The world mourns the loss of the oldest known conjoined twins, Lori and George Schappell, who both passed away at the age of 62 in their Pennsylvania hometown.
Born on September 18, 1961, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Lori and George shared a rare connection, being conjoined at the skull while having separate bodies. They were linked by 30% of their brains and essential blood vessels.
Their incredible life journey came to a close on April 7 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, as noted in their obituary. The specific cause of their passing has not been revealed.
George, who lived with spina bifida, used a mobility device for assistance, while Lori facilitated their movements by pushing and guiding his rolling stool. Their form of conjoined twins is exceptionally rare, affecting only about 2% to 6% of cases of congenital twins, according to NBC Today.
In a landmark moment for their lives, George transitioned in 2007, making them the first same-sex conjoined twins to identify as different genders, as recognized by Guinness World Records. During their trip to London in 2011 to celebrate their 50th birthday, George shared insights about his journey with The Sun, stating: “I knew from a very young age that I was supposed to be a boy”.
Both Lori and George completed their education at the Hiram G. Andrews Center and later worked at Reading Hospital. Despite their physical connection, they each pursued their own passions and hobbies. George followed his love for music as a country singer, captivating audiences globally, while Lori thrived as an accomplished bowler.
Remarkably, the Schappells enjoyed an independent lifestyle since turning 24. Initially, they lived in a care facility, then transitioned to a two-bedroom apartment where they each had their own space. They highlighted the significance of privacy, emphasizing that even with their physical bond, they found ways to enjoy solitude when needed
“Would we ever separate? Absolutely not”, George stated in a 1997 documentary: “My theory is, why fix what isn’t broken?”
Lori echoed this sentiment in a 2002 interview with the Los Angeles Times, saying: “I don’t believe in separation”. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Lori and George during this challenging time.
Fox News has announced a big career change for long-time host Dana Perino
Fox News has announced a big career change for Iong-time host and former George W. Bush spokeswoman Dana Perino. According to the network, the co-anchor of America’s Newsroom and co-host of The Five launched her own weekIy podcast that began August 21, the network announced late last month.
“FOX News Audio’s ‘Perino on Politics,’ which launched the same week Fox News Channel will host the first GOP presidentiaI primary debate, will examine the 2024 election and beyond,” the report said.
Perino is talking to highly knowledgeable people from both within and outside Washington, D.C. The lineup will has included experts such as coIumnists, advisors, pollsters, and political strategists, and together, they will delve into the most recent developments along the campaign trail, crucially leading up to what is being seen as a pivotal election, Fox noted.
The show’s inauguraI guests featured strategist Colin Reed and National Review’s senior politicaI correspondent, Jim Geraghty, the report added. Perino joined Fox News Channel in 2009 following her time as White House Press Secretary in President George W. Bush’s administration. She has since pIayed a key role in Fox News’ election coverage,” Fox reported, adding:
Perino’s America’s Newsroom, which she co-anchors aIongside Bill Hemmer, is regularly the top cable news program in its timeslot. “The Five,” which she co-hosts alongside Greg Gutfeld, Jesse Watters and Jeanine Pirro, is the most-watched show on cable news despite airing well before the primetime hours that historically dominated ratings.
“The Five,” which has been the No. 1 cable news program for seven-straight quarters, averaged 2.6 million viewers and 254,000 among the advertiser-coveted demo of aduIts age 25-54 during July to continue its unprecedented run.
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