heather
@heatherchen.bsky.social
formerly a defector intern and managing editor at the columbia daily spectator
Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, scholar and father to NYC’s mayor, began teaching at Columbia in 1999. Since then, “Columbia has lost the trust of its key constituencies,” Mamdani told me and Isha Banerjee in an interview. “That’s a basic problem it has to confront.”
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2026/02...
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2026/02...
Mahmood Mamdani on the making of the modern university
A lot has changed for professor Mahmood Mamdani since he went on medical leave from Columbia in September 2025.
www.columbiaspectator.com
February 2, 2026 at 12:59 AM
Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, scholar and father to NYC’s mayor, began teaching at Columbia in 1999. Since then, “Columbia has lost the trust of its key constituencies,” Mamdani told me and Isha Banerjee in an interview. “That’s a basic problem it has to confront.”
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2026/02...
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2026/02...
Reposted by heather
Here's a thread of some Dan McQuade blogs that we really loved 🦅
The Garden State Parkway’s Jon Bon Jovi rest stop is playing fast and loose with famous quotes: defector.com/the-garden-s...
The Garden State Parkway’s Jon Bon Jovi rest stop is playing fast and loose with famous quotes: defector.com/the-garden-s...
The Garden State Parkway's Jon Bon Jovi Rest Stop Is Playing Fast And Loose With Famous Quotes | Defector
CHEESEQUAKE, N.J. — Have you ever scored a touchdown? I never played real football, so my own experiences have been pretty low-key, but man, did they feel great. I think I remember almost all of them—...
defector.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Here's a thread of some Dan McQuade blogs that we really loved 🦅
The Garden State Parkway’s Jon Bon Jovi rest stop is playing fast and loose with famous quotes: defector.com/the-garden-s...
The Garden State Parkway’s Jon Bon Jovi rest stop is playing fast and loose with famous quotes: defector.com/the-garden-s...
Reposted by heather
Federal law enforcement agents shot and killed a man in Minneapolis on Jan. 24 according to local police officials. DHS told Fox News that the man was “armed with a gun”. A video of the shooting appears to show that a gun was taken from the man before the first shot was fired. x.com/BillMelugin_...
January 24, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Federal law enforcement agents shot and killed a man in Minneapolis on Jan. 24 according to local police officials. DHS told Fox News that the man was “armed with a gun”. A video of the shooting appears to show that a gun was taken from the man before the first shot was fired. x.com/BillMelugin_...
Reposted by heather
Two women trained as first responders were abducted by three ICE agents. One of the agents starts seizing. The other two don’t know what to do. The women jump into action and save the agent’s life, only to be re-handcuffed and processed.
www.startribune.com/detained-by-...
www.startribune.com/detained-by-...
Detained by ICE, two women became first responders during agent’s seizure
The women say they guided agents through the emergency, later raising concerns about medical protocols, weapons safety and accountability.
www.startribune.com
January 23, 2026 at 11:47 PM
Two women trained as first responders were abducted by three ICE agents. One of the agents starts seizing. The other two don’t know what to do. The women jump into action and save the agent’s life, only to be re-handcuffed and processed.
www.startribune.com/detained-by-...
www.startribune.com/detained-by-...
For my first of the year, I spoke with Michigan US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed for @thenation.com. We talked about speaking to young voters, the role of legislators in defending our universities, Bernie Sanders, Zohran Mamdani, and more. Read it here:
www.thenation.com/article/poli...
www.thenation.com/article/poli...
Abdul El-Sayed Wants to “Throw Some Righteous Punches”
As the Democratic Party debates its identity, this progressive primary candidate and doctor is primed for a breakout moment in the race for Michigan’s Senate seat.
www.thenation.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:34 PM
For my first of the year, I spoke with Michigan US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed for @thenation.com. We talked about speaking to young voters, the role of legislators in defending our universities, Bernie Sanders, Zohran Mamdani, and more. Read it here:
www.thenation.com/article/poli...
www.thenation.com/article/poli...
I attended the NYC “Make Billionaires Pay March” on Saturday. Here’s what it can tell us about where the climate movement is headed—away from fossil fuel divestment and toward broader resistance, with fewer young people.
For @thenation.com:
www.thenation.com/article/envi...
For @thenation.com:
www.thenation.com/article/envi...
Where Did All the Youth Climate Activists Go?
The “Make Billionaires Pay” march might hint at where the climate movement is headed—away from fossil fuel divestment and toward broader resistance, with fewer young people.
www.thenation.com
September 24, 2025 at 6:18 PM
I attended the NYC “Make Billionaires Pay March” on Saturday. Here’s what it can tell us about where the climate movement is headed—away from fossil fuel divestment and toward broader resistance, with fewer young people.
For @thenation.com:
www.thenation.com/article/envi...
For @thenation.com:
www.thenation.com/article/envi...
Reposted by heather
Can we hear the climate crisis? defector.com/how-climate-...
How Climate Change Is Transforming The Soundtrack Of The Natural World | Defector
It is easy enough to read about the climate crisis through the dozens of devastating stories that run each week, warning us of the people who will be displaced or otherwise harmed by the planet’s…
defector.com
August 12, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Can we hear the climate crisis? defector.com/how-climate-...
Mahmoud Khalil, who arrived at Newark airport today, spoke to press alongside his wife, newborn son, and AOC. “Israel is still waging full war against Palestinians across Palestine, the U.S. government is funding this genocide, and Columbia University is investing in this genocide,” Khalil said.
June 21, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Mahmoud Khalil, who arrived at Newark airport today, spoke to press alongside his wife, newborn son, and AOC. “Israel is still waging full war against Palestinians across Palestine, the U.S. government is funding this genocide, and Columbia University is investing in this genocide,” Khalil said.
Reposted by heather
Pete DeBoer just loves making conference finals and getting fired: defector.com/pete-deboer-...
Pete DeBoer Just Loves Making Conference Finals And Getting Fired | Defector
Oh, you think Thibs has a gripe? Pete DeBoer has made six out of the last seven conference finals, with three different teams—and been fired by them all, after the Stars announced today that they thin...
defector.com
June 6, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Pete DeBoer just loves making conference finals and getting fired: defector.com/pete-deboer-...
Reposted by heather
NEW DEFECTOR INTERN LET'S GO
Can't sleep. Hopped up on bunts. defector.com/cant-sleep-h...
Can't Sleep. Hopped Up On Bunts. | Defector
I am a bit sleep deprived on my first day of work. I certainly could have slept last night—my excitement for the dream of interning here was outweighed by Amtrak-induced exhaustion. But unfortunately ...
defector.com
June 2, 2025 at 10:53 PM
NEW DEFECTOR INTERN LET'S GO
Reposted by heather
A letter from the EIC & Managing Ed of Spec on last week's catastrophe. The irony of a Spec staffer being suspended merely b/c she was writing her First Amendment final essay in Butler Library & stayed to report on the police action should be lost on no one. www.columbiaspectator.com/opinion/2025...
Letter from the Editors: Columbia and Barnard are failing their student press
<i>Editor’s note: This article deals with topics of police brutality.</i>
www.columbiaspectator.com
May 14, 2025 at 2:27 AM
A letter from the EIC & Managing Ed of Spec on last week's catastrophe. The irony of a Spec staffer being suspended merely b/c she was writing her First Amendment final essay in Butler Library & stayed to report on the police action should be lost on no one. www.columbiaspectator.com/opinion/2025...
From the Columbia Spectator: Columbia is adjudicating disciplinary cases for students involved in the March Milstein sit-in without allowing legal representation or witnesses to be present at their hearings, according to documents & emails obtained by Spec.
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/04...
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/04...
Columbia to adjudicate Milstein sit-in cases without witnesses or legal representation for student hearings
<i>Updated April 8 at 10:27 a.m. </i>
www.columbiaspectator.com
April 8, 2025 at 2:45 PM
From the Columbia Spectator: Columbia is adjudicating disciplinary cases for students involved in the March Milstein sit-in without allowing legal representation or witnesses to be present at their hearings, according to documents & emails obtained by Spec.
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/04...
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/04...
Have a tip for @ColumbiaSpec? Send an email to [email protected] or email me a message on Signal at heather.21
April 7, 2025 at 1:24 AM
Have a tip for @ColumbiaSpec? Send an email to [email protected] or email me a message on Signal at heather.21
In his second public statement since he was arrested by ICE, Mahmoud Khalil, SIPA '24, dictated a letter to the Columbia community in an op-ed for @ColumbiaSpec.
Spectator verified the op-ed with his attorney. Khalil is currently detained in Louisiana.
www.columbiaspectator.com/opinion/2025...
Spectator verified the op-ed with his attorney. Khalil is currently detained in Louisiana.
www.columbiaspectator.com/opinion/2025...
A Letter to Columbia
<i>Editor's Note: This op-ed was dictated by Mahmoud Khalil, SIPA </i>’24<i>. Spectator verified this with his Attorney Amy Greer and conducted its regular editing process. Khalil is currently detaine...
www.columbiaspectator.com
April 5, 2025 at 5:11 AM
In his second public statement since he was arrested by ICE, Mahmoud Khalil, SIPA '24, dictated a letter to the Columbia community in an op-ed for @ColumbiaSpec.
Spectator verified the op-ed with his attorney. Khalil is currently detained in Louisiana.
www.columbiaspectator.com/opinion/2025...
Spectator verified the op-ed with his attorney. Khalil is currently detained in Louisiana.
www.columbiaspectator.com/opinion/2025...
More news tonight: Amy Greer, lawyer for Mahmoud Khalil, SIPA ’24, released an update.
Greer wrote that Khalil is “healthy and his spirits are undaunted by his predicament.” Local attorneys will visit him Monday and Tuesday in Louisiana.
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/03...
Greer wrote that Khalil is “healthy and his spirits are undaunted by his predicament.” Local attorneys will visit him Monday and Tuesday in Louisiana.
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/03...
Mahmoud Khalil, SIPA ’24, is ‘healthy’ and ‘his spirits are undaunted,’ lawyer writes in update on immigration case
Amy Greer, lawyer for Mahmoud Khalil, SIPA ’24, released an update on his condition and the case in a Monday evening statement.
www.columbiaspectator.com
March 11, 2025 at 3:23 AM
More news tonight: Amy Greer, lawyer for Mahmoud Khalil, SIPA ’24, released an update.
Greer wrote that Khalil is “healthy and his spirits are undaunted by his predicament.” Local attorneys will visit him Monday and Tuesday in Louisiana.
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/03...
Greer wrote that Khalil is “healthy and his spirits are undaunted by his predicament.” Local attorneys will visit him Monday and Tuesday in Louisiana.
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/03...
Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, SIPA ’24, has been moved to a detention facility in Louisiana, according to the ICE database.
CPSC wrote in a Monday news release that Khalil’s “attorneys and family are currently no longer able to get in touch with him.”
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/03...
CPSC wrote in a Monday news release that Khalil’s “attorneys and family are currently no longer able to get in touch with him.”
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/03...
Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, SIPA ’24, moved to detention facility in Louisiana, according to ICE database
Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, SIPA ’24, has been moved to a detention facility in Louisiana following his arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Sunday, according to the ICE database.
www.columbiaspectator.com
March 10, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, SIPA ’24, has been moved to a detention facility in Louisiana, according to the ICE database.
CPSC wrote in a Monday news release that Khalil’s “attorneys and family are currently no longer able to get in touch with him.”
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/03...
CPSC wrote in a Monday news release that Khalil’s “attorneys and family are currently no longer able to get in touch with him.”
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/03...
From the Columbia Daily Spectator: NYPD arrested nine protesters at Barnard this afternoon after they were authorized to come on to campus following a report from the administration about a “bomb threat.” The protesters had participated in a sit-in.
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/03...
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/03...
NYPD arrests several protesters at Milstein sit-in
<i>Updated March 5 at 9:17 p.m.</i>
www.columbiaspectator.com
March 6, 2025 at 3:34 AM
From the Columbia Daily Spectator: NYPD arrested nine protesters at Barnard this afternoon after they were authorized to come on to campus following a report from the administration about a “bomb threat.” The protesters had participated in a sit-in.
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/03...
www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/03...
Reposted by heather
A Pittsburgh pilgrimage: defector.com/a-pittsburgh...
A Pittsburgh Pilgrimage | Defector
PITTSBURGH — I’ve known the names of hockey players for as long as I’ve known my own. I was lucky enough to be born in Michigan in 1995, just before the Red Wings restored their old glory with back-to...
defector.com
February 25, 2025 at 2:21 PM
A Pittsburgh pilgrimage: defector.com/a-pittsburgh...
I briefly felt sooooo powerful during the Super Bowl…
February 10, 2025 at 5:55 AM
I briefly felt sooooo powerful during the Super Bowl…
On the Columbia Athletics website, the DEI page appears to have been renamed to “We Roar Together,” with all mentions of DEI removed. The transgender inclusion policy and a mission section which included statements like “We must be anti-racists” have also been removed from the page.
February 6, 2025 at 6:41 PM
On the Columbia Athletics website, the DEI page appears to have been renamed to “We Roar Together,” with all mentions of DEI removed. The transgender inclusion policy and a mission section which included statements like “We must be anti-racists” have also been removed from the page.
Introducing the very wonderful, very talented 149th managing board of the Columbia Daily Spectator! Proud to be leading our journalism division this year.
www.columbiaspectator.com/spectrum/202...
www.columbiaspectator.com/spectrum/202...
Meet Spectator’s 149th Managing Board - Columbia Spectator
Spectator strives to positively impact the Columbia, Morningside Heights, and West Harlem communities, and we take seriously the responsibility to hold institutions of power accountable.
www.columbiaspectator.com
February 5, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Introducing the very wonderful, very talented 149th managing board of the Columbia Daily Spectator! Proud to be leading our journalism division this year.
www.columbiaspectator.com/spectrum/202...
www.columbiaspectator.com/spectrum/202...
Reposted by heather
I had a blast talking to Stéphanie Hill and Mara Bouchard, @mcgill.ca grads who will be playing for the Montreal Roses when the Northern Super League kicks off in April. They spoke about why they joined @rosesmtl.ca & what the @nsl.ca means for Canadian soccer #NSL #SLN defector.com/it-changes-e...
"It Changes Everything": What Canada’s New Women’s Soccer League Means To Two Of Its Players | Defector
Just over two years ago, Diana Matheson announced formal plans to create a professional women’s soccer league in Canada. Matheson, who racked up 206 caps for the Canadian national team in her career o...
defector.com
January 31, 2025 at 2:32 PM
I had a blast talking to Stéphanie Hill and Mara Bouchard, @mcgill.ca grads who will be playing for the Montreal Roses when the Northern Super League kicks off in April. They spoke about why they joined @rosesmtl.ca & what the @nsl.ca means for Canadian soccer #NSL #SLN defector.com/it-changes-e...
another awesome blog from owen!!
I wrote about the Australian Open for @defector.bsky.social. defector.com/the-australi...
The Australian Open Is Happy And Hot | Defector
MELBOURNE – Envy sabotaged my plans for watching the first day of the 2025 Australian Open. I was going to take in Day One on a projector at Federation Square, a public area surrounded by angular buil...
defector.com
January 29, 2025 at 9:35 PM
another awesome blog from owen!!
i have heard allegations that i am “wearing the same sweater” in my defector profile picture and in the photo of me in an FSAE car recently published in my blog about the detroit auto show so i’m coming on here to announce that they are NOT the same sweater!
January 29, 2025 at 8:09 PM
i have heard allegations that i am “wearing the same sweater” in my defector profile picture and in the photo of me in an FSAE car recently published in my blog about the detroit auto show so i’m coming on here to announce that they are NOT the same sweater!
Reposted by heather
It's not just automotive journalists who've noticed the vibe shift in big auto shows. This dispatch from Detroit by @heatherchen.bsky.social from the attendee side is excellent: defector.com/the-detroit-...
The Detroit Auto Show Used To Be The Future | Defector
DETROIT — There was a brief moment where I, as a child growing up in Michigan, thought heaven might look something like the North American International Auto Show. Inside a vast convention center hall...
defector.com
January 29, 2025 at 11:14 AM
It's not just automotive journalists who've noticed the vibe shift in big auto shows. This dispatch from Detroit by @heatherchen.bsky.social from the attendee side is excellent: defector.com/the-detroit-...