Arizona
Starbucks is changing its rules around restrooms, Wi-Fi, more. What to know in Arizona
Starbucks will now require customers to buy something to use bathrooms
It reverses a rule change the coffee chain made in 2018, after a store manager called the police on two Black men in a Philadelphia location.
Straight Arrow News
Starbucks is changing its rules around hanging out and using the free Wi-Fi and restrooms, officials said.
Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson told USA TODAY that the policy changes are focused on prioritizing paying customers.
“We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores,” Anderson told USA TODAY Tuesday. “Implementing a Coffeehouse Code of Conduct is something most retailers already have … This means our cafes, patios, and restrooms are for customers and partners. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”
Here’s what Arizona coffee lovers need to know about the new customer code of conduct before visiting Starbucks.
What is changing at Starbucks?
Here’s what is changing at Starbucks:
- You must order something to hang out at Starbucks or use the coffee store’s Wi-Fi and restroom.
- The code of conduct also bans discrimination and harassment.
- No consumption of outside alcohol.
- No smoking, vaping or drug use.
- Panhandling was also banned in the new code of conduct.
According to Anderson, the company knows customers may need to use the restroom or log on to the Wi-Fi before they approach the counter to make a purchase.
“Of course that is okay – our code of conduct is simply about prioritizing our spaces for our customers during their visits and being clear about what is expected of individuals in our stores,” Anderson said.
When did the Starbucks open door policy begin?
The move reverses a rule change the coffee chain made in 2018 after a store manager called the police on two Black men when they didn’t order food or drinks at one of the chain’s Philadelphia stores.
In 2018, Donte Robinson and Rashon Nelson were arrested for trespassing in a racially charged incident at the Starbucks in an upscale downtown neighborhood on April 12. They were waiting to meet a third person for a business meeting.
The encounter, caught on video, sparked outrage over racial profiling, led to a discrimination lawsuit, and an apology from the company’s former CEO, Kevin Johnson, among other actions. Starbucks later reached a financial settlement with the men in May 2018. The company declined to release terms of the settlement.
Starbucks in Arizona
Arizona has the seventh-highest amount of Starbucks locations in the United States with more than 500 stores in the Grand Canyon State.
To find a store near you, visit the Starbucks store locator at starbucks.com/store-locator.
Arizona
Drowning happens in seconds, Arizona safety experts warn as triple-digit temperatures arrive this week
GILBERT, AZ — As temperatures climb across Arizona, safety experts and parents say so does the risk around water.
“You brought them here for a reason, and you want them to keep safe at all times, and it’s the most precious things you have. Why, why would you not pay attention to them?” Ernesto Agüero said.
Agüero’s warning comes as families across the Valley head to pools and splash pads to beat the heat.
Experts say drowning can happen silently and within seconds.
“Drowning is silent. A lot of times it goes unnoticed, but it just takes seconds,” Jay Arthur, president of the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona, said.
The Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona says while child drowning deaths are down compared to recent years, the danger is far from over as summer begins. It comes as the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona (DPCA) hosted its annual “Tapping Into Water Safety” event. The event brought together organizations like the Salt River Project (SRP) and the Phoenix Fire Department.
“You have to watch the kids with your eyes. Eye-to-eye contact is critical. You can’t be on your phone. You can’t be talking to your friend,” Arthur said.
Advocates say one of the biggest misconceptions is thinking you’ll hear someone struggling in the water. Instead, they say prevention starts before a child even gets near the pool.
“Always appoint a water watcher when you have a group of people around water, and that would be an adult that’s responsible for watching the water and they’re not on their phone,” Tanya Hughes, SRP Community Activation Strategist, said.
Families say the reminders are especially important heading into another Arizona summer.
“You want them to be safe. You want them to know how to behave when they’re in the water,” Agüero said.
Experts say designated water watchers, pool barriers and swim lessons can make the difference. They also warn that distractions like phones or conversations can quickly become dangerous.
“Seconds matter; it is really important because a child can drown in just a matter of seconds,” Arthur said.
With more families potentially spending time in the water this weekend, advocates say now is the time to prepare.
“We’re telling you, we’re trying to stop this from happening,” Arthur said.
Arizona
Where to watch New York Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks: TV channel, start time, streaming for May 9
What to know about MLB’s ABS robot umpire strike zone system
MLB launches ABS challenge system as players test robot umpire calls in a groundbreaking season.
Baseball is back and finding what channel your favorite team is playing on has become a little bit more confusing since MLB announced plans to produce and distribute broadcasts for nearly a third of the league.
We’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know Saturday as the New York Mets visit the Arizona Diamondbacks.
See USA TODAY’s sortable MLB schedule to filter by team or division.
What time is New York Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks?
First pitch between the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Mets is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, May 9.
How to watch New York Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday
All times Eastern and accurate as of Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 6:32 a.m.
- Matchup: NYM at ARI
- Date: Saturday, May 9
- Time: 7:15 p.m. (ET)
- Venue: Chase Field
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: MLB.TV on Fubo
Watch MLB all season long with Fubo
MLB regional blackout restrictions apply
MLB scores, results
MLB scores for May 9 games are available on usatoday.com . Here’s how to access today’s results:
See scores, results for all of today’s games.
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