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Roya News
a day ago
- Politics
- Roya News
Med student stalked, doxxed over pro-Palestinian activism
Gabrielle Wimer, a newly minted physician, began her medical residency in Oakland under unusual and stressful circumstances. On a Friday morning, just three days before starting at Highland Emergency Medicine, Wimer, a Columbia University graduate, received a shocking message from a friend: a van was outside the hospital displaying her photograph alongside the statement, 'A violent antisemite is starting her residency at Highland Emergency Medicine.' 'It was a van, actually. A slate-black Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-Cab Chassis van pulling an LED video screen that projected Wimer's photo next to an incendiary, and false, statement,' Wimer recalled to the San Francisco Chronicle. The display, organized by the conservative nonprofit Accuracy in Media (AIM), also listed a URL where visitors could submit prewritten complaints to the hospital's parent organization. Wimer said her immediate reaction was disbelief. 'Are you serious?' she asked herself. 'I thought it was over.' The harassment campaign stemmed from Wimer's earlier activism. In March, she participated in a sit-in at Barnard College protesting the expulsion of students involved in a disruption of an 'Israeli' history class. Although the protest led to arrests after a bomb threat turned out to be false, Wimer and others were labeled 'radicals' by conservative media outlets. Her residency and personal details were subsequently circulated by groups such as Physicians Against Antisemitism and Canary Mission. AIM continued its campaign online. In July, the group posted videos featuring Wimer's image and mischaracterized her activism as violent. Wimer stressed that the protests she participated in were peaceful. 'No injuries were reported from the protest and I was never accused of violence,' she said. Wimer's experience reflects a broader trend in which individual activists face organized harassment. Experts note that groups like AIM and Canary Mission operate with minimal transparency, often targeting students and young professionals who advocate for Palestinian rights. 'There's a cruelty and a harshness and a coarseness involved in this that I find really disturbing and problematic,' said Edward Wasserman, a UC Berkeley journalism professor. Despite the pressure, Wimer has continued her medical work. In Oakland, she now serves in an emergency department, handling trauma cases and working with patients from diverse backgrounds. 'It's everything I hoped it would be. I'm surrounded by colleagues who want to be exactly where they are, and by patients who gladly, proudly call Oakland home,' she said. Wimer, who grew up in Connecticut and spent time volunteering internationally before entering medicine, has remained committed to her values. 'Figuring out how to keep people safe in the East Bay and ending the genocide are both very important to me,' she said. 'There's only so much I can do in the emergency department.' While the harassment campaign has quieted since she started her residency, Wimer said the experience has left a lasting impression. 'I had graduated, I was ready to focus on becoming the best doctor that I could be,' she said. 'But we both know that wasn't the case.'
CNN
15-02-2025
- Business
- CNN
The American shopping mall is being reinvented
American malls were never dead. The decades-old design just needed to be revisited. Malls were once home to major department stores, until the convenience of e-commerce drew shoppers away and led to closures. But consumers are most enticed by value and the immediate reward of shopping, prompting some developers to completely revamp the retail experience. They're reconfiguring malls so consumers can live within steps of their favorite shopping or dining spots. The 'live, work, play' mixed-use model — which combines apartment units, fitness clubs, hotels, medical centers, office units, restaurants and retail — offers an alternative to classic shopping centers, according to Ray Wimer, a professor of retail practice at Syracuse University. 'It's not just retail. It's bringing in entertainment venues, lots of restaurants and apartments or condos to engage with a younger consumer,' said Wimer. Less than 30% of malls are 'A-level,' meaning they complete more than 400 sales per square foot, Wimer estimated. Those malls are doing fine, he said, but others are looking to reinvent themselves. Some have made a comeback from the Covid-19 pandemic. The new mixed-use developments are a far cry from the standard windowless malls that took shape in the 1970s. Mixed-use malls retain an assortment of retail stores and dining options, but those traditional mall staples now share space with bank branches, blood centers, police stations, tax preparation services and even residences. About 46% of mall redevelopments are mixed-use, according to a 2023 analysis by real estate services giant Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). Malls traditionally have 'anchors' — often giant department stores like Sears and Macy's — boosting foot traffic to help smaller businesses generate sales. Now, about 30% of mall anchor redevelopments are residential and almost 54% of mixed-use redevelopments incorporate housing, according to JLL. Apartments and condos in malls attract young professionals and empty nesters, according to Josh Schrier, executive vice president and chief investment officer at Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT), which emerged from bankruptcy in April 2024 and is now developing about 2,000 housing units for mixed-use projects in Philadelphia and Washington, DC. 'It's certainly bringing that younger cohort to these properties. They're looking for community, a place to gather and fun things to do,' Schrier said. That's why determining appealing retail and merchandise is important to the mixed-use model, explained Joe Aristone, executive vice president and chief revenue officer at PREIT. One of the core pairings for mixed-use malls is apartment buildings with medical facilities. In south New Jersey, Cooper University Health Care renovated a former Sears in PREIT's Moorestown Mall into a three-story outpatient center that opened in 2023. In addition to the mall's retail options, a 375-unit apartment building will begin construction this year. A similar mall is being developed in Seattle, where Virginia Mason Franciscan Health's Medical Pavilion is a part of the Northgate Station mall, according to its owner, Simon Property Group, with plans to open a 234-unit multifamily building in 2026. Open-air shopping centers are another popular choice. Macerich's FlatIron Crossing mall in Colorado has plans for the HiFi — a neighborhood hub with dining, retail and entertainment space alongside a five-story residential community. It's expected to begin some openings in 2026, according to its website. Former department stores have also been converted into housing. AvalonBay Communities, a real estate investment trust, owns 15 communities in such mixed-use districts — and opened Avalon Alderwood Place inside of a mall in the Seattle suburb of Lynnwood. The cost of a luxury apartment at the mall ranges from $1,860 for a studio to at least $3,885 for a three-bedroom, according to AvalonBay's website. 'What we see across these communities is a demographic that is seeking walkable, urban-esque living, with amenities at their doorstep,' said Katie Bucklew, vice president of mixed-use and development at AvalonBay. For some renters, such a lifestyle can be both eco-friendly and practical. 'With mixed-use, you can get rid of cars altogether and make it a place for walking, biking and public transit,' said Shlomo Angel, professor of city planning at New York University. The original mall concept resembled mixed-use centers, with plans for post offices, libraries and other services, said David Glover, global mixed-use leader at Gensler, an architecture and design firm. Moving in retailers was ultimately more profitable, he said. 'These places that used to be siloed as just going to purchase something now have to become part of that new mindset that we live, live, live,' said Glover. While adding living and working spaces increases foot traffic, there also needs to be increased 'dwell time,' or the length of time of a consumer's visit, according to PREIT's Aristone. That can be resolved by adding restaurants or hosting brand pop-ups for engagement. Malls are also appealing to Gen Z, who are looking for more 'fun,' according to a National Retail Federation report. That means focusing on beauty and athleisure stores like Lululemon, said Stephen Lebovitz, CEO of CBL Properties, which has 55 malls and outlets in its portfolio. Six of those include multi-family housing that will total more than 1,500 units, Lebovitz said. 'The beauty of malls is that they have really strong locations and they have established traffic networks, and infrastructure and critical mass around them,' Lebovitz said. The main argument against mixed-use developments tends to be increased traffic congestion, according to Richard Peiser, a professor of real estate development at Harvard Graduate School of Design. Existing communities can also be resistant to more people moving into or working closer to suburban areas, said NYU's Angel. Sewer systems, educational systems and other infrastructure need to be factored for communities before developing mixed-use, said Vanessa L. Deane, an assistant clinical professor and director of urban planning at New York University. But Deane also noted the benefit of mixed-use developments in reducing a community's carbon footprint. 'With any development, you have to think of the impact on surrounding land uses,' Deane added. 'If the existing infrastructure can't support the project, there could be a problem.' And those considering renting an apartment in a mixed-use mall might want to weigh the drawbacks. The high volume of people can mean limited privacy, as well as walking and parking congestion. There could also be a lack of natural light and outdoor options. Some units are smaller because residents use amenities throughout the building, PREIT's Schrier said, which can be more affordable. Micro-units may lack kitchen amenities like ovens and stoves, or cleaning appliances like dishwashers, washers and dryers.
CNN
15-02-2025
- Business
- CNN
The American shopping mall is being reinvented
American malls were never dead. The decades-old design just needed to be revisited. Malls were once home to major department stores, until the convenience of e-commerce drew shoppers away and led to closures. But consumers are most enticed by value and the immediate reward of shopping, prompting some developers to completely revamp the retail experience. They're reconfiguring malls so consumers can live within steps of their favorite shopping or dining spots. The 'live, work, play' mixed-use model — which combines apartment units, fitness clubs, hotels, medical centers, office units, restaurants and retail — offers an alternative to classic shopping centers, according to Ray Wimer, a professor of retail practice at Syracuse University. 'It's not just retail. It's bringing in entertainment venues, lots of restaurants and apartments or condos to engage with a younger consumer,' said Wimer. Less than 30% of malls are 'A-level,' meaning they complete more than 400 sales per square foot, Wimer estimated. Those malls are doing fine, he said, but others are looking to reinvent themselves. Some have made a comeback from the Covid-19 pandemic. The new mixed-use developments are a far cry from the standard windowless malls that took shape in the 1970s. Mixed-use malls retain an assortment of retail stores and dining options, but those traditional mall staples now share space with bank branches, blood centers, police stations, tax preparation services and even residences. About 46% of mall redevelopments are mixed-use, according to a 2023 analysis by real estate services giant Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). Malls traditionally have 'anchors' — often giant department stores like Sears and Macy's — boosting foot traffic to help smaller businesses generate sales. Now, about 30% of mall anchor redevelopments are residential and almost 54% of mixed-use redevelopments incorporate housing, according to JLL. Apartments and condos in malls attract young professionals and empty nesters, according to Josh Schrier, executive vice president and chief investment officer at Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT), which emerged from bankruptcy in April 2024 and is now developing about 2,000 housing units for mixed-use projects in Philadelphia and Washington, DC. 'It's certainly bringing that younger cohort to these properties. They're looking for community, a place to gather and fun things to do,' Schrier said. That's why determining appealing retail and merchandise is important to the mixed-use model, explained Joe Aristone, executive vice president and chief revenue officer at PREIT. One of the core pairings for mixed-use malls is apartment buildings with medical facilities. In south New Jersey, Cooper University Health Care renovated a former Sears in PREIT's Moorestown Mall into a three-story outpatient center that opened in 2023. In addition to the mall's retail options, a 375-unit apartment building will begin construction this year. A similar mall is being developed in Seattle, where Virginia Mason Franciscan Health's Medical Pavilion is a part of the Northgate Station mall, according to its owner, Simon Property Group, with plans to open a 234-unit multifamily building in 2026. Open-air shopping centers are another popular choice. Macerich's FlatIron Crossing mall in Colorado has plans for the HiFi — a neighborhood hub with dining, retail and entertainment space alongside a five-story residential community. It's expected to begin some openings in 2026, according to its website. Former department stores have also been converted into housing. AvalonBay Communities, a real estate investment trust, owns 15 communities in such mixed-use districts — and opened Avalon Alderwood Place inside of a mall in the Seattle suburb of Lynnwood. The cost of a luxury apartment at the mall ranges from $1,860 for a studio to at least $3,885 for a three-bedroom, according to AvalonBay's website. 'What we see across these communities is a demographic that is seeking walkable, urban-esque living, with amenities at their doorstep,' said Katie Bucklew, vice president of mixed-use and development at AvalonBay. For some renters, such a lifestyle can be both eco-friendly and practical. 'With mixed-use, you can get rid of cars altogether and make it a place for walking, biking and public transit,' said Shlomo Angel, professor of city planning at New York University. The original mall concept resembled mixed-use centers, with plans for post offices, libraries and other services, said David Glover, global mixed-use leader at Gensler, an architecture and design firm. Moving in retailers was ultimately more profitable, he said. 'These places that used to be siloed as just going to purchase something now have to become part of that new mindset that we live, live, live,' said Glover. While adding living and working spaces increases foot traffic, there also needs to be increased 'dwell time,' or the length of time of a consumer's visit, according to PREIT's Aristone. That can be resolved by adding restaurants or hosting brand pop-ups for engagement. Malls are also appealing to Gen Z, who are looking for more 'fun,' according to a National Retail Federation report. That means focusing on beauty and athleisure stores like Lululemon, said Stephen Lebovitz, CEO of CBL Properties, which has 55 malls and outlets in its portfolio. Six of those include multi-family housing that will total more than 1,500 units, Lebovitz said. 'The beauty of malls is that they have really strong locations and they have established traffic networks, and infrastructure and critical mass around them,' Lebovitz said. The main argument against mixed-use developments tends to be increased traffic congestion, according to Richard Peiser, a professor of real estate development at Harvard Graduate School of Design. Existing communities can also be resistant to more people moving into or working closer to suburban areas, said NYU's Angel. Sewer systems, educational systems and other infrastructure need to be factored for communities before developing mixed-use, said Vanessa L. Deane, an assistant clinical professor and director of urban planning at New York University. But Deane also noted the benefit of mixed-use developments in reducing a community's carbon footprint. 'With any development, you have to think of the impact on surrounding land uses,' Deane added. 'If the existing infrastructure can't support the project, there could be a problem.' And those considering renting an apartment in a mixed-use mall might want to weigh the drawbacks. The high volume of people can mean limited privacy, as well as walking and parking congestion. There could also be a lack of natural light and outdoor options. Some units are smaller because residents use amenities throughout the building, PREIT's Schrier said, which can be more affordable. Micro-units may lack kitchen amenities like ovens and stoves, or cleaning appliances like dishwashers, washers and dryers.
CNN
15-02-2025
- Business
- CNN
The American shopping mall is being reinvented
American malls were never dead. The decades-old design just needed to be revisited. Malls were once home to major department stores, until the convenience of e-commerce drew shoppers away and led to closures. But consumers are most enticed by value and the immediate reward of shopping, prompting some developers to completely revamp the retail experience. They're reconfiguring malls so consumers can live within steps of their favorite shopping or dining spots. The 'live, work, play' mixed-use model — which combines apartment units, fitness clubs, hotels, medical centers, office units, restaurants and retail — offers an alternative to classic shopping centers, according to Ray Wimer, a professor of retail practice at Syracuse University. 'It's not just retail. It's bringing in entertainment venues, lots of restaurants and apartments or condos to engage with a younger consumer,' said Wimer. Less than 30% of malls are 'A-level,' meaning they complete more than 400 sales per square foot, Wimer estimated. Those malls are doing fine, he said, but others are looking to reinvent themselves. Some have made a comeback from the Covid-19 pandemic. The new mixed-use developments are a far cry from the standard windowless malls that took shape in the 1970s. Mixed-use malls retain an assortment of retail stores and dining options, but those traditional mall staples now share space with bank branches, blood centers, police stations, tax preparation services and even residences. About 46% of mall redevelopments are mixed-use, according to a 2023 analysis by real estate services giant Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). Malls traditionally have 'anchors' — often giant department stores like Sears and Macy's — boosting foot traffic to help smaller businesses generate sales. Now, about 30% of mall anchor redevelopments are residential and almost 54% of mixed-use redevelopments incorporate housing, according to JLL. Apartments and condos in malls attract young professionals and empty nesters, according to Josh Schrier, executive vice president and chief investment officer at Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT), which emerged from bankruptcy in April 2024 and is now developing about 2,000 housing units for mixed-use projects in Philadelphia and Washington, DC. 'It's certainly bringing that younger cohort to these properties. They're looking for community, a place to gather and fun things to do,' Schrier said. That's why determining appealing retail and merchandise is important to the mixed-use model, explained Joe Aristone, executive vice president and chief revenue officer at PREIT. One of the core pairings for mixed-use malls is apartment buildings with medical facilities. In south New Jersey, Cooper University Health Care renovated a former Sears in PREIT's Moorestown Mall into a three-story outpatient center that opened in 2023. In addition to the mall's retail options, a 375-unit apartment building will begin construction this year. A similar mall is being developed in Seattle, where Virginia Mason Franciscan Health's Medical Pavilion is a part of the Northgate Station mall, according to its owner, Simon Property Group, with plans to open a 234-unit multifamily building in 2026. Open-air shopping centers are another popular choice. Macerich's FlatIron Crossing mall in Colorado has plans for the HiFi — a neighborhood hub with dining, retail and entertainment space alongside a five-story residential community. It's expected to begin some openings in 2026, according to its website. Former department stores have also been converted into housing. AvalonBay Communities, a real estate investment trust, owns 15 communities in such mixed-use districts — and opened Avalon Alderwood Place inside of a mall in the Seattle suburb of Lynnwood. The cost of a luxury apartment at the mall ranges from $1,860 for a studio to at least $3,885 for a three-bedroom, according to AvalonBay's website. 'What we see across these communities is a demographic that is seeking walkable, urban-esque living, with amenities at their doorstep,' said Katie Bucklew, vice president of mixed-use and development at AvalonBay. For some renters, such a lifestyle can be both eco-friendly and practical. 'With mixed-use, you can get rid of cars altogether and make it a place for walking, biking and public transit,' said Shlomo Angel, professor of city planning at New York University. The original mall concept resembled mixed-use centers, with plans for post offices, libraries and other services, said David Glover, global mixed-use leader at Gensler, an architecture and design firm. Moving in retailers was ultimately more profitable, he said. 'These places that used to be siloed as just going to purchase something now have to become part of that new mindset that we live, live, live,' said Glover. While adding living and working spaces increases foot traffic, there also needs to be increased 'dwell time,' or the length of time of a consumer's visit, according to PREIT's Aristone. That can be resolved by adding restaurants or hosting brand pop-ups for engagement. Malls are also appealing to Gen Z, who are looking for more 'fun,' according to a National Retail Federation report. That means focusing on beauty and athleisure stores like Lululemon, said Stephen Lebovitz, CEO of CBL Properties, which has 55 malls and outlets in its portfolio. Six of those include multi-family housing that will total more than 1,500 units, Lebovitz said. 'The beauty of malls is that they have really strong locations and they have established traffic networks, and infrastructure and critical mass around them,' Lebovitz said. The main argument against mixed-use developments tends to be increased traffic congestion, according to Richard Peiser, a professor of real estate development at Harvard Graduate School of Design. Existing communities can also be resistant to more people moving into or working closer to suburban areas, said NYU's Angel. Sewer systems, educational systems and other infrastructure need to be factored for communities before developing mixed-use, said Vanessa L. Deane, an assistant clinical professor and director of urban planning at New York University. But Deane also noted the benefit of mixed-use developments in reducing a community's carbon footprint. 'With any development, you have to think of the impact on surrounding land uses,' Deane added. 'If the existing infrastructure can't support the project, there could be a problem.' And those considering renting an apartment in a mixed-use mall might want to weigh the drawbacks. The high volume of people can mean limited privacy, as well as walking and parking congestion. There could also be a lack of natural light and outdoor options. Some units are smaller because residents use amenities throughout the building, PREIT's Schrier said, which can be more affordable. Micro-units may lack kitchen amenities like ovens and stoves, or cleaning appliances like dishwashers, washers and dryers.
