Hey General Hospital fans, we’ve got a big pile of leaks for you from our very reliable source that covers a bunch of front burner storylines and characters. We’ve got some scoop on Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey), on Carly Spencer (Laura Wright), Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison), and lots more.

We’re going to share what our reliable leaker said about what’s next for Carly, Cassius and a new death leak and info on a returning character. All right. Now, as I always do with these leaks, I want to clarify that while these are from a trustworthy source who has a behind the scenes connection at General Hospital, these are not official spoilers. So, definitely consider it in the rumor vein, but this source has given us many leaks that have come to fruition. So, as we remember, these fall into the rumor category. Let’s jump right in.

Cassius Faison Is Still A Villain on General Hospital

So, first off, while it sure looks like General Hospital is humanizing him right now, the leaker said, “Never forget that Cassius Faison is a villain. The newly invented son of Cesar Faison (Anders Hove) is not a good guy.” But the leak says that even villains are capable of love. And if you remember, uber villain Helena Cassadine (Constance  Towers) definitely loved her son Stavros Cassadine and Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) loved Marco Rios (Adrian Anchando).

And similarly, it looks like Cassius has developed genuine feelings for his nephew James West (Gary James Fuller) while he is pretending to be, you know, the dead father of James that died. So, another leak about Cassius that says there’s this special connection between him and James says that that will continue, but the leaker said there are some questions about how they’re going to have to deal with the big Cassius isn’t Nathan reveal, especially with James involved and without having Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms) on screen right now.

Possible Temporary Recast of Maxie Jones on GH

And since it seems like Kirsten Storms may not be available to film, the insider said there are some questions behind the scenes about how the writers can deal with this storyline unless they do a Maxie recast, even if it’s just a temporary one for storyline reasons.

Also, our leaker says that Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins Bruening) soon has reason to suspect something is off with Cassius, but him being the evil twin of Nathan West (Ryan Paevey) is not on her bingo card. Instead, the backstage chatter is that Lulu thinks not Nathan has some form of PTSD from those missing years after his presumed death.

The leakers said that Lulu learns the truth about Cassius’s true identity by the summer and that Lulu does not take it well. The rumor is that Cassius goes really dark after that and breaks bad after Lulu turns on him. And there’s this hint that we could get a whodunit and that Ryan Paevey may exit after the reveal and not stick around much longer. We’ll see.

Peter August May Return to General Hospital as a Ghost

Next on our leak list is something I’m frankly not too enthused about. They said that Wes Ramsey is back in upcoming scenes as Peter August. Now, fortunately, if he is back, Anna Devane’s (Finola Hughes) nephew doesn’t seem to be back from the dead, but the source said that Peter may have some ghostly appearances coming up from beyond the grave. So, that could mean that Anna is haunted by her sister’s sicko son while she’s in the newer high facility psych ward in France that she seems destined to be sent to unless somebody intervenes.

Carly Will Realize What Happened to Drew

All right, next on our leak list is one about Carly and her awful ex, Drew. So, our leaker said a couple of months ago that Carly would be the one to realize what’s happening with Drew and what Willow Tait Cain (Katelyn MacMullen) did to him. And at the time that we first got that leak, we’re like, “Okay, that seems crazy because Carly isn’t even in the storyline.”

But now because of Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros) stabbing Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) with that syringe and causing his stroke, Carly is very much in the mix. So, she may be sniffing around about Jack since Carly needs him awake and communicating to give her answers about Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy).

Carly thinks that Jack put Joss somewhere and he didn’t. But she’s not going to stop. And Carly already mentioned to Nina how strange it is. There’s two strokes of two healthy men in the same house. Plus, this week it looks like Willow hands Nina another syringe of paralytic and has her mom inject Jack again at GH. Maybe to buy them more time to scheme up a solution.

So, if Carly finds out that Jack also has the same mysterious locked-in condition just like Drew, we could see Carly heading over to Willow’s house and poking around and Drew finds a way to communicate with his ex. Even though Carly hates him, she would still help because I think she hates Willow and Nina even more.

Britt Nearly Dies Saving Rocco on General Hospital

Next on our leak list is that Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) puts her life literally on the line to save Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr). Kind of owes him because, you know, he saved Britt and Jason Morgan (Steve Burton). So, the rumor is that Britt winds up near death. However, I don’t suspect she’ll actually die, unless, of course, Kelly Thiebaud decides she wants to leave again. But maybe it’ll get Lulu and Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) to soften up a bit towards her if she nearly dies saving Rocco.

Plus, our source also said that Finola Hughes and Steve Burton’s hiatuses that turned out really lengthy left writers scrambling and that’s why we got Anna’s kidnapping, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) stuck for so long in Carly’s attic, Rocco shooting Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes), and also Josslyn’s kidnapping. They basically referred to them as stall tactics, and they said these were hasty rewrites rather than long-term planned storytelling.

Cullum Will Be Killed Off GH in Mid To Late June

Now, let’s talk about a death. Although I love the actor and I think he’s done a great job. They said that Cullum is going to be killed off in mid to late June. And honestly, that can’t come too soon because he’s tried to kill Britt and Jason and was seemingly planning to kill Brennan for asking too many questions. And I think he would gleefully kill Rocco or Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn) or anybody he suspects of shooting him.

So, we’ve also heard it’s going to be an insane and dramatic July 4th, which actually hits during the second week of July sweeps. We’ve also heard that right at the end of sweeps, in the third week of July, is when Jason is back on the General Hospital scene. He’s supposed to return to filming in June. Burton confirmed that, but I don’t think that the first scenes are going to have Jason back in Port Charles right away. We’ll probably see where they’ve stuck him at and whatever happens to get him out of there.

Detective Joe Fitzpatrick Has A Secret Agenda on GH

New guy, detective Joe Fitzpatrick (Jonathan Bennett) that we just met when he arrested Curtis supposedly has a secret agenda and Robert Scorpio (Tristan Rogers) may have sent Joe to town, but we know they are writing an off-screen death for Tristan Rogers’ character. So, when Robert dies, reportedly Joe is in over his head.

Another item from the leak list is that Isaiah Gannon (Sawandi Wilson) gets a family member this summer. That makes sense because after Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) brutally assaulted him, Isaiah is going to need several operations and his future as a transplant surgeon may be at risk because Curtis wrecked his hand. In a couple of weeks, we’re going to see the set for the Metro Court Pool make its summer debut on GH.

So, we will see how many of these leaks on our list manifest. But one thing is for sure, it’s going to be a sizzling hot summer in Port Charles. And one last reminder, again, these are not spoilers, but they are leaks. But the source has been right about a lot. They’re the ones who leaked us about Cyrus being Sam’s killer and just a ton of other stuff. So, I do like talking about their info, but just know it may not all play out, but a lot of it I’m super excited about.

Platinum-selling singer K. Michelle joined “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” for its 17th season. So far, her time on the show has gone over well, with many noting her personal revelations from earlier in the season. However, the former “Love & Hip Hop” star has bumped heads with multiple of her costars, including Porsha Williams and Drew Sidora, and some fans feel her actions were unwarranted.

Now, days after the newest “RHOA” episode, the “Jack Daniels” singer is clapping back at fans.

Episode seven of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” featured Michelle getting vulnerable with her costars, saying that she’d learned that some of them were “plotting against” her. Williams arguably supported her the most during the scene, even going to her side as she spoke and asked how she could help.

In the scene, she addressed the costars without naming them directly, calling them “a lowdown mutherf-cker.” Then, in a confessional interview, the singer went into more detail about what she’d learned.

According to her, “Last night after we left dinner, someone called me and said that there was a plot and a plan this whole time from some of these ladies.” She then said that the goal of the plan was to spread two rumors. The first was that she had some sort of involvement with the man Sidora had been linked to.

The second rumor involved an unfortunate rumor from Michelle’s past. She stated in the confessional that the rumor stemmed from something a “disgruntled ex said eight years ago” about body odor. Later, she implied that the perpetrators were Williams, by mentioning her hair line, and Sidora, due to her romantic involvement.

K. Michelle Took Issues With Her Costar’s Jokes

During Michelle’s emotional discussion with the ladies, she also said, “I know the little jokes.” This is notable in light of the past unfortunate rumors because earlier in the episode, the ladies went out to lunch. Cynthia Bailey ordered oysters, and Williams jokingly “tested” them, comparing the oysters to a woman’s vagina in regard to their smell and odor.

It’s also worth noting that the way the scene was edited lent itself to the joking, potentially being about Michelle. This is the case not only because of the weird oyster comparison from Williams, but also the close-up of Sidora’s reaction to the joke.

Also, in the scene, Michelle was visibly upset by the joke but didn’t express her feelings during the sitdown.

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K. Michelle Responded To A Fan

Michelle has never been one to mince words, and that sentiment remains true since her first season on “RHOA.” On X, a fan reacted to her, implying that it was Williams and Sidora who were plotting against her.

The person wrote, “I love @kmichelle, truly huge fan, but I found this hard to watch. It appeared to me, and I actually said to my husband as we watched OMG, she’s having a nervous breakdown.”

The former “Love & Hip Hop” star quoted the post, saying, “I’m not having no damn nervous break down them. This all they got a-s girls got on there and tried to produce a show by poking me. I found out and got ahead of it and called it out. Keep your Dr. Bryant opinions. I’m the one watching everything. I have never played on TV. Oh, love you back though.”

I’m
Not having no damn nervous break down them this all they got ass girls got on there and tried to produce a show by poking me. I found out and got ahead of it and called it out. Keep your Dr. Bryant opinions. I’m the one watching everything. I have never played on tv. Oh love… https://t.co/gM9aYUNZ40

— K. Michelle (@kmichelle) May 19, 2026

Beyond the comment the “RHOA” star replied to, other fans had opinions. One person said on TikTok, “Does K Michelle understand the premise of the show?”

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Another viewer wrote, “This girl has had a one-sided beef all season.” Still, some noted the oyster comparison and believe Michelle may be vindicated as the show continues to air.

As “RHOA” episode seven aired, Michelle posted to X, seemingly about Williams and the scene in which she became emotional. She said, “Don’t sit and my face and play like you don’t [know] what I’m talking about. You want a reaction, you can have it. Say it to my face or be a quiet coward.”

Who is a coward ?? I would define a coward as a person tweeting from the same house , two doors down from me. Next time let’s do our job and bring it to my front door REAL TIME. That’s how it’s done in Rhoa https://t.co/uc8XytUfwx

— Porsha Williams (@Porsha4real) May 18, 2026

After that, Williams issued a response, starting, “Who is a coward ??” After that, she called Michelle a coward for not addressing their issues on camera, face-to-face, rather than accusing her in a confessional. She added, “Next time, let’s do our job and bring it to my front door REAL TIME. That’s how it’s done in Rhoa.”

Williams later also defended her hair company after Michelle claimed during the episode that it contained synthetic hair.

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K. Michelle Has A Country Music Album On The Way

Amid her debut season on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Michelle is gearing up to release her first country music album. Called “Puddin,” the album is being released by BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville. According to iHeart, she released the lead single from the album, “Jack Daniels,” in August 2025.

As of now, there is no announced date for the album, but it’s expected in 2026.

Fresh off her legal battle with Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively is now reportedly dealing with more than $2.1 million in unpaid contractor debt tied to her “paradise” compound.

The actress and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, own a sprawling property in Upstate New York that they purchased in 2018.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds had reportedly planned to transform the estate into a “beautiful buffer” for their family, but construction on the property remains incomplete and is now being burdened by these mounting debts.

Back in 2018, Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, purchased a sprawling estate in the town of Lewisboro, about 60 miles north of Manhattan.

The South Salem property was bought for millions of dollars and included several surrounding parcels of land.

Lively reportedly had huge plans for the location and once described it with several endearing names, including “beautiful buffer,” “heaven,” and “the most beautiful place in the world,” per the Daily Mail.

She is also said to have intended to transform the estate into an environmentally conscious luxury “paradise” away from the prying eyes of neighbors.

Eight years after the purchase, however, the property is reportedly saddled with contractor liens and allegations of unpaid work, and remains far from completion.

At least five separate contractors and subcontractors are owed money, with the total debt amounting to more than $2.1 million, according to Westchester County filings obtained by the outlet.

Who Does Blake Lively Owe The Biggest Debt?

Among the list of contractors who have mechanic liens on the property, FlowCon Inc., also known as Flower Construction, appears to be the company owed the most by the actress.

As seen in the obtained filings, the company is seeking more than $1.35 million in alleged unpaid fees, which amounts to over half of the total debt.

The contractor was reportedly responsible for handling several major aspects of the estate’s construction, ranging from core structural work to interior finishing.

Records indicate the work included plumbing, electrical installation, HVAC systems, drywall, masonry, waterproofing, painting, and custom wood detailing.

The rest of the subcontractors filed claims connected to several aspects of the unfinished luxury compound. These include demands for payment related to copper roofing, drainage infrastructure, carpentry and trim work, steel fabrication for multiple buildings on the estate, as well as excavation and septic system installation.

The Actress Has Reportedly Not Yet Taken Steps To Settle Her Alleged Debts

Construction on the estate began several years ago and was still ongoing as recently as late 2025. Work was later paused, seemingly due to contractors refusing to continue without receiving payment.

For now, the outlet claims that Lively has not taken steps to settle the alleged debts, as records show no lien releases or discharge filings.

If completed, the estate is expected to feature a sprawling main residence, a substantial pool house, and a separate gym structure.

It is also planned to include geothermal heating and cooling systems, structural steel framing, custom copper roofing, septic infrastructure, excavation work, and high-end interior finishes.

Lively and Reynolds are also said to have planned to make the property their primary residence and did not intend to sell off the additional, smaller parcels of land they acquired.

Blake Lively’s Recent Lawsuit May Have Affected Her Finances

Due to the alleged unpaid debts, questions are now being raised about the financial situation of Lively and Reynolds, particularly after the actress recently ended a legal feud with her “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni.

The legal back-and-forth, which concluded in a settlement hearing, is said to have cost Lively millions in legal fees, although the exact figure is not publicly known.

Lively is now seeking to recover these expenses under a California law that allows individuals who report sexual misconduct to claim attorneys’ fees and damages if the accused files a retaliatory defamation suit, as Baldoni did last year. However, that case was ultimately dismissed.

For now, the presiding judge has yet to rule on the matter. Baldoni’s lawyers have argued that Lively’s request should not be granted, claiming she is not entitled to those protections because the incident she cites as involving alleged sexual harassment primarily took place during filming in New Jersey.

Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni Shared A Joint Statement On Their Settlement

The reason behind Lively and Baldoni’s settlement remains a mystery as the former co-stars did not specify why in their joint statement.

However, the pair hinted that their shared love for their project, “It Ends With Us,” may have played a part in their decision.

“The end product — the movie ‘It Ends With Us’ — is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life,” the statement read, per Variety. “Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors — and all survivors — is a goal that we stand behind.”

“We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserve to be heard,” it continued. “We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online.”

The Summer House season 10 reunion is sure to be a memorable one amid costars Amanda Batula and West Wilson’s romance — and the fallout that has followed.

“It was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we needed a little space to process things privately before speaking on it,” Amanda and West wrote in a joint Instagram statement in March. “Our connection grew out of a genuine, longstanding friendship, which made it especially important for us to approach this with care.”

Months before, Amanda and Summer House costar Kyle Cooke announced their separation after four years of marriage. West, for his part, had previously been in a relationship with Amanda’s BFF and Summer House costar Ciara Miller.

Scroll down to learn more about the season 10 reunion:

Related: Lindsay Hubbard Responds to Claim West Reached Out Amid Amanda Romance

Summer House’s Lindsay Hubbard is setting the record straight amid claims West Wilson has reached out to her after confirming his relationship with Amanda Batula. “I am very triggered by liars at the moment,” Hubbard, 39, shared via Instagram on Monday, April 6, responding to a Deuxmoi post claiming she was “just at Zero Bond […]

Amanda Batula Confirms She Will Be at ‘Summer House’ Season 10 Reunion

After Amanda and West confirmed their romance in March, she took to social media the following month to share an apology.

“I’ve obviously been MIA, but I wanted to come back on and say that I’m truly sorry to everyone I’ve disappointed and hurt, especially those I know personally who I’ve reached out to individually,” Amanda wrote at the time. “For the sake of my mental health, I’m going to try to start living life with some sense of normalcy,” she added. “If you see me out or posting online, please know that this still weighs very heavily on me. I’m not ignoring what’s happened or what’s unfolded.”

Amanda concluded, “I’ll be at the reunion and will be addressing any and all questions honestly and directly there.”

Lindsay Hubbard Says She’s Looking Forward to ‘Getting Through’ Season 10 ‘Summer House’ Reunion

Lindsay Hubbard exclusively told Us Weekly in April that she’s looking forward to “getting through” the Summer House season 10 reunion. “I don’t know if I have anything to be nervous about. I thought it was a really good season so far for me,” Lindsay told Us. “I know we still have half of a season left to go on Summer House and then a whole other show [In the City] after that, so there’s still a lot to come.”

The Cast Wants Answers at the ‘Summer House’ Reunion

“They are all going,” a source exclusively told Us in April, confirming everyone will be in attendance. “The plan is they will be talking about everything and the timeline of Amanda and West hooking up.”

The insider added, “Everyone on the cast wants them to admit on camera when this all started and how serious it is.”

A separate source told Us that same month that the cast is “more than ready for the reunion to be over at this point, and the general vibe is a mix of frustration and curiosity.”

“The common consensus is that they’re not convinced they will get the full truth from Amanda and West, no matter how many times the questions are asked,” the insider said, explaining that the cast feel like “parts of the story are still being held back or carefully spun” by the pair.

The cast “wants real and straightforward answers,” the source added.

Has the ‘Summer House’ Reunion Seating Chart Been Released?

Bravo unveiled the season 10 reunion seating chart via X on April 23. Ciara will be sitting on one side of host Andy Cohen, with Amanda on the other side. Kyle will be next to Ciara, followed by Lindsay, Mia Calabrese, Bailey Taylor and Ben Waddell. Next to Amanda is West, along with Carl Radke, Jesse Solomon, KJ Dillard, Dara Levitan and Levi Sebree.

When Does ‘Summer House’ Season 10 Reunion Film?

Hours after Amanda and West confirmed their relationship, a source told Us that the reunion was set to film in “mid-April.” Bravo announced on April 23 that they were “filming now,” releasing the seating chart at the same time.

Host Andy confirmed late on April 23 that he’d wrapped filming on the taping, promising one of the most “intense” reunions in Bravo history.

“I am walking out of the Summer House reunion. … I’ve probably hosted, well, it’s over a 100 reunions, maybe 150, something like that,” Andy teased via Instagram. “This was one of the most intense [reunions] we’ve ever shot. This was a lot. This was a lot. It was very intense, you guys.”

Did the ‘Summer House’ Season 10 Reunion Leak?

Hours after the Summer House season 10 reunion finished filming in New York City, alleged audio clips from the taping appeared via social media. In the alleged audio, Ciara can be heard confronting Amanda and West about the timeline of their romance.

Bravo confirmed to Us Weekly that it was launching a “full investigation” into how the alleged leaked audio got out to the public.

“This represents a serious breach of trust and a clear lack of respect for the cast, crew, and the integrity of the production process,” a Bravo spokesperson told Us on April 24. “We take this matter very seriously and have launched a full investigation and we will take appropriate action based on our findings.”

Earlier in the day, Andy expressed his disappointment over the leak and encouraged Summer House fans to wait for the reunion to play out on the show.

“On my way to eye surgery and just reading about it,” Andy wrote via Threads on April 24, after a fan warned him to stay off social media. “People laid their souls out emotionally for ten hours yesterday and it’s disgusting and illegal for someone to leak or distribute this.”

The Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen host added, “It’s disrespectful to the work and tears the cast put in yesterday. Let the season play out. You will see it all in due time.”

Andy Cohen Says Lindsay Hubbard Gets ‘Activated’

During an April 28 appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, Lindsay revealed that the event’s filming saw her confront West about trying to hide his relationship with Amanda. Asked by Andy about West’s March Instagram Story that showed Ciara playing with Lindsay’s toddler, Gemma, Lindsay didn’t mince words.

“That really pissed me off,” she told Cohen. “He used my child as clickbait to sort of cover up his relationship, and I didn’t like that. And we talk about it at the reunion.”

Andy added his own recollection of the filming. “If y’all want to know if Lindsay was activated … there was one point where I was trying to talk to West, Ciara, Kyle and Amanda, and Lindsay is, like, all over me. I’m like, ‘Stop,’” he said.

Lindsay closed out the conversation with yet another teaser. “I’ve been on Summer House for 10 years and we’ve done these reunions for nine of them, and honestly this was one of the most intense, dramatic reunions that I have ever experienced,” she said. “I had to beg Andy for a pee break, I was, like, ‘Please, let us go pee.’”

KJ Discusses His Mental Health

During the May 5 episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, KJ recalled an apology text from West that discussed what was filmed at the reunion one day prior.

Quoting West’s text, KJ read, “Sending you love in regard to your mental health. You shared a lot yesterday [at the reunion] and I know it mightn’t carry much weight now but I’m always rooting for the best for you.” (West had instigated the text to address hiding his romance with Amanda from friends including KJ.)

KJ has never been shy about discussing his mental health, sharing his September 2025 borderline personality disorder diagnosis via Instagram two months later.

Is There a ‘Summer House’ Reunion Trailer?

Bravo dropped the official season 10 reunion trailer on May 19. In the video, both Amanda and West found themselves in the hot seat after Ciara called them out for their secret romance.

“Over the past six years, I have been your f***ing champion,” Ciara told Amanda. “I couldn’t fathom that I would be sitting here pissed that you’re f***ing my ex.”

Ciara went on to claim that her ex-boyfriend West “wants to embarrass me. He wants to get his last little word. And I hope it works because he’s with you to spite me.”

Elsewhere in the trailer, Jesse started to cry over how the scandal has affected his relationship with West.

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“I feel like I’m losing a brother,” Jesse confessed. “I hope that you can somehow improve and prove us wrong, but it doesn’t look good.”

West, for his part, told host Andy that his and Amanda’s relationship isn’t that big of a deal. “This isn’t like a sex scandal. It was, like, hanging out,” he claimed.

This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.

Warm-weather entertaining means competing with mosquitoes, flies and ants for your own patio — and a handful of easy-to-grow plants can help push pests back without sprays or candles.

What Plants Help Repel Pests in Outdoor Spaces?

A short list of common herbs and flowers — including lavender, marigolds, basil, mint, citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, petunias, chrysanthemums and catnip — can help keep pests away from seating areas, doorways and dining spaces outdoors.

Each plant targets different bugs. Lavender works on mosquitoes and moths. Marigolds repel aphids, mosquitoes and flies. Basil discourages mosquitoes and houseflies. Mint helps with ants and mosquitoes. Rosemary deters mosquitoes and cabbage moths. Petunias work against aphids and tomato hornworms, while chrysanthemums repel multiple insects thanks to natural compounds in the flowers.

Citronella is the best known of the group. “Citronella is by far the most popular plant that repels mosquitoes,” garden expert Carmen Johnston told Real Simple. “It has a very pungent odor.I often place this in small eight-inch terra cotta pots and mix in with my centerpieces when entertaining outdoors. You can either use the clippings mixed in with arrangements or use the plant itself as the centerpiece.”

Lemongrass — sometimes called citronella grass — targets mosquitoes as well, while catnip has earned a reputation as a surprisingly strong mosquito repellent. Picking two or three plants that cover the pests you actually deal with is usually more effective than relying on a single variety.

Which Plants Repel Mosquitoes the Best?

For mosquitoes specifically, citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, lavender, basil, marigolds, mint and catnip are the standouts among easy-to-grow options.

Rosemary is a go-to for patios in warm regions. Annie Burdick and Jamie McIntosh write in The Spruce: “The scent of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a deterrent to mosquitos and other garden pests, such as cabbage moths. Rosemary loves warm and dry climates and may need to be moved indoors in areas with harsh, cold winters. But all summer long it adorns your patio and keeps pests at bay.”

Catnip is often overlooked but punches above its weight. Madeline Buiano writes in Martha Stewart: “Mosquitoes hate catnip (Nepeta cataria), the very same plant that your cats love. Also known as catmint, this herbaceous perennial emits a chemical that acts as a natural insect repellent.”

The takeaway: scent is doing most of the work. Plants that smell strong to humans — rosemary, mint, lavender, basil, citronella — tend to smell unbearable to mosquitoes, which is why placement matters as much as the plant itself.

How Do You Use Plants to Keep Pests Away Effectively?

To get real results, place pest-repelling plants near seating areas and doorways, use pots on patios for a stronger barrier effect, mix several varieties together and position fragrant plants where air flow can spread their scent.

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A single basil pot tucked behind a grill will not do much. Clustering plants along the edges of a patio or dining table — and brushing or crushing leaves occasionally to release oils — gives the scent a chance to actually reach the bugs you are trying to repel. Carmen Johnston’s tip of working citronella into centerpieces is a useful template: bring the plant to where people are sitting.

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Layering plants matters too. Combining a mosquito-targeted plant like citronella or catnip with something that handles flies or aphids, like marigolds or basil, covers more of what shows up uninvited. Chrysanthemums add another layer because their natural compounds work against several insects at once.

Plants alone will not solve a pest problem. Pair them with the basics: empty standing water from buckets, planters and birdbaths, clean up yard debris where bugs breed and rest, and keep grass and shrubs trimmed back from seating areas. Done together, the right plants and the right habits make outdoor spaces noticeably less hospitable to pests.

Social media users are weighing in on a viral clip of King Trell telling his fiancée, Heather Sanders, that he wouldn’t spin the block on her despite their 15-year relationship and their sharing three kids.

RELATED: 8 Minutes Of Footage: Blac Chyna Vs. Heather Sanders

More On The Viral Clip Of King Trell Telling Heather Sanders He Wouldn’t Spin The Block On Her After 15 Years & 3 Kids

Earlier this month, a new episode of King Trell and Heather Sanders’s podcast, ‘Safe To Say,’ was published via YouTube. During the episode, Sanders asked Trell if they ever broke up and if he would spin the block on her. To which, he firmly replied, “No.”

In turn, Sanders explained that she has his kids. However, he said that he didn’t care.

“It would just be you and the kids,” Trell continued.

Despite this, Sanders said that she feels like he would spin the block on her. But Trell stated, “I wouldn’t.” And he said so multiple times.

Then, about a week later, an episode of their separate podcast, ‘Back On Figg,’ was published via YouTube, and they unpacked the viral moment alongside Yung Miami.

See both clips by swiping below.

Social Media Weighs

Social media users weighed in on the conversation between Heather Sanders and King Trell in TSR’s comment section.

Before The Viral Clip Of King Trell Telling Heather Sanders He Wouldn’t Spin The Block On Her After 15 Years & 3 Kids, She Made Headlines Linking Up With Angela White

Prior to her viral conversation with King Trell, Heather Sanders made headlines when she reunited with her former best friend, Angela White, back in July 2024. As The Shade Room previously reported, at the time, White appeared as a guest on Sanders’ ‘Safe To Say’ podcast, and they reflected on their beef and viral exchange on Snapchat.

RELATED: Issa Link-Up! Angela White Reunites With Heather Sanders Almost 10 Years After Viral Snapchat Feud (WATCH)

Kate Middleton is rarely spotted in anything other than heels, but she swapped pumps for something even classier than regular ballet flats. Middleton’s two-toned slingback flats give timeless a trendy edge, so it’s no wonder the style is taking over the internet.

The Princess of Wales visited Italy wearing a simple yet elegant ensemble that comprised a white top tucked into a pleated skirt and finished with a striped blazer. The element that really sold the outfit was her shoes. Middleton’s sophisticated slingbacks feature a two-toned design, putting a regal spin on the traditional ballet flat. And considering we found the look hiding on Amazon for just $34, it only makes sense to give the style a spin — you’ll thank Us (and Middleton) later.

Get the Athlefit Pointed-Toe Slingback Flats for $34 (was $44) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

The Athlefit Pointed-Toe Slingback Flats on Amazon are as close as you can get to Middleton’s style without flying to Italy yourself. They feature the same two-tone upper (vegan leather plus black fabric at the toe) for a contrast that mirrors Middleton’s pair. The slingback strap not only keeps the shoes secure, but also makes them easy to slip on and off.

Related: Shoppers Confirm It: These Comfy Sets Have *That* Upscale Rich Mom Vibe

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It doesn’t matter what time of year it is. We’re always searching for comfy errand sets. Although they’re the easy-going ‘fit we wear while lounging, that doesn’t mean the sets sacrifice on style. Amazon shoppers uncovered 13 relaxed two-piece outfits that make anyone look like a Hamptons socialite. They start at just $7! Our favorite […]

Better yet, these slingback flats are mega comfortable, with a 0.79-inch block heel that offers a subtle lift without the wobble. Cushioned insoles power you through long workdays, weddings, errands and beyond, so don’t be surprised if you rock them 25/7.

“Super happy with these shoes,” one Amazon shopper wrote. “I took them to San Francisco and was able to walk up and down those ridiculous Nob Hill streets with no problem. The back strap holds securely, too.”

Another five-star fan shared, “They look expensive and are very comfy. Win win. Walked seven miles on day one.”

Middleton’s Italy trip might be over, but her pointed-toe slingback moment is already the look of the season. Comfortable, classic and quietly chic, these shoes are a closet upgrade that pays for itself in compliments.

Get the Athlefit Pointed-Toe Slingback Flats for $34 (was $44) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Not what you’re looking for? Shop other flats on Amazon and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals here!

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Saweetie is reportedly being urged to cut a $3 million check over missed shows. She hasn’t spoken out about the situation yet. However, according to TMZ, the promoters aren’t playing any games with their money! A new lawsuit accuses the ‘Best Friend’ rapper of fraud and breach of contract.

RELATED: Ice Cold? Saweetie Breaks Silence After Alleged Ex-Manager’s Accusations Spark Drama

Who Is Suing Saweetie & Why? 

As reported by TMZ, Moon Dream Production filed the lawsuit against Saweetie. Court docs reportedly state that the rapper agreed to perform four shows in Japan last summer, from July 18 to July 26. To secure the performances, the company allegedly paid her a $100,000 deposit, with an agreement to pay another $100,000 for a total of $200,000.

Moon Dream Production alleges Saweetie took the deposit but never took the stage, thus breaching the contract. Additionally, lawsuit docs claim she and her team “utilized all the visa services” that the promoter secured on her behalf. Those services allowed her to enter Japan to perform. But rather than hit the four stages they agreed to, Moon Dream Production claims she “proceeded to perform at different venues for other vendors on the same dates she was contractually bound” to them.

As a result, it appears the company requested a refund of the deposit, but Saweetie and her team have allegedly refused. The lawsuit claims the promoter lost out on $100,000 in merchandise and promotional expenses, plus $200,000 on the venue. Moon Dream Production had expected to make at least $400,000 across the scheduled shows, but with the no-shows, that didn’t happen. At this time, it’s unclear why Saweetie allegedly did not fulfill the contract. The company wants $3 million in punitive damages.

Social Media Reacts To Lawsuit 

In The Shade Room’s comment section, the roommates didn’t hold back on their thoughts about the lawsuit. Meanwhile, as said, Saweetie hasn’t shared any statements on the matter. As of Tuesday (May 19), her IG page currently doesn’t have any posts on it.

@2muchdotnette_ added, “The first joke on them was booking her.”

“I really don’t understand the Saweetie hate😂 do I just blast her music everyday? No, BUT I like her lil music. It got a lil bop to it 😂,” @naturally.joyyy commented.

“Gyattttt. Lemme raise my deposit amount 😭😭😂,” @crave_beats wrote.

“😂😂 Why she didn’t just do the show ?!! 👀👀😂😂😂😂🙃🫠was you busy sweetie!😂😂😂😂😂 😩🫠,” @choppacheesee said.

“Never bite that many hands that feed you 🤷🏽‍♀️ is what granny would say 😅,” @og_ceee commented.

“Hold up. They saying they flew her out but she ended up performing for other promoters. Sounds a little suspect. Maybe she didn’t understand the words that were coming out your mouth,” @thecoreyshow said.

“Saweetie hearing the saxophones :(“ @r0832t added.

“They don’t care about how cute you are in other countries 😂,” @official_1_of_1 commented.

“This girl been down bad since Quavo took that car back😂,” @boostedaura wrote.

“3 million is a stretch,” @fierytahiry argued.

“Lotta hating in these comments. I hope this is ameliorated and all is well for all involved,” @babygirlbova commented.

Saweetie Talks About Keeping Her Music Dream Alive 

Less than a month after her alleged no-shows in Japan, Saweetie clocked internet trolls who were urging her to give up music. An X account tweeted that her career was “like an iPhone with 1% battery.” The user added, “Everyone can see it’s about to die, but she’s still acting like it’s fully charged. She’s blaming her label for not putting a dollar behnd her, but let’s be real…even if they did, that dollar would’ve been better spent at Dollar Tree…” The user also called her recent music releases “flop singles.” In response, Saweetie said she’s not giving up easily on her dream, 1% and all.

RELATED: Offset Finally Reacts To Rumor He Fell Out With Quavo Over Having An Affair With Saweetie (VIDEO)

By Robert Scucci
| Published 26 seconds ago

It’s the year 2026, and I just know we’re all asking ourselves the same question, desperate for an answer: “Where do I start watching Home Improvement?” It’s one of the greatest sitcoms to come out of the ‘90s, and if you take the advice from Google’s brilliant AI Overview, the answer you’ll get is “Season 1, Episode 1.” But here’s the thing about sitcoms, especially ones from the 1990s: they don’t always hit their stride right away, so a pilot episode runs the risk of being the worst version of a show you might actually love (looking at you, Seinfeld!).

Whenever I’m talking shop about such a pressing matter (read: talking about TV to nobody in particular), I keep circling back to one episode that’s quintessential viewing, and the most solid entry point to the series: Season 3, Episode 8, “Be True To Your Tool.”

Why “Be True To Your Tool” Is Elite 

For newcomers, “Be True to Your Tool” is a perfect Home Improvement episode because the core cast is firing on all cylinders, and we’re not bogged down by a ton of side characters. Every core character gets their moment to shine, there’s a clear antagonist and moral dilemma, and it takes place during that sweet spot where the Taylor boys are still boys.

Mark (Taran Noah Smith) hadn’t yet gotten caught stealing, Randy (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) is still seasons away from his cancer scare (that would air in a heartwrenching Season 5 episode that debuted right before The Diet Mug Rootbeer Dana Carvey Show), and Brad (Zachery Ty Bryan) hasn’t gotten in trouble for smoking pot yet. They’re all old enough to have distinct personalities and crack wise, but not so old that they can’t still make the kind of incredibly stupid decisions that cements the series as a wholesome family sitcom packed with teachable moments.

We get Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor (Tim Allen) at his most introspective this early in the run, and it’s perfectly offset by Brad, Randy, and Mark getting into the kind of mischief any parent could relate to. Jill (Patricia Richardson) and Wilson (Earl Hindman) are reliably the voices of reason, and Al “No Pithy Nickname in This Episode” Borland (Richard Karn) is the perfect little sycophant caught between his livelihood and his loyalty to Tim. In other words, it’s a perfect episode from a series known for dropping multiple bangers per season.

“I’ll Never Walk Away From A Tool In Need”

So, what’s “Be True to Your Tool” about? I’m so glad you asked.

After wrapping up an episode of Tool Time, Tim and Al are approached by Wes Davidson (Joel Polis), the new president of Binford Tools. Tim and Wes have an adversarial relationship because Tim used to be Binford’s top salesman, making him the perfect pitchman for a public access show that exists to sell Binford Tools. Salty about never being number one, Wes walks around like a bigshot because he’s now Tim’s boss, and he thinks he can throw his weight around and force everybody to bend to his will.

The new Binford tool about to come off the production line, the 6100 (why are they all called the 6100?) reciprocal saw, is an inferior product, and Tim and Al both know it. Tim refuses to promote the tool on his show, claiming it’s his responsibility to do right by his audience, and he’s met with the worst kind of ultimatum from Wes: promote the tool or resign from Tool Time.

This is the worst possible moral dilemma for Tim at this point in the show’s run. As accident-prone as he is throughout the series, he truly knows his stuff, and he’s right to be concerned about attaching his name and reputation to a tool made with inferior, plastic parts. His devotion to home improvement (title drop fully intended) is why he knows the difference between a spline shank and a two-flute, and Wes does not. Matters only get worse when Wes threatens Tim’s livelihood, implying he’ll be demoted back to a traveling salesman instead of spending time with his family, which he worked so hard to attain.

If Tim’s not careful the next time he goes on air, he and Al could both be out of a job, but the two agree they can’t in good conscience promote the tool on their show.

Boys Will Be Boys

Meanwhile, a frazzled Jill, juggling parental duties while trying to secure her Master’s Degree in Psychology, comes home to learn that Brad, Randy, and Mark cleaned out the cupboards and fridge, prompting an emergency grocery store run. Jill’s stretched to the max, and Tim is preoccupied with Tool Time, so she gives the boys money and a shopping list she wants followed by the letter. Naturally, they game the system so they can save money and spend the difference on junk food.

They purchase nothing but scratch-and-dent boxes and canned goods without labels. Leaning into the ongoing joke that Jill is a terrible cook, Tim and the boys joke that it doesn’t really matter if the cans contain succotash or dog food, which shows how locked in this family is. They can rip on each other at a high level without anybody taking it too personally, and it adds a healthy amount of levity to Tim’s predicament with Wes.

Everybody Is Fully Locked In

“Be True to Your Tool” offers every single thing you could possibly love about Home Improvement, serving up easy-to-digest moments that highlight every principal character’s quirks. When Tim and Al confront their boss at Binford headquarters, Tim gets in trouble for sitting at Wes’ desk and openly mocking him, while Al, a nervous wreck about the impending exchange, asks for chamomile tea to soothe his jangled nerves, only to gently cancel his request when Tim storms out. 

Tim asks his infinitely wise next-door neighbor, Wilson, how to handle the situation, and Wilson compares it to the life and times of Greek General Pyrrhus, who fought so hard for what he believed in that he lost everything. Famously botching Wilson’s advice, as Tim Taylor is known to do, he admits he doesn’t want to end up with a “Pyrex victory,” but somehow uses the wrong formula to arrive at the right answer when it’s game time and he has to make a decision.

Al, loyal to Tim but understandably worried about his own future, eventually comes to his senses and belts out the legendary line, “I’ll never walk away from a tool in need.” By the time the dust settles, Tim comes up with a solution that works for everybody; one that allows him to continue his tenure on Tool Time, stick it to his boss in the most publicly humiliating way possible, and hold Binford accountable for maintaining high standards because that’s what customers deserve.

It’s a perfect episode of Home Improvement, and everybody’s truly in their element. At this point in the series, the continuity is still relatively loose, and you can enjoy standalone episodes without worrying about some of the more nuanced storylines that show up later in the run. It’s Tim, Jill, their three boys, Al, and Wilson doing most of the heavy lifting, while Wes being a total corner-office chode who only cares about golf makes the stakes incredibly clear.

Tim is rallying against the enshittification of Binford tools, pushing back against cost-cutting and inferior products, and his unwillingness to budge, even if it threatens his family’s security, should feel especially relevant today, when everything costs more and works less.

At the end of the day, Home Improvement is just a silly little sitcom about an accident-prone TV host and his booksmart wife trying to raise their three boys. But if you’re looking for an episode with substance that doesn’t get too heavy like some of the later-season entries, “Be True to Your Tool” is essential viewing.

As of this writing, you can stream Home Improvement on Hulu, Disney+, and Netflix. 

Former NBA player Jason Collins had two surgeries weeks before his shocking and untimely death at age 47.

According to a death certificate obtained by Us Weekly on Tuesday, May 19, Collins underwent a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt procedure on April 20. The medical device can be surgically implanted to relieve excess cerebrospinal fluid pressure on the brain usually caused by hydrocephalus, per the National Library of Medicine.

Nine days later, Collins underwent surgery for an inferior vena cava filter placement. The device can stop blood clots from going up into the lungs to prevent a life threatening pulmonary embolism, per John Hopkins.

Collins’ cause of death was due to respiratory failure. He also suffered from underlying conditions that contributed to his death, including pulmonary embolism, hydrocephalus and glioblastoma (brain cancer).

Earlier this month, Collins’ family announced that the basketball player died on May 12.

“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” the family said in a statement to the NBA. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar.”

The statement continued, “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”

Collins, the first openly gay player in the NBA, is survived by husband Brunson Green, whom he wed in May 2025.

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Last year, Collins revealed he was diagnosed with stage IV brain cancer.

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“A few months ago, my family released a short statement saying I had a brain tumor. It was simple, but intentionally vague,” he wrote in an essay for ESPN in December 2025. “They did that to protect my privacy while I was mentally unable to speak for myself, and my loved ones were trying to understand what we were dealing with. But now it’s time for people to hear directly from me. I have Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer. It came on incredibly fast.”

Collins was best known for being a professional basketball player for 13 years. He played for multiple teams including the New Jersey Newts, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets. After retiring from the game in 2015, he continued to work with the NBA as a Cares Ambassador, which is the league’s social responsibility program.