Men's Journal's Blog, page 92

The Likely Cause of Death for Travis Decker's 3 Daughters Was Revealed. It's Chilling

The likely cause of death for the three daughters of missing father Travis Decker has been revealed.

A massive manhunt is underway for Decker, who sheriff's officials believe murdered the three girls. They are Olivia, 5; Evelyn, 8; and Paitlyn, 9. The girls disappeared after being transferred to their father for a visitation.

Decker, who is divorced from the girls' mom Whitney Decker, is at large. He is a native of Pewaukee, WI.

The release of the likely cause of death paints a chilling picture of the girls' last moments. Be forewarned that it's very disturbing. There is a GoFundMe page set up to help the girls' mother. There is also a Facebook group devoted to remembering the girls with positive stories.

A preliminary report filed with Chelan County Superior Court in Washington State revealed that the three girls "appeared to have died from asphyxiation," Fox13 reported.

According to NCWLIFE, extremely disturbing police affidavits filed in court further say that the "girls’ wrists appeared to have been zip-tied and their heads hooded with plastic bags...They were wearing the same clothing they had on when they left their mother's home." They were found down an embankment near Rock Island Campground, the site reported.

The Facebook group devoted to remembering the girls has many heartfelt tributes to them.

"I coached Paityn in baseball and basketball. She was such an athlete and I was looking forward to watching her play FC soccer with my daughter this summer. Not all kids have grit but Paityn did. She tried hard and she wanted to win," wrote one man on the comment thread.

"We went to church together and I got to play with Paityn & Evelyn at the nursery! I loved seeing the girls on Sundays with their matching outfits!" a woman wrote.

PLEASE SHARE - GoFundMe for the mother of the three sisters who were missing from Wenatchee and later found dead. Investigators are now searching for their father who is wanted for murder and kidnapping. @KING5Seattle @gofundme https://t.co/SKukorDFWC

— Madison Wade (@madisoncwade) June 3, 2025

"Okay, first of all, they were the most well-behaved, polite kids in the world. I called them the sunshine kids because they was always just so smiley and happy to be there," read another tribute.

"A joint operation including regional, state, and federal law enforcement agencies continues in Chelan County in search of Travis Decker. Travis is suspected of kidnapping and murdering his three young daughters this past weekend," the Chelan County Sheriff's Department wrote in a statement.

"A reward of up to $20,000 is available for information leading directly to Mr. Decker’s arrests. The suspect is not known to be armed at this time, but should be considered dangerous," authorities added.

According to Fox 13, the documents say that Decker's vehicle was found near the bodies "with two bloody handprints, and had personal items such as blankets, food, car seats and a wallet on the center console." A tent and cooler were nearby at a campsite, the television station reported.

CCSO detectives and deputies "were able to gather information that led them to search the Icicle Rd area of Leavenworth, WA in hopes of locating Travis Decker and his three daughters," the Sheriff's Department wrote. "Around 3:45 p.m. yesterday (June 2), a CCSO Forest Service Deputy, conducting patrol on his motorcycle, located Mr. Decker’s vehicle in a remote area, approximately 17 miles up the road, ultimately discovering the three deceased children and Mr. Decker was nowhere to be found."

The three missing sisters from Wenatchee were found dead at a campground west of Leavenworth, Washington, the Wenatchee Police Department confirmed. The girls were 5, 8, and 9 years old.

Their father, Travis Decker, 32, is wanted for murder and kidnapping. He has not been found,… pic.twitter.com/6eU5Lj8Rx6

— Eugene (@BreakingNews4X) June 3, 2025

Decker "is currently wanted for 3 counts of Murder 1st degree and Kidnapping 1st degree," the Sheriff's office continued. "Decker is a former Military with extensive training. If you have seen him, or believe to have seen him, within the last several days, please contact 911. It is unknown if he is armed at this time but he should be considered dangerous and should not be contacted or approached."

The Sheriff's Department released this information on Decker:

Travis Caleb Decker 8/15/1992 5’8” 190lbs, Black hair, brown eyes. Last seen wearing light colored shirt and dark shorts,

On Friday, May 30 at 9:45 p.m., the Wenatchee Police Department "responded to a Civil Complaint. The mother of three young girls reported her daughters not being returned following a planned visitation with their father. The girls involved were ages nine, eight, and five years old. The father of the children has been identified as 32-year-old Travis Decker, of the Wenatchee area," the agency wrote.

Related: Whitney Decker Shared New Details in Horrific Murder Case of 3 Girls

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Culver's Is Rapidly Expanding With 27 New Locations Coming Soon

A beloved burger chain known for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard is opening locations in 12 additional states in the rest of 2025.

Some fast-food restaurant chains have been closing locations this year, but not Culver's Frozen Custard.

The chain is based in Wisconsin, a state known for its dairy industry, and where frozen custard is regarded as a summer staple.

The planned restaurants are on top of the new restaurants in 15 states that the chain has already opened this year so far. Altogether, the chain is planning to open at least 27 additional restaurants in the dozen states this year, Patch.com reported.

The dozen states are Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin, USA Today reported.

According to Culver's, the chain's first restaurant opened in Sauk City, WI, in 1984, and then expanded to Minnesota before the company opened locations in other states. There are currently more than 800 Culver's restaurants in 25 states, the company says on its website.

The chain has been opening new restaurants at a fast clip.

Culver's is opening an average of "50 to 60 new restaurants per year," a pace that the company expects will continue in both 2025 and 2025, according to USA Today.

Culver's website has a store locator.

"One of our co-founders, Craig Culver, always said 'it's not about the number of restaurants we have, it's about the number of great restaurants.' So when we remember that it all started in one community, with one successful restaurant, serving one friend, neighbor and family at a time, that's when our brand will continue to win," a spokesperson for Culver's told Patch.com.

Related: White Castle Customers Can Get 17 Big Deals in Summer 2025

Southwest CEO Opens Up After Ending Free Bags

Last week, Southwest Airlines officially ended its longtime "bags fly free" policy as the airline began charging customers for checked bags on all flights. However, as the company implements this major change, CEO Bob Jordan explained how customers can still get free bags.

The Southwest Airlines CEO recently spoke at the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference where he opened up a little bit about the major change, as he suggested that the move is "low risk," because every other airline is already charging for checked bags.

"This stuff is coming online right now," Jordan said of the changes during his public appearance. "And I think that's the biggest thing that is underappreciated by our plan as it is happening right now, that. And number two, there is low risk because we're putting in things that the industry has done forever. So there's low risk implementation, there's low risk in the financial benefit paying off."

Additionally, Jordan explained how Southwest Airlines customers can still get a free bag despite the recent changes: by simply owning the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Visa Credit Card.

"We began charging for bags," Jordan said of the recent change. "Obviously, if you're – if you have status – all you have to do is have our credit card, you still have a free bag."

And it sounds like more changes are on the horizon.

"And then the remainder, a lot of those come in very quickly. We'll be announcing soon the date that we began selling assigned seating and extra leg room that will come in on the sell side in the third quarter of this year for operation in the first quarter of 2026," Jordan said.

We'll have to see how these changes work out for the airline as they attempt to boost profits.

Why Nissan Is Dropping America’s Cheapest New Car

Nissan is officially pulling the plug on the five-speed manual Versa, ending the production of the U.S.’s most affordable new car, according to Car And Driver. The 2025 Nissan Versa with a manual transmission had a starting price of just $17,190, but a mix of challenging tariffs and sluggish sales spelled the end for this model.

Autoblog reported that the Versa has been a staple of Nissan’s U.S. lineup since 2006. The manual version, built in Aguascalientes, Mexico, was one of three models produced there for the U.S. market, alongside the Sentra and Kicks. However, only 5% of the 42,589 Versas sold last year were manual versions. Now, Nissan says it will focus on higher-selling trims that are more aligned with customer preferences.

The decision comes after news of big layoffs as 25% tariffs on auto imports from Mexico threaten to add around $4,500 to the Versa’s base price, undermining its value. Even after adding a $1,140 shipping charge, the manual Versa was priced at just $18,330, significantly undercutting the CVT version’s $20,130 sticker. Still, the impact of tariffs and thin profit margins proved too much for Nissan.

Related: Nissan to Slash 20,000 Jobs Globally. Here’s What U.S. Workers Can Expect

Despite its modest power from a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, the manual Versa was a practical choice, delivering 30 combined MPG, standard safety tech, and ample cargo space. But with competitors like the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 also bowing out in 2024, affordable cars with manual transmissions are fading fast.

Related: The Tiny Part That Threatens to Bring U.S. Automakers to a Halt

Today’s drivers wanting a new manual transmission car will have to shell out over $30,000 for models like the Ford Bronco, Honda Civic Si, or Toyota GR Corolla. While the Versa’s disappearance may not shake the market due to its low sales, it’s a sign of shifting tides in both consumer demand and automotive economics. 

Nissan’s decision highlights the struggle to balance cost, consumer preferences, and global trade pressures—factors reshaping the future of affordable cars.

Related: The Unexpected Issue Tesla’s New Release is Facing

Why a Magnet Shortage Could Stall U.S. Auto Production

U.S. automakers are facing an unexpected and surprisingly critical shortage: magnets.

Specifically, rare earth magnets. These tiny but powerful components are indispensable, powering everything from electric motors to critical sensors, and essential for both EVs and traditional gas-powered vehicles. Without them, assembly lines can come to a halt.

The root of the shortage? Escalating trade disputes between the U.S. and China. Industry sources told Kelley Blue Book that recent Chinese restrictions on rare earth magnet exports are squeezing supplies. The impact is already being felt: Ford paused production of its Explorer SUV for a week in April, citing a magnet shortage. Volvo also temporarily shut down its South Carolina plant that builds the EX90 and Polestar 3, though it was less specific about the cause.

With just-in-time manufacturing, factories rely on components arriving exactly when needed. One missing part, like a magnet, can ripple through the system and shut down entire production lines. It looks like factories are already feeling the pinch of this dispute.

Two major trade groups, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and MEMA, have raised alarms in a letter to the White House. They warned that if magnet supplies keep drying up, U.S. car factories could start going dark within weeks.

Related: Tesla Pushes Hard with New Incentives as Sales Slip

The timing couldn’t be worse. The auto industry is already navigating a shift in consumer demand and intense global competition. While EVs lean more heavily on rare earth magnets, even gas-powered vehicles need them in power steering, alternators, safety sensors, and other systems.

Without these tiny magnets, even the most advanced vehicles can’t function properly. The following list explains the ways in which magnets are used in vehicles.

Electric Motors: Essential for EV propulsion, delivering smooth and efficient power.Power Steering: Magnets help generate the torque that makes steering easier.Alternators: Used in both EVs and gas-powered cars to keep batteries charged.Safety Systems: Power sensors in airbags, seatbelts, and collision detection.Speakers & Electronics: Deliver clear audio and responsive infotainment.

For now, automakers are caught in the middle of a high-stakes trade standoff, with no quick resolution in sight. If the shortage continues, the industry could face a summer of shutdowns, eerily reminiscent of the supply chain chaos during the pandemic.

The magnets may be small, but their absence poses a big problem for the American auto industry.

Disney Lays Off Hundreds as Streaming Wars Reshape Entertainment

Disney is making cuts once again, laying off several hundred employees across its entertainment divisions. The layoffs, announced Monday Deadline reported, are the latest step in the media giant’s ongoing effort to adapt to a rapidly changing industry landscape.

The cuts, which primarily affect teams in Disney Entertainment handling marketing, publicity, casting, and corporate finance, come as the company seeks to “operate more efficiently,” a Disney spokesperson told USA Today. No entire departments are being eliminated, but the move is part of a broader push to slim down operations.

Among those cut is Eric Souliere, VP Casting for 20th Television, according to another Deadline report. Tony Tompson, VP Content Development at Hulu Originals will end his six-plus year tenure with the company. Other executives have recently left when their contracts were up, and it does not appear that they were part of the layoffs. 

The entertainment industry has been grappling with a shift in consumer preferences from traditional TV and movies to streaming platforms like Disney+. The transition has strained legacy businesses and prompted cost-cutting measures across major studios. Disney is no exception. 

Related: Disney Just Made Family Vacations Way Cheaper With This Free Dining Deal

Since Bob Iger returned as CEO in 2022, he has made cost containment a priority. In early 2023, Iger announced plans to slash 7,000 jobs and trim billions in spending. This latest round continues that trajectory.

Previous cuts at Disney have included layoffs in corporate operations, such as legal, HR, finance, and communications, as well as at marquee brands like National Geographic, Pixar, and Freeform. Just this March, Disney trimmed nearly 6% of its staff, about 200 positions, across ABC News and Disney Entertainment Networks.

Despite the layoffs, Disney’s recent earnings report shows a company in transition. For the second quarter of 2025, the company reported revenue of $23.6 billion, a 7% increase from the prior year. The report also highlighted a surge in Disney+ subscribers, which grew by 126 million during the first quarter of 2025 alone.

This latest wave of layoffs underscores the company’s efforts to balance the demands of a shifting entertainment landscape with its financial health. With consumer interest increasingly focused on streaming, Disney’s strategy appears centered on shedding costs and doubling down on digital platforms.

Related: Disney World Announces Special Offers for Adults Only

Tesla Pushes Hard with New Incentives as Sales Slip

Tesla is pulling out all the stops to entice buyers as its sales continue to slide. The electric vehicle giant, long seen as the face of the EV industry, is introducing a raft of incentives and discounts to jumpstart demand.

The Cool Down reported that Tesla posted its weakest sales quarter since mid-2022, prompting the company to offer discounts for various customer groups, including special deals for Lyft drivers and subsidized interest rates. Reports suggest Tesla representatives are even personally reaching out to past leads to encourage test drives.

One commenter summed it up aptly: “They’re truly pulling all demand levers.”

Tesla’s reputation has been hit in recent years, partly due to CEO Elon Musk’s polarizing political commentary, which has made the brand less appealing to some potential buyers. However, improvements in quality and service for the Model 3 and Model Y are earning positive feedback from drivers.

Related: The Unexpected Issue Tesla’s New Release is Facing

Despite these incentives, such aggressive strategies midway through the quarter may signal deeper challenges. Some experts feel the perks are end-of-quarter level incentives despite it only being about halfway through the quarter.

While Tesla’s U.S. sales are down, global EV sales continue to rise. The company has also benefited from being the sole automaker exempt from a major automotive tariff, thanks to meeting certain compliance criteria. Still, Tesla faces stiff competition from a growing roster of EV makers offering alternatives to consumers.

Tesla owners can still tap into cost savings with EVs, including lower fuel costs, potential solar integration, and tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act, though these incentives could be threatened by future policy changes.

As the EV market evolves, Tesla’s latest maneuvers highlight the pressure facing even industry leaders. Whether the discounts and perks will be enough to reverse the sales slump remains to be seen.

Related: Nissan to Slash 20,000 Jobs Globally. Here’s What U.S. Workers Can Expect

'John Redcorn' Actor Jonathan Joss' Husband Issues Heartbreaking Statement

The husband of Jonathan Joss is opening up about the actor's shooting death in a heartbreaking statement.

Joss was the voice of popular characters on two television series, King of the Hill and Parks and Recreation. He voiced the character of John Redcorn on the former show, and he played Chief Ken Hotate on the latter.

San Antonio police confirmed to CNN that Joss was shot to death on June 1 in San Antonio, TX. According to KSAT-TV, the suspect, Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, was booked into the jail and accused of murder. The television station reported that, according to neighbors, Joss "had an ongoing dispute with the man accused of killing him."

Now, Joss's husband Tristan Kern de Gonzales has written a lengthy post on Joss's Facebook page. In it, Joss's husband made a series of accusations of how the shooting went down, including an allegation that the shooting was motivated by the couple's relationship.

He also detailed his love for Joss.

"My husband Jonathan Joss and I were involved in a shooting while checking the mail at the site of our former home. That home was burned down," he started the June 2 post.

He wrote that the couple had reported "threats" they received "to law enforcement many times and nothing was done."

 Right before the shooting, he wrote, "When we returned to the site to check our mail we discovered the skull of one of our dogs and its harness placed in clear view. This caused both of us severe emotional distress. We began yelling and crying in response to the pain of what we saw."

He wrote that Joss saved his life, alleging, "When the man fired Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life."

"Jonathan is my husband. He gave me more love in our time together than most people ever get. We were newlyweds. We picked Valentines Day. We were in the process of looking for a trailer and planning our future,"' the post says.

He added, "I was with him when he passed. I told him how much he was loved. To everyone who supported him, his fans, his friends, know that he valued you deeply. He saw you as family."

Joss's  husband continued: "My focus now is on protecting Jonathan’s legacy and honoring the life we built together."

Related: Beloved Actor's Tragic Death Leaves Cast of Popular Show 'Heartbroken'

Death of Jonathan Joss Leaves 'Park and Recreation' Cast 'Heartbroken'

As the voice of both Chief Ken Hotate and John Redcorn on two beloved television series, Jonathan Joss was a fixture on many people's television and computer screens.

Now, one of his most famous co-stars is speaking out about the grief the cast is experiencing since Joss's tragic death.

Joss was shot to death in San Antonio, TX, police confirmed to CNN. The suspect, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, is accused of felony first-degree murder, the New York Post reported.

Joss voiced Redcorn's character on King of the Hill, which is being revived for a new season. And he played Hotate on Parks and Recreation.

Nick Offerman, who starred with Joss on Parks and Recreation, said the entire cast is "heartbroken" in an interview published by People.

“The cast has been texting together about it all day and we’re just heartbroken,” Offerman told People. “Jonathan was such a sweet guy and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate. A terrible tragedy.”

Tristan Kern de Gonzales, the husband of Joss, wrote a lengthy statement on Joss's Facebook page that outlines a series of allegations about the shooting death.

"My husband Jonathan Joss and I were involved in a shooting while checking the mail at the site of our former home," he wrote.

"I was with him when he passed. I told him how much he was loved," he added in the post.

According to CNN, San Antonio police officers responded on June 1 "to a location on Dorsey Drive in San Antonio, Texas, for a reported shooting in progress." They found Joss “near the roadway of the location,” and he passed away despite "life saving measures" being attempted, CNN reported.

Related: ‘King of the Hill’ Actor Reportedly Shot to Death

Alex Marquardt’s CNN Exit Follows Fallout From Defamation Case

CNN’s chief national correspondent Alex Marquardt has confirmed his departure from the network, just months after his reporting became the centerpiece of a defamation lawsuit that cost CNN millions.

Marquardt, who joined CNN in 2017 and was promoted to chief national correspondent in 2023, announced his exit on X, formerly Twitter. “Some personal news: I’m leaving CNN after eight terrific years,” he tweeted. “Tough to say goodbye but it’s been an honor to work among the very best in the business.”

While Marquardt’s tweet framed his departure as amicable, the Independent reported that sources close to the matter suggest it followed the network’s high-profile legal battle over a 2021 story he reported. The piece, which centered on private contractors evacuating refugees from Afghanistan, named U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young and allegedly linked him to “black market” operations. Although CNN later issued a correction, Young filed a defamation suit, arguing the damage to his reputation was irreparable.

Some personal news: I’m leaving CNN after 8 terrific years. Tough to say goodbye but it’s been an honor to work among the very best in the business. Profound thank you to my comrades on the National Security team & the phenomenal teammates I’ve worked with in the US and abroad.

— Alex Marquardt (@MarquardtA) June 2, 2025

After a Florida jury found CNN liable and awarded Young $5 million in damages, $4 million in financial damages and $1 million for emotional distress, the network reached a confidential settlement. During the trial, internal CNN communications revealed Marquardt and other staffers referred to Young in disparaging terms, which may have influenced the jury’s decision.

Marquardt defended his reporting, maintaining that his investigation was accurate and necessary. However, the case highlighted the growing legal pressures faced by legacy media organizations, particularly in a polarized political landscape.

Following his departure, Marquardt’s next steps remain unclear. However, given his profile and experience, it’s likely he’ll resurface in another prominent role. His departure adds to the recent shake-ups in major newsrooms, reflecting the tensions between investigative journalism and legal risks in today’s media environment.

CNN has not provided additional comments on Marquardt’s exit, stating only that it does not comment on personnel matters.

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