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6 Wild ‘9-1-1’ Moments That Took the Show Completely Off the Rails
As 9-1-1 heads toward its mid-Season 9 return on April 30, 2026, viewers are likely wondering how much crazier things can get. As one Redditor put it, the series has seen "so many silly emergencies" throughout the years that it's hard to imagine how much more out of the box the writers can get as time goes on.
Somehow, they proved themselves perfectly capable when they kicked off the latest season by sending multiple first responders to space—even more incredulous than the Blue Origin flight featuring celebrities like Katy Perry and Gayle King.
While we may not be able to even begin to fathom what might hit our screens next, we can look back on some of the more outlandish plot devices employed since 9-1-1 premiered, from the ever-ridiculed beenado to the tsunami that decimated Santa Monica—and was promptly forgotten by the following episode.
Here are 6 times that 9-1-1 went utterly off the rails, in no particular order.
Related: You’ll Be Shocked These 11 9-1-1 Emergencies Were Real
As mentioned above, perhaps one of the most talked about episodes—Bobby's death notwithstanding—was the Season 8 premiere, in which the series appeared to take inspiration from the both laughed-at and lauded Sharknado franchise.
Even star Oliver Stark called it "ludicrous" as the 118 responded to an overturned tractor trailer that unleased a swarm of millions of angry bees upon the streets of Los Angeles, which went on to serve as the inciting event of the trilogy season premiere, which concluded with Athena (Angela Bassett) heroically landing a passenger liner with absolutely no piloting experience after a smaller plane with a pilot incapacitated by the bees crashes into their flight, seriously injuring one pilot and causing the other to be ejected into the vast expanse of sky beyond.
2. When Athena and Hen went to spaceIf I had a nickel for every time Angela Bassett nailed a wildly unrelated career path with no training under duress, I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.
In the Season 9 premiere, which spans across a whopping four episodes, Athena and Hen suddenly become astronauts after the paramedic saves the life of a tech giant who in no way at all resemblesJeff Bezos, who offers her and a guest a spot on his next Blue Origin-esque flight in thanks.
When a storm in space impacts the satellite network and sends a piece of space debris hurtling into their space pod and ignites a fire, Athena's quick thinking has her opening up the emergency hatch to vent out the oxygen and snuff out the fire, but it sparks a new problem: their oxygen is now dwindling.
The passengers direct themselves across the gaping abyss to board the International Space Station, where they're still faced with the question of how to get home as the space storm continues to rage. Eventually, ever the hero, Athena suits up for a spacewalk that's absolutely critical to get their pod repaired. When her tether fails, it leaves her floating off in zero gravity and running out of air, and only keeping her wits about her can help her make it back.
3. When Athena and Bobby's honeymoon turned into The Poseidon AdventureBack on Earth, but equally unrealistic, was the Season 7 premiere arc (do you see the pattern?), which took clear inspiration from the classic Poseidon Adventure scripts. While trying to catch a single break in their hectic existences and enjoy their honeymoon, Bobby and Athena quickly find themselves back in first responder mode when pirates hijack their cruise ship and later set off an explosion that ultimately causes it to capsize.
As if that's not enough, while all of this is going on, nobody else is particularly concerned about the fact that the ship has disappeared from radar, as a massive stormfront has moved in and scrambled communications. It's only at the persistence of Hen and the rest of the 118 that the cavalry is eventually called in.
4. The tsunamiContinuing with the pattern, we have the three-episode Seaon 3 premiere arc, which follows our favorite, intrepid firefighters, paramedics, police officers and dispatchers as a tsunami wipes out the Santa Monica pier with next to no warning, leaving Buck trapped in the flood waters with Eddie's young son Christopher and the rest of his colleagues struggling to make their way through the decimated area to offer their assistance.
Perhaps even more outrageous is the fact that life goes on as normal following the episode, with minimal mention of the resulting damage to LA County.
Related: 9-1-1 Fans Can’t Believe ‘How Little’ Star Gavin McHugh Used to Be in Throwback Photo
5. A shark attack on the freewayAn apparent embellishment of a real-life incident, this episode from Season 2 found a tiger shark thrown from a tractor-trailer in another freak traffic accident. Somehow, it managed to find a victim to attack in the chaos, latching onto the length of one of its keeper's arms after it was thrown from its jack-knifed trailer.
After using the literal jaws of life to pry its teeth out of the man's flesh, they strapped it up to the part of the ladder overhanging the roof of their truck and drove it back to the sea, effectively freeing Willy.
6. When a length of rebar pierced Chimney through his foreheadIt may not be the sci-fi scene of viewers' dreams, but we'd be remiss not to mention the very early-on, jaw-dropping moment in the third-ever episode of 9-1-1 that found Chimney pierced straight through the forehead with a lengthy piece of rebar, which left him with absolutely no long-term deficits. Talk about unbelievable!
Related: 'The Pitt' Season 3 Cast: Who’s Returning and Who’s Leaving the PTMC?
2004 Hit Action Film, Inspired by International Crime Classic, Named Among ‘Best Movies to Stream’
Man on Fire, the action thriller that marked one of Denzel Washington’s career-defining moments, is enjoying a renewed resurgence after landing on the list of must-watch streaming films.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the popular online review-aggregation website for film and television, it recommended a selection of movies available through the streaming service Fandango at Home.
From new releases to cult classics, the list highlights fan favorites, award-winning movies and overlooked gems that deserve a fresh spotlight years after their debut.
Among them is Man on Fire, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Tony Scott.
Released in 2004, the movie follows Washington as John Creasy, a former CIA operative who embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance after a nine-year-old girl is abducted in Mexico City.
The young girl, Pita Ramos, played by star Dakota Fanning, was someone Creasy protected and eventually formed a deep bond with.
Dakota Fanning and Denzel Washington on the set of 'Man of Fire' directed and produced by Tony Scott.Twentieth Century Fox/Regency/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images
How a Five-Book Series Became a Blockbuster Film and TV ShowThe Washington-led movie was a commercial success at the time of its release.
Man on Fire reportedly earned around $130.3 million worldwide with a production budget of about $60 million to $70 million.
During its opening weekend, the action thriller ranked No. 1 at the U.S. box office with $22.7 million in ticket sales.
Following its commercial success, the film also earned multiple nominations, including Best Young Actress at the 2005 Critics' Choice Movie Awards.
In the same year, the film was also nominated for Outstanding Motion Picture and Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for Denzel Washington at the NAACP Image Awards.
Although Washington failed to win major recognition, the movie cemented his Hollywood status and showcased his ability to carry high-stakes action thrillers, further solidifying a strong reputation in the genre.
After 22 years, the movie received a television adaptation of the same name, which premiered on April 30, 2026, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as John Creasy.
Both the film and the series were based on the 1980 novel written by A. J. Quinnell.
The television adaptation, which premiered on April 30, 2026, stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as John Creasy. Both the film and the series are based on the 1980 novel by A. J. Quinnell.
Interestingly, Man on Fire is the first in a five-book series by the renowned author, which was published over a 16-year period.
Now considered a cult classic in the thriller genre, the Creasy series includes the 1992 novel The Perfect Kill, The Blue Ring released in 1993, Black Horn in 1994 and the final book Message from Hell released in 1996.
Related: 1967 Hit Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time’
Kate Hudson’s Sideless Gown Torches the Fashion Competition on the Red Carpet
Kate Hudson certainly knows how to set the red carpet on fire.
The acclaimed actress, 47, who rose to stardom as Penny Lane in 2000's beloved musical film Almost Famous, solidified her star status over the years with roles in films like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Bride Wars, and Song Sung Blue. Now starring in the second season of the hilarious Netflix basketball series Running Point, the blonde beauty hit the red carpet at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood for a special screening of Martin Short's new Netflix documentary film, Marty, Life Is Short. While plenty of people were there to see Short, it's safe to say they were distracted by Hudson's stunning sideless dress. The golden mustard-colored gown, which looked rather demure from the front, was entirely sideless all the way down to her hips, revealing just enough to keep the crowds intrigued.
Photo by Kevin Winter on Getty Images
Hudson's Perspective on ParentingHudson, who is the daughter of legendary actress Goldie Hawn, has three children, Ryder, 22, Bingham, 14, and Rani, 7. She spoke candidly in a new interview about the values she's instilled in her children as she's gotten older.
"Well, my thing is, if my kids drive or purpose is for fame and success, then it's something that would feel like a failure of mine," Hudson told Fox News Digital. "If that is how they equate feeling significant, then, you know, they're being fed a lie."
Instead, she hopes they find something that truly excites them in life, rather than placing all the emphasis on getting famous.
"So, for me, the most important thing for me with my kids is that they feel self-possessed, that they understand what really drives purpose, and what does a purposeful life look like for them, and where do they hold their values, right? What are those values and why? And if you value fame and success, we'd probably have a big sit-down," Hudson continued.
Related: Martin Short Makes First Public Appearance Since Daughter’s Death, Surrounded by Family
Savannah Guthrie Returns to 'Today' After Leaving Mid-Broadcast
Savannah Guthrie returned to Today after suddenly leaving the show mid-broadcast the day before.
Viewers were likely glad to see the NBC morning show co-anchor, as she exited Today early on Wednesday, May 6.
Savannah Guthrie Returned to Today on May 7 After Making an Abrupt ExitOn Thursday, May 7, Savannah was by Willie Geist's (who filled in for Craig Melvin) side to kick off the program promptly at 7 a.m. ET.
The anchors discussed Elle, the Legally Blonde prequel series, and did not mention Savannah's absence or the reason for it. Additionally, Savannah did not address NewsNation's May 6 special on The CW that recapped her mom Nancy Guthrie's abduction.
It’s true, Savannah Guthrie, the daughter of missing Nancy Guthrie, did leave the set early today. Why does this spark so much interest? Because everyone is always hoping there’s news about Nancy. 💛
Last time this happened the video below got over 1.5 million views!
Source:… https://t.co/imMQ7oguWU pic.twitter.com/QyS7GDjeDO
Related: Nancy Guthrie Update: Experts Offer Detailed Profile of Suspect in Savannah’s Mom’s Case
The day prior, on Wednesday, Melvin greeted viewers after Today returned from a commercial break, briefly addressing her unexpected departure. “Savannah had to leave a little early," he shared. "She’ll be right back tomorrow, though.” Parade reached out to NBC for a comment.
Among the fans at the plaza whom Savannah missed on Wednesday was a former high school teacher. The Today co-anchor took to her Instagram Stories to write, "Thank you for coming!" alongside hearts, on a still of the woman holding a poster. The poster read, "Savannah! I was a teacher at Amphi High in Tucson when you were there.
🍎Teacher📚 pic.twitter.com/BdsNYowFyc
— Shana Lee (@ShanaLeePNW) May 6, 2026 Savannah's Absence Came as Her Mom Nancy Remains MissingSavannah’s mid-show exit from Today, 30 minutes before the show was set to end, drew concern from viewers, many of whom wondered whether it was connected to her mother’s disappearance, though there is no indication that it was and no further explanation was provided.
It has now been more than three months since her mom, Nancy, was abducted from her home in Tucson, Ariz. On April 6, Savannah returned to Today for the first time since her mother went missing, garnering plenty of love and support from her co-stars. She has since taken off most Fridays.
In the meantime, the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI continue searching for Savannah's mom and combing through evidence, including DNA samples. Nancy was last seen at her Catalina Foothills home on the evening of Jan. 31. As of writing, no suspect has been named.
JCPenney's 'Gorgeous' 14K Gold Stud Earrings Are the 'Perfect Size,' and They're Now Nearly 75% Off
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We've been searching high and low for the best clothing, accessory, and home deals to add to our carts this spring. Whether you're searching for a gift or just an accessory refresh, JCPenney is the place to look. The retailer is currently selling stunning jewelry options at a big discount, including this dainty $34 birthstone jewelry set. Now, we're adding these gorgeous 14K Gold Ball Stud Earrings to our shopping list, while they're 74% off.
The accessory was originally priced at $500, but has been reduced to just $130 in an epic flash sale. In order to receive the lowest sale price, use the promotional code EMERALD7 at checkout. The retailer offers free pickup, so if you want to pick them up in time for Mother's Day, you can. Or, you can just treat yourself to a new everyday pair of earrings.
14K Gold Ball Stud Earrings, $129 (was $500) at JCPenney Shop at JCPenneyThe ball-shaped studs are 8 millimeters long and 8 millimeters wide, so they're fairly small. The accessory is made of 14K gold with a classic push-back closure that keeps them on without fear of them falling out. According to the product description, you should care for them by wiping them clean occasionally. They arrive in a classic jewelry box that you can easily wrap up and give to someone.
We love how simply elegant these earrings are, as you can wear them to any professional, casual, or formal occasion. If you do decide to sport them daily, then try to remember to take them off while sleeping and showering so that they don't tarnish or become warped in any way. Shoppers say that they're the "perfect size," so they're not too heavy or overly bulky while wearing.
Related: JCPenney’s 'Dainty' $34 Birthstone Jewelry Set Makes a Meaningful Mother's Day Gift
Other customers described the earrings as "beautiful," "very pretty," "gorgeous," and a "staple" set. One reviewer even purchased another pair for themselves after gifting them to their mother. Considering the classic yellow coloring, you can easily pair them with other gold jewelry, like layered gold necklaces, that will match perfectly.
Shop More Deals- Liz Claiborne Clegan Heeled Sandals, $32 (was $40) at JCPenney
- Jessica Simpson Short Sleeve Wrap Dress, $45 (was $56) at JCPenney
- Liz Claiborne Long Sleeve Blouse, $23 (was $29) at JCPenney
Your holy grail present just dropped in your lap. Add these stunning gold stud earrings to your cart for 74% off before it's gone.
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Martin Short Makes First Public Appearance Since Daughter’s Death, Surrounded by Family
Martin Short is back on the red carpet, surrounded by his family.
The beloved actor and star of Only Murders in the Building, 76, made his first public appearance this week since his daughter, Katherine, died by suicide in February. Surrounded by friends and family, the comedic genius hit the red carpet at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood for a special screening of his new Netflix documentary film, Marty, Life Is Short. Flanked by his sons, Oliver Short and Henry Short, Martin smiled brightly from the crowd as he posed for photos.
Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin on Getty Images
Short's Daughter Died by SuicideShort's first public appearance comes just over two months after his daughter, Katherine, who worked as a licensed clinical social worker, died by suicide in February at age 42. She was the eldest adopted child of Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in August 2010 at the age of 58. The couple had been married for three decades.
"It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” the Short family told PEOPLE in a statement at the time. “The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
Photo by Gregg DeGuire on Getty Images
Short's New Netflix DocumentaryFeaturing interviews with family and friends, including Steve Martin, Eugene Levy, the late Catherine O’Hara, Tom Hanks, and Short’s alter ego, Jiminy Glick, Marty, Life Is Short delves into Short's illustrious career and tragic childhood.
“The definitive documentary on beloved comedian Martin Short, using beautiful, intimate, never-before-seen archive," reads the Netflix synopsis.
The documentary, which is directed by Lawrence Kasdan, premieres on Netflix on May 12. Check out the trailer below.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Related: Martin Short to Resume Comedy Show with Steve Martin After Daughter's Death
Legendary Playwright Arthur Miller's Never-Before-Heard Recordings Reveal What He Really Thought About Marilyn Monroe
Ever wished that you could be a fly on the wall during those ‘real’ celebrity conversations? Not the carefully curated, publicly approved and thoroughly spun narratives but what really goes on when no one else is around. Well, here’s that chance.
Nearly 30 years of private conversations between iconic playwright Arthur Miller and his biographer have finally surfaced, offering the most intimate look we've ever had into Miller’s relationship with wife, Marilyn Monroe. What he reveals is far more complex than what anyone could’ve ever imagined.
These recordings, made between the mid-1970s and just shortly before Miller's death in 2005, have been transcribed for a new book called The Arthur Miller Tapes: A Life in His Own Words, published this week by Cambridge University Press.
Photo by Bettmann on Getty Images
In these candid conversations with Professor Christopher Bigsby, Miller opened up about the passionate love affair that began in 1955 and led to their marriage in 1956 — a union between two of the most legendary figures of the 20th century that the world watched with complete fascination.
What Miller remembered most fondly reveals a side of Monroe that often gets lost beneath her public persona and her tragic ending.
"She was delightful to be with," Miller said. "A very smart woman" with "a terrific sense of humour, irony and generosity."
Photo by Bettmann on Getty Images
These weren't empty compliments for a woman he used to know. Miller genuinely admired and loved Monroe's intelligence and spirit, he saw a side of her and qualities in her that her Hollywood image often overlooked or disreguarded entirely.
But those intimate recordings also reveal the profound and unexpected challenges they faced — challenges Miller admitted he wasn't equipped or prepared to handle.
Related: Bob Dylan Played His Wife This 1976 Song to Save Their Marriage - It Almost Worked
He described Monroe as someone who "literally no inner resources" and wanted "a father, a lover, friend, agent, above all someone who would never criticise her for anything."
Within just months of their marriage, Miller realized the full weight of the situation he'd taken on. But, does anyone ever know anyone until they do? People only see what we allow them to see, especially in Hollywood.
The Complexity of Arthur Miller and Marilyn Monroe's Love Story, in His Own WordsThe couple suffered some of lifes most heartbreaking losses together — a miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy. They even sought medical help to have a family. But, Miller reflected that Monroe's want to be a mother existed "in an ideal sort of way" while she worked under "terrific pressure" in Hollywood.
Photo by New York Daily News Archive on Getty Images
His revelation about the idea of parenthood and Monroe are difficult to hear: "I am not sure how good it would have been for her to have a child. It would have been an additional problem."
Miller also revealed something much darker: he once urgently brought doctors to save Monroe's life after she'd taken enough drugs "to kill her." Even back then, many years before her death in 1962, he felt "death was always on her shoulder."
Photo by John Kobal Foundation on Getty Images
Tragically and ironically, their marriage effectively ended during the filming of The Misfits — the movie Miller had written specifically for Monroe — in 1960. By the time he left that set, they weren't even on speaking terms.
"She was genuinely hostile to me," he said.
From his perspective, those four years of marriage meant doing "nothing basically" productive in his career. Even if Monroe had wanted to stay together, Miller admitted he would have ended things anyways.
"I couldn't have gone on. It would have killed me. I couldn't work anymore."
When Monroe died two years after their divorce, Miller said it had seemed inevitable.
"It was impossible for her to live, let alone with anybody."
These recordings don't offer a fairy tale version of thier relationship. They offer something much more valuable: honesty and transparency about two brilliant, iconic, complicated people who loved each other fully but just couldn't make the relationship work. That’s no one’s fault, sometimes that’s just life.
Miller's words help us understand Monroe not as just a tragic icon frozen in time, but as a real, complex woman — smart, funny, generous, struggling — who needed more support than any one person could give.
Nearly 70 years after they met, these tapes remind us that even legends are human, and unfortunately, sometimes love just isn't enough.
Perez Hilton Says He ‘Wishes and Prays’ His Daughters Are Like Ivanka Trump
Legendary gossip columnist Perez Hilton recently admitted something that fans may find somewhat surprising. During an interview with conservative podcast host Tomi Lahren, the media personality revealed that he “wishes and prays” his daughters turn out like Ivanka Trump!
Now that he’s a dad (Hilton has three children—Mario, Mia, and Mayte), Perez’s priorities have shifted dramatically. Once known only as the go-to guy for scintillating Hollywood gossip, Hilton’s empire exponentially expanded. In the years since he first hit the L.A. scene, the entrepreneur has made waves and made some pretty significant lifestyle changes.
Ivanka Trump, the daughter of US President Donald Trump, and her children Theodore James Kushner (L), and Arabella Rose Kushner arrive for an event celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles, 2025 Super Bowl champions, at the White House on April 28, 2025, in Washington, DC. The Eagles defeated the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX, held in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 9, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP via Getty Images)Hilton welcomed his son, Mario, in 2013 via surrogate. Daughters Mia (born in 2015) and Mayte (born in 2017) followed. In a candid HuffPost article, Hilton opened up about his decision to use surrogacy, writing, “Why wouldn’t I want to have my own biological children? While I don’t rule out adoption in the future, for me it was important to have kids with my DNA. My dad passed away when I was 15 and having my children is a way of him living through them—literally.”
Fast forward to May of 2026, and Hilton has some…well, interesting, things to say about raising his brood. While talking to Leher about politics, Donald Trump, cancel culture, and more, Perez said, “I made a video recently, and I said, ‘You know what? I have two daughters and a son, and I wish and pray that my daughters grow up to be like Ivanka Trump.’ To me, she is such a role model and an inspiration for young women. She’s smart. She’s self-sufficient, and happily married, and a mother, and is capable of so much and is doing all of these things in the business world.”
And then, twist, Hilton praises Presdient Trump, saying, “So kudos to him and the late Ivana Trump for, you know, raising all of their kids really well. And actually that’s probably the best compliment that I can give Donald Trump because at the end of the day, like the thing that I’m proudest of and the thing that matters to me the most is being a father.”
Perez and Trump fans alike can probably agree on one thing: Hilton’s assessment of Ivanka is spot on. The First Daughter is an entrepreneur and so much more. In 2019, the mom of three (she shares children Arabella, Joseph, and Theodore with her husband, Jared Kushner) helped create the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, and in 2023, she co-founded Planet Harvest to reduce agricultural food waste. Her extensive and impressive resume also includes a stint as the White House Director of the Office of Economic Initiatives and Entrepreneurship and Executive Vice Presdient of Development and Acquisitions for the Trump Organization.
Princess Diana’s Bridesmaid Recalls Dress Disaster Before Royal Wedding Day: 'A Complete Mess'
One of Princess Diana’s bridesmaids recalled a wedding dress disaster just minutes before the Princess of Wales was set to walk down the aisle to marry then-Prince Charles.
India Hicks, Charles’ goddaughter, was one of several bridesmaids responsible for helping manage Princess Diana’s wedding dress. She was just 12.
In a new interview for The Rosebud Podcast, Hicks revealed never-before-heard details about Charles and Diana's big day. One moment in particular, left her unsure of how to handle one of the event's more stressful moments.
She explained how there were several practice runs for the bridesmaids to ensure that Diana's lengthy 25-foot train appeared perfect when she walked down the aisle of St. Paul's Cathedral on July 29, 1981. However, nothing could prepare the young girls for the wedding day disaster that occurred.
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Hicks recalled, "We would go to [David and Elizabeth] Emmanuel's studio, and they had blacked out all of the windows so we were in darkness. It was lit inside, but there was no daylight coming in because the press were camped out on all the rooftops with these big lenses to try and get any kind of hint of this fashion secret."
"Silk taffeta was the fabric they were using," she continued. "At the actual rehearsal at St. Paul's, they tied a dust cloth around her waist, so we knew how long it was and knew what it was going to feel like."
RELATED: Princess Diana’s Desire to ‘Please’ King Charles Came at a ‘Cost,’ Former Butler Claims
"No one ever tried it out with the actual silk taffeta. Diana was put into the glass carriage with her father. However, you had a large amount of material in a small Cinderella carriage. We had the job of getting her out of the carriage and straightening out the train."
"It was a complete crumpled mess," Hicks declared. "If you look closely at photographs, you will see an awful lot of creases on that train because it had been literally squashed."
RELATED: 45 Years Later, The Engagement That Changed the Royal Family Forever
Hicks added that the dressmakers were also there, "hovering" over Diana. She quipped that most of the photos taken of her at that moment were of her "bottom" as she tried in vain to straighten out the train of the most famous dress in royal history.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles wed when she was 20, and he was 32. The couple welcomed two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, before divorcing in 1996.
MORE: King Charles and Princess Diana Started This Iconic Royal Tradition During Their 1981 Wedding
The 4 Birth Months With Poetic Minds
Poetry seems to be an underutilized art form. But in reality, it is infused into much of the information we absorb. Evolving from ancient, strict metrical forms to emotionally resonant storytelling, poetry creates a bridge between our minds and our imaginations. By simply listening to words, we become exposed to a wide range of feelings, desires, dreams, and even personal yearnings and setbacks. Poetry is connected to both the mind and the heart, and you are exposed to it daily without even noticing. When you’re emotionally vibing with a song, a love story, and even heartfelt advice from your favorite mystic on social media, you’re engaged in poetry.
Read on to discover which four birth dates are most likely to be blessed with poetic minds and vision, according to expert astrologers.
RELATED: The Poem That Mirrors Your Soul, Based on Your Birth Date
Which Birth Months Have Poetic Minds?When we realize that poetry truly is infused in our daily lives, we become aware that everyone can be a poet in their own unique way. Those born in certain birth months, however, may be more naturally inclined to express themselves by a deliberate arrangement of words. Below are the four birth months with poetic minds, as well as the poetry style they are aligned with.
RELATE?: 4 Birth Dates That Are The Best Writers
February: The Visionary PoetFebruary is one of the most imaginative and philosophical birth months. Uniting intellectual and futuristic Aquarius with inspirational and emotional Pisces, this birth month fully merges mind with spirit. The reason why February-borns seem to have their head in the clouds is that they are attuning to higher states of consciousness. When they meditate or dream, they can cross timelines. They may be able to travel to either the past or the future and express their otherworldly reveries emotionally—they are the visionary poets. With their statements, they question the reasons behind long-held beliefs and automatic actions. Their expressive shares often combine imaginative language with spiritual perception, challenging the status quo. Their colorful, poetic shares are the type that leave you questioning the very basis of reality.
EXPLORE: The 4 Birth Dates Who Make the Best Cat Parents
May: The Sensorial PoetSome poetry gets your mind to travel to exciting places. Those words shared by those born in May have the opposite effect—they feel designed to give you goose bumps. May brings together the mental clarity of Gemini with the sensorial focus of Taurus. The result is a birth month that can tap into endless amounts of inspiration and translate it into highly emotionally resonant poetry. The magic is downloaded from the ethers, but grounded into the physical realm to be fully felt. When it comes to words, May-born babies are equally eloquent as they are grounding. One can feel their words turning into poetry that awakens the senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. May babies are the sensorial poets, proving that words can be vehicles for embodiment.
October: The Romantic PoetIf there was one word to describe those born in October, it would be: die-hard romantics. October merges the intellectual rapport Libra seeks with Scorpio’s emotional desire. Those born in this month crave expressing what’s inside through prose and harmonious rhythms. As deeply relational individuals, they often find romantic ups and downs central to their current experience. October babies are the romantic poets—they are the ones writing your favorite rom-com and heartbreak songs. Whether they are trying to win someone’s heart or get over a fated connection, October-born are all about beautifying feelings. They are the ones writing love letters, poems, and even songs, especially during the special falling-in-love phase. Even if they are breaking up with you, they will add their poetic tone to their last communication.
NEXT: The 4 Birth Months With Divine Wisdom, According to Experts
June: The Emotional PoetSome make poetry to envision the future, others for romantic rapport, and June-borns chase self-expression as a way to flow and move through the world. Merging Gemini’s mental agility with Cancer’s emotional sensitivity, those born in June are like open poetry books. They think a lot, but also feel a lot—and part of their journey is learning to eloquently externalize what’s inside. For them, poetry is a sacred tool for understanding the self—a door through which both thoughts and feelings merge in a perfect, resonant symphony. They excel at giving a voice to the silent whispers of the heart, putting into words what would otherwise be impossible to understand, ensuring that no feeling, however fleeting, is ever truly lost to the silence.
UP NEXT:
Why This Historic Landmark Is the Top Castle to Visit in 2026
For many American travelers, a trip across the pond isn't complete without stepping into a scene that looks like it was pulled directly from a storybook. While the UK is dotted with hundreds of fortresses and ruins, new data for 2026 from Rabbie's, a UK-based small tour group operator, has confirmed an undisputed heavyweight champion of castle tourism: Edinburgh Castle.
Sitting at the very top of the list, Edinburgh Castle welcomed a staggering 2,044,963 visitors last year, making it the most popular castle in the United Kingdom. Perched dramatically on "Castle Rock"—an ancient volcanic plug that towers over Scotland's capital—it offers the kind of living history that is hard to find anywhere else. As Hazel Rickett, CEO and travel expert at Rabbie’s, notes, "These aren't recreations or museums; they're living, breathing pieces of history, and many of them are set against breathtaking landscapes."
Related: This Irish Castle is the Ultimate Wuthering Heights-Inspired Retreat
Inside the FortressWhat makes Edinburgh Castle so unmissable? It’s more than just a skyline-defining silhouette. Inside, you’ll find the Scottish Crown Jewels (the Honours of Scotland), the legendary Stone of Destiny, and the 15th-century siege gun, Mons Meg. But beyond the artifacts, it’s the sense of scale that impresses. Rickett points out that for US visitors in particular, "there's something deeply special about standing inside a building that has been at the center of real events for hundreds of years."
The Best of the RestWhile Edinburgh claims the top spot, it is far from the only royal residence worth your time. If you are starting your trip in London, Windsor Castle is the obvious next step. Welcoming over 1.2 million visitors, it holds the title of the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It’s a "living, breathing world of the British monarchy" where you can wander through the lavish State Apartments or visit St. George’s Chapel.
For those heading further north, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle round out the "must-visit" list for Scotland. Stirling was once the favored residence of the Stewart kings, while Urquhart offers a more rugged, atmospheric experience as a ruin perched on the banks of Loch Ness.
Related: This Medieval-style Castle is Known as the ‘Hogwarts of Massachusetts’
The Hidden GemsIf you want to skip the two-million-person crowd at Edinburgh, the experts suggest looking at "hidden gems" like Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire. It offers a much more intimate experience with its striking turrets and rare painted ceilings. Rickett’s best advice for 2026? "Go beyond the ones you already know; you might just find that the castle you'd never heard of becomes the highlight of your entire trip."
You’ll Be Shocked These 11 ‘9-1-1’ Emergencies Were Real
If you’ve ever watched 9-1-1 and thought, “No way that actually happened,” you’re not alone.
Week after week, the series delivers runaway animals, freak accidents, medical mysteries and rescues so wild they feel ripped straight from superhero movies. But here’s the twist: many of the show’s most jaw-dropping emergencies are rooted in real-life events.
The writers on the Ryan Murphy series—who was inspired to create the show after his infant son temporarily stopped breathing—regularly dig into strange-but-true headlines and bizarre 911 calls, turning them into the series’s signature blend of chaos, heart and high-stakes heroics.
And while the show undeniably cranks up the drama (Angela Bassett has not yet traveled to space), many storylines begin with something real first responders actually faced. From unbelievable survival tales to “you couldn’t make this up” mishaps, these 11 emergencies from 9-1-1 didn’t just stretch imagination; they were pulled from reality.
Here are 11 real-life events that inspired storylines on 9-1-1.
Related: 6 Wild 9-1-1 Moments That Took the Show Completely Off the Rails
Season 1, Episode 1: "Pilot"
What happens: A panicked caller insists there’s a baby crying inside the walls of his apartment building. The crew from Station 118 doubts him, mostly because he’s clearly high, but once they hear the faint cries for themselves, they start tearing down walls to find the infant.
Real-life inspiration: As unbelievable as it sounds, this storyline mirrors a 2013 incident in China as reported by CNN. A woman went to the bathroom after severe stomach pains, unaware she was in labor, and her newborn slipped into the building’s plumbing system. Firefighters eventually rescued the baby alive and unharmed.
Season 1, Episode 3: “Next of Kin”
What happens: Episode 3 of Season 1 doubles down on jaw-dropping emergencies. First, a backyard birthday party turns terrifying when a gust of wind rips a bounce house from its anchors and sends it soaring into the sky, with three kids still inside. Later, things get even more shocking when Chimney (Kenneth Choi) is impaled through the skull by a piece of rebar after a car crash, one of many mishaps Chimney somehow survives throughout the series.
Real-life inspiration: In 2014, three children in South Glen Falls, New York, were lifted nearly 50 feet into the air when a bounce house became airborne during a sudden wind gust. And in 2013, a man in China survived after a steel bar shot straight through his head during a DIY accident, making a full recovery despite the seemingly impossible odds. Images of the incident are graphic.
Related: LeAnn Rimes Reacts to Speculation She Got Plastic Surgery for 9-1-1: Nashville
4. A wedding dance floor collapseSeason 1, Episode 5: “Point of Origin”
What happens: A joyful wedding reception takes a terrifying turn when the dance floor gives way, sending guests crashing two stories down in a chaotic mass-casualty rescue.
Real-life inspiration: A comparable event unfolded in 2017 at the Butterfly disco bar in Tenerife, Spain. As reported by Sky News, the dance floor collapsed without warning, dropping dozens of patrons into the basement below and injuring 22 people, a similar real-world parallel to the 9-1-1 emergency.
Season 2, Episode 1: “Under Pressure”
What happens:9-1-1 isn’t just known for wild rescues. It also revels in the hilariously awkward ones. Case in point: A distracted mechanic slips, lands on an air compressor, and literally inflates. When the 118 arrives, his boss delivers the unforgettable line, “The air nozzle is embedded in his ass cheek.” Not exactly the performance review anyone wants.
Real-life inspiration: As bizarre as it sounds, something similar really happened. In 2011, a New Zealand truck driver fell between the cab and trailer, breaking an air hose that pierced his buttock and began pumping air into his body. He survived thanks to coworkers who heard his screams and rushed to help.
Disney/Christopher Willard
6. Real-life monstersSeason 3, Episode 6: “Monsters”
What happens:9-1-1 loves a spooky Halloween episode, and this one leans all the way in. A distracted driver hits a man, sending him crashing through her windshield. He survives the impact, but she suffers a head injury that leaves her so dazed she drives home completely unaware there’s a bleeding stranger half-hanging out of her car.
Real-life inspiration: The storyline echoes a chilling 2001 case in Texas, where a woman struck a homeless man who became lodged in her windshield. As covered by People, she checked on him repeatedly but never sought help, and he later died. The case has since inspired episodes of CSI, Fargo, Law & Order, and the 2007 film Stuck, starring Mena Suvari and Stephen Rea.
Season 3, Episode 15: “Eddie Begins”
What happens: When two boys go exploring in an open field, only one makes it back. The missing child is eventually found 45 feet below ground, trapped in an old water well once connected to a dismantled windmill. The rescue quickly turns into a full-scale operation, complete with heavy machinery, frantic first responders, and a wall of news cameras.
Real-life inspiration: This rescue will make viewers of a certain age immediately think of “Baby Jessica.” In 1987, 18-month-old Jessica McClure fell into a well in Midland, Texas, sparking a massive 58-hour rescue mission that captivated the nation. According to People, Jessica still lives in Texas today and is now a grandmother.
Related: Sarah Paulson in Talks to Star as Infamous Serial Killer for Monster Season 4
8. Lightning sandSeason 6, Episode 10: “In a Flash”
What happens: A sudden, freak lightning storm strikes the Los Angeles shoreline, zapping a father who’s been buried up to his neck in sand by his kids. The bolt hits the ground so powerfully that it turns the sand to glass, sending shards into his neck and leaving the 118 with one of their wildest beach rescues yet.
Real-world inspiration: Showrunner Kristen Reidel told EWthat the episode drew from actual lightning incidents in Los Angeles. “We did have weird lightning out of the blue here. People were injured. I believe some people even died,” she said. The eerie part? There was no rain and no warning, proof that sometimes real life is just as shocking as the show.
Season 7, Episode 1: “Abandon Ships”
What happens: The Season 7 premiere kicks off with a full-throttle catastrophe aboard a luxury cruise ship, sending the 118 into a chain of dramatic, large-scale rescues. Meanwhile, on land, a completely separate crisis unfolds when a fighter jet crashes into a suburban home, leaving a man trapped in his recliner as the wreckage smolders around him.
Real-world inspiration: According to series co-creator Tim Minear, the maritime mayhem took its cues from the classic disaster film The Poseidon Adventure. A clip of the film is even shown in the episode. The airborne emergency, however, pulls from reality. Minear told EW in 2024 that the fighter-jet storyline was based on a true incident: “A military pilot who was on a training mission, and he had to bail out of the plane, and then the plane stopped transmitting because it thought it was in enemy territory. That just felt like a tailor-made story for our show.”
Related: Kim Kardashian Breaks Silence on Negative Reviews of Her New Hulu Series All’s Fair
10. The Weepy-Voiced KillerSeason 8, Episode 9: “Sob Stories”
What happens: The 118 face one of their most unsettling cases when a man repeatedly calls 911 in tears, confessing to brutal attacks and begging dispatchers to save the women he’s just harmed. Each call grows more frantic, pushing the team into a race against time.
Real-world inspiration: The episode takes direct cues from the infamous “Weepy-Voiced Killer,” a Minneapolis serial killer from the early 1980s who phoned police after his crimes, sobbing uncontrollably and pleading for help for his victims. Tim Minear confirmed the connection in an interview with Decider, noting that the storyline is a clear homage to the chilling real case.
Season 9, Episode 1: “Eat the Rich”
What happens: Only on 9-1-1 could a tech billionaire (played by Mark Consuelos) end up inside the mouth of a breaching whale while participating in a remote board meeting during a kayaking excursion. The 118 springs into action for one of their strangest rescues, extricating him from a crazy situation.
Real-world inspiration: As absurd as it sounds, this storyline was inspired by several real incidents where kayakers and divers were briefly scooped up by humpback whales before being spit back out. Most recently, a man in Chile found himself momentarily swallowed. As it was later reported by the BBC, the first thing he noticed was “the slime.” Sometimes truth really is stranger, and messier, than fiction.
Related: 7 Gnarly ER Procedures on ‘The Pitt’ Season 2 That Will Make Your Stomach Turn
Target Is Selling a 'Super Cute' Freestanding Storage Cabinet With 'Loads of Space' for $80
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If your living room, office, kitchen, or hallway keeps collecting books, mail, and random clutter, Target has a storage deal that can help without taking up much floor space. Right now, the Costway Freestanding Bookcase and Cabinet is on sale for $80 at Target in both colors, black and white. The white version has the slightly better markdown, originally $173, while the black option was originally $170.
The cabinet measures 47 inches high by 31.5 inches wide by 9.5 inches deep, giving you plenty of vertical storage in a fairly narrow footprint. It has a wide top, five open compartments, and a double-door cabinet. The frame is made from engineered wood and features metal legs, non-slip foot pads, and anti-toppling hardware. It has a total weight capacity of 190 pounds and can be used in practically any indoor space, including a living room, bedroom, or kitchen.
Costway Floor Storage Cabinet, $80 (was $173) at Target Shop at TargetThis piece works particularly well in small spaces, offering lots of display space and hidden storage in a single narrow cabinet. The open shelves can hold books, framed photos, baskets, vases, or everyday kitchen items, while the cabinet doors can hide cords, paperwork, toys, or linens. It’s especially useful for adding storage to apartments, tight corners, and tiny rooms.
Shoppers have called the bookshelf “absolutely beautiful” and “so adorable,” with one person noting that it “doesn't take up a lot of space.” Another called it “super cute and convenient,” adding that it was “very easy to assemble and had loads of space.” A different reviewer said it was “perfect for a small space,” and others said it’s “nice and sturdy.”
Its mix of open and closed storage makes it much more flexible than a standard bookcase. You can keep books, decor, and baskets visible, and use the cabinet below for other items that still need a place. Its slim depth is also super helpful in smaller rooms since it adds storage without taking up too much space.
Shop More Deals- Costway 2-Drawer 4-Cube Storage Cabinet, $90 (was $340) at Target
- Costway Sideboard Storage Cabinet, $80 (was $250) at Target
- Costway 47-Inch Wide Storage Cabinet, $104 (was $350) at Target
Whether you’re looking for a new bookshelf, display cabinet, kitchen storage piece, or small-space organizer, the Costway Freestanding Bookcase and Cabinet gives you a lot of storage for less than $100. Be sure to get yours now while it’s still available in black and white and marked down this low at Target.
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After 17 Years, Owen and Teddy's Last Day on 'Grey's Anatomy' Is Here, and No One Knows How It Ends
Shonda Rhimescalled it 'bittersweet and joyful.' The first-look images from Thursday's episode tell a slightly different story.
Grey's Anatomy Season 22 wraps up May 7 with an episode titled 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,' and, for fans, the finale is carrying more emotional weight than any episode in years. Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver (who have played Dr. Owen Hunt and Dr. Teddy Altman since Seasons 5 and 6 respectively) are exiting the series after the hour, ending a combined 17 to 18 years at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Their departures were confirmed in late March, when Rhimes said of the couple: 'It is both bittersweet and joyful to give this couple the happy ending their story deserves.' What that ending looks like, nobody outside the production knows yet.
What fans do know from the penultimate episode and ABC's released promo images is that the road to any happy ending runs through a catastrophe. A bridge collapses near Seattle, sending dozens of critically injured patients flooding into the hospital and triggering Grey Sloan's full emergency-response protocol. Owen was on that bridge. The previous episode ended with Teddy listening to a voicemail from Owen (he had called to apologize for a recent argument) as the sound of the collision cut the message short. Promo footage released this week shows Owen unconscious inside a car filling with water. Nick Marsh, played by Scott Speedman, is also brought into the ER in serious condition, with Meredith Grey appearing alongside him in a scene that signals real danger.
Meredith's presence in the finale is itself notable. Ellen Pompeo's character has spent most of Season 22 off-screen in Boston, appearing in only seven episodes. When Grey's pulls its protagonist back into the center of the chaos, the show's track record suggests it means something significant.
Related: 'Lord of the Flies' Gets Its First-Ever TV Adaptation, From the Creator of 'Adolescence'
Showrunner Meg Marinis has described the episode as enormous by the production's own standards. Camilla Luddington, who plays Dr. Jo Wilson, told People that the cast were stunned reading the finale script at the table read: 'It's not even just one cliffhanger. There's just so many cliffhangers in the finale. Like even as an actor, it's frustrating."
McKidd joined Grey's Anatomy in 2008, going on to direct 48 episodes of the series including his own farewell Thursday night. Raver joined in a recurring capacity in 2009, departed after Season 8, returned as a series regular, and has remained a central figure in the show's long second act. Marinis has left the door open for both to return as guests. 'While their story is coming to a close,' she said in a statement, 'this is never truly a goodbye.'
Grey's Anatomy has already been renewed for a 23rd season on ABC. 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' airs Thursday, May 7 at 10 p.m. ET, with the episode available to stream on Hulu the following day.
Jerry Seinfeld Claims ‘Friends’ Was NBC’s ‘Good-Looking’ Version of ‘Seinfeld’
Jerry Seinfeld recently mused that NBC’s iconic Thursday-night “Must See TV” lineup was built on the success of Seinfeld, joking that Friends only exists because of his groundbreaking series.
“Here’s my theory on Friends … My show came on [1989]-90. Friends came on a few years later,” he quipped at Netflix Is a Joke Presents Jerry Seinfeld in Los Angeles, People reports. “I think NBC was watching my show and said, ‘Hey, this is working pretty well. Why don’t we try the same thing with good-looking people?”
This isn't the first time Seinfeld jokingly took credit for the success of Friends. Lisa Kudrow, who starred as quirky folk musician Phoebe Buffay on Friends, even agreed. She recounted running into Seinfeld in a 2022 interview where she happily gave him credit for the series' rise.
"It was in the summer when we were in reruns after Seinfeld, where Seinfeld was our lead-in, where we exploded," she told The Daily Beast. "I remember going to some party, and Jerry Seinfeld was there, and I said, 'Hi,' and he said, 'You’re welcome.'"
She added, "I said, 'Why, thank you…what?' And he said, 'You’re on after us in the summer, and you’re welcome.'" At that point, she understood and replied, "I said, 'That’s exactly right. Thank you.'"
View this post on InstagramWhile Seinfeld may take some credit for Friends' success, the "Must See" TV boom on NBC began earlier than his sitcom with the trailblazing comedy, Cheers, starring an ensemble cast of Ted Danson, Shelley Long, George Wendt, Rhea Perlman, Woody Harrelson, and more in the 1980s. Along with The Cosby Show, new "must-see" series emerged in the early 1990s, including Seinfeld and Friends, but also ER, Mad About You, Wings, Will & Grace, and Cheers spin-off Frasier.
Danson recalled, like Seinfeld, Cheers wasn't immediately embraced by viewers at first, despite ultimately sparking the series of hit shows on the network. “Critics loved us. Everyone around us…the writers, everybody was so positive. 'Don’t pay attention, just keep doing it' kind of feedback, which was lovely, but we were dead last one week in the ratings,” Danson said on the Dinners on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson podcast. “We were like... Jimmy [Burrows] likes to say we were 75th outta 70. There were only 70 shows.”
Maureen McCormick Reunites With ‘Brady Bunch’ Creator’s Daughter—A Beloved Guest Star From the Classic Show
Maureen McCormick shared a special night with a lifelong friend and beloved guest star from The Brady Bunch. On May 6, the actress, who played Marcia Brady on the classic TV sitcom from 1969 to 1974, shared a photo on Instagram as she posed with Hope Juber, the daughter of Brady Bunch creator Sherwood Schwartz. Juber’s daughter and granddaughters were also in the photo
“Beautiful night with the loveliest ladies!” McCormick, 69, captioned the photo. “My dear forever friend Hope Juber ( whose father created The Brady Bunch), and her daughter Nico who just wrote this brilliant play @millennialsarekillingmusicals and Nico’s sweet daughters Asher and Rigby! Thanks ladies!!!! Love you!”
The photo was taken at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, CA, where the show Millennials Are Killing Musicals runs through May 17. The show is described as “an original musical about reclaiming authentic happiness in a social media filtered world.”
View this post on InstagramRELATED: Maureen McCormick’s Husband Had No Idea She Was Famous
Fans recognized Hope Juber from ‘The Brady Bunch’Fans sent McCormick plenty of love in the comment section of her post. Many recognized Juber from her cameos on The Brady Bunch.
“Oh goodness, the girl from the drive-in date with the frogs. Talent obviously runs in their family!" one fan commented, to which McCormick replied, “Yesss!!!”
“Wowww. So many generations represented in this photo. Sherwood’s legacy continues,” another fan added.
Juber appeared on The Brady Bunch several times from 1970 to 1974, playing characters named Jenny, Rachel, and Gretchen, according to IMDb. She first played Jenny in the episode “The Slumber Caper,” which originally aired on Oct. 9, 1970, and also featured Barbara Bernstein (the daughter of series star Florence Henderson) and Karen Reitz (the daughter of Robert Reed). Juber also played Greg Brady’s (Barry Williams) high school classmate, Gretchen, in what would be The Brady Bunch series finale, “The Hair-Brained Scheme” in March 1974.
But she was best known for her two appearances on the show as Greg’s date, Rachel. In the classic episode ”Greg Gets Grounded," Juber's character goes on an ill-fated drive-in movie date with the eldest Brady brother—with his mischievous younger brother Bobby (Mike Lookinland) in the back seat. Things take a disastrous turn when Bobby’s pet frog jumps on Rachel’s head and onto a pizza.
In January 2023, Juber shared a screenshot from the episode on Instagram with the caption, “50 years ago today America watched a frog land on my head.”
Juber spent a lot of time on ‘The Brady Bunch’ setEven when she wasn’t working on her dad’s show, Juber loved to spend time on the set. "I was … pretty much the same age as Maureen,“ she said in an interview with Fulle Circle magazine. “I went often, though, and spent lots of time with all the ‘kids.’”
Of the Brady Bunch episodes she filmed, Juber recalled, “The frog episode was hilarious to film. There were a couple of takes when the other Brady kids were laughing so hard watching that they had to leave.”
“I also loved filming the 'Slumber Party' episode, because I was friends with Barbara (Florence's daughter) and Maureen, and it almost felt like we were getting to have a real party while we filmed,” she added, “I thought my hair looked best in the one with Bobby in the back seat, though... and at that age, that meant a lot.”
8 Best ‘Comfy But Polished’ Airport Shoes for Women Over 60
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Airport style is really about choosing shoes that can keep up with the realities of travel while still making an outfit feel intentional. For women over 60, that often means prioritizing cushioned soles, supportive footbeds and easy-to-walk-in silhouettes that don’t feel overly athletic or bulky. The best airport shoes are the pairs you can comfortably wear from an early morning flight to baggage claim, lunch or a full day of exploring without needing to change — all while still working seamlessly with elevated travel staples like relaxed trousers, knit sets and lightweight layers.
As someone who’s covered shopping and travel for outlets like Coveteur, Martha Stewart Weddings and Harper’s Bazaar, I’ve tested countless travel essentials and the biggest lesson has always been the same: it’s not about packing more it’s about packing smarter. I’ve also tried just about every airport-friendly shoe style, from sleek flats to sporty sneakers to cozy booties and the difference always comes down to how they balance comfort with a pulled-together look. These are the styles that consistently stand out for travel days, easy to wear, simple to style and reliable from check-in to arrival.
Related: 8 Carry-On Essentials Every Over-60 Traveler Needs
These satin sneakers feel like a fashion-forward alternative to traditional travel shoes, blending the comfort of a sneaker with a softer, more elevated look. They’re lightweight, easy to style and especially chic with relaxed airport outfits and monochromatic travel sets.
Related: 8 Airport Outfit Pieces Every Woman Over 50 Needs
Naturalizer Shay Lace Up SneakerNaturalizer.com
A classic leather sneaker with a streamlined silhouette that feels supportive without looking overly athletic. These work especially well for airport outfits because they’re comfortable enough for long walks through terminals while still looking refined.
Related: 7 Spring-Break Carry-On Essentials I Never Travel Without
Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 Walking Sneakers
Designed specifically for walking, these sneakers are ideal for long travel days when comfort is the priority. The lightweight feel and cushioned support make them especially practical for navigating airports and full sightseeing days.
The Margot Mary Jane is one of those flats that actually feels supportive thanks to its structured arch support and cushioned forefoot design. A soft latex heel pad helps absorb impact on hard airport floors, while the adjustable strap lets you customize the fit throughout the day, from early flights to afternoons spent exploring.
Naturalizer.com
These shoes have the clean, low-profile look of a retro sneaker with Naturalizer’s cushioned footbed underneath for all-day comfort and support. Its leather upper and flexible sole make it an easy option for everything from airport terminals to sightseeing.
Related: 10 Carry-On Items That Will Fix Your Overpacking Habit for Good
TommyBahama.com
These slip-ons are especially convenient for airport travel thanks to their easy on-and-off design and relaxed feel. They have a casual coastal look while still feeling supportive enough for long days on your feet.
Macys.com
For travelers who prioritize comfort above all else, these cozy slip-ons feel almost like supportive house shoes for the plane. They’re especially appealing for overnight flights, long layovers or travelers who like a softer shoe option while in transit.
These sneakers provide the type of cushioning that makes a difference on long travel days. Between the oversized Air Max sole, breathable mesh details and stretchy fit, these are comfortable enough for walking terminals all day while still feeling stylish with relaxed airport outfits.
Get it on Macys.comRelated: I Travel 100 Days a Year—These 8 Carry-On Essentials Are the Only Things in My Bag
Prince Harry's 'Important' Parenting Method That's Different From His Childhood Helps His Kids 'Flourish'
Prince Harry is raising his kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in a much different way than he was brought up, and it’s allowed them to thrive.
Harry, 41, and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and are currently raising their kids in California. The decision to keep them almost completely out of the public eye, the opposite of Harry's childhood, aligns with their parenting philosophy.
"They give their kids space to be themselves — for their different personalities to flourish," a source told People ahead of Archie’s 7th birthday on May 6. "After growing up so publicly, that was really important to Harry."
RELATED: Prince Harry Mirrors Princess Diana by Breaking 1 Royal Protocol Rule During Ukraine Visit
The Duke of Sussex previously likened his own upbringing to “being in a zoo” during an appearance on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast in 2021. Harry explained the intense anger he felt growing up in the public eye and being put under intense media scrutiny.
“The biggest issue for me was that being born into it you inherit the risk, you inherit the risk that comes with it — you inherit every element of it without choice and because of the way that the UK media are, they feel an ownership over you," the Duke said.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry attend the athletics during the Invictus Games at Lea Valley Athletics Centre on September 11, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)Karwai Tang/WireImage
Harry said it's a “dangerous” scenario not having “a choice” about the amount of privacy he’s received, adding, “But then of course people, quite rightly, will turn around and go, 'So what if you didn’t have a choice? It was privilege.’”
The pressure of his royal life, combined with the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997, led to Harry having many doubts about the lifestyle he wanted. The Princess of Wales died in Paris after a high-speed chase by the paparazzi led to a car crash.
“I was like, ‘I don’t want this job. I don’t want this role. Wherever this is headed, I don’t like it.’ It killed my mum, and I was very much against it, and I stuck my head in the sand for years and years,” Harry said during an April 2026 event in Australia, per People.
However, he later “realized” he wanted to make “the most of this platform” to make a “difference in the world,” adding, “What would my mum want me to do? And that really changed my own perspective.”
When it comes to raising his own kids, Harry has been candid about doing things differently and healing his past trauma.
“I knew that I had stuff from the past that I needed to deal with and therefore, prepare myself to basically cleanse myself of the past,” the Duke said while talking with other fathers during his Australian tour in April.
RELATED: Prince Philip’s Most Thoughtful Custom Jewelry Gifts for Queen Elizabeth Over the Years
Harry acknowledged that dad life can be “messy,” but he’s hoping to instill better in the next generation, adding, “Certainly, from a therapy standpoint, you want to be the best version of yourself for your kids.”
During the same event, Harry talked about “upgrading” his parenting from past generations. “There’s no judgment, there’s no blame,” he noted. “However, you are parenting … you are going to want to improve on that.”
See the 'Jersey Shore' Cast Then and Now: From Seaside to 'Family Vacation' and Beyond
Like it or not, MTV's Jersey Shorewas a cultural moment. (And based on ratings still today, most people liked it than are willing to admit.)
Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, Paul "DJ Pauly D" DelVecchio, Jenni "JWoww" Farley, Vinny Guadagnino, Angelina Pivarnick, Deena Nicole Cortese and the most toxic reality TV couple of all time, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro and Samantha "Sammi Sweetheart" Giancola, became household names synonymous with being tan, tipsy T-shirt sellers.
MTV
In an age when nostalgia is bigger than ever, let's take a walk down memory lane (via the Seaside Heights boardwalk) to look back at the Jersey Shore cast in their first seasons—then get caught up on what they're all up to today.
Related: New Trailer Promises a Rollercoaster Final Season for Record-Breaking Jersey Shore
Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi quickly became one of Jersey Shore's breakout stars thanks to her hard-partying antics and self-aware sense of humor. She went on to be one of the most popular Halloween costumes for 2010 (her signature poof and faux tan were iconic) and her storylines on the show were often quite dramatic.
We saw her looking for love, drinking on the job and getting into trouble, including getting punched at a bar and arrested twice—as well as her pregnancy with her first child, after which she clearly had to clean up her act.
Snooki proved she is one smart businesswoman, successfully capitalizing on her reality fame in numerous ventures, including a spinoff (Snooki & JWoww), a stint on Dancing with the Stars, a podcast, retail stores, a wine brand, several books and countless sponsorships. In 2023, she narrated the second season of the reality competition series All Star Shore.
She's married to Jionni LaValle, a relationship the world saw begin on Jersey Shore, and is a mother of three.
In February 2026, Snooki confirmed a stage 1 cervical cancer diagnosis that she plans to treat with a hysterectomy.
Vinny Guadagnino View the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleVinny Guadagnino had the wiggliest eyebrows on the East Coast. The Staten Island native intended to go to law school before landing on Jersey Shore, where he was most famous for having on-and-off-again hookups with Snooki, as well as for being a huge mama's boy and clogging the house toilet with his size small tank top.
Vinny Guadagnino pursued acting following Jersey Shore and continued working in TV and entertainment. He hosted The Show with Vinny, starred in Vinny & Ma Eat America on the Cooking Channel, starred in the SyFy original movie Jersey Shore Shark Attack and competed on The Masked Dancer as Hammerhead and Season 31 of Dancing with the Stars. He also competed in Season 2 of All Star Shore.
Vinny is an advocate of the keto diet and wrote The Keto Guido cookbook. After suffering from severe anxiety during his time on the original Jersey Shore run, he became an anti-bullying advocate and co-authored Control the Crazy: My Plan to Stop Stressing, Avoid Drama, and Maintain Inner Cool.
Related: Find Out Where the Real Housewives of Orange County Cast Members Are Now
Deena Nicole CorteseKevin Mazur/WireImage/via Getty Images
View the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleDeena Nicole Cortese was Snooki's cheery fellow meatball from Season 3 on. Deena actually auditioned for Season 1 but got rejected, and Snooki suggested she replace Angelina after Angelina packed up her trash bags for the final time.
Deena quickly became a fan favorite for her positive attitude and raucous antics with Snooki. The pint-sized duo are affectionately called "Meatballs."
These days, Deena is married to Chris Buckner, with whom she shares sons Christopher John "CJ" Buckner and Cameron Theo Buckner.
Ronnie Ortiz-MagroJean Baptiste Lacroix/Getty Images
View the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleRonnie Ortiz-Magro dated Sammi Sweetheart for seven years off and on and cheated on her left and right (and threw her property around when he was mad at her). Somehow, The Situation was often blamed for the couple's problems.
(Incidentally, Ronnie got into several physical altercations during his tenure on Jersey Shore, including one with Sitch.)
Ronnie and Sammi split for good in 2016.
In 2018, he and then-girlfriend Jenn Harley welcomed a daughter, Ariana Sky Magro. For the next 18 months, he and Harley would each be arrested for domestic violence, and Ronnie went to rehab for depression and alcohol abuse.
Ronnie began dating Saffire Matos in 2020, and was arrested the following year for felony domestic violence—while he was still on probation for a prior domestic violence charge from his relationship with Harley. That June, he and Saffire got engaged, but they called it quits a year later before marrying.
A source close to Ronnie told People, "He's in good spirits and dealing with it one day at a time. He continues to focus on his health, sobriety and the well-being of his daughter."
In 2023, Ronnie revealed on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation that he had full custody of Ariana and was moving to Miami, Fla., to open a sneaker store.
As recently as April 2026, there have still been reports of substance abuse and domestic violence.
Samantha 'Sammi Sweetheart' Giancola View the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleSamantha "Sammi Sweetheart" Giancola began her time on Jersey Shore getting cozy with Sitch, but quickly dropped him in favor of a toxic on-again-off-again relationship with Ronnie that drove everyone else in the house bananas.
Sammi leveraged her Jersey Shore fame to launch a fragrance and a clothing line called Sweetheart Styles. From 2015 to 2017, she co-hosted a podcast called Just Sayin with Siggy Flicker and Clare Galterio. Sammi declined to join the earlier seasons of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, but ended up making her return for the show's sixth season and beyond.
Sammi is married to Justin May. During a 2024 episode of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, Sammi revealed that she and May experienced a miscarriage before their engagement. The couple welcomed their first child in August 2025.
Paul 'DJ Pauly D' DelVecchio View the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleDJ Pauly D brought the least drama and the most laughs to Jersey Shore. He got along with pretty much everyone (save Angelina) and had the most catchphrases (e.g., "Cabs are he-yah!")
DJ Pauly D was the first Jersey Shore cast member to get a spinoff, The Pauly D Project. He's an in-demand DJ and performer and even opened for Britney Spearson her Femme Fatale tour.
Pauly met Aubrey O'Day when they were each starring in the reality show Famously Single in 2016, and they went on to appear on Marriage Bootcamp: Reality Stars together. Their romance didn't last, and they split in 2018.
He's since starred on two reality dating shows, Game of Clones (in which he searched for a Megan Fox look-alike to love) and Double Shot at Love, where he met his current girlfriend, Nikki Hall.
Related: The Reality Show You Should Binge-Watch, According to Astrology
Angelina Pivarnick View the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAngelina Pivarnick dubbed herself the "Kim Kardashianof Staten Island," which is hilarious when you consider that the actual Kim Kardashian spent time there when she dated Pete Davidson.
In any case, Angelina's nickname should be "The Angel of the Jersey Shore," because she brought endless drama to the show in her brief tenure before getting fired from the T-shirt shop in Season 1 and fighting with Snooki and Snitch in Italy in Season 2. (Seriously, it takes a divine level of talent to get Pauly mad at you. Angelina, you're perfect.)
In 2011, she appeared on the dating show Excused. She became a Jersey Shore: Family Vacation cast member in 2019 after guesting on the show the previous year.
Angelina is a licensed EMT in Staten Island and sued an FDNY lieutenant for alleged sexual harassment and misconduct. They settled out of court in 2020.
Angelina got engaged to Chris Larangeira in 2018 after dating for a year. They married in 2019, and she got quite mad at her castmates for the toast they gave her on the big day. She and Larangeira divorced in 2022.
In June 2024, Angelina was arrested after police responded to a suspected domestic dispute at her New Jersey home, where she lived with her then-fiancé, Vinny Tortorella. She pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct the following October. It's unclear if Tortorella was a victim in the incident.
Angelina shared during the January 2025 Jersey Shore reunion that she and Tortorella had broken up.
Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino View the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleThe best cook of the Jersey Shore cast, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino was another breakout star thanks to his abs and his ego. His hookups and blowups were equally frequent.
The Situation's life has been a rollercoaster since his time on Jersey Shore, but he's been doing quite well in recent years.
In 2012, Sitch went to rehab for oxycodone addiction. He's been sober since 2015.
In 2014, Sitch found himself in a tricky legal Situation when he was charged with tax fraud, with further charges being revealed in 2017. In 2018, Sitch pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and was sentenced to eight months in prison, 500 hours of community service and two years of supervised probation. He was released from prison in September 2019. The Sun reported in May 2025 that Sitch still owed $2.3 million in unpaid taxes.
Sitch married his college sweetheart, Lauren Pesce, in November 2018. They welcomed a son in 2021, a daughter in 2023 and a second daughter in 2024.
In September 2024, Sitch announced that he and Pesce were launching their own treatment centers for people struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
Jenni 'JWoww' Farley View the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleJenni "JWoww" Farley became a fan-favorite right away. Her smoker's voice, beauty and quasi-mom energy with Snooki and Deena made her an instant star—and her relationships with Tom and Roger made for great TV.
Also? The girl packs a serious punch. Literally. Ask Sitch.
JWoww starred in spinoff shows with Snooki and has been a fixture in entertainment since her Seaside days. She married Roger Matthews in 2015, and they share a son and a daughter. Jenni filed for divorce from Matthews in 2018, and before it was finalized, her other ex, Tom Lippolis, was arrested and charged with trying to extort money from her.
In 2019, JWoww began dating professional wrestler Zack Clayton Carpinello, whom she nicknamed "24" since that was his age when they started hooking up. They got engaged in 2021.
JWoww directed the 2024 found-footage horror movieDEVON and the 2025 psychological thrillerNanny Cam.
Anthropologie’s $13 Sparkly Hoop Earrings Are ‘Very Pretty,’ ‘Just the Right Size,’ and Come in 3 Finishes
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For certain outfits, basic studs just don’t make the impact you’re going for. Sometimes you want something with a bit more drama, whether you’re heading to a formal event or simply adding a touch of sparkle to your everyday look. A bold pair of hoops can instantly elevate an outfit without feeling overdone.
One standout option is the Crystal Column Hoop Earrings. Right now, they’re on sale for 71% off at Anthropologie, bringing the price down from $44 to just $13. For a piece that looks this chic, it’s a strong value.
Crystal Column Hoop Earrings, $13 (was $44) at Anthropologie Shop at AnthropologieThese earrings are available in gold-, silver-, or gunmetal-plated zinc with glass stones. They measure about 1 inch long and 1 inch wide, making them noticeable without feeling too heavy. One shopper described them as “very pretty,” adding, “I really like the shine, and it’s just the right size!”
The design features a chunky, slightly curved silhouette that creates a bold, dimensional look. Each hoop is detailed with three rows of stones, adding texture and shine from every angle. The gunmetal version leans more moody and dramatic, while the silver option has a softer, almost ethereal feel. The gold version offers a more classic, high shine finish.
Styling them is surprisingly simple. Because they already have a lot of visual interest, you can keep the rest of your look clean. They pair well with everything from tailored blazers to casual denim, and they look especially striking with hair pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
Related: These Stunning Gold Diamond Stud Earrings Are Over $500 Off
The gold and silver versions work well for the office or daytime events, adding just enough polish without feeling excessive. For evenings, the gunmetal option pairs nicely with darker outfits and dressier settings like dinners or cocktail events.
These earrings also make a thoughtful gift. They have the look of something much more expensive, but the price point makes them accessible. With three finishes to choose from, it’s easy to match them to someone’s personal style, whether they prefer warm- or cool-toned jewelry.
Shop More Deals- Drippy Crystal Huggie Hoop Earrings, $14 (was $32) at Anthropologie
- Nautical Knot Hoop Earrings, $13 (was $38) at Anthropologie
- Nadri Venus Pearl Climber Stud Earrings, $30 (was $45) at Anthropologie
If you’re looking for a pair of earrings that feel elevated without a high price tag, the Crystal Column Hoop Earrings are a great pick. With the current 71% discount, you can save over $30 on a pair that works for both everyday wear and special occasions.
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