Nation

Starbucks, 7-Eleven announce closure of stores in high-crime liberal cities

Published

1 year ago

July 13, 2022

7-Eleven’s corporate headquarters have suggested all Los Angeles based franchisee stores should close. Hoping closures will only be temporary, the move comes after a string of the convenience stores were robbed and two people – one customer and one clerk – were killed.

The criminal activity consisted of five armed robberies which occurred Sunday night into Monday, during “National 7/11 Day.” In addition to the murders, three others were wounded. “Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones. We are gathering information on this terrible tragedy and working with local law enforcement,” said 7-Eleven in a statement.

“Right now, our focus is on Franchisee, associate and customer safety. With that in mind, we encouraged stores in the Los Angeles area to close overnight.”

National Review reports “At least three of the robberies are believed to have been committed by the same suspect, including the two that included murders at 7-Elevens in Brea and Santa Ana. It is unclear whether the violence had anything to do with the chain’s National 7/11 Day promotion, which offered customers a free Slurpee beginning at midnight on Monday.”

Los Angeles, along with other progressive cities, have seen a huge uptick in criminal activity. Through June 18 of 2022, murders in L.A. were up 5.5 percent over the previous year, and up 35 percent over 2020.

Starbucks announced on Monday it would be closing 16 of its urban centers locations around the country where liberal leadership and policies have contributed to crime spikes. Among those cities are Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Starbucks cited safety concerns in each of those cities. “We read every incident report you file—it’s a lot,” wrote Starbucks executives Debbie Stroud and Denise Nelson in a message delivered to U.S. employees and obtained by the Journal. “We cannot serve as partners if we don’t first feel safe at work,” continued Stroud and Nelson.

Nation

Washington D.C. Spends Hundreds of Thousands on “Black Lives Matter” Street Art Amidst Soaring Crime Rates

Published

21 hours ago

November 29, 2023

Alexander Carter

The Washington, D.C., government has reportedly spent $271,231 refurbishing the “Black Lives Matter” street mural in the city, drawing criticism as crime rates surge. The infamous mural, initially painted by Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser in June 2020 during BLM protests, saw taxpayer funds allocated for its recent touch-up, including $217,680 in labor costs and $53,551 in paint supplies, according to reports from Fox News.

In a startling revelation, documents obtained by Judicial Watch have exposed the exorbitant expenses tied to Washington, D.C.’s ‘Black Lives Matter’ street mural refurbishment. Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton didn’t mince words, slamming city leaders for what he deemed the ‘waste’ of $270,000 in taxpayer money. The controversy unfolds as crime in the city skyrockets, prompting questions about priorities.

The city’s choice of D.C.-based vendor Equus Striping for the mural project raises eyebrows, especially considering the questionable allocation of funds. The company documented the mural’s makeover on its Facebook page, showcasing the process from preparation to completion. What adds fuel to the fire is that this project took shape against the backdrop of D.C. cutting millions from its police budget since 2020, resulting in a staggering reduction of 400 officers from three years prior.

As crime rates surge in the nation’s capital, a fierce battle ensues between Congress and the D.C. Council over crime proposals. Democratic D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson attempts to downplay the crisis, but stark statistics tell a different story.

Homicides spike by 34%, robberies soar by 68%, motor vehicle theft skyrockets by 93%, and arson flames up by a shocking 125%, all by November 28, 2022. The overall surge in violent crime stands at a disconcerting 40%, with a 27% increase in total crime compared to the same period last year.

Amidst the grim numbers, Councilmember Trayon White Sr. breaks ranks with a call to declare an emergency and possibly deploy the National Guard to quell the rising crime wave. The ongoing clash highlights the intricate challenges faced by D.C. leaders, juggling public safety concerns, resource allocation, and the well-being of the community.

In the midst of escalating crime, the allocation of funds to a mural raises questions about the city’s commitment to genuine solutions and the safety of its residents.