Entertainment
10 Most Essential ‘Breaking Bad’ Episodes, Ranked
Imagine you’re walking down the street, just minding your own business. Then bam, you’ve been cursed. For the rest of your days, you can only rewatch 10 episodes from Breaking Bad. At this point you’ve stopped in your tracks, devastated, confused. Why is this happening? But it’s no time for self-pity; you have to think fast! Which episodes from this beloved crime show will you choose? As most (if not all) fans can attest, there are so many worth watching again and again that it’s pretty hard to narrow down your favorites to 10.
Really every episode Breaking Bad feels essential to the whole, but which ones do you need the most to satisfy your occasional hankering for Vince Gilligan‘s most popular series? Probably not “Fly,” as cool and underrated as it is. Another mistake would be to choose half of your list from one specific season, which would make the rewatching experience feel even more imbalanced than it would with episodes more spread out from one another. Basically, you want to choose chapters that are not only perfect in and of themselves but also feel essential to grasping the character arcs over the course of the series. Capturing the suspense, the humor, the darkness, and what makes us keep coming back, these 10 episodes may just be enough to understand this show’s brilliance.
10
“Pilot”
Season 1, Episode 1
A pair of pants fall to the ground. An RV is racing through the desert, and a middle-aged man wearing nothing more than a gas mask and tighty-whities is behind the wheel. The guy in the passenger seat is knocked out, and there appear to be two bodies sliding around in the back. Now that is how you begin a series: the frantic energy, the darkly comedic imagery, the many questions the audience is left with.
Had the show not begun in medias res, it wouldn’t quite have the same energy. However, everything in between that opening scene and when we finally see how things turn out still keeps our gazes firmly on the screen. After getting diagnosed with cancer, Walter (Bryan Cranston) keeps it to himself while acting out in various entertaining ways. Watching him beat up a bully, quit the car wash, and team up with his old student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) is incredibly fun. No notes.
9
“Crazy Handful of Nothin’”
Season 1, Episode 6
You might think of “Crazy Handful of Nothin’” as the climax of season one. Walt and Jesse try to get back into the meth business, but now they have to work with Tuco (Raymond Cruz). Jesse makes a fool of himself, which leaves everything to a newly-bald Walt. In the meantime, Hank (Dean Norris) traces a gas mask back to Walt’s high school, at which point he watches a kind custodian take the blame for Walt’s crime.
This is the birth of Heisenberg. When he introduces himself to Tuco and his men, we can see that Walt’s not messing around. And when we see what Walt does, what he’s capable of, we see that he’s really not messing around. “Want to find out?” is one of the best lines in the show. Along with that opening scene, which produces a similar level of intrigue as the opener to “Pilot,” the audience witnesses a man who realizes just how much he can accomplish with enough nerve and grit.
8
“Phoenix”
Season 2, Episode 12
By the time we get to “Phoenix,” Jesse and Jane (Krysten Ritter) are using heroin in Jesse’s apartment. Her father Donald (John de Lancie) catches her, which is one of the saddest moments in the show. It’s painful to watch Jane’s father hang up that phone right before calling the police. This decision will haunt him for the rest of his life, and the tragedy that unfolds hits just as hard today as it did then.
After Walt missed the birth of his child because Jesse wasn’t around, he is both furious at and terribly concerned for Jesse’s well-being. His refusal to give Jesse his share until he’s clean echoes Donald’s attempt to help his daughter, and their coincidental meeting at a bar solidifies the episode’s theme of parenting a troubled adult. However, this episode is ultimately defined by that devastating final scene, where we see Walt take one big step further into his moral descent.
7
“Half Measures”
Season 3, Episode 12
Another big jump. In season three’s second-to-last episode, “Half Measures,” Jesse finds out that the guys who killed Combo (Rodney Rush) were also selling the blue stuff. Jesse is hell-bent on killing them, and Walt tries his best to try and calm his partner down. His plan to have Jesse arrested is stomped out by Mike (Jonathan Banks), who gives him an anecdote that goes down as one of the show’s greatest monologues by a mile.
As Gus steps in to bring the peace, even his meeting with the drug dealers fails. He tells them to stop using children, so they kill the kid who killed Combo. Not what Jesse had in mind, especially since that kid was actually his girlfriend’s brother. This leads to one of the biggest plot twists in the show. Along with that amusing moment when Marie convinces Hank to leave the hospital, this episode is non-stop perfection.
6
“Full Measure”
Season 3, Episode 13
Fans thought that the previous episode’s final scene was intense, but “Full Measure” tops it anyway. Pinkman’s on the run from Gus, who reluctantly allows Walt to keep cooking despite the double-homicide. But now that Gale (David Costabile) is back as Jesse’s replacement, it’s clear that Gus is just going to have Gale learn Walt’s process and then kill him off. So Gale has to go, and the episode’s great twist lies in whose job it is to kill him.
That final scene is so immersive—emphasizing just how confusing and horrifying this sudden extermination is for Gale while making it crystal clear just how difficult it is for Jesse to follow through. This finale leaves a permanent stamp on Pinkman’s psyche, darkens the show’s general tone more than any other finale, and solidifies the show’s reputation as one of the greatest thrillers of all time.
5
“Problem Dog”
Season 4, Episode 7
If you can’t afford to gift your child a Dodge Challenger, do you A) return it to the dealership, or B) drive donuts and blow it up? If you’re a sensible person, you pick option A, but Heisenberg’s pride is swelling too large in season four’s “Problem Dog.” Meanwhile, Hank manages to get Gustavo’s fingerprints and find out he knew Gale. Impressive police work, but the heart and soul of this episode is Jesse.
He almost kills Gus at a meeting, but doesn’t have the time. He later goes to a Narcotics Anonymous group meeting, where he gets as close as he possibly can to confessing his murder. Yet only so much understanding can come from describing Gale as “a problem dog,” and the conversation that ensues is excruciating. This scene is so intense, so well shot, and so beautifully acted that only an astounding drama could pull it off.
4
“Face Off”
Season 4, Episode 13
A clever play on words that foreshadows the episode’s climax, “Face Off” ends season four with a literal bang. So much has been said about this entry in the Breaking Bad saga that there really isn’t much to add. Hector Salamanca’s (Mark Margolis) visit to the DEA: hilarious. Gustavo’s visit to the nursing home: magnificent. The final moment when Hector actually looks at Gus and starts clinking his bell is one of the most legendary moments in television history.
There’s also the classic line, “I won.” So concise, so badass. But the greatest moment of the episode is the final scene, which has no words: a camera merely zooms in on a houseplant, resulting in a plot twist that completes Walter White’s transformation into a full-blown villain. From its humor to its suspense, “Face Off” is a slam dunk of an episode.
3
“Say My Name”
Season 5, Episode 7
In the beginning of “Say My Name,” Heisenberg can cash out so easily. In fact, every single person involved in the deal wants him to walk away. However, with the power of confidence, persuasion, and a bunch of meth that’s “ready to go,” the great cook gets to keep doing what he loves best. The line we all know and love, “Say my name,” shows just how far he’s come from season one.
With the DEA on his back, Mike has to flee town—even having to leave his granddaughter at the park. Walt is supposed to help him escape, but he’s so concerned with the men whom Mike has been paying off that he demands that Mike tell him who they are. When Walt shoots him, we can see how Heisenberg’s inflated ego and immaturity are clouding his judgment. With the sun going down, we say farewell to yet another iconic character.
2
“Granite State”
Season 5, Episode 15
A ton of material is packed into “Granite State,” yet the pace couldn’t possibly be any better. There’s even room for that hysterical joke in the beginning, when Saul takes a peek at a camera that shows Walt in a less-than-content state of mind. Most of the episode is dead serious, though, as we say goodbye to Saul and Walt says goodbye to New Mexico for a state whose slogan is particularly meaningful to the man’s storyline.
Meanwhile, Todd (Jesse Plemons) convinces his colleagues to let Jesse live. But that’s hardly merciful; they threaten Skyler in her baby’s room. Then they shoot Andrea (Emily Rios) in front of Jesse, which is one of the most difficult scenes in the show to watch. Meanwhile, it’s fascinating to see Walt all alone, surrounded by snow, with all his hair back (and more). That final scene in the bar, from the phone call to the television interview, is absolutely riveting. Everything here sets us up for one of the greatest series finales of all time.
1
“Felina”
Season 5, Episode 16
Some shows don’t stick the landing, and some do. With “Felina,” it’s pretty safe to say that Breaking Bad is an example of the best-case scenario. And that doesn’t mean everyone’s happy: Walt’s last conversation with Skyler works as an incredibly bitter and complex goodbye, Walt has to traumatize his two former colleagues to make them secretly use his meth money, and so on.
At this point, Walt is so used to manipulating people that his schemes to tie up all the loose ends almost seem effortless. We also have a fair amount of confidence that he’ll succeed, given this is the finale and all, and yet this doesn’t detract from the emotional power of this meticulously crafted character arc coming to a close. Along with that tense meeting with the neo-Nazis, the shootout, and his last interaction with Jesse, this series finale is as good as it gets.
Breaking Bad
- Release Date
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2008 – 2013-00-00
- Network
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AMC
- Showrunner
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Vince Gilligan
- Directors
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Vince Gilligan, Michelle Maclaren
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Sabrina Carpenter delivered a standout performance at Coachella, earning praise for her vocals and stage presence. However, amid the high-energy set, a brief interaction with a fan in the crowd quickly drew attention online, with some viewers calling the singer “insensitive” and sparking debate across social media platforms.
Sabrina Carpenter Calls Out ‘Yodelling’ Fan
On March 10, Sabrina Carpenter headlined the main stage at Coachella, performing several songs from her discography, including “Please, Please, Please,” “Espresso,” and “Manchild.” Before starting one of her songs, the singer paused, looked to the crowd and said, “I think I heard someone yodelling.”
“Is that what you’re doing?” the singer asked, seemingly confused. “I don’t like it,” she added. The fan screamed from the crowd to answer Carpenter, saying that it was part of their culture. “That’s your culture, yodelling?” the singer responded. “It’s a call. A celebration,” the fan replied.
“Is this Burning Man? What’s going on? This is weird,” Carpenter remarked before continuing her performance. The clip quickly made the rounds online, sparking debate over whether the singer’s reaction came across as insensitive.
The Fan Was Not Yodelling
Social media users shared their reaction to the interaction, with some identifying the fan’s cheer as a zaghroot or zaghrouta, a high-pitched sound or ululation used in Middle Eastern and North African cultures to express happiness during celebrations, such as weddings, graduations, and family gatherings, per Arab America.
Pop superstar Shakira, who is of Lebanese and Colombian descent, famously did a zaghrouta during her performance with Jennifer Lopez at the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show, per CBS News. Looking straight at the camera, the singer wiggled her tongue and ululated as a nod to her heritage. Back then, viewers who weren’t aware of the cultural context poked fun at Shakira, but they were swiftly corrected by others who recognized the tradition and its significance.
Sabrina Carpenter Was Called ‘Insensitive’
The Coachella fan interaction triggered some negative reactions, with users pointing out that Capenter could have responded better after being told it was part of the fan’s culture.
“Please that was so alarming!! the audience explained that it’s a call for celebration and she dismissed it like that,” one wrote. “I didn’t know sh-t abt this cheer but if someone told me ‘that’s my culture’ the last thing I’d do is double down and call it weird. So f-cking dumb omg,” another commented.
“I love Sabrina but she should’ve just stopped after they mentioned it being a part of their culture,” added another user. “She really doesn’t know how to talk just shut up and sing,” said another.
Some Users Defended The Singer
The internet is divided on the controversy, and while many called out Carpenter’s actions, there were others who defended her.
“Not even a fan but I’m Arab and I don’t find this disrespectful. how would she know it’s a part of our culture she probably thought the person wasn’t serious,” one user noted, adding that she found zaghroot “genuinely annoying.”
One user said, “IT IS WEIRD LEAVE HER ALONE”. “how was she supposed to know she was high up on stage i bet she could barely hear them,” another one wrote, defending the singer.
One reddit user shared her observation, writing, “I noticed she hates random sounds. I went to an LA show and ppl barked and she was so p-ssed.”
Sabrina Carpenter Delighted Fans With Celebrity Cameos
The viral fan interaction wasn’t the only topic of conversation about Carpenter’s performance. Her 21-song Coachella setlist featured cameo appearances from several celebrities. The first appearance was from actor Sam Elliot, who played a cop in a pre-taped video played before Carpenter’s set began.
Midway through the set, Susan Sarandon appeared, playing an older version of the singer and delivering a monologue. The singer’s “Girl Meets World” co-star, Corey Fogelmanis, also made a cameo appearance as a waiter at a drive-in theater.
Toward the end of Carpenter’s song, “Bed Chem,” comedian Will Ferrell, dressed as an electrician, grumpily “fixes” the electricity. Lastly, Samuel L. Jackson made a vocal cameo on the song “Juno,” introducing himself as a spiritual guide and later urging Carpenter to “finish the motherf-cking song.”
Entertainment
Apple TV’s 6-Part Sci-Fi Series Falls Short of Streaming Competition Despite Strong Reviews
For All Mankind has been one of Apple TV’s most respected originals for years, but even prestige sci-fi can get crowded out when a platform’s lineup gets busy. Right now, that’s exactly what seems to be happening. The show is still pulling viewers, just not at the same level as some of Apple TV’s louder current titles.
FlixPatrol’s worldwide Apple TV chart for April 6 places For All Mankind at No. 4, behind Your Friends & Neighbors, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, and Shrinking. That’s not a collapse by any means, but it does show the series isn’t dominating globally at the moment.
The cast for the penultimate season includes Joel Kinnaman’s seemingly immortal Ed Baldwin; Sean Kaufman as his grandson, Alex; Toby Kebbell as Miles Dale; Edi Gathegi as Dev Ayesa; Cynthy Wu as Kelly Baldwin; Coral Peña as Aleida Rosales; Wrenn Schmidt as Margo Madison; Mireille Enos as Celia Boyd; Costa Ronin as Lenya Andropov; Ruby Cruz as Lily Dale; and Ines Asserson as Ingrid Solheim.
How Good Is ‘For All Mankind’?
Therese Lacson stated in her review that For All Mankind Season 5 continues to show just why the series is one of Apple TV’s most impressive, well-made and consistently rewarded sci-fi dramas, expanding its lore in the alternate reality while keeping its emotional core firmly grounded in relationships. What began as a Cold War space race drama has now evolved into a sprawling, multi-generational story set in a fully colonized Mars, and the transition feels earned rather than overwhelming.
“The creators of the series have always planned a seven-season arc, and For All Mankind is proof that when streamers have faith in their shows and allow them to grow, they can create pure magic. With each episode, Season 5 builds tension while giving us brief moments of relief, all culminating in another massive shift that promises to usher in a completely new and exciting age.”
For All Mankind is streaming now on Apple TV.
- Release Date
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November 1, 2019
- Network
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Apple TV
- Directors
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Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, Andrew Stanton, Meera Menon, Dan Liu, Allen Coulter, Craig Zisk, Dennie Gordon, John Dahl, Lukas Ettlin, Wendey Stanzler, Seth Gordon, Sylvain White, Michael Morris, Maja Vrvilo, Sarah Boyd
- Writers
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Ronald D. Moore, Matt Wolpert, Ben Nedivi, Bradley Thompson, David Weddle, Nichole Beattie, Joe Menosky
Congressman Eric Swalwell’s senior staff have said they are “horrified” by sexual misconduct allegations made against him.
“As leaders of teams working for Eric Swalwell, we’re horrified by the recent reporting in the San Francisco Chronicle and by CNN,” a statement signed by staffers for Swalwell’s 14th congressional district and the “Eric Swalwell for Governor 2026” campaign read on Saturday, April 11. “We stand with our former colleague, and the other women who have come forward. We believe you should stand with them, too.”
His staff went on, “The behavior detailed in these reports is abhorrent, beneath the dignity of those serving in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians.”
Despite their condemnation of the Democratic representative, his staffers addressed why they cannot necessarily quit their jobs at this time.
Nancy Pelosi, Hakeem Jeffries and more prominent Democrats are reacting to claims Eric Swalwell, a Democratic congressman representing California’s 14th congressional district, sexually assaulted and harassed multiple women. “This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability,” Pelosi said in a statement in response to the allegations. “As I discussed with […]
“We also understand that we lead teams who need guidance and stability now, more than ever. We are focused on supporting our colleagues during this challenging time,” they said in a joint statement. “Any decision of staff members to remain in their roles in the interim should not be viewed as support for Eric Swalwell. We recognize that not everyone — in particular our junior staff — can immediately forfeit their income and benefits without significant personal risk or consequence. Our responsibility now is to them.”
Their statement concluded, “We, more than he, understand that we have obligations to the people we lead and to the constituents of California’s 14th Congressional District. Those of us that remain on staff do so for the sole purpose of ensuring that as many of those obligations are fulfilled as possible.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Representative Swalwell’s office for comment.
Swalwell has been accused of sexual misconduct and harassment by four women. He has strenuously denied all allegations. (The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office launched an investigation into the accusations on Saturday.)
An anonymous former Swalwell staffer told CNN that the Congressman pursued her romantically when she worked at his Castro Valley, California, headquarters in 2019. She alleged that Swalwell propositioned her for oral sex and later invited her out for a drink, where she “blacked out” and allegedly woke up naked in Swalwell’s hotel bed, at which time she allegedly felt that he’d initiated vaginal intercourse.
Rep. Eric Swalwell in 2019. Patrick Semansky-Pool/Getty Images
Another accuser, Ally Sammarco, alleged that Swalwell sent her “very inappropriate” text messages via Snapchat. Two other anonymous women accused the politician of sexual harassment and unwanted touching.
Swalwell has been married to Brittany Watts since 2016 and they share three children. On Saturday, April 11, Swalwell denied any wrongdoing, alleging that he was being targeted because he was a frontrunner in California’s gubernatorial race.
“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything I have,” Swalwell said in a statement. “They also come on the eve of an election, where I have been the frontrunner candidate for governor of California.”
He went on, “I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I’m a saint — I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this position.”
The late Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have spoken out after first lady Melania Trump attempted to distance herself from the convicted sex offender in a White House speech. “Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have already shown extraordinary courage by coming forward, filing reports and giving testimony. Asking more of them now is a deflection of responsibility, not […]
Many prominent Democrats — including former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries — have called on Swalwell to drop out of the gubernatorial primaries.
“This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability,” Pelosi, 86, said in a statement on Saturday. “As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that this is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
California’s gubernatorial primary election will be held June 2.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Congressman Eric Swalwell is facing sexual assault allegations from multiple women, a Manhattan District Attorney’s investigation and calls from top Democrats to end his campaign for California governor.
Four women — including a former staffer who claims the politician raped her — accused Swalwell in April 2026 of sexual misconduct and harassment. Swalwell has categorically denied all the allegations.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” Swalwell said in a statement. “For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women.”
Swalwell, a Democratic congressman representing California’s 14th congressional district, was the frontrunner in the 2026 race for California governor before the accusations made headlines.
Keep scrolling to learn more about the scandal and resulting investigation:
What Are the Allegations Against Eric Swalwell?
One of Eric Swalwell’s former staffer, who was 21 when she was hired, claimed that he attempted to pursue her romantically when she worked at his district office in Castro Valley, California, in 2019. She alleged he messaged her via Snapchat, sent her images of his genitals and sought nude pictures in return. She also claimed Swalwell tried to kiss her in her car and later asked her to perform oral sex on him.
The woman further alleged that Swalwell invited her out for drinks in September 2019, where she “blacked out” and allegedly woke up naked in Swalwell’s hotel bed, at which point she felt the effects of vaginal intercourse.
“I kept figuring out ways to blame myself: I shouldn’t have reached out to him at all, I should have left, I should have done this,” an anonymous alleged victim told CNN in April 2026. “Well, Eric shouldn’t have raped me.”
Another woman, Ally Sammarco, claimed that Swalwell offered to “share her resume” with other congressional offices before sending her “very inappropriate” messages via Snapchat. Two additional women also accused the congressman of sexual harassment and unwanted touching. All the women, sans Sammarco, wished to remain anonymous fearing retaliation.
Eric Swalwell’s Denial and Apology to His Wife
Eric Swalwell addressed the allegations in a social media video, while also apologizing to his wife, Brittany Watts.
“I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I’m a saint. I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past,” he said in a social media video in April 2026. “Those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this potion.”
Watts, who shares three children with Swalwell, has not publicly addressed the scandal.
Ally Sammarco’s Husband Reacts to the Scandal
Alleged victim Ally Sammarco‘s husband, Adam Parkhomenko responded directly to Swalwell’s denial video in April 2026.
“My wife’s name is Ally Sammarco. Obviously you know that, but she’s not named anonymous,” Parkhomenko, a Democratic strategist and former DNC National Field Director, wrote via X in April 2026. “She also went on the record with CNN so that hopefully this does not happen to other women and maybe it would help other women come forward.”
In a second statement, Parkhomenko added, “I would just like to reiterate that if Eric Swalwell and his attorney believe any statements that my wife and I have made are not true, he should sue us immediately.”
Democrats Call for Eric Swalwell to Drop Out of Governor’s Race
Prominent members of the Democratic Party publicly reacted to Eric Swalwell’s misconduct scandal in April 20226.
“This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability,” Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. “As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that this is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, meanwhile, issued a joint statement with Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar. They called for Swalwell to “immediately end his campaign to be California’s next governor.”
Adam Gray, a Democrat from California who served as a campaign cochair for Swalwell, also called the reports “deeply disturbing” and withdrew his support in the congressman’s gubernatorial race.
Manhattan DA Opens Investigation
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office launched an investigation into Eric Swalwell on April 11, 2026.
“We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373,” the DA’s office told CNN in a statement. “Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.”
Us Weekly reached out to Swalwell’s communications director for comment.
Congressman Eric Swalwell’s Staff ‘Horrified’ By Sexual Misconduct Allegations
On the heels of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office opening an investigation into Congressman Eric Swalwell’s alleged misconduct, staffers from his 14th congressional district and the “Eric Swalwell for Governor 2026” campaign released a joint statement condemning him.
“As leaders of teams working for Eric Swalwell, we’re horrified by the recent reporting in the San Francisco Chronicle and by CNN,” they said. “We stand with our former colleague, and the other women who have come forward. We believe you should stand with them, too. The behavior detailed in these reports is abhorrent, beneath the dignity of those serving in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians.”
His staffers addressed why it was impossible for many of them to quit their jobs with Swalwell amid the ongoing scandal.
“We also understand that we lead teams who need guidance and stability now, more than ever. We are focused on supporting our colleagues during this challenging time,” they said in a joint statement.
“Any decision of staff members to remain in their roles in the interim should not be viewed as support for Eric Swalwell. “We recognize that not everyone — in particular our junior staff — can immediately forfeit their income and benefits without significant personal risk or consequence. Our responsibility now is to them.”
Their statement concluded, “We, more than he, understand that we have obligations to the people we lead and to the constituents of California’s 14th Congressional District. Those of us that remain on staff do so for the sole purpose of ensuring that as many of those obligations are fulfilled as possible.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Congressman Swalwell’s office for comment.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
Season 2 of “Temptation Island” is already delivering major drama, and for Scarlett Bentley, the experience ended with a life-changing decision. The 29-year-old marketing agency owner entered the island alongside her boyfriend, 27-year-old real estate entrepreneur Cole Mueller, hoping to work through ongoing issues in their two-year relationship. But by the end of the experiment, Scarlett made the surprising choice to leave the island alone. While the decision didn’t come easily, it marked a turning point for the “Temptation Island” star, who has since opened up about what really went wrong between them.
Scarlett Bentley Says ‘Trust Issues’ Weren’t About Cheating
Ahead of the season premiere, Scarlett shed light on what led the couple to the island in the first place, revealing that their struggles weren’t rooted in infidelity.
“Once we were there, I realized I wasn’t actually worried about Cole cheating,” she told Cosmo. “I think it would’ve been pretty crazy for either of us to actually do something like that…so I was just hoping that both of us would really look more deeply into our relationship and grow.”
Instead, Scarlett explained that their issues were more about communication, growth, and understanding each other on a deeper level.
Disappointment Over Cole’s Approach On The Island
While the experiment is designed to push contestants out of their comfort zones, Scarlett admitted she was left wanting more from Cole’s experience. She revealed that she had hoped he would take advantage of the opportunity to connect with others and gain perspective.
“I know that he was probably scared of me seeing anything that would upset me,” she explained. “It was a hard situation to navigate, and I think everyone just did their best, right?”
For Scarlett, the lack of exploration made it feel like a missed opportunity for both of them to truly evolve.
Scarlett Bentley Found Support In Unexpected Friendship
During her time on the island, Scarlett formed a close bond with fellow participant Bradley Bobbit, but she made it clear their connection remained strictly platonic.
“That first pick for that date was totally random,” Scarlett said. “I just chose Bradley on a whim, and had no idea that we would become such great friends. And after that first date, we had really great conversations. I was the oldest girl. He was the oldest guy. I think he was just really mature, and he spoke my language.”
According to Scarlett, that friendship became an important source of support throughout the process. “He was able to help me navigate my relationship, which was super helpful, considering I was just like wanting to grow and get answers,” she shared. “It always just felt like a deep friendship to me…and having a solid friend to lean on was huge.”
Scarlett Admits She Has Some Regrets
Looking back, Scarlett acknowledged that there are a few moments she might have handled differently, especially when it came time to communicate with Cole.
She admitted she “could have been a little softer” in the video message she left for him during the show. “Obviously, I’m only seeing very small clips of Cole’s experience, so in that moment, it felt right,” she said. “I wanted him to dive into the experience…but from what I had seen, it seemed like he wasn’t.”
Still, she ultimately stands by her decision to walk away, explaining that she was ready to move on from the relationship they once had. “I think I was just so over the old relationship that we were in, and I just wanted growth,” she told the outlet.
‘Temptation Island’ Puts Relationships Through The Ultimate Test
At its core, “Temptation Island” follows four couples at a crossroads who agree to test their relationships in one of the most extreme ways possible. Each pair arrives on a tropical island only to be immediately separated and surrounded by a group of attractive singles, forcing them to confront temptation head-on while navigating time apart.
“Isolated from one another, they will go on a journey full of temptation and self-reflection to decide whether to return to their lives together, chart a new path alone, or leave the island with someone new,” the show’s description states.
Season 2 of “Temptation Island” is streaming on Netflix now.
Amy Duggar is sharing what she believes could be just some of the many “promises” her famous family has made Kendra Duggar in the wake of her husband Joseph Duggar’s arrest for alleged child molestation.
“I guarantee you a promise has been made. Promises have been made. So here is just my ideas of what those might be — this is just my opinion, OK?” Amy, 39, alleged in a Friday, April 10, video shared via TikTok.
Amy, who has been a vocal critic of her famous reality TV family amid her cousins’ arrests, then pretended to be her family as she listed off what she says are just some of the potential promises they have made to Kendra, 27.
“Kendra we love you so much, we’re gonna band together as a family,” she began. “You know, I’m so sorry that he stumbled, I know that’s gotta be just heartbreaking but you know I know he loves you. And you all are so good together, this is just a little bit of a problem but you know what you’re showing your strength in god right now.”
Amy Duggar King has taken back her previous support of embattled cousin Joseph Duggar’s wife, Kendra Duggar, following Kendra’s arrest on a child endangerment charge. “I think that was a plot twist that no one saw coming,” Amy, 39, said of Kendra’s arrest during a Saturday, March 21, interview with TMZ. “When I gave that […]
She continued, “By staying with him and just being a devoted wife and loving him you are showing him God’s love. Your faith is being tested right now and I need you to stay strong because Joseph loves you so much. We’re all here to support you.”
Joseph, the seventh eldest child belonging to Jim Bob, 60 and Michelle, 59, was charged last month with lewd and lascivious behavior involving molestation of a victim less than 12 years old. He was also charged with lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older.
@amyrking
The charges were presented after a 14-year-old came forward to police accusing Joseph of molesting her when she was 9 during a 2020 vacation. Joseph was extradited to Florida, where the alleged crime took place, and has pleaded not guilty.
Kendra was later arrested and charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, second-degree, and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment. These secondary charges are unrelated to Joseph’s molestation allegations. Kendra was released on bond the same day she was arrested.
“We have the best lawyer for you. You know what? Not even just that, we might just try to drop those charges because it’s ridiculous that you got arrested,” Amy continued in her Friday video, again pretending to be her family as she listed off what she claims could be potential promises they have made to Kendra.
“Let me just tell you something — if you just stick around and you just show family loyalty things are gonna work out. This problem is going to fix itself,” she added. “We’ll take care of everything, just stay. This will all blow over and people are exaggerating. You made vows, you can’t just walk away.”
She concluded of her idea for possible promises she claims her family has made, “God hates divorce. Forgiveness is what God wants. You just need to stay and stay silent and stay quiet for the sake of your family. We’ll take care of the bills, don’t you worry about anything.”
Amy went on to claim that “that’s how it works” within her family amid their public scandals.
“It’s provision, with conditions,” she claimed. “Support, sure, but with strings attached and the help keeps them dependent. Real support doesn’t require silence and real support doesn’t trap you in a system that protected the problem in the first place.”
Amy Duggar King has thanked fans on behalf of her family following the arrests of her cousin Joseph Duggar and his wife, Kendra Duggar. The 19 Kids and Counting alum, 39, shared a message from the “God Lady Talk” Instagram account on Friday, March 27, which read, “Surround yourself with people who pray for you […]
While Amy believes her family has promised Kendra certain things in exchange for silence and for her to remain in her marriage, a source exclusively told Us Weekly that the opposite is true for Anna Duggar after her husband, Josh Duggar, was found guilty on child pornography charges.
“Anna has several family members who have strongly encouraged her to leave Josh,” the insider told Us. “It has been very difficult to have those conversations because Anna has always been so supportive of Josh, but the family felt that they had to let her know their thoughts.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
https://www.rainn.org/
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
https://www.childhelphotline.org/
Parents, teachers, and guardians interested in learning more about protecting children from exploitation can find useful tools and information at Know2Protect.
https://www.dhs.gov/know2protect
90210 alum Annalynne McCord revealed that she is engaged to longtime love Danny Cipriani after the rugby star proposed on Christmas Day 2025.
“I cried for 10 minutes straight,” McCord, 38, told People in an interview published on Saturday, April 11. “At some point, I realized I had to answer. I said, ‘Yes, but I can’t even speak,’ and he replied, ‘That’s okay, it’s actually a good sign that you are quiet for once.’ Then, we’re all laughing.”
McCord told the outlet that she was actually considering proposing to the athlete late last year, but her sisters “strongly discouraged” her from taking that step at the time.
“It occurred to me that I should just propose to him and I told my sisters. Both really questioned this choice, and they strongly discouraged it,” she recalled. “I decided to tell him that was my plan, but then the look on his face convinced me not to, and he fessed up and told me he had plans to propose to me on our upcoming trip to Cambodia.”
Cipriani’s proposal plans ultimately changed. On Christmas Day, he encouraged McCord to join the whole family for a movie and she went off to get changed.
“I come downstairs and there are rose petals everywhere and a rose petal heart,” she revealed. “Danny, down on one knee with a ring, waiting for me to step into the heart.”
Cipriani proposed at McCord’s Los Angeles home with a 15-carat, emerald-cut diamond with seven round accent diamonds set in the band. He also arranged for her family and friends to watch the proposal over Zoom.
Us Weekly exclusively revealed in May 2024 that McCord and Cipriani were officially back together. The two originally started dating in 2016, but went their separate ways four years later.
“I wasn’t looking for it at all. It kind of found me,” she told Us about her feelings for Cipriani. “It’s the most unlikely situation ever because I was with this person on and off for four years, and we were two shadows matching the shadow of the other person.”
AnnaLynne McCord in 2024. Kevin Winter/Getty Images
The two reconnected “as friends” a few years after splitting, with love blossoming once again.
“Now we’re together and it’s new, but we are both showing up for ourselves in life,” she explained. “And because we can show up for ourselves, we’re matching each other on every level and we’re having painful conversations of where we were, because they’re honest and they’re real and I wouldn’t want anything else.”
Prior to her relationship with Cipriani, McCord dated Twilight’s Kellan Lutz from 2008 to 2010 and later was with Prison Break star Dominic Purcell from 2011 to 2014. (Lutz, 41, married Brittany Gonzales in 2017 and they share two children: daughter Ashtyn Lilly, 5, and son Kasen Lane, 3. Purcell, 56, has been married to Tish Cyrus since 2023.)
Apple TV has gradually built up a diverse catalogue of shows from hot comedies like Ted Lasso or mind-bending sci-fi like Severance, but there is a 2024 crime drama lurking in the shadows that deserves more recognition. Bad Monkey offers one of the wackiest and feel-good approaches to crime, with Vince Vaughn‘s brand of comedy at the center. Written by Bill Lawrence and Carl Hiaasen, the show transports viewers to the sunny coasts of the Bahamas while also unveiling the disastrous impacts of building developments and disrupting the local ecosystem. It’s all tied together with a hilarious crime, one that begins with a lone severed arm.
Vaughn carries us through the twisty investigation as Andrew Yancy, a former Miami cop who now works as a health inspector. He is enjoying his peaceful but admittedly stagnant life in a coastal house when his best friend Rogelio (John Ortiz) shows up at his door with a limb in his trunk. Throughout his investigation, he falls for the magnetic coroner Rosa (Natalie Martinez), meets the wonderfully psychotic Eve (Meredith Hagner), and is also entangled in his ex-girlfriend’s, Bonnie (Michelle Monaghan), strange life — and, of course, there’s a monkey.
Vince Vaughn Leads a Comedic Cast in Apple TV’s ‘Bad Monkey’
With Vaughn at the helm of Bad Monkey, we immediately know that we’re in good hands in terms of comedy. The script is wry, sarcastic, and witty, as each cast member drops comedic gems at every turn, no matter how tense or dramatic the scene may be. The rest of the cast follows his lead while adding their own flair for well-timed quips, with Martinez making a fun scene partner for Vaughn. Their easy on-screen chemistry makes the criminal investigation fly by, as Rosa’s ferocity and passion pair beautifully with Yancy’s demeanor of a man who’s been in this game for too long, but just can’t help himself. Whether they are flirting in the morgue or running through the forest, every scene between the two is immersive.
Vince Vaughn Drops a Major ‘Bad Monkey’ Season 2 Update [Exclusive]
Vaughn describes Season 2 as “a really great next step for the characters.”
On the other side of the investigation is Hagner’s Eve, who is the kind of psychopath you will never tire of watching. She owns a tiny dog that likes to lick blood, a beautiful mansion she bounces around in with a manic sort of grace, and a stepdaughter (Caitlin Lawrence) she just doesn’t quite grasp — damn those pesky things called emotions. In the sunny hues of the Bahamas, Eve is a delightful and unpredictable antagonist who keeps our main characters guessing while delivering her own comical panache. Cartoonish in the best way, Hagner ensures that whenever the camera isn’t pointed at Vaughn, we still gain the same comedic value, just a tad more psychotic.
‘Bad Monkey’ Is a Feel-Good, Sunny Crime Drama
While the cast handles the comedic side of things, the rest of Bad Monkey strives to inject a little bit of wonder into our lives. Amid the dramatic turns of the criminal investigation are little nuggets of ecological knowledge and appreciation that remind us that beauty is all around us. They’re as simple as Yancy minding of the sea turtles in his backyard or Bonnie swimming with manatees in an absolutely breathtaking underwater scene. Just like in real life, natural beauty is tucked away in the corners of the show, emerging in fleeting sequences of wonder and reverence so as not to disrupt the pacing but to coax us into stillness for a couple of beats.
People also make up the ecosystem of the island, and Bad Monkey doesn’t forget that either. At the beginning, there is a seemingly separate storyline that gradually intertwines with the central one about a group of inhabitants worried about losing their homes. Neville (Ronald Peet) and his monkey are the embodiment of fighting for freedom on the island, while the intimidating Dragon Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith) and her mischievous ya-ya (L. Scott Caldwell) practice a magic that symbolizes the old traditions and history that are being threatened by the developers.
By seamlessly weaving cheap thrills with feel-good wonder, Bad Monkey effectively advocates for awareness, appreciation, and preservation of the natural world. The comedic cast and twisty storyline hook viewers in while the unexpected shots of nature inspire awe and empathy. It’s a gorgeous show that may first be a fun romp into the world of beachside crimes, but you’ll walk away with far more than you bargained for.
That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for The Beatles. From the Beatlemania phenomenon to the British invasion, the Liverpool quintet has become the ultimate pop culture sensation. That popularity also translates into numbers, as the band currently sits as the best-selling act in music history with over 600 million units sold. But it seems the sky is not the limit.
And there’s no better institution than NASA to send a group of suit-wearing, music-playing men into space — at least through their music. With 213 officially released songs in their catalogue, choosing just one is no easy task. Still, NASA ultimately settled on a particular track they deemed worthy of being sent to extraterrestrial beings, if any are out there.
The Beatles Marked the 40th Anniversary of “Across the Universe” by Beaming the Song into Outer Space
With Artemis II completing its journey around the Moon, it’s a fitting reminder that NASA isn’t just about rockets and science. Surprisingly, the high-tech institution also knows a thing or two about great music. On February 4, 2008, NASA made history by transmitting The Beatles’ iconic song “Across the Universe” directly into deep space, marking the first time a song was deliberately beamed beyond Earth’s atmosphere. In true Beatles fashion, the opportunity gave the track a literal “ticket to ride” to the North Star, Polaris at the speed of light, about 300,000 km per second (186,000 miles per second). To put that into perspective, light can circle Earth’s equator roughly 7.5 times in just one second at that speed.
Who’s Your Perfect Classic Rock Band?
This Beatles-NASA broadcast celebrated multiple milestones at once: the 40th anniversary of the song, NASA’s 50th anniversary, and the 45th anniversary of the Deep Space Network. What’s even more remarkable is that this was not NASA’s idea in the first place. Avid fan and Beatles historian Martin Lewis suggested that the agency send “something a little more cheery.” As a cherry on top, Paul McCartney congratulated NASA for their initiative, and asked them to “send his [my] love to the aliens.” While humans may never know if anyone, or anything, will hear it, the gesture itself takes the title of the song literally. If aliens are truly out there, at least they’ll know that Earth has got some great bands.
John Lennon Got the Inspiration for “Across the Universe” While Lying in Bed with His First Wife
Released as part of a 1969 charity album for the World Wildlife Fund, “Across the Universe” is one of many works credited under the Lennon–McCartney partnership. Written in a stream-of-consciousness style, the song focuses more on form than conventional lyric structure, mimicking the flow of thoughts as the narrator takes in their surroundings through sensory impressions, from the “images of broken light” to the “sounds of laughter.” Much of this self-enlightened tone is also influenced by the band’s interest in Transcendental Meditation, which explains the inclusion of the Sanskrit phrase “जय गुरु देव, ॐ” (Jai Guru Dev), meaning “All glory to Guru Dev.”
As John Lennon recounted to David Sheff, much of “Across the Universe” came to him in a moment of spontaneity — following an unusual incident involving his wife, Cynthia Lennon.
“I was lying next to my first wife in bed, you know, and I was irritated, and I was thinking. She must have been going on and on about something and she’d gone to sleep and I kept hearing these words over and over, flowing like an endless stream. I went downstairs and it turned into a sort of cosmic song rather than an irritated song, rather than a “Why are you always mouthing off at me?” [The words] were purely inspirational and were given to me as boom! I don’t own it you know; it came through like that.”
Three years before the “Across the Universe” broadcast, McCartney had the honor of sending a “wake-up” call to astronauts Bill McArthur and Valeri Tokarev aboard the International Space Station on 12 November 2005. In true space exploration tradition, wake-up calls are part of a decades-long practice in which Mission Control plays music or audio messages to help astronauts start their day in orbit. NASA has even publicly shared a full playlist of these wake-up calls for missions like Artemis II. What makes McArthur and Tokarev’s wake-up call especially memorable is that it was broadcast live from McCartney’s concert at the Arrowhead Pond (now the Honda Center) in Anaheim, California.
Before McCartney performed for McArthur and Tokarev, he briefly spoke to them mid-show, with the live broadcast displayed on the stage screens in front of an audience of 28,632 fans who erupted in cheers. McCartney sent his regards and wished them “all the very best for the rest of your mission.” Along with this short conversation, the 15-minute broadcast also included two special performances from McCartney: “English Tea” from Chaos and Creation in the Backyard and “Good Day Sunshine” from the Beatles’ 1966 album Revolver.
The entertainment capital of the world turned up the spotlight for Bruno Mars, transforming the Strip into a full-blown celebration for the decorated Grammy winner. From renaming a street in his honor to declaring Bruno Mars Day, the community paid tribute to one of its most beloved residency stars in true Las Vegas style.
April 10 Was Declared Bruno Mars Day
On April 10, Clark County officials proclaimed Bruno Mars Day to celebrate the singer’s significant impact on Las Vegas. Mars has had a continuous residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, which kicked off in 2016. He has performed hundreds of shows since then, grossing more than $154 million as of December 2025.
The day kicked off with a parade from the Bellagio to Park MGM, with a large crowd lined up on the streets to catch a glimpse of the man himself. The parade consisted of dance and cheer teams on double-decker buses, a mariachi band, a marching band, and a massive float. Mars, donning a white cowboy hat, joined the parade in a pink vintage convertible.
Park Avenue Becomes Bruno Mars Drive
Mars, who was described as the “new king of Las Vegas,” also received a big honor, with Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson officially renaming Park Avenue to Bruno Mars Drive. The singer took the stage to express his gratitude, saying how much he loves Las Vegas.
“Ten, 15 years ago, when I first started out, they said, ‘Bruno, don’t play Vegas just yet. This is where acts go to retire, but you’re at the top of the charts right now, hold off’,” Mars said. MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle said Mars has proved that he has the “legacy and legs” to keep performing in Las Vegas even several years from now.
Mars also shared a touching message sent by his father, reading, “My loving son, I know you don’t like getting advice, but getting a street named after you is a monumental move. I know you must be very proud, because I am so very proud of you… Be humble. Tell your fans, this is their street, and you are so honored and grateful.”
The Singer Made A Massive Donation
Apart from the festivities, Mars also donated $1 million to a children’s hospital in Las Vegas, Intermountain Children’s Health, with the amount matched by MGM Grand. The large check was received by a 12-year-old boy named Benji Sanchez, a huge Bruno Mars fan and a three-time cancer survivor. “I think it’s gonna be great. I think it’s gonna help out a lot. I think it’s gonna help out our new children’s hospital,” Benji said.
The donation marks the latest philanthropic effort from the singer, who has supported several charities and foundations throughout the years, including The Rainforest Foundation, the Red Cross, Global Poverty Project, and MusiCares. In 2020, the singer pledged $1 million to the MGM Resorts Foundation’s Employee Emergency Grant Fund and the Children’s Medical Support Fund amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bruno Mars Joins The Ranks Of Legendary Entertainers
With a street now bearing his name, Mars joins the ranks of iconic entertainers honored in a lasting way, cementing his place among the legends who helped shape Las Vegas’ history as the entertainment capital.
One of the first major entertainers to have a street renamed after him was Elvis Presley. In 1972, the King of Rock and Roll was honored when Highway 51 South was renamed Elvis Presley Boulevard. Other notable streets named after entertainers include Duke Ellington Way, Houdini Street, Jimmy Buffett Street, Sammy Davis Jr. Drive, Tupac Lane, and Marilyn Monroe Avenue, per Vegas Changes.
Bruno Mars Kicked Off His ‘The Romantic’ Tour
Bruno Mars Day also marked the first night of the singer’s “The Romantic” tour. At the celebration, Mars performed the song “Treasure” from his 2012 album “Unorthodox Jukebox,” before telling the crowd that he had to leave. “I’ve gotta go now, I have a stadium to take over,” he said.
The tour kicked off on the night of April 10, launching from Las Vegas before taking the show across North America and Europe. Mars will hit major cities, including Houston, Atlanta, Toronto, London, Paris, and Madrid, with the tour scheduled to wrap in December.
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