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Newsweek
01-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
China's Answer to Starbucks Launches First Stores in US
Produced [by our journalists] with financial support from an organization or individual that did not approve or review the work. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China's largest coffee chain, Luckin Coffee, opened its first two stores in the United States on Monday, marking its entry into the competitive American coffee market. The new locations are situated in Manhattan's Greenwich Village and NoMad neighborhood. The launch was accompanied by digital promotions, as well as discounted drinks for customers using the Luckin app and giveaways for early in-store visitors. Newsweek has reached out to Luckin via email for comment on the launch. Why It Matters Much of the hype surrounding Luckin's American launch has focused on the potential challenge the Chinese company poses to Starbucks. The latter has long-dominated the U.S. coffee market, valued at over $90 billion in 2025 by Custom Market Insights, and expected to grow to $151 billion over the next decade. Starbucks' is estimated to account for between 30 and 40 percent of this market's total revenue, but should Luckin's popularity take off, and its unique offerings resonate with U.S. consumers, this could recalibrate competitive dynamics across the American beverage sector. Newsweek has reached out to Starbucks for comment outside of regular business hours. What To Know Luckin Coffee was founded in 2017 and is based in Xiamen, China. Since its inception, the company has expanded to over 20,000 locations across Singapore, Malaysia and China, where it unseated Starbucks in 2023 to become the largest coffee chain brand in the country. The company promotes its tech-driven, cashier-less stores and mobile-ordering systems to cater to a younger clientele, describing its strategy as "completely changing the traditional coffee business mode." In China, its drinks are often priced about 30 percent lower than Starbucks' offerings, per CNN. However, prices in its U.S. stores remain comparable to Starbucks—a 16-ounce Americano costing $4.45 at Luckin and $4.95 at Starbucks' Greenwich Village location before tax. The rest of Luckin's Manhattan menus feature a range of hot coffees, cold brews and fruit-flavored "refreshers," echoing its popular selections in China. People stand outside a Luckin Coffee store in Manhattan, New York on June 30, 2025. People stand outside a Luckin Coffee store in Manhattan, New York on June 30, 2025. Anthony Behar/Sipa via AP Images While one of the brand's unique selling points is its emphasis on a cashier-less experience, USA Today notes New York's 2020 prohibition on fully cashless businesses—also in place across other major cities like San Francisco and Philadelphia—means Luckin will be forced to adapt to local regulations. While its modest U.S. launch has been framed by some as a challenge to Starbucks's American and global dominance, the former still vastly outsizes Luckin in financial terms. Both companies recently published results for their respective quarters which ended in March. Starbucks posted a slight increase in revenue to $8.8 billion for the period, though store sales were somewhat weaker across North American markets and globally. Luckin, meanwhile, brought in $1.2 billion, marking a 41-percent increase year-over year. What People Are Saying Luckin Coffee, in the first announcement of its U.S. launch last week, posted: "Drip level: International. The rumors are true, NYC. You're luckin now." "YC, it's happening. Our doors are open and Luckin Coffee is taking over the city," another post read. What Happens Next? Luckin has not yet commented on when and how it will be expanding its U.S. presence beyond the two New York locations. However, if it is able to replicate its successes in East Asia, the company could test Starbucks' dominance and reshape the coffee landscape for American consumers.
Miami Herald
23-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
How residents are responding to the high cost of housing in South Florida
South Florida How residents are responding to the high cost of housing in South Florida This collection of stories explores how South Florida residents react to surging housing costs through community actions and personal decisions. Articles highlight Miami-Dade County's interfaith group, which demands action from leaders to combat high rent and prevent evictions. Another story discusses how HOA fees contribute to the financial pressures faced by homeowners. An opinion piece suggests some residents choose to leave Miami for places with lower insurance and home prices. It also notes that wealthier newcomers increase living costs for everyone. Read the stories below. Home buyers should review fees for homeowners and condominium association fees to see if the amenities are worth it, including pool, gym, clubhouse. NO. 1: ARE FEES FOR CONDO AND HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS WORTH IT? ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS What buyers should know about the expense. | Published January 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by LEW SICHELMAN A mover pushes a box into a waiting moving van for a family leaving New York and relocating to another state, on Manhattan's Upper East Side, New York, NY, August 31, 2020. The mover said the demand was so high that he and three other moving companies were packing people's personal effects out of the same building. (Anthony Behar/Sipa USA) NO. 2: WITH INSURANCE AND HOME PRICES SO HIGH, SOME ARE FINDING A WAY OUT — OF MIAMI | OPINION Why the Chamber of Commerce says, 'We are seeing wealth migrate in – while portions of the workforce migrate out.' | Opinion | Published March 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by the Miami Herald Editorial Board Attendees listen to Mayor Daniella Levine Cava make a pledge to the community during the PACT Nehemiah Action Assembly on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Cutler Bay, Fla. By Alie Skowronski NO. 3: 'RENT IS TOO DAMN HIGH.' INTERFAITH GROUP DEMANDS ACTION FROM MIAMI-DADE LEADERS One of Miami-Dade's most politically engaged interfaith groups held their annual assembly to press elected leaders to make housing more affordable and reducing evictions in Miami-Dade County. | Published April 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lauren Costantino The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Newsweek
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Least Safe US States for LGBTQ+ People Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As Pride Month begins, a new report highlights widening disparities in how LGBTQ+ Americans experience safety and equality across the country. From access to health care and legal protections to the tone set by state leadership, conditions vary drastically. Out Leadership's 2025 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index, now in its seventh year, ranks all 50 states on how welcoming they are to LGBTQ+ residents. The findings come at a time of mounting legislative pressure, with hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in statehouses nationwide and public debates over flag bans and trans rights intensifying. The annual index, compiled with input from the Williams Institute and the Movement Advancement Project, serves as a reference for corporate leaders and policymakers. The Context Pride 2025 arrives amid a heightened political and legislative backlash against LGBTQ+ rights. Utah became the first state to explicitly ban LGBTQ+ flags from government buildings and schools, Idaho and Montana following suit with restrictions. People take part in The New Queens Pride Parade in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights in the New York City borough of Queens, NY, June 1, 2025. June is traditionally considered Pride Month. People take part in The New Queens Pride Parade in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights in the New York City borough of Queens, NY, June 1, 2025. June is traditionally considered Pride Month. Sipa via AP Images/Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA The flag bans are part of a wider trend—at least 31 flag-related bills have been introduced across 17 states, many of which explicitly or implicitly prohibit LGBTQ+ symbols on public property. More than 700 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in 2025 alone, according to the Movement Advancement Project. Pride organizers say the wave of legislation—coupled with the Trump administration's federal rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives—has led major corporate sponsors such as Mastercard, PepsiCo, and Nissan to withdraw support from some of the nation's largest Pride events. Despite financial losses and heightened security concerns, organizers in red and blue states insist that Pride celebrations will continue, emphasizing their importance as public expressions of identity and solidarity. The report aims to help business leaders "understand and respond to these risks and opportunities," noting that "multinational companies face operational and reputational risks when they do business in places where the legal and/or social atmosphere makes it difficult for LGBTQ+ people to live openly." Which States are Ranked the Safest for LGBTQ+ Americans? The 2025 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index underscores a clear geographic trend: states on the West Coast and in the Northeast dominate the top of the rankings, while many Southern and Plains states lag behind. These states were ranked highest in the State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index: Massachusetts—93.67 New York—93.67 Connecticut—92.27 New Jersey—90.00 Vermont—89.50 Rhode Island—89.43 California—88.57 Washington—86.53 Maryland—84.83 Oregon—83.97 According to the index, Massachusetts and New York tied for first place in 2025, each earning a score of 93.67 out of 100. Connecticut (92.27), New Jersey (90.00), and Vermont (89.50) round out the top five safest states for LGBTQ+ residents. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, United States Representative, takes part in The New Queens Pride Parade in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights in the New York City borough of Queens, NY, June 1, 2025. June is traditionally considered... Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, United States Representative, takes part in The New Queens Pride Parade in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights in the New York City borough of Queens, NY, June 1, 2025. June is traditionally considered Pride Month. More Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA/AP Images Many of these states have enacted expansive nondiscrimination protections, bans on conversion therapy, inclusive health care policies, and active support from state leadership. Massachusetts is led by Governor Maura Healey, the country's first openly lesbian governor, whose administration has prioritized LGBTQ+ equality in policy and practice. Maryland and Washington, D.C.-adjacent states, also performed well. Maryland's score rose to 84.83, thanks to robust family support and workplace protections. Which States are Ranked the Least Safe for LGBTQ+ Americans? These states were ranked the lowest in the State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index: Arkansas—29.50 South Carolina—32.15 Louisiana—33.00 South Dakota—34.80 Mississippi—36.60 West Virginia—37.43 Oklahoma—37.62 Montana—38.10 Missouri—39.03 Alabama—39.40 Arkansas ranks as the least safe state for LGBTQ+ people for the third consecutive year, followed by South Carolina, Louisiana and South Dakota at the bottom of the rankings. Alabama's score was slightly higher at 39.40, yet still placed it in the bottom ten. Many of these states also saw drops due to expanded religious exemptions and bans on updating gender markers on official documents including birth certificates and driver's licenses. (USA Today) Oklahoma, which scored just 37.62, has seen a notable increase in residents seeking to relocate, including LGBTQ+ families leaving due to threats or fear of discrimination. Nonprofit organizations such as TRACTION in Washington state and Rainbow Railroad in Canada have seen surging requests for support from LGBTQ+ people in red states. (USA Today) Out Leadership emphasizes that political leadership is a strong predictor of state scores. In contrast to bottom-tier states, those with inclusive policies often benefit from proactive governance. For instance, Michigan's rise in the rankings was linked to legislation signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer expanding hate crime protections. The index's authors note that the gap between high- and low-ranking states is widening, creating geographic polarization not just in law, but also in lived experiences. "While the top ranked states for LGBTQ+ equality broadly are staying strong, the bottom ranked states decreased in score significantly. This continues to signal increasing polarization across the country in political and cultural attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community," said Brian Sims, Managing Director, Public Policy and Government Affairs for Out Leadership.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Memorial Day Weekend Travel Chaos As Hundreds of Flights Grounded
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. 🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur. Travelers faced major disruptions this Memorial Day weekend as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded hundreds of flights nationwide due to severe weather. The FAA cited safety concerns amid thunderstorms and adverse weather conditions. Thunderstorms that moved into the Denver metro area Sunday forced the FAA to halt flights coming into Denver International Airport. Thunderstorms in Central Florida also prompted a ground stop at Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Sunday evening, temporarily halting incoming flights and causing significant delays. Officials urged passengers to check flight statuses regularly. Newsweek has contacted the FAA for comment. Passengers queuing at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday. Passengers queuing at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday. Anthony Behar/Sipa USA/AP This is a breaking story. More to follow.
