Men's Journal's Blog, page 82
June 13, 2025
Costco Announces New Perk Just in Time for July 4
Costco is the third largest retailer in the world, only behind Walmart and Amazon, but just because they are one of the biggest, that doesn't mean they can slack on keeping their members happy. The retail business is constantly evolving, especially with technology changing the way people shop, so Costco and any company in the retail space has to keep up.
On their official website, Costco states, "Our operating philosophy has been simple: Keep costs down and pass the savings on to our members. Our large membership base and tremendous buying power, combined with our never-ending quest for efficiency, result in the best possible prices for our members." The add that since 1997, Costco has grown around the world, "with total sales in recent fiscal years exceeding $64 billion."
Now, Costco is adding some new benefits for certain members who are part of their highest-priced membership tier.
First of all, as previously reported, the company will start allowing executive members in the U.S. shop an hour earlier than standard members beginning June 30, as first noted by Business Insider. Costco confirmed the news in a press release sent out June 11 and social media post.
In addition, Costco has announced a discount of sorts on same-day delivery orders starting June 30, offering customers in the executive tier in the U.S. and Canada a $10 monthly credit, which is applied to one same-day order per month that's $150 or more.
Costco offers same-day delivery through Instacart. They first teamed up with Instacart for same-day delivery in 2017 and then expanded the partnership to include Costco's same-day delivery website with Instacart Storefront Pro in 2021.
"Costco Executive Members expect exceptional value – and now, they can get even more delivered to their door," Daniel Danker, chief product officer at Instacart, said in a statement. He added that their "new monthly credit makes it easier than ever for members across North America to get Costco's warehouse items with the convenience of fast and reliable delivery through Instacart."
FAA Issues Warning With 'Clear Message' Before Drone Test
On Friday, June 13, the Federal Aviation Administration revealed it will conduct drone-detection testing near Santa Teresa, NM from June 16-27.
According to a statement from the FAA, the administration's Center of Excellence for UAS Research, in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection will conduct the testing at Doña Ana County International Jetport. State a local first responders will be on hand for the tests.
This will be the third major drone-detection test planned by the FAA following the first two tests in Alaska and Cape May, NJ. The FAA selected the New Mexico location for its hot and arid climate, which the administration revealed supports its testing objectives.
In this photo illustration a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) seal is seen on a smartphone screen with the U.S. flag in the background. "The FAA will operate several large drones and about 100 commercial off-the-shelf drones during the two-week period. Testing will take place over the desert and near the old Rio Grande Speedway during the daytime on weekdays only," the FAA announced.
Additional tests are scheduled in Mississippi and North Dakota later this year. The tests are run to help determine the effectiveness of the FAA's technologies and whether they might interfere with administration or aircraft navigation systems.
Before the test runs in New Mexico later this month, the FAA issued a stern message to the public. "The public should not fly recreational drones near this area during the testing period," the administration said before offering a "clear message."
"The FAA receives more than 100 drone-sighting reports near airports each month, and we want to send a clear message that operating drones around airplanes, helicopters, and airports is dangerous and illegal," it said.
The FAA initially chartered the UAS Detection and Mitigation Systems Aviation Rulemaking Committee on March 16, 2023, to advise the agency on safely integrating drone detection and mitigation systems.
After the ARC made 46 recommendations on ensuring systems do not interfere with the safe and efficient operation of the National Airspace System the FAA announced it incorporated many of the recommendations into the administrations work to ensure safety.
Related: Rory McIlroy, Wife Erica Making Big Change After U.S. Open
June 12, 2025
Jolly Ranchers Hit With 'Do Not Eat' Warning in U.K.
Consumers have been advised against eating a popular American candy after a health agency determined that the beloved sweet treat is "of toxicological concern."
According to a report from The Independent, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the United Kingdom has issued a warning to consumers about an ingredient in Jolly Rancher candies – a beloved hard candy owned by the Hershey Company.
The FSA warns that Jolly Rancher candies contain mineral oils, which include mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (Moah) and mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (Mosh). These chemical compounds are added to confectionery items to prevent stickiness and to create a glossy appearance, like that of the Jolly Rancher candies.
However, the FSA warns that when consumed regularly over time, these mineral oils may pose health risks, especially in younger consumers. The agency warned of cancer risk and the possibility of damaged DNA.
“Consumption of the affected sweets is of toxicological concern, especially in younger age groups and where consumers eat a lot of the products or eat them regularly," the FSA warned in an alert published Wednesday, according to The Independent.
“Moah can cause damage to DNA and has the potential to increase the risk of cancer, particularly if consumed in high quantities over a prolonged period of time. Moah is a genotoxic carcinogen, therefore no exposure is without risk to human health.”
The Independent reports that Hershey has been working with the FSA to remove all Jolly Rancher products from the UK market since 2024, though they continue to be imported despite these efforts.
The FSA has a simple warning for anybody who has purchased Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, "Misfits" Gummies, Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Berry Gummies: "do not eat them."
“If you have bought any of the above products, do not eat them," the FSA warned.
“Instead, dispose of them at home. If you are concerned, notify your Trading Standards department or environmental health department in the local authority you purchased it.
“For consumers, don’t buy them, and if you’ve eaten these products, there should be no immediate cause for concern, as food safety risk is low, but don’t eat any more.”
It's worth noting that the Food and Drug Administration in the United States has not issued a warning about any health risks associated with the candies, and they are still permitted to be sold in the United States.
Still, given this information from another health agency in another country, American consumers might still be a bit wary of consuming the popular candy going forward.
Former NFL Superstar Antonio Brown Wanted For Attempted Murder
Authorities are reportedly searching for former Pittsburgh Steelers superstar wide receiver Antonio Brown, seeking to arrest him for attempted murder.
According to a warrant reviewed by The Washington Post on Thursday night, Miami-Dade County law enforcement officers are looking to arrest Brown for attempted murder after an incident last month.
During a celebrity boxing event in Miami last month hosted by streamer Adin Ross, Brown was allegedly involved in a shooting. The warrant, obtained by The Washington Post, indicates that Brown has been charged with attempted murder with a firearm. The warrant instructs Brown to post a $10,000 bond and to remain under house arrest until trial.
In a video posted to social media after the event, Brown was seen fighting with several people, and he was detained by police after gunshots were fired at the event. Brown was released shortly after he was initially detained and he offered an explanation on social media at the time.
"I was jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me," he wrote on his X account. "Contrary to some video circulating, Police temporarily detained me until they received my side of the story and then released me. I WENT HOME THAT NIGHT AND WAS NOT ARRESTED. I will be talking to my legal council and attorneys on pressing charges on the individuals that jumped me."
Despite his claims, the warrant states that witnesses told police officers that Brown was the shooter. The man who fought with Brown in the video told police that Brown "began to run toward him with a firearm" after the fight had already been broken up and shot at him twice.
A seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, Brown spent 12 seasons in the NFL, playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During that time, Brown emerged as arguably the most dominant receiver in the league, leading the NFL in receptions twice, receiving yards twice, and touchdowns once.
Chris Evans ‘Dying’ to Reunite With Sebastian Stan for Theater Project
Chris Evans and Sebastian Stan are in very different parts of their Marvel careers, but the former face of Captain America and the Winter Soldier/Thunderbolts* star have discussed a significant potential reunion.
While Evans has been adamant that he's retired from the role of Captain America, it's worth noting that if he and Stan do run it back and team up again, it'll happen in a very different format.
During an interview with MTV's Josh Horowitz, the host revealed he spoke with Stan, who said he's been "bothering" Evans a lot about doing a play together.
Actors Chris Evans (L) and Sebastian Stan (R) attend the press conference of 'Captain America: Civil War.'Visual China Group via Getty Images
Evans called Stan's bluff, stating that he's told his close friend he's ready to get on stage with him.
"He can say that all day, but when I really call him on it, I’m like, 'Alright, let’s do it. Which one?' and he’s like, 'Well, you know, I’m a little busy,'" Evans said of Stan.
"I’m like 'Seb, stop using me in press because I’m ready to get on stage with you.' But I mean, he’s a busy guy, you know? He’s an Oscar nominee, he’s got stuff going on."
Evans doubled down on his desire to be in a play with Stan, admitting that he's "dying" to get on stage with him. And when his Materialists co-star Dakota Johnson asked about Evans' desire to make the leap to theater specifically with his former superhero co-star, Evans didn't flinch about the idea.
"I would love to get on stage," Evans continued. "I’m dying to get on stage, specifically with him."
"I love Seb, I love working with him. And, you know, theater is such a massive commitment. You’re with the person all day, every day, so I would kill to do it."
It sounds as though Evans is completely serious about a role in theater in the near future. Considering Stan's comments were what initially kickstarted the conversation, the possibility of the duo teaming up in a play doesn't seem that far-fetched.
Time will tell, and if Evans is truly calling it a career regarding Captain America, he's bound to have many different offers, so we'll see if his passion project will edge those out.
Related: Chris Evans Had a 1-Word Reaction to Learning Robert Downey Jr. Is Playing Doctor Doom
Online Shoppers Warned About New Payment Method
Online shoppers have been increasingly provided the option to pay directly from their bank accounts instead of having to put in all of their credit or debit card information. While this might be convenient for some shoppers and offer some perks, it also carries some significant risks.
These new "pay by bank" options have some perks for customers, allowing refunds to be processed instantly and allowing the transacrion to proceed without card details being shared. It also has some perks for businesses, allowing them to bypass card transaction fees and receive customer funds immediately.
While this might be alluring to consumers and businesses alike, there are some security concerns.
While the "pay by bank" options are increasingly common, Which? money editor Jenny Ross issued a pretty major warning for consumers, pointing out that these sort of payments lacks the Section 75 and chargeback protections associated with other payment methods.
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act can hold credit card companies liable for faulty or unfulfilled purchases. This allows shoppers to potentially file chargebacks with their credit card provider and receive refunds even if the retailer fails to reimburse them. These same protections don't exist for "pay by bank" options.
“Innovations like pay by bank present opportunities for businesses and consumers alike, but they’re not without risk, particularly as they lack the rigorous purchase protections you get when paying by card," Ross said via The Independent.
“We’re calling on the regulator to act to ensure consumers can use pay by bank with confidence, but in the meantime, we’d urge consumers to think carefully before using it to book events or make substantial purchases – for now, your good old-fashioned credit or debit card may be the best option.”
Obviously, this is an important thing for customers to consider before using the "pay by bank" option for their online shopping.
All Flights Canceled In & Out of Israel
Flying in and out of Israel's Ben Gurion airport is no longer possible, at least for now. In fact, Israel has closed its airspace to all flights amid its offensive against Iran.
"Due to the current special security situation, all flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport (LLBG) are canceled until further notice," the airport wrote on its website on June 12 amid Israeli action against Iran.
"Please be advised: Do not travel to the airport."
Ben Gurion is a busy airport; in recent years, the airport has had 80,000 people passing through it every day, according to The Jerusalem Post.
"Israel has closed its airspace to all takeoffs and landings," reported Israel Hayom.
The Ministry of Transport announced, per that site, "The airspace of the State of Israel is closed to takeoffs and landings until further notice. The purpose of the closure is to prevent and minimize risks to passengers and aircraft. Passengers scheduled to depart from Ben Gurion Airport today are requested to remain at home and not arrive at the airport."
Israel Hayom added, "Passengers will receive notifications through media channels at least six hours before the airspace reopens and can check updated flight schedules on airline websites and the Israel Airports Authority website."
The ministry added, per that site, "Passengers currently abroad whose flights were canceled, did not depart, or landed at alternative airports are requested to follow media updates and, once the airspace reopens, check airline websites for their new flight times."
Aording to CNN, the decision comes amid an "unprecedented" strike by Israel against Iran that might last "for days."
In addition, "airlines cleared out of the airspace over Israel, Iran and Iraq" amid the offensive, Reuters reported.
El Al Airlines "suspended flights to and from Israel," according to Reuters, and Iranian airspace was closed "until further notice."
The strike targeted Iran's "nuclear program and senior military leaders," CNN reported.
Among those killed, according to the network, was General Hossein Salami, the "Commander-in-Chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard," CNN added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on X on the evening of June 12, "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation 'Rising Lion,' a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat."
Related: U.S. Travel Warnings Urge 'Increased Caution' in Germany, Spain
Beloved Taco Chain Closes Doors Due to Ongoing ICE Raids in Los Angeles
A popular taco chain in the Los Angeles area has closed all but one of its locations until further notice due to the ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids throughout Southern California.
Angel's Tijuana Tacos on Thursday night posted a message to its more than 430,000 followers on Instagram to share that the company's lone brick-and-mortar taqueria in Anaheim -- some 32 minutes south of downtown Los Angeles -- is the only location keeping its doors open.
The remaining 15 locations, many of which are taco trucks and taco stands with permanent setups throughout the greater Los Angeles area, will close until further notice. While the beloved taco chain did not directly tie the ongoing ICE raids as the reason behind the closures, the company alluded as much in the post's caption.
"Anaheim is our only location open. ALL other locations will be closed until further notice. We hope to see you soon. Stay safe everyone. ❤️ #angelstijuanatacos #losangeles."
The taco chain, popular in the Mexican community, received an outpouring of support in the comments section.
One follower wrote, "Stay safe and we will miss you guys in the valley 🙌🏻." Another wrote, "breaking my heart this even has to happen, miss you guys in glassell," with someone else commenting. "Love you Angel’s! I met my boyfriend in line at your Echo Park stand! Stay safe! ✊🏽👊🏽🇲🇽."
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Angel’s Tijuana Tacos (@angelstijuanatacos)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Angel’s Tijuana Tacos (@angelstijuanatacos)
The taco chain's name derives from its perfect emulation of Tijuana-style tacos made with handmade corn tortillas, loaded with guacamole and served on flimsy paper plates. The owner is a 31-year-old whose roots trace back to Guerrero, Mexico. He's famously known only as Taquero Angel, who only weeks ago opened the brick-and-mortar location in Anaheim.
Angel opened his first taco stand in North Hollywood in 2018 and soon enough expanded to 15 stands throughout Los Angeles.
Protests erupted last weekend and in the ensuing days amid masked ICE agents arresting more than 100 immigrants. The majority of the arrests came at their workplace or while they were running errands.
Demonstrators protested the operation, and soon they clashed with law enforcement throughout Los Angeles, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy the national guard. A federal judge on Thursday night blocked the Trump administration from deploying members of the California National Guard in L.A. But within hours, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the ruling, allowing the Trump administration to maintain control of the California National Guard and continue to deploy them in L.A.
The move to deploy the national guard -- coupled with the raids -- has been met with outrage. The Department of Homeland Security vows to continue with the raids amid mounting resistance, though Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday that his administration plans to make changes to his aggressive crackdown in an effort to protect migrant farmers and hotel workers.
‘Superman’ Gets Powerful Reaction From Director Kevin Smith: ‘People Wanna Hope’
If you put any stock in hype surrounding upcoming movies, Superman's July 11 release could be massive. As the days go by, the clips and small reveals surfacing about the James Gunn-directed film headlined by David Corenswet have continued to generate buzz.
Corenswet, who stars as Superman alongside Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane) and Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), is expected to bring a unique version of the popular superhero to the big screen. It also appears to be a very different feel compared to previous films featuring the Man of Steel.
While many people have sounded off on expectations surrounding the newest Superman movie, recent comments from longtime director Kevin Smith jumped out.
Smith spoke with Deadline about Superman, and not only offered high praise, but explained a unique theory he has regarding superhero films.
(L-R) David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult promote the upcoming film "Superman" at the Warner Bros. Pictures presentation during CinemaCon. Among the many comments made by Smith, one that fans mentioned frequently on social media highlighted the movie feeling more like the comic books than others in the past.
“It feels more comic book-y is what it is,” Smith explained. “I mean, number one, putting his trunks on the outside again is just charming, and including the dog is not something we’ve seen over the course of the last 10 years, and I think that’s such a smart choice, man.”
However, one unique tidbit Smith revealed was a theory he puts stock in about superhero movies and how the interest in them depends on "where we are as a country."
“And there’s this theory that I didn’t come up with, it’s been around forever, where whether Batman or Superman is ascendant and dominant in the culture has everything to do with where we are as a country," Smith explained.
"So, when times are good for Americans and prosperous, oddly enough, Batman is the dominant character because Batman is a dark fantasy about everything going wrong…And then the flip theory of that is Superman is ascendant whenever the country is doing poorly or it needs help, and that’s when that character plays strongest.
Related: Chris Evans Had a 1-Word Reaction to Learning Robert Downey Jr. Is Playing Doctor Doom
Considering his viewpoint on that theory, the longtime director told Deadline emphatically that Superman is in a prime position, because "people just wanna hope right now."
“So, it would feel like based on that, like Superman, the stage is set for that movie to make so much f---ing money,” he continued. “People wanna hope right now. People just want to believe in a f---ing thing, man.”
It's a powerful statement from Smith about the movie, and he also appreciated the clips in trailers featuring the superhero taking controversial questions from Lois Lane.
Although Superman's official release is still weeks away, the interest is snowballing rapidly, and it will be interesting to see where it stands in early July.
Related: Noteworthy Early ‘Superman’ Ticket Sales Hint at Movie's Box Office Potential
How a Celebration for the Army's 250th Just Wrecked Travel for Thousands
A military parade in Washington, D.C., isn’t just a spectacle on the ground. It’s now grounding flights in the sky. Multiple airlines are canceling or rescheduling service at Reagan National Airport on June 14 to accommodate the U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary Celebration, a large-scale event that includes military flyovers and fireworks.
CBS News reported that JetBlue, Delta, Alaska Airlines, and American have all confirmed changes to their schedules. Delta canceled eight flights, four arrivals and four departures, amounting to about 10% of its Reagan National operations for the day. JetBlue and Alaska each canceled a roundtrip flight and adjusted additional flight times.
The Federal Aviation Administration said it will pause all airline operations at the airport from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. during “peak parade activity.”
The move is part of a broader traffic management program coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security to secure the airspace for military aircraft participating in the celebration.
American Airlines said it’s adding larger planes to select routes and giving customers the option to rebook flights through nearby Washington Dulles (IAD) or Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) at no extra charge.
The event is expected to cost between $25 million and $45 million, according to Army officials. It will feature over 100 military vehicles, 50 helicopters, and thousands of troops temporarily housed in federal buildings.
Reagan National Airport began advising travelers last week to check flight statuses in advance and plan for delays. While the Army’s milestone is a point of pride, for passengers hoping to travel that night, it could mean missed connections or last-minute itinerary changes.
If you’re flying into or out of D.C. this weekend, don’t assume you’re clear for takeoff. The skies above the capital are reserved—for one night—for a different kind of air traffic. Be sure you know what's happening in advance to avoid any unexpected delays.
Related: Why It Feels Like Planes Are Crashing More Often Lately
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