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.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

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.

Related: The Best Electrolyte Powders for Hydration — Here’s What Really Works

Hydration powders have moved from the gym bag to the kitchen counter — and the lineup of options has exploded. Whether you sweat through long runs, follow a low-carb diet or just want to drink more water, picking the right electrolyte mix means looking past the marketing and reading the label. Sodium counts, sugar grams […]

Advertisement

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)

John Travolta has sparked fresh plastic surgery speculation after debuting a youthful appearance at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.

Experts believe the actor may have undergone cosmetic procedures, ranging from skin resurfacing to a facelift, although Travolta has not directly addressed the wild rumors.

The festival appearance also marked a major career milestone, as John Travolta received an honorary Palme d’Or while celebrating the project alongside his daughter, Ella Bleu Travolta.

Rumors about possible cosmetic work surrounding Travolta intensified after the actor appeared at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival with a taut “new face,” looking noticeably refreshed and youthful.

His smoother complexion and more sculpted features quickly sparked online speculation, with many fans questioning whether he may have undergone plastic surgery.

New York-based aesthetic nurse Eric Nietzel weighed in on the conversation, telling OK! Magazine the actor may have combined several cosmetic treatments to achieve the look.

According to the expert, procedures such as laser resurfacing, RF microneedling, fillers, and even a possible blepharoplasty could explain the transformation.

He also speculated that Travolta may have undergone a subtle facelift and neck lift, pointing to the actor’s sharper jawline and lifted cheeks as signs of surgical enhancement rather than injectables alone.

Nietzel suggested that additional treatments like Sculptra, Radiesse, or fat transfers may have helped maintain volume and texture in the actor’s face.

He further noted possible dental work, including veneers, as well as what could be hair restoration treatments. “But overall, this guy looks amazing,” he added.

The Actor Addressed The Cannes Appearance Rumors

Despite the ongoing speculations, Travolta has not confirmed undergoing any cosmetic procedures.

Instead, the actor explained that much of the attention stemmed from the unique appearance he adopted for Cannes.

Speaking with CNN on May 18, he said the white beret and glasses he wore were inspired by classic film directors from earlier decades.

Advertisement

“I said, ‘I’m a director this time. You’re an actor, play the part of a director, look like an old-school director,’” he explained. “So I looked up pictures from the ’20, ’30s, ’40s, ’50, ’60s, and the old-school directors wore berets, and glasses, and I thought, ‘That’s what I’m doing.’”

Travolta added, “I’m doing an homage to being a director, so I’m going to play the part of being a director.”

John Travolta Celebrates Honorary Palme d’Or Win

The actor attended the festival for the premiere of his directorial project, “Propeller One-Way Night Coach,” alongside his daughter, Ella-Bleu Travolta, who also stars in the film.

During the event, Travolta was honored with an honorary Palme d’Or presented by Cannes director Thierry Frémaux.

“I can’t believe this. This is the last thing I expected,” Travolta said while accepting the honor. “You said this would be a special night, but I didn’t think you meant this.”

Advertisement

The movie star went on to describe the recognition as “humbling.”

Reflecting on the moment, Travolta revealed he became emotional when he first learned the film had been accepted into the festival lineup.

“When you said it was not only accepted, but it was making history because it would be the first film ever accepted that early, I cried like a baby because I just couldn’t believe it,” he shared, according to Variety.

About The Actor’s New Film, ‘Propeller One-Way Night Coach’

Travolta’s project, titled “Propeller One-Way Night Coach,” is based on a 1997 children’s book Travolta wrote for his son.

Drawing from his lifelong passion for aviation and experience as a pilot, the actor brings his love of flight to the screen in a story set during the golden age of air travel.

Advertisement

The film follows a young aviation enthusiast named Jeff, played by newcomer Clark Shotwell, who embarks on a cross-country journey to Hollywood with his mother, portrayed by Kelly Eviston-Quinnett.

What begins as a simple flight soon transforms into an unforgettable adventure filled with colorful passengers, unexpected stops, and life-changing moments.

Ella Bleu and Olga Hoffmann portray flight attendants in the film, adding warmth and charm to the journey. The movie screened as part of Cannes’ Premiere Selection at the Debussy Theater inside the Palais des Festivals, with Travolta present for the special occasion.

John Travolta Proudly Supports Daughter Ella Bleu’s Rising Fashion And Film Career

Away from the festival, Travolta has also been proudly supporting his daughter’s growing career.

The “Grease” star recently shared a photo of Ella Bleu attending the 2026 Fashion Trust US Awards in Los Angeles, praising her rising presence in the spotlight while also teasing her role in “Propeller One-Way Night Coach.”

Advertisement

For the event, Ella Bleu wore a sleek black Blumarine dress featuring a high neckline and delicate floral detailing. Fans quickly flooded the comments section, noting her strong resemblance to her father and applauding her elegant appearance.

Now 26, the actress, whom Travolta shared with his late wife, Kelly Preston, continues building her own career across music, fashion, and film.

She recently appeared on the cover of HardCopy Magazine’s “Fantazia” issue, embracing a bold, high-fashion aesthetic through a series of editorial looks that blended vintage-inspired glamour with modern styling.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

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!

Advertisement

Related: Katie Holmes Wore the Most Unexpected Denim Color — And It‘s a Moment

Not blue, not white! Katie Holmes stepped out in New York City rocking retro purple jeans. Unconventional, yes, but so incredibly chic. The pants gave Holmes’ style a vintage flair, and we found the fun look for 30% off on Amazon. In an iconic head-turning outfit, Holmes paired purple jeans with a simple black cardigan, […]

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.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

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

Advertisement

Related: Chelsea Clinton Posts Tribute to Jason Collins After NBA Star’s Death

Chelsea Clinton is paying tribute to late NBA star Jason Collins one day after his death. “Heartbroken by the passing of my beloved friend Jason Collins,” Clinton, 46, wrote via X on Wednesday, May 13, alongside a throwback photo with Collins. “He was a trailblazer whose courage changed lives, and a kind, thoughtful friend who […]

“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.

Bravo newcomer Kenny Martin is teasing how the aftermath of Amanda Batula and West Wilson’s shocking romance will play out on In the City.

“I was not a part of it, but cameras definitely pick back up,” Kenny told Us Weekly exclusively ahead of the show’s Tuesday, May 19, premiere. “I wasn’t super involved in those conversations. I heard that they were very intense and very heavy.”

Kenny told Us that he’s “tried to keep a bit of a distance” when it comes to the drama surrounding Amanda, 34, and West, 31. However, he’s spoken with Amanda’s estranged husband, Kyle Cooke, about everything that’s been going down in the wake of the former couple’s split.

“In my conversations with Kyle — and again, he’s been super respectful — but I do think he has some tea leaves that may have given him a bit of a sense. Maybe in hindsight much more of a sense,” Kenny continued. “I hope some of those things are discussed in their reunion. I understand he’s trying to be protective, but also, I feel like looking back for him, there’s definitely some things that he’s like, ‘Huh, that makes a lot of sense now.’ So, we’ll see.”

Kyle and Amanda announced their separation in January after four years of marriage. By March, rumors started swirling that Amanda had moved on with West, her best friend and costar Ciara Miller’s ex. Amanda and West released a joint statement on March 31 confirming their romance.

While the fallout has not been airing on Summer House season 10, Bravo fans are set to get some answers when the reunion airs next week. The network also picked up the In the City cameras to film the scandal’s aftermath.

Kenny told Us that he’s “had conversations” with Amanda since the scandal broke but really wanted to know how Kyle was doing.

“Kyle’s my boy,” Kenny said. “My priority and focus was just making sure that Kyle was and is OK.”

Kenny’s relationship with Bachelor alum Whitney Fransway will also be showcased throughout In the City — and it’s a lot less scandalous.

“We made the decision — Whitney and I — at one point, where it was like, if we’re going to do this, let’s just put it all out there and be vulnerable,” Kenny said. “Hopefully, it’s received well.”

The show’s trailer, released last month, teased Whitney’s move across the country to be with Kenny.

“She is honestly the most amazing person in the world. She is so awesome,” Kenny gushed. “We had an interesting start to our relationship. We started dating a while ago, but I was going through some personal things with my family. … I wasn’t in the place to be able to have the emotional availability to deal with both.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Fans will get to see when their relationship “really took off” throughout In the City.

“It was such a natural progression for us. She’s been very patient with me throughout this whole relationship,” he continued. “We’ve done this super organically, and it feels like it’s been on our timeline. Everything has felt right, and something about it makes the foundation feel just 10 times stronger than anything I’ve ever felt.”

In the City premieres on Bravo Tuesday, May 19, at 9:00 p.m.

There’s a long list of Apple TV shows waiting to be explored, but choosing the best ones is always a challenge — not because the platform lacks options, but because nearly all of them are worth watching. The numbers speak for themselves: in 2025 alone, Apple TV had a record-breaking year, winning a whopping 22 Emmy Awards. The year prior, the platform took home 13 Emmys, further cementing its reputation as one of streaming’s most consistent hitmakers.

Featuring a combination of big-name stars and rising talent, alongside original stories and carefully curated adaptations, Apple TV knows how to build a lineup suited for any mood. Whether you are looking for a wholesome comfort watch or a mind-bending sci-fi thought-provoker, the platform has something to offer. Without further ado, here are the seven greatest Apple TV+ series you will wish you had watched sooner.

1

‘Shrinking’ (2023–Present)

Image via Apple TV+ / Courtesy Everett Collection

Grief does the craziest things to people — and people do the craziest things when they’re grieving. Shrinking introduces audiences to the widowed Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel), who has spiraled downward following his wife’s death. His daughter resents him, his neighbors pity him, and his friends cannot seem to reach him. Ironically enough, for a guy who cannot get over his grief, he works as a therapist.

Jimmy’s not like any other therapist. Instead of sugarcoating his advice, he lays bare the cold, harsh truth — which apparently works for his clients. His mentor Paul (Harrison Ford) might not approve of Jimmy’s intrusive methods, but Jimmy finds satisfaction in knowing that his approach actually works — until it doesn’t. It is then that he realizes no amount of people he can heal will ever fix the one person who really needs healing: himself.

2

‘Ted Lasso’ (2020–Present)

Image via Apple TV

Football is very much in season in Ted Lasso — the British kind, though. Coach Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) gets the culture shock of his life when he’s hand-selected to train the struggling A.F.C. Richmond. Unsurprisingly, his overenthusiastic southern hospitality doesn’t exactly match well with Richmond’s sardonic humor. But over time, Coach Lasso wins his team over with his kindness. Together with his trusty sidekick Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt), the two slowly earn the trust of Richmond’s finest footballers, and in the process, learn how to become better trainers themselves.

One of the biggest lessons emphasized in Ted Lasso is to “be curious, not judgmental.” Coach Lasso is underestimated, but instead of lashing out, he understands that all of it comes from people just being curious. All he has to do is give them a proper reason to believe he is a capable coach. For him, that comes effortlessly. A.F.C. Richmond is already filled with capable football players — Coach Lasso simply gives them the confidence they have long needed.

3

‘Pachinko’ (2022–2024)

Image via Apple TV+

An epic family saga spanning from 1915 Korea to 1989 Japan, Pachinko follows four generations of a Korean family trying to survive under Japanese occupation. After an unwanted encounter leaves teenage Kim Sunja (Kim Min-ha) pregnant, she builds a new life in Osaka after a priest offers to marry her in the name of salvation. Decades later, her grandson Solomon (Jin Ha) confronts the legacy of his family’s history.

Pachinko explores the struggles of the Zainichi community — ethnic Koreans living in Japan — across generations shaped by discrimination and displacement. The apple does not fall far from the tree, and their experiences across the decades reflect that reality. Sunja has it hard as a direct victim of the Japanese annexation and World War II, but even Solomon, despite becoming a far more successful descendant, still has his Korean-Japanese heritage called into question. However, the series shows that persistence alone is already a form of resistance, and that the only people we truly have to prove ourselves to are ourselves.

4

‘Pluribus’ (2025–Present)

Image via Apple TV

Advertisement

“We just want to help, Carol.” From the creator of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul now comes the post-apocalyptic Pluribus. Author Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn) is one of the 13 people in the world unaffected by the “Joining,” a mysterious foreign virus that causes humanity to be part of a unified, hive mind known as the “Others.” Unlike traditional viruses — which either kill people or worse, turn them into zombies — the Others live harmonious, productive lives.

Pluribus questions whether being part of the status quo majority is truly better than being in the minority. The philosophy of the Joining is that nobody gets left behind and contributes equally, and that everyone lives in peaceful coexistence with no social strata dividing them. However, it doesn’t take away the fact that they are taking away individualism and free choice. Even if it makes the world a “better place,” there is always a cost to efficiency.

5

‘The Studio’ (2025–Present)

Image via Apple TV

Advertisement

Today’s entertainment industry may be in disarray due to AI, profit-hungry executives, and streaming services. However, it also makes for great satirical television. The Studio is arguably Seth Rogen‘s magnum opus, especially after earning him his first-ever Primetime Emmy Award win for the show. Following a struggling production company, Matt Remick (Rogen) becomes the newly appointed head of Continental Studios. Matt’s love for movies is unquestionable, but his cinephile, Letterboxd-coded taste isn’t exactly what the market-seeking executives at Continental Studios are looking for.

The Studio takes virtually every Hollywood and pop culture trope and makes fun of its sheer cringiness. Much of that cringe comes from the idea that everything has to be marketable. Throughout The Studio, superhero franchises, awards campaigns, and corporate marketing are all portrayed as being far removed from the artistry that’s supposed to be at the heart of filmmaking. It’s a sharp reminder that these days, what gets people talking about films often isn’t the film itself, but the discourse surrounding it — something studios are eager to profit from, revealing just how shallow Hollywood can be.

6

‘Dark Matter’ (2024–Present)

Image via Apple TV

Advertisement

Based on Blake Crouch‘s book of the same name, Dark Matter shows what happens when an overly ambitious scientist goes overboard with his so-called benevolent ideas. By day, Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton) is a physics professor at a regular college. By night, he’s a doting husband and father to his family. His life changes when he gets abducted in the middle of the night. He later wakes up in an alternate reality — one where his scientific passion project is a success and used for nefarious means.

Parallel universes are a big thing in the sci-fi genre. Dark Matter gets its sci-fi chops from the actual superposition theory, which is fictionalized to extreme measures when it is made into a dimension-traveling box. But one rule of parallel universe traveling is that when somebody alters even the slightest thread of their current reality, it would not only alter the current universe they’re in, but also millions of other universes out there. Dark Matter is one slippery slope that Jason finds himself in, with no possible way of escaping.

7

‘Severance’ (2022–2025)

Image via Apple TV

Advertisement

“The work is mysterious and important.” No other sci-fi series has brought viewers more to Apple TV than Severance. Former history professor Mark Scout (Adam Scott) is wallowing in grief following the unexpected passing of his wife. To cope with his heartbreak, Mark takes a job at Lumon Industries. Apart from a stable office job, one of the other “perks” of working there is that everyone on his floor goes through a memory-losing “severance” program.

The severance program is designed to create split personalities: as an “innie,” employees aren’t aware of what’s going on outside; as an “outie,” they have no memory of what they did back at work. Severance questions the moral ambiguity of this method. On one hand, severance allows employees to fully focus on the work as they enter the building, ensuring total work-life balance. On the other hand, it establishes one-sided control over the working class. Either way, it reeks of modern-day capitalism, showing how corporations are willing to invade their staff in the name of profit.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

February 17, 2022

Network

Apple TV

Advertisement

Showrunner

Dan Erickson, Mark Friedman

Advertisement

Writers

Anna Ouyang Moench, Wei-Ning Yu

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Love on the Spectrum star Abbey Romeo celebrated her 28th birthday the Caribbean way — and Us Weekly got an exclusive look inside her surprise party at Beaches Turks & Caicos.

“It was epic. It was awesome,” Romeo, 28, told Us of her poolside surprise at the resort on Saturday, May 16. “Elmo came to surprise me!”

While visiting the island to celebrate the opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos, Romeo was treated to a visit by the Sesame Street character, a mermaid and a cake alongside her mom, Christine Romeo, and cousin Mary Romeo.

Of course, Abbey had fun donning a mermaid tail herself and swimming alongside her new “buddy” mermaid, though the Netflix personality told Us the mythical creatures have a deeper significance in her life.

“The number one thing is that I really connected to them as a little girl because mermaids wanted to be on dry land and I wanted to be mainstream,” she explained to Us. “The story of Ariel, I really identified with her as a kid because she felt lonely. She wanted to be part of the human world, and I wanted to be part of a typical school.”

She continued: “When she got to land, she could not talk when she was human. That’s how I used to be.”

Abbey attended an autism school when she was younger, and she told Us she came home one day and proclaimed, “I have no voice, just like Ariel.”

But Abbey has come a long way since then.

“There are many different kinds of autism,” she told Us. “I had 22 years of speech therapy to get where I am today.”

In addition to her poolside birthday party, Abbey got to swim with her mermaid tail in the “beautiful, crystal clear blue water,” meet new friends and even explore the resort’s waterpark — all by herself.

“The first day I got here, I decided to go to the water park all on my own,” she explained to Us. “That felt amazing.”

Not only does Abbey feel confident on her own at the resort, but her mom, Christine, also feels comfortable letting her do her own thing.

Related: How Chad Michael Murray and More Stars Celebrated Beaches’ New Resort

Advertisement

Chad Michael Murray, Kelly Bensimon and more celebs brought their undeniable star power to the Caribbean for the grand opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos — and Us Weekly was there to soak in every moment. The action-packed weekend culminated on Saturday, May 16, with the Treasure Beach Village Bash, complete […]

“Abbey feels very safe at the resort, and I feel safe letting her try things,” Christine told Us. “That kind of growth is so substantial. And it’s lovely to be able to come to a place where you know that your loved one is safe, even though they have neurological differences.”

Year 27 was major for Abbey: From singing at the Hollywood Bowl to attending the premiere of the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, to running her hat business and releasing her new single, “Right Here Right Now,” the special moments and milestones were never-ending.

Her ambitions for the year ahead are just as impressive.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

“My goal is to have a pool party and get more mermaid tails for my girlfriends,” she told Us. “[And] go to Italy. Maybe go to Australia to go visit [H2O: Just Add Water mermaids] Cleo, Rikki and Emma. [And] write a new song.”

Following Abbey’s recent decision to just be friends with David Isaacman, whom she met on Love on the Spectrum and dated for over four years, she also hopes to start dating again.

“I do wish there was a merman with me. They’re handsome,” she quipped. “I find them so cute.”