Men's Journal's Blog, page 126

US Technology Company Shows Shocking Reality Of Tariffs Costs

In a striking illustration of the financial strain tariffs can impose, Wyze, a budget-friendly smart home company, disclosed that it paid $255,000 in tariffs on a shipment of floodlights valued at $167,000. The company shared this information via its official X account, underscoring the disproportionate burden tariffs can place on businesses.

"We’ve been working on moving manufacturing out of China for over a year now, but those efforts have been…accelerated. We’ll probably be out in 60 days," the company wrote. 

"Obviously we’d love to move our factories back home to Seattle. We just need to figure out to make the rain in Seattle power an assembly line."

Obviously we’d love to move our factories back home to Seattle. We just need to figure out to make the rain in Seattle power an assembly line.

— Wyze (@WyzeCam) April 30, 2025

This revelation comes amid broader concerns about the economic impact of tariffs on American companies. According to The Budget Lab at Yale University, tariffs could cost the average American household $3,800 in 2025, even after a temporary reduction to a 10% rate for most imports.​

Wyze's experience is emblematic of the challenges many tech companies face as they navigate the complexities of global supply chains and trade policies. The company has been working to shift its manufacturing out of China, aiming to relocate production within 60 days to mitigate the impact of tariffs.​

The broader tech industry is also grappling with the ramifications of tariffs. The current administration's 2025 tariffs, which include a minimum 10% tax on global imports and higher rates for certain countries, have disrupted supply chains and increased costs for many tech firms.

As companies like Wyze seek to adapt by relocating manufacturing and reevaluating supply chains, the long-term effects of these trade policies on innovation, pricing, and global competitiveness remain to be seen.​

U.S. Reissues Most Severe 'Do Not Travel' Warning

The United States Department of State periodically reviews its standing travel warnings in its list of travel advisories. This week, that review led to the department reissuing one of its most severe travel warnings.

The United States has an extensive "Travel Advisories" database that provides citizens with information about the potential dangers of traveling to various overseas countries. Those "travel warnings" are split into four categories – level 1 through level 4.

A Level 1 travel advisory means "Exercise Normal Precautions." This level of advisory is issued for many common tourist locations to remind travelers to exercise caution even when there is no clear or explicit threat.

A Level 2 travel advisory, meanwhile, warns travelers to "Exercise Increased Caution." This advisory typically applies to locations where there is not an explicit threat or imminent danger, but crime is prevalent, there is civil unrest, or the country is often targeted with terrorist plots.

A Level 3 travel advisory starts to get a little more serious. This threat warns travelers to "Reconsider Travel" to countries that it deems inherently dangerous for a number of reasons, such as heightened risks of crime, civil unrest, or terrorism.

A Level 4 travel advisory is the most severe and serious, warning travelers simply to "Do Not Travel" to that location. These warnings are typically reserved for countries involved in active armed conflicts or countries that are enemies of the United States or have little to no diplomatic relationship with the United States.

This week, the state department reaffirmed one of those Level 4 travel advisories, reminding travelers not to travel to North Korea "for any reason."

"Do not travel to North Korea due to the continuing serious risk of arrest, long-term detention, and the threat of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals. Do not travel to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for any reason," the travel advisory states.

The advisory warns that United States passports cannot be used to travel to, in, or through North Korea unless the traveler gains a special validation, which are granted "only in very limited circumstances."

Even in those cases, the United States warns that it cannot provide assistance to those traveling to North Korea since it doesn't have diplomatic relations with the country.

"Because the U.S. government does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea, it cannot provide direct help to U.S. citizens in North Korea in emergencies. Sweden serves as the U.S. protecting power in North Korea through its Embassy in Pyongyang and provides limited consular services to U.S. citizens. Additionally, the North Korean government has often delayed or denied Swedish officials access to U.S. citizens who are detained," the advisory states.

Needless to say, visiting North Korea should not be in any American's upcoming travel plans.

Dr. Gorst? Bix and Cassian's Target in 'Andor,' Explained

Because Andor Season 1 debuted almost three years ago, it makes sense that some viewers are a little fuzzy on the various motivations in this incredibly large cast of characters. And, in the second set of Season 2 episodes, much of the plot of Andor is focused on Bix's (Adria Arjona) trauma from the actions of one Dr. Gorst (Joshua James). In fact, the final episode of the second block — Episode 6 — concludes with Cassian (Diego Luna) and Bix going after this guy. 

Here's what to know about the ending of Andor Season 2, Episode 6, and how this moment ties to Season 1, and what it means going forward. Spoilers ahead for Andor Season 2, Episode 6, "What a Festive Evening." 

Who is Dr. Gorst? Dr. Gorst in 'Andor' Season 1

StarWars.com

As we were reminded in the first episode of Andor Season 2, Gorst was an Imperial mad scientist who used various kinds of physiological to torture people in order to get them to reveal certain information. When Cassian was on the run from the Empire in Season 1, Gorst tortured Bix by forcing her to listen to the screams of dying Dizonites, a species that the Empire subjugated and slaughtered. 

Bix was deeply affected by this torture in Season 1, which is why she has hallucinations about him in Season 2. Throughout the second block of episodes, from Episode 4 to Episode 6, Bix sees Gorst in her dreams, and sometimes even has waking nightmares. But, unlike in Season 1, in which Gorst came to Ferrix, where Bix lived, in Season 2, Andor and Bix live in Gorst's neighborhood.

Andor Season 2, Episode 6 Ending Explained 

After leaving on a secret mission to Ghorman and coming back to the city planet of Coruscant, Cassian and Bix finally decide to deal with her Gorst problem once and for all. Because Coruscant is the seat of Imperial power, they track down Gorst (somehow) and kill him in his own office. And yes, the way Bix decides to deal with Gorst is by subjecting him to the same sound torture he inflicted on her in Season 1.

Related: Diego Luna and Adria Arjona Had to Rerecord All of 'Andor' Season 2 for an Awesome Reason

Clearly, the idea here is that Cassian and Bix are facing her demons together, and, in theory, destroying the painful past in one massive blaze of righteous revenge. 

Next week, things jump ahead a year again, and Bix and Andor will almost certainly be in a very different groove.

Andor Season 2 has six episodes left. Three new episodes drop next week on May 6

Major Warning as Common Household Items Linked to Many Deaths

A chemical found in common household items such as food storage containers, shampoo, makeup, perfume, and children's toys may have contributed to thousands of global deaths, a recent study has found.

A recent study has found that synthetic chemicals called phthalates, which are found in many common plastic items found in nearly every household, may have contributed to more than 10 percent of all deaths from heart disease in 2018.

“Phthalates contribute to inflammation and systemic inflammation in the coronary arteries, which can accelerate existing disease and lead to acute events including mortality,” said senior author Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics and population health at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine via CNN.

“Phthalates are known to disrupt testosterone,” Trasande added, saying that “low testosterone is a predictor of adult cardiovascular disease.”

This is not the only study that has sounded the alarm on potential health problems linked to phthalates. As CNN points out, phthalates have been linked in earlier studies with reproductive problems, such as genital malformations and undescended testes in baby boys and lower sperm counts and testosterone levels in adult males. Studies have also linked phthalates to asthma, childhood obesity and cancer.

Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to avoid phthalates in everyday life. Often called “everywhere chemicals,” they are regularly added to everyday plastics to make the plastic more flexible and harder to break.

The chemicals are used in PVC plumbing pipes, vinyl flooring, medical tubing, garden hoses, some children’s toys, food packaging, detergents, clothing, furniture and automotive plastics. Phthalates are often added to shampoo, soap, hair spray, and cosmetics to make fragrances last longer.

Needless to say, these findings are quite concerning given just how pervasive these chemicals are in our society.

Jordon Hudson Appears to Hint at Bill Belichick Meeting

Jordon Hudson is sending a subtle message amid criticism over her involvement in Bill Belichick’s CBS Sunday Morning interview.

Originally from Hancock, Maine, Hudson graduated from Bridgewater State University in 2022. Hudson, 24, and Belichick, 73, have reportedly been dating since 2024. Their relationship has sparked widespread discussion due to their 49-year age gap. 

During Belichick’s April 27 appearance on CBS Sunday Morning to promote his new book, The Art of Winning: Lessons from a Life in Football, Hudson was described as “a constant presence,” according to co-host Tony Dokoupil.

North Carolina Tar Heels football head coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend Jordon Hudson at Dean E. Smith Center on March 08, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

One of the most talked-about moments from the CBS interview came when Belichick was asked how he and Hudson met. Before he could answer, Hudson interjected, “We are not talking about this.” The brief remark has raised public concern, with some questioning the dynamics of the relationship.

However, it appears Hudson has turned to social media to add context. On April 29, she shared an Instagram story featuring a post from Feb. 11. The original post celebrated what she called the couple’s four-year “meetiversary.”

The post included a video of a handwritten note from Belichick, dated Feb. 11, 2021, that read: “Jordan, Thanks for giving me a course on logic! Safe travels!” JetBlue was also tagged in the photo — a subtle nod to their first meeting on a flight from Boston to Florida.

Jordon Hudson/Instagram

Despite the ongoing backlash and public scrutiny from the CBS interview, Hudson has taken to social media to apparently indicate that she has, already, revealed how the two originally met. 

Sydney Sweeney Spotted With '1923' Actor After Jonathan Davino Split

Sydney Sweeney appears to be getting close with co-star Brandon Sklenar just weeks after ending her long-term relationship with producer Jonathan Davino.

After nearly seven years of dating, the Euphoria star called it quits with Davino in March. Sweeney and Davino began dating in 2018, got engaged in 2022, and had planned to marry in May 2025. In addition to their personal relationship, the pair also collaborated on Anyone But You (2023) and Immaculate (2024).

Sweeney’s next project is the psychological thriller Housemaid, scheduled for release in December 2025. She stars opposite Sklenar, best known for his roles in It Ends With Us (2024), Drop (2025), and the Yellowstone prequel series 1923 on Paramount+.

Sydney Sweeney (L) and Jonathan Davino are seen in Chelsea on December 15, 2024 in New York City. 

TheStewartofNY/Getty Images

On Saturday, April 26, 2026, Sweeney and Sklenar were spotted together at the Stagecoach music festival in Indio, CA. A video circulating on TikTok shows the pair dancing closely and singing along during Creed’s performance.

@lelaniivette

#stagecoach #sydneysweeney #creed #foryoupage #fyp

♬ GO KYLIE GO - xkqliex

Sweeney has previously emphasized the importance of privacy in her personal life. In a 2022 Cosmopolitan interview, she said, “I don’t date people in the spotlight. I don’t date actors or musicians or anyone in entertainment because I can just be normal Syd that way, and it’s easiest. I have a great support system.”

Sydney Sweeney attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Whether those boundaries still hold following her split with Davino remains unclear. What is certain is Sweeney’s continued prioritization of her career, while maintaining a level of privacy in her personal life.

Southwest Airlines Announcement Sparks Outrage

Southwest Airlines made a rather significant announcement this week as the airline charts its path forward after ending its longstanding policies of open seating and free checked bags. But that announcement did not exactly go over well with its customers.

The airline announced the decision to ditch open seating and free checked baggage last month, in an attempt to modernize and boost profits. To help replace the previous longstanding policies, the airline announced four new fare bundles — Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, Choice, and Basic, in descending order of price.

After previously offering all passengers to check two bags at no charge, now only the "Choice Extra" bundle — the priciest of the available options — offers two checked bags. This top-tier package also comes with added benefits like extra legroom seats, early boarding, and in-flight internet access.

Beyond eliminating complimentary checked bags, Southwest is also scrapping its long-standing open seating policy. Moving forward, travelers will need to pay to choose their seats.

The "Choice Preferred" bundle offers customers preferred seating and early general boarding, while "Choice" customers will choose from standard seats upon booking, Meanwhile, those who opt for the "Basic" bundle will simply be assigned seats at check-in – a drastic change from the airline's decades of history allowing everyone to choose their own seats.

Needless to say, customers were not thrilled as the announcement did not exactly go over well on social media. Customers quickly flooded the airline's Instagram account with comments expressing their displeasure.

"I'd rather have my two free checked bags and open seating," one person wrote in the comments on Instagram.

“None of us asked for this,” someone else commented regarding the announcement.

"Open seating and two checked bags included is all we want. Southwest was perfect as-is. Honestly was my favorite airline and my #1 choice when flying," another commenter wrote.

"I see your stock took a hit. There’s more where that came from," someone else added.

"Where’s the inflight entertainment? Where are my 2 free bags? Feels like I’m just getting up-charged. I can fly on the legacy airlines for the same price and at least get in seat entertainment and not have to waste my phone’s battery," another commenter said.

We'll have to see how long this backlash lasts.

Southwest Has Major Announcement After Ending Free Bags

Last month, Southwest Airlines sparked criticism when the company announced a bit of a brand overhaul that included ditching its longstanding policies of free checked baggage and open seating on the aircraft in an attempt to modernize and secure more profits. Now, Southwest is codifying those changes with a new announcement.

On Tuesday, Southwest Airlines officially announced its new fare bundles, offering perks to high-paying customers and loyalty program members. 

The airline rolled out four new fare options — Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, Choice, and Basic, in descending price order. The new bundles will be available for customers to purchase in the third quarter of this year for flights scheduled in 2026

“With new choices like seat selection and Extra Legroom, our enhanced fare bundles let Customers customize their trip while still enjoying our industry-leading reliability and hospitality,” Southwest’s executive vice president of consumer and brand, Tony Roach, wrote in a statement on Tuesday.

While Southwest Airlines has long offered two free checked bags to all customers, only the "Choice Extra" bundle – the most expensive one of the bunch – includes two checked bags. Additional perks of the highest-tier bundle include seats with extra legroom, early boarding, and in-flight internet access.

In addition to ditching free bags, Southwest is also ending its longstanding policy of open seating on flights. Now, customers will have to pay in order to select their seats.

The "Choice Preferred" bundle offers customers preferred seating and early general boarding, while "Choice" customers will choose from standard seats upon booking, Meanwhile, those who opt for the "Basic" bundle will simply be assigned seats at check-in – a drastic change from the airline's decades of history allowing everyone to choose their own seats.

Clearly, it is a new era for Southwest Airlines as they are departing from everything that made them unique.

Popular Pizza Restaurant Closing Locations Amid Bankruptcy

Pizza is a popular dish in America and around the world, but some pizza restaurants are falling on difficult times. There is a lot of competition in the pizza market, especially across the U.S. According to IBIS World, there were 74,077 pizza restaurants in the U.S. as of 2024. Statista adds that pizza spots in the U.S. hit a peak in 2022, with 80,175 pizza establishments across the U.S.

Domino's Pizza Enterprises, the world's biggest pizza chain and franchisee, announced back in February that the company will shut down 205 low-performing restaurants "to sharpen market focus and improve profitability." Now, one more beloved pizza restaurant has announced that it will close locations as it goes into bankruptcy.

Pizza chain Bertucci's Restaurants LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the third time in the past decade on April 24 and also announced it will be forced to close locations.

"On April 24, 2025, Bertucci's filed bankruptcy with the goal of promptly reorganizing its business for a sustainable and successful future," Bertucci's said in a statement. "Consistent with numerous other recent restaurant brand bankruptcies, consumer demand has shifted away from legacy casual-dining brands."

In court documents, the Italian chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Florida and stated that its assets and liabilities are between $10 million and $50 million.

Before this latest development, the chain operated 16 restaurants in six states. Back in 2022 when Bertucci's filed for bankruptcy for a second time, it operated 31 branches. Customers can keep up with the latest locations that are closing on the company's site.

Bertucci's is not alone in its dining woes. A bevy of restaurant chains closed locations in 2024, including Wendy's, Denny's, Red Lobster, Applebee's and Boston Market, according to Eat This, Not That.

"The reasons for these restaurant closures varied," Eat This, Not That added in a December 2024 piece. "Some chains decided to eliminate select underperforming stores to improve the health of their overall businesses, while others opted to shutter dozens of restaurants to stay afloat amid bankruptcy."

Related: Wendy's Announces Big Menu Change

White House Tariffs Could Ground Santa’s Gifts

Christmas isn't looking very jolly even though it's only spring.

Holiday toys are often manufactured and shipped four to five months ahead in China and the 145% tariffs are having a negative impact on production, according to The New York Times.

“We have a frozen supply chain that is putting Christmas at risk,” Greg Ahearn, chief executive of the Toy Association, told the media outlet. “If we don’t start production soon, there’s a high probability of a toy shortage this holiday season.” With a possible shortage, higher prices will likely follow.

The Toy Association is asking the White House for "a 24-month reprieve" to give brands time to figure out the manufacturing process in the U.S. Toys aren't the only issue because Reuters has already reported that 87% of Christmas decorations, and per The Nature Conservatory, almost 90% of artificial Christmas trees come from China. It could be a very expensive holiday for Americans.

Toys stand under a Christmas tree in a GDR living room from the 1960s in the Haus der AlltagsGeschichte in Wittenberg. 

picture alliance/Getty Images

Playnow Toys & Games store owner Ray Vigneault suggested to Western Mass News that families who have the financial means should shop early this year. 

“If your child has a certain thing that they want under the tree, you might want to get that now because it may not be around come the end of the year,” he suggested.

As a business owner, Vigneault believes it's the kids who get punished in the end when it comes to the trade war. 

“Tariffs on toys. The kids are getting hurt. It’s not a good situation...there will be huge shortages come Christmas," he explained. "That’s totally the prediction right now. There will be some price increases, but the shortages are more worrisome."

Related: Tariff Fears Send Consumer Outlook Plummeting to Lowest Levels Since 2011