Every Wednesday morning, a small caravan of cyclists in bright green vests rolls through Bergen Street, escorting children from East New York to Downtown Brooklyn. For roughly four miles, the Bergen bike bus creates a moving protective barrier, allowing kids to navigate one of Brooklyn’s busiest streets safely.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Bergen bike bus escorts children safely from East New York to Downtown Brooklyn every Wednesday.
Adult cyclists act as a moving protective barrier along the four-mile route.
Free program with a website tracker allows parents to join at the optimal time.
Inspired by bike-to-school initiatives in Portland and Barcelona.
Addresses road safety concerns; over 40 cyclists injured on Bergen Street in five years.
Focuses on safe, fun biking experience rather than traffic confrontation.
Enhances kids’ confidence and encourages early cycling habits in New York City.
Volunteer Alex Goulet, 37, who has been part of the initiative for years, describes the ride as essential for both safety and joy. “It’s even dangerous sometimes for adults on bikes,” he said. “A lot of aggressive driving, and to have a kind of a buffer of bikers around the kids is really nice and helps them feel like they’re safe.”
He paused to watch the children ride ahead, noting, “You see the look on their faces. It’s just pure joy riding the bikes to school.”
Among the first families to join the Bergen bike bus this year was Tamika Charles-Sims, 48, and her 8-year-old daughter, Sterling. As Sterling wove through potholes and double-parked cars on a rain-slicked street, adult cyclists formed a protective perimeter around her.
Charles-Sims explained her motivation: “It’s such a New York thing to bike on the street. So I wanted her to get started early.” She followed her daughter closely, ensuring she felt secure while enjoying the ride.
The Bergen bike bus is completely free and features a website tracker that allows parents to join the ride at the right moment. Organizers said they drew inspiration from similar programs in Portland and Barcelona, aiming to create a fun and safe way for kids to travel to school.
The rides also address a serious safety concern. Public crash data from Crash Mapper shows that over 40 cyclists have been injured along this stretch of Bergen Street in the past five years. The adult volunteers act as marshals, stopping at intersections to prevent vehicles from turning into the bike lane and keeping the young riders safe.
Hilda Cohen, one of the program’s organizers, emphasized the importance of making the bike lane extra secure. “As someone who bikes all over, you can have just one brush with a vehicle that doesn’t go well, and you just kind of want to give it up,” Cohen said. “Kids shouldn’t have to deal with that. It just should be fun.”
For the children, the weekly ride is both a safety measure and a moment of excitement. Six-year-old Erin Chen, who has participated in the Bergen bike bus for three years, said, “You can get all the sillies out and stuff when you’re biking before school.” Even when the skies opened and rain poured down, Erin navigated the streets without hesitation.
Arriving at Downtown Brooklyn school, soaked but smiling, Erin said, “I have an extra pair of pants.” Her confidence highlighted one of the core goals of the Bergen bike bus: to make biking to school a joyful, safe experience rather than a stressful journey.
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The way a person speaks can often shape the first impression they leave behind. A new study suggests that accents do more than reveal where someone grew up — they may also signal trustworthiness. According to a report from BetUS Casino, the Philadelphian accent ranks as the third most trustworthy accent in the country.
The study, titled “Who To Trust: The Most Trustworthy U.S. Accents,” looked at how Americans perceive different regional accents. Using online sentiment and search data, researchers found that certain speech patterns can influence how honest, friendly or professional a person seems.
📰 Story Highlights
Philadelphian accent ranked third most trustworthy in the U.S.
Research analyzed online sentiment and search data on accents.
Boston accent topped the list, with Cajun accent in second place.
Mountain West accent ranked least trustworthy, followed by Jersey and Southern accents.
Low financial crime rates linked to stronger trust in Philadelphian speakers.
Online Sentiment Behind the Philadelphian Accent
BetUS Casino researchers examined how often Americans searched for terms like “friendly” and “professional” in connection to specific accents. The Philadelphian accent, spoken in the “City of Brotherly Love,” stood out with more than 19,000 such searches.
“People in Philadelphia are direct but also convey a sense of honesty,” the report states.
This honesty appears to resonate online, where many users link the region’s speech patterns to professionalism and friendliness. Researchers also noted that the Philadelphia area records some of the lowest levels of financial crime among all the regions analyzed.
“The Philly region also has some of the lowest amount of financial crimes amongst all the accents listed, which gives people more confidence in financial dealings with Philadelphians — from business partnerships to choosing a financial advisor, and more,” the study reads.
Rankings Across the Country
At the top of the list sits the Boston accent, widely recognized for its distinctive sound and strong regional identity. The Cajun accent — rooted in Louisiana’s culture — secured the second spot. Philadelphia followed closely in third, reinforcing its image as a city whose residents speak plainly and inspire confidence.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, the Mountain West accent, common in Montana, Utah and Arizona, was found to be the least trustworthy. The Jersey accent came in second-least trustworthy, while the Southern accent rounded out the bottom three.
Beyond Speech: A Broader View of Trust
Despite the rankings, BetUS Casino researchers caution against equating accents with honesty outright.
“Trust has a lot to do with perception and previous experience, as you can’t always measure it,” the report explains.
The study notes that while it is possible to look at factors such as regional crime statistics or public sentiment, speech patterns alone cannot predict integrity.
“At the end of the day,” the report concludes, “it’s like shoving all your chips across the table — it can either end well or not, but you have to go with your gut. From their actions, promises, and many other things, there’s more than just an accent that showcases trust — it’s just up to you if you’re willing to give it.”
Why This Matters
The findings highlight how deeply perceptions of trustworthiness can be tied to the way Americans speak. For professionals and businesses, the Philadelphian accent may offer an unexpected advantage, while regions lower on the list might face challenges in overcoming stereotypes.
As this research shows, the sound of a voice can influence everything from business deals to everyday interactions — even if, ultimately, trust goes far beyond words.
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On a cool Friday evening, the vaquero-themed booths at El Caporal restaurant in Altadena, California, were full for the first time in months. The smell of birria and carnitas drifted through the air as neighbors leaned in to talk.
Owner Neddy Morelos paused between orders and smiled at the sound of chatter echoing across the dining room.
“I love it,” she said. “Listen to all the small talk.”
For Morelos, 45, this moment stood in stark contrast to nights when her staff joked they could hear a fly flap its wings. Sales at her family-run restaurant on Fair Oaks Avenue dropped by half after the Eaton fire displaced residents and closed nearby businesses.
Story Highlights
Altadena Dining Club formed after the Eaton fire to support local restaurants and rebuild social ties
Membership is free and rotates weekly among family-owned eateries
Residents displaced by the fire travel back to Altadena to participate
Mental-health experts say the club offers a blueprint for post-disaster recovery
A Free Club for a Scattered Community
In a region where exclusive dining clubs and waiting lists are the norm, the Altadena Dining Club is deliberately open and free. Membership requires no application. The only shared credential for many members is loss: homes, gathering places and familiar routines burned in one of California’s most destructive wildfires.
Founder Brooke Lohman-Janz, an Altadena resident who lost her apartment in the blaze, calls it “a little misfit group.”
“We are kind of like a little misfit sort of group,” she said.
Since June, the Altadena Dining Club has rotated through eight small restaurants — mostly family-run — offering both economic relief and a sense of belonging.
Connections at the Table
Residents say the club has transformed grief into genuine relationships. Benji Zobrist, 33, described how new bonds emerged over shared meals.
“Even now, we’re still meeting new people and sharing our experiences over a meal,” he said. “That kind of connection — with people who understand — you can’t find that just anywhere.”
Some drive long distances to attend. Kitty McCormick, who lost her Altadena home, travels from mid-city Los Angeles. Hector and Esmerelda Rodas commute from Glendale, though they still call Altadena home after 36 years.
Speaking the Language of Loss
The fire left scars that are hard to explain to outsiders. Marialyce Pedersen, 61, whose two-bedroom Spanish-style house burned down, described the awkwardness of everyday conversations.
“Do I bum them out by telling them my house just burned down and ruin their day?” she said. “Or do I just not say anything? And then you feel like you’re not being true to yourself.”
Within the Altadena Dining Club, residents say they can speak openly about their losses or simply enjoy a meal in silence without having to explain.
A Blueprint for Recovery
Mental-health professionals see what is happening at the Altadena Dining Club as an example for other communities facing disaster.
“What you’re seeing in Altadena is a natural outgrowth of a very smart intervention,” said Dr. Vickie M. Mays, a UCLA psychology professor who supported New Orleans residents after Hurricane Katrina.
Bringing people back together quickly, Mays explained, helps heal trauma and strengthens local businesses. Groups like the Altadena Dining Club can guide future recovery efforts.
More Than Food
Although the meals are central, members also mix in activities like yoga and karaoke. The restaurants they visit are modest — a burger joint, a Greek café, a Thai restaurant overlooking cleared lots — but each meal carries the weight of a community rebuilding.
The Eaton fire destroyed long-standing eateries such as The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop and Fox’s. Other closures followed, including AltaEats, which had operated for 12 years before a “for sale” sign appeared in June.
Morelos counts herself lucky that El Caporal survived.
“That’s my baby,” she said.
Holding On to Hope
For many, the Altadena Dining Club represents something bigger than dining. Kelly Guzman, 55, who lost her home, said staying connected to the group keeps her optimistic.
“As long as I can keep moving forward, I’m feeling hopeful,” she said. “When I hear other people that don’t want to give up on Altadena, then I feel it’s like, OK, we can make it.”
Lohman-Janz hosts every event, greeting guests with raffle tickets for Altadena-themed prizes. Her work is voluntary, and she plans to continue as long as the community needs it.
“Because if you’re committed to staying in Altadena, I think that there’s a responsibility,” she said. “I think that goes with it.”
The story of the Altadena Dining Club shows how shared meals can do more than fill empty seats; they can rebuild a town’s spirit. By rotating through family-owned restaurants and reconnecting displaced neighbors, the club has become a living model of post-disaster recovery. In Altadena, every dinner is a step toward healing, every table a place where resilience and community meet.
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On a bright August morning, 60-year-old Gurtej Singh Cheema completed his daily prayers in his Sacramento home before heading to the California State Capitol. The retired clinical professor of internal medicine joined more than 150 Sikh Americans who had converged from across the state. Their goal: to voice support for the California anti-intimidation bill, legislation they believe is crucial to community safety.
California is home to about 250,000 Sikh Americans — roughly 40 percent of the U.S. Sikh population — with roots in the state dating back over a century. But the climate for diaspora communities has shifted. A spate of attacks and threats against Sikh activists in North America, which U.S. and Canadian officials have linked to Indian government operations, has left many on edge. Supporters say law enforcement still lacks training to identify “transnational repression,” a term used by the FBI for foreign governments’ efforts to intimidate or harm diaspora members inside the United States.
Story Highlights
Bill Overview: The California anti-intimidation bill mandates officer training to recognize and respond to transnational repression.
Supporters: Sikh Coalition, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Jakara Movement, Hindus for Human Rights, Indian American Muslim Council, and the California Police Chiefs Association.
Opponents: Hindu American Foundation, Coalition of Hindus of North America, Bay Area Jewish Coalition, The Khalsa Today, and several county law-enforcement agencies.
Backdrop: Rising fears after alleged foreign-linked harassment, including high-profile cases in the U.S. and Canada.
Next Step: Bill returns to the California Senate for a final vote before heading to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk.
A Bill Shaped by Community Pressure
“The bill closes a critical gap in our public safety system and gives law enforcement the training they need to identify foreign interference when it happens in our neighborhoods,” said Democratic state senator Anna Caballero, who authored the measure.
Caballero represents California’s 14th Senate District, which has a significant Sikh population. She co-authored the bill with Assemblywoman Jasmeet Bains, California’s first Sikh Assembly member, and Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria.
The proposal would direct the state’s Office of Emergency Services to create specialized training for police officers to recognize and respond to transnational repression — from online trolling to in-person intimidation.
Community Lines Drawn
Several Sikh and multi-faith groups have endorsed the bill, including the Sikh Coalition, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Jakara Movement, Hindus for Human Rights, and the Indian American Muslim Council. The California Police Chiefs Association also supports the measure.
But opposition is vocal. The Hindu American Foundation, the Coalition of Hindus of North America, the Bay Area Jewish Coalition, and even a Sikh organization, The Khalsa Today, have raised alarms. The Santa Clara Attorney’s Office and Riverside County Sheriff’s Office also object.
Critics argue the measure could unintentionally target Hindu Americans opposed to the Khalistan movement, a campaign to carve out a separate Sikh nation from India, and could institutionalize bias against Indian Americans.
‘Any Efforts That Help a Community Feel Safe’
Cheema, representing the Capital Sikh Center in Sacramento, said he came to testify because the stakes felt personal.
“Any efforts that help a community feel safe, and you are part of that community — naturally, you would support it,” he told reporters outside the hearing room.
Many attendees had driven overnight from Los Angeles, 385 miles away, or taken time off work to appear before the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Their presence underscored the urgency supporters feel around the California anti-intimidation bill.
Rising Fears of Foreign Interference
The FBI defines transnational repression as when foreign governments “intimidate, silence, coerce, harass or harm” members of diaspora and exile communities inside the United States.
The backdrop to the bill is striking. In 2023, Canada accused India of masterminding the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, a charge New Delhi denies. Later that year, U.S. prosecutors said Indian operatives plotted to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a New York-based Sikh activist, in a scheme foiled by an FBI informant.
Several other Sikh activists have since received warnings from law enforcement about potential threats. Even Bains, the bill’s co-author, was reportedly threatened in August 2023 after California recognized the 1984 anti-Sikh violence in India as genocide.
Concerns Over Bias
Opponents such as Samir Kalra, managing director of the Hindu American Foundation, say the bill lacks adequate safeguards.
“I believe that they have not gone far enough in providing guardrails to ensure that law enforcement does not institutionalize biases against groups from specific countries of origin or with certain viewpoints on geopolitical issues,” Kalra said in an interview.
He noted that Hindu temples have been vandalized with pro-Khalistan slogans. “How can the Hindu American community feel safe reporting these incidents without fear of being accused of being a foreign agent or having law enforcement downplaying the vandalisms?” he asked.
Supporters counter that the training will be crafted by professionals, not activists, and will apply broadly to all foreign interference.
“The coalition of groups supporting includes both Sikh and Hindu organizations as well as Muslim, Kashmiri, Iranian, South Asian, immigrants’ rights, human rights, and law enforcement organizations,” said Harman Singh, executive director of the Sikh Coalition.
Scholars Weigh In
“Critics of other governments are all too routinely harassed, threatened, or even assaulted by foreign governments or their proxies within the U.S.,” said Rohit Chopra, professor of communication at Santa Clara University. “Even if the bill has some deterrent effect, which I believe it will, it will be well worth it.”
Stanford anthropology professor Thomas Blom Hansen said the legislation addresses real concerns about online surveillance and harassment but does not target any one country. “When an organization comes out strongly against such a bill, it almost feels like a preemptive admission — as if they see themselves as being implicated by what the bill seeks to prevent,” Hansen observed.
Looking Ahead
The California anti-intimidation bill has already cleared the Assembly and now returns to the Senate for a final vote. If passed, it will head to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk.
Back in Sacramento, Cheema says the legislation represents more than policy.
“I could be the next victim if the law enforcement in my community is not able to recognize foreign interference,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who is indulging in it or which country, I would naturally like my police officers to be aware of the threats.”
He added: “If any group feels threatened, then all sections of society should make efforts to protect their people. This reassures me that my voice is being heard.”
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Los Angeles, a city known for its bustling creativity and historic landmarks, is ready to welcome art lovers for one of its most celebrated cultural events of the year. Grand Ave Arts: All Access, scheduled for October 25, 2025, promises a day of free admission to museums, galleries, and arts venues across Downtown L.A., along with live performances, workshops, and a lively block party.
Story Highlights
Event Name: Grand Ave Arts: All Access
Date & Time: October 25, 2025, 11 AM–4 PM
Location: Downtown Los Angeles, Grand Avenue Cultural District
Admission: Free entry to museums, galleries, and performances
Activities: Interactive installations, workshops, live performances, pop-up art experiences
Participating Venues: The Broad, Center Theatre Group, Colburn School, DATALAND, Gloria Molina Grand Park, LA Opera, LA Phil, Los Angeles Central Library, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Metro Art, MOCA, The Music Center, REDCAT
For years, the Grand Avenue Cultural District has been a focal point for the city’s arts community. This year, festival organizers are taking it a step further. “We want visitors to experience the heart of Downtown Los Angeles in a completely new way,” said a representative from the festival. “Grand Ave Arts: All Access transforms the area into a one-mile arts playground for all ages, inviting the public to explore, create, and connect.”
Thirteen of Los Angeles’ most iconic cultural institutions are participating in the festival. Attendees can explore offerings from The Broad, Center Theatre Group, Colburn School, DATALAND, Gloria Molina Grand Park, LA Opera, LA Phil, Los Angeles Central Library, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Metro Art, MOCA, The Music Center, and REDCAT. Each venue will provide unique experiences, from dynamic performances to hands-on workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, and interactive installations.
Festival-goers will have the chance to meet local artists, engage in pop-up art experiences, and immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant creative scene. “It’s about creating a space where art is accessible to everyone,” said a curator from MOCA. “Whether you’re an art enthusiast or someone new to the arts, Grand Ave Arts offers something to spark curiosity and creativity.”
The event is designed to appeal to visitors of all ages. Families, students, and cultural explorers can take part in a wide range of activities. From live music at the LA Phil to interactive installations at DATALAND, every corner of the festival offers opportunities to discover and experience the arts in unexpected ways.
As Downtown Los Angeles becomes a hub of inspiration for a day, Grand Ave Arts: All Access underscores the city’s commitment to making arts and culture an integral part of public life. Visitors are encouraged to plan their route through the festival, as each institution offers distinct and memorable experiences.
📆 When: Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11 AM–4 PM 📍 Where: 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Grand Ave Arts: All Access offers a rare chance to explore Downtown Los Angeles as a vibrant arts playground. With free admission, interactive workshops, live performances, and pop-up experiences, the festival highlights the city’s thriving creative scene. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a family, or a casual visitor, Grand Ave Arts provides an unforgettable day of culture, creativity, and inspiration in the heart of LA. Mark your calendars for October 25, 2025, and experience the arts like never before.
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Boston City Councilors faced a storm of frustration Thursday evening as the city’s drug crisis at Mass and Cass dominated an off-site meeting packed with residents, business owners, and community members.
The meeting, held inside the Hampton Inn hotel, drew a crowd so large that many stood outside chanting, “Come outside,” demanding that councilors hear their voices. Inside, the conversation revealed the depth of anger and despair over what residents describe as relentless open drug use, crime, and neighborhood decline.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Boston City Council meeting erupts over Mass and Cass drug crisis
Residents and business owners say neighborhoods are overwhelmed
Councilor John Fitzgerald proposes declaring a public health emergency
Mayor Michelle Wu pledges police patrols, treatment expansion, and service decentralization
Opponent Josh Kraft calls Wu’s plan a “cheap political fix”
Businesses and families say they are “losing faith” in city leadership
Councilor John Fitzgerald, who called the special session, made clear that no overnight solution would be delivered.
“I want folks to understand we are not solving the issue tonight,” Fitzgerald said. “But I want to hear from you all and understand what is currently happening.”
Fitzgerald is pushing a resolution to declare the situation at Mass and Cass a public health emergency and humanitarian crisis. According to him, the impact of the drug epidemic is no longer confined to one intersection. It has begun spreading deeper into the South End and Roxbury, placing additional strain on families and businesses.
For some local business owners, survival feels impossible.
“I’m going to go out of business, obviously I’m going to go out of business,” one business owner near Mass and Cass told councilors, describing how constant crime and visible drug activity have driven customers away.
The anger in the room reflected both personal loss and civic exhaustion. Several residents shared painful stories, including Randi Grohe Lathrop, who connected her family tragedy directly to the crisis.
“I lost a nephew four years ago to substance abuse. Why? Because of Mass and Cass,” Lathrop said.
Political Stakes Ahead of Election
The meeting unfolded just days before Boston’s preliminary mayoral election, intensifying the debate over how to handle the city’s most pressing public health challenge.
On Wednesday, Mayor Michelle Wu unveiled her plan to address the situation. She promised an expanded police presence, additional bike patrols, more access to treatment, and a strategy to decentralize services so they are not concentrated in the Mass and Cass corridor.
Wu said her approach would balance public safety with compassionate recovery services, but critics remain skeptical.
Her challenger, Josh Kraft, sharply dismissed Wu’s proposal.
“Recovery first, emphasize recovery first, work proactively with the police,” Kraft argued, calling Wu’s plan a “cheap political fix.”
Kraft has sought to distinguish himself by promoting a more aggressive partnership between recovery programs and law enforcement.
A Community Losing Patience
While city leaders debate policy, residents say the reality on the ground is worsening. The drug crisis, once seen as centered on a single intersection, is now disrupting everyday life in surrounding neighborhoods.
Business owners describe shuttered storefronts and declining foot traffic. Families recount the trauma of losing loved ones to addiction. Residents demand more accountability and faster results from city leaders.
Despite pledges from the Boston City Council, Mayor Michelle Wu, and challenger Josh Kraft, the community sentiment remains bleak. Many fear that promises made during an election season will fade, leaving Mass and Cass a symbol of frustration and loss.
For now, the city is caught between competing visions—one that leans heavily on policing and another focused on treatment access. The residents who filled the Hampton Inn on Thursday, however, made one thing clear: they want change, and they want it urgently.
The crisis at Mass and Cass has become more than a single neighborhood issue—it is now a defining test for Boston City Council leadership and the upcoming mayoral election. With residents, business owners, and families demanding urgent relief, the city faces mounting pressure to act swiftly.
Whether through Mayor Michelle Wu’s plan of police patrols and treatment expansion or Josh Kraft’s call for a recovery-first approach, one truth remains clear: the community can no longer bear the weight of unchecked drug use and rising crime. Declaring a public health emergency may be only the first step, but Boston residents are calling for more than words—they are demanding solutions that will finally bring stability to Mass and Cass and restore faith in the city’s future.
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Rachel Cohen opens one of her latest TikTok videos with a startling invitation:
“Come with me to get arrested outside 1930 Beach Street in Broadview.”
The short clip places her outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in suburban Broadview, where protesters watched vans fill with people being taken away.
For Cohen, the sound of chains scraping the pavement as detainees were led away is unforgettable. That moment — and many others like it — has now become central to her viral online campaign as Chicago braces for what could be the most aggressive immigration enforcement action in years.
Her TikTok videos, part tutorial and part rallying cry, are gaining tens of thousands of views. The timing is no coincidence: the Trump administration is preparing to send more than 200 federal agents into the city, with officials warning that raids could begin within days.
📌 Story Highlights
Rachel Cohen, Harvard Law graduate, left Skadden law firm in protest of Trump’s legal deals.
TikTok videos go viral, showing Chicagoans how to resist ICE raids and support detainees.
ICE raids Chicago expected to begin soon with more than 200 federal agents.
Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson vow no cooperation with ICE enforcement.
Fear spreads as festivals canceled, courthouse arrests spark unease in immigrant communities.
From Skadden to Street Protests
Cohen, originally from Ohio, graduated from Harvard Law School in 2022. Not long after, she joined the high-profile firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. But when the firm pledged millions in free legal services to causes backed by Trump, she walked away.
“As soon as the first firm offered what I would consider hush money to the Trump administration to get an order withdrawn, I resigned,” she explained in an interview with Block Club Chicago.
That public resignation letter, posted on LinkedIn, quickly went viral. She later circulated an open letter with other associates criticizing top firms for staying silent while Trump attacked them.
Instead of jumping back into corporate law, Cohen shifted gears. She took contract jobs, spoke at law schools and conferences, and devoted more time to activism.
“When I came back to Chicago, I told my best friend I wanted to spend the summer plugged into mutual aid and organizing,” she said.
Turning TikTok Into a Resistance Guide
Her new platform is unconventional: TikTok. But Cohen uses it strategically, producing videos that function as step-by-step guides for Chicagoans wondering how to resist ICE raids.
Instead of the familiar social media trend of “get ready with me for work,” her tagline is different:
“Come with me to get arrested.”
In one video, she walks viewers through ICE Court Watch in Chicago, showing them how to observe hearings at the ICE Field Office and Immigration Court, take notes, and report sightings of agents to community organizers.
In another, she recounts being arrested after blocking a deportation van in Broadview. She explains in plain terms what happens during an arrest, how risks differ depending on whether protesters are on city or federal property, and how groups like the National Lawyers Guild provide legal support.
Cohen is also clear about privilege.
“My best friend Andrea and I look a lot like early 30s, white, former sorority girls — because we are,” she said. “I’m better equipped to take that risk as a Harvard Law-educated, well-connected, visible white woman. But it’s still a risk to pull the curtain back on these processes.”
She emphasizes that not everyone needs to get arrested to contribute.
“Other people aren’t always able to do that because of the risks,” Cohen said. “Maybe they’re in mixed-status families, maybe they’re not white, maybe they can’t risk arrest. That doesn’t mean they can’t be part of this work.”
Chicago on Edge as Federal Agents Prepare Raids
Cohen’s videos are going viral at the same moment officials brace for the arrival of more than 200 federal immigration agents. Broadview’s detention facility is expected to serve as a central hub. Troops and agents are also slated for Great Lakes Naval Base in North Chicago.
Gov. JB Pritzker has warned that agents will be fully assembled by week’s end, though the exact start date of enforcement actions remains unclear.
“Chicago police will not cooperate with ICE,” Pritzker said, a promise echoed by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Still, unease is spreading quickly.
This week, ICE agents were spotted at Cook County’s domestic violence courthouse, where two people were detained. Organizers of El Grito Chicago — a major Mexican Independence Day festival — canceled their event, citing the threat of raids. In Little Village, leaders of the 26th Street parade are considering whether to proceed.
A Community Looking for Direction
For many Chicagoans, the question is simple: what can we do? Cohen’s answer is equally direct.
“The easiest way is to show up,” she said. “The biggest barrier is just knowing where to start. Once you meet a few people, you realize you’re not powerless.”
She points to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, which runs a hotline and needs volunteers, many of whom can contribute remotely. She also highlights Chicago Community Jail Support as an entry point for those who want to engage in mutual aid without the risk of arrest.
Cohen’s TikTok series, blending activism with accessibility, has become a tool for mobilizing a city at a crossroads. As ICE raids in Chicago approach, her message continues to spread: there are ways for everyone — from frontline protesters to behind-the-scenes supporters — to take part.
As federal agents prepare to launch ICE raids in Chicago, the city stands divided between fear and resistance. For Rachel Cohen, the fight is not only about opposing detention vans or courtroom arrests — it is about showing ordinary people that they have a role to play. Her TikTok videos, blending activism with practical guidance, are helping Chicagoans navigate a moment of uncertainty with concrete steps to support immigrant neighbors. Whether through direct protest, legal observation, or mutual aid, Cohen’s message is clear: in the face of sweeping enforcement, community action can create strength where fear once lived.
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For months, Russell Carter and his son lived in conditions most tenants would consider unthinkable.
It began in February, when the bathroom ceiling of their South Side apartment suddenly gave way. Years of water damage had weakened the structure until it finally collapsed. The walls followed. Carter recalled that the building’s maintenance team arrived quickly — but only to clear away the wreckage. He assumed repairs would start the next day. They never did.
“I thought they’d be back within 24 hours,” Carter said. “But no one came. Not for weeks. Not for months.”
The 56-year-old Carter and his 36-year-old son, who has autism, were left without a safe bathroom for nearly four months. They relied on family members’ homes for showers and shaving. Even basic tasks like brushing their teeth became dangerous. At times, loose debris from the ceiling fell into the sink. On more than one morning, Carter said, he found mice thrashing in the basin after falling through from the unit above.
“We definitely shouldn’t have to live like that,” he said. “Four months with no walls, taking mice out of bowls — it’s ridiculous.”
📌 Story Highlights
Chicago housing crisis: Tenants left in unsafe apartments for months.
LLC landlords shield owners: Identities of true property investors hidden.
Tenant union forms: Residents across 31 buildings unite under the CKO Tenant Union.
Rising trend: LLC ownership of Chicago multifamily buildings grew from 3% in 2006 to 16% in 2022.
Push for reform: Advocates call for a citywide rental registry to hold landlords accountable.
The Hidden Ownership Problem
Carter eventually discovered that his management company, CKO Real Estate, had abruptly shut down in February — leaving tenants stranded. Only months later did a new company step in to finish repairs. But even then, Carter still had no idea who truly owned his building.
County records revealed two names: 7655 S COLES LLC and SALINA INVESTMENT PARTNERS LLC. To tenants, those names meant little. Behind them were no visible landlords, no phone numbers, no clear point of accountability.
This, experts say, is at the heart of the Chicago housing crisis. Limited liability companies, or LLCs, increasingly dominate the rental market, shielding owners’ identities while insulating them from legal and financial exposure.
“This opacity makes it hard for members of a community to know who owns that terrible building that’s causing all kinds of problems,” said Dan Immergluck, professor emeritus at Georgia State University.
‘The Wizard Behind the Curtain’
LLCs weren’t invented for real estate. They originated in the 1970s, designed for oil companies looking for liability protection without corporate tax burdens. But by the 1990s, landlords realized they could use the same structure to buy and manage apartment buildings.
“It wasn’t created at all with real estate in mind,” explained Susan Pace Hamill, a University of Alabama law professor who has studied LLCs for decades. “Somebody is managing the LLC, somebody is investing in the LLC, but when there’s a problem and you want to find out who that somebody is, you run into a brick wall. You can’t find what I call ‘the wizard behind the curtain.’”
In Illinois, disclosure requirements are minimal. Only the manager and agent of an LLC must be named publicly — and neither may be the actual owner.
The CKO Tenant Union
The collapse of CKO Real Estate exposed this problem in painful detail. Tenants in multiple buildings reported rodent infestations, repeated utility shut-offs, and leaks so severe that mushrooms began to grow indoors.
One tenant, Marla Blanton, described squatters breaking through a damaged gate to occupy the garage and basement. She said the property managers delayed fixing the locks for months.
“As tenants, we should know who the actual landlords are,” Blanton said. “If the property managers aren’t doing their job, we should be able to alert the owners directly.”
On paper, each building was owned by a separate LLC, usually named after the street address. But tenants digging into public records uncovered a common link: real estate investor Chikoo Patel. His name appeared on nearly every deed and mortgage.
That discovery sparked something bigger. With the help of community organizers, residents from 31 buildings came together to form the CKO Tenant Union.
“Going door to door, all you had to say was ‘CKO’ or ‘problems in your building,’ and people would stop and talk,” said housing organizer Sahar Punjwani. “They wanted to join.”
Legal Battles and Limited Progress
Since forming in June, the tenant union has grown to about 150 members. The group has met with city officials, including Mayor Brandon Johnson. Some investors — notably husband-and-wife team Shai Wolkowicki and Lauren Lampert — have agreed to limited concessions, such as forgiving certain back rent.
But the bigger demands, like 24-hour repair windows and annual inspections, were rejected. The rest of the ownership group remains largely anonymous.
Meanwhile, Carter’s activism came at a cost. In August, after he withheld rent during the bathroom collapse, he received an eviction notice. He believes the timing was no accident.
“These owners have proven who they are,” Carter said at a union news conference. “Their agenda is to get the rent and tell the tenants to shut the hell up.”
A City Struggling for Accountability
Despite repeated violations, none of the 31 CKO-linked buildings appear on Chicago’s Building Code Scofflaw List. Only seven are flagged under the city’s Troubled Buildings Initiative.
Tenant advocates say this failure is no surprise. The city’s system relies heavily on residents to report violations through 311, something many tenants fear doing because of eviction risks. Even when cases reach building court, judges are often reluctant to levy harsh penalties.
“The tenants are the ones forced to enforce the system,” said John Bartlett, director of the Metropolitan Tenants Organization. “And they’re in the least position to do so.”
Calls for a Rental Registry
To address the growing Chicago housing crisis, Ald. Desmon Yancy has proposed a rental registry ordinance. The plan would require landlords — including LLCs — to disclose all individuals with at least 20% ownership. Similar systems already operate in cities across the U.S., linking names, rents, and contact details for accountability.
“The idea behind the rental registry is simple,” Yancy said. “Know who’s renting what, what the rents are, and who to contact if there’s a problem. That allows us to hold bad actors accountable.”
But for now, the measure is stalled in committee.
As for Carter, he continues to face eviction proceedings while still dealing with leaks in his apartment. His case has become a symbol of a broader fight — one where hidden LLC landlords profit from housing while tenants live with collapsing ceilings and unanswered calls.
“Should housing be an investment,” Bartlett asked, “or should housing be housing?”
That question, for many tenants across Chicago, defines the crisis they live every day.
The story of Russell Carter and the tenants of the CKO portfolio underscores how the Chicago housing crisis is tied to a deeper issue of hidden ownership. With LLC landlords shielding their identities, tenants often have no way to hold property owners accountable for unsafe conditions. While tenant unions and community organizers have pushed for reform, the lack of transparency continues to frustrate both residents and city officials. Until stronger measures such as a rental registry are enacted, many renters may remain trapped in buildings where repairs are delayed, violations pile up, and the true decision-makers stay out of reach.
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For generations, Olive Dell Ranch carried a reputation as one of southern California’s most welcoming nudist resorts. Nestled in the San Jacinto foothills, the 136-acre property offered affordable living, miles of hiking trails, and a tightly bonded naturist community that dated back to the early 1950s.
Today, however, that legacy stands at the center of a bitter legal battle. More than 50 current and former residents have filed a lawsuit against the owners of Olive Dell Ranch, alleging civil rights violations, harassment, discrimination, and unfair business practices. The lawsuit paints a picture of a community under siege, struggling with rising rents, deteriorating conditions, and what residents describe as a campaign to force them out.
Story Highlights
Established: 1952 as a naturist community in San Jacinto foothills, California
Ownership: Purchased in 2019 by Mark Glasier, Brian Cleland, and Tina Coffelt
Controversy: Shifted in 2024 from nudist resort to “textile park,” requiring clothing
Allegations: Civil rights violations, elder abuse, harassment, unfair rent hikes
Impact: Seniors, veterans, and disabled residents most affected
Facilities: Pool, sauna, restaurant, and water system allegedly neglected
Community Action: Residents maintaining property with their own money and labor
Crime Factor: 2023 double homicide site left uncleaned, leading to health hazards
A Community in Crisis
Residents say the breaking point came in late 2024, when the owners announced that Olive Dell Ranch would no longer allow nudity. Instead, it would become a “textile park,” requiring clothing at all times.
“It was a shock,” said longtime resident Nancy Roeder, who has lived at the ranch for more than a decade. “We’re just trying to survive. Everything we built here is being stripped away.”
According to the complaint, the move represented not only a cultural shift but also a deliberate effort to drive out the ranch’s naturist population. The lawsuit alleges that one of the owners even referred to nudists as “nasty people.”
“That’s not the way rules work in mobile home parks,” attorney Frances M. Campbell argued. “There’s a process. And this at its heart is an anti-discrimination case.”
Decline in Living Conditions
The lawsuit also accuses the owners of neglecting essential services. Residents say the water system, roads, showers, and tennis courts were left in disrepair. Landscaping stopped, despite the ranch being located in a fire-prone region.
The community pool, once a centerpiece of Olive Dell life, turned green with algae. The sauna and restaurant closed. Trash service lapsed. At one point, residents claim they lost access to potable water altogether.
Electricity became another point of contention. After installing private meters, the owners allegedly doubled and tripled electricity bills. A former employee told KTLA she was fired after refusing to charge residents additional fees.
“All of the new rules, procedures, and actions alleged in this complaint were undertaken by Defendants to try to empty the Ranch of residents,” the lawsuit states. “Many of whom are seniors living on fixed incomes, veterans, and disabled persons.”
Residents Forced to Step In
With essential services deteriorating, residents said they had no choice but to take matters into their own hands. Using their own funds and volunteer labor, they restored the pool, repaired roads, and attempted to maintain the ranch’s facilities.
“They are basically making the place as nice as they can with their own money and labor,” Campbell said, “and hoping this lawsuit changes something.”
A Dark Turn: The Double Homicide
Adding to the turmoil, Olive Dell Ranch became the scene of a shocking crime in 2023. One resident was charged with the murders of neighbors Stephanie and Daniel Menard, aged 73 and 79. Police raided the suspect’s mobile home with a battering ram.
The lawsuit claims property owners “refused to clean up or secure the site of the alleged double homicide,” leading to rodent infestations and leaving residents with what they described as “constant reminders” of the tragedy.
Owners Deny Allegations
Attempts to contact Olive Dell Ranch directly were unsuccessful. But in a televised interview, a property manager named in the lawsuit offered a very different version of events.
According to the manager, the real issue is that tenants have failed to pay rent and utility bills and engaged in vandalism. “This is not about discrimination,” the manager argued. “It’s about responsibility.”
A Fight Over Identity and Rights
At its core, the Olive Dell Ranch lawsuit is about more than living conditions. For residents, it is a fight to protect a way of life that has existed since 1952—a naturist lifestyle they say is being erased.
Campbell summed it up:
“This is not just about rent. It’s about culture, community, and civil rights.”
As the lawsuit moves forward, the future of Olive Dell Ranch remains uncertain. For those still living there, survival has meant holding on to memories of a time when the ranch was a symbol of freedom and community—while battling in court to ensure it is not lost forever.
The Olive Dell Ranch lawsuit highlights a deep conflict between tradition and change. What was once celebrated as a landmark nudist resort in southern California has become a battleground over civil rights, community identity, and basic living conditions. While the owners argue that residents have failed to meet their obligations, longtime tenants insist they are being forced out of a place many have called home for decades. As the case unfolds in court, the future of Olive Dell Ranch—and its legacy as a naturist community in the San Jacinto foothills—remains uncertain.
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A new study highlights the significant impact of the Philadelphia housing program PHLHousing+, a pilot project launched in 2022 that provides direct monthly cash assistance to low-income renters. Researchers say the results are not only dramatic but could also serve as a model for cities nationwide grappling with affordable housing crises.
📌 Story Highlights
PHLHousing+ pilot launched in 2022 with $10.8 million in public and private funding
Families receive monthly cash assistance through prepaid debit cards
Payments designed to cap housing costs at 30% of income
Study shows a 75% reduction in evictions and forced moves among participants
Homelessness rates cut by half compared to households without aid
Pilot runs until June 2026, future expansion still undecided
A Different Approach to Housing Assistance
Unlike traditional housing vouchers, which require families to find landlords willing to accept subsidies, the Philadelphia housing program PHLHousing+ takes a simpler approach: direct cash transfers. Each month, families receive a payment — loaded onto a prepaid debit card — to ensure they spend no more than 30% of their income on housing costs.
The key distinction is that the money is unconditional and unrestricted, giving households flexibility. They can use the funds to pay rent or cover other expenses tied to housing stability, such as utilities or moving costs.
“This cash-transfer program is dramatically improving people’s housing outcomes,” said Vincent Reina, founder and faculty director of the Housing Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania.
Evidence of Impact
Researchers studied 301 households randomly selected from the Philadelphia Housing Authority waitlist. To qualify, families had to earn less than 50% of the area median income — $59,700 for a family of four in 2025 — and include at least one child under 16.
The payments varied widely, from $45 to $2,433 per month, depending on the family’s needs. Outcomes were compared against 170 households with traditional vouchers and 725 households who remained on the waitlist with no support.
After two years, results were clear:
Families in PHLHousing+ experienced 75% fewer forced moves than those with no subsidy.
Rates of homelessness were cut in half for program participants.
Stable housing led to better mental and physical health outcomes, particularly for children.
“There’s robust literature showing that households that are more housing secure … have better mental health, better physical health,” explained Sara Jaffee, a psychology professor at Penn and director of the university’s Risk and Resilience Lab.
Real-Life Impact on Families
For families like Tracey Nathaniel’s, the difference has been life-changing. A certified nursing assistant and single mother living in South Philadelphia, she had been struggling for years to keep up with $1,150 in monthly rent.
“It was literally robbing Peter to pay Paul,” Nathaniel recalled.
She joined the Philadelphia housing program PHLHousing+ after waiting more than a decade for a Section 8 housing voucher. The cash assistance she now receives has given her room to breathe financially.
“These days, that balancing act has more breathing room,” Nathaniel said. “It’s my security blanket.”
She explained that the payments allowed her to cover medical co-pays required for certain nursing jobs. With that support, she’s been able to pick up more shifts and move closer to securing full-time employment.
“It opened doors for me that were initially closed,” she said. “If not for the program, I don’t honestly know where I would be going.”
Uncertain Future, But Strong Momentum
The Philadelphia housing program PHLHousing+ is scheduled to conclude in June 2026. Whether it will become a permanent fixture in the city’s housing strategy remains unclear.
“These results are a really important, foundational piece for that conversation,” said Rachel Mulbry, director of policy and strategic initiatives at the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation.
She emphasized that the most striking impact has been on families’ day-to-day security.
“They’re not in court, they’re not getting locked out more informally by a landlord, they’re not sleeping on couches or in a car, in a shelter. That’s absolutely huge,” Mulbry said.
What Comes Next
Philadelphia is also preparing to launch a broader initiative — Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) — aimed at preserving and creating 30,000 affordable housing units. Backed by $800 million in bonds, the program will include multiple strategies to keep low-income families housed and address the city’s shortage of affordable units.
For now, researchers and housing advocates point to the success of PHLHousing+ as proof that flexible, unconditional cash assistance can work. As the city moves forward, the pilot may serve as both a guide and a catalyst for long-term housing solutions.
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