Men's Journal's Blog, page 75

Summerfest Announces 2025 Promotions, Discounts & How to Get Free Tickets

Milwaukee's massive Summerfest festival has arrived for 2025, and the admission price is $30 this year.

However, Summerfest has announced a series of promos and discounts for the festival that include multiple ways to get free tickets. There are promotions for military veterans and police, for college and high school students, if you donate blood, or socks, and a variety of other discounts.

Summerfest, which hosts a variety of free musical acts along with major headliner concerts, runs over three different weekends, June 19-21, June 26-28, and July 3-5.

Here are some of the promotions: 

Sock & Oral Hygiene Promotion

Saturday, June 21 from 12 – 3 p.m.

The first 1,500 patrons who arrive between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. and who donate new socks, deodorant, and/or "oral hygiene items (toothbrush and toothpaste) with a total minimum value of $10 (per person), will receive one FREE admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only," Summerfest says.

All donations "benefit he Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership," Summerfest says.

Summerfest described the socks as the greatest need.

Summerfest App Promotion

June 19, June 20, or June 21 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

The first 15,000 people who download the Summerfest app "will be able to claim a free digital admission ticket," Summerfest wrote. "The tickets are valid for one admission on June 19, June 20, or June 21 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. only."

To claim the free promo ticket, "go under the tickets tab in the app and select the "Pepsi Promo Ticket button," Summerfest advises:

"Enter your name, email, and phone number.Select the Summerfest 2025 First Weekend 1 day admission ticket that is displayedSelect the GET TICKETS button and add 1 (one) to your cartCheckout and complete your order! You can then view your barcode."

"Good for 1 Admission before 4 p.m. on either June 19, June 20, or June 21. Limit (1) one per device. While supplies last. Not valid for admission to American Family Insurance Amphitheater shows," Summerfest wrote.

Discounted Tickets & Beverages 

Thursday, June 26 from 12 to 6 p.m.

Summerfest is offering $5 admission and 50 percent "off select beverages. Enjoy a collection of music through the decades from various throwback artists," the site says.

From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., "all beer, seltzer, Cherry Vodka Lemonade, Aquafina Water, and soda will be 50% off!" the festival advises. 

College & High School Student Promotion

Friday, June 27 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

All patrons "who arrive between 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. wearing a shirt or hat representing a participating college or university, or showing a valid high school ID, will receive one FREE admission ticket," Summerfest says. 

"Tickets are only valid for the day and time of the promotion. Stop by the Mid Gate Promotions Booth to claim your ticket...Only shirts or hats from the following colleges or universities will be accepted:"

Beloit CollegeCarroll UniversityHerzing UniversityMarquette UniversityMilwaukee Area Technical CollegeSt. Norbert CollegeUniversity of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeUniversity of Wisconsin-ParksideUniversity of Wisconsin-Whitewater

All high school students "who begin their FAFSA before July 5 will receive a code redeemable for a FREE General Admission Summerfest Ticket. For more information on how to request your ticket code, visit Mepwisc.org(opens in new tab at www.mepwisc.org)."

Military, Police, Fire & EMT Promotion

Saturday, June 28 from  12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

"Active-duty military personnel and veterans, police, fire and EMT (along with up to four family members) arriving between 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. who present a valid Military ID, copy or photo of a DD-214 form, driver’s license with Veteran classification, law enforcement or fire department agency-issued credentials at the designated turnstile at any gate will be admitted for FREE," Summerfest says. 

"Police and fire union ID cards will also be accepted with a photo ID."

Children's Book Promotion

Saturday, June 28 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The first 2,500 patrons "who donate new or gently used children’s books with a $10 minimum value will receive one FREE admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only," Summerfest noted. "Picture books and early readers for children ages birth through 10 are preferred. All books collected at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth will be donated to Next Door."

Kwik Trip Promotion

Friday, July 4 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

"All patrons arriving between 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. will be admitted FREE, and the first 5,000 attendees to enter through the Mid-Gate will receive a commemorative can cooler," Summerfest wrote, noting that Kwik Trip is sponsoring this promotion.

Potawatomi Promotion & $1 Million Drawing

Saturday, July 5 from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

"All patrons arriving between 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. will be admitted FREE, compliments of Potawatomi Casino Hotel and Summerfest," Summerfest wrote. 

"Plus, the first 30,000 patrons arriving through the gates will receive an admission ticket for Summerfest 2026 AND a BIG WIN entry ticket," Summerfest noted. 

"To participate in the BIG WIN drawing, simply drop the perforated BIG WIN Entry ticket in a specially marked bin inside the Summerfest Mid Gate between the hours of 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. on July 5, 2025 p.m. on July 5 to be entered for the opportunity to win $1 million dollars and a guaranteed share of $10,000."

Blood Donation

"All patrons who donate blood at a Versiti Blood Center location in Wisconsin or Illinois between June 9 – June 15, will receive access to one FREE General Admission Summerfest ticket, while supplies last," Summerfest wrote.

American Airlines Cancels All Flights to Doha, Qatar

American Airlines has canceled all flights to one of the biggest and busiests airports on the entire planet.

The Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar is one of the most important hubs for American Airlines, given American's strategic partnership with Qatar Airways. But this week, American Airlines suddently canceled all flights to the major hub.

On Wednesday, American Airlines announced its decision to temporarily suspend all flights between Philadelphia International Airport and Doha, Qatar as a result of the ongoing conflict in the area.

American said that the suspension would go until Sunday, June 22, but did leave the door open to "make any adjustments as needed."

"American Airlines has made adjustments to its Doha, Qatar (DOH) operation, temporarily suspending flights between DOH and Philadelphia (PHL) until Sunday, June 22. We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and make any additional adjustments as needed," American Airlines wrote in a statement this week.

The airline said that the last flight from Philadelphia to Doha before the suspension took off early Thursday morning.

Obviously, this abrupt cancellation impacts a lot of travelers, given the importance of the Doha hub to Qatar Airways passengers and the rest of the Middle East.

American is not the only airline that has canceled flights to the Middle East amidst the conflict between Israel and Iran. Delta and United announced last week that they were suspending all flights to the Tel Aviv airport in Israel, while United also canceled all of its flights to Dubai.

We'll have to see how the conflict continues to impact travelers going to and through the area over the coming weeks and months.

Southwest Airlines is Moving Forward With Assigned Seating

For decades, Southwest Airlines was known for its iconic open seating policy, allowing customers to choose any seat when they boarded the plane. However, the airline announced earlier this year that it was ending that longstanding policy as it instead moved toward an assigned seating model, and it sounds like that model will be rolled out quite soon.

This week, Southwest Airlines officially announced that it would "soon" be rolling out its new assigned seating model.

"We are planning to begin offering booking for assigned and premium seating in the second half of 2025, and we are expected to begin operating with assigned and premium seating in 2026," Southwest Airlines announced on its website this week.

This announcement came as Southwest Airlines rolled out a television commercial that spread the news of the major change.

A Southwest Airlines spokesperson told Fox News Business that the company "wanted to bring new people to the fold while also reminding current Customers why they chose Southwest in the first place."

"It was important to us to show them we ‘get it,’" the spokesperson added.

The airline has not yet shared exact dates for when it will move to an assigned seating model, but it said to "stay tuned as we approach the third quarter." 

In addition to ending its longstanding open seating policy, Southwest Airlines has made another controversial change, ending its beloved and iconic "bags fly free policy" last month as the company began charging customers for checked baggage.

Obviously, these are some significant changes for the airline as it looks to establish a new identity with its customers and ultimately boost profits.

We'll have to see how this works out for them.

Hugh Laurie Fails to Break Silence on His Most Famous TV Role

Hugh Laurie just gave the most House-like answer possible—by refusing to answer at all.

The 66-year-old actor reportedly turned down an invitation to appear on the Doctor Mike podcast, where he would’ve been asked to revisit his role as Dr. Gregory House, the sardonic, painkiller-popping genius from Fox's long-running medical drama House. 

According to host Dr. Mikhail Varshavski, Laurie's reps didn't exactly sugarcoat their response.

"His staff was like, 'Oh, this is a good fit, we're going to reach out to him and see what he thinks,'" Varshavski explained during a recent episode with ER alum Noah Wyle. "I'm going to read you quote-unquote what he said: 'He is not interested in opportunities like this, frankly doesn't care about the audience or reliving the show.'"

Wyle couldn’t help but laugh, calling the comment "so baller." 

And on social media, fans were quick to say Laurie was still channeling his famously misanthropic character, with one post reading, "Hugh Laurie embodied House in that moment."

The British actor led House for eight seasons from 2004 to 2012, earning global acclaim, two Golden Globe Awards, and six straight nominations for Best Actor. 

The show remains a streaming favorite and has recently gained a new generation of fans thanks to viral TikTok clips. But even with all the nostalgia and renewed interest, Laurie appears to have little desire to revisit his most iconic role.

Still, it's worth noting that a representative for Laurie told The Independent that he hasn't explicitly ruled out returning to the character in the future.

In fact, in March 2020, the actor briefly "revived" House in a tweet, imagining what the cynical doctor might say about COVID-19. 

"I can't speak for House, obviously–no one's written clever words for me to say–but I'm pretty sure he'd tell you it’s not a matter of 'solving' Covid. This is an epidemic, not a diagnostic problem. We solve it together by staying apart."

That might be as close as fans get for now. But if Laurie ever does decide to speak again as House, it sounds like it'll be entirely on his terms.

Related: Arnold Schwarzenegger Raises Eyebrows With 4-Word Message to Immigrants

Rural Retailer Tractor Supply Co to Open 90 Stores by Year’s End

As Home Depot and Lowe’s try to rebound from rocky years, a different kind of retailer is quietly building an empire—and fast. 

Tractor Supply Company, the nation’s largest rural lifestyle chain, is opening 90 new locations by the end of 2025, according to Daily Mail. That pushes its footprint to about 3,200 stores across 49 states.

At least 18 of the new locations were formerly Big Lots stores, scooped up during a rescue acquisition following the chain’s bankruptcy. 

Tractor Supply wasted no time turning those spaces into supply hubs for its growing customer base: farmers, animal owners, tradespeople, and rural homeowners who don’t mind getting their hands dirty.

These openings come as the company doubles down on its "Life Out Here" strategy. The retailer launched the growth plan in 2020, redefining its store layouts, ramping up distribution, and expanding its loyalty program to more than 22 million members. 

CEO Hal Lawton says the brand is on track to hit $225 billion in revenue by year's end, up from an initial projection of $180 billion.

In addition to its core retail expansion, Tractor Supply is rolling out 10 new Petsense by Tractor Supply stores, crossing the 200-store threshold in pet retail. The launch of its Field & Stream-branded hunting and outdoor gear line is expected to further boost traffic and sales, especially in newly remodeled stores.

"We've delivered strong financial performance and enhanced our competitive advantages," Lawton said. "The Life Out Here 2030 strategy continues the momentum while launching new initiatives like Pet Rx and Direct Sales."

The company's sales climbed 2.1 percent to $3.47 billion in the first quarter, powered by new openings and contributions from pet pharmacy Allivet. 

Meanwhile, competitors are still playing catch-up. Lowe’s reported a 1.7 percent dip in revenue last quarter, and though Home Depot is starting to recover, it's had to weather inflation and shifting consumer behavior.

For many rural and suburban communities, Tractor Supply is becoming more than a retailer—it's a lifestyle destination. 

With baby chicks for sale, backyard essentials, and an outdoor ethos that's proven recession-resistant, the brand is capitalizing on trends its bigger competitors can't match.

Related: Target CEO Admits Sales Struggles as Company Rolls Out Major Fix

Walmart Makes Sudden Self-Checkout Decision After Alarming Police Data

Walmart is pulling back on one of its biggest retail experiments after eye-opening data from police revealed just how costly self-checkout can be.

At a Supercenter in Shrewsbury, Missouri, Walmart abruptly removed all self-checkout machines—permanently. 

The decision came after years of frequent police calls tied to theft at the store, which local law enforcement says dropped dramatically after the kiosks were removed.

According to the Webster-Kirkwood Times, the Shrewsbury Police Department responded to 509 calls from the Walmart location between January and May of last year. During the same period this year, after the self-checkouts were removed, those calls dropped to just 183. Arrests fell by more than half, from 108 to just 49.

"That's a huge change," said Police Chief Lisa Vargas. "We really appreciate Walmart taking initiative and removing those self-checkers."

While many major retailers once hailed self-checkout as the future of shopping, the reality has proven far more complicated. 

Customers frequently struggle with the machines, and some simply skip the scanning process altogether. The Mirror reported that Christopher Andrews, author of The Overworked Consumer, explained that stores initially viewed the technology as a labor-saving breakthrough, but it backfired.

"They ended up realizing that they're not saving money, they're losing money," Andrews said.

The move in Missouri isn't isolated. Walmart has also removed self-checkouts from a location in Cleveland, Ohio, and is reportedly reconsidering its broader strategy. 

Related: Walmart Makes Big Move to Compete With Costco

Frustration among customers over slow, glitchy machines has compounded the issue. And with theft rising across many retailers, automated checkout lanes have become a high-risk gamble.

Still, Walmart isn't giving up on innovation altogether. 

The company is testing Scan & Go technology at select Sam's Club locations. That model uses a mobile app to tally purchases in real-time, combining QR codes and AI to reduce shrink while offering speed and convenience to shoppers.

Related: Shopping at Sam’s Club Is About to Change Forever

Whether that system proves more efficient—or more secure—remains to be seen. But for now, one thing is clear: at least one Walmart is thriving without self-checkout. And police say the data speaks for itself.

Related: Shoppers Brace for Sticker Shock as Walmart Workers Warn of Massive Pricing Surge

Four-Time Pro-Bowler Spotted Playing Fortnite at NBA Finals Game

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers faced off in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. 

The Thunder's attempt to win the NBA title came up short, at least for now, in a 108-91 loss to the Pacers. 

As usual, plenty of star athletes and celebrities were on hand to try and catch a glimpse of the NBA title being won. 

One of those on hand was Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The four-time Pro Bowler was spotted courtside at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the game, and a clip surfaced of him doing something else: Playing Fortnite. 

It, however, appears to have taken place during warm-ups. 

Justin Jefferson spotted playing Fortnite courtside during warm ups at the NBA Finals 😭 pic.twitter.com/TmQ0CHOJ8n

— ryan 🤿 (@scubaryan_) June 20, 2025

Jefferson's love for Fortnite is not a secret, and there was even a skin released for him in the game recently. 

The Fortnite game also included Jefferson's famous Griddy dance in the game in 2021. 

On the field, Jefferson has been nothing short of fantastic since entering the NFL in 2020. He is a four-time Pro Bowler, a two-time All-Pro and has 1,000 or more yards in each of the five seasons he has been in the NFL. He was also named the 2022 AP Offensive Player of the Year,

This past season, he had 1,533 yards with 10 touchdowns on 103 receptions, and the Vikings should be fun to watch with JJ McCarthy recovering from surgery after missing his rookie season. 

Yet, even one of the NFL's biggest stars was having fun playing Fortnite right before the NBA Finals game. 

Related: Workers At Historic MLB Stadium On Verge of Strike

Is This Nature's Ozempic? Dietitians Weigh in on the Metabolic Benefits of This Underrated Supplement

With GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy making headlines for their powerful effects on weight loss, it’s no surprise people are asking: Can you boost GLP-1 naturally? The answer is yes, and there is compelling research that shows certain foods and supplements support this powerful appetite-regulating hormone. Dietitians are especially excited about one underrated nutrient: prebiotic chicory root fiber.

Let’s break down what GLP-1 is, how it works, and how your diet and lifestyle can naturally encourage your body to produce more of it.

What is Chicory Root Fiber?

Chicory root fiber is a type of prebiotic fiber known as inulin, naturally found in the chicory plant. It feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which ferment the fiber and produce compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

These SCFAs, in turn, help trigger the release of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates appetite control, gut health, and blood sugar balance. Among prebiotic fibers, chicory root has compelling research to show that consuming at least 10 grams per day can lead to measurable improvements in satiety and metabolic health.

What Is GLP-1 and How Does It Work?

Glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, is a hormone made in the gut during digestion. “It plays a key role in managing blood sugar levels by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin. GLP-1 also slows down the movement of food from the stomach, promoting the feeling of fullness and reducing appetite,” shares dietitian Gisela Belen Bouvier, MBA, RDN, LDN.

If your goal is weight loss or weight management, increasing GLP-1 naturally can help reduce hunger cues, making sticking to a calorie deficit that much easier.

The popularity of injectable GLP-1 agonist medications like Ozempic has brought attention to this hormone. But the conversation is expanding beyond medication to include food, supplements, and lifestyle strategies that also support your metabolic health.

Can Supplementing with Chicory Root Work for Weight Loss?

While many whole foods contain prebiotic fiber and are undoubtedly healthy to include in your diet (like bananas, onions, and asparagus), you’d need to eat five bananas, two large onions, or 10 cups of asparagus just to get five grams of the same fiber in chicory root.

That’s why functional foods or supplements containing chicory root fiber can be a more practical way to meet your daily intake—especially for people on GLP-1 medications who are eating less overall.

Clinical trials back this up. For example, one systematic review and meta-analysis found that chicory root fiber significantly reduced body weight with a daily dose of 10 grams. Participants also saw reductions in BMI, fat mass, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. Meaning, you can lose fat and maintain muscle mass on your weight loss journey when you supplement with chicory root fiber.

Similarly, in another study, participants consuming 16 grams per day of oligofructose-enriched inulin experienced a significant increase in GLP-1, along with improved hunger and satiety cues, and a 6-percent reduction in calorie intake compared to a placebo.

These findings suggest that chicory root fiber isn’t just good for your gut—it may also help you eat less, feel fuller, and support sustainable weight loss. But keep in mind, consistently taking the same amount of chicory root fiber is key.

Related: Father’s Mental Health in First Two Years May Influence Child Development, Study Finds

How Safe is Chicory Root Fiber?

Chicory root fiber is generally considered very safe, especially since it supports the body’s natural production of GLP-1. The most common side effect may be temporary digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas, particularly if you add too much fiber too quickly. To minimize side effects, start slow and drink plenty of water to help your body adjust.

Even individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may tolerate chicory root fiber well at lower doses. Research suggests that up to 10 grams per day of chicory root fiber can be tolerated by people with IBS, especially when introduced gradually.

Where to Find Chicory Root Fiber Supplements?

Chicory root fiber is becoming increasingly available in a variety of convenient formats, including gummies, powders, prebiotic drinks, protein bars, and meal replacement shakes. These products make it easier to get a meaningful dose of fiber—especially for people who are already eating less due to GLP-1 medications or want to control their appetite hormones naturally.

When choosing a supplement, ideally, choose brands that use ingredients backed by human clinical research, particularly studies that show benefits related to GLP-1 and weight management.

For weight loss, remember to consume the clinically significant dose of at least 10 grams of chicory root fiber per day, taken consistently for 8 weeks or more. Products that combine chicory root fiber with other functional ingredients, like protein or low-glycemic carbohydrates, may offer additional support for appetite control, blood sugar balance, and sustained energy levels.

Remember, No Supplement is a Magic Bullet for Weight Loss

While no supplement alone will lead to lasting weight loss, combining chicory root fiber with balanced nutrition and regular movement can naturally support GLP-1 production. Prioritize fiber-rich foods, healthy fats, and slow-digesting carbs, along with functional supplements like chicory root fiber, to increase satiety and support your metabolic health. 

Related: This Everyday Activity May Cut Your Risk of Chronic Back Pain by 23%

Scientists Say This 10-Second Test May Predict How Long You'll Live

Our society is obsessed with longevity. Our cultural focus on working out, eating whole foods, and managing stress isn't just about improving our health now, it's about increasing lifespan and improving quality of life for years to come.

And while some people turn to psychics or mediums to ask, “When will I die?” a new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests there may be a simple, science-backed test to gain insight—one you can try at home.

The sitting-rising test is simple. To complete it, study participants sat on a non-slippery flat surface barefoot with clothes that didn't restrict their movements. A researcher told the participants, "Without worrying about the speed of movement, try to sit and then rise from the floor, using the minimum support that you believe is needed." Basically, people were expected to go from standing to sitting down with their legs crossed, and back up again, while using as little support as possible.

For the study, researchers at the Exercise Medicine Clinic in Rio de Janeiro enlisted 4,282 adults between the ages of 46 and 75. After evaluating participants' health markers, the researchers had them perform the sitting-rising test. Each person’s performance was scored from zero to five for sitting and zero to five for rising (totaling up to 10), based on how easily and independently they could complete the movements.

Related: The Simple Bedtime Habit That’s Great for Your Health (and Relationship)

Although participants could cross their legs while sitting, they couldn't use the sides of their feet, hands, forearms, knees, or the side of their leg for support as they lowered to the ground or stood up. Each time they did, one point was subtracted from their score. Participants also lost half a point for being wobbly. If the individual completely failed at sitting or rising from the floor without external help, they were given a 0. 

After 12 years, researchers followed up with participants and found that 665 had died. Death rates rose sharply among those with lower sitting-rising test (SRT) scores: just 3.7 percent of people who scored a perfect 10 died, compared to 42.1 percent of those who scored between 0 and 4. They also discovered that despite other health factors, low scorers had a 3.8 times higher risk of death from natural causes and were also six times more likely to die from heart-related issues.

While the study doesn’t directly prove that a perfect score guarantees longevity, the authors say that health professionals can use the SRT to tailor exercise plans and gain important insights into survival prospects for middle-aged and older adults, whether healthy or with medical conditions.

In-N-Out Burger Being Sued for $3.2 Million

In-N-Out Burger is packed seemingly every day with guests wanting a burger with fresh fries in a very limited (albeit popular) menu. 

As of March 2025, In-N-Out has 418 locations across the United States. Most are in California and the West Coast, but the company has started to venture out to Texas as well. 

Unfortunately, In-N-Out is being sued for a whopping $3.2 million by one former employee, and the reason is because of his hairstyle, per Annie Goodykoontz of The Los Angeles Times. 

"In-N-Out Burger is being sued for at least $3 million by a former employee for alleged racial discrimination involving the employee’s hairstyle, according to a Los Angeles County Superior Court filing," the report stated. 

"According to the suit, 21-year-old Elijah Obeng, who is Black, said he experienced severe emotional distress after he was unfairly targeted by the burger chain’s dress code. The dress code requires its employees to wear company-issued hats with their hair tucked in, and male employees must be clean-shaven, the lawsuit says."

Obeng worked at the Compton In-N-Out store for nearly four years, and the report stated that the company took exception to his hairstyle and his sideburns with him even being sent home in May 2024 to shave his sideburns. 

Based on Obeng's lawsuit, the Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair (CROWN Act) is what the company is in violation of, which prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their hairstyles and hair textures. The former employee's experience caused him “anxiety, humiliation, and loss of dignity,” per the lawsuit.

Moreover, In-N-Out responded and said that it was due to prior write-ups, but Obeng believes it was a discriminatory act resulting in his resistance against the dress code policy.

From a financial aspect, a $3.2 million lawsuit is a small number compared to the $2 billion per year the company brings in, but dealing with this will likely bring negative attention to the well-known burger joint. 

Related: Trader Joe’s Newest Location Leaves Shoppers in Disbelief