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Columbia University Bows To Trump’s Demands After Threat To Withhold Funds

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Columbia University has taken steps to comply with demands from the Trump administration after the federal government threatened to withhold $400 million in funding.

The university released a four-page memo titled Advancing Our Work to Combat Discrimination, Harassment, and Antisemitism at Columbia. This response is being closely watched by other institutions that were also focal points of pro-Palestinian demonstrations last year.

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The Trump administration had previously canceled $400 million in grants and contracts to Columbia, citing the university’s “continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.” In a letter last week, the administration outlined nine demands that Columbia had to meet by Thursday as “a precondition for formal negotiations” regarding federal funding.

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Among the measures taken, Columbia has agreed to ban masks, addressing one of the administration’s key requirements. The university stated in the memo, “Public safety has determined that face masks or face coverings are not allowed for the purpose of concealing one’s identity in the commission of violations of University policies or state, municipal, or federal laws.”

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Columbia has also agreed to implement stricter oversight of its Middle East Studies department. A new senior vice provost will now oversee the department and “will conduct a thorough review of the portfolio of programs in regional areas across the University, starting immediately with the Middle East.”

According to the memo, this review is intended to ensure that the curriculum is “comprehensive and balanced” and that faculty represent an “intellectually diverse academic environment” as the administration pushes to limit left-wing ideology on campus.

READ ALSO: Trump Revokes Temporary Legal Status Of Over 500,000 Migrants

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To further address academic concerns, the university will establish a Provostial Advisory Committee on Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression. This committee will advise university leadership on maintaining academic freedom at Columbia.

The committee members will serve as trusted advisors, both to consult on university policies and procedures and to ensure that our decisions are consistent with our values,” the university stated.

Additionally, Columbia will form a commission to examine campus events since Oct. 7, 2024—the anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war—and “present an analysis with the underlying causes.” The commission will create a report with recommendations to ensure that members of the Columbia community “are held accountable for actions that hinder the academic pursuit of any individual within the community.” It will also propose recommendations for a new disciplinary process.

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(ABC News)

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US Reality Star, Rolling Ray, Dies At 28

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Reality TV star, Raymond Harper, popularly known as Rolling Ray, has died at the age of 28.

His mother confirmed the news to TMZ, while his home network, Zeus, also announced his passing.

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In a tribute on Instagram, Zeus Network described him as “gone way too soon,” praising his impact on their productions, including Bobby I Love You, Purr and The Conversation.

“Gone way too soon. #RestInPeace to the BIG hearted, most Raw, & Real FRIEND & #Zeus Star #RaymondHarper aka @iamrollingray. Your Laughter, Light, & Loving Spirit will Live on FOREVER,” the network wrote.

Rolling Ray first gained attention in 2018 after appearing on MTV’s Catfish: Trolls before going viral in 2019 with his appearance on Divorce Court. He built a strong social media presence, amassing over 449,000 Instagram followers and a growing TikTok audience.

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He is also widely credited with popularising the catchphrase “purr,” now used globally as a slang expression of excitement and approval.

Born with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 3, a genetic condition that weakens muscles over time, doctors once predicted he would not live past 14. However, Ray defied expectations and went on to live a full life.

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Reflecting on his journey in a 2023 interview, he said:

At first, they said I was going to die at 14 years old. The doctor was wrong. Science changed, and doctors are not always right. God is good.”

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6 CEOs Fired Over Secret Affairs

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Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are expected to be professional, have boundaries and uphold ethical leadership. This is because, in most cases, one must have climbed up many ladders to become a CEO.

And if not careful, those years of experience can fade away in a single stand.

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This is because some companies have policies that forbid workers from having a romantic affair with each other.

And if found culpable. The punishments are not novel. Some CEOs have been fired over secret affairs that failed to align with their companies’ principles hence.

Here are the CEOs fired over secret affairs:

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1. Laurent Freixe
Laurent Freixe was the former CEO of Nestle. He was fired on 2 September 2025 after an investigation revealed that he was having an affair with his subordinate.

READ ALSO: Woman Allegedly Stabs Husband To Death Over Suspicious Neighbour In Delta

This action by Freixe violates the code of business conduct of the company. His case was investigated and chaired by Paul Bulcke and Pablo Isla alongside other independent counsel.

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In Freire’s place, Nestle appointed Philipp Navratil as the new chief executive officer.

2. Alan Shaw
Alan Shaw is an American business executive. He was the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Norfolk Southern Corporation, a provider of rail transport services.

His tenure which lasted two years, ended on 11 September 2024, after he was found guilty of having an affair with Nabanita Nag, the company’s executive vice president corporate affairs, chief legal officer and corporate secretary, effective.

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Shaw, whose tenure was described as “turbulent”, was replaced by Mark George, the former CFO of the company.

READ ALSO: 5 Musicians Whose Net Worth Are More Than Top Footballers’

3. Ashley Buchanan
Ashley Buchanan was dismissed in May 2025 as the head of Kohl (a retail company) months after his appointment.

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After a thorough investigation, the company discovered that Buchanan was in a romantic relationship with a woman called Chandra Holt, the founder of Incredibrew, a coffee business.

Ashley made her do business with Kohl; unknown to the management they were lovers until it was unraveled.

4. Steve Easterbrook
Steve Easterbrook was the former CEO fired from an American fast food company, McDonalds.

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He was appointed in March 2015 but his appointment was terminated on 1 November 2019 by the board of directors after Steve was found guilty of having a romantic affair with an employee — a violation of the company’s policies.

READ ALSO: Ghana Land Dispute Clashes Kill 31, Displace 48,000

5. Nadine Ahn
Nadine Ahn is an experienced and expert in banking, capital markets, corporate development and strategy.

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She was the chief financial officer of Royal Bank of Canada. Unfortunately, Ahn was dismissed for having a romantic relationship with one of her subordinates. She was caught hugging and kissing Ken Mason as they exited the elevator of the Royal York Hotel, Canada.

6. Andy Byron
Andy Byron, a seasoned software executive, was the chief executive officer (CEO) of Astronomer, a private company focused on building reliable data products and power data-driven applications.

Bryony became famous after being caught on camera caressing (which actually went viral on social media) Kristin Cabot, the company’s HR officer during a concert.

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Bryony was compelled to resign or better put: fired.
(TRIBUNE)

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Daniel Levy Makes Shock Decision To Quit As Spurs Chairman

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Daniel Levy stepped down as Tottenham executive chairman in a shock move on Thursday after a controversial reign lasting nearly 25 years.

Levy was the driving force behind Tottenham’s £1.2 billion ($1.6 billion) stadium and state of the art training centre.

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But the 63-year-old was a polarising figure among Tottenham fans, with numerous protests against him during difficult spell for the Premier League team.

Levy, who was the longest-serving chairman in the Premier League, had come under fire more than ever over the last few seasons.

A series of failed managerial appointments and the club’s transfer policy infuriated supporters and turned up the heat on Levy, who was accused of caring more about the club’s financial profits than success on the pitch.

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Tottenham endured their worst top-flight finish since 1976-77 last season, coming 17th before salvaging the campaign by winning the Europa League to qualify for the Champions League.

That success — which ended Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought — was not enough to spare boss Ange Postecoglou from Levy’s wrath as the Australian was sacked after two turbulent seasons in charge.

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Levy hired Thomas Frank from Brentford to replace Postecoglou in the last significant decision of his reign.

“I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees. We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level,” Levy said in a statement.

More than that, we have built a community. I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.

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I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn’t always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.”

Vinai Venkatesham was hired as Tottenham’s chief executive officer in April, while Peter Charrington joined the board in March and will step into the newly created role of Non-Executive Chairman.

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– ‘A new era of leadership’ –

I am very honoured to become Non-Executive Chairman of this extraordinary Club and, on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Daniel and his family for their commitment and loyalty to the Club over so many years,” Charrington said.

“This is a new era of leadership for the club, on and off the pitch. I do recognise there has been a lot of change in recent months as we put in place new foundations for the future.

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“We are now fully focused on stability and empowering our talented people across the Club, led by Vinai and his executive team.”

READ ALSO:Ghana Land Dispute Clashes Kill 31, Displace 48,000

Since Levy took the reins in 2001, Tottenham had won just two trophies, with the 2008 League Cup followed by the long wait that ended with last season’s Europa League final victory over Manchester United.

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Levy became renowned for his ruthless sacking of managers as the likes of Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino and Nuno Espirito Santo were dismissed.

Tottenham’s best period under Levy came during Pochettino’s spell.

The Argentine led Tottenham to three successive top three finishes in the Premier League and reached the 2019 Champions League final.

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Even Pochettino couldn’t escape Levy’s axe, but the spotlight eventually turned on the chairman.

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Tottenham fans were furious as their side spluttering badly last season and a difficult summer transfer window, which saw the club miss out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze only increased the pressure on Levy.

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One banner displayed last season at Levy’s pride and joy — the gleaming 62,000-capacity stadium that opened in 2019 — summed up the divisive nature of his reign.

24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy – time for change” it said.

While Tottenham eventually added a trophy to that meagre haul in the Levy era, the disillusioned supporters have finally got their wish.

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There will be no changes to the ownership or shareholder structure of the club following Levy’s departure.

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