Things: Tales from ’85?
Netflix
Beware, “Stranger Things” fanatics: None of the show’s original cast will be returning for “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85.” Instead, an entirely different group of professional voice and live-action actors will be playing the people you know and love.
Brooklyn Davey Norstedt will be taking over the role of Eleven, alongside Luca Diaz as Mike Wheeler, Elisha Williams as Lucas Sinclair, Braxton Quinney as Dustin Henderson, Benjamin Plessala as Will Byers, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max Mayfield, Brett Gipson as Hopper, and Jeremy Jordan as Steve Harrington. There will be several new faces in town, with Janeane Garofalo playing an unnamed character and Odessa A’zion as tough punk kid Nikki Baxter, a newbie to the cast. As of press time there’s no word as to who will be playing Joyce Byers or any of the older teen characters.
What is Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 about?
Netflix
As noted above, the show will be set between Season 2 and Season 3 — a season fans of “Stranger Things” believe gets better every time they rewatch it — during the winter of 1985, when a brand-new mystery will present itself to the party. Things have finally settled down after their travails in the darker, more horror-orientated Season 2, during which Eleven seemingly closed the gate between Hawkins Lab and the Upside Down. The kids have returned to the normalcy of childhood and the simple joys of playing D&D together. But evil lurks in the shadows, and under the snows of Hawkins. The party will have to join forces to put things to right once again, and save themselves — and Hawkins itself — from the terror of a new evil.
The gang will rely upon a brand-new addition to the crew named Nikki Baxter, who is pink haired and plays a barbarian in the gang’s D&D team. She will naturally represent muscle and toughness when they join forces, and it’s her job to beat back the evil creatures they’re about to face down. The rest of the plot’s details are under wraps.
Who will produce, direct, and write Stranger Things: Tales From ’85?
Jerod Harris/Getty Images
As always with all things “Stranger Things,” brothers Matt and Ross Duffer are listed as both executive producers and series creators. Dan Cohen, Hilary Leavitt, Shawn Levy, and Eric Robles share those duties. Leavitt represents Upside Down Pictures, while Levy is with 21 Laps. The animation company in charge of producing each episode is Flying Bark Production.
Phil Allora directed the first episode, and as of press time no other directors have been listed for the rest of the show’s run. Allora is an experienced animation director, with many Disney art department credits including “Lilo and Stitch” and “Brother Bear.” His animation directing career includes episodes of “The Cleveland Show,” “Turbo FAST,” and “DC Superhero Girls.”
The first episode was written by Jennifer Muro, who has written for animated TV shows for two decades. Her work can be heard in several Care Bear shows, but also 16 episodes of “Star Wars: Force of Destiny,” “Star Trek: Prodigy,” and “The Legend of Vox Machina.” She also created the Netflix animated science fiction show for kids, “The Last Kids on Earth.” As of press time, there’s no indication as to who will direct and who will write the rest of the Season 1 run.
Is there a trailer for Stranger Things: Tales from ’85?
Netflix released a trailer for “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85” on February 26. It shows a montage of familiar scenes — the local arcade, Hopper’s house, and a photo of El and Mike together at the Snow Ball. El covers up her tattoo and answers the door; Mike Wheeler is there. El goes out with him to play, but not before Hopper threatens Mike’s very life if anything happens to El while she’s outside with him.
We then see several scenes of the kids having fun in the wintertime, but there’s a bit of an edge to the peaceful feeling the trailer establishes. To the tune of the popular ’80s tune “Always Something There to Remind Me,” a snowstorm looms over Hawkins, while Max and Lucas’ romance grows stronger — and Mike plans a new campaign to take place during that aforementioned snowpocalypse. But an unidentified evil being can be seen tunneling under the drifts, and that means something bad is ready to make life a whole lot tougher for the party. Viewers quickly learn that a creature successfully escaped the Upside Down before Eleven used her superpowers to close the rift, and it mutates into a new kind of monster with a pumpkin for a head. Havoc and danger ensue.
Is Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 part of a larger universe?
Netflix
As noted above, “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85” is a midquel to “Stranger Things,” which means it shows us a previously unseen adventure the party goes through between live-action outings. While the audience might know what happens to everyone after the events of “Tales from ’85,” what happens during the program remains a total mystery, and one that will likely enthrall viewers of the show with incidents they’ve never seen before.
Other ancillary spin-offs of the “Stranger Things” world include “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” a Broadway play that focuses on what the adult characters were doing years before the events of Season 1, including giving a lot of backstory to Henry Creel. One dumb thing fans couldn’t ignore about volume 2 of Season 5 was that much of the narrative focused on what happened in “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.” The franchise also includes pop-up stores and escape rooms, comic books, live experiences, video games, and young adult novels. Basically, if teenagers like it, the “Stranger Things” universe has a product for them to enjoy.
Where can you watch Stranger Things?
Netflix
Naturally, “Stranger Things” remains a Netflix exclusive — at least for the moment. The streamer recently announced that the show will be hitting practical media with a full-series box set release, which means those with the cash will be able to see it in the comfort of their own homes at any time. It will hit store shelves in July.
Otherwise, the only options fans currently have to see the show is to stream it from Netflix. It isn’t available as a set of individual episodes, nor is there any indication that the show will appear in syndication or in other formats. Of course, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” only exists as a Broadway play at the moment — though Netflix, too, seems poised to release a professionally filmed version of the show. The best bet for fans of the franchise, at least for now, remains a Netflix subscription.
For anyone over 60, the quest to maintain muscle strength is a common challenge, and as a seasoned personal trainer with four decades of experience, I’ve heard this concern time and again. As part of my role at TRAINFITNESS, I often advise clients on how to combat this issue effectively. One of the best solutions lies in bodyweight exercises, which are not only practical but also require no expensive gym memberships or equipment. Here are four exercises you can do right at home to regain functional strength.
The loss of muscle mass that accelerates with age is known as sarcopenia, which affects more than just muscle size. It significantly impacts the ability of muscles to produce force quickly, meaning our power output diminishes at about twice the rate of strength loss. This decline is why activities like standing up from a chair or quickly recovering from a stumble become increasingly difficult as we age.
Several factors contribute to this decline in muscle strength. Hormonal changes, including reduced levels of testosterone and growth hormone, play a significant role in muscle maintenance. The efficiency of the nervous system in recruiting muscle fibers also wanes, meaning that even if the muscle mass is present, it might not be fully utilized. Additionally, age-related inflammation hinders muscle repair and growth. Compounding these issues is a tendency for reduced physical activity, which only accelerates the process.
Why Strength Drops So Fast After 60
Shutterstock
After 60, we lose muscle mass at an accelerated rate. This process is called sarcopenia, and it’s not just about size — it’s about how quickly our muscles can generate force. Power output declines at roughly twice the rate of strength itself. This is why getting up from a chair becomes harder, or why we can’t react as fast when we stumble.
Several things drive this decline. Hormone levels drop, particularly testosterone and growth hormone, both of which play a role in maintaining muscle. The nervous system becomes less efficient at recruiting muscle fibres, so even if the muscle is there, we can’t always access its full potential. Inflammation increases with age, interfering with muscle repair and growth. And many people simply become less active, which accelerates everything.
Why Bodyweight Beats Machines
Shutterstock
Machines lock you into a fixed path of movement, which removes the need for stabiliser muscles to fire. That might feel easier, but it doesn’t prepare your body for real-world movement. When you stand up from a chair, walk up stairs, or reach for something on a shelf, your body needs to coordinate multiple muscle groups and maintain balance. Bodyweight exercises train exactly that.
They also force you to move through a full range of motion in a way that feels natural, recruiting more muscle fibres across your entire body for better functional strength and improved coordination.
There’s another advantage worth mentioning: bodyweight exercises are self-limiting. You can’t use more resistance than your body can handle, which reduces injury risk. If you can’t control the movement, you won’t be able to complete it. That built-in feedback naturally protects you from doing too much too soon.
Sit-to-Stand
The sit-to-stand is the single most effective bodyweight exercise for rebuilding functional strength after 60. It’s exactly what it sounds like: standing up from a chair and sitting back down under control. This movement trains the muscles you use every single day, particularly your quads, glutes, and core.
Muscles Trained: Quadriceps, glutes, core
How to Do It:
Sit in a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart
Lean forward slightly from the hips, not by rounding your back
Push through your heels and stand up without using your hands for assistance
Pause briefly at the top
Lower yourself back down slowly and with control
Recommended Sets and Reps: 3 sets of 8–12 reps. If 8 reps feels too easy, slow down the lowering phase to 3–4 seconds per rep. If you can’t complete 8 reps without using your hands, start with a higher chair or use a light touch on the armrests for balance only, not to push yourself up.
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t rock forward and use momentum to stand — your muscles should be doing the work, not momentum
Don’t let your knees cave inward as you stand — keep them tracking in line with your toes
Don’t plop down into the chair on the way back — control the descent, because that’s where a lot of the strength-building happens.
Wall Press-Up
This is a standing press-up performed against a wall. It builds upper body strength, particularly in your chest, shoulders, and triceps, and it’s much more accessible than a floor press-up.
Muscles Trained: Chest, shoulders, triceps
How to Do It:
Stand facing a wall, about an arm’s length away
Place your hands flat on the wall at shoulder height and shoulder-width apart
Keep your body straight from head to heels and engage your core
Lower your chest toward the wall by bending your elbows
Push back to the starting position
Recommended Sets and Reps: 3 sets of 10–15 reps. If this feels too easy, step further away from the wall to increase the angle.
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t let your hips sag or your lower back arch — keep your core tight the entire time
Don’t flare your elbows out to the sides — keep them at roughly a 45-degree angle to your body
Don’t shortcut the range of motion — your nose should almost touch the wall at the bottom of the movement.
Glute Bridge
This exercise strengthens your glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. Strong glutes are essential for walking, climbing stairs, and maintaining good posture.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
Muscles Trained: Glutes, hamstrings, lower back
How to Do It:
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart
Position your heels close enough that you can almost touch them with your fingertips
Press through your heels and lift your hips toward the ceiling until your body forms a straight line from your knees to your shoulders
Squeeze your glutes at the top and hold for a second
Lower back down with control
Recommended Sets and Reps: 3 sets of 12–15 reps. If this feels easy, hold the top position for 3–5 seconds on each rep.
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t arch your lower back at the top — tuck your pelvis slightly and squeeze your glutes hard
Don’t push through your toes — keep the weight in your heels throughout
Don’t let your knees fall inward or outward — keep them aligned with your hips and ankles.
Modified Plank
This builds core strength and stability, which supports almost every movement you do. A strong core protects your lower back and improves your balance.
Muscles Trained: Core, shoulders, lower back
How to Do It:
Start on your hands and knees
Walk your hands forward slightly so your shoulders are directly over your wrists
Keep your back flat and your core engaged
Hold this position, making sure your hips don’t sag and your lower back doesn’t arch
Recommended Sets and Reps: 3 sets of 15–30 seconds. As you get stronger, extend the hold time or progress to a full plank on your toes.
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t let your hips drop — keep your core tight and think about pulling your belly button toward your spine
Don’t hold your breath — breathe normally throughout the hold
Don’t let your shoulders creep up toward your ears — keep them pulled down and back.
When You’ll Start Feeling Results
Shutterstock
The first changes happen in the nervous system, not the muscles themselves. Within the first 1–2 weeks, the exercises will feel easier and more controlled. That’s not because you’ve built muscle yet — it’s because your nervous system is getting better at recruiting the muscle fibers you already have.
By weeks 3–4, everyday tasks start feeling less challenging. Getting out of a chair won’t require as much effort. Carrying shopping bags or getting up from the floor will feel more manageable.
At the 6–8 week mark, you’ll see actual muscle growth and measurable strength gains. You’ll be able to do more reps, hold positions longer, or progress to harder variations. Other people might start commenting that you’re moving better or standing taller.
By 12 weeks, the improvements become undeniable. You’ll have built a solid base of functional strength, your posture will be better, and movements that felt difficult at the start will feel routine. The key is consistency — these timelines assume you’re doing the routine most days of the week.
Recovery and Nutrition Tips That Accelerate Results
Shutterstock
The exercises are only part of the picture. A few habits outside the routine make a significant difference.
Protein is the single most important nutritional factor. After 60, our bodies become less efficient at using protein to build and repair muscle, so we need more of it, not less. Aim for 1.2–1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, spread across meals. A 70kg person should be eating 84–112 grams daily. Include protein at every meal, not just dinner.
Sleep matters more than most people realize. This is when your body repairs muscle tissue and consolidates the strength gains from your training. Poor sleep reduces muscle protein synthesis and increases inflammation. Aim for 7–8 hours per night.
Consistency beats intensity. Doing this routine five days a week at moderate effort will give you better results than three days a week at maximum effort. Two rest days per week is ideal.
Hydration is often overlooked. Dehydration reduces muscle function and slows recovery. A simple rule: check your urine color. It should be pale yellow, not dark.
Daily movement matters too. Walking, stretching, or light activity on rest days keeps your body mobile and supports recovery. Sitting for long periods between sessions undermines the strength you’re building — stand up and move around regularly throughout the day.
A seasoned personal trainer’s four-step program to restore functional strength for those over 60 from the comfort of home
With four decades in the fitness industry, I’ve often heard from individuals over 60 about their concerns regarding rapid muscle strength decline. As a personal trainer and fitness educator at TRAINFITNESS, I frequently emphasize to my clients that bodyweight exercises are highly effective for regaining strength. The beauty of these exercises is that they don’t necessitate a gym membership or costly equipment. Here are four exercises that can help you rebuild functional strength right in your living room.
As we age beyond 60, we experience a faster loss of muscle mass, a condition known as sarcopenia. This issue isn’t merely about shrinking muscles; it’s about the dwindling ability of muscles to generate force. Power output diminishes at nearly twice the rate that strength does. This decline explains why activities like rising from a chair become more challenging or why our reflexes slow down when we trip.
Why Strength Drops So Fast After 60
Several factors contribute to this degeneration. As we age, hormone levels, including testosterone and growth hormone, decrease, both of which are crucial for muscle maintenance. Additionally, the nervous system becomes less adept at activating muscle fibers, leading to underutilization of existing muscle. Age-related inflammation further disrupts muscle repair and growth. Moreover, a reduction in physical activity often exacerbates these effects.
After 60, we lose muscle mass at an accelerated rate. This process is called sarcopenia, and it’s not just about size — it’s about how quickly our muscles can generate force. Power output declines at roughly twice the rate of strength itself. This is why getting up from a chair becomes harder, or why we can’t react as fast when we stumble.
Several things drive this decline. Hormone levels drop, particularly testosterone and growth hormone, both of which play a role in maintaining muscle. The nervous system becomes less efficient at recruiting muscle fibres, so even if the muscle is there, we can’t always access its full potential. Inflammation increases with age, interfering with muscle repair and growth. And many people simply become less active, which accelerates everything.
Why Bodyweight Beats Machines
Shutterstock
Machines lock you into a fixed path of movement, which removes the need for stabiliser muscles to fire. That might feel easier, but it doesn’t prepare your body for real-world movement. When you stand up from a chair, walk up stairs, or reach for something on a shelf, your body needs to coordinate multiple muscle groups and maintain balance. Bodyweight exercises train exactly that.
They also force you to move through a full range of motion in a way that feels natural, recruiting more muscle fibres across your entire body for better functional strength and improved coordination.
There’s another advantage worth mentioning: bodyweight exercises are self-limiting. You can’t use more resistance than your body can handle, which reduces injury risk. If you can’t control the movement, you won’t be able to complete it. That built-in feedback naturally protects you from doing too much too soon.
Sit-to-Stand
The sit-to-stand is the single most effective bodyweight exercise for rebuilding functional strength after 60. It’s exactly what it sounds like: standing up from a chair and sitting back down under control. This movement trains the muscles you use every single day, particularly your quads, glutes, and core.
Muscles Trained: Quadriceps, glutes, core
How to Do It:
Sit in a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart
Lean forward slightly from the hips, not by rounding your back
Push through your heels and stand up without using your hands for assistance
Pause briefly at the top
Lower yourself back down slowly and with control
Recommended Sets and Reps: 3 sets of 8–12 reps. If 8 reps feels too easy, slow down the lowering phase to 3–4 seconds per rep. If you can’t complete 8 reps without using your hands, start with a higher chair or use a light touch on the armrests for balance only, not to push yourself up.
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t rock forward and use momentum to stand — your muscles should be doing the work, not momentum
Don’t let your knees cave inward as you stand — keep them tracking in line with your toes
Don’t plop down into the chair on the way back — control the descent, because that’s where a lot of the strength-building happens.
Wall Press-Up
This is a standing press-up performed against a wall. It builds upper body strength, particularly in your chest, shoulders, and triceps, and it’s much more accessible than a floor press-up.
Muscles Trained: Chest, shoulders, triceps
How to Do It:
Stand facing a wall, about an arm’s length away
Place your hands flat on the wall at shoulder height and shoulder-width apart
Keep your body straight from head to heels and engage your core
Lower your chest toward the wall by bending your elbows
Push back to the starting position
Recommended Sets and Reps: 3 sets of 10–15 reps. If this feels too easy, step further away from the wall to increase the angle.
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t let your hips sag or your lower back arch — keep your core tight the entire time
Don’t flare your elbows out to the sides — keep them at roughly a 45-degree angle to your body
Don’t shortcut the range of motion — your nose should almost touch the wall at the bottom of the movement.
Glute Bridge
This exercise strengthens your glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. Strong glutes are essential for walking, climbing stairs, and maintaining good posture.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
Muscles Trained: Glutes, hamstrings, lower back
How to Do It:
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart
Position your heels close enough that you can almost touch them with your fingertips
Press through your heels and lift your hips toward the ceiling until your body forms a straight line from your knees to your shoulders
Squeeze your glutes at the top and hold for a second
Lower back down with control
Recommended Sets and Reps: 3 sets of 12–15 reps. If this feels easy, hold the top position for 3–5 seconds on each rep.
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t arch your lower back at the top — tuck your pelvis slightly and squeeze your glutes hard
Don’t push through your toes — keep the weight in your heels throughout
Don’t let your knees fall inward or outward — keep them aligned with your hips and ankles.
Modified Plank
This builds core strength and stability, which supports almost every movement you do. A strong core protects your lower back and improves your balance.
Muscles Trained: Core, shoulders, lower back
How to Do It:
Start on your hands and knees
Walk your hands forward slightly so your shoulders are directly over your wrists
Keep your back flat and your core engaged
Hold this position, making sure your hips don’t sag and your lower back doesn’t arch
Recommended Sets and Reps: 3 sets of 15–30 seconds. As you get stronger, extend the hold time or progress to a full plank on your toes.
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t let your hips drop — keep your core tight and think about pulling your belly button toward your spine
Don’t hold your breath — breathe normally throughout the hold
Don’t let your shoulders creep up toward your ears — keep them pulled down and back.
When You’ll Start Feeling Results
Shutterstock
The first changes happen in the nervous system, not the muscles themselves. Within the first 1–2 weeks, the exercises will feel easier and more controlled. That’s not because you’ve built muscle yet — it’s because your nervous system is getting better at recruiting the muscle fibers you already have.
By weeks 3–4, everyday tasks start feeling less challenging. Getting out of a chair won’t require as much effort. Carrying shopping bags or getting up from the floor will feel more manageable.
At the 6–8 week mark, you’ll see actual muscle growth and measurable strength gains. You’ll be able to do more reps, hold positions longer, or progress to harder variations. Other people might start commenting that you’re moving better or standing taller.
By 12 weeks, the improvements become undeniable. You’ll have built a solid base of functional strength, your posture will be better, and movements that felt difficult at the start will feel routine. The key is consistency — these timelines assume you’re doing the routine most days of the week.
Recovery and Nutrition Tips That Accelerate Results
Shutterstock
The exercises are only part of the picture. A few habits outside the routine make a significant difference.
Protein is the single most important nutritional factor. After 60, our bodies become less efficient at using protein to build and repair muscle, so we need more of it, not less. Aim for 1.2–1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, spread across meals. A 70kg person should be eating 84–112 grams daily. Include protein at every meal, not just dinner.
Sleep matters more than most people realize. This is when your body repairs muscle tissue and consolidates the strength gains from your training. Poor sleep reduces muscle protein synthesis and increases inflammation. Aim for 7–8 hours per night.
Consistency beats intensity. Doing this routine five days a week at moderate effort will give you better results than three days a week at maximum effort. Two rest days per week is ideal.
Hydration is often overlooked. Dehydration reduces muscle function and slows recovery. A simple rule: check your urine color. It should be pale yellow, not dark.
Daily movement matters too. Walking, stretching, or light activity on rest days keeps your body mobile and supports recovery. Sitting for long periods between sessions undermines the strength you’re building — stand up and move around regularly throughout the day.
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