If 2026 had to be summed up in one word by Americans, it would be “stressful,” as revealed by a recent survey that indicates a third of the population is currently grappling with an existential crisis.

A study conducted by Talker Research, involving 2,000 participants, uncovered that 35% of Americans labeled 2026 as “stressful,” while 32% found it to be “challenging.”

The survey highlighted that older Americans felt the brunt of this stress more acutely than their younger counterparts. Baby boomers and Gen Xers reported higher stress levels (37% and 38% respectively) compared to millennials (31%) and Gen Z (32%), emphasizing the difficulties faced by older generations in today’s fast-evolving society.

What exactly is causing this surge in stress? Respondents attributed their anxiety to having encountered an average of two unexpected life events or “plot twists” this year, which derailed their plans for 2026.

The survey further explored the underlying causes of stress, revealing that one in three Americans (32%) are enduring an existential crisis. Younger generations seemed more susceptible to these identity struggles, with 52% of Gen Z and 39% of millennials reporting such challenges, compared to 32% of Gen X and only 20% of baby boomers.

Reasons for experiencing an existential crisis varied by age. Gen Z’s top reasons for inner turmoil were that their problems feel out of their control to solve, and career instability (both 40%).

Millennials reported a lack of control over their problems (44%) as the main motivator for their existential crises, while Gen X cited both a lack of control over their problems and financial stress (both 46%) equally as the top drivers of their personal crisis.

Financial stress proved to be a huge factor for the older generations here, and it was also the top reason that baby boomers said they’re spiraling internally and experiencing an existential predicament (48%).

In the study, a notable number (37%) also said their entire lives feel out of their control, with young people once again being most likely to feel this way (Gen Z 52%, millennials 42%, Gen Z 39%, baby boomers 26%).

Another recent survey of 5,000 Americans, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Current in Dec. 2025, points to the link between financial stress and Americans’ sense that life is out of control.

In that study, nearly all respondents (87%) said that the nation is experiencing a “crisis” because of how unaffordable life has become.

Zooming in, more than half — or the majority — of people surveyed at the end of 2025 found it difficult to pay their bills on time each month (52%). And many have struggled to afford basic necessities, such as groceries (50%).

So what do you do when everything, from the state of the world to your personal finances, feels like it’s out of your hands? Lean into the things you do have power over, like your mindset and daily habits.

Leslie Davenport, a psychotherapist, writer and educator in the mental health space, offered some helpful tips on how to translate this simple yet effective approach into action.

“There is tremendous power in the choices we can make, including everything from how we begin our day to who we connect with, and how we prioritize our time. Some of the most effective steps I recommend are to ground your day with at least one calming routine. This might be a walk outside, time in nature, listening to music, gardening or yoga.

“Second, it’s important to curate your media. These days, it’s possible to stay informed without getting overloaded. Many people have news or messaging alerts bombarding them on their watches or phones constantly. It can be helpful to set clear boundaries around the time of day, and the length of time, for news and messaging updates.

“Along with that, make time for your feelings. Make room for it all: anger, fear, grief and confusion. And finally, pursue connection. Community is one of the most underrated sources of resilience we have today. These may sound small in the face of the challenges we all are experiencing, but there’s tremendous power in creating these kinds of foundational practices.”

Amidst the fear, overwhelm and challenges cited in the 2026 study, respondents also demonstrated positivity, resilience and forward progress in taking back control of their lives.

Nearly a third of people (32%) actually said their year has gone better than expected so far. And 27% of people went so far as to say 2026 felt “hopeful,” providing a ray of sunshine in the gloom, and highlighting Americans’ optimism in the face of difficulties.

And channeling this positive attitude into action, the vast majority of people surveyed (79%) are planning to do some type of mid-year reset, whether it’s mental health (33%), physical (33%) or financial (25%).

So while the average person may not have control over a lot of the big things happening to them, they do have agency to make small, yet powerful shifts that can have a big impact over time. Many are already doing so, and these changes can have a ripple effect, spreading much-needed hope and positive change in 2026.

2026 Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans who have access to the internet; the survey was administered and conducted online by Talker Research between March 5 and March 8, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.

2025 Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 5,000 Americans state by state (100 in each state) who plan to file taxes, split evenly by generation (1,250 Gen Z, 1,250 millennials, 1,250 Gen X, 1,250 baby boomers), who have access to the internet. The survey was commissioned by Current and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Dec. 17, 2025 and Jan. 5, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

In Westminster, California, new street signs have been erected to honor Charlie Kirk, a political activist whose life was tragically cut short. This Orange County city is witnessing a blend of reactions regarding this tribute, reflecting the divide over Kirk’s conservative views.

On a recent Tuesday, Westminster Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen stood beneath the freshly installed sign, proudly unveiling “Charlie Kirk Way.” The initiative to rename the street was Nguyen’s brainchild, stemming from his belief in promoting fundamental freedoms.

“This gesture is about championing freedom—freedom of speech and the liberty for everyone to engage in open dialogue here in Westminster,” Mayor Nguyen explained, highlighting the broader message behind this street sign.

The journey to this unveiling has been a lengthy one for Westminster, representing months of planning and deliberation over how best to commemorate Kirk’s impact and legacy.

The sign has been months in the making for Westminster.

Nguyen says the idea to redesignate the street leading to the city’s Civic Center from All American Way to Charlie Kirk Way was his idea, and it passed in a 4-1 council vote last fall.

When the vote passed, the city council noted that the redesignation won’t officially change the street name. This means the change in signage won’t be reflected on addresses on the street, and instead will just change the physical All American Way street signs between Westminster Boulevard and 13th Street.

“I myself am very inspired by what Charlie Kirk has been doing for the country, what he’s been doing to the younger people, for the next generation,” Nguyen said.

Not everyone agrees.

“I thought it was a joke,” said Ann Galvan from Garden Grove.

“I think that’s so hateful,” said Ashley Lawrence from Los Angeles.

“Are you effing kidding me? Sorry, that was my gut reaction,” said Westminster resident Terry Rains.

Rains organized a protest back in December in an effort to stop what she says is causing division in her community.

“That street is called All American Way. That is inclusive. That welcomes everyone into our Civic Center,” Rains said. “These are all public buildings, and so tainting the name just completely denigrates the entire… what that stands for.”

The news of the signs is spreading fast on social media, prompting people to drive from all over Southern California to see them in person.

“It’s a little ridiculous,” one resident said.

“I’m really happy to see that, because I’m his big fan,” another said.

The criticism is not new to the mayor, who was even stopped by someone who disagreed with the decision during his interview with Eyewitness News.

“You can’t please everyone,” Nguyen said.

The mayor claims the sign honoring Kirk isn’t political, and instead is meant to represent freedom of speech.

“I’m not saying that Charlie Kirk is a Republican or Democrat. I don’t take it that way. I look at the way that he is dedicated. He is sacrificing to do what needs to be done for our country, and he is a patriot. Those are the things that I look at,” Nguyen said.

Last year, the city council also voted to designate Kirk’s birthday, Oct. 14, as “Charlie Kirk Day.” It passed with a 3-2 vote.

Utah man Tyler Robinson, 22, is accused of shooting Kirk — an ally of President Donald Trump who worked to steer young voters toward conservatism through his organization, Turning Point USA — from a rooftop overlooking a crowded courtyard at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10, 2025.

Robinson was arrested the following night when he showed up with his parents to turn himself in at his hometown sheriff’s office in southwest Utah, more than a three-hour drive from Orem.

This morning, a bus operated by a trainee driver veered off course and submerged into the River Seine in France following a collision with a stationary vehicle.

According to local reports, the driver reportedly miscalculated a maneuver after missing a turn while departing from the Juvisy bus terminal.

At the time of the accident, the bus carried four occupants, including the driving instructor and two passengers. The mishap occurred at 9:30 a.m. local time (8:30 a.m. BST).

All individuals were successfully rescued, thanks to quick-thinking bystanders who rushed to assist as the bus began to sink. Authorities have yet to disclose the conditions of those involved.

Among those rescued, one individual received assistance from a nearby houseboat.

From her houseboat, Natacha said she heard a woman screaming in the water and threw her a lifebuoy. 

‘She grabbed it. Two people helped me pull her up the ladder, and then she was taken care of by the police and firefighters,’ she said. 

‘She was very shocked, freezing, and had a hand injury. The poor woman thought she was going to die.’ 

A bus carrying passengers has plunged into France’s River Seine near the town of Juvisy following a collision with another vehicle

Divers were seen walking along the bus which was at the bottom of the river

One source said: ‘Two boats are patrolling the water to ensure that no one else needs rescuing’

There were four people on board, including the driver’s instructor and two passengers, when the incident happened at 9.30am local time (8.30am BST)

The bus dragged the parked car into the river near Juvisy, a commune eight kilometres southeast of Paris

Towing teams remove a bus from the Seine river after it fell with passengers on board into the river

‘The bus was leaving the bus station when the driver lost control and hit a parked car,’ explained the mayor of Juvisy-sur-Orge, Lamia Bensarsa Reda

The bus dragged the parked car into the river near Juvisy, a commune eight kilometres southeast of Paris. 

The car was unoccupied at the time, according to reports.

Later in the morning, the bus could be seen submerged under water, close to the riverbank, with the car floating nearby.

Members of a rowing club who were on the river were among the first to help those in the water, witnesses said.

‘The bus was leaving the bus station when the driver lost control and hit a parked car,’ explained the mayor of Juvisy-sur-Orge, Lamia Bensarsa Reda.

Reda said she was ‘stunned’ by the accident.

‘It’s the first time I’ve seen anything like this. I think I’ve just experienced the worst day of my life. 

‘Luckily, there were no casualties thanks to the quick response of the police and emergency services,’ she said. 

Images show emergency crews including a fire engine, rescue boats and a helicopter at the scene.

One source said: ‘Two boats are patrolling the water to ensure that no one else needs rescuing.’ 

Rescue teams remove a car from the Seine river

Pictured: A car and a bus can be seen in the water as rescue teams work at the scene

Images show emergency crews including a fire engine, rescue boats and a helicopter at the scene

According to a police source, the driver did have a D license, which is required to drive such a vehicle

According to a police source, the driver did have a D license, which is required to drive such a vehicle. 

Following the incident, local transport links have been heavily disrupted.

‘The challenge now is to keep traffic flowing smoothly and allow emergency services and the police to work in the best possible conditions,’ Reda added.

‘They reacted very quickly and were able to get people to safety.’

An investigation is expected to be launched to determine exact cause of the incident as quickly as possible.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow. 

On Wednesday, federal authorities secured a guilty plea from a father and daughter charged with selling counterfeit art they falsely claimed was created by renowned contemporary artists.

Erwin Bankowski, 50, and his daughter, Karolina Bankowska, 26, could face up to 20 years in prison along with restitution payments amounting to $1.9 million. According to prosecutors, the duo was peddling “lies on canvas,” even fabricating bogus ownership histories for the fake artworks they sold.

“This father-daughter team not only sold fake art but also eroded trust, took advantage of unsuspecting buyers, and sought to enrich themselves through deception,” stated James Barnacle, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI. “This case demonstrates that those who manipulate the art market for personal profit will face justice.”

The Department of Justice revealed that between 2020 and 2025, the Bankowskis conspired to auction more than 200 counterfeit pieces, falsely attributed to celebrated artists.

A suspected forgery of an Andrew Wyeth painting is displayed at RoGallery in New York on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Jake Offenhartz)

Those artists included Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Banksy, Raimonds Staprans, Richard Mayhew and Native American artist Fritz Scholder.

“To make some of the Counterfeit Works appear to be legitimate, the defendants generated false histories of prior custody and ownership, also known as provenance. To do so, they conducted research to represent falsely that some of the Counterfeit Works had been in private collections of individuals associated with the artists, had been owned by since-closed art galleries, or had been in the private collections of corporations that were no longer in operation,” the DOJ wrote.

“The defendants chose galleries and corporations that were no longer operating to make it difficult for galleries and potential buyers to verify the purported provenance of the Counterfeit Works,” the statement added.

The DOJ says the defendants consigned the fake pieces to art galleries and auction houses throughout the U.S., which then attempted to sell them to buyers for prices of up to $160,000. Over the course of their scheme, the defendants defrauded victims out of at least $2 million.

The father and daughter — Polish citizens living in New Jersey — pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and misrepresenting Native American–produced goods, the latter charge stemming from their duplication of the Luiseño artist, Fritz Scholder.

In court on Tuesday, Bankowska told a judge that her “conduct was wrong and I am guilty.” Her attorney, Todd Spodek, said his client had placed more than $1 million in an escrow account.

Through a Polish interpreter, Erwin Bankowski also apologized. His attorney, Jeffrey Chabrowe, added that his client had “regrettably made a terrible decision in an effort to support his family.”

Not every hero dons a cape—some have flippers instead.

This became evident when researchers at the U.S. Navy’s Marine Mammal Program began studying dolphins. They discovered that the dolphins with the best health and longest lifespans had elevated levels of a crucial nutrient called C15:0.

C15:0, or pentadecanoic acid, is an uncommon saturated fatty acid that functions similarly to omega-3s, offering potential advantages for metabolic health, cognition, liver function, immune response, and red blood cell well-being.

As we age, C15:0 levels naturally diminish, but it can still be acquired through diet or supplements. A study conducted in 2023 found that individuals with higher C15:0 levels in their bloodstream had a reduced risk of conditions associated with aging.

This remarkable dolphin finding, along with extensive scientific investigation, led to the development of the highly popular Fatty15 capsules. Now, ten years later, this daily supplement is supported by more than 100 peer-reviewed studies and over 60 patents.

According to the brand, it has over 100,000 active subscribers. The $119 capsules contain 100 milligrams of pure C15:0, and users report a range of benefits, with some even claiming it helped turn back their biological clocks.

One person who took Fatty15 daily for six months believes her lab results confirmed it was working.

“My six-month bloodwork results were nothing short of amazing improvements. My biological age went from being one year older than my actual age to eight years younger than my actual age!” she shared in the reviews section, adding that she will be continuing with the supplement.

She’s not alone in reporting impressive results. Others say Fatty15 has improved their joint pain, energy levels, sleep quality and even made their hair, skin and nails look healthier. In a survey of 6,243 customers, 70% reported feeling or seeing benefits within 16 weeks of taking the supplement.

Longevity experts have also backed the science behind the supplement’s varied benefits.

“One of my favorite longevity-boosting supplements… Fatty15 acts as an armor for your cells, strengthening cell membranes, repairing mitochondria, and reversing the hallmarks of aging…” explained Dr. Mark Hyman, Functional Medicine Physician and NYT Best Selling Author.

Each batch of the supplement is third-party tested for quality and purity, and claims are backed by Competent & Reliable Scientific Evidence (CARSE). Currently, users can save 20% when they choose the 90-day subscription plan.

This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.

Olivia Wilde’s recent appearance at the San Francisco International Film Festival has become a hot topic online, as a video capturing her changing facial expressions quickly went viral.

The 42-year-old director and actress attended the festival to promote her latest movie, “The Invite,” and paused on the red carpet to engage with the media.

In one particular clip from the event, Olivia appeared noticeably wide-eyed and gaunt, which raised concerns among her fans who pondered the reasons behind her altered look.

The footage, captured by SFGate and now exceeding 10 million views, prompted viewers to express their worries about her transformation.

Fans took to social media, commenting, “A new video of Olivia Wilde is gaining traction, and people can’t look away. Everyone’s focusing on her face and eyes, trying to decipher what’s different.”

‘New photos of Olivia Wilde are roughly eight years or so apart. Someone explain to me how this is possible? What causes this?’

‘First, Angelina Jolie showed up looking like the ghost of her former self, and now Olivia Wilde looks like she has been overdoing the GLP-1s. What is happening to these actresses?’

‘What the hell is going on in Hollywood at the moment?’

Olivia Wilde’s latest public appearance has sparked conversation online as a clip of her changing face at the San Francisco International Film Festival went viral

The director and actress, 42, was at the festival to promote her new film, The Invite, and stopped on the red carpet for press interviews (stock image)

However, others suggested the reason behind the distorted look was actually down to the camera angle that the video had been shot in.

One person online explained: ‘Olivia Wilde aged dramatically across 8 years of celebrity photos. The replies are full of speculation about cosmetic procedures, lifestyle factors, and stress. 

‘Coinstronauts caught the actual answer that nobody wants. Camera physics. 

‘Wide-angle phone lenses held close to the face produce facial distortion. Eyes appear larger. Forehead expands. Jaw narrows. Skin texture amplifies. Overhead event lighting produces harsh shadows. Eye sockets deepen. Skin appears shinier. Subtle wrinkles get amplified into prominent features. 

‘Front-camera video compression with frame grabs at mid-expression captures expressions audiences would never notice in motion. 

‘The frozen frame looks unflattering even when the person looks normal in person. The “aged” comparison photos almost always combine professional studio photography from 8 years ago with phone-camera frame grabs from recent events. That’s not aging. That’s photography difference. 

‘That works for some celebrities. Doesn’t work for those whose careers require maximum visibility. Olivia Wilde’s career depends on visibility. So she gets exposed to phone-camera frame grabs. The comparison content follows. 

‘For audience members consuming this content. The implication is to verify the comparison terms before forming impressions. Same lighting. Same camera type. Same expression timing. Without those controls, the comparison is photography rather than ageing. Most audiences won’t bother. The unfair comparisons keep spreading.’

Earlier this month, social media users accused Olivia of being on Ozempic after an appearance at the Fashion Trust US Awards in Los Angeles 

At the event, Olivia looked chic in a simple tailored white T-shirt, with her hair tied back with a bow.

The Invite, which Olivia directed and stars in alongside Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, tells the story of a dinner party gone wrong.

It was co-written by Rashida Jones and is slated for release on June 26.

Earlier this month, social media users accused Olivia of being on Ozempic after an appearance at the Fashion Trust US Awards in Los Angeles.

But the actress is known for her commitment to fitness and is often spotted hitting the gym in Los Angeles.

She stays away from processed foods and loves attending classes at the Tracy Anderson Method Studio in Studio City.

While training for her role in 2010’s Tron: Legacy, Olivia did cardio five days a week, strength training three days a week, and mixed martial arts classes as regularly as possible.

It comes as the filmmaker’s ex-boyfriend Harry Styles, 32, got engaged to actress Zoe Kravitz, 37. 

Olivia and Harry dated for nearly two years before breaking up in November 2022.

A significant breakthrough has been made in a decades-old cold case as a man living abroad was arrested, linked by DNA evidence to the 1989 abduction and sexual assault of a young girl in Florida.

Authorities in the Philippines detained 69-year-old Young Tom Talmadge at his residence in Cavite on April 23. This arrest followed information shared by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, according to a statement from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.

This arrest comes after officials in Hillsborough County issued a warrant in March for Talmadge, who is now facing serious charges. These charges include sexual battery of a child under 12, lewd acts on a minor, and kidnapping, all connected to the alleged 1989 kidnapping incident in Tampa, Florida.

Investigators claim that Talmadge encountered a 7-year-old girl at Tampa Lanes bowling alley in 1989, where he allegedly lured her with coins to play arcade games, as reported by FOX 13.

Authorities allege Talmadge was at the bowling alley Tampa Lanes when he approached a 7-year-old girl and offered her coins to play arcade games in 1989, FOX 13 reported. 

He then allegedly lured the young girl into his car and sexually battered her, authorities said, according to the outlet.

Young Tom Talmadge allegedly abducted and sexually battered a 7-year-old girl after approaching her inside the Tampa Lanes bowling alley in Florida. (FOX 13)

Immediately following the incident, Talmadge allegedly dropped the child off at a second bowling alley nearby and fled the scene. 

The young girl’s disappearance sparked a frantic search by Tampa Lanes employees until a man at the second bowling alley recognized the child and facilitated her return, the outlet reported.

Young Tom Talmadge was taken into custody by local authorities in Cavite, Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration said. (iStock)

The case ultimately ran cold for nearly 40 years, until investigators with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement used genealogical research and preserved DNA evidence to identify Talmadge as a suspect, authorities said. 

His arrest was a result of the BI’s #ShieldKids campaign, an initiative launched “to protect children from foreign sex offenders,” the agency said.

“We will continue to work closely with international counterparts to protect Filipino children and uphold justice,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said in a statement. “Foreign fugitives who commit crimes against children will find no refuge here.” 

Following his arrest, Talmadge was transported to the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, where he awaits extradition to the United States.

He faces charges of sexual battery on a victim less than 12 years old by an adult, lewd and lascivious acts on a child, and kidnapping to commit a felony on a child, according to the BI. 

The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

Chad Tracy, the interim manager for the Boston Red Sox, is off to a rocky start in his new role, as he struggles to build rapport with his players. Stepping into the shoes of Alex Cora, Tracy has already found himself at odds with the team, particularly with pitcher Brayan Bello.

In a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday, Tracy made a controversial call by removing Bello from the mound after only 62 pitches. This decision came in the fourth inning of Boston’s 8-1 defeat, much to the visible displeasure of Bello, who shook his head in frustration when Tracy approached the mound to make the change.

The situation escalated when Tracy made the choice to pull Bello after the pitcher walked the ninth batter, putting a runner on first with two outs in a tight 3-1 game. Reliever Greg Weissert was brought in and promptly gave up a two-run homer to Ernie Clement on just his third pitch, exacerbating the situation.

“Obviously, I was upset,” Bello said through translator Carlos Villoria Benítez, per masslive.com. “I haven’t been able to pitch well in the past few starts. I haven’t been able to pitch deep into the games. That’s what I want. And today, it went that way as well. So, obviously, I was upset to come out of the game.”

Bello probably has some reason to be frustrated by the decision by his new manager, although the starting pitcher hasn’t done a whole lot to earn confidence from Tracy or Cora before him.

Bello has a terrible 9.12 ERA in 25 2/3 innings spanning six starts, and is among the worst pitchers in the sport entering May.

Pitching coach Andrew Bailey, who provided his input, defended the decision to pull Bello.

“I think wanting to keep the game there at 3-1 with a fully fresh bullpen was the way to go there,” Bailey said via Mass Live. “And knowing that we had a lot of well-rested relievers. We have a lot of faith in Bello, but we’ve got to win that game and thought that that was the best position — Trace and I were talking about it — set the team up for success. We thought was the best move possible.”

Boston is in free fall right now after losing ace Garrett Crochet, as he hit the injured list with shoulder inflammation.

After Cora’s firing, multiple players expressed disappointment with the decision, noting that the front office, including John Henry, did not meet with the players face-to-face about it.

With Tracy now leading the ship, they will have to rebound soon or things could get ugly.

The last-place Red Sox (12-19) will look to get things on track Friday when they open their series against the Astros in Boston.

Walmart is phasing out self-checkout stations at more of its supercenters as the retail giant re-evaluates its approach to automation.

Recently, the world’s largest retailer removed these machines from its South Philadelphia location, opting to reinstate traditional cashier lanes instead.

This move follows the lead of other stores, such as a Walmart in Missouri, which eliminated self-checkout options after they were linked to 509 police calls within just five months.

Throughout 2024, Walmart has reintroduced staff-operated checkout lanes to stores in Shrewsbury, Missouri, and Cleveland, Ohio, aiming to enhance the efficiency of the customer checkout experience.

According to company executives, the decision to revert to staffed lanes is driven by service considerations. “These changes are informed by input from associates and customers, local shopping trends, and the specific needs of each community,” the company stated.

The change was aimed to ‘improve the checkout experience and enable associates to provide more personalized customer service.’

Encouraging customers to scan and pay for their own items was presented as a way to reduce lines and improve efficiency, but also doubled as a way for retailers to cut down on labor costs. 

In reality, these kiosks are especially vulnerable to theft – an issue that retailers claim has been plaguing businesses and forcing them to shut locations altogether. Experts say the rise in shoplifting from people using self-checkouts is really why they are being axed.

Lending Tree found that more than a quarter of people who use self-checkout have intentionally taken an item without paying

Lending Tree found that 69 percent of people who use self-checkout believe they make it easier to steal. A whopping 27 percent of people surveyed purposefully stole an item without scanning.

‘Walmart isn’t just removing self check out,’ financial expert Ted Jenkins told the Daily Mail. He argued that the retailer is ‘quietly admitting’ that when theft leads to major financial loss, there are repercussions.

‘Walmart regularly reviews stores based on theft and customer experience and takes self checkout out of their highest theft stores,’ retail expert Bryan Gildenberg told the Daily Mail. ‘I would not read much more into it than that.’

Retail expert Neil Saunders told the Daily Mail that self-checkouts have led to high theft rates because of both deliberate actions and ‘accidental mistakes.’ 

For example, a person may forget to scan one of their items or accidentally scan a product twice. 

‘Forcing more customers to use manned checkouts resolves a lot of these issues and saves retailers money,’ Saunders said.

Walmart told the Daily Mail its changes are guided by feedback from associates and customers, local shopping patterns and the needs of the business in each community. 

‘We updated the front end at our South Philadelphia Supercenter to improve the checkout experience and enable associates to provide more personalized customer service,’ they said.

Other retail stores are switching from self checkout to traditional cash registers, including Dollar General

Other major retailers are feeling similar repercussions, including Dollar General, who decided to remove self-checkouts from 12,000 stores nationwide in 2024. Only a handful of the self-serve kiosks remain.

Last year, Sam’s Club, a division of Walmart, announced it would remove all self-checkout machines and roll out AI-powered ‘Scan & Go’ technology to reduce checkout wait times.

‘This is one of the fastest, most scalable transformations happening in retail today,’ Sam’s Club President and CEO Chris Nicholas said. 

‘We’re investing with intention – in our fleet, our associates and the member experience – to become the world’s best club retailer.’ 

Meanwhile, Costco, one of Sam’s Club’s biggest rivals, began rolling out the same technology but is not planning on axing self-checkout from all locations.