Starbucks officials have announced plans to shutter 16 of its locations in the United States after they "experienced a high volume of challenging incidents."
- The "challenging incidents" -- reported at stores in Seattle, Los Angeles, Portland and Washington D.C. -- involve illegal drug use, racism, violence and theft, a spokesperson says. "After careful consideration, we are closing some stores in locations that have experienced a high volume of challenging incidents that make it unsafe to continue to operate," the spokesperson tells CNN.
- In a letter sent to employees on Monday, senior vice presidents Debbie Stroud and Denise Nelson say workers at the soon-to-be shuttered locations have been "seeing firsthand the challenges facing our communities — personal safety, racism, lack of access to healthcare, a growing mental health crisis, rising drug use and more." The letter goes on to say the company is now offering "active shooter training" to help employees feel safer.
- Is Starbucks more concerned about its employees -- or its liability if people get hurt?