'Didn't Really Get a Lot of Sleep': Dennis Quaid Recalls Fearful Night Waiting to Hear From Daughter During Deadly Texas Floods

‘Didn’t Really Get a Lot of Sleep’: Dennis Quaid Recalls Fearful Night Waiting to Hear From Daughter During Deadly Texas Floods

Dennis Quaid | Source: Getty Images

‘Didn’t Really Get a Lot of Sleep’: Dennis Quaid Recalls Fearful Night Waiting to Hear From Daughter During Deadly Texas Floods

A restless night and an unanswered phone call became a chilling reminder of nature’s power for the well-known Texas-born actor.

Dennis Quaid opened up about the fear he experienced when he couldn’t reach his teenage daughter, Zoe Quaid, during the deadly Texas floods that claimed more than 100 lives. The “Parent Trap” actor shared his account in a July 11, 2025, interview, reflecting on the emotional toll and personal connections that made the disaster hit especially close to home.

Dennis Quaid talking to Fox News about the Texas flooding, dated July 9, 2025 | Source: Youtube/Fox News

Dennis Quaid talking to Fox News about the Texas flooding, dated July 9, 2025 | Source: Youtube/Fox News

Speaking exclusively to Fox News Digital, Dennis revealed how the recent floods in Texas turned into a terrifying night of uncertainty.

Known for his deep roots in the Lone Star State, he explained that his 17-year-old daughter had been working as a counselor at a summer camp, Camp Longhorn, which is about 75 miles north of Kerrville, on the same day the deadly floods began to wreak havoc.

The rising waters had already caused devastation across the Hill Country, and as reports continued to unfold, Dennis grew increasingly uneasy.

“I heard about this as I was going to bed that night,” he revealed. “And I tried to call her because I knew she was up there. I knew it wasn’t near where the floods were, but I wasn’t able to talk to her till the next day.” As a result, the actor “didn’t really get a lot of sleep that night.”

Dennis Quaid and Zoe Grace Quaid during the Los Angeles premiere of "Reagan" at TCL Chinese Theatre on August 20, 2024, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Dennis Quaid and Zoe Grace Quaid during the Los Angeles premiere of “Reagan” at TCL Chinese Theatre on August 20, 2024, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

While his daughter and many others at the camp remained safe, the chaos around the area still affected them. One of Zoe’s fellow campers lost her entire family when their RV, parked near the Guadalupe River, was overtaken and swept away by the raging floodwaters.

Vehicles sit submerged as a search and rescue worker looks through debris for any survivors or remains of people swept up in the flash flooding on July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas | Source: Getty Images

Vehicles sit submerged as a search and rescue worker looks through debris for any survivors or remains of people swept up in the flash flooding on July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas | Source: Getty Images

Therefore, Dennis called for empathy and prayer on behalf of the victims, highlighting the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund as a vital way to help those in need. The actor also spoke of the children who endured the terrifying night, describing how the thought of what they went through left him deeply shaken.

Unfortunately, the emotional weight did not end there. Dennis and his wife, Laura Savoie, are close friends with the Hunt family.

Clark Hunt, owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, lost a young family member — 9-year-old Janie Hunt — to the floodwaters that overtook Camp Mystic, which isn’t far from Camp Longhorn. “I can’t imagine how that would … how devastating that would be,” Dennis said while talking about his friend’s loss.

On July 5, Tavia Hunt, Clark’s wife, shared her grief on Instagram through a series of photos with an emotional message. She wrote that they were heartbroken “by the devastation” and at the loss of several young lives, including “a precious little Hunt cousin.”

Additionally, in a deeply personal reflection, she questioned how to maintain faith in a higher power that allows “such terrible things to happen — even to children.”

Clark Hunt and Tavia Hunt during the 2022 National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Toyota Stadium on May 21, 2022, in Frisco, Texas | Source: Getty Images

Clark Hunt and Tavia Hunt during the 2022 National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Toyota Stadium on May 21, 2022, in Frisco, Texas | Source: Getty Images

The rest of her statement included Bible verses intended to offer comfort, while her caption focused on themes of faith and healing.

She encouraged those grieving to lean into their belief, suggesting that trust in faith doesn’t mean the pain is gone, but rather that it can be placed in the hands of a higher power, with the hope of renewal and restoration.

Meanwhile, Camp Longhorn released a public message on July 4, also expressing sorrow over the situation. “We are heartbroken by the tragic events unfolding in Kerr and Hunt Counties. Our prayers are with our friends in the camp community, the families affected, and all those impacted by this devastating flooding,” their statement read.

The message also reassured families that Camp Longhorn remained safe and unaffected by the flooding. Additionally, the caption under the post emphasized the camp’s solidarity with others, “We’re lifting up our fellow camps close in prayer and are standing with the entire Hill Country community during this time.”

Despite this tragedy, Zoe had a seemingly normal time as a camp counselor and enjoyed her summer, just like many teenagers.

On July 6, she uploaded several cheerful photos with friends near the lake and in summery dresses, giving a glimpse into the happier moments during an otherwise tense and tragic week. Her caption read, “life in the 78611 #hbnh.”

‘Didn’t Really Get a Lot of Sleep’: Dennis Quaid Recalls Fearful Night Waiting to Hear From Daughter During Deadly Texas Floods Read More
Fans Are Stunned After Serena Williams, 43, Flaunts Her Toned Physique in New Photos

Fans Are Stunned After Serena Williams, 43, Flaunts Her Toned Physique in New Photos

Serena Williams | Source: Getty Images
Serena Williams | Source: Getty Images

Fans Are Stunned After Serena Williams, 43, Flaunts Her Toned Physique in New Photos

The former tennis champion caused a stir online after posting her latest photo. While some users praised her striking new appearance, others questioned the drastic change.

On July 11, 2025, Serena Williams took to her Facebook and Instagram pages to share a series of mirror selfies taken at the gym. Dressed in sleek black workout gear, she confidently displayed her toned figure.

A netizen comments on Serena Williams' online post, dated July 2025 | Source: Facebook/SerenaWilliams

A netizen comments on Serena Williams’ online post, dated July 2025 | Source: Facebook/SerenaWilliams

In the snapshots, the tennis icon wore a fitted black sports bra paired with matching leggings that highlighted her sculpted arms and abs. Her look was completed with white athletic sneakers and a pink headscarf, adding a soft pop of color. With her phone in hand, she struck a strong pose, showcasing the results of her dedication to fitness.

“Working out and working on my angles,” she captioned both posts. They quickly caught the attention of social media users, drawing a flood of responses. One person reacted in surprise, writing, “Totally Unrecognizable, WoW! [sic].”

Others chimed in with similar amazement. A separate comment read, “That’s a whole new body!” Among the positive feedback, one Instagram user added a playful nod to Williams’ athletic roots, saying, “She’s looking in ‘Tennis Ready’ condition” — complete with emojis to match the tone.

Amid the steady stream of compliments, more reactions poured in — each one expressing a mix of amazement and disbelief. One person admitted“The way my jaw DROPPED!”

Another doubted the transformation, saying“I don’t believe that’s her for one second.” Someone else echoed that thought with, “This can’t be Serena.” As her defined core drew attention, one person simply wrote“Abs!🔥🔥❤️.”

Meanwhile, a different commenter offered a personal take, “She’s not coming back. Her body is now geared towards modeling. Kinda amazing how she has the perseverance to change her whole body. Wish her the best [sic].”

As the spotlight shifts to her noticeable evolution, one can’t help but take notice. Take a glance at how Williams’ look has transformed through the years.

1991 – 1 of 20

In April 1991, Serena Williams was pictured after a practice match with her sister Venus Williams. She wore a white tennis outfit and smiled as she shook hands across the net.

In April 1991, Serena Williams was pictured after a practice match with her sister Venus Williams. She wore a white tennis outfit and smiled as she shook hands across the net.

2005 – 2 of 20

Wearing a bright orange and white tennis dress, Serena Williams celebrated her Australian Open victory in January 2005 in Melbourne. She waved to fans while holding the trophy, beaming with pride after the hard-fought match.

Wearing a bright orange and white tennis dress, Serena Williams celebrated her Australian Open victory in January 2005 in Melbourne. She waved to fans while holding the trophy, beaming with pride after the hard-fought match.

2010 – 3 of 20

At a press event during the Australian Open in January 2010, Serena Williams addressed reporters as the defending champion. She wore a simple black outfit and a silver cross necklace, her hair styled in soft curls.

At a press event during the Australian Open in January 2010, Serena Williams addressed reporters as the defending champion. She wore a simple black outfit and a silver cross necklace, her hair styled in soft curls.

2017 – 4 of 20

Serena Williams held up the championship trophy after winning the Australian Open in January 2017. She wore a black and white Nike outfit and smiled brightly as she posed for photos on the court.

Serena Williams held up the championship trophy after winning the Australian Open in January 2017. She wore a black and white Nike outfit and smiled brightly as she posed for photos on the court.

2020 – 5 of 20

Serena Williams stood proudly holding her daughter, Alexis Olympia, during a trophy ceremony in January 2020, in Auckland, New Zealand. She wore a black long-sleeve top and a purple skirt as she shared the special moment on the court.

Serena Williams stood proudly holding her daughter, Alexis Olympia, during a trophy ceremony in January 2020, in Auckland, New Zealand. She wore a black long-sleeve top and a purple skirt as she shared the special moment on the court.

February 2021 – 6 of 20

Serena Williams celebrated a victory during the Australian Open in February 2021, wearing a bold one-legged Nike catsuit in pink, red, and black.

Serena Williams celebrated a victory during the Australian Open in February 2021, wearing a bold one-legged Nike catsuit in pink, red, and black.

June 2021 – 7 of 20

At Wimbledon in June 2021, Serena Williams stepped onto the court in a classic white tennis dress and matching headband. She stayed focused while competing in the first round of the tournament.

At Wimbledon in June 2021, Serena Williams stepped onto the court in a classic white tennis dress and matching headband. She stayed focused while competing in the first round of the tournament.

August 2022 – 8 of 20

During the US Open in August 2022, Serena Williams celebrated after winning a point on the court. She wore a black Nike outfit with a sparkly skirt and matching wristbands.

During the US Open in August 2022, Serena Williams celebrated after winning a point on the court. She wore a black Nike outfit with a sparkly skirt and matching wristbands.

November 2022 – 9 of 20

Serena Williams attended the Portrait of a Nation Gala in November 2022, in Washington, D.C., wearing a sleek shimmering gown with long sleeves. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and she smiled gracefully for the camera.

Serena Williams attended the Portrait of a Nation Gala in November 2022, in Washington, D.C., wearing a sleek shimmering gown with long sleeves. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and she smiled gracefully for the camera.

May 2023 – 10 of 20

Serena Williams appeared at the OMR Festival in May 2023, in Hamburg, Germany, dressed in a stylish navy dress. She wore her long hair loose and kept her look minimal with a natural glow.

Serena Williams appeared at the OMR Festival in May 2023, in Hamburg, Germany, dressed in a stylish navy dress. She wore her long hair loose and kept her look minimal with a natural glow.

November 2023 – 11 of 20

At the CFDA Awards in November 2023, in New York City, Serena Williams wore a dramatic black gown with voluminous sleeves and a long train. Her look was completed with a sleek updo and bold eye makeup.

At the CFDA Awards in November 2023, in New York City, Serena Williams wore a dramatic black gown with voluminous sleeves and a long train. Her look was completed with a sleek updo and bold eye makeup.

July 25, 2024 – 12 of 20

Serena Williams attended the Prelude to the Paris Games event in a black three-piece Louis Vuitton suit. She styled her look with platinum blonde waves.

Serena Williams attended the Prelude to the Paris Games event in a black three-piece Louis Vuitton suit. She styled her look with platinum blonde waves.

July 26, 2024 – 13 of 20

Serena Williams wore a vibrant red bodycon dress with sheer paneling and elbow-length sleeves on red carpet ahead of the Paris Olympic Games 2024. She paired the outfit with a glossy red handbag and voluminous curls.

Serena Williams wore a vibrant red bodycon dress with sheer paneling and elbow-length sleeves on red carpet ahead of the Paris Olympic Games 2024. She paired the outfit with a glossy red handbag and voluminous curls.

July 30, 2024 – 14 of 20

Serena Williams stepped out in a casual black ribbed mini dress with a collar and short sleeves. She finished the look with bright blue sneakers while holding her daughter Olympia’s hand.

Serena Williams stepped out in a casual black ribbed mini dress with a collar and short sleeves. She finished the look with bright blue sneakers while holding her daughter Olympia’s hand.

July 2025 – 15 of 20

Standing tall with one hand on her hip, Serena Williams captured a clear view of her toned abs and arms. The gym setting behind her featured exercise machines, with natural light flooding through wide blinds.

Standing tall with one hand on her hip, Serena Williams captured a clear view of her toned abs and arms. The gym setting behind her featured exercise machines, with natural light flooding through wide blinds.

July 2025 – 16 of 20

Serena Williams took another mirror selfie from a slightly different angle, keeping her posture upright with her hand resting at her waist. The same all-black outfit highlighted her defined physique against a backdrop of treadmills and greenery outside the window.

Serena Williams took another mirror selfie from a slightly different angle, keeping her posture upright with her hand resting at her waist. The same all-black outfit highlighted her defined physique against a backdrop of treadmills and greenery outside the window.

July 2025 – 17 of 20

With a calm expression, Serena Williams stood in front of the mirror, phone in hand, capturing a close-up of her midsection and upper body. Her nails were painted in a pale shade that stood out subtly against her gym attire.

With a calm expression, Serena Williams stood in front of the mirror, phone in hand, capturing a close-up of her midsection and upper body. Her nails were painted in a pale shade that stood out subtly against her gym attire.

July 2025 – 18 of 20

In the final snap, Serena Williams posed with one knee slightly bent, hand on her hip, and her phone lifted for the shot. Her outfit and surroundings remained the same, offering one last look at her strong form and fitness progress.

In the final snap, Serena Williams posed with one knee slightly bent, hand on her hip, and her phone lifted for the shot. Her outfit and surroundings remained the same, offering one last look at her strong form and fitness progress.

July 2025 – 19 of 20

Serena Williams crouched low in front of the gym mirror, holding her phone with one hand while her other rested on her thigh. She wore a black sports bra, matching leggings, white sneakers, and a light pink head wrap.

Serena Williams crouched low in front of the gym mirror, holding her phone with one hand while her other rested on her thigh. She wore a black sports bra, matching leggings, white sneakers, and a light pink head wrap.

July 2025 – 20 of 20

From her early tennis days in the 1990s to her latest gym selfies in 2025, Serena Williams has continued to evolve both in style and strength. Her journey, captured through the years, reflects a woman who embraces change while staying confident in every stage of life.

Fans Are Stunned After Serena Williams, 43, Flaunts Her Toned Physique in New Photos Read More
Air India report finds what caused crash that killed 260

Air India report finds what caused crash that killed 260

Air India report finds what caused crash that killed 260Air India report finds what caused crash that killed 260

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Air India report finds what caused crash that killed 260

Preliminary findings into the Air India crash have been released by authorities

Preliminary findings into the devastating Air India air crash tragedy that killed 260 people have been released.

Bound for London Gatwick, Air India Flight AI171 crashed just 30 seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad airport, in western India, last month.

The flight was carrying 242 people on board and of these, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals, according to the company in a statement.

The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 people onboard, leaving one passenger, 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, as the sole survivor.

An investigation into the crash was launched by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with a preliminary report on the tragedy being released on Friday (July 11).

Though the retrieval of the black boxes from the Air India flight was made more complicated due to the damage done to the plane, they have since been collected by investigators for analysis.

Preliminary findings have been released (Siddharaj Solanki/Bloomberg via Getty Images)Preliminary findings have been released (Siddharaj Solanki/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Preliminary findings have been released (Siddharaj Solanki/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

According to the report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau the fuel control switches in the cockpit of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner had been flipped, starving the engines of fuel.

Investigators were able to gather this data once the black box had been recovered, giving them access to 49 hours of flight data and two hours of cockpit audio, including from the crash.

The aircraft had reached an airspeed of 180 knots when both engines’ fuel cutoff switches were ‘transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another with a time gap of 01 sec.’

The report added: “In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so.”

Today’s findings are just preliminary – meaning more investigating and answers for all those affected will be coming in the future.

There has been somewhat of a delay in sharing these initial findings, but that’s for very good reason.

Captain Steeeve explained that damage to the black boxes has further hindered investigators’ ability to retrieve the data they contain, saying: “If you got a flight data recorder that’s not damaged at all you can simply plug a cord into it hook it up to a laptop and retrieve the data. It gets much more complicated when they’re damaged.

“And so clearly with these they couldn’t just plug into them and retrieve the data. So now you’ve got to get the box physically out of the airplane… And then you got to take that thing and you’ve got to get it someplace where somebody can interpret it.”

270 people died as a result of the Air India plane crash (DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images)270 people died as a result of the Air India plane crash (DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images)

270 people died as a result of the Air India plane crash (DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images)

The expert went on to say that interpreting the date certainly wouldn’t have been easy for investigators considering the plane was only in the air for a very short period of time.

Captain Steeeve said: “Since [issues] happened so close to one another it’s almost like a tangled ball of yarn. It can be straightened out, it can be undone but it’s much more complicated than a long string of yarn that has a couple of knots in it…

“That’s why it’s taken so long up to this point and it may take much longer for them to do it and to do it properly. If I’m leading that investigation I want to make sure that we get the proper answers, the correct answers, before we go to the public.”

Featured Image Credit: PUNIT PARANJPE/Getty

Topics: Air IndiaNewsWorld NewsTravel

Aviation expert explains why we haven’t seen any data from Air India crash as investigators look into ‘sabotage’ theory

Airline pilot Captain Steeeve broke down the aspects of the investigation that delay the process

A Navy veteran and airline pilot known online as Captain Steeeve has explained why there has been a delay in retrieving data from the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which crashed on June 12.

More than 250 people died from the crash which took place shortly after the Air India plane left Ahmedabad airport, in western India, on a journey bound for London, UK.

The plane, which was carrying 242 people, was only in the air for around 30 seconds, during which time it struggled to gain altitude before it crashed back down in a local neighborhood, killing all but one on board.

An investigation into the crash has been launched by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with Aurobindo Handa, former director general of the bureau, telling Sky News that data recorders known as black boxes were crucial for investigators.

However, more two weeks on from the crash, data is yet to be shared from the recorders.

The death toll for the crash stands at 260 (Saurabh Sirohiya/NurPhoto via Getty Images)The death toll for the crash stands at 260 (Saurabh Sirohiya/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The death toll for the crash stands at 260 (Saurabh Sirohiya/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

What information is stored on a black box?

Black boxes, officially known as Digital Flight Data Recorders (DFDR), have two components which could be key for offering insight into what happened on June 12.

One element is the flight data recorder, which tracks things like altitude, airspeed, and the status of controls.

Another element is the cockpit voice recorder, which helps keep track of conversations pilots had amid the emergency.

Where is the crash data?

Though the retrieval of the black boxes from the Air India flight was made more complicated due to the damage done to the plane, they have since been collected by investigators for analysis.

As for the delay in sharing the findings, Captain Steeeve explained that damage to the black boxes has further hindered investigators’ ability to retrieve the data they contain, saying: “If you got a flight data recorder that’s not damaged at all you can simply plug a cord into it hook it up to a laptop and retrieve the data. It gets much more complicated when they’re damaged.

“And so clearly with these they couldn’t just plug into them and retrieve the data. So now you’ve got to get the box physically out of the airplane… And then you got to take that thing and you’ve got to get it someplace where somebody can interpret it.”

The black boxes are now in Delhi in India, where multiple agencies working on the case have had to come together to analyze the data.

The plane's remains were badly charred after the crash (Siddharaj Solanki/Bloomberg via Getty Images)The plane's remains were badly charred after the crash (Siddharaj Solanki/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The plane’s remains were badly charred after the crash (Siddharaj Solanki/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

How will authorities retrieve the data?

Captain Steeeve stressed that black boxes are ‘completely sealed’, meaning experts have to ‘cut into’ the box while trying to avoid any further damage.

“You have to have the right precision equipment to do that,” he said, adding: “That’s got to get sent over there [to Delhi].”

Once the data has been collected from the motherboards in the black boxes, it has to be put into a working recorder – a process which ‘takes time’ to avoid any information being lost, Captain Steeeve said.

Once the data is readily available, investigators then have to interpret it – a process made more complicated by the fact that the plane was only in the air for a very short period of time.

Captain Steeeve said: “Since [issues] happened so close to one another it’s almost like a tangled ball of yarn. It can be straightened out, it can be undone but it’s much more complicated than a long string of yarn that has a couple of knots in it…

“That’s why it’s taken so long up to this point and it may take much longer for them to do it and to do it properly. If I’m leading that investigation I want to make sure that we get the proper answers, the correct answers, before we go to the public.”

Authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the crash (Saurabh Sirohiya/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the crash (Saurabh Sirohiya/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the crash (Saurabh Sirohiya/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

What is the ‘sabotage’ theory surrounding the crash?

As the investigation continues, India’s aviation minister has confirmed that it is considering whether there may have been sabotage involved in the crash, rather than an accidental issue.

Murlidhar Mohol, the minister of state for civil aviation, said: “It was an unfortunate incident. The AAIB has begun a full investigation into it… It is being probed from all angles, including any possible sabotage.

“The CCTV footage are being reviewed and all angles are being assessed… several agencies are working on it.”

Mohol described the events surrounding the crash as ‘rare’, noting that both engines have never previously failed at the same time.

“Once the (probe) report comes, we will be able to ascertain if it was an engine problem or fuel supply issue or why both the engines had stopped functioning,” he explained.

Where is the investigation up to now?

On Sunday (June 29), India’s civil aviation ministry confirmed that a team led by India’s AAIB has started looking at the data, with support from the U.S. National Transport Safety Board.

The ministry added: “These efforts aim to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the accident and identify contributing factors to enhance aviation safety and prevent future occurrences.”

Mohol has said a report would be released in three months.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Hindustan Times

Aviation expert reveals what he thinks really went wrong in cockpit before Air India flight crash that killed 241Aviation expert reveals what he thinks really went wrong in cockpit before Air India flight crash that killed 241

Aviation expert reveals what he thinks really went wrong in cockpit before Air India flight crash that killed 241

The doomed flight was on its way to London, but crashed almost immediately after take off

An aviation expert believes he knows the ‘simple’ reason why the Air India plane on the way to London Gatwick crashed, causing 241 of the 242 people onboard to die.

On Thursday (June 12), a passenger plane bound for the UK capital plummeted to the ground shortly after taking off in Ahmedabad, western India, at 13:39 local time.

Air India has stated that the doomed Flight AI171 departed from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

60-year-old Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and his co-pilot Clive Kundar were in the cockpit. The former was reportedly extremely experienced, having clocked up over 8,000 flying hours during his 22-year tenure as a pilot.

It’s understood that a mayday call was made by Captain Sabharwal from the Air India cockpit almost immediately after takeoff.

“Mayday […] no thrust, losing power, unable to lift,” authorities claim the emergency message said.

After reaching a height of around 625 feet, the Air India flight descended from the sky and hit the ground in a massive explosion.

In harrowing video footage, a plume of smoke from the plane’s impact could be seen rising into the sky.

India’s Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah said the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 100 tonnes of fuel – almost a full load – and that 242 passengers and crew members were on board.

241 people onboard the aircraft (including crew members and passengers), have died (Indian Home Minister Amit Shah via X)241 people onboard the aircraft (including crew members and passengers), have died (Indian Home Minister Amit Shah via X)

241 people onboard the aircraft (including crew members and passengers), have died (Indian Home Minister Amit Shah via X)

These comprised: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals.

40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British man, has been named as the sole survivor of the Air India crash.

A senior health official has since stated that eight local people on the ground, including four medical students, were also killed in the tragedy.

An investigation has been launched into what caused the tragedy, but one aviation expert has detailed what he thinks happened.

Captain Steve, a commercial airline pilot and YouTuber, claimed that a simple error in the plane’s cockpit could have caused the aircraft to crash.

“Here’s what I think happened, again folks this is just my opinion…I think the pilot flying said to the co-pilot said ‘gear up’ at the appropriate time,” he began.

“I think the co-pilot grabbed the flap handle and raised the flaps, instead of the gear. If that happened – and this is a big if – this explains a lot of why this airplane stopped flying.”

According to the content creator, if the plane’s flaps were raised, this would have caused the flight to lose airspeed and altitude rapidly.

However, Steve added that at this stage, it was ‘impossible’ to know whether or not the flaps were up or out.

Captain Steve has discussed what he believed happened amid the tragedy (YouTube/Captain Steeeve)Captain Steve has discussed what he believed happened amid the tragedy (YouTube/Captain Steeeve)

Captain Steve has discussed what he believed happened amid the tragedy (YouTube/Captain Steeeve)

Therefore, due to how quickly the plane would have plummeted, it could have been extremely difficult for pilots on board to deal with and ‘recover from’, Steve explained.

Usually, the 787’s composite wings would bend during takeoff as lift forces took it into the air, he said.

However, as the Air India plane apparently showed no sign of bending, this has prompted speculation that the flaps had accidentally been retracted, causing the plane to stop flying, Steve claims.

Meanwhile, former British Airways pilot Alastair Rosenschein has said a series of ‘clear issues’ could have contributed to the plane failing to take off properly from the Indian runway.

“It’s clearly got its [landing] gear down and that is not correct… it should have been up. And from the video… It’s not immensely clear… but it does look like the aircraft didn’t have its take-off flap setting,” he told Sky News after analyzing video footage.

Like Captain Steve, Rosenschein remarked that the plane flap setting didn’t ‘look right’ and that it looked as if an ‘aerodynamic issue’ was the cause of the devastation.

Ramesh, who was sitting in seat 11a on the plane, has recently recalled how the plane went down, detailing how he managed to get out of the wreckage.

Speaking from his hospital bed in Asarwa, Ahmedabad, the crash survivor said: “Thirty seconds after takeoff there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.

A 40-year-old British man is the sole survivor of the crash (DD India/YouTube)A 40-year-old British man is the sole survivor of the crash (DD India/YouTube)

A 40-year-old British man is the sole survivor of the crash (DD India/YouTube)

“When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.”

Ramesh also told Indian state media DD News that he managed to unbuckle himself from his seat after the plane went down, using his leg to push through the debris and eventually crawl out.

Following the near-fatal flight, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released a statement claiming the country is ‘devastated by the air tragedy’.

“The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words,” he added.

“Condolences to all the bereaved families. We understand their pain and also know that the void left behind will be felt for years to come. Om Shanti.

Air India plane forced to turn around mid-flight just days after crash killed at least 270 peopleAir India plane forced to turn around mid-flight just days after crash killed at least 270 people

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Air India plane forced to turn around mid-flight just days after crash killed at least 270 people

The Air India plane took off from Hong Kong bound for New Delhi

An Air India plane was forced to return mid-flight following a suspected technical issue just days after the horror crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday (June 12).

Bound for London Gatwick, the Air India Flight AI171 crashed just minutes after takeoff. The flight was carrying 242 people on board and of these, ‘169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals’, according to the company in a statement.

The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 people onboard, leaving one passenger, 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, as the sole survivor.

According to doctors in India, at least 270 bodies have been recovered from the wreck site, with the BBC reporting that officials are attempting to establish how many casualties occurred on the ground as they seek to confirm the victim’s identities.

On Monday (June 16), another Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner – the same type of aircraft involved in last week’s tragedy – was forced to return to Hong Kong just an hour after it took off en route to New Delhi after a suspected technical issue was raised by the pilot.

Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after take-off (BASIT ZARGAR/Middle east images/AFP via Getty Images)Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after take-off (BASIT ZARGAR/Middle east images/AFP via Getty Images)

Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after take-off (BASIT ZARGAR/Middle east images/AFP via Getty Images)

It’s not yet known what caused the suspected technical issue, but the plane swiftly headed back to Hong Kong, according to tracking data on Flightradar24.

An Air India spokesperson told UNILAD: “AI315 operating from Hong Kong to Delhi on 16 June 2025 air-returned to Hong Kong shortly after take off due to a technical issue. The flight landed safely at Hong Kong and is undergoing checks as a matter of abundant precaution.

“Alternative arrangements have been planned to fly the passengers to their destination Delhi at the earliest. We are providing all necessary on-ground assistance to the passengers to minimise the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen disruption.”

Reuters further reports the plane is now undergoing checks now it’s safely on the ground.

The outlet states that as per air traffic control monitoring website LiveATC.net, one of the pilots raised concerns around 15 minutes into the flight to the Indian capital.

The pilot allegedly told air traffic control that ‘for technical reasons, sir, we would like to stay closer to Hong Kong, maybe we will come back and land back into Hong Kong once we sort out the problem’.

242 people were onboard last week's plane (Siddharaj Solanki/Bloomberg via Getty Images)242 people were onboard last week's plane (Siddharaj Solanki/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

242 people were onboard last week’s plane (Siddharaj Solanki/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“We don’t want to continue further,” the pilot also said (via NBC News).

A spokesperson for Airport Authority Hong Kong confirmed Flight AI315 took off from Hong Kong at around 12:20pm local time, before landing ‘safely at around 1:15pm’, adding that the airport operations weren’t affected.

An investigation into last week’s plane tragedy is underway, as one veteran pilot has claimed such a crash was inevitable.

Ross Aimer, who worked for top airlines including United Airlines for 40 years, told The Express that he’s not ‘surprised’ by the tragedy, saying: “I’m shocked, but knowing some of the issues with the 787, I’m not that surprised. It was bound to happen.”

The pilot said that it’s ‘way too early to speculate’ based on this information.

“There’s no way we know enough to even think about what may have gone wrong, but I saw the initial video of the takeoff,” he continued.

“The aircraft was full of fuel and bound to Gatwick. It’s a tragedy, but we have no idea what may have caused the airplane to crash.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/SOPA Images

Topics: Air IndiaTravelNewsWorld News

Chilling simulation of Air India flight crash shows exactly how sole survivor escaped the wreckage

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh is the sole survivor of the Air India crash, which killed 241 passengers and crew

A simulation shows a possible way in which the sole survivor of the Air India plane crash managed to escape the burning wreckage, and it is astounding.

On June 12, a 40-year-old British man named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh miraculously survived the fatal Air India plane crash as it encountered issues just seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad, in western India.

Video footage has shown the potential reason he managed to walk away from the wreckage of the Air India flight, which sadly killed the 241 other passengers and crew on board.

The AI171 jet, that was heading to London, also resulted in the deaths of dozens of people on the ground after it crashed into a building used as accommodation for doctors at the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College and Civil Hospital.

The death toll has since risen to 270.

An Air India flight crashed into a residential area shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, western India, resulting in the deaths of 270 people (SAM PANTHAKY/AFP via Getty Images)An Air India flight crashed into a residential area shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, western India, resulting in the deaths of 270 people (SAM PANTHAKY/AFP via Getty Images)

An Air India flight crashed into a residential area shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, western India, resulting in the deaths of 270 people (SAM PANTHAKY/AFP via Getty Images)

Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the Boeing 787-8 crash, but many experts have weighed in on how exactly Ramesh managed to survive.

As per a new simulation posted on YouTube by AiTelly, there are two possible ways in which Ramesh could have escaped the plane.

Option one: He may have jumped from the plane while it was in the air and descending via the emergency exit.

Option two: He could have escaped after the plane crashed through the same door, seconds before it went up in flames.

The simulation also shows various theories as to how the plane crashed, from full loss of power, engine failure and more. But as for Ramesh’s miraculous story, option two seems the most likely.

An AI simulation shows how the sole survivor of the Air India crash could have jumped from the plane (YouTube/AiTelly)An AI simulation shows how the sole survivor of the Air India crash could have jumped from the plane (YouTube/AiTelly)

An AI simulation shows how the sole survivor of the Air India crash could have jumped from the plane (YouTube/AiTelly)

According to him, he was sat in seat 11a on the plane and escaped before the jet went up in flames as it hit the residential area.

The father-of-one from Leicester, UK, explained from his hospital bed that he was able to ‘unbuckle’ himself from his seat and use his leg to push an opening.

“When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran,” he said to local news media, as per Reuters. “There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.”

In footage of the event, a passerby can be seen approaching him as he is covered in blood and limping and guiding him to emergency services.

Ramesh was returning home to his family in the UK and was accompanied by his brother Ajay on the flight. However, he tragically lost his sibling who was sitting in a different seat on the same row.

He said to Indian state media DD News that the part of the jet he was sitting in was close to the ground and had not hit the building. However, the opposite side, he said was near a wall, blocking anyone from leaving.

Although the emergency door was broken, Ramesh said he ‘just walked out’ and away from the scene.

While many may believe that Ramesh could hold the key to finding out what went wrong, he admits he ‘can’t explain’ everything but remembered hearing a ‘loud noise’ and seeing ‘flickering lights’ inside the aircraft within seconds of taking off from the runway.

“I saw people dying in front of my eyes – the air hostesses, and two people I saw near me,” he said. “For a moment, I felt like I was going to die too, but when I opened my eyes and looked around, I realised I was alive.

“I still can’t believe how I survived. I walked out of the rubble.”

Air India report finds what caused crash that killed 260 Read More
How to Treat and Prevent Deep Blackheads — Professionally or at Home

How to Treat and Prevent Deep Blackheads — Professionally or at Home

How to Treat and Prevent Deep Blackheads — Professionally or at Home
How to Treat and Prevent Deep Blackheads — Professionally or at Home

How to Treat and Prevent Deep Blackheads — Professionally or at Home

Stock Colors/Getty Images
What are blackheads?

Plenty of people would count blackheads among the most common — and most stubborn — skin conditions. This type of acne develops when oil (sebum) and dead skin cells combine to form a plug that clogs your pores.

Sometimes, cleansing and exfoliating may be enough to loosen the plug and draw it out. But if the plug hardens, or it’s too deep to access, you might not be able to remove the blackhead on your own.

Below, you’ll find tips on how to use over-the-counter (OTC) products for blackheads, information on what to expect from professional removal, and more.

For home removal, start by cleansing

Your first step should always be to cleanse your face.

Cleansing is best done twice each day: once in the morning and once again at the end of your day. If you work out or get sweaty during the day, you may want to wash your face again afterward.

That said, try to avoid over-cleansing. This can dry out your skin and cause more dead skin cells and sebum to accumulate in your pores.

Tip: If you prefer to wash your face more frequently, try limiting cleansing to morning and evening washes and rinsing with plain water throughout the day to avoid drying out your face.

The type of cleanser you use can also make a difference in blackhead removal and prevention.

Many people prefer gel-based cleansers, which:

  • aren’t oily like some cream-based cleansers
  • are typically safe for both oily and sensitive skin

A daily cleanser with micro-exfoliants can also help remove dead skin cells.

Use a physical exfoliant

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, sebum, and other debris from the surface of your skin.

How to Treat and Prevent Deep Blackheads — Professionally or at Home
How to Treat and Prevent Deep Blackheads — Professionally or at Home

When it comes to physical exfoliants, you have plenty of options, but avoid choosing anything too harsh that will irritate your pores. Ground-up nuts and other harsh beads may irritate active breakouts or sensitive skin.

Consider something simple, like a do-it-yourself (DIY) natural option or an over-the-counter (OTC) scrub with gentle ingredients, like oatmeal.

You’ll generally want to follow the instructions on the product you choose, but this is a good starting place for most exfoliants:

  1. Apply a thin layer of exfoliant.
  2. Spread it evenly over your skin.
  3. Massage — don’t scrub — it into your skin.
  4. You might need to leave it on your face for several minutes, but check the product package to be sure.
  5. Once the process is done, rinse off the product completely.
Open your pores with a steam session

Steam can help loosen the gunk that’s clogging your pores, setting you up for a more effective extraction process. You don’t need a spa steamer to get these benefits, though.

To open your pores with steam at home, try this technique:

  1. First, boil up to 6 cups of water in a pot or kettle.
  2. Let the water cool for a minute or two.
  3. Carefully pour the water into a bowl.
  4. Sit in front of the bowl, resting your face about 6 inches above the water.
  5. Drape a towel over your head and the water source to hold the steam in.
  6. Raise or lower your head for more or less heat. Lift a corner of the towel to cool off, if needed.
  7. Stay for up to 10 minutes at a time.
Apply a clay or charcoal mask

Exfoliation and steam help get your pores ready for extraction, but your skin’s not quite ready yet. Applying a mask first can help make extraction even more successful.

Use either a clay or charcoal-based mask. These ingredients help deeply cleanse the pores, and you’ll want to get as much dirt and oil out of your pores as you can before using an extractor tool.

How to do it:

  1. Apply a thin, even layer of the clay or charcoal mask to your face.
  2. Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes.
  3. Rinse your face thoroughly with warm water.
Use an extractor tool

After loosening your pores and applying a mask, you can try extracting deep blackheads yourself.

Here’s how:

  1. Sterilize your extractor tool with rubbing alcohol.
  2. Press the loop face down on the edge of the blackhead you’re trying to remove. Just avoid pressing directly down in the middle of the blackhead, as this can irritate your pore.
  3. Once you’ve got the head of the tool in place, make a gentle sweeping motion to the other side of your pore.
  4. Repeat up two more times if you don’t get the plug out the first time — any more than this can irritate or damage the surrounding skin.

Always sterilize your tool between uses to prevent the transfer of dirt and bacteria between pores.

Apply a cooling gel mask or soothing serum

After extracting debris from your pores, it’s important to soothe your skin to prevent inflammation. You can do this with a cooling gel mask or face serum.

When choosing a mask or serum, opt for anti-inflammatory ingredients such as green tea, vitamin E, and almond oil. Apply a small amount in an even layer.

If you’re using a gel mask, rinse after use and follow up with the rest of your skin care routine.

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Whatever you do, don’t squeeze or pinch

Squeezing out a blackhead might feel tempting, especially if you can’t safely extract it the first time around.

But the advice you’ve probably heard before is true: You really shouldn’t pinch, poke, or squeeze out a blackhead, since this can potentially lead to:

  • irritation
  • pores that appear larger
  • scarring

What about pore strips?

Although pore strips are touted as a way to remove blackheads without picking, they often do more harm than good.

These strips target surface debris, which often does little to resolve deep blackheads. They can also dry out and irritate your skin.

Do home remedies work?

Although a quick internet search might reveal dozens of “home remedies” for blackhead removal, none have been proven to work.

In fact, some of these purported remedies might even make your acne worse.

If you do decide to try a home remedy, exercise extreme caution. Performing a patch test by applying the substance on your forearm first and waiting overnight can help you gauge how your skin will react.

Home remedies that can be harmful

Certain everyday ingredients recommended as blackhead “remedies” can do more harm than good.

These include:

Many people believe these ingredients help absorb oil and get rid of dead skin cells. The problem is, they may be too drying, so using them can lead to irritation, swelling, and more breakouts.

Home remedies that might not be effective

Some purported remedies aren’t necessarily harmful — they just might not always work.

These include:

You’ll often find these ingredients in recipes for homemade masks because of their antioxidant and hydrating properties — but these benefits won’t do anything for deep blackheads.

What about options for professional removal?

Unless you’re experiencing severe pain or swelling, professional removal usually isn’t necessary.

If you’re not getting the results you want at home, consider making an appointment with a dermatologist or aesthetician to talk about your concerns.

They may recommend one of the following removal techniques:

Professional extraction

After making a small hole in the clogged pore, your dermatologist or aesthetician will remove the plug with a looped-end metal extractor tool.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion offers deeper exfoliation than OTC options, like scrubs.

A dermatologist or aesthetician will use a crystal-emitting handpiece to gently spray fine crystals onto the skin. The device will rub and suction off the outer layers of dead skin. They may also use a diamond-tip handpiece to exfoliate more sensitive areas, such as around your eyes.

This technique may also help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

Chemical peels

A professional chemical peel removes the entire top layer of skin, reducing blackheads and other debris.

Just keep in mind that your skin may be more prone to sunburn during the recovery process. When spending time outdoors, you’ll want to take extra caution to protect your skin from the sun — sunscreen is essential, but a hat can’t hurt, either.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is sometimes used on breakouts that don’t respond to other treatments.

For deep blackheads, dermatologists use photopneumatic therapy. The process involves a combination of intense pulsed light lasers and a hand-held vacuum.

Using these together allows your dermatologist to get deep into your pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum.

For best results, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends one or two follow-up sessions per year.

Tips for prevention

Deep blackheads can take time to remove safely and effectively. Once you’ve got the gunk out, the strategies below can help prevent them from coming back.

  • Use noncomedogenic products. Noncomedogenic is code for “non-pore-clogging.” Also look for oil-free sunscreens and lotions to help prevent clogged pores.
  • Remove makeup before bed. Cleansing at night helps remove makeup, but sometimes residue is still left behind. Consider adding a pre-cleanser to remove all your makeup.
  • Wash your hair regularly. Not only will your locks stay healthy and soft, but you’ll also get rid of oils and dirt that can get on your face and clog your pores.
  • Be sure your hands and nails are clean. Keeping your nails clean can help minimize dirt and oil transfer.
  • Wash your pillow cases and bedding. Aim to wash these once a week to get rid of any dirt and oil on your sheets.
  • Add salicylic acid to your skin care routine. Salicylic acid dries out dead skin cells that accumulate in your pores, thereby decreasing the chances of blackheads. Try a face wash, toner, or moisturizer that contains salicylic acid to get these benefits.
  • Consider glycolic acid. Regular use can help your skin shed dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores. You can find glycolic acid in moisturizers and OTC peels.
  • Ask a dermatologist about prescription retinoids. Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A. While primarily recommended for inflammatory acne, they may also help control excess oils that contribute to blackheads.
  • Avoid overusing acne products. Combining several products that contain salicylic acid, sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, and other acne-treating ingredients can dry out your skin. Ironically, this can cause more blackheads, because overly dry pores may end up producing more sebum to help hydrate your skin.
  • Eat a balanced diet. Certain foods and nutrients — including dark green and yellow vegetables and fruits, omega-3 fatty acids, and whole grains — can promote overall skin health. Drinking plenty of water can also help balance out sebum and aid in skin cell turnover.
The bottom line

Getting rid of blackheads often proves something of a challenge, but it’s definitely possible — one or more of the home removal techniques mentioned above could make a difference.

That said, if you don’t see improvement within 6 weeks, consider making an appointment with a dermatologist or aesthetician to learn more about your options for professional treatment.

How to Treat and Prevent Deep Blackheads — Professionally or at Home Read More
He explained why it's so much more dangerous than others

Doctor shares shocking video of ‘worst’ skin cancer he’s ever seen and issues urgent warning

Doctor shares shocking video of 'worst' skin cancer he's ever seen and issues urgent warning

Doctor shares shocking video of ‘worst’ skin cancer he’s ever seen and issues urgent warning

The shocking footage reveals skin cancer can come in many different shapes, sizes and colors

A doctor has shared a shocking video of the ‘worst’ skin cancer he’s ever diagnosed.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the US with the American Academy of Dermatology Association estimating a whopping one in five Americans develop the condition in their lifetime.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of the cancer, though makes up around one percent of all cases in the US with the vast majority determined as basal and squamous cell carcinonmas.

According to the NHS, the main symptoms include changes to the skin, moles or appearance of new moles.

Now, doctor John O’Bryen, who goes by ‘skincaredoctor’ on TikTok, has been diligently raising awareness to the disease – and how people can spot the signs, even when they aren’t so obvious.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the US (Getty Images)

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the US (Getty Images)

The specialist at Body Scan Skin Cancer Clinic in Australia has been raising awareness to the fact not all melanomas appear as freckles or moles and revealed in a shocking video the ‘worst’ type of skin cancer he has ever diagnosed.

The doc said in his video: “A man came to me last week, concerned about a new lump on his arm. It was red and had been quickly growing in size.”

Horrifyingly, O’Bryen showed a close-up video of the cancer with a ‘dermatoscope’, which revealed the spot was pink and white in color.

He said it measured 4mm on the Breslow thickness scale, which is used to measure the depth of a melanoma from the top of its granular layer to the deepest point of the tumor.

On the outside, it looked like a slightly elevated red lump, but under the microscope had ‘white polarising lines’ and ‘polymorphous vessels.’

The cancer under the microscope (@‌skincancerdoctor/TikTok)

The cancer under the microscope (@‌skincancerdoctor/TikTok)

The doc quickly diagnosed the patient as having a nodular melanoma, a dangerous type as he said they ‘grow quickly and cause the greatest fatality’.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, nodular melanomas present as a ‘firm, raised, discolored growth’ on the skin that can appear like a blood blister and may be itchy, sting or bleed.

They can look like a dome-shaped growth and can have either smooth texture or a ‘crusty’, rough feel, which the Clinic describes as like a cauliflower.

It can also grow both above and below the skin, yet most of the cancer sits below the surface – ‘like an iceberg’.

Nodular melanoma is the second-most common type, making up about 15 to 20 percent of diagnoses.

This type of skin cancer is also behind around 50 percent of all melanoma-related deaths.

How it looked from the surface (@‌skincancerdoctor/TikTok)

How it looked from the surface (@‌skincancerdoctor/TikTok)

Writing further in the caption of his viral video, he said: “Scary! Not all melanomas are brown and black!

“I performed an excisional biopsy of this and the patient will see a melanoma surgeon and medical oncologist.”

He added how his magnifying tool, the Heine Delta 30 Pro dermascope, ‘continues to assist me in diagnosing skin cancers’ and has helped him to find and treat 1,000 people last year.

Featured Image Credit: @‌skincancerdoctor/TikTok

Topics: HealthTikTokAustraliaNHSCancer

Woman diagnosed with cancer issues urgent warning after dismissing new contraception as cause of symptoms

Woman diagnosed with cancer issues urgent warning after dismissing new contraception as cause of symptoms

UK woman Jasmin McKee was diagnosed with cervical cancer after mistaking her copper coil as the cause of her symptoms

A UK woman has issued an urgent warning to other women after being diagnosed with cancer, which led her to a realisation.

Jasmin McKee, from Hampshire in England, was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 25 years old after delaying her routine pap smear.

In the UK, women were able to receive their pap smear once every three years, but NHS England chose to extend the period to screening for those without HPV history to five years.

Now 26, McKee explained that she first began to notice something wasn’t right when she started experiencing lower back pain and bleeding after sex in 2023, but believed it was caused by her copper coil contraceptive.

But in March 2024, when she attended her HPV screening, having delayed it because she heard about ‘horror stories online’, she found out that she was HPV positive with a large number of abnormal cells.

Shockingly, McKee received her HPV vaccination in high school, which vaccinates against nine different types of HPV.

However, it does not completely protect a person from developing cancer, it simply minimises the risk.

Jasmin McKee was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2024 (PA Real Life)

Jasmin McKee was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2024 (PA Real Life)

Sadly, for McKee, she was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer which had spread to the surrounding tissue, leaving her ‘numb’ and hiding the news from her family.

She said: “Everything just goes a bit numb… it’s just such a big shock.

“The thought did go through my head of, ‘What am I going to tell my grandparents?’

“I actually didn’t tell my family for quite a while.

“I didn’t want the people that I love the most feeling sad for me. I just didn’t want them to worry.”

She received surgery in November 2024 and then radiotherapy in January 2025, but both methods were unsuccessful.

So, she began chemotherapy in April.

She was diagnosed with stage three cancer (PA Real Life)

She was diagnosed with stage three cancer (PA Real Life)

She is now expected to finish treatment in September 2025 but has created a GoFundMe campaign to help with the costs of living as she cannot work.

However, she said because of her diagnosis she has realised the importance of booking your cervical screenings and hit out at NHS England’s choice to extend the HPV screening for those between 25-49 to five years.

She said: “When there are big changes like this, it can feel like they (NHS England) are not really taking women’s health seriously.

“I think that was probably one of my first thoughts when I first read about the changes… it can feel quite dismissive.

“It’s a scary thought that there could be women who go under the radar.”

She added: “It [a cervical screening] won’t always lead to a diagnosis, but it’s just to be on the safe side.

“Every three years is obviously a long time in itself, but I think a lot can happen in five years, and then someone might not know about cancer or something else until it’s too late, and it could have been prevented with more regular smear tests.

She hit out at the NHS for their smear time period extension (PA Real Life)

She hit out at the NHS for their smear time period extension (PA Real Life)

“So I do think [the change] was disappointing to read.”

An NHS England spokesperson said: “We recognise that changes to cervical screening can seem worrying but want to reassure everyone that this new approach is based on robust scientific evidence and an expert recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee.

“The NHS cervical screening programme tests for human papillomavirus (HPV) and uses a better and more accurate test than before.

“This means if you test negative for HPV, you don’t need to be screened as often as your risk of developing cervical cancer is very low.

“If you test positive for HPV, we’ll monitor you more closely with additional tests and follow-up appointments.

“This personalised approach ensures everyone receives the right level of screening based on their individual risk factors, providing better protection while reducing unnecessary procedures.”

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat featureavailable 24/7 every day of the year.

Featured Image Credit: PA Real Life

Topics: CancerHealthUK NewsGoFundMe

Doctor warns that frequent bodily function millions are walking around with could be common cancer symptom

Doctor warns that frequent bodily function millions are walking around with could be common cancer symptom

Many people could be unaware this symptom is linked to a type of cancer

Cancer symptoms can occur in a variety of ways but a doctor has warned of the subtle symptoms that can be a sign of a particularly lethal type of cancer.

Esophageal cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the world and many people are unaware they could be showing symptoms of it.

According to the Cleveland clinic: “It starts in the tissues in your esophagus, the long muscular tube that moves food from your throat to your stomach. Tumors caused by esophageal cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms until the cancer has spread.”

This can make the cancer particularly dangerous, and according to a 2017 study, 9 out 10 patients are dead within 10 years from their diagnosis.

This only increases the importance of spotting the subtle signs of the cancer.

In a TikTok video, Dr Wendi LeBrett broke down some of the symptoms that can occur that people should be wary of.

Esophageal cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the world and the symptoms can be subtle (Getty Stock Image)

Esophageal cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the world and the symptoms can be subtle (Getty Stock Image)

She said: “About 60 to 70 per cent of people with acid reflux have the typical symptom of heartburn—the burning sensation in your chest often after eating.

“That means around one in three do not have typical symptoms or know they have the condition.

“Watch out for a chronic cough, particularly at night when acid reflux is worse.

“Breathing problems can also be a symptom as the acid irritates the airways and can exacerbate conditions like asthma.

“Problems swallowing is also an atypical symptom.”

She added that dentist may be able to spot acid damage to your teeth and this can also be highlighted by yellowing of teeth as well as cracks and increased sensitivity.

About 60 to 70 per cent of people with acid reflux have the typical symptom of heartburn meaning they may miss the cancer symptom (Cleveland Clinic)

About 60 to 70 per cent of people with acid reflux have the typical symptom of heartburn meaning they may miss the cancer symptom (Cleveland Clinic)

She added that anyone suffering these symptoms should seek help from a healthcare professional.

Acid reflux is common amongst the general populace and can occur simply after eating a large, rich meal or lying down after a meal.

Occasional acid reflux is normal and manageable according to the Cleveland Clinic, but ‘chronic acid reflux (GERD) might need treatment’.

The medical center added: “When acid creeps into places it doesn’t belong, you’re bound to feel it. Acid irritates and inflames the tissues inside your esophagus, which runs from your stomach up through your chest to your throat.

“Almost everyone has experienced an occasional episode of acid reflux. It might feel like indigestion — burning stomach pain after eating — or heartburn — burning chest pain close to your sternum.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/ozgurcankaya

Topics: CancerHealthNewsTikTokUS News

Woman diagnosed with stage 4 skin cancer issues warning for symptoms she didn't notice until it was too late

Woman diagnosed with stage 4 skin cancer issues warning for symptoms she didn’t notice until it was too late

The young woman was only given an 18 percent chance of survival

A woman has shared a stark warning after receiving a shock skin cancer diagnosis at the age of 29.

Courtney Mangan was given just an 18 percent chance of survival when she received the devastating news that she had stage 4 skin cancer.

At the time, Courtney, who hails from Australia‘s Gold Coast, had been to her doctors on two separate occasions about a mole that she was concerned about.

But her worries were dismissed, and it wasn’t until she sought out medical advise from a skincare specialist that Courtney was given the bad news that it was already ‘too late’.

Courtney Mangan was first diagnosed with cancer at the age of 29 (courtneymangan/Instagram)

Courtney Mangan was first diagnosed with cancer at the age of 29 (courtneymangan/Instagram)

“I had a mole on my back that I never really saw – but my family told me it started to change and urged me to see a doctor,” she recalled.

“The specialist checked my whole body and said everything looked normal but I expressed my concern about the mole on my back so he took a cutting and sent it to pathology.”

Courtney continued to tell Daily Mail Australia that she quickly received the call she didn’t want to get from her doctor, who confirmed that her mole had come back as level four melanoma and that she needed to see another specialist in Brisbane.

Courtney's had to go through many tests and surgeries since her diagnosis (courtneymangan/Instagram)

Courtney’s had to go through many tests and surgeries since her diagnosis (courtneymangan/Instagram)

“I immediately went numb – my uncle had died from melanoma just a few years prior,” Courtney, now 38, said of the moment she was told the news.

“My whole world changed in that moment. I couldn’t think of it as anything other than a death sentence.”

But at this point, she hadn’t received her stage 4 diagnosis.

It wasn’t until Courtney began to experience more symptoms that she was told her cancer was stage 4.

A year after doctors removed the mole on her shoulder that was cancerous, Courtney developed a lump in her arm.

She thought that one of her symptoms was her IBS at first (courtneymangan/Instagram)

She thought that one of her symptoms was her IBS at first (courtneymangan/Instagram)

Then she started to experience pain while she ate – something she initially believed was because of her irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

But an endoscopy then confirmed that she had a mass in her bowel and, after operating on her, Courtney was told her cancer had spread to her internal organs and was now stage four.

Another mass was later found in her thigh, but doctors were unable to remove it.

Fortunately, Courtney has now been cancer free for three years, but she says you can ‘never really shake’ the fear of her illness coming back.

“There’s a dark cloud hanging over you all the time,” she added.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat featureavailable 24/7 every day of the year.

Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@courtneymangan

Topics: CancerHealthLifeAustraliaNews

Doctor gives strong cancer warning to anyone who uses mouthwash

Doctor gives strong cancer warning to anyone who uses mouthwash

It might be worth checking your bathroom cabinets

A British surgeon spoke on his podcast and highlighted the dangers of using certain types of mouthwash.

Karan Rajan argued that a person should stay clear of this certain type of mouthwash due to it increasing a person’s chance of developing a type of cancer

Speaking on his podcast, the British NHS worker went as far as to suggest people should avoid buying the mouthwash and think about alternatives.

He has also instructed people to read the labels beforehand rather than just buying any old product.

The surgeon warned against certain mouthwashes (Getty Stock Image)

The surgeon warned against certain mouthwashes (Getty Stock Image)

He said: “People shouldn’t be using alcoholic [mouthwash] if they don’t need to. We are increasingly appreciating that we have an oral microbiome, and these can be affected by alcohol.”

Explaining the science behind his reasoning, he noted how alcoholic mouthwash can negatively impact a person’s body both in the short term and long term.

He said that alcoholic mouthwashes disrupt a person’s mouth biome, and this can be crucial for a bunch of reasons.

For example, he shared that lots of the ‘good’ bacteria in the mouth help defend your teeth and gums, freshen your breath and aid in the digestive process. Alcoholic mouthwashes regularly kill them off.

Unlike alcoholic drinks, the mouthwashes contain a higher concentration of alcohol and is exposed to your teeth and gums for a longer period of time.

Using mouthwash twice a day, swirling it around in our mouths means that a persons runs the risk of increasing the chances of serious health issues down the line.

Rajan continued: “Some early evidence suggesting that chronic mouthwash use has been linked, from a correlation point of view, to increasing rates of colorectal cancers because of that disrupted oral microbiome.”

Alcoholic mouthwashes are more concentrated than alcoholic drinks(Getty Stock Image)

Alcoholic mouthwashes are more concentrated than alcoholic drinks(Getty Stock Image)

As well as this, some of the other issues that can eventually arise from consistent use of alcohol-based mouthwash include burning mouth, mucosal pain, softening of composite filling material, teeth staining, enamel erosion and ulcers.

Also appearing on the podcast was Whitney DiFoggio, an American dental hygienist, who gave her two cents on using mouthwash in the first place.

She said: “You don’t need a mouthwash. Manually brushing the plaque and debris from your teeth with a toothbrush with something to get between your teeth as well as [covering] the fronts, backs, tops and bottoms is what you need.”

People are advised against using a mouthwash right after brushing their teeth as it can wash away the fluoride in the toothpaste that was just applied.

If you do take mouthwash, it is better to swill it after a meal, such as after lunch. Eating or drinking is also not advised till after 30 minutes.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image

Doctor shares shocking video of ‘worst’ skin cancer he’s ever seen and issues urgent warning Read More
Stars Who Love Their Plastic Surgery

Stars Who Love Their Plastic Surgery

Meghan Trainor attends the "Now Playing" Creator Day hosted by Spotify at its Los Angeles Campus on November 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California., Meghan Trainor at iHeartRadio's 102.7 KIIS FM Wango Tango held at Huntington City Beach on May 10, 2025 in Huntington Beach, California.

Credit : Presley Ann/Getty for Spotify; Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty

Stars Who Love Their Plastic Surgery

Body confidence can come in many forms — whether it’s “I woke up like this” total acceptance, the endorphins you feel after hitting the gym, highlighting a favorite feature with clothing choices or, for some, making the decision to undergo plastic surgery to augment (or de-emphasize) certain features.

Celebrities are no stranger to cosmetic procedures, but for these stars — including Meghan Trainor, Jessie James Decker, Kaley Cuoco and more — they’re so happy with the results, they’re sharing that joy with the world, encouraging others to do whatever they need to do to feel like the best version of themselves.

01of 27

Meghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor attends the "Now Playing" Creator Day hosted by Spotify at its Los Angeles Campus on November 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California., Meghan Trainor at iHeartRadio's 102.7 KIIS FM Wango Tango held at Huntington City Beach on May 10, 2025 in Huntington Beach, California.
Presley Ann/Getty for Spotify; Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty

How much does Meghan Trainor love her new implants? She changed the lyrics of her song “All About That Bass” to be “I guess it’s pretty clear, I got some new boobs!” The singer flaunted her body at the Wango Tango concert in May 2025, after revealing earlier in the year that, after having her two children, she had been losing weight with the help of Mounjaro, and had gotten a breast lift and implants.

“I feel so girly and I love it, and it makes me so much more confident and it’s like the best decision I ever made,” she told PEOPLE after the surgery. “I smile every time I shower.”

02of 27

Lindsay Arnold

Lindsay Arnold before and after breast augmentation
Lindsay Arnold/TikTok

In January 2025, the former Dancing with the Star pro shared that she had undergone a breast lift and augmentation and was “sooo happy with the results already,” showing fans the before and after shots.

“I appreciate the respect that this is something that I wanted to do for myself,” she added.

03of 27

Kaitlyn Bristowe

Kaitlyn Bristowe shares before and after photos plastic surgery
 Michael Loccisano/Getty; kaitlynbristowe/Instagram

Former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe is an open book to fans, sharing the before and after details of all her procedures (including a recent blepharoplasty that had an unfortunate encounter with her dog, to recently welcoming “twins” — breast implants – and telling all her friends). And most of all, she’s open about the fact that she’s doing it for herself, and not looking for any input from the internet.

“Believe it or not I’ve done more work on the inside. You can’t physically see that, but I’ve never felt it more,” she said on Instagram in December 2024. “To the people who always wanna comment, ‘You were so much prettier before all the work you’ve had done,’ I suggest you do the important work on the inside before judging what’s on the outside.”

04of 27

Lily Allen

Lily Allen surgery
Lily Allen/Instagram

Following her divorce from David Harbour, Lily Allen got “some additions to the family,” as she joked of her implants on her Miss Me? podcast.

“They look really incredible when I take my top off and my bra off, but there’s definitely a contrast in age between my breasts and my face,” she joked, elaborating that when it comes to the difference between the two. “I’m like, 40 [facially], 18 [on her torso].”

05of 27

Sami Sheen

Sami Sheen
samisheen/Instagram

The eldest daughter of Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards cried tears of happiness upon seeing the results of her nose job, as captured on Denise Richards & Her Wild Things in March 2025.

“I’ve wanted this for so long. Oh, my God, it looks so good,” she said. “I feel so pretty now. Now I feel like I can finally get my headshots done to start modeling. This was the one thing holding me back. Now I got a good nose.”

06of 27

Jana Kramer

Jana Kramer
Jana Kramer/instagram

In March, the singer shared that she was going to get a breast augmentation “because I want to,” she said, adding, “bottom line, I’m choosing myself, I’m choosing my size, I’m doing what’s right for me. I know a woman’s body is beautiful no matter what shape or size but I want this.”

Months later, the star posted another Instagram confirming that she was thrilled with the choice and the way she feels in her body now. “Since my breast augmentation I have felt more empowered about my decision. I’m proud that I have made choices for me.”

07of 27

Teresa Giudice

Teresa Guidice visits People Now on February 05, 2020 in New York, United States., Teresa Giudice
Jim Spellman/Getty; Teresa Giudice/Instagram

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star got a nose job in February 2021 and “no one even noticed,” she said on Watch What Happens LiveAccording to The Sun, she had previously discussed the procedure at an event in New Jersey, saying fiancé Luis Ruelas supported her decision.

“I asked Louie, I’m, like, ‘Babe, should I get my nose done?’ ” she said. “And he’s like, ‘Is it going to make you feel better?’ And I said, ‘Yes.’ So he said, ‘Do it.'”

08of 27

Jessie James Decker

Jessie James Decker
Jessie James Decker/Instagram (2)

The singer and Kittenish designer shared with fans that she decided to “go big or go home” after she and husband Eric Decker were done having kids, opting for a breast augmentation.

“They were so big and perky before children and I wanted them back … plus some,” she explained. “I feel great; I’m super happy with them.”

The star, who often shuts down critics on her Instagram, went on to say “it’s not for everybody but it was certainly for me! I always say, you do you and do what makes you feel confident and sexy.”

09of 27

Iggy Azalea

Iggy Azalea hosts Greenhouse Tuesdays at Greenhouse on April 10, 2012 in New York City., Iggy Azalea arrives at LIGHT Nightclub at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on February 19, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Johnny Nunez/WireImage; Denise Truscello/WireImage

“It s hard to be a woman in 2015 with social media … There’s a lot more pressure to look beautiful,” the rapper told Seventeen at the time about her decision to get a nose job, shortly after admitting to Vogue she’d gotten breast implants. But her number one rule for cosmetic surgery: come clean. “I’m not denying it. Denying it is lame,” she said.

In 2023, Azalea revisited the conversation around plastic surgery on Emily Ratajkowski’s podcast, saying she was happy to show off her body because she was in control of the narrative — and proud of the way she looked.

“I like my breasts. They’re fake and they look f—ing good and I like them. I’m happy with them and I like my body,” she said. “I liked my body before. I liked my face before and I like it now. I like myself, I never didn’t. I never hated myself.”

10of 27

Delores Catania

Dolores Catania
Dolores Catania/Instagram

Fellow Real Housewives of New Jersey star Delores Catania said that another procedure of Teresa’s, her breast implants, inspired her to go under the knife herself.

“I was looking around at boobs all the time, to see which ones I liked best, and I really felt that Teresa Giudice‘s were best,” she said. “My breasts weren’t really on my priority list until I saw how good hers looked and realized how much of an improvement I could have. It really lit a fire under my ass because I knew that I could get a better result with different implants.”

11of 27

Madison LeCroy

Madison LeCroy
Madison LeCroy/Instagram

Two weeks after sharing a photo of herself about to undergo breast augmentation surgery, the Southern Charm star showed off the results in a baby-blue crop top, captioning the Instagram post “blooming.”

The star had opened up about her desire for a bust boost before the surgery, writing “If life gives you lemons 🍋 , Dr O’Neill can turn them to melons. Thanks to his excellent team for making this momma feel like herself again,” and then clarifying, “Just because I’m having an implant does not mean that I’m coming with boobs as big as my head … we are going to stay as natural as possible.”

12of 27

Angelina Pivarnick

Angelina Pivarnick
Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Angelina Pivarnick/Instagram

Just how happy was the former Jersey Shore star with her decision to get a breast augmentation? So happy, it warranted an Instagram post and several Instagram Stories segments about her new look.

“My boobies are my fave part of my body now,” she wrote. “I never had one surgery in my life until this and let me tell you I would do it again because [Dr. John Paul Tutela] is that amazing.”

13of 27

Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen
Peter Kramer/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

The multi-hyphenate star always keeps it real, and that includes uncovering the “big secret” that celebrities get liposuction in their armpits. But she only has good things to say about that now decade-old decision.

“I had an armpit sucked out, which was one of the best things,” the model told Refinery 29 in 2017. “It was so easy. It made me feel better in dresses; I felt more confident. It was the dumbest, stupidest thing I’ve ever done. The dumbest, but I like it, whatever. I have no regrets, honestly.”

14of 27

Kim Zolciak-Biermann

Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen - Season 14
Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

While Zolciak-Biermann and her daughter Brielle Biermann‘s lip injections are a frequent topic of discussion, Biermann revealed a different type of injections that her mom has gotten: ear lobe fillers.

The 21-year-old star tweeted about her mom’s treatment on on Twitter, “My mom gets filler in her ears because her diamond earrings are too heavy….. #richpeopleproblems.”

15of 27

Anna Faris

Anna Faris during "Scary Movie 3" Premiere - Arrivals at AMC Theatres Avco Cinema in Westwood, California, United States., Anna Faris attends CBS And Warner Bros. Television's 'Mom' Celebrates 100 Episodes at TAO Hollywood on January 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
Gregg DeGuire/WireImage; JB Lacroix/Getty

The actress initially thought that getting a breast augmentation would be “caving into the man,” but was delighted with the “f—ing awesome” results after deciding to undergo the procedure after her 30th birthday, she told Women’s Health“It came down to a really simple thing: I wanted to fill out a bikini.”

16of 27

Tamra Judge

Tamra Judge at Watch What Happens Live, Tamra Judge
Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU/Getty; Bravo

To celebrate her 10th season on the Real Housewives of Orange County, the 49-year-old TV star revealed that she got a lower facelift and eye tuck – and showed off the results just two weeks after undergoing surgery on Watch What Happens Live. She wrote on Instagram that she got an “overwhelming amount of messages” after the news broke and decided to share photos of the healing process. “I’m open and honest about it because I want women to know that everyone gets old even people on TV and there is nothing wrong with growing old gracefully if that’s what you want…… It’s jut not for me! 😂. I like to keep it real!” She’s keeping it so real, she even provided her email address for women to reach out to her directly with questions.

17of 27

Jacqueline Laurita

Jacqueline Laurita attends the "Real Housewives Of New Jersey" Season 7 Premiere Party at Molos on July 10, 2016 in Weehawken, New Jersey., Jacqueline Laurita
Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images; Facebook

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star revealed exclusively to PeopleStyle in February that she got her fourth boob job – a cup size reduction and breast tissue reduction in December 2016. She opted for Ideal Implants, which she explained to us were safer than silicone, and two months later, she confirmed on a Best Products Facebook live that she’s still thrilled with the results. “They have the softness and naturalness of silicone but don’t ripple or slosh around,” she told PeopleStyle. “You don’t have to do MRIs anymore, and if it ruptures you know immediately because it will collapse.”

18of 27

MElissa Gorga

Melissa Gorga on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Melissa Gorga on Watch What Happens Live in 2016.
Andrei Jackamets/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga came clean about getting a nose job after co-star Jacqueline Laurita called her out for having the procedure done four times. “Let’s be honest, it’s the worst-kept secret that I’ve had a nose job, but it’s my secret to tell, not hers,” Gorga told The Daily Dish. But she’s not ashamed of the procedure – and she’d like to set the record straight about Laurita’s accusation while she’s at it: “Four nose jobs? I would look pretty deranged.”

19of 27

Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi

Nicole" Snooki" Polizzi attends BookExpo America 2015 at Jacob Javits Center on May 28, 2015 in New York City., Selfie of Snooki
John Lamparski/WireImage; Snooki/Instagram

The former Jersey Store star has a reputation for being totally candid with fans about her weight, personal life and more – and that extends to any facial modifications she might undergo, including her lips, which she wrote about on Instagram in August. “First session of lip plumps and it’s just fabulous. I’ve always hated my thin lips and never thought I had the balls to get needles in my lip to perfect them but I did! Trust me girls, I was terrified to get my first ‘procedure’ ever done, but it wasn’t terrible at all! And I hate needles! I love my ‘natural beauty’ but being able to enhance my lips to make me feel better about myself is life.”

20of 27

Kaley Cuoco

Kaley Cuoco during "XXX" Premiere in Los Angeles at Mann's Village in Westwood, California, United States., Kaley Cuoco attends the premiere of "The Wedding Ringer" at TCL Chinese Theatre on January 6, 2015 in Hollywood, California.
Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

The actress has called the implants she got during her run on 8 Simple Rules “the best decision I ever made,” and she told Redbook why: “I had no boobs! I always felt ill-proportioned. My implants made me feel more confident in my body. It wasn’t about trying to be a porn star or wanting to look hot and sexy.”

21of 27

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland at the 2000 Source Hip-Hop Music Awards, Kelly Rowland attends FOX's "The X Factor" season finale at CBS Television City on December 19, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.
Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty; Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

The star got a breast augmentation in 2008 after really thinking about the decision – and she never looked back. “I’m so happy. I feel complete,” she told PEOPLE. “I was hesitant about talking about it … I was sick of not fitting into my tops … It is a decision I made for myself. I like it, and that’s all that counts.”

22of 27

Jillian Michaels

Jillian Michaels poses during a photo shoot on October 23, 2014 in Sydney, Australia.
Justin Lloyd/Newspix/Getty

At 16, the trainer decided to undergo rhinoplasty after being bullied for her nose in her youth. “I’ll be honest, it did change my life,” she told PEOPLE. “Not to say you should let your physicality define you, but there are some things that can make people feel really insecure. So, if there is something you want to fix that allows you to feel a little bit more confident, I support it.”

23of 27

Bethenny Frankel

Bethenny Frankel attends Jason Binn's Niche Media's Gotham Magazine 100 Hottest Bachelor Party at M2 Ultra Lounge on October 15, 2009 in New York City., Bethenny Frankel attends the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village during the 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival at Grand Tasting Village on February 21, 2015 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Eugene Gologursky/WireImage for Niche Media; Alexander Tamargo/Getty for SOBEWFF

Another star who learned the art of being super-candid from her reality show, Bethenny opened up on her short-lived talk show about her fluctuating cup size, which she said stemmed from implants she didn’t like and had removed. “I went again like a couple of years ago when I could afford it to get them taken out and then lifted and I did feel much better,” she said. “I felt like I was a little hotter, you know, a little perkier.”

24of 27

Nene Leakes

NeNe Leakes attends 2009 VH1 Divas at Brooklyn Academy of Music on September 17, 2009 in New York, New York., NeNe Leakes on Watch What Happens Live
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage; Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

The Real Housewives of Atlanta star told PEOPLE in 2010 that she used time off between seasons to undergo a breast lift, liposuction and nose job. “I’m very comfortable and confident in myself. I just wanted a tune up,” she said. “I still wanted to look like NeNe, the black woman that I am, but a better version.”

25of 27

Lisa Kudrow

Lisa Kudrow arrives at TrevorLIVE Los Angeles at Hollywood Palladium on December 7, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

Another star who tweaked her nose as a teen, Kudrow says she’s thrilled with the decision. “I went from, in my mind, hideous, to not hideous,” she has said. “I did it the summer before going to a new high school. So there were plenty of people who wouldn’t know how hideous I looked before. That was a good, good, good change.”

26of 27

Jenni ‘JWoww’ Farley

Jenni "JWoww" Farley attends the "Jersey Shore Massacre" New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on August 19, 2014 in New York City., Jenni "JWoww" Farley
Jim Spellman/WireImage; JWoww/Facebook;

JWoww was never one to try to hide her breast augmentation (literally or figuratively), and a few months after having her daughter, the star was back on social media to discuss her new implants. “Ten years later and with the birth of my angel baby Meilani, [my implants] had changed a bit, especially with breastfeeding. I wanted them really badly,” she wrote. “They are so amazing right now and still have a soft, natural look to them thanks to my amazing doctor.”

27of 27

Patricia Heaton

Patricia Heaton attends the 52nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on September 10, 2000 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California., Patricia Heaton at the 10th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards
Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty; Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage for Turner

The Middle actress opted for a breast reduction and tummy tuck in 2002, and told PEOPLE it all came down to one thing: “Vanity. I mean it. Vanity,” she said. “I had four C-sections and my stomach looked like the map of the world. My breasts were hanging down to here from breastfeeding those babies, and my nipples were like platters. I wanted to fit into the gowns that I finally got to wear.”

Stars Who Love Their Plastic Surgery Read More
Texas flooding live updates: 95 dead in Kerr County, at least 120 dead in the state

Texas flooding live updates: 95 dead in Kerr County, at least 120 dead in the state

Texas flooding live updates: 95 dead in Kerr County, at least 120 dead in the state
Texas flooding live updates: 95 dead in Kerr County, at least 120 dead in the state

Texas flooding live updates: 95 dead in Kerr County, at least 120 dead in the state

Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

At least 120 people are dead from the devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country.

Kerr County was hit the hardest, with at least 95 deaths, including 36 children. President Donald Trump signed a disaster declaration for the county and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is on the ground there.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

120 dead in Texas

The statewide death toll has climbed to 120, with 172 people still considered missing, officials said.

People search around a damaged truck along the Guadalupe River after flooding in Kerrville, Texas, July 9, 2025.
Gerald Herbert/AP

Abbott announces next legislative session will discuss improving early warning systems

Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday released the planned agenda for an upcoming special legislative session.

Four of the 18 agenda items were related to devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country.

The flood-related agenda items included legislation to improve flood warning systems, flood emergency communications, relief funding for hill country floods and natural disaster preparation & recovery.

PHOTO: Governor Abbott gives updates after deadly flooding
Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks with volunteers and residents at a press conference in the aftermath of deadly flooding in Hunt, Texas, U.S., July 8, 2025. REUTERS/Sergio Flores
Sergio Flores/Reuters

“We delivered on historic legislation in the 89th Regular Legislative Session that will benefit Texans for generations to come,” said Abbott. “There is more work to be done, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country. We must ensure better preparation for such events in the future.”

Kickoff meeting for Kerr County warning system project was planned for mid-July

A Kerrville-area river authority executed a contract last month for a flood warning system that would’ve been used to help with emergency response, local government officials said in response to a request by ABC News.

“An initial kickoff meeting was scheduled for mid-July,” an unidentified spokesperson for the area’s Joint Information Center wrote.

What remains of the backside of a home is seen on the banks of the Guadalupe River on July 9, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

A review of minutes of local government meetings shows that some county commissioners, sheriffs and other leaders have urged improved flood warning systems in the area for decades.

During a meeting on April 17, the Upper Guadalupe River Authority’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to select a company to develop a flood warning system in Kerr County.

The contract was for “a centralized dashboard to support local flood monitoring and emergency response,” which would allow emergency managers to view real-time streamflow and rainfall data all on one platform, according to local officials.

PHOTO: People search along the Guadalupe River after flooding in Kerrville, Texas, July 9, 2025.
People search along the Guadalupe River after flooding in Kerrville, Texas, July 9, 2025.
Gerald Herbert/AP

The system would not issue public alerts, but would serve as “a decision-support resource intended to complement existing infrastructure,” officials said.

The spokesperson for the Joint Information Center told ABC News, “In light of recent events the timeline [of the new system] will be reevaluated.”

-ABC News’ Jared Kofsky

Texas flooding live updates: 95 dead in Kerr County, at least 120 dead in the state Read More
FOUND NEAR RIVER: A mud-covered doll leads rescuers to secret tunnels beneath Texas camp that hold clues to 27 missing children

FOUND NEAR RIVER: A mud-covered doll leads rescuers to secret tunnels beneath Texas camp that hold clues to 27 missing children

What began as a routine flood sweep near the Colorado River has turned into a potentially historic discovery in the search for 27 missing girls who vanished over the past decade across rural Texas.

Rescue teams, surveying debris after last week’s storms, stumbled upon a mud-covered doll wedged between tree roots along a remote trail bordering an abandoned youth summer camp — a location previously unexamined by investigators.


🧸 The Doll That Changed Everything

The worn doll — with a faded blue dress and hand-stitched initials “K.L.” — matched the exact description of a toy reported missing with Kylie Lanning, a 12-year-old who disappeared in 2019 while walking home from a rural school bus stop in Travis County.

“We’ve never had a physical object from any of the girls surface this close to where so many signs now point,” said Sheriff Alan McRee. “This isn’t just a clue. It’s a turning point.”


🚪 What Was Found Underground

Search and rescue teams, now working alongside FBI forensics units, descended into the narrow, brick-lined shafts beneath the campgrounds. So far, they’ve uncovered:

  • Three rooms roughly 10×12 feet wide, some with makeshift bedding

  • Children’s shoes, hairbands, and broken flashlights

  • An old map with several marked trails leading into deeper woods

  • A wall carving with tally marks — 27 in total

The air inside was damp and stale, and portions of the tunnel had collapsed. But experts say the structure was intentionally constructed and may date back decades.


🔍 Is This the Break the State Has Been Waiting For?

The so-called “Shadow Trail” disappearances — involving 27 girls ages 7 to 17 across central and northern Texas — have baffled investigators for years. Most girls vanished near water, campsites, or wooded rural roads. Until now, no unifying evidence had ever emerged.

“We’re not saying this is the place. But it’s the first place that has physical links to multiple victims,” said FBI spokesperson Carla Nunez. “We’re treating it as a potential epicenter.”


💬 Families React

Parents of several missing girls traveled to the site Monday, some quietly laying flowers at the trailhead. Kylie Lanning’s mother broke down in tears upon seeing a photo of the recovered doll.

“I sewed that dress,” she whispered. “I prayed it would come back to me one day.”


⚠️ What Happens Next

  • Forensic teams are examining DNA samples from the tunnels

  • Excavations will expand to the surrounding 15 acres

  • 24-hour perimeter is now enforced as investigators fear evidence tampering


🧭 Bottom Line

A single mud-covered doll has cracked open the sealed doors of a decade-long mystery. And now, beneath the ruins of a forgotten camp, the truth about 27 missing girls may finally begin to surface.

FOUND NEAR RIVER: A mud-covered doll leads rescuers to secret tunnels beneath Texas camp that hold clues to 27 missing children Read More
Teen camp counselors reveal chilling moment they wrote girls' names on their bodies as Texas flood death toll rises

Teen camp counselors reveal chilling moment they wrote girls’ names on their bodies as Texas flood death toll rises So far, at least 27 campers have lost their lives

Teen camp counselors reveal chilling moment they wrote girls' names on their bodies as Texas flood death toll rises

Teen camp counselors reveal chilling moment they wrote girls’ names on their bodies as Texas flood death toll rises

So far, at least 27 campers have lost their lives

Two teenage counselors who worked at Camp Mystic have spoken about how they reacted as they realized the camp was under threat from the deadly Texas floods.

At least 104 people have been killed due to flash flooding that has devastated central Texas, in particular communities near the Guadalupe River.

The river overflowed after one month’s worth of heavy rain fell in just a few hours, resulting in the waters rising to levels of 26 feet.

In addition to the tragic loss of life, the disaster has proven to be particularly heart-wrenching as many young children have been reported missing, including those from a summer Christian Camp, named Camp Mystic.

Authorities have already confirmed the deaths of some of the children from the camp, and noted that some remain unaccounted for.

Two surviving counselors who were at the camp when the floods impacted the area, Silvana Garza and Maria Paula, have spoken about their heartbreaking experience and that they had to consider a very morbid possibility.

Camp Mystic was devastated as a result of the flooding (RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP) (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

Camp Mystic was devastated as a result of the flooding (RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP) (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

Over the weekend, Maria spoke to Mexican news outlet NMas and explained that she and Silvana wrote names on themselves and the children in the event they got separated and their bodies needed to be identified.

Maria said, as per the New York Post: “Us as counselors, we started to write our names on our skin, anywhere that was visible. We did the same for the girls, wrote their names anywhere that was easy to see.”

The pair also spoke of putting on a ‘happy face’ not to alarm the children they were caring for.

Silvana said: “At the time, we started to prepare our girls because we thought we were also going to be evacuated.

“We told them to pack a bag, to pack their favorite stuffed animal. We didn’t know if we were going to be evacuated or not. We were just waiting.”

 The two counselors wanted to make sure they and the campers could be identified should the worst happened (NMas/YouTube)

The two counselors wanted to make sure they and the campers could be identified should the worst happened (NMas/YouTube)

Camp Mystic has so far confirmed that 27 campers and counsellors have lost their lives, and issued a new statement on their website about the floods.

The message reads: “Camp Mystic is grieving the loss of 27 campers and counsellors following the catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe river. Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly.”

It continued: “We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls.

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from community, first responders, and officials at every level.

“We ask for your continued prayers, respect and privacy for each of our families affected. May the Lord continue to wrap His presence around all of us.”

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/NMas

Topics: NewsTexasTexas floodsUS NewsWeather

Woman films horrifying minute-by-minute breakdown of just how quickly Texas flash flood happened

Woman films horrifying minute-by-minute breakdown of just how quickly Texas flash flood happened

A TikTok video shows the reality of the Texas flash floods

Video footage shows exactly how long it took for the Texas flash flood to overwhelm a family celebrating July 4, after it was confirmed to have resulted in at least 51 deaths and an ongoing search for missing girls.

On a day where Americans celebrate their independence, little did those in and around central Texas know what was about to happen.

A giant flash flood sparked terror as it swept through Kerr County after the Guadalupe River spilled over into neighboring paths.

It has been confirmed that the flood, which took around 45 minutes to become a devastating disaster, has killed at least 51 people, including 15 children, NBC News reports.

Rescue teams are working around the clock to find up to more than 20 children, who were among 750 girls attending Camp Mystic outside of Kerrville. The camp is currently without power, water or WiFi due to the floods.

The flood took place on July 4 in and around central Texas (RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

The flood took place on July 4 in and around central Texas (RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

However, the Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick noted that the missing children are not necessarily ‘lost’, adding: “They could be out of communication.”

As many watch in horror as the true extent of the devastation caused by the flood is uncovered, footage of the beginning of the disaster has circulated on social media for the world to see.

Previously, a timelapse video posted on Twitter showed the full magnitude of the deadly waters as it turned a clear road into a river within minutes.

But now, a TikTok video of a family enjoying the outdoor celebrations has been released, and it has left a lot of people criticizing President Donald Trump in the process.

Starting at 5:43pm, the video shows a small body of water, akin to a stream as the family chatters around it, before it cuts to 6:11pm, showing a steadily flowing river in the same area.

Then, just two minutes later at 6:13pm, gone is the river as it’s replaced with a crashing flood, absorbing trees and a lot of land in its path.

6:31pm’s clip showcases a full-on flood, leaving the family on the edge, watching the ordeal unfold as more and more land is taken over by the murky waters.

Just at the video ends at 6:45pm, a helicopter flew above the family just one minute prior, with the woman filming speculating that they are flying over to take video footage of the floods.

@kelseycrowder_, who took the video, posted it online for all to see and captioned it: “Frio River Flood 2025. NATURE. IS. WILD.”

In the comments, many people had the same complaint – the National Weather System flash floods warning service being discontinued.

At least 51 people have died as a result of the devastating flood (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)

At least 51 people have died as a result of the devastating flood (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)

One person wrote: “They got rid of the National Weather System so those alerts that say FLASH FLOOD WARNING were not sent out! Some of these occurred like at 4am mind you.”

Another said: “Imagine if there was a way to warn people in advance.”

Someone else commented: “Texas didn’t have a weather advisory because that fool cut the budget of the national weather service.”

Others were shocked at how fast it can happen, while some were criticizing the family for staying in the area after the initial signs of water rising.

As of right now, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued new flood warnings for those in the area, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott signing an extended emergency declaration.

Featured Image Credit: RONALDO SCHEMIDT/Getty

Topics: TexasUS NewsWeatherTexas floods

Why Texas officials blame Trump's NWS for tragic flash floods as death toll rises to 82

Why Texas officials blame Trump’s NWS for tragic flash floods as death toll rises to 82

The claims come as Trump vows to visit central Texas later this week

Some officials claim that budget cuts approved by the Trump administration may have caused communication strains within local emergency responders ahead of the Texas floods.

Devastating flash flooding in central Texas has claimed the lives of at least 82 people since Friday (July 4), with officials confirming 41 people are still unaccounted for across the state.

CNN has confirmed that 68 of the deceased people were situated in Kerr County, located on the Edwards Plateau. 28 of these were children, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha.

It’s estimated that at least 10 girls and one councillor are among those unaccounted for from Camp Mystic – a Kerr County-based Christian camp situated along the Guadalupe River.

“This tragedy has devastated us and our entire community,” Camp Mystic said in a statement. “Our hearts are broken alongside the families that are enduring this tragedy, and we share their hope and prayers.”

There have been 82 confirmed deaths amid the devastating Texas floods (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

There have been 82 confirmed deaths amid the devastating Texas floods (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

When asked why summer camps like Camp Mystic were not evacuated ahead of the severe rainfall, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, the county’s top elected official, said, “I can’t answer that. I don’t know.”

According to the New York Times, some Texas officials are attributing the National Weather Service’s (NWS) failure to adequately warn emergency services about rainfall to budget cuts previously approved by US President Donald Trump.

It’s understood that ‘crucial positions’ at local NWS offices – as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – were unfilled due to the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) cost-cutting methods earlier this year.

The publication reported that these staff vacancies may have made it more difficult for the agencies to coordinate bad weather warnings with local Texas emergency managers.

Tom Fahy, the legislative director for the National Weather Service Employees Organization – the union that represents Weather Service workers – claims that the San Angelo NWS office was missing three crucial employees.

Budget cuts previously approved by the president have come under fire (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Budget cuts previously approved by the president have come under fire (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

These included: a senior hydrologist, a staff forecaster and a meteorologist in charge.

Moreover, Fahy claims the nearby San Antonio office was also missing key staff members, including a warning coordination meteorologist and science officer.

The New York Times reported that the San Antonio office’s warning coordination meteorologist left the company on April 30 after taking an early retirement package offered by the Trump administration.

However, Fahy stated that a handful of these vacancies actually predate Trump’s return to the White House for his second term in office on January 20, 2025.

Meanwhile, former Weather Service officials have defended forecasts delivered ahead of the tragic flash flooding.

It’s reported that they believe the forecasts were as ‘good as could be expected, given the enormous levels of rainfall and the storm’s unusually abrupt escalation’.

The Camp Mystic dorm room which has been ravaged by the Texas flooding. The camp has released a statement amid the tragedy (RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

The Camp Mystic dorm room which has been ravaged by the Texas flooding. The camp has released a statement amid the tragedy (RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

On Sunday (July 9), Trump, 78, signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County.

He also activated federal emergency management resources in the state while stating his intent to visit in person on Friday (July 11).

“I would have done it today, but we’d just be in their way,” the 47th President of the United States confessed to reporters. “It’s a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible.”

Speaking on behalf of the NWS, Erica Grow Cei, a certified broadcast meteorologist, said: “The National Weather Service is heartbroken by the tragic loss of life.

She added that the agency remains ‘committed to our mission to serve the American public through our forecasts and decision support services.’

Governor Greg Abbott has vowed that authorities will continue to work around the clock and that new areas will be searched as the water recedes, as per PA.

UNILAD has contacted the National Weather Service and the White House for further comment.

Featured Image Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/Jim Vondruska/Getty Images

Topics: TexasTexas floodsDonald TrumpRepublicansUS NewsPolitics

Horrifying timelapse footage shows just how quickly Texas flash flood happened as search continues for missing girls

Horrifying timelapse footage shows just how quickly Texas flash flood happened as search continues for missing girls

The video, which was posted on Twitter, shows the horrifying reality of what’s happening in Texas right now

Timelapse footage shows the true devastation of the Texas flash flood, which has resulted in at least 51 deaths and frantic search parties for missing girls.

As America enjoyed their July 4 celebrations across the nation, those outside of Kerrville were hit by deadly flooding.

The flash flood swept through Kerr County in Texas, as the Guadalupe River rose to breaking points within minutes.

At least 51 people – including 15 children – have been confirmed to have died, the NBC News reports.

Rescue teams are currently working around the clock to find up to more than 20 children, who were among the 750 girls attending the Camp Mystic, a summer camp outside of Kerrville that was swept up in the water.

After the floods, the camp has been left without power, water or WiFi, with Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick explaining that the missing children are not necessarily ‘lost’, adding: “They could be out of communication.”

Texas has been hit with a devastating flash flood, leaving at least 51 dead (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)

Texas has been hit with a devastating flash flood, leaving at least 51 dead (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)

As many parents desperately appeal for the whereabouts of their daughters, sadly, the mother of Camp Mystic member Janie Hunt, nine, confirmed to CNN that her daughter has died because of the floods.

On July 5, the Kerrville Police Department said in an update that rescue teams will ‘continue until we find all our citizens’.

“Hundreds of first responders are here with resources from throughout the state to help us,” they added on Facebook. “Our thoughts remain with those who are unaccounted for and their loved ones. They are our focus and will remain so.”

As the world watches on, many may be unable to understand just how fast the floods came through the area.

But a timelapse video posted on Twitter shows the full magnitude of the deadly waters, which took approximately seven minutes to turn its clear path into a swamp.

Rescue efforts for potential survivors - including children part of a summer camp - are continuing (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)

Rescue efforts for potential survivors – including children part of a summer camp – are continuing (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)

The video shows a group of people walking towards a dip in the road when suddenly, the floods storm past, turning the once clear path into a deadly flash flood.

In the comments, many were shocked, and grieving.

One person asked: “Yeah that’s becoming WAY too familiar of a scene. What’s going on?” as another said: “That is scary! No wonder people couldn’t evacuate in time. But, why were they not warned?”

Someone else wrote: “Who could’ve predicted this? NOAA alerts notwithstanding… Horrifying.”

As of right now, rainfall continues to make its way through Lone Star State, and the National Weather Service (NWS) issued new flood warnings for those living and working within the area.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed an extended emergency declaration and also requested support from the federal government with the floods.

The tragedy has left many wondering how such a thing could have happened so suddenly, with Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly saying a disaster of such magnitude was unforeseen.

Dalton Rice, city manager for Kerrville, has explained the reason why it happened, telling press: “When you look at the headwaters of the Guadalupe… there’s a north and a south fork.

“Since 1987, under normal conditions, if you can call it that, you’ll hit water in one of those areas, and those two forks will converge into the Guadalupe, which comes through the city of Kerrville.”

Rice continued: “This rain event sat on top of that and dumped more rain than what was forecasted on both of those forks.

“When we got the report, it was about 7 feet or so on the south fork, and within a matter of minutes it was up to 29 feet, and all of that converged at Guadalupe.”

Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@‌DewsNewz

Topics: TexasUS NewsWeatherTexas floods

White House address Texas officials' claim Trump's NWS is to blame for flash floods as death toll rises to more than 100

White House address Texas officials’ claim Trump’s NWS is to blame for flash floods as death toll rises to more than 100

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has hit back at claims Donald Trump is to blame

The White House has addressed claims by Texas officials that Donald Trump’s cuts may be to blame for the devastating flash floods in the state.

As America enjoyed the Fourth of July celebrations on Friday, hundreds just outside the Texan town of Kerrville were hit by deadly floods.

The flash flooding has swept through Kerr County in Texas, as rescue teams continue to look for survivors.

It swept away mobile homes, vehicles, and holiday cabins, which were being used by Americans celebrating Independence Day.

One month’s worth of heavy rain fell in a matter of hours, leading to the Guadalupe River rising to the dangerous level of 26 feet. This lead to a state of emergency being declared in several counties.

The death toll from the floods has since climbed to more than 100, while a unknown number of others are still missing, officials have confirmed.

Over 100 people have died as a result of the floods (RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

Over 100 people have died as a result of the floods (RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

84 of the victims died in Kerr county, while the Sheriff has said 22 adults and 10 children have yet to be identified.

Some Texas officials are attributing the National Weather Service’s (NWS) failure to adequately warn emergency services about rainfall to blame, according to the New York Times.

It’s understood that ‘crucial positions’ at local NWS offices were unfilled due to the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) cost-cutting methods introduced by Elon Musk earlier this year.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has now hit back at speculation President Trump is to blame for the Texas floods.

“Blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie and it serves no purpose in the time of national mourning,” she said.

The White House press secretary went on to say the NWS ‘executed timely and precise forecasts and warnings’ despite the ‘unprecedented rainfall’ coming in Texas.

Donald Trump is not to blame, according to the White House press secretary (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Donald Trump is not to blame, according to the White House press secretary (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Leavitt added: “That [the floods] was an act of God. It’s not the administration’s fault that the flood hit when it did, but there were early and consistent warnings and, again, the National Weather Service did its job.”

On Sunday (July 6), Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County amid the ongoing tragedy.

“I would have done it today, but we’d just be in their way,” the president told pres. “It’s a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible.”

Speaking on behalf of the NWS, Erica Grow Cei, a certified broadcast meteorologist, has also spoken out following the July 4th weekend tragedy.

“The National Weather Service is heartbroken by the tragic loss of life,” she said.

The expert added that the agency remains ‘committed to our mission to serve the American public through our forecasts and decision support services’.

Featured Image Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images/Eric Vryn/Getty Images

Topics: Donald TrumpTexasUS NewsTexas floodsClimate Change

Teen camp counselors reveal chilling moment they wrote girls’ names on their bodies as Texas flood death toll rises So far, at least 27 campers have lost their lives Read More
Jennifer Aniston debuts new romance with life coach Jim Curtis as they're spotted on Mallorca vacation

Jennifer Aniston debuts new romance with life coach Jim Curtis as they’re spotted on Mallorca vacation

Jennifer Aniston debuts new romance with life coach Jim Curtis as they're spotted on Mallorca vacation

Jennifer Aniston and Jim Curtis’ rumored romance first caught attention when the actress was caught liking and even commenting on some of Curtis’ social media posts (Getty Images and Jim Curtis/Instagram)

Jennifer Aniston debuts new romance with life coach Jim Curtis as they’re spotted on Mallorca vacation

MALLORCA, SPAIN: Jennifer Aniston is officially off the dating market as she has found a new beau after staying single for roughly seven years.

The actress recently sparked romance rumours with dashing life coach and love guru Jim Curtis, with whom she was spotted flying off to Mallorca for the Fourth of July weekend, according to the Daily Mail.

Jennifer Aniston enthusiastically introduces Jim Curtis to her friends on Mallorca vacation

The Hollywood diva effortlessly exuded elegance in Mallorca as she turned heads in a sleek black tank top, which she styled with a pair of flared jeans and a stylish wide-brimmed hat.

Notably, this isn’t the new lovebirds’ first public appearance together — just last month, Aniston and Curtis were reportedly spotted enjoying each other’s company at the luxury hotel Ventana Big Sur in Northern California.

The duo’s rumored romance first caught public attention when the actress liked and even commented on some of Curtis’ social media posts.

On social media, Curtis describes himself as a “transformational coach and hypnotherapist” and boasts some 550,000 followers on Instagram.

The love guru often shares uplifting quotes and “manifestations” aimed at helping followers shed old patterns and embrace love — and it turns out Aniston has quietly been among his online audience for nearly two years.

Curtis also authored ‘Shift: Quantum Manifestation Guide: A Workbook for Coding a New Consciousness’, a book Aniston revealed she was reading in May this year.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jim Curtis (@jimcurtis1)

Another hint of their budding romance came in April, when Aniston revealed she has turned to hypnosis to conquer her fear of flying.

And not so surprisingly, Curtis offers a therapy which he calls “hypno-realization,” a practice which he says helps people “break free from their past to create an entirely new reality of powerful loving connection.”

Jennifer Aniston’s turbulent love life

Before meeting Jim Curtis, Jennifer Aniston apparently endured a turbulent love life, which saw her tying the knot with actor Brad Pitt in 2000.

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston at the premiere of 'The Mexican' at the National Theater in Los Angeles, Ca. 2/23/01. (Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Kevin Winter).
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston at the premiere of ‘The Mexican’ at the National Theater on February 23, 2001, in Los Angeles, California (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

However, their marriage didn’t last long as they parted ways in 2005 when Pitt secretly started dating Angelina Jolie, whom he met on the set of ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’.

Following the brutal divorce, Aniston didn’t find herself ready for another marriage until 2015, when she exchanged vows with Justin Theroux.

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux attend the ceremony honoring Jason Bateman with a Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame on July 25, 2017, in Hollywood, California. (JB Lacroix/WireImage)
Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux attend the ceremony honoring Jason Bateman with a Star On The Hollywood Walk of Fame on July 25, 2017, in Hollywood, California (JB Lacroix/WireImage)

But sadly, this one also turned out to be a short-lived romance as they filed for divorce just three years later.

In 2022, Aniston suffered another heartbreak when she announced that she had unsuccessfully tried IVF — and wished she had frozen her eggs years earlier.

“It was a challenging road for me, the baby-making road,” Aniston said at the time, adding, “All the years and years and years of speculation… It was really hard. I was going through IVF, drinking Chinese teas, you name it. I was throwing everything at it.”

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 16: Jennifer Aniston attends the
Jennifer Aniston attends the ‘Murder Mystery 2’ photocall at Pont Debilly on March 16, 2023, in Paris, France (Getty Images)

“I would’ve given anything if someone had said to me, ‘Freeze your eggs. Do yourself a favor.’ You just don’t think it. So here I am today. The ship has sailed,” she mentioned.

Jennifer Aniston debuts new romance with life coach Jim Curtis as they’re spotted on Mallorca vacation Read More