Category: Health & Fitness

More than 2,500 stores from beloved retail chains are closing for good in the United States in 2025.

The massive list of store closings led one publication to label it a “retail bloodbath.” Business Insider tallied the number of store closures, putting it at around 2,500, and the trend has only continued. Although some of the chains announced the closures earlier in the year, in many cases, the locations are shuttering their doors for good in May or did so in April.

The retailers include Forever 21, Kohl’s, Family Dollar, Walgreens, and Joann Fabrics.

Walgreens is planning to close 450 stores in 2025, part of a massive string of 1,200 closures that it announced in late 2024, according to USA Today.

In February, Joann Fabrics, a popular store with crafters, announced that it was closing all 800-plus stores in 49 states after a bankruptcy auction, The Akron Beacon Journal reported. On March 5, the company disabled purchases on its website as well.

Most of the Joann stores will close in May, according to USA Today.

According to 9News, the last Forever 21 store was expected to close on May 1. That came after a second bankruptcy filing by the clothing company. Altogether, Forever 21 was closing 354 stores nationwide, USA Today reported.

“After careful deliberation, we have made the decision to file for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection under chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code,” a notice placed on Forever 21’s website says. “We are deeply grateful for the support you have shown us over the years, but rising costs and increased competition from abroad have made our current business model unsustainable.”

Kohl’s announced in a January press release that it was closing “27 underperforming stores, by April 2025.” Those closures spanned 15 states.

“While Kohl’s continues to believe in the health and strength of its profitable store base, these specific locations were underperforming stores,” the company wrote.

Family Dollar is closing “1,000 underperforming store locations as leases expire,” according to The Street, as part of a restructuring that split the brand from Dollar Tree.

JCPenney also announced it was closing seven stores, according to The Independent.

However, far from giving up, JCPenney has launched a multi-pronged branding effort to position the company as trendy, AdWeek reported.

Rite-Aid is still closing stores after a massive list of closings since 2023, according to Oregon Live.

According to CapitalOneShopping data, shopping malls across the United States are closing at a fast rate as shoppers turn to online commerce. Online fast-fashion retailers like Shein and Temu have cut into some traditional stores’ profits, CNBC noted.

Related: Beloved Clothing Store Is Closing All 354 Locations in the U.S.

Jill Sobule, the memorable voice behind the 1995 folk-pop hit “I Kissed a Girl,” has died tragically at the age of 66. According to TheWrap, Sobule died in a house fire on Thursday morning in Minneapolis. She was 66 years old.

While Sobule may not exactly be a household name, her 1995 hit was a truly groundbreaking tune. Sung from the perspective of a woman who has kissed another woman for the first time, and clearly enjoyed every second of it, the song is widely considered the first true openly gay song to notch a place in Billboard’s Top 20.

Related: Lead Singer of Famed Rock Band Dead at 66

The lyrics—which include lines like “I kissed a girl for the first time,” “And then I felt your hand above my knee,” and “Kissed a girl won’t change the world, but I’m so glad I kissed a girl!”—may not sound like a particularly wild admission from a woman in 2025, but the world (yes, even the music world) was a much different place 30 years ago.

At the time, the AIDS epidemic was still raging and the military, via Bill Clinton, had recently implemented what came to be known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Even popular culture, which was two years away from Ellen DeGeneres coming out on the fourth season of Ellen and five years away from the first gay kiss between two teenagers on Dawson’s Creek, was not exactly a safe space. Which made Sobule’s upbeat, peppy tune rather daring—with a totally ‘90s music video that featured Fabio as Sobule’s (heterosexual) love interest.

In 2009, after Katy Perry released her own song titled “I Kissed a Girl,” Sobule offered a profanity-laden statement about Perry’s song to The Rumpus, saying: “F**k you Katy Perry, you f***ing stupid, maybe ‘not good for the gays,’ title-thieving, haven’t heard much else, so not quite sure if you’re talented, fucking little sl*t.” She later clarified that the “feud” was all meant in jest, and that she very much welcomed being displaced as America’s “I Kissed a Girl” Girl.

Over the course of her near-40 years career, Sobule—who identified as bisexual—released eight studio albums, four EPs, and one greatest hits album. In 2022, she created an autobiographical musical stage play titled F**k 7th Grade, which earned a 2023 Drama Desk Award and was a New York Times Critic’s Pick.

Sobule was scheduled to perform on Friday night at Denver’s Swallow Hill Music’s Tuft Theater. Instead, TheWrap reports, an informal remembrance will be held for the artist.

“Jill Sobule was a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture,” said John Porter, the singer-songwriter’s manager, in a press release. “I was having so much fun working with her. I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others.”

It can be difficult for passengers to keep track of what is and is not allowed in a checked bag and a carry-on bag when flying commercially. Now, after a recent announcement, passengers have another important item to pay attention to.

The TSA and the FAA recently announced a ban on lithium and lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage. 

According to the U.S. Sun, the ban was officially implemented on March 1, 2025, after a power bank caused a fire on an international flight in South Korea.

The FAA and the TSA recently warned passengers that “all lithium-ion batteries are capable of overheating” and undergoing a process called thermal runaway.

“Thermal runaway can occur without warning as a result of various factors, including if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged, or improperly packed. Thermal runaway can also occur on its own due to manufacturing defects,” the FAA wrote in its announcement banning lithium batteries in checked luggage.

The ban covers spare lithium metal and spare rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for personal electronics such as cameras, cell phones, laptop computers, tablets, watches, calculators, etc. This also includes external battery chargers that contain a lithium-ion battery.

Passengers may still bring such items on the plane, but they must be in carry-on luggage – not in a checked bag.

“Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only. When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuit,” the FAA wrote.

As for why passengers may bring lithium batteries in a carry-on bag but not in a checked bag, the answer is simple: flight attendants are trained to recognize and respond to lithium battery fires in the cabin. However, if such a fire occurs in the cargo hold of the aircraft, flight attendants will be unable to put out the fire.

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

If you start putting all of your lawn gear in your garage, it’ll eventually become so clogged up with yard equipment that you won’t be able to park your car in it. A strong outdoor shed can help expand your storage and keep your tools organized in a central location. If you’re starting to see that this is what you need, you really ought to check out this storage shed that Walmart has discounted by nearly 70%.

The Elposun 6×4.5 Resin Storage Shed is marked down to $280 in both gray and beige from its regular price of $900. You can also get a 6×6 model marked down to $530 or a 5×3 shed marked down to $190, but be warned that other sizes have already begun to sell out. Elposun Resid Sheds are a Walmart bestseller and have earned over 225 five-star ratings on the platform.

Elposun 6×4.5 Resin Storage Shed in Gray, $280 (was $900) at Walmart

This waterproof and UV-resistant shed is made of a hard resin material, features two swing-open doors, and has a window on the side. Additionally, there’s a small vent at the top, under a slanted roof that discourages debris buildup. Finally, there’s a small sliding lock mechanism on the two doors, keeping petty thieves and pesky teenagers out of the shed.

One shopper who described the 6×4.5 as the “perfect size” for their small yard mentioned that it “holds more than expected.” Despite the manufacturer recommending two people be involved in the shed’s construction, this shopper finished by saying that “one person assembled it in 4 hours.”

Elposun 5×3 Resin Storage Shed in Gray, $190 (was $570) at Walmart

Another shopper had a few short words about the overall experience of using an Elposun shed. “The price, appearance, and ease of assembly are all appealing. Additionally, it is completely impermeable. I employed two of them to safeguard my outdoor furnishings. It functions flawlessly. I am grateful.”

To get your Elposun shed and save around 70%, be sure to act now. While the 5×3, 6×4.5, and 6×6 sizings are still available, other sizes of this bestselling shed have already sold out, and the size you want could easily be the next to go.

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The department store has been a part of American culture for years. As for a little history, the first American department store was Arnold Constable, which was founded in New York City in 1825 as a dry goods store, so department stores have been alive and well in the U.S. for two centuries now.

But, times change, and retails stores have been struggling as online shopping has pushed some shoppers to stay home and shop and scroll in their pajamas. Now, one of America’s most well-known department store chains has announced that it will close more stores by May 25.

According to USA Today, JCPenney is coming up on closing dates for seven of its stores that were selected to close earlier this year. “The latest JCPenney closures, which were initially announced in February, come after more than 200 U.S. locations shuttered when the retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2020,” USA Today adds. “The chain was later acquired by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. in December 2020.” So, these closings are part of a larger reorganization that has been taking place since JCPenney filed for bankruptcy roughly five years ago.

According to USA Today, the stores that will close on or before May 25 include The Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno, California; The Shops At Northfield in Denver; Pine Ridge Mall in Pocatello, Idaho; West Ridge Mall in Topeka, Kansas; Fox Run Mall in Newington, New Hampshire; Asheville Mall in Asheville, North Carolina; and Charleston Town Center in Charleston, West Virginia.

On the up side of things, an eighth JCPenney location in Annapolis, Maryland, that was scheduled to close will now remain open through August, if not longer.

Regarding the closings, a Catalyst Brands spokesperson told USA Today that “the umbrella company is ‘optimizing’ its structure, resulting in the cut of about 9% of its corporate roles.”

Related: Trusted Toilet Paper Supplier Files for Bankruptcy

The 2021 Disney+ series Hawkeye seemed to have everything going for it: A star-packed cast led by Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld, stellar reviews from both critics and audiences, and an official place in the vaunted MCU. So why didn’t we ever see a second season?

It turns out it wasn’t for a lack of trying, at least not on Disney’s part. But did they try hard enough? If you’re asking Renner, the answer would seem to be a resounding “no.”

Related: Jeremey Renner Says He Briefly ‘Died’ During Infamous Snow Plow Accident

In an interview with High Performance, Renner said that he was asked to make a second season of the series—but for “half the money” he made to make Season 1. Which understandably didn’t sit well with The Avengers star.

“I’m like, ‘Wow. It’s going to take me twice the amount of work for half the amount of money,’” Renner explained. “So eight months of my time, essentially, to do it for half the amount.”

Renner was perplexed, and began to think that his near-fatal 2023 snow plow accident—which left the two-time Oscar nominee with more than 30 broken bones, a collapsed lung, and approximately one year of recovery time—might have had something to do with the lowball offer.

@high_performance

Jeremy Renner reveals why Hawkeye Season 2 never happened… 👀🏹 Jeremy’s episode with us is available now, exclusively on the High Performance App! 🙌 Jeremy Renner’s ‘My Next Breath’ is available in all formats now, published by Simon & Schuster UK #avengers #jeremyrenner #hawkeye #hawkeyeseason2 #disneyplus

♬ original sound – High Performance – High Performance

“I’m like, ‘I’m sorry. Why? Did you think I’m only half the Jeremy because I got ran over?,’” he wondered aloud in the interview. “Maybe that’s why you want to pay me half of what I made on the first season?”

Renner went on to clarify that the disrespectful offer wasn’t coming from Marvel directly, nor was it really even Disney’s stance. “It’s just the penny pinchers,” Renner said.

Renner was very clear in his answer: “I told them to go fly a kite,” he said.

The actor said the “insult offer” saddened him. As he says in the above video: “I still love the character; I’d still love to do it. But I had to defend myself.”

“I didn’t ask for any more money, mind you,” Renner added. “Just pay me what I made the first season. So it’s all disheartening that that didn’t happen, but that’s fine. I’m happy to let that go, because my body’s probably thanking me, time and time again, that I’m not doing it right now.”

Still, Renner doesn’t seem to be giving up all hope that they can come to an agreement—at least not yet. “But we’ll see,” he concluded.

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The call of the wild sounds louder when springtime weather rolls around, and the only way to properly hit the trails is in a great pair of hiking shoes. Whether you’re a trail runner, an urban hill climber, or enjoy traversing paths with no cell signal, one thing is true—your shoes need to be ready for anything. Luckily, REI has a great pair from Hoka with a very rare discount right now, and they couldn’t be more versatile.

Hoka’s Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX Hiking Shoes can be had for just $135 right now, a seldom-seen 25% discount from their normal $180 price tag. The sale is only valid for the Outer Orbit/Lettuce colorway, a funky mix of gray and green, in sizes 8 to 13. Reviews at REI seem to be mixed, but at Hoka, where they’re still full-price, shoppers say these “just right” trail shoes are “very comfortable” and offer “excellent support, traction, and stability.”

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX Hiking Shoes in Outer Orbit/Lettuce, $135 (was $180) at REI

These shoes are built with GORE-TEX, the legendary waterproof, windproof, and breathable synthetic fabric membrane. It makes them great for running through puddles or snowbanks. They come with a protective toe rand (top side of the shoe) that’s an extra layer of defense against rough terrain and a compression-molded EVA midsole for much-needed lightweight cushioning. A Vibram Megagrip outsole rounds things out, providing tons of traction, including enhanced bite on loose soil.

Reviews of this iteration of the beloved Speedgoat seem to be mixed, but from what we’ve read, it’s all about how you use it. Over on the Hoka website, an avid runner wrote, “With some preliminary miles on these shoes, I am very happy” with them. They cited the “awesome traction” even on 15% inclines and the additional stability these shoes offer over Hoka’s previous efforts. On a rocky and twisty descent, “I realized I could just relax my foot and run, the shoe handled the occasionally gnarly and uneven terrain with aplomb.”

Related: REI Is Selling ‘Comfortable’ Hiking Pants for Nearly 30% Off, and Shoppers Say They’re ‘Impressed’ by the Quality

“I’m 80, my running days are over, and I now hike in all kinds of weather and all conditions,” wrote one impressively active user on Hoka’s site. “I find myself hiking along mountain streams and swampy areas, ending up with wet feet. Snow in winter is another challenge,” they continued. “The Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX meets the challenge and more” for all the conditions they’ve faced.

If you’re in the market for a great pair of hiking shoes, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX Hiking Shoes fit the bill. This is a solid discount for Hokas, so we’d recommend scooping up a pair ASAP so you can get outside, well, ASAP.

The next huge phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is upon us. After the surprising ending of Thunderbolts* the true post-credits scene of the movie sets up the next Marvel movie, which is actually only a few months away.

Here’s what happens in the Thunderbolts* post-credits scene and why it’s an exciting game-changer for the entire franchise, and will get even the most jaded moviegoer ready to see The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July. Spoilers ahead.

After being named “The New Avengers” by Valentina (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), we find Yelena (Florence Pugh), Bucky (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and Bob (Lewis Pullman) hanging out in the Avengers tower over a year after the events of Thunderbolts*. Quickly, we learn there’s been a schism between Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky, and that Sam is challenging the legitimacy of these New Avengers. 

This suggests we could be headed for a similar situation that existed in Captain America: Civil War (2016), in which competing superhero teams face off for dominance and true authority.

Related: ‘Thunderbolts*’ Review: Marvel Is Back, Baby

But then, after talking about some strange happenings in outer space, the New Avengers pick up a disturbance. Something is entering the MCU universe from a different dimension. And…it’s a retro rocket with a giant “4” painted on it!

Clearly, that’s the rocket being flown by the Fantastic Four in all the trailers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The post-credits scene of Thunderbolts* ends before we meet any of the members of that superhero team, but now, the stage is set for Avengers: Doomsday in 2026.

But, perhaps the most crucial detail of this post-credits scene is that whatever we’re seeing happening to the Fantastic Four is probably not even something that will occur until the end of First Steps.

So, this Thunderbolts* post-credits scene is clearly the set-up not just for First Steps, but more urgently, likely connected to the opening of Avengers: Doomsday next year.

Thunderbolts* is in theaters now. The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25, 2025. Avengers: Doomsday is out May 1, 2026.

Related: The One Thing to Remember Before You See ‘Thunderbolts*’

JetBlue has a new snack lineup coming for customers on board, starting later this month.

On May 1, the official JetBlue Instagram account confirmed that things will be changing when it comes to passengers’ options for mid-flight snacks.

“They passed security. They made the cart. They’re stealing the spotlight. Coming to a snack cart near you this May,” the company captioned a post. JetBlue will soon offer Goldfish, Biscoff cookies, plantain chips, and Chewy granola bars.

Many fans reacted in the comments section of the post, letting the company know they are pleased with the change.

“Finally the granola bars are back!!!!” one person wrote.

“When I feel a little down, I put on my favourite high heels and dance,” someone else added.

“This is huge,” a third comment read.

“I love me some biscoff omgg,” a fourth Instagram user said.

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JetBlue has long offered free snacks onboard, though the options have changed over the years. The company once offered Cheez-Its, Terra Blues Potato Chips, Craisins, PopCorners, animal crackers, and even mini chocolate chip cookies. 

Related: JetBlue Airways Expected to Announce Major Partnership

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Kettlebells are some of the most versatile and functional training tools you can use to get stronger, shredded, and improve your cardio. Getting the right set can be somewhat of an investment—good ones generally run well north of $2 per pound—unless you know where and when to look for a good deal. Luckily, that time is now, as Walmart just slashed the price on its bestselling 3-piece set—and it’s currently well over half off.

The BalanceFrom Wide Grip 3-Piece 45-Pound Kettlebell Set is on sale for just $20 at Walmart, a 60% discount compared to its full price of $50. This is an absurd deal, as it averages out to about 45 cents per pound—an unheard-of cost for a set like this. Shoppers have given this set nearly 2,000 five-star ratings, accompanied by numerous positive reviews saying that they’re “perfect set for a quick workout,” with handles that are “easy to grip.”

BalanceFrom Wide Grip 3-Piece 45-Pound Kettlebell Set, $20 (was $50) at Walmart

This 45-pound kettlebell set includes 10-, 15-, and 20-pound bells, and is crafted from sturdy, well-made iron coated with a high-quality rubber vinyl—the same material you’ll find at your local commercial gym. Their wide-grip handles ensure that even bigger hands can easily handle and use them, despite their lighter weight. This makes them particularly useful for single-arm work, isometrics, and conditioning work, helping you to tone up and shred fat.

One shopper loved that they were crafted with “wide handles.” They stated, “I only use these for kettlebell swings at home, so the larger size and wider handles mean a full grip with both hands. This product likely has gone through several revisions, and the current one doesn’t seem to be filled with beads or sand. Instead, it is solid…and doesn’t rattle.”

Related: Walmart Is Selling an $800 Cable Machine for $220 Right Now, and Shoppers Say It Works ‘Exceptionally Well’

Another shopper also noted that they were “well-made.” They said, “They’re sturdy (they’re dumbbells) and have a protective covering.” A third shopper echoed those remarks as well. “These have a great handle, good grip even with bare hands. Well-made and sturdy.”

This set is quite the hot seller at this price—hundreds are selling every day. Don’t miss out and grab yourself the BalanceFrom Wide Grip 3-Piece Kettlebell Set before it’s gone.