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DHS helicopter patrolling border struck three times by laser from Mexico

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) helicopter that was patrolling the southern U.S. border was targeted by a laser from the Mexican side of the boundary.

An AS-350 helicopter patrolling about 13 miles west of McAllen International Airport in Texas was struck three times by a laser that was pointed at the aircraft from a vehicle on the Mexican riverbank last week, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) release.

The incident marked the sixth time in the last four months that Air Interdiction Agents have been forced to take evasive maneuvers after being targeted by lasers, the release notes.

NEW CARTEL THREATS AGAINST BORDER AGENTS: EXPLOSIVES, DRONES AND WIRELESS TRACKING

U.S. Office of Air and Marine (OAM) pilot Chad Stevens prepares to fly an AS-350 helicopter on patrol over the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Another recent incident also involving an AS-350 helicopter occurred in Jacksonville, Florida, last month, which resulted in the arrest of an individual that now faces felony charges in the state.

“No pilots or crew were injured in these cases, and the laser sightings are being investigated,” the release said.

Owning handheld lasers isn’t illegal, but shining the laser into the cockpit of an aircraft is a federal crime that can result in 20-years of prison time and a $250,000 fine, the release notes.

The Rio Grande is seen from Laredo, Texas. (REUTERS/Veronica G. Cardenas)

BORDER PATROL AGENTS TO STOP WEARING BODY CAMERAS AFTER SOCIAL MEDIA POST REVEALS ‘SECURITY RISK’

“When laser beams are aimed at any piloted aircraft, whether military or commercial, what might seem like a tiny beam on the ground can blind aircrew, potentially causing a midair collision or other incident,” the release warned.

Border Patrol personnel have come under continued threats in recent months, including a report earlier this week that revealed agents in the field will no longer wear body cameras after a social media post revealed how to exploit the cameras to track and potentially threaten agents by using a Bluetooth application that can be downloaded to a cell phone.

Customs and Border Control agent patrolling on the US side of a razor-wire-covered border wall along the Mexico east of Nogales, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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“Pending completion of investigation and risk mitigation, all Agents will stand down the use of their BWCs [body worn cameras] until further notice. Additional guidance and information will be disseminated as it is received,” a CBP directive on that issue read.

CBP did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment.

Michael Lee is a writer for Fox News. Prior to joining Fox News, Michael worked for the Washington Examiner, Bongino.com, and Unbiased America. He has covered politics for more than eight years.

February 18, 2025
4 Nations Face-Off title game: Charlie McAvoy to sit out of high stakes match between US and Canada

Team USA will go head-to-head with Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final this week, creating a rematch of the recent intense game between the two North American nations.

During the last matchup, multiple fights broke out in a span of seconds.

The round-robin part of the tournament resulted in some injury setbacks for the Americans, with Brady Tkachuk exiting in the second period following a collision with Sweden’s Samuel Ersson in the crease.

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Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy skates after the puck against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre on Dec. 10, 2024, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (Terrence Lee-Imagn Images)

Meanwhile, Auston Matthews and Charlie McAvoy were lineup scratches. McAvoy was taken to a hospital with what was described as an “upper-body injury,” the Boston Bruins, the defenseman’s NHL club, announced Tuesday.

EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR US-CANADA 4 NATIONS FINAL AFTER RAUCOUS 1ST GAME

McAvoy is dealing with a possible infection that could have been caused by the injury, per a report from the Daily Faceoff. He is under the supervision of one of the Bruins’ doctors, the team said.

Connor Hellebuyck, left, of Team United States celebrates with Charlie McAvoy after their 3-1 win in the 4 Nations Face-Off game against Canada at Bell Centre on Feb. 15, 2025, in Montreal, Quebec. (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

He was not on the ice on Monday. Team USA coach Mike Sullivan noted at the time that the defenseman was battling an “upper-body injury.”

Team United States members during pre-game ceremonies before the 4 Nations Face-Off game against Finland at Bell Centre on Feb. 13, 2025, in Montreal, Quebec. (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

McAvoy had been an active part of the Americans’ game plan leading up to the injury. He was on the ice for just under 20 minutes during Team USA’s victory over Finland on Feb. 13. He also registered 19:27 of playing time during the matchup with Canada this past weekend.

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An “upper-body injury” appeared to prevent McAvoy from taking the ice in some games leading up to the tournament. He did, however, play in a Bruin’s game on Jan. 30. The 27-year-old underwent shoulder arthroscopic stabilization surgery in 2022, NBC reported.

Team USA is set to take on Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final on Feb. 20.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
Novak Djokovic speaks out on Jannik Sinner three-month ban

The fallout from Jannik Sinner’s controversial three-month ban following two positive tests for a banned substance last year has some of the tennis world’s biggest stars calling for more accountability.

Novak Djokovic was asked about the situation ahead of the Qatar Open this week, a tournament Sinner was due to compete in before the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced its final ruling.

Jannik Sinner of Italy gestures as he carries the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after defeating Alexander Zverev of Germany in the men’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

“Right now there is a lack of trust generally from the tennis players, both male and female, toward WADA and ITIA and the whole process,” he said.

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“It’s not a good image for our sport, that’s for sure,” he continued. “There’s a consensus, or I would say majority of the players that I’ve talked to in the locker room that are not happy with the way this whole process has been handled.”

WADA announced over the weekend that it agreed with the conclusion of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which found that Sinner had not intentionally used a banned substance for competitive gain.

Sinner, 23, tested positive for low levels of metabolite of clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid that can be used for ophthalmological and dermatological use, in March 2024. Eight days after the Indian Wells tournament, Sinner tested positive again in an out-of-competition sample.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after defeating Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

TOP-RANKED TENNIS PRO JANNIK SINNER ACCEPTS THREE-MONTH DOPING BAN WEEKS AFTER AUSTRALIAN OPEN VICTORY

According to the ITIA’s initial findings, Sinner explained that he had tested positive after receiving a massage from a trainer who had used an over-the-counter spray that contained clostebol to treat a small wound after cutting his own finger.

“WADA accepts that Mr. Sinner did not intend to cheat, and that his exposure to clostebol did not provide any performance-enhancing benefit and took place without his knowledge as the result of negligence of members of his entourage,” their statement read.

WADA initially was seeking a lengthy ban of at least a year, but agreed to a three-month ban explaining that “an athlete bears responsibility for the entourage’s negligence.”

Jannik Sinner of Italy in action during his match against Ben Shelton of United States of America in the semifinals of the men’s singles at the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Jan. 24, 2025. (Mike Frey-Imagn Images)

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Sinner won two Grand Slams after testing positive — the 2024 U.S. Open and the Australian Open last month. His suspension will lift May 4, meaning that he will not miss any of the remaining Grand Slam tournaments this season.

Djokovic called on both agencies to overhaul their process inlight of Sinner’s ban, saying the current structure “obviously doesn’t work” and appears to lend itself to “favoritism.”

“A majority of the players don’t feel that it’s fair. A majority of the players feel like there is favoritism happening. It appears that you can almost affect the outcome if you are a top player, if you have access to the top lawyers and whatnot.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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February 18, 2025
Trump nominates Ed Martin to be US Attorney for Washington, DC

President Donald Trump announced Monday that he would be nominating interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin to head the office.

Trump announced the nomination in a Truth Social post, writing, “Since Inauguration Day, Ed has been doing a great job as Interim U.S. Attorney, fighting tirelessly to restore Law and Order, and make our Nation’s Capital Safe and Beautiful Again. He will get the job done.”

“Congratulations Ed!” Trump wrote.

TRUMP NOMINATES JUDGE TO SERVE AS NEXT US ATTORNEY FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

Martin began serving in an interim capacity shortly after Trump’s inauguration. Since taking over the position, Martin has overseen the dismissals of various Jan. 6 cases after Trump pardoned and commuted the defendants.

President Donald Trump announced Monday that he would be nominating interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin (center) to head the office. (Michael A. McCoy/Getty Images)

Martin filed a motion to remove all remaining conditions imposed on several defendants with commutations, including restrictions that barred certain individuals from entering Washington, D.C., or the U.S. Capitol building.

TRUMP DOJ BRINGS DOWN ‘SOVEREIGN’ DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

“If a judge decided that Jim Biden, General Mark Milley, or another individual were forbidden to visit America’s capital – even after receiving a last-minute, preemptive pardon from the former President – I believe most Americans would object,” Martin said in a statement released at the time. “The individuals referenced in our motion have had their sentences commuted – period, end of sentence.”

Trump announced the nomination in a Truth Social post, writing, “Since Inauguration Day, Ed has been doing a great job as Interim U.S. Attorney, fighting tirelessly to restore Law and Order, and make our Nation’s Capital Safe and Beautiful Again. He will get the job done.” (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

Martin had previously represented three defendants in the Jan. 6 prosecutions and participated in a pro-Trump “Stop the Steal” rally.

FEDERAL PROSECUTOR VOWS TO PROTECT DOGE STAFFERS FROM ANY ‘THREATS, CONFRONTATIONS’ TARGETING MUSK TEAM

Martin has also expressed that he would “pursue any and all legal action against anyone who impedes” the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) work as it seeks to slash unnecessary government spending.

Martin penned a letter on the subject shortly after being appointed, where he vowed to hold said individuals accountable.

Martin responded to Elon Musk on Monday, after Musk tweeted out on X against individuals making threats against the president. (AP/Alex Brandon)

“I recognize that some of the staff at DOGE have been targeted publicly,” Martin wrote to Elon Musk in a letter, which Martin posted to his X account Monday. “At this time, I ask that you utilize me and my staff to assist in protecting the DOGE work and the DOGE workers. Any threats, confrontations or other actions in any way that impact their work may break numerous laws.”

Likewise, Martin responded to Elon Musk on Monday, after Musk tweeted out on X against individuals making threats against the president.

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“Threats against public officials at all levels – whether it be the president or a line federal worker – must stop,” Martin wrote. “Our safe and beautiful capital city cannot be the home of such dangerous conduct from any side, at any time. We are on the case.”

Martin is originally from New Jersey and earned his undergraduate degree in English and a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies from the College of the Holy Cross. After studying abroad, Martin pursued his legal and ethics degrees from the St. Louis University.

Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton contributed to this report.

Haley Chi-Sing is a Writer for Fox News Digital. You can reach her at @haleychising on X.

February 18, 2025
Are more airplanes crashing under President Donald Trump than under Joe Biden?

The United States saw double the number of fatal plane crashes under President Joe Biden’s first four weeks in office compared to the same time period under President Donald Trump’s second administration, federal data reviewed by Fox News Digital shows.

There were 10 fatal plane crashes in the United States between Jan. 20, 2021, and Feb. 18, 2021, according to the National Transportation Safety Board’s Case Analysis and Reporting Online, or CAROL, which has recorded aviation accidents since 1962. There were four fatal plane crashes recorded during the same time period under the second Trump administration — from inauguration day to Feb. 18 — the data shows.

A fifth fatal plane crash unfolded in Georgia on Saturday evening, which has not yet been added to the database but is included in Fox Digital’s final tally of five fatal plane crashes in the U.S. since Jan. 20.

Though the second Trump administration has seen fewer plane crashes than the first month of the Biden administration, the Washington, D.C., crash in January provided greater national visibility to concern over aviation crashes as it was the deadliest in U.S. history since November 2001, when an American Airlines flight crashed into a residential area of New York City, killing 260 people on board and five on the ground.

A total of 67 people were killed in January when an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger plane collided near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Fox News Digital found that during the Biden administration’s approximate first month in office, there were U.S.-based fatal plane crashes in Janesville, Wisconsin; St. Thomas, Caribbean Sea; Tehachapi, California; Galt, Missouri; Belvidere, Tennessee; Chitina, Alaska; Hackberry, Louisiana; Port Angeles, Washington; Boynton Beach, Florida; Rio Rancho, New Mexico. A total of 18 individuals died in the 10 crashes.

TORONTO PLANE CRASH: HARROWING VIDEO SHOWS DELTA PLANE ERUPTING INTO FIREBALL, FLIPPING UPSIDE-DOWN

The United States saw double the number of fatal plane crashes under President Joe Biden’s first four weeks in office compared to the same time period under President Donald Trump’s second administration. (Getty Images)

The five fatal plane crashes in the first month of the Trump administration occurred in Nome, Alaska; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Charlottesville, Virginia; and Covington, Georgia. A total of 96 people died in the plane crashes.

When comparing the two Trump administrations, Fox News Digital found there were 11 recorded fatal plane crashes between Jan. 20, 2017, to Feb. 18, 2017.

TORONTO PLANE CRASH TIMELINE: DELTA FLIGHT FROM MINNEAPOLIS FLIPS UPSIDE DOWN WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LAND

Fox News Digital also found that the Biden administration saw seven serious — not fatal — plane crashes between Jan. 20, 2021, and Feb. 18, 2021, compared to six serious plane crashes under the same time period for the Trump administration, according to the CAROL database.

As for crashes that resulted in “minor” injuries for passengers, the CAROL database recorded seven under the Biden administration’s first month and two under the second Trump administration’s first month, Fox Digital found.

A Delta Air Lines plane is upside down on its roof after crashing upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport in Toronto on Feb. 17, 2025. (Geoff Robins/AFP via Getty Images)

SWALWELL DECLARES ‘ALL CRASHES ARE TRUMP’S FAULT’ AS HE DOUBLES DOWN ON PLANE DISASTER BLAME GAME

Another plane crash unfolded on Monday in Canada, when a Delta Air Lines CRJ-900 jet originating from Minnesota crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport. None of the 80 passengers or crew were killed, but at least 18 were treated for injuries after the plane crashed, caught on fire and flipped upside down.

The Toronto crash unfolded as news mounted that the Trump administration is in the midst of firing a bevy of federal employees across various agencies as part of his administration’s effort to cut government spending fat and weed out corruption and mismanagement, including terminating Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees who have been hired in the past year, according to a union representing the employees.

President Donald Trump listens as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy speaks at the White House on Jan. 30, 2025. (Alex Brandon/Associated Press)

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Transportation told Fox News Digital Monday that the agency continues to hire air traffic controllers and those focused on air safety.

PLANE CRASHES SPARK RENEWED FEAR OF FLYING: 10 CAUSES OF AVIATION DISASTERS

“The FAA continues to hire and onboard air traffic controllers and safety professionals, including mechanics and others who support them,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “The agency has retained employees who perform safety critical functions.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy added on X that his predecessor, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, had “failed for four years to address the air traffic controller shortage and upgrade our outdated, World War II-era air traffic control system.”

A police boat patrols the water and guards the crash scene on Jan. 30, 2025, after an American Airlines plane collided midair with a military helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. (Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“Here’s the truth: the FAA alone has a staggering 45,000 employees,” he said. “Less than 400 were let go, and they were all probationary, meaning they had been hired less than a year ago. Zero air traffic controllers and critical safety personnel were let go.”

The crash, however, has opened the floodgates of criticism from Democrats and liberal media outlets who have laid blame for the crash at Trump’s feet.

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“I’m thankful that everyone in the flight incident in Toronto that took off from Minneapolis is safe, but we keep seeing these incidents day after day,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer posted to X after the Monday crash. “Meanwhile, Trump’s doing massive layoffs at the FAA—including safety specialists—and making our skies less and less safe. Democrats are fighting to protect the flying public.”

February 18, 2025
PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy has message about possible LIV merger

Rory McIlroy has a blunt message for people who are upset with a potential PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger: “Get over it.”

McIlroy, 35, said those who turned down exorbitant offers from LIV to remain loyal to the PGA Tour should welcome a reunified sport.

“I think everyone has just got to get over it, and we all have to say, ‘OK, this is the starting point and we move forward.’ We don’t look behind us, we don’t look to the past,” McIlroy said last week. “Whatever has happened has happened, and it’s been unfortunate. But reunification, how we all come back together and move forward, that’s the best thing for everyone.

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Rory McIlroy during the final round of the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines. (Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)

“If people are butt-hurt, or have their feelings hurt because guys went or whatever, like who cares? Let’s move forward together and let’s just try to get this thing going again and do what’s best for the game.”

McIlroy was once one of the most, if not the most, outspoken critics of LIV among PGA Tour players.

McIlroy said LIV has ultimately benefited everyone, as the purses for winning PGA events have increased. McIlroy cited the Genesis Invitational as an example, as the purse Ludvig Aberg took home was $4 million, and the overall purse was $20 million.

“That would have never happened if LIV hadn’t have come around,” McIlroy said.

TRUMP ‘NOT A FAN’ OF LIV FORMAT, ON PGA TOUR’S ‘SIDE’ OF DISCUSSIONS, RORY MCILROY SAYS

Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot during the final round of the Genesis Invitational. (Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)

Adam Scott, a member of the PGA Tour board, understands if people would be upset about reunification.

“I wouldn’t be surprised – or I wouldn’t judge anyone, the members – if reunification happened and they weren’t happy with how it happened,” Scott said.

“I wouldn’t hold it against anybody if there were negative emotions attached to it, the thought of players coming back.”

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Adam Scott lines up his putt on the 11th hole during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Spyglass Hill Golf Course. (Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)

Scott was part of a group that met with President Donald Trump about a potential reunification, as PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan asked for Trump to get involved.

“It’s not been an easy thing to solve, otherwise we’d have solved it, I believe,” Monahan said.

For whenever it gets solved, McIlroy’s message will ring loud and clear to those upset.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
French bill would ban headscarves in sport; Amnesty International says it’s discriminatory
- A bill to ban all “ostensibly religious” clothing and symbols, including headscarves, during competitions will be debated from Tuesday in the upper house of the French parliament.
- Amnesty International is urging French lawmakers to reject the bill, saying it would be discriminatory.
- The French parliament’s lower house will have the final say. To pass there, the bill would need a coalition of forces that don’t usually collaborate.
Amnesty International is urging French lawmakers to reject a bill this week that would ban headscarves in all sporting competitions.

The bill is backed by right-wing senators and will be debated from Tuesday in the upper house of the French parliament. Its aim is to ban all “ostensibly religious” clothing and symbols during competitions. Amnesty International says the move would be discriminatory.

The vote is likely to refuel the lingering debate on secularism — still volatile more than a century after the 1905 law on separation of church and state that established it as a principle of the French Republic.

LAFC, FRANCE NATIONAL TEAM STAR OLIVIER GIROUD HAS $500K IN WATCHES STOLEN FROM HOME

Until now, sporting federations have been free to decide whether or not to allow headscarves, with two of the country’s most powerful sports, soccer and rugby, opting to ban them.

The bill is at an early stage and this week’s vote marks the beginning of a long legislative process with an uncertain outcome. Even if senators vote in favor, the bill’s future will remain unclear since the lower house has the final say.

To pass, the bill would need a coalition of forces that don’t usually collaborate in the deeply divided lower house.

Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina walks around the ground during a familiarization tour ahead of her Women’s World Cup Group H match with Germany in Melbourne, Australia, on July 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Victoria Adkins, File)

Amnesty International’s calls come after French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla said last summer she was barred from the opening ceremony at the Paris Olympics because she wears a hijab. She was eventually allowed to take part, wearing a cap to cover her hair.

France enforces a strict principle of “laïcité,” loosely translated as “secularism.” At the Games, the president of the French Olympic Committee said its Olympians were bound by the secular principles that apply to public sector workers in the country, which include a ban on hijabs and other religious signs.

“At the Paris Olympics, France’s ban on French women athletes who wear headscarves from competing at the Games drew international outrage,” said Anna Błuś, an Amnesty International researcher on gender justice.

“Just six months on, French authorities are not only doubling down on the discriminatory hijab ban but are attempting to extend it to all sports.”

Experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council have previously criticized the decision by the French soccer and basketball federations to exclude players wearing the hijab, and the French government’s decision to prevent its athletes wearing headscarves from representing the country at the Paris Games.

Amnesty International said the bill in reality targets Muslim women and girls by excluding them from sporting competitions if they wear a headscarf or other religious clothing.

“Laïcité…which is theoretically embedded in the French constitution to protect everyone’s religious freedom, has often been used as a pretext to block Muslim women’s access to public spaces in France,” Amnesty International said.

“Over several years, the French authorities have enacted laws and policies to regulate Muslim women’s and girls’ clothing, in discriminatory ways. Sport federations have followed suit, imposing hijab bans in several sports.”

Two years ago, France’s highest administrative court said the country’s soccer federation was entitled to ban headscarves in competitions even though the measure can limit freedom of expression.

Wielding the principle of religious neutrality enshrined in the constitution, the country’s soccer federation also does not make things easy for international players who want to refrain from drinking or eating from dawn to sunset during Ramadan, an Islamic holy month.

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Supporters of the bill cite growing attacks on secularism in sport, arguing that its core values are based on a principle of universality. To protect sports grounds from any non-sporting confrontation, they say, a principle of neutrality needs to be implemented to ensure that no political, religious or racial demonstration or propaganda can be promoted.

The bill also states that using part of a sports facility as a place of worship would be a misuse of its purpose, and bans the wearing of religious clothing, such as the burkini, in public swimming pools.

“By placing the wearing of a headscarf on the spectrum of “attacks on secularism,” which range from “permissiveness” to “terrorism,” this legislation, if passed, would fuel racism and reinforce the growing hostile environment facing Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim in France,” Amnesty International said.
February 18, 2025
Starbucks customers across the US in uproar over company’s new cup design
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol says the company’s app needs to be more transparent on pricing.

Many Starbucks lovers can now expect to receive their cold coffee orders in cups featuring a new design.

Depending on the state, some Starbucks locations have switched their transparent single-use plastic to opaque white compostable cups, a move that has sparked dissatisfaction among some customers who expressed having difficulty drinking out of the new lids.

The change is a step toward the company’s sustainability goals, according to a Starbucks company spokesperson.

“On Feb. 11, a small number of stores in 14 states switched to commercially compostable cups and lids as part of our efforts to reduce waste and meet local market requirements,” the spokesperson told FOX Business.

DRINKING COFFEE AT A CERTAIN TIME OF DAY COULD REDUCE DEATH RISK, STUDY FINDS

Starbucks’ new compostable cup can be found in Oakland, California. (Reddit/@Genera1Ts0 / Fox News)

Starbucks is working to make its cups entirely compostable, recyclable or reusable by 2030, according to the company’s website.

The switch allows the company to align with local regulations in certain cities that have passed legislation requiring transitions away from single-use plastic.

While the coffee giant has 17,000 stores across the U.S., only about 580 stores have implemented the changes across the following 14 states:
- California
- Washington
- Hawaii
- Minnesota
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Maryland
- Connecticut
- Virginia
- South Carolina
- Colorado
- Georgia
STARBUCKS CEO SAYS BETTER PRICING TRANSPARENCY NECESSARY FOR MOBILE APP

Starbucks’ new compostable cups come with flat or dome-shaped lids. (Starbucks)

The new cups, which are made from molded fiber, come with both flat or dome-shaped lids to carry both regular iced coffee and even whipped frappuccinos.

Because the opaque cups look similar to those used for hot drinks, one Reddit user said the new cups make it difficult for customers to photograph their colorful drinks.

“No more Tiktok drinks,” a Reddit user said. “Can’t flaunt a drink if it’s hidden.”

Ticker Security Last Change Change %

SBUX STARBUCKS CORP. 112.55 +0.16 +0.14%

Starbucks’ single-use plastic cups used to allow people to photograph their colorful drinks. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)

Many customers have expressed dissatisfaction over the new designs across numerous Reddit posts, claiming that the cups are uncomfortable to drink out of and that the lids do not seal well.

“They are awful & so awkward to drink out of,” a Reddit user commented in a post about Starbucks’ new cups.

Another Reddit user posted a photo showing leakage from the new lid.

“What the H, Starbucks??” the Reddit user said in the post.

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For customers who are not fans of the new compostable designs, Starbucks said there are still other alternatives.

“As an alternative, customers are welcome to bring in their clean, personal reusable cup or order their beverage “for here” to have their beverage served in a ceramic mug or glass,” a Starbucks spokesperson said.

“We’re committed to innovation, testing and learning to meet the expectations of our partners and customers – and the requirements of the markets we serve,” the spokesperson said.
February 18, 2025
Pope Francis diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, Vatican says

Pope Francis has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia in both lungs but was in a good mood, the Vatican said Tuesday.

“The laboratory tests, the chest X-ray and the clinical conditions of the Holy Father continue to present a complex picture,” a Vatican statement said.

This story is breaking. Please check back for updates.

February 18, 2025
Americans’ credit card and household debt reach new record highs

A ‘Mornings with Maria’ panel provides their reactions to the December jobs report, detailing the impact it may have on the U.S. economy.

Americans’ household debt levels, including credit card debt, rose to new all-time highs in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

The report showed that overall household debt increased by $93 billion to $18.04 trillion at the end of 2024, an all-time high. Credit card balances rose by $45 billion from the prior quarter to reach $1.21 trillion at the end of December, which is also a record high.

Delinquency rates ticked higher by 0.1 percentage points from the prior quarter to 3.6% of outstanding debt in some stage of delinquency, with delinquency transition rates steady for nearly all types of debt except for credit cards – which had a small uptick in transitions from current to delinquent. Serious delinquency, defined as 90 or more days past due, moved higher for auto loans, credit cards and HELOC balances but was stable for mortgages.

The New York Fed noted that while the report shows Americans are generally faring well in terms of managing their household debt, there are signs that rising prices and elevated interest rates are causing issues for some auto loan borrowers.

WHAT WOULD BE THE IMPACT OF A CREDIT CARD INTEREST RATE CAP?

Americans’ household debt reached a new record in the last quarter of 2024. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images / Getty Images)

“Overall, consumers are in pretty good shape in terms of the household debt landscape, largely driven by stable balances and solid performance in mortgage loans,” the New York Fed’s economic researchers wrote in a post accompanying the report.

“However, for auto loans, higher car prices combined with higher interest rates have driven monthly payments upward and have put pressure on consumers across the income and credit score spectrum,” they wrote. “The episode of rapidly rising car prices has had heterogeneous impacts on borrowers, who have shifted between used and new cars as well as between loans and leases.”

JOSH HAWLEY, BERNIE SANDERS PROPOSE CAPPING CREDIT CARD INTEREST RATES AT 10%

Americans’ credit card debt reached an all-time high at the end of 2024. (iStock / iStock)

The decline in used car prices could strain some borrowers who bought a used car when prices were higher, potentially leaving them underwater on those loans, the New York Fed said.

“These shifts have put additional pressure on lower-income and lower-credit-score borrowers who may have had to opt for higher-price used cars over the last few years,” the researchers wrote.

US CREDIT CARD DEFAULTS SOAR TO HIGHEST LEVEL IN 14 YEARS

Serious delinquencies for mortgages ticked lower at the end of 2024. (Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“Used car prices have since declined from the peak, potentially leaving some borrowers underwater on those vehicles and creating potential repayment challenges,” they added. “At the same time, the decline in auto prices could imply that the more recently originated vintages of auto loans may fare better as those loans age.”

The number of consumers who had a bankruptcy notation added to their credit record was 123,000 in the fourth quarter according to bank data, a decline from the third quarter.

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Consumers with a third-party collection noted on their credit record was “relatively stable” in the fourth quarter, the New York Fed said.

February 18, 2025