Biodegradable Beads Debut at Mardi Gras, Ring Ad Sparks Privacy Concerns
NEW ORLEANS, LA - February 17, 2026 - This year's Mardi Gras saw the debut of a sustainable alternative to the traditional plastic beads, while a Super Bowl ad for a security camera company sparked significant backlash over privacy concerns. Simultaneously, former President Trump criticized local leaders regarding a sewage spill, and a developer created a Bluetooth scanner highlighting privacy vulnerabilities.
According to Time, over 3,000 biodegradable beads, 3D-printed by researchers at Louisiana State University, were thrown during the Carnival season. This initiative aimed to address the environmental impact of the estimated 25 million pounds of plastic beads discarded annually, which, in 2018, led to 46 tons clogging New Orleans storm drains after heavy flooding (Time). Naohiro Kato, a researcher and professor at the university, began researching sustainable alternatives to the parade staples.
Meanwhile, Ring's "Search Party" Super Bowl ad faced criticism due to privacy concerns and the potential for mass surveillance, leading to the cancellation of its partnership with Flock Safety, according to multiple sources cited by Time. The ad's negative reception highlighted growing anxieties about data collection and surveillance technologies.
In other news, former President Trump criticized local leaders, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, for a massive sewage spill into the Potomac River, as reported by CBS News. Trump offered federal assistance, but only if requested "politely," while also blaming the situation on "Radical Left" environmental policies.
Adding to the concerns about data privacy, a developer created a Bluetooth scanner called "Bluehood" to analyze leaked data, highlighting vulnerabilities associated with Bluetooth devices, which can reveal sensitive user information, according to Time.
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