Men's Journal's Blog, page 99
May 27, 2025
WNBA Found No Evidence of 'Racist Fan Behavior' After Investigation
Earlier this month, the WNBA launched an investigation into allegations of racist statements from Indiana Fever fans directed at Chicago Sky star Angel Reese during the season-opening showdown. On Tuesday, the league officially announced its findings.
In a statement shared on social media on Tuesday afternoon, the WNBA announced that the investigation had "not substantiated" the claims. As a result, no punishment will be given.
“We have investigated the report of racist fan behavior in the vicinity of the court during the May 17, 2025 Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever game,” the statement read. “Based on information gathered to date, including from relevant fans, team and arena staff, as well as audio and video review of the game, we have not substantiated it. The WNBA is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone and will continue to be vigilant in enforcing our fan code of conduct.”
The Indiana Fever issued a statement of their own following the conclusion of the WNBA investigation.
“We appreciate the swift and thorough process undertaken by the WNBA to investigate these allegations, which were not substantiated," the Indiana Fever statement read. "At Gainbridge Fieldhouse, we are committed to providing the best possible basketball experience for players and fans where hate speech has absolutely no place. Indiana is home to the world’s greatest fans, and we look forward to an exciting season of Fever basketball.”
Last week, Reese was asked about the investigation. While she made it clear that she condemned any form of racist behavior, she did not address any specifics of the allegations, instead focusing on the support she has received from the Sky organization throughout the entire process.
"Obviously there's no place in this league for that," Reese told the media on Tuesday. "I think the WNBA and our team and our organization has done a great job supporting me. ... I've gone through so many different things in the past couple of years in my life, but I think just having the support and this love, and being a part of an organization that really supports me and loves me is something I just couldn't imagine not being a part of."
After the investigation, all parties will be able to move forward.
May 26, 2025
'Lilo & Stitch' Ending Features a Very Controversial Choice
If you're hoping for the same feel-good ending in the Lilo & Stitch live-action remake, you may want to be aware of one big spoiler that might give you pause. The ending of the new Lilo & Stitch remake is very different from the 2002 animated movie, so much so that some critics have even noted that this new ending fundamentally changes the meaning of the movie.
Across the internet, various critics and fans have voiced their frustration that the new live-action version of Lilo & Stitch's different ending is not only a strange change from the 2002 classic, but also a heartbreaking one. Be warned, big spoiler incoming.
Related: 'Lilo & Stitch' Faces Off With 'Mission: Impossible' at the Box Office, But Which Will Win?
Lilo & Stitch, Ending ExplainedAt the end of the new Lilo & Stitch, the titular young girl Lilo (Maia Kealoha) does not remain with her older sister Nani as her parental guardian. Instead, Nani chooses to let the state decide Lilo's fate, and goes off to college.
If this sounds a bit extreme, the movie's goal with this ending is to make it seem like everybody gets what they want: Nani gets to pursue her dreams, Lilo goes to live with a nice neighbor, and things are generally warm and fuzzy. But, as fans and critics alike have pointed out, this also inverts the ending of the original film. "Nani giving Lilo up to the state is a shocking deviation from the 2002 classic," writes Robert Pitman for Screenrant. "Nani's willingness to give up Lilo in the remake is a massive change of character, as she never would have done this in the animated film."
Over on Vulture, reporter Bethy Squires points out that many objections from fans on social media are connected to the idea that the movie attempts to paint the government's involvement in family choices as positive. "Some even called the film propaganda for social services," Squires points out, citing various social media reactions.
Everyone will, of course, have their own take. But one thing is for sure, the 2025 Lilo & Stitch isn't just different because it's live-action and certain characters are missing. It's different because the movie has an entirely different feeling about how the story is supposed to end.
Lilo & Stitch is currently in theaters. The 2002 animated Lilo & Stitch is streaming on Disney+.Related: Fans All Had the Same Complaint About New 'Lilo & Stitch' Movie
Taylor Swift Had Disappointing Results at AMAs
Many Taylor Swift fans were hoping for an exciting announcement from the music superstar during the American Music Awards on Monday night, but it was a disappointing night all around for Swifties for more reasons than one.
Earlier this month, fans noticed what they thought was a hint from Taylor Swift about an upcoming announcement as the first letter of the categories atop her official merch shop on her website where changed to spell out "AMAs" – Apparel, Music, Accessories, and Sale.
Given her history of teasing announcements with subtle clues and Easter eggs, fans were hoping for some news from Taylor at the AMAs on Monday night, even finding more subtle possible hints in the days leading up to the event. However, things did not go the way that they had hoped.
Not only did Taylor Swift fail to make an announcement on Monday night, but she did not even attend the event at all.
More than that, Taylor got some bad news as she did not win a single award at Monday night's AMAs, despite her six nominations.
Taylor was nominated for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (The Tortured Poets Department), Favorite Touring Artist, Collaboration of the Year, Favorite Female Pop Artist, and Favorite Pop Album, but she did not win any of them.
This follows a similarly disappointing Grammy Awards back in February, where she was also nominated for six awards but left without any victories.
Still, she is still one of the biggest and most popular artists on the planet right now, and she will surely bounce back from the disappointing awards season.
Taylor Swift Skipped the American Music Awards
In the weeks leading up to the American Music Awards, Taylor Swift fans began to speculate that the pop sensation was set to make a major announcement at the event, perhaps unveiling a new album or the re-recording of her Reputation album. As it turns out, that speculation was wrong.
Throughout her entire music career, Taylor Swift has become known for teasing new announcements by giving her fans subtle clues and hints, including hidden code in her speeches, secret messages in her social media posts, hidden meanings on her website, or even symbolism in the way that she dresses.
Earlier this month, fans noticed what they thought was an Easter egg from the pop sensation as she changed the first letter of all of the categories atop her official merch shop on her website to spell out "AMAs" – Apparel, Music, Accessories, and Sale.
This, coupled with quite a few more subtle possible hints, led some fans to expect the pop star to share an announcement of some kind during Monday night's AMAs. But that's not at all what happened.
Not only did Taylor Swift fail to make an announcement at the AMAs on Monday night, she did not attend the event at all.
Taylor is currently in her longest stretch between releasing music since she released her Lover album back in 2019. She also has not finished the re-recordings of her earlier albums, which she began releasing in 2021, in order to own a copy of the master recordings for each of her albums.
It's not clear why Taylor chose not to attend the event, but it undoubtedly left many fans disappointed.
Walmart Is Selling a $1,000 Portable Generator for Just $300 Right Now, and Shoppers Say It 'Runs Like a Champ'
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Whether you want a power source at your next campsite or just want to be ready for a (very) rainy day, a portable gas-powered generator is something pretty much everyone could use. Right now, Walmart has a well-reviewed model with plenty of power that’s a whopping $700 less than its normal price.
A Nexpow 2250W Portable Gasoline Powered Generator will normally run you $1,000, but you can get one for $300 at Walmart right now for a limited time, thanks to its steep discount and an additional on-page coupon. It’s earned 140 five-star ratings, and reviewers say that it “is very quiet,” “easy to start,” and “reliable,” which is sort of the most important thing a generator can be, whether you’re using it in the middle of the woods or during a natural disaster.
Nexpow 2250W Portable Gasoline Powered Generator, $300 (was $1,000) at Walmart
The Nexpow 2250W Portable Gasoline Powered Generator.
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This generator has a 1.06-gallon tank that powers a 79.7-cc motor, pumping out up to 2,250 watts of peak power. There’s an eco mode that extends its operating time to more than ten hours (at 25% load capacity), and operation is super quiet, 58 dB at 23 feet away. Buy two and you can use them in tandem for even greater output. It has two AC outlets and a USB output, weighs just under 40 pounds, and is a slim 20 inches on its longest side.
“The generator purrs like a kitten and is very quiet,” one former skeptic wrote. “It runs like a champ, and it was super easy to start.” They do wish there was a gas gauge, but “besides that, it’s a great little generator. I'm very happy that I bought it, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy this again.”
“It works absolutely amazingly,” raved another customer, who called it “the easiest and best generator I have ever owned and used.” Even though they use it for some pretty high-power devices, “it’s super quiet and really doesn’t use a lot of gas or oil.”
Accepting that pretty much everyone has a use for a portable generator, the chance to buy a Nexpow 2250W Portable Gasoline Powered Generator for just under a third of its normal price is not one you’ll want to miss. Pick one up today and you’ll be ready for your next natural adventure or disaster.
Caitlin Clark’s Injury Puts WNBA Season on Pause
Caitlin Clark, the electrifying Indiana Fever guard and one of the WNBA’s brightest rising stars, will be sidelined for at least two weeks after suffering a left quadriceps strain. The team announced the news on Monday, leaving fans and analysts speculating on her potential return.
The Fever released a statement confirming the injury: “Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has suffered a left quadriceps strain and will be out a minimum of two weeks. Further updates will be provided, as available, following re-evaluation.” No additional details were shared about how the injury occurred, though it’s reportedly a new issue for Clark, who also missed the preseason opener due to a similar strain.
Clark played 37 minutes in the Fever’s narrow 90-88 loss to the New York Liberty on Saturday, putting up an impressive 18 points and 10 assists. The injury means she’ll miss at least four games, with the earliest possible return date set for June 10, when the Fever face the Atlanta Dream. However, her re-evaluation could push her return further down the calendar.
Related: Caitlin Clark Turned Heads After Recreating Record-Breaking Shot
The setback comes just as Clark was building on her phenomenal rookie season. Drafted No. 1 overall in 2024, she averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds, earning Rookie of the Year, an All-Star nod, and a top-four MVP finish. In her second season, Clark was putting up similar numbers, averaging 19 points, 9.3 assists, and 6 rebounds through four games.
With Clark out, the Fever (2-2) will lean on key players like Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell to carry the scoring load. Boston has been averaging 18.5 points per game, while Mitchell is right behind her with 17.8 points.
Clark’s injury is a major blow for both the Fever and the WNBA as a whole, given her role in boosting attendance and viewership for the league. Fans will be watching closely for updates on her recovery as the Fever look to stay competitive without their star guard.
Related: Historic Caitlin Clark News Announced After Season-Opener
Fans Won’t Believe What’s Coming Next on 'Euphoria,' Sydney Sweeney Warns
Sydney Sweeney promises fans that Euphoria Season 3 will up the ante in ways they’ve never seen before. The actress, who plays the emotionally erratic and often meme-worthy Cassie, revealed in a new interview with Empire magazine that the upcoming season is "unhinged" even by Euphoria’s over-the-top standards.
“I have such a spot in my heart for Cassie, and I hold her really close and dear,” Sweeney said. “She is crazy. She makes so many mistakes. She’s flawed on so many levels, but she does it all from a place of love. It could be a sad version of love, as well.”
Sweeney, who’s currently filming the show’s long-awaited third season, laughed when the interviewer asked if things were truly more chaotic. “Yes,” she confirmed, hinting at even wilder storylines. The upcoming episodes, which reportedly pick up after a time jump post-high school, are shaping up to push the envelope.
Sweeney, who was just 21 when Euphoria first premiered in 2019, has since become a powerhouse in Hollywood, starring in rom-coms like Anyone But You and the psychological thriller Immaculate. Yet, it’s Cassie that fans can’t seem to separate from her.
“It definitely changed my life,” Sweeney said of the role. “I think that with the amount of access, with social media, and how much content gets put out there of Cassie… People do have a hard time separating actors from their characters. And especially someone like Cassie, where she is hated and she’s loved, but she’s definitely a complicated character. And so I think that that could confuse people, for sure. But if they’re hating me for decisions that my character is making, then I’m playing the character correctly.”
Sweeney’s next big project, Echo Valley, hits Apple TV+ on June 13, but for now, all eyes are on Euphoria. As she put it, creator Sam Levinson is “all in” for taking the drama to new, unhinged heights.
Related: This Actress Is Paying You to Try This Cocktail Over Memorial Day Weekend
Scientists Sound Alarm Over Plastic-Eating Bacteria in Hospitals
A powerful bacterial superbug is making headlines for its unique and alarming ability to feed on plastic found in medical devices.
Researchers at Brunel University of London have discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a drug-resistant bacterium linked to over 559,000 deaths globally each year, has developed a disturbing survival mechanism. The bug not only resists treatment but can also “digest” polycaprolactone, a type of plastic used in common medical tools like sutures, catheters, implants, and wound dressings.
According to a groundbreaking study published in Cell, this adaptation helps the bacterium cling to hospital environments, creating tougher biofilms that resist antibiotics and standard cleaning protocols. “Plastics, including plastic surfaces, could potentially be food for these bacteria,” said study leader Ronan McCarthy. “Pathogens with this ability could survive for longer in the hospital environment.”
The discovery is a chilling reminder that pathogens are constantly evolving to thrive in unexpected ways. In this case, Pseudomonas aeruginosa isn’t just surviving—it’s actively undermining medical devices designed to save lives. The plastic-eating enzyme it produces could weaken critical tools like ventilators, drug-delivery patches, and surgical meshes, making them less effective and harder to sterilize.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) already lists P. aeruginosa as a major contributor to infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections, particularly among patients with compromised immune systems or those recovering from surgery.
Related: Warning Issued Amid Shocking Decline of Iconic Insect
While more research is needed to determine the full extent of this superbug’s capabilities, SciTech Daily reported that McCarthy emphasized the urgency: “Plastic is everywhere in modern medicine, and it turns out some pathogens have adapted to degrade it. We need to understand the impact this has on patient safety.”
With its ability to withstand antibiotics and thrive on plastics in hospitals, Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a dual threat. One that could reshape infection control strategies and force a rethink of how medical tools are designed and deployed.
Related: Study Finds the Strange Origin of Human Teeth—And It’s Not the Mouth
Dodgers Star Announces $1 Million Donation to Children's Hospital
Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman is putting his money toward a cause that hits close to home.
Freeman and his wife Chelsea are donating $1 million to the Children's Hospital of Orange County. The facility is where Freddie and Chelsea's son Maximus was hospitalized last year as he was diagnosed with and recovered from Guillain-Barré syndrome.
"Seeing every room full in the PICU each and every day impacted Chelsea and I deeply," Freeman told ESPN. "Getting to know the doctors, nurses and care teams and seeing how they show up each day to bring healing and hope to kids and their families was inspiring. CHOC saved Maximus' life.”
Maximus Freeman, who turned four in February, became ill last July after attending the MLB All-Star Game with his family in Texas. Later that month, he was hospitalized, leading to Freddie taking a leave of absence from the Dodgers.
"Last Friday, Max rapidly declined and went into full-body paralysis. We are very fortunate to have gotten him to the hospital in time so they could reinforce his lungs. Freddie was in Houston at the time and rushed to the first flight back home. After many tests, Max is battling a severe case of Guillain-Barré syndrome. A rare neurological condition that is especially rare in children," Chelsea Freeman said in a social media post at the time.
"These have been the hardest and scariest days of our lives. Maximus is such a special boy and he has been fighting SO hard. This is going to be a journey to recover, but we have faith that he will be completely healed. We have been blown away by his improvements in the last 48 hours. Maximus was excavated from his breathing tube and taken off of the ventilator yesterday, which is a huge win for us."
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Chelsea Freeman (@chelseafreeman5)
After returning to the Dodgers after his son was released from the hospital, Freeman battled injuries during the team's playoff run, but got healthy in time to put together an historic World Series.
In five games against the New York Yankees, Freeman went 6-for-20 with four home runs and 12 RBI, including a game-winning, walk-off grand slam in Game 1.
For his exploits, he was named World Series MVP.
'Top Gun: Maverick' Director Says Storyline for Sequel Is ‘Already in the Bag’
While it took nearly 40 years for the iconic film Top Gun to get a sequel, it finally came in 2022 in the form of Top Gun: Maverick.
Fortunately, this time, it doesn't sound like it'll take long before the next addition to the Top Gun franchise comes to fruition. The latest comments from director Christopher McQuarrie on the Happy Sad Confused podcast signal that the ball is already rolling.
While McQuarrie was discussing his latest film starring Tom Cruise, Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, he was asked on the podcast if it was "harder" to crack the story for Top Gun 3, as Collider detailed. After admitting he "thought it would be," he revealed it's been quite the opposite for him and Ehren Kruger, with whom he's writing the screenplay.
Miles Teller, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly and Glen Powell attend the screening of "Top Gun: Maverick" during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals.Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Getty Images
McQuarrie responded: "No. It’s already in the bag. I’ve cracked it."
“That’s a good place to go from. You walk into the room going, ‘Come on, what are we going to do?’ And Ehren Kruger pitched something, and I went ‘Mmm, actually.’ And then we had one conversation about it. The framework is there, so no, it wasn’t hard to crack," McQuarrie said.
It's a big update from McQuarrie, and should leave Top Gun fans jumping for joy. Although there's no specific timeline that's been revealed, it does appear that things are starting to take shape.
With Tom Cruise back for Top Gun 3, along with Miles Teller and Glen Powell expected to return, don't be surprised if news on the sequel surfaces sooner rather than later.
Related: Tom Cruise Breaks Silence on the Fate of 2 Fan-Favorite Sequels
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