Columbia University
Coverage of Columbia University in the Nexus archive.
- I worked at Amazon on an F-1 visa as layoffs mounted. Here's why I left for a semiconductor company.
Vinit Juneja left his software engineering role at Amazon after initially landing the job while on an F-1 visa as a student from India to pursue a master's degree. His decision was influenced by the perceived risks of layoffs in Big Tech and his desire to move toward a more business side of technology, leading him to join the semiconductor industry.
- Long Island police shoot knife-wielding man in face during encounter in Westbury
A Columbia University medical student was shot in the face by Nassau County officers after he allegedly lunged at them with a large knife in Westbury. The incident occurred during a police encounter involving a knife-wielding individual.
- Researchers at Columbia working to pinpoint where Alzheimer's begins and how it progresses
Researchers at Columbia are investigating the origins and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Bill Ritter interviewed two Columbia doctors discussing advancements in Alzheimer's research.
- Columbia University student workers’ union withdraws Israel divestment demand
Columbia University student workers' union (SWC-UAW) withdrew its demand for financial divestment from Israel during bargaining negotiations, marking a major shift in its political orientation. The union, previously aligned with the pro-Palestinian movement since the start of Israel’s actions in Gaza, had earlier supported divestment and transparency in university finances.
- UN, scientists warn that strong El Nino will add fuel to ‘a planet already on fire’
A strengthening El Nino has broken records for intensity and is expected to cause extreme weather globally, according to UN officials and scientists. The phenomenon, which will likely peak in late 2024, is described as 'adding fuel to a planet already on fire' due to its combination with long-term global warming.
- UN, scientists warn that strong El Nino will add fuel to 'a planet already on fire'
A strengthening El Nino is expected to break intensity records and trigger extreme weather worldwide, with the United Nations and scientists warning it will exacerbate the climate crisis. The phenomenon, which is still growing, is projected to peak in late fall 2024, combining with global warming to cause unprecedented heat, droughts, and rainfall extremes.
- Columbia grad student union officials drop Israel divestment demand: ‘Face the realities’
The student union at Columbia University dropped its Israel divestment demand, marking a loss for anti-Israel protesters as their group leader admitted the need to 'face the realities.'
- Meet the Gen Z AI whiz at the center of a hedge fund meltdown
Leopold Aschenbrenner, founder of AI-focused hedge fund Situational Awareness, was fired from OpenAI for sharing internal information and later faced a fund meltdown, leading to the sale of most public assets. He graduated from Columbia at 15 and published a 165-page essay on AI's economic impact.
- US emissions reductions fall short of Biden-era goals
The US is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 27-41% below 2005 levels by 2040, missing Biden-era goals. A Rhodium Group report highlights that Trump-era policies may lead to natural gas and renewable power competing through the 2030s, limiting power sector emissions cuts. A Columbia University analysis found Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act preserved 74% of planned clean energy capacity compared to Biden's Inflation Reduction Act.
- How Netanyahu Lost America
Benjamin Netanyahu, who spent four decades promoting Israel's image in the U.S., has seen a decline in American support, with increased bipartisan criticism following the October 7 Hamas-led attacks and Israel's Gaza invasion. Democrats have increasingly opposed arms sales to Israel, and figures like Columbia University activist and anti-Zionist mayors have gained prominence, while Republican J.D. Vance made unsubstantiated claims linking Israel to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Skipping sleep may pack on pounds faster than you think, new study finds
A study by Columbia University found that participants who skipped sleep gained about 1 pound and had slightly larger waistlines. The research highlights a link between sleep deprivation and weight gain.
- US appeals court overturns ruling requiring release of pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi
A US appeals court overturned a 2025 ruling that required the release of pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi from immigration detention. The decision, which does not order his re-arrest, could make it harder for Green Card holders to use First Amendment claims to secure release from detention, following his detention after participating in campus protests against Israel's actions in Gaza.
- US appeals court overturns ruling requiring release of pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi
A US appeals court overturned a 2025 ruling that ordered the release of pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi from immigration detention, stating his case should have been handled in immigration court. The decision could strengthen restrictions on Green Card holders using First Amendment rights to seek release from detention, following Mahdawi's detention after participating in campus protests against Israel's actions in Gaza.
- Appeals court reverses decision that freed pro-Palestinian Columbia activist Mohsen Mahdawi
A federal appeals court reversed a lower court's decision to release pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi, allowing potential re-arrest as the Trump administration seeks his deportation. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the lower court overstepped by intervening before Mahdawi's immigration case concluded, mirroring a prior decision against his former Columbia University classmate Mahmoud Khalil.
- Federal appeals court overturns Vermont judge’s ruling that released Mohsen Mahdawi
A U.S. appeals court overturned a Vermont federal judge’s decision to release Mohsen Mahdawi, a green card holder and Columbia University student, from immigration custody. The court ruled Mahdawi’s case should have been processed through the federal immigration court system before the judge intervened.
- Appeals court overturns ruling releasing ex-Columbia student activist from ICE detention
An appeals court overturned a lower court's decision to release ex-Columbia student activist Mohsen Mahdawi from ICE detention. The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the lower court lacked jurisdiction in the case involving Mahdawi, a Palestinian activist targeted for deportation by the Trump administration.
- Mahmoud Khalil files $20 million suit over 3-month ICE detention
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, filed a $20 million lawsuit against the U.S. government over a 104-day immigration detention that prevented him from attending his first child's birth. He claims the detention was unconstitutional and part of a plan to target pro-Palestinian activists, citing collaboration with groups like the Heritage Foundation and allegations of weaponized immigration laws.
- Students who attended 10 elite schools accused of price fixing are now getting payments from a $284 million settlement
Current and former students of 10 elite schools are receiving payments from a $284 million financial aid settlement following a lawsuit alleging price-fixing in favor of wealthy students. Payments average $2,000 and were first distributed on July 20 via digital methods and checks.
- Mahmoud Khalil sues Trump officials, pro-Israel groups over conspiracy allegations
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, has filed a lawsuit against Trump officials and pro-Israel groups over conspiracy allegations. The case invokes a historical statute originally designed to combat the Ku Klux Klan.
- Mahmoud Khalil files suit alleging a 'public-private' conspiracy to target Israel's critics
Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student, sued the federal government and private groups like the Heritage Foundation, Canary Mission, and Betar, alleging a coordinated campaign to suppress criticism of Israel through doxing, arrests, and deportation efforts. Khalil was detained for 104 days by ICE in 2025 amid a Trump administration crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists and denies accusations of antisemitism.
- Global oil demand is falling, and crude prices are down. But here’s why gasoline, diesel and other refined products are still costly
Global oil demand is declining due to higher prices and supply disruptions from the U.S.-Iran war, which blocked shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. China significantly reduced oil purchases and strategic reserve fills, while the U.S. saw increased gasoline use despite high prices.
- Is the US trying to make scientists’ work so difficult that they simply give up? | Daniel Malinsky
The Trump administration's new rules, including grant freezes, political keyword reviews, and restrictions on international collaboration, are creating significant barriers for federally-funded scientific research. The article suggests these measures aim to make scientific research so burdensome that scientists abandon the field.
- Global oil demand is dropping, but US drivers keep buying more gas
Global oil demand is declining due to higher prices and supply disruptions from the U.S.-Iran conflict, with China significantly cutting oil purchases and increasing electric vehicle use. However, U.S. gasoline consumption rose despite elevated pump prices.
- Left-wing host presses El-Sayed over 'physician' claim, questions honesty of Michigan Dem Senate hopeful
Left-wing host Mehdi Hasan questioned Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed about his use of the term 'physician' without a valid state medical license in New York or Michigan. El-Sayed defended his public health record but avoided directly addressing Hasan's concerns about honesty, while Hasan emphasized the importance of truth in political claims.
- See which US presidents attended Ivy League colleges and universities
Sixteen U.S. presidents attended Ivy League institutions, with Harvard educating the most (eight) and Yale five. Joe Biden was the first president since Ronald Reagan not to attend an Ivy League school, while Donald Trump attended the University of Pennsylvania. The Ivy League's influence on U.S. leadership spans from James Madison's 1771 Princeton graduation to recent presidents.
- Lawyer for Columbia University’s Jewish students netted $6.4M payday while preying on own clients: lawsuit
A lawyer representing Jewish students at Columbia University received $6.4 million while allegedly exploiting his clients, according to a lawsuit. The lawsuit claims the lawyer used the case as a personal financial opportunity rather than advocating for his clients.
- I spent years building a life in New York. Losing my job meant leaving my cats, my apartment, and the US.
Vivienne Yang moved from Taiwan to New York in 2018 to pursue a career in the ad-tech industry but had to return to Taiwan in 2024 after being laid off, leaving behind her Brooklyn apartment, two cats, and H-1B visa status. She transitioned to a B-2 tourist visa to stay in the US temporarily but eventually relocated due to immigration constraints.
- Is Rashidul Bari From Bari Science Lab actually a PhD holder or Scam Artists?
Rashidul Bari from Bari Science Lab claims to hold a PhD from Columbia University and promotes his son Isaac Bari as a math prodigy, but no evidence supports these assertions. The family operates a tutoring center in Queens, yet no thesis or verification confirms Rashidul's academic credentials.
- After Boyle Heights warehouse fire, residents take environmental testing into their own hands
Residents in Boyle Heights are conducting environmental testing of the L.A. River and Lineage warehouse fire runoff, partnering with UCLA and Columbia University to analyze contaminants. The initiative addresses concerns about pollution impacts and health risks, particularly in communities with disproportionate environmental burdens.
- The circuit that lets your brain think and see
The article discusses a brain circuit responsible for enabling thought and vision. It highlights research from Columbia University's engineering department.
- Alan Greenspan said 3 years with Gerald Ford beat 18 at the Fed. His death at 100 raises the question: was he right?
Alan Greenspan, who died at 100, is best known for his 18-year tenure at the Federal Reserve. He also served as chair of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Gerald Ford from 1974-77, an experience that shaped his public service career. The article highlights his early life as a musician and his association with Ayn Rand before his economics career.
- Mamdani-backed DSA member led radical anti-Israel group that demanded ‘total eradication of Western civilization’
Darializa Avila Chevalier, a Democratic Socialists of America-backed individual and likely next congresswoman from New York's 13th District, participated in the 2024 Columbia University campus takeover and was a key figure in a radical anti-Israel group that called for 'the total eradication of Western civilization.'
- Op-ed | We must figure out what to do with terror groups and the American-based organizations that finance and support them
The article highlights the presence of U.S.-based organizations, such as the Islamic Association of Palestine and Holy Land Foundation, which provided material support to Hamas, leading to legal actions including a $156 million civil lawsuit against these groups. It also addresses ongoing campus protests linked to antisemitic rhetoric and terrorism glorification following the 2023 Hamas attacks.
- Mamdani’s bid to become a Democratic socialist kingmaker—and other races to watch in the New York primary
New York congressional primaries feature Democratic incumbents facing challenges from candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist seeking to influence the party's direction. Key races include Dan Goldman vs. Brad Lander and Adriano Espaillat vs. Darializa Avila Chevalier, while Jack Schlossberg competes in a crowded field to replace retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler.
- Former Fed Chair Alan Greenspan dies at 100
Alan Greenspan, the former head of the Federal Reserve, died at 100 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. His wife, Andrea Mitchell, announced his death in a statement highlighting his economic influence and personal passions.
- The 35 colleges that produced the most US presidents
Harvard University has produced five US presidents, leading a list of colleges with the most presidents among their alumni. Other institutions include Ivy League schools, the US Military Academy, and liberal arts colleges, with examples like Fordham University (Donald Trump), University of Delaware (Joe Biden), Occidental College (Barack Obama), and Columbia University (Barack Obama).
- Philadelphia had its 3rd-warmest spring on record. A hotter-than-normal summer could be coming
Philadelphia experienced its third-warmest spring on record with an average temperature of 57.8°F from March to May. Forecasters predict a hotter-than-normal summer due to a strong El Niño and long-term warming trends. Since 1970, Philadelphia's spring and summer temperatures have risen by approximately 3°F.
- Opinion: Iran dealt Israel a crushing defeat and vindicated America's anti-war majority
Hamid Dabashi argues that Israel's defeat in the US-Israeli war on Iran has isolated it, with Iran emerging stronger and validating American anti-war sentiment. A VoteVets protest against the war occurred outside the US Capitol on 20 May 2026.
- Hormuz will never really be open again
The US-Iran de-escalation deal may restore some oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz but global energy trade remains disrupted. Goldman Sachs lowered its oil price forecast, and experts highlight long-term shifts toward electrification and energy security challenges, with Iran maintaining leverage to disrupt transit.
- Columbia University to Require Test Scores
Columbia University will require standardized test scores as part of its admissions process.