ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – BeBe Shopp, Miss America 1948, continues to inspire and captivate audiences at 95 years old. Known as the oldest living Miss America, Shopp made a historic appearance in Orlando this weekend, gracing the red carpet and stage during the pageant world tour and the crowning of Miss America 2026. Florida National News was on hand to capture the moment and speak with the legendary titleholder, whose elegance, humor, and legacy remain timeless.

Bebe Shopp, Miss America 1948, attends the 2026 Miss America Finals in Orlando, Florida. Photo: J. Willie David, III / Florida National News

A Historic Reign That Changed Miss America

Born Beatrice Bella Shopp on August 17, 1930, in Hopkins, Minnesota, she made history when she was crowned Miss America in 1948. At just 18 years old, she became the first Miss America to be crowned while wearing an evening gown instead of the traditional bathing suit, signaling a cultural shift in the pageant. Her reign marked a pivotal time in American history, as the nation was still recovering from World War II and embracing new symbols of grace, talent, and resilience.

Sharing wisdom and Humor at 95

During red carpet arrivals, Florida National News spoke to Bebe Shopp, who was escorted by the current Miss Minnesota. With a warm smile, Shopp reflected on her life’s journey, telling FNN: “I would like to figure out where did 95 years go.” She proudly shared that she recently celebrated her 95th birthday.

When FNN’s Monica Hoyos complimented her radiant appearance by saying, “I hope to look as good as you when I reach 95,” Shopp playfully reassured her: “You will, you will. Just keep being happy.”

Her joy for the moment was undeniable. When asked how she felt being part of the event, Shopp exclaimed with excitement: “I love it, I love it!” Then, with her signature humor, she added: “To see all of my old sisters—old sisters—no, I’m the oldest!” she laughed, delighting the crowd around her.

Bebe Shopp, Miss America 1948, attends the 2026 Miss America Finals in Orlando, Florida. Photo: J. Willie David, III / Florida National News

An Icon Who Continues to Inspire

Now at 95, Bebe Shopp holds the distinguished title of being the oldest living Miss America, a testament not only to her longevity but also to her continued relevance in American culture. She has witnessed the evolution of the Miss America Organization firsthand, from its early beginnings as a beauty pageant to its transformation into a scholarship competition focused on leadership, service, and empowerment.

Her appearance at the crowning of Miss America 2026 in Orlando reminded audiences of the pageant’s enduring legacy and the importance of honoring those who paved the way. For many, seeing Bebe Shopp on stage was not only a nostalgic honor but also a living reminder of perseverance, elegance, and joy.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –After being abruptly pulled from ABC’s lineup, Jimmy Kimmel Live! is returning to air on Tuesday, September 23. The show’s removal on September 15 followed Kimmel’s controversial remarks regarding the political response to the death of Charlie Kirk, in which he criticized what he called the “MAGA gang” for exploiting the tragedy. The backlash was immediate. Not only did ABC suspend the show indefinitely, but major affiliate groups like Nexstar and Sinclair refused to carry it, and even the FCC’s chairman, Brendan Carr, weighed in with talk of possible regulatory consequences.

Now, just over a week later, Disney has reversed course. The company released a carefully worded statement suggesting the monologue was “ill-timed,” but emphasized that conversations with Kimmel had led to a path forward. The show’s return doesn’t erase what happened—but it does mark a moment of reckoning. Viewers are left asking: Was this about public sensitivity, or was it a reaction to political pressure? Was Disney protecting its audience, or protecting its interests?

Whether audiences will return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! in full force remains to be seen. Loyal fans may interpret the show’s reinstatement as a win for free speech, and for those who protested what they saw as censorship, it’s a signal that collective pushback works. But there are also those who were turned off by the controversy altogether either because they felt Kimmel went too far, or because they saw Disney’s suspension as a betrayal of its responsibility to protect artistic freedom. The show’s first night back could draw big numbers, if only out of curiosity but the real test will be in the weeks that follow.

The deeper issue here isn’t just Kimmel or one late-night monologue. It’s about the balance between speech, sensitivity, and influence. When a corporation like Disney reacts to political backlash by temporarily silencing one of its most visible voices, it raises a question about where editorial lines are drawn and who gets to draw them. The FCC’s involvement adds another layer of unease. If federal regulators can threaten action over televised opinion, what does that mean for other entertainers, journalists, or public figures who speak critically about political movements?

At the same time, the viewer response underscores something else: the power of collective protest. There were coordinated calls to cancel Disney+ subscriptions, open letters in defense of Kimmel, and vocal opposition to the suspension across social platforms. The public didn’t stay silent and that may be one reason ABC chose not to either. In this sense, the incident reflects how modern media is being shaped not just by shareholders and executives, but by the audiences themselves.

Still, this isn’t just about winning a PR battle. The larger conversation now turns to what kind of content creators are allowed to make in a climate that is increasingly politically charged and commercially fragile. Will this episode encourage other hosts to speak more carefully or will it inspire bolder commentary in defiance of censorship? For Disney, the move to bring Kimmel back may help contain damage to its brand, but it also signals a new reality: that silence can cost just as much as speech.

In the end, Jimmy Kimmel Live! returning isn’t just about late-night television. It’s a flashpoint in a broader cultural moment, where the right to speak, the duty to listen, and the forces that control the airwaves are all being renegotiated in real time. Whether you tune in on Tuesday or not, the bigger show might be the one playing out between the networks, their audiences, and the shifting definition of free expression.

We’ll be back here after the episode airs to break down how viewers responded, what the ratings reveal, and what comes next for late-night television.

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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Cardi B is making noise once again — not just with music, but with meaning. Today, the Bronx-born rapper released her long-awaited sophomore album Am I the Drama?, a fiery, genre-bending 23-track project that arrives seven years after her Grammy-winning debut Invasion of Privacy. Featuring collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion, Kehlani, Summer Walker, Lizzo, Selena Gomez, and even Janet Jackson, the album cements Cardi’s return as one of music’s most fearless voices.

To celebrate the release, Cardi appeared on The Breakfast Club, where she spoke candidly about her life as a mother of three, with a fourth on the way and how she’s learned to juggle the demands of family and fame with more confidence than ever before.

“This time around, I feel like I know what I’m doing,” Cardi shared during the interview. “It’s not easy, but I’ve learned how to move…how to make space for my kids and still be the boss I need to be.”

Unlike the early years of her fame, when she often struggled with the chaos of new motherhood and a skyrocketing career, Cardi now speaks with clarity and purpose about what it means to do both. Her message to other women — especially working moms — is one of resilience and possibility.

“I want people to know you don’t have to give up on your dreams,” she said. “You can have your career, and you can have your family…it’s hard, but it’s possible.”

In a lighthearted moment, the Breakfast Club hosts surprised Cardi with a mini baby shower on air, complete with balloons and a few laughs. But beneath the fun was a deeper celebration: of growth, of persistence, and of a woman who refuses to choose between parts of herself.

Am I the Drama? is more than a comeback — it’s a statement. Cardi B isn’t just here to reclaim her spot at the top of the charts; she’s here to show that motherhood and ambition aren’t at odds. They’re both part of her power.

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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com