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Starbucks’ return to Union Station touted as sign of revitalization

Starbucks will return to D.C.’s Union Station this fall, two years after closing at the location, citing, among other things, safety concerns.

Starbucks is one of several new retail leases at Union Station since New York-based Rexmark took over retail management at Union Station in 2022. Other new leases include Raising Cane’s and The Halal Guys, both of which are currently open.

Starbucks’ new Union Station location, which will be bigger than its previous one, will open in September.

“The reopening of Starbucks is undoubtedly a milestone. It is just one facet of Union Station’s remarkable revival. We are doubling down on our commitment to providing a premier destination that reflects the dynamic spirit of our nation’s capital,” said Michael Rebibo, founder and managing principal of Rexmark.

While the number of new tenants committing to Union Station is, so far, not large, it may mark a turnaround.

Following the onset of the pandemic, dozens of food service and retail shops closed at Union Station, due to the dramatic drop in commuter traffic and rising concerns about crime and safety. By 2022, half of its commercial space was vacant, according to Bloomberg News.

Rexmark said foot traffic at Union Station is up 92% from 2022 levels now. About two dozen restaurants, fast food and fast-casual vendors are currently open.

Since taking over management at Union Station, Rexmark says it has increased security, upgraded cleaning and lighting, and has deployed “station ambassadors” throughout the station to enhance the level of hospitality.

Despite the accomplishments that Rexmark touts, its stewardship at Union Station may not last. It has filed an appeal to halt the transfer of retail leasehold operations through eminent domain directly to Amtrak.

On Wednesday, a federal judge ordered a delay in the plan to transfer operations to Amtrak until the end of the month.

Massachusetts court hears arguments in lawsuit alleging Meta designed apps to be addictive to kids

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts' highest court heard oral arguments Friday in the state's lawsuit arguing that Meta designed features on Facebook and Instagram to make them addictive to young users. The lawsuit, filed in 2023 by Attorney General Andrea Campbell, alleges that Meta did this to make a profit and that its actions affected hundreds of thousands of teenagers in Massachusetts who use the social media platforms. “We are making claims based only on the tools that Meta has developed because its own research shows they encourage addiction to the platform in a variety of ways,” said State Solicitor David Kravitz, adding that the state's claim has nothing to do the company's algorithms or failure to moderate content. Meta said Friday that it strongly disagrees with the allegations and is “confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.” Its attorney, Mark Mosier, argued in court that the lawsuit “would impose liabilities for performing traditional publishing functions” and that its actions are protected by the First Amendment.
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