*By Justin Chermol*
Starbucks announced plans on Monday to elimate the use of plastic straws by 2020, making it the largest company yet to undertake the green initiative.
The coffee chain will transition to new lids which feature a raised lip to drink from, a design already being used for some of the company’s cold brew drinks. The new lids will begin rolling out this fall in Canada as well as in Starbucks’ home city of Seattle. For those customers who insist on straws, the company will offer eco-friendly versions made of paper or compostable plastic.
Starbucks stated this policy will cut the number of plastic straws used by one billion per year -- the proliferation of them has contributed to devastating ocean pollution and threatens marine life.
Local governments across the United States initially spearheaded the plastic-strawless movement. Just last week Seattle banned both plastic straws and utensils. Some of America’s largest cities like New York and San Francisco have proposed plans to remove plastic straws as well.
American Airlines said it was fined $4.1 million for keeping passengers on planes during long on-ground delays.
3M said it will pay $6 billion to settle lawsuits claiming that it sold defective earplugs to the U.S. military.
Meta said it disrupted a campaign of disinformation linked to Chinese law enforcement.
Buying your first home can be challenging with rising interest rates and other costs. Cheddar News spoke with Amira Elgoneimy, a premiere agent with Redfin who caters to the New Brunswick, NJ area, and Daryl Fairweather, chief economist with Redfin, about the process involved in purchasing a residence in a competitive market.
Experts from Redfin real estate brokerage explain the challenges buyers are experiencing as they try to buy their first homes.
The Biden administration is targeting the blood thinner Eliquis, diabetes treatment Jardiance and eight other medications for Medicare's first-ever drug price negotiations as it seeks to lower medical costs for Americans.
Disney's visual effects workers filed to unionize, according to Variety.
Bath & Body Works is looking to hire thousands of workers for the holiday season.
Elon Musk shared a video of himself testing Tesla's full self-driving software.
Chipotle will pay over $322,000 to Washington, DC after an investigation revealed over 800 alleged child labor violations over the past three years.
