Columbia University

A series of stabbings targeting Jewish individuals in Manhattan has sparked a surge in fear within the Jewish community and raised questions about the rhetoric of Columbia University professor Mahmoud Mamdani. The suspect has been charged with attempted murder and hate crimes, and is being held without bail. The incident has also inflamed a political rift between New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Jewish leaders, with calls for Mamdani to lower the temperature of his public statements. Multiple news outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, and Politico, are covering the event and its broader implications for community safety and political discourse.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 03:36 AM UTC

A federal appeals court ruled on Tuesday that a lower court judge erred in ordering the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian green card holder and Columbia University student. His arrest during a naturalization interview had become a flashpoint in the Trump administration's crackdown on foreign students. Last year, a district judge had found the administration likely targeted Mahdawi. The appeals court's decision overturns that release order, keeping Mahdawi in custody pending further proceedings.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 04:00 PM UTC

A federal appeals court panel, consisting of one George W. Bush appointee and two Donald Trump appointees, overturned a lower court ruling that had freed Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi from ICE custody. The Second Circuit panel ruled that the Vermont-based federal judge lacked jurisdiction to order Mahdawi's release, arguing that only an immigration court could handle his detention challenge as it was tied to his deportation case. Mahdawi, a Palestinian refugee from the West Bank and legal U.S. permanent resident, was arrested in April 2025 during a scheduled citizenship interview, which he described as a 'trap.' His detention was part of a pressure campaign led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who claimed Mahdawi's pro-Palestinian advocacy could undermine U.S. foreign policy. Mahdawi co-founded Columbia's Palestinian Student Union with Mahmoud Khalil, another permanent resident who was detained by ICE. The ACLU provided a statement from Mahdawi criticizing the ruling as a political failure that weakens First Amendment protections for non-citizens.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:09 PM UTC

A federal appeals court panel, consisting of two Trump appointees and one George W. Bush appointee, overturned a lower court ruling that had freed Columbia student and pro-Palestinian protester Mohsen Mahdawi from ICE custody. The Second Circuit panel ruled that the Vermont-based federal judge who initially ordered Mahdawi's release in 2025 lacked jurisdiction. Mahdawi, a West Bank refugee, was arrested following a pressure campaign led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who argued Mahdawi's presence could undermine U.S. foreign policy. The article also covers broader political context, including Trump's lack of engagement with congressional Republicans ahead of midterms and a House Democratic investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's alleged foreign agent activities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:09 PM UTC

A federal appeals court panel, consisting of one George W. Bush appointee and two Donald Trump appointees, overturned a lower court ruling that had freed Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi from ICE detention. The Second Circuit panel ruled that the Vermont federal judge who ordered Mahdawi's release in 2025 lacked jurisdiction, arguing that only an immigration court could handle his detention challenge as it was tied to his deportation case. Mahdawi, a Palestinian refugee from the West Bank, was arrested by masked agents during a scheduled citizenship interview in April 2025, which he described as a 'trap.' Secretary of State Marco Rubio had pushed for his deportation, claiming Mahdawi's advocacy could undermine U.S. foreign policy. Mahdawi co-founded Columbia's Palestinian Student Union with Mahmoud Khalil, another permanent resident detained by ICE. Mahdawi's statement, released by the ACLU, condemned the ruling as a political failure that weakens First Amendment protections for non-citizens.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:09 PM UTC

This opinion article from the Hoover Institution argues that the test-optional college admissions experiment, initiated during COVID-19 and driven by DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) ideology, has failed. It cites Columbia University's reinstatement of SAT/ACT requirements and a petition from over 1,000 UC STEM professors as evidence. The author contends that qualified, hardworking students were denied admission in favor of less prepared applicants, leading to unprepared students, inflated grades, and faculty revolts. The piece criticizes the lack of accountability for administrators and activists who promoted these policies, using a quote from Thomas Sowell to highlight the disparity in consequences between engineers and intellectuals. The author concludes that students and society are now paying the price for this social engineering experiment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:00 AM UTC

Current and former students who attended 10 elite U.S. universities, including Yale, Brown, and Columbia, began receiving payments on July 20, 2026, as part of a $284 million antitrust settlement. The settlement resolves allegations that the schools engaged in price-fixing by coordinating financial aid packages, which limited competition and inflated costs for students. The payments are being distributed to eligible students who were affected by the alleged scheme. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of college admissions and financial aid practices among prestigious institutions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:53 PM UTC

This Seeking Alpha article by analyst Sean Daly reports that Stoke Therapeutics (STOK) stock has risen 148% since his previous coverage in June 2025. The author reiterates his bullish thesis, focusing on the company's lead asset for Dravet syndrome entering its final development stretch. Daly, a finance professor and former visiting lecturer at Princeton, discloses a long position in STOK. The article provides an update on the biotech firm's progress and investment outlook, emphasizing the potential of its Dravet syndrome treatment as a key catalyst.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 06:15 AM UTC

This article from The Hindu's In Focus Weekend podcast discusses Neeraj Kaushal's new book 'When Africa Comes to America: How the Next Wave of Immigrants Will Transform the United States'. Kaushal, a Columbia University professor, argues that the future of the United States is tied to Black African immigration. A key statistic reveals that four times more Black African immigrants arrived in the US between 1990 and 2020 than were brought as slaves during the entire trans-Atlantic slave trade. The analysis explores how this influx may reshape America's racial hierarchy, potentially displacing Asians as the new 'model minority', and how it might play out in an era of xenophobic white nationalism. The article also raises the question of whether India, facing the end of its demographic dividend, should consider encouraging African immigration.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 10:43 AM UTC

Muneer Khan, founder of Cadre Tech Labs, has been named to the IEEE Computer Society's 'Computing’s Top 30 Early Career Professionals' list for 2025. The recognition highlights his journey from a first-generation college background in a remote Indian village to developing AI-powered assistive wearables for the blind and visually impaired. Khan holds a Master's in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University and founded Cadre Tech Labs, which is headquartered in New York with engineering operations in Navi Mumbai, India. The company's flagship product, VisionPro, is a pair of AI-powered smart glasses for blind individuals that has completed over 4,700 user trials. Khan has previously received the Young Scientist Award (2024), the Young Innovator of the Year award from Oxford, and the Engineering for Humanity Award in New York.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 09:38 AM UTC

This article traces the evolution of military medicine from the U.S. Civil War to World War II, highlighting the shift from disease as the primary killer to the challenge of battlefield hemorrhage. It details how Dr. Charles Drew's work on blood preservation and the creation of blood banks revolutionized wartime logistics, enabling blood to be transported and used effectively across theaters. The article then draws parallels to modern military challenges, such as long supply lines in the Pacific and threats to evacuation routes seen in Ukraine, arguing that the solution again lies in pushing blood products forward and ensuring their usability in forward areas.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:00 AM UTC

This article traces the evolution of military medicine from the U.S. Civil War to World War II, highlighting the shift from disease as the primary killer to hemorrhage as the leading cause of preventable combat death. It details the logistical challenges of blood preservation and transport, focusing on Dr. Charles Drew's breakthrough in blood banking at scale during WWII. The piece argues that modern militaries face a similar 'blood problem' in conflicts like Ukraine and potential Pacific wars, where extended supply lines and enemy attacks on evacuation routes demand forward-deployed, durable blood products.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:00 AM UTC

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) has appointed Sonja Brookins Santelises as vice president, senior fellow, and director of the newly established Richard Haass Center for Education, effective September 8, 2025, based in Washington, DC. The center, founded in June 2025, aims to centralize and expand CFR's educational work, creating resources for secondary and postsecondary classrooms and promoting civil discourse on global affairs. Santelises, a nationally recognized educator, previously served as CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools for a decade, overseeing a $1.9 billion budget and reducing low-performing schools. She also serves as superintendent in residence at Yale School of Management's Broad Center. CFR President Michael Froman praised her expertise in public education and civic leadership. Santelises holds degrees from Brown University, Columbia University, and Harvard University.

1 reports · 1 sources

The article reports on the instrumental role of Gen Z students in the June Democratic congressional primaries in New York City, where a slate of progressive candidates endorsed by Zohran Mamdani won key races. Candidates Brad Lander (NY-10), Claire Valdez (NY-7), and Darializa Avila Chevalier (NY-13) defeated incumbents, including Adriano Espaillat. Students from Fordham, Cornell, City College, Hunter, and Columbia canvassed and organized for the campaigns, citing inspiration from Bernie Sanders and Mamdani's 2025 mayoral bid. The youth vote, which overwhelmingly supported Mamdani (75% of 18-29 year olds), was critical. Students highlighted issues like affordability, education, and Palestine as driving their involvement. The victories are seen as a sign of the DSA's growing political power and the ability of young people to shape the Democratic Party's direction.

1 reports · 1 sources

Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. permanent resident and former Columbia University protest leader, filed a federal lawsuit on July 14, 2026, against senior Trump administration officials and right-wing Zionist organizations under the KKK Act of 1871. The 131-page complaint alleges a conspiracy to intimidate, arrest, and deport pro-Palestine activists. Named defendants include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, former Secretary Kristi Noem, the Heritage Foundation, Canary Mission, and Betar. Khalil was arrested in March 2025, detained for 100 days, and missed the birth of his first child. The lawsuit claims the administration collaborated with these groups to target noncitizen Palestinians and supporters, citing Project Esther and a prior trial revealing Canary Mission provided DHS with a list of protesters. Khalil stated the lawsuit seeks accountability and justice.

1 reports · 1 sources

The New England Patriots have announced significant changes to their scouting department, marked by the retirement of Nancy Meier and the hiring of Courtney Weiner. Meier, the team’s director of scouting administration and its longest-tenured employee, is retiring after a remarkable 52-year career with the franchise. To fill the void, the Patriots have appointed 27-year-old Courtney Weiner as the new scouting administration coordinator. Weiner brings recent experience from the Naval Academy, where she served as the director of football and recruiting operations and as the NFL liaison for the Midshipmen. Prior to her time at the Naval Academy, she held recruiting roles at Columbia University, where she also earned a master’s degree in sports management. This transition is part of a broader offseason restructuring for the Patriots' scouting unit, which also saw the departure of director of scouting projects Marshall Oium and the replacement of Midwest area scout Justin Hickman with Robert Haines. These moves signal a continued effort by the organization to refresh its talent evaluation infrastructure following the end of an era defined by Meier's long-standing service.

1 reports · 1 sources

An observational study published in the journal Nature reveals that sleeping six to eight hours per night is associated with slower biological aging and a reduced risk of chronic diseases and premature mortality. An international research team, including experts from Columbia University, analyzed data from nearly 500,000 participants in the UK Biobank. Using 23 statistical tools known as biological clocks, they estimated the aging of various organs through MRI and blood tests. The findings indicate a U-shaped relationship, where both insufficient sleep (under six hours) and excessive sleep (over eight hours) correlate with accelerated aging in the brain, liver, immune system, pancreas, and adipose tissues. Additionally, disrupted sleep patterns were linked to higher risks of depression, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The study notes that optimal sleep duration may vary by organ and biological sex, with cardiac health favoring six hours and brain health favoring eight. Researchers emphasize that the relationship is likely bidirectional, suggesting sleep should be a key consideration in strategies to prevent unhealthy aging, though adjusting sleep alone may not guarantee disease prevention.

1 reports · 1 sources

Lawyers for Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and pro-Palestine activist, have petitioned an immigration appeals court to reopen and terminate his deportation case. They cite new evidence suggesting the Trump administration improperly engineered the legal outcome to make an example of him. The appeal follows a final removal order issued by the Board of Immigration Appeals in April 2026. Khalil’s legal team points to procedural abnormalities, including a New York Times report revealing his case was flagged as high priority and fast-tracked despite his release from detention. Additionally, three immigration judges recused themselves from the case, a rare occurrence indicating potential interference. The FBI had previously closed an investigation into allegations of violent rhetoric without further action. Khalil, a US permanent resident married to a US citizen, maintains he was targeted for his political views under a rarely used national security provision. His attorneys argue the Department of Justice weaponized the immigration process, lacking concrete evidence of criminal activity while suppressing lawful advocacy. The case highlights ongoing tensions regarding free speech and immigration enforcement during the Trump administration's crackdown on campus protests.

1 reports · 1 sources

Democratic strategist James Carville warned that anti-Israel activists aligned with the Democratic Party could significantly damage the party's electoral and moral standing. Speaking on Jim Acosta’s podcast, Carville emphasized that while some protesters are associated with Democrats, most antisemites and radical activists are not actual party members. He expressed concern that loud voices opposing Israel are overshadowing the majority of Democrats who do not tolerate hatred. Carville distinguished between criticizing the Israeli government and hostility toward Jewish people or the state of Israel, asserting that conflating the two is incorrect. He highlighted the political risk of being perceived as tolerating antisemitism, particularly amid ongoing campus protests related to the Israel-Hamas war. Additionally, Carville reflected on past peace efforts, blaming neoconservatives for their collapse and expressing belief that reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians remains possible. His comments address the internal divisions within the Democratic coalition regarding U.S. support for Israel following the October 7 attacks.

1 reports · 1 sources

This financial analysis highlights Infleqtion (NYSE: INFQ) as an emerging leader in the quantum navigation sector, driven by the rapid adoption of its neutral atom quantum technology. The company has secured commercial traction with elite clients in defense, aerospace, and AI infrastructure sectors through its differentiated product suite, which includes Tiqker atomic clocks and advanced quantum sensors. Financially, Infleqtion is described as well-capitalized following its SPAC merger, having raised $540 million. The report notes a trailing twelve-month revenue of $29 million, $50 million in booked business, and a fiscal year 2026 revenue guidance of $40 million. The author argues that Infleqtion is generating meaningful revenue ahead of most peers due to its scalable architecture and commercial momentum. Consequently, the stock is recommended as a speculative buy for risk-tolerant investors, positioning quantum navigation as a critical capability for Western militaries. The article emphasizes the company's strategic advantage in meeting urgent national security needs while maintaining strong financial health.

1 reports · 1 sources

Columbia University sophomore forward Ryan Soulis has officially committed to join the Northwestern University men's basketball team, as announced by DraftExpress reporter Jon Chepkevich. The 6-foot-10 player from Athens, Greece, brings significant size to the Wildcats' roster under head coach Chris Collins. Soulis averaged 5.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 20.0 minutes per game during his previous season with the Columbia Lions, starting in 17 of the 26 games he played. His collegiate path includes two prior years at Richmond; however, due to Ivy League transfer restrictions, he retained sophomore eligibility despite being in his third year of college basketball. He is expected to be listed as a redshirt junior for the upcoming 2026-27 season. This commitment marks Soulis as the seventh transfer addition for Northwestern this offseason and highlights the program's international recruitment strategy, as he is the fourth non-U.S.-born player in this portal class, joining Okku Federiko, Luke McEldon, and Aleksej Kostić.

1 reports · 1 sources

Lawyers for Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent pro-Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student, have requested that US immigration authorities terminate deportation proceedings against him. Filed on May 15, 2026, the motion alleges that the Trump administration secretly engineered the legal outcome to make an example of Khalil, who was arrested in March 2025 amid pro-Gaza campus protests. The legal team claims the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) improperly influenced lower court decisions, bypassed standard appellate channels, and issued a final removal order in just nine days after dismissing Khalil’s challenge in April 2026. Khalil, a legal permanent resident married to a US citizen, argues that the administration is violating longstanding procedures to intimidate free speech regarding Palestine. Although released from custody in June 2025, he remains under threat of deportation. The Executive Office for Immigration Review did not comment on the allegations. This case highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and political activism related to the conflict in Gaza.

1 reports · 1 sources

A recent study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center indicates that both insufficient and excessive sleep may accelerate biological aging across multiple organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, and immune system. Analyzing data from the UK Biobank, researchers found that sleeping fewer than six hours or more than eight hours daily was associated with faster aging, while the optimal duration for minimal aging ranged between 6.4 and 7.8 hours. The study suggests that sleep imbalance serves as a marker for poorer overall health rather than a direct cause of organ aging. Health experts emphasize that sleep is a critical repair mechanism where the body clears metabolic waste and rebalances hormones. Dr. Manas Mengar notes that chronic sleep disruption leads to increased inflammation, higher blood pressure, and weakened immune recovery. Furthermore, oversleeping is often a red flag for underlying conditions such as sleep apnea, depression, or thyroid disorders, rather than merely indicating laziness. The findings highlight the importance of viewing sleep as a core pillar of preventive medicine, particularly for younger adults who may mask fatigue with caffeine but suffer internal biological stress.

1 reports · 1 sources

A new study published in the journal Nature reveals that maintaining an ideal sleep duration of six to eight hours per night is associated with slower biological aging and reduced risks of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and depression. Conducted by researchers at Columbia University using data from approximately 500,000 adults in the UK Biobank, the analysis utilized 23 different biological clocks to estimate the age of various organs. The findings indicate a U-shaped relationship, where both insufficient and excessive sleep correlate with accelerated aging markers. Notably, different organs responded uniquely; heart health indicators were optimal at around six hours, while brain health markers favored eight hours. Although the study highlights significant correlations, authors caution that causality is not fully established, suggesting a bidirectional relationship where health issues may also impact sleep quality. Experts emphasize that sleep is a modifiable health factor influenced more by environmental conditions than genetics, offering potential strategies for disease prevention and healthy aging.

1 reports · 1 sources

On March 8, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, marking a renewed effort by the Trump administration to deport him and fellow activist Mohsen Mahdawi. Both individuals had previously successfully challenged deportation orders in federal court. The government has not alleged any criminal activity or security threats, instead citing their political speech and participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations as grounds for visa revocation. The article argues that these actions exploit the vulnerability of international students, creating a tiered system of political rights where dissent carries existential risks for non-citizens. This strategy aims to chill broader political speech on campuses, affecting faculty and domestic students through institutional pressure and fear. The piece contextualizes these events within a historical pattern of using immigration enforcement to suppress political dissent, comparing it to past eras like the McCarthyite Red Scare. It asserts that the administration's crackdown on Palestinian organizing is part of a broader project to reassert social hierarchies and roll back gains from previous social movements, threatening the intellectual independence of universities.

1 reports · 1 sources

Recent research indicates that increasing the stiffness of cancer cells can significantly boost the effectiveness of CAR T-cell immunotherapy. Scientists discovered that cancer cells are typically softer than healthy cells due to higher cholesterol content in their membranes, which may help them evade immune detection. In a study involving mice with melanoma, researchers injected methyl β-cyclodextrin (meβCD) into tumors to reduce membrane cholesterol and stiffen the cells. This treatment was combined with engineered T-cells and IL-15 infusions. The results were striking: while all control mice died from tumor growth, five out of twelve treated mice saw their tumors completely disappear. The stiffened cells allowed T-cells to latch on more strongly and deliver toxic molecules like perforin more efficiently. Although challenges remain in translating mouse results to humans due to immune system differences, experts are optimistic because cancer cell softness is consistent across species. The research team is now developing single-injection drugs with similar effects and plans to test the approach on various tumor types. This physical approach to tackling cancer represents a promising new direction for improving survival rates in immunotherapy treatments.

1 reports · 1 sources

Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog has canceled his scheduled in-person appearance at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) graduation ceremony in New York, opting instead to deliver his address virtually. The event, originally set for May 19, included plans to award Herzog an honorary degree, which will now be presented at a later date in Israel. While pro-Palestinian students had voiced strong opposition to his visit due to his support for the war in Gaza, Herzog’s office explicitly denied that protests influenced the decision. Officials attributed the cancellation to logistical circumstances following the President's recent diplomatic trips to Costa Rica, Panama, and Kazakhstan. Herzog cited vague 'circumstances' preventing travel. The incident highlights ongoing tensions on US campuses regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, with some students criticizing Herzog while others praised his stance against anti-Semitism. Meanwhile, broader geopolitical tensions persist, with reports indicating Israeli preparations for potential renewed US-led actions against Iran. The JTS, affiliated with Columbia University, remains a focal point for these academic and political debates.

1 reports · 1 sources

Renowned US economist Jeffrey Sachs has strongly criticized the continued existence and expansion of NATO, describing the alliance's post-1990 trajectory as absurd. Speaking via video link at a meeting of the Board of Governors of the BRICS New Development Bank in Moscow, Sachs argued that the world must transition away from residual wars of hegemony. He emphasized that accepting the development of multipolarity is essential for establishing a peaceful path forward in international relations. Sachs' comments align with recent statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who previously labeled NATO an atavism created solely to contain the Soviet Union. The article, published by TASS, situates these remarks within a broader context of geopolitical tension, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. By advocating for a multilateral model, Sachs suggests that major powers should recognize the shifting global balance of power rather than maintaining Cold War-era military structures. His intervention highlights growing dissent among certain Western intellectuals regarding current US foreign policy and NATO's role in contemporary global security architecture.

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This financial analysis recommends buying Precigen (PGEN) stock, citing the early FDA approval of its lead product, PAPZIMEOS, as a key driver for commercial validation. The article highlights rapid adoption by insurers and physicians, suggesting strong market penetration. Precigen's AdenoVerse platform is identified as the foundation for near-term growth, with PAPZIMEOS targeting a $2 billion global recommended retail price market. Additionally, the pipeline candidate PRGN-2009 is advancing in trials for HPV-related cancers. Management projects the company will achieve cash flow positivity in 2024, with consensus estimates indicating significantly improving earnings per share and revenue through 2028. While risks such as competition from Inovio’s INO-3107 and challenges in international expansion are acknowledged, the author argues that Precigen’s current data and commercial lead remain compelling. The piece notes that since a previous buy recommendation, the stock has risen 156%, reinforcing the positive outlook. The analysis focuses on financial metrics, regulatory milestones, and competitive positioning within the biotech sector, providing an investment thesis based on operational execution and market potential.

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Oscar L. Tang, a retired financier, and his wife Agnes Hsu-Tang, an archaeologist and art historian, have been recognized for their transformative philanthropy in New York’s cultural sector. Despite maintaining a low public profile, the couple has made record-breaking donations to major institutions. Their $125 million gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the largest capital contribution in the museum's history, funded the new Tang Wing for Modern and Contemporary Art, scheduled to open in 2030. Additionally, they provided $20 million to the New York Historical Society for a wing dedicated to American democracy and donated $40 million to the New York Philharmonic, marking its largest endowment gift ever. Beyond New York, the Tangs support higher education, including establishing centers for Early China studies at Columbia University and Silk Road studies at UC Berkeley. This recognition highlights their significant impact on preserving and promoting arts, history, and academic research through substantial financial contributions.

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